Saw “Mystic Ball” on Sunday night and wow, what a beautiful and inspiring documentary!It’s made by a filmmaker from Ontario named Greg Hamilton. He documents his own physical and spiritual journey as he studies the unique ball sport called “Chinlone” from Myanmar (Burma).
It’s reminiscent of soccer but there are no teams, no competition, no winner or losers. There is just the desire to play with as much heart, focus and beauty as possible. Part meditation, part acrobatic dance and part group sport. Sigh, your heart will dance when you see this film.
But the most remarkable thing to me is that Greg was just following a seemingly simple yet rather unexpected desire to play an extremely localized cultural sport. He had no clue that it would lead to his life's biggest passions and cause such a cascade of manifestations. He did have the insight to begin documenting his journey, but even as a filmmaker, he really did not predict the level of joy, fulfilment and community that this adventure has brought him.
So often, we think that the yellow brick road leading to Oz will begin with dramatic signs. Maybe we are waiting for a massive tornado, a flying house, the killing of an evil witch or the appearance of singing munchkins?
Perhaps.
But lo, it may be just a gentle nudge, a tiny wink.
A minor inkling or random compulsion.
A wee dram of curiosity or a slight urge.
If we don't get mislead by the size or shape of the messenger or message, we can indeed discover our greatest joys by taking the tiniest step forward.
See you in the Emerald City.
xox little woo
