Laughter Clubs utilize a systematic activity approach that is based on a foundation of both ancient practices, such as yoga & meditation, and modern medical science.
Members of Laughter Clubs are engaged as active and interactive participants, not a passive audience being entertained.
Laughter Clubs promote laughter as a genuine form of exercise.
The therapeutic laughter program called the Laughter Club makes the natural and positive power of laughter a widely accessible health option, in long-term care for example, through the work of professional Activity Therapists and Recreation Therapists.
The Laughter Club can be applied in communities as a form of social glue.
In this method, laughter is evoked by “self-starting” not by humor, jokes or comedy.
One does not need to have a sense of humor in order to laugh. In fact, over a period of time, participation in Laughter Clubs appears to have the effect of improving the sense of humor.
Most often the laughter activity takes place in a group that comes together with a common purpose that provides social support.
Laughter Clubs’ therapeutic model can be learned; leaders can be trained.
Trained leaders demonstrate, motivate, educate, and inspire groups.
Even people who claim to be completely devoid of a sense of humor can enjoy and benefit from Laughter Clubs.
When there is humor in a laughter club session, it is most often a spontaneous occurrence within the group, but it is not forced, expected or required.
Humor is personal and subjective; laughter is universal.
When jokes are used to evoke laughter, many people don’t get the joke, or don’t like the joke.
Using jokes runs the risk of being offensive or hurtful. Laughter Clubs operate on a value system that minimizes and eliminates the risk.
Humor is difficult to define, as “funniness’ is almost impossible to measure. The physiological changes that accompany laughter are relatively easy to measure accurately, and the benefits can be observed and studied more readily.
Unlike comedy routines, Laughter Clubs can be repeated as often as you like without becoming stale or boring.
Because we have a common method and shared values, laughter club leaders and members can form a global network to share ideas and to give each other encouragement and inspiration.
Through the network of leaders and members, the method will improve continuously, inventing new exercises and activities as well as discovering necessary cultural adaptations.
Laughter Clubs are open to everyone; nobody is excluded.
Laughter Clubs are non-political, non-religious, non-exploitive.
The systematic therapeutic laughter methods are adaptable to all ages, backgrounds, and even adapt to various physical and mental (cognitive) limitations.
Systematic therapeutic laughter methods address body, mind, and spirit.
Certified Laughter Leaders operate with ethical guidelines.
Through the Spirit of Laughter, participants in Laughter Clubs achieve better balance of emotions, reduce the harmful effects of stress, release harmful anger and judgmentalism, and find a path to world peace.
Laughter Clubs promote observances of World Laughter Day (the first Sunday in May)
Because there is a common method, philosophy, and values, Laughter Clubs link members and enthusiasts all around the world.
Laughter Clubs are not limited by language differences. Laughter has no accent.
Laughter Clubs provide a sense of belonging and of being involved in a worthwhile cause.
Contact Pamela Alleyne-Tracey today!
pam@pamelapresents.com