It’s kind of ironic that I moved to Kansas from New York less than two years ago and I am writing an article on The Wizard of Oz!
I absolutely love that movie, but what I love most are all the lessons weaved throughout. To me, the entire film is a metaphor for the spiritual journey and transformation that we must go through to reach a state of Oneness. Try to notice if you can see your own reflection in these metaphors.
1. Dorothy
We are all seekers. If you have ever believed that everything would be better if only you were in a different place, with different people, or under different circumstances – you are not alone. We are all seeking to create our heart’s desire. For Dorothy, she wanted to go back home to Kansas. But for the rest of us, it may be starting a business, getting a new job, going on a vacation or writing a book. Dorothy represents the seeker in us that is constantly searching to better our selves and our lives – embrace the search and where it may lead you.
2. Scarecrow
We all have intellect. The scarecrow represents the part of us that doesn’t trust that we have what it takes. How many times have you questioned yourself before embarking on something new and uncomfortable? How many times have you questioned your competence? Every time that you do, you are simply being the Scarecrow. At the end of the movie, the Scarecrow turns out to be the wisest man in Oz. The lesson to learn if you relate to the Scarecrow? You are the wisest man or woman in your world if you’d only believe in yourself.
3. Lion
We all have courage. But we are afraid to use it. The Cowardly Lion had courage all along yet he didn’t realize that he had the means to access it. Fear will always be there and it’s up to you to choose courage. You have the courage to do whatever you want, and no one can take that away from you.
4. Tin man
We all have heart. When we need to have more love and compassion for others and ourselves, we call upon our own Tin Man. The Tin Man represents Dorothy’s emotional growth. It’s painful at first for her to realize and accept that she is experiencing all of these emotions, but part of her journey to find herself and “home” is to release her inner child and mentally develop. It is only when she grows emotionally that she has the ability to think and see clearly.
5. Witch
We all have limiting beliefs. The question is, “Are you going to let it stop you?” The Wicked Witch did her hardest to scare Dorothy along every step of her journey. Her ultimate goal was to shake her courage, heart, and intellect. It’s normal to have limiting beliefs. However, it is a choice whether to listen to them and be dictated by them. Thank goodness for Glenda the Good Witch and her positive energy. Despite all of the negative beliefs never forget that “you’ve always had the power within you.”
6. Wizard
We all have a mind. But sometimes, we give it too much control over our decisions. Dorothy wanted to get back home and she was being influenced by her “mind”, aka the Wizard. At the end of the movie she realized that she had the answers that she needed all along to get back “home”. Often we let the voice of doubt in our heads influence us as opposed to our heart. While the mind is very important in helping us function on a day-to-day basis, let’s not forget that when it comes to matters of the soul…listen to your heart.
7. Emerald City
We search outside of ourselves for the Truth. Dorothy followed the Yellow Brick Road to Emerald City, convinced that she would find what she was looking for – the truth. In the end, she realized that Kansas had always been inside of her, in fact – just three clicks away! Have you ever thought of that “one day” when you arrive to a certain place or achieve a specific goal that would fulfill you and make you happy? Happiness and fulfillment is right now, right here, existing within you if only you would tap your ruby slippers.
What do you think of these metaphors for transformation and of spiritual journey? Can you relate to one character more than the other? I would love to hear where your “three clicks” would take you if you had the opportunity.
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Vasavi Kumar is a personal coach and an expert in transforming the internal conversation that her clients have. She believes that true success begins with knowing who you truly are. After battling with a diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder for 10 years, and allowing that to define the perception of herself, Vasavi now knows one thing for sure…that only you can define YOU!
Visit sourceofyoursuccess.com to learn more about her newest coaching program.
