I’m no fuddy-duddy when it comes to things like diversity, multiculturalism or alternative lifestyles. I consider myself a reasonably worldly person. I’m neither the most nor the least socially responsible person I know, but at least I’m honest with myself about it. Perhaps most importantly, I’m a pretty adaptable and laid-back person.
Some things, however, just creep me out. Things like this feel-good drivel (courtesy of Beyond Satire):
Café Gratitude is our expression of a world of plenty. Our food and people are a celebration of our aliveness. We select the finest organic ingredients to honor the earth and ourselves, as we are one and the same. We support local farmers, sustainable agriculture and environmentally friendly products. Our food is prepared with love.
We invite you to step inside and enjoy being someone who chooses: loving your life, adoring yourself, accepting the world, being generous and grateful everyday, and experiencing being provided for. Have fun and enjoy being nourished. Welcome to Café Gratitude.
I love life, but do I really need to adore myself? The writers clearly do. The owners’ descriptions of themselves on the Café Gratitude website pretty much sums up my disgust:
MATTHEW ENGELHART started training in the being of abundance in 1984 and today he is skillful at being able to keep his attention on all there is to be grateful for. Being in his presence is extraordinary as he inspires you to be present to the endless beauty and bounty of life. What he shares isn’t positive thinking, it is about developing the ability to go beyond our own petty wants and desires and connecting with the grandeur of all of life.
Yes, he is a millionaire and lives a truly amazing life, and although there is no solid evidence that his wealth is a result of his practice, he is willing to invest his assets into sharing this abundance practice with others around the world. He is a successful business man, loving husband, father of two and most importantly a man who celebrates and loves seeing others open up to receiving more than they could ever imagine.
I’ll be the first to admit that I’m proud of who I am, but is this love-fest really necessary? Why can’t the Baby Boomers feel bad about themselves for once in their lives?
Sometimes I think that they Boomers look down on my generation not because not because we’re apathetic, but because our convictions aren’t borne of the same narcissism as theirs. If they had the chance, the Boomers would probably write The Greatest Generation II about themselves.
People like this wonder why the rest of the world doesn’t share their vision.
(Incidentally, I liked San Francisco a lot when I was there on my road trip. Beautiful city, great food, lots of young people. Hopefully most aren’t as self-possessed as this.)
Posted on May 14th, 2006 by Lee
Filed under: Uncategorized
This is tremendous! I think that from now on, instead of saying hi to eachother we should say something like, “Good day, o righteous one.” And I think that again, it would reaffirm our very-near god-like status
Ooh, I think someone had too many “I Am Magical Stuffed Mushrooms” (with Brazil nut parmesan).
That’s pretty funny and pretty sad. Still give us old boomers a break - they don’t call us the “Me Generation” for nothing. Most of us are pretty harmless.