The greatest yogis and sages worldwide have recognized the importance of humor and a cheerful disposition. They have always known that too much seriousness feeds the ego and dampens the spirit, while a sense of humor broadens our perspective and lifts our spirits.

When we have been hit hard by difficulty or tragedy, a good laugh can "resurrect" us, helping us rise above and live beyond the affliction. Radio personality Garrison Keillor (Prairie Home Companion) said: “Humor is not a trick, not jokes. Humor is a presence in the world — like grace — and shines on everybody.” Even in the darkest circumstances, or the most difficult yoga postures, we can and must keep a light on inside, "a presence in the world that shines on everybody."

However, too often yoga is practiced with a heavy seriousness, which only creates more tension. (How often do we see models in yoga magazines looking delighted in their poses? Usually they appear dead serious!) We can be serious about our practice, but we need not take ourselves so seriously in our practice.

Laughter Is a Good Stretch, Too  teaches us how to practice yoga with a lightness of being. It helps us gain a deeper understanding of yoga and a greater appreciation of humor, both which bring releases that keep us loose, energized, mentally sharp, physically and emotionally resilient, and well-grounded on our spiritual path.

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