Welcome to April 2023
…and news, stories, upcoming events and event reviews from UnitedMind Ltd. Laughter Yoga, Laughter Yoga in London, all over the UK and world, The Laughter Club International (UK) and The Telephone Laughter Club.
UnitedMind is on the forefront with laughter, happiness and joy!
In April News we share the following…
- April Showers from Yours Truly
- The Playing Human Conference 3-4 June 2023 in London – book now!
- Beat your stress with Laughter Yoga
- Being a Master Trainer
- Please follow us on Social Media
- Laughter Club in St. Albans on Zoom and new Telephone Laughter Club number
- Important training and laughter club dates and info are listed at the end!
Please note, only chances in Durham, Preston and St. Albans in 2023
You can continue to enjoy reading our news on our secure site on UnitedMind.co.uk!
April Showers from Yours Truly
Sometimes in snows in April as Prince famously sang, and sometimes it rains a myriad of dramatisations of your own life.
This is exactly what happened to me when one challenge did not show up by itself and my mind when into overdrive in perceived stories, what-ifs, and on-nos.
We play out our own realietes, dramas and tantrums every day and some days they just seem worse, little issues that become big complaints, and seem to overshadow life as we know it.
My daughter moved out, which is a good thing as every child is a loan presented as a treasure and a gift, and I am super-excited that she has her own home now. A place I can go visist and be treated and spoilt with coffee, cookies, food and fancies. My home is still hers, too, though, and always will be.
The thing about a child leaving the nest is that it represents a loss, an empty space and a challenge to fill the washing machine, but it also provides new opportunities and growth.
However, on this day it was a big loss with a tearful drama accompanied by fear and worry of what ifs, then of course, the thought of having to leave my home (long story), my mum suggesting I could sell the dog, this was obviously not meant for real, and tons of other challenges piling up. Which if I told you all of them you would laugh. It just goes to show how big little things can seem huge and overwhelming in our own minds.
Even though I am a complete sucker for laughter and joy I too have moments of dread.
The reality of my worries hit me big-time when I found out my neighbour had lost her mum, a friend is recovering from a badly injured knee, another friend had been through a not so nice divorce, yet another friend in hospital for an operation, my mum lost a dear friend to cancer, a really close friend also lost her mum recently, so yes, my own dramas seems to vapourise amidst those stories of others.
Worrying does not bring us joy, it takes our presence out of the moment to events that have not and may not even happen.
Perspective is sometimes all we need in life to calm the frizzy curls and wavy waters.
Another perspective was added when I received the following message from the wonderful Heidi Gomes and Bowled Over Media, who I had the immense pleasure working with together with my laughter colleagues last year:
We just wanted to let you know that Good Grief with Rev Richard Coles has been nominated for an award for best programme in the ‘belief, spirituality and faith’ category, which will be judged by the readers of Radio Times and programme viewers! We are up against the Queen’s funeral, but we are hoping it brings more people to the programme on All4 and you never know if enough of us vote, we might be in with a chance!
The Radio Times (current Easter edition) have chosen Richard’s photo as the visual so that’s a good plug! (pics attached). This is the link to vote if you’d like to and invite everyone you know to also in person and on socials!
The page to vote on this award can be found here: https://www.radiotimes.com/tv/vote-for-radio-times-readers-award-sanford-st-martin-awards-2023/
Thank you again for being so wonderful in being part of the programme, we have heard from so many people who have been blessed and encouraged by it and we are so grateful to you all for sharing your stories and making that possible.
We move each other with our laughter and joy, with our willingness to be vulnerable when the laughter flows and the eyes meet in joy and play.
Nothing in a laughter session can be misconstrued as something it is not.
Heidi Gomes, Bowled Over Media
I hope you will cast your vote. This was an awesome opportunity to share Laughter Yoga for a deeper sense of connection to one of the many life challenges, dealing with loss.
Laughter brings us all sorts of relief, release, reconnection, replenishment and we rejoice!
Celebrate each precious moment of your life, and leave what will be no to when it happens.
I wish you friendship. love and connection with yourself and other in April (and perhaps a little April drizzle to help the flowers bloom).
With Love, Friendship, Honesty, Kindness, Health, Hope, Goodness, Grace, Gratitude, Understanding, Faith, Peace, Forgiveness, Patience, Diligence, Love, Blessings and Joy
Lotte Mikkelsen
Laughter Yoga Expert and Master Trainer
#youreverydaylaughterqueen
The Playing Human Conference – book now!
Please remember to book your place and share the event with people who can benefit from enjoying a weekend in play and good mirth.
The fee for the 2 days is £200 and the programme will be updated soon but to tease your imagination we will welcome Leif Hansen back, you will have the opportunity to experience Shoot From The Hip, and Kate Hull Rodgers will be with us along with many more great presenters.
Full details will be updated on www.laughteryogaconference.co.uk where you can also find information about your stay and how to get to the venue.
Programme will be updated shortly so please watch this space.
I cannot wait to see you all this summer! It has been long underway.
For more information about working together, please contact Lotte on on mobile/WhatsApp +44 (0) 7736341717 or email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
Beat your stress with Laughter Yoga
It took a pandemic and a bit longer to put together a programme for individuals and for organisations who want to conquer stress.
This programme has the potential to change your perspective on the stress that may seem to run your life at times as well as give you ideas on how you can use laughter as a remedy to combat this stress.
Stress not only relates to work, it can connect every part of our lives in a vicious cycle of worry and anxiety.
This day and age we also compare ourselves too much to others based on online imagery, what we hear, what we think, what we see, which has become unhealthy and super-stressful for people who spend a lot of time online, forgetting that true connection and emotional growth happens when we interact face-to-face.
Stress often relates to things that have not yet happened but with our extensive imagination they can escalate and become overwhelming and completely out of proportion.
As an overthinker I definitely know this to be true and maybe your mind works similar ways…
The good news is that for every overthought we have, every negative impulse we experience from our thoughts, our positive charge is much more powerful.
How do you shift your thinking?
What seems a big challenge can be changed with a small daily practice of a smile even when the smile seems an unlikely friend and is more likely to be a frown and a ‘grump’.
It takes commitment and a willingness to experience the results that happen when your attitude and perspective changes.
Are you willing to experience transformation? Willing to smile when you do not feel the smile at all?
I believe we are here to make the best of the challenges we face, and if we can help ourselves in small ways, why not go for it. What is the worst thing that could happen.
The programme consists of 2 x 5 lessons with a wealth of information, knowledge, wisdom and tips for how you can change your stress with simple, daily steps.
If you do not try you will never know…
- Introduction session, standard intro with background, why it is a good idea to practice and brief on benefits, and laughter exercises
- Neurobiology of stress and Laughter Yoga for stress reduction
- Activating the parasympathetic nervous system with laughter
- The Laughter Yoga philosophy of motion creates emotion
- Laughing when you are not in the mood, trigger the joy cocktail
- Depression: causes, symptoms, neurobiology
- Anxiety and Laughter
- Cancer and Laughter
- Detoxing with Laughter Yoga
- Laughter and neurological disorders
Conquer Stress with Laughter Yoga is available via www.pensight.com/x/unitedmind, where you can register for season 1 or 2 or both.
A season 3 is underway which will go in depth with the psychology of laughter, polyvagal theory, neuroplasticity, lymphatic drainage and more. Stay tuned.
If you would like to speak about Laughter Yoga and Laughter Therapy on your Podcast, news channel, entertainment programme, or for an article or other media ideas, please contact me on lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
Being Master Trainer
First there was one. One Laughter Yoga Master Trainer in the UK for 10 years, that was indeed me and I was blessed and honoured with the trust – now even more.
I would like to welcome Melanie Bloch as new Laughter Yoga Master Trainer in the UK.
Mel and I have been teaching 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training together for 7 years taking it to a level of profound learning beyond the scope of physical Laughter Yoga Exercises. In addition we are teaching Laughter Therapist Training together and will now expand our joint work with co-creating the 5-day Laughter Yoga Teacher Training in the UK.
Mel is a rare gem and the symbiosis we have developed together ripples into the learning and lessons we share with everyone who come to train with us in London, Stanmore and Hemel Hempstead.
Our Laughter Yoga training courses are super-popular and there is real opportunity for sharing it both personally and professionally.
We look forward to welcoming you in our safe space for sharing laughter!
For more information about our workshop and training programmes please get in touch on info@unitedmind.co.uk or call to have a conversation on 07736341717.
Please follow us on Social Media
I hope you will follow and like us on these platforms and help us grow awareness of Laughter Yoga, joy and kindful living.
- www.youtube.com/lottemikkel
- www.instagram.com/unitedmindlaughteryoga
- www.facebook.com/unitedmind.through.laughter
- www.linkedin.com/company/unitedmind-limited or connect with me on www.linkedin.com/in/lottemikkelsen
- www.tiktok.com/@laughteryoga
- www.twitter.com/unitedmind
Please also feel free to register for our newsletter on www.unitedmind.co.uk if you are not yet receiving it to your inbox – and share with your network. Thank you.
The Laughter Club International (UK) in St Albans on Zoom
The Laughter Club in St Albans is sharing laughter on Zoom on 1st Sunday every month (except August) at 1pm-1:30pm!
Please register online on https://form.jotform.com/200864136631350.
We are up to something with laughter and sharing the benefits, and we hope that you enjoy these monthly Laughter Yoga workouts.
- Sunday 2 April 2023 at 13:00-13:30 UK time
Please join on https://us04web.zoom.us/j/132683686 pw 305815
A Laughter Club is just like a fitness session and we encourage you to pay as you can to www.paypal.me/unitedmind.
Thank you for your kindness.
Please get in touch about the laughter clubs and other options via email, info@unitedmind.co.uk, phone 0800 1214 714 or mobile/WhatsApp 07736 341 717.
In addition The Telephone Laughter Club runs Monday to Friday at 7am to 7:10am on
- Dial:0333 011 2319
- Room number:33928453 #
- PIN:8494 #
Please also contact me about The Telephone Laughter Club where we laugh weekday mornings from 7am to 7:10am if you have any questions about this service, lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
Laughter Training – great life choice!
The 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training runs in London 5 times a year with Lotte and Mel. We bring you an exceptional journey into the depth of laughter and fun, as well as exploring aspects of yourself and your plans for bringing laughter to others.
Teaching Laughter Yoga Leader Training started for me in 2007 in St. Albans, and since then I brought the training to Durham and online in 2009, to London in 2010, to Blackpool/Preston in 2015 and wherever your team takes me.
Now is the best time to book your spot on one of the 2023 courses!
Once you are a Laughter Yoga Leader your exploration has only just started and it opens the world of Laughter Yoga to you, and also becoming a Laughter Yoga Teacher.
To hear more about our training programmes, options and requirements, please contact via email info@unitedmind.co.uk.
The Accredited Laughter Yoga Training
More information about the different programmes is available on
- Laughter Yoga Leader – from £225 per person
- Laughter Yoga Teacher – from £900 per person including accommodation
- Laughter Yoga Coach – from £995 per person including accommodation
UnitedMind is registered with our insurance company as a Training Provider which means that our certificates grant you insurance.
When you choose your training provider please make sure you check their credentials as online training methods and courses are not always covered by insurers.
FHT Accredited courses uniquely from UnitedMind Laughter Yoga and our Accredited Laughter Yoga Teachers are
- 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training
- 5-day Laughter Yoga Teacher Training
- 1-day Laughter Yoga Coach Training
- Laughter Therapist Training
With accreditation we are taking Laughter Yoga seriously and we are bringing the standards to another level of nationwide approval within the education system.
This is continued professional development and gives you points to add to your CPD list!
To learn more about how you can become a Laughter Yoga Leader or Teacher please contact Lotte on mobile/WhatsApp +44 (0) 7736341717 or email lotte@unitedmind.co.uk.
UnitedMind teaches Laughter Yoga courses in the following locations:
- Accredited Laughter Yoga Leader Training
This training is a requirement for becoming a Laughter Yoga Teacher- London, St. Albans, Online, Preston, Durham
- Your venue, your group – minimum 4 people
- Accredited Laughter Yoga Teacher Training
This training is a requirement for becoming a Laughter Yoga Coach- Hemel Hempstead
- Your venue, your group – minimum 4 people
- Accredited Laughter Therapist Training
- Stanmore
- Accredited Laughter Coach and Certified Gibberish Coach Training
- Online
- Your venue, your group – minimum 4 people
NEW Self Study
Brand new and available to book. A way to learn at your own leisure, at times to suit. If you are able to come to the in-person training at a later time, the 2-day training is included in the fee of £195.
It is exciting to launch a new way of learning Laughter Yoga online as an almost-self-study, where you will be able to learn at your own pace and finish by presenting a Laughter Yoga session as you will have learned through the lessons, at a face-to-face Zoom session.
Book www.pensight.com/x/unitedmind.
Accredited Laughter Yoga Leader
The 2-day Laughter Yoga Leader Training runs on the following dates and venues (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-leader/) provided by UnitedMind in the UK since 2007:
- 04-05 May 2023 Laughter Yoga Leader Preston £225 – ONLY 2023 OPPORTUNITY
- 17-18 June 2023 Laughter Yoga Leader London £225
- 16-17 September 2023 Laughter Yoga Leader St Albans £225 – ONLY 2023 OPPORTUNITY
- 04-05 March 2023 Laughter Yoga Leader London £225
- More dates in 2023 are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-leader/
- Your workplace or with your group at dates to suit you!
12-hour Certified Laughter Yoga Leader Training Online – click to choose your dates:
- Tuesdays 04, 11, 18, 25 April2023 at 7pm-9:30pm £195
- More dates in 2022 are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/product-category/training/4-week-online-laughter-leader-training/
Accredited Laughter Yoga Teacher
The 5-day Laughter Yoga Teacher Training runs on the following dates and venues (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-teacher/) provided by UnitedMind in the UK since 2012:
- 10-14 July 2023 in Hemel Hempstead residential £900 – FEW PLACES LEFT
- 23-27 October 2023 in Hemel Hempstead residential £900
- More dates on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-teacher/
Fees for residential training are including accommodation from Monday to Friday.
Feel free to enquire about special offers at any time, info@unitedmind.co.uk.
Accredited Laughter Yoga Coach
The 1-day Laughter Yoga Coach Training for Laughter Yoga Teachers runs online on the following dates (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-yoga-coach-cpd/):
- 22 July 2023 10am-4pm Online £125 Add-On to Laughter Yoga Teacher Certification
Or you can book your 8-week One On One Laughter Coaching Programme and get closer to your real laughter through the practice of Laughter Yoga exercises.
Accredited Laughter Therapist
The 2-day Laughter Therapist Training is only the beginning of the 6-12 months programme (full details on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/laughter-therapist/)
- 15-16 April 2023 Hemel Hempstead £550 early bird – FULL
- 13-14 April 2024 Hemel Hempstead £550 early bird
Accredited Gibberish Coach
The 1-day Gibberish Coach Training for Laughter Yoga Leaders and Teachers runs on the following dates (full details are listed on www.unitedmind.co.uk/training/gibberish-coach/):
All fees listed in the newsletter are early bird fees available until one month before training dates and excluding travel and accommodation costs unless otherwise stated. Other deals may be available as well as special agreements with companies and organisations who wish to train teams and individuals in their workplace.
If you want to be sure to get a place on the course of your choice please book now in the UnitedMind Online Shop.
For more information about accredited training courses please contact us via info@unitedmind.co.uk, phone 0800 1214 714, or mobile/WhatsApp +447736341717.