Recently I reconnected with my young cinephile self who slowly vanished since I moved to Beijing almost 30 years ago. Limited choices of the big screen repertoire made watching movies on my computer a 'good enough' compensation. The experience became even more enjoyable when I began to watch movies mindfully. The practice is simple: be present, hear the sounds, feel the words. Isn't that the purpose of watching the movies?
Last week Hook, a wonderful presentation of Peter Pan story through the eyes of Steven Spielberg with Robin Williams and Dustin Hoffman, called me for an adventure. I am savoring each scene with eyes wide open.
Ever wondered how it feels to lose marbles? Join Tootles in his simple and yet so powerful statement of resignation, desperation and powerlessness. My stomach shrinks, the mind feels heavy and sadness envelops my heart. Luckily the scene lasts only for a short while.
However, I am not watching Hook to feel a sense of loss but to find myself. I am curious to witness when Peter Banning remembers that he can fly, I want to experience how it feels like to have the imagination of Lost Boys and to let words "I believe in you" touch my heart.
A week later, today to be exact, a feeling similar to this one envelops my being as I read the news: 270 votes later Hook gets eaten by a crocodile, Tootles finds his marbles and Peter throws his mobile phone away to spend time with his family. I kick my heels, I shout: "I believe in fairies!" and admit that happy endings may be possible after all.
A little bit about the practice:What movie would you like to watch mindfully? Choosing a movie that will provide you with a pleasant and uplifting feeling is recommended. I like to watch movies for the second or third time, it makes my practice easier as I know what will happen next and can fully immerse in parts that I want to watch mindfully. What insights are you having as you watch the movie?This part may be tricky: it involves balancing between autopilot watching and non-judgmental awareness of the experience of a particular scene. Let your mirror neurons activate with empathy, let your heart be touched with compassion, soothe yourself as you watch a sad or scary scene. What is your choice of mindfulness practice? Feel free to share with us in the comment section of this article.
INNER CHILD WORK
presentation by Dr Theo Cope
On Saturday 14th November, Dr Theo Cope guides an exploration of the inner child and how it is beneficial for personal development.
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