December 2009

“People need joy quite as much as clothing. Some of them need it far more” ~ Margaret Collier Graham.

How many times in a day do you laugh? Have you ever stopped to count? What about those days when laughter is in short supply – do you notice the difference? I like to laugh – lots of things can make me smile or even struggle to keep from laughing out loud; but if I had to narrow it down, I would have to say that I am quite partial to a witty, dry brand of humor. A sense of the ironic definitely appeals to me! I don’t know whether laughter is a biological imperative, somehow programmed into us; but early in life, when we are still infants, we learn to smile, delighting our parents and causing the other adults in our orbit to mirror our gaze. Over time, we learn to giggle and to laugh in recognizable, sometimes even distinctive ways and to some greater or lesser extent, we develop our own personal sense of humor. Having fun, kicking back, letting loose – the ability to enjoy oneself – comes easier, more naturally to some of us than to others. How we give voice to that side of ourselves is certainly an expression of our individuality; but for all the differences that exist, there is another element that is inherent in the role that fun and laughter play in our lives: shared connection. There is something real and meaningful, about being able to laugh with a friend and know that you both get it – no one is left on the sidelines, excluded. So yes, as human beings we have certain basic needs: for food and shelter, for interaction with others; but I think that Margaret Collier Graham was on to something when she elevated joy’s place from something that is not simply optional but is instead a human necessity.