|
Post by Melissa on Jul 31, 2010 20:17:55 GMT -5
I read this blog by Steven Pressfield (author, screenwriter, etc.) called Writing Wednesdays. He primarily posts about writing-related issues and insights, but I read this one today and it stirred up some thoughts about what I (and many of us) having been doing to Michael's life and memory. For me, this past year has turned Michael from a music industry icon into a human being who represents everything I love, cherish, champion, and respect about life here on earth. He has helped me to recognize and unleash within myself all that I loved about him, which is what Pressfield is getting at I think. Check it out: www.stevenpressfield.com/2010/07/icons-and-iconization/We are all in the act of becoming and I know Michael is proud. Mel
|
|
|
Post by MaryAnn Layton on Jul 31, 2010 21:43:01 GMT -5
Melissa, what a great article! It's so true that not only is he an icon, but Michael is our mentor. And we absolutely have the power within us to follow his lead... to continue his mission to share love, peace and help heal the planet. I may just post my own comment at Steven's article, with an MJ perspective By the way, I'm moving this post to where it fits better. Thanks again! ++++++++ I did it! I just had an incredible urge to comment on Steven's article, and I think I did a pretty good job of explaining the "Michael movement" that Michael inspired in us. Here it is... please comment or add your thoughts. July 31, 2010 Steven, great article! I can truly relate to what you've written, as I know it's all true. I know of one icon that I and millions of others are "idolizing" right now. The icon I'm referring to is Michael Jackson. Let me explain... that sad and shocking day that he passed awoke an urgency in a few of us (and I'm talking thousands from all over the world) to run to our computers and watch and listen to every video, read every interview, every newsworthy article, every authorized book, including looking past the tabloid lies and absurd media bias. I watched this "Michael movement" grow with my own eyes, as the internet was flooded with shock, sadness and sometimes rage. In short, doing our due diligence we learned just who this man really was. Since then, we've naturally come to idolize him as our mentor, as well as worship (your word) and love him (ours). From our research, we found out that his sole purpose on earth was to help others, especially the children. His biggest wish was to share love, bring peace, and help heal this unhealthy planet. So then, how could we not rightly take up his cause? Many of us banded together, formed groups, built forums as I've done (MJ's Army), to continue his mission where he cannot. He has absolutely inspired us, and it is a beautiful thing to see. So I know firsthand, we are empowered to not only become more like him, but to see his vision through, and in so doing, we are changed for the better, forever, and all because of one man, an icon. Thank you for this opportunity to share!
|
|
|
Post by catharina59 on Aug 1, 2010 5:32:16 GMT -5
Mal, really, really very well said and it is touching to hear so much love and happiness in it; it was his main goal, isn't it ?! to build our hearts with joy and laughter and to learn us to live from the heart! Thnak you for writing all this to this journalist, well done! Love you Catharina
|
|
|
Post by catharina59 on Aug 1, 2010 5:43:53 GMT -5
Thank you Melissa, for sharing this article and your inspiring comments on it; it gives material to bite in, to develop our selves along it! love catharina
|
|
|
Post by MaryAnn Layton on Aug 1, 2010 10:08:56 GMT -5
Thank you Catharina! You are a very wise woman. I take my inspiration from your insights and those of other members here, and that's how I've been growing as a person, and growing my spirit. And it's all thanks to Michael for turning my life in this direction! When I wrote my passionate comments to Steven Pressfield, it came straight from the heart. It's what I just had to do, or I would burst!
|
|
|
Post by Melissa on Aug 3, 2010 14:39:01 GMT -5
I'm glad some of you responded to this! Fantastic comments for Steven, Mal. You write about the phenomenon succinctly and with passion. The only thing I would add (and I've sensed this more and more the longer I watch his videos, interviews, etc.) is how HUMAN he has become for me, rather than an icon (which of course, he still is). But to us, he has become so much more real and tangible and that's what motivates us ... that empowerment of knowing he was only human, with the same vulnerabilities and flaws that we have, yet he still accomplished more than many of us can even conceive of.
During the 30th Anniversary Celebration in 2001, I recall Gregory Peck saying something about him that really struck me: "He is what the French like to call a monstre sacre (a sacred monster). Someone who can get up by himself, who's completely unique, and who can share his innermost feelings -- his happiness and his pain and his problems -- with 10, 20, 30,000 people."
He publicly achieves an intimacy that makes you feel as if he's speaking/singing to you directly. That's what turned him into a human being for me. That's what I fell in love with.
Anyhow, I ramble! Much love to you all. Mel
|
|
|
Post by MaryAnn Layton on Aug 3, 2010 17:13:21 GMT -5
Thanks Mel. Yes this is how I see Michael, as human, because I did my research and got to know who he really was as a person. I know he's a music icon too, but I don't focus on that part... except that I had to mention it because it was Steven's focus.
|
|
|
Post by Melissa on Aug 7, 2010 15:42:17 GMT -5
I thought I would post Steven Pressfield's follow-up to his post about Iconization: www.stevenpressfield.com/2010/07/icons-and-iconization-part-two/He engages with the comments from readers and moves the discussion into emulation vs. iconization, which is what I think we're all moving towards here. And Mal, the movement in your Michael connection from that of a parent-child relationship to one of equality and affection seems to be proof of this growth in you. Emulating a master/mentor and coming into your own power. This is what I'm after as well! Love, Mel
|
|
|
Post by MaryAnn Layton on Aug 9, 2010 2:32:28 GMT -5
I agree, Mel. It's not easy to emulate Michael, but I'm trying. He has inspired me personally in so many ways, to be more like him, to treat others like he did, to share love like he did. I think you're right on about my latest connection with Michael. I have to admit, I really LIKE the way he looks at me now! Mal Note from Admin: To read my latest connection called "I am growing," go to the Connections With Michael topic.
|
|