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.

When appearing in the healthcare setting, a good deal of what entertainers do for patients is to empower them. This is done in several ways as part of the performance, gently offered in a 2-step process:

1. Initially, allowing the patient to decide if they would like to have a clown or entertainer enter their room for a visit. Ask the patient’s permission first, before entering their room. Remember — they are in the hospital, and you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” Allow them that blessing. Their refusal to see you is not meant as a personal reaction  to you, but it is a deeply personal decision to them. Since they are in the hospital, you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” The whole permission request step is empowering to the patient because they are the ones to decide.
2. Pulling patients into the act, as an integral part of the performance allows them to become involved in the activity however they may be able. This helps break the monotony and dispels pervading sadness, while whisking them away to a lighter place for this moment in time. Participating in an act may be as simple as completely directing the ’scene’ (”stop,” “go,” “yes,” “no,” etc.). I recommend no hands-on activities (by the patients), but that is up to your hosting healthcare facility. Some hospitals allow this type of entertaining, and their policies, procedures and hygiene protocol should be followed.

As you can see, the whole concept of figuratively putting the patient into Center Ring for the performance (or not) is all about them — not us, as entertainers. Our performance is completely based upon their decisions, preferences and choices. Following this strategy not only gives the patient a lighter moment but allows them the grace of personal empowerment to decide and take an active part (or not) in the process.

In the healthcare setting, the patient is the star performer! As the hospital or caring clowns or healthcare family entertainers serve up a tasty feast of fabulous fun, let us always remember this wonderful motto:

“Have it their way!”

Related Post: Hospital Clowns/Healthcare Family Entertainers: Which Comes First: the Patient or the Act?

Join us on AHeart4Clowning TalkRadio Show on Thursday, June 17 at 1PM EDT, 10AM PT, Noon CT, for a JOY-filled interview with Nikki Jackman, founding Cheerlady of The UPliftment Programme (also known as “The UP”) in South Africa, with the purpose of “sharing the healing power of JOY.”

The UP is a not-for-profit organization rooted in South Africa since 2003. They share JOY through Care Clowning, Community Laughter & Corporate JOY Sessions. Nikki Jackman is the founding Cheerlady of The UP – she’s an actress/ voice artist and joy activist – committed to balancing her acting career with building and sharing JOY with all… she will share encouraging and inspiring insight and tell us about the many facets of The UP program and the healing power of JOY!

You can set a “show reminder” and listen online here:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/aheart4clowningtalkradio/2010/06/17/the-healing-power-of-joy-with-nikki-jackman-and-th

Listen to the show streaming L-I-V-E, or catch this show after the broadcast, from the archive.

Miles of Smiles: Becky Cortino

The warm, encouraging response I have received so far this year for the work I have been doing, my books and media, speaking engagements and emerging new projects has been heartening, albeit a tad overwhelming at times — but all met with great good humor, high spirits and an abundance of gratefulness for all.

The most affirming moment for me, in my writing and sharing is when someone who wants to become involved in this work that looks like play, or I connect with a hospital somewhere that is interested in establishing a humor program. For me, that is when the magic begins!

How fortunate it is, that we should meet here at this time and place, to speak of simple things — of smiles, and joy and humor to be shared in possibly the darkest of days… presented as a sweet gift  to one who so often wishes to receive it, but never before would have dreamed to ask.

As the realm of things possible unfolds before their wondering eyes, they come away with us for just that moment in time, to a land untravelled until we arrive there together. It is a place filled with warmth and sunshine and hearts are light. Laughter and joy fill the air like lilac blossoms — sweet and close. Once experienced, not-to-be-forgotten. The moment to be hidden in the heart. The memory to taken out again to be further examined,  relished and enjoyed. To be held forever close.

I’m thinking I must be the most fortunate person in the world to do what I do. The places I have been — the stories I have heard. Oh, the memories and indelible heartprints forever left their mark.

May my words speak to your ears and to your heart.

My heartfelt mission is very simple: I want to help further clown arts and humor programs in hospitals and healthcare settings globally. Together in the collective sense, we are doing that – but I strive to encourage it on a much broader scale than what we are currently doing.

Please let me know how I can help you… feel free to contact me, or to submit your question by way of this online Contact Form (click this link)

Back by popular demand!

Wanta Share Your Most Memorable Caring Clown Moment?

Email

Name

Register to receive story submission deets…

Healthcare Humor Program Treats All Hearts Touched

Patient care is the focus and greatest concern of any healthcare facility. A Humor Program in tandem with and supportive of the hosting healthcare entity, serves as good will abassadors, and part of the wellness team through boosting immune systems and brightening the environment.

Establishing a Humor Program is a winning combination for any forward-thinking healthcare entity wanting to set themselves apart from other facilities, and building positive reputation in the process. These are 3 of the 7 reasons highlighted in my series on the importance of establishing Humor Programs in the healthcare setting. The outcome of an effective Humor Program can be positively powerful…

A Healthcare Humor Program is Critical Care to all hearts that are touched:

Patients are always the primary focus during visitations. In the healthcare setting, the mission is to do nothing more than cheer the patients through a gentle presence, as a means of taking the patient’s mind off their current health condition or painful situation.

Success is measured if only for just a second, after entering the patient’s room they can forget or not think about their condition, through humorous intervention. They are drawn into the performance, become a part of it, empowered to assist, or even refuse a visit. All are valuable therapeutic value, depending upon the patient’s condition and the situation.

A brighter, more optomistic environment is created, and spirits are lifted in the process:

Visitors may be treated to entertainment in the patient’s rooms, or sometimes caught by surprise in the hallways, waiting rooms, elevators and lobby. Depending upon the situation or mood, the visitors may become the center of attention, if the patient is unable, and it seems the visitors need a cheerful interlude.

The healthcare facility staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure, and much-anticipated relief.

Results are tangible in health benefits and priceless in building good will and reputation over time, through a well-orchestrated healthcare Humor Program program, which can be implemented at little cost, for big results.

Scientific evidence supports the concept that humor and laughter make significant contributions to both physical and mental health conditions of all who receive applications of Applied Humor Therapy, by:

• Strengthening the immune system
• Improved cardiovascular health
• Reducing pain, stress and anxiety
• Creating a more positive perspective and optimistic mood

Does your healthcare facility have a Humor Program?

Whether your facility is reviewing possibilities or considering a program, or whatever stage of development or operation your Humor Program may be in, there are lots of articles, resources, and links included on this site to assist. Please feel free to explore and check out what is offered here to help the cause of injecting Healing Humor in the healthcare setting.

Receive information to help you in this effort, by signing up here to receive free updates (click on this link here)

Here is a recommended book on How to Establish a Hospital Clown or Family Entertainer Group

Do you have questions or want to talk with someone about your program and ideas?

If I may answer questions you have or be of assistance to you or your facility in some way regarding setting up an in-house program, or related to your currently-existing Healthcare Humor Program, please feel free to contact me at any time and let me know how I may help: Use the online contact form by clicking this link (here)

Applied Humor in the healthcare setting has tangible benefits!

Recently, I’ve been writing about the inherent benefits of hospital or healthcare facility-based Humor Programs. Important integral elements may easily be overlooked, while efforts are steadfastly fixed upon the proper program set-up, meeting facility training and testing requirements, coupled with wholehearted determination to provide the best delivery of humor…

Possible missing ingredients are the elements of Joy and Wonder. These simple components of an effective Humor Program, may easily be lost in the stack of details and flurry of implementation.

Joy is often the natural by-product of appropriately-delivered humor. Provided to a patient on a personal level,  in a time, a place and in just the right space. But if the humor therapist is impeded in some way, their effectiveness is diluted or hindered. Being well-trained and fully integrated as part of the facility’s ‘Wellness Team’ gives the needed support and confidence to help create Joy on-the-fly for all hearts touched along their merry way.

Wonder is that amorphous, shapeless, intangible aspect so often sought after, but not always found. It is a necessary item in the Humor Program Toolbox! To create this essence, is to recognize the possibility what is to be — of things hoped for, but not yet seen.  To develop the thought of what might be, beyond what is, with a positive eventual destination, outcome or conclusion to the current adventure.

These elements may sound high-minded, but in reality are very simple in nature, and integral parts of any effective healthcare Humor Program. Upon considering them, one might rightly wonder how any modicum of Joy or Wonder could be provided to the patient who may be staring into the face of a dark unknown. Based on my experience in this venue since 1997, I have personally witnessed this feat accomplished through effective applied humor therapy on a regular, repeated basis throughout visitations or clown rounds.

Admittedly, it is amazing to think a patient in pain, under heavy meds or experiencing a dire health situation would so readily welcome in a humor therapist as they do — but they do! Of course training and preparation are important, but the approach once on the scene is certainly critical. It is a warm, inviting and personal contact with the patient. Sometimes, the patient is not in a place in their heart or mind to take in what a humor therapist has to offer, which is respected. However, most patients welcome the interlude amidst their pain or suffering.

An effective healthcare humor therapy program causes ripple effects, reaching out and infecting others. Humor and smiles are known to be highly contagious! Visitors also are beneficiaries of the adventure, and appreciate the special care and concern extended to their loved one. Staff often welcomes joy-filled, comedic stress-relieving moments. Entertaining the staff at the nurse’s station and in the hallways as time and schedule allow, can become a much-anticipated adventure.

How do the elements of Joy and Wonder affect the bottomline in the healthcare setting?

Beyond the health benefits of humor, and recognized importance for patients, the spillover effect is priceless. The result of a well-executed healthcare program is beyond any dollars that could ever be budgeted and spent, because the hearts, minds and lives of countless individuals are touched.

In the process:

• A caring, serving, personal reputation for the facility is supported or built.
• Unique positioning for the facility is established for hosting such a program; for the foresight and progressive nature of establishing and supporting it.
• Positive memories of the event also help patients and others to engender high regard and admiration for a healthcare facility.

For more information on how Healthcare Facilities Can Build a Caring Reputation through Humor Programs, click this link (here)

Happy World Laughter Day — how do you plan to celebrate, provoke laughter?!

Share the Laughter – Share the Cheer!

World Laughter Day is here

Laughter Arts & Sciences Foundation:

 http://www.laughterfoundation.org/

Give a Smile — Get a Smile — one size really does fit all!

For the Directory of World Laughter Day Events, click this link

Create  Endless Smilez ‘n Memories fast easy and simple

with our Funny Smile Makers Kit!

We say — why not celebrate Laughter everyday — everywhere?!

New Design!

As the world grows increasingly gray, the need for humor in every day life is paramount… recognizing the need and seeking out ways to enahance your life by adding your own special blend of humorous ingredients offers health-boosting benefits, as well as making your world brighter!

Discover the positive health benefits of humor, how to administer generous doses of humor, in every day, for a happier healthier life!  

Now available in your choice of 2 convenient forms, with a beautifully redesigned cover:

#1: A self-paced Healing Humor online course with immediately available downloadable materials allows attendees to listen to audios at their convenience, enjoy EBooks and printables immediately! The course is presented in 5 separate audio segements, with related downloadables, all available online, to be listened to and enjoyed indefinitely, from the time of enrollment.

For more info: budurl.com/HealingHumorAudio

#2 Healing Humor: Live Happy – Be Healthy Audio CD, is a physical audio CD product that includes the audio portion (only) – for your own personal copy, and as a great addition to your Humor Library and resources.

For more info: http://budurl.com/LiveHappyBeHealthyCD

The backstory of Healing Humor: Live Happy-Be Healthy Audio Program is that it was written and recorded by Becky Cortino, as part of the “Creative Arts Celebration” held at Frye Regional Medical Center in April, 2008.

Breaking News for Healing Humor: Live Happy-Be Healthy Audio Program is the flashy, cool new design!

We’re celebrating the new bright art, lighter look,  and the fact that so many people have been enjoying this program since 2008!