Compassion And Forgiveness – Lessons from Whoville

Sweet, funny and philosophically provocative, Dr. Seuss’s children’s tales often equally entertained adults. His deep consideration for life, happiness and freedom of the mind is reflected in many of his beloved tales. But one that really makes the mind do back-flips (or, my mind, anyway) is Horton Hears a Who. There are so very many lessons we can take from this delightful story of an innocent elephant and an entire world contained upon a tiny spec of dust.

Happily, we don’t have to wait for TV reruns to revisit Horton anymore – thanks to youtube. Here’s the delightful, insightful finale of the film, complete with suspense, appreciation, respect, drama and my very favs … compassion and forgiveness!

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nYJQpiHJKrE&feature=my_liked_videos&list=LLx8_-CQWWeVWVxE-8GyFrlQ[/youtube]

Boy that bossy, know-it-all kangaroo mom has a lot of nerve! If it weren’t for her baby, she would have, in all her self-righteousness and dignity, killed off an entire WORLD! … Of course it’s fiction, and of course this character, fictitious or not – seems deserving of a good slap, at the very least, right?

Ahh, but the innocence of sweet Horton, untainted by hurt, bitterness and resentment, forgives her. May we each remember Horton the next time we must face the bully, the b**ch, the political fakes and heartless corporate heads of the modern world. They might not be able to have remorse like Horton’s friend, but forgive them we must, for to hold hatred or intend them harm will only harm us all.

xoxo
Dawn