Bridging Ancient Wisdom and Modern Service: Exploring Links Between Karma Yoga and Clown Therapy - (Podcast).
Podcast with David Engel, Professional Actor and Experienced Clown Therapist.
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Karma Yoga is a central practice in Vedanta. Karma Yoga involves selfless service without attachment to results or desire for rewards. The focus is on performing one's duty with an attitude of surrender and detachment. Karma Yoga is considered a path to spiritual liberation in Vedanta.
The attitude of surrender and detachment cultivated in karma yoga is believed to free one from the ego and identification with the temporary body and mind. By acting without desire for personal gain, the karma yogi relinquishes the false sense of agency and ownership over their actions. They act on behalf of the welfare of all beings, recognizing the divine unity underlying apparent diversity. As the Bhagavad Gita states, "He who acts offering all actions to Brahman (the Supreme Reality), and shaking off attachment, remains untouched by sin, as a lotus leaf by water." When one can act without egoism or self-interest, their actions become purifying and liberating. The karma yogi sees work itself as worship, and selfless service as a means to commune with the sacred. In this unified vision, the path of action becomes the path of devotion and wisdom as well.
Clown therapy uses humour, playfulness and clown personas to promote healing and well-being. Clown therapists are trained professionals who work in healthcare settings like children's hospitals. Through interactive play, music, magic and silliness, clown therapists aim to lift the spirits of patients and provide stress relief. Clown therapy can also involve working with adults and using clowning concepts in workshops and training programs.
A podcast about Karma Yoga and Clown Therapy.
Guest: David Engel, professional actor and experienced clown therapist.
Clown therapy has become an emerging field of alternative medicine, bringing laughter and upliftment to places that need it most. Though humorous in approach, clown therapy pursues a serious goal - using positive emotions like joy to aid healing.
Clown therapists are specially trained performers who have backgrounds working with vulnerable populations. Their approach is to take on fun-loving, lighthearted clown personas when interacting with patients. This allows them to engage playfully and get temporary relief from stress. Laughter helps decrease anxiety, improves mood, and elevates pain tolerance. It also enables better social connection.
Unlike regular circus clowns though, clown therapists are highly sensitive to patients' needs. Their acts are tailored to be empathetic, with the therapeutic benefits taking priority over performance. Clown therapy is voluntary and only done with a patient's consent. Sessions are crafted to nurture trust and ensure patients feel safe to engage at their comfort level.
Clown therapy pioneer Dr Hunter Doherty "Patch" Adams first saw potential in clowning after discovering it eased his depression. He went on to found Gesundheit! Institute, which trains clown therapists. There are now several accredited programs in the US and UK.
The field is expanding beyond hospitals and making inroads into communities. For example, ElderClowns Canada has specially trained clowns engaging seniors in care facilities. Clown therapy can also be used as psychological first aid after crises like natural disasters. Bringing humour during times of suffering can be powerful medicine.
Though light-hearted, clown therapy touches on deeper human needs – joy, connection, and reminding people of their inherent value. As Dr. Adams stated, "Laughter, humour and playfulness are Nature's tools for reducing stress, promoting health, and invoking joy." With caring guidance, clowns can truly play a healing role.
While Karma Yoga stems from ancient Vedanta philosophy, clown therapy is a relatively modern practice that originated in North America in 1986. On the surface, they appear pretty distinct. However, some suggest certain parallels may exist between the two practices:
Focus on service to others - In Karma Yoga, serving others without expectation of reward is paramount. Clown therapy also focuses on bringing humour and joy to patients in need.
Letting go of ego/self-image - Karma Yoga teaches the illusion of ego and emphasizes dissolving one's sense of self-importance. In clowning, elaborate costumes and makeup allow practitioners to 'disappear' and not take themselves seriously.
Entering a state of flow - Practitioners of Karma Yoga aim to fully immerse themselves in activity and lose self-consciousness. Clown therapists also describe entering a state of flow and spontaneity when working.
Connection and presence - Karma Yoga and clown therapy both emphasize making deep connections with others through presence and compassion.
Though born of different eras, Karma Yoga and clown therapy both resonate with an eternal truth - that giving oneself in service is the pathway to joy. Karma Yoga draws from ancient wells of wisdom that act selflessly is to act divinely. Clown therapy channels this call more recently through the delights of humour and play. At first glance, the solemn yogi and laughing therapist may appear worlds apart. Yet their divergence gives way to common ground when seen in the light of compassion. For to lift another's spirit with kindness is no foreign concept, but an innate human grace. Where hardship prevails, the opportunity exists to uplift through small acts of love. In this spirit, we need not seek far for inspiration - it awaits already within our shared capacity to lighten another's load. Within reality's ups and downs, humour and sincerity remain timeless balms. And there is no greater unity than recognizing our common chance in this life to brighten the path ahead.
Guests
Sreedharanji, a modern philosopher and self-management specialist, has spent over two decades studying and researching ancient wisdom and its practical application in contemporary society. With a mission to enable individuals to realize their full potential and enjoy a life of peace and prosperity, Sreedharanji has delivered over 9000 lectures in various global locations to a diverse audience.
Currently, he leads Vedanta centres in the Middle East, based in Dubai. As the senior disciple of Swami Parthasarathy, Sreedharanji completed a three-year residential course at the Vedanta Academy in India, dedicating his life to sharing the ancient wisdom of the Himalayas, Vedanta, to enhance the quality of life of people. He has been invited to speak at prestigious institutions, including the World Bank, Young Presidents Organization, Entrepreneurs Organization, Deutsche Bank, Hewlett Packard, Novartis, Glaxo Smithkline, Siemens, Ernst & Young, Charles Vogele, Bharti Airtel, Castrol, and Bharat Electricals, among others.
For three years, Sreedharanji served as the Vedanta faculty representative at the Ananda Spa in the Himalayas, voted the world’s best spa, and for a year at Shanti Ananda in Mauritius.
“When you work disinterestedly for the joy of the work itself, not giving any thought to the outcome, you have undertaken karma yoga.”
Bhagavad Gita 2.47
David Engel is a highly eclectic and versatile artist who has worked in theatre, cinema, television, and advertising. He has played important roles in Shakespearean works, such as Hamlet, Macbeth, and Titus Andronicus, demonstrating his great acting skills.
Engel has also acted in several successful films, including “The Producers”, “The Bourne Ultimatum”, and “The Adjustment Bureau”. In addition to his acting career, Engel is also a talented clown who has created numerous interactive and entertaining shows for children and families.
Some of his most famous shows include “Pirate School”, “Jedi Academy”, “Superhero Academy”, and “The Greatest Pirate Story Never Told”. His shows have received numerous awards and recognitions, including a mention in New York Magazine’s “BEST OF NY: KIDS!”.
Engel also has extensive experience in clown therapy, having worked for thirteen years with the Big Apple Circus’s Clown Care program. During this time, he brought humour and joy to various pediatric hospitals, providing support and relief to sick children.
To this day, Engel continues to offer clown therapy services and shows suitable for children with special needs, demonstrating his commitment to bringing joy and happiness to those who need it most.
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