I read an article the other day – It’s title was Happiness in Hard Times. As might be suggested, it spoke about the importance of trying to maintain some degree of happiness when we are really struggling, as so many of us are in the pandemic. One of the positive points made was that we humans are actually wired for happiness. A researcher studying the genetics of joy has actually located, so far, 304 “happy genes” on our DNA.
It has been found that happiness can create and sustain emotional resilience in difficult times, and that the reverse is true as well. Finding positive meaning in circumstances can also help generate happiness. The article went on to provide concrete ways to navigate our current crisis (as well as any others); one of them is listening to music.
Which brings me to the point that had such an impact on me. Doctors and nurses in hospitals when interviewed all shared the tremendous pressure they were under during the pandemic. A pulmonologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City described the relentless work in the critical care areas as a war zone. But Lenox Hill decided to do something about it. Every time a COVID-19 patient was released from the hospital or could breathe well enough to come off a ventilator, the hospital played Here Comes the Sun over the loudspeaker.
One nurse tearfully described hearing that song 20 times in one day, and every time she heard it, she felt a little better … it helped her know that all they were doing was actually making a difference.
It may be a challenge at times, but I think if we can find just one bright spot in each day, and either hold it close to our hearts, or share it with another, we’ll make a difference in these challenging times – and enjoy being what we seem wired to be – happy. Hey … here comes the sun.
Thank you, Jeanne. Those are beautiful images and words!
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My pleasure, as always, Lavinia. I just updated the link to Here Comes the Sun so you can now actually listen to them singing it, and with a pretty cool collage/video to accompany it, too! What a difference music can make in our lives.
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It makes a big difference. Thank you for a lovely post.
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You’re very welcome, Barb. When I looked for a good link for Here Comes the Sun, I felt pretty uplifted myself! 🙂
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This post is wonderful. I love it. I can imagine how amazing it would feel for the hard-working healthcare workers to hear that song played, knowing its meaning. While I wish things were back to normal, I feel optimistic about the advancements we’ve made in our state (NJ). Until there is a vaccine or the virus dies out on its own, I believe (if we are careful) we can live happily in the meantime without getting sick. PS: Also love the beautiful photo of Jazzy.
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Thanks, Pat. That’s exactly what drew me to that article and to write this post. Just something to make them feel it’s worth their working so tirelessly. That, BTW, is Gypsy Rose, at my house in Stewartsville. But they had many similarities. 🙂
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Thank you, Jeanne! Beautiful images and such necessary encouragement. I don’t think we can offer or receive enough of it these days. And yes, music! We have it playing or make our own almost all day long; there are so many ways it helps, soothes, inspires, steadies, and readies the heart and mind. I love the story of Lenox Hill: pure joy.
Be well and safe, and thank you, again.
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I was just so touched that Lenox Hill did that for their health care workers. I suspect other hospitals may, too, but I particularly know Lenox Hill, and was in their care some time ago. What would we do without music? Yes, so healing.
You stay safe and be well, too, Kitty. As always.
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Oh I love this, Jeanne. Music has always been a mood-maker for me. I use it for many different situations. How wonderful hearing that song playing must’ve been! A little miracle reminder. I think I’ll listen to Here Comes the Sun right now. Thank you! ☀️ 💛
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You’re most welcome, Cheryl. Music has always been the same for me, too. Mood-maker – a good term. Or mood-changer. When I did a search for a link where visitors could hear Here Comes the Sun, I went to a few places, but this one had the version that I seem to remember always liking the most. Take care. ☀️
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It’s true that things always seem better when we think positive – the trick is to try and change the way we think about things – which is always easier to do when we’re happy 🙂
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That couldn’t have been said more perfectly! I agree. Our minds are so powerful. It’s our life’s (lives’) mission to learn how to harness that power for good and happiness. ☀️
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What a great post. Uplifting too. I love the thought of that song being played. Such a joyful thing to do. The nurses played that song when my granddaughter was born and it was much appreciated by her parents, after a challenging few days.
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Thanks, Cynthia! I’m always happy to see you. 🙂 Just learning that one thing – the hospital playing that song for COVID patients – really warmed my heart. How wonderful that they played it for your daughter, too. Despite our many challenges these days, there’s still so much good in the world.
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Love these pics, words, and the story that went with an old favorite song. I love the sun, in general. I’m always taking pics of it shining through clouds & trees. Trying to capture a bright spot. I have a whole album of “catch the sky” pictures. It never quite works…
Anyway – great to see your still dreaming and writing. ❤
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Thanks Samantha; I appreciate your comments and for stopping by. The sun sure does have many sides to take photos of. I love taking sunsets where I live, especially when a storm has just cleared out. Keep taking pictures! Jeanne
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Beautiful Positivity Post! So calm with nuggets of wisdom. Love it all.
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Thanks so much for your lovely compliment – I appreciate it!
Jeanne
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