'Laughing Matters’, April 19

Tamworth Community Nurse Assoc. offers a rollicking treat at Runnells Hall

TCNA to sponsor ‘Laughing Matters’ program with Jason Jedrusiak, April 19 in Chocorua

The Tamworth Community Nurse Association will host a special program on Tuesday, April 19 — school vacation week! — that is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s day. Whether you’re 2 or 102, you won’t want to miss “Laughing Matters,” presented by Jason Jedrusiak, of Boston, at Runnells Hall in Chocorua, from 10 a.m. to noon on April 19. Refreshments will be served.

Jason has been leading Laughter Yoga and Meditation sessions in the greater Boston area since 2010. He has helped spread laughter to local organizations and institutions, including Harvard University, The Boston Children’s Museum, and NUPath, where he has laughed with people living with developmental, autism spectrum and acquired brain injury conditions.

Jason discovered the healing effects of laughter and movement through his training as a yoga teacher and meditation guide, his work as a local improv comedian, and through therapeutic clowning akin to one of his mentors, Dr. Patch Adams. He directs a non-profit group called Laughing Matters that brings laughter and improv comedy to retirement homes, rehabilitation centers, homeless shelters, and other places in need of the healing effects of laughter.

Jason’s therapeutic laughter yoga and meditation sessions help to connect people to their laughter and unlock its healing effects by exploring silliness and the ritual of play while creating community. Inspired by various childlike movements, breath and imagination, “fake” laughter soon turns into real and contagious laughter. Laughter itself releases physiological and psychological benefits in the form of positive and stress-relieving endorphins similar to other forms of exercise such as a runner’s high, but with less stress on the body.

No yoga poses are used in the workshop and no special clothing, mats, previous experience in yoga, meditation or having a sense of humor is necessary.

So, come laugh with your children, your parents, a friend or just bring yourself to Runnells Hall on April 19 for a morning of giggles and fun. Residents and visitors of all ages are invited to the workshop, which is free of charge.

For further information, call the TCNA at 603-323-8511.