Pedro Hernandez, Mexico: I have been a professional Hatha Yoga teacher for 10 years – practicing for 30 – and own a Yoga studio in Mexico City. I participated in a Laughter Yoga session for the first time in January 2008 and the effect was profound, almost similar to some of the rare experiences I have had during either Hatha Yoga or meditation classes in 30 years of practice. To me Laughter Yoga is a very powerful practice that offers the same benefits as other styles of Yoga, with the major difference that people don’t need to be supple or young and all get to feel the benefits from the very first time.
My partner Caty and I run a free Laughter Yoga club at our Yoga studio which has been a real blessing as Laughter Yoga has become a very important part of me now. In fact, I have trained many laughter leaders in Yucatan, the land of ancient Mayas. In fact, some of them are direct descendants of Mayas and still speak the ancient Mayan language. Talking of the Mayan prophecy that the world will end in 2012, I can only say that maybe the unhappiness will end, but it will be a new beginning of a joyful age where Laughter Yoga will be a great tool to enhance world happiness!