(or: ‘The Power To Light Up’ – Part 3)
The more you practice the ‘Participant/Observer’-method as outlined in the previous article, the more you’ll realize you are not your thoughts, emotions, brain, or body:
- You’ll appreciate how your body is much like a ‘space suit’ of sorts, which serves as a vehicle that allows you to experience what we call ‘the world’ or ‘reality,’ a tiny frequency range within ‘infinite possibility’ that we’re able to perceive with its five senses and that we call ‘the world.’
- That ‘space suit’ is not who we really are; it’s only what we often think we are. We’re actually consciousness having an experience through it.
Life as a ‘struggle’ is only part of the ‘participant’-perspective identifying with the five-sense ‘reality’ of the ‘space suit’ and its ingrained, involuntary patterns that are driven by the subconscious system of the ‘egg.’
As long as we keep identifying with the mental turbulence and emotional turmoil taking place at this level, we’ll merely create an ever denser, more constricting and exhaustingly alert state that further blocks us from a fruitful connection with our expansive levels of consciousness, intuition and true creative potential.
Under the constantly and involuntarily triggered states of, worry, anger, frustration, sadness, resentment, depression and other imbalanced emotional atmospheres, we say:
“I feel so tight and heavy”…
And that’s the experience of our naturally expansive conscious essence being locked up and squeezed inside our ‘egg.’
But the ‘Participant/Observer’-method leverages our inherent ability to ‘lighten up’ almost instantaneously. It allows us to disidentify from the emotional turbulence imposed by our ‘egg’ and get an undistorted point of view on both the situation that triggered our ‘Egg Patterns’ and those patterns themselves.
From that newly-gained viewpoint we can permanently dissolve and free ourselves from those ‘Egg Patterns,’ which otherwise continue to enslave us to their will and to the dictates of circumstance, and thus confine us to a severely limited sense of options, choice and possibility.
The technique thus makes up the starting point to consciously break free and take charge, from where we can begin to apply additional methods and techniques to enhance its liberating effect by permanently dismantling and dissolving any inhibiting patterns and their sources as if they never existed to begin with.
This, in turn, will shift our paradigm and fundamental orientation in life, and increases our ability to take charge to deliberately create the kind of life experience we dream about, and lifts it to whole new levels of power and influence.
The insights and techniques that we cover in the Crack Your Egg Program serve tremendously to that aim. But there’s one in particular that’s almost too simple and obvious to consider it an immensely powerful technique. We therefore tend to discount it, although it’s especially effective and above all very simple to apply.
The trick is to…:
LAUGH!
I know that at first this may sound ridiculously simple (and perhaps almost disappointingly plain), but think about it:
Try to be serious, tight and heavy when you’re genuine laughing or someone else is…
You can’t.
And I’ll tell you another thing:
You can look at all your ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ struggles in life, and you can decide to laugh about it or to cry about it. Depending on our point of observation and how you look at it, a situation can be depressing and fearful (<– from an attached/identified point of view), or ridiculous and funny (<– from a detached/disidentified point of view).
Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice.
I’ve had plenty of days in my life that I felt depressed and/or victimized. But when I saw or heard something I thought was funny, or as the urge to laugh just came up spontaneously as I managed to detach from the superficial emotional disturbance of the moment and looked at the situation from a much wider outlook, I was completely incapable of holding up this façade.
On the ‘Participant’-level my ‘egg’ would still react somewhat along the lines of…:
But the moment I gave in to the urge, the laugher burst the bubble of pomposity and self-pity in an instant.
That feeling was amazing! In terms that seem appropriate: I just ‘cracked myself up.’
It’s the same when you manage to make other people laugh at moments they’re actually in intense states of anger, sadness, resentment, etc.
It’s just a fact:
You can’t be tight and heavy when you’re genuinely laughing. Laughter breaks up the density and frees up the channels for our energies to flow. The wonderful healing effect of laughter on your body has even been explicitly confirmed in medical research. [1,2,3,4]
Now obviously, I’m not saying we should all laugh uncontrollably twenty-four hours a day, nor am I suggesting the typically proposed remedy of positive thinking (<– which isn’t inherently bad, but in its commonly instructed application can actually do more harm than good when we want to ‘crack our eggs,’ as this article and this article explain).
What I am saying is that from the ‘observer’-perspective we can leverage the power of a sense of humor to instantly dissolve uncomfortable emotional states, and the underlying patterns that cause them along with it. Here’s one way in which you can:
Most people don’t laugh enough by far. There are even people who hardly laugh at all. But to be able to leverage this skill we need to keep practicing it. There’s an English comedian called Ken Dodd who put it like this:
“We’re all born with a chuckle muscle, and if you exercise it every day, it’ll keep
you young and frisky all your life. But if you don’t, it dries up and drops off.”
Now think about it:
How many times are we told we mustn’t laugh? It starts when we’re kids as throughout school we’re often told to keep quiet if we do.
But let’s lighten up. If we’re ‘infinite consciousness’ having an experience in this tiny frequency range we call ‘reality,’ then we can make it a ‘fun’ experience if we want. Make time to regularly read or watch stuff you think is funny to keep your chuckle muscle in shape.
And that brings us to the best thing about it:
Laughter is infectious. When one person laughs, it’s like permission has been granted to others to laugh as well. This phenomenon is known as ‘mood contagion,’ and even applies to those who are afraid to loosen their corsets and let themselves go. They simply won’t be able to help it. [5]
And if genuine laughter doesn’t seem to be part of the realm of possibilities, simply begin by plastering a smile on your face. Fake one if necessary. Even though it may feel awkward, paste one on your face as fully as possible, involving the mouth and the facial muscles around the eyes.
The smile doesn’t even need to be based on real emotion. Research has shown that the biofeedback resulting from even a fake one significantly lowers heart rate and produces a change in brain activity that corresponds with a happier mood. (<– To wit, frowns have been shown to have the opposite effect.) [6]
Just step out of the density of the ‘body space suit’ (<– i.e. ‘participant’) now and then, and see things from the ‘observer’ perspective. ‘Out there’ can be so much fun, and there’s so much joy in just ‘being.’
You’ll not only lighten up, but you’ll light up as well. And as you’ll see, others will follow; they won’t be able to help it. Everyone will feel better because of it.
So to all curmudgeons, pessimistic sourpusses, and grumpy old downers out there… here’s to you:
References:
[1] Bennett, M.P. and C. Lengacher (2008), “Humor and Laughter May Influence Health: III. Laughter and Health Outcomes,” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 5(1), pp. 37-40;
[2] Bennett, M.P. and C. Lengacher (2009), “Humor and Laughter May Influence Health IV. Humor and Immune Function,” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 6(2), pp. 159-164;
[3] Wooten, P. (1996), “Humor: an antidote for stress,” Holist Nurs Pract. 10(2), pp. 49-56;
[4] Yazdani, M., Esmaeilzadeh, M., Pahlavanzadeh, S. and F. Khaledi (2014), “The Effect Of Laughter Yoga On General Health Among Nursing Students,” Iran J Nurs Midwifery Res. 19(1), pp. 36-40;
[5] Neumann R. and F. Strack (2000), “Mood contagion: The Automatic Transfer Of Mood Between Persons,” J Pers Soc Psychol. 79(2), pp. 211-223;
[6] Kraft, T.L. and S.D. Pressman (2012), “Grin And Bear It: The Influence Of Manipulated Facial Expression On The Stress Response,” Psychol Sci. 23(11), pp. 1372-1378.
not sure if this comment has already been made, as there are far too many to count… but i once heard of a person that laughed themselves ‘well’… believe that the issue was cancer, although i can’t be sure… but that he/she laughed him/herself well again. go figure!!!
Thank you very much for this wounderfull and free medical advice.i like laughing alot and i think i now understand why i am always hsppy.
THE TERM “SPACE SUIT” IS WONDERFUL………. IT OPENS A DOOR TO FLY IN THE UNIVERSE…….. THANK YOU…… THANK YOU…
Thank you for reminding me of this!
Hello: I really enjoyed reading this article. It is so true what you are saying about laughing. When a person laughs is because he or she heard or saw something funny. It makes you feel happy and when you are happy you do no have wrinkles and you keep looking young.So, let us laugh and be happy.May God bless you Henk!
Hello Henk: I really enjoyed reading this article. It is so true what you are syi
faark too much!!! datz mean brothers yeah!!!
Million thanks for the wonder article!Conveyed lesson should be at the core of everyone’s heart to make our lives as profound and rich as it is really meant to be. Grateful regards.
Thanks for this enlightening lesson. Laughter, it’s said over and over again, is the best medicine. Just that we don’t become participants and benefit from the results!
Thanks a lot!
Absolutely totally and utterly phenomenal as usual–many thanks to you!
Laughter is the best medicine, and we do take life too seriously. God and Jesus do have a sense of humor, they made us didn’t they? Smile and the whole world smiles with you! 🙂 I have felt the weight of depression lifted before and know of its power. smile, pass it on!
I have had similar experiences,,, yes ,,, laugh !!! We watch “The Honeymooners” with Jackie Gleason and it never fails,,, my wife and I SHARE in these moments,,, ALSO,,, to SHARE with anyone the truth in what you call the ” OBSERVER ” is such a blessing,, KNOWING who YOU REALLY ARE,,, miracle mindfulness !!,,, thanks ,,, Chico Emerico
Hello,
I have a strange story for you. Twenty years ago, after several attempts to kill me and make it look like suicide or accident, the job was obviously given to a witch doctor to accomplish. His ritual started and I received many night phone calls (1 a.m. – 5 a.m.) in which he chanted my fate which would take place “next Sunday”. Instead of ignoring the calls, I was interested in the way in which he was going about it and listened attentively. After four consequetive nights of this, although I was beginning to feel jaded and tired (from lack of good sleep) at midnight I was still up and dressed and reading a book when his first call arrived earlier than usual. As my left brain was still active, I listened for a few minutes and saw the funny side of it – then burst out laughing! It was not a frightened giggle but a real full carcajada (spanish for a true, deep, laugh). He stopped immediately and hung up and I never heard from him again. In my mind I boomeranged his threat. The following Monday morning I received a phone call from the manager of a certain factory telling me there had been an accident the previous night. The wife and two children of the night watchman had been killed in a traffic accident outside the factory as they came to visit him. I attended the service in church that morning and the ´coincidences´ continued. The priest was using the same chant and words that the witch doctor had used when advising me of my imminent demise. I enquired from my Catholic friends if the script was standard and was told it was not. How´s that for “Cracking the Egg”!
Laughter not only exercises the facial muscles but your tummy muscles, a great release will send you holding your tummy, I believe we all need to be happy, not sad sacks, life is way too finite to be serious. Stop putting on the facade and concentrate on the happiness we miss out on, daily, thanks great information, I laughed just to see if it did work….. it certainly did… unbelievable
We have a laughter club in the neighbourhood.
On every weekday…7 am we gather to laugh
at ourselves as we bring n the day. We have seen asthma disappear.
We have seen migraine go away for ever.
We have to believe that two of the members had sinus problems and they are not in working condition. They have disappeared. – sinus problems in both members.
A menstrual problem was taken care of and a depression mode has no pedestal thereafter.
laughter is the best medicine.
How true…is that why over two million people have been delighted by those two little boys having fun over the missing sock?…..For anybody who hasn’t sen this just Youtube: 18 moth Twin Boys conversation….It is a must!!
This is the second time today I have been told to laugh…I think that is significant!
You may go through your entire life not knowing your purpose but if you love you are on purpose. LOL
Sin is anything unloving.
henk,
thank you again for your significant article.
a human born,living and dead are ridiculous , and they just have cost of laughing ,but why we are bothering each others.
THIS is what I have been convinced of and thinking about for so many years I couldn’t give a precise number! Laughter literally saved my life, mentally, psychologically, physically and energetically. This article is absolutely essential in every way and must be taken seriously. Thank you so very much for writing it!!!
Thanks Henk, Useful stuff and quite appreciated. Vicky
I have to say thank you for the insight. It is quite true laughter is the cure of lots of things. I am realizing that the more I stay in good humor the better life is. Life really is what you make it no matter what you see in front of you. Again thanks so much.!!! 🙂
Thank You !
YES, I did catch your laugh !!!!!
I absolutely love the analogy of the “space suit” that helps us to understand our energy vs human physicalness – very well put. Good article, I enjoyed it.
Laughter is the best medicine is a very old saying.
Lighten up is the process of becoming en=lightened!
The word sin means ‘to forget’
There is only one sin=’ to forget’ who we really are!!!!
I am a new reader of your article. Your article brought certain clearity to the way one should look at life..Reading through the comment, I could see the positive ripple your article is having on so many people. Well done.
Magdalene
London
I just MUST say thank you, thank you, thank you.
I’m going to Google now for laughing yoga and funny animals.
There is no substitute for laughter – gut wrenching laughter.
I’ve shared with others. It’s a must.
Hi there! Very enlightening indeed!! 😀
Thanks!
Do you know why Henk? Why laughing raises our vibration? Is it to do with our breathing and remembering to breath – getting the diaphragm moving. Why does the moving diaphragm raise our vibrations? Thank you for your post – it was enlightening.
Thanks Henk! This article confirms what I always “strive” for………FEELING GOOD, HAVING FUN AND LAUGHING! I joined a Positive Power OF Thought Club awhile back and it has helped me “crack my egg”. I LOVE having FUN and LAUGHING (like all of us, I’m sure).
Because of the “focus” on being positive (which you guys also convey in your articles), things come to my mind “out of the blue”. One morning after waking up, the words “I FEEL GOOD” popped into my head and I said it over and over to myself, which then developed into a SONG, “I feeeeeel GOOD, dada dada dada da…….I feeeeeel NICE, like sugar and spice, dada dada dada da…….So GOOD, DA DA……So NICE, DA DA…….I got yoooooooou, DA DA DA DA DADA!” It’s a song by James Brown from “way back when” (could you read it without singing it? HA!). So, everytime those words “I FEEL GOOD” come into my head, the song automatically follows……..it makes me laugh and it puts a light in my step for the rest of the day!
Another thing I did (which developed out of being more positive) is, I started writing things down that made me laugh (in a small notebook I keep in my purse)……just a word or two from each incident takes me back to that laughing moment. For instance……..I LOVE the movie “THE BIRD CAGE” and I thought the “gay maid” character was hilarious, his name was Agador. As the movie developed, they “dubbed” him Agador Spartacus (you’ll have to see the movie to find out why). So, his name is on my list……..I’m laughing right now as I’m writing this!!
Other things on my list include things my grandaughters, relatives and some of my customers have said to me, AND the punch lines to some jokes I thought were really funny! I also keep (in that notebook) some very cute pictures of my granddaughters in FUN situations and making funny faces.
One day something happened at work that frustrated me and I started to “boil” a bit. I stopped and stood up, as I realized I was letting myself get out of control. I took out my list and my pictures to look at……..and started to LAUGH OUTLOUD! Which “cooled” and calmed me down instantly! WOW! IT REALLY WORKS!
Just wanted to share this, ’cause I KNOW it helps me and hopefully will help y’all…….AND maybe I got you to “sing a little song” and “chuckle” a bit!
I look forward to seeing more of these “enlightening” articles, Henk!
Hugs & Blowing Kisses,
Carla
I liked this article. I don’t know about the laughing part but I certaonly agreed and enjoyed the above apart that.
You are right on! We all have the God given power but society has covered it up so we can’t release our abilities. Keep up the great work and we WILL make a difference in this world!
Thanks KG
Great article, thanks for that. I have read quite a few times that to be in a childlike state is the best condition for us be in. It helps us to connect with ourselves. As adults we tend to keep ourselves a little tight, but if we act as a child, or laugh, we loosen up a bit.
thank you
ha ha you know ive been reading your stuff and you said you were working on this i really cant wait ive had some experiences mostly some time ago now but gained some purspective that was priceless ….. who and what we are and that we are of other but of the same shell we say, even had one of these laughing moments in the shower one night and just knew everything is okay !
you are reminding and clearifing for me and i thank you and am so looking forward to cracking your egg or is that my egg ha ha thank you so much
steven
Oh so very true thank you for adding another dimension to my beautiful day
Excellently written article! The concept of “Participant” & “Observer” is very interesting. I tried it out & found it very effective whether I’m observing ot participating in any situation
Thanks so much, I just so needed to be reminded of the laughing therapy and power today, thank you Universe, you are continually good to me and thanks to you both for reminding me to observe! Keep up the wonderful work!
Wonderful article! Laughter is the best medicine. I noticed when I was feeling down in the past, I always felt so much better watching a particular very funny movie where the main character laughed hysterically at everything throughout the movie. I’d walk away feeling wonderful. Thank you for the article. It is a great reminder to us all.
You are fantastic! Crack the Egg is what it’s all about I know, but doing it is another matter. Laugh, laugh, laugh think is a great tool, and am going to use it more. You have so much to say to help a person survive in this crazy place we call the world. Right on – lighten up, see it from an observer point of view. Know this stuff but forget it all the time, and end up in a funk. Thanks for the reminders. Going to write it down and infuse it in my being. I love you – thanks so much for your greatness in sharing this gold with everyone.
Marilyn
thank you broda
Leonard Cohen, one of my beloved Poets has a line ” There is a crack in everything, that`s how the light gets in ” I love your view of the human condition, thank you for sharing, Irena.
hello,
henk ,
i luv this article, its great. i learned this the hard way…
thank you very much.
Dear Henk
After reading the above and the many comments I remembered something that happened to me over twenty years ago and felt compelled to add my thoughts to the page. All that I read above suggest only the affects on our inner world. But what will follow should also suggest that our outer world is affected and has its own effects as our laughter spreads to the inanimate things around us. Although I had forgotten and probably dismissed it as absurd, I fully realize now now that laughter should not be taken lightly. It is a gift that needs to be nurtured, and by nurturing, truly make our inner and outer world a much better place to experience.
The following is completely true and I now realize that had I not set it aside, the last 20+ years might have proved more fruitful. I now resolve make a change. Here is my story.
I am the new manager of a Bowling Center. It hasn’t a very good reputation and the profits are non-existent. Corporate office has deemed that the center should close for the holiday as the income will nowhere come close to the expense of opening. I come in about 8 in the morning to complete the bookwork from the previous day. Sitting in my office, trying to finish the paperwork, the phone is constantly ringing. I don’t answer. About 9:30 a.m. there is a persistent knock at the door. I finally go to see who is there and find a dozen people there. The women have run them out of the house so they can finish cooking and get ready for the afternoon feast. There are three men with all their children and are looking for a place to stay cool and occupy the kids until dinnertime. Well I think to myself, “I have nowhere to go, and nothing to do”. So I relent thinking it won’ be busy anyway, and I can handle anything that comes up. By 1 p.m. I am so busy I decide to call in a couple employees. I can only get in touch with two and they both have plans. I begin to get upset! A machine breaks down. I run to the back and clear the jam. I run to the front desk where people are whining about drinks, and why don’t I have any help. I try to explain, but they don’t want to hear it, and become demanding. I go to the snack bar, get their drinks and put on fries. Another machine breaks down. I run to the back and clear the jam. I get to the desk and realize the cash register alarm is going off. I am now livid and ready to explode. Four machines jam at the same time. I am ready to scream and send everyone out (on the house – no charge) and close the doors. Another machine jams and another and another. Seven down within seconds of each other. As I run past the snack bar for the back, I smell burned fries. I stop and toss them out and almost lose it. Halfway to the back I stop dead in my tracks. I look at the down machines and another two stop operating. I look back at the customers on the lanes and they are looking at me wondering why I am not fixing the machines. I look back at the machines and realize that the first machine call I had was when I first got upset, and that each successive problem increased as I got more upset. I looked back at the customers, then at the machines, and began laughing. So much that in seconds I was bent over and almost hysterical. I looked at the machines and they began clearing themselves and operating as they should. I pulled myself together, walked back to clear the only two remaining machines that were stuck. Within the next hour, everyone was more polite and even helpful. At about two o’clock twenty eight of my forty employees showed up to bowl and to assist me (GRATIS). We closed that night at 9 p.m. (the next day realizing over $1500 on a day the Center should have been closed)
Is there a moral to this story. Yes! Believe!! but most of all do not forget!!!
I apologize for being so long winded. There is much more I could have included. Thank you for listening. Regards
p.s. There was not one more incident for the whole night. I also realize that there were other times similar to the one above but I never recognized them, or remembered them until now.
Are you kidding ????????? Or should I take it seriously ? ;D) Thank you !!!
Ciao
Enrico
Thank you so much for reminding us!!
Much love
xx
I oh so Love this! It’s perfect! I learned this the hard way… First, I cried the River/Ocean of Tears! It didn’t seem to stop – till I was emotionally, physically & spiritually – exhausted & drained! I’m not sure the crying did it or not?
Something really weird happened, I was Suddenly able to look @ the (crap?) as extremely Funny! My sense of humor these days is a bit odd to some?? They weren’t there – I was! If I can laugh @ it & myself – I Will! It really is not funny in the least – it’s one of those things u mentioned ( laugh or cry ) I chose to Laugh – @ lots of things – ME – Loud & Often..; It is Wondferful…So glad u shared this..,
Henk,
Thank you very much for your nice article. There is so much truth in what you write. The bible also states that the joy of the Lord is our strength ! It makes us stronger. I can also recommend some additional reading as I tend to read a lot (i have thousands of ebooks and a lot of them are about the mind, manifesting, god force in us, our inner awakening etc etc)
But specifically about the inner part of us that is able to observe I can recommend a book of Eckhart Tolle about this subject and it is a bestseller called: The power of NOW.
Also a very good book to read is: Life and teachings of the masters of the far East by Baird T. Spalding. And if you like that one you will surely also like: Beyond the Himalayas by Bayne. Bayne has also written the book The Yoga of Christ which was written after “beyond the himalayas”.
So I also believe there is much more possible for us humans and to live a better life ! And laughing a LOT should be part of that good life for sure ! And I believe we need more knowledge and then apply that knowledge otherwise it is of little use to have new knowledge. Jesus the Christ taught his disciples for several years and even after his death and resurrection he kept on teaching them new things when he came back…
So I encourage everyone that reads this to also get new knowledge on this area. Study the books I recommended above. If you can’t afford them email me and I will send the ebook version(s) to you for free. (jjkorthout yahoo.com)
Laughter really is the best medicine in life!
Another good article which gets over the point that we truly are spitual beings having a human experience.
I agree that laughter ‘lightens’ up everything. If I am depressed or down I always know when I can crack a joke or smile at something – I immediately feel better. It’s true – laugh or cry !!!! Laughter is a much better solution. Life is a serious business but there is always a funny side to everything. Break the tension and laugh…………..it’s so much better for the body. Sometimes we take ourselves far too seriosly. “Smile and the world smles with you – Cry and you cry alone.”
I like this poem by Steve Goodier
Smiling is infectious, you catch it like the flu,
When someone smiled at me today, I started smiling too.
I passed around the corner and someone saw my grin,
When he smiled I realised I’d passed it on to him.
I thought about that smile, then I knew its worth;
A single smile, just like mine, could travel round the earth.
So if you feel a smile begin, don’t leave it undetected-
Let’s start an epidemic quick, and get the world infected.
(He who laughs, lasts)
Great article. Thanks.
Jan
i were nin deep depression and yvonne my sister in law in america gave me this website, will keep reading your article, proudly sa
im a south african and i love this
This same principle could also be applied to the Gulf Coast BP situation. Everything in this reality is illusional… tsunamis, earthquakes, and even death. The only thing real, consciousness, cannot be seen by our five senses. Neither can the origins of love, joy, peace and happiness be seen because they are attributes already inherent within us and are given for the purpose to share.
We put so much enphasis on learning everything we aleady have and are. I almost drown once, and in that split moment of being submerged in 12 feet of water, I saw my whole life unfold before me. It was like being at a movie. Yet, where I was, was totallly peaceful, unmoved by what was occurring. I’ve been trying to get back to that state of being ever since. I just forgot to laugh.
Thanks!!
Hi Henk
I have not commented before but would like to feed back how much I appreciate your various offerings. I am still working through the supermind stuff, qyantum jumping and all else but you comments do keep me very grounded in what I am and more important what I am not. My wife and I try to laugh on a regular basis as we are aware of the importance it has to keeping us “sane” or “insane” does it matter.
My wife is dutch and i have spent many happy hours in the Netherlands so I appreciate your blend of humour and seriousness.
Thank you
Thanks
well done
Keep up the good work
all the best
omtatsat
prakash babu
Human Capability Learning
Enabling success
hi, Henk i cant say thank u enough,because,all i do is smile and laugh even when it is not a laughing matter.this lightens up my face and makes me feel good all day and night long.it wolud really make so happy if could keep on posting such.thank u.
Hi Henk,
What you have stated is a living truth for me.. Laughter is IT .I am known for it 🙂 and I got to know the theory much later in life though.. One of my fav quote is “If you cant laugh at life, you havent got the joke yet”
Rhea
Henk
Thanks for the information that you give us to digest, this is much needed
sometimes we do get so busy and forget to crack our own egg. Laughter is
like a good medicine.
Again thanks Betty in Charlotte
Henk
May God bless you richly. You have surely helped me crack my own egg with your insightful messages. You helped me make the transition from the illusionary and penetrate the realms of reality.
I will say again,THANK YOU
Thabo Leonard
Dear Henk
thanks! that was amazing.
you know, when ever I feel that I need some advice I recive an email from you which is related to what I need and reading this article for me was some sort of emergency.
I promise to crack the egg!
thanks alot.
Hey laughters! 🙂
Wake up laughing just because I want laugh for myself is one of the most incredible things of life! If anyone deserves a free experience of joy, SO LAUGH NOW (or shut up forever!) and I am sure life will gives you a lot of motives for more laughts. Try also others different kinds of laughs, specially on sounds it’s reallY prettY funnY 🙂
You are great. Loved the article. Glad I made the time to read this one.
Thank you sooo much for this article.
It made a big difference in my life in just a few seconds, it even changed the way that I look at things. 🙂
I hope you make more articles soon.
DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE PSYCHIC MIDGET WHO BROKE OUT OF JAIL? THE HEADLINE READ: “SMALL MEDIUM AT LARGE.”
Well, you have to crack an egg to make an omelet, and am I ever ready to become an omelet and get outta this space suit. V
Hi,
Finding humor in even difficult situations results in much less stress, struggle and fear. Often, other people don’t get it, and are taken back that I am able to laugh at some of my more unpleasant experiences. But it has worked wonders for me.
However, like everything in this physical reality, there are two sides. I can also use laughter to avoid experiencing my feelings. Then it becomes detrimental. My feelings are my guide to changes I need to make, wounds that I need to heal, or needs (physical, mental, emotional or spiritual) that I have left unmet. When I avoid, ignore or dismiss my feelings, I continue to practice insanity – doing the same thing and expecting different results.
But eventually, I can even find the humor when I am in my insanity, which often gives me the energy, motivation and courage to make that change.
very true indeed!thankyou
Tra la la, Tra la di di, Tra la la, Tra la di, You wake up in the morning to the mocking bird tree,
A line from a song by Chuck Berry. This came into my mind as I was reading your wonderful article.
Once again thank you for reminding me. Well done chaps!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Maureen
Hi Henk,
I like your ideas for dispelling tension. I had a bout of it the other day. I couldn’t shake it. In the end I don’t know how I got rid of it but if it happens again I will be sure to think of laughter as a cure.
The idea of observer and participant fits in with recent developments in virtual reality. I find it useful to help me get a feeling for the two states to experience a virtual world now and then. The observer (your actual self) in a virtual world has so much space/time to experience and respond. Thanks for this article.
Dear Henk,
I enjoyed reading this artical very much! I belive that if everyone would act more like this it would be a very different world, and alot less bad things going on.
I thank you for all the readings you have sent me in the past, and this is the first time I took the time to thank you! Please keep up the great work on changing the world and maybe we all will have a bright future.
P.S. I do laugh all the time and I love making other people do the same.
Take care and hope to here from you soon.
Ken, Minnesota
This was wonderful 🙂 Thank You!!
Thank you so much!! Your article definitely put me in a good frame of mind for the day, I know it’s going to be a good day.
When Swami Vivekanand said “Arise Awake…” the Awake means exactly what you have written. Your lucid writing skills will help many to realise the realities in life. Imagine most of the people living life for their space suits rather than for that which is the truth. We are giving too much of importance for the body of the car rather than the engine.
Thank you for this lovely eye opener which I could use when talking to the teens and youth, of course, I will mention about this article.
Ajit Kaikini – Director, Buoyancee: Growth & Corporate Training
An excellent article and what’s more, I’m laughing.
And I’m sure some of my followers on twitter will as well.
@bryanquinn
Hello Henk, Greetings! Thanks for such a lovely article on cracking the egg. In
fact as a yoga therapist i insist on smiling while executing some of the asanas (postures)
which are difficult to perform. Way back, about 7 years ago i started laughter club where we
all indulge in full throttle laughter. Of course it is contagious because those who are not
participating are also almost forced to giggle if not guffaw at our antics. Keep up the good
work. Thanks again for reinforcing my belief in ”LAUGHTER IS THE BEST ANTIDOTE FOR
“almost” EVERY MENTAL AILMENT”.
My Dad told me you can laugh or you can cry — which do you choose? Also, I have said for years, it is difficult being a spiritual being having a human experience! It seems we are all coming around!
DANG! So profound this one is, is there no PDF format for this one?! Good one you!
Thank you so much , for this article , the ones before , for those what will come in the future .
Those of us , who are on the receiving side , of your articles , are fortunate to have you , in our world . I know I am . The generosity , of spirit You are sharing your knowledge with all of us , it’s just as inspiring , as the contest , of your articles . Know , that you make a difference in many lives . I know , you did in mine .
i can;t never thank you enough …….
Mariana
Oh this is a great article! – It’s really endorsed what I’ve been thinking about for some time to try and lift my negative states….to choose instead laughter and joy…whatever and where ever it is! Listening or watching top comedians, dancing, drawing, writing – just do it! Love life! – that’s really what we’re actually ALL here for! Choose joy and laughter! Go for it – it’s there! Always!
Good article. I just read in a magazine that there is a new form of yoga now, called Laughing Yoga. Someone started it in Los Angeles (I think the place that started it is called LaughAngeles) and it’s catching on fast. Heard the benefits are just what you describe here. I plan to check it out to see if they have something online since I don’t live in that area.
My dogs keep me laughing with their antics. If you really need a quick mood lifter, go to YouTube and look up “Funny animals” (I like “Dancing Birds” the best) ..you’ll laugh for hours.
This is so true! I know I don’t laugh nearly enough and I have made a mental note to do more, of just that….laugh and have fun!! I think I will base all of my new projects on having fun! Also, I think I will share this with my tweeter stream and facebook friends!
Thanks 🙂
How true it is. Laughter is the best medicine. ” When you laugh, the whole world laughs with you.” Whoever came up with that phrase certainly knew!!! You are so right. If people would laugh more today, make others laugh, there would be less depression. We cannot depend on others to do anything for us. Otherwise we will be a slave to them. If I am able to make something of myself, I should be able to choose how, where and what I want to do with my money!!!! No one, nor the Government should tell anyone what or how to spend it. Nor should they take it away from us. If I or you can make something of ourselves, then what stops anyone from doing the same!!! I wouldn’t want to punish them by taking it away. We all have a choice!!! Either you choose to be poor or you choose to make something of yourself!!!!!!!! I want to be proud of myself, how about you??????
I always love to read your words. Its always straight to the point and very easy to understand and apply. This just makes so much sense and simple. Everything we needs is right here within us. Thank you for sharing.
I love the part about negative emotional states.
They’re like pain is to the body. You might not like pain, but it has it’s purposes. I’m sure you’ve heard of people who in this earth suit are missing their pain sensors. They can easily be in life-threatening situations and not even know it. Without negative emotions we’d be in similar danger. As long as we’re in this experience of limitation you wouldn’t want to get rid of pain. You just need to know how to use it’s feedback.
Same with negative emotions.
And that’s just your intro.
You know how people read the Bible and say I’d really like to have witnessed the parting of the Red Sea, David slaying Goliath, miracles, etc.
What I always wanted to do was see and hear Jesus laughing because it had to be the most liberating of energies. And I know he did it a lot. How many Jewish guys do you know who don’t have a pretty keen sense of humor? I’ve found a lot of humor in the Bible when I went looking. And I probably missed a ton of it. The translators were serious folks after all, but I believe it’s there.
Great job, and I’m sure Crackin’ will be a blast.
Loving Lavishly,
Dean Delker
What the world needs most at this time is: : : MIRTH:::
Here is a sad but true tale.
I worked in surgery for 33 years. Of all the doctors, nurses, housecleaning and director of surgery on up to the administrator, and as of this letter 96% of my fellow co-workers….
are dead. they were too up tight to enjoy thier work , the patients and even the teasing of the surgeons. How many people would tell the thier surgeon that there Elephant is double parked, as you are gowning and gloving him???? etc, etc.
Great article. Yes it is amazing the power this space suit has over us, that we are bundles of addictions. Addiction to TV, addiction to complaining, addiction to worry, addiction to drama, and then we think we own these cycles. If you’re going to live your life addicted to the chemical processes, you may as well make them positive successful addictions
Hi Henk,
You make me laugh! No, I am not saying this in a derisive way but in an APPRECIATIVE way! Your article rings so true and one only needs to look at how we tend to seek and gather around humorous people to see the self-evident truth about what you say. I remember as we grew up in a country village in my country in Southern Africa; we would gather and ask each person to tell a funny story in turn. The first person to laugh would then have to tell her/his own funny story and so on. At first most of us would be able to resist laughing but the anticipation would build up and grow until inevitably some body would start giggling and –whoa, the whole group would burst with hitherto suppressed laughter! Therefore I am going right ahead and have LAUGH!
It so true, I remembered there was once my son made me so angry I
keep scolding him and told him to stand still and don’t move, suddenly
he was making funny faces because he feel a itch and dare not scratch
I burst out into laughter and he too felt relief and started to scratch and
both of us keep laughing, It was so funny.
Thank you for reminding us to laugh, really it is the way to solve a tension moment.
Karen
Very interesting
Beautiful and true… laughing yoga is wonderful!
Thanks for laughing at me again. I whant you to know it’s sinking ‘in’ :).
Thank you for all the ‘in’sight.
w/love
henry
Hi Henk , this hit home for me, I agree wholeheartedly and laughter is the way to “True Love.” I have a daily note I send out to about 100 friends across Canada, sort of a daily snicker or thought for the day, here’s one little story I sent last summer…
You Look Marvelous:
You know the least expensive, most wonderful product you can use to enhance your looks; it will make you look younger, more radiant, and reduce wrinkles??? A Smile!!! I know that you knew that.
And do you also know the greatest gift you can give your family or your friends or even someone you don’t particularly know if you’re feeling really generous? Right!!! a “Smile”, better yet put some emotion behind the smile and what do you get??? Happiness!!! A little more emotion and you’ve got drop on your knees laughter!!! Yes, yes, yes, this is the greatest gift ever!!!
By putting some emotion behind the smile, you not only give others a great gift, you do wonders for your own appearance!!! The Laughter will do more for your body than a fistfull of vitamins. This is a gift that just keeps on giving… Why, you now have the power to put Proctor and Gamble, Maybelline and Cover Girl out of business… Gosh, at the same time you’re probably saving the lives of many animals they use for testing their products. Ya right, I know, they don’t do that anymore…
With that smile you wouldn’t even have to wash your hair nearly as often; you would look fantastic right out of bed in the morning. You could sleep an hour later then, too!!! This just goes on and on! Remember when you were first married and you couldn’t get enough of each other? Do you know why??? Because the first thing you each did in the morning was smile at each other!!! You both looked so good that you couldn’t keep your hands off each other!!!
Maybe I’m delusional, but a smile with a little emotion to back it up is a “powerful” thing. Why, I bet you could stop a world war with one of these babies!!!
What do ya think???
Create Great Thoughts – Kevin.
Hi Mr. Henk..
That is indeed a very useful and mind stimulating article . First of all, to seperate your self as the Participant and the observer itself is a difficult task. Even if you be in that state and if the participant is having an emotional set back..the observer knows its all illusion and that that the participant has to learn from the negetive set back.. At this situation you ask to laugh out to break out the density and feel light. It looks like making fun of the participant for worrying instead of realizing that you are the infinite conciousness…Am I right?? …Please clarify
Mr. Henk
You have wonderfully led the reader in me through the concealed path till the end like a James Bond movie trailer without disclosing the culprit. Finally, I hope laughter is not just the only egg which you are going crack!
Thanks a lot and your effort in bringing this out of body feeling is highly appreciated.
S Haresha Babu
Hello, Henk!
Thank you for this great article!
1) Some years ago I’d attended a workshop led by certified laughter folks…it was hilarious just walking around in a circle, all the while looking at people laughing…and laughing in turn! The laughter was indeed infectious!
2) Not too long ago I obtained a ‘laughter’ CD…it’s full of babies and adults laughing! Initially my twin sons, who are ‘crack-ups’ themselves, bellowed, “Momma’s gone crazy! She’s listening to babies laughing!” Soon thereafter, my ‘dynamic duo’ began ‘cracking up’ themselves!!
3) Yes, there are medical studies available about the value of laughter to reduce stress and to strengthen the immune system.
4) Similarly, I use a few other processes that assist in ‘cracking eggs’ of depression:
a) Art!! It’s great fun to pull out my art supplies and play with colors, textures…to ‘step away’ from this ‘spacesuit’ body and to allow for free, wild expression! You don’t have to ‘worry’ about staying within the lines and ‘doing it right!’
b) Dancing! Yes…just put on some music that ‘makes ya groove’…and just shake it!! Don’t worry about the latest dance steps…or what someone might say!! Allow your body to move in the way that it wants to…even if you sense that you feel ‘stuck’…explore the ‘stuckness’ until it ‘shifts’ to another expression…and it ultimately will!! (For a giggle…if you aren’t too modest…and if you are alone…well…once I did this with another…you might ‘dance in the buff!’ Smile!)
c) Freewriting! Just take paper, pen, pencils, crayons, etc…and allow your feelings/emotions to surface!! You don’t even need a topic…just write about whatever you desire! Don’t worry about spelling, grammar or punctuation! This time…you can create sentence fragments! This time…you can doodle…write upside down…Allow emotions, feelings to surface…jump around…don’t fret about ‘structure’ and organization! If your stomach growls, mention it! If your right toe itches…jot that, too…the point is…write about whatever comes to mind…sort of a Stream of Consciousness writing!! Sometimes, if desired, you might have a ‘certain topic’ or idea/emotion you’d like to explore in your freewriting. Great! Begin there…but let the emotions/thoughts go where they want to! And…this is a biggie!! Don’t edit as you write! Don’t feel compelled to make corrections! Forget the ‘proverbial red pen marks’ that many of us have encountered during schooling!! Be free!! Yeah!
b) Reiki! I’m a Reiki Master/Teacher, and I share Reiki with myself and others. Some purported Reiki benefits include: reduction in stress/tension, boosting/strengthening of the immune system, balancing of the emotions, facilitation of a sense of peace/calm, aiding/bringing about healing of the body, mind, spirit, assisting in a better night’s sleep, reducing pain, clearing toxins, helping with releasing addictions, increasing vitality, and raising one’s vibrational frequencies! Whew! And these are only ‘some’ of the benefits of Reiki!!
Reiki can be experienced in person with a Reiki practitioner; the whole process is safe and gentle! You remain fully clothed. Additionally, you can learn Reiki for yourself and apply self-treatments! (It just feels so Divine, though, to experience Reiki via a practitioner!! Even my sons share Reiki with me at times!) And…Reiki can be sent via Distance! The energies transcend time and space!!
Love, Light and Laughter to you! It’s time to ‘play’ with my art supplies!!
Cracking the Egg is great. I would be interested in getting a copy.
Very WONDERFUL INDEED.
Hi Henk
That was incredible just reading that gave me goose bumps and my socks got shoot off. I was laughing and smiling by the end of the article. I am in college right now and I was reading this in the computer lab and after finishing it I looked around and noticed how everyone was furrowing thier brows and a slight frown upon thier faces. Their eyes looked so empty and lost, then my focus went back to myself and I was observing my thoughts and facial expressions. They were exactly like everyone else’s. I understand everyone is studying, but when they leave they still have that same look throughout the day heck I know I do thats why I am saying this. Theres a saying that one must know himself before he knows others.
But back to your article it was amazing and I can remember a few experiences where I have done exactly as you have stated in the article. I cant believe I let that slip my mind so easily. Thanks for making me aware it. Well done and many blessings to you.
Henk,
Thank for your little article, and after pondering what you two have shared I can honestly say Your ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Many times over the years when my children have noticed me in a sad state or in tears, this is their prescription for me. They will do just about anything to make me smile or laugh, and then everything seems to just melt away! One time one of my sons dressed up as a his sister and came in my room singing in a horrid voice until me and all me children we laughing so hard our stomachs hurt and the smiles and sounds of laughter filled the room with joy! Smiling and laughter become a contagious remedy that lightens whatever previously was promoting the negative emotions. Laughter does have the power to make one feel incredible, wonderful and changes the perspective entirely! Thank you for sharing, it is appreciated!