Star Wars — A late addiction
Star Wars motion pictures and I were born at the same time. But due to accessibility, I got introduced to Star Wars only in my 30s. I wish I had grown up with this amazing series! Day 12 of “One Day, One Blog” — a challenge I set for myself for the month of January 2019.
The first Star Wars series I watched were the “modern” editions. I did not fall in love with it immediately. That should have been a clue that I had the potential to be a true geek. Because the “love” happened when I watched Episodes IV, V and VI and then Episodes I, II, and II — as God ( or George Lucas) intended them to be watched!.
While there are many reasons to be crazy about Star Wars, my love for it stems from some of the truly penetrating dialogues. Sharing some of my favorites here:
(1) “Always remember, your focus determines your reality” — Qui-Gon Jinn
I always use this quote with the first two words — “Always remember…..” While all of us are familiar with the sentiment expressed by Qui Gon Jinn to young Anakin Skywalker, we very rarely remember how profound these words are.
Whatever you dwell on — cranky kids, crankier boss, vicious mother-in-law — where you spend energy (with your thoughts), your reality becomes.
Thinking of things that make you happy may or may not change the people and situations in your life. But hey, you can at least be happy when you are focused on better things, rt? So why not do that?
(2) “Patience you must have, my young Padawan.”-Yoda
Yoda says this to Luke Skywalker while training him. While there is no esoteric mystery behind the virtue of patience, it is helpful to keep in mind that even Luke had to fail so much before he became any good 🙂
Whether it is new language you are trying to learn or code in a new software environment or perhaps even be learning a new form of martial arts, just hang in there. You will become a master when you fail enough times.
(3) “Difficult to see. Always in motion is the future.” — Yoda
We have grown so risk averse in life and in business that we do not move a step forward till we think we know what the future holds.
The future is constantly changing, influenced by variables we cannot even comprehend. All you can see is the next step. Be prepared and move forward.
(4) “The ability to speak does not make you intelligent.”- Qui Gon Jinn
There are so many people I want to say this to 😀
(5) “Your eyes can deceive you.” — Obi-Wan Kenobi
It is always good to bear in mind what we believe we see, what we think is the truth is only our perception. Our perception is colored by our experiences. Always be willing to acknowledge that there just might be another point of view, another reason.
(6) “Never tell me the Odds” — Han Solo
Doesn’t it just make you smile and sit up straight when the young and gorgeous Harrison Ford says this!
Ok, so this is here for more than just Ford. Sometimes we achieve the impossible just because we didn’t know any better. When we do not have too many choices, don’t waste time pondering over the probability of failure. Do the best you can and move ahead.
(7) Fear is the path to the dark side
Examine every wrong decision we have made. And wrong is defined here as having shades of cruelty. Why did we do that? Where was the origin? Chances are that it came from fear. Fear of failure or fear of loss.
(8) Hate leads to suffering
It is actually quite addictive to indulge in hate. It is as strong an emotion as love. You can stew in your own mind itemizing all the reasons for hating a person. And do you know who suffers? You.
Only you.
No one else.
(9) May the Force be with you.
Ha, you didn’t think I was gonna leave this out, did ya!
George Lucas, creator of Star Wars, considers Joseph Campbell as his mentor. Campbell was the professor of Literature in comparative mythology. Lucas has often spoken about how his faith and the influence of his mentor played a big role in the creation of Star Wars Saga.
He says, “…..battle between the forces of light and darkness is best waged when we believe in a force greater than ourselves.”
It gives us the strength to keep making the right choices. So from me to you, here’s wishing:
May the Force be with you!
