We all know how good it feels to laugh, whether it's a cheeky giggle or a belly aching cheek hurting full on uncontrollable laugh. We also have a vague idea that yes, laughing is good for us. Laughing isn't always encouraged in Yoga. In fact, in some Yoga classes almost frowned upon. I personally like to encourage laughter in my yoga classes for a number of reasons.
Yoga is about connecting and finding balance.
Connecting mind, body and breath. Having a bit of a laugh together helps us connect with each other too.
Our asana (poses) work not only the musculoskeletal system but help to develop emotional, psychological and immune system balance. Laughter has been shown to help throughout all of our systems so it makes sense to combine the two! Laughter reduces pain responses which can help you move through challenges in class.
Humor lightens your burdens, inspires hope, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. It also helps you release anger and forgive sooner. With our huge focus on balance (not just the standing on one leg type!) in classes the balancing effects of laughter help us ease our own personal frustration, fear and imbalance. It seems like the ultimate way to increase the effects of Yoga and essentially it just makes a class experience much more fun!
So next time you practice try laughing. You can laugh at me or your can laugh at yourself, either way laughing is the best medicine. If you are wanting to practice to Yoga more in your everyday life- allowing yourself a moment to laugh may just be the tonic
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