the zen of cartoons
Rick London
The most sensual and visual animal is known as the human. We react to what we see. And to a lesser degree, we are auditory. Sounds can cause a reaction too, and the combination of them can change our lives. But even one of the other can do the same, if, it changes our perception of things. Especially in the realm of humor.
How do cartoons fit into this?
Laughter feels good, and there is a good reason for that. Many eastern philosophers and yoga experts believe that the laughing chakra is in the same area as the sex chakra. I guess the powerful lesson here is to use them wisely and not at the same time. In other words this could be very upsetting to a soul-mate unless you can tactfully explain that your laughter chakra short-circuited during lovemaking. Stranger things have happened I guess. One caveat: If you are the female partner and should this happen to you, please respond, without missing a beat, the predictable compliment/lie "But size doesn't matter, it is what you do with it."
Though men never buy this line, it feels better, and it lets you off the hook.
Cartoons are truly nothing more than a small piece of art (but size doesn't matter of course), hopefully humorous, that tell a much longer story, using what I like to call "extreme editing". Though we call ourselves writers, we truly are more editors than writers. Yes, we can write, and, though a cartoon may not have any caption or "word bubble" at all, generally some text is added to "drive the point home" Most cartoonists are instinctively aware, though, that if it can be done with no wording, a picture only, that is a triple bonus to the psyche, and, when we can occasionally do that, we get complimented way beyond our actual talents. But that's ok. The male ego loves stroking.
Humor, and believe it or not, cartoons in general, can influence our society greatly. As far as cartoonists go, we often think of them as "bigger than life". I can assure you, being one, we are just like everyone else. We just don't crave the limelight; but the limelight craves us, it appears. This fascinates people. When you mention names like Charles Schulz or Gary Larson, some wonder if they are even in the same species. They are. But like everyone else, laughter is important even to those who purvey it.
So zen really happens in the art of laughter and humor and it begins in that silly chakra. Always keep that chakra open, as, as long as there is life, there will be humor. As long as we live on this nutty planet, no matter how bad it might get, someone will find a way to make us laugh.
The Internet's top offbeat cartoonist and entrepreneur, Rick London has discovered that laughter and sex are related. They come from similar chakras. http://www.londonstimes.us) To make your chakras feel good click here for Londons Times Cartoons
|
