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laughing pranayama

  

There are so many forms and varieties of pranayama, the yogic breathing practice.

Laughing is healthy, and it just plain feels GOOD!

A few years ago I heard a story on NPR about Laughing Clubs in India. I thought it was great! Laughter is such wonderful medicine, and it's something we're often too busy being serious grownups to do.

Naturally, I thought it would be a wonderful addition to a yoga class, when we're busy being serious yogis. I often incorporate this into the beginning of my classes when my students tell me they are tired and exhausted from a stressful day. Sometimes I'll throw it in as an ice breaker when I have a new student.

I've been doing it lately in my own practice because I've been working so hard with my designer on getting this website launched. And it's working.

To begin:

Sit comfortably. Take a few moments to let your weight settle down. Elongate your spine and relax the obvious tensions that you're aware of. Breathe smoothly. Now, when you're ready, take a full breath in and as you exhale... laugh!

Really laugh, just let it go! Laugh the whole duration of the exhale. Breathe in again and laugh! Repeat 4 or 5 times, or as necessary. Repeat if needed. Now, feel the energy in your body. Feel the energy in your face. Breathe and smile and have a great day.

Laughter is a non-serious way to seriously move energy through your body, release tension, and energize yourself. Come to a class and let me prove it to you!