Here it comes… a whole mess of my enthusiasms… Let me know what you think via twitter at @jamiesmartcom, on my Facebook page here, or in the comment section.
1. A quotation I’m reflecting on this week
Frank Zappa has long been one of my heroes. As well as loving his music and his virtuoso guitar-playing skills, I’ve also admired his intelligence, attitude and wit. I resonated with Zappa’s authenticity long before I knew the meaning of the word. In addition to all that, he’s uttered some very quotable phrases. Here’s a pithy one I’m reflecting on this week…
“If you wind up with a boring, miserable life because you listened to your mom, your dad, your teacher, your priest, or some guy on TV telling you how to do your shit, then you deserve it.”
2. A book I love
I read the wonderful book Shantaram by Gregory David Roberts when it first came out in 2003. Roberts wrote it longhand while he was in prison. The first two drafts were destroyed by prison guards, so the version you get to read has been tempered in the fires of persistence and perseverance. It’s such a rich book; a thriller, a love story, a travelogue, an epic, and completely enthralling. The Daily Telegraph reviewer called it a literary masterpiece. It’s pretty rare that I find myself agreeing with anything the Daily Telegraph say, but in this case, I have to concur. Shantaram is one of the best books I’ve ever read.
3. JK Rowling on Donald Trump & freedom of speech
Freedom of speech is such an important principle. Earlier this year, the UK parliament debated the possibility of banning Donald Trump from entry to the UK because of his repugnant views (a petition garnered over half a million signatures in support of the ban). In Rowling’s excellent talk (given to PEN America, an association of writers who defend people who are killed or imprisoned for their views), she basically explains why it’s so important to defend Trump’s right to talk like a douchebag. Good stuff.
4. A show that cracks me up
The wonderful Peep Show just completed its final season (season 9). I’ve loved it since its inception, and the show’s humour has grown increasingly dark with each season. In the first episode of Season 2, the two protagonists go to an experimental dance session called “Rainbow Rhythms”. As it happens, about 10 years ago, I went to something in London called the Aum Meditation, a 3-hour structured meditation experience. It was quite an experience, and I’m 99% sure that this Peep Show episode was based on that experience. In a circle at the end of the class, the uptight protagonist Mark is challenged for being negative, and responds, “If there isn’t room here for people who stand against everything you believe in, then what sort of a hippy free-for-all is this?” Here’s the clip – enjoy.
5. This week’s 3-minute miracle
The Grateful Dead were one of the world’s most amazing bands. Their “breakthrough album”, American Beauty, is full of wonderful songs. I saw them in London in October 1990, and it was an extraordinary experience from beginning to end (maybe I’ll tell the story in a future TTE). Here’s one of my favourite songs of all time, Friend of the Devil.
That’s it for this week. If you have questions, suggestions or want to let me know what you’re enthusiastic about, just tweet one of yours and put my twitter name @jamiesmartcom and the #Enthusiasms hashtag in there so I can find it. If I’m enthusiastic about something you’re enthusiastic about, it might just get featured in a future TTE.
Big love
Jamie
By the way, if you’re a transformation professional, then you may be a good fit for something I’m doing next month. We’ve filled all the places, but we’ve got a few seats left. Here’s what I’m looking for:
– You have at least one year’s experience of working with clients (either paid, pro-bono or both)
– You probably charge by the hour, but want to use a “coaching package” model to increase your income & make it more consistent
– You have space in your practice to work with at least one longer term contract client, starting next month
– You’re an enthusiastic, friendly people-person
– You have a coachable spirit, and are willing to step out of your comfort zone if necessary, and
– You can keep a secret
If that’s you, then just email me at jsmart@jamiesmart.com, and let me know where you’re located and a little about yourself. Make the subject line “Project Glasswing TTE”. We’re starting this weekend. Talk to you soon!
Big love
Jamie