Last week I watched the movie Invictus, although not a great script, I was deeply moved by the soul of Nelson Mandela and the poem Invictus, which gave him faith while in prison.
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison. During incarceration he was graceful, luminous, and thoughtful. After being released, he became president of South Africa, powerfully rebuilding his country. He did this with compassion, love and razor focus. Every choice he made expressed his values, he was the captain of his soul.
This is the true definition of style.
We all have the opportunity to embrace the universal style of grace. I thank Mr. Mandela for elevating my style of self expression – recently a complaint began to surface in my head, I whispered Mandela to myself and my complaint faded. His spirit reminds me how blessed I am to be healthy, loved and live in freedom, nothing to complain about here.
So whether you’re Bold, Dramatic, Elegant, or Bohemian, grace is always in style.
INVICTUS
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Photo credit: Nelson Mandela by Ray Maclean
I had a similar reaction to the movie and posted henley’s poem on my blog afterward as well! I watched “The Color of Freedom” last night, a movie on Mandela’s impact on one of his guards during his imprisonment.
The Color of Freedom is on my movie list, thanks for the reminder.
Love your blog Leana!
Thank you for this excellent article on grace in the face of adversity. In this world filled with strife and so much uncertainty, we can take a lesson and let the trials and tribulations in our life shape us. Many times we want these events to be quickly over but it is a great opportunity for introspection and personal revision. Learning from our trials and doing so with grace is the ultimate statement of character.
Beautifully said! I receive a similar message from Pema Chodron’s books, have you read any of them?
it is wonderful quote, i believe its true.