Disney Movie Lessons

One of my favorite things to do when I watch a movie is to draw out the positive insights and hints of truth that are hidden in almost everything we create.  It reminds me that even though the world is constantly changing, certain truths still exist and make their way into society.  It somehow sounds familiar to all kinds of people, and I love that! Here are some lessons I've learned from a few Disney movies:

Aladdin

The grass always seems greener on the other side of the fence.  We may longingly wish for an alternate life or identity, thinking that our trials would be easier if things were different.  In reality, we are all the same.  We still have the same basic needs and feel the same basic emotions.  Our unique circumstances are specifically designed to help us grow and become who we need to be, and they are surprisingly equal.  Sometimes we may say like Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, “If riches are a curse, may God smite me with it, and may I never recover!” But trust in the purpose of your specific trials.  One man’s riches may teach the same lesson as another man’s poverty.  Like Aladdin, we must learn to be ourselves and not be ashamed. 

Peter Pan

Happy thoughts really can make you fly!  Even if you have all of the tools to succeed (fairy dust) you aren’t going to go anywhere unless you are positive.  Like everything, it can sometimes take practice.    

Pinocchio

In order to be a “real boy” (or girl), you must prove yourself brave, truthful, and unselfish.  This entire story is an allegory for our current situation.  Pinocchio began his existence with his creator, Geppetto.  He becomes a living puppet, loved and taught by his Father, but he is still made of wood.  In order to become “real,” he must ultimately leave his true home and discover for himself what it means to become “brave, truthful, and unselfish” with his conscience as his guide.  Like all of us, Pinocchio passes through death, but becomes “real” because of the good choices he made.  He had become like Geppetto, his Creator and Father.  I was definitely an adult before I realized how doctrinally deep this story is!  How are we doing with our quest to become “real?” 

Beauty and the Beast

“Do not be deceived by appearances, for beauty is found within,” even in the foulest of creatures. The curse was ultimately cast by the Beast himself.  He became outwardly what he was on the inside.  Although this seems like a harsh spell, it makes the point that you do not need to be defined by appearances and stereotypes to become kind and to love unconditionally.  The spell was ultimately cast to help the Beast discover that he was capable of loving and changing, even when he lacked confidence in himself.  Very often, the greater the obstacle is to overcome, the stronger the love is that develops as a result.  Take a chance and look for the good in others.  Allow others to love you, even if the natural tendency is to push them away.  Unconditional love breaks any spell. 

The Lion King

Remember who you are.  You are the son or daughter of a king with divine heritage and divine potential.  This applies to every single person, regardless of background or current circumstances.  If you truly know who you are and where you came from, it will change the way you speak, act, and treat others.  It will guide the decisions you make in this life.  You, too, were born to be a king.