12.28.08
Running on Empty
Comedy Around the World this week goes around the block for a run. After a somewhat unpleasant evening, I felt an urgent need to go for a run. I like running, because it is a sport where I don’t need a strategy. I can easily move my feet, and if someone is gaining on me, I could simply just move my feet a little faster.
Tonight I thought of how this ersatz strategy is like humor. For example, both helped me to process my thoughts, overcome them, and then get on with the rest of my day. I did this by:
1. Moving my feet, one in front of the other. Just get outside and do it. Try to find something–anything–to laugh about. Remember Norman Cousins and his self-healing program of watching funny movies to boost his mood.
2. Leaning (if you’re doing chi running). If we get too overwhelmed by life and by our concerns, we can lean on people who do have a sense of humor. We can depend on their support, until we get our own humor back. These people remind us of how funny we really are; if we were less upset we’d notice that!
3. Looking ahead. When we look at the big picture, we gain perspective, and we lessen our hurt. Our sense of humor kicks in by encompassing the big picture and showing us where in that picture our concerns belong. And how funny they are.
When we can, “Get Your SHINE Together!” we don’t ever need to be running on empty!
