The Joy of Spontaneity

At the building where I serve as Resident Service Coordinator, we held our annual tree decorating earlier this month.  Our Property Manager had bought a new artificial tree, complete with lights, and had put it up in our Community Room.  I had set a date for our annual gathering but then cancelled it, because our old tree--before the new one was purchased--required considerable effort to assemble, and there was no staff available to help me.  After the new tree was set up, I thought that perhaps I would just "skip" the community tree decorating this year, as there did not seem to be much interest in the event the year before.  Maybe I could just put on a few decorations myself, I mused, and the residents probably would not miss the communal gathering.  However, one of our residents approached me and informed me that some of the other residents were asking when our tree decorating was going to take place.  She was right in asking me, of course, so I set a new date and put up posters advertising the event.

When the day came, only a couple of residents actually wanted to help decorate the tree, but a number of others came just to watch, to enjoy the cookies that were available, and to socialize.  As the tree was filled with more and more ornaments and decorations, a small group of them truly seemed to enjoy watching the tree "come to life".  Then, when the decorating was mostly complete, some of our Spanish-speaking residents broke into a delightful holiday song, singing, "Arbolito, arbolito" ("little tree, little tree"), which was followed by the singing of "Feliz Navidad".  I joined in on the second song, truly moved by the joy of those who were singing!

In recalling this event, I began to think about spontaneity and how such spontaneous expressions of joy occur.  What conditions allow such spontaneous moments to happen?  Spontaneity does just happen, of course, but I believe there are several things that can foster an atmosphere that is conducive to it.  First of all, individuals--and groups--need to have the space and the freedom to be themselves.  Seasonal celebrations are good occasions for providing such an opportunity, and for encouraging the expressions and traditions of various cultural and ethnic groups to blossom.  Second, events where there is some structure provided but which are not over-programmed can provide the space for such spontaneous moments as the one our residents experienced at our tree decorating event.  Third, providing inspiration through the arts--such as music or poetry--or providing opportunities for participation in an activity that is beautiful or creative--such as decorating a Christmas tree--can lead to spontaneous expressions of joy and positive energy.

I guess it is all pretty simple.  If we allow our residents--or other individuals we may serve--the freedom and the space to be themselves and provide some inspiration along the way, they can experience spontaneous moments of joy and gratitude which are then shared with others, spreading the joy.  I think that is a lovely thing to remember at this holiday season!