Dec. 4, 2008, Vol. 6 Issue 21

Heaven knows we can all use more laughter and levity in the midst of the uncertainty and chaos that we hear about daily. One thing that restores my joyful spirit, is listening to music with positive lyrics. And, happily that music has led me to musicians who are fabulous speakers as well.  Who knew this would be good for my blood vessels, too?

A study was presented at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions last month, suggesting that laughing and listening to joyful music can help to improve blood vessel function. While the volunteers were listening to the music, the researchers measured how well their blood vessels responded to a sudden increase in blood flow caused by the release of a blood pressure cuff. Results showed that when the volunteers listened to music that made them feel joyful, their blood vessels dilated by 26%. In comparison, listening to music that made the volunteers feel anxious caused blood vessels to dilate by 6%. Laughter was also found to improve blood flow. Listening to a comedy tape caused blood vessels to dilate by 19%.

I love it when research proves what we intuitively know —  joyful music and laughter not only make us feel good, they’re good for us.  That makes me triply happy to report that singer-songwriter, humorist and speaker Jana Stanfield is returning from her world travels – 8 countries — to resume her keynote concerts in the U.S.

 

Jana Stanfield: Born to Do This Work

“It feels good to be back at my job,” Jana says. “After this year of travel, I realized that using music and humor to inspire and encourage large groups of caring people is my dharma.

“Joseph Campbell said that the way to follow your bliss is to do what you care about,” she continued. “It’s comforting to think that in addition to being fitted with our unique aptitudes and abilities, we were also given our unique set of interests. By following the path of what we care about, we can look back and say, ‘I was born to do this work in the world.’  In India, they’d call that your dharma, your life’s work. Being on a constant quest to understand life better, and sharing those lessons in an entertaining way, is my life’s work. I’m looking forward to sharing what I’ve learned this year in a way that’s helpful to others.”

Jana particularly likes to work in the caring professions – healthcare and education (her mom was an elementary school music teacher) – where she has a compassionate way of appreciating their hard work, alleviating stress and promoting well being. That’s all done with a lot of laughter.

You may not know that in addition to being entertaining, her programs can be approved for CEU credits in healthcare and education. Her program, “I’m Not Lost, I’m Exploring: An Adventurer’s Guide to Change,” is a fun-filled stress reduction session, where participants walk away with improved coping skills that can be applied to stress reduction, endorphin elevation, and mental health maintenance. It’s the power of musical repetition that helps participants memorize key points so that they can be applied to everyday work and life challenges.

In another workshop, “Laugh ‘Til You Leak With Laugh-Ter-Robics,” Jana uses her training as a C.L.L. – Certified Laugh Leader – to teach people laughter skills. She says that those who work in the helping professions need to develop laughter skills for simple self-defense as well as stress reduction and endorphin elevation. In this workshop, they learn three kinds of laughter, many ways to induce laughter without jokes, and how to create a “secret laugh handshake” that can be taught to colleagues for an instant laugh anytime it’s needed.

And it’s not too early to plan a nurses week appreciation program with Jana. The question for nurses week is often, “How can you give the greatest number of nurses the greatest amount of inspiration, laughter and appreciation?”  Between cracking your nurses up with her famous “Call-Light Song” and touching their hearts with stories, Jana expresses gratitude to your nurses for being angels among us. Since nurses eat and run to allow others on their shift to get a meal break, Jana’s “Angels Among Us” program can be presented as a come-and-go show throughout the day. For more information, ask about the program, “Angels Among Us: For Call-Light Answerers and Other Difference-Makers.”

Using her unique Keynote Concert style, Jana always provides entertainment, inspiration and encouragement —  lifting spirits with joy, laughter, and spirited interaction. For more information, visit Jana Stanfield on our website or give us a call at 503-699-5031.

 

Sharing a Good Idea
Girlfriends Insta-Totes

At this year’s Go Red for Women luncheon in Portland, each attendee received a fabulous goody bag at her seat.  Not only was it full of fun girlie stuff, including red nail polish and some Liquid Passion Anti-aging Lotion (can’t we all use some of that?), I thought the bag was darling and very practical. In fact, I noticed all of the women around me picking them up admiringly. Imprinted with the words Girl Friends and decorated with girls in red dresses, the design was perfect for the Go Red Event.  Better yet, the bags are made from 100% recycled water bottles, and are 100% recyclable again.

I looked up the Patty Reed website and found there are other designs, styles, and sizes and was very pleasantly impressed by the price.  The lunch bag size  (10” x 12” x 5”) with inner pocket to hold a beverage, that we received, is just $2.50 each (plus S&H). Three styles are available: the Reusable Shopping Tote (perfect for groceries), the Zippered Tote Bag (ideal for travel), and the Lunch Tote. The larger shopping and zippered styles run $5.00. For bulk orders, you can get even better prices. The Insta-Totes bags are lightweight yet super-strong, with a virtually indestructible waterproof surface that can be wiped clean and reused indefinitely. I know that many of you are looking for high value give-away and appreciation gifts at good prices, for your conference attendees. These bags were created by two entrepreneurial women, are environmentally friendly, attractive and girlfriendy.  Check out their website here.

Celebrating 10 Years
Memory Lane – Part 5

This has been fun for me  — reflecting on the last 10 years, both personally and professionally, as they are so intertwined. In our last installment, after explaining my entry and interest in health and wellness, and move to Oregon, I left you with the orange cones.  You know, the ones that mark caution, construction zone.  Well, I don’t know about you, but my life and this business always seem to be under construction! That’s why Jana’s song, “I’m Not Lost, I’m Exploring,” rang true to me the very first time I heard it.  It’s that honest irony that I relate to.

One of my biggest leaps was to start publishing this e-news a little over 5 years ago, every other week, with a few breaks for holidays – my wedding — and this year, those pesky knee operations. Thank you for staying with me. I value your time and strive to bring you information that will help you in your job and in life, with a little levity to keep us all sane. I feel very fortunate for the people I’ve met, the experiences – including the stumbles, but most of all, for so many long-time relationships with both clients and speakers.  I love hearing from you, even if you just write to say, “Hi.”

Until next time, pay attention to the orange cones and take care of yourself, for your well being and those you love.

Gratefully,
Barbara

PLEASE NOTE: The information shared in this e-news is designed to help you make informed decisions about speakers and the programs they offer. It is not intended as a substitute for any treatment prescribed by a doctor. If you suspect you have a medical problem, seek competent medical help.