Harmony
Thursday, 4 June 2009
Perhaps one of the very first steps in finding harmony, is to find a way to quieten your mind. The mind is said to create 60,000 separate thoughts every day - the same 60,000 today as yesterday - and yet again tomorrow.
An interesting way to see how your mind works is to look and see how it creates ‘gossip’. You might not think that you gossip but just look and see what thoughts you hold now about other people. What ‘stories’ does your mind try to run by you about how other people behave that you agree with or find challenging. You may not gossip out aloud but your mind is going at it 60,000 times a day about one thing or another. How to quieten your mind and live in harmony? Have you ever tried laughing?
And if laughter is too big a leap for you, maybe just see how much you can manage a smile. It really is a most incredible and blessed world, when we can look and see, its positive and light side.
Labels: finding peace, Greg Govinda, happiness, harmony, presentations, relaxation workshops, the govinda institute, well-being
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 23:16,
Why I Laugh
Friday, 29 May 2009
How often do you ask yourself the question “what am I grateful for?” It helps to also ask that question for specific areas of your life such as your work life. “What am I grateful for about doing the work that I do?” For me, Laughter has brought many changes in my life. At first it challenged me to face some hidden fears; then it almost magically, released many years of grieving that I hadn’t been able to shake. Over time it brought many delights as I witnessed others who came into the laughter sessions, let go, have fun and awaken to the deep joy within themselves. Laughter Yoga has the potential to change lives in one session and is especially effective when practiced regularly.
Laughter releases our unconscious clinging to things that no longer serve our health and well-being. It provides an environment where one can let go and open to the wonder of being in a joyful space with others. What could be more inspiring than to share with others at a time when they are happy and playful?
Over time, I experienced a strong self-confidence that I am okay ‘just the way I am’. I found a great sense of inner peace that there is nothing in the world that can take away my essential nature and connection to Spirit. I still experience the normal challenges to my personal state of being but also find that I am more willing to relax and to ‘look at’ what it is within me that is being challenged, and how I can move on from that. The laughter allows me a powerful tool to negotiate life and to see that life is such a gift, that is ever assisting me to learn and to grow and to appreciate. May life’s blessing’s become more apparent to you also, and may you enjoy it’s gifts ever more deeply and with a sense of the divine peace.
Labels: Conference Laughter session, Greg Govinda, stress management, team building sessions
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 11:21,
Why Laugh at your Conference?
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
A conference or training day can be heavily focused on cramming in new information or thinking through some complex planning issues. Many hours can be focused on serious mental activity which requires balance and rest to allow creativity to flow.
Laughing at your conference lightens the proceedings, by giving participants the opportunity to relax fully and let their hair down for a time. In a Conference Laughter Session, people can let go of excess stress; reconnect with their natural energy and enthusiasm; and enter into a playfulness that assists in giving their minds a needed rest.
Highly researched and tested over 15 years, Laughter Yoga provides a simple and effective way to stimulate endorphins, improve blood flow, boost immune system and reduce levels of stress hormones in the body. The perfect “gentle workout” for your team.
Labels: conference icebreakers, Conference Laughter session, keynote presentations on happiness, Laughter Yoga sessions, Teambuilding laugh, Training day icebreakers
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 20:51,
A Transformative Experience
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
A stressful week but unaware of what was causing and perpetuating it. For days there was the build up of an inner frustration and an imbalancing pressure. Then, on a day off, I sat down briefly, and wondered about life.
More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: finding inner peace, laughter sessions, stress release through gratitude and laughter
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 20:50,
Living Happiness
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
My thanks go to ‘Heart Flow Worldwide’ for the opportunity to offer a keynote presentation titled “A Practical Approach to Living Happiness”, at their annual Spiritual Forum. My presentation focused on what true happiness is, and how you can have more of it in your life with even a little understanding and practice.
Most of us seek happiness but usually settle for less than that. We get into habits that merely feed the pursuit of happiness rather than in connecting with its real gift.
For decades there has been a focus on illness and suffering, without the balancing of a healthy joy that is our true potential. The practice of happiness is now almost a necessity; to counteract some of the stress we find ourselves in.
Labels: happiness, keynote presentations on happiness, the practice of being happy
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 19:22,
Balance
Tuesday, 28 October 2008
What fascinating times we are experiencing. There seems to be no surety for what is happening with the global finances as well as many other issues. It is perhaps too easy to get caught up in the worry and concerns about where it will all end.
It seems to me that it is also a perfect time for letting go of worries and a time for reconnecting to what is most important in life.
If you have this very moment to sit quietly, then you possibly have all you actually need to see your way through.
Inspiration and creativity come when we are not blocking them with stress, fears or unfocused thinking. Something as simple as a quiet moment, may connect you with where you are at - and even present you with the best way forward.
It is always wise, to practice peace.
Labels: finding inner peace, Greg Govinda, keynote presentations, maintaining balance in stressful times, the govinda institute
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 15:00,
Solution Focused Thinking - a way forward
Sunday, 29 June 2008
Todays blog is about creating a way forward. Are you aware of how easy it is to get caught in thinking in terms of “either ... or ...”? ‘Either/Or thinking’ creates a division between two ends of the same consideration. It enables a battle to form between one point of view and another point of view - when the way forward is inclusiveness. One way forward can be as simple as using the word “and”. The word “and” can be a powerful ally - replacing the divisive “either this or that” with “this and that”, creating space for a resolution to present. Maybe a helpful way to resolve differences in your team is to allow each person to be heard and to find where the group shares common ground.
During the Cold War, Russia and the U.S.A. came to a deadlock in their peace talks. Tension had mounted and it was necessary to take a break from the serious side of procedings. One of the group posed a question: “What is the difference between Capitalism and Communism?” His answer: “In Capitalism, man exploits man. In Communism, it’s the other way around.” Sharing this truth, the group relaxed enough to continue their important communications.
Labels: communication in workplace, Consensus, stress management, Team-building
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 20:50,
Finding Inspiration
Sunday, 11 May 2008
Do you ever have times when you just get blocked? When whatever you do has no feeling of flow to it? When the myriad of things you are doing are taking you away from that which actually inspires?At times like these I find that I simply need to surrender...
More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: creativity, inspiration, organisational well-being, relaxation workshops, team building, team-building laughter
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 11:51,
Being
Friday, 25 April 2008
We are often driven by timelines and project goals but what about equilibrium? What about ‘being with’ what we are doing? When I relax, I allow space for higher inspiration to present; when I merely work my rational brain harder, I often just increase the level of stress I experience. ...More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: conference laugh sessions, corporate well-being, happiness, relaxation workshops, stress management
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 13:43,
A Creative Process
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Today’s blog is about taking a step beyond the usual practical aspects of being in business and fulfilling work commitments. It is about the use of questioning.What could be of more value in today’s world than to be connected to your sense of joy and purpose?
more> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: conference icebreakers, conference laugh sessions, creative process, creative questioning, team building, team motivation
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 11:12,
Trusting a Process
Monday, 31 March 2008
Stress has become so ingrained that we might simply try to stay attached to it. A person might also defend outmoded beliefs that no longer serve their well-being, denying that they are stressed at all. In the release of stress, it is wise to maintain a trust in the process and allow whatever thoughts and feelings present. ...More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: group work, laughter, process, stress management, team building workshops
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 10:18,
The Happiness Within
Friday, 14 March 2008
Well as usual, life presents me with what I need to experience and to learn. In a day of sudden heat and exhaustion, I accept the lack of enthusiasm and allow myself to surrender to the low.Not disciplined, you may well ask, but “with a purpose”, I might reply.
In my surrender to the heat and to not getting any work done, I find the space to pick up a book and to get to yet another level of understanding. The book I find is “In the Sanctuary of the Soul” and the text that inspires me looks at happiness.
“Because he looks for happiness in ‘things’ he doesn’t know he already possesses a wealth of happiness within himself”. Paramahansa Yogananda suggests that we are so absorbed in “toting the burden of life”, “hoping for some happiness at the end of the trail” that we miss out on experiencing now the “supreme and everlasting bliss of the soul”.
One of the main reasons that I run team building and laughter sessions is to assist people to let go of what is driving them, long enough, that they might feel that ever-present, inner joy. Such a simple technique as Laughter for Health and Well-being, can release the stresses and attachments that we hold, and awaken you to the true joy that lies within.
Hoping that we get to meet and to experience that joy together. Wishing you all the very best.
Labels: authentic happiness training, conference laugh session, happiness, laughter for health, team building sessions
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 10:50,
Work Smarter, Not Harder
Friday, 15 February 2008
The year is underway and we are back into the full focus of work and facing daily challenges. It might come as a surprise if you enjoyed a relaxed break over January.If your organisation is having a strategic planning meeting, why not include some fun in the procedings?
Educators are finding that children learn better when they have a sense of relaxation and fun. It helps them to manage their workloads if they feel that they can have a sense of peace as well as focus on their projects. Fun allows the brain to open to it’s creative abilities and working in a holistic way stimulates a flow of ideas that would otherwise be suppressed by inappropriate caution.
Laughter and play open us up to feel more free within ourselves and therefore better able to tackle our workloads. The adage of “work smarter, not harder” is very appropriate in todays pressured world.
Opening to laughter frees us up from being locked into old ways of doing things and from the limited ways of thinking that come from subtle and often unconscious fears. Releasing your team from outmoded and rigid ways of doing things, can bring new life and enthusiasm, more flow of creativity, more productivity and a work environment where people feel supported and at ease. When people feel a sense of safety and security, they may also feel welcome to contribute the gifts of their unique spirit.
Bring your workplace alive through heart-focused staff well-being programs.
Labels: conference icebreakers, conference laugh sessions, laughter, organisational well being, strategic planning, well-being
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 14:48,
New Year Visioning
Sunday, 6 January 2008
January is a great time for rest and preparations. It is also the perfect time for insights. Now that you have had a moment to relax and unwind, have you considered what ways to embrace 2008 before you 'wind up' again? Allowing yourself space to catch glimpses of new ideas, clearer direction, better ways of doing things to improve your effectiveness and productivity. It's a whole new year after-all.Relaxation is a powerful tool for allowing the logical mind to settle so that deeper understanding can come to the fore. Rather than pursuing things in the same old ways that give much the same results, is it worthwhile to you to try a new approach?
Sometimes all it takes is 'willingness' and everything flows from there.
At 'Building Healthy Teams' we use a variety of approaches to assist organisations to look after Executive and Staff Welfare. Whether your aim is to 'get the year rolling' or to 'clear blockages' or just add to your workplace enthusiasm, we are happy to help you find a new level of doing business.
Relax, renew and rejunvenate. Look forward to working with you in the new year.
Labels: balancing stress, laughter for unwinding, staff welfare
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 16:59,
The Light in a Smile
Saturday, 1 December 2007
The end of the year is soon with us - the time before Christmas, a time of preparing. I have thoroughly enjoyed the year, facilitating workshops, presenting on positive psychology and helping people to discover the benefits of laughing. It has been a big year and an enjoyable one. I am even learning to worry less and to trust more.
In choosing to love life, I sense the call of greater adventures, further abundance and stronger alignment with purpose and manifesting. Meeting with new people, I enjoy an increasing aliveness and of being more honest with myself and with others. In playful sharing, we find what is in our heart's and we are further enriched.
The simplest act of smiling is so grand in how it can transform our experience from a place of stress to one of peace. The act of smiling creates endorphins, similar to laughter, and becomes a tool you can use to maintain or regain, mental and emotional balance. If you can bring yourself to express even the tiniest of smiles on your face, you may well feel a positive change coming over you. The sense of peace amidst a busy day. I wish you great peace and wellbeing. May we meet in play and in joy, in the new year.
Labels: benefits of laughing, corporate well being, laugh for health, positive psychology
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 22:33,
Laughter on Tour
Friday, 26 October 2007
Just a quick note to say hi. The air is fresh and any rain would be most welcome. Shanti and I have just completed our Laugh Tour of the Grampians and enjoying a brief rest. The photos are of me in “Wonderland” at Halls Gap and “off and running” at the famous Stawell Race track in Victoria, Australia. It was great to work with groups of carers and carers of carers. Sharing the principles and gift of laughter with the people who make a difference to many other people’s lives. I thoroughly enjoyed my time being ‘on the road’ with the laughter and especially with so many people with such good heart’s. Hoping that you continue to laugh and smile and rest, managing the stressful workloads with a sense of inner peace.Labels: human relations laugh, stress management, traveling laughter
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 16:39,
Silly Season Stress
Saturday, 6 October 2007
The ‘Silly Season’ is nearly upon us. Everyone has put in a great year’s effort and it’s getting to the end of proceedings – how is your team faring?Have you thought about taking some ‘time out’ to relax and rebalance before the end of the work year? Releasing stress now can make the months ahead more feel much more manageable.
Often we occupy ourselves doing what seems to be urgent, while stressing to get everything else done as well. Month after month trying to keep up with the tasks, we often lose sight of what else is important – making time for rest, to rebalance and renew.
If we take even a brief time out, we can celebrate and acknowledge what we have already achieved, or just take the time to breathe and recharge. Balancing workloads with other priorities can be quite an art, especially if your team works under pressure.
As Christmas approaches, the pressure builds as even more needs to be done before the break.
At Building Healthy Teams our experience shows that it is the perfect time to have a Laughter session and let go of some of the accumulated stress, while cultivating some much needed camaraderie and team spirit.
It helps to let go and to take a breath. It helps to take stock and feel some peace. It helps to laugh and to play and to realise a sense of ease and joy in working as a team.
Labels: balancing stress and work focus, corporate laugh, laughter yoga
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 10:55,
A question of aim and an experience of moment
Wednesday, 3 October 2007
I just purchased a book by Stephen R Covey titled “Everyday Greatness” and am inspired by it’s very chapter headings. Covey suggests that we have three everyday choices – to act, for purpose and with principles. 1/ Rather than be like driftwood, to choose our actions and become a creative force. 2/ To question what ends our choices might produce. 3/ to look at the principles that will guide us safely to the fruition of our dreams?
My questions become - What depths do I wish to experience and live my life? How high do I aim in my endeavours? To what degree do I live by the principles that affect myself and others in a positive way? What is my contribution to the world - on a daily basis? – and over a period of time?
What burns in my heart, to give to this world that I belong to for only a brief period of time?
I am pleased to say that my heart is beating, my mind is clear and my spirit is full. I celebrate the moments when I can feel passionate about being alive.
Labels: conference laugh sessions, happiness, laughter for health and well being, positive psychology, workplace laugh
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 21:33,
Communication in the workplace
Sunday, 23 September 2007
What situation would not be assisted by better communication? Communication plays a vital part in building the foundation of trusting relationships. When people feel heard then they are more likely to feel valued. Feeling valued and safe, people find their inner enthusiasm and drive to contribute and give of themselves to life.more> see The Govinda Institute / articles
Labels: communication in workplace, conference laugh sessions, creativity, laughter, work flow
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 12:52,
Maintaining enthusiasm in the workplace
Wednesday, 22 August 2007
“Girl’s just want to have fun” and maybe we all do at some level. Many seek their relaxation and stimulus instantly through alcohol and coffee, while others might maintain their capacity to work under stress through exercise and meditation. Others still might simply struggle to find enough motivation to ‘get through the day’. ...More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: corporate well being, laughter for health, staff wellbeing
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 15:42,
2nd Australasian Laughter Conference
Monday, 20 August 2007
I have just enjoyed the wonderful experience of being a participant in the 2nd Australasian Laughter Conference, held in Lysterfield Victoria, presented by Laughter Clubs Victoria Inc.The Conference was one of the most embracing weekends I have ever enjoyed with a group of people who shared their heart’s, knowledge, skills, experience, ideas and most of all their passion and belief that Laughter is an incredible tool for health and wellbeing.
‘Minute One’ began with a barrage of laughter and continued for the next two full days and night as everyone had come with the intention of having a great and fortifying weekend of simply laughing together.
An expert panel presented their experiences on how they have found laughter to be of value to them and the people they share it with. From the many community clubs that meet regularly, through to its use in the mental health area, the corporate sector, schools, aged care, as well as the power of laughter and positive intention, to heal oneself of near fatal dis-eases.
I was concerned at first that I would be exhausted by the lengthy laughing but found that it gave me a great lift - physically by stimulating endorphins and the aerobic charge – and emotionally by being part of such a beautiful sharing experience.
It continues to amaze me that people who come together to laugh for wellbeing, can support each other so well in a caring and positive environment. The conference was further assisted in its elevated outcomes by the loving actions of the Selesian Brothers at the Goyura Ausilium College.
Labels: australian laughter conference, laughter yoga
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 22:40,
To Smile and Allow
Thursday, 9 August 2007
In many aspects of our work and life we are endeavouring to create a preferred outcome. Often we strive so hard and with so much focus that we overload and need a way to release or manage the excess stress.This can be especially true in letting go of mental stress. ...
More> The Govinda Institute-articles
Labels: allowing well being, flow of laughter, stress management through laughter
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 15:37,
A Sense of Wonder
Tuesday, 17 July 2007
What wonder and sense of play snow invokes. Today’s blog comes to you from a very white, ice cold, Daylesford. (Victoria, Australia)It was so cold when we woke this morning and then came the first signs of a soft down-pouring. Before long the ground was covered in white with some of the smaller trees virtually flat on the ground under the weight.
Nothing to do with teambuilding or laughter or stress management – but – a quiet inner joy that can’t be contained. Out with the camera and into the snow. Drenched and lost feeling in fingers but smiling and giving in to the joy that comes from being so blessed by nature’s creation. Hoping that wherever you are – in whatever circumstances you are in – that you are able to let go for a moment, and to be enthralled by the splendour of the world we live in.
Labels: awe and wonder, inner joy, laughter for well being
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 13:16,
Healing through Laughing
Tuesday, 10 July 2007
Several years ago I experienced deep depression from some major changes in my life. I had the best support I could have but still needed to work my way through the depressions that could leave me devastated for days at a time. Shanti, my partner, introduced me to Laughter Yoga and I assisted her in the setting up and running of a ‘Laughter Club’. ...
More> see The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: benefits of laughing, depression at work, mental and emotional well being, stress management through laughter
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 13:44,
Why laugh?
Monday, 2 July 2007
Laughter is one of the most natural things that humans do. In times of stress and in times of joy, we can find ourselves laughing. Also it has a sort of contagious aspect to it, where we laugh if we hear others laughing – we are triggered into the same ‘letting go’ and ‘being’ in laughter with them. ...More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: benefits of laughing, conference laugh session, stress management
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 12:48,
The Value of Play
Sunday, 1 July 2007
For the past two years I have been running the Daylesford Laugh Club and seen the value of play in action. Each Saturday morning, people roll up at 10.00 a.m. and we simply choose to laugh. Not because we have anything funny to laugh at but simply because we know it will do us some good.Some have come for just one session and many attend regularly. For some it has been a transformative experience at difficult times of their lives, while for others it is just a great thing to do. At Laugh Club we come together to laugh and to play for half an hour. We allow ourselves to simply ‘let go’ and to laugh and cry and whatever other emotion needs to move through us.
What I have noticed is that is doesn’t matter what state of mind or what events are occurring in one’s life, it is always a good time to ‘choose to laugh’ and to experience the lift that laughing freely does for one’s wellbeing.
While our mindset can ‘take us down’ and our emotions follow along - a quick laugh, especially in the company of others - clears the mind and allows the emotions to run. At the end of the experience we are fully charged with uplifting endorphins and clear to face the world again.
All the very best on your journey in opening to joy and wellbeing.
Email us if you would like help in finding a local laughter group.
Labels: conference laugh sessions, laugh for well being, laughter clubs, the value of play
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 13:50,
Elements of Teambuilding
Wednesday, 20 June 2007
What are the essential elements to being part of a team? Firstly it would help to have agreed on common goals. To reach consensus on those goals it would be necessary to have good communication skills. These skills include the ability to listen to others - as well as - to feel comfortable enough to share your own views with the group, and to feel heard. Besides communication skills, we also need to have trust that the group will respect us enough in order to share our views. A culture of caring and respect is the perfect place to feel like one can ‘give’ of one’s trust to others. ...
More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: conference laugh sessions, corporate health, effective communication, human relations laugh, team building laugh
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 16:18,
What has laughter got to do with stress management?
It has been reported that 70% of all illness is related to stress. On top of that 80% of all Australians are unhappy at work. These are staggering figures in relation to human health and wellbeing. How can a person maintain their health if they are stressed to this degree, or unhappy in one of the most important activities of their life?
The stress of pushing for constant productivity eventually results in a diminishing of wellbeing involving dissatisfaction, depression, leaving jobs to find ones with more meaning, or actual breakdowns. All in all the results are poorer health, lower creativity, less productivity and unhappiness....
More> The Govinda Institute - articles
Labels: conference laugh sessions, corporate well being, depression at work, laughter for well being, staff turnover, workplace stress
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 16:08,
Laughter Clubs Worldwide
Saturday, 16 June 2007
Everyday - all around the world - people gather together to share a laugh. For half an hour at a time, groups 'fake it until they make it' by stimulating natural laughter for their health and wellbeing. The founder of Laughter Clubs, Dr. Madan Kataria (pictured here in full finery and radiant smile)was inspired by the adage that "laughter is the best medicine". Within hours of receiving the idea, he was in a local park in Mumbai, India, encouraging people to try it out in practise. This was in 1996 and since then, Madan and his wife Madhuri, have supported the creation of over 5,000 Laughter Clubs worldwide.more >> 'a very brief history of laughter'
Labels: laughter clubs, laughter is the best medicine, laughter yoga
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 16:46,
The Dalai Lama's Laugh
Monday, 11 June 2007
A chance meeting led to an offer to attend a meeting with the Dalai Lama. Out of the blue I found myself delightfully, at a presentation by His Holiness on "Embracing Kindness". I have always been cheered and lifted when I see the Dalai Lama laugh, and today was no exception. Amongst all his serious teaching about suffering and service, he still mananges to relax into deep places where he is able to laugh - to let go and entertain the spirit of joy. I have noticed (and been blessed by) this quality before in other spiritual teachers. When asked by a member of the audience about how much he might have suffered, his reply was a quick, and clear, "I'm here - and Spirit quite fresh". Dismissing the relevance of the question as to how much he might have suffered, he instead entered more into the moment and into humour and celebration. (my interpretation of what occured). When His Holiness laughed, the entire stadium lit up.
Labels: celebration, happiness, hearty laughter, spirit of joy
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 15:47,
Laugh Club Saturday
Well, it may be winter but it stills feels like fun. Daylesford Laugh Club is now only every second Saturday but the joy still very prevalent. We played and laughed and "passed the laughs" with great joy. A newcomer joined straight in feeling right at home. After our half an hour play we enjoyed tea and cookies at the local 'Book Barn' while swapping yarns and tall tales of travel and wonder. The laughter always seems to bring out the best in people and makes for a very special social time afterwards. We only recently celebrated our two year birthday of Laugh Club (www.laughclub.org) and it still brings cheer to all of our hearts.Labels: daylesford laugh club, laugh for health, laughter clubs, laughter yoga
posted by Greg Govinda B.Ed @ 14:22,
Greg Govinda
