Lighten Ü Productions supplies a methodology on learning to laugh more and how to improve your sense of humour to cope with the curve balls of life.
By putting the power of Humour to work in your arena of concern (workplace, association, service group, church, community) you can reduce stress, improve teamwork, productivity, morale, communication, creativity, motivation and customer service.
The basis for this methodology stems from the teachings of Dr. Madan Kataria (Laugh for No Reason) creator of Laughter Yoga and as an extension Dr. Steve Wilson of the World Laughter Tour. Laughing for no reason; in other words fake it til you make it, achieves the vary same results (physical, emotional, mental and spiritual) as real laughter and eventually leads to an increase in real laughter and a sense of humour in your life. One of the most recognized leaders in the Humour for Health and Wellness focus is Dr. Norman Cousins.
Laughter is the Best Medicine
Do you remember the last time you laughed so hard you leaned back afterwards, sighed and said, “Oh, I needed that!” Laughter makes us feel good; it is free and can happen as often and as many times a day as we want. It is contagious in a good way and can help solve problems by offering a bond between people. A shared laugh is a great way to get the creative juices flowing and open the mind to possibilities. A good hearty laughter session is now known to re-hardwire the brain, leaving a state of released physical stress and tension, a sense of relaxed muscles and a smile that can last up to 45 minutes.
Kathleen McAulay
Kathleen McAulay has enjoyed spreading the word about laughter in a professional manner since 1998. Kathleen delights in sharing her natural comedic talent and ability to find humour in even the most mundane aspects of daily routines. She has combined these talents with her stand up comedy experiences, her Second City improvisation training and her studies with internationally renowned performance art/clown teachers Sue Morrison, Francine Cote, Shobi Dobi, the Humber College School of Comedy and her idol Loretta LaRoche. In addition, Kathleen has met the necessary criteria and has been certified as a Laughter Leader by the World Laughter Tour.
She runs a successful business as a Stress Management - Humour Consultant, Motivational Speaker and Certified Laughter Leader.
Kathleen knows of what she speaks. For close to 25 years, she toiled in the Canadian broadcasting industry and has a keen awareness of the stress involved in meeting tight deadlines and working in an office, from the spectrum of the corporate to the small family owned business. Kathleen personally knows the stress and fear arising from downsizing, layoffs, mergers and industry changes.
Sandwiched in between those 25 years, Kathleen also pursued career fulfillment as a Real Estate Sales Agent, an ESL teacher to Worker's Compensation recipients and new immigrants to Canada, and very early on Kathleen sold kites at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto (a very stress filled occupation when you don't know how to fly a kite).
Kathleen regularly facilitates Humour for Healing workshops at Gilda's Club, a cancer support centre in Toronto.
Benefits of Laughter
- simulates a cardio workout
- attracts socially minded people
- increases longevity
- fights illness
- costs nothing
- reduces pain
- lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- relaxes muscles
- reduces negative amounts of the stress hormone cortisol
- enhances immune system
- oxygenates the system
- exercises the diaphragm
- provides a physical and emotional release
- provides a positive state of mind
- changes perspective
- fosters creativity and open-mindedness
Testimonials
“When I met Kathleen Mcaulay in 2007 at Gilda's Club, I had no idea the wonderful - and ongoing - impact she would have on my life. She was our guide in the new world of “laughter yoga”, and what an amazing journey and experience she showed - and shared. Humans think laughter is natural, easy, or embarrassing, awkward. Kathleen taught us how to reach the sense of fun and joy everyone seems to be seeking. She let us feel how laughter exercises make you lighter, happier. She instilled a love for humour that healed and made you a better person. It's not just the physical laughing which is important, but the emotional, and internal freedom it creates. Of course, it's always more fun - and more challenging - to be in a group learning how to really laugh, and be comfortable, than alone. Shared stress and painallows people to relax and understand.
Kathleen McAulay gives you the opportunity - and the tools - to release and let go. She shows you how to smile again.”
“In summary the feedback from the attendees after Kathleen's presentation at our Bloorview/Sick Kids Family Connection Day was that her presentation was the overall favourite and rated, good, very good or excellent 26 out of 27.”
- Ava Lee Kotler, Bloorview Kids Rehab
“Thank you so much for coming to Augsburg and presenting at our Lunch and Learn. It was very well received. One of the gentlemen who attended, stood up during announcements on Sunday and told everybody how much he enjoyed the Lunch and Learn. He said that he “laughed and smiled all the way home” - even though he couldn't really tell anybody exactly why. He said that he had learned (more) about appreciation and he congratulated the Health Committee on a great event!”
- Lynn Franklin, Parish Nurse, Augsberg Lutheran Church
“Humour can be utilized with everyone, despite daily challenges/health issues.”
- Participant in TRO Conference session
“We still talk about Kathleen's laughter talk and how much we enjoyed it. After Kathleen's laughter talk, one of the ladies had a doctor's appointment. This lady normally suffers from high blood pressure but on this day her blood pressure was perfect. The doctor was thrilled and asked what she'd been doing. She told him that she had just finished laughing for 45 minutes. He told her to keep doing that as much as possible.”
- Vera Hull, Westley Chapel Free Methodist 55 Plus Group
“What was most useful was that the facilitator had so much knowledge and experience.”
- Participant in TRO Conference session
“She was amazing, her stories and techniques shared were great!”
- Participant in TRO Conference session
“Who would have thought that doing fake laughter exercises would make us laugh for real? We felt so silly and laughed so much the tears were coming down our faces.”
- Anonymous, Gilda's Club
“You made me pee myself laughing so hard.”
- Friend, Marta
“At PowerStream, we continue to feel your good cheer! Your Laugh and Learn workshop was uplifting and highly energizing.”
- BJ McCabe, Human Resources Consultant, PowerStream Inc.
Past Clients Include:
Associated Engineering
Air Canada
ACS, Buck Consultants
AMICA Nursing Homes
Augsberg Lutheran Church
Bloorview Kids Rehab
CHATS (Community Home Assistance to Seniors)
Community Care East York
Don Mills Foundation for Seniors
Dorothy Ley Hospice
Keswick Day Program
Powerstream Inc.
Providence Healthcare
Sick Kids
Therapeutic Recreation Ontario (Conference 2007)
The Renascent Centres
Yorkview Lifecare Centre
Whitby Mental Health Hospital
Lighten Üp Productions
Learn to Lighten Life with Laughter
Email: laugh@lightenupproductions.ca
Phone: 647-223-7922
