Who is accountable for our Future?

Who is accountable for our Future?

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Collaborative Learning, Communication

By Cheri Torres

In the face of climate change, polarization, and global volatility, how might each one of us step up and become accountable? As human beings dependent upon a healthy environment, why isn’t every community and organization, simply as a matter of course, concerned about “doing the right thing” for the environment? As human beings dependent upon one another for health and wealth, why aren’t communities and organizations doing the “right thing” for every person?

The bigger question is: How can we do what’s “right” and still balance the budget or be financially successful. Doing the “right thing” should be a simple decision, but it becomes complex in the face of our global monetary-based economy, human desire and fear, and marketing and political influences. This is a problem best resolved by engaging all stakeholders in outcomes-focused conversations inspired by generative questions. In other words, by talking about what we want for the long run (e.g., a healthy environment, a livable wage, equity, communities concerned for the welfare of all, etc.) and asking questions that help us think differently while creating positive and innovative images of shared and desired futures.

Some CEOs and business leaders are already engaging in such conversations at both national and international levels. They are exploring what it means to be a business with purpose beyond just profit, what it means to be guided by principles and corporate responsibility, and to ensure long-term success for all stakeholders including the organization. Associations committed to Conscious Capitalism, Business as an Agent of World Benefit, B Corporations, and Business with Purpose are sharing information and fostering conferences to support positive change and solutions to complex challenges such as these. Research is showing that as these businesses make more responsible decisions—as they choose to be accountable to all stakeholders: shareholders, vendors, employees, Directors, community and environment—their profits actually increase over the long run. In other words, they can make the “right” choice and be financially successful.  Raj Sisodia, founder of Conscious Capitalism, and his colleagues have been studying these businesses to learn what works. They’ve published their results in two editions of Firms of Endearment. Their data shows the 10-year ROI for many of these companies is consistently 800% – 1200%!  Isn’t that a conversation your organization would want to be in?

Any of us can influence the conversations in our communities and organizations. Ultimately, decisions may be made at a level far above our position, but imagine the influence if every member of an organization kept engaging in conversations fueled by questions such as:

• How might we produce with zero waste?

• What process could we use to avoid toxic substances?

• What might our by-products be used for?

• What could neutralize our toxic footprint?

• How might using renewable energy improve our bottom line?

• How might being a good citizen to the world improve our customer loyalty?

• Would our customers be more loyal and even pay a premium if they understood we were a zero-carbon footprint company?

• How might we serve a broader purpose, adding value for the environment or people beyond our product or service?

• How can make our bottom line be about profit, planet and people?

• What might make my work deeply meaningful?

As customers, we have conversational power as well. We can ask the organizations from which we buy goods and services:

• How are they making sure our water, air, and land remain clean?

• How are they responsible to people and planet as well as profit?

• How are they choosing to do the “right” thing because it is the right thing to do?

And we need to be willing to ask ourselves tough questions, and engage in conversations with our own family:

• Are we willing to pay the price for doing the right thing, e.g., if it means higher costs or a temporary decrease in our own ROI?

• How might we reduce our own waste and toxic footprint?

• How might we be part of the solution in our community and places of work and worship?

• How might we support creative solutions that ultimately increase overall health and wealth for
everyone?

We can be accountable to our future; we simply need the will and the commitment to generative conversations that help us find ways to do the right thing. Every farmer, every CEO, every board president, every citizen knows it’s a bad idea to pollute our water, bury toxins, and destroy our natural forests. We know it is wrong to hoard wealth while those who help produce it struggle. Only our self-limiting beliefs and lack of imagination keeps us from being accountable for our children’s children. We are human beings, however: creative, intelligent, and capable of amazing ingenuity, especially when we think collectively and positively. How might you inspire conversations that ignite our creative genius and inspire our collective will?

Wherever you are in your organization or community, start asking generative questions to fuel conversations that ignite the collective human spirit to do the right thing simply because it is the right thing.   

Cheri Torres is an author and speaker cheritorres.com. You can download a free Conversation Toolkit and learn more sparking great conversations at ConversationsWorthHaving.today.

Jean Ann’s Journey – The Goal is to Giggle

Jean Ann’s Journey – The Goal is to Giggle

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Self-Discovery, Women, Women Empowerment

By Jean Ann Taylor

Life isn’t always funny. In fact, sometimes it’s painful, depressing, stressful, disappointing, or overwhelming. It’s easy to fall into a blackhole of hopelessness when we’re feeling down; however, filling our lives with laughter can turn our outlook on life around.

It sounds so simple: just laugh more often. Children are great at it. They laugh over two hundred times each day, adults may only laugh twenty times a day. This is in part because children find humor in things adults find upsetting. Children laugh at absurdities, ridiculousness, surprises, and unexpected messes. Step in a mud puddle? Hilarious! Drop your crayons on the floor? Pretend you’re a bulldozer and scoop them up.

There are many valid reasons to add laughter to your life. A good, solid chuckle can make us healthier by lowering our blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, and increasing the circulation of antibodies in our blood stream—helping us to resist infection. The muscles in our face and body stretch, and we breathe harder, which sends more oxygen to our tissues. Laughing tightens the tummy and strengthens our heart. After a good, hard belly laugh, you may feel like you just had a good, hard workout!

While both men and women benefit by laughter, there is a difference in how the sexes process funniness. I remember as children, my younger brother enjoyed watching The Three Stooges. As he sat cross-legged in front of the television, he laughed hysterically at scenes I could only roll my eyes at. I usually left the room when that show was on. I’ve found that men can find humor in knocking heads while women find it foolish. April Fools jokes and pranks are another example of very personal preferences. What is comical to one person may be insulting to another. To know what tickles your funny bone, you must first know yourself. Our sense of humor is as individual as our eye color, so look for people who laugh at the same things you find funny. 

Adulthood means we are consumed with responsibilities: work, bills, repairs, deadlines, and appointments. An unexpected and spontaneous giggle can help us to lighten up and not take ourselves so seriously. Laughter changes us. It can help turn our perspective from gloom to glee. Laughing is also contagious. When we smile at the person who is stuck in a long line with us, the acknowledgement that we are in this situation together helps ease the frustration. When faced with a large work-task, finding humor with coworkers can make a workload seem more manageable. In relationships, laughing can help alleviate an argument when a difficult situation has seemed to come to an impasse. Laughing together is a shared emotion that results in creating a bond with each other.

For your health and well-being, find ways to include more laughter in your life. For me, a YouTube video of babies laughing gets me every time. Turn off the “news” and watch a funny sit-com like Cheers or Big Bang Theory. Let a seven-year-old impress you with her plethora of knock-knock jokes. Whatever it takes, try to get more giggle in your gig.

“Happiness is laughing with a toddler about something that makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.”

Please send your thoughts and ideas to me at [email protected]

Acupuncture 101

Acupuncture 101

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Acupuncture, Asheville, Women, yoga

By Natasha Kubis

Acupuncture has been practiced in China for over 3,000 years and involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into the skin at specific points in order to treat a wide range of disorders. The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective option for chronic and acute pain management, hormone and pregnancy related issues, allergies, digestive issues, hypertension, anxiety, and depression. Clinical trials have also shown positive outcomes when used to treat the side effects of chemotherapy drugs.

The mechanisms of this ancient tradition are not widely understood in our culture, and when things are not understood, they can quickly be disregarded as hocus pocus.  This is largely because acupuncture has been studied and communicated through its ancient and classic framework, which is poetic and metaphorical in nature. As westerners, it can be hard for us to wrap our minds around the obscure concepts of “qi” and “yin and yang,” but if we take the poetry of the classic texts and redefine it through the lens of modern biomedical concepts, it can be a bit easier to consider for a viable treatment option for disease. 

How did acupuncture gain popularity in the U.S.?

Acupuncture has been practiced in the US since the 1800’s; primarily amongst Asian communities, but in 1972, a New York Times columnist, named James Reston, underwent an emergency appendectomy while visiting China with the Nixon administration. He later wrote about his positive acupuncture experience in the New York Times and this was the dawn of mainstream acupuncture.

What are the benefits of acupuncture?

Acupuncture can provide drug-free pain relief, which is particularly important during our current opiate crisis. It stimulates the body’s natural ability to suppress pain without the over-dependency of painkillers. Studies have found acupuncture points at sites of high-density neuro-vascular structures. When we stimulate those areas, we are promoting secretion of naturally occurring neurotransmitters, like endorphins, which help minimize pain.

Is it painful?

This is the most common question I receive from potential clients. Modern acupuncture needles are about the size of a cat whisker and the treatment should be relatively painless. To give you perspective, you can fit 40 acupuncture needles into the tip of a syringe. The sensation levels of acupuncture depend greatly on the practitioner, the style of acupuncture, and the types of needles being used. Primitive societies in China used stone needles (resembling an arrow head) to stimulate acupuncture points. Needle materials evolved from stone, then bronze, and eventually to gold and silver.  Today, stainless steel is used to make needles and a plastic guide tube allows for quick and painless insertion.

How does it work?

Classical Perspective

In traditional Chinese medicine, the body and its functions are seen as a delicate balance of two opposing and inseparable forces: yin and yang. Yin represents the cold, slow, or passive principle, while yang represents the hot, excited, or active principle. Perfect health is achieved when the body maintains a balanced state of yin and yang. On the contrary, disease is a result of an imbalance of yin and yang. This imbalance leads to blockage in the flow of qi (energy) along meridian pathways (the channels containing acu-points) and these blockages can lead to physical or emotional illness. The needling of the points where energy pools promotes the movement of stuck energy.

Modern Biomedical Explanation

There are over 2,000 acupuncture points on the body located at nerve endings. Stimulating these points allows different parts of the body to communicate, triggering the release of opioid peptides. Opioids are naturally occurring chemicals in the brain that have an analgesic, or pain-relieving, effect. The release of opioids, such as endorphins, plays a significant role in the reduction of pain. Endorphins help to decrease feelings of pain and increase feelings of euphoria. There has been considerable evidence to support that acupuncture stimulates the central nervous system, and the release of these chemicals, thereby minimizing pain.


Acupuncture may also induce the relaxation of knotted up myofibrils (muscle fibers) within muscular tissue. It also stimulates local blood flow to the tissues by causing a micro trauma to an area of the body, which increases local blood flow to the surrounding area, initiating the healing process.

Does a practitioner of acupuncture need a license?

The National Certification Commission of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM) oversees accreditation for acupuncturists across the country. Its database of licensed acupuncturists is a good place to start your search for treatment. Licensed acupuncturists must complete a minimum of three years in a master’s acupuncture program at an accredited school. Each state requires its own license and there are continuing education requirements for recertification on the state and national levels.

Acupuncture is a safe and effective way to manage pain, digestive disorders, allergies, fertility issues, PMS, migraines, anxiety, depression, and more. The treatments aim to rewire the body to function more optimally and are great options to use in collaboration with conventional treatments or for conditions that are not responsive to conventional medicine.

Natasha Kubis is a licensed acupuncturist and certified yoga teacher. For more information, visit acuwellhealth.com

[email protected]

I Feel Pretty

I Feel Pretty

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Body Language, Feldenkrais Method, Self-Discovery

By Lavinia Plonka

I remember when it began. I was standing on a crowded subway, hanging onto the bar, when I felt a tug. A young man sitting in front of me said, “Ma’am, would you like to sit down?” “What? No, I’m just fine,” I replied. Then it washed over me. After all, there were lots of other women standing up. But he had offered the seat to me because I looked old.

I stared at myself in the mirror. For most of my life, with the exception of an especially ridiculous period between age 13 – 17 when I was trying to figure out how to look like Twiggy (I know, if you’re under 50, you have no idea who that is, which makes me even OLDER!) I really never paid much attention to my face from the beauty perspective. My mother, bless her Russian heart, would often tell me, “You should cultivate your brains because no man will ever marry you for your looks.” Makeup was something I wore on stage, in order to become whatever character I played, not an ornamentation. I actually have the same container of eye shadow I bought over 30 years ago.

So I hadn’t noticed that my face had lost its battle with gravity. My loving husband Ron had not seemed to notice. When I asked him if I looked old, his first response was, “Huh? No, honey, you’re as beautiful as ever,” trying to dismiss me so he could go back to figuring out how to put LEDs behind one of his pictures. “No, seriously! Take a look!” He could tell from the tone of my voice that I was not going to leave him alone. He regarded me and shrugged. “You look the same.”

“Put on your glasses,” I insisted.

He put on not one, but two pairs of glasses, peering at me as if I was a museum subject. “Hmmm. You’re right. I never noticed all those spots. And your cheeks….” He put his hands on my cheeks and pulled them up and back. “Maybe just a little lift and tuck?”

I regaled him with a few chosen unprintable words and stormed out. In the distance I heard him say, “Well you asked….”

As I critically examined myself, I realized that I had inherited my mother’s crepey, wrinkled cheeks AND my father’s wealth of age spots. My lips were disappearing and what I soon learned are called marionette lines around my mouth were as deep as any wooden dummy.

The inner struggle began. The feminist crone spoke. “Think of the wrinkles as wisdom lines. Embrace your inner beauty, don’t buy into our consumerist propaganda that tells you how you should look! You never did before. You should be celebrating each hard earned age spot. And while you’re at it, why are still dying your hair red? With that face you’re not fooling anyone about your age. Be the wise woman, dance your wild, gray self!”

“But . . . I’ve been dying my hair since I was 16 – red hair is my brand! It’s not just about gray. It’s how I define myself. And I exercise, eat right and feel great. Why not do something to look great as well?”

“You mean younger.”

“OK, fine, what’s wrong with that?”

I consulted my sisters, who live in LA where it is a law to look 26 forever. “Fillers and botox,” they recommended. I made an appointment.

The doctor’s face reminded me of a kewpie doll – smooth, swollen, and frozen. It was clear she had drunk her Kool-aid. Nonetheless, she convinced me to try their intro special to at least get control of my marionette lines. $300 later, I walked out wishing I was wearing a mask to cover the injection holes on my face. For weeks after, I’d ask people, (including Ron), “Notice anything different?”

“New sweater?”

“New hair color?”

“Lost weight?” (That’s another article.)

Not one person had noticed my diminished lines. Wrinkles are in the eyes of the beholder.

I let a few years go by, trying new anti-aging lotions and potions, facials and even a period (recommended by a friend who always looked fabulous) of putting banana peels, avocado and whatever else was left on the chopping block on my face. I reminded myself of those crazy portraits of people made out of vegetables. I stood on my head, hoping the wrinkles would fall upside down. All for naught.

Another doctor. At first she recommended a special filler that was “guaranteed” to make me look younger after a couple of months. Made from bovine cartilage. I envisioned this herd of cattle sacrificing their cartilage just to satisfy my vanity. Oh, and it was $8000. For $8000 I could take a trip around the world, who cares how old I look?

Then she said, “How about threading?”

“OK, I’ll bite, what’s involved?” The doctor numbs your face with novocaine, injects you with a plastic thread that has barbs on it that pulls your face up. Then she injects your cheeks and saggy chin with a web of more plastic threads. I went home and watched a YouTube video of the procedure. I imagined my brain thinking I was either undergoing scientific experimentation or some sort of torture, and paying for the privilege.

Now that everyone is freaking out about facial recognition and privacy invasion, and masks are selling out to ostensibly protect people from coronavirus, I’m thinking of starting a new/old fashion trend. Veils. They could come in different colors, there could be half-veils revealing the eyes (although of course my eyes are nothing but squinty points surrounded by laugh lines. I have to find that eye shadow.) They could come in a multitude of colors, decorated with sequins, semi-transparent, or gold lame´. They would be a triple threat delight: Protection from deadly virus, defying facial recognition technology, and providing mysterious allure.

I’m going to set up my Etsy page right now because I know the orders are going to come flooding in.  You read it here first.

Body language expert, Lavinia Plonka has taught The Feldenkrais Method for over 25 years. 

For more information, visit her at laviniaplonka.com

Rachael Waterhouse – The Voice of the Vine

Rachael Waterhouse – The Voice of the Vine

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Music, Musician, Women

By Peggy Ratusz

Ten years ago, Rachel Waterhouse and I met for a vocal coaching session. As we greeted one another, I found her to be open and alluring. I knew that we would be acquainted for a long time to come. I sat in my chair as her fingers floated over the keyboard. At once I allowed her voice to take my heart
hostage, as she cast her spell on a Stevie Wonder tune. 

I didn’t even try to hide how much I was enjoying this private performance. I felt privileged to witness her virtuosity and expressiveness. When she was through, I told her, “All I can do for you as a new fan, is help you put a band together; as a vocal coach, I should sign up for sessions with you instead.” An emancipated musician and poet, new to town as Ms. Waterhouse was at that time, doesn’t have to play but one open mic, to create enduring synergy.

Rachel and I have collaborated a few times over the years. I find her sensitivity to arrangements and content, even with pastiches, refreshing. This predisposition is a continuation of her aptitude for songwriting. With the “soft-release” of her first full-length recording with her trio “Sister Ivy” wrapped last month to a capacity crowd at The Mothlight, we excavate some of the nooks and crannies of her process.

Your melodies meander fluidly over the chord progressions. Please delve into your process for marrying melodies with chord progressions.

I feel less like I impose melodies and chords and more like I gather them as different ingredients separately, pair them later. Often, I mess around with a theoretical concept and stumble upon a chord progression that I just get absolutely lost in.  I write melodies on the fly and record them when appropriate. I write lyrics in random places, and then forget about them. I let all those things sit and mature in the recesses of my mind until they find each other and make sense. It’s kind of like making a collage.

What’s your process for choosing instrumentation for your songs?

I find the part that is missing the most, after that is low end and rhythm, so I commonly play with a bassist and drummer as my core group. It’s simpler to orchestrate that way and it allows the three of us to be free at live performances. If I had my way, I would have a horn section, choir, guitarist, organ and synth, guitarist, and percussionist on every show. For this album, we went all out with guest musicians, creating a fuller, lush sound.

The vivid stories that will be on the new record truly feel like poetry set in motion.

I write a lot of poetry. I was an English major with a professional writing concentration, which I skewed entirely to the creative writing. The vocal ditties that survive audition, plus the triumphant experiments on keyboard are the main ingredients.

Vocally it’s obvious that you’re fearless.

I have ignored every impulse to fit into a particular style of singing. I just try to be really honest about the emotions and experiences that have moved the music. I’m not scared to go in and out of different parts of my range. I don’t feel the need to remain consistent in my range.

Where does inspiration come from?

I swear the textures I want to create come from the scratched Nutcracker album I listened to on repeat when I was no more than six years old. Musically, I grew up listening to and playing a good deal of Classical music: Chopin, Debussy, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, and Bach. My father played a lot of Rush in the house as well, so that progressive element worked its way in nice and early. I spent a good bit of time in choirs and musicals and very nearly went into opera. But for me, writing my own music is more fun than learning Arias. I branched out to discover artists like Regina Spektor, The Gorillaz, Radiohead, Pink Floyd, The Mars Volta, Herbie Hancock, Funkadelic, Galactic, Air, Sly and the Family Stone, Stevie Wonder. The new waves of fusion and neo-soul, like Erykah Badu, Little Dragon, Hiatus Kaiyote, Robert Glasper, Snarky Puppy, Lalah Hathaway, Moonchild, James Blake, and Moses Sumney have been a major influence in the sound on this new record.

Lyrically: What I write precipitates from what I feel and what I feel precipitates from what I experience. Writing is an excellent avenue to process emotional waves. I am an idealist and I pepper in some of my opinions about the state of the world. Much of my inspiration comes from masks of myths, fairy tales or omens, which clothe my emotions and ideals to give them a more concrete presence without being too specific about their personal origin. I prefer to present a channel for the expression of universal emotions even though, at the root, my writing is not dissimilar to journaling.”

Listeners will discover Rachel’s introspective identity within the meditations, reflections and missives inside the new collection. “Sepia Sun” is one of my personal favorites: “Submerge yourself again, beneath the current. You’ll need a warrior’s heart to brave the dark. Or have you been in Oz too long, accustomed to the colors? When you’re living only to consume all, why would you choose a world of grey?”

A pass from the Sister Ivy website’s homepage illuminates:

Sister Ivy is the voice of the vine that weaves in and out of roots and open air. It mixes with the weeds, and climbs to lofty vistas on the limbs of grand trees. A quizzical poet with a voice brimming with turbulent emotion and heartfelt presence, she moves to join the juxtaposed, not only lyrically, but musically, with careful dissonance and timely resolve, blending the mundane with the magical, providing unexpected nourishment and plenty of food for thought. Listen at your own risk. Sister Ivy may attempt to challenge your core beliefs or (gasp) move your feet a little.

Website: sisterivy.com

Where Can You Plant Your Eco-Tree?

Where Can You Plant Your Eco-Tree?

by | Apr 3, 2020 | Asheville, Eco-Friendly

Are you taking part in the drive to plant more trees? As scientists confirm that we urgently need more greenery to counter global warming, individuals like you are rising to the challenge. But finding a place to plant a tree can be easier said than done, so here are a few suggestions:

In your backyard   If you have any grounds of your own, you may be able to accommodate a tree, but there are hazards to consider. If you plant it too close to your house, the roots could undermine the foundations in years to come. Meanwhile, the growing tree could eventually block out the view and sunlight from your home, depending on its type and position, so think carefully before going ahead. Some shrubs or a hedge might be more suitable for your space.

In a pot   If you have a patio, balcony or wide doorstep, it might be able to accommodate a potted shrub or dwarf tree. Any leafy plant will help the cause, and if yours threatens to grow too big for its setting, you can trim it back each winter. While doing your bit for the environment, you’ll also be enhancing your home with your attractive, new feature.

On common land   Take your tree sapling to a wild place, such as a common, heath or area of wasteland, and plant it in a fertile, sunny spot. You’ll need to check the status of the land first, though, to ensure that you are legally entitled to add your plant. Assuming that you’re free to go ahead, you may have the satisfaction of seeing more saplings take root around it in a few years’ time, and eventually perhaps even a little wood or orchard.

With permission, on privately or publicly owned ground

The last three venue suggestions for your tree given below are all dependent on permission from landowners. However, the likelihood is that many proprietors would welcome a new, freely given tree, especially for an honorable motive like yours.

In a park  Chances are the park will belong to the state or local civic department, but if not, they could probably inform you who the owner is. If you’re offering to provide your sapling at your own expense, the proprietors will probably welcome it gladly, especially in view of its public-spirited purpose. They may also be glad if you could plant it yourself, or assist in the task. Suggest adding a plaque explaining the purpose of your contribution.

In the grounds of a school   School grounds vary considerably in size, but if you know of one with spacious grounds, they’d probably be pleased to receive an extra tree. Your donation, and its environmental benefit, will also have an educational element for the students, bringing the issues around deforestation and global warming alive for them. With luck, other schools will follow suit when they see the all-round benefits of the project.

In other public or private spaces – There are all sorts of other potential places for your tree, most of them requiring permission. Your local hospital or retirement home would probably welcome a tree, for instance, especially one with cheering flowers or blossom. High street stores and services may also be pleased to accommodate a decorative plant on their premises.

With this list of ideas, you’re sure to find a great spot for your tree or shrub. What’s more, your example will inspire others to get planting, too, pulling together for the sake of Planet Earth.

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