What is Laughter Yoga?
"Of all the things I have done, sweat, lead, taught (with over 25 years in the
wellness industry), Laughter Yoga is by far the most accessible and tangible."
- Mary Margaret Anderson, yoga studio Plymouth, MN
Laughter Yoga is a fun form of exercise good for
all that strengthens the immune system, unwinds the negative effects of stress
and makes you feel good in the here and now. You do not need to have any
previous experience, equipment or a particular form of clothing to practice.
There are no contortions or fancy movements. You do not need to be happy or
have a sense of humor.
Connecting to genuine laughter is of course a desirable outcome, and this is not our
primary goal. We use laughter (rapid contractions of the deep abdominal
muscles) as a form of exercise to flush our lungs (and through it our
bloodstream and whole body) with fresh oxygen, strengthen the immune system and boost "happy" chemistry. Simply going through the physical motions of happiness creates the very chemistry of happiness.
These exercises are appropriate and beneficial for all, regardless of their
cognitive, sensory or motor abilities / limitations. We start with artificial
forms of laughter and soon reach a crescendo of genuine belly laughter. No
tricks, no tickling, no alcohol and no jokes. The laughter comes straight from
the heart as pure joy. As one leading personality claims "exercise is for the
body, meditation is for the mind, Laughter Yoga is for both. It is a gym for the
soul!"
Laughter
Yoga is non-political, non religious, non-racial, non-threatening,
non-competitive. It comes with no strings attached. There are no jokes or
comedy, therefore there is no judging. No mind = no ego, no room for conflict
or power struggle. Laughter is a universal language that transcends all
barriers: language, age, gender, social or racial
background.