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BAHRAIN’s laughter ambassador Keyem Thomas will be one of seven international speakers at the second edition of the Turkish Laughter Yoga Conference happening this month in Antalya, ahead of World Laughter Day on May 5, writes Melissa Nazareth.
The conference, themed ‘Unleash the Joy Within’, aims to bring together laughter professionals and enthusiasts from around the world to share their knowledge and experience the transformative power of giggles.
Laughter yoga or ‘hasyayoga’ is a global laughter exercise programme, which includes three elements: laughter and playfulness, yogic breathwork and mindful meditation. The practice is based on the belief that voluntary laughter provides similar physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter.
Keyem will speak on ‘World Peace through Laughter’, highlighting the power of the practice to connect people and strengthen relationships, transcending barriers such as nationality and religion.
“Laughter is the shortest distance between two individuals,” the 62-year-old told GulfWeekly. “In my talk, I will emphasise its importance and role in breaking down barriers. I will also touch upon how it creates a sense of community. When people laugh together, they form deep bonds, creating an environment of positivity and openness that helps individuals connect on a deeper level.
“I want to inspire individuals to incorporate laughter into their lives and interactions with others, and seek opportunities for shared laughter, whether it be through entertainment or laughter yoga sessions.”
The conference is organised by master trainer, laughter ambassador and corporate wellness coach Eser Mutlu, assisted by British laughter professional Joe Hoare, along with a team of local laughter enthusiasts. Laughter Yoga International co-founder Dr Madan Kataria, who brought the practice to the mainstream in the nineties, will also be present. Some of the topics that will be touched upon include the benefits of laughing against grief and trauma, cancer and mental health, among others. The last edition was hosted in Istanbul in 2018 and witnessed more than 160 attendees.
Master trainers are qualified to train and certify others as laughter yoga teachers and leaders. Last year, Keyem attained his certification as master trainer – currently there are less than 100 around the world.
The conference, which happens from April 26 to 28, comes at the heels of Keyem announcing his latest book 50 Laughter Yogis, which is set to hit the shelves next month.
