David Reed
Cinncinnati, Ohio, USA
“Exuberance” From Another Perspective
“Exuberance” is among the most unique words in the English language. It is the perfect word, but not one you use haphazardly. No, “exuberance” is one of those special words you save only for those occasions when you need the quintessential word and nothing else will suffice. Go ahead; say it – “exuberance.” Feel its softness as it rolls off the tongue. Feel its warmth as it passes through the lips like a warm summer breeze on its way to freedom and independence in the world. Watch it as it moves away, seeking a willing ear. Follow it as changes and gains strength and purpose along its journey. See its powerful aura as it impacts on others, bringing its full force of meaning to the listener. Yes, “exuberance” is one of the most unique words in the English language. Like two sides of the same coin, it is both gentle and forceful, it is luxurious and powerful, always soft, never harsh and it carries with the promise of beauty, success, determination and skill. In short, it connotes enthusiastic excellence in whatever it describes.
Everyone knows the definition of “exuberance;” at least I think I do. I could go to my Oxford or Webster’s dictionary and look up the “officially” accepted denotation if I had any doubts, but let us leave the scholars at Oxford and Noah Webster on the shelf and see if we can define “exuberance” for ourselves. After all, when you hear it you don’t whip-out your pocket dictionary to check your understanding; do you? No, this special word is recalled from the recesses of your whole existence and it is under that umbrella that you understand.
When my personal catacombs of understanding hear this word, I first see a child, jumping up and down in unbridled excitement over some object or event. The sheer joy of the moment is etched on their face and their entire body joins in the celebration. From this first impact on my senses, the more subtle meanings start coming through. I see a one-pointedness of purpose; an unwavering promise of success. I feel the determination to excel and to accomplish the moment, carpe diem, or better yet, “seize the future.” I see unity-of-purpose with no doubt that the instant goal is in-hand and will be reached. I see fairness and honesty, respect for one’s self and for others; I see ethical actions and caring for all. I see beauty and softness harnessed to determination and perseverance. I see, well, “exuberance.”
I guess defining such a unique word may not be as easy as first thought. But, as I said, we all know what it means; right? Let’s try and experiment. If the myriad of adjectives, some apparently conflicting, that our denotative and connotative gray-matter conjures up, let’s quiet that portion of our minds and start from scratch. Put yourself in a completely relaxed condition. If you meditate, then sit in lotus position and clear the mind. If you prefer a water environment, fill a warm bath with salts and bubbles and climb in. If nature is your “pull,” go and lie in the sun or under the stars. Relax every portion of your being.
Recall your history, discover who you really are. Be honest with yourself (and with others). Allow your inner thoughts to swirl and condense into your essence. Examine what is really important to you. Focus on that. Allow it to form into the perfect thought, the perfect goal, the perfect action. Formulate your personal future plan and touch that special part within you that reaches out and grasps your future direction. Formulate your plans and strategies for the rest of your life.
Revel in the ecstasy of knowing who you are, where you are going and how you will get there.
Now leave your momentary posture-of-reverie and begin the rest of your life. Make your journey comfortable, dress as you would want the world to see and know you — casual to formal and everything in between. You know how you want to be perceived; now is your chance to become the “you” of your visions.
You are ready, you have your future, you have your “self.” You are one-pointed, you are determined, you are beautiful, you are committed, you are enthusiastic, you are excited. Now stand in front of the biggest mirror in your home with your back to it. Close your eyes. Think of all you have decided, all of your goals, your future, your self. Without looking, turn around to face the mirror. Slowly open your eyes. What you see is “exuberance.”
