Consider for a minute that you are merely an organism on this planet. You are the result of every effect following another effect so far back that we cannot make out the fuzzy long distance image of what an original cause might have been. This moment you are experiencing right now is exactly what needs to happen and is what creates the moment you are experiencing now just seconds later. Imagine that there are countless timelines all moving forward and intersecting each other, with every person, every animal, every molecule experiencing a varied experience of the very same shared moment in history.

Life is so beautiful because of it’s diversity/difference and rich lush landscapes with one complex harmony of structures meeting another. The intricate network of nutrients in transit in the structure of a leaf sits against the cold lifeless concrete that’s been from the soil, to the factory, to the truck, laid down by a worker and has now seen thousands of these leaves live and die against it. When I slow down and think about the complexity of every object, every being, every aspect of my daily experience, I find that not only is the world inherently forever in motion and constantly changing but that each and every state of every thing is perfect.

San Francisco based company I AM. recently launched with Soulwears, a line of Yoga bags & straps made of  back-strap woven textiles: the traditional craft of Maya women in Guatemala. I AM.’s mission is to develop commercial solutions to social problems.

The idea: conscious consumption can unite the world, empower consumers & artisans simultaneously and alleviate poverty.  Soulwears yoga products are reinvigorating an otherwise abandoned market for backstrap woven textiles, which were replaced long ago with cheap, machine made fabrics. Practicing this craft allows Maya mothers to stay home with their families, while making a sustainable income.

I AM.’s commitment extends beyond providing well-paying jobs, as the company donates half of all profits to infrastructure projects in their weavers’ communities. 

With 1 week left – and $27,000 still needed in an ambitious Kickstarter campaign, I AM. seeks the support of the mindful community.  Visit the I AM. Kickstarter page to learn more about the project, and pre-order socially responsible yoga products.

Healdsburg locals, Pam Bell and Jim Willis have come together  to present ‘The Nand Collection,’ a display of one man’s collection of rare and antique Himalayan art and antiquities.  This exhibit runs through the end of October, and I assure you that it is not an opportunity to be missed!

Rama Tirwani is a collector, publisher, and the owner of ‘Pilgrims Book Store’ of Kathmandu, Delhi and Varanassi .  His 35-year journey of buying and selling rare books has yielded much more than words on a page.  He possesses an immense collection of rare art and artifacts – the likes of which grace only a few museums on this side of the Atlantic. 

This week I'd like to feature one of our favorite people, Mark Tucker.  Mark is a playful, delightful, and sweet man who has been a part of the Cafe Gratitude family to such a degree that everone calls him Uncle Mark.

Mark's work is up at Gracias Madre this month.  Check out his treasures: this is his first public debut!