Reverend Billy and the Stop Shopping Gospel Choir believe that Consumerism is overwhelming our lives. The corporations want us to have experiences only through their products. Our neighborhoods, "commons" places like stoops and parks and streets and libraries, are disappearing into the corporatized world of big boxes and chain stores. But if we "back away from the product" - even a little bit, well then we Put The Odd Back In God! The supermodels fly away and we're left with our original sensuality. So we are singing and preaching for local economies and real - not mediated through products -- experience. We like independent shops where you know the person behind the counter or at least - you like them enough to share a story.We ask that local activists who are defending themselves against supermalls, nuke plants, gentrification -- call us and we'll come and put on our "Fabulous Worship!" Remember children... Love is a Gift Economy! -- The Rev

During the odd days of this fall when you are uncertain if you should wear shorts or a parka when exiting the house, Alastair Humphreys offers a bit of inspiration—that no matter the weather, it is a beautiful world out there---

His journey of 46,000 miles along the length of the Earth's three great landmasses (Africa, the Americas, Eurasia) took more than 4 years to complete. It was a truly global journey, succeeding through the kindness of strangers -a vast, spontaneous support team- at a time where the interactions of our global community are more confused and troubled than ever.

Upon graduating from University, Alastair Humphreys left England to cycle round the world. Sir Ranulph Fiennes, described by the Guinness Book of Records as "the world's greatest living explorer", described Alastair's expedition as: "...out of the ordinary. In today’s world of dashing up Everest in less than a day, sailing round the world in ten weeks, and best-selling books about three month motorbike rides, Alastair’s journey stands out as amazing. It was probably the first great adventure of the new Millennium. Alastair’s journey was an old-fashioned expedition: long, lonely, low-budget and spontaneous. It was a life on the road rather than a whirlwind break from home."

Away from friends and family for so long, Alastair's self-funded ride took him from the deserts of Sudan to a Siberian winter, from Albania to Zimbabwe, from the Dead Sea to Andean heights.

We all have our own fashion style, but did you realize your choice of colors may actually reveal more about you than just your tastes or that the colors you wear may even affect your moods?

It is now accepted that color can be used to stimulate or inhibit certain behaviors. Advertising executives are well aware that a product can have a completely different impact if the color of the packaging is changed. Psychologists have found that certain colors in our immediate environment can help us perform some tasks. For example, exercise is best performed in an environment of warm colors, such as reds and oranges, whereas the tranquil blues and greens are ideal for mental concentration.

Quite often the sayings in the English language have tapped into a deeper interpretation of the colors. Red with rage, green with jealousy, purple passion, feeling blue, he is yellow, are well known to most people. However, each color has a cornucopia of meanings associated with it. If you would like to understand what some of the common colors mean see the chart below.

Going on a quest requires taking steps into the unknown. It helps to have an adventurous spirit, but anyone can do it. The following steps can lead you to the hidden treasures of your true self.

#1. LONGING: If you feel a longing in your heart, a stirring in your soul, or even just a slight yearning for something else, then you might find yourself taking this first step on a journey toward your authentic self. It is hearing the call which marks the beginning of a quest.

#2. DECIDING: Responding to that call with a “yes” is the next step. This may come to you loud and clear or it may come as a faint whisper. Picking up the phone, calling for information, and taking action will move you into making the decision.

#3. PREPARING: Planning and making preparations for the trip are necessary. What clothes to take? Who will feed the animals? How will the office/family/projects get managed in your absence? These questions can be challenging, but in finding the answers you may be surprised by the support that already surrounds you.

#4. DEPARTING: When you deliberately walk away from the routine of your life and find yourself on a new path, it can be liberating. It is important to let yourself stay open and receive. Look at everything and everyone you encounter as if they were handing you a message. As you move toward your destination, you move toward your destiny.

#5. ARRIVING: This step may be filled with both joy and disappointment. The excitement of finally being at your journey’s end may be thrilling, but high expectations are often impossible to meet. However, your willingness to explore what is around you and what is happening within you is the key to miraculous self-discovery.

#6. ENGAGING: Engage fully with whatever occurs in the moment and you will discover what you seek. Remember, if your soul brought you to this moment, there is a reason. Gather your experiences, let them speak, and listen with all of your heart.

#7. RETURNING: Turning towards home, you look forward to bringing all that you have gathered on your quest. You realize that you are not the same, and you wonder how you will integrate the new you. Keep the gifts of the quest alive by remembering to stay open to each moment of your life. Thus continues the journey home to yourself.

Taos, NM
This special winter retreat will combine mornings of meditation practice with afternoons free to spend quiet time in the high Rocky Mountains. You can relax in the lodge and library, read or write, soak in the winter sun on the front porch or go snowshoeing or cross country skiing in the miles of wilderness surrounding the ranch.

Sedona , AZ
*Renew and pamper yourself by participating in this special spiritual gathering *Enjoy yoga and hiking amid mystical red rock vortex sites with expert yoga guides *Learn ways to relax and and simplify life through mindfulness and yoga principles *Receive the benefits of optional energy work and psychic or astrology readings