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How do you break free from a past that holds you captive? This is the profound question explored in "The Shapes of Love", an 8-episode series available on Netflix, which masterfully intertwines art, love, and healing.

The story follows Miu, a young woman struggling to find her footing after a painful breakup. Guided by a mysterious and rebellious professor, Miu learns that sometimes, destroying the symbols of the past is the first step toward freedom. In a pivotal moment, the professor destroys a sculpture as an act of defiance, teaching Miu an essential lesson: time is not real unless we remain trapped in suffocating moments that weigh down our souls.

This theme resonates deeply with the teachings of Dr. Gabor Maté, author of "When the Body Says No." He explains how unresolved trauma and guilt can keep us stuck, affecting both our health and our ability to live fully in the present. The series illustrates this beautifully, showing that healing begins when we release the past and embrace the present.

Moreover, the professor's philosophy that "we are not defined by what we do" mirrors the insights of Marshall Rosenberg, author of "Nonviolent Communication." Rosenberg teaches that people should not be labeled by their actions - a "guitarist" is not solely a person who plays guitar, and a "drunk" is not just someone who drinks. The series reflects this wisdom, emphasizing that breaking free from labels allows us to discover our true essence.

A poetic metaphor woven throughout the series is that love is like a butterfly. The more desperately you chase it, the more it eludes you. But when you find stillness and embrace vulnerability, it comes to you effortlessly. In this story, the professor becomes Miu's butterfly, as she becomes his, in a delicate dance of mutual liberation and present-moment connection.

Yet, "The Shapes of Love" is not just a love story. It is an invitation to introspection, urging you to ask yourself: What holds me captive in the past? What can I destroy to set myself free? How can I live more authentically?

Take It Further: Books That Deepen the Message

If the themes of "The Shapes of Love" resonate with you, consider exploring:

"When the Body Says No" by Dr. Gabor Maté, which delves into how trauma and suppressed emotions affect your health and life.

"Nonviolent Communication" by Marshall Rosenberg, a guide to connecting with yourself and others without being defined by labels or judgments.

Both books, like the series, can open your eyes to a freer, more authentic, and present-centered life.

If you're ready for this emotional and intellectual journey, start with "The Shapes of Love." Then, dive into the works of Gabor Maté and Marshall Rosenberg to learn how to transform pain into art and suffering into freedom.

Watch the series, explore these books, and reflect: What keeps you trapped, and what could you destroy to let yourself blossom?

There are moments in life when we feel like mere shadows walking the streets of the world, despite shining brighter than we could imagine. My story intertwines deeply with the themes of "Happy End": sacrifice, authenticity, and self-discovery. Just as Val lived every moment of her dream, embracing all the struggles that came with it, so did I, in moments when I was willing to lose everything to understand who I truly am.

Sacrificing for authenticity

At a time when I was declared missing and my photo appeared in tabloids, I wandered the streets of Bucharest barefoot, almost invisible to others. I experienced firsthand what it means to live on the edge of the world, where appearances and actions no longer matter. I bathed in park sprinklers and found meaning in small gestures. I picked up cigarette butts and other trash, symbolically wrapping bad things in beautiful packaging and good things in unattractive wrappings, much like in fairy tales where true treasures hide in seemingly insignificant objects.

This was my first lesson: it's not about what we choose on the surface, but the essence of things. Just as Val chose to live on the streets for her dream, I chose to experience life without comfort to connect with my inner reality.

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Starting from the bottom and meeting my spiritual guide

Just as Val began from scratch, taking on humble jobs, I chose to work at a car wash without denying my dreams. It was there that I met my spiritual guide, who listened and understood me. He advised me to return home, and that became my second step toward healing: accepting a starting point, no matter how low it seemed.

At home, I decided to test myself. I built a small hermitage by a stream and lived there for two months to explore my limits. I realized that I could live simply, without material possessions, and that true happiness doesn't come from things or status but from inner peace.

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Overcoming limits and self-discovery

When I understood that I had managed to face my fears and accept my trauma, I knew it was time to move to the next level. I called for an ambulance and voluntarily admitted myself to receive a proper diagnosis. It was a courageous but necessary step: to accept that sometimes we need help to understand why we do certain things that lack common logic.

Just like in "Happy End", the great lesson wasn't about winning a prize or reaching a grand destination but about discovering myself and addressing my inner wounds. Now in remission, I am more aware than ever that the journey matters more than the destination.

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The dream of a center for authenticity

My experiences and the inspiration from this film have led me to seek more than personal healing. Just as Jack overcame his own blockages by helping Val shine, my dream is to build a center in Romania for trauma healing and restoring hope. I want this center to be a place where those who feel lost can find their way. A place where unpolished diamonds are understood and valued for what they are, not for what society demands them to be.

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Promoting authenticity

I resonate with this film's message because I also promote authenticity, both in my personal and social life. I believe in a society where people don't sell their dreams for comfort or get corrupted by the desire for more. It's essential to learn how to argue constructively, express our viewpoints, and know when to let go of things that hold us back.

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Conclusion: The journey to oneself

Just like in "Happy End", the real story isn't about external success but about having the courage to look in the mirror and face your shadows. This is the lesson I want to share with those around me and the reason why, like Val, I continue my journey with confidence, hope, and authenticity.