WHAT IS LAUGHTER YOGA?

Laughter Yoga mixes healing laughter with moderately-light movement, and invigorating breathing exercises.

Well, what is laugher?
“Laughter is a virtue, a soul-expanding delight that shortens time. Every laugh you manage cuts short the miles and hours and days of drudgery. You can ascend the physical body on laughter. Let [laughter] give you balance, perspective, poise and patience.” Miriams-Well

Then, what is yoga?
“Yoga is a system of exercises which help your control of the body and mind. It also improves your breathing and focuses the alignment of your body, [mind, and spirit].” BBC

Or

“A Hindu series of mental, spiritual and physical exercises designed to aid in enlightenment. The exercise component of Yoga is often practiced in the West as an aid to healthy living.” Religious Tolerance

Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary form of body-mind exercise that combines yoga breathing and laughter exercises to improve your health and vitality, to decrease everyday stress and to promote a more positive mental attitude. It’s easy, fun and is a method that works for everyone!

What are the scientific benefits of Laughter Yoga?

- Reduces pain.
- Strengthens the immune system stimulating the production of T-cells and NK cells which help to fight cancerous cells and tumors.
- Improves circulation and strengthens the heart.
- Reduces anger and anxiety.
- Reduces stress.
- Burns calories and keeps you looking young.
- Improves stamina.
- Alleviates respiratory problems.
and
- Improves self-confidence and social skills.

Is Laughter Yoga similar to the (more popularly known) Western practice of yoga for healthy living?

Laughter Yoga is similar to the popular-Western practice of yoga in as much as both are practices toward unity of mind, body, and spirit through a series of exercises. However, laughter yoga does not involve the physical yoga positions. Laughter Yoga consists of light-impact movement, with uplifting laughter, and beneficial breathing exercises.

Do I have to do YOGA POSITIONS at Laughter Yoga?

No, Laughter Yoga does not require traditional yoga positions. However, anyone interested in doing some yoga stretches during Laughter Yoga can do them during free-movement exercises.

What can I expect at Laughter Yoga?

You can expect a series of low-impact group exercises that involve modest movement, enriching laughter, and yoga breathing. This video is a good indicator of what to expect: www.youtube.com/laughteryoga

For Laughter Yoga, do I need a sense of humor? Do I need to be in a good mood? Do I need reasons to laugh?

No, you do not need to have a sense of humor, be in a good mood or even have a reason to laugh to do Laughter Yoga.

Who can participate in Laugher Yoga?

Absolutely everyone is welcome at Laughter Yoga, especially beginners. Accommodations are made for those with special needs. Laughter Yoga crosses all barriers: age, gender, language, culture, physical abilities, race, religion, political beliefs, etc. Laughter is part of the universal human vocabulary. All members of the human species understand it.

Is the laughter in Laughter Yoga fake or real?

Most laughter exercises start out with simulated laughter to stimulate real laughter. In time fake laughter becomes genuine and flows out like a fountain.

Are there any hidden agendas involved with Laughter Yoga?
No, hidden agenda involved in Laugher Yoga:
* Non-Political
* Non-Religious
* Non-Exploitive
* Non-Competitive
* Non-Perfectionistic
* Non-Threatening

Where can I find out more about Laugher Yoga?

Call today for more information: 310-471-5773 or check out www.laughteryoga.org/about-l...oga2.php

Is there a Laughter Yoga group in Santa Monica?

Yes, Laughter Yoga meets Wednesdays from 6:30 to 7:30pm and is led by Kim Selbert, OTR/L and Certified Laughter Yoga Leader.

Where does Laughter Yoga meet in Santa Monica?

Location: Chance to Dance Studio at 323 Santa Monica Place Mall. The mall is between Broadway & Colorado and 2nd and 4th Street. Chance to Dance is located at the top of the escalator on the third floor.

Where should I park? How much is parking?

Park in the Broadway Street Parking structure. Parking is free for 3 hours. Drive to the 5th floor of the parking structure, then take the first exit towards 4H North parking area, enter the mall near the elevators on 4H North, this is the 3rd level of the mall. Chance to Dance is near the top of the escalators.

How much does Laughter Yoga cost?

First class is free. Donations are accepted for individual classes from continuing students through August. Attend a class for more information on package deals through the remainder of the year.