As the new year approaches I find myself at the beginning of something big, I hope.

 I have a dear friend that works at a state hospital, he is truly gifted in his capacity for interacting with patients, treating them with respect and compassion. He was over for dinner just a few days ago and we spent some time discussing the hoop on a more spiritual and therapeutic level. Eventually my hoop journey and his occupational stories led us to consider bringing these two things together.

 Many of these patients will never be released back into society. Some have no outlet for coping, other than sleeping or trying to destroy themselves. There is limited recreation, and little entertainment. Granted, some have done some very harmful things that would make anyone uneasy.

 When my friend went into work yesterday he had a conversation with a coworker about me bringing in hoops and trying to provide some entertainment for the patients.(That is the hope on the most basic level.) There is the possibility that a a patient could find some joy, self esteem, a comfort zone, or even a form of release within the hoop. His coworker actually had said that he heard of using hoops as a therapeutic tool but didn't know much about it.

 Within 7 minutes the director of the facility approached my friend wanting to know more about me and my hoops. The hospital has some hoops, most likely off the shelf child hoops. They had thought of trying to use them in the past but couldn't get it off the ground and didn't have access to someone who knew how.

 I'm not a therapist of any sort, but I am a compassionate soul who understands that the hoop works in mysterious ways for some. I personally find it to be very useful for grounding myself, centering, and decompressing. This is something I believe could have a very positive effect on someone who has little to live for.

 Is there anyone out there who has experience with something like this. I'd love some input, suggestions, or advice.