I have been going to Hamilton Grooves with Laughter Yoga Club with Kathryn Kimmins since December 2015.
In October 2012 I moved with my boyfriend whom I’ve known for 46 years, from our hometown in Winnipeg, Ontario to Hamilton, Ontario where we bought a condo together.
It was then that I started to feel isolated and stressed. With no friends and family around and hardly any new friends in the condo I became depressed.
One day I took DARTS to Pier 8 and was walking towards a group of people who were laughing on stage. A woman, (Kathryn) asked if I would like to join them. Not knowing what Laughter Yoga was, (they just looked like they were having fun,) I joined in. They welcomed me into the circle with laughter introductions and smiles.
Since joining I have laughed in the sunshine, rain, sleet and snow. I have met a wonderful group of caring individuals who are supportive, listen to me go on and on and offer me their loving kindness.
Laughter Yoga has helped me with my sleep apnea so much I haven’t needed to use my machine for six months It has allowed me to be emotionally stronger & physically active like I use to be. I am more open and feisty. I no longer feel sorry for myself or angry at myself. My attitude has changed to being more positive.
Having grown up in Winnipeg, I developed Raynaud’s (ray-NOHZ) disease. You may feel numb and cold, especially in the extremities, such as the fingers and toes in colder climates and during stressful times.
Women are more likely than men to have Raynaud’s disease. It isn’t disabling but can affect your quality of life. Other factors involved when you have Raynaud’s are the smaller arteries that supply blood to your skin, narrow, limiting blood circulation to affected areas (vasospasm).
Raynaud’s phenomenon is characterized by a pale to blue to red sequence of color changes of the digits, most commonly after exposure to cold.
Dressing for the cold in layers and wearing gloves or heavy socks usually are effective in dealing with mild symptoms of Raynaud’s.
Prescription drugs is another option, for Jean, clapping and laughing works.
Whichever treatment you choose it will help widen (dilate) blood vessels and promote circulation.
I have had Raynaud’s Disease for many, many years and my hands are always cold. It’s the sixty minutes of clapping in prayer position that has made the difference. I’m able to stay outside in the colder weather longer than I use to. Clapping is one of the many wonderful components of Laughter Yoga
Laughter Yoga has helped open my eyes to my partner’s Narcissistic behaviour. I don’t make excuses for him anymore, and his isolating behaviour doesn’t bother me any longer. I am now strong enough to end the relationship.
As a result of Laughter Yoga, I feel a lot happier. I seldom miss my Sunday laughter fix. I now have something to look forward to. Every time I join Kathryn and my laughter support group I learn more about how laughter is changing my life.
~Jean Scriven (82 years young in Sept 2017)