The Premium Zone
23-Nov-06
Welcome to laughter yoga premium membership zone.
The way laughter yoga is growing around the world leaves me no doubt that this is a real breakthrough in body mind medicine.
Over the past 11 years laughter yoga has changed the life of so many people in so many countries. When we started laughter yoga my objective was to combine laughter exercises and yoga breathing to make health benefits available to all with no cost.
While scores of people are getting health benefits from laughter yoga there are still some important challenges ahead. The premium zone is a place for us to work together to meet these challenges.
A Tool for Collective Wisdom
My experience with laughter yoga says that nothing is difficult when we do it together.
Since laughter yoga is an international network of like-minded people, we must find ways to share our knowledge and wisdom.
I have learned more from my students than I have taught them. I’m not a perfect master. I learn every day from my students. I learn every day from my own mistakes and weaknesses. I am a fantastic teacher because I have fantastic students.
A number of people have said nice things about me as a teacher but I freely admit that many laughter yoga practitioners and laughter yoga leaders and teachers have contributed to the growth of laughter yoga and the wisdom behind it.
I play the role of a facilitator. I collect ideas from around the world and add my insights then spread it around. Laughter yoga is “Collective Wisdom”.
The purpose of the premium zone is to have a place where we can put all our heads together and share wisdom and knowledge we find while practicing laughter yoga.
Spiritual Knowledge
The biggest challenge I see in laughter yoga is to find ways to laugh when we need it most. We especially need laughter when life provides challenges: negative situations, negative events, negative thinking, negative emotions, fear, anxiety, guilt and jealousy. How to laugh in real-life outside the laughter session?
This is very difficult at a mind level, but can be accomplished easily with a spiritual approach. We will share spiritual wisdom and techniques through in the premium zone. I have personally used spiritual knowledge to spread the laughter movement worldwide and I want to share this with our community.
The Laughter Yoga Family
I want the premium zone to be our new home online — the place where our ‘family’ of laughter yoga practitioners and professionals share knowledge and information.
You can speak more openly in your home among your family than you can in public forum, and so we can all share and learn together without extraneous distraction.
For my part I have started the ball rolling with my online diary in the premium zone. I will continue to share my thoughts on laughter yoga and knowledge and information that comes to me. Members of the movement have already started contributing their ideas and one of my recent posts was a direct response to one of your questions. It makes me happy that the discussion has started.
Over the following months we will experiment with different ways of structuring our discussion to make it easier us all to participate. We will also try online polls to find out what we think about various topics and ideas.
If you are serious about laughter yoga I invite you to join me in our laughter yoga premium zone — I’m counting on your participation to make it an even better place for all of us.
The premium zone charge
We have set a price of 5 dollars a month for premium zone membership.
This will help us to maintain and develop our website, and some of the proceeds will go to The Laughter Yoga Foundation to help develop and spread laughter yoga. There’s more about the foundation here.
If the price is too high for you, please use the ‘financial assistance’ link during the application process to explain your situation. It is not our intention to keep people out by charging too much.
If you feel that membership of the premium zone is worth more to you than $60 a year I invite you to make a contribution to the Laughter Yoga Foundation while you complete your registration.
Love and laughter
Madan
Dear Madan
Thank you for the opportunity to be part of the Premium Zone for one month. I have only participated in one laughter yoga session in Sydney - Bondi Beach - with my husband about 5 months ago. We live in a small spiritual community in central Victoria. We have just returned home from Puttaparthi where we visit Sai Baba regularly every year - since 1989. The drought is terrible here - and in many other places in Australia. Farmers are committing suicide - animals and other creatures as well are suffering. On 2nd December the Sai Baba organisation in Melbourne is coming up to our place where we have built a huge barn out of straw bales. We are all going to participate in a Rain Prayer, do some spiritual dancing, invoking rain, etc. I just wish we had some one who could lead us in laughter. There are lots of Indian people in the organisation. I guess if we’re meant to be able to practice the acceptance of our situation with laughter, it will happen. I think that what you are doing is just wonderful. It is good to be able to move out of the eternal chatter, chatter to do something else which joins people the world over in a common statement of happiness. All love and light to you and all the people who can laugh at themselves and their difficulties, the world over. with love, Pam Engelander
Comment by pamela engelander — November 25, 2006 @ 1:48 am
Dear Doctor Madan,
Though our meeting has been very brief. Your openness has been very satisfying and your goodwill very rewarding. Lot of good things have come in at my credit since I have been associated with you in a very small way.
I am sure conducting sessions on laughter yoga i have made life easier and better for a lot of people; I hope our association and your endeavour grows.
Regards
Sw Samarpan
Comment by Samarpan Anand Saraswati — December 2, 2006 @ 12:30 pm
I am delighted that you have the great wisdom to create a collective wisdom !
I am seeing so much development happen in a comparative short time in Laughter Yoga and I look forward to being a part of the discussions and ideas.
Canada is still developing in its work towards Laughter yoga and I was reminded once again , this week, as I led a workshop for people who are dying ( palliative care) - how much it means to anyone to have a great laugh again , especially those who are under life stress - We had a great time - some of them had heard me three times now so I needed to vary my input somewhat - and that is part of being a Leader or Teacher - to be flexible - It was a great session and I made new friends again.
Warmly - Chuckling - Jan MacQuarrie
Comment by Jan MacQuarrie — December 15, 2006 @ 8:39 am
good thank you
Comment by cak cak — January 3, 2007 @ 2:45 am
Dear Dr.Kataria
I have read your book,Laugh for no reason in farsi language recently.I hope to read this book in English version I will recommend this book to my friends.
Yours sincerely
Ali Aghanajafi
Comment by ali aghanajafi — January 3, 2007 @ 4:20 am
Dearest Madan Laughter Yoga is alive and well in Ireland. This year has really taken off with me doing lots of radio interviews and newspaper articles. The media is buzzing with laughter. This sudden awareness comes after a few years of ground work and is taking me now to teaching another Leader training workshop In March. I would say to everyone just keep on laughing and everyone else will join in. We are looking forward to your return visit to Ireland in the near future.
Comment by Mary Mitchell — February 17, 2007 @ 7:20 pm
I saw a program on television where this poor woman felt that she had absolutely no reason to laugh and hadn’t laughed in years. The producers of the show brought her to a laughing coach/teacher.
That was literally the first time I saw anything to do with this absolutley amazing (laugh for no reason) concept. I am really looking forward to the future thanks to a good friend sending this link.
I also thank Dr.Kataria for the opportunity to the Premium Zone for free.
BRILLIANT
THERESA FROM CANADA
Comment by theresa ferbrache — March 8, 2007 @ 10:01 pm
Dear Dr. Kataria!
As you may remember I meet you on May 2005 in Mallorca; it was not the best moment in my life then. After some time I read your Book twice, once in German and than in english. You may believe it or not: The words “Fake it and you can make it” comes to my mind like an flash. So I started every morning (when I’m alone) in front of a mirror,……. and its works!!!
Thank you for the help and assistance you gave to me and my wife Caty. I think now I am really ready to spread the laughter yoga too.
With love and laughter - Rainer from Mallorca
Comment by Caty Escandell — March 9, 2007 @ 4:31 pm
Dear Dr.Kataria,
I just got back from the Niagara falls training. what a week that was! I feel indebted to your commitment in bringing joy into many lives. Laughter yoga is already helping me to better manage everyday challenges. Firstly,when I arrived at La Guardia airport my luggage was missing. Secondly, our area was hit with a major flood that we haven’t experienced in the 20 some years we lived here. Our home foundation cracked so our basement is flooded. But I’m dealing with these very well, of course with laughter. Thank you. Chun
Comment by chun kim-levin — April 16, 2007 @ 6:12 pm
it is the first time that I have come across laughter yoga and i was really amazed and curious about it. I am a very stressful person and i am sure it will loosen me up. i am very eager to try it out.
Comment by mayda Dulguerian — April 24, 2007 @ 12:49 pm
Laughter is the best medicine. Laughter is that fragrance of almighty where we feel His mood in smile. Me and he are the same so if He smiles I feel the rhythm of My smile.
Thankyou
Dr Amitava Samanta
India
Comment by Amitava Samanta — April 26, 2007 @ 9:17 am
Dear Dr. Kataria, Very Good, Very Good, YEA!
Thank you for your most generous spirit and self, the LY Certified Teacher Training led by you in California this past week was life changing.
I met women, and a few men, from all over the world and USA, that will be my best friends and support group for the rest of our lives. Each of us left the training a calmer, more centered, more dedicated, more unconditionally loving person, glowing with the joy of laughter, and acceptance.
The work you do is sparkling.
I never knew that joy and bliss could be exhausting….:0, I love you w/o a frt.
With deepest gratitude and appreciation
in gratitude and appreciation.
Comment by Dianne Theil McNinch — May 8, 2007 @ 10:00 pm
Dear Dr.Kataria,
Attending the Certified LY Teacher training in LA was the best medicine for healing the body,mind and spirit. Everyone in the class had a life changing experience and made friendships for life.Your teaching method,generous loving heart helped us to learn effortlessly and kept us begging for more.
I found my true self and inner joy once again to live life in the NOW.
YOU ARE A GIFT TO HUMANITY AND WORLD PEACE.
I am commited to spread the “I Love You” movement with radient Laughter! HA HA HA HA
With Gratitude and unlimited Laughter
Your Student
Deniz Keller - San Mateo CA
Comment by Deniz Keller — May 9, 2007 @ 10:30 pm
I encountered a LIFE CHANGING experience by learning Laughter Yoga. Dr. Kataria taught
me skills that I can use on a daily basis. It has made a huge, positive change in my
life. I am now excited to share my new found wisdom with others. Everyone can benefit
from laughter. Thank you!
Kira McCullough
Fort Worth, TX
WWW.LAUGHTERYOGAFORTWORTH.COM
Comment by Kira McCullough — May 25, 2007 @ 1:53 pm
What a blessing, to have a forum where we can share stories, ideas and brainstorming! I am so please and honored to be a part of this.
I hope we will inspire each other unceasingly, and I invite all to contact me personally for individual concerns and help. Jeffrey Briar (appeared on “Oprah, Dancing with the Stars,” etc.), Founder of the Laguna Laughter Club (1st in the world outside India to meet 7 days per week), and Ever Your Friend and Admirer. www.LYinstitute.org/
Comment by Jeffrey Briar — June 18, 2007 @ 3:00 pm
Ahhhh! It’s great to be “home” with my laughter family. I think this community of laughing people is a great idea. I look forward to learning from all of you.
Comment by janice bisset — June 24, 2007 @ 10:18 am
Laughing is so important, as todays life is so stressful.
Laughter is the only medicine which can cure physical and mental pains
Thankyou for involving so many people and making them feel special and light
Comment by Ramesh Butani — July 1, 2007 @ 2:28 pm
dear sir,
i am thiyagu from india
i am having a problem of mental tension always and i am worried and i am not possible to do my work satisfactory.
so kindly guide me to do so all my problems gets burned off.
thanking you.
Comment by thiyaga rajan — July 6, 2007 @ 1:27 am
dear madan kataria,
sometime i think, why this doctor spread so much laughter in his life, to many people,
to have laughter in all over world…..so that people forget their worries and tensions…..!!
then one insight come to me, may be this doctor have create so much worries and tension in his past life,
this life he come on this earth to spread laughter……….!! ha ha ha ha…..!!
i appreciate your work from center of my heart….!!
wish all earth full with love….light…..laughter…..meditation…….!!!
i also working with many people to spread love…light…laughter…meditation….yoga….in taiwan….!!
sw. vinod bharti. www:http//hk.geocities.com/tanha93/
Comment by vinod bharti — July 11, 2007 @ 9:43 pm
Dear Madan,
I am so glad to have met you and had laughter training as a teacher with the wonderful Guru that you are.
Now I am sharing what I learned and have already started a Laughter Club here in Chile. This will be one of many. It is the first Laughter Club in South America! So, we hope to have you around soon. Remember , I will translate your laughter, ha,ha.
My love and respects to you
Tosha Tobias
Comment by Tosha Tobias — July 18, 2007 @ 9:38 pm
Dear Dr Madan,
I attended your seminar on 29/03/2007 in Kuala Lumpur and armed with your book and dvd, I am keen to start laughter clubs in this region. I have done short sessions as a comunnity service, with different groups of people, but find that I am not able to sustain the session for more than 10 mins as the groups seemed to run out of breadth from laughing after awhile.
Please let me know whether I need to train as a teacher before I can run the sessions.
Comment by karen yow yean sze tho — August 19, 2007 @ 11:49 pm
Love to YOU all in the World, remember we are ALL creating Peace in the World, with every word we write, every Laughter thought and connection, and every Laugh we share or experience alone, so in this precious moment I send you a giggle from my heart of Joy wrapped in Love to heal you and the World..
Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha . how blessed are we, to have this experience..
Thank you Dear Madan and Madhuri, Laughter has changed my Life and helped me change alot of others..
Every Loving thought of Joy and Love links us together immediatly.
Carolyn Nicholson,
Eltham Laughter Club, Melbourne, australia.
Comment by Carolyn Nicholson — April 6, 2008 @ 11:17 am
Dear Dr. Kataria,
After visiting your website several months ago I found myself drawn back again, and again. Laughter yoga is something I’m sure that’s needed in my area of work as a life coach and perhaps that is why I’m drawn back so many times. I just ordered your book and DVD hoping to learn more about the technique - this I’ll do until you return to Texas to teach again. Ultimately, I’d like to incorporate this technique into my coaching practice. Thank you for your unique vision.
Warmly,
Gretchel
Comment by Gretchel A. Johnson — April 11, 2008 @ 1:25 am
I am SO INTERESTED in laughter as medicine. About 20 years ago I attended a workshop in Calif. that sounds very similar. I would love to attend one of your workshops and perhaps become an instructor.
Thank you,
Carole Steward
carolestwrd@yahoo.com
Comment by Carole Steward — May 8, 2008 @ 12:52 pm
I am a pediatric dentist practicing in Queens, New York serving predominately immigrant children. Laughter is my key to turning a difficult, at times painful and frightening situation for a child to one where they leave my treatment room laughing and giggling with a new sense of self confidence. I also use breathing exercises in reducing anxiety. I am very excited to learn more about your yoga laughter philosophy and practices and look forward to meeting you in September. I hope to arrange for sessions at our Queens office for my staff of 17 prior to our work day. This is great….hehehhehehehe
Comment by ali attaie — May 12, 2008 @ 12:03 am
I can’t find the newest version of the Certified Laughter Leader Training Manual. When I type “Certified Laughter Leader Training Manual” into the search box I get no matches found. I am a premium zone member and I read on the benefits page
“Laughter Yoga Resources
Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training Manual
Ideas & Suggestions For Your Laughter Club
Useful forms (disclaimer, feedback)
Template laughter sessions
Template Press Releases
Official News Clippings
And more…”
Please tell me how to find it.
Thanks.
Monnet
Comment by dawn monnet — June 4, 2008 @ 8:50 pm
I am so stressed out with all the problems i feel it as physical pain. I am kind of developing acid reflux, hypertension . I am interested in laughing club. I hope you can help.
Thanks.
Comment by Aswini Rao — July 8, 2008 @ 6:59 pm
are there any laughing yoga groups in kuala lumpur or penang malaysia?
Comment by anna muresu — August 21, 2008 @ 4:38 am