I’ve been thinking about the Chris Rock and Will Smith incident at the Oscars, particularly the wisdom imparted by Denzel Washington to Will Smith, “At your highest moment be careful—that’s when the devil comes for you.” So often, when we are about to break through to a greater experience of ourselves (and Life), when we are on the verge of fulfilling our dream, “the devil comes for us.” What does that mean?
We all have behaviors that cause us suffering, wounds that show up as disruptive behaviors that undermine our success again and again. Although these actions torment us, they are so much a part of our lives that, in a peculiar way, they are more comfortable than leaping into the Unknown. These painful patterns hold us captive, seeming to have a life of their own.
On the precipice of breaking free into a new stratosphere of living, those old “devils” of thought and behavior seek to sabotage our victory. Something in us rises up to pull us back to the world of familiar suffering, so those old patterns can continue to “live.”
I think that’s what happened to Will Smith at the Oscars. On the brink of his “highest moment,” an old wound erupted and, in a sense, possessed him. He seemed outside of himself, in great pain, overwhelmed by the past and present.
So I believe, what is called for is healing. And compassion. And understanding. Prayers for his well being, his spiritual victory.
Chris Rock faired far better on the international Oscar broadcast. But this incident was no cosmic accident for him either. There is no doubt in my mind that there is something for him to come to terms with as well and emerge a better version of himself. I’m holding the High Watch for both men.
As I watch so many of us taking sides, so activated as we speak our thoughts and opinions, I hold us in my heart as well. Here is opportunity for each of us to reflect about what triggered us in this situation, what wounds did this activate, what makes us feel strongly one way or the other, what our judgements are, what other possibilities exist for us beyond the ones we’re used to, what is the opportunity for our own healing and growth.
Eisha A. Mason
Love this perspective!