10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE LAUGH-FEST IS COMING UP!

Has it really been TEN YEARS? Well, yes it has! That's because Lynda Tourloukis started the "Laugh-Fest in the Midwest" a decade ago. Then, without realizing it I picked up the tradition by starting the "Laugh-Fest of the Midwest" right when Lynda stopped organizing it. When the two of us joined forces we realized that between the two of us (and a plethora of other amazing laughers) we had successfully put together nine years of laughter conferences here in America's heartland! Isn't that incredible? So this year, 2017, is the "Year of the Laugh"! We are celebrating a full ten years and we couldn't be more thrilled! YAY!

This blow-out Laugh-Fest will be held in Ferryville, Wisconsin from May 5-7, 2017. It will be an exciting weekend of laughter, fun, inspiration, creativity, dancing, singing and various merriment—all in a gorgeous, natural setting. Whether you are new to laughter yoga, a seasoned professional or just someone interested in joy and wellness, there's something for you at the Laugh-Fest.

Click here to visit the newly updated Laugh-Fest page with all the details and registration information. We need you there! And pitch us a presentation idea if you'd like.

Also, read Lynda's recap of last year's event.

Laugh-Fest is just a few months away. I can't wait to see you and delight in a weekend of pure bliss. See you there!

A FREE PODCAST SO YOU CAN LAUGH ALONG

I'm excited to announce an awesome Podcast all about laughter as a lifestyle. It is an interview I gave for the Joy Factor Podcast with Julie Hanson, Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist. This free resource helps people to boost their joy with various wellness practices.

Click here to listen.

Julie Hanson explains the mission of The Joy Factor in this way:

My mission is to help you remember your birthright. You deserve joy in your life and in your relationships. Let’s help you claim that shall we?

In addition to being an LCMFT (Licensed Clinical Marriage and Family Therapist), and LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) I am a formally trained life coach and registered yoga teacher. I integrate the best of eastern and western schools of thought to help clients lead happier, more authentic lives. I am adept at the art of selecting an approach that fits the person or couple and strongly believe my clients have the inner resources to create the lives and relationships they want. My role is to act as a guide and strategist by offering direction, modeling new skills and sometimes simply holding the flashlight as the answers are discovered. My therapy clients include individuals, couples and families. I have taught hundreds of engaged couples how to prepare for marriage using an approach grounded in research, creativity and humor. I also regularly teach parenting and conflict management classes, relaxation groups, as well as a psychology of yoga and self-compassion workshops.

This interview is so much fun and I explain more about what will be happening at the upcoming Laugh-Fest of the Midwest. So please give it a listen here and share it with your friends! Thank you.

LAUGHFEST INTERVIEWS—PART 5

Karen Misseldine has more than 20 years experience as a Master’s level trained Art Therapist. Karen offers a supportive person-centered approach and is passionate about developing innovated ways to strengthen an individual’s ability to navigate through life’s challenges.

Art therapy is a “doing” form of therapy that promotes self-exploration and contributes to cognitive, emotional and physical health, opening doors to new ways of communicating and being in the world. It provides positive outcomes for all different types of people, from children to the elderly. Karen is excited to be offering an Art Therapy "Playshop" at the Laugh-Fest so participants can experience this profound method.

LAURA: Karen, we are completely thrilled that you’ll be joining us for this year’s Laugh-Fest! You’ll be offering our first-ever art therapy workshop at the Laugh-Fest. Tell us, what is art therapy?

KAREN:  Art Therapy is immersing yourself in the lively creative process!  Art Therapy allows you to try new things, go in different directions, view a mistake as an opportunity to try it again…try a different approach…see it in a new light. It is the use of simple art materials to facilitate healing.  Through expressive and creative mediums participants are invited to explore strengths, feelings, ideas and challenges.   Art therapy is a doing and active form of therapy where the process is the focus, not so much the end product.  In Art Therapy participants have the freedom of knowing that there is no right or wrong way to do art and there are no art skills required!   Art therapists collaborate with their clients to develop both directive and spontaneous art experiences to fit each person's needs.  Art therapist work with individuals, families and groups of all ages in countless settings.

Art Therapy is a master’s level profession that is the marriage of psychotherapy and studio art.  The personal experience and first hand understanding of how art materials work are what makes art therapist unique in the therapy field.  To think like an artist can bring new light to a problem or challenge--knowing that there is never just one way to paint a cat!

LAURA: Wow, that’s fascinating but how—exactly—does it work? Can you give us some specific examples of how art therapy is helpful for your clients?

KAREN:  A woman with chronic pain and a long history of mental health challenges was unable to focus, moving from one struggle to the next without pause as she spoke with me in my office recently.  After a while, I gently redirected her away from her tangent and invited her to choose a colored pencil, letting the color choose her, and trace a circle on a sheet of paper.  Then I invited her to close her eyes as I sounded a chime and asked her to breathe gently and then to slowly open her eyes when the sound of the chime dissipated in the air.  Next I invited her to draw something that brings her peace, anything that comes to her mind.  She slowly drew a small yellow flower tilting to one direction with two very small leaves growing out of a green zigzag suggesting grass with a thin brown line for soil.  She noticed her flower was off center, seeing this as a flaw.  When I asked, “what is the flower facing?”  She said, "the sun!" and titled her drawing, "Flowers Save Me."  Her whole self was noticeably more relaxed and she had a soft smile on her face that radiated through the room.  Simple, yes?  Therapist and Client come together to form Relationship using the creative process as co-therapist.  In this session this woman went beyond the experience of relaxation to the development of a metaphorical statement of herself resulting in increased self-awareness and self-esteem.  She also was able to experience the extra benefit of reduction in psychological and physical pain at least for that moment in time.  

There are so many other examples, but this one has recently particularly touch me.

LAURA: I know you’ve been doing art therapy for a long time and you recently earned an advanced degree in it. Tell us about your educational path to this career?

KAREN: Yes.  I earned a Master’s of Arts in Art Therapy in 1991 from Vermont College.  Since then I served as a Family and Adolescent Therapist doing individual, family and group therapy.  I have spent the last 15 years developing and implementing art and expressive therapy in nursing homes.  I also offer individual, family and group art therapy through my private practice at Therapy Associates in Decorah, IA.  I have developed many therapeutic workshops for grief and bereavement and Mandala workshops to increase self-awareness and to help hone in and nurture a creative practice to help promote healing, wellness and well being.

I recently received my License as Mental Health Counselor (LMHC) after completing some Counseling Graduate course work to advance my degree and to become a licensed therapist.  This license is allowing me to fully practice as an art therapist and mental health counselor in the state of Iowa.  I am currently working part-time as a therapist at Northeast Iowa Behavioral Health in Decorah where I use art therapy with individuals, groups and families.  I also work one day at Waukon Good Samaritan Society with elderly people and part time at my private practice.

LAURA: A few years ago, you and I both appeared in a book titled How to Be Happy written by Joan Liffring Zug-Bourret (link to the book at Amazon). In it, you shared your journey through grief and cancer. Can you tell us a little bit about that and how you’ve managed to keep your joy?

KAREN: Hmmm….yes, I have had the misfortune of losing two brothers and my mom in a relatively short period of time.  The loss of half my family was devastating and is a large part of who I am.  Those were some very intense years.  Through strong support of my father and sister and friends we keep my brothers’ and mom’s memories alive and pursue our lives in ways that we feel are very meaningful to us.  I am blessed to have a career that blends my love of art and creativity with helping others to heal from challenges and pain they have encountered.  

I am also a potter and am so fortunate to live in a community that embraces the arts.  I have been able to make pottery a part of my livelihood and joy.  Nary a week goes by without someone saying,  “Karen, I think of you every morning when I drink my coffee from the cup you made.”  I experience joy when I create the cup and I experience even more joy when I know I have brought joy to someone else.  

LAURA: You also facilitate a breast cancer survivor group called The Comfort Zone. Tell us about that.

KAREN: Yes.  I am a breast cancer survivor of 6 years!  When I was diagnosed it seemed like every time I turned around I was told about another woman, healthy like me, has also been diagnosed with breast cancer.  It seemed to be my mission to reach out and provide support so a support group happened.  We meet monthly to share journeys, lend support, and hold the space for those we have lost.

LAURA: You are also an artist. What mediums do you work in?

KAREN:  I dabble in lots of stuff like painting, drawing, and collage myself and with my clients, but mostly, I am a pottery artist.  My pottery is inspired by nature in color and design.  When I had cancer, trees grew on my pottery and I just could not seem to stop them!  I am intrigued by the design, movement and form of trees and also their strength, flexibility and ability to withstand change and transition.  I am also drawn to how so many others seemed to feel healing in the presence of trees and in the presence of my tree designs.  

Karen's jewelry designs

LAURA: Will Laugh-Festers have the opportunity to buy your pottery works at the festival?

KAREN:  Yes!  I will bring a collection of platters, mugs, cups and other items to sell with a variety of tree, leaf, and dragonfly designs and maybe some of my “happy” sangria inspired ware as well. 

Some of Karen's pottery works are pictured below.

LAURA: This will be your first Laugh-Fest so perhaps you don’t know exactly what to expect (HA HA!) but what are your hopes for the event?

KAREN:  Well, I hope to laugh a little, for sure!  Meet new people and share some healing and inspiring art experiences with those who are interested.  And I am quite certain I will bring back some new energy and inspiration from other presenters and participants.

Karen with her husband, Tom, and their kids

How does art therapy have to do with laughter? You may ask. Well, I believe they share the frontier of healing through creativity and somatic experience. This year's Laugh-Fest will be offering a wider array of healing opportunities than ever before and we are thrilled to have seasoned professionals like Karen who are willing to share their compassion and wisdom with us. We are seeking to have something for everyone so that all can go away enriched, renewed and more whole than ever before. I simply can't wait.

And there is still time to register for the Laugh-Fest of the Midwest at the rock bottom rate of just $199 for the entire weekend including meals and housing! We have done this to make it as affordable as possible so that no one would have to miss out. Please register before April 1 to get this rate.  We ask you to share this blog with anyone who might benefit from this opportunity.  Thanks for helping spread World Laughter. HA HA HA!

LAUGHFEST OF THE MIDWEST

LAUGHTER YOGA SPRING RETREAT

How would you like to spend a weekend in the wilderness laughing, singing, dancing and playing games with a group of fabulous people from all around the Midwest? Well, now is your chance to get registered! The retreat will be held at Sugar Creek Bible Camp in the hills of Southwest Wisconsin. It begins Friday, April 19 at 6 p.m. and concludes on Sunday, April 21 at noon. The objective of the event is to spend an entire weekend in joyful play. What could  be better?

Don't you deserve a laughter vacation from your hectic routine? No experience in laughter yoga is necessary. This is just an opportunity to have fun in an intentional way. Cost for the entire retreat, including delicious meals and housing in the log cabin village (pictured below) is a mere $150. Plus, you'll receive an official Laughing Laura Bird Pen (see video at the bottom of this page) Register with a friend and you'll both get a FREE CD or DVD from The Laughter Shoppe.

Would you like to share your talents by leading an hour-long laughter-based activity for the group? E-mail Laughing Laura to pitch your idea. Presenters will receive a $25 discount!

I'll tell you why I am going to the work to host this event. It is because of the incredible people pictured below.

They are the teachers and students who gathered at the camp last spring for a training event. We all had such fun that we promised we'd come back next year just to laugh and renew our friendship. So now, we are inviting YOU to be a part of the experience, too. Everyone willing to have a good time is a most welcome addition to our laughing family.

Space is limited, so please register today. The full amount of $150 is due for registration. It is non-refundable but transferable (so if for some reason you can't make it, you can always send a laugher in your place). A few scholarships are available so if you need one, please contact Laura. We want you to be there! Oh, and tell your friends about it. Registration is also on the front page of www.LaughingLaura.com.

In other news, I am still working to complete my latest CD, which features the famous Laugh Man. Thanks for your patience. It is side-splittingly hilarious and I promise it will be worth the wait. Stay tuned for details about that.

And I have started another blog with stories about the stuff I'm cleaning out of my basement. I know that may not sound exciting, but it really is. Ha ha ha! I urge you to give it a look: The Stuff of My Story.

Keep laughing and make 2013 your best year ever!

E-COURSE STUDENT LAUGHS WITH LAURA IN PERSON

For a long time, I have been inundated with people who want to study laughter yoga with me but are unable to travel to the places in which I am offering seminars. In response, I created a very interactive, six-week on-line course at the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga. Students enroll and are immediately sent a PDF file of my laughter manual and the first lesson. Then a practice CD (Be Laughter), inspirational posters and The Little Book of Big Laughs arrive in the mail. Students put together their practice group and engage in each of the lessons, sending their reports to me as they complete them. I respond to these reports with further food for thought. The course culminates in an exciting graduation ceremony done by phone or Skype in which we go through all of the normal graduation antics: laughing "Pomp and Circumstance," a gibberish graduation address by the valedictorian, the announcement of graduation (with subsequent cheering and total freak-out), and the taking of the Laughter Pledge. Afterwards, their diploma (otherwise known as a laughing degree-hee-heeeee!) is sent to them.

I have found that my e-students are very self-motivated and almost always go on to start laughter clubs and lead a lot of laughter yoga around their communities. It has been a delight to work with people who live far away—yet still engage in learning the joy of laughter yoga.

Recently, I have been working with Linda Williams, a student from Greenwood, South Carolina. Just as she was about to complete the course, she reported that she would be in the Midwest for a family visit. I was in the midst of my September laughing tour, which included presenting at the 2012 All America Laughter Yoga Conference. Nevertheless, we were able to schedule a time and place to meet—and this meant Linda would be driving 2 hours out of her way to make this happen!

So after all that complicated scheduling, Linda and I got to meet face-to-face and have coffee in Coralville, Iowa. It was exciting to have an in person conversation about our lives and our passion for bringing joy and healing to the world through laughter yoga.  It felt like we were long-time friends and I was so grateful she spent the extra time so we could meet. Then, we had an AMAZING laughter graduation ceremony right there in the courtyard! I triumphantly presented Linda with her diploma and the nearby coffee-drinkers couldn't help but snicker a bit. 

"Laughing Laura's e-course is an awesome opportunity to share in her creativity and guidance. She had great understanding and endurance with me—even when my course took longer than it should because of 'life complications.'  The on-line seminar is very well put-together and thorough. It totally prepares you to effectively lead laughter yoga. Getting to meet Laughing Laura face-to-face was the highlight of my course. And it definitely livened up the day for the folks at Starbucks THAT day! Laughing Laura is truly a blessing of love, light and laughter in our world."

—Linda Williams

* I am not currently taking new students with the e-course because I want to make sure I have ample time to mentor each student. If you are interested in future e-learning opportunities, however, please send me an email at laughinglauragentry@gmail.com.

LAUGHTER YOGA GRADUATES IN ROCHESTER, MINNESOTA

I have just spent a most amazing time with a group of laughter yoga students in Rochester, Minnesota. It was a class through the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga, which is affiliated with the Laughter Yoga University of Bangalore, India. We held the certified Leader/Teacher training retreat at Assisi Heights Spirituality Center at the Sisters of Saint Francis. This is a gorgeous retreat center on a generous portion of green space right in the heart of Rochester. Read more at their website.

The pictures below tell the story of our fabulous adventures together. Double click them to view in a larger format.

This is the Sisters of Saint Francis facility where we stayed and laughed. It felt like a bit of Europe as we strolled around the beautiful grounds.

We invited the sisters to do a laughter yoga practice session with us. Here we are with the laughing nuns (note that the one behind me is wearing a flower headband on top of her habit). We all had a fun time together, as you can see.

To experience the glorious spiritual power of laughter, we laughed through the sacred labyrinth. Here a group of laughers are rejoicing in the center.

Kristin and Amber laughing in the labyrinth

Ann Marie laughing in the labyrinth

Lily Bear, Mary Ellen's dog, laughed in the labyrinth with us

Laughing Laura and Kathryn at our costume party

Terri, the clown princess

Kristin, the cute banana

Ann Marie in her fabulous clown wig

Phoenix in the crabby hat

Helen as the laughing fairy (her shoes light up, too)

Laughter dancing

The teachers and teacher students

The Laughter Yoga Leader Graduation picture. Back row: Phoenix Soleil, Kristin VanDyke, Laughing Laura,  Mary Ellen Schmidley. Front row: Amber Cahue and Jane Schmidley

This is the entire group at the Laughter Yoga Leaders' graduation

Mary Ellen and Jane Schmidley—the laughing sisters with the retreat's laughing dog, Lily Bear

Laughing Laura & Phoenix from Berkeley, CA

The Laughter Yoga Teacher Graduation picture: Laughing Laura, Kathryn Kimmins,  Helen Juknelis, Ann Marie Gullickson and Terri Reasoner

If you would like to study laughter yoga in Alaska, you are in luck! I have just scheduled my first certified Laughter Yoga Leader class in Anchorage, Alaska. Read more at www.LaughterYogaIowa.com and please spread the word to any friends you may have in Alaska.

A TESTIMONIAL FROM SEBASTIEN GENDRY

This is a personal note to thank Laughing Laura for presenting at the 2012 All America Laughter Yoga Conference in Chicago, IL, on 9/20-23, 2012. 

Laughing Laura brought our joy to a new level by leading us in a series of laughter dances. Using her experience as a dance instructor, she engaged the group in playful dances, which combine rhythm and laughter. It was profoundly spiritual, yet buoyant and fun. This is the fourth time Laura has presented at the national Laughter Yoga Conference and each time, she has brought a new innovation which was met with great enthusiasm. 

We are grateful for the contribution she is making to the world wide laughter movement and hope to learn from and laugh with her again at our 2013 conference.

Mirthfully yours,

Sebastien Gendry

Founder, CEO

American School of Laughter Yoga, LLC | www.laughteryogaamerica.com

Laughter Online University | www.laughterwellness.org

Ecole Franco-Américaine du Yoga du Rire | www.rireenfrance.com

LAURA'S LAUGHING TOUR OF ISRAEL

In May, I traveled to Israel for a laughing tour. I had been invited to present a program of laughter yoga at the Jerusalem International Conference on Integrative Medicine. I also spend a few days with laughter friends in Neytana and the surrounding area. Of course, it was an amazing, cross-cultural experience in which laughter brought us together. And why wouldn't it? The more I travel with laughter yoga, the more I understand that we are all one laughing, human family. The differences, which divide us fall away in the priceless moments of laughing together. Below are pictures and captions, which present a summary of my adventures. But first, I invite you to watch this video (if it doesn’t appear in your email, view it at this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6UR0xeaQPM&feature=g-upl)

All excited at the airport & ready to go!

Washington, D.C. as I flew over it (I then got stuck there overnight as the delay in my first flight prevented me from catching my connecting flight...but I just laughed)

Eli Sapir and his granddaughters (he was one of my amazing hosts)

Alex Sternick and Meital Sapir, my amazing friends and hosts

Meital getting fit at the fitness club before laughter club

Meital and Alex at laughter club

Me at laughter club

The three of us having an incredible time

They took me to a Lag BaOmer bonfire (this is a Jewish festival)

Here's the coal fire cooking at the bonfire.

The traditional Lag BaOmer feast—they even made a special vegetarian version for me, which included rice, vegetables and herbs.

Alex's dog, Smiley—who always smiles

Alex Sternick's certified Laughter Yoga Leader course, which I helped teach while I was there

Alex, the laughing professor, hard at work

The laughter yoga practice session on the beach of the Mediterranean Sea

Alex showing his enthusiasm

The class performing the Amazing Chant

Laughter meditation on the beach (does it get any better than this?)

See? I'm laughter meditating too!

Yippeee! The Mediterranean! I was really there.

Laughing together at the sea

Alex and his fabulous students

One more view of the sea that day

This is the short hike between Alex and Meital's apartment and the beach

Alex and Meital's backyard/living room, which also doubles as a laughter yoga classroom

A passion flower growing in their yard

Alex and his little Toyota

Meital's father, Eli sharing some of his incredible homemade sherry with me

Meital's parents, Eli and Mina—check out the incredible feast they have prepared for our dinner party. The food was out of this world!

The laughing dinner party

Laughter meditation with a group of Laughter Yoga Leaders

The wild group of Laughter Yoga professionals

Scenes around a kibbutz

Shabbat table all ready at the nursing home

Meital and Alex goofing around

In Ein Hod, the artist's village—as you can see, I am kinesthetically relating with the art

They took me to the Art Bar—a famous local restaurant, which features home brewed beer and pizza. Gotta love the homemade sign!

Danny, the proprietor, is famous for his jokes. Here he is entertaining a group with one of his best jokes.

The pizza oven

Danny greeting Alex

Danny giving out samples of his unique brews

Meital and Alex toasting to a fun together in Ein Hod

And I enjoyed Danny's porter

The large sunflower seeds they gave us for snacking

Alex and Meital looking adorable as always

Our delicious pizza (I have to admit, the three of us ate four of these)!

Note the random cat who decided to join us

Danny recycles coke bottles and uses them for his beers

One more shot with Danny before leaving the Art Bar

Meital and I enjoying more sculptures around the village

The blossoms smelled so great!

Then, we went to Haifa to visit their friend, Yonathan Roten

Scenes around Haifa

This is the world's largest Baha'i Temple in Haifa

Another feast in Neytana prepared by Mina and Eli

The great cooks in their kitchen

Iranian rice

Mina's painting of Meital

The Sapir's beautiful home

Meital, her parents and I as we said farewell

Hanging out on the beach with Meital, Alex and Ezra

Smiley enjoys the beach quite a bit!

Final fun photo with Meital and Alex

And we cried to say good bye

Then I got a ride to Jerusalem with Yonathan

Snacks in Jerusalem

Enjoying fresh squeezed orange juice in Old City Jerusalem

The market place in the streets of the Old City

The Simon of Cyrene station of the Via de la Rosa

Inside the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

The courtyard of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

The Mount of Olives

The Western Wall and the Dome of the Rock

The Western Wall

I met the Laughter Yoga Teacher, Bat shachar Weinfeld

Bat schachar and I with the spring blooms

A grape leaf vendor in the Arab

The wall of the Old City

The layers of natural limestone beneath the Old City wall

Inside a Russian Orthodox church

The Mount of Olives

A funeral at the Mount of Olives

My presentation at the Integrative Medicine conference

A visit with my friends Avi and Eli (who I'd met earlier at Alex's class)

Then, we went on an evening tour of Jerusalem. Here's a view of the Old City at night from the Mount of Olives.

Another station of the Via de la Rosa

This is the evening view of the market place. During the day, all those doors are open and vendors are selling their goods. It looks very different at night.

Inside a new Jewish Synagogue

The Western Wall at night

The Damascus Gate of the Old City

A modern bridge in the new part of Jerusalem

The conference center at which the event was held

With some friends at the conference

Here I am with the conference president

Here I am with some friends I made from Spain

Just before I left the country I had dinner with my friends from Iowa: Gloria and Fred Strickert. They are ELCA missionaries who minister with the English speaking congregation at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Israel. Visit their fascinating blog: http://walkinjerusalem.blogspot.com/

William didn't have time to go with me on this trip but here he is with me the day I got back. We went hiking in Decorah, Iowa.

It is always fun to teach my Amazing Chant to different people. My friends in Israel translated it into Hebrew and performed it for this video. Even if you don't understand Hebrew, it's hilariously fun to watch. (You can also see it at this link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6l9zUivWAN0&feature=context-gau)

Here are a few testimonials about my presentation at the conference.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJbhpbBWWt0&feature=g-upl

It was truly a wonderful experience filled with lots of laughter and new friendships. I'm so grateful for the experience. I only wish it could have been longer. This trip now makes SIX continents on which I've led laughter yoga. Woo hoo!