A new path to wellbeing

Laughter Yoga is a global phenomenon which has been introduced to Malta thanks to

Krista Sullivan. Here she talks to

Erika Brincat about its health benefits and why laughter is indeed the best medicine!

I had the pleasure of attending one of Krista’s very first sessions at the community shop ‘Why Not?’ on the outskirts of Paceville, near Pender Gardens. Being slightly shy as a person I was amazed at how easy it was for me and the other five girls present to relax in each others’ company and have a good laugh for no reason at all. The magic of Laughter Yoga is that people open up, relax, guide and support each other throughout the whole process. One of the girls had a leg injury yet she did really well despite this and also had a giggle about her accident – refreshing to see how resilient people can be! It was easy to do, great fun and I went home with a smile!

How would you describe Laughter Yoga in a few words?

Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary idea – simple and profound. An exercise routine, it is sweeping the world and is a complete wellbeing workout. The brainchild of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India, he launched the first Laughter Club at a Park on the 13 March, 1995, with merely a handful of persons. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6,000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries.

Laughter Yoga (Hasyayoga) is a form of yoga employing self-triggered laughter. It combines Unconditional Laughter with Yogic Breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can laugh for no reason, without relying on humour, jokes or comedy. Laughter is simulated as a body exercise in a group. With eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter.

You have been a Beauty Therapist and Hatha Yoga Practitioner for a number of years. What led you towards Laughter Yoga?

I was going through some difficulties in life and needed something to change my mood. Something different, something which I could use and possibly share. So when the Laughter Yoga class popped out at me on the internet I enquired with Manda Stretch who was holding a weekend course in London and when she told me that laughter transformed her life I went for it.

Did the teacher training course focus both on group work as well as philosophy?

Yes the course is an all rounder. But Laughter Yoga allows space for creativity and personalisation too.

After doing the course did you feel a deep resonance with this technique?

Yes, I like things that evolve and Laughter Yoga is evolving on me and so is my understanding of what it does for my wellbeing. As they say, laughter is the best medicine! Laughter is very, very healthy. It’s very aerobic, it engages every single organ system in the body and there are certain core muscles that only get engaged when you’re laughing. Laughter works - one study found those participants in an hour long laughing session experienced a reversal of stress hormones in their bloodstream.

There are many reports and studies on the benefits of laughter and I personally find that each class stays with me through the week. Certain phrases we say during the class are common words and I often find myself smiling when I hear myself and others say them.

It’s also really easy to use in life situations. For example silent laughter can be used in the office as I once spontaneously discovered. An argument broke out at work and I felt very uneasy even though I was not involved so I went to the bathroom to escape the environment and did some silent laughter thinking that if anyone saw me they’d think I’m mad. But my energy changed completely and when I re-entered the office I chirpily offered everyone tea which broke the ice and calmed everyone’s nerves. Had I not done that 2 minute private session I’d have felt bogged down with stress.

You have also spent some time learning yoga in Sri Lanka. Was that a life-changing experience?

Yes Sri Lanka was a blessing in my life. The people, the studies and living in nature changed me and brought me to a better place within myself which in turn made me into a better person.

Life on a small island can be stressful at times. Erratic traffic, bad roads, difficult people and so on. How does Laughter Yoga help to alleviate such stresses and lift our spirits again?

Certain exercises are directed specifically to unhappy situations we are faced with. In Laughter Yoga we learn how to laugh at them. But the laughter is not a cruel one, it is an open hearted joyous laughter meant to alleviate stressful situations. I find that it expands our ego boundaries and concepts. It’s all very silly but quite profound too. We laugh at ourselves, at our mundane chores at our financial problems and the like. These are tools we can keep with us, they won’t make the issues we face go away but they will change the way we look at them. Attitude is everything in life and a happy attitude will take us a long way.

Does a group session help generate a feeling of community spirit between participants?

Absolutely, we have a few rules in a class, one of which is eye contact. You will be surprised at the difference in eye contact when we laugh (which opens up our heart) and look at participants in the eye. Laughter removes boundaries, it transcends all language and culture, and that includes certain boundaries within us.

Is it suitable for people of any age group as well as pregnant women?

Totally. Older people can sit in a chair and laugh. They can still do the exercises and breathing and the pace can be slowed. I find that the rhythm changes according to the participants and the flow of the group dictated our pace. Laughter Yoga is so simple and great.

Can children participate?

Children are naturals at it. They love it and parent child classes are highly recommended.

You have set up the Jollywood Laughter Club. How did the name Jollywood come about?

I posted a clip of some Indian ladies doing Laughter Yoga on Facebook and my mum commented that this was not Hollywood or Bollywood, it was Jollywood. I laughed so much I kept it.

Is it open to anyone to join and where are your sessions being held?

Yes everyone is welcome. Our last session was held this week at the newly opened Angka Café in the Millenia building in Marsa opposite the Marsa Sports Club, and there will be many more to come. There is ample parking and it’s really easy to access.

I am also giving private sessions for various organisations since it’s such a great stress reliever and has fabulous team building properties. One can join our Jollywood Laughter Club page on Facebook or contact me directly at [email protected].

Can we look forward to more Laughter Yoga sessions during the coming Summer?

For sure. Last summer we had sessions on the beach every Friday which were organised by Duncan F and Jason Jones. It was a whole new concept of a party based on appreciation of nature and community, it was mellow and fun with healthy food, free chai tea, fire dancers and different live bands every week. We are not sure if we’re keeping the same venue but plans are in the pipeline. You may keep updated via the Facebook page EYWA and also via Jollywood.

For further

information

please join

our Jollywood

Laughter Club

page on

Facebook, visit www.laughteryoga.org or call Krista on 99463775.

Come and laugh away your stress!