QUALITY OF LIFE
WELL-BEING
PERSONAL GROWTH
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
! E E R F
Laugh your heart out TRANSFORM YOUR WORK INTO PASSION
ACHES AND PAINWHAT DO THE SIGNALS TELL?
HOW TO MAKE EXERCISE A DAILY HABIT
WHERE TO FIND A FREE COPY MID-LEVELS / SOHO Archie B’& El Taco Loco Bacar Balance Health Beyrouth Café Central Blossom Nails Bruch Club Cafe Lavande Cafe Protobello Cafe Punta del Cielo Caramba Mexican Cantina Club 1911 DM Hair Workshop Eat Right Flow Bookshop FMH (The Face Magic Haven) Hearty Restaurant Jaspas Ladies Recreation Club Life Organic Health Cafe Lil Siam McSorley’s Ale House Nefertiti Orange Tree Restaurant Organic Baby Pacific Grill Phukets Thai Restaurant Power Plate Institute Rico Spanish Restaurant & Bar SoHo Junction Bar Sole Mio Staunton’s Wine Bar & Cafe Taco Loco Taequila Mexican Restaurant & Bar Taku Tala’s Hair The Garden Cafe Wagyu Wagyu Lounge Yo Fresh (Frozen Yogurt) Yogurtime
Pickled Pelican Post 97 Shakti Healing Circle Starbucks, Hong Kong Station Stormies Subway Sutherland Chan Centre The American Club The Dublin Jack The Elgin (Service Apartment) The Feel Good Factor The Law Society of Hong Kong, Club House The Wheel Treasure View Service Apartments Uncle Eric’s Vintage Wine Bar Uncle Russ Coffee Vitality Center White Lotus Centre Yogurtime
SHEUNG WAN Bun Me Vietnamese Bugliette Cafe Roma DEF Boxing Graze Cafe Rebound Health The Bauhinia The Yoga Room Yogurtime
REPULSE BAY Bayley & Jackson Dental Surgeons Ltd. Global Essence International Ltd. Ice Cream Gallery OT& P (Repulse Bay Practice) Southside Kindergarten Tam, Hulac & Partners Dental Ltd.
CENTRAL 4D Wellbeing Centre Al’s Diner A Mother’s Touch Anahata Yoga Atria Properties Av Beauty Clinique Bit Point Body Talks System CancerLink Central Dance Studios CoCo Espresso Downtown Chiropractic Clinic Dragonfly Euro Treat Foot Reflexology Health Care Centre of The Blind Goccia Ristorante Health Gate Helena May HYPOXI Indulgence JAR (Just-A-Restaurant) Just Salad Kinesiology Asia La Dolce Vita 97 La Fontaine Optimum Performance Studio Pangea- Wing Chun Kung Fu and Pilates
STANLEY Main Street Stanley Bar & Cafe Mijas Spanish Restaurant Pickled Pelican Pizza Express ROCKSALT Seafront Spiaggia Squeeze Cafe The Boathouse Wildfire
AP LEI CHAU Artura Ficus Attitude Ltd (Furniture & Interiors) Burnt Oringe Co.Ltd. Dormirest (The Nature of Beds) HC28 Life’s A Breeze Limestone Wines and Spirits Monde Chocolatier Patio Mart Pacific Gourmet Ltd. Rimba Rhyme Sift Patisserie The Aberdeen Marina Club Viva Italia Whiskers n Paws
DISCOVERY BAY Caramba Mexican Cantina Hemingway’s By the Bay McSorley’s Ale House StratMark Management Consulting Uncle Russ Coffee Yogurtime
Le Bristol French Restaurant Med Stars (Mediterranean Cuisine) Resto Restaurant ELEMENTS / TSIM SHA TSUI Bombay dreams Bliss Spa, W Hotel El Pomposo Bar & Tapas Grand Central Bar & Grill Mes Amis Morthan Cure Physiotherapy Stormies Uncle Russ Coffee United Services Recreation Club CAUSEWAY BAY / HAPPY VALLEY Apartment O Asia Health Equipment Bodywise Pilates Brown Capra Latte Dickens Bar Dymocks, Windsor House Gallery Café Mind Body Colon Cleansing Centre Organic Baby Reflections Bookstore & Resources Center Valley Fit Studio Your Health Compass ISLAND EAST, QUARRY BAY Asia Pacific Aromatherapy Café Pampernickel Frites Quarry Bay Neurofarmers
SAI KUNG WANCHAI Al Dente Alliance Francaise Hong Kong American Women’s Association Amici Coyote Bar & Grill Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria Flying Pan JoJo’s Indian Cuisine Khana Khazana Let’s Spa Mes Amis Natalie Tong Private Practice Center Oyster Bar & Grill Pizza Express The Australian Association The Quarterdeck Club Yogurtime Zambra Cafe LAI KING WAN (SOHO EAST) Berliner + Wildfire Jack’s Terrazza Ristorante Pure Massage Te
Aguaplus AJ’s Sri Lankan Cuisine Allure Beauty and Health Anthony’s Ranch Bacco Classified Dr. Siu Yuk Kiu Medical Practice Firenze Restaurant Hebe Haven Yacht Club Italiano’s Restaurant & Bar JASPAS Pizzeria Pomodoro Poets Roccos Steak and Seafood Sabai Day Spa Sai Kung Animal Hospital Sai Kung Physiotherapy Sauce Shun Kee City Houseware Company Steamers Sushi TEN KU The Boozer White Black Caffe Ltd. GOLD COAST, TUEN MUN Chilli N Spice Seafood Market
TUNG CHUNG Skyline Physiotherapy Starz Wine Bar
CAFÉ HABBITU Pacific Place 3 Gloucester Road GOD Miramar Hutchison House Cityplaza The One Elements If you would like to be one of our distribution points, please email to info@animamag.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
CONTENTS
10
COVER STORY
6
LAUGH YOUR HEART OUT It is time to make laughter a part of our lives, develop a good sense of humor and laugh at life’s absurdities.
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6
13
20
23
26
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2 3 4 30
FEATURE HOW TO MAKE EXERCISE A DAILY HABIT Set a time, start small, and do workouts on a daily basis. The key is to get out there, and form that habit.
TRAVEL TIME NOTHING MORE CLOSER TO NATURE THAN NIKOI ISLAND
ALL ABOUT HEALTH ACHES AND PAIN – WHAT DO THE SIGNALS TELL?
WINE AND FOOD GREEN TEA – A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE
CAREER CORNER 3 STEPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR WORK INTO PASSION
IN EVERY ISSUE EDITOR’S LETTER QUESTION OF THE MONTH THOUGHTS ON LIFE ENJOY GUIDE
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
EDITOR’S LETTER
A publication of Anima Publishing Limited 2/F., Dah Sing Life Building 99-105 Des Voeux Road Central Hong Kong
One day, I was exhausted after work and it was not a par-
ticularly pleasant day. I picked up the phone and called one of my friends to ask him for some information. My friend, who always has a good sense of humor, said something really funny, and it made me laugh. I laughed for a minute or so, and I felt much better. As the old saying goes, “Laughter is the best medicine.” Hang out with people with a good sense of humor, and your days will be brighter. Read our Cover Story “Laugh your heart out” on page 6 to know more about laughter. Do you want to make exercise a daily habit? Some people find it hard to do so, while some people lose the habit after some time. Our feature article “How to make exercise a daily habit” on page 10 gives you tips on how to make exercise a daily habit. Start small and form that habit. It would be good for us both physically and mentally. Find something that gives you pleasure, no matter it is tennis or yoga or swimming. Once you get started and keep going, the habit will be formed eventually. As Steve Jobs said in his speech to students, “Do what you love”. Our article on career, “3 Steps to transform your work into passion” on page 26, written by career coach Benoit Foucher give you tips on how to find your passion and do what you love. Once you have identified what you love, go for it, enjoy the work and enjoy every moment. Get a free online subscription and join our Facebook page (www. facebook.com/AnimaMag). We would like to know your thoughts. Do send us your thoughts, feedback, questions for our experts, or topics you want to know more about. The e-mail address is editorial@animamag.com. Have a great day!
LAM CHI FAI Publisher and Editor-in-Chief
T: (852) 2325 0287 F: (852) 2287 5002 E: info@animamag.com
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Lam Chi Fai EDITOR Eunice Wong ART DIRECTOR John Agra CONTRIBUTORS Leo Babauta, Benoit Foucher, Yvette Ho, Dr. Kary Lam, Jansen Lim, Azure Lorraine PRINTER Fantasy Printing Limited 7/F., Tin Fung Industrial Mansion 63 Wong Chuk Hang Road Hong Kong ADVERTISING advertise@animamag.com EDITORIAL editorial@animamag.com
Anima magazine is published by Anima Publishing Limited. Copyright 2011 Anima Publishing Limited, all rights reserved. The title “Anima magazine” its associated logos and content are the property of Anima Publishing Limited. Reproduction in any manner in whole or in part in English or other languages without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. While every care has been taken, we do not accept liability with respect to any views, opinions or advice given in this magazine.
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QUESTION OF THE MONTH What is gastrointestinal cancer? Is it true that eating more vegetables can prevent this disease? SHARON KENNEDY
Dr. Joe Fan is a Specialist in General Surgery. Currently he is appointed as Associate Consultant in the Department of Surgery of the Queen Mary Hospital and Honorary Clinical Assistant Professor of the University of Hong Kong. He specializes in Minimally Invasive Gastro-Intestinal Surgery and Hernia Repair. He is also the Deputy Director of Surgical Skills Centre of the University of Hong Kong and is responsible for the surgical training of local and overseas practicing surgeons.
Dear Sharon, The gastrointestinal tract runs from the oral cavity, to the throat, oesophagus, stomach, small bowel, large bowel and finally ends at the anus. Cancer may occur anywhere along the whole tract but is more prevalent in the large bowel (colon and rectum). Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancerrelated deaths in Hong Kong after lung cancer. Risk factors for colorectal cancer include: older age, smoking, high red meat intake, a sedentary lifestyle, and a personal or family history of colorectal cancer. Some rarer conditions namely autoimmune diseases (including Crohn’s disease, Ulcerative colitis) and inherited syndromes (including FAP-familiar adenomatous polyposis, HNPCC-hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer) are also associated with an increased risk. Some clinicians postulate that consumption of vegetables helps reduce the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer, by the anti-oxidizing effect of fresh vegetables. Such theory however remains controversial at the moment according to clinical studies available. Even so, diets high in vegetables and fruits, low in red meat and animal fat are highly recommended as they definitely reduce one’s chance of having constipation and will lead to a healthier lifestyle. It is also of crucial importance to seek immediate medical help if one experiences any of these symptoms: bleeding during defecation, recent and significant change of bowel habit, sense of incomplete emptying after bowel motion, easy tiredness, poor appetite and weight loss. The presence of any of these symptoms warrants prompt investigation. The most common large bowel investigations are contrast enema X-ray studies and endoscopy. Endoscopy is superior to contrast study in the sense that it allows more detailed examination of the internal wall of the large bowel, also the majority of polyps found can be removed during the same procedure. Contrast enema, on the other hand, is better in terms of its lower complication rate and higher rate of successful examination of the entire colon. The clinician will choose the appropriate investigation according to individual patient’s condition. Maintain a healthy lifestyle - eat a balanced diet, quit smoking, exercise regularly, and seek for medical advice if any symptoms arise. These are the keys to prevention and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers. DR. JOE FAN Do you have questions on health and well-being? Please send your questions to editorial@animamag.com.
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NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
THOUGHTS ON LIFE “Hope and dreams give me the drive to do things and try new things. That is what life is about.” A WRITER SAID
“Wisdom is the supreme part of happiness.” SOPHOCLES
“THAT MAN IS RICHEST WHOSE PLEASURES ARE CHEAPEST.” HENRY DAVID THOREAU
“The essentials of happiness are: something to do, something to love, and something to hope for.” AN ENTREPRENEUR SAID
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“What seems to us as bitter trials are often blessings in disguise.” OSCAR WILDE
“IF I WERE NOT A PHYSICIST, I WOULD PROBABLY BE A MUSICIAN. I OFTEN THINK IN MUSIC. I LIVE MY DAYDREAMS IN MUSIC. I SEE MY LIFE IN TERMS OF MUSIC.” ALBERT EINSTEIN
Always aim at complete harmony of thought and word and deed. Always aim at purifying your thoughts and everything will be well.
“If you are in a good profession, you will not get bored. You can always find new work to do, new work to try.” A PHOTOGRAPHER SAID.”
MOHANDAS K. GANDHI
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laugh
YOUR HEART OUT
It is time to make laughter a part of our lives, develop a good sense of humor and laugh at life’s absurdities. BY JANSEN LIM
Two women in a small café were whis-
pering quite unnaturally, not as one would whisper to avoid disturbing the peace of others, but as one would before erupting in a fit of laughter. They then doubled over, laughing till their jaws hurt and their eyes welled up in tears. That laughter can break down barriers among strangers is just one of its many far-reaching benefits. But making it a daily happening may prove to be challenging for some people.
Time to crack up That’s because many of us take ourselves way too seriously in our workdriven, efficiency-centred environments. Through the passage of time, we forget how and when to laugh. Based on several studies from top universities, it has been shown that some people don’t even laugh for months! How then can we make laughter a part of our lives? The best place to start is by examining ourselves. When was the last time we laughed our hearts out? Or watched a funny movie? Or simply hung out with friends for a good laugh? Are our problems in life all that serious? Are we afraid of acting silly in front of others? WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
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THAT’S BECAUSE MANY OF US TAKE OURSELVES WAY TOO SERIOUSLY IN OUR WORK-DRIVEN, EFFICIENCY-CENTRED ENVIRONMENTS. THROUGH THE PASSAGE OF TIME, WE FORGET HOW AND WHEN TO LAUGH. Sometimes, it’s best to approach life in a mirthful way. There are many things that are beyond our control, especially the behaviors of others. Instead of bemoaning them, why not try laughing at ourselves and at life’s absurdities? It is also important to spend time with fun, playful people − those who aren’t afraid to goof around like children and routinely find humour in everyday events. Of course, there’s no shortage of laughter from the world of entertainment like TV sitcoms and comedies.
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Tangible benefits Granted there may be certain occasions such as financial bankruptcy and the passing of loved ones which demand some measure of austerity but even so, laughter can take the sting out of these situations if wielded in a sensitive, appropriate manner. Research has shown that people who actively and consciously develop the habit of laughing have the propensity to build stronger, more lasting connections with others.
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“When it comes to relationships, laughter is a socially contagious experience that can create a common bond and nurture acceptance and closeness. As a form of communication, it can also serve as a means to diffuse a tense situation such as an argument with a partner, and as a way of reassuring and comforting,” said Dr Marlene Lee (Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology), who specialises in the assessment and treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, addictive behaviours, and trauma. Indeed, shared laughter is one of the most effective tools for keeping relationships fresh and exciting by creating positive feelings and fostering emotional connections. It also helps us to let go of our defensiveness and inhibitions, which can sometimes encumber our daily interactions with loved ones, family members and friends. “Furthermore, laughter may in turn contribute to enhanced emotional intimacy and consequently better sex. It’s no wonder then that both men and women find humor a big turn on,” added Dr Lee.
Health talk There have been many studies conducted by the likes of Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine and Texas A&M University which establish the link between laughter and health. Evidence from these researches suggests that giving ourselves a break and laughing at our imperfections may be the first step towards better health. People who score high on tests of humor have less depression and anxiety, and tend to be happier and more optimistic. In many instances, laughter has been proven to lower blood pressure, increase the response of tumour-killing and disease-killing cells such as Gamma-interferon and T-cells, reduce stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, and exercise the diaphragm and abdominal muscles, not to mention other muscle groups like shoulders and back. “Laughter can afford positive physiological and psychological effects, including improved immune function, increased pain tolerance, and decreased stress response. There is evidence to indicate that it can help alleviate pain, contribute to effective interpersonal relationships, and maintain a sense of optimism for patients in the face of adversity,” replied Dr Lee when asked about the medical consequences of embracing laughter in the wake of contracting life-threatening illnesses.
Other dimensions As beneficial as laughter can be, it does rear its ugly head in selected scenarios – for example, mocking others and laughing at the expense of someone’s misery. It doesn’t take much to realise that poking fun at others’ misfortune is a shameless emotional assault. It could potentially lead to long-term WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
WIDOW OF COMEDIAN DIED AT 102 Dolores Hope, wife of legendary comic Bob Hope, died of natural causes aged 102 in September this year. Her husband died at 100 eight years ago. According to family spokesman Harlan Boll, Dolores told him once she credited their longevity to laughter. Harlan said the couple certainly had a lot of laughter in their lifetime. Born Dolores DeFina, Dolores was a singer when she married Hope in 1934, but left showbiz to raise their four adopted children. She died at her home Dolores Hope and Bob Hope in Toluca Lake, north of Los Angeles. Bob was a British-born American comedian and actor who appeared in vaudeville, on Broadway, and in radio, television and movies. Bob celebrated his 100th birthday on May 29, 2003. He is among a small group of notable centenarians in the field of entertainment.
adverse developments. Its impact on self-esteem has often been called into question according to studies done in recent years. Equally contentious is the tricky nature of sarcastic humor. Here, the line between making others feel buoyant and subjecting them to ridicule remains blurry. As long as humor is employed either consciously or unintentionally to hurt or bully, it has no place in any context. And what about fake or forced laughter – like trying to laugh even when it isn’t funny or laughing so as to overcome nervousness in a social setting? Laughter Yoga is a revolutionary exercise that combines unconditional laughter and yogic breathing. Practitioners of this form of yoga have always maintained that it makes them happy, healthy and more energised. So whether it is fake or real, there is no denying the positive effects of laughter. Jansen Lim left the corporate world to pursue his interests in creative writing and teaching. For the last 10 years, he has been working as a freelance lifestyle writer as well as an adjunct lecturer in Communications and Language. NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
HOW TO MAKE A DAILY
habit
Set a time, start small, and do workouts on a daily basis. The key is to get out there, and form that habit. BY LEO BABAUTA
Recently, my friend and blogger Scott Young did a great post entitled, “New to exercise? Make workouts daily”. It was an excellent post, and perfectly timed as it mirrors my own recent efforts at making exercise a daily habit. The problem with trying to make exercise a habit, and it’s something that we’ve all faced, is that you usually try to exercise three or four times a week … and that makes creating a new exercise habit difficult. The reason is that the more consistent an action is, the more likely it is to be a habit. Therefore, as Scott points out, and it’s something I fully agree with, exercising every day is more likely to result in a habit — something that becomes almost automatic, and much easier, instead of a constant struggle. I’ve been implementing this idea in my daily life recent-
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ly, alternating every day between different exercises: running, swimming, biking and strength workouts, as a way of reaching my goal of completing an Olympic-distance triathlon this year. I’m going to continue this habit change. I made daily running a habit last year, when I was training for my first marathon, but this year I stopped when I got sick, so I’m re-starting the habit formation. If you’re going to make this a habit, do a 30-day Challenge, and by the end of the challenge your habit should be pretty well ingrained. Here are some practical suggestions I’ve learned along the way to help make exercise a daily habit:
1. Set a time. Decide whether you’re more likely to stick with it in the morning or lunchtime or evening, and stick WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
with that time. I’ve set the time of 5:30 a.m. every day, and I’m trying my best not to vary from that time. If you don’t set a time, you’re more likely to put it off until you have more time or energy, and then put it off until the next day. Soon, it’s not a habit at all.
2. Send yourself a reminder. I use memos, but there are a number of ways to send yourself an email or text reminder, so you’ll never forget. Then, when you get the reminder, do it right away. Don’t brook any delays.
3. Start small. This is perhaps the most useful suggestion of all. When I start exercising, I always start with lots of energy, enthusiasm and ambition. I think I can do more than I can. However, doing too much in the beginning leads to burnout, which leads to quitting your habit. When you first try to make exercise a daily habit, chances are, your body won’t be used to that kind of stress. The key: only do 20 minutes in the beginning, and do it nice and easy. Nothing hard. Even 10-15 minutes is fine at first, if you’re just starting WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
out. The key is to get out there, get your body slowly used to daily exercise, and form that habit.
4. Progress later. Once your body is used to daily exercise, you can slowly start to increase the amount and intensity of your exercise. Wait at least two weeks before starting to increase — that’s the minimum your body needs to adjust. Once it begins to feel way too easy, you can start increasing the length of your workouts, to 30 and then 40 minutes, and eventually up to an hour. Once you do that, you can gradually increase the intensity — running faster or harder, for example. Try not to increase both distance and intensity at the same time.
5. Make it pleasurable. If you associate a habit with pain, you will shy away from it. But if it’s fun, you’ll look forward to doing it. That’s why, in this beginning stage of my new habit, I’ve been focusing on pleasure. I go slowly, enjoying the scenery, the fresh morning air, the beautiful sky as the sun rises, the quiet time of solitude and contemplaNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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tion. It’s actually something I enjoy doing. An mp3 player with some great music helps.
6. Lay out your gear. The fewer obstacles and less friction there is in forming your new habit, the more likely you are to be successful. If you have to not only wake up early but get a bunch of gear together while half awake, you might just want to go back into bed. But if you lay out your workout clothes and shoes and watch and mp3 player, or whatever you need for your exercise, you’ll be ready to go with no friction at all.
7. Just head out the door. My rule is just to get my running shoes on and get out the door. I don’t worry about how long I have to go or how hard it will be. Just get out and get started. Once I’ve done that, it’s a piece of cake.
8. Mix it up.
IF YOU ASSOCIATE A HABIT WITH PAIN, YOU WILL SHY AWAY FROM IT. BUT IF IT’S FUN, YOU’LL LOOK FORWARD TO DOING IT. THAT’S WHY, IN THIS BEGINNING STAGE OF MY NEW HABIT, I’VE BEEN FOCUSING ON PLEASURE.
One thing I like about triathlon training is that daily exercise isn’t boring — instead of running every single day, now I’ve got a variety of sports to do, and that makes it much more interesting. But perhaps just as important is that with each sport, I’m using different muscles, especially with swimming. Sure, some of the same muscles are used, but they’re used differently with different stresses on them. What that means is that I’m not pounding the same muscles, every day. That gives them a chance to recover, because without recovery, you’re just breaking your muscles down over and over.
9. Have a relative rest day. Again, recovery is very important, which is why you need to give your body a chance to rest. If you’re taking it easy, and only doing 20 minutes, you should be OK without rest days. But it’s still good to have one day of rest, where you’re not doing the same exercises as the other six days. You don’t want to skip the day completely, because then you’re not being consistent with your habit. That’s why I do one day of strength training,
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where I don’t use the same muscles as swimming, biking and running. If you need more rest, you could just do 20 minutes of walking, or even just a session of meditation. The key is to do something every day, preferably something that gets you moving (meditation isn’t the best example, but at least you’d be doing something) and keeps your habit formation going.
10. Don’t skip a day. It’s easy to say, “No problem, I’ve been doing it for five days … I’ll just skip today!” But that will make your habit formation harder. Consistency is key, so try not to skip a single day. If you do, don’t beat yourself up, don’t judge, don’t feel bad — everyone messes up sometimes, and habit formation is a skill that requires practice. Just start your 30-day challenge over again, and try to identify the obstacle that led to your skipping a day and prepare for it this time. This article was written by Leo Babauta and it is reprinted with permission. The article first appeared on the website www. zenhabits.net. WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
TRAVEL TIME
NOTHING MORE CLOSER TO NATURE THAN
NIKOI ISLAND
One of the 15 residential villas
A stay on Nikoi is a perfect sanctuary for city dwellers seeking a short escape from reality. BY YVETTE HO Just 8 kilometres off the quiet East coast of Bintan, Nikoi is an exclusive island resort built to accommodate only 42 guests. This off-thebeaten-track destination may not be a familiar name to most, but it still enjoys full occupancy year round. This is not the result of a huge marketing budget – in fact, the management has none, and it doesn’t need one. The resort’s reputation was built up through word-of-mouth. Today’s Nikoi started as a coincidence. Disappointed by the slew of garishly decorated five star hotels that seem to be cropping up all over the coastal areas of the region, Sydney natives Andrew and Julia Dixon, who have been living in Asia for 12 years, set out to find a destination that could recapture their childhood experiences of holidays by an unspoilt beach. WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
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TRAVEL TIME The search began after a chance meeting with Peter Timmer, an American who had been living on Bintan for 18 years. On hearing that an island off the East coast of Bintan was for sale, the three friends hired a small fishing boat and set off to view it in December 2001. Instead of the island they were planning to view, however, they spotted Nikoi further out at sea. Inexplicably drawn to it, they made a little detour and were delighted by what they saw. Blessed with a coastline of gritty coral sand that gleams white in the sun and clear turquoise waters that hide a thriving reef environment, the then uninhabited Nikoi was a diamond in the rough that captivated their imaginations. The group decided to embark on a project to polish it into a gem of a holiday destination. In 2007, the island opened its doors to tourists, branded as a socially responsible and ecologically sound development. No living trees were harmed in developing Nikoi. The ingenious team came up with a radical idea – instead of cutting trees to use as timber, they would salvage driftwood from the surrounding islands and build the entire resort with it, right down to the furniture. The chosen raw material exists in abundance, but getting the wood to Nikoi was sometimes a challenge. “You see the dining table?” Tony asks, pointing to the 12 seater 30 feet table in the dining room, a few metres from our alfresco seats. “We found these huge pieces of driftwood and spent 18 hours lugging them to the island with our ferries. Our construction team polished it, cut it into shape and moved the two completed tables into the dining rooms. They have been there ever since. They are heavy, solid wood and have never been moved.” Inspired by traditional Indonesian architecture and constructed by a team of local craftsmen, beach houses for the guests are on elevated stilts and topped with roofs made of woven al-
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A dining room
Each villa has sunbeds and a gazebo
ang alang grass, an indigenous plant. The rustle of the dried alang in the wind, combined with the woody smell of weathered timber, lends the resort a rustic, primeval vibe. Only a third of the 15-hectare island is developed, and this area comprises of 15 residential villas, each with a sea view and built less than 5 metres from the beach. They line the west coast of Nikoi. The rest– the dining rooms, kitchen and staff quarters diffuse from the west towards the centre of the island. This is as big as the resort will ever get. The remaining undeveloped 10 hectares consist of a primary rainforest, untouched except for a rough hiking trail.
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Tony explains, “We have no plans to build more villas as we want the resort to remain exclusive. The sense of privacy is important and guests like the feeling of having the place to themselves. If we have too many people, it would also tax the environment. As it is, the well water is already starting to taste a little salty.” He is referring to the subterranean natural well that supplies the resort its non-drinking water – used for the showers, flushing and cleaning. “If we use up too much of the well water, we dry out the aquifer, and the sea water will seep in to take the place of the groundwater. So we always encourage guests to reduce water usage.” WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
A sailboat and kayaks for water sports enthusiasts
YOU’LL FALL ASLEEP TO THE LULLABY OF WAVES CRASHING AGAINST THE SHORE, AND WAKE UP GREETED BY THE SALTY SEA BREEZE DOING A PLAYFUL DANCE AROUND YOUR ROOM. Tony’s future green plans include building a small-scale desalination plant to supplement current water supplies. The salt residue from the plant could be used in the pool in place of chlorine – it’s cheaper, more environmentally friendly and just as effective. He’s also studying the possibility of using electrodes to regenerate corals in the reefs surrounding the island – a method, he says, is used in the Maldives. It’s not just the environment that benefits. The resort currently provides jobs for about 70 locals who work on the island. More plans are underway to source produce from local organic farms at market rates. If this works out, it’s a win-win scenario for everyone. Organic farming is less harmful for the WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
environment, the farmers get a steady stream of income and guests enjoy fresh organic food. On Nikoi, expect a rather literal take on the phrase “getting closer to nature”. You’ll fall asleep to the lullaby of waves crashing against the shore, and wake up greeted by the salty sea breeze doing a playful dance around your room. In the shower, a cheeky waft of wind seeps through the narrow gaps between the driftwood planks and tickles your bare skin. The resort has no air-conditioners, no polished floors and no chlorinated bath water. For a city dweller, this intimate interaction with nature is an extremely novel experience. The developed west coast is where most of the action is. In the day, the
alabaster sand and silver crests of the waves glittering in the equatorial sun paints a picture perfect scene that beckons the sun worshipers and water sports enthusiasts alike. Guests can choose to wile away a perfect afternoon lounging on a sun chair with a cold drink from the beach bar or go snorkeling, sailing or kayaking. The friendly staff are always happy to make up the numbers for a game of beach volleyball too. At sunset, be treated to a spectacular view from the west coast beach or from the balcony of any of the villas. When darkness falls, Nikoi transforms from a sunny tropical paradise into something out of the Survivor TV show set. There’s no electricity in most parts of the island. Footpaths are lit only by flame torches, which give very limited illumination. Most guests carry with them the provided halogen torches on the short walk from their villas to the dining rooms for dinner. Villas and dining rooms enjoy electricity, but in the form of energy saving low voltage light-emitting diode (LED) and compact fluorescent (CFL) lights. A stay on Nikoi is a little like living in a blissful bubble of oblivion, a perfect sanctuary for city dwellers seeking a short escape from reality. There’s no internet connection, TV sets or newspapers provided in the villas. Instead of computer screens and goggle boxes, the beach bar is the main centre of activity and entertainment. This is where a group of young male staff like to have spur-of-the-moment jamming sessions and where guests gather for after-dinner drinks under the stars. Watching Tony savour his red wine after dinner, enjoying the strains of singing, guitar strumming and laughter that filtered through the night air towards us, I told Tony, “This is a really nice place and I think you probably have one of the best jobs in the world.” “I think so too,” he said. Yvette Ho is a writer based in Singapore.
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S P O N S O R E D F E AT U R E
SLEEP
By Bryon Verhaeghe
“Awe.... I wish I could sleep like a baby.” “Why am I having trouble with my sleep?” Most adults have difficulty getting a good night’s sleep and wake up tired. Let us go through the events of the night to see what could be the reason. The cycle of a full day reflects on the 24 hour clock. In biology this natural rhythm is called the ‘Circadian cycle’, a Latin word made from; “about + day”. Normally we are wide awake in the day and have deep sleep during the night. Our body has many ways to control routine events. Histamine is a powerful regulator of many body functions. Throughout the day it stimulates the brain to be awake and sharp, the muscles to be fast and strong, and the stomach to produce acids for haunger and digestion. If we happen to breathe in a toxin, it helps to produce a good strong sneeze or runny nose to clean and protect the lungs. Good levels are found in people who are alert and energetic. Our body produces histamine from proteins found in food such as eggplant and spinach. Remember Popeye eating spinach to be strong. Coffee helps to release histamine because it contains niacin (B3). On the other side; low energy, constipation, bloating, gas, depression and foggy brain can be related to low levels of histamine.
Coffee helps to release histamine because it contains niacin (B3)
Sometimes we take anti-histamines to stop heartburn, stomach acids, itching, allergies, runny nose, sneezing, hives, rash, bug bites, and etc. After prolonged use they begin to mess up our natural rhythm and we become addicted. All fluids in our body are kept healthy with taurine. It is collected from food by the liver and released by the gall bladder for digestion after we eat. This helps to relax us after meals and can make us sleepy. Being concentrated in the brain it also helps us to fall asleep. High levels in the eye keep cataracts from forming. Breast milk has a significant amount for a baby’s immune system and sleep. Body builders supplement it for muscle endurance and recovery. Without taurine we have hard time falling asleep. Nerves are like a telephone with instant feedback while hormones are like an email where the reply is delayed. Once a hormone has finished a function it triggers the next job. This timing allows the cycle of night and day. Day light helps to regulate and stimulate hormones. In summer months we have improved mood, immune systems and often sleep better. In the winter we help our hormones by eating turkey and duck because they have the protein that makes the hormones melatonin and serotonin. These two hormones counter each other for good mood and good sleep. Anti-depressants affect these natural hormones. Each of us has a natural clock that tells us when it is time for bed that is regulated by hormones. Once we fall asleep the thyroid releases lithium to knock out the brain and hormones to keep plenty of blood pumping from the
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heart. If the thyroid is not working properly we have energy, weight and sleep problems.
My day is amazing after a good night’s sleep
Thirty to sixty minutes after falling asleep the body starts the process of repair with growth hormone. Children and teenagers might be woken up with growing pains in the night. Adults repair and slightly grow to counter the possibility of shrinking with age. In middle age some notice thinning of hair, lips and skin due to low levels. Our diet requires the amino acid from protein called arginine for growth hormone. Nuts and seeds have high levels of arginine but it is destroyed by lysine in low fat dairy products. We have two peaks of testosterone in the circadian cycle. One in the middle of the afternoon that produces periods of the sharpest mind and the strongest muscles. The other spike is in the middle of the night for nerve repair and libido. The summer sun enhances the level and we are most fertile at the end of the summer. High levels of the good HDL cholesterol improve hormones but cholesterol lowering drugs take away from our sharp mind, strong muscles and sex drive. Eggs in the diet are a good source of good cholesterol. During the last few hours of sleep we have an increase in the hormone cortisol to fight joint pain and body stiffness. If one joint has a constant pain, a doctor might inject cortisol. Good levels of cortisol also help us remain asleep. People with low levels often wake up too early. Whew! Most people do not realize how much goes on in the night. If you would like some help sorting out your routine of being more alert and better rested give us a call. At Rebound Health it is our passion to fully understand a topic and attempt to share the information. The ‘simple’ science of life is very complex and can be overwhelming.
ALL ABOUT HEALTH
ACHES AND PAIN–
WHAT DO THE SIGNALS TELL? We can listen to what our bodies tell us and be our own health detectives. BY DR KARY LAM
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Everyone
goes through some aches and pain during their lifetime. Most of the time, these symptoms go away on its own and we don’t do much about it. However, when some of the most common symptoms don’t go away, we ought to take a closer look as they can be more serious than they appear. Always be on the alert, so you can be your own detective in tackling your symptoms, and help your doctor improve your care.
NUMBNESS IN YOUR ARMS AND LEGS If you think nothing of your occasional numbness in your arms and legs, think again! There is a good chance it has something to do with your neck and your low back and there is actually nothing wrong with the arms and legs. If you don’t resolve the issue promptly, the occasional numbness can potentially spread and lead to prolonged weakness and numbness in your limb, ultimately causing permanent nerve damage. The peripheral nerves supply our upper and lower limbs. If it becomes impinged, often when it exits between the vertebrae, the symptoms can show WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
up anywhere along the path of the nerve. Talk to your chiropractor or medical professional if you suspect nerve impingement is causing your numbness.
DIZZINESS There can be many different causes to dizziness. Some causes can be more serious than others. Pay attention to the different symptoms around your dizziness, they may give you a clue as to the reason behind it.
1. Low blood pressure. A quick drop in your blood pressure can result in lightheadedness or the feeling of faintness. If the dosage of your medication to lower your blood pressure isn’t right, it may lower it too much, causing your symptoms. If you are anemic or dehydrated, there is too little blood volume, and the blood pressure may drop as a result. Consult your doctor if you suspect your dizziness is related to your medication or anemia.
2. Ménière’s disease. An abnormal buildup of fluid in your inner ear can interfere with the normal signal of
balance between the inner ear and the brain. This can cause severe dizziness, ringing in the ear and the feeling congestion in the ear. Currently, we are still not sure as to what the root cause of Ménière’s disease is. As of now, there is no cure for this condition. If you think you are suffering from Ménière’s disease, you may consider limiting your intake of salt to reduce the amount of fluid retained in the body, which can potentially lower the fluid volume and pressure in the inner ear as well. A question to also ask yourself is whether your dizziness is accompanied by neck pain or headache. There is a growing body of evidence that patients with dizziness respond well to the corrections of their misalignments in the neck and upper back. If you think your symptoms may be related to your neck, consult your chiropractor to arrange for an examination.
HEADACHES Headaches can be a real pain sometimes, greatly affecting our quality of life. Primary headaches account for the majority of headache cases. The often
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ALL ABOUT HEALTH
PAY ATTENTION TO THE DIFFERENT SYMPTOMS AROUND YOUR DIZZINESS, THEY MAY GIVE YOU A CLUE AS TO THE REASON BEHIND IT. seen tension-type headaches and migraines fall under this category. Tension-type headache (TTH) is by far the most common headache syndrome. Rasmussen and Olesen found in 1994 a lifetime prevalence of almost 69% in men, and 88% in women. It is often described as feeling as if there is a tight band around the head. It can start from the base of your skull and travels forward to the forehead. A patient may complain of accompanying neck
stiffness or pain. Our current knowledge suggests a musulo-skeletal origin. When the muscles become too tight, whether due to stress or misalignments in the spine, they can impinge on the peripheral nerves, causing muscle spasm. If you suspect you have TTH, a chiropractor can assess your muscles and joints to see whether they are contributing factors to your headache. Migraine is ranked 19th by the
World Health Organization in all diseases causing disability. Usually localized on one side of the head, this severe type of headache can be accompanied by symptoms of nausea, vomiting or sensitivity to light. Migraines can be subdivided into migraine with or without aura. An aura is a spectrum of warning signs sufferers may experience before the actual headache begins; they may include vision disturbance, craving for particular foods and hyperactivity or hypoactivity. Research has shown that a migraine is caused by abnormal brain activity triggered by certain foods, environmental or other factors; the exact pathway is still under research. Currently, there is no cure for migraines. You may keep a diary to record when the headache occurs, what you have eaten and other accompanying symptoms to get try to avoid the triggers. There is a long list of many other different causes of headaches, including hormonal influence, medication overuse (rebound headache), or other medical conditions such as high blood pressure, meningitis, and lesions that take up space in the head. If you have concerns that your headache may be due to other medical conditions, talk to your doctor. The key to a healthy life begins with your body’s signals. Your first and most reliable guide to healthiness is your own body. Learn to listen. Your body is always trying to communicate with you to tell you how it is doing. Whether you choose to pay attention to the signals (symptoms it is giving you) or ignore them until the little niggles become full blown “conditions” is up to you. Dr Kary Lam is a Canadian trained chiropractor practising in Hong Kong. She is passionate about spreading the spinal health message and teaching the public about prevention and staying healthy. Dr Lam is also a Lecturer of the Sports Injury Prevention & Spinal Health course at the Hong Kong Federation of Trade Unions.
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WINE AND FOOD
GREEN TEA–
A HEALTHIER ALTERNATIVE If you need a break from work, sip some green tea as it would help you relax. Embrace the green tea culture and find out how green tea benefits our health. BY AZURE LORRAINE
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In the ninth century,
two Buddhist monks, Saicho and Kukai from Japan studied in China. During that time, tea was mainly consumed for medicinal purposes. Having learned the benefits of tea and having developed a love of it, they returned to Japan with some young tea trees. However, tea in Japan remained a secret shared by only a few initiated souls until 1191, when Eisai, a Buddhist monk, wrote a book on tea’s medicinal benefits. What resulted was The Kissa Yojoki, the Book of Tea. In the Book of Tea, monk Eisai continued the legacy of Saicho and Kukai and recommended consuming tea to boost the performance of vital organs, to ease alcohol poisoning, to cure a variety of diseases and to improve mental clarity. He also introNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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Fresh green tea fields with snow-capped Mount Fuji
duced different types of tea leaves and delineated the process of growing tea. Farmers started to plant tea trees in Uji, Kyoto, the birthplace of Japanese green tea. Eisai’s book altered attitudes towards tea in Japan forever; a tea culture was born. Nowadays, green tea is consumed daily in a vast majority of Japanese households. So why is green tea still so embraced after centuries? Studies from the World Health Organization have shown that Japan continues to be one of the longest living nations. What is the secret behind their longevity? How does green tea benefit our health and what are differences between various teas? Read on to find out more.
theanine, vitamin C and zinc. These are some of the vital ingredients to boost our immunity and health.
1. Catechin. Catechin not only eliminates free radicals, preventing cancer development and diabetes, it also helps decrease cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and decreases blood pressure. Most important of all, it boosts the overall performance of the intestines and organs. Scientists from the University of California have done studies on the interaction between catechin and a mouse’s brain. They found that catechin reduces brain damage after the mouse has suffered from a stroke.
2. Theanine. Theanine is known to NUTRIENTS Green tea contains vitamins, antioxidants and minerals, such as catechin,
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fight against depression, stress and anxiety; it is released to your brain so you feel relaxed and content. It boosts your
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focus and concentration and lowers blood pressure. For women who suffer from PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome), theanine will help relieve symptoms such as bloating, cyclic acne and mood swings.
3. Antioxidants. Antioxidants are essential nutrients to have in your body because they help fight against cancer, heart diseases, diabetes and help avoid strokes. They also promote skin revitalization and boost weight loss. JAMA, the Journal of American Medicine Association, indicated in a study by Dr Kuriyama that green tea consumption is associated with decreased mortality due to the reduced incident of cardiovascular disease. In another study in the American Journal of Epidemiology, DrToru Naganuma found that drinking at least five cups of WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
green tea daily leads to a 42% reduction in the incidence of blood cancers and a 48% decrease in lymph system cancers.
HARVEST Japanese green tea is usually harvested between two to five times each year during spring and autumn. The quality of tea is influenced by various factors: the location of plantation, its surroundings and absorption of sunlight. The best qualities come from those which are farmed and packaged in the same location. This will guarantee the freshness and quality control of tea leaves. You can also tell the quality by looking at the size of tea leaves. The bigger the tea leaves are, the less they have been processed. Unlike most green teas, the best Japanese green tea is not dried. Freshly picked tea leaves are steamed, which prevents oxidation and stops activation of potentially harmful enzymes.
THE JAPANESE TEA CEREMONY, LITERALLY TRANSLATED AS ‘THE WAY OF TEA’, IS A CULTURAL ART OF PREPARING AND PRESENTING MATCHA, POWDERED GREEN TEA.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF GREEN TEA Here are some of the most popular Japanese green teas:
1. Sencha. Sencha is the most popularly consumed tea. Subdivided into shincha and bancha, shincha is the first picking of the harvest usually between spring and early summer, while bancha is harvested in the later pickings. Sencha usually has a delicate sweetness and astringency. Sencha has a high level of vitamin C. It’s a refreshing choice for iced tea in the summer. 2. Genmaicha. Roasted and popped brown rice is mixed in bancha or sencha to create genmaicha. Its rich and warm flavor makes it the ideal companion to dinner with rich sauce and oily food. 3. Houijicha. Houjicha, a roasted tea of bancha or sencha. Houjicha leaves usually are brown in color, with a sweet, nutty and smoky fragrance. CafWWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
feine is usually removed in its roasting process so it is a perfect selection for children, elderly and those who wish to have a cup of tea before bedtime. 4. Matcha. Matcha is usually a bright shade of green and grinded into powder form. It is used in Japan’s tea ceremony ‘Chado’. It is popularly used in cooking and desserts in Japan.
THE WAY OF TEA Many Japanese people treat their tea as seriously as a French wine connoisseur does his or her favourite vintage. The Japanese Tea Ceremony, literally translated as ‘the Way of Tea’, is a cultural art of preparing and presenting matcha, powdered green tea. In the tea ceremony, matcha will
be prepared with fresh hot boiled water and stirred with a tea whisk until it is frothy. The ceremony is usually performed when guests are present. It quite often lasts for two to five hours. While most of us will not have the time to fully experience the way of tea in our daily lives, here are some simple steps on how to brew a perfect cup of fresh, great tasting Japanese green tea: ° STEP 1: Boil 100ml of water to 70100C depending on how sweet you like your tea. If you prefer your tea to be sweeter, reduce the water temperature. The higher the water temperature, the more catechin will be in your tea. ° STEP 2: Put 1 tablespoon of tea leaves in a teacup of teapot. You can adjust the amount to taste. ° STEP 3: Pour 10 ml of hot water to the teapot. Wait for 10-15 seconds. This steeping technique will ‘wake up’ the tea leaves and give your tea a richer flavor. Then continue to pour the remaining hot water. ° STEP 4: Depending on the types of tea leaves, let the tea brew for about 30 seconds to 4 minutes. Tea leaves such as sencha will require shorter steeping time while green tea with brown rice will require longer steeping time. For iced tea, simply steep the tea and let it cool. Refrigerate overnight and you will have a fresh cup of iced tea in the morning. ° STEP 5: Enjoy!
FINAL WORD No matter which types of green tea you choose, the health benefits that green tea gives you are remarkable. Green tea is definitely a healthier alternative to soda and carbonated drinks. Start experiencing the way of tea and feel the health transformation that brings you today. Azure Lorraine is the founder of Capra Latte, an organic body care company based in Hong Kong. She enjoys handcrafting and takes her inspiration from nature. You can reach her at info@capralatte.com.
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CAREER CORNER
3 STEPS TO TRANSFORM YOUR WORK INTO PASSION
Having a career transition is not easy, but it could transform you into a more positive and powerful person. BY BENOIT FOUCHER I was discussing about “How to make a career transition ef-
fectively” with a guest at a friend’s house warming party last Saturday. She is a lawyer at the moment, and she confessed to me that in depth she wants to do photography. “I won’t die being a lawyer!” she said with frustration and an eagerness to change. While we can discuss about the reasons WHY she, like many of us, resists following her real passion, as a coach I’m more interested here about HOW we can make the transition happen. Therefore, let’s dive
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into a “simple” 3-step Champion program that everyone can follow.
1. Be connected with the Champion inside of you. “I am talented for…” Close your eyes, relax, feel and breathe (maybe with your favorite music) and stay centered in your heart for a few seconds. Then ask yourself: what is my particular talent that I would love to expand more and that can serve the world? Please be gentle with yourself. Like everybody, you too have a particular talent (or many). Based on the work of Howard Gardner, there are at least eight types of intelligence (spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic) and we all should fit into at least one category. In order to know yours, you could revisit the best moments of your life. I can assure you that it reveals your best quality. Once you find your talent(s), you just need to find the way to use it to serve others! For examples, the “lawyer-photographer” was telling enthusiastically that with her photos, she gives people a way to dream and escape from the reality. On the other hand, when I was a tennis professional, even though I was making great use of some of my talents, I didn’t feel like contributing to anyone just by hitting a ball. Nothing wrong about tennis of course, it just didn’t make sense to me any-
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more. At the same time during this period of my life, I’ve been helped by many psychologists and coaches, and the more I could see and feel the changes in me, the more I realized: “Hey, what they do with me is pretty cool! I want to do the same with others!” Not the same talents are used of course, but this time it does make a lot of sense to me!
2. Build your energy level, Champion! If you look at the best athletes, they all have created an environment that helps them develop their skills. Today, Novak Djokovic (a Serbian professional tennis player who has been ranked number one in the world by the Association of Tennis Professionals since 4 July 2011), says: "I have a great team of people around me. I have unreserved faith in their instructions and I trust them completely”. Great success comes from a great foundation, and your entourage is a very important one indeed. My point here is to create all the conditions for success, and immersing yourself in an ocean of positive energy, no matter of your current circumstances. The people you are mingling with (coach, friends, family) is one aspect, the food you eat (including nutritional supplement), your fitness training (fitness, stretching, yoga…etc) and how you NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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CAREER CORNER
PSYCHIC REWARDS COME FROM DOING SOMETHING IN ALIGNMENT WITH YOUR PURPOSE, FROM DOING SOMETHING THAT HAS MEANING FOR YOU. nurture your mind and spirit (visualization, positive thinking, meditation) are all important too. Again, we all either gain or lose some energy at every single moment. Now, if you want to build a passionate career that is waiting for you, you need to maximize your energy already possessed. Why? Because you will meet on your path many challenges, limiting beliefs, lack of determination, loss of faith, just to name a few, therefore building this energy is essential. So, please take a moment to assess all the elements described previously, and see where you can do better.
ity to change. But that doesn’t mean we can’t, as many people would argue. What’s needed here is to start giving energy to our passion and talent. Yes, that’s right, to give time and attention to it! And if your first reaction is: “but I don’t have time!” Please think twice. It might be the most important decision of your life! The first step is definitely the most important…and the most difficult as well. Then, it comes easier as we become used to be out of our comfort zones.
3. Monetary income vs Psychic income. James Ray, one of the coaches that has
So, as I said in the introduction, this is a “Simple” 3-step program: reckoning what’s inside of us, building our energy and then taking action for our Monetary And Psychic income. I believe it does make a lot of sense. Simple, but not easy! Yes, there is a price to pay to live an exciting career. Of course, it might not always be easy (but maybe it will be!) if you decide to follow this kind of journey. Of course, sometimes you probably will have to take some risks. Of course, it might take some time (more or less depending of the time and energy you can invest). And of course, this decision and the others following will transform you as a person, more positive and powerful I would add. In the meantime, imagine the joy of doing what you love every single day: the satisfaction of starting a new exciting day, the eagerness to discover new possibilities, the ultimate fulfillment for contributing to other’s happiness. The world needs people expressing all their talents. Let’s go!
inspired me and helped me the most to take right decisions in my life, explains that there are two kinds of income: your monetary income is obviously the one you receive in your bank account, whereas your “Psychic rewards come from doing something in alignment with your purpose, from doing something that has meaning for you”, he says. Here, the sense of giving, contributing, living your passion is your fuel. Which one is the most important? Both! Monetary income gives you comfort and pays the bills. Psychic income gives meaning in your life. If you could be able to nurturing both, you are the Champion already. Now let’s be practical for a minute. Most of people can’t drop their current job to start from scratch a more meaningful one. Paying the bills or raising kids for instance can limit our abil-
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Former tennis professional, Benoit Foucher is accompanying people on their way to be champions in their lives. Certified life coach (Coaches Training Institute), NLP practitioner, registered yoga teacher and NASM fitness coach, Benoit gives concern to the physical, spiritual and mental parts in each of us. His website is www. benoitfoucher.com. WWW.ANIMAMAG.COM
S P O N S O R E D F E AT U R E
Scientifically Proven Body Shaping Results – The HYPOXI-Method® It might be difficult to get rid of stubborn fat, but a scientific method has been developed to put your body in better shape.
Want to lose weight? Are you a new mom looking to lose the extra baby weight? Do you have a beer belly? It might be difficult to get rid of stubborn fat, but using a method that is scientifically proven to achieve results would be much more effective. It is important that you get rid of fat in problem areas such as your belly and thighs to get the look you desire. Fat is burned faster and easier when the body has strong blood circulation. It is harder to lose fat and rid cellulite from the belly, hips, and thighs through traditional diet and exercise as those parts of the body have a low blood supply. The HYPOXI-Method® increases the blood circulation in the targeted areas to reduce fat, which causes your body to burn fat more readily. A study which was carried out in Germany recently has scientifically proven the effectiveness of HYPOXI®. The scientist confirmed that your circumference lose with the HYPOXI-Method® will be three-times higher compared to conventional exercises. So the HYPOXI-Method® allows you to burn fat, firm your buttocks, and even slim your legs. Apart from improving the blood circulation, this method also helps to accelerate the metabolism. The HYPOXI-Method® was invented in Europe and there are about 2,000 studios in more than 40 countries. HYPOXI® has been available in Hong Kong since July 2010. In Asia HYPOXI® operates studios in e.g. Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta! The HYPOXI-Method® was created by Dr. Egger, a sports scientist. He was looking for a method of treatment to target specific problem areas. He spent six years researching and developing the scientific aspect of weight loss. In 1998, he filed a patent for his unique invention – the HYPOXI-Method® and founded the company HYPOXI®. Through easy exercise that increases blood circulation in the targeted areas and following healthy nutritional guidelines, participants can begin to see effective results after only 6 sessions. Monthly packages consisting of 12 sessions per month are available. In order to firm-up your skin HYPOXI® offers a Dermatology treatment. Participants slip into a suit that accommodates 400 pressure chambers and lie down for a 20-minute session. This technology is actually combining the benefits of Chinese cupping and a lymphatic massage in a highly effective way. HYPOXI® is an easy and healthy way to lose excess fat. And it is fun!
HYPOXI® Hong Kong 8/F, EuBank Plaza, 9 Chiu Lung St, Central Tel: 25376637 Web: www.hypoxi.hk
ENJOY GUIDE
White Lotus Centre events November 2011
SOMATIC EXPLORATION MOVEMENTS - BASIC NEUROLOGICAL PATTERNS
Date: Sunday, 20th November 2011 Time: 2pm - 4pm Cost: $450 - limited space!
Date: Friday, 18 November 2011 Time: 7pm - 8.30pm Cost: DONATION BASIS
Learn how essential oils help you achieve spiritual balance in your daily life. Scents and aromatics oils induce one to honor and reconnect to “our true self” while bringing us back to nature.
Oceanic pre-vertebrate patterns series Workshop with Anne Cousin
“BodyMindMovement promotes ease of movement and supports transformation on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. The Basic neurological patterns (BNP) are potential patterns of movement inherent in the nervous system, based on the observation of life. Movement patterns are ideals. They overlap with each other and once they are embodied, they become a template for human development; offering the possibility of self-understanding at profound levels and the potential to initiate change both in ourselves and in others.” Mark Taylor, The Center For BodyMindMovement. Join us to share this journey through awareness within the deepest you. Water is Life, you are made of water, you are Life! Offer yourself the greatest tool to resilience against stress and improve your selfconnectedness. There is limited space so please register at info@whithelotuscentre.com.
SACRED OILS – THE MYTHOLOGY & TRADITIONAL USE OF ESSENTIAL OILS
Earth Girl Creations & White Lotus Centre offers an introdcutory course on Essential Oils.
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Essential oils and absolutes produced from aromatic plants have their subtle fragrance-energies that naturally lend themselves to use as anointing oils, natural perfumery as well as in chakra healing. Our exploration of the mythology and traditional use of these oils adds a unique dimension to their powerful healing resource. Include notes and your own personal perfume to take home to use. Topics covered: • The History of Aromatic Plants • Olfactory exploration • Creating your own personal blend
SOMATIC EXPLORATION MOVEMENTS BASIC NEUROLOGICAL PATTERNS Oceanic pre-vertebrate patterns series Workshop with Anne Cousin Date: Friday, 25th November 2011 Time: 7pm - 8.30pm Cost: DONATION BASIS “BodyMindMovement promotes ease of movement and supports transformation on physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual levels. The Basic neurological patterns (BNP) are potential patterns of movement inherent in the nervous system, based on the observation of life. Movement patterns are ideals. They overlap with each other and once they are embodied, they become a
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White Lotus Centre events November 2011
template for human development; offering the possibility of self-understanding at profound levels and the potential to initiate change both in ourselves and in others.” Mark Taylor, The Center For BodyMindMovement. Join us to continue this journey through awareness within the deepest you. Exploring movements patterns of Navel Radiation and Mouthing, tune into your “Gut Brain”, finding ease in your ability to taking in and letting go. Offer yourself the greatest tool to resilience against stress and improve your selfconnectedness. There is limited space so please register at info@whithelotuscentre.com.
AN INTRODUCTORY WORKSHOP SESSION SHOWCASING THE BENEFITS OF YOGA GECKO YOGA Adaptive Yoga for Special Children with Fezia Tyebally, RCYP Facilitator, CranioSacral Therapist / Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Founder of Amir’s Gym Date: Saturday, 26th November 2011 Time: 9:30 am - 5 pm Cost: $2,500 The purpose of this workshop will be to introduce parents, carers, special needs centre, and schools to the concept that Yoga can be used therapeutically for children with special needs. The workshop will be held over 1 day following the Radiant child Yoga Program and will be via lecture using a power point presentation and practicum. The aim of the workshop is to provide a
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window showcasing the benefits of Yoga in a joyful manner. In line with Yogi Bhajan’s ‘Happiness is our birthright” and for the special children to feel “Beautiful, Bountiful and Blissful”. For more information, go to www.geckoyoga.com
LEARN HOW TO SHARE THE GIFT OF YOGA WITH CHILDREN GECKO YOGA RCYP Level 3 TEACHER TRAINING with Fezia Tyebally, RCYP Facilitator, CranioSacral Therapist / Kundalini Yoga Teacher, Founder of Amir’s Gym Date: Saturday, 27th November 2011 Time: 10am - 8pm Cost: $1750 or $1500 if taken with the Adaptive Yoga for Special Children this same weekend. A certification course for parents, certified and aspiring yoga teachers, school teachers, day care staff, nannies, therapists, anyone working with children! Developed by Shakta Kaur Khalsa, a Montessori teacher and yoga teacher with 35 years experience, the program's vision is to share the benefits of yoga with children all around the world ~12,000 people have completed the training! This insightful 10-hour program is designed for all yoga levels/traditions and for all levels of experience with children.. Course recognised for CEU’s with public schools, therapy organisations and Yoga Alliance. For more information, go to www.geckoyoga.com
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2011
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White Lotus Centre events December 2011
RADIANT CHILD/ GECKO YOGA YOGA TEACHER TRAINING LEVEL I & II Date: December 2, 3 & 4 2011 LIMITED SPACE Radiant Child Yoga is a comprehensive program teaching adults how to introduce the joy and gifts of yoga into the lives of children. Designed by renowned yoga instructor Shakta Kaur Khalsa, it offers specific learning tools to be used with children of all ages, and combines lectures with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. At present there are only 18 individuals selected and trained by Shakta as Facilitators of Radiant Child Yoga. Jenny Smith is one of these Facilitators. Designed for anyone interested in teaching yoga to children.
BECOME WHAT YOU TRAIN ZEN WARRIOR TRAINING 90 MINUTES PRIVATE TRAINING WITH BENOIT FOUCHER Register now for 50% off (first 2 sessions) More information www.benoitfoucher. com/zenwarrior Zen Warrior Training is a personalized body-mind training to make you intelligent in your body and fit in your mind, or the other way around! A Zen Warrior is an energetic person with the will-power and courage to give his/ her best while remaining aware and confident at the same time. Real champions are not only fit, composure is an essential character which keep their mind calm and tranquil in any given condition. It is the ideal state-of-mind to find solution for overcoming obstacles. Train your body and your mind hard and smart. To experience it, contact Benoit 9651 8536 or benoit@benoitfoucher.com.
Radiant Child Yoga Programs offer: • Guidelines for teaching yoga to toddlers through teens • Yoga stories and games that ignite creativity and compassion • Yoga for children with special needs such as SPD, ADHD, Autism • Tips for keeping children engaged and focused • Adapting yoga for the school setting • Meditation and breath-work appropriate for children For more information, go to www.geckoyoga.com For more information on White Lotus Centre, please go to our website: www.whitelotuscentre.com.
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S P O N S O R E D F E AT U R E
Harakan-S offers a Feast for the Senses and features a “Holistic and Well-Being Series”
H
arakan-S, Japanese Dining Room (formerly Harakan, Japanese fine dining) re-opened its doors after a short renovation period that saw the creation of a new, vibrant and contemporary Japanese destination. The new and improved dining space enchants your five senses while offering a number of newly created dishes inspired by traditional Chinese wisdom about health promotion.
Mountain Yam with Tuna” – burdock has the highest levels of protein and calcium amongst all edible stems, it helps to get rid of toxins accumulated in the body and cures digestive problems and the “Fresh Lobster in Herbal Fish Soup with Soba Noodles” – this dish contains Dwarf Lilyturf Tuber which quenches thirst and strengthens the heart. It also has Sea Horse which facilitates blood circulation and is beneficial for the kidneys.
The Harakan name has come to be associated with the finest in Japanese cuisine and to emphasize the recent revamp an “S” was added to the name: Soulful food in a Stylish environment makes for a Sublime experience.
Harakan-S currently hosts “Ladies Night” every Wednesday where ladies enjoy a complimentary jug of Japanese Sangria, an appetizer to share and 50% off all special (sake) cocktails all evening when booking a table for dinner.
Besides the new menu items that have been introduced featuring creative and unique combinations of ingredients it also promotes a special “Holistic and Well-Being Series”, which draws from the traditional Chinese understanding of diet and nutrition. It’s the perfect place for the health-conscious Japanese food lovers and the menu will even explain to you why they’re beneficial. Two examples are the “Burdock and
For reservations please call 2882 8616
Harakan-S, Japanese Dining Room Shop 311, Level 3 Lee Gardens Two Causeway Bay www.harakan-s.com
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