Spirituality and Nature From Disney

Disney, as we know it, is an empire that signifies true American Capitalism. It has taken over our childhoods and seems to stick with us as we age. From Disney movies we learn valuable lessons on friendship, family, and that "good" always conquers. We are instilled with this idea that nature is at the very core of who we are and that we are "one." This sense of spirituality we find in nature in fact can be connected with the movies that as children, we not only watch but in which we are totally immersed.

Pocahontas focuses heavily on the reliance of nature and the respect that must be given to it in order to maintain a healthy world balance. Grandmother Willow offers advice and Pocahontas is told to listen to the wind and to listen to her heart, where she will find the answers. The Lion King does just the same, explaining that there is a natural order that must be followed and that that order must be respected. The Lion King also emphasizes the need to look into yourself to find the answers.

Recently Disney has created a film as part of their DisneyNature series. The movie Oceans allows the viewer to meditate on the wonders of the world and to reflect upon the connections made between humans and this other world. This idea of sharing or being "one" and how we each need the other to have a balanced world and balanced self is the take home message.  From these movies we are taught to believe that nature and spirituality within embodies us and that when the heart is followed, good prevails. These are the lessons we teach our young and carry with us throughout life. Unfortunately some get caught up in the struggles of life and materialism and tend to stray away from this bond. Perhaps, as Disney suggests, that is why the world is unbalanced.