POSTPONED Jean Marcley has combined the physical benefits of Laughter Yoga with the emotional benefits of affirmations – thus, Laugh-firmation. Laughter Yoga is a unique concept where anyone can laugh for exercise or social connection, without the use of humor, jokes, or comedy. In Laughter Yoga we initiate laughter as exercise along with child-like playfulness. We call it Yoga because we combine it with Yogic breathing (Pranayama) which helps to oxygenate the blood. Affirmations are used to focus on positive thoughts and beliefs. Recent studies have confirmed that affirmations have improved the lives of people of all ages and backgrounds. The simple act of focusing on the sources of meaning and purpose in our lives is incredibly effective at lowering defenses and changing behavior. According to a study published in the journal “Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience,” functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used to find that self-affirmation activates well-known reward centers in the brain. In a Laugh-firmation [...]