Clowning has helped me answer the questions asked by Palmer " Who is the self that teaches?" and "How can educational institutions help teachers sustain and deepen the self-hoodfrom which good teaching comes?'"
I am certain there are many venues for doing this and many more to come, but one tool within easy reach is clowning.
I would define clowning for teachers as an active and creative communicative meditation process that offers the distinct opportunity to practise being present, receptive and open while interacting with others. The activities and exercises involve concrete chances at personal transformation through introspection, laughter, communication and silliness.
Clowning has helped me move closer to my intention of being a teacher and an artist; the practice is assisting me in the process of being connected inwardly and outwardly, and in exploring the experience of being fully present, fully aware and fully open.
Wouldn't the world be beautiful if the smallest things were important?
Vivian