https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0QBCwjbEM8 What is the role of clowning in health care? How does laughter help healing? Why is love an intelligence? How can gratitude, joy and ridiculousness transform the healthcare system and empower people of every land and walk of life to reclaim vitality and fulfillment on a daily basis? Ask Patch. Dr. Hunter (aka “Patch”) Adams, is a medical doctor, social activist and a clown, who, for the past 30+ years has woven a pioneering path of truly integrative medicine – merging laughter, joy and creativity into his approach with patients all around the world. As the real life / true story expression of the Robin Williams film character “Patch”, Dr. Patch Adams has devoted his life to the study of what makes people happy… and how that impacts their vitality. Says Dr. Adams, “I want, as a doctor, to say it does matter to your health to be happy. It may be the most important health factor in your life.” Patch and his colleagues at the Gesundheit Institute in West Virginia have treated over 15,000 patients with their blend of medical knowledge and showmanship and continue to travel extensively on “clown trips” to various parts of the world – often war-torn and poverty stricken – where health and happiness are needed most. “I’ve been at 10,000 deathbeds as a clown. I’ve been to so many institutions of horror. Why do I go on 9 clown trips a year? So that I can go to places of horrible suffering… and BE love. It’s the self I love most… And I know that doing it as a clown can get there quicker and less threatening than if I was a man in a suit.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k0QBCwjbEM8
