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PrintA Holiday Gift For the Soul
Chances are you have seen the video clip that went viral a couple of years ago of an unassuming woman named Susan Boyle who was a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent. Susan’s unexpected and eloquent performance of “I Dreamed a Dream” was so moving that the video clip had more than 100 million hits within nine days. Her performance warmed the hearts and brought tears to the eyes of millions of viewers. If you take a closer glance at the video, you can see similar reactions in the judges, even the infamously stern Simon Cowell. Raised eyebrows, gaping mouths, tears welting, and visible breathing are a few indicators that those judges were awe-struck.
The cover feature of this month’s issue of 435 South magazine, Faces of Giving, may produce similar reactions. Perhaps the stories of the students at Harmony Elementary, Heather and Jean-Paul Wong, Heather Bradley-Geary and Brian Geary, the late Bernard Brown, Collin Kitzerow and Jayme Cannan make you feel motivated to be a better person. Stories of such kindness and goodness often do that and leave us with a lump in our throat, chills and that warm, open feeling in our chest.
You know that feeling. By the way, that’s not heartburn; that’s elevation.
Awe and elevation. Those good feelings come from what psychologists refer to as “appreciation of beauty and excellence,” which is the ability to recognize and take pleasure in the goodness in the physical and social worlds. There are three broad categories of things it is beneficial to appreciate: physical beauty (including music), moral beauty and virtue, and the talents of others.
Whether it is the Olympics, Monet’s Water Lillies, a glorious December sunset, Extreme Home Makeover, Mahatma Gandhi or the Amish community’s incredible display of forgiveness, we all need a little inspiration. Of course those feelings of awe and elevation are uplifting and feel good. But, they also do good things for us. They can transform our lives by opening our minds and hearts, facilitating creativity and kindness. People who are open to experiencing beauty and excellence find more joy and meaning in their lives, and feel more connected with others.
Then the contagion begins. When we witness or hear about others doing good deeds, it has the power to elevate us to a higher moral plane, if you will. That sense of elevation fuels our compassion and motivation to do good, too. In fact, we are more motivated to help others and volunteer after witnessing other people’s moral beauty.
Witnessing acts of courage, kindness, gratitude and forgiveness can also renew our trust and faith in humankind. Psychologist Jonathan Haidt, Ph.D., author of The Happiness Hypothesis, says that elevation can act as a mental ‘reset’ button. It can wipe out negativity and cynicism, and replace it with positivity and hope. Haidt uses the phrase ‘inspire and rewire’ to describe how elevating stories can undo the feelings of disgust we have when we hear disturbing news.
How do we put more inspiration in our lives?
The holidays are quickly approaching and I have made my shopping list. This year, I am giving gifts of awe and inspiration. (Not so) coincidentally, the idea was inspired by an unexpected gift that left me awe-struck. This gift was from a friend of mine, who is co-producing local musician Danny Cox’s first album recording in more than 25 years. He invited me to the recording of Danny’s album, “Farewell Isn’t Goodbye” at the Pilgrim Chapel in Kansas City, Mo., back in September.
I thought I’d stay for a song or two, but I ended up staying for hours. The tears welting in my eyes and the goose bumps on my arms paled in comparison to the transformation of my soul. Lucky me. And lucky are my family and friends, who will benefit from my awesome experience. This experience inspired me to buy them copies of Danny’s CD/DVD for Christmas!
Give Holiday Gifts of Inspiration
We know that giving gifts of experiences—a concert, play, or vacation—often fuels well-being more so than material goods. Experiential gifts have greater value because we get to enjoy them longer. We anticipate the event beforehand, enjoy it during, and savor it after it is over. Kansas City is a gem of resources for awe-inspiring experiences:
• The Kansas City Ballet (www.kcballet.org)
• The Nerman Museum (www.nermanmuseum.org) or the
Nelson Atkins (www.nelson-atkins.org)
• The Kansas City Repertory Theatre (www.kcrep.org)
• “Jersey Boys” at the Music Hall in May (www.ticketmaster.com)
• Local Musicians like Danny Cox (www.pilgrimchapelinc.org)
• Art at ARTichokes (www.artichokeskc.com) or
Prairiebrooke Arts (www.pbgalleries.com) or
The Rice Gallery of Fine Art (www.thericegallery.com)
Bring Awe and Elevation into your Daily Life
First, you must know what elevates you. Not sure? Think of experiences you’ve had that you don’t want to end. Also, what are activities or experiences that feel like an escape, that make you forget about the small stuff? What gives you goose bumps, or that warm feeling in your heart?
Be open. You may find inspiration in places where you least expect it. Recently at a funeral, I was inspired by the eloquent prose and oratory skill of a friend delivering a eulogy, the story of a life well lived, and the courage of the family who handled the loss of a loved one with grace and gratitude. Beauty and goodness can transform us, even when we least expect it.
Make the time. I almost didn’t go to Danny’s recording because it was in the midst of a busy day. But I knew it would be good for my soul, so I made the time.
Daily Doses of Awe and Elevation
Examples of beauty and excellence are plentiful, making this an easy thing to incorporate into daily life.
I have a few daily rituals:
• I begin my day by looking at nature, usually the beautiful branches
of a dogwood tree pressed against my bedroom window.
• My daughters and I listen to music in the morning
(we have special playlists of “Morning Music”).
• At the end of the day, we watch the sunset when we can.
And there are numerous opportunities in between:
• Photograph something beautiful in nature that inspires you.
• Share stories of goodness.
• Explore a new genre of music or art.
• Share stories of heroes.
• Take a nature walk.
• Find and watch videos of amazing (athletic, dance, etc.)
performances on YouTube.
• Embrace the announcement of Nobel Laureates.
• Tune in to award shows like The Academy Awards and
The Grammy Awards.
• In 2012, watch the Olympic Games.
Relive your peak experiences of the year. Mine are:
• Jeff Quinn, who has ALS, spoke (which is physically challenging for him to begin with) of his plan to help others with ALS.
• The Samples concert with my best friend.
• My friend Jennifer’s ongoing courageous battle with cancer.
• Jennifer’s husband’s unwavering love and support.
• Cabaret at the KC Repertory Theatre.
