.jpg)
Starbucks leadership won’t talk to me about Prop 37, the GMO labeling initiative…
Starbucks leadership will not talk to me about their position on Prop 37, the GMO labeling initiative. Starbucks is a member of the Grocery Manufacturer’s Assoc (GMA); the GMA is leading the fight to defeat Prop 37 — they are against GMO ingredients being labeled on food. I’ve exchanged several emails and two phone calls with Starbucks customer service staff, who cannot state the Starbucks policy on labeling GMOs. I spoke to a “supervisor” today who assured me that they valued my opinion. I reminded him several times, as I did in the previous phone call and numerous emails, that I wasn’t sharing my opinion, but that I was soliciting their opinion of GMO labeling. The conversation was pleasant enough and I know the mid-level supervisor is not to blame for the wall that is put up between consumers and leadership. I included in my email and on the supervisor phone call today–which was being recorded, I was told–that we are a true Starbucks family, we go nearly every day, we look for the closest Starbucks when we travel using our Starbucks phone app, we drink it at home, etc etc. That I appreciate the organic food choices they have made available now and that much of the packaging is recyclable. And that yes, I know that they do not knowingly use GMO ingredients. That’s all fine and dandy. BUT, what I want to know is: what is the position of the Starbucks leadership on GMO labeling? Am I to assume that by association–as a member of the GMA–that Starbucks too is working to defeat Prop 37? I asked to speak to someone in the legal dept; no can do, said the supervisor. I asked to speak to a senior manager in customer service. Nope. It turns out that leadership doesn’t take calls from a citizen and a concerned customer. When I ascertained that I was being recorded, I said, “so Starbucks is willing to lose a loyal and long term customer, simply because I am asking a question about their philosophy?
So, there you have it. Not only do I still want to know more about Starbucks stand on Prop 37, but I would like to know why I cannot share in an intelligent conversation with a corporate leader about this.
Is someone in the Starbucks corporate office willing to reach out? Or are you truly willing to lose a loyal customer?
Posted in 
On Closure, Softly
I’ve been on a journey, a lovely journey. There were times when I hadn’t been aware that I was on a journey, although mostly I was paying attention. Just recently, it became apparent that I have landed in the exact place that I was meant to be…
This epiphany-the knowing that I had arrived-came to me two evenings past. I was enjoying the quiet activity of baking pumpkin-coconut bread, while freeing my mind to gently explore various happenings in my life. One large and ongoing happening is related to my having been spending a lot of time working with my husband in his medical practice, nearly two years now. During some of that time, I have experienced resistance to being there; I was, after all, growing my coaching practice-or trying to-and it has been an ongoing opportunity for me to find success in my professional life.
Three years earlier, I had resigned from my long-term role as the Coordinator of the Cardiac Rehab Center at the local hospital. I loved that job, and the resulting deep connection with my community was one that I savored. My decision to leave, to start my own coaching practice, was driven by my passion for health management-as opposed to disease management. As is typical of healthcare delivery in the United States, Cardiac Rehab is offered to a patient AFTER his cardiac event has occurred, and over the years, this no longer felt right to me…I was inspired to motivate others to engage in healthful behaviors that would minimize their risk for developing heart disease or diabetes instead of waiting for them to begin down the disease pathway. I was an experienced nurse-educator and I became fascinated with the neuro-science of behavior change. What was it about the adult brain that either engaged in or sabotaged healthful choices? I wanted to make a difference on the front end of the health continuum.
Talk about a leap of faith … it turns out that coaching in not about “teaching”; coaching is about supporting a client to cultivate their own strengths and to identify the opportunities in their lives to embrace optimal health. Using motivational inquiry and other nifty dialoguing tools, the client searches within himself, with the coach’s role being that of a guide.
My experience however, was that clients WANT to be given meal plans and exercise prescriptions. They want to be provided with tools that can be directly implemented into their busy schedules. I saw that yes, I could invite the client to explore his compelling motivation for pursuing optimal health and well-being, and yet, each client I worked with over the past three years asked for, and expected, the answers to be provided by me, the coach they were paying to guide them.
This worked, actually. I would still invite my client to look within for their motivation, for their strengths on which to build, and for the challenges that would present themselves as a possible barrier to their success. I talked to each client about quieting their minds with deep breathing to decrease the catecholamines in their system, which would avail the brain to take in small bits of new information. It was exciting and gratifying to incorporate the science of behavior change into my coaching practice. My clients made progress. They flourished. They gained self-care skills. They reveled in their newly-cultivated confidence to make decisions that would support their optimal health goals.
Each client, although my fees are quite modest, ultimately decided that due to financial constraints, they would take what they had experienced and learned to continue on their own. After three, six, or twelve months, my clients launched into their brave, new world.
All the while, I had been taking on more responsibility and spending more time at the medical practice-and struggling with my own sense of professional aspirations as well as personal time management. Because I remained resistant, I continued to feel harried, resentful, and as if my day had too many distractions. I was efficient and was making progress in the medical office, yet, at the end of the day, I didn’t feel satisfied with the work I had done. I continued to refer to my role there as temporary. What I wasn’t paying attention to was that my contributions there were making a difference; the staff was benefiting from my presence, both in regards to my lightening their load, but also from my (mostly) enthusiastic approach. And, my husband really, really enjoyed having me in the office every day. When I wasn’t too busy being resistant, I could see the positive influence I was bringing, and the bonus was that I very much enjoyed hanging out with my husband!
When I launched HeartMatters, I created this newsletter. I blogged regularly. I shared links via Twitter. My Facebook page had a lot of “likes.” I made new PowerPoint slides and facilitated workshops. In other words, I was growing my new business. As I got busier in the medical office however, I had less time for this creative and necessary element of marketing and expansion. Writing took on a flavor of obligation. My zest for being an entrepreneur diminished.
I sat with this. I thought of this dichotomy often. I contemplated the lesson that was looming; yet for a long time, the situation remained complicated and challenging. Until I SURRENDERED.
Yep, that’s what the world was waiting for, at least my world. I surrendered…I simply acknowledged that the difference I could make was right in front of me, that what I was doing was very helpful to my husband’s medical practice (which we now call “our practice”, as in, the family business), and agreed to give it five years-yes, five years-to genuinely engage. That was when the shift occurred. The more I began to be present with the day-to-day routine at the office, the more I felt joy. The more I genuinely connected with my co-workers and patients, the more authentic I became. I began to experience gratitude for the positivity I brought to the work and for the kindness that came into my life because of it.
A couple of weeks later, there I was, baking pumpkin-coconut bread and these realizations were the epiphany:
I had gotten away, with intention, from being a Cardiovascular, hospital-based nurse educator to start my coaching practice. As I served others in a coaching capacity, Gratitude became a central tenet in that work. I too had began a daily gratitude practice, during my morning walk, and woweezowee, gratitude became HUGE in my personal and professional life. I wrote about gratitude, I gave workshops on gratitude and I began to live a life of gratitude. Part of my journey, I now see, was towards gratitude. On the way back I found my heart in nursing. Again.
I am truly filled up by teaching others-in a kind way-so that their learning is gentle. As I have cultivated my own gratitude practice, this has also led me to speak to others in a language that is compassionate and non-judgmental. I feel able now to re-engage in guiding our patients towards their own optimal health-in spite of having diagnosed heart disease.
As an aside, I see daily that many of our patients are living with much stress, some of which is self-induced, and some is related to external circumstances. Nonetheless, their stress creates chaotic brain chemistry that ultimately interferes with a patient’s ability to make healthful choices. In spite of their best intentions, some patients fall back to the very behavior(s) that contributed to their heart disease in the first place. I can see now that by connecting one-on-one with patients and/or offering small, group classes to our patients, I can make a positive difference. This realization nourishes me…
Another opportunity for kindness and compassion has been around finances in the office. Many of our patients are un-insured, and many have an outstanding balance for services rendered. Some call to schedule an appointment for the first time, and ask about cash-pay prices. My husband and I have not hesitated to make excellent health care available. He leaves this dialoguing with the patients up to me – there are some times when I write off the balance altogether, and many times when I make an agreement with a patient to make small monthly payments; it feels so right, and touches the patients’ hearts, both metaphorically and physically. When I am understanding of others, when I am able to share kindly, when the heart of another is touched, I believe our world becomes a more joyful place.
And finally, this last awareness, which is a bit awkward to write about: I love to shine. I enjoy being a manager. I have the skills to lead and motivate co-workers in a pleasant and effective manner. Being an entrepreneur requires constant tending to, creativity, and diligence, that I-much to my surprise-didn’t seem to have the energy for. Holy Cow. That’s a big piece of understanding. Yet, in my newly-embraced work environment, I can shine. For which I am grateful.
If you have had the fortitude to read this lengthy story, then I thank you with my heart, for now you understand more about my journey. I am at the crossroads where I am offering a soft closure of HeartMatters; I will not be gone, not by any means, but I am going to have a lesser presence for the next little while. For however long that turns out to be. I’ll gladly be available for email and phone call queries; I will, with enough notice, be available to provide a workshop or to write an article.
I am following my heart and my head, a rich combination of intuition and reality.
Blessings to you. May each of your days be filled with joy, time outdoors in nature, nourishing food, and authentic love.
This is the zest to which I was referring, in one of my favorite videos: 1.1.11
Chili, Veggie Style: perfect for a spring snow day meal!
At this past Friday evening’s cooking class at In the Kitchen, I shared with the students a favorite recipe of mine, adapted from the original Moosewood Cookbook. By adapted I mean that all the flavorful goodness is there, I’ve simply made it easier and less time consuming. By using canned beans and roasting the veggies, the stove/sauté time is taken out of the food prep, making this the perfect high-protein, nutrition-packed dinner for the busy person to enjoy and be nourished by. It’s fabulous as a leftover lunch, also!
VEGGIE CHILI
(adapted from the Moosewood Cookbook)
Ingredients:
- 2 cans kidney beans
- 1 ½ cup tomato juice
- 1 cup uncooked bulgur wheat
- 2 Tbs. olive oil
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 6 – 8 large garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large carrot, diced
- 1 large celery stalk, diced
- 2 small zucchinis
- 1 large red, yellow, or orange pepper
- 1 large can tomatoes
- 2 Tbs tomato paste
- 2 tsp. cumin
- 2 tsp. basil
- 2 tsp. chili powder
- black pepper and cayenne, to taste
- finely chopped purple cabbage (as a topping)
optional toppings:
- finely minced parsley
- grated cheese
Preparation:
- Add the chopped veggies, onion and half of the chopped garlic together in a baking dish; toss with olive oil, salt and pepper; roast for 20 minutes total at 350 degrees, turning the veggies over once, at the10-minute mark.
- While the veggies are cooking, heat the tomato juice to a boil. Add the bulgur to the pot, stirring it up well, cover, and let it sit for 15 minutes.
- In a large pot, heat the beans and the bean juice. Add in the rest of the minced garlic and let it simmer for a few minutes. Add the canned tomatoes and bring to a boil – just for a moment, then turn down the heat to medium-low.
- Add the tomato paste and let it completely mix in, stirring gently.
- Add the roasted veggies and bulgur. Add spices to your desired taste. You can add more tomato juice if you like a thinner consistency.
- The purple cabbage on top adds a lovely crunch and gorgeous color finish. Additional topping options are minced parsley and grated cheese. Yum!
What Oils Do You Have in Your Kitchen?
Twice this week I have been asked “what are the best oils to use for cooking?”, prompting me to share my response with you, devoted reader of HeartMatters News and with the great wide world…
My pantry contains olive oil as my go-to oil for almost all cooking, and coconut oil for baking or any time I crave a rich, flavorful fat. In addition, I keep sesame and peanut oil on hand for a tempeh saute or a Thai dinner.
This disclosure may startle you–after all, isn’t olive oil meant for moderate temperatures and isn’t coconut oil a–gasp!–saturated fat? Yes and Yes. And they are both marvelously healthy, delicious and versatile.
What’s more important to know about what type of oils to keep in your kitchen is in regards to the cultivation: are the plant seeds GMO; is Hexane or a similar toxic chemical used to extract the oil; and are preservatives added to extend shelf-life?
Most commercial oils are routinely derived from Genetically Modified seeds, including soy, canola, sunflower, corn, safflower and other oils. The good news is that there are several companies that produce these oils from non-GMO seeds/plants. I would like to invite you to avoid GMO foods — they are associated with disease and with environmental concerns, not to mention the unconscionable practices of the Ag Industry giant Monsanto, but hey, don’t get me going on that…
Expeller-pressed oil means the oil has been extracted from the seed using the natural process of pressing (squishing) the seeds to press out the oils. About 70% of the oil is able to be extracted using this healthful method. Most commercial oil producers, however, use a nasty petroleum product called Hexane to remove oil; the hexane binds with the oil, pulling nearly 100% of the oil from the seed. AND-get this-since Hexane eventually evaporates, the FDA does not require those companies using this frightening technique to label Hexane as an ingredient. I don’t know about you, but I’ll skip the petroleum in my food oil, thank you very much. This does mean that expeller-pressed oils will cost more, and may I point to this as a perfect example of when investing your food dollar in your own health is wise investment.
Most commercial oil producers add a preservative at the end of processing to extend the shelf life of the product as well as to increase its stability with higher cooking temperatures. First of all, oil is not meant to be stored indefinitely. May I suggest that you consider purchasing a container size will be emptied within a few weeks? The local co-op at which I shop has larger bins of oils that can be accessed to refill those smaller bottles so that your supply at home is always fresh. In regards to the temperature consideration, I simply cook at lower heat to avoid the concern for reaching the smoking-point.
The bottom line is that organic oils will be non-GMO and have no BHT or BHA added to extend shelf-life. A good quality oil is a worthwhile purchase, can be used in small amounts for flavorful cooking, and will provide rich sources of plant micro-nutrients and healthful fats. Enjoy!
A Spring Cooking Class
A yummy welcome to Spring! Join Wendy and me at In The Kitchen for an engaging, satisfying, and informative evening. You’ll have fun assisting in the meal preparation, while learning how to eat well without spending hours in your own kitchen! Register by phone at (530) 478-0669, or online at either info@wendyvanwagner.com, or at www.wendyvanwagner.com (from the classes page, scroll down to 3.23.12). I am looking forward to seeing you there!
An Illuminated Path, A Shooting Star
My morning walk is my time for Gratitude expression; each morning when I walk with Grace the dog, I speak out loud of that for which I am grateful. Some mornings that may include seemingly small details and other mornings, my gratitude is for huge and powerful blessings. This morning was HUGE.
I’m currently immersed in a mind-bending project involving the integration of a computer system for data collection. Suffice it to say that I have had to dig deep to find mindful moments throughout the day, which has elevated the value of my morning walking gratitude. This morning, I was expressing gratitude for my previous night’s restful slumber, the excellence of my teammates at the office, the warmth of our home, my dog’s wagging tail, the delicious crispness of the early morning air, and the magnificence of the sky in the pre-dawn light. As I came out from the forest, into an open meadow area, I looked up to admire the sky and was gifted with a shooting star! Right away, I opened myself to the whatever beautiful message that was intended for me; I stood in wonder under the big sky, expressing thanks for the simple beauty of that shooting star, just beginning to see that the message may have something to do with movement, dynamics, impermanence, change…and WOW, another shooting star bestowed it’s beauty upon me. Just for me. My heart was so open in that moment, the word Illuminated came to me just then and I got it! I understood with clarity that my path was illuminated, knowing that this project, with all of it’s distractions and chaos, was simply perfect, and that in holding the energy of illumination, of acceptance, of dynamic state of being–that all was and would continue to be just as it is intended. I felt pure joy in my heart, thoroughly touched by this understanding, and energized for the busy day.
May your day too, be blessed with an illuminated path, wherever it may take you.
Presence is the Present
With all that’s going on in the world, in our community, in our house, in our brain — ya’ know, the pace that we sometimes allow ourselves to get caught up in; or the stimulation we take on in response to a news story; or the drama that shows up in a family dynamic — all of that can diminish our commitment to presence. To be present. To pay attention. To, with an open heart, observe what is right in front of us, without judgement. To be our authentic, best selves.
Being present is a gift. The present of being present is a gift that is opened and reopened many, many times, and it is the gift that keeps on giving (corny but oh-so-true). When we are present and in the moment, paying attention to our current thought, circumstance, or emotion, we are open to acceptance, learning, and growing. From here, we are receptive to joy and gratitude. Distraction, on the other hand — be it texting, daydreaming, or judging — gets in the way of paying attention to the here and now. We’ve got this one moment to live, followed by the next unique moment, and the next moment, bringing us to a place of gorgeous presence. Let’s make the most of it.
The concept of presence has come up for me this week as I am visiting my family in Florida, staying at my sister’s home with her family — and they just happen to live just down the street from my parents. Sheesh, there’s nothing like a family visit to divert presence — old stuff comes up; being inserted into another family’s routine can create an internal imbalance; and simply being out of my familiar surroundings throws me off the path of being present. Perhaps you experience this phenomenon also, when you are around family that you don’t see very often. If not, wow! you’re fortunate, and if so, phew! I’m glad to know I am not alone in this.
The gift un-wrapping begins by opening the elaborately tied metaphoric bow to get to the personalized greeting card — an invitation to drop into the state of presence. Slowly peeling off the outer layer, you see a glimpse of what the box holds … recognition that awareness and responsiveness have begun to slip and are in peril of being replaced by reactivity. Soon enough, the top of the box is removed to reveal the precious gift inside: acceptance, compassion, and understanding. You’ve just given yourself the present of presence.
