Greg Govinda (B.Ed) director of The Govinda Institute, tailors sessions and workshops in relaxation, stress management and skills development including Hasya (Laughter) Yoga. He has a background in education, publishing, performing arts, eastern philosophy, and transformational learning. He is also a certified laughter leader with Laughter Yoga International.

Greg began his creative work as a teacher of drama and dance and extended his practice over the next 20 years with ongoing studies in wholistic health and healing, psychotherapy, and time honoured well-being practices.
 
The main focus of his efforts for ten years (1990-2000) was in supporting the creation of The Transformational College of Education and Deva Wings Publications. As part of this work, he travelled widely developing sessions in therapeutic movement, creative expression, relaxation and stress release.

In March 2003 he co-foundered the Community Service, Daylesford Laugh Club, with his partner Shanti Dass Portia. In August 2008, Greg was presented with the Laughter Yoga International honour of "Laughter Ambassador" for "dedicated and selfless service in promoting of Hasya Yoga" by the founder Dr. Madan Kataria and and co-founder, Madhuri Kataria.

When he is not working, Greg treasures a simple life in the mineral springs town of Daylesford, in country Victoria. His main pastimes include: being informed and awakened by further study, appreciating Nature, meeting with enthusiastic people, resonating with quietitude, occasional snippets of creative gardening, and enjoying Shanti's brilliant chef skills.

Greg's training also includes Acting, Theatre production, Tai Chi, Soul Dance, Zen philosophy and practice, Theosophy (Divine Wisdom), Spiritual Healing, Shiatsu, Reflexology, Counselling, and improvised Singing. He continues to enjoy and be fascinated by life.

Greg is presently on sabbatical leave but happy for communication during this time. Email via info@govinda.com.au

Why I Laugh

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 and able to relax and to ‘look at’ what it is within me that is being challenged, and how I can move on from that. Laughter and meditation allow me powerful tools to negotiate life and to see that life is such a gift. My practices are ever assisting me to learn and to grow and to appreciate the fullness of being alive. 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.

Our Mission Statement

1. To provide sessions for organisational well-being through staff welfare and teambuilding.
   
2. To facilitate individual and group development in a safe and supportive environment.
3. To provide training in health and well-being practices.
   

Recharge Your Team With Laughter

Inject some enthusiasm into your conference with a team building Laughter Session. Studies show that our simple techniques will get your team relaxed, energised and unified - all in a fun-packed half hour. It’s the perfect icebreaker which will rejuvenate your conference participants, and is especially effective for enhancing group dynamics in times of transition, heavy workloads and in reinforcing positive attitudes.