Practicing Laughter Yoga

Since its creation in 1995, Laughter Yoga has become a worldwide phenomenon. Though exact numbers are difficult to obtain, Laughter Yoga International estimates that there are 6,000 Laughter Clubs in 60 different countries worldwide.

Laughter clubs

What exactly is a Laughter Club? Laughter Clubs allow people to come together and benefit from laughter's ability to heal body and mind. Dr. Kataria insists that Laughter Yoga clubs be free of charge, though in some cases, donations may be requested to help defray venue costs. To keep the service free, Laughter Clubs typically meet in informal settings such as homes and parks.

Depending on where you gather to laugh, your laughter practice may look completely different from someone else's. Why? Laughter Yoga creator Dr. Madan Kataria does not enforce rules or guidelines on Laughter Yoga clubs. He believes doing so would inhibit the growth of Laughter Yoga's popularity and stifle the spontaneous spirit of the practice. So Laughter Clubs everywhere are free to engage in whatever means they choose to promote the uninhibited outpouring of laughter, whether that means singing children's songs or performing various pantomimes. Most Laughter Yoga clubs take Kataria's ideas and improvise on them until they find a method that works for them.

Laughter yoga exercises

Laughter Yoga sessions typically consist of warm-up exercises, deep breathing, and laughter exercises. Laughter Yoga exercises often consist of pantomimes in which participants follow certain arm motions and sounds with laughter. These include pretending to turn out their pockets to reveal that they are empty, pretending to drink hot soup, pretending to pour a milkshake, or pretending to row a boat. The exercises are designed to encourage a sense of childlike playfulness and help participants overcome inhibitions and shyness. Eventually, the simulated laughter converts into infectious and often uncontrollable genuine laughter.

Exercises known as "value-based" laughter exercises are intended to create an association with certain gestures and positive feelings. These exercises are designed to promote feelings such as appreciation for others, forgiveness, and positive attitudes towards money.

Where to practice

To find a Laughter Club in your area, visit Laughter Yoga International. (Scroll to the bottom of the list for USA.)

In the Bay Area, join the Bay Area Laughter Yoga Meetup group and check out the calendar for regular Friday Morning Laughter and special events

Laughing at home

If you don't have a laughter club in your area or can't make it to meetings, don't worry! There are other ways you can benefit from the regular practice of laughter.

Laugh over the phone

Founded in 2006 by Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Gaga Barnes, Laughter Yoga on the Phone is a free service that allows people all over the world to call in and laugh with strangers. Originally consisting of one daily 20-minute phone call, the service was designed for people who were unable to attend her group sessions. Today, Barnes and 20 other Laughter Yoga teachers donate their time to facilitate 14 different call-in times scheduled throughout the day, 365 days a year.

Laugh alone

Dr. Kataria also advises Laughter Yoga participants to learn to laugh alone. Laughing alone can deliver many of the same benefits as laughing in a group, including reducing stress and banishing negative thoughts. In the style of all Laughter Yoga exercises, practice simulated laughter until it begins to turn into genuine laughter. This may feel awkward initially but will gradually become easier as your body becomes accustomed to transitioning to real laughter. You can also purchase DVDs featuring Laughter Yoga exercises you can do at home.

To learn more about laughing alone, visit Laughter Yoga International: Laughter Yoga Alone.

BlogTalkRadio also offers several online Laughter Clubs, including Time to Laugh and Four Directions Laugh Radio.

In our next installment, learn how to become a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and start your own Laughter Yoga Club!