‘The Silent Flute’ by Bruce Lee
I wish neither to possess,
Nor to be possessed.
I no longer covet paradise,
More important, I no longer fear hell.
The medicine for my suffering
,
I had within me from the very beginning,
But I did not take it.
My ailment came from within myself,
But I did not observe it
,
Until this moment.
Now I see that I will never find the light
Unless, like the candle, I am my own fuel,
Consuming myself.
It’s been a while since I’ve posted. I was off in Iceland, with friends, making our first feature film. The experience was a challenge for all of us. I learned a lot about myself and what I want to get and give through my creative work. I am still sorting it all out. But, I found this TEDx talk and I understand enough about where I am headed to know that David Howitt‘s ideas are a signpost on that path.
Enjoy.
I have so much respect for Soul Pancake. In an increasingly tense and seemingly negative world, they are consistently pushing out positive content which engages the minds, hearts and souls of the viewer. As I think about the sorts of projects our studio will produce, Soul Pancake is definitely a guide post.
Affection for Soul Pancake aside, this particular video is important for many reasons. On any level, personal or professional, grudges are, at best, a reminder to be wary of a particular person or company. At worst, a grudge becomes an roadblock to new relationships and, more often than not, an anchor holding us back from what we or our businesses can achieve.
No one says we should ignore the risk presented by a known bad actor. That would be foolish. But, carrying the anger and resentment of the bad act does nothing but hold us back.
We don’t know how the bad actor came to be that way and we cannot, in most cases, help them change. That has to come from within, from their own will.
The power of this short film is the idea that forgiveness does not require confrontation or engagement with the bad actor. It is a choice. Each one of us can make it and none of us need the other party to be involved.
So, forgive bad actors if your personal and professional lives. If prudent, remember the bad act, but don’t carry the anger and resentment.
Let it go.
When I think about the sort of storyteller I want to be, I think of Paul Nicklen. His images and words resonate with his audience because they first resonate with him. The TED talk posted above is a shining example of Nicklen’s passion driving and informing his work.
This is a wonderful reminder that most creativity comes from the heart and soul, not the brain. The mind is a tool to process and express creativity, but it is not the fountain from which it springs.
Thanks to Casey Neistat for providing us all with this moment of reflection.
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