Starting the Dallas Dreamer calendar was one way to inspire my Self to get out and about in the community more often. Those who know me well know that while I play the role of the social butterfly well (sometimes), I’m really a bookworm at heart.

I have long been a devotee of the Cosmic Cafe and their community rooms upstairs. When I saw Laughter Yoga added to Monday’s roster, I knew I had to give it a shot.

I have practiced hatha yoga since 2002. Hatha, which combines the Sanskrit words Ha (sun) with Tha (moon), is a style of yoga known for its balancing flow. In the moment, I find it ironic that the original word for Sun (aka Son) also stands for our modern understanding of laughter.

I went to the class three weeks ago and afterward interviewed the facilitator. Cabe, a young man who embraces this journey called life, later said this:

“To me, LY [Laughter Yoga] is the most fun and possibly the most healthy form of exercise I have found. I believe LY allows me to more freely and deeply laugh, and I am more aware than ever of laughter as an innate tool that I can use to externalize stress and more peacefully handle anything that pops up.”

On a practical level, he continued:

“For example, in my tired state after a day’s work, I might take a wrong exit on my way home, and instead of dropping F-bombs or punching my steering wheel, I might switch to a laugh, and let out that same energy with a smile. It is a God-given coping mechanism as well as an expression of joy that we all have, or once had.”

I must admit to stretching not only my body, but the limits of my mind and self-perception during this practice. The session centers more on finding humor, imagining joy, and participating with happiness than on movement. Most folks had brought a friend, but I – as usual – had flown solo. This meant I didn’t have anyone with whom to mirror my amusement and slight awkwardness. So I felt silly, and while that’s not unusual for me, it was a little…odd…in public. ;-b

All growth requires that we let go of that which makes us comfortable and embrace that which makes us uneasy. Out with the old and in with the new. Can’t have new flow without clearing the driftwood.

So, after that little excursion into the ethereal corners of my spirit (are there corners in a circle?), I decided to try out a buddhist meditation I’ve been eyeing for too long now. I would like to call out the use of the little “b” when I talk about the Awakening Heart practice. Led by Brother ChiSing, a Buddhist monk trained by Thich Nhat Hanh, the fellowship is clearly geared towards white Americans.

There’s nothing wrong with that – as a white American, I’m all about more white Americans finding the wisdom in Asian philosophies. However, little “b” buddhism refers to Westernized Buddhism – conducted in English, less ritual from what I can tell, and not in a Buddhist temple, per se. Buddhist rituals (focus on the big “B”) are traditional Asian services, conducted in an original tongue in a real temple. While similar, I like to recognize and respect the differences.

The focus of Awakening Heart is mindful living. As I reviewed the bulletin for the two-hour service, I took in a quick, sharp breath of anxiety. I thought – this is a lot of meditation! Sitting, then walking, then music, then talking – can I really do all this?

I thought to my Self: I may have studied meditation and spirituality a lot, but I’m only a novice practitioner – and I think I have adult ADD sometimes! I felt scared because I wasn’t sure if my need for ease was going to be met. But then I took a deep breath and relaxed into the present moment.

Since quitting smoking, I have found it easier to be in long meetings. I once struggled to make it through a movie in the theater. Now, although my mind wandered a bit, I could enjoy the two-hour service with only a few second thoughts. ;-b

Before I forget, let me mention there is an excellent “Mindful Yoga” session preceding the Awakening Heart service. The woman who facilitated, whose name went into my ears instead of onto my writing pad, was a beautiful, peaceful woman. I’d like to find out more about her yoga history because it was one of the most calming, flowing sessions I’ve ever attended.

Speaking of synchronicity (now and forever, haha) – it turned out that Cabe from Laughter Yoga would facilitate the next Awakening Heart session (you missed it – last Sunday) – and I got all these ideas in my head to help promote both causes.

But then life happened, as it does, and here I am – regretting I didn’t tell you sooner, but hoping you’ll still check out:

What: Laughter Yoga
When: Every Monday at 7 p.m.
Where: Cosmic Cafe, 2912 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas
More Info: CosmicCafeDallas.com

What: Mindful Yoga
When: Every Sunday from 4 to 5 p.m.
Where: same as Awakening Heart below

What: Awakening Heart buddhist meditation service
When: Every Sunday, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. (potluck last Sunday of the month)
Where: Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest Ln, Dallas
More Info: AwakeningHeart.org

Namaste. (The Light in Me honors the Light in You.)