What is Laughter Yoga?
Laughter Yoga is a unique idea where anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on jokes or a sense of humor. We laugh in a group, as exercise, during which laughter quickly becomes spontaneous, childlike, playful, and contagious. Deep breathing from yoga along with laughter exercises brings more oxygen to our bodies and brains. Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from India, created Laughter Yoga in 1995. Today, thousands and thousands of laughter clubs exist in over 70 countries.
What is the connection between MindBody Health of Richmond and Laughter Yoga? I love to laugh with others. It gives me great joy. I believe laughter is an incredibly effective self-care tool, not only because of it’s physiologic effects, but the way it builds relationships. When I first experienced Laughter Yoga in February 2011, I knew this was a fit for me, and in May 2011, became a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. In November 2011, I completed Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher training with Dr. Kataria and a diverse group of healing professionals from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. I want to bring more laughter into others’ lives because I believe laughter is fundamentally important for our emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Laughter Yoga is based on evidence that our bodies cannot differentiate between simulated and spontaneous laughter. The health benefits of Laughter Yoga range from increased neurotransmitter activity, which increases feelings of joy and well-being, to increased oxygenation, increased immunity, increased circulation, decreased stress hormones, and decreased pain. Laughter Yoga promotes creativity, teamwork, self-confidence, and social bonds. There is something quite powerful about being in a group of people looking at each other and laughing out loud. Everyone can laugh when times are good, but how do you laugh in times of difficulty? Laughter Yoga builds a positive mental attitude and resilience. It’s a natural mood-shifter. Laughter helps decrease anger and increase forgiveness. What could be better for relationships?
If you’d like to have more information about Laughter Yoga and where we meet, go to www.facebook.com/mindbodyrva, www.laughteryoga.org, or contact me directly. I look forward to laughing with you! Laughter Yoga Richmond is a social laughter club. It’s free.
If you’d like to bring Laughter Yoga into your workplace, your school, your church, your retreat, your conference, ….the sky’s the limit! Contact me for more information and pricing.
“Laughter Yoga always lifts my spirits and leaves me feeling peaceful and relaxed. I especially appreciate Estelle’s skilled and caring leadership. Laughter Yoga is a delight and I wholeheartedly recommend it for anyone.” —Mindy Loiselle LCSW
“I didn’t know what to expect on my first Laughter Yoga Club visit last August 2011. I was immediately hooked with the laughter from all attending that first night. Estelle is great at leading us into laughter even if it might feel uncomfortable to some. It also helps that Estelle’s laughter is contagious. Since attending the Laughter Yoga club regularly I find myself laughing more and it feels good. Life’s daily challenges are now interrupted with laughter instead of stressing out about what hasn’t yet happened. Being happy yourself helps the people around you too. I recommend laughter for everyone!”—Val
“Attending a session of Laughter Yoga is a treat I give myself as often as I can make it. I always know to expect a light-hearted, fun-filled hour that cancels out any stress I may have felt that day. The practice of laughing as exercise makes it easier for me to laugh at other times throughout the week, which seems to give me a more positive attitude.”—Barbara Hodge, CLYL (Certified Laughter Yoga Leader)
“Laughter Yoga – Come as you are, leave with an overall sense of well being….which can last for days.”—Kate