"I will not live in shame!"

There came a time when the risk to remain tight in the bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.  -Anais Nin 

I seem to be on a roll with the movies lately, so I’ll continue on that subject….We went to see The Golden Compass yesterday.

Mind you, fantasy has never been my genre, but my new husband encourages me to expand my horizons into fantasy and science fiction. I was raised by a born again scientist who insists that this reality is all there is, but Mike believes in parallel universes, etc. I try to keep my mind open, but not so much that my brain falls out!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Golden Compass!

The story somehow seemed plausible in spite of all of the many fascinating imaginary places, animals and vehicles exhibited. I especially liked the “demon” creatures. They reminded me of animal spirit guides or totems from the native American spiritual tradition. These are animal spirits that all humans possess. They follow us around and advise us. To me they represent our inner voice, spirit and intuition.

The line in the movie that stuck with me was spoken by the “armored polar bear” when he was challenged to fight to the death with his arch enemy. The young girl Lyra said to him that he might die and he responded with: “I will not live in shame!”

This could well be my own midlife battle cry. After being ashamed my whole life because of my sad and weakened spirit, I finally decided in midlife that I would be exactly who I was and nothing less, even if it killed me. In fact, I realized on my drive home from the movie, that the polar bear is my spirit guide!

I’ve always loved polar bears, or bears of any type. My favorite for years was the Chinese panda because I lived in China and I felt so drawn to their struggle to survive. Now the polar bears are even more threatened by global warming. It saddens me.

But the powerful side of me loved to hear the polar bear roar in the movie, showing the naked strength behind his righteous indignation. He would no longer be ignored or pushed around by others, no matter the personal cost.

I realize that many of the problems in this world are caused by egos out of control and anger. But there are some of us that could benefit from finding some justified fury inside of ourselves, and telling those that have taken advantage of our weakened and shameful state to shove off! On a personal, national and international level it is time for the weak to inherit the earth, taking back the power from those that speak down to us and treat us like fools.

I passionately want to believe that things can change in our country, that the people will tell the career politicians to go home and get a real job, and finally allow “the government of the people, by the people and for the people” to flourish again.

If we would all find the courage and justified anger to take back our country, this world could be a better place for all.

Tagged as: anger, Lyra, polar bears, righteous indignation, The Gettysberg Address, The Golden Compass