Real life sometimes feels pale in comparison…

May 24th, 2011No Comments

We watch movies and TV. The events that happen are often larger than life. Then we go home and have a talk with our child and there is not poignant theme music in the background. It feels normal and pale in comparison. It may even be anti-climactic. I used to think I was not doing it right. I used to say, “Is this it?” But it was. It was just life- with no bells and whistles.

The richness that accompanies experiences like that is incredibly subtle. Movie, TV, and books do a great job getting us to feel the emotions of life. The feelings are real and there is value in feeling them. But the dramatic techniques used to get us to feel are not real; they are significantly different than real life.

My teacher used to say we create a “romantic fantasy” around the experince. And then real life inevitable falls short. We had it so idealized the real thing didn’t stand a chance.

Then when we live our life and think we are not doing it right. Chances are we are. And the feelings are more subtle- but they are there. We have to be quiet and still to feel the richness. And, we have to stop comparing it to the way it is depicted in the movies.

So go see movies for entertainment and feeling. But talk to your child to love and support her and make a difference in her life. And allow yourself to appreciate the subtle beauty and richness of the experience. It was absolutely perfect the way it was.

, , , , , , Movies, Books, and Performances, Understanding Emotion
About author:

Michael Hoffman’s passion is guiding people to connect with their natural gifts. He believes that we all have innate gifts that hugely benefit others and the world when we offer them. The purest example of these gifts is the Native American concept of medicine or the gift you offer your people. Michael defines your medicine or gift as the natural effect you have on other people when your heart is open. Unfortunately, the demands of our current culture to comply and fit in often distract people away from their inherent gifts and the natural expression of their being. Michael believes many of us have forgotten our dreams and what we are about. This sadly results in a loss of purpose, passion, and vitality. As an innate gift specialist, Michael offers retreats, classes, and individual sessions to allow people to reclaim their natural gifts. These venues allow people to identify, awaken, and offer their gifts. This experiential work incorporates Zen thought, Native American ceremony, rites-of-passage, and releasing limiting belief systems. Michael also maintains his meta blog to provide knowledge, skills, and awareness for unfolding your natural gifts. He is currently compiling this knowledge and research into a college class and book. Michael earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology in 1987 and Master of Social Work in 1996. He is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. In addition to his formal education, Michael studied and apprenticed with a Zen Master and spiritual teacher for 22 years to learn how to guide people to understand themselves. He has worked with people professionally since 1986 as a psychotherapist and teacher. Michael currently resides in Oceanside, California.

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