Would it Help?
James Donovan: Aren’t you worried?
Rudolf Abel: Would that help?
At least three times during the movie Bridge of Spies, Tom Hanks asks Mark Rylance…
“Aren’t you worried? You don’t seem to be concerned.”
In this movie based on real-life events, Tom Hanks plays the American lawyer James B. Donovan who represented Soviet spy Rudolf Abel (played by Mark Rylance) during the U-2 spy-swap incident in the 1960's.
There are several scenes in the movie where the potential dire consequences of his actions are laid out for Rylance. Each time, Rylance seems to merely accept what he’s told with little change of facial expression or demeanor. He doesn’t get angry, depressed, or reactive in any way. Tom Hanks can’t make him out and keeps asking “Aren’t you concerned/worried/anxious?”
Each time, Rylance makes the same reply…
“Would it help?”
He seems honestly curious. If being anxious or manifesting concern would improve the situation in any way, he’s prepared to try it. His presence of mind and connection to deeply held values (in the movie, at least) is beautiful to behold — Mark Rylance won the Oscar for best supporting actor for his portrayal.
“Would it help?”
Rylance’s reply reminded me of a family crisis a few years ago. I was working far from home when I
received a call that a close family member had been in an accident. After hearing the frightening news, I remarked on my feeling of calm as I walked away from the call. I couldn’t do anything from where I was, and others in my family were managing things very well. I was present with my feelings and focused on the task at hand. I would do what was necessary here and, when I could, help in whatever way possible to support my family.
The nature of my work predisposes me to be centered when things like this occur. So some of what happened in that moment was automatic, prepared for by practice and conscious intention. I also realized, however, that anxiety wouldn’t help. The situation was what it was. Becoming uncentered with worry and fear would not make things easier for my family or for me.
Perhaps Rylance’s character understood this as well. He would accept what was, do what he could, and trust his lawyer and Fate for the rest. Maybe he knew his career path would ultimately lead him to such an end and had prepared himself for this day.
Rudolf Abel: I’m not afraid to die, Mr. Donovan. Although, it wouldn’t be my first choice.
— Bridge of Spies
The lesson for me is to choose that place of calm awareness and centered presence not only in times of crisis but in all of life’s ki moments.
Worry and “what if” thoughts are projecting your mind into an imaginary future situation and creating Fear. There is no way you can cope with it because it doesn’t exist — it’s a mental phantom. You can always cope with the Now…you can never cope with the future.
— Eckhart Tolle
