Dr. Kataria’s Laughter Yoga Diary

This is one of the most magical healing instances I came across. The dramatic change in Dianne’s condition confirms the effective therapeutic power of Laughter Yoga. Depression is number one sickness in the world and it is estimated that more than 12000 million dollars are spent in producing anti depressant pills in USA alone.

In January 1997, my thoughts of suicide became frequent and by April 1997 I was officially diagnosed with Clinical Depression. Over time my condition became severe and by this year I was spending over $400 on depression medication each month.

I first heard about Laughter Yoga on the American TV show ‘Dancing with the Stars’. It seemed delightful. Then on April 11^th 2007, I happened to see LY on the Oprah Winfrey show. Even before the show ended I signed up for the May Sierra Madre training and tried to find a local LY group. The next day I met Jeffrey, a Laughter Yoga teacher who guided me to my initial session.

Just two months after my first LY experience on April 12, I had amazingly decreased the use of medicines by almost 80%. In fact, I’m completely free of all medication now and am saving over $400 each month. I sleep better than I ever have in 11 years; people tell me I look great, especially at 64!

My life has undergone a remarkable change. I have been interviewed on three TV programs and I also co-host a local cable TV show. I have more requests to conduct sessions than I can handle.

Love, light, laughter and many blessings

Dianne Theil McNinch

Here’s an interesting letter I received from a 74 year old lady who had a life changing experience by doing laughter exercises all by herself. She read my book and watched my video which motivated her to begin these exercises.

This has reaffirmed my belief in the effectiveness of laughing alone. I am soon launching a book and video on Laughter Yoga Alone techniques. I am sure it will help a lot of people like Shirley who cannot attend regular clubs but still want to reap the benefits of laughter yoga.

I read your book in one afternoon, watched the video, did laughter exercises each day for three days and already my life has changed totally.

I’d been trying to get involved in a laughter club for the past six years but we did not have a local club and neither did I have the money or time to travel. It was only last December I was fortunate to attend a laughter club session held in the city. I was inspired and knew it was the right time.

From going so deep spiritually through meditation, study etc, the right side of my brain was over developed and it was hard to get back a sense of balance. I knew exactly what I needed but had no idea how to get it. You did that for me and I can’t thank you enough.  You have given me the most precious gift on my forthcoming 74th birthday. For the first time I can now enjoy life and my grandchildren.

You make it so easy-just how it should be.

My blessings to you and all your leaders and especially for your goal of world peace.

Namaste,

Shirley Wilkins

This story sketches the complete essence of laughter clubs and how they help people to deal with negative and challenging situations in real life. Laughter eases tension and tackles obstacles positively and cheerfully.

Last month the members of the ABC Laughter Club in Thane, Mumbai decided to arrange a picnic. Excited about the outing they set out with the entire paraphernalia looking forward to a great time.

But as luck would have it nothing turned out right as the day dawned. Peter’s Principle was at its best which states that anything that can go wrong will go wrong. Firstly, members were late in assembling and there was utter chaos. To add to the confusion the bus had a flat tyre even before the journey began. People started pacing up and down in sheer disappointment.

The driver and his assistant got down to fix the flat tyre as fast as they could. It was a big job and some club members pitched in to help. The other club members surrounded them and started a laughter session. As they laughed together, tension seemed to disappear. People forgot the delay and started to laugh heartily.

Soon they were on their way feeling refreshed and recharged. Laughter helped them to cope with the state of distress.

On reaching the picnic spot all was forgotten and the members had a great time laughing and having fun together.

Mumbai is the biggest metropolis in India. It provides dramatic examples of the great divide between rich and poor — modern skyscrapers skirted by slums.

The pavement is home for thousands of families. Many children are deprived of shelter and clothing — education is far removed. These harsh conditions turn many innocent children to acts of criminality.

Asha Kiran is an NGO that provides basic education to homeless and slum children. It runs a chain of schools on the streets of Mumbai.

Today I chanced on a class being held on the pavement. I was surprised at the discipline maintained by the young children and their teacher. In these basic surroundings — a noisy sidewalk, loads of pollution and trash — they were totally engrossed in their studies, oblivious to their surroundings.

Moved by their sincere search for improvement I introduced them to laughter yoga. They took to the exercises instantly and we were all soon in hysterics. Together we laughed and chanted very good, very good, yeah! and clapped and danced ho ho ha ha ha .

It was a blockbuster hit.

Laughter yoga with children is extremely beneficial. They laugh easily and use their body actions to change their state of mind — their playfulness helps express their emotions and develops better learning and cognitive skills. It also provides the exercise missing from so many childhoods today.

Laughing with kids is one of the most rewarding activities for laughter professionals — we learn and benefit from their exuberance and playfulness.

Develop your childlike playfulness — go laugh with kids!

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I contacted the Asha Kiran organization who bring hope through education to tens of thousands across India. I hope we can raise funds to provide training for their teachers across India and bring laughter into the lives of these kids.