Judging by the cacophony of cackles, shrieks and guffaws coming from the First Universalist Society in Franklin on a recent Monday night, there might have been a stand-up comedian inside.
But the 50 or so people there weren't laughing in the name of humor.
Instead, participants were gathered for the first meeting of the "Let's Laugh Today" club, led by Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders Bill and Linda Hamaker of Walpole.
So just what is Laughter Yoga?
"It's more Laughter than Yoga," said Linda Hamaker. "There are no contortions, so people shouldn't think they have to do anything."
No, you won't need to break out a mat and put on your Spandex getup to participate.
Linda Hamaker said Laughter Yoga is about "becoming more playful" and focuses on exercise, not humor, taking the deep breathing, mental principles and, occasionally, basic poses of Yoga and incorporating Laughter.
According to the couple's Web site at letslaughtoday.com, Laughter Clubs are based on the teachings of Dr. Madan Kataria, a Physician from Mumbai, India who started the first Laughter Club in 1995. Sebastien Gendry brought the concept to the United States when he founded the American School of Laughter in 2004. There are now more than 6,000 Laughter Yoga Clubs in 60 countries.
Laughter has been called the best medicine, and Laughter Yoga takes that idea to heart; the activity reportedly strengthens the immune system, reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, improves mental alertness, boosts circulation and combats depression and anxiety.
On the first night of class, it all seemed like the first day at summer camp. Participants wore name tags and settled into their seats in a large circle while laughter-themed music played in the background. Linda Hamaker roused the group of mostly women, with exclamations of "We all could use more Laughter in our lives!" and "There is a need for Laughter!"
Participants began by saying their name and identifying the stress they were hoping to alleviate or "release." The problems were varied: Self-imposed pressure. Frustration with a family member. Breakups. Illnesses. Allergies. Obesity. Unemployment. Children going to college. Chronic pain. Confusing guys.
Anywhere else, laughing at another's misfortune would be considered impolite. Here, participants were instructed to laugh after each person named their malady to "release it" and show that the problem held no power over them.
The Hamakers then led laughers through a variety of exercises. The first hand Club-goers opening a jar of "Laughter Cream" and spreading it over their body. Another instructed them to laugh and stop suddenly.
If laughers couldn't do it for real, they were encouraged to fake it.
"Fake is fine, fake is fabulous," Linda Hamaker said. "It's just something we have to learn to do. That's why we're here."
"Either way you'll breathe and feel good," Bill Hamaker said.
Participants were instructed to walk around, greet somebody, bow and laugh at them; making eye contact was key. Later, they waltzed around the room. They took an imaginary laughter pill. They mopped the floor with giant and mini-mops. They walked like penguins. They did the wave. All while laughing.
Talking wasn't allowed. This wasn't an exercise in logic, but - you guessed it - Laughter.
At the end, they engaged in laughter meditation - closing their eyes, taking deep breaths and laughing, if so desired.
Throughout, the Hamakers promised the group that "all of this has sense to it."
The couple first encountered Laughter Yoga a year-and-a-half ago. They soon began attending a Laughter Club in Wakefield, then decided to start one closer to home, deciding on their 300-person capacity church in Franklin as the meeting spot. The group is non-profit, but a $5 donation is requested to help with the cost of utilities, refreshments and promotion.
Susan Merow, 60, of Attleboro, came hoping to release the stress of "the pain in the neck that works with me."
"It was a good workout," said Merow. "I love to laugh; I'll laugh at anybody, anywhere."
Helen Baker of Franklin came hoping to shed some pounds.
"Laughter is really good medicine and it's cheap too, that's the best part," said Baker, who is "over 55."
"It was a great, fun night. I feel really loose."
Lesley McDermott said she'd been fighting a respiratory infection for 45 days and could feel it loosening up.
"I feel a buzz," McDermott, 53, of Franklin said. "The blood is flowing and I'm vibrating. I feel really relaxed."
The laughing session also energized Heidi Holmstrom of Bellingham.
"I was tired when I started and now I feel like I could go for a jog," said 25-year-old Holmstrom.
The Hamakers say that in addition to its physical and mental benefits, Laughter Yoga promotes peace.
"You can't be angry with anybody or be at war with anybody when you're laughing," said Linda Hamaker.
Amanda Hayes noted the social benefits to being silly as well.
"It's a good way of connecting with people, because everybody is so closed off with TVs nowadays," said Hayes, 27, of Franklin. "A lot of times you have to be serious - going to school or being out in public - and this allows you to let loose and just release."
