Yoga Is A Laughing Matter (article from www.antiagingattitude.com)

Fif Fernandes, Certified Laughter Yoga Leader

Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha

In 1995, a medical doctor, Madan Kataria, living in Mumbai India founded Laughter Yoga International. Today there are more than 6,000 laughter clubs in 60 plus countries. So what do the laughter clubs do? They laugh ... for no reason ... with other people ... who laugh ... for no reason. Well, that's not quite true. They laugh on purpose with many purposes. Happiness, health, stress reduction, world peace, friendship, creativity and for the pure joy of laughing.

Research shows that our mind doesn't know the difference between real laughter and simulated laughter. The mind just perceives a good time. Theorist suggest that laughter is an instinctual survival tool for getting along. This theory falls short in explaining the person who laughs alone. Evolutionist are probably more on target when they opine that laughter is believed to have stemmed from the physical contact of the tickle.

Theories and opinions aside, laughing just makes us feel good so it's a good idea to add it to your anti-aging program.

The Science of Laughter
by Betty Kituyi (21 May 2009)
[Link to Story on Caffe-Scienza]

Laughter is good for your health and science proves it. Café Scientifique Uganda hosted the first Laughter Yoga session in East Africa. The only other countries in Africa to have a Laughter Yoga club are one in Zimbabwe, Egypt and South Africa,.

For Café Scientifique - Uganda The Science of Laughter and such topics bridge science with everyday life and links audiences with the experts in a healthy debate at an informal relaxed and friendly atmosphere. That is exactly what happened at the Centenary Park, Kampala to celebrate World Laughter Day for world peace on Sunday the 3rd of May 2009.

[Link to issue in 24 hours]
For a dedicated group of Calgarians, laughter is indeed the best medicine. Fif Fernandes is a certified laughter yoga leader who shares the power of happiness with Calgarians. Through interactive games and cheers, Fernandes evokes laughter from her crowd, wherever she goes. “The secret is laughter because it brings people joy, peace, harmony and love,” Fernandes said. People have forgotten how to laugh because they are bogged down by stress, Fernandes said. “That’s why I’m trying to get people lost in the moment today, so they will learn to reintroduce laughter into their lives,” Fernandes said. The Laughter Club and a small but curious group of Calgarians united in cheers yesterday during World Laughter Day events at Olympic Plaza.

Marion Jorgensen, Sam Kaura, Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyd were featured in the Neighbours section of the Calgary Herald on July 30, 2009.

Read the story in the online Calgary Herald




Make 'emlaugh

People practice 'Laughter Yoga'

By Alex Frazer-Harrison, For the Calgary Herald Neighbours July 30, 2009

Sometimes, you just have to laugh--but those who practice Laughter Yoga don't need an excuse to break into a guffaw. The idea of getting together with a few companions and doing a "baboon laugh" or a "lion laugh" might sound a bit silly at first. Fif Fernandes and Hamish Boyd, who teach Laughter Yoga, wouldn't disagree with you. The freedom to be silly is one of the empowering aspects of the art, they say. But there's serious purpose behind the giggles.