Twinkles in the Darkness by Malayna Dawn l Life Expectations l Life Lessons from Movies l Profound Experiences from Movies

Gifts from Frustrated Expectations

Our lives are made up of expectations – what we’re supposed to do, and what our lives are supposed to look like. For every holiday, every age and stage of life, there are models to aim for that may not become our reality.

Whether we choose to defy expectations or just find them frustrated, it is often the shattered images of perfection that lead us to the most profound experiences. The Hero’s Journey, the universal “monomyth” outlined by Joseph Campbell, explains that endurance and overcoming dire circumstances is part of our human journey. This is what enables our spirit to triumph. No challenges, no triumph. No darkness, no stars.

So what seems like a bad thing may actually shed light on what’s really important. If you find yourself in the darkness, these films can help shine a light on the possibilities.

Other Wishes Explored

In Big, a boy learns that being a grown-up has its down sides, as in 13 Going on 30, when a girl learns the same. Childlike wonder and joy are important to keep alive no matter how old we are.

In Labyrinth, a teen thinks her baby brother is holding her back, but discovers her strength when she needs to recover him from a magical land; in The Neverending Story, bullies are the catalyst for a young Hero’s Journey across another mythical realm.

In Disney’s Aladdin, the young man realizes that there are limitations to getting what you (think you) want, and authenticity is the real treasure. In Disney’s The Little Mermaid, there is a cost and a consequence for making a wish come true.

Play out possible scenarios that speak to our challenges and obsessions, with these films:

What if this were all a dream? The Matrix tells us we’re asleep, but we also have the metaphysical power to go beyond what we (think we) see and do amazing things.

What if I could clone myself? Multiplicity showed us what would happen if we try to outsmart the need for a balanced life. Cloning ourselves might not be as useful as we imagine. And perhaps, we’re really all the same – individual expressions made of the same spiritual and physical materials.

What if I could teleport? Jumper showed us that we could travel the world, and go beyond other accepted boundaries, but as always, defying rules does carry consequences.

What if the cure caused a bigger disease? I Am Legend explored our dependence upon, and fear of, science, and ultimately the power of nature, of love and of hope.

Switching Places

It has been said that true understanding can only be accomplished by putting ourselves in another’s place. Here are movies that take that idea to its logical extreme, and bring us to a place of deeper compassion for others.

Freaky Friday – A mother and her teen daughter experience the challenges of each other’s daily lives, and learn to respect the level of knowledge and skill required.

Trading Places –A rich man is made poor and a poor man wealthy in a social experiment. But the switched men discover the plan, take control of the situation, and learn about respect and friendship.

Drop Dead Diva (TV)– An aspiring fashion model dies in a crash and wakes up in the body of a brilliant lawyer of a very different body type and learns to use all she has been given to be her best self.

Choice Points

These films show us that what seems like a bad thing may turn out well, and our choices in each moment are what ultimately matter.

Sliding Doors – Two storylines show how one woman’s life would turn out differently, based on whether or not she caught the train.

Run Lola Run – Lola has 20 minutes to help her boyfriend out of a dire situation. We see her try three times, each time with a small change, which lead to very different outcomes.

Groundhog Day – A man relives the same day over and over again, and after much experimentation, finds what makes him truly happy.

All of these films can help us to see that while not all of our circumstances are under our control, it is up to us to find the twinkles in the darkness, make the most of what we’ve got, and take the next steps on our heroic spiritual journey through life.