I recently attended a seminar sponsored by a local organization development professional group (SBODN) called Laughter Yoga (LY). In the spirit of covering concepts related to workplace wellness I attended the seminar to satisfy my curiosity. The instructor was Mary Pat O-Rourke, a former student of LY’s founder, Dr. Madan Kataria (as seen in the CNN video).
The seminar opened with simple clapping exercise and quickly moved into the forced laughing portion. Cutting to the chase, it was a wild, roaring good time – corniness and all- amongst the group. I was surprised to see how the techniques helped me to feel looser and relaxed despite how ridiculous I felt doing it.
Benefits
Like regular yoga, laughter yoga has a concentration and breathing element to it. Its not just about uncontrolled laughing and clapping. There is a rhythm and despite the outward part of it, can provide the immune boosting chemicals in the body that help fend of disease, but more importantly, improves one’s state of mind. After all, when you spend 45 minutes laughing at others you’re bound to start laughing for real, and that creates positive energy.
Workplace Application
While Dr. Kataria’s website www.laughteryoga.org has a video and explanation of how the technique could work with teams; I am a bit skeptical on this part. I think a modified version of the approach could work in some settings but I’m not convinced this is as broad an application as stress reduction courses that focus on the breathing and small simple movements to promote calm and concentration. Still, like any well structured wellness program, the client and the practitioner need to determine how best to utilize the tools that drive successful implementation.
Bottom line, I think LY is worth checking out – even as an individual. While silly, the premise is based on solid health research. It’s certainly a different way to achieve focus, and if nothing else, forces you to really let go and not take yourself so seriously
