Hi all. :)

You've gotten a few updates from us over the past week or two--from movie recommendations (Mark's still offering a discount on Zen Noir to fellow Zaadz members; I got my copy last week and as a big David Lynch fan I'd recommend this for its similarly alluring weirdness!) to the news about Gaiam. This is all well and good, but I don't want us to forget about what these announcements are really about.

So here's a bit of news about what you've been up to.

Have you run across Mags yet? She's the founder of an amazing project. The DiscoverHope Fund empowers women living in poverty by providing them with microloans and support systems so that they might work to change their lives and create new opportunities for themselves and their families. She's got more information on her profile, so pop on over and invite her as a friend. I think we can all use a little inspiration.

Jeanine's another strong woman with a project that's easy to support. She's campaigning to create a No Fly Zone in Darfur by collecting letters and signatures from around the world, and she's offering an easy way to help really, REALLY change the world. It's a little amazing to me that each of us, sitting behind our computers and reading these words, can do one small thing and impact the lives of entire communities in Africa... so why not take advantage of our power to create peace? Visit Jeanine here. Say hello, and change the world. :)

And then there's Katherine, who happens to be one of the leading bloggers on postpartum depression. She's a brand new member (as well as a wonderful writer), and I'm sure she'd appreciate a quick note of welcome.

Last but not least, we're working on organizing another Global Zaangha Day—there's really nothing like meeting other Zaadz members in real life!—and in the spirit of those meetups, I'd love to remind you of an announcement we sent out this spring. The Center For Integral Living in Miami is offering to host a Zaadz Weekend this August, from the 24th to the 26th. They're planning to include such treats as a free yoga class and baths, a workshop on self-development through film, and (best of all) performances by a few Zaadz members on Saturday evening. You can call The Standard Spa Hotel (the resort where the weekend is hosted) at 305.704.3943 for more information, or, if you're interested in being a part of the performance, drop Michael a note.

Also, everyone?

Keep being your beautiful selves.  I'm serious. I was talking to Brian this weekend and, toward the end of our chat, I let him know him that if there's one thing I've really learned from him over the past few years, it's that the best way to serve the world is by following your own bliss and listening to your own heart.

I think I've always felt this at an intellectual level, but it's through his life and his encouragement that I've really started to GET it. (After all, Zaadz alone is proof positive of what can happen as a result.)  What can I say? Following my heart has brought me here, and has made me realize, over and over, how committed I am to giving my utmost to growing and protecting and serving this amazing community—and serving you.

So be yourselves. Keeping shining. Allow yourselves to grow. We have a world to change. :)

Big love, and bigger hugs,
Siona
and the rest of the Zaadz Team.

PS. A few of you have asked about what will be happening with zPro as a result of our merger. Just quickly, we're looking forward to creating an actual Zaadz department focused on growing those tools. We'll be sorting out the details of this later—in case it's not abundantly clear, our community obviously comes first!—but we did want to let you know it's not going to be lost in any shuffle.