What Do Handmade Soap, Recycled Tires, And Yoga Have In Common With Coca Cola And Walmart?

A shift is now taking place in the way we live that is affecting us all. It asks us to reconsider what our priorities are, who we want to share our life with, what we can do without, and what is really important and meaningful to us. As a result of our current recession, we are all going through such a time. "If my self worth is as good as my stock worth and I just saw my stock portfolio drop 60%, then does my self worth also drop 60%?" Ted Ning, Director of LOHAS, said to us. "But is this what I want?"

Although difficult times can be challenging, such challenges can also bring great rewards. For instance, in England during World War 11, children -- such as Deb's mother -- were shipped out of the cities to be cared for by those living in the countryside. Community spirit was at its highest, with families all helping each other, sharing rations, and caring for their neighbors. This sense of community was lost when life returned to its normal 'keeping up with Jones's.'

Individually, we can be very uncomfortable with the unknown. And right now we are all facing a huge unknown such as, what will happen to our mortgages, our pensions, or our local food stores? Such a challenge does not apply to just the individual, but also to businesses.

LOHAS means Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, and brings together businesses and consumers from every area, to focus on health and fitness, the environment, personal development, sustainable living, and social justice. For 13 years it has had top-level business leaders from multinational corporations, mid-sized companies, entrepreneurs, as well as celebrities and executives of non-profit organizations active in the areas of health and wellness products, sustainable business and social consciousness.

We were speakers at the last LOHAS Conference. It was an eclectic gathering of fascinating people, including Ed Begley Jr., and Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks; enthused teenage girls talked about their honey company, Hives for Lives; while Endangered Species Chocolate filled us with acres of rainforest-flavored chocolate. This year, however, given the recession, the conference (June 17-19) will be of extra-special importance.

Although many businesses are now failing all around us, it is also a time for reinvention, a chance for us all to rise from the ashes. The old paradigms are no longer working, such as banking and the economy, so it is a time to reevaluate how we interact with each other. During the War, when cash was short, consumers had to get creative. Apart from growing more of their own food, they would exchange nylon stockings for cigarettes or butter and cheese. Perhaps we have to do something similar, such as what we are seeing in the news about the rise of local currencies.

Generally speaking, businesses are about selling things, whether it is a service or a commodity. But now consumers are buying less: what they need rather than what they want, such as toilet paper versus a new grill. So at the upcoming Conference, LOHAS is asking businesses what this means. Does it work to have a Starbucks on every street corner, whether for the consumer or for Starbucks? No. So what does Starbucks do?

They will be at the conference to share what they are doing and to discuss this with other businesses, such as recycling, health spas, yoga, purified water and handmade soap companies. The same with Coca Cola and Wal-mart. They are there to say, "We don't have all the answers. What do you have to help us? And how can we help you? We may not speak the same language but we are all involved in the change that is now taking place."

LOHAS is a meeting of minds. It encapsulates many different aspects of business and gives the participants a chance to network, share, and bounce off each other. Panels and discussions will revolve around issues such as reinvention, sustainability, and igniting inspiration. There will be cutting edge discussions with thought leaders and trendsetters, such as international yoga teacher Rodney Yee, Wade Davies from National Geographic, and Andrew Cohen, editor-in-chief of EnlightenNext.

It looks like it will be a fabulous event. We will be there to enter into the discussion, June 17-19, in Boulder, Colorado. Come join us!

How are you coping with the changes? Do leave us a comment. You can receive notice of our blogs every Thursday by checking Become a Fan at the top.

***

Ed and Deb Shapiro's new book, BE THE CHANGE, How Meditation Can Transform You And The World, Forewords by the Dalai Lama and Robert Thurman, with contributors such as Marianne Williamson, Michael Beckwith, Jon Kabat-Zinn, Jane Fonda, Jack Kornfield, Byron Katie, Ed Begley Jr., Ellen Burstyn, astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Russell Bishop, Dean Ornish, Andrew Cohen, Dan Millman and others, will be published November 3rd 2009 by Sterling Ethos. Deb is the author of the award-winning book YOUR BODY SPEAKS YOUR MIND. Ed and Deb are the authors of over 15 books, and lead meditation retreats and workshops. They are corporate consultants, and the creators of Chillout daily inspirational text messages on Sprint cell phones. See: www.EdandDebShapiro.com.

Comments

[horsewoman]

Hi Ed and Deb

so now it is time to get back to really what is of value in our lives fellowship friends and family and not worry about finances etc

[RadicalRepublican]

Hi Ed and Deb,

Last Week my 26 year-old step-daughter, her partner and their son moved in with me and my wife. They're down to one job and lost their previous living arangements. It's an adjustment. I've gotten used to a tranquil home and now there's plenty ov activiity and attitude. To my thinking, family should always have a place to go as long as one member has a home. I'll be happy when they can get their own place again, but for now, I get to enjoy my grandson and also get to work on my patience with the adults.

With love,
RR

[superfrog]

Durring times like these when there is so much suffering in the world. We can all benefit by being more kind, caring, loving, patient, helpful, tolerant, generous, forgiving, respectful, comforting, and compassionate.

Thanks, Ed and Deb for another wonderful article.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

superfrog- It's people like you that make this world a better place- I chose you as

a fan of this user & a favorite

Let us continue - as the Dalai Lama often says- my relgion is kindness

May all people be happy,

Joyfully,

Ed

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Superfrog,
These are intentions to live by. What a beautiful consciousness you share with all of us.

Blessings,
Eli Davidson

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

* Eli *

Takes one to know one

[MrsManarlican]

Hi Ed and Deb, wonderful article yet again! My generation, the Millenials, have been confronted with and often struggle against the shallowness and spiritual vacuum that is consumerism, as well as our parents' example of keeping up with the Joneses. We find dead ends and disappointments when we follow these examples of only fulfilling our momentary wants and hiding our inner, true, needs. It is encouraging to hear of business who formerly had a bad rap for their practices attempting to do something better and bigger than their bottom lines. When we turn away from the material, from the want and instead focus on the spiritual, the need, we see the divine in ourselves and open our hearts to compassion for others. I am learning, step by step...

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

MrsManarlican- Thank you for your comment- which is sensitive and sensible-

I am recommending that people read your message/comment with an open heart and compassion

May all people be happy and enjoy this wonderful world,

We all can make a difference,

Ed

[AndiG]

THESE TIMES...TH­EY ARE 'A CHANGING!!!
How we can participate in these changes? A question we each need to ask ourselves.­..it's time to prioritize and look at what we really value at a deep level.
Thanks, Ed & Deb, for another thought provoking blog!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi AndiG-- great to hear from you-

Your input is always special-

Your comment is very true-

it's time to prioritize and look at what we really value at a deep level.

Love,

Ed

[livinlife]

You are right on in this on so many points.
Is you self worth in life the value of your stock portfolio?
Do you need the name brand clothes?
Do you need the fancy cars?
How much is enough?
With all the hurt and pain that this "time" is inflicting on mankind, is it karma and time for all of us to rethink our lives and perceptions?
Thank you for your article, I hope a lot of people read it.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Barry-ji livindalife- You are sooo intelligent - probably because you are my dear friend and love attracts love- Ommmmmm

Your comment is spot on and so I will highlight it!-

You are right on in this on so many points.
Is you self worth in life the value of your stock portfolio?
Do you need the name brand clothes?
Do you need the fancy cars?
How much is enough?
With all the hurt and pain that this "time" is inflicting on mankind, is it karma and time for all of us to rethink our lives and perceptions?
Thank you for your article, I hope a lot of people read it.

Love ya,
Ed

[JamesOctopus]

Wal-Mart is evil. End of story.

Also, Coca-Cola has a record of some pretty shady dealings in third world countries where it has facilities, including alleged hiring of hitmen to assassinate union organizers and leaders.

Tying the good things you mentioned to them is like tying a cute fluffy kitten to a rotting human corpse.

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

JamesOctopus- Thanks for your comment- I really hear you-

But - better to get to know and talk with your enemies than to fight them

Cheers,

Ed

[EnterBeing]

The one constant in life is the continual process of change. The ups and downs, the good times and adversity are at the core of our existence. And yet, we human beings tend to live in defiance of this (unchanging) law of change and when things go in a direction we do not like, aversion, fear, anger, even hatred sets in and our suffering intensifies. Fear and suffering are contagious. When individuals or groups of individuals are suffering the tendency is to spread it around, share it with others. The media in this modern age plays a large part in spreading fear and panic.

Your article about the meetings of enlightened minds in Denver (LOHAS) is inspiring and exactly the kind of positive news we need to hear more about in the mainstream media. Transformation to a better world is possible but it begins with the transformation of individual hearts and minds. Just as suffering is contagious, transformation can also be contagious. The more we hear about this growing enlightened world view, the more inclined we become to find out how we can change the habit patterns of our own mind, root out our own anger, hatred, animosity and ill-will and develop awareness and insight into the true nature of things. This is when true compassion and wisdom arises and individuals reach out to eachother. Thank you so much for the work you do, and the positive, inspiring messages in your writing.
With metta,
Robert

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Robert- Your comment is spot on

The one constant in life is the continual process of change. The ups and downs, the good times and adversity are at the core of our existence. And yet, we human beings tend to live in defiance of this (unchanging) law of change and when things go in a direction we do not like, aversion, fear, anger, even hatred sets in and our suffering intensifies. Fear and suffering are contagious. When individuals or groups of individuals are suffering the tendency is to spread it around, share it with others. The media in this modern age plays a large part in spreading fear and panic.

Your article about the meetings of enlightened minds in Denver (LOHAS) is inspiring and exactly the kind of positive news we need to hear more about in the mainstream media. Transformation to a better world is possible but it begins with the transformation of individual hearts and minds. Just as suffering is contagious, transformation can also be contagious. The more we hear about this growing enlightened world view, the more inclined we become to find out how we can change the habit patterns of our own mind, root out our own anger, hatred, animosity and ill-will and develop awareness and insight into the true nature of things. This is when true compassion and wisdom arises and individuals reach out to each other.
Joyfully In the dharma,

Ed

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Robert- I chose you as favorite and as a fan- whta you wrote is really great so I wanted to say it again- hoping viewers would take it in and enjoy it as much as i have!

Many tashi delegs

Ed

[Lizzypie]

Brilliant!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Lizzypie- Great to hear from you

Great timimg- LOHAS is brilliant and doing important work

Thank you!

Ed

[Kari Henley - Huffpost Blogger]

What a great conference- in a great town!
Be the Change is your motto,and your creed.
Love to hear Walmart and yoga guru's will be hanging out in the same space seeking pathways to a better world together.
Keep us posted of all the great happenings!
Wish I could come!
I love the part about how communities come together when times are tough, and the need to keep up with the Jones' just doesn't matter.

Great job!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Classy Kari- It is always a delight & a joy to hear from you my cyber-sistah-

It will be quite a great opportunity to have so many diverse minds and hearts come together- come join us
There is so much to learn and so many changes that hopefully we will experience in order to grow into a unified interconnected society
Life is a great gift and we all have the chance to be part of the transformation that can serve us all with dignity, respect and love,

Yes we can!

Ed

[Jonahson]

Great!

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Jonahson- you always surprise me- Your comments are wisdom personified --I always am prepared for a wonderful teaching- It feels so good to receive a

Great

couldn't have said it at a better time because you are right

LOHAS is just that

Joy to you,

Ed

[RoadCrossingChicken]

Sometimes my mind goes to strange places... Do you ever wonder why visitors for outer space always manage to avoid NASA???
Do you ever wonder what a being from another planet might think of us if their first contact was with some of the following meetings:

...an advertising company working up a plan to sell male "enhancement"
...televis­ion production company thinking up a new CSI or Law and Order spin-off
...militar­y big wigs working up the latest strategy
...the equivalent of any congressional body on earth
...LOHAS

Now, what kind of report would they send to their "leaders" about the kind of beings we are...????

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

RoadCrossi­ngChicken-

Is thsi a quiz ?? Well imagine if an alien met GeorgeBush­/DickChene­y/CarlRove when they entered our airspace ??

Remember the difference between a madman and a Yogi is- The yogi knows they are mad

It's always great to hera from you RCC

You hav a great sense of humor- a quality necessary to truly enjoy this wonderful life,

Ed

[RoadCrossingChicken]

I am very thankful that there are organizations such as LOHAS out there looking out for both the consumer and the businesses who supply us with goods.

It sounds like this encourage trust in consumers and inspire people with good ideas "to go for it".

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Ed and Deb,
I am seeing this trend in my executive coaching practice. When a company is intent on solving a problem with a WIN WIN WIN solution everyone benefits.

One example is HOME TENDING. I have a client in Austin, Texas doing this brilliant venture. She stages a home with her furniture and lives there for a reduced rate. The homeowner has a great tenant and doesn't have a vacant home. The realtor can sell the house more quickly.

This is a start up taking off. Why? It benefits homeowners whose homes are sitting empty. It benefits those in need of affordable housing. It benefits the realtor selling the home. More businesses need to Solve Problems- not create them!

BRAVO!
Eli Davidson

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Eli - YOU ROCK-

Love your story- it is so caring

We all need to be caring and kinder- life will evolve into what it is meant to be

A LOVING HOME

Hugs and kisses,

Ed & Deb

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

YOU!!! ARE THE BEST!!!

[Janice Taylor - Huffpost Blogger]

Dear Ed and Deb,

You walk the talk...
you are the change...
and always for the greater good.

Proud to be your friend.

Spread the LOHAS ... NOT the icing!
Janice

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Amazing Grace in the form of Janice,

Your photo just oooozes love and joy-

love your poetry

we are all servants of the greater good- welcome aboard-
Honored to be your friend,

Much love -

Ed

[Eli Davidson - Huffpost Blogger]

Dearest Deb and Ed,
I am seeing EXACTLY what you are talking about in my executive coaching practice! One huge key in bridging the gap of sustainability and profitability is "How Can I Solve A Problem." The more widespread the pain point the more potential for the business model to work.

I have a stylish client in Austin, Texas who was laid off. She needed an affordable place to live. Looking around she saw that there were many vacant homes. This brilliant woman got into a HOME TENDING business. It created a WiN WIN WIN. She got a great home that she furnished with her fab furniture. The homeowner got a great tenant to help offset the mortgage payment. The realtor had a better looking house to sell. (The first house she tended had been on the market for 9 months. It sold in one month.)

[Ed and Deb Shapiro - Huffpost Blogger]

Hi Sweet Lovable Eli- It's always a treat when you pop up on our blog- Thanks for sharing your wisdom

Deb and I were corporate coaches for a major corporation and the personal coach to the President- We were able to bring meditation into the boardroom with the CEO's and other of our skills.

I love love your story- I hope everyone reads it! It is special

Love,

Ed