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Amit Kalantri, War and Peace, Lion, Improvement Pill, and a Japanese Proverb

Amit Kalantri, War and Peace, Lion, Improvement Pill, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on January 1, 2023

Sunday Supplement #86 (January 1st, 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:

“A birth-date is a reminder to celebrate the life as well as to update the life.”

– Amit Kalantri

Book of the Week:

War and Peace – Leo Tolstoy

When Covid-19 first settled in, I decided to go to my bookshelf and tackle the volumes I had bought but had ignored over the years. I’m glad I finally got to War and Peace.

The book was first published in 1869 after being published serially in the years before. It has survived and been considered a classic for almost 200 years because of its quality.

War and Peace mixes a fictional narrative with historical events of France’s invasion of Russia and the impact of the war on Tsarist society.

Tolstoy follows five Russian aristocratic families throughout the book and brilliantly captures the lifetime of the characters.

The book offers an incredible glimpse of humanity and all of the celebrations and struggles of the characters. If the book has ever piqued your interest, check it out.

Movie of the Week:

Lion

A five-year-old boy, Saroo, gets separated from his brother one night and can’t find his way home. An Australian couple ends up adopting him, and 25 years later, Saroo sets out to find his lost family.

The film is based on the true story of Saroo Brierley and his book A Long Way Home. The book was adapted by Luke Davies and directed by Garth Davis.

Lion follows the periods of the young Saroo getting lost and his older counterpart, grown up and wanting to reconnect with his past.

While the young actors perform amazingly in their roles, Dev Patel shines as the adult Saroo. The story’s weight rests on his shoulders, and he carries it brilliantly.

Lion was nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Motion Picture of the Year, Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role (for Patel— not Lead Role for some bizarre reason), and Best Adapted Screenplay.

The film didn’t win any Oscars in a great year of Cinema, but it should have. And it’s definitely worth a place in the history of great films.

Brainfood of the Week:

This Simple Idea Will Make You Happier | Improvement Pill

The theme of this week’s post is celebrating your wins and setting new goals. This Improvement Pill video is fantastic for helping you create a positive game plan.

I won’t spoil the beginning of the video, but it should get you to watch the rest of the five-minute clip.

The video then explains how our internal “translator” is responsible for how we perceive the events of our lives. If we have a negative setting, we get negative experiences, while a positive setting creates positive experiences.

And one of the best things about the video is its follow-through of showing how you can change your settings.

I’ve featured Improvement Pill in three previous Sunday Supplements. Their channel has over three million subscribers and focuses on teaching practices that can help change your life.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“With hardship comes pleasure, and with pleasure comes hardships.” (苦あれば楽あり)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb was a fun one to dissect. At first glance, I thought of the example of completing a task and the good feeling that comes afterward.

The second half of the proverb reminded me that some good things are worth the hardship required to achieve them. 

And when I look at the proverb in its entirety, I see that hardships can be a blessing and sometimes bring out the best in you.

Take stock of your life, appreciate what you’ve accomplished, look at what you want to achieve and what you want to eliminate moving forward, and have a blessed year ahead!

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

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

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on November 6, 2022

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!

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Arnold H. Glasow, On Writing, Rocky, Escaping Ordinary, and a Japanese Proverb

Arnold H. Glasow, On Writing, Rocky, Escaping Ordinary, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on September 25, 2022

Sunday Supplement #72 (September 25th, 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:

“Success isn’t a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.”

– Arnold H. Glasow

Book of the Week:

On Writing – Stephen King

Stephen King’s On Writing is a part memoir part masterclass by one of the bestselling authors of all time.

The book is divided into five sections, one narrating his life “C.V.,” one explaining “What Writing Is,” one describing a writer’s “Toolbox,” one giving advice “On Writing,” and the last discusses King’s thoughts on the accident where he was struck by a van “On Living: A Postscript.”

While the book tends to be viewed as a go-to manual for writers, the book offers more than just a writing guide.

King became one of the most successful writers in history, and it’s interesting to see that was his goal when he was young.

The first chapter is worth reading just to see the background King gives on his life growing up and his early journey as a writer.

On Writing should be on every writer’s shelf, but it is also worth checking out for readers looking for life insights from a prolific author.

Movie of the Week:

Rocky

The movie Rocky has become a part of American pop culture over the years but often for the iconic character’s underdog story and a classic score.

Many haven’t seen the film or forgotten how brilliant the original movie was. Sylvester Stallone wrote a phenomenal script that has wonderful depth in its characters.

A small-time Philadelphia boxer gets a lottery chance of fighting the world heavyweight champion when the champion’s original opponent drops out.

The film beautifully captures the struggling Rocky Balboa as he navigates his life to the best of his abilities while receiving little respect from those around him.

Once the opportunity to face the champ comes to his doorstep, people from the neighborhood pay attention. Rocky isn’t fooled but strives to fight for his self-respect.

The film won three Oscars, including Best Picture. Rocky should be on any movie lover’s list, and the extraordinary story behind the film deserves a look too.

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Become 37.78 Times Better at Anything (Atomic Habits Summary) | Escaping Ordinary (B.C. Marx)

In Sunday Supplement #8, I highlighted James Clear’s Atomic Habits. The New York Times bestseller is one of my favorite tools for self-improvement.

In this YouTube video, B.C. Marx breaks down the book with an engaging presentation. The animation and voice-over on the video are excellent.

In the book, Clear reveals practical strategies that help form good habits, break bad ones, and master tiny behaviors that lead to massive change.

Clear explains how your daily systems and routines, as well as how you view yourself, control how effective you are at building good habits or promoting bad habits.

In the video, B.C. Marx summarizes Atomic Habits, breaks down the habit-building system in it, and explains how he uses the book in his life.

B.C. Marx’s channel only has eight videos, but he has over 500 thousand subscribers because of the quality of his content. See if you like this video, and check out Escaping Ordinary.

Remember to check out James Clear’s Atomic Habits as well!

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Even dust, when piled up, becomes a mountain.” (ちりも積もれば山となる)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb reminds me of the power of consistently making good decisions for yourself.

Whether deciding to exercise for ten minutes or devoting a half hour each day to a hobby or goal, the long-term results are often staggering.

Tim Ferriss often says on his podcast, “People overestimate what they can do in a year and underestimate what they can do in ten.”

Conversely, letting your ship stray slightly without correction can land you far off from where you want to go.

This Japanese proverb is an excellent reminder of how our decisions over time can be something that let us down or bring us great benefits.

Think of the decisions you can make or habits you can build that will help you benefit in the long term, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Abraham Lincoln, Roadwork, Fight Club, Psych2Go, and a Japanese Proverb

Abraham Lincoln, Roadwork, Fight Club, Psych2Go, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on August 14, 2022

Sunday Supplement #66 (August 14th, 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 for the bad in people expecting to find it, you surely will.”

– Abraham Lincoln

Book of the Week:

Roadwork – Richard Bachman

After the early success of Stephen King’s work, the author decided to publish a few books under the pseudonym, Richard Bachman.

In the Bachman books, King describes in an introduction why he created the pseudonym. The short of it was that he wanted to see if he was lucky with his first books or if lightning could strike twice.

Roadwork follows a grieving father and husband as he deals with the news that a new highway expansion project plans to demolish his workplace and home through eminent domain.

Dawes, the husband and father, begins to unravel and is unwilling to turn his house over to the government.

Most of the King books I’ve read under his pseudonym Bachman explore much darker areas of society and humanity.

Roadwork isn’t a book that should be carelessly read, but if looked at in the right light, questions about what’s important in life are there to be explored.

Movie of the Week:

Fight Club

Fight Club follows an anonymous narrator working for an unnamed car company as a product recall specialist.

The stress of his job, compounded by frequent business trips and jet lag, brings on recurring insomnia. A doctor tells him to visit a cancer support group to see what real suffering is like.

The narrator’s journey to find release and peace connects him with a fellow support group poser Marla Singer and an extremist Tyler Durden.

Fight Club delves into the themes of meaning and connection, masculinity, identity, order, and chaos.

Edward Norton plays the narrator, Brad Pitt plays Tyler Durden, and Helena Bonham Carter plays Marla Singer in the film. The cast is brilliant.

I’ve seen many people view the movie as toxic and self-aggrandizing. However, the story shows the dangers of both sides and has a Buddhism-like message of balance underneath.

The book by Chuck Palahniuk and David Fincher’s adaptation are both worth checking out.

Brainfood of the Week:

10 Signs You Lack Self Awareness | Psych2Go

This Psych2Go starts by discussing metacognition— a higher form of thinking that gives you the ability to be aware of how you think.

The video highlights how self-awareness by reflecting and evaluating your thoughts and feelings are vital to better understanding yourself.

Ten different methods are explored as indicators of a lack of self-awareness. The signs include lack of emotional intelligence, self-serving bias, and difficulty making realistic goals.

While these are worth being aware of, I thought the utility of the video comes from learning about the signs and seeing how you can incorporate or increase the inverse in your life.

Psych2Go’s mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone. 

They create lighthearted content about psychology, mental wellness, and relatable stories, and have interviews with psychologists, professionals, and experts. 

Psych2Go’s YouTube page has just shy of 10 million followers, and their videos with over one billion total views are worth checking out.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“A frog in a well does not know the great sea.”  (井の中の蛙大海を知らず)

– Japanese Proverb.

This Japanese proverb reminds me to be aware of perspectives in my life. Just because I’m viewing something from one point of view doesn’t mean it’s the right one to look at.

The frog in the proverb can speak only from the second or third-hand experiences of life outside its well.

I’m personifying the frog in this case, but I still think it’s important to view the proverb from different viewpoints and see what meanings connect with you.

The frog can refer to oneself or others. It reminds me not to stay stuck in a well and to take the opinion of a frog in the well with a grain of salt.

This Japanese proverb was another timely reminder for me to work on my awareness of my thoughts, surroundings, and actions.

Be aware of your thoughts and actions, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Madeleine Albright, Teacher Misery, Hidden Figures, Brené Brown, and a Japanese Proverb

Madeleine Albright, Teacher Misery, Hidden Figures, Brené Brown, and a Japanese Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on June 26, 2022

Sunday Supplement #59 (June 26th, 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:

“It took me a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

– Madeleine Albright

Book of the Week:

Teacher Misery – Jane Morris

When I decided to pursue teaching, I was given Teacher Misery by one of the teachers I worked alongside.

The book compiles short stories, emails (from students, parents, and administrators), and other essays that paint the ridiculous and sometimes disheartening experience of teachers.

As I read the book, I could see and believe many of the experiences described by Morris and other teachers who anonymously contributed to the book.

I think the book can be outlandish at times and doesn’t take the other party’s perspective in many instances, but I believe the book is a warning for those who think teaching is a straightforward profession or calling.

Jane Morris is a pen-name for the teacher that authored the book. She has worked in education for decades and provides resources on her website to aid all teachers.

The book is an interesting read but not one I’d describe as pleasant. I recommend it to anyone interested or looking to enter the teaching profession.

For a more supportive guide for teachers with some phenomenal advice, I’d recommend The Courage to Be Happy, which I discuss in Sunday Supplement #22.

Movie of the Week:

Hidden Figures

The film Hidden Figures is based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Margot Lee Shetterly about African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA.

Hidden Figures showed the segregation of race and sex at NASA and how Katherine Johnson, Mary Jackson, and Dorothy Vaughan had to overcome both.

Taraji P. Henson played Johnson, Janelle Monáe played Jackson, and Octavia Spencer played Vaughan. Each was brilliant in their roles, and Spencer received an Oscar nomination for her portrayal.

The movie went on to show how each woman played a vital role at NASA during the Space Race with the USSR.

One of the strikes against the movie was the argument of a white savior narrative from Kevin Costner’s character, director of the Space Task Group Al Harrison.

I don’t think the moment referred to in the arguments was shot well, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience of the film for me.

The movie was nominated for Best Picture, and writers Allison Schroeder and Theodore Melfi were nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the Academy Awards.

Brainfood of the Week:

Dr. Bené Brown’s Vulnerability Breakdown | SuperSoul Sunday | OWN

The video recounts one of Brown’s experiences after her TED Talk, “The Power of Vulnerability,” went viral.

One night Brown looked at the comments under one of her videos and found some scathing anonymous feedback.

While getting her mind off the internet trolls, she came across Theodore Roosevelt’s “Man in the Arena” quote.

The quote became a catalyst for Brown to move forward on her path. It represented everything she learned about vulnerability in her research—showing up and being seen.

Brown wanted to be courageous and daring like the person in the quote and committed to only taking feedback from people who put themselves in the arena.

Brené Brown went on to be a bestselling author, an expert on shame, vulnerability, and empathy, and has helped others through her podcasts, talks, and appearances.

I’ve featured Oprah Winfrey and Brené Brown in multiple previous Sunday Supplements. Click their tags at the bottom of the page to see other posts with their content highlighted.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Heart to heart.” (以心伝心)

– Japanese Proverb

This Japanese proverb “heart to heart” means to share your true feelings to connect with another person.

When I look at passages and quotes, I try to think about them in different ways. With this one, I believe it also means that you can only have a deeper connection with someone if you share your true feelings.

For me, to share your true feelings or to be able to achieve “heart to heart,” you must be willing to be vulnerable.

When opening yourself up to be vulnerable, there can be rejection. However, I find there is great power when being vulnerable. Regardless of the outcome, you know that you gave 100 percent.

I think it’s vital to let yourself be seen and heard by yourself as much as others. This Japanese proverb reminds me of how important it is to open your heart for genuine connection.

See and express yourself fully, and have a blessed week ahead!

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