Yesterday Zoe and I went to 2 new Dementia units to do workshops with staff, to give them an idea of what Elderflowering is about. We talked a little bit about Hearts and Minds and how the Elderflower programme came to be, and then we play games. All of these games are relevant to the work, but they are also just fun. I take it for granted now, but I remember clearly that feeling of fear in these scenarios; of being asked to do something you don't want to do, of everyone watching you, of doing it wrong, or making a fool of yourself.
In fact, that fear is still in me! I just know what happens next. I laugh. A lot. I make mistakes and they don't matter. In fact, they are funny. I realise that no-one knows what they are doing. We are playing, as adults, and it is really fun.
Maybe as a child I felt trepidatious too? I suppose that as a child, you are expected to play, so you just do. Even if you feel shy or don't know your place, you end up running around anyway, and before you know it, you are playing and laughing like everyone else.
Being able to meet staff in this way before starting work is so important. We have a real problem communicating the work to staff - they hear 'Clowns' and think red wig and big shoes and are horrified. The games mean they get the feel-good factor of laughter and playfulness and connecting with each other and we can talk to them out of costume and express the dignity and humanity of the work clearly.
I laughed so much yesterday. The staff at these two units jumped in with both feet and were so generous. I am so looking forward to starting in the new year, and to meeting the Ladies and Gentlemen too. It is so nice for me to have this continuity as a practitioner, and hopefully it will lead to a long lasting realtionship with the unit.
Work in hospital has continued to delight me since the 3 weeks in Barcelona. On Monday, Dr Zap and Dr Maybee kayaked down a treacherous river in Ward 3, surrounded by vines and dangerous jungle creatures. Luckily the king of the jungle was there to help out. In some ways, creating this jungle scene was a huge proposition and could have been overwhelming, but our interactions with the (very poorly) children there were so gentle. Our gestures were big and clear, and we were very non-verbal. And they were totally there with us, helping us through the rapids, giving advice on how to stay calm, giggling away!
We had to feed Duck 12 bubbles twice daily, but Dr Maybee kept losing count or getting distracted, so we enlisted help. Such a simple game for shy children that can start as a fun game between Clowndoctors, and be totally indirect if you are in a bed bay with shy or very poorly ones.
Last week, Dr Beatz shoe was being controlled by Dr Maybee's Kazoo Music. It started with Dr Maybee trying to cheer Dr Beatz' shoe up (after she stamped on it). The children in the bed bay laughed at this so much that they started to dictate if the music should go faster or slower, louder or quieter. It was so joyous to see Dr Beatz so committed to the game, the build up of anticipation as the rest of us decided when and how we should play the music again. So simple. Almost entirely non-verbal. Hilarious.
Everyday I am finding new things and everyday is so different, and so much fun!
This weekend Hearts and Minds is treating us all to a workshop with John Wright. This is more than a little bit exciting. John Wright wrote 'Why is that so Funny?' which is kind of a clown bible to lots of clowns and clown teachers. We are staying in Hospitalfield in Arbroath for 3 days of playing all together. It will be so lovely to spend this time with everyone, outside of hospital. And more learning! Can't wait!
In fact, that fear is still in me! I just know what happens next. I laugh. A lot. I make mistakes and they don't matter. In fact, they are funny. I realise that no-one knows what they are doing. We are playing, as adults, and it is really fun.
Maybe as a child I felt trepidatious too? I suppose that as a child, you are expected to play, so you just do. Even if you feel shy or don't know your place, you end up running around anyway, and before you know it, you are playing and laughing like everyone else.
Being able to meet staff in this way before starting work is so important. We have a real problem communicating the work to staff - they hear 'Clowns' and think red wig and big shoes and are horrified. The games mean they get the feel-good factor of laughter and playfulness and connecting with each other and we can talk to them out of costume and express the dignity and humanity of the work clearly.
I laughed so much yesterday. The staff at these two units jumped in with both feet and were so generous. I am so looking forward to starting in the new year, and to meeting the Ladies and Gentlemen too. It is so nice for me to have this continuity as a practitioner, and hopefully it will lead to a long lasting realtionship with the unit.
Work in hospital has continued to delight me since the 3 weeks in Barcelona. On Monday, Dr Zap and Dr Maybee kayaked down a treacherous river in Ward 3, surrounded by vines and dangerous jungle creatures. Luckily the king of the jungle was there to help out. In some ways, creating this jungle scene was a huge proposition and could have been overwhelming, but our interactions with the (very poorly) children there were so gentle. Our gestures were big and clear, and we were very non-verbal. And they were totally there with us, helping us through the rapids, giving advice on how to stay calm, giggling away!
We had to feed Duck 12 bubbles twice daily, but Dr Maybee kept losing count or getting distracted, so we enlisted help. Such a simple game for shy children that can start as a fun game between Clowndoctors, and be totally indirect if you are in a bed bay with shy or very poorly ones.
Last week, Dr Beatz shoe was being controlled by Dr Maybee's Kazoo Music. It started with Dr Maybee trying to cheer Dr Beatz' shoe up (after she stamped on it). The children in the bed bay laughed at this so much that they started to dictate if the music should go faster or slower, louder or quieter. It was so joyous to see Dr Beatz so committed to the game, the build up of anticipation as the rest of us decided when and how we should play the music again. So simple. Almost entirely non-verbal. Hilarious.
Everyday I am finding new things and everyday is so different, and so much fun!
This weekend Hearts and Minds is treating us all to a workshop with John Wright. This is more than a little bit exciting. John Wright wrote 'Why is that so Funny?' which is kind of a clown bible to lots of clowns and clown teachers. We are staying in Hospitalfield in Arbroath for 3 days of playing all together. It will be so lovely to spend this time with everyone, outside of hospital. And more learning! Can't wait!