It was late August 2016 when I first set foot on American soil. After a smooth Virgin Atlantic flight, I landed at night. I waited until morning to catch my next flight to Hillsboro, West Virginia.
At the airport, I met my fellow participants. We were all buzzing with excitement as we were driven to Gesundheit!, the magical place created by none other than Patch Adams.
Discovering the Magic of Gesundheit!
I had traveled there to take part in an intensive clowning week. The program was called “LAUGHING BODY: The Art of Care”. It was led by Ginevra Sanguigno, Italo Bertolasi, and of course, Patch Adams himself.
Who Is Patch Adams?
For those unfamiliar, Patch Adams — born Hunter Doherty Adams in 1945 in Washington, D.C. — is a doctor, clown, and social activist who redefined what it means to care for others. He struggled with depression as a teenager. He also spent time in psychiatric hospitals. During this period, he made a powerful decision. He chose to dedicate his life to spreading love, laughter, and human connection as medicine.
He went on to study at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he earned his medical degree in 1971. Instead of pursuing a conventional career, he co-founded the Gesundheit! Institute — a free community hospital in West Virginia that blends traditional medicine with compassion, humour, art, and play.
Patch believes that the act of caring is the most healing medicine of all. Truly seeing, listening, and loving another person are central to this belief. His vision for healthcare is rooted in humanity, joy, and equality. He’s traveled the world dressed as a clown. He visits hospitals, orphanages, and war zones. He brings smiles where they are needed most.
His life’s work inspired the 1998 film “Patch Adams”, starring Robin Williams, which introduced millions to his philosophy:
“Laughter is the best medicine, and the most affordable.”
Meeting Patch in person, you quickly realise he’s much more than the cheerful clown seen in the movie. He’s deeply thoughtful, compassionate, and wise — a man who embodies both playfulness and profound understanding of the human soul.
From Performance to Healing
By that time, I had already trained in clowning with Mick Barnfather. I also trained with Peta Lilly and Jon Davison. They all focused mainly on performance. After completing my shamanic training, I felt called to blend the two worlds. I wanted to explore how laughter could heal deeply. I believed it could heal as deeply as ritual and spirit work.
That’s what drew me to Gesundheit!, and nothing could have prepared me for how transformative the experience would be.
A Week of Laughter, Presence, and Connection
Surrounded by breathtaking nature, we laughed, cried, played, and breathed together each day. We explored how healing can be found in the simplest of gestures. These include holding someone’s hand, listening deeply, and being fully present.
One evening with Patch stands out vividly. His calm, wise, and playful presence filled the room. During a storytelling game, I laughed so hard that my laughter became contagious, spreading to everyone around me. At that moment, I truly understood how easily joy can ripple through a space. It can connect hearts without words.
The Rhythm of the Days
Our days began with Tai Chi at sunrise. We followed this with morning training sessions and light vegan lunches. Afternoons were peaceful, spent swimming in the lake or showering under waterfalls. Sometimes, we dressed up in our clown costumes — red noses, bright colours, and open hearts.
Evenings were spent around the fire, sharing stories and songs. I often played my shamanic drum, letting its rhythm merge with the sound of laughter and the crackle of flames.
That week changed me profoundly. It opened my heart and reminded me that healing doesn’t have to be complicated. A smile or a moment of kindness can transform them. Simply taking time to see someone can transform ourselves too.
Bringing the Magic Home 🌿
Years later, I still carry the essence of that experience in everything I do. It taught me that playfulness is sacred. Laughter is a form of medicine that heals both spirit and soul.
Now, I’m inviting you to experience this magic for yourself.
On 29th November, I’ll be hosting a Clowning & Shamanic Healing Workshop. You’ll be guided to reconnect with your inner silliness through playful expression. You will also receive gentle, grounding shamanic healing through the sound of my drum.
If this speaks to your heart, email me for more details. 💫
Shamanic Healing 