Laughter Yoga Michigan

Once again this year, it was my privilege to provide two Laughter Yoga sessions every day at Gilda’s Club in Grand Rapids, Michigan during their ten-day LaughFest. During that time somewhere between 500-600 people, ranging in age from 12 months to 90 years, laughed with me.  This was a free community event with no restrictions of any sort for any class; consequently, the diversity was amazing.  My classes were a mix of pre-teen kids, along with groups of developmentally disabled young people, teenagers in substance abuse programs, deaf and blind elderly adults, men whose wives had dragged them in, college students, lots of yoga students and practitioners, plus a multitude of middle-aged females seeking joy. . . which they found! Even the most reticent willingly participated and ended the session heartily laughing.

I like music in my sessions and this time, I included more than usual.  My typical class begins with some of the basic standing exercises, moves on to standing couples and then to the floor.  On one of the first days, groups of developmentally disabled young people came en masse.  One young woman was very excited and told me she had come last year and she was so excited to laugh again – she remembered me and she wanted to laugh! Several had Down Syndrome, were extremely withdrawn and hesitant to take part, but slowly they did.

BIG Belly Laughs in Bloomfield Hills MI? You betcha!

May 19-20, 2012

What you will learn:

• The physical, mental and emotional benefits of laughter

• How to laugh without humor, comedy or props

• The history of Laughter Yoga

• How to start and run a laughter club

• How to market your services

• Special techniques for special groups

• How to laugh alone

This training is an experiential learning experience. You will have your teaching manual for reference, but the most important thing is to make sure each of you is comfortable in leading a group in Laughter Yoga exercises, as well as laughter meditation and guided imagery. Not only will we practice traditional Laughter Yoga exercises, but you will also be encouraged to create your own exercises.