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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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Marilyn Monroe, Watership Down, The Truman Show, Improvement Pill, and an African Proverb

Marilyn Monroe, Watership Down, The Truman Show, Improvement Pill, and an African Proverb

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on August 7, 2022

Sunday Supplement #65 (August 7th, 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:

“Sometimes good things fall apart so better things can fall together.”

– Marilyn Monroe

Book of the Week:

Watership Down – Richard Adams

When Hazel’s brother Fiver experiences a terrifying vision of their warren’s imminent destruction, the rabbits must convince others to flee.

Their adventure takes on many twists and turns and delves into a few deeper themes like authoritarianism and power structures.

Richard Adam’s research of rabbits and warrens helps provide a reading experience that feels like a realistic insight into the life of a rabbit.

After getting rejected by numerous publishers, the book was published by Collings and won the Carnegie Medal and Guardian Prize.

Adam’s book might be cataloged as a young adult or children’s novel, but it is an epic masterpiece that all ages can enjoy.

Movie of the Week:

The Truman Show

In The Truman Show, Jim Carrey plays Truman Burbank, an insurance salesman who discovers that his whole life is a reality TV show.

Burbank grew up living a life that, unbeknownst to him, takes place on a massive set populated by actors for a reality television show about him.

When Truman suspects his life is off, he must decide whether to be passive or fight back.

Jim Carey brings out the best of existential undertones of the movie while using his comedic chops to keep the film adventurous. 

The rest of the cast, including standouts Ed Harris, Laura Linney, and Noah Emmerich, brilliantly support the fascinating world of The Truman Show.

The film was nominated for three Oscars and currently is #142 on IMDb’s Top Rated Movies list. It is worth putting on your watch list and will make for an intriguing movie night.

Brainfood of the Week:

How To Change Your Bad Habits | Improvement Pill

I’ve featured Improvement Pill in two previous Sunday Supplements. Their channel has just shy of 3 million followers and focuses on teaching practices that can help change your life.

In this video, Improvement Pill focuses on how to change your bad habits. The video starts by discussing a negative habit loop of Internet surfing (Facebook).

The harmful habit gets reinforced by the environment and specific cues. The first step two removing a bad habit is changing your environment and/or eliminating negative cues.

Adding good cues to your routine helps reinforce good habits in your life. And making it harder to indulge in bad habits and easier to indulge in good ones reinforces your determination.

The video gives good examples of positive and negative cues and making it harder or easier to support habits.

Improvement Pill has many short videos with practical strategies for change. Check this one out to see if it’s a channel you’d like to subscribe to.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“If the rhythm of the drum beat changes, the dance steps must adapt.”

– African Proverb

This African Proverb reminds me that we aren’t always in control of the music around us. If we want to keep up with new dances, we must learn the steps.

New rhythms can help us grow and learn new things. Although, I don’t think we should mindlessly dance to the beat of others either.

I think awareness of the changing beats is vital to conscious action. We can decide how to best move forward when we recognize the music changing.

There are many levels to this African Proverb, and I’m glad for the reflection on being aware of my environment. 

Notice the music playing around you, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Anne Wilson Schaef, The 4-Hour Body, The Karate Kid, Wendy Suzuki, and the Dhammapada 204

Anne Wilson Schaef, The 4-Hour Body, The Karate Kid, Wendy Suzuki, and the Dhammapada 204

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 31, 2022

Sunday Supplement #64 (July 31st, 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:

“Good health is not something we can buy. However, it can be an extremely valuable savings account.”

– Anne Wilson Schaef

Book of the Week:

The 4-Hour Body – Timothy Ferriss

*I recommend this book with a grain of salt. I do not believe everything in The 4-Hour Body should be followed. Ferriss isn’t a dietician or doctor. He states as much in a disclaimer.

That being said, I picked up many useful tidbits from the book.

Ferriss’ The 4-Hour Body was his followup to his New York Times bestseller, The 4-Hour Workweek (which I covered in Sunday Supplement #57).

In addition to his award-winning podcast, bestselling books, and successes as an entrepreneur, Ferriss is a tango world record holder and former national kickboxing champion.

The 4-Hour Body is the culmination of Ferriss’ quest to find the best and tiniest changes for all things physical that produce the biggest results.

There is an excellent introduction to the book that helps readers decide which sections are best for them. It covers everything from dieting and weight loss to sex and sleep.

While I gave the asterisks at the beginning of the recommendation, there is testing behind his research, and athlete and MD referrals.

For me, this was a great book to learn about the science behind health and exercise. I view it as a good introductory book that is an easy and fun read.

Movie of the Week:

The Karate Kid

John G. Avildsen’s The Karate Kid is an 80s film about a teenager, Daniel, who gets bullied after his move to California and his journey under the tutelage of a martial arts master.

The movie is a relatively simple story, along the lines of one of Avildsen’s previous films (Rocky), and it was able to capture something special like Rocky.

Daniel’s journey in the story is an interesting mix of standing up for himself physically and learning maturity and balance in all aspects of his life.

While Ralph Macchio did a brilliant job as Daniel, the star of the movie is Pat Morita as Daniel’s tutor Mr. Miyagi.

Morita was nowhere near the radar of the higher-ups for the role, but Avildsen advocated for Morita as Mr. Miyagi. Ultimately, Morita received an Academy Award nomination for his performance.

The Karate Kid went on to have three sequels and a currently running Emmy-nominated series after its massive success at the box office.

The movie is a fun summer popcorn flick that packs some substance along with its punches.

Brainfood of the Week:

The Brain-Changing Benefits of Exercise | Wendy Suzuki

“What if I told you there was something you can do right now that would have an immediate, positive benefit for your brain, including your mood and your focus?”

“And what if I told you that same thing could actually last a long time and protect your brain from different conditions like depression, Alzheimer’s disease, or dementia? Would you do it?”

Neuroscientist Wendy Suzuki opens her TED Talks with these questions. She states that the way to achieve these powerful effects is through physical activity.

Suzuki tells a personal story that exemplifies why exercise is the most transformative thing you can do for your brain today.

Her findings through her own experience led her to change her research focus. 

After years of analysis, Suzuki found exercise has immediate effects on your brain, long-term attention function, as well as long-term improvement of good mood neurotransmitters and protective effects on your brain.

Suzuki wraps up her TED Talks by answering how long you have to exercise to trigger these positive outcomes. Exercising three to four times a week for thirty minutes is the answer.

This TED Talk has many more valuable benefits and is worth taking 13 minutes of your day.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Health is the greatest gift.”

– Dhammapada 204

Health can be taken for granted until confronted with illness in oneself or a close friend or relative.

This Dhammapada quote reminds me to cherish my health and the health of my loved ones.

I think our physical well-being is as vital as our mental well-being. They are linked, and each can be used as a kickstart for the other.

There is a lot of toxicity around the vanity of health. I don’t think healthy living means a photoshopped magazine image. It means treating your body with kindness.

Kindness doesn’t mean saying nice things and spoiling oneself or others, though. It means being honest with oneself and others without being mean.

The Dhammapada and many other spiritual practices preach the benefits of treating one’s body as a gift. 

There are many benefits to making your physical health a priority. This quote was a timely reminder for me to be more conscious of how I’m treating my body.

Treat your physical health with kindness, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Walt Whitman, I Am Legend, The Station Agent, How to Be a Good Friend, and 1 Corinthians 15:33

Walt Whitman, I Am Legend, The Station Agent, How to Be a Good Friend, and 1 Corinthians 15:33

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 24, 2022

Sunday Supplement #63 (July 24th, 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:

“I have learned that to be with those I like is enough.”

– Walt Whitman

Book of the Week:

I Am Legend – Richard Matheson

If what you know about the story of I Am Legend comes from the 2007 film starring Will Smith, you’ve experienced a version that barely takes anything from the source material.

Richard Matheson’s novel follows Robert Neville, possibly the last living man on Earth. However, he is not alone.

A plague swept across the world and turned those it did not kill into vampires. Neville struggles from isolation, depression, and alcoholism in his attempts to stay alive.

Neville alternates between a hunter in the day when the creatures are asleep and a survivor at night, hoping not to be found.

Eventually, Neville determines there must be a scientific reason behind the vampires’ origins and tries to understand the disease.

Matheson’s I Am Legend (1954) is widely acclaimed as one of the most influential works of modern zombie and vampire literature.

The book might not be for everyone, but for those who would take a recommendation from Ray Bradbury and Stephen King, check it out.

Movie of the Week:

The Station Agent

Tom McCarthy (writer of Up, The Visitor, and Spotlight) made his directing and writing debut with The Station Agent.

The film follows Finbar McBride, played by Peter Dinklage, as Finbar’s only friend dies and bequeaths him a piece of rural property with an abandoned train depot on it.

The antisocial train enthusiast moves to the new town, planning to live in solitude but finding himself reluctantly drawn into the lives of his neighbors.

The Station Agent explores depths of emotions in a thoughtful and sometimes quirky manner that makes it a special film.

In addition to Peter Dinklage’s standout performance, Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale shine in their supporting roles.

The film won the Audience Award for Dramatic Film at Sundance in 2003, made $8 million on a $500k budget, and boasts a 94% critics rating on RottenTomatoes. 

Brainfood of the Week:

How to Be a Good Friend | The School of Life

I’ve featured The School of Life in four previous Sunday Supplements. Their channel has over 7 million subscribers and aims to help people lead calmer and more resilient lives. 

This video explores the concept of what it means to be a good friend.

The beginning poses that we might not collectively be good at friendship because we don’t have a clear idea of what a good friend might be like.

The School of Life then delves into the areas they think are essential in a good friend.

Some of the areas that are discussed involve vulnerability, genuine interest, support, and questioning.

I think the list may not have what everyone is looking for, but I thought it was an exciting idea to list the attributes of a good friend.

Check out the video if you’d like to see what The School of Life has to say on the subject, and think about what attributes are important to you in friendship.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.”

– 1 Corinthians 15:33

There are many passages in the bible about friendship, forgiveness, and kindness. I believe those messages are important.

However, this passage reminds me of the dangers of letting standards slip in relationships.

Quotes like these come to mind— “What you’re not changing your choosing,” and “Be careful what you tolerate. You are teaching people how to treat you.”

I think the core of this Corinthians passage is the idea of losing your way and following someone else.

Sometimes, we can get lost and look to others for guidance and support. However, if those people are not aligned with your morals and ideals, you should look elsewhere.

Friends can be in dark places sometimes, and you can be a light for them. But dimming your light or slipping into the darkness to commiserate can be dangerous.

Make sure you are treating yourself kindly and are in a good place. If you’re not, be careful of who and what you have as influences around you.

Surround yourself with good people and good things, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Roy T. Bennett, A Monster Calls, Stand by Me, The Futur, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Roy T. Bennett, A Monster Calls, Stand by Me, The Futur, and a Bhagavad Gita Passage

Published by Drew Alexander Ross on July 17, 2022

Sunday Supplement #62 (July 17th, 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:

“Accept yourself, love yourself, and keep moving forward. If you want to fly, you have to give up what weighs you down.”

– Roy T. Bennett

Book of the Week:

A Monster Calls – Patrick Ness

British author and activist Siobhan Dowd originally came up with the idea for A Monster Calls. 

Conor struggles to cope with the consequences of his mother’s illness and is visited by a monster each night he dreams.

As the boy experiences isolation and loneliness from his peers and his family in the wake of his mother’s illness, the monster wants Conor’s truth.

The monster promises to tell three true stories in return for Conor’s true story about the nightmare he’s afraid to recall.

Dowd had terminal cancer when she came up with the idea and worked with editor Denise Johnstone-Burt at Walker Books to develop the book.

Patrick Ness also worked with Johnstone-Burt and was brought on to write the novel after Dowd’s passing.

The book won the Carnegie Medal and was adapted into a critically successful movie of the same name. 

A Monster Calls is considered a young adult novel but is well written with themes that resonate with all ages.

Movie of the Week:

Stand by Me

I haven’t featured Stephen King in a Sunday Supplement in some time. He’s one of my favorite authors, and I believe some of the best films in Cinema have been adapted from his works.

Stand by Me is a 1986 film adapted from King’s novella The Body. The story recounts a childhood adventure of four friends who attempt to find the missing body of a local boy.

The companionship of the four boys makes the movie. Each has their struggles and home and in the community. 

A local gang of bad boys rival the boys’ search and want to claim fame from the news by discovering the body first.

Stand by Me received an Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. It also received two Golden Globes nominations for Best Drama Motion Picture and Best Director.

Director Rob Reiner claimed it was his favorite film, and Stephen King said it was the best adaptation of one of his works.

There is much to appreciate from the film, and it’s one worth putting on your watch list if you haven’t seen it.

Brainfood of the Week:

Learn Self Acceptance Self Confidence By Letting Go Of Ego & Being Yourself

This is the first time I’ve featured The Futur on a Sunday Supplement. Their YouTube page is dedicated to helping people make a living doing what they love.

The Futur focuses on five main topics: Mindset, Marketing, Sales & Negotiations, Pricing & Motivation.

In this video, Chris Do discusses how most people carry around a flash mask, constructed from insecurity and ego, hoping people will accept them.

Do explains how everyone already sees you for who you are and chooses whether to accept or reject you. 

We shouldn’t concern ourselves with how others view us because it’s outside our control and takes a tremendous amount of our energy.

Do tells a story about how he viewed himself and tried to control how others viewed him. He eventually let go and focused on allowing others to connect with him or not.

The Futur’s video is an excellent dissection of the ego and how we can genuinely connect with others if we learn to accept ourselves.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Whatever happened was good. Whatever is happening is good. Whatever will happen will also be good.”

– Bhagavad Gita

This Bhagavad Gita passage reminds me how we can always find the good if we look for it. There can be terrible experiences, but there can always be a way to move forward.

I reflect on the more challenging experiences of my life and the more difficult experiences of others and find that a change in perspective allows growth.

Accepting any situation gives us the power to take action and move forward. We might not be able to change bad experiences, but we can learn from them and look for the good around us.

I try to remember this Bhagavad Gita passage when I feel lost. Knowing that I can choose how I want to move forward helps me find the good in the past, present, and future.

Accept yourself, find the good, and have a blessed week ahead!

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