USE THE FORCE

How to Live Life Like a Jedi

Ever wanted to twirl around a lightsaber? Or move rocks with your mind? Too bad – Star Wars is not real. The next best thing, however, is the Church of Jediism: a quasi-religious group whose philosophy is adapted from the fictional teachings of the Jedi. Its founder, Daniel M Jones, talks SFX through what it takes to become a real-life Jedi master.

OPEN YOUR MIND

The first step on the path of the Jedi, says Jones, is to, “have an open and curious mind. We encourage all new members starting on their path to read, think and learn new things every day. We teach our followers to be comfortable with not knowing all there is to know. A true Jedi approaches everyone and everything with an open mind and heart.”

UNDERSTAND THE FORCE

Forget Midichlorians. The real-life Force is, “one all-powerful energy Force that connects all living things together,” explains Jones. “Anything that inspires passion in you is the Force at work but the Force can have both a dark and a light side...”

CONTROL YOUR EMOTIONS

Tempted by the Dark Side? You need to, “step outside of yourself. Use Jedi mind techniques to observe anger and hate, and understand that when these feelings strike they are temporary. You are separate from your emotions. You control your emotions. They do not control you. A master Jedi has mastered their emotions.”

DEFEND, NEVER ATTACK

Jones’ lightsaber skills are “exemplary,” apparently, but he advises that you, “always find a way to avoid conflict. If someone is aggressive, we teach our members to withdraw and not feed negative energy with energy. We teach our members to use their eloquence and humility to diffuse tense situations if possible.”

DON’T WORRY ABOUT THE JEDI CODE

Real-life Jedi are not as strict as fictional ones. For example, “We used to have a dress code for meetings – Jedi robes and lightsabers – but it is no longer compulsory.” And as for celibacy... “It is not something we typically recommend because meaningful sex with someone you love is a beautiful expression of the transcendent and electric power of the Force.” Stephen Kelly