Laughter

Relay For Life – Greater Dandenong

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Recently I had the pleasure of participating in the Relay For Life, at the Sandown Dog Racing Track which was indoors. Rather than cancel the event due to the heavy rain, it was decided to set it up under cover which worked really well. The event took place from 3pm Saturday 26 May until 11am Sunday 27 May.

Today was perhaps timely to write this blog, as one of our most famous daytime TV personalities, Kerry Anne Kennerley was diagnosed with breast cancer, which every day 76 Victorians hear the words ‘you have cancer’. Kerry Anne is brave and most courageous in her handling of it, immediately seeking medical treatment and all the necessary scans and diagnoses possible. It is a very early stage and she will have an operation within days and then radiation treatment.  Apparently the prognosis for breast cancer has radically improved with modern day treatment and does not bring up as much fear these days, as the majority of women who are treated early after discovering it recover fully.

This news of Kerry Anne’s story sent a strong message to other women to engage in regular mammograms and check-ups. It is a reminder to all about regular screening plus the need for immediate treatment. She went public with her story to urge all women to undergo regular mammograms. When Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2005 at age 36, it triggered a surge in breast imaging of low risk women.

And back to the relay. Believing in helping build the morale of the tired walkers, many of whom had been walking since 3pm in the previous afternoon, I turned up at 8.30am and met Marita Lokata, a committee organiser and she helped place stickers on people’s cheeks and clothing. We simply acted the goat, or in otherworlds, silly, skipping around, rushing up to people with lots of spontaneous laughter. It really brought smiles to their faces and I hope that it helped them get through the last couple of hours.

People were camped out overnight and it must have taken some organising, their gear for cooking meals, all sorts of camping stuff in order to give them a short rest, as it was a relay. From what I could see though not many people slept. How wondrous indeed.

Overall the funds raised for this Dandenong group was close to $200,000. That is awesome and please remember that this is an international organisation. Many of you reading this will have been involved or heard about it and I think that most of us have been touched by a close relative or friend who has experienced cancer.

If you want to get involved, Google it and no doubt Relay For Life, which is through the Cancer Council in your country will pop up. You can either join a team or create one of your own. The people I spoke with have done the walk for several years and by the look on their faces, find the experience a fantastic opportunity to give something back and go beyond their own immediate, personal vision, embracing something that connects us all together as a human race.

Once again I left in time to go to the Ferntree Gully Laughter Club and we were uplifted by my sharing of the event once again.

Please do contact me if you wish to share about the Relay For Life, I would love to hear of your interest in this event and if you have difficulty in locating the event locally, I could contact ones I know for you.

Love and Laughter, Laughter Friends.

Lynette Mitchell xxx ooo

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Relay For Life Cancer Fundraiser in Hawthorn

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Who has heard of Relay For Life? I had not until a request came through for a laughter club representative to do a ‘laughter session’ for it last Sunday in Malvern. What I discovered was that Relay For Life is a not for profit organisation, fundraising for the Cancer Council.

Apparently it is in 20 countries around the world and goes on at differing times throughout Australia. Here is a short blurb from the website: “Relay For Life is a fun, outdoor overnight fundraising event that brings communities together to celebrate and remember the lives of those who have battled cancer. Teams take turns to walk or run around a track whilst enjoying entertainment, activities and moving ceremonies.”

Anyhow, the one I went to was sponsored by the City of Boroondara and was held in Hawthorn.

Here is the thank you, which is self explanatory the great work that is being done. “Just wanted to say a big thank-you to your contributions to Relay For Life. As some of you know, we were able to raise over 100 thousand dollars (up to 600 thousand in total since its inception), with the aim of raising 1 million by 2015. Please find attached our Certificates of Appreciation. Hope to see you all again in 2013!”

I am sharing here how fantastic it was to be involved and I would happily do it again soon when one is coming up next in my area. At first I did not know quite what to do, as although there was a stage, people were walking round and round the track and so the only thing I could do was walk with them.

It reminded me of the Australia Day March and simply acting the fool. I think I am a frustrated clown and would love to be a clown some day. It was very moving that these people were part of teams and there were 1,000 people involved in walking, from 4pm Saturday until 10am Sunday.

I met one young girl at 9.30am Sunday who had not stopped. That was mind blowing. The organiser Graeme pointed out another young tall thin man, who had also not stopped and he said there were a few of them.

How extraordinary for people to get out of their own way and so something so significant in order to raise money for the cancer cause. So what I did was act silly, laughing, clapping, going up to people greeting them, placing a sticker on their forehead or cheek and I felt to offer them a sticker blessing. After a while it occurred to me and it was loads of fun. I said that I was the sticker fairy and was going to give them a blessing and said some gobbledey gook words, pretending to wave a magic wand. They appreciated it, were so tired from lack of sleep and open to some laughter.

Let us be thankful for the great good that is being done around the world. The media loves to thrust negative stories down our throats and I say, let’s hear about and share more positive, uplifting things that are happening all over the world.

For myself it was a big effort getting up early to be there and was quite a stretch after a busy week. Yet I left feeling over the moon with positive vibes flowing through my system after sharing the laughter, the joy and walking for nearly an hour with them. I would have stayed longer but had to go to do laughter again with the Ferntree Gully Laughter Club. They also benefited, because I was on a high from laughing and I continued the high energy, giving them all fairy sticker blessings and we had an excellent laughter yoga session.

Love to you all.

Blessings and Joy. xxx ooo

Belonging, Community Spirit & Australia Day in Melbourne 2012

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Laughter yoga blog

Australia Day – Woo Woo – Thursday 26th January

Who lives near Melbourne or in Victoria? Then you will know about heaps of activities that go on in and around the city on Australia Day.

Please spread the word, I felt to share this on my blog because some readers may live overseas, yet have friends in Melbourne. In which case, the more the merrier to join us at 10am near the corner on Bourke and Swanston Streets.

We are group number 58 and you won’t be able to miss our purple and yellow Laughter Clubs Vic t shirts. If you have one please wear it and if not we may have one you can borrow. The march starts with the raising of the flag at 10.30am and lasts about 30 minutes but we need to be there for marshalling at 10am. After the march we will be meeting for community laughter sessions in the park at the Melbourne People’s Day Festival.

After the March at 2.10 pm Laughter Clubs Victoria Inc will be leading a laughter session and there is more information on the Australia Day 2012 page at Laughter Clubs Victoria’s website. It is on the grassed area and note, not on the main stage.

If you would like more information about what’s on in Melbourne. Then Google What’s On In Melbourne! I just did and saw that The Roulettes will be flying overhead at 2pm. The Roulettes are from the Royal Australian Air Force and they will be putting on quite a display. And there are fireworks at night, at midday at The Shrine, an Australia Day 21 Gun Salute, movie marathon at ACMA showing our nation’s rich heritag, Government House is open, even a 5km swim at Middle Brighton Pier, plus you could start the day with breakfast. Everything is covered on this very special day, between breakfast, lunch and right up to the fireworks.

It is wonderful to be part of a nation and community. I recall when I went to see my beautiful daughter Georgina in Vancouver a few years back, we were driving through the mountains to Calgary and happened on a small community which was having its celebrations. There was a march and one person jumped out at me, he was posing for my photo and was a really small, finely built elderly gentleman who loved to dress up as a clown and share fun, love and laughter with his small community.

Isn’t that what life is about? We all make so many contributions, albeit unconsciously to come together and share ourselves with others, sharing the joys, the sorrows, the ups and the downs. Where would we be without family and friends and I believe that all of us, or truthfully, the majority at least, have that sense of belonging.

That belonging can be to ourselves, to immediate family, larger family group, our work and it extends out and out until in reality, we are all connected upon earth. I love that there is so much awareness happening these days with the animal kingdom, the environment and with many overlapping areas, people are growing and evolving, becoming interested and desiring to make a difference as they can.

Regardless of feeling of hopelessness and what is the point of it all that is shoved down our throats and programmed through the predominantly negative media, there is hope, there is a purpose to it all and it starts with one thought, word and deed. It is never too late to start a new beginning. Each day is a new day and with it comes a new start. What was that saying about changing the things that you can and accepting what you cannot. We can change our attitude and how we react to things. We can make a difference in our lives and help uplift the planet, holding in our mind’s eye the ideal, rather than heaping more judgment on what we see and hear. To hold in our heart the ideal of what can be and say ‘Mother Father God, they will not my will be done’  helps us to work with the universe into programming love not fear.

I did not know this was going to happen, felt to write about Australia Day and obviously it touched something in me wanting to be expressed. It is wonderful to be part of something, Laughter Yoga, that sense of believing in a movement that is positive. cherished and world wide. As I said, it is great to belong on many levels and with all that develops a deeper purpose which can help to fill the void and connect us with our heart and soul.

Thanks for listening. Love and Laughter Blessings to You and Yours. xxx

Laughter Yoga in a Melbourne Girls’ Grammar School

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My husband and I had more fun last week when we presented a Laughter Yoga session at a private girls’ grammar school in Melbourne, than we could have possibly imagined. The Laughter Yoga session was held in a huge basketball auditorium and was very noisy, as the laughter sounds pealed out loudly, like lovely church bells happily being played by joyful year 12 girls.

There were 45 girls present and two teachers and I was invited to facilitate a laughter yoga session as part of an initiative by the students, an activity organised by their fun club. The girls have been attending school for many years and will be finishing their secondary education and then heading to university in 2012.

What a perfect way to complete their fun activities with a laughter yoga session. The girls were very, very loud and if it were not for the Ho Ho Ha Ha Ha clapping, would have gone on and on with each laugh, as they threw themselves into the activity.

It was a joy to be there and partake in their youthful exuberance. So often as adults we lose that and simply do not have the energy to spare to act like that!

This reminds me of how we can get away from our spirit nature and get bogged down with duty. We can learn to please people to fit into life and forget to please ourselves. To please ourself surely must come first, to please ourselves in a gentle, loving ethical way where we are connected at our core with our wholeness, our essence.

Here is a favourite quote of mine: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbour, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” ~ Mark Twain.

This one is a gem also, a Raymond Hull quote on the cost of not being yourself: “He who trims himself to suit everyone will soon whittle himself away.” ~ Raymond Hull.

If you feel to, take some moments to sit quietly and reflect upon where you are in your life right now. Is it where you want and choose to be? Could it be that you need to lighten up a bit and this could be done, right here, right now, using laughter and breathing.

So I urge you to sit and reflect, perhaps to write and connect through pen and paper and then do deep breathing for a few minutes and let go with some hearty laughter. See then how you feel and check if this could be a useful exercise to do on a regular basis, throughout the day, laughing all the while consciously, with great awareness.

Blessing to you.

Knox Community Health Service

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The Knox Community Health Service was established in 1996 to provide a high quality of community care & health education programs to Knox consumers. Knox Community Health Service delivers a range of services that improve the physical, mental and social well-being of individuals, families and communities in the City of Knox.

I had the pleasure of facilitating a laughter yoga session this week for the volunteers, preceding their special lunch and joined them for lunch also. The KCHS as it is generally known relies quite heavily on volunteers and from what I could see spending time with these people, a wonderful way to be of service in the community.

I understand that there are a few positions available for those wanting to get involved, either in a small way or a larger time investment.

The laughter yoga session was a lot of fun and it did my heart good to share laughter with these lovely, giving people, many of whom have been volunteers for decades. The favourite laugh of the day was the Kookaburra laugh, followed by the High Five laugh.

Thank you KCHS for inviting me to be part of your community again, as last time it was for the ACE (active chair based exercise) class. That had quite a different flavour and was for a fairly short time as time was behind. I look forward to returning at some stage to introduce the laughter yoga exercises and breathing to the staff.

SelbyFest, April 16, 2011

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The township of Selby is in the Dandenongs, that is the Dandenong Ranges mountains and the ancient steam train Puffing Billy runs through there, winding its way up the mountains. Today the Puffing Billy had an extra chore, to transport visitors without cars to the SelbyFest from Selby to Belgrave.

I went to the first SelbyFest today, with much joy, in order to bring Laughter Yoga to

some people. We were set up to do it inside the Tipi and instead did the laughter exercises next to the Tip and finished with meditation inside.

We were first on for the day, so it was a small group of laughers. They threw themselves into it with great enthusiasm, obviously from their positive experience they will be recommending it to their friends. One lady had been a member of my club and a couple of other laughers said they would come along sometime when we get together.

It was a glorious day. I felt extremely blessed to be there, to be involved with this first event. There were many activities happening, as it was a community festival run by the Selby Community House. I was told there were 25 volunteers working hard for six to nine months organising the many activities and events on today and tonight, as there is a folk festival in the house itself.

For me it was a blessing to be involved and watch these local people join in, as there was obviously a team spirit in this little community that is so often lacking in larger townships and cities these days. I had not realised it is a very green and alternative area; people dressed in interesting and at times weird, alternative, bright coloured clothing.

There were others too who were going in the fashion parade. Who ever heard of a little festival having a fashion parade? The local clothing shops were represented and there sure were some pretty groovy outfits being modelled. Finishing up for the day before the evening festivities began, was a fancy dress parade. I was talking with Lulu, who along with her friend, were dressed as clowns. Lulu is studying community work at university and said that she would bring a group along to World Laughter Day at Federation Square, in Melbourne. I believe also that Lulu will do the teaching training some time, as she sees the value of laughter in one’s life. What a great asset having such beautiful young people coming up in the ranks to lead Laughter Yoga Sessions.

For the rest of the day, I put aside my ‘laughter hat’ and promoted my personal growth classes and life coaching. This gave me the opportunity to sit quietly, enjoy the beautiful sunshine and bubbles in the air from a fellow selling bubble makers and observe this beautiful community. Volunteers were wandering around doing work non-stop and I must congratulate them for a terrific, highly successful day. So many people and dogs out to mix and relax. Many of them were there for the entire day and my sense of it all was that it was an uplifting experience. I came home inspired by the SelbyFest 2011 event with the feeling to work together more with people, bringing laughter, meditation and peace when I am given the opportunity to do so.

Thanks for listening.

Love, Laughter and Blessings.

Faking phone call can be a real hoot.
How cute am I?

Mind Body Spirit Festival in Melbourne, November 2010

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In Melbourne twice a year there is a very big spiritual festival in May and November called the ‘Mind, Body, Spirit Festival’ and Laughter Clubs Victoria facilitate laughter sessions for the three days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It is usually in a prime time position about 12.30pm, which is great to give us a wonderful opportunity to promote the joy and share some of the health benefits of regularly laughter through laughter clubs.

Last November I led the session on the Friday, which was tremendous fun. Usually we do it from the stage and one or two laughter members go down into the audience to encourage people to get right into it, the laughter exercises.

This time we had Laughing Laura visiting with her husband William and a lovely young lady, Doreen, from the Malaysian Laughter Club, as well as Martie, who attends both the Ferntree Gully and Mitcham clubs.

It is always heaps of fun to go up on stage and get involved laughing. This time was a little different, as Laura being an honoured visitor, started it off really well with a great introduction regarding Laughter Yoga and then very soon hopped down into the audience.

The laughter session flowed really well with many laughs being led by the four of us ladies and in a short space of time we were all down amongst the Friday audience who became very involved. On young couple in the front lay their baby down on a blanket on the floor to free themselves up to become totally involved in the exercises.

I decided to join the other three too and the only one left on stage was a little girl of about three years old who obviously loved it all!

What a wonderful blessing laughter is in our lives, to be able to become one with the audience, our hearts and minds were truly connected together in that half hour in a memorable way. I appreciate the gift of laughter and the service that Dr & Mrs Kataria have given to us all worldwide and the opportunity to share it publicly in the City of Melbourne at the Mind Body Spirit Festival twice a year. Thank you.

Love and Laughter

Lynette Mitchell x

MBS November 2010

Lynette, Doreen, Martie & Laura Leading the Laughter.

Laughter for all – BIG and small

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Why do humans laugh as we do?

Indeed we laugh at this and that.

Maybe not enough, it can start with a chat.

We all need to laugh each day, you know that!

Conventionality, long words make us ponder.

Away we go, our minds go down yonder.

Mentally caught up in everyday matters.

We think too much, our mind simply chatters.

And emotions, we feel those quite a bit.

In the emotional department, we can take a hit.

Spiritually however, we might feel so strong.

Strong in the senses, feeling no wrong.

To laugh out loud does save the day.

Make it a good habit when things go astray.

For laughter is contagious and so uplifting.

Very infectious, whether with smiles or chuckling.

Do you value the service to laugh with a friend?

Laughter whether for issues or sadness, will make amend.

It is the best medicine and will make you feel quite whole.

In such a unique way, it helps you to fill your role.

So grin away, invite your whole body to join in.

Leave no part out, not even your chin.

Laugh out loud, using your whole belly.

For belly laughs assist you to feel very jolly.

Then Google Laughter Clubs and see what you come up with.

If you need to laugh and get close, it will heal the rift.

Laughter Clubs are for people of all ages.

They come from all over the globe and go up on stages.

My final word to you, Dear Reader,

There is nothing like laughter to get you healthy,

Abundant and cheerful, light hearted and wealthy.

So go on, enquire, email, ring up or just simply turn up.