Category Archives: Video Bites

“HOW TO BE ALONE”

“Loneliness is usually a sign that I am not in touch with myself.” ~Unknown~

Simply put, solitude is aloneness. There is no value inherent within it; it takes on the quality that we assign to it. We can either embrace it as a time to be in touch with ourselves, or we can suffer through it by magnifying lonely feelings of separation. We can remain peacefully settled, or become unsettled and driven to remedy it. We can immerse ourselves in productivity – or life can stop. It’s really up to us.

“How to Be Alone,” a spoken word poem by Tanya Davis, presents a case for embracing solitude. It pairs singularity with activity by illustrating that life should not stop due to the state of aloneness. Within the many scenarios she presents, the underlying message is to continue living (versus biding time), and to treat ourselves well.

One of my favorite lines in the poem is, “Cuz if you’re happy in your head, then solitude is blessed and alone is okay.” I believe she is right.

Watch and enjoy – and evaluate your mindset for what it means to be alone.

How do you normally manage aloneness? Do you embrace it, or dread it? Were there any lines in the poem that resonated with you? Feel free to share your thoughts below.

For more inspirational videos, navigate to Video Bites

*Image: Pampalini

“CHANGE FOR A DOLLAR”

In my article, Developing a Mindset for Social Good (featured on Feelgooder.com), I discussed the concepts and beliefs that are common within the mindsets of people geared toward social good. In particular, people who have the mindset for social change are not deterred by limitations, and they embrace the belief that small actions do matter.

“Change For a Dollar,” a short film written and directed by Sharon Wright, depicts these themes. The film chronicles the day of a (presumably) homeless man as he affects the lives of several people, literally creating change (in other people’s lives) . . . for little more than a dollar. This sends a powerful message that it doesn’t take much to become a catalyst for change in someone’s life. As you watch, consider your feelings/beliefs about any personal experiences you’ve had with the themes reflected in this film.

Have you ever forgone an opportunity to help or contribute due to a feeling that your assistance would be too small to matter? Was there a particular storyline in the film that you’ve witnessed personally?

For more inspirational videos, navigate to Video Bites

*Image: Ryan Mackay

“SECOND LINE”

“We cannot live for ourselves alone. Our lives are connected by a thousand invisible threads, and along these sympathetic fibers, our actions run as causes and return to us as results.”
~Herman Melville~

Second Line, a wonderful short film directed by Danny Glover, illustrates one man’s journey from indifference to understanding, and the ripple that occurs as a result of enlightenment.

Consider the concept of human interconnectedness – the state of being reciprocally connected to everyone (and everything) else. As you watch this, try to recall your own moment of enlightenment; when you became conscious of a deeper feeling of human connection with a heightened sense of a shared human condition . . . the moment you were able to see yourself in others.

What is your interpretation of this film? Can you recall your own moment of enlightenment?

Another Video Bite you may enjoy: “IGNITE YOUR SOUL”

“IGNITE YOUR SOUL”

When it comes to personal change, I think it is important to cultivate our surroundings so that we can receive external reinforcement for the internal journey we have embarked upon. We can accomplish this by forming connections with inspiring people, visiting inspirational places, and participating in inspirational activities (e.g. reading, meditation, spiritual practice, nature walks, volunteering, etc.). Even if we don’t have time to enjoy long sojourns, the power of words – aphorisms, mantras and affirmations – can help us to stay centered in our development.

In this amazing video, Inspirationz Inc has paired the power of words with powerful artistic images. You can learn more about their inspirational artwork by visiting  www.Inspirationz.com.

Watch and enjoy.

Do you find inspirational quotes and phrases helpful? Do you have any favorites that have become personally motivating?

For more inspirational videos, navigate to Video Bites

If you enjoyed this article, please consider sharing it.

“LOOK WITH YOUR SPECIAL EYES”

If you’ve seen the latest 1-800-CONTACTS commercial, then you’ve come to know the overly dramatic guy with “special eyes.” He is obviously wallowing in his uniqueness. However, humor aside, have you ever considered that we ALL have special eyes?

The commercial shares a (most likely unintended) philosophical truth. Our experiences are what shape our perceptions of life, and they help to compose the pages of our individual books of wisdom. So when you think about the well-worn cliché, “hindsight is 20/20,” you could reason that we all have an inner vision that is special – unique to us and our experiences.

We’ve all experienced myopic thinking at some point in our lives, and when we look back on those circumstances, we often wonder, “What the hell was I thinking?” However, like a corrective lens, hindsight provides a broadened perspective, which gives us the ability to see what we couldn’t before.

We obviously can’t change what has already occurred, so it is pointless to ruminate over past mistakes; that only leads to regret. Instead, we can accept whatever has happened, learn from the experience, and use our corrected vision (insight) to make better decisions in the future. Additionally, we can share our unique experiences so that others can benefit from what we can now see – through our special eyes.

“May you have the hindsight to know where you’ve been,
the foresight to know where you are going,
and the insight to know when you have gone too far.”
~An Irish Blessing~

Enjoy the commercial below :-)

Image: Tommy_wolf

Do you have “special eyes?” In what ways have you used your hindsight to inspire insight in others?