Last year I was invited to lead a training session at the Early Child Care Conference and Business Expo sponsored by the Lake County YWCA held at Abbott Corporate Headquarters. I presented a program on stress management techniques for adults and kids which I called, "Give Me A Break."
I talked abut the causes of stress, its damaging effects on the body and techniques for eliminating stress. I introduced a mini session of laughter yoga and everyone enjoyed it.
I was asked to come back again this year and I decided to devote the entire session to laughter yoga. In fact, the YWCA offered two sessions of laughter yoga that day. Both of my classes were booked. As we performed the exercises, the sounds of mirthful laughter permeated into the adjoining conference rooms. I was later told by participants of the other lectures that they wished they were in our group because it seemed like we were having so much fun!
At the conclusion of my sessions, a participant from each group commented on the immediate impact laughter had on them. One woman announced to everyone that when she came into the room, she was in pain. After an hour of hearty laughter she was no longer in agony. Another woman sat down with me after we were done and told me how grateful she was for the opportunity to laugh. This attractive, young lady proceeded to tell me about the tragedies and hardships she was dealing with in her life. I was shocked as I listened. Nothing in her friendly, happy, outward appearance gave any indication to the burden she was carrying around inside. As she looked deeply into my eyes with such gratitude, she told me what I gift I had to be able to share laugher with everyone. I got goose bumps and tears welled up in my eyes. I didn't realize till that moment the profound effect laughter was having on people and how blessed I was to be able to bring joy into these lives.
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