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"When you laugh, you change - and when you change, the world changes around you."
- Dr. Madan Kataria
Well, hello there!
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Welcome to Calgary Laughter Yoga — a community built on connection, joy, and the simple (and powerful) act of laughing together.
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We are a diverse and inclusive group of humans from all walks of life who come together to share laughter, support one another, and nurture our wellbeing. Whether you’re brand new, a little curious, or already love to laugh, you belong here.
This isn’t just a class — it’s our community. A place where you can show up exactly as you are, be a little playful, maybe a little silly, and leave feeling lighter, brighter, and more connected.
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Our club has been running since 2013 in various spaces across Calgary. It all began when three of us met at a laughter conference in Vancouver. We each brought something different; unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences, and shared the same vision: to create more joy, health, and connection in the world. Together, we built something stronger than any one of us could have created alone… and that spirit continues to grow with every person who joins us.
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At the heart of what we do is practicing Laughter Yoga's mission: World Peace Through Laughter.
It may sound big (and it is), but we believe it starts small — with a smile, a shared moment, a room full of people choosing joy.
So come as you are. No experience needed. No “right way” to do it.
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Just a willingness to breathe, move, laugh… and be part of something special. We’re so glad you’re here. 💛
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Our Vision
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All Calgarians and our extended neighbours feel joyful, are free from pain and are connected to their communities.
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Our Mission
We are a supportive, inclusive and empowering community enhancing lives through intentional laughter.
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Our Values
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Connection, Belonging and Inclusivity​
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Compassion and Wellbeing
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Authenticity and Empowerment
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Our Club
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We have a free Laughter Club open to all ages and abilities and we meet on Sundays at 5pm Mountain Time, currently on Zoom. That's right - you can join us, for free, from the comfort of your own home!
When we meet in-person in Calgary, we rent out space that is accessible, inclusive and suitable for all ages and abilities. We sometimes have outdoor meet-ups as well. Please check Eventbrite for upcoming events.
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What to Expect
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If you’re wondering what actually happens at Laughter Yoga… you’re not alone. Most people arrive feeling a mix of curiosity and “what did I sign up for?” — and that’s completely normal.
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Here’s what you can expect:
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A gentle, welcoming start
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We begin with simple introductions and light warm-ups to help everyone settle in. No pressure, just an easy way to arrive and get comfortable.
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Breathing and movement
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We weave in gentle stretches and deep breathing to support both body and mind. Think of it as a mix of laughter, light movement, and mindful pauses.
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Guided laughter exercises
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Through playful, guided activities, we practice intentional laughter — no jokes or comedy required. It might feel a little unusual at first, but laughter quickly becomes natural, contagious, and surprisingly freeing.
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Connection
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There are opportunities to connect with others, always at your own pace. You’re welcome to participate fully, ease in slowly, or simply observe when needed.
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A safe, brave and inclusive space
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There is no “right way” to do Laughter Yoga. You can laugh loudly, quietly, or not at all some days. All emotions are welcome here and we meet you where you are.
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How you might feel afterward:
Most people leave feeling lighter, more relaxed, and uplifted. Sometimes energized, sometimes calm, and almost always more connected.
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What to bring:
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Comfortable clothing
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Water
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An open mind and curiosity
What you don’t need:
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A sense of humour
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Prior experience
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To be in a good mood before you arrive
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Calgary Laughter Club Online
Every Sunday 5:00-5:30 PM Mountain Time
Join us on Zoom Here
​An awesome group of volunteer facilitators take turns to offer these sessions for free to our community.
Come to drop in, say hello and share a laugh with us and others from around the world.
You may soon find yourself coming back as a regular!
Calgary Laughter Club In-Person Meet-Ups & Potlucks
Please check Eventbrite for dates
We have sporadic in-person meet-ups around Calgary and, like our online club, an awesome group of volunteer facilitators take turns to offer these sessions for our community.
There is nothing better than a good laugh, other than a good laugh along with good food and great friends!
Bring a shareable dish and a suggested donation of $10 per person to pitch in for the venue rental.
​If you run a Laughter Club in or around Calgary and it is not listed here, please let us know!
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FAQs
What is the basic principle behind Laughter Yoga?
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​This type of yoga is all about the breath! As laughter is a joyful expression of the breath where we extend our exhales, this brings more oxygen to the body and the brain which makes you feel more energetic and healthy. Laughter yoga is based on the concept that voluntary laughter provides similar physiological and psychological benefits as spontaneous laughter. We initiate intentional laughter as an exercise in a group using no humour, jokes or comedy, and, with eye contact and playfulness, it often turns into spontaneous and contagious laughter.
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Where did Laughter Yoga begin?
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​It was started by a medical doctor, Dr. Madan Kataria, and his wife, a Yoga Teacher, Madhuri Kataria from India. The first Laughter Club they ran had only five people in a Mumbai Park in 1995. There are now thousands of free social Laughter Clubs all over the world.
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What if I don't feel like laughing? Isn't "fake laughing" awkward?
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Since most adults in the Western world have been conditioned to be serious, to be quiet, to stop laughing and listen (do you hear your parents or childhood teachers in those words?), it can stretch your comfort zone to begin. You can start by simply smiling and making eye contact with the group, if you wish. You can also make laughter sounds with your breath on your exhales. Your laughter is simply breathing with joyful sounds and there is no such thing as fake breathing. And, by choosing to make laughter sounds with your breath, you'll receive similar benefits that if you were laughing at something funny. With the contagiousness of laughter, you may end up laughing spontaneously as well!
P.S., If you don't feel like laughing, that may be the best time to join a laughter session!
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If you are a business, why do you offer free weekly sessions?
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At Calgary Laughter Yoga, one of our main values is inclusivity. And very importantly, the Kataria's vision for Laughter Yoga is world peace through laughter and to have laughter be available and accessible to all people. Our facilitators take turns volunteering to lead weekly sessions to ensure laughter is available at no cost to you, and it means we get the chance to laugh together each week. Win-win! The universal language of laughter breaks down barriers and reduces tension. By choosing to laugh intentionally, we bring peace within ourselves which will ripple out to our families, communities and the world.
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I'd like to hire you for a private session. How much do you charge?
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We have a variety of facilitators with diverse levels of experience and can operate on a sliding scale which usually fits into your budget. As a ballpark, we typically charge $395 for a 30-minute corporate session and offer a discount of 50% to nonprofit organizations. If you are organizing a fundraiser, have a special cause you are supporting, or would like ongoing sessions, we would be happy to discuss the details with you and come up with something that fits your needs. We are a passionate group and are known to volunteer for great causes & events. And, we've got families and communities that we support so if you have a corporate group and everyone is paid to be there, we appreciate a fair and sustainable wage as well.​
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I have medical conditions. Is it okay to participate in Laughter Yoga?
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Laughter Yoga is generally considered a gentle and adaptable form of exercise that combines laughter, breathing, and light movement. That said, everyone’s body and health needs are different. If you have any medical conditions, recent surgeries, chronic pain, or concerns about physical activity, we recommend consulting with your doctor or healthcare provider before joining.
When you do attend, you’re always encouraged to go at your own pace. You can modify exercises, take breaks, or simply observe at any time. Your comfort and wellbeing always come first.
