Last night I was watching Jessica Simpson’s new VHI series, “The Price of Beauty,” and I actually learned of a new concept: Laughter Yoga (Side NOTE: It sounds like I watch a lot of TV, but I really don’t, trust me.)
I for one, love a good laugh, so I was instantly interested. Here are some details: (taken from the Laughter Yoga website)
Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.
Throughout India, thousands of Laughter Yoga Clubs meet every morning in public parks. Most Laughter Club members proudly report that they have not missed a day in five years or more. They say it makes them happy, healthy and energized - effecting a transformation in their lives. The Laughter Yoga session each day, results in positive energy that makes it easy to cope with stress of daily life and saves them from depression.
I for one, love a good laugh, so I was instantly interested. Here are some details: (taken from the Laughter Yoga website)
Laughter Yoga combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can Laugh for No Reason, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.
Throughout India, thousands of Laughter Yoga Clubs meet every morning in public parks. Most Laughter Club members proudly report that they have not missed a day in five years or more. They say it makes them happy, healthy and energized - effecting a transformation in their lives. The Laughter Yoga session each day, results in positive energy that makes it easy to cope with stress of daily life and saves them from depression.
In fact, the impact of laughter is so profound that many practitioners claim they no longer need anti-depressants. The sustained positive emotions keep them coming back for more.Participants of Laughter Yoga report significant general health improvements. Many have felt a reduction in the frequency of respiratory infections like common cold and flu, and some others reported overcoming depression, relief/cure from chronic medical problems. With people's committed participation, Laughter Yoga has helped many people become healthier.
To this day, I think one of my biggest laughs had to have been when I was in middle school and was having a slumber party. For some reason, we were doing “indian pow-wows” around the house (you know who you are), and I ran really hard into the wall- it was the kind of laughter where… yeah, you pee your pants. I could laugh about this right now, or should I say, I am laughing.
The worst laughter: when you are not suppose to laugh but can’t control yourself. This is one of the worst feelings- could be classified with the pain of a “Charlie horse cramp” in the leg… it’s uncontrollable. I have fallen victim to this in Church.
So, my goal for you today: laugh uncontrollably at least once…if you need assistance, watch Modern Family tonight (another TV mention, ouch!), keep a smile on your face, and see if it helps out with your ‘tude. And why not – it takes 37 muscles to frown and 22 muscles to smile…. Conserve energy for your happy hour adventures.
To this day, I think one of my biggest laughs had to have been when I was in middle school and was having a slumber party. For some reason, we were doing “indian pow-wows” around the house (you know who you are), and I ran really hard into the wall- it was the kind of laughter where… yeah, you pee your pants. I could laugh about this right now, or should I say, I am laughing.
The worst laughter: when you are not suppose to laugh but can’t control yourself. This is one of the worst feelings- could be classified with the pain of a “Charlie horse cramp” in the leg… it’s uncontrollable. I have fallen victim to this in Church.
So, my goal for you today: laugh uncontrollably at least once…if you need assistance, watch Modern Family tonight (another TV mention, ouch!), keep a smile on your face, and see if it helps out with your ‘tude. And why not – it takes 37 muscles to frown and 22 muscles to smile…. Conserve energy for your happy hour adventures.
Oh, I love this! I was so dead driving home from work the other day, then I called Adrienne and, of course, ended up laughing so hard and automatically felt revived. I think in the Bible it says somewhere..."a cheerful heart is good medicine"...so true, so very true. can we start a laughter yoga studio here? now that's a career path i could get on board with. looks like i will be recording, the price of beauty. Robert are you excited?
ReplyDeleteum, why don't we incorporate a laughter section into our book club meetings? after a couple of glasses of wine, we could break and take 5 full minutes to just "giggle." we'll need to pencil this in for the 4.29 meeting.
ReplyDeleteande, this is not a joke. i was thinking that same thing as i read your post! i was also thinking about how i laughed uncontrollably when you posted that hitler picture on valentine's day...
ReplyDeleteDon't worry Sarah.... I laughed uncontrollably when she posted that picture of hitler on Valentine's Day, too! Haha, hitler with the bunny ears. Some bunny loves you.
ReplyDelete