Carla H Brown USA: My journey began in Sacramento, California, USA. In my 20s and 30s, I endured several serious illnesses, including physical paralysis and sepsis caused by high stress levels. By 2008, I found myself in a familiar state of despair and hopelessness. Recognizing the potential for depression to take hold, I knew I needed relief. Even though my life felt devoid of humor and laughter seemed impossible, I decided to explore the power of laughter as a temporary escape. During my search, I stumbled upon a radio program about Laughter Yoga and decided to give it a try, dedicating just 10 minutes of my time. To my surprise, that short session was all it took to make a profound impact.
My Journey as a Laughter Yoga Practitioner
Despite my initial skepticism and belief that it was a silly concept, I found myself smiling for the rest of the day. I experienced a sense of lightness and happiness that had been absent for over two years. My body felt relief and joy, igniting a desire for more laughter in my life. Driven by inspiration and passion, I embarked on my journey to become a Laughter Yoga practitioner, completing two Laughter Yoga Leader trainings and one Laughter Yoga Teacher training within two years.
My dedication led me to co-found the Lubbock Laughter Club in Texas in 2009 and later establish the Santa Cruz Laughter Club in California in 2014. Over the past 15 years, I have continued to spread laughter in both in-person and online settings, touching the lives of many.
The Healing Power of Laughter
What draws me to laughter is its simplicity and effectiveness in uplifting spirits and improving well-being. I believe that laughter is the easiest, fastest, most enjoyable, and engaging way to elevate one's mood and feel better. Through laughter, I have witnessed a transformative process that retrains the body and nervous system to experience joy without a specific reason, fostering a practice of feeling good. For me, laughter serves as an escape from the mind, allowing me to fully inhabit my body, engage in movement and breath, and interact with others in positive, playful, and uplifting ways. I consistently find that laughter sessions leave me feeling better—a reliable source of rejuvenation and upliftment.
Laughter is crucial for me because it counteracts my tendency to ruminate, overthink, and experience anxiety. These patterns, developed unconsciously during my childhood as a survival strategy, often lead to breath-holding and a lack of oxygen and happiness chemicals in my body. When anxiety strikes, my limbic system activates, triggering my survival brain and nervous system to prepare for the worst. However, the moment I start laughing, my breathing increases, engaging the vagus nerve and initiating a transformative process. Even if my mind resists laughter, my body instinctively knows how to respond, and I always feel better afterward. Laughter acts as a powerful mindfulness technique, pulling me out of my thoughts and immersing me in the present moment. It serves as a rapid antidote to stress, offering profound relief.
Spreading Joy
Laughter Yoga has brought numerous positive changes to my life. Apart from quieting my mental activity, one of its greatest gifts is providing a structured and safe outlet to process uncomfortable emotions, including unresolved grief, loss, frustration, and anger. Since incorporating laughter into my life to counteract the effects of stress, I have experienced reduced anxiety and a greater sense of ease and joy. Laughter has enriched my perception of the world, enabling me to find a positive perspective in every situation. It serves as a powerful tool for relaxation, rejuvenation, and reconnecting with my breath. Moreover, laughter deeply connects me to myself, offering nourishment on both mental and physical levels. When I laugh with others, it fosters profound connections and opens my heart, transcending language barriers.
My journey exemplifies the profound impact laughter can have on one's well-being. My personal experiences and commitment to sharing the gift of laughter have made me a beacon of joy and inspiration for others. Through my laughter sessions, I continue to bring light, positivity, and transformation to individuals seeking relief and a renewed sense of happiness.