Is it better to have hopes, ambitions and dreams and risk disappointment, or to live passively, taking whatever life offers you, being reclusive, stoic …never venturing out or looking beyond the safe confinement of your day to day?
As we journey through life our character forms as a result of cause and effect. Many times we come to an impasse or a crossroads and our previous steps often dictate our choice to move forward, stand still or make a U-turn. In The Wizard of Oz, we see this dilemma dramatized as Dorothy and her comrades search for the infamous Wizard (you know the guy with all the answers).
Dorothy had one of those moments in life… it was too much! So she grabs her dog and sets out on her noble quest for”somewhere over the rainbow “…. Good idea? Well, until a tornado came and swooshed her up into an unknown, yet mystical land! “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore”. One would think that Dorothy would be happy, content and satisfied…. She had escaped, she had her freedom. But in this beautiful, carefree and magical place, with all of its sparkles, marvels and wonders Dorothy realized all she really wanted… was to be home. (Conflict seems to have that impact; it discloses what is truly vital.) Dorothy stands in awe of her surreal surroundings, wondering…”how do I get home?”
We like, Dorothy, are challenged with…”where do I go from here?” Her first instruction was follow the yellow brick road, so she does. This is easy… right? Dorothy follows the path merrily singing and dancing, all is going well, until a fork in the road appears… “Which way do I go?” Her only source of direction is a“brainless” scarecrow, who sees possibilities in all direction, “Pardon me, this way is a very nice way”, “It's pleasant down that way, too”, “Of course, some people do go both ways.” The voice of confusion… we have all heard his “brainless” counsel. Words of advice spewed out left and right but they are meaningless when seeking clarity and direction.
“…Our lives intentionally intersect with the lives of others.” Dorothy and the Scarecrow make a choice and soon they encounter a rusted, hollowed (heartless) Tinman…”lions, tigers and bears, oh my”, a courage deficient Lion…”I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do…”, flying monkeys and a wicked witch! An interesting crew of characters to say the least!
Nevertheless, at the end of this adventure we discover: the scarecrow has a brain, the tin man has an enormous heart, and the lion has unquenchable courage…”ain’t that the truth” and Dorothy has always known the way home.
This takes me back to my initial question: hopes, ambitions, adventures and dreams verses passivity, reclusiveness and a shell of safety? Hopes and dreams are the vigor and vitality of life! We need to take risks, have a little adventure to make life meaningful. The world is at times unjust and cruel, and often steps on our dreams. Yet, if we dare to step out beyond “Kansas” in our search of “something more”… our Oz awaits. In the midst of our incredible journey, we too, will discover all we needed in our pursuit was hidden inside of us… just waiting to be revealed. Go ahead follow the yellow brick road....
As we journey through life our character forms as a result of cause and effect. Many times we come to an impasse or a crossroads and our previous steps often dictate our choice to move forward, stand still or make a U-turn. In The Wizard of Oz, we see this dilemma dramatized as Dorothy and her comrades search for the infamous Wizard (you know the guy with all the answers).
Dorothy had one of those moments in life… it was too much! So she grabs her dog and sets out on her noble quest for”somewhere over the rainbow “…. Good idea? Well, until a tornado came and swooshed her up into an unknown, yet mystical land! “Toto, we’re not in Kansas anymore”. One would think that Dorothy would be happy, content and satisfied…. She had escaped, she had her freedom. But in this beautiful, carefree and magical place, with all of its sparkles, marvels and wonders Dorothy realized all she really wanted… was to be home. (Conflict seems to have that impact; it discloses what is truly vital.) Dorothy stands in awe of her surreal surroundings, wondering…”how do I get home?”
We like, Dorothy, are challenged with…”where do I go from here?” Her first instruction was follow the yellow brick road, so she does. This is easy… right? Dorothy follows the path merrily singing and dancing, all is going well, until a fork in the road appears… “Which way do I go?” Her only source of direction is a“brainless” scarecrow, who sees possibilities in all direction, “Pardon me, this way is a very nice way”, “It's pleasant down that way, too”, “Of course, some people do go both ways.” The voice of confusion… we have all heard his “brainless” counsel. Words of advice spewed out left and right but they are meaningless when seeking clarity and direction.
“…Our lives intentionally intersect with the lives of others.” Dorothy and the Scarecrow make a choice and soon they encounter a rusted, hollowed (heartless) Tinman…”lions, tigers and bears, oh my”, a courage deficient Lion…”I do believe in spooks, I do believe in spooks. I do, I do, I do…”, flying monkeys and a wicked witch! An interesting crew of characters to say the least!
Nevertheless, at the end of this adventure we discover: the scarecrow has a brain, the tin man has an enormous heart, and the lion has unquenchable courage…”ain’t that the truth” and Dorothy has always known the way home.
This takes me back to my initial question: hopes, ambitions, adventures and dreams verses passivity, reclusiveness and a shell of safety? Hopes and dreams are the vigor and vitality of life! We need to take risks, have a little adventure to make life meaningful. The world is at times unjust and cruel, and often steps on our dreams. Yet, if we dare to step out beyond “Kansas” in our search of “something more”… our Oz awaits. In the midst of our incredible journey, we too, will discover all we needed in our pursuit was hidden inside of us… just waiting to be revealed. Go ahead follow the yellow brick road....