Sarita parikh (she/her)
glow + gather / Women in sustainability DEI chair
Do you have a specific area of sustainability that interests you the most? Why do you CARE about that specific area? (i.e. energy, water, waste, transportation, etc.)
The intersectionality of social, environmental, and economic justice and how it is all connected drives me to look at not only the bigger picture of sustainability, but also how to compassionately break it down into its parts to more effectively address sustainability on a micro and macro level.
What interests / excites you most about being involved in (Women in) sustainability? Women in Sustainability has created a safe, compassionate, and purposeful environment to create connections, spread knowledge, and encourage activism. I always feel supported, welcome, energized and the warmth of community.
Finish this statement: I CARE Because … I CARE Because I believe we should leave the planet a better place than how we found it and always reach out to help each other thrive.
What are some self-care tips you like to share?
To me the biggest tips for self-care are more about mindset – giving yourself permission to slow down, take a moment to yourself, to enjoy simple pleasures. Giving yourself and others grace, is to me, one of the biggest things you can do to find more peace within yourself and your life. And also to surrender and live in the flow of life. If you can find what brings you grounding, brings you to your center, it opens up so much more flow and abundance. Meditation has always been important to me. There is no right or wrong way to meditate, no rules to it. I think people put too much pressure on how it should be done or what should happen during it, and it shouldn’t be that way. And, some form of movement and exercise, even if it is for 15 minutes, always makes a difference. Creating rituals, however small, makes an everyday activity more centering, more in the present moment, more an act of self-care – use a favorite mug for your morning coffee and really appreciate it, use the expensive glasses for your wine, light a candle when you sit down for a meal, celebrate the moments large and small.
What is your favorite quote?
I love our glow + gather tag line: glow to light your soul | gather to light the world; it embodies how I believe life should be lived. Finding and embracing what brings you joy, peace, and purpose – whatever that looks like for you, truly filling your soul, and from that place of fullness and light, reaching out into the world to connect, to gather, to lend a hand to help each other thrive, to make a difference in whatever way you can, in a way that inspires you and others, because together we rise. We have to take care of ourselves first and release the guilt and the glorification of busy, so we can not only find our joy and fulfillment, because we all deserve that, but also so we can take care of others and our planet with compassion and empathy.
What are some things that bring you joy?
I love finding joy in the everyday moments as well as the larger moments that last forever. Cherishing that morning chai in a favorite mug, a quiet walk in the woods, gathering around a beautifully set table for a good meal with friends and family, a favorite drink in a beautiful glass, a dress that fits perfectly, my morning yoga practice, travelling – anywhere and everywhere, reading, stargazing, the view after and during a challenging climb, knowing I’ve made an impact in someone’s life.
Connect with Sarita:
Email: sarita@glowandgather.com
Website
Facebook • Instagram • LinkedIn
Community Voices Webinar February Topic:
Beyond DEI Basics – Why incorporating authentic diversity, equity and inclusion policies matter
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) are buzzwords in today’s society. Many organizations (for profit and nonprofit) have updated their organizational policies to include a DEI statement. However, these policies tend to fall short of implementation and practice. Why? Many are created as part of the buzz and not a part of the plan. To truly be a diverse and equitable organization, we must look beyond the basics. Join this webinar as Sarita Parikh dives into the importance of incorporating authentic DEI practices, why it matters and provides tips on creating DEI policies that are embedded in the organizational culture. You’ll leave feeling inspired to move beyond the DEI basics to create a more authentic space where all are welcome.
Watch Replay.