The emotion of elevation

The emotion of elevation is a positive and uplifting feeling that arises in response to witnessing acts of moral beauty, altruism, or goodness. It is characterized by a sense of awe, admiration, and gratitude towards the individual who performed the act, as well as a desire to act in a similarly virtuous manner oneself.

Research suggests that the emotion of elevation is associated with various physiological changes, such as increased heart rate, heightened activity in the brain's reward center, and the release of the hormone oxytocin, which is associated with social bonding and trust.

Experiencing elevation can have a range of positive effects on a person, including increased prosocial behavior, improved well-being, and greater life satisfaction. It can also help foster a sense of connection and empathy towards others, which can in turn contribute to more harmonious and cooperative social relationships.

I grew up thinking that people were born in sin. Many Christians are taught this.

When I read about the emotion of elevation, it made me think that people are actually born GOOD! This was a radical shift for me. Many studies have shown that people can be influenced to be good and honest, or they can be influenced to cheat and lie. Most people think they are good, but everyone else is suspect. What if we are more alike than we ever realized. That most of us want to help others and want to be honest and good. Maybe most everyone is doing the best they can.

I’ve been thinking about being “Born Again.”

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if everyone believed in the “Law of Attraction”, that we attract into our lives what we focus on. Then people might accept a stranger with love and curiosity. We would be born once and worthy of love. For me raised with Christian teaching I became “Born Again” and felt sorry for the lost who hadn’t accepted God’s grace. Now I realize that this is judging others. There were the Saved and the Lost. But what if we just looked at everyone as human, as wonderful, as worthy of love. When we judge we create disconnection.

I wonder if the very concept of “Born Again” creates disconnection. Every person wants love and acceptance. Every person has been born once. What if being Born Once was worthy of celebration.