Somewhere along the line, I got the idea that Minnesota is a sort of petri dish for untested and eyebrow-raising ideas.  And after meeting Dr. Dale Anderson, a retired M.D. and author from Saint Paul, Minnesota, I believe it is true. 

I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Anderson talk about the first time he prescribed laughter for a chronic pain sufferer he calls Tork Torkelson.  Tork was a big stoic guy who probably knew how to work hard, but not play hard.  (I worked in long-term care for ten years, and it was the people who knew how to enjoy life who fared the best) Although Tork was willing to try the prescription of a good belly-laugh once a day, his first thought was, "I don't tink dat will work too well."  But as I understand it, old Tork was wrong.  He felt better and he finally had an office visit that was worth the copay.

Dr. Anderson's message, delivered with endearing, self-effacing humor and anecdotes, was not only funny, it was important!  He explained how an actress he called Mary Smith came to him for chronic pain, and when they couldn't find the root of her problem, it occurred to her that she might be living the character she was playing on stage.  A light-bulb went on over their heads. Mary Smith was acting sick.  She had absorbed the character she portrayed on stage into her own life.  When the part ended and she started playing a new, youthful role, the pain ebbed.  It begged the question, if we can feel sick because we act sick, can we then feel well if we act well?

Dr. Anderson pointed out that we are now able to observe the chemical reaction of happiness through scientific measures.  We can influence our own health and happiness through our own willingness and behavior.  I heard Dr. Anderson's message loud and clear and I intend to study it some more.  Minnesota is plumb full of crazy ideas isn't it?  Oh Ya, you betcha.