Sustaining the extension and full breath, laugh heartily, with
little or no noise, chuckle to yourself persistently for several
minutes. Centre the laughter in the breathing and the torso.
Joy and laughter must be considered the first condition of all exercise.
The reasons have been explained. If you are still sceptical, observe and
experiment. Everything that is truly scientific can be proved or in some
way demonstrated. As this is one of the basic principles of this book
and its companion volume, "The Smile," and as joy and laughter are met
as the first exercise of our program, it may be well to summarize some
of the arguments:
Exercise in laughter sets free the vital organs and brings all parts
into harmonious, normal activity, stimulates the circulation, quickens
the metabolism of the cells and causes elimination. Each of these topics
might receive many pages of discussion.
You will be tempted to omit the practice of the chuckle, but it should
be especially emphasized.
It expresses and accentuates the permanent possession of the joyous
thought. No other exercise can so stimulate a right attitude toward
life, as well as restore the normal condition of the vital organs.
It has also, as have all of these exercises, a beneficial effect upon
the voice. In fact, all good exercises tend to improve the voice. This
is one of the most important tests of an exercise,--does it affect
easily, naturally and normally the vocal organs?