YEAR OF ZEN: WINTER: DAY 85

Cas A - Chandra/Webb/Hubble/Spitzer composite

Q: When was the last time a laugh took you over?

A: It has been a minute since I was completely overcome by laughter, but I have always had a temperament that allows me to laugh easily and often. And it has been something that has served me well in life. Laughter is one of the great things about being human. It is both a pain reliever and social glue. It can bond us with friends and help us find common ground with enemies. It is one of our best (maybe THE best) shield in the face of cruel cosmic indifference. And, yes, it can be the thing that helps us breakthrough some of the knots of life. Looked at from the right perspective life is a profoundly beautiful, hilarious, and joyful place.