Be thankful, be thanked
Whether you celebrate this holiday or not, there is value in gratitude.
Think how love penetrates
like music, rhythm
overpowering stasis
as the nerves, the pulse,
propel us toward moonlight,
and how the body celebrates
wholeness, its first desire.
—Susan Ludvigson, from “Gratitude”
A short note this week to invite us all into gratitude. Whether you celebrate this particular season or not, it’s worth noticing and naming something you are thankful for.
Perhaps call forward an arts experience that brought you joy, discovery, connection, or communion. Or an expressive moment that moved you to awe or awareness – seeing something or someone anew, or feeling deeply seen yourself. When you find such a memory, call to mind the full array of people, stuff, and money that moment required – the artists, arts workers, technicians, managers, custodians, compatriots, supporters, witnesses, equipment, physical spaces, and other resources.
And then whisper “thank you” to them all.
In a final turn, imagine a world of other people doing the same for an arts event or experience you had a hand in. And feel the warmth of their whispered thanks to you.
My colleague George Thorne described a core purpose of Arts Management as creating “more, better moments.” That is powerful and important work, worth a pause to send and receive some gratitude.
Photo by Marcus Wöckel