BlissChick

Movie: Into the Wild

So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to a life of security, conformity, and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one peace of mind, but in reality nothing is more dangerous to the adventurous spirit within a man than a secure future. The very basic core of a man's living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greather joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun." -- Chris McCandless (Main Character in Into the Wild)

I had the pleasure of renting Into the Wild this weekend and enjoyed it very much.  It is one of those movies that you get to experience something vicariously through this deep character and real life adventurer; Chris McCandless and his story. There is something by my account in this movie that we are all hungry for... freedom.   This movie and account of his life shares a kind of freedom that is truly rare and requires courage and the faith in yourself and the world that you are going to be okay no matter what.  That you can accept the risks, the fear and the not knowing how it will all turn out just for the experience of being alive.  That's what I call freedom!

I won't share what happens in the movie just in case, but by my account Chris McCandless gave us a look and a taste of something that everyone can have if only they "grab it" !

'If you want something in life, reach out in grab it.' -- Chris McCandless

Grab the movie too if you get a chance, it's an appetizer for anyone who is hungry for freedom.

Wendi :0)

This Book Brings ::: Pleasure... Devotion... Love

I haven't been digesting my regular amount of books lately, not all that much has jumped off the self until I picked up this little baby... eat... pray... love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

This book is one of my new and few forever favorites one where pages were read and re-read, and favorite pages folded over and underlined through out.   The by-line on the book reads one woman's search for everything across Italy, India and Indonesia... and if your one of those who can't take a year to search for your everything I think this book does a good job of letting you vicariously take this journey with her.  Her feelings and emotions touched me deeply and her sense of humor brought smiles and maybe even a few out loud giggles.

As she shares her journey over this year long journey, a year of pleasure... devotion and balance you can feel her personal shifts and not just from one country to another. While in India the path of this book and her life changes... and what a gift to me as a reader to be able to experience this through her.  So many times I've read of others AHA moments and know that it is hard to find the words, Elizabeth Gilbert has found a way to share her experience in words that share with everyone because it is so descriptive and authentic.

I think early in the book she mentions hope, wanting to feel hopeful again and in the end when she looks back and you look back with her and feel not only hopeful but that something magical has transpired and transformed her.

One of my favorite excerpts...(there are many especially a great little zen moment in the end, but I'll save that for you)

You abandon your comforting and familiar habits with the hope (the mere hope!) that something greater will be offered you in return for what you've given up....

Devotion is diligence without assurance... Faith is a way of saying "Yes I pre-accept the terms of the universe and I presently embrace in advance what I am presently incapable of understanding."  Faith is belief in what you cannot see or prove or touch.  Faith is walking face first and full speed into the dark.  If we truly knew all the answers in advance as to the meaning of life and the nature of God and the destiny of our souls, our belief would not be a leap of faith and it would not be a courageous act of humanity; it would just be... a prudent insurance policy.

Each page is another step full speed into the dark and just like in life it is exciting, charming and keeps you turning the pages. If you get a chance enjoy... I recommend it whole heartedly ;0).

Wendi

Best Books in My Book 2006

and great Last minute Christmas gifts!  This last year I didn't do as much reading as usual, but there were a few fantastic reads that stand out and can't be missed.  I also include a couple that are on my Chritmas List this year for the last minute shoppers in my life( hint... hint :0)

The first book was actually a gift to me last Christmas, and has since been re-gifted with the promise that it will be a gift that keep on giving as it makes it's rounds through many hands and sure to touch many lives.  Just the thought makes me smile :0).  I bet you want to know what it is?  This book made such an impression on me, and being in the biz of personal development, and being a self-help book junkie this is saying a lot.  It is a serious and well written wake-up call for anyone who reads it no matter where they are on their path, and it was no different for me.  One of my favorite if not all time favorite books.... "

A New Earth... Awakening to Your Life's Purpose" by: Ekhart Tolle.

  
P.S. I had tried to read the ever popular "The Power of Now" by Ekhart Tolle a couple years ago and could not get into the book, so if you found this true trust me and give him another try!

The next book is one for the passionate people in your life. "The World is a Waiting Lover" is an adventurous story about desire and passion told through the eyes and experience of Trebbe Johnson. For those of you who feel a longing and desire to experience the richness and depth life has to offer this novel brings to light the growth, intimacy and vulnerability that results from living through your desires.
  
A little zen every now and then... This was another unlikely jump off the shelf for me. The book looking fairly plain, with no promises of adventure or mystery just simple wisdom like it looks. In all fairness I had been hearing the name "OSHO" for quite sometime so when I saw "love, freedom, aloneness... The Koan of Relationships" I decided to give it a try. It was a book that not only entertained, but enlightenned and made light of the many very human situations we find oursleves in. It felt like a chellenge to peel away what is covered to reveal the best parts of ourselves. I really enjoyed this book and the wisdom and guidance I recieved from it. You may not reasonate with everything in this book, but there are plenty of nuggets for everyone.

Here are some other notable mentions...and some different flavors
         
Last but not least, I highly reccomend any book that jumps off the shelf at you and wants a home, their usually the best, and meant just for you...

This is what I think Santa has in store for my stocking...
    

I always love book reccomendations, so if you have some current favorites of your own, please send them my way at wendi@everydaybliss.com and if your looking for some reccomendations and reviews my good friend and reader has a great blog at http://selfhelpjunkies.blogspot.com/

Bye for Now :0)