Tag: African Proverb

Marie Kondo, The Quiet American, Children of Men, Eckhart Tolle, and an African Proverb

Marie Kondo, The Quiet American, Children of Men, Eckhart Tolle, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 3, 2024

Sunday Supplement #182 (November 3rd, 2024)

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.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Have gratitude for the things you’re discarding. By giving gratitude, you’re giving closure to the relationship with that object, and by doing so, it becomes a lot easier to let go.”

– Marie Kondo

Book of the Week:

The Quiet American – Graham Greene

Graham Greene’s The Quiet American is narrated in the first person by journalist Thomas Fowler and depicts the breakdown of French colonialism in Vietnam and early American involvement in the Vietnam War.

A central subplot to the narrative involves a love triangle between Fowler, a Vietnamese woman named Phoung, and an American CIA agent named Alden Pyle.

Greene’s novel questions the American involvement in Vietnam in the 1950s and explores the subject through its three main characters.

The novel, published in 1955, received much recognition due to its exploration of American involvement in the War, given its eventual outcome.

I featured Graham Greene’s Our Man in Havana in Sunday Supplement #153. I’m grateful I’ve come across his writing and highly recommend his books.

Movie of the Week:

Children of Men

Alfonso Cuarón’s Children of Men, based on the Phyllis Dorothy James novel, tells the story of a world set in 2027 that struggles to survive after women have become infertile.

A former activist agrees to help transport a miraculously pregnant woman to a sanctuary at sea amid a world in chaos.

The film features standout leading performances from Clive Owen and Clare-Hope Ashley and a brilliant supporting cast that includes Michael Kane, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Julianne Moore.

The Children of Men is an excellently crafted story and a wild viewing experience. I’ve only seen this film a couple of times, but it sticks in your memory.

Brainfood of the Week:

Practicing Gratitude for the Present Moment | Eckhart Tolle

I’ve featured Eckhart Tolle in previous Sunday Supplements and may have featured the longer source from which this week’s clip originates.

I’m highlighting this short clip because I believe it addresses a crucial misunderstanding of common experiences of practicing gratitude.

Tolle discusses how being grateful for what you have puts you in a state of comparison. Instead, Tolle suggests shifting toward appreciation in the present moment.

It’s an interesting one-minute lesson worth pondering. If you enjoy it, I’d recommend checking out Tolle’s work.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“A cat that dreams of becoming a lion must lose its appetite for rats.”

– African Proverb

This African proverb reminded me of the old habits that had helped me in the past but were no longer helpful as I grew older.

I believe it is easy to get stuck in an old routine because it can be safe, familiar, and comfortable. At certain points in our lives, these habits can help us, but if we wish to grow, we must embrace change.

One of my friends taught me a helpful exercise for letting go of old habits. It involves recognizing that the behaviors were there to help us deal with a certain part of our lives, being thankful but acknowledging they no longer serve us, and committing to moving forward.

Be grateful for the things that have helped you survive, continue to grow, and have a blessed week ahead!

Sylvia Plath, The Creative Act, Pan’s Labyrinth, Ethan Hawke, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on September 22, 2024

Sunday Supplement #176 (September 22nd, 2024)

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.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.”

– Sylvia Plath

Book of the Week:

The Creative Act: A Way of Being – Rick Rubin

Rick Rubin is a record executive and producer, co-founder of Def Jam Recordings, founder of American Recordings, and former co-president of Columbia Records.

Rubin has worked with various prestigious artists, from Jay-Z and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Aerosmith and Johnny Cash. His production discography is iconic.

The Creative Act is Rubin’s book about tapping into the creative spirit that flows in us and connecting to the world around us.

Rubin shares his insights about creativity from his personal experience and the tools and methods he’s learned.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a guidebook on a more profound and more playful experience of life.

Movie of the Week:

Pan’s Labyrinth

When I write these posts, I’m sometimes surprised that I haven’t already recommended my chosen film for the week.

Pan’s Labyrinth is a phenomenal story brought beautifully to life by the Academy Award-winning director/writer Guillermo del Toro.

The film is set in the Falangist Spain in 1944. It follows the young stepdaughter of a sadistic army officer who escapes into an eerie fantasy world.

The cinematography is excellent, and the acting from Ivana Baquero, Sergi López, Maribel Verdú, Álex Angulo, and Doug Jones is captivating.

I can’t recommend Pan’s Labyrinth highly enough. It can be a somewhat intense movie, but it is a brilliant story.

Brainfood of the Week:

Give Yourself Permission to Be Creative | Ethan Hawke | TED

Four-time Academy Award-nominated actor, author, and director Ethan Hawke sits down and discusses creativity for the TED channel.

Hawke starts the video by saying that many people struggle to give themselves permission to be creative.

He states that most people want to offer something of quality that is considered good, but that aim is the enemy of creativity. It is not up to us whether what we do is any good.

Hawke shares his views on creativity, shares experiences in his life, and finishes with the credo that you have to be willing to play the fool.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“It is crooked wood that shows the best sculptor.”

– African Proverb

When I read this proverb, I’m reminded of how perfect final products can look and how often we don’t see their origins.

In creativity, I believe that everyone has their unique story to contribute. Sometimes, that story speaks to a universal experience.

The road to creating something beautiful, personal or universal, isn’t always straight.

Get in touch with your creative side however that looks for you, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Michael Jordan, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Illusionist, Quirkology, and an African Proverb

Michael Jordan, The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, The Illusionist, Quirkology, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on August 18, 2024

Sunday Supplement #171 (August 18th, 2024)

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.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Limits like fear are often just an illusion.”

– Michael Jordan

Book of the Week:

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd – Agatha Christie

Agatha Christie is one of the best-selling fiction writers of all time, with over 2 billion works sold from 66 detective novels and 14 short story collections.

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd is one of her most famous novels. The novel’s point of view character is Dr. Sheppard of the English country village of King’s Abbot.

Dr. Sheppard recounts being called to certify the death of a wealthy widow who committed suicide a year after her abusive husband’s demise. Twenty-four hours later, Roger Ackroyd, the man she planned to marry, gets murdered.

Recently retired Belgian detective Hercule Poirot takes up the case and uses his “little grey cells” to solve the case.

If you enjoy The Murder of Roger Ackroyd, check out any of Christie’s novels. I’ve read about twenty of them, all of which were excellent. I also featured one of the film adaptations of her novels in my first Sunday Supplement.

Movie of the Week:

The Illusionist

Director/writer Neil Burger’s The Illusionist was adapted from the short story “Eisenheim the Illusionist” by Steven Milhauser.

The film follows the story of Eisenheim and Princess Sophie. In late-1800s Vienna, the son of a carpenter falls in love with Princess Sophie.

Because of their class difference, they are separated. Eisenheim then disappears to pursue his passion for magic. He returns years later, and the two cross paths again, but Sophie is betrothed to the Crown Prince Leopold.

The Illusionist is a fantastic film. Ed Norton stars as Eisenheim, with standout supporting performances from Rufus Sewell, Jessica Biel, and Paul Giamatti. I highly recommend it.

Brainfood of the Week:

10 Amazing Illusions | Quirkology

I wrote about the theme of illusion in one previous post, Sunday Supplement #94, and featured an illusion video for the Brainfood of the Week.

In my YouTube browsing, I came across this video from Quirkology and thought it worth sharing. Psychologist, author, and magician Richard Wiseman created the channel.

The video has some fun illusions worth checking out. One spoiler is that the last one can leave you a little dizzy.

I found the video a fun reminder that things aren’t always as they appear to be. Sometimes, it can be fun to be tricked, but it can also be beneficial not to make assumptions.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Examine what is said, not who is speaking.”

– African Proverb

This African proverb is a powerful reminder not to get caught in the illusion of a speaker over their words.

Many people can make confident claims about various topics, but it is up to you to vet what they are saying.

Conversely, someone you believe can add no value to your life might say something with great wisdom.

Don’t find yourself stuck or led astray by illusions, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Pele, The Wheel of Time, Creed, Simon Sinek, and an African Proverb

Pele, The Wheel of Time, Creed, Simon Sinek, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 16, 2024

Sunday Supplement #162 (June 16th, 2024)

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.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do.”

– Pele

Book of the Week:

The Wheel of Time – Robert Jordan

I recommend The Wheel of Time with a grain of salt. On one hand, it’s one of the best stories I’ve ever read. On the other hand, it has 14 novels, many of which have long, tedious sections.

The series is epic fantasy. It follows the journey of five young people from a small village as they get drawn into the battle of good versus evil in the land.

Robert Jordan created one of the best magic systems I’ve ever read, and the world and its history are amazing.

Unfortunately, Jordan died before completing the series. However, he left detailed notes, and Brandon Sanderson was chosen to finish the series.

The last seven novels in the series were number-one New York Times bestsellers. After its completion, the series was nominated for a Hugo Award.

Movie of the Week:

Creed

Rocky, which I featured in Sunday Supplement #72, is one of my favorite movies. When I learned Ryan Coogler wrote and was set to direct this series continuation, I knew it was in good hands.

I featured Coogler’s feature debut, Fruitvale Station,in Sunday Supplement #110. This movie convinced Sylvester Stallone to let Coogler take over the series.

Creed follows Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), the son of Apollo Creed— an opponent and friend of Rocky Balboa from the original series.

Apollo’s wife, Mary Anne, adopted Adonis after the former heavyweight champion passed away. While growing up with other opportunities, Adonis decides to pursue a career in boxing.

The film perfectly captures the spirit of the Rocky franchise while having Rocky play a vital role in Adonis’s journey. It’s a fun movie with a lot of heart.

Brainfood of the Week:

Simon Sinek on Intensity vs Consistency | RSA

RSA’s (Royal Society for Arts, Manufactures, and Commerce) YouTube page has many brilliant videos sharing knowledge from various leaders across various fields.

I’ve featured Sinek, bestselling author and speaker on leadership, in many previous Sunday Supplements. While I try to vary the content each week, Sinek’s work is well worth revisiting.

In this video, Simon Sinek discusses intensity and consistency. He discusses the difference between short-term crunching and long-term efforts.

Many people and businesses try to cram in intense work periods, expecting tremendous outcomes when taking incremental steps forward each day is often better.

Check out this short video if it piques your interest, and check out Sinek’s work or other RSA videos if you’re interested.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“The road to success is always under construction.”

– African Proverb

I came across this African proverb on a couple of websites (although some sources credit other people with the quote), and it captured a powerful message.

In the past, I’ve worked toward a goal and, upon reaching it, promptly eased my foot off the gas. The most straightforward example has been working out for a period and then stopping.

What I see in this proverb is the lesson that you must always continue to work on yourself and your goals if you want to be successful constantly. And the journey only ends when you do.

I think it’s helped me to think about what journeys I’d want to continue for the rest of my life. That way, I’m happy to pursue them consistently.

Think about the things you want to work on for the rest of your life, persevere, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Pablo Picasso, Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions, Legally Blonde, Luis von Ahn, and an African Proverb

Pablo Picasso, Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions, Legally Blonde, Luis von Ahn, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on April 21, 2024

Sunday Supplement #154 (April 21st, 2024)

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.

Please take something away from these recommendations that enriches your week ahead!

Quote of the Week:

“I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”

– Pablo Picasso

Book of the Week:

Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions – Ed Zwick

Chances are you’ve seen a film or show that Ed Zwick has written, directed, or produced. His filmography includes Glory, Thirtysomething, Legends of the Fall, The Last Samurai, Blood Diamond, and more.

I’ve touched the tip of the iceberg for Zwick’s Hollywood resume, and he discusses the journey in his memoir Hits, Flops, and Other Illusions.

Zwick’s story touches on the classics of hard work, luck, and taking your opportunities, but I found his capacity to learn in stride the most admirable.

Although the memoir contains many entertaining and insightful stories, I found the lessons within its pages to be what made it memorable.

Zwick has had a fantastic career in Hollywood, including a Best Picture Academy Award for Shakespeare in Love. I’m looking forward to his following projects, but I am happy he took the time to lift the veil with this book.

Movie of the Week:

Legally Blonde

The 2001 film Legally Blonde is based on Amanda Brown’s novel. The story follows Elle Woods, a fashionable sorority queen who decides to win back her ex-boyfriend after he dumps her by following him and going to Harvard Law School.

Reese Witherspoon stars as Elle Woods. Her performance is brilliant and brings the romantic comedy to life on the screen.

Woods’s journey in the film sees her overcoming stereotypes and triumphing as a lawyer. It’s a simple film, but it’s well-executed.

I think many movies try to do too much or have trouble executing a meaningful message without being preachy.

Legally Blonde avoids this pitfall and is able to have fun while making a point about stereotypes placed on women.

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Make Learning as Addictive as Social Media | Luis von Ahn

In this video, Luis von Ahn, co-founder and CEO of Duolingo, discusses his journey to giving everyone equal access to education.

Von Ahn explains how his upbringing in Guatemala gave him insight and perspective on how money can affect education. As a professor in the Computer Science Department at Carnegie Mellon University, he and Severin Hacker decided to focus on one deliverable subject.

Duolingo came from Von Ahn and Hacker’s research on how knowledge of languages can help people make more money and that the only way to reach many people is through mobile phones.

Von Ahn discusses how the Freemium model (paying to remove ads) helps support the app while allowing free access to all users. The app uses psychological aids, like those used in social media apps, to help make learning fun.

This video is about 12 minutes long. I highly recommend checking it out.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“To get lost is to learn the way.”

– African Proverb

This African proverb reminds me to find the positives when you are feeling lost. While feeling down is okay, there is always an opportunity to learn and grow.

Getting lost can give us a new perspective on an approach. When we are lost, we can be forced to look at how we got there. It is up to us to find a way to where we want to go.

Often, we forge ahead without thinking of our actions. When we end up lost, we have to look at those actions that got us there if we want to improve our navigation moving forward.

There is a great chance to learn after getting lost. It can often humble us as well, which isn’t a bad thing. The most important thing is to pick ourselves up, rethink, and try again.

Try to learn or try something new, and have a blessed week ahead!

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