BAHRAIN-BASED laughter yoga master Keyem Thomez’s third book Giggles to Guffaws is set to hit the shelves on Monday, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of laughter yoga on March 13.
Laughter yoga or ‘hasya yoga’ is a laughter exercise movement founded by Dr Madan Kataria in 1995, and includes three elements: laughter and playfulness, yogic breath work and mindful meditation.
The 94-page book aims to serve as a guide for its readers who are interested in and curious about the practice, providing them with the knowledge and tools that help them apply laughter to their lives.
“Giggles to Guffaws serves as a testament to my personal exploration of laughter’s profound influence,” Mr Thomez told the GDN.
“Through practical exercises, anecdotes, and guidance, this book aims to inspire and uplift, showcasing the transformative power of laughter and the boundless possibilities it brings for connection and happiness and exploration of laughter and its life-altering potential.
“Within its pages, I delve into the impact of a simple smile blossoming into contagious laughter, exploring its transformative effects on individuals and their journey towards a more joyful existence,” the 63-year-old from India added.
The author’s previous books also revolved around the practice in different ways. His debut book ‘Laugh at Yourself and Find Joy in Life’, released in 2023, discusses the joy of embracing the quirks and uncertainties of everyday life, and finding humour in imperfections. The collection of stories entitled 55 Laughter Yogis, released last year, delves into the lives of laughter yoga trainers from around 40 countries, interviewed by the author, showcasing the diversity of their stories and their path to wellbeing through laughter.
“I aim for readers to embrace laughter as a transformative force in their lives, finding joy and wellness. I hope they discover the impact of intentional laughter and integrate it into their daily routines as a source of light, positivity, and resilience. Ultimately, I aspire for readers to experience a renewed sense of joy, well-being, and interconnectedness as they navigate life’s ups and downs with a lighter heart and a brighter outlook,” he added.
Mr Thomez is a master trainer, laughter ambassador and corporate wellness coach who started his laughter yoga journey in 2003, and has learned the practice under founder Dr Kataria. He claims he is the first certified laughter yoga teacher in Bahrain, as well as the Middle East’s first ambassador of the practice.
The distinguished Toastmaster and photography enthusiast is set to speak at international laughter yoga conferences in Turkey and Malaysia later this year. He is also working on two new books about corporate wellness and leadership and speaking skills.
Keyem’s books are available on Amazon.
rima@gdnmedia.bh
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