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Laughter is Good Medicine

The best times of UNITY are when smiles are wide and there is a harmony of laughter. It is good to have daily doses of soulful laughter. Scientific studies show that laughter creates positive bonds between people. Laughter relieves stress, anxiety, and. It can lead to resilience and recovery.

Chance Rush, Hidatsa, is one of UNITY’s Youth Trainers. He has major gifts besides Training. He is an MC, Actor and Speaker, but did you know that he is a Comedian?

”Comedy was my form of communication. It can help me get through so many conversations. I owe a lot of my opportunities To my sense of humor”  said Chance.“I see Comedy as an art form. Always practice on being funny. Never laugh at your own jokes because the focus is your audience!”

“Laughter reduces pain, increases job performance, connects people emotionally, and improves the flow of oxygen to the heart and brain.” Psychology Today

To find joy and happiness, sometimes we have to purposefully put ourselves in a positive environment to change things up. Watch your favorite comedy show or movie, play a fun game, call a relative or friend. Identify your favorite comedian. Story telling almost always stirs up laughter. Ask an elder or parent to tell you a story or you tell a story about something good about yours or their childhood. Good memories can energize you by increasing endorphins. Make some new good memories or list your top five memories. When you need a dose of laughter, think of a fun filled memory. The good feelings will return to you.

Now days we text a lot. We react to messages with LOL or an Emoji when what we are reading or seeing makes us feel like laughing.  That’s a good thing. LOL, make a real laugh OUTLOUD. LOL for real. See what happens. Next time you laugh out loud, join in and thank the Creator for the gift of laughter.

Visit Nebraska video written and performed by the Native American youth from Nebraska/ This video created in a workshop facilitated from the Fellas in the 1491’s sketch comedy group. 1491’s

Quotes by Larry P. Aitken, Leech Lake Band of Chippewa, MN – Author, Tribal historian, elder and spiritual advisor and Founder of Leech Lake Tribal College

“Laughter is a necessity in life that does not cost much, and the Old Ones say that one of the greatest healing powers in our life is the ability to laugh.”

“Laughter is a good stress eliminator. Laughter causes healing powers to be distributed through our bodies. Laughter helps heal relationships that are having problems. Laughter can change other people. Laughter can heal the sick. Laughter is spiritual. One of the greatest gifts among Indian people has been our ability to laugh. Humor is natural to Indian people. Sometimes the only thing left to do is laugh.”

“Great Spirit, allow me to laugh when times get tough.”