Monday, January 23, 2012

JANE'S JOURNEY Movie Review


I first saw the trailer for this film at the local independent movie theatre.  I'm a huge animal lover and was immediately attracted to the theme of this documentary.  Yet, I knew very little about Jane Goodall and I was so impressed with this inspirational biopic I now want everyone to see it.

It was enlightening to learn how much Jane Goodall has significantly impacted the fields of animal research and wildlife conservation.  She is described in the film as magnetic, unique, tough as nails, a walking angel, and a beautiful soul.  I would call her a true heroine that is living her dharma.  It's awe-inspiring that she had a vision at only ten years old to go to Africa and study animals.  In her early twenties, she manifested this dream even though she had little money and didn't know how.  Her mother told her that if you want something you will find a way to make it happen.  Jane's strong intention coupled with the divine will of her calling connected her to people and places that would transform her life.

Jane's story is absolutely fascinating.  From the soulmates she attracted, to her rocky relationship with her son, and from her solitary life in the jungle to traveling to be with millions of people 300 days a year, she is truly a colorful character especially at the age of 71.  You'll have to watch the film to get a sense of Jane's life and persona but she brings new meaning to what Les Brown calls "an energy signature".  Jane is kind, calm, sweet, gentle, pure, authentic, grounded, passionate, wise, loving, and a fighter.


She describes her own journey as one of carrying the peace she found in the African forest in her heart.  She said she found her spiritual home in nature and she reflects on the timelessness, healing, and inter-connected feeling we can receive from Mother Nature.  Her love for our environment is tangible and a powerful force that has had a ripple effect on everyone she comes into contact with through her talks, books, and work.

Jane asks us an important question.  If we are the most intelligent of the species, then why are we destroying our only home?  She believes we aren't thinking about future generations and she places her hope in the Planet's youth to help us all wake up and change.  She encourages the children she works with to make a difference and to pay attention to the impact we have on our world.

Hope is Jane's constant companion and the gift she carries with her as she travels the globe.  Her other travel buddy is her famed monkey stuffed animal which millions have touched as an inspirational totem gifted by the blind magician Gary Horn.  In the last couple decades, Jane has set-up worldwide programs like Roots & Shoots and the Jane Goodall Institute.  She is changing lives around the planet and making a difference in over 100 countries.

I couldn't help but reflect on how fitting Jane's last name is - she truly does GOOD by ALL.  I also couldn't help but think about the starfish story which to me is the metaphor of Jane's life.  The story goes....a  boy was on a beach littered with thousands of starfish and a man asked him why he was throwing them all back into the water because he would never be able to make a difference as there were too many.  The little boy responded with picking up another starfish from the sand and throwing it back into the ocean and saying "it made a difference to that one". 

Jane and this documentary show us that we ALL can do GOOD and make a difference.  She wants us to learn that we must live in peace and harmony with each other and with the natural world.  She won't stop until her time comes either.  We all have much to learn from this environmental rockstar that shines so brightly we can't help but be magnetized to her story and mission.  In my opinion, she is a walking heroine, a true inspiration, and a mirror for the power of the human spirit.

My mission is similar to Jane's in that we both believe in "stories that enable you to give a message to the outside world" as she speaks about in her documentary.  If I ever get tired or frustrated on my path I will think of Jane in her 70s fulfilling her dharma and I'll remember to just keep going because the world needs us!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire
Kate Neligan
Founder/CEO Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Top 10 Synergistic Movies of 2011

What is a synergistic movie?  It's a movie where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts and all of the elements are woven together to create a beautiful story, impressionable characters, and meaningful messages.  These are my favorite mindful films of 2011 that have heart and at their core -entertain, enlighten and inspire.













10. THE GREEN LANTERN
A comic book action movie wouldn't always make a top ten list of mindful movies but this one has an important take-away lesson to feel the fear and do it anyway and shows us that superheroe films can also be spiritual!












9. MY RUN
A fantastic documentary about courage, perseverance, and family.  Nothing could be more inspiring than watching an older man who lost his wife and looks like Santa Clause run 75 consecutive marathons in 75 consecutive days all in honor of single parents.


8. MIDNIGHT IN PARIS
Woody Allen delivered a smart, unique love story that reminds us that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found in the present moment.


7.  I AM
A powerful documentary about who we truly are and how we can live from our authentic selves instead of the trappings of the ego mind.


6. WAR HORSE
Albeit violent at times, this stunningly beautiful and poignant film deserves recognition for bringing the preciousness of horses to the forefront and showing the world the power of love and the truth of our inter-connectedness.



5. DISCOVER THE GIFT
A somewhat unknown documentary because the producers want you to discover it the way they want you to discover your own inner gifts which once uncovered force us to blossom into our best selves just like the lotus on their beautiful poster.












4. THE HELP
Based on an excellent best-selling book, this surprise hit of the year sheds light on racism while also highlighting how the freedom of speech and a brave young woman can change the world.


3. BUCK
This psychological documentary about a sensitive and loving soul named Buck whose gentle compassion transforms the lives of the horses and people he touches.


2. CATCHING DREAMS
Although this film was made in 2008 it was showcased at the Feel Good Film Festival in 2011 and chronicles the life journey of one man pursuing his dreams to perform in Cirque Du Soleil despite all odds.


1. WARRIOR
Lionsgate's best film of the year moves audiences to healing tears as it tackles the themes of forgiveness, redemption and victory inside a broken family ready to be made whole.

Some of the 2012 mindful movies to watch are:  BRAVE, SECRETS OF LOVE, THE WAYSHOWER, JOYFUL NOISE, and A THOUSAND WORDS.

Which ones would you add to this list?! Do you disagree with any choices? Share your thoughts!

Entertain - Enlighten - Inspire
Kate Neligan
Founder & CEO, Synergy TV & Mindful Media Entertainment LLC