Can you believe that the Lion King was released in cinema’s 25 years ago and that it is celebrating 20 years of being on the West End this year.
It is a great film and as with all Disney and Pixar movies there are so many messages that we can take away and even though it is a children’s movie there is always a little something for the adults in the audience.
One of my favourite moments and a key message in the Lion King is around learning from the past.
Do you know the scene?
Simba has just had the realisation that his dad lives on in him and that he has been hiding from his past. He is having a conversation with Rafiki – the wise old baboon!
They talk about how change is good but it’s not easy. Simba says that going back means that he has to face his past and he has been running for it for so long.
Rafiki – then hits Simba with a stick on the head!! When Simba asks him “What was that for?!!”, he replies “Doesn’t matter – it’s in the past”.
Simba then says – “Yes, but it still hurts.”
Rafiki then replies with his key message – “Ah yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it”
We are often defined by our past and the thoughts and memories that we hold onto. How often do we let those thoughts and memories define our future and stop us being who we need to be or who we should be in life?
Our journey is made up of lots of different experiences, however what happened in the past should not impact what path we are on for the future. If you keep repeating or holding onto the past mistakes and memories – you will find yourself on a permanent roundabout – going around in circles and not getting anywhere.
It’s time to let go of the past and any thoughts or memories that are holding you there. That is all they are – a memory. It may hurt, but it doesn’t last, and it is time to learn from that experience and move onto new ones that will help you be the best you can be.
For the clip I am talking about – check out this YouTube video: