Recommended Movies and Videos

On Golden Pond

From kizuna to momo no aware, On Golden Pond reminds us of the temporality of life and having compassion for one another. Filled with meaningful moments, this classic film will inspire you to live your best life. PG, Released Jan 22, 1982, 1h 49m, Comedy/ Drama, 91% on Rotten Tomatoes.

Claire | The Documentary

Oscar-winning filmmaker Nick Reed & Ryan Azevedo created one of the most poignant documentaries featuring Claire Wineland who passes from cystic fibrosis at the age of 21. She found her ikigai and left an indelible mark on the world.

The Quilters

This Netflix documentary follows the daily lives of incarcerated men in a level 5 maximum-security prison who share their struggles, victories, and newly found self-worth. Practicing hansei, some are successful others still struggle to find their peace, but all find moai (their support group and share a common purpose).

Joshua Luke Smith | Sunflowers Babylon

A thought provoking and inspirational poetry reading that truly exemplifies omoiyari, gaman, and ikigai, Joshua takes us on a journey of the passing of his uncle, sunflowers, self-reflection, and selfless compassion. "Even in a soil of decay, something beautiful can grow." Over 400K views and 22K likes in 6 months.

Hugh Van Cuylenburg: G.E.M.

Follow Hugh Van Cuylenburg as he takes you through a journey volunteering in Thiksey, India, where there's no running water, electricity, and beds as well as other metamorphic experiences. Through his course of life, he discovers Gratitude, Empathy, and Mindfulness (GEM) which led him to the creation of The Resilience Project.

Good Will Hunting

This Oscar winning classic takes you on a non-traditional exploration of shu ha ri. Both Sean (Robin Williams) and Will (Matt Damon) navigate their lives—eventually breaking free by facing pain honestly and guided by their unlikely bond. R, 1998, 2h 6m, Drama, 97% Rotten Tomatoes. View free w/ads on YouTube. Age verification required.

After Life

At some point in our lives, we all must deal with death. The temporality and impermanence of life can be overwhelming and we all deal with it in our own way. This Netflix series is a perfect example of mono no aware and how we all should remember how valuable it is to feel and demonstrate gratitude for your blessings and those that surround you.

Ted Lasso

This award winning TV series demonstrates many practices throughout their episodes. One of the most compelling is the concept of moai. Whether it's Ted being accepted by a few kind individuals or the team becoming a strong support group for one another to reach a common goal, Ted Lasso exemplifies all that lifts us as human beings.

Grave of the Fireflies

I cannot think of a more perfect example of gaman than this classic animated movie. Taking place during World War II, many may view this movie as morbid and filled with cold-hearted human behaviors. However, it is based on temporality, gratitude, resilience, and most importantly, managing though life's most challenging moments.

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