Generally, people think, ‘I laugh because I’m happy; I shiver because I’m afraid; I frown because I’m tired.’ However, there is a contrasting argument. The American psychologist William James, and the Danish psychologist Carl Lange published a theory named the “James-Lange Theory.” According to their theory, you laugh or cry not because you are happy or sad; you become happy or sad because you laugh or cry. In other words, physical reactions are not triggered by emotions, but emotions are triggered by physical reactions.
This psychological theory may be somewhat hard to understand, but it is a useful way for modern people living in stressful times to control their anger. When you’re upset, take a deep breath before release your anger, relax, and wait until your heart rate calms down. Once the body’s reaction to anger disappears, it will be difficult to get angry in that situation again.
The Bible said we are children like Isaac. The name Isaac means laughter (Gal 4:28; Ge 17:19). To be worthy of the name God has given us, even if there is nothing that makes us laugh right now, let’s just try to laugh first. Although nothing seems joyful and thankful at first, let’s smile and be happy. Perhaps then, you will feel happiness and thankfulness welling up in your heart.
Do you laugh because you are happy?
You are happy because you laugh!