James Baldwin, Autobiography of a Yogi, American History X, Rich Roll, and a Japanese Proverb

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Sunday Supplement #78 (November 6th, 2022)

Below is another Sunday Supplement with a quote worth sharing, a book worth reading, a movie worth watching, brainfood worth consuming, and a spiritual passage worth pondering.

I hope you take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”

– James Baldwin

Book of the Week:

Autobiography of a Yogi – Paramahansa Yogananda

Paramahansa Yogananda was one of the first Indian yogis to spend a significant period in the West and popularized Eastern spirituality in America.

Autobiography of a Yogi recounts Yogananda’s childhood, his studies as a youth, his journeys as an adult, and the legacy of the lessons he received and passed on.

Before Yogananda’s acclaimed autobiography, there weren’t many insights into India’s history of spirituality.

The fact that his autobiography was first published in 1946 and is still in print today speaks to the quality of the text.

While there are many lessons in the book, it also is an adventurous read that provides a beautiful window into the experiences of a renowned yogi.

Movie of the Week:

American History X

American History X follows the younger brother of a former neo-nazi skinhead heading down the same path while his older brother re-enters his life and tries to prevent his descent.

The film artfully navigates two storylines and weaves them together to tell a complete story. 

One is the older brother’s experiences that change his attitude and beliefs, and the other is the experiences of the family and the present situation they face from the point of view of the younger brother.

American History X is a violent and shocking movie, but it has a purpose and explores themes like rage powerfully. The performance from Edward Norton is phenomenal.

While the film is rough in a few areas, it provides a deep viewing experience that asks thought-provoking questions and lingers with the viewers.

Brainfood of the Week:

Mood Follows Action | Rich Roll

I’ve featured Tim Ferriss on a few previous Sunday Supplements in various capacities. I’ve also featured Rich Roll interviews before.

The clip I highlight this week comes from a long-form interview Tim Ferris conducts with Rich Roll about Rich’s views on mood following action.

In the video, Tim asks Rich to expand on the phrase “Mood Follows Action.”

Rich talks about his first sponsor in sobriety saying that phrase to him and how action triggers the change-state of mood.

Rich then goes on to mention neuroscientist Andrew Huberman’s findings on the accuracy of that phrase and tells a story about running that emphasizes the point.

This is a two-minute video that I highly recommend you take the time to watch. Let me know if you enjoyed it!

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“One’s act, one’s profit.” (自業自得 -じごうじとく)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb is pretty straightforward, and the website I found the translation on described the meaning as you reap what you sow.

The phrasing of the translation led me to think about the two sides of action and reaction, one positive and the other negative.

I believe both have the same root in your initial actions or inactions. If you put in the effort, expect to see results. Conversely, don’t expect a flower to grow where you didn’t plant a seed.

For me, it comes back to being aware of what you have control over and taking action to the best of your abilities at the time.

Take action on something you believe in, and have a blessed week ahead!