Cameron Diaz and our friend, Quechua paqo (shaman), Puma Quispe Singona.
Photo by Jade Thome
Puma Has Famous Friends!
Well, our friend Puma is certainly keeping glamorous company these days!
You may remember we hosted Puma Quispe Singona in 2002 when he shared his ancestral teachings with our community in Maine. Those of you who attended the workshop know his delightful spirit and loving heart. For the rest of you, we at Spirit Living present another chance to get a sample of Puma's presence in this series of videos of a visit to Peru by Cameron Diaz.
Here are Allie, Evie and Puma in 2002. Photo by Carl Hyatt
They were done as a program shown in the UK. Once you've viewed the introduction, click on the other segments listed on the right side! While there is some of the usual, "celebrity in a foreign land" silliness, there are also some really wonderful messages from Puma!
You'll also get a chance to see Puma's son and dear grandfather (Don Maximo, alias, "Papa Ki") who taught him the ancient ways of honoring Pachamama.
Enjoy!
http://www.4real.com/tv/details.asp?pageid=14
Here's Puma in Peru--wearing a hat he got in Kittery, Maine! Photo by Jade Thome
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Nothing further really needs to be said about this!
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Here is something both funny and amazing--a form of yogic healing that is about laughing! The writer is a certified Laugher Yoga Teacher. - Editors
Laughter Yoga!
Laughter Yoga? “That’s what would have happened if I ever did yoga in a class!!” a friend quipped recently. While many people imagine bodies twisted in strange positions and participants laughing at each other, laughter yoga is a combination of laughter exercises and deep breathing exercises from yoga. Participants either sit or stand, there are no mats, no special clothes nor props needed. (Although a clown nose, bubbles and other toys may pop up from time to time.)
How did it start?
Developed by a medical doctor, Dr. Kataria, in India in 1995, Laughter Yoga is sweeping the world. As of June 1st, 2008, there are currently 6000 laughter clubs in 60 countries. Participants do not need to be funny, or even feel in a good mood to participate. The Laughter Yoga technique is a blend of yogic deep breathing, stretching, simulated laughter exercises and cultivated child-like playfulness. Individuals of all ages and abilities can participate.
Why Laugh?
Anyone can laugh - for no reason at all. The brain does not know the difference between real and fake laugher. When people laugh, even faking it, their bodies reap the physiological and biochemical benefits. Laughter has been shown to decrease stress, blood pressure and depression, it strengthens the immune system, heart, lungs, and build self-confidence. And it just plain feels really good! When I participate in a Laughter Yoga session I’ve noticed that for the next four days I find myself finding humor in situations which would have previously raised my blood pressure and left me thinking - is this an opportunity to forgive, or target practice? Instead, I find myself laughing.
What does a typical Laughter Club/Yoga session look like?
The members usually sit in a circle. The Laughter Leader does an overview of the background, the session, benefits and medical cautions. (Hearty laughter is exercise.) The group then warms up the vocal chords and neck with a few simple stretches and sounds such as “Ho ho ha ha ha.” This "fake" laughter actually has the same positive effects on the body as genuine laughter and usually leads to real laughs.
Once the group is warmed up, members do more laughing exercises. After three or four laughter exercises the group participates in deep breathing to help relax the abdominal muscles, before continuing on with more laughter exercises. After a bit the laughter becomes contagious. This is the deep, in your body, ‘ohhh my belly hurts’ laughter. I’ve found that the laughter exercises are boundless. Throughout the week I look at situations as potential laughter exercises.
For more information on Laughter Yoga check out www.laughteryoga.org. There are some great videos of laugh clubs meeting in India, even outside in the rain.
Have a day filled with Laughter!
Laurie Sivonen, LMSW-cc
Here is a video of comedian John Cleese at a Laughter Yoga session in India. It includes him talking to the founder of Laughter Yoga, Dr. Kataria.
Laurie is starting a laughter yoga group this month in Saco, Maine. If you're interesting in attending, contact her at: LSivonen@yahoo.com.
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A friend sent these amazing and amusing photos of people and the sun. As summer wanes, we at Spirit Living wish we could capture and hold the Sun so it could stay around a little longer! - Editors
Photo credit: widelec.org
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Do you remember this lovely woman's picture with the African Pixie frog in our April 2008 issue? Well, here is Stevie Barnett again with a new friend! This time, she's lounging about with a reticulated python! This photo and a story about Stevie's work with NERD (New England Reptile Distributors) is scheduled to be published in Reptiles Magazine. (Happily, she's quite good natured about all the "reptile centerfold" teasing she's receiving!) - Editors
Got handy tips, observations, stories and photos that you'd like to share? Send them to us at: editors@spiritliving.org.
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