Here's to the Forrest Gump in all of us

Published 04 August 07 01:18 AM | Beth Patterson 

As we made homemade grapefruit/ginger/mint sorbet last night, ate it out of the Donvier, and re-watched Forrest Gump with our brother Mike's family last night, I was struck with a deep longing to be Forrest...Forrest Gump.  (This is a live link to a photo gallery on the IMDB website with pictures from the movie).

I want to be that simple, that loving, that utterly un-moved by all the distracting goings-on. 

Jenny's trust in Forrest was one of the things that touched me in this, my 4th or 5th viewing of the movie.  While Jennys' life was marked by abuse from her girlhood on, she knew from the minute she met him that Forrest was to be trusted.   It is an interesting complexity of this beautifully done movie, that from the earlier days when Jenny was Forrest's protector, that role shifted  and transformed, so that as Jenny grew into herself, she realized that Forrest was her strength.  The deep, soul-work of Forrest's love for her transformed her pain so that it did not have to be transmitted out into the world, and more importantly, to their son.  What an amazing gift his simple, enduring love was for her.

There's some prose by Ralph Waldo Emerson that rings through my life. 

"To laugh often and much. To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition; to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived: this is to have succeeded."

By these standards, Forrest's life was a raging success.   

This week I had a dream, and the part of it that seems to relate to this post is that I traded my home in Bend, Oregon for an old Airstream on the banks of the John Day River (an ancient river that winds through the desert of central Oregon).  The structure was nothing, but the land around it was covered in wild and cultivated flowers of all kinds, and the river ran through it all.  I was ecstatic with my choice, and in such peace, that I awoke in tears of joy.  This is the peace that I seek with all my heart: to make choices that are based on my soul's yearnings (or 'sehnsucht').

I want the Forrest Gump in me to become stronger and the part of me that cares what the rest of the world thinks to lessen its hold. 

We would love to hear from you--you have to 'join', and then you can comment to the blogs, or post stories of your own, and you are encouraged to do so!

Love, without reservation, and with a heart afire this morning with wildflower essence--

Beth, VTH Host

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# lizhere123 said on August 4, 2007 5:34 PM:

:-)  thank you for sharing the effect the movie had on you, Beth.  

I've watched that movie so many times, and still, last night, it struck me.  does every time.  Last night on the drive home, one of my brothers made the comment, "think about what the world would be like if everyone was like Forrest."  I think we could all use a little more "Forrest, Forrest Gump" in us.  :-)  

# Maria said on August 8, 2007 10:10 AM:

The image of the sea of colorful flowers surrounding the Airstream as the John Day angles through it all was so peaceful and lovely.  I'm taking that with me this morning as I go on my meditation walk.  Perhaps a visit to the John Day would be a good thing.  Thank you again for your faithfulness to this website and to your own journey - you are an inspiration as always.  With love, Maria

# Meech said on September 2, 2007 5:10 PM:

Forrest Gump is, indeed, one of my favorite movies.  My very favorite part of this is when he's standing over Jenny's grave at the end... talking to her.  And perhaps it's because of his "ignoranace" that he is always able to see right to the heart of all the situtations he encounters.  But when he's talking to Jenny, he says,

"I don't know if Momma was right or if it's Lieutenant Dan. I don't know if we each have a destiny, or if we're all just floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I, I think maybe it's both. Maybe both is happening at the same time."

To be able to see that clearly and just take it as it comes... that's dancing.

Thank you Beth!

# Beth Patterson said on September 3, 2007 10:16 AM:

Hi Michelle-sojourning-in-the-land-of-Berkeley!

(Note Michelle's post from 9/2/07 about 'Dis-Orientation'--her first post after actually landing at seminary.  She has been posting notes from her pilgrimage for the last few months on this site.  Look for 'Michelle's Pilgrimage Series' posts.)

Here's some 'random' thoughts: Forrest's quote that you mention seems pretty applicable to your state of being right now--you're plunked down like a pebble in the pond of life there, and whether it's destiny or something else, it's a powerful release of energy and potential for your growth...and for your communities--as we both 'hold' you and bear witness to your struggles.

You are loved.  And, contrary to what your heart may be  saying right now--your very own interior Forrest Gump, with his fool's heart (high praise!) is alive and well and ready to guide you.

Love--

Beth, VTH Host

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About Beth Patterson

The Virtual Tea House website became 'word-ripe' when, over a cup of jasmine green, I realized that the web has an expanding part to play in the communal aspects of spiritual growth.
One of my favorite hats, among several is: initiated firekeeper in the Sacred Fire Community. Hosting a monthly community fire circle, I'm being taught that the simple act of sitting around a fire with the intent of holding open-hearted space makes for some soulful community!
With a master's degree in religion, my career spans 20 years in end of life care and I currently work in the field of child abuse intervention and advocacy.
Here in beautiful Central Oregon, my spiritual homes of the high desert and the mountains are both in proximity. And for good measure, four hours away is Grandmother Ocean and the stunning Oregon Coast.
I'm making decent progress on the goal set by my mother early on: she taught us that the goal of humanity should be to become ever-more eccentric, i.e. more fully human.
Entering the 'forest-dweller' phase of life, I am honored to host the Virtual Tea House for all who wish to explore how our lives are enriched and made new a thousand times each day by the spirituality we embody. Exploring this engagement together is the purpose of the Virtual Tea House.
Welcome! Let's have a cup of virtual tea together and share what brings us joy, what we are being taught by life, how we are leaning into the Big Questions posed to us each day in sometimes 'distressing disguises'.

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