A Feeling of Bliss

Do you know the story of the picture Bliss? I am pretty sure you have seen it without even knowing what it is. Bliss is the default computer wallpaper of Microsoft's Windows XP operating system. It is an unedited picture of a green hill and blue sky with white fluffy clouds; simple and beautiful! Billions of people have seen it, making it one of the most viewed photos of all time.

Charles O'Rear snapped the photo in January 1996 on his way to his girlfriend’s house.  Microsoft bought the rights in 2000 for an undisclosed amount of money, but it is believed to be one of the largest amounts ever paid for a photo. When asked why, Microsoft said they chose the image because "it illustrates the experiences Microsoft strives to provide customers (freedom, possibility, calmness, warmth, etc.).”  It's such a simple photo, yet it brings a feeling of serenity and joy.

The ICAHN staff are continuing their book study of The Energy Bus: 10 Rules to Fuel Your Life, Work and Team. In the book, the author talks a lot about joy. This leads me to ask the question, what is joy?

One definition of joy is “an intense momentary experience of positive emotion.”  Another description is “that feeling of wanting to jump up and down.” In life, how often do you want to jump up and down? How do we get that experience of positive emotion? In the bleak winter months, I wish there were more jump up and down moments!

I came across a Ted Talk by Ingrid Fetell Lee. She has done research on the aesthetics of joy and has found universal items that cut across all ages, races, and socio- economic lines that make us feel alive. Here is her joy list:

• Ice cream cones
• Balloons
• Fluffy Clouds
• Flower blossoms
• Hot air balloons
• Googly eyes
• Rainbows
• Fireworks

When she broke it down further, she found these common themes: round objects, bright pops of color, and the sense of lightness bring joy.  She then asked these questions, “If we know these items bring us joy why do we work in sterile looking cubicles? Why are the most vulnerable in nursing homes and hospitals that are full of drab muted colors and sharp angles. Why do we live and work in places that are joyless?”

Look around your surroundings. What can be done to add elements of  joy? Maybe it is as simple as googly eyes on your name badge or pictures with more pops of color or brightly colored scrubs. Look with a critical eye and see if you can find items that can bring a sense of joy.

I know some of you are thinking color and shapes can’t truly bring about the feeling of joy, but this brings us back to Bliss. Microsoft paid a huge amount of money for a photo because they wanted customers to feel joy, freedom, possibility, calmness, and warmth. What do you want your patients, families, and staff to feel?