Cage’s initial resistance to stepping into his new function is high, because he has no idea of his potential or that he is the savior of the world. Coming from an advertising background, and never having encountered combat training, the only function he has had in the army is based on selling ideas through manipulation. And now it is all about action and follow through. Listen and follow through, or die.

 

It is time for a total dismantling of the self-concept, including all thoughts of limitation, weakness and hierarchy.

 

After “dying” for the first time on the battleground, Cage quickly realizes that the day is repeating. At first he tries to save the lives of those around him, but as his awareness of the bigger picture increases, he realizes that his purpose is much greater than just considering those who are in his immediate vicinity.

 

It takes extreme vigilance and mind training to be present and fearless. When the perception of death changes to seeing that it is simply a “reset” in time, and that the same opportunity will be presented again, fear disappears from the mind, and the prevention of death no longer becomes life’s purpose. Instead, it is about present-moment training, collaboration, becoming aware of the big picture, and taking every step in absolute certainty. The purpose of time is to undo time, and nothing is wasted when the end result is certainty of purpose.

 

Cage and Rita have a clearly given assignment. From the moment Cage sees her, he is impelled to connect with her and to support her to advance the mission. When their purpose is clear and out front, they continue to make advances in time, symbolic of awakening to truth. When protectionism arises and Cage tries to hide what he is aware of, she senses it immediately and brings the focus back to their shared purpose.

 

Even though protectionism arises at times, and Cage often wants to save Rita, it doesn’t have any effect on the script playing out. They have a shared mission together, and they are to stay together right to the end.

 

The intensive vigilance training on the battlefield was all to prepare the mind to be present and surrender. Then the mind is ready for the next step in the mission, a total redirect to accepting what is given in every circumstance. There is no more training, just a total surrender to what is–the present.