The day orphans found love and laughter

When you laugh — you change, and when you change, the whole world around you changes.” Thus spoke Dr. Madan Kataria, founder of International Laughter Yoga Clubs. At the observance of World Laughter Day last May 2, Laughter Yoga Club of the Philippines (LYCP) conducted a Laughter Yoga session at Hospicio de San Jose, the oldest orphanage in our country, having been established in 1810. How this came about is a funny story in itself.

Paolo Martin Trinidad attended a Laughter Yoga session held at San Lorenzo Village Park sometime ago. During the session, I noticed every time I introduced a new kind of laughter, Paolo would take his small notebook and nod as he took down notes. Same thing happened whenever I discussed health-related trivia, so I advised him to take down notes no more, and talk to me after the session. Profusely expressing his appreciation, he was so happy to have decided to attend the Laughter Yoga session upon reading the announcement in The Philippine STAR. He excitedly added that people at Hospicio de San Jose, where he works as guidance counselor, badly need to de-stress. Learning the different methods of relaxing after some grueling activities would greatly benefit them. And so, we celebrated World Laughter Day at the Hospicio for the orphans, nuns, and other personnel there.        

Over 100 curious and eager participants came. Young once, with some in wheelchairs, and truly young ones from seven years old and up came. Lyn Tonsay, a leukemia patient I met at the Philippine Heart Center and an avid enthusiast of Laughter Yoga, joined me in doing Laughter Yoga and spreading joy to Hospicio de San Jose participants.

Comments and reactions from the participants:

• Sr. Minda Peñaredondo, DC (Daughter of Charity): Very refreshing and relaxing. God’s greatest gift to us is laughter. Thank you for giving us a chance to learn how to laugh. I pray for all our successes.

• Sr. Nicetas Favorito, DC: We are very grateful to experience this event. It taught us how to do proper breathing and enhance our self-confidence. When you laugh with your heart, all toxic thoughts and emotions are released, which is good for the healing process.

• Anabel Magsipoc: Very good, it made me feel better. Helped remove the lump from my throat, as I felt the phlegm coming down. I really enjoyed it. It was relaxing!

• Marvin Bernedo, RSW (registered social worker): At first, I thought it would not be that happy because it was laughing without any reason, which seemed difficult at first. But as the session went on, I realized I was laughing involuntarily, and already feeling the effect of the session. By the end of the session, I already felt a certain lightness — after laughing for almost an hour.

• Jelly David, RN (registered nurse): “I can easily relate because I am a laughing person. It relieves stress and it gives me joy to see others laughing. You feel carefree for a while. You forget all your problems. I almost cried when I saw the lolas laughing. As a health worker, I recommend it to patients, senior citizens, and to everybody, more so when it comes gratis like this. Thank you!

Due to numerous requests, a Laughter Yoga session is scheduled at the Philippine Heart Center on July 26. Let’s laugh to a healthier, happier us! If interested, please register via Laughter Yoga website: www.laughteryogaphils.com.

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E-mail author at mega_abundant_lv@yahoo.com.