"We don't laugh because we're happy; we're happy because we laugh." ~psychologist William James

Laughter Yoga: Overview

Laughter yoga, or 'hasya' yoga as it has been termed recently, combines mind, body, and spirit in a holistic exercise that is spreading throughout the world. As a Certified Laughter Leader, Susan Barker offers Laughter Yoga Clubs, presentations, and demonstrations on a once only basis, or on an ongoing weekly, monthly, or occasional basis. These can be from 15 -60 minutes long, depending on the needs of the group. A systematic step-by-step program can be delivered to groups of 20 - 6000. (Actually, there is no upper limit!)

A Laughter Club is an ideal way to open a business meeting, conference, company picnic, employee wellness event; they are held in workplaces, retirement homes, fitness clubs, churches, YM/YWCAs, Yoga Centres, Community Centres, shopping malls... anywhere people gather. It has already been received enthusiastically by schools, banks, nuns, military, early childhood professionals, community events, health fairs, social workers, activity therapists, health educators, and long term care facilities for those with cognitive impairments and mobility challenges.

"It is my sincerest hope that I can convince you both intellectually and experientially that laughter, joy, fun, and play are not simply adjunts to life and healthy living, but in fact the very essence of life, wellness, and health."

Available for public speaking.

Therapeutic Laughter Clients

• MBNA Canada

• L'Arche Ontario

• Metta Massage and Yoga Clinic

• Canadian Coast Guard

• Office of the Secretary to the Governor General

• Ottawa Hospital

• City of Ottawa EFA

• Fisheries and Oceans Canada

• Canada School of Public Service

• Churchill Senior Recreation Centre

• Dundas County Hospice

• Learning Disabilities Association of Ottawa-Carleton

• Communications Security Establishment

• 3M-AIT

• Canadian Association for Pastoral Practice and Education 2004 Conference

• Algonquin College School of Nursing

• Ottawa Area EAP Counsellors

• TOPS: Take Off Pounds Sensibly

• Canadian Association for Drugs and Technology in Health

• Ontario Family Practice Nurses- Ottawa Chapter PD Day

World Laughter Day

World Laughter Day was celebrated in Ottawa, Ontario at Central Park in the Glebe, Bank Street at Powell Avenue, Sunday May 1st at 2:00 pm. Laughter Day Ottawa-Carleton is celebrated on the longest day of the year for laughter: June 21st! Check out Laughter Day.