While laughter has been, in recent decades, recognized as a successful form of self healing, other cultures have revered laughter shamans for centuries. The concept of laughter yoga was first introduced in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria in Mumbai, India who wrote a paper for his monthly magazine on the benefits of laughter as the best medicine. Dr. Kataria was so impressed with the work Dr. Lee Berk was doing at LomaLinda University in California and by the amazing book “Anatomy of an Illness” by Norman Cousins who credits laughter with his own miraculous healing that he decided to run his own field test on the benefits of laughter.
Heart rate decreases
Blood pressure decreases
Circulation improves
Mood elevates
Inflammation and pain are reduced
Stress hormones decrease or attenuate
Immune system is boosted
Dr. Kataria started the first laughter club by telling jokes with only a handful of people. Within a couple of weeks there were more than 50 participants. When the good jokes ran out and became offensive Dr. Kataria went back to the drawing board and learned that simulated laughter can evoke many of the same positive responses in the body as does authentic laughter. With the inspiration of his wife Madhuri, he incorporated breathing techniques from her yoga practice with simulated laughing exercises and “laughter yoga” was born. Much like traditional yoga practices, laughter yoga brings a person in to the present moment. In the moment of ‘now’ a person can transform their perspective, their energy field and ultimately their health.
Laugh for the Health of it
There are no yoga positions in laughter yoga, only mindful breathing between the laughing, dancing and clapping as one transitions from one laughter exercise to the next. Laughter yoga is a form of moving meditation shifting one’s awareness from the mind to the body where tension is released, stress is surrendered; ultimately inhibitions are freed. It is in the freedom of the spirit of joy that is cultivated through simulated laughter exercises and authentic laughter that deep healing is possible. Laughter yoga is easy for most anyone to do regardless of age or state of health and it is fun!
Today, there are more than 6000 laughter clubs around the world in 60 countries that share Dr. Kataria’s vision to promote health, joy, and world peace through laughter.
According to Dr. Kataria, the founder of laughter yoga, laughter just may very well be the best medicine.
Three myths about laughter:
I need a reason to laugh.
I must feel happy to laugh.
I must have a sense of humor.
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“If it is not fun, why do it!”
– Jerry Greenfield
Bringing levity to life, healarious laughter ‘Hasya’ online yoga sessions are one hour long and are open to everyone. All ages are welcome. Pre-registration required (see PayPal options below). More than one person can join from the same device for no extra price. I look forward to laughing with you. Stay tuned for the next public laughter event to be announced soon.
ONLINE ‘LAUGHTER MATTERS’ CLASS REGISTRATION:
Please contact LaRen directly at 808-987-6010 for info and potential dates and times for the next public online zoom laughter session. Grab early bird registration up until three days before the event. Two days and the day before the event, a standard registration applies and late registration applies on the day of the event on a space available basis only. To confirm there is space available before you make payment, please email LaRen at halaihealingplace@gmail.com. Please note there is no special app needed to attend. Once confirmed with LaRen, please confirm your registration with the PayPal option below. You will be sent a confirmation email and will receive an invitation link on the morning of the event. All sales final and non-transferable.
Laughing raises your vibration lifting mind, body and spirit.
Laughter”Hasya” yoga sessions are one hour long and are available at the place of your choosing (travel fee applies).
Prices vary depending on location and number of participants. For more information for ‘One on One’ or ‘Laughter Groups,’ call 808.987.6010. Available for inter-island engagements.
What the Laughing Yoginis are Saying
– Ho – Ho – Ho – Ha – Ha – Ha –
“The online zoom class is awesome. La’Ren brings her enthusiasm and passion to every class, her playful exercises involve movement, deepbreathing, stretching, dancing, singing, jumping, twirling, letting loose and tapping into our childlike spirit.
For me, once a month for one hour, the benefits of laughter yoga are amazing!!”
– Nancy M., Oceanview, HI
“That was wonderful. I really needed that. Thank you so much.”
– Jessi J., Mountainview, HI
“Laughter zoom was truly a lot of fun and it was so nice to meet the other participants. They seem so enjoyable.
Thanks for a fun experience and a great way to begin the day. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many and showing us it’s okay to laugh.”
– Georgi S., Eagle River, WI
“Thank you for offering online laughter yoga. That truly energized me for the entire weekend.
Thanks for your generosity and all the laughter.”
– Marisha T., Silverspring, MD
“I very much enjoyed my experience and will love love love to do it again and again.”
Maggie H., Kailua Kona, HI
“I love LaRen’s laughter class … She is a very special person and definitely makes the world a better place. I have so much gratitude, love and peace in my heart after these events. Thanks and Aloha, and keep on laughing!”
– Karen C., Detroit, MI
“The virtual online laughter class was really good for me. What I felt was a loosening of something…. I still haven’t wrapped my brain around it. Since the class, I’ve had moments when the laughter comes spontaneously… I feel like I’m…. stepping into my own light….I can’t wait to join in again. LaRen was radiant. I feel so supported and have so much gratitude for the importance of her offerings. ”
– Dona F., Captain Cook, HI
“I felt like I was a born natural for the online laughter class. It was so awesome. I am hooked.
As soon as it was over, I immediately went outside to share it with my partner. I can’t wait to make a date
with more of my friends to join me for another class with LaRen.”
– Lorraine K., Kailua Kona, HI
“Being my first experience, I didn’t know what to expect of the online virtual event. That was an incredibly powerful morning. I was laughing so hard, I cannot wait to play again.”
– Nicolle V., Kailua Kona, HI
“During our family reunion and Big Island get-a-way, we had a private laughter ‘Hasya’ yoga session with LaRen. This was an all-around complete FUN yoga class including nice imagery, breathing and stretching exercises. It included not only the primary laughing exercises but all of the other rituals of yoga. We had an amazing time. It helped us let go of inhibitions and brought our family together; it was very bonding. Super Awesome! I imagine this is an experience that our entire family will never forget.
LaRen is making a difference. May she keep doing it.”
– The Garg Family, Chicago, IL and San Francisco, CA
“Laughter yoga was totally new to me. It was a crazy cute laughing adventure. LaRen puts together fun exercises theme tailored to match the interests of your particular group. It is thoughtful, uplifting, and it is terrific exercise to boot. I will definitely do this again. I was tickled to death. What can I say: it was a gas.”
– Maria M., Yogi, Oceanside, CA
“Wacky and fun, this is better than drinking. Let your hair down and your inhibitions go. Bordering on ridiculous, LaRen will awaken your kid within. I laughed so hard I nearly peed my pants. Laughter yoga is a real hoot!”
– Jeanne M., Retired, Waimea, HI
“My first experience with laughter yoga was insanely hysterical. I was mesmerized by the craziness.
It is the stupidest thing I have ever done; I loved it nonetheless.”
– James P. C., Kaloko, HI
“This was the most fun I have had in ages. LaRen had us all in stitches. It is just as she says, ‘ Laughter yoga is not only good for you; it is fun to do.’ She weaves a series of breathing and light stretching exercises with silly group laughing exercises along with intermittent joyful free dance. I can’t wait to do this again.”
– Betty T., Music Teacher/Wellness Consultant, Kainiliu, HI
“A time to get goofy, LaRen will get you laughing even if you are not in the mood. This is both weird and crazy fun too. She accommodates old fogies quite well and can adapt any exercise for someone who needs to be seated. This was a riot and brought us all closer. We all left with big grins and belly aches.”
– Bernd B., Retired Chef, Kamuela, HI
“I never thought about laughing just for the fun of it, nonetheless as a catalyst for healing. LaRen facilitated a lovely introduction to help me understand the value of laughter for the body and mind. It was such a pleasure to share laughter yoga with her. It was hilarious or as she said, ‘healarious’ and while I initially felt apprehensive, after the first 30 seconds I was sold. She is goofy, quirky and bright, this is a gift she shares from her soul.
A good time was had by all. I will look for more of this back home. “
– Michael, Retired, San Diego, CA
“Laughter is the glorious sound
of your soul awakening.”
-Hafi
Disclaimer:
Laughter yoga is not meant to be a substitute for a one-on-one relationship with a qualified
medical professional and is not intended as medical advice. Results vary widely;
Laughter yoga is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.