10 Lessons from the Bob Marley Documentary

On Saturday I saw the documentary, Bob Marley at the Bloor Street Cinema in Toronto. Last weekend was also Doors Open Toronto which added more energy to the city. I love Bob Marley’s music, and I learned quite a bit about him when I wrote his profile during Black History Month. However, I learned much more about him while watching the film, especially the reasons why he wrote specific songs. Artists often create their art as a social commentary of what’s going on around them, and Bob Marley was no different.

Although the film was almost two-and-one-half hours long, the time went by quickly. Here are 10 important lessons from Bob Marley that I observed:

10 Lessons from the Bob Marley

1. Have a way to relieve stress. Bob Marley played soccer to release stress and also to get into a creative space.
2. Keep your ego in check. Bob Marley was asked to open for the Commodores, and at the time he was very big and garnered large audiences worldwide. Some said the Commodores should be opening for Bob Marley and not the other way around. He said yes, why? He was not only humble, but he also wanted to reach a wider audience – blacks.
3. We are the same. For a long time he was rejected by both people of African descent and Caucasians because of his mixed race. He was in no-man’s-land and was called a half-caste.
4. Music is a universal language. He used his music to unite people.
5. Have a way to get into the zone – your creative space.He played soccer to get into the creative zone so that he could write music.
6. Spread your message so others can learn what you are about. With the internet this is a lot easier, but Bob had to travel the globe to spread his message.
7. Learn to peacefully co-exist with others. When the various factions were warring in Jamaica, Bob Marley had a peace concert. During the event he asked the Prime Minister of Jamaica and Leader of the Opposition to come on stage, where he asked them to shake hands. That was a symbolic gesture.
8. Give 100 percent: He always gave 110 percent to everything he did.
9. Life is not just about you, help others to help themselves. He gave back to others. People lined up outside Bob’s home hoping to get assistance from him, and he gave the people the help they needed.
10. Show the real you at all times – be authentic. Bob Marley was authentic all the time – what you see was what you get.

If you get the opportunity to see the documentary, Bob Marley, please do, it’s worth it. Please add your thoughts in the comments section below.

Avil’s Favourite Bob Marley Song – Three Little Birds

Cannot view this video, click here.

Related articles

• Bob Marley Movement Of Jah People Organization and the Black Lion Bakery(midnightraverblog.com)

  ---

• Behind The Smile: The Real Story Of Bob Marley (BBC) plus Rare “Ravers” B-Side Version (midnightraverblog.com)
• Bob Marley’s Last Interview with Jay Strausser, WRUV FM, Burlington, VT November 1980 (midnightraverblog.com)
• Bob Marley and the Wailers, Boston, 1980 (midnightraverblog.com)

Kindle