Hahahahappy yoga laughter with youth volunteers
Laughter is a direct line that connects people.” Electrifying! Fantastic! These are the two words that aptly describe the Laughter Yoga session we had with the 200 volunteers of Pedya Kamp, an organization founded by Dr. Art Libao of Makati Medical Center, with members coming from all parts of our country. Pedya Kamp’s advocacy is to help our special and disabled children with the help of youth volunteers from various schools all over our country.
Dr. Libao, with the assistance of other doctors and organizations here and abroad, train the volunteers how to take care of our special and disabled children and help them become as productive as possible.
The high energy level of the volunteers could be felt in the four corners of the auditorium. During the LYoga session, majority of the volunteers were not just swaying as they clapped and laughed. Some even jumped with exhilarating joy! They said they had never experienced a session where they learned many “firsts” while having so much fun at the same time. Though full of energy, the youthful volunteers were further energized by the LYoga claps and chanting. The session lasted for more than two hours, and they wanted more! Hahaha!
All that I could share, I shared with them as I know deep down they need to arm themselves with lots of humor and energy to carry on their advocacy easier, lighter, and even fun-filled — the very kind of feeling they must transmit to the special children they are helping.
I was so elated when at the end of the speech of Dr. Art Libao, he mentioned that from that time on, the LYoga clap shall be called “Elvie’s clap” by them. Dr. Art added, “If there is any infection we would like to spread in the country, it is the infectious laughter of Elvie.” We all sang together, after which a plaque of appreciation was presented, along with a T-shirt bearing the words “Finding a gift in every child.” It was really cool!
And now, the heartwarming comments from the participants in one of my happiest and funniest LYoga session thus far:
• Dr. Art Libao: Setting is informal, not stiff, which made it very enjoyable and conducive for the participants. Moreover, Elvie’s laughter is really appropriate for Laughter Yoga — very infectious!
• Josan Y. Reviro: Good job!!! Nice experience. My first time to attend Laughter Yoga and I really enjoyed it.
• Gladys M. Biñas: Elvie’s Laughter Yoga was so relaxing. I hope as time passes by, she will make more people happy.
• Ulysses Mark Chan: Very good for the health, very relaxing.
• Shane V. Aguila: Real fun, very refreshing. Before Laughter Yoga, I was feeling bad, but when the session was over, it was gone.
• Joann S. Alviola: Super fun! Relieved me of stress, very enjoyable. Will share this with friends and classmates.
• Mary Grace Vidiz: Enjoyed tremendously, I love to laugh!
• Joisy T. Constantino: Most enjoyable! My tiredness banished, especially with the Ho ho ha ha ha! Please don’t stop making people happy.
• Raquelita Rafa: Laughter is really contagious. It promotes positive emotion.
• Gil Maglinte: Very spectacular, a great experience. It was so much fun. I’ve learned a lot.
• Ellen Belizario: Very informative, a must-session for everyone, especially retirees who normally undergo depression. A great session worth sharing. Will definitely cascade/echo back new learning to office mates.
• Rissa Perez: I laughed away my stress and sorrows. Learned many health tips, really enjoyed this very relaxing stress buster!
• Divinia R. Santiago: I had a very relaxing day, enjoyed the session and got energized.
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The next LYoga session is for the Lopez Group Foundation, scheduled on June 2. Visit www.laughteryogaphils.com; e-mail mega_abundant_lv@yahoo.com. To laugh and de-stress, visit youtube: lycphohohahaha!
