A Challenging Beginning: Kimiyo Maki Kawakami is master trainer from Japan, Her journey with Laughter Yoga began with a challenging situation when her mother suffered a stroke in her early 50s, resulting in paralysis and aphasia. For the past two decades, she had been living with her disabled husband, who relied on crutches. When both of her parents became disabled, Maki had a two-year-old daughter and a newborn daughter.
In 2010, during her healing studies, she had a serendipitous encounter with Laughter Yoga. A woman she met unexpectedly grabbed her hand and exclaimed, "Ha-ha-ha-ha!" This marked her introduction to the world of Laughter Yoga. Intrigued, she discovered that her friend had become a Laughter Yoga leader and, without fully understanding why, Maki decided to enroll in a Laughter Yoga leader training course. The following week, she initiated her own Laughter Yoga club.
The Healing Power of Laughter: For a while, Maki couldn't pinpoint exactly what drew her to laughter yoga. However, six months into her practice, she attended a teacher training session conducted by the founder of Laughter Yoga. During the Laughter Meditation exercise in the latter part of the course, Maki found herself unable to contain her emotions and began crying uncontrollably. When she shared this experience with the founder, he reassured her, saying, "You had a catharsis. It's a great experience!" After laughing continuously for over 20 minutes, she felt the vibrations of laughter permeating her entire being. Her heart and body relaxed, and to her surprise, the pent-up pain and emotions that she had kept hidden within her heart were released through her tears.
Maki had been so focused on studying various healing methods and helping others that she had neglected her own healing journey. Laughter became the catalyst for her complete transformation. Without Laughter Yoga, she believes she wouldn't have been able to care for her parents with a compassionate heart or raise her children with a calm and relaxed mind. Above all, Maki is convinced that it is thanks to "Laughter Yoga" that, at the age of 60, she enjoys robust health, brimming with energy and vitality in both her mind and body.
Spreading Joy: Despite encountering numerous crucial and challenging situations throughout her life, she remains a resilient advocate of laughter, committed to spreading joy and happiness to those around her, both near and far. Undeterred by the obstacles she has faced, she embarks on her joyful journey with unwavering energy and indomitable spirit. Her guiding motto is to bring more joy and peace to the world through her humble acts of service. With her infectious enthusiasm and genuine dedication, she strives to uplift spirits, inspire positivity, and create a ripple effect of happiness in the lives of others.
Experts from KEYEM THOMEZ Book 55 Laughter Yogis: Inspiring Stories of JOY and Transformation
Amazon link to buy the book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D9K97LR4