I didn't understand one iota of Laughter Yoga at all until I saw scenes of it in Kate Churchill's movie, Enlighten Up! (A small group of older Indian men and women stand around doing simple stretches and laughing helplessly. It was absurd---but also sweet and simple, and utterly harmless.) Yesterday in Central Park under changeable skies, the New York chapter of Laughter Yoga celebrated World Laughter Day. Who knew?According to World Yoga Day's web site laughter, "directly impacts one’s electro-magnetic field and creates a positive aura around that person. When a group of individuals laugh together, they create a collective community aura."Back in New York, the New York Daily News reports: "There's certain things you can't do while laughing: fighting, arguing, being mad." True!"For two hours, the group convulsed with laughter, ignoring trivial problems like the economic crisis or the flu pandemic." A good way to spend your time!According to Wikipedia, after 11 years in existence, Laughter Yoga now has 6,000 clubs spread over 5 continents. Its originator, Dr. Madan Kataria, of Mumbai, India, says that laughter can unite the world and bring world peace.Yeah--a lot better than a a bag of anthrax could. Laugh away!
Yoga Teacher: Speed Eater!
This is one of those can't-believe-it stories.Yesterday, a gorgeous, long-awaited spring day, Bay Ridge, NY's Ivy Bakery held a cupcake eating contest. Who won? A yoga teacher! How did she do it? Discipline! Focus! Metabolism! The New York Daily News reports: "Nancy Cummings, the first-place winner, said that her role as a yoga instructor gave her what it took to be the champion. "I am disciplined and focused and I can digest them faster," said the slender 31-year-old brunette from Bay Ridge, who dipped each little chocolate cake into a glass of water before shoving it whole into her mouth. "Yoga mama, you are all that and then some. Love the dipping strategy. Raccoon-like!