ARTICLES - THE PHILIPPINE STAR

GOOD HEALTH AND HA HA HA - HAPPINESS TO ALL MEN!

Posted: August 23, 2011

 

LAUGHTER YOGA – REFLECTION …. REMINISCES

BY: ELVIE PUNZALAN-ESTAVILLO

                                   

            In  today’s helter-skelter-super-fast-paced world, time passes by too quickly.  Each day is filled with seemingly-endless-must-do tasks,  almost  leaving us with no time for what- we-like-and-love-to-do things for ourselves. Laughter Yoga comes very handily to clear our minds, keep our life’s perspectives -- and lead us to its magical healing world.  It can definitely be like a magical wand that  promotes positivism, happiness and good health in  our lives           

            During the flight of my family’s recent sojourn to the US.  I happened to converse with PAL Flight Attendant Leurie Alivio, who told me her Mom is suffering from breast cancer. Breast cancer is a manifestation of unexpressed emotions, suppressed feelings.  I  suggested that In addition to her  medications, her Mom should  include laughter in her daily regimen, and Leurie right away declared: laughter is the “best medicine”. I mentioned having had cysts on my  breasts some years back, too, though benign.  But just the same it got me worried until I discovered the magical healing wonders of Laughter Yoga. 

            Later in the galley, we were joined by Flight Stewards Anthony Cruz, and Brian Barromo, and Flight Purser Vangie Bolobo, and  like carefree kids they clapped, swayed and laughed as they have not done as much before to release their stresses and tiredness during their flight.  Laughter indisputably is a direct communicator. They asked how to join a LYoga session and in unison commented:  “Laughter Yoga  is so  easy to do, very relaxing, energizing, and changed our moods in no time at all.”  My daughter Vanessa later told me she  heard our hilarious laughter and was tempted to join in.  Ho ho, ha ha ha!

            Upon landing in Los Angeles we stayed overnight at the Westin Hotel, and proceeded the following day to Sta. Barbara’s Doubletree Resort Hotel.  It reminded me of our very own  Boracay resorts, whose fine-and-white-as-a-powder-sand remains  unsurpassable.  Admittedly  though Sta. Barbara’s resort is very well planned and   more tourists-friendly, so well-kept and maintained.

            Then we drove to San Diego and stayed at Hotel US Grant  --  grand as the sound of its name. It is history-filled that amazes its guests and visitors, truly a San Diego icon that provides ultimate luxury experience steeped in legendary style. San Diego’s climate has always been the most pleasant in the whole US.  No  extreme heat nor cold temperature.  Eye catching were the words inscribed on the pavement of the city’s main center, which  when we replace the word “city” with “country” would  most appropriately fit us: --  “Go forth, set the spirit, help build the county of our dreams.”

            In the San Marino abode of my brother, Rubio Punzalan, together with some relatives I conducted LYoga.  Surprised, amazed and enthralled were they as we went through the  relaxing  motions of LYoga --  they thought LYoga was all about  laughing... Shared with them were Lyoga clapping, hearty, lion, and  humming laughter and breathing exercises -- to serve as their tools in times of worries and storms,  and when  body batteries seem to run low.

            As I sat on the plane way back to home-sweet-home, events and scenes reminisces of how I started LYoga in 2007 came pouring into my mind that made me smile.  People in places I frequented tell me  they are happy to see me as I make them laugh and help forget  their situations  in life,  banishing their worries  into thin air.  For instance, In Regine’s  salon  my manicurists  mentioned some customers asked when “the  always happy-and-laughing lady” will come.

            I have taught he sales ladies of Via Venetto, Glorietta, some basic kinds of laughter.  One day as I passed by, I looked at them through the glass windows and we started to laugh heartily that made even the security guard passing by laughed, too.  Later  the sales ladies laughingly told me that a customer who happened to be there,   saw us laughed, and said, “oh, she is the laughing lady.” Ho, ho, ha, ha, ha!

            Rustan’s, is another place I enjoy going to along with the Must-Have store and a string of other establishments  in Glorietta, and yes, also the customers’ lounge.  The warm and efficient personnel there -- whom I have taught to relax and de-stress in their work -- laugh with me when we see each other.  At the Gold’s Gym,  the  physical therapists,  staff and some clients remark that the gym becomes alive, happy and light with my presence.  One of the inspiring and touching remarks I had  were  from gym mates former Solicitor–General Simeon Marcelo,  and SEC Commissioner Tessie Herbosa, who both  said that seeing and hear me laugh throw the worries and situations they  encountered  during the day.  Laughter’s wonder works two-ways:  it makes me and the others happy  -   as it fills my daily dosage of healing laughter!

            Being a water bearer, I love being with people, and cannot imagine myself being isolated from people.  As the song goes, “people who meet people are the luckiest people in the world.”  Indeed, I feel so blessed, grateful and happy that I am able to scatter sunshine,  spread joy and positivism, and promote health…wherever, whenever.  Notably, two of my former “students”:  Paolo Trinidad  has been conducting  Pinoy Laughter Yoga,  and Fr. Roger Abadano shepherds his flock in his Masbate parish by spreading God’s words and  interspersing  them with Lyoga --  to strengthen faith and help lighten their burdens.   Laughter is   a miraculous gift from God.  If only all the people in the universe will do it, there will be peace on earth and harmony. And,  yes, Virginia, prosperity that  is equitably  shared  by everyone.

            LYoga sessions schedule: August 27,  Daughters of Mary Immaculate at AIM, and  September 23,  Association of CPA’s in Public Practice  in  Cagayan de Oro..  Let’s keep laughing to a healthy, happy, positive us!  Ho, ho, ha ha ha.   Email me at:  laughteryogaphils@gmail.com  Please visit: www.laughteryogaphils.com.  Want to laugh and relax -- visit:  youtube: lycphohohahaha!