
Remembering How To Laugh Isn’t Always Easy
June 25 —Today was about getting over a migraine. Fortunately, it wasn’t difficult. Sometimes they last for a couple days and even linger. This was not one of those migraines thank goodness. However, I did notice I haven’t been laughing.
When you’re sad it’s common not to laugh like normal. What caught my attention is I was watching a show which I find to be very funny. There are parts of it I could simply think about and start laughing out loud. Then when I actually watched I didn’t. Not so much as a movement in my lips or an eyebrow raised. I’ve been so focused on what I would call the basics the rest is numbing and going through motions.
I’m going out tonight to see an avant-garde black light show. Not something I would normally have gone to but a friend recommend it. I decided to take a chance. My Roamer friend was also taking a chance based on my recommendation. I don’t want to be a downer so I played a bunch of old video clips until one made me laugh out loud. It wasn’t transformative but it did help.
We walked around downtown Prague in circles to find the theater. She asked me about reimbursement for the ticket but I told her this was on me since I was taking her to an event without having any idea if it would be good or not. Funny thing is I’m still undecided. What we both agreed upon is trying to explain the story would be the most fun.
Entering the theater we saw plenty of empty seats. I decided we should sit somewhat close to the front, but in the aisle seats so we could leave if it was unbearable. The people in the crowd were from all different walks of life and the signage before we started the show reflected people of many cultures.
Once the show started I was not immediately enthusiastic. They gave us the story instead of being able to interpret it for ourselves. I would find out later my interpretation would have been right but I didn’t want to be told. It was something similar to Alice in Wonderland. No actual scene references only symbolism.
The show started off slow but their was some dance scenes I liked. Then it became interactive. Beach balls and confetti were dropped on the crowd and some of the characters came out to interact with us as well. I was completely fine with this. Even enjoyed this part of the performance. I was not at all fine when the actors who were dressed as spiders came out into the audience.
I’m terrified of bugs, spiders, and insects. They make me jump and scream. What I didn’t know is I would be just as afraid when an actor dressed like a spider was in front of me. I had my hands over my face and was leaning in towards my friend for protection. I couldn’t bare to open my eyes until finally she told me they were gone.
This got me thinking though, it must be somewhat good to get that kind of reaction. It’s what they must be going for. I have to give them credit for that. Also, the beach balls. I did smile when they were going through the crowd. My overall opinion is still up in the air. I can neither recommend nor discourage someone from attending. Avant-garde definitely describes it which means it’s up to the viewer to decide. Certainly I can say I’ve never experienced anything like it before.
What is more important to me is that it had us laughing. I didn’t have to be reminded. Spontaneous laughter feels good. This was much easier than looking up videos. I wish I didn’t have to right now. Entering my apartment was somehow sobering again. It was another opportunity to find something to make me laugh. When I did find it I put it on my calendar for tomorrow morning. No sense in trying to remember myself. My calendar will remind me.
My end of day gratitude:
- No more migraine.
- Going out with my friend.
- Spontaneous laughter.

