Always dream and shoot higher than you know how to. Don't bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself!
Couldn't help but share this once I saw it. Bruce certainly lived a life of discipline, and as such he was very successful in what he pursued. Especially like his thoughts on "time" and "stiffest tree." I will readily admit that these are two areas in which I struggle greatly.
First, time is what life is made of, so if you love it don't waste it. It's more than likely that I talk so much on this particular topic because it is one that not only plagues our society, but one that affects me deeply as well. How easy is it to take a quick break, or sit down to rest for a minute, and before you know it an hour or two or more has passed by? I know it's a vice of mine, and one that I strive to correct each day. How many opportunities have passed me by because I was too busy "wasting" my time? If in fact I love life, how am I using my time to make the most of it?
Second thought is so good I'll restate it:
Notice that the stiffest tree is most easily cracked, while the bamboo or willow survives by bending with the wind.
How often do we insist that something must be done a certain way (more times than not "our way") or it's wrong? Too many times in my life (certainly more than I care to admit) I've been too busy focused on whether I was right to see the truth and beauty I was missing in opening my mind to something different. The only way to grow and progress is through trials and overcoming challenges as we face them; as such if we aren't able to bend and adjust as the willows or bamboo shafts in the wind then we will break and shatter like a piece of stiff wood.
Humility is the key, and most likely why I struggle so much with this concept. Recognizing that we don't know everything, that we can't do everything alone and that there is a higher power at work in our lives enables us to bend rather than break. Only then can we truly state with sincerity Bruce's other gem: To hell with circumstances; I create opportunities. Clean and center your inner self, and from there the world is yours for the taking. Andy got right to the point in the Shawshank Redemption, "Get busy living, or get busy dying!"
We are beings that have a choice; we can choose to prepare, and therefore be proactive in nature or we can choose to not, and therefore become reactive in nature. Which do you think brings one happiness and peace? The Dalai Lama said it well:
Happiness is not something ready made. It comes from your own actions.
This week we have examined in depth the messages inherent in Christopher Nolan's film: Inception. There are even more tidbits and gems hidden in this great work of art, one even being the scene illustrated above. Taking place in the 2nd layer of dream, their world spins uncontrollably due to the van being flipped in layer 1. Not only does that create one of the best scenes in cinema, but it demonstrates that our thoughts build off of one another. Taking it further still, that they are dependent on one another, so all it takes (literally) is one tiny thought to sabotage an entire plan, dream or self confidence that we may hold. And in turn one small idea or moment can make a dream possible.
As I mentioned there are others, but I wanted to finish the week with the power of the music from the film. I like to call the way Christopher Nolan finishes this film a "crescendo finale", and the music from Hans Zimmerman captures you and carries you through it. The track from his score is entitled Time that plays during the climax, and words cannot describe the emotions held within this great piece of music. Please listen to it, watch the images as they appear on the video, ponder on what we've discussed this past week and I promise you will leave feeling renewed and empowered to make the changes necessary in your life; to stand up when you really just feel like sitting down; most importantly to live like a Lion even for just one day!
We continue our discussion of Inception this week with a look at how "thoughts" or "ideas" are illustrated in the movie. Think back and you will realize that every idea is actually an item or tangible thing. The Cobalt Engineering job involved stealing expansion plans from a competitor; those plans were a confidential document. Mal's reality was represented by the top, and when Cobb left it spinning round and around that showed that her reality wasn't in fact real. Robert Fischer wanting to split up his father's empire was the alternate Will, but the love of his father was in fact the Pinwheel from his youth. Yesterday I quoted Napoleon Hill in that we can achieve whatever we can conceive and believe, and these symbols illustrate the importance of belief.
Thoughts are in fact tangible things, and it is our desires that make them stick and last. How many times have we started a new year with a resolution to lose weight? Maybe we made it a few weeks, hit the gym regularly and even lost a few pounds only to see us back indulging in old habits before spring without achieving our initial goal of better health. Why does this happen? Because the idea is great, and something that we desire; however, our true "desire" betrays us. It's not until we make that mental switch (the focus of power that we've discussed previously this week) that we make lasting change.
Cobb needed to plant the idea in Robert Fischer's mind to break up his father's empire, but it was his father's love that cemented it and made it real. "We all long for reconciliation, catharsis," is how Cobb describes it, and how true that is. The reason most in the world feel lost, alone, abandoned, etc. is because they lack the peace and confidence that come with this powerful experience. We are fed daily ideas and concepts that will supposedly bring us happiness (yes, inception is alive and well in our digital world dominated by the media), yet often times the cycle is only perpetuated as we buy into what we are told. That disconnect between the idea and desire leaves a hole of despair that only grows deeper over time.
Are your thoughts treated as living breathing things requiring constant attention and nurishment? Are you looking for happiness yet cannot seem to find it? Remember that there is a difference between what is actually real and what the world would have you believe is real, and the sooner you bridge that gap the sooner you experience the peace for which you long and desire.
Today we continue our discussion on the power of our minds, and in turn the power of our subconscious mind specifically.
In the movie, the 4th layer of dream represents the absolute bottom depths of one's mind; there is truly no further to go. "Pure subconscious" or "limbo" is how it is described, and the fear is of course that once there you become so lost that it is impossible to ever find your way back. During early experiments into the study of dreams and the mind, Cobb and his wife Mal found themselves trapped in this land where the shores of your mind dwell. During their time there (something like 50 years) they created and built the world around them, and these creations were left and rediscovered later as Cobb and Ariadne purposely dive into the depths to complete their mission. What they find in this forsaken space is illustrated in this picture, and provides powerful symbolism upon which we can build.
1. Again, our minds hold limitless power. Cobb and Mal were literally able to build and create without restriction or restraint. So too can we as Napoleon Hill's famous quote goes - "Whatever the mind of man can conceive and believe, it can achieve."
2. Aimless thought and idleness erode not only our dreams, but our power to accomplish them. The image of waves crashing against the shore with crumbling buildings abounding into the horizon relays this message clearly. No one was left to care for the world Cobb and Mal had built previously, and without that constant attention raw subconsciousness had begun to work its way in destroying what had previously been created.
Are waves crashing in around you? What are you doing with the power in your mind? Calling all Lions!!
Another key element in the building climax of the movie is the fact that the mark's subconscious has been trained, and therefore militarized. Instead of dealing with peaceable projections they are forced to deal with gunfire, a train running through downtown streets and increasing levels of security the deeper into his mind they go. In the movie projections are a part of one's subconscious, and therefore something that one cannot control; however, the message is clear that it can be trained and in turn become a source of power and strength rather than a liability.
I believe whole-heartedly in the power of the mind, and in this concept that we can train our thoughts and wield them to shape our destiny. Something as simple as the placebo effect illustrates the power of one's mind to overcome and alter outward circumstances, but James Allen describes it best. His short treatise, As a Man Thinketh, is pure brilliance, and I encourage any who have not read it to take the time to do so. On the power of our thoughts (and therefore our minds) he states:
Thought and character are one…the outer conditions of a person’s life will
always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. The outer world
of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought…Circumstance does
not make the man; it reveals him to himself…Man, therefore, as the lord and
master of thought, is the maker of himself, the shaper and author of
environment.
In Inception, a trained (or in other words, focused) mind is a source of security and protection. What could you use a trained mind to accomplish?
This week I'd like to focus on one of the greatest movies ever made; Inception. Christopher Nolan not only directed this film, but this is his original story. He is undoubtedly one of the best storytellers of our time, if not the best, and this particular tale is especially powerful in not only it's imagery but in its message.
Today I wish to begin with the end. Cobb wants nothing more than to see his children again, and he literally goes to the ends of his world to achieve this elusive goal. In the concluding scene you watch him arrive at this moment that has consumed him for so long, and yet before he enjoys that long sought after embrace with his kids he spins his top on the table; of course wanting to ensure that this was "real". However, before he sees the result he walks away, and joins his children outside. The screen goes black before we see whether or not the top falls to the table naturally begging the question, "Did it fall? Was it real?"
However, the truth is that the question is irrelevant as the real message is that Cobb had chosen his reality, and therefore it no longer mattered whether or not it was actually "real". In our own lives we are faced with this choice almost daily, and every day we are forced to choose what will be our "reality". Our world is filled with so many distractions that we must ever be on our guard to prevent our demise; our being deceived as to what truly is real and what holds real value. The dream is real my friends, and it will either empower you to greater ends or drown you within it's depths.
What is your reality? What needs to change? Calling all Lions!!
"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask. Act! Action will delineate and define you."
- Thomas Jefferson
It would appear that today's world revolves around the concept of "pain free" living. If it's going to stress me out, then I'll avoid it; if it will require hard work and dedication, then I won't be involved; if it means that I must sacrifice something of myself, then I certainly don't want any part of it. The never-ending search for our own "individuality" has only left us empty handed at the end of the day. Why? You ask....because there is no growth, no progress made and certainly no purpose behind this type of existence. Only by doing do we actually discover the strength that is inherent in each of us individually; only by being proactive instead of reactive do we discover the true meaning of our lives, and in turn this is what brings real peace and happiness to one's soul.
Zion National Park posted this picture from a summer storm that blew through the canyon last night, and I couldn't help but share it. Zion Canyon is one of my favorite places on earth, and it's not hard to see why from vistas like this. Canyons like this aren't made overnight. It takes lifetimes of water cutting through the sandstone to create works of art such as Zion. Seeing this picture, and pondering on its wonder, reminded me of a story that teaches me many things, but one in particular that parallels this thought in particular.
Naaman was a powerful general leading a vast army when Joram was King of Israel; however, he was struck with leprosy, and he tried to do all in his power to prevent the disease from destroying the life he had built and enjoyed. This desperation led him to ask the prophet at the time, Elisha, for assistance, and he was sorely disappointed when a messenger was sent telling him to wash seven times in the Jordan River and he would be made clean.
He was upset that the prophet himself didn't come to cure him; he was upset that the Jordan river wasn't even the cleanest or mightiest river of the region; he was upset that the task required of him was so simple...washing 7 times in the Jordan River. However, with the help of his servants, he overcame his pride and he did as was asked, and as promised he was made clean. (2 Kings 5:10-14)
How many times do we overlook the small and simple tasks looking instead for the grandeur and prestige of something greater? Many times we face defeat, in whatever we pursue, because we did not tend to the tiny details that end up mattering the most. 7 times Naaman had to wash himself in what he considered a "dirty" river in order for him to find success; how many centuries has it taken the Virgin River to perform its magic in cutting out Zion Canyon? It is not in great deeds, but in the accumulation of repeated simple acts wherein rest the sweetest blessings.
And if men come unto me I will show unto them their weakness. I give unto men weakness that they may be humble; and my grace is sufficient for all men that humble themselves before me; for if they humble themselves before me, and have faith in me, then will I make weak things become strong unto them.
saturn will not sleep, until the sand has
made us clean
still we stack our stones and bury what
we can
but it all will be undone, and nothing
built under the sun
will ever stand before the endless march
of sand
Guess I’ll start off saying that there are many
songs that have huge emotional ties to my love of Thrice and especially Dustin;
however, this one in particular has true staying power, and as such I wanted to share it and it's message with you today.
Dustin starts the song out by talking about
achievements of men (towers built; statues and monuments erected), and is quick
to relay the message of the song: These
things will fail.There is no if,
ands or buts about it, eventually nothing upon which man can create in and of
himself will stand the test of eternity. As such, it is our call to look for
something more.Insert the imagery that
only Dustin can weave into a song.
First image is that of the sand literally and
physically bearing not only the achievements of men, but us as well.Sand, in this instance, is not only the earth
that will eventually bury all of us, but also representative of time.Think not only of the image of sand running
through an hourglass, but also a fistful of sand.It is very difficult to hold onto as it slips
and spills out despite your best efforts.In fact, the harder you try to hold onto it the faster it seems to
manage to escape your grasp.Everything
the world can offer you, “towers to shoulder your pride,” will do nothing to
satisfy the inner desire for peace; to have the knowledge of knowing we’re a
part of something more.
To expand that thought even further, Dustin brings
us the first line in the chorus, “So put your faith in more than steel.”Again, an innocent enough line that when
viewed literally conveys the message Dustin wishes you to take; there is more
to life than materialistic things.However, what sets Dustin far above his peers in music is his ability to
disguise and hide messages for the soul that chooses to seek it.Here, I find it extremely telling and
powerful that he uses the word “steel”.Steel is something that man not only uses to build things, but more
importantly it represents security.When
we want to build something of strength, long-lasting and even
quasi-indestructible we usually think of something having been fabricated out
of steel; this serves to drive Dustin’s message home even greater.Again, there is no true “safety” in the flesh
of men; “Sand will cover them, and sand will cover you.”Dustin’s ability to layer images to deepen
the meaning of his message is to me his greatest asset, and this might just be
his best effort ever.Let me explain
because yes it does get even better.
The next lines in the chorus are direct from the
Savior’s Sermon on the Mount; Matthew 6:19-20 reads:
Lay not up
for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and
where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in
heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not
break through nor steal
Now, just as before, the literal lyrics are
powerful; however, once again if we look a little deeper an even greater
message lies in wait. Musically speaking, Thrice have few other songs (if any
at all) that have an ending like this one; it is almost as if Dustin wants you
to ponder on the message, and try to unlock the mysteries that lie in wait for one
who alleviates himself from the rat race that plague so many.Like a city dweller who can no longer see the
stars in the sky at night, too many no longer realize what they give up in order to race
out and have the latest gadget, car, house, clothes, etc.So, if we take that philosophy into reading
that passage in the bible, and cast our eyes but a few verses further we see
the overwhelming truth that Dustin is literally preaching to the masses with
most of his listeners left none the wiser.Verses 21 and 24 read:
For where
your treasure is, there will your heart be also. No man can serve two masters:
for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to
the one, and despise the other.Ye
cannot serve God and mammon.
Traditionally speaking, Christians will hold to the
truth that “mammon” would be Satan directly; however, it also refers to
idolatry, treasure and worldliness.Is
that not the theme of the song?On the
surface he’s talking about having faith on more than steel, but the true fact
is that he’s preaching the Lord’s message that through the accumulation of
“stuff” (worldliness) we are becoming an idol people, a fruitless people, and
we “will never stand before the endless march of sand” in that state!
There is one more reference that I think Dustin
makes, which to me seals it all up into a message so profound that it cannot be
denied.Before I dive into the last
message Dust of Nations leaves us with let me also share one little
tidbit.The last line in the chorus is
“we live in but a shadow of the real”.Dustin is a huge lover of all things C.S. Lewis, and
he is famous for referring to mortal life as the Shadowlands.In fact, it is so well known that his
biography even carries that as its title.So, clearly he finds a way to once again pay subtle tribute to a man he
reveres as a giant in Christian philosophy; now onto Dustin’s final dagger.
After giving us the Lord’s message from the Sermon
on the Mount, Dustin once again chooses a very interesting way of painting the
final touches on his imagery, “Pull the fangs from out your heels.”We’ve discussed extensively the fact that
point blank the lyrics are powerful, but this might just be the ultimate in
layered metaphors.Why would he make reference to “fangs” and having them plunged into our
“heels”?To me, it is a literal
reference to the Garden of Eden, and the fact that Satan himself is the serpent
and father of all lies.Genesis 3:15
reads:
And I will
put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it
shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.
This is the pinnacle of the image because not only
is he encouraging us to have faith in more than men, he is preaching the fact
that Satan is behind the whole deception!It is his venom and poison pouring into our blood with the belief that
in order to be happy we must build up storehouses unto ourselves, we must
obtain status and stature within society and the biggest lie of all that our
happiness is built upon the foundation of how wealthy or successful we are.His cry and plea carries eternal truth with
it…
Step out
from time, see the dust of nations!
Step out
from time, hear the stars ovation!
The heavens are calling to us; they want us to look
up, to feel the connection that there is more to life than the physical; that
man’s true potential requires his removal from the rat race, and until he can
achieve that all is lost…left to eventually lose the battle against the march
of time, to be buried in the sand.
Here is an absolutely incredible acoustic version of the song. Listen to it; ponder on the message intertwined in the music, and there's no better way to start the week.
Great thoughts speak only to the thoughtful mind, but great actions speak to all mankind.
- Theodore Roosevelt
There are many versions of this thought throughout the spectrum of our society. Elbert Hubbard addressed it when speaking on friendship, "In order to have friends, you must first be one." In religion, the apostle James teaches us that "...faith without works is dead." The infamous "Golden Rule" even addresses the fact that it is only through our actions that we not only define who we are, but make a difference in the lives of those around us.
In the movie, Batman Begins, there is a scene where Bruce Wayne's childhood friend, Rachel Dawes, sees him for the first time since his return to Gotham. This is a fantastic scene, and a powerful one that illustrates the vital importance of one's actions; how without them you are nothing. Her message, and my message to you today...
It's not who you are underneath, it's what you do that defines you.
There is a place where Brasil, Paraguay and Argentina all connect in one spot; it is a junction where the Iguacu River joins the Parana River. A short distance upstream from this international divide is one of nature's wonders...As Cataratas do Iguacu or as we know it in English, the Iguazu Falls.
I have had the pleasure of experiencing this natural phenomenon in person, and it is something that you really have to witness firsthand to truly appreciate it. As you can see above it is easily one of the widest waterfalls in the world, but ranks first in the fact that it displaces over 12,000 cubic meters of water per second. The sheer power of that much water flowing over the edge creates such a force that as you walk out on the bridge (you can see it in the lower righthand of the picture above) to look over what is known as the Devil's Throat, you literally could be knocked over if you're not careful. It is a thing of beauty that was just recently recognized as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.
Another distinctive feature of the falls is the fact that there are many islands dotting the landscape, and depending on water levels Iguacu can actually spread to up to 300 individual falls in this one location. Because of this, Iguacu Falls loses out to the Victoria Falls in Southern Africa for largest singular curtain of water in the world, and it is on this specific distinction that I wish to comment today.
Pictured above is the Itaipu Dam, the largest Hydroelectric Dam in the world. It begins at the foot of the falls, and extends down just upstream from the point of Argentina, Paraguay and Brasil coming together. It produces 90% of all the power consumed in Paraguay, and 19% of what is consumed in all of Brasil (keep in mind that Brasil is a land mass slightly bigger than our own in the US.) Itaipu is a pillar and example to all of what a focused concerted effort can produce.
We have been blessed with the same raw power and potential inherent in the Iguacu Falls. Yes, it is beautiful to behold; however, when inspected closely the splintered results leave one imagining what might or could be if it was focused and harnessed into one massive flow. The result can actually be witnessed in the Itaipu Dam, and shows each one of us what our potential can be should we choose to harness that power stirring within each of us; what we can achieve if we apply our minds and focus on a singular goal and purpose; and ultimately what we can become if we consistently implement that level of effort.
We are a beautiful creation, each one of us individually, which in and of itself is commendable and noteworthy; however, it is only in tapping into that power and potential that we truly become immortal as was quoted yesterday...not only enduring, but conquering and prevailing! So, the choice is left for you to decide...to merely maintain status quo, allowing the distractions of the day to carry you to and fro through life aimlessly and without purpose...or will you find the strength to center your thoughts, actions and being into something more....what will you choose?!
Last night brought us yet another perfect example of what we’ve been discussing the past two weeks. Lebron James is undoubtedly one of the most gifted basketball players ever to grace the earth, and arguably one of the most talented all-around athletes as well; however, talent doesn’t equate to greatness.
Not sure how many of you follow basketball (I myself must admit that I’ve yet to even watch a full half of NBA basketball this season,) but last night the Celtics and Cavaliers met for game 5 in a best of 7 playoff match-up tied 2 games apiece. Cleveland is the number 1 seed in the Eastern Conference this post-season and on paper should be able to route an aging Boston squad; however, this stage of the season truly separates and defines greatness, and last night the self-proclaimed “King” James was anything but. Every player, no matter how talented, is certainly allowed a bad game here or there, but it is the player’s attitude toward the poor performance that truly defines who he is and where his place is in the pantheons of basketball lore. Lebron’s play isn’t necessarily what I want to point out, but rather his attitude following it. Here’s his post-game press conference:
“I put a lot of pressure on myself to go out and be great and the best player on the court… When I don’t, I feel bad for myself.” What?! Lebron’s apparent arrogance throughout the 2 plus minutes shown here is more than appalling to me, and is exactly why I find it so difficult to watch the NBA anymore. Here sits a man with the talent to be compared to the upper-echelon of the greats (Russell, Jordan, Larry Bird, Magic, etc.) instead we see a spoiled kid without the slightest idea of what’s at stake. He has concerned himself more with running a business, and becoming a “mogul” (Warren Buffet and Jay-Z are amongst those he considers peers) then actually becoming the “King” he truly could become. Worse still is the fact that Lebron doesn’t realize that championships and his play now, in the trenches of battle during the playoffs, define his legacy, and actually prop up the other side of his persona he continually seems to care more about.
I do not mean to “hate” on King James here or even declare that I am not a fan; however, it is my desire to show yet again that the power of thought is real. With the proper focus and mental toughness, the “King” could very well receive the crown he feels is already his to claim. Sadly, his lack of focus and willingness to carry the team on his shoulders and take on the responsibility that is his to bear could very well mean an early exit for him and his teammates yet again; once again showing that thoughts can truly change the environment in which we find ourselves. As is the case with all of us, Lebron may never get this opportunity again (you never know what life has in store for you), so the real truth is to make the most out of every opportunity you’re given. Now that's living like a Lion!
May 1, some ten days ago, Saint George hosted their first official Ironman race. For those who are unfamiliar with what this entails, it is an event that takes an athlete through a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike ride only to finish it off with a full 26.2 mile marathon run. It is a true test in pushing the limits of what a human body can physically do and accomplish. Regardless of whether or not you would consider yourself a sports fan, it is hard not to appreciate the sheer will and determination these participants possess. It is on this topic I continue my thoughts from last week.
Last Thursday I discussed the power that a mere memory can contain inside each of us. That by remembering who we are, and what potential we hold, we can in fact change destinies. As part of that post I said, “Our minds are such wonderful and powerful tools,” and this is something that I truly believe full-heartedly. Today I turn to a book that I’ve read many times by James Allen entitled As a Man Thinketh. There are many nuggets of knowledge and wisdom in this book, but today I specifically wish to address the power our thoughts have on our circumstances.
Now, I can easily understand someone questioning our thoughts (an inward action) being able to control and modify the environment in which we find ourselves (outward influences), but I promise you it is true. James states –
Thought and character are one…the outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state. The outer world of circumstance shapes itself to the inner world of thought…Circumstance does not make the man; it reveals him to himself…Man, therefore, as the lord and master of thought, is the maker of himself, the shaper and author of environment.
To illustrate this very concept let me introduce you to Ironman Scott Goodfellow. This is a video that my brother Benjamin shared with me (thanks friend), and I felt compelled to share with you. No one picks this guy off the ground but himself, and you literally watch how his mental toughness (his very thoughts) alter his physical circumstances and allow him to continue and finish the race when moments before he could barely drink water.
Life and accomplishment doesn’t necessarily have to revolve around completing an Ironman, but the truths learned through a competition of this magnitude certainly apply to all facets of life; that as masters of thought, we are therefore makers of ourselves, and as makers of ourselves we can literally shape the environments in which we live. Remember, and keep close to your heart, the mantra from the video, “I know I can,” and we can all truly live like Lions no matter what our aspirations in life.
"You can quit and they won't care, but you will always know."
It has been far too long since my last post, and I appreciate the gentle prod from my brother Benjamin to get me back in the saddle. Got my mind to thinking about things, which sparked a thought that I’ve always loved; that thought is the power of remembrance. Our minds are such wonderful and powerful tools, and it never ceases to amaze me at what you’re able to do and accomplish with the right frame of mind and focus. The Old Horse himself always taught us this truth, “Whatever the mind of man can conceive, and believe, it can achieve.”
I understand that a clip from a child’s cartoon may not be known to invoke the spirit or portray the concept I’m talking about, but I can’t help but admit how much I love this movie and scene specifically. Many years ago it was something I watched and thought a lot about, and it wasn’t until my kids discovered it that I was able to reconnect with it. Today’s post is short, but I hope the inspiration is there none the same. We can truly become whoever we want to be, and it all starts with a simple thought. Let us all remember that we are more than mere mortals, and that our potential knows no bounds. It is in this very thought, and “remembrance”, that the true strength of the lion shows itself. Let me hear your roar!
"You have forgotten who you are, and so forgotten me. Look inside yourself Simba. You are more than what you have become. Remember who you are. You are my son and the one true king. Remember who you are....Remember....Remember....Remember."
Katsumoto asks, "You believe a man can change his destiny?" Algren replies, "I think a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed." What is it that a man can do until his destiny is revealed? Choose.
Nathan Algren's story in The Last Samurai is one of the greatest told on film. I took the opportunity to rewatch it this past Saturday, and I must say that without a doubt it is my favorite movie of all time. Algren's character is in the depths of depression because of acts performed during war, and he buries those emotions through drinking. In helping train the Japanese army to fight off the Samurai he is captured in battle, and forced to remain with them throughout the winter. During his time he has "conversations" with Katsumoto, the famed leader of the group who's ancestors have protected the Japanese people for over 900 years, and it is during this time that Algren learns the power of choice and discipline.
For so long Nathan has run from his past, and truly been ashamed of who he was. His exposure to the way of the Samurai, Bushido, shows him a path to peace. Courage, Loyalty and Honor are but three staples of Bushido philosophy, and while a captive to the culture he embraces it; even loves it. However, the time comes when he is released, and now he is faced with the cold reality of the real world once again. Does he succumb to the temptations immediately presented him? Does he yield to the pressures attempting to once again box him in? Yes, he does. He once again reaches for a bottle and begins to once again plan his escape; however, this is the turning point of his story, and truly the point of decision that we all face in our lives.
What he is doing stops him in his tracks, and you can see him pondering his actions. Does he go through with his plans to return to America and more than likely return to drinking his sorrows away? Or does he stand up for what he has come to love, and go to rescue Katsumoto who had been taken captive himself? The scene is brief, but it's power everlasting. He chooses to once and for all subplant his demons in the past, and fully embrace the power of his future. Though rescuing Katsumoto poses the risk of death, no consequence will keep him now from fulfilling his "destiny".
There are so many other moments of decision in this movie that only serve to amplify it's power, and maybe those will be the focus of a future post. Katsumoto's son being injured in the rescue attempt, and volunteering to stay behind (sacrificing his own life) to ensure the others are able to get away. Bob, Algren's watchman during his stay with the Samurai, jumping in front of Algren to save his life during the climatic battle near the end. Taka dressing Nathan in her late-husband's armor and caring for him throughout his stay though Nathan was the cause of her husband's death in an earlier battle. Even Algren himself mounting up to make the final charge though the battle was not his to die for. All shining examples of how the choices we make in life control our destinies.
I will post more on Algren's story in the future, but for today will leave well enough alone. I think the final dialogue spoken by a narrator as the film settles into it's finality suits the end of this post as well. The narrator speaks of what became of Captain Algren (he was the lone survivor of the final battle, and hence the "Last Samurai") and says, "...I like to think he may have at last found some small measure of peace that we all seek, but few of us ever find." That peace can only be found by those who make good choices, declare themselves more than just average and defend it through their actions. Captain Algren, and all the Samurai, were truly lions.
Heard an awesome story yesterday, and thought it fit the feel of the blog. So, here's my quick thought and motivation for today.
Jenny was with her mother walking down the street, when a necklace of pearls caught her eye in the window of a dime store. She was mesmerized by the sight of such a thing, and begged her mother to buy them for her. Her mother flipped the packaging over to find a $1.99 price tag, and told her that if she were to work and save for a couple weeks that she would probably be able to buy them on her own. Jenny's birthday was coming up, and maybe her grandmother would give her another crisp dollar bill which would also help in her pursuit for the pearls.
Jenny was immediately excited by the idea, and went straight home to do more than her fair share of the chores that evening around the house. The next day she went next door to her neighbor's house offering to pick the dandelions in their yard for $.10. Her birthday came a few days later, and her grandmother in fact gave her a crisp dollar bill which gave her enough money to buy the prized necklace at last.
Jenny was so proud of the pearls she wore them everywhere, and only took them off to shower after her mother told her that her neck would turn green if she did not. Her father was a busy man, but he always took the time to come in when Jenny was ready for bed, and read her a story. After about a week of Jenny and her pearls, her dad came in one night and asked, "Jenny, do you love me?" She replied, "Of course I do daddy." Her father continued, "Then give me your pearls." "Oh no daddy, not my pearls. You can take my pony, the white one with the pink tail, she's my favorite one. Please take her daddy, and not my pearls." He read Jenny her story, and kissed her goodnight.
Another week passed, and Jenny's father repeated the same scene from the week prior asking, "If you love me, then give me your pearls." This time Jenny offered up her new baby doll she had just received for her birthday. She even wanted her father to take the crib and blankets that came along with it, but he kissed her goodnight once again letting her know that it was okay.
A few days later Jenny's father came into her room to read her a story before bed to find her sitting on the bed with her legs crossed Indian style. Tears were rolling down her cheeks, and in her hands she held her prized necklace of pearls. Though crying, she managed to get out, "Here daddy. Here are my pearls. I love you so much, and I want you to have them." Jenny's father, through tears of his own at this point, took the pearls from his little girl's hands, and reached into his own pocket pulling out a blue velvet box. He offered it to her, and upon opening the box she found a real pearl necklace inside! Jenny's father had the real pearls for her the entire time, but waited until Jenny was ready and willing to give up her dime store necklace before giving her the real thing.
The author of this story is unknown, but I love the context it provides. How easy is it to hold on to things in our lives, and because of that, we miss out on the "real" joys in life? Whether it be anger towards another, or accepting mediocrity rather than pushing to improve, or even holding fast to a favorite vice, etc; small items such as these often prove to be the stumbling blocks that impede the true happiness and joy one can find by giving up the "fake" pearls to finally receive the "real" ones.
I came up with the mantra “Lion for a Day” when I began training for the Saint George Marathon last year. It actually is taken from a famous black and white photo taken in 1970 from photographer George Rodriguez; it reads: “It’s better to live one day as a lion, than a thousand years as a lamb.” I’d like to invite you to join me in declaring your desire to rise up, and live as a LION!
Whether it’s running a marathon or a 5k. Whether it’s sitting for the LSAT exam when no one thought it possible or taking on cancer and winning. Whether it’s finally kicking a bad habit or beginning a new one, we welcome it all. My goal is to develop this into a place where likeminded people can come and pledge their desires, and find the support to make that dream a reality. Eventually this will even be a place where we can make a united effort to also give back to those who may not have the resources to live as a lion. I welcome you to our site, and am glad you heeded the call…Calling all Lions!!
Katsumoto asks, "You believe a man can change his destiny?" Algren replies, "I think a man does what he can until his destiny is revealed." What is it that a man can do until his destiny is revealed? Choose.
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