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We learn something in everything we do — that’s called life. Keeping our eyes open and being observant. Evaluating the process with every step — how are we doing? Fine-tuning as we go, to reach the mark. Dedicated to the purpose.
In actuality, it’s not about the process — it’s about the doing… the sharing of the moment, the Joy, the laughter, the humor.
Some welcome the humorous interlude with open arms, embracing the moment. Others will only allow us a small space in time. Still others — will refuse. We have to offer up our gift in an enticing way, making it be an irresistible offer — one that simply cannot be ignored, in a gentle, non-invasive way. The choice to “receive” is left entirely up to the intended recipient.
Each time, we must remember the experience in delivering Humor, however it is presented. Our efforts will be most effective if we offer Applied Humor Therapy as the individual wants to receive it. We must meet them in that place. Or allow drive through, express-style. Whatever works in the venue, for the audience and the day.
As Applied Humor Therapists, we have a commitment to share the laughter, Joy and Healing Humor, injecting it in the spaces allowed. Then and only then, have we been truly effective.
Related Post: Injecting Healing Humor and Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting: Its All About Relationships
But wait! There’s much more to come on this topic…
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…
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:
- 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.
- 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?
'Being there' isn't enough.
Part Two in a series on Entertaining in the Healthcare Setting…
A healthcare family entertainer has many considerations in performing in the venue — costume, schtick, props, policies, procedures, and much more… but never should the preparations nor the entertainment be put before all else. Showing up in your finery, with all the best stuff and greatest act in the world is not enough. It’s laudable to always put your best effort and clown foot forward, but not before first considering the audience.
Other facets of what entertainers do for patients in the healthcare setting is to empower them. This is done initially by allowing the patient to decide if they would like to have you enter their room for a visit. Remember — they are in the hospital, and you are likely the only person they can refuse or tell “no.” Allow them that blessing.
It is not up to the hospital clown or healthcare family entertainer to barge into the patient’s room anyway — throwing our hat into the proverbial ring (or their room) while completely ignoring their feeble request — because ‘we know they will feel better seeing a clown,’ or whatever reason you have in mind. If they saw you from just outside their door — they saw you, and that may be enough for them in that moment in time.
Sometimes the act you will perform for a patient is a simple act of kindness, from the heart — allowing them the space and time to continue in their healing or preparation process and respecting their response to you, because they know how they feel.
Related posts:
Hospital Clowns and Caring Clowns Offer a Work of Heart for All
What in the World are You Here For?
Next: How patients are a ‘part of the act’ when entertaining in the healthcare setting
'Being there' isn't enough.
Hospital clowns, caring clowns and healthcare family entertainers exist to perform in their venue on the world’s smallest stage. Their entertainment is often at a patient’s bedside, to an audience comprised of one. The act usually debuts in real time, right before their eyes and will likely never be performed quite the same way again.
In most cases, the focus is on the patient because the reason for being there is to brighten their day and lessen their pain if at all possible, through an unexpected interlude of joy and levity. But “being there” is not enough.
“Getting there” may seem a nearly unsurmountable task for most, especially if you are a family entertainer who is wishing, waiting and hoping to become involved in a healthcare humor program. Sometimes, persevering through the seemingly endless maze of training and testing to begin rounds may feel overwhelming. I realize this, but once arriving at the facility for rounds again I say — “being there” is not enough.
Next: How patients are empowered when entertaining in the healthcare setting…
Healing Humor Buttons are great visual reminders of the importance and need for Humor in every day. Sporting a fresh design, these cool buttons feature an eye-catching new multi-color ”tie-dyed” background with a spin-off of our traditional “Healing Humor” logo and saying.
These Healing Humor Buttons are great for everyday wear, as well as on Clown Rounds!
Just released this spring, we already gleefully announced 50% of all sale proceeds for each button sold is contributed to Association for Applied and Therapeutic Humor (AATH), so this is a gift that keeps on giving!
Quantity discounts are available, making them ideal for:
- Training Sessions – Participants carry the message with them!
- Humor Programs – Attendees help spread the word!
- Humor Kits – For an added lift or timely reminder!
- Lagniappes – Special surprise and treasure!
- More!
Show your support and help spread the word for “Healing Humor” as a Way of Life — NOT a Band Aid, by wearing your “Healing Humor” button, along with a smile!
For details and maybe snag one of your own, click on this link for: HealingHumorButtons
Put your best clown foot forward!
Clown shoes are the finishing touch to a well-designed look. In the hospital or healthcare setting, a costume as well as the shoes should be scaled-down to fit the venue or performance space.
Often in the hospital setting, the majority of entertaining is done on the world’s smallest stage — one-on-one at the patient’s bedside. This means traditional oversized clown shoes are usually inappropriate — possibly even hazardous with the maze of cords, tubes and equipment surrounding the performance area.
There are many ways to put your best clown foot forward – with color and style, while not breaking your piggy bank in doing so! One of the coolest solutions we have found is shopping online with “6pm,” a division of Zappos. They feature an incredible array of shoes and great buys!
Sneakers and athletic shoe styles offer colorful choices, different styles and prices. Based on our experience, we have found Converse high-tops and regular-style athletic shoes in some amazing colors, designs and combinations to be just the ticket for our clowns and characters.
Hygiene is always a concern in the healthcare setting, so it is important the shoes are also easily washable.
In addition to a great, fresh and fun look, the added benefit to the performer wearing these shoes is comfort. In the hospital, entertainers do a lot of walking on Clown Rounds!
Here is the link for 6pm.com: http://6pm.com
This site is so cool! To help you make a selection, a useful “search” feature helps you narrow your choice down, from their ever-refreshing voluminous inventory!
A Word to the Wise: if you find a shoe you like, be sure to purchase it when you see it. This site features super deals, with the aim to sell, so the inventory moves quickly. Otherwise, you may be disappointed to find the size and style you wanted is no longer available.
How about you? Have you discovered or used a clever way to create clown shoes for your clown or character? Please leave a comment and share with us what you did…
Please NOTE: The “6pm.com” and “Zappos” websites are NOT an affiliate links. Absolutely NO funds, referral credits or money is generated by your transaction, if you click through. This TIP is provided, with the hope that it is useful information, and heartfelt desire to help equip, the whole reason for this website…
Here is the link for 6pm.com: http://6pm.com