Tag Archive for: intentional laughter

I met the lawyer!

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I have an amazing story to tell you. I met the lawyer!

Not just any lawyer, but the one mentioned in the article I read while waiting my turn for physiotherapy in 2003. YES! The very one to whom I owe my current success with laughter yoga! (If that doesn’t ring a bell, listen to this and you’ll understand better)

Imagine my joy

Last weekend, I was Master of Ceremonies at the Canadian Laughter Yoga Conference in Canmore, Alberta. It was a big job, requiring concentration, energy, dynamism and… preparation. Three days of sharing, inspiring, laughing-laughing-connecting. In short, it was great! (and very tiring!).

I was a little out of the way, at a table just finishing preparing the presentation for the next speaker, when I had an epiphany.

A beautiful woman was sitting at a table near me. I looked at the name on her roundel: Catherine Lawrence, Toronto, “chicken lady”…

I looked up at her and simply said in a low voice, “Are you a lawyer?”

When she said yes, I got up and hugged her! (I think it was the first time she’d ever been hugged after saying she was a lawyer! HAHAHA)

The beautiful blonde from the article. The one who had stopped practicing law to offer corporate laughter programs! That was HER.

I was in the presence of THE woman through whom my love affair with laughter yoga began!

Do you think I was incredulous to find myself standing in front of the woman holding a wooden spoon in one hand and a rubber chicken in the other in the magazine photo, 21 years later? OH YES!

Most of all, I was grateful to be able to tell him directly how this article had changed the course of my life.

The impact of our actions

Have you ever thought that each of our actions can have an impact on one or more people without us even knowing it?

  • You look at a garment in the store and hesitate to buy it. In the end, you don’t take it. Someone passes by and sees what could be the perfect gift for their child, buys it and makes someone happy.
  • At the grocery store, you pass a person who has only two items to pay for. This person walks out of the store and smiles at the people she meets. One of them is going through a difficult time, but this stranger’s smile warms her heart.
  • The short videos I post on social networks cross oceans and do good for countless people!
  • INSERT YOUR OWN EXAMPLE…

It was good for both of us to know that the other person existed.

In my case, to know that the person I was grateful to was actually there with me.

And in hers, that this article not only allowed the woman I was to put laughter back into her life, but also helped a multitude of people around the world to feel happier through my actions.

The domino effect!

Just like the “circles in the water” that go from strength to strength. A joyful echo that spreads around the world. Even if we don’t SEE it, it’s there!

So don’t stop laughing, smiling and breathing. You don’t know how many lives will be impacted by these simple, beneficial actions.

THANK YOU to Catherine Lawrence!

And thank you for reading.

HAHAmaste

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

 

The gaze of others

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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!

 

Advent calendar with laughter!

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A Advent calendar with laughter? Yes, it will do us all a world of good!

Ah… when an idea takes root in our minds and materializes quickly and, above all, easily, it’s a good idea! It also means that the time has come for the idea to come to life.

A few weeks ago – just 3 weeks in fact – I had the idea of creating an advent calendar calendar. A calendar where I’d be live with you, laughing every day from December 1 to 25 inclusive, to help us all (and I include myself in the group!) decompress and arrive at the holidays lighter-hearted, more relaxed and smiling.

I know how much the daily practice of intentional laughter can help. I know because I practice it! hahaha!

And yet…

I’m just like you.

I often arrive on December 24th“tongue-tied“, tired, stressed, running… I have to be on the road for hours to get to my destination. I want everything to go well with my family, to see as many people as possible (I live several hours’ drive from my family), to spend quality time with my parents…

Closing my financial year before I leave, closing all open files, making sure that payments have been made and that “nothing is lying around”.

I’m getting ready to leave for my family with a certain sense of urgency. Don’t forget anything, don’t leave anything behind (I’ll be 4 hours away), plan as much as possible (thanks to my lists!). And because I have a slightly different diet, I also have to plan several menus to bring with me.

It’s the same thing every year!

I don’t feel like laughing!

I’ve noticed that it’s precisely when I least want it that I need it most!

So, as the holidays approach, I’m offering those of you who, like me, may not feel like laughing (too much in the gut, as one friend put it) but badly need to, the chance to join me daily for 15 minutes of liberation and joy.

Libération! Isn’t that a bit much?

Yes, liberation. And no, that’s not too strong. Because we’ll be taking the time to “shake off the dust and the stress” at the start of each program, so that we can then allow ourselves to laugh intentionally and fill up on good humor.

15 minutes. It’s very simple, and it’s more than enough time to recharge our batteries before continuing (or ending) our day. Above all, it’s 15 minutes FOR YOURSELF, a chance to recharge your batteries and get your zygomatic muscles working, making the preparations and the festivities themselves smoother and more serene.

What does daily practice mean?

It creates a HABITUDE. It really does change things, making them happier and lighter. Promise-promise!

I even thought about people who might like to the calendar as a gift for friends or relatives.! (click on the link)

And, of course, to those who have the good idea of doing the calendar as a team! For groups of 10, the individual rate is $25. Think about it! 1 per day for a lighter heart, a smiling face, more patience, creativity and tolerance!

You’re afraid of running out…

Don’t worry, I’m going to make the recordings available for 24 hours every day. You’ll be doing “with me” but on repeat!

Believe me, we’ll all be arriving at December 25 with a healthy, well-established habit to carry us through the final days of 2023… with a smile on our faces!

Would you like to join me in laughing at your Advent Calendar?

I look forward to seeing you on December 1st at noon, Quebec time (6pm FR).

Can’t wait!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

OH! And it will be bilingual! Advent with Laughter!

P.S. If you like the idea of participating as a team, contact me by e-mail so I can organize your group! info@yogadurire.com

 

 

 

 

Can’t you laugh right now?

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Can’t laugh right now? For any number of reasons, laughter may not be an option for you right now.

I’m chatting on Messenger with a friend who had a big scare yesterday. She was rushed to hospital and underwent heart surgery. Young, fit, active, eating well… and yet she had a massive heart attack.

A friend with whom I was discussing the matter said he was surprised because, according to him, it’s “more men who are affected by heart disease”! Sadly, no. According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Quebec, “a third more women than men die of stroke in this country. Women with heart failure are more affected than men.”

Makes you think, doesn’t it?

I’ve already told you about the research Dr. Michael Miller has undertaken at the University of Maryland, where he is a professor and researcher in the School of Medicine. I told you about it in a video I made when I returned from the American Laughter Yoga Conference in 2018. Watch the video here Laughing is EXCELLENT for our heart health. If only because laughing will “zap” the harmful effects of stress, I’m convinced of the positive effects of laughter on our cardiac system.

So I suggested that my friend imagine that she was laughing out loud. To feel the energy of laughter in her body at rest after her surgery. By closing her eyes, by “pretending” she was laughing out loud. But above all, to pay close attention to how she feels as she imagines herself laughing. To feel intensely. Because she’ll reap the benefits of this physical visualization.

I have a little theory about that, you see.

Several years ago, when I was immobilized with a shoulder injury that made my every move hurt like hell, I found myself unable to laugh out loud. IN CA PA BLE! For a pro in daily practice, this is not an easy thing to live with.

That’s when a colleague suggested I imagine I was laughing. And I tried it.

To my amazement and delight, I found that I relaxed, felt lighter and smiled more. Just imagining and feeling it very strongly in my body.

When I’m laughing out loud, I know how it feels. And I feel great!

So the power of our mind allows us to FEEL the well-being of our body, which is laughing. Hello endorphins and goodbye tension!

I’m extending an invitation to you. Try it! You don’t have to wait until you can’t laugh to try it. Just do it. Just to see if… And let me know how it goes. Because I’m curious to know if you’ve dared to do it!

But I know it works miracles. HAHAHA!

And I’m convinced of that.

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

A very true quote

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Last week, I attended several networking events. At one of them, one of the speakers said something that made me realize just how far I’ve come. Do it and do it until you get it right.

Do it… again and again and again and again. Until you get it right.

It’s so true!

Think about it. When a child learns to walk, he falls, and falls, and falls! Does he get discouraged and stop trying to get up and move forward? NOT. AT ALL. AT ALL! He keeps going… until he succeeds! That’s his goal and he KEEPS GOING!

Hey boy… the number of times I’ve tried to do something and, because on the second try I didn’t get the results I wanted, I stopped… Crazy!

Perseverance or stubbornness?

If there’s one thing I know, it’s that it’s easy to get discouraged after a few unsuccessful attempts. Not that I give up when something doesn’t work out, but rather that I don’t know whether I’m being persistent or stubborn! It’s a small but important nuance.

 

In my opinion, perseverance enables us to achieve our goals, realize our potential and succeed in things we believe in. The definition I found on the web basically says this: To apply one’s will, to use patience to pursue an action despite difficulties, to remain firm in a resolution, an opinion, an attitude.

Stubbornness on the other hand has a more negative connotation for me. If I’m stubborn about something, then I’m stubborn! The image that accompanies this concept of stubbornness is that of a billy goat running into a wall. He’s charging and charging and charging headfirst… and that’s not very positive! Obstinate, unreasoning attachment to an opinion or bias.

In the case of the sentence that made me react, it’s all about perseverance. And when the goal is worthwhile, when it’s something that’s good for my health, that’s good for humanity, then that’s a very positive thing! and I buy that!

When I tell you that hearing those words made me realize how far we’ve come, I was thinking of several things.

To my beginnings on two legs, trying to stand up and move forward, of course, but also and above all, to all the effort I put into becoming what I am today. Building a business that allows me to laugh, spread good cheer, reduce my own stress and help others reduce theirs… to laugh EVERY DAY! That’s no mean feat!

A difficult start

 

I’ll always remember my first experience with laughter yoga. Oh, how uncomfortable I was with the idea of laughing for no reason! Oh how I remember the thought that crossed my mind that morning as I was told I should laugh after saying my first name, laugh after saying where I was from, laugh after saying what I did for a living!“Uh… no! That’s vrrrrrrrrrreally not funny! And why should I laugh if it’s not funny?!”

But I had paid for my internship and I had DECIDED to give it a try. I had CHOSEN to see what could happen and if it could help me. Thank God I persevered! Much to my delight!

To this day, I often hear people tell me that they could never do what I do. That they’d never be able to laugh “at nothing” as naturally as I do!

Well, I’d tell them Do it and do it until you get it right! Don’t stop because you think it’s too strange, too left-field. Just keep at it! You’ll see that in the end you’ll succeed, and you’ll feel BETTER and HAPPIER!

Yes!

Doesn’t that give you a little extra pep to continue what you want to do or what you’ve started? Don’t be discouraged! You’re walking on your own two feet now? Are you? You’ve got the proof!

Inspiration comes from everywhere, when you least expect it!

I give you a big smile. I tilt my head back a little and laugh happily and freely!

Laughter, joy and health

Your HAHA Sister, Linda

 

 

 

Why is it so destabilizing?

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Laughing at nothing… Why is it so destabilizing for us serious, stressed-out adults?

I was listening to a report on Radio-Canada’s Medium Large program this morning, and the host, Catherine Perrin, was talking to a columnist about laughter. In fact, about the false beliefs associated with laughter.

Naturally, my curiosity was piqued!

For example, they said the following:

  1. A good laugh is the equivalent of a session at the gym. Laughing burns a few calories, but not many. Not enough to make it worthwhile.
  2. Just because we laugh doesn’t mean it’s funny. Now we know!
  3. The monkeys laugh too. Of course you can! Many species can laugh. We just don’t know how to decode!
  4. It’s laugh-out-loud funny. That. I’d say we can die from not laughing enough!
  5. Cane laughs” work. Our brains are equipped with laughter detectors – just like yawn detectors – so we’re eager to laugh when we hear bbveggie.com laughter… even “cane” laughter.

However, laughter is an important social component and improves our communication.

A few years ago, I asked this same host to mention the World Laughter Day celebrations that were taking place that year in Montreal’s Old Port. Her team seemed a little puzzled by the concept of laughter yoga. the health foundation.

And the more I listened to them this morning, the more I wondered how it is that the concept of intentional laughter is so destabilizing for adults?

If the columnist had said that laughter makes you lose weight, I can only imagine the number of people who would have rushed to sign up for classes!

But while laughing doesn’t make you lose weight (at least not enough to be worth mentioning), laughing is tremendously good for your health! On every level! Physically, mentally, socially, emotionally and spiritually (yes, I dare say it!).

Laughing is a PHYSICAL process. Humor is a BRAIN process. In laughter yoga, we know this very well! Practising intentional laughter in a way develops our sense of humour. The more we laugh – even intentionally – the funnier we find in things. It’s like a workout!

Curiously, many adults have difficulty with this concept – intentional laughter means laughing “at nothing” – and yet they all understand the benefits of the stationary bike or the treadmill… and yet we’re going nowhere! But we keep going! HAHAHA!

Conclusion? What if we ALLOW ourselves to try? What could be worse than finding ourselves laughing out loud and saying, “This is crazy, but it works!

And IT FEELS GOOD!

Laughter, joy and health

Linda

p.s. give it a try and let me know what you think! I’ve added a little audio to help you along. Check this link skeppargarden