☼  When you visit pages such as Groups, Videos, Books, or Quotes, a certain portion of the navigation remains up top, in a slim purple strip below the main banner. We'll be bringing that down into the sidebar navigation presently; for now, hopefully it'll just serve as a reminder of where we once were. 

☼ The Groups pages and layout will be getting their own special release later this Fall, so it won't be long before they too have a new design that's as pretty and user-friendly as the rest of the site. (The same goes for Videos and Quotes, but I, personally, am most excited about the Groups have the most to gain. Videos are great but discussions have that collaborative aspect... )

☼  Despite the new three-column set up and the left-hand navigation, the general layout for most interior pages hasn't changed much (one step at a time, as my father still reminds me), so you shouldn't have any trouble finding content within each 'section.' (Your Grapevine and Activity Feed and Friends Status widgets now live on the left-hand, rather than the right-hand, side of your Profile; just scroll down slightly.)

Hello Gaia.

Jessica here :)

Ooh! What a time it's been here at Gaia! And, I feel so lucky because I get to tell you about community goings-on and what your neighbors are up to. (Right over in the next profile!)

In very exciting Group news, John, a wonderful Gaia Ambassador, started a Group called the Teachers’ Spectrum. It’s for those who consider themselves to be teachers at school, in life, at home or anywhere. And of course, there are many of you on Gaia. It’s a perfect place to get feedback and ideas on the art of teaching.

Speaking of helping others, recently, I came across a beautifully sweet new Group called Care Packages. The purpose of this Group is to exchange positive messages and good cheer. It’s a place to visit if you need a virtual hug. It’s also a place where you can share your warmth and support with members going through difficult times. It made me smile when I was feeling a bit down. And, I think it’s a wonderful expression of community. If you think so too, please stop by and enjoy the love. Sylvia started this Group and she’s so big-hearted.

I know many of you are out there creating fantastic, gorgeous groups and if you need help spreading the word or getting started, just visit the Mod Pod, aka the member created Gaia Groups Community, to get tips and chat with other moderators on Gaia. It's an incredible resource.

Also, I want to tell you about a few of the amazing artists here. They're out in the world serving with inspiration and beauty.

I am so happy I found CosmicDahl aka. Jessica. (Her name is my name too ;) She’s been part of this community for a long time and just started a publishing company called Kiba Kiba in August. She uses children’s artwork for all of the illustration and donates all of those illustration proceeds to non-profit organizations through her foundation. Really! She works with children to create the art for her books, giving them the chance to take part and make something meaningful. So check her out and offer some morale support. She’s out there living her passion, making vibrant, positive books with the good of the world in mind.

Tiffany, and Julie (the Smokin’Yogi), two generous Gaia members, are creators themselves, but also spend time trying to help aspiring artists. They are hosting a contest called Manure for the Garden, specifically for writers and filmmakers with work focusing on overcoming challenges and turning difficulties into positive learning experiences. I love that. I deeply appreciate people who can take something painful or unhappy and find growth like lotuses in the muck :) The deadline for entries is Oct. 17th so you still have a few days to reach out and share your work.

Thank you all for sharing your extraordinary, creative selves on Gaia. It's such an incredible privilege to learn about your projects and hearts and connect.




Please let me know if you have an inspiring story to share: jessica (at) gaia (dot) com.

◊ First, have you seen Gay and Katie's recent article in the Huffington Post? (You'll likely remember them both from our Teleseminar on Conscious Relationships this spring, and, perhaps, as the hearts and minds behind our Gaia Illumination University.)  They co-wrote a beautiful piece about the personal relationships of one of our presidential candidates, and I love the issues of transparency and integrity it raises. It's an unusual take, but a unique one, and their positive approach is a treat. 

Hello Lovely People!

Jessica here :)

I’m about bursting with wonderful news this week and hardly know where to begin!

Well, how about the new shiny tech updates from Gaia's genius dev team? They are working hard as always to make Gaia spotless and beautiful. A few highlights and changes you’ll see with our next release:

       ◊ New de-bugged sign-up with captcha (you know, the “type this word in the 
          box") to guard against Gaia spammers and help new members join.
       ◊ Cleaner adding of authors on a quote.
       ◊ Updated use of cache on books page, so all parts appear and it looks loverly.
       ◊ When logging out, you will be directed back to the Explore page.
       ◊ Lists restored on My Books page. You can add to your bookshelves!
       ◊ Friend invites will stand out more in your mailbox, so it’s easier to connect.

Thank you dev team!

Now, I have special news that makes my heart all warm and glowy. Two long-time Gaia members just got engaged! Sigh, I love Love.

Earon does healing bodywork and he’s a Gaia Ambassador, so of course he loves helping others. He volunteers with several non-profits. Martha, his new fiancé, happens to be the founder of a non-profit that gains exposure for documentary films to inspire global understanding. That's why the two were in China when they decided to bring their precious lives together! Although they met before they joined Gaia, both know this community helped them grow and deepen their connection. Please stop by and congratulate the beautiful couple.

Speaking of congratulations, Corrina, another loving Gaian, just welcomed a new little granddaughter into her life. The blog and photos are so irresistible. I had to share them. I felt particularly drawn to this story because wee Holly May came into the world on my own birthday, October 7th! She's so cute :)



As for birthdays, October is a full month for the Gaia Team. Wednesday, the 22nd was Matthew’s birthday! He’s always there for support issues, kindness and works his coding magic on the dev team too! He has been here since the beginning of this extraordinary community, blessing us with his compassion, humor and love.

What's more? Siona’s birthday is on Monday October 27th! She is the (tall) bundle of luminous love at Gaia’s helm. Siona is such a gift. She strives to give all she can to the world and her big heart is a beacon. I don’t know what we’d do without her! I am grateful for her endlessly abundant spirit. We should all do the Q&R as her birthday present, because she loves it so.

So, please send good birthday wishes for Matthew and Siona. They bring so much brilliance and fuzziness to Gaia, both big and small. And, they love you to bits.

See? What a week! There’s one more story to mention. Do you like smiling? John, author, talk show host, and dedicated Gaian, has a radio show in New Zealand and uploaded his interviews for all to enjoy. This one features fellow Gaia member, Elan Sun Star! It’s about how our smiles make a difference. So, please check it out. I know we can’t always be rosy, but I find smiling brightens my mood when I’m down. When I’m up, it allows me to share my joy.  John and Elan have so much insight to share to help us better appreciate the magic of smiles.

Thank you Gaia people. You are beautiful. I feel so lucky to share just a glimpse of these magical moments with you. It certainly makes me smile. What does it for you?


Please let me know if you have an inspiring story to share: jessica (at) gaia (dot) com.

Hello Lovelies!

Jessica here.

Oooooh! It's Halloween here on Gaia, a time of pumpkiny goodness, candy, costumes and magic. And, I love that many of us are celebrating. ;)

In honor of Halloween and all that is festive, I would like to introduce the Play Pod, a fantastically fun Group dedicated to celebrating and bringing out the child within. They are having a Halloween blog fiesta thanks to our brilliant Ambassador Mamakat. If you like wonder, parties, joy, tastiness, laughter and celebration, come on by for a visit:)

What's more, today Questions and Reflections is themed for Halloween. Gaia wants to know:

What would it take for someone to be you for Halloween?

A wig? Top hat? Gold overalls? Antennae? Or maybe just a smile and introspective glow? I think it's a very interesting question about what identifies us. For me, they would need to have curly hair, silliness and a habit of hugging almost everyone they meet. What about you?

And, we all know that Halloween is also about knocking on doors for sweets and treats. You may think you're too old, but it's never too late to go trick-or-treating on Gaia ;) Just visit the Grapevines and blogs of all your Gaia friends and trick-or-treat them. You can just type "Trick-or-Treat" in their Grapevine and see what you get back. Or you can give them a treat first.  I am sure we all have  goodies to share. We may not have candy, but we have wise words, imaginations and virtual hugs. Let's see what we can all get in our "bags" by the end of the weekend. What kind of treats do you have for your fellow Gaians?

I love Halloween blogs. Keeping the spirit alive and taking time to have fun, here are just a few of the Halloween parties going on at Gaia. You are all invited :)