After five years of teaching laughter yoga, Bayard branched out into using games to teach different concepts as a trainer at Western Governors University (WGU) and facilitator at conferences and corporate workshops where she has been independently contracted. She even became a board member for the Association of Applied & Therapeutic Humor.
“After working at WGU for a year I was offered a promotion. Karen began our training with games every morning to help start the day off right. She made sure that while we were learning how to do our new jobs, we would also know how to have fun while doing so. This influenced my team in a positive way,” stated Meghan Stolp, WGU Enrollment Counselor in a testimonial posted on Bayard’s website. “Just about everyone on the team had positive attitudes and excelled. When you have been trained by Karen it is really hard to hate your job because she makes sure you know how to enjoy it…”
Super hero skill development, reshaping ideas through Play-Doh modeling, bringing concepts to life with Legos and using puzzles to enhance team cohesion just scratch the surface of what Bayard engages people to do to learn concepts, destress all while having fun. She can turn anything into a game, including using M&Ms in a relay race or turning a version of charades into a tool for lifting self esteem or creating marketing strategies. This unique approach caught the attention of Shelly White, manager of the Linda B. and Robert B. Wiggins Wellness and Integrative Health Center at the Huntsman Cancer Institute. She championed Bayard to teach classes at the institute, of which she has now taught for the last four years. Her current class is called, Laugh Out Loud.
“When people are in a bad place, laughter can be the most helpful. Karen is really a great improv and stand-up comedian,” White said. “Some people can do a workshop and make an impact, but Karen is so witty and can think quickly which makes people laugh often uncontrollably. Most important Karen genuinely cares about people. She makes people feel good at a time in their lives when they don’t.”
It isn’t uncommon to see Bayard inviting cancer patients, who see their journey as a battle, to take aim and fire a Nerf gun at a tumor drawn on a window. It’s also just as common to witness Bayard teaching breathing techniques and playing games designed to encourage well being through gentle playfulness with patients who prefer to view their journey as an easeful dance. While some may say it’s unconventional, the holistic health coach is passionate that humor and play are essential tools for “vibrant, inspired and purposeful living.”
“Play is a one of many options people can utilize toward being our best, strongest, healthiest and most productive self,” Bayard said. “In the case of health, doctors are treating each patient, and loved ones are playing a supporting role…if the individual seeking wellness can allow themselves to relax, the body has a better chance for healing to happen. Of course, this can be quite difficult because it’s so scary and people are stressed out. What I hope is to give people the best option that I can, in the way that I do, to help them relax and make way for the body to do what it is extraordinary at... healing. I am ever thankful to play for a living and hope to continue to positively impact people’s lives in lasting ways that make us all smile and laugh.”
LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
Learn more about Karen Bayard, Whole Body Laughter and Laugh Out Loud at www.wholebodylaughter.com
Jennifer Weaver is a former award-winning journalist and freelance writer. She resides in Orem, Utah, and is the mother of three children.
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