Keeping hope alive

/0 Comments/in , /by

Last summer, I took part in a very special event. The 60th anniversary of the founding of Camp Claret du Lac Elgin.

This summer camp was founded by a Claretian Father, a young priest who arrived from Spain with a vision and a mission. Father Carmel Lerma.

As a teenager, I was lucky enough to camp in this heavenly spot for 5 summers. The first year, for 2 weeks, and the following years, I spent the whole summer there. Because my father, a high school art teacher, had been recruited by Father Carmel as coordinator.

Dad was in charge of scheduling activities for all the campers, and the whole family was at Lake Elgin for the summer. My brother Luc and I as campers. Mom and my brother Éric (too young at first) at the cottage.

Last summer, in 2023, in anticipation of this celebration, the team organizing the event asked guests to recount a significant event in their Camp experience.

Here’s what I sent.

*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_*_

Approximately what year was your highlight? Oh, I can’t remember exactly, but I think it was 1972.

I was a camper in the Claire-Nature group at the time, and Dad was the coordinator.

My highlight

We had gone on an excursion to Mont Ham. The weather was overcast and we climbed the mountain in the afternoon. In the evening, we slept under the stars, taking turns to keep the fire “alive” to keep the animals away, but, curiously, in the early morning when the sun woke us, the fire was out… BUT what I saw changed my perception of things forever.

It was very early and the sun was shining brightly in the sky over the mountain. Straightening up a little, this is what I saw. The summit of Mount Ham was “cut off” from the rest of the world – a “carpet” of clouds stretched as far as the eye could see. We were alone in the world under the bright sun! It was breathtakingly beautiful. I remember marvelling at what I was seeing, while my fellow campers seemed to find it less beautiful than I did!

After closing the bivouac, we took the trail back down the mountain. The further down we went, the more we were in the clouds, which eventually turned to rain once we reached the bottom.

Before getting back into the Camp minibus, I remember looking up at the sky where the summit of Mount Ham was nowhere to be seen (let alone the sun) and thinking that I should never forget this moment… because even if I can’t SEE it, the sun is shining somewhere.

That image is still with me. I tell you about it here and I SEE it in my mind!

Despite the difficult times we face in life, the sun shines somewhere… So keep hoping Linda!

An outstanding experience

These images have been with me all my life since that moment. The sun above the clouds.

And I’m convinced that what I experienced on the top of that mountain in 1972 was what we call a moment of grace. The kind of experience that changes our perspective on things forever.

If you’ve ever been on a plane on a rainy day, you know what it’s like to fly above the cloud line.

This vision is as real as the rain that fell on the runway when you took off!

Rain on the ground. Sun higher!

Keep hope (say your name here). The sun shines somewhere and if I rise above my clouds, it’s there.

Health, laughter and joy

Linda

The gaze of others

/0 Comments/in , /by

I’ll never forget the first laughter yoga session I invited a friend from Montreal to.

I won’t forget the distraught look on her face during the exercises either! It was obvious she was wondering what she’d gotten herself into! (Just thinking about it makes me smile to this day).

I had just completed my training as a Laughter Yoga facilitator in the spring of 2003, and was highly motivated to continue practicing my exercises and determined to share the benefits of the method with my friends.

M (I’ll call him M here) had agreed to accompany me to a session of the Montreal Laughter Club while I was in town, on the very day that a meeting was taking place.

The facilitator begins the session, and the group gets down to work on the exercises.

Let’s just say that his animation was different from what I’d experienced up to that point, and I didn’t feel as comfortable as I had during my training. But hey. I was there and I did it.

It was when I saw my friend’s distraught and perplexed look as we wished each other a warm welcome that I really started laughing! I KNEW what she was thinking!

But what is this? It doesn’t make sense!

M has a great sense of humor. She’s also a pretty serious person. If you’re familiar with color personality types, she’s a “blue”. I’d describe her as cautious and analytical. That’s not to say she doesn’t know how to have fun, but this intentional laughter program was taking her WAY out of her comfort zone. VERY FAR!

The gaze of others

I see this in the groups I work with. A woman will bring her life partner or a friend. Or work colleagues. The person participates happily and laughs heartily during the exercises. The partner, friend or colleague does not. And what’s more, he or she looks at the other person as if to say,“You owe me one!”

Not easy for the person who sees that his guest or colleague is judging, has a reproachful and eloquent look on his face.

I can see them having even more fun!

A bit like me, who started laughing harder when I saw how my friend looked like a fish out of water. When she saw me laughing at her perplexity, she laughed a little too. She knew I knew!

She might well have been angry about it and thought I was laughing at her. Come to think of it, it might have looked like that indeed. HAHA!

What actually happened was that I know her very well and I sensed her perplexity and discomfort. I knew!

Where am I going with all this?

HAHA! I’ve found over the years that intentional laughter probably isn’t for everyone.

Even if physically it is, some people’s rational side is so strong that it prevents them from fully living the experience and letting go of the mind.

The big, responsible, serious people we become over the years almost all have a challenge at this level. Letting go of the mind to stay in the physical experience. I know because I’ve had this challenge myself.

How do I look? It’s not funny, so why should I laugh? Nonsense…

This is where giving yourself the PERMISSION to do something different is essential.

The worst that could happen?
  • That we laughed (even at nothing) for a few minutes.
  • That we feel lighter and less stressed.
  • That we have been able to forge positive links with the people who are with us.
  • That we were able to be in the moment for a while.
  • That we feel free of a weight.

If that’s the worst of it, I want the worst in my life!

No one can judge or evaluate anyone, because everyone does the exercises at the same time, at the signal of the person who launches the exercise. No one is put “under the spotlight” because everyone is doing the same thing, at the same time.

I think that’s the beauty of intentional laughter sessions for people who are afraid of being judged by others. It’s impossible to judge someone when we’re doing the same thing they’re doing!

There’s something about laughing all at once “on command” that’s reassuring for the mind, which might be tempted to panic. HAHAHA! Laughter brings people together.

So the next time you catch someone looking at you doubtfully and critically while you’re intentionally laughing, just tell yourself that they might not be able to let go of their mind long enough to laugh with you!

And that’s fine.

To each his own.

I made my own… Have you?

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

P.S. If I had stopped laughing when I saw M that day because I felt judged, you wouldn’t be reading this today!

P.P.S. M is still my friend! hehehe!

 

Life as a game of Solitaire

/0 Comments/in /by

Often in the evening, to “soften me up” and get me to sleep, or when I don’t sleep at night, I get out my old iPod and play Solitaire.

Don’t judge me and don’t tell me that blue light prevents sleep! HAHAHA! For me, who sets the brightness to a minimum, it’s just the opposite.

And I keep doing it because it keeps me from THINKING. You know the little hamster that rolls around in your head? Well, I keep it busy with this game.

I move the cards to make sequences and try to do it as quickly as possible to beat my records. Without forcing or stressing.

I’ve already managed to complete the suites in 51 seconds! 51 SECONDS!

On the table of statistics for the 15 fastest successes, I see that my slowest performance was 57 seconds.

Why am I telling you this? Not to brag (although I do think I’m pretty efficient! HAHA), but to share with you a thought that came to me over the weekend as I was completing suites in one minute and others in over 2 minutes.

The FLOW

You know that expression, being in the flow? When everything’s going swimmingly, when the stars are aligned, when everything’s just right.

In short, when everything we do works perfectly. Flow is like a freshly paved road on which there are few cars to slow us down or stop us. It’s a smooth ride. See the image?

I’ve found that, on the occasions when I manage to do the suites in a minute or less, nothing seems to slow me down. The cards are easy to place. I quickly SEE what’s possible. My finger is nimble and moves quickly across the touch screen. And best of all… Most of all, I seem to be out of time.

I’m always amazed at the results, because I lose track of time. That minute seems like an eternity! It seems to me that I’ve taken much longer to complete all the sequences, and then I see 58 seconds!

It’s crazy, isn’t it?

The weather

You make things that seem to take a long time, when in fact they don’t?

I remember when I was a teenager, I couldn’t wait to turn 18… or 21. And how slowly time passed! HAHAHA!

We have a strange notion of time.

When you’re waiting your turn to see the doctor who’s keeping you waiting, it’s a long wait. And our favorite artist’s show never lasts long enough.

Do you ever find that time is a strange notion?

Back to my Solitaire game…

I also sometimes “take back” moves and redo an operation. You may think I’m “cheating”, but I see it more as a strategic retreat to try and succeed in the end.

When this happens, it’s because I haven’t been paying attention and I’ve missed a shot. When I SEE it, I go back and play better. Just like in life.

Other times, I challenge myself and don’t care about the stopwatch: having my year of birth as the result (it’s only happened to me once so far), an odd or even number, a certain number as the final result… In short, any challenge is good enough! Whether I complete the series or not, I’m satisfied. Just like in life!

Good night!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

 

 

 

Throw in the towel?

/0 Comments/in /by

I just read something that illuminated something in me. Gave me hope.

When you feel like throwing in the towel, I want you to remember this:

Your desire to give up is a temporary, thoughtless reaction fueled by your ego.

It‘s a bad day or a bad week, not a bad life.*
IT’S SO TRUE!

Have you ever had the kind of day where nothing goes the way you want it to, but really NOTHING? A project, a to-do list, people to meet, an important task to finish. You name it!

This week, it seems like the stars are against me (I know it’s not possible that they’re all AGAINST me! it’s an image). HAHA! it’s an image).

Pffffffffffff

Yesterday, on my return from the TV studios where I was the very first guest on Claude Andréa Bonny’s new show (Tout Savoir), I sat down in front of my computer with the firm intention of finishing writing a document that had long been waiting to be completed. I wanted to finish it by the end of the day.

Alas, I had forgotten to set my phone to “do not disturb” mode. So yes. I had calls – that I needed to take. I also placed calls – to people I needed to talk to.

Then I found myself looking for a misplaced email among the hundreds that had remained in the inbox… and, you know how it is! HAHAHA! You search for a particular message and then, you see one that was begging for your attention but you forgot to deal with it. So you take care of it “while you’re at it”.

One thing led to another and the morning ended without even opening the document I had to finish!

No problem,” you might say, “he’s still here all afternoon.

YES BUT…

Some planet must not have wanted me to get involved, because I received an urgent request for a client by text message. It was urgent because the working committee was meeting in just a few hours, so I had to answer all her questions so that she would have all the information she needed to approve my participation in their “All-Staff” project.

Once the meeting with her was over, I had to go to my online follow-up management platform. There I found two more requests waiting to be answered.

For one of them, I first wanted to talk to the person hired to facilitate the work sessions, to check when my program would best fit into their schedule and what type of intervention would best match the spirit of their team meeting.

I knew this host from having come across him several times in the past. So I got in touch with him! We hadn’t had a chance to talk in a long time, so we took a little time to say hello!

Once I had the information, I took the time to prepare the proposals, ask for clarifications and send the information to the customers.

And I go back to my e-mail because, hey, I still hadn’t found the message I was looking for in the morning (I can hear you laughing!).

And the day goes on…time goes on…and time goes on…

Around 4.45pm, I finally realized that I’d lost a lot of time and that the day had been a complete failure!

Of all the tasks I intended to do, I couldn’t cross ANY of them off my list!

It’s frustrating. And I was both discouraged (with myself) and disappointed (with myself).

What I did to change my state of mind

I added two little things that didn’t require much energy or time to my list and did them right away.

  • Send a follow-up message to M.R.
  • Send a follow-up message to P.H.

And one that, despite everything, had been accomplished throughout the day.

  • Clean up my e-mail

I checked off those three things and closed the office for the day. Basta. Better luck tomorrow!

This morning, I read the quote you see. And I feel better reading it (so I was right yesterday! I feel better today!).

You know what I just did?

The laughter of tears.

Yes, yes! The laughter of tears – well felt!

In fact, I invite you to do it with me. Because the situation won’t change. I have no control over what happens. I have control over my attitude.

So, not so good? It’ll pass. Because everything passes.

It’s a bad day.

A bad week.

Not a bad life!

Does it help you to read this too?

You’re welcome!

 

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

*: Thank you Jill Celeste for the morning inspiration!

N.B. One of the things I was taught at university in one of the courses with my favorite professor (Thanks Nicole Bourget!) is that when a person answers “yes but” they are actually saying NO! Did you know that?

P.S. You have to accept that some days, our brain refuses to function “normally” because we’re preoccupied… that’s my case right now.

What I’ve learned in my years of laughter yoga

/0 Comments/in , , /by

I started practicing laughter yoga in 2003. At the time, I was what you might call a serious, stressed-out manager. I’m not sure if the people who worked with me had that perception, as I’ve always been a fairly good-natured, smiling person.

However, I consider that to have been my reality. “Pressurized” by difficult objectives, tight deadlines, the amount of work required… In short, a pot under constant pressure.

When I sent in my registration for the training weekend in May 2003, I knew I was in for something different. But probably not this different!

Here’s what I learned

1. It’s not as hard as you think to laugh intentionally

Once I’ve decided to start laughing, once I’ve made the physical motion to laugh and I know I have to laugh for at least a minute, I do it. What’s more, when we laugh as a group, the simple fact of hearing others, seeing them laugh, knowing that we’re there to do just that – laugh – has a leverage effect on our laughter! Did you know that we have a special laughter sensor in the brain? So when the detector detects, guess what happens!

In a laughter yoga session, we all start laughing at the same time, on the leader’s signal. When he or she says GO, we all go. Even when I’m practising alone, I hear myself laughing, and every time I do, I catch myself thinking how ridiculous it must look to see myself laughing like that, and THAT makes me laugh!

2. Some exercises work better than others

I admit it. I have my favorite exercises. In the sessions I run at the laughter club, the same people often take part every week. I can’t have them doing the same routine over and over again. So I vary. Some evenings, all the exercises trigger my laughter quickly. Other nights, I look at the list I’ve chosen to do and make a note not to do it again in the future! Of course, I always ask the group if they liked a new exercise that I didn’t like so much. If their opinion is positive, then I bring it back for them. But not for me! Silent laughter, for example, is a must, and it’s terribly effective for me. Silent laughter appeals to the ban on laughter!!!! Mischievous you say!

3. It’s definitely an aerobic exercise

I’m hot, out of breath and red in the face! It’s not jogging, but it feels like it. It’s something I keep an eye on when I’m working with a group. How the participants’ faces look. The heart beats faster, the lungs are hard at work… in short, “ça y va aux toasts” as we sometimes say in Quebec! Which means it’s very energetic. Hence the importance of taking the time to breathe properly between exercises – or during my laughter meditation.

4. I rarely laugh this hard or this long on a daily basis

Vrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrratively not! In a laughter yoga session, I can easily laugh for 20 minutes. Not necessarily in a row, but certainly 20 minutes in total. On a daily basis, my laughter only lasts a few seconds. Here and there during the day. And then some! That’s on days when I’m not alone in my office or in a particularly good mood. Most of the time, if I’m focused on my work (whether administrative, editorial or creative), I won’t even smile. Unless, of course, I’m holding a straw between my teeth. I smile. I don’t laugh. So a laughter yoga session is great.

5. I can laugh even when I’m not doing so well

I’ve been through all kinds of personal storms over the past 20 years. Bereavements, job losses, physical injuries, arguments… you name it, I’ve been through it. I remember an evening when I had just learned of the death of a close friend just before leaving for the laughter club. I cried on the way to the community center, and then it was as if I’d put my grief on hold for the hour of the session. I was able to lead the meeting, and when I got back to my car, I started crying again. That evening, I realized that during the hour of the session, while I was laughing with the group, I hadn’t been thinking or suffering about my grief. I had been completely in the moment with the participants. The pain hadn’t gone away. It was just “a little on the side” during those moments.

 

6. I don’t feel like I’m forcing myself anymore

People sometimes tell me that they can’t tell the difference and don’t know whether I’m laughing “for real” or “as if”. And neither do I! HAHAHA! I don’t feel like I’m forcing myself anymore. It comes quickly and stays if I decide to keep going. I think that must be the body’s ability to train itself to do something easily and naturally. Once the habit is well established, the body reacts to the first signal to start! A bit like Pavlov’s dogs! It’s the best conditioning you could wish for!

7. After the sessions, I love everyone

You’re right. I look at people on the sidewalk and I just want to compliment them. I look at them and I SEE them! If I felt anger or impatience towards someone before (I’m normal! It happens to me, yes yes!), after the session, those feelings are gone and have given way to openness and tolerance. I’m not saying that I magically forgive everything. No. What happens is that my heart takes over. Not just my head. Notice how you look at the people who make you laugh. Or those around you after a good laugh. It’s like making room for… love after all! Less judgment and evaluation.

8. Laughing makes me creative

I need to take stock of my achievements over the last 20 years, and I have to admit that laughing makes me much more creative! Of course, I know that laughing activates the left side of my brain, the part linked to imagination, love and creativity. I think laughing does stimulate that part of my brain. On the other hand, I think all those exercises I created by improvising during the sessions based on what the participants shared with me, that’s all about PLAY. I’ve certainly started playing again by practising laughter yoga. Because laughter is a game! At least, the way we start the exercises, the way we interpret reality in a more playful light, is an invitation to play. And play means creativity!

9. I don’t care what others think of me when I lead a session.

HAHAHA! I know that many must look at me and think that I’m not doing anything serious! That I’m maybe even weird or strange or… a little crazy! I know because – I confess – that’s probably what I would have thought myself 21 years ago! As I lead a session, I’m focused on the participants. On their complexion, their faces, their smiles. When I’m with a group, I invite them all to start the exercise at the same time and follow me. No one can judge anyone… except maybe me, because I demonstrate before giving them the GO.

I KNOW how liberating and beneficial what I’m doing to them is. So what do some people think of me? I don’t really care! The important thing is to make sure things are done right for optimum effect. Am I wrong? I laugh! I say the wrong word? I laugh! And believe me, I do goof up sometimes! I’m probably the best example of how to LAUGH AT YOURSELF!

10. All are beautiful when they laugh

Certainly. I have no hesitation in making and statement! Eyes sparkle. Cheeks are rosier. A sparkle lights up the eyes. Even toothless mouths are more beautiful. I read a long time ago that laughter is good for sex appeal. Well, I don’t know, but what I do know is that I’ve never seen a serious face more beautiful than a smiling one. If you’re holding back laughter because you don’t like your teeth, don’t stop! You look at your eyes when you laugh! What’s more, it’s the energy the person gives off that is felt. A beautiful, positive, vibrant, loving energy. Don’t you think that’s beautiful? HAHAHA! I think just like you.

 

 

That’s all I’ve learned… and more! Because my main discovery is that laughing brings out the best in me!

Laugh with me, will you?

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

Celebrating loved ones

/0 Comments/in , , /by

Do you take the time to celebrate the people you love?

To do a small gesture – a little extra – to please them, to make them smile?

Preparing breakfast, complimenting them, winking with a smile, noticing a positive detail… telling them you love them.

No matter.

Do you do that?

Today is my mother’s birthday.

I took the time to make the drive to spend a few hours with her.

And when I say “hitting the road”, I mean driving 4 hours on muddy highways on a Thursday afternoon to celebrate her birthday and her presence in my life.

I’m not saying this to make you think “Oh what a good girl for her mother!” HAHAHA!

I’m sharing this with you because I think it’s really important to CHOOSE where we put our time and energy. The PEOPLE (not the things) in our lives that matter to us are the ones we should celebrate.

This summer, I read something that made an image for me. That of a tree.

Here’s what it basically said

Some people in life are like leaves. They’re there for a while, then they’re gone with the wind.

Then there are other people who are like branches. They stand there and resist, but not everything. Then they fall.

There are also people who are like the trunk of the tree. They are solid and strong, and can be counted on to stay.

Finally, there are the people who are like the roots of the tree. The ones who make everything else stand up, grow, blossom and become strong. The very foundation!

The lesson I learned

It doesn’t matter whether you’re surrounded by leaves, branches, trunks or roots, make the distinction and invest your time where it counts most.

But celebrate every part of your “trees” because, without leaves, we’d have no shade and no photosynthesis! Branches – no matter how small – hold the leaves and… begin their life from the trunk. Roots draw their strength from the earth, and without them, nothing would stand. And every part COUNTS.

Each person is in our lives – whether for a time of leaves, a time of branches, a time of trunk or a time of roots.

I think it’s worth the joy of celebrating every part! Let’s celebrate each person as they deserve.

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

 

My podcast is my DIY!

/0 Comments/in , /by

And I LOVE DIY! I’d do it more if I had more time.

You may have noticed that I’ve been more active lately with the episodes of my podcast, Element JOY!

For me, my podcast is like my DIY! I do it when I have time.

But right now, I’m TAKING my time because I have several recordings that need to see the light of day! HAHAHA!

Nothing happens by itself

Make contact with people. Then find a time that suits us both. Record the conversation. Take the photo. It’s all sport sometimes!

And once the recording is done, it’s far from over!

All that’s left to do is record the introduction, edit, adjust the sound, upload to the platform, write the text to accompany the episode, add the guest photo, schedule the broadcast date and share the episode on the networks.

It’s all fun to do! It’s like DIY. But you have to get started!

A “labour of love

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been lucky enough to be able to make several recordings. No doubt because it’s summer, guests are more available – and so am I!

This means that the next episodes will be broadcast every Tuesday every two weeks. I’ve got them scheduled until November. Isn’t that great?

Want an idea of who’s coming?

I’ve created a series called “My Magnificent Friends” to give the microphone to people around me whom I find simply magnificent – and inspiring in many ways. So there’s a manager, a retired history buff, a nun, a sexology graduate… and a few other surprises!

My goal remains the same: to share with you nuggets of inspiration, tips and ways that might help us live a less stressed and more joyful life.

I have to tell you, these recording sessions are a blast! Each time, both the guest and I are bright-eyed at the end of this shared moment. Bright-eyed and smiling.

You know what most people say to me afterwards?

It did me a lot of good to think about it. To remember that I have this, that I do this, that I LIVE this! THANK YOU!

Now it’s your turn to enjoy it!

All episodes are listed here, but you can subscribe on most streaming platforms.

Until the next episode, let’s keep smiling!

Linda

Guest of Mike the Chameleon

/0 Comments/in , /by

I was invited by Mike the Chameleon for lunch.

WOW! I had a great experience. And I learned a new trick.

Having the chance to be invited by a guy who has 10MILLION subscribers on TikTok, that’s something!!!

The scope of Mike the Chameleon’s teachings is impressive.

He records language vignettes to teach English, and even I, who am fairly bilingual, learn something! HAHA!

But the way he approaches the issues he raises in his videos is really different. He doesn’t take himself seriously! He’s having fun and playing. It’s obvious he’s having fun doing what he does. And it’s probably to his warm personality and playful manner that he owes his great success.

Always respectful. Never inappropriate, vulgar or offensive. He succeeds in imparting knowledge with good humor.

I love it!

A few days ago, he made a video saying he’d reached 10 million subscribers. It blew my mind! For me, who has 194,000 subscribers (my friends all tell me that’s HUGE!), the notion of reaching 10 million people just blows me away!

I think he’s terrific and wish him long life, happiness and inspiration to continue doing what he does so masterfully well.

You know, don’t you, that it’s easier to learn when you’re in a good mood? He certainly does!

Want to see our live feed? Click here

And keep smiling!

Linda (if you’re looking for me on Insta and TikTok, I’m lindahahasister)

 

Find a laughing partner

/0 Comments/in , , /by

I can’t remember where or when, but I read an article a friend was writing, in which he mentioned the importance of having a “laugh partner”. The idea may make you smile, but it’s an excellent one!

When I train laughter yoga facilitators, I always invite them to identify the people in their lives who help them to laugh.

Why?

For the simple reason that they help us stay healthy!

The social element of our lives has taken a beating since the start of the pandemic. We haven’t seen each other for months! And for the vast majority, the isolation has been more than a blow to morale.

No matter whether we’re going through a stormy, stressful time or not, the people around us who make us laugh are “essential services”! Guardian angels. Lifelines.

Take a look around you. I’m sure if you think about it, you’ll find one or more people who make you laugh when you meet or talk to them.

That’s who you need to surround yourself with. To create a positive network that keeps you in shape!

Back in 2003, when I was training to become a laughter yoga facilitator, when I was asked to “Write down three things that make you laugh”, I wrote the name of a friend in my notebook. This friend always has the gift of making me laugh (at all sorts of trivial things!!). I realized that we didn’t talk very often, but whenever we did, I always laughed myself to tears! So I resolved to multiply the opportunities to talk to him and meet him. Precisely because we’re both always laughing. I feel like I’ve recharged my battery of good humor. Even though we often make fun of each other, we always laugh heartily and leave with a lighter heart.

Finding a laughter partner can have many benefits for your physical and emotional well-being.

  1. Stress reduction: Laughter is a natural way to reduce stress and anxiety. When you laugh, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that give you a feeling of well-being and relaxation.
  2. Improved mental health: Laughter can also improve your mental health by reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety. It can help you feel happier and more optimistic.
  3. Strengthening social relationships: Laughing with others can strengthen social bonds and help you feel more connected to others. It can also improve your self-confidence and your ability to communicate with others.
  4. Improved physical health: Laughter can benefit your physical health by boosting the immune system, improving circulation and reducing pain.
  5. Reduced isolation: Finding a laughter partner can help you break out of isolation and engage more with the world around you. This can be particularly beneficial if you’re experiencing stress or loneliness.

In short, finding a laughter partner can have many benefits for your overall well-being. So don’t hesitate to laugh often and seek out people with whom you can share this positive experience.

Do you?

I encourage you to find one (or more!) laughing partners!

It could even be one of your grandchildren, if you have any! It’s great to show our offspring that we’re capable of being playful and laughing out loud! It’s an important lesson to teach them how to laugh for the rest of their lives.

Really, put it on your to-do list! And cherish your laughter partners.

Well, I just called mine and left him a voicemail that’s sure to make him smile! Want to know what I said? “Your text says you’ll call me back. Is that true? At what time? On what day? Are you going to call me to confirm when? In the meantime, I was calling to say hello… (pause) Hello! Ok Bye!”

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

P.S. Oh, and if you want me to be your laughing partner for a few days, sign up for the MORAL BOOST capsules!

Do you have a healthy lifestyle?

/0 Comments/in , , , /by

Big question. Is a healthy lifestyle important to you?

Is your answer yes?

  • You brush your teeth after every meal (or at least twice a day!).
  • You eat well.
  • You drink water.
  • You wash yourself.
  • You sleep 7 hours a night (when everything’s going well!).
  • You exercise a few times a week (even if it’s walking, it counts).
  • You take some time off.
  • You see friends.
  • You’re taking a vacation.
  • You laugh heartily for several minutes a day.

Did you say YES to all of these? Did you say NO to one or more? Then there’s something seriously missing from your healthy lifestyle. And I’m willing to bet that what’s missing is LAUGHTER!

Am I wrong?

When you know all the benefits of a good, energetic laugh (the kind that makes your belly move and sounds good), you wonder why we don’t allow ourselves to do it assiduously and daily!

Why aren’t we laughing more?

Because we adults are in our heads! And our heads are full of worries, responsibilities, performance ideas and so on. And when the head is full of “serious, important things”, there’s no room for a sense of humor.

That’s why I love laughter yoga so much. Because it allows me to maintain a healthy lifestyle and laugh at will even when my grown-up brain is busy dealing with grown-up problems!!! HAHAHA!

An experience

Would you like to experiment with me?

I suggest you do the exercise in this one-minute video with me. Just one minute of your time.

And let me know if you succeed – but to succeed, you have to WANT to laugh!

Let me know how you feel AFTERwards.

Come on. Just a minute. Here we go!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda