“Remember, dragon warrior, anything is possible when you have inner peace.”
– Kung Fu Panda 2
Surprisingly, the final Oprah Winfrey Show on May 25, 2011 featured no guests at all. And yet it was a deeply inspiring and emotional finale as Oprah simply stood on her stage sharing her heartfelt thanks to her fans around the world. What stood out were her very empowering insights of finding your purpose AND knowing your self-worth.
See Oprah finale: Click here
Three days later I went to see a morning matinee screening of Kung Fu Panda 2 at the gorgeous AMC Yonge Dundas 24 Theatres in Toronto with a good friend. This film also surprised me with its own empowering messages of finding your inner peace AND figuring out who you are. These were wonderful tips for young and old coming from cartoon characters!
The 3-D animated movie Kung Fu Panda 2 continues the adventures of Po (Jack Black) and fellow kung fu masters the Furious Five as they take on an evil peacock named Lord Shen (Gary Oldman). During one initial battle with Shen’s henchmen wolves, Po suddenly experiences childhood flashbacks which force him to question his true identity.
Thus in the midst of stunning 3-D fight sequences, breathtaking scenery and hilarious characters lies a movie about discovering one’s self and finding inner peace. It is one of those juicy cinematic experiences that helps you escape the real world for awhile, be highly entertained and, if you are open, get tips on finding a sense of calm within your chaotic life.
Po learns how to calm his mind, go inward and find the answers he seeks. This is something I’ve learned how to do and I love that the importance of going inward is being shared in a major motion picture. Closing your eyes and consciously breathing in and out can do wonders. It allows you to tune out of the negative energy or noise around you and centre your mind like the eye of a hurricane. Within this eye it is quiet and safe. So whenever you find yourself distressed by life, work or relationships remember to breathe, close your eyes and go inward.
What movies bring you inner peace?
Do you have a favourite movie that brings you some inner peace? Is there a film that calms you when you are feeling agitated or stressed? Please share your thoughts in the comment section below.
Featured in The NEW YORK TIMES, The WASHINGTON POST and The TORONTO STAR. Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman is an Author, Motivational Speaker, Movie Blogger and an award-winning illustrator. THE WASHINGTON POST has featured his blog, Movies That Motivate for its motivational tips and inspiring movie examples. Emmanuel helps individuals increase PASSION and build optimistic mindsets through articles in ZOOMER MAGAZINE, EXAMINER.COM and empowering keynotes and seminars at organizations such as TD Canada Trust, Ontario Ministry of Finance, The Art Institute of Boston and Royal Ontario Museum. For info on booking keynotes and seminars see: www.motivatorman.com