"... a warrior's life is not about imagined perfection or victory; it is about love. Love is a warrior's sword; wherever it cuts, it gives life, not death."
~ Dan Millman, The Way of the Peaceful Warrior
During some "highway philosophization" (my term for pondering everything and anything while driving) this afternoon, I eventually began to think rather deeply about human aggression, and specifically about how people hurt other people. Mainly, I was thinking about individual aggreession, although, as a group, humans are unfortunately rather prone to it.Wikipedia maintains a list of ongoing conflicts (i.e., wars), in fact. According to that page, there are seven major wars happenning right now and 15 additional significant ones. Of course, there are scores of unlisted ones ongoing as well, most of which the average person has never heard about.
As we mentioned in one of our first blog posts, Pure Jeevan met with Leela Mata at her Peaceful Valley Ashram to discuss the details for some 3-day Raw Food Spiritual Retreats for you during 2008! The details are finalized and we are proud to announce our first 3-Day Raw Food Spiritual Retreat, that will be held at the ashram from May 23-25, 2008. We've set this retreat up so that it's as affordable as possible. There's a significant savings if you sign up early, so be sure to check it out!
Some very special companies have delicious treats for those attending the retreat.
In this special five-part series, Joanna Steven uncovers where some top vegetarian athletes get their protein. Here's part one, focusing on Tim VanOrden's take on this issue.
When alternatives to the Standard American Diet are discussed, protein is on everyone's mind. There are many reasons why someone might want to eat a plant based diet, whether for allergy concerns, health reasons, or more variety. But nagging doubts often come up;? Are plant proteins adequate for athletes and body builders ? Are they really the preferred protein source of the human body ? Are they better than animal based protein or are they just consumed for environmental reasons ? To answer these questions, why not ask the experts:? triathletes, professional dancers, bodybuilders and extreme sport racers ? Here are the answers from some of the most competitive athletes in their respective fields.
Read more: Vegetarian Athletes Share: Top 5 Sources for Animal-free Protein (Part 1 of 5)
On this Thankful Thursday I am feeling especially thankful for the Internet. Without the Internet I wouldn't be able to learn as much as I've learned about raw foods in such a short period of time. The Internet has connected me with people from all over the world who are also interested in natural health and raw food living. I am part of a larger community, one that would never exist without the Internet.
So, today I am especially thankful for the Internet. What are you thankful for today?
Today, we'd like to take the time to introduce some raw athletes who continually inspire others. There is a huge misunderstanding about the need for protein in our bodies, especially within the world of competetive sports. Many believe that without large amounts of protein we can't be strong, we can't build muscle. Raw athletes are proving that a vegan diet not only supplies enough energy to sustain the human body during competition, it also allows them to many times outperform competitors who are half their age.
Who Would Win Read more: Take the Time Tuesday: Raw Athletes
Wow, who knew so much work goes into meeting up with people all across the country ! It's going to all be worth it, though, to meet so many of you!! Below are the definite meetups happening. There are more being planned that we'll share once things are finalized. If you don't see your town/city here, but it's on our list of places we'll be visiting, maybe you'd like to help us put together a little gathering If so, just let us know! We'll be updating later next week with a more finalized plan for the trip and various meetups taking place. Read more: Meetups Across the Country: Want to Meet Wendi in Your Town/City?
Jim here... Today is April 25, 2009 -- Wendi Dee's Birthday!!? She's asleep now. It's 1:30 in the morning & I've been up for hours assembling something stunningly amazing to share with you. You see, this year, I asked some friends, family, and foodies to take a page of a sketchbook and offer Wendi some Happy Birthday wishes -- and then send it back to me so I could bind it all into a large book!? WOW!!! WOW!!! WOW!!! Check out the response from 40+ people from around the globe. It's a little overwhelming to see this much positive energy in one place. What a momentous day she's in for in another 5 hours or so when she gets up and is greeted by such a surprise! If you'd like to say Happy Birthday, just leave a comment here! Thanks to everyone! Clarifications: (1) Yes, as some of you may have guessed, Wendi's body has circled the sun more than 25 times. If you visit the site, I explain what the "25th" birthday means a little more. It's basically about the amazing power of raw foods. (2) No, I didn't send messages to David Wolfe, Gabriel Cousens, Woody Harrelson, or other raw food celebrities Wendi isn't friends with. However, if they are huge fans of Wendi's, they are more than welcome to contribute via email or comments! LOL ;-) Original CommentsBelow, we have included the original comments from this blog post. Additional comments may be made via Facebook, below. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy 25th Birthday Gypsy!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday Wendi.............wishing you al the happiness your heart can hold, on this special day of birth and always...........you inspire so many!!!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote: wishing much peace, love and joy to you on this special day... Happy Birthday, Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday, Miss Wendi Dee! I hope your day is a joyous as ever. ;) On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Very, very Happiest of Birthdays, Dearest Wendi. You give so much of your essence and touch many souls. I wish you a day that is beyond beautiful and filled with joy and blessings as you embark on another wonderful adventure around the sun. And love LOVE love abound...always. xo On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday lovely lady!!! I'm sure you'll be glowing all day! :) On April 25, 2009, wrote: Seesmic video reply from Disqus. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
That is the best present ever! On April 25, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday Wendi. Thank you for being such a light in the world. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Hey Girl! Happy, happy day to you and thank you Jim for inviting Bo and I to be a part of this special day! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday Wendi GIRL!!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Have a wonderful amazing Day of Incarnation, the sweetness of your eternal spirit always shows! On April 25, 2009, wrote: I'm glad to know Wendi's birthday was as special as she and her family are. And I love the phrase "Wendi s body has circled the sun more than 25 times." I'm gonna try to remember that one for birthdays!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Not even having met you, Wendi, I can always feel your love for others online. Thank you so much for all you do for others. You are a true jewel in this world!! On April 25, 2009, wrote:
May this be the beginning of the happiest birthdays of your life. On April 25, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday, Wendi!! On April 26, 2009, wrote: Happy Birthday, Wendi! Thanks for all the gifts you've given us!! XOXOXOX On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Hi Wendi ~ I'm sending HUGE birthday wishes all the way from Washington State! I hope you have a wonderful day! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi have a blessed day as you have so blessed others.Because you have sown so On April 26, 2009, wrote: let your light shine and radiate in every nook and corner of our beloved planet and beyond, and let me whisper happy birthday in your ears,thank you for being here On April 26, 2009, wrote: Happy Happy Birthday Wendi!!!! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Happy, happy, happy birthday Wendi Dee! On April 26, 2009, wrote:
One happy birthday is never enough, here is another one :) <3 On April 26, 2009, wrote:
Wendi, On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Happy Birthday beautiful Wendi!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Ulol, my love!!! *blows kisses* On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you so very much, Mary!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Sheryl! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Carlos!! Thanks for being a special part of my birthday gift, and for saying Happy Birthday to me on your blog, too! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, WendiLou!!! It was The BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Blaq Berry!!! You are always so loving to me. *hugs* Thanks for your sweet comment. :-) Thanks for being such a special part of my birthday gift! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
I've been glowing all weekend, Rawbin!! It was THE BEST birthday EVER!! It lasted all weekend and continues through today as I read and respond to all of the love-filled comments that have been shared with me. :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
My first video reply on the blog!!! I LOVE IT! I LOVE YOU!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
It really IS the BEST PRESENT EVER!!! Jim says he's screwed for next year--no way to top this one! ;-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Elizabeth! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Melissa! Thanks for making my birthday celebration continue through Sunday, also! You are such a dear friend to me. On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thank you, Revvell and Bo!! I LOVE that you were both a part of my gift! It has been THE BEST birthday EVER! It's one I'll NEVER forget! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, P. Lis!! Thanks for being a part of my gift, also. Jim said he was impressed with your artwork--he hasn't seen your paintings, yet, I told him! You are truly gifted! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Jill! Thanks for such a sweet comment. It was THE BEST birthday EVER! I can't even imagine a better one in another incarnation! :-) On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Oh, it WAS!! It was so very special Allison!! Thanks for being a part of my gift! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Jenny! You are very welcome--I love helping others. On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Fatima! This was definitely the happiest and BEST birthday, ever!! Thanks so much! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, R_Eli! I had a fabulous birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Jacki! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
More birthday wishes from Debbie! Thanks so much!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Diane! It was surely a blessed day for me! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Anasha! Thanks so much for your beautiful birthday wish!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Vebanmimi! I had a wonderful day!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Sheila! Thanks so much! I had the BEST birthday EVER!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks for all of the birthday wishes, Joanna! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks, Dianne! It was a fantastic birthday!! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
Thanks so much, Tina, for your sweet comment! On April 27, 2009, wrote:
The pleasure was all mine, I hope you pass that Birthday love down to all the future generations.. are you listening Kat ?? On April 29, 2009, wrote: You're very welcome. It was our pleasure and what a GREAT idea Jim had! I'm posting this at the end of a busy day, but let's see what I can call fun in just an ordinary day. It was fun singing at the top of my lungs with KDcat in the car today--both of us over exaggerating the vocals and giggling a lot.
The new Vitamix container arrived within two days (they knew we were hard core Vitamix users and put the container in the mail the day we ordered it to replace the broken one). So, what was the first thing we made in our shiny new container (after washing it, of course)? A DELICIOUS coconut smoothie!
Jim here... Happy Sunday morning, everyone!? We don't normally post on weekends, but we're sharing this video as a special gift for my mom on Mother's Day.As Wendi likes to say, "Every day is mother's day!"? But, I do like to do something a little special for my own wonderful mom. So, check out this video of a recipe Wendi (mostly) and I created for her. If you remember my reaction to the soup we made recently, it may not surprise you to hear me say that this sauce is the "best #$%^&*^%! sauce I've ever tasted!"
We're typing up and formatting this recipe for Pure Jeevan family members (you know, those who subscribe to our mail list). So, once it's ready, we'll be adding it to the queue of mailings we sent out to keep everyone inspired. This recipe is a keeper!
For some odd reason, I've had the privilege of "doing Thanksgiving" with a lot of different friends and families over the years. Because of this, and of course just from talking with others and reading things others have posted, I'm fairly certain that Thanksgiving means different things to different people.For some, it's their favorite annual holiday and fills them with joyous memories of Thanksgivings past and incredible anticipation of Thanksgivings to come. Some historian friends of mine seem fascinated by the historical aspects of the holiday -- the whole story of the pilgrims, etc. On the other end of the spectrum, I've actually encountered a few people who take offense at the very idea of this holiday (and they've got some convincing reasons to protest the wider celebrations)! While all holidays are certainly "food-centric" by tradition, it's arguable that no other holiday (at least here in America) can match Thanksgiving's reputation in terms of feasting. It's kind of funny when you think about it because many holidays (or, "holy days") are actually traditionally observed by abstaining from food. So, there are fasts, and feasts. I think the majority view, based on my own sampling of various friend and family traditions, seems to be: It's mostly about having a huge meal. Yes, there is certainly an undercurrent of being thankful out there. A few families I've been with have had traditional, almost ceremonial, activities that went along with the meal (e.g., going around the room, taking turns stating what you're grateful for). |