The release of Star Wars: Episode I introduces the phrase “May the Force be with you” to a new audience of young people. Why is George Lucas’ story-telling so popular? Lucas will tell you that he’s not telling a new story—rather, he is simply retelling very old stories in a way that we can best enjoy, appreciate, and feel them. In Episode I, Lucas reintroduces Anakin Skywalker as a cherubic, unselfish young boy. Young Skywalker sharply contrasts with his future self, the evil Darth Vader of Episodes IV-VI.
While Lucas creates grandiose battles between good and evil, he always suggests that the true battle lies within us. Anakin’s training as a Jedi Knight will take him to the core of his consciousness introducing him to the Force that permeates all living things. A Jedi Knight aligned with the Force (call it the Tao if you wish) can operate within reality in ways that appear magical. He understands that creating magic is as simple as being in the present moment.
“Be here, now.” It’s easy to say, but we know how challenging it can be when our mind is filled with future concerns and past resentments. Coming to a deeper understanding of the present moment is not an intellectual task. In fact, the intellect can be safely and profitably left out of the undertaking. The present moment exists in the time/space between thoughts…in the space between the inhale and the exhale of every breath you take. Sometimes the present moment captures us during a particularly beautiful sunset, or on a star-filled night. For most of us, deliberately living in the present moment, requires training: martial arts, Avatar®, meditation, yoga are a few such paths—there are others.
Once awakened, the experience of the present moment becomes a backdrop (a multi-dimensional viewpoint) upon which we can be in the world, but not of it. Paradoxically, the further we go inward, the more connected we become with others. Differences become manifest as creations of our mind, which forever seeks to classify and categorize. Behind it all you watch with a child’s innocent eyes, amazed at the colors and the vividness of the world. Words, you discover, are shadows cast by the light of what is real. In this silent place you begin to understand the Source of poetry, music, the arts. They are simply the artist’s attempts to open a window on an indescribable reality that appears when we let our chattering mind rest.
I encourage you to take a few moments everyday to enjoy the present moment in whatever way calls to you. You are much greater than you know. It’s no accident that you are here, now. Rediscover your own guidance system and open yourself to the possibility of a lighter, more expansive life.
May the Force be with you,
Tony Cecala,
Publisher
About Tony Cecala
Tony is a business strategist. He publishes the Holistic Networker and produces the Wellness Expo. In his spare time he reads about technology and the mind.
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