Cirque Du Soleil And The Meditating Clown

We sat in awe in Denver as the magic unfolded and the show began: clowns, magicians, contortionists, high wire acrobats, it was all there in Kooza. It was mind-boggling as the performers leapt and tumbled on the high wire as if they were flying in the air, challenging our mental limitations. Their focus and concentration was a meditation—one slip and it could all be over!

The show was created by our friend, David Shiner, who started as a street clown in Boulder Colorado, but who is now a Cirque Du Soleil director. "I wanted to create a world that would reveal the hope, innocence, fear, solitude, joy, and love of the clown."

And he did. Each performer displayed a unique talent to dazzle us all. Everyone, yes everyone, was in awe, screaming and whistling. But being a clown is not just about creating fun; it also means going deeper into the darker parts of life and revealing their insubstantiality.

“I am a clown, so I am constantly revealing our deepest weaknesses and pain in order to generate laughter," David told us. "A clown is, seemingly, searching for his or her place in life: what is the meaning of all this, where do I fit in? It is the existential dilemma of what am I doing here and who am I? Somewhere inside each person they feel that way too, and that is why they love the clown so much. He reassures them that it is ok to feel that way."

David is a special breed of clown as he is also a dedicated meditation practitioner, who meditates every day. He has realized how fear has held him back, but when he entered into it, through meditation, it freed a deeper place within. In our book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World, David shares how fear actually became his ally. Something we can all learn from.

“In our culture, we are raised with so much fear. The process of meditation is one of slowly peeling away our resistance so we can enter that fear more deeply. Rather than pushing our vulnerability away and living within the walls of fear that the mind has created, we can start to realize it is not going to hurt us, that it is actually a good thing. I can feel more intensely. I can go more deeply into my creativity. Meditation has completely changed my life, completely transformed me as a human being. I am not neurotic anymore; I am calmer, more centered and quiet."

David's experience with meditation is no different to many of us who have struggled to find a quiet mind.

 “The beginning may appear hard, it takes discipline, but it is like learning anything: You start in shallow water, and then you get into deeper water. If that scares you, then you go back to the shallow water until you get more confident. Practice, practice, practice! Slowly, the joy of being in this quiet space becomes addictive, you are just there, observing. And it transforms itself into so much more, into deeper love for other human beings, respect for life, compassion and humility.”

And, despite being a creative genius, he is fully aware that is takes time for such creativity to emerge.

"I think real transformation takes a long time, and it comes very slowly and quietly and gently into our lives. Profound transformation does not happen in a weekend course where everybody gets together and you do some sort of deep psychotherapeutic group awareness. For real transformation, you need to have patience and realize that anything of deep and lasting value takes time.”

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a clown? Do comment below. You can receive notice of our blogs every Thursday by checking Become a Fan at the top.

You can pre-order a copy of our book at: BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World. It will be published Nov 3.

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Ed and Deb Shapiro’s new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You and the World, forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Ellen Burstyn, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Jack Kornfield, Byron Katie, Ed Begley, Gabrielle Roth, Russell Bishop, and others, will be published Nov 3 2009 by Sterling Ethos.

 

Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND. Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com

 

 

 

<img alt="2009-07-29-bookcover.jpg" src="http://images.huffingtonpost.com/2009-07-29-bookcover.jpg" width="200" height="295" />

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Comments

[ModernTimes1]

HuffPost's Pick

A number of people I met confessed to me phobic level fear of clowns. Anyone encountered this phenomenon?
I never understood that. To me clowns were a thing of joy and profound exploration of human frailties and endurance.
Growing up I immensely enjoyed the Swiss group Mummenschanz. Dunno if they ever made it to U.S.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

ModernTimes1 thanks for your comment -

I am never surprised anymore by what is in peoples heads. I know my own and that reveals enough. Clowns can bring up the hart, the light and the shadow.

Enjoy the journey,

Ed

[soundheals]

Wow! When I first read the title of your writing this week, I read "The Meditating Crown", not "The Meditating Clown". So, I at first expected something about meditation and experiencing divine consciousness through the Crown Chakra. Instead, there was an extraordinary post on the wonders of the clown. In myth, it is said that the magician Merlin stated that "Laughter was the highest state of consciousness". Perhaps my mis-reading of your title actually implied something else. Perhaps the Clown and the Crown are more inter-related than one imagines. Guess we'll have to meditate upon that.

Blessings of Love & Light through Sound!

Jonathan

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Namaste Jonathan - always a joy to see the Master of Sound here

Great story you tell

Crown chakra could be appropriate as it takes tremendous aware to do what they do

I can truly say that laughter is the best medicine!

and so is sound.-

Ed

[ModernTimes1]

Crown Chakra?
Oh I thought you meant the Clown Chakra :-)
Located right above the funny bone.... sorry.... couldn't help it...

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

MT - You got it RIGHT .. yes I meant the Clown Chakra..

and yes it is right where you said it is located

right above the funny bone.

The problem is that it ain't no joke!

Happy Elk the Universal Clown! (aka Ed)

[khanti]

HuffPost's Pick

Mr. David Shiner speaks from experience and practice. A practice that went through patience and perseverance. Through practice you find the truth that the Dharma really works. That is the moment you will experience exhilaration and joy that also leaves you with goose pimples.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

khanti you speak so well with wakeful awareness it is a delight.

Also wisdom, compassion and skillful means are great friends along the path of life.

Enjoy the journey,

Ed

[khanti]

Combine those two phrases and you have a fomula of getting rid of adiction, greed hatred fear, jealousy etc.. Mr. David Shiner is also describng the way of the middle path.

From the last comment; "In case of hatred we have to reverse our sense of perceiving things by cultivating loving kindness towards that person. Wish that person good health and happiness. It may take time to cultivate sincerity in our wishes but it will happen one day. It works. I practice what I preach. stay with my comments when the right posts comes along I will reveal more ways to deal with ourselves. Remember how we perceive things we always have a choice. Choose the one that do not cause suffering to yourself or to others."

From Mr.David Shiner; "I think real transformation takes a long time, and it comes very slowly and quietly and gently into our lives. Profound transformation does not happen in a weekend course where everybody gets together and you do some sort of deep psychotherapeutic group awareness. For real transformation, you need to have patience and realize that anything of deep and lasting value takes time.”

[Lizzypie]

HuffPost's Pick

I am looking forward to going to Cirque de Soleil Sat night so your blog is quite timely for me!!
I don't have much to say about clowns, though I must say, some of the comments this time made me laugh alot.
One thing David Shiner said in your quotes reminded me of my Spiritual teacher's approach to meditiation which was always to "lean into it" - meaning lean into the more turbulent aspects of our discursive minds. As opposed to trying to shut it out, or suppress it, or quiet it down.
Only by leaning into it can we turn it into the richeness of manure - or compost.
Actually I rather like that - the compost of our minds - the alchemy of compost!!
Thanks Ed & Deb

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

It's about time Lizzypie - I look forward to reading your wisdom .. and I am rae;y disappointed..

this is brilliant:
One thing David Shiner said in your quotes reminded me of my Spiritual teacher's approach to meditiation which was always to "lean into it" - meaning lean into the more turbulent aspects of our discursive minds. As opposed to trying to shut it out, or suppress it, or quiet it down.
Only by leaning into it can we turn it into the richeness of manure - or compost.
Actually I rather like that - the compost of our minds - the alchemy of compost!!

Ed

[AndiG]

Hi Ed & Deb,
I have observed many times that when I see a clown there is often a big teardrop painted under one eye, and yet a huge big oversized smile painted on his face.
Aha! Could it be that we're seeing life right there in our very mist... hidden on the face of clown!
What a gift into our own lives if we look deeper into the life of a clown!
Lots of LOVE,
Andi

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Lovely AndiG - I look forward to receiving your comments - they always are spot on!

great observation.

David Shiner is a master artist . He just blows people aware with his sheer talent.

I see him as the humorous, uplifting and as a modern day Charlie Chaplin.

There is more to come.

Enjoy! be happy and keep smiling as you have the best smile!

Ed

[JohnFromCensornati]

Clowns with their fake, painted-on smiles are really malevolent & sinister demons from hell.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

JFC - you don't really mean that I hope? Are you related to KFC?

you were being a dark funny comic I would think?

when you point a finger there are 3 fingers pointing back to you!

May you be well, May you be Happy, May you be peaceful, May all things go well for YOU!

Ed

[JohnFromCensornati]

I see you've been taken in by their ruse.

[ModernTimes1]

Just imagine the karma of this JFC guy. Shudder to even contemplate.

[khanti]

Thank you so much for the video. I always love clowns. The professional ones I mean.

"I think real transformation takes a long time, and it comes very slowly and quietly and gently into our lives. Profound transformation does not happen in a weekend course where everybody gets together and you do some sort of deep psychotherapeutic group awareness. For real transformation, you need to have patience and realize that anything of deep and lasting value takes time.”

That sums up the practcie of loving kindness from the last comment I made. When we are ready even clowns can be our teacher.
Much Metta

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi khanti- great to hear from you

the following is spot on!

"I think real transformation takes a long time, and it comes very slowly and quietly and gently into our lives. Profound transformation does not happen in a weekend course where everybody gets together and you do some sort of deep psychotherapeutic group awareness. For real transformation, you need to have patience and realize that anything of deep and lasting value takes time.”

Mny tashi delegs,

Jygpo (Ed)

[lindseywolf]

Revealing our deepest weaknesses and pain to create laughter? This really hit something with me as I've been not in my best place, and often feel like I have to be my best self to connect with people, or even feel social. But in the spirit of the clown, sometimes just presenting where you're at, is just fine - people will still like you anyway! Thanks Ed and Deb.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

hey great lady Lindseywolf- It is always a joy to see you and today you looked special

Thanks for your comment and dear story!

I keep you in my hart

AL LOVE,

Ed

[yoyo22]

Well you gave me my laugh for the day it really made me feel good. Now if I could just make the time in my very uneventful day to learn to meditate, then maybe I could find the clown in myself and not take everything so seriosly. Thanks for another lesson in life.yoyo

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

I love you yoyo22 ... you are my REAL sisters best friend and I know you most of my life. I wish my sister and her kids Russell and Ellen would write a comment some time?

Oh well

Meditation is simply being aware .. when you wash the dishes and pay attention to the water and the bubbling dish soap (JOY) when you brush your hair or walk or talk and are mindful (meaning paying attention) the you are meditating. You don't need to sit with your eyes closed an do anything in particular. There are many ways to meditate.

A great teacher speaks of telephone meditation. the phone rings .. you pause breathe walk to the phone and speak kindly.

Ed

[cvilkaitis]

Another great post, Ed and Deb! I LOVE the title! I also like this quote, “The beginning may appear hard, it takes discipline, but it is like learning anything: You start in shallow water, and then you get into deeper water. If that scares you, then you go back to the shallow water until you get more confident." - That's so true!

Thanks for doing what you do!

Crystal

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Crystal - Our brilliant Communications Director and friend.

Working with you brings us joy!

Your comment is spot on!

Love and kisses,

Deb and Ed

[Anne Naylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Ed and Deb,

What a fun post - thank you. I have to confess. I think I am a closet clown. I was in my history classes because I distracted everyone and I think drove Miss Simpson nuts. Anyway, I left that class - or was I kicked out?

I loved the video. In the medieval courts, there was always the jester. I think there should be many more clowns around in public life to keep things in balance. Every hospital should have at least one. Any place where people get serious.

You start a whole new train of thought....

With love and blessings,
Anne

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi lovely Anne - Thanks for revealing your hidden clown.

You didn't strike me as such because I would have thought you weren't a mischievous type. But cool and fun yes.

Your comment is worth reading.

Big Hugs, Big Love,

Ed

[jmundstuk]

This is an ad for a book, isn't it? No matter how charming and interesting, it's an ad.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

jmundstuk

love your name it sounds appropriate .. and sorry that is all you received from this amazing clown story. Come out of you mind and into your heart!

as for

BE THE CHANGE
How Meditation Can Transform You and the World

this is a gift for people who are suffering as some of th emost caring and compassionate people in the world are sharing their wisdom and compassion.

May you be happy,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

P.S. you may benefit from reading other comments

There is a volume of wealth here it is humbling to us. we honestly send you good cheer!

[Kiri Westby - Huffpost Blogger]

What a great reminder for us all...using humor and the ability to poke fun at oneself...to be a clown...in order to cut through the heavy and remind people to laugh.

David Shiner does it so beautifully and with extreme talent, but in truth we can all do it...for ourselves and more important, for others.

Another great blog from the dynamic duo.

In awe,
Kiri

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

* Kiri A Rising Star *

You are one of my favorite writers. Thanks foe you comment .. it is cool to knwo you and have you in our life.

ALL LOVE,

Ed

[DiogenesOfAlaska]

Yes, makes a lot of sense. That 'slowly peeling away our resistance' or undoing stuff is common ground for meditation and the clown. It's a purification which makes possible the reinvention of each gesture. Like the fasting in the silent movie.

as in: the profanity of words.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

DOA- great to read your comment and thanks for being here.

I love your comment so I repeat

Yes, makes a lot of sense. That 'slowly peeling away our resistance' or undoing stuff is common ground for meditation and the clown. It's a purification which makes possible the reinvention of each gesture. Like the fasting in the silent movie.

as in: the profanity of words.

Joy to you!

Ed

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

How wonderful to know the infamous street performers of boulder have moved into the 'big leagues' - and bring with them the classic Boulder commitment to serenity, meditation and balance in all aspects of life.

I loved hearing an inside story to the Cirque, and can't wait to see the show!
I used to meditate all the time, and since having kids, find my mind is so full of static and "to do" lists, it is much harder to find the time to quiet the body and the mind. if I go for a walk in the woods first, I find I can shed a few layers, and then find a spot to plop down by a river or stream. Then the meditation comes much easier.
Is that true for most people? I have to find a quiet spot before I can quiet the mind.
Love the work!
Kari

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi sweet lovely Kari, Always a joy when you comment.

David Shiner is in Canada working on a new show that will be spectacular. He is bringing back Vaudeville it's amazing,

When we are in NYC we all should go! Don't you think?

Life is sweet,

Ed