Meme Credit: Achalika, Twitter
Yesterday, I had an interesting observation. If you consider the idea that all living things are just various containers/receptacles/vehicles for Life Force, the energy that gives the spark of life and vitality to every living thing, then it occured to me, despite my human smugness, Life Force, in that very moment, was having a much better time being contained in my robust, leaning towards the sunshine bamboo plant, and also being contained inside of my contented, little brown dog, Trip, as he lay napping happily at my feet with one paw resting on my foot. I, at that time, was grumbling over my weekly calendar, all the while worrying about the people and the details of the upcoming week. So the Life Force inside of me got to feel tumult and angst and a little bit of agitation about things maybe not going exactly as I had hoped and planned. Maybe being in a human container, is not the highest goal for Life Force. Maybe Life Force is much happier being contained in a tree, or in a bird, or in a fish. These entities do a much better job of acceptance and joy of just being peacefully themselves, in the moment, than we humans ever do, that is for sure.
Later last evening, my husband started talking about his excitement for the upcoming football season and the Vuelta (which is a bike race in Spain that lasts 21 days. “We” just finished up watching the equally long Tour de France about a week ago.) So, I put my foot down and I announced that last night was my night to choose what we would watch. I was in the mood for an uplifting, heartwarming movie. So I Googled “uplifting, heartwarming movies”. Many websites that I looked at that contained lists of “uplifting, heartwarming movies” had overlaps of the same suggested movies, and we have already seen the majority of these movies, but what struck me the most, is the fact that most of the movies listed were from the year 2000 and below. Little Miss Sunshine (2006) and La La Land (2016) seemed to be the most modern movies on the lists. Despite having seen it several times, we chose Jerry Maguire (1996). It never disappoints. Still, using just this one example, it was a reminder that society desperately needs an infusion of “uplifting and heartwarming.” We’ve collectively been through a lot, particularly in the last few years, so maybe it’s time to set aside dark and depressing for a little bit. A large dose of “uplifting and heartwarming” would do us a world of good. Large doses of anything are made up of small particles of the same matter. Maybe if we each choose to be a small particle of “uplifting and heartwarming”, we will start seeing “uplifting and heartwarming” in masses, everywhere we go. Maybe we will even see “uplifting and heartwarming” in the movies, again.
Are you passing on love or are you passing on pain? Heal your pain and pass on love.
Good morning, Kelly. I hope you don’t get inundated with ideas for uplifting movies…but I’m going to start the ball rolling. Last night, we watched Crazy Rich Asians (2018) and thoroughly enjoyed that one. Have a happy Monday.
That made the shortlist for us, too, Gail and I have never seen that movie. But now I consider this a sign and I will see it soon!!!
Kelly,
I agree that we need more ‘uplifting and heartwarming’!
I try to constantly look for the good…looking for whatever brings joy!
As of 2 months ago, I had to move my mom to an assisted living facility…which was rough. I had a lot of preconceived notions, which thankfully were just my own notions. In moving my mom into this facility and getting to meet and know the people who reside there, I am constantly uplifted and my heart is warmed by my experiences there. One thing I have learned is that these older people (many with dementia, like my mom) live in the moment! And it is a definite change of pace for me! However, making them smile, doing little things for them has brought me joy and lifted my spirits. My mom too, will do and say little things to brighten people’s day. Maybe the secret is living in the moment and realizing that things don’t have to be the way we want or wish that they would be…we just need to enjoy the simplest and best life has to offer, at the moment it is happening! In whatever form joy comes, we need to be less distracted so that we can take it in and then pass it along.
I have a quote that I look at every single day, it reads, YOU HAVE NOW…CHERISH IT! and I really try to!
Thanks for the post on uplifting and heartwarming…I’m all in!
Enjoy the day!😊💕
Oh, I loved reading this, Joan! Thank you!!!