PURPOSE: The world is so out of balance that it needs to lighten up and laugh more in order to maintain perspective. We set aside this day to send a message to get more people laughing, urging the world to lighten up! "Systematic exposure to true mirthful laughter in a supportive environment," says Wilson, "can contribute to world peace by fostering attitudinal healing." According to Wilson, "Laughing is the birthright of humanity, and humane living requires daily bouts of good-hearted laughing."

LAUGHTER CLUBS AND PEACE: "Laughter therapy can create stress-resistance," Wilson says, "a condition that keeps you healthy even under stress and pressure. Our laughter sessions are a place where people can go to laugh stress away. It is a way to balance and integrate mind, body, and spirit in a healthy way. We do laughter exercises for physical health, and then combine that with a system of simple practices for mental health, called Good-Hearted Living(tm) . The combination leads to less stress, more compassion, less anger, increased peace of mind, and greater joy; and, that makes the world a better place. It is just the thing the world needs now, especially those who are feeling the terrific stress and threat of war, terrorism, and uncertainty about jobs and the economy."

THIS YEAR: On May 2, 2010, dozens of observances will be conducted by Certified Laughter Leaders and others who support the laughter movement across North America and around the world. Events are being held in Europe, Asia, South America, and more.  Mayors, governors, premiers, and other officials and dignitaries will proclaim “Laughter Day” in their communities. The events are listed in a special directory.

WHAT GOES ON: Typically, World Laughter Day celebrations include the reading of greetings from eminent people in the laughter movement, and programs designed to get people laughing, such as demonstrations of the Laughter Club, a revival of ancient practices given a modern twist. The happy revelers are intentioned with sending a good-hearted vibrational message that the everybody in the world should take more time to relax and lighten up. Each locale creates its own events, which might include, clown troupes, face-painting, massages, improvisational children's games, story-telling, drumming, costume characters, balloons, bicycle safety inspections, fired safety demonstrations, health fairs, and more. 

LAUGH YOUR HEAD OFF! SEND VIBRATIONAL ENERGY! "With busy schedules, pressures, demands, and hectic lives, laughter often takes a back seat," Wilson says. "This is a day when everyone can set aside their troubles and make laughing their top priority."

"Get together in groups with your neighbors, friends, co-workers and even strangers to laugh for health and peace. As all of our voices join in good-hearted laughing, we especially want to send the message that the world must learn to lighten up, be more forgiving, more compassionate, more considerate, less angry, less violent, less fearful, less competitive, more loving and more laughter filled. Imagine the acoustic vibrations of all of this laughing on this special day joining together and circulating around the world. Surely, we will be sprinkling a little more happiness and little more peace everywhere."

SUBMIT YOUR EVENT INFORMATION AND PERSONAL GREETINGS TO events@laughterfoundation.org