Laughter, Humor and Joy

This program is about the importance of laughter, humor and joy in our lives, both what we find funny or joyful, and what role these emotions play in our lives.

Unlike most of our other sections, this one includes 5 minutes for which the facilitator will need to find content—choose to tell a couple of favorite jokes, play a selection from a DVD of a favorite comedy, a CD of a favorite comic, a YouTube video or two, or whatever else you find funny.

Member Preparation

In preparation for this session, think about the things that you find funny or joyful, as well as the times in your life that humor and joyousness have been most important to you. If you have a favorite joke or anecdote that you find supremely funny, please bring it to share!

These questions provide ways you may want to approach this topic. Remember to focus on just one or two of the questions, if you choose to use them, as this will allow you to explore the topic in more depth.

  • When you were a child, what made you laugh? How has that changed as you have gotten older?
  • How do you feel after a good, long laugh? Does laughter connect you to something beyond yourself? Does laughter feel like a healing experience?
  • Are laughter, joy and happiness connected for you?
  • How would you describe the experience of joy? Do you find it a solitary or communal experience?

Special Materials

Bring a couple of favorite jokes to tell, or choose a selection from a DVD of a favorite comedy, a CD of a favorite comic, a YouTube video or two, or whatever else you find funny. Important: If you bring a DVD, CD, or other form of media, be sure you also have the appropriate equipment on which to play it.

Further Exploration

  • “Laughter” DailyCelebrations.com (July 27, 1999)
  • Love, Medicine and Miracles: Lessons Learned about Self-Healing from a Surgeon’s Experience by Bernie Siegel, M.D (1990).
  • Anatomy of an Illness as Perceived by the Patient by Norman Cousins (2005).
  • "The Evolutions and Functions of Laughter and Humor: A Synthetic Approach" by Matthew Gervais and David Sloan Wilson. Quarterly Review of Biology (December 2005) (pdf document)