OK Here goes...never done a blog before but was asked by Penny to explain Laughter Clubs to her, so decided to put the explanation in a blog 'cos EVERYONE should know about them! My story is that I am a two time cancer gal...breast and uterine. My partner couldn't handle this and took of with a lady with two unsullied breasts whom he met on a porn chat site. Donna from Denton TX! (This relationship didn't last!)
Anyhooo....depressed and feeling hopeless, in NZ with no family to support me, no job etc etc and friends of such recent acquaintance that I couldn't lean on them too much...I was surfing the net one sleepless night and came across "Laugh Yoga Clubs" and Lo and Behold, there was one held in the area where I lived. I watched some videos on UTube and decided that these people were as mad as me and went along to the next session. Basically, it's a session where you are encouraged to laugh and share your laughter with others by behaving in what seems to be a totally mad manner. (See for yourself on UTube) Laughter Clubs were started in India over 12 years ago by a doctor who saw so many depressed and lonely patients that he had the idea of laughing together. At first it was just telling jokes, but (sorry guys) the jokes were getting a little risque and discouraged the good gals from joining in so the daft little games evolved. I went to the local club and laughed so much that my face ached and my stomach too...the sessions were so popular that two were held every Saturday morning. As you HAVE to share your laughter with others...no looking down at the floor and feeling embarrassed it brings people closer together....shared laughter is double the benefit. Laughter is magic..it enhances the immune system, dispels depression, lowers blood pressure. etc etc. I could rave on about it for ages, but...see for yourself. It gave me the impetus to fight back, to be positive to see that there are good people out there. The sessions also gave me the strength get through treatment so well that many of the patients in the waiting room thought I was a member of staff as I looked too happy to be a cancer sufferer! Even the staff wanted to know my "secret" and a number them are now members of the club. I loved it so much I trained as a leader and have held sessions wherever I can. I would love to travel round England and go to every cancer support group and start the laughter going. Please look for yourself under Laughter Yoga and let everyone know what you think! The sessions are free, just a donation for the hire of the hall/room. I also became very interested in hypnotherapy too and have become a Clinical Hypnotherapist. (I trained with Paul McKenna) I use hypnotherapy for many problems for clients (Look into my eyes doesn't come into it!) I have special sessions for those undergoing radiation and chemo therapy. It is not a cure of course but it does make for relaxation, calmness, serenity and help with alleviating pain. Hypnotherapy is able to help both patient and carers. Far too much to talk about it here....Suffice it to say I am on an even keel again now..I still have down days, of course, (I should say down minutes!) because I can tap into the laughter zone and get the happy endorphins flooding my system again! I have changed from Eeyore to Tigger....Yeah!!!! I am so glad I found this site. I send all of you my very best wishes and support as we go through our individual journeys..both patients and carers....If you want any answers, just let me know.
