Okay, go with me on this one for fun. My 20 year old son and I just came back from seeing Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker. No spoilers here if you haven’t seen it yet.

I have been a Star Wars fan since the 1st movie came out. Which is technically the 4th movie, A New Hope, but 1st and 4th etc, has always made this whole Star Wars story confusing. Especially if you’ve followed it for 42 years!

When I was 12 years old I saw A New Hope 7 times with my equally enamored friend Olivia. What could have pulled us into such loyalty that lasted, more maturely, for 42 more years?

Personally, as a musician, John Williams is one BIG reason I connected to these movies. His beautiful amazing music elicited emotions at just the right moment. The acting, special effects, and amazing creatures and characters took us to a fascinating new world. But, it was really the story that grabbed us. The underdogs tenaciously persevering through multiple defeats. There were also triumphs, wins, personal growth, humor, self doubt, stress and anxiety. This was a story we could all relate to except the Jedi and rebels were fighting for the galaxy and we earth bounds are persevering through ordinary life. Sometimes not an easy life.

How about the Force that connects everyone and every thing? Who didn’t get goosebumps, come on! Of course we are all connected? After A New Hope came out how many people were trying to use The Force to move objects and change friends minds? Lol

Imagery is a great Mindful tool. For me I have several that pop into my mind during different situations. One image is Yoda. Right? For the most part Yoda was cool, calm collected, observant, not rushed, didn’t react when confronted with badness, but paused to assess and respond by choice. Yoda was also caring and nurturing. What a marvelous combination.

The Jedi concept is such a great example of Mindfulness. Not letting anger, fear, and haste take control of your destiny? How fun is that to think of? Jedi as Mindful Mentors. And finally the other aspect of Mindful Jedi I like is they are also not push overs. Jedi engage in combat, mental or physical, when necessary to defend. But, their overarching philosophy is we are all connected and there will always be more good in the world than not. I like to believe that to.