I discovered this approach during a day dedicated to employees at Statistics Canada and I really liked it from the start.
After this first experience, I came back for more and was more and more hooked on it after every week. It is really beneficial for me, especially because of its calming and relaxing effects. It allows one not to take oneself too seriously; to put one’s problems into perspective and realize that we often worry for nothing. We can laugh over our troubles.
It is also very good for learning to feel comfortable with one’s own body; to feel connected with it, which is something that we lack because of our way of life today.
It is also worthwhile to meet other people in a context different from that of our everyday life, since all the people who come here are here to laugh and relax.
I recommend it to everybody… it is a must to try it at least once to discover what it is all about.
Sophie's energy and passion for her work is very contagious. The ladies who attended her classes at the Ultimate Girls Getaway, at the Fairmont Tremblant, had a great time and fell in love with her and Laughter Yoga.
It was absolutely astounding! I did not expect that at all… It’s one of the best stress management techniques I have ever tried. On top of the beneficial effect on the physical level, you can really feel the psychological impact. Laughing this way, without holding back, makes us let go within a few minutes. It definitely changes one’s perspective of the world, of oneself, and of others! What a great way to establish a group dynamic… Thank you Sophie for sharing your passion with so much generosity… I am convinced that the students of the “Stress Management, Coping and Adaptation” course were left with quite an impression.
I take this opportunity, regarding your presence in my Alternative Intervention in Social Service class, to convey to you a few comments which were sparked by your presentation. I found this experience extraordinary, from several points of view. For me, as a teacher, a class like that is unforgettable. I believe in alternative approaches; but this one, thanks to laughter, exceeds all expectations and is filled with therapeutic potential.
On the pedagogical level, you are a very gifted communicator, full of talent. You know how to convey a message simply, concretely. Moreover, you rely on research which supports your notions and theories. Your exercises are both simple and effective.
On the personal level, I’ve learned a lot as well. Your message is very clear: simply let yourself laugh. After a few minutes, I managed to forget the barrier, which usually keeps students and teachers apart, and to laugh with them.
Thank you for this great contribution to my course, for the training of these students in Social Sciences, and for the pleasure of seeing you again.
As a writer, I am always searching for new ways to stay productive, and Laughter Yoga opens my creativity to new heights. In fact, I am now expressing my creativity through visual arts as well. Each week brings new inspirations. It’s a must for the artist in everyone.
Thank you of conducting the Laughter Yoga session for multicultural seniors group at Ottawa Community Immigrant Seniors Organization on August 9th, 2010.
It was amazing exercise. I wanted to let you know that every participant enjoyed the laughter exercises. After the session everyone had positive feelings, felt lighter and energetic, and they are looking forward to have another laughter Yoga session. Once again, thanks for your volunteer time.
Every third Tuesday of the month, Mood Disorders Ottawa invites a guest speaker to make a presentation to members and the general public. The topics are usually mental health-related with the purpose of educating and sometimes enlightening and enriching the lives of those in attendance. On the evening of September 16th 2008, MDO was lucky to receive all of the above and more from Sophie Terrasse with her interactive presentation on Laughter Yoga.
Below is a personal account from a member who attended Sophie's presentation:
This was not solely an intellectual exercise; we had to get on our feet and "laugh for no reason!" This was a particularly tough crowd, because the majority of us struggle with a mood disorder. For some of us, just getting out of the house was a major accomplishment! But the ice was broken five minutes into Sophie's introduction when she opened her bag of funny hats, masks and costume pieces. Once we were wearing these items, most of us had a license to be goofy, and goofy we were. And the effect? Magnificent!
Almost everyone in the room participated in a series of laughter exercises that reduced many of us to giggling fools, and it was bliss! We were like children again. One participant said "Most people don't expect to go to a depression support group and have a good time!" Another had only come to the presentation to check it out, but he left "light-hearted and glowing." Many commented that it felt like we'd had an aerobic workout--just from laughing. Our endorphins were flowing and negative thoughts chased away.
So, I concur with Reader's Digest, "laughter is the best medicine," and the only side effects are positive. Thanks Sophie, and please come again.
Kindest regards,
Laughing ... is fun!
Yes indeed! Despite all my skepticism, I decided to go out on a great laughter adventure… ha, ha, ha… that is, on Parliament Hill in Ottawa… with Sophie! Being someone who is rather rigid, rather serious, and sometimes taciturn, I felt really insecure, and I was afraid of making a fool of myself. Afraid of taking the risk of breaking these states of being by going to laugh.
To my astonishment, I felt carried into an indescribable energy. The barriers disappeared when I suddenly realized that I felt light, transported, freed from the daily routine, disconnected from my mind- my ego- I was having fun. This was a lovely moment of happiness, and on top of that, it’s free! The series of Laughter Yoga exercises, breathing, and dances, were all led and organized by Sophie. Watch out, it’s contagious!
Thank you Sophie!
Coach Sophie Terrasse engaged Barrhaven Toastmasters in a twenty minute Laughter Yoga Icebreaker. Club members experienced firsthand the benefits this workout offers to those willing to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. Various exercises provided opportunities for teambuilding. Speaking anxiety might be lowered in some as laughing at ourselves is the best medicine against taking ourselves too seriously. The laughter session was the highlight of our evening and fit well into the program Toastmasters offers to its members. Un gros Merci, Sophie!
Thank you Sophie for bringing such sparkle and freshness to this conference.
I have attended Sophie’s Laughter Yoga class on several occasions as part of the Ultimate Girls Getaway weekend. Aside from it being an exciting, uplifting, and motivating experience, it’s a wonderful ice breaker to get everyone in the mood to discover and have a wonderful time. I highly recommend making Sophie’s class a part of your event.
“As a writer, I am always searching for new ways to stay creatively productive. Laughter yoga opens my creativity to new heights and improves my overall outlook on life. It’s a must for the artist in everyone.”
Sophie,
I just wanted to thank you for sharing Laughter Yoga with the children in our child care centre. As you will remember, your first visit was a great success. We are very pleased to have had you return to our program, and we all look forward to our next class. I have noticed children, some as young as 2 ½, practicing their Laughter Yoga here at the centre. One in particular will stretch tall and then bend down to tap the floor as he laughs. When I asked him what he was doing, he laughed and replied, “Sophie”. The children also remember the version of “Happy Birthday” that you taught us. They request we sing “Sophie’s Happy Birthday” to the birthday child instead of the original version.
Thanks again for making laughter a large part of our program.
• A rallying workshop for the personnel!
• Relaxes the atmosphere and allows us to laugh at ourselves!
• Enthusiastic, lively, warm leader!
• Our team stayed on “High” throughout the day!
I laughed so much today - boy did I laugh! I left your workshop with wings on my back and a light in my eyes. Thank you very much Sophie. I hope to put to good use what I have learned today.
Thank you for your comprehensive presentation to our staff at the TriCounty Addiction Services, on 1 May 2009, about the work of Dr. Madan Kataria, laughter clubs, and essentials of Laughter Yoga in therapeutic work.
As you know, we have been trying to keep abreast of developments in treatments that combine mind-body elements; particularly as those seem to be especially meaningful for our addictions and mental health clients in their efforts to achieve both physical and psychological experiences that can help undo and replace their misuse use of alcohol, or other drugs, or their involvement in problem gambling. We have been enthused about such interventions as: auricular acupuncture and stress management treatments that involve deep breathing and other forms of relaxation. Intuitively, “laughter is the best medicine” has seemed a theme worth exploring, and your workshop helped us appreciate the potential value of laughter yoga to combine a number of elements in our practice.
It was convenient for us that you were able to meet with us on site in our offices and that your costs were reasonable and your coverage of the material very thorough. Particularly noteworthy about your presentation was that you “practiced what you preached” – immediately demonstrating the benefits (and joy and fun) of the techniques, while explaining the theory and procedures for their application in generous detail. We learned about practical skills for use in our practice, experienced personal benefits, and we had a good time.
That you were able to speak about World Laughter Day on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on the weekend after being with us was a happy coincidence: I hope that your comments there and on the CBC help spread the word of the power of laughter to help promote peace and global consciousness of friendship though laughter, and that they will bring the value of your own work to larger audiences.
International Laughter Day Celebration, Parliament Hill, Ottawa
On a beautiful, sunny Sunday we assembled on Parliament Hill for a rather unusual activity; a workshop called “Laughter Yoga,” led by Sophie Terrasse, who promised to make Ottawa the Laughter Capital.
Laughter yoga is a series of lively and joyful exercises where laughter is the motive and the expression of all sorts of exchanges between the participants. No need for a comedy show! We laugh for the wellbeing, which laughter gives us. It is easy and contagious. As beneficial as an active workout, but – oh! – how much more fun!
Not a single person present is skeptical, everyone laughs – even tourists who are visiting the Capital and do not speak the language jumped right into it without questioning! It’s great. It promotes communication, and it does one good in the mind and the body.
An experience worth repeating, for sure!
It was absolutely astounding! I did not expect that at all. It’s one of the best stress management techniques I have ever tried. On top of the beneficial effect on the physical level, you can really feel the psychological impact. Laughing this way, without holding back, makes us let go within a few minutes. It definitely changes one’s perspective of the world, of oneself, and of others! What a great way to establish a group dynamic. Thank you, Sophie, for sharing your passion with so much generosity. I am convinced that the students of the 'Stress Management, Coping and Adaptation' course were left with quite an impression.
"I have to admit, at first I was a bit skeptical. However, the experience of Laughter Yoga with Sophie was amazing! It made me feel amazing and was very fun!"
"I found laughter yoga to be a great pick-me-up. It woke me up and got my day started. I would definitely do it again."
I have done laughter yoga before. With Sophie it was a much more personal experience and I found that I felt more connected with my inner self. “
In theatre, it's so important that actors build energy and overcome nervousness before any performance. Laughter Yoga was a true success in this regard, but it also provided an excellent opportunity to overcome inhibitions and build a real sense of team spirit! Sophie is an excellent leader whose positivity is infectious, leaving our theatre group with broad smiles that we will pass on to the audience. I believe Laughter Yoga is a fantastic exercise for anyone who might find themselves getting ready to go on to any of life's many stages.
• That was the most fun I have had in a while!
• I feel lighter, younger, and happy! I am hooked!!
• I had a wonderful time; very enjoyable and such a sense of comfort and acceptance.
• Warmth, fun, deep joy, and connection.
Your warmth and child like heart spread quickly -thank you!
Sophie is a natural Laughter Leader whose enthusiasm and energy is contagious! Her radiant smile and laughter fill up the room and put everyone in the mood for laughter! She provides a great mix of background history, benefits, and themes to her sessions. Ho, ho, ha, ha, ha! You'll love your experience in Sophie's Laughter Yoga class!
Sophie was born to lead Laughter Yoga. She glows like a 1000 bulb when she teaches. You leave her workshop refreshed, relaxed, and buoyant. It’s TRUE JOY!
I felt really good doing the Laughter workshop and afterward. Sophie, you are an amazing leader and such a perfect fit for it. What a gift to you and to us who had the privilege to attend. I still laugh thinking about it.
I enjoyed your workshop! I was tired from all the workouts and not enough sleep and it brought energy back! You are the perfect personality to lead this workshop.
Sophie has a youthful energy full of life and fun. Her teaching style is playful and she helps to bring out the child within; her laughter is infectious. She is full of joy and helps us to ignite the joy within. Sophie is the perfect laugher therapist. One immediately feels at ease doing silly laughter inducing exercises in her class. She gives the student the perfect blend of science, breathing, and silly to take you from glum to fun.
I am a workaholic yogini, so relaxing can be an effort for me! I thought the Laughter Yoga would be fun and within reason. Well... it surpassed my expectations. I loved the laughter meditation particularly. It was so relaxing and liberating that several days afterwards, I am still laughing about it. Laughter Yoga is a must in everyone’s life!!! Thank you to Sophie for passing on this infectious tool.
Before the session started, I told my friend that I had no expectation of good or bad and just to keep an open mind and enjoy the new experience that I was about to take. I was a bit resistant at the beginning, but then I told myself that nobody here knows me with the exception of my friend, and slowly I began to let go and feel free again.
Sophie, your program is awesome, because you didn't give me time to think about what was going on You synchronized one play after another. But what really got me is the amount of energy that was drawn out of me, and I'm very sensitive about that factor due to my intensive triathlon training schedule. It felt that I was in one hour training on my bike after 20 minutes of laughing yoga. I've included more laughing in my daily routine and I'm not dramatizing things as much.
Sophie, many more thanks for this experience and I think you are gifted at what you do. We need more of you out there.
Sophie is a very dynamic person with an incredible smile. She succeeded in a few minutes in getting all the people in our Toastmasters group to realize the power of laughter. I was so delighted that I invited her again to do the same presentation at my other Toastmasters club.
Tired and laughing about it!
Thanks to Sophie Terrasse for the wonderful Laughter Yoga experience! Our Social Club is grateful for the impact it had on participants.
Right before attending her one-hour activity, I was a little skeptic and tired. The previous week had been without sun and many were affected by that. But with her energy and efficient communication skills, Sophie slowly took control of the room as she was explaining what Laughter Yoga is about: exercising your ability to let go.
We did a few streching exercises and group-building chants (nothing religious). Progressively, all were invited to abandon themselves, to let go of stress and worries as we followed Sophie and her funny and quick methods, allowing us to get in touch with our child-like spirit.
Step by step, we built on our physical ability to mimic laughing and eventually it paid off: laughs were becoming real! This type of activity is not only a great stress-reliever but a new way to get in touch with a different part of ourselves, as our colleagues and friends do the same.
Even though we were all acting a bit silly (to wake up the laughs) no one was judged or judgmental… We were all in similar positions; either tired, stressed-out, or simply curious. But one thing was for sure: we were all humans connecting to our inner positive side and connecting with others.
The session ended with a simple and relaxing yoga meditation that brought us back after all the laughing.
Was I skeptic after it was over? No.
It's true: laughing is good for the body, and afterwards you just feel like you're on a cloud.
It would be wonderful if more people could experience a session like this. We are considering inviting Sophie over for a much larger audience.
Thanks again Sophie!
A group of about 30 employees met on a Friday at noon, to learn what laughter yoga was all about. Sophie did not allow us to stay very long at our seats. She established, quickly, a good rapport with her audience, which visibly appreciated her warm personality, her presentation and the laughter exercises themselves. Some may have started to do the exercises with a bit of apprehension (what are we doing!) but they overcame their inhibitions, to finally participate fully in the program. This turned into a good hour of relaxation, in the middle of a busy workday.
I joined Sophie's laughter class at a weekend getaway and was delighted with the amount of fun that I had, the workout that I got, AND the fact that I was so exhausted after it all. I think that her classes should be an integral part of life learning. To bring not just a smile into our lives, but an explosion of happiness, exhilaration, and calmness all at the same time. Thanks so much Sophie for showing me what has been slipping.
I wanted to let you know how much of a success your presentation was with those who attended the event. After each session, attendees are sent an online survey. Each returned survey had perfect scores for you as a presenter and for your subject material. Here is a small sample of some of the comments left for you by the participants:
“Laughter Yoga is needed in the workplace. This session should be offered on a regular basis.”
“Loved the whole presentation...lots of fun!!!”
“It was very relaxing and hilarious.”
“The outgoing, good humour of the presenter made us feel comfortable in joining in all the exercises.”
“Great ways to empower and improve mood for yourself and others at work.”
“It is an excellent stress reliever.”
“An interesting and extremely helpful subject.”
“It is very interesting session...first time in my life to experience it. It is very fun to do it in a group. Great team building event!
”Once again, everyone who attended gave you perfect ‘5 out of 5’ scores. You were a big success. Thanks again for coming in.
Just a note to thank you for the short Laughter Yoga session you led at the meeting for all the personnel of my division.
The session has well attained its objectives of relaxing the overly serious spirit of the meeting and of introducing this technique, which is original to say the least, to all the employees.
Thanks to your enthusiasm, you succeeded in getting almost all of the personnel to participate, which is impressive since it required that they get out of their usual “comfort zone”.
Many employees have told me that they have well appreciated this session.
Thank you very much.
We really appreciated the session that you gave during our retreat in la Diversité. The comments that I've heard were all very positive. It’s a very good exercise for improving team spirit. What a lovely way to finish our day of contemplation. Personally, afterwards, I found that this exercise had really helped me relax. I felt super well. I’ve forwarded your e-mail to my manager, who won't hesitate to recommend you to his peers. I kept your information and I will definitely recommend you to my colleagues who need teambuilding sessions.
"Laughter yoga was an incredible experience that truly brought out happiness in a stress-free environment. It's a great mind opener and a great exercise at the same time."
I couldn’t imagine that it was possible for me to laugh for no reason at all, or that such an activity would be so beneficial; however, Sophie has that wonderful personality and the skills to teach us the usefulness of laughter yoga. She also got us to practice laughing with fun and enjoyment. She is a very effective teacher and a lovely person. It was a great experience to be in her class.
• This was one of the best workshops I've ever experienced. The ICF would benefit greatly from having Sophie present/facilitate in front of the entire ICF next year. At least put her in a super session for 45 minutes. Thirty minutes might be ideal. • Tremendously valuable. Bring her back year after year! • What a great and highly unusual session! Thank you very much for sharing your gift. And you are a great ambassador for Canada! • This was the best of any workshops I attended! Very helpful. • I had a blast! Thanks so much for this fun, useful workshop. Thoroughly enjoyed it! And I appreciate your authenticity. All the best! • Thank you for bringing this type of session to the conference. We need more of this type of work. • What a great idea to invite Sophie -. It was a session outside my comfort zone and I feel great. It was a good lesson in staying open and stretching and the incredible value that comes from that. • Awesome experience! So very, very valid to coaching and everyday life! Thank you so much for this! • Wonderful! It gave me a new awareness. “Talking is nothing, laughing is everything”. I realized that one important thing about myself. • Thanks for following your bliss and helping us to do the same. I feel blessed. Thanks for the gift of your presence • Energetic, fun speaker. • Great session, thank you. Takes the seriousness out of the learning experience. • You are wonderful and authentic! Congratulations! I love it. • Music was great – really energized the room. Laughing is really funny. • Fantastic! Thank you. • Delightful and very joyful and relaxing. • Excellent! • Excellent program! Great energizer after lunch! M • Marvelous! The gong was a pure treat. • Sophie was truly awesome! • Wow! Very unique and fun. Thank you for the respite. • Great personality! Laughing together is easily possible when being supported by a group. • Very helpful! • Perfect! • Wonderful experience! • Sophie is fabulous! • I really liked it. It was hard to laugh at first; it seemed forced. Once we opened up the space it was great. • Loved your energy. What joy! • Gifts from Sophie: joy, ability to laugh at myself unashamed, ability to laugh with others, solid feeling of health: relief of stress and opening of a new avenue for working with clients. • This was a fantastic session. Fun, uplifting, letting go, connecting, present, freeing! • Excellent session. Thank you. • Fabulous. Loved her and the material. • Wow! • Excellent! • Wonderful!
Great fun to keep me clear – great time for this conference, last session, second day.
Wow! Thank you for your valuable contribution to the 3i Summit. The imaginations, interactions, and inspirations from our energetic two days will stay with each of us for a long time. Hearts and minds were ignited. May great acts of leadership come forth for our community!
Sophie Terrasse is an exceptional artist and peace maker. She is an expert in conveying Laughter Yoga to a variety of audiences, as she integrates the themes of peace, planetary care and social justice in with the performances that involve the entire audience. She also holds weekly classes in the city as well as giving sessions and workshops for communities that invite her to do so.
The CTV OTTAWA Management team recently scheduled a Laughter Yoga session as a different and offbeat teambuilding exercise. Everyone who participated thoroughly enjoyed the benefits of laughing together and checking our corporate hats at the door. As a teambuilding exercise… mission accomplished.
Back in Toronto for a week, after a week-end of certification training with you to become a Laughter Yoga leader, I am still high. Sophie, I feel as revived as if I had spent a week in a resort. Not only did we have fun for 3 days, but you provided the perfect environment for learning in the most balanced workshop between the theory, the practice, and... the laughter of course. The environment of the CARMEN Centre was ideal.
I am in awe at your ability to find the strength in each of us and to convey to us a way to boost it. I also noticed that you caught every single one of our mistakes - hoho hahaha. The way you shared your observations with compassion, caring, and guidance was conducive to our growth and brought us to a place of peace and self confidence.
I did integrate a 15 minute Laughter Yoga session in a workshop I was leading today on creativity. Even if I seriously lack experience, I felt indeed confident about my knowledge and understanding of Laughter Yoga and I enjoyed immensely the energy you have inspired me to create. I have so much gratitude for your generosity and for your total professionalism in all aspects of your training. You are the model I aspire to become.
