Using the Avatar Experience to Improve Yourself and Improve the World

[The Man in Black]

Here's an interesting question for everyone: anyone felt inspired to do more volunteering since watching Avatar? I feel like we've kind of gone into ways of volunteering on behalf of Avatar, but what about personally?

For me, I've tried to use my proficiency in the sport of golf to the betterment of society. Although I work at a golf course, this to me wasn't really necessarily a "contribution" to society in any way. So I've volunteered for the "First Tee", an organization that teaches young children (especially underprivileged children) the sport. Now this may seem somewhat insignificant, but if you know anything about golf, it is a sport that teaches many core values: honesty, integrity, proper etiquette just to name a few. I use my skill to try and teach these kids in East Austin (the "not so nice side") the sport, and it's actually been pretty amazing.

Anybody else have similar experiences? It's pretty awesome to use something you're good at to help others...not something you get to experience in the droll of everyday society.

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by The Man in Black

I'm certainly not underestimating the progress this forum has made since we saw Avatar, in fact I've definitely applauded it a few times...if Pandora is your heaven, so be it, but I know some of you out there have to go back to Avatar over and over again, this is what I'm talking about. USING AVATAR AS A CRUTCH IS BAD. USING A CRUTCH IN GENERAL IS BAD. If Pandora is your inspiration, great, if something else is your inspiration, great, but don't let the "inspiration" take control.

There is truth... and there is truth phrased in a way that reaches out. I know when you use your words more like a light saber and less like a blaster you'll be even more effective.

Think martial arts... I feel sure you know at least one. Don't counter someone's energy with a force in the opposite direction, redirect it. Don't push someone, or they'll tend to push back... even when it wasn't what they were likely to do to begin with. Deflect and shift their energy instead, and you can save the shouting for times when it will be most powerful. Grok me, my friend?

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

If this is the case, you've got two options.
- Pop the blue pill, give in, and be a good little modern wage slave and consumer, not challenging the system to change, or trying to escape it.

or

- Fight like hell for whatever you feel is worth fighting for, in whatever way you feel like fighting for it. Whether it be within the modern world or without.

Regrettably, there is at least one other option:

- Bitch and moan about how awful and hopeless everything is and how it is pointless to try doing anything about it, so why bother fighting.

Some people have chosen that path. It pains me to see it. But I remind myself that nothing lasts forever and they have their own journey; all I can do is keep inspiring people the best way I know.

I am in the fight like hell camp. Never give up, ever. There is a story about the Apollo Moon landings. The lunar module ascent engine was a single point of failure; if it didn't work at the appointed time, the astronauts would be trapped on the lunar surface. A reporter asked some of them what they would do in that case, expecting a poetic response about talking to loved ones, reflecting on their legacy, talking with God, etc. The reply: "I'm pretty damn sure we would spend that time trying to get that engine to work."

That's me.

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by Sempu

I am in the fight like hell camp. Never give up, ever. There is a story about the Apollo Moon landings. The lunar module ascent engine was a single point of failure; if it didn't work at the appointed time, the astronauts would be trapped on the lunar surface. A reporter asked some of them what they would do in that case, expecting a poetic response about talking to loved ones, reflecting on their legacy, talking with God, etc. The reply: "I'm pretty damn sure we would spend that time trying to get that engine to work."

That's me.

As it is with me...you can take the dog out of the fight, but you can't take the fight out of the dog.

Good advice btw...ironically that is what I was taught to do in a fight...always redirect your opponent's force.

[Marvellous Chester]

Originally Posted by The Man in Black

This reminds me, anyone here seen "Survivorman" on the Discovery Channel? TS, I think you would thoroughly enjoy it, the man's knowledge of foods and ways to shelter yourself in the wild is absurd. Not only that, but how to keep foot fungus and other ailments away when your in any condition.

I can't say that I have, will be sure to check it out though thanks mate.

Here's an interesting question for everyone: anyone felt inspired to do more volunteering since watching Avatar? I feel like we've kind of gone into ways of volunteering on behalf of Avatar, but what about personally?

I haven't. Part of the reason is that I don't really have the time because of university. I was thinking of volunteering with the RSPCA. I love animals to bits and want to help them but I suspect seeing/helping animals that have been abused would reinforce my strong dislike of some members of my own kind which at the minute I don't need.

[Human No More]

I already have.

That's why I've completely changed this year, why I no longer care about work, about money... why I want to find a lifemate, why I stopped being, not really uncaring, but indifferent about the world in terms of how I'll be dead before anything can change anyway.

[Sempu]

Originally Posted by Tarnished Soul

I love animals to bits and want to help them but I suspect seeing/helping animals that have been abused would reinforce my strong dislike of some members of my own kind which at the minute I don't need.

I know what you mean. I find it hard enough to go into a pet store or a zoo. I content myself with sending money to animal organizations. I also set up a fund at my vet's for them to use at their discretion for people who can't afford the care for their pets.

[Fkeu'itan]

I've not read all of the posts yet, but I do like to hear how people are changing, moving the world they live in to a better place.

For me, Avatar has litearlly given me everything. As sad, weird and pathetic as that may seem, it's the truth.

It really showed me that there are bigger things out there than just myself and my own future. It showed me that there can be other ways of life, be that in theory or in practice, on this planet or elsewhere, that are more fulfilling then I could ever have imagined. Ways that we - as humans - once had, but have lost. Ways that are worth fighting for to reattain and to rekindle.
I changed my ideals, the way I feel about life, what I considered important. Literally everything.

Before, I was a man with no place, no purpose and no future. Destined to become one of a billion, not one in a billion. Now, I hope to use the time I have on this planet as best I can towards better things. Towards real goals. Towards helping selflessly, not hindering selfishly.

I have said before; "I still feel I have no place, and the future looks rocky from here, but at least now I feel I have a purpose."

And to answer your question TMIB, that is now what I hope to dedicate my life to doing. Working, not for money. Not for the big house, the big TV, the expensive luxury car... But for the people and the planet as much as I can. Who knows, maybe some people will decide to join me along the way?

[Sidetrack edit;]

Originally Posted by Sempu

- Bitch and moan about how awful and hopeless everything is and how it is pointless to try doing anything about it, so why bother fighting.

Some people have chosen that path. It pains me to see it.

I think this is what I have discussed before. People see what they want, but they feel cmpletely and utterly powerless to get it. It's not that they don't want to do anything about it, it's just that they feel they can't, which in all honesty, I can understand fully.

[Mika]

In some ways, I've know that ever since 'seeing' Avatar and the course of this year has changed me dramatically in many ways. But today, when I ask myself this the thread's question, and as I read all the insightful thougts here, I have to admit that I don't know if I have yet become the 'change I want to be'. Yet over the last couple of days, starting with some thoughts on the 'depression' thread, particularily Caveman's and Sempu's about Vision, Unity and Community and now these, something changing and in a good way.

Avatar in many ways in its artistic portrayal, àffirmed so much of what I already how I saw the world, what I felt was the `true`spirit and reality of what lies within. And for me it was the first time that I `saw`someone`else seeing the world the way that I do.
And the effect of that was has been more of a tearing down much of my world, the excess baggage, the mixed and confusing scripts, that have kept me `bogged`down in powerlessness to make a difference than moving me forward.

Yet as I read this thread, and thoughts, somehow a new awareness and calmness and affirming is stirred that says, ok, I`m done tearing down all my walls, so now, as the intial post asks, how now can I take all of this intergrate it into my being and what do I want to do, what do I want to build, how can I reestablish that equilibrium of wanting to live a vision and pattern of life that embraces a better way.

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by Fkeu'itan

For me, Avatar has litearlly given me everything. As sad, weird and pathetic as that may seem, it's the truth.

It really showed me that there are bigger things out there than just myself and my own future. It showed me that there can be other ways of life, be that in theory or in practice, on this planet or elsewhere, that are more fulfilling then I could ever have imagined. Ways that we - as humans - once had, but have lost. Ways that are worth fighting for to reattain and to rekindle.
I changed my ideals, the way I feel about life, what I considered important. Literally everything.

Before, I was a man with no place, no purpose and no future. Destined to become one of a billion, not one in a billion. Now, I hope to use the time I have on this planet as best I can towards better things. Towards real goals. Towards helping selflessly, not hindering selfishly.

I have said before; "I still feel I have no place, and the future looks rocky from here, but at least now I feel I have a purpose."

And to answer your question TMIB, that is now what I hope to dedicate my life to doing. Working, not for money. Not for the big house, the big TV, the expensive luxury car... But for the people and the planet as much as I can. Who knows, maybe some people will decide to join me along the way?

Originally Posted by Mika

Yet as I read this thread, and thoughts, somehow a new awareness and calmness and affirming is stirred that says, ok, I`m done tearing down all my walls, so now, as the intial post asks, how now can I take all of this intergrate it into my being and what do I want to do, what do I want to build, how can I reestablish that equilibrium of wanting to live a vision and pattern of life that embraces a better way.

Hell yeah!!! Now this is what I like to see!!!!!!

Originally Posted by Tarnished Soul

I haven't. Part of the reason is that I don't really have the time because of university. I was thinking of volunteering with the RSPCA. I love animals to bits and want to help them but I suspect seeing/helping animals that have been abused would reinforce my strong dislike of some members of my own kind which at the minute I don't need.

Originally Posted by Sempu

I know what you mean. I find it hard enough to go into a pet store or a zoo. I content myself with sending money to animal organizations. I also set up a fund at my vet's for them to use at their discretion for people who can't afford the care for their pets.

Yeah, I'd say doing things like sending money or small contributions would be plenty in that area...some charities like this can be kind of...touchy, if you know what I mean.

[Advent]

There are plenty of movies that had the same message as Avatar. Only Avatar, being the biggest and most watched, had the largest influence.
WALL-E:

Dances with Wolves:

The Matrix:

12 Monkeys:

Fight Club:

And of course, Avatar:


This list could go on for ages.

[Tsyal Makto]

Or maybe they all missed something that Avatar had? Maybe JC hit something in the soul that the other's missed? Some jungian feeling buried deep within us all.

Though I will admit, Fight Club is a good follow-up movie to watch after Avatar. Helped me at least. Just look at my sig.

[The Man in Black]

Originally Posted by Advent

There are plenty of movies that had the same message as Avatar. Only Avatar, being the biggest and most watched, had the largest influence.
WALL-E:

Dances with Wolves:

The Matrix:

12 Monkeys:

Fight Club:

And of course, Avatar:


This list could go on for ages.

Originally Posted by Tsyal Makto

Or maybe they all missed something that Avatar had? Maybe JC hit something in the soul that the other's missed? Some jungian feeling buried deep within us all.

Though I will admit, Fight Club is a good follow-up movie to watch after Avatar. Helped me at least. Just look at my sig.

Guys, we can't forget Office Space and Idiocracy. Lol, not necessarily meant to be influential, but they do get their points across in a funny way.






But in all seriousness two recent documentaries that are a must see are "The Cove", and "Gasland". TM, we already discussed Gasland in some detail on AF, but have you seen "The Cove"?

[The Man in Black]

Oh yeah, can't forget my homeboy Jules from Pulp Fiction, didn't know Jesus was born in Compton...JK LOL. My Avatar is right when he's like "...AND I WILL STRIKE DOWN UPON THEE...." Hahahahahah!!

[Tsyal Makto]

Originally Posted by The Man in Black

Oh yeah, can't forget my homeboy Jules from Pulp Fiction, didn't know Jesus was born in Compton...JK LOL. My Avatar is right when he's like "...AND I WILL STRIKE DOWN UPON THEE...." Hahahahahah!!

I get uncomfortable when I stare into his eyes.

Oh, another good one's "Into The Wild." A sad ending, but still a good movie on these issues.