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=9UEge8eU5DU I 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-discovery In resounding joy. veralester.substack.com/subscribe