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Can Laughter Yoga Help on Your Evolutionary Pathway?

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Can Laughter Yoga Help on Your Evolutionary Pathway?

Well, we have come close to the end of another journey around the sun, and I wish you are not only surviving the challenges that life throws at you, but also thriving, learning and growing all the while. That is what life is meant to be about, embracing life, creating new challenges, learning, growing, having a go, never, ever giving up.

I don’t know about you, if you are a bit like me, you will not bother with creating New Year’s resolutions, which are generally made from a fear base, a mental construct, rather than a feeling and growing viewpoint and broader perspective. People seldom stick to them, and my preference is to continually work with what I need to improve upon. I do this with regular introspective processes; meditation, journaling, nightly reviews and six-monthly reports to my mentor.

Some people will resonate with the following, which I feel is worthwhile information about the end of the spiritual year and the beginning of a new one, which happens at full moon in Taurus. I hear a lot about it in between November and April, as a reminder to work on my foundations. Everyday foundational practices are important to me. They help develop beneficial, regular habits in my everyday life, which assists me develop psychological clarity.

And so, the earth and all sentient beings upon her, are on a spiritual journey, whether they, us, are aware of it or not. Testing time has begun and is completed in the spiritual realms of higher vibration, which we are not really conscious of, by the full moon in Taurus. At the end of the spiritual year we will continue on with what has arisen in our life to deal with and not fully succeeded, before going on to learning new life lessons. It is also called Wesak testing. Also it isn’t actually a fail, rather not yet ready for new things to work on.

People may be familiar with the term, either Wesak or Vesak, and you may be unaware that it is also regarded by many to be that which I am referring to, about being the end of a spiritual year and beginning of a new one. Wesak is regarded as the most important celebration on the Buddhist calendar, to celebrate the birth, enlightenment and death of Guatama Buddha, and will be on 23rd May next year, 2026.

This all may be new information about being tested, which is not actually a test, rather whether we have worked through our challenges and will be ready to receive new ones, or keep on with the old which needs more attention and integration. It goes on behind the scenes, as we all go through the Wesak testing, whether we are aware of it or not. We are all here together on this planet and very much for reasons which are beyond our knowing and understanding.

We do not necessarily have to believe this. Take on board what feels right and resonates with you, please do that. It may be helpful and supportive to feel that there is a plan and purpose beyond what we are aware of and if we follow the breadcrumbs, our own intuition, inner promptings, feelings or a powerful inner knowing of what to do and when to stop, all the while wishing to fulfil our purpose in life, whatever that may be.

Of course, when I am talking about a spiritual journey, or spiritual new year, I am referring to whatever your individual journey is. Every person is unique, being on a different path or journey, carving out a path, being drawn to do this or that, feeling a sense of pull of one’s direction and what is most meaningful to each unique person. I firmly believe in the benevolence of the Universe and what we put out there in our thoughts and unconscious patterns, returns to us. Positive self-talk is very important.

Religiosity is having a strong religious feeling or belief, which often changes for us as we grow, moving through the different stages of life. Religions can be amazing for people, providing meaning, hope and strong beliefs, giving structure and helping to have purpose in our lives. At times we absolutely need to believe in a religion at certain stages in our growth.

They can also be dogmatic and limiting in so many ways. We may feel to move beyond a particular religion and replace it with another, or develop our own spiritual meaning, which supports and sustains us, helping with fulfilment in the way we live our lives. People can be like that, spiritual, in so far as being kind, treating others as they would like to be treated etcetera, without considering themselves to be either a religious or spiritual person.

I started out with an intense belief in Jesus and God and over time, moved away from that, seeing that all religions held an essence of a deity and that the term we know as God, the essence of Energy which it is difficult to actually put correct wording to, is in everything. It is the basis of all life, that lives within us, as Spirit.

In a nutshell, it is absolutely brilliant when we do have a strong belief structure which is supportive and can give us purpose, meaning, hope, understanding, compassion, many, many positive qualities. I could probably add here that all religions have all types of individuals as members, light and dark in essence. Not something we can box up neatly and tie with a bow. Being involved in religions can assist and it is not right or wrong. It is also not right or wrong to feel we need to move away and experience something else. It is imperative to do so. Or not, whatever the case may be.

People can live beautiful, spiritual lives, without ever going to a church or mosque, surviving as best they can, developing inner strength and evolving as timely as it happens for them. We do not need to compare ourselves with anyone else, because we are so very unique and even in every moment, we can be different. There is no need for judgment, right or wrong. It is as it is. An unfortunate aspect about all this conversation is that so often, when we do not have firm foundational beliefs, we blame God or whatever, other people and live life feeling a victim to life, instead of contributing to our karma.

It is best for us if we can move through the experiences that life brings us gracefully, growing, improving, learning and developing new strategies, ways of living, coming to heartfelt, genuine purpose and understanding of the essence of it all. What is life really, actually about?

We may never really know that answer. Without any doubt, the main goal is to do our best and live one day, an hour, minute or moment, to the best of our ability. It is impossible to separate ourselves from being involved as we are, and I speak in general. You probably get what I mean, we live and come from different countries, cultures, families, work situations; some are set when we are born. We have genetics and are conditioned right from the moment we are born. As the saying goes, ‘no man is an island’, as we are influenced by innumerable things in our lifetime.

Maybe that is more than enough blah, blah, blah. Getting down to tin tacks, and this is my firm belief, we are here to do our best, to embrace life and the living, to grow, evolve, have experiences, learn from them. We are meant to have challenges on a daily basis and if we are not moving forward, we are going backwards, devolving. We can’t stay the same, stagnate, if not moving forward, then we go backwards.

Nature is a wonderful support to us of course and honouring one’s physical body, not trying to get out of earthly life and all it means, escaping off into our minds, wishing things were better, floating off, not being grounded and present.

It is up to us what we put into it and if we need help. Then we can hand up for support and opportunities to grow, do better, feel joy and become involved. Artistic endeavours can give us this feeling of spiritual connection with our own spiritual essence and soul. Some people say they are not creative but I reckon we all are. It can be as simple as the way you might dish up dinner. I tend to chuck it onto a plate and my daughter is very artistic, serving it up a beautifully presented meal.

We need to take our time with things, be present in the moment and go slow. When I am painting or writing words on my rocks, it feels so different when I do as they say in Zentangle drawing ‘one stroke at a time’. It is a way of being mindful. It helps the concentration and outcome of what I am doing by not rushing.

Are you rushing? Perhaps there is a limit to how you can slow down, as life is challenging for people who still go out to work and juggle family, interests and responsibilities. Some are carers or looking after family members with disabilities. We can still practice meditation, overlay it with what we do, come from a calm, anxiety free inner state of being, as far as possible in the circumstances.

Whatever floats your boat I say. No judgment on ourselves or others. It is not kind to judge, whether it is aimed towards others or in self-talk or feelings. Change that inner critic into an inner coach and give yourself a break. Allow time to rest and recuperate, without lapsing into laziness. That is not recommended and being in a human body, our human likes the easy way out, to have pleasure and not do more than is necessary. Take my advice and guard against that. Find something of interest, a passion, as I spoke of last time, that is all engrossing.

And as always, I come back to how laughter yoga can help you. All the benefits, physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually can be enhanced from the practice of laughing and not taking oneself so seriously. We are all in this together and are like herd animals, packs, who are meant to socialise and belong together in various groups. Belonging gives meaning and loads of support. When we have a cuppa after laughter club, it is a chance to share something of what we have been doing with others who sit at the table together. Some members from time to time catch up with each other, even ones who have left the group, still stay in touch.

Attending regularly in itself takes some discipline, to come along, as a priority for one’s health and wellbeing. There are regular members and others who only come occasionally. It is a joy to share with you and others and you are all welcome whenever you can make it, as there isn’t a requirement to be regular. Things do come up which prevent us from coming and like everything, it is easy to put off attending, so your choice about if and when you can get there.

At the same time, we can give in and not come, when it is the ego wanting things easy. For instance, when it is cold, wet and windy. We rug up, are fortunate to have protection behind the Ferntree Gully Library or on the new, fantastic rotunda and feel invigorated from the fresh air and the laughter activities which we do outside. I once would not venture out into the cold and avoided the rain. Nowadays, I do not mind at all and it is rather stimulating. It’s great to catch up with each other too and really, really, wonderful to have new people joining us and sharing that the results last for a few days. Laughter yoga is energising and highly therapeutic. Definitely!

Deep thanks too to Ajne, the Ferntree Gully Library Team Leader, for supports us with running monthly laughter yoga sessions. These are 2pm on the 4th Tuesday of the month, between February and November. (Not December or January). Just book with the library first as they keep track of it.

Laughter yoga is something which can help your overall wellbeing, when we laugh a lot, taking ourselves lightly, things happen, we feel more connected with our spirituality, which is relevant in this otherwise heavy discourse.

Regarding Wesak testing and self monitoring. My suggestion, dear reader, is to sit quietly and feel into your life, with the intention of receiving some insightful guidance from within yourself, or if you have a teacher, reflections from that person.

I like to meditate and journal, often as a nightly review, going over the day and seeing how I went, what I could do better next time, some quiet time to be and go deeper. We can most likely be more proactive and begin to take the reigns of the horse, or life, we are riding, replacing passivity. Or the oars of our boat, guiding the direction where we wish to be heading and come up with plans to get more out of life, to feel closer to the God (replace with your own word) who made us, with gratitude to Mother Earth, of whom we are a physical part of. Yes, we must honour our physical body, through which our soul and spirit express itself and is able to guide us along our pathway.

I now acknowledge my spiritual teachers, who support and mentor me, leading lovingly and by example, being a few steps ahead, as we all are, a few steps ahead or behind each other, supporting, loving, interacting and bringing more kindness into the world and with each other. One heart at a time, it helps bring more light into the world.

God bless and wishing you well. Let me know how this sits with you please, if you feel to. Sending you love and encouragement. Lynette xo

When we meet and contact information

The Ferntree Gully Laughter Club meets behind the Ferntree Gully Library at 11am on the 2nd & 4th Sunday of the month and inside the Ferntree Gully Library on the 4th Tuesday of the month at 2pm. We return in February and you can register with the library.

First timers, please contact me, Lynette in case of a meeting change, and if you would like to receive updates in my email newsletter, or the email reminder when the laughter club is on next. You may like to join the Ferntree Gully Laughter Club Facebook group.

Cheerio for now and be kind to yourself. Lots of Love, Laughter and Blessings. Lynette Mitchell.

Phone:         0425 799 258
Ferntree Gully Library:    9800 6455
Email:          lynette@laughterforliving.com.au
Website:      www.laughterforliving.com.au

Laughter Yoga Helps With Your Worthiness

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Laughter Yoga can help you to feel worthiness, to feel unique, to feel loved.

Hello Friends

Laughter Yoga helps with your worthiness in a natural way, when you do it regularly, get out of your comfort zone when laughing together and embrace the authenticity that only laughter yoga can bring forth for you.

I felt drawn to delve deeply into the worthiness topic and have a deeper appreciation of how affirmations and laughing together helps us.

Do you consciously focus on a desire to be a worthy person? Perhaps the answer is yes. It can also be an unconscious activity, driven by an internal desire where we yearn to feel better about ourselves.

We probably grew up being told to be nice to people and respect our elders etcetera, which came from the influences of our parents and their predecessors, as it was passed down through the genetic timeline.

Did you even stop to think about it, that behaviours we are told to live by have actually caused us to become passive and supress our true feelings? Being a ‘good’ person may have been at our own expense, when we uplift and look after others, we may neglect or forget about our own self-care.

Of course it is ideal to be good to others, let’s replace the world ‘good’ with being ‘kind’. It is worth considering our motives for what we do and the rewards we get for the behaviour. In trying to be a ‘good’ person and nice to others, we may be driven by an inner desire for worthiness within ourselves.

Much comes about through behavioural patterns and conditioning as we are growing up, influences from the beliefs and backgrounds of our parents and people who are in authority in our lives. However we can outgrow these belief systems, which may encompass being nice to people, where we behave automatically and unconsciously. Our feelings of self-worth can become reduced, and we develop into being a people pleaser, or even a doormat.

This is commonly more related to the females amongst us, or men with a strong feminine nature. From my experience when we live with dominant people, it can crush our souls and take away what was originally a strong and pure essence, turning it into a trembling, fearful individual. That was so for me and as well for others whom I have encountered in my life. Rather sad isn’t it, and yet we can reach a point where we decide to do something about rectifying the situation, such as going on a self-help and healing journey.

I believe that working on one’s feelings of worthiness is a lifelong occupation, with distinct layers of unworthiness being released throughout our life. I reckon it isn’t anything to be judged about ourselves or others either; it is as it is, a mere fact of life and good to be aware of, as a driving force within us. Ideally, we will reach a stage where our worthiness is not dependant upon the opinions of others.

How does laughter yoga and in particular, attending a laughter club contribute to increased feelings of worthiness?

As laughter works on all aspects of our bodies, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual, these bodies combine, expressing as an individual person, within social settings. At laughter yoga sessions, we are openly expressing ourselves with other people. With determination and vigour, we unleash our inner child with the silly antics that we get up to. Generally, over a short time, we become comfortable in our own skins. That is, we can embrace the activity of laughing together, releasing our own inhibitions, judgment of others and self-judgment.

Laughter yoga is a stress releaser which energises us, taking us out of our critical, left-brain analytical thought patterns as we embrace our creative, right brain hemisphere expression. Naturally this will be limited by our personalities, as some people are doing it tough mentally, finding it harder than others to let go and relax into the laughter exercises.

Usually over time, or perhaps straight away, we feel better about ourselves and our life, without necessarily stopping to analyse what is going on. We just feel better and more together than before.

After the regular Ferntree Gully Laughter Club sessions, we continue the social interaction, heading over to Rapture Café for a cuppa, where we share with our laughter friends what we’ve been up to within the close-knit community.

Do you need to come on a regular basis?

Many people have very busy lives and attend a laughter session spasmodically. This is a terrific way to belong, since it is optional when you come, instead of being a requirement. I mention this because it is worth coming along for a visit and to try it out once, twice or three times to see if it is a good fit for you or not. You may not know if you come only once and decide, so please give laughter a fair try out before finally deciding. And then you may come for a while and stop, or turn up intermittently.

Laughter yoga is also a great aerobic exercise and recently a few members share how they are managing to include it in their lives in different ways. Such as to watch Dr Kataria on YouTube every day, he is the founder of laughter clubs worldwide, following the exercises in his books, or other watching other laughter videos. People even go through a regular daily routine as an exercise option, incorporating the deep breathing and affirmations that we do.

Gently and over time, involvement in laughter sessions can help us enormously in our lives to cope and feel good about ourselves and clearer about our lives. This includes people who come to the laughter and meditation sessions that my husband, John and I facilitate at the Knox Libraries. These libraries are at Boronia, Knox, Ferntree Gully and Rowville. At present we go to Rowville once a quarter.

If you wish to phone me to make a time, I would love to share some Worthiness affirmations for you to read through daily and when you feel the need. These affirmations are filled with positive energy, as perhaps many are which you may otherwise find online through your own searching.

I will also share some simple positive affirmations, that we sometimes use at laughter sessions. You can see the change on people’s faces and in their body language after saying and repeating them. To make them powerful, we say them out loud and with conviction.

  1. I Have Lots of Ideas, Life Inspires Me! 
  2. I Am, You Are, We Are Amazing! 
  3. I Am So Enthusiastic! 
  4. I Am in Love With Life! 
  5. I, You, We Can Do This! 

Benefits of Affirmations

You can Google about this yourself, how researchers from the University of Pennsylvania show us that self-love affirmations reprograms one’s brain, which helps during difficult times.

It can help in other ways, helping to rewire the brain, known as neuroplasticity and importantly, when we focus on positive words, it lessens our inclination to see things in a negative way. Positive self-talk can change our thought patterns of negative self-talk, shifting our perspective from the inner critic to that of the inner coach. It is good to remember to watch how we talk to ourselves and be kind, as we would treat our pets and little children.

Recapping that repeating worthiness affirmations helps us be positive, creating positive behaviour changes and at the same time, we will feel more in tune with life. Our motivation and self-determination is stronger, we can also feel ourselves being adaptable and resilient and experience an overall feeling of emotional well-being. That of being more connected with others in our lives and life itself. Isn’t it an awesome topic?  

How to use Affirmations

I like to begin my day by saying with feeling ‘I choose Joy’, Being filled with joy really is our choice; when we choose Joy it becomes a tangible experience. Our freewill governs what attitude we take on and express and it means the difference of experiencing something in a destructive, negative manner, or with joy. This then attracts positive growth and experiences.

Affirmations are best when you say them out loud and if you wish, in front of a mirror, with a good tone in your voice. Some people like to set reminders on their phone, computer, or Google Home.

Why not write them on sticky notes and put up where you can see them? We can also repeat them when we are exercising, working out or walking. You can incorporate them into your daily self-help or meditation processing routine or cut them up and put them into a jar, taking one or more out as an inspiration. My last suggestion is to share them with like-minded friends or family, as people like to share positive, uplifting ideas with one another.

Parting Feelings

The world needs more love, peace, gratitude, joy and positivity and it can begin with you. Us. Begin with growing your own self-love, worthiness and self-esteem and focus on your cup being half full, as it fills up brimming with potential. A popular exercise we do at laughter club is ‘I have this much limitation, showing our thumb and forefinger almost closed, and this much potential, opening our arms as wide as possible, as we finish with a loud Yay!

Thank you for your interest in reading this. Feel free to phone us and check on the website in case of a change in time. We have a surprise eminent laughter yoga personality leading the Ferntree Gully Laughter Club on the 13th of October. Come along and bring your friends. I will be absent, John will be there and ??? You will have to come along and find out for yourself now, won’t you?

Lots of Love and Laughter. Lynette Mitchell.

We laugh together as follows and YOU are most welcome to come along.

Meeting outside at the rear of the library –

Ferntree Gully Laughter Club 11am 2nd & 4th Sunday

Meeting inside the library’s meeting rooms –

Boronia Library 11am 1st Saturday
Knox Library 2pm 3rd Thursday
Ferntree Gully Library 2pm 4th Tuesday

First timers, please contact Lynette to confirm, in case of a meeting change.

Laughter Yoga can help you to feel worthiness, to feel unique, to feel loved.

Laughter Clubs Continue with New Vim and Vigour During COVID-19.

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Laughter Clubs using Facebook Live

You will all agree that our lives have been radically rearranged since the advent of fears and restrictions due to COVID-19.  The virus brought with it many ongoing challenges, heartbreak, both personal and professional. We have been stretched beyond our limits, making it harder for many to stay positive physically, emotionally and mentally.

Simultaneously, many individuals, businesses
and organisations are thriving as they can rise to the challenge, reinventing
themselves. People often share having a deeper appreciation of things that were
taken for granted. There has been a bonding of relationships and ties, people
finding new ways to reach out, stay connected and value each other more. The
garden industry is thriving, as the public have the time and inclination to be
outside, tidying, pruning, replanting, growing vegetables and feeling a
stronger connection with nature. Many express gratitude for the shutdown,
staying at home has provided time for things that were left until they ‘got
around to it’. Despite the difficulties there are blessings when we re-jig the
way we have lived our lives, and we take stock of our life’s journey.

This has been the case with Laughter Clubs and those
providing Laughter Yoga sessions professionally, new methods to do so. We have
gone online using Facebook Live and Zoom meetings so that we can laugh together.
They provided us with ways to continue, rather than go into hibernation. Now we
embrace people who join us from all around the world, as we also join with laughter
clubs in other countries. The laughter community is growing, resilient, connected
and letting go of the stress that is so prevalent due to the virus.

We open our hearts in joy as we laugh, as
laughter truly is the best medicine. This we choose to do as an aerobic
activity, because the body does not know the difference with real and pretend
laughter. Laughter releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones oxytocin and serotonin
into the blood stream. It also strengthens the immune system, supports the
heart and has many other health benefits which help sustain us to be in optimum
health, as far as is possible.

I now share some personal feelings about the
virus, that it is nature at work rebalancing the earth, which has been way out
of balance in many, many ways. Are we doing our best to see the bigger picture
and remain positive about future directions? It reminds me of something which
if we could emulate, may benefit our lives in the long term.

I read about how a minority of ex-prisoners of
war (POW’s) were able to survive the experience and maintain a state of
emotional stability, love and internal peace. On the other hand, many returning
POW’s were permanently scarred, psychologically or physically.

However, in this minority of people, who one could
imagine, had their own strong support belief system in place, these people came
back with more ability to embrace life once more. The horrendous ordeal had not
broken their spirits, they had never given up hope, returning from the war to go
on and become successful in their work and family lives. It is possible that
their experiences added a quality of richness as to how they perceived the
world, their life, their wartime struggles and their outlook overall.

Might I suggest that we are all in this time together
and each day make it a priority to maintain positivity above all else? Especially
too because when we live in fear, our immune system is compromised. Laughter as
I have often shared, strengthens the immune system, even fake laughter! Let’s
go, have a laugh, a giggle now, to yourself or out loud with others. Thank you.

We would love you to join with us in this
laughter journey in a virtual way. At this stage we plan to stay online after
the restrictions ease and when permitted, we will meet outside in the park
again, although less often. We envisage this as being monthly and we plan to continue
being online. This will give you the ability to stay at home and experience
laughter clubs, as if you were in person. It does work and you will enjoy the
laughter sessions, as we do by running them.

Until next time, laughter blessings. Do contact
me with any questions you may have about the Zoom invitation or how to connect
with our Facebook Live Saturday sessions.

See you soon?

Love and Laughter, Lynette and John. Virtual hugs.

Focus on Inhibitions and Kind Words From Laughter Club Members

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Doesn’t time fly? I feel that most people will agree that with the passage of time can come the chance to heal, be in some degree of acceptance and move through our most difficult times. It’s amazing how differently we can feel right throughout our lives as we experience the various stages and challenges that they bring. Everything can become a learning experience, enabling us to grow and evolve. That is how it is for me anyhow, using the passage of time to continually evolve. And as they say, the only constant is change.

15 years ago, I became involved with the laughter clubs and it’s given me the chance to open up more to many things. I have gained much in many ways, which can be directly attributed to my involvement in the laughter movement. One area of improvement was in my confidence and to feel comfortable rather than self-conscious and wanting to withdraw when conversing with people. My self-worth wasn’t as good as I thought it was and I found myself busy with many activities to help me feel fulfilled. You will have heard of that one, busy being, busy being busy? Outwardly I appeared fine, confident and happy but it was much bravado because inside there was inadequacy and a fear of public speaking.

For me it all began when a current affair programme covered laughter yoga. I saw people laughing uproariously in ways that was to me, not the norm. They were having loads of fun and joy in a group and I decided then and there to become involved when the chance presented.

It turned out to be the best decision, as I became a laughter club leader, which flowed on to sharing laughter yoga with many and varied groups and organisations. I had no idea what I was getting myself into, yet strongly loved the idea of laughing together with people in a group situation. With that came facing my fear of being out there in the public eye. Particularly I had a fear of public speaking, which gradually diminished because there I was anyway, in front of people, speaking, sharing and leading laughter sessions. I knew I had to feel the fear and overcome it, were I to succeed.

The reason for that I share this is because many people who hear about the benefits of laughter, or Laughter Yoga as it is commonly called, would benefit from attending a laughter club and do not as they are held back with their own fear. I have experienced a lot of fear when doing new things throughout my life. And then when we give it a go and learn, step by step, become more comfortable and totally get over our fears.

Some fears come from what we see as a small child. We are naturally linked in and affected by our culture, family and so forth. Contained within us is a history book of experiences that mould us into our unique expressions of self. Unconsciously we observe our parents, family, society, community and where we live, taking on beliefs, which may be limiting and often misconstrued as we do our best to make sense of the world we are born into.

Everything affects us whether we realise it or not. It sounds quite complex, would you agree? Without knowing it, we are influenced by so much around us. Think about what we see, television shows, advertisements, or listening to the radio, to name a few common influences in our lives. No wonder we may feel bombarded and our senses overloaded.

There are many people who are quiet, shy and lack feelings of positive self-worth and self-confidence, without even being aware of it. They may put on an acceptable air, a couldn’t care less or angry attitude. No judgment either; if we are happy to go along and be as we are, not desiring to change or be interested in self-improvement.

You may ask is there a purpose behind this sharing and whether it relates to laughter yoga and laughter clubs? Yes. It does very much so. Laughter club members have often come along with these traits of being shy, lacking confidence, feeling depressed and in their various ways, looking for something to help themselves feel better.

I have two examples to share with you of laughter club members who have benefited from joining one of our laughter clubs. Some kind words were texted to me the day after a laughter club session that impacted me. The writer is a quiet, gentle, shy lady. When she first came three years ago, she had been in a depression for ten years, until she decided it was time to try to turn her life around. She took a stand and turned up at the laughter club in black clothes. We had a wonderful surprise on the third time that she came, she was wearing bright periwinkle blue! We credit her resilience and willingness to get out of her comfort zone and never ever give up.

Her sincere, spontaneous words were seen as an opportunity to pass on to you and give you a notion of what may be achieved. It’s a great example of what adding regular laughter to your life can offer and which is frequently transformational.

She wrote “Wow. I am really pleased I met you all three years ago. You have made a real difference in my life. This week I bought more bright clothes and I wore my gold shoes on Saturday. I would never have worn gold shoes prior to three years ago. Another thing. I danced for the first time at the jazz afternoon at the Village Green. That was another first since my wedding in 1984. See how you have both turned my life around.  A big thank you. xxx”

The reference to jazz and dancing is because the laughter club members go out on social outings together too. Some members comment that they would never go to a live play without going out with our group.

Other kind words to share – another regular lady has been coming for four years in May when we met at World Laughter Day. She was looking for something, did not know what it was and felt laughter may be worth trying. She is also quiet and a woman of few words. “It has added a lot of joy to my life, something that wasn’t there before. And I won’t stop!” She has often also shared that the laughter helps her to move forward.

Thank you both for sharing and we hope in doing so, it may help potential members comprehend the sense of fun and belonging that current members feel. I encourage you to come along to one of our two laughter clubs and give it a fair go. Come more than once; at least three times, and then see how you feel. It is possible starting out, that you may throw yourself into it. Alternatively, you may feel ill at ease with a sense of it being a bit too much and not for you.

Age is no barrier for you coming, our members range in age between four and 80. Women do outnumber the men however, as it somehow is easier for women to embrace the spirit of laughter and wellbeing than the men, who are generally more inhibited.

Does this inspire you to come along or put it on your bucket list? Let’s hope so. There is no time like the present and you will feel most welcome. Do please contact me with any questions by email, text or phone to find out more or to be added to the email newsletter.

Thank you. Much love. Lynette.

Laughter helps remove inhibitions

Millie My Cat, Our Growth and Relationship.

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My Cat Millie

I am sitting in daily meditation and there she is.
My daughter left her cat with us many years ago.
Cats. You love them or hate them perhaps.
This particular one is independent, yet loving.
She was not always so, used to hiss and bite.
Not today, over time we have grown closer.
Millie is a wonderful, loving cat.
I believe that cats are marvellous mirrors.
They so easily reflect us, where we are at in life.
Tonight, I ponder, what is going on here?
I feel the cat’s quiet, serene, peaceful strength.
She sits on the edge of the arm chair,
Then lovingly rubs her face against my book.
Taking a rest from catching mice,
Time off from being on the look out for them also.
She settles down, purring at my side.
Will she sleep until morning, or go outside for a twinkle?
Millie has been left to us by my daughter Virginia.
She misses her, she has put her needs ahead of her own.
The love of her life, sometimes moody at first,
One is still always wary of her, in case she growls.
Those growls can lead to hissing and biting.
Surprisingly, over the years, puss has become softer.
Her wariness and distance turned to that of trust.
One delightful thing she does is greet us when we come home.
Millie leaps up at the sound of our car.
She runs out fast, purring her head off.
So delighted that we have come home.
Millie has missed us no end and now will not leave us alone.
A very surprising state of affairs.
Like people, cats have their own ways and unique behaviour.
How blessed are the homes with a resident cat!
The cat does indeed sit upon the proverbial mat.
Part of puss’s charm is her independence and aloofness.
We observe puss and muse at her behaviour.
We ponder how it must be to live as a cat.
Self sufficient, contented, watching and observed.
Thank you to all the cats I have every known.
The ones greeting me on the streets as I walk.
Those in pet shops looking out, innocently.
And the ones I have been lucky enough to live with.
Thank you, I have appreciated each one of you.
It is so easy to understand, being a lifetime cat lover,
How many of us humans treasure cats and include them in many ways.
As a pet or perhaps more – a cattery business, an artist or writer.
Maybe you are a vet or vet nurse and handle them each day.
Whatever the reasons for your connection with cats,
I imagine that if you are reading this you just happen to be a cat lover.
I greet you from my heart to yours.
May cats continue to bless us with their presence.
To inspire us and give us joy, company and some purpose in our lives.
Cats are there to share our lives with and give us opportunities for growth.
Blessings in abundance to you and all the cats you have ever known and have yet to meet.

 

by

WELCOME TO A DAY OF DISCOVERY  AND HEART  MASTERY
TO DISCOVER  YOUR  INNER  JOY.

Saturday 30th Oct. at 9.45 am for 10.00 am start – 5.00pm

The Hut Gallery in Ferntree Gully. Please book before coming!

Discover Your

* Creative Artistic Self  * Rainbow Energy  * Joyous Child Within
* Compassionate Heart  * Serenity & Healing Through Meditation

Note: Group meditation for Joy starts at 10.15 am sharp!

Morning & afternoon tea provided.  BYO lunch or buy at nearby shops.

Bookings Essential: Numbers are limited so secure your place by registering with pre-payment.

Energy Exchange: $50.00

Contact: Lynette Mitchell

Email: lynette@lynettemitchell.com.au

Phone: 9763 5475 or Mobile: 0425 799 258

Here is what some past participants said:

“Thanks, I had a great time, it was well organised and heaps of fun. I feel more grounded and centred.”

“The facilitators were supportive, enthusiastic about their subject and sensitive to the needs of the group.  There was nothing I didn’t like!”

All facilitators are members of The Insight Foundation™, a non-profit global educational and philanthropic organisation dedicated to transformation and healing.

Inward Dialogue Journal of Discovery

by

I love to cook a lot.

Things all go into the pot.

Pot of stew, beef rendang,

Rendang, yum, hails from India.

India where she is rich with gurus.

Gurus aplenty, this type and that.

That village with stray dogs and temples.

Temples to tempt you.  Come on in!

In to the temple, smell the incense.

Incense to delight you, soothe the senses.

Senses, can you trust them? Can you really?

Really think and feel into the senses, trust.

Trust, the senses are clouded by the past.

Past issues, wonderful, remarkable events.

Events best forgotten, returned to the past.

Past moments of glory and of disappointment.

Disappointment is linked with attachment.

Attachment to success, to achievements.

Achievements can be wound up in projections.

Projections may be yours and are mine too.

To be happy, authentic, in the moment, in time.

Time that is yours and mine; a friend ticking.

Ticking, can you feel time on your journey?

Journey into the self, your special place.

Place where the peace may be perpetual.

Perpetual and perhaps an inner sanctum.

Sanctum of inner synchronicity, connected with universe.

Universe as within, so without.

Without universal support, no co-creation.

Creation on a singular level alone.

Alone in the world, standing alone, unseen.

Unseen by the masses, caught up in illusion.

Illusion like a magician weaves and conjures.

Conjurer, we would love to believe what we see.

See and yet, know it not to be so.

So far from the truth, that I know.

Know that as I get clear, I can trust my heart.

Heart full of hope, courage, joy and optimism.

Optimism, for without it, all is lost.

Lost like the battle, for the want of a nail.

Nail it, each one, go for it without hesitation.

Hesitation means self doubt and lack of faith.

Faith in oneself, the universe, mentor and creator.

Creator pushes one forward, with an impulse.

Impulse, feel it, feel the connection, the flow.

Flow from Source, Source to own Source Centre.

Centre, from a single dot within me.

Me and You.  We are essentially One.

One is all there is.  One is complete.

Complete, like returning home.

Home we ride together, as if on a magic carpet.

Carpet of past illusions, masks, released, let go.

Go now, you will, I will, we will together.

Together again, we stand in service, united.

United in love, joy, compassion, joining once more.

More and forever, beyond forever, that is a long time.

Time again.  Yes, we have enough.

Enough time to fulfil our purpose and plan.

Plan to succeed, know it to be so, we have the right.

Right is on our side, we are love and together we rise.

Rise up and believe in yourself, finish only laziness.

Laziness is the devil’s work and we are one together.

Together, as love, united we stand.

Stand up for our right to fight, with might.

The Cave to the Rave – Damian Callinan

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We went to see a hilarious show on Saturday night ‘The Cave to the Rave’ by stand up comedian, professional dancer, former drama teacher, Damian Callinan. It was really fantastic value and is doing the rounds through the sponsorship of Regional Arts Victoria and Arts Across Victoria.

So if you want to have some really great laughs, you can catch him at 8pm the 30th October at the Montrose Town Centre, phone 9761 9133.  Cost is $30 or $24 concession.  Also he is taking his show throughout country towns, which can be seen on his website. Or you can write to me, I have the list.

His website is http://www.damiancallinan.com.au/