Humor/Wellness Program
LENNY'S MESSAGE
It's simple: "Laugh goes on!" Finding (and sometimes out of necessity, relying upon) one's sense of humor is serious medicine in the 'healing' and coping process.
The term 'wellness' describes a state of 'balance,' both in physical health and in emotional 'quality of life.' Wellness refers to individuals and organizations alike - an active process of becoming aware of and making choices toward a more successful existence.
For a variety of 'wellness' and 'active senior' audiences around the country, Lenny's programs, "Laugh Goes On!" and "100 Years of Comedy" offer a healthy, non-threatening and much-needed prescription of therapeutic humor and laughter.
The feedback we've received is powerful and poignant.
"Refreshing, uplifting, fascinating and practical - just what we needed! Great interaction and connection with the audience."
P & G International Transferees, Inc.
"Lenny created a wonderful feeling in what is often a very uneasy environment."
The Wellness Community
"Your presentation was well received and a great addition to our company-wide symposium!"
- Metro Heart Group (St. Louis)
"Blown away!"
Seacrest Village & San Diego JCC Seniors
"Lenny did a great job kicking-off our conference with a presentation that was both entertaining and informative!"
- WISCPHR Annual Meeting
"This guy really gets it!"
- Caring Clowns International
Listen to Lenny's recent 20-minute podcast interview with Alan Smith on UnBreakYourHealth.com discussing healthy humor and laughter!
Lenny is a Past President of AATH - The Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor. The mission of this international organization (founded in 1987) is "To serve as the community of professionals who study, practice and promote healthy humor and laughter."
The emerging field of therapeutic humor gains increased recognition and respect with each new research study. Humor, laughter and a positive attitude have been shown to cause behavioral changes known to reduce stress hormone levels and boost the body's immune system response. This, in turn, helps to fight the effects of chronic illnesses such as cancer and heart disease.
LAUGH GOES ON: HUMOR IN THE HEALING PROCESS
Speaking from first-hand experience, Lenny attests, "If you're going to have a heart attack, you might as well find some humor in it - and I made sure that I did!"
Lenny believes that people going through the healing process need a break from the barrage of what he calls 'symptom seminars and mold spore speakers.'
He explains, "A lot of people are 'hurting,' both literally and figuratively. They're coping with a wide variety of life challenges such as a serious illness or a recent loss. I think there comes a point where the intense, medical techno-jargon creates a genuine sense of numbness. Every so often, people just need to relax, have a few good laughs and forget about things for a while... or at least look at them from a different, lighter perspective."
HOW TO USE THE PROGRAM
Countless times, we've heard, "Our people are under a lot of stress and they really could use an opportunity to lighten up a bit and have a few laughs!" As a result, a number of organizations have invited us to speak at their meetings, training sessions, conferences and conventions for the simple fact that our program sounded like something fun and different - and it is!
We're flexible - so bend us! For "The Wellness Community," we customized a presentation entitled, 'Humor, Laughter, Life and Cancer!' A similar program was developed for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society's Southwestern Ohio chapter. Both events were emotionally-charged with lots of laughs, lots of tears, lots of hugs, lots of people and a very positive release of energy. The intensity of those moments will resonate for a long, long time.
THE FORMAT
Forget the medical textbook terminology! Forget the statistics, charts and graphs! And most of all - Forget the podium!
Our interactive learning environment dynamically utilizes cartoons, movie excerpts, music, plus the wit and wisdom of people throughout history to emphasize fundamental concepts. Most people want to learn, but they also want to be entertained and have some fun! So, why not give them both? The essence of our program is very serious, but we subscribe to the theory that learning can be and should be fun!
Cancer isn't funny - but life is - and people certainly are! Many of the images in our program were created by a very talented cartoonist who bravely endured two seperate bouts with cancer over a ten year period. She considered her cartooning to be her most valuable 'therapy,' her way of dealing with the frustration, the pain, and yes, the humor of the experience. Her brilliant work conveys an insightful, first-hand perspective which translates across the board to all sorts of other challenging situations faced by audience members.
WELLNESS FEEDBACK
'Lenny moves people through a range of human emotions. He gives them the perspective that truly living is experiencing everything and then choosing one's own response. Lenny's special gift is in delivering this message in such an enjoyable, gentle and lighthearted way.'
'Nothing kicks you out of your comfort zone like cancer. Laughter and optimism are key. Your message to me was strong - I am not alone.'
'You did a great job kicking-off the conference with a presentation that was both entertaining and informative. I heard a number of the attendees mention how much they enjoyed the activities, and the cartoons and quotes are definitely going to 'make the rounds.' It was a real bonus to have you interact with the audience prior to your presentation and then mingle with them during the social.'
'Lenny created a wonderful feeling in what is often a very uneasy environment. This was a thoroughly enjoyable and beneficial experience!'
'It is my husband who has cancer, but Lenny's program was therapeutic for me too!'
'Lenny spoke directly to my current issues - fear of the unknown, the importance of my support team, the value of looking at my situation from a different angle.'
'Cancer doesn't have to consume me. Laughter and positive thinking can relieve a lot of the stress.'
'Lenny, your wisdom is priceless. You have helped me to finally identify my fear. Thank you so, so much!'
'The thoughts, feelings and emotions expressed today by many in the group have given me a better understanding of the cancer experience.'
'Lenny was able to foster community, enhance understanding, and promote giggling. There was laughter, a welcomed sense of playfulness, and a palpable energy of camaraderie. I hope Lenny continues to reach out to people who so desperately need to hear this uplifting message.'
'Lenny's responsiveness to the crowd and his sensitivity to the trials of the cancer experience made this program a tremendous success!'
'My attitude and perspective can either help or hinder my recovery process. We need more programs like this!'
'I actually enjoyed interacting with the group! The activities were fun and I met new people.'
'Lenny is warm and sensitive and it shines through in his work.'
'The final video you showed was so true, beautiful and powerful. There wasn't a dry eye in the house.'
'Live life with laughter. Don't waste time with fear!'
'Lenny helped me see how much I need to eliminate the toxic negativity and fear in my life.'
'I truly needed this program. It lifted my spirits and fed my soul.'
'With any adversity, cancer being a big one, you have to be part of a team. Don't go it alone.'
'Refreshing, uplifting, fascinating and practical - just what we needed! Great interaction and connection with the audience. Lenny really worked the room and got to know us. We love Lenny!'
'Lenny helped me realize that I can let down my guard and be myself.'
'Thank you for saying that fear is normal. What's important now is how I deal with it.'
'Lenny reinforced the need for 'team' participation and the benefits of a support community.'
'I've got to be willing to 'jump off the edge' and move through my fear.'
'Lenny's program reaffirmed that humor and laughter are important in fighting this disease. Thank you for the lift!'