Description:
Learn that through movies, music, etc. . . you can be spiritual without going to church or
having to believe in any religion. The purpose is to get students talking and thinking
about spirituality.
The idea is to use the movie selections to discuss these points about what spirituality
is. You watch the selection highlighted in the text below, then stop the movie, discuss
what the sights made people feel, take time to allow people to quiet, then watch the next
selection. It can be done in an hour or longer and takes little effort on your part. The
event is NON-DENOMINATIONAL!!!! And must be promoted that way or you will only
get a certain group of people. Handout:
Tonight we will be viewing four movies and discussing the feelings and effects they have
upon / within us. Finally, we will look for ways at which we can apply these spiritual
insights to our daily lives.
1. BEING ONE WITH NATURE
BARAKA is a visually engaging movie that brings sensational visions and wondrous images to
the eyes and the spirit. The images offer sights that are serene and dramatic causing you
to feel, at first, a sense of awe, then peace, and finally connectedness to nature. This
mindful journey will make your spirit soar. All scenes are set to the sound of world music
allowing the images to impart not only a visual presence but also an auditory presence.
2. BEING YOU
*Clockwatchers (BMG Independents, 1998, PG-13 - brief language) is about the funny,
poignant, scary, and outrageous things that happen in the work-a-day world. It boldly
dares to go where so few American films ever venture - into the everyday lives of women
doing menial jobs. It is hard for them to hold on to any self-esteem when they are
subjected to the insecurities of temp jobs and are treated like lowlifes in the office.
3. BEING PRESENT
*The Horse Whisperer (Buena Vista, 1998, PG-13 - disturbing accident scene)
Robert Redford has created an exquisite screen adaptation of the bestselling 1995 novel by
Nicholas Evans. "The Horse Whisperer" tutors us in the art of slowing down,
being present, and quieting the heart. In a key scene, Booker sits in a field and waits
patiently through an afternoon and evening until Pilgrim gives up his fear and walks over
to him. Some things just can't be rushed. The message of this nearly three-hour movie is
that the healing of severe wounds, tenacious grief, the ravages of guilt, and tattered
relationships takes time.
Here is a compelling story that opens its arms to us in a warm embrace. "The Horse
Whisperer" reminds us of the pleasures we often forget and neglect in our hectic
lives - the beauty of tenderness, the eroticism of touch, the glory and mystery of
animals, the joys of truly inhabiting a place, and the riches of savoring the present
moment with serenity.
*Reviews courtesy of: http://www.spiritualityhealth.com/spirit/film98.html
4. BEING FOCUSED
DRAGON: The Bruce Lee Story (Universal 1993 - Ice smashing scene) is a perfect example of
aligning yourself with the power that resides in us all. Call it chi', karma, positive
energy, or spirit but often when you can align yourself with it your efforts are
effortless. This alignment is often refereed to as the zone, a forever moment, time
standing still, or transcending reality. This story also follows Lee from his childhood in
Hong Kong, where he began training in martial arts, to his arrival in the United States,
where he tried to build an acting career despite the prevalent racism.
---------------------------
Instructions/Things Needed:
Moives-
Baraka
Clockwatchers
The Horse whisperer
Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story
--------------------------
Other Considerations:
Be respectful of all persons spirituality.
Be sure to promote it as NON-DENOMINATIONAL and spiritual -not as a religious.
You will get a better approach with this turnout.
Select your own movies but keep the selections short. The idea is to get them talking and
thinking about spirituality.
Name: Lee LeBLanc
School: Florida Gulf Coast University -Americas Newest University-
email: ldleblan@eagle.fgcu.edu
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