Tag: Eckhart Tolle

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!

Susan Sontag, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Boyhood, Eckhart Tolle, and a Quran Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on September 8, 2024

Sunday Supplement #174 (September 8th, 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:

“Compassion is an unstable emotion. It needs to be translated into action, or it withers.”

– Susan Sontag

Book of the Week:

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Robert Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson’s famous novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a well-known work of English literature and a pivotal book in the history of the gothic/horror genre.

The novella, published in 1886, follows Gabriel John Utterson, a London-based legal practitioner who investigates the connection between a murderous criminal named Edward Hyde and Utterson’s friend Dr. Henry Jekyll.

Utterson believes that Mr. Hyde is blackmailing Dr. Jekyll after Jekyll covers for the brutal acts of the murderer.

Finding a work of art that lasts for decades or centuries is a beautiful experience. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Stevenson’s novella and highly recommend it.

Movie of the Week:

Boyhood

Richard Linklater’s 2014 film Boyhood depicts the childhood and adolescence of Mason Evans Jr., from ages six to 18, as he grows up in Texas with divorced parents.

Linklater filmed the movie from 2002 to 2013. The project began without a completed script, and Linklater allowed all pivotal actors to participate in the writing process to help incorporate their experiences into their characters’ stories.

Ellar Coltrane portrayed Mason, Ethan Hawke portrayed Mason’s dad, Patricia Arquette portrayed Mason’s mom, and Lorelei Linklater portrayed Mason’s sister. Each had a phenomenal performance.

Boyhood was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year. Arquette won for Best Performance of an Actress in a Supporting Role.

When I first saw it, it felt like a unique experience in Cinema history. The story, acting, and directing are brilliant. It’s almost three hours long and well worth the watch.

Brainfood of the Week:

Guide to Overcoming People Pleasing | Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle is a spiritual teacher, public speaker, and bestselling author. I’ve featured some of his videos and books in previous Sunday Supplements.

In this video, Tolle answers a question from an audience member about growing in a different (spiritual) direction than a family member and how to handle that situation.

Tolle states our happiness or fulfillment does not depend on any other human’s acceptance of who we are.

Tolle explains how conditions of society and environments can lead to judgments of others. He encourages understanding, compassion, and acceptance.

If you enjoy the video, check out some of the other posts where I’ve featured his work.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Indeed, Allah is with those who are righteous and those who do good.”

– Surah Al-Ankabut 29:69

This passage from the Quran is an interesting litmus test for determining whether one’s actions qualify for God’s approval.

Many religious messages are twisted by those who claim to be followers to justify their actions or what they think is righteous and good.

I think we must reflect on our thoughts and actions and ensure they align with what is righteous and what is good.

Many different verses and passages from various religions speak about righteousness and goodness. Seek those sources that help you be your best self.

Have compassion for yourself and others, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, The Power of Now, BlacKkKlansman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and a Bible Passage

Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq, The Power of Now, BlacKkKlansman, Neil deGrasse Tyson, and a Bible Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on February 5, 2023

Sunday Supplement #91 (February 5th, 2023)

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:

“Without knowledge, action is useless, and knowledge without action is futile.”

– Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq

Book of the Week:

The Power of Now – Eckhart Tolle

I’ve featured Eckhart Tolle in six previous Sunday Supplements, but I haven’t featured arguably his best work, The Power of Now.

The book delves into concepts of self-reflection and being present. Tolle provides insight into why both are powerful tools, and he gives exercises to achieve the principles.

Tolle is a spiritual teacher, public speaker, and bestselling author. Oprah Winfrey hosted a 10-episode web series with him and, in a previous interview, stated that what she learned from him eliminated all stress from her life.

Most self-improvement books point to many of the same conclusions about living a better life. For me, Tolle’s The Power of Now is one of the best and most useful.

Movie of the Week:

BlacKkKlansman

Spike Lee’s catalog of movies is extensive, stretching back to the 80s, and well worth delving into. BlacKkKlansman is one of his more recent masterpieces.

The film tells the true story of the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department.

Ron Stallworth infiltrates a local Ku Klux Klan branch with the help of his Jewish colleague and combats the racist organization from within.

BlacKkKlansman has much to appreciate from a filmmaking point of view and much to take in on the history of racism in America.

Brainfood of the Week:

Neil deGrasse Tyson — How to Dream Big | The Tim Ferriss Show

Neil deGrasse Tyson is an astrophysicist, educator, and author. He has been appointed by the United States government on multiple occasions in an advisory capacity or to serve on a scientific commission.

In the interview with Tim Ferriss, Tyson discusses his childhood, his education, and how he progressed in his career as an astrophysicist.

There are many entertaining stories in the almost two-hour interview, in addition to the coverage of his career in science.

I’ve featured many Tim Ferriss podcast interviews in previous Sunday Supplements, and there is always something worth picking up from them. Tyson’s is another great episode.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“They profess to know God, but they deny him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.”

– Titus 1:16

The Epistle to Titus is attributed to Paul the Apostle and describes the requirements and duties of elders and bishops.

This passage calls out those who preach the word of God but don’t walk the walk. It emphasizes the expression that actions are louder than words.

The Bible has many passages that express how God doesn’t view flowery words and lack of action highly.

There are also passages that express the good path of improvement. This verse from the Epistle to Titus reminds me to reflect on what person I want to be.

Think about what you want to put out into the world, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Charles Duhigg, A New Earth, Bend It Like Beckham, Psych2Go, and 2 Timothy 1:7

Charles Duhigg, A New Earth, Bend It Like Beckham, Psych2Go, and 2 Timothy 1:7

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on December 4, 2022

Sunday Supplement #82 (December 4th, 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:

“And once you understand that habits can change, you have the freedom and the responsibility to remake them.”

– Charles Duhigg

Book of the Week:

A New Earth – Eckhart Tolle

I’ve featured Eckhart Tolle in a handful of Brainfood of the Week segments but haven’t featured any of his books.

At some point in the future, I will definitely revisit his international bestseller, The Power of Now, but for this week, I’ll highlight A New Earth.

A New Earth expands on his book The Power of Now and its ideas around being aware of our ego-based state of consciousness and how transcending it is essential to happiness.

Tolle explains how attachment to our egos can lead to anger, jealousy, and unhappiness, how we can create a new way of being, and how that helps ease the suffering of others.

A New Earth is an excellent overview of Tolle’s teachings and is worth a look if you’re a fan of his work.

Movie of the Week:

Bend It Like Beckham

Gurinder Chadha’s Bend It Like Beckham follows two girls and their ambition to have professional football (soccer) careers, despite their parents’ wishes.

Parminder Nagra and a young Kiera Knightley star as the two leads, and each showcases their acting skills with an expertly crafted script by Chadha, Guljit Bindra, and Paul Mayeda Berges.

The movie addresses issues of racism and sexism at a time when not many films explored such topics. It made $76 million off of a $5.6 million budget.

Bend It Like Beckham also packs many laughs into its runtime. The film is an excellent view for those looking for a fun sports movie with heart and depth.

Brainfood of the Week:

7 Secrets To Becoming Mentally Tougher | Psych2Go

I’ve featured Psych2Go in a couple of previous posts. Their mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone.

This video starts by using an example of working out and exercising for physical strength as a comparison for developing mental toughness.

They discuss how mental toughness can help you cope with stress, overwhelming times, and handle fear and doubt.

The video then goes over tips for developing mental toughness, like how to make an emotional trashcan and acknowledging and using the power of choice.

I found the video a great reminder and tool for helping develop mental fortitude. Check it out, and check out their channel if you like the video.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

– 2 Timothy 1:7

This passage from the Bible offers encouragement to face our fears and reminds us of our innate strength.

I found it interesting that after power was the prompting of our love and self-control. To me, it seemed like a guide on how to combat fear.

When we operate from a place of love and self-control, I feel that we are in the perfect place to take on any challenges.

This is a brilliant passage to remember when we’re experiencing challenges, one that can remind us of our strengths.

Remember to tap into your power, love, and self-control, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Oprah Winfrey, The Law of Attraction, Titanic, Eckhart Tolle, and Sur Al Nisa 147

Oprah Winfrey, The Law of Attraction, Titanic, Eckhart Tolle, and Sur Al Nisa 147

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on October 2, 2022

Sunday Supplement #73 (October 2nd, 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:

“If you look at what you have in life, you’ll always have more. If you look at what you don’t have in life, you’ll never have enough.”

– Oprah Winfrey

Book of the Week:

The Law of Attraction – Esther Hicks & Jerry Hicks

New York Times bestselling authors Esther and Jerry Hicks always seem to be featured in Barnes and Noble’s Self-Help/Spirituality section when I visit.

I first stumbled across their work through guided meditation videos and enjoyed the free content on YouTube provided by them.

The Law of Attraction was the first book of theirs I came across.

Esther and Jerry discuss how they learned the law of attraction in the book’s first section and go over the law of attraction in the following parts.

You might have come across the term law of attraction before, but this book is one of the best explanations and guides I’ve read.

Do a little research on the topic beforehand, and also, be prepared to put judgment aside if you pick up the book.

The Law of Attraction heavily tips toward the mystical side of spirituality, but the book’s lessons are worth checking out.

Movie of the Week:

Titanic

James Cameron’s Titanic tells the story of a young aristocrat questioning her direction in life and her new relationship with a poor young artist on the doomed R.M.S. Titanic.

I was six when this film came out in theaters, but I still remember how it dominated news cycles and swept at the Academy Awards.

The three-hour movie won 11 Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Cinematography.

Cameron is known for immense spectacle films, but the characters in Titanic don’t get lost in the scenery.

The movie does an excellent job of telling a compelling story with engaging themes against the backdrop of an ill-fated historical event.

Brainfood of the Week:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hzARLjSuPBQ

Gratitude: A Powerful Tool for Conscious Manifestation | Eckhart Tolle

It’s been a while since I’ve featured an Eckhart Tolle video, but this one is an excellent breakdown of gratitude and the power of being grateful.

The video starts with Tolle addressing the question, “Is there some type of discipline that is needed to be successful with conscious manifestation? If so, can you describe what the discipline is that is needed?”

Tolle responds with, “To be aware of yourself and your own state of consciousness.”

He then explains the importance of gratitude, that it can be a powerful transformational tool and one of the most powerful tools for manifesting better things in your life.

Tolle defines gratitude as acknowledging the good in your life right now. He cautions against approaching gratitude as a comparison.

The rest of the video covers ways to be grateful in the moment. It’s worth watching, and if you enjoy the video, check out more of Eckhart Tolle’s work.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Why would Allah cause you to suffer if you are grateful and believe? God is always responsive to gratitude, the All-Knowing.”

– Sur Al Nisa 147

When I first came across this Quran passage, it was interesting that I thought it could have easily been something I read in the Bible.

Many of the passages I encounter in various religions or spiritual practices seem drawn from the same source.

In this Quran passage, I’m reminded of the power of gratitude and how being grateful effects your life.

The Oprah Winfrey quote at the beginning of the post also depicts the benefits of gratitude and the hells of ingratitude.

Reminders like these help prompt me to be more aware of my thoughts, whether I’m thinking positively or negatively, and how being grateful brings joy.

Remember things you are grateful for, and have a blessed week ahead!

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