Laughter Yoga Class with Brandi Holmes

What is Laughter Yoga?

Laughter Yoga is a unique concept that combines laughter exercises with deep breathing. This stress-reducing and joy-cultivating practice brings more oxygen to the body and brain, making one feel more energetic and healthy. It is a powerful tool that enhances mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In this session, you will learn tools you can use anywhere at any time to help you diffuse stress and create a sense of peace and calm. The beauty of Laughter Yoga is that it doesn’t require any unique or specific physical abilities. All you need is your breath, clothing that allows you to feel comfortable and at ease, and a bit of child-like playfulness. Some might choose to practice in a chair, on a cushion, on a yoga mat or even lying down so feel free to bring whatever would best support you and your body. Singing, laughing, dancing, and playing are the four elements of joy that we will access during the class so please come prepared to have a great time! #anotionofwellness

Our Laughter Yoga Leader - Brandi Holmes

Brandi is a Laughter Yoga International Certified Laughter Yoga Leader. She trained with the creator of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Madan Kataria, and she completed her certification in 2022. When she isn’t laughing she can be found studying to complete her Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Certification, working with teenagers, and passionately advocating for racial justice, equity, and liberation.

A Sacred Moment of Surrender and Divine Applause...

I mostly yoga with my eyes closed, moving to the guidance of my instructor’s voice. In Child’s Pose or as I stand before God in Mountain, I pray.  It is not my usual time of prayer. I am not asking or interceding, not leading or agreeing. In yoga, I worship and I listen.  Even while bent over in Rabbit or sitting in Chair, it seems that an angelic ladder has extended from the heavens to my room and I am present--still-- listening.  

Yoga has become one place where I don’t question God’s voice. It is where my creativity catches fire and questions not yet asked are answered. As the normal chatter of my mind gives way to silence, space is made to be fully present. There are no distractions, not even the distraction of my own thoughts questioning, double-checking, critiquing. There is no fear. In yoga, I do not talk myself out of my thoughts before they can even have life. Rather, I just am. I just exist before God, moving and breathing. And in those moments God’s spirit falls fresh on me. 

Just the other morning I was lying on my back with my hands in Surrender. The sun had risen and the light flowing through the skylight above beckoned me to open my eyes. Above me were the branches of the great pine that stands guard at the outside corner of our home blanketed by a blue yet somewhat cloudy sky. And as if my eyes were suddenly zooming camera lenses, I saw the leaves of the great pine clapping their hands. Really. The branches were not swaying in the wind, not blowing here and there.  Rather, there was just enough pneuma for the tiny leaves to flutter against one another. They were clapping their hands and they clapped for me.

The Sunday before I‘d preached a sermon titled “Uncompromising Joy.” On the morning the leaves began clapping, the words of the prophet Isaiah returned to me as the leaves confirmed God’s promise.

”You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands.” (Isaiah 55:12)

As a new smile moved across my face, I wished that my eyes had been actual cameras. But I don’t think I will ever lose that image.  The trees had clapped their hands as I lay in surrender to God.  The Earth would collaborate. The heavens were opened and they were opened for me. I breathed in that space once more before moving. 

Dear God,

Give each of us a spiritual practice that grounds us in your presence. Let us experience your word made flesh. The whole Earth is cooperating and collaborating with you -- for us. And we are grateful.

Until faith becomes sight,
Rev. Vanessa Monroe

This post has been edited with the author’s permission. The blog originally appeared in an “Open Book” blog by Rev. Vanessa Monroe on 7/25/20.

Rev. Monroe has shared her yoga practice with Your Nourished Soul for over three years.