What I love about Pavarotti

My absolute favourite, favourite thing learnt from Pavarotti is watching him receive applause. I love it. I often fast forward videos of him singing to see his smile broadening and those arms open wide as though he was opening his heart to let it pour in and nourish his heart.

If only we all felt able to take in praise and love and value for ourselves. So often the response is the opposite, to curl up and send it away.

I used to be a primary school teacher and receiving praise like Pav was a frequent experiment in our class. Some found it really tricky at first. I guess we are often taught that accepting praise is boastful or arrogant or pretentious.

What helped in class, was creating an environment where praise and the acceptance of it were truly okay, where we could each give it and accept it. I encouraged awareness of how good it felt to give it, especially when your praise is accepted by someone you care about; noticing how good it felt when a friend beamed a smile and opened their arms wide when you recognised their kindness or talent gave permission to accept it like that when they received praise themselves.

If it’s something you struggle with maybe notice how good it feels when people accept your praise. Or a good start might be just watching Pav… if he's allowed it, maybe you could be too.

Image: (Getty Images: Paul Natkin)