Sunday 31 May 2015

How We Change People's Lives

The scene is in my mind still. Actor Robin Williams, playing the role of teacher John Keating, in the movie "Dead Poets' Society", is discussing in hushed tones the Latin phrase Carpe Diem, with his bemused pupils during an early encounter.

"Seize the day, gentlemen. Seize the day". Those words sent a shiver down my spine. They filled my mind. To this day they carry a powerful message for me. The Robin Williams character encouraged his students to open their hearts and minds to their dreams and follow through with actions.

Sometimes, as the movie showed, dreams may not be understood by others. Yet those experiences we have when we reach up and out, to extend ourselves, are the experiences and emotions we remember with great affection for the rest of our lives. They are the technicolour passages of our lives.

Many people live black, white and grey lives. Just notice the colour of the clothing they wear most days. A passing brushstroke of colour may influence them only occasionally. Those who are bold enough to seize the day are seizing life and its challenges. They dare to dream. They dare to be different.

There are always exceptional teachers for us, and not just at school. I'm sure you have heard that perceptive quote, "When the pupil is ready the teacher will come". When you sincerely wish to discover why, how, when and where, the teacher quietly arrives. Be ready. The teacher can just as quietly leave if the pupil is not tuned in.

Most of us never ever understand just how we change people's lives with a comment or remark. When we say what they think, show what we feel, make a fool of ourselves if necessary, we encourage ourselves and our friends to push against the bars of the cage of safety to enlarge its dimensions. I know it is better to lose on my feet than to play on my knees.

I am learning through volunteering, philosophy, blogging and my friends to enjoy the experiences, the scenery, the weather, the food, the "everything". I want to stretch myself and live with passion.....in other words I want to "seize the day".

“The future depends on what you do today.” 
~~ Mahatma Gandi


Photo taken in Christchurch, New Zealand, December 2014 at one on the Gap Filler sites.
 I always "seize the day" when invited to New Zealand by my friends Celia and Marja. 


11 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

That is very, very true. I certainly know my life has been altered by comments from people sometimes. And I'm sure the comment meant little to them, but to me it opened my eyes.

Mike Smith said...

That should have read BUT on its own wings. Always believe in yourself when it comes to spelling...

Christine said...

I haven't seen that movie it sounds uplifting. Seize the day, a good thing!

Bill Lisleman said...

A great Latin phrase that reminds us to reflect on what we are offered.
It is one of my favorite Latin phrases but I do like the sound of ipso facto better.

miruspeg said...

@Debra - Positive comments can be wonderful and uplifting, negative comments can perhaps make us rethink what we originally said/wrote.

@Mike - I like your observation about birds, branches and wings and believing in oneself. I am with you 100%.

@Christine - I have seen the movie "Dead Poet's Society" at least 4 times over the years. It came out in 1989. There are certain films that get under your skin, never to come out. They change your life, subtly altering your perceptions of reality, almost always for the better.

@Bill - Your comment had me racing to Google to find out what the Latin phrase "ipso facto" means -"by that very fact or act". Thanks for broadening my Latin!

Beautiful Sky said...

"They are the technicolour passages of our lives." Well said Peggy! May you always dream in colour - dream big and live a beautiful life!

miruspeg said...

@beautifulsky Thanks my sweet friend Celia.
I hope every day you feel Connected; Joy; Grateful; Freedom; and Abundance.
Warmest heart hugs xxxxx

Relyn Lawson said...

Oh, one of my favorite movies. I want to be that teacher. You know?

miruspeg said...

Hi Relyn
The movie hasn't dated at all, I saw it again a couple of weeks ago and once again was inspired by the message it conveyed.

I believe you are that teacher my friend, I am sure you change many lives for the better.

Namaste
Peggy xxxxx

Can-Can said...

I did a post a few years back called, I Apologize to Myself (and then followed up with "I Apologize to Others") - in one of those posts I wrote that I should have carped the effin diem. Seizing the day, finding all the things there are to enjoy on any given day, is an important practice. Meditating is helping me as is walking - whether a purposeful walk or getting to and fro.
Thanks.

miruspeg said...

Hi Candelaria (Can-Can)
It took me a while to search out your posts "I Apologize to Myself" and "I Apologize to Others" but with patience I was successful.
I love your final statement from the first post "I just didn't understand that I was the magic in my life". That sentence says so much.
I thought your lists had very deep insights.

Let's both keep "carping the effin diem" while there is breath in our body.
Namaste
Peggy xxxxxx