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Finding Joy in Motherhood: A Clowning Journey

19/3/2024

Motherhood – a journey filled with laughter, tears, and the constant balancing act of nurturing our children while tending to our own needs.

In August 2023, I found myself drawn to share the beauty of clowning with a group of remarkable mothers. Together, we embarked on a workshop that became a sanctuary of laughter, camaraderie, and self-discovery. Amidst the chaos of parenting, we rediscovered the importance of play – not only for our children but for ourselves.

Beautifool Amy & son, accompanied by mama Brinley ❤️

Motherhood often leads us to shelve our inner child, consumed by the demands of daily life. We forget the simple joy of play, prioritising practicalities over the whimsical. Yet, within the realm of clowning, I am able to find a bridge between my roles as a caregiver and a playful spirit. It is allowing me to navigate the complexities of parenthood with a sense of lightness and creativity.

I wish for the ‘Clown for Mamas’ workshop to become a space for collective healing and reflection. Where we laugh to forget the challenges, but we also can cry to remember the beauty of our journey. Through clowning, we are encouraged to embrace the duality of motherhood – the loss of freedom juxtaposed with the creation of precious memories.

Mama clowns by the grandmother tree

Now as I embark on crafting a clown show inspired by my own motherhood journey, I am confronted by the uncertainties and joys inherent in both parenting and performance. Like raising a child, creating a theatrical piece is a labour of love, fraught with obstacles and moments of pure delight. It echoes the universal question that every parent grapples with: "Am I doing this right?" “Will they still love me?”.

Clowning is teaching me to embrace the messiness of life, to find beauty in imperfection, and to celebrate the joyous absurdity of motherhood. It's not about following a script but rather improvising with the unexpected twists and turns that come our way. Just as each clown performance is unique, so too is every moment of motherhood.

The art of clowning is offering me profound insights into the nature of joy and resilience. In the world of clowning, perfection is not only unattainable but also undesirable. Clowns revel in their flaws, finding humour and humanity in their quirks and imperfections. Through their antics, they invite us to laugh at ourselves, to release the burden of striving for an unattainable ideal, and to embrace the messy beauty of being human.

In the end, the journey of motherhood is not about achieving perfection but rather about embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. Through clowning, I am discovering that the key to finding joy amidst the chaos lies in embracing our inner child, nurturing our sense of play, and cherishing the precious moments of connection with our children and fellow mothers.

In embracing my inner clown, I'm learning to let go of my need for control and perfection. Instead, I'm embracing the spontaneity of the moment, surrendering to the unpredictable rhythms of life with a sense of curiosity and wonder, and yes sometimes dread. In a recent heart-to-heart with a fellow mama, I confessed a truth that resonates deeply: part of motherhood is grappling with moments where enjoyment feels elusive. It's a sentiment shared among many mothers, a recognition that the journey is not always smooth sailing. Like a clown navigating a slapstick routine, I stumble, I fall, and I pick myself back up again, laughing all the while. And in doing so, I'm discovering that the true joy of motherhood lies in the messy, imperfect, gloriously chaotic dance of life.

As I reflect on the transformative power of clowning in my motherhood journey, I am filled with gratitude for the laughter, the tears, and the profound sense of community that it has brought into my life. And though the road ahead may be uncertain, I am comforted by the knowledge that as long as I have my clown nose and an open heart, I can navigate the joys and challenges of motherhood with grace and resilience.