Humor for the Body and Soul
By Louise Wild

We have all heard the saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Some of us know that a sense of humor is essential for physical, mental, and emotional health. It can also, due to the positive attitude that accompanies it, improve our outlook on life and, in turn, encourage us to pursue those avenues that will make for spiritual development.

In the Cayce readings we find many references to the benefits of humor:

Cultivate the ability to see the ridiculous and retain the ability to laugh. For know only in those God hath favored is there the ability to laugh, even when clouds of doubt arise, or when every form of disturbance arises. For remember the Master smiled, and laughed oft, even on the way to Gethsemane. (Edgar Cayce Reading 277-1)

Keep an attitude of helpfulness, cheerfulness, hopefulness. Be optimistic! At least make three people each day laugh heartily by something the body says! It will not only help the body; it will help others. (Edgar Cayce Reading 798-1)

One that should cultivate more the humorous side of life; Not that which is at the expense of another; that is, never laugh at anyone but laugh with others often. (Edgar Cayce Reading 2327-1)

That the entity has a sense of humor has oft been a saving grace, in not only this experience but in others....Keep thy humor, keep the thinking well of self, but as well of thy neighbor. (Edgar Cayce Reading  2788-1)

At times the entity sees so well the humor in so many situations as to appear to see the ridiculous rather than that which is the creative force in humor. Do not lose this sense of humor. It will oft be a means for saving an unseemly situation. (Edgar Cayce Reading 2421-2)

Cayce’s readings addressed the ways in which humor aids spiritual development:

If ye lose the ability to laugh, ye lose that ability to be joyous. And the religion, the principle of the Christ – life is joyous! For remember He laughed . . . even at those that tormented Him. This is what angered them most. (3003-1)

The entity should attempt seriously, prayerfully, spiritually to see even that as might be called the ridiculous side of every question, the humor in same. Remember that a good laugh, an arousing even to what might in some be called hilariousness, is good for the body physically, mentally, and gives the opportunity for greater mental and spiritual awakening. (2647-1)

Obviously there is much agreement that an active sense of humor is beneficial to body and soul. We all know how good we feel after having a bout of laughter. In his conscious state, some have said, Edgar Cayce had a wonderful sense of humor. Apparently, that carried through to his readings, as is evidenced in the following witticisms:

Q. Any further advice on the body in general?
A. You better take a rest if you don’t want a long rest. (3436-3)

Q. Should I keep going to the same doctors?
A. If you want to die! (5051-1)

Q. Would it be better for the body to remain in bed without moving about?
A. It’ll move when you give it the castor oil, and that will be soon enough. (348-18)

Q. Which shoulder should be taped?
A. The one that’s hurt! (1710-5)

Q. If this treatment is followed properly, what period of time will be necessary to bring this body to its normal state?
A. One year, one month, one day, one hour, and 10 minutes from now. (4681-1)

Q. Is there any special name for the condition of the head?
A. Headache. (171-1)

Q. Give some specific lower limb exercise for the evening.
A. Those of the stooping, with the feet together, and those of the stooping with the feet, as the body raises, jumps up, and spreads feet apart – these are the best – be well to pull down the window shades though. (288-28)

Q. Have I ever contacted my husband in any other experience; if so, what way?
A. He bought you! Doesn’t he act like it at times? (1222-1)

The name then…was Lila. Before that it was known as Lulu, and was a lulu, too! According to the proverbial activity indicated from the name. (4046-1)

Q. Is the prediction true that I will die suddenly, at the age of 80, in Tibet?
A. If you go to Tibet and live to be 80, you may die there! This depends upon many, many, many circumstances. You will not die in Tibet, unless you go there; and there’s not the prospect now of going there! (2067-3)

…Hide not skeletons in thine own closet, for they will rattle when ye least expect them. (3246-1)

Q. What causes the bad disposition?
A. If the body had a more agreeable husband its disposition would be better! (2654-2)

Q. Will the body find himself in a lawsuit?
A. The body may find himself in any way. Best to find himself from within rather than in a law-suit. (213-1)

This last quote is certainly not a joke, but often an unexpected answer provokes laughter:

Q. Who will aid me most in my work and daily life?
A. God! (2444-1)

Don’t you feel better now that you’ve had a few laughs? Have a good laugh every day and give someone else one. You will de-stress and improve your health and disposition. Also, you will be more positive and more open to making the world a better place, rather than grumbling about it.

Excerpt from the Jan-Feb-Mar 2010 issue of Venture Inward magazine, available to A.R.E. members online at EdgarCayce.org/members.

Louise Wild received her M.Ed. from Northeastern University in Boston, Mass., and worked as an editor for educational publishing companies and as a reading specialist in public schools. She and her husband, Ken, were introduced to the Cayce material in Massachusetts and, after moving to Virginia Beach in 1989, immediately joined A.R.E. Wild worked as an A.R.E. front-desk staff member for 10 years before retiring in 2009. She continues to volunteer giving survey lectures at A.R.E. several times per month and spending one morning each week at the Volunteer Call Center.