I was very much touched by this e-mail sent to me yesterday by Ayie Tuates, whom I met when I guested in the Boys Night Out of Magic 89.9. From then on, she’s attended the Laughter Yoga sessions I have conducted, and I am just too happy to share with you dear readers her insights and feelings:
“I came from a family where laughter is natural. My mom is one of the funniest persons I know. Anyone who knows my mom can attest to her comedic talent, that is just like the regular humor we know. We laugh at jokes or funny situations that elicit laughter. But recently, I have discovered that laughing for no reason whatsoever is possible!
“My first ever encounter with Laughter Yoga was when Laughter Yoga Club of the Philippines founder Elvie Estavillo, graced our show entitled Boys Night Out on [V], where the boys of Magic 89.9 got a taste of her famous and contagious laughter! Even the listeners texted and called to say they tremendously enjoyed the show and, of course, the laughter. Surely, it was one of the most laughter-filled episodes we’ve had! Take note: We laughed without any reason at all! Since laughter is contagious, especially Elvie’s, even the radio listeners got hooked.
“When I joined her Makati Medical Center session for the Breast Cancer Awareness seminar, I saw the doctors, breast cancer survivors, medical practitioners, and regular people in one place enjoying the benefits of laughter it was truly an amazing experience! No need for anything funny to make us laugh. Laughter Yoga teaches us the different kinds of laughter, including the very Filipino “Kamusta ka?” laughter. It is true the degree of satisfaction one gets from Laughter Yoga is dependent on the degree of one’s participation. Those who greatly enjoyed the session were those with lesser inhibitions to laugh.
“At first, the people laughed very little and seemed shy. But Elvie’s laughter is magical! Her hearty laughter brought the house down! Soon, everyone was moving, laughing, and enjoying the session. It was through an LYoga session that I realized I haven’t breathed deeply for a long while because of stress as broadcast producer, a fulltime mom, and other roles that made me breathe shorter and faster.
“My second LYoga session was with the Philippine Coast Guards in their base camp. As far as I know, Coast Guards are uptight people who laugh little. They huddled in their own groups, observing whether their colleagues will laugh or not. Again, Elvie’s magic worked even with our beloved Coast Guards. At first, every laughter was numbered. Soon, every Coast Guard, even the officers, were laughing their hearts out. They enjoyed the “I am rich, very rich! Yehey!” part. I realized saying this line aloud is fun. There were several similar lines, but this is the most famous of them all. Who doesn’t want to be rich, right? Seeing our beloved Coast Guards enjoying themselves was great fun. It was a breather for everyone that after the LYoga session, the Coast Guards continued their routines with a smile on their faces.
“It is heartening to know that laughter is truly good not just for the heart but for the whole body, mind, and being. It was such a pleasure attending LYoga sessions and I can personally attest to the good stuff it brings! I love the breathing exercises and the affirmation part. Indeed, if we think positive, good things will come our way. Start your morning with a prayer and a smile or a laugh.
“I can’t wait till the 1st Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders’ Training on Nov. 20-21 to be held in the scenic San Miguel Training Center in Tagaytay. I am sure to laugh my heart out. Without any reason whatsoever. Hohohahaha!”
The next Laughter Yoga session will be held on Friday, Nov. 19, with Dr. Kataria at Quezon City Hall under the auspices of Vice Mayor Joy G. Belmonte.
The last two weeks were sad and painful for me. With a heavy heart, I had to turn down requests for Laughter Yoga sessions from seven companies and organizations … knowing how badly needed Laughter Yoga is the best, fastest, and easiest stress-buster! I was not able to accommodate even the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, where I used to belong in my childhood years. Truth is, until March, 2011 I am already committed. This early, I am eagerly and excitedly looking forward to talking about laughter as medicine to about 1,500 chest physicians at EDSA Shangri-La.
Through the scheduled training by Dr. Kataria, participants will be certified to conduct Laughter Yoga. I pray that more Filipinos will be able to spread, share, and teach LYoga among our kababayans. I cannot spread myself too thinly, my throat also needs rest! My only request for the LYoga leaders is for us to bond, communicate, coordinate, and network together, work as a team. Love Laughter Yoga! Do it with passion, and you, together with our kababayans, will reap its magical, healing rewards!
Calling on those interested to discover new horizons of joy, good health, peace, and fulfillment! Learn and teach Laughter Yoga in your offices, homes, communities, and barangays from the master himself, Dr. Madan Kataria. Register now for the Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Training on Nov. 20 and 21 at the SMC Training Center in Tagaytay City, a peaceful, private place with the most majestic, picturesque view. Let’s laugh to a healthy, happy, positive us.
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E-mail author at mega_abundant_lv@yahoo.com.