Swell Movies

A must see film.

Films have the ability to shape our imagination, inspire new perspectives and spark powerful dialogue.  Last month I saw the film, I Am, produced by Hollywood blockbuster filmmaker Tom Shadyac. I found it exciting, inspiring, and life changing.  Shadyac’s I AM, I believe, has the potential to revolutionize pop culture’s definition of success.

In 2007, Shadyac suffered a brush with near death in a traumatic cycling accident.   As a result of his accident, Shadyac spiraled into a well of deep depression leaving him mentally and emotionally debilitated.

I AM is the powerful tale of what happens when Shadyac eventually emerges from his injury with a new sense of purpose and curiosity.  Instead of returning to his prior life of “success,” hallmarked by excess and greed, Shadyac sets out to answer two questions:  “What’s wrong with our world, and what can we do to make it better?”

I found Shadyac’s approach refreshing, heartening, and humorous. What else would one expect from the writer/director of Ace Ventura, Patch Adams, The Nutty Professor, and Liar Liar?

Instead of finding out what’s wrong with the world Shadyac discovered what is right with the world. The two guiding themes of I AM are:

Cooperation, care, and connection trump competition.
Learn how to follow your hearts wisdom for success.

If you haven’t seen I AM yet, I highly recommend seeing it.  I AM will challenge your ideas of what success is and help you to reformulate a new way of living successfully, which is in harmony with the world around you.

About the Author:: Alison Miller is a mind-body wellness expert and Hawaii-based healer who strategically coaches and consults individuals to create the health, relationships and career to which they aspire.  Check out Alison’s blog, Live Inspired(http://alisonimiller.com/), to receive the best information about holistic wellness. To schedule an office, phone or Skype session visit Alison Miller Consulting & Coaching(http://alisonimiller.com/holistic-life-coaching/).

Check out our newest SwellWomen promo video Enjoy!

This got me pretty choked up! Amazing what happens when we stop controlling others and let them do/be what truly makes them happy. Enjoy!

Here is a little video I made from a look out spot near our home. It’s the first JAWS session of the winter and it was BIG. Enjoy!

I love to brag about how warm our Maui waters are, especially when you are learning how to surf. No wetsuit required! Whoot, Whoot!

When I took a look at these guys, I was REALLY grateful. They do get some pretty sick waves though. Enjoy!

A Maui Moment

Truly everything Maui, is the Maui Film Festival that takes place once a year in Maui. This will be my sixth attendance in the 6 years I’ve lived here and it’s an event that is not missed by locals. The island is also flocked with visitors that come just for the film festival but I’m sure hanging out at the beach in between films is not too bad either. Our personal favorite place to view newly released films is at the Celestial Cinema, an outdoor venue with the stars shining brightly, friends and loads of snacks to get you through the night. It’s simply magical and just around the corner June 17th-21st.

New Surf flick alert. Dana Brown’s new movie ‘HIGHWATER’ will premiere on Santa Monica Pier, 05/22 @ 7pm for all you lucky Californians. It’s a must to do. It’s also set in Hawaii so that in itself should get you out the door with your surf trunks or surf bikini on. Let us know how the film is.

Girl Flick Alert…Girl Flick Alert! Have you seen Mama Mia yet? It’s the movie version of the ABBA musical and had me singing and dancing in my seat. I LOVED it. Meryl Streep rocked…I want to be her. I saw the musical on Broadway in NYC and I have to say that it’s about tied with the movie version. I think I will go again this weekend. Tell me what you thought of the movie.

Afraid to learn to surf because of sharks? Watch this movie. Not only will the myth of sharks being vicious attackers be dispelled, but you might want to become active in 'saving' these so called deadly creatures of the sea. It's definitely a must see.