Author: Manny Kagan

Fridays with Manny

  

Laughter and “The Silent Killer”

Have you heard about Dr. Steven Gundry, the Founder of Center for Restorative Medicine? His new book, “The Energy Paradox” is going to be available this coming March.

A friend sent me a note recently, from Dr. Gundry, which I am going to quote.

“In the United States, heart disease, also known as “the silent killer”, is the leading cause of death for both men and women. But I have good news for you – a simple and fun way to help reduce your risk of developing this dreadful health problem is LAUGHTER!”

You know that old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine”, right? Well, it applies to heart health as well. And it helps on many levels. But laughing works especially well for dealing with stress. So in a funny twist, new research is showing one solution to the hazards of stress on your heart is… to simply laugh!”

And if you need help, just read one of the jokes in “42 Encounters with Laughter”. I hope that these three dancing flowers will bring smile to your face, which is an easy way to laughter.

Enjoy and Share with A Friend.

Fridays with Manny

  

Meaning of Life

I recently I re-read one of the photography books in my library titled, “Meaning of Life”, published by “LIFE” magazine. The book is the product of 300 thoughtful people from different walks of life; the words complemented by photographs from 127 of the world’s top photographers. What amazed me was how the answers from 173 poets and scientists, philosophers and everyday sages on the street differ. One of them is a comment from Frank Donotrio, a barber. “I have been asking why I’m here most of my life. If there is a purpose, I don’t care anymore. I’m seventy-four. I am on my way out. Let the young people learn the hard way, like I did. No one ever told me anything.”

Since I am also 74 years young, I can relate to Mr. Donotrio’s sentiments; however, if I would be asked this question, my answer would be, “The meaning of life is to learn, experience life and to share myself with others, especially young people”. One of the ways I’m doing this is by posting my weekly essays in “Fridays with Manny”. Another way is through publishing my photo-story books, like “42 Encounters with Laughter”. Sometimes jokes and laughter can be a good way to figure out the meaning of life. And yet another way is just to enjoy each day, and seek beauty, like these images of flowers.

Enjoy and Share with a Friend.

Share with a Friend!

Fridays with Manny

  

Nature and Us

In the story of creation in the Torah, in the first five days God was busy with manifesting the natural world. On the fifth day, “God made the beast of the earth according to its kind, and every creeping being of the ground to its kind. And God saw that it was good” (Genesis 12:25). And then as if referring to his creation, “…and God said, “Let us make Man (Adam) in Our image after Our likeness.” (Genesis 12:26). 

Since we do not physically look like animals (unless you are a dog owner), we have nonetheless adopted certain qualities from animals; which I observed during our recent trip to Maui, where I encountered two toads, who clung to each other, like we do, and a large snail who was attached to its possessions, as humans act, and a Gold dust gecko, whose coloration both helped it to be recognized and to blend in the surroundings. 

However, what animals cannot do is to laugh. Unless of course in the joke, which you can find in my photo book “42 Encounters with Laughter”. 

Enjoy and Share with a Friend.

Share with a Friend!

Fridays With Manny

  

Where to Find Love

Sunday, February 14th, thanks to the marketing efforts of the Hallmark company, is the official date when we are reminded that there are people in our lives to whom we say “I love you” or “Be my Valentine”. But what happens during the rest of the 364 days of the year? This depends on your ability to love and how to express it. 

My wife Elfa taught me a valuable lesson, which I gladly will share with you. Years ago, our daughter was dating a man whom I considered to be a wrong guy for her. This made me upset, and I was complaining to Elfa. Her response was a question, “Is your feeling coming from your brain or from your heart?” When I comprehended what she was asking, I connected my thoughts about our daughter with my heart. The upset was gone, since I only could feel love.

To express their feelings, people often buy red roses, I give you mine to share my love. “Where there is love, there is laughter, and where there is laughter, there is love”. “42 Encounters with Laughter” might help you to laugh and love. If you get your copy, please send me an e-mail at mannykagan@comcast.net.

Share with a Friend!

Fridays with Manny

  

The Mood

I woke up later than usual on Thursday morning. It seemed that my body needed the extra rest. It was still dark outside. Usually, I do my stretches first thing in the morning, but that day I was not in the mood, and didn’t want to force myself. 

While I was following my morning routine of browsing through a photography book, the light started to fill the sky. I looked through the window. Everything was grey, corresponding to my mood. And then, when I went back to the bedroom, I noticed that the sun was bursting through the grey clouds above our neighbors’ roof. I instantly knew that it was going to be another beautiful day, and my mood immediately improved. After I took a shower, the bedroom was lit with the rays of the sun, illuminating the photograph from our wedding day, taken over 53 years ago. 

I felt happy, grateful and blessed and in the mood to go to work to help other people improve their mood. If you are not in the mood, just read a few jokes in my new photo story book “42 Encounters with Laughter”. Your mood will change, I guarantee it.

Enjoy and Share with A Friend!