Power of Fall

Ever have one of those days when you're happy for no particular reason? Today happens to be one for me. I woke up earlier than usual to come to work and I was just filled with gratitude and simple happiness for no known reason. It's a blessing to feel this way and although I know the feelings won't last, I hope to live in the moment and savor it!

Maybe this is brought on by the thoughts of new frontiers to explore, new chances to take, new ways to be vulnerable. I am caught up in the excitement of Fall, which is such a wonderful rejeuvenation time.

Soul Food

I saw this article in the latest issue of Body and Soul and found it really cool.

It's not enough to go out to dinner and come home full. Your ego should feel as satiated as your body. At least, that's the goal of a new breed of restaurants recently opened on opposite coasts. With four California locations (and more on the way), Cafe Gratitude calls its organic, local, vegan and raw dishes by esteem-building affirmations: "I am Graceful" is a Thai quinoa bowl; "I am Victorious," a macadamia nut porridge; "I am Sensational," a pesto pizza. You're encouraged to utter these words when you order, and the servers repeart them when they bring out your food. Cafe Emunah in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, is the result of a collaboration between a rabbi and a psychologist. Inspired by Kabbalistic teachings, their menu is heavy on biblical references such as "After the Flood" sushi rolls, "Foresight" appetizers, and "Garden of Eden" desserts. But perhaps the most innovative menu option is a "side of table talk." Order that and cofounder Marla Reis, Ph.D., will sit down and work through whatever issues you happen to have on your mind.

Laughing with the Saints

I stumbled across these great clips of Fr. Martin giving a speech on the importance of laughter and humor in our lives and in the lives of the saints. Check it out if you've got some time!

Part I
Part II
Part III

All Saints

A few interesting articles by none other than my favorite Jesuit priest on today's feast...

NY Times
Busted Halo