Eat Healthy, Eat Local

On March 25, Alexandria became only the second city in the country to pass a resolution in support of healthier eating, including increasing residents' access to locally grown, environmentally sustainable foods. And here at Mindful Hands we are happy to do our part in support of that same goal!

Mindful Hands is once again sponsoring an organic farm co-op (also known as a "CSA," or "community sponsored agriculture") in which members pay at the beginning of the season for 20 weeks worth of fresh, organic farm produce. If you are like me, you definitely appreciate the crisp and flavorful taste of homegrown vegetables picked fresh just that morning.

To find a co-op, farmer's market, or CSA near you, check out the Local Harvest website.

The Ten Virtues of Incense

Lighting a stick or two of incense in the evenings is an easy way to relax and refresh yourself after a hard day's work. Some of you incense afficianados may already be familiar with these "virtues of incense." However for those of you who aren't, I thought our version - updated for a contemporary audience - might be of interest. Enjoy!

The Ten Virtues Of Incense

• heightens your awareness
• refreshes mind and body
• purifies the environment
• increases alertness
• is a companion in solitude
• used everyday, it harms no one
• does not change with age
• when it is plentiful, one never tires of it
• when there is little, it is still enough
• brings a moment of peace amidst a weary world

These virtues were originally compiled in the 16th century. We've slightly updated them for contemporary times but they remain as true today as they were then.