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The Lion, The Fox & I
There's been a number of good movies lately. My current favorite happens to be "The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe".
This is an amazing story about 4 siblings who, quite accidentally, stumbled upon an mysterious wardrobe that whisks them away to a magical world called Narnia, where mythical creatures like fauns, faeries and unicorns lives. There were no humans in that world, save for a prophecy that foretold the arrival of "2 sons of Adam, and 2 daughters of Eve". With only an obscure prophecy to vouch for the existence of humans, no wonder the people of Narnia had thought humans were mythical beings! You can imagine the awe that the siblings recieved as they arrived through the wardrobe :)
Narnia was at war against the self-proclaimed "Queen of Narnia", Jadis the White Witch. Under her rule, Narnia has seen a hundred years of non-stop winter (with no christmas!) Leading the rebellion against Jadis and championing the return of springtime was the Majestic Lion, Aslan.
Some of you would already know this, but I love foxes: they are frequently described as charismatic, clever and smooth characters in popular media, like Roald Dahl's Fantastic Mr Fox, and they represent the charming, witty personality that I'd love to have. When I found out that a fox has had a (good guy) role to play in the movie, I was thrilled to see it!
Then Aslan the lion came along, and took the centre stage.
Aslan was simply magnificent. Being the leader of the armies who are to take on Jadis, his very presence alone is a morale booster to everyone. All the animals (yes, the animals do talk in Narnia!) speak excitedly about "Aslan has returned!", and everyone treats him with reverance. You can sense firmness in his character and just the right amount of assertiveness that makes people want to do as he says, without making them feel like they are being bossed around. Even though it is said that "he is, after all, not a tame lion", he's well-loved by those who serve him.
As I watched Aslan in action, my eyes watered as I thought "That's it! I want to be just like that! I want to become a leader just like Aslan!" Aslan-like leadership was something that meant alot to me.
The Fox, however, was a mere messanger. Yet I couldn't help but feel that his role was apt: he was smooth, and his quick wits has helped save the day a couple of times. But the fox lacked the strength in character to be a leader like Aslan. Facing a foe in battle, he might be better of outwitting his opponent and avoiding battle altogether.
Which would it be: The Fox, with whom my ego and self-identity has identified with, or The Lion, being which I know my dream lies?
I'm now faced with a dilemma that many people may find familiar. Very often, we identify ourselves with a list of strengths and weaknesses in our personalities. And we tell ourselves "this is me; these are the traits I am born with, and that's the way I am".
Sometimes, we start to relish our traits and create entire universes around them. After all, its easy to just be the way we are, right? And if its easy, it must be fun. All these sits on one side of the weighing scale.
On the other side of the scales, however, are our dreams for our lifetime, and the traits we need to have to achieve this; very often, the the traits we already have aren't the ones that can help us reach our dreams. We need to form new ones to match the traits that can help us. Herein lies the tension: to either step out of our comfort zone, get uncomfortable and change ourselves (for the better) to achieve our dreams, or be comfortable with who we are, but never get to where we wanted to go. Very few people would choose the former, but those that do almost always move on to greater things in life. Just ask Thomas Edison, who's met with so much difficulty before he succesfully created the lightbulb, that changed the world so much!
And so, for me, I see the Fox as a little red "you are here!" dot on the floorplan of Life, and the Lion is the eventual destination for me to get to where I want in Life. As far as being a great leader goes, there is a great many things for me to learn: being punctual, being more proactive, being sensitive with people, to name a few things I could get started with. Yet it is a path I cannot choose to ignore; not after I've seen Aslan in "The Chronicles of Narnia!"
What about you? What's it going to be?
To stick with your lot, or to let it go and aim for something greater?
posted by Kelly Lim @ Friday, December 30, 2005
4 comments
4 Comments:
I'm going to see the film on Sunday... read all the books of the story years ago. I hope the movie will come close to the things i imagined ;-)
For understanding the meaning of Aslan it might be helpful to read some chapters in the letter of paul he sent to the romans... have a nice time.
Andrew and I just went to see the movie, and enjoyed it. I've always enjoyed the novels and its various incarnations of movies and cartoons. The allegory was rather profound, and there were certainly many appealing characters. I identified with the children, as they marvelled at this faerytale-like world, as well as trying to learn about love and responsibilities, and the courage which that entails.
While it's true that we may strive to become more than who we currently are, I also think we shouldn't lose what we've already become - at least, not completely. Our inner character is what makes us unique, and is the foundation for our growth. So in that respect, I see who we are and who we will become, as a single path, one step leading to the next, and all part of a larger, wonderous whole.
For me, I don't think I want to be an Aslan at this point in time. Perhaps more like Lucy, who just wants to enjoy the world :)
- Bee.
I believe that it is important to recognize the traits we are born with. After all, that's our personality. But, at the same time, I believe that neither should we stay in our comfort zone. The important thing is that we stay true to ourselves while at the same time develop traits that will enhance the gifts and abilities that we're born with.
An example would be an aspiring businessman. He is born to manage money and has a creative and innovative mind. Yet traumatic experiences caused him to be withdrawn and introverted. For him, he will need to overcome his introvertedness and develop traits that will help him prosper as a businessman.
We need to be careful about being somebody that we are not meant to be. Some people make good journalists but are aweful as businesspeople. Yet maybe because its a trend or because everyone is doing it, the journalist-to-be dabbles in business. You can be sure of this: it will lead to disaster.
So one of the keys to success is really this: knowing your strengths and capitalising on it.
One of the reasons why Aslan makes a good leader is this: he is willing to sacrifice for his subjects and for the greater cause. Aslan leaves no man behind. Though he was the general of the whole army, he knew his place in the scheme of things. The prophecy was this: that 4 humans will save Narnia. He knew that he had to save the boy even though he was a betrayer and that the only way to do it was to offer up himself. He did not allow his high position or pride to cloud his judgement.
He had great faith that things are going to turn our alright. Though he knew that he was going to be reserrected, it still took great courage and faith to believe that it is going to come true.
So what makes a good leader? Humility, being able to look at the bigger picture, lots of faith in the organization's vision and most of all, courage.
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