Lutheran and the WCA Wellness Program have teamed up to bring a new concept to women in the area. Caren M. Kolerski, a certified Laughter Yoga instructor, will be the guest presenter at the "Ladies Night Out. LOL!" event to be held Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. in the Chapel on the Lutheran Campus.
"We've planned this special evening for women to enjoy with their girl friends," said Toni DeAngelo, WCA Wellness Program director. "Studies have shown the health benefits of laughter on improving mental health, as well as the healing and management of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes and heart disease."
Laughter Yoga combines unconditional laughter with yogic breathing. "It is an exercise routine that most anyone can do," said Ms. Kolerski. "Laughter is simulated with eye contact and childlike playfulness. It soon turns into real and contagious laughter, bringing about a wonderful feeling of well-being."
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Caren Kolerski, certified Laughter Yoga instructor and life coach, is pictured above.
The idea was launched by Dr. Madan Kataria, a physician from Mumbai, India, in 1995. It has become a worldwide phenomenon with more than 6,000 social laughter clubs in about 60 countries.
The concept of Laughter Yoga is based on a scientific fact that the body cannot differentiate between fake and real laughter. One gets the same physiological and psychological benefits.
Ms. Kolerski believes laughter adds a unique richness to her private practice as a certified life coach and retreat leader, especially in her work with caregivers and elders. Ms. Kolerski encourages her clients to use laughter as both a stress-reliever and a grounding technique - a reminder to take oneself and life a bit more lightly. She has co-authored three books. Her most recent publication, "My Own True North," is part of an anthology which includes her inspirational story as a caregiver.
In addition to the program on laughter, there will be wine tasting, chocolate desserts and a little shopping. The program is limited to 100 registrants. Women must be 21 years or older. Register online at lutheran-jamestown.org or call 720-9122.