Writings: “I AM” – reflections with Ingrid

Lost (and found) in the woods...forest in Tofino, BC (photo: Ian Byington)
Lost (and found) in the woods…forest in Tofino, BC (photo: Ian Byington)

My friend Ingrid Gabriel saw “I AM” recently, and it touched her (as it did me)…I asked her what she came away with:

Lately, I’ve been mulling over the documentary “I AM” and a little vignette that is included. The film reflects on the questions of what’s wrong with the world and how much of what we think will bring us happiness and fulfillment actually does. A story is shared illustrating this – if you are wandering around lost in a dark forest on a freezing wet night, your desires are very specific and simple.

Whatever your financial status, stumbling upon a lighted cabin, being welcomed to sit by the fire, given a blanket, hot food and a cup of tea when you are lost, hungry and miserable will likely create a feeling of deep contentment.

Having access to what you truly need provides comfort for the poor and the wealthy alike.

The questions that came up for me:

How much do I actually need to experience profound happiness?
How do I act in ways that help others realize the same?
Am I taking more than I need out of a misguided belief that chasing more of everything can make me any happier than a cup of tea on a cold night?

To answer these questions is a call to consciousness.

What’s wrong with the world?  I am.
What’s right with the world?  I am.

(“I AM” is available through NetFlix streaming and DVD rental.)

Thoughts: Hold on, but not too tight….

The lessons are all around us, and it’s neat to have a friend that catches them.  I love this picture of the way things work, caught by my friend Ingrid in the post-winter solstice sun:trree

I was out in the yard the other day while my landlords were landscaping and planting saplings in anticipation of spring and the returning light.

Once in the ground, the young trees needed to be staked and my friend said, “Don’t stake them too tight.  They need some support, but also need to be able to bend in the wind.  If they are held rigid, they won’t grow strong enough roots to stay upright on their own.”

I reflected on how this is both true for trees and human saplings as well.  We all need care and encouragement to sink deep stable roots in our lives.  Roots that will feed compassion, love and community.  But too much support can also leave us fragile and unable to bend when adversity or even change threatens to blow us down.

Life always seems to be seeking this delicate balance between holding on and letting go.

Ingrid Gabriel