Ep. 43: Taking Humor Seriously

Laughter is the most honest prayer.When asked to imagine a spiritual teacher, I don’t usually picture someone laughing. I imagine a chaste monk, high in a mountain cave, eyes closed in meditation.But my inherited stereotype that “practice is serious” is just that - a stereotype. An assumption. I have learned from all the teachers that I have practiced with: if we cannot laugh, if we cannot access humor, we miss an essential part of this deep work.I believe G-d has an extraordinary sense of humor. When I remember that, my connection to life is simultaneously deeper, more intimate, and more loosely held.The “cosmic joke” is not trivial — it’s telling the truth.When’s the last time you had a big belly laugh? Cackled ‘til your eyes watered and you couldn’t breathe?I’m not saying that a full, contagious, overwhelming laugh is the same as bliss, but it’s close.This episode is about Humor as a spiritual practice. I hope it inspires you this week — no matter how dark things get, to always find joy and giggles.* The Transformation: From Tears to Laughter (0:00–3:30)* Why Laughter Belongs in Spiritual Practice (3:30–5:30)* The Dalai Lama & the Wisdom of Laughter (5:30–9:44)* Laughter as an Intentional Practice (27:27–30:04)* Building Perspective When Things Are Heavy (30:04–36:08)* Closing: Why This Matters Now (36:08–38:19)RESOURCES:* Josh Johnson: https://youtu.be/3RF2lkn-lwA?si=IR8a3wV-sRrbqLrG* Trae Crowder: https://youtu.be/VULUOEy-Ro8?si=JKyBQX0cs6iRDMyT* Theatrical Clowning: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UEge8eU5DUI aim to bring joy and laughter to all I do. If you’re curious about working with me,* 👩🏻‍💻 Visit my website: www.veralester.com* 📸 Follow me on IG for clips and updates: instagram.com/verarocks/* 📅 Schedule a coaching inquiry call: veralester.as.me/coaching-discoveryIn resounding joy. xovera This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit veralester.substack.com/subscribe