The Shawshank Redemption teaches about personal growth

Posted on by Phil

The film The Shawshank Redemption is an inspirational story that teaches about the importance of personal growth in any situation.

The film's main character, Andy, is a banker who is wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Although he experiences many disturbing things while in prison, he never gives up hope that someday he will be released. When he realizes that the head of the prison will never allow him to go free, even after his innocence has been confirmed, he shows the true power of the human spirit by tunneling his way to freedom. Even though it takes him 20 years, he never gives up and eventually earns his freedom through hard work and determination.

Andy befriends a young man who strives to achieve personal growth, even though he is in prison. Though barely able to read, he yearns to earn his high school diploma to better himself and provide better opportunities for his family when he is released. Andy helps him receive his GED, proving that learning can happen anywhere, even in prison.

The film is also about the importance of friendship and kindness. Andy's best friend is a man named Red, who is guilty of his crime but learns through Andy that he does not have to accept his fate and can still make a better life for himself in order to eventually truly be reformed. Together, they show the other inmates that simple acts of kindness are key to making the best out of any situation, even a life sentence.

Writer, author and philosopher Ilchi Lee encourages individuals to learn from inspirational stories like this and constantly strive to better themselves and work toward growing as a person. 

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Lynyrd Skynrd knows how to unlock human potential

Posted on by Phil

Arguably the most inspirational ballad ever written, Free Bird by Lynyrd Skynyrd has helped individuals let go of bad experiences or situations for many years, encouraging them to achieve their life dream to explore new places.

The song is probably the band's most popular, and for a good reason, considering its inspirational lyrics that encourage personal growth.

"If I leave here tomorrow / Would you still remember me? / For I must be traveling on, now / 'Cause there's too many places / I've got to see," sang Ronnie Van Zant.

The singer is filled with an overwhelming urge to explore his potential and push his personal boundaries to discover what lies beyond. He's as free as a bird, and feels a need to move on and explore the endless possibilities that lie throughout the world.

It is this kind of exploration that Ilchi Lee believes can lead a person to a place of success and fulfillment. Putting one's self in strict, self-imposed boundaries only hinders personal growth and leads to unhappiness.

People are capable of so much more than they believe they are, and Free Bird demonstrates this. Oftentimes, individuals look at their daily obligations as being restrictive, and they let them get in the way of pursuing the things they really want out of life. It's important to keep in mind that you only have one life to live, and it should be carried out the way you always dreamed it would. There is no reason to not pursue endeavors, because usually, limitations are imagined and not as restrictive as people view them to be.  

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The Wizard of Oz teaches about brain potential

Posted on by Phil

The novel and film The Wizard of Oz is an inspirational story about what is truly important in life. It teaches children and adults about respecting the home, body, spirit and the importance of brain potential.

In the beginning, the main character Dorothy does not appreciate all that she has been given. She wishes to find adventure, and is transported to the land of Oz. While there, she makes friends who are yearning not for material things, but for courage, wisdom and kindness.

First she meets the Scarecrow, who only wants a brain to educate to achieve his full human brain potential, even though he is a scarecrow. He wants to learn and better himself so that he can be an important person in society whose thoughts and ideas are valued. Next she meets the Tin Man who is searching for a heart so that he can express his emotions and show those around him that he loves them. Finally, she meets the lion who longs for courage to face his foes and be a true leader in the forest.

They go to find the Wizard who claims that he can give them all of these things if they defeat the wicked witch. After they succeed, he tells them that they possessed what they desired all along, they just had to search for them inside of themselves rather than asking to be given them. Dorothy is sent back home and learns to appreciate the love and safety she has from her family.

Author and philosopher Ilchi Lee hopes that people can learn from inspirational stories like this one to appreciate what they have and look inside themselves to find the things that they desire. 

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Peter Frampton finds spiritual growth in love

Posted on by Phil

The classic Peter Frampton hit single Baby, I Love Your Way has been entertaining individuals for years with its inspirational lyrics of everlasting love and adoration.

One of the key messages that Frampton so elegantly conveys is that love won't wait, so don't hesitate.

"Shadows grow so long before my eyes / And they're moving across the page / Suddenly the day turns into night / Far away from the city / But don't hesitate 'cause your love won't wait," Frampton sang.

Additionally, he manages to drive home the point that individuals should communicate to their loved ones night and day about the eternal love they feel. Human potential to love is endless, and Frampton makes this much clear.

A personal growth plan should include telling important people how much they mean. If you can see the sunset in their eyes, tell them. If the moon appears to shine when you see them, communicate this.

Frampton's words relate to the beliefs of author and philosopher Ilchi Lee, as he says that powerful love in an individual has the power to lead to peace throughout the world. In order to spread this kind of positivity, communication is key.

Additionally, Lee believes that it's important to seize every opportunity to enhance that loving feeling in the brain. Missing out on such moments may lead to regret, and regret may breed negativity in the mind. It is up to each person to take the responsibility to make the most out of each minute in the day. This can include telling a beloved pet how much they matter, or making a phone call to an old mentor to be sure they know about the positive difference they have made in you life.  

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Forrest Gump teaches about kindness and brain potential

Posted on by Phil

The 1994 film Forrest Gump is an inspirational story about the true power of brain potential. The film is about a mentally disabled man who proves the strength that can come from kindness and the potential of the human brain to achieve remarkable things.

Although born with a mental handicap and told that he would never make it in the regular public school system, Forrest is successful and even makes it to college because of his determination and positive outlook. He does not let bullies or skeptical adults get him down, and even as a small child he is able to rise above most of his peers and befriend a lonely girl who is in need of a friend.

Through their relationship Forrest learns the importance of friendship, and after he joins the army he proves himself to be a true hero when he saves his entire troop from enemy fire simply because he believed it was what he was supposed to do. He goes on to meet multiple presidents, compete in the Olympics and start a multimillion dollar company while he is still a young man.

Forrest does not posses a great deal of intellect, but he lives a full and interesting life and is a rich and happy father by the end of the film, all because he has a good heart and a brave soul. He shows the true potential of the human brain to overcome any obstacle as long as a person has the ability to be kind.

Ilchi Lee believes in human brain potential and the brain's ability to achieve great things. He also understands the importance of kindness and friendship, and how people can use inspirational stories like this one to impact their own lives.  

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Harry Potter shows the power of human potential

Posted on by Phil

Harry Potter, the widely popular children's book and movie series, teaches about the power of human potential and the importance of having a life purpose.

Telling the story of a young man who is faced with adversity at almost every turn, Harry Potter teaches both children and adults that it is possible for one person to change the world. The character of Harry makes it his purpose in life to protect those around him from the evil forces present in his world, even though he is only a child of eleven.

Constantly the underdog, Harry faces criticism from those who would prefer he simply ignore the hateful people around him and take his place among the ranks. Harry refuses to accept that evil has won, and never gives up on his life's purpose to defeat those that seek to cause pain and violence.

The series also teaches about the importance of friendship. The main difference between Harry and his foe Voldermort is that Harry has been surrounded by the love and support of his friends, who help him reach his potential and accomplish his goals. Harry is raised by as family who does not nourish kindness in him, but through the love of his friends he is able to become a hero.

The character of Harry is described as being small and not particularly strong, but he is able to defeat villains with the strength he has in his heart and his determination to protect his loved ones.

Harry Potter is an inspirational story for all ages. Ilchi Lee believes in the power of human potential and that true friends will help you achieve your life's purpose.  

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Finding a good internship can help during post-graduation job search

Posted on by Phil

High unemployment rates can make finding a job difficult for recent college graduates. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that age group of recent graduates, ages 20 to 24, has an unemployment rate over 6 percent higher than the national average. Students may want to consider participating in an internship to increase chances of employment after college, according to U.S. News & World Report.

The news source advocates the importance of choosing an internship carefully. Many students make the mistake of only looking for paid positions. However, taking an unpaid position with a company that wants to help their interns learn may be more beneficial, according the media outlet.

The news source also cautions against taking a position because of a company name. An intern may not have as many opportunities for personal growth at a large, successful company as they would with a position more tailored to their career goals, according to the newspaper.

The intern must also be ready to take initiative. Aaron Moore, assistant professor at Rider University, told the news source that companies are looking for interns who don’t need "hand holding" and are capable of tackling problems on their own without constant assistance.

Although some internships may involve getting coffee and making copies occasionally, it’s important to find a position with responsibilities and tasks that will prepare you for the workforce, reports to the media outlet. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), internships have a significant impact on jobs offers and starting salaries of graduates. NACE reports that students with an internship on their resume received 12 percent more job offers than students without internships. Also, students with intern experience were offered starting salaries almost $7,000 more on average than their counterparts with no experience. 

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“Green Lantern” demonstrates brain potential

Posted on by Phil

The world of superheroes can sometimes be a bit random and chaotic, especially when it comes to how a hero acquires their "powers." "Green Lantern," released this past weekend, is a bit different from most in that its primary protagonist was actually chosen to receive his gifts.

Many of the most popular superheroes stumble upon their powers – Spider-Man is randomly bitten by a radioactive spider, the X-Men are a product of genetics, and Superman was simply born a superhero. Yet the Green Lantern series of comic books, and the first films in the series, put a greater emphasis on brain potential and positive attributes like willpower and imagination.

In the film, Hal Jordan (Ryan Reynolds) is given a power ring by a dying alien, who is a member of the Green Lanterns. The ring grants Jordan the power to create almost anything his mind can dream up, making him incredibly powerful. However, he must ultimately be taught to use this ability by the other members of the Lanterns, who are all aliens.

While not explored as much in the recent films, the comic books actually feature a broad spectrum of Lanterns – everything from evil Yellow Lanterns to undead Black Lanterns. Each color is tied to a certain aspect of being, with Green's corresponding emotion being willpower.

Thus, someone without willpower would be useless if given the ring. Rather than simply being granted immense power, the ring actually "chooses" Jordan for his willpower and imagination – effectively demonstrating the power of brain potential in a superhero film. 

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Slumdog Millionaire weaves a story of destiny

Posted on by Phil

One of the more inspirational stories to come out of Hollywood in some time is the film "Slumdog Millionaire." This tale of a boy from the slums of Mumbai captured the world's attention, and ended up winning Best Picture, along with a host of other prizes, at the Academy Awards.

The film tells the tale of 18-year-old Jamal Malik (Dev Patel), who is a contestant on India's version of "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Although uneducated, Malik finds that each of the questions he is asked on the game show relates to a previous experience in his life. This allows the film to go into flashbacks, detailing Malik's rough upbringing and his love for the girl Latika (Freida Pinto), who is in the hands of mobsters when Malik is on the game show.

The main theme of the film is destiny, something that Ilchi Lee supports: "I believe that we meet not by accident, but inevitably, by destiny," he says, seemingly describing the film in its entirety.

The story behind the film is almost as inspirational as the plot itself. The movie wasn't funded by the typical Hollywood investors. Instead, it was financed by British producers working with the country's grants for filmmaking. The children who portrayed the younger roles in the film actually came from the slums of Mumbai themselves – something the press paid attention to for months after Slumdog was released.

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Trusting in nature can free a person from their troubles

Posted on by Phil

Worrying about the future is something unique to the human race. Virtually no other species has the capacity to concern themselves with the future. Author and trailblazer Ilchi Lee says that taking a lesson from humanity's animal cousins may aid in a quest toward personal development.

"Only human beings are worried about life," he said. "Birds in the sky never worry about what to eat, or where to spend the winter. That's because they know Nature will take care of them."

Putting one's trust that the world will provide for their needs may seem like a different concept for individuals to grasp. However, people may find that when they start living their lives with this kind of faith and spirituality that they become much more liberated and are capable of enjoying life's smaller pleasures.

This type of appreciation for the things that the world naturally provides to all individuals is at the foundation of any quest for personal development. It can open a person's eyes to the beauty that surrounds them and free their mind of the daily stresses and struggles that they must confront.
 

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