Do you remember that scene in the movie? Superman (Christopher Reeve’s) where do you go to the North Pole to spend some time alone? He brings with him a bag of crystals that he throws into the snow and they are arranged in the ultimate snow cave. He then places the master crystal, I think the green one, on his newly erected icy console and lo and behold, his (long dead) father begins to talk to him and impart life lessons.
Released in 1978, Superman continues to be the maximum representation of an ethical will in all video cinema (although My life it’s also worth seeing as an example of the ethical will in a modern narrative film.) It was through the magic of those crystals that Clark Kent was able to learn that he is more than the adopted son of those kind but limited aging Midwestern farmers. And he is capable of learning what his responsibilities will be living among us, poor ignorant humanity.
In the real world, an ethic isn’t much different than the one Supe’s dad set up for him (right when Krypton blew up). But, instead of those glasses, we have, of course, the video camera and the DVDs.
So what is an ethical will?
An ethical testament is a message to future generations about values, beliefs and life lessons. It can also cover more business matters, such as funeral wishes, recipients of small gifts, or even instructions in the event of a medical emergency (“health care representatives”). Sometimes called “spiritual testaments” or “inheritance letters,” the idea is to pass on the intangibles of a life well lived. IN testamentary will conveys his possessions; year ethical will it conveys your thoughts and beliefs and can impart life lessons or bestow deep, personal blessings on others.
Difficult economic times appear to have contributed to the growing popularity of ethical wills. With so many personal savings accounts crushed by the Great Financial Crisis, people are realizing that treasure may be lost, but values are eternal. Therefore, creating an ethical testament (written or video) has never been more important.
Whether you plan to create a written or video ethical will (or Powerpoint, scrapbook, or audiotape), the process is basically the same.
Step 1: Who is the beneficiary?
First, you must decide who will be the beneficiary of your spiritual letter. As with any communication, knowing your audience will help determine the topics you cover and your words. And an ethical testament meant to be heard by adult children will likely be a little different than an ethical testament you intend your grandchildren to observe. It may be that you choose to address different people with different parts of the legacy letter.
Of course, you have to keep in mind that no matter what your intentions are, ultimately you will not be able to control the audience by your ethical will.
Step 2: Decide what to include
Next, write down a list of topics you’d like to cover. Could you include some life event and the lesson you take away from it? More than one person has lived to regret cutting corners in his education and using his ethical will to train their grandchildren in another way. Is it to tell the children that, despite everything, you are proud and happy with them and happy with their choices in life? As parents, we can be overly judgmental and the spiritual will be an opportunity to set the record straight once and for all.
You may feel the need to explain a decision you made or the direction you took. Are there values you want your descendants to follow? Do you want to record family history? Maybe you just want to say “thanks for all the love and support.”
Step 3: Which form should you use?
Third, decide how you want to register your ethical will. Pen and blank paper is fastest. Or, you may choose to get a book that walks you through the process and gives you a guided space to write (Susan Turnbull’s “The Wealth of Your Life” is one such book). For a more personal approach, you can record your voice to audio.
However, as I always recommend, you may decide to talk about your life on video. Video is a form of immortality, if you think about it. And the words spoken on camera have an immediacy and emotional impact that is truly unmatched. Up there in the ice and snow, Superman actually heard his father’s voice, not just read a letter (hastily scribbled in Kryptonese).
Step 4: Things to keep in mind
Fourth, you must get down to business. Start with an outline created from your themes, and then build on. If your ethical will is to be written, then there may be a series of drafts. If you plan to create a written spiritual letter, then all you will need are your notes. If the ethical will is to be captured in a video interview format, then the interviewer will have their themes and will be able to prompt their responses.
There are a few things to keep in mind when composing your legacy letter:
Do not use your ethical will to settle scores or have the last word. Don’t say anything you can imagine you’ll regret.
Be careful when singing to a person for praise or special thanks. You will inevitably throw others into the shade, which may not be your intention.
Don’t delay. Time speeds up as you get older, and as a result, it becomes more and more difficult to get things done.
Don’t worry about your appearance. Future generations are interested in who you were and what was important to you.
Try to be uplifting. In her book, Susan Turnbull gives this example of a couple addressing their young children:
“We hope that you will always look outside of yourself and consider the perspective of others… We hope that you are aware of what is happening in your community and how events are affecting the people there…”