Wednesday, July 08, 2009

Tip#272: How Sorrow Connects – Michael Jackson Memorial – Deep Impact


Grieving is a cause to feel sorrow. In times of extreme loss, feeling that loss can help you release emotions that can connect you with others.

The memorial for Michael Jackson was a worldwide event on July 7, 2009 and seen live on TV by millions around the world. I was one of those many people and was deeply touched by the eulogies that were given.

I was mostly effected by seeing and hearing Jackson's 11 year old daughter Paris for the first time. Her heartbreaking message for her father affected me in a way that I could only express in the form of shared tears. The media would later replay Paris's message over and over again and I was still moved every time. See here

In those times of sharing Paris's pain and sorrow I would think about the last movie I saw with my own father before he passed away without warning. The movie was called Deep Impact and it would allow us both to connect during the tragic parts of the story.

Deep Impact

The film Deep Impact is about how people prepare for a comet's collision with the Earth. Starring Robert Duvall, Tea Leoni and Morgan Freeman as the US President it was much more than just a disaster movie. It was about how precious life is and the importance of family.

I remember one heart-wrenching scene where a young daughter had to say goodbye to her parents in order to survive a fast approaching tidal wave. My father was next to me sobbing. We both cried watching this scene and I'll never forget that moment. Looking back I am grateful we were able to share this emotional experience.

Today whenever I see this movie it has the irony, in its title, of having a deep impact on my spirit. It reminds me that any sorrowful event, whether real or cinematic can bring people together.

So if you are feeling an emotional trigger to events such as Michael Jackson's passing, his daughter's message or your own personal losses allow yourself to FEEL it. Feel the emotions being stirred up within you and express it if you can.

Through releasing what you feel, you are making a connection to your authentic self and you can make meaningful connections with others around you. This is the silver lining in tragedy - it brings people together.

See Jermaine Jackson's beautiful performance of the song "Smile" dedicated to his brother, Michael. See here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Specialist
www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2009

5 comments:

Candice Frederick said...

I must see this movie now. My heart burst into tears yesterday for hours during the MJ's memorial and even after that as the media replayed the memorial and various scenes and photos from it. We must cherish each day that is given to us and truly learn to love one another and not knock each other down. R.I.P. Michael. You are sorely missed by your fans, like myself, and family alike.
And I agree one of the more emotional parts of the memorial was hearing Paris speak about her beloved father. We must all treasure the ones we love.

Emmanuel Lopez - Motivatorman said...

Thanks for you comment Candice and hope you enjoy Deep Impact. Not to be confused with Armageddon movie that came out around same time.

Emmanuel
Motivatorman

Anonymous said...

Hi Emmanuel,
I agree with everything you said about Michael Jackson's Memorial. The song SMILE is so relevant today even though it was written many
decades ago."Man In The Mirror" also had an impact on me and still does.

I lost my father too in 2002. Your analogy with regards to Deep Impact
was spot-on. You have a great and unique talent.

A.P.

Anonymous said...

Very thoughtful blog. Thank you for encouraging and reminding us all to FEEL.

Moxo

Anonymous said...

That’s Too nice, when it comes in india hope it can make a Rocking place for youngster.. hope that come true.