I've noticed some new lines on my face
this year. Sure, I'm spending more time
in the sun here in Mexico than I did back
in Oregon, but I prefer to believe that
these apostrophes around my eyes
are the result of hours of laughter.

Just looking at them makes me smile.
I view them as proof of my less-is-more
and light-is-right approach to
mindfulness.

Besides, I've learned that one of the
most obvious qualities of someone
who has clarity is a well-developed
sense of humor.

You see, once you get a grip on your
own often-warped perspective, you can't
help but laugh at the many quirky things
you see around and within you.

A finely-tuned respect for the ridiculous
keeps us from taking ourselves too
seriously even when we're facing
difficult challenges. It is possible to
see our circumstances--even dire
ones--clearly and at the same time
remain light and full of humor.

In our culture, we tend to believe that
those who are cheerful just don't get it.
We think that if you really understand
the state of the world and the gravity
of the challenges we face as humans,
you must hunch from the weight of
this burden and grimace in the face
of such despair.

Wrong.

We need lightness and humor MOST
when we are dealing with severely
difficult and seemingly hopeless
situations. In fact, those who have
been through the most excruciating
ordeals are often the ones with
the most profound sense of levity.

Need an example? Take the Dalai
Lama.

Wisdom, knowledge and spiritual
fortitude sometimes come in light
packages. One of the reasons His
Holiness has captured our hearts is
that he is able to smile and joke
despite circumstances that would
fill most of us with rage.

Happy gurus rock. There is
tremendous power in lighthearted
determination. We need to be
reminded that lightness and depth
go hand in hand, and that it's possible--
no, essential-- to have fun while
following our own personal path to
a positive perspective.

Here's a tip: don't trust any teacher
who has no laugh lines. Don't follow
the teachings of anyone who espouses
an approach requiring severity. Don't
get caught in thinking that contemplation

requires scowling.

And most of all, remember that
laughter gives your brain a welcome
blast of oxygen.

Take a look at those you admire.
Pay attention to their perspective.
Is it ultimately positive, even if
they are tackling important work
or facing insurmountable obstacles?

The greatest step you can take
toward your own development as
a fully-engaged human is to look
for the laughter. Find those who
inspire you with their integrity and
dedication--and seek out the ones
among them who laugh the most.

I've also noticed some new vertical
lines above my upper lip. I like to
think it's from all the kissing I do
here in Latin America.

This merry mindfulness path might
make wrinkles, but as long as they
are the result of increased joy, I'll
keep celebrating every time I look
in the mirror.