Dear friends, what are you up to this weekend? Tomorrow and Sunday I am excited to be teaching Reiki 2 at BrightHaven (though we will miss little Joey so, so much). Here are a few interesting and important links from around the web of things I’m grateful for today:
1. A vegetarian alternative to fish: Whether or not you’re a vegetarian, overfishing and mercury levels are real problems when it comes to consuming your favorite fish, whether it’s ahi, bluefin or even unagi. Now enterprising chefs and companies across the nation are experimenting with savory, visually appetizing alternatives to your favorite fish dishes. Vegan options and veggie-based foods like “tomato sushi” (which looks and supposedly tastes like the real thing) are starting to roll out. Though demand is still small, I love this idea and can’t wait to try some of these products. Read more here on the flourishing faux-fish trend.
2. Here’s a woman living the dream: She gave up her fancy life in London to rescue street dogs in India. In this Q&A, author/journalist Jo Carnegie talks about what inspired her to leave London and spend three months on sabbatical to volunteer with TOFLA (Tree of Life for Animals). (By the way, TOFLA is a member of my nonprofit, the Shelter Animal Reiki Association, or SARA. They have found Reiki to be extremely beneficial and use it to help all the animals in their care.) The interview also reveals the challenges she’s faced and how the experience has forever changed her. For super adorable dog photos and more info about her work in India, check out Carnegie’s personal blog.
3. Get ready to say, “Aww … . ” The “perfectly imperfect” special needs dogs at the Utah Animal Advocacy Foundation, which are featured in this photo essay, have a range of physical issues, but their cuteness still shines through. Thanks to UAAF, dogs like these are finding their forever homes.
4. Love this news! The city of Oceanside, California, has voted to ban the sales of dogs in pet stores. Here’s to hoping more cities follow suit.
5. Help for those suffering from compassion fatigue: This important issue is one few ever discuss. And yet, according to an article by Ecorazzi, it’s most common in animal shelter workers. Working with shelter animals day in and day out can be extremely taxing on our emotional health and even lead to depression. My nonprofit SARA (see #2, above) teaches meditation techniques to shelter and sanctuary staff to help them combat caregiver stress and burnout. If you think you or a loved one may be suffering from compassion fatigue, please do not ignore it. Click here for more on the signs of compassion fatigue and tips on how to best treat it.
What are you thankful for this weekend?