*WFWP Chairwoman Shirley Chimes with Laughter Yoga instructors David and Trisha Ferlic and Aliza Heppel*

The Colorado Chapter of WFWP had a uniquely enjoyable and educational meeting on January 17. We were invited to a Laughter Program!

In order to set the stage for laughing, we showed the WFWP promotional video clip with Mrs. Lena Yasutake, which put at least a smile on everyone's face. Then, former chairwoman Mrs. Catherine Ichinohe presented a section of the Philosophy of Peace on the Three Great Blessings, with an emphasis on laughter. With that in place, we were ready to hear Dr. David Ferlic, Ed.D. (Counseling and Psychology) and his wife Trisha, who together presented the Laughter Program for the 27 lucky people who attended. There, I found out that you don't stop laughing when you grow old; you grow old when you stop laughing.

Dr. Ferlic and his wife are Certified Laughter Leaders in Colorado. After struggling for many years to find a therapy he believed in, he is convinced he has finally found one that works and, surprisingly, is enjoyable, reputable, and empowering. (If you would like to find out more about it, he can be reached at smilehi@comcast.net.)

The Ferlics currently facilitate Laughter Groups at the Wheat Ridge Community Center. They have conducted Laughter Groups for the Colorado Health Foundation, St. Anthony Health Passport program, the Jefferson County Workforce Center, and the Unitarian and Catholic Churches. In addition, they have led and sponsored World Laughter Day in Colorado, along with participating in Meditate 08. They have also led Laughter Groups in Edgewater, at the Highland Recreation Center, at Covenant Village, on Colorado Public Radio, at Seattle University, and at Chadron State College in Nebraska.

Do you know the true benefits of laughter? For one thing, laughter helps keep the body physically fit. It lowers blood pressure and encourages deeper breathing to send oxygen-enriched blood throughout the body. It strengthens the immune system by increasing antibodies that fight infections and decreasing stress hormones that can lead to major health problems over a lifetime. It also works as an aerobic exercise to strengthen the diaphragm and the abdominal, respiratory, and other muscles that support critical organs.

Dr. Ferlic said that taking life too seriously can undermine mental wellness. Laughter improves mental and emotional health. It helps dump depression and anxiety by providing a new perspective. It stimulates both sides of the brain and eases muscle tension to help individuals learn and retain information. Laughter diminishes or eliminates self-consciousness and shyness through its infectious quality, and stimulates creativity. Laughing for no reason can enhance creativity by stimulating the right-brain "muscle." It eases tension and keeps the brain active for creative development, and it even improves memory.

Laughter makes you feel good. It decreases stress and helps the body relax, helps promote a sound, restful sleep, and replenishes the body. It can even heal cancer. It brings a smile to your face – even long after the laughter subsides.

The Ferlics gave each of us a "laughter name" to put in front of our own name and having the same first letter: Brilliant Becky, Charming Charlie, Pretty Peggy, Electric Elvis, and Smiley Shirley (that's me). The day ended with a presentation of gifts, a group picture, and a delicious lunch.

So what does laughter have to do with peace? The Colorado Chapter of WFWP has now gained a new perspective on including laughter in the work we are doing to promote peace and the well-being of families. We will go forward with a new smile on our face and laugh our cares away as we bring the Principles of Peace to as many people as we can!