The haha highs of laughter
We were scheduled to conduct an LYoga session at the Department of Justice, Probation and Parole Administration Division upon the request of Joby Orendain last July, when a fire broke out at its nearby Land Registration Authority office. Luckily, the notice of cancellation came in the nick of time as we were just then going out of the garage.
With about 100 eager-to-learn-and-laugh employees, headed by the administrator himself, Manny G. Co, I proceeded with the LYoga session by urging them to drop their inhibitions and give their all to it through warm-up exercises designed to help them loosen up. The participants could hardly believe that LYoga clapping and ho ho ha ha-ing can boost one’s energy, until they were told what each activity does for the whole body. Many people do not know that laughter is a body exercise — it jogs and moves our internal organs around! That is why just one minute of mirthful laughter is equivalent to 10 minutes of cardio workout on a rowing machine, while 10 minutes of hearty laughter is equal to 30 minutes of cardio workout on a rowing machine. One LYoga session can burn as much as 300 calories! In the course of the session, when they began sweating, they realized how true all that was told them.
Laughingly and jubilantly, we did eight kinds of laughter, interspersing it every now and then with some breathing and stretching exercises. As what we think and say is what we attract to ourselves, the positive chants of “I feel good, very good, I am happy, very happy,” etc. were uttered not just with much gusto but with all our hearts and might.
After the LYoga session, we made a presentation of the school that LYoga Phl. supported last year by putting up much-needed toilets and providing complete water supply system. To the various companies and organizations that continue to support LYoga Club, Phl. and for whom it has conducted LYoga sessions — with gratitude, I am very happy to mention that for this much-blessed year, we are adopting two schools: Holy Spirit Elementary School with a student population of 7,000, and San Gabriel Elementary school with 6,500 students. Both are located in Quezon City.
And now, for the on-the-spot comments by the participants who helped and guided us to give our best to each LYoga sessions:
• Ma Socorro Borja: The session was so interesting, funny, and exciting. The group enjoyed a lot. So amazing! Ms. Elvie, you are God-sent. Good luck to all your endeavors.
• Joby A. Orendain: Great stress-buster. I felt light after the LYoga session. It will definitely help me make my illness fly away. Great job, Ms. Elvie, and for a good cause, too!
• Maria Rufina Escobar Ufano: Thank you for giving us, especially me, a chance to know and share the importance of laughter in our lives. Please don’t stop sharing and laughing.
• Rosario Labastida: I felt relaxed and experienced fun during the session.
• Margarett Vidaya: Happy! Yipee! Yehey! Good job, Laughter Yoga Club, Phl.!
• Antonio “Jojo” Saldua Jr.: Feels good! Never before have I laughed this good without inhibitions.
• Donna Lima: Happy, interesting, fantastic!
• Norhaya C. Guiling: Very relaxing, stress-releasing, and enjoyable.
• Lynette F. Lorenzo: Happy, healthy, positive, and helpful session.
• Charito P. Austria: Healthy, helpful and stress-free session. Very good LYoga!
• Adel A. Martir: Thank you for the laughter. It is relaxing.
• Virgie M. Silva: An exciting, healthy activity.
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Register now for the 2nd LYoga Leadership Training Seminar on April 14-15, 2012 in Tagaytay City. Limited slots are available for this life-changing experience. For more info on past LYoga sessions and for this seminar, visit www.laughteryogaphils.com. E-mail author at laughteryogaclub.phils@gmail.com Want to laugh and relax? Visit youtube: lycphohohahaha!
