Good health and hahaha-happiness to all men!
In today’s helter-skelter, super-fast-paced world, time passes by so quickly. Each day is filled with seemingly endless must-do tasks, almost leaving us with no time for things we like and love to do for ourselves. Laughter Yoga is the easy way to clear our minds, keep our life’s perspectives, and lead us to its magical healing world. It can definitely be like a magic wand that promotes positivism, happiness, and good health in our lives
During my family’s recent trip to the US, I happened to converse with PAL flight attendant Leurie Alivio who told me her mom was suffering from breast cancer. I believe breast cancer is a manifestation of unexpressed emotions and suppressed feelings. I suggested that in addition to her medications, her mom should include laughter in her daily regimen, and Leurie right away declared that laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. I mentioned having had cysts on my breasts some years back, too, though they were benign. But just the same, it got me worried until I discovered the magical healing wonders of Laughter Yoga.
Later in the galley, we were joined by flight stewards Anthony Cruz and Brian Barromo, and purser Vangie Bolobo. Like carefree kids, they clapped, swayed, and laughed like they had never done before to release their stresses and tiredness during their flight. Laughter indisputably is a direct communicator. They asked me how they could join an LYoga session and, in unison, commented: “Laughter Yoga is so easy to do, very relaxing, energizing, and it changed our moods in no time at all.” My daughter Vanessa later told me she heard our hilarious laughter and was tempted to join in. Ho ho, ha ha ha!
Upon landing in Los Angeles, we stayed overnight at the Westin Hotel and proceeded the following day to Sta. Barbara’s Doubletree Resort Hotel. It reminded me of our very own Boracay resorts, whose fine and white-as-powder sand remains unsurpassable. Admittedly though Sta. Barbara’s resort is very well planned, so well-kept, and more tourist-friendly.
Then we drove to San Diego and stayed at Hotel US Grant -- grand as the sound of its name. Steeped in history and truly a San Diego icon, it offers the ultimate luxury experience. San Diego’s climate has always been the most pleasant in the whole US. No extreme heat or cold temperature. Eye-catching were the words inscribed on the pavement of the city’s main center, which, when we replace the word “city” with “country” would most appropriately fit us: “Go forth, set the spirit, help build the county of our dreams.”
In the San Marino residence of my brother, Rubio Punzalan, together with some relatives, I conducted LYoga. Surprised, amazed, and enthralled were they as we went through the relaxing motions of LYoga -- they thought LYoga was just all about laughing. What I shared with them were the LYoga clapping, hearty, lion, and humming laughter as well as breathing exercises -- to serve as their tools in times of worries and storms, and when body batteries seem to run low.
As I sat on the plane on the way back home, events and scenes of how I started LYoga in 2007 came flashing across my mind, making me smile. People in places I frequent tell me they are happy to see me as I make them laugh and help them forget their situations in life, their worries vanishing into the thin air. For instance, at Regine’s Salon, my manicurists mentioned some customers would ask when “the always happy-and-laughing lady” would come.
I have taught he sales ladies of Via Venetto in Glorietta some basic kinds of laughter. One day as I passed by, I looked at them through the glass door and we started to laugh heartily, which made even the security guard passing by laugh, too. Later, the sales ladies laughingly told me that a customer who happened to be there saw us laugh, and said, “Oh, she is the laughing lady.”
Rustan’s is another place I enjoy going to, along with a string of other stores in Glorietta, and yes, there’s also the customers’ lounge. The warm and efficient personnel there -- whom I have taught to relax and de-stress while they’re working -- laugh with me when we see each other. At the Gold’s Gym, the physical therapists, staff, and some clients remark that the gym becomes alive, happy, and light with my presence. Among the inspiring and touching remarks I had received came from gym mates former Solicitor–General Simeon Marcelo and SEC Commissioner Tessie Herbosa, who both said that seeing and hearing me laugh banished the worries they encountered in their work. Laughter’s wonder works two ways: It makes me and the others happy as it fills my daily dosage of healing laughter!
Being a water bearer, I love being with people, and cannot imagine myself being isolated from people. As the song goes, “People who need people are the luckiest people in the world.” Indeed, I feel so blessed, grateful, and happy that I am able to scatter sunshine, spread joy and positivism, and promote health … wherever, whenever. Notably, two of my former students -- Paolo Trinidad, who has been conducting Pinoy Laughter Yoga, and Fr. Roger Abadano, who shepherds his flock in his Masbate parish by spreading God’s word interspersed with LYoga -- have been helping strengthen people’s faith and lightening their burdens. Laughter is a miraculous gift from God. If only all the people in the universe will do it, there would be peace on earth and harmony. And, yes, Virginia, prosperity that is equitably shared by everyone.
LYoga sessions are scheduled on August 27, Daughters of Mary Immaculate at AIM and September 23, Association of CPAs in Public Practice in Cagayan de Oro. Let’s keep laughing to a healthy, happy, positive us! Ho, ho, ha ha ha.
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E-mail me at laughteryogaphils@gmail.com Visit www.laughteryogaphils.com. Want to laugh and relax, visit youtube: lycphohohahaha.
