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PRIVACY STATEMENT: WE WILL NOT DISTRIBUTE YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS TO ANYONE. PERIOD. 1. WELCOME FROM THE PUBLISHER Hi Folks, Dan del Villano from Public Works and Government Services sent this in: "I had to laugh about an e-mail conversation with a friend. He
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2. HUMOR STRATEGIES FOR EVERYDAY LIFE In last monthís issue I wrote about how the use of humor by a group of American Vietnam prisoners of war (VPOWs) helped them to survive years of captivity with their mental health mostly intact. (If you missed that issue you can view it at http://www.psychocomic.com/ezin2001/Ezine2001-07.htm) According to Linda D. Henman, author of the paper "Humor As A Coping Mechanism: Lessons From POWs," humor seems to be one of the main reasons for the VPOWís health. Henman also writes that "For most of the VPOWs coping with captivity involved developing mirth and honing humor skills." In this issue Iím going to look at some of the things the VPOWs did to find humor in their situation, and how you can apply these strategies to your workplace. One of the VPOWs recalls an incident when he was in solitary confinement. One guard asked another a question, and in response, the second guard put down his rifle, took off his bullet belt and overcoat, reached into his pocket and brought out a Baby Ben clock. The first guard had obviously asked what time it was. The fact that a guard had to virtually undress to tell his colleague the time struck the VPOW as hilarious. "And Iíd been beaten pretty severely every day for most of a month and I was just absolutely rolling on the floor. When this was all over I realized ëI thought I was going to die today; and all I did was have a good laugh.í And so it became apparent to you that humor was going to play a major role." This VPOW was able to use an intrapersonal (within himself) humor strategy, taking an external situation and seeing the absurdity in it. He then (as did many of the other VPOWs) came to realize the importance of his sense of humor, and consciously sought out opportunities to use it. We often trivialize the value of humor, ("Oh thatís just being silly") which causes us to use it less. So the first step in developing a sense of humor is consciously acknowledging how important it is. This involves reframing humor from "Oh thatís just being silly" to "This is one of the best ways to protect my mental health." Consciously acknowledging the value of something gives us the motivation to do it. We can then use this motivation to develop our ability to see absurdity in everyday life, as did the VPOW in solitary confinement. On one hand humans are dignified, intelligent creatures, while at the same time we do completely ridiculous things. And when we look, these things become pretty apparent. For example, why would someone pay $200 for a tie, something that hangs uselessly around your neck? Instead of a tie, why not hang something useful like a flashlight or a Swiss Army Knife around your neck? Or why do we get so excited about technology like cell phones, laptops, and wireless internet connections that allow us to work anywhere, anytime, all the time, and then complain that we never get to relax? These observations may not make it into a comedy routine, but they can certainly give us a chuckle or two during the day. And weíre all capable of making them and sharing them with others. Itís just a matter of looking at all the contradictions and incongruities surrounding us. Next month Iíll discuss another humor strategy you can use at work or
in your personal life.
For other free articles about laughter go to www.psychocomic.com/Articles.htm For free back issues of this ezine go to www.psychocomic.com/Newsletter.htm *****GET MORE LAUGHTER IN YOUR LIFE!*****
3. WHAT'S GOOD STORIES It's so easy to see all the bad things around us, that sometimes we forget about all the great things that go on. And we need to hear about good things because that gives us hope and inspires us to go out and do more good things. In this section, I want to hear from you. What's happened in your life that's good? What things have people done that inspire you to be kind to others? What funny things have happened? Email your short stories to me at david@psychocomic.com,
and if I publish yours, you get a free copy of my tape "I'm OK But YOU
Need Professional Help!"
4. AN OPPORTUNITY TO HELP Clowns Without Borders can be found at http://www.yoowho.org/cwb.html
If anyone has a good cause they'd like to promote please email me at
david@psychocomic.com
5. CLASSIFIED ADS Speakers: Learn how to incorporate stand-up comedy into your presentations.
Check out David's stand-up comedy skills coaching for presenters at: www.psychocomic.com/ComedyCourse.htm
6. CONTACT INFORMATION David Granirer gives laughter in the workplace presentations helping hundreds of organizations throughout North America reduce stress, increase wellness, and cope with change. For more information on his presentations, stand-up comedy, products, and articles call (604) 205-9242 or go to www.psychocomic.com Special thanks to www.e-zinez.com If you would like to join David Granirer's FREE Ezine mailing list, please go to: www.psychocomic.com/subscribe.htm If you would like to be removed from the mailing list then please send
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