Category: Articles

Food

bodymovinnetLeave a comment

I just got out of a 7 day staff retreat. I feel so fortunate to work/ will have worked for an organization that pays you to go on retreat.

In the mornings we would practice. In the afternoon we would go on “tracks” of a particular subject. There were a variety of options to choose from: food videos, martial arts, line dancing, an open art space, more practice, outdoor activities. I’m sure I’m missing at least 1.

I chose the food videos track. It just totally blew me away. I feel like I now have a legitimate reason for being as picky as I am with food. The food industry is cray-cray.

I wish everyone could watch the 5 food videos I watched. Luckily, I was able to find at least one of those movies for free online. Check it:

This one was ok, but the 2 I would recommend to anyone who is looking to educate themselves on where our food comes from are Food Inc. and In Organic We Trust. Its a shame these informative videos aren’t free.

It really hit close to home being able to be in this group and see how passionate I am about food. I feel like food is central to how we feel about ourselves as individuals, how it pulls us together as families, communities, and societies. Our food system is so sick.

The politics behind food is appalling. Its sick. I really feel everyone should  know where their food comes. Its irresponsible not to, what ever the consumer choice may be.

We also had a formal end of retreat banquet and dance party.

This video showed up on my youtube front page. Holy Padma!

Saying goodbye

bodymovinnetLeave a comment

During the last few weeks at SMC, I am constantly being drawn back into what more can be done to further the success of this organization. I feel like there are still many projects to follow up on and maintain. I wonder who will maintain the projects I oversee and their competency in maintaining these projects.

There is a personal vested interest in seeing enlightened society manifest.

I met with my MI (Meditation Instructor) today. I felt such deep appreciation that she found time to meet with me. Its rare that I meet with her, so when we do, the conversation is always so rich and filled of gumption.

I suppose she also has a personal vested interest in seeing enlightened society manifest. 🙂

“Be Present.” That was kind of what I took away from our meeting. That was said (necessarily) more than anything else.

Guilt for leaving. That was certainly a theme that’s come up in my practice the past few weeks.

I felt a sense of relief when I was told something along the lines of “If you cant change it, its not your responsibility…” or something practical to that effect.

I wanted to respond “but what if I can change it.”, but I didn’t. It just felt nice to be able not feel guilt for leaving for a little while.

I was having a conversation with my good friend Oliver recently. We were talking about TED talks concerning the great political divide.

 

and

 

They talk about Liberal and Conservative values being different and how to work with others having different values than your own. I feel talks like this will become more important as we venture further into the Trump presidency.

How can we find a peaceful solution to the crazy shit that is happening?