Photos by Kelly Johnson.

Stephen Findley, Laughter Meditation

During the months of July and August, the Twelve Moments Series will be tailored toward families and children. Join MD Anderson Chaplain and Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher Stephen Findley for an exploration of the history and role of laughter and silence in this experiential family-friendly meditation.

Together with Findley individuals of all ages will use laughter in a joyful meditation--attending to the sound and feel of laughter, and experiencing the letting-go of hang-ups, inhibitions, and worries. Through laughter one experiences pure joy that is silly, open and honest, uplifting to the spirit, and healing for the body and mind. Laughter Meditation has two lovely and simple parts; First, we laugh together, then we sit together in silence and are lead into a guided meditation to deepen our inner world. This meditation doesn’t require sitting in lotus position, or breathing in special ways. All ages and experience levels are welcome.

About the presenter: Stephen Findley serves as the Primary Chaplain for the Leukemia and Pediatric Services at the U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, TX. His major focus is providing spiritual care and support to patients, caregivers, and staff. Stephen is a Board Certified Chaplain through the Association of Professional Chaplains and is a Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher through Laughter Yoga International. More recently Stephen has been named an Ambassador of Laughter for his selfless service to spreading laughter and wellness. Stephen holds the degree of Masters of Divinity from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Ministry from Abilene Christian University. Stephen also an Ordained Minister through the Nondenominational Agape Christian Center. Stephen was instrumental in developing the Laughter for Health Program for outpatients and caregivers at the Integrative Medical Center at U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. He shares his knowledge by speaking on topics related to Culture, Spirituality, Religion, and Wellness Issues.

About Twelve Moments series:

Twelve Moments: Experiencing Spiritual and Faith Traditions is a monthly series presented in partnership with Ligmincha Texas Institute, The Jung Center of Houston, MD Anderson Cancer Center, and the Rothko Chapel.

Since September 2005, on the first Wednesday of each month from 12-1pm, the Rothko Chapel hosts a meditation or contemplative practice focusing on a different spiritual or faith tradition featuring teachers and religious leaders from throughout the greater Houston community. This series provides opportunities for visitors to learn more about a specific spiritual or faith tradition, and experience a related meditation or contemplative practice, such as prayer, chanting, etc.

Traditions have included: Buddhist (Tibetan, Bon, Nichiren, Theravada, Chan), Catholic, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, Protestant, Zoroastrian, Jain, Native American, Hare Krishna, Mindfulness, Baha’i, Vipassana, Modern Meditation, Laughter Meditation, Walking Meditation, Jungian, Zen, Muslim, Qi Gong, Quaker, Kundalini Yoga, Meridian Tapping, Crystal Bowls, Wiccan, Spiritual Naturalist, Sufi, Gurdjieff, Transcendental, Shambhala, among others.