most deeply moved when a character demonstrated a strong com-
mitment to their authentic truth or their spiritual self. For exam-
ple in Whale Rider (2003)a young Maori girl challenges a thou-
sand years of cultural tribal history to fulfill her spiritual destiny.
Another one is Powder (1995)where the main character, Powder,
is in touch with deep spiritual truths. Powder is made an outcast
because of his ability to tap into certain powers that frighten peo-
ple, but he remains committed to himself, nevertheless.
Storytelling has always been the preferred tool of great
wisdom teachers. They use stories as allegories to convey pro-
found messages. Some screenwriters follow in their footsteps.
When the allegorical messages of such movies touch me, I
feel reconnected to my own authentic and spiritual self. Feeling
frequently caught up in life’s distractions, these films call me
back to my true priorities and values.
You may have felt deeply touched by certain movies too.
Again, write down some notes about your thoughts in response
to these questions:Exercise 4: Films That Move You Deeply
Do you remember movies, characters, or film
scenes that moved you?
What kind of feelings did they elicit?
Do you learn anything about yourself as you
contemplate your response?Using Movies for Personal and
Spiritual Growth
Since movies have impacted my life in such a powerful way, it
did not seem far-fetched to start wondering how they might be
used systematically for emotional healing as well as personal
and even spiritual growth. At the same time I encountered
amazingly transformative therapeutic and spiritual practices on
my personal path and in my training as a psychotherapist.“It is within my power
either to serve God or not
to serve him. Serving
Him, I add to my own
good and the good of the
whole world. Not serving
Him, I forfeit my own
good and deprive the
world of that good, which
was in my power to
create.”
Leo Tolstoy14 E-Motion Picture Magic