biodegradable is beautiful

I have had the opportunity to work along with the team at organic essence for a while now consulting and inquiring about various product development measures and marketing materials. This could not prepare me for the brilliance they'd come up with. At the natural products expo they introduced to the market a biodegradable jar! http://www.orgess.com/ The first shea butter and lip balm to be packaged in biodegradable, cradle to cradle material. I am delighted!

I'm still wishing for and wanting shampoo from this USDA certified organic line of deliciousness. Their foaming hand soaps are great. Although, I am the queen of multiple uses for product...(I may have just had a realization)! My secret leisure is using the lotion to go on my feet. With the blend of shea and cocoa butter, it moisturizing just enough, without leaving my hands over sticky.

One of the most incredible things about this company is that they care so much about the accessibility and utilization of reusable and biodegradable packaging that they didn't place a patent on it. I've noticed a few other companies don the look, with their packaging including Grateful Body! http://www.gratefulbody.com/ This, I am grateful for! The product has been slightly reformulated, and from what i've seen, I like!

Improve quality of life with daily Qi Gong

“By practicing Qi Gong, one can turn Jin (essence of life) into Qi, then Qi into Spirit. So for Qi Gong masters, the three levels are very concrete. For people who do not practice Qi Gong or some form of meditation, these three levels of existence—Jin, Qi and Spirit may be hard to understand.” --- Dr. Shui Yin Lo, The Biophysics Basis For Acupuncture And Health

Conserving energy has become a reasonable concern for the environment and the individual as we work collectively to reduce our unnecessary consumption of non renewable resources. Within the microcosm of this conservation ethic comes about the understanding that personal habits do indeed matter. Cultivating and maintaining personal energy is one of the most important practices to staying balanced in an increasingly complicated society. The market is inundated with products and services to help us minimize our ‘stress’ though the answer is often not endogenous. Our perception of the world around us shifts along with us into alignment as we tune into the capacity of our intentions with breath and movement. The daily tuning provided by having more organized and focused energy can be a lifelong technique for developing a calm mind, a healthy body and thriving spirit. Qi gong is a simple measure one can take to improve the quality of their life and bring into harmony all surrounding phenomenon.

Wellbeing can be defined in many ways. Qi gong allows the extraordinary capacity to increase sensitivities to energy, and heighten awareness. Very much like perambulatory motion, your physical body is meant to move in certain ways. Walking and riding a bike become easy once you learn how to. Tai Ji and Qi Gong and other martial forms are no different. Programming these movements into your subconscious allow numerous benefits.

Qi gong doesn’t require a huge financial investment or a lot of tools. All you need is your focused attention and your breath. A good teacher is important to help you develop the confidence that you can perform the exercises correctly on your own and motivate you to continue. Other workouts may require special equipment or machines. Various meditation practices can also encourage body awareness, and taming of the mind. Regardless of the technique, the first step is committing to a little each day. A valuable tool to help me understand the importance of adding qi gong, or other practices to my daily regimen is recognizing how my energy feels when I have completed a set. Checking in with my energy level throughout the day becomes second nature after a while. Sensing how distinctly different my body may feel, and how my mind is calm and clear is enough to convince me to keep at it. My energy is replenished and I am more productive. Though every individual benefits differently, I do not exaggerate when I say all can and will benefit.

Health is optimal when an individual has adequate energy. Qi Gong helps stabilize energy and nourish the various organ systems and anatomical structures. Energy systems beyond this can include the meridians and chakras. The basic premise for a lot of the practices is simple. Breathe and move smoothly. A teacher of mine once told me you can determine a person’s age by their flexibility. This is absolutely true. “Flexibility implies a continual adaptation while preserving or recreating a pattern of balance. This holds at all levels, from the biological system, to mental outlook, to personal relationships, to ones relationship to the world, and ultimately ones spiritual being. (Shui Yin Lo, pg. 90)”

Expressed in manifestations of spatial arrangements and proper alignment, Qi Gong and Tai Ji forms are about returning to tradition, natural rhythms and simplicity.
Qi gongs gentle movement exercises are refreshing in a no pain no gain dominated paradigm. Many of us move too fast running on empty for too long, and think this is normal. In traditional Chinese theory it is advised to exercise to the point of sweating and then to stop. Training your body to work more efficiently, by relaxing muscles that aren’t required and minimizing the impact stress has on your life; you do actually increase your metabolic capacity. Greater strength and muscle tone will naturally develop along with a heightened awareness of the space around you.
Balance in all aspects can be achieved with a daily Qi Gong practice. The exercise will begin to leak into your daily activities. Refining your awareness for the ordinary creates energy reserves. Needless expenditures of energy, emotional or physical are minimized as we become more aware. Stress has become an overused term, and no one is immune from fight or flight syndrome. By promoting maximum efficiency with movement and reactions, it becomes second nature to relax what is not necessary to utilize and respond gracefully to stressful circumstance. Our circadian activities that require little or not thought could benefit from the assistance. Whether it be blinking, movement or digestion and resting, when our bodies are working more effectively at doing what they must do, we will be clearer to do the things we want to do. Productivity is increased and our lives are more fulfilled. When energy is flowing as it should, better circulation is possible.
Circulation is possible with Qi. Emotions are movements of Qi and pain results when there is not free flow. Qi helps the blood stay warm and do what it needs to do. Performing regular exercise routines helps program your natural rhythms into your central nervous system. With the awareness received here, with what “normal” feels like, you have the capacity to be your own doctor. Sensing blockages where they exist before they cause pathology is possible.

Having body awareness is critical when learning to shift habits of stress. Behavioral patterns can influence or hinder our ability to heal. All of life is our experience and reactions. Our lifestyle indicates how we handle difficult situations. It is possible to have programmed ways of dealing with energy. Our excesses and deficiencies can be noted and worked with. A simple exercise routine adds to our experience of life as we know it. Practicing Qi Gong allows the body to adapt more effectively to stress or other circumstances. Cultivation exercises such as Qi Gong and Tai Ji enable people to work at their optimum, transform adversity, feel energized, and be more productive all leading toward healthier communities and ultimately a happy planet. As we work mindfully to conserve our energy, our livelihood increases and our life becomes more meaningful and enjoyable.

made in america ---UNITE-d

Just recently a friend of mind gave me one of my most prized possessions. An American flag. Not just any American flag, but one actually made by American hands. This search of mine is finished, and a part of me feels complete. Here's a snippet portraying what my mind envisioned prior to this discovery.

“Made in America”

The notion of patriotism has defined the identity of the United States and all countries since the existence of such nations. Patriotism can be broadly defined as having pride for one’s country. This definition can include people serving in the military, immigrants who have created new foundations here; student’s who fight to uphold rights given to us by the constitution, or by those who strictly cling to nationalistic ideals such as independence and greatness. Throughout the ebb and flow of time the American public is torn between at least two sides. We have an option to agree blindly with the nationalist ideals our country prides itself with and portrays to other countries, or to come up with our own more inclusive type of patriotism. The many changes in general definitions of patriotism have been according to historical events, specifically during the Vietnam War and after 9/11.

The history of the US can be described in relative terms by the wars we have been involved with and the international relations we have fought to preserve or destroy. To give an extensive description of the wars our nation has been a part of is not my motivation; however I do understand many of the same parallels exist with such political happenings. Rather than to attempt to give a historical examination of what has happened in the aftermath of such events, I am choosing to discuss the repercussions and reactions to these important historical events particularly the dissent among those considered patriots. The Vietnam War, WWI, WW2 and Post 911 all have one thing in common. We are caught in a state of identifying with and belonging to a nation whose reputation and choices we may or may not agree with. The disillusionment and disorientation with identifying with a nation you no longer feel part of is hard to pin point.

Luckily, these events all pushed the American public forward resulting in inevitable changes including multiculturalism, civil rights, trade, and globalization. To define patriotism without encompassing all of these new concepts seems a little closed minded. Different groups have different ideas of patriotism. Furthermore, we will only be strengthened, connected and considered “United” as a nation when we can agree on one notion of patriotism encompassing all and not excluding any particular group of individuals. For this reason I suggest the notion of patriotism is in flux and in the process of being redefined by those more likely to uphold the definition- the people.

After 9/11 I observed more people than ever before rushing to the stores to purchase an American flag. I was working full time at a retail pharmacy store, a member of a union making a little more than minimum wage. I remember turning people away, again and again. “Sorry sir, or madam, we have no American flags.” I began to question what it was about this particular incident or any major tragedy that caused so many people to all of a sudden have the need to display the pride they have for their country symbolically by the use of the flag. UNITE-D. We waited weeks until the shipment of flags arrived.

It baffled me that we had to wait so long, and when they arrived to much of my dismay sewn on the flag in little letters were the words MADE IN CHINA. I remember thinking, that’s great; we still don’t have “American” flags. I chatted with friends about coming up with our own somehow with the little sewing know how we had. I debated on whether it would be the same flag, or if it would change a bit. I acknowledged I was in no position to imitate my idols Elizabeth Cady Stanton or Susan b. Anthony and dropped the idea. We were all to busy working and living to even think about starting a movement to reclaim the rights of the making of our flag. And unfortunately, no one really cared about the preservation of this national symbol. Today we see SUV’s and other vehicles with magnets shaped like ribbons stamped on them “support our troops” also made in china.

After participating in a one of many peaceful protests in a little town after the beginning of the war, I always respond to this claim of “support our troops” with “bring them home!” Though the protest was more of a cry for other like minded individuals to unite, the act of simply identifying with each other caused much controversy. We had signs saying “honk for peace” and “peace is patriotic” and slowly but surely, the group got bigger. Luckily because of the internet, many subgroups, and other organizers the anti war movement has grown immensely, possibly to the largest organized group of protesters ever. Now, one of my favorite slogans is “you can bomb the world to pieces, but you can’t bomb it in to peace.” The down side of all the uniting amongst anti-war activists- is the influx of those continuing to side with our nation’s decision to go to war.

Many claim “freedom isn’t free” or that “America is about sacrifice.” A lot of people who have served in the military or who have family in the military can be included into this group of patriots. And though, they might consider the anti war protestors to be anarchists or unpatriotic-we all have our own beliefs.

What happens when we identify with a country we no longer understand or agree with? How can the very acts of embracing our constitutional right, the right to assemble or the right to free speech now makes us unpatriotic? I wanted to cry when a man shouted to me “where’s your American flag?!” He was driving a massive truck, revving his engine so he couldn’t here my meek response. “It’s made in CHINA.” I couldn’t understand how people could perceive me as being unpatriotic by standing firmly to the rights given to me by the power of the constitution.

In fact, I was not denouncing the country I am part of, just agreeing to uphold the tradition of voicing my opinion freely. I thought of other fights going on in different parts of the world, particularly that of the Zapatistas and where strong opposition is not so free. And though, our fight here in America is no where near as militant- the image held strong for me- that of a woman being silenced by covering her face with a bandana decorated as an American flag.

There are many people who say they stand by their country no matter what, especially in times of war. Do these people care to uphold the rights our nation was based on? Or are they motivated merely by living comfortably and selfishly the way they do, not wanting their lives to change. Many people defend the right to fight to maintain the status quo as long as it means that nothing changes. Many people are not concerned with the exploitation of land or laborers that occurs so we can live comfortably. It is my proposal that patriotism now be defined in a broader context; including and appreciating those people and resources that help us maintain who we are as a nation. Can or will America ever encompass the global world abroad? If so, what does this mean for America as it now stands?

letter from me

Christina, a native to Hangzhou (quite possibly my favorite place on earth) and my new best friend asks me if China is everything I anticipated. Honestly, I didnt' know what to expect, and now my mind can't see beyond that space of not having been here. Occasionally I'll forget where I am, momentarily, only to be reminded by a familiar highway toll place, a vehicle billowing out black smoke, or a baby with a naked bottom. I've been spending a lot of time lately fascinated by the cloud formations, as typhoon season brings about interesting weather and have counted my blessing on nights that i've been able to be touched by a cool breeze. I can count the nights stars have been visible on one hand.

Now, In Deqing, it seems like the air quality is a little better. I've been forever influenced by the beauty and connective dependence on the land. I like the long walks along the river after dinner. The music that narrates the path, even if sometimes it is the same song you hear everywhere. The dance clubs for ballroom dancing or disco and karaoke pubs leaking out sound inviting people in. I like the more than mega approach to nightlife. We only live one life. Let's make it fascinating!

Littering here is widespread but waste containers are even interesting with little reminders "protect circumstance, let it begin with me." In many places capitalism is completely carried away. Still, the ancient civilization, the pride of the people and the eagerness to learn about another culture stands out. I'm obsessed with the trees (tzu) and flowers (hua) that they do have as well as the stone carvings, windows and structures.

I should have known better than to come here in summer. It's wicked hot. A fan and an umbrella have become my daily necessities, as well as tea and water in large amounts.

Using the facilities has been the least pleasant part of the trip. I've gotten really good at holding my breath for long periods of time. People also smoke in elevators and even at dinner with chopsticks in the other hand.

I'm getting used to the staring. I'm starting to blend in a little with my dialect of mandarin that I do know and practice.

It's only been 3 1/2 weeks and it feels like a lot longer. My days here are so complete and intense. I feel full. I don't want to forget one moment of it and I can't wait to tell you stories and share photos.

missing you all,

lotuses and love,

yin yin
from quanqin 7/6

earth day everyday

Isn’t it a Wonderful World? Here's a letter I got from Defenders of wildlife, one of my favorite organizations that i've been asked to forward.

Getting in touch with the natural world is one of the healthiest things you can do -- for yourself and for the children in your life.Celebrate Earth Day! Get outside with the ones you love...

Plan Your Adventure: Locate public lands in your neck of the woods...National Wildlife RefugesNational ParksState ParksNational Forests Other Public Lands Encourage the people you care about to get outside.

What are your favorite memories of childhood? I can tell you that mine all involve being outside -- riding my bike with friends, clomping through the sun-dappled woods to wade in the pond near my house or splashing in mud puddles after a spring shower.

Today is Earth Day. What could be a better time to share our love of nature with the young people in our lives? So, this weekend, I have a challenge for you. This weekend, I challenge you to get out of the house and get outside with a special young person in your life.

The future of our planet and of the amazing creatures we share it with will largely depend on how well we teach our children to seek out these special moments and build these connections with our wildlife and wild places. In just one afternoon you can start a spark within a child that will never fade.

Studies show that spending time in nature helps kids feel secure, happy and more focused in their daily lives.This holds true for us adults, too. Spending time outdoors is restorative -- and a powerful reminder of our values. And in today’s fast-paced world, taking the time to pause and reflect in nature is more important than ever. So what are you waiting for? Get outside this weekend and help bring a sense of wild wonder to the special young people in your life.

Don’t forget to take photos to preserve your memories! Let us know you’re participating by taking the Wild Child Pledge http://www.defenders.org/index.php

While you’re out in the world, take time to stop and smell the flowers, listen to the birds high in the trees, and watch for wildlife to scurry across your path. Encourage the children in your life to do the same: they will play a vital role in protecting these precious natural resources for generations to come.
Take the Wild Child Earth Day Pledge today and help our children appreciate the great outdoors for a lifetime. After all, this Earth is the only home we’ve got -- and what a wonderful world it is. Happy Earth Day to you and yours,

Whole new mind by daniel pink.

I realize the "thinking" I typically engage in is symphonic thinking. It's a gift, what can I say, although some Lminded individuals might consider it a downfall. I always knew I was complex, and had complexes, but even thinking has these layers.

here's an excerpt of the book that coins the term "symphonic thinking"

" the advanced world is in the midst of a slow change in it's operating principles. " a gradual shift from materialist values "emphasizing economic and physical security above all) toward post-materialist priorities (emphasizing self expression and the quality of life)"

"a transition from material want to meaning"...

that's what i'm talking 'bout
I like when I read books I agree with
Revolutionarily

drink tea, stay cool

When I visited China a few summers ago I encountered summer heats beyond imaginable proportions. I was thrilled for they typhoons, the thunder, the flash floods, because they cooled us down and of course cleared the air. I'm doing a bit of a rain dance now as the convection belt stagnates and climate change is a harsh reality affecting those we have little or no way of communicating assistance with. I'll calm myself with a cooling breath now.

One of the ways I delight in staying cool is believe it or not folks, drinking tea! I know you can find a myriad of cool things to keep yourself occupied with like ice cream from our very own fenton's http://www.fentonscreamery.com/
most consumers would be thrilled! But a dairy free--(mostly) girl like me is content with other more nutritious choices.

Though I like my tea warm most of the time, for the yummy blended tastes Lamyx provides both dairy and non dairy teas. I'm not a huge fan of soy, so I opted for the green tea, passion fruit and mango combination. I got a slight brain freeze from the indulgence, but it was worth it!
http://www.lamyx.com/

And on a recent outing I was pleasantly surprised to find a refreshing -what-tasted-to-me-like an- oolong/rooibos mix tea to go, since tea tasting time was up. Me love oolong time! I am incredibly impressed by the design of this place and was indeed reminiscent of my tea shop visits in Zhong Guo.
http://www.teance.com/



so when you're looking for me this summer, try the teahouses.

oh, don't forget farleaves. http://www.farleaves.com/ or samovar. mmm http://samovarlife.com/ and NUMI! how could I forget my neighboring tea house. http://www.numiteagarden.com/

cheers

A few of my favourite things

Just this past week, I had the opportunity to have a question and answer session with two of my favourite individuals. I must admit, I use the term favourite often, because I don't tend to speak of things unless I can offer praise. My intention is to share this list of favorites in bite size amounts.
The two I am describing came into my life right as the nanoparticle question arrived in the industry. All of a sudden there was controversy over which type of sunscreen to use and which coverage was the best. After researching a bit, I concluded the chemical sunblocks that often hide as octyl and oxi derivatives aren't so good for our bodies or the water, that supposedly they are formulated to stand up against. This fact left me stunned. How could I begin to have a conscious about what I am washing down the drain, or feeding the fishes? There has been numerous data compiled about the impact it's having on coral reefs. And Zinc being a mineral gets utilized by the skin, and ultimately also ends up in the environment, but luckily it is an element, it's not a toxin. So mineral it is, and nanoparticle? or micronized? I am perfectly okay with using it. The way it's explained by someone who knows far more about me is by likening the molecule to a carpet, and when it's used in it's regular size and form there are many gaps between molecules. This space allows light to get in and penetrate, hence the melanoma or darkened moles, or whatever. By using the smaller particle size, it's actually still pretty big, but it doesn't have the gaps the others do, providing more safety.

I mentioned this simply because of Keys skincare founders Bob Root and Wendy Steele. In fact, Wendy had skin cancer and needed something that worked for her fair skin, that didn't leave her looking like she had rubbed a bunch of (un)petroleum jelly on her. Arriving upon the perfect consistency of zinc based UVA and UVB physical blockers, they formulated solar rx. The process underwent significant research and much effort. http://keys-soap.com/

Bob is a master. I want to say he's an engineer. What I like most about him is that he doesn't come from a place of profitability with his concepts. He's about providing safe and effective alternatives and working to make them more mainstream. I find so much significance in the intention-- his wife, and saving her life, and making her happy.

I love this story, because again, it's the communion of two individuals with a similar goal-passion creating a sense of tangibility for consumers.

We chatted briefly about how the industry is moving so quickly. I've wanted to contribute to a book he's working on, or at least motivate him to publish it. It's shaky ground to expose evidence that supposed natural products aren't so much.

What I love about Keys is the efficacy, the technology, the innovation, the smart and the practical. It's also the only thing that works for some serious skin ailments, the most serious i've ever encountered.

One of the products was formulated for the rescue dogs after 9/11. I remember reading an article about the shoes being provided for the dogs for the mission, to protect their paws. I was incredibly touched at this story, and also the ability to have such a testimony of ethics and ability to assist at the most critical moment.

What I wanted to mention was this rigmarole of passing on of chemicals. I think about this with disposable bottles too. When our recycling facilities are full, they are shipped away, to someplace that has the room, occasionally they'll be tossed in the ocean. I hear there is even plastic in space. Again, I don't want to be a downer. Apparently when bigger companies determine it's time to clean up their act, they have a tendency to ship their "dirty" goods around until they find a population that does not have strict regulations, or does not have the intelligent discernment. I didn't write this entry to be negative.


Having pure and clean products is an educational effort, that many do not have the afforded luxury of worrying about. When formulators go above and beyond with the engineering of fantastic machinery, production, rigorous testing and the highest purity standards I am in awe.

When shopping for sunblock, Check out http://www.cosmeticsdatabase.com/index.php?nothanks=1 and the database for safe cosmetics. It's not the end all be all, in terns of safety because it does have a few flaws, but it's a start.