Self-Realization Meditation Gardens: Community space for peace and serenity

One of my favorite places in North County San Diego are the Mediation Gardens in Encinitas, located at the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat & Hermitage.  These gardens were created under the direction of Paramahansa Yogananda, spiritual leader, humanitarian and founder of the Self-Realization Fellowship/Yogoda Satsanga Society of India.



















On a sunny Saturday, such as the day I took these photos, I found the gardens full of families and couples.  On week days, it is not uncommon to find people silently mediating on stone benches in lovely secluded corners or over-looking the ocean on the cliffs.  During these times, other visitors tend to naturally flow through the gardens in silence and harmony with those meditating.





The gardens are lush and filled with indigenous plants, trees and flowering succulents.  Several sparkling ponds, fed by small waterfalls, filled with vibrant fish can be found within the gardens.  There are mediation stones next to the ponds to sit on or benches under the trees if you want to rest, listen to the water and watch the fish under the lily pads.











It is a photographer's paradise with the sweeping cliff side vistas of the Pacific Ocean and pristine surf breaks.  It is also an ideal location to sit with a loved one or share the wonder of Southern California with a visitor.


The Mediation Gardens are situated behind the private grounds of the Self-Realization Fellowship campus which you pass on Highway 101 (look for the three large Lotus Towers).  If you turn on to 3rd street, off Highway 101, heading west, you can park along the street and head in through the gates to the gardens, which are open to the public Tuesday-Saturday 9:00A.M.-5:00P.M. and Sunday 11:00A.M. to 5:00P.M. (Closed Mondays)








There are pamphlets available at the entrance of the gardens with more information about the gardens, Paramahansa Yogananda, and the Self-Realization Fellowship.  The Self-Realization Fellowship also has a store across the street on Highway 101 with many books and beautiful gifts.  You can also find more information at www.yogananda-srf.org. 

I highly recommend taking the opportunity to enjoy this lovely treasure and gift!

The Willows Yoga: Inspiring wellness and community

Lauren Murphy & Sherry Schreck

About 2 years ago, my dear friend, Lauren Murphy, encouraged me to join her for a yoga class.  My previous yoga experience was limited, and had involved endless walls of mirrors, an air of competition, instructor pressure to press on into poses my body was telling me I was not prepared for, and ridiculous amounts of sweat!  Lauren assured me that I need not fear, that I was in for a nourishing experience.  With much trepidation, I entered The Willows Yoga.

The warmth and welcome of the Willows hits you as soon as you cross the threshold.  I was instantly at ease, especially when I noticed there was not a single mirror in the place and was quickly greeted with sincerity, warmth and smiles.

Sherry Schreck

Sherry Schreck, the Willows Senior Instructor, is an effervescent goddess!  Words cannot express her spirit and grace.  Every encounter I have with Sherry, I come away uplifted, inspired, and imbued with bliss.  She has the incredible, seemingly magical skill of threading a class with a lesson that each person in the room feels was especially prepared for them in that space and time.  I often chuckle, with eyes closed absorbing her words, and think to myself, "how did she know?!"

Sherry giving Justin Huebscher some helpful hints after class

My yoga practice has progressed leaps and bounds under Sherry's tutelage.  Even more, she has introduced me to a harmonious practice of yoga that integrates mind, body, and spirit, bringing a greater harmony to my life.  Sherry is also as refreshing as she is HILARIOUS!

 When I began my practice at Willows, Robin Christ was finishing her teacher training with Sherry and fulfilling her apprenticeship training during the classes I attended.  Robin's presence, expertise, and support during those early days of my practice contributed immensely to my persevere through my own insecurities and struggles with balance, flexibility and a perplexing (and, thankfully, transitory) inability to recognize my left from my right.  While I struggled through bouts of vertigo, she would magically appear behind me with that needed hold and hand of assistance.

Robin Christ

I have watched Robin grow in her yoga practice, and relished in her inspired classes as a student.   It is a joy to be in her presence!

Owner, Michelle Bollo, along with her team, have masterfully created an inviting space of warmth, serenity and health, that promotes and sustains a nurturing and growing community.  I have had the good fortune to meet so many lovely instructors and students at Willows that I am so grateful to know and share my practice with.  Much love & gratitude to Lauren for sharing Willows with me, and to Michelle, Sherry, Robin, and all of the instructors and students at The Willows!

Just being near The Willows inspired Ed into Downward-Facing Dog!

The Willows Yoga

(In the Lumberyard)

937 S. Pacific Coast Hwy Suite #C100

Encinitas, CA 92024

www.willowsyoga.com

Phone 760-840-0414
Facebook Link to Willows Yoga

World Minded: Company with a mission and a conscious

"World Minded is a charitable, Eco-friendly apparel company for men, women and children with an objective to raise awareness of our individual impact on each other and the environment. Our passion for adventure and our love for the outdoors is the foundation of World Minded. By sharing stories of our featured humanitarians and ambassadors, our purpose is to do more positive things for the world and to help those who already are."                                           WorldMinded.com

                                               

Charles Perry, Founder/Owner

It will only take 5 minutes with Charles Perry for most people to recognize his esteemed quality of character, kindness, and consideration.  He easily captivates those he encounters with his willingness to listen intently and share sincerely.  His passion for life and his personal mission for the community through his company World Minded, pales only to his clear passion and dedication for his family.  As one becomes acquainted with Charles and learns about World Minded, you are easily engaged in his positive energy and motivated by his drive.

Initially, World Minded was a hobby born out of challenging life experiences for Charles.  Now, you can find World Minded gear in stores throughout the country, and on the backs of World Minded Ambassadors all over the world.  As an eco-friendly, charitable clothing line, World Minded seeks to educate and inspire through their positive messages and community involvement with environmental and humanitarian organizations, as well as in collaboration with outdoor enthusiasts and community advocates.  

As an upstart company, World Minded has been committed to sustainable practices and donations of sales from the beginning.  All of their clothing and gear are made with organic cotton or recycled materials.  They source from local manufacturers, which supports the local economy and leaves a small carbon footprint through their production.  10 percent of sales from their humanitarian clothing line are donated to designated environmental and/or humanitarian organizations, such as the Greg Mortenson's Central Asia Institute, Jane Goodall's Roots and Shoots Network, Protect Our Winters, and Common River.  1 percent of ALL sales are donated as well.  The designs for their clothing line are inspired by the organizations that the funds are being donated to, and local artists are employed to create those designs.

What inspires me most about World Minded, besides the incredible people that are the foundation of the business, including Karla Kelley, Charles's wife and Director of Operations, is that it represents a corporation that started with a model that operates in harmony with our community’s interest.  In today’s business climate, this is a very unique stance.  Unfortunately, most corporations are rooted in an advanced capitalist philosophy of profit for the sake of profit, with little to no moral or ethical responsibility for the community it operates within, beyond the parameters the law dictates.  Conversely, World Minded is unabashed in its moral and ethical standards, and has consistently stood by their stance that if they cannot uphold these standards in their business practices, then they will not be in business.

Karla Kelley, Director of Operations

Wearing World Minded clothing is so much more than choosing a comfortable shirt with an awesome design.  It is about making a conscious choice and making a statement about who and what we support with our spending.  Our consumption has far-reaching effects that we are all too often unaware of in our busy lives.  When I wear World Minded gear, I support a model of business that I truly believe is at the heart of social, environmental, and economic sustainability.  I also create opportunities to discuss this new world order of business with others when they ask me “Where did you get that sweet hat?”

Justin Huebscher in Mammoth Lakes with WM trucker hat

Check out WorldMinded.com, tell your friends about it!  In the San Diego area you can find World Minded gear at Adventure 16 in Solana Beach and Oceanside.

• Read about World Minded Ambassadors by following this link.
• Follow the World Minded blog.  
• For awesome tidbits of information and links follow World Minded on Facebook, MySpace and Twitter.

If you know of other ethical companies that are rooted in sustainable practices and community activism, we invite you to share with us on our blog or  you can email anne@annemillikencommunity.com.

The Orchid Man

One man's love of Orchids has blossomed into a thriving business and Encinitas now has a responsible business owner who cares deeply about the people in his community and the environment.

The owner of Encinitas Orchids, Don Doerfler, endears himself to you upon your first meeting! His love of orchids and passion for life fuel his up-and-coming business through his superior customer service and community involvement. Don caught our attention, first with his beautiful arrangements, but held it when he began to discuss his commitment to striving toward a sustainable business. Encinitas Orchids ensures that their orchids are harvested with sustainable practices. He also drives a vintage yellow Mercedes powered by used vegetable oil he collects from local businesses. Free delivery is available for these beautifully crafted arrangements. Yes that's right, no part of the earth has to be drilled to propel this man's flowers to you.

Free Delivery! What is greater than that you may wonder? Don takes it a step further by replacing your dying Orchids (and relieving Orchid phobia) with a blooming one for only the price of the new plant. Don is committed to you enjoying a living Orchid arrangement all year long.

You can find these fabulous arrangements and the man behind them at the Sunday Leucadia Farmer's Market, Saturdays at The Mercato in Little Italy, downtown San Diego, or you can call for an appointment to visit his studio in Encinitas.

Encinitas Orchids

www.encinitasorchids.com

760-533-0991

Written by Contributor, Misty Andersen

Fair Trade: What, Why, & Where

Fair Trade: What, Why, & Where

We are all aware of the endless issues we face socially, economically, and environmentally in our world today. It is very easy to become overwhelmed and in response throw up our hands and say, “what can I do, as one person, that will make a difference.” It is our intention to embark on a journey of empowerment and share this journey with our community, so that we may each step forward knowing that we can and do make a difference both individually and as a collective community.

First stop on this journey, Fair Trade. We both start our days, as many of you likely do, with a good ‘ol cup o’Joe. The sound of the beans grinding, the sweet aroma of it brewing, the steam rising off my foaming soy, and the delicious, invigorating first taste are such fundamental necessities to a day starting off just right. Our simple daily rituals, such as enjoying a cup of coffee, can have significant implications, socially, economically, and environmentally.

Americans consume one-fifth of the world’s coffee, making our country the largest consumer of coffee in the world. Coffee is the United States largest food import and the world's second most valuable traded commodity, behind only petroleum.



Fair Trade: What is it?

Fair Trade is a world-wide collaborative system to ensure producers receive a fair price and a living wage for their commodity. Fair Trade is not exclusive to coffee, and continues to expand its reach.
The following are highlights cited on www.globalexchange.org regarding Fair Trade:

• Forced labor and exploitative child labor are not allowed
• Buyers and producers trade under direct long-term relationships
• Producers have access to financial and technical assistance
• Sustainable production techniques are encouraged
• Working conditions are healthy and safe
• Equal employment opportunities are provided for all
• All aspects of trade and production are open to public accountability

Fair Trade: Why?

Understanding the significance of your purchase power allows you to wield it with ethical intention, that can have far-reaching results. When you choose Fair Trade coffee you are ensuring that participating farmers receive a living wage, and that they are provided loans and assistance with transitioning to organic farming. Coffee purchasers must pledge to pay a minimum of $1.26 per/pound for Fair Trade coffee beans. Without Fair Trade guarantees, farmers have been known to not only go into poverty, but to take their children out of school to work on the farms. One cup of coffee costs us more than the farmers get per pound! When you choose that cup of coffee, consider the sustainability of that purchase for the grower and for our environment.


Fair Trade: Where can I use my purchasing power?

The following area some locations in our are that serve or sell Fair Trade products. Please join us in highlighting other companies that are participating in Fair Trade in our area or yours, in the comments section.

Panniken Coffee & Tea
www.pannikincoffeeandtea.com
Encinitas Café
510 N. Highway 101
Encinitas CA 92024
760-436-5824

Vinaka Cafe
300 Carlsbad Village Dr Ste 211
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 720-7890

2Spoons Coffee Company
www.2spoonscoffee.com/
3829 Plaza Drive
Oceanside, CA 92056
(760) 724-1220

Hill Street Coffee House
524 S. Coast Highway
Oceanside, CA 92054
(760) 966-0985

Naked Cafe
www.thenakedcafe.com
300 Carlsbad Village Dr.
Carlsbad, CA 92008
760.720.7866

E Street Cafe
www.estreetcafe.com
128/130 West "E" Street
Encinitas California 92024
(760) 230-2038

For more information regarding Fair Trade, visit www.globalexchange.org/campaigns/fairtrade/.