Does it take 127 hours to find your idea of happiness?
When it comes to affecting change in one’s life, the 127-hour journey of Aron Ralston proves that it can be achieved by integrating 2 essential elements: Time and Circumstance.
THE FILM ABOUT ARON RALSTON
In Danny Boyle’s biographical film 127 Hours, the protagonist goes through 6 days of forced introspection. Without physical means to escape the situation he is in, Aron Ralston decides to go through the tribulations of self discovery that most other people would never conceive, let alone experience. Aron comes face to face with all the skeletons in his closet: as a brother, a son, a boyfriend and a responsible adult. Each confrontation pounds his ego and destroys the lies that he had told himself. Over the 6 days of confinement, Aron loses himself and gains a new perspective. At the 127th hour, he breaks free from his physical confines and returns to the world as a rejuvenated (although slightly ‘changed’) person who is willing to bear the consequences of his decisions.
The film ends on a high note, where Aron swims in a pool from one end to the other. When he reaches the other side, he raises his head to find his entire world sitting there. His family, his girlfriend and his friends. It is a hallucination (added for cinematic effect) that reinforces the idea that Aron had found his source of happiness. That is, he found his happiness in making those he loved happy. Danny Boyle’s vivid treatment of the subject and the way he has captured the nuances of strained and damaged relationships is quite exemplary, more so because through out the film we only see thing’s from Aron’s perspective (which can become droll if not presented well).
127 Hours is clearly a motivational film, meant to primarily inspire those who feel like they are running away from their problems. Instead of trying to find the best excuse, as Aron had for so many of his problems, it is best to face them head on. As one confronts one’s inner demons, one is freed of the guilt of being accountable to them.
THE TWO ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS
Coming back to the 2 essential elements of facilitation of any kind of change, its important to understand the definition of the first element, time. Here time has a dual connotation. It is meant as the particular time in one’s life where they undertake this exhausting journey of self exploration as well as the duration of time one spends in self exploration. Each of these connotations can be controlled by the individual only to a certain extent.
The particular point in time when one undertakes this journey may or may not be their choice. It may be caused by an unexpected incident or the incidental outcome of an interconnected series of events.
The duration of time one spends in self discovery is a combination of the gravitas of the incident that lead them there and the state of mind one is in. Depending on one’s individual personality, the time spent in contemplation could range significantly. Here, the second essential element plays a key role.
Circumstance is the canvas on which one paints the intricate masterpiece that is their state of mind while introspection.
Under 5 different circumstances, there could be 5 different types of introspection one may go through, thus, painting 5 different masterpieces. Circumstance dictates the physical dimension of the act of introspection. In essence, the situation one finds oneself in designs the timeline of the act of introspection. It peppers the act with challenges and opportunities, making it a fascinating experience.
If one embraces the situation fully and powers through their struggles, one can escape their demons, scarred but matured(just like Aron Ralston). But those who resist its overpowering control will struggle to come to terms with its demanding nature. Consequently, they won’t discover their definition of happiness. This difference can be related to the difference between a student who wants to learn in school and a student who thinks he/she is too good for school.
Both these elements came together perfectly for Aron Ralston to contemplate his own existence and life philosophy. Stuck in a cave in the Grand Canyon, with his right hand stuck between a boulder and a cave wall, Aron was forced to stand in the same place for 127 hours. Initially he was reluctant, but soon, he embraced the situation fully. With hope by his side, he decided to take a stand and live through this unexpected trial.
Using his own urine for hydration and some energy bars for nutrition, over 5 days, Aron confronted his deepest, darkest demons and understood why he had become so distant from those whom loved him dearly. He confronted himself and his reasons for self loathing. He recalled the defining moments of his life, heard invisible cheers, conceived graphic nightmares and experienced fleeting delusions of grandeur. All while while standing in one place for 6 days.
The first breakthrough came on the 5th day. He became clear about his reasons for loving himself more than he loved others. In that moment, his eyes welled up, but he couldn’t cry as there was no water in body to create tears. That moment transformed him. He transformed from being in a constant state of narcissism to embracing humility as the key to his salvation.
Then, at the 127th hour, an epiphany. He had found his source of happiness. He was convinced that his journey was complete and that he had to return to those he had left behind. For it was in their happiness the he would find his own. He had escaped his mental prison. Then, he tore himself away from his physical confines and escaped the physical prison.
According to the news, this incident turned Aron’s life upside down. He gained fame, recognition and the will to continue as a mountaineer. Little is known about his family life, but one can hope that the 127 hours of self discovery had lasting effects on the man’s life.
Happiness and sadness go hand in hand. Once one discovers the source of their happiness, then sadness is only a temporary state of mind, a fleeting visitor, depending on time and circumstance.
