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(total reading time: 4 mins)
On self-improvement this week, we focus on meditation, the latest fitness news with Apple’s new feature, Fitness+, and intermittent fasting to lose those pounds before Christmas.
On innovation, NASA and space travel are making significant breakthroughs, with Virgin Galactic launching a spaceflight this weekend, and astronauts travelling to the moon. To keep yourself distracted, try reading books that will tackle creative block, or learn about ancient art pieces from prehistoric times.
Finally, keep yourself entertained throughout the holidays by checking out the best TV shows of 2020 or discovering musical artists, old and new, to lift the spirits.
Enjoy!
Bilal
How Meditation Can Help the World—and Not Just You (GQ, 4 min read)
I am a big advocate for meditation and mindfulness. Meditation teacher Sharon Salzberg is one of the three Buddhist teachers who founded the Insight Meditation Society, exploring the intersection between activity of change and compassion from mindfulness.
Are You Happy, David Lynch? (Open Culture, 1 min read)
Filmmaker David Lynch shares that his source of happiness is meditation. Check out a multitude of sources on how he uses meditation to reach a state of contentment.
Marina Abramović’s Method for Overcoming Trauma: Go to a Park, Hug a Tree Tight, and Tell It Your Complaints for 15 Minutes (Open Culture, 3 min read)
Marina Abramović advocates for an unusual method – tree therapy. Japanese researchers have found that the oils secreted by trees lower stress levels, reduce depression, and boost immunity.
Practice = Professional (Steven Pressfield, 2 min read)
Steven Pressfield explains his definition of practice, and how you can turn this into being a pro. His message to everyone is simple: a pro commits for life, a pro sets no aspiration, and a pro simply exists for the practice alone.
Tim Cook on Health and Fitness (Outside Magazine, 1 hour podcast)
Cook talks about the incredible power technology has over motivating us to keep exercising.
How to Overhaul Your Diet With Intermittent Fasting (GQ, 3 min read)
Bottom line is, the most prominent form of intermittent fasting is time-restricted eating, leaving yourself an eight hour window. The exciting part is that it doesn’t matter what you eat, but when you eat.
Apple Fitness+ is designed to make working out easier for everyone (Fast Company, 5 min read)
Apple watches just became even more fitness oriented. Apple’s new Fitness+ feature allows users to connect their watches to the big screen where a multitude of workouts are available.
NASA Announces Team of 18 Astronauts Who Will Train For Artemis Moon Landings (i09, 2 min read)
NASA is keen to get started on ‘moon capitalism’, and hopes to establish a human lunar presence by the end of this decade. Perhaps we’ll be taking a holiday to the moon in years to come.
Virgin Galactic Is Launching a Historic Manned Spaceflight This Weekend (Robb Report, 2 min read)
The plan will be Virgin Galactic’s third crewed test flight from New Mexico, a milestone for the state as it will be the third to host a crewed space flight.
This New Luxury Business Plane Uses Fighter Jet Technology to Enhance Performance (Robb Report, 3 min read)
This is one way to travel in style. Dassault Aviation’s new business jet, Falcon 6X, will be able to fly passengers at top speed from LA to Moscow or London to Hong Kong, and all in a luxurious setting.
The Art of Traditional Japanese Wood Joinery: A Kyoto Woodworker Shows How Japanese Carpenters Created Wood Structures Without Nails or Glue (Open Culture, 2 min read)
The technique has extended beyond art. Japanese carpenters create entire buildings using just wood alone. Watch these detailed videos of Japanese joinery, which demonstrates how these structures are held in place.
5 Books that Will Help You Conquer Creative Block (Peta Pixel, 3 min read)
These books cover creativity hacks to battle those periods of feeling uninspired. The books range from lessons in photography, to detailing ‘self-help’, to humorous tips on how to overcome creative block.
The Sistine Chapel of the Ancients: Archaeologists Discover 8 Miles of Art Painted on Rock Walls in the Amazon (Open Culture, 2 min read)
The prehistoric wonder details ancient animals that have long been extinct, providing insight about the ancient diet. This proves that art existed before civilization.
5 good books for a lousy year (Gates Notes, 2 min read)
Listen to Bill Gates give his take on the best books to read over the holidays. Some of his favourites include historical novels on Jim Crow and Churchill, and science that changed medicine.
The 10 Best Literary Adaptations of the Year (Literary Hub, 4 min read)
Some of the best adaptations from the list include The Queen’s Gambit, Emma, and Normal People. It might be useful to read these books before watching the adaptations.
The Best TV Shows of 2020 (The New Yorker, 4 min read)
This TV showshow line-up should provide some binge-worthy entertainment over the holidays for you to enjoy.
My Thirty Favourite Albums of 2020 (The New Yorker, 3 min read)
This great list details many genres and classics, spanning from legendary Bob Dylan, to contemporary artist Taylor Swift.
Alien Is Coming to TV…and Earth (i09, 1 min read)
For any science fiction fans out there, this new franchise based on Ridley Scott’s blockbuster is one to look out for.
(The commentary contained in the above article does not constitute an offer or a solicitation, or a recommendation to implement or liquidate an investment or to carry out any other transaction. It should not be used as a basis for any investment decision or other decision. Any investment decision should be based on appropriate professional advice specific to your needs.)