Mike PniewskiWhen Life Gives You Lemons, Throw ‘em Back!

The Star Wars movies are one of the most successful movie franchises of all time and each is built around the idea of the Force – a universal field of energy that is there to do good and protect us all if we completely believe in it.  The great teacher in the movies, Obi-Wan Kenobi puts it like this:

“The Force is what gives a Jedi his power. It’s an energy field created by all living things. It surrounds us and penetrates us. It binds the galaxy together.”

His all-knowing and much smaller associate, Yoda, agrees:

“Remember, a Jedi’s strength flows from the Force.”

In order to battle the forces of evil, both Yoda and Obi-Wan train Jedi soldiers like Luke Skywalker how to harness the Force to beat back Darth Vadar and the Evil Empire.  They promote the idea that the Force is accessible to all who believe and the greatest level of strength they can draw upon to do good in the universe.

I could not agree more that there exists an energy field all around us that is there for the taking, but I would argue that while the theory is correct, the use of the word “force” is wrong.

Now before all you Star Wars fans start sending a bunch of Wookies after me, hear me out.

I’ve been reading a really fascinating book called “Power vs. Force – The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior” by Dr. David R. Hawkins.  In it, he covers the science of what truly empowers us and conversely, what types of psychological and emotional “forces” hold us back.  Here’s a little piece that gives you an idea where he’s coming from:

“Power arises from meaning. It has to do with motive, and it has to do with principle.  Power is always associated with that which supports the significance of life itself.  It appeals to that part of human nature that we call noble – in contrast to force, which appeals to that we call crass.  Power appeals to what uplifts, dignifies and ennobles.  Force must always be justified, whereas power requires no justification.  Force is associated with the partial, power with the whole.” 

Throughout the book he proves his theories by using a simple physical test that measures physical strength when people are placed in various emotional states.  What he discovers is that states such as gratitude, humility, selflessness, joy and purpose result in optimal physical strength and response.  Conversely, states like anger, obsession, judgment and pessimism render the body weak and fill it with inhibiting types of stress.  As described in his quote above, the positive states evoke “power” while the debilitating states he describes as “force.”

It also relates to the idea that “force’ is something that we do which goes against the natural order or even what is most beneficial to us.  Feelings of anger, guilt, revenge and shame are punishing states that disable our ability to function at our best and reach our highest levels of happiness.  And Yoda did understand that:

“Beware. Anger, fear, aggression. The dark side are they. Once you start down the dark path, forever will it dominate your destiny.” 

Our destiny is to follow the positive power that surrounds us and do good, in as many ways as we can.  That power is there for us whenever we need it, but we have to trust in it just like Luke Skywalker did. 

Rest assured all you Star Wars fans – I’m not trashing Obi-Wan and Yoda.  They got the theory right, but I believe their choice of words doesn’t do the “Force” justice.  The power they speak of is just that – an energy for good that is based on principle and meaning which requires no justification as it works to empower and ennoble our civilization. It protects and uplifts for the good of all.  It is real power.

So, to all of you I say – May the Power Be With You.