Recently at my yoga class, I learned about “Laughing Yoga” and it got me thinking about laughter and its cathartic component. You know, the feeling of utter of release and how exhausted you feel after you have had a good laugh! Yes, I can see the health benefits of laughing. But I really had a laugh when I learned, while researching this column, that today, May 6th is “World Laughter Day”? How funny is that?!?
We try to keep you smiling at the library by adding humorous titles to our collection – Bill Cosby, Stuart McLean and the like. Even though having a laugh while you read is a pleasant experience, I find listening to a recorded performance, or better yet, a live performance even better. If you agree, then you will be interested in attending an author reading on May 9th at 7 pm at the Waverley Auditorium. William Thomas – humourist, Gemini award-winning television scriptwriter and syndicated columnist (www.williamthomas.ca) - will be reading from his collection The Dog Rules (Damn Near Everything!).
Here are some interesting questions around Laughter:
What is Gelotology?
According to Wikipedia,org it is “The study of humor and laughter, and its psychological and physiological effects on the human body.”
I love Stuart McLean of CBC radio. Does he have a new book out?
Yes he does - Secrets from the Vinyl Cafe, or : closer to the truth than we've ever been. “Containing a faithful account of misdemeanors and transgressions, as well as clandestine matters of the heart, concerning a variety of characters, many familiar to friends of earlier chronicles, and some new acquaintances, which we have the pleasure to introduce in these pages.” The library has copies, so check it out today.
What is Laughter Yoga?
“Eleven years ago Dr Madan Kataria, an Indian doctor and student of Yoga was writing a paper for a medical journal titled 'Laughter is the best medicine'. Convinced of the medical benefits of laughter and Yogic breathing exercises, Doctor Kataria was searching for a way to bring these benefits to modern man. You can't prescribe 20 minutes of laughter a day, and for best effect a range of different types of laughter should be combined. In a flash of inspiration Laughter Yoga was born. Thanks to Doctor Kataria, countless people all over the world today enjoy the benefits of a daily dose of laughter practicing Laughter Yoga at laughter clubs or at their workplace.” www.laughteryoga.org
How did World Laughter Day come to be?
According to the Laugher Arts and Sciences Foundation, World Laughter Day was first observed on January 11, 1998 in India. In 2001, after Steve Wilson, president of the World Laughter Tour brought the event to North America, the date was changed to the first Sunday in May. “The world is so out of balance that it needs to lighten up and laugh more in order to maintain perspective. We set aside this day to send a message to get more people laughing, urging the world to lighten up!” www.laughterfoundation.org
What is laughter therapy?
According to Laughtertherapy.com, “It is a form of therapy which encourages us to use the natural physiological process of laughter to release the painful emotions of anger, fear and boredom.” Check out this website to find laughter tips on improving relationships with family members, fellow workers, and even airport security guards!!
So have a good laugh today and join us Wed. May 9th at 7 pm at the Waverley Library for a laughing workout with author and humourist William Thomas.
Barbara Philp is the Head of adult services at the Thunder Bay Public Library
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