Languages and Risks

Kia Ora!
For those of you from around the globe, that last thing is Maori for hello. Presumably (or maybe not so presumably) you know that I come from New Zealand. And one of the official languages in New Zealand is Maori. The Maori are the indigenous peoples of New Zealand, and I think they are pretty cool.
But one of the other official languages of New Zealand is New Zealand Sign Language, or NZSL. With Maori, most people make some sort of effort to be able to pronounce Maori names and to understand Maori customs. But very few of us actually acknowledge that sign language is just that - a language. It has its own intricacies and idioms, but very few of us in the hearing world ever bother to learn it.
I know, I know, I haven't learnt it either (even though I want to). I have't even made the effort to go looking for where I could learn it and also to engage with non-hearers.
But don't we all do that? Don't we, who fit into the 'norm', just ignore all else who do not fit into the same category? Ever wanted to break free of the restraints of the norm? I know I have. And sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't.
But it is only ever ourselves who hold us back. It is only our minds that persuade us to do it, or to not do it. We cannot blame busyness, or our parents, or anyone.
Today I started at my new school for practicum. It was a good day, and I can see that I will be stretched and taken to the limit at times. But you know what? I am ready. Let's take a leap, do something different. This time around I can take risks, when it is my class, will I be so willing? I don't know.
But this is my challenge to you: Take a risk, get out of the norm. Wear odd socks! Be a bit of a rebel.
Then:
Tell me about it. I'd love to hear your stories!

Disney and Spirituality

So, where I am at the moment there has been a flurry of snow!
Therefore, me and my flatmates have decided to just have a movie day :D
We have watched Mulan, Wolverine, and Anastasia so far.
Since watching these things, I have come to note a common theme among Disney animated movies... There always seems to be some kind of magic, or spiritual thing that happens in the movie.
Take Mulan, for example. Mulan is helped by a magical dragon who was sent by her ancestors.
Anastasia was running away from a curse made by a (really creepy) dead guy.
Lion King, Simba talks to his dad in the sky.
Beauty and the Beast - creepy curse again.
Cinderella - Fairy Godmothers.
Aladdin - Genie
And the list goes on!

I'm not necessarily saying that this is a bad thing. It is just interesting to see how spirituality seems to be a common theme in Disney's movies, whether it takes the form of local beliefs (as in Mulan), or magic in numerous of their other movies.
I think it would be rather interesting to see how Disney's movies have impacted on a generation in regards to their spiritual lives.

So, let's take a straw poll:
Do you think Disney's movies have impacted upon your spiritual life? If so, how? If not, why don't you think so?