Last week I watched one of the strangest movies I had ever seen. It’s a Brazilian film called Wild Tales and that is a most appropriate title. One of the tales in the film is about an intense and explosive road rage encounter between two drivers traveling along a scenic highway. I won’t spoil the movie by sharing too much here. Just know that It begins with serenity and ends with explosive violence. It is one of those fascinating stories that pulls you in and keeps you watching. The other stories are very engaging too.
While watching the film, I remember thinking that I just wanted it to be over. I also recall commenting that women would never let a road rage event escalate this way (although there is a very crazy bride in the tale later in the film that makes me rethink my previous comment). I’m also reminded that what allowed the road rage story to take shape was the fact that both parties in the fight engaged again and again with a winner takes all mentality. It did not end well for either one.
Funny that I am also leading a book study later today on Chapters 5-11 of Michael Singer’s book The Untethered Soul. This section of the book helps the reader realize how to conserve energy by letting uncomfortable and unpleasant emotions and feelings consciously dissolve through the heart. Experimenting with this approach during the week after watching this film, the process is fairly simple, yet the biggest challenge is simply being mindful enough to catch yourself in that instant of intense discomfort and making the choice to pause, acknowledge and and let it melt. Singer says you just need to breathe, relax your shoulders and let that block move through your heart.
Here’s an experiment you can try. Watch the movie on DVD and all of the other Wild Tales to see if you agree with my assessment. Notice parts that agitate your level of discomfort. As you feel yourself getting entangled emotionally, remember to breathe, relax your shoulders let the feelings melt through your heart. Did it work? Let me know!
