January 8 2016

New Year, New Mindset

As a new year starts, most people begin to challenge themselves, try to achieve their long list of new year resolutions, which I personally find very inspiring and positive. It is important for each person to review their life, where they stand, whether or not they’re actually happy, content; to take a break, reconsider, and set some goals to improve who they are and how they live.
What I find very upsetting though is that whenever I ask someone about their resolutions, it’s mainly about themselves, wanting to be healthier, lose some weight, learn this, practice that, get that job, write that book, visit this country, buy that house…etc; which as part of a bigger goal would be very fair and nice, but I truly think it’s selfish and ignorant for us to grow more greedy and self-centered with every passing year.

There’s nothing wrong with taking care of ourselves or those we love, but we constantly forget that we’re part of a universe, a bigger system, and that if we don’t take care of more than ‘us’ this system will collapse, and continue to suffer because of us, until we reach a point where we’ll eventually be sucked into this whole destructive process.

For those who know me in person, you’ll know that I’m obsessed with documentaries, I do enjoy movies of all kinds, but my absolute favorite are documentaries, especially those discussing health, environment or philosophy.
I love investing my time in something that will expand my horizons, add to my knowledge, remind me of why I exist, and most importantly something that will inspire me to improve on more than one level.

This year, I wont be discussing my resolutions, instead, I will recommend some of my favorite documentaries, in hopes that this year will witness the birth of more aware and mature individuals who will take better care of themselves and their surroundings.

1. “I AM”

2. “Hungry For Change”

3. “Living on One Dollar”

4. “Food Matters”

5. “Happy”

6. “Fat Sick & Nearly Dead”
Part 1:

Part 2:

 



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Posted January 8, 2016 by Eman Abukhadra in category "Cool Stuff", "General

4 COMMENTS :

  1. By Haitham Al-Sheeshany on

    U scared me :{
    Ooooooops,
    Happy new year. U scared me! 🙂

    I know one or two things about the eating monster within us and how can it hamper our bodies. I am diabetic, been 19 years now. Every time I eat “wrongly” I feel the effect that day! It is hard not to be drawn into the whole consumerism trap, I mean on daily basis and on all “food” fronts (not to mention other aspects of BUYING BUYING BUYING) but the simple truth is; it is worth it!

    I only knew about the hungry for change, thanks for sharing and introducing me/us to the rest.
    ————–
    I liked the whole “shift” in resolutions setting. I started my (selfish) ones a tad earlier. I do it based on the Hijri calender. Been doing so for about 8 years now (got to stand out u know :P)

    May 2016 brings the best in it for you and your loved ones.

    Thanks for the clips again, I know I am sharing them with my family at least!

  2. By Eman (Post author) on

    Haitham,
    Well, a very happy new year to you and your family 🙂

    You have no idea how much respect I have for diabetic people, really, and I have diabetic relatives from both sides.
    This is a nice documentary I have lined up to watch: Simply Raw: Reversing Diabetes in 30 Days: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0Le4VjQPlg
    Of course it doesn’t claim a magical cure, but a very strict lifestyle, needs a very strong will, which is our weak spot I guess, all of us. The will to change and say no to things we grew up believing are good for us.

    I must say, your Hijri calendar resolution is quite impressive, and it does let you stand out for sure… should give it a try too. I usually set resolutions on my birthday, and review them and set new ones on new year 🙂 twice the work, twice the heartache 😉

    P.s. I added another documentary I almost forgot how moving it was: “Living on One Dollar”, I had my elder son Adam watch it with me 🙂 it’s good to raise aware and compassionate human beings, especially in our crazy time.

  3. By Haitham Al-Sheeshany on

    Thanks for the diabetes clip. It is true, it needs a strong will. My family and friends say I overdo it (strict diet) but I am convinced it is the best style for one in my condition. I need to exercise more though, guilty of that.

    Thanks for the added documentary as well. I immediately remembered a course (in statistics, ewwww :P) I took at the university I am in now. It was about how we can end poverty, for good! It was an example of how statistically we can observe a phenomenon, describe it in numbers, analyse it, and find practical solutions for it. Sort of a theory-practice duality example. Point is; it can be done! Not just in theory but rather an actual elimination of poverty! It is just a thought that came to me :). I hope I will be able to find the documentary in full and watch it!

    Two-resolution-points! Now that is challenging. It is nice (nice in full-blast meaning of the word) to challenge one’s self! Good for you 🙂

  4. By Eman (Post author) on

    Bravo on being strict, you should be very very proud. And you never know, maybe one day you’ll be able to overcome it.
    As for exercise, la teshkili babkeelak 😉

    I’m so impressed that you got to be part of such an “experiment”, a very practical and realistic approach.

    What I loved about this documentary “Living on One Dollar” by the way, was the fact that the young men had no direct contact with poverty whatsoever, they had a rather fine lifestyle, they can afford food, and many services, but they decided to go through this in a part of the world they have no friends or any direct contacts in.
    And I just loved how they showed generosity among poor people, and how ambitious poor people can be. How a little help can go a long way!
    The pace of the movie was a bit slow, but worth the watch for sure.

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