Finding Hope Through Laughter
I first encountered Laughter Yoga in the summer of 2011, five months after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Shikoku, where I lived, had been spared, and none of my family or friends had been directly affected. Even so, we felt the pain of those who had suffered and were deeply distressed.

People throughout Japan—and, I believe, around the world—were shocked and struggling with confusion, anger and sadness. I knew it was important to understand what had happened, but the daily news was so painful that I found it difficult to bear. I was highly sensitive to other people’s feelings, and I began to feel mildly depressed.

Then someone told me about a Laughter Yoga session. I knew nothing about it, but the moment I heard the name, I thought, “I have to go!” The one-hour session was a wonderful experience. We all laughed together, and for the first time since the earthquake, I felt brighter and more able to look at life positively. I remember thinking, “This is exactly what Japan needs right now. It could help me, my family and friends—and even those affected by the disaster.”

That very day, I searched online for information about Laughter Yoga. When I discovered that Leader Training was being held nearby, I signed up without hesitation. The following summer, I travelled to India to attend Dr. Kataria’s Teacher Training.
Becoming More Fully Myself

After practising Laughter Yoga for a year, and especially after learning from Dr. Kataria, I realised that it helps me become a kinder person. This does not mean I have become someone entirely different. I am still myself. Laughter Yoga simply helps bring my good qualities to the surface.

We all have kindness, love and compassion within us. But when we are under great stress or feeling low, it can be difficult to speak gently or respond with patience. After laughing for a while, warmth, kindness and patience can begin to arise more naturally.

I believe Laughter Yoga helps us live more fully as ourselves. We do not have to strive to become someone special or force ourselves to be loving. We can learn to express the good qualities already within us. Since beginning Laughter Yoga, I have been able to feel more confident and, after a long time, to love myself.

I am a Kripalu Yoga instructor and believe that yoga postures are important for health. Laughter Yoga has also become an important part of my life, and I intend to continue practising it. As a Laughter Yoga teacher, I am happy to support people who find it difficult to attend regular yoga classes.

I would also like to express my appreciation for Dr. Kataria. I believe the practice he has brought to people around the world is a wonderful gift that can help bring healing. Dr. Kataria, together with Laughter Yoga leaders and teachers everywhere, is helping to change the world. His teaching is clear and accepting. What impressed me most was his warmth and friendliness: he connects with people easily and treats everyone as an equal.
If you would like to deepen your understanding of Laughter Yoga, I encourage you to meet Dr. Kataria if you have the opportunity. It is a valuable chance not only to learn and gain certification, but also to experience how to live with laughter.