noticing who makes what you consume
Today is Labor Day in the United States.
The way we work is much different than 130 years ago. We can thank Labor Day, but a hefty gratitude goes to unions.
They helped create weekends, job safety, child labor laws, healthcare, and the eight-hour workday, but like anything, they have critics who complain that they make things cost more.
That's probably true, but I believe that workers should be able to afford what they produce, and it feels good to know that the people making things are treated with dignity.
Without that, who are we? China? Starbucks?
Here's the mindful moment today: Take a moment to wonder who makes what you consume.
#5 - a cool glass of water
Mother Nature gave us a "Second Summer" yesterday, and it looks like it will run until the end of the week. I was psyched for the arrival of cooler temps, but it looks like those will need to wait.
When I came home from my bike ride, I needed to hydrate, so I poured myself a cool glass of water. Boy, did that taste good!
When was the last time you truly tasted water? Often, we mix, squeeze, or squirt something in it or gulp it down and never taste it. It's transactional - fill up your glass and quench your thirst.
Here's the invite. Drink your next glass slowly and mindfully, and notice how good it tastes.
#6 - seeing what the dog sees
This afternoon, my assistant, Story, got up from her mid-afternoon nap and was keenly focused on something that was outside my office window.
She did a little humphing, so I joined her by the window, trying to determine what was out there. I couldn't see a damn thing, but then, whatever she was focused on moved and I caught a glimpse.
It was one of those spotted lantern moths that have infiltrated the NYC area. She locked on to that sucker.
Animals are so cool. It's unconditional love (unless you have a cat), curiosity, energy, and a whole bunch more wrapped into goodness. I love wondering about how they experience the world.