Soul Sharing – June 2023

Recommended podcasts, apps, movies, books, articles, art, and music.

If you enjoy these Soul Sharing lists (fun and helpful stuff I’m inspired to share), let me know by clicking the like ❤️ button.

Photo by saeed karimi on Unsplash

So many people let me know how much they enjoyed the first Soul Sharing list—basically my things worth sharing list—that I have some new and fun treasures for you.

1. PODCAST: I’ve been that guy who’s practiced meditation for periods in my life that lasted a few weeks to a few months at most. Before I realized it, life got in the way and I was busy, busy, busy again. I was looking to try again, so Melissa sent me links to two episodes of my favorite podcast, Hidden Brain. The episodes were Part I and Part II on the subject of Seeking Serenity.

After listening to both episodes, I finally understood the idea of mindfulness, including active mindfulness that is practiced while doing stuff (how cool is that?). These podcast episodes then led me to a helpful phone app (see below).

2. PHONE/TABLET APP: The podcast guest for the above-mentioned Hidden Brain episodes, Richard Davidson, is a bit of a smarty pants. He received his Ph.D. from Harvard University in Psychology, Psychopathology & Psychophysiology with a minor focus in Behavioral Neurology and Neuroanatomy. He also has a B.S. in Psychology from New York University. Long story short, after listening to both episodes of the podcast, I downloaded his free app, Healthy Minds.

The app is described on the website as: “A Proven Path to Well-Being. Powered by Science. With a combination of podcast-style lessons and both seated and active meditations, you’ll learn what the science says about the brain while developing skills to tap into these learnings for a healthier, happier you.” I’m loving it, so I thought I’d share it with you. I now have an entirely new perspective about meditation that I hope will help me sustain a practice that lasts more than a few months.

3. MOVIE: You might have already read the brilliant book titled, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy, but I’m here to tell those who haven’t seen it that there’s now an animated movie based on the book on Apple TV+. Don’t let the “animated” aspect of it deter you. I saw the movie when if first came out about six months ago and was so moved by it emotionally that I had to watch it again. I’ve been watching it with friends and family members ever since and recommending it to everyone I know. Now I’m telling you about it in case you haven’t seen it. You can watch a trailer for the movie here and below.

“What if I don’t have Apple TV+?” I don’t believe you can watch anywhere else but let me suggest a few ways to get it. First, you get three months of Apple TV+ free whenever you purchase an Apple product at the Apple store. If you happened to purchase a new iPhone or AirPods recently, check your email for the free three-month gift. Second, the cost for the TV app is $6.99 per month (with a 7-day free trial). Third, if you get Apple TV+ for a month, be sure to watch the documentary of Charlie Mackesy’s story (the author) and the making of the movie, which is located below the movie when you watch it. You might also watch Ted Lasso, Shrinking, and The Morning Show to name just a few Apple TV+ highlights.

4. BOOKS: There’s an author named Kobi Yamada who inspires me immensely. Initially, Melissa gave me a three-book set called the What You Do Matters boxed set. You might consider these books children’s books, but I think they’re great for adults too. I love the simplicity of the messages Kobi’s books provide. In this boxed set, the three books include: What Do You Do With an Idea?, What Do You Do With a Problem?, and What Do You Do With a Chance?

Over time, because I loved the What You Do Matters boxed set, Melissa gave me Kobi’s book, Maybe: A Story About the Endless Potential In All of Us, which I loved as well.

As I’m writing this, I just noticed he has a new book, Noticing, which I now want. The description: “This beautiful tale... encourages readers of all ages to slow down and look at the world with their hearts—to use their imagination to expand their vision. A companion to the beloved children's book Trying, Noticing follows a young girl and an accomplished painter as they learn to observe the beauty and magic in each day. It's a story that will encourage you to pay attention, to make new discoveries, and to explore the unknown.”

5. ARTICLE: Speaking of “noticing,” one of my favorite Substack writers,

Austin Kleon

, wrote about the 30-Minute Noticing Workout. Austin is commenting on a TEDx Talk by Bill Keaggy, which you can watch on Austin’s page or view it below.

6. ART: If you’ve been following me for long, you’ve surely heard me talk about Natalie Sudman. Chances are you’ve seen my interviews with Natalie on Afterlife TV (video of first interview below), but did you know she’s also an amazing artist? Melissa and I have been intrigued by her internal map paintings, which her website describes as: “Internal maps are juxtapositions of seemingly disparate, unexplained fragments of words, scientific notes or sketches, scraps from everyday life, and colors that create portraits of the energy of internal landscapes.” I recommend viewing her YUPO PAINTINGS: MAPPING painted with oil on Yupo paper.

7. MUSIC: Given that Astrud Gilberto, the original singer of “The Girl from Ipanema,” passed at the age of 83 on June 5th, I thought I’d share a 1964 version of the song on YouTube (also below). This music video is mesmerizing while also illustrating how fast-paced the music videos of today have become. You can read a New York Times story about Astrud and the making of this iconic song here.

Would love to know what Soul Sharing items you enjoy most. Thanks for reading!

With love and gratitude,
Bob

PS, If you missed my last Soul Sharing, you can view it here.

Bob Olson is the host of Afterlife TV, author of two books, Answers About The Afterlife and The Magic Mala, and creator of the directory of psychics and mediums, BestPsychicDirectory.com. His newest venture is Bob Olson Connect, where you can read Bob’s articles before they become books.

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