24 Sept 2012: Clowns Heading for Chennai

Monday

The next morning we all were packed. I saw Santosh and Brett looking at the sun. The pollution was thick which meant we could look at the sun directly. It was a spectacular sight to look at the sun. I reflected on the moon the night before and now the sun. Santosh meditated whilst absorbing the sunlight. I sat there doing the same. We saw the others in the next building enjoying the sun and sea. We then had to go to the bus. It was a bit of a walk, my gear was quite heavy and I did wish there had been an easier way. We said hello to kids and their parents. We all jumped on the bus it was a tight squeeze. Toot sat next to me. Obiddi ended up handing me the latest book after the best selling book ‘Three Cups of Tea’ a book about Afghanistan. I really felt for the people of Afghanistan, they have been through a lot. I found tears in my eyes as I felt for the girls and women. This was enhanced by the fact I was in India, gender issues are intense here and girls can be murdered if they are seen as a drain on the family. Then Santosh decided to sit with me and we talked about creating an intention before clowning to send light to all the people and that we clown for the highest good of all. We held hands and visualised. I try to keep myself open to go where I can do the most good. Those who are particularly sad or sick I try to go to.

We got to our hotel in Chennai and the first group had to go at 9.30am. I decided to go and clown all day. We joined up with Stephen Hawking, an American guy into theatre and peace. He takes his students on field trips so they were invited to come with us. They did need supervising and training but they were put in the deep end. It isn’t easy when you clown for the first time.
The first place we visited was a large hospital and there was mental illness, amputations and a range of illness. It was a big place and the first time they had a visit from clowns. People were looking down from the various floors. The hospitals in India are primitive and nothing like the standard we have in modern hospitals here in Australia.

I got straight into clowning whilst the groups were being worked out – paediatrics or mental health. I was interested in mental health and definitely felt called to go. What I mean by call, an inner pull to go in that direction.

I found myself clowning with a group of people sitting on a concrete floor. I treat them as I treat everyone, I have a big smile and find ways to use my props to create connection and laughter. Some of the people were just sitting there others laughed and were excited. I really loved being with the people and noticed how relaxed I am with them. I then went to another room with people lying on the concrete floor. One woman couldn’t sit up so I lay and mirrored her position. I made noise and had fun with her. I also danced for other women and blew bubbles. I use whatever prop I can to ensure connection. I was guided to go to the top level , I was told it was ‘difficult’. I went up a ramp clowning away and waving. I then entered a room with two long columns of beds. I first got onto the first bed and played with the woman who occupied it. I then juggled and walked forward. I was told by other clowns there was faeces on the floor and urine. I didn’t see that but I could see the folks were old and they had nothing. Apparently some were dementia’d and were unable to remember their name. So they had no identity. I found myself reaching out and kissing them and sending messages of love into their eyes. They were old and frail looking and some were very needy. I found out later that mostly they don’t get visitors. I was told by one of the participants that in her nursing home many residents didn’t get visitors, it was only when they are sick and dying that family turn up. I thought that was sad. In the mode of the clown I do not feel pity, I am in a space of joy and serving them fully. They do not want us to go in and feel or look shocked, they want to see different things and be transported to another world. They deserve to feel the love. So I just tried to connect with people. I saw Toot doing her usual kissing and blowing raspberries on their necks, the people like that. The need was great in the hospital and the new people were very confronted. For myself, I wasn’t confronted I was in a state of joy as my only interest is to give them a moment of happiness.

After the hospital we drove on to visit a leprosy community. Sometimes we walk from house to house and other times we do a show. So I just called out ‘la la la la laaa’ and juggled. The kids came around and we blew bubbles and interacted. We were led to some houses whereby we connected with the residents. I saw a couple of young guys who were keen to move us on but I was able to generate interest in juggling and they started to have fun as balls were thrown under the leg, a few cricket type throws and some plastic objects that they can squeeze. We connected and I was mindful of not overstaying my welcome. My aim is to spread happiness not corner an audience. Sensitivity is so important in clowning.

I interacted with people and juggled. There were kids around and adults. They were smiling away. I had some fun with some young guys and tried to teach them juggling. One was very good and nearly got it. It took me two weeks to learn juggling so I am impressed when I see natural talent. The guys took some photos and we just smiled. I felt the highlight for them in our visit. How many people visit leprosy communities and give hugs. Anyway we ended up in this room. It appeared that there was an Indian official there probably because we were. There were speeches and our group said some words. Steven Hawkings who leads the other team of students temporarily visiting with us, said some words. My friend then indicated I should put the wig and clown classes on the politician. I thought ‘good idea’. I made a quick speech stating we are here to spread love and smiles. They enthusiastically applauded. So I made my way to the politician and put the wig on. She quickly took it off. Yet I felt it would be great for her to keep it on. However, I guess people see clowns as fools and they don’t want that image, yet in truth it is where the real power is, when we don’t care how we are seen, when we are prepared to play and be one with people, there is nothing greater. The wig was put on the other guy and he also quickly took it off. It didn’t matter, I was happy, it was an honour to be there with these amazing people. What a joy.
We got in the van and Stephen decided to leave us and we continued on to a hospital. This was a mental health place and we found a lot of women in a small room waiting for us. I felt the energy of the clowns low (long day) and felt the women of a different resonance so for me it felt harder to get into clowning. I was tired as well. However, I did what I can and juggled. I tried to connect with many women create a sense of connectedness. Others did what they do. I then tried to start a show and did some juggling. Then Puzzle did some ballooning. We all ended up just interacting and found some very cheery souls there. The people are lovely and life for them is not easy but we are in this moment and so we do what we can. I blew up a balloon and had them hit it back. I didn’t give up if the hitting back was more like a throw, I knew there was enjoyment in the interaction. One lady took my rose and gave me a bracelet, I knew it was an exchange and was happy to do it. I did a lot of hugging.

The session ended and we tired clowns got back in the mini bus and headed back to the hotel. We got stuck in traffic so it was a slow trip. Santosh gave my legs a massage which was really beautiful as I was so tired. It was a nice moment.
It was 9pm by the time we got back and we all had dinner in the restaurant.

We were pretty noisy and I am sure the Indian staff were fascinated by our behaviour. We joked and sang. Tim handed out certificates. Lisa and Puzzle were acknowledged as well. I loved that. I was touched he saw me as a mentor. We all cheered each other and it was nice to be acknowledged.

We did a ceremony for Anup with candles. The timing was great as he went out the back to answer his phone to return to a group of people holding candles. We all told him how wonderful he is and he had tears. I so love to do this for people. It is so important to deeply acknowledge others, I am sure this is the first time in his life this had happened. Each person told him what they thought. His present was on its way to Sweden with Lisa. Sadly she had to go early, we had to rush her off and say good bye as her flight was changed to earlier. She had also bought cakes which was deeply kind. A really lovely person. So it was a really nice way to say thank you, very special.

Then it was time to disperse. I went to sleep.