Sunday May 1st – World Laughter Day. Participating and sharing laughter with others on the beach in Port Dover. Enjoying time spent together, laughing as a group and realising how wonderful it is to be present. To show up and engage in life. Something so simple yet so enriching.
“Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait. The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don’t count.”. R.A. Kreucher
My introduction to Laughter Yoga came when I attended a workshop exploring ways to transform emotional energy. The invitation for a group of fourteen men to spend one minute laughing for no reason began fairly incongruously. Starting out for some of us was like dipping a toe in the water. By the end, we were all roaring and howling in our chairs, laughing with tears in our eyes. The sense of peace that followed has remained with me as an example of what life can be like for those of us who take the time and create the space for laughter.
Laughter Yoga. Is it real ? A question I asked myself when I was first learning how to lead a laughter yoga session. I didn’t have an answer and decided to simply allow myself to enjoy the experience. That was the point when I let go of the questioning mind-set and began to be truly present to what was happening for me and for the rest of the group.
When children laugh there is no mistaking their exuberance and delight. To reconnect with that part of ourselves is precious. It may take time. It may take some effort. It is certainly worthwhile. Laughter after all, is sacred.
This shared experience of connection with ourselves and others is available to all of us. The motion of laughter elicits the emotion of joy. A simple practice, easily learned and incorporated into daily life. Life can be challenging. Remembering to laugh and enjoy each moment that life brings is a practice worth developing. Sitting in the car at an intersection, waiting for the light to change. At home or at work as we go about our daily lives. Even when experiencing strong emotional upheaval and turmoil, when we bring ourselves back to being present in laughter, we can find our way back to being in balance.
Hold everything loosely, walk lightly and laugh deeply. Time spent laughing is time well spent.
Love and laughter for peace.
Duncan Cook became a member of Laughter Yoga International in 2005 and has been involved in several initiatives in Ontario. He trained with founders Dr. Madan and his wife Madhuri Kataria and is authorized to provide both Laughter Yoga Leader and Laughter Yoga Teacher training and certification.