Page 34 - Here and Now June 2022

In the movie, as Dan has a rod in his leg, he is told that he cannot participate in games in that state. He is
disheartened but Socrates tells him “A warrior does not give up what he loves, he brings love to what he
does, there is no starting or stopping -only doing”.

My work is a long journey that does become hard from time to time. Like life, this journey also is not along
a straight path. It is bringing love to whatever I do, that helps me to constantly engage with people.
One cannot control the outcome. Being in the here and now, being in touch with my own feelings helps
me be spontaneous. In the movie Dan is faced with a difficult situation with his gymnastic coach not
allowing him to participate in Olympic trials. He was guided by Socrates to show up at the stands. He goes
to the stands and demonstrates what he can do despite having a rod in his leg.

The constant asks for staying in the here & now has helped me focus on what I want to do in this moment
rather than worry about the outcome.

Socrates then teaches Dan about principles of living as under. I found these very important for life as well
as for any challenge one may take on.

a. Life is a mystery, don’t try to figure it out

b. Humour – keep your sense of humour, specially about yourself

c. Change – Knowing that nothing stays the same
In some sense reflecting on what was happening and being in wonderment that it is happening, has made
me enjoy this process more. Getting caught up in right and wrong, whether it should happen or not, does
not help the process. Maintaining a sense of humour, has especially helped me stay sane many a time.
Knowing that nothing stays the same has helped me judge myself and others less on past behaviours.
I enjoyed the movie and the scenes while thinking of my ISABS journey. As of now I am enjoying the
journey, thinking very little about the destination.

About the movie

Peaceful Warrior is a 2006 drama film directed by Victor Salva and written by Kevin Bernhardt based on
the 1980 novel Way of the Peaceful Warrior by Dan Millman. Set at U.C. Berkeley, the film stars Scott
Mechlowicz as a troubled but talented gymnast who meets a spiritual guide portrayed by Nick Nolte. It
is an inspirational movie without long dialogues or unrealistic event and is worth a watch.

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