Hospital Clowning
Hospital clowning- sound like a myth, a useless distraction, or an irreverent nuisance, right? Perhaps in some cases (I'm open to all opinions). In many situations, though, hospital clowns foster priceless artistic relationships for patients. Hopefully this summary of examples can help transcend the "yeah, right" and gauge an understanding of "why" and "how."
A person with a terminal illness may have a difficult time accepting death, and discussing it only brings out more depression; a clown may show the beauty of life and playful distraction, and perhaps a life-cycle clown can relay a message allowing a person to feel seen and to reflect the value of their life as a whole.
A child that is a victim of abuse can develop an aggressive attitude in the face of confrontation because that's how they were kinesthetically taught to respond. Hospital clowns have helped children like this channel energy through slapstick routines and gain tactile awareness of why and where violent behavior develops, all while remaining safe and causing no distress or harm. These are only a few examples detailing the purpose and practice of hospital clowns.
While hospital clowning can provide acute mental therapy and distractions through laughter and transportation, it doesn't heal pain or treat somatic injury or illness. Sure, that seems obvious, but I think it's a relevant point to acknowledge. In case you were thinking "whatever- laughter isn't medicine," you're right in a Western sense. It's not meant to treat physical pain, but it can be used to heal mental distress, trauma, and reactions to physical pain.
A person with a terminal illness may have a difficult time accepting death, and discussing it only brings out more depression; a clown may show the beauty of life and playful distraction, and perhaps a life-cycle clown can relay a message allowing a person to feel seen and to reflect the value of their life as a whole.
A child that is a victim of abuse can develop an aggressive attitude in the face of confrontation because that's how they were kinesthetically taught to respond. Hospital clowns have helped children like this channel energy through slapstick routines and gain tactile awareness of why and where violent behavior develops, all while remaining safe and causing no distress or harm. These are only a few examples detailing the purpose and practice of hospital clowns.
While hospital clowning can provide acute mental therapy and distractions through laughter and transportation, it doesn't heal pain or treat somatic injury or illness. Sure, that seems obvious, but I think it's a relevant point to acknowledge. In case you were thinking "whatever- laughter isn't medicine," you're right in a Western sense. It's not meant to treat physical pain, but it can be used to heal mental distress, trauma, and reactions to physical pain.
Jamin in a troupe at a children's cancer ward in Barranquilla, Columbia
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