Ice Castles

This is a classic tale of the seeming fall from grace. As the film opens we see Lexi happily figure skating on the pond by her home. She is truly happy and in need of nothing; at Home and one with God, she is a symbol of innocence and wholeness. As the story unfolds, she becomes enamored by the tiny mad idea of becoming “someone” in the world—a figure skating champion. As she follows this desire, her world soon revolves around competition, comparison, fame, glamour and achievement.

 

A growing fixation on idols and “pleasures” of the world spiral Lexi into experiencing disillusionment and depression; culminating in a physical accident and loss. Jesus says in "A Course in Miracles" that we cannot tell our advances from our retreats. What the ego interprets as loss and devastation can, in fact, become a crucial turning point that leads us away from the world of idols, false promises and specialness, and opens us to true vision. It can be an invitation to return Home, to a peace and joy not of this world.

 

The body’s eyes are merely projectors and serve to obscure the Kingdom of Heaven from our awareness. When Lexi loses her eyesight, it is a metaphor for her willingness to begin looking within, to open to the Vision of Christ—the source of her true strength. With this willingness, the Spirit can now use her abilities and relationships fully, as she commits to her purpose of awakening to her true glory in God. The toys and trinkets of the world that once shone so brightly for Lexi, fall away naturally as she fulfills her only function with the Spirit, which is to be truly happy.