Instead of clenching my jaw and trying to take deep breaths I am going to release my frustration through laughter. As a Laughter Yoga leader I will admit I do not practice my skills very often anymore. What better time that now to get back to it? So today each time I feel frustrated I am going to laugh, not a fake little "hehe" but a loud, releasing "HA!" I'm going to open my mouth wide rather than clench down.
I'm going to use the full capacity of my lungs and push out a good "ha" and then another and another. One of two things is going to happen. Either the oxygen increase and effort will release my tension or the ridiculousness of it will make me laugh for real and the mood will actually change. My daughter and dogs may look at me like I'm crazy or they may climb aboard the laughter train too, either way I will feel better and that will help us all feel better.
I'm grateful for laughter. I'm grateful to recognize the tension in my jaw. I'm grateful for deep breaths but I'm more grateful to recognize when I need a little bit more. I'm grateful to have a great family with loving dogs, a helpful husband, and a sweet daughter. I'm grateful for Fridays and I'm grateful to have the weekend off.
Would you like to climb aboard the laughter train today? How can you add laughter to your day?
May today give us plenty of opportunities for real laughter. May we have the conscious presence to redirect the unpleasant moments with happy thoughts or laughter. Have a beautiful day!