Among the rest of the eye candy in Cafe Gratitude in San Francisco, Shonna picked up a book written by the owners (Matthew and Terces Engelhart) called Sacred Commerce. I highly recommend this book for any business owner and for any employee or individual who cares to bring more consciousness and remembrance of Oneness into their work life! Their mission is basically no less than transforming the entire planet and they are doing an amazing job, one moment at a time! Here is their mission staement:
"Cafe Gratitude is our expression of a World of Plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of 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 who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful everyday, and experiencing being provided for. Have fun and enjoy nourishing yourself."
I love it! Although, I certainly have a mission statement in my mind, I have not actually ever written it down. I am working on that, for both my job and my personal life (although I'm not sure they will be much different...) Care to join me? Now is a perfect time of the year for declaring our mission. The authors recommend going big! Declare a mission statement so big and true, one that at times appears too big to acheive, so big that it is difficult to remain attached to and that lack of attachment opens up doors of possibility as our work space deepens as a Sacred Space. Hallelujah I say!
In bringing Abundance and the World of Plenty into our lives, the Engelharts offer this insight:
"Where we invest our attention, our worship power, becomes our focus, that which we cultivate. As I sow, so shall I reap. Both scarity and abundance are valid points of view. One is no more true or real than the other. They are both states of consciousness. Does an oak tree move you to tears of joy and appreciation, or is it an obstacle that stands in your way? What life do you choose to create with your attention? There is all the evidence necessary to conclude that the world is "going to hell in a hand basket" and that massive ecological breakdown is imminent. There is also ample evidence that humanity is awakening, and that our finest hour is at hand. Which is your world? Your belief makes it so."
Cafe Gratitude LLC estimates that they spend $230, 000 a year (which is about 1/3 of their profits for 2007) "clearing" their employees! As stated in the book, "Clearing is a basic technique for distinguishing how the past is impacting the present and then presenting an opportunity to create something new and shift one's attention to something more empowering." This is how the work day begins everyday at Cafe Gratitude and it is very evident as you enter. We were greeted with genuine smiles, even though the staff was busy. The waitress took time to explain the menu and offer samples of certain items. Everything was joyfully intentional and we savored our time there in exuberant bliss!
As we drove south, we went to Rawvolution, a raw food restauarant in Santa Monica and were shocked by the stark comparison. I have listened to interviews by the owner and thought it was going to be a great place, but must admit that I was disappointed. The overall energy of the place was very low, staff seemed to be plugging through their shift, the presentation was blah and food was mediocre. We thought at least that dessert would be fabulous as raw dessert usually is, but it was yuck! This was of course, our one experience one night and perhaps not a representation of the whole, but it showed me a beautiful example of intention in business and has inspired me to up the ante in my life! Cheers to Abundance and the World of Plenty and a big, special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mama today! I love you, mama! XO, Kelly O
p.s. You can check out the cafe and order the book at www. CafeGratitude.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
4 comments:
I feel so grateful and fortunate for the experiences we have shared together! Ranging from our first experiences at raw restaurants to singing out load driving down the vast, magical coast of California!! Yoga podcasts, hikes up Spencer mtn, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge ;) are only a few of the fun, empowering, memorable times that will remain strong in my heart and mind.I love you so much Kelly and am grateful for you every moment of my day and life! You continue to enrich my life and help me grow into the person that I am and strive to become. Much love and light to you my cousin, sister and dear friend!
Love, Shonna
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your words of Love with me-you brighten my life and teach me many lessons! From learning how to ski again to doubling over with laughter in the pantry, I have so much fun with you! Thanks for being my dear amiga, as we laugh, cry, live deeply and laugh some more along the way...Yahoooo!!
clearing as in scientology??
I don't know what clearing in Scientology is. Clearing as in taking time to be in the present moment, acknowledging and clearing anything that you feel might be blocking you from being present. :)
Post a Comment