Laughter Yoga Calendar for January

This is the tentative schedule for January Laughter Yoga Meetings at Studio 206 (same time) 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Same weekly day: Sunday. Same suggested donation: $5 or FREE, like laughter.

1/4/09. Focus: Our immune systems. Learn about how prolonged laughter prevents relapse in cancer patients by up to 80%.

1/11/09. Focus: Cardio Laughter Yoga. Use specific laughter games and breathing techniques to increase your heart rate and deliver a seriously fun workout.

1/18/09. Focus: Using Laughter Yoga to build tangible peace in strained relationships. Peace meditation following laughter exercises.

1/25/09. Focus: Temporarily lose your left brain! Watch an inspirational video clip by Jill Bolte Taylor. Learn how laughter immediately accesses your right brain.

Hope to see you there!

Laughlove,
Leigh

Laughter Report: The Ladies at the Jail

Once again, I want to brag about the women in the re-entry program (in transition back to their communities) at the local jail. They are “required” to laugh with me twice a week. Each laughter class lasts for about 1.5 hours.

So far, they report decreased anger, moods improving steadily, colds and irksome illnesses decreased (we saw one disappear today), relationships with each other strengthened/more “at ease”… and today, a woman with asthma who *had* to use an inhaler for each class, no longer needs it. Even if we’re running around like laughing buffalo. There was a Western theme today.

Now that the woman with asthma no longer needs her inhaler for cardiovascular exercise, she’s been spinning on the bike, doing jumping jacks and other cardio exercise, and generally laughing as hard and as much as she can. She’s lost at least 20 pounds, her inhaler, and her flat affect.

They’ve invited me to come lead LY with their special night with their children. Once again, I’m honored.

I challenge you to regularly volunteer. Give away the parts of you that you cherish – where you find your best or most “formed” gifts. This alone will lift your mood and fill your heart with a little bit of hope (or a big amount of hope). The world needs what you have, especially in these days of external ups and downs. Give it! But don’t forget to drink plenty of fluids. Ha ha!

Happier days ahead,
Leigh

MSNBC on Laughter

No Reason’s Greetings!

Some of the latest research and media (MSNBC) on the many many benefits of laughter were forwarded to me…

Your happiness could be contagious! New research shows that happiness isn’t just an individual phenomenon; we can catch happiness from friends and family members like an emotional virus.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28058552/from/ET/

No joke, some patients laugh through treatment! While the verdict is out on whether laughter plays a role in healing, the American Cancer Society says it promotes relaxation by lowering blood pressure and improves breathing.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27955969/from/ET/