A Journey into Laughter Yoga: Alexa Fong Drubay, based in Philadelphia, is a Certified Laughter Yoga Master Trainer with a deep passion for spreading joy and promoting well-being through laughter. Her journey into Laughter Yoga began during a family reunion, where her cousin, Melanie Rudolph, a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, introduced her to the practice. Instantly captivated by the experience, Alexa felt a profound connection to the power of laughter and its ability to bring people together and uplift their spirits.
Training in India: In 2014, Alexa decided to immerse herself further in the practice by traveling to India to study directly under Dr. Madan Kataria, the founder of Laughter Yoga. Spending two weeks in India, she delved into the teachings and philosophies of Laughter Yoga, returning home with a renewed enthusiasm to share this unique and transformative practice with others.
Building Laughter Communities by weekly laughter clubs: Since 2015, Alexa has been actively leading free weekly laughter clubs, both in person and online through platforms like Zoom. Her commitment to making Laughter Yoga accessible to everyone has led her to establish laughter clubs in cities such as Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, and Philadelphia, PA. These clubs have become vibrant communities where individuals come together to experience the healing power of laughter.
Laughter Yoga in Action: In addition to her weekly clubs, Alexa offers customized Laughter Yoga sessions tailored to various groups, including schools, senior communities, recovery groups, and corporate settings. Her ability to adapt the practice to meet the specific needs of different audiences has made her a sought-after expert in the field. Alexa has collaborated with notable organizations such as the National Institute of Health, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and Homeland Security, bringing the benefits of laughter to a wider audience.
For Alexa, laughter is much more than a simple expression of happiness—it is a powerful tool for maintaining emotional balance, reducing stress, and fostering deeper social connections. She views laughter as a natural and essential part of life, one that allows individuals to navigate challenges with a positive and proactive mindset. In a world often filled with negativity and stress, laughter provides Alexa with a means to celebrate life, live in the present moment, and strengthen her relationships with others.
Engaging in a daily laughter practice, according to Alexa, unlocks a sense of playfulness and creativity, creating space for new perspectives and ideas to flourish. It allows individuals to break free from rigidity, embrace small joys, and discover their ikigai—their purpose in life. Through laughter, Alexa has found a path to joy, resilience, and enhanced well-being, and she is passionate about helping others do the same.
The impact of Alexa's work is evident in the countless testimonials she has received from participants in her sessions. Many have shared stories of improved sleep, better pain management, and an enhanced ability to cope with grief and loss. Others have reported feeling less isolated, forming new friendships, and experiencing a renewed sense of hope for the future. For some, the laughter sessions have been a lifeline, helping them rediscover a sense of pure joy and relief from stress that they hadn't felt in years.
Advocating for Laughter in Education: One of Alexa's most significant contributions is her work in educational settings. She is a strong advocate for introducing more laughter into classrooms to help educators and students manage stress and enhance the learning experience. Her program emphasizes incorporating laughter breaks for students from kindergarten through grade 12, promoting positive social interaction, resilience, self-confidence, and overall well-being. Alexa believes that by learning simple laughter techniques at a young age, students can grow into healthier adults who prioritize their mental, physical, and emotional health.
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
