| Laughter Yoga teachers doing what they do best... |
| THE LAUGHTER YOGA NEWSLETTER PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY LAUGHTER YOGA USA EDITOR: KHEVIN BARNES Email: BellyLaughers@ Aol.com |
| FEATURED LAUGHTER PRACTITIONER We salute another Laughter Yoga Teacher from around the world. Michael Coleman |
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| LAUGHTER PHOTOS OF THE MONTH From an Orphanage in Tijuana Mexico Gradient Laughter: First they smile. Then they giggle. Then they Laugh. |
Doctor Bustagut Gives Advice Dear Doc, What's all this talk about laughing for no reason? I mean, shouldn't there be some sort of reason for everything? Linda Leftbrain Dear Linda, The minute we add a reason to our laughter it seems to get tangled up in our thoughts. Don't get me wrong, there's nothing wrong with thinking, but it sure can get in the way of things like spontaneity, creativity, imagination and even the deeply moving enjoyment of freshly sliced mango with a squeeze of lime. It's a little like needing a reason to heal, or a reason to feel joyful. After all, who among us needs a reason for enlightenment in their life? The point I'm trying to make, and I must make this quick as my right brain is demanding equal time, is that laughter for no reason is exactly the way laughter is supposed to be. Long before we had jokes or comedy, we had laughter. Laughter is perfect just the way it is. And so, Linda, are you. As for me, I've gotta go find a ripe mango. |
| THIS IS THE SECOND ISSUE OF "LAFF LINES" THE LAUGHTER YOGA NEWSLETTER. MY INTENTION IS TO MAKE THIS A FULLY INTERACTIVE MONTHLY REPORT WITH LINKS TO AUDIO, VIDEO AND INTERNATIONAL L.Y. NEWS. "INTERACTIVE" MEANS INVOLVING THE LAUGHTER COMMUNITY. I HOPE YOU'LL SEND IN YOUR IDEAS, LINKS, PHOTOS, VIDEOS, THOUGHTS AND ADVICE! WITH LOVE AND LAUGHTER, k.b. BELLYLAUGHERS@AOL.COM |
ISSUE # 002
LAUGHTER QUOTE OF THE MONTH When people are laughing, they're generally not killing each other. ~Alan Alda |
What is your name?
Who me? Oh, I'm Michael Coleman.
How did you discover Laughter Yoga?
I first heard about Laughter Yoga when I moved back to San Diego in June 2006.
I had taught Hatha Yoga briefly and was visiting different yoga studios in San Diego with the hope of working with one
or more of them. One of the studios, Organic Yoga offered a Laughter Yoga class once a week. Although I had
another commitment at the same time, something was drawing me to find out more about the class. Finally, after
several weeks I went to take the class, but since I was the only student, the teacher canceled it. To be honest, I was a
little nervous so was somewhat relieved when the class was canceled. I spoke with the teacher about Laughter Yoga
but I still don't think I really understood what it was all about.
Then, in September 2006, at the independent suggestion from 2 friends, I went to the Whole Being Weekend in
Idylwild, California. Jeffrey Briar and Sarito Sun (neither of whom I knew at the time) offered a Laughter Yoga class
which I attended. At first I felt very self-conscious and almost left between the Laughter Exercises and Laughter
Meditation but decided to stay for some reason. While laying on the ground during the Laughter Meditation, I started
laughing uncontrollably, with tears running down my eyes. Gaga Barnes (who I also did not know at the time) was
lying next to me and her beautiful laugh certainly helped me unleash mine. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed
like that.
Jeffrey was offering a training in October 2006 which worked into my schedule and something inside me knew I had to
sign up for it even though I didn't have any idea that I was going to do anything with it. A few weeks after the training,
I led my first Laughter Yoga class at a men's retreat. In February 2007, four (4) months after I became a Laughter
Yoga Leader, I started my first Laughter Club in Balboa Park.
What is the greatest reward you've received from Laughter Yoga?
I have received so many rewards from attending Laughter Clubs and being a Leader/Teacher, it's hard to pick the
greatest one, but I'd have to say one of them is the connections I've made with other people who also appreciate and
enjoy laughing for no reason. There is a whole community of laughers - leaders, teachers and people who regularly
attend Laughter Clubs - who I feel a strong connection with from just laughing together!!! I even attended a Potluck
of Laughter Leaders while I was visiting a friend in Denver. I hardly knew anyone before I arrived, but felt like old
friends with many of them by the time I left just 3 hours later.
Although you asked for just one, I also want to say that Laughter Yoga has helped in a huge way to decrease the
amount of stress, anxiety and worry I experience and to be less judgmental of others and myself!!
Where do you practice/lead Laughter Yoga?
Currently, I lead 4 free weekly clubs.
Two of the clubs are in Balboa Park. One club meets in a grassy area near a playground and the other meets close to
the Organ Pavilion where many visitors walk by our class and even join in almost every week!
The other 2 clubs are through the San Diego Community College District. One is held at St. Paul's Manor in Banker's
Hill and the other is held at the College Avenue Senior Center near SDSU. These clubs are geared for Seniors and
are done sitting and more gentle than the clubs in Balboa Park with singing and even a little (clean) joke telling.
There are men and women in their 70's, 80's and 90's who regularly attend these clubs. They are a lot of fun and
everyone, regardless of age, is welcome!
I have also led one-time workshops/introductions at various places throughout the community such as at OB People's
Market, The Lion's Club, at a conference for Medical Transcriptionists, at a 5K/10K Run, a Law Firm, a Temple, a
support group for people with depression/bipolar disorder, and even for new lawyers as part of a day-long conference!
Your Laughter Yoga goals?
To allow it to grow organically, naturally, without much effort or anxiety and to be guided by my heart and intuition.
Having said that . . . . I would like to see more laughter clubs available downtown for the folks who work there - the
office environment is such a stressful and competitive one I think Laughter Yoga would be very effective.
I also want to bring Laughter Yoga to more seniors and to persons suffering from mental illness.
Most important, I want to train more people to be Laughter Yoga Leaders because, besides being a powerful,
connecting and fun weekend, it is the quickest way to spread more laughter!!!
Do you have a website or contact email?
Yes. www.LaughingInSanDiego.com and Michael@LaughingInSanDiego.com
A favorite Laugher Yoga exercise?
So many! Right now, "Red Light/Green Light", "Explosive Laughter" and "Shower Laughter" are 3 of my favorites. I
also like the spontaneity of people creating new Laughter Yoga exercises during the Laughter Clubs!
Who me? Oh, I'm Michael Coleman.
How did you discover Laughter Yoga?
I first heard about Laughter Yoga when I moved back to San Diego in June 2006.
I had taught Hatha Yoga briefly and was visiting different yoga studios in San Diego with the hope of working with one
or more of them. One of the studios, Organic Yoga offered a Laughter Yoga class once a week. Although I had
another commitment at the same time, something was drawing me to find out more about the class. Finally, after
several weeks I went to take the class, but since I was the only student, the teacher canceled it. To be honest, I was a
little nervous so was somewhat relieved when the class was canceled. I spoke with the teacher about Laughter Yoga
but I still don't think I really understood what it was all about.
Then, in September 2006, at the independent suggestion from 2 friends, I went to the Whole Being Weekend in
Idylwild, California. Jeffrey Briar and Sarito Sun (neither of whom I knew at the time) offered a Laughter Yoga class
which I attended. At first I felt very self-conscious and almost left between the Laughter Exercises and Laughter
Meditation but decided to stay for some reason. While laying on the ground during the Laughter Meditation, I started
laughing uncontrollably, with tears running down my eyes. Gaga Barnes (who I also did not know at the time) was
lying next to me and her beautiful laugh certainly helped me unleash mine. I couldn't remember the last time I laughed
like that.
Jeffrey was offering a training in October 2006 which worked into my schedule and something inside me knew I had to
sign up for it even though I didn't have any idea that I was going to do anything with it. A few weeks after the training,
I led my first Laughter Yoga class at a men's retreat. In February 2007, four (4) months after I became a Laughter
Yoga Leader, I started my first Laughter Club in Balboa Park.
What is the greatest reward you've received from Laughter Yoga?
I have received so many rewards from attending Laughter Clubs and being a Leader/Teacher, it's hard to pick the
greatest one, but I'd have to say one of them is the connections I've made with other people who also appreciate and
enjoy laughing for no reason. There is a whole community of laughers - leaders, teachers and people who regularly
attend Laughter Clubs - who I feel a strong connection with from just laughing together!!! I even attended a Potluck
of Laughter Leaders while I was visiting a friend in Denver. I hardly knew anyone before I arrived, but felt like old
friends with many of them by the time I left just 3 hours later.
Although you asked for just one, I also want to say that Laughter Yoga has helped in a huge way to decrease the
amount of stress, anxiety and worry I experience and to be less judgmental of others and myself!!
Where do you practice/lead Laughter Yoga?
Currently, I lead 4 free weekly clubs.
Two of the clubs are in Balboa Park. One club meets in a grassy area near a playground and the other meets close to
the Organ Pavilion where many visitors walk by our class and even join in almost every week!
The other 2 clubs are through the San Diego Community College District. One is held at St. Paul's Manor in Banker's
Hill and the other is held at the College Avenue Senior Center near SDSU. These clubs are geared for Seniors and
are done sitting and more gentle than the clubs in Balboa Park with singing and even a little (clean) joke telling.
There are men and women in their 70's, 80's and 90's who regularly attend these clubs. They are a lot of fun and
everyone, regardless of age, is welcome!
I have also led one-time workshops/introductions at various places throughout the community such as at OB People's
Market, The Lion's Club, at a conference for Medical Transcriptionists, at a 5K/10K Run, a Law Firm, a Temple, a
support group for people with depression/bipolar disorder, and even for new lawyers as part of a day-long conference!
Your Laughter Yoga goals?
To allow it to grow organically, naturally, without much effort or anxiety and to be guided by my heart and intuition.
Having said that . . . . I would like to see more laughter clubs available downtown for the folks who work there - the
office environment is such a stressful and competitive one I think Laughter Yoga would be very effective.
I also want to bring Laughter Yoga to more seniors and to persons suffering from mental illness.
Most important, I want to train more people to be Laughter Yoga Leaders because, besides being a powerful,
connecting and fun weekend, it is the quickest way to spread more laughter!!!
Do you have a website or contact email?
Yes. www.LaughingInSanDiego.com and Michael@LaughingInSanDiego.com
A favorite Laugher Yoga exercise?
So many! Right now, "Red Light/Green Light", "Explosive Laughter" and "Shower Laughter" are 3 of my favorites. I
also like the spontaneity of people creating new Laughter Yoga exercises during the Laughter Clubs!
Dear Gaga,
It gives me great pleasure to
inform you that on behalf of
Laughter Yoga International you
have been chosen for the award
“LAUGHTER AMBASSADOR” for
your contribution to the Laughter
Yoga movement. It was because of
your efforts, many people’s lives
have been touched and you continue
to inspire others to bring more
laughter into their lives.
Love and laughter,
Madan
Dr. Madan Kataria
Laughter Yoga Founder
It gives me great pleasure to
inform you that on behalf of
Laughter Yoga International you
have been chosen for the award
“LAUGHTER AMBASSADOR” for
your contribution to the Laughter
Yoga movement. It was because of
your efforts, many people’s lives
have been touched and you continue
to inspire others to bring more
laughter into their lives.
Love and laughter,
Madan
Dr. Madan Kataria
Laughter Yoga Founder
| Gaga Barnes named Laughter Ambassador |
| Laughter Yoga Exercise of the Month Snake-in-the-can Remember that old gag where you opened a twist top can and a big spring snake jumped out? Hold the imaginary can in your hand, and with the other hand give the lid a couple of twists. Laugh nervously in anticipation with a big "hah !" after each twist. On the third twist, the lid pops off and we roar with laughter as the snake jumps out and toward the person nearest you! Ho ho ha ha ha |
''LAUGHTER CENTRAL" By Khevin Barnes Much has been written about humor and comedy in our lives, but relatively little has been explored in the area of Laughter—the physical reaction we have to those things we find to be comical. The human body is an extraordinarily sophisticated and intuitive organism, and it seems apparent that just as we yawn to increase the oxygen level in our blood; just as we sneeze to expel pollen or dust from our noses; and just as we cough to clear our airways, we seem to have a very distinct physiological reason to laugh. Natural laughter occurs in some predictable circumstances—outside of comedy and humor. Laughter appears to relieve embarrassment or a feeling of awkwardness. Perhaps you’ve observed someone in the neighborhood super market run into the food display with their shopping cart, or you’ve seen two strangers involved in a minor fender bender with their cars. It seems that when the infraction is a minor one, it is more often than not accompanied by a short display of nervous laughter. By all appearances this deliberate and well-timed tension release is an instantaneous “pardon” of sorts. We are in essence, laughing at ourselves. And when we do, the awkwardness of the moment rapidly dissipates. Our bodies utilize laughter in many circumstances: pleasure, surprise, embarrassment, even in fear. But it is the rolling, resounding belly laughter created deep in the gut where the benefits of laughing are best represented. Embedded within the solar plexus lies “Laughter Central”, that place where the laughter seed is cultivated and nourished. And it is here that we often concentrate our exercises in Laughter Yoga classes. Whether you are a teacher, a leader or a participant, remember to check in with “Laughter Central” during your program. You can do this by blending deep, belly laughter exercises with the “upper chest” laughter—the “hee hees” and giggles and chirps that emanate from the breast bone and above. Laughter is truly body-wide. But deep within your abdomen lives the switchboard from which all calls for laughter are placed and received. “Laughter Central” Dial it often. It’s a toll free line. |
| LAUGHTER LINK FOR JULY YOU WILL LOVE THIS PROGRAM ! AMY BEARD'S AMAZING LAUGHTER YOGA RADIO SHOW ! |
| LAUGHTER SOUND OF THE MONTH -- SARCASTIC LAUGH |
| Laughter Yoga GIF Image of the Month Got eye contact? |
| Heather’s Laughter Radio Show is now on the air too! On the Internet every weekday at 6:30am PST. Call-in Number: (347) 539-5612. It's FANTASTIC !!! http://www.blogtalkradio.com/ItsTimeToLaugh |