My daughter, Sierra and I went to see the movie, A Star Is Born, in a charming movie theater in Mantakana, New Zealand that serves ice cream instead of popcorn. I didn’t know anything about the movie. I was immediately captivated by Bradley Cooper. I didn’t recognize that he was an actor from the movie Hangover. I actually thought he was a country singer acting for the first time; not an actor singing for the first time. Cooper and Lady Gaga drew me into the story of artists trying to make it and the thieves of fame and addiction. And then the ending left me with tears streaming down my face as the story is so sad. Having lost a friend to suicide it stirred those deep feelings of sadness of a life lost too soon. I am so grateful for movies that stir our souls, force us to feel and reflect. 

I think it is absolutely extraordinary that an actor that was one of the stars in the movie Hangover and has shared that Hangover replicated his own life a bit too much at the time just directed, and acted in such a powerful movie about addiction and suicide. The Hangover glorified the partying that can be a part of addiction. Whereas, A Star is Born, brings to life the real pain and struggle of  - addiction, depression and suicide.  

I recently heard an interview with Bradley Cooper where he shares the transformation that he has gone through recently in his life that enabled him to direct, act and sing in the movie.  Part of his life transformation he credits to his meditation and gratitude practice. He developed a meditation practice that helped him unleash a new level of creativity and purpose in his work that is intoxicating to all those who work with him including Lady Gaga. He shares that meditation has given him the ability to look inward to create with a new vulnerability and honesty that pushes him to new places in his work.  The loss of his father also affected him deeply. He shares openly that he was able to be there with his dad till the end and actually held his father in his arms when he passed away. His father’s death and his continued connection to his father after his death has helped fuel purpose in his work. 

I admire Bradley Cooper’s willingness to share his personal journey openly. In interviews he has shared his fear of singing.  He showed us through the movie,  A Star is Born, the power and potential of vulnerability and risk taking. A Star is Born is an amazing example of the positive creative impact we can have on the world when we meditate, turn inward, find our authentic voice and then create. Thank you Bradley Cooper, I hope your creativity inspires meditation and awareness for the pain that is a part of addiction and depression.