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Sigmund Freud, Sleep No More, Ordinary People, Psych2Go, and a Quran Passage

Sunday Supplement #166 (July 14th, 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:

“Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.”

– Sigmund Freud

Book of the Week:

Sleep No More – Greg Iles

New York Times bestselling author Greg Iles’s Sleep Nor More follows John Waters, a successful businessman and happy family man whose life is upended by one word, “soon.”

Waters faces a memory from his past, an obsession he thought he had escaped, in the form of a stranger who whispers the word and an old lover used to share.

Stephen King’s review, which he doesn’t often do, says the novel should come with a red wrapper marked DANGER: HIGH EXPLOSIVES.

I remember reading this book many years ago; the gripping experience has always stayed with me. If you’re looking for a spooky summer read, this is it.

Movie of the Week:

Ordinary People

As I’ve stated in previous Sunday Supplements, I think it is quite a feat for films to stand the test of time. Some movies don’t even fare well after a re-watch a couple of years later.

The 1981 Academy Award Best Picture winner Ordinary People tells a powerful story that will likely continue to stand tall in Cinema history. 

The film follows the grieving of an affluent family. Each member handles the death differently, and the story follows the consequences of each member’s path.

Timothy Hutton stars as the son Conrad, Donald Sutherland stars as the father Calvin, Mary Tyler Moore stars as the mother Beth, and Judd Hirsch stands out in his supporting role of Conrad’s therapist.

In addition to the Best Picture win, Ordinary People won the Oscar for Best Director (Robert Redford), Best Writing (Alvin Sargent), and Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Hutton). Mary Tyler Moore and Judd Hirsch received nominations.

Brainfood of the Week:

4 Signs You Are Still Grieving | Pysch2Go

Psych2Go’s mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone. I’ve featured their videos in a few previous Sunday Supplements.

This video starts by discussing how we may think we’ve moved on from something or someone, but we may still be experiencing unresolved grief.

The video then gets into the four signs of unresolved grief and how you can be aware of them. At the end of the video, Pysch2Go highlights a service of affordable online counseling platform.

I’ve featured another Psych2Go video on grieving in Sunday Supplement #104. Check it out if you found this one useful.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“We will certainly test you with a touch of fear and famine and loss of property, life, and crops. Give good news to those who patiently endure.”

– Surah Al-Baqara 155

I found this passage from the Quran an interesting look at the tests God or the world can give us and the grieving process.

When I looked at the definition of endure, I found it meant patiently suffering. From the above passage, I take away the good news of allowing a loss or hardship to process while we move forward instead of trying to rush things.

I think the messages of powering through and ignoring emotions are familiar narratives. However, by burying emotions, we can lose the opportunity to learn and to heal. 

This Quran passage reminds me that it’s okay not always to feel in control or to suffer, but when we patiently endure, good news will eventually come.

Make sure to acknowledge your emotions, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Thomas Carlyle, Becoming Supernatural, The Whale, Psych2Go, and an African Proverb

Sunday Supplement #115 (July 23rd, 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.

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

Quote of the Week:

“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”

– Thomas Carlyle

Book of the Week:

Becoming Supernatural – Dr. Joe Dispenza

I recommend this book with a grain of salt. I’ve touched on other books about New Thought beliefs, but I find the best from these books comes from practical application.

In the book, Dispenza discusses topics ranging from demystifying the seven chakra centers of the body to changing past conditioning by reconditioning your mind.

While the book delves into spirituality, manifestation, and mysticism, all topics I find fascinating, I believe his insights on meditation and thought management are helpful to all.

Becoming Supernatural is a dive into the deep end of New Thought, but I believe it’s worth checking out and has some valuable tips for self-development.

Movie of the Week:

The Whale

The Oscar-winning film The Whale follows a reclusive, morbidly obese English teacher as he attempts to reconnect with his teenage daughter.

I don’t think the movie is perfect, but I found it a thought-provoking and emotional film that deeply explored depression and loss.

Brendan Fraser made his acting comeback with his Academy Award-winning performance as Charlie, and nominee Hong Chau stood out with her brilliant supporting role.

Director Darren Aronofsky took Samuel D. Hunter’s play and brought it to the screen, continuing his streak of films exploring darker human emotions.

The Whale comes off as meant for the theater, but it’s an intense film worth watching for those looking for a deeper experience than a popcorn flick.

Brainfood of the Week:

Mental Health vs. Physical Health | Psych2Go

In this Psych2Go video, FM doctor Mike Varshavski discusses mental and physical health aspects and how they are often related.

Varshavski starts the video by discussing experiences of how many patients come in with physical health complaints that, after investigation, relate to mental health issues.

Monica Tiang of Pysch2Go asks brilliant questions that allow Varshavski to delve into topics of diet and health, comorbidities, psychological diagnoses, and treatment options.

I’ve featured Psych2Go in a few previous Sunday Supplements. They have over 11 million subscribers, and their mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“When a small toe is hurting, the whole body swoops down to attend to it.”

– African Proverb

I laughed when I read this African Proverb. It made me think of the times I’ve stubbed my toe and completely forgot everything else except my unfortunate toe.

However, the proverb is an excellent example of how minor pains can take our attention. And it bodes that even larger pains can demand all of it.

We often are encouraged to work through the pain, whether that be physical or emotional. There is some merit in certain circumstances, but it shouldn’t be a go-to mentality.

Knowing our bodies and mental states is vital to making the best decisions. It’s one thing to overcome limiting obstacles, but it is another to ignore our bodies and emotions.

Take care of your health, build good habits, and have a blessed week ahead!

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Moliére, Tales of the South Pacific, A River Runs Through It, Psych2Go, and a Bible Passage

Sunday Supplement #104 (May 7th, 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.

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

Quote of the Week:

“If you suppress grief too much, it can well redouble.”

– Moliére

Book of the Week:

Tales of the South Pacific – James A. Michener

James A. Michener’s Tales of the South Pacific is a Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of sequentially related short stories about the Pacific campaign in World War II.

Michener wrote these fictional stories based on anecdotes he collected while stationed as a US Navy lieutenant commander.

The short stories have powerful narratives covering a variety of persons and events from the Pacific from the American perspective while offering an insight into the Islanders’ experience.

Tales of the South Pacific is a fantastic novel that, while written in 1946, offers a brilliantly deep look into the experience of the war and its effect.

The book was loosely adapted to the Broadway musical South Pacific, but I highly recommend checking out the novel.

Movie of the Week:

A River Runs Through It

Robert Redford’s A River Runs Through It is based on the 1976 semi-autobiographical novella by Norman Maclean.

The film is set in Montana, and the story follows the two sons of a Presbyterian minister as they grow up and come of age during World War I to the early era of the Great Depression.

Many themes are explored in the narrative of A River Runs Through It, including family help and helplessness, and eternal nature vs. human frailty.

The film is beautifully brought to life from the adapted script by Richard Friedenberg and stars Craig Sheffer, Brad Pitt, Tom Skerritt, Brenda Blethyn, and Emily Lloyd.

A River Runs Through It won the Academy Award for Best Cinematography and was nominated for Best Music – Original Score and Best Adapted Screenplay.

Brainfood of the Week:

5 Things About Grief No One Really Tells You | Psych2Go

This video from Pysch2Go is an excellent reminder of the complicated grieving process and gives five points that can often be ignored.

One of the sayings often offered to someone grieving is to stay strong. This can often be a step of avoidance or denial.

Another point from the video is that acceptance can be more complicated than admitting a loss. The process isn’t always straightforward and can happen more than once.

Check out the video for the complete insight into the five things about grief that no one really tells you. They are helpful and are worth the look.

I’ve featured Pysch2Go videos in a few previous Sunday Supplements. Their mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again, and you will rejoice, and no one will take your joy away.”

– John 16:22

I’ve found Bible passages (and many spiritual passages) to be sources of comfort or wisdom through their metaphors in relation to our life experiences.

This verse reminds me of the importance of grieving. We all experience moments of loss, but sometimes we suppress it instead of making time to process it.

By giving ourselves time and space to grieve, we give ourselves permission for the feelings of loss to be seen.

I’ve found that only by fully embracing moments of loss for a period am I able to heal and move forward back on a path of joy.

Give yourself time to grieve, heal, move forward in love and joy, 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

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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Sri Ravi Shankar, Get the Hell Out of Your Own Way, Before Sunrise, Psych2Go, and Dhammapada 33

Sunday Supplement #76 (October 23rd, 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:

“Wisdom is knowing when to have rest, when to have activity, and how much of each to have.”

– Sri Ravi Shankar

Book of the Week:

Get the Hell Out of Your Own Way – Jan Grobler

Jan Grobler is a Life & Transformation Coach, Cognitive Behavioral Therapist, Psychological Kinesiologist, and Teacher.

Get the Hell Out of Your Own Way contains the lessons Grobler learned along his journey that helped him heal his past trauma and obtain freedom to move forward.

The book is divided into three parts: How We End Up in Our Own Way, Cutting the Key to Your Freedom, and Be & Stay in the Driver’s Seat of Your Life.

What I enjoyed most about the book was the combination of wisdom the text provided and the prompts in the book to help you take actionable steps forward in your life.

Get the Hell Out of Your Own Way is an engaging read that leaves you with many gems to bring into your life.

Movie of the Week:

Before Sunrise

I’ve only seen the first film in Richard Linklater’s Before trilogy, but it’s a movie I find myself thinking about long after I’ve seen it.

The story follows a young man and woman as they meet on a train in Europe and spend one evening together in Vienna.

Most of the movie focuses on the dialogue between the two characters as they explore their contrasting ideas and perspectives on life and love.

Before Sunrise premiered at the Sundance Film Festival and grossed $22.5 million from a $2.5 million budget.

The movie is an intriguing watch for its exploration of postmodern views on love and appears on many watch lists with favorable reviews from critics.

Brainfood of the Week:

6 Signs Your Burnt Out, Not Lazy | Psych2Go

Psych2Go’s mission is to make psychology and mental health more accessible to everyone. Their YouTube page has just shy of 10 million followers.

This Psych2Go video defines burnout as a negative state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by excessive stress and the inability to cope with it.

There are many overlaps between laziness and burnout, and it’s important to know the difference to recognize early signs.

Psycho2Go’s video is not a substitute for professional advice, but it is a good source of general education.

I’ve featured Psycho2Go before in Sunday Supplement #66 and recommend checking out their channel.

Closing Spiritual Passage:

“Just as a fletcher straightens an arrow shaft, even so, the discerning man straightens his mind— so fickle and unsteady, so difficult to guard.”

– Dhammapada 33

This verse from the Dhammapada reminds me of the constant task of attending to our minds.

I think of moments in my past when I’ve been happy with where I’m at but didn’t continue on the path of reflection and improvement.

The Dhammapada passage points out how the mind can be fickle, unsteady, and difficult to guard. It requires constant work.

The example reminds me of the necessity for continuing to exercise if you want to stay in shape. You can’t stop once you reach a certain point and expect to stay in shape.

Make tweaks to the arrow of your life to improve its flight, and have a blessed week ahead!

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