The Whale and your inner voice.

In many ways, the opposite of life is not death. It’s the weight of unexpressed sadness.

Recently, I watched “The Whale,” featuring Brendan Fraser, written by Samuel D. Hunter and directed by Darren Aronofsky. By all measures, this is an excellent and profound piece of art. The story is delicate and reminded me of the power of communication, self-expression, and the importance of connecting with our inner voice.

I promise not to spoil it.

I use such influential movies to help communicators enhance their reflective prowess and liberate their most dormant inner whales.

“The Whale” offers lots of insights. Here are two that can dramatically reshape your life. It’s my hope that these insights might guide your reflections while watching:

1- Guilt Breeds Unbearable Sadness.

Guilt, whether earned or unearned, is a whale of an emotion. It can loom large, threatening to swallow your life whole if left unchecked. In countless ways and through brilliantly executed symbolism, this film shows that mental and physical wellness is not just about the absence of illness but the vibrant presence of joy, fulfillment, and purpose. It’s a clear statement that avoiding sadness is not the same as pursuing happiness — it’s merely a different shade of suffering.

2- To Care is To be Brutally Honest.

Genuine care transcends simple kindness, and it’s surely not a willful evasion of reality. To care requires a deeply invested interest in someone or something and a willingness to be brutally honest, both intellectually and emotionally. When care is dictated by guilt, it mutates into dishonesty, leading to self-imposed imprisonment. We risk drowning those we aim to protect without even knowing it.

Ultimately, guilt, sadness, and the absence of honest expression echo within us a haunting call no one can hear.

The best way I learned to deal with any problem is to write. Just write. (or record your voice and transcribe it). You don’t have to share it with anyone. Writing makes your inner voice visible.

Watch “The Whale.” Let it be a catalyst for your reflection. More importantly, let it remind you of the healing power of human benevolence and communication. After all, how can we truly experience ourselves if we refrain from expressing ourselves?

Self-expression pulls you into an ocean of self-exploration so that you can rise with novel revelations.

Please share this message with someone who might need it.

Sometimes, those silently struggling with depression and sorrow wait for this one person — at least one who can treat them with courage, benevolence, and brutal honesty.