Laughter Yoga

YES, IT'S A 'THING', LOL!

Anyone can laugh for no reason and scientific studies show that the body cannot differentiate between real laughter and voluntary laughter if done with willingness and one receives the same health benefits. In Laughter Yoga, simulated laughter soon turns to real laughter and you know, "laughter is the best medicine!".

Each session involves easy movements and breathing with no difficult yoga poses or special clothing  or equipment required.. along with laughter exercises to open up and stimulate the mind, body, breath, energy, and the voice into laughing... increasing oxygen and endorphins, and inspiring beneficial shifts in mood, energy and physical tension as with other forms of exercise or dance movement, just through laughter.

Laughter Yoga was created in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria in India who was inspired by the story of Norman Cousins, an American man who healed himself of his painful symptoms of Ankylosing Spondylitis through laughing.

After starting a small group which grew over time and continues to today, Dr. Kataria eventually felt so good focusing on his laughter groups, that he abandoned his unfulfilling medical practice to focus on leading laughter sessions full time, realizing the benefits he and others were experiencing in their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. He then created Laughter Yoga, which has grown internationally .

There has been much study and research done on the physiological and other benefits of laughing and there are now thousands of Laughter Yoga Leaders around the world.

"Hearty laughter is a good way to jog internally without having to go outdoors."

Norman Cousins, American political journalist, author,  professor and peace activist.

See his book "Anatomy of an Illness".

After a series of abrupt changes upon the sudden death of a brother  and other related experiences, I realized I'd lost my laugh.

Nothing seemed funny enough to allow the free flow and sustained laughter of my youth.  Comedy, movies or interacting ceased to provide that prolonged, releasing laughter that left me feeling rejuvenated.

I respect the grieving process, but inspiring the breath through laughing has magic in it.

A couple of years later a family gathering, a cousin announced that she was a Certified Laughter Yoga leader, which sparked us  all into a fit of laughter and ignited something in me.  I later decided to study Laughter Yoga to inspire and heal myself and get my laugh back, which got lost in the mix somewhere.

During the process, I realized that I am not alone in this dilemma and that because of personal and global crises and the "serious" aspects of adulting, we can all use to laugh more, keep our spirits buoyant, our frequencies higher, and put things into a different perspective by shifting our body chemistry and energy.

Laughing can be summoned much more spontaneously and often wherever it is appropriate (or sometimes inappropriate, LOL!).

Always consult your doctor with questions about your particular health concerns if appropriate.

One of my favorite quotes from a Joni Mitchell song, People's Parties:

"Laughing and crying, you know it's the same release".

January 2024

Your class makes me feel so much better and happier. We need her.

Jeny

Zenovia

Thank you for your class I’m so happy when I’m in class.

Love, Mary Jane

Zenovia

I thought I would be bored with this class but I was surprised how good I felt with it. Thank you.

I hope we keep Zenovia. She is wonderful. Love her class.

Claudette

Zenovia

I feel great! Class was very stimulating.

Zenovia

Thank you for inspiring me to move and enjoy my body.

Sincerely, Anne S.

Zenovia

Thank you so much for your dedication to bring laughter, joy and the warmth of peace and serenity to both mind and body. I really enjoyed the class and look forward to more of your presentations. Hope you will be back so all of us can enjoy and benefit from your warmth and teachings.

Pattee

* Inquire about group sessions for your organization or gathering and other classes. Prices vary.

* If you  are private, shy,  stuck, aren't comfortable with group classes for any reason, or at a distance, you can arrange a private session to get your laugh up and running. $80.

LAUGHTER YOGA LAUGHLINE 24/7:

join in whether you feel like it or not, lol. Try it!

Just Laughing  to help keep our immune systems and spirits up!  (not a formal class)

Call: 712-432-3900 and Enter code: 545585

If no one else shows up on the line, laugh anyway! Yes, even alone. See how you feel after.

LAUGHTER PHONE HOTLINE IS FREE OR BY DONATION TO:

Paypal: zenovia@zenovia.org (cloud pic)

or

Venmo: zenovia11 (Zenovia Jennifer Limberakis) (cloud pic)

NOTE: Laugh at your own risk. Ask your doctor if Laughing Yoga is right for you!

Always check with your medical professional before starting a new regime.