I just watched an interesting trailer for A Shine of Rainbows and posted the synopsis of the movie from its web site below:

“Maire O’Donnell is a loving woman as rare as a double rainbow. Joyful, warm and caring, she adopts a young orphan named Tomas and whisks him off to a new home on remote Corrie Island, off the coast of Ireland. Maire shares with Tomas the joys of her island home and introduces him to the whimsical local folklore, including the secret of the seals, and teaches him that everything you need is inside of you- if you really look.

But Maire’s stern husband Alec silently disapproves of Tomas’ timidity and halting speech. He can’t hide his disappointment that Tomas isn’t the kind of child he was hoping for and his reluctance to get to know the boy makes Tomas unsure of whether he really belongs.

Soon though, Tomas too falls in love with his home, befriending local children, descending into a secret bat-filled cave, and saving a stranded baby seal.

When tragedy strikes however, Tomas is faced with his greatest challenge yet. He’ll lose everything unless he can find- and share- the unique gifts inside of him. Risking all, Tomas embarks on a perilous journey where he will need to call on his ability to see joy and color even when in the darkest place, in order to triumph and come home.”

I’ve heard good things about War Horse. According to the movie’s web site, “War Horse” is an epic adventure for audiences of all ages. Set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War, “War Horse” begins with the remarkable friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man called Albert, who tames and trains him. When they are forcefully parted, the film follows the extraordinary journey of the horse as he moves through the war, changing and inspiring the lives of all those he meets — British cavalry, German soldiers, and a French farmer and his granddaughter — before the story reaches its emotional climax in the heart of No Man’s Land.

The First World War is experienced through the journey of this horse—an odyssey of joy and sorrow, passionate friendship and high adventure. “War Horse” is one of the great stories of friendship and war— a successful book, it was turned into a hugely successful international theatrical hit that is arriving on Broadway next year. It now comes to screen in an epic adaptation by one of the great directors in film history.

DreamWorks Pictures’ “War Horse,” director Steven Spielberg’s epic adventure for audiences of all ages, is a tale of loyalty, hope and tenacity set against a sweeping canvas of rural England and Europe during the First World War.”

Michael Bernard Beckwith: Spiritual Liberation – Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential follows Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith (founder of Agape International Spiritual Center) for an actual day of his life. We come along with him as he shops for groceries, walks his dogs with his wife, Rickie, and shares a meal at his home with friends and family.

The beauty of this film is that we see how our daily routines can become fulfilling, meaningful and joyful in their own right simply because they give us an opportunity to share our self with others and to experience the Divine in the middle of the ordinary. Or as Michael Beckwith says at the beginning of the movie,

“We’re not trying to fit mediation into our busy life, with our ‘to-do’ list, with all the things that need to be done. No. Little by little, we make a discovery that our life begins to revolve around our meditation.”

As we walk with Michael throughout his day and listen in on his conversations with friends, family and associates, we hear light-hearted jokes, profound insights and genuine solutions to the challenges of our time. Michael also talks about how a lucid dream inspired him to unconditionally say Yes to the Divine, after he had previously outwitted It’s attempts. That moment Michael said Yes, his life was forever changed.

This is a powerful message for all of us. Everyday, no matter how glamorous, mundane, or difficult our circumstances might be, we have the free choice to say Yes to the Divine. And, when we say Yes to It, we can awaken to our life purpose and a field of possibility that is often far greater than anything we can imagine for ourself.

Other bonus features on the DVD include interviews with USC head football coach, Pete Carroll, producer of Crash, Mark Harris, international speaker Lisa Nichols, the premiere performance of “You Can Dream’ by APL.DE.AP of Black Eyed Peas, 8 performances by Rickie Byars Beckwith and the Agape International Choir, supplemental interviews about love, forgiveness, living on purpose and meditation, and a talk with Michael Beckwith and the filmmaker Mikki Willis on the genesis of Spiritual Liberation.

After taking this intimate look at Rev. Michael Beckwith’s daily life, you will see firsthand why his teachings have empowered thousands of spiritual seekers for more than two decades and also gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for your own life purpose.

Spiritual Liberation DVD and the book it is based on Spiritual Liberation: Fulfilling Your Soul’s Potential is available for purchase on Amazon by Clicking Here

For many of us it may feel as though we just rang in the New Year and wished our loved ones a happy 2011, but once again, the holidays have snuck up and are right around the corner. With the celebrations come the joyous festivities of sipping hot chocolate, penning letters to St. Nick, waiting under the mistletoe…and of course crowding around the living room to watch Christmas films with our families. So because of the theme of the impending season, a classic movie to reflect upon as we hang the stockings with care is a beloved and favorite to all: It’s a Wonderful Life.

In this 1946 American drama, Jimmy Stewart plays the role of George Bailey, a troubled man who believes that the world would be a better place without him in it. After spending his entire life giving himself to other people and taking care of his family and his town, a series of unfortunate events cause George to contemplate suicide as the best option for his future. On the edge of a bridge and ready to end it all, George meets his guardian angel, Clarence Odbody (Henry Travers), who intervenes in an attempt to save George’s life. Clarence gives George a glance into the world if he had never been born. When George is faced with what could have been had his existence not come to be, he sees the impact his life has had on touching the many lives around him. George then begs God to live and realizes that it really is a wonderful life.

It’s a Wonderful Life sends the message that each person has the capacity to change the world. One of the most important spiritual themes to take away from this movie is that everything you do matters because your actions and thoughts have a ripple effect—despite how small you may think you are in this great big universe. Your life, actions and thoughts impact the lives of every person in yours.

Think about the ripple effect like this: should you pass on a good deed to someone, there is the chance that they will be moved by your act of kindness and be inspired to share a good deed of their own with someone else. When you emit positivity, you attract positivity in return and it washes like a wave over others. Those who are overcome with negativity are more likely to pass on the effects of their bad attitude. As spiritual human beings, we must believe that everything has a point of origin—be the point of origin to make a difference in the world and spread joy. Before every decision made, consider how it will affect those around you.

Use this classic film as a template for living. Try to approach every encounter as if it is a part of your spiritual contract and an opportunity to do good for others. You never know when your call to service might come—that’s one of the things that make life so thrilling. Understand that there is a bigger reason behind even the most seemingly insignificant or minor events. Wherever you go give someone a smile, pass out thoughtful compliments and spread your laughter. Everyone you meet is facing their own struggles—for all you know your smile at that stranger on the street may have made all the difference because it came at the lowest point in their life when they thought all faith in humankind was lost. Don’t ask why, instead just trust that the universe is guiding you to the right place, at the right time, where you are meant to be.

Watch It’s a Wonderful Life, reflect upon the spiritual questions it triggers and let it inspire you…not only this holiday season, but every day of your life. Make it wonderful.

Ellie Stevens is a guest post author contributing this movie review and spiritual analysis of It’s a Wonderful Life. In her free time, Ellie also composes articles focused on dating and relationships for senior dating websites.

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It’s a Wonderful Life continues to touch people’s heart and soul year after year with its message of love. Many movie critics ripped it apart when it was released. But, it is arguably the most successful movie ever made. The director of the film, Frank Capra, believed in the inherent goodness of life and humanity. This was not easy considering his career as a filmmaker took place during the Depression and World War II. His belief that people are basically good inspires hope.

Another valuable message of his film is the importance of the love between family and friends, both seen and unseen. During George Bailey’s (James Stewart) dark night of the soul, he looks over a bridge and contemplates suicide. At that moment a guardian angel in training, Clarence, enters into his life. This reminds us that in our darkest hour, the power of love — even from sources unknown to us — is transformative and can bring us out of our moments of despair.

Global Alliance of Transformational Entertainment (GATE) is the pioneering and leading organization shepherding the emerging and rapidly expanding Transformational Entertainment and Media genre and worldwide movement.

They have their second event scheduled for February 4, 2012 where YOU can join them and others from around the world to help establish GATE and further their vision/mission of “Transforming the World by Transforming Entertainment and Media.”™

While GATE will be presenting a variety of programs, some for members only and others open to the public, there are two major annual events in February that they hope you’ll attend:

GATE 2 – Saturday, February 4, 2012

6:30 PM to 11:00 PM – Los Angeles

This evening event will be a celebration of transformational entertainment, media and arts — an exploration of the new, emerging genre, and an inspiration to share the energies of your personal transformation with the world through your work.

Presenters and performers include -

* Jim Carrey * Barbara Marx Hubbard
* Eckhart Tolle * Edward James Olmos
* Jean Houston * don Miguel Ruiz
* Marianne Williamson * Ben Lee
* Here II Here* Peter Sterling
* Exhibit of original artwork by John Lennon, Jim Carrey. and Heyoka Merrifield. Plus much more!

GATE 2 is a Benefit Event — proceeds will endow the organization, providing most of the operating funds for their next year. Advance ticket sales only! Limited seating. For the whole line-up, more information, and tickets, visit:

http://gatecommunity.org/gate2.

SECOND EVENT:
GATE Transformational StoryCon

Saturday, February 4, 2012

9:00 PM to 5:00 PM – Los Angeles

GATE StoryCon will examine the role of story in promoting personal, social and global transformation. Story is explored from a variety of perspectives, with special emphasis on the human transformational journey — the transformational arc: life-death-life.

Presenters include -

* Jean Houston – scholar, philosopher, author
* James Bonnet – writer, teacher, story consultant
* Dara Marks – script consultant
* Mark Matousek – memoirist, teacher
* Marta Mobley – writer, producer
* Louie Schwartzberg – documentary filmmaker
* Norman Seeff – filmmaker, explorer of the creative process. Plus much more!

GATE StoryCon is also a Benefit Event with proceeds helping to endow the organization for our next year. Advance ticket sales only! Limited seating. For the whole line-up, more information, and tickets, visit:

http://gatecommunity.org/storycon.

Below is a video of Jim Carrey speaking at the first GATE event about how he believes part of his purpose as an entertainer is help relieve suffering.

Jonas Elrod was leading an ordinary life until he woke up one day to a totally new reality. He suddenly could see and hear spirits of dead people, angels, auras and extraordinary energy fields.

The documentary Wake Up follows this fascinating story of an average guy who inexplicably developed the ability to access other dimensions. Initially skeptical of his own extrasensory perception, Jonas feared he might have some psychological, physical or emotional impairment that was causing him to apparently see beyond science’s current three dimensional explanation for reality. However, after visiting with doctors, physicians, and psychiatrists, Jonas received a clean bill of physical and mental heath and also reassurance that he was not suffering from delusional thinking, schizophrenia or some other type of psychological disorder.

So, what was it? Why was it happening to him? One thing was certain for this 36-year old man — life as he had known it would never be the same. With his loving but skeptical girlfriend by his side, Jonas crisscrosses the country as he searches for answers and delves deeper into this thrilling world of the phenomenal and spiritual. Along the way, he encounters an amazing group of religious teachers, scientists, mystics and spiritual healers who help him piece together this intricate puzzle.

Most people who claim to have the type of experiences that Jonas has usually hold them self out as something special or as some type of glorified sage, mystic or prophet. However, Jonas is clearly a regular guy who takes a very nonchalant and inquisitive approach to trying to figure out why he has been gifted or possibly cursed to see spirits, angels and beyond our three dimensional perception.

This is refreshing, entertaining and inspiring to watch. While we may be hesitant to acknowledge these unusual experiences to other people or even to ourselves, I think most people have spiritual experiences similar the ones Jonas had — whether it is feeling the love of a family member who has passed away, gaining insight from unexplainable sources of inspiration or simply experiencing an unmistakable moment of synchronistic grace. Wake Up is an invitation to accept that these type of phenomenon do occur, while still being grounded and attentive to the activities of our normal, everyday lives.

For more information, you can visit the film’s web site at http://wakeupthefilm.com/

May I Be Frank is a film that documents the transformation of Frank Ferrante’s life. Frank is 54 years old, obese, depressed and addicted. He stumbles into a local raw, organic and vegan restaurant in San Francisco, Café Gratitude. When Ryland, a server at Café Gratitude asks Frank “What is one thing you want to do before you die?” Frank replies, “I want to fall in love one more time, but no one will love me looking the way I do”.

Ryland, his brother Cary, and Conor, his best friend, are inspired by the possibility of helping Frank. For the next 42 days, Frank will eat only raw food, practice gratitude, visit local holistic practitioners, and get a weekly colonic. Ryland, Conor, and Cary get to support Frank’s miraculous transformation. Frank gets a new body, a clearer mind, and most importantly, a soaring spirit. May I Be Frank documents the essence of the human condition and what it truly means to fall in love again.

THRIVE is an unconventional documentary that lifts the veil on what’s REALLY going on in our world by following the money upstream — uncovering the global consolidation of power in nearly every aspect of our lives. Weaving together breakthroughs in science, consciousness and activism, THRIVE offers real solutions, empowering us with unprecedented and bold strategies for reclaiming our lives and our future. For more information, please visit www.thrivemovement.com.

Courageous is a movie that tells the story of four men, one calling: To serve and protect. When tragedy strikes home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Protecting the streets is second nature. Raising their children in an integrous way? That’s courageous. It is currently playing in theaters.