The Soul of Money
I can't believe I hadn't heard of this book...The Soul of Money by Lynne Twist was written in 2003 and reissued again in 2017 but it is just as relevant today as it was back then...In it, through great storytelling of her myriad experiences all over the world trying to combat world hunger, Twist explores the pervasiveness of money in our culture, the ideas behind scarcity and sufficiency, our attitudes towards "poor people" and how with a shift in perspective, aligning money with soul, one can actually manifest one's most soulful interests and commitments in an arena where profound and lasting transformation could occur.
. Twist believes that when we let go of trying to get more of what you don't really need, which is what we are all trying to get more of, it frees up immense energy to make a difference with what you have. It is a must read! Don't just leave it to me or my friend Eddie who recommended it after a conversation we had about money. Below are a few more notable recommendations about this transformational and inspirational book:
"To anyone who wants to transform their lives and the world, I give this book my highest recommendation.
--Deepak Chopra
I want to warn you, your life will not be the same after you pick up this book. The Soul of Money delivers a message that will move, inspire, and touch your soul so deeply that you will not be able to live your life in the same way."
--Paul Dolan, President Fetzer Vineyards
"Lynne Twist's eloquent book, The Soul of Money, is an indispensable resource for all those interested in transforming their relationship with money and its influence in their lives..."
Charles Garfield, Univ. of California Medical School, SF
Lynne Twist is a global activist and has been her whole life. She has taken it upon herself, through her work with The Hunger Project and her organization The Soul of Money Institute, to tackle many of the world's deepest problems, fighting to end the scourge of world hunger, alleviate poverty, empower the status of women and girls, and work towards environmental sustainability and social justice. She definitely is one of our unsung heroes...
Shopping Bags
As a wonderful graphic designer, my friend Jill Korostoff has a knack for finding cool and clever visuals to put a smile on our faces...Have a look at these creative and different takes on mundane shopping bags. They made me smile...
Taking to the Streets
I grew up with a German mom that escaped Nazi Germany in the nick of time. She got out late but she was one of the lucky ones who did. I grew up haunted with the question of how something like that could have happened, how the people either didn't see it coming or did and just wanted to believe nothing would come of it...
What worries me a lot these days is that we are just sitting ducks, watching our democracy taken away from us right before our eyes, and we just think it can't happen...I've been screaming for a while, asking where are the organizers, why aren't they demanding we take to the streets. Demonstrations I believe helped stop the Vietnam War. Civil disobedience does work. Boycotts do too. Why, now of all times with climate armgeddon on the horizon and democracy in America in grave peril are we just sitting there...
Well, this past weekend we did show up in the streets en masse. It was climate Week here in NYC and the UN General Assembly is in session so many world leaders were in town...And 75,000 of us came out to demand the end to fossil fuels. It was envigorating, inspiring and gave me renewed hope...Let's make it a habit. God knows there is enough to protest about...
Painting of the Week
“We See Trees” mixed media on canvas 54” x 80”
Charity of the Week:
Jane Fonda's Climate Pac
“I started Jane Fonda Climate PAC, which is laser-focused on one goal: Do what it takes to defeat fossil fuel supporters and elect climate champions at all levels of government.
I believe this is the most important thing I will do in my lifetime.”
About The Author
New York City based contemporary artist, Pam Smilow, began writing the creative lifestyle blog “things we love” in an effort to foster a sense of community during times of isolation and reflection. To read more about her and her art, visit her website and check out the essay written by the Hammond Museum's Frank Matheis entitled The Sophisticated Innocence of Pam Smilow.