I am Robert Rivest, a Laughter Yoga Teacher and Certified Master Trainer from the USA. With over 25 years of experience as a comic mime artist, I’ve also dedicated myself to teaching health, literacy, stress relief, Mindfulness Meditation, Tai Chi, and Qigong.
Two years ago, I discovered the life-changing practice of Laughter Yoga during a free session at my performing arts guild, led by Mary Rives and Keith Carlson. The session filled me with immense joy—so much so that I was still glowing with happiness on my drive home and for hours afterward.
Laughter Yoga has become a powerful ally in managing my Parkinson’s disease. My journey even inspired my younger sister to join my laughter club and my older sister to sign up for Laughter Yoga Leader training. Since then, I’ve noticed remarkable improvements in my health—I get sick less often, have more stamina, and breathe more easily.
Professionally, Laughter Yoga has sharpened my ability to understand clients' needs and helped me become more adaptable to sudden changes. It’s given me better control of my breath and voice, allowing me to give more of myself during performances and to serve others more deeply. It has enhanced how I share love, joy, and laughter—and it now forms a central part of all my presentations.
On a social level, I’ve grown into a better listener—more understanding and compassionate. People notice the difference. They respond to my eye contact and sunny disposition with friendliness and warmth. I even suspect that my cheerful energy once helped me avoid a traffic ticket!
What I value most is being part of this worldwide family of joyful, loving Laughter Yoga professionals. The friendships and shared laughter I’ve experienced across cultures are deeply meaningful to me.
As a performer, I’ve often seen laughter ripple through audiences, even from a distance. But nothing compares to the magic of in-person laughter sessions. When people laugh together, I feel their energy, their joy—it lifts me up and transforms the entire space. Even on Zoom, I feel that same connection, breathing, moving, smiling, and laughing with people from all around the world.
One unforgettable moment was when I led a laughter session with guided relaxation for 300 school children. Afterward, a little boy told me, “I feel like I ran a mile and took a nap.” So many people share how laughter makes them feel lighter, brighter, freer—fully awake yet peacefully calm. A corporate participant once said, “I didn’t want to take a break from work, but now I feel refreshed and ready to dive into my projects with excitement.”
My mission is simple yet profound: to cultivate peace, love, laughter, and joy within myself—and radiate it to everyone I meet, near or far.
Experts from KEYEM THOMEZ Book 55 Laughter Yogis: Inspiring Stories of JOY and Transformation
Amazon link to buy the book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9K97LR4