inspiring tv to fuel creativity

especially in the winter, tv can be a great way to wind down and relax. we've been intentionally watching shows that make us feel excited and inspired, and i've actually learned a lot from watching these. i also really love food shows - alex isn't quite as interested in them as me, but i love watching people cook. it inspires me to try new recipes, and gets me excited to be in the kitchen as opposed to dreading it.

1. abstract - this show is composed of mini-docu-series that follow artists of various disciplines. the artists are fascinating, and i love looking at the world from each of their perspectives. my favorite episode is the one featuring es, the set designer.

2. chef's table - first of all, season three is finally out so i am slowly working my way through that and i couldn't be happier. but honestly this show is incredible - it's beautiful, and the stories the chefs tell are simply captivating. this show is about so much more than just food. each chef has faced so many obstacles and has found a way to blaze through them, to find happiness and success on the other side.

3. cooked - this one was a product of michael pollan's book, but the mini-series is absolutely wonderful. i learned so much about food and it definitely inspired me to get in the kitchen. each episode is dedicated to an element (fire, water, air, earth) and viewers see how each of these directly impacts our food evolution.

4. innsæi - alex and i just watched this a few weeks ago. the thesis that this documentary explores is that western culture has largely lost its ability to listen to intuition, and this is negatively impacting us and our society in every facet.

5. survivor - alex and i love this show. even though there is some interpersonal drama (because, reality tv), survivor really is an inspiring show. the contestants battle with so many physical, mental, and emotional challenges and it's so captivating to watch each contestant grow and change as they advance in the season.