Not for Me

Though I'm sure this is a great book that I could benefit from, from the title, it certainly isn't my style! If anyone reads the book and recommends it even though the premise goes totally against my grain, I'd consider it. Let me know...

Greed

Maybe I am just in a cynical mood. I would never describe myself as that -- but it is true I am slow to throw my heart into an organization, cause or ideology. For most things, the closest can get myself is an arms-length distance.

So the news today about Whole Foods was sad, as it confirmed that my caution is well-founded.

Is all business about greed?

Of course not. Motivation by desire is natural but greed might be defined as amped up desire combined with a disregard for others for personal gain. Amped up desire is a motivator; but it does not have to deteriorate into deceit. I refuse to give up on my belief that people can have integrity and great desire. It does not have to be about greed.

Integrity is the real issue. Check out Whole Foods' Core Values. Did I read this correctly?

Integrity In All Business Dealings
Our trade partners are our allies in serving our stakeholders. We treat them with respect, fairness and integrity at all times and expect the same in return.

Not only that, but the company was actually voted one of the best places to work in 2007.

Why does this bother me so much? I guess I expected more from a company that "sells" itself on values. I guess I can't believe how lame a mistake the CEO made. Check out the FAQ: he seriously just thought that was normal for a CEO to cloak his identity and hype his stock? I wonder if the "everyone does it" argument will hold up in court if it ends up going that far.

I don't shop at Whole Foods. If I did, I would now stop. I'm blessed with a small, local market that I love. I guess I can get off my tirade now. Back to business at a safe arm's length distance.

Evidence of a World Transforming

I just ordered the "Shift Report" from Noetic Sciences and can't wait to read it. I'm always looking for the "good news" that I know is out there about the fundamental shift that is taking place as more people become more conscious and make the decision to live deliberately. I love exploring the intersection of science and spirituality.

The 2007 Shift Report: Evidence of a World Transforming, attempts to chart the transition we believe is underway from a rigid, mechanistic, and materialistic worldview to one that is built on a foundation of interconnectedness, cooperation, and the intersection of science and spirituality.

Maybe you'll like it too: http://www.shiftreport.org/

I also emailed my hubby to ask for a reinstatement of my membership for my birthday... what a great gift -- no stuff, but lots to ponder!

Free Will

I love that our lives are based in freedom, and for me, there is no question about that fact. Our minds are free to create whatever we want. With the recent Independence Day celebration, my husband and I got kind of patriotic on our kiddos, as we reminded them what a great country that we live in, where people take a stand for freedom so know that they are really free.

Fireworks emphasized the point.

This was an interesting article (Defending Free Will: A fruit fly makes choices) that reminded me that others are still pondering whether or not we are free. The story of a fruit fly, of all things...

Perhaps it is our destiny to be philosophers...

: )

Roughin' it

We're back from a week of camping. You know, roughin it. We trecked a few minutes from our home to Newport Dunes, a great little campground on the bay side in Newport Beach.

It was so fun being so close yet so far away. Ok, maybe we didn't rough it. We had family visit, playdates scheduled and John even had to run home briefly to retrieve something we forgot. One night we ordered pizza delivered for dinner. I even logged in to their wireless network to check email one night and catch up on some work. Such convenience!

But even though it wasn't traditional camping, it felt like vacation. Our campsite opened to a nice grassy area that led right to the sandy beach. Swimming in the pool, playing on toys in the bay, movies on the beach, watching the kids play, warming by the campfire, eating ice cream and snowcones kept us entertained. The July 4th celebration was fabulous with a big event and terrific fireworks.

Speaking of fireworks...I LOVED the new ones! Especially the one I have heard called the "Rice Crispies" one that filled up the sky with sparkles. The UFO looking ones were interesting too. Still, my favorites are the big traditional booming fireworks.

I can't wait to "rough it" again!