Every sport has an insider language filled with words, phrases and legends that communicate meaningful messages to those who understand the language. For example, my husband is a golfer. For him, words like “par 3,” “woods,” “irons,” “hole in one,” “birdie,” and “eagle” all convey a specific message. I’m not a golfer, so I knew I was hearing insider language in a recent breakfast conversation.

Steele, my husband, and I were sitting in a screened porch of an Orlando timeshare unit overlooking a vast pool area. The wind was blanketing us in a cool morning breeze and our “hangover” from a ritualistic morning soak in the hot tub was wearing off. Conversation was easy while we reminisced about previous timeshare exchange vacations.

“We’ve really had some good times,” I said, as my attention focused on sprays of water spewing out of the top of a manmade volcano punctuating the poolscape.

“Yeah, we’ve only had one that’s been a ‘we don’t need to do that again’ experience,” Steele replied.

“Even that one was on a nice golf course.”

“Oh, it was only a par 3.”

Steele spoke those words, “only a par 3,” with all the confidence of sending a meaningful message. For me, however, I knew I was entering the labyrinth of a golfer’s insider language. I laughed and claimed my ignorance.

In laughter club, we have a language, too. For example, “negativity shakedown” is insider language for a healing laughter exercise, which is a guaranteed twelve-step stress reliever. You can do this at the office or at home when you want to experience a personal power surge. Here’s a step-by-step approach:

1. Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.

2. Extend your right arm out to the side, elbow bent slightly, hand draping loosely from your wrist. Inhale a deep breath. While exhaling, shake your arm and wrist vigorously and chant “Ho-ho, ha-ha-ha!” Breathe. Lower right arm to your side.

3. Extend your left arm out to the side. Repeat motions described for right arm.

4. Balance yourself on your left leg while extending your right leg forward. Inhale a deep breath. While exhaling, shake your right leg and foot while chanting “Ho-ho, ha-ha-ha.” Breathe. Lower your right leg.

5. Balance yourself on your right leg while extending your left leg forward. Repeat motions described for right leg.

6. Repeat steps 2–5; however, change the chant to “Ho-ho, ha-ha!”

7. Repeat steps 2–5; however, change the chant to “Ho-ho, ha!”

8. Repeat steps 2–5; however, change the chant to “Ho-ho!”

9. Repeat steps 2–5; however, change the chant to “Ho!”

10. Repeat steps 2–5; however, change the chant to a silent “Ho!”

11. Return to original position, standing with feet shoulder-width apart. Raise both arms over your head, gently bend at the waist (touch your fingers to the floor, if you can). Slowly raise up while saying “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.”

12. Breathe. You can repeat the entire process, but see if you can accelerate it.

It’s been said we don’t laugh because we’re happy, we’re happy because we laugh.
Negativity Shakedown just might be insider language for happiness. Are you ready to let some happiness into your life? C’mon, Let’s Laugh!