SENTINEL WATCH: April 14, 2008 Issue

A NATURAL FOUNDATION FOR JOY

MEG WELCH DENDLER

THERE HAS BEEN a lot in the news lately about studies on which countries are happiest, and accompanying speculation about what brings on that happiness. But statisticians are befuddled by some of the results. Why do restricted countries such as Singapore rank at the top along with peaceful democracies like Denmark?

Some studies suggest that the causes of happiness are cultural and external (see "Actually, happiness isn't within," The Christian Science Monitor, January 7, 2008). But then why are African women in deprivation and poverty claiming high levels of contentment and happiness, while comfortable, wealthy Americans are not?

As these were flitting around in my thoughts, I watched Mira Nair's film documentary The Laughing Clubs of India. This depicts groups started by Dr. Madan Kataria that practice Laughter Yoga, which is based on breathing and a set of laughter—based exercises that naturally evolve into genuine laughter and joy. This is not just because of the ridiculous—looking nature of the actions of the participants, but also because it is natural and normal to want to join in when everyone around you is laughing. There are over 1,300 such clubs worldwide. The film looks at the benefits felt by club members, both for their health and in overcoming losses in their lives.