Humane Educator's Toolbox: "Validation"

This weekend I happened upon a great indie short film called "Validation." The story focuses on a parking attendant (played by actor TJ Thyne, from the TV series "Bones") who offers people, along with validated parking, a better view of themselves. The attendant's positive outlook and ability to see the bright and beautiful in others sparks in them joy, hope and a new attitude, which eventually circle around to touch the attendant himself.

This little film -- funny, clever, and thoughtful -- provides great fodder for exploring all kinds of questions about our perceptions of the world, our view of ourselves, and our connection with others, such as:

• What if we proactively focused on seeking out the best in others...and telling them about it?
• Can "small gestures" really generate a significant positive impact?
• Is it true that "What goes around comes around?" or that "You reap what you sow?"
• How might the world be different if we made an effort to nurture a positive connection with strangers and others?
  
• How does our perception of others affect the lens through which we view the world?
• How does our perception of how we think others perceive us affect our own outlook?
• How do we feel when others compliment us? When they don't? When we compliment others?
  
• What do we need to feel truly validated?
• Should validation come only from within? Is there a positive and healthy benefit to external validation?

View "Validation" (about 16 minutes) here:



Seek out this film whenever you need a little inspiration and validation that a compassionate, just world in which we see the best in each other is possible.

~ Marsha