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The Zen Of Laughing Aloud
Humans are visual animals. We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. Sounds can cause a reaction. On stage artists have the advantage of us cartoonists, so we have to work twice as hard to get your attention.
Humans are visual animals. We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. Sounds can cause a reaction. On stage artists have the advantage of us cartoonists, so we have to work twice as hard to get your attention.
So what does all this have to do with zen and funny things we love to see?
Have you noticed, more often than not, you feel better when you are smiling or laughing? There is a good reason for this. Many eastern philosophers and yoga experts believe that the laughing chakra is in the same area as the sex chakra. I guess the powerful lesson here is to use them wisely and not at the same time. In other words this could be very upsetting to a soul-mate unless you can tactfully explain that your laughter chakra short-circuited during lovemaking. Stranger things have happened I guess. One caveat: If you are the female partner and should this happen to you, please respond, without missing a beat, the predictable compliment/lie “But size doesn’t matter, it is what you do with it.” Okay, you can omit the size statement, when, in fact, we men know better, as do you women.
I never bought this line, and don’t think it should ever be mentioned, but nevertheless, it is what I classify as an “ego test”. A woman will say it, simply for the reaction to see how strong our ego is and how secure we males feel.
Cartoons are truly nothing more than a small piece of art (but size doesn’t matter of course), hopefully humorous, that tell a much longer story, using what I like to call “extreme editing”. Though we call ourselves writers, we truly are more editors than writers. Yes, we can write, and, though a cartoon may not have any caption or “word bubble” at all, generally some text is added to “drive the point home” Most cartoonists are instinctively aware, though, that if it can be done with no wording, a picture only, that is a triple bonus to the psyche, and, when we can occasionally do that, we get complimented way beyond our actual talents. But that’s ok. The male ego loves stroking.
Humor, and believe it or not, cartoons in general, can influence our society greatly. As far as cartoonists go, we often think of them as “bigger than life”. I can assure you, being one, we are just like everyone else. We just don’t crave the limelight; but the limelight craves us, it appears. This fascinates people. When you mention names like Charles Schulz or Gary Larson, some wonder if they are even in the same species. They are. But like everyone else, laughter is important even to those who purvey it.
So zen really happens in the art of laughter and humor and it begins in that silly chakra. Always keep that chakra open, as, as long as there is life, there will be humor. As long as we live on this nutty planet, no matter how bad it might get, someone will find a way to make us laugh.