I have to tell you about this must-see documentary—it’s called Alive Inside. It follows the use of music in working with patients suffering from dementia and memory-related illness. It is incredibly moving, and very exciting in the way that innovations can be… it seems like they’ve been right under your nose, but not until pointed out do we know how brilliant they are.
There is a scene… I think it’s probably the one that hooks all watchers of the film. A black gentlemen sits in a wheelchair with his head dropped. He is unresponsive, and that’s his “normal” in his eldercare facility. You know the look. It’s the one that makes our hearts plunge when we walk into old-folks homes. The one that makes us hope we are never in those shoes. Hopeless. Absolutely hopeless.
Earphones connected to an i-pod are put on this gentleman’s head, and music that is relevant to his personal history comes on. A popular black jazz artist from the first half of the 20th century. The man’s head comes up. His eyes open wide, and his features come to life. The light shining from his eyes grows brilliant and he starts to sing.
By this time you better have your box of tissues handy, because this is the kind of joyful place we all want to be, no matter our age. If something as simple as an i-pod can bring life back to those whose memories are failing them, we need to get right on that!
I am in the middle of rolling out The River Thrive group coaching program, so the film’s timing was perfect for me in that it speaks to the deep connection music has to our joy. The River Thrive guides its participants through bringing all kinds of small but powerful influences back into their lives.
No matter our age or health, we need to make use of this sound bridge to delight, and make use of it often. If music has slipped out of your life, I encourage you to lasso it and bring it back home. Your joy is only as far away as your favorite music.
Coach’s Challenge: Make this a week of music. At least once a day, turn on music that you love. Dance if you’re inspired, sing, sway, croon… let it move you. And make sure to Google “Alive Inside” and watch the trailer (click here.) Put the film on hold through your library, or order it on Netflix. It’s a gem—a definite must-see documentary!
