4) Last night at the Director’s Guild, I saw a screening of An Inconvenient Sequel: Truth to Power. Worth seeing. Afterward, there was a discussion with Al Gore and award-winning filmmakers Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk. I was impressed by Al Gore’s humility. He spoke least of all. (Sorry, I don’t have a better photo.) Limited U.S. release starts today, July 28th. NT Times Review | Trailer
I haven’t been everywhere,
but it’s on my list.
~ Susan Sontag, American writer,
Filmmaker, Activist
5) The Foundation of Mindfulness. On the heels of returning from Africa, I went into the desert outside of LA, around Joshua Tree, to attend a 10-day silent retreat. I was there to learn Vipassana Meditation, which is one of India’s oldest meditation techniques and the basis of Mindfulness. It was what the Buddha was doing when he attained enlightenment. So, in principle, if you practice this technique, you too can do the same. Though I promise you, it is no easy task to sit for 10-days. I was okay with being silent. I was okay with meditating from 4:30 am to 9 pm. It was the physical sitting that was the challenging part. However, worth the effort of learning to purify your mind through self-reflection, and understanding the wisdom of detachment, impermanence, in all things. This specific course is taught throughout the world. Cost is completely donation based. Also to know, this is not a religious technique. More here.
6) Eight Steps to a Happier Vacation. One is to “choose immersion and connection in your travel.” That means talk to strangers, go where the locals hangout. Find out the other seven.