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Most people I talk to who are raw or mostly raw fooders usually have a larger reason for having made the switch from the conventional "American diet." For most, initially, it was because of health issues of one kind or another, but as they continued through with this way of eating, larger reasons began to emerge. Such things as global sustainability, planetary stewardship, contributing to the health of local economies, establishing a closer relationship with the food we fuel our bodies, and a preference for feeling lighter, more alert, more alive.

It is interesting that when that switch to a raw diet is made, it also seems to throw a switch of awareness--awareness of how this form of eating impacts the world, and how so much more positive in so many ways it is. Even making small changes toward raw fooding have significant effects on the world. Deciding to grow a garden for some of your food, or deciding to replace that candy bar for raw almonds for a snack--these things make a difference, and if done on a consistent basis represent real change in the world.

My mantra this week has been "be the change you want to see," because it all comes from you. You are making your life, and demonstrating to yourself behaviors and actions that further that change, makes it happen all that faster!

Until next time...

In vibrant health,

Shay Arave, President
pureenergyrx.com

Fairness usually comes onto the radar of very young kids, and probably shortly after they know enough language to begin to sort out the family politics. "That's not fair!" was one of the first complaints I remember making. It usually had something to do with comparing what I had with what my sister had, and when there was a difference, feeling slighted. As I grew older, I suspected that the whole fairness game was social programming installed by parents and the behaviors of my young friends, who got it from their parents.

Later, as a teenager, I started to see the disparities of opportunity among social groups, some of it racially driven, some of it driven by other factors of physical appearance or behaviors. If I was "too tall" or "too smart" or "not athletic" or some other something that I was or was not, there always seemed to be some reward I was missing because of it. Rarely did I pay much attention to those things I was getting from being who I was and the social strata I lived in. It was always about how I wasn't something, so I couldn't get something. >>>> MORE

Most of us know how to make bad habits, but making good ones is sometimes a bit mysterious. Here are some steps to take that will result in new good habits...

1. Make a plan. Forget about failures in the past, set a date, and start fresh with a solid plan. My plan included using the acronym RPM, rise, pee, meditate. Each morning I would rise, use the bathroom, and immediately meditate. I also arranged for getting positive feedback on my progress, reporting to a social group for accountability, and rewarding myself.
2. Choose a trigger. A trigger is an event that kicks off your habit. My previous habit was drinking coffee after I peed in the morning. Peeing was my trigger and drinking coffee was my habit. Now I rise, pee, and immediately go to my meditation chair. To strengthen the habit, when I go to use the bathroom I consciously think about my trigger and meditation to create a bond between the two.
3. Get positive feedback. It's easy to give up without accountability and support. You need praise for your efforts and encouragement when it's difficult. I've had Hubs and the Habit Course forum for my positive feedback. I also reminded myself every day about the health benefits I'd gain from my daily meditation habit.
4. Report your habit to a social group. Announce your new habit on Twitter, Facebook, or your blog. Ask friends and family for support. Tell them you want to be held accountable. I used the Habit Course forum for this as well. If you miss a day, feel discouraged, or get stuck, report it so your friends can cheer you on and encourage you.
5. Reward yourself. My reward is an espresso maker. I use it to reward myself daily, but only after meditating. Sticking with my new meditation habit became easier as I looked forward to my cup of espresso each morning. >>>> MORE Thanks to Leo Babuata, Zen Habits

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