The Universe, your inner being, your subconscious, the unified or quantum field, god, whatever you want to call it, is the source of everything. It’s a large part of who we are, who you are. We’re all individuals experiencing the same unified energy. This is powerful, deep stuff. Well, yes, a little deep, but that depends on how you look at it; another view is that the Universe is fucking funny! It gets a kick out of entertaining you (and itself.) So why does the Universe have a sense of humour?
The Universe has a sense of humour because it IS humour, it is everything, and it’s using its creation to experience and emerge through you. Have you ever laughed at your own joke? (c’mon, you know you have!) And you know that funny story you tell? It’s the one when you danced on top of the bar with a lampshade on your head? That one never gets old. The Universe is no different to you, it enjoys laughing at its’ own jokes, and you and your Universe are in on it together. Every minute of laughter is a little treasure filled with clues, so pay attention to those giggles. The Universe loves to use five types of humour to nudge you closer in the direction of joy.
Five types of humour the Universe uses to nudge you
Slapstick
This type of humour is physical. Have you ever watched Australia’s (Or America’s or Canada’s where ever you live) funniest home videos? Who doesn’t love watching all those people tripping and slipping on the pool deck or brides falling on their backsides during their bridal waltz? It’s hilarious; that is slapstick! The funny thing about this type of humour is that it was the catalyst for me to start this blog in the first place. (More on that later.)
Improv
If you’ve ever seen the TV show, Whose Line is It Anyway, you know how hilarious it is to see actors attempting to create a cohesive scene with each other without any scripts or rehearsals. Knowing they’re making it up creates a kind of creative tension which is so damn funny. The Universe is the master of improv, talk about being an expert at making things up! I studied and performed improv for years, and the unpredictability made it exciting and fun. You and the Universe are making it all up; try being more open to uncertainty, anticipating fun, and seeing what the Universe will bring you.
Self-deprecating
Have you been taking yourself a bit too seriously lately? The Universe will let you know. Have you ever dressed up in a white shirt before an important event? You were overthinking and worried if it would go well? Then, boom, you get hit with a stain right before the event! Usually a coffee, tea or red wine. Ha-ha! The Universe gotcha! Consider this and other ironic, self-deprecating moments a little message that it’s time to lighten up.
Observational
Our everyday lives are filled with humour. Jerry Seinfeld’s hit show was based on the humour of ordinary things. His topics range from cotton balls, why women need hundreds of these and men don’t, to how much milk people have in the house. (too much, and we need to call the neighbourhood cats!) The Universe has made all these everyday situations available for us to observe, break down and marvel at. This type of observation is a form of mindfulness and gets you into an open and receptive state. So, look closely at that dog that looks exactly like its owner. Go ahead, let it lift your spirit!
Dark
This type of humour focuses on difficult topics like illness, death, poverty and war. We’re all here to learn lessons and emerge and evolve in this earth school. We will encounter dark moments. Even in those dark moments, the Universe leaves enough light for a laugh. My grandfather’s favourite joke was when we would drive past the cemetery. “People are just dying to get in there!” he’d say, and I’d laugh every time. When you experience darkness in your life, step back a bit and look for a bit of humour.
How Laughter is a Clue
What would happen if you followed those funny hints from the Universe and picked up clues from the humour along the way like some scavenger hunt? Here’s what happened when I gave it a try.
Ask the question
It started with a question. Do you know that little nagging feeling where you think, ‘There must be more to it? What can I do to be more fulfilled?’ I’ve worked in some capacity in the fitness industry for most of my adult working life by way of background. Don’t get me wrong, I love fitness and wellness, but I was searching for a new topic to sink my teeth into. I’d been thinking about it for a long time and wasn’t making any progress, so I decided to ask the Universe. ‘Hey, Universe, what should I do? I want to help people with my experience, use the stuff you created me with.’ And I waited for a few days, and nothing happened, no signs! So, I did nothing (well, nothing NEW anyway.)
Get the answer
Then one morning, I chose a guided meditation from my favourite app, insight timer, from one of my favourite teachers on this little journey, Eckhart Tolle (I’d been meditating every morning for a few years.)
The beautifully simple meditation was focused on breathing and learning that the KEY to happiness was to accept each moment for what it was. I loved it. I was changed (at least for 15 minutes or so.) After the meditation, I ventured into my day. I was blissed out, smiling, noticing the sun shining, hearing the birds chirping, helping the children get ready for school when … BANG… I walked briskly into the corner bedpost; my knee throbbed and throbbed.
That post got me right on the most tender spot! (Slapstick humour at its best) I screamed out and threw myself on the bed, and then it hit me… I yelled, ‘You, Cheeky Little Universe!” It was as if the Universe was asking, ‘Can you accept each moment for what it is, even this moment? If you can, why don’t you write about it?’ It was the answer to my question, delivered in a way I would easily understand. A combination of slapstick and self-deprecating humour, and the message was clear! That is how this blog started.
To sum it up
What could you start or change if you followed the Universe’s humour? What new experiences could be waiting for you? I have no idea where this path is going, but I’m ready to receive the clues and laugh along with the Universe in this slapstick life!
