Decoding @deepakchopra with @gothamchopra
For Tuesdays with Friends we give you @DecodingDeepak. Produced and shot by Mark Rinehart, edited by Julian Robinson, and staring/ produced by Gotham Chopra, we were able to see the World Premiere at SXSW this year. It’s a fabulous film (and we’re not just saying that because we we’re friends with these guys… and that Abby used to promote Deepak’s books at HarperOne). It’s truly an in-depth look at one of the world’s most admired and respected spiritual leaders. It takes the viewer on an enlightening and humorous journey with the both of the Chopras. If you get a chance to see it, we highly recommend you take advantage.
Check out the website for Decoding Deepak for more info.
Journalist and filmmaker Gotham Chopra spends a year traveling the world decoding his father Deepak Chopra, resolving the spiritual icon he is to the world vs. the real man known to his family. What starts as an intimate biopic becomes a deeper plunge into the meaning of identity itself.Filmmaker and journalist Gotham Chopra embarks on a year long roadtrip with his father Deepak Chopra in an attempt to resolve the spiritual icon he is to the world vs. the real man known to his family. From devoted disciples that range from Lady Gaga to lost souls searching for themselves in the red rock deserts of Sedona, Gotham begins to paint a raw portrait of his dad that only a son can. The film travels across the planet chronicling colorful Deepak activities – from a traditional monk ordainment in Thailand to a literal decoding of ancient family registers in rural India. On the homefront, Gotham also takes a closer look at the expansive spiritual empire his father has built over his 25 year career that initially was conceived out of Deepak’s own deep personal and spiritual dissatisfaction, and a decidedly non-spiritual (and boozy) origin.Ultimately what emerges is a picture of a Deepak that while reminiscent of other popularized Indian gurus, is more dad than demigod. Full of flaws, foils, intelligence, and irreverence, the decoded Deepak uncovered by his son’s honest scrutiny of him is a symbol of a world searching for answers in the most unlikely places and a deeper plunge into the meaning of identity itself.
Spirit of Service
On October 20th, 2009 Spirit of Service goes on sale. I’m seriously really excited about this one. If you’ve ever wanted to volunteer or just make the world a better place (I know, that sounds cheesy… but you know what I mean), this book is perfect. Plus, I created that video above and worked with my friend Erik Jessen who created the awesome website (SpiritofService365.com). So go buy a copy, or at least browse inside it… and then you can go save the world.
More about the book:
The Spirit of Service is a dynamic daily devotional that offers a full exploration of 365 aspects of service, organized into seven topics, presenting one from each topic every week for 52 weeks. The reader can start the book at any time of the year. The guided experience allows you to look at a full complement of ways that you can get involved in service to others, from serving the person sitting next to you to your community as a whole, from national service to actions that impact the world. The book is created to offer a daily fifteen- to twenty-minute experience that can prompt you to open your mind, your heart, your pocketbook, your calendar, or your contact list and engage. The book features unique opportunities for involvement in all sectors with every age group and every concern. Throughout the year you will read inspiring stories about what others have done, and discover efforts that you can passionately get involved in. The book also guides you to recalibrate your own awareness of the needs of others, taking you outside yourself and into the joyful state of truly making a difference.
The seven spirit of service topics are:
Money (Donate)
52 ways your money can make a difference – the best organizations where your money can keep paying it forward.
Energy (Volunteer)
52 ways to physically show up and accomplish something – incredible opportunities to put intention into action.
Focus (To bring to the attention of others)
52 explorations that put you in the driver’s seat to create interest or support in order to bring about change.
Influence (Use your personal equity to help others)
52 great ideas that utilize your existing resources and goodwill allowing you to gain momentum and get something accomplished.
Compassion (Open your heart to needs of others)
52 meditations on compassion in action – daily kindness, love and humble service.
Support (Be emotionally available; get involved and stand up for those without a voice)
52 challenges to act on what you believe in and be there when it counts.
Passage (Join someone on their journey as a guide / mentor)
52 passages that inspire you to serve as a guide, companion, mentor, guru or helpmate on someone else’s path.
Tales of Wonder
I recently created this book trailer for Huston Smith’s new autobiography Tales of Wonder. It’s shocking what this man has accomplished, who he’s met, and how he’s changed the world. Meeting Huston Smith was an honor and I felt so privileged to work on his memoir. Check out the video below (and wait until the end for a nice outtake).
~Abby
You can read more about him in this great Newsweek Article.
The Alchemist Live with Paulo Coelho
I’m not sure if you’ve ever read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, but chances are you have. It’s been on the New York Times Best Sellers List for over 50 weeks (that’s almost a year!). And it’s about to celebrate its 20th Anniversary. So the reason why I bring this up… for the past few months I’ve been working on a project that will culminate in an online event September 17th, 2008.
Here’s the lowdown:
It’s called, THE ALCHEMIST LIVE. Basically Paulo is going to talk to everyone, everywhere about The Alchemist. It’s a historic event because Paulo doesn’t usually talk about his book in this way. It’s going to take place on BlogTalkRadio – The AuthorsOnAir channel- so you can call in from your phone or listen online. There’s going to be a question and answer session with callers, and also a special guest (I’ll let you know who when the date gets closer).
The nitty gritty:
The Alchemist Live
September 17th, 2008
12 noon PT / 3PM EST / anywhere else in the world corresponding with those times!
Phone: (347) 945-6141
Website: www.alchemistlive.com
Here’s a promo video HarperOne produced with Paulo for the event:
Here’s a fun little countdown widget you can share, if you’re so inclined!
