WELCOME

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Thank you for visiting the happy site of Laughing Laura Gentry!

As you know, laughter is the best medicine. It is so incredibly good for you! It improves physical, emotional and spiritual health. It does much more than most people realize. Do you realize that laughter can do all of the following things (and perhaps much more that scientists have yet to discover)?

• Improves overall sense of well being
• Boosts happiness
• Strengthens and balances the immune system
• Releases endorphins to naturally relieve pain
• Decreases the level of stress hormone
• Lowers blood pressure
• Nurtures creativity
• Reduces risk of heart disease
• Floods the body with a natural "happy hormone"
• Helps manage and overcome depression
• Deepens inner peace
• Breaks social isolation and fosters new friendships
• Develops self-confidence
• Alleviates the discomfort of specific physical challenges
• Cultivates your childlike playfulness for a happier you

Yes, laughter can do all that! Dr. Lee Berk, famous gelatologist (scientist who studies laughter), says that if you bottled up all the healthy effects of laughter into a pill, you'd need FDA approval! It is that powerful, but it is free and has not side effects. And this is why Laughing Laura is committed to increasing world happiness one laugh at a time.

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In 2006, Laura became involved with the worldwide laughter club movement, Called Laughter Yoga. This is a a unique concept developed by Indian physician, Dr. Madan Kataria, and his wife. It is fast sweeping the world and is truly a life changing experience. It combines laughter "exercises" with deep, yoga breathing which brings more oxygen to the body and brain—making one feel more energetic and healthy. The concept is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits. Safe, easy and scientifically proven, Laughter Yoga is a lot of fun. It started with just 5 people in 1995, today it is a global phenomenon with over 6000 clubs in 60 countries.

Laughing Laura became a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher and opened Iowa's first Laughter School, the Iowa School of Laughter Yoga. The school has trained lots of Laughter Yoga Leaders, many of whom have started Laughter Clubs of their own. Visit the site to see when and where the next seminar is scheduled.

Laughing Laura is a nationally recognized motivational speaker. She gives lectures and interactive programs that get everyone in stitches. Sometimes they laugh so hard that tears run down their legs! She has appeared at many health and wellness conferences as well as church and community events.

Laughter Friends: A Laughter Yoga Workout for Kids is the energetic brainchild of Laura Gentry. She produced, directed and starred in this 36 minute film designed to give children a fabulous workout while having fun. It has been recommended by the American Library Association and sells internationally. To purchase a copy visit the Laughter Shoppe.

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Dr. Kataria recognizes the creative contributions Laughing Laura is making to world laughter. He has selected her to be the recipient of the prestigious title of "Laughter Ambassador." She will officially receive this honor in September.

Laughing Laura wears many hats—including a clergy one (even though most clergy don't wear hats). She is an ordained minister in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. She currently serves Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lansing, Iowa as their pastor. Click the banner below to read an article she wrote for the ELCA Board of Pensions.

An avid writer, Laughing Laura is also author of Living Word, an inspirational fine art book published by Penfield Books. It features the photography of her husband, William (who also did the photography for this site) Click here to learn more and order a copy at Amazon.com.

And for a taste of Laura's artistic gifts, visit www.thegentryjoint.com, an on-line gallery of "Art for a Better World," which she shares with William.