The Snowstorm and "Avatar" Thoughts

As I sit in my house, surrounded by a winter wonderland, I get to spend the day in quiet- there are no planes or helicopters flying overhead, just snowflakes quietly falling. I love these kinds of days (as long as I don't have to drive) and can enjoy the beauty of it all.  As I look out my windows, it's as beautiful as "Pandora" outside. The three snow-covered evergreen trees, in front, are a wonder to behold, drooping in thick snow.  

 I went to see "Avatar" over the weekend to see what all the hype was about and "Pandora" was a  beautiful place to "visit" with 3D glasses on.....but I think there are parts of our planet that are just as beautiful, if you are attentive. 

In an interesting article titled "The Avatar Effect," by Jacob Osterhout, he states, Sometimes a movie is more than just a movie. Sometimes a movie is so large in scale, so impressive in scope, so ahead of its time, that it becomes a cultural phenomenon. So it is with "Avatar", James Cameron's latest big budget blockbuster, for which he spent a sum nearly the size of Samoa's gross national product to make. Love it or hate it, the movie cannot be ignored.  That's why I had to see it. The cinematography was amazing, the natural beauty of "Pandora," was other- worldly but the plot was very familiar to me. We've heard that story before.....unfortunately. 

What I found fascinating, is something that my son told me about regarding the movie, that surprised me. Apparently, some fans of "Avatar" better known as "Avatards" "have become so immersed in the movie that they suffer from withdrawal when it ends. People actually get depressed after seeing the movie, some are even suicidal after seeing the film, "due to a longing for the beauty of the fictional planet Pandora." If someone feels "suicidal" definitely seek help, say your prayers and then I suggest you plan a trip to the Grand Canyon National Park, it's natural beauty rivals anything on Pandora, or Niagara Falls or Kauai, Hi.  The Swiss Alps were majestic the last time I saw them. But closer to home I'm pretty awe-struck when I walk on any one of the East Coast beaches, they are beautiful too. And I find the Catskill Mountain range pretty "Pandoraesque." 

There is so much beauty on our own planet, no need to be depressed. As a matter of fact, I'm going to get dressed in winter gear and head outside to clean the snow off my car, even though it's still snowing. I promised my husband I would at least help him with that part of the clean-up. By the way, there are a number of studies which show that people who spend time walking in the sunshine, spending time outside in a natural environment are less depressed and anxious. For all the "Avatards" out there, I suggest you start enjoying Planet Earth. It's a pretty impressive creation. Thanks be to God!

NJA

Hopelessness Is Bad For Your Health

Hopelessness is bad for your health. And it's not too good for your soul either. According to a new study, a "depressed, emotional state-feelings of hopelessness and apathy could have a direct effect on your physical health." A study of stroke survivors found a slower rate of recovery among those experiencing apathy, caring little about themselves and the world around them. Also, a study of healthy middle-aged women found an association between hopelessness and unexpected thickening of the carotid artery, the main blood vessel to the brain. A thickening of this artery can cause a stroke. These findings were reported in the Aug. 27th issue of Stroke. 

Depression, feelings of hopelessness and stress do have physical affects. Many studies support that view. 

There are also numerous studies, which I have read over the years which support the belief that prayer, belief in God, religious rituals and belonging to a faith community gives people hope, it takes away hopelessness, alienation and apathy. That's why people who refuse to believe or take advantage of the many benefits of belief and prayer cause me confusion. Christians as well as believers of other faiths have hope in a God who loves us and cares for us. Our God is a God of hope, a God who can bring good out of bad and bring hope and healing to the most difficult situations. Sometimes we have to be patient, for God's ways and actions cannot be comprehended,  at times we can get a glimpse of God working in our world.  

In these uncertain times we're living through, I don't think there are more important attitudes to have than hope, optimism and trust in God. I'm not sure how people can live without them. They are obviously good for your physical health, good for your soul and good for your relationship with God and others. 

Many people are filled with anxieties and fears, there is a lot to worry about, especially if you have a tendency to worry. But with God all things are possible, with God and through prayer and perseverance, "All will be well," in the words of Julian of Norwich. I believe that, I've seen it work over and over again. God is a God of hope, not despair and anyone who distances themselves from God's love or hope is foolish, in my opinion. 

NJA