Note: I will be Counting the Omer for a total of 49 days, from Passover to Shavuot or from Slavery to Freedom. For many, this is simply the Counting the Omer; for others, it is a tool for exploring the kabbalistic teachings in an organized way. For me, it is a time to actively reflect on my Journey Towards Wholeness. The more I am whole, the more free I will become. [http://t.co/dBPYjDxSGj . . . .]
For me, Counting the Omer, means being reflective on how I count and how I move through this period of time.
Life is a holy journey, so I need to consider how I want to live, what I want from life, and how I want to make the biggest impact. And since I am part of a larger community, country, and universe, I need to actively consider not only myself, but the larger world too.
Since I am currently looking at ways to develop a stronger sense of wholeness within myself, I am considering all the different ways that I can grow as a human being and to celebrate the changes that have already been made.
The first decision my family made as conscious consumers was to only buy fair-trade chocolate. At first it felt daunting, but then it felt so right. The cocoa beans industry is known for their use of child slave labor. As soon as we learned that, chocolate became bitter unless it was fair-trade.
One of the most important questions is how can I be the most thoughtful consumer and honor the workers in the best possible way? This may appear like a choice to many, but to me it is a given. Below are some core ways that each of us can become a good or better consumer.
- Get educated – For me, it all boils down to what companies are following ethical practices for their workers and the workers that create/grow the products they are selling.
Part of being educated is checking the facts – Just because you read something from one source doesn’t mean it’s true. Check the facts by doing your research and by following up with the company themselves. I have seen time and again how common rhetoric may not actually be true.
- Hold companies accountable – The more you learn about the companies, the more you are obligated to make your opinions known and/or refrain from purchasing from unethical stores/businesses. Companies will not know what you think unless you tell them. And the more folks that tell them, the more possible it becomes to impact a company’s business practices.
- Shop locally – By shopping locally, you are supporting your community and lessening your carbon footprint.
- Shop second-hand – Buying second hand is great for recycling, carbon footprint, and often for your wallet.
- Share what you know – We are all partners in taking care of the universe. Period. If you want to impact the world for good, you can start by making good decisions and then you look for ways to inform others the information you are learning and the values you are choosing to live by.
While I am sharing some ways to grow into a more positive consumer, it starts with one step and then another one. You don’t have to become the perfect consumer overnight.
Personally, my goal is to continue my progress to be a really thoughtful consumer and an overall ethical human being. There is always so much to learn AND companies are constantly evolving. Some businesses that once made ethical choices, may change their ways over time and the reverse is also true. With that in mind, I need to stay on my toes.
May we each be a conscious consumer with every purchase we make.
With love, light, and blessings,
Chava
Thanks. This teaching was is that what you’re teaching educational spiritual and philosophical. In addition to being very practical. Your friend Sandi
Thanks!!! I love that it touched you!