Laughter Yoga with Kadek Suambara at Ambar Ashram

Well Kept Secret
Laughter Yoga is the one thing the medical establishment doesn't want you to know. Why? Because laughing is free and it will cure you of thyroid, psychosomatic illnesses, breathing problems, asthma, allergies...and the list goes on. Laughter guru, Kadek Saumbara conducts laughter yoga twice a week in his ashram...and I'm laughing out loud as I write this.

Laughter Yoga
I've participated at Laughter Yoga once in 2009. It's high time for another laugh. But seriously speaking, laughter can be the world's best medicine for many diseases that plague humankind. Incorporate laughter with the therapeutic properties of yoga and you have the perfectly organic recipe for wellness...at no cost. In a 1979 book, Norman Cousins claimed to have cured himself of prolonged pain from a debilitating illness by watching comedy movies.

Laughter Yoga was developed by an Indian doctor, Madan Katarina and made popular in his 2002 book, Laugh For No Reason. It spread across the globe and now practised in over 100 countries. Here in Bali, there are now 5 laughter groups.

Kadek Suambara
Accompanied by a yoga friend, Natalia, we looked for this Laughter Yoga ashram in Nyu Kuning. We found it and had a pleasant talk with founder, Kadek Suambara. He was a mild manner man, collected with a deep sense of mission. He claims that laughter is what's visible. But through laughter yoga, something deep inside is rekindled that increases self-awareness. According to him, when a person is miserable or stressed, his immune system goes down, making him susceptible to disease. By laughing, you become happy, even in the superficial sense of the word, but the immune system gets a boost, the body gets stronger and heals itself. In the process, you actually become happy. Being happy, you enjoy life more.

He has a very simple prescription to life. When you are hungry, eat. When you are sad, laugh and you'll be happy. When you are angry because of the past or fearful over the future, then stay in the present. In short, take good care of the body while generating happiness in the here and now.

Suambara subscribes to the Balinese custom of Yadnya - that knowledge has to be shared. He accepts donation but does not charge payment for his laughter yoga.

Opening Chant
The session began with a soothing melodic chanting - probably the most moving melody I've heard in a very long time. I'm not sure if it was Sanskrit or Balinese, but I heard "pracodayat" - a term I've been familiar with after looping Gayatri Mantra back in the day.

Laughter Session
Kadek Suambara deliberated on the session, speaking Balinese with a few sprinkling of English lines (obviously for the benefit of Natalia and myself). It didn't matter. When the rest started laughing, we also laughed our hearts out. There was the interactive hand-shaking laughter followed by asanas. There was also what appeared to be a preaching that generated sporadic laughter from the audience.

Ending Thoughts
This movement is strictly local. It was not designed for tourists. It was only Natalia and myself who were outsiders in a sea of about 50 people. Again, I reiterate that the Balinese are the only culture I know of who deliberately pursue happiness. I guess it's part of their devotion, culture and tradition. Ubud (I cannot speak for the entire Bali), is steeped in healers, shamans and yogis, evolving their yoga with a keen sense of Balinese flavor. I am amazed at their culture.

ps - If you want me to participate and write about your yoga studio or your yoga practice, email me. For my complete yoga profile, you can visit this page: YOGA by Gigit

Bali, Indonesia

tourist attractions

Pasar Seni Ubud (market) - main market in Ubud with everything touristy you can ask for
Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) - 9th century Buddhist temple
Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary - there really is a monkey forest right in the heart of Ubud!
Jalan Kajeng - animated street similar to Hollywood's Walk of Fame
Nyuh Kuning - wood carving village with a burgeoning chic cafe and resto scene along Jalan Nyuh Gading
Ubud Royal Palace - home of the royal family
Campuhan Ridge Walk - spectacular ridge view and hike ending 1km to the artists' village, Bangkiang Sidem | 8°30'13.0"S 115°15'16.9"E

- hotel

Ubud Backpackers Room - newly constructed, all new and clean, lockers, good water pressure, compli tea and coffee, spacious and alfresco chillout center
Jalan Nyuh Kuning, Pengosekan, Ubud, MAS, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali - 8°31'36.5"S 115°15'41.3"E
Nando House - free WiFi, restaurant, terrace, free private parking, pet-friendly accommodation, private bathroom, room service
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E

yoga

The Yoga Barn - full service yoga studio, holistic healing retreat center
PT. Yoga Barn, Jalan Raya Pengosekan, Ubud - Bali, Indonesia - 80571
8°31'08.4"S 115°15'52.4"E
Ubud Yoga House - yoga for Every Body...all shapes, sizes, ages & levels
Jl. Raya Ubud No.23, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°30'07.0"S 115°15'30.5"E | 0821-4418-1058
Taman Hati Yoga - Pranawayu yoga and Kundalini yoga
Jalan Nyuh Gading No.7, Ubud, MAS, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
8°31'32.7"S 115°15'24.6"E | +62 (0)361-974-058 | tamanhatiyoga.bali@gmail.com
Ubud Yoga Centre - Ashtanga Yoga
Jalan Nyuh Kuning Raya / Singakerta Raya, Ubud, MAS, Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'43.0"S 115°15'15.5"E | +62 812-1020-389 | hello@ubudyogacentre.com
Intuitive Flow Yoga Studio - Healing, Yoga, Meditation with a breathtaking view
Jl. Raya Tjampuhan, Penestanan Kaja, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
8°30'10.8"S 115°15'07.8"E | +62-361-977-824 | contact@intuitiveflow.com
Ambar Ashram Laughter Yoga - Healing, Laughter Yoga, Meditation
Jl. Nyuh Bojog No.5, MAS, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
8°31'21.2"S 115°15'22.0"E
Radiantly Alive Yoga - Vinyasa Yoga, Tibetan Heart Yoga, Iyengar Inspired, Pilates, Fly High, Roll and Release, Ashtanga Mysore, Yoga Dance, Salsa, Arm Balance Foundations, Beginners Yoga
Jl Jembawan no.3, Padang Tegal Kaja Ubud, Bali, 80571
+62 (0)361 978 055 | 8°30'33.7"S 115°16'01.2"E
White Lotus Meditation Centre - Meditation classes | Meditation retreats
JL. Kajeng 23, Ubud, Ubud, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
+62 899-0134-962 | 8°30'12.9"S 115°15'43.1"E
ONEWORLD retreats - yoga, meditation, spa and discoveries
Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, Indonesia
+62 361 289752 | info@oneworldretreats.com

- restaurant

warung eateries - a cluster of roadside eateries, essential for those on a budget or those who want authentic Balinese everyday food at local prices
across the Pertamina Gas Station - 8°31'28.2"S 115°15'49.0"E
Nando's Warung - delicious Balinese food at local warung price in a garden setting
Jalan Subak Sok Wayah, 80571 Ubud, Indonesia - 8°30'14.4"S 115°15'28.6"E