I work as a medical assistant to a gynecologist and am also a dedicated mother to my two girls. Laughter Yoga has become my most effective and enjoyable way to recharge and uplift my spirits. I adore this playful exercise routine because it requires no equipment or specific space. Engaging in Laughter Yoga allows me to break free from my structured, sometimes overly concerned mindset as a single mom and tap into my beautiful, creative mind, living in the present moment—which is of utmost importance to me.
My journey as a laughter professional began in 2017, right after my divorce, when I felt like I had lost my laughter. Life suddenly seemed serious, and it appeared that everyone around me had also misplaced their laughter. I found myself questioning whether I had truly become a grown-up. Being self-reflective, I decided to search for a solution and stumbled upon Laughter Yoga during my online exploration. It seemed peculiar, but I signed up with enthusiasm.
From Darkness to Laughter
The leader training I attended was nothing short of mind-blowing. Within just one day, my worries, sleepless nights, and dark clouds in my mind vanished. My mojo returned, and I became determined to spread more laughter in my city. I began teaching Laughter Yoga wherever I went—whether it was a neighborhood restaurant, public park, doctor's waiting room, or the hotel where I worked. The joy I brought to others by tickling their laughter also brought immense joy to me.
However, in 2020, the lockdown imposed limitations on in-person sessions, which worried me. Fortunately, I discovered Dr. Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga, on Facebook. To my surprise, I found laughter yogis from all around the world! It was then that I realized laughter had a significant presence on social media—a platform I primarily used to stay connected with friends from my travels and my family back home.
Eagerly, I enrolled in Dr. Kataria's online training. A few weeks later, he approached me and asked if I would be interested in facilitating the Wednesday sessions for his online Laughter Club. And so, "Marie from Austria" was born. I laughed my way into the hearts of numerous participants, joining Zoom events and entering living rooms worldwide. I felt immensely grateful for this opportunity.
Healing Through Laughter
For many years, I struggled with insomnia, haunted by a distressing image whenever I closed my eyes—my mother on her deathbed. Her untimely death due to cancer caught me off guard, and I tried various methods to heal my pain, including meditation, Hatha Yoga, music therapy, chanting, and seeking guidance from a life coach. Yet, nothing seemed to help me let go. I spent years crying, unable to find solace. Concerned that my sadness might affect my unborn child, I worried throughout my pregnancy. However, both of my children grew up to be joyful and self-confident individuals, despite the challenges I faced.
Years later, I discovered the healing power of Laughter Yoga during a session. I laughed so intensely that all my emotional blockages crumbled away. Through laughter, I finally found the ability to let go and accept my circumstances. It was as simple as that. Today, laughter remains my best tool for navigating life's challenges. I have gained valuable insights on my journey, guiding others to reconnect with their joyful cores while learning from fellow laughter professionals. I believe that laughter is all about connection and balance. To me, Laughter Yoga is like a smile—a curve that sets everything straight. Phyllis Diller’s quote perfectly encapsulates my perspective.
Spreading Joy Worldwide
"Marie from Austria" has become a popular name within the Laughter Yoga family. I regularly conduct online laughter sessions that attract participants from around the world. My signature laughter—the one-minute laughter for world peace—has garnered recognition. I continue to inspire and motivate people worldwide, spreading joy and striving for ultimate world peace through laughter.