It is so easy to get caught up in the seriousness that life can bring. We are very serious about our families and our jobs, our bodies and even our spirituality can become ever so serious. The easiest way to lighten up this energy is laughter. Laughter releases us from the grips of fear and raises our energy. It clears away negativity, confusion, and mental chatter, and brings us effortlessly into the present moment

And almost always I have seen people doing just the wrong thing. From the very early morning they get out of bed complaining, tired, gloomy, sad, depressed, miserable; predicting the intensity or burdensome experience of their day yet to come. Then one thing leads to another and this misery is projected into their moments, these early morning waking moments can set the pattern for the entire day.  When we embrace a practice like a laughter meditation, we accept the responsibility for our own moods. We no longer have an excuse for our misery. When we really dive into the laughter, the mind can disappear into the experience of pure joy. When we really embrace this practice, it is both energizing and relaxing, and acts as an emotional detox, flushing all of our problems away.

Laughter Meditation given by Osho:
Every morning before waking up, before opening your eyes, stretch like a cat. Stretch every fiber of the body. Enjoy the movement.  After three or four moments with eyes still closed, begin to laugh. You don’t have to have a reason at all to laugh, just laugh! At first you will be doing it, but soon the sound of your attempt will cause genuine laughter. Lose yourself in laughter. It make take several days before it really happens, but before long it will be spontaneous and will change the whole nature of your day.

Written By Mayuri Gonzalez. All rights reserved.

Who can deny the effects of listening to Music and the effect that the right choice of song can have on the soul!  Listening to music has many benefits — so many, in fact, that music is being used therapeutically in a new branch of complimentary medicine you can find information on- music therapy.  Listening to music can make a great mindfulness exercise. It is ideal for you to chose music to begin with that is soothing: instrumental, singing bowls, gentle kirtan, classical, or piano are some great choices to start with. 
- Begin by setting yourself up in a comfortable and upright posture. Chose a space where you can minimize any outer distractions and be sure to remove any background electronic disturbances such as phones, computers, television, etc.
- Settle yourself into the practice with a few moments of resting your attention on the breath. Breathing fully and completely and really immerse yourself in the inhale and the exhale.
- As you begin to listen to the song,  focus with intention on the sound and vibration of each note, the feelings that the music brings up within you, and other sensations that are happening "right now" as you listen.
- If other thoughts creep into your head, congratulate yourself for noticing, and gently bring your attention back to the current moment and the music you are hearing.
- Complete this process by adding a little more energy to the breath, feeling the breath travel the entire length of the body, from the crown of the head to the tips of the toes. 

You may wish to jot down any sensations that you experienced in the exercise and/or try this exercise with different choices in music. This is
~ Mayuri Gonzalez (RYT-200, Certified Children's Yoga Teacher)