We are ONE

This was the name of the concert that HBO pulled together for the inauguration last week. What a show! I found it moving on so many levels. I spend a lot of time in my head but found that this past week, I was in my body feeling inspired and overwhelmed with emotion. I am so proud of our country (even the people who didn’t vote for Barack Obama allowed a peaceful transition which doesn’t happen in many parts of the world) .

I think the reason Obama is such a phenomenon is because he reminds us of our greatness, the wholeness in all of us. Believe it or not, many of us are afraid of our power. And for the past eight years, our country has been operating out of fear versus the hope, ambition and optimism that founded this country and the democracy concept in the first place. But we learned that playing small doesn’t work very well. Let’s move on – and fast!

It’s clearly time to step into our individual power and call upon our strengths. It’s a great way to be a Patriot! In Obama’s inauguration speech, he clearly explained that it’s not just about him – it’s about us too. And we have a lot of work to do.

So I ask you, where are you playing small in your life? Where can you make better choices so you feel whole, confident and ready to change your part of the world?

To get started, I suggest looking at what we in health counseling call your primary foods. Primary foods are what feeds your soul: Career, relationships, spirituality and physical activity. These are equally important as what you feed your body. When these things are balanced in your life, you feel that oneness, that wholeness that we crave more than chocolate.

So just start with ONE change. Maybe it is your diet. That will definitely aid in your confidence, energy and mental clarity. Or maybe it’s being a better friend or trying that yoga class you always thought about.

I know for me, once I got my nutrition right, I gained the energy and chutzpah to jump off the corporate ship and hang out my own shingle doing something I passionately believe in. I’ve never felt more alive in my life. I never knew such small changes would add up so big.

So whatever changes sounds exciting to you, go for it. And instead of thinking “What do I have to lose?” think “What do I have to gain?”. It will be a new era for you and our country.

And if you need some inspiration, check out U2 at the ONE concert:

October 2008 Newsletter

Fall Greetings!

Here in Philadelphia, summer is definitely over and my favorite season is already in full swing. It’s time for my 30th birthday (today!) and nature’s harvest season. Depending on how and what we tended to this year, it’s feast, famine or somewhere in between.

This is certainly playing out in the United States right now. As someone who sees both food and finances as an exchange of energy—and thus intertwined and subject to natural laws—the parallels are uncanny. For decades, industrial agriculture has denatured our soil and warmed the earth, Corporate food companies have manipulated food prices and nutritional science. The result: We are in a health crisis. This same domination, uncontrolled growth and short-sightedness has poisoned the soil of Wall Street.

But the great thing is nature’s ability to adapt for survival. We always have a choice and responsibility for what sprouts in our lives. Life will always be cyclical, but if we focus on what really feeds us (and not a pre-packaged life) we can avoid these extremes.

So during this harvest season, first appreciate what is already growing in your backyard. There’s always something tasty. And then look to what isn’t growing and weed it out. Just start with one thing. Try cooking one night a week or drinking more water or enrolling in a class about something that interests you. Given life’s interconnected nature, one step will facilitate more change. Health is the default in nature – your body wants to feel great. It’s that simple. Of course, simple doesn’t always mean easy. But, if you pay attention during the growing season and follow your instincts, you will be rewarded with a feast.

I hope this fall brings you a bounty that includes time to enjoy what you’ve accomplished this year. Be sure to take the time to dream bigger for next year. If you are ready to change your food and lifestyle choices and need support, schedule a consultation with me. Make your “someday” today!

Once I pull myself away from this election coverage, I’ll be there planting and planning for next year too.

And remember in these tough economic times, cooking and buying locally saves money, enriches the soil and provides a sense of grounding that we need now more than ever. Food changes everything. It’s a powerful way to vote for your health, the environment and fair trade. And judging by the last two presidential elections, voting with your dollar counts more than your one at the polls. So to the community organizers who make local farmers markets happen, thank you for keeping our health choices and democracy alive.

Eat well. Be well,

Ali

P.S. If you are curious about Obama’s and McCain’s stance on food policy, you can click on these links. Neither candidate has the ideal solution but from someone well-versed on this issue, Obama’s plan is significantly better for the future of America’s health, food safety, family farms and global warming. If you have any questions on how to read through the spin or what all of this means, I’d love to hear from you.

http://www.barackobama.com/issues/rural/

http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/8d810b1d-a6db-47b0-b54b-334c2255aa4e.htm