Less Than a Week to Go!

Wow, time flies! This year I began fundraising for the annual AIDS Walk Boston back on March 9th and now almost 10 weeks later, the walk is less than a week away. Despite my best efforts, this year has been very tough in soliciting donations. People who've supported me several times in the past, are unable to contribute this year. Alas, the economic situation right now is making it difficult for people to give, I am well aware. During these types of downturns in the economy, charities are also hit hard, because people are just unable to make any more commitments with their money and giving to charity may seem like one more burden they cannot shoulder. This year's tax rebates were meant to stimulate the economy, hoping people would spend the money on various purchases. Most people I know are spending their check on pre-existing bills and mundane expenses (including me!). My budget is stretched to the limit and I know many other people who empathize.

But did you know that donating money to charity also stimulates the economy? And the feeling you get from doing it lasts a lot longer than the fleeting excitement brought about by any "indulgence" purchase. And oftentimes, people don't give because they feel the problem is overwhelming and how can they possibly make a difference? Well, let me tell you.... every little bit helps... every penny counts. Even if you can only contribute $5 or $10 it will mean a lot to someone in need. It makes a big difference!

The AIDS Action Committee has done tremendous work for those living with and affected by AIDS and HIV. They couldn't do their work without the kindness of volunteers and donations made by generous folks like you. For more information about what AAC has accomplished, please visit their website at http://www.aac.org/ To contribute to AIDS Walk Boston by sponsoring me, please CLICK HERE for my online fundraising page. The AIDS Walk is a mere 5 days away; taking place on Sunday morning, June 1st. This is my fifth year participating and I would appreciate donations of any size; they are gratefully accepted and appreciated. Can you help me get closer to my fundraising goal of $1,500?

For those interested, I am offering FREE PRIZES for your donations of $50 or more, including free health counseling for 3 months and a free workshop presented to your office, community group or church. Call or email me for all the details!

Thank you for your consideration!

DONATE ONLINE BY CLICKING HERE

Quote Worthy

On Monday, my sister shared a great quote with me via email:

"It is not what you look at that matters, it's what you see."

Who is the person behind this succinct, yet very powerful quote? It is none other than writer, philosopher, abolitionist, naturalist, transcendentalist and local "celebrity", Henry David Thoreau. (Well, local, if you live in eastern Massachusetts!). This also brings to mind another Thoreau quote which is, perhaps not as immediately thought provoking as the quote above, quite inspirational:

"Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined."

Lots of us get caught up with the mundane chores and obligations of life, then we get stuck in the drudgery and lose sight of our goals and our dreams. We think more negative thoughts, than we do positive ones. So remember, your thoughts become your reality and the world is a mirror. Thoughts become "things". So, instead of thinking of all the things you don't want, focus on the things you do want.... have a goal-oriented and dream fulfilling imagination....which leads me to my next quote:

"Your imagination is your preview to life's coming attractions."

So take it from someone who led an amazing life; the above quote was made by none other than Albert Einstein!

A SHOUT OUT

This weekend, inspiration was in abundance! My best friend graduated with his MBA from Suffolk University's Sawyer Business School. Though most students were from New England, there were some people from all over the globe, including a graduate from a country I had not previously heard of: Burkina Faso (that's the country's name, not the student's!). It was very inspirational to see so many people who had accomplished so much, through much commitment, dedication and good-old-fashioned hard work and perseverance. Congrats to my pally-poos! VERY PROUD OF YOU!

Another inspiring event was the Keiko Matsui concert at Sculler's Jazz Club. I first became acquainted with Keiko's exceptional music back in the mid-1990s, when Boston actually had a decent smooth jazz radio station (which has now been off the air for about 8 years, sigh.....). Keiko is an amazing pianist from Japan. I hadn't seen her perform since 2005, so it was a real treat to see her again. She is so talented as a songwriter and musician and her live band is also truly gifted. I especially enjoyed the saxophonist. It was very nice to hear Keiko's inspiration for her various songs; recent trips to South Africa and Russia and Ukraine acted as muses for some of her latest songs. As soon as I got home, I downloaded "Black River" from iTunes. If you live on the west coast, you'll have ample opportunity to see her live in June. Check out her website for details by CLICKING HERE

Bicycle! Bicycle! (Cue Queen's "Bicycle Race")

I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like

Earlier this week, I wrote about "gas guzzling" and the documentary "Who Killed the Electric Car?". So it is definitely apropos that I follow up that post, with the subject of today's post: BICYCLES! May is National Bike Month. This week is Bay State Bike Week. I actually rode my bike to and from my day job all week. And this morning, as I turned onto Mass Ave from Beacon Street, to head across the river to Cambridge, I was greeted by a Bay State Bike Week volunteer who promptly handed me a nice water bottle with the cutest logo on it, that I had seen earlier this week. Check it out!

Kick gas, indeed! There are many virtues to bike riding; not only is it environmentally friendly, it is a great workout! And depending on where you're going (and how far!), it is usually a lot faster than public transportation. It is also easy on your wallet. Each year, I spend very little on bicycle repairs and save lots of money on train and bus fare and by not filling up my gas tank. And most important of all? It's fun!

Today is the deadline to register for the 50,000 Mile Commuter Challenge. You can sign up by CLICKING HERE. For more information about Bay State Bike Week, CLICK HERE. And save the date: September 21, 2008 is this year's Hub on Wheels, which is a citywide bike ride and festival. Storrow Drive is completely closed to traffic that day, to make way for bikes! Go to Hub on Wheels' site by CLICKING HERE. Can't wait until September? This coming Sunday, May 18th is Bicycle Beacon Street Day in Brookline, where Beacon Street will be completely closed to traffic from end-to-end, allowing cyclists to pedal the length of Beacon Street without having to share the road with cars. Want more info? CLICK HERE

Have fun, get out there and cycle! Great exercise, great for the environment and saves you money. Don't own a bike? Not to worry! There are plenty of places to rent one! Landry's on Commonwealth Ave (at St. Paul Street), Boston Bicycle Shop on Beacon Street (at Arundel near Park Drive) or Back Bay Bicycles on Commonwealth Ave (at Mass Ave, subterranean), among others.

The Gas Guzzler & The Meat Guzzler

GAS GUZZLING
As gasoline prices near $4 per gallon, most people are finding it difficult to keep up with the mounting costs associated with car ownership. For people who live in the city, public transportation is an option and walking or biking is also a viable means to get where we are going. But what about those living in the suburbs or more rural communities? A car is most definitely a necessity.

For anyone who is troubled (or outraged) about the current trend in oil prices (which will likely only continue to increase), I have a recommendation. Although it won't immediately solve the oil gouging crisis, it will serve to educate people and will hopefully bring about some change, as more and more people refuse to tolerate this situation. You need to see the film "Who Killed the Electric Car?". I watched this documentary back in 2006 when it was playing in independent movie theaters. This excellent film is available on DVD; you can rent in via Netflix or Blockbuster and you can also purchase it for only $10 from Amazon.com. Forget what you think you know and approach this film with an open mind. You will likely be shocked at what you see.

Electric cars are quieter, cleaner and cheaper to run than gas-powered cars. As to why they haven't been fully adopted yet - watch “Who Killed the Electric Car?” for the whole story.

Here, in a nutshell, are a few key benefits of electric cars:

1. Electricity is cheaper than gas, and can come from renewable resources such as solar and wind power.

2. Electric cars pollute less than gas-powered cars (especially when renewable energy sources are used to generate the electricity).

3. Electric cars are much more reliable and require less maintenance than gas-powered cars. You don't even need to get your quarterly oil change!

4. By using domestically-generated electricity rather than relying on foreign oil, we can achieve energy independence and will no longer need to engage in costly wars in the Middle East to secure an energy supply.

5. Electric cars can utilize the existing electric grid rather than require the development of a new, expensive energy infrastructure (as would be the case with hydrogen).

For more information on electric cars, including answers to those skeptical questions, please see Plug In America's Frequently Asked Questions

For the film's official website, CLICK HERE.

MEAT GUZZLING
Back in January, Mark Bittman wrote an excellent piece for the New York Times. The name of the article was "Rethinking the Meat Guzzler". This popular piece quickly made the rounds. If you are concerned about global climate change, food safety, healthy eating or sustainability, I encourage you to read this fascinating article. Here is a glimpse:

"A sea change in the consumption of a resource that Americans take for granted may be in store — something cheap, plentiful, widely enjoyed and a part of daily life. And it isn’t oil.

It’s meat.

The two commodities share a great deal: Like oil, meat is subsidized by the federal government. Like oil, meat is subject to accelerating demand as nations become wealthier, and this, in turn, sends prices higher. Finally — like oil — meat is something people are encouraged to consume less of, as the toll exacted by industrial production increases, and becomes increasingly visible."

To continue reading this excellent and thought-provoking article, please CLICK HERE.

The Influence of Michio Kushi

While reading last week's Boston Sunday Globe, I was surprised but delighted, to see a feature story on Michio Kushi. Mr. Kushi was one of my visiting teachers while I studied nutrition at Integrative Nutrition in New York City. Born in Japan, he is now 82 years old and was responsible for bringing macrobiotics to the mainstream, here in America almost 50 years ago. Additionally, he introduced our society to other healthy Japanese concepts including aikido and shiatsu and Eastern philosophies and also stressed the importance of organic foods. He and his first wife, Aveline, were also responsible for teaching these practices to many followers (thousands!) - from all over the world - and has been doing so for more than a half-century now.

Macrobiotics follows the principle of yin and yang; that is balance. Foods that are yin, are expansive, such as sugar. Food that are yang, are contractive, such as salt. This dietary philosophy also advocates the use of local, fresh and organic ingredients and emphasizes consumption of whole grains, vegetable and legumes including fermented ingredients like miso and includes a very minimal amount of animal food.

To read the Boston Globe article in its entirety, please CLICK HERE.

Interested in learning more? The Kushi Institute in Becket, MA holds programs year-round. They also hold an annual Summer Conference in Wellesley, MA at Babson College. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION

Doing Good, Makes You Feel Good

A while back I came across this article, published on MSN.com, written by Ian Hodder. Very thought provoking, for sure!

"Is philanthropy as good as sex? Well, not exactly, though scientists have discovered that the act of donating to charity stimulates the brain’s pleasure centers. What they see is a “glow” in the same brain areas that occur during sex or a good meal. In other words, giving feels good.

Could these warm and fuzzy feelings be the reason for Americans’ generosity? As a country, we shelled out a record $295 billion to charity in 2006, according to the Giving USA Foundation's yearbook. Of that amount, $223 billion, or 75.6 percent, came from individual people. Those numbers are dying for an explanation," says economist Paul J. Zak, director of the Center for Neuroeconomics Studies at Claremont Graduate University in California. By investigating the brain and human behavior, scientists are starting to discover why giving is pleasurable. "Economists have always questioned altruism," Zak adds, "but recent studies have found that virtuous behaviors activate reward regions of the brain."

Ever since Charles Darwin, researchers have pondered the roots of altruism. They have observed it in animals both simple (amoebas will give their lives so others in their cluster can live) and advanced (chimpanzees will share a tool regardless of whether they're physically rewarded). Perhaps generosity is a biological urge. Evidence that the "joy of giving" is hardwired into the brain came last spring from National Institutes of Health neuroscientists Jordan Grafman and Jorge Moll. They measured brain activity in subjects who were asked to decide whether to donate money or keep it for themselves. When they chose the altruistic option, activity increased in the midbrain, a region associated with pleasures such as food and sex."

Want to feel good? Then do something good; for someone else! Giving does make us rich. Or as St. Francis of Assisi said "It is in giving, that we receive."

An effortless way to give can be by way of donating to charity, whether it is your time or your money (or both!). Once again this year, I will be participating in AIDS Walk Boston to help raise funds for Boston-based AIDS Action Committee, a local charity that I really believe in and am happy to support. Can you help? I am counting on the generosity and kindness of people like you to sponsor my walk by making a contribution today. You can safely and securely make a donation online, by visiting my online fundraising page. To do so, PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Donations of all sizes are welcome and appreciated. Every penny counts!

Thank You!

Happy Earth Day!

Such an exciting week... the women's Olympic running trials were held in Boston yesterday, today was the 112th running of the Boston Marathon (where both women and men's winners finished in less time than last year), which always coincides with Patriot's Day and tomorrow is Earth Day as well as the Pennsylvania primary.

Watching the Boston Marathon is always so inspiring and today was no exception. Seeing the runners, literally from all over the world and all walks of life and seeing the crowd just cheering them on, made me feel a sense of pride and connectedness. The energy was great and people were just happy; there was an obvious sense of community and spirit. Anything is possible, when people come together to benefit the greater good. That's why the timing of Earth Day is so appropriate, in conjunction with the marathon and the positive vibrations it spreads. We have the power to stop global warming. We need to work together, make better and more informed choices that are thoughtful and beneficial to each other, future generations and our planet. We need to consume less and tread more lightly on the Earth. It is exciting that "going green" has "gone mainstream". We've already started making some positive changes, but we've got a long way to go. Need some ideas? Want some information? Visit Earth Justice's website HERE and check out an issue of E The Environmental Magazine by CLICKING HERE and queue up your DVD selections on Netflix. There are many great documentaries out there, including The 11th Hour and An Inconvenient Truth.

One of the leading causes of global warming, that is oft overlooked in mainstream environmental media, is animal agriculture. That is, animals raised for food. Therefore, consuming less animal products (meat, dairy and eggs) is one way to lessen the negative effects it has on our environment. Do you know that raising animals for food impacts global warming more than all modes of the transportation industry combined? Yup! Airplanes, trains and automobiles. COMBINED. So, believe it or not, converting to a vegetarian (or vegan!) diet actually does more good than giving up your car! This has been studied, researched and reported many times and by many different sources. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization reported this worldwide in 2006. A simple Google search will confirm this statistic.

There are many different ways we can contribute toward the betterment and preservation of Planet Earth. I encourage everyone (myself included) to continue to try!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

DailyOM

Most people know my affinity for DailyOM, which has been delivered to my email in box on a daily basis for a few years now. I find it very insightful and very inspirational and look forward to receiving it every day. DailyOM actually just published their first book and it arrived in bookstores on Tuesday. Courtesy of my very generous and thoughtful sister, I will be receiving a complimentary copy!

If you are interested in checking out DailyOM, a link to their site has been on the right side of my blog since its inception last July (and will remain there). I will also put a link to their site in this blog posting, as well as a link to their new book. I am confident that you will find DailyOM to be a great resource, whether you choose to visit their website or sign up for their daily email. I encourage you to take a look!

CLICK HERE for DailyOM's website

CLICK on book icon below to review and purchase the book

In Memoriam of a Hero

April 4, 2008 marks the 40th anniversary of the death of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. who is one of my personal heroes. Although his violent and untimely death is a painful part of our history, it's important to remember his life and how much change he created and inspired. He was the catalyst for most of the positive changes we see today, for the civil rights movement and for the overall growth we see in today's society. The effects of his work still reverberate today.

Peace is something I strive for and believe in very deeply, at a very spiritual and personal level. Did you know that Dr. King was the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize at the tender age of 35? Did you know that Dr. King received his advanced degree right here in this city at Boston University? Boston is where he met his wife, Coretta Scott King, who also was a civil rights leader in her own right

One of my favorite U2 songs is "Pride" which honors Dr. King as well as Jesus Christ (both MLK and Bono, U2's lead singer are Christians). Below is a sampling:

Early morning, April 4

Shot rings out in the Memphis sky

Free at last, they took your life

They could not take your pride

In the name of love

One more in the name of love

In the name of love

What more in the name of love?

No doubt that Dr. King inspired U2's lead singer, Bono, who has become an advocate, ambassador and leader to correct social injustices around the globe. Bono works tirelessly for impoverished nations, AIDS and Amnesty International, among other causes. He co-created the "One" and "Red" campaigns as well.

Today, let's be inspired and do our part to make this world a better place.

Sweet Spring ~ Seasonal Eating

Well, Spring may have sprung, but our bodies may still be adapting. Despite the "springing forward" of the clocks three weeks ago, the weather is still in a state of flux, so us humans may be a bit confused. If you're familiar with seasonal eating, you may have already noticed this change in your appetite; instead of the heavier, heartier and warmer foods of winter, you may be suddenly craving something lighter to eat or feel the need for a detox of sorts. No wonder Spring is a time of cleaning; not just for our homes, but for our bodies. Spring is an important time for the eating of greens, a food group that most Americans don't get enough of. Bitter greens like arugula, endive, dandelion greens and radicchio are great this time of year. Afraid to step out of your comfort zone? Just gradually add in some of these greens to your spinach or lettuce based salad (arugula is a favorite of mine). Dandelion greens can be eaten cooked or raw and can be found on the menu in Greek restaurants this time of year. Since this is a time of cleansing, dandelion greens are great because they are known to cleanse the liver and kidneys, creating balance in the body. Dandelion greens are actually a traditional Spring food in many cultures.

Another way to get in some greens is wheatgrass. A shot of wheatgrass is sweet and delicious. And very cleansing! A little hesitant to try it? Well, add some spinach to your fruit smoothie and get some greens in that way; the fruit sweetens it and you still get the added benefit of the iron, vitamins A, C & E (antioxidants) and other nutrients.

For Spring eating, I also recommend that people limit the amount of dairy they consume, if not avoid it altogether. During the winter, your body was drying out. To counteract that, you ate heavier, more protein-laden foods. By the end of a long winter season, your body has dried out and thus created excessive mucus. Come Spring, Mother Nature begins creating moisture, as mud and water becomes prominent, to help germinate seeds and prepare for the growing season. If you continue to eat the same way in Spring as you did in winter, you risk creating excess moisture and mucus, which results in congestion and exacerbates problems such as colds and allergies. Dairy contributes to this, thus it should be limited or altogether avoided. Since Mother Nature is softening and opening up this time of year, so are our bodies, which makes it the perfect opportunity to cleanse and detox.

In winter, you may have also opted for more sweet and comforting foods as well. And now you might find you can't manage the sweet cravings anymore. If you want to have a Sweet Spring, but want to better manage your sweet cravings, please attend one of my Sugar Solutions Workshops and find out ways to get back on track and tame that sweet tooth. Too many sweets can sap your energy and cause many other issues, including sleep deprivation, fatigue, weight gain and irritability. Upcoming Sugar Solutions workshops include:

Thursday, April 10th at Boston Athletic Club (South Boston)

Wednesday, April 23rd at Healthworks Back Bay (Boston) - CURRENTLY FULL; contact Healthworks front desk, to be added to the Wait List

Monday, April 28th at Shape Up Personal Training (Cambridge)

Thursday, May 15th at Boston Athletic Club (South Boston)

These workshops start at 6:00 PM and are about 75 minutes long. These are FREE to attend, but you must pre-register, as space is very limited!

For more information, please visit the EVENTS tab on my website at http://www.kmoriarty.com/ or by CLICKING HERE

A NEW EARTH - Part II

Did you miss last week's inaugural webcast for the 10-week "A New Earth" class? Not to worry! If you weren't able to participate last Monday evening, or if you tried to participate but had connection problems, don't give up! Oprah and Eckhart Tolle are committed to making this free course available to everyone, regardless of your schedule, because if you are unable to participate in the live Monday evening program, you can simply view the webcast at your leisure via Oprah.com and iTunes. Each week, the Monday night webcast will be available the following day on both sites. On iTunes, you can download the audio podcast or video podcast. On Oprah.com you can simply stream the video and watch or listen from the comfort of you own home, at your own pace.

Are you concerned that you won't have time to finish the book? Again, not to worry! The class is designed for 10 weeks because only one chapter per week is discussed, so again, you can do it at your own pace, regardless of how busy you are.

I urge people to participate because this is a great opportunity that doesn't happen very often. It's free or charge, but extremely valuable. See what all the buzz is about... and become part of the worldwide "New Earth" event today!

____________________________________________________________________
IMPORTANT DATES

Here's a list of important dates that are coming up. Want to be inspired? Check these out!

March 18th - April 22nd
"Nutrition Made Simple"
6-week nutrition course at the Boston Center for Adult Education
Is your New Year's Resolution to eat healthier stuck in a rut? Kick-start a healthy new you without making drastic lifestyle and diet changes you can't stick with. Holistic Health Counselor Kathleen Moriarty, will work on deconstructing your cravings, learning how to understand food labels and identify healthy food choices in the aisles of the grocery store, setting practical goals and how to eat for energy and optimum health, even if you're pressed for time, have a demanding schedule or have very limited experience in the kitchen. Achieve your ideal weight, and feel better in your body and mind. Become more confident in choosing and preparing food, stop cravings and binges for good, and experience a remarkable increase in your energy and vitality. If health is wealth, this class will make you a millionaire!
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

March 26th
Sugar Solutions: How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth
75-minute workshop at Healthworks Porter Square, Cambridge
You don't have to be a member to attend, but you must pre-register!
Non-members register with me at kathleen@kmoriarty.com
Members register at the front desk -- SPACE IS LIMITED!

March 28th - March 30th
Down:2:Earth Sustainable Living Expo
Hynes Convention Center in Boston's Back Bay
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO

April 21st
The Boston Marathon
Be inspired! Watch the marathon, live, in-person right from the sidelines!
Many places to watch along the 26-mile route, from the suburbs to the city

April 22nd
Earth Day
This will be the 38th annual celebration of Earth Day! Google your local Earth Day events, as it is typically celebrated throughout the week, not just on the 22nd!

April 23rd
Sugar Solutions: How to Tame Your Sweet Tooth
75-minute workshop at Healthworks Back Bay, Boston
You don't have to be a member to attend, but you must pre-register!
Non-members register with me at kathleen@kmoriarty.com
Members register at the front desk -- SPACE IS LIMITED!

May 13th - June 17th
"Nutrition Made Simple"
6-week nutrition course at the Boston Center for Adult Education
Is your New Year's Resolution to eat healthier stuck in a rut? Kick-start a healthy new you without making drastic lifestyle and diet changes you can't stick with. Holistic Health Counselor Kathleen Moriarty, will work on deconstructing your cravings, learning how to understand food labels and identify healthy food choices in the aisles of the grocery store, setting practical goals and how to eat for energy and optimum health, even if you're pressed for time, have a demanding schedule or have very limited experience in the kitchen. Achieve your ideal weight, and feel better in your body and mind. Become more confident in choosing and preparing food, stop cravings and binges for good, and experience a remarkable increase in your energy and vitality. If health is wealth, this class will make you a millionaire!
REGISTRATION WILL BE AVAILABLE IN APRIL

June 1st
AIDS Action Committee's AIDS Walk Boston
Once again, I will be raising money for the AIDS Action Committee. To sponsor me, please CLICK HERE. To learn more about this wonderful organization and this very worthy event, or to register to walk yourself, please go to www.AAC.org

A NEW EARTH

By now, you are bound to have heard about the free 10-week teleclass that is being offered by Oprah and Eckhert Tolle, based upon his book, "A New Earth". This is a great opportunity for anybody and everybody to participate. All you need is the book and a computer with an internet connection and most importantly, the desire to change your life for the better. You don't even need to leave your house to attend! If you were to take this class or a similar in-person seminar with Eckhart Tolle, you'd pay a lot of money. This valuable 10-week course is being offered free. Class begins on Monday, March 3rd. Haven't started reading yet? Not to worry. You have time. I haven't even reached page 100 yet myself. My sister recently told me that over 365,000 have registered. Want to be part of something huge? Want to start living your life in a way that brings you more satisfaction? Then I encourage you to consider being a part of this important, global event.

To register, go to Oprah's website by CLICKING HERE.

Winter Wonderland

If you live in the Northeast, you are probably experiencing a very snowy day. I live in Boston, where it has been snowing since dawn. The snow was light, but steady, until about 3:00 PM when it began falling more heavily, and as of 9:15 PM, the city is fully covered under a blanket of snow, approximately 7 inches thick and the snow continues to fall. As children, snow meant a possible day off from school and a chance to play outside, build snowmen, go sledding and maybe have a friendly snowball fight. In our younger days, we were excited at what this winter weather meant for us. As adults, however, the snow becomes an inconvenience; we all endure a longer and more stressful commute (whether you walk, drive, bike ride or use public transportation), we're assigned shoveling duty and for city dwellers who own a car, it can mean having to suddenly find something to do with your car, when the city declares a snow emergency and you have to move it off the road. Next time you find yourself feeling inconvenienced with the snow, slow down and appreciate it for it's beauty and it's wonder. Focus on it's positive attributes, instead of looking at how it may be negatively impacting you. This is Mother Nature at work and snow is winter's gift.

DailyOM has a great perspective on winter and reading this may help you appreciate this chilly season:

Stoking The Inner Fire: Turning Inward During Winter

In the depths of winter, we can forget that bare trees will once again be full with foliage, and grass and flowers hidden beneath a blanket of white or a deceptive covering of hardened earth will burst forth once again. While they slumber, nature is continuing its work at the center of each living thing. We can think of our blankets and warm clothes as similar protection—like the cocoon that surrounds a changing caterpillar—while we undergo our own inner transformational work. In the meantime, the lights that twinkle and the fires that warm us can serve to remind us of the flame of life that burns within us.

In order to stoke our inner flame, we can use the time indoors to focus our attention on our homes and families. We can become distracted by the world outside and forget that we need to nourish the lights that warm our hearts. Interacting at a soul level can be done by sharing stories from our hearts, doing projects together, dancing, or playing games. Devoting energy this way helps us build a stronger bond that will sustain us once the world allows us each to pursue our individual goals again.

Winter allows us to feed the flame in our own centers by reading or researching to nourish our dreams and plans for the future. This can mean catching up on all the quieter things we wanted to do but didn’t have time for, like reading books, watching movies, or listening to music. We may have set aside creative pursuits such as painting or writing that can be brought back to the center burner now. It is also a great time to do some journaling to look back on the year that has passed and perhaps the years before this one in preparation for forward motion in the coming year. Nature’s wisdom offers us opportunities to nourish our inner seeds of hope in preparation for our future, so let us enjoy the inner warmth and be grateful for it all.

Note: This appeared in DailyOM on January 9, 2008.

THE FUTURE OF FOOD

"The Future of Food" is an excellent documentary that I had the pleasure of seeing at The Brattle Theater back in October 2005. I now own the DVD. I highly recommend it and now viewing it is even easier; no DVD player or TV necessary. And no trip to the video store. But alas, you must have a computer and a good internet connection. Oh, and a subscription to Netflix is also in order! Thankfully, "The Future of Food" is available as a "Watch Now" option on Netflix. You can view it online, using your computer. As Netflix subscribers know, regardless of your plan, you now have unlimited access to watch as many movies on your computer, without awaiting for the DVD and without paying any additional fees. Why is "The Future of Food" so powerful? I have many reasons and most important is this: knowledge. Americans are very disconnected from their food. Convenience foods, pre-packaged and highly processed foods have unfortunately become the norm in the modern American lifestyle. People don't know where their food comes from and many of us accept this, when in fact, we should actually be very alarmed by it. If we don't know where our food comes from, how it is made and what it is, is it really safe and healthy to eat? If you're accustomed to reading food labels, surely you've seen ingredients and wondered what exactly they are; especially the plethora of chemical ingredients that are unfamiliar to the average person that are now so prevalent. And if you're not reading food labels? Start now. If you have a chronic condition, food allergies or sensitivities or digestive issues, you definitely need to read labels carefully so you can better manage your symptoms and to be in control of your health.

"The Future of Food" focuses on what is being done to our food supply, not just in America, but across the world. This affects not only our health, but also our global economy and of course, our natural environment. Essentially, it impacts EVERYTHING. One of the biggest threats (if not THE biggest) is Genetically Modified Organisms, known as GMOs. In America, GMOs are prevalent in our food supply. However, most Americans don't realize that, because it is not indicated on our food labels and it is rarely talked about by mainstream media. This lack of disclosure furthers the problem. Unlike the European Union and many other places, the FDA doesn't require labeling. In fact, they'd rather keep it mum. If you eat foods made by Kraft, General Mills , Hunt's, Betty Crocker, Kellogg's, Hershey's, Nestle, Coca Cola, Conagra, McCain, Lean Cuisine or thousands of others, you are consuming GMOs. Due to GMOs, most of the world's food supply is being controlled by only a few corporate conglomerates. This domination is not a good thing either.

For the health of yourself, your family and this planet, I urge you to get educated about food and a good place to start is the GMOs.

For an excellent brochure explaining GMOs and for an impressive, comprehensive Shopper's Guide, which details which foods do and don't contain GMOs, please CLICK HERE

For "The Future of Food" documentary website, please CLICK HERE

For further reading about GMOs, check out "Seeds of Deception" by Jeffrey Smith and "Stolen Harvest" by Vandana Shiva. There are many books regarding GMOs and these are two good ones to start with.

Interested in lobbying to get the FDA to listen to American's concerns about their food and truth-in-labeling? There are many organizations that can help you. Below, are two links to get you started:

THE CAMPAIGN
THE CENTER FOR FOOD SAFETY

And finally, don't forget to log on to your Netflix account and queue up "The Future of Food".