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A famous Brazilian company, a video producer for videos for the internet has a very interesting sketch, parodying a recurring subject on news portals: “Who went to the beach this week?”. The sketch features talented comedians playing news anchors.

Basically they read, in sequence, the latest news about famous people spotted at the beach. They add no further comments, nor jokes, and yet, with clever wit and humor, they deliver a hilarious take on the worn-out catchphrases about enjoying life, embracing abundance, and expressing gratitude, often associated with “simple things in life” and the beach culture, even if the snapshot is on a very private corner of a luxury hotel.

The parody cleverly exposes the silly superficialities often found on the news, specially the digital one, bringing a fresh and entertaining perspective to the audience. If I were on the writing team, I would definitely add variations like, “Who moved into a mansion this week?” or “Who underwent an invasive aesthetic procedure this week?”

In fact, we could also consider satirical headlines such as “Who spent a ridiculous amount on a handbag?” or “Who was caught in a wardrobe malfunction at a public event?” The list of possibilities is immense!

In a society increasingly focused on appearance and physical enhancements, the willingness to invest significant sums of money in altering one’s external features is becoming the norm. Whether it is undergoing eye colour changes, fitting “contact lenses” on teeth (despite the damage they cause), or adorning oneself with false eyelashes, hair, and nails, the pursuit of physical alteration is omnipresent.

Amidst this prevailing trend, it is strikingly ironic that comparatively little attention is paid to addressing issues that could be effectively resolved with the assistance of speech therapists. I believe that the disparity in emphasis on physical transformation versus addressing speech-related challenges raises questions about societal priorities and the value placed on holistic well-being.

In a world in which it has become “normal” to invest a considerable amount of money to change the color of your eyes, wear “contact lenses” on your teeth (at the expense of wearing them down), wear false eyelashes, false hair, false nails it is, to say the least, curious that so little importance is given to problems that would be solved with the help of speech therapists. Apparently, in the commodity market in which capitalism transforms the human body, actions linked to the voice and speech are the least valued ones.

In times of podcasts and a myriad of YouTube channels, the annoyance caused by tongue ties, stuttering, hissing and all sorts of phonetic defects becomes even greater. While complex mental health diagnoses are trivialized in social media bios, speech problems remain (the ultimate?) taboo.

This perpetuates a harmful stigma around speech impediments, making it challenging for individuals to seek support and understanding. Despite the impact of speech difficulties on daily communication and confidence, they often go unaddressed due to societal misconceptions and lack of awareness.

I cannot help but think that, at least in some cases (when those with speech problems are people with financial resources and who would be fully capable of paying for professional help) the issue also involves denying the problem.

“I am rich and therefore no one will (or pretend not to) notice.” Well, Mr. Richie Rich, actually everyone will notice, even if no one says anything. And there is not enough heavy gold cordsm nor acrylic nail in the world capable of distracting the attention from a speech disorder.

For anyone who understands the power of the voice and every person who sings or is somehow related to the music world should be able to understand it. Our voice, the way we talk, it is our own melody, so to speak. People are drawn to captivating speech just as they are drawn to a beautiful melody.

Neglecting speech problems is like not caring about your own music. And, even if you have nothing to do with music, never sang a note in the shower your entire life etc, try to think of your speech as your unique, non-transferable sound signature.

Now, be honest: Have you ever taken a moment to listen to yourself? Do you like what you hear?

How does your voice sound? Pleasant? Irritating? Caliming? Warm? Welcoming? Out of tune?

Your voice is an instrument that can carry emotion, convey information, and create connections. Just like a musician practices and refines their technique, you can improve the quality of your speech by paying attention to your articulation, intonation, and rhythm.

Embrace the potential of your voice and unlock the power of effective communication in your personal and professional life. And, believe me, it will make you shine much more than any accessory ever could.

Be seeing (and hearing) you,

G.F.

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Last week a bad cold left me in bed, feeling like I was at the mercy of a relentless wave of congestion and fatigue. It is not the end of the world, I know, but it certainly made the passing of each day feel like a century. In order to find some confort, I kept reminding myself that it was just a temporary setback, and tehre was nothing not do but rest.

During the long days of waiting for the flu to pass, I realized that in these moments of extreme vulnerability, we learn to value the small miracles of everyday life (who would be able to think, outside of the flu state, of the wonders of a decongested nose?). Taking for my own example, we also become much more sensitive to gestures of kindness (or lack thereof).

The heightened awareness of our own fragility makes us more attuned to the actions and attitudes of those around us, whether it is a friend offering to run errands or a stranger showing impatience in a crowded pharmacy. The absence of a helping hand or a comforting word is felt more deeply, while an unexpected act of generosity can lift the spirits to an unimaginable degree.

It is as if the slowing down of our usual routine allows us to truly appreciate the simple pleasures we often take for granted, like a warm cup of tea or the comfort of a cozy blanket. Being aware of both the subtle joys and the shortcomings of human interaction can build a quite profound connection to our environement, shaping our perception of the world long after the illness has passed.

But there is also another connection that strengthens when we are sick: the connection with our own body. Only when we are sick do we really realize all the intricate mechanisms and the amazing processes that keep us healthy and how delicate they are.

Personally, I always considered being sick an alert. It is the way our body reminds us to listen to it and take proper care of it, nurturing and respecting it. A flu, as annoying as it ca be, can also prompt us to appreciate the complexity of our bodies and the resilience of our immune system. It offers us a chance to reflect on the importance of self-care and the need to listen to our bodies.

When we are unwell, we become acutely aware of the numerous small signals and sensations that our body constantly sends us, and that we mostly ignore. We start to pay attention to the subtle changes, the twinges, and the discomfort that we might otherwise overlook in our busy lives. As we navigate through the discomfort, we may find ourselves reevaluating our habits and priorities, considering how we can better care for ourselves.

And last, but certainly not least, going through a cold made me, once more, admire the capacity of this wonderful machine called the human body to heal itself. I have always admired the power of the human body to recover. Even when faced with adversity, the resilience of the human body is a true, yet not completely understood wonder.

It is truly remarkable how the immune system kicks into high gear, working tirelessly to combat the invading pathogens and restore balance within. When it comes down to it, it is all about the immune system, working hard to keep us going strong.

Yes, of course I also thought about all the things I want to do differently from now on, more aligned with a mens sana in corpore sano stance. After all, we cannot avoid catching the flu every now and then, but we can, at least, try to use the experience to become a little smarter.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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I just came from a three-week trip. It was my first post-pandemic trip abroad and it was with disappointment (but no surprise at all, which is pretty sad, too) that I confirmed my the entire process involving traveling long distances continues to head in the same direction as before 2020: getting worse and worse.

From incomprehensible rules such as having to leave your bottle of water at customs and, after a few dozen steps, having to buy a new bottle at a convenience store (for an absurd price, obviously), to practices of clear bad faith, such as in the case of airplane seats, which are increasingly smaller and lack space for hand luggage for all passengers, as well as the hospitality sector, in which the rarest thing is… hospitality, it seems that traveling has lost much of its fun side, without talk about glamour, which has long disappeared.

Personally, I gave up on understanding what people find so attractive about sitting on the floor at airports, even when there are seats available in the lobby, or the insane fight for access points in cell phone recharge towers at the gates boarding, considering that the vast majority of aircraft have a USB outlet in the seats, but anyway, overall, these are minor though terribly unpleasant aspects of traveling.

On the other hand, traveling can be a transformative, enriching experience in many aspects. Among them, what always impresses me most is how we transform ourselves in relation to time. It is amazing how, simply by stepping out of our routine, we can completely immerse ourselves in the present, making time seem both fleeting and expansive.

Traveling makes mindfulness a natural response, as opposed to the habitual mode of distraction we tend to practice while going about our daily tasks. When we immerse ourselves in a new environment, we perceive time differently, noticing the rhythm of life in a way that is unique to each place: the hustle and bustle of a busy city, the relaxed pace of a coastal town, or the timeless tranquility of a rural village – each setting offers its own perception of time.

It is as if time is fluid, adapting to the atmosphere and culture that surrounds it, and by moving our bodies in space and immersing ourselves in different environments, we can experience a shift in consciousness. This shift allows us to perceive the world from a new perspective. We have the opportunity to momentarily step into an alternate timeline, where the boundaries of our everyday reality are blurred.

The departure from our conventional existence allows us to gain unique insights and knowledge that we can then bring back home. As we return from our explorations, it feels as we are journeying back from the future, bringing not only memories and souvenirs but also a wealth of new experiences and a deeper understanding of the world around us and of ourselves.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, and manage our own emotions, as well as the emotions of others. It allows individuals to navigate social complexities, manage relationships, communicate effectively, empathize with others, and defuse conflict.

The concept involves skills such as empathy and self-awareness. Emotional intelligence is therefore crucial in various aspects of life, including relationships, communication, and overall well-being, and developing it means being aware of our own emotions and how they can impact personal and professional interactions, helping us discern between different feelings, and using this emotional information to guide thinking and behavior.

It may seem complicated at first, but maybe you know the concept by another name: common sense. You know, things that you should or should not do in order to be civil.

Common sense refers to the sound judgment and practical knowledge that is shared by a society or community. It encompasses a sensible and rational approach to everyday situations, allowing individuals to make reasonable decisions based on their understanding of the world. It is often considered to be a blend of experience, intuition, and logical reasoning, providing a practical guide for navigating various aspects of life.

Ultimately, it is a collectively constructed concept, while emotional intelligence refers more directly to individual behavior, and perhaps this is precisely where the heart of the matter lies. As the collective has been somewhat undervalued lately, common sense needed a rebrand to avoid disappearing completely, and voilà, the twin brother emotional intelligence enters the field.

I do not know if it was a lack of common sense or emotional intelligence that led a woman to stand in the middle of a richly designed colorful salt carpet. I do not know if it was a lack of common sense or emotional intelligence that led a woman to stand in the middle of a richly designed colourful salt carpet during the last Corpus Christi festival.

In the festivities of Corpus Christi holds great significance. It is a tradition where intricate carpets are created using coloured salt, sawdust, flowers, and other natural materials. The salt carpet symbolizes the path that Jesus took during the procession of Corpus Christi. It also reflects the devotion and unity of the community in preparing for this important religious event, creating a beautiful and ephemeral (the are undone by the end of the day) display of faith and artistry.

For me, personally, it is a family day out, where you can walk along the main avenue of the city, closed for carpet making. Perhaps because it touches emotional memories so dear to me, the sight of that woman moving her hair while taking a selfie on the carpet, without caring about all the work it cost those involved in maintaining this tradition seemed outrageous to me.

I immediately started shouting in her direction: “Hey, my friend, you can’t stay there, you’re ruining the design of the rug.”

She did not leave and continued taking selfies with her cell phone. “Hey, you!”, I repeated, now waving my arms. She continued ignoring me. I was losing my Holy War. I needed support. I addressed the other people watching the carpets: “Guys, help me, she’s not listening to me!”, poiting to the lady on the carpet.

Some people approached and soon a small crowd was clapping and shouting: “Get off the carpet! Get off the carpet!” Continuing to pretend not to hear, the woman finally put the phone away and left the carpet, moving away from the crowd that was booing her.

Later, at home, I recalled the case and thought that the woman lacked emotional ineligence. She could have done much better with a simple: “Sorry, guys” and, in a more refined spirit, she could even have ended with “Happy holidays to you too” or something similar. It would be what you call a classy getaway.

I thought about how that woman should solve the problems that everyday life presents to her. Does she pretend not to notice the challenges that life offers her? Could it be that the solution to situations that she does not know how to deal with is to simply pretend that she does not realize the problem? Is she not familiar with the transformative power that a sincere apology has?

I felt a little sorry for her and I hope with all my heart that she finds a way to develop her conflict resolution skills. Or get used to a few boos along the way.

Be seeing you!

G.F.

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Dix pour Cent (“Call My Agent”, in the English version) is a French sitcom released in 2015 that revolves around the lives of talent agents working at a Parisian agency. The plot focuses on the professional and personal challenges they face while representing a diverse array of clients in the entertainment industry.

Throughout its four seasons, the show portrays the intricacies of deal-making, client relations, and the glamorous, yet demanding, world of show business. The first season ends with the following sentence, said by senior agent Arlettte Azémar, played by actress Liliane Rovère:

“When things are not going well, there will always be the cinema“

I really like this phrase, and whenever necessary, I resort to its variant:

When things are not going well, there will always be the music.

For me, this is not just a catchphrase, but rather a profound belief that serves as a key to open the door to a refuge that welcomes me when things are going wrong and the world seems like an incomprehensible place.

It is as if the music becomes a soothing companion, providing solace and understanding when the challenges of life feel overwhelming. Far from being an exclusive privilege of music, this healing element is present in all arts.

I am sure that different forms of art have already provided comfort in challenging situations in your life, just as they have in mine, but I would guess that most times you did not realize that they were the ones doing the trick, crediting you well-being feeling to external factors (the place, the company etc), instead of ralizing the magic was happening in you.

I mena, you do not need to be a painter, or a dancer, or a filmmaker to feel the same way about Painting, Dance or Cinema. Just find a form of expression that is dear to you and enjoy it.

Whether producing or consuming art mindfully, by focusing on the comforting and healing aspects of it, you unlock healing companions, who can be very helpful in seeking refuge and emotional relief. In times of difficulty, it is important to intentionally make space for art to manifest itself as a source of comfort in our lives.

The transformative impact of art during challenging moments comes from its power of providing emotional support and, sometimes, that is all we need.

One way to do this is by setting aside dedicated time for creative activities. It does not have have to be much, it can be minutes or hours, you will find out what works best for you.

Whether it is writing, painting, playing an instrument or simply listening to that song you like (and if you suddenly feel ike dancing to it, even better). Creating a designated space for artistic expression can also help, as it signals to the mind that this is a priority. It can be as simple as choosing a nice place to read a book.

Actively seeking out and immersing yourself in art forms can provide a sense of comfort when the world is being mean to us. It is all about recognizing the value of art in providing emotional nourishment and intentionally incorporating it into your daily life. Every simple gesture counts.

When everything goes wrong, the arts always remain, as a healing source that never runs out.

Be seeing you!

G.F.