“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” ~ Margaret Mead Hi friends!
It's interesting. With the work I do in coffee, I’ve traveled to Africa, Asia, South America, etc. Turns out? The one week in Detroit may have been the most exhausting of them all? 😀 Helping to host 27 people, from 8 different countries, for a week-long event is no small feat. While the Farm-Direct organization I work with (One BIGG Island in Space) is a small segment of BIGGBY Nation Summit, we definitely try hard to show up and show out. Our team is passionate about what we’re up to, and we do what we can to demonstrate that buying Farm-Direct verified coffee IS a better way. Why? Because 80% of the time coffee farmers LOSE MONEY for their crop. That means the never-ending, year-long work to get that crop? Costs the producers . . . in every way. When a crop is undervalued, that means the PEOPLE and the COMMUNITY are being undervalued. And that is not sustainable. And please, don’t get me started on what taking shortcuts through chemicals does for the sustainability of our planet! 😠 There has to be a better way. I’m proud to be part of an organization that is an industry-leader for this better way. We call it Farm-Direct. And Farm-Direct is built on one thing: relationships. Relationships with people who are value aligned. Relationships with practices that are regenerative for our planet. And, it’s great to be back at home. Getting back into routines with Mike. With Javier. With family and friends. I’m especially grateful for my return to teaching. I miss when I am not on the mat with all of you. I hope to see YOU Friday night @ Satya for the Full Moon / Lunar Eclipse Yoga Circle! And, Sunday @ Red Dock for some loud and festive music! Love and light to all, m
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“If we begin to get in touch with whatever we feel with some kindness, our protective shells will melt, and we’ll find that more areas of our lives are workable.” ~ Pema Chödrön Hello!
I’m excited to talk about two upcoming opportunities for connection. Here’s how YOU can bookend the final weekend of August in some serious goodness! First, join me and Teresa Van Eyk at Satya Yoga for the Sturgeon Full Moon Yoga Circle. These circles are special. Yes, we breathe and move together, and we also take a contemplative look within. So far in our Circles we’ve explored noticing, discerning, nourishing, and returning. I look forward to diving into deep waters for this very special Sturgeon Moon, which also happens to be during a Lunar Eclipse! All are welcome to join the Circle: Friday, August 28 | 6:00 - 7:00 PM. Second, whenever Mike’s band plays locally, it’s a blast. They have played a couple of times around here this summer, but neither of those gigs have been at public venues. So, this is your one chance to get out and join the fun. We hope to see you at Red Dock on Sunday, August 30. The band will play several sets between 3:00 - 7:00 P.M., and you may even get to hear Mike sing! Also, Michelle Fish will be guest starring on vocals for a few songs, and you definitely don’t want to miss her bring down the house! Okay, friends. Next week, I’ll be in Detroit for the BIGGBY NATION SUMMIT. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share why Farm-Direct IS a better way. Turns out, we can make a difference for our producers, and our planet, with every cup of coffee we drink. Love and light to all, m P.S. Summer Season 🥰 MIKE’S RED DOCK GIG | Sunday, August 30 | 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. 🎹 Saugatuck Yacht Club | Saturday | 8:30 - 9:30 A | EVERY SATURDAY in AUGUST! Satya | Monday | 8:30 - 9:30 A Sturgeon Full Moon Yoga Circle 🐟🌕 | Friday, August 28 | 6:00 - 7:00 P “As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” ~ Nelson Mandela Hi friends!
Last week I wrote a love letter to all of you who are on this path. This path of presence. Awareness. And a return to the light. Again and again. When I re-read this quotation by Nelson Mandela, I sat up and took notice. I felt the conscious decision. And the effort. The acknowledgment of the pain and suffering and the choice to transcend it. That’s some serious internal power. To choose to leave bitterness and hatred behind in order to truly be free from imprisonment. I’m going to sit with that . . . and gently explore what’s holding me captive. I can feel a bit of strain this August. Town still bustling, and people sensing the end is near. There’s an added urgency. An intensity. I know in my house, the return of the Back To School ads do not help. 😀 Friends are visiting. Mike’s gigs are happening. Outdoor yoga is thriving. Coffee work is heightening in anticipation of the BIGGBY NATION SUMMIT later this month. The sailboat, and the soundtrack of the lake, are calling. Inhale everything we need. Exhale any residue or debris. Ahhhhhh, here’s to another breath, m |
AuthorMichelle Shaw: Archives
September 2026
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