Dear friends in Japan from Thich Nhat Hanh

March 15 2011

Dear friends in Japan,

As we contemplate the great number of people who have died in this tragedy, we may feel very strongly that we ourselves, in some part or manner, also have died.

The pain of one part of humankind is the pain of the whole of humankind. And the human species and the planet Earth are one body. What happens to one part of the body happens to the whole body.

An event such as this reminds us of the impermanent nature of our lives. It helps us remember that what's most important is to love each other, to be there for each other, and to treasure each moment we have that we are alive. This is the best that we can do for those who have died: we can live in such a way that they continue, beautifully, in us.

Here in France and at our practice centers all over the world, our brothers and sisters will continue to chant for you, sending you the energy of peace, healing and protection. Our prayers are with you.

Thich Nhat Hanh

Ever see The story of stuff? Its worth a watch, right along with all the other story of stuff videos.

Here are some links to some of the other Story of stuff videos

Cosmetics click HERE

Electronics click HERE

Bottled water click HERE

Cap and trade click HERE

I'm not a fan of new years resolutions. you?

Resolutions no, intentions YES. Specifically for the New year? Not so much. I'm more of an "as I go" type of gal. I know myself so well and for me, the second I make a resolution (a.k.a. put pressure on myself), or say "I'd never", I'll do it. haha.. And then I feel horrible..blah, blah,blah (thankfully I grew out of that, and now save myself a lot of pain)!

I strongly believe in the line never say never. How do I know what I am going to be doing when I am ninety years old? (or if I will even get to be elderly in the first place?) I am simply not a fan of beating myself up, so I try not to. At this point in my life I make choices as I go along, and am always asking myself what I want more of, and less of in my life. I am hugely blessed to be in a solid relationship (the new year will mark 10 years), where my partner and I are generally on the same page. When we're not we really try and do the right thing for both of us. That often times means compromise. Thankfully we are both pretty easy going so that isn't usually too much of an issue.

The new year still holds so much hope for so many though, and with good reason. As far as the environment, global warming etc goes, the passing of time does make a very real difference, if we don't change our ways. I think that most of us have made some big changes that do and have, made a difference (or at least I hope it has, and will continue to do so).

In many ways I suppose the new year is a fresh start. *Although it's nice to know that if you blow it, every morning thereafter is a fresh start too. Its another opportunity to to ask yourself questions and decide to bring in more of what you love, and ditch what no longer serves you (or at least limit the stuff that no longer serves you). If this post sounds a little matter of fact, I sure don't mean for it to. I would never want to imply that making changes is easy, or that life is for that matter. Quite the contrary! lol! I just find that for me, having a strong support network, admitting when I am wrong, stopping to ask myself questions along the way, and most of all asking for help, helps me. And I find (for me) that setting intentions is being much kinder to yourself. I've quit a lot of things in my life and made enormous changes in my life over the years, and it was never the result of a New Years resolution.

But hey, thats only me right? it might just be the ticket for you or someone else!

I just love that provided we have good health, each moment can be a new start in just about any direction you choose in this part of the world. We just have countless choices that those in so many other places in the world couldn't even fathom. I wish all of my friends, family and loved ones, and those in my community, and all across this miraculous planet of ours a wonderful, healthy, vital, loving, joyous and peace filled 2011. I'm ready to bring it on.

Namaste xo

This doesn't look like the most appetizing thing in the world here I know, but it's my favourite way to enjoy kale.

Last year I had such an abundance of it in my garden that I had to get creative in finding ways to get it in me and this is by far, my favourite way.

Kale chips. My boyfriend isn't a fan (and I'd be lying if I said that they tasted better than potato chips haha), but they are delicious as far as I am concerned, majorly healthful, and perfect for that crunchy salty craving. I made these last night and they seriously take 15-20 minutes. There are many variations for the recipe but I keep it simple. I just wash and dry the the kale (certified organic or from your garden preferably), break pieces off the stems (bite size), turn the oven on to 300 and lightly toss the kale in olive oil (extra virgin/cold pressed if possible). Personally I spray a very light coating on. I sprinkle with sea salt, bake, and minutes later voila! I start crunching away!

It is important however to keep a close eye on them, turning them every ten minutes, as they burn easily. I don't overload the pan either. I like them crispy like chips so I don't crowd the pan. Dark leafy greens have more nutrition per calorie than any other food source and with cold and flu season coming it's good to up the nutrition quotient any way we can! bon apetit and namaste.