About This Lesson

The day of the speeches, Milton is fearful as he arrives at school. Before entering the school, he finds a quiet place and is able to become present by observing the sky and the spaciousness that surrounds him. Returning to a moment of presence and stillness helps him overcome his fearful state of mind and get on with his day.

A bit later Milton and Carter have an altercation in the bathroom. At that moment, Milton realizes that Carter is also full of fear and this realization leads Milton’s fear of Carter to almost evaporate as he becomes aware that his reality is the same as Carter’s. This realization frees Milton as he’s able to see that what motivates the bully is also a dysfunctional state of consciousness, also fear. The animosity between them subsides and another dimension enters their relationship.

Next we see that Carter, just before he gives his speech, is very vulnerable, almost loving, which is something that his excessive anger has previously covered up. We understand that this tenderness has been totally obscured by his conditioning of being brought up in the negative environment of his home. In many ways, more consciousness entered the lives of all the characters in the movie, including Carter. By the end of the movie the flowering of consciousness has taken root in the family and their surrounding community. Once an awakening like this has started, it will continue and presence will arise more strongly. By the end of the film, things look quite promising.

1When talking about spaciousness, what does Eckhart mean when he says that “sometimes you need to start on the outside and then realize it is also within you?”

2How do you think Milton was triggered to have a compassionate response to Carter when he was giving his speech? (i.e., When Milton was off stage saying, “Just breathe.”)

3How did Milton’s compassionate response help him overcome his own fear?