I was recently invited to be part of a flash mob, (I should clarify that I wasn't personally sought out for this flash mob, it was more of a general friend request from a friend of mine). Unfortunately, I had to decline for so many reasons, but it did peek my interest in flash mobs in general. I, have seen them on TV before like this one on Oprah or this one from Modern Family, but it wasn't until I had seen several that I finally took notice of the effect they have on me...
The really good ones make me cry... One of the reasons that I didn't initially notice was that my eyes tear up at a lot of things lately, but none are quite as consistent as the 'flash mob sob.' (sob is too strong a word really).
I am not sure why it happens to me, I want to believe it's because I am overwhelmed by the power people can have when they work as one. I'm always amazed when large groups of people unite for a common purpose, it ALWAYS gives me goosebumps. But flash mobs are more than that. It's a group of people who have come together, maybe to make a statement, or to put a smile on other's faces, or to inspire, or just for fun, but I'd be hard pressed to find a more joyful way to make time stand still, to force others to stop the business of life and just be in the moment and enjoy, for a brief time, the human experience. Onlookers almost always stop and watch and cheer, though I'm sure this is diminished with the number of flash mobs experienced by the audience members (but really what are the chances of experiencing multiple flash mobs?).
Obviously I find them to be a pretty powerful experience, so I guess it makes sense that they cause me to emote in such a way. Of all the things that don't evoke much response from me, I'd have to admit that I'm a little embarrassed that I react this way to a group of dancers. I'll just choose to believe my reaction is evidence of my deep connection to the human experience, to the power of a group to impact life in a positive way, to joy for the sole purpose of joy.
BUT, It's also possible that my reaction is a result of my inability to dance...
Either way, I'm adding "witness or participate in a flash mob" to my bucket list.
