A utopian planet inhabited by blue aliens? Great for cinematic escapism. But to many, the utopian world of Pandora in the movie Avatar is so perfect, it is hard for them to distinguish between fact and fiction. Movie-goers have admitted to severe depression and suicidal thoughts at not being able to visit the planet Pandora, where the natives live in perfect harmony with nature.
On the website, Avatar Forums, the topic ‘Ways to cope with the depression of the dream of Pandora being intangible’ has more than 1,000 posts.
On a similar site, a depressed fan wrote, ‘When I woke up this morning after watching Avatar for the first time yesterday, the world seemed grey. It just seems so meaningless. I still don’t really see any reason to keep doing things at all. I live in a dying world.’
Or worse, ‘I even contemplate suicide thinking that if I do it I will be rebirthed in a world similar to Pandora.’
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Is a utopian world attainable? I think a better question is, what is utopia to you? To me, an ideal world is within reach, and I believe the key lies in living a truthful, conscious life, one in which we take full responsibility for our actions, give and receive with our full heart, and do work that is meaningful and makes a difference in other’s lives.
“Another world is not only possible, she is on her way. On a quiet day, I can hear her breathing.” Arundhati Roy
Why do some people give up on trying to reach that other world? How many have given up on life, becoming severely depressed because a science fiction movie’s portrayal of nirvana seems too unattainable? I say, focus on what is possible. Look within to your inherent talents and gifts. What are your natural resources, the ones that exist inside you? Ask yourself how you can utilize what you already have and take it to a higher level. I believe in the great capacity for human potential.
Change your thoughts and change your life. What is utopia to you?
