keep making light

This past weekend, Marcus, Alex and I binge-watched the third season of Ted Lasso, the story of an American coach who, despite knowing nothing about soccer, is recruited for less-than-altruistic reasons to lead a British football team. No spoilers, but suffice to say that we are pleased with the way the storylines wound up. They say that this season is the final season that creator Jason Sudeikis intended for the show, so there was definitely an air of finality about it. Because I have no expectation of new episodes, I haven’t stopped thinking about the entire series as a complete work, from beginning to end. What an expression of love, compassion, kindness and human-ness that was.

Another show that we’ve been watching is Somebody Feed Phil, a food- and travel- documentary featuring Phil Rosenthal. Marcus and I are huge fans of both travel and food, which is why we began watching the series, but we stuck around because we were utterly charmed by Phil. He’s goofy, game for trying any food, no matter how exotic, and eager to make a true connection with every person he meets, no matter the language barrier. Even Alex thinks he’s great. He’s just lovely.

The truth is, whether it’s been because of television shows or unconventional weddings, I’m realizing that I’m enthralled by people who create moments of delight. But not just because delightful moments are fun. It’s because these days, that shit feels downright revolutionary. In a world where art steeped in cynicism, or violence, or even depravity is what wins awards and audiences, it’s counterculture to create art that is intentionally designed to make you feel good, or celebrate the beautiful, or even remind us of our interconnectedness.

The other thing that I’ve noticed that these three things — Ted Lasso, Somebody Feed Phil, and even Ellie and Ollie’s wedding — have in common is that in each, there is a moment of delight that involves dance. Ted Lasso is known for his celebratory running man. Spontaneous dance is a big part of Phil’s life. And of course, I told you all about Ellie and Ollie’s wedding reception. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that delight often involves movement — there’s just something so natural about joy inspiring movement, and frankly, dance inspiring joy. And admit it — doesn’t even a still image of dance make you smile?