Channel the Force

I decided to rewatch the Star Wars movies again because we are approaching the greatest sci-fi day - May the 4th. Also, no one really needs a reason to watch Star Wars. I will admit my bias here, but if you are not a fan keep reading. The opening dialogue on Episode I: The Phantom Menace begins with a droid telling two Jedis "this way please" as it guides them through the door. They walk through the door together, and it closes behind them. Once they are left in their meeting room Obi Wan Kenobi says, "I have a bad feeling about this."

Qui-Gon: "I don't sense anything."

Obi-Wan: "It's not about the mission master. It's something - elsewhere, elusive."

Qui-Gon: "Don't center on your anxieties, Obi-Wan. Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs."

Oni-Wan: "But Master Yoda said I should be mindful of the future."

Qui-Gon: "But not at the expense of the moment. Be mindful of the living Force, young Padawan."

Obi-Wan: "Yes, Master"

Did you see that too? Obi Wan was opening up to his teacher about his anxiety. I love how Qui-Gon said be mindful of the future but not at the expense of the moment. He knew that anxiety robs ones mind of the moment they are in. If there was truly something Obi Wan sensed, he would not have been able to perform or think the way he needed to because he was already off focus of the moment and on to what was to come. It is almost as if he was looking for the exit before even going through the door. In overthinking, he may not have realized what his mission was or the fact that there was one way in and out. Don't run to the exit before you get to the experience.

The other message in this scene was the reminder to tap into spirituality when anxiety sets in. For me, that is praying to God or reading a passage of scripture. There are many instances in the Bible when God reminds us that we are never alone when we are in relationship with him. We have to seek him on a daily basis and acknowledge how we are feeling in the moment. God will send what we need in our lives to help us get through anxieties and provide accountability when we have challenges taking needed steps on our journey. Remember to not let anxiety stop you from your journey because there is a mission that only you can accomplish. May the force be with you!

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