Haha-happy laughter at Summit Ridge

I enjoyed Laughter Yoga so much and  learned from Ms. Elvie that one does not have to find a reason to laugh,  for  laughter in itself is the only reason there is,” said Lani Kimber S. Campos, president and general manager of Avolution Inc.  She  and her family  were then staying as guests at Summit Ridge Hotel in Tagaytay, when they learned that a Laughter Yoga session would be conducted in the hotel.   Having read and heard about it, Lani really wanted to experience a Laughter Yoga session, and was so happy that  her parents and siblings could be with her.  They were among the first participants to arrive at the venue.

Meg Sta. Maria of Robinsons Land e-mailed  me several times for a Laughter Yoga session, which at first I thought would be held at their office in Robinsons Ortigas.  At the meeting in their office, I was told it would be for their employees and guests at Summit Ridge in Tagaytay.  So last October 26, together with Liza Spaargen, a Laughter Yoga team member, Gerry Lardizabal of FAMI,  and Chona Oblefias, a Laughter Yoga  fan, trooped to Summit Ridge, Tagaytay.  Revoli Cortez, a multi-awarded photographer formerly with The Philippine STAR, readily agreed to cover the event. We were met by Summit Ridge manager Juan Carlos Del Rosario, who gamely and actively participated in the entire Laughter Yoga session.

The participants were shocked to find out that my Laughter Yoga session was very informative, and filled with  health trivia, fruit of my research, that I shared with them  as we went along with the session. Like  proper care of the eyes — our most-often-used-but-ironically-the-most-abused organs of our bodies.  When I asked how many  participants were engaged in activities for health and wellness, varied answers were given:  swimming, badminton, walking, yoga, etc.  When  asked, however,  if  they do something for their eyes, they looked at me with a questioning-and-surprised look,  as if asking:  Is there such a thing?  They chorused a big NO answer!  We proceeded with the palming eye exercise, the most basic and the easiest one to do, cautioning  them to do  the  palming  only when  relaxed.  Otherwise,  we  will merely transmit body stress to the  eyes.   A  must-do for a truly effective   palming:   proper deep breathing.  After doing a few minutes of palming, coupled with deep breathing,  I asked  that  they remove their hands from their eyes, and asked how they felt.  Surprise, surprise!  Their vision was clearer!   Imagine what palming can do for our eyes — if done regularly  and longer every day.

Cheerfully,  as they swayed their bodies and swang their hips, we gamely  did  some Laughter Yoga exercises like the Milk Shake Laughter, which elicited hearty laughter from the participants. Love Ourselves Laughter was also done with mucho gusto. I advised them, especially the women, who give their all to their families,  to leave much love for themselves, too.  We cannot give genuine love to others — unless we have so much love in ourselves.  For we can only give and share what we have!  

The other kinds of Laughter Yoga exercises were met with much enthusiasm as the participants danced and gyrated to the rhythm of hoho, hahaha  as we did the positive chants.

Below are the very inspiring comments from some of the participants:

• Margarita Santamaria:  It was so much fun and relieved my stress.

• Girlie Reyes: It  was  a breath of fresh air!  Ms. Estavillo gave us so many good reasons  to laugh.  Laughter is  the best cure for all illnesses!

• Florence David King: Nice and healthy activity good for de-stressing.    I’ll do it in my daily  life.

• Mark Novo Maano: I’m very happy.  It was a  good, appropriate exercise.

• Jane Vashner Bayot: Very funny.  Relaxing. Easy and beneficial tips for everyday life.  Appreciable speaker. Very informative as well as super stress-free.

• Nannah Tobias: Very sweet release! Thank you!

• Revoli  Cortez: Very  surprised about this kind of Laughter Yoga session. Full of energy, laughter, fun, and health information.

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Let’s keep laughing to a healthy, happy positive us!  For more info, visit www.laughteryogaphils.com.  To laugh, visit lycphohohahaha.