UP-Lifting: The Spirit of Understanding
Posted on 08. Jun, 2009 by T.S. Linden in Boomer Views, Gen-X Caregivers ™, Living Legacies
UP-LIFTING: THE SPIRIT OF UNDERSTANDING
UP is a film in the theaters now. http://disney.go.com/disneypictures/up/
It is a must see. While most of the critics focus on the humor or the box office sales figures, we focus on the message. It is a brilliant story of collaboration between the generations and of the spirit of adventure.
COLLABORATION
The film portrays the tales of an elder and a youth. And while they were miles apart on their understanding of each other at the outset of the story, they find mutual appreciation through collaboration and finally a true spirit of family and friendship. It is this spirit of collaboration which is missing today. There is a chasm between the generations.
The key to spanning the gap is to build on-going adventures, collaborations and mutual story telling. It is in this shared effort that fresh understanding emerges and takes root.
SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE
One of the keys to a full life is a spirit of adventure. For our elders and caregivers, the day to day challenges can dampen the spirit and eventually cause it to almost fade away altogether. We think it is crucial for elders to encourage their caregivers to take respite, explore the world and return to share their stories.
Wise elders understand the importance of healthy and balanced caregivers. They recognize that caregivers facing chronic stress must have respite and restoration in order to be truly effective and enduring members of their care team.
Minor or major, the spirit of adventure is a crucial part of renewal. Elders must respect and honor the hard work that you do. And caregivers must do their best to share their stories in a respectful and engaging manner to spark the interest of the elder.
It is also up to elders to recall times within their lives, share programs that they have witnessed and to be proud that their caregivers continue to appreciate the vast world and its wonders.
Here is the region which originally inspired the setting for UP, it is in the heartland of Venzuela and Brazil.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUbawllGEy4&eurl