"Happy Ahoy"
Even though we are all back in our everyday lives – the energy of the 1st laughing ship in the world is still palpable.
On 09.09.2023 the ship departed from Stegen with 80 participants. Initiated and the idea came from the dear Elke Fleps. Elke is a laughter yoga instructor and fasting companion and lives with her husband in Munich. Having a strong connection to the Ammersee, she had a dream to rent a ship and make people happy. Together with many laughter trainers from Germany Elke planned this wonderful event. And I was allowed to be there.
Here I give you a little insight behind the scenes. Every 14 days we met in the Zoom room and discussed, laughed, brought new ideas to the group, designed flyers, t-shirts and made small reels and videos. It was a pleasure to see the project grow.
The day begins
Early in the morning we met in Stegen at the drop-off point with all the laughter trainers. I was able to meet some of the trainers live for the first time, although we all already saw each other through the regular Zoom meetings. Gradually, the first guests arrived at the jetty.
The first trainers were already allowed on the ship to decorate it nicely and prepare the lower deck for the planned percussion dance. After the preparation, we could slowly all get on the ship. Heinz, Elke’s husband, and I checked in the happy guests, who found their seats directly on the upper deck. The sun was actually very supportive of this event.
Presentation
As always, our Elke found the right words to introduce herself and the whole team. A big thank you also went to the Stuttgart Laughter School. Because without the Stuttgart Laughter School, this large community would not exist.
The events
Now the great fun began. On the upper deck there was laughter, dancing, grumbling, shaking hands and still laughing. Frauke, Gabriele, Alexandra and Thorsten led the exercises. With Miesmuschellachen, Angellachen and Bavarian laughter and many other laughter exercises, all gloom was laughed away. In addition, there was the beautiful view of the Ammersee.
In the lower deck, there was simultaneous dancing and a fun body percussion led. Ariane and Evelyn made the guests sweat and dance. It was a pleasure to participate.
After the break with pretzel sticks, drinks and a little sightseeing tour thanks to the captain, the groups were swapped. The laughing guests, who had just been dancing in the lower deck, were now allowed to try out the laughing exercises on the upper deck. Guests from the upper deck floated in joy to the lower deck and danced.
At the end there was a little laughter meditation with happy soap bubbles glittering in the sun.
Goodbye
After 3 hours of merriment, fellowship and cheerfulness, our trip on the ship was already over. Many guests were so happy that I expect to see them again in 2024. For some participants, the journey continued to Andechs Monastery. A strengthening for the program what should still follow. Because, we had prepared another little treat.
Evening delicacies
Elke had the enchanting film “Mission Joy” shown at the Stegen cinema. The friendship between the Dalai Lama and the former archbishop from South Africa were the focus of the film. Before the movie started, Alexandra and I animated and exhilarated the cinema guests with laughter yoga. We enjoyed the movie all the more afterwards.
The next laughing ship - 2024
Who would like to be present the next time: The 2nd laughing ship departs on 07.09.2024 again in Stegen. Please contact the dear Elke Fleps.
We are very much looking forward to seeing you!
"The laughing ship was gigantically beautiful. As a contributor to the laughing ship crew, I feel very enriched. Seeing so many happy people. It's been 1 week and I still feel carried by this happy peaceful energy."
Gabriele Ott Laughter coach