life is my anti drug

A guest post by Austin Maestre 

Aside from the promise of amazing 3D visuals, I was trying to figure out why I went to see the rescreening of Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. I thought maybe it was the idea of rekindling a lost love for a franchise, which played no small role in my growth and interests as a kid. Or, maybe it was because I wanted to know if I would enjoy a movie the same way I did 13 years ago.

Despite what the original or best reason was for going to the movie, I can honestly say I am very pleased with my decision. Not because the added 3D effects blew me away (which they didn’t), or the fact that I got to reminisce with friends about simpler times and the good old days. I was happy with my decision because of what I took away from this sci-fi thriller set in a galaxy far, far away.

The key factor I want to focus on is the Jedi. This order of heroic and benevolent beings was said to protect the galaxy since it’s beginning. For some, this is just nonsense that has no real meaning. “Who cares if in some fictional world humans and aliens alike swing around glowing sticks that can cut people in half?” This point is a valid one, and although it can be applied to almost any fictional story, Star Wars comes under attack more often than most because it has been such a huge sensation for so long.

This is where I want to attempt to turn those who see Star Wars as nothing more than a fictional space story for kids, into people who can at least appreciate even just one of the many lessons it has to offer. To do so, we have to peel back the layers of storytelling and focus on the message that lies beneath.

            Jedi: who are these people? What would they be like if they were in the real world? Where does George Lucas get his inspiration from when designing these characters and their beliefs? The answer is simple: there is no one source. The inspiration for those known as Jedi comes from a multitude of places. For example, in Episode 1: The Phantom Menace, during one of the biggest fight scenes in the movie, Liam Neeson’s character Qui-Gon Jinn kneels down and sits on his feet in a manner very similar to what eastern Asian cultures do when meditating. As he sits and waits for a barrier that separates him and his opponent to lift, he closes his eyes and starts to meditate. The expressions conveyed during his mid-battle meditation highlight similar practices done to clear one’s mind and allow for more focus.

            Another example would be when Qui-Gon Jinn is speaking with Anakin Skywalker’s mother. He explains to her that even though it seems like Anakin can see the future, it is really just his connection to the Force and his ability to anticipate what is coming next. This is possible because of two things: his Midi-chlorian count, and his focus and mindfulness in the situation. Disregarding the Midi-chlorian part, focus and mindfulness is something that is preached in Buddhist temples and yoga studios around the world on a day-to-day basis.

            For people who really do not care for Star Wars it is easy to say “who cares?” or “so what if Lucas borrowed philosophies and practices from these people and their culture?” The reason people should care is because the Jedi’s way of life is one that can be applied to ours. Meditating is how the Jedi grow their connection to the Force and keep their heads clear and sharp. Compare that to real life: the practice of meditating, stretching or doing yoga in the morning when you wake up, and/or at night before you go to bed, is proven to add years to your life. The place yoga gets its roots is the exact same as where the Jedi get theirs, Buddhism and other eastern Asian philosophies. 

At this point it should make sense why everyone should have an appreciation for the Jedi and the lessons they have to teach us, but if not then here is my final point.

            The Jedi believe that all of these practices are necessary because if you are not mindful of your feelings and you do not have enough focus to deal with them, you will turn to the Dark Side. The best real life example of this practice working comes from yours truly. I recently found out some extremely disturbing and infuriating news from home that will most likely end in the devastation and disintegration of my family. When I got this news I was very angry and upset, I felt energized and strong, as well as vulnerable and distant. These feelings are illustrated as common traits of those who are apart of the Dark Side. The next day I sat on my couch with no TV or noise of any kind and I mediated on the feelings I was having. I was mindful of how angry I was and how hurt I felt, I then allowed myself to feel those emotions. I let them run their course and then let them go. When I finished doing this I opened my eyes and felt a sense of clarity and confidence. I felt as though I had truly taken advantage of mediation and it taught me that I could control how I feel and how I reacted to those feelings. It taught me how to be a better person. I felt as collected as Qui-Gon, waiting for that barrier to open to let me face my foe.

            Had I not done this, I would have continued to use this anger as a shield from others. It would have pushed me into the habit of not trusting people and closing my self off to most. In other words, I would have started my descent to the Dark Side.

            I am living proof that the practices of the Jedi work, and that they are as real as the sources they draw from. The settings and characters of the Star Wars franchise are imaginative and entertaining to many, but it is the underlying meanings that should be focused upon. The point I covered was one of many and the depth I covered it in was shallow compared to how deep the analysis and lessons can go. If you take one thing from this article please let it be that although the science fiction thriller Star Wars may not be the kind of movie everyone wants to watch, it is the kind of movie that everyone can learn from.