While I was working in Buffalo, NY prior to moving to NOVA, my employer began incorporating a monthly Laughter Club that was open to any staff wishing to attend. As part of an initial inservice on the concept of Laughter Yoga, many of the basic techniques shown in this video were performed and practiced by us. At first, I was skeptical of it, and tried to hold back the awkwardness of looking at another person and start laughing without any sort of joke, comedy, or other catalyst that would typically prompt laughter. None of those were needed. After about 3 minutes, I was laughing heartily from the contagious laughter that swept through the training. In all 35 people were genuinely laughing, allowing the stress of the day to float away before taking it with them on their commute home.
I reconnected with this concept of Laughter Yoga after reading a web-article using the practice in the treatment of Anger Management (for my EFFT Course). After reading about the different practices on the techniques, I looked for a video showing a session taking place. As I watched the video, I couldn't help but engage in laughter with it. It was incredibly playful and eccentric; two things that are often missed in our day-to-day routine. Out of all the practices, the "milk-shake" exercise had to be my favorite as it induced full-body movements and deep laughter. I've since bookmarked this video as a reference for many days where a hearty laugh is needed.
Looking at this from a neurological base, mirror neurons play an incredible role in the contagiousness of laughter. The study of mirror neurons crept into the field of study about 20 years ago, and have been a hot-topic ever since. These neurons are believed to be activated not only when an individual performs a certain action, but also when that same individual witnesses someone else performing that same action. Therefore, the neuron is fired by a "mirroring" of the action. In the field of Laughter Yoga, when one laughs it causes the neurons in someone else to fire, prompting them to laugh. Incredibly interesting. In addition, the clapping of hands during warm-up also serves to stimulate nerves and bring awakening to the body.
Where does this fit into mindfulness? I think the link with mindfulness practice comes in awakening one's senses to their experiences and in the alleviation of suffering. I know it's been said before, but mindfulness practice is not simply designated to sitting silently in solitude. It too can take on the form of moving raucously in community. Laughter Yoga may be a new form of mindfulness or a precursor to deeper mindfulness with the awakening of the senses. Whatever it is, I find it incredibly delightful, relaxing, and much needed in my life.
Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha!
Here are some additional videos and websites:
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