I don't presume to say that one enjoyable 45 minute show is going to "fix" the patients' problems. I'm not a mental health worker, or even someone who can be around long enough to see if there are any quantifiable results. But I do believe that not only did the show not cause any harm (number one rule), but that it was helpful to the patients in a few ways.
1. Confidence Building - The patients that made up the audience got to ask and answer questions, volunteer to help me, were trusted to pet a turtle, and a couple even got to drum with me in front of the others. They weren't really working on skill building, like in wilderness therapy programs, or expressing their innermost thoughts, like in journal writing, but they were getting a chance to be heard and included through voluntary participation.
2. Content - Learning about how an optical illusion works or why a male slider turtle has long claws may not be information that specifically related to the patients' problems, but they don't have to be. Our universe is a fascinating place, and sometimes we need some exposure to its wonders to remind us of that. Science stems from our natural curiosity, and demonstrates that there are things worth learning and participating in that are bigger than ourselves and the personal problems we can become trapped in. Books like Last Child in the Woods describe some of the benefits children gain from exposure to nature and problems that come from losing it. I don't think it is just the "nature" that kids need, but exposure to ideas about "nature" and the wider world around them.
3. Role Modeling - This is probably the most important of the three I've listed so far. In fact, without it I'm not sure much of the confidence building or content gets through. So, what do I mean by role modeling? I mean practicing what you preach, embodying a lifestyle or attitude that connects with the content. Here is a great quote from Kipling that explains what I mean.
No printed word, nor spoken plea can teach young minds what they should be. Not all the books on all the shelves – but what the teachers are themselves.
Rudyard Kipling
When my audiences see me giving a presentation I know they are picking up more than I'm saying. Even if they don't realize it themselves, they are bringing all their experiences, prejudices, and current mood with them to color their perception. And everything from what I'm wearing and how I'm standing, to my pronunciation and delivery are a part of what they take from the presentation. Certainly, this could be a roadblock. Imagine how many people would listen to my message if they thought I was unsure of the content, untrustworthy, or unpleasant. But, on the other hand, what if I can convince them of the opposite. Along with the content, the presenter is also the message. The phrase, "The medium is the message" applies to people as well as newspapers, cellphones, and TV.
By demonstrating that a life filled with learning, curiosity, and respect can be a path worth traveling, a good role model can open their audiences eyes. And for an adolescent who isn't sure about their future, this seems like an opportunity any adult working with them cannot afford to miss.
4. Music - During the show I spent about 15 minutes demonstrating the science behind sound and playing music with various instruments. I love music and it turns out that just about everyone else does to. I started by asking them if they thought of music as being an important part of their lives. Then I mentioned how powerful music can be on our emotions, and explained that even though it seems like magic, we can use science to help us understand how music works. This seemed to draw them in, but honestly, music doesn't need much help to do that. Why is music so powerful? I don't really know and I didn't try to answer that question with the audience, but I do know that music works for any age and for just about everyone.
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