STOP! If you haven’t seen this
movie, I HIGHLY recommend you watch it and then, of course, come back for this
post to see if you agree with my thoughts! Even so, I will try not to reveal
too much detail for those who'd rather keep reading anyway. ;)
So. Who's seen the movie “Coco” ? I absolutely loved it! For starters, the animation is spectacular. The scenery is authentic, and with some of the characters I even sometimes forgot I was watching animation! Those visuals, combined with great writing and the music that also plays a central role in the movie, make for an authentic, captivating presentation for this touching story.
For me personally, I've also had a special place in my heart for the Spanish language and subsequently the Latin culture ever since I started foreign language classes in High School. I also learned then about the Mexican beliefs and traditions surrounding the "Day of the Dead". As soon as I caught a preview for this Disney/Pixar movie, I couldn't wait to see it, but I loved it even more than I'd expected.
◊ ◊ ◊
Aside from the above, this film had something else that spoke to the
passion of my spirit. That is the big-screen representation of life-after-death
and the ever-important messages revealed through the adventures and discoveries
of little Miguel, the main character.
As the developing story takes viewers from the material to the
spiritual realms, at times depicting both side-by-side, we learn through the
eyes of Miguel's family (on both planes) what the "Day of the Dead"
is really about. Unlike what those unaware may believe, this tradition is not
another name for a "day like Halloween". It is about the belief in a
sacred opportunity for loved ones in two different realms of life to be
together and celebrate their bonds that last long beyond the grave. Miguelito
learns, however, that each year when that special and highly anticipated day
rolls around, only those with an incarnate loved one who remembers them and
puts their picture out on the "ofrenda" (an altar to honor and
welcome the deceased loved ones, as well as to offer food and gifts) are
allowed to make a visit to the "world of the living". The sorrowful
cases of certain discarnates that Miguel finds in the spirit world bring
attention to the plight believed to be endured by those who are instead
forgotten.
While the Spiritist understanding of spirit life differs in some
details from that of the beliefs behind the "Day of the Dead" in
Mexico, one very important, underlying idea is the same - that of the continued
relationships nourished by mutual remembrance! Those we love in the spirit
realm do rejoice in seeing our accomplishments (especially spiritual ones) and
our times of happiness, they support us in our sorrows and trials, and they may
become one of the friendly spirits who offer us guidance as we manage our way
through the material life. At the same time, those who find themselves in a
position of suffering of some kind feel strengthened by our prayers and love.
In any case, when we do want to connect with the spirits in thought, what
matters most is not the time or place but instead the concentration of our
attention and the sincerity of our sentiments. According to Spiritist
teachings, the visits between incarnate and discarnate loved ones is not reserved
for a single day of the year; barring any individual limitations at the time,
our loved ones in spirit can be with and around us at any given moment. Likewise,
as we sleep and our bodies rest, our spirits have opportunities to spend time
with them in the spirit realm.
Indeed, the endearing connections we establish with one another remain,
even when we are temporarily separated by the incarnate state of one and the
discarnate state of another. I really couldn't help but think that while perhaps even those who brought this movie to life
may have simply thought it was great story to take to film, perhaps something
even greater was behind it, influencing its eventual materialization. As more
people begin to see the afterlife as something beyond simply an abstract
existence, I believe the timing was right for the appearance of a movie of this
kind.
◊ ◊ ◊
As we also see in this movie, there was another great lesson learned by
little Miguelito. He came to realize that family is of utmost importance, more
than any fame or fortune. His "abuela" (grandmother) and other family
members tried to tell him so, but with his child's spirit of adventure and his
secret but uncontainable love for music, he needed to follow his dreams and
have the experiences he did to learn this important lesson. In the end, his
adventures took him full circle, back to his "familia" to whom his
albeit stubborn rebellion ultimately brought healing for some long-held
misunderstandings about their past.
Through this heartwarming story, "Coco" offers the world a
wonderful reminder about the treasure of family and a valuable message about
the importance of remembering our loved ones in the spirit realm. Those who
await us "on the other side" indeed think of us and take pleasure in
receiving our warm thoughts and prayers, knowing that we remember them with the
same affection or that we are praying
for them if they are suffering. We are so fortunate to have the body of
knowledge and study that is Spiritism to bring us evidence (if not proof) of
these very principles as a source of comfort and inspiration.
So take this message as inspiration. Let those beloved souls in the
spirit realm know they are on your mind and in your heart.
Blessings to all, today and always
Heather
