something in the water

I love my KOR water bottle, chosen over a SIGG because it is dishwasher safe.  And as a bonus, finding "KOR stones" inside only increased my love.  The stones are actually a selection of messages  on paper cleverly designed to fit into the inside of the lid.  Everytime you open it to take a sip, you get a "reminder of what motivates you" such as "LAUGH OFTEN," "NEVER SETTLE" and  "NOW IS THE TIME" which, of course, is the one I chose.

Does the World need another t-shirt?

This is a question that runs through my mind often. No, I think, the world doesn't. And that's what I use to justify my stuckness, the denial of what calls me. Because, the truth is, I love t-shirts. I might go as far as saying I'm passionate about them. I love that they are a simple, pervasive, universal garment that can be used as a means of self-expression. And, when designed and worn right, can be downright stylish. And just about everyone can afford one, so they are a fashion equalizer.

I felt this way when I started the be line. And I feel this way now as I work on ideas for the beU bookstore.

My sister introduced me to this quote which is one of the most profound ideas I've ever contemplated:

"Don't ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and go do it. Because what this world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman

Designing t-shirts that express the rootsy, soulful voice of spirit is what makes me come alive. So be it.

NEW! the beU bookstore

because every campus needs a bookstore...
at beU, everything is designed to support and inspire you to be and just to feel good.

Like this "I want to live a life of light" t-shirt - perfect for summer, don't you think? You can see this and more here.

Ria Ray

I love the look of these uplifting products, lip balm and "mantra ties," from artist and healer Ria Ray.

Thought manifests as word.
Word manifests as deed.
Deed develops into habit.
And habit hardens into character.

So watch the thought and its ways with care.
And let it spring from love
Born out of concern for all beings.

The Buddha (563?-483? B.C.E.)
Siddhartha Gautama
Indian philosopher and founder of Buddhism
whose birthday is celebrated in East Asia today

"We not Me" print by Christopher Cox at changethethought.com
quote via New Spirituality Network

I am not endorsing, merely reporting this product, Rescue Remedy, that claims to be "your inner calm, on call." Made of all natural ingredients including various flower essences, it comes in drops that can be added to water or a spray. Created over 60 years ago, the website says it has "centering energy and is now relied upon by people around the world to provide unconditional support during demanding times." What interests me the most is that this type of product is now showing up in magazines such as Harpers Bazaar, which is where I found it. Since my inner calm is available to me (if I choose to access it) at all times, but not shiny minty lips, I am more likely to pick up Cover Girl's new AmazeMint lip gloss than this, but I know that many people receive benefit from holistic remedies and would love to hear from anyone who has tried it.

I've got a thing for hearts...

so I would like this pillow even if it didn't have a "sophisticated micro-computer that sends out soothing vibrations timed to a heart in deep meditation for a peaceful and relaxing experience that makes you more in tune with your own beating heart." I saw these in the Uncommon Goods catalog. They are designed by artist Yury Gitman who says "so rarely does our culture ask us to stop, pause and reflect. We use our talents to create a world of distractions and diversions for ourselves. I challenged myself to make something hi-tech and cool that calms people down and even encourages us to be more aware of our surroundings and ourselves."

It's called "my beating heart" and here's their website.

Intention Powered Products

There is another brand of bottled water on the market called "H2Om: Water with Intention." According to their website, the water is infused with three different vibrational and energetic frequencies. The first is the vibrational frequency of the label which has words such as love, perfect health, gratitude and prosperity on it as well as meaningful symbols and colors. The second is the infusion of sound and music and "the final energetic frequency is the power of thought. Your ability to connect to the water, create your own intention, and literally, 'Drink' the vibration inspired and supported by the words on the label. This not only reverberates in your body, but out into the world as well" says the company. This is all related to the work of Masaru Emoto who I wrote about in a previous post (see Water for Thought below).

Another new product on the market is "Intentional Chocolate." Their website says "Intentional Chocolate is embedded with the following intention: Whoever consumes this chocolate will manifest optimal health and functioning at physical, emotional and mental levels, and in particular will enjoy an increased sense of energy, vigor and well-being. The new "ingredient" in Intentional Chocolate is not a conventional nutrient, but rather the focused benevolent intentions of highly experienced meditators. It is the first of a new line of food products designed to provide sensory delight, exceptional nutrition, and a novel, scientifically demonstrated form of “intentional nutrition.”

The chocolate is "Hawaiian vintage chocolate" and the people adding the intention ingredient are Buddhist monks. 10% of net proceeds are being donated to the Deer Park Buddhist Center and Monastery. “We want to support the Dalai Lama’s vision of creating a center at Deer Park to facilitate dialogue between Eastern and Western disciplines" the company says.

If you're thinking this is a bunch of hooey, I'm sure you're not alone. I happen to believe in the power of intention and the influence it has on everything we experience, including food. But I also believe that I could infuse my own bottle of water with my thoughts and focused intentions. In fact, the tradition of saying grace before a meal serves a similar purpose - we bless and appreciate the food we are about to eat, relating to it in a conscious way that allows it to nourish us on many levels.

I also believe that for decades it has been easy for people to classify things like this as hokey, mystical, new agey spiritual nonsense. They can put it in a box and keep it at a safe distance. Even I am uncomfortable using much of the language and expressions of spirituality made manifest. My key motivator in designing the be line is to develop a brand that embodies the essence of a mindful lifestyle in a different way - a personal, simple modern way while being very careful not to make spirit a commodity (which it could never be). I think that we should all recognize, however, that these products are indicators of a new social and cultural movement that approaches life holistically. That means body, mind and spirit are acknowledged and nurtured. The spirit, I'm happy to believe, is coming out of the box.