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Workshop ReviewsChurch of Religious Science Regional Conference An excerpt by Joy Aberah Hilary The second highlight was a workshop on laughter lead by Annette Goodheart. The Laughter Workshop was specifically designed for us to express our emotions, appropriately and timely, rather than ignoring them. Ignored emotions don't go away. Ignored emotions get repressed and hang around for a long time, kicking up all kinds of trouble in our lives. In this workshop we experienced laughter, tears, trembling, and rage. We started and ended each day with three minutes of belly laughter. This loosens up a group rather quickly. Each day has a theme. On day we exploded, with laughter and some tears, some of the deadly myths about sex. Another day we dealt with relationships. Another day was spent on pain. Let me tell you about one delightful day when we had a group temper tantrum. This is scary stuff, so only about 20 to 25 percent of the group participated. The rest observed and dealt individually with their emotions. Our temper tantrum was marvelous to experience. We released our pent-up anger without dumping on anyone, by using the classic and appropriate method know by every healthy two-year-old before he/she is taught by mistaken adults to bottle it up. In case you have forgotten this method, let me remind you. First make two fists, then rapidly flail you arms in rhythm with your stomping feet, and loudly scream glorious, wordless sounds of rage. When you have done this, the emotion is no longer demanding your attention, and you can think clearly. I recommend that you might try this at the next meeting you attend where agreement is lacking, and there are slight flurries of temper, or worse yet, pinched, white-mouthed politeness. A healthy, happy group of participants who left the workshop on Friday.
The General Board of Discipleship Dear Annette: THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH! Your presentation to the General Board of Discipleship on the theme of laughter was just what we all needed! I cannot tell you how much I personally enjoyed and appreciated the total experience. I found myself continually saying, 'Right on! Keep it up! Fantastic work!' I have found laughter to be tremendously important in the expression of Christian faith. You are right. It brings a group together. It creates a time of unusual receptivity. I have found that humor, particularly which reveals one's own weakness or foibles, helps a congregation 'take a break' during a sermon or presentation to come back refreshed with unusual receptivity and worship ability. I am sure that you are aware of the wonderful story in the book of Genesis about the laughter of Sarah. One of the most vivid pictures in my mind is of this old woman hearing that she is going to become a mother. When Abraham is 99 and she is 90, she literally cracks up laughing. Abraham, confronted by an evangelic visitor, is threatened by the words, "Did Sarah laugh?" Thank you again for such a wonderful presentation. Sincerely yours in Christ,
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