Arising From Flames; Emotionally Free

Different approaches to handling negative emotions are explored in two new videos, one from His Holiness, the 14th Dalai Lama, and the other from pop shrink David Viscott. Arising From Flames, filmed before a live audience in Arizona, is a straightforward lecture from the Dalai Lama on the disastrous effects of unresolved anger on our personal lives, our families, and ultimately, the society at large. Taking a decidedly optimistic tack, the Dalai Lama argues that human beings are innately gentle creatures shaped by outward forces. Unfortunately, there is a perception that we tend to be getting worse. But change in society begins with change in the individual, and the Dalai Lama offers encouragement and suggestions for cultivating a calm mind. Viewers unfamiliar with the Dalai Lama, or those who happen to be very impatient, will find the halting repetitive English frustrating, but those who enjoy spiritual philosophy that's down to Earth will appreciate this. [Note: this is being sold to individuals at $29.95.]If awards were given for cover art that had nada to do with the actual videotape, Emotionally Free would be a hands-down winner. On the cover, a hunk and a babe, sans clothing, are embracing in what appears to be a fairly sexual manner. On the video, however, which features so-so video quality and varying audio levels, pop shrink Dr. David Viscott delivers a rambling harangue to a seminar group. Opening with the ridiculous assertion that one's weakness is the opposite of one's strength, Viscott plays audience participation for the opening 5 minutes before settling into a talk about emotional freedom. His advice is to tell people they hurt you when they hurt you (and the corollary: tell people you are sorry when you hurt them). Unless, of course, that someone is your boss. In that case, you write his or her name on a piece of paper, throw it in the toilet, and urinate on it. I'm not kidding, that's what Viscott suggests people do. While there are some interesting ideas here, the notion of instant blame and instant pardon suggests that our words and actions can be rendered instantly harmless. Only in the pop shrink's world; in the real world guilt and pain leave scars that last a long time.Arising From Flames is recommended. Emotionally Free is not recommended. (R. Pitman)