Laughter is so ineffable and transient that we tend to overlook it's impact to deeply influence our lives. Because laughter is a part of us, we automatically assimilate the levity gained during a laughter session into the rest of our day without noticing much change - other than we're more at ease, more relaxed. But the laughter and play in Laughter Yoga bring sneaky, gradual change to our daily living.

Yesterday during our laughter club meeting I asked two laughers about changes they've noticed in their lives since laughing almost every week for a  few years. Some of their responses included: Overcoming intense anxiety by laughing alone; having more even-keeled emotions and moods; enjoying being less shy; lower blood pressure; more experience living "authentically" and without fear; the ability to breathe deeply "on command" to relax; social connection and friendship; weekly dose of levity to balance heaviness and return of youthful energy. Note: That's just from two people.

Another way we may overlook the power of laughing: We're used to meditative and yoga practices being very composed and "awareness" usually means quiet contemplation. Also, in American culture, if we care about something, we must be very focused and serious - even stressed - about it. Practicing laughter yoga may seem obtuse, pointless and silly. But serious science and loads of worldwide testimonials are underscoring the importance of prolonged laughter to help, well, everything - and more recently - the importance of lifelong play to keep our brains functioning properly.

To highlight the purpose and benefits of Laughter Yoga, we're incorporating an educational component to each class! We have a new time and location - JMRL/Gordon Avenue Public Library, starting Saturday, May 28th, 10:15 - 11:30 a.m. Each week we'll discuss a different topic. Have suggestions? Email them to us! Hope to see you there to laugh and learn with us!

  

Much laughter, love and peace,

Leigh and Jon