24 October

The image of a clown in full costume, performing zany acts of comedy, has always entertained a younger crowd. But what of reactions of an adult? Oftentimes there is a sense of fear, something almost sinister beneath the facade of cheer. For clowns are often portrayed as anything but comic when the intended audience is mature, sadly reflecting an inability to trust another, a loss of innocence so dear.

But a clown is just a mirror for our personalities. It represents the perceived reality of a situation. And, by mimicking another, the clown ably emphasises the healing yet to be undertaken by that person. We do not, in fact, fear the clown, we fear ourselves. Having lost touch with our childlike ways, our inhibitions and unconditional love of others and ourselves, we dare not confront that which has made us weak, ineffectual, untrusting and afraid.

Make room for the clown within and display your innocence with flair. Enjoy your own company, and drive from despair all that has held you hostage to adulthood. Maturity and freedom of expression do go hand in hand. One can be wise and loving and still retain the child within. It is this marriage of the pairs of opposites that will win a victory for humanity at this time.

Picture your ideal clown, and mimic the expressions. Play the part you deserve with glee. That other clown, who’s sad and gloomy, or sinister to the core, is not the one you know, and ache to be. Life, itself, is cause for celebration. Laughter is the keynote of true joy. Forget your meagre worries. Reach out to someone in greater need, and free yourself to be the jokester on centre stage in mind. Smile as broadly as you can, and hold that thought. Keep on smiling until you know no other disposition.