Laughteryoga.org, the international laughter yoga website, has just posted a news story about the first Laughter Yoga Conference in Africa. I'm reposting it below. Click here to see it at the website.
The First African Laughter Yoga Conference
The First African Laughter Yoga & Alternate Healing Conference 2011 was held in Durban, South Africa on the 24/25 November. The conference was co-ordinated by Sheroma Surajnarayan and was opened with a prayer by Rev. William Gentry, a congressional minister from United States of America.
Sheroma Suraj-Narayan microbiologist and director of the African Laughter Yoga Institute delivered the key note address welcoming the conference delegates and emphasising the theme of Humour, Hope and Healing through traditional healing practices and Laughter Yoga. She also outlined her work with Laughter Yoga, together with Dr. Gita Suraj-Narayan, in South Africa, having transformed the lives of over 10,000 people through the healing system of Laughter Yoga.
Rev. Laura Gentry Director of the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga and Pastor of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, USA said Laughter Yoga is an incredible tool for nurturing spiritual growth. In this enlightening workshop, delegates learnt about the teachings on joy from major world religions and how Laughter Yoga can be integrated into these religious practices. As a minister, Rev. Laura Gentry shared firsthand how holy hilarity has enhanced her pastoral care.
Rev. Laura Gentry founded the first Laughter Club at church and is known as the laughing pastor. Five years ago, she opened the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga and has been a pioneer in spreading the laughter movement throughout the United States and around the world. She has now led Laughter Yoga in 5 continents and was selected by Dr. Madan Kataria as the first woman in America to become a Master Trainer of Laughter Yoga. Also a Laughter Ambassador, Laura has produced a number of creative, laughter resources including six CDs, a book and the film “Laugh Friends: A Laughter Yoga Workout for Kids.” With twenty years of ministry and motivational speaking experience, Laughing Laura brought radiant energy and wisdom to the Laughter Yoga workshop.
Dr. Gita Suraj-Narayan Researcher, Laughter Yoga teacher, lecturer, University of Kwa-Zulu Natal presented a scientific paper on the positive biopsycho-social impacts of Laughter Yoga on patients with dreaded and non-communicable diseases. She found that Laughter Yoga can be used as complementary alternate medicine and is the most cost-effective non-pharmacological intervention for patients in developing and 3rd world countries. She provided an overview on Ayurvedic practices and explained that we all have the potential to facilitate our own healing and demonstrated simple but effective tools and techniques. She combined ayurvedic practices with Laughter Yoga to inject positivity and bring about transformation in a practical, accessible manor that delegates can use everyday.
Katharina Aniya Mies from Switzerland presented a paper on holistic integrated healing, EFT Emotional Freedom Techniques while Bhupendra Suraj-Narayan a web developer from Pretoria presented a paper on the use of web analytics in determining the effectiveness of a website in promoting an alternate healing business. Thokozani Jali social work supervisor presented a paper on African Traditional Healing Practices which contrary to western medical practice focuses on treating the individual on a physical, emotional and spiritual level. Thokozani described the processes involved in traditional healing and demonstrated the use of indigenous plants in treatment and prevention of illnesses.
The second day of the conference marked the beginning of 16 days of Activism against women and child abuse. Participants talked about the importance of this campaign and the need for South African citizens to take a stand against gender-based violence and abuse and the need to laugh, laugh, laugh to promote peace, harmony and a non-violent society.
Barbara Scogings, Coach and Trainer in Emotional Quotient and Spiritual Quotient spoke about spiritual intelligence in today's world and high-lighted practical ways to stay spiritually grounded. Dr. Raksha Balbadhur a medical practitioner spoke about values in health care. She highlighted the need to explore alternate healing practices to complement medical interventions. She finished off her presentation with a guided meditation, leaving delegates rejuvenated and energised. Dr Sharad Hansjee a homeopath and therapeutic reflexologist also talked about the importance of homoeopathy within the medical and healing paradigm as an alternative approach to healthcare.
The conference was a huge success and delegates left the hotel feeling rejuvenated, energetic and healed from within. Many of the delegates were senior citizens and stroke survivors who greatly benefited from the workshops and seminars. The conference had an atmosphere filled with laughter, singing and dancing, which constitutes the three states of joy! The conference culminated in an exchange of skills, knowledge, resources and an African, Asian and European Alternate Healing Forum, which aims to promote alternate healing practices throughout the world.
Photos by William F. Gentry ll
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