January 2010: Invictus
Invictus: Wishing you an “Invincible” year
“I am the master of my fate
I am the captain of my soul”
William Ernest Henley, 1875
While spending the Christmas holidays in South Africa, I got to see the movie “Invictus” in my home land. I was so touched to see this wonderful portrayal of my former president and hero - Nelson Mandela, more affectionately known as Madiba. Having had the privilege of meeting him in South Africa shortly after his release, I can tell you from personal experience, that he really is an exceptional person. I had stayed up half the night before meeting him preparing something to say to him. In that moment that he walked up to me, I went totally blank and remained speechless for the remainder of the experience. His amazing aura and gracious presence had me awestruck and left me quiet and listening only.
What I continuously wonder about this man is - how does someone spend 23 years in prison and emerge preaching love and peace?
Madiba has shown that living through pain and suffering can be a transformational experience, but for many of us the hurt would result in negativity and bitterness. So what makes the difference?
In this movie, Madiba credits the poem Invictus with helping him keep perspective and helping him align his attitude. He states in the movie,
“I am the captain of my soul. Nobody can take that from me”.
Madiba held very closely to this inspiration. He also had a cause for which he was living. Because he endured the very tough times and grew in stature and grace during his time of suffering, he was able to exercise great influence over the nation on his release.
My hope for you in 2010 is that you will have a peaceful and growth-filled year. If you face times of uncertainly and pain, I hope that you too will be sustained, that you will find support and that this poem or great leader might inspire you.
Blessings,
Kathryn
Poem: Invictus by William Ernest Henley, 1875
Movie: Invictus, 2009. Warner Brothers. Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon. Directed by Clint Eastwood