| |
Humorize Thy Self !!
By Martin Brossman
Your life becomes more "humorized" when you take on the
commitment of finding humor in life. To me, to humorize is to
seek out and create humor out of life itself. Of course,
humorizing does not add to your true quality of life if it is
not done with compassion. Part of the challenge of humorizing
your life is remembering your commitment to practice it. I
would like to share two experiences that are good reminders it
may be time to create some humor in you life.
Recently, I was walking down the streets of Chapel Hill and
noticed I was quite bored. Boredom is one of the indicators
that it may be time to humorize your life. A street beggar
captured my full attention. Half a block away, he was
aggressively asking for money and even followed people who
would not contribute. As I walked closer I studied this
beggar's obnoxious approach. I came from behind him and
imitated him. I said, "Hey man, can you spare a quarter? Come
on man, just a quarter?" Relentlessly I continued "Come on,
just a quarter" as he backed up, unable to complete a
sentence. I paused at the moment he reached into his pocket.
He pulled out a quarter and said, "I am not going to make any
money if I do this all day!" He handed me the quarter. I
thanked him, blessed him, and walked on. Turning to cross the
street I had a chance to look back at him. Instead of
harassing people he was nervously pacing
and looking around as if he had just been teleported to a new
planet and did not know the social customs. As I passed my car
I saw the meter was running low and put the quarter in so I
could walk longer. My new friend had crossed the street and,
still pacing, was waiting for me. As I approached him he said,
"I hope that was helpful?" I replied "Oh yes, very helpful, I
can continue my exercise walk for twenty minutes more, thanks
again so much." Humor transformed our day. He may not enjoy
being as aggressive, if he begs at all in the future.
Another indicator that it may be time to humorize your life is
the experience of impatience. The other day I was waiting for
a friend at the mall. My friend was late and I was becoming
impatient. At this point I saw the shop Victoria's Secret.
Inspired, I promptly straightened up and marched in. I walked
up to a young sales clerk, who looked as if she had taken more
time to make up her face than I take to shower, shave, dress,
and eat breakfast. I assertively proclaimed, "I am here, I am
here for the job!"
With a concerned look she answered, "What do you mean?" I
continued, "You know the part time job listed in the paper."
She blurted out, "What do you mean? There was no ad in the
paper, anyway you're a man." I protested, "I appreciate you
noticing I am a man, but I am here for the part time job as a
changing room assistant." At that point, behind me, I heard an
older women break out into uncontrollable laughter. She walked
up to me with a big smile and said, "That is the funniest
thing that has ever happened around here. Who are you and how
can I help you.
Now you have more knowledge about humorizing your life. Think
of times in your future when you may experience boredom or
impatience and imagine you mind waking up to the opportunities
of humor in your environment. Remember to ask the question,
“Am I coming from compassion in my creation of humor?” Humor
is more enjoyable when you create it, be a humorizer instead
of just a humor observer.
|
