Mudita AKA Why I Like Harry Styles

Appreciating Appreciation

It was the first film I watched, in a theater, after Covid began. Given that, it seems fitting that it’s named Eternals, one of the Marvel series of movies. I enjoyed it. But the reason I remember it is all thanks to Harry Styles. Well, it’s actually all thanks to the way Harry Styles makes some people feel.

You see, I’m a fan of the extra scenes that come in a movie’s final credits and the Marvel films are brilliant at it. It’s that little bit extra. Typically, clever, funny and a wonderful tease of something to come.

But as much as I like them what I love is how they keep people in their seats, or at least lingering in the theater to catch a glimpse. Which brings me to Harry.

Harry Styles in Eternals. Disney/Marvel Studios

He appears in the final credits of Eternals. I’ll be honest I didn’t recognize him. But I had no issue recognizing the sounds of excitement as he appeared on screen. The whoop was thrilling. Those loud cries of excitement are the sort of sounds you feel. These folks were ecstatic. I learned this was the moment Harry’s existence in the Marvel Universe was confirmed.

Seeing, or feeling, the excitement of others is lovely. I can’t say I know much about Harry or his career. I’m certainly aware of his success and that he has a huge and loyal following. Feeling that delight, the anti-schadenfreude, hit me in the moment. Since I’ve wondered about it. Specifically, do I have the same ability to enjoy someone else’s joy even if they are doing something I don’t actually like.

Take oysters, not a fan. But watching my dad devour them with a wide grin, makes me smile every time. The same is true of watching my children do something that might not be my first, second or even 30th choice. But that’s family.

I went searching for a word to describe this emotion, sense, feeling and came up empty, in English.

I did find this; Mudita.

It is a Sanskrit and Pali word that apparently has no English equivalent. A definition, “it means sympathetic or unselfish joy, or joy in the good fortune of others.” Joy in the good fortune of others, I get that. The internet is filled with this. Homecomings, reunions, proposals; The college acceptance video. It’s feels beautiful to see others happy.

I’ve always been a watcher, eavesdropper, observer. I have, more than a few times, given I live in NYC, been asked “what are you looking at?” I don’t think I’ve ever been honest in reply, that question usually gets asked in anger. But it hasn’t dissuaded me of my habit. Sunglasses are a friend.

Dog In Park

Dog walks are brilliant for this. I like to take a long one in the evening, particularly at this time of year. The park near me is busy with people doing similar and entirely different things. In part, I am seeking mudita, and I find it. Parents watching their small children play is a go to. Recently I watched a couple dance, ballroom dance. It was impressive. They knew how to dance. I’ve never liked to dance, tend to avoid it, but watching them made me wonder why. They were floating in body and spirit, the look of pleasure on their faces. The smiles when one or the other made a minor misstep.

Then others noticed, some stopped, others simply slowed their walk. All of it comprised an audience. At the end of one song people applauded, some offered brief comments of compliment. Now I watched the watchers and I wondered, is there a word for the joy felt watching people feel joy as they watch others feel joy. Mudita squared feels a bit deliberate.

Anyway thanks for the adding mudita to the world Harry. “The Mudita Tour” might work next time you hit the road.