more natural. Continue this long
enough and I defy anyone to differentiate the emotions aroused from
those associated with a real, spontaneous laugh.

In fact, if you have company while you are going through this process, I
will guarantee that they will soon be "guffawing" loudly and violently.
This experiment is an excellent one to thy on a company that is
especially dull and in need of something unusual to awaken the spirit
of good cheer.

CHAPTER XXII: Singing-The Great Tonic

Singing was designed by the Creator as a means of giving vent to joyous
emotions. When one is overflowing with happiness it is entirely natural
for him to break forth into song. Therefore when you sing the bodily
mechanical efforts associated therewith are naturally inclined to
arouse the mental attitude of joy, delight and allied emotions. I have
already explained the tremendous value of certain bodily
positions and mechanical efforts as a means of influencing the mental
attitude. If singing is naturally the expression of joy, then by forcing
oneself to sing when mentally downcast one encourages, and at times
actually produces, happiness and good cheer.

But it is not only for its influence upon the mind that singing is
valuable. It is a physical exercise requiring considerable effort. It
wakes up the diaphragm. It promotes active circulation. It improves
digestion. Therefore it has a double value for stimulating the physical
as well as the mental functions. I would by all means encourage every
inclination towards physical efforts of this sort.

Remember that the cultivation of the singing voice especially requires
the expansion of the lungs. It means that breathing exercises of
unusual value will be practiced diligently and persistently on every
occasion that you exercise your vocal powers. It not only affects the
lungs but the action of the diaphragm involved, and serves to massage,
stimulate and invigorate the internal organs lying underneath. There
is no need to dilate upon the value of exercise of this sort, for I
have referred to this aspect of the question in a previous chapter.

If you have no special knowledge or training in the use of the singing
voice, then simply do your best. Sing at every opportunity. If there
is no music in your voice do not allow this to discourage you. Follow
out the idea that singing is an exercise pure and simple. Let your
friends understand that you are not impressed with your