Reasons to Smile

Hello my lovely vegans and vegans-in-training! 

Spring is upon us, and with that, beautiful daffodils, coats and jackets coming off, and delicious spring vegetables to play with in our dishes. 

Photo courtesy of Schwartz Studios
I know that normally, Fridays have been designated "Greenwala Fridays with Steve," but I was just itching to do a post myself and couldn't get it cooking till this morning. So, instead, we shall do a special "Greenwala Mondays with Steve" after the weekend. Keep an eye out for it!

And now, my reasons to smile today, of which there are many. Read on, and feel free to share your own reasons in the comments section! Cheers!

 1. Ezekiel sprouted raisin bread with almond butter, cinnamon, and a generous drizzle of agave. Mmm...

2. Melissa Schwartz of Schwartz Studios for bringing out the fierce and feminine activist in me for her "V Girls" project!

3. Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary's annual Comedy for Karma event on April 5th. I majorly miss my favorite East Coast sanctuary, so please make it out if you can and give WFAS co-founders Jenny Brown and Doug Abel a hug and kiss for me!
 

April 5, 2011 at 8pm (doors 7:30) at Gotham Comedy Club in NYC
208 w 23rd, between 7th & 8th Aves.

$40 general admission advance / $50 at the door / $75 VIP 


Please join us for this unique annual fundraiser — arguably the most fun you’ll ever have without a lot to clean up afterwards (don’t argue).  Anyway, you’ll be helping a really great cause — especially if you opt for the hot-shot VIP Tickets. It’s nearly sold out every year so book ‘em now!  SEE A VIDEO FROM LAST YEAR.


4. This adorable video by singer and activist Jonathan Mann:


Liked what you saw? Listen and buy the song here!

5. Cafe Gratitude, a new vegan restaurant in Los Angeles with a mission - to share delicious, wholesome, organic, and local vegan food to the masses. But that's not all folks - check out their inspiring, kiss-worth statement below. If you jive with their message, definitely check them out! I recommend ordering "I Am Warmhearted" and chasing it down with any number of their amazing milkshakes (made from CG's own homemade nut milks and ice cream!).

Café Gratitude is our expression of a world of plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. Our food is prepared with love. We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone that chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful every day, and experiencing being provided for. 

 6. Yogi brand Chai Green Tea, which has totally help me overcome the need for coffee every morning. I like to add almond milk, agave, and a dash of cinnamon to mine. 

Photo courtesy of JennaRobino.c
7. Jenna Robino, a Los Angeles-based IntenSati instructor, who I met last week. She gives local IntenSati classes in Santa Monica and will be starting up more classes in the Los Feliz area. If you've never heard of IntenSati, check out Jenna's website here!

8. Speaking of Jenna, the morning meditation I've been doing every single day thanks to Ms. Robino. What a beautiful way to start the day! 

New to meditation? No problem. Here's what I do: 

Find a quiet, comfy spot and sit in a comfy position (I like to do criss cross apple sauce and keep my hands on my knees, palms facing up). Close your eyes, take a few deep breaths, and connect to what you hear around you. Listen to your breath. Anytime a thought hits you, let it go with a breath in and out. If a smile arises (which it very well may), let it! Keep breathing in and out fully, and when you begin to feel clear in your mind and heart, bring up an intention - it can be anything you want for your day. Right now, I've been focusing on Emotional Abundance and Financial Prosperity. I usually say and think: 

Today, I seek Emotional Abundance ~ Love, Joy, and Peace in everything I do.

Today, I seek Financial Prosperity ~ enough money to live well, to give back, and to do what I love with my life. 

The above is just an example - you can use it for inspiration, or come up with your own intention! End by placing your hands in prayer in between your eyes and say

Today, I am responsible for my thoughts.

and then place your hands in prayer on your heart and say

Today, I am responsible for my heart. 

I will often add a few other thoughts to those mantras, and you can too. Aim to do this every morning, and see how you feel at the end of your week. I am definitely smiling because of it! 

Marisa and I giving Genesis a big old KISS!
9. Getting to go to the Humane Society's annual Genesis Awards on Saturday - my first animal rights gala! Many thanks to Marisa Miller Wolfson of Vegan at Heart for including me in this fabulous weekend.

10.  "It's the action, not the fruit of the action, that's important. You have to do the right thing. It may not be in your power, may not be in your time, that there will be any fruit. But that doesn't mean you stop doing the right thing. You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result." ~ Mahatma Gandhi 

What are YOUR reasons to smile today?

Comments

Sierra said…
Wow, girl, you are GORG! I love your reasons to smile....I missed them! :) My reason to smile today is just cuz. Smile even if you can't think of anything cuz it instantly brightens your mood. L)
You're awesome Lindsay-- your positive energy pops off the screen. It's contagious. After a late-afternoon energy slump, I'm all perked up now -- that's a reason to smile!
Unknown said…
You are phenomenal. I really enjoyed this post. I wanted to let you know you are on my a reason to smile list today

<3
Molly said…
What a lovely, positive post! That picture of you is gorgeous. :)
Angela said…
Going to Candle Cafe in New York City this week made me smile (in between shoveling forkfuls of Paradise Casserole in my mouth, of course). Seeing my mom have the same reaction (she's a omnivore, but I'm workin' on it) to her vegan entree made me smile even wider. I lurve vegan restaurants.

Oh, and that video made me smile. It's pretty rad :)
Debra said…
Great reasons to smile!
Blessings, Debra
Raw Vegan Diet
dirtyduck said…
i cant wait to hear about number nine!! please let us know how it went, including what you wore, what you ate etc:)
Kirsten said…
Girl I just found your blog and you seem so awesome!
What makes me smile today?
A good stretch in the morning, the movie Baby Mama, and a hot cup of tea on this cold "Spring" day
Erika said…
Beautiful photo! Where can I get that dino shirt!