photo by Jaime Kowal

I love men, but I’m glad I’m a woman.

I was reminded of this the other day when a friend sent me one of those e-mail chain letters you’re supposed to forward to x number of people. This one had various quotes from poet Maya Angelou, who was interviewed by Oprah on her recent 80th birthday. To be sure, all her words were poignant, but the insight that struck me most was this: “I’ve learned that ‘making a living’ is not the same thing as ‘making a life.’”

I believe women have a better grasp of “making a life” than men do. Yes, this is a vast and sweeping generality, but as a professional woman, I encounter a wide spectrum of people daily, and I find that women have far more interest around what I would call the pursuit of “matters of the heart,” which is how I would define “making a life.”

Outside of making a living, most businessmen may golf or do some other sport, but by and large, they’re not actively looking for ways to enhance the “interconnectedness” of their own and their families’ lives the way women do. Women tend to be the “directors” in relationships. Whether it’s an employer who wants honest, interpersonal communications within the office, a couple discovering ways to renew their connection, or a bunch of girlfriends on a holiday lark, you can almost always bet that a woman (or women, in the case of the girlfriends’ weekend) is leading the way.

Take the strikingly gorgeous Maureen Jack-LaCroix, whom we profile in our feature story. Maureen, an entrepreneur, built money-spinning enterprises within the worlds of rock ’n’ roll and skateboarding. She’s now applying her formidable business prowess to truly “making a life”—one that embraces us all (click here to read article).

Or our Visionary Moms. Diane Shaskin, for one, co-founder of Planet Organic Market, often directs her Canadian grocery empire from her home office so she can be near her family (click here to read article).

How does this feminine energy translate into financial success? Incredibly! Check out our TrueWEALTH column where Nina Winham reports that companies with more women on the board report a 42 per cent higher return on sales! And that’s just for starters (click here to read article).

What makes this all really important is that as a woman, you are in the driver’s seat for steering us toward “making a life”—one that honours one another and our planet. It’s a huge but golden responsibility.

Maya had another quote I liked: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Truly this is what “making a life” is all about.

Yoga VISIONARIES… Your Choice

The votes are rolling in! In an upcoming issue we’ll be profiling four of the Lower Mainland’s most influential Yogis/Yoginis. So log on to our website (shared-vision.com) and nominate/vote for the Yogi/Yogini you believe is the most deserving, by May 15. Click here to Nominate Your Choice.

Also, tell us about your love/hate relationship with yoga in 30 words or less. Send it to letters@shared-vision.com with “love/hate yoga” in the subject line, and we’ll print the best submissions. Make sure you include your phone number.

Every Woman in the World

We love this conference and I’m gonna tell you why. It’s by women, for women of “all ages, shapes, and sizes.” Partake in, as part of Whistler Wellness Week, three days of back-to-back workshops… everything from Ayurveda and belly- and pole-dancing to laughter yoga. So much more.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

photo by Jaime Kowal

“I am not an environmentalist,” states John Wiebe, firmly and in seeming disbelief that I would even ask such a thing. But I think the question is a fair one. You see, Vancouver’s Wiebe is the mastermind behind this month’s EPIC event, a kind of carnival of eco-cool that celebrates sustainable living as the mainstream’s new lifestyle. SharedVISION, as you might imagine, is a huge fan of the show and is proud to be a media sponsor again this year. SharedVISION believes EPIC is such an important harbinger of growth in sustainability that this issue includes an EPIC theme. Our darling cover couple will be stars on the EPIC mainstage.

But back to John Wiebe. He’s gracious, serious, and contemplative—befitting for one of Canada’s leading global economic wonks. Although most of his work is done in high-powered executive suites, the public gets to see Wiebe’s “connecting” expertise showcased in the worldwide business-to-business extravaganza GLOBE (also the name of his foundation) where manufacturers of environmentally friendly products engage with companies that can sell them. Last month, a three-day GLOBE conference in Vancouver attracted 10,000 attendees to its slate of sustainability seminars and exhibitors. Wiebe’s next logical step is to throw the “party” called EPIC in order to get us consumers excited about the latest eco-sustainability products.

The EPIC brand stands for “Ethical, Progressive, Intelligent Consumer” and recognizes that we are all consumers... except that a lot of us want to consume differently, more consciously. Wiebe’s thinking is that if eco-goods are widely available, it’s just as easy for us to buy environmentally friendly products as it is to buy the stuff that chokes landfills and exacerbates global warming. He relies on capitalism to do the heavy lifting: if a buck can be turned, then sustainable products will be produced in ever growing numbers. John Wiebe calls himself a businessman. I say he’s also a clever environmentalist. See complete article for a closer look.

Mark your calendar to attend EPIC: The Vancouver Sun Sustainable Living Expo April 18-20 at Vancouver’s Canada Place, and click here for the opportunity to win free tickets.

Another “don’t miss” event is the Earth Day Celebration at Jericho Park—what a great way to usher in spring and honour Earth Day.

Yoga VISIONARIES… Your Choice
This summer, as part of our exclusive print partnership with the Camp Moomba Yogathon, we’ll be profiling four of the Lower Mainland’s most influential Yogis. The SharedVISION editorial team realizes how vibrant and diverse the yoga community is and believes the choices really belong to those who know the landscape best: our readers. We invite you to nominate the Yogi you believe is the most deserving. Yogis from all disciplines are eligible. Click here to nominate your choice.

Meet Our New Dialogue Leader
Few companies in Canada have shown more vision and leadership on the issue of organic foods than Nature’s Path, one of the world’s top-selling cereal companies, based here in B.C. So it’s with great pleasure that we welcome Nature’s Path in their role as a SharedVISION Dialogue Leader starting this month. Look to their ongoing sponsorship of a cutting-edge column called EthicalEDIBLES that profiles the ways in which we, as consumers, can embrace more thoughtful ways of planting, eating, and buying organics.

Nature’s Path joins Dialogue Leader Inhance Mutual Funds, a leader in socially responsible investing, in our pages.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

photo by Jaime Kowal

Our SharedVISION team is thrilled over the terrific things you’ve been saying about the magazine—the look and design, the writing, the features, the enhanced distribution. And now, with this March issue, we’ve put into place one more component you’ve been asking for: the vivid look and readability of all-glossy paper stock. It’s kinda like applying bright (natural) lipstick and slipping on (comfortable) classy high heels. Heck, it’s sexy.

It’s been a long time coming as it was vital to us to maintain our current commitment to recycled paper content. But only until recently has the price point for higher-end recycled paper stock been within reach for us. It’s a challenge to meet the hybrid of a glossy paper that has a significant amount of recycled content, the strength to stand up to the process required for the size of our print run, and affordability.

I want to thank Mitchell Press, a locally owned and operated printing company, for its help in this area. Mitchell is committed to partnering with paper mills that carry environmental certifications and was able to meet our needs for sources that are environmentally and socially responsible. SharedVISION is now composed of at least 20 per cent post-consumer recycled content (more consumer recycled content than before), more recycled fibre overall, is chlorine-free, and printed with 100 per cent vegetable-based inks.

When you are finished with your copy of SharedVISION, simply recycle it in the mixed-paper bin or bag, as you always have, and continue to step more lightly on the planet—albeit in high heels.

The Star in Our Backyard

She’s ultra-talented and quite a rarified beauty with black, Cherokee, and Creek blood coursing through her veins. Musician GreenTaRA lives in Vancouver, but as her career heats up she’s becoming an international favourite. Her songs are of social change, as is her life. Check out GreenTaRA’s personal story, which she calls “stranger than fiction.” You’ll probably agree. Read article here.

Would You Like Some Food with That Plastic?

Who doesn’t have a bunch of plastic storage containers nested in their cupboards? Some from Rubbermaid, some from Tupperware, some non-descript, and others from the Chinese take-out place down the street. After reading Melissa Breyer’s story, I’m planning to make a clean sweep of my kitchen shelves, paying close attention to the numbers encased within those little recycling logos stamped on the plastics. Funny how we’ve been moving to stainless steel water bottles because of the potential of leaching chemicals from the plastic ones. Yet, so many plastic food containers are kept at the ready for storage of leftovers and such. Here’s the perfect opportunity to discover which ones you might want to retire from mixing with your food.

While you’re doing some spring-cleaning, you might as well attend to your mailbox. I’m always astounded at the storm of junk mail that comes my way on a daily basis. I live in a high-rise and the overflowing recycle can in the mailroom attests to the fact that I’m not alone in wanting it to stop. In a stroke of genius, some really smart Vancouver women (who have been getting a lot of deserved publicity) have enlivened a 10-year-old Canada Post junk mail policy in order to lighten our load. Besides, imagine how happy you’ll make your mail carrier. Read article here.

It’s all good, it’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

photo by Jaime Kowal

When I was a TV news reporter, one of the most memorable pieces I produced was a series on “instant millionaires.” My assignment was to track down and interview six “regular” people who had won $1 million or more in the lottery—and discover how their lives had been transformed by this monetary windfall. (This was a number of years ago, when $1 million carried more clout than it does now; but, even today, it’s still a lot of money.)

What impressed me most was, categorically, how unhappy these people had become because of the money. Some told me outright that their lives were ruined and wouldn’t let me interview them. The six who did speak with me told stories of spouses taking the money and running, family members and friends angry that the winner wouldn’t give them money for this or that scheme, constant pestering from outside groups, and strangers who pleaded for money to fund their causes.

Probably the least remorseful was a bachelor in his 30s, an engineer, who was amazed and flattered at the number of women coming out of the woodwork to meet him. He was a recent winner so the attention was exciting, but even in his naïveté, he was slowly realizing the reason why he was such a hot property.

Oh yes, the winners would buy new cars, houses, and jewellery, take trips and such, but their relationships with the outside world sadly sagged under the huge weight of their new-found wealth.

I was stunned by their experiences but had little compassion at the time. After all, how hard is it to be wealthy?

Carol Newell, the fascinating and striking subject of our cover profile, offers remarkable insight around this. Carol, who inherited tens of millions of dollars, spent many years in relative obscurity before “coming out.” Writer Pamela Post, with her great gift for telling a riveting story, reveals Carol’s path to becoming a leader in asking other affluent individuals to “Play Big” in eco-sustainability. See The Secret Millionaire.

Power-Couple Visionaries
In the true spirit of Valentine’s Day, one member of our Power Couples has a life-changing proposal awaiting him in our pages this month. We’re anxious to hear the answer and will duly report back to you next issue.

Make Your Money Count
Please join SharedVISION this month for a pleasurable evening we’re calling “Do Good and Do Well,” when the Pinch Group, financial planners who specialize in socially responsible investments (SRIs), will show us how investing in green, ethical, and sustainable companies makes perfect sense. We’ve timed it just right—whether it’s for your RRSP contribution or an overall portfolio review.

Come, Be a Green Goddess
Minerva was the ancient goddess of wisdom. And the Minerva Foundation is all about empowering women and girls to reach their full potential. Early next month, this important B.C. women’s organization hosts a unique fundraiser called “All About Girlfriends,” with a theme of inspiring the green goddess in all of us to reduce our footprint on the planet. Since 86 per cent of SharedVISION readers are (smart and savvy) women, you, dear reader, may be very interested in this top networking event. Click here to register.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

Made It to Work

photo by Jaime Kowal

When it comes to shaking off the dark, moody Vancouver winter, I wish I could say that SharedVISION had the secret handshake. Truth is, mornings in our office these days are not a pretty sight. It’s often apparent that most of our team would rather be in bed. Having been jostled and jounced on a damp, crowded, and frequently late bus or SkyTrain car, or inching along in traffic, they arrive wet, cold, and often frustrated (and maybe hungry). That’s a fun encounter, let me tell you. During the “landing time” we might as well set up a coffee IV station (or several cots, but that’s not an option).

We switch on the SAD (seasonal affective disorder) lamp in our main office area to fend off any depression aggravated by sunlight deprivation. We play some upbeat, mood-shifting music. Our perky little office Chihuahua, Mr. P, obligingly makes the rounds from desk to desk, standing on his hind legs and poking us with his tiny paw for a snuggle or pat. With this unfolding, our small, convivial team moves into animation. And seemingly, everybody else across the Lower Mainland does, too. The phones pick up speed, meetings ensue, one-liners are tossed around; any snarkiness has dissipated.

This is winter in Vancouver. If you have designs on a different wake-up call, check out our story on intentional communities in Central America (page 12). We profile two, one in Costa Rica and the other in Nicaragua, that invite mostly “off-the-grid,” eco-friendly living in user-friendly tropical settings. These are of the newest generation of conscious communities for those who want to step more lightly on the planet and have neighbours who share those sensibilities. It’s a creative option to the SAD light.

A bolt of sunshine is our cover profile this month, in the form of author Ruth Ozeki (page 10). Ruth is a gifted writer who became a celebrity after tackling the appalling state of our conventionally raised food (i.e. GMO crops and factory animals) with a humour and horror that changed not only her fans’ lives but hers as well.

“Don’t Miss” Dates

Here’s a first-rate opportunity to revel in what a healthy food system can be. Later this month spend a Saturday at the “Healthy Food, Healthy People, Healthy Earth” event at UBC. The focus will include all aspects of how we can revolutionize our health through sustainable food systems. See page 28 for details.

Mark your calendar now to join us in early February at the Vancouver Wellness Show. Held at Canada Place, this event is the largest health and lifestyle showcase in Western Canada. SharedVISION will be sponsoring the Workshop Stage, giving you an opportunity to interact with the speakers and come away with lots of “how-to” tips. More info in our events section, page 29.

Also, a reminder to visit our website regularly (shared-vision.com). We have frequent drawings for free tickets to many great events. Just click on “Contests!”

Pick Us Up at Vancity

We are delighted to announce that Vancity and SharedVISION have entered into a new distribution partnership. Starting with this issue, SharedVISION will be available at 25 Lower Mainland branch offices of B.C.’s premiere credit union. We are particularly pleased because Vancity has long been an influential leader in promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability.
It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

Being green has a lot of grey

photo by Jaime Kowal

Wait till you read Cori Howard’s piece, The Real Earth Mother! I don’t remember the last time I laughed so hard over a magazine story. … and do laugh, because otherwise you’d cry. Cori—a fabulous mother who writes on parenting—makes light of it, but her article shows how daunting the colossal lifestyle-shift of stepping more lightly on the planet can be (check out the mom who’s raising her baby diaper-free).

However, much of Cori’s saga highlights the fact that it could be crazy-making if you let it. But it’s not about creating the perfect lifestyle, because there is no such thing. Rather, it’s an intention executed with grace and ease. It’s that never-ending adventure of improving the quality of your life and the quality of your relationship with the Earth and everybody on it. But those who are trying the hardest often lose sight of the grace and ease.

Recently, a girlfriend who’s also a mom—one of the smartest and wisest women I know, and a specialist in B.C. environmental legal issues—was beating herself up over what she considers wrong choices: “I go to Costco because it has stuff I can afford and a variety of it. Even though I know it’s big-box and a multinational that imports from overseas, it’s something I do.”

I reminded her that Costco has one of the best records of employee relations among retailers. And from that we both re-affirmed that it’s never black and white. Being green has a lot of grey.

Above all, doesn’t the idea of celebrating your contributions rather than kicking yourself for transgressions make for affirmative self-talk? After all, both scientists and personal growth coaches tell us that thinking positive thoughts is the path to a more positive and satisfying life. So if we celebrate our proactive actions rather than deconstruct every thing we do wrong, we’re not only being kinder to ourselves but, in turn, are bound to be more patient and loving with others.

How’s This for a Gift Idea

Organ donation—would it be tacky to call this the ultimate in recycling? It strikes me that making your body useful after you’re done with it enhances the circle of life, especially to those who are in need of a heart, lung, kidney, or liver. In B.C. alone there are more than 400 people waiting for organ transplants.

This all came to my attention last month when I met Shivon Robinsong, a healthy Victoria woman and artist who decided to give one of her kidneys to her dear friend and Vancouver businessman Joel Solomon. Granted, Shivon still has a lot of living to do and will do it well with one kidney. And although not all of us care to imagine volunteering for such an assignment while living, if you’ve ruled out cryogenics, becoming an organ donor leaves a legacy of life and love. Becoming a donor can be fast and easy online at transplant.bc.ca. Even if you think you’re signed-up as an organ donor, it’s good to check as the Organ Donor Registry replaces all previous ways of indicating your wishes about organ donation (i.e. stickers on driver’s licenses or Care Cards). By the way, both Shivon and Joel are recovering nicely.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

photo by Jaime Kowal

Are you stuck? Are you stuck in a job you don’t like? With a partner who’s not a good fit? Or generally loathing your life, but afraid to make a move because right now it’s safe… Little Woo is intimately familiar with the feeling. As the subject of our cover story, the darling and intriguing performance artist and teacher has been to that edge of despair in leading a life that was safe but slowly draining her.

The stirring news is that the journey from stuckness to freedom can be scary and full of uncertainty, but ultimately hugely rewarding as you shake off the myth of being safe (safe from what?) and discover, like Little Woo, the joy of pursuing your true path. After all, in order to contribute toward making the planet a whole and healthy place to live, we must first do the work to make ourselves whole and healthy. Read Little Woo’s story.

Empowering Events

November is jam-packed with events to enhance your life. Here are two favourites: First, Brian Pinch is invested—literally—in making the planet whole and healthy. As an environmentalist and a financial planner, Brian specializes in socially responsible investing and has become one of Canada’s premiere experts on aligning our values with our investments (and getting a competitive return).

On Nov 8th, Brian will present an excellent opportunity to learn more about how to support those companies that are pointing the way toward climate change solutions.

Second, if you’re a woman on a leadership path you’ll want to know about the three-day leadership retreat in mid-November called Women of Vision and Passion.

The founders have created a weekend for women to connect, share grounded business practices, explore a new paradigm of leadership, and, importantly, learn to embrace your own inner knowing.

Join happyfrog.ca: Shop Local, Have Fun

Why not get a jump on holiday shopping? I want to remind you that there’s no better place to find values-aligned companies and fair-traded gifts than happyfrog.ca. The new website makes it easy to spend your money locally and find the most stylish, healthy, and hip holiday ideas.

Reader Survey Winner

Our thanks to the hundreds of readers who completed our Reader Survey in September. Kathy Nash of North Vancouver won our grand prize of a weekend stay for two at Victoria’s Marco Polo Bed and Breakfast. That was actually icing on the cake for Kathy; she said she was prompted to complete the survey “because the magazine has changed so much that I wanted to give feedback about it.” We think that’s a good thing, as she also added, “I read every issue.” In fact, 77 per cent of our readers said they “don’t miss an issue.”

Transitions

Our talented and wonderful editor Kathy Sinclair has decided to downshift her responsibilities at the magazine to make room for a burgeoning freelance career. In a clever move, our copy editor Tamara Letkeman, a seasoned editor in her own right, will be taking on the editor assignment, while Kathy assumes

the role of copy editor. Congratulations to both.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

photo by Jaime Kowal

Stephanie MacDonald owns this month’s feature story. Not only did she write the piece, she felt strongly enough about the subject matter to be our cover model as well. It’s not every day that a writer is asked by a magazine to pose nude in order to provide the art for the story she’s writing. please see letters to the editor

As you will discover when you read our important lead story on thermography, Stephanie is not only a classically beautiful woman, but also has the innate gift of taking a lead-heavy topic (breast cancer) and whipping it into a compelling read with a frothy poignancy. Ah, we love those kinds of stories here at SharedVISION, and you see them every issue, thanks to our entire editorial team led by the deft guiding hand of editor Kathy Sinclair.

Stephanie’s cover story and the special centrefold pullout (hey, it’s not what you’re thinking!) are our nod to a month in which one of the biggest “sustainable and healthy living” events of the season comes to the Lower Mainland—the Vancouver Health Show at Canada Place. Here, you can find not only a full complement of personal health products, but also approaches to living lighter on the planet, such as socially responsible investing and eco-friendly home construction.

As the Show’s Gold Media Sponsor, SharedVISION worked with the Health Show coordinators to create this glossy pullout section to highlight the speakers, the exhibitors, and all the pertinent facts you need to plan your excursion to it in mid-October. We’ll see you there!

Reader Survey:
Aw, Shucks So what if I’m gushing? The SharedVISION team is simply amazed at the robust response we’ve gotten to our Reader Survey last month. Maybe it was because we bribed you with great prizes from our advertisers. But then again, you didn’t have to write all those impassioned comments. We just had to share a sampling of them with you.

Thanks to Villa Marco Polo for their grand prize weekend getaway, as well as Summerhill Wines, Saje Natural Wellness, Serendipity’s Backyard, and Open Door Yoga for their generous contributions toward enhancing the allure of completing our Reader Survey. At press time, it’s still September, so we will publish the prize-winners next month.

Dr. Rogers Prize for Excellence
When it comes to health, SharedVISION is an ardent supporter of “integrative medicine”—the combination of the best of conventional medicine with the best of alternative modalities. So we’re thrilled that leaders who have made significant contributions in this area of health care, often in the face of doubt and criticism, are being recognized at a Gala Award event in Vancouver (see our Hot Dates for more info).Soul-Soothing Krishna Das A meditation practice offers clarity and relaxation, and is an enhancement to our lives in general. But not all of us are cut out to do sitting meditation. Perhaps you’re better with walking or singing ... or perhaps you don’t know because you’ve never tried. Well, now’s your chance. Krishna Das is one of the renowned chanters of our time and he will be in Vancouver for a one-time special engagement on November 2nd—brought to us by Banyen Books. If you’ve never felt the uplift from this form of meditation, you’re in for a treat.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca

The Perfect Matchmaker

by Rebecca Ephraim

photo by Jaime Kowal

It’s one thing to have hundreds of businesses out there that are offering us healthy and sustainable options. It’s quite another thing to find them.
As the Lower Mainland’s leading magazine focusing exclusively on sustainability—personal and global—SharedVISION is the window to the world (in B.C. anyway) of eco-matters (I swear you can put that word in front of anything).

Yet, one print publication cannot be the be-all and end-all. Truly, in our estimation, the one, single service that B.C. needs to shift into high gear around sustainable community-building is a go-to dynamic resource on the web.

For instance, how do you consider your options when seeking an holistic vet for your dog, or solar panels for that house you’re renovating, or a financial planner who’s into socially responsible investments, or restaurants that carry organic, or, or, or...

You’ve probably hit a brick wall yourself wanting to find something with “eco” attached to it—generally businesses, services, and organizations that are dialed into your values of wanting to be part of the solution.

So please help me welcome happyfrog.ca.

SharedVISION is partnering with happyfrog.ca to bring B.C. residents a locally-driven synthesis of the best the web has to offer: a bit of Google (excellent search capabilities) and a dash of Facebook (fun and functional social networking) in an innovative and unique guide to everything sustainable and healthy. We believe that happyfrog.ca is the perfect matchmaker, connecting conscious consumers who are eager to better integrate their values with the many thousands of green, sustainable, and spirited businesses that are also looking for their dream markets.
I invite you to visit happyfrog.ca (in beta version of course). You’ll find comprehensive listings across 28 different categories in B.C. Businesses and NGOs are invited to submit a free listing for consideration on happyfrog.ca.

Transitions
It is with great sadness that we have learned at press time of former SharedVISION staff member John Pifer’s passing. John was a valued member of our team and made important contributions to this magazine. We will hold his memory with love and gratitude.

Driven to Drive?
Open Door Yoga co-owner Georgina Varveris is shaking her head over a City of Vancouver regulation that’s threatening her Commercial Drive business. The issue is about parking. And in a city that’s encouraging car-free transportation, this is where the rubber hits the road. Open Door currently has three parking stalls, 24 short of what City Hall requires for the studio to get a business license.

Varveris says that the vast majority of its yoga students live in the neighbourhood and walk or bike to the studio. But the City has been unyielding so far. Varveris is hoping to use Open Door’s case to get public support for its studio and other studios in a similar situation. She is encouraging people to contact the city’s point person on this, Hamid Sharifi (hamid.sharifi@vancouver.ca), in order to register their support to make the regulation less onerous.

Tall, Dark, and Ready to Run?
Be sure to check out our profile on MLA Gregor Robertson’s green agenda. Rumour has it that municipal politics could be getting mighty interesting in the months ahead.

It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

photo by Jaime Kowal

Quick, tell me, are you fully in charge of your own thoughts and emotions? Are you clear-headed and fair-minded, and do you always live true to your values?

Or are you often angry, fear-driven, and irrational, with self-destructive habits that steer much of your behaviour—meaning you can be a real brat (there are less generous terms) to your co-workers, employees, partner, kids, or generally anyone who dares cross your path?

Actually, most of us at any given time are probably zigzagging between these mental states with certain things triggering our nasty—or shadow—side. For instance, I got very irritated while we were preparing this issue as Deepak Chopra’s people were not cooperating the way I thought they should. I was fuming with thoughts of reprisal (“Maybe we’ll have to yank the story!”). Our editor Kathy Sinclair and writer Pamela Post, equally invested in the interview, reminded me to go with the flow. In fact, it all turned out fine; Deepak was splendid and we got a great story (see page 10). However, I was left struck by my lack of “self-mastery” in that moment.

In her new book Megatrends 2010:The Rise of Conscious Capitalism, author Patricia Aburdene talks about “self-mastery.” Aburdene, as you’ll recall, is the best-selling author of Megatrends 2000 and Reinventing the Corporation. She asks, “How can you control your environment if you can’t even manage your own thoughts and emotions? In other words, how do you rule the world without first mastering yourself?” She’s talking to business leaders, but obviously this is a question for all of us. Personal growth cultivates wisdom and consciousness and is the linchpin to creating an external climate of social and global change. What have you done lately to pursue self-mastery?

We Want Your Simple Solution
With this issue we’ve kicked off a new feature that asks you to share your favourite ideas for reusing, recycling, and reclaiming. Send your blurb and picture to simplesolutions@shared-vision.com. See page 23 for starters. We’ll reward you handsomely.

Do You Know a Visionary Kid?
We’re preparing a showcase of Visionaries who are under 18 years old. If you have a young candidate whom you believe has made a difference in their community, we want to hear about it. Send your nomination to visionaries@shared-vision.com.

You’re Invited to the Green BBQ
The Vancouver Skyline and Green BBQ Celebration is the next generation of socializing among people who value the environment and are interested in taking care of it. One of the organizers is Green Drinks, a social group that’s had steady growth in its monthly Vancouver gatherings of “anyone who’s interested in green.” The Green BBQ is the super-sized version of this, with more than 500 people expected at Jericho Park on July 24.

This is Green BBQ’s third year, and it’s the first time organizers have publicized it—with SharedVISION as the media sponsor. Ethical Funds Company stepped forward to underwrite the event as Presenting Sponsor, and Choices Markets is supplying food. People who turn out for these events are an intriguing mix of all ages, backgrounds, and groups—small business, big business, not-for-profits, academia, government, self-employed, volunteers, students, concerned citizens... and everything in between. (For more info, see our inside back cover and the Calendar section.) See you there.
It’s all good. It’s all a SharedVISION.

In gratitude,
Rebecca