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Pay It Forward Concept
 When I sat down to watch this film I had no idea what it was about. As far as I was concerned, it was another Kevin Spacey movie, so I had no expectations. Not only is it a very well done film, but the concept behind it is breathtaking. Based on the book by Catherine Ryan Hyde, this simple concept is amazing. If we all did it, even just a little, the implications could be staggering. Sometimes the simplest ideas are the most profound.
Without spoiling the movie for you, if you haven't seen it, here's the idea behind the movie. It's the thread that ties the whole thing together. Usually when someone does something for you, we say, "Thanks, I owe you one." The statement implies that you'll pay them back. This is different. If someone does something to help you, you "pay it forward" by doing something for someone else. Not just "one" someone else, once, you do it three times, for three people! And whatever it is that you do, your helping has to be a real stretch for you. Whatever would be a stretch for you, you stretch to that point.
In the story, a young reporter has his old, beat up car stolen. Frustrated and angry, he encounters a man who just happened to be out walking his dog. The man throws his car keys to the frustrated reporter and says, "Take my car. Really! I've been having a string of good luck, so take it. No strings. Just pay it forward, three times." The young fellow thinks the old guy must be a wacko, but he takes the car, and is forever changed. The story rolls on from there and you see how all these people connect and help each other in ways they never would have imagined. It's an amazing parable of what it would be like to be your brother's keeper.
Now, you don't have to give away you car! But whatever you do, it should be a stretch for you. If you are a wealthy person and can afford to give away a car, cool. If you're a working Joe and can only afford all the cash in your pocket, cool. If you're a kid, and all you have is your piggy bank coins, cool. It's adjustable according to each of us. Actually, you don't have to wait for someone to do something for you, this can be pro-active. You could just decide to do it the next time you see someone in need.
If you find yourself mentally flipping into some sort of rationalization of why this would be a negative thing, just suspend your doubting mind and project into the future a little. This is do-able, very do-able, right now. Imagine......
 A Few Timely Essays
COMING SOON...
"Building Your Inspiration Room"
"How To Make Peace Ribbons"
"Peace The 21st"
"Global Meditations"
"The Water Clan Legend"
"Reflections On Landmark Forum: An Urban Mystery School?"
"The End Of Karma: Dispelling The Myth Of Karma"
Don't forget to bookmark us.
Contact Information:
K. Scott Teeters - Reiki Master
Medford, New Jersey
Phone: 609-714-0261
Fax: 609-714-0261
E-mail: lightoak@comcast.net
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