Archive for » July, 2010 «

Healing Humor Memorable Moment: Beyond Imagination with Richard “Design-O” Smith

Healing Humor Memorable Moment: Beyond Imagination – Heartfelt Wish Magically Granted!

Have you ever noticed how children often teach grown-ups how important they are in their lives, and to appreciate even the smallest of things? A little girl’s deepest heartfelt wish was magically granted, as she lay in a cancer hospital ward…

Healing Humor Memorable Moments in Their Own Words: This episode features reknowned creative designer Richard “Design-O” Smith sharing a heart-rendering memory about a little girl — a heartfelt wish, following her cancer treatment — and how the little girl’s wish was magically granted beyond anyone’s wildest imagination!

More Healing Humor Most Memorable Moments — and More… http://youtube.com/HealingHumor

Sometimes the visitors…
Performers sometimes must change their tune!

Performers sometimes must change their tune!

…are the reason for the visit!

I remember the day well. We had just begun our Clown Rounds, and she came flying around the corner. When she got a look at us, she broke out into a huge, beautiful smile and warmly laughed, at the surprising sight standing before her. As I remember it, I think her laugh may have been one of those laughs of welcome-relief-to-see-us kind of laughs. You know — the kind that is relaxed, not forced, and maybe even a little self-soothing. She had just arrived at the hospital from out-of-town, to be by her father’s bedside.

Not hesitating one moment, she invited us in to meet him and spend a few precious minutes with them. We hadn’t even knocked on his door, before she greeted us and swept us away, inside his still, calm room. We accepted her gracious invitation and stepped into Center Ring. As always, we approached gently, quietly, so as not to disturb the sleeping older gentleman. I don’t believe his eyes opened the entire time we were in his room. But his daughter couldn’t keep her eyes off of us, and we talked and laughed and shared and had a wonderful visit.

As she held her dear daddy’s hand, she told him about us, and explained we were here to visit. I don’t believe he stirred a bit, nor even opened an eye to see. He just continued on, getting his well-deserved rest. She began to express her appreciation of our visit and how special it was to have the serendipitous experience of running into us (nearly!) as she did. We agreed. Once we sized up the room and patient situation as the door swung open, we knew we were “there” for the visitor, this time.

No doubt the patient receives benefits from a hospital clown’s gentle presence, even with eyes closed. I have personally witnessed this. But this time, it was the joyful interaction this visitor was craving, that helped her to slip into the room, and fill the otherwise silent void.

Funny Smiles

The Funny Smile Makerz Kit is for those who want to spread laughter and cheer, while making happy memories for others!

These Funny Smiles are wildly popular leave-behinds. We have been using them for years and years, and just realized they could be enlarged from the art in the kit for some B-I-G FUN!

Several friends have joined the Miles of Smiles Global Quest and have kits, so I wanted to share my surprise discovery!

Join our Global Quest to spread Smiles around the World!

It’s for everyone, and you’re invited :D

You can get your own kit and make unlimited Smiles: budurl.com/FunnySmileMakerzKit

Injecting Healing Humor and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting: It’s all about Relationships
It's all about the relationships...

It's all about the relationships...

The thought to visit sick patients in the hospital or to cheer the infirm is often an endearing idea to many folks, especially if they have never actively done this, or possibly considering this compassionate act. Doing so is a meaningful Gift of Heart.

Once fully-vested in the adventure or totally  addicted to the experience of Joy-provoking in the healthcare setting, it cannot be replicated elsewhere, and the need-to-be-there-to-share is paramount. The main focus of the endeavor may be a compassionate act, but it is only a part of the journey.

As in ‘real’ life, each and every step is guided, enhanced or obstructed by relationships…

  • How personally prepared one is to embark upon this journey, to handle whatever comes their way.
  • How much a part of the Wellness Team the individual and/or group, troupe or ministry is, in actuality.
  • How  committed the hospital clown, caring clown or healthcare family entertainer is to their true purpose.
  • How adept the performer is in interacting with the patients, staff and visitors in any and all situations.
  • How much the hosting facility embraces and supports the effort.

So, perhaps you mistakenly thought you’re totally prepared with the best training available, many years of experience with the most gorgeous costume, makeup and shtick around — but you would be incorrect.

You see, our performance in the healthcare setting is never all about us. I beg of you to deeply consider yet another element that will literally make-or-break your act and effectiveness… it’s all about relationships.

More to come I promise

Hospital Clown Certification

A Hospital Clown Certification program has been discussed for many years. Recently, I was asked about the availability of professional certification training programs and career possibilities in this aspect…

After viewing this vid, if you are aware of another hospital clown certification program, please share the information by leaving a comment.

(Please note: We will only add new information, not restating the program mentioned in this video.)

Some time ago, I went on the record about the fact that NO degree or certification in Hospital Clowning is required to do this work as a Hospital or Caring Clown.

View that vid and my comments by clicking this link: http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2010/01/09/injecting-healing-humor-in-the-healthcare-setting-through-hospital-clowns-healthcare-family-entertainers-and-applied-humor-therapists/

 

From AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show: Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities offer Critical Care through Healing Humor Programs at low-to-NO-cost, Build a Priceless Caring Reputation — and it is NOT Rocket Science! Here’s why… Does your hospital or healthcare facility have a Humor Program?

Tune-in to find out more…

http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2011/09/03/aheart4clowning-talkradio-show-hospital-healthcare-facility-humor-programs-critical-care/

 

 

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

If you are currently involved in a hospital or healthcare clown or humor program, or want to establish one…

Recommended Training and Resources for:  Hospital Clowns, Caring Clowns, Healthcare Family Entertainers, Applied Humor Therapists in the Healthcare Setting and Humor Programs for Healthcare Professionals:

http://www.aheart4clowning.com/2010/07/12/training-preparing-and-equipping/

 

>>>You’re invited to receive our FREE Hospital Clown/Healthcare Family Entertainer/Applied Humor Therapist/SmileMaker e-Newsletterby signing up to receive FREE Hospital Clown e-Newsletter (click on this link here)

 

Training, Preparing, and Equipping…
Charlie's Chaplains' Skool

Charlie's Chaplains' Skool

Fall is fast approaching! Along with it comes wonderful opportunities to become more active, and discover new avenues of interest. For me, fall has always been a sort-of ‘New Year,’ as I launch out on a fresh stretch of months in a ‘New School Year,’ so-to-speak.

What do you have planned? What new things will you be doing? Will you be exploring new interests or adventures? Exciting times ahead! Are you prepared? Will you be ready for Prime Time?

If your heart is leading you toward hospital or caring clowning, or healthcare performing, here are some great resources, regardless of your level of proficiency or experience:

Attend a Live Event:

Frye Regional Medical Center’s Charlie’s Chaplains’ Skool “Work of Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in Healthcare” For Hospital/Caring Clowns, Family Entertainers, Healthcare Professionals, and folks interested in establishing a hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer group, 9th consecutive Skool — Weekend/or Saturday Intensive available on September 24-25, 2010 in Hickory, NC  For info, click this link (here)

MultiMedia Training — Always available on your schedule, ongoing…

AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio: A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning Interview with JT “Bubba” Sikes
 
"Bubba" Sikes

"Bubba" Sikes

“A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning” Interview with “Bubba” Sikes on AHeart4Clowning Talk Radio Show July 8 1PM EDT

Center Ring Spotlight this month is on special guest JT “Bubba” Sikes world-renowned Hospital Clown, COAI clown-in-residence, great trainer, downright – and outright VERY funny guy! He will be on the July show to talk about Hospital Clowning and humor in the healthcare setting – with tips, ideas and pointers you can use!

Join us as we broadcast live, or listen to the recorded show on your schedule, from the archive!

Call or text-in your questions during the show… listen from the comfort of your computer, or your phone.

 

AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show “A Heart 4 Hospital Clowning” Interview with JT “Bubba” Sikes Show Link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2010/07/08/a-heart-4-hospital-clowning-interview-with-jt-bubba-sikes

Summer Reading is Even MORE Fun with Free Shipping!

AHeart4Clowning.com Establishing a Hospital Clown or Creative Ministry GuideSummertime is even more sublime when reading is added to the mix of fun events, and hopefully a little easier – or at least different – schedule of commitments, freeing up some time to explore a book. Nothing better than digging into that book waiting for you on the shelf, or settling in with one you’ve had in mind to peruse, for a while!

If you’ve been wanting to read How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Creative Arts Ministry Guide — or – From the Heart: Injecting Healing Humor in the Healthcare Setting, now’s a great time to order and get FREE shipping.

Our publisher is offering FREE Shipping during the Summer in the US, on orders of $19.95 and over (some restrictions apply). How do you take advantage of this special Lulu Summer Shipping, you ask? It’s easy! According to our Publisher, both books qualify for this special offer. Just click on either book title (linked text) or by clicking (on this link) here to see all my book descriptions, then click on the linked text for program details on the individually-listed book pages.

Personally, I’m a big fan of FREE shipping, so I think the idea is brilliant! Happy reading! As for me? I’m into books #3 +1/2 and enjoying every page…