What’s so funny? Well, nothing really
If you see a group of people laughing hysterically Sunday at the Irvine Spectrum Center, there’s no reason for alarm.
Chances are they will be part of a laugh mob, which is expected to begin tittering at 2 p.m. in the open area in front of Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX.
“Laughter is contagious and it can brighten people’s days,” remarked Jennifer Parr, the event’s organizer. “The hope is that when people walking by will see a group of people laughing hysterically, it will make them smile or laugh, and it will make them tell others who will also smile and laugh. We need it so much in our world today — to laugh and lighten up and have more joy and love.”
As a health and happiness coach, Parr helps people to experience joy and fulfillment. She also aids clients’ efforts to connect with their heart’s desires, whether that means carving out more time for self-care or leaving corporate America to become small-business owner.
The Irvine resident admitted, though, that her profession also brings her face-to-face with a surprising number of people who either can’t recall the last time they laughed or complain that they haven’t found a reason to chuckle in a year or more.
“When we are kids, we laugh for no reason, and we’re laughing all the time,” Parr said. “But as we get older, we get conditioned to believe that laughter is in response to a funny joke or funny movie, that we have to laugh because of something.”
In response, she set up a laughter group and began teaching laughter yoga, both meant to provide a space for laughter without a reason. This way, participants can benefit from the therapeutic benefits of chuckling.
The laugh mob takes this idea a step further.
A visit to the outdoor shopping center helped Parr realize that it was the ideal spot for the event since it attracted a high turnout on weekends. Also, she decided on the event’s name not only because of the popularity of flash dance mobs, but also to help people visualize what she had planned. Guests are encouraged to begin arriving at 1:30 p.m.
Although she thought of the idea nearly six months ago, Parr began planning in earnest in April, enlisting Amanda Mehalick of Coto de Caza to help spread the word. Together, they have created a Facebook page, handed out fliers and even advertised on Craigslist. About 200 people are expected to attend.
The pair met about two years ago at the Awakenings Center for Conscious Living in Laguna Hills, where they teach a metaphysical class — including meditation, crystal energy and breath work — to youths.
Mehalick also attended Parr’s laughter yoga class and was pleasantly surprised by the experience.
“I’m very open and I laugh a lot as it is,” she said. “But the fun thing about being with a group of people who really embrace the fun aspect inside of themselves is that you can’t be in a bad mood after going into a room where everyone’s laughing.”
Unlike with a flash mob, guests don’t need to attend a workshop or learn a routine before Sunday, Mehalick added. They can take part in the fun by just showing up.
“We are hoping to encourage everyone else to start laughing if they are around and witnessing it,” she noted. “We hope people catch on and can step into that energy field and feel inspired to let go of any stress they’re holding onto.”
If You Go
What: Laugh mob
Where: Edwards Irvine Spectrum 21 IMAX & RPX, 65 Fortune Drive, Irvine
When: 2 p.m. Sunday; arrive at 1:30 p.m.
Cost: Free
Information: https://www.jennparr.com, https://www.facebook.com/laughmob or laughtermob@gmail.com