Author of over 20 books and 500 papers published in scientific journals, Shiva received a Ph.D. in physics, and later a Ph.D. in philosophy. She has assisted in developing Green movement projects in Africa, Asia, Austria, Ireland, Latin America, and Switzerland, against the genetic engineering of crops.

Shiva’s work has drawn attention to the plight of native farming populations falling victim to the dangerous practices of foreign corporations. In a BBC radio talk called “Poverty & Globalization,” Shiva shared, “it is now time radically to re-evaluate what we are doing. For what we are doing in the name of globalization to the poor is brutal and unforgivable. This is specially evident in India as we witness the unfolding disasters of globalization, especially in food and agriculture.”

Shiva has spoken out against the heavy use of pesticides in farmland in places like Punjab, India, that has killed pollinators like bees and butterflies. This practice has left large stretches of countryside barren… an ecological and social disaster that has contributed to a wave of farmer suicides in recent years.

Shiva also calls attention to the plight of farmers lured into buying hybrid seeds engineered by companies like Monsanto, with the promise of becoming millionaires. Instead, farmers have become penniless, as their crops die and wither from seeds that are vulnerable to pests and can’t be saved – and instead, must be repurchased every years at higher and higher prices, creating financial impossibilities for the duped farmers. She has also brought attention to the dangers of “water-mining”  — which is also causing severe droughts, as underground water sources in already arid areas have been drained to water “thirsty cash-crops” rather than the natural “water-prudent” crops that grow in these regions.

Passionate about the wisdom and ability of women to feed, nourish, and teach people and communities to create sustainable practices and lifestyles, Shiva has been called an eco-feminist (read about Navdanya’s Diverse Woman for Diversity project). But as she fights to educate communities and nations about a more natural and earth-friendly way of life, Shiva embodies the spirit of a humanist — who believes in the original, powerful ability of our earth to sustain our needs…without artificial means and greed-based practices.

Photo Credit: Ajay Tallam

© J A Morton for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Diverse Women For Diversity, Eco-feminism, environmentalist, fair trade, genetic engineering, Green movement, India, J.A. Morton, Judy Morton, Monsanto, Navdanya, sustainability, Vandana Shiva

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Here’s a modest proposal: Vow that for the rest of the day, you won’t judge your friends and you won’t judge any strangers you happen to see. This would include a friend who’s a non-stop talker. It would include a friend who’s always complaining about his life. It would include the strangers you pass on the street or see in a waiting room.

I call this a modest proposal because I’m only asking you to refrain from judging friends or strangers you happen to see today. If you’re like me, it’s likely you won’t make it past a few minutes! So, why not just “judge away?”

To answer that, let me start by drawing a distinction between judgment and discernment. Discernment means perceiving the way things are, period. Judgment is what we add to discernment when we make a comparison (implicit or explicit) between how things or people are and how we think they ought to be. So, in judgment, there’s an element of dissatisfaction with the way things are and a desire to have things be the way we want them to be.

Take that talkative friend. To think or speak in a neutral, purely descriptive tone, “She can talk non-stop for 15 minutes,” is an example of discernment; assuming the description is accurate, we’re just stating the way things are. On the other hand, to think or speak in a negative tone, “She can talk non-stop for 15 minutes,” is an example of judgment because that negative tone reveals our dissatisfaction with how she is and the implied desire for her to be different.

The same analysis applies to the complaining friend. If we say, “He complained about this life the entire evening,” depending on our tone, it could be a neutral observation (discernment) or it could reflect our dissatisfaction with him and our desire for him to be different (a judgment).

Now think about strangers. If you’re like me, there’s almost always a subtle judgment waiting in the wings. “She could stand to lose some weight.” “Doesn’t he know how to pick a tie that goes with a shirt?”

So, again, why not just “judge away”? Recall that in judgment, there’s an element of dissatisfaction with the way things are and a desire to have things (in my examples: people) be the way we want them to be. So, judging others is just a recipe for suffering: start with our dissatisfaction over how a person happens to be and mix in our desire for them to be otherwise.

It doesn’t mean we have to hang out with someone who talks more than we’d like or who does nothing but complains about his life. But we can decide whether to be with them or not without judging them. When we do, it feels good; it has that freeing and peaceful quality of letting go of clinging to the way we want people to be.

As for those strangers, maybe the woman I saw has a medical condition that results in weight gain. Perhaps the man was wearing the only tie he owns. Judging them did nothing to ease their suffering and it certainly didn’t ease mine.

Now try this experiment. Think about a couple of friends who annoy you in some way. Can you let them be the way they are without desiring them to be otherwise? Sticking with my two examples, can you open your heart to her talkativeness or to his constant complaining?

Walt Whitman said, “I contain multitudes.” I like to think of the world as containing multitudes. I do this by consciously thinking: “This world is big enough for both the talkative and the untalkative; for both the complainers and the non-complainers.”

Judging others is such a well-ingrained response that I hardly notice when I’m doing it, so I know I have a lifetime of conditioning to overcome. But it’s worth it because when I don’t judge others, I feel the benefits in both my mind and my body: I feel as light as a feather.

I truly hope I can shed that heavy burden of judging before that moment in the hospital bed when I’m staring at that nurse in her green uniform.

Toni Bernhard is the author of the How to Be Sick: A Buddhist-Inspired Guide for the Chronically Ill and their Caregivers, winner of the 2011 Gold Nautilus Book Award in Self-Help/Psychology. Learn more about Toni at www.howtobesick.com.

© Toni Bernhard for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: anxiety, burden, depression, health and wellness, Inspiration, non-judgement, Toni Bernhard

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As a tenured member of the CareerBuilder team, Carisa Miklusak, current CEO and owner of tMediaStrategies, an independent transmedia firm, has seen her fair share of hardships and 18-hour days. “I decided to get into transmedia because I believe that communication is the most important thing — not only in our business life — but also in our personal life. Today, with the number of different platforms and mediums, or cool tools that we have to use to communicate, we have a better opportunity now than we’ve ever had before to share our passions and values, and also, our business opportunities and services, with individuals.”

Transitioning from a salaried position at a high management level to opening your own company can be seen as a big risk — and it is – but, as Miklusak points out, passion behind your business is the key factor in finding true success. Understanding your strengths is essential in developing a business plan and strategy that will be able to sustain a healthy and profitable bottom line.

The statistics are growing in women’s favor — with 40% of all private companies now being launched and owned by women. With the economy slowly improving, grants are also becoming a good source of potential start-up capital. Financial analysts also recommend having a good credit relationship with your bank. Check to see what kinds of options are available to you — and if you can bring some of your own start-up capital to the table, a business loan will be easier to come by.

As a successful business owner who began in the world of internet start-ups, Miklusak understands that every day is a challenge. “What I’m passionate about is helping people communicate their message to their target audience.” Knowing your target audience is key for any business owner, and while that core group could take time to establish for any business, as an aspiring entrepreneur, it should be one of the core principals of your business. If you know your product, and you know who wants to buy it – whether it’s handmade soaps for friends and family, or a creating or repurposing technological applications for the digital industry (as Miklusak did) — sticking to those original core ideas will keep you from spreading yourself too thin.

While the whirlwind of real life may prove daunting at times, Miklusak has never lost her spark for creativity. Whether meeting someone on a plane, chatting with a server at a local restaurant, or in a training meeting for her staff, for Miklusak, proper communication has always been key. And without a doubt, she believes it’s a great time to be entrepreneur.

“Today, with the number of different platforms and mediums, or cool tools that we have to use to communicate, we have a better opportunity now than we’ve ever had before to share our passions and values — and also, our business opportunities and services — with individuals.”

For more information visit http://carisamiklusak.com/, and http://www.tmedia.com/.

Nadya Vlassoff is an avid entertainment and fashion writer who has interviewed a variety of artists, from singers to television personalities to fashion moguls. She focuses on writing thought-provoking articles on media-related issues impacting women of all ages.

© Nadya Vlassoff for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: career, CareerBuilder, Carisa Miklusak, entrepreneurial, Nadya Vlassof, stay at home moms, strategies for success, tMedia Strategies, transmedia, woman entrepreneurs, women and career, work-life balance

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1. Create a budget based on realistic numbers and information.

Use previous receipts to create a budget that reflects your actual spending over the last several months. Using this approach will factor in unexpected expenses such as home repairs, health expenses, and car repairs — as well as the normal, predictable expenses, such as utilities and groceries.

2. Plan ahead for big-ticket items. Discipline is the key here.

Think of what you just spent over the holiday season — starting at Thanksgiving, and on through New Year’s. These expenditures require significant outlays of cash, in addition to your day-to-day expenses. Now is the time to factor in upcoming large outlays of cash for necessary and foreseeable purchases. Many stores have after Christmas sales, so watch for white sales, summer sales, etc. — and take advantage of these sales to purchase next year’s Christmas gifts, upcoming birthday gifts, or electronics and appliances for your home. You will be able to save money on items purchased, and spread the payments out over the year.

3. Make sure insurance coverages are adequate.

Unexpected home, car, and health care expenses can wipe you out. Make sure that you have adequate insurance in all these areas — and that the deductibles are set at a level that, if you have an emergency and need to pay it immediately, you can afford it.

4. Reduce Your Debt.

Lenders typically use a formula that includes a total debt load of no more than 36 percent of income. This will include your rent or mortgage, which will typically hover around 25 to 28 percent of your net income. This means that you need to get monthly payments on other items such as car loans, credit cards, and student loans down to about to 8 to 10 percent of your monthly income. It is also advisable to watch your credit card debt. Interest rates on these cards are quietly inching upwards — so pay attention to the monthly statements, and try not to carry a balance from month to month.

5. In 2012 Make Saving A Priority!

This cannot be emphasized enough. If you do not have savings or a financial back up plan, you are basically flying without a financial parachute. You will need savings to cover unexpected expenses — and to protect yourself against job loss, or long term illness. You probably know how much you spend on static costs — such as rent, mortgage, utilities, food — but little expenditures add up quickly. This is a good time to write down everything you spend money on for 60 days. You will get a clear picture of what you are spending, and where you can save — from the daily Starbucks run, to eating at home more often, to making fewer movie rentals.

The New Year is a great time to organize your finances. Be dedicated to the long-term financial principles of budgeting and saving…and you will reap the rewards in no time!

Jennifer Streaks is a finance expert, multi-platform journalist, empowerment speaker, and financial author with an edgy voice on practical tips to thrive in today’s economic climate. Continue the financial conversation by following her on twitter @JStreaks.

© Jennifer Streaks for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2012, budget, debt, finance, home ownership, jennifer Streaks, money, savings, women

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What is bullying? Many people still don’t understand what it is — and until we get a clear consensus in our culture of what it is, we will continue to suffer from its painful, brutal, and sometimes fatal repercussions and effects.

Bullying has been a major issue in the media. We hear about people bullying on social networks, — and sometimes it hits as close as home. Bullying is a widespread and serious problem that can happen anywhere. It is not a phase children have to go through — it is not “just messing around”…and it is not something to grow out of.  Bullying can cause serious and lasting harm.

Although definitions of bullying vary, most agree that bullying involves:

• Imbalance of Power: people who bully use their power to control or harm, and the people being bullied may have a hard time defending themselves
• Intent to Cause Harm: actions done by accident are not bullying; the person bullying has a goal to cause harm
• Repetition: incidents of bullying happen to the same person over and over by the same person or group.

Bullying can take many forms. Examples include:

• Verbal: name-calling, teasing
• Social: spreading rumors, leaving people out on purpose, breaking up friendships
• Physical: hitting, punching, shoving
• Cyber bullying: using the Internet, mobile phones, or other digital technologies to harm others (http://www.stopbullying.gov)

According to BullyingStatistics.org, 71% of middle school and high school students report a daily on-going issue with bullying. They are being abused — verbally and socially — by their peers…and it’s on the rise. We are losing our kids to suicide because of this disease. As adults and authority figures, it’s our responsibility to do what’s necessary to educate ourselves — and our kids — about bullying. When we become educated about something we can beat it.

Bullying is a word with very real repercussions — and it affects thousands of children daily. More and more schools are starting to monitor bullying more, by creating rules and are enforcing consequences. Schools are beginning to implement Bullying Programs, recognizing that — because children are with them at least 6 hours of the day — it’s wise to partner with parents in dealing with the issue. Teachers are being educated on how to recognize the signs — and to act.

As a Teen Counselor who focuses on bullying, I have witnessed it first hand, and worked to educate school officials, parents and children about the issue. If we educate ourselves about it, we can make a difference in the lives of not only the children being bullied, but in the lives of those who bully as well. The sooner more schools, parents, and governmental agencies work together with our kids to combat bullying, the sooner we will find SOULutions™ that work.

Dr. Jeanelle Marshawn-Lanham specializes in counseling for families, teens and parents; she is a counselor and life coach who has dedicated more than twenty years to helping teenagers discover who they are, accept who they are, and ultimately love who they are. Join her next time for Part Two in Hope’s series on bullying prevention.

© Jeanelle M. Lanham for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | One comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: bullying, cyberbullying, Dr. Jeanelle, families, parents, school, teens, the SWAG Doc

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A great pair of jeans. Jeans are a pricier item, but you’ll get your money’s worth if you find the perfect pair. When you shop for the perfect jean, be prepared to try on multiple pairs. It may take time — and with the huge variety of different brands and styles it’s important to be open to different options. Right now, “trendy” colored jeans can be found in every hue of the rainbow, but this might be something to spend less money on. Better to take the extra cash you save, and put it towards a “can’t go wrong” dark blue or black denim with the most flattering line for your body. You’ll be glad you found that perfect pair of jeans that will last you many seasons to come!

The little black dress. We’ve all heard of it — but some of us still may not have found the perfect “little black dress.” A timeless must-have, the little black dress can be worked for almost every occasion; it can be dressed up for an evening out…paired with heels or flats…or matched with a funky or classic blazer for work or play. The perfect little black dress is worth spending more money on; look for a dress that’s tailored in shape, with a higher neckline. Cotton fabric is great to look for when searching for the perfect “LBD.”

Classic black pumps. Your classic pump comes in all shapes and heights. While today’s trendy black heels have spiraled to higher heights, when looking for heels that will last a long time in your closet, go for a lower, leather heel. Closed-toe heels are also the way to go if you want to assure you have a professional shoe. And make sure you invest some money into your black pumps so you’ll get more wear out of them; trendy shoes may be cheaper, but they’ll fall apart sooner. Look for a pair that you will be able to wear with jeans, dresses, and skirts.

Every woman has a different style — but these are three items worth putting a little more money into…because they’ll never go “out of style.” 2012 is about value and smart sense fashion – so stock up on your well-made wardrobe must-haves…and avoid the trendy (if often cheaper) options!

© Alex DeJoy for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | 5 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2012, Alex DeJoy, fashion

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But if you haven’t crossed off many things on that list, you’ve found out (the hard way, I might add), that without hard work and consistent effort, you can’t accomplish things.

I know that at this time of year, some people are thinking, “maybe I’ll just start my goals all over again” — with a slightly heavy heart…because of the lack of previous accomplishment.  Don’t fret!  You can definitely accomplish all your goals this year!  Here are some tips to getting a strong start in 2012.

• Revamp that list. So you accomplished a few things…great!  What about those other important tasks/goals?  Study your list and choose two things that you are positive you can accomplish before the end of February.  BE REALISTIC!  Do not choose something that you aren’t sure you can complete.  This will only push you further back on the road to accomplishing your goals.  Not only will completing the tasks take some things off of your list, it will positively propel you into a new place this year!
• Assess your purpose. In the time span of a year, a lot of things can change.  Make sure that you’re still en route to the same desires that you had the year prior.  Not knowing — and changing mid-way through the year — will kill your momentum. Know where you want to go…and do whatever preparatory things it takes in order to start your year off right.  Last year, I decided to get some goals done early — and it has already done wonders for this year!
• Target Date. For all your goals, have a target date.  A target date makes you accountable.  When you put an action date in the atmosphere, you put yourself in a place where you have to get moving on your goals.  Having those dates will get you revved up to make this upcoming year your most successful!
• Action Plan. I love these!  Within every coaching session I conduct, I compile an action plan with my client in order to have a blueprint to assist them in completing their goal.  Often times, we have great ideas, but have no idea how to accomplish them. When we get stuck at the unprogressive place, we end up procrastinating — not because we don’t want to do it, but because we don’t know how.  A plan of action will help guide you in the best way to go for your goal!

Yes, 2012 will be awesome if you want it to…but you have to work!  Use each day to the fullest — and work on your dream NOW.  Everyday is a gift; therefore we can’t get caught up in the unknown of the future.  The only moment you have is the one that you’re in…so use it and be grateful for it.  The greatest thing you can do is become the person that God created you to be.  So what are you waiting for?!  Get started — and make this year “your best year ever!”

Stephanie Benoit is a Certified Life Coach who specializes in motivation and empowerment. An editor, writer, and contributor for several magazines, she loves to share her gift of writing with the world.  She aspires to inspire people to reach their goals and God-given purpose. To reach Stephanie, email her at sbenoit1@gmail.com or follow her on twitter: @stephaniebenoit

© Stephanie Benoit for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: 2012, goals setting, organizing, planning, planning for the new year, resolutions for 2012, Stephanie Benoit

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Fight cold weather mayhem from your cupboard

Winter is here… bringing with it not only dropping temperatures, but less-than-kind weather conditions for hair, skin, and nails. The dry, cold, lip-chapping and skin-cracking weather delivered by old man winter can play havoc on our bodies — and demand extra-effort in our beauty regimens.

But before you run to the department store in search of the latest and greatest cream that promises to save you from winter-beaten hair, skin, and nails, try rummaging through your cupboards and pantries first. Dozens of remedies for parched skin, brittle nails, and frost-attacked locks can be found right under your nose!

Try these five fun and easy at-home-remedies for your winter beauty blue:

Exfoliating Brown Sugar Scrub

• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup sweetened almond oil
• 1 teaspoon vitamin E
• 1/2-1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Brown sugar isn’t just tasty and delicious smelling, but it’s great for your skin as well. A little bit of this mixture helps slough off roughened winter skin, and unveils new, smooth cells. Use it in the shower, in the bath, or on its own — for soft, radiant skin.

Honey and Almond Facial Mask

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 egg yolk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond oil
• 1 tablespoon plain yogurt

Honey is one of nature’s best-kept secrets. Not only is it a great source of energy, but it is also a wonderful, natural moisturizer. A little bit of this stuff goes a long way; and when mixed together with egg yolk, yogurt, and almond oil, it’s a miracle mask for dry, tired skin. Leave the mask on for 20 minutes, rinse off, and enjoy a glowing, dewy complexion. Not only is honey great as a mask, but it can also be used safely all over the body for a quick and effective pre-shower moisturizing boost. Thank you, bees!

Miraculous Mayo Hair Mask

• 1 egg
• 3/4 cup of mayonnaise
• 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil

Okay, so the combination isn’t the tastiest sounding thing in the world — but the results are more than enough reason to trump the sandwich-sounding ingredients. Combine the three ingredients together and apply to damp hair; cover hair with saran wrap — or a shower cap — and leave on for 15 minutes. Rinse…and revel in how soft, sleek, and healthy your hair feels afterward!

Fight Flakes With Tea Tree Oil

• 1 teaspoon of natural tea tree oil

This one is as simple as they come! Add a dollop of tea tree oil into your regular shampoo to help combat the dry, itchy scalp that winter brings! The natural anti-fungal properties of tea tree oil make it an unbeatable cure for this pesky follicle foe.

Nourishing Nail Soak

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons papaya juice

Add these two ingredients to separate bowls. Soak your nails in the papaya juice for five minutes, then remove, and rub olive oil into your nail beds and cuticles. The softening and conditioning that the juice and oil produce helps restore health and moisture to dry, rough cuticles.

Other great, easy tips for helping de-winterize ourselves? Use oatmeal to soothe red, irritated skin. Opt for lukewarm showers instead of hot. The temperature may seem frightful, but the results are delightful: the less hot the water, the less drying it is!

While winter may be rearing its frigid head and breathing its icy breath down our necks, we don’t have to fret! By experimenting with a few handy things we keep in our kitchens, beating back winter is as easy as eating your favorite dessert!

© Lynn Sexton for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: beauty, home facials, Lynn Sexton, natural beauty, natural skin, skin

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While pouring their all into their work, the same dedication that they bring to their jobs is often left behind when they get home. Adam doesn’t seem to be paying enough attention to his children. Nathan is doing well, but knows that good is not enough when it comes to fatherhood. David is not stepping up to his role — and Shane doesn’t seem to have his whole heart quite where it needs to be. From the outside in, one would say that they are good fathers. When tragedy strikes home, it forces them to become closer…and makes it clear that God is calling them to bring a deeper dedication, passion, and commitment to their homes — rather than their jobs.

Courageous sends you on an emotional rollercoaster; it’s an action-packed tale of faith that will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s also a film that every family should see, as it strives to reach the heart of every father and give them a stronger desire to be better – shining a light on men who aren’t stepping up to their fatherhood role, and encouraging them to embrace the vital role they have their children’s lives — regardless of the relationship with the child’s mother. Reflecting the fatherless epidemic that is happening in America, the film provides some shocking — but not surprising — statistics that clearly speak to the importance of having a devoted father in the home.

Head to Redbox or your nearest rental stop, as Courageous is slated to be released on DVD, January 17th…and on your way home, grab your tissue, your husband, your child’s father, your father, your uncles, your brothers, your sons — and any other man that you can think of…and have them watch along with you!

For more information on the impact of fatherless homes on children, visit www.fathers.com.

Tanika Jones is a marketing professional and aspiring Christian author. A student at Rhema Correspondence Bible School, has been called to minister to others through her passion for writing. In her spare time, she loves reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends. To learn more about Tanika, visit her blog, “My Alabaster Box” at www.tanikajones.com.

© Tanika for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Courageous the Movie, Movie reviews, Tanika Jones

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The Help tells a story of white reporter, Skeeter (played by Emma Stone), and her undercover endeavor to give voice to “the help,” African-American maids. The film takes place during the mid-sixties, and seeks to give another view of the struggles and accomplishments occurring towards the end of the Civil Rights Movement.

This isn’t your history channel documentary; it is a film full of laughter and wit beyond anything that you’ve seen on the subject. I was hesitant to watch the film, assuming I would go through an entire box of tissues during two-hours of the seemingly depressing movie.  However, I was greatly surprised that majority of my tears came from laughing so hard at the practical jokes and witty humor.

Director Tate Taylor does have a way of rattling your soul, as you see maids Aibileen (Viola Davis) and counterpart Minney (Octavia Spencer) live day-to-day, bearing the revulsion of their housewife employers. It is in these moments that you begin to fall in love with the valor and compassion that “the help” convey to the white children of the home, amidst the scorn of their “fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.”

Manohla Dargis for The New York Times describes Minney and Aibileen’s relationship quite flawlessly: “They have some genuinely touching moments together when you see two women, each struggling with the burdens of race and class. But just when you think it might get too heavy, Minny starts vacuuming a stuffed bear for some laughs.”

This story is complete with phenomenal costume design, character portrayal, and downright beautiful women…on the inside and out. Check out The Help before Oscar nominations come out, as it’s a sure guess the movie will be represented in some category.

© Hannah Towler for Hope for Women, 2012. | Permalink | No comment | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Golden Globes, Hannah Towler, The Help movie, Viola Davis

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