Seeing

A few weeks back I met a really interesting lady who suggested I investigate the magazine Seeing the Everyday. I talk a lot about living life in "full attention," the words Seeing the Everyday just rephrases that idea. Some of the concepts suggested on the site are "finding the poetry in the prosaic." Meaning that there is beauty and wisdom found in the "ordinary."
While looking over the site I found the following words. The text is rather small so I can't credit the author, but lately, I have talked a lot about effort, spiritual wholeness, and about living life as a work in progress that will never be fully completed. The author in concise language summed it all up,
"Whatever wholeness we achieve requires enormous work, which is the effort of life; and that work is never complete."

William Isaacs in his book Dialogue and the Art of Thinking Together says "the act of respect invites us to see others as legitimate." Seeing = Respect Isaacs's also says the Zulu word Sawa translates as "I see you" which at it's essence means "I sustain you in the world." I was struk when I read the passage because I made the connection "I see you" to ICU.
When I respect and give full attention, to you or anything in life, I am making an intensive care unit in my heart.

Movie Reviews

I LOVE the Kung Fu Chefs. The acting and stunts are reminiscent of older kung fu films. The translations used for subtitles are awkward at times, but this adds to the humor and charm of the film. Themes are: loyalty, perfecting one's art (food prep is serious business in Asia), justice, and the sensuality of food. Four****

Red Cliff parts I & II are marvelous! Themes include: ambition, loyalty, honor, envy, wisdom, and justice. The interesting story references Sun Tzu's historic text The Art of War. ****

Military leaders and businessmen have read The Art of War to better understand and implement strategy. While physical logistics is a key element of the guide, concepts like wisdom, intuition, and morality are also essential elements for ensuring success in combat.

The Station Agent is a surprising movie. It was a little slow in parts, but its underlying message about acceptance, and social support will warm the heart of anyone who feels like an outsider.

The main female character in The Station Agent is clumsy and out of balance, like Rosalba in Bread and Tulips. I have had moments when I am "out of balance" and seem to drop everything. These movies remind me that it's not exactly me who is out of balance, but the world can be shaky or my perception skewed like I'm walking through a (not so) fun house.

Paris, Je T'aime is a wonderful collection of five minute short films about love in Paris. I marvel at any artist's ability to convey a poignant message in a short about of time, words, and imagery. I think a lot about "economy of language" and "less words, more meaning," so this DVD was very satisfying to me.

The Visitor is yet another good movie. It reminds us how music can make us whole, and bring us together.

And finally any of you who like "quirky" must see Paper Heart. LOVE IT! Is it a real documentary or a mockumentary? I'm not sure and it doesn't matter. A good dose of creative cuteness will be discovered.

Don't forget the popcorn (made in the pan with extra butter)!