Still laughing, a year later
Thursday, June 1, 2006

Wakefield Laugh Club to celebrate first anniversary

The Wakefield Laugh Club has been filling the social hall of the Wakefield Unitarian Universalist Church with peals of laughter since last June. At its next meeting on Sunday, June 4 at 3 p.m., the group will celebrate its first anniversary and also honor and thank the UU church for its initial and ongoing support. All are invited to join in the fun!


Led by local resident Sue Herz, a certified Laugh Club Leader, the Wakefield Laugh Club currently has members ranging from age 7 to 91. All are welcome and regular attendance is not required. Some members come alone, some in pairs and some with their entire family. But, they all enjoy the many health benefits of Laughter Yoga. Those attending are asked for a donation of up to $5, but no one is turned away because of inability to pay.


The Wakefield Laugh Club meets the first and third Sunday of each month at 3 p.m. at the Wakefield Unitarian Universalist Church, 326 Main St.


What is a Laugh Club?

The unique concept of Laughter Yoga was discovered in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician in Mumbai, India. It has since grown into a world wide movement with more than 2500 clubs in India, the U.S., Canada, Australia, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Hungary, Ireland, Netherlands, Finland, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Dubai.

Dr. Kataria, realizing that laughter truly can be "the best medicine," started working with a small group of people and discovered that anyone can laugh for 15-20 minutes without depending upon a great sense of humor, jokes, or comedy.

What happens at a Laughter Club session? Led by a qualified laugh club leader, members take part in activities that combine laughter exercises (simulated laughter) and yoga breathing, which turns into real laughter when practiced in a group. Participation in a laughter club encourages playfulness, laughter, social connection, and a balance of mind, body, and spirit.

What are the benefits of Laughter Yoga? Laughter yoga can help strengthen the immune system by reducing the negative effects of stress, anxiety and depression, and has a positive effect on heath issues such as high blood pressure, asthma and chronic pain. It also improves one's sense of humor, self confidence and communications skills.


To learn more about Laughter Yoga, see www.laughteryoga.org. For Wakefield Laugh Club details, see http://wakefieldlaughclub.com or contact Sue Herz at sueherz@rcn.com or 781-246-8940.