Gaia Community: Gaia Team's Blog

Friday Five in the Kitchen!

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:48:02 GMT

Hello Beauties,

So, I love cooking. I love beautiful kitchens. I adore good spatulas and croon over parchment paper. I attended at a small vegan chef training program before I began working for Gaia and have taught many cooking classes over the years. We all have to eat, some of us like to cook, and some of us like to un-cook and eat raw. Thus, this week's Friday Five is about the kitchen and eating. We're getting all ready for Thanksgiving.

Ready...

1) What is you favorite utensil?

2) Do you like non-stick pans?

3) Have you ever made your own waffles or pancakes? (or do you like a simple cereal?)

4) Do you use/ like cloth napkins, no napkins, paper, towels, or jeans? (it's okay either way ;)

5) What are you having for lunch, if you're not having lunch, then what's your favorite food? (or you can answer both)

Join in the fun and let us know :)

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Friday Five, Kitchen, Food

Scholarship News! Winners, Updates & Dreams

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:33:24 GMT

Hello Gaians of Loveliness!

I'm here to announce, not only the winners of our most recent scholarship, but our next scholarship, co-sponsored by the wonderful publication Spirituality & Health. I know a lot of you have been waiting on this announcement for a long time. We had a few delays, but we're thrilled to share our winners with you. (I promise it's worth the whole read!)

First, here's the big announcement. Our new scholarship, In partnership with Spirituality & Health is focused on making the world a better place and spirituality.

This winter, Spirituality & Health Magazine is partnering with Gaia Community to award two winners $1,000 each to put toward an accredited program, university, holistic school, self-development or spiritual retreat of their choice. If you're dreaming of going back to school--be it for yoga teacher training, a degree in massage therapy, vegan cooking classes or any other program that makes your heart sing--we'd love to support you.

Our questions are simple and profound:

What is your purpose?
What is your personal definition of spirituality?
If you could have one spiritual question answered, what would it be?
What is the role of spirituality in creating a brighter future?

Come share your dreams with us. Anyone who wants to make the world a better place and has a program they'd love to attend or are attending is welcome to apply. Old applicants are welcome too, since we're approaching the new year of 2010.

Now, the winners of our 2009 Scholarship!
All of our finalists were inspiring and it was very difficult to choose, ultimately we employ democratic method and the Gaia team votes. We try to pick unique individuals who are expressing themselves authentically in the world and want to make a difference.

Please say hello and wish them congratulations with us!

First, please meet Ratasha. She's fulfilling her passion at Berklee College for music. Here's a bit of her application:

Question: What is your wish for the world? (25 words or less.) What do you think could help the world most? If you had one wish for everyone, what would it be?
Answer: My one wish for the world is that we remember, remember who we each really are underneath the false layers of identity that we’ve accumulated.

Question: What do you plan to do next to brighten the future of the planet? (250 words.)
Answer: I have attended several meditation retreats this year. They have indeed taught me how to embody all that we truly are. For the last several years I have served humanity as a Teaching Artist, using the arts as a tool for inspiration and education. Last year I was even honored and humbled to receive a “Women Making a Powerful Difference” award from a national magazine. However, my next step is truly my biggest leap, and has taken the most time and effort to reach. At the wonderful age of 30, this September I will become a member of the freshman class of the Berklee College of Music. Over the next several years I will learn how to compose, arrange, and effectively communicate with musicians worldwide. With the universal language of music, I will sing my song of healing, transformation, and unification throughout the globe. The golden cord that ties all of humanity together is so much stronger than the little strings that we allow to unravel and pull us apart. I believe that there is so much power in not only disseminating this message, but in creating experiences that allow people internalize this fact. I know this is what I am called to do… especially as it relates to faith, religion, ethnicity, and culture. This combined with my teaching and workshop facilitation experience will allow me to serve the world in exactly the way I was designed to.

Ratasha also made Gaia a truly kind thank you video and told us a bit about what she's doing with her scholarship. It's about 13 minutes and homemade ;) but worth with time if you have it. It's amazing that we can share in making dreams come true.

Our next winner is Morgen! We had a hard time reaching her at first because she was off in Costa Rica studying Art & Ecology working with the local people there. You can also check out some of her art here. I love this one:

sun cycles

Here's a glimpse of what she had to share:

Question: Why is optimism intelligent? (250 words or less.) Why is it brilliant to be hopeful? What's the benefit of looking on the bright side? How has a positive outlook helped your life?

Answer: Sometimes, hope is all we have...it is something that an outside force can never take away from us...it is entirely in control by our psyche...we choose to harbor it, or ignore it...but it's always there. Most importantly, it produces the freedom for change. When people are hopeful, they energetically generate the possibility to move forward, to live differently. We can't create change if there is no space for it to flourish...staying positive gives us that space. We need the "hopers" to open that door to the other side...a brighter side...that others may have doubted. Striving to stay positive brightens the energy I show myself, and more importantly, others...this brightens their lives, and therefor brightens the world. It is a gift that keeps on giving :)

Question: What do you plan to do next to brighten the future of the planet? (250 words or less.)

Answer: Currently I am pursuing a master's degree in Transformative Arts/Art & Healing at JFK University in California. It is leading me on quite a journey...into my heart. This summer, I will continue this journey as I embark on an adventure to Costa Rica for an Art & Ecology class... With the help of several other students from my school, we will be developing and creating earth-based spiritual workshops and environmental art projects that will invite the community members to come together for a common cause. To read more click here :)

Amazing... We wish these beautiful people the very best as they go out to bring art and beauty into the world. Thank you to all who applied. We had so many brilliant entries and I wish we could have given scholarships to everyone. It was so inspiring to read about the optimism within these beautiful people.

So, come apply for this Autumn's scholarship, dream, strive, and share your passions.

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: scholarship, 2009, winners, Spirituality and Health, dreams, optimism

Friday Five of the True Heart

http://team.gaia.com — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:41:59 GMT

Hello Wonderful People,

We've spent the past few weeks celebrating the Alchemist and we've gotten wonderful responses for our Friday Fives, book giveaways and encouragement for Matthew ;) This week I'm going to reveal a bit about one of the most important lessons the Alchemist offered me. I don't think it's too much of a spoiler, alchemy is, after-all, clearly about transformation and we know that this book is of a spiritual nature.

I have two favorite parts in the Alchemist. The first is the simple image of our hero cleaning delicate crystal in Tangiers. The second is when Santiago, the main character, has a conversation with the deep parts of his hidden heart. Sometimes the voice of our heart is feint because we have listened to other, loud voices for so long and ignored its precious whisper. There are times when I think about how easy it is to get off the right path or lose ourselves in what we "think" seems like the right idea. Our heart always knows the truth. As for me, whenever I try to ignore that little voice, it's only a matter of time until my heart once again proves itself right as the small machinated illusions and structures crumble in the face of the truth that my heart had inside it all along.

So please share with us about the heart in this week's Friday Five :)

1) Do you talk to your own "heart" (conscience, inner voice, true self)?

2) Name one thing that helps clear your mind and heart.

3) Pick three words that describe how you feel when in sync with your heart.

4) Do you think you have strong intuition?
(a simple yes or no is okay, or elaborate as you like ;)

5) Do you feel peaceful while cleanimg dishes like Santiago in the book, or annoyed or just wet?

Let us know....

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Friday Five, Alchemist, Paulo Coelho, Alchemy, Transformation, Heart, Magic, Conscience

Why should Matthew read the Alchemist?

http://team.gaia.com — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 18:53:30 GMT

Hello lovely Gaians!

We need your help.

Most of you beautiful beings know we're celebrating The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's a fable of magic, transformation, growth, miracles and listening to your Heart. I know many of you have read it, since it's been our top book on Gaia as long as there's been a Gaia.

However, can you believe that one of our own Gaia Team members hasn't read this inspiring work?

Matthew, who we all know and love, who clearly believes in True Love, and the miraculous hasn't yet read this literary gem.

Our last Friday Five was about Alchemy, transformation and magic in the world. Matthew's answers nearly humbled me to tears with their authenticity and love. I think reading Coelho's book would inspire him even further on his path towards love and an exceptional life.

So, for those of you who have read the book, for those of you who were touched by it's simple beauty and wonder, for those of you who just think Matthew needs to read more...

Tell us right here in the comments below:

Why do you think Matthew - or anyone else - should read the Alchemist and believe in Alchemy?

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: The Alchemist, Matthew, Alchemy, Transformation, Love, Paulo Coelho

Friday Five of Alchemy

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 20:40:56 GMT

Hello Beautiful Gaians,

Alchemy.

What does it mean? Is it the transformation to lead into gold is it about something more magical, like a broken spirit or lost heart in the dark rising into the sunlight full of understanding and whole. Either way alchemy is a magical process and a journey of the hopeful, of those willing to believe in the miraculous impossible.

Many of you may have read Siona's post about our book giveaway to celebrate the famous book by one of Gaia's favorite authors, Paulo Coelho. It's been on the New York Times Bestseller's list for two years and a Gaia favorite since our launch in 2006. If you haven't read the book yourself, we highly recommend it, but even if you haven't you can share in this week's Friday Five about transformation, journeying, and turning darkness into light.

Please share with us....

1) Do you believe in miracles?

2) Name one place that you have been that has felt magical, brought you peace or comforted you?

3) Name one thing you treasure?

4) In one to five words, name one place, person, event or thing that has felt magical to you or cheered your heart.

5) In less than 10 words, if you had one wish to go to somewhere or be with someone, from any time where would it be or who would you visit? (Go with your instinct :)

Let's open our hearts and explore :)

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Friday Five, Alchemist, Alchemy, Transformation, Miracles, Magic, Paulo Coelho

Celebrating The Alchemist!

http://team.gaia.com — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:37:30 GMT

Beautiful Gaia beings!

2009 marks the second year in a row that The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho's incredible parable on the wisdom of following one's heart, has been on The New York Times Bestseller list.

It's been on our list even longer, as this community launched in 2006 and The Alchemist has been in the 'Our Favorites Books' section since the beginning. And as most of you have likely noticed, Coelho is one of our most oft-quoted authors.

In celebration of this, HarperCollins, the publisher of Coelho's fiction, have given us five of their recently-released paperbacks of this beautiful book to give away on the site.

You can enter your own behalf (if you're one of the rare souls who's not read the book!), or, better yet, submit a nomination for someone else. After all, I'm sure each of you know of someone starting out on a new leg in their life's journey, or needing a little inspiration or encouragement to follow their dreams. And given the number of people who've already had their lives changed by this wonderful novel, chances are it'll end up making an incredible difference for them as well.

To enter, just send an email to books@gaia.com, letting me know why you'd like to win, or why the person you're nominating should receive a copy. We'll choose the winners at the end of the month, so there's plenty of time to enter.

And just to make this more fun, you'll get bonus points if the email comes in the form of a 'Gaia Greeting' with a Coelho quote as the card. To send one, just visit the Coelho quote page here and select one of the short quotes using the "Send as Greeting" button.

We'd love to see this celebration continue through the rest of the month, so we'll be having another fun contest next week. Until then, I'd love to hear your stories about how this book has affected you. When did you first read it? What's your best Alchemist story? If you feel like adding quotes or reviews to the book page on the site, even better.

And I'd almost forgotten about this, but the last time I was flying, a woman sitting two seats over, with a soft voice and long black hair, spent most of the flight reading aloud from the book to a young boy. It was one of the best trips I remember taking. :)

Love,

Siona

Tags: alchemist, paulo coelho, book, raffle, giveaway

Friday Five of Action

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 22:03:10 GMT

Hi Lovlely Gaians :)

We are just finishing up our week long celebration of Blog Action Day! Thank you so much to everyone who participated. If you didn't there's still time! This week we'd like to close with a Friday Five about action and world-changing in general.

Some of us like to change the world around us with a smile, some participate in campaigns or write letters to their representatives, some join organizations or support non-profits, some simply participate by creating a great family and great inspiration for their kids. All of these things make the world a better, more loving place.

Remember, everyone is special and contributes something beautiful in their own way, so there are no right or wrong answers here on Gaia ;) We believe both great and small acts create change.

So share with us...

1) Do you like to act globally, locally, or both?

2) Does a smile from a stranger make your day better?

3) What is your favorite way to cheer someone up?

4) What's one thing we can do for the environment?

5) In one to four words, what's something you'd like to see improve in our society? (education, the environment, more hugs, human rights issues, children's health, etc.)

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Blog Action Day, Climate Change, environment, blogs, action, activism, love

Today is Blog Action Day! Make your voice heard.

http://team.gaia.com — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:57:32 GMT

Hi Gaians!

It's time. Today is Blog Action Day, a virtual, global discussion about climate change and the environment.

You can write anything you like.

You can share a poem, photos or write your ideas about topics like changing weather, smog, the effects of the climate on poverty, animals, food resources, GMOs, wind power or the health of our oceans. Talk about how we can create sustainable solutions or what you think your country can do to reduce emissions.

This dude wrote a song!

The topics are wide open and we want to hear your beautiful ideas, your concerns, and your hopes. To participate, we'd love if you'd blog, but also register your blog with the Blog Action Day site. Gaia is partnering to make a difference through the many voices and wonderful thoughts that live in this online world, this community. We know that Gaians have so much to share.

Please join us and share your thoughts!

Blog Action Day 2009

Perhaps this video may inspire you...

Third planet from the Sun - Blog Action Day 2009

Please join us here on Gaia, register your blog with the Blog Action Day site, and tag a friend to do the same :)

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Blog Action Day, Climate Change, environment, blogs

Friday Five of Blog Action Day!

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:04:35 GMT

Hi Lovely Gaia!

It's Jessica.

So, next Thursday October 15th is Blog Action Day, but we like to spread it out and make it Blog Action Week here on Gaia. You can even see our lovely little logo marking us as participants on the main site.

Please join us and get ready to take part in this global conversation about Climate Change, one of the most important topics facing our planet today. It impacts each and everyone of us, from the air we breathe, to the water we drink, to the cars we drive. We're starting off early and making this Friday Five about climate change and the importance of taking part in this world-wide-web dialogue.

1) Do you drink bottled or filtered water?

2) Have you ever used solar power? (for a calculator, your house, in a place you visited?)

3) Do you ever worry about polar bears?

4) Have you ever seen or been impacted by extreme weather? (hurricane, flood, drought, typhoon, tornado, wildfire or freeze?)

5) Do you like to recycle, save water or energy, compost, turn off the lights, etc.?

Let us know for this Friday Five...and get ready to share your thoughts with the world. next Thursday!

Blog Action Day 2009

Tags: Friday Five, Blog Action Day, Climate Change, Environment

Friday Five of Writing

http://team.gaia.com — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 01:28:51 GMT

Hello Gaia!

Did you know that Blog Action Day is coming up on October 15th? That's right. Less than a fortnight away. We'll be celebrating in all kinds of ways on Gaia. The topic is climate change and we want Gaia to be involved. However, just to get you prepared for all your glorious blogging, I thought we'd focus our Friday Five on blogging and writing in general.

So tell us...

1) Do like to write?

2) Have you ever blogged? If yes, how often do you like to do it?

3) What's one of your favorite types of writing to read? (poems, stories, news articles, non-fiction?)

4) Do you like big words or simply learning new words?

5) Do you keep a personal journal, just for you?

Let us know... and we'll all tart our wheels turning for Blog Action Day!

Tags: friday five, writing, blog action day

Another Book Raffle / Giveaway

http://team.gaia.com — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 19:29:17 GMT

Beautiful readers and book-lovers of Gaia!

It's Siona, with a small stack of fabulous books (most of them by Gaia Community members) waiting to find home among you. If you'd like to win one, just pop an email to books@gaia.com letting me know the book of your preference, and I'll do a little drawing next week.

So what's on my desk?

First we've got:

The Twelve: A novel
The Twelve, by William Gladstone, is a suspenseful and masterfully-written work of fiction about the Mayan Prophecy we're all, by now, familiar with. It's more than your usual novel, though. If you're into books like The Alchemist or The Celestine Prophecy--fabled stories with spiritual undertones--I'm sure you'd enjoy this read. The website for the book is here, if you'd like to find out more.

Up next is:

2012: Science or Superstition
2012: Science or Superstition is the companion book to the documentary (a recent Spiritual Cinema Circle feature) with the same title. I'd have loved it for the chapter titles alone ("How did 2012 come to mean the end of time?" "Should the US President Take Psychedelics?" "Classification, Schmlassification" are just a few...), but in addition to being witty, it's intelligent and well-thought-out. There's a preview of the book on the Disinfo site here.

Continuing on our theme of twelve, we'll come to:

The Twelve-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction
Darren Littlejohn's deeply personal and immensely practical book brings together Buddhism and the twelve steps in an elegant synthesis. As a guide through recovery, the book is true genius--it manages to maintain a reverence and respect for the twelve steps, while allowing for an "atheistic" interpretation of the process. I also loved how gritty and raw the author's own spirituality seemed, and how, instead of sugarcoating his process, he's not afraid to meet you in even the darkest places. His website is here.

And last but not least is:

I Lost My Job and I Liked It: The 30-Day Law-Of-Attraction Diary of a Dream Job Seeker
Lilou Mace's endearing and heart-achingly honest story is what you'd get if you combined Bridget Jones and The Secret. It's a short and easy and inspiring read and it's hard not to fall in love with Lilou as she shares her journey; you feel as though you're a close friend she's confiding in. Her site is here.

So that's it! Again, let me know which book you'd prefer to win by sending an email to me here, and we'll pick the winners next week.

(Also, we're going to have another special giveaway later this month. Last year was the 20th anniversary of the publication of The Alchemist, and since then it's been on the New York Times bestseller list--two years straight! In celebration of this, HarperCollins has given us a small stack of copies to give away. We'll have more on this later, though, so stay tuned...)

Good luck to each of you, and happy reading!

Tags: books, 2012, raffle, reading

Friday of Games

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 23:06:00 GMT

Hello Gaia :)

Sometimes we just need to relax and play in life. Even though we're adults we still have to remember to play. And this week our Friday Five is about the games we play to remind us of the child within.

1) Do you like board games? (which ones?)

2) Do you have a favorite sport?

3) Have you ever played video games?

4) What was your favorite game as a child?

5) Did you like playing make-believe?

Here's mine:)

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Friday five, fun, games

Friday Five of Life

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 22:42:42 GMT

Hi Gaia!

Okay. I know Life is a big topic. It's huge and even intimidating. The question of how we choose to live can cause anxious sleep and joyful glee. So, here on our Friday Five, well start slow. Let's talk about it...

1) Do you prefer country, city or suburban living?

2) Do yo like to grow plants?

3) Have you ever had or do you want children?

4) Can you name something you think is beautiful in your life?

5) Do you ever meditate or follow the breathe that gives you life? Let's do it all now together! (inhale, ahhh, exhale :)

So, let's all appreciate the beautiful things in life. It can be challenging, believe me I know. However sometimes I just go out and look at the Sun shining through the trees and remember the wonder.

Here's me. What about you?

Posted by Jessica

Tags: Friday Five, life, beauty, challenge

Friday Five of the Changing Season

http://team.gaia.com — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:01:22 GMT

Hi, it's ~Matthew! Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we're heading into the Fall. It's a time of transition...

1) Did or do you like going back to school?

2) What always reminds you of Fall (or Spring if you're in the below the equator?

3) Does the Autumn bring about changing leaves in the area which you live?

4) What's your favorite Season?

5) What color or colors are becoming most prevalent this time of year?

Tags: Friday Five, Seasons, Changes

Friday Five of the Elements

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 20:30:41 GMT

Hello Beautiful Gaia :)

Today there were sweeping fires in Los Angeles. The sky was grey with smoke, hazing the Sun and to turn it orange. The air was filled with a dry-hot haze and it was hard to breathe. Those fires can burn down towns with the help of a strong wind and they all start with a tiny spark. That's why I'm thinking about the elements. They are so strong. We're often at their mercy, but they also give us life and allow the Earth to fill with living things. We need the blaze of the Sun, the air, fresh water, ground to stand on and even tiny metal floating in our veins to nourish our blood.

So, join me in this week's elemental Friday Five, whether you like the Taoist version of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water, the more traditional Earth, Fire, Water and Wind, or the periodic table :)

1) Do you have a favorite element? Is so, what is it?

2) What's the weather like where you live? (hot, sunny, wet, dry, windy or cold, etc.)

3) Do you like to swim in the ocean?

4) Did you study chemistry in school? Did you like it?

5) Do the elements show up in your spiritual life or religion? (symbolic candles, the smoke of incense, the cleansing of water, or a connection to the land)

Here's a bit of my elemental experience. Please share yours!

Posted by Jessica

Tags: Friday Five, Elements, Earth, Spirituality

A Special Wednesday Welcome :)

http://team.gaia.com — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 21:50:00 GMT

Hello lovely Gaia people!

Today we're featuring a special member, Enmi, with a big idea and a beautiful heart. She has created a truly conscious business called replyforall that lets you include a signature on your email for a cause you choose, from clean water to fighting AIDS and ending poverty. They donate their advertising dollars to your favorite cause every time you use the signature. You just have to sign-up and it doesn't cost you a thing. Just look below to learn a little more about Enmi and her inspiration:

Gaia: What do you love/ enjoy most?
Enmi: I love seeing a problem and finding ways to solve it. I love that shift from when you’re hearing the same things over and over again to when you start to ‘listen’. I love when work feels like play. I love learning from my husband who is almost exactly opposite of me.

I love learning from people you never would've imagined you'd learn from. I love running till my mind is completely clear of yesterday’s worries, today’s problems, and tomorrow’s to-do lists. I love lists.

What brought you to Gaia?

A desire to connect with a community that’s anchored by a shared belief that the world we dream of can in fact become the world we live in. That’s the kind of life I aspire to live – and the community that replyforall is looking to grow.
What inspired you to begin replyforall?

What I'm working to do now with replyforall very much reflects a constant arc in my life which pairs a strong professional interest in digital media and early ventures and a personal commitment to mission-driven efforts. I think - and hope - it's possible to embrace both. I’ve committed my professional life to aim for that dual target. That’s always been very important to me given my personal background as an immigrant to the States who’s been lucky enough to strike a path of great educational and professional opportunities – and now want to pay it forward.

How does replyforall work?

When you join replyforall, the messages you send show your favorite cause and a sponsor of your signature and reach real people who care about what you've got to say. You can further customize the signature to include contact information or rotating facts related to your cause. Anyone using Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, or Outlook 2007 can have their own signature. (You can easily remove the signature too).

For the 6 months in 2008 after we launched, we donated 100% of our total revenue. For the first 6 months of 2009, we donated 50%.

replyforall works with non-profit partners to quantify the actual impact of the donations. We report this back to each user by featuring it real-time right within their email signatures.
How can people can get involved?

The most basic way to support our causes is to sign-up for a customized replyforall signature. Beyond that, it would be great if you can help spread the word and increase the impact. Donating your Facebook and IM statuses is a great way to help get the word out. You can simply say: “Join replyforall.com to donate for free!”

Come say hello to Enmi and visit replyforall learn more about contributing to the causes closest to your heart.

Posted by Jessica

Tags: wednesday welcomes, community, interview, members, replyforall, causes, activism, donate

Friday Five of Entertainment

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 20:54:02 GMT

Hello Lovelies!

Jessica here.

You know what? It's the weekend and sometimes it's just good to let go and have some fun, to relax and enjoy life. So, I'm thinking about entertainment. It can seem frivolous, but can also help us lighten up, shift our state of mind and learn. I know I enjoy the films from Spiritual Cinema Circle (did you know there's a group?) and enjoy just reading blogs on Gaia or going to a play.

What do you enjoy?

1) What's the last movie you watched?
2) What's the last book, comic, poem or story you read for fun?
3) Do you like to go to the theatre?
4) Do you watch t.v.? If so, what shows?
5) Who makes you laugh? Do you have a favorite comedian or just a really funny friend?

Here's what entertains me :)

Tags: Friday Five, fun, laughter, entertainment, movies

Friday Five of Strength

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:17:28 GMT

Hello Gaia!

All of us have a special spark, some call it a divine light, some call it the still small voice or or spirit. It can give us strength to create and be our best selves in the world. It gives us something to rely on when times are tough and something to build on when we're ready and life looks beautiful. It is our unique will and ability to make the world a brighter place. our Friday Five is about that special strength.

1) What makes you feel strong and confident? (teaching, learning, yoga, dance)
2) Whose strength do you admire?
3) Who keeps you going when times are tough? (a friend, family member, a teacher)
4) What creative activities do you enjoy?
5) Do you have a special name for that inner spark? If not, what's a word or two that it makes you think of?

Posted by Jessica.

Tags: Friday Five, strength, confidence

Friday Five of Beautiful

http://team.gaia.com — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 22:32:08 GMT

Hello Beautiful Gaians.

Today I want to immerse myself in beauty. There is so much around us and yet the world can feel so full of difficulty and challenge us, but sometimes the challenge is to see the beauty in times both dark and light. So, please, come find beauty in the world with me today for our Friday Five.

Let me know...

1) What have you seen today that is beautiful?
2) Who in your life is beautiful inside and out?
3) What part(s) of nature do you find beautiful?
4) Is there a piece of music or song(s) you think are beautiful?
5) What color(s) are most beautiful to you?

Please share and help us all realize and revel in the beauty of this big world.

Here's what moves me.

Posted by Jessica with love and appreciation.

Tags: Friday Five, Beauty, Love, Appreciation

Free Wisdom of Wellness Program - Tonight: Neale Donald Walsh

http://team.gaia.com — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 20:35:12 GMT

Gaia beings!

It's Siona.

I just wanted to post a little reminder and follow-up to the newsletter I sent last week--the one announcing the ongoing 8-week "Wisdom of Wellness" telegathering.

Tonight's live call is with Neale Donald Walsch; it starts at 7 EST, so there's still time to register. (And again, if you miss tonight's call, no worries--when you sign up, you'll both be able to listen to the recording afterwards, and get an earlier reminder next Tuesday's session. ;) If the first two calls were anything to go by, this next one should be wonderful; also, as before, you'll be able to ask questions and engage during the course of the talk.

With any luck I'll see--or hear, as the case may be--you there. :)

Posted by: Siona

Tags: telegathering, neale donald walsh, wellness