Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man

Three months ago in May I gave a motivational talk to business owners and entrepreneurs at the Metro Hall Employment Services Centre, here in Toronto. That was the month I was under immense stress (see tip#660) and felt compelled to share more of my struggles as well as successes with the audience. The admissions of my failures and adversities actually triggered a closer, emotional connection with audience members who personally thanked me afterwards for sharing.

They were going their own struggles and they told me it brought them great comfort to hear my story and to receive my movie tips for staying strong and positive. I was feeling a strong sense of community as these individuals would continue to stay in touch with me via email, LinkedIn and Facebook. What a joy it was knowing there was a greater purpose in the pains in life I have experienced.

Ip Man (2008)

The semi biographical martial arts film, Ip Man, is based on the life of Ip Man (Donnie Yen), a grandmaster of the martial art Wing Chun and master of Bruce Lee. Not to be confused with the recent movie The Grandmaster (see tip#687). This film version focused more on the community of 1930’s Foshan and Ip’s struggles surviving the Japanese invasion in 1937. There are many exciting fights that include a Northern Chinese bully and later Japanese soldier matches with the Chinese. See: movie trailer

What really stood out for me in this film was the strong sense of community triggered by Ip’s values, courage and strength. He was a true leader and inspired people of his hometown despite years of poverty and doing his best to feed his wife and young son. I loved the scene where Ip Man agrees to teach Kung fu to workers of a cotton mill to protect themselves from a gang of robbers. Men, women and children young and old were all trained and they practiced with each other!

What movies inspire you about community? What films inspire you of people helping one another during difficult times? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#172: Cultivate Community, Part 1 – Witness
Tip#651: Cultivate Community, Part 2 - Defiance
Tip#656: Cultivate Community, Part 3 – Swapsity - Phenomenon 
Tip#658: Cultivate Community, Part 4 – Into the White
Tip#668: Cultivate Community, Part 5 – Be Kind Rewind 
Tip#686: Cultivate Community, Part 6 – Ip Man
Tip#687: Cultivate Community, Part 7 – Rotary Club - Groundhog Day
Tip#707: Cultivate Community, Part 8 – Movie Nights - Christmas in Connecticut
Tip#781: Cultivate Community, Part 9 - The Hundred-Foot Journey
Tip#853: Cultivate Community, Part 10 - Endurance - McFarland, USA

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#685: Develop Inner Strength & Confidence – Kung fu & Qi - The Grandmaster

I grew up thinking about Kung fu as just a cool-looking fighting style from Asia. Then in my adult life I discovered Kung fu’s power lies in what traditional Chinese culture calls Qi translated as “life energy”. Ancient Chinese believed Qi permeated everything and linked their surroundings together. I believe it is this energy I have learned to tap into (even if just a little) through spiritual practices and discipline. It has helped me build an inner strength and confidence for persevering in difficult times.

The Grandmaster (2013)

The Chinese martial arts drama, The Grandmaster, is based on the life story of Ip Man (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai) who was Bruce Lee’s teacher. Starting with his life in 1930’s Foshan, the Japanese war and then Hong Kong in the 1950’s we get introduced to many vibrant characters with various Kung Fu styles. The fight scenes are so poetically staged and beautiful that they feel like ethereal dances. This is an epic cinematic experience! See: movie trailer

What inspired me the most was Ip Man’s incredible inner strength and confidence when he is faced with a fight. I could almost feel his Qi through the movie screen! Despite whatever opponents he faced he seemed to radiate an inner peace and calm like being in the eye of a hurricane. I am so grateful to the magic of movies like this one because they help expand my awareness of concepts like Kung fu and Qi to help me be a stronger person.

Are you a fan of martial arts films? Are there any movies you’d recommend that expand on the richness and wisdom of Kung fu? Please let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#460: Find Inner Peace Thanks to a Movie - Kung Fu Panda 2 
Tip#670: See Life As An Adventure, Part 3 – The Forbidden Kingdom 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#684: Friendships in Films, Part 1 - Kick-Ass 2

I recently spent a sunny long weekend at a friend’s new cottage with my buddies I’ve been camping with for years. Super clear skies, green lush trees, crisp lake waters and great, clean outdoor air! These were the same friends from last year ((see tip#584) that helped clear the forestland for the new cottage.

It felt great putting in some hard work clearing trees and shrubs because we worked well as a team. And we’ve always been supportive of one another over the years even if it’s via email, Facebook or texts.

Kick-Ass 2 (2013)

The superhero comedy film, Kick-Ass 2, is the sequel to the comic book based film of the same name where we find Dave Lizewski a.k.a. Kick-Ass (Aaron Taylor-Johnson) has inspired other ordinary citizens to become superheroes. He then joins a team of heroes called “Justice Forever” led by Colonel Stars and Stripes (Jim Carrey). We also follow Mindy a.k.a. Hit-Girl (Chloë Grace Moretz) as she tries to let go of her superhero identity and fit into high school life. See: movie trailer

The film has lots of action and a great and different performance by Carrey. And we see how supportive these superhero friends are with each other especially when one is going through personal pain. Note that there is a lot of graphic violence and profanity in this film and yet there are also inspiring themes that immerge:

• Following your path
• Accepting who you are
• Helping others 
• Teamwork
• Friendships

What movies do you enjoy that show the kind of friendships you have now? What favorite films do you like that show friendships you'd like to have? Let me know!

Related Tips:
Tip#770: Friendships in Films, Part 2 - The Kings of Summer
Tip#545: Make Time for Face-To-Face Friendships – American Pie Reunion 
Tip#575: Friendships that Feel Good – Grown Ups 
Tip#584: Cultivate Friendships for Rain of Shine - City Slickers 
Tip#626: Perseverance & Teamwork, Part 1 – The Fugitive 
Tip#627: Perseverance & Teamwork, Part 2 - Wreck-It Ralph 

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#683: Golden Nuggets in Films - Elysium

I am so grateful every single day for the old and new friendships that are in my life. Especially the new friendships I’ve made at The Gift Circle Meetup group that I featured in tip#668. I’ve experienced the joy of meeting such wonderful, supportive souls and it feels so good we have become fast friends. The monthly gatherings also continually teach myself and others on learning how to:

• Ask for what you need
• Give unconditionally
• Focus on being of service
• Cultivate friendships and community from the above 3 points

I am reminded of a powerful scene from the film Elysium you’ll read about below.

Elysium (2013)

The science fiction action film, Elysium, takes place in a future time where the poor live on a ravaged Earth and the wealthy live on a luxurious space habitat called Elysium. On Earth, factory worker and ex-con Max (Matt Damon) is exposed to radiation and takes drastic measures to get to Elysium where he can be cured and help a friend's dying daughter. The film is filled with incredible, futuristic visuals and also contain thought-provoking messages about the poor and the wealthy. See: movie trailer

This is one of those films where one scene was the focus of having inspired me more than the film itself. It was a golden nugget of inspiration. Below is the dialogue between Max and his childhood friend’s young daughter, Matilda, dying of leukemia…

Matilda: “There once lived a meerkat that lived in the jungle. He was hungry, he was small, so small. And the other big animals had all the food because they could reach the fruits. So he made friends with the hippopotamus…” 
Max: “Okay stop. It doesn’t end well for the meerkat.” 
Matilda: “Yes it does because he can stand on the hippopotamus’s back to get all the fruits that he wants.” 
Max: “What’s in it for the hippo?” 
Matilda: “The hippo wants a friend.” 

When I saw this scene it synchronistically echoed my awareness of how the power of friendship can make the ups and downs of life more enjoyable. It reminded me that friendships make my life an adventure worth taking!

Have you found golden nuggets of inspiration in a movie? What are some films that you felt were so-so containing a scene that spoke deeply to you? Please let me know!

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#682: What if You Could Go Back in Time? - Back to the Future Trilogy

“Your future hasn't been written yet. No one's has. Your future is whatever you make it. So make it a good one!” Back to the Future Part 3

Jack Canfield is the co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series and I recently saw a video clip online of him saying how powerful EFT Therapy is. EFT stands for Emotional Freedom Technique and involves a series of tapping on meridian points of the face and upper body to release blocked energy and stored traumas. I had actually had an EFT session years ago but was feeling drawn to it again.

As I wrote in the previous tip I had experienced an epiphany about blocked areas of my life (see tip#681) and it is thanks to an EFT session I had with Certified EFT Practitioner Sue Burness. She helped me remember a focal point when I was 12 years old that created a limiting belief that got buried into my subconscious. It was an emotional realization that this old belief could be the cause of my “Groundhog Day loops”. It later excited me to think that this was like time traveling to my past self and helping him transform into something greater. I was then compelled to watch the Back to the Future trilogy back to back.

Back to the Future (1985)

The science fiction comedy, Back to the Future, is about teenager Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) who time travels from 1985 to 1955 with the help of Doc Brown (Christopher Lloyd) and a super-powered DeLorean. He ends up meeting his father George McFly (Crispin Glover) who is in his teens and helps transform his fear into courage. This change in history then transforms Marty’s present timeline where his father is a more confident man, husband, father and successful author.

Back to the Future Part 2 (1989)

The film, Back to the Future Part 2, follows the adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown where they time travel from 1985 to 2015 to prevent Marty’s future son from getting into serious trouble. Timelines get altered and when Marty and Doc return to 1985 it is a dark world where the villain from the first film Biff Tannen (Thomas F. Wilson) is now powerful and wealthy. It is up to Marty and Doc to return to 1955 at the focal point where time was altered and repair the damage. Along the way Marty witnesses his past self from the first film which is amazing to see from a different perspective!

Back to the Future Part 3 (1990)

The film, Back to the Future Part 3, concludes the adventures of Marty McFly and Doc Brown who have time traveled to the old west of 1885 in order to save Doc who was sent there accidentally in the previous chapter. In that time period Marty meets his great-great-grandparents and Biff’s great-grandfather, Buford “Mad Dog” Tannen. Through Marty’s encounter with Buford he is able to overcome his issue of blindly fighting when someone calls him a coward.

Seeing this trilogy back to back was nostalgic and brought back happy memories of when I first saw these films in the theatres. I was also inspired to believe that I could, in a sense, go back in time and transform issues that stem from a focal point in my younger years. So it doesn’t matter if these are just fictional movies. All I know is that they made me feel good and helped me believe I have a positive future to look forward to!

If you can go back in time what would you say to your younger self? What would you change about your past self if you could? Please share your comments in comments section below!

NOTE: The purpose of this blog is to document my life journey and share the movies that have inspired me to persevere through difficult times. I also share personal growth resources I have discovered along the way and are meant to be options you can explore for your own personal growth if you are inspired to do so.

Related Tips:
Tip#179: Important Messages From The Kid - Disney's The Kid
Tip#332: Your Thoughts Have So Much Power – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#445: Everything is Going To Be Okay - Source Code 
Tip#499: Choose A Future - Mr. Nobody
Tip#506: Time Travel & Alternate Reality Movies – 4 Hidden Gems
Tip#549: Yes, You Can Alter Your Reality - Men in Black 3
Tip#587: If You Could Talk To Your Younger Self What Would You Say? – Looper
Tip#590: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt.1 - The Time Traveler’s Wife
Tip#759: Expand Your Mind with Time Travel Movies, Pt 2 - X-Men: Days of Future Past
Tip#682: What if You Could Go Back in Time? - Back to the Future Trilogy
Tip#551: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 1 – Prometheus
Tip#777: Activate Your Imagination Through Movies, Part 2 - Lucy
Tip#748: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 1 - After the Dark 
Tip#772: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 2 – The Congress - Under the Skin
Tip#778: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 3 – I Origins
Tip#789: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 4 – Coherence
Tip#790: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 5 - Frequencies
Tip#803: Expand Your Mind with Science Fiction, Part 6 – Interstellar

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

 © Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#681: Find Motivation & Inspiration Every Day - Now You See Me

“People often say that motivation doesn't last. Well, neither does bathing - that's why we recommend it daily.” 
Zig Ziglar 

Early in the week I experienced personal revelations about certain “Groundhog Day” loops in my life that I needed several days to process. And though I was shaken up I remembered the Zig Ziglar quote above and took actions to maintain my positivity by laughing and finding ways to put a smile on my face. Watching movies, hanging out with good friends, meditation and swimming in my indoor pool really helped.

A fun resource I found was a greatest Vines compilation on Youtube (6 second video clips). Check it out if you want a really good laugh: Greatest Vines Compilation 2013

Now You See Me (2013)

The action thriller, Now You See Me, is about four talented illusionists know as “The Four Horsemen” who pull off a series of daring heists through Las Vegas style magic shows. Starring Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher and Dave Franco, this visually stunning film was as  entertaining as the trailer that excited me to see it in the first place. See: movie trailer

This is one of those movies that just took me away from my troubles for awhile (seen twice so far) and returned me to look at my challenges more inspired and motivated by its many themes. For me, films are a highly enjoyable resource for motivation and for re-energizing my mind and spirit:

• Goal Setting
• Creative visualizing
• Strategic thinking
• Creative marketing
• Giving back to others
• Teamwork

What do you do for daily motivation and inspiration? Do you have favourite rituals or movies that lift you up? Please let me know!

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#680: Movie Performances that Affect You, Part 2 – White House Down

I am always inspired when I witness someone showing amazing courage. When I went on the EdgeWalk at the CN Tower (see tip#673) there were two women in our group that were petrified of heights. At first they were frightened to walk onto the ledge but through the encouragement of our guide and the rest of the group the women each participated in the exercises of leaning over the edge.

By the middle of the 1/2 hour tour and at a height of 365 metres with no handrails these two women had transformed and were enjoying themselves and laughing! These acts of courage AND those in the movies always inspire me to be more courageous in all areas of my life!

White House Down (2013)

The action thriller, White House Down is about John Cale (Channing Tatum) a U.S. Capitol Police officer and his young daughter Emily (Joey King) on tour at the White House when heavily armed men invade and capture President James Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Cale is separated from his daughter and helps protect the President. See: movie trailer 

What makes this film engaging, other than the entertaining action scenes, are performances of the characters. In particular I liked Cale’s daughter Emily because she demonstrates an unexpected strength when dealing with the terrorists. There is a scene where she is face to face with an armed terrorist and although it is a frightening moment she transforms her fear into a courageous moment and looks the terrorist in the eye and says, “GET AWAY FROM ME!” Her intensity and focus was so strong I could feel it deep inside me. That moment inspired me to always have that kind of courage AND strength of will!

What movie performances have inspired courage in you? What favourite movie heroes have inspired you to be fearless? Please let me know as your film recommendations may help inspire others!

Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013

Tip#679: Movie Performances that Affect You, Part 1 - Blue Jasmine

“Anxiety, nightmares and a nervous breakdown, there’s only so many traumas a person can withstand until they take to the streets and start screaming.” 
Blue Jasmine

This movie blog is written, in part, to share movie heroes that can help inspire and bring out your inner strengths and potential. And then there are films that feature performances of a lead that shows you an alternate, darker path when faced with a life crisis. One of these films is Blue Jasmine.

Cate Blanchett’s performance is mesmerizing as Jasmine in this movie. It was also heartbreaking and sad. I saw a tragic path I could have taken when life has hit me hard in the past. On a deeper level Blanchett’s character spoke to me of the actions and attitudes NOT to take when dealing with life, career and financial crisis. For me, that was the silver lining within the darkness of Jasmine’s story.

 Blue Jasmine (2013)

The drama film, Blue Jasmine, is written and directed by Woody Allen and is about a New York socialite named Jasmine (Cate Blanchett) going through a life crisis and moves into her sister’s modest apartment in San Francisco. Blanchett’s performance is just incredible as were other characters such as Jasmine’s sister Ginger (Sally Hawkins), Ginger’s boyfriend Chili (Bobby Cannavale) and ex-husband Augie (a surprisingly moving Andrew Dice Clay). See: movie trailer

It’s been days since I saw Blue Jasmine and I am still thinking about Blanchett’s performance and character. And the reviews I’ve read all mention that an Oscar nomination is a done deal. At this point I’m not sure why this film is still lingering in my mind. All I know is this film affected me.

If you've seen Blue Jasmine please let me know what you thought about the film. And I'd love to know how Blanchett’s performance and character affected you.

Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 

EMMANUEL’S NEW BOOK NOW AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here

JOIN ME on FACEBOOK: Click here
JOIN ME on TWITTER: Click here
JOIN ME on YOUTUBE: Click here

Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Superhero
Helping Activate Your Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2013