Artinzene Issue 3 August 2015

Artinzene w w w. a r t i n z e n e . c o m

Issue 3 - August 2015 A RT ~ H E A LT H ~ T RAV E L ~ P OE T RY ~ E NV I RONM E NT A global magazine that creates community among creative, environmentally conscious people across all mediums and background

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Contents

ARTINZENE Issue no.d 21 August 2015, QLD Cover Image Photographer: Janaka Rodrique Makeup Artist: Penny Westwick Model: Liz Besgrove Publisher Artinzene Editors

ART Pg 5-21

Artinzene Graphic Design Artinzene Web Design Ray Dowling Sales & marketing:

HEALTH Pg 22-51

Artinzene Contributing writers Michelle Ward Penny Westwick Dominique O’Carrigan Suz Aki Cor Rachael Hindmarsh Rob Fortier

Editors Notes Pg 4, Body Art by Penny Westwick Pg 5-9, Dominique O’Carrigan by Dominique O’Carrigan Pg 10-13, Light Language by Suz Aki Cor Pg 14-15, A Day in the Life of an Untrained Artist, by Racheal Hindmarsh Pg 16-18, Are You Too Attached to Your Work?

by Rob Fortier Pg 19-21 “The Clean 15” vs “The Dirty Dozen”, by Rhianna Smith Pg 23-25, Getting Ahead at the Price of Yours by Rhianna Smith Pg 26-29, The Art of Yoga by Tai Hood Pg 30-32, I Know It’s Crisis Point, but What’s Really Going On? by Melanie Brockwell Pg 33-36, Organising vs Decluttering by Nikki McKee Pg 37-38 Sri AmmaBhagavan the Phenomenon, Moola Mantra, Meditation and Oneness Blessings Pg 39, Idolatry by Gordon Ray Pg 40-41, Learning to Drive by Gene Corbett Pg 42-45, There is Always Hope, by Hope Indigo Sylk Pg 42, Celebrate Your Raw Beautiful Self, by Hanneka la Strega Pg 47-51

TRAVEL Pg 52-62

The Mystery of Stonehenge, by Brendan McMullan Pg 53-58, The Journey Home to Myself - The Story Finder by Louise Moriaty Pg 59-61

POETRY Pg 63-73

Jet Age, by Pepe Moore Pg 64-65, Painting by Dean Cogle, Poetry Night at Dust Temple, by Andrew Mitch Pg 66-71, Poetry by Joshua Gorissen Pg 72, “Oh I Wait” by Jade Peterson Pg 73

Rhianna Smith Tai Hood Melanie Brockwell Nikki McKee Dana Love Gordon Ray Gene Corbett Hope Indigo Sylk Hanneka la Strega Brendan McMullan Louise Moriaty Pepe Moore

ENVIRONMENT From Ego to Eco by Caresse Cranwell Pg 76-83, Organic Family Pg Pg 74-83 84-85.

Andrew Mitch Joshua Gorrisen Jade Peterson Caresse Cranwell

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Editor's Notes We are nearing the end of winter and it’s time to come out of hibernation. Thanks for tuning in to the 3rd Issue of Artinzene.

This issue we bring you some beautiful creativity featuring Penny Westwick’s Body Art on the cover dazzling the senses with her underwater themed art.

Rhianna Smith looks at the benefits of eating organically and the cost of overworking. Nikki McKee shows us how important de-cluttering your home is and Brendan McMullan takes us on a journey to Stonehenge. Andrew Mitch shares his photography from the Dust Temple poetry nights and Pepe Moore and Jade Peterson inspire us with their poetry musings.

A big thank you to all our amazing contributors and readers alike. We aim to showcase new talent and share the passion of the people. Love your art, your health, travel , poetry and whatever makes you happy, spend an hour at least a day following your passion. Whatever fires your soul, that’s where you need to invest more of your time.

Please email artinzene@gmail with any questions, comments, feedback or enquiries about Artinzene Magazine.

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Camp 36”x36” mixed media on birch panel

By Betsey Gravatt

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Body Art I

by Penny Westwick

have been a fully qualified makeup artist for the past 2 years. I sort of just fell into body art. This is the second body art that I did - its all hand painted. My inspiration was drawn from an under sea theme, from pictures of under water colours, coral and fish. This was for an assignment whilst I was studying makeup. I had to create my own photoshoot and concept. I pretended I had a client that wanted to open a new family theme park on the Gold Coast with an undersea theme. It would include rides and under seal animals that children could see and learn about. This was what I came up with to go on a bill board in surfers and surrounding areas to promote this new theme park.

I never knew that I could do any sort of painting or body art as I can’t even draw so when I was asked one lesson to do body art I was really freaked out. I said “I cant draw let alone paint someone, i will send you my first ever body art for your next addition if you like with the story behind it.�

Penny has an Australian and international diploma in specialised makeup. She also has a Cert IV in teaching and assessing and teaches makeup and body art. She loves her career and has a huge passion for it.

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Photographer: Janaka Rodrique Makeup Artist: Penny Westwick Model: Liz Besgrove

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I love painting bodies as they are all different and it’s so much harder than most people think because you are not painting on an even flat surface. Once I start I just get into a very creative mode and go for it. I have been painting bodies for just over a year now and I also teach body art for anyone who wants to learn from my small studio at Tweed Heads South.

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I just love to create and feel free and happy when I’m painting bodies. So if you want to discover your creative side feel free to contact me for classes.

Penny Westwick 0412686809 my work can be viewed on https://www.facebook.com/ ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Dominique O'Carrigan D ominique O’Carrigan lives and paints in Mount Alford, Qld. She likes to use acrylics and also waters them down to create a watercolour effect. She is a self taught artist who found her love for creating at the age of 4 when she first saw the drawings in the book “Debbie learns to Cook”. Later she came across “Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain”.

She came 2nd in the IGA Arts Festival 2013 with “Despair”, her first art competition and has also with a collaborated on a calendar for the 2nd year in a row.

Dominique is a founding member of ‘Artisans in the Plaza’, a group of artists that meet every 3rd week in the month where they paint in front of the public.

Painting realistic pieces is what she mostly does, but she will give any style a try. Dominique is not afraid to be challenged, she’ll try anything. She paints what she is drawn to, whether it’s a reference photo, magazine, book, just life in general or a colour or mood.

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Are You Following Your Dreams?

Free Phone CONSULTATION

Do you think you have lost touch with your creative nature? Do you want to feel more Motivation ~ Inspiration ~ Direction ~ Encouragement ~ Clarity and Financial Freedom?

Release the artist within and discover your personal creative niche. Be encouraged to explore different art mediums such as writing, drawing, painting, design or through dance, drama, singing or acting. Learn how to express yourself creatively in new ways and to plan your future building solid goals that are achievable. We will also work with all areas of life, finance, health & well-being, family & relationships, Business & Enterprise and Finances. Programs are tailored to suit the individual.

My background as a Multi-media Artist has led me to become an Artistic Life Coach to share my knowledge, guide and inspire others to live their life with more creativity, expression and fun. I have a history of mixed media painting, graphic design, film, animation, multi-media, Michelle Lisa War ARTISTIC photography. I studied art in London and New Zealand, and electronic multi-media also.

Michelle WARD - 0427 833 097

email: artinzene@gmail.com

RESUME

LIFE COACHING ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Artinzene

Artinzene Multi-media

online magazine art ~ travel ~ health ~ enVIRONMENT - POETRY

0421 833 097 GRAPHIC DESIGN : WEB DESIGN : fine art : PHOTOGRAPHY :film : animation

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artinzene@gmail.com www.artinzene.com : ABN: 72667927542

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Since joining the Creative Entreprenurial Group on Facebook I’ve experienced it all! I’ve met some amazingly talented people whom I have become close friends with we equally support each other. I am currently in my first shared exhibition and I’ve had massive support from this group whilst I painted my 23 works. I’d post a partially finished painting and get feedback from the members...invaluable to me. One particular comment from Keith Novak really made my art advance. “Be relaxed and let your instincts do the work”. I have been fearless ever since am creating better paintings. I’ve even sold a painting in the exhibition! A huge amount of credit goes to Elissa who runs this page so well.

Dominique’s art can be seen on facebook: ArtbyDominiqueOC ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Light Language

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By Suz Aki Cor

There is an intriguing phenomenon emerging world-wide, involving drawing symbols of and-or speaking 'Light Language'.

The symbols drawn are similar to hieroglyphs and are often accompanied by elaborate colourful geometric art. Meanwhile the spoken language is soft and calming and sounds similar to First Nation American-Indian dialogue.

Quite often the artist or the speaker does not actually know the meaning of what was drawn or spoken. But it seems to be having an affect on both them and the viewer/listeners. It is almost as if it triggers something within us, that we can understand on a soul level. Instead of using the ego-mind, one uses the soul to intuitively feel a resonance.

One theory is that Light Language comes from the Universal Consciousness or perhaps extra-dimensional beings in other solar systems. And when we see or hear Light Language, we feel a remembering, because we were at one point a part of this Consciousness. Then we incarnated onto this Earthly 3D realm, to help raise the Earth people's consciousness, thereby bringing about a global awakening. Once a higher vibration is reached by a critical amount of people, spiritual enlightenment and a love for all things will be abundantly felt around the world.

I myself have two much-loved friends, who I met through the transformational music festival scene, who have Light Language involved in their lives. Billy Mccosker, who's soul name is Yesehe Na, and Bonnie Ross, who's artist name is Miakoda Magik Art (you can look on Facebook).

Billy both speaks and writes, plus creates Light Language art.

He explained that he aquired the talent after watching endless YouTube videos created by other speakers. The inspiration: many 14

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of his friends could already speak it. Today Billy speaks Light Language pretty much everyday, and includes it in his healing work, which has had some profound effects. He had this message to pass on to you: “It (Light Language) is my souls language, and I can understand bits of it, but its so expansive compared to English that it's had to interpret. I highly recommend listening to some of the stuff on YouTube and playing around with noises and singing.

This is how I learned to speak it. Lots of love to you all and many blessing. Hu yala lu na tu sa he ah ne- Translation: find the divine within you and manifest your true essence” I have included a sample artwork by Billy that really resonates with me. He offered this commentary on it: “It tells a tale about myself going on an adventure to discover my soul family and a special lady. The centre geometry is shield of protection and I channeled my Pleaidian and Atlantean aspects with these symbols. These are a lot of the energies I have just recently finished integrating.”

For the newbies, channelling means downloading information from cosmic sources. Pleadians are our space family in the

Pleadies star cluster. Atlanteans are our ancestors who lived on the since sunk island of Atlantis. Additionally, sometimes Light Language is also channelled from the Lemurian, Arcturian, Lyran and Sirian light beings.

Bonnie Ross from Brisbane, describes her Light Language art as all nature and spirituality related. As to where it originates from, she replied: “I always say that I am only the tool for the Universe to flow through, so I'd say my art comes directly from the Universe. I do tend to switch off when I'm working on my art and am most relaxed and at peace when doing so. My inspiration comes from Nature, Spirituality, Family, Friends and Music though. At the root of all that, it comes from Love”.

Included is my personal favourite artwork by Bonnie. It's meaning is open to interpretation, try to feel some kind of energetic shift inside you. If you feelsomething, feel free to email Bonnie and let her know. Also for a donation, Bonnie can draw up a personal design for you miakodamagik@ yahoo.com.au Enjoy you knew knowledge and go explore this phenomenon.

Love and Light, Suz Aki Cor.

Suz lives on the Gold Coast and works in a hippie shop. In her spare time she likes to create art, study spirituality, go bushwalking, go to music festivals and to become involved in activism of different types. Her aim is to bring about a love-based reality.

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A Day in the Life of an Untrained Artist

By Rachael Hindmarsh

I find it interesting that whenever I hear an untrained artist speak, they start by apologising for not being trained - I am an untrained artist, a struggling artist, a beginner, but ultimately I am an artist. I want to shout it from mountain tops so that everyone can hear - I am an artist.

I have no training; I did not even know I was creative, let alone an untrained artist until a year or so ago.

I remember the first time, I had not long left my husband (I am also a survivor of abuse, but I rarely feel the urge to shout that from mountain tops) It had been a terrible day, it felt like everything I had to do was an uphill battle and with no rewards just more hills to climb. I needed to escape the chaos in my mind; it was so full of hurt, pain and sadness, so tired of fighting, of building a new life from the debris of my old one. I needed some time out so I could breathe but how?

I haven’t been able to read for a couple of years, ever since I’d been diagnosed with Graves’ disease, I tried desperately at the start, since reading had 16

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Painting by Rachael Hindmarsh

art always been how I escaped. I would pick up a book, open it, my eyes travelling from one word to the next, not taking them in, feeling even more frustrated than before, I’d put the book down. I could not settle my hyperactive body much less quieten my mind.

So desperate to escape, to step away from all that is, even just for a moment, I picked up a pen and started doodling on back of an envelope and suddenly my mind

quietened, noise faded into the background and I lost myself to my doodle... It was bliss - from that moment I realised the power of creating.

I’m a passionate photographer, I love capturing life’s moments in motion, and I still doodle, I always will, as it helps to steady me.

However I’ve progressed from pen to brush, from the back of an envelope to canvas, I love to paint - am I good,

Painting by Rachael Hindmarsh ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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I’m not sure, people tell me I am, I would love to believe my work is good, often times I think it’s great.

I hope that the day will come when I will believe I am good, that my work is as good as they say, but i am not trained.

I would love to have an exhibition, to sell my work but I am not trained.

How could I sell my work surely the art world will laugh at me, mock me, how dare I think I’m good enough - I am not trained.

Share my journey as I overcome hurdles, celebrate achievements both little and large and finally join me, an untrained artist, as I climb to the top of a mountain, and shout for the world to hear ‘I am an artist!’

Written By Rachael Hindmarsh – An Untrained Artist https://www.facebook.com/pages/RachaelHindmarsh-Artist/393835500815108

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Photo by Rachael Hindmarsh

Are You Too Attached To Your Work

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by Rob Fortier

It would be hard living the life of a creative person if you weren’t passionate about what you do.

Having passion can fuel you. It can push you to dig deep and do your best work. But along with the goodness of passion comes a whole other set of not-so-good issues. Artists can be an emotional bunch. We express our feelings and experiences through our work—and sometimes, we get a little too attached. Sometimes that attachment clouds our vision and causes us to make bad business decisions. If you are running a business based on your artwork or your creativity, separating yourself emotionally from the final product is a critical step toward commercial success.

Here are 5 tips you can use to help detach yourself from your artwork.

1. Lose the ego. Whatever your career or role in life is, everyone has an ego of some sort. And while a healthy ego can push you to take chances and actually help your business, it can also get in the way. If someone doesn’t want to buy your work or read the rest of your manuscript, you can’t twist their arm and change their minds, no matter how gutsy your pitch.

Painting byARTINZENE Michelle Ward19 / Issue #2

art 2. Accept that being rejected hurts. You’ll never get completely comfortable hearing the word “No,” no matter how many times you hear it. Accept the fact that sometimes you will hear it, and it will always sting a little. It may hurt less over time, but it will still be unpleasant to hear, no matter what.

It’s all part of the process of putting your work out into the world.

3. Critiques are not personal. Sometimes we have trouble listening to and accepting advice about our work. It’s even more difficult to hear criticism.

If you want to create art for your own enjoyment, then by all means do that. But if you are creating work with the expectation that someone will spend their hard-earned money on you, you need to be able to accept feedback. Critiques about your work are not personal attacks, so don’t treat them as such. It doesn’t mean that what you hear is always correct or good advice, but be open to taking it all in and making a well thought out decision on how to proceed.

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4. Drop the defense/excuse routine. It’s easy to get defensive when someone questions you about your design choices. Just because you understand them doesn’t mean everyone else will. Perhaps your work needs a little retooling.

And using excuses such as “I’ve already spent a lot of time on this” are not going to fly. It also isn’t going to change the person’s mind about whether or not they like your work. The person asking the questions only cares about what they see in front of them, not the backstory as to why something turned out the way it did.

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5. Be willing to let go. As much as you may love them, be willing to cut writing passages or pieces of art or bars of music, no matter how good they may be. Just because it’s good doesn’t mean it’s appropriate for what you are trying to achieve.

So by all means, throw your passion into your work. That’s what makes your work unique… your thought process, your ideas, and your creativity. But remember, not everything you create is wonderful, and not everything you create is necessarily sellable, no matter what your mother thinks.

Rob Fortier is a certified creativity and business coach living in NYC. He can be reached via his website at www.RobFortier.com

Painting by Michelle Ward ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Health

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“The Clean 15” vs “The Dirty Dozen”

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By Rhianna Smith

Eating organic foods has become more and more popular in recent years. Buying organic foods is more expensive, but the health benefits gained are certainly priceless. I have been diligently buying my groceries at my local organic grocer for years now. Yes, I am one of those people that have accepted that $5.00 for an avocado is sometimes just the price you pay. Luckily my partner hates avocado and we don’t have kids, therefore I can budget 1 organic avocado into my weekly shop without breaking the bank. But recently I have become a major fan of the “Clean 15” idea, and it is saving me heaps of money!

The “Clean 15” are 15 conventionally (non organic) grown foods that are not covered in toxic chemicals. Apparently I could have been buying non-organic avocados this whole time!

Here is the list of 15 conventionally grown fruit and veggies with little to no traces of pesticides:

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

onions avocados sweet corn pineapples mango sweet peas asparagus kiwi fruit cabbage eggplant rockmelon watermelon grapefruit sweet potatoes sweet onions

Rhianna Smith is a Naturopath and Nutritionist practicing on the Gold Coast. She specialises in allergies, food intolerances, digestive health and stress support. She is also a very passionate healthy foodie, who, through her business Health and Simplicity, leads clients through Healthy Pantry MakeOvers, Healthy Shopping Trips and Healthy, Simple Cooking Classes. For more information on Rhianna, please visit: www.healthandsimplicity.com.au / Issue #2 W23 ArtworkARTINZENE

by Michelle ard

health Now I’m not exactly sure what a ‘sweet onion’ is, but a quick Google search told me it was a non-pungent, low sulphur onion and pictured a large white bulb with green stalks. Also, ‘sweet corn’ is just corn to me.

I’ve never come across bitter corn, or salty corn (only pop corn and baby corn!).

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health So the about-face of the “Clean 15” is the “Dirty Dozen”. When conventionally grown, the fruits and vegetables on the “Dirty Dozen” list tested positive for at least 47 different chemicals, with some testing positive for as many as 67. These are the ORGANIC ONLY items. Unless you don’t mind added chemicals with your salad. This list includes:

Even though I trust these lists, I still wash all my fruit and veggies (especially the non organic ones) with a natural fruit and veggie wash such as those from SafeGuard or EnviroClean. I also aim to buy all my non organic fruit and veg from local farmers markets- at least then I know my produce is local, hasn’t been in cold storage or shipped thousands of kilometres to get to me.

• • • • • • • • • • • •

For me, the “Clean 15” means pan fried asparagus spears, coconut oil sautéed red onions and thick slabs of avocado on sprouted spelt grain toast! It means an abundance of pineapples and mangos as the weather warms up! It means not limiting myself to 1 pink grapefruit (the size of softballs) per week, and savouring each little segment and the ruby jewels it contains! Happy days! I hope this concept made your day too, as well as saving you a money.

celery peaches strawberries apples blueberries nectarines sweet bell peppers spinach, kale and collard greens cherries potatoes grapes lettuce

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Getting Ahead for the Price of Yours

By Rhianna Smith

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triving to succeed in a busy and stressful work environment can come at a very high cost in regards to health.

There has been recent discussion in Australia regarding the rapidly growing number of overworked young people whose work-life balance and health are suffering.

Working weekends, clocking up hours of overtime, skipping holidays and coming to work when sick all lead to an increasing number of professionals in their thirties struggling with signs of chronic illness, fatigue and adrenal exhaustion. And surprisingly, this trend is not due to contractual agreement, but rather voluntary in hopes of gaining an ‘edge’ over work colleagues. The general understanding is that jobs are highly insecure, and the unwritten workplace expectation included hours of unpaid overtime, and the forfeiting of sick days and holidays.

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health Before reaching the thirties, the human body will take a fair amount of regular punishment without too many negative effects. Partying, drinking, poor dietary choices, not enough sleep, and working too hard can all be the norm for those people in their 20’s and early 30’s. But the damage often goes unnoticed until it is too late and people who have prioritized getting ahead in business can find themselves very unwell in their later years.

Numerous systems of the body can be affected when the priority is given to work and a balanced lifestyle is forfeited.

The Adrenals When the body is pushed past its limit in regards to energy and stress, it is the adrenals that produce hormones to keep us functioning. Increased adrenaline can cause frantic energy spikes followed by crashes leaving us agitated, moody, anxious and unable to sleep. These crashes also cause cravings for caffeine, sugar and carbohydrates. Cortisol is another adrenal hormone that increases to provide the body with more energy. Increases in both or either of these hormones will continue until a point where the adrenal glands are unable to continue the over-production and exhaustion sets in. If the adrenal ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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health glands become exhausted the whole body is affected. It can become almost impossible to get out of bed, let alone go to work. If this state is not properly addressed, it can last for years and completely destroy quality of life.

The Immune System The more we push our bodies the lower our immune system becomes. Lack of sleep, caffeine, poor dietary choices, stress and air-conditioning all work together to lower the immune system to the point where many people live constantly on the verge of catching an illness. Glands become raised, a sore throat might constantly niggle, and low grade infections like sinus or coughs can linger for months. Often instead of taking time off to rest and recover, medication is taken to suppress the symptoms and work is continued. This is incredibly damaging to the immune system as well as the adrenal glands.

Chronic illness and autoimmune diseases can result from this unhealthy state.

The Digestive System As stress increases, hunger signals decrease.

It is not uncommon to find a stressed business person surviving on caffeine and sugar alone.

Food that is consumed when stressed or over busy is not digested well. The stomach cannot

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health produce enough digestive acid when the body is in a stressed state. Food will often ferment in the stomach, causing bloating, burping, flatulence, reflux, pain and discomfort. This food does not nourish the body and energy levels suffer as a result of mal absorption.

Some people can lose weight, others will put it on and find it difficult to shift depending on their metabolism.

The Nervous System Over stimulated from excessive cortisol, adrenaline and caffeine, can lead to insomnia and sleep troubles. Anxiety and panic can occur and the nervous system becomes overwhelmed with stress. It can become difficult to relax, even on weekends and holidays. Depression is also a common result.

Instead of wanting to overachieve to do well, often an overworked, stressed professional will find themselves struggling to cope with an overwhelming amount of pressure.

This does not depict a healthy, balanced individual. Prioritizing your health and happiness over work is paramount. You only get one life, and how healthy you are really does depict how much you are able to enjoy it. Naturopaths and nutritionists are able to support your body during a stressful, busy time, but it is up to you to make choices to help yourself long term. Don’t lose your head trying to get ahead.

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The Art In Yoga As artists, yoga is the perfect tool to harness our creative energy while also taking care of our body and mind. By practicing yoga and meditation, we can delve into our consciousness and connect with our creativity, allowing inspiration to emerge. As Karen Macklin in her article, Awaken Your Inner Artist: Yoga and Creativity (yoga international.com) states, “Artistic expression can be deeply fulfilling, but accessing creativity isn’t always easy.

Creativity arises naturally in states of stillness and presence, which can be elusive when we are distracted by daily preoccupations and scattered thoughts. This is why yoga is such a gift for the artist. When we practice awareness in asana (poses), pranayama (breathing), and meditation, we learn to see—and let go of—the distractions of the mind. It is from this place of clear seeing that inspiration springs forth”.

For many artists, when they are in the flow of creative expression can work on a piece for hours on end, being unaware of the toll it takes on their body. Tight shoulders, a compressed spine, stiff neck, eye and wrist strain are all common ailments that can affect artists. By practicing yoga, tension is eased through stretching and releasing, the mind is calmer and the body becomes fitter and healthier as a result. As an artist it is important to protect your most precious instruments – your body and mind.

There are a number of yoga poses that can help boost creativity improving energy flow and enhancing concentration. The following three poses are a great start.

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By Tai Hood

Tai has practiced yoga for over ten years. She is a certified yoga teacher and her creative interests and background are in theatre and film.

Please visit: www.facebook.com/taiyoga.com. au for more information.

health Standing Forward-bend (Uttanasana) Helps bring fresh blood to the brain, while also relieving tension from the shoulders and the neck.

Stand with your legs hip width apart. Bend downwards with bent knees and place hands beside feet. Extend your bottom towards the sky while straightening legs into a comfortable position.

Exhale and release hands and cradle your elbows while keeping the neck long and loose and the head heavy. Breathe.

It is very beneficial to stay in this pose for at least two minutes. BKS Iyengar has suggested that if you stay in this pose for this amount of time, it can also alleviate depression.

Child’s pose (Balasana)

Artist: Ilia Chidzey - Visual Emporium

A wonderful way to relax and reconnect with your child self – where the imagination is alive and vivid.

Sit on heels, then lean forward and place your forehead on the ground (thus connecting you to the earth, this is a great pose for grounding).

Place arms alongside the body with the palms facing up, relax and breathe. Stay in this pose for a least two minutes.

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Easy Camel pose (Ardha Ustrasana) Any pose that releases tension in the back and opens up the chest is very beneficial. This pose is a fantastic way to open up the front of the body, especially if you have been hunched over all day.

Sit on your heels with hands on the floor behind you and fingers facing towards your body. Take a deep breath and as you exhale, keep chin to chest and push forward from your hips. If your spine is flexible you might feel more comfortable by allowing your head to flow back with the movement, but remember to make sure that your shoulders are back and you are squeezing the shoulder blades together. This will open your chest, especially your heart and lungs bringing fresh oxygen to your body.

If you marry these asanas with some deep-breathing exercises and meditation you will relax, strengthen your mind-body connection, and find it easier to focus. Enjoy.

Please note: Before embarking on this practice, please make sure you are able to do so: check with your doctor, or health care professional, before starting any yoga practice. While care has been taken in compiling the guidance in this article we cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from your practice of yoga.

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"I Know it's Crisis Point, but What's Really Going on?'

by Melanie Brockwell I remember when we used to call them ‘ascension symptoms’ - tiredness, achybones, bouts of fever and forgetting the car keys. Then it was more than just our bodies.

We started noticing emotional chaos and relationship discord. Jobs and money started behaving differently in our lives. The way we felt about food and other people changed so dramatically that we could barely tolerate being around anyone who thought one degree differently to ourselves.

Nowadays it’s reaching crisis point more and more often with greater intensity than ever before. Naturally, we want to know what’s happening. We want to understand the origin of all this stress and overwhelm, so we seek the cure for our uncertainty and sensitivity to ...well, just about everything!

Image: Tree of love © Lilkar | Dreamstime ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Here’s the thing - how we talk about this stuff is not just important, it’s crucial.

When you approach a situation and label it a ‘problem’, you saturate the reality of that moment with opposition and there is no room for anything else to exist in that space.

When you approach a situation and allow it to guide you, the reality of that moment is founded in trust and there is room for anything to be sacred in that space.

This is not a simple flick of the switch. We have ingrained the way we approach life into the very fabric of our reality and left little room for anything else to be true. But if you are here, reading this, feeling pulled to explore what it would mean to be open to the sacred – then chances are it is time for something else.

The question is, do you want to keep the system you’ve got, or are you ready for something else?

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health a) I want to keep the system I’ve got and find the solution so I can live my everyday without the problem of turmoil, upset, sensitivity, uncertainty, stress, arguments, etc. b) I’m ready to try something else and find new ways to navigate what’s going on, so that instead of seeing ‘problems’ I understand everything is intuitive-guidance!

There is no right way. Whatever your gut tells you is perfect. After all, the only person who has to live with the approach you take is YOU! Louise Moriarty and myself have been working together guided by Spirit to bring about something special. More than just another way to ‘help’ you understand and manage your ‘problems’, we have created an experience that allows you to see through Spirit’s eyes, no matter what!

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Melanie Brockwell is an empathic mentor, eclectic scribe, oracle, sound-sorceress and spiritual linguist. Based on Gold Coast, Australia

http://everydaymiraclesandwonder.com http://howtobemedicine.com http://livingintwoworlds.com

Organising Vs Decluttering

health

by Nikki McKee

Ok, so you’ve realized you need to do something, but what is it going to be - organising or decluttering?

Will you give some order to the clutter or can you actually minimise the need to organize and take the step of decluttering?

Both organization and clutter have their place. Things do need to be organized so that we can operate smoothly within them. For example your office desk will provide a much calmer and clear space for you to work at once it has some order.

But if you choose to organize a whole pile of things that really you don’t need, it won’t be long before you have to wade through it all to find what you need and voila – the organization is gone! Organising becomes a continual (and tedious) task.

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health And lets not ignore the fact that organizing can be a big source of distraction and procrastination! We can easily get lost in it, it provides us with a sense of achievement and we feel good afterwards.

However, if you declutter first, what remains can often be much simpler to order and organize. You can then organize effectively and the organized state is much easier to maintain. You haven’t simply organized your clutter, but created more space with less to be organized.

It is the clearing out of things that provides the feeling of spaciousness. Organising provides us with order, not freedom or spaciousness.

To achieve that, we need to remove what was imposing upon us to begin with.

You can tidy things up, put things into order and feel good at what you’ve achieved. But this is only a temporary state. If you want a long-term solution and you are wanting to work towards creating space in your life…decluttering wins out.

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SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!!

So often decluttering is made into something big and scary. But is this really the case? The feeling of living in a cluttered space can impede on our ability to truly be ourselves as there simply isn’t the space. Clutter imposes upon us and is a pressure surrounding us that we may not even be aware of.

Simplicity in Living has developed an online course that cuts through all the myths and barriers of decluttering. You will be walked through 6 weeks of learning not only how to declutter, but how to stay free of clutter.

We are giving away a free subscription to the 6 week online decluttering course.

To be in the draw to win subscribe to the newsletter at www.simplicityinliving.com and email nikki@ simplicityinliving.com with your details.

Sri AmmaBhagavan the Phenomenon

health

by Dana Love

Moola Mantra, Meditation & Oneness Blessings Dana is dedicated and has a deep love for Sri AmmaBhagavan the Phenomenon. She is incredibly passionate about their teachings and principles from Oneness University situated on the South East Coast of India.

Sri Amma & Sri Bhagavan the founders of the Oneness University have played a huge roll in transforming her into a happier being with a higher purpose to life. Training and helping others her sincere intention is with the rising of higher consciousness for humanity.

Dana has a deep love for traveling to India, soaking up

the divine energies on these sacred grounds where Sri AmmaBhagavan live. At the Oneness University profound teachings, deep processes and miracles are being experienced guiding millions of people to spiritual liberation.

Sri AmmaBhagavan the Phenomenon Moola Mantra, Meditation & Oneness Blessings are being shared worldwide creating energies of love, this gift of grace you will experience that state of grace bringing you to oneness within.

A very beautiful meditation of going inwards, purifying and realigning the chakras with guided visualisations, sacred mantra sounds and Pranakriya.

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health

Idolatry

by Gordon Ray

I start off with a working definition: Idolatry is the belief in and worship of human creation as though it were God. Sports are idolised by many in Australia as are sporting heroes. One current advert here says: ‘’Life is a sport, get the right fuel’’ I hold that life is a necessary experience which must be lived as consciously as possible”.

The Bible warns us to have no other Gods before the one God. There are a growing number of people who do not attend church. Personally I do not think this matters. Church fosters a focus on praying, singing and listening to a sermon. But it does not necessarily encourage being spiritual.

Spirituality is a process that arises within a person and allows a personal alignment with God. Religion can be practiced without any spirituality at all merely by going through the various practices that religion entails. In fact by being absorbed in a religion may actually detract from a person’s spirituality.

A person may accept elevated music and a community of feeling and yet leave their soul untouched. People search for meaning in life and may accept those meanings easy to hand. Meanings such as got from sporting heroes and sports.

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This becomes their idol to the extent of being placed before ones own spirituality; it gives them meaning in life. Yet their true search is not really one that lies outside themselves. It is internal, within themselves that both the search and answer lays..

To quote Silver Birch: “Men and women devote all their efforts to gain baubles and possessions far beyond what they need and sacrifice the eternal realities which are the greatest assets the human being can have.” And again: ‘‘Those who worship things of matter are bowing to false idols.

There is no reality in them. Their existence is but temporary.”’

The slogan ‘Life is a sport” is a classic example of having a false idol. It provides one with a false sense of meaning and sense of purpose. Yet it is fully transient and God-eclipsing.

This in no way means that you should deny yourself a wide range of human pleasures but that you should be conscious of your true heritage and purpose in life and keep your life in perspective.

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health

Learning to Drive

by Gene Corbett

We are so excited when we find out we are going to become parents. Our focus is to give our bundle of joys the best of life’s rewards and opportunities, we want them to be successful and happy in all of their endeavours, family and life.

Then it comes to driving license time. Suddenly instead of the focus being preparation, safety and outcome, the focus becomes how quick, how cheap and to just get them their licence.

Yet this is the highest risk activity they will ever undertake.

It affects one in every three Australians. The statistics are terrifying, from the day they get their driver’s licence, their accidents spike a terrifying 3000%. They have four times the fatality rate of “normal” drivers and the scariest statistic is that 75% of the people in Youngcare are under 25 and there through road trauma. The prospect of that 2.00am phone call or knock at the door is all too real.

Image Source: http://mike.openphoto.net/gallery/”>Michael Jastremski</a> for <a href=”http://openphoto.net/gallery/image/view/26150”>openphoto.net</a>

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health Teaching a teenager to drive can be a terrifying prospect for any parent. So how do you approach it intelligently.

Total Driver has developed a program that works with the parents, as well as the students, guiding everyone through a series of learning outcomes, that prepares them as better drivers.

How much Better? Dr Andrew Petersen, through Griffith University has researched the core techniques that Total Driver uses and has shown a clear change in driver behaviour, that is reducing their risk as licensed drivers.

Their programs are focused on changing what is known as “Embodied Cognitive Skills” Essentially what this means is everything they do in our normal environment, that keeps us safe (managing threats and hazards) is what creates their risk as drivers, as our brain cannot process speed. Unfortunately speed is the first thing we introduce with driving. This causes the driver to have a very “Reactive” driving skill.

With the Total Driver program, they can see more, they are prepared, with better decisions as a driver. This is what changes their behaviour.

Affordable The Total Driver program is partnered with Certegy, that offers no interest terms from as low as $25 per week over six months.

At each step, the program provides a report of lesson performance, guiding the parents and showing what we have done, how much we want them to practice and the key skills we need them to practice.

For the parents, there is a mentoring program through E books and DVDs. The Ebooks outline what the parent needs to know with the supervised driving, Skills and techniques in every facet of driving .

Doing 100 hours of supervised driving is now easy. During the program, each step leads them through defined outcomes. From the very start with the introduction to driving, basic manoeuvres all the way up to high speed merging, lane changes, hinterland and rural driving.

They are prepared, make good decisions early and safe. Isn’t that the outcome we want to achieve?

Image Source: http://taluda.openphoto.net/gallery/”>Adrian van Leen</a> for <a href=”http://openphoto.net/gallery/image/view/21340”>openphoto.net</a> ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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health Not only do you have 30 Hours of your log book time reduced with the program. You also have the tools to take them driving and ensure they are going to be safe. Even after our program is completed, you use the tools, E books and movies to ensure they are practicing the right skills.

Top five key challenges around young drivers and their licence.

1. We all believe that passing the test means you can drive. a. No, this just means you have the basics of manoeuvring and road rules covered. It marks the beginning of the journey, not the end.

2. The Log book system means you have to do 100 hours of practice But who prepares youâ&#x20AC;Ś to prepare them? a. An old saying is Practise is fine, but first you must know what to practice. When we choose a coach for our kids sports, we look for the best. When we need a tutor to lift their academic scores, we look for the best.

3. The environment has changed considerably since we all went for a licence. So how are we prepared to guide them through to the safe and right outcomes?

4. What are driving lessons? How do we know what we are paying for and indeed, if what we are paying for is correct.?

5. They are to blame for their accidents as drivers. No the driving is a by product of their driver education

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Photography: Michelle Ward Driver: Amelita Ward

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TOTAL DRIVER PTY LTD A.C.N 91 169 830 077 A: 37/20 Cronin avenue Main Beach QLD 4217 P: 1300 887 352 E: info@totaldriver.com.au W: www.totaldriver.com.au

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health

There is Always Hope!

Guidance and Counsel from Spiritual Teacher and Light Healer, HOPE INDIGO SYLK. Hello and welcome to my page of hope. Through my own personal and professional experiences as a teacher and healer, my understanding is that life is necessarily about ebb and flow. We create and attract to us experiences that provide us with opportunities for Soul growth and development. That if we allow ourselves to trust in our own divinity, we can glean insight and wisdom from our experiences. So in order to affect change, we need to understand that experience begets opportunity and that opportunity presents us with choice. I am currently offering to help people with their issues and welcome any problems or issues that you may want address to be emailed to artinzene@gmail.com.

I look forward to helping you view your â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;problemsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; as rewarding growth opportunities.

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Celebrate Your Raw Beautiful Self

health

by Hanneka la Strega

Something I noticed in Cuba that I will never forget was the wonderful scene of women and men all hanging out in the street together. Women of all ages, shapes and colours wore whatever they thought was hot.

There wasn’t any particular style but it was minimal and sexy. They oozed confidence and sexuality. There was no self-consciousness, just a beautiful, playful dance between them, their lovers and friends.

I had rarely seen this kind of confidence in the West.

I had seen beauty and glamour but never the wild, deep self-confidence that I saw in these people. Then it dawned on me. Cuba is a communist country.

There are no billboards of young, skinny, airbrushed, “perfect” models anywhere. There are no prettied up and sexualized women staring at them wherever they go simply because there is no advertising.

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health What I was watching on the streets was the beautiful effect this had on the people. They didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what it was to not feel good enough because there were no images surrounding them telling them they werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

Unfortunately, in our society, we have become so used to seeing these images that it has become normal to us. Maybe we admire them and wish we looked like them or maybe we barely notice them at all. Yet somehow they affect everyone. Our brain takes in images around us whether we are conscious of it or not the subliminal messages is more damaging than we may realise.

With so many of these images going into our heads every day it is no wonder we have so many girls and women with serious body issues.

We spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on beauty every month trying to achieve this fabricated, unnatural image of perfection. The survival of many industries depends on us feeling not good enough. If we were comfortable in our skins they would go out of business.

Supplements, beauty products and procedures, magazines, media, diets and surgeries. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all big bucks. A harmful industry we have been led to like and support or at least accept as 48normal. artinzene/ Issue #2

health This has made us so self-conscious and preoccupied with our appearance that we have less time and energy to spend on the more fulfilling things in life. We have become so accustomed to this that we rarely question the affects this is having on our youth, woman, men and relationships.

While we are busy worrying about body hair and wrinkles we are not exploring and experiencing other, more important and interesting sides of life.

We all buy into it and I’m sure we have all stressed and spent in the name of vanity and insecurity at some point, if not frequently.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying that beauty and fashion are bad. They can be fun, wonderful forms of creative self-expression for those who enjoy it. What I’m talking about is conforming to an idea of how you “should” look in order to fit in and be validated as “beautiful” which is the industry creating and preying on the insecurities of young women.

This obsession with perfection is poison to our minds yet is has appealed to our psyche over time in such a way that we support it.

We pay for it. We demand it. This defines a standard we must strive to achieve.

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health But how can we define beauty? It only depends on which culture we happen to have been raised in. There were times and places where being bigger and whiter was desirable. Not everyone could afford to eat, and many women had to work the fields, so to be skinny and tanned was to be a peasant. These days, in the west, we have an over abundance of food so to be skinny is considered desirable and depending on where we live we are either tanning or bleaching our skin!

Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be great if the media encouraged us to embrace and celebrate who we are and what we have? Promoting wellbeing and individuality and inspiring us to value self love, health and each other rather than unrealistic standards of beauty.

Do we want to be a part of something that zaps women and girls of their power and confidence? Occasionally we may want a trashy mag or some foils in our hair and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fine! But letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ask ourselves what is driving our decisions.

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We are not dolls and digital designs. We are creatures of the earth. Let’s not cash our bodies in for consumerism. Reclaim yourself! Big, small, dark, light, soft or firm. Let beauty be on our own terms - an expression of how you feel at the time, not something dictated by the media. We don’t need an industry telling us what is beautiful and what isn’t. For beauty is, and will always be, in the eye of the beholder.

Hanneka is a health coach, writer and visionary inspired by many years exploring and observing the world, it’s people and their ways of life. She has certificates in Shiatsu, reiki, EFT and integrative nutrition. hannekais@gmail.com ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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Travel

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The Mystery of Stonehenge

by Brendan McMullan Stonehenge has been on my bucket list for a long time to go and see. This year I finally got to tick it off the list. I was drawn to Stonehenge by the mystery of what it was actually used for, how it was built and how it has stood the test of time.

As you slowly approach this majestic stone structure you have an overwhelming feeling of seeing something special. You can imagine seeing Stonehenge through the eyes of the prehistoric man. The incredibly immensity of the stones and how difficult it would have been to transport the stones and erect such as structure that dominated the landscape many thousands of years ago and continues to stand solidly after all of these years.

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When you arrive at the Henge it is a very quiet atmosphere and people just seem to just soak up the history through osmosis and not speak.

The central blue stones were sourced from Wales, nearly 200 miles away. This is the only place in the United Kingdom that they exist. One theory is they were transported by water and then rolled using massive logs. This would have been very labour intensive and time consuming.

It is unknown exactly what the Stonehenge was used for but it was a sacred place of significance. There are a lot of burial mounds near the sight suggesting the resting place of religious or significant people. There were many pilgrimages made to the site and there were also many rituals that took place in this area.

One such ritual was to celebrate the winter solstice. The ancient pagans believed this was the holiest time of the year. The rising of the sun out of the darkest day of the year.

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travel Modern day Druids still gather to celebrate the winter solstice at this site which is the shortest day of the year. I personally would like to attend this event.

My own belief is that Stonehenge was used as a massive calendar to keep track of significant dates throughout the year. I also believe it is a place to celebrate the change of seasons and somewhere they perform modern day memorial services.

Nobody knows definitely what Stonehenge was used for however I would highly recommend that given the opportunity you must come and see it for yourself so that you may draw your own conclusion. http://www.mikebouckley.net/ stonehenge/

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travel I grew up in Central West NSW in a small town called Orange. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve always had a passion for photography growing up and playing sports. Photography has always been away to express my self and I love taking portraits as its a great way to connect with people an capture a slice of the beauty in the every day.

As I have retired from playing Rugby I have found another challenge in Yoga, mental and physical strength in one, giving back to my body from the years of impact sports.

This year is all about travel and connecting with people and myself, India is my next stop in March Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll keep you updated with a travel blog at Brendanmcmullanphotography@gmail.com

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The Journey Home to Myself The Story Finder travel

By Louise Moriaty If it wasn’t for the great joy and inspiration that continues to resonate in my heart, it could all be some kind of fantastical daydream, a mirage - straight from the realms of the beat poets themselves. Richard Brautigan, Tom Robbins and Jack Keroauc’s blasted into the future with their test tube baby of an adventure. All captured in glorious iPad clarity, photos, interviews, videos and blogs, (working out how to get them all online from my new device is the next challenge).

I hitchhiked across the Rocky Mountains, through the Moab desert to Las Vegas. (I don’t recommend going there with no money). Throughout Colarado, and the whole trip I learnt the valuable experience of trusting; people, experiences and more importantly myself.

I attended Naropa University’s Jack Kerouac’s School of Disembodied Poetica and Love Shovel Ranch’s ARTINZENE / Issue #2

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travel anarchist free poetry school. Interviewed some of the great poets, street performers and artistic minds on the edge of utopia and living in intentional communities. (check out our podcasts on http:// everydaymiraclesandwonder.com and try out the first day of our eight week perfect present course free!)

For those of you who don’t know, back home I have been working with a Living Master. Ironically for those of you who know my fluctuating emotions and dramatic descriptions of my situations, I have recognised within myself a new ability to be okay with where I am at. To even, perhaps mostly consider myself a Living Master. Its not what you think, I haven’t miraculously got the outcomes I’ve been looking for, although if I died today I would know I had loved and been loved and I do now know what the Native Americans mean by it’s a good day to die, (mostly because of lying in the back of the ute under the stars while the Love Shovel’s fearless leader drove us home drunk, but that’s another story best left for another telling).

Mel, (the Living Master) and I designed the eight week Perfect Present course around my challenging her to explain to me how she: 1. Stays present and accepting of all situations she encounters 2. How she sees all people as perfect exactly as they are.

3. Her way of living oneness where nothing is outside of her conversation with the cosmos.

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travel I was desperate for her to teach me how not to see myself as wrong or incomplete, (until she told me I would also not be right and then I had to stop and think for awhile). So just before I left for America I had completed the eight week experience that we had created. I also received a grant to cover my airfare from our local city council of all people.

When arts funding is drying up everywhere Gold Coast City Council are nurturing artists to be amazing!

Crazy as all this seems, I feel more myself for it all. I have returned with no money and bills to be paid, (and this isn’t the unusual bit, seems we all come home from travels having under budgeted and under prepared for our return). The crazy bit is that I do not feel the least bit overwhelmed, daunted or depressed by this. It is all just a part of the next extraordinary experience in a long line of very fascinating experiences.

I keep following what is the loudest point for me and trusting the universe has a reason for everything, (even if I can’t for the life of me fathom it). And quite honestly that is another new way of operating for me, not putting so much energy and stress into worrying about ‘Why is it so professor?’

This path of Heart Alchemy that I am learning about is certainly engaging me in life in a more effortless way.

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travel with what we might call homeless people, but they call themselves well whatever they are in that moment. Many of them have made a conscious decision to live outside the bounds of ‘normal’ society. They sleep rough, eat out of dumpsters and bins, use their creativity and intuition to create the resources they need (which by the way just aren’t that many). They hitchhike, walk and jump trains, (yes just like the olden day hobo’s, although it is much more dangerous now). They use technology in libraries and rely on other people in some cases. (There are certainly enough resources for everyone if we could share).

They taught me a lot about compassion, trust and that there are so many ways that resources can come to us other than by having to labor for them by ourselves, (in the traditional ‘WORK’ for your livelihood sense of work).

At first it seems like they are being a burden on society and taking what does not belong to them. But what belongs to anyone? How did we have the right to own things in the first place? They are experimenting into a different tribe, creating new rules and stories that just may work better for the planet and other life-forms than the ones we are currently operating by.

So all in all, everything keeps bringing me back to what stories do I want to choose? Can I accept and love myself right now for the stories I am bringing to life in this moment in the way I react to my situations and own emotions?

Is there another story to tell that takes responsibility for my way of being in the world as a joy and a blessing? Is there another way to make the gift of me available to anyone who desires to live their life from a new story?

And on that note I go out to look for work to pay the bills. Is that what I am doing? Or am I following my intuition, sharing and being valued for my gifts and having an experience of life as a conversation with the cosmos.

Louise the Headless Buddha can be found all over the place. If you want to have an experience of what she is talking about check out http://everydaymiraclesandwonder.com. Immerse yourself in one of their mentorships or try the Perfect Present experience.

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Poetry

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POETRY

Jet Age

by Pepe Moore

Sophia feeling the warm breath of the southern ocean and the sunlight kissing fair skin. Looking into a clear sky as the new jets flying as their silver bodies pearce through an empty blue stillness.

Her dark room from a plain past with a predictable future, watching the new jets gives a fresh hope. There’s more to life than straight lines, and even the straight white trail of the silver jet floats into the shape of the wind.

Sophia’s dad’s hair is black like oil, Sophia’s boyfriend has white sandy hair, Sophia’s dad is tall and majestic, and Sophia adores Michael’s medium ordinary build, Sophia’s father like’s order and his way, Sophia likes that Michael is wandering but not lost. Sophia cries in the morning as she wakes to the parallel that her father and boyfriend look at her in that same steely gaze as she absorbs instruction, the telling her, a shackled choice. As if obedient conformity is the new modern woman.

Sophia’s mother loves to wear fine jewellery and Sophia wears the one trinket she found playing where she should not have been playing when she was ten and a half. Sophia’s mom loves the square even patterns on pressed curtains as Sophia loves to ruffle and mess on her bed before going to sleep, just drifting and dreaming of endless thoughts of walking with an overnight bag, with her trinket, to nowhere.

64 by artinzene/ IssueM #2 itch Photo Andrew

The silver cylinder with spanning shiny majestic wings with the white tail feels like her nirvana, the passengers are chosen angels and hero’s to go to their dream, the edge of the world. Sophia made it a rule, to never watch the silver jets land, because she feels the trip to dreams for the angels should never end.

poetry

Painting by Dean Cogle Photo by Michelle Ward

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POETRY

Poetry Night at Dust Temple

by Andrew Mitch

Poetry nights at the Dust Temple are filled with human experience set to words aired sometime with pain in public !

Bare souls standing not alone!

With empathic souls sharing the journey.

Many poets were filled with wonderment and warmth .

Camaraderie of kindred spirits dancing by the firelight.

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POETRY Silent strong wind As nature bends to the silent but strong wind. We sit for only a while but our soul connects. Touches that wind and nature. Our minds slow coming to ease with the peace that surrounds and emits from the sky to the blade of grass.

Crash and ripple Sitting on the shore where the wave’s crash and ripple, time and thoughts fade clearing the mind. Sounds of nature filtering the junk in my internal temple, lost in the present. Peace and serenity flow from the waters voice.

Darkness Through another eyes I am without me, no soul and no passion. Lost wandering a dark and lonely desert. A shell of a person; slow to reaction, speech and thought. Face without expression, eyes without fire of passion, love and laughter. Burdened by the chaos of mind, fragments firing and misfiring not connecting. Receiving nothing being given to me, loving me without prevail into the bottomless bucket.

Joshua Gorissen I started writing poetry last year around April and have written about two a week since then. I have 119 so far and I don’t feel as if I’m out if ideas yet.

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Photo by Michelle Ward

"Oh I Wait"

by Jade Peterson

poetry You can’t see me, but I am always here Eternally, patiently, persistently I am the epitome of consistency Without a need to abide by time or the momentum of speed I speak to your heart everyday Hoping, praying, with unconditional presence that you will steady your step, slow down, to contemplate Realign the Maya in your mind For I am the subtle voice of reason that whispers profound wisdom That bears answers to your baffling questions, The place within where contentment resides I call out to you from the depths, where you are afraid to tread, “It’s time to wake up”, for your soul is never dead For the spirit can’t be tainted by the shadows of the flesh Rejuvenate and refresh, Surrender and I will help you to bear the rest Oh I wait, I wait As suns set and moons rise Trickling through every atom of existence, forever present Invoking you through the beauty of creation Invoking you to abide by your truth, the essence of you Is this beauty not enough?

Did I not cast enough starry domes?

Did I not impress you with the tapestry intricately woven together The artistry behind every flower, The force that forms all life in the pattern of Fibonacci Strip your veil so you will see Humble your mind for the spirit to be released Surely you don’t want to slowly fall into human regression?

Oh I wait, I wait eternally, gratefully Hoping I will make an impression Having blind faith that you will wake up And sit with me one day.

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Environment

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ENVIRONMENT

Making the Shift From Ego to Eco

By Caresse Cranwell What is being reflected to us in the social field when it comes to Leadership?

In the political arena leaders seem to be modeling old paradigm modes of thinking and behaving. Brandishing their egos like sabers they try to cut down their political foes in constant and ferocious battles for the supremacy of their ideologies. They bludgeon the masses with odious repetition, soundbite wars that hide covert agendas.

They indulge in character and career assassinations, chamber expulsions as their egoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s joust for personal and political ascendancy. It is a game of thrones that seems to belong more to the era of knights and dames than a post-modernist democracy.

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by Caresse Cranwell Issue #2

Caresse is an ecophiliosopher and ecotherapist who loves to engage with others in exploring evolutionary conversations. She is intrigues by evolution and is a founding partner of eCoevolutionaries.

enivironment

In pockets of the social and ecoentrepreneurial movement a transition is occurring to a new paradigm, a shift from ego to eco. Its a shift from the ‘I’ to the ‘we’, away from the expert all glorious leader to the alchemist facilitator who can garner insight and inspire action from the multiverse of perspectives and potentials. People are having eco-system conversations, canvasing the full spectrum of perspectives. They are working to cosense and co-create the future that wants to emerge rather than imposing the future they want to create. To do this they are moving away from egocentric perspectivalism and

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ENVIRONMENT competitive individualism, where people are driven to get their way, assert their own limited beliefs, perspectives or ideologies, in the competition to rule. The emergence of eco sees people waking up to how they are creating themselves others, life, their organizations, the world through their choices of seeing, being, doing, inter-acting. They’re also aware of how they are being created by their relationships. There’s a sense that we’re waking up to the experience of being part of a field of interbeing in which we partner the evolution of life.

The shift from ego to eco has us coming to see the self as a dynamic ecology. Our persona, our unique self, is like this bunch of identifications with ways of being, ways of thinking, ways of relating, ways of valuing that we get all knotted up around. These become the characters of our sub-personality system. We have a part that likes to control, a part who like to judge, another who loves to play and be creative, another who is empathic, etc, etc. We each have our own unique set of sub-personas.

It’s as if our personality is an ecosystem where part of ourselves, like small animals, come out to play when the environmental conditions suit that behavior pattern. We’ve developed these behaviors and wear them as spiky protuberances, body armour that repells or ‘amore’ behaviors that

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enivironment invite, flow states where others can’t get purchase or where they all too easily can such that we loose ourselves. We have an ecology of behaviors, ways of being and relating we have learned and turned into habits, which we employ to advance and defend the interests of our selves or to further our connectability. We are a dynamic ecology. Our habits, our ways of being, seeing and acting, are things we get knotted up around. These ‘knots’ both focus and limit our perspectives and our capacity for cocreativity.

An ecophilosopher called Arne Naess adopted an idea from Buddhism that we are knots in Indra’s net. Indra’s net describes the inter-connectedness of the Universe. A multifaceted jewel sits at each vertex and each jewel is reflected in the other jewels. We are bejeweled knots. Beautiful yet constrained.

Naess’ idea is that the whole exists as a “totalfield” in which selves are seen to be relational conjunctions or “knots in the biospheric field of intrinsic relations”. We create these ‘knots’ of being through habitually opting for certain behaviors and values. We can get very condensed or contracted, ‘knotted up’ around issues, people, ideas, ideologies, values. The shift from ego to eco

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ENVIRONMENT represents a freeing up, an unknotting, of the self so that we can be in a dynamic relationship with reality. Because we are part of and partner the becoming of this ‘total field’, which is intrinsically relational, we need to maximize out capacities for relationship. Instead of being collapsed around the identity structure, with its “this is who I am like it or lump it”, or, ‘my way or the highway’ attitudes, the ego becomes the conductor of the chorale of characters singing up the song of the self while activating the songlines of relationality.

The question is are you singing and dancing with life or do you get yourself all knotted up around things and so reduce your capacity to be in creative relationship with yourself, others, the world? The answer is probably both. The world likes for us to be both dynamically stable and at a growing edge. Negotiating that balance is the thing. The critical need, as I see it, is to develop an ecological ego as it enables us to live as a dynamic ecology. In this scenario the ego is choicemaker, orchestrator, conductor, CEO if you like. Taking a step further the ecological ego discerns choices of being, doing and relating, conducting the sub-personality system in its interactions with the world in ways that optimize flow and creativity. We are no longer looking

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enivironment AT ecology in the world out there and working to preserve it. We ARE ecology, we are part of and partner the change process. Our persona is a dynamic ecology that sits nested within other natural and social ecologies. We are continually in a dynamic exchange, changing being changed in a conversation with life. The conversation is about maximizing our potency, our capacity to act in co-creative partnership with the evolving field of inter-being, inter-becoming. The evolution of an eco ego-system frees the self from unconscious patterns of behavior that generate conflict and difficulty while enabling us to deal creatively with conflict as an evolutionary imperative. It brings the self into a dynamic conversational relationship with reality enabling the self to partner evolution and to be partnered in our own evolution.

What is the conversation youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re having with the evolutionary imperative as it is expressed in and around you? How are you in creation? Howâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your partnership skills?

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