Play & Laughter Yoga™
When was the last time you experienced a level of glee that elicited a resounding Wheeeee! from you? Play is a state of being—a way of approaching life that emerges from the interplay of curiosity, wonder, and imagination. Experts (see National Institute for Play) describe play as an innate drive and a core survival skill—essential to every aspect of human development and thriving.
"At the height of laughter, the universe is flung into a kaleidoscope of new possibilities."
- Jean Houston -
And yet, it’s hard to feel like playing when we’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or caught up in the rush of just getting it done. The paradox is that while play can feel out of reach in those moments, it's our ability to tap into curiosity and imagination that can shift us out of constriction and into an expanded field of whimsy and creativity...where anything is possible. Through play, we learn to conjure and practice flexibility, resilience, and sovereignty—even amidst the unexpected. Play teaches us how to frolic in the unknown.
With my 2 wise and wacky Laughter Yoga teachers, Jeffrey Briar and Dr. Madan Kataria
Laughter Yoga™ is a form of exercise as well as a perspective on life created by Dr. Madan Kataria, a cardiologist from India. It doesn't rely on humor, jokes, or comedy to get us laughing. Instead, it’s a practice that helps us cultivate laughter and playfulness as intentional responses to whatever Life brings. We discover that laughter doesn’t need to be sparked by something external to us. We learn that we don’t need to feel like laughing to start laughing. Like peace of mind, laughter and play are superpowers we carry within us.
"I have been confronted with many difficulties throughout the course of my life, and my country is going through a critical period. But I laugh often, and my laughter is contagious. When people ask me how I find the strength to laugh now, I reply that I am a professional laugher."
- The Dalai Lama
As a certified Laughter Yoga Teacher—and a lifelong lover of playfulness and whimsy—I’d be delighted to incorporate elements of play and/or Laughter Yoga™ into your Quest, Crossing, or Ceremony. Together, we’ll engage our imaginations and explore a range of play and laughter practices designed to open us to joy, presence, and connection.
Please see the Resources section if you’re looking to attend a traditional Laughter Yoga session in your area or online.