Above and below are the winning photographs of the annual Comedy in Wildlife contest. In our family we find these hilarious. But why do we laugh?  Scientist  have found that laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease. Laughter triggers the release of endorphin, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphin promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.  It makes sense we developed laughter to relieve stress.

But why do we laugh at the things we do?  Writer Scot Weems researched a variety of science experiments about what makes a good joke in his book, Ha! The Science of When We Laugh and Why.  He found that what makes a great joke is “the kick of discovery or thinking one way and then and then suddenly turning that thing around.”  So whatever makes us confused or cause a conflict in our brain most likely will make us laugh.  This is why we may laugh at inappropriate times – like say at a funeral or at church. Laughter helps us get through stressful situations.  And one reason we all find different things funny even within our same culture is our threshold of confusion, conflict or stress varies from person to person.

On a side note the researcher Richard Wiseman found that overall the funniest animal to us is the duck.  Your challenge this week is to create some humor in your life.  I have added a joke starter that pertains to your picture have fun finishing it or making up your own.  Send them back to me if you want. I can always use a good laugh.

*Aries – Judgment

The Judgment card heralds it is time for you to take the next step in your evolution.  You are awakening to what new steps to take in your life.  This can look as simple as changing your diet or it can be as complex as decreasing your carbon footprint.  The challenge is whatever decisions you make – make sure they alter your life for the better – not only for you but the world.  Joke:  …so I gave him the flipper.

Taurus – Knight of Cups

Last week, the Empress challenged you to see the ends in beginnings and the beginnings in ends, and that it takes both to create growth.  This week the Knight of Cups carries on the Empress’ concept of duality by focusing on emotions.  The Knight of Cups challenges you to be aware on how you emote your emotions through action and movement.  This week see how your emotional actions cause reactions and your emotional reactions cause actions.  Joke:  …no, he did what…
Continue reading Tarotcast for Week of Jan. 14, 2018 →