Yoga Humor

Zombie Yoga!!!
In the last few articles during this series on movement and exercise, I’ve discussed yoga and its relationship to living a Low Density Lifestyle.

I gave you 10 outstanding yoga videos, and then in the next article I explained the history of yoga.

Today, I will continue talking about yoga, but I will switch gears and have some fun by offering up some yoga humor.

Now you may remember that a few months ago, during the series on humor, I discussed how humor and laughter were things that helped you to feel lighter of mind, body and spirit, and thus were great tools for helping to get into Low Density Lifestyle mode.

So in that vein, I thought it’d be a good mix to combine yoga with some humor. Now, although Laughter Yoga is a form of yoga, that’s not what I’m discussing here.

So let’s start it off. First, if you watch the above video, you’ll see Zombie Yoga, with a very large Zombie Yoga class. If you’re a zombie, or considering becoming a zombie, you may want to watch how they do yoga, so that you can do the moves on your own.

Next, courtesy of The Onion, here are the top reasons Americans are doing yoga – and could it be true that Americans are doing yoga so that they can tap into the ancient wisdom of Californians?:

Next up, are some yoga jokes:

Question: How many Iyengar yogis does it take to replace a light bulb?
Answer: Only one – but he will need a sticky mat, a backless chair,
five blankets, a bolster, six ropes, two belts, six assorted benches,
three weights, and a certificate.

Question: What did the sign in the window of the yoga master searching for a new disciple say?
Answer:  Inquire within!

Question:  Why did the yogi refuse anesthesia when
having his wisdom teeth removed?  Answer:  He
wanted to transcend-dental-medication.

When teaching Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose) by putting a ball
between a student’s knees so they will not splay the legs apart,
this was said to a male yoga student:  “Wow!  You could fit two
balls between your legs!”

Yoga is excellent for un-kinking the muscles and the spine.
It is great if you’re really kinky.

The Yogini says to the hot dog vendor:
“Make me one with everything.”

I always wanted to be somebody, but now I see that I should
have been more specific.
-   Jane Wagner

The Ananda Yogi says to his pupil: “Do you understand that you
don’t really exist?”  The pupil replies, “To whom are you speaking?”

Eternal nothingness is okay if you’re dressed for it.
-   Woody Allen

If love is the answer, could you rephrase the question?
-   Lily Tomlin

Student Exam Bloopers

1) A student wrote, “The universe is a giant orgasm” (instead of organism).  At the end of the student’s essay, the teacher riposted, “Your answer gives new meaning to the Big Bang Theory.”

2) “Involuntary muscles are not as willing as voluntary ones.”

3) “When you breathe, you inspire. When you do not breathe, you expire.”

When two Behaviorist Yogis met, one said:
“You are fine.  How am I ?”

A young woman who was worried about her habit of biting her fingernails
down to the quick was advised by a friend to take up yoga. She did, and soon
her fingernails were growing normally.  Her friend asked her if yoga had
totally cured her nervousness.  “No,” she replied, “but now I can reach
my toe-nails so I bite them instead.”

And last on the yoga humor list is a video that comes from the folks at Yoga Journal, and is about Ogden, the Inappropriate Yoga Guy:

Making Other People Happy Will Make You Happy

The Happiness series continues this week (for its final week) with a look at a very basic truth, a truth that stems from the question that I asked with the very first article in this series.

The question was: Are you happy?

Every article since in this Happiness series has played on that question.

The article on the country of Bhutan told you about a nation that put the happiness of its citizens as its number one priority in terms of formulating laws.

And the article on Happiness and Your Job discussed an important ingredient to happiness: the kind of work you do. It’s so true that if you’re not doing work that you enjoy, then it’s much harder to feel happy.

The basic truth then is this: You can make yourself happy by making other people happy…

…And one of the best ways to make other people is to be happy yourself.

But how do you know if you’re making other people happy? What are some signs?

Well, check out the below list and see if the following statements are true for you:

* Do people seem to feel comfortable confiding in you?
* Do people follow your recommendations?
* Are you a source of material comfort or security for someone else?
* Do people whom you’ve introduced often go on to have a
continuing relationship?
* Do people seem to drift toward you? Join a conversation that
you’re having, sit down next to you at a meeting?
* Are you providing opportunities for other people – job leads,
blind dates, contacts in a new city?
* Do people whom you hardly remember go out of their way to
greet you warmly? Say, an intern who worked in your office three
years ago, or a former student?
* Do people seem to want to connect with you — by making plans
or by emailing, calling, or texting?
* Do people seem energized by you? Do they smile and laugh in
your presence?

Notice some items that are not on the list:

* Do people remember your birthday?
* Do people give you presents (say, for Mothers’ Day, or in
recognition of an important milestone)?
* Do people express appreciation and gratitude for your efforts?

Even if you’re making people happy, they don’t always respond by making these gestures. (Which can be annoying.)

And so, if you want to find happiness for yourself, consider if you’re helping others be happy.

Because if you are making others happy, your life is a true gift, both to yourself and to others.

I think it’s a lot easier for most people to make other people unhappy. It takes much more work to make people happy. Because to do so means you have to live your life conscientiously and with a certain degree of mindfulness and self-realization.

And you have to be living a Low Density Lifestyle.

But it’s not hard to do. You too can be happy and at the same time make other people happy.

I finish today’s article by leaving you with this question: Are you happy? Do you make other people happy?

Happiness is…Grooving to the Beat ala Michael Jackson

You may not have noticed, but we here at the Low Density Lifestyle website have restrained from mentioning Michael Jackson’s name since his untimely death.

We didn’t want to be seen as capitalizing on the sensational nature of the news, which is what every media outlet has done around the world.

But our crack research staff has informed us that we are the only website in the world that has yet to mention his name, and so, because we are feeling the pressure, this article does indeed mention his name.

But we are referencing Michael Jackson’s name only within the context of the Happiness series, and especially the Happiness is… theme that I’ve been writing about this week.

Michael Jackson’s music at the peak of his career – in the 1980’s – was infectious, riveting and joyous, and it could get you moving in no time, even if you were someone allergic to movement and dancing.

And once you felt the infectious beat, you couldn’t help but feel happy.

And so, to finish the week’s theme of Happiness is… you’ll get to watch some videos that are fun, unique and a salute to Michael Jackson.

The above video is a young Steve Martin dancing to Billie Jean. This video comes from a TV show that Steve Martin was part of.

Steve Martin has been creating happiness for so many people for so long, that it seems a good combination: Michael Jackson’s song and Steve Martin dancing.

And the below video is pretty wild: it’s inmates in a prison in the Philippines dancing to Thriller. I’ll bet they were pretty happy to be able to pull off such a feat.

And there’s one bonus video, thrown in for good measure. Below the prisoners singing Thriller is one of my favorites, Weird Al Yankovic, performing Eat It, his gentle spoof of Michael Jackson’s hit, Beat It.

So get into it, let the beat move you, and see if you agree that Happiness is…Grooving to the Beat ala Michael Jackson.

One last note: if you read our Summer Hours, you’ll know that for the summer we are publishing articles one less day a week, 4 days instead of our usual 5 days. So we’ll see you again with the next article on Tuesday.

Happiness is…Being Happy Like a Happy Pet

I continue with the Happiness is… theme as part of the Happiness series.

Yesterday you read about Happiness is…Being Happy Like a Baby. Today you will learn the joys of being a happy animal/pet, and what we can learn from our fine furry friends.

Animals, like babies, enjoy the simple things in life, and can find joy in these things.

Which is why pet owners become so close and attached to their pet – the pets are such beacons of happiness and joy, and for the pet owner, the happiness and joy that the pet expresses rubs off on the owner.

So watch the video above, and see Jessica, the wild hippo who has become a household pet, and is incredibly happy living that existence. She is one very happy – and unique – hippo.

And in the videos below, you’ll see a number of happy animals.
There’s the dog in the sliding pool; the dancing chicken; the dancing chipmunk; and the rat and cat who are very happy together in each others company.

The Art of Happiness: Are You Happy?

Today, I begin a new series, all about Happiness.

Happiness is essential to our lives and helps us to feel more joyous and passionate about everything. The more happiness we bring into our lives, the lighter we feel of body, mind and spirit.

In other words, when you are happier you have the potential to live a Low Density Lifestyle.

And happiness and joy is one of the things that will happen more often for you when you live a Low Density Lifestyle.

But what is happiness? Why are some people more happier than others? Are they born that way?

Is there some magic formula to being happy? Is it related to how much money you have, the type of car you drive, the things you do for fun?

No, happiness runs much deeper than that.

A few years ago, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was asked, “President Carter, have you come to any new perspectives about what matters in life, now that you’re older?”

His answer was to the point: “Earlier in my life I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office. But as I’ve grown older I’ve become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can’t see – the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.”

This is what happiness is. It’s not about the material things you can show the world, but about how you feel about the work you do, the relationships you have, and the love you share.

And so, what are the secrets to happiness? How can you cultivate your ability to be happy, and in the process, live a Low Density Lifestyle?

Here are 12 ways:

1) Count Your Blessings
One way to practice this strategy is with a “gratitude journal” in which you write down the 3 to 5 things for which you are currently thankful. Do this once a week. Keep the strategy fresh by varying your entries and how you express them as much as possible. And if there’s a particular person who has been kind or influential in your life, don’t wait to express your appreciation. Write them a letter now, or, if possible, visit and thank them in person.

2) Practice Acts of Kindness
These should be both random and systematic. Being kind to others, whether friends or strangers, triggers a cascade of positive effects – it makes you feel compassionate and capable, gives you a greater sense of connection with others and earns you smiles, approval and reciprocated kindness. These are all happiness boosters.

3) Nurture Optimism
This involves such practices as looking at the bright side, finding the silver lining in a negative event, noticing what’s right (rather than what’s wrong), feeling good about one’s future and the future of the world, or simply feeling that you can get through the day. One way to practice this strategy is to sit in a quiet place and take 20 to 30 minutes to think about and write down what you expect your life to be 10 years from now. Imagine that everything has gone as well as it possibly could. You have worked hard and succeeded at accomplishing all of your life goals. Think of this as the realization of all of your life dreams. Then, write about what you imagined.

4) Learn to Forgive
Let go of anger, resentment, and feelings of vengeance by writing – but, not sending – a letter of forgiveness to a person who has hurt or wronged you. The inability to forgive is associated with persistent rumination or dwelling on revenge, while forgiving allows you to move on.

5) Increase “Flow” Experiences
When you’re so absorbed in what you’re doing that you don’t notice the passage of time, you are in the flow state. So, become fully engaged at work, at home, and at play. Try to increase the number of flow experiences in your life, whether it’s completing a project at the office, playing with your children, or enjoying a hobby. Seek work and leisure activities that engage your skills and expertise.

6) Invest in Relationships
One of the biggest factors in happiness appears to be strong personal relationships. Indeed, having the support of someone who deeply cares about you is one of the best remedies for unhappiness. Thus, this strategy involves putting effort into healing, cultivating, and enjoying your relationships with family and friends. Act with love, be as kind to the people close to you as you are to strangers, affirm them, share with them, and play together.

7) Avoiding Overthinking
Remember the book, Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff? There’s a time to think about the bad stuff in your life, but dwelling on your problems excessively is unhealthy. Very happy people have the capacity – even during trying times like a parent’s chronic illness – to absorb themselves in an engaging activity, stay busy, and have fun. To practice this strategy, pick a distracting, attention-grabbing activity that has compelled you in the past and do it when you notice yourself dwelling.

Savor Life’s Joys
Pay close attention and take delight in momentary pleasures, wonders, and magical moments. Focus on the sweetness of a ripe mango, the aroma of a bakery, or the warmth of the sun when you step out from the shade. Some psychologists suggest taking “mental photographs” of pleasurable moments to review in less happy times.

9) Feed Your Soul
Studies show that religious and spiritual people are happier and healthier than others. Perhaps the social support of belonging to a close-knit religious group is valuable, as is the sense of meaning and purpose that comes from touching on the spiritual aspects of life.

10) Have Goals and Stay Committed to Them
People who strive for something significant are far happier than those who don’t have strong dreams or aspirations. Find a happy person and you will find a project. However, being dedicated to any pursuit won’t make you happy if you’re just doing it for superficial reasons such as making money, boosting your ego, or succumbing to peer pressure.

11) Use Your Body: Exercise, Meditation, and Rest
Getting plenty of sleep, exercising, stretching and meditating can all enhance your mood in the short term and promote energy and strong mental health. Practiced regularly, they can help make your daily life more satisfying and increase long-term happiness.

12) Laughter
If you read the series on laughter and humor a few weeks back, you’ll recall how I discussed the value of laughter and how it can brighten your day, improve your health, and make you happier. If you want to start your day on a laughter note, you can always join a Laughter Yoga club.

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Comedy Has Always Been King

Comedy, humor and laughter have always been king. They have been an essential part of living since the dawn of humanity.

Instinctively, people have always known that humor and laughter just plain makes you feel better, and because of that, people have been trying to make each other laugh as long as there have been people walking the planet.

You may have read the article of a recent archaeological finding in which scientists found hieroglyphics on a cave that through extensive carbon dating were able to trace back to 500,000 years ago.

They were able to translate the cave writings as the following:

Q: Why did the dinosaur swallow Maury and then spit him out?
A: Because he tasted horrible without Tobasco sauce!

Granted, all those years ago, comedy wasn’t as refined as it is now, so the jokes weren’t as good.

But you get the point: humor and laughter is an important part of our DNA.

And, as I have noted many times in this series on humor and laughter, it’s an essential part of living a Low Density Lifestyle.

So as a series finale on the subject of humor and laughter, I want to present to you some kings of comedy, going back to the early part of the twentieth century.

And so, ladies and gentlemen and children of all ages, I now give you a series of videos featuring some geniuses of the art of comedy, laughter and humor:

1) Buster Keaton:

2) Laurel and Hardy:

3) Charlie Chaplin:

4) W.C. Fields:

5) The Three Stooges:

6) Abbot & Costello:

7) Monty Python:



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The 9 Benefits of Humor

For the last 2 weeks, I’ve been writing about humor and laughter.

I started the discussion by writing about how humor and laughter can be beneficial for health and can allow you to feel lighter of body, mind and spirit.

The next article was about Laughter Yoga and how people get together in Laughter Yoga clubs to laugh together.

From there, I just started writing articles designed to make you laugh, whether it was on the new depressant medication Despondex, the 1-minute book classics, or about my allegiance to the Marx philosophy.

Tomorrow, to close the series, I will return with another humorous article. But today, I want to review how humor is a positive influence in our lives by listing 9 benefits of humor and laughter.

Of course, I could just narrow it down to one – that humor and laughter are essential traits of living a Low Density Lifestyle.

But, I’ll still give you 9 benefits. Here they are:

1. Humor lessens fears.

2. Humor comforts and helps you get through difficult times.

3. Humor helps you to relax.

4. Humor reduces pain.

5. Humor boosts the immune system.

6. Humor reduces stress.

7. Humor spreads happiness.

8. Humor cultivates optimism.

9. Humor helps with communication.

And so, in conclusion, humor and laughter make you feel lighter, like you’re carrying less of a load in your body, mind and spirit. And when you feel like that, you know what that means, don’t you?

It means you’re living a Low Density Lifestyle.

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The Right Stuff

In yesterday’s article, I told you how I’m an avowed Marxist (although I haven’t decided which of the Marx family – Karl, Groucho, Chico, or Harpo – my politics most resemble.

But in order to keep it fair and balanced, I’ve decided to present a more right-wing perspective.

So today we will hear from someone with a right-wing perspective.

This person is none other than Steven Wright.

Ok, this has been a series on humor and laughter and how it can help keep you in Low Density Lifestyle mode.

Did you really think I would have someone with a right-wing perspective? There’s not much humor there, from what I can see.

Instead, I present to you someone with the right stuff, or I should say the Wright Stuff.

Steven Wright has an incredibly unique style. It’s truly a Zen style of humor.

Whatever you call it, it can help ease you into a Low Density Lifestyle point of view.

So kick back, watch the two below videos, and enjoy.

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Why I’m an Avowed Marxist

I have made it a point to stay away from discussing politics on this website, as it’s something that can become so polarizing and cause a lot of stress.

And as you all know, I’m for things that manage stress and encourage stress relief and keep you far away from High Density Lifestyle mode.

I’m trying to help you live a Low Density Lifestyle, and I know if I start sharing my political beliefs, it’s bound to make some of you quite uptight.

But I’ve decided I can’t hold back anymore. Even though this series is about humor and laughter, I’ve decided to let it all hang out and tell you where I’m coming from.

And no, I’m not telling you this because I’ve been taking too much Despondex.

And so here’s the real deal: yes, I’m an avowed Marxist. And not only do I think the Marxist approach is the best approach, I believe it’s something that should be taught in school right from kindergarten.

And in these recessionary times, what better approach is there to adopt than Marxism?

Let’s delve into this further. What does Marx have to teach us? Such things as:
***Why a Duck?
***There ain’t no Sanity Clause
***Never join a club that would have you as a member

Huh, you say? You don’t remember this from your copy of Das Kapital? Well, if you’ve been reading Das Kapital, then you’ve got the wrong Marx, brother.

I’m talking the real Marx Doctrine: the world according to Groucho, Chico, Harpo, and occasionally Zeppo.

This is the type of Marxism we need!

The Brothers Marx were masters of inspired Zen lunacy, and to this day, the likes of what they did has never been repeated.

They took comedy, humor and laughter to a whole new visionary level. It was enlightened humor, the type that easily puts you into Low Density Lifestyle mode.

And that’s the kind of Marxist approach we need now more than ever, brother (and sister).

Oh, and by the way, if I think about it even more, I’m not just a Marxist, but a Marxist-Leninist. Or more correctly, a Marxist-Lennonist, as in John, the man behind All You Need is Love, Across the Universe and Imagine.

He was a man with vision, and if there’s anything the world needs now, it’s people with vision. These are the true Low Density Lifestylers.

I say: how about starting a movement, the Marxist Zen lunacy humor movement, or the Marxist-Lennonist visionary movement?

Either way, it’s time we all become avowed Marxists.

For your viewing and laughing pleasure, here are three classics of the Marx Brothers in action:

This clip is the Stateroom Scene from “A Night at the Opera”:

This clip is the Contract Scene between Groucho and Chico, also from “A Night at the Opera.” It contains the famous “Sanity Clause”:

This is the Mirror Scene from “Duck Soup”:

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It’s Foto Funny Time!!

Last week I discussed humor and laughter and how it’s an important aspect for living a Low Density Lifestyle.

Humor and laughter keeps you feeling light, and as the old saying goes, light makes might, or something like that.

Humor and laughter is good for your health – physical and mental – and good for your spirit.

So I want to continue with the humor vein this week, and by doing so, help you to feel lighter and more in the Low Density Lifestyle mode.

Today, it’s Foto Funny Time! Time to look at some ridiculous photos and chuckle and snort over them. Ok, you ready? Then let’s go!

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