Lawrence King: “You have to include this point of view in your film (ROOTS & WINGS).”

The Small, Happy Life

A few weeks ago, I asked readers to send in essays describing their purpose in life and how they found it. A few thousand submitted contributions, and many essays are online. I’ll write more about the lessons they shared in the weeks ahead, but one common theme surprised me.

I expected most contributors would follow the commencement-speech clichés of our high-achieving culture: dream big; set ambitious goals; try to change the world. In fact, a surprising number of people found their purpose by going the other way, by pursuing the small, happy life.

Elizabeth Young once heard the story of a man who was asked by a journalist to show his most precious possession. The man, Young wrote, “was proud and excited to show the journalist the gift he had been bequeathed. A banged up tin pot he kept carefully wrapped in cloth as though it was fragile. The journalist was confused, what made this dingy old pot so valuable? ‘The message,’ the friend replied. The message was ‘we do not all have to shine.’ This story resonated deeply. In that moment I was able to relieve myself of the need to do something important, from which I would reap praise and be rewarded with fulfillment. My vision cleared.”

Young continues, “I have always wanted to be effortlessly kind. I wanted to raise children who were kind.” She notes that among those who survived the Nazi death camps, a predominant quality she noticed was generosity.

“Perhaps,” she concludes, “the mission is not a mission at all. … Everywhere there are tiny, seemingly inconsequential circumstances that, if explored, provide meaning” and chances to be generous and kind. Spiritual and emotional growth happens in microscopic increments.

Kim Spencer writes, “I used to be one of the solid ones — one of the people whose purpose was clearly defined and understood. My purpose was seeing patients and ‘saving lives.’ I have melted into the in-between spaces, though. Now my purpose is simply to be the person … who can pick up the phone and give you 30 minutes in your time of crisis. I can give it to you today and again in a few days. … I can edit your letter. … I can listen to you complain about your co-worker. … I can look you in the eye and give you a few dollars in the parking lot. I am not upset if you cry. I am no longer drowning, so I can help keep you afloat with a little boost. Not all of the time, but every once in a while, until you find other people to help or a different way to swim. It is no skin off my back; it is easy for me.”

Terence J. Tollaksen wrote that his purpose became clearer once he began to recognize the “decision trap”: “This trap is an amazingly consistent phenomena whereby ‘big’ decisions turn out to have much less impact on a life as a whole than the myriad of small seemingly insignificant ones.”

Tollaksen continues, “I have always admired those goal-oriented, stubborn, successful, determined individuals; they make things happen, and the world would be lost without them.” But, he explains, he has always had a “small font purpose.”

With a B.A. in Cinema and Audiovisual Paris, France, Guillaume has with his great passion and positive energy been working on the composition of many of the blocks of our film “Roots & Wings”. Guillaume also has the very rare quality to be able to connect with nature and it’s animals in a very unique and personal level. Nature is one of the four elements that our film “Roots & Wings” is grounded in. The other three are The City, The Human and The Soul.

Immediately upon arrival at ElephantTribe.org, Internationally Experienced Graphic and Creative Designer and UCLA Film Extension Student, Sara Marijuan (Spain), had a tremendous impact. Within a few days, Sara had created a new Mission Statement Picture and DVD Cover for our upcoming film “Roots & Wings” as well as worked on the design on our reconstructed web site. “I’m always amazed at the talents and passion young people come to our place with …. and when un-caged – how much greatness can be created within a very short period of time. A true gift” – Henrik, Founder ET.

When I first read Stefano’s illuminating writings, I immediately thought of my many wonderful moments with Herman Hesse’s books Siddhartha, Steppenwolf and Demian.  We’re happy to have landed Stefano, A native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, to help us primarily with “Roots & Wings” Film. He has already brought many great additions to our film, taking the viewer not only thru a vivid visual journey, but also a magical auditory experience. Magical Realism at it’s best …. stay tuned for more to come …..