Today is a Holiday Monday. In the past, that used to mean something, but during our “time apart”, this Monday feels just like any other Monday …. another “Groundhog Day” in the midst of “Groundhog Weeks”.
Which got me to pondering the movie Groundhog Day for a few moments. I think that the foundational message from the film is that individuals with free will can choose goodness. It may take time, but it’s the only path to redemption. Which, for a Bill Murray comedy movie is a pretty deep message indeed. Besides that message, there are also a few principles that become evident from some thinking about the movie.
One principle is “practice makes perfect”. Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, learns how to be incredibly resourceful as he turns a miserable day into a great day through consistent practice – until he masters the art of living his one day to the full.
The second principle is improve the quality of your inner life. Groundhog Day is a story of self-awareness, self-improvement and ultimately self-transformation. Phil does not transform his character through attaining more power, wealth or status. He cannot change his place or time, so he has to change himself. He simplifies his life to the essence, to what is most significant – like being aware and caring for others.
The third principle is appreciate that you have everything you need to be happy now. Groundhog Day is the tale of how Phil gradually learns to love the same town, people and activities that he had previously hated. Nothing alters except his attitude.
Trapped in time, Phil can and indeed does try every possible way to live until he discovers the ideal one based on creativity, compassion and contribution. He learns one of the greatest lessons in life…….We create our own reality.
Like Phil in the movie, we too can feel “trapped in time”. We have the choice to make today and every day either sad or happy, dull or inspiring, meaningless or fulfilling. You and I can bring whatever mindset we choose to the next 24 hours. This is an extraordinary gift of priceless value that we often overlook. May we too discover during this “time apart” a way to live that blends creativity, compassion and contribution.