Susan Boyle: The Study of Expressions

Last night, my mom showed me this clip of Susan Boyle from a show called “Britain’s Got Talent”, the equivalent to American Idol. She told me I just had to see Boyle sing, and expected me to be blown away by the experience.

But what blew me away and what was so much fun for me were all the reactions of people watching Boyle as caught by the camera crew. I saw a heap of body language and emotions. Simon Cowell had me laughing with his incredible eyebrow raise, but there is just so much more in this video. I could probably write an incredibly long post sharing all that I see.

So give it a watch and see what expressions and emotions you see. The faces and reactions in this video tell us heaps. You feel a wealth of emotions, and you can even pick up on peoples’ thoughts by their expressions in this video when you watch it, without ever having to consciously think about it. How does that happen? Could it be mirror neurons (thanks, Mary, for introducing them to me)?

This video is truly a special moment on so many levels. I just love watching it and I want to say a big Wow to Susan! You are amazing!! Way to go! You give me chills (in a lovely way), and you bring tears to my eyes….

I, too, have a dream…

The Powers of Observation

The other night, my husband and I went out to dinner at my favorite sushi restaurant. We walked in the front door, and we were the only two guests in the entrance. There was a man behind the desk who looked up at us as we walked in. He was tall, slightly stocky, had sandy blond hair, and boyish features. I suspect he was in his mid-twenties.

Read moreWhen this man’s eyes met mine, I noticed he was startled. I thought it was odd. It’s rare to see someone startled when you walk into a restaurant. Then he grabbed some paperwork on the counter and shuffled it, but he didn’t look at it. He just took the papers and moved them from one hand to the other as he watched us approach.

Without a conscious thought, my brain kicked in and said to me, “He must be new!” before I could even rationalize all that just occurred in the seconds it took me to walk the 10 feet to the counter.

“Good evening,” he said. “How are you tonight?” He grabbed two menus and brought us to our seats. Once we were comfortable, he came back and introduced himself.

“Hi. I’m John. I’ll be your server today. Would you like the à la carte menu today?”

“Yes, actually we would. Thanks!” I replied back as he handed them to us.

He laughed. “You’re going to put me to the test today, aren’t you?” He cracked a slight smile.

For those of you who don’t eat sushi, eating à la carte is more complex and involved. You have to know the different fish, rolls and wraps, etc. Many people even order them by their Japanese name.

I couldn’t help but jump in. I said, “We are going to put you to the test, but don’t worry, we don’t bite. I promise. Are you new here?”

To no surprise of mine, he said, “Yes, this is my second day.”

We placed the order for our appetizers.

When the waiter left, I was dying to say to my husband, “I knew it!! I knew it!!! I knew he was new! It was written all over his face. Did you see it?? Did you see it??”

My husband, who thankfully allows me all the space to share everything I see, laughed and said, “No. I missed it. Sorry.” You could tell I was blind-siding him with this information out of nowhere!

It was a fascinating experience for me to pick up on such small nuances. I am becoming more consciously aware of how I process things subconsciously and instantaneously.

This man showed two emotions. His face expressed fear as we walked in. He was startled. I have no idea, if he showed it as a macro or micro expression, but he clearly expressed surprise. However, I am not sure how I registered the fear.

Did he express it on his face alone, or did I pick up on his body language (paper shuffling), or was it a combination of both? I have no idea because it all happened so fast that it became a blur once I started to put the pieces together. But it just amazes me how my brain connected those two emotions and knew instantly it meant that he had to be new. If I was asked to do that consciously, I think it would have taken me several minutes to come to that conclusion.

My subconscious brain comes to conclusions long before my conscious brain has even had time to analyze things. I’ve learned, however, if I can slow down what just happened, seconds after it happens, and go through it step-by-step, I can often learn from it. I can connect some of the dots consciously that I subconsciously put together without being aware of it. Does that make sense?

On a happy ending, the man was an excellent waiter. He has a bright future, if he keeps this as a career choice. He was top-notch, his timing was excellent and his service superb. I hope I calmed his nerves, because when we left, I told the owner right in front of him that his new employee was outstanding!

Patrick Swayze

Did you see the moving interview that Patrick Swayze did with Barbara Walters this week? It was painful to watch, and inspiring all at the same time. Swayze is facing his cancer demons head on, yet not willing to give in and relent to them. He is waging a war against a very lethal disease until, he says, he feels the battle is no longer worth fighting.

What I found so powerful in this interview with him and his wife were their emotions, body language and facial expressions. Each movement Swayze and his wife make sends a message. Each movement, each expression, because their emotions are so intense, tells you what is coming before the words are spoken. You see their thoughts on their face before they say a thing. You see and feel a deep anger, and fear. You see and feel courage, happiness, and love. You also see a tension in Swayze that is undeniable. It’s gut-wrenching because it is so real and so raw.

This is one interview where you can really work at understanding two true and honest souls. In this video, they are an excellent pair to study the intricacies of human behavior. Facing mortality, both of these people are trying to accept what is, and do the best they can in an admittedly horrible situation. They go from hope and expectations to accepting the reality of what the future will bring. They wince at the thoughts as they come to mind. Who wouldn’t in a time like this? It’s a balance I don’t think anyone can fully understand and appreciate until they themselves stand on that pronounced yet teetering ground of life versus death — yet through their emotions and expressions, they give us a window into their world and an inkling of what it must be like.

I wish Patrick Swayze and his family peace in this difficult time, the strength and courage to move forward. I want to thank him, too, for standing up and saying what is on his mind, and sharing with everyone his true and honest thoughts. It takes guts and a stable emotional state to level in a time of your life when you are dying.

Facial Expression Tool

I happened upon this tool this morning, and I thought you might enjoy it. It’s for children, but I think many adults will enjoy it too. It’s another emotions-facial expression tool/game. This one is by Do2Learn.

Enjoy!

Cool Website on Emotions and Expressions

If you haven’t heard of Artnatomy, then you are missing it!

ARTNATOMY/ARTNATOMIA is a flash interactive English/Spanish tool. It is intended to facilitate the teaching and learning of the anatomical and bio-mechanical foundation of facial expression morphology.

If you have interest in understanding facial expressions and emotions, it’s quite fascinating. It’s complex and in depth, but fun to experiment with!

Once you follow the link, click on Artnatomy in the top tabs, and then click on Application. To start out with, click on Level II.

Enjoy!