Joyful Breath Laughter Yoga (JBLY)
April 26, 2025 @ 1:00PM — 3:00PM Eastern Time (US & Canada) Add to Calendar
The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center: 605 Main Street Middletown, CT 06037 Get Directions
Joyful Breath Laughter Yoga (JBLY)
Joyful Breath Laughter Yoga (JBLY) 1:00-2:00pm, 4th Saturdays A (starts in April), Free, Donations are appreciated and will support TBT 2 PM : Light refreshments 2:15 - AM discusses Dan Millman’s book, The Life You Were Born to Live, offering an opportunity to learn “what subjects you came to ‘college earth’ to experience”. Or your “life path” numbers: a newer, succinct version of numerology that is quick, informative and as Anne-Marie puts it, “a helpful tool to manage our challenging lives.” 2:15 - In this 10-15 minute Tummo segment, we will practice two breathing techniques. The Belly or Dantian breath will help calm the mind, support the nervous system, nourish organs, and lower blood pressure. The Tummo breath will be energizing, strengthening the immune system, clearing stagnation, and benefiting the lungs. It's an exciting and rejuvenating session you won’t want to miss.
This program is offered to assist you in bringing more joy and greater health into your life. Our time together will consist of gentle stretching, simple qigong movements and a guided meditation led by David Schroeder and laughter exercises led by Anne-Marie McEwen.
Laughter Yoga (LY) (Hasya yoga) is an exercise program developed by a physician in India in 1995. It emphasizes three elements: laughter & playfulness, yogic breath-work, and mindfulness meditation. LY combines laughter exercises with yoga breathing techniques (Pranayama) which brings more oxygen to our body and brain, making us feel more energetic and healthier. It helps to make our immune system stronger and keep our mind positive during challenging times. Laughter Yoga is suitable for all ages and can be done seated.
Laughter Yoga cultivates a range of qualities that enhance overall well-being, both individually and collectively. Here are some of the key qualities it inspires:
1. Joyfulness – It nurtures a more joyful outlook on life, making it easier to find delight in everyday moments.
2. Resilience – By practicing laughter even in challenging situations, participants develop emotional resilience and adaptability.
3. Presence & Mindfulness – Laughter Yoga encourages being fully present, letting go of worries, and embracing the moment.
4. Intention & Focus – It helps individuals direct their energy toward positive outcomes rather than dwelling on negativity.
5. Connection & Empathy – Shared laughter fosters deeper connections, breaking down barriers and increasing compassion.
6. Self-Love & Acceptance – It encourages embracing oneself with kindness, reducing self-judgment and increasing self-confidence.
7. Creativity & Playfulness – Playful laughter stimulates creativity and helps unlock a more spontaneous, open-minded approach to life.
8. Courage – Laughing freely, even without a reason, builds confidence and a willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone.
9. Gratitude – It shifts focus toward appreciation, reinforcing a mindset of abundance rather than lack.
10. Discipline & Commitment – Practicing laughter as an intentional exercise fosters commitment to personal growth and well-being.
David Schroeder. got into yoga over 20 years ago, initially seeking rehabilitation from sport's injuries and looking for a practice that would offer exercises, to both strengthen the body and increase balance. These practices offered more than he had hoped. Enjoying what he found in yoga, coupled with a natural curiosity for different experiences, he was introduced to qigong by a group of friends. Growing increasingly passionate about yoga and qigong and their positive impact on his life, he has continued his training over the years, eager to share these practices with others. He looks forward to gathering with you, celebrating life through laughter, and connecting through breath and movement.
Anne-Marie McEwen is a Certified Laughter Yoga Leader who has practiced Laughter Yoga for over 10 years at The Buttonwood Tree Performing Arts Center. She saw first-hand how attending classes over a long period of time improved her enjoyment of life and led her to laugh more easily at life’s challenges. She believes in the power of joy, laughter and the smile to reduce stress and create a healthier body and mind. She is eager to lead others to their own increased levels of joy and improved health. Since moving on from her role at The Buttonwood Tree she has returned to her former profession as a dental hygienist and lives with her mother in Manchester. AnneMarieCanDoIt@gmail.com
NOTICE:
Those who suffer from hernia, epilepsy, severe backache, uncontrolled high blood pressure or any other heart and lung condition, where a person is not allowed to exert much, should consult their physician before doing laughter exercises. Admission to Laughter Yoga (back-to-back) classes
Admission is a $5-10 suggested donation.
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Laughter or hasna yoga is an intentional exercise involving movement and yogic breathing exercises (pranayama) to promote voluntary laughter over a prolonged period. No jokes are necessary here. Laughter can be faked, and the human body and mind do not know it is simulated. This type of yoga is based on the belief that voluntary laughter provides similar physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. It is usually done in groups, with eye contact and much playfulness between participants. Intentional laughter often turns into real and contagious laughter. It involves breathing exercises that aim to cultivate joy, bring out your inner child, and help you let go of daily life stressors.
For more info contact thebuttonwoodtree@gmail.com or call 860-347-4957
