Laughing Monks

A traveler, visiting a monastery in the Himalayas, is having dinner with the monks. Suddenly, one of the monks stands up and says loudly, "24!" The other monks chuckle and nod their heads in agreement. Another monk stands up and says, "37," which brings more laughter. The Abbot explains to the traveler, “We have told the same jokes so often, that we numbered them. It’s easier to just say the number." With that, the traveler stands and shouts, "112!" There was a moment of shocked silence, and then a deafening roar as every monk laughed raucously. The Abbot said, "Good one! They haven't heard that one before!"
Laughter, song, and dance create emotional and spiritual connection; they remind us of the one thing that truly matters when we are searching for comfort, celebration, inspiration, or healing: We are not alone.”
​– Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
Affirmative prayer: Today, I lighten up, following the divine tenet, ‘If thine eye have a twinkle in it, thy whole body is filled with light.’ I do not take myself so seriously, knowing that my frisky outlook aligns me with God’s delight. Fun, laughter, and brilliance are before me. I am at ease with life, centered in divine play. Thank you, God, forever. Amen.

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