International Association of Facilitators Conference
18-20th September 2009
* LIVE
* LOVE
* LEARN
* LAUGH
These were the keys points made by Chairman of the IAF Gary Purser when he opened the Conference on Friday 18th September at Keeble College, Oxford.
Gary had met Joe Hoare and myself at our Laughter Network Laughter Facilitators Training and was passionate about the power of laughter. Like us, Gary believes laughter not only helps us to learn better but to communicate better with our colleagues and is good for our health being a great stressbuster.
Gary asked me to kick start the Conference of 180 delegates with 10 minutes of laughter yoga. I felt quite nervous being in that historic place of learning, as I explained that Laughter is a Universal Language – we all laugh in the same way and so can understand each other when we laugh together. There were people from all around the world and they were a lively and willing crowd, who in no time, were joining in with Greeting laugh and playing with the laughter sounds. This really bonded the Conference delegates and you could hear them practicing their laughter sounds as they walked around the Quads.
On Saturday and Sunday morning I ran Wake up to Laughter Yoga sessions. The first morning were just a few brave volunteers as many delegates had explored the delights of the pubs in Oxford the night before! However, on Sunday morning we had a great crowd of laughter blasters and it was wonderful to be in the open air, on the roof top terrace and send our laughter ringing out over the beautiful, historic buildings. Lots of people commented on how it was lovely to wake up to laughter sounds even if they weren’t there with us. It brought a smile to their faces and was a really good way to start the day.
Before lunch on Sunday I ran a Stressless Living workshop incorporating yogic breathing and personal energy awareness, followed by fun and games and a laughter yoga session with laughter meditation and relaxation to finish. Gary joined in with the mostly Swedish participants and his deep bellowing laugh was wonderful to hear.
I think everyone who attended the Conference really got the message that we need to laugh more as not only does it make YOU feel better, it makes the world a better place.
Here are some comments from the people who attended the sessions
Just a note to say thanks so much for getting up so bright and early to run the laughter yoga sessions at the IAF.
It was defiantly well on the edge of my comfort zone but you successfully turned me from a cynic to an advocate, and fascinated to explore possible applications.
Since coming home I have been starting every morning with a laugh which is great.
Allan Stirling
What a great time and place and people! Thanks for the laughs!
Graham Rawlinson C.Psychol FRSA
I really liked participating in your laughter session. Thank you.
Krister Forsberg
Stockholm, SWEDEN
Thank you for your inspiring session about stressless living
I have listened to you CD this morning and feel really relaxed.
Kind regards
Pia Larsson
Facilitatorhuset
Sweden
