Noah, one of the Bible's most obedient characters, is making another comeback. This time, Russell Crowe is asked to build an ark. Just seven years ago, the tale was told in another film, Evan Almighty, starring Steve Carrel and Morgan Freeman. It is a modern day tale that updates the famous story of Noah and the ark. In the movie, Carell plays Evan Baxter, a newly-elected congressman who gets a summons from God, portrayed once again by Morgan Freeman. Evan keeps refusing to go along with the program, but continually finds signs that he is destined to build an ark. A package of wood arrives at his door with a note, "You are to build an ark made of gopher wood." Animals appear out of nowhere, walking two by two, as in the ancient tale. He grows a beard that continues to grow, even after shaving. Eventually, he realizes there is no sense in fighting a divine decree and begins to build an ark in his front yard.
His wife asks, "You want to build a boat?" Evan replies, "It might be something fun for the family. Go sailing on the lake. I don't know. Be great in case it floods or something..." He faces ridicule, then is threatened with abandonment by his family, plus loss of his hard-won job. But something inside of him pushes him to complete the task of building the ark.
There are times when we know we have an compelling urge to do something. It could be to write a book, do humanitarian work in a far-off country, open a coffee shop or move to a small town. Some of us follow our dreams and live our divine purpose, while others give in to the fear of disapproval from important people in our lives. Yet those are the times we really should be following our heart with purpose, with determination and with fearlessness.
In On Becoming Fearless in Love, Work and Life, Arianna Huffington writes:
There are many times we sacrifice our personal truth to go along, be approved of, or just plain be 'nice.' We have so much potential, yet we hold ourselves back... [Through becoming fearless] we can definitely get to the point where our fears do not stop us from daring to think new thoughts, try new things, take risks, fail, start again, and be happy.
It has been said that we are never given a deep desire, or feeling of purpose, without also being given the means to carry that purpose through. How do we connect with that strength that lies within? One way is through the practice of meditation. The benefits of meditation have been widely proven in scientific studies all around the world. Even non-meditators agree they would probably be more calm if they would or could meditate. In this overstimulated society, it can be difficult to unplug. But making the commitment to start the day with a few minutes of quiet meditation or contemplation can quiet thoughts of doubt and fear.
The Internet is filled with free offerings of meditation programs. One such program that speaks specifically to the subject of fearlessness is offered as a collaboration between Mentors Channel and Arianna Huffington. It is, in fact, titled, On Becoming Fearless, a 21 Day Meditation Program. This phenomenal, FREE series begins on Monday, March 31. You will have the opportunity to learn from one of the most fearless women of our time. Give yourself the gift of being able to live your purpose in life, without fear of judgment, opinions or disapproval from others
In Arianna's words, "The impulse to follow the voice not of fear but of our fourth instinct and fight to make the world a better place is as present in our DNA as the drive to improve our own lives. That's why fearlessness -- refusing to be controlled by threats, guilt, blame, even praise and blandishments -- is more than indispensable; it's out true calling as human beings."
Ultimately, Evan, with the aid of his family and the animals that magically appeared, does finish building the ark. And, in true Hollywood fashion, a dam down the river breaks and, without his ark, the town would have indeed been flooded. By listening to his inner voice, by following what he knew to be true, regardless of opinions of the outside world, Evan saved the day. This is the true reward of becoming fearless. Join us on this life-changing journey into fearless with the absolutely fearless Arianna Huffington. You will be so glad you did. Check it out at www.mentorschannel.com.