As a life coach and independent filmmaker I was inspired to make a short film called MYSTIC COFFEE. MYSTIC COFFEE is about a wise and magical barista who offers advice along with her beverages.
As various customers approach the counter to order their drinks, the Mystic Barista puts on a magic ring and becomes enlightened. Instead of going through the same old mundane dialogue that tends to happen in our day to day world, she offers some wisdom to everyone along with their caffeinated beverage of choice.
Each of the characters in this story was specifically written to personify a major challenge we all face at one time or another. This gives the Mystic Barista a chance to work her magic and offer an alternative way of thinking, acting and/ or being.
CHALLENGE: THE NEUROTIC WOMAN
When Janice steps up to the counter she is so distracted by her cell phone, her surroundings and the non-stop chatting in her head that she doesn’t even realize it’s her turn to order. She blathers on an on about her unhappy life. She doesn’t understand that she’s her own worst enemy.
SOLUTION: QUIET THE MIND
The Mystic Barista simply advises her to take some deep breathes and ‘turn the volume down.’ In other words… Stop. Breathe. Meditate.
This is no big secret. This simple recipe has been around for thousands of years. Why? Because it works. Ask a Buddhist. Or ask a scientist. (Because science has proven again and again that meditation is beneficial to both physical and emotional health). Or better yet, try it yourself. It works.
CHALLENGE: THE MAN WHO LOST HOPE
The Man Who Lost Hope is a sad sack of a guy who has pretty much given up on his life. He’s not inspired. He doesn’t feel appreciated. And he’s stuck in a big time rut.
SOLUTION: TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE
After listening to the Man Who Lost Hope whine for awhile, the Mystic Barista tells her customer,
“You’re the writer, the director and the star of the movie that you’re living every day.”
This is true for the Man Who Lost Hope and it’s true for the rest of us as well.
When we watch movies we love characters who take chances, make bold moves— The nerd who asks out the pretty girl. The farm boy who leaves his desolate planet to fight the dark forces of the universe. Etc. We love these characters because they have the guts to do things that we might not have the guts to do.
But if you live your life like a movie, you can make the bold choices, ask out the pretty girls (or guys) and fight the dark forces of the universe in your own way. It’s worth the risk. Just like in the movies.
CHALLENGE: BEING UNGRATEFUL
When the Hipster approaches the counter he claims that his life is ‘a full on five star disaster.’ Why? He didn’t get a promotion at work that he believes he deserves. He continues with the attitude even as the Mystic Barista points out the blessing of his health, his friends, and a number of other things.
SOLUTION: BEING GRATEFUL
We want so much from this life. The perfect relationship. The perfect job. Perfect health. More money. More time. And it’s okay to desire these things. But it’s critical to also be grateful for what you have.
Whether the universe appreciates your appreciation, or it’s a built in bio-mechanism (or both), studies have shown again and again that being consciously grateful for anything, (yes anything!) makes you feel happier. Even if nothing in your life has changed. It’s nuts, but it’s true.
And while we’re on the subject, I’ll drop a little challenge here, if you’re up for it. It’s easy to be grateful for things that you want in your life. But if you really want to step it up, try being genuinely grateful for things that you don’t want. It’s not easy. But I can pretty much guarantee that if you do it, for real, it will be a transformative experience.
CHALLENGE: THE OUT OF LOVE COUPLE
When the young couple steps up to the counter, they are at each other’s throats. But after the Mystic Barista stops time and freezes the guy’s wife, and has a chance to talk some sense into him, the love is rekindled.
SOLUTION: COMMUNICATING LOVE. BEING VULNERABLE.
Cheesy, right? You’ve heard it before. Right? But it’s true.
It doesn’t matter if it’s a spouse, significant other, client, customer, stranger, or yourself…
Having the courage to step into the moment with genuine vulnerability and love will diffuse and turn around almost any situation.
The trick is that is has to be real, full on, and deeply authentic.
Next time a situation goes south with someone, just get real. Look them in the eye and give them the good stuff. People and relationships are just mirrors of each other. Take the lead and watch what happens.
CHALLENGE: THE COMPLETELY CLUELESS NERD
This guy is really the protagonist of the film. He’s clueless, stressed out, unhealthy, in a relationship with a woman that he doesn’t even like (he stays with her for the sex, even though she doesn’t put out). He thinks his friends are morons. He fantasizes about vaporizing people in traffic with his darkwave photon torpedo. Etc.
After repeated attempts by the Mystic Barista to help him get it together, she uses her magic to blow his mind and point him in the right direction.
SOLUTION: BE YOUR OWN SUPERHERO
In MYSTIC COFFEE, the Mystic Barista transforms into a sexy superhero and gives the Clueless Nerd a kiss.
So what’s this all about?
We all face challenges in our lives. Some big, some small. And sometimes they stack up and seem overwhelming. But they are not. One of the keys to a happy and successful life is to know, deeply know, that you are in control of these three things:
- Your action in the world
- Your reaction to the world
- Your perception of the world
That’s pretty much it, really. You can influences many, many other things. But these things you can control.
As your own superhero you always have the ability to make positive changes based on these ideas. It can be challenging, yes. But the option is always there. And sometime the only way to really bust a move and shake things up is to break out the cape, the go-go boots and blue hair.
Do it!
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Watch Mystic Coffee!
Another great story, Jeff! The more I read your stuff, the more inspired I become to learn and master the art of storytelling. Keep up the great work.