SPIRITUALITY: DIVINE LOVE THAT CAN DRIVE YOU CRAZY!
Have you tried so many spiritual paths that you've become pathological? Experienced so much personal growth that you're totally growthed out? Do you think God probably loves you - but He's just not ready to make a committment? Have you spent so much money on fixing yourself that now you're really broke? Do you think you might be confused, but you're just not sure?
Well, I think I might have the Answer - This BOOK! What I am teaching you is the ancient Chinese art of Fu-Ling that I learned from one of my Guru's Swami Beyondananda (who I affectionately called Swamiji). Once I achieved "Fool" realization (that's when you realize that you are the same fool you have always been), Swamiji "absurdified" me to teach this lost art. I realized that all the Farces of Nature are truly "Pun" and Creation itself is One Big Cosmic Joke.
I asked Swamiji if I could be his disciple, but he told me that he gets paranoid when he thinks he is being followed. After much begging he reluctantly agreed. Along with Fu Ling, he initiated me into Tantram Yoga. In Tantram Yoga, you hold your breathe until God gives you what you want. This is why Krishna turned blue.
Upon finishing my nine month intensive which the Swami calls the "Jest-ation" period, I was given a new "mirth". I know have the special power to make others "fooly" aware.
Once I attained this highest state of fooliness, The Swami gave me one last word of advice - Now that you are on the path, make sure you do not end up embarking up the wrong tree... My advice to you is never have "sects" on the path, if you must have sects do it behind the tree.
This is actually how I started off one of my comedy skits I did at Song of the Morning. And Here I am teaching you the Ancient art of Fu Ling (we'll leave Tantram Yoga for another book).
Well, I think I might have the Answer - This BOOK! What I am teaching you is the ancient Chinese art of Fu-Ling that I learned from one of my Guru's Swami Beyondananda (who I affectionately called Swamiji). Once I achieved "Fool" realization (that's when you realize that you are the same fool you have always been), Swamiji "absurdified" me to teach this lost art. I realized that all the Farces of Nature are truly "Pun" and Creation itself is One Big Cosmic Joke.
I asked Swamiji if I could be his disciple, but he told me that he gets paranoid when he thinks he is being followed. After much begging he reluctantly agreed. Along with Fu Ling, he initiated me into Tantram Yoga. In Tantram Yoga, you hold your breathe until God gives you what you want. This is why Krishna turned blue.
Upon finishing my nine month intensive which the Swami calls the "Jest-ation" period, I was given a new "mirth". I know have the special power to make others "fooly" aware.
Once I attained this highest state of fooliness, The Swami gave me one last word of advice - Now that you are on the path, make sure you do not end up embarking up the wrong tree... My advice to you is never have "sects" on the path, if you must have sects do it behind the tree.
This is actually how I started off one of my comedy skits I did at Song of the Morning. And Here I am teaching you the Ancient art of Fu Ling (we'll leave Tantram Yoga for another book).
The "M" in huMor is Meditation or Mindset
For Meditation/spirituality, I lived 4 years at a spiritual/yoga retreat center called song practiced daily yoga/prayer/meditation and incorporated humor in many ways including 5 comedy skits, humorous-fun-filled yoga and even a Laugh-Fest weekend with my friend Eric Huffman. In this section, I will give specific examples, more jokes, and research linking the psychological/spritual benefits of humor.
My love of humor has a 18 year history...It all began 18 years ago, when I was living at a spiritual retreat in Northern Michigan, called Song of the Morning...one of the most beautiful places on earth! I was actually a full time staff member along with about 10 others and our focus was meditation and selfless service. We were very fortunate to have a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Bob Raymer who we all affectionatly called "Baba". He was the spiritual director for the full time I was there.
Even though we mainly followed Yogananda's teachings, what I liked about Baba and Song of the Morning at that time was it was very open to all paths, gurus and teachings. Not only did we practice Kriya Yoga and meditation techniques taught by Yogananda, we also daily did the IAM decrees and affirmations, different mantras, yoga and we had workshops with leading spiritual teachers and healers. It was a wonderful 4 years.
And I was actually ordained as a minister AND certified as a yoga instructor. I was the resident yoga teacher... If any guests wanted to do yoga, I was the go to yoga guy...
My love of humor has a 18 year history...It all began 18 years ago, when I was living at a spiritual retreat in Northern Michigan, called Song of the Morning...one of the most beautiful places on earth! I was actually a full time staff member along with about 10 others and our focus was meditation and selfless service. We were very fortunate to have a direct disciple of Paramhansa Yogananda, Bob Raymer who we all affectionatly called "Baba". He was the spiritual director for the full time I was there.
Even though we mainly followed Yogananda's teachings, what I liked about Baba and Song of the Morning at that time was it was very open to all paths, gurus and teachings. Not only did we practice Kriya Yoga and meditation techniques taught by Yogananda, we also daily did the IAM decrees and affirmations, different mantras, yoga and we had workshops with leading spiritual teachers and healers. It was a wonderful 4 years.
And I was actually ordained as a minister AND certified as a yoga instructor. I was the resident yoga teacher... If any guests wanted to do yoga, I was the go to yoga guy...
The Spiritual Path doesn't have to be all serious
As mentioned in the preface, during my stay there I became best friends with a man named Victor Steinman. Everyday Victor would share jokes that he had learned from countless books...One night, I asked victor if I could "see his notes" and hear ALL HIS JOKES...well it took more than one night, but I started writing down all the funniest jokes from pages and pages of jokes he compiled.
So I began writing and collecting jokes and eventually wrote a joke book called HA! I was only interested in sattvic (clean and wholesome) jokes...as they could be used in any setting without offending anyone.
Also At Song of the morning I did several stand-up comedy routines and my friend Eric and I even did a whole weekend long retreat called "Laugh Fest"...We got a very good turnout too! Boy we had the place really rolling with laughter...hahhahha
I want to offer some more examples from those comedy skits and some addition ideas you can use to incorporate humor in your life just as I am throughout this book. Even if your path is different than mine in your religion, vocation/work, avocation/play , etc, you can use these ideas to create your own unique humor when the opportunity arises.. Or better yet, take initiative and create the opportunity. Several of my comedy skits I peristantly asked if I could do them because making people laugh is one of my passions.
I can't share all my skits but I will share ideas from a couple along with proven laughter getting ideas like using top ten lists successfully, funny bumper stickers, humorizing program guides and creating skits that apply to the work, company, organization, etc that you are in.
So I began writing and collecting jokes and eventually wrote a joke book called HA! I was only interested in sattvic (clean and wholesome) jokes...as they could be used in any setting without offending anyone.
Also At Song of the morning I did several stand-up comedy routines and my friend Eric and I even did a whole weekend long retreat called "Laugh Fest"...We got a very good turnout too! Boy we had the place really rolling with laughter...hahhahha
I want to offer some more examples from those comedy skits and some addition ideas you can use to incorporate humor in your life just as I am throughout this book. Even if your path is different than mine in your religion, vocation/work, avocation/play , etc, you can use these ideas to create your own unique humor when the opportunity arises.. Or better yet, take initiative and create the opportunity. Several of my comedy skits I peristantly asked if I could do them because making people laugh is one of my passions.
I can't share all my skits but I will share ideas from a couple along with proven laughter getting ideas like using top ten lists successfully, funny bumper stickers, humorizing program guides and creating skits that apply to the work, company, organization, etc that you are in.
Top Ten Lists
Top ten lists are one of my FAVORITE ways to add comedy and humor to ANYTHING I have done. And they ALWAYS were successful - ALWAYS!! I used this in teaching math, physics, at the spiritual retreat center, and in health lectures.
I'll share some examples from my use of top 10 lists at Song of the Morning during a comedy skit AND one I did for New Years Eve.
David Letterman was the master of top ten lists and I recommend checking out his delivery and books to get ideas.
TECHNIQUE: Get some index cards (needs to be stiff enough). Write each joke counting backwards from 10... one Joke per card. After saying each joke, throw the card into the audience like throwing a card. Just flick your wrist...
This makes the top ten list a lot more fun for YOU and the audience as they watch the cards fly throw the air.
Also, it makes the delivery easier as you don't have to memorize the jokes.
What follows are two examples with some inside jokes, but whatever company or group you are a part of will always have inside jokes which many times are the funniest!
I'll share some examples from my use of top 10 lists at Song of the Morning during a comedy skit AND one I did for New Years Eve.
David Letterman was the master of top ten lists and I recommend checking out his delivery and books to get ideas.
TECHNIQUE: Get some index cards (needs to be stiff enough). Write each joke counting backwards from 10... one Joke per card. After saying each joke, throw the card into the audience like throwing a card. Just flick your wrist...
This makes the top ten list a lot more fun for YOU and the audience as they watch the cards fly throw the air.
Also, it makes the delivery easier as you don't have to memorize the jokes.
What follows are two examples with some inside jokes, but whatever company or group you are a part of will always have inside jokes which many times are the funniest!
Top 10 Reasons To Be on Staff at Song of the Morning
10. We have quite a routine here but nobody really follows it.
9. We're all big Red Wings fans and We have Tattoos to Prove it.
8. Watch the Leaves Change Colors in Early August
7. Learn First Hand All About Seasonal Affective Disorder
6. You DO NOT Have to Do the Energization Exercises and Om Technique To Get Kriya Yoga (no more corns on your elbows).
5. There is Just Skads of Free Time to Heal Your Inner Child
4. Big Buck Brewery is Just Minutes Away
3. It's an Energy Vortex - Kinda Like The Bermuda Triangle
2. Earn in One Year What Most People Make in a Week (We have a saying here - another day another dollar).
1. You Can Have One Guru or a Thousand - We Don't Give a Damn (I mean darn)!
9. We're all big Red Wings fans and We have Tattoos to Prove it.
8. Watch the Leaves Change Colors in Early August
7. Learn First Hand All About Seasonal Affective Disorder
6. You DO NOT Have to Do the Energization Exercises and Om Technique To Get Kriya Yoga (no more corns on your elbows).
5. There is Just Skads of Free Time to Heal Your Inner Child
4. Big Buck Brewery is Just Minutes Away
3. It's an Energy Vortex - Kinda Like The Bermuda Triangle
2. Earn in One Year What Most People Make in a Week (We have a saying here - another day another dollar).
1. You Can Have One Guru or a Thousand - We Don't Give a Damn (I mean darn)!
Top 10 Reasons To Be At Song of the Morning On New Years Eve
10. Wow! That's is SOME sparkling cider you have here
9. Still Plenty of Cookies and Snacks from Last Year
8. Extended 7 minute Meditation to bring in the New Year
7. Mike Wyman and Betty Howard are the Designated Drivers, So Drink as Much Punch as you Like
6. Boy O' Boy do These Yogis Know How to Party
5. You Get to Hear the Same Jokes as Yogacharya's Birthday Celebration
4. We Have Enough Snow For the Whole State of Michigan
3. You Get to Hug 50 People in One Night - Even if You Can't Stand 'em.
2. The Food is Great, The Music is Awesome and The Meditations Kick Some Serious Behind
1. We Might Not Have the Big Apple, But We Sure as Hell Have the Juice.
9. Still Plenty of Cookies and Snacks from Last Year
8. Extended 7 minute Meditation to bring in the New Year
7. Mike Wyman and Betty Howard are the Designated Drivers, So Drink as Much Punch as you Like
6. Boy O' Boy do These Yogis Know How to Party
5. You Get to Hear the Same Jokes as Yogacharya's Birthday Celebration
4. We Have Enough Snow For the Whole State of Michigan
3. You Get to Hug 50 People in One Night - Even if You Can't Stand 'em.
2. The Food is Great, The Music is Awesome and The Meditations Kick Some Serious Behind
1. We Might Not Have the Big Apple, But We Sure as Hell Have the Juice.
Humorous Bumper Stickers for a Big Event
Every year we celibrated Yogacharya's birthday, and I was on staff for the 108th Celebration and did a comedy skit. Part of the skit was sharing humorous bumper stickers. And I actually had these sayings made into real bumper stickers. The last one I gave away to everyone to keep.
Doing funny bumper stickers adds a prop (like the top ten list notecards) to a joke which always helps (and keeps some suspense in between). Always pause before revealing the next one. Another benefit is you don't have to memorize the bumper stickers or even deliver perfectly because the bumper sticker will do it for you. Just "stick with it".
Whatever event you are doing, just research or brainstorm jokes and ideas on the related topic. In this case, it is new age, Hindu/Buddhist type of humor. But just make sure to keep it clean and non offensive.
-Procrastinate Now
-Zen Housekeepers Don't Have Any Attachments
-I am a Humanitarian, Though I Was Once a Vegetarian
-Park Your Karma
-Curb Your Dogma
-Out of Body - Back in 15 Minutes
-Meditation is Better Than Sitting Around and Doing Nothing
-Overachievers Anonymous: We Offer a 28 Step Program
-There's a Seeker Born Every Minute (refers to spiritual seeker)
-Vegetarians Visualize Whirled Peas
-Everyone Needs Samadhi Sometime
Doing funny bumper stickers adds a prop (like the top ten list notecards) to a joke which always helps (and keeps some suspense in between). Always pause before revealing the next one. Another benefit is you don't have to memorize the bumper stickers or even deliver perfectly because the bumper sticker will do it for you. Just "stick with it".
Whatever event you are doing, just research or brainstorm jokes and ideas on the related topic. In this case, it is new age, Hindu/Buddhist type of humor. But just make sure to keep it clean and non offensive.
-Procrastinate Now
-Zen Housekeepers Don't Have Any Attachments
-I am a Humanitarian, Though I Was Once a Vegetarian
-Park Your Karma
-Curb Your Dogma
-Out of Body - Back in 15 Minutes
-Meditation is Better Than Sitting Around and Doing Nothing
-Overachievers Anonymous: We Offer a 28 Step Program
-There's a Seeker Born Every Minute (refers to spiritual seeker)
-Vegetarians Visualize Whirled Peas
-Everyone Needs Samadhi Sometime
Humorous Brochure
Example of how you can take a brochure, handout, syallabus etc and make it funny!
Here is some of the funniness I used to humorize... Note you can take any brochure, program guide, etc and humorize... The technique I use was ridiculous exagerations, making things the opposite of what they should be, including inside humor and certain people by name (if they are a good sport).
--
The Theme of Humorizing this Brochure was to Announce the NEW and Improved Song of the Morning. Its Now a Retreat for REAL Yogis, not girlie-men.
NEW Cover - Shown is Spiritual Director at the Time, the Late Bob Raymer.
Here is some of the funniness I used to humorize... Note you can take any brochure, program guide, etc and humorize... The technique I use was ridiculous exagerations, making things the opposite of what they should be, including inside humor and certain people by name (if they are a good sport).
--
The Theme of Humorizing this Brochure was to Announce the NEW and Improved Song of the Morning. Its Now a Retreat for REAL Yogis, not girlie-men.
NEW Cover - Shown is Spiritual Director at the Time, the Late Bob Raymer.
New Mission and Purpose:
Song of the Morning Exists for the primary purpose of severly testing you physically, mentally and spiritually. Experiencing Song of the Morning with patience and detachment, you will be led to experience the golden truth that happiness has to be inside, but it sure as heck isn't out here.
Our New Park It Anywhere but Here Policy
Sorry folks but parking is no longer available at Song of the Morning. Any vehicle found here will be turned into scrap metal with Tom's new monster truck. We recommend you park at Amy Simpson's house and walk.
New Lodging and Rates
Lodging is now vastly simplified - There is no longer any need to make reservations because everyone sleeps in the Center Dome (or affectionally as the Sardine Can). Laid end to end and side by side 500 people can comfortably sleep. Flat rate of $100 per head (because there are no beds).
Showers and Toilets
There will be one outhouse with one toilet exactly one mile from the domes to accomodate all guests. Sorry no hot water or showers. Please bring snow shoes during the snow season.
Heat/Air Conditioning
New "Green" Climate control system keeps the domes at a fresh and crisp 45 degrees during the winter and a soothing 95 degrees during our 2 weeks of summer.
Quiet Hours
Sorry No More Quiet Hours. We strongly encourage all night chanting. Also loud snorers stay for free. The acoutistics of the domes richly enhance loud and bellowing snorers (earplugs forbidden). Its kinda like whale sounds, just not as relaxing.
Membership Program
Membership prices have been gently nudged up to $10,000 per person. Membership still gives you a whopping 10% off some bookstore items and 10% off of lodging on select weekends. Please do not call us for details. Many restrictions apply.
Food/Dining
Meals will no longer be served at Song of the Morning. This new and exciting policy will produce a new generation of breatharians. To compensate every evening there will be 4 hours of energization exercises led by Bob Korb.
Also we are opening a new "green" restaurant called the breatharian bistro. Of course no food is served, but the atmosphere is terrific. We ask that you do not disturb those patrons with a closepin on their nose. They are fasting and probably desire to be left alone.
Daily Routine for Guests
Rise and Shine is 3am. Bob "the hitman" Raymer (affectionately Baba) will personally awaken each guest with his powerful shaktipat crystal. After each person receives a rise and shine blow to the head, Baba will then lead one hour of step aerobics followed by a 30 second meditation - then its off to work sports fans!
We require a modest 12 hours of selfless service (with a 3 minute breathing break) as part of your Song of the Morning experience. Tom "the slave driver" Moser will be your supervisor. And because we have over 800 acres of dirt or snow (not to mention lots of wood) - there is ALWAYS Plenty of work to be done.
Immediately after work is 4 hours of energization exercises. If you don't like 'em - you'll learn to. Then we will close the day by spending 4 hours in the breathless state. We don't care if you are in Nirvikalpa Samadhi or Sabikalpa Samadhi, the important thing is that you are absolutely forbidden to move or breathe during this 4 hour period. Those failing to comply will be dealt with swiftly and firmly - NO ACCEPTIONS - This is a yoga retreat for REAL Yogis not sissies and girlie man.
Then its down to the center dome for 3 hours of refreshing interrupted sleep on our new extra hardwood floors (ok its concrete painted brown).
Weekend Retreats
I know you're asking yourself, "When does one find time to participate in the weekend retreats?" The answer is .. there is no time. Let me explain. Just a little bit of your time and money allows one staff member to attend a weekend workshop. In return you will receive a picture of your sponsored staff person with a personal handwritten letter of thanks. And the price is no more than a year of starbucks gourmet latte.
Our New Maybe there is, maybe there isn't policy
We absolutely will not guarantee a damn thing.
We do however answer the phones on February 29th from 3:00am - 3:03am Greenwich time if you want to talk to a supervisor (though we can't guarantee they'll be in).
Upcoming Retreats
Mushroom Hunt and Vision quest weekend led by psychadelic guru Betty Howard. Better will teach us the difference between good morrels and bad morrels.
All new SALT WATER BLOWOUT weekend with Mike Wyman. Mike will guide us on an experiental tour of salt water baths, salt water enemas, the best salt water taffy, and of course lots of salt water to drink. The weekend will be concluded with a salt water funneling contest. Please bring plenty of extra clean underwear. Mike tells us not to underestimate the power of the force.
Dark Night of the Soul Retreat
A group of well trained Black Magicians and Sorcerors will invoke and painlessly introduce various entities, discarnates and dark force energies deep into the tissues of each participant. Smoking, drinking, drugs and junk food is strongly encouraged. Also it helps if you are already an extra large medium (channel).
Song of the Morning Exists for the primary purpose of severly testing you physically, mentally and spiritually. Experiencing Song of the Morning with patience and detachment, you will be led to experience the golden truth that happiness has to be inside, but it sure as heck isn't out here.
Our New Park It Anywhere but Here Policy
Sorry folks but parking is no longer available at Song of the Morning. Any vehicle found here will be turned into scrap metal with Tom's new monster truck. We recommend you park at Amy Simpson's house and walk.
New Lodging and Rates
Lodging is now vastly simplified - There is no longer any need to make reservations because everyone sleeps in the Center Dome (or affectionally as the Sardine Can). Laid end to end and side by side 500 people can comfortably sleep. Flat rate of $100 per head (because there are no beds).
Showers and Toilets
There will be one outhouse with one toilet exactly one mile from the domes to accomodate all guests. Sorry no hot water or showers. Please bring snow shoes during the snow season.
Heat/Air Conditioning
New "Green" Climate control system keeps the domes at a fresh and crisp 45 degrees during the winter and a soothing 95 degrees during our 2 weeks of summer.
Quiet Hours
Sorry No More Quiet Hours. We strongly encourage all night chanting. Also loud snorers stay for free. The acoutistics of the domes richly enhance loud and bellowing snorers (earplugs forbidden). Its kinda like whale sounds, just not as relaxing.
Membership Program
Membership prices have been gently nudged up to $10,000 per person. Membership still gives you a whopping 10% off some bookstore items and 10% off of lodging on select weekends. Please do not call us for details. Many restrictions apply.
Food/Dining
Meals will no longer be served at Song of the Morning. This new and exciting policy will produce a new generation of breatharians. To compensate every evening there will be 4 hours of energization exercises led by Bob Korb.
Also we are opening a new "green" restaurant called the breatharian bistro. Of course no food is served, but the atmosphere is terrific. We ask that you do not disturb those patrons with a closepin on their nose. They are fasting and probably desire to be left alone.
Daily Routine for Guests
Rise and Shine is 3am. Bob "the hitman" Raymer (affectionately Baba) will personally awaken each guest with his powerful shaktipat crystal. After each person receives a rise and shine blow to the head, Baba will then lead one hour of step aerobics followed by a 30 second meditation - then its off to work sports fans!
We require a modest 12 hours of selfless service (with a 3 minute breathing break) as part of your Song of the Morning experience. Tom "the slave driver" Moser will be your supervisor. And because we have over 800 acres of dirt or snow (not to mention lots of wood) - there is ALWAYS Plenty of work to be done.
Immediately after work is 4 hours of energization exercises. If you don't like 'em - you'll learn to. Then we will close the day by spending 4 hours in the breathless state. We don't care if you are in Nirvikalpa Samadhi or Sabikalpa Samadhi, the important thing is that you are absolutely forbidden to move or breathe during this 4 hour period. Those failing to comply will be dealt with swiftly and firmly - NO ACCEPTIONS - This is a yoga retreat for REAL Yogis not sissies and girlie man.
Then its down to the center dome for 3 hours of refreshing interrupted sleep on our new extra hardwood floors (ok its concrete painted brown).
Weekend Retreats
I know you're asking yourself, "When does one find time to participate in the weekend retreats?" The answer is .. there is no time. Let me explain. Just a little bit of your time and money allows one staff member to attend a weekend workshop. In return you will receive a picture of your sponsored staff person with a personal handwritten letter of thanks. And the price is no more than a year of starbucks gourmet latte.
Our New Maybe there is, maybe there isn't policy
We absolutely will not guarantee a damn thing.
We do however answer the phones on February 29th from 3:00am - 3:03am Greenwich time if you want to talk to a supervisor (though we can't guarantee they'll be in).
Upcoming Retreats
Mushroom Hunt and Vision quest weekend led by psychadelic guru Betty Howard. Better will teach us the difference between good morrels and bad morrels.
All new SALT WATER BLOWOUT weekend with Mike Wyman. Mike will guide us on an experiental tour of salt water baths, salt water enemas, the best salt water taffy, and of course lots of salt water to drink. The weekend will be concluded with a salt water funneling contest. Please bring plenty of extra clean underwear. Mike tells us not to underestimate the power of the force.
Dark Night of the Soul Retreat
A group of well trained Black Magicians and Sorcerors will invoke and painlessly introduce various entities, discarnates and dark force energies deep into the tissues of each participant. Smoking, drinking, drugs and junk food is strongly encouraged. Also it helps if you are already an extra large medium (channel).
Humorous Yoga
I was a certified yoga teacher and actually taught classes at Song of the Morning and even on my own. I always tried to incorporate a little bit of humor. For example I would make humorous poses on the handouts... Below is one example... Notice the last column is all humorous.
I would say things to tout the benefits of yoga like
stretchers will never need stretchers
Yoga will help you be more flexible in life
One of my favorite ways to start a yoga class was to get people to do the Four poses below trying to act serious that each one was actually a yoga position. THEN - I would go over to my radio saying that I was going to turn on some relaxing yoga music, BUT instead I turned on YMCA by the Village People. THIS WAS ALWAYS a HIT and we would all start dancing. Its actually good for getting "warmed up" and get the blood moving AT THE BEGINNING of a class... Do not do at the end. In yoga class, I found the humor is best received towards the beginning / middle because near the end people want to go into serious relaxation.
I would say things to tout the benefits of yoga like
stretchers will never need stretchers
Yoga will help you be more flexible in life
One of my favorite ways to start a yoga class was to get people to do the Four poses below trying to act serious that each one was actually a yoga position. THEN - I would go over to my radio saying that I was going to turn on some relaxing yoga music, BUT instead I turned on YMCA by the Village People. THIS WAS ALWAYS a HIT and we would all start dancing. Its actually good for getting "warmed up" and get the blood moving AT THE BEGINNING of a class... Do not do at the end. In yoga class, I found the humor is best received towards the beginning / middle because near the end people want to go into serious relaxation.
Humorous Yoga Postures
Some postures are animals like the cobra, camel, lion pose, etc. I would use various jokes related to those animals or poses. See my chapter on animal jokes and use your favorite ones (or get creative).
For example for the Camel Pose I would say if you master this pose, you can go for long durations without water.
Yoga Poses to Awaken Your Inner Animal (Humor)
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) -
Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana) -
Downward Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
Cat Pose (Marjaryasana)
Cow Pose and cow face pose (Bitilasana & Gomukhasana)
Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
Tortoise Pose (Kurmasana)
Peacock Pose (Mayurasana)
Frog Pose (Bhekasana)
Lion Pose (Simhasana)
Monkey Pose (Hanumanasana)
Horse Pose (Vatayanasana)
Rabbit Pose (Sasangasana
At the end I would say ... We're "Down to the final stretch".
LaughFest Weekend
The Culmination of All My Fun and Laughter at Song of the Morning - Not Just a Skit, But A FULL Weekend Retreat!
My friend Eric and I did a whole weekend long retreat called "Laugh Fest"...We got a very good turnout too! Boy we had the place really rolling with laughter...hahhahha.
I did all things I have mentioned in this chapter and Eric (being a musician, added funny songs). We also did an hour of OSHO meditation and really blew the roof off with laughter. Its amazing how laughter is contagious!
Here are some things on that weekend program
Funny Yoga in the Morning - Actually turned up the jokes and humor a notch this being a laughter retreat.
Fun and Funny Songs - Eric had a laughter song where the chorus was OOh, Ooh, EEh, EEh, Ha Ha Ha
Group Laughter Meditation (See below).
Comedy Skit at Night - Eric and I did a few comedy skits.
And sharing and telling of jokes
Everyone received a free copy of my joke book at the time called "HA!". That's the one Victor helped me write (and don't worry all those best jokes are in here).
My friend Eric and I did a whole weekend long retreat called "Laugh Fest"...We got a very good turnout too! Boy we had the place really rolling with laughter...hahhahha.
I did all things I have mentioned in this chapter and Eric (being a musician, added funny songs). We also did an hour of OSHO meditation and really blew the roof off with laughter. Its amazing how laughter is contagious!
Here are some things on that weekend program
Funny Yoga in the Morning - Actually turned up the jokes and humor a notch this being a laughter retreat.
Fun and Funny Songs - Eric had a laughter song where the chorus was OOh, Ooh, EEh, EEh, Ha Ha Ha
Group Laughter Meditation (See below).
Comedy Skit at Night - Eric and I did a few comedy skits.
And sharing and telling of jokes
Everyone received a free copy of my joke book at the time called "HA!". That's the one Victor helped me write (and don't worry all those best jokes are in here).
Osho Laughter Meditation
This meditation helps you to start enjoying the small things of life - childlike, liquid, mirrorlike. The first stage is of giggling and laughing, in the second stage you earth yourself; energized by this, your dance in the last stage will have a different quality.
Just sitting silently, create a giggle in the very guts of your being, as if your whole body is giggling, laughing. Start swaying with that laughter; let it spread from the belly to the whole of your body: hands laughing, feet laughing. Go crazily into it. For twenty minutes do the laughing. If it comes uproariously, loudly, allow it. If it comes silently, then sometimes silently, sometimes loudly, but twenty minutes laughing. Then lie down on the earth or on the floor; spread yourself on the floor, facing the floor. If it is warm and you can do it in the garden, on the soil, that will be far better; if it can be done naked that will be even better. Make contact with the earth, the whole body lying down there on the earth, and just feel that the earth is the mother and you are the child. Get lost in that feeling.
Twenty minutes laughter, then twenty minutes earthing, deep contact with the earth. Breathe with the earth, feel one with the earth. We come from the earth and one day we will be going back to it. After those twenty minutes energizing - because the earth will give so much energy that your dancing will have a different quality to it - dance for twenty minutes, just any dance. Put music on and dance.
If it is difficult, it is cold, then you can do this inside a room, or when it is sunny, do it outside. If it is very cold, cover yourself with a blanket. Find ways and means but continue to do it, and within six to eight months you will see great changes happening on their own.
Osho, The Sun behind the Sun behind the Sun.
Just sitting silently, create a giggle in the very guts of your being, as if your whole body is giggling, laughing. Start swaying with that laughter; let it spread from the belly to the whole of your body: hands laughing, feet laughing. Go crazily into it. For twenty minutes do the laughing. If it comes uproariously, loudly, allow it. If it comes silently, then sometimes silently, sometimes loudly, but twenty minutes laughing. Then lie down on the earth or on the floor; spread yourself on the floor, facing the floor. If it is warm and you can do it in the garden, on the soil, that will be far better; if it can be done naked that will be even better. Make contact with the earth, the whole body lying down there on the earth, and just feel that the earth is the mother and you are the child. Get lost in that feeling.
Twenty minutes laughter, then twenty minutes earthing, deep contact with the earth. Breathe with the earth, feel one with the earth. We come from the earth and one day we will be going back to it. After those twenty minutes energizing - because the earth will give so much energy that your dancing will have a different quality to it - dance for twenty minutes, just any dance. Put music on and dance.
If it is difficult, it is cold, then you can do this inside a room, or when it is sunny, do it outside. If it is very cold, cover yourself with a blanket. Find ways and means but continue to do it, and within six to eight months you will see great changes happening on their own.
Osho, The Sun behind the Sun behind the Sun.
Briefly - Some Other Skits and Humorous Things
My Four Years at Song of the morning was filled with many many examples and skits of humor and laughter. I can't share them all in detail but briefly here were a few others I did...
Ascended Master Gas
Super Colon Blow - a funny skit on a cereal that got your bowels moving
Om Bar - Skit that humorized a prop for meditation called the om bar.... Though I did a twist and made it like a health "bar" - like a granola bar, but one that when eat allows you to hear the om.
Yoti Bear and Boo Boo Breath - Funny Skit that humorized a meditation techique the jyoti mudra.
Urine Therapy Skit (Your in Therapy)
Emcee for Music Concert - Music Jokes and Played Funny Music (complex piece on electronic piano).
Fart Machine
Ascended Master Gas
Super Colon Blow - a funny skit on a cereal that got your bowels moving
Om Bar - Skit that humorized a prop for meditation called the om bar.... Though I did a twist and made it like a health "bar" - like a granola bar, but one that when eat allows you to hear the om.
Yoti Bear and Boo Boo Breath - Funny Skit that humorized a meditation techique the jyoti mudra.
Urine Therapy Skit (Your in Therapy)
Emcee for Music Concert - Music Jokes and Played Funny Music (complex piece on electronic piano).
Fart Machine
Humor as a Coping Mechanism
We have all heard meditation and prayer is great for relaxation and the stress of lifes problems, but so is Humor making it a valid "spritual" practice.
Researchers have discovered that people who routinely use humor to cope with the problems in their lives are generally less anxious and stressed than others.
(13)
Laughter also increases our general psychological well-being. People who laugh more are much happier, and more satisified with their lives, than others.
(14)
Researchers have discovered that people who routinely use humor to cope with the problems in their lives are generally less anxious and stressed than others.
(13)
Laughter also increases our general psychological well-being. People who laugh more are much happier, and more satisified with their lives, than others.
(14)
Humor onto others as they would Humor onto you
Human Bonding is the essence of spirituality as manifested on this earth. Humor helps to dissolve the barriers such as race, creed, caste, color, sexual preference, etc. Humor has 60% of the letters as Human and appropriately so... Humor allows us to laugh together as brothers and sisters of the human race. Even quantum physics and entanglement shows very clearly we are all connected. We live in a connected universe and the joke is on US, so we may as well laugh.
Here is some research that proves Humor helps us to bond and feel more connected.
People who laugh more tend to be liked more by their friends.
(16)
Teachers who use humor are liked more by their students.
(17)
Groups of employees who laugh together are more productive than those who are more serious.
(18)
Employees enjoy their jobs more when their supervisors have a good sense of humor.
(19)
The effects of laughter extend far beyond friendship and the workplace. People who laugh more are seen as more attractive and tend to form more intimate relationships with others.
So laughter is good for your love life too! Hey how did that get in this chapter??
(20)
(footnotes in laughlab)
Here is some research that proves Humor helps us to bond and feel more connected.
People who laugh more tend to be liked more by their friends.
(16)
Teachers who use humor are liked more by their students.
(17)
Groups of employees who laugh together are more productive than those who are more serious.
(18)
Employees enjoy their jobs more when their supervisors have a good sense of humor.
(19)
The effects of laughter extend far beyond friendship and the workplace. People who laugh more are seen as more attractive and tend to form more intimate relationships with others.
So laughter is good for your love life too! Hey how did that get in this chapter??
(20)
(footnotes in laughlab)
Spiritual, But Not Religious Jokes
Your spiritual humor BEGINS and ENDS with the Mind so all the psychological research on humor pertains here.
Meditation is about losing your mind.
Mindset is about setting your mind on what you want and staying positive as much as Life allows…
I know that sounds simple, and it does, and when I completely figure it out, I will let you know.
But at least I have my spiritual humor, which I will share with you in the next two sections. To be fair to both parts of the world, I have both Eastern Humor (Hinduism, Buddhism , etc) and Western Humor (Christianity, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and that other one whom the government won’t let me mention: Sorta rhymes with cousin)
Meditation is about losing your mind.
Mindset is about setting your mind on what you want and staying positive as much as Life allows…
I know that sounds simple, and it does, and when I completely figure it out, I will let you know.
But at least I have my spiritual humor, which I will share with you in the next two sections. To be fair to both parts of the world, I have both Eastern Humor (Hinduism, Buddhism , etc) and Western Humor (Christianity, Catholicism, Protestantism, Judaism and that other one whom the government won’t let me mention: Sorta rhymes with cousin)
