Conscious Life May 2016 Issue 23

*FREE DIGITAL MAG *ISSUE 23 *MAY 2016

Getting to know him & his green side Staying in

Shape in Winter How to shift from

To

TOXIC Relationships SUGAR Reality Check Meet

COLOURFUL Penni Du Plessis Naturally Improve Your

Pet’s Dental Health

Conscious Life Magazine www.childoftheuniverse.co.za

ed’s letter Hello lovely people

ABOUT US www.childoftheuniverse.co.za PUBLISHER 2Luni Media EDITOR Linda Navon 071 346 8138 OUR “Little Boss” Carmen Ché Jardim SALES, MARKETING & DEPUTY EDITOR Cj Stott Matticks 082 900 1010 FREELANCE WRITER Arizona Quinn DISTRIBUTION & RESEARCH Lee Coulter CONTACT TEL: (011) 462-2900 0110 262 643 FOR ADVERTISING PLEASE CALL Cj ON 082 900 1010 Email: candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication

are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, advertisers or endorsers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are both accurate and truthful, the publisher and editor accept no responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information that may be contained herein.

MEDIA & OTHER PARTNERS

This month we caught up with the awesome Emmanuel Castis and got to know him a little – what a nice guy!!

Really down to earth, and doing his bit to look after the earth too.

We also got to know Penni Du Plessis a lot better – what an amazing lady!!

Jenita from ‘on the go’ shared this pic of her and hubby at The I am Beautiful Awards function last month – all togged up to step back in time.

In the meantime, we encourage you to stock up on your health products to keep the family well during winter, and to remember those less fortunate than us at this time of the year.

My heart cries when I see how many street people we have in our country, and no matter what their circumstances are that have brought them to being homeless, begging, cold and hungry, even addicted, please take time to acknowledge them.

Just a smile and a greeting goes a long way – I myself do not advocate giving money out of the car window due to a sense of either guilt or sympathy, rather carry a bag of apples and bottles of water in your car, or make an extra sandwich in the morning to hand out.

This is also a great time of the year to clear out your cupboards and offload clothing that you don’t need.

That’s my mission this winter – to lighten life for a few people. EVERY ONE MAKES A DIFFERENCE – YOU CAN TOO. Enter our competitions – super hampers up for grabs!!

Until next month, be well & keep counting your blessings

Contributing Team & Experts

HANNA KOK

LOUISE L. HAY

AMY McCREADY

HEATHER PICTON

MARGIE McALPINE

PENNI DU PLESSIS

LISA RALEIGH

HELEN HANSEN

PAULA QUINSEE

SUE VISSER

MARY-ANN SHEARER

LAUREN CORLETT

RENEE JAINE

KAREN WARD

CONTENTS ON THE COVER & FEATURE INTERVIEW DOWN TO EARTH WITH EMMANUEL CASTIS

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REACH OUT HOPE BEGINS WITH YOU – SUNFLOWER FUND CHOC – CHILDHOOD CANCER

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AWAKEN YOUR MIND & SOUL HOW TO SHFT FROM VICTIM TO MASTER MIRROR WORK WITH LOUISE L. HAY COLOURING YOUR LIFE & GETTING TO KNOW PENNI DU PLESSIS EMOTIONAL FINE TUNING WITH THETA HEALING TOXIC RELATIONSHIPS – EMPATHS & NARCISSISTS 6 THINGS YOU LOSE AS A RESULT OF A SPIRITUAL AWAKENING

GETTING TO KNOW ARCHANGEL MICHAEL – THE WARRIOR

1

TRAINING COURSES SPIRITUALITY TEACHER TRAINING COURSE BECOME A NATURAL HEALTH PRACTITIONER THE STUDY OF METAPHYSICS NEURO INTERGRATION MOVEMENTS – BRAINGYM NATURAL HEALTH NUTRITION COURSE

CONTENTS

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HELP YOURSELF TO HEALTH NATURALLY

SUGAR REALITY CHECK LISA’S HEALTHY RECIPES SHINING A LIGHT ON PULSES – MIRACLE FOOD 62 THE ROLE OF VITAMINS & MINERALS IN ADD/ADHD

b

EXERCISE & FITNESS

STAYING FIT & HEALTHY THIS WINTER 70 BAR HOME WORKOUT WITH LISA RALEIGH

H

HOME WISE

EASY WAYS TO RECYCLE 76 HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT INSURER

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ANIMAL WORLD LOOKING AFTER YOUR PET’S TEETH - NATURALLY ENTER & WIN – AWESOME GIVEAWAYS

HOPE BEGINS WITH YOU

A new era has dawned for The Sunflower Fund, bringing with it fresh and exciting new transformations. Along with the new tagline “Hope begins with you”, the organisation has given National Bandana Day a complete facelift.

The campaign will run from August to the end of September, with the highlight being “Sunflower Day”, which will take place on 16 September in 2016.

The organisation’s iconic bandana has also undergone a significant change. Earlier this month, we unveiled our new commemorative product, known as the Tube of Hope - Tope, a revitalised version of the bandana, reflecting the renewed enthusiasm and excitement for our mission of increasing the number of stem cell donors in South Africa!

With its unique design, the Tube of Hope - Tope is an affordable, multipurpose article of clothing that can be worn as a headband, mask, scarf, cap or arm-band. Being broadly versatile, it may be used in a wide variety of sports or outdoor activities and will be available in 6 eye catching colours. The Tope offers practical functionality for the entire family. It also gives wearers the opportunity to show their support for this important cause.

It will be available in a children’s size (R20.00 incl VAT) and an adults’ size (R25.00 incl VAT) and will go on sale at Pick n Pay stores nationwide in August 2016. Additional retailers and distributors will be announced in the near future.

Please join in and celebrate Sunflower Day, launching on 1st August 2016, as Hope really does begin with you!

For more information on The Sunflower Fund call toll free 0800 12 10 82 or visit www.sunflowerfund.org.za

By Lauren Corlett Head of Marketing & Communications The Sunflower Fund (021) 701 0661

CHILDHOOD CANCER Awareness & Early Detection CHOC’s Awareness Programme It is estimated that currently less than half of children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed, and many of those who are diagnosed are in advanced stage of illness. One of the reasons for this is a lack of awareness and knowledge in parts of the health system regarding the early warning signs of childhood cancer.

As a result, CHOC initiated an Awareness Programme to disseminate the early warning signs that the South African Childhood Cancer Study Group drew up.

The objectives of the programme include ensuring that all children with cancer in South Africa are diagnosed as early possible and that the early warning signs of childhood cancer are well known in all parts of the health system (including primary health care clinics and all hospitals).

Cancer Facts Cancer incidence Although childhood cancer is relatively rare, the incidence rate has been increasing. According to a 2014 report by the American Cancer Society, it is now estimated that one in 408 children worldwide will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 15. Yet with early detection and treatment in paediatric oncology units, globally the survival rate can be as high as between 70% and 80%, with variance depending on the type of cancer.

Common childhood cancers Cancers in children tend to be different from those found in adults, most often occurring in the developing cells like bone marrow, blood, kidneys and nervous system tissues. Life-threatening blood disorders include aplastic anaemia, thalassaemia and idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.

Despite being relatively rare, in Western countries childhood cancer is the second most common cause of death in children aged 5 to 14 years, after accidents, whilst in Africa it does not make it into the top 10 common causes.

According to the most recent South African Children’s Cancer Study Group (SACCSG) registry statistics, for 2009 to 2013, the five most common childhood cancers in South Africa are leukaemia, followed by lymphoma (tumours that begin in the lymph glands), then brain tumours, nephroblastomas, or Wilms tumours – cancer of the kidneys - and then soft tissue sarcomas, which are tumours that begin in the connective tissue.

The Saint Siluan Early Warning signs These early warning signs were drawn up by the South African Childhood Cancer Study Group and they have been adopted by the International Society of Paediatric Oncology. St Siluan was a monk who prayed for humanity ceaselessly.

If you detect any of the warning signs in your child please contact your nearest CHOC region contact your nearest treatment centre or SMS the name of your province to 34486, at a cost of R2. A CHOC representative will contact you shortly thereafter..

There is also a TOLL-FREE HELPLINE: 0800 333 555 that sisters and doctors at the primary healthcare clinics can call (hosted at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital) for advice on whether to refer the child for further investigation and to which unit. http://www.choc.org.za/regions.html

Keeping more than hope alive for nearly four decades

CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation was established in 1979 as a support group to parents of children with cancer, by parents of children with cancer. Having experienced the immense emotional and financial toll that cancer takes they recognised there is more than one victim in the family of the child with cancer.

Their aim was to ease the burden on parents facing the same journey by providing access to relevant, accurate information, as well as emotional and practical support.

From the onset CHOC provided support in the hospital wards, hence the name Children’s Haematology Oncology Clinics, or CHOC. Gradually parent groups were set up in other key centres, where the major state-funded academic hospitals are located and paediatric oncologists practice.

In 2000, these regional entities merged into a national organisation. CHOC now has a head office in Johannesburg, six regional offices, two branches, and 13 accommodation facilities close to treatment centres. With occupancy steadily increasing our budget for maintenance and running costs of the accommodation facilities in 2015 will amount to R7.132 million, with each facility costing over half a million and we have a total capacity of 66 030 bed nights per annum.

We do not receive funding from government but rely heavily on donations from caring corporates, individuals and parents of children with cancer. Funds raised are used to provide all-encompassing support – from direct practical help to the children and their families and those involved in the

treatment – to necessary equipment.

Donate to CHOC The support of corporations and individuals is vital to the ongoing work of CHOC.

Emmanuel Castis, born and raised in Jozi, has been a professional actor for about 19 years and is a household name in SA. We 1st recall seeing him in Isidingo in his role as Steve in 1999. His television career has included roles in One Way, Snitch, Scandal and Erfsondes.

Most recently he played a role in SA made movie: Tremors 5: Bloodlines. His career actually started out on stage in musical theatre (Rocky and the lead role in the pantomime Cinders and her Fella) and physical theatre (a type of dance). In 2008 Emmanuel won Strictly Come Dancing – seems that those Greek genes have served him well! Cj caught up with him briefly and got to know him a little better…

Emmanuel the Eco-Warrior I see that you had a passion for animals, the environment and generally saving the planet even as a child. Your sister shared with us that from about Grd 1 you would regularly disappear into pet stores off the school bus and they would have to go looking for you!

I read somewhere that you would have likely have followed that path as a career if you hadn’t discovered a talent for acting. What was it that drew you to animal and environmental issues as a young child?

I think I just felt quite a strong connection to the environment as I still do. But it also just fascinated and still fascinates me. How the environment just fits together and functions so perfectly! The beauty of it all just consumes me.

“I wanted to be a Vet or a Marine Biologist” At that stage, what did you aspire to become when you grew up?

I wanted to be a vet or a marine biologist. I've had thoughts even recently of using my postgraduate degree to study something involving the environment.

“I have soft spot for CHOC – I must, I did the 94.7 cycle race in a cow suit on an ice-cream bicycle” We hear that you do a lot of work for Free Me, Shark Life, CHOC and CANSA – tell us more…

I get involved as I mentioned earlier in campaigns and volunteer time for projects. I have a soft spot for CHOC – I must, I did the 94.7 cycle race in a cow suit on an ice-cream bicycle. On a serious note I do like to make time to be with the children supported by CHOC.

“We recycle at home, use electricity and water saving appliances such as Carbon Track” Do you use your status as a celebrity to encourage others to do the same?

I do but I don’t think you have to be a celebrity to do that. We have to live our lives by example.

Have you done anything to make your home greener?

We recycle at home, use electricity and water saving appliances such as Carbon Track.

“Don’t sweat the small stuff.

It’s all small stuff.”

How have you carried this passion through life?

What do you do to reduce your impact on your environment?

What tips and advice do you have for others?

I get involved in whatever way I can to help conservation organizations. I volunteer time to do things for the organisations in their projects, or get involved in their awareness and fundraising drives. As far as impact is concerned, I focus on the small day to day things that one can do to reduce impact. Things like recycling, energy usage, water usage etc. Then there are the future plans, for converting my home to solar.

My life tip - Don’t sweat the small stuff. It’s all small stuff. Appreciate the present moment because you don’t know what’s around the corner – each day could be your last. I’m not advocating recklessness but don’t have such a future orientation that you miss what’s under your nose. My eco-tip – we are all part of the same canvas – respect the environment and don’t wait to do something big because every little big counts.

When I was about two , I would strum (my toy guitar) wildly singing “Michael row the boat ashore hallelujah”.

Career We understand that you started acting at a very young age in Greek Nativity plays. Though rumour has it that you fought acting until you realised that you could act in plays with Parktown Girls in high school…ha ha. Tell us more about your path into acting as a young child.

I was given my first guitar – a steel toy one – when I was about two and I would strum it wildly singing “Michael row the boat ashore hallelujah”. The thespian and the showman were always in there somewhere but I was quite a shy kid in my primary and high school. And I was also a smallish kid. I enjoyed sport – played hockey – but my mother barred me from playing rugby because of a history of encephalitis. So I guess acting was an extra-mural activity I could get involved in. It also allowed me to be the extrovert I really wanted to be.

What inspired you to become serious about acting, and study Drama at WITS? When did you graduate?

I had played a few lead roles in high school and won some awards, and my drama teacher in high school, pushed me in that direction. I graduated WITS Drama School in 1997. My dad thought I chose drama to take an easy course I could coast through. Do not be misled – I have never worked quite as hard ever and had less leisure time to boot.

What has been your favourite acting role to date and why?

Hmm that's a tough one, because there have been so many milestone characters. Rocky (Rocky Horror Show) for being my first musical theatre character, Steve (Isidingo) for being the role that put me on the map, Chris (Erfsondes) for my first leading role. Then Nick Massi (Jersey Boys) for my first Broadway created musical, and for my first American character. I think Nick is one of my favourite because I wanted to play a Italian tough guy type since I was a kid, and because I knew then that I could play an American role.

As if acting and being an eco-warrior were not enough, you are a musician too, your 1st album, South of Nowhere, released in 2008!

How old were you when you discovered your talent for singing and developed an interest in being a musician?

Years after my attempts to play my toy guitar I made it into the school choir. I was about 10 or 11 years old.

At that stage I had been playing the piano for a couple of years. My piano teacher was a bit of a nutter and would rap me over the knuckles with a ruler every time I hit the wrong note. Needless to say I abandoned the piano and stuck with the singing!

How is it going with your musical career? What are your plans in this aspect of your life?

Where can we catch you performing?

At the moment I'm writing again. Not as often as I'd like but the ball is rolling. I finished producing and recording a single late last year that I'm working on releasing. I also have a co-lab song with an artist called George Sax, that is on its way to being released soon.

“Ashtanga touches on some of the physicality needed for Physical theatre dance performance” Getting to know Emmanuel We were pleasantly surprised to discover that you practised Ashtanga Yoga for some time – tell us more about that – when did you start, what drew you to it and do you still practice?

Ashtanga touches on some of the physicality needed for Physical theatre dance performance, and so it appealed to me straight away. I haven't practiced for a while. Maybe now that you’ve got me thinking about it I’ll stand on my head again. Good to see the world upside down for a bit.

Do you meditate?

I do. Not as often as I'd like to.

What is the biggest challenge you faced and how did you overcome it?

Me – I am a work in progress and will be for a long time. More correctly self-doubt. I have to remember that a little bit is good but a lot is a problem.

Emmanuel practising Yoga

I’ve chosen an industry that beats you down – it’s tough to go to auditions and not get the part time after time and still believe you’ve got what it takes.

Roles are about talent but also about the fit with the part and the other characters (chemistry). I’ve had situations where I have been measured for wardrobe and then something happens with one of the other parts, like it can’t be filled and the only person eligible is twice my age. Suddenly they need an older person or a younger person or taller person and the entire cast is reviewed.

What are your guilty pleasures?

Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!

What do you enjoy doing in your free time? Do you have any hobbies?

I enjoy going out to a river with a fly rod in hand. But my favourite is photographing wildlife. I just love grabbing my camera and shooting anything I come across in the wild or in the garden.

Lesser known talents of yours?

I make the best pancakes in town. I love cooking and I have a talent for creating dishes.

List 4 of your favourite things in life and why they are your favourites.

Friends- for keeping me grounded Love- because it's the one emotion we all strive for Family- cause they will always have my back Playing- cause it helps one not to take things too seriously.

4 items on your bucket list and why I want to see the Serengeti Migration- I'm sure you know the reason.

I want to visit the Amazon same reason as above I want to surf that once a year wave on the Amazon river- it would just be amazing, and not many people can say that they did this.

Dive Camodo

What are you currently reading and what are your 4 favourite books?

• • • • •

I'm reading Autobiography of a Yogi.

The Boy in the Striped Pajamas.

Terry Pritchett's 'Mort' is an all time favourite.

Robert's Bird book The Dark tower series by Stephen King.

Top 10 Bands – SA and International • • • • • • • • • •

Prime Circle Just Jinger Dave Matthews band.

Depeche Mode Crowded House The Cat Empire Maroon 5 The Verve Goodluck The Four Seasons of course!

Plans for the future – where do you see yourself 5 years from now?

I really want to go global with my work. Get a career going in the US to take thing into the next level. That will also give me more clout to make things happen on a larger scale by using a bigger profile.

Thank you Emmanuel. We wish you all the very best with your plans  See more www.emmanuelcastis.com

By Hanna Kok

What is the definition of a victim?

A person who has come to feel helpless and passive in the face of misfortune or ill-treatment.

(Google) Do you get upset from time to time? The fact is that as soon as you feel upset by something, you feel a victim.

What makes us feel a victim, is that we are trying to control the world around us. We would like to have control over the people and other elements in our life like the weather, money, etc. Then we even feel the victim of our whims and urges, because we lack selfcontrol too.

“The only way we can get control over anything is when we realise that everybody and everything we experience is a reflection of how we treat ourselves and our beliefs.”

What is the definition of a Master?

One that has control over another person, a group of persons, or a thing (The Free Dictionary) The only way we can get control over anything is when we realise that everybody and everything we experience is a reflection of how we treat ourselves and our beliefs. If we don’t like the reflection we need to change ourselves. He key to shifting from a victim to a master is shifting our focus from our external world, to our inner world.

Example 1 – People are a reflection of how we treat ourselves We get upset with other people, because they are showing us how we treat ourselves and we have a soul-desire to change this. For example: we get upset by racism. Racism is people telling others that they are worth-less. What makes it painful is when we believe this is true.

If we believe we are worth-less than others, or if we are disrespectful of ourselves, we get upset by racism.

The only truly effective antidote for racism is that we learn to accept ourselves as we are. The more selfrespect we have, the less we are affected by disrespectful behaviour of others.

Most of us have someone we love unconditionally, e.g. a child, a pet, a parent. What I always say is “If only we can love ourselves the way we love our children, (pet or parent) this world will be a much friendlier place.

Many of us are our own worst enemy. We are hard on ourselves, because we believe that this will make us a better person. What will happen when we become a loving non-judgemental parent/mentor to ourselves, who guides us through life? How nice would life be if we stop hitting ourselves over the head and we just focus on changing self-sabotaging emotions, beliefs and habits and replace them with supportive ones?

Battling the winter blues We also easily feel victimised when we have many “should” beliefs. We have expectations of how the world should be, and very often these expectations are not met.

For example “I should earn more money.” Well, is it true that we should earn more money? It would be nice, but the truth is that at this stage we are not earning more money. If we cannot “control” how much money we earn at the moment, we can change the way we feel about the current situation. We do this by letting go of the belief that we “should” earn more money. Holding on to that belief only brings unhappiness.

Let us rather focus on being grateful for what we do have. Let us also not worry about what will happen in the future. I am not suggesting that we become irresponsible with how we spend our money.

I am suggesting that instead of worrying about it, we ask “The Universe” what we can do differently so that we will have the money we need at the end of the month. Then it is for us to act on the ideas we get.

“…accept that we create and/or attract every experience we have, based on our beliefs about ourselves and life.”

Becoming the Master The first place to start in order to become a master is to accept that we create and/or attract every experience we have, based on our beliefs about ourselves and life. That is why it is highly beneficial to learn to love and accept ourselves as we are, followed by learning simple techniques to identify and shift self-sabotaging emotions, beliefs and habits.

Do you want to learn more?

Join our FREE online, From Victim to Master intro event.

19 July 2016 from 19:00 to 21:00.

Booking essential: hannak@thelife-youwant.com

Check out our brand new website www.thelife-youwant.com

As you all know, I’ve been working on and sharing affirmations since my late 50’s! Affirmations are the seeds that create beautiful, strong flowers. That’s why I’ve always encouraged all of you to practice affirmations whenever you feel negative energy or thoughts. But, I truly believe that Mirror Work is the key to loving yourself and ultimate happiness. A seed planted in the shade may grow, but not to its full potential. When we plant the seed in the sun, it flourishes.

Imagine you’re the seed and the sun is the mirror. Plant yourself in front of the mirror. Now, really look at yourself. Look deep into your eyes. Notice the shape of your eyes, your chin, your nose and your cheeks. What are you thinking about? Are you feeding yourself criticism? We often do it without even realizing it. We’ll get ready in the morning, put on our make-up or wash our face and in the process create thoughts such as, my forehead is too wrinkly or my ears stick out too far. It is so habitual sometimes, it’s similar to brushing your teeth; you don’t even recall doing it because you do it so often. You’re sending out negative energy to the world without even realizing it!

That’s why, although affirmations are wonderful to incorporate in your day, it’s important to do them while you’re looking at yourself in the mirror. Let them sink in.

Really feel them. When we look deep into our eyes and say, “I love you, I really love you.” It takes the affirmation to a whole new level. You’re looking into your soul on a much deeper level and connecting to these underlying emotions that you may not normally. That’s why I encourage you to practice mirror work and often. You never know what you’ll discover. Miracles manifest in your life. I know they have for me.

I want to share with you why the mirror is so crucial to affirmations. I call this the Mirror Principle. The Mirror Principle shows you how you hinder yourself from growing and it shows you how you can heal and set yourself free from criticism. It’s the major key to self-love and letting life love you back. You’ll see changes in your relationships, your work place and life in general. All your thoughts about yourself are mirrored in your outer world. So to change the world you live in, you must change the way you think about yourself. Change what you see in the world by looking at yourself differently, literally. By practicing your positive thoughtchanges in the mirror, you’re physically and actively practicing your changes upon yourself. And then your world begins to change.

This is a practice. It does not happen overnight. Remember, when you plant a seed, it needs watering and attention and it grows over time. Mirror Work is very similar. And it is so worth it.

Mirror Work wasn’t easy for me when I first started. It was hard to say, “I love you Louise.” I shed a lot of tears. I remember I would have to breathe through it. I’m so glad I stuck with it because it transformed my life. The mirror makes you immediately aware of where you are struggling and where you are open and flowing.

The point of Mirror Work is to see yourself as you really are. A beautiful being. I want you to see yourself without judging, criticizing or comparing. You become your very best friend. I want to leave you with this quote by Rumi because I want you to know you have the courage to change your life and you can start now. I am right here with you, dear ones.

“Love is a mirror, it reflects only your essence, if you have the courage to look in its face.” – Rumi Love,

Louise Hay has always been a fan of mirror work. It’s her signature technique for cultivating a deep, fulfilling relationship with yourself as well as others.

Now, in Mirror Work, you can learn how to create a rich and meaningful life with just 21 days.

This simple, yet powerful technique supports a positive transformation and great self-care, and Louise is supporting you every step of the way.

Enjoy radio shows from some of the world’s greatest teachers in spirituality, health, and wellness. Begin your journey of personal growth and healing now by listening to HayHouseRadio.com – radio for your soul.

PENNI DU PLESSIS

We all have our moments in life when things just become too much too handle and we throw our arms up in the air out of sheer desperation and ask why? Then we pick ourselves up again and carry on with this thing we call Life. Looking back carefully over the story of one’s life and how it unfolds, sometimes it takes a very long time to figure out the plan and purpose of what one is here to accomplish.

Penni du Plessis, a successful Business owner, Teacher, Healer and Mother is one very accomplished Lady. She certainly has a chosen path and purpose to empower as many people as she can through her life journey. One which I must add, has been far from moonshine and roses! But as Penni says “Only through searching to heal myself can I truly empathies, share and support others. I needed to walk every step of my life as it is, in order to gain the wisdom and knowledge to pass onto others.”

Penni was one of three children who grew up with the usual family dynamics known to man and survived to tell her tale. Having suffered rejection and lack of support throughout her formative years, she became disillusioned with what her life played out.

She was married at the tender age of 20 and had two healthy baby girls that are now grown up and successful in their own right too. Penni filled the role of bread-winner and sole provider very early on in her married life and still continues to do so till this day. Her interior decorating career began when she was 21 and that was the start of her introduction to the magical world of Colour. Whilst sitting in the reception room of a Homeopath, she came across an article in a magazine on Healing through Colour, and this awakened in her an excitement like she had never experienced before. And her journey has been one of immense discovery with absolutely amazing outcomes to speak volumes of.

After asking herself many times, “ Is this my lot in life?” Her story sadly unwrapped into one of divorce and having to forge a way forward for her and the girls. Digging deep inside her soul and body as only mothers can do, she faced each challenge to the best of her ability giving her every day an added skill and lesson or two to add to her book of life story. Knowing that years back in a psychometric test she came out tops for creativity and healing fields, she used her knowledge in decorating and began to discover the healing aspect of colours in life. The more she delved into colour and used each aspect to find balance, the more she began to acknowledge herself and her talents rather than looking externally for others to praise and applaud her. She soon realized that she could do most anything and master what she set her heart to accomplish.

The relationships with her corporate clients changed dramatically. People in the office space would come and ask to have coffee after finishing the decorating consultation, and this turned into counselling and psychology sessions bearing fruit for both Penni and her clients wherever she went.

What Penni began to notice was that people were seeing their truth just as she was operating firmly from hers. She constantly worked on improving herself and healing herself bit by bit and slowly bringing more balance into her life and the lives of others that she touched.

Colour therapy played a very big role in her growth path and she became a teacher in this discipline after training at the Academy of Colour Therapeutics in the UK. She also discovered that whenever things in her life began to taper off, she needed to look for new opportunities or avenues into which she could expand to grow both herself and her business worlds.

1996 was one such occasion and she met someone who connected her with, and brought messages to her from her spirit guide. Over the next years, using the combination of this information and the awakening of the original light in her soul, deep memories began to unfold and so, named after a Star system, the Antaneea Technique therapy was birthed. This gentle treatment anoints the body with 12 different coloured oils which are massaged into the body lovingly for two hours, and together with sound vibrations and specific counselling tools she worked her magic on many clients. Everything up until this point in her life, had happened to teach her how to master the skill of discipline.

In 2002, Penni developed her own range of oils to recipes that she “downloaded” in the wee early hours of the morning and trusted her own knowledge accrued in this lifetime...and it paid off handsomely for her.

She went on to develop ways of doing colour readings or colour analysis through the clients own choice of 9 bottles of magic colour. Each bottle representing different parts of one’s’ life and the patterns that were created. Her Colour Business grew from strength to strength and the colour therapy side of things changed Penni’s life forever. She worked for years at this business with her passion just blossoming the more she saw the changes she affected in her clients’ lives.

Gradually, as all businesses do, hers went through a terribly quiet and waning phase which prompted her to re-assess and look into new avenues, taking her business to another level entirely.

One fine sunny day, she did a “swop session” with a Access Bars practitioner here in Johannesburg. She swopped her 2 hour massage session for a one hour Bars session – and when she sat up after her treatment, she couldn’t even remember her own name!! After the second session, the light came on in her head and she knew without a shadow of a doubt, that she needed to find out more about this technique..

And so the next chapter of her life then began in all earnest. By remaining in the QUESTION, the door of one’s life always remains open to so much more than you can EVER begin to imagine. She is not only a Bars Practitioner, but a Teacher of this modality started by Dr Gary Douglas and Dain Heer.

Access Consciousness is daily changing the lives of people throughout the world and Penni is a front-runner here in SA making sure that as many people as humanly possible gets exposed to the benefits of this modality. She recalls, “I have looked at the good, the bad and the ugly and in searching to heal myself, I am able to share and support others in their quest for wholeness too”.

Penni du Plessis ends off her discussion with me saying, “ I experience more joy than I could ever imagine possible with less judgement on myself and others and I continually become more empowered than I could ever have imagined possible”

And all I can add to this is by staying in the question of “and how does it get better than this?” and Penni smiles joyfully with her animals lying comfortably around her in heavenly bliss.

For more information on Penni and her company kindly visit: Divine Space on www.divinespace.co.za or contact her on 082 900 8024 and log to her Facebook page, read her blogs and view her latest YouTube clip.

By Marlene Muir

The Toxic Attraction Between an Empath and a Narcissist

By Alex Miles I am an empath. I discovered I was an empath after I got involved in a very deep and highly destructive relationship with a narcissist. I am writing this article from the perspective of an empath, however, would love to read the view from the opposite side if there are any narcissists that would like to offer their perception on this.

Through writing about the empath personality type I have connected with many other people who class themselves as an empath and time and again I have heard people tell me how they have also attracted relationships with narcissists. There is a link. So, I decided to explore it further.

This is my theory‌ From my own experience and studies on the narcissist personality type, there is always one core trait: A narcissist is wounded. Something, somewhere along the line, usually stemming from childhood causes a person to feel worthless and unvalued and, due to this, they will constantly and very desperately seek validation.

Here comes the empath, the healer. An empath has the ability to sense and absorb other people’s pain and often takes it on as though it were their own. If an empath is not consciously aware of boundaries and does not understand how to protect themselves, they will very easily and very quickly bond with the narcissist in order to try to fix and repair any damage and attempt to eradicate all their pain.

What the empath fails to realize is that the narcissist is a taker. An energy sucker, a vampire so to speak. They will draw the life and soul out of anyone they come into contact with, given the chance.

This is so that they can build up their own reserves and, in doing so, they can use the imbalance to their advantage.

This dynamic will confuse and debilitate an empath, as if they do not have a full understanding of their own or other people’s capabilities, they will fail to see that not everyone is like them. An empath will always put themselves into other people’s shoes and experience the feelings, thoughts and emotions of others, while forgetting that other people may have an agenda very different to their own and that not everyone is sincere.

The narcissist’s agenda is one of manipulation, it is imperative they are in a position whereby they can rise above others and be in control. The empath’s agenda is to love, heal and care. There is no balance and it is extremely unlikely there ever will be one. The more love and care an empath offers, the more powerful and in control a narcissist will become. The more powerful the narcissist becomes, the more likely the empath will retreat into a victim status.

Then, there is a very big change—the empath will take on narcissistic traits as they too become wounded and are constantly triggered by the damage being in the company with a narcissist creates.

Before long, an extremely vicious circle has begun to swirl. When a narcissist sees that an empath is wounded they will play on this and the main intention will be to keep the empath down. The lower down an empath becomes, the higher a narcissist will feel. An empath will begin to frantically seek love, validation, confirmation and acceptance from a narcissist and each cry for help as such will affirm to the narcissist what they are desperate to feel inside—worthy.

A bitter battle can ensue. As an empath focuses solely on their pain, trauma and the destruction of their lives, they become self-obsessed and fail to see where the damage is coming from. Instead of looking outwards and seeing what is causing it, the empath will turn everything inward and blame themselves.

An empath at this stage must realize the situation they are in and wake up to it, as anyone who is deeply in pain and has been hurt can then become a narcissist themselves as they turn their focus onto their own pain and look for others to make them feel okay again.

Any attempt to communicate authentically with the narcissist will be futile as they will certainly not be looking to soothe and heal anyone else. Not only this, they are extremely charismatic and manipulative and have a powerful way of turning everything away from themselves and onto others. A narcissist will blame their own pain on an empath, plus they will also make sure the empath feels responsible for the pain they too are suffering. An empath will know that they are in a destructive relationship by this stage and will feel so insecure, unloved and unworthy and it can be easy to blame all of their destruction onto the narcissist.

However, an empath should not be looking to blame anyone else. An empath has a choice, to remain the victim, a pawn in the narcissists game or to garner all strength they can muster and find a way out.

Emotionally exhausted, lost, depleted and debilitated an empath will struggle to understand what has happened to the once loving, attentive and charismatic person they were attracted to. However we allow ourselves to be treated is a result of our own choices. If an empath chooses to stay in a relationship with a narcissist and refuses to take responsibility for the dynamic, they are choosing at some level what they believe they are worth on the inside.

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An empath cannot let their self-worth be determined by a narcissist. It is imperative they trust and believe in themselves enough to recognize that they are not deserving of the words and actions the narcissist delivers and to look for an escape.

In an empath’s eyes, all they searched and looked for was someone to take care of and love and to ultimately fix. That is where the trouble began and that is the most profound part of this that an empath must realize. We are not here to fix anyone. We cannot fix anyone.

Everyone is responsible for and capable of fixing themselves, but only if they so choose to.

The more an empath can learn about the personality of a narcissist the sooner they will spot one and the less chance they have of developing a relationship with one. If a relationship is already underway, it is never too late to seek help, seek understanding and knowledge and to dig deep into one’s soul and recognize our own strengths and capabilities and do everything we can to build the courage and confidence to see it for what it is and walk away— for good.

The chance of a narcissist changing is highly unlikely, so we shouldn’t stick around waiting for it to happen. If a narcissist wants to change, then great, but it should never happen at the expense of anyone else. They are not consciously aware of their behaviour and the damage it causes and in their game they will sacrifice anyone and anything for their own gain— regardless of what pretty lies and sweet nothings they try to whisper.

An empath is authentic and is desperate to live true to their soul’s purpose and will very likely find the whole relationship a huge lesson, a dodged bullet and painfully awakening.

A narcissist will struggle to have any connection to their authentic self and will likely walk away from the relationship very easily once they realize they have lost their ability to control the empath. The game is no longer pleasurable if they are not having their ego constantly stroked, so they will seek out their next victim.

The ability for these two types to bond is quite simply impossible. The narcissist’s heart is closed, an empath’s is open—it is nothing short of a recipe for a huge disaster, and not a beautiful one.

This article has been republished from Elephant Journal

About the Author Alex Myles is qualified as a Yoga teacher, Reiki Master, Teacher of Tibetan Meditation, Dragon Magic and a Spiritual coach to name just a few. Alex has no intention to teach others on a formal basis for many years to come, instead, she is collecting qualifications along with life’s lessons. One day, when the time is right, Alex will set up a quaint studio, in a quirky crooked building where she will breathe and appreciate the slowness of those days as life is just way too busy right now! Reading and writing has always been one of Alex’s passions.

Alex likes to consider herself as a free spirit rather than a commitment-phobe. Trying to live as aligned to a Buddhist lifestyle as is possible in this day and age, she just does not believe in “owning” anything or anyone.

Based on the theory that we ‘cannot lose someone that was not ours to lose’ she flails through life finding joy and magic in the most unexpected places. Mother to a 21 year old daughter and three adorable pups, she appreciates that some of the best moments in life are the 6am forest walks watching the dogs run, play and interact with one another and with nature. Connect with her on Facebook and check out her blog, Love and Madness.

6 Things You Lose As A Result Of A Spiritual Awakening Spirituality is the foundations for good health. When you spiritually connect to that which is important to you magical and amazing things start to happen.

But while a lot of people seem to be getting into spirituality for personal gain and development, it is actually what you lose as a result of spiritual connection that has the most impact.

I have to say that you will never completely lose the things I speak about in this article, and while they are quite negative, they are also natural feelings that come up from time to time.

We all have the same capacity to feel what any other person feels and act in ways any other person acts, what will make a difference in your life is the level of attention you project onto these areas.

A spiritual awakening is by no means the end; it in fact asks more questions than it answers.

But when you reach that more enlightened state here are 6 things you will start to see a lot less of!

Hatred You usually hate in others what you see a part of in yourself or what you want to see more of in yourself. A spiritual awakening helps you to hold up the mirror and see yourself stripped down to the bare bones.

There will always be people in the world who have characteristics which are unpleasant to you, but the people who are expressing these traits are doing so at their current level of mind and it is up to you if you want to allow that person to dominate your consciousness.

Spiritual connection helps you to show compassion for those who do you wrong and give you the ability to at least start the process of tolerance and forgiveness!

Jealousy An awakened mind allows you to show admiration for those who do well and strive to follow in their footsteps. It also helps to remove any malicious or jealousy and appreciate the accomplishments of others.

When another person attains that which you desire, it is quite easy to feel envious, even if there are no bad intentions. Being spiritually awakened will help you to realise that we are all part of the same organism and another persons success is your success and when you see the accomplishments of others they can help motivate you to reach the same heights!

Anxiety Anxiety manifests as a result of living a life that you are not connected to. Your hobbies, your friends, your job and how you spend your time can contribute to that heavy feeling of anxiety.

Spirituality helps you connect to your true purpose and that which matters to you. When you spend your life living on your terms, fully connected to things that have importance to you, anxiety is a lot less prevalent.

Spirituality also helps you to relax, which is the complete opposite of anxiety.

Anger Anger is usually a very unconscious type of behaviour. For example losing your temper, this is not a well thought out process.

Spirituality however is a very conscious process that teaches you to be present and in the moment. It also helps you to confront and deal with your problems, leaving you with less unresolved issues to be angry about.

Insecurity It is hard to feel insecure, when you are deeply connected to your values and you know what you stand for.

Spirituality helps you connect with your identity and remove the layers which may have been left by following the wrong dreams, society, loved ones or any other influence you may have been in contact with.

It helps you to know yourself and when you truly know who you are, you are far less likely to go against you true nature, just so you can please other people!

Fear Of Failure This goes hand in hand with insecurity, because once you remove those layers of insecurity and actually know what you want from life you can relentlessly move towards your goals.

Your goals are supposed to be scary. If they are not then you might want to consider some bigger ones! And failing on the way to achieving what you want out of life is also normal.

But being spiritually connected helps you to not be afraid of being a failure, while accepting you will fail along the way.

It is easy to search for external answers in life, as it seems that the answers are just out there waiting to be found. The reality is that losing things or finding what already exists within you is the key to living a healthy, happy and balanced life!

Written by Luke Miller of www.truththeory.com

CHANGE CAREERS CHANGE YOUR LIFE CHANGE THE WORLD NEVER STOP LEARNING

SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE AND BURSARY APPLICATION - SOUTH AFRICA 2017 I am delighted to announce that the next Teacher Training course is from 3rd to 16th March 2017 at The Angel Warehouse, Spirit of Amberfield, Rheenendal (near Knysna).

Are you ready to change your life forever and in the process assist others by enlightening and empowering them? Do you feel that this is your Divine Life Path, helping to spread the light to others and accelerating your own personal growth? If this is the case then this life changing Teacher Training course is for you!

The course emphasises your own self-development which is so very important, and I will share my extensive knowledge and experience with you, enabling you to become the Amazing Being that you truly are!

I take pride in inviting you into our sacred and very special space where you will be nurtured and supported whilst you grow and learn. This beautiful country venue offers a special and safe place to focus your attention and listen to the longing of your own soul, allowing you to grow and do your own self-development. This experience is unique and a special gift that you give yourself whilst you are preparing to go out and spread the light.

Participants will do the Initiation Module and Angel Connection Module with an option of doing the Ascension Connection Module.

This course is for those that are passionate, motivated and committed to working with the Angels and Ascension and wanting to pass their knowledge and passion onto others so that they too are empowered and enlightened.

You do not have to be very experienced in your Spiritual abilities, but must be working from the heart with enthusiasm and integrity. Academic qualifications are not important. Your own personal self-development and the desire and passion to pass this onto others, is what counts.

ABOUT THE SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE This course will:  Give you the confidence, expertise and skills to organize and facilitate a group or workshop in a professional manner.  Teach you to facilitate visualisations for groups and individuals as well as meditations and exercises to use in your workshops.  Allow you to bring in the Angels and Ascended Masters to enhance your connection to the Spirit World and be able to teach others to do the same.  Powerful energies such as the Mahatma Energy, The Antakarana, The Lightbody, The Monad plus many more will be taught to speed up the Ascension process of yourself and others.  Provide you with powerful techniques to develop your channelling abilities transmute energies and enhance your healing abilities.  Allow you to go within for personal development and advancement on your spiritual journey in a safe environment with expert support and assistance.

Angel Connection will present the course under the auspices of THE ANGEL CONNECTION SCHOOL OF AFRICA. Course content will be strictly in accordance with that prescribed by the ACSOA. The Angel Connection School of Africa is delighted to announce that there will be a bursary available for those who would like to do the course but are unable to afford it. Please contact Margi for more information and application forms. Terms and conditions apply.

Places are limited.

DATES: 3rd to 16th March 2017 FACILITATOR: Margi McAlpine BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION: Margi on 082-563-7422 or margi@angels.za.com Visit: www.angels.za.com

MAKE ANGELS PART OF YOUR EVERYDAY LIFE!

Sunshine Academy of Metaphysics is an international online learning center, offering various courses in different forms of energy healing, spiritual development courses, personal development courses, attunement packages, and much more.

Whether you are searching for meaning in your life, or whether you wish to raise your consciousness, change your career or enhance your current life path, this is the place for you! We offer life-changing and eye-opening courses and are with you every step of the way, for academic and emotional support, as your reality is recreated by YOU. Life is not about finding yourself - it’s about creating yourself.

So what sets us aside from the other holistic learning institutions? We offer a wide variety of practitioner courses, which enables you to start seeing clients and earning as you progress through your course. You are also able to take many of the courses we offer as stand-alone courses, i.e. it does not need to be part of a Diploma course. And as you’re sitting there wondering whether this is right for you, so too do you feel a flutter of excitement and a sense of “this is it!” Everyone wants to be happy and successful, right?

So what’s holding you back? Take the decision now to make the changes you’ve always wanted.

So what is your reason and motivation for studying metaphysics?

Would you like to start your own business? Imagine how it would feel to have the freedom and skill to start your own healing practice. Can you see yourself with your time as your own? Picture choosing your own working hours in the comfort of your own home. This is especially sensational for working moms, as you will be able to enjoy more free time with your children and see them grow up. Ask yourself, how would you like to spend your days?

Would you like to expand your already established business? You instantly demand more recognition and respect when you have a title next to your name. Grow your clientele and income by giving your customers what they want, by adding more variety to your list of offerings. Increasing your field of expertise widens your circle of potential customers.

For personal and spiritual development? You will feel more fulfilled, and learn how to overcome your obstacles and experience a better quality of life. Discover how to meditate effectively to reduce stress and induce relaxation, how to visualise your way to better health and happiness, and so much more, whilst awakening your consciousness and increasing your vibration to a whole new level.

Does this sound wonderful and exactly what you’re looking for? Then come join us on this amazing journey through mind, body and soul as we discover your new reality together.

So what’s different about our courses compared to all the others? That would be our large selection of practitioner courses and attunement systems! Once you have completed your practitioner module or received attunements, you are able to start seeing clients or passing on the attunements - you don’t have to wait until you have completed your entire course before you can start putting into practise what you have learned, because this way will help you to pay off your studies quicker, and get you started in your exciting new career pronto.

Check out our new Full Access course, which allows you to study ALL of our courses at a fraction of the price – www.sunshineuni.com/open.html Internationally accredited by the International Metaphysical Practitioners Association, World Metaphysics Association, American Council of Holistic Healers and the Metaphysics Association of South Africa

Contact: Gaynor – gaynor@sunshinemetaphysics.com or Emma – emma@sunshinemetaphysics.com

If we want to change the way we think we need to change our subconscious thinking. We need to release our self-sabotaging beliefs, emotions and habits and replace them with supportive ones.

We have a range of products and services that assist you with that.

Neuro Integration Movements (NIM) Prerequisites: This course is open to all who have an interest in learning and personal growth

This is the first course of the Brain Gym in South Africa learning track. In this 2-day introduction course you are introduced to the four-step Brain Gym速 warm-up program called PACE and all the Brain Gym速 movements. The user feels instantly focused, on track, and ready to begin any task or meet any challenge.

Discover the function of the Triune brain: the Reptilian brain, the Limbic System and the Neo-Cortex, and the learning implications of brain functioning in terms of three dimensions- laterality, focus and centering at a basic level.

Candidates will learn how "knowing" the dominant eye, ear, hand and foot can affect your ability to read, write, and other functioning.

Many teachers have found that by doing Brain Gym with the children for about five minutes a day, the children concentrate better, are calmer and much more. Teaching has become easier for the teachers who do Brain Gym daily with their class.

For information on all courses, dates and rates, please contact: HANNA KOK MOBILE: 082 856 6655 www.makealife.co.za

NATURAL HEALTH NUTRITION COURSE The course explains in full, how our modern diets and lifestyle have in fact, created and caused many of the modern diseases of today and once you have completed this course you will have a clearer understanding of how your body works, how to treat it, and how to keep it free of disease. This series of lessons focuses on how our diet and lifestyle determines our health and reinforces the importance of taking responsibility for our health in order to avoid the many degenerative diseases that could face us.

NATURAL HEALTH CONSULTING COURSE This course examines the role of a natural heath consultant and focuses on applying the knowledge obtained from the Natural Health & Nutrition Course (NHN) to practical lifestyle situations.

The course objective is to show how you can help others to help themselves by offering practical assignments that pinpoint problem areas so that you, the learner can offer guidelines for healthy living.

CONTACT US Phone Lines: 021 856 2500 : 021 856 0293

By Lisa Raleigh

There may be many drastic diets out there, recommending everything from cutting out entire food groups to loading up on saturated fats, but what both the extreme and non-extreme varieties seem to agree on is this – refined sugar is the most damaging food for health (and weight loss as a result).

Did you know refined sugar is a bigger contributor to obesity than not exercising at all? It is linked to some scary ailments like insomnia, dizziness, allergies, manic depression, heart disease, hypertension, hair loss, pancreatic cancer, ADD/ADHD, skin breakouts, tooth rot, obesity and type-2 diabetes. Whoa!

While most of us are in agreement that added sugar has to go, our next challenge is choosing the best alternative.

“…Sugar is a bigger contributor to obesity than not exercising at all. It is linked to some scary ailments like insomnia, allergies, manic depression… ” What to avoid Regular table sugar – more formally known as sucrose – is made of roughly 50% glucose and 50% fructose.

While glucose is metabolized in your blood stream then used for energy or stored as fat, fructose is metabolized in your liver. When we eat too much of it, our liver can’t store it as energy so it turns to fat instead – affecting our metabolism. Fructose is addictive. Some studies say it’s more addictive than cocaine and heroin and, unlike other food molecules, it doesn’t signal to the body that it has had enough. It also increases another hormone, ghrelin, which makes us feel hungrier.

How do I choose a sugar replacement?

Knowing what’s in your favourite sugar alternatives can help you make safer choices.

This fatty acid reduces levels of blood triglycerides, helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, and helps improve visual and attention acuity…

While some out there should be banned out right, there are those that should just be ingested every once and a while and then those safe enough for everyday use.

Stevia – we give it first place: We recommend stevia when it comes to sugar alternatives. The Stevia plant is part of the marjoram family, and this plant-based sweetener has also been used in South America for centuries. After harvesting, Stevia leaves are dried and milled, then steeped in water to unlock the sweetest extract of Stevia, called Rebaudioside A. Stevia has been proven to help reduce heartburn and hypertension, as well as aid digestion and generally boost the immune system.

Stevia is glucose and fructose free and virtually void of calories, since the intense flavour requires you to use it only in trace amounts. It also comes in a variety of forms, making it extra versatile.

…Xylitol is almost identical to refined sugar in taste and texture…

Beware though, it is NOT safe for animals!

Xylitol: Derived from birch bark, Xylitol powder is almost identical to refined sugar in taste and texture.

It can be used as a spoon-for-spoon sugar replacement, and has low glycaemic index and load.

There are only 10 kilojoules per gram. It is NOT dogfriendly, however, and tends to have a laxative effect on some people when used in more than small amounts.

…Honey is anti-bacterial and antiviral, while also containing enzymes, proteins, trace minerals, flavonoids and other polyphenols …

Honey: Honey is 38% fructose and 31% glucose, but unlike other sugar-dense sweeteners, it is pretty beneficial.

It is antibacterial and antiviral, while also containing enzymes, proteins, trace minerals, flavonoids and other polyphenols. It can also – surprisingly – help with seasonal allergies if you buy organically and locally! This should not be your everyday sweetener option, as the higher fructose content isn’t good for you in excess. It still beats regular table sugar though.

Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is made from the refined sap of maple trees. While it ranks high on the GI scale, it is quite low in fructose and contains manganese, iron and calcium. In appropriate quantities, this natural sugar is a safer option than table sugar.

…Coconut sugar is still made mostly of sucrose…

Coconut Sugar: Gaining quite a lot of popularity as a healthier new sugar alternative, coconut sugar is loaded with potassium, magnesium and vitamin C, but it is still made mostly of sucrose (table sugar). It does, however, register far lower on the GI scale than white sugar, landing in the 30s and 40s. Because of this, it makes a really effective baking substitute or sprinkling sugar.

Agave Nectar: Agave nectar is often touted as a great alternative, thanks to its low glycaemic index of 15. BUT, processing techniques result in a 75% or more fructose content, which means you are still going to

… Agave Nectar’s processing techniques result in a 75% or more fructose content which means you are still going to get an unwanted spike in your blood sugar. get an unwanted spike in your blood sugar. We think it’s better to steer clear of this, as it’s technically a high-fructose sweetener without much nutritional benefit.

Sucralose: This is still non-nutritive, but it is almost void of calories and has shown no negative health sideeffects. Best used only in baking.

Definite no-no’s Our list of less-trusted sweeteners includes the following: Sucrose (normal sugar), fructose, acesulfame potassium, aspartame, high fructose corn syrup, neotame and saccharin.

By Lisa Raleigh

Potato Skin Poppers Ingredients: 1 bag baby potatoes 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, divided in 2 Himalayan rock salt ½ cup white cheddar cheese ¼ cup plain fat-free Greek yogurt 2 small avos 3 tablespoons lemon juice ¼ cup diced green onions

Method: • Preheat oven to 200 degrees; line baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Arrange potatoes on baking sheet and poke holes into them.

• Sprinkle oil and ½ a tablespoon of your smoked paprika onto the potatoes, season with salt and bake for 40 minutes.

• Remove from oven when potatoes are golden and soft.

• Slice potatoes in half and scoop out most of the flesh, leaving a thin layer close to the skin.

• Place potatoes skin side down on baking sheet and use a pastry brush to coat the flesh with oil from the baking try. Sprinkle potatoes with remaining paprika and season with salt • Return to oven on grill for 5 minutes.

• Top potatoes with cheese and grill for 5 minutes until cheese is melted and skins are crispy.

• Blend avos into guacamole, together with lemon juice, salt and black pepper.

• Top each potato with a dollop of yogurt, guacamole and a sprinkle of green onions.

Fudgesicles Ingredients: 2 scoops chocolate whey protein powder 1 ½ cup low fat milk / unsweetened almond milk 2 T raw cacao powder 1 t instant coffee 1 t xylitol / granulated stevia 5-6 ice cubes

Method: • Combine all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth.

• Pour mixture into freezable molds and freeze for 3-5 hours to set, depending on the size of your mold.

• If you don't have popsicle molds, just fill some paper or plastic cups and add popsicle sticks after they have been in the freezer for 2-3 hours (this will help with keeping the popsicle sticks straight in the popsicles).

• Once frozen, run cup/mold under warm running water for a few seconds to loosen.

Choose chickpeas Chickpeas seem to be everywhere lately and for good reason. This protein-packed legume (pulse) is high in fibre, folate and zinc and has been said to help with weight loss.

Chickpeas are also really versatile in the kitchen. You can eat them hot or cold and they can act as the star of the meal, or a support. You can roast chickpeas, add them to salads, use them as a substitute for croutons in soups or turn them into a simple snack with big flakes of sea salt.

And of course you can always purĂŠe them to create a silky-smooth hummus.

Chickpeas fall under the category of pulses and the United Nations declared 2016 as the International Year of Pulses (IYP). The hope is to position pulses as a primary source of protein and other essential nutrients. Everyone can get involved, visit http://iyp2016.org/ for more information. Pouyoukas Foods is a partner of IYP in South Africa.

Crispy sumac salmon and crushed minty chickpeas Serves 4 Ingredients 3 cups cooked Pouyoukas dried chickpeas 1 small handful fresh mint, chopped ½ red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped Juice of 1 large lemon Small punnet cherry tomatoes, finely chopped 3 tablespoons (45 ml) olive oil 1 small red onion, finely chopped Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon (15 ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30 ml) sumac 4 portions fresh salmon Fresh lime or lemon wedges, to serve

Method For the minty chickpeas, in a large bowl combine the chickpeas, mint, chilli, lemon juice, tomatoes, olive oil and red onion.

Season well with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper and set aside.

For the salmon, combine 1 tablespoon olive oil and sumac to form a paste.

Spread onto the fish, fry in a non-stick frying pan skin side down for 3-4 minutes on either side.

The skin should be crisp, while the fish is still pink and moist.

Serve the sumac salmon with minty chickpea salad and plenty of fresh lemon or lime.

About Pouyoukas Foods: Pouyoukas Foods are of the highest quality, carefully selected from around the world. From seeds and legumes to essential flours and snack products, Pouyoukas products are the perfect addition to any pantry. Visit the Pouyoukas website at www.pouyoukas.co.za

Our food should supply all the nutrients needed for providing energy, growth, building and repairing tissues and maintaining health.

By Heather Picton A marginal nutrient deficiency would not necessarily cause a severe illness, but could result in a vague feeling of not being well accompanied by a cluster of minor symptoms. Nutritional deficiencies in ADD/ADHD children could severely exacerbate the range of problems they already face. In some cases, identifying and correcting existing deficiencies have not only cleared up some of the problems but has also helped the child to cope more effectively with those that remain.

Ideally the necessary vitamins and minerals should be obtained from food in the normal diet rather than from supplementation. People with poor eating habits will usually be lacking in a range of vitamins and minerals, which explains their vast improvement when taking supplementation.

When buying supplements it is advisable to purchase a well-balanced multivitamin and mineral preparation which has a range of the required vitamins and minerals combined in the correct proportions. When purchasing a particular vitamin or mineral to correct a specific problem, time and money can be saved by first consulting a homeopath or a dietitian for specialist advice. They know the quantities that should be taken and what other vitamins and minerals ought to be taken to ensure that the body will be able to use and benefit from supplementation.

Do not throw pumpkin pips away – they are a valuable source of zinc and can be eaten fresh, dried, or roasted as a snack.

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While basic trail mixes have been around for many years, usually based around fried peanuts etc, On The Go is a premium market brand using a wide range of choice grade fruits and nuts.

With interesting inclusions such as swirls, lemon twists etc, we have not only created a unique taste profile, we have created a unique selling proposition.

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As winter starts to emerge and the mornings start to get colder, many of us dread the thought of having to head to the gym or eat salad for lunch. However, as difficult as it may be to push forward, the winter season serves as the perfect opportunity to set a fitness foundation for the summer months ahead. This will leave you thoroughly prepared and not having to worry about last minute fitness fads in the days before summer.

For people who want to get in shape before summer, it is of the utmost importance to start exercising earlier during the winter months. But even more importantly, exercise acts as a great mood enhancer, as it increases a person’s levels of endorphins - a powerful complex of ‘feel-good’ hormones.

Tips for Training During Winter You don’t have to feel guilty about not going to the gym in winter because your fitness regime can be maintained by adapting the exercises you do to your home environment. The same squats, crunches, jumping jacks and push ups can be done indoors during the colder months.

Many times individuals use the excuse of ‘winter’ for not getting in their vehicles and making the journey to the gym. However, this should not serve as a barrier. Fitness regimes can be maintained indoors ensuring that fitness levels are kept on track.

• Use the stairs – often times we pay attention to the stairs at the gym, but not in our homes.

Utilising the stairs or staircases in your home can serve the very same purpose.

• Use what is around you – assuming you have light and heavy weights at home, you can continue to do the very same arm exercises you do in the gym.

• If you happen to be exercising outside, it would be best to layer your clothing. This will make it easier to remove while adjusting to increasing temperatures from your physical exertion. You can then re-layer your clothing when cooling down and stretching.

• Workout during the warmer times of the day so that you avoid the extreme early morning cold and the onset of early evening chills.

• Gloves can and should also be used with the purpose of keeping your hands warm if you are exercising outside.

Furthermore, the majority of heat escapes your body from your head; it is also therefore recommended that you wear a hoodie or beanie.

Addressing nutritional needs during winter During the winter months, there is no real need to change the foods we eat to suit our diet. This is because supermarkets still provide the same summer fruits and vegetables, with seasonal fruits and vegetables being more readily available as well.

However, changes in season have an effect on our hormonal system and this leaves us with cravings, all of which include soups, stews and other starch rich foods. Do your best to ignore the inner demon that nags for winter comfort food.

Battling the winter blues With days being shorter, exposure to sunlight is reduced. This directly affects our feel-good serotonin, which is an essential blood sugar regulating chemical.

Our winter carbohydrate cravings are directly related to the shorter days, resulting in a lower serotonin level. Biologically, the best way to re-stimulate serotonin is to increase carbohydrate intake, but this often results in a calorie overload as starch forms the base of these meals. The volume that we eat can be minimised if we simply regulate our blood sugar levels by making use of the mid-morning and midafternoon snacks.

One way of combating feeling low is using vitamins. A good multi-micronutrient will do the job when it comes to maintaining vitamin intake, it will also help your immune system ward off any winter colds and coughs.

Article Sourced from USN. Check out the tasty & healthy USN Actilife Supplement Range

With Lisa Raleigh

The bar is an easy investment and serves as a great piece of versatile exercise equipment. Try this full body home workout using just an exercise bar.

Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart and a bar held on your shoulders. Sink down into a squat, keeping knees behind toes. Pause for a moment then rise back up, pushing the bar above your head as you do. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Start in a plank position, with body and arms straight. Position the bar under one arm. Keeping your balance, draw the bar up as you bend your elbow back. Pause for a moment then lower back down. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps with each arm.

Lay on the ground with a bar held in both hands in front of your chest. Keeping abs engaged, sit up, then strongly push the bar up above your head. Pause for a moment then lower the bar back down to your chest and return to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

Lay on the ground with the bar propped along your body and resting on your top foot. Keeping your leg straight, lift it of the ground until higher than your hips, pause for a moment, then lower back down to the ground. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

TV Personality, Author, Lifestyle & Wellness Expert www.lisaraleigh.co.za lisa@lisaraleigh.co.za www.facebook.com/LisaRaleighSA-Facebook LisaRaleighSA – Twitter LisaRaleighTV – YouTube

The planet is in danger of being destroyed by our greatest threat, ourselves!!!! It’s up to all of us to ensure we do not destroy the environment in which we live and the future environment in which our children will live.

Recycling is as simple as separating home waste and educating our children to do the same.

If we all take this step, it will make a huge difference to our environment and ensure that the various recyclables are recycled and disposed of in the correct manner or sent to the correct facilities for re-use.

Recycling is a great way to save our natural resources and even generate energy.

At ECOmonkey they are taking the first important step to try and minimise harmful waste left in our environment, by working with communities to clean up our surroundings, namely local parks and streams to create a clean environment and further creating employment opportunities through this initiative.

Earth Probiotic help you to recycle your food waste into food for the soil with their Bokashi Recycling Kits.

Working together, these two companies do a great job in helping to ensure the health of the planet. Let them help you do the same…

We make a difference…

Do you???

Let's take the 1st step in creating a cleaner environment & ensuring our children have a brighter, cleaner future... http://www.ecomonkey.co.za

We collect your recycling & create employment: We collect & deliver the materials to various, community recycling projects we support, the materials are sorted & the income goes directly to the community members involved.

Who do we service?

Households, flats, townhouse complexes, estates, office complexes, industrial companies & shopping centres.

Ensuring recyclables are processed correctly & don’t end up on unsightly, dirty & negatively impacting land fill sites.

www.ecomonkey.co.za

How to choose the right insurer

Everyone wants to protect the people and things that they love, which is why it’s important to be properly insured. However, with so many insurance companies to choose from, it can feel overwhelming to make a decision. Here are the basics to help you make the right choice.

START WITH HOMEWORK The Internet is a wonderful tool for research, as it allows you to quickly find out both the good and bad about specific insurers. Whilst personal referrals from existing customers are preferred, you can use social media sites to look for customer feedback, and see how the insurer handles complaints and compliments. In particular look at customer complaint rations to get an overall idea of customer satisfaction.

REPUTATION MATTERS It’s crucial that your insurer is reliable and trusted by customers, especially when it’s time to make a claim. Look for them on the Financial Services Board website to check that they are registered and operating legally.

CHECK FINANCES Your insurer needs to be in good financial health. Do your research on their claims payment history to see if they can be trusted to meet their financial obligations to you and your beneficiaries, when the time comes for payment.

PRICING South Africa has a wide variety of insurance companies, from the large and well-established organizations to the small family-run businesses, and this means that prices will vary considerably. It’s your responsibility to shop around and compare quotes to find the insurer that works within your budget, whilst accommodating your specific needs.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES Compare what is offered by each of your chosen insurers and be sure to read the fine print before signing anything. You need to be aware of exclusions and what your excess will be when you make a claim. To get the best cover for your specific needs, look for an insurer that is a specialist in that area.

CUSTOMER SERVICE Your chosen insurer needs to provide help quickly, efficiently and fairly – in your time of need.

Check the type of support they provide, such as telephonic or online, and if they are easy to reach when you have a question to ask or you want to make a claim. Good customer service should be a priority.

GET HELP Getting insurance is an important but often complicated decision, and sometimes the answer is to get expert advice. A qualified insurance professional will use their knowledge of each insurer, and after analyzing your specific needs, they can help you make the right choice.

Take your time before picking an insurance company, as they need to give you peace of mind that the things you care about the most are properly protected. Look for cover based on your specific requirements and then compare prices to get value for your money. Resist the temptation to go on price alone, as you want to get the best insurance that you can afford.

For insurance advice you can trust, call Indwe Risk Services today on 0860 13 13 14 and speak to an advisor about your insurance options.

Ensuring your Pet’s Dental Health Natural love…The autumn hat and lawn party was well underway, when I caught a glimpse of him. A flash of velvet black hair, but it was the unexpected locking of our eyes, emerald green, that made my heart beat just a tiny bit faster. I was mesmerized.

He gave me one last over-the shoulder look before disappearing in a little grove of betula albas shielding the manicured lawn and prize-winning rose garden from the path winding down to the river.

I slowly made my way through the throng of people, eyes nailed to the spot where I last saw him standing in case he reappeared, and entered the grove. Would it be rude of me to leave the party and wander of on my own in the hope of another opportunity to see him? It took only a split-second to settle my doubt.

Nobody seemed to have noticed that I had slipped away, and as I moved further into the grove and along the winding path to the river, the sounds and laughter of Annika’s autumn party became less and less audible until I could only hear my own footsteps and the distant humming of the river. Where did he go?

The path winded steeply downward and passing a thicket I slowed, and stopped. I was being watched, I could sense that, but I could not see him. I didn’t move a limb and only my eyes darted left and right looking for a clue in the denser bush. And then…there he was, crouching on a branch just a couple of centimetres of the ground, the most beautiful black velvet kitten in the whole world. I had found him!

Velvet is now nearly a year old and no longer flearidden and fending for himself. His coat has blossomed into a thick coat, inviting and soft to the touch. He frolics around the house and garden, chasing after butterflies in the meadows and fearlessly scaling the giant trees. His favourite pasttime? Napping with my daughter.

We take care of him NATURALLY, as we would with all our furry, (and some not so furry) clients.

“Good dental care is just as important for animals as it is for humans” One of the major areas of neglect in even the most caring of animal owners is the lack of proper ANIMAL DENTAL CARE. Good dental care is just as important for animals as it is for humans. Your pets ‘s oral health plays a major role in their whole body health. The lack of a good dental care program not only affects the mouth, but can lead to a variety of more serious health problems affecting the kidneys, heart and lungs. Good dental care can help your pet living a longer and healthier life.

When there is a lack of dental care, periodontal disease creeps in. This is defined as an infection of the tissue that surrounds the teeth. There are various stages/levels of periodontal disease, and a quick peek inside the mouth of your pet will tell you the status of his dental health. Periodontal disease starts out as plaque. Plaque is a bacterial film that attaches itself to the teeth, just as with humans. When the bacteria die they can be calcified by the calcium in the saliva, and forms calculus or tartar. This is a hard and uneven substance which allows for more accumulation of plaque on the teeth.

In the event that dental and gum disease had already started, a natural homoeopathic remedy can also go a long way to counter-act the disease. Eco-teeth is a registered homoeopathic product developed specifically for the treatment of animals with dental and gum problems, and we have seen significant results with both advanced gingivitis, and just using it as part of a routine oral dental programme.

“…we have seen significant results with advanced gingivitis…”

In the initial stages plaque is soft and brushing or chewing hard food and toys can dislodge it. However if left to spread, plaque can cause gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums, causing them to become swollen and red and bleeds readily.

If you allow the plaque and tartar to develop below the gum line, you will need professional cleaning by your vet. If the build-up continues to go untreated, then infection can form around the root of the tooth, and finally the tissue surrounding the tooth are destroyed, the bony socket holding the tooth erodes and the tooth becomes and loose. This is an excruciating process for your pet and he will not be able to feed.

“Be PROACTIVE, and use preventative dental care by brushing your pet’s teeth, and using a remedy to reduce the build-up of tartar” HOW TO AVOID IT • Check your pet’s teeth frequently • Brush your pets teeth regularly • Use a natural remedy that reduces the rate of tartar build-up • Have their teeth professionally cleaned by the vet should that be necessary Be PROACTIVE, and use preventative dental care by brushing your pet’s teeth, and using a remedy to reduce the build-up of tartar.

We do understand that pet owners do not always make the time to brush their pet’s teeth, and using a product that can assist in reducing the build-up of tartar becomes even more crucial. Be proactive with regards to dental care of your beloved pet and don’t wait until dental disease sets in.

This product can be utilized in different ways. Firstly you can place it in their drinking water every second day, to slow the build-up of tartar as part of a dedicated oral hygiene programme. It will also take care of smelly breath! Secondly you can squirt it into their mouth on a daily basis, for a period of time, should they already be experiencing some gum and dental disease. It has proved to have a significant effect on dental disease.

We love animals, NATURALLY Erika Bornman CEO-Eco-Vet www.ecovet.co.za

Enter and WIN!!

Win a Natural Nail & Cosmetics hamper from LCN valued at R960!!

• Dear Mom Hand Cream 50ml •‘Pacha’ lip Gloss • Avocado Nail Butter 15ml •‘Lilac’ Nail polish 8ml • Polish Seal 8ml In a lovely cosmetic bag

ENTER NOW: Send us an email with your phone number, and the email addresses of 5 friends who will receive free subscriptions to our magazines: lcn@childoftheuniverse.co.za Subject: LCN www.lcn.co.za

Enter and WIN!!

EVERYONE should have a couple of these packs of on the go handy… delicious and nutritious.

To enter email 5 friend’s email addresses and your phone number to onthego@childoftheuni verse.co.za Subject: on the go

BEAUTIFUL HAY HOUSE BOOK HAMPER

To enter email 5 friend’s email addresses and your phone number to: hayhouse@childoftheuniverse.co.za Subject line: Subscribe

Enter and WIN!!

USN ACTILIFE HAMPER VALUED AT R680

To enter email 5 friend’s email addresses plus your address and phone number to: usncompetition@childoftheuniverse.co.za Subject line: Subscribe. Draw will take place 3rd June 2016



WINNER OF APRIL USN COMPETITION: GRANT WALKER WINNER OF THE APRIL EARTH PROBIOTIC HAMPER: ELAINE LEEMING

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