http://www.wickedlocal.com/georgetown/fun/entertainment/x1009756652/Georgetown-residenat-wants-to-help-you-laugh-yourself-healthy
By Sally Applegate / correspondent
Georgetown Record
Posted Mar 24, 2010 @ 03:52 PM
Last update Mar 24, 2010 @ 04:15 PM
Georgetown —
Georgetown resident Richard Mullen has spent more than 30 years as a natural health educator, hypnotherapist and student of gelotology, the effect of humor on the human body and mind.
Inspired by Norman Cousins’ 1979 book “Anatomy of an Illness” in which Cousins recounts laughing himself well after suffering from a serious disease, Mullen decided to focus on the study of how laughter and smiling benefit your health. The subject was also explored in the movie “Patch Adams” starring Robin Williams.
The mind-body connection is key to the health benefits of laughter, Mullen explained. “All illness is based on worrying about the future and feeling guilty about the past,” he said. “Laughter puts us in the present, the here and now, eliminating fear and worry. It is a universal language.”
On April 1, Mullen will present a class at Northern Essex Community College to teach people how to find the humor in everyday life. The audience will see how contagious laughter is and be able to incorporate Mullen’s “Laugh Yourself Healthy” ideas into their own lives. He describes his program as recreational and is not suggesting you stop seeing your doctor.
Mullen’s “Laugh Yourself Healthy” presentation on April 1 will take place at 2 p.m. in the Technology Center on NECC’s Haverhill campus, 100 Elliot St. Admission is $2. It is part of the Life Long Learning program.
To learn more about Richard Mullen’s programs, which are available for presentation to senior centers, assisted living facilities, civic and social groups, and corporations, visit his Web site at rjmullen.com, contact him at rjmullen@gmail.com or phone him at 978-769-5073.
