The Virtue of Transcendence II
Imagine you have the power to go over and beyond your present state, past your current limits. How intriguing is that?! Transcendence does just that.
Transcendence ‘describes strengths that help you connect to the larger universe and provide meaning’. The next two strengths grouped under the category of spiritual well-being are: Hope and Humor.
3. Hope:
Dark clouds gather ominously and thunder rumbles in the distance, as a dark raven perched atop a spiny pine tree squawks harshly as though to sound a warning alarm. A cool breeze whispers and the sun’s rays kiss the horizon, as a red cardinal flits wantonly from shrub to shrub with a lively chirp as though to greet a new day. I ask myself which one am I drawn to? It is the one that signals hope and anticipation of positivity.
That is what Hope delivers: faith in a bright future. People naturally gravitate towards the hopeful. When your company is going through a major re-organization and everyone is atwitter with uncertainty of the future, it is the inspired leader who can articulate the new vision and the value of this seismic shift, who carries the employees forward.
Even though Hope is directed towards the future, it is “anchored in the present”. It is not Pollyanna thinking or building castles in the air but in fact rooted in “a solid, realistic foundation”. It is about widening one’s perspective to see other possibilities that exist and not mere fabrications of one’s imagination. You are hopeful of acing an upcoming exam, not because you squeeze your eyes shut and cross your fingers tightly hoping that the setter will set easy questions, but because you have self-agency, and know that you have prepared well and feel confident in applying that knowledge.
Fear of disappointment can hinder hope, and although a protective mechanism, if left unchecked it can descend into habitual pessimism. Whereas blind optimism can land us in hot water, eyes-wide-open hope linked with good judgment and realistic appraisal of the situation can lead to better work performance, higher life satisfaction and greater resilience. It is contagious and it inspires.
4. Humor
The senior manager regaled his direct reports with stories of his fishing trip; how he reeled in what he thought was a ‘fresh catch’ with pride and flourish, instead found himself staring at an old, tattered, muddy boot. His team inched closer joining in the laughter, fully mesmerized. Humor is a great magnet for easing social situations. “It is an important lubricant to social interactions, and can contribute to team building or moving toward group goals.”
The ability to laugh at yourself (self-effacing humor) is the jewel in the crown. The ability to make light of situations which teeter on the brink of dipping into unnecessary seriousness can save the day. Humor rescues us from falling into a negative mood as it has the ability to distract, albeit momentarily. It can be a useful tool to cope with potential distress or adversity. “It buffers people from life stress.”
Laughter is considered to be an elixir for good health, as it lowers our vital signs, increases oxygen in the blood, relaxes muscles, releases endorphins, and stimulates organs as well as circulation. Long term benefits include heightened immunity and pain relief. The rewards keep multiplying. So pick up today’s funny comics, turn on a sit-com TV show, watch a comedy film, or listen to a humorous podcast. I am all for ‘Knock, knock’ jokes with my grandchildren. We make them up as we go along!
Let Hope and Humor draw you out today.