Let’s talk about emotional generosity, and how it opens the way for you. How much authentic emotion do you share with those around you?

It takes a good actor to become a career star, (although not all good actors are stars!) Good acting is all about generosity. Today, while packing for an upcoming getaway with three other dear girlfriends, I gave myself the treat of re-watching one of my favorite films: Last Chance Harvey, with Emma Thompson and Dustin Hoffman.

You know the saying “a picture is worth a thousand words?” That’s what makes film so amazing. An actor need say very little or nothing at all and still communicates worlds of information. There’s a moment in Last Chance Harvey when Dustin asks Emma to meet him at noon the next day, at the very same spot on a bench by the fountain. She says “Why?” and he just looks at her, love shining out of his eyes. She says “Oh, shut up, Harvey!” I love this moment because it is, like the rest of the film, so filled with authentic emotion.

When an actor makes him or herself vulnerable in this way, sharing what is truly happening to them (in that moment, as that character, in that imaginary circumstance), it is a gift of generosity to both the audience and to the other actors working alongside them. Why? Because when someone gives us the gift of their authentic emotion, they’ve given us permission to share our own.

Nothing evokes tears like witnessing another’s heartbreak. Nothing is as contagious as another’s laughter. Nothing strikes terror into our heart like the sound of a scream. We go to the movies for a hit of authentic emotion. While watching, we exercise our own emotions.

Could it be possible that you need to exercise your emotions more in daily life?

Try it this week. Make yourself vulnerable as an act of generosity. Let me know how it goes by leaving a comment.

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