Child of the universe 12th ed

Interview with

Nianell

-

Wayne W Dyer

South Africa’s

Louise L Hay

Angel

Hampers

FOLLOW ME – I AM LOST

The Labyrinth A Sacred Journey

COUNTRY HOUSE

N4 Schoemanskloof Rd Mpumalanga, South Africa Tel +27(0)13 7333045/6 Cell +27(0)83 2293751 www.oldjoes.co.za info@oldjoes.co.za

The perfect stopover en route to The Kruger National Park, Swaziland and Mozambique The perfect destination for reviving your soul Old Joe’s Kaia is a small, quaint and intimate family owned and managed guesthouse in the beautiful malaria-free Schoemanskloof valley, Mpumalanga. The original ‘rest camp’ was started by grandparents of the current co-owner, Marian in 1954 as a simple cluster of beautiful rondavels. Through the years the rest camp developed character as many personalities contributed to its growth and development as a full-blown guesthouse.

Old Joe’s Kaia was finally returned to the family late in 2006. Since then it has had many refurbishments and face-lifts as the family members contribute eagerly with their various talents and styles, giving the guesthouse a feeling of depth and dimension. It oozes nostalgia, eclectic interiors and loads of history. The ambiance is romantic, laid-back, relaxed and beautifully enhanced by Paul’s fine ear for music. He tunes into the mood of the moment with unobtrusive but appropriate genre of background entertainment.

We provide an intimate lifestyle experience of harmony, care and excellence

Dining is further enhanced my Marian’s wholesome dishes from her beautiful kitchen, which aligns itself with the principles of slow-food as far as possible. Greens are always fresh and organically grown in the veggie house. The rest of the produce is sourced as close to home and from free-range producers wherever possible. The emphasis is on balance, variety and nutrition, always with a modern twist to tradition. Vegetarians and vegans are fully catered for.

The gardens are lush and tropical with many pathways, nooks and crannies. Over sixty indigenous trees are marked, while the bird list for the area boasts close to 250 birds. The property is furthermore blessed with a beautiful labyrinth in the lower end of the forest. Here guests find the quiet time and tranquility they need for meditation, reflection and soul searching. Dale’s keen eye for detail ensures a sense of nurturing, while his youth and creative free spirit bring about a quirky and modern touch to many areas of the property. His keen interest in renewable energy keeps the rest of the guesthouse on track with its greening and RRR policy.

Old Joe’s Kaia is a haven, a place of retreat, an escape from a world of pressure and stress, isolated from external influences. Here harmony, peace and tranquility reign in an environment of true hospitality. Paul, Marian and Dale can’t wait to meet you!

GPS co-ordinates: S

25˚ 23.096’ E 30˚ 32.395’

12th

Edition – SUMMER 2015

CONTENTS THE FULL MONTE – Montessori Method IN THE FLESH – Nianell & Eric Richardson COWBOYS & ANGELS – All about our kids BODY & SOUL – All about US! POWER WOMEN – Make a Difference WELLNESS WARRIORS – keeping healthy READING – healthy passtimes for the whole family SPECIAL TREAT: WAYNE VISSER is allowing Child of the Universe to publish his parable called FOLLOW ME – I AM LOST. We will be doing it chapter by chapter.

TEAM LINDA JARDIM NAVON – Editor, Owner & Publisher CJ STOTT MATTICKS – National Marketing & Sales HILDA DE LA ROSA – Travelling Features Editor ARIZONA QUINN – Writer, Researcher & Admin

COVER NIANELL

As always, the beautiful Carmen Ché and her Dada, Vincent Jardim. xXx

EDITORS LETTER Hello Children of the Universe Firstly I would like to say how honoured Child of the Universe is to have Nianell grace our pages with her electric energy and beauty We were invited to one of her shows, and all I can say is that it was the next most stirring event in the last three years, to that of watching my grand daughter’s birth.

Trusting that this long over-due edition finds you all well and back at what you love doing most. If you don’t love your job, then it’s seriously time to make that change. Take that leap of faith!

I am watching so many people around me just packing up and following their dreams. True, its not always practical, however I believe that if there is a will, there is a way (my Mom – bless her cotton socks – would have said “If there’s a Will, there’s a dead body"!) She always was rather quirky.

Hilda has taken a sabbatical and is travelling the world. Sadly her man passed away unexpectedly a few months ago, so she is doing the EAT, PRAY, LOVE thing. She does keep in touch with her wild tales of India.

You will notice that we have combined the Montessori and the Conscious Lifestyle Magazines for this issue – no reason other than being under major pressure.

Straight after this letter, I have taken the liberty of ‘introducing’ you to James, who needs help with his treatment. Please read up on the next page. These topics will be featured in upcoming issues.

We are always open to new or established writer’s joining our team if you think that you fit the profile of our readers. Please just drop me a line.

Until the next edition, JUST GO FOR IT!

With Love, Linda www.childoftheuniverse.co.za

Dear Teachers and Parents I would like to invite you to two 90 minute talks that are being given on Tues 17th & Wed 18th Feb at 6:30pm at Radford House (225 Cornelis Str, Fairlands) on "The Gift of Dyslexia" and "Attention Mastery for ADHD and ADD" respectively, which will be presented by, I believe, the leading authority on the matter - Axel Gudmundsson.

He has been a senior Davis Facilitator for the passed 10 years and has corrected thousands of adults and children with Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia, ADD & ADHD and Autism.

The tickets cost R100 per talk and 100% of the funds are going towards a friend's child's treatment with Axel.

This child is 10 years old and is Autistic, Dyslexic and has ADD. Please support us. Spread the word and invite friends and family who will benefit from such a talk.

You will not be sorry.

The talks are life changing!

Please contact me to purchase your tickets.

(See www.gifteddyslexic.com for more info) Regards Val van der Berg TINA COWLEY READING CENTRE Reading Therapist & Whole Brain Practitioner 1062 Olivewood Estate, Christo Avenue, Olivedale Cell: 082 444 0157 Fax: 086 585 1771 Email: tinacowleydoug@gmail.com Website: www.tinacowley.co.za

THE FULL MONTE BASED ON THE TEACHINGS OF MARIA MONTESSORI “Follow the Child”

 What is DoodleEscape?  Montessori Frequently asked Questions  A Montessori teacher’s experience – by Jacqui Price  Darren’s Story – by Sharon Caldwell

The magic of doodling

By Michelle Joubert

Have you ever wondered why you doodle? As a kid, did your teacher stop you from doodling because it showed that you weren’t listening in the class? Well the joke is in on the teacher, research by neuroscientists has shown that we absorb more information whilst doodling as well retaining information as we turn the information into a visual information board through doodling.

Doodling has also been shown to increase memory, focus and productivity in general, as well as an effective stress release and calming technique to use.

Children learn about their world, social interaction and themselves in relation to their world through play and creativity. Yet in today’s world we are too quick to stop their creativity, their play. We tell them to pack up their creativity just when they are half way through it.

When we create something, we might leave it for a little while to go back to at a later stage. However, kids are asked to tidy up and stop their creativity. They often do not have the luxury of coming back to it at a later stage to tweak it, or add another dimension to their creation, and in this the art of creating is being lost. The art of thinking out of the box, of being able to creatively find solutions, of being able to use a mistake and redesign the creation and of being proud of them for what they have created, and recognising their uniqueness, is being lost.

Doodling allows kids and adults Doodling allows them to tap into all of this, to encourage the creativity that is abundant in each one of us. Doodling for kids and adults is the same; it is a non-judgemental form as it is whatever you wish to draw instead of a formal art form.

to tap into their creativity in a non-judgemental forum.

Through doodling, you connect to your right brain and your spirit –

which in turn reveals your inner Through Doodling you connect to your right brain and your world. spirit, so the doodling you do is revealing your inner world, of how you are feeling. It is a perfect way for a child to express their feelings and for them to work through events happening in their world in a subconscious way.

In all the DoodlEscape and DoodlEkids sessions, I offer insights into the doodles of each person if they want, and for parents it is often a glimpse into how their child is feeling and coping with their world in general.

For more information, contact Michelle at mich.joubert@vodamail.co.za or DoodlEscape & DoodlEkids:

www.michellejoubert.co.za

PHONE: (011) 805-3449

or MOBILE: 082 644 6965

sales@montessorisupplier.co.za

www.montessorisupplier.co.za

Frequently Asked Questions Is Montessori religious? (Is it some kind of cult?)

According to Google, these are the two most frequently asked questions about Montessori. The answer is no. Maria Montessori was a deeply spiritual Catholic, but Montessori education does not in itself have a religious orientation. Religious Montessori schools do exist, and some Catholic Montessori schools use a Montessori approach to religious education called the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd.

As for being a cult, it is true that Montessori was founded by a charismatic leader and inspires passionate believers. Needless to say, it does not engage mind control, manipulation, exploitation, or any other cultlike behaviours.

Isn’t Montessori too rigid? Aren’t the children required to use the materials in a certain way?

Montessori was founded on the principle of liberty, at a time when education was much more rigid than today. In 1912 she wrote, “The fundamental principle of scientific pedagogy must be, indeed, the liberty of the pupil.” The hallmark of a Montessori classroom is children choosing their own work and working with it to their own sense of satisfaction and completion. It is true that the materials and lessons are given with a great deal of precision, and that a teacher might intervene if materials are being used inappropriately, but the goal always is to open the way for free exploration and learning.

Isn’t Montessori too open-ended? How can children learn if they just do whatever they want?

It’s curious that Montessori is thought of as “too rigid” and “too free” at the same time. Children in Montessori schools do have a lot of choice—but the choices available are exceptionally well thought-out, and based on over one hundred years of observation and refinement.

Is Montessori only for families who can afford it?

Montessori’s first classroom served poor children in Rome at public expense. Today, tuition at private Montessori schools is typically competitive with other nearby programs, and many schools offer needbased financial aid. Montessori is increasingly available in public and charter schools. Montessori programs are offered in very poor communities in Kenya, Haiti, Australia, and elsewhere.

Taken with thanks from The Montessori Observer.com

our children are the most precious gifts entrusted to us

Jacqui Price CEO of SAMA From my own personal school experiences, if anyone told me that I would be a teacher one day, I would never have believed them. I intensely disliked the regime of school and the only good memories were my participation in drama, art, interact and sports. Yes, all activities outside of the classroom!

So why am I a teacher today? One of my sisters encouraged me to enrol my daughter in a Montessori preschool and there I observed such a vastly different way Montessori adults interacted with the children calm, respectful and humble with a genuine interest in each child. It was a huge turning point in my life. I immediately began my studies to be a Montessori directress and have never looked back.

I enjoy observing the parents journey alongside their children, even when I am weary with their challenging misunderstandings of doing “too much” for their children, depriving their children at times of the simplest of learning opportunities. I love that I get to know each child over a span of three years, allowing beneficial relationships between us all. Our class is a community of personalities of differing ages and abilities. From one minute to the next, you can move from a meaningful and relevant conversation with a six year old to bouncing around in a movement lesson with a couple of three year olds.

I observed the Montessori adults interacting with the children with genuine interest & respect

A demanding and unpredictable occupation needs daily self-reflection and personal preparation. Children are vastly different and they constantly bring new and exciting encounters. What works one year, may not necessarily work another year (or the next week). Montessori is a multi-layered approach and one has to be constantly mindful of the huge task Maria Montessori set us as adults amongst children. One has to let go of our own perceptions and prejudices and see the world through the eyes of the children.

Our days are spontaneous; loud one moment and calm another. It is just like running a home with a big family, ensuring that the children are being offered exactly what they need at the right time, to looking for new songs, art ideas, food for the pets, sewing new cloths, finding items of interest or making classroom resources, the list is endless. And I love it!

“Plainly, the environment must be a living one, directed by a higher intelligence, arranged by an adult who is prepared for his mission.” Maria Montessori Jacquelyn Price is a wannabe granny, manages her own Montessori school in Cape Town, loves her husband, is a dedicated president of the South African Montessori Association and is driven to see good Montessori childcare practices in action.

Inclusion means adapting the environment to meet the needs of the child - Darren’s Story Darren (not his real name) has cerebral palsy. He was four years old when he came to our school.

Although he was a pleasant child and tried to please, he had a very low level of concentration and had a tendency to wander off outside while holding pieces of materials.

This posed quite a challenge to us as our environment allowed free flow of children between indoors and out. Materials went missing (luckily most were found scattered around the lawn).

He also tended to chew things, and tooth marks appeared on the Geometric Solids. We discovered that Darren had a fascination for anything that turned, or could be swung. Our pencil sharpener couldn’t stand the use and eventually fell apart. He particularly enjoyed opening faucets (but strangely was not interested in closing them!)

I was at my wits end when my brother, an Anthroposophic Art Therapist and guide at an Experiential Museum, suggested some special materials and actitivities. Among the materials we made available especially for Darren was a wind-up torch – a flashlight where the battery is recharged by winding. Darren loved this and would spend hours spinning the handle to get the light to shine.

Another innovation of my brother’s was mounting a huge antique fishing reel vertically on a wall so that Darren could turn the handle with big sweeping movements, producing a wonderful cluck-cluck-cluck sound that was oddly soothing and didn’t seem to bother anyone in the environment. He taught Darren how to spin on the spot holding some object that he could watch going round and round.

One day he painted a Chartres Labyrinth outside the classroom for Darren and the other children to walk, round and round – inwards and out. All of these activities seemed to quieten Darren and helped him concentrate.

After some time we realised that Darren was no longer spinning, but he was also no longer running outside with materials and had begun to choose work and was showing signs of, if not intense concentration, at least an ability to focus for a few minutes, and was no longer a disruption in the environment.

We discovered that as long as we placed no demands at all on him, he would potter around all day, alternating between various practical life and sensorial activities, and exploring running water, stalking the chickens, watching birds in the trees outside, or very tentatively venturing up onto the climbing frame.

After he had been with us for six months, Darren’s mother informed us that she could no longer keep him at our school as she did not have transport to bring him across town. He started at a regular day-care closer to home.

Soon his mom emailed me that Darren was very unhappy and disruptive. He went to four different schools and was asked to leave all four because the teachers “found him impossible to handle.” At the last he was sitting on the floor for most of the day bashing his head (literally) against the wall and screaming.

Then, six months after leaving, his mother was able to arrange transport and he came back to our school.

We were worried that he had regressed to such an extent we would have to start again from scratch. I took out all the spinning work and prepared for a few weeks of disruption. We had a school meeting and the other children agreed that they would take turns to shadow Darren until he settled.

On his first day back, when I shook his hand and said “I’m so glad you’re back”’, Darren said “me also”, walked past me into the room and carried on as if he hadn’t left.

Darren was able to find calm within, when he was in an environment which recognised him as an individual, and when he had adults and children who took the time to meet his needs rather than trying to find ways of making him meet theirs. © Sharon Caldwell/Nahoon Montessori - An anthology of Memories

IN THE FLESH

Nianell

Born to Sing

Discovering who I am.

Nianell Nianell is a gifted singer, a talented musician and songwriter, an author, and a stirring keynote speaker. A multiplatinum seller, she is often referred to as South Africa's version of Celine Dion, and has established herself as one of our country's most inspirational artists.

Nianell's music is a combination of folk, pop, country, and classical, ensuring that there is something for everybody in her diverse range of melodies - and she exudes the very love and inspiration she sings about.

My birth name is Sonia Aletta Nel, but I am better known as Nianell, which is my stage name. I was born on September 25, 1971, in the town of Omaruru, Namibia, Africa. Omaruru is a tiny village. In fact, it is so small that I was the only baby in the hospital! My parents and grandparents farmed together in the area, but that didn’t last very long, as my grandfather and father are both very strong willed, (I have to confess, I take after them in that respect).

Shortly after I was born, we moved to Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia, where I grew up. My father rejoined the police force, and my mother continued her career as a primary-school teacher. Both my parents were passionate about their jobs and excelled in their chosen fields. I am very proud of them.

Music was always part of our lives. We didn’t have television transmission in Namibia until I was about ten years old, so we entertained ourselves as a family by making music together — my father playing guitar while the rest of us sang along. By the time I was eight years old, my singing voice was so well developed that I sounded like a grown woman. Interestingly, we had a tenant who used to pay me two rand just to sing for him. I was born to write music and sing. I believe music chose me.

I went to two different primary schools and graduated from Academia High School in 1989. In 1990 managed to secure a scholarship to study light music at the former Pretoria Technikon (now Tshwane University of Technology) in South Africa. I was following my dream of making my living from music.

I earned my diploma in Light Music in 1994 and found a part-time job teaching music at Wierdapark Primary School. Although I loved children and teaching, my heart longed for the stage, and I was no longer satisfied with the small gigs I did here and there. Performing has always been my passion.

So I decided to take the big step: quit my part-time job and do what I was most passionate about. It meant saying goodbye to my small but steady income, but at least I would be doing what I loved.

I met my husband in 1997, and we were married on South Africa’s Freedom Day, April 27, 2000. Seven years later we were blessed with the birth of our lovely triplet girls, Kaeley, Jade, and Tayden. They were born on July 30, 2007, and will always be the biggest miracle in our lives.

We fell pregnant naturally after trying for just one month, and it was exactly what we had prayed for. (I still don’t understand why here in South Africa they talk about “falling pregnant.” Nothing falls—everything just rises!)

I had always wanted three children, but had never imagined myself going through three pregnancies, so I am extremely thankful for the way things turned out. I even wrote a song called “I Know I’m Lucky” just before I discovered I was pregnant. I believe that singing those positive words over and over can only attract more “For many amazing experiences into my life.

years I believed I was nothing without my ability to sing and write songs.

This put my sense of selfworth at the mercy of public opinion”.

Who Am I? Looking at all this biographical information, it’s easy to come to a conclusion about who I am: a 43-year-old woman with three children, and a successful career in the southern African music industry. I also always thought this was who I was.

For many years, I believed I was nothing without my ability to sing and write songs. I had defined myself by my voice and music. This put my sense of self-worth at the mercy of public opinion; I was nothing if the public didn’t approve of or support my talent. Measuring my

own value in this way, I had a serious uphill battle for many years, during which I constantly searched for and doubted my abilities and myself. I didn’t even know how to conduct myself in a crowd if I wasn’t there in my capacity as a performing artist. I didn’t believe that people would like me or accept me unless I could do something to impress them, and deep down, I was terrified.

When I look at my little girls now, I often see myself in them, trying so hard to be noticed and loved. They pull out every trick in the book to gain acceptance. To be honest, it never crossed my mind that I could just be. I always thought I had to do something, achieve something, or prove something to be accepted by others. I was relying on other people’s acceptance in order to be able to love and accept myself.

From the time I was very little, I felt that I had an important purpose here on Earth and spent the greater part of 40 years trying to figure out what it was … chasing after what I thought it was. The wonderful thing is that along this journey I came to understand who I am and why I am here.

Thankfully, I came to realize that who I am is not determined by what I do or achieve, or by the approval I get from others—but this is very easy to forget when life’s pressure is on. That is why I am deeply grateful to have my book, as well as the songs that come to me; they are a constant reminder of who I really am.

I invite you to join me on my life journey. In the process, hopefully you will discover who you really are and why it is so important to love yourself just as you are.

KNOWING WHO I AM Wherever she goes the popular South African singer/songwriter and celebrity Nianell offers this important, inspiring message: Every one of us should love ourselves. When we learn how to love ourselves unconditionally, we will be able to experience a life worth living and also inspire and touch the people around us. Then we not only make a difference in our own lives, but also in the lives of others.

In her first book, Knowing Who I Am, the acclaimed singer/songwriter tells how she has learned to love herself. Nianell takes the reader on a journey through her life, from being a shy, withdrawn schoolgirl to becoming the person she is today. Like most people, Nianell has had to face challenges, and she offers an honest and

unpretentious account of her personal experience of suffering, the struggle to belong, love, womanhood, being a mother of triplets, and being a star. Her personal stories, many shared with the public for the first time, illustrate how she discovered who she really is and how she came to the point of accepting herself and her worth.

Nianell's descriptions of her personal experiences will touch your heart, inspire you, and help you realize the value of accepting and loving yourself as you are.

Knowing Who I Am is an enjoyable combination of biography and inspiration. It is a reading and growing experience that will remain with you long after you have finished the book.

The book comes with a special bonus CD containing some of Nianell's most inspiring songs Available from Amazon & Kalahari. www.nianell.co.za

Nianell has recently done extensive Theta Training under the tutorship of Eric Richardson., pictured here. She is now a qualified Theta Healer who brings what she has learnt into the heart of her audiences. In a nutshell, Nianell is one seriously inspiring woman who can show by example just how much power women have.

Ed’s Note: Thank you Nianell‌ for your show, and for being in Child of the Universe. We are most honoured and inspired by your beautiful presence.

Eric Richardson is South Africa's first Theta Healing Master teacher and practitioner. An interfaith minister, transformational coach and author, Eric brings with him a wealth of experience and wisdom as a former high school teacher, lecturer in teacher education at Wits, and a managing director of a charity. Eric is committed to helping people to fulfil their potential and soul purpose. He develops workshops dealing with a range of issues and is available for public speaking events. His website is www.thetahealing.co.za.

A MEDITATION FOR YOU

Make Room for All the Good To Come Breathe in. Breathe out.

Breathe in. Breathe out.

Breathe in and breathe out and just let go of all that stuff that is stuck inside you.

This is a special day and we don’t want to carry any old stuff with us.

Put one hand on your heart and one hand on your belly. And as you breathe quietly, notice how comforting that feels. Be aware that you can do this anytime and anywhere to take care of yourself.

You can make yourself feel better with simple gestures and your own breath. How it calms you down. It lets yesterday go. It gives you a feeling of safety. You are here for yourself. And as you release yesterday and even this moment, you allow your full attention to come into this day, this hour, this time. Turn your full attention to this wonderful, wonderful day.

Let your heart open and make room for all the good of the Universe to come in.

All is well.

LISTEN ONLINE TO HAY HOUSE RADIO CLICK HERE FOR LINK

Cowboys and Angels

Headwise – A Swear Word!

Brain Gym – Babies & Beyond Kid’s Activity Ideas Let’s Spring Clean The Swinging Rope by Helen Hansen

Winner

NITIKA LE MAITRE

Congratulations Nitika.

You are the Flugon fizzy artist of 2014.

Well done!

"Your wonderfully curious three year-old has just acquired anew skill to gain your attention. He has added a very exciting word to his growing vocabulary – a word that he has observed adults use with a certain level of intensity and others receive with a certain level of distaste. A word, which once spoken to his peers, has them collectively sniggering and clapping their hands over their mouths in knowing. An attention-grabbing word. A word that just has to escape his lips and, the more emphasis with which he uses the word, the more attention he knows he is going to get. ... A Swear Word!

Typically, children are exposed to inappropriate language through the media and outside of the home. As keen observers, they view with interest, the interchange between the communicators.

When we wrinkle our noses and whisper the common names for elimination as we change our toddler’s nappies, they are observing us so it’s no wonder as our child gets older he latches on to the fact that common bodily functions and the words used to describe them are attention-grabbers – as are swear words!

The ability to make adults laugh or cry or angry is enormously powerful when we are small. Children will usually behave in a mistaken way – mistakenly behaving - in order to get the attention they need.

Some adults believe that calling attention to a child's mistaken behaviour will only encourage it so they choose to ignore these transgressions.

I encourage parents and teachers to respond promptly and directly to such behaviour, with the mind-set that we can't assume kids know how to act unless we teach them. When we communicate verbally and non-verbally with them in a respectful way, they will get the message that there's a better way to handle life.

Every transgression, when handled appropriately

provides an opportunity for learning and growth.

Through these interchanges, we equip our children with valuable life skills to transcend their lives successfully.

Do we, as parents and teachers, always respond to the actions and new terms our children invent or repeat in a way which builds and maintains their dignity and uniqueness? Or, do we react angrily and lash out in a way which is harmful to our child’s self-esteem, and our own?

Available to help you discipline in a way which builds and maintains selfesteem and retains your sense of humour is a deck of 52 beautifully illustrated cards each with a common discipline challenge and three suggested methods of disciplining in a positive way. Suitable for parents and teachers of children aged 2 – 13 and priced at R195 plus VAT and postage. Secure online purchase at www.headwiseonline2u.co.za or email doctort@headwise.co.za with your enquiry".

BRAIN GYM GIVING YOUR CHILD THE BEST START IN LIFE

by Hanna Kok

Babies and Beyond - How can we give our children the best?

As parents, we want to give our children the best, but the big question is “What is the best for our child?”

What do children need to develop optimally?

Today I am going to share with you the basics of brain development. Most people realise that the period from conception to the age of seven, lays the foundation for our life. So it is important that we give our children the stimulation they need in that time.

In this article I am going to focus on the brain development after birth. In a future article we can explore the phase from conception to being a newborn.

Giving our child the best start in life

We want to give our child optimal physical, emotional and mental development. In the early stages of life, it is important that we focus on emotional and physical development. Let me explain. The brain of our child goes through several developmental stages and it is important that we don’t skip any stages (by accident) because one phase builds onto the next one.

Dr Paul MacLean speaks about the Triune Brain, which consists out of three areas: 1) The Reptilian Brain, which consists out of our brainstem and cerebellum. This is our survival brain.

2) The Limbic System, which is our emotional brain 3) The Cortex, which is our thinking brain.

All information comes from the body into the Reptilian Brain. From there it flows into the Limbic System and lastly reaches the Cortex. When we don’t feel safe or we are stressed, our limbic system gives the reptilian brain the command to prepare for flight/ flight or freeze. Our brain goes into survival mode, whereby all non-essential higher brain functioning switches off up to 86%. We pick up any sound and movement, as they could indicate possible danger. This means you cannot concentrate. Learning has becomes physiological impossible!

For our children to be able to learn properly, later in their life, we need to ensure that their Reptilian Brain and Limbic System are properly developed and at ease, so that they let the information through to the Cortex. (This also applies to us as adults!)

The Reptilian Brain is the first brain to develop. It has its major development spurt from conception up to 1 ½ years and even up to age seven. In order for the Reptilian Brain to develop optimally, the child needs the following: Order, Routine, Regularity (this makes the young child feel safe)

The next phase is the development of our other senses. We need the three dimensional world (Not TV screens, computers, tablets etc.) to develop our vision and auditory skills properly. Only the real world can teach us smell, taste and movement.

The Limbic system starts developing around the age of 1 ½ and continues to age 7. Here we learn to form relationships with ourselves, the people around us and our environment. We learn how to deal with our emotions (The Terrific Two’s) Emotions play a very important role with our ability to remember things. The more we learn to feel safe, the less likely we will go into survival mode.

In conclusion: For optimal development for our young child, stimulate him through the exploration of the Three-dimensional world. So minimise the amount of time behind the TV, computer and other electronic gadgets. Please forget those flash cards or wanting your child to read and do maths early. There is enough time for that later.

Let your child move and have free play. Let him have down time, without organised activities.

Climb (the burglar bars if need be), swing, swim, jump, tumble and turn.

Those hours on the jungle gym; in the pool; on the swing; etc. is what she needs for optimal brain and physical development, so that he will be ready for school later.

Article Two in the next issue…

KIDS ACTIVITY KID’S FIRST MANDALAS

by Johannes Rosengarten Description Balls with swirls, an elaborate sun, a circle filled with stars within stars, a simple spider web--these pretty mandalas are just made to order for preschoolers. Each attractive pattern will capture their attention, stimulate their imaginations as they carefully pick the most appealing colors, and give them (and their parents) hours of peaceful pleasure.

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Let's do some spring cleaning with our children!

By Jane M. Jacobs

"The teacher shows the children

how to clean out the little corners where dust has accumulated and shows them how to use the various objects necessary in cleaning a room dust cloths, dust brushes, little brooms, etc.�

—Maria Montessori, The Montessori Method

In "those good old days," spring-cleaning meant organizing and cleaning the house from top to bottom. These days, we can apply the concept to organizing and preparing the home for our children's next stage of growth.

If you're like most busy parents, it's often easier to do it all by yourself. But, with a bit of preparation, your toddler and preschooler can do more than you ever imagined.

A Sense of Order Open shelves help organize playthings, which in turn supports your child's developing sense of order. The toy box is a wonderful storage place for big items such as stuffed animals, pull toys, or big trucks. But little items get lost in the bottom, making it necessary to dump out the box from time to time. You know the routine! Children can help with this reorganization and learn "a place for everything." Start by sorting out the items your child has outgrown - a three-year-old or older child can help with the decisions to store or pass on an outgrown toy.



Open shelves in the playroom and your child's room are recommended. Bookcases or shelving from the hardware store are easy to adapt. You might assign a drawer or shelf in the kitchen, study, or living room for your child, as well.



Find baskets, trays, or other containers for the activities that have several pieces or for items that belong together. Cover a box with fabric or paper to hold all the small cars and trucks, the doll's clothes, or all the art supplies. Put all the musical instruments in a basket that fits the shelf. Puzzles or stacking toys can sit on the shelf in plain sight.



You might put away some of the toys or puzzles and rotate them onto the shelves from time to time. When a child (or adult for that matter) has too many choices, it is often overwhelming.

The Closets Children outgrow their clothes with amazing speed. Spring is a good time to empty closets of not only the winter wear but also the outgrown items. Again, let's organize so that children can become more independent and take care of their belongings themselves.

Involve your child in this process. For the youngest toddler, that might mean showing him how to hang his bag on a hook, put his dirty clothes in the laundry basket, or fold the outgrown clothes. The older child can tell you which clothes no longer fit and help decide where to put what. 

A low-hanging rod allows children to hang their own clothes. Hardware and variety stores carry adaptations that make the rods easy to install.



Stacking baskets or temporary shelves set on the floor can accommodate caps and mittens, or socks and underwear.



Low hooks are good for backpacks, pajamas, jackets, and sweaters.



Shoes also need a place of their own, whether lined up in the laundry or in the closet.

House Cleaning Now the real fun starts. Children love to help clean, sweep, wash, and polish. With a little preparation, children can do it themselves, freeing you to work alongside them on your own spring cleaning project. 

Identify the task, whether dusting, window washing, or scrubbing.



Gather the needed items, perhaps in a small bucket or basket with handles. For example, for window washing: a small spray bottle with water, small squeegee, and cloth for shining.



Limit the task to an area suited to the child's size and ability. For example, use painter's tape to outline an area of window glass or floor that your child can work on.

If dusting, designate one shelf or corner.



Demonstrate the task step by step. Go through the whole process with as few words as possible. Ask your child to wait and watch until you are finished. Then hand it over so your child can do it. Try not to interrupt or comment, so your child can experience a sense of accomplishment. It may not be perfect in your eyes, but that's not as important as children being satisfied with their efforts. If another lesson is needed, do it at a later time.

Whatever the activity, it's good to work alongside your children. You are supporting their independence and modelling with your behaviour. By showing children how to accomplish one small task at a time, they will eventually have the skills to clean the whole room.

"It is important to notice, in passing, that these are real, not makebelieve activities and that they are carried out in a real and not make-believe environment." —E.M. Standing, Maria Montessori: Her Life and Work —by Jane M. Jacobs, M.A., Montessori Educational Consultant at Montessori Services. She is a trained primary Montessori directress and also a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has taught children aged 2 to 7 years in Montessori schools, Headstart, and also in a preschool for children with developmental challenges. In her counselling practice, she helps individuals, couples, and families.

THE SWINGING ROPE - A Tao Story of Sharing

by Helen Hansen

Swinging is David's favourite thing to do. His dad has hung a knotted rope on an old yellow wood tree at the bottom of their front garden. It floats in the spring breeze, lies motionless in the summer heat, twirls with the autumn leaves and swells up in the wet winter months. All the while remaining a faithful companion to David.

Every day after school David rushes to the yellow wood, holds tightly onto the dangling rope and jumps up to greet his plaited buddy. Some days his mom pushes him, other days he swings himself by rocking his body from side to side. Holding on with his legs and hands David loves to lean his head back and stare up at the tree above as he spins around and around. He says it is the most amazing feeling.

One day David's friends from next door were visiting. Sebastian, Mila and David played all sorts of games together by the yellow wood. The rope of course is included in most games. It is the door bell for the tree house; the den during 'catch' and it even helps the thief escape during cops and robbers.

Just before home time the children were swinging around just for fun.

Nearby the moms were chatting. As the rope spun around in big circles each child took a turn to jump on for a joyful ride. Glorious smiles, sparkling eyes and tinkling laughter filled the warm summer air.

Suddenly everything changed. As the rope moved to Mila for her turn David stepped forward and grabbed it.

"It's my rope," he said.

Mila squealed in dismay: "It's my turn!"

By now the rope had stopped it's gentle circulating flow. It was hanging limply, waiting to see what would happen next.

David began pulling himself up the rope holding onto it with all his might.

He felt as if his old plaited buddy was being taken away. David felt scared.

"Give the rope back to my sister," shouted Sebastian taking hold of the rope.

David kicked down at Sebastian's hand.

"Time to come in," called David's mom.

David slid off the rope. He was furious. Horrible words flew out of his mouth.

"Time Out!" called his mom.

While David sat in Time Out, Sebastian and Mila had their last swing before going home.

"It's not fair," moaned David to his mom, "they get to carry on swinging while I have to sit here."

"Why are you here?" asked his mom.

"I took the rope away from Mila."

"What stopped when you took the rope away?"

"The roped stopped swinging," answered David.

"Mmmm... and you stopped sharing," added his mom.

"But it's mine."

"Nobody is going to take the rope away," assured David's mom. "In fact, the more you share the rope, or other things, the more others will share with you. It's one of life's Golden Rules: Give More – Get More."

"I will try," said David. "I want to share. I like to share."

David kept his word and tried to share as much as he could. If he stopped and clung too tightly to one of his things, automatically the circle of sharing stopped. He stopped receiving from others, he was no longer included in turns and the fun disappeared.

However, when David did share his world became a happier place.

Remember to keep the rope moving and keep sharing it; it will always come back to you.

You will never miss a turn as long as you remain in the circle of sharing.

Our children are only ever lent to us.

We never know just how long we will be able to keep them for.

So kiss them,

cuddle them,

Praise them & hold them tightly.

But most of all‌

tell them YOU LOVE THEM Everyday.

BODY & SOUL EMOTIONAL TUNING LABYRINTH HEALING CRAP BAG ARCHANGEL MICHAEL SUNDANCER RETREAT AMAZING GRACE

Fine-tuning our emotional world Imagine that your television only picks up one boring television channel. Every day you try to watch another channel but for some reason your decoder just will not work and you are stuck.

By Eric Richardson For many people this is exactly how we live our lives – we get stuck in a particular “negative” feeling, like anger, sadness, irritability, or resentment, and no matter what we do, we can’t seem to access and stay tuned into different feelings.

It is as though we are tuned into the toxic emotion and just cannot escape. Toxic emotions can have a serious effect on the body’s health, as can our attempts to repress or change them. Now imagine a healing modality that enables you to release “negative” feelings and to have “positive” feelings that you have forgotten or perhaps have never experienced, such as joy, love, forgiveness, patience, trust, and respect instantly. This is the gift of ThetaHealing ® – an energy healing modality in which accredited practitioners access the theta brain wave state to facilitate a range of healing processes.

Now practiced in over 25 countries Thetahealing, developed by Vianna Stibal in the USA, is well known for the way it enables people to uncover and change key subconscious beliefs that are causing physical and emotional challenges, without the use of hypnosis or tapping, so that the person can fulfil his or her true potential.

For example, at the root of parasites in a person’s body are subconscious beliefs like “I must allow others to take advantage of me” and “I must allow people to suck me dry”. Unless these limiting beliefs are pulled from us, our bodies maintain a vibration which is attractive to parasites. However, with the feelings work Theta healing goes one-step further and is believed to be able to teach us (and our bodies) the feelings (energies) that are needed to live without letting people suck us dry. With the help of practitioners using the belief and feelings work, we can give permission to be freed from the belief programmes that attract parasites (and associated illnesses) in our example, and the body gains the strength to get rid of these.

The tools needed to “tune” people into new feelings were revealed to Vianna Stibal, the founder and international leader of Thetahealing, during a trip to Hawaii. She was visiting a sacred Hawaiian spiritual structure when she connected to the feeling of the place and instantly felt joy. It was then revealed to her that she could also help others to find joy. She says that she heard the voice of the Creator tell her, “You are on Earth to learn by experience, but there is no law that says you have to learn through an extended experience. You can learn feelings instantaneously: what joy feels like, what compassion feels like, how to

have compassion for yourself, how to have self-love and so on.” Unfortunately, many people still think that the only way they can evolve spiritually is through heartache, suffering, pain, stress, and disease. The idea that they can learn self-patience, love and compassion quickly may seem foreign to them.

However, can Theta Healing really help us learn to be happier, more confident, less exploited and so on?

Absolutely, say hundreds of practitioners and clients. Brent Philips, a Thetahealing practitioner and author of “Where Spirit Meets Science”, has worked with numerous clients who have recovered from depression, for example. He says that “those that are happy and live in joy no matter what is happening around them have properly balanced and healthy brain chemistry; those of us who get depressed, or have a bad temper or experience other negative moods frequently, have a chemical imbalance in our brain that literally makes us miserable.” The depression can affect the person’s organs and DNA. Commonsense suggests that the best way to treat the condition is through medication but we also need to get to the root cause of why the brain chemistry is imbalanced in the first place. It could be that the person is not eating the right foods, getting sufficient rest, in the wrong job, and so on.

Why then, is the person not eating the right foods or getting sufficient rest? Are there beliefs in the subconscious mind that are keeping him or her trapped in unhealthy habits that lead to anxiety, hopeless feelings, and depression? Is there perhaps a flaw at the genetic level that can be discovered and healed? Is the depression caused by repressed anger? If so, what beliefs make the person feel that expressing anger is bad? What beliefs, through the law of attraction, are resulting in even more opportunities to experience exactly that which makes the person angry or depressed? The practitioner would need to explore these kinds of issues with the person to uncover and heal the root cause.

When the person heals from the depression, then the practitioner would also need to teach the person’s mind and body what it feels like to live without depression. If she or he doesn’t know what joy feels like, then his or her body (and brain chemistry) will not know how to create the proper chemical balance to experience true joy – no matter how much positive thinking he or she does. Through the energy healing intervention the person’s brain can be taught how to release the required levels of serotonin for him or her to experience joy.

People with stress or who live in a continued state of fear can also be helped in this way. According to Vianna, people living in fear experience the continued release of cortisol and adrenaline in their bodies. This is unhealthy and in time results in the body experiencing adrenal fatigue and exhaustion. By using digging, the Thetahealing practitioner is able to get to the core of the stress or fear.

He or she can then affect changes in how the person sees and experiences the world, and help the client to receive new feelings and empowering beliefs directly into the subconscious mind and cells of the body. This does not mean that the person would never experience negativity, but rather that the person would now not be trapped in negativity.

People who live with a continued state of fear can benefit from Thetahealing

ThetaHealing sessions and training appeals to teachers, NLP practitioners, hypnotherapists, coaches, psychics, energy healers, holistic doctors and therapists, and people who have an interest in the universal laws, human potential, and spiritual and self-development. Practitioners can learn how to use these techniques on themselves and others. www.thetahealing.co.za.

The Labyrinth – A Sacred Journey Can you imagine a place that is so intimately familiar, so deliciously freeand-easy and without reserve?

Somewhere that offers shelter and acceptance, where you are able to relax completely, unhindered by judgements, rules and opinions? For many this may be described as a Labyrinth … a gentle meander through a safe and sacred space, contained only by the effortless pattern of geometry, calling us to an experience of expansion and wholeness.

The Labyrinth concept is exclusively intimate and mysterious. It is without dogma or predominant practices. It is simple and profound, and its well-trodden paths hold secrets that offer expansion in to higher and lighter dimensions At our depths, we are all profoundly acquainted with The Labyrinth, especially the core of the labyrinth that is characterized as Sacred Geometry or The Building Blocks of Matter. The easily recognizable and timeless patterns, designs and structures of sacred geometry, have existed throughout the universe, for eons of time, and are apparent in all life forms.

We see these geometric codes in the cornea of our eye, within the delicate form of a snowflake; it is contained within pinecones, flower petals, diamonds, crystals and shells. Even the cells of our bodies are composed of sacred geometry, so it is no surprise that labyrinths are as unique and penetrating as our very own being. And, for me, that’s the magic!

By following a simple yet profound path, we become centred and calm. Time and space merge together in to a magical present or NOW moment. The uncomplicated practice of walking a labyrinth slows down the mind and evokes some of our painful memories that are held in the past. They are released in to the safety of the labyrinth and may clear the way for more confidence to flow in. Once released, we are empowered to embrace something more desirable, or a new potential future.

Many, including myself, have experienced a labyrinth walk as a soothing and liberating experience, and each walk offers us some form of release and acceptance, in a way that is refreshingly perfect, for each individual. There are no set ways to walk a labyrinth, yet awakening to the experience, tends to offer three distinct influences.

Moving towards the centre of the labyrinth and focusing on the physical act of walking, our mind slows down, troublesome thoughts and painful emotions are softened and drift away as we relax in to the familiar environment.

The peace at the centre of the labyrinth is where we experience union with our Higher Self, open up to inner guidance, resolve problems and find direction and purpose.

Making our way out completes the walk, bringing forth healing and the promise of new beginnings and fresh energetic connections.

Each walk offers us different perspectives, where innovative ideas may be birthed and the experience fills us with the gentle re-assurance that we are safe, cherished and always connected.

One of my most cherished memories was the reply of my then, eight year old son, “Mommy I was talking to God,� when I questioned him on the amount of time he had spent at the centre of the labyrinth. Much older now, he explains that his experience inside the labyrinth is one of comfort and acceptance, together with the assurance that he is never really alone.

All of my children and grandchildren have been introduced to the gifts of the labyrinth, either by walking or by tracing the pattern upon a wooden board, and each child claims to have enjoyed the experience and benefitted by its soothing effects.

They all approach the walk in very different ways, as a true reflection of their personalities and little idiosyncrasies. Because the Labyrinth facilitates the release of our thinking/judging mind, it helps us to move in to a feeling space of heart energy and this is much easier for children, as they exist here naturally It helps them to get in touch with how they are feeling. I explain to them that, as their thoughts rise, it is similar to looking in to a mirror.

If they are happy, they feel their faces smiling back at them. If they are grumpy, they may experience a frowning face and, if confused, they may experience a bewildered expression.

This is very useful, as it really assists them to get in touch with their emotions and understand how and what they are feeling. It also assist in releasing anything that makes them feel uncomfortable I tell them that there are no good or bad thoughts, just thoughts that come and go, and the ones that make them feel uncomfortable can be easily replaced by others.

My grandson, who is always full of action, runs helter-skelter around the paths, pausing breathless at the centre for only a few moments and then races back again, with increased vigour. He likes to see how many times he can zoom around, breaking any previous records with enthusiasm. This helps him release any pent up energy and become calm, even if for only a short time.

My youngest granddaughter, who was sixteen months old when she walked her first labyrinth, toddled around the paths, completely at home, pausing frequently to play with the stones on the path. Each time we moved away from the labyrinth she would toddle back to walk again, or perhaps it was to collect more stones. Either way, she seemed very content to remain within the protective confines of the labyrinth.

I have another, four-year-old grandchild who is drawn to nature and the Elemental Kingdom. She is complete y at home in the labyrinth as she walks along, in her world of fairies and elves.

Somehow, it seems to support her.

My eldest grandchild, nine years old, walks sedately around the labyrinth as if she is in ceremony. Unlike the others, she seems to take the walk seriously and seems peaceful, calm and at ease.

I feel that they all benefit from the walk in different ways, but most of all, it calms them and helps them to find composure.

Some children from Santa Fe, New Mexico built their own labyrinth at their school. Their names are Daniella, Jimena, Molly, Nefthali, Nicholas, Maya, Sara, Sean, Casey and Cole. They were seven and eight when they built their labyrinth. These are some of the things they said about their experience.

It makes you happy when you walk around it.

• It helps you feel better when you are mad.

• When my hamster died I walked the labyrinth. I felt better.

• I walked with friends and we stood in a circle before holding hands.

I looked around feeling like the labyrinth was my home.

• It was very peaceful and quiet.

• I felt happy when I was walking the labyrinth. It said to me that everything is going to be fine. It was very smart.

• The labyrinth is a spiral path that makes you feel better if you are feeling bad.

• I felt sad before I walked the labyrinth. Now I feel happy.

• Sometimes I get in the middle and just sit with my friends and hold hands.

• I liked walking the labyrinth with my Mom because I could tell it made her feel good.

There are many labyrinths, all over the world, built especially in schools, hospitals, churches and prisons, and they all have therapeutic value. Each one has a path that doubles back upon itself and the direction toward which we are facing is continually changing, just like our lives.

The best way to discover the benefits of the labyrinth is simply to walk one – they appear in all shapes and sizes. The most widely known pattern is the seven-circuit design, reaching back in time, perhaps 3500 years and is associated with Theseus and the Minotaur, in Cretan Mythology. Another popular form is the famous Chartres design, built in to cathedral floors throughout Europe, in the early 13 th Century.

However you experience the Labyrinth, the simplicity and grace of this geometric peal of inspiration, is always ready to offer the participant a means to soak up the immaculate, flawless and deeply healing energy of its Sacred Geometry. It's a way to swirl into the mystery that is deep within and discover more about ourselves and our lives.

If you require more information about the labyrinth please contact me and it will be my pleasure to assist you.

Helen Schuck Helen Schuck is a teacher and a spiritual/esoteric wisdom intuitive who works with the Sacred Geometry of the Labyrinth. Her motto "creating the future, by healing the past, all in the present NOW moment" highlights the essence of her therapies: individual and group Labyrinth Walks, Spiritual Readings and Past Life Regression. Helen is also a qualified Inverse Wave Therapist and offers private consultations in vibrational healing. Email: helen1@yebo.co.za

Archangel Michael Archangel Michael is probably the most well known Archangel and possibly the most popular Angel! He is the head of the Angels and is known as the Warrior Angel.

By Margi McAlpine

He is always pictured with his flaming sword in his right hand, ready to destroy anything that is not from the light. You are able to call on him when you need protection, and the moment you invoke him, he will instantly be at your side no matter what the situation. Every morning and every evening you should ask him to put his magnificent royal blue cloak of protection around you as well as your family, friends, pets, home and cars.

You are as protected as you believe you are.

What the Arch Angel Michael Teaches Us Those that are attracted to Archangel Michael always show leadership qualities as well as being strong, firm, focused and successful. He will assist them to show initiative, willpower and vitality so that they are able to follow their life paths. He encourages them to always lead by

example, thereby enlightening and empowering others by showing them the way, with unconditional love and light. He gives the gifts of Courage, Strength and Patience to assist and support you in whatever you do.

Another one of his roles is the cutting of negative ties that hold you back. Whenever something is not done in unconditional love, it creates negatives ties, which hold you to the negative issues and emotions that are created. You are unable to move forward unless these ties are cut.

Negative issues and emotions drain you of your Light energy. Ask Michael to cut the ties with his powerful golden sword, releasing you and enabling you to move forward as you should.

Which Chakra does he assist us with?

He is also the Archangel in charge of the Throat Chakra, balancing it and enabling you to speak your truth by saying what you need to say, not what other people want to hear. He helps you to speak without being intimidated, telling you that you are obligated to assist those who are unable to fend for themselves. He says that because you are Spiritual does not mean you have to be a doormat. He teaches you to be lovingly assertive, not aggressive, to achieve what needs to be done, giving you courage to accomplish this. The new times that you are moving into are going to require you to show great courage. Archangel Michael will give you the courage to make life changes without fear.

It takes courage to stand up for what you know is right and to refuse to be led by those who are not working from love, light and integrity. It takes courage when you are being ridiculed and derided to stand up for your beliefs. It is always very comforting to know that Archangel Michael stands by your side, giving you the strength to be true to yourself and what you know is right. He makes you strong and

powerful and allows you to speak up without being intimidated. He encourages you to always be loving, assertive and not aggressive when putting your point across.

Ask for Michael’s help Each morning ask Archangel Michael to stand powerfully on your right hand side and become aware of his blue aura around you. Request him to put his flaming sword of courage into your right hand so that you are able to be courageous and strong in all that you do. Acknowledge that with him by your side as you move through your day, only that which is for your highest good will be able to enter your aura enabling you to function to your full potential.

Angel light and blessings

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Getting Rid of Your Crap Bag From the day we are born, we accumulate experiences, some of them good and some of them bad. Some of them may even be truly horrific. Irrespective of the extent of our experiences, we still carry them around with us. I call this accumulation of our negative or bad experiences our “crap bag.” By Hilda de la Rosa We all have one. Each time something bad happens to us, we shove it in our bag. For example, our father may have given us an undeserved hiding or punishment out of proportion to the event. We create a belief that our father is unfair and we add the experience of this unfair hiding to our crap bag. A friend may have lied to us and we create a belief that friends can’t be “Be careful if trusted, and this experience is added to our crap bag. As we get older, the you lock up more memories we shove in our crap bag, making it bigger and heavier. your heart, For example, we may have been fired from our job and, as a result, lost our that you home. We blame the stupid boss and may create a belief that company’s don’t forget only care about the bottom line and that the people who own them are where you greedy and thoughtless. Every negative experience is shoved in the crap bag. put the key.”

Some of the stuff we carry in our crap bag is really, really painful and can leave very, very deep life-long scars. Like rape or the death of a parent when we were a child. These painful experiences change who we are and how we perceive the world around us. With every painful experience we add another protective layer around us. We begin to anticipate outcome based on past experience and/or begin to form patterns to avoid similar experiences, and so we go into the new experience with belief systems based on past experience and anticipating a negative outcome. We become, for example, more cautious when starting new relationships because we begin to believe that we will end up being hurt. This belief can became so entrenched that we refuse to even open ourselves up to the possibility of having a relationship. A friend may have betrayed us and if this happens a few times, we begin to believe that all friendships end up in betrayal, and we begin to avoid friendships and isolate ourselves from others.

And so, with each painful experience, a protective layer is formed. A friend once told me, “Be careful if you lock up your heart, that you don’t forget where you put the key.” What sage words they were.

Each time we have a painful experience, we form a protective layer around our fragile hearts, and at the same time, add more crap to our bag. Our crap bag becomes our prized possession, as we hold onto our pain for dear life. Hanging on to our crap bag, makes us feel secure since we learn from experience and if we add something to our crap bag, we ensure that we avoid future situations that may be similar, or at least put us on guard and on the lookout for more painful experiences. In this

way we protect ourselves from future pain. This behaviour will set the patterns for our life. Perhaps we will repeatedly start a new relationship and at a specific point in that relationship, our new partner may innocently behave in a way that a past partner behaved. Our past experience triggers a fear response that may make us lash out to our new partner. It may not be a very large or even important issue. But we lash out nonetheless, in anticipation of further hurt. Our past experience may have had such a big impact on our belief system, that we may ask ourselves, “What’s the point?

Why bother trying to have a relationship, when they are all the same and just bring us pain?” We may end the new relationship before we experience the anticipated pain, just to protect ourselves from hurt. And so we create patterns of behaviour that we repeat over and over again. We are seldom aware of these patterns of behaviour.

Everyone has a Crap Bag Eventually, we learn that if we share these painful experiences, someone shows us sympathy. We confuse this sympathy for love and acceptance. We do not understand that we have begun to celebrate our pain. Since everyone has a crap bag, we learn that if the crap in my bag is more intense than the crap in your bag, I will win the pain party prize and everyone must feel sorry for me, since I am in the most pain. In this way we need to ensure that our crap bag has the most interesting snippets and stories. The more interesting the crap bag story, the more we can commiserate with others, and have little pain parties. These pain parties become how we socialise. Some of the crap in our crap bag does not even belong to us. We may hear an interesting story about the neighbour’s recent burglary. We add the story to our crap bag, so that at the next pain party, we can share how dangerous our suburb has become. Each person at the pain party will try to outdo the others by telling an even more horrific story about a burglary in their suburb. If we understand energy, we will know that like energy attracts like energy. As we focus more and more energy on our negative experiences, we attract more of the same into our lives. We all have heard the statement that whatever is the focus of our attention, we get more of in our life. As we add more crap to our bag, it becomes our burden and our security blanket. It becomes familiar and comforting to us.

Let’s take a look at a typical pain party. We are out with our friends having lunch at a fabulous restaurant. We settle down and order a glass of wine and it just takes one of us to pick up our crap bag, take out one item, and place it on the table. It could start with something as simple as this: “OMG, you guys will not believe that I had to fire the house helper. She stole some tomatoes and potatoes out of the fridge.” Within seconds everyone has their crap bag open and is sharing every bit of crap about help in the home. All the “house help crap” is placed in the middle of the lunch table.

Soon the conversation can turn to another subject, perhaps how little help our husbands are in the home. Soon all the husband crap is placed in the middle of the table. It may then move to our bosses. More crap is taken out. God forbid it moves to politics and the corruption that is so rife in the country, the petrol price, the education system, our mothers, fathers, sisters, children, gardens, etc. We set out to have a fabulous lunch with our friends, an event that is supposed to bring us joy.

With all the crap now fully exposed in the middle of the table, we sit around and wonder where the stink is coming from. When we leave the lunch, we wonder why we walk away feeling depressed, anxious and full of crap.

Pain Parties and How to Avoid Them I attended a particularly memorable pain party a few years ago where the subject of government corruption reared its head. We were regaled with tales of corruption and how terrible this country was and how someone should really do something about it. Everyone had their own version of the story to share and as a result, corruption crap was all over the table – it stank to high heaven. The subject changed and the corruption crap stench was barely off the table when the person who was the most vociferous about corruption mentioned that the municipality was finally re-tarring the roads that lead through the park across the road from his home. He then enthusiastically shared with us how he bribed the workers to come over to his home and re-tar his driveway. He proudly told us that all it cost him We sometimes was a hundred rand and a few beers. “What a bargain,” he unknowingly contribute said. I was horrified. I asked this individual if he could not to our belief system by recognise that it was corrupt of him to do what he had done participating in the very and reminded him that his inner reality reflects in his outer thing that we judge to world, and since “like energy attracted like energy,” was he be wrong or aware that he contributed to the corruption in our country. As unacceptable above, so below. As within so without. All hell broke loose.

Needless to say, I was not invited to their home again.

You world is a macrocosm of your inner microcosm. In other words, what you believe to be true will show up in your life and confirm your belief: again and again. We even sometimes unknowingly contribute to our belief system by participating in the very thing that we judge to be wrong or unacceptable, like the example above. How then can we change that?

We can begin by taking every bit of crap out of our bags. As you examine each bit of crap, look at it more objectively and decide if you are innocent about the subject. If the crap relates to your husband, objectively look at the issue and honestly assess if you have done the same or similar thing to him, or to anyone else for that matter. Then decide if carrying this crap around serves you, or is it just a burden that you lug about? Is this particular crap worthy of your time and energy? Does it make you feel better about whom you are?

Unpacking and Discarding the Crap in YOUR Bag Let’s look at the difference between an event and a story. This may help you get rid of some of the crap in your bag. An event is something about which you cannot do anything. For instance, having and accident is an event. The story is how bad it was and how irresponsible the other driver was, and how long you are going to have to go without your car, and the inconvenience of it all. We can

choose in every moment whether or not we are going to add more crap to our bag, or allow the experience to teach us something, or if we are going to hang on to it for dear life. Always remember that the more crap you have in your bag the more layers you create around yourself to protect yourself from possible future pain and crap.

I fully understand that some of the stuff we carry around in our crap bag is deeply painful. I have some of that as well. Whilst unpacking your crap bag, decide with which bits you really, really need help with, and which bits you are just lugging about and hauling out at the drop of a hat. Unpack your whole bag. Get the help you need to deal with the seriously painful stuff. Decide if you want to be a victim to your stories or if you can acknowledge that you may have had some serious event in your life that you cannot change but that you can heal and let go. We choose to be a victim to the story; we cannot change the event.

Once you have unpacked your crap bag and you have decided to deal with the really painful issues, throw it away. Our crap bags do not serve us at all. The more we participate in pain parties the more we focus on our negative experiences. With our thoughts, words and deeds, we perpetuate those experiences. Bearing in mind that your world is a reflection of what you believe, and what you think, say or do will support your belief.

How is it possible that we can participate in conversations about corruption if we are corrupt – like the example above? How can we blame and point fingers if we do the same thing. If we are bribing a police officer, we are corrupt. If we take a pen from our employer, or take a day’s sick leave when we are not sick, we are dishonest. Consider that you may feel bad because a friend said something nasty behind your back and ask yourself if you have ever done the same thing?

Choosing Differently Will make your Life Easier Become aware when you are displaying the goodies from your crap bag at a pain party. Or even better, see if you can stop the pain party altogether by saying something like, “Why don’t we try to talk about something positive and uplifting, rather than moaning about our lives?” Ask yourself often if your conversation serves you? Does what you are saying make the world a better place? Ask yourself often what love would do? Remember that on whatever you focus your attention, you will get more of in your life. Your thoughts, words and deeds contribute to the reality of your world. Are your thoughts, words and deeds in alignment with what you want? Are you a victim of your stories in your crap bag?

Be gentle with yourself. Unpacking a bag of pain is not pleasant and can bring painful childhood memories to the surface. When you are ready, perhaps you will have the courage to tackle the really big ones by seeking professional help, if that is what’s required. Heal the pain of your past, so that you do not drag it with you into your future.

How do we begin to fill our crap bags and how does what’s in the crap bag begin to shape our beliefs about who we are? How do we begin to hide ourselves and present to the world an exterior that is not our true authentic self?

Natural Pregnancy I am Woman

Perhaps the greatest benefit of beginning a healthy and natural routine for your pregnancy is that the habits continue past birth and assist in raising balanced and healthy children.

Foods that are to be avoided are pretty common knowledge, but there are many more factors that can affect your growing baby as well as yourself. During pregnancy a woman’s attention is turned inwards, she is focused on protecting her baby and preparing her home and life for their arrival. Now is the time to educate yourself about your buying choices and what you allow into your being and your environment.

By Sonia Murray

Supplements Ensuring your body is operating at its optimal level is of course the first place to start. We cannot gain all the nutrients we need from food alone and so supplementation is important.

By far the single most important one is Omega-3. It is so essential to a child's development that if a mother and infant are deficient in it, the child's nervous system and immune system may never fully develop, and it can cause a lifetime of unexplained emotional, learning, and immune system disorders. Ensuring you have the correct amount of animal based Omega-3’s will virtually guarantee your baby will grow to full term.

Iron is the next most important supplement because if a woman’s hemoglobin count is to low she will not be able to birth naturally. It is important to check your hemoglobin count at least 3 times during your pregnancy.

Vitamin D is also extremely important, sufficient amounts of sunshine every day as well as a Vitamin D3 supplement daily will guard against growth retardation and skeletal deformities in your baby as Vitamin D maintains the proper levels of calcium and phosphorus for yourself and child.

Be wary of over the counter pregnancy supplements, especially those containing calcium. Too much

calcium will calcify the womb, resulting in pregnancy complications and premature birth.

Diet Forget the whole ‘eating for two’ myth. You actually only need an extra 340 calories a day in the second trimester, and about 450 extra calories a day in the third trimester. Over eating or eating poor food, not only adds weight to your own body, which can cause pregnancy complications; it can also harm your baby if you are eating junk food.

This is the time to start eating healthy if you don’t already. Your own body and the growing body and mind of your child need only pure nutrition. Cut out the sugar and processed foods and go easy on

meat, especially fatty varieties like lamb.

Your diet should be 80% fruit and vegetables (raw when possible) and the rest made up of nuts, fish, eggs and lean meat. Juicing is a brilliant way to ensure you are getting your daily intake of goodness. And the practice will extend for the rest of your life. My daughter is now 3 and everyday I make her an ‘ice-lolly’ of

juiced fruit and veg. She loves them and I am happy knowing she has just eaten beetroot, cauliflower, spinach, cucumber, apple, pineapple, pear and anything else I found in the fridge.

Eat frequently and eat small. Keep a container of nuts and raisins and fruit with you at all times. If you’re out and about and become hungry, it’s too easy to stop and buy junk.

Personally, I think diet is the most important aspect of your pregnancy, because the habits you form now will be passed onto your child. Spend this time to research different ways of eating, try new recipes, shop at farmers markets.

Honey and cucumber should be your new best friends. Cucumber to relieve heartburn, please do not use the over the counter solutions, they wreak havoc on your stomach and can cause Piles.

And honey as your only sweetener.

I highly recommend investigating a Raw Food (vegetarian as well) diet from 36 weeks.

This diet ensures that your growing baby and yourself will only be fed 100% pure nutritious food. Your pregnancy will be easier, you will have more energy, and your recovery time post birth will be much faster and easier.

By eating only Raw – you will be boosting your entire system and that of your baby. It is also a great preparation for Breastfeeding, helping your body produce the best quality milk.

Exercise

If you already exercise - carry on. If you don’t – start today. Women who exercised vigorously during their first trimester were 20% less likely to deliver prematurely, compared with those who did not. Those who reported vigorous activity during their second trimester reduced their risk of premature, or pre-term birth, by 48%.

A later study indicated that women who exercised at the same rate throughout their pregnancies had larger placentas than their more sedentary peers did. The volume of the placenta is a general marker of its ability to transport oxygen and nutrients to your baby.

Squats need to become your new best friend, depending on your fitness level start at 10 per day twice a day and work your way up to 50 a day every day. You can use a Pilates ball against a wall to help support you if needed. Not only will this practice help prepare you for the rigours of birth, but it will keep you toned and give you strength to look after your new baby after they are born.

There is no question that exercise is a vital part of pregnancy, it improves your own health and that of your child. And in order to give birth and be a mom, you need your energy and a lot of it. Exercise will also help your body to regulate the fluctuating hormones, reducing any depression that is common in pregnancy.

Clean your home Immediately remove any chemical based products you currently use. This includes fragranced soaps and creams. The chemicals we use to clean our floors and surfaces leave a residue that does impact our body and is passed through the placenta.

This is even truer for the products we put on our body. Creams, perfumes and soaps that are not organic and natural in nature harm a developing fetus. Once your baby is born it is even more important to ensure your home is chemical free. You will not be able to wear perfume when breastfeeding, so get used to going without.

A cheap and highly effective cleaning solution for all parts of your home is white wine vinegar. A cup of vinegar added to water, with some lemon juice is a great disinfectant and sanitizer.

Clean your Soul The journey into motherhood is no easy walk in the park. You will be dealing with relationship issues, financial stress, work stress as well as the imminent change that is about to take place.

Try to deal with any issues you may have during your pregnancy. Meditation and yoga are brilliant methods for calming yourself and releasing old emotions or thoughts.

Motherhood is incredibly demanding on every level. It is our responsibility as mothers to teach our children not only how to read and write, but how to be good people. We need to teach by example.

Start a journal or draw, really look at any issues you may have that keep you in a place of fear or anger. I also suggest speaking to your partner before your child is born about the practicalities of child rearing. This includes time off for yourself, which nights Dad will do the bathing etc. These issues have the possibility of becoming major fighting points between new parents, and can cause a major rift between your selves.

Be upfront with yourself and your partner about how you want to be supported, about fears you may have in relation to your relationship or your ability to be a good mother. Everyone has these concerns; they only have the power to control you when you ignore them.

Above all, be present. Motherhood requires you to be in the moment, every moment. It is a skill that we have forgotten. So be conscious during your pregnancy, connect in with your child and yourself. Begin to nurture your own well being as you are instinctively nurturing your child. Again, this is a practice that you will pass on to your children.

Sonia is a Life Coach specialising in Birth and Single Parenting. She is available for one-on-one consultations as well as groups and workshops. For more information please write to sonia@iactw.org.za

I am a Woman

by Paula Quinsee

In today’s modern world, what exactly does it mean to be a woman?

Our role has evolved so much that no longer can there be a standard description for us other than perhaps that of: human being and of female gender.

On a daily basis, we juggle many roles to give ourselves (and society) a sense of purpose and identity – wife, lover, mother, sister, girlfriend, niece, cousin, careerwoman the list is endless.

This silent juggling of hats finds us being so ‘busy’ 24/7 leaving us feeling frazzled and out of touch with our own true purpose and identity.

Often as a result thereof, there is also the possibility of a sense of low self worth, low self-esteem and a yearning for something more to life. The impact on our lives can be taxing not to mention our relationships with others.

I see this in many of the couples and individuals I work with, where the woman has lost touch with self and who they really are, a bit like a ship sailing unchartered waters without a compass or map.

So what are some solutions to help manage this?

Take time out for self – there is no need to feel guilty about this, it is not selfish but rather a much needed necessity to recharge yourself, and you deserve it.

Communication is key in all relationships – majority of problems experienced in relationships is due to the lack of communication, either what is not being said or what is not being heard. Consistent and clear communication leaves little room for misunderstandings and assumptions. Download the free “Conflict is our Friend” ebook here.

Know thyself – if you do not know what you like, don’t like, need or want then it is very hard to express your needs to others.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help – it takes a brave and courageous person to admit they need a little help. You don’t have to struggle with things alone, reach out to others for the support you need.

Learn to say no – the more we take on to keep the more we create our own mountains to surpass. It’s ok to say no every now and then, the world is not going to stop turning or come to an end. And you’re allowed to.

Never has there been a time like now for a woman to step into her own power and create anything her heart desires.

Opportunities are everywhere for you to pluck out the sky and carve your own path irrespective of which role you are stepping into.

Paula Quinsee is a Life, Health, and Relationship Coach who is passionate about being a catalyst for change and touching people’s lives. You can find more info on her and her work at www.ati2ud.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

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WELLNESS WARRIORS PROTECT OUR EARTH

PURSUE YOUR PASSION… The guru’s say. … And that is exactly what Dr Paul Bosman did. Medicine has always been Paul Bosman’s passion. He studied to be a pharmacist and is currently the CEO of Tara Pharmaceuticals.

Initially Paul became involved in Natural medicine after a visit to Switzerland when his young daughter became very ill. They were referred to a paediatrician who prescribed natural medicine. His daughter reacted very favourably. When his brother’s twins seemed to be ill all the time, Paul introduced them to natural medicine and it worked.

Based on that, Paul became more and more interested in Natural medicine.

Advice for entrepreneurs It does not really matter if you have a brilliant idea. Your idea will remain just that – an idea, unless you have the necessary funding to bring your dream to fruition. Banks are not very forthcoming with funding for entrepreneurs and few individuals who will fund the great ideas of entrepreneurs. I’m still battling with finding funding for my ever-growing business.

The natural medicine environment is particularly challenging since you don’t only have to prove that your product is effective, it has to be safe as well, in a market that is becoming more and more stringently regulated. In today’s market this could be a very expensive exercise if you are going to need clinical studies to prove the efficacy of your product. It would help if you have substantial medical knowledge, since barriers to these

Marketing is critical.

Targeting a specific market segment is important. You need to build a loyal client base.

markets are becoming more and more stringent. We are all aware of the cowboys out there who make unsubstantiated claims.

If you want to grow your business within the first year, people have to be aware of your products. If people do not know that your products exist, they will not be in a position to buy them. Having regular customers is of paramount importance. Repeat business is the bloodline of most organisations. Having said that, in order to have that desired repeat business, your products have to be effective.

Satisfied customers are your best marketing tool.

Keep costs down The best way to increase revenue is to keep expenditure as low as possible. Marketing is critical, but you need to be aware of your market. Targeting a specific market segment is important. If you spend money on advertising indiscriminately, you will soon be completely broke, since advertising is very costly. Further, ensure that you have the correct amount of stock. Having too much stock is tying up capital. Moving the maximum amount of product is the best way to increase your revenue.

Take Assessed Risks The biggest risk I took was selling my house and my car. I ploughed all the money I could lay my hands on, into my business. We have been in operation since 2007 and this year our turnover will be around R10 Million. Passion and belief in what you do is a prerequisite. I believed blindly in my products and I became successful.

The best advice I ever received, is to focus on that which you are good at. Do the things you are able to do and do not veer from your chosen, well-known path. For example, if your product and expertise in is natural medicine, do not digress into say, beauty products. When the company that I was working for was sold, I started my own business against good advice from family members who suggested I stay in the safety of the corporate world .

I never regret following my dreams. Tara Pharmaceuticals is proof of that.

DR PAUL BOSMAN

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Spiced Quinoa salad with black eyed beans, red pepper and coriander (Makes 4 – 6 servings)

Salad Ingredients ¾ cup Pouyoukas quinoa (rinsed) 1 ½ cups water ½ tsp salt 1 red pepper, chopped into small dice 1 ½ cups Pouyoukas black eyed beans, pre-cooked ½ cup thinly sliced spring onion ½ cup chopped fresh coriander Dressing Ingredients 2 Tsp fresh-squeezed limejuice 1 tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground chilli pepper Fresh ground black pepper to taste ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil Method Combine quinoa, water and sale and bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer, covered for 15 minutes or until all the water is absorbed. Fluff quinoa with a fork and let cool. Drain the cooked black eyed beans and rinse well with cold water. Let beans drain until they are quite dry. Cut the red pepper into very small dice (about the size of the black beans). Slice the spring onions into thin slices and wash, dry and chop the coriander. When the quinoa is fairly cool, combine quinoa, black eyed beans, diced red pepper and sliced spring onion in a bowl. Add enough dressing to moisten all the ingredients. Gently stir in the chopped coriander and serve.

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LET’S READ

FOLLOW ME – I’M LOST! A parable by Wayne Visser (part one) HAY HOUSE BEST SELLERS

Follow Me - I’m Lost The tale of an unexpected leader

A parable by Wayne Visser

Follow Me! (I’m Lost) 12 Unconventional Lessons in Leadership from Gulliver’s Travel’s

A Parable by Wayne Visser Unconventional Leadership Lesson 1: To find your path, you must lose your way

There was no denying it any longer. Gulliver, son of the brave Scottish goose, Gilgamesh, of the clan Scoraig, was lost - on his way to leadership school. He was a failed leader even before he began. How could he – let alone his proud parents or anyone else - have believed that one day he would lead the flock? He couldn’t even lead himself from their remote home on Little Loch Broom to the British Academy of Ghans Leadership in London.

Gulliver was gliding – a freeze-frame of feathery form silhouetted against a fading sky in which dusk was rapidly descending. His outstretched neck was taught, his head turning from side to side, his eyes cast downward, straining to spot something familiar in the landscape – a jagged edge of a famous rocky outcrop, the shapely curve of a remembered forest edge, the patchwork blotches of a timeless marshy wetland – frankly, anything that would give him a clue to where he was. One thing was for certain; it was not London, where he was meant to be. And yet, even as he searched, he already knew the truth.

He had known it for several hours now, but he didn’t want to admit defeat.

‘Failure,’ he recalled his stern father saying, ‘is not an option’. Except now, it seemed, it actually was. Success may be hard to achieve. But Gulliver was discovering that failure – or at least admitting failure – was hard too. He could already hear the mocking taunts of his schoolmates – ‘Did you hear about gormless Gulliver? You know, the stray Scot from Scoraig? The one who got lost – on his first day of leadership school? Honk! Honk! Honk!’

As the sun was setting, Gulliver decided that he should find somewhere to land and rest for the night. But everywhere he looked, there was endless, undulating nothingness. Nothing. Nothing. Nothing.

Just stretches of rolling, ribbed sand. And more sand. And more sand, now turning a shadowy shade of rouge against the crimson sky. At last, just as he was losing hope of ever finding a sheltered spot in the desolate landscape, and just as his strength was starting to fail, he saw a cluster of trees in the distance. At least, he thought they were trees. He wasn’t sure because, like the sandy desert, they were nothing like anything he had ever seen before. They seemed to sprout from the sand like giant reeds, with bare trunks, covered in jagged scales. And the leaves, if indeed they were leaves, were like feathers sticking out of the top of the tree trunks. They reminded him a bit of a peacock’s crown.

Gulliver landed in a spray of fine, golden dust, stumbling and landing beakfirst in the sand. It was very undignified. Like rubbing salt in the wound of his already injured pride. Luckily, he was alone and was spared the embarrassment of an audience. Thank Gander for small mercies.

‘Hello’, said a raspy voice behind him.

Gulliver nearly jumped out of his gooseflesh and moulted on the spot, landing, once again, beak-first in the sand. His composure was already beyond saving, but when he at least regained his webbed feet, Gulliver craned his neck skyward and honked, flustered and rather rudely: ‘Hello yourself!’

The strange looking beast seemed unphased by Gulliver’s lack of manners; her narrow, quizzical face, big eyes and unbelievably long eyelashes all remained unmoved and impassive. ‘How are you?’

Gulliver heard his mother, Glynnis, honking wildly in his mind’s ear. Then, not satisfied with a verbal scolding, she also poked him in his mind’s eye, wagging her head with disapproval at his ill-mannered behaviour. Gulliver ignored her. ‘I’m terrible. But that’s not the question.’

The stranger’s lopsided lips slackened like an overstretched elastic band, in what may have been a grin. ‘What is the question?’

‘The question,’ honked Gulliver, still indignant with embarrassment, ‘is not how I am, but rather where I am?’

‘And where do you think you are?’

‘Oh, I see, that’s how you’re going to play it. I bet you think you’re so clever now?’

The stranger chuckled, unconsciously blowing little bubbles with her rubbery lips. ‘Of course I’m Clever. But how did you know? I am Cuthbert, the Clever Camel, of the Cleopatra Caravan. And this is the Sahara desert.’

Gulliver wasn’t sure if he was being teased and should retort angrily, but before he could decide, he was distracted by something else. He had just noticed that Cuthbert had a gigantic hump on his back! Gulliver was fascinated. And confused. And curious. And tongue-tangled. He didn’t know what to ask first. He forgot all about his fatigue, and his thirst, and his hunger; even his shame. All his questions tumbled out at once.

‘Is-that-a-hump-where-is-the-Sahara-what’s-a-desert-can-you-blow-bigbubbles-too?’

Cuthbert laughed a deep, throaty laugh, causing his lips to dance and his hump to jiggle. Despite his best efforts, Gulliver couldn’t help himself – he laughed too.

Cuthbert recovered first and spoke, more softly and gently this time: ‘Let’s start at the beginning, shall we? How you are is always more important than where you are. So, why are you unhappy?’

Gulliver opened his beak to speak, then closed it. He opened it again, and closed it again. This was new! Never before in Gulliver’s 10-year life had he ever been speechless. He tried to analyse why he was lost for words. Was it that he didn’t have an answer? Did he really have nothing to say? No, that wasn’t it. If anything, he had too much to say. Where would he start? But that wasn’t it either.

Finally, it dawned on him. He was simply flabbergasted into silence because nobody – not his parents, nor his five siblings, not his grandparents (when they were still alive), nor his school teachers – nobody had ever asked him whether he was unhappy, let alone why.

Gulliver tried again, and this time, words came out of his beak, slowly and hesitantly at first, but then steadily and soon they were gushing in a waterfall of words. ‘I should be happy,’ he began apologetically. ‘I have

nothing to complain about really. I have good parents, a good home, a good education. In fact, I am from a very well respected family in a very well respected flock in a place called Scoraig ... which is a peninsular in Scotland’ he added helpfully.’

‘I see.’ Cuthbert nodded and patiently waited for Gulliver to continue.

‘In fact, my father is Chief Navigator of the Scoraig Flock, and my mother is a Senior Slug Forager. Of course, my father expects me to follow in his web prints and be the Flock’s next great navigator. Which is why he sent me to Leadership School down in London. Which is where I’m meant to be. Which I’m not.’

‘I see,’ nodded Cuthbert. ‘And you’re unhappy because ... ?’

Gulliver began to think that Cuthbert maybe wasn’t so clever after all.

Maybe he was just named Cuthbert the Clever, in the same way that Oxford Circus wasn’t really a circus and Covent Gardens wasn’t really a garden. Oh well, he’d just have to spell it out for the crazy camel.

‘I’m unhappy,’ he paused and sighed deeply for dramatic effect, ‘because I’m ... LOST!’ Gulliver almost choked on the word, and it came out as a splutter.

Cuthbert laughed. And he laughed. And he laughed.

Gulliver was shocked. He frowned. And he scowled.

‘Isn’t everybody?’ gasped Cuthbert, still breathless from laughing.

‘Isn’t everybody what?’ exclaimed Gulliver, exasperated now.

‘Lost!’ said Cuthbert. ‘Isn’t everybody lost?’

Gulliver had never met a camel before, so he didn’t know what camels did.

But he was beginning to think that he was looking to the wrong species for advice.

‘You don’t understand,’ cried Gulliver. ‘I’m a goose. Geese migrate.

Everything we are taught leads up to the great migration. What’s more, my family have been the Chief Navigators for generations. Our reputation and the reputation of all the great ganders in the Sky is built on always knowing

where we are. We are never lost. Never! Do you understand? No, of course, how could you. You’re not a goose. You don’t migrate.’

‘Well, that may be true,’ nodded Cuthbert, still placid, ‘and that may be not quite true.’

Gulliver threw him a quizzical, challenging look.

‘We don’t exactly migrate,’ continued Cuthbert, ‘but we do go on long journeys across the desert.’

Gulliver had no idea, but he wasn’t going to let his new friend placate him so easily. ‘Well, then you should know the importance of navigation. You should know that it’s critical to have a flight path (or in your case a footpath), and to be able, at any moment, to plot where you are along the route. And you should know that knowledge of these paths is passed down from grandfather to father to son. The Wisdom of the Flock keeps us from ever being lost in the eternal skies. The important thing is that we are never lost or off our bearings, like I am now.’

For the first time, Cuthbert looked serious, maybe even confused. ‘On the contrary,’ he mused, ‘we only know the importance of moving forward. We never know exactly where we are, but we always know that we are moving in the right direction. Any paths that our ancestors may have trod are long since covered by the shifting dunes of the desert. The Wisdom of the Caravan teaches that we are all lost in the vast oceans of sand. The important thing is not that we are found, but that we are moving together.’

Gulliver’s head was spinning. He could feel the fatigue of a full day’s flying starting to weigh down on him, like a poacher’s heavy net. And yet, he felt that somewhere at the edge of his weariness and confusion, there lay a great lesson in leadership, if only he could grasp it.

He needed to understand how camels could travel thousands of miles together and still be lost.

‘But how do you know you’re moving in the right direction, if there is no plan, and you don’t know where you are and there are no paths and everyone is lost?’ Gulliver sounded every bit as bewildered as he felt.

‘We know where we are going,’ replied Cuthbert, slowly and deliberately, ‘because we know who we are. We know our true nature and this guides us to our invisible goal.’ He could see the travel-weary bird was struggling to grasp what he was saying, so he tried again. ‘It is in a camel’s nature to thirst for water and to long for shade. By listening to our inner desire, we sense whether we are moving closer or further away from quenching our spirit.’

This was heady-stuff and Gulliver’s head already felt like it was clogged with sand. He had never heard the Flock talk about ‘sensing’ and ‘desires’ and ‘spirit’. Was it really possible to be guided by some sort of inner compass?

He knew his parents would berate him for such heretical ideas. He could almost hear the Flock honking their derision. But even as Gulliver’s head became heavy and the compulsion to tuck it under his wing became almost irresistible, he felt that something had shifted in him.

True, he was lost. But so what? For some strange, inexplicable reason, it didn’t seem to matter as much as it had a few hours before. Accepting this new, liberating possibility, Gulliver felt himself relax and his head gently dropped, nuzzling into his soft, downy feathers. The last thing he remembered hearing, as he slipped into a deep, rejuvenating sleep, was his crazy, clever friend Cuthbert saying in a soothing voice: ‘Gulliver, my newfound feathered friend, don’t be sad any longer. As my aunt Christine always used to say: To find your path, you must lose your way’.

NEXT ISSUE: Unconventional Leadership Lesson 2: To lead others, you must follow yourself

Colour in your own pictures of Gulliver and friends. Download pics from website www.childoftheuniverse.co.za

WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD TO IN THE 13th EDITION  ANOTHER POWER WOMAN CELEBRITY – ?????  Follow Me – I am Lost – a parable by Wayne Visser (Part 2)  Designing a Montessori Home – Tim Seldin  Teaching kids with ADD/ADHD – Rebecca Hayes  Children & Adults living in the Red Zone (burn out) – Nikki Bush  Children who chew their nails – Jenny Hirsh  Birthing Naturally – Sonia Murray  Emotionally Intelligent Parenting  Heart Centered Healing – Michael Forrester  Parenting Your Parents – Susan Schoning  Natural Approach to Cancer – Anuska Viljoen  Breast Cancer – Megan Graham (a Survivor)  Personal Risk Management – Kay Darbourn  Where to get you Organic Foods – Food Markets  Holistic Veterinarians & Pet foods  Winter Camps & Getaways  ….. and lots more! xxx

Child of the Universe would like to thank all our contributors in this edition. We thank you for your participation and all the wonderful work you have shared with us.

Nianell

Your personal story

Eric Richardson

Theta Healing

Jacqui Price

The teacher interview

Sharon Caldwell

Darren’s Story

Dr Paul Bosman

Flugon

Dr Theresa

Headwise

Sonia Murray

Natural Pregnancy

Margi MacAlpine

Archangel Michael

Wayne Visser

Follow Me – I am Lost!

Hilda de la Rosa

Crap Bag

Helen Schuck

Labyrinth Healing

Terry De Vries

Walking the Labyrinth

Serna

Raw Works and so much more

Paula Quinsee

I am a Woman

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With love from Carmen ChĂŠ Jardim 3rd birthday on 25 February 2015 If you are in Durban, you are more than welcome to come to my party. Call my Nanna on 071 346 8138 for details! Xxx

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