Free Your Mind

I cannot recall an instance when someone said to me that they legitimately enjoyed the movie version of a novel more than the literature itself. There are certainly adaptations that are very well done and adequately capture the storyline, but never fully the heart of the text. This stands even after reconciling with the fact that a 1 1/2 hour movie cannot possibly depict all that is captured in the many pages of the novel. Still, there is something more. 

I reflected on this after watching what I found to be a well done screen version of the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy. What is it I thought, about literature that brings a story to life in our own minds with greater depth and drama than casted characters animating it before our eyes? 

Perhaps the most amazing thing about literature is that each one of us can read it in a uniquely personal way.  We are all truly individual in our experiences, perceptions, and imagination.  These qualities partner to bring us an interpretation that cannot be simulated.  The cast of characters that come alive in our psyche are inspired by loves and losses, attractions and repulsions.  The characters' struggles are often associated with the thorn in our own flesh.  We become present in the moment as the storyline unfolds.  Challenged by the moral choices of the characters, we find our place fighting the epic battles of extraordinary affairs and everyday life.  Sometimes we are the warrior, sometimes the damsel in distress, and sometimes even the villain.  

Literature is irreplaceable in our formation and allows us to walk in the moment of the season of our life.  We are able to be transported across eras and even into fictional places.  Our conscience and will are inspired through mentally facing situations that have not yet occurred and may never be our challenges to face (war, poverty, slavery, heartbreak.)  If you have ever been part of a discussion group, bible study, or simply following a personal reflection and examination of conscience, you may have experienced the amazement at how fitting each lesson seems to be in conjunction with the current path you are on.  The same feeling also often occurs after reading a classic text or a personal journey.  The information enlightens the reader and deepens contemplation on self and compassion for another.  This is a beautiful way for us to continually connect with healing our hurts, fixing our flaws, and walking toward greater perfection.

We are told that in order to understand a person we must walk a mile in their shoes.  Although this is not always possible, empathy is born through each character we find relatable, equipping us to share this same love with our neighbor.  A moving piece of literature sticks with us and causes constant reflection on certain details of the story.  The themes and ideas are encouraged to be shared and expressed with others in order to pull their unique perspective into our worldview.  

It is incredible to reflect on the gift of the mind that separates us from other living things.  Our ability to think and perceive, form emotions and be effected by the world around us makes us both fragile and at the same time strengthened by the endowment of this gift.  Each of us longs to be understood and to understand ourselves in greater depth.  

Ultimately our human restlessness aids the constant search to know ourselves through our origin and final end, which we share with every human brother.  Pursuing the path of wisdom orders us toward what is good and true, leading us to an experience that engages our mind, bringing about righteous reflection and gratifying us with deeper insight.