July 2006 | Mindful Living
Getting Personal with Chemistry Lessons
By Ritzy Ryciak
They were not picked because they are the most toxic people the researchers could find.
In May, 10 Washingtonians—just like you and me— gathered together to react to results from recent lab testing of their blood, hair and urine.
According to Pollution in People, a study commissioned by the Toxic-Free Legacy Coalition, the tests detected 26 to 39 toxic chemicals in each participant’s body. Several test subjects had levels of chemicals that were at, near or even higher than EPA "safe" levels.
All 10 participants, which included state senators, a minister, surgeon, author and renowned environmentalist, had PCBs in their blood, despite a decades-old ban on the chemicals. The study showed that toxic chemicals, which can cause cancer, learning problems and infertility, are likely already in all Washingtonians.
"We all think that it is not going to happen to us," says Pam Tazioli, a breast cancer survivor who likened getting her toxic results to her cancer diagnosis.
"My first response was shock," explains Tazioli, who after her cancer diagnosis made conscious changes in her life and diet. "I thought that I might be spared."
Denis Hayes, president of the Bullitt Foundation, co-founder of Earth Day and an avid fish eater, expected to see some mercury in his blood. What he didn’t anticipate was having the highest mercury level in the group and three times the median for his age and gender. Since getting his results he has dropped swordfish, tuna, shrimp and halibut.
"I have got to get these mercury levels down," he says, but is quick to add a more universal point.
"My problem isn’t my diet," says Hayes who has been named "Hero of the Planet" by Time Magazine. "My problem is that there is a whole lot of mercury out there in our oceans."
—Ritzy Ryciak
At ‘Peace’ with the Movie Version
While attending the recent premiere of a new movie based on his book, “Way of the Peaceful Warrior,” bestselling author, Dan Millman, took a few moments to talk to Seattle Conscious Choice about the movie’s message and some of life’s larger questions.
What do you hope viewers will take home from this movie?
I hope and believe that they will take away a significant element of what they took from the book—a new perspective on life. I hope that it will remind people of what they already know on deeper levels, but what they might have forgotten about.
What was your reaction to the Peaceful Warrior film when you saw it?
I was relieved. Many things can go wrong with this kind of material and it worked. The casting was wonderful. This is an emerging genre of film—cinema with substance. Traditionally people avoided messages like the plague. Any movie with teaching has a target on its back. You can lift lines out of context. Many movies made these days are fun and frothy. This movie also has some nourishment. It is good for you. People will take away something more. The second time that I saw the movie I liked it even more.
I may not be the most objective viewer. But I could have been the harshest critic.
What lessons from the movie and book do you incorporate into your own daily life?
People talk about the words enlightenment and illumination. I view it more as a dimmer switch turned on gradually—rather than one final swoop. Over time, coming to that realization of trusting life as it unfolds, of focusing on what I do in the present moment and treating each moment as special and none as ordinary has infused my life. There are not ordinary moments living in the present.
Both the book and movie make the point that we are all peaceful warriors in training. How do you know that you are on the warrior track?
Wherever you step the path is going to appear beneath your feet. How many of us have experienced physical or emotional pain? Isn’t it true that you are a little wiser, stronger and more compassionate for going through that? We are all walking the path and some of us are doing it more consciously. Daily life is a form of spiritual weight training.
—R.R
Our ‘Cup’ Runneth Longer
As the World Cup crowns its next champion early this month, we have to argue the best soccer tournament of the summer is yet to unfold. Our city’s All Nations Cup 2006 kicks off July 14 with a weekend of qualifier games at Fort Dent Park in Tukwila. Games continue July 22 to July 27 with the championship match July 29.
What makes this tourney so great is simple. In its fourth year, the All Nations Cup will feature 36 teams representing 36 countries. The goal is to bring together immigrant communities to share a sport universally loved—and to share each other’s culture with the backdrop of all living in the U.S.
Some of the teams: Afghanistan, Bosnia, Brazil, Cameroon, Dijbouti, Gambia, Honduras, Iran, Mexico, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Romania, Somalia, Sudan, Tibet and Vietnam.
The All Nations Cup has tripled in size from its original 36 teams and now includes women’s and masters divisions. It includes a culture festival with special concerts, dances, arts demonstrations, food and children’s activities. Call 206-267-9000 or visit www.allnationscup.org. for more details.
—Andrew Mulholland
Green to the Power of Two
The already prospering green building supplies market just got stronger. In June, the Seattle-based Environmental Home Center announced that it was purchasing and merging with Environmental Building Supplies, which has store locations in Portland and Bend, Ore.
The two firms represent the two largest and oldest all-green building materials companies in the U.S. Score another green point for the Pacific Northwest.
“Both businesses are thriving, but as we combine our respective expertise, products and services we expect greater business strength and positive environmental impacts,” says Tim Taylor CEO for Environmental Home Center. He pointed to greater buying power for better in-stock ratios and more products offered to customers.
Environmental Building Supplies owners Markus Stoffel and Abby Mages will continue in their current roles for the next six to nine months, then both will expand their involvement in strategic roles on the senior management team.
Taylor will remain as CEO of the entire operation. Environmental Home Center founder, Matt Freeman-Gleason, will continue as chief knowledge officer.
—A.M.
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