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The 2006 murder of friend and fellow media-activist Brad Will in protest-torn Oaxaca, Mexico inspired Velcrow Ripper to make Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action, a documentary that seeks to fuse spirituality and activism. Ripper’s journey takes him around the world to Montgomery, Alabama; Rodden Island, South Africa; Andrah, Indian; Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; and South Central Los Angeles, where a months-long protest against the razing of a vital community garden provides a highly dramatic spine for the wide-ranging film.

Along the way, Ripper meets with a number of icons including actor turned activist Daryl Hannah, Nobel prize winner Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Pulitzer Prize Winning Author Alice Walker, Buddhist peace activist Thich Nhat Hahn, famed tree sitter Julia Butterfly Hill and Congressman John Lewis. Ripper discovers thousands of individuals and organizations connected by a shared commitment to compassionate, positive action. For more information you can watch the trailer above or purchase Fierce Light: When Spirit Meets Action on Amazon by Clicking Here

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The Book of Eli is a movie about a man, Eli, (Denzel Washington) who hears an inner voice telling him to carry a Sacred book “West” in a post-apocalyptic, desolate and violent world. Eli does not question this calling even though he is being offered nothing in return, except for protection. Eli’s willingness to carry out his mission is put to the test throughout his journey numerous times as people try to kill him and a companion (Mila Kunis) he is traveling with in an attempt to take the book from him.

The Book of Eli is one of the few movies where violence plays a necessary part because Eli’s reaction to the violence he faces reveals his courage, conviction and faith. Eli is never the aggressor, but at times he must use physical force to defend himself and protect his companion from thugs who are trying to kill them. His inner calling has guided him to navigate and overcome a world filled with violence. Now, he must find the strength to meet this challenge head on.

I was skeptical going into this movie because I thought it was just going to be some science-fiction, action-film about an apocalyptic world. However, I am glad I saw The Book of Eli. One message in the movie that really resonated with me is the willingness to trust and fight for your inner callings simply for the sake of serving some higher purpose. Eli is driven by his inner voice to carry a Sacred book to the West. He does not know exactly why he is being guided to do this, but he does it because deep down he knows it’s the right thing to do.

Additionally, Eli continues to trust even though he has not reached his destination after a long and arduous journey. In one scene, a companion he is with asks him how long he has been traveling. Eli tells her that it has been 30 years and she replies, “Do you think you might be lost?” But, Eli continues to trust that he is not lost and that he will be protected if he carries out his calling to bring the book to the West. This scene inspires us to continue to trust that we will be protected if we follow our callings — even though it may appear that we are lost.

The Book of Eli is now available on DVD on Amazon if you Click Here

Have you ever wondered why successful politicians, celebrities, and leaders in the business world are capable of showing such terrible judgement? For example, why would a married Governor choose to be with a mistress in Latin America, or why would corporate executives use government bailout money to fund unnecessary vacations, or how could a professional golfer tarnish his pristine image by having multiple affairs? NY Times bestselling author believes these examples are due to the “The Shadow Effect.”

My good friend, Cynthia Litman, suggested I watch The Shadow Effect because the film tries to offer an answer to the universal question of why good people do bad things. In this eye-opening movie, Debbie Ford and leading luminaries reveal why suppressed emotions and unresolved internal conflicts lead to behavior that continually unseats politicians, destroys celebrity careers, destabilizes the economy and affects lives of millions each year.

This emotionally-gripping, visually-stunning documentary exposes the opposing forces of both light and dark that compete for attention within every human being and presents the hidden power of the “Shadow” alongside some of today’s most provocative thinkers and beloved teachers including Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, Mark Victor Hansen and James Van Praagh.

“The Shadow is the part of our self that we disown or dislike and is made up of the thoughts, emotions and impulses we often find too painful, embarrassing or distasteful to accept so we deny or repress them,” states Ford. She adds, “I created this film to help people break free of the bonds of the past and the wounded ego that hides all that we believe is unacceptable about ourselves. When we learn to love and own all of who we are we step into the greatness of who we may become.”

The Shadow Effect stands out because it shows inspiring real life individuals who share true stories about how they transcended child abuse, racism, the Holocaust, war, addiction and wounded upbringings. In the film, we meet those who have learned to face their terror, heal their wounds, and embrace their higher heroic selves to overcome the shadow effect.

The Shadow Effect DVD is available online if you Click Here

Mythic Journeys is a fusion of documentary and animation about the power of myth and story to change the world. It features three of Hollywood’s most acclaimed actors.

Tim Curry is a noble king whose life or death depends on delivering a hanging corpse to a mysterious sorcerer. Lance Henriksen is a necromancer who gives him the strange assignment and may or may not be trustworthy. Mark Hamill is just your regular dead body come to life with a cutting with and a Scheherazade – like skill for storytelling and riddles.

In the between this imaginative narrative are interviews with some of the world’s leading mythologists, psychologists and spiritual leaders including Deepak Chopra, Michael Beckwith and Honora Foah. It also features the paintings of Jerry Wennstrom

In 2006, filmmakers Steve and Whitney Boe attended the MYTHIC JOURNEYS conference and performance festival in Atlanta and found their lives transformed when confronted with the question:

“Will you know who you are when you die or will death have to tell you?”

MYTHIC JOURNEYS, the movie, is their celebration of that extraordinary experience, an exploration of what myth and story can teach us about our own lives and how mythology can be used to spark creativity and bridge communities, generations and cultures.

For more information on how you can purchase the film please click here.

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

Letters from the Dhamma Brothers: Meditation Behind Bars is a documentary about an overcrowded maximum-security prison in Alabama that offers an ancient meditation retreat to its prisoners as part of their rehabilitation.

The film features inmates who are serving life sentences without parole at the Donaldson Correctional Facility. They are given the option of participating in an emotionally and physically demanding course of silent meditation lasting 10 days. The participants are some of the state’s most dangerous criminals battling life-long demons. Most of them are highly skeptical of the meditation retreat. Additionally, many of guards question why the controversial retreat should be allowed for such violent offenders in the first place.

Scott Harshbarger, former Attorney General of Massachusetts, gave his thoughts about the movie when he said, “Through the film we realize that inmates can accept responsiblity for serious crimes, and attempt to engage in personal change even though it will not enable them to be released.”

You can purchase the book it is based on Amazon by Clicking Here.

Crazy Heart is the story of Bad Blake (Jeff Bridges), a fifty-seven year old chain-smoking alcoholic, country music singer trying to overcome his personal demons and find some sort of redemption in his life. On the surface, this plot sounds like a cliche country music song with a predictable ending. However, the movie has its own unique twists and turns that left me surprised and deeply moved.

Bad is informed by a doctor that his self-destructive lifestyle will lead to an early death. His lifetime of poor choices has caused several failed marriages, terrible decisions while drinking, and deteriorating health. Still, Bad has a big enough heart that he makes you and his fans care about him.

While performing at a small bar in Santa Fe, Bad meets newspaper journalist Jean Craddock (Maggie Gyllenhaal), who wants to interview him for a local newspaper. Despite Bad’s reckless behavior, Jean and Bad begin a relationship. Bad’s professional career also takes a turn for the better when he reconnects with a former touring partner (Colin Farrel) who wants Bad to write songs for him. Bad has been given a second chance in his life and we watch wondering if he is going to take advantage of it and turn his life around or if he is going to blow it and continue with his self-destructive behavior…

This is why Crazy Heart really makes you think and prompts you to ask some tough questions about decisions you’ve made in the past, choices you can make in the future and second chances. We can never know if or when we might be given a second chance. Crazy Heart encourages us to be prepared and ready for it when the time comes.

Additionally, most of us have reached a point in life where either through bad luck or poor choices, we’ve experienced some significant hardship. However, I believe we are also given second chances. Crazy Heart asks us what are you going to do when you are given your second chance in life. You can either choose to let it slip away or “pick up your crazy heart and give it one more try” as the title song of the movie suggests.

You can purchase Crazy Heart on DVD on Amazon by Clicking Here

…Also, if you like country music, the soundtrack to Crazy Heart is great….

“A woman dreams her horse is dying. She wakes to find him dead. Then she dreams this year will be her last.”

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This is the synopsis for The Edge of Dreaming, a documentary that tells the story of a rational, skeptical woman, a mother and wife, who must confront her mortality after having a dream that tells her she would die in a year at the age of 48. The Edge of Dreaming uses a meditative cinematography to visually explore the emotional states, spiritual insights and daily journey of that year. The film also mixes humor, science and married life as Amy tries to understand what is happening to her by seeking out possible answers from a neuroscientist, shaman, Carl Jung’s teachings and her own family.

The Edge of Dreaming prompts viewers to ask some big questions such as:

What would I worry about if I was going to die in a year?
How would I spend my time?
What would I place my thoughts and attention on?
Where am I going after I die?

The Edge of Dreaming does a good job of raising these questions by following Amy’s journey without telling you exactly how to answer them.

For more information on The Edge of Dreaming you can visit it’s website at http://www.edgeofdreaming.co.uk

Yesterday, CNN did a feature story on Unbeaten, the inspirational documentary that chronicles the exploits of 31 paraplegics for six days, as they make their way in wheelchairs and hand cycles across a brutal road race, “Sadler’s Alaska Challenge.”

Last week Unbeaten screened for some of the military’s Wounded Warriors recovering from devastating injuries at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. In the CNN interview below, you can hear how the Wounded Warriors were inspired by the film’s message to NEVER QUIT.

For more information about Unbeaten, you can listen to an 8 minute interview that Spiritual Media Blog did with one of the documentary’s producers, Tamara Henry, by clicking the play button below below.

You can also find out more by visiting Unbeaten’s web site at http://www.unbeatenthemovie.com

This article is a Guest Post contributed by Larry Coleman, author of The Shepherd Boy of New York City

Some of us are book lovers, some of us are movie lovers, and then there are those of us that are both. Although I fit the last category, I have never read Dan Millman’s book, Way of the Peaceful Warrior; but that didn’t stop me from being totally blown away by the 2006 movie which was based up his bestselling novel.

Peaceful Warrior (Widescreen), starring Nick Nolte, Amy Smart and Scott Mechlowicz, ranks among my all time favorite inspirational/spiritual movies. In order to keep this blog from sounding like a movie review, let’s just say the movie version of the book is about finding and embracing your inner guide, the guru in you.

Dan’s inner guide in the movie is an old gas station attendant aptly named, Socrates. Socrates main objective in the movie is to get Dan, a world class gymnast who has a sustained a career ending injury, to think outside the box, to live life in the moment, to forget about his perceived limitations and to embrace the world of paradox. Dan has to learn how to do all this on his own because no one can, or will, help him to do it. After all, a gymnast who shatters his femur in a motorcycle accident is a long shot to get back in the game and has no realistic chance of returning to something he loves—or does he?

In the movie, Socrates is a mystical teacher who only appears to Dan and Joy and a couple other people who show up for gas, Joy is another one of Socrates protégés; besides these two main characters, none of the other gymnast can see him. It’s sort of like the scene in which Jesus is driven into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. The devil takes Jesus to the pinnacle of the temple to show him all the kingdoms of the world in order to seduce him into to worshiping him. In reality, it’s not that Jesus and the Devil are flying over Jerusalem in bodily form, but the meeting takes place in consciousness. The character, Socrates, is much like that—we don’t know if he’s real or a figment in Dan’s imagination—it’s a beautiful piece of writing and directing, and a treat for the movie watcher.

The beauty of the Peaceful Warrior is hidden in the dialogue, and Socrates is full of little one-liners that stay with the movie watcher long after the closing credits. Here are a few of them:

“You can live your whole lifetime without being awake.

“There’s no higher purpose than to offer service.”

“People are afraid of what’s inside and that’s the only place they’re going to find what they need.

“There are no ordinary moments.” (a quote from Dan)

“A warrior doesn’t give up on what he loves. He finds the love in what he does.”

Socrates to Dan: “That’s the difference between you and me: You practice gymnastic, I practice everything. A warrior is not about perfection, or victory, or invulnerability. He’s about absolute vulnerability.”

“I want you to stop gathering information from outside yourself, and start gathering it from the inside.”

“How do you know I’m not your intuition speaking to you right now?

The Peaceful Warrior is truly inspiring film. I’ve seen it a couple of times and I think I’ll watch it again. It’s important to vulnerable enough to accept wisdom from wherever it may come. Perhaps, that’s my intuition speaking to me right now.

This article is a Guest Post written by Larry Coleman, author of The Shepherd Boy of New York City

You can purchase Peaceful Warrior on DVD on Amazon by Clicking Here .