World Laughter Tour

even spiritually. With today’s stresses, pressures and competitive demands, organizations need to apply new techniques to create positive environments where people flourish. And individuals need new tools to build positive models for personal growth and peace-of-mind. HISTORY: After attending and speaking at a 1998 lecture tour at Juhu Beach Laughter Club at the Arabian seaside in Mumbai, India, the World Laughter Tour was an inspiration and epiphany that struck Steve Wilson like a bright, inviting light. Laughter clubs in India were referred to as ‘Hasya Yoga’, and were part of the culture. “Why not bring these to the rest of the world?” Steve wondered, as his plane made its way back across the Atlantic Ocean to his home state of Ohio. He didn’t waste any time, and after he found the right “Laughter Guru” to bring back to the U.S., Wilson happily offered to purchase plane fare for the doctor and his wife. Following a marvelous collaboration between the two, Steve Wilson learned the ins and outs of Indian-style laughter clubs. It was the beginning of a new career! Thanks to the generous support and encouragement of Dr. Valeriana Moeller, president of Columbus State Community College, the World Laughter Tour officially launched on May 27, 1999, in Columbus Ohio; complete with an evening demonstration and authentic Indian feast. On the eve of his return to Mumbai, the Hasya Yoga Guru told Steve, “The world is a big place. I cannot be everywhere, and I cannot start all of the laughter clubs. Why don’t you take North and South America, and see what you can do with them?” Steve agreed that he would give the Western hemisphere his attention. Following an old story about acres of diamonds in one’s own backyard, he decided first to focus on his home state of Ohio and then set up a tour across North America, while simultaneously promoting the message globally. Founder Steve Wilson then went on a fourteen-city tour, whereupon he demonstrated laughter techniques to diverse audiences. For seven weeks, the heartily-laughing mentor crisscrossed the USA, making appearances in cities such as Phoenix, New York City, Louisville, San Jose, Philadelphia, Cherry Hill, Boca Raton, and St.