Wind of the Soul

A couple of nights ago I had the opportunity to watch the film Peaceful Warrior, which is a screenplay translation of the book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Both the movie and book are based on true events. The film follows Dan (played by Scott Mechlowicz), a college student and Olympic gymnast hopeful, through extremely pivotal points in his young life.

Fully submerged in the most “superficial” aspects of existence and unhappy with himself, Dan stumbles upon spiritual wisdom from an unlikely source- an old man (played by Nick Nolte) working out of a gas station. Dan’s encounters with ‘Socrates’ (Nolte) begin to open doors in his mind that provide new ways for seeing and interpreting his world. He soon realizes he has been struggling against himself and must learn to release resistance, fear, and negativity in order to find happiness and become truly conscious.

The film struck a cord with me for two reasons: one- I could relate to the character’s disdain for himself, as I’ve definitely experienced that in my own life. And two- because it hit on key points of what I feel are the true measures of success: awareness, self appreciation, joy, harmony, staying present, finding ways to serve others, releasing resistance, embracing change, understanding its about the journey- not the destination, listening to your own inner wisdom and following your passion(s).

These are the mystical aspects of the soul, our energy and our reason for being. I find it fascinating that when someone truly opens themselves up to, or allows some of these traits/characteristics to develop within, amazing changes flood into their lives. They become a different person, not for a week or two, in some quick fix “see how I’ve changed- oh honey, won’t you please take me back” way- but in a literal, internal transformation.

Once these aspects develop within, they begin to show externally, both in material and in immaterial ways. I’m not suggesting that this makes someone perfect all the time, but it does provide a way of being that restores their power and gives a new perspective on their existence.

I highly recommend Peaceful Warrior, and I’d like to thank a good friend of mine for recommending it to me.

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This entry was posted on Thursday, July 5th, 2007 at 4:51 pm and is filed under Recommended Films. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.