David Harp, Song: “Everybody Ends Up Dead”

Since a chance meeting with Dr. Elizabeth Kubler-Ross, the author of “On Death and Dying,” I’ve been studying and working with thanatological (end of life) and related issues.  This, for me, involves writing books (more than two dozen) and offering presentations (many hundreds, over the years).  Since in addition to my background in psychology I happen to be the world’s fastest harmonica teacher (I’ve taught hundreds of thousands of people to blow their blues away), I combine psychology, thanatology, humor, and harmonica in my work!  I believe that getting a group of people (I’ve done groups of up to 4,000 participants at a time) to breathe with intention synchrony is a great way to create bonding and a feeling of shared empathy.  And there is no easier or more satisfying way to do this than by teaching said groups to play harmonica — blues, rock, folk, or classical — together!

“Be a Blessing to Somebody”

Sometimes, you need to go somewhere where everyone knows your name. For many Memphis, TN residents, Manna House is just that place. A colorful safe haven for community members who are down on their luck, the house provides showers, fresh clothes and a cup of coffee for folks who need some community feels and a pick me up.

Open 3 days a week, the house is run by volunteers. Karen Pulfer Focht, a talented and socially conscious photojournalist who is a frequent contributor to Envision Kindness, was able to catch up with one of them. Almost every Thursday on the front stoop of Manna House, you can find Kirk Whalum, the Grammy award winning jazz artist, giving the homeless a fresh shave and a haircut.

Whalum is a celebrated and sought after artist. On top of winning awards for his solo and collaborative albums, he has been “an in demand session player for top artists like Barbara Streisand, Al Jarreau, Luther Vandross, Larry Carlton, Quincy Jones and most notably, Whitney Houston, amongst many others.”  In fact, the hit song “I Will Always Love You” features his saxophone.

Still, Whalum is a very self-aware man. After reflecting on his own life, he decided that he wanted to do more. He wanted to be a “blessing to somebody.” So, he began blessing the Manna House with his service. Whalum understands what it means to care consciously. An ordained minister, he listens to people, finds out what they need, and responds to the best of his abilities. After speaking with people at Manna House, he realized that people needed shaves and haircuts. So, he dove right in it. Rick Greer, Memphis resident who frequents Manna House, says he is thankful for places like this where he can get cleaned up.  “Us street people…we got to keep our appearances up,” Greer explained.

“We are all in need of care and kindness,” Whalum tells Focht. He strives to be in solidarity with those who he cleans up. That’s why he’s constantly greeting people and making sure they feel welcomed at the center. In Focht’s enlightening interview with Whalum, he speaks humbly about his service. At one point, the man who he is caring for looks up at him. “I appreciate it,” the man says. “You’re welcome, bro,” Whalum responds with a smile.

Thank you, Karen Pulfer Focht, for the beautiful video, still images, and story.

The Cello: Kindness through Music

music for kindness

Dr. Robert Bolding is a man who has always found comfort and joy from music. These days Dr. Bolding can find companionship, love, and joy at an unlikely time in his life thanks to friends and family who surround Dr. Bolding as he journeys through his battle with Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). Photojournalist, Karen Pulfer Focht, has been documenting his journey at the request of his family. This story holds so many different levels of kindness, from the friendships and relationships to the joy that music brings Dr. Bolding.

Since his diagnosis, Bob has been surrounded by kindness and love by family and friends. The photos show a quiet Friday night for Bob. Antoinette Rodriguez, a family friend, is playing Bob’s favorite classical tunes as he drifts in and out of a slumber in his hospital room. Shortly before Dr. Bolding’s diagnosis he desired to hold a number of concerts in his home with classical music. He always had a fondness for music. He even knocked down a wall in his home to create a music room. Antoinette also played the cello at Bob’s daughter Kathy’s wedding. Antoinette has since visited Bob at the Memphis VA Medical Center for these concerts quite a few time.

Music can be very beneficial to patients in places like nursing homes, hospice, intensive care and retirement homes.

“[E]verytime I come to see Bob, he is surrounded by love and light and a lifetime of people who know and love him.” says Karen Pulfer Focht in her blog documenting Bob’s journey.

This video is short and simple but conveys the serenity and love encountered by Dr. Bolding and the kindness that is shown to him.

To find out more about Hospice care, visit the National Association for Home Care & Hospice. Information on how you can support research and care for Brain Tumors can also be found on the National Brain Tumor Society website.