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Vita |ˈvītə; ˈvē-| [Latin: life]

"Dawn Nilo has a masters in eduction and a bachelors in social work. She has experience as a social worker and counselor and has has spent ten years teaching in a Waldorf school. She brings 20 years of consciusness studies to her practice. Currently she is simply a fool, working as a court jester and performer and offering art of the fool workshops."

My Story

In the human heart, where Heaven and Earth meet, lives the pure and playful wisdom of the Fool.

I have spent my life exploring the questions, What does it mean to be fully human, to be a fully healthy human being in the world? and What do spirit and matter have to do with being human?

I began Art of the Fool work after experiencing an excruciating psychological and spiritual death, wherein I entered the Great Void and was left completely humbled and empty. It was in this time, out of a deep love for humanity, that I began to ask how I could best be of service. I wanted to work as a healer and a teacher, but I had to ask, “Who am I to do this work?” The answer came from within my heart...

I am a fool.

Life emerged as the great teacher and the wisdom of the Self as the great healer. I was filled with wonder and gratitude to discover the light, joy, and love in poetry and play. I took clowning, mime, and theater workshops for performance and facilitation and I began to study the archetype of the Fool.

Now I serve as a court fool and performer and offer Art of the Fool workshops for adult students, children, leaders and educators. I am also a doctoral student at Simon Fraser University, where I am part of a multi disciplinary team reasearching transformational change in individuals, groups and institutions. I love guiding people through the process I have developed. Often, the work penetrates to the very heart where the Fool lives.