"You want a prediction about the weather, you're asking the wrong Phil. I'll give you a winter prediction: It's gonna be cold, it's gonna be grey, and it's gonna last you for the rest of your life."
Phil
Groundhog Day 1993
As a tribute to Mr. Punxsutawney Phil; I had to bring back this classic, routine themed, jargon filled dissertation of the groundhog's ideology and existential hope of weather. I believe that weather is of constant caliber with people. It dictates the day more than we realize, and sets the tone of the day the more we listen to the forecast.
Do you forecast your day based on weather?
I posted this film previously when I embarked on this movie quote competitive outlook excursion; oh a few 3 or 4 months ago. It was posting #19 and I discussed routine, and highlighted the quote:
“What would you do if you were stuck in one place and every day was exactly the same, and nothing that you did mattered? ” -Phil
I think about routine, the way we get up each day to satisfy some sort of agenda; some sort of plan, and how it becomes redundant if we don't try to add a little thunderstorm or sunshine to it. The groundhog gives us a premonition, or perhaps an insight into the season in which preempts us to act in a certain way, shape or form.
According to legend, if Punxsutawney Phil sees his shadow, there will be six more weeks of winter weather. If he does not see his shadow, there will be an early spring.
Why do we seek tradition and routine in superstition? Why are we determined to predict the future?
I have to admit, the groundhog as always been correct. Yet, what was the protocol beforehand, before we knew weather had a predicting element?
Groundhog Day the film, wasn't necessarily about the the "rat" as Phil calls it. It was about an arrogant man; a weather man to be exact, who grew tired of reporting the groundhog's shadow and the effect of the next meteorological myth. Was Phil in for his own disliking? It is interesting to know that sometimes we compete knowing what is relevant; and ignoring what is rubbish, because we are stubborn.
The question is; do you buy into the groundhog philosophy?
Superstition or not; philosophy or jargon; immediate gratification or solitude, people want to think they have control of their routine.
I follow a plan, I maintain my routine, but, I realize that sometimes going off plan, taking a detour, or enlisting a few more drops of rain; creates humble reality. People need to feel in control. Weather is out of our control and its okay to fall into tradition, its okay to fall comparable to a shadow, and predict it's recourse.
I used to chase my shadow as a kid; I used to listen to the weather because my dad was so into forecasts and barometric pressure. Weather is like personality; we tend to layer on the clothes when its cold and stormy; and take off our layers when its sunny and warm.
Weather is naturally unique; routine is creatively planned.
Chase your shadow today; see what lies ahead for you; or behind you. You never know.. you could be in for a few extra winter weeks or preparing for an early spring. It's just a shadow; but remember; you are the one in the reflection of your own routine.
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Comments
Great film.
I see it as something much simpler. First, a laboratory to test the unshakable belief that if only we had taken a different path, our lives would have been better. Instead of a single 'do over' -- we get infinite do overs.
This is simply about redemption. The 'what if' question that was raised in the George Bailey flashback (It's a Wonderful Life) on steroids. We get to see how a man choses to live in his present, having been given total knowledge of the consequences of any action.
Brilliant.
Great insight, rated.
also, very insightful and wise...of course, the question left is what about those who chase their shadows everyday?
Thanks Nick! Well thought out comment.
Kylie... the shadows we chase each day are ever-changing. Its when we stop to catch the shadow we've become, is when we stop chasing shadows of others. Great thought. Thank you.
Sorta makes you think you have no real control over your life, doesn't it? Think of the thousands of people who could impact your life every day. A drive to the store... probably 50 people pass you in cars, on foot, behind the cash register. Each one of them could change your life forever. In a five minute trip to the store.
Scary.