While we are born with the reflex of laughter, we mostly laugh in social situations, and not always in response to a joke or specifically funny occurrence. It is a language we all speak, no matter what language we practice. And it bubbles up from inside us all the while lighting the way from the unconscious mind.
It is a spontaneous act that effects many parts of the body and is triggered by many thoughts and sensations. Laughter and giggling are both good for us, and certainly make life more interesting.
Laughter occurs unconsciously, we don't plan to do it. Ever try to laugh on cue? It is also contagious, think Tickle Me Elmo. I giggle just thinking about Elmo. Although most think laughter is about humorous occurrences it is more about relationships between people. Laughter is the social glue that bonds relationships.
An interesting thing about laughter, it only punctuates speech - not interrupts it - and we only laugh when we would normally cough or breathe. When we laugh, we communicate a playful mood. It is a bonding function within groups. No wonder we stand around pre-ride and chat and laugh with each other.
This may be counter-intuitive but laughter is associated in a big way with play. Adults laugh less than children because adults play less, unless they own a 3CV, then they are probably giggling with me all the way to the trail.
As someone who was born socially awkward, I have found that infusing my conversations with laughter and small jokes has helped me connect to and bond with others much more readily. It took me well into adulthood to learn this simple technique, but now that I have, I use it often. If people misunderstand me, or if I have to convey information to them that is "negative", I find trying to put a humorous spin on things can often break the ice and turn a bad situation into a better one.
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