What's Your Problem?

Laughing at our problems – taking them on a journey – allowing clowning to fix them.
 
I’ll explain what I mean in a mo – but wanted to share this with you first...
 
On Monday, my mum herlariously remarked during a phone call, “My hair is so long, I look like a witch! I look about 90!” She is 91. We both laughed.
 
It is Mother’s Day this Sunday in the UK. I’d love to see my mum. Last time I was with her, we watched the film Stan & Ollie and afterwards, we danced to several of the comedy duo's steps from the film Way Out West. It was so much fun; and every day, we danced a little more.  She is my inspiration and my ultimate muse for last week’s International Women’s day – and beyond.
 
Her problem in that moment was the lack of access to a hairdresser (we all know that one by now don’t we?) – her journey was to distract herself with things which brought her joy – we fixed her 'problem’ using dance, silliness and laughter.
 

When you realise that clowning is so much less a ‘task’ – or ‘scary/impossible/stupid’ – then the art of allowing ridiculousness into your safe spaces can transform the ways in which we think. Way out West of the box of thinking. Giving permission for clown-thinking or intelligence to deal with problems and find workable solutions in that moment. Simple, huh?

 

I took the #IWD2021 challenge and performed online for the #Funny Women Around the World event last Saturday. I got to be a part of the vibrant community of wonderful women – a celebration of women, world over – and I owe my reverence and admiration of what it is to be a woman from my mum. She taught me early-on that I could achieve anything I wanted – with the right mindset, and a good helping of gusto!  
 
I really should have had a camera filming the prep. I stepped in a stick of bright red lipstick and walked it around the house before I’d noticed. This was one of many ‘accidents’ that day. CLOWN! What did I do about it? I guffawed to myself.
 
As we step out of lockdown, it’s good to be able to think around problems. Would YOU care to think outside the box; use ridiculousness to create solutions to perceived problems. They might initially be an odd solution, but they may well lead onto something richer and productive.  It is a chance to let your hair down and free yourself up to face the world with a smile, a positive mindset and how it feels to clown – on or offline. 

 

Join my Dare to Clown workshop

Thursday 1 April, 09.30am-3.30pm. It’s a day of rebellious and joyful play. There’s no pressure to be funny, all you need is a willingness to explore, and a hanky – though a tea towel will do.
 
Just to clarify (for those of you with a mind greasier than lard), the hanky is a prop:

• Tourniquet
• Flannel
• Emergency nappy
• To clean your glasses with

It is used to create a ‘What can you do with it that is not on the list?’ It promotes original ways of thinking and considering the mode of clowning as being a part of who we all really are/can be when unsocialised.
 
They say laughter is the highest gift of the gods. Not sure which gods, but laughter is pure pleasure. Why don’t you gift this class - a Mother’s Day surprise or birthday present? Any excuse will do. I’d like to invite my mum but she doesn’t have any internet. OR COME YOURSELF. Why not?
 
I look forward to seeing some of you on the clown workshop. It really is a chance to grow and learn - and just be yourself.
 
Coming soon – Eight week feminist clown course. Watch this space.