Recently in Books & Movies Category

I've run across a book that could change your life from the time you open to the first chapter to the moment you close the last. I want to tell you about it, because I believe that you will be very, very glad that I did.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday is Book & Movie Day on the blog, when we take a look at texts and films – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommendation: The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Long have we heard that our thoughts have an enormous impact on our day-to-day lives. And this is not just a "new age" idea. As traditional a Christian minister as you could get wrote that extraordinary book The Power of Positive Thinking (Rev. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale). Now comes a text that discusses the role that our thoughts play in our moment-to-moment experience in a way that is so clear, so understandable, that no one who reads it can ever again say they don't understand what people are talking about when they say: Your thoughts create your reality.

Its author, Michael A. Singer, was working toward his doctorate in economics in the 1970s when he had what he describes as a "deep inner awakening." From that experience has emerged two books previous to this: The Search for Truth and Three Essays on Universal Law: Karma, Will and Love. The books seek to integrate Eastern and Western philosophy.

The book here recommended, The Untethered Soul, is a journey of exploration of "self." It offers a fascinating, riveting discussion of the way the mind works, of the nature of thought and the role it plays in our lives, and of the nature of the THINKER of our thoughts...

"When you contemplate the nature of Self, you are meditating," Singer writes. "That is why meditation in the highest state. It is the return to the root of your being, the simplest awareness of being aware. Once you become conscious of the consciousness itself, you attain a totally different state. You are now aware of who you are. You have become an awakened being. Its really just the most natural thing in the world. Here I am. Here I always was.

"It's like you've been on the couch watching TV, but you were so totally immersed in the show that you forgot where you were. Someone shook you, and now you're back to the awareness that you're sitting on the couch watching TV. Nothing has changed. You've simply stopped projecting your sense of self on that particular object of consciousness. You woke up. That is spirituality. That is the nature of self. That is who you are."

I found myself absorbed in this text from first word to last. Others have as well. Yogi Amrit Desai calls it "a priceless gift to all who have futilely searched and yearned for a richer, more meaningful, creative life." He describes it as a "seminal book that is, quite frankly, in a class by itself."

Yes, it is that in my opinion as well. Every thoughtful spiritual seeker will enjoy it. All, I believe, will benefit from it immensely. Singer here shows us how to work with our thoughts, how to step outside of our "story" that they create, and how to detach sufficiently from our drama to lead a peaceful, joyous life.

-- NDW

What is the meaning of life? What is its purpose? How might be live our lives to get the most out of them, and to give the most to them? Those are pretty big questions for a movie to try to answer...and I'm not sure that any movie that I know of does that. But some movies make the questions a little more present in our minds, a little more pertinent, and little more poignant.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

This is Book & Movie Day on the blog, when we take a look at texts and films – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommendation: The Bucket List

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I saw a movie on the airplane on the way home from Chicago the other day, and it stopped me in my tracks. I didn't expect it to be so good. The trailer for the film was horrible, and gave no indication at all of what was coming; it offered not even a glimpse of what was in store...

For this reason, we ignored the film -- my beloved and I -- when we saw it on the menu of the in-room movies offered at our hotel the night before. We watched that trailer and it gave us the impression that it was a silly, slapstick comedy about nothing, going nowhere...just a make-money-quick vehicle for its stars.

Then, on the airplane, here comes the film again. It was a four-and-a-half-hour flight, so we thought, what the heck...put on our headsets and watched.

Wow.

Don't miss this film.

First, it is directed by Rob Reiner, and I guess we should have known it was going to be good just from that. Then, it starred Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson, two of my favorite actors in the world, and two of the very best in Hollywood. All of this should have recommended it, really, but I'm not kidding about that trailer. It made it look like one of those silly films that you'd just rather not even watch. I mean, give me a good book any time.

But we watched it on the plane. Don't ask me why we opted for it. We both actually had good books. But the pictures flashed on the overhead screens and I guess we just got caught up in the images, which start out in a hospital...so we put on those headsets and boy, are we glad we did.

The Bucket List is just one of the nicest movies I've seen in a long, loooong time. It is simply wonderful. The acting in it is beyond superb, with Freeman and Nicholson coming off so naturally, it's hard, in places, to think of this as a movie. It's like watching real people live real life, in many of the not-so-far-out scenes. The dialogue is terrific, too. The film boasts a truly wonderfully crafted screen play. Many of the lines made me laugh and cry at the same time.

And Reiner's direction is right on the mark. He has a light touch with his actors (with these two, very little dramatic direction must be needed, I would think), and his choice of shots and angles is wonderful. His pacing of the film is also perfect. Slow-fast, then slow, then fast -- funny-serious, then funny, then serious again. I felt like Messrs. Reiner, Nicholson, and Freeman were pulling me all over the emotional map. And I was happy to make the journey.

You may have heard about this movie. It's the story of two older men, occupying the same hospital room, both of whom have been diagnosed with terminal cancer. They've each been given months to live. They make a list of the things they've always wanted to do -- and now really want to do before they "kick the bucket."

Nicholson's character has been made insanely rich, to facilitate the plot line. In other words, the two men actually can do the things on their list -- including journey all over the world, seeing the pyramids, driving race cars on tracks that have been opened just for them, etc. But it turns out in the end that these adventures, while fun and spectacular, have nothing to do with what the heart and soul seek to achieve before departing the body...

An example of the excellent and clever writing: Nicholson (playing the part of "Edward" to Freeman's "Carter") puts on The Bucket List that one of the things he wants to do before he dies is "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world." The dialogue that follows:

Carter: (chuckling when he sees this on the list) And just how do you think you've going to accomplish that?

Edward: (with a wink and a old man's smile...) Volume.

He actually achieves this goal, and how he does it is the sweetest moment in the film, and one of the sweetest moments in any film anywhere.

When the two men are sitting on a brick wall overlooking the Great Pyramids there is more wonderful dialogue...

Carter: The Egyptian Ancients said that just at the gates of paradise you are asked two questions. They said that your answer to the questions determines whether you get admitted.

Edward: (After a short pause) Okay, I'll bite. What are they?

Carter: Did you find joy in your life?

Edward doesn't say anything.

Carter: Well, answer it.

Edward: You want me to answer that?

Carter: Yeah, answer it.

Edward: (After an obvious and questioning mental review of his life) ....Yes. Yes, I did.

Carter: Okay, now the second question. Did your life bring joy to others?

Edward: (Again thinking about it, this time with discomfort) ...

Well, actually, I'll let you watch the movie and hear how this dialogue plays out...and how its playing out affects the movie itself.

Listen, this is a film with a little bit of insight, a little bit of spirituality, and yes, a little bit of schmaltz...but you're going to love it. You've going to love it because it's a heart-opener, and we all love to feel our hearts opening.

So, if you're looking for a really good evening, a nice, nice weekend video rental...make some popcorn and sit down and enjoy...

The Bucket List

My wonderful friend James Twyman this weekend is releasing his powerful movie, The Moses Code. Here's what it's all about....

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday is Book & Movie Day on the blog, when we take a look at texts and films – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommendation: THE MOSES CODE
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

PUBLIC DISCLAIMER: My views on the movie below are very subjective, for two reasons. James Twyman is a very close friend of mine, Drew Heriot is an acquaintance of mine, and, most significant of all, I appear in the film. So please know that I know that my thoughts here about this film are not very objective.

Having said that, let me tell you about what I think is a remarkable film. In it, Executive Producer Drew Heriot (the director of The Secret) and creator/director James Twyman invite you to unlock the energy of what James calls "the most powerful manifestation process in the history of the world."

James is also releasing a book by the same title, which book explores a conversation that took place 3500 years ago when Moses stood in front of a burning bush and asked for God's name. Moses then harnessed the power found in the name of God to help secure the freedom of the Israelite slaves. Yet then it was locked away, never to be used again.

Until now.

"This is one of the most important and critical times in history," Twyman says, "and it's time for us to unlock this ancient mystery in order to create miracles in our lives and in the world." This is a book that takes the Law of Attraction to amazing new heights. It isn't simply about "getting" the things we think we want, but learning that true manifestation comes from "giving" what is deep within us. You'll learn exercises that will help you make the Moses Code work in your life, manifesting a new reality for yourself and the world.

"In many ways I feel this is the book I was born to write," James said. "There are so many people today focusing on using the law of attraction to manifest everything they desire, but they sometimes forget that to be truly successful this goal needs to originate in the soul, not the ego. The ego is constantly trying to 'get' while its soul seeks only to 'give', thereby realizing that it already possesses everything it needs. Then manifestation is automatic."

"This book and these exercises may change the world," Twyman continued. "I'm not saying that to be overly dramatic. I really believe it. Some of the greatest miracles in history were created through this technology, then it was hidden away because orthodox authorities believed that people weren't ready to use it wisely. They may have been right. Times have changed and now we stand at the edge of a critical precipice, one that may decide whether we continue on this planet or destroy ourselves. The fact that we have the power to destroy means that we possess equal power to create, and that's what The Moses Code is all about."

In the film we are told that thirty-five hundred years ago God gave Moses a gift that changed the world. Some of the most incredible miracles in history came from applying a simple code, activating the power of the creative force of God in the world. This code, if finally applied by humanity, has the power to transform the planet, as well as add the richest blessings to your own life.

Some of the best known spiritual teachers in the world join James Twyman in this film, including...

Debbie Ford, Iyanla Van Zant, Dr. Michael Beckwith,
John Holland, Cheryl Richardson,
Dr. Joe Dispenza, Diana Cooper, James Van Praagh,
Robert Ohotto, Harville Hendrix, Gregg Braden,
Sonia Choquette, Les Brown, Anakha Coman,
Mikki Willis, Rev. Mary Manin Morrissey, and
myself.

These teachers will be offering tools on how you can apply the Moses Code to your own life. This is the foundation upon which the Law of Attraction is built. The film focuses on the power of “Soul Manifestation,” drawing upon your own innate spiritual connection to produce miracles everywhere you go.

Many other films and books have focused on using the Law of Attraction to “get” the things we believe we need, eg. houses, cars or other goods. The Moses Code takes the next much more important step—how do we use this law to “give” from our soul, as James talks about above, automatically attracting spiritual blessings into our lives.

You have an opportunity to join hundreds of thousands of people this weekend in viewing the film at select locations. (To see where the movie is being screened, simply go to www.themosescode.com)

Getting older isn't easy. And living with the after effects of a stroke can obviously make it even harder. Faith in God, and in the Divine Order of things, is often the first thing to go

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday is Book & Movie Day on the blog, when we take a look at texts and films – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommendation: Fierce Grace: The Story of Ram Dass
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The other night I rented and watched for the first time a remarkable film about the spiritual visionary known as Ram Dass. This biographical documentary was made in 2001.

Get the movie. It will speak to you in wonderful ways.

First, a word about the man around whom the film swirls. From Wikipedia comes this about Ram Dass...

Dr. Richard Alpert (born April 6, 1931), also known as Baba Ram Dass, is a contemporary spiritual teacher, well-known for his association with Timothy Leary at Harvard University in the early 1960s, both having been dismissed from their professorships for experiments on the effects of psychedelic drugs on human subjects.

In 1967 Alpert traveled to India, where he eventually met the Hindu guru Neem Karoli Baba, better known in the West as Maharaj-ji, who soon became Alpert's guru and gave him the name "Ram Dass", which means "servant of God". It was his life-changing experiences in India that inspired Ram Dass to write the contemporary spiritual classic, Be Here Now, in which he teaches the harmony of all people and religions.

In February 1997, he suffered a stroke which left him with expressive aphasia, however, he understands his stroke as an act of grace and continues to travel giving lectures, as his health permits. When asked if he could sum up his life's message Ram Dass replied, "I help people as a way to work on myself, and I work on myself to help people... To me, that's what the emerging game is all about."

The film Fierce Grace chronicles Ram Dass' experience of the stroke, and the personal growth work he has done around that experience. It is a remarkable movie for what it moves us as viewers to understand about life itself, and the journey upon which we are all embarked. In the film, Ram Dass acknowledges that "being stroked," as he repeatedly calls it, created the most difficult test of his life. His faith in the God of his understanding, and in what he assumed to be his larger awarenesses about life, was severely tested. Actually, he says, it was lost. And then, re-found again.

This is a film that every person would benefit from seeing, but it would be especially beneficial to anyone who is now undergoing some sort of major challenge in their life -- a health challenge of any other kind of challenge.

In the film Ram Dass says something about healing that I will always remember -- and that I will use for the rest of my life when people ask me about the power of God (and the process of personal creation; i.e, we create our own reality) to bring about healing of any condition.

"Healing is not, after all, the same as 'curing'," Ram Dass observes. "Healing does not mean going back to the way things were before, but rather, allowing what 'is' now to move us closer to God."

Yes, yes. Amen, and amen.

Rent the movie. Get the movie. Watch the movie.

"No" is today's biggest challenge, says William Ury, world renowned negotiator, mediator, and best-selling author. "At the heart of the difficulty in saying No is the tension between exercising your power and tending to your relationship," Mr Ury adds -- and he has hit the nail right on the head.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Friday is Book & Movie Day on the blog, when we take a look at texts and films – old and new -- that I highly recommend you not miss. This week’s recommendation:The Power of a Positive No
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Director of the Global Negotiation Project at Harvard University, William Ury has written a marvelous book here. This text comes from the author nearly a quarter century after his best-selling Getting to Yes. For Ury, No is not simply a cleaner rejection. In fact, it is not a rejection at all. It is simply a declining, a "no, thank you." It is a gentle decision, gently communicated and gently received.

Said Publisher's Weekly:

"In addition to drawing on his own experiences as a negotiator for conflicts in countries like Chechnya and Venezuela, and the historical examples of activists like Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, he shows how his principles can be used in the home and the workplace. He even throws in a few literary precedents, citing Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, whose repetition of the phrase "I would prefer not to" is cited as a "simple and admirable" method of polite refusal.

"Some of Ury's advice, like describing how another's actions make you feel rather than attacking the action, may strike the more cynical minded as touchy-feely, but his reminders to consider the other person's perspective while asserting your own position create a clear, unambiguous path to win-win situations."

As I see it, we could use a little more "touchy-feely" in our world, so I am excited about this book and hope that tons of people read it.

As Joan Borysenko says, "Every woman needs a copy of this book....I promise that learning to deliver a positive No can change your life--it changed mine dramatically in a single week." And former President Jimmy Carter called the book "A boon to all of us."

The book jacket says: In today's world of high-stress and limitless choices, the pressure to give in an say Yes grows greater every day, producing overload and overwork, expanding e-mail and eroding ethics. Never had No been more needed. No has the power to profoundly transform our lives by enabling us to say Yes to what counts--our own needs, values, and priorities.

Understood this way, No is the new Yes. And the Positive No may be the most valuable life skill you'll ever learn.

I highly recommend this writing. It truly can alter your day-to-day experience in a very positive way.