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Raveen's avatar

Lots of wise life lessons here.

On the topic of the negative tendencies of the mind, and the fact that we create most of our suffering, I think one main factor is our inherent nature to be naturally more skewed towards negative thinking, as a way for us to be more alert and as a defensive as well as survival mechanism.

This type of mindset made sense in the early days of humanity....but in current times, I feel that it's causing more harm than good, overall.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

I agree. Our brains’ negative bias, like other cognitive distortions, make our suffering worse.

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Roshana Ariel's avatar

Yes, loved that movie. It was, indeed, joyful!

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

I read the book and loved it - had no idea that there was a movie!!!!

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Yes, the movie is wonderful because you get to watch them tease each other and laugh often!

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Kathryn Vercillo's avatar

Definitely need to watch

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

You can watch it on Netflix or check this website for other options: https://missionjoy.org/watch-the-film/ The website also has information about happiness research, a seven day series of simple joy practices anyone can do, and other interesting information.

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Coffee Times's avatar

A profound and enlightening conversation between the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Tutu. Their wisdom and insights are truly inspirational. I believe even in the face of adversity and suffering, there is an opportunity to find inner happiness and create positive change.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

I agree, Winston. Certainly the two of them faced adversity and suffering and used it as an opportunity to find joy and create positive changes!

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Laura Maakestad Sullivan's avatar

I also have listened to the movie you are talking about with the Dalai Lama and Archbishop Desmond Tutu. They experienced a lot of tragedy, yet both of them were beacons of dogged hope, and of light and compassion. I had seen a video clip of Archbishop Tutu participating in the Reconciliation process between White and Black people telling their stories. I heard a story of a white former South African policeman telling the story of killing a black South African man. At the end of recounting the true story, he asked for forgiveness. It was clear he felt remorseful. Archbishop Desmond Tutu acted as a go between the white people and the black people, and made sure everyone heard each side of the story. Many times Archbishop Tutu cried with black family members who were telling the stories of their sons or daughters being senselessly killed by Apartheid policeman of other Apartheid members. To me that means, that in spite of senseless wars, it behooves all of us to try to believe in hope, by having compassion for others despite their beliefs, race, creed, or religion. I try to demonstrate hope and compassion, and people like Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and the Dalai Lama really inspire me to show hope and compassion.

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Wendi Gordon's avatar

Yes, there are many remarkable true stories of forgiveness that happened because of the Truth and Reconciliation process Archbishop Tutu helped facilitate. I wish the national and state government leaders and other residents of the United States were willing to engage in a similar process and be honest about our history of discrimination and violence against various groups of people over the years. But many seem more interested in denying that history and preventing kids from learning about it in school.

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