Poster by Maggie Nichols

Awakenings Laughter Club

Awakenings Laughter Club was Portland, Oregon's first regularly scheduled free Laughter Club to stand the test of time. We celebrated our one-year anniversary in October 2009 and currently have a core group of enthusiastic and dedicated people who would be happy to have you join in. You are welcome to come unannounced, but if you contact me prior to your visit I can fill you in on current club happenings and give you a brief orientation over the phone.

For more on Laughter Yoga check out the About Page or some of the videos under Resources.

When?

Tuesday Mornings @ 7:10 am - 7:40 am

Many of the club members are not necessarily morning people, but this is when we are able to get free space (Thank you Jim/Awakenings!!). We started with just four people and since it was only once a week we thought we would give it a try. Now more than a year later, even though it is early, we have only missed dates due to the 2008 Winter Freeze. We leave each Tuesday feeling energized and ready to tackle the day! We encourage you to give it a try once and see how you feel. There is no obligation to come back if early mornings or Laughter Yoga aren't for you, but we think you will!

* In the case of inclement weather - If there is ice/snow on the roads, assume that Laughter Club is canceled. If the schools are closed in Portland Public the club will be canceled for the day.

Where?

In the Studio @ Awakenings Wellness Center (follow the link for more info)
1016 SE 12th Ave. Portland, OR

Why?

Because it's fun, free, good for your health and builds connection & community!

Laughter Clubs

The unique concept of Laughter Yoga began in 1995 by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician in Mumbai, India. Realizing that laughter truly can be "the best medicine," he started working with a small group of people daily in a local park and discovered that anyone can laugh for no reason. He coined this group a "Laughter Club." Laughter Yoga has taken India by storm where most Laughter Clubs meet daily. In the United States, most Laughter Clubs meet weekly or monthly.

Laughter Yoga has since grown into a world-wide movement with more than 6,000 registered clubs in over 60 countries. Almost all are free!! Dr. Kataria encourages his Certified Laughter Yoga Leaders and Teachers to host at least one free event a month as a way to spread joy and give back to our communities.

Laughter Clubs are led by a Laughter Yoga Leader and/or Teacher. Club members take part in activities that combine laughter exercises (simulated laughter) and yogic breathing, which turns into real laughter when practiced in a group. Participation in a laughter club encourages playfulness, laughter, social connection, and a balance of mind, body, and spirit. It is a great way to improve health and make friends!

Typical Awakenings Laughter Club Session

• We begin the session with some stretching and breathing and then warm-up by chanting "Ho-ho Ha-ha-ha." 7:10 - 7:12 am
• We then begin a series of various Laughter Yoga exercises, interspersed with breathing and child-like playfulness, "Very good, very good, Yay!!" We are always learning or creating new exercises from our daily life experiences. Some days our session is based on a theme. 7:12 - 7:30 am
• We end the session with a Laughter Meditation. During this meditation, club members sit or lay on the floor and just laugh for several minutes. We follow up with some more deep breathing and a grounding exercise. 7:30 - 7:40 am