Life in the Land of Oz

I recently took a trip to the Land of Oz. Ok, not literally, but my daughter was cast as a Munchkin and Winkie in a recent theatre production by CPAC (a local theatre company).

This was my first experience with theatre and I have to admit I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was blessed to find that everyone involved was wonderfully supportive, as well as being super talented (and I am sure that there is a future Hugh Jackman in there!). There was a real sense of family and cooperation with everyone.

Why am I even writing about this? Because for a while now I have started to meet people that I usually wouldn’t have the chance to meet.  There are so many wonderful people out there and because of the choices I have recently made I am getting to meet and get to know people from different walks of life.

Now back to the Land of Oz.  Anyone that knows the story line of The Wizard of Oz (and I’d be surprised to find anyone that didn’t), knows that Dorothy goes on an adventure to the Land of Oz.  There she befriends Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion and together they go on a journey to find the Wizard of Oz so that she can find a way to get back home to Kansas.

But this story is so much deeper than just an “adventure” story. It is filled with metaphor and meaning and if you care to know more, please read on…

It’s is not about a girl that gets blown away by a tornado into another land, it’s about a girl who goes on a personal journey of self-discovery to connect to her own wisdom, love and courage.

Through Scarecrow she learns all about wisdom. This is wisdom that resides within her higher self, and not wisdom she learns from others.  When we look within, our resources are unlimited.  We begin to trust our intuition and feelings and act on these with confidence.

Through Tin Man she must find the love that resides within. By learning that love comes from within and radiates out, we start to live life with compassion both for ourselves and others.

And through Lion she must find courage. Courage to live her life authentically and true.  By finding this courage within we too begin to live life on our own terms as the individuals we are meant to be.

And there is no mistake in the Emerald City being called that either.  Emerald green is the colour of our heart chakra.  It is where we all must find our own wisdom, love and courage.  Activating this chakra as the bridge between our higher and lower selves.

The Wizard represents the outward focus we often have that someone else can fix our problems. And even if they say they can, ultimately, it always comes back to you and your decisions.  Only you have the power to heal yourself. You can look for guidance in the outside world. You can look to others to tell you what you have to do, but ultimate growth happens when you look within and find your “home” within yourself.

So next time you watch the Wizard of Oz, look beyond the surface of a fantastic story.  Instead look within and see where maybe you need to activate your wisdom (Scarecrow), your love (Tin Man) or your courage (Lion) and once you do you will find that there really is magic in the world!

And when you find your Scarecrow, Tin Man and Lion, why not go on your own journey and expand your life.  Join a theatre company, start a course or join a sporting team.  Whatever it is, go out there and meet new people and have new experiences.  Life really is a journey, an adventure and to really live life you need to get out there, outside your comfort zone and see what life has to offer you.

Until next time remember, happiness starts with a smile! ☺