This month, we're sharing bodies of work that inspire critical thinking and awareness in the realms of mind, body, and spirit. From perseverance under pressure to acceptance of past traumas, to diving deep into yogic history and discovering easy healthy dinner hacks, we hope this collection from the team awakens a sense of learning within you!
DOCUMENTARIES & SHOWS
Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator (2019) Documentary
Directed by Eva Orner
"The film first traces how Choudhury built his 'Bikram' empire of hot yoga studios, training celebrities and amassing devotees as America’s favorite yogi. The narrative then turns to the accusations of sexual abuse" -Bilal Qureshi, The NYtimes
Free Solo (2018) Documentary
Directed by Jimmy Chin and Elizabeth Chai Vasarhelyi
"This invigorating portrait of the free climber Alex Honnold presents an engaging study of a perfect match between passion and personality."
–Jeannette Catsoulis, The NYtimes
The Midnight Gospel (2020) Series
By Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell
"By combining Ward’s trippy imagery and the forthright metaphysical nature of Trussell’s podcast, the show’s half-hour morsels achieve a rich blend of outlandish animated capers and crucial perspectives on navigating one’s existence." –Joshua Robinson, thrillist.com
The Mind: Explained (2019) Series Produced by Vox Media
"A special, six-episode offshoot that breaks down what's happening in the brain during everything from dreams to anxiety disorders" - Rebecca Patton, bustle.com
Ram Dass, Going Home (2018) (Documentary Directed by Derek Peck
"What works best about Ram Dass, Going Home is its commitment to showing him as a human being; it’s not a larger-than-life, drawn-out 30 minutes of praise, but rather a chance to see him as a down-to-earth, genuinely compassionate man, one who has spent his life trying to help others find peace in their souls." -Jade Budowski, decider.com
Our Planet (2019 Documentary) Directed by Steven Price
"In a groundbreaking move, the beautiful but uncomfortable documentary forces viewers to acknowledge their own complicity in the decline of nature." – Ed Yong, the Atlantic
BOOKS
Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith (1996) "...the groundbreaking New Age book that seamlessly merges Western psychology and science with spirituality, creating a compelling interpretation of the Eastern chakra system and its relevance for Westerners today."
Penguin Random House
Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker (2017)
"...the first of its kind written by a scientific expert, Professor Matthew Walker explores twenty years of cutting-edge research to solve the mystery of why sleep matters." Amazon.com
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Bessel van der Kolk M.D. (2014)
“Psychological trauma can befall anyone, not just soldiers, refugees, or victims of rape. . . . This important and helpful book makes sense of suffering and offers opportunity for healing.” Booklist
The Mirror of Yoga
by Richard Freeman (2010)
“At last, here is an exposé on the most vital and dynamic themes relevant to the yoga practice. Richard has the unique and entirely delightful ability to speak to the intricacies, the paradoxes, the depths and surfaces that belong to the yoga experience. What a great boon that Richard should hold up such a clear mirror for all of us on the yoga path today.” Tias Little
INSTAGRAM ACCOUNTS
Left to right: @davidgoggins, @dailybandha, @the.holistic.psychologist, @rachellerobinett
PODCASTS
Trained
A Podcast by Nike
"Listen to conversations with industry experts and discover the latest innovations, insights, and trends making the biggest impact on the training world."
Apple Podcast