aneisdevida.co.za
August 2015
Issue 11
5-14 October 2015 Book via the website: http://aneisdevida.co.za/retreats What can you expect: Daily Meditation & Grounding Techniques Individual profiling on:
Astrological sign
Chakra’s
Human Pin Code
Eco-Psychology
Daily sessions with the focus shifting and flowing. Always surrounded by the caring and assisting facilitators who are there to guide you and enabling you to unlock Your Inner Power on this Soul Journey. Set group participation daily and time for one on one the facilitators will be worked into the day.
sessions with
Ten step plan of action 1
—Focus: Present with Intent
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—Substance: Raw Materials of Strength/Weakness
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—Form: Design, Shape and Expression
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—Determination: Purpose, application—what you will be doing with the keys
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—Understanding: Your mind is now engaged to see the possibilities
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—Imaginations: Seeing beyond your ‘’limitations’’
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—Freedom: Letting go of the Restrictions/Judgements
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—Pattern: Repeatable, Reliable, Uniqueness
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—Chaos: Nothing remains the same
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—Completion: Evaluating and Reflecting
These are some of the parameters that the facilitators will be working around. Each bringing a uniqueness to the experience. Always with your highest good in mind. On the next page a little of what Bea Potgieter is going to be doing with you. Aneis de Vida
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5-14 October 2015 Book via the website: http://aneisdevida.co.za/retreats
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Hallo everyone,
What an interesting month I have had. For those who have not read the blog post. I had the misfortune of waking to an intruder in my home. Thankfully not my daughter, animals or I were physically harmed in any way. My daughter has had to work through the trauma and the shock, and soon enough she will be as right as rain again. The interesting part, well at least for me, is that the animals too have had to endure shock—some years ago we also had a robbery—only the animals were at home and they were sprayed with oven cleaner, thankfully with no major side effects and it took weeks for them to overcome their insecurity. This was of course understandable to me at the time. I have to admit, I did not expect the reaction that I have had to live with from them this time round. With tongue in cheek, and a smile on my face, I just wish they would understand that I can’t sleep my day away and sit up like they do at night. Again another learning curve and seeing it from their perspective. They are so much like us, they are just not able to speak the same language and if they did I do believe we would all be completely amazed at what they would be able to tell us. My laptop and tablet were stolen with most of my research, so it has been a nice scramble but I am blessed with amazing people in my life who have rallied around to help. These are very special souls who one only really realises or appreciates when the going gets a bit tough. To all of them I again say Thank You for your help, your love and support. It was a bit of a shock to learn that SAA has lifted the Cargo Ban that they had put in place in April of this year on animal parts and trophy hunting. As a South African it has made me cringe that we have moved backward and not forward. ADV, meaning myself has a strong moral sense of right and wrong where these things are concerned. Let us hope and pray that with strong international as well as local pressure the carrier will see the light and implement its original stance again. As always there are new and exciting articles within the E-mag pages and hopefully you will glean a bit more information of things which perhaps you did not know before. Just a quick reminder that at the end of the month a lucky person will be able to experience Inner Power Soul Journey for free—just remember you need to have already booked to be in line for winning this draw.
And Diana Cooper will be in South Africa in September—so for those of you wanting to attend her workshops please make a point of booking your spot.
Wishing you a wonder-filled August.
Love, light and blessings Tilanie
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Monthly Calendar
11 Interview with Lizabeth Spencer 15 Experience Brazil 26 The Resilience of the Soul—Bea Potgieter
32 Peridot Crystal 34 Humour is the Name of the Game 35 Bodie’s Nemesis—Shari Rood 40 Faith Healing—Jimmy Henderson 43 Perspective—Beryl Broekman 47 Preparing Yourself for the Change of Season—Deborah Sutherland 52 Recipe 54 Why Facial Steaming is Important—Nicolet Henderson 52 Rune Reading—Amethyst Moon Dancer 57 Rune Reading 58 Angelic Realm 59 Channelled Messages from Master Atenar 61 Guidelines for Parents of Teenagers—Jimmy Henderson 69 Natural Remedy 72 The Tortoise sees More of the Road than the Hare 80 Are you a Rainbow Warrior—Lou Worldweaver 89 Teen Tarot 90 Monthly Zodiac Tarot 92 Children’s Story
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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR Tilanie Meierhans tilanie@aneisdevida.co.za
ON LINE www.aneisdevida.co.za
f
DISCLAIMER: The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, sponsors, advertisers or publisher. 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. The publisher and editor do not promote or endorse any of the products or services advertised in this publication. Advertisers are responsible for their own advertisements. Be sure to consult your medical practitioner before you embark on any self-medication programme. Holistic remedies can be potent. COPYRIGHT: Aneis de Vida is protected under the Copyright Act. All rights reserved. No publication may be reproduced by any means without permission in writing from the publisher. MISSION STATEMENT: Aneis de Vida aims to enlighten, bring hope, love and light to all. Aneis de Vida
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Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
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2
Switzerland— National Day Barbados— Emancipation Day 3
4
5
6
7
8
Ireland—Bank Holiday
Bolivia— Independence Croatia—Victory Day & Homeland Thanks Giving 10
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12
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Singapore— National Day South Africa— Woman’s Day
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South Africa— Public Holiday
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15
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Morocco—Qued India— Ed-Dahals Day Independence Day Pakistan— Independence Day
S. Korea— Liberation Day
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21
22
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Argentina—San Martins Day
Hungary—St Stephans Day
Morocco—Youth Day
Indonesia— Independence Day
Estonia— Independence Day
Philippines— Ninoy Agwino Day
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28
29
30
17
24
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25
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Ukraine— Independence Day
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Peru—Santa Rosa De Lima
1 September
Malaysia— National Day
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Photography by Shari Rood Leisure Isle Knysna South Africa Aneis de Vida
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Who is Lizabeth Spencer on a day to day basis?
Interview
That seems like a complicated question as we often think in terms of Labels that society has placed on us, with how we look at ourselves through our jobs and families… I am quirky. Always felt like I didn't fit in with all the labelling that was put out there. I do enjoy a good laugh, and try to look on the bright side of everything, as over the years I have learned by focusing on anything more, just seems to bring forward what one isn't looking for in life.
with Lizabeth Spencer
My Journey here I know first started back in 1996-1997 as I started to become more aware of slight spiritual messages. At first it terrified me… thought I was going nuts... As I don't know anyone who wouldn't when suddenly you hear these voices in your mind… and get strange sensations like someone is watching you. I started noticing various electronics phasing in and out, turning off and on without any help at all. So I started to get more curious....
By Tilanie Meierhans Aneis de Vida
You have been offering guidance to people for some years but can you tell the readers where your journey on this spiritual path started?
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The more I kept reading about it over the years the more it all started to make more and more sense to me, as to the messages that were coming through.
Believe in Angels as they Believe in You Were you afraid how people would react to you once you publicly proclaimed your gift? I was terrified at first… I was only 20 when this journey started.. So I kept it to myself for quite a few years… When I was about 28 is when It started to become a little clearer for me, and I knew I was meant to continue to dig into what was occurring for me. In 2008 my Grandmother passed, and it was then that the real turning point came in my life, and where I started to be more vocal about what Angels, Spirit and Crystals were sharing with messages and healing. It was then a no turning back point for me. Where I can say, I really came bursting out of the closet.
Do you feel that there are too many people who still feel that this gift that you offer is ‘’evil’’ and what do you suggest to those who like yourself are still too fearful to say they are able to ‘’see, hear’’ messages for others? There are some out there that feel Hearing Angels & Spirit is Evil yes. A lot of that comes from religions, and everyone is allowed to feel and believe what they want in this life. As I said, I was terrified at first, and it took many years for me to become comfortable with hearing them, and even telling others I did. Yet I had always discovered that the messages were always loving and comAneis de Vida
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forting… especially during times of need. Spirit and the Angels share positive messages to help uplift, and motivate and inspire us. They are not trying to scare us… and they do realize that they often do, because of how humanity has brought forth such beliefs that we should fear… because it isn't normal. In truth.... I throughout my years have found that I asked them many times, to come forth with messages slower, to help me become more comfortable with hearing them.
What is a typical reading for you, meaning how do you get your answers to questions people ask you? I have used various tools... I also use Angel and Oracle cards that aid with part of the messages that come forth. From there Angels and the Spirit of departed loved ones add into the message (most of the time they don't clarify who they are in regards to the person I am speaking to, as I am not a medium nor do I believe myself to be one). I am just a Divine outlet for Spirit and the Angels to share the messages that they feel the person needs to hear. I don't go digging and asking them questions... but just let them share what they feel the message needs to be.
Do you think life is changing in a way where people will all become more enlightened as we progress to spread the light? Life is always in Change. As we can look back over centuries and see how life has evolved. Humanity is always making great and marvellous strides towards enlightenment. As we open our minds, and hearts to one another, and share more and more. The internet has made it more accessible for those that have felt 'different' to connect and find those that are more like-minded. So they don't feel so alone anymore. As often it is hard to find people in their general area, those that are like them. Many are discovering the power of their thoughts, and how that changes so much... as they share their wisdom, love and healing to and throughout the world and beyond. It makes the world a bit brighter for all that live upon it, and brings us one step closer. It is all the little things that make the difference, often we don't see how.., but even just making a stranger on the street smile, because you acknowledged them… and brightened their day.. Brings us all a bit closer and spreads the light even wider.
Lizabeth doing a healing meditation session
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Experience BRAZIL by Tilanie Meierhans
This month the travel article will take a look at Brazil, specifically because Aneis de Vida will be hosting the Inner Power Soul Journey there at the beginning of October.
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One of the world’s captivating countries to visit. Brazil is the giant of South America, a country filled with white sand beaches, beautiful rain forests and wildlife and pulsating metropolises. In Brazil there are towns that seem to have stood still in time, filled with colonial towns and dramatically beautiful landscapes.
The name of the country stems from the Brazil wood, a tree that was grew abundantly along the coast of Brazil. This tree produces a deep red dye and was highly sought after by the European cloth industry.
The photography by : Rodrigo Silveira Camargo
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The Portuguese named Brazil, The Land of the Holy Cross (Terra do Brasil) due to the number of Brazil wood trees found there. The earliest human remains found, Luzia Women was found in Pedro Leopoldo in the province Minas Gerais and proves human habitation going back roughly 11 000 years. Pottery excavated in the Amazon basin of Brazil dates to 8 000 years ago and was found near Santarem, proving that the tropical forest area supported a prehistoric culture.
Brazil is the 5th largest country in the world and only two countries in South America do not share its borders namely Ecuador and Chile. Brazil is very diverse from a geographic point of view. And is the only country in the world that lies on the equator while having adjacent territory outside the tropics. Its topography is also very diverse with hills, mountains, plains, highlands and scrublands. Brazil has one of the world’s most complex and extensive river systems. Major rivers include the Amazon, which is the world’s 2nd longest river and the largest in respect to the volume of water, the Parana its tributary being the Iguacu which includes the amazingly beautiful Iguazu Falls, to name but two. Aneis de Vida
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The climate of Brazil is just as diverse as the country. A large area of the country is tropical, however you will find that you have tropical rainforests in the north and semi-arid deserts in the northeast, temperate coniferous forests in the south and tropical
savannahs in the central regions. And within all these regions you find microclimates. Due to the countries vastness, it comprises of varying ecosystems. The Amazon rainforest is known to have the largest biological diversity in the world. And due to the abundance of natural habitat Brazil’s wildlife is amazing.
Jaguars are the typical wild animals found mainly in the Amazonian jungle. The larger mammals being pumas, ocelots, bush dogs, foxes, tapirs, anteaters, sloths, opossums and armadillos. Many kinds of Deer and Monkey species are also to be found.
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We have all heard about the piranha fish, but what many do not know is that the red-bellied piranha is generally a shy scavenger. Brazil also has a large array of different and interesting fish life.
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Unfortunately there is a downside to the once amazing rainforests of Brazil. It is being threatened by cattle farming, logging, oil and gas extraction, over fishing and wildlife trade. Water Pollution and climate change could see this natural beauty disappear, leaving us as a world bereft of its natural beauty.
The official language spoken is Portuguese, although having been there a few times myself, the verdict from Portuguese nationals is that the Brazilian Portuguese is not true to its origins, probably due to the great mix and influence from surrounding Spanish speaking communities. Brazil also has a large Italian community and more than likely has here too absorbed some variations to words. There are also minority languages which are spoken throughout the nation. In 2002 a law was passed in Brazil, mandating the use of Brazilian Sign Language. The language must be taught in schools as part of the curriculum. The main culture of Brazil is derived from the Portuguese due to its strong colonial ties. However, there are strong African influences as well as German, Italian, other European cultures, Japanese, Jewish and Arab as there were many immigrants from these various countries. Aneis de Vida
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Brazilian music was mainly formed through a fusion of European and African styles. From the late 18 th century a typically Brazilian sound started to emerge.
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There is much to do in Brazil as a traveller, whether on a tiny budget or being able to spend to your hearts delight, you will find something to suit your pocket and have the holiday of a lifetime with experiences that will draw you back time and again. The pristine white beaches call to you to dig your toes deep into the sand, walk or swim and soak up the sun – the national cocktail in hand to quench your thirst – Caipirinha
Some facts: Capital:
Brasilia
Government:
Federal Republic
Currency:
Brazilian Real (Rais) – BRL
Country Size:
8,515,767 km²
Population:
202,033,670 estimation in July 2014
Language:
Portuguese
Religions:
Roman Catholic 65%, Protestant 23%, Others 10%
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The Resilience of the Soul
On 25 June 2015, I did a book reading (of my children’s book: Blue Star & Lionheart ~ see below) in honour of a beautiful soul, Melissa Gordon, who once walked this earth.
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I sat in Melissa’s Corner in the Christel House SA library with the glorious little faces of approximately 100 Grade 4 & 5 learners staring at me. What I saw is difficult to put into words, what I felt is even more difficult. It felt as if I was basking in the energy of joy, saw the face of courage, witnessed and deeply felt the power of love. Because of my experience (and 'experience is the direct apprehension of being'), I can testify to the resilience of soul.
These children come from circumstances where they have been and still are being confronted and have had to and still are enduring unimaginable forms of suffering. The kind of suffering they experience range from acute, chronic and vicarious trauma, poverty, emotional and physical neglect as a by-product of their social circumstances, abuse, violence and general states enough to fill one with despair and devoid of hope. On a daily basis, for most of these children, this has become their norm…a kind of suspended place, where they have been forced as a result of their circumstances, to live in survival mode constantly. When one is plunged into such a state, all one’s energy is focussed and concentrated into just getting by day to day. Surviving is not thriving and thus no energy is really left or reserved for the imaginative play, exploration, creative expression and learning a child should be involved in. As a therapist I have witnessed the destructive impact trauma has on such a young life and how it robs a person of living a fully connected and wholly expressive, joyful life later as an adult. Even though a child may have ‘disconnected’ from the trauma by having adapted to its trauma-filled circumstances through coping mechanisms, the unresolved trauma resides in the system of the child. The imprints of trauma (acute, developmental, chronic and subtle traumas) may be invisible to the eye, yet takes up valuable energy and space, which affects a child’s free, spontaneous and meaningful expression and participation in life. It is so that we live in an imperfect world filled with pain and suffering. Given the depth of the social problems in the world, we cannot safe-guard all children from such experiences. We cannot remove these experiences from a child’s life or memory and often intervention is limited. Unfortunately, we cannot undo the trauma and unthinkably horrible levels of suffering a child has Aneis de Vida
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had to endure. But we can change the effect it has on the rest of a child’s life. That is if we belief in the resilience of soul and the power of love in healing.
I am quite idealistic (often to my own disillusionment and disappointment) as I hope for a future where all children are loved and protected. However, it is not our world reality. Yet, incredible beauty can emerge from pain and suffering. Most of the phenomenal human beings I have had the privilege to know and work with have endured suffering and trauma. Where they have managed to work through it, it has deepened their sensitivity, intuition, compassion, empathy and capacity to understand, love and give. Adverse experiences and the constructive way in which it can be processed and channelled, have been instrumental in the carving of soulful beings.
There are many pathways to healing. The power of love, support, encouragement and nurturance are unmistakably transformative forces at Christel House SA. There they are reminded of their infinite potential and who they really are: Divine Beings. My belief that hope, courage and love can break through all barriers and that the right environment unearths and nourishes buried potential have been affirmed by the work done at Christel House SA. Thank you! You truly practice LOVE IN ACTION which is deeply Aneis de Vida
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inspiring and soul-enriching. May you be protected and blessed. I feel blessed for sharing in such beautiful work. May these beautiful souls in your care continue to journey in Love, Hope & Courage. Thank you for allowing me to journey with you. Lioness Hugs & Roars Bea
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Love’s Fierce Grace © A Poem by Bea Potgieter, 27 June 2015
Love’s Fierce Grace looks through the broken glass and picks up the shattered parts it softly wipes off the smudges
and patiently polishes all the sharp edges until the soul’s brilliance emerges from its human frailty softly, spontaneously awakening starseeds from the infinite pool of potentiality Love’s Fierce Grace is the enchanting tale of transformation not magic
but Love, Hope & Courage in Action
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About Christel House:
“Christel House, is a non-profit Cape Town school based in Ottery, which admits only the most impoverished children from the surrounding townships. Our commitment is to transform lives with a holistic education model. Learners are provided with: Transport to school by bus A nutritious meal before school begins, lunch and snacks during the day An extended learning day (9hr day, 200 days/yr) A curriculum with a focus on sports, music, art as well as academics Innovative teaching methods and technology, to maximize both efficiency and employability Access to nurses, therapists and counsellors on-site to help deal with abuse, violence, drugs and other social demons Breaking the cycle of poverty Families are taught basic skills like hairdressing, knitting and IT to help them gain employment. In turn, parents volunteer 15 000 hours annually back to the school, all part of the ethos to “Give Back!” Self-sufficient contributing members of society We strive for academic excellence and our results have reflected this with a 100% matric pass and a 64% bachelor pass rate. 95% of graduates are either gainfully employed or at university. Recently, EY (formerly Ernst & Young) did a study and found there was a very positive return, not just for the learners and their families, but on the South African economy as Christel House produces tax-paying citizens. The World Economic Forum also visited Christel House in June & worked with learners and graduates to see how the success of Christel House could be replicated elsewhere in Africa.” See how you can gift your gifts in aid of this beautiful cause by visiting: sa.christelhouse.org Aneis de Vida
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By Tilanie Meierhans
Chakras - 4th Chakra
The Peridot is a gentle healer. Lime green in colour and associated with the less tangible areas of peace, happiness and fortune. It is also believed that the Peridot is able to keep at bay any evil or nightmares.
Birthstone - August
This stone is associated with love and harmony bestowing on the person a calm and easy flowing feel toward the outer world and self.
Anniversary - 16th
The priests in ancient Egypt believed that the Peridot contains forces to connect to the God’s of Nature. Peridot is associated with the process of renewal, growth, rebirth and rejuvenation. It is also known to strengthen intuition and enables an easier connection to the higher self. Peridot is also believed to create a shield of protection around the auric field of those wearing one.
Zodiac - All Signs
From the physical point the Peridot encourages sound and deep sleep. It assists the heart, bloodstream, lungs and digestive system. Is an immune booster and helps regulate the function of the glandular system. It is believed that the Peridot any ulcers and digestive system problems. Also assists the skin, by giving it a healthy rejuvenating glow, shining hair and strong nails. This crystal provides insight not only into the physical but gives insight into the purpose of existence. The Peridot is believed to be of assistance is you transcend from one life cycle to another. Should you be feeling trapped or have repeating situations in your life the Peridot may help you to move the wheel of life forward. Peridot crystals are associated with the season of spring . It can also be of assistance to those suffering from depression, aiding in overcoming that feeling of being overwhelmed by life. This crystal is also used to eliminate toxins from the physical body as well as toxins within the mental spheres, as it relates to the earth element. Due to its healing qualities and drawing out various toxins in the body, this crystal should be cleaned on a daily basis, so ensuring that it remains strong in its purpose of assistance to the wearer.
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EXTRACTS FROM BRITISH NEWSPAPERS COMMENTING ON A COMPLAINT FROM A MR. ARTHUR PURDEY ABOUT A LARGE GAS BILL, A SPOKESMAN FOR NORTH WEST GAS SAID, 'WE AGREE IT WAS RATHER HIGH FOR THE TIME OF YEAR. IT'S POSSIBLE MR PURDEY HAS BEEN CHARGED FOR THE GAS USED UP DURING THE EXPLOSION THAT DESTROYED HIS HOUSE.' (THE DAILY TELEGRAPH). POLICE REVEAL THAT A WOMAN ARRESTED FOR SHOPLIFTING HAD A WHOLE SALAMI IN HER UNDERWEAR. WHEN ASKED WHY, SHE SAID IT WAS BECAUSE SHE WAS MISSING HER ITALIAN BOYFRIEND. (THE MANCHESTER EVENING NEWS) IRISH POLICE ARE BEING HANDICAPPED IN A SEARCH FOR A STOLEN VAN BECAUSE THEY CANNOT ISSUE A DESCRIPTION. IT'S A SPECIAL BRANCH VEHICLE AND THEY DON'T WANT THE PUBLIC TO KNOW WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE. (THE GUARDIAN) AT THE HEIGHT OF THE GALE THE HARBOUR-MASTER RADIOED A COAST GUARD AND ASKED HIM TO ESTIMATE THE WIND SPEED. HE REPLIED HE WAS SORRY, BUT HE DIDN'T HAVE A GAUGE. HOWEVER, IF IT WAS ANY HELP, THE WIND HAD JUST BLOWN HIS LAND ROVER OFF THE CLIFF. ( ABERDEEN EVENING EXPRESS)
NATURAL BORN CITIZENS
I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO LAUGH OR CRY... YOU WORRY ABOUT CONSERVATIVES VERSUS LIBERALS, ETC.-RELAX, HERE IS YOUR REAL PROBLEM. IN A UNIVERSITY CLASSROOM, THEY WERE DISCUSSING THE QUALIFICATIONS TO BE PRIME MINISTER OF CANADA .. IT WAS PRETTY SIMPLE. THE CANDIDATE MUST BE A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN OF AT LEAST 35 YEARS OF AGE. HOWEVER, ONE GIRL IN THE CLASS IMMEDIATELY STARTED IN ON HOW UNFAIR WAS THE REQUIREMENT TO BE A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN. IN SHORT, HER OPINION WAS THAT THIS REQUIREMENT PREVENTED MANY CAPABLE INDIVIDUALS FROM BECOMING PRIME MINISTER. THE CLASS WAS TAKING IT IN AND LETTING HER RANT, AND NOT MANY JAWS HIT THE FLOOR WHEN SHE WRAPPED UP HER ARGUMENT BY STATING, "WHAT MAKES A NATURAL BORN CITIZEN ANY MORE QUALIFIED TO LEAD THIS COUNTRY THAN ONE BORN BY C-SECTION?" YEP, THESE ARE THE SAME KINDS OF 18-YEAR-OLDS THAT ARE NOW VOTING IN OUR ELECTIONS! THEY BREED, AND THEY WALK AMONG US... LORD -- WE NEED MORE HELP THAN WE THOUGHT WE DID! Aneis de Vida
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I live in an apartment with my husband Rog and my son. My son is a dog named Bodie. Bodie has never lived in an apartment so it has taken some adjustment. Nothing is where it was or as it should be and if I were him, I would probably feel disgruntled too.
Fortunately there are plenty of dogs living in the apartment complex and the dog park usually has someone out there in the evenings tossing a ball for their fluffy companion. The day we moved in there was a woman and three kids on the lawn in front of the apartment.
This is unremarkable in itself but the woman also had a dog, a tiny little wiener dog. It looked like a hot dog without the bun, otherwise known as a dachshund. We were encouraged when we saw him. Bodie ran up to him with high hopes of meeting his first friend at our new apartment. The hot dog snarled and bared its teeth. It barked and fumed and raged. Bodie didn't know what to do so he started barking in retaliation and the two of them managed to produce quite a racket.
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Bodie’s Nemesis Short Story
By Shari Rood
August 2015
We pulled Bodie who is a schnauzer inside and I muttered something about how two German dogs should be able to get along and started unloading the moving van. Later I saw the woman and asked her where they lived. She said, “Right above you on the third floor.” “Great,” I said. “Do you mind if I bring Bodie up sometime so he can get used to your little dog?”
“Well,” she hesitated and looked down for a moment. “He doesn't really get along with other dogs and we are moving in a month so I don't think it would be a good idea.”
“Okay,” I said, a little deflated.
We are at the end of the complex so a lot of people walk by the window with their various canine companions. Bodie barked a lot at first but as he got used to the frequency of the dogs walking by he started to relax. There is only one thing that really upsets him, the wiener dog. If he sees or hears that dog he starts barking like a wild thing. He has decided he hates the wiener dog for humiliating him on his first day here and the wiener dog has decided he hates the world.
Every day they bring him downstairs right in front of our window and the wiener dog taunts Bodie. He looks in at him and smiles an evil little toothy grin. “Look at me,” he says. “Watch me pee right outside your window hahahahaha.” Bodie lets out a yelp of pain like he’s been stung by a bee. I feel sorry for him and grab him in my arms and take him to his toy box. “Let’s get your squirrel or your hedgehog,” I usually say but it is cold comfort because he knows his nemesis is lurking nearby. Upstairs at night you can hear the children roughhousing and playing, the wiener dog charging through the house barking. It's muffled and doesn't bother me but it makes Bodie squirm. He knows his nemesis is right above him, somewhere. He just doesn't know when he going to launch a full scale attack.
Last night Bodie was sleeping on his back with all four legs stretched to the sky. He was in happy dream land with a look of bliss on his face. All of a sudden the wiener dog started barking right above us. At first Bodie kicked the air as if he felt a slight disturbance in the force. As the muffled barking moved from place to place above our heads Bodie’s countenance suddenly changed. His eyes opened and he realized his nemesis was near. Because he was lying on his back he started to wriggle like a spider caught in a web. He wriggled himself into a standing position and nearly knocked himself out with panic. His beard was smushed and his ears were like two limp gray dish rags, his narrowed eyes like drops of coal. Had he gone to battle at that moment, he definitely wouldn’t have been at his best. He looked up, head cocked, listening as the wiener dog barked near the air conditioner vent in the ceiling. He studied it as though his nemesis was going to come repelling down through the vent on a long rope and take a bite out of his backside.
Bodie was miffed. I picked him up and hugged him. I teased him and said “Bodie, he almost got you. If you hadn't woken up when you did, who knows what might have happened.” He sniffed upwards looking longingly at the vent. “Don’t worry,” I said. “He's moving soon.”
I am looking forward to the moving day of the wiener dog. I have nothing against this dog personally but since he is Bodie’s nemesis that makes him my nemesis too.
As I was setting the breakfast table the other morning, Rog came to tell me that they had gone.
Bodie’s nemesis and the mother and her three kids. “Gone?” I said, surprised. “I thought they were moving at the end of the month.”
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“No they’ve gone,” he said. “I saw their moving van and the carpet cleaning guys going up the stairs with all their equipment.”
I shrugged my shoulders and poured some tea into my mug. I didn't give it much thought until later in the day. Bodie was frantic. Something set him off and this time he was really mad. He was barking furiously. I looked out the window and didn't see anyone so I tried to diffuse the situation by giving Bodie his pull toy and playing a game with him.
Bodie was twitchy. He was sullen and moody and that was when I heard it. The familiar bark of the nemesis. It sounded like he was on his usual perch on the third floor terrace barking down at Bodie through the plank flooring. I went outside and looked up. I couldn't see him but his shrill little bark was unmistakable. Was I hearing things? The barking did sound muffled and far off. I started to wonder if the nemesis had crawled into my head. I shook it off but later heard him again.
When I took Bodie outside we walked by our building and I scanned upward as far as I could, trying to get a sighting of the hot dog. He was not there and the place looked deserted. The plastic moving boxes which had been on the terrace the day before were gone. Am I losing my mind, I wondered? Have I finally gone round the bend? Bodie and I headed to the dog park; he played with his friends and seemed more at ease when we got home.
I listened that night for the familiar sound of the three girls romping from room to room with the wiener dog chasing after them and the trademark muffled barking. I didn't hear a thing. I told Rog and he thought maybe I just thought I had heard the nemesis.
The next day I heard him again. Also distant, also muffled. I began to wonder if they forgot him and left him up there to die. I listened all day but didn't hear him again. I was clearly baffled and when Rog returned at the end of the day he said maybe they had left the wiener dog with their neighbor and maybe this neighbor was taking care of him.
This halfway satisfied my curiosity and I thought okay, someone's looking after him but I know he is here somewhere. The next day I didn't hear a sound so I really thought I had imagined the whole thing. I was sitting at the computer writing and Bodie was lying at my feet as usual and then like an apparition, there he was, standing right in front of our window. The nemesis.
I saw him on his usual long leash, his owner just out of sight, the nemesis giving me the evil eye through the window. Bodie woke up when the wiener dog started to bark and was so shocked that he literally let out a scream. This scream signified betrayal since I had been telling him for days that his nemesis had finally gone.
I looked in disbelief as the nemesis stared in and barked at us as though nothing had happened. Then, in a flash, his owner tugged on his leash and he was gone. I haven't seen him since and the mystery is growing.
Did they move to another apartment here in the complex? Did they stay upstairs after all? Why did the moving van come if they were still living there? These questions have been swirling around in my mind and I guess it will remain a mystery. At least for now.
I suppose it's possible that Bodie and I were having the same hallucination at the same time but we know it was him. I told Rog and he said, “sure, sure...” Now the wiener dog is taunting Bodie, and me. He is trying to unravel my already fragile nerves and wants to chew them like rawhide. I will get to the bottom of this mystery and when I do, you will be the first to know. In the meantime, Bodie sleeps with one eye towards the vent just in case.
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Jimmy Henderson is a cognitive specialist, philosopher and metaphysician and the author of a number of books on mind-development.
‘My true consciousness is like the wild deer, full of life, vitality, purity and perfection, but as it passes once again into the forest of shadows, it is swallowed up by the darkness and the world of forms.’ Jimmy Henderson
I was listening to a Christian radio station this morning and they were discussing healing through prayer and the role of faith. In cases where healing did not take place, the general consensus appeared to be either that the person's faith was insufficient, or else the healer admitted to being an imperfect instrument of God. What was overlooked were the deeper metaphysical and growth factors that play a role in faith healing, which, as a cognitive scientist and metaphysician, I would like to discuss here. Faith healing takes place within a framework of laws and principles and requires a deep insight into each person's case. In this regard, a true gifted healer will have access to higher guidance or have at least a highly developed spiritual insight. This is necessary, as there are often underlying causes and issues associated with a person’s illness that require attention. He or she should examine each case holistically and this should ideally include a consultation with the person involved, or at least a close family member, beforehand. In my opinion, any healer who offers unconditional healing to all and sundry without insight into their backgrounds or circumstances, can at best offer only temporary relief or partial healing on an emotional level. The reason for this statement will become clear once we examine the five instances that I have identified, in which faith or spiritual healing may not always take place.
First, from a purely religious viewpoint, it may be God’s will that a particular soul should return after having completed the tasks which were assigned to him or her to perform. In other words, it could be his or her “time to go”. Alternatively, on a more general level, this person could have made a very deep soul-choice (of which he or she is usually not objectively aware), that his or her mission is completed and wishes to return to the spiritual source. As this decision or act is in accordance with God’s will or universal law, depending on your viewpoint, any effort to save such a dying person will be ultimately unsuccessful. Second, sickness can sometimes also be linked to issues of the individual’s growth or development on a spiritual level or as a form Aneis de Vida
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of “soul-lesson’. In other words, an individual may actually 'draw' an illness to himself or herself (be 'given' this malady by God), in order to develop God-attributes such as love, empathy, patience and tolerance or to learn a necessary lesson in human experience. Removing this affliction prematurely could be likened to forcing open the chrysalis of a butterfly before it is ready to fly. In other words, a healer who prematurely removes the “thorn from his or her side” in fact performs a disservice. Third, a person may also not yet have reached the point where he or she is ready to be healed. In counselling it is quite a wellknown fact that a person must have reached a certain point of despair where he or she is willing to ask for help, before therapy will be really effective. This is the reason why it is of utmost importance that the individual request, or at least be willing to receive healing and not be forced into the situation. In other words, he or she may not yet have reached the point where they are ready to ask for help. If healing has been requested by a third person, but the patient is not willing or ready to unconditionally accept such healing, due to lack of faith, no belief in a superior power, or as the result of plain stubbornness, this attempt at healing initiated by a third person, may also not be successful. This would be the 'lack of faith' reason given by most healers. Fourth, an illness can also be the result of certain maladaptive patterns in thinking, emotions or behaviour (lifestyle), or due to extreme or unfavourable circumstances. Research has proven that psychological stress as well as intense pent-up emotions such as rage, resentment or a state of chronic depression can lead to psychosomatic illnesses. The illness may therefore only be a symptom of an inharmonious psychological or emotional state and the issue of healing will have to be addressed holistically and not merely by pronouncing the person healed. In terms of our present understanding of cause and effect, it will therefore be essential for the healer to redirect the patient back to attend to these underlying issues before he or she can be permanently healed. Finally, in rare cases, illness may also be caused by other factors such as the belief in black magic (believing oneself to be cursed), or the attentions of unpleasant entities or energies, which may have intentionally or unintentionally been invited by the victim. Treatment in this case will need to be more than the laying on of hands, as the real cause of the illness will need to be addressed first. Some healers can mask or even remove symptoms temporarily, by moving the patient’s focus from negative thinking, emotional trauma or self-destructive behaviour, to more positive thoughts and actions. If the person, by virtue of his or her healing experience, is able to let go, immediately change these patterns or come to terms with these issues, then more permanent healing could occur. However, if there are deeper causes and they are not resolved during the process, the patient could very well return later to the earlier patterns of thinking, emotion or behaviour and the illnesses could re-surface. It is therefore advisable for any healer to make himself or herself aware of the possible underlying causes of the illness during a brief diagnosis and attempt to facilitate their release before attempting to bring about healing. If the patient is not ready or willing to release any negative and destructive patterns, permanent healing will not be possible and the healer would be wasting his or her time. To conclude therefore, it may now be understood why a healer who has the necessary insight and spiritual guidance, may sometimes actually refrain from attending to a patient at a certain time, and why some healings are not permanent. Effective spiritual healing calls for spiritual insight, a comprehensive knowledge of the situation, or at least a proper diagnosis. The process should include the identification of underlying root causes and should not be seen as a quick fix. Merely masking the illness with an emotional “high” will at best, only provide temporary relief. We really need to look holistically at the problem.
His books and e-books can be found on Amazon.com and on his website www.jimmyhendersonbooks.com
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Sharon 079 374 3552 Paula 084 207 3907 sharoncambell@vodamail.co.za
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Perspective By
Beryl Broekman I close my eyes, let my body sink into a relaxed state And allow the energy of 'just being' to settle over me. I sort through the thoughts in my head. When I find one that intrigues me, I take it out of the pile And prop it up against the vase on the table So that I can see it clearly without having to be attached to it in any way.
I notice, on my first inspection, That the overall shape and size of the thought Corresponds in an interesting way with the colour scheme of my life. The usual pinks, purples and blues all seem to ebb and flow In its outward appearance.
It then also becomes clear to me That the colours pulse at the same rate as my heartbeat. This is intriguing.
Now, I observe the thought more keenly, And notice how it changes its size, Bigger and smaller. Exactly in harmony with my own breathing.
It's uncanny. Suddenly it dawns on me That this thought, although completely detached from me, Is so much part of me that I cannot separate myself from it
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And I am stuck with it.
Flinging it back into the farthest dark corner of the cupboard of my mind Is the only way I get some respite from its presence. But I know it is always there lurking in the shadows, Influencing my every move, Just like all the other millions of ideas I've collected over the years.
I am saddened. Because now I see that I cannot escape the presence of my I-ness. Every new image that enters my head and psyche Is immediately filtered by my own experience. It is impossible to take on fresh ideas without contaminating them. It is too late to rub the slate clean. My mind is soiled with the grit and grime of the past, And each thought infects the next new thought With the deadly virus of my own ego. The only pure thought I ever had could only have been The very first one that popped into my head. It was all downhill from there.
So now what? Knowing that no thought is safe with me, Knowing that I inevitably translate all input Into my own unique language, Knowing that trying to understand another person And seeing their point of view clearly is absurdly fanciful, How can I interact in the world without brazenly and insensitively Plastering my SELF all over it regardless of all propriety?
We are born to be mired in our own being. We are embroiled in our own experience. The best we can do is know we are doomed to be the slave of our minds. Randomly we are led into a world of delusion And thrown to the wolves of circumstance.
It is all we can do to recognize our plight and Realise that we interpret everybody else's viewpoint
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From the disadvantage of our own assessments. Even if we can never get our heads around the actions of others, We should just know it’s not entirely our fault or their fault. It is the innate flaw in the workings of our own minds That keeps us disconnected and insulated, Frustratingly incapable of feeling any truth in the expression 'We are all one'.
[Perspective is a word that is bandied about liberally without due cognizance to the fact that it is always corrupted by the presence of our limitations. Knowing it is out of our control to detach our own thoughts from our own life experiences, we need to do as much as we can to establish common ground before tackling the minefields of dissent. Objectivity is well nigh impossible, but exploring circumstantial contexts may hold the key to settling disputes and damaging feuds. Broadening our own horizons to encompass the vantage points of others will go a long way in helping us develop a common vocabulary of life, thereby building a perspective more in focus with the hopes and dreams of humanity.]
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PREPARING YOURSELF FOR THE CHANGE OF SEASON By Deborah Sutherland The seasons change and so we should be changing our eating habits. Spring is coming in the next few weeks and now is a good time to begin preparing your body. The foods you eat play a substantial role in how the body adapts to these changes and can be used to combat the effects that the season’s changes brings.
If you have looked after yourself during the winter then your body has a greater opportunity of detoxing from the heavier foods of winter. This is the time of year to let go of the winter foods and replace them with lighter, yet filling foods that help energize and fuel your body. Remember: more alkalizing, fresh greens will help to oxygenate the blood that supports the overall health of your mind and body. This will support you mentally as you prepare to shake off the winter layer and encourage you to slip into a new rhythm with ease. When we go into crisis over the extra weight we are carrying, we tend to make drastic unsupportive changes that place enormous stress on the body and the mind. Be prepared and you change those unsupporting habits.
When looking into a nutritional plan, remember, keep it simple. Incorporating changes to your eating habits can be overwhelming. Here are some ideas to boost your confidence and eat right for Spring:
Think Detox: Warm water with lemon and ginger first thing in the morning to get the kidneys and bowels eliminating.
Think Immune Boost: Gut health is key to overall well-being. Boost those micro-organisms in your GI tract with fermented food and beverages‌. Kefir yogurt/ Kefir Water/ Kefir cream Cheese/ Kombucha Tea/ Kombucha Vinegar/ Fermented vegetables (Sauerkraut, Kimchi)/Fermented condiments/ Nut and seed Aneis de Vida
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cheese’s….. all Slow Foods
Think Local: Its time to change your shopping habits. Saturday morning is breakfast time at your local Farmers Market. Get to know your local produces and find out how they can support your fresh veggie basket and in turn, you help them keep doing what they love. Find out where your local fresh produce store is. If they are supporting local farmers and growers, then they are supporting you. Ask your local health shop for suppliers that can support your healthy program with additional all-natural boosters.
Think Organic, Clean Foods: Spring months (September, October and November) brings in some delicious varieties to tempt those summer recipes out of hiding.
Fruit:Avodados, apricots, bananas, Cape gooseberries, cherries, grapefruit, guava, kumquats, kiwi, lemons, limes, melons, mulberries, naartjies, oranges, paw paw, peaches, pineapples, plums, rhubarb, spanspek, strawberries, tomatoes, watermelons Vegetables:Asparagus, artichoke (globe), baby marrow, beetroot, beans, broad beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, courgettes, cucumber, garlic, green beans, leeks, lettuce, mushrooms, mielies, new potato, onion, parsley, parsnips, peas, potato, pumpkin, radishes, rhubarb, spinach, Swiss Chard, squash, spring onion, sweet potatoes, turnips Herbs-Basil, bay leaves, bloody sorrel, bulb fennel, chives, dandelion, dill, fennel, French tarragon, garden cress, garlic chives, lime leaves, marjoram, mint, nasturtiums, nettle, oregano, parsley, rocket, rosemary, sage, sorrel, thyme Think Home- The more you can eat at home, the more control you have over what goes into your body. Understanding what to eat is only half of the equation. Actually preparing these ingredients is where it counts! So now that you know what to eat, you're going to need to know how to cook it!
Think Creativity- You already know how to cook and prepare foods. Now is the time to take those recipes and revamp them. Change the ingredients to healthier options. Example- table salt for Himalayan Salt, sunflower oil for coconut oil, GMO ingredients to pure foods, boxed cereal to delicious porridges.
Remember.. Keep it Simple.. Small steps…Less is more (good quality = less quantity)
Good Bye Winter Hello Spring In Good Health Deborah
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Thank You for the support you have given me and Sprout It. We all appreciate it here. Because of you, we have been able to provide work for 2 people. This means so much to me because it helps to indirectly spread the message of what true health is. Our staff go into their areas, taking the Kefir and Kombucha to really ill people. We could tell you some amazing stories. There are desperately ill people and they dont know what to do. Their clinics are not helping them, their food is not supporting them and there is not enough education to help them see differently. In our small way, we do what we can. I have put a program together for our staff and would like to extend it to others. If you have or know people that can benefit from this, please let me know. I have worked with rural, completely illiterate people sharing this way of thinking and the message is heard. If any of you know about the Slow-Food movement, this way of food and food preparation falls into this category. To give you a little understanding on how all the food and beverages take place, let me give you a little back ground. What it Takes Anyone who works with me, knows I am not the easiest person to work with. In this work, cleanliness, order, care and attitude are some of the key ingredients to this food preparation. This type of preparation does not suit all possible candidates in a working environment. It is hard work in that chopping is the primary function... LOTS. We dont use machinery. I believe it negates the essence of the food, the very thing that is being captured to produce as close to living food as possible. Sourcing organic veggies and sometimes going to the farms to pick/ collect goes with the job. We use only in-season, organic veg and that is why sometimes our veg ferments can be lean or very abundant. Example: sourcing organic ginger and garlic is not always available which means our Kimchi's may not always have their traditional ginger/ garlic and chili. The time it takes to ferment is all dependent on the weather. Everything is slow and needs continuous monitoring. However the outcomes are worth the effort. I have Stories from people that show me the value of incorporating these additions into their life style day after day. For myself, a life time of ME, chronic digestive disorders and depression to the last 3 years of consistent.... sustainable energy, balanced emotional/ mental outlook/ a happy working, functionable body, I feel confident in what I share with you all. The whole story from picking the veggies, to preparing them, to sharing and consuming them, is probably one of the most joyous life experience I have had. COURSE DATES For those that wish to either learn to make your own/ or train your staff, let me know as I have a few dates coming up for these courses. 8th August being one. PRICE LIST Below is a copy of the price list In August I will make up Nut and Seed cheese's.... plus condiments. With this rain... we will be able to begin planting and we will have veggies available. I will keep you all posted. FACE BOOK Whilst my technology skills need continual reminders, I do try and keep my face book page up to date with whats happening at Deborah Sutherland/Sprout It/ Urban Eco Centre Why Do we consume fermented foods and beverages? Eating living food is far more supportive to the body. The body requires digestive enzymes and probiotics to break down food Eating a diet that is predominantly cooked foods requires our body to use its store of digestive enzymes. This puts a lot of strain on the body's digestive system. As we get older, our enzyme banks start depleting- especially with the western life style we follow. An enormous amount of our body's energies goes into the digestive process. We still want to be active, have brain energy and exercise. By feeding the body correctly, we are able to have sufficient energy to manage both. All fermented foods/ drinks are pre-digested and have living enzymes and probiotics to take care of the body. they are an amazing digestive aid without taking pills. They help heal the digestive tract which in turn cleans up the digestive tract, helps the absorbtion of the vitamins/minerals/ enzymes from the foods which in turn gives you energy. You will notice your body beginning to feel better after consuming fermented foods/ beverages... Ie: heart burn, bloated, wind, food not being digested, intolerances to foods decrease, diarrhea, constipation begins to clear up, skin conditions If you have any questions, please email me. Take care Deborah
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QTY
Unit Price
FERMENTED FOODS Fermented –Organic 400ml
Chilies
35.00
Fermented –Organic 400ml
Crab Apples
35.00
Fermented –Organic 400ml
In- Season Veg Kimchi
35.00
Fermented –Organic 400ml
Sauerkraut with Digestive Spice
35.00
Fermented –Organic 400ml
Red Sauerkraut and Fennel
35.00
Fermented –Organic 400ml
Pink Sauerkraut/ Digestive Spice (mix of green & red cabbage 35.00
KOMBUCHA VINEGAR Fermented
750ml
Fermented Kombucha Vinegar
90.00
Fermented Vegetable Juice Fermented
750ml
Beet Kvass- liver, blood, digestive support Fermented
40.00
750ml
Whey from organic milk (2 day notice)
35.00
Fermented Drinks Fermented
330ml
Kombucha Tea /original Fermented
330ml
Kombucha/ Chia
15.00
Fermented
330ml
Kombucha Tea/ ginger Fermented
15.00
750ml
Kombucha Tea original Fermented
35.00 5litres
Bulk Kombucha Origional Fermented
35.00
750ml
Water Kefir original Fermented
35.00
750ml
Water Kefir / Beet Kvass infused (pink) Fermented
15.00
150.00
5litres
Kombucha- Non-Alcoholic Gluwein-
150.00
Kefir Yogurt Fermented
400ml
Yogurt Kefir infused with Turmeric Powder Fermented
400ml
Yogurt Kefir made with Raw/ unpasteurized milk Fermented
20.00
1litre
Yogurt Kefir made with Raw/ unpasteurized milk Fermented
22.00
30.00
2litre
Yogurt Kefir made with Raw/ unpasteurized milk
60.00
Fermented Fermented sourdough (kefir Yogurt) bread Aneis de Vida
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(ingredients: Stoneground flour/ coconut oil/ salt/ water)
Fermented Nut & Seed cheese (to Come)
Fermented Culture Starter Kits
Kombucha 3 litre Jar- Starter juice- Scoby- full instructions- closure- organic tea bags- sugarR 250.00
It comes in a Hessian Bag
Dairy Kefir 2 x 375ml Jars- Dairy Kefir culture- full instructions- closures- In a hessian bag
R 150.00
GIFT IDEAS
Sprout It- Starter Kit 1 litre Jar- closures- seeds- bowl- Full instructions- all in a hessian bag
R100.00
*** Coming in August- Kefir Cream Cheese and Nut & Seed Cheeses
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Old Fashioned Split Pea Soup Sent in by Shari Rood
Ingredients
After an hour, add the rest of the vegetables to the pot. The potatoes, carrots and everything you sautéed in the frying pan.
2 cups of dried split peas
Let the soup cook at least another hour until the split peas have become very soft. At a certain point the soup will thicken and the split peas will break apart giving it a wonderful texture. At this point I like to turn it off and let it sit for another half an hour or so to allow the rich flavours to come out.
6 cups of water (you can use vegetable stock if you want a richer flavor) 1 bell pepper cut into strips 1 small onion diced 2 large carrots cubed 1 stalk of celery diced 1 bunch of scallions diced 2 potatoes cubed 1/2 cup of fresh mushrooms, sliced Olive oil 1 teaspoon of sea salt (a little less if you use vegetable stock)
This soup is great with homemade bread and butter. Little bit of extra info from Shari When I was young I was lucky to have parents who appreciated healthy, natural food. My Dad would grow wonderful produce and I would help pick it and we would have heaping plates of steamed corn and fresh tomato salad with cucumber. We often had a lot of fresh vegetables left over and they would go into mason jars and we would can them with an old pressure cooker from the fifties that my Dad found at a garage sale. Because of my childhood, I have an appreciation for wholesome cooking. A meal doesn't have to be fancy to be good, in fact, the simpler the better as far as I'm concerned.
1 teaspoon of vegetable seasoning mix (find a natural one with One of my favorite meals is a bowl of homemade soup, espeno msg) cially in the winter. I can't stress enough the importance of using fresh, high quality ingredients. I try to buy organic food as 3 cloves of garlic mashed or cut fine much as possible but it is more expensive. A good way to get around this is to shop at your local farmer's market or buy from Method your local cooperative. It's worth it and you can really taste the In a large soup pan add the water and rinse the split peas and difference. add to the water. Add the dry spices and salt. This is going to I started compiling all the soup recipes that I’ve been cooking take awhile. Let the split peas simmer on medium heat until for over twenty years. These are all vegetarian, most are vegan. semi-tender. This will take an hour or more. In a small frying pan, sauté the onion, scallions, bell pepper and celery in olive oil. When tender and slightly browned add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until tender. Take off heat and set aside. Aneis de Vida
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Why facial steaming is so important The process of steaming the face during a facial has been around for decades and is a standard feature in all facials. But what makes it so special? The heat from the steamer opens the pores so that they can be deeply cleansed and it also allows for increased product absorption. It also improves blood circulation to the skin thereby increasing nourishment and skin functions (regeneration and excretion). The moisture from the steamer softens dead skin cells and aids in their removal. It temporarily softens superficial lines (plumps up the skin) and hydrates superficial layers of the skin. Do NOT steam if: Your skin is extremely vascular (red), sunburnt or rosacea is present. Take caution if: Your skin is hypersensitive, very dry, has acne or cuts. Also avoid steaming if you are claustrophobic, have asthma or telangiectasia. Steaming at home is very simple and there are a few simple methods. Showering or bathing in steaming water is the easiest, but if that isn’t possible you can try a steam room (similar to a sauna, but uses steam). You can also place boiling water in a basin and put a towel over your head and hang your head just above the basin. Important points: Keep your eyes closed at all times and your skin must be properly cleansed before steaming, because steam cannot penetrate creams. Congested/oily/acne skins should be steamed for longer (10-15min), as compared to dry skin (5-10min). References: Principles and techniques for the beauty therapist: Ann Gallant (pages 153-156) Basic principles and techniques for the beauty therapist: Ann Gallant (pages 224-226)
--Buddha
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Amethyst Moon Dancer
This month we are being urged to work on understanding the relationships in our lives. What is your attitude towards others and what is their attitude towards you? Do you give any forethought to how you treat the people in your life? Have you treated some people poorly? Now is the time to work on changing things. Communicate with these people and see how quickly things change for the better. Work on seeing the larger picture as you progress through the changes you make, and don't get caught up in the confusion of how things were. Clear your emotions of past experiences, so you are able to make more positive changes. Once you have worked through past emotions you will be able to find the balance point in all relationships. Do not burn yourself out with indecision and lack of selfesteem. Centre yourself and set clear achievable goals moving forward.
~ Amethyst Moon Dancer )O( For a personalised reading contact Amethyst Moon Dancer on: soul.readings3@gmail.com http://dragonsoulreadings.weebly.com/
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“Greetings and love dear children of the Light, it is I Haniel. I feel deeply honored to share this message of love with thee all. Deep within each of thine heart centres, a new cerise flame of deep magenta has been ignited within each and everyone of you. This is a great blessing from the Divine to each and everyone. This Magenta Flame of Unconditional love will spill out into the world from each of thine heart centres, bringing a peace, a calm and a deep love and acceptance of others, bringing one and all together in the vibration of oneness again. It is time for growth, it is time for oneness, it is time for love to filter through into every cell of thine being, so that the whole vibration, the whole consciousness of humanity can begin to rise, enwrapped and encircled in Divine Love and Tolerance. In the stillness, I ask each and everyone of thee to go deep into thine heart centres and feel and see this new Magenta Flame of Unconditional love, let it spread out and flood thine entire beingness and then go forth into thine days with this love lighting the way forward for thee all. In Divine Light, Love and Gratitude, I Haniel send to each and everyone of thee, great blessings and unconditional love from thee Almighty God�.
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Living within the silence I greet you from a place of silence, this is the message I have for you. There are many times throughout your day when your mind chatters away, you are invaded by news, gossip, outside influences, telephones, others problems and the list goes on. This noise carries on as you drift off to sleep, often keeping you from resting, leaving your body to rest and heal. This is an important time , rest and silence. The ability to go within and block it all out is not as easy to do as to say but it is possible. To achieve this you need to focus on a place, a beautiful place, see it with every fibre of your being. Not a place you have been before, but a magical space, one that only lives in your mind. Here you will find the peace you require, this is the place you need to return to if only for a few minutes at a time during the day, and the place you go to when sleep will not come to you. You will find if you practice this technique, you can go there at a moments notice and during the day , you can be surrounded by outside influences and not be affected by it . You learn to protect yourself from all the chaos and negativity and from this place you can see the good, see the big picture, relax and de-stress no matter what the situation trying to pull on your mind. This does not take the influences away, it rather shows it to you from outside the situation so you are detached and can learn then to cope without it causing a negative influence to you directly. The art of living within the silence is one of the most rewarding lessons you will learn on this journey. As chaos grows you can not let it hinder you, or it will eventually overtake your entire thought process and thoughts are what make or break your journey. Not allowing the chaos to invade your thoughts means also not caring to spread it, but rather seeing it for what it is and knowing and seeing the big picture... all is indeed good if this is the vibration you send out, that is what shall return. Sending you all the gift of silence
In love and light ATENAR Aneis de Vida
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GUIDELINES FOR PARENTS OF TEENAGERS By Jimmy Henderson Introduction This article is based on established research and points out the kind of problems that typically arise between parents and teenage children. It also offers parents and care-givers some tips on how to deal with difficult teens. Build an early relationship It is important to establish a relationship of trust and openness with children long before they reach adolescence. This prior relationship will form the basis for your continued interaction during the teenage years and explains why step-parents may experience difficulties with teenagers they have not known as small children. Values As parents we all try to instil good moral and spiritual values in our children. However, these values, which can include guidance on sexual matters, also need to be imparted early on. Unfortunately, with even our best intentions and efforts, we may have to accept that times have changed and that most teenagers would have had some sexual experience before they eventually settle into a long-term relationship or marry. This does not mean that we as parents have failed in our duty, or that we have to accept or even encourage what we regard as bad life-choices, as ultimately the new generation of young adults must take responsibility for their own actions. Peer pressure The power of peer pressure relates to the teenager’s need for acceptance and respect by their peers and many of the bizarre Aneis de Vida
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changes in behaviour and dress during adolescence are all part of the new self-image. Peer relationships can be beneficial, in that they help the teen to develop social, coping and life-skills. One should therefore not be too prescriptive with regard to these relationships, except in cases where a teenager is at risk of being influenced by those involved in criminal or drug activities within his or her circle of friends. Once again, the ability of your teenager to resist peer pressure depends heavily on the strength of your early relationship with him or her. This absolutely essential task of building a good relationship of love, trust and respect should begin when your children are young and trusting. Once established, this relationship of trust will carry through the teenage years when their priorities shift to peer and partner relationships (boyfriends or girlfriends) and should enable you to have some influence over their choice of friends. The problem is that this relationship may not have been properly established, and this is why it is so difficult for stepparents to guide a teen who has not known them since early childhood. Unfortunately, drinking is one of the side-effects of peer pressure, wishing to conform, or simply to appeal ‘cool’ to friends. Like sex, this is one of the issues that need to be discussed and addressed early on before children reach their teens, as it is difficult to monitor once they are out on their own. The love-hate situation During adolescence teenagers develop very powerful needs, including the need for more freedom and independence, to be recognised and respected as a person who can make his or her own decisions, and acceptance (especially from peers), but also from parents and other adults. And it is usually when these needs are not recognised or satisfied that they become aggressive and rebellious. I do not believe that teenagers going through this phase love their parents any less, they are only shifting their needs and priorities towards peer acceptance and being part of the ‘cool crowd’. This is all part of discovering their identity. This is a process of self-discovery in which they are trying to find their place in the social scheme of things and unfortunately, they will challenge rules and limits. In this case, parents can respond by acknowledging these needs and shifting their approach more to one of discussion, guidance and co-operation with regard to rules and limits rather than expecting total and unconditional obedience. Typical emotional responses Teens ride a roller coaster of good and bad feelings. If things go well they feel upbeat and if things go awry they can easily become very angry, frustrated and depressed. They have not yet developed the skills to process the ups and downs of everyday life smoothly. This makes them very open to mood swings and they are often ruled by their emotions. It is therefore quite possible that the values and principles with which they have been raised will be challenged and this could result in bad decisions with regard to money, friends and relationships. Love from actions and support Teenagers experience love from your acceptance and support. In other words, by exercising reasonableness, patience and providing encouragement and practical assistance as far as possible, including transport and the essentials they need to build up their self-image, self-esteem and confidence, which you can help them through this important phase in their lives. Your teenager is attempting to build up a self-image of being an independent person and places a high value on privacy, independence and personal space. One practical tip would always be to try to give teenagers their own rooms, which they can personalise and which can become their sanctuary in times of distress. With my own children when they were teenagers, I found it useful to give them this space and to change my role from being a ‘neurotic and concerned parent’ to one of being a reliable means of support. Always there when needed. Years later, I found that this approach had been appreciated, and the once rebellious teenager became once again a mature and loving individual. Discipline and interference As I said earlier, if a relationship of trust and respect with a teenager has been established early, he or she will generally be more open and honest about concerns and feelings, which makes it possible for the parent to play a more meaningful role in giving Aneis de Vida
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guidance and direction. However, many teens are not always prepared to share their innermost feelings with their parents and sometimes the secret is timing, knowing when to approach and when to confront on an issue. Parents should therefore try and pre-empt later problems by re-negotiating rules early in their teens, such as when they turn 13. Teens respond well to positive reinforcement (a reward system) and one can reward them with privileges such as increased pocket-money, later curfews and fashionable clothes with each major birthday (13, 16 and 18). Possible guidelines For example, agree on a 10’oclock curfew for 13 year olds provided they are in a group and you, or another parent, provides the transport to and from the venue, such as a mall or movie-house. Sixteen year olds could be allowed out on their own with a 12 o’clock curfew, depending on safety concerns (A girl should preferably be in a group). From 18 onwards there should be very few restrictions on your teenager and you can reward them with their own reliable car if you can afford it. This sort of positive involvement in their lives makes it possible to give guidance without being too invasive or directive. Once again, parents need to deal with this problem in terms of the age and maturity of the teenager. I believe that from about the age of 16, most teenagers (boys especially), will experiment with alcohol and simply discussing this matter in a mature manner might be the best alterative. Once again, this does not mean that we have to accept, encourage or even condone underage drinking, but understand that it does happen and simply do our best to point out the dangers, especially to teenage girls, who are more vulnerable when drinking. As I said, teenagers generally do not respond well to instructions or threats, even if they are well-intentioned, and once again my advice would be to remain supportive. In this regard, support should include positive words of encouragement, building up his or her self-esteem by pointing out those attributes which make him or her wonderful and special. When to intervene Unfortunately, responsibility and common sense usually only comes later through life experience and it is certainly a stage that all young people have to go through. Once again, take a step back and simply be there with whatever support you can offer. Gain strength from the fact that it is something that all parents have to face. If your teenager’s behaviour does get out of hand, try and find someone whom he or she respects to talk to him/ her. This may be a teacher, a counsellor or simply a family member with whom he or she has a good relationship. With regard to actual intervention and interference in their social lives, I believe that the only time parents should comment or intervene is when their behaviour is affecting their school or college work. Teenage depression Most teenagers experience mood swings, but there are certain factors and situations which make matters worse and could lead to teenage depression. Children are born with personality traits and physical attributes which make them more or less popular with their peers. And any social rejection they experience will certainly be a factor. Ironically the family itself is another. Research has shown that unreasonable expectations, household conflict, abuse or neglect on the part of parents can only worsen the situation, and this is why effective parenting is so important. Be alert to the warning signs which could suggest teenage depression; • Withdrawing socially • A sudden drop in school performance • Increased moodiness, anger and irritability • Substance abuse (drugs/alcohol) • A very low self-esteem and feelings of sadness, unworthiness or hopelessness • Negative thinking and talking about suicide to friends and family Some of these behaviours may appear normal for teenagers, but here we are referring to sudden and severe changes in thinking, emotions and actions which are not characteristic of your child. The secret is to remain involved and know what is happening in their lives. Cultivate an awareness which will enable you to recognise these early warning signs and be prepared to call in expert Aneis de Vida
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help if your feel that the situation is serious. Drug problems Going through their possessions may not be the best method of dealing with the matter of drugs, as this could do serious damage to any existing relationship. There are other means of establishing drug use, such as looking for symptoms. I already mentioned some of these symptoms as warning signs of the risk behaviour usually associated with teenage depression, such as sudden changes in mood and behaviour. In the case of drugs, this could also be accompanied by hyperactivity or low activity, a loss of contact with reality (being spaced out), changes in sleeping patterns and an associated drop in school performance. In such cases a tough-love approach would be justified, as drug abuse is a serious situation which could lead to imprisonment and even depression and suicide. If there is any suspicion of drug abuse, it should be addressed at an early stage in a calm manner, but followed up with regular checks and even medical tests if necessary. However, parents should also not jump quickly to conclusions regarding drug use, as there may be other reasons for their behaviour.
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I started making aromatherapy products years ago when I found it difficult to get natural products for my sensitive skin. These days there are many natural products on the market but I find there is nothing better than something you’ve made yourself with good quality ingredients. This is a recipe for my homemade salve. Winter is the perfect time to make this as it’s wonderful for dry skin. I use it liberally on my face, arms, legs, elbows. It’s great for cracked heels and anywhere your skin is dry. Most of these ingredients are easy to find at a good grocery store or your local health food store. I also find it’s much cheaper to make my own salve. It’s a fraction of the price of some of the more expensive imported brands and works just as well. Also you can adjust the scent. I like lavender because of its many healing properties. It’s great for burns and scrapes. It is known to soothe anxiety and is also a natural remedy for headaches. Most importantly, it smells amazing. For those who have allergies you can leave out the essential oil and it will still smell amazing. The beeswax gives it the scent of honey and the olive oil gives it a buttery, earthly scent. You can also add a bit of coconut oil if you like. It’s a popular ingredient these days in cooking as well as skin products. If you decide to use it, just reduce the amount of beeswax by a third and add a bit of coconut oil. You will need: Beeswax. You can buy cube shaped pieces of beeswax from your local health food shop or craft store. In a pinch you can use a beeswax candle. Just be sure to chop it into pieces and remove the wick. Olive oil. Any good food grade olive oil will work. I usually get it from the grocery store. Cocoa butter. Make sure you get 100% pure solid cocoa butter because you’ll need it to create a firm consistency in the finished product. Vitamin e. You can buy the liquid or just open up a few capsules. Most health food stores will carry this. Essential oils of your choice. I make sure to buy the pure essential plant extracts and not fragrance oils which are synthetic. Your local health food store will most likely have a good selection. Use about thirty drops per container. My favorites are lavender, vanilla and lemon. Containers. You need a glass or plastic jar that isn’t too tall which has a lid. You can get these at craft stores or possibly at your local pharmacy. Aneis de Vida
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How to make the salve: Use a double boiler. Add water to the bottom and place the second pan on top. If you don’t have a double boiler, take a sauce pan that is large enough to place a ceramic bowl in the center of it to create a double boiler effect. Add a few inches of water to the sauce pan and place the bowl in the center and bring to a boil. Once the water has started to boil, add the cube of beeswax to the bowl. It will take awhile to melt. It’s important to melt the beeswax completely; otherwise it will create granules that won’t feel nice in the finished product. Once it has melted, add about a teaspoon or so of the cocoa butter. It will be solid so just estimate. I use a knife to cut off a chunk from a solid stick of cocoa butter. Once that has melted, add at least a quarter cup of olive oil. It will start to become solid again so be patient until it’s completely melted again. You can add more or less oil depending on how thick you want the salve to be. If you want it to be very solid, use a bit less oil. If you want it creamier and easier to spread, add a bit more. This will take practice to get it just right. Once everything has melted completely, stir well and carefully lift the bowl out of the water wearing oven mitts. Set it on a safe, heat proof surface and then add the vitamin e and essential oils. Stir once more and then pour the melted liquid into your chosen container. You can buy salve jars from health food stores or drug stores. Fill each container about two thirds of the way and let set until completely cool. It will take about a half hour to solidify. Just be careful, the boiling water and the oils take some attention and you don’t want to burn yourself. Once it’s cooled you can put the lid on and you’re ready to use it. It also makes a wonderful gift. You can make lovely homemade labels and tie a ribbon around the jar and you’ve got a present that anyone would love. I wanted to include a bit of information about some of the different essential oils and their benefits. Lemon oil is energizing and blends very well with Lavender for a pick me up. Vanilla is soothing and warming and when combined with the beeswax, creates a wonderful scent. Mint oil is very good for headaches, especially spearmint. You can make a headache salve by using 15 drops of mint oil, 15 drops of lavender oil. Rub on your temples and let the scent soothe away your tension. Eucalyptus oil is very good for congestion. You can make a mixture of 10 drops eucalyptus oil, 5 drops lemon oil, 5 drops clove oil and 10 drops menthol oil to make a cure all salve for cold and flu season. Juniper, pine and bay oils are very good for cleansing and grounding. They have a delightful masculine aroma and blend very well together. You can add 10 drops of each to make a salve that would be a great gift for the man in your life. Frankincense oil is very good for heightening your spirituality and also for cleansing a space. You can mix it with Vanilla to soften the astringent scent. I recommend 20 drops of vanilla oil and 10 drops of Frankincense. Orange, lemon, citronella, lemongrass and bergamot all have a wonderful citrus scent and have a revitalizing effect. They can be mixed together or you can just use one. Lemongrass is known to be a bug repellant as well as citronella oil. There are so many more oils and ways you can use them. I recommend having fun and experimenting to create the scents you like best. With a little practice, you will find the consistency you like best and once you start making this wonderful salve, you’ll be hooked.
I use this salve for my hands and feet and sometimes all over in the winter when my skin gets really dry.
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THE
TORTOISE SEES MORE OF THE ROAD THAN THE HARE
I have been thinking a lot recently about the pace of modern life and how things just seems to be speeding up constantly with an incredible information overload. Everyone is perpetually busy and it seems almost compulsory to seem overworked and rushed. Recently I saw a post on social media, “Stop the glorification of busy”. That truly makes sense to me. I had a deep realisation recently that how I respond to these changes, is completely up to me. Last month I had the pleasure of spending a week in the Kelabit highlands of Malaysian Borneo. I took two flights on rural routes via Miri on an eighteen-seater twin Otter to get there. I am so glad that I decided to do it! It was a little standing joke throughout the trip that my colleagues were off to Tokyo, Manila, Sydney and the States, and I was on my way to the Bario. On this holiday I really experienced a different kind of life style: a complete slowing down, an inner clarity, a resting in the moment. Flying out of sweltering Miri, the view below is an endless sea of palm oil plantations for almost an hour. One then starts to get a feeling of moving higher, and there is a sense of relief flying over more mountainous terrain with “real” trees. Bario is a small town set in a lush green basin, surrounded by high hills. The minute I disembark the plane into the cool breeze and open landscape, I know that I will sleep well. I find Aneis de Vida
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myself wondering if I should not have packed a better jumper. I have never used any kind of warm clothing in my stay in Borneo so far. The hosts of my homestay, called “junglebluesdream� were waiting for me. Stephen is a local Kelabit artist with a quiet soul, married to the bubbly Danish Tine. They have a three-year old son Noah, who is completely airplane-obsessed and Dad spends a fair amount of his free time fashioning aircraft out of wood for him to play with. Stephen cooks me a perfect bowl of pasta for lunch followed by the sweetest pineapple I have ever tasted. There is a passionfruit vine growing casually and lushly over the walkway between the sleeping and living area, with the largest passion fruit I have ever seen. The big communal house is on a hill and the elevation gives a feeling of space and liberation. It has a view over the whole
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tranquil valley and there is a lovely pink house with a turquoise roof out to the left. I feel I have travelled far to get here; it is another world.
My room is green. Each room is decorated with local motives, especially the tree of life, and is pristine and beautiful. I feel so at home here surrounded by art. As I lie down to rest under the forest green blanket with no air conditioning, the afternoon rain bursts out of the sky and drums its joyful cacophony on the tin roof. Later I go for a walk to orientate myself. I see a small centipede scurrying in the road. He is making an arc to get back to the cool green protection of the grass curb. I stop to watch. As he picks up the scent, he really starts to race along. He meets a solitary ant on the way who sees the opportunity and hitches a ride on Mr Centipede’s back. The sun dips behind the high hills, the last light reflecting on the water of the paddy fields. Every sound seems amplified: the forAneis de Vida
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eign syllables drifting from the neighbours’ quarters, the baby’s joyful giggle- playing with mum, the chirping of the sunset birds and insects. When I return, my hosts are cosy in the kitchen. There is no electricity in this town in the daytime but I come back with the generators from the settlements around spluttering and rumbling.
Stephen is cooking a dinner of curly local forest greens, crunchy local mushrooms and small succulent chunks of wild boar. Tine is spending time with Noah looking at a picture book.
They suggest I take the twelve-kilometer walk up to Palungan through the jungle. The rough logging road has only reached Palungan two months before. The villagers are completely self-sufficient and everything is made by hand there or carried in on someone’s back on the narrow jungle path. The heavy labour is done by water buffalo. Quite unimaginable. To my hosts it seemed like the most natural thing in the world for me to do this journey solo, so I really don’t give it much thought or allow any doubts to creep under the door of my mind. In retrospect, I am so glad I did, just trusting that the road will lead me and my feet will carry me.
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I set off on a meditative walk the next morning, taking it very easily and stopping to take in the landscape, the insects and the trees. I slow my breathing and really come back to myself in the quiet. I push the “OFF” button, thinking about one of my favourite quotes of Kahlil Gibran, ’The tortoise sees more of the road than the hare.’ This has been a motto for most of my life. I reassure myself that it doesn’t matter how long it takes, I will get there. For the first time in my life, I see how pineapples grow!
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Palungan is a beautiful immaculate little hamlet, the houses built from the local wood, all set in a circle. The community is close-knit, and I have a really special time there. The excitement of my stay is the arrival of the flying doctor by helicopter who comes once a month. I stay there for two nights and then take the same path back.
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On the way back, I think deeply about what I would like for my life, and when I get home, I write the following words: ‘In my life, I wish for myself a stress free, wholesome, joyful, unrushed, deep communing with myself, my fellow man, animals, plants and rocks. I wish to touch with love, listen with love and speak deliberately with loving intent.’ I have realised that life is so much more beautiful when I live with clear intent, taking off the mental pressure. I am so grateful for that.
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The moniker Rainbow Warrior can conjure up images of an exalted being who selflessly battles against the dark forces of the universe in order to safeguard and protect the human race. They are placed on a lofty super human pedestal, exuding a radiant glow of holier than thou supremacy. Like with all super heroes, there is a belief that they are humanity’s only hope for salvation from the soul destroying clutches of the evil darkness. Their mission is to usher us into a new Golden Age of higher consciousness, peace, harmony, prosperity and tranquility. Unless you are one of the chosen few, you are destined to a victim’s fate, helplessly waiting to be rescued by someone more capable and braver than yourself. This idealistic image of the Rainbow Warrior has polluted people’s minds with a rhetoric that serves only to foster the illusion of either becoming the messiah who saves the world or the one who is so helplessly incompetent that you need saving. Paradoxically this creates the separation, segregation and isolation that these warriors are meant to eradicate.
Are You a Rainbow Warrior? By
Yes, I believe it is true that a Rainbow Warrior can impact humanity on a large scale, ranging from elevating the collective consciousness to moving the collective towards living in harmony and balance with all life on the planet. With the awakening of each Rainbow Warrior, the movement towards this destiny strengthens and intensifies. The fallacy however, lies in the belief that the warrior is uniquely different from the rest of humanity, possessing a higher consciousness and selflessly dedicating their life to rescuing the rest of us from
Lou Worldweaver
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our lowly ignorance and pathetic inferiority. Phrases like “only the few are destined for such great work”; “they are fulfilling a prophecy with a higher calling”; “they are doing God’s work”; “they are more evolved than the rest of us”, all lend credence to this false belief. Quite honestly, I believe we are all Rainbow Warriors, we just don’t know it yet or don’t choose to admit it. By definition a rainbow is the spectrum of all colours within the light, while a warrior is a person who fights in battles and is known for having courage and skill. Therefore it can be surmised that the Rainbow Warrior is someone who has the courage and skill to do battle in pursuit of the emergence of the whole spectrum of the light. These qualities exist in anyone who is willing to fight and struggle through their own pain and suffering as they change and grow. Every time you fight against the inner demons that haunt you from within your darkness you are donning the role of the warrior and choosing to let your inner light shine outward. In other words you become the Rainbow Warrior.
So what is it about the darkness that is so fearfully paralyzing and who are these horrid demons that live there? The dictionary defines darkness as a partial or total lack of light which houses wickedness, cruelty and evil. The darker your thoughts and beliefs about yourself the less shining and good you see in yourself. This is how you create the demons that live in your shadow which are essentially the parts of you that you consider to be wicked, evil, or cruel. In spite of the horrific evil acts that humans have inflicted on others throughout our history, I believe that humans are naturally attracted more to the light than the dark. I base this on the understanding that in every given moment, every human being is doing the best they can with what they have availaAneis de Vida
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ble. From this perspective hope and compassion arise, while the need to judge things as good or evil becomes unnecessary. Believing yourself to be wicked or evil are extreme perspectives of this but any belief that diminishes you and judges you for who you are in your naturalness are just as cripplingly debilitating. The child who is scolded for laughing too loudly because daddy is sleeping is not a bad child, nor is a person evil if they become fidgety and disruptive during a sermon in church because they are bored to tears. Being judged or put down for your natural actions and behaviours creates pain and suffering, which only serve to make you judge yourself, making it feel unsafe to be authentic or natural. Not feeling safe breeds fear and pain, resulting in your motivation to numb the pain by hiding the unacceptable parts of yourself in the darkness of your shadow. The sad truth is that what you are hiding away from yourself and the world is what makes you unique and sets you apart from any other human being that has ever lived or will ever live. This is your shining. The greatest fear you and all humans face is the fear of your shining. To keep this hidden denies the world from witnessing the gift of your greatness. Every human being has the right to shine. By courageously daring to make this happen in your own life, you open the space for others to free themselves from the fear that shackles them in their own dark imprisonment. This is what I believe it means to be a Rainbow Warrior. Being a Mindful Living teacher and facilitator has afforded me the privilege of being in the presence of thousands of such Rainbow Warriors and to respect the power of the human spirit to rise above adversity. To witness the bravery and courage it takes to face the fear of your own shadow and push past the pain, anguish and suffering in order to find more of your shining, moves me beyond words. Regardless of how horrific the story, circumstance or conditions, the human spirit cannot be diminished nor vanquished forever by the darkness. In fact, the darkness deserves to be celebrated, because without it there would be no adversary to the light and no opportunity or motivation to shine ever more brightly. To live, is to shine. This undeniable truth lies beneath everyone’s inherent desire for change and growth. To blame the darkness for your problems and challenges is a senseless waste of energy and counterproductive to discovering what you are truly capable of as you pursue your birth right to shine as a Rainbow Warrior.
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Growing Clivias from Seed By
Andre Duif Clivias, (Clivia miniata), a very popular indigenous plant, a clump forming perennial, with dark green strap shaped leaves which arise from a fleshy underground stem. The flowering heads of brilliantly orange, (rarely yellow), trumpet shaped flowers appear mainly in Spring, (August to November – but I have seen them flower sporadically in late autumn and even in our South African Winter.) Known in Europe mainly as a pot plant or indoor plant as it is too cold to grow outside. Be that as it may, the dark green shiny leaves makes for the perfect backdrop for the masses of orange flowers. A Few weeks ago, a very dear friend gave me some Clivia seeds, so I thought it good to share the process of growing Clivias from seed. Remember folks, gardening teaches one patience, so within 5 years your newly sprouted Clivia seedlings will sport their first blooms…….so, it might seem a tedious task but your efforts will be well worth it.
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Step 1: Harvest the ripe seeds from the plant. They should be an orangey red to dark red in colour. Open the fruit and remove all the soft pulp as well as loose fitting membranes that keep the seeds together. Clean properly and wash the seeds with an anti-fungal solution or a weak solution of dishwashing liquid. I normally leave the seeds to soak in the soapy mixture overnight.
Step 2: Remove from the seeds from the soapy water and dab dry with a paper towel. If you are going to store the seeds for any given time, keep them between layers of dry newspaper, in a well ventilated container.
Germinating: Option 1: Lay the seeds between to moist paper towels in a well ventilated container, and spray the paper towel with water when needed to keep the paper towel moist. The seeds should germinate after about 4-6 weeks. Option 2: I love working with vermiculite and river sand as a germinating mixture. You can buy Vermiculite from your local nursery. (A 50/50 geminating mixture or potting soil and riversand works just as well.)Make up a 50/50 mixture of vermiculite and riversand and spread into well drained tray about one inch thick. Lay the seeds on top and spray with a fine mist spray of water and keep moist until seeds have germinated.
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Important: Keep the seeds in a well-lit area but with no direct sunlight at all. Seedlings can be planted out once the roots are well established with lots of TLC, regular feeding, and love, you will see the first blooms in about 4 – 5 years. Come on folks, takeup this challenge with me, it can only be fun, and I will keep you updated and posted on my progress. Till next month, have fun. Blessings Andre
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Magical Messages from the Fairies Oracle Cards Doreen Virtue
Use your abilities to resolve this situation. You can do it!
This card is a reminder that you are more powerful than you think. Perhaps you have been feeling victimised or bullied of late. The fairies want you to know that no matter your age, size, education you have incredible personal power. Fairies are tiny and yet the are able to channel the force of God and the universe and YOU can do exactly the same to resolve this issue, heal yourself and manifest your dreams. All you need to do is BELIEVE in yourself and in the power of God.
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You are faced with choices this month and you could go in circles if you try to over analyse. So listen to your heart as it will not lead you astray.
A very successful month—it may be outer success or inner accomplishments. Whichever it is you have reason to feel proud of your achievement.
August brings feeling of worry and anxiety. You may feel wrapped up in this situation but if you were to just let go you will notice the answers flow.
A beautiful month ahead of you Aries, those things you have been working on are ready to blossom—success is on its way.
If you are single, August could prove to be the introduction to a new relationship. It is also a card showing peace and harmony in all relationships.
August shows as a month of heightened communications for you Gemini. Be that in work related issues or that you have more communication with Spirit.
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Thoughtful and introverted month. Don’t let your thoughts drive you crazy though as the answers are right infront of your nose.
Should you have been rather hard on yourself of late, it is time to let go and give yourself a bit of breathing space. Be kind to yourself as you are as important as all the issues surrounding you.
Virgo’s if you are looking for assistance of any kind—August is the month where you need to keep a keen look out. There is a person who will be just too willing to lend a helping hand.
A month filled with family, love and communication. You will be sought out to be of assistance, just keep in mind that you need to make sure you are taken care of as well.
Feeling overworked and underpaid, unappreciated for all that you are doing? This is the month where you need to rest to recapture your lost energies.
Seemingly a beautiful creative and wonderous month for you Sagittarius. A culmination of many hours of work will see the fruits of your labour—enjoy. Aneis de Vida
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Barnyard Farm Continued
At the Barnyard, the sun was moving towards the end of the earth. Everyone was having such a great time at the party. All the visitors were smiling and talking. Laughter could be heard all around. Betsy, Jetsy, Hippy, Skippy, Hoppy, Jumpy, Bumpy the Goats, Winky, Binky, Windy, Bunky Scoot the Geese were joined by BooBoo and DeeDee the Beagles. Their tummies were full and everyone was petting them, talking to them, and making such a wonderful fuss of them they never wanted the day to end.
Suddenly, a crashing noise was heard coming from the trees. A very loud noise, everyone stopped in their tracks. All the people went very quiet. People looking around, Minkywoo and Butterboo the Monkeys screeched and jumped onto the roof of the closest stall.
What could the noise be? Suddenly from the trees emerged a huge creature. Shewhobefree the Elephant had broken out of her enclosure. There were screams from the children. Farmer Ben ran to the front of Shewhobefree and held both his arms up. The Elephant stopped. Farmer Ben rushed up to Shewhobefree and went to stroke her trunk. She was trumpeting (the sound Elephants make) and waved her trunk around.
Mrs Jen realised what the problem was, Shewhobefree also wanted to join in at the party. Mr Dogman the Vet quickly grabbed the microphone and told everyone to calm down. All Shewhobefree wanted was some of the treats. Angela, the assistant to Dr Dogman quickly grabbed some of the fruit and ran to Farmer Ben.
BooBoo and DeeDee were so scared they cowered on the ground. Betsy went and comforted them. She said to them “my friends, do not be afraid, we have nothing to fear”. Mrs Jen saw how scared the Beagles were and called to them to go back to the house. Mrs Jen fussed their bedding and gently told them “lie down my Darlings” and closed the curtains, switching on a lamp so they needn’t be afraid in the dark. Mrs Jen then left, quietly closing the door her.
Oh dear, Minkywoo and Butterboo were throwing popcorn in the direction of Shewhobefree. Mrs Jen went over to the stall and scolded them “stop being nasty you two” then in a stern voice told them “come down immediately” which immediately calmed the two Monkeys down. Very sheepishly, ever so shyly, they climbed down from the canopy (roof) of the stall. Mrs Jen then told them to go pick up the popcorn they had thrown and put it into the garbage bin.
Betsy and the ‘gang’ were very curious, they slowly walked in a circle to better see Shewhobefree and wanted to see what the Elephant would do next. People also had the same idea, and were slowly walking toward Farmer Ben and the Elephant. Aneis de Vida
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Shewhobefree had been in a Circus till she was rescued. Shewhobefree loved living at the Barnyard. All she knew was love and kind humans. As she knew how to do tricks started doing her Circus tricks. Everyone clapped when she lifted one leg, then the other, till she was sitting like a dog begging for treats. So people started feeding her apples, oranges, all sorts of fruit. After half an hour Farmer Ben patted the Elephant and told her time to go back to her enclosure as night was coming. Mr Dingledon the Donkey, Stripey the Zebra, Cheweybits the Camel decided they also wanted to visit the party. Angela rushed to her handbag to get her brush and let the children gather round these new additions to the party. Angela showed the children how to brush them gently yet firmly. Some of the adults brought more fruit and some vegetables for the Donkey, the Zebra and the Camel to chew on. Then Mrs Jen suggested that everyone gather into groups of twenty. When everyone was in their group they left to go visit the other residents at the Barnyard. Farmer Ben went to the cold room with John his youngest son to get fresh meat which had arrived with the other donations to his wonderful Sanctuary. Dr Dogman took one group to go visit Pottymus the Hippo and Scaryface the Rhino. He asked everyone to help carry some treats for them. Angela took her group to go visit Totalops the Hyena and Eatiall the Vulture. These were rescued from some bad people that had no idea how to look after Wild Animals, or how to treat them. We all know that Wild Animals belong in the wild, not in our gardens or back yards! Angela knowing what carrion eaters need (carrion being the stomachs and intestines of dead Animals) very stinky stuff to us, yet a delicacy (special treat for them) in a big cooler bag. Mrs Jen took her group to visit King Stripey the Tiger and Jungle King the Lion ( both rescued from a Circus as well ) Mrs Jen loved these jungle cats and had two hind legs ( the back legs ) of a poor cow that died from old age. John the son, took his group to go visit Alaska Wild, the Wolf. Alaska Wild was a foster and the person that was looking after him died a few months ago. Alaska Wild was waiting to be transported to a Sanctuary where they specialise in rescuing Wolves. Once Alaska Wild was declared fit and healthy again he would be able to travel. He was so thin when he was found, sitting alongside his Human. They had to dart Alaska Wild to get him sedated to move him from his ‘home’. John loved Alaska Wild, and had steaks in a bag for him. Betsy and the ‘gang’ were not to be left out, the two groups that had no one to take them on a tour followed the ‘gang’ and went to see Papa Billy Goat, Mama Maa Goat, Mama Gee and Papa Gigwig the Geese, Mama Piglet and Papa Piggy. After a while the groups swopped routes so everyone could visit all the residents at the Barnyard. What a wonderful party day this was turning out to be. When everyone had visited and done all the “ooh’s and aaah’s” at the different Animals they returned to where the party started. Farmer Ben took the microphone and explained how everyone was named here at the Barnyard.
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