September 9, 2016
What's Happening This Week at SpiritualityandPractice.com
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Editor's Pick
By Krzysztof Kieslowski
Kieslowski created these modern stories inspired by the Ten Commandments for television in 1988 - 1989. Only one hour each, they give us unusual angles on familiar themes such as adultery and stealing and put them before us in a variety of narrative styles, from somber tragedy to black comedy. The stunning new restoration of Dekalog began a U.S. theatrical run this week and will be released on DVD at the end of the month.
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Practices
The vital connection between children and their grandparents is immediate and gratifying to both parties. Elders all need to be needed and kids deserve more unconditional love: It is a wonderful exchange. Here are a few of our favorite films about this close bond plus a gratitude ritual for Grandparent's Day.
More Practices: Steven Biko Day, Isadora Duncan Day
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E-Courses
Ways to Love the Life You Have
By Roger Housden
September 5 - October 24, 2016
You're still in time to sign up for this group discussion of Roger Housden's new book,
Dropping the Struggle: Seven Ways to Love the Life You Have. The first email went out this week and looks at welcoming what comes your way -- by being consciously grateful for it, for instance. Read more and sign up here:
www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/LoveYourLife
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By Sylvia Boorstein with James Kullander
September 5 - 30, 2016
You are also still welcome to sign up for this e-course. So far Sylvia has gently moved through benefits of lovingkindness, the Buddha's teachings on universal love, and the value of blessing yourself wholeheartedly. Read more and sign up here: www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/LovingkindnessMeditation
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Special sneak peek into November!
We are thrilled that Cynthia Bourgeault is returning to present an e-course on Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, who wrote, "The day will come when, after harnessing space, the winds, the tides, and gravitation, we shall harness for God the energies of love. And on that day, for the second time in the history of the world, we shall have discovered fire." Read more and sign up here:
www.SpiritualityandPractice.com/TeilhardforOurTimes
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Films
Directed by Graham Townsley and Brad Allgood
Welcome to Cateura, Paraguay, a slum built upon a landfill. Here, through an orchestra of instruments created from recycled garbage, practicing and performing music brings meaning and purpose into the lives of poverty-stricken youth.
More Films: Cameraperson, Come What May, Don't Think Twice, Equity, The Light between Oceans, Other People, Sully
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DVDs
Directed by Dexter Fletcher
In this underdog movie inspired by a true story, Eddie decides at a young age that he wants to participate in the Olympics, even though as a boy he shows no particular aptitude for sports. But he has determination and a mother and a coach who back him as he pursues his impossible dream. His sport: ski jumping!
More DVDs: A Bigger Splash; Genius; Love & Friendship; The Meddler; What Happened, Miss Simone?
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Film Collection
By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
From Babe the orphan pig to Roy the golf ace in Tin Cup, these characters lift your spirits: sports figures, outsiders, and pariahs of all types who excel against the odds, desperate to fulfill their dreams or make their mark in their communities.
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Books
The Book
By Keith Houston
Facing the threat of computers and electronic books, Houston enchants us with the corporeality of physical books, with their satisfying rustle of paper and crackle of glue. He leads us on a fascinating journey with glimpses of the ancient art of printing on cuneiform tablets and papyrus scrolls and the covering of books with alligator, kangaroo or seal skin.
More Books:
A Buddhist Grief Observed, Dropping the Struggle, Prayers of a Roadside Contemplative, Textbook, Wisdom Notes
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Elder Spirituality Project
By Willard Spiegelman
Claiming to have reached his biblical allotment of three score years and ten, the author looks backward and then ahead with frequent nods to all the pleasure and adventure of his international travels, urban experiences, conversations, varied cuisines, reunions, music, and his love of books, art, and quiet.
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From Our Wisdom Archive
We asked our Living Spiritual Teachers to reflect on the anniversary of this tragic day, and many graciously responded. We have included their reflections with these curated articles, books, films, photography, poetry, prayers, practices, and more. Let them guide you as you work with emotions that surface on this day and in the present precarious global situation.
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A Thought to Carry with You
Have you ever felt that world news touches an unbearably raw, sensitive
spot in your heart? Have you wondered whether peace of mind and staying
informed are mutually exclusive? Like many sensitive, caring people, you
may find yourself unsure how to remain open to human suffering -- and
Earth's suffering -- without becoming overwhelmed and incapacitated.
Albert Schweitzer gives us an inspired model for meeting this difficulty
head on when he writes, "However much concerned I was at the problem of
misery in the world, I never let myself get lost in broodings over it. I
always held firmly to the thought that each one of us can do a little to
bring some portion of it to an end."
This week, we wish you the gift of seeing how you can bring some portion of suffering to an end. Remember that each small effort of goodwill, yours included, gathers strength from all others.
Blessings,
Your Spirituality & Practice Team
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat
Patricia Campbell Carlson
Darren Polito
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