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star power meets solar power at LOHAS 9
by mary joan schwab
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L. to R. Debbie Levin, Raquel Welch, Amy Smart, Wendy Malick and Ed Begely Jr. at LOHAS9 |
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| As the call for more entertainment that speaks to our deepest yearnings continues to resonate, it was no surprise that the influence of entertainment was front and center at the LOHAS (Lifestyles Of Health And Sustainability) Conference this spring in Marina Del Rey, CA. It was an amazing couple of days of for anyone interested in yogic lifestyle concerns including sustainable living, green-building, health, wellness and the roles of business and media in shaping the consciousness of our world. The conference was packed with speakers, panels and performances ranging from the interesting and thought-provoking to the truly moving and awe-inspiring. This annual event is known for bringing together a notable collection of speakers and attendees from business, academia, media and this year more than ever, Hollywood. |
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| Mariel Hemmingway opens the LOHAS9 Conference. |
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Joan Baez closed the conference moving the audience with “Amazing Grace” |
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| Mariel Hemingway opened the conference with an address that was personal and passionate. She urged us to become more conscious of how well we live our lives and how we consume; suggesting that by example we can and do impact those around us. As we take the time to pause in our lives and become mindful of our choices we grant others the permission as well, giving them space to realize their potential and greater consciousness. She spoke with passion about the challenges of raising daughters in today’s world, stressing again the need to be an example to our children on the fruits of health and well-being over the pressures to pursue thinness and media-defined beauty. In today’s media saturated world, children need to see healthy images and examples of slowed-down living. |
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| The role of the celebrity in raising awareness and carrying the message of healthy and sustainable living was the topic of a panel led by Debbie Levin, Executive Director of the Environmental Media Association (EMA). Raquel Welch joined EMA members Ed Begley Jr., Wendy Malick and Amy Smart for a lively discussion of the use of star power to influence. Raquel put it simply, saying “It may seem unfair and celebrities may be uncomfortable or embarrassed by their influence, but nonetheless, it works. When people who are in public eye are able to bring attention to the environment, to a better world and to an appreciation and |
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| Raquel Welch shared wisdom and insights on the power of celebrity and yoga. |
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| responsibility for the planet, then I think it is a good thing. It means pointing the finger and saying “Here, why don’t you look into it?” Raquel also shared about her thirty year yoga practice and the benefits of yoga to the central nervous system and maintaining inner beauty. Ed Begley Jr. shared with zeal and humor on how he consciously cultivates a lifestyle that includes living off solar power, composting, bicycling the Sepulveda pass in place of driving the LA 405 frwy etc. He is glad to promote this kind of conscious living and by the sound of it; he is unquestionably a “celebrity role model for sustainable living.” Wendy Malick discussed the benefits of living off the grid and when Raquel Welch suggested that “going green” might be an entertaining as well enlightening idea for a reality show. Wendy and Debbie suggested we all “stay tuned.”
Singer/activist Joan Baez graced the conference for the closing day ceremonies leading the group in singing “Amazing Grace” and escorting all of us to a community-building interactive drum circle. It was a fitting close to an amazing conference.
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photos courtesy of LOHAS |
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