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Laughter Yoga uses simple breathing techniques, fun laughter exercises, eye contact and childlike playfulness to elicit laughter, without relying on humor or jokes. It is based on the scientific fact that the body cannot tell the difference between fake and real laughter. Laughter Yoga participants will feel the benefits from the very first session!

What Laughter Yoga Can Do For You And Your Business

Due to too much stress the work place has become too serious. People think serious people are more responsible and more productive. This is not true.  More productive people are those who take their work seriously but take themselves lightly.

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Scientific research shows us that laughter can help to resolve workplace stress and many related issues, but until now there has been no reliable and effective system to deliver laughter. Humor was the only tool available, but it is not reliable and seldom leads to continuous hearty laughter.

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Laughter Yoga is a breakthrough laughter delivery system that enables a person to laugh continuously for 15 to 20 minutes with short breaks of yogic breathing.

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To get the scientifically proven benefits, laughter has to be:

•Hearty – coming from the belly (Diaphragm)
•It has to be extended for a longer period of time.

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Natural laughter in daily life comes for barely a few seconds here and there which is not enough to bring about powerful physiological changes. But, Laughter Yoga is the ideal system in which laughter can be extended at will.

What Is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine that makes it possible for anyone to laugh for no reason anytime, anywhere, for any duration, without relying on humor, jokes or comedy.

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Laughter is simulated as an exercise in a group but with eye contact and childlike playfulness, it soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The reason we call it Laughter Yoga is because it combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing. This brings more oxygen to the body and the brain which makes one feel more energetic and healthy.

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The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.

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This innovative concept is fast sweeping the world and there are thousands of laughter clubs all over the world. In addition, Laughter Yoga is also practiced in companies and corporations, fitness centers, Yoga studios, senior facilities, schools, colleges and universities, and various self-help groups for the physically and mentally challenged, cancer patients, etc..

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Laughter Yoga has been widely accepted all over the world and has been written about in prestigious publications like TIME Magazine, National Geographic, Wall Street Journal, Los Angeles Times, Daily Telegraph (UK) and many others. It has also been featured on the Oprah Winfrey Show, BBC, CNN, ZDF (Germany ) NHK (Japan ), ABC news ( USA ) and many other TV networks.

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How Laughter Yoga Helps Improve Business and Performance

By introducing Laughter Yoga sessions for all staff, companies have reported a happier workplace, increased efficiency, better communication, increase in sales and productivity, increased creativity and better teamwork, decrease in illness and absenteeism, and a reduction in employee turnover.

1.Stress Release
2.Peak Performance
3.Team Building
4.Motivation and Communication
5.Innovation and Creativity
6.Increasing Attention Span in HR Training
7.Positive Work Environment
8.Laughter Yoga For Health and Wellness

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“Employers who actively sustain a positive work environment could experience improvements of up to 25% in efficiency and customer satisfaction.” – Journal of Applied Psychology – 2003

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1. Stress Release

In this high pressure, high tension modern world stress levels are higher than ever before. Many people are facing an enormous amount of stress and burnouts in the workplace. Even highly talented and skilled people cannot perform well if they are emotionally imbalanced and stressed.There are many methods being used to reduce stress but Laughter Yoga is most cost effective, less time consuming and is a single exercise routine which reduces physical, mental and emotional stress simultaneously and brings an emotional balance. A research conducted in December 2006, on 50 IT professionals in Bangalore, India found a significant reduction in stress levels as shown by reduction in cortisol levels in saliva.

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2. Peak Performance

At any given time, performance depends upon mood and Laughter Yoga has the power to change one’s mood state within minutes by releasing neuropeptides from the brain cells called endorphins. Science tells us that the brain needs 25% more oxygen than other body organs.  Laughter Yoga increases the net supply of oxygen which helps in optimal performance and boosts energy levels.

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This translates for example into an increase in attention span during sales conferences.  Sales Training, or New Product Training Studies have shown that even after just 30 minutes, the concentration levels start to decrease. A brief laughter seminar can provide a great energy boost during a full day of training, meetings or conferences.

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3. Team Building

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Laughter is a great communication enhancer and it said that “people who laugh together, work better together”. This is why Laughter training is so effective for team building, stress management, communication and leadership programs:

•It breaks down barriers
•It makes us more likeable
•It makes us more transparent
•It connects and bonds people
•It develops our sense of humor and breaks down our inhibitions
•It enhances a sense of potential
•It brings out the best in people
•It enhances self-esteem in groups
•It creates safety
•Criticism collapses
•It interrupts the power struggle
•It diffuses conflict
In Laughter Yoga sessions participants are encouraged to communicate with all other group members. Group laughter is a team experience that reduces ego and overcomes inhibitions and shyness. The shared positive experience creates bonds between all participants including managers and staff and reduces barriers to communication.

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Laugh as a team, work as a team!

4. Motivation And Communication

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For people working in front office and sales and marketing, Laughter Yoga helps to bring a smile on their face and generate good feelings within the body. This enhances their communication and motivational skills thus increasing their client base and customer satisfaction.

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5. Innovation And Creativity

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The essence of Laughter Yoga system is to cultivate childlike playfulness. This playfulness stimulates the right brain activity which is the seat of creativity. This helps to generate new ideas and insights about workplace issues and problems. In this highly competitive market one needs to introduce new ideas and constant innovation to stay ahead. Laughter Yoga will help people to become more creative and innovative.

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6. Increasing Attention Span in HR Trainings

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Human brain cannot concentrate for more than 90 minutes after which the attention span reduces. Even a 5-10 minute Laughter Yoga session can provide a great energy boost during long HR training sessions and conferences. It helps to increase the attention span, enhance learning skills, concentration powers and potential.

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7. Positive Work Environment

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Job dissatisfaction and hostile work environment compel people to change jobs more frequently thus affecting productivity and profitability. Laughter Yoga creates positive energy and improves communication between people.

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The Bangalore study also confirmed the increase in positive emotions and decrease in negative emotions, thereby developing an emotional intelligence. This helps to create a more constructive work environment and ensures loyalty and commitment.

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8. Laughter Yoga For Health And Wellness

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The basic objective of every human being is to enjoy life, live in harmony with family and have lots of friends to connect with. But, one cannot enjoy life if one is sick. Laughter Yoga is a single exercise routine which brings physical, mental and social wellbeing in a shortest period of time. People can feel the benefits from the very first session.

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ULTIMATE RESULT: Enhanced success of your business

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 Laughter Yoga is a logical part of the solution
“There can be no doubt that Laughter Yoga significantly reduces stress levels in the workplace. Our physiological, biochemical, and psychological tests all indicate reductions in stress and improvements in the subjects’ abilities to cope with stress.” Dr MS Chaya, Principal Investigator “Unconditional Laughter And Workplace Stress”, Svyasa University Research Institute, August 2007.

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Here are the highlights of Laughter Yoga:

•It’s fun and easy  – there are no postures or skills to learn, no special clothes or equipment required;
•It provides a fast and powerful no-sweat cardiovascular workout;
•Stress levels are quickly reduce by 75% or more and stay down as it helps builds stress resistant;
•Blood pressure drops, circulation improves and pulse rate drops;
•Lungs are well exercised and flushed of stale residual air  – healthier deep breathing is learnt;
•Blood & major organs are fully oxygenated leaving one bursting with energy;
•Hearty laughter improves mood within minutes by releasing endorphins that act as mood enhancers and natural pain killers;
•It lifts depression  – even chronic depression may be cured;
•It boosts self-confidence, creativity and improves communication skills.

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Laughter Makes Business Sense
Up to 90 percent of the doctor visits in the USA may be triggered by a stress-related illness, says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Today’s business demands have put a tremendous strain on our global workforce. Longer hours coupled with fewer resources are pushing more and more management and employees to their breaking point. Combined with the need to achieve work-life balance stress is taking a tremendous financial and personal toll on US business profitability:

•$300 billion per year or $7,500 each employee is paid out for stress-related compensation claims
•1 million workers went on stress-related disability in 2004
•75% of doctor visits are for stress-related conditions
•Eight of the top 10 prescription drugs marketed today are for stress-related conditions
•Stress is directly associated with depression, anxiety, asthma, alcohol/drug addictions and other conditions that affect the nervous and immune systems.
•Approximately 100 million Americans suffer stress related from chronic health conditions: heart disease, diabetes, hypertension and cancer.

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Hire one of the Leaders now. Call Alan Pattinson 250-339-2687 in the Comox Valley, British Columbia.

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Aknowlegement to http://www.laughteryogaamerica.com

Open to beginners, intermediate, and advanced laughers of adult ages, both men and women. If you need a laugh, want to laugh, are looking for more laughter, feel like sharing laughs, or just need a pick-me-up, this is the class for you. Starts at 1:30 sharp, ends 2:30.

Alan Pattinson’s “One-Minute Overview” of Laughter Yoga:

1. Laughter Yoga is an unique concept that we can laugh for no reason, and still receive great health benefits, without the need for jokes, comedy or even a sense of humour.
2. Laughter Yoga was started in 1995 by a medical doctor, Dr. Kataria, in Mumbai, India, with just 5 people in a park. It has since grown to thousands of clubs in over 60 countries around the world.
3. We get into a circle and with eye contact and playful movements, “simulated” laughter can quickly turn into “real” laughter when done with willingness.
4. The BIG SECRET is that the body can not tell the difference between “simulated” laughter and “real” laughter. The movement of the diaphragm up and down sends endorphins to the brain and fresh oxygen to the body.
5. We use the term “yoga” because we use conscious yoga breathing.

To receive the benefits of Laughter, you have to do it! Come to the next session to experience real great belly laughs. It’s a natural stress reliever AND mood enhancer! Bring a friend or two. the laughing session is over in one hour, but you can continue to laugh out the door and into the world. Spread the peace and joy throughout the world. Happy Holidays!

Please sign up for updates, or leave your comments about this post below. Have a laughing day!

Alan Pattinson,

Certified Laughter Yoga Leader

ho ho, ha ha ha.

250-339-2687

The only reference to “Yoga” in “Laughter Yoga” is the breathing exercise, which goes like this: Breath in, breath out. Sort of sounds like ordinary breathing, eh? Well it IS done with a wee bit of control and a dash of consciousness. Overall, it’s laughter exercising – and THAT is worth laughing about! (There is even no need to bring a yoga mat.)

What happens at a Laughter Yoga session? It’s basically simulated laughter exercises which are just simple tension and release exercises based on mime and play. It sounds complicated but  just imagine laughing for no reason. At a Laughter Yoga session, we keep laughing going for a longer time and this is where the health benefits really pay off. It’s simple, easy, and loads of fun!

LAUGH YOUR CHRISTMAS STRESSES AWAY

Two Laughter Yoga  Leaders (Alan and Susan) will be (Dec. 10 Sat. 1:30 Zen Zero) laughing to melt away your pre-holiday stress and uplift you into the true Holiday spirit of merriment, good cheer and heartfelt connections. See and laugh with you there! Alan will be wearing a Santa hat, so you can’t miss him!

Laughter Yoga (Hasyayoga) is a form of yoga employing self-triggered laughter. The “laughter” is physical in nature, and does not necessarily involve humor or comedy. Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with pranayama (yogic breathing). Laughter

 is simulated as a body exercise in a group; with eye contact and childlike playfulness, initially forced laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter. The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on the scientific observation that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter, and that both provide the same physiological and psychological benefits.

Laughter yoga was made popular as an exercise routine developed by Indian physician Madan Kataria. Kataria writes about the practice in his book Laugh For No Reason. Kataria launched the first Laughter Club at a park on March 13, 1995. Today, it has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6000 Social Laughter Clubs in about 60 countries. Each club has its own Laugh Captain and operates as an independent cell.

Method

Laughter is easily stimulated in a group when combined with eye contact, childlike playfulness and laughter exercises. Fake laughter quickly becomes real. Laughter Yoga brings more oxygen to the body and brain by incorporating yogic breathing which results in deep diaphragmatic breathing. Laughter Yoga is based on the concept that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter – physiologically and psychologically the benefits are identical.

In the mid-1990s Laughter Yoga was practised in the early mornings, primarily by groups of older men in open parks. Later, a more formalized version was created and popularized as “Laughter Clubs”. Kataria’s first Laughter Yoga Club began on 13 March 1995 in Mumbai. Beginning with five people in a local public park, the concept has rapidly spread worldwide. As of 2011, there are more than 8,000 Laughter Clubs in 65 countries.

Laughter Yoga is a unique exercise routine which combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing (Pranayama). Anyone can laugh without needing to rely on humor, jokes or comedy. Laughter is initially simulated as a physical exercise while maintaining eye contact with others in the group and promoting childlike playfulness. In most cases this soon leads to real and contagious laughter.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that the body does not differentiate between simulated and real laughter. (“Make ‘Em Laugh Laughter can keep you happier and healthier.” Rebecca Fast. “Our body doesn’t seem to know the difference between simulated laughter and stimulated laughter. We experience the benefits of laughter whether it is simulated or actually stimulated by something funny,” says Dr. Gerald Ellison of Cancer Treatment Centers of America. http://www.okmag.com/April-2011/Make-lsquoEm-Laugh/) Laughter Yoga is the only technique that allows adults to achieve sustained hearty laughter without involving cognitive thought. It bypasses the intellectual systems that normally act as a brake on natural laughter.

Laughter Yoga sessions start with gentle warm-up techniques which include stretching, chanting, clapping and body movement. These help break down inhibitions and develop feelings of childlike playfulness. Breathing exercises are used to prepare the lungs for laughter, followed by a series of ‘laughter exercises’ that combine the method of acting and visualization techniques with playfulness. These exercises, when combined with the strong social dynamics of group behavior, lead to prolonged and hearty unconditional laughter. Laughter exercises are interspersed with breathing exercises. Twenty minutes of laughter is sufficient to develop full physiological benefits.

A Laughter Yoga session may finish with “Laughter Meditation.” This is a session of unstructured laughter whereby participants sit or lie down and allow natural laughter to flow from within like a fountain. This is a powerful experience that often leads to a healthy emotional catharsis and also a feeling of release and joyfulness that can last for days. This can be followed by guided relaxation exercises.

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Laughter is the best medicine — and contagious!

…laugh for no reason, without the use of jokes or comedy,  and still receive great health benefits! Come to a free Comox Valley class – it’s easy and fun!

Can you imagine?

It is possible.

How?

My name is Matti Anttila. I’m a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher.

Other than that, I am just like you.

An ordinary guy making his way in the world with challenges just like all of us.

Am I happy 24/7?

Pretty well. I know you may find it hard to believe.

But what happened for me was Laughter Yoga. Laughter Yoga allowed me to find a “switch” inside that I can turn on whenever and, this is important, wherever I choose.

That “switch” causes a cascade to happen. It is a physical sensation that bring a smile to my face, and warms up my belly. A side effect is my vision has become clear.

I had bought a magnifying glass to read in bed with. When I found this “switch,” the print that was all fuzzy on the page became clear. You don’t think I felt even better when that happened? Of course I did.

Laughter Yoga is the start, the base of this process that made these changes inside of me.

It took me two and a half years of Laughter Yoga for that “switch” to be turned on.

But it won’t take you that long. I have since discovered a way to turn on that switch within a matter of minutes.

It does take some preparation to get to the point where flicking the switch actually makes the “electrical” connection and turns on the happiness.

That is what you will find out during the two day Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training November 19^th and 20^th.

It’s an investment of time, energy and some money, but what is it worth to be happy 24/7?

What is it worth to have access to a “technique” or “tool” that can turn that “switch” inside of you?

What’s your answer?

Mine is: It’s priceless. You can’t put a price on that.

I spent two and a half years and flew to Finland to get trained by the founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria.

I felt I was on to something very special. And this spring, I proved it to myself when I found that switch.

Now, let me help you find it inside of you.

Your investment in yourself: $397.00 for a full two days to become certified as a Laughter Yoga Leader. And to find the switch to feel happy 24/7.

Email me or call me by one week prior to register and you qualify for a $50 reduction. That is by November 12^th. E: victorialaughteryogaclub@gmail.com or freedombalance@shaw.ca or 250.477.8608.

Love, Leaps and Laughter

Matti Anttila

P.S. Is it really possible to be happy 24/7? All the time??? I found what does it for me…almost all the time. It is not rocket science and actually quite simple. I will show you how I do it and how you can too, at the Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training Nov. 19^th & 20^th. $397.00 is such a bargain. You pay more than that for a flat screen TV and it only makes you happy for a short time after you buy it. That’s the problem with the “consumer society.” The “stuff” we buy to make ourselves happier only does so for a short time.

So this is an investment that pays and pays and pays…for the rest of your life. The dividend it pays? A “technique” or “tool” that you can use whenever and wherever you want to create that feeling of smiling warmth that we call “happiness.”

Email me or call me by one week prior to register and you qualify for a $50 reduction. That is by November 12^th. E: victorialaughteryogaclub@gmail.com or freedombalance@shaw.ca or 250.477.8608.

Laughter Yoga is hilariously fun, has specific health benefits, and is low cost, so bring your body and a buddy down on Saturday for some great laughs. For those memory-challenged, put this event in your day-timer and we will see you there! 

1:30 – 2:30 pm Saturday Nov.5, Zen Zero in Courtenay, by donation.

Some of the group’s favourite exercises from the Leader training weekend are listed here: http://www.invokelaughter.com/laughter-and-breathing-exercises/

Laughter Yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for no reason, without the use of jokes, comedy, or humour – it’s amazing! Using laughter exercises, eye contact, and playfulness, we will soon have real and contagious laughter. Continuous laughing for at least 10 minutes has been scientifically proven to improve health in many positive ways.

1:30 pm Saturday at Zen Zero, 407 - 5th Street, Courtenay. Tell a friend, bring a friend, come and invoke your internal laugh with hearty belly laughter. It will brighten your day. :)

LAUGHTER EXERCISES

Meringue Hips Laughter
Move hips side-to-side to the beat of 1-2, 1-2, 1-2 and then walk around with your meringue hips. Find a partner and give them a light “meringue hip-check” and then laugh.

Reading Newspaper
(good for sitting or standing) Pretend to read a funny article in newspaper. Point and show it to someone and laugh.

Bowing Elbow Greeting
Put bent elbows out in front of you, and have them bow to others, then laugh.

Bubble Blast
Blow bubbles and then burst them and see what kind of different laughter comes out.

Missed the Bus
Pretend to have just missed the bus, and laugh

Halloween Laughter Treats
Go around and share your Halloween bag of laughter treats.

Green Light / Red Light
“Green light!” – drive around the room. “Amber light!” – go in slow motion. “Red light!” – stop and laugh.

What Are You Doing?
One person starts in center, doing something, someone asks “What are you doing?” The answer will be a new motion, and that gets done. Variance: everyone does the new motion.

Through-the-Legs-Double-Handshake
Partner up, bum to bum, reach through your legs, give double handshake and laugh. (used when participants are comfortable with each other)

Sumo Wrestler
Connect with partner across room and walk like a heavy, super-strong Sumo wrestler towards them. It gets crowed in the middle.

3 Things at Once
Pat head, rub belly, stick tongue out while walking around room greeting each other.

BREATHING EXERCISES

Roller Coaster Breathing
Breathing out, slide down the roller coaster, breathing in, ride up. Pause at top. After a few rides, laugh on the way down (breath out).

Love Shower Breathing
Start with hands cupped at heart. Extend arms out (exhale/giving). Pull arms back in making heart shape with hands, breath into your “heart” (receiving). Repeat 3x, and on last time on the out-breath, throw your arms up and out with an explosion of “shhhhhhhhhhhh” give everyone a love shower.

Shooting Star Breathing
(good for sitting or standing) In-breath: point with one arm to the sky and follow a shooting star with “Oooooooooooh”, out-breath follows another star with “Aaaaaaaaaaaahhh”.

18-hour Airplane Breathing
After a long airplane ride, being so happy to breath fresh air. In-breath is happy, out-breath is gratitude.

 Print out the original Word document here: Laughter Yoga and Breathing Exercises.  Add more of your favourite exercises below!

Dr. Kataria’s comments: “Laughter Buddies!!! I passed through Mumbai, the place where Laughter Clubs originated!!! I and Madhuri went to one of the 90 Clubs and What a warm WELCOME!!! SINGING!!! DANCING!!! LAUGHING!!! 150 members get together every morning and they don’t miss even a single day!!! Have a look at this video!!! HA HA HA Love Dr K”

Click the “Play” button to start.

We have Laughter Yoga right here in Courtenay every Saturday (almost!) at 1:30pm at Zen Zero. Come and laugh with us!

If you REALLY WANT to REALLY LAUGH, there is a Laughter Yoga Leader training this weekend in Parksville. Very special as it is a fundraiser for Cambodian children. I talked with the teacher Doreen today and she said it is definately a go, with lots of sign-ups (15+). Starts Friday evening with a free introduction, and then two days of laughing and learning about leading laughter groups, and more laughing, some background history about Laughter Yoga, more laughing exercises, how to start a group, more laughing. Note the location has changed to http://g.co/maps/rhz5z (updated on Thursday)

I took my first training from Doreen and really enjoyed it; she is a great teacher. She learned from Doctor Kateria, the founder.

You can read more about this weekend’s training  here: http://www.invokelaughter.com/leader-training-a-fundraiser-oct-7-9-2011/

UPDATED Parksville location map: http://g.co/maps/rhz5z (new updated!)

Ho ho, ha ha ha!!! Very good, very good, Yeahhhh!!!