By Greg Tamblyn

The Navajo have a wonderful tradition that, to me, sums up everything unique and noble about us humans.
 
When a baby is born, it is regarded as the ultimate, precious gift and must never be abused. From the moment of birth, the child is watched over continuously by family and friends, who patiently wait for the child’s first…. laugh.
 
Why do they do this? See if you can guess the answer.
 
(Hint: It’s not to see if the baby is a good potential audience for Navajo Comedy Clubs.)
 
It’s because the baby’s first laugh marks its birth as a social being.
 
That….is beautiful. And so is what happens next.
 
Whichever brother, sister, parent, cousin, aunt, uncle, or passing acquaintance is present at the first laugh is deemed to have caused it. Even if he or she is not widely considered comical. That person then receives the esteemed privilege of preparing a special ceremony to welcome the child into society.
 
(It’s also believed the infant takes on the traits of this person. So all new parents might want to give some thought to “who’s minding the baby.”)
 
The First Laugh Ceremony is a party where guests bearing warm plates of freshly cooked food slowly pass in front of the new baby. They do not do this to tempt the infant with appetizing aromas of fry bread and pinto beans. Quite the opposite.
 
The baby (with some help, of course) places a pinch of salt on the food of each person as a symbolic act of generosity. The salt is said to rekindle and sustain the goodness in each recipient, and is considered the first in a lifetime of generous acts by the child.
 
This inspiring tradition has a few lessons for us:
 
• We’re social beings, thriving mainly in the company and support of others.
• Generosity is a noble virtue, best instilled from birth.
• Opportunities to celebrate generosity remind us of and regenerate our goodness.
• An act of kindness raises the endorphins of not only the receiver, but also of the giver, and also of everyone who witnesses it.
• Genuine, heartfelt laughter is an act of generosity!
 
I hope you find this an uplifting and inspiring bit of cultural wisdom.
 
And, if you haven’t had your first laugh today, you’ll find a smorgasbord of humor resources on my home page.

©2010 Greg Tamblyn ~ Greg offers MUSCLE TESTING FOR FUN AND CLARITY. According to Greg:
 
“For the last several years I’ve experimented with muscle testing (ala David Hawkins, MD, PhD, in his book Power vs Force) for answers to questions. I use it to get clarity about my purpose in life, my health, my diet, my relationships, my career, and lots of other stuff. I use it for small questions and big questions. I use it several times every day. As I’ve become more and more adept, I’ve found it to be surprisingly accurate and helpful.
 
In the last year or so, I’ve experimented with using it for friends who’ve asked for assistance, both in person and long distance. The results have been impressive and quite positive. I’ve decided to open up a couple of hours a week in my schedule to offer this to you, if you’re interested. For this initial trial phase, my charge is $50/hour, and if you’re not local, I’ll pay the phone bill. Full confidentiality of course, and money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.”

contact Greg at greg@gregtamblyn.com or Visit him online at http://GregTamblyn.com and http://ComedyKeynoteConcerts.com

(republished with permission)