| Ho-ho-ho-ha-ha-ha!
Other than improving health and
wellbeing, laughing with others is also a great way
to build bridges and promote peace in the community,
says newly-formed Laughter Club anchor, Lester Fonseka
By Esther Williams
“Trouble knocked on the door,
but, hearing laughter, hurried away.” Writer and
statesman, Benjamin Franklin who had a profound understanding
of life and its idiosyncrasies obviously knew what he
was saying. Today there exists an overwhelming body
of research that describes the benefits of laughter
on the human mind and body.
It is to enjoy these benefits that
a Laughter Club was started in Colombo in August 2006.
Surfing the web, Club anchor Lester Fonseka came across
this amusing phenomenon and thought the country too
can benefit from it. “We want to spread the gospel
of laughter for it is better than the best medicine
because it is free – neither doctor’s bills
nor medical pills,” he says, adding, “Like
a smile, its younger companion, laughter is a better
cosmetic as it changes your visage for the better.”
Benefits
of laughter |
= Triggers endorphins
that strengthen the immune system.
= Acts as a natural pain killer
= Vibrates muscles, providing an internal massage
= Relieves stress, relaxes and keeps a person level-headed.
= Prevents negative emotions like anger and resentment
= Enhances enthusiasm for work.
= Enhances a sense of humour that helps face life’s
problems with composure.
= Helps control insomnia, depression, and ulcers.
= Acts as a cosmetic that brightens your face.
|
The idea of laughter clubs originated
with Mumbai physician, Dr. Madan Kataria. People from
all walks of life joined his club that started with
a handful of friends. Today there are over 400 clubs
all over India and they are spreading to other parts
of the world, taking advantage of laughter’s therapeutic
values. The clubs are open to all – gender and
age are no bar.
Still in its infancy, the local club
is informal, having seen four sessions at the Viharamahadevi
Park, opposite the Town Hall, on the left as you enter.
The sessions held each Friday at 6 p.m. have gathered
about 15-20 participants each time. While the group
attracted some attention from passers-by, the participants
enjoyed it enormously. “It enabled them to relax,
lose inhibitions and relate better to each other,”
Mr. Fonseka says.
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| Dr. Madan Kataria |
A typical session begins with the group
chanting in unison: “Ho-Ho-Ha-Ha-Ho-Ho-Ha-Ha…”
Next members run through a medley of different types
of laughs. The forced laughter soon gives way to a chorus
of spontaneous giggles, chuckles and guffaws. While
one session lasts for about 15-20 minutes, each bout
of laughter goes on for about 30-40 seconds, leaving
the participants feeling refreshed and revitalized.
It is normal for laughter spurts to be punctuated with
small talk and remarks to be passed around.
Interestingly, no jokes as such are
told, as jokes often turn out to be sexist or ‘unlaundered’.
Members believe that you do not need to have a stock
of jokes or have a reason to laugh. Laughter is simply
a smile that bursts through. “While it is true
that you laugh because you are happy, it is equally
true that you are happy because you laugh.”
Reiterating its benefits as cosmetic
and therapeutic, Mr. Fonseka says, “Laughter is
to the soul what soap is to the body,” adding
that it can brighten a face like no other beauty product
can.
Of the medical benefits of laughter
there is little doubt. A good bout of laughter is considered
an internal massage. Further, there exist reports of
laughter curing terminally ill patients. Laughter is
said to release endorphins into the blood stream that
improve the immune system.
“With a war going on, how can
you laugh – people might think? But we laugh for
medical reasons,” Mr. Fonseka says emphasising
the healing value of the exercise.
Other than improving health and wellbeing,
laughing with others is also a great way to build bridges
and promote peace in the community.
The Sri Lankan chapter now hopes that
clubs will start in other places. Around the world the
laughter club phenomenon has started to infect workplaces
as well with company managers reporting a significant
improvement in interpersonal relationships, reduced
incidence of workplace colds and headaches and increased
productivity. Mr. Fonseka himself has used laughter
techniques at his boardrooms to creative a pleasant
environment. “Most die-hard trade unionists become
pliant,” he reminisces.
That said, it is worth reflecting
on Eastern wisdom that teaches, “If you change
yourself, you will change the world around you.”
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