Yoda's Wisdom

Yoda is known for his distinctive way of speaking and his unique words of wisdom in the Star Wars saga. As the ultimate wellness guru and mental master, I turn to his shrewd insight often when in need of guidance. His calm demeanor, centered approach, and stating truth without the fluff is something to aspire to. Amongst his memorable quotes is one we know all too well when Anakin was presented before the Jedi counsel to determine if he should be trained. Anakin stood there, feeling cold and his mind on the separation from his mother, missing her, afraid to lose her. Yoda brings this out to young Skywalker as he states that he senses much fear in him. Not understanding what his thoughts dwelling on his mother had to do with anything, Yoda intervenes quickly with his reply when he exposes that where Anakin's thoughts go has to do with "everything". He states: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering....I sense much fear in you."

While this wisdom is presented in the context of a movie, it is quite relatable to life. Fear is activated when one does not feel secure or safe. Whereas fear gives one a sense of weakness, anger gives one a false sense of power. In this state, it gives rise to instability, vulnerability, and the ego (the identity & reality that one carries or attaches to) feeling threatened. Fear leads to anger because anger feels more powerful than fear. Anger seemingly gives one a sense of power and control over the situation, even if misguided. Anger may also lead one to take action because it feels like there is a sense of focus and purpose when anger is present.

For instance, we see Anakin's fear rise in the movie when he has a vision that he may lose Padmé in childbirth. After losing his mother in death, he cannot bear the thought that he is powerless to stand by and watch this unfold again. To him, even with all of his powers, this is the one thing that he has no control over. It is unthinkable and maddening to the point that he becomes fixated on learning the power to master and cheat death too. He becomes desperate because his fear and anxiety take over, and his anger at not being able to control the outcome leads him to his next step.

Undoubtedly, Anakin's fear is a natural human response to feeling threatened. His visions and imagination lead him to fixate on the worst-case scenario. Interestingly, certain studies show it can be difficult for the brain to differentiate between imagination and reality. The more graphically the mind imagines something, the harder it may be to separate out from the fear that it is actually happening, or that it could happen. Furthering this fact is that the mind does not necessarily search for truth. The mind is inclined to search for information that supports its preexisting bias(es). This is called confirmation bias. The brain actively prioritizes information that confirms existing beliefs over truth, and so it filters reality by cherry picking information. While the brain does this for many reasons, one reason is because it reduces cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance can create discomfort and contribute to fear and anger because when presented with new information that conflicts with one's established belief system, one may be faced with needing to change their behavior. Cognitive dissonance is a large part of self-reflection, personal growth, and self-work.

In alignment with the above knowledge, the root cause of fear is attachment to the outcome, and Anakin is undeniably attached to the outcome - he wants to save Padmé's life no matter the cost. His fear leads to anger, and his anger leads to hate. Anger leads to hate because when anger ruminates in the body it has nowhere to go, and so it leads one into a false sense of entitlement, power, and fixation. The negative energy has now become trapped in the body (chakras/meridians) and distorts them. In turn, this distorts the mind. Thinking becomes polluted as emotions run high and this hatred is so painful that it causes one to suffer. There is no release for it when left to idle on its own, and so the rumination becomes stronger, the feelings of being "right" harden, the distortion intensifies, and suffering now also gets trapped in the energy of the body and mind.

Subsequently, Anakin's fear, insecurities, and his trying to force life to happen in a certain way all lead to his mind aligning with the dark side. His desire for more power does not liberate him, but shackles him to the very power he was meant to destroy. His suffering becomes trapped in the energy of his body and mind, leading him to become attached to the outcome. Suffering leads to attachment because when you are suffering, you will attach yourself to anything that gives you relief, even if that relief is temporary. In turn, attachment leads to the ego trying to force life to go in a certain way.

Too, attachment enhances ego, because one now identifies with the things he is attaching to. The identity gets wrapped up in one's beliefs, other people, things, or the way one thinks that things should be. The more one attaches himself to something, the more it becomes incorporated into the identity. The more that it incorporates with the identity, the greater the chance of losing one's own authenticity. In turn, this leads to a sense of emptiness and chasing the same cycles. Anakin ends up pledging allegiance to the dark side and turns, not only on those that he loved, but he turns also on himself.

If only he would have taken to heart the wise advice of Yoda in the beginning: "Fear is the path to the dark side. Fear leads to Anger. Anger leads to Hate. Hate leads to Suffering". I can only imagine what kind of series we would have had if Anakin would have stayed true to the Light Side. Perhaps he would have embraced that the Light Side has the following attributes of: humility, courage, confidence, calmness, acceptance, curiosity, and bravery. While the Light Side requires more discipline and patience, it leads to self-mastery and true power.

In contrast, the Dark Side has quick energy that is fueled by lower emotions, and it is for those that want to control others instead of learning to harness themselves. While the Light Side takes more time, it can be rewarding to learn how to address one's own ego, release feelings of entitlement, and learn to look at the bigger picture. In turn, one gains greater access to peace because there is a calmness in letting go. There is also acceptance and an openness to learning due to having humility and understanding that just because one thinks something should go a certain way does not mean that it should. In letting go, one opens themselves up to the flow of the universe, where life becomes purposeful and harmonious.

I appreciate exploring this perspective together and I look forward to exploring the next article on the Light Side! As always, I am facilitating and wishing great happiness and stability with you.