Ethical Shoes, Aware Business

“Every human being experiences happiness in two different ways, by giving and by receiving.

It is in giving that we experience permanent happiness.” Sri Narayani Amma

Our dream of creating an ethical ‘aware’ business sustains us through the everyday challenges of running a small business.

But what makes us ethical?

And ‘aware’ – what does that mean?

Well, apart from the unique story of the mola shoe, our business aims at giving back as much as we can to help build Peace on Earth.

A chunk of the profits made from each shoe we sell goes straight to charity.

Five inspiring non-profits, dedicated to healing our Earth and Humanity, receive 10 percent of our profits.

This is what gets us sitting upright at our desks in the morning, even when the sun is streaming through the window, the breeze smells salty and the blue waves beckon outside.

Our hearts sing with joy when we remind ourselves that the mola shoes not only give our customers’ feet joy. They also help many individuals and communities across the world through non-profits like Amma, the Beloved Narayani Foundation, Cultural Survival, and the International Women’s Development Agency (IWDA).

Fair Trade Baby

We’ve had a new addition!

Apart from the new shoes in for Christmas, we’ve had a baby! Oh, what  joy (and what a rollercoster!)

What a shift. Each day, I see things more and more through the eyes of a new parent. And so, naturally, my passion for fair trade fashion has extended itself into the baby realm of Fair Trade Fashion.

Wander through most department stores (depending on where you live) and you’re sure to find at least one organic baby garment. Organic and eco baby clothes have certainly wedged themselves into the consciousness of some people. But it’s still much like organic veggies. People either tend to care deeply about organic/ fair trade/ eco baby labels or they don’t think about it.  But some things suggest to me its changing. The gifts our baby received from friends and family relatives is one indicator. All gifts were beautiful and also surprisingly ethical – organic or fair trade labels, chlorine-free disposable nappies, organic cotton towel nappies, PureBaby wraps and jumpsuits, organically certified baby wash/bum balm/baby wipes, chemical-free washing powder – the list goes on! Now, perhaps our relatives chose ethical gifts since they knew that ethics behind a label is important to us. Nevertheless, it heartened me to know that friends and relatives living in Sydney, Adelaide and the like had no trouble locating these items in major stores and choosing to purchase quality and ethics over others.

The choice is there. And we no longer have to scrounge around the back aisles, or go to a specialised eco store to find an ethical choice for your baby and the future of our planet. (I found organic baby wipes, towelettes, and re-usable nappies at our local IGA supermarket!)

To celebrate the arrival of our little girl, and the rise in ethical fair trade fashion for babies and children, we have increased the styles and sizes of children’s mola shoes now available – all still fair trade, vegan non-animal materials, and durable for sustainability.

Check out our website www.theawarenetwork.com.au or contact us to see our range of unique children’s fair trade shoes.

Eco Fashion – a romance between style and ethics

Conscious consumers,

“Make a statement. Wear eco shoes. Goodness knows our world needs changing and we are the ones to do it. Lets make a change and not buy the same old unethically mass-produced things”  – Daniel “Mola” Rawson’s rave

At Greenfest this June, we met up and shared innovative eco ideas and two pairs of our Mola shoes with the beautifully green U.S. Eco-Model, Summer Rayne Oakes. She gave an inspiring presentation, showing us how quality design and ethical style can go hand in hand in a most stylish fashion that won’t cost us the Earth. The boom in ethical fashion labels and organic cotton garments are certainly showing us that eco and fairtrade alternatives are hot!

In a recent interview, Summer Rayne talks of her mola hi-tops: those “sweet kicks made out of recycled molas by women in Colombia” Check it out at… www.fashionflossie.com.

We at The Aware Network join Summer Rayne’s mission of showing more media that conscious fashion can look hot… See reviews inGreenMuze, EccoEco, theGreenLoop, DistinctiveStyle, our recent interview with Soul Economy, US ‘Eco Model’ SummerRayne Oakes talks in an interview of her new “sweetkicks made out of recycled molas by women in Colombia” – and if you want some free Mola “kicks”, checkout Peppermint magazine and G Magazine!

And help spread the word!  Share our link with some friends: www.molashoes.com

The Aware Network becomes a family!

EXCITING NEWS!

Apart from the great news that mola shoes are now cheaper than they were (email me for new catalogue: jasmine@theawarenetwork), the OTHER big news in our life is…. We are having a baby!

My belly is now nicely rounded, and the kicks are getting very strong and frequent. I’m also really loving anything citrus and sour to eat!

The beautiful and talented Emily came for a BBQ at our house the other day, and she painted my growing belly! (Emily happens to have been awarded Australia’s #1 Body Painter Artist! Check out her work www.fairygood.com.au) She bought two pairs of Mola Shoes and has decided to distribute our Mola Shoes in Newcastle! We love you, Em!

Hi Aware People,

Daniel here. This is an excerpt from my semi-autobiographical novel.
I wanted to share this part because I feel it sheds light on consumerism and consciousness, as I understood it after an enlightening experience during a 10-day meditation retreat seven years ago.  Enjoy!

—————————————————————
VIPASSANA insight to consumerism

Amongst the mud, the lotus is given birth. A birth that was broken free from the dream. Not only to have the bull by the horns, but to have its tail in my teeth also. I had left the conventional world and followed this ride to the end. And now I knew there was no end, or beginning. We only create these ideas in our own minds. It had given me the ride of a lifetime with some ups and downs, I could never have dreamed of, but now seeing it had led me to this perfect moment. I knew that it all had to happen that way, as it was now completely perfect, as it always truly is.
Like Jimmy Hendrix, all the greats pointed to ‘know yourself’. With this the answers came and the answer to true success. This oneness was success. I realised, one that was sought after in so many ways, and why was this one different? Because of the fact, this one was permanent. Just about all other goals and successes in life were temporary. As we become old, our status and ideas that are illusionary fade and anything material we have gained in life can’t be taken with us. But this realisation would never leave me. It perforated so deep within that I knew I would never need to seek for anything else my whole life long.
After this change occurred; one that I suspected, but not to this magnitude. Seeing I had experienced this oneness, this union with whatever one may have called it, love, Goddess nature, God, Divine, source, infinite universal energy, being; really there was no word to describe it; I was left with a huge feeling of love for everything in existence. I guess its called unconditional love. As there was no separation between other and myself, I saw everything as myself. Connected entirely as one, then whatever suffering or joy I witnessed in someone else, then I would also experience too. I looked around at the other meditators and the mediation teacher and could sense their suffering.
Being connected to it all, with no resistance and no wanting for anything else; this purity of being, this grace of magical life, and peace, was what I knew I had always been searching for. Not separated as a small individual, left me feeling as large and as one as the very universe itself. An amazing feeling of contentment engulfed me. I knew that this feeling was what most, if not all people were looking for. Only in today’s society it seemed that this experience had been misinterpreted, leeched and stolen by materialism and consumerism, where people now were given a sense of being that was connected to something bigger than themselves through the things they bought, owned and achieved. Being connected to the ever-growing number of manmade creations could appear to be in union with the greater, and may give a similar feeling, but in essence is only a delusion. The more things one owns, the more things own that person. When one thinks they are gaining happiness from things, in whatever form, then this only creates the desire for more, and traps one into a cycle of fleeting happiness and even greed.
Seeing my life was connected to everyone else’s and everything, any action a person did, in some way or another would affect the world. I remembered the Balinese lady who gave me a pineapple and bracelets when I arrived in Bali. This was a pure offering of compassion, similar to me being able to attend the retreat, being served food, given a roof and being taught meditation. This had all been manifested all by the service of others. It was only through these offerings which stretched all the way back to the bacteria and amoebas which aided in growing the fruit and vegetables, right up to the person who had first decided to teach the meditation retreats. Everything was connected to serve us meditators. The joy that I had experienced was the result of everything others had given to me. And all I had to do at the end of the course was to make a donation if I felt like it. It was the wisdom surrounding this free offering of meditation that enabled me to experience the beauty of it all and led me to realise the purpose of my life.
I was given a gift that would last forever, the gift of meditation, the gift of learning inner wisdom to understand the true workings of my human life; the gift of experiencing a pure joy which could be turned on at anytime one wished. In lieu of all of this, I realised then what matters, is what you can give to the world. Seeing I knew deep down I was one with it all, then if I clung to the idea of me as separate, I knew I would be fooling myself, because this didn’t really exist as a single entity. Any selfish idea is really an illusion. But when I had a thought, which led to the desire to make others happy, then I would only experience a feeling of joy. I understood this was compassion and how the world would become a truly better place; when one serves the world in whatever way he or she sees fit is the best possible offering. By following ones heart, and going to the place that brings one the most joy. Where there is joy, this is true success. I realised the importance of serving others, to support the world in any positive ways I knew how. These realisations rang true and brought me an increased sense of joy.

Pachamama Alliance, Sydney March 09

Last weekend, I felt tears and tingles of inspiration as I heard a remarkable woman talk at a remarkable Symposium.

A ‘commited life’ – that is the term Lynne Twist uses to describe her unique life, working to end world poverty and hunger with The Hunger Project for many decades, and now as part of The Pachamama Alliance and the Change the Dream Symposium to change the Modern Dream to a more sustainable, socially just and spiritually fulfilling vision.

As I sat that afternoon in the World Café in Darlingurst listening to Lynne and all the audience who attended yesterday’s Awakening the Dream Symposium speak, I felt so awake andl inspired Every cell in my being told me that yes, there is hope. I am committed. I am committed serve the world in a way that shares my skills for the Greater Good. I am ready to join those who choose to BE the change, as Servers of Humanity.

And I am only one of a growing wave of Change Agents.

More of us can see now:  It is time to serve. It is time to DO and take action. Only serving do we evolve!   Some pearls of wisdom spoken by Lynne Twist at the Symposium:

- It is time to Live a Committed Life, act based on one’s commitments, rather than (desires, personal pleasures or ambitions).

- It is time to focus on changing the dream of the modern world.

- The power of civil society to re-create balance on Earth… Community is where the action is. Community means “coming into unity” and bringing our uniqueness to the community.

- Compassionate Community = the Superpower of the 21st century.

- “Compassionate Community”: where people surrender to the group wisdom, sharing a common vision, while also bringing each person’s uniqueness to it.

- Obama is a symbol of this new Way. He listens FOR the people not just to the people.

No relying on one leader for the solutions anymore. The superpower of the 21st Century: is an empowered compassionate GLOBAL COMMUNITY, civil society, you and I together.

The Eagle and the Condor prophecy from the Andes, South America: The time when the Eagle of the North and Condor of the South unite will welcome the New Golden Age on Earth of Harmony and Balance once more.

‘Eagle’ symbolises the Western modern world, rational, technocratic, mind-centred wisdom
‘Condor’ symbolises Indigenous ‘South’ and Ancient Cultures, spirit world, earth-honouring, heart-centred wisdom, inter-connection with nature.

It is time, these two worldviews united to share their wisdoms, to be integrated into new legal and political institutions of our new Global system. This and much more Lynne spoke of.

If you are interested in changing the modern dream, tired of the mindless consumerism and greed, hopeful for a clean environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling and sociall just human presence on Earth… check out the Awaken the Dream Symposium and Pachamama Alliance and Be the Change.

www.bethechange.org.au

www.pachamama.org.au

Melbourne Fires spark Hope and Compassion

It’s been a while since I’ve posted.

And quite a few changes have been happening at The Aware Network and on Planet Earth.

After our stint in Victoria, for Rainbow Serpent festival, fires ravaged the land. Another demonstration of our planet’s elemental imbalances, the devastating fires also presented an amazing opportunity for the Human Heart to act with love and support for our fellow humankind in need. That inspiring picture of the fireman aiding a thirsty koala still warms my heart.

Amidst such tragedy, it was inspiring to see the Australian community come together and donate or just send their warm wishes to the families and wildlife suffering.

My beautiful friend Azriela has a sister (and family with newborn baby) who lost their house and all their possesions in the fire. Despite the understandable sense of loss, she has mostly commented on the overwhelming support from others. She’s received pourings of donations and gifts and kindness from others. She has more baby clothes now than before the fires, thanks to others’ kindness.  In the words of another first-hand-witness of the fires, Helen Matthews wrote on Starchild’s website: “As I live close to the areas affected, I would just like to share with you. Yes, there has been great devastation including loss of life of at least 200 people, but also from that, what is coming through from all Australians and some parts of the planet is Great Great Love. The wole country is really pulling together to show all those who have indeed lost loved ones and possessions that out of loss can come Hope, Compassion, Peace and Comfort. I feel very proud to see such healing love being shown”.

I agree Helen! Out of loss and tragedy can come great promising Change and Hope!

Rainbow Serpent Festival 2009

rainbow friends at rainbow serpent 09

closing ceremony at Rainbow Serpent 09

Are you free for the Australia Day long weekend?

Come join us at Rainbow Serpent!

The Rainbow Serpent Festival is a super super magical outdoor alternative lifestyle, music and arts festivals.

As in the Aboriginal Dreamtime, the myth of the Rainbow Serpent is about connecting people of all colours, creeds and cultures of the world. Rainbow Serpet Festival’s main ethos is Unity.. unity in diversity.

Plurality in Oneness…

At Rainbow, you’ll see people from all communities and walks of life, joined together by a shared desire to enjoy life and open up to new experiences and learning.

Over the Australia Day weekend, around 7000 people come together from all over Australia and the world to share four days of unique music, workshops, activities, performance art, market stalls and mouth-watering food on offer.

If you’re living in a city, here’s your chance to escape the rat race for four days, and join us amidst the natural beauty and tranquility of Beaumont, Victoria for some fun, joy, rainbow celebration!

Under a blue sky, enjoy the sounds and spectacles of over 100 artists and creative activities….

…progressive music, dance, theatre, discussion, conscious sound and the latest healing modalities to nurture your soul and wellbeing.

rainbow sunshine

As their website nicely puts it: “In an increasingly fast and demanding world, the Rainbow Village is a place to nurture oneself, communicate ideas, find personal power and increase wellbeing. Offering a variety of multi concurrent holistic activities designed to expand the mind, awaken the spirit and heal the soul”.

Check out their website for more info: www.rainbowserpent.net and join us!

See you there xo

PS – don’t forget your feet, please… we need you to skip over to our stall and try on a pair of mola shoes!

New Year, New Fashion!

Happy New Year aware readers!
We at The Aware Network spent our midnight countdown on New Year’s Eve amidst dancing bodies and great sounds at The Peat’s Ridge Festival.

A fantastic sustainable arts and cultural festival, Peats Ridge is fast gaining the reputation as the next Woodford.

Music ranged far and wide from  rocking fiddles to the sweet voice of Gurrumul (my personal favourite). The bright summer sun, yummy food, and a cool creek to swim in also made it a pleasure to attend the smiling crowds as they drifted into our stall to find their perfect pair of mola shoes.

The air smelt of creative festivities, as more than 250 artists spun their magic and inspired our senses to dance in the new year.

The sustainable practices of the festival were also very inspiring. Sustainable drop toilets, great recycling bin facilities, energy use reductions, and a really great set-up of the festival grounds meant we could start the new year with a re-newed resolution: to live more sustainably! And to walk our talk for this planet of ours.

To see photos of Peat’s Ridge Festival 2008-09 check them out here: http://www.peatsridgefestival.com.au/home.asp?pageid=BCB25ECE77FC663C Sustainable fashion is one more way we can create change in our own lives.  So please, help us spread the word about fair trade fashion and have a beautiful New Year!

May 2009 bring the quantumn shift in our collective consciousness… so that we all wake up and realise that some old ways need to change… if we want our children to enjoy a sustainable future.

WHALEDREAMERS Premiere … CAN WE CHANGE? YES WE CAN!

There’s a film that carries a message of great hope for our times… That re-awakens us to that path of harmony…. The Ancient/Future Way.

“Indigenous wisdom has never been more relevant for humanity than now” Julian Lennon (producer of Whaledreamer)

Our dear friend and soul bruvva, Director Kim Kindersley, is sharing an inspiring message in his latest film.

‘Whaledreamer’ – www.whaledreamer.com  – spreads  hope, awakening and reconciliation to a shakey world in changing times.
Daniel and I went down with our beautiful Byron ‘one tribe’ rainbow family in a mini-bus, singing and playing instruments all the way down, rejoicing in the inspiring essence of this film and the new reality many of us are awakening to on Earth.
This film made its World Premiere at The Hayden Orpheum, Cremorne September 17. It received standing ovations, as my nose and eyes were dripping and my heart was wide open with glee.

Anyone who knows Kim feels his warmth, heart, big vision and inner fire to tell this story.

“Whaledreamers is the heartfelt story of the return of an aboriginal whale dreaming tribe from the edge of extinction and the equally, long journey of the whales, not only to survive the slaughter by man, but to engage the human race into waking up in time.

At a time when our collective consciousness is focused on issues pertaining to our indigenous ancestors and the fragile state of our environment, comes a powerful film, which unites four people from very different cultures. One a song man from a dispossessed aboriginal tribe, Bunna Lawrie; another, a filmmaker from a distant land, British director, Kim Kindersley; the third, musician and activist, Julian Lennon, and lastly acclaimed Australian actor and story teller, Jack Thompson.

Over fifteen years in the making, across five continents and oceans, Whaledreamers is a personal odyssey for Kim in his quest to find his spiritual roots, while experiencing the extraordinary connection, both ancient and modern, between humanity and the cetaceans”.

Before returning home to Byron, we gathered with Elcho Islander Elders from up north who came for the launch to hold ceremony at Bondi Beach. Painted  with ochre, side-by-side, we felt the magic of their song and movement as we looked out over the blue horizon, weaving the new reality, co-creating the New Earth, living for the greater good of our planet, connected to the earth our ocean brothers and sisters and the One-ness.

Watch the movie! Check out www.whaledreamer.com – A NEW REALITY? CAN WE CHANGE? YES WE CAN!

Peace.

Elcho Islander Elders hold ceremony – Bondi Beach, Sydney. Beautiful soul and singer, El Tara and myself before ceremony.

Earth Festival 2008 – Sydney!

Last weekend Daniel and I drove down to Sydney in our bright yellow van. We had a mission: take the shoes to all the people celebrating our planet at Earth Festival.

Music, outdoor cinema, circus, dance, art, theatre and the mola shoes filled the day with Earth-friendly fun, all in the name of our beautiful Earth.

Despite the rain, the crowds of caring people showed once more that the wave of new consciousness is building.

As the people splashed in the mud at Earth Festival with grins and laughter, hope filled my entire being. The festival felt like one big Earth Family.

We were all in it together, rain or sunshine, to celebrate our planet and create our dream for a New Earth.

We at the festival are not the only ones feeling the global heat and inequality. Many are feeling it’s time to confront the planetary crisis.

It seems we’re running out of things. Money. Resources. Wilderness.

Meanwhile our Mother Earth keeps heating up.

The root cause?

In one word: Greed.

Overconsumption by the richest one billion people on the planet.

The solution?

In one word: Love.

Uniting, Sharing, Giving, Opening, Caring about one another, as we awaken to the universal truth that We Are All In This Together.

Celebrations for the Earth like Earth Festival was a divine way o walk our talk and share the Love and Joy with our beautiful Sydneysider sisers and brothers.

The drive back was great fun, singing in the car and stopping for a swim along the coast when we felt like it.

Thank you to our friends Nadav and Jessie for letting us stay at their lovely place. We love you!

Keep Smiling, Keep Shining xoxo.