1: What I’m reading…
I am about end a book by Erich
Fromm called “The Art of Loving.” It was published around 1950s and it sure has
withstood the span of the years as an insightful, illustrative, and almost a
textbook kind-of book of the art of loving. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading
the different kinds of love explored in this book, and then of course Fromm’s
tender and wise advice as to how to learn to love is really practical and life changing,
I guess.
I am also reading “The Trouble
with Being Born” by E.M. Cioran. It is a collection of short, insightful and of
course, very grim statements that explores the miseries of human existence. It
is a book to turn to when you are depressed – it is such a understanding company!
2: What I listened to…
I finished listening to Ferriss’s
episode with Susan Cain on the fear of public speaking for the introverts. It
was a very loosely held and unscripted episode which allowed the conversation
to go different places. This is an important episode for all the introverts and
those who have stage-fright – as for me, I am both, so it was really helpful.
3: What I watched…
I recently discovered one on one
discussions and Q&A series by Aljazeera English, by the name of Studio B
Unscripted. There are quite a handful of episodes uploaded on YT, and the series has
featured great writers and influencers of today, like Elif Shafak, Alain de Botton,
Wole Soyinka etc. I watched the episode featuring Elif Shafak, a Turkish
novelist, and Wole Soyinka, first African to win Nobel Prize for peace. The
discussion and Q&A here are really insightful and are mostly based upon contemporary
issues and their courage to tackle with it.
4: Trying out meditation...
I hadn’t, and still don’t, have a
very clear picture what meditation is or what it is about. But I have come across
many strong suggestions about trying out meditation every morning. So, I started
learning about it from Ferriss’s podcast with Sam Harris (Control Your Mind) –
anddd, it works. Sam’s voice is really captivating so it helps you stick to meditation
as he dictates the steps and the processes. But the whole podcast is really good,
where in the first 50 minutes he tells us about his own journey to meditation
and controlling the mind. Those interested into exploring their minds and
thoughts, this is highly recommended.
5: Quote
To change the love we receive, we
will have to change our capacity to give love. – Erich Fromm
Extra:
I will be uploading my Year-End-Lists
during this week, and I will feature all three lists (top 10 songs, movies,
books) on my next 5BF as well. Stay Tuned, and Happy new year!