My aspirations have changed from hiking around the world with Cindy to watching geographic documentaries while feeding her. Today I concluded watching the National Geographic series “Europe from Above.” Every episode induces at least one belly sob.
My belly sobs cross belly laughs with tears of joy. A brief convulsion in the gut takes the place of an outward display of emotion. Had I just been an academic in life I doubt I would ever experience a belly sob. The same might be true if I just had been a long distance journeyer, or just a long term care partner. The blending of those three experiences together makes me a belly sob junky.
Academia taught me the benefits of “sappy” emotions and behaviors like joy and purpose for brain health. Nomadic journeys induced those behaviors in ways that seldom happen in academia. My long term caregiver gig deprived me of further nomadic journeys, but by doing so necessitated that I find the determination and means to still experience beneficial emotions and behaviors.
As a sap I often shed tears of joy at weddings, but never a belly sob. I suspect then the belly sob serves as a compromise. Shedding tears of joy at every breakfast seems a bit too demonstrative for meal time, even though I am aware of the health benefits. An inconspicuous belly sob provides an outlet I am willing to encourage further rather than suppress.
Every episode of “Europe from Above” features a different country. Seemingly every country has a must see castle and cathedral. Though I would love to visit at least one castle and cathedral in every European country I explore, these do not induce belly sobs. I reserve those for the vignettes associated with the cultural features unique to each country.
Every episode illustrates both the modern and traditional cultures that shape a country. They might interview a structural engineer for the former, a reindeer herder for the latter. Yet common themes emerge for every country from these vignettes, modern or traditional. One could say a common theme emerges for humanity.
I realize they do not seek out disgruntled workers to make a documentary enticing. Even so, I am struck by the common elements of purpose, joy and belonging in each personal vignette. Civilized folks might identify more readily with the emotions of an architect in charge of an amazing restoration project. Believe me though when I tell you the purpose, joy and belonging of the wood shingle maker matches that of the modern architect.
The belonging attached to traditional livelihoods comes with no surprise, such as generations of farmers crafting stone walls. Yet the pride of worldly contractors crafting modern buildings also stemmed from a sense of place they felt. Though an enthusiastic explorer for much of my life, I now get inconspicuous belly sobs from people contented with always experiencing the same what and where. You can sum up their worldview as: “the grass is greener right where I am.”
I managed to maintain that worldview as well, as I transitioned from enthusiastic explorer to home care partner. The purpose, joy and belonging I feel from taking care of Cindy continues to bring contentment. One reason lies with understanding the causes and benefits of belly sobs.
