When we are dealing with death we are constantly being dragged down by the event: Humor diverts our attention and lifts our sagging spirits.
Allen KleinZen teaches that once we can open up to the inevitability of our demise, we can begin to transform that situation and lighten up about it.
Allen KleinIn looking for humor, keep in mind this guideline: Sometimes it takes a little time to see the humor in your upsets; you may not find something to laugh about immediately.
Allen KleinWhen you think about advertisements, it makes sense that they want to hold and retain our attention.
Allen KleinThe tragedy of September 11th was so sudden, so enormous, and so horrendous, both in terms of lives lost and global consequences, that this country and the world went into immediate and prolonged shock.
Allen KleinWhen times get tough, at some point, people instinctively know they need to lighten up in order to get through it.
Allen KleinThe hardest thing you can do is smile when you are ill, in pain, or depressed. But this no-cost remedy is a necessary first half-step if you are to start on the road to recovery.
Allen KleinThere is always something to chuckle about. Sometimes we see it. Sometimes we don't. Still, the world is filled with humor. It is there when we are happy and it is there to cheer us up when we are not.
Allen KleinWhen you do find humor in trying times, one of the first and most important changes you experience is that you see your perplexing problems in a new way - you suddenly have a new perspective on them.
Allen KleinNow, a recent study from cardiologists at the University of Maryland, has shown that laughter may have a beneficial effect on the heart.
Allen KleinWhen we can find some humor in our upsets, they no longer seem as large or as important as they once did.
Allen KleinI contend that not only can you laugh at adversity, but it is essential to do so if you are to deal with setbacks without defeat.
Allen KleinLike sheep that get lost nibbling away at the grass because they never look up, we often focus so much on ourselves and our problems that we get lost.
Allen KleinHumor can help you cope with the unbearable so that you can stay on the bright side of things until the bright side actually comes along.
Allen KleinYour attitude is like a box of crayons that color your world. Constantly color your picture gray, and your picture will always be bleak. Try adding some bright colors to the picture by including humor, and your picture begins to lighten up.
Allen KleinThe studies indicate that focusing our attention on someone else, takes our mind off of our own problems. We stay healthier and thereby live longer.
Allen KleinAnd, unlike the earlier bombing on the World Trade Center, a major landmark and symbol of the strength of the financial world was, not just damaged but, totally destroyed.
Allen KleinThe lesson adults can learn here is that the world is filled with things for our enjoyment.
Allen KleinSince the goal of my programs is to show audiences how humor can both help them heal as well as deal with not-so-funny stuff, I decided to discuss the events of the previous week, the pain all of us were feeling, and how humor and some laughter might be beneficial.
Allen KleinIt is still not clear from this study how laughter can directly help the heart but other studies have shown that laughter is beneficial for every system in the body.
Allen KleinYou may not be able to change a situation, but with humor you can change your attitude about it.
Allen KleinLaughter, and the broader category of humor, are key elements in helping us go on with our life after a loss.
Allen Klein