Next time you take a shower think about this....

There are many ways to work Ahimsa (non-violence) into your life... it is just a matter of being aware and mindful of your everyday choices and allowing yourself to always be guided by compassion . It's a whole new way to think about what you do !!

One of the ways is to be aware of the cosmetics you use... the mega-corporations are famous for the cruel testing of their chemical preservative laden products on live animals. There are other cosmetic companies that purposely avoid that. Read the labels on your cosmetics, shampoos, bath soaps etc. to check for the "no animal testing" logo which is a little rabbit or a green paw print. An easy place to find these cosmetics is your local health food store.

In response to political pressure, some of the larger cosmetic companies make claims that they no longer use or have reduced animal testing. Do some research and see which companies are "Cruelty Free".

Here are a few companies to get you started:

Avon is supposedly the first of the major cosmetic companies that stopped animal testing to become "Cruelty Free".

The Body Shop was founded on the principle of having "Cruelty Free" cosmetics and skin care.

Philosophy cosmetics (available at Sephora) says it makes a point to only test their products on human beings.

Another hot and trendy company that refuses animal testing has a new boutique on 7th Avenue and 20th Street. It is called Malin+Goetz. Their special line of cosmetics and fragrances run the gamut from shampoo and conditioner to perfumed candles. It's modern, new, fresh and trendy. Just like us ! : )

Hari OM