Way of the Peaceful Warrior - The Power of Self Awareness and Inner Belief

Way of the Peaceful Warrior (2006) is one of my 3 favorite feel good movies (the other two are The Color Purple and What the Bleep Do We Know) because it clearly demonstrates how Self Awareness and Inner Belief are the catalyst for positive life transformations.  The film exemplifies the importance of believing in oneself and the power of  cooperation when creating a life filled with inner happiness and personal achievement.

Way of the Peaceful Warrior also adopts an outlook of gratitude and appreciation for the special gift of life which is critical for creating and choosing the daily experiences so many of us say we want but can’t have! 

Way of the Peaceful Warrior - Peaceful Heart, Warrior Spirit

Way of the Peaceful Warrior is a semiautobiographical story based on the bestselling book by Dan Millman.  The film stars Nick Nolte as the sage nicknamed “Socrates” who brings clarity to the life of Millman, played by actor Scott Mechlowicz, after he is injured in a motorcycle accident.  The accident forces Millman to come to terms with the realization that his once perfect “outer life” has forever changed and those around him are convinced he will never be able to regain what he has lost.  

During physical rehabilitation Millman struggles with understanding why he was so unhappy even when he had so many material blessings.  He was always told by others that money, women and popularity are life’s most important components.  In response, “Socrates” says to Millman, “They don’t want you to find your own answers; they want you to find theirs.”  This quote demonstrates my belief that our inner voice is the true pathway to happiness. 

Millman’s inner demons are further exposed during the rehabilitation process as he is taught by Socrates that, “The battles we fight are on the inside” and “This is the only moment that matters.” Once again the movie emphasizes the universal fact that the only moment we truly have any control over is the now. So no matter what life has in store for you, never lose sight of the prize, focus on the power of the now and more importantly never give up on your dreams!

Millman finally succeeds in regaining many aspects of his previous life only to experience what normally would be a traumatizing loss (I don’t want to give away the end of the movie).  During this critical moment he experiences a shift of consciousness that transcends him from a world of materialistic beliefs to a world of inner peace.  Each one of us carries this same gift with us at all times.  So go out and watch the movie or read the book to see what you might be missing.

Namaste,

San Dan Yi