Wednesday, October 31, 2007

One Degree of Separation

Watching the Red Sox victory on television on Sunday night and then standing amongst the crowd on Boylston Street in the Back Bay Fens at noon yesterday, watching the "Rolling Rally" of Red Sox players and their families, along with Red Sox coaches, managers, owners and other staff wave to the crowds and shoot confetti into the air, one couldn't help but feel pure joy and exhilaration. The positive energy in the city was more than apparent and the genuine happiness people felt reverberated throughout the day. It was cause for celebration! And for the most part, it really brought out the best in people. Seeing people come together was actually very touching.

But it also got me thinking. What separates the winners from the losers? What decides who revels in victory and who wallows in the despair of defeat? Well, as anybody who follows sports can tell you, sometimes what separates the winner from the loser is less than one second; think of an Olympic race, whether it be swimming, biking or running. The difference in time between the Gold, Silver and Bronze and the competitors who receive no medal at all, is usually very little.

You can use this analogy in life as well. What factor decides who gets the promotion and who doesn't? What factor decides who wins the bid and who doesn't? What determines who wins the scholarship and who doesn't? Sometimes, the difference is just one small thing, that makes the big difference. That is why it is important to always do our best. If we truly want something, genuinely want it, then the Universe will conspire to help us achieve it. But we do have to work for it. We must put forth our best effort. We can't slack off, then expect a big payoff. Big effort, big results. Whenever you're working toward something you really want, remember this:

TO GET WHAT WE'VE NEVER HAD
WE MUST DO WHAT WE'VE NEVER DONE

As the following 2-minute movie will demonstrate, at 211 degrees, water is merely hot. But at 212 degrees, water is BOILING. One degree, big difference!


212

For photos from the Red Sox's Rolling Rally through the streets of Boston CLICK HERE

For more inspirational movies CLICK HERE

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Positive People Day

Who knew that tomorrow was Positive People Day? Nancy Purbeck of Boston founded this idea 10 years ago and every year on October 29th, she and her band of volunteers spread the word, starting at dawn, at the very busy South Station train terminal in Downtown Boston, where an average of 60,000+ commuters pass through each morning.

Ms. Purbeck describes, "It's a springboard for everyone in the city of Boston and beyond to spread kindness, to swap it for negativity. Without kindness, there is violence." Her goal? "Well, it's not always about changing attitudes. It's just the simple act of doing something positive. I'd like to say we're really hoping people make a commitment to kindness, but not everyone's on top of their daily stress. I know that. This is not a club for people who know how to feel cheerful. It's advocacy for people to reach out to others who need a little bit of help." And what about their mascot? You'll never guess who it is! CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Meanwhile, please commit to participating in "Positive People Day" on October 29th and spread the word! Now what about their mascot?

CLICK HERE TO FIND OUT MORE

Thursday, October 11, 2007

12th Annual Boston Vegetarian Food Festival

One of my favorite annual traditions is coming soon and I am so excited about it! What is it, you ask? None other than the Vegetarian Food Festival that is held by the venerable Boston Vegetarian Society. Now in its twelfth year, the Vegetarian Food Festival is the biggest event of its kind in New England and its popularity continues to grow. Although it is a vast resource for vegans and vegetarians, people practicing all different types of diet are encouraged to attend! You need not be vegetarian. If you are looking to incorporate more healthy and diverse plant-based foods in diet, this is a great place to start. If you consider yourself an environmentalist or simply want to learn how you can try to "go green" or reduce your carbon footprint, find out how a plant-based diet impacts the Earth by attending the festival.

The festival includes:
  • 100 exhibitors
  • free food sampling
  • cooking demonstrations by noted chefs
  • educational exhibits
  • cookbook authors and publishers
  • children's activities
  • restaurants
  • food producers with their healthy products, freebies & coupons
  • natural grocers
  • information on animal welfare & environmentalism
  • top national speakers (movers & shakers!)
  • free parking / free admission / T stop right there!

Of the seven noted speakers presenting on October 20th, the most I am most excited about this year is Colleen Patrick-Goudreau. She is the founder and director of Compassionate Cooks, a columnist for one of my favorite magazines, Veg News and is a contributor to NPR. Additionally, Colleen does an amazing podcast for Compassionate Cooks, Vegetarian Food for Thought, of which I am an enthusiastic subscriber. (Her podcast is accessible via iTunes for free.) Will I see you at the Vegetarian Food Festival this year? Mark your calendar! Colleen Patrick-Goudreau speaks at 3:00 PM. For a list of other speakers and for more information regarding the festival at the Reggis Lewis Athletic Center in Roxbury/Boston, click here

Boston Vegetarian Society, Welcome to Bean Town

Monday, October 8, 2007

Another Way to Meet Your Meat

Anyone who's attended one of my workshops or met with me for an individual consultation, knows how I feel about food labels and food ingredients. If you cannot pronounce an ingredient or cannot identify what it is (and especially if the food has multiple chemical ingredients that you've never heard of) why would you feel comfortable eating it? Eating food is a very intimate experience; every time you eat, you are choosing to put something into your body, which ideally, should nourish you. But so often, these food choices that include processed ingredients and refined sugar and flour do not provide nutrients; they actually create a deficiency in the body. This makes your body have to work harder to digest the food and in the end, instead of receiving nutrients like vitamins or minerals, your body has actually lost stored values of these nutrients because the refined sugar and flour has no goodness associated with it (no fiber, no minerals, no vitamins at all). So instead of providing any benefit, these actually deplete the body of good things, including energy.

And what about meat? Well, meat contains other added ingredients besides just the animal flesh itself. Sometimes you will find this listed on the label and other times you will not. And a good example of this is processed meat, like sausages and packaged deli meat. For an interesting and eye-opening look at what exactly you're consuming when choosing these kinds of meat products, I encourage to check out this informative photo show, by clicking:
Mystery Meat Macrophotography

Friday, September 28, 2007

Events.... Mark Your Calendar!

Here are some upcoming events that I think are noteworthy and urge you to consider participating in . . . . . . .

September 29 (Saturday) 10 AM - 8 PM
Spirit of Change Holistic Health Expo & Celebration in Sturbriddge, MA
Website: Click Here for Spirit of Change

October 3 (Wednesday) 7:15 PM - 8:00 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Coogans in Downtown Boston
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

October 20 (Saturday) 10 AM - 6 PM
Boston Vegetarian Food Festival at Reggie Lewis Athletic Center, Roxbury/Boston
Website: Click Here for BVS

October 27 & 28 (Saturday 4 PM, Sunday 4 PM & 7 PM)
Jack Canfield's Secret Law of Attraction plays on WGBH, Channel 2 in Boston
This past July I was fortunate enough to attend this live taping in Boston with master motivational speaker, Jack Canfield. This lecture is inspiring and practical; allowing you to learn how to apply basic principles to achieve your goals. I thought it was wonderful and highly recommend you watch it!
Website: Click Here for WGBH

November 4 (Sunday) 9 AM - 5 PM
Holistic Expo in Waltham, MA
Website: Click Here for Center for Balance

November 15 (Thursday) 6 PM - 7 PM
Sugar Solutions Workshop, presented by Kathleen (me!) at Healthworks in Back Bay/Boston ~ learn how to curb your sweet tooth and gain control over your cravings!
Website: Click Here for My Events Page

To everyone who participated in "Car Free Day" last Saturday 9/22, Mother Earth thanks you! And remember, you can continue to leave a softer carbon footprint by pledging more car free days every month. Instead of driving your own car, try carpooling, public transportation or walking or biking, whenever possible!

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Could One Conversation Change your Life?

Have you been wanting to...

  • improve your eating habits?
  • feel confident in choosing and preparing better food for yourself?
  • experience a remarkable increase in your energy & vitality?
  • stop your cravings and binges?
  • feel better in your body and achieve your ideal weight?
  • experience an increase in overall happiness in your life?

Well, as a Holistic Health Counselor, I am your personal advocate for living an energized and passionate life. Whatever your concerns are, my job is to help you find which food and lifestyle choices will work best for you and the life you desire. When diet changes, everything changes.

My philosophy is that a true holistic approach to life incorporates things that nourish you other than food, including honest and open relationships, a meaningful spiritual practice, a career that inspires you, and physical activity that you enjoy. These elements are called Primary Food. As a Holistic Health Counselor, I will work with you to help you find balance in both Primary Foods and the foods you eat on a daily basis.

Could one conversation change your life?
I invite you to a free initial consultation to discuss your health history, your concerns and goals, as well as what you have always imagined for your life. This free, one-hour session is a great way for you to get a feel for how I work with clients, and to see if we are a good match. There is no obligation, so I welcome you to consider having this conversation. It could very well be a turning point in your life. Are you in?

Please contact me today at 617.909.0328 or kathleen@kmoriarty.com I am very passionate about helping people reach their goals and I am confident I can help you live the life you truly want.

Your BEST life is waiting..............

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Across the Universe...... See This Movie Now!

SEE THIS MOVIE! I give it 5 stars, just like Roger Ebert. Visually stunning, excellent performers, amazing metaphors, timely message, important. And, well. Beautiful.....


At once gritty, whimsical and highly theatrical, "Across the Universe" is an original movie musical springing from the imagination of renowned director Julie Taymor (Frida, Titus, and the Broadway smash hit musical "The Lion King") and writers Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais (The Commitments).

A love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s amid the turbulent years of anti-war protest, mind exploration and rock 'n roll, the film moves from the dockyards of Liverpool to the creative psychedelia of Greenwich Village, from the riot-torn streets of Detroit to the killing fields of Vietnam. The star-crossed lovers, Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood), along with a small group of friends and musicians, are swept up into the emerging anti-war and counterculture movements, with "Dr. Robert" (Bono) and "Mr. Kite" (Eddie Izzard) as their guides. Tumultuous forces outside their control ultimately tear the young lovers apart, forcing Jude and Lucy – against all odds – to find their own way back to each other.

Monday, September 10, 2007

Have you Heard of Kiva?


Kiva - loans that change lives


What is Kiva, you ask? Kiva is a unique way to help someone by giving them money to start a business. This is not a donation, see, because they pay the money back to you. It's a loan.

Kiva lets you lend money to a specific budding entrepreneur, in the developing world, which empowers them to lift themselves out of poverty. You remember the saying "Give a man a fish, he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime"? This exemplifies that concept.

Kiva lets you connect with and loan money to unique small businesses in the developing world. By choosing a business on www.Kiva.org, you can "sponsor a business" and help the world's working poor make great strides towards economic independence. Throughout the course of the loan (usually 6-12 months), you can receive email journal updates from the business you've sponsored. As loans are repaid, you get your loan money back. You can loan as little as $25 at a time!

Check out their site today!

http://www.Kiva.org

Friday, September 7, 2007

A Way to Improve You Well Being... IMMEDIATELY!

How can you improve your well-being immediately?

Try a Reiki session to feel better! Your stress and tension will be reduced. You will become deeply relaxed. You can bring this sense of peace and well-being home with you. Relaxation improves your immune response in addition to your mood, so you will feel better on many levels.

What is Reiki, you ask? According to local Reiki Master and Wellness Expert, Joanna Scaparotti, Rei means universal and Ki means vital energy. The word Reiki describes the vital life energy that flows through everything that exists and makes up the energetic field that interconnects all living things.

How can Reiki benefit me, you ask? A Reiki session results in:

- soothed nerves and relief from stress and anxiety
- deep relaxation that encourages a healing response
- increased energy
- increased vitality
- stronger immune response- decreased aches and pains
- deeper, more restful sleep
- quicker recovery from illness
- quicker recovery from injury, surgery and chemotherapy
- awareness and movement of energetic and emotional blockages
- a sense of peace and well-being
- awareness of the inter-connectedness of all living things

Joanna makes an offer that is too good to be refused! On her site http://www.reikiandlifecelebrations.com/ she makes the following guarantee:

"In less than an hour, you will feel better or it is free! With only a 30 or 60 minute Reiki session, your well-being is guaranteed to improve. If you don't feel more relaxed and peaceful at the end of your session, you don't pay. Try it risk free. You're worth it! I can help you to relax and rejuvenate. "

Contact Joanna today at 617-429-1793 or joannascaparotti@gmail.com You may also read and sign up for her blog and newsletter at http://urbanvitality.blogspot.com/#

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Attitude of Gratitude

This morning I read a wonderful article about Kym Hampton, a former WNBA professional basketball player who had a 12-year sports career (she played professionally in Europe and Asia, before the WNBA existed and came calling). In addition to her athletic career, Kym is also an accomplished singer, actress and model. Her positive attitude and passion was evident. This is sampling of what she had to say:

Daily Gratitude

"The most important thing I do every day is immediately give thanks as soon as I open my eyes. I say thank you that I can see, that I can hear, that I am pain free - all the things that we can take for granted. It's important to be grateful for where you are and what you have right now. I remind myself that I am a child of God and I was placed here to do wonderful things. I am here to be special. I am here to let my light shine. I also pray and give thanks. I focus on what I have, not what I don't have. That's been my focal point and things have started to turn around for me."

It's All In Your Head... And That's A Good Thing.

"My own lesson is to relax and do your part by being honest with yourself. Once you find something you're passionate about, do your part. Life is mostly mental. We have ideas planted in us - from parents, teachers, friends - and the things we choose to believe about ourselves impact us. Stop with the negative self-talk. Stop with the self-doubting and enjoy who and where you are. Sometimes we need to revisit our thoughts and ask, why am I allowing this in my life? Everything is mental. We have to check ourselves. When you don't feel good you have to face it. When you start to question yourself you'll get answers. We can be better if we choose to be better. When you start to treat yourself better it shows up in all areas of your life. Buy the best stuff for yourself. The way you treat yourself invites people to treat yourself the same way."

I couldn't agree more! Remember, your thoughts become "things".... your thoughts create your reality. If you are thinking negatively, then you're creating a negative environment around you. If you are thinking positively, then you're creating an atmosphere where you are open to receiving all the goodness this world has to offer. Additionally, focusing on what you do have, is key. If you are always focusing on what you don't have, that is negative and results in a sense of lack, frustration and inertia. If you focus on what you do have and express gratitude for it, you open yourself up to more abundance and create a feeling of fulfillment by realizing all the great things that you are already have in your life.

Try to do what Kym does: when you wake up in the morning, take note of all the things in your life that you are grateful for. By making this an everyday practice, I think you will see amazing results.

Tuesday, September 4, 2007

Mark Your Calendar!

Car Free Days (No, that's not a typo!)
During my retreat, the Buddhist brothers and sisters were promoting "car free days".... no, not carefree days, but car free days, where we shun the use of automobiles and instead, utilize more environmentally friendly modes of transportation, such as walking or biking. September 22, 2007 is World Car Free Day.



Every mile you drive your car releases one pound of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere increasing global warming. North America, with almost one car per driving age citizen, releases the most greenhouse gas of any nation. The good news is that you can do something about it. By stopping driving or driving less, you reduce the amount of greenhouse gas in the atmosphere. And a change in your driving habits influences others. You lead by example.

For those of us living in urban areas with public transportation and destinations in walking or biking distance, this is relatively easy. For those in remote areas, it can be more challenging. But by car pooling, combining errands and activities into one car ride vs. spread out into several car rides over several days, we can really make a difference!

A message from Thich Nhat Hanh regarding Car Free Days:

"Everyone wants to have their own private car; but with the damage to the atmosphere caused by fuel emissions, our lakes and forests are drying up and the deserts are growing. Every one of us can do something to protect and care for our planet. We have to live in such a way that a future will be possible for our children and our grandchildren and our own life has to be our message."

For more information, go to http://www.car-free-days.org/index.html and to make a pledge, go to http://www.car-free-days.org/pledge.php

The Earth will thank you!

DAY OF REMEMBRANCE BLOOD DRIVE


Next Tuesday is the 6th anniversary of the September 11th attacks. Please consider giving a "gift of life" by donating blood at one of the many Red Cross blood drives being held throughout the country. In Boston, you may donate blood at Fenway Park between 6:00 am - 12:00 pm or at Boston City Hall from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. All donors will receive a FREE Red Sox T-shirt and gift bag. Please mark your calendar and commit to donating blood. It is urgently needed. For more information, go to http://newenglandblood.org/ or call 1-800-GIVE-BLOOD.

Thank You!

Friday, August 31, 2007

The 11th Hour + Other Films

The new documentary "The 11th Hour" debuted in Cambridge last week. Today it begins showing at the Embassy Theater in Waltham, as it continues to play at the AMC Loews Theater in Harvard Square. This important movie is consistently receiving an average of 4 out of 5 stars. Here is a synopsis:

"'The 11th Hour' is the last moment when change is possible. The film explores how we've arrived at this moment -- how we live, how we impact the earth's ecosystems, and what we can do to change our course. Featuring ongoing dialogues of experts from all over the world, including former Soviet Prime Minister Mikhail Gorbachev, renowned scientist Stephen Hawking, former head of the CIA R. James Woolsey and sustainable design experts William McDonough and Bruce Mau in addition to over 50 leading scientists, thinkers and leaders who discuss the most important issues that face our planet and people."

This film was produced and narrated by Leonardo DiCaprio, who has been involved with environmental issues for many years. I urge you to see the movie and bring a friend or two or three! For specific movie times and locations, go to Movie Fone at http://movies.aol.com/




SICKO

Have you not seen "Sicko" yet? This Michael Moore documentary was released in June, yet is still playing in some theaters. In the Boston area, you can still see it in Arlington and West Newton. The DVD will be released in November and you can add it to your Netflix or Blockbuster Online queue now! For theater showtimes, go to http://movies.aol.com/movie/sicko/26778/main I strongly urge you to see the film and join a discussion about it. Whether you agree or disagree with Moore's tactics or arguments, it cannot be denied that this is a thought-provoking subject matter that is extremely important and plays a great role in our quality-of-life index as Americans.

INSPIRATIONAL MOVIES

Looking for some inspirational movie viewing for your DVD player? Some great recently released DVDs, available now on Netflix, that I can recommend, include:


  • Peaceful Warrior
  • The Ultimate Gift
  • The Secret

Some thought-provoking documentaries I've enjoyed, that are available on DVD:

  • What the #$*! Do We Know!? (What the Bleep Do We Know)
  • The Future of Food
  • Who Killed the Electric Car
  • The Corporation
  • Go Further

And finally, although "Amazing Grace" is not released on DVD yet, you can still add it to your online rental queue. This inspiring movie was truly a joy to watch. The synopsis:

"Based on a true story, this historical drama starring Ioan Gruffudd tells the story of William Wilberforce, an 18th-century English politician who fought for the abolition of slavery. Despite staunch opposition, Wilberforce waged an aggressive campaign using boycotts, petitions and slogans."

Any feedback you have regarding these films would be appreciated!

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Mindfulness Retreat: Part III

During our retreat, we were up by 5:30 AM each day and began with a walking meditation. Walking meditation is walking together, very slowly, very thoughtfully, in silence. Focusing on your breath with each deliberate step. Again, this puts you in the present moment; the "here and now". So often we really don't appreciate the present. Our minds are caught up with experiences of the past or worries about the future. It is rare for us to relish the here and now and be truly present and aware of now. When you get up in the morning, you most likely quickly begin your routine on auto-pilot. Right? Next time you awake, try emptying your mind and say:

Waking up this morning, I smile
24 brand new hours are before me
I vow to live fully in each moment
And to look at beings with eyes of compassion

Another practice we experienced during the retreat (which is a wonderful practice to start at home) is the "mindfulness bell". When the bell is rung or when we "invite the bell", we stop what we are doing, take a few mindful breaths and put ourselves into the focus of the current moment. After about 45 seconds, we can resume our activities and thoughts.

About a year and a half ago, I purchases the CDs "Meditation in a New York Minute" and I highly recommend it. One of the suggestions given is to change your cell phone greeting (that is, the message that appears when you turn your phone on). This is a feature that most cell phones have. The greeting should be "BREATHE". Now, whenever I turn my cell phone on, I see the word BREATHE across the screen, before it disappears to make way for the wallpaper. It is a great reminder. I see it, stop my hurry and worry, breathe and focus on the present moment. How can you incorporate a mindfulness bell into your life? Well, whatever works for you, really. Every time you hear the alarm of a fire truck or ambulance, you can use that as a signal to stop and breathe and to bring your mind into the present moment (and be thankful, truly grateful, that it is not you who needs the emergency services of the fire department or EMTs). Or everytime you hear the honk of a car horn, or everytime you hear a baby cry. Anything, really. Use a sound to trigger your mindfulness. It's a very wonderful practice.

During the last day of the retreat, we had a Q & A session with Thich Nhat Hanh. Children were able to pose questions before the adults had their turn and the first question a child asked was "Why is the bell so important?". Without missing a beat and being very serious, this is how Thich Nhat Hanh answered: "Why not?" .... pause ..... "Sometimes you have to answer a question with a question. It's a Zen thing."

Enough said!

Thursday, August 23, 2007

Mindfulness Retreat: Part II

The grounds of Stonehill College are beautiful. It was the idyllic setting for my meditation retreat. Immaculate landscapes, replete with soaring trees, green grass, brooks, ponds and many various species of plants and flowers. Everywhere you looked was a feast for the eyes, all against a backdrop of blue skies as far as the eye could see.

Being in this calm and beautiful setting, out in nature, with warm sun on your back, it was pretty easy to be amazed at Mother Nature. During my time outdoors there, I saw a grasshopper (haven't seen one of those in a dog's age!), hundreds of dragonflies (my favorite... well, it's a tie with butterflies), echelon of birds and geese flying high above, big frogs, little turtles and a river otter. I love animals and this just really made my heart sing. Along the way, some nearby residents brought their dogs to the campus and those of us on retreat who missed our pets, had a chance to play with them. There was also a campus cat and a group of super cute skunks.

One of the children's song, sung in the children's program, goes like this:

I love nature; nature is cool.
The forest is my classroom; the Earth is my school.
Trees are my teachers; animals are my friend.
And on this school, all life depends.


For photos I took of the lovely grounds, go to:
Buddhist Retreat with Thich Nhat Hanh