Film Review: Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity

Released in 2006, Winner of the Vancouver Film Festival, and directed by the critically acclaimed director, Mina Shum; Long Life, Happiness and Prosperity is a beautiful treasure that explores the role of faith (specifically Chinese Magic) in the lives of various individuals in a small Chinese community. This story takes place in Canada where a divorced single mother,  Kin (Sandra Oh, pictured right) and her daughter, Mindy (Valerie Tian, pictured right) struggle to survive financially.

Mindy decides to use Taoism (Chinese Magic) to bring good fortune to her mother so she doesn't have to work so hard and so long. However, it back fires and causes a little discomfort to not only her mother but a few members in the community.

This film explores family relationships and dynamics from another culture; however, the principles of these stories are universal. You will laugh, cry, and cheer for joy! This is a must see.

From left: Mina Shum, Sandra Oh, and Valerie Tian.

Book Review: The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life

Photo from: http://www.bculik.com/minimalist-the-club-hotel-design-by-ministry-of-design/club-hotel-interior-03/

The Simple Guide to a Minimalist Life by Leo Babauta was a great resource for me. I've always considered myself a minimalist. The classic color of a minimalist is white and I LOVE the color white in not just art, but fashion, and home decor. Also: I find myself getting ride of clutter and all sorts of things with little hesitancy but until I read this book, I realized I was a liberal minimalist...perhaps a faux minimalist. Minimalism is the philosophy and lifestyle of ridding your life of the unnecessary and only holding on to what is meaningful. There are four basic rules, explained by Leo Babauta (2009), to this lifestyle:

1. Start realizing you already have enough
2. Start cutting back on clutter and possessions
3. Start simplifying your schedule
4. Slowly edit everything you do

Our culture has nurtured the mindset that you must always look for the next best thing (woman/man/house/clothes/ furniture/products) instead of looking at what you already have and be content. The life of a minimalist is contrary to what's popular but you will find that you have less physical, mental, and emotional stress when you start changing your life towards the minimalistic lifestyle.

Not only did this book help me with creating a minimalist space but also my eating habits. It's not just about throwing objects away, it's also about having only what's necessary and that includes food. Even Ludwig Mies van der Rohe said, "Less is more." The eating habits of a minimalist are:

1. Eating less (No more than the size of your hand in my opinion)
2. Eating clean (organic, whole foods, and natural foods)
3. Cook simply (less ingredients and simple recipes)

He even discusses how to raise children with these minimalistic principles which is a hard thing to do especially in this culture where many children have an incredible excess of toys and electronics. This book made me realize that holding on to things is actually wasteful! I thought it would be the opposite. However, if I'm holding on to a pair of shoes I've never worn and it's just sitting in my closet, I am withholding them from someone who could really use them. Interesting, huh? What a great reason to donate your possessions!

The best part about this book: Babauta has placed his book in the public domain. He wrote it in the last couple of years but it's not copyrighted. What a wonderful gift! Thank you and kudos Mr. Babauta! Check out his website, Zen Habits, for even more tips and great insights! .-_-

Photo from: http://www.yousharez.com/decor/family+room