Conscious Living Magazine Issue 92 - Spring 2014

Australia’s Leading Magazine for Sustainable Healthy Living Established since 1989

Issue 92 SPRING 2014

Homebirth Raw Food Lifestyle Earth Parenting MS Therapies Why Organic is Better

DR SANDRA CABOT

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

gail thackray S p i r i t u al M ed i u m

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Releasing Emotional Triggers The Secret to Abundance w

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CONTENTS Issue 92 SPRING 2014 Features

4 Home Birthing – The Future. Martin Oliver reports 50 Awakening and Transformation through Crisis and Change: The Uranus – Pluto Transit by Rob Hindmarch

Eco Living

32 Toss it Away No More with Repair Cafes 34 Say Goodbye to Dinosaur Power 36 Earth Radiation - Gerard Bini reports

Community

Conscious Parenting

Food & Nutrition

Growth and Education

3

New Earth Festival and Conscious Living Expo

10 Organic Consumer- MCT Oil, Coconut Charcoal,

Aronia Berry Juice

37 Earth Mother – Kristi McMullan shares her story

41

Remembering Your Life Purpose – Scott Alexander King

44 The Heart of You – Sky Shayne Innes 11

Why Certified Organic is Safer for Your Health

13

Incredible Edible Todmorden

46 Releasing Emotional Triggers – The Key to manifesting

abundant health and wealth – Gail Thackray

15

Vegan Raw Cuisine – More a lifestyle than a diet – Sach Cassini

48 Choosing a Career as a Life Coach – Niki Bowen

Health & Wellbeing 18 Health Consumer – Barefoot Shoes,

Savi Organic Skincare, Healthy Beds 19

What Cost Beauty? Essential Oil Alternatives

20 DIY Natural Beauty Treatments by Ali Jardine

Psychic and Spiritual

49 Stop Speed Dating Your Crystal- Adam Barralet 53 Free Will: Myth or Reality – Rev. Bente Hansen 54 Being Present – Sa Silvano 55 Trust Your Intuition – Sunita

22 MS Therapies by Martin Oliver 26 Natural Therapies for a New Era

– Iridology, Pain Relief, Psychosomatic Therapy Training 30 Irritable Bowel Syndrome – Dr Sandra Cabot

Reviews 56 Shiftling – A Short Story by Claudio Silvano 58 Book Reviews

Read more online at www.consciousliving.net.au

59w Conscious Music – Shayne Locke 62 Music Reviews 63 Resource Guide

From the The Magazine for Healthy Sustainable Spiritual Living Issue 92

Spring 2014

Publisher and Editor Patricia Hamilton patricia@consciousliving.net.au T: 08 98 482748 Assistant Editor Colleen Clay editor@consciousliving.net.au Client Services Jacqueline Walker jacquie@consciousliving.net.au T: 08 9848 2748 Mobile 0427 377803 Exhibition & Advertising Sales National Patricia Hamilton patricia@consciousliving.net.au Tel (08) 9848 2748 mobile 0418 955396 Western Australia Tonia Ricciardi sales@consciousliving.net.au T 08 9437 6160 Victoria Sabine Stakelbeck mob 0412999234 S.Stakelbeck@consciousliving.net.au Subscriptions & Memberships Jacquie Walker info@consciousliving.net.au Contributing Writers: Scott Alexander King, Adam Barralat, Gerard Bini, Niki Bowen, Sandra Cabot, Sach Cassini, Michal Haswell, Bente Hansen, Rob Hindmarch, Sky Shayne Innes, Ali Jardine, Shayne Locke, Janet Mawdesley, Krysti McMullan, Will Shannon, Stuart Morick, Martin Oliver, Claudio Silvano Sa Silvano, Sunita Gail Thackray Graphic Design Ronald Abella

Dear Readers Birthing and Blooming : Lighter Brighter Spring births new life and optimism and here in the Southwest of Australia it is abundantly blooming with the vibrant colours of the flowering native plants and trees.

After an incredibly full on year of organizing 3 Expos and 3 Gazing Events with Braco I am looking forward to catching up with friends and making new connections with our exhibitors and visitors at our Perth Conscious Living Festival. As in traditional tribal cultures the Festival fulfils an important function as a meeting place where new ideas and innovations are shared, friendships renewed and new connections for future trade or learning are made. I am always inspired by the altruistic motivation of the people who make up our exhibitor community. These are people who have a sincere desire to share their knowledge and help others to develop their talents and abilities and to realize their full potential as vibrant happy, healthy individuals.

It gives me hope that we can evolve a new earth where creativity, kindness and honouring of the earth, all human beings and animals will eventually take priority over a profit driven consumer economy.

This issue begins appropriately with Martin Oliver’s report on the future for homebirth choices for mothers in Australia. Later Krysti McMullan shares her inspiring story of birthing and raising her children in the ways of people of the Earth such as sleeping outside and making toys out of sticks, stones, sand and mud. In Vegan Raw Cuisine, Sach Cassini brings together the essential ingredients to heal ourselves and our planet and live a lighter brighter healthy life.

Images : Fotolia Publisher Conscious Living Co-Creations Pty Ltd ATF the PH Trust ABN 30 064 748 794 Unit 5/39 Strickland St, Denmark , WA 6333 PO Box 527 Denmark WA 6333 Tel 61 8 9848 2748 Fax 61 8 9848 1198 info@consciousliving.net.au www.consciousliving.net.au

Many of the authors in this issue will be presenting talks and workshops at the Festival in Perth October 16-19. It is a great opportunity to come and meet these inspiring people in person.

I look forward to seeing you there With ease joy and love

Disclaimer The publisher and editor do not necessarily endorse the opinions expressed by individual writers or advertisers.

Editorial advice is nonspecific and readers are advised to seek professional advice for individual issues.

Patricia Hamilton

Conscious Living Purpose

Editor and Publisher

To facilitate the expansion of consciousness and to co-create a world of harmony, love and wellbeing Copyright Conscious Living Magazine 2014 All rights reserved ISSN 10336826 2 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

SPRING 2014

Explore - Experience - Enlighten Perth’s Most Inspiring Event of the Year

Each year in Perth, the Conscious Living Expo and New Earth Festival becomes a magnet for those who are choosing more holistic, sustainable ways of living and exploring spiritual pathways.

This year’s Expo program is especially spiritually uplifting and inspiring through the presence of Braco, who is known throughout the world for his silent loving gaze.

BRACO’S GAZE During the past 18 years, beginning in Croatia and now broadcast around the world through the internet, Braco’s gaze seems to reach beyond physical and emotional healing. People have reported unexpected financial windfalls or suddenly getting jobs when they had struggled in the market for years.

Scientists studying the phenomenon of Braco’s Gaze report that it takes place beyond the level of energy healing.

In November 2012, Braco was invited by the United Nations’ Society of Enlightenment and Transformation to

offer his Silent Gaze to employees of the UN inside the Tillman Chapel in New York City. He was presented with the prestigious Peace Pole, an honor bestowed upon such luminaries as His Holiness the Dalai Lama and Mother Theresa.

Ten days later, a most astonishing event happened. Braco’s photo was flashed three times for several seconds on the huge Jumbotron screen in Times Square. Later, Reuters, the leading newswire, reported that on that same day – November 26 – New York City had passed a 24-hour period without a single report of a person being shot, stabbed, or subjected to other violent crime.

HEALTH, HEART AND SPIRIT The Festival’s keynote speakers include Gail Thackray, US Spiritual Medium, and author of Spiritual Journeys: Visiting John of God, the popular best selling holistic health author, Dr Sandra Cabot, environmental health scientist Dr Peter Dingle, Will Shannon, a leading iridologist from Sydney, Love’s Alchemy, author, Sky Shayne Innes, and Shamanic Channel, Matthew Greenwood.

October 16-19 at the Belmont Park Racecourse, Burswood.

For more information visit www.consciouslivingexpo.com.au

INTERNATIONAL MUSICAL FEAST Music is an impotant part of life and this year the Festival welcomes world renowned musicians, India Jiva, Sika Rose, Rupert Guenther and sound healer, Lou Van Stone who will entertain and uplift audiences at the main stage each day.

HEALTHIER HOMES AND GARDENS More than 120 exhibitors showcase a wide range of natural health, organic and eco friendly products and programs that don’t cost the Earth including healthy coffee and super foods as well as eco friendly products for healthier homes and gardens.

FREE WORKSHOPS FOR KIDS A new Natural Therapies zone showcases the latest healing modalities and there are free Earth play and crystal workshops for Kids on Sunday and the chance to meet Turbo the miniature horse and a raptor.

Scientists studying the phenomenon of Braco’s Gaze report that it takes place beyond the level of energy healing SPRING 2014

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 3

A Future For Homebirths

By Martin Oliver

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ospital or home? Where to give birth should be a woman’s fundamental choice, but alternatives to hospital birth are rarely mentioned in Australia.

Homebirth is frequently discouraged by a number of factors, including newspaper headlines, advice, and economics.

Since the 19th Century, birth has been an area of contention between obstetricians and midwives – two groups whose approaches to birthing differ.

The obstetrician is a medical doctor who generally views birth as a risk to be managed. In Australia, male obstetricians predominate, outnumbering females in a 6:4 ratio.

Midwives, 99 per cent all of whom are female, are birth professionals without some specialist medical skills.

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HOSPITAL BIRTHS

The hospital is an environment in which doctors are in control. This is characterised by interventions, all of which carry some level of risk. In today’s litigious society, doctors are nearly always sued for using too little technology, therefore a cautious, defensive attitude dominates.

In a medicalised birth, a common experience is the “cascade of intervention”, where one procedure creates the need for more. One such cascade starts with an epidural block

in the spine, which can slow the birth process and increase the likelihood of a forceps or vacuum delivery.

About 40 per cent of Australian birthing women are given a spinal epidural for pain relief. Disengaging the woman from actively participating in the birth, this is liable to be associated later with a diminished level of satisfaction about the experience. Some studies also point to an association between epidural use and an increased likelihood of children developing a drug addiction later in life.

An episiotomy is a surgical intervention where an incision is made from the vagina in the direction of the anus to widen the birth canal.

This is painful, and takes a while to heal. It is carried out on 17 per cent of women giving birth in Australia.

SPRING 2014

For caesarean sections, the Australian rate has steadily risen to 32 per cent, and far exceeds the World Health Organization’s maximum benchmark of 10 to 15 per cent.

Non-medical reasons for this high rate can include: • Financial incentives, in the form of Medicare payments.

• Avoiding risky vaginal births, and lawsuits.

• Speeding up safe births that are taking longer than normal.

• Women who choose elective caesareans to avoid the pain of labour, or because of their busy lives.

• Obstetricians largely drive our rise in caesarean birth numbers, and only a minority of women make an informed choice. Where such a choice exists, a wide range of elevated risks to mothers and infants needs to be taken into account.

Rates of all interventions are more common in private hospitals.

Taxpayers are unwittingly supporting these practices through a subsidy of obstetricians’ insurance premiums, Medicare rebates covering unnecessary caesareans, and the private health insurance rebate that ranges between 10 and 39 per cent.

Some women have good hospital experiences that match their expectations, but at the other end of the scale, procedures carried out without consent can result in post-traumatic stress disorder, and a deep-seated fear of hospital birth.

HOW IS HOMEBIRTH DIFFERENT? While the latest 2011 data shows about 97 per cent of Australian women giving birth in a hospital, the homebirth rate was 0.4 per cent, although it would probably have been higher if adjusted for underreporting. And this figure is following an upward trend. Women choosing

homebirths were generally better educated and older than the average.

For a homebirth, the woman is in control of the process, and feels empowered by making her own decisions. She is in a familiar environment where she feels safe.

Her partner is likely to be around to offer support, and other family members may be present. She can choose soft music, essential oils and dim lighting. One option for homebirthing mothers is a water birth in a special birthing pool. This offers a shorter labour, pain relief during labour, easier relaxation, and a greater ease in changing positions.

Woman-centred birth, aided by a midwife, is focused away from technology. Interventions are limited to cases where they are considered necessary, and the caesarean rate is a very low five to ten per cent.

Natural birth works with four “ecstatic” hormones (oxytocin, beta-endorphin,

‘… an epidural block in the spine can…increase the likelihood of a forceps or vacuum delivery’

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CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 5

epinephrine-norepinephrine and prolactin) that encourage ease of labour, curb or prevent pain, enhance bonding with the baby, and help avoid postnatal depression.

Holding the baby following birth helps to avoid postnatal depression, aids bonding, and helps with breastfeeding. Unmedicated babies who are not separated from the mother at this time find it far easier to attach to the nipple. Active participation in the birthing process tends to result in greater satisfaction and fulfilment.

Another option for woman-centred natural birth is a birthing centre. At the latest count, 22 of these are found in Australia, most being attached to hospitals.

Usually run by a team of midwives, these facilities often provide one-on-one midwife care. In 2011, they represented 2.2 per cent of Australian births.

OPTIONS AND COSTS

In the UK, Netherlands, New Zealand and Canada, midwives are the primary carers and one-on-one midwife care is provided through the public health system. Midwives have the advantage of offering continuity of care

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‘Taxpayers are unwittingly supporting a subsidy of obstetricians’ insurance premiums …’ through pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period.

With an expected cost ranging from $3500 to $6000, Australian homebirth via a midwife is more often restricted to more affluent families, which further reduces its incidence. Midwives who meet a range of criteria can attract Medicare rebates ranging from $1000 to $2000 for antenatal and post-natal care.

Another 12 publicly funding homebirth outreach programs are running through hospitals in New South Wales, South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia. For women with private health insurance, some funds cover certain aspects of homebirth.

Although homebirth-only midwife numbers have been dropping, because of a range of unresolved deterrents and issues, the number of private practice midwives working in hospitals and at homebirths is growing.

exclude homebirth practitioners.

The government’s response to this predicament is to provide homebirthing midwives with a temporary exemption from requiring coverage.

These exemptions have been repeatedly extended, most recently to 2015.

A lack of coverage has persuaded some of these midwives to cease practicing, while those who remain face the risk of financial ruin.

Over time, Australia’s independent midwives have been steadily marginalised in favour of obstetricians. Contributing factors have been lack of appropriate training for independent practice, lack of systems for peer support and supervision, and difficult liaison and professional relationships with hospitals. In hospital settings, a hierarchy has been established where midwives are considered subordinate to doctors.

HOMEBIRTH MIDWIVES UNDERMINED

The primary unresolved issue for homebirth midwives is a lack of professional indemnity insurance.

Australia’s two midwife insurance policies, offered by MIGA and Vero,

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In an uneven playing field with obstetricians, midwives can have their registration suspended for accusations of having committed the slightest lapse, or may be restricted to hospital birthing units. In WA, one midwife was suspended for successfully delivering a homebirth following an earlier caesarean.

Ungrounded complaints from hospital staff can be taken seriously, and the midwife is treated as guilty until proven innocent. Investigations can take more than a year. The realworld impact is that a homebirthonly midwife in this predicament can lose her livelihood.

small sample sizes, cherry picking and flawed methodologies abound.

However, it is fair to say that homebirth is safe for a low-risk pregnancy with a midwife attending the birth, preferably not far from civilisation, and with a hospital transfer option.

WOMEN AND TECHNOLOGY – AUSTRALIA’S BLINDSPOTS

WHEN MIDWIFERY BECOMES ILLEGAL

While Australia is far from being a champion of homebirth and independent midwifery, there are worse places overseas. In Hungary, Croatia and Russia, homebirth is illegal or heavily restricted, and perhaps it is no coincidence that for decades they suffered under Communism.

In Hungary, an obstetrician named Ágnes Geréb was imprisoned in 2010 in a maximum-security facility, then held under house arrest without charge for a total of three years, for supporting homebirthing women. More encouragingly, a homebirthing mother attended by Geréb won a case at the European Court of Human Rights, which creates a legal precedent allowing women throughout the European Union the chance to homebirth.

HOMEBIRTH IN THE MEDIA

When homebirth is mentioned in the Australian media, the context is usually negative. If something goes wrong with a homebirth, it gets attention, yet similar problems with hospital births are generally considered unworthy of comment.

SPRING 2014

While negative stories involving homebirth midwives are covered, obstetricians generally evade the same scrutiny. Most of these stories focus on problems that occurred when a family opted for a homebirth in higher-risk circumstances for which a hospital birth would probably have been a better choice.

This media bias builds up a simplistic picture of homebirth midwives as negligent and irresponsible.

Homebirthing parents can be seen in a similar light, and may be likened to those who choose not to vaccinate their children. This contrasts with the United Kingdom, where negative stories are the exception, and a woman’s right to a governmentfunded homebirth is accepted.

In the polarised homebirth safety statistics debate, different studies are quoted by both sides to reaffirm arguments. Accusations of

The Australian Medical Association and Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists take a negative position on homebirth. In the UK, their equivalent bodies are supportive. Such a wide gulf in cultural attitudes is remarkable.

Australia has certain biases that it finds hard to recognise. We love technology. As it continues to infiltrate our lives, our society is becoming become more intolerant of low-technology practices, considering them old-fashioned or inferior. At another level, hospital birth represents centralisation and control, which will probably endear it to those with an authoritarian streak.

In various ways, Australia exhibits negative attitudes to women, their birth choices, and their ability to safely give birth outside a hospital. Homebirth Australia believes that Australia is in violation of the CEDAW women’s rights convention through its restriction of homebirth choice.

On other counts, this misogynistic bias is clearly visible: • Unrestricted abortion is fully legal only in Victoria and the ACT, despite majority public support.

• At last count, only 21 per cent of Coalition state and federal MP’s are women.

• When a paid maternity leave system was introduced in 2011, we were the second-last developed country to implement one.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 7

‘If something goes wrong with a homebirth, it gets attention, yet similar problems with hospital births are generally considered unworthy of comment’ HOW CAN THE SYSTEM BE MENDED? Currently, government policies offer little support for homebirthing women and their midwives, therefore keeping homebirth levels low, while stopping short of an outright ban.

Demand continues to outstrip supply.

If homebirth were prohibited, it would go underground, and there are worrying signs that this is already happening. The practice of free birth, where no midwife is present, is rising. Despite it being inherently dangerous, some women feel pushed in this direction by various factors, including the social stigma attached to homebirth here.

What would it take for every Australian woman who would like a homebirth to be able to access one? Boosting midwife numbers through more supportive policies is an important aspect. If homebirth midwives were a sufficiently large group, insurance companies would be far more likely to offer professional indemnity coverage.

The Australian lobby group Maternity Choices (formerly Maternity Coalition) sees midwife-focused care as better value for money than the current high-technology, high-intervention system, where over-servicing is the norm. In some parts of the world,

homebirth is associated with major cost savings; in the US for example, an uncomplicated vaginal birth costs three times less at home than it would in a hospital.

Ultimately, a strong grassroots birth choice movement is the best asset for expanding the rate of homebirth in Australia, but its voice needs to be heard and understood by mainstream society.

RESOURCES Homebirth Australia www.homebirthaustralia.org Maternity Choices (formerly Maternity Coalition) www.maternitycoalition.org.au Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based at Lismore, Northern NSW.

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SPRING 2014

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Australia

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Homebirth Raw Food Life Earth Parentin

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MS Therapies Why Organic

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Irritable Bow

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Food & Nutrition

ORGANIC Consumer

Supporting The Organic Movement Now in its 25th year, since its inception, Conscious Living Magazine has supported the organic movement.

It has published articles highlighting the health and ecological benefits of cleaning up the way food crops are grown and in doing so has helped increase the demand for organic products.

In this edition, Organic Consumer looks a number of outstanding products, reinforces the health benefits of pesticide free crops and food, and gives insight into the joys of eating raw food.

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The manufacturer of Upgraded MCT Oil is a member of the RSPO, Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil. www.buttercoffee.com.au

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Organic Aronia Juice If you are already enjoying classic antioxidant rich beverages, such as green tea and juices including pomegranate, mixed berry, tomato, açai berry, mangosteen and other fruits, you’ll know just how simple and delicious getting your daily dose of antioxidants through juice can be.

Now, for lovers of fine health foods and organic juice in Australia, there’s an even more nutritious and delicious option: organic cold pressed aronia berry juice.

Aronia berries are one of the world’s most potent sources of bioavailable antioxidants.

Organic aronia berries, which are farmed in Europe, have a significantly higher antioxidant capacity (ORAC score) than even elderberries and wild blueberries.

The organic cold pressed aronia berry juice comes in a 500mL bottle, which lasts well when kept in the fridge after opening. Simply add a little to juices, or dilute with water.

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COCONUT CHARCOAL – RAPID DETOX Activated coconut charcoal capsules are a superior product to use for fast detoxification, better digestion and rejuvenation.

The ultra fine and highly purified Upgraded Coconut Charcoal uses acid washing, an expensive extra step that removes toxic heavy metals common in many preparations of charcoal. This results in charcoal with the most surface area to create maximum adsorption.

Activated coconut charcoal is great to use after consuming food of unknown quality, eating out at restaurants, or drinking alcohol. If you are feeling moody or suddenly tired, activated charcoal can act as a detox and get you up and running quickly.

Ingredients are environmentally sustainable coconut charcoal from pure coconut shells and vegetable cellulose (capsules.

In use for more than 10,000 years, activated charcoal is proven to bind to mold toxins and many other organic poisons that may be present in the environment and in the body. www.buttercoffee.com.au

SPRING 2014

Food & Nutrition

Why Organic?

T

here are more than 8000 pesticides registered for use by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

The pesticides include herbicides, fungicides and insecticides. The concern researchers like RMIT University’s Professor Marc Cohen have is that regulators allowing pesticides dismiss the cocktail effects that might occur from multiple exposure from chemicals.

One of Prof Cohen’s studies found that eating a mostly organic diet for just one week reduced exposure to organophosphate pesticide residues by up to 90 per cent. This is a world-first study and they’re following it up with another, which is exploring the connection between pesticide residues and health on 14 to 16 years. Results are expected at the end of this year.

COCKTAIL EFFECTS DISMISSED

Prof Cohen said: “It is interesting that the regulators do not consider there is any advantage in reducing the levels of neurotoxic organophosphates and appear to dismiss any cocktail effects from multiple exposures.

“I’m involved in research at the moment that is attempting to answer the question: ‘Is eating less poison healthier for you?’

“Apparently no research has yet addressed this. The official SPRING 2014

government stance appears to be ‘no’, because the government considers that the levels you are currently eating are not ‘unhealthy’. There is no human data, however, to make an informed decision on this.”

Prof Cohen said in the absence of this data, we should employ the precautionary principle and minimise our pesticide exposure by eating certified organic food.

Despite their prevalence pesticides, don’t undergo the same testing as pharmaceuticals. They are subject to little or no clinical trials or monitoring, there is no control over dosage over a lifetime and there is no monitoring on their health effects. It is not until a significant

environmental or human health problem arises that a pesticide is withdrawn from the market.

THE PROBLEM OF FOOD ADDITIVES

Author of Chemical Free Kids and Australian Organic ambassador Dr Sarah Lantz said many additives permitted in foods today have not undergone safety testing for decades.

“Tests are rarely done to determine the effects of these substances on behaviour and learning abilities, or whether they cause intolerances or allergies,” Dr Lantz said. “It’s why artificial additives are prohibited from certified organic foods.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 11

“Some additives are permitted in foods, despite their health compromising effects. Approximately 50 have been linked to cancer; 55 or so can trigger asthma; more than 30 are thought to cause hyperactivity and-or learning difficulties in children, and 80 may contribute to kidney or liver problems.”

About 5000 additives find their way into our food as flavourings, colourings, artificial sweeteners, flavour enhancers, emulsifiers, thickeners, stabilizers, preservatives and propellants.

WHAT CERTIFIED ORGANIC MEANS

Being certified organic is about much more than being grown free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, hormones, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs): it’s also cruelty free, pasture fed, free range, biodiversity friendly.

So you don’t need to look for lots of labels, just look for one logo, like Australian Certified Organic (ACO) because it ticks all the boxes.

Businesses certified with ACO undergo annual and spot audits to ensure they meet the Australian Certified Organic Standard – the rulebook for organic production.

ORGANIC IS MORE THAN ‘SPRAY FREE’

Be wary of claims like “chemical free” and “spray free” at markets.

They don’t mean they’re certified organic.

Western Australian, Ray Simpson, grows about three hectares of certified organic vegetables. After seeing an increase in the number of stallholders at his local market promoting fruit and vegetables as spray free, curiosity got the better of him and he sent a sample of spinach from one of those stalls to AMAL

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‘We should… minimise our pesticide exposure by eating certified organic food’ Analytical, a lab that specialises in pesticide residue testing. The sample came back testing positive for DDE, a residue from DDT. Mr Simpson said this would not happen in a regulated industry like organics, because soil tests are carried out on farms before they can begin the three-year journey to organic certification.

“In an organic system that’s the first thing that would have been picked up,” Mr Simpson said.

“It (chemical residue) wouldn’t be picked up in conventional agriculture where there’s no regulation.”

Under the Australian Certified Organic Standard growers would not be able to plant crops in contaminated land. DDT was banned in the 1980s but it still persists in our soils.

So if you’re shopping at your local markets and you’re in doubt about whether a product really is certified organic, look for a recognised certification logo, or ask the stallholder for his or her certificate.

More than just food

These days you can buy almost anything certified organic, from tea and coffee, toothpaste and tampons to garden compost and seeds. October is Australian Organic

Awareness Month and it’s about helping shoppers understand that there is more to organics than food.

One of the fastest growing organic sectors is skincare and cosmetics. There are thousands of synthetic chemicals used in skincare, hair care and cosmetics and given that our skin is our largest organ, anything we put on it goes into our bloodstream.

Australian Organic ambassador and health and wellness speaker Therese Kerr pointed out that it is cheaper for manufacturers to use synthetic ingredients rather than certified organic ones.

Ms Kerr said: “Fragrance is one of the most toxic things a woman can put directly on her skin and just about all personal, skin and hair care products not only contain the standard nasty ingredients like TEA’s, DEA’s, parabens, sulfates, glycols, artificial, synthetic, GM ingredients, nano particles, ethoxylates, formaldehyde and formaldehyde derivatives just to name a few, they also contain fragrance.”

The range of certified organic cosmetics is getting larger thanks to companies like Nudus, which is breaking new ground with lipsticks.

Certified organic concealers, blushes and other cosmetics are also available.

Because the Australian Certified Organic Standard was developed primarily for food and agricultural goods, more cosmetic companies are choosing to get certified under the COSMOS certification scheme, which was developed in Europe specifically for the cosmetic industry.

Get involved in October’s Australian Organic Awareness Month by following Australian Organic on Facebook, facebook.com/ AustOrganicLtd. SPRING 2014

Food & Nutrition

Incredible Edible

Todmorden D

By Martin Oliver

uring the past few years, a food-growing revolution has been taking place in a town in the North of England.

Todmorden, or “Tod”, as locals call it, is in Lancashire, near the Yorkshire border, and about 27 kilometres from Manchester. The town is set among high moors and valleys, and most houses are built of grey stone.

Traditionally, locals tended to live in the upland areas, where they braved harsh winters and were largely self-sufficient in food.

Following the Industrial Revolution, Todmorden became a centre for the textile industry, with several grim-looking cotton mills in operation. By the end of the 20th century, nearly all the industry had disappeared, and food had become something bought from a shop.

LOCAL FOOD PROJECT

In 2007, two local women who were concerned about a lack of local and national leadership on environmental issues decided take action. They called a public meeting, which attracted 60 people who were motivated to start a local food project that they named Incredible Edible Todmorden (IET).

Starting with small herb plantings, cultivation was scaled up, and SPRING 2014

‘Other benefits are improved aesthetics, a reduction in vandalism, boosted civic pride, and community building’ now involves 40 plots in and around town, which can be found with the help of a handy Google Map. Among these plots are one in a local school, one in front of a police station, and one on the edge of a graveyard.

Difficult terrain, including a steep sided valley, prompted these creative choices of locations.

The grassroots group, IET, is focused on maximising local food production, and achieving a high level of food security. Most of the food produced in the town is freely available to anybody who wants to take it.

FREE FOOD BENEFIT

In a British economic climate where government policies are causing the poor to become poorer, obtaining free food is a great benefit.

Getting this far has been possible only through generous volunteer labour, and grant funding.

Since its inception, IET has CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 13

branched off in several directions, including: • Planting of local apple orchards.

• The Every Eggs Matters campaign, in which locals are encouraged to raise backyard chickens and eat local eggs, with a view towards self-sufficiency.

• Community Beekeeping, with the Bee Credible program aiming to treble the number of local hives.

• A hilltop-farming project at nearby Gorpley.

• Incredible Aqua Garden, a business based on aquaponics, where fish and plants are raised and grown in the same environment, and hydroponics.

• Incredible Farm, a not-for-profit company operating on a one-acre (0.4-hectare) site. It features three large polytunnel greenhouses, one of which has a passive solar design, plus ponds, ducks, and a fruit tree nursery.

EDUCATING THE YOUNG

A key goal is to be an education centre showing young people how to set up food production businesses, in turn creating land-based employment.

Aside from food production, other benefits are improved aesthetics, a reduction in vandalism, boosted civic pride, and community building.

Every September, the town’s food-growing achievements are celebrated with a Harvest Festival.

Beyond vegetables and fruit, other local produce sold includes honey, dairy products, ice cream, eggs and meat.

Much of IET’s success springs from the project’s momentum continuing to build rather than dwindle, with increasing numbers of locals making hands-on contributions.

Visitors come, some from far afield, and most leave with a vision

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of starting a similar project in their own communities. In order to help replicate the idea, the Incredible Edible Network (IEN) was recently launched.

NETWORK OF 200 GROUPS

The network now includes more than 200 local food production groups, most of which are located in the UK and France. Recently a group of Todmorden locals visited Romania, a country with deep unbroken agricultural roots, in order to look for ideas and inspiration.

The local food movement is one whose time has come.

In Australia, the number of farmers’ markets has shot up from zero in the mid 1990s to more than 160 today.

Community gardens and backyard food plots are becoming increasingly popular. Much discussion today revolves around local “food hubs” that can become alternative distribution and marketing systems, replacing the highly centralised supermarket model.

RESOURCES Incredible Edible Todmorden, www.incredible-edible-todmorden.co.uk Incredible Edible Network, www.incredibleediblenetwork.org.uk Incredible Farm, www.incrediblefarm.co.uk Incredible Aqua Garden, www.incredibleaquagarden.co.uk Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based in Lismore (Northern NSW.) SPRING 2014

Food & Nutrition

In the words of Gabriel Cousens, “Honour goes to our brothers and sisters throughout the world who have made a commitment to themselves to live and eat in a way that creates the highest physical, emotional, mental and spiritual expression and helps to heal the planetary ecology and the Earth’s inhabitants”

VeganRaw Cuisine… …is not a diet, but a way of living

By Sach Cassini

T

he alchemy of food in terms of enzymes, bacteria and fermentation provide the body and mind with an abundance of biochemical information.

This information, received and processed by each individual, is what determines if a person will be healthy or not.

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Health is multi-faceted. It is not only about the body for it also involves the way the body responds, runs, exercises, and its power and endurance. Health is also related to inner peace of mind, quality of thoughts and positivity of spirit.

VeganRaw cuisine takes care of the full spectrum of bodily health.

Our whole being naturally needs minerals, vitamins, proteins, fiber and carbohydrates. Vital minerals

such as sodium, calcium, potassium and magnesium are found in water when taken at the source of a spring.

Vitamins (vita means life in Latin) are found primarily in fruit. Fibre, which is paramount for correct digestive function, comes in fruit and certain exotic foods, while the best form of proteins in a vegetarian diet are from legumes.

The major poisons are processed sugar (white sugar), butter, white flour, coffee, black tea and alcohol, as well as processed food, additives (such as e-numbers, preservatives, stabilisers) and synthesised alternatives such as aspartame. For an excellent treatise on white sugar, I recommend reading Sugar Blues by William Dufty.

A VeganRaw cuisine does not mean you must go without, or eliminate anything from your diet; simply replace it. Delicious alternatives to processed sugar are honey, maple syrup, agave (sap from cactus), rapadura (dehydrated sugar-cane juice), or coconut palm sugar. Replace white flour with spelt or whole-grain flours, and butter with olive or coconut oils. Phase out coffee with green tea or roasted dandelion CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 15

and barley alternatives (Teeccino is making excellent products in this area.)

HORTICULTURE IN A JAR: SPROUTS

Sprouted seeds and grains, grown in a jar by the kitchen window are the richest known source of naturally occurring vitamins. A mere tablespoon of alfalfa seeds will produce about one kilogram of sprouts.

Other common seeds for sprouting are: mung beans; azuki beans; lentils; wheat, oat and barley groats; fenugreek seeds; mustard seeds; pumpkin seeds; sesame seeds and soya beans. Sprouts are a marvelous mini-forest of delicious nutritional power.

RAW JUICES FOR HEALTH AND VITALITY

Fasting on raw juice instead of water is probably the single most potent short-term antidote to fatigue and stress available anywhere.

FERMENTED FOODS

These are delicious and highly valuable for our health. Rich in

16 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

enzymes and lacto-bacillus bacteria, the proteins they contain are pre-digested and therefore very easy for the body to assimilate.

SEAWEEDS

The high iodine content in seaweeds is good for the thyroid gland (responsible for metabolic health) because it contains almost the whole alphabet of vitamins A, B, C, D, E and K. Other nutrient-rich foods include all types of mushrooms, dried fruits, nuts, herbs and spices: the list is infinite.

However, there’s more to health than a great diet. An optimum lifestyle would include yoga, exercising, meditating, living close to nature, being in contact with sunshine, clean fresh air and drinking good water (not “city water” from the tap).

The ideal would be to grow your own food, either in your own garden or in a community garden, or join a movement that embraces a more alternative life. Many ways are available to us to improve and increase our knowledge, experience and wisdom of Food, Health and Joy.

We’ve heard it so many times, and it’s true: We are what we eat.

Only your consciousness will make a difference, and not only to your own awareness of life and health; the happiness of this movement is creating the change for others to also enjoy a lighter, brighter life.

Cultivate a curiosity for what is different; change is a law of nature.

Many books and websites are available to deepen our understanding of a raw diet. Excellent authors are: Leslie Kenton, The Raw Energy Bible, Gabriel Cousens, Rainbow Green Live-Food Cuisine, Judita Wignall, Going Raw, Matt Amsden, Rawvolution, and Sarah Wilson, I Quit Sugar.

A few great websites to are: Vegan blog with excellent recipes: www.ohsheglows.com The simple approach to the VeganRaw lifestyle: www.choosingraw.com Wonderful Raw recipes: www. rawfoodrecipes.com There are many inspirational VeganRaw cafes around Australia to visit, such as: Kind Living Café, Maleny, Qld;

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ultimate wealth. Be responsible for your own longevity.

At the same time, share your knowledge of food and healthy living with your children, family and friends.

ECOLOGY

This is now the watchword of all the life sciences and it is time we started applying it to health. The message is important: Humanity depends on each of our decisions!

Let’s be the change we wish to see in the world!

The VeganRaw cuisine is automatically taking care of environmental issues. Nutrition can be an evolution to ending the cruelty inherent in mainstream diets and to restore the natural balance of peace.

Bon Apetit!

‘An optimum lifestyle would include… exercise, meditation, living close to nature, being in contact with sunshine, clean fresh air and drinking good water’

Sach Cassini is a Vegan-Raw Food Chef. Since 1994 he’s been hosting workshops and combing a passion for food with his extensive experience of detoxing, fasting and nutrition. He is part of a self-sufficient community in Tuscany, Italy, which is based on the principles of permaculture and biodynamics. He shares his time between Italy and Margaret River, Australia. www.borgopignano.com www.fairharvest.com.au

20,000 Cows, Lismore NSW Santos in NSW Earth to Table, Sydney, NSW Lentil as Anything, Melbourne, Vic Raw Kitchen, Perth, WA Samudra, Dunsborough WA Check the website www.happycow.net for many more options Have compassion for your health, for it is your

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CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 17

Health & Wellbeing

HEALTH Consumer GO BAREFOOT NOW

SAVI AUSTRALIA

Savi Australia proudly offers a deluxe range of certified organic Body Care products that are crafted with nature’s purest and finest certified organic cold pressed oils and extracts.

Bottles come with a travel friendly clip to prevent leakage when travelling.

BODY LOTION WELLBEING

Containing a quarter of your body’s bones and a number of muscles, tendons and nerve endings, your feet form a brilliant tool! And leguano® helps you enjoy them.

The rigid sole of a normal shoe is like a cast that doesn’t allow your foot to move properly.

Leguano® frees your foot by embracing its shape, enabling full natural movement while protecting it.

By going “barefoot” your posture will be more upright and all muscle groups activated. You’ll get a free foot reflexology with every step. This will energise and revive your whole body.

“Barefooting” regularly can help ease the following complaints: headaches and migraine; back, hip and knee pain; insomnia and foot and joint misalignments.

Discover the natural way to move and enjoy a completely new awareness of your body. Make health a lifestyle, step by step.

Contact Edward Hope, M: 0417 091 856 www.gobarefootnow.com

Invigorating and refreshing this blend of rich organic oils and butters has lasting effects of hydration leaving your skin feeling nourished and soft - infused with Citrus and Australian Lemon Myrtle

HAND LOTION WELLBEING

The ultra-rich organic hand lotion is truly a special treat for your hands. It is fast absorbing, and is specifically formulated with Olive, Hemp Oil and Shea Butter to impart softness, while protecting the skin and nails. It is scented with Savi`s range blend, Wellbeing, to uplift and invigorate your senses.

www.saviorganicsaustralia.com Margaret River Western Australia, T: (08) 9757 9455

Non Toxic Mattress for Healthy Sleep

Ultimate Beds® mattresses are made from unique combinations of Australian-made non toxic breathable Premium and Viscous foams. Using only Australian made 100 per cent Certified Organic cotton, their mattress covers reduce the effects of conventional and damaging cotton farming avoiding a chemical onslaught while you sleep.

The mattresses are designed to promote perfect posture when sleeping, whilst reducing pressure on the entire body.

Ultimate Beds mattresses don’t contain metal so will not act as an antenna. Neither is Latex used as it can elevate certain blood proteins, which can be unhealthy. Each mattress comes with breathable, removable Organic Cotton Covers that allows it to be inspected and cleaned. This eliminates moisture or particulate matter building up and keeps the mattress hygienic for its useable life of about 10 years. They also sell replacement covers.

18 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

Above all Ultimate Beds mattresses are healthy, high quality, extremely breathable and comfortable.

T: (08) 9384 7788, www.ultimatebeds.com.au

SPRING 2014

Health & Wellbeing

The Real Cost of

Beauty

By Michal Haswell

M

ost women own a bright red lippy for the confidence and seductiveness it promises.

But what is the real cost of luscious lips and looking good?

Over a lifetime, women will consume as much as three kilograms of the lipstick they wear. Perhaps it is time to think about what we are putting on our lips and into our bodies.

ALUMINIUM IN LIPSTICK

Many lipsticks contain preservatives, colours and fragrances that are potentially harmful. Lipstick pigments usually have an aluminium base and many of the ingredients are allergens. One study of ingredients in lipsticks reported finding 17 that are potential carcinogens.

If you make the effort, you can find lipsticks and lip glosses that are far kinder to your health. Learn to read labels and do a little research on the company that made the lipstick you want to buy.

It is easy to believe that because it is for sale in shop, it is safe. But many products sold in stores have SPRING 2014

never been properly tested. Educate yourself so that you can make the best choices for you and your family.

POISONOUS PERFUME

Perhaps the most poisonous contributors to imbalances in our health are perfumes and the fragrances used in thousands of beauty products.

A typical fragrance contains parabens, shown to interfere with hormone production; phthalates, another synthetic preservative, is known to be carcinogenic; and synthetic musk, which is linked to hormone disruption is also thought to accumulate in the body and the environment. Some formulas can even trigger asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.

To avoid these possible side effects does not mean you must go without.

Pure essential oils are one option to consider. They have no harmful side effects, and uplift mood and emotion.

Young Living Essential Oils has a huge range of Essential oils that are pure. Joy, Stress Away, and Highest Potential are essential oil blends that make a lovely perfume. Ylang ylang,

Jasmine and Rose are very popular in the single oils.

Young Livings latest release, LBriante, is an all natural lip gloss and Essential Oil fragrance combined in one package, with a roll-on fragrance at one end and a lip gloss at the other.

Realistically, we will never eliminate all of the toxic chemicals out of our everyday life, but we can seek better alternatives and aim to reduce the harmful chemical for those that are kinder to our bodies.

It’s all about being “consumer savvy”. Reading labels alone is not enough. Do your research and dig deep, because there are many hidden ingredients that never reach the labels. Make safe choices for you and your family.

For more information or help with choosing safe, health-enhancing products for yourself and your family, please contact michalhaswell@ gmail.com. Michal is a Young Living Independent Distributor and will organise a complimentary FingerTip Facial for anyone who contacts her and mentions this article.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 19

Health & Wellbeing

Natural, organic, low-cost

beauty treatments

By Ali Jardine, author of The Colour of Health-Food for Life

E

ating nourishing, natural, organic food is an inner beauty treatment in itself, and many of these foods can be used to make low-cost external beauty treatments.

Here are a few of the natural organic beauty treatments I use.

NATURAL SALT

I use Himalayan salt because it has 84 minerals, magnesium and calcium, and is anti-ageing!

As a re-hydrating drink: 1 Teaspoon in 1 Litre of drinking water As a skin softener: 1 Tablespoon in a relaxing bath.

For exfoliation: 1 teaspoon mixed with 2 Tablespoons of a solid coconut oil (butter) makes a natural salt scrub.

Mouth cleanser: 1 teaspoon in a cup of warm water.

Foot soak and detoxification: 1 Tablespoon in a bucket of warm water. The feet hold many toxins, which the salt water can cleanse and detox.

Our bodies need salt, and I use Himalayan salt for rehydration because it absorbs and maintains the water we drink. We’ve been warned against consuming salt because most of us eat the wrong type in highly processed foods.

20 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

The salt in those products is overprocessed, which is why it’s best to use natural salt. If we stick to natural food sources we cannot go wrong.

LEMONS

Lemons regulate the PH of the body. They are a great liver cleanser and help with digestion.

Internal cleanser: 1/2 lemon in a glass of warm water, twice a day.

Balance the PH of the gums: Biting on a lemon wedge brightens the teeth and balances the PH of the gums Facial treatment: Massaging lemon on the face, acts as a great astringent, skin brightener and toner.

Skin tightener: Slices of lemon placed on the face will refresh and tighten the skin.

Nail brightener: Polish nails with a SPRING 2014

fresh lemon to cleanse and brighten.

After using lemons as a beauty treatment, rinse the area with water.

Hand and nail moisturiser: Massage 1 teaspoon into hands and nails on a regular basis for moisturising.

COCONUT OIL (BUTTER)

NOURISHING FACEPACKS

A high quality organic coconut oil that has been kept in the fridge and has become solid makes a great moisturiser.

Night cream: Massage 1 teaspoon of coconut oil into the face and neck area at night.

Makeup remover: A small amount massaged around the eyes removes any residual makeup.

Teeth brightener: 1 teaspoon rolled around the mouth twice a day (spit out into a tissue) will absorb toxins and brighten the teeth. Spit this oil onto a tissue. Do not dispose of any oil down drains, as this will block them.

Hair moisturiser: Massage 1 Tablespoon into medium to dry hair.

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To save cash on face packs and masks, make your own.

Avocado face pack: Mash 1/2 an avocado, use as a facemask, leave on for 20 minutes, and then rinse off. Full of magnesium, an avocado nourishes the skin.

Banana face pack: Mash 1/2 a banana, apply it to the face as above. Leave on for 20 minutes before rinsing off. Bananas contain

Vitamins A, B, E and potassium.

Nourish and tighten skin: Mix 1/2 a cup of porridge oats with warm water to form a paste. Leave on for 20 minutes then rinse off.

If we really want to get creative, we can chop up some herbs such as basil, mint or parsley. These can be mixed with coconut butter for use as a face pack. The herbs are cleansing, antibacterial and feel cooling on the skin.

More information and recipe ideas about natural foods and treatments are available in my consultations and workshops.

Further information: M: 0448 516 015; alison_jardine@hotmail.com www.ajwellness.com.au www.facebook.com/ thecolourofhealthfoodforlife

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 21

Health & Wellbeing

Multiple Sclerosis

By Martin Oliver

Alternative approaches and therapies

You are at the peak of your life when suddenly you are no longer in control of your body. The doctor makes a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS).

Your reaction is to go into denial, or get a second opinion. Sooner or later, however, you find yourself grappling to come to terms with a condition that you feel is likely to dominate the rest of your life.

Until the mid 19th Century, the medical fraternity did not recognise the existence of MS. Today it is deemed incurable, although some alternative approaches may provide hope.

Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the brain’s myelin, disrupting nerve signals. Common symptoms include motor control problems, fatigue, muscle pain, neurological symptoms, and difficulty in thinking. Lesions appear in the brain and spinal cord. Often symptom-free periods are interspersed with relapses, and about two-thirds of these are triggered by a viral infection.

Looking at the profile of people who develop MS, about 70 per cent are female, 98 per cent are Caucasian, and 10 to 20 per cent have a relative with MS, which suggests a genetic predisposition.

Usually appearing between the ages of 20 and 50, MS progresses in different people at different speeds.

At some point, many sufferers with reduced mobility require a walking 22 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

aid or a wheelchair. Average life expectancy is between five and ten years shorter than for the population as a whole.

According to the mainstream perspective, MS is an autoimmune disease with an unknown cause and no cure. This view is being challenged, with myelin damage increasingly viewed as a by-product rather than a cause. The isolated Faroe Islands far to the north of Scotland had never experienced cases of MS

until 1940, when British troops were stationed there. By 1945, there was a small epidemic. This strongly suggests an infectious pathway.

Neurologists tend to insist that those who develop MS will have the disease for life, and their best hope is to slow down its progression, easing the symptoms with pharmaceuticals.

Unfortunately the pharmaceuticals present their own problems: interferon causes liver damage, and the anti-immune drug prednisone SPRING 2014

‘Multiple Sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the brain’s myelin, disrupting nerve signals’ carries a risk of numerous side effects.

MS, LYME DISEASE, OR MERCURY POISONING?

The picture becomes more confused when other avenues for producing similar symptoms to MS are taken into consideration.

Lyme disease is a condition that is generally transmitted via a spirochete (spiral bacterium) found on a tick. One obvious sign of infection is a rash that appears in a ring around the bite location, although avoiding this rash provides no certainty that one is Lyme-free. Despite health authorities rejecting the idea that Lyme disease exists in Australia, in the face of increasing evidence the ground is starting to shift. Similar symptoms to MS include weakness, pain, and cognitive problems.

Neurological effects of mercury exposure were well known among hat-makers, who once used mercury in the treatment of felt, leading to the saying “mad as a hatter”. A 2011 study showed that MS patients had 7.5-fold higher levels of mercury in their cerebrospinal fluid than controls, indicating a link. The primary source of exposure for many people is via amalgam fillings that are roughly 50 per cent mercury.

The notion that MS can be reversed by simply having amalgam fillings replaced with composites (using a safety protocol, and in conjunction with a detoxification program) is rejected by the medical mainstream, yet many people who take this step continue to report a marked relief of their symptoms.

Woodrow Monte is an American PhD scientist who studied the SPRING 2014

artificial sweetener aspartame (951, NutraSweet, Equal) in the early 1980s.

In his book While Science Sleeps, he links the brain myelin destruction found in MS patients to aspartame, claiming it creates methanol that crosses blood-brain barrier, where it turns into formaldehyde.

A further claim is that monosodium glutamate (MSG, E621) can be a cause of MS symptoms.

Proven harmful to brain neurons, it is commonly hidden in a range of ingredients such as hydrolysed vegetable protein, textured vegetable protein and autolysed yeast.

NATURAL PREVENTION AND TREATMENT

The incidence of MS increases markedly from tropical to temperate zones, and the only plausible explanation is the immune-boosting effect of vitamin D from sunlight.

Health commentator Joseph Mercola recommends getting sufficient daily sun exposure over most of the body for it to turn the palest shade of pink. Where there is little sun, it is beneficial to take a vitamin D3 supplement, ideally with K2. When pregnant, higher vitamin D levels minimise the risk of the baby developing MS later in life. Another separate risk factor is smoking.

About 50 per cent of MS sufferers try naturopathic approaches. Many with the condition are reporting benefits from a range of natural substances, off-patent drugs, treatments and therapies. It is worth applying a modicum of scepticism, while bearing in mind that the numerous unorthodox MS therapies have at least one web page trying to

debunk them.

Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis is a group whose web site contains much helpful information about natural interventions, including diet, sunlight, meditation, exercise, and issues surrounding medication. It makes the point that it is independent of industry funding.

In terms of managing MS symptoms, sufferers have reported pain relief benefits from medical marijuana (which is still illegal throughout Australia), massage and acupuncture.

Relatively low-saturated fat diets are generally recommended, and foods with trans-fats such as margarine, biscuits and chips are believed to worsen symptoms. Control of MS can be achieved through avoiding allergens such as food, tobacco smoke, and house dust.

SUPPLEMENTS LIST

Below is a list some of the supplements and other substances that are being used for MS with some positive reports: Fish oil may repair myelin and slow down disease progression.

Gingko biloba and ginseng are used to relieve brain fog, and seem to work well when combined.

Vitamin B12 is often injected rather than swallowed, and many people are finding it helpful in relieving fatigue.

Vitamin D3 (taken with K2) may slow down progression.

Turmeric (fresh or powdered) is a strong anti-inflammatory that is attracting rave feedback.

Magnesium levels are often deficient in people with MS. Taking it as a supplement may reduce the rate of relapses.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 23

Histamine can either be injected or applied via transdermal patch.

Black seed (black cumin, Nigella sativa) is usually taken as oil, and some users recommend having it with freshly squeezed orange juice.

As an immune stimulant believed to raise natural interferon production, some users are claiming dramatic improvements.

Colostrum is derived from a bovine source and is taken as a tablet. The first milking colostrum collected just after the birth of the calf is recommended for maximising peptide content. It is claimed to boost stem cell production.

Cayenne is considered to increase circulation and relieve numbness, and is often taken in capsule form or as a spice.

Adaptrin (Padma 28) is a Tibetan mixture of 22 herbs developed in the late 19th century. It received scientific endorsement in 1992, when a study involving a hundred people with MS found that 44 per cent experienced clinical improvement.

24 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

‘A 2011 study showed that MS patients had 7.5-fold higher levels of mercury in their cerebrospinal fluid than controls, indicating a link’ MMS (Miracle Mineral Solution) is a dangerous product in the eyes of the authorities. This is a dilution of sodium chlorite in distilled water that turns into chlorine dioxide in the presence of an acid, and is very effective at killing pathogens.

Added to water by measured drops, it is considered by government bodies to be harmful at the highly diluted recommended dose. A community of people tackling MS takes a different view.

Low-dose naltrexone (LDN) involves a pharmaceutical whose patent has run out. Taken over the long term, many people are reporting improvements, with few side effects.

LDN has its own information website that has no economic relationship with the drug’s manufacturers.

MS THERAPIES – PAOLO ZAMBONI

Paolo Zamboni is an Italian who in 1995 was working as a professor of medicine when his wife Elena was diagnosed with MS. In a labour of love, he set to work looking for a solution, scouring old medical textbooks, and eventually concluded that excess iron was leading to a narrowing of veins in the neck and head that was later named chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency (CCSVI.) This research later paid off when he cured Elena’s MS via a vein-widening operation.

Despite a large number of people who feel that their lives have been transformed by the operation, neurologists vigorously attack Zamboni’s therapy, and the media has given it negative coverage in recent years.

Within Australia, in Newcastle, Dr Paul Thibault carries out this procedure. Dr Thibault claims that

SPRING 2014

about two thirds of his patients have experienced some benefit. He has been struck off Medicare and banned from operating in public hospitals, so he carries out the procedure privately. Costing thousands of dollars, it is out of reach of many budgets.

CHLAMYDIA PNEUMONIAE

In a story that is remarkably similar to Zamboni’s, Dr David Wheldon has a scientific background as a British expert in infectious diseases. Dr Wheldon is also an author and poet. When his artist wife Sarah was diagnosed with MS in her 20s, he began intensive research, narrowing the cause down to Chlamydophila pneumoniae, a respiratory microbe spread by coughing and sneezing.

Although most people are infected with it, the problems only start when it begins attacking the body.

Dr Wheldon’s next challenge was eradication of the microbe. It is extremely difficult to kill, so he devised a Chlamydophila pneumoniae treatment protocol. This treatment was carried out for 12 months and involved a combination of three different antibiotics, together with several antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. On the regime, Sarah’s lesions disappeared within months, and today she is MS-free instead of living in a nursing home. Dr Wheldon provides details of his treatment free, and understandably offers no guarantees. Dr Thibault has created another modified protocol of his own.

Dr Wheldon’s and Zamboni’s conclusions are not mutually exclusive, because Chlamydophila pneumoniae is known to affect veins.

TERRY WAHLS (MD)

When American clinical professor of medicine Terry Wahls was diagnosed with MS, she was forced outside of her medical paradigm SPRING 2014

‘Black seed (black cumin, Nigella sativa) is usually taken as oil, and… some users claim improvements’ in her determination to beat the disease. Using natural techniques, she reversed her MS and today she no longer uses a wheelchair.

She feels that the most benefit was gained by dietary changes, involving a shift to a low carbohydrate Paleo diet, together with functional medicine (a medical system where genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors are all considered). She also made use of neuromuscular electrical stimulation, a therapy that involves rebuilding connections between the brain and muscles.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN THERAPY (HBOT)

lukewarm. In the neurologists’ view, raising the prospect of possible cures is irresponsible, as this raises the hopes of people with MS. Instead, neurologists tend to see MS as a life sentence.

In most cases, the strongest arguments against trying supplements or unconventional therapies are the modest cost involved, and a lack of firm scientific evidence that they work. As for scientific testing, this is expensive, and unpatented supplements or pharmaceuticals are generally insufficiently profitable to enable a manufacturer to put up the funding.

When the alternative is to become progressively debilitated and eventually lose one’s independence, it is no surprise that many MS sufferers are taking a dismissive attitude to this conservatism.

RESOURCES

Hyperbaric oxygen units are well known as a treatment for “the bends”, a diving decompression sickness linked to excess of nitrogen in the blood. The therapy involves breathing in 100 per cent oxygen inside a special chamber.

While the mainstream view is that HBOT offers negligible benefit for MS, people with the condition continue to report improvements, believing that it works by reducing inflammation. Indeed, in the UK it has been used by thousands of people, at 60 private treatment centres dotted around the country.

David Wheldon www.davidwheldon.co.uk/ms-treatment. html

RAISING HOPES

Low Dose Naltrexone www.lowdosenaltrexone.org

National MS societies and neurologists tend to be the most active defenders of orthodoxy when approaching this disease.

When confronted which what could be important breakthroughs, their responses are cautious and

CCSVI Australia www.ccsviaustralia.com.au Multiple Sclerosis Network of Care Australia www.msnetwork.org Terry Wahls www.terrywahls.com Overcoming Multiple Sclerosis www.overcomingmultiplesclerosis.org

Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based at Lismore, Northern NSW. CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 25

Natural

Therapies for a New Era For all who are experiencing ongoing, relentless pain it is helpful to know there are natural approaches that may help.

Naturopath Stuart Morick of Bassendean in Western Australia gives important options to consider and a ray of hope for those whose lives are being altered by pain.

Stuart is a regular contributor to these pages, as is noted Australian Medical Doctor and author Sandra Cabot.

Dr Cabot reveals the causes of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and suggests ways to manage the condition through nutrition. Dr Cabot has more than 30 years clinical experience and believes in balancing the body’s hormonal and chemical make up to achieve optimum health.

Psychosomatic illnesses or conditions may relate to mental factors, possibly worry or stress. Training with Vicki Delpero for a Certificate III in Psychosomatic Therapy would be useful for natural therapists, or others wanting to apply this knowledge in their personal lives.

Elixir Centre Grabovoi® Methods and Teachings

After graduating as a Medical Doctor in Serbia, Nevena JelovacPavelic investigated the work of the founder of homeopathy, Dr Samuel Hahenmann MD (1755-1843), and qualified as a homeopath.

Later, she discovered Dr Grigori Grabovoi’s new teachings for health and wellbeing, and became a licensed Teacher.

The teachings involve numerical sequences that can be focused on.

For instance, to become more positive and experience general success, the sequence would be: “5197148 – everything is possible.”

“Through focusing on this number, everything starts to speed up and open up.”

Nevena said.

“The teachings are designed to bring into your life the best outcomes for you.

However, the underlying principle is that while improving your own life, you are also contributing to the overall improvement of the global community.”

A major aim of Dr Grabovoi’s work is universal salvation and harmonious development. www.elixircentre.com.au M: 0411 73 93 93

Certificate III in Psychosomatic Therapy With Vicki Delpero, Psychosomatic Therapist and Teacher

Imagine for a moment that you are not a human being; you are a light being, a soul, having a human experience.

There is much to learn in your human experience: how to feel and express what you feel, and how to truly connect with yourself and others.

BALANCE AND HEALING Psychosomatic Therapy body-mind communication teaches you how to understand the human aspect of you: why you react the way you do, what reoccurring pain in your body means and how you can bring balance and healing to your body. Through learning to understand the emotion behind your reactions, physical pain or discomfort, you become able to release that emotion.

Trauma, heartache, any deeply felt emotion that you don’t express and clear when it occurs becomes locked in your body’s cells.

An event today might trigger an emotional response that has been stored within your cellular memory for many years. For example, have you ever snapped at your partner or kids and wondered why you reacted so strongly? Would you like to know why you keep experiencing injury or weakness in a particular part of your body?

26 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

BE YOUR OWN THERAPIST Certificate III in Psychosomatic Therapy gives you the opportunity to make the change from relying on going to a practitioner to “make you better” to learning how to be your own therapist.

Psychosomatic Therapy works in co-creation with you, teaching you how to work towards balance, focus and structure within yourself.

One of the most powerful tools you will learn as a Psychosomatic Therapist is how to truly understand another human being, on first meeting, by simply reading his or her face, hands, body or feet.

Put us to the test: meet my team of Psychosomatic Therapists and me at the October 2014 Conscious Living Expo in Perth for a Face Reading and experience the power of Psychosomatic Therapy. www.casadelsole.com.au SPRING 2014

Natural Choices for Pain Relief How often have you heard someone complain about pain?

Perhaps you’ve experienced it yourself – back, neck, shoulders, ankles, elbows or even those old sports injuries.

From niggling aches to recurrent or persistent pain we all seek relief.

Pain can be incredibly debilitating, disrupting our ability to carry out even the simplest of everyday tasks. Fortunately, we have access to a wide range of therapies to help relieve musculoskeletal pain, with most treatments involving a combination of pain management and effective rehabilitation.

Osteopathy, chiropractic, physiotherapy, remedial massage, Bowen therapy, Dorn spinal technique and Biodynamic Impulsation are well known to many and have provided much wanted natural relief. Others seek respite from pain through cortisone injections, powerful pharmaceuticals and even surgery.

ELITE ATHLETES Another natural alternative for pain relief is biomesotherapy, also known as biopuncture. An advanced homoeopathic technique, it was originally developed in Europe, where it is particularly popular among elite athletes. Many natural therapists, homoeopaths and doctors in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and South Africa offer biomesotherapy.

During biopuncture (biomesotherapy), fine needles (like acupuncture needles) are used to inject small amounts of sterile saline solution under the skin, activating trigger points for joints or organs. At the same time, an oral homoeopathic that focuses on the area of the body requiring treatment is administered. Together, they stimulate the body’s own capacity for healing, relaxing muscles, correcting imbalances and providing relief from pain and injury.

‘Options that stimulate the body’s own capacity to heal… may provide a longer-term solution than treatments that simply suppress the symptoms of pain’ SPRING 2014

Naturopath Stuart Morick reports on biopuncture

INFLAMMATION CONTROL Considered very effective for joint and muscle pain, Traumeel® is the most popular remedy used during biopuncture (biomesotherapy) as it includes a number of natural ingredients that combine to control inflammation.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Traumeel cream and gel are as effective as diclofenac gel, a powerful non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) with an anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect.

If you are seeking relief from pain, you may wish to consider options that stimulate the body’s own capacity to heal. These may provide a longer-term solution than the transient relief offered by treatments that simply suppress the symptoms of your pain.

Please speak to your natural healthcare practitioner to determine a solution that suits your needs and look forward to a pain-free future.

FURTHER INFORMATION: www.purehealthandwellness.com.au Tel: 08 9378 2774 or Mo: 0412 341 143

FACE READING Imagine for a moment that you are not a human being, you are a light being, a soul, having a human experience. There is much to learn in your human experience – how to feel and express and how to truly connect.

Psychosomatic Therapy body-mind communication teaches you how to understand the human aspect of you. One of the most powerful tools you learn as a Psychosomatic Therapist is how to truly understand another on first meeting by simply reading their face, hands, body or feet.

Put us to the test - meet me and my Psychosomatic Therapy team at the Expo for a Face Read and find out for yourself how powerful Psychosomatic Therapy truly is.

Be at main stage Thursday 1 pm or Saturday at 3.45 to hear Vicki explain how the magic of Body- Mind Communication can help you bring body, mind and soul into balance.

VICKI DELPERO

Psychosomatic Therapist and Teacher www.casadelsole.com.au

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 27

Natural

Therapies for a New Era With complementary medicine becoming more and more recognised for its importance in modern healthcare, renowned Australian iridologist and President of the Australian Complementary Medicine Association, Will Shannon, shares his insights into the benefits of iridology.

By Will Shannon

The 10 Benefits of Iridology Keep the twinkle in your eyes and your body healthy with iridology.

This natural medicine practice examines the eyes as mirrors to the body, believing that the iris reflects the condition and function of every organ.

PROVEN PRINCIPLES Iridologists look at the patterns, colours, and other characteristics of the iris to gather information about a patient’s health. Through tried and proven principles, iridologists use the eyes as a wonderful piece of equipment to determine the health of the body.

There are 10 key benefits to Iridology: 1: Iridology can be a way of detecting signs of developing illness or disease at their earliest stage before they become problems and before clinical indicators or physical symptoms develop. Because the different markings and colours of the iris in the unique zones of the eye correspond to the organs in the body, they can indicate potential health issues.

2: Patients may gain an early advantage in the prevention and treatment of illness, before a small health problem becomes worse.

3: Iridology can allow you to take action early and make lifestyle changes to ensure you stay healthy.

4: An examination can help you determine many health markers including your constitutional strengths and weaknesses, nutritional deficiencies, areas of injury, inflammation or degeneration, accumulation of toxins, emotional issues, as well as identifying key risk factors in your body.

5: The unique colour, markings, and structures of your irises can reveal valuable information about your physical, mental, and emotional state of health.

6: Consultation is simple, painless, and non-invasive as the practitioner uses a small flashlight and magnifying glass to examine the eyes.

7: Iridology can be a glimpse into the condition of external processes that are otherwise difficult to gauge, including degeneration,

congestion, toxicity, and acidity levels.

8: The iris is a window to the brain. With thousands of nerve endings, microscopic blood vessels, muscle and connective tissue, the iris reflects the inner workings of the body.

Every organ is connected to the iris via the nervous system. Therefore iridology can be viewed as the starting point of preventative health care.

9: Iridology offers a holistic approach to assessing patient health.

10: Combined with other natural treatments, Iridology can improve your vibrancy and energy levels.

After seeing an iridologist you will be able to look at the health of your body with clear eyes.

Further information: www.willshannon.com, Pinnacle Health Clinic Tel: (02) 98907004

Ascent Healing Centre Holistic Children’s Coaching Ascent Healing Centre at Oakford in Western Australia offers holistic coaching programs for children, parents and carers that focus on how they interact with each other. Johanna M McNamara (BA- IR - & Dip Teach -Ed Psych) and Mona Louise De Carvalho (B Education- TESOL) said their programs are designed to help manage a wide range of situations, including bullying at school, home or in the wider community. “In line with National School Curriculum initiatives, 28 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

we help children identify the impact of bullying behaviours, develop strategies to overcome those behaviours and to succeed in their goals,” Johanna said.

“Our programs also benefit children with disabilities, including autistic children to guide them in performance, goal setting and to enhance their life skills. This helps them and their families live happier more fulfilling lives, and to participate more within their communities. The programs are run in a fun and safe environment.

www.ascenthealing.com.au E: Johanna@ascenthealing.com.au T: 0434 390 363 (Johanna) T – 0432 388 651(Mona) SPRING 2014

Serene Health & Wellness Centre A place of healing in Western Australia

Serene Health & Wellness Centre is a place where you can receive healing, massage, a range of Wellness programs and Naturopathic consultations to be guided to create healthy habits and wellness in your life.

Bodywork includes: Bowen Therapy, Massage, Pregnancy Massage, Reflexology, Trigger Point Therapy, Body Wraps, and Infra Red Sauna.

Those who attend the centre do so for help with wide ranging issues, including weight management, fertility, detoxification, stress reduction, and the Healthy Food Program and Workshops.

INDIVIDUALISED FOOD PROGRAM The Healthy Food Program involves a consultation with a naturopath, the designing of an individualised food program, menu programmer, weight charting and workshops.

This customised program has many benefits in addition to achieving a healthy weight.

Owner Helen King (ND) is the founder of the centre. Working alongside her are Zack Stojkovic, Angel Psychic Healer, and a team of Wellness Practitioners.

“My passion is to help people understand their bodies and how diet, lifestyle and the environment has an impact on their overall health,” Helen said.

“Everything in life can be achieved if you truly want it. What I am offering is going to shape your life, your destiny and the direction of your journey. All you need to do is take the first step.”

Further information: Tel: 92976021 or Mob: 0414429561 www.serenewellness.com.au info@serenewellness.com.au

ALLOW THE JOURNEY TO CONNECT TO YOUR SPIRITUAL & INTUITIVE SELF UNFOLD WITH SUNITA OPEN CIRCLE (Perth, Goldcoast) Develop your intuition ongoing classes PERTH HEALING GROUP receive the power of healing in a quiet meditative space (Nov 2014) MEDIUMSHIP WORKSHOP (26 Oct 2014) SUNITAESSENTIAL PRODUCTS Chakra oils, clearing sprays, Oracle cards and other products.

For further information contact: M: 0457 782704 E: info@thetrinityconnect.com www.thetinityconnect.com

SPRING 2014

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 29

Health & Wellbeing

Could you have

irritable bowel syndrome?

By Dr Sandra Cabot MD

I

rritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) means irritability of the bowel and this can affect any area of the digestive tract.

It is a common problem known in the past by several different names such as “spastic colon” or “nervous bowel”.

A syndrome is a group of symptoms and signs that occur together and produce a typical pattern of a specific disorder.

Classic symptoms of IBS are: • Abdominal pain – this may vary from dull aching, swollen pressure, cramping, or sharp in nature.

Episodes of pain are usually intermittent and may disappear for long periods.

• Irregular pattern of the bowel actions – constipation or diarrhoea, or constipation alternating with diarrhoea.

• Other symptoms may include belching, bloating, reduced appetite and excessive gas (flatulence).

What causes IBS?

In most cases, food intolerance causes IBS. Sometimes it’s sensitivity

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to gluten, wheat or dairy products.

Or the cause may be difficulties in digesting certain types of fermentable carbohydrates found in many common foods, such as fruit and vegetables.

In the past, those who suffered with IBS were told they needed to relax more, and that stress was responsible for their condition.

Fortunately, we now understand a lot more about bowel conditions, and we know that stress is not the sole cause.

Wheat and other grains can be difficult to digest and they are responsible for many cases of bloated tummies and excess gas.

The same can be said about dairy products. Some people are sensitive to the sugar in milk (lactose), while others react to the protein (casein).

Others react to certain fruits and vegetables.

A group of carbohydrates known as FODMAPS are poorly absorbed by many people.

FODMAPS stands for Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides and Polyols. Some people have a very low tolerance to these foods, and eating

them causes a great deal of bloating and discomfort. The cumulative effect of FODMAPS causes more and more bloating as the day progresses.

If you want to try a low FODMAP diet, you may notice an improvement in bowel symptoms within a few days. Commonly eaten foods that are high in FODMAPS include apples, pears, onion, garlic, broccoli and sweet potato. Legumes and lentils are especially high in FODMAPS, so it’s no wonder that many people with IBS find they cause a great deal of gas.

For information on which foods are high and low in FODMAPS, go online and look at The Monash University Low FODMAP diet. While the diet can feel very restrictive and boring, it usually doesn’t have to be followed long term.

A FODMAPS sensitivity is usually a sign of poor gut health. Having too much bad bacteria and not enough good bacteria in your gut can cause you to lose the ability to digest FODMAPS properly, leading to IBS symptoms.

Most people find that supplementing with a good quality probiotic helps reduce bloating, gas SPRING 2014

and abdominal pain. It can also help to normalise bowel function, reducing episodes of diarrhoea or constipation.

Tips for good gut health

• Set aside enough time to eat, and eat in a relaxed atmosphere. Think pleasant, positive thoughts while eating and chew your food thoroughly. If you take sufficient time to eat, the digestive enzymes from the salivary glands in your mouth will be able to mix well with the food.

• Do not talk excessively while eating as you may swallow excessive gas with the food, which will cause bloating.

• Avoid drinking large amounts of liquid with the meal, as this will dilute digestive enzymes.

• If you have a weak digestive system take digestive enzymes in the middle of your meal and sip one to two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar diluted in three tablespoons of warm water five minutes before the meal.

• Avoid carbonated (fizzy) beverages or chewing gum after eating, as this will increase the gas in your stomach.

SPRING 2014

• Do not eat your food too rapidly because this will tend to cause over eating.

• It is far better to be a gourmet than a gourmand, and experience the delicate flavours in every mouthful of your food. You’ll probably feel a lot less bloated afterwards.

If you have a gallbladder problem, or no longer have your gallbladder, you may benefit from an ox bile supplement. Bile is necessary for good fat digestion.

Not making enough bile can lead to discomfort after oily meals, or diarrhoea. An ox bile supplement helps to top up your own body’s production of bile, if it’s inadequate.

You may need to see a healthcare practitioner to help you identify food sensitivities. It’s also possible you may have celiac disease, which is a serious condition caused by gluten ingestion. If these suggestions don’t help alleviate your symptoms, please see your doctor.

Dr Sandra Cabot will be at Conscious Living Expo 16th to 19st October 16-19, 2014, where she will be a keynote speaker.

For further information: www.sandracabot.com

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 31

Eco Living

In our throwaway society, products are increasingly intended to last for a short lifespan.

Planned obsolescence is woven into modern capitalism. Yet before the 1950’s consumer boom, most items were deliberately built to last.

Environmental problems associated with this unnecessary waste include demands on landfill space, and discarded electronics releasing toxic chemicals unless they are responsibly recycled.

Manufacturing the replacement requires non-renewable resources and energy while generating greenhouse emissions.

Financially, obsolescence is tough for low-income earners, and imposes demands on everybody’s time.

THE REPAIR CAFÉ

But some people strongly disagree with this discard-andreplace culture. A Dutch woman named Martine Postma was no longer prepared to see things thrown out that could be repaired, and was instrumental in launching the first Repair Café, in Amsterdam in 2009.

This informal meeting place brings people with something to fix together in the same room as tools, manuals, and specialists with skills such as electrical gurus, bike mechanics, carpenters, and sewing experts. Others come along to watch and learn how to fix things.

During the past few years, the Repair Café movement has begun to snowball, with 400 of them now running worldwide, mostly in Europe.

In Germany and the Netherlands, they are found in many cities and towns.

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TOSS IT? NO WAY!

Repair it at a ‘fix it’ café

By Martin Oliver

Anyone can set up their own café as part of the network, if they fulfil a few basic conditions.

REVERSE GARBAGE

Currently, Australia has one official Repair Café, in the Sydney

suburb of Marrickville. It is based in the Bower Reuse and Repair Centre, a long-established cooperative initiative located next door to the second-hand business, Reverse Garbage.

The project’s Repair Café building was recently constructed with the help of $5000 donated at the crowd funding website Pozible.com, and is now open one afternoon a week.

In Queensland’s Sunshine Coast hinterland, Maleny has a Fixit Café running fortnightly at the Neighbourhood Centre, which coincides with a community lunch.

Similar to Repair Cafés are Restart Parties, which focus on computers and electronics, a major hotspot for unnecessary waste.

Originating in London, these are going global.

The inner Sydney suburb of Darlington has a DIY bicycle-repair resource centre.

Repairing an item or organising a repair usually requires greater investment of time than buying a replacement. As a result, it is likely to appeal more to those who feel that they are time-rich and money-poor, and this includes down shifters.

SPRING 2014

CREATE LOCAL JOBS

Those who visit the cafés generally feel they can’t afford to have the repair job carried out professionally.

However, details of local repair services are promoted at Repair Cafés to support local professionals and create jobs, rather than relying on overseas manufacturing hubs.

With the help of the Repair Café and similar workshops, repair skills that once belonged to everyone are being brought back.

MAKE ITEMS LAST

Learning to do repairs is empowering and rewarding, and is striking a chord in a growing number of people. As individuals, we can ask manufacturers to make items to last, or at least design them so that they are repairable.

This involves a mindset shift

‘Restart Parties, which focus on computers and electronics, a major hotspot for unnecessary waste… are now going global’ away from disposal towards one of stewardship. It ties in with an increasing awareness of the connection between unnecessary consumerism and our usually oversized ecological footprints. For this reason, Germany’s environment minister, Barbara Hendricks, recently praised Repair Cafés.

Repair Cafés are another jigsaw piece in an emerging parallel collaborative economy, where people share and help each other, rather than compete. They also belong at the heart of the embryonic “circular economy” in which reuse and repair are the key goals.

RESOURCES Repair Café www.repaircafe.org The Bower Reuse and Repair Centre www.bower.org.au Maleny Fixit Café www.malenync.org.au/80-mncinformation/101-fix-it-cafe The Restart Project www. therestartproject.org Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based in Lismore (Northern NSW.)

Italian Skills Set In Stone Elegantly crafted water features and intricately designed statues and ornaments grace the Oggi showroom and workshop – each one destined for a special place in a garden.

Michael Donatelli, who owns the small family business with his brother, Tony, says Oggi is unmatched because they work with a secret family concrete recipe when creating their garden pieces.

The brothers are masters at crafting sandstone, granite and other materials into objects d’art and often work one on one with customers wanting “something a bit different”.

While they are equally adept at creating contemporary and traditional pieces, they share a soft spot for the timeless qualities of their traditional works.

“Federation-style and English-style formal gardens create a touch of class, and I think that’s what we need in the garden,” Michael said.

Many of pieces at Oggi have clean, elegant lines, while some of the smallscale designs are surprisingly detailed.

Based at Bassendean in Western Australia, Oggi is well known for its water features. However, it also offers smaller products such as ornaments, pots or urns, especially popular in small gardens.

“Garden ornaments always have a place in the garden,” Michael said. “Birds are a classic choice, especially the doves, because they represent peace and love.”

INFO TEXT: www.oggi.com.au Tel: 08 9371 9191

SPRING 2014

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 33

Eco Living

Say Goodbye To

Dinosaur Power

By Martin Oliver

Our fossil fuel-addicted society Ecuador’s Yasuni National Park, the needs to go cold turkey. most biodiverse place on Earth and We are faced with the urgent threat of climate change. According to latest calculations, we need to leave 80 per cent of the world’s fossil fuel reserves in the ground, if we want a good chance of keeping the global temperature increase below two degrees Celsius, and avoiding a runaway climate disaster.

HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES

Most of the “easy” fossil fuels have been extracted. Much of what remains is difficult to access, and is increasingly associated with environmental damage and human rights abuses. In one recent development, oil companies are moving into

home to two uncontacted Indian tribes.

Taking personal action is one way to help bring about change. We can limit our vehicle use, put solar panels on our roof, and buy GreenPower.

Another avenue is to sign petitions and write letters, although these can always be ignored. More effective is to engage in market-based campaigns that have proven to be effective in recent years.

A global fossil fuel divestment campaign emerged in 2013 and has been growing rapidly. This targets coal, oil, and various forms of unconventional gas (coal seam gas, tight sands gas, and shale gas).

A historical precedent is the 1980’s

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Personal Divestment Australian research carried out for 350 Australia in June 2014 showed that an impressive 67 per cent of those polled were supportive of investing their money away from fossil fuels. Here are some suggested steps for putting this into practice: Bank account The big four banks all have substantial fossil fuel investments. Most small banks have no direct exposure to this sector, and this is certainly the case for building societies and credit unions.

The divestment action group Market Forces is encouraging account holders with the big four to move their money elsewhere, and in May 2014, bankdivestment action days were held around the country. As the divestment issue has moved towards centre stage, in June the Bendigo and Adelaide Bank adopted a policy of discontinuing the financing of coal and coal seam gas.

Superannuation and investment funds September 2014 saw the launch of Australia’s first fossil fuel-free super fund, Future Super. It will soon be joined by the socially responsible funds run by UniSuper, an industry fund only available to university employees.

Australian Ethical Super has a policy of steering away from coal and coal seam gas (CSG) mining. A very useful resource is Super Switch, a site that allows users to see at a glance the percentage of their fund’s holdings that can be considered fossil-free.

Among investment funds, Hunter Hall is completely fossil fuel-free, while Australian Ethical Investment avoids coal and CSG. Recently AMP Capital’s Responsible Investment Leaders range of funds set up a policy of avoiding companies with substantial involvement in the high-carbon fuels of oil from tar sands, and coal.

AUTUMN 2014

‘The divestment campaign has become so mainstream, Barack Obama and the World Bank endorse it’ divestment campaign, which targeted companies investing in South Africa. It spread through numerous universities and is considered to have hastened the end of Apartheid.

Much of the activism today involves urging institutions to divest from the fossil sector. In the United States, 13 universities and colleges, 25 cities, 2 counties, 27 private foundations, and 30 religious bodies have adopted divestment policies. A high-profile divestor in Australia is the Uniting Church in NSW and the ACT. Many universities, including some in Australia, have studentdivestment action groups. The divestment campaign has become so mainstream, Barack Obama and the World Bank endorse it.

In Australia, following the election of Tony Abbott, the climate action group 350 Australia warned that the Coalition is a fossil fuel supporter. It argued that rational that divestment is the most powerful strategy.

AUSTRALIAN COAL

Since then, the Abbott Government has tried to boost global demand for Australian coal by attempting to sabotage the 2013 international climate negotiations in Warsaw, and has used its role as chair of the G20 group of countries to take climate change “off the agenda”.

Domestically its has gone for broke, launching a review of the Renewable Energy Target, moving to abolish the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and the Climate Change Authority, and has recently repealed the carbon tax.

Australia’s mining lobby has tried to argue that divestment campaigns are illegal, while Tony Abbott SPRING 2014

has signalled a ban on organised environmental boycotts against companies, and this could extend to divestment campaigns. Such a suggestion has been incorporated into a review of competition law that is currently underway.

ABBOTT POINT EXPANSION

Meanwhile, controversy over Queensland’s massive Galilee Basin coal mine proposals has focused on the expansion of the Abbott Point export terminal. This would require the dumping of three million cubic metres of dredge spoil within the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, and has aroused substantial concern from the UNESCO World Heritage Committee.

In June 2014, a number of overseas banks, including HSBC, Deutsche Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland, Barclays, and Crédit Agricole, responded to social media lobbying by deciding not to fund Abbott Point.

So if there is a major shift of capital away from fossil fuels, how does the economy survive?

In Australia, the whole electricity network could go renewable, given our abundant solar resources.

Baseload power offering a continuous supply can be achieved via solar thermal concentrators with molten salt storage.

Other baseload options are hydroelectricity, geothermal and biogas. Complementing this mix would be wind power and solar photovoltaic.

In terms of fuelling our vehicle fleet, Australia could always introduce regulated fuel economy standards, in place of the current

guidelines. New breakthroughs in efficiency are being made with hybrid cars, and electric models that can be charged using solar power.

Technically, Volkswagon’s XL1 car, which has just gone on sale in Germany, achieves an astounding 0.9 litres per 100km. However, it is disappointing that the company made only 250 units, and priced them at E111,000 (AUD $160,000).

Even this futuristic model is trumped by the achievements of Shell technicians who in 1973 modified an Opel station wagon to achieve 0.6 litres per 100km.

RESOURCES Market Forces www.marketforces.org.au Market Forces financial institutions comparison www.marketforces.org.au/banks/ compare 350 Australia www.350.org.au Go Fossil Free Australia www.gofossilfree.org/australia Fossil Free Indexes www.fossilfreeindexes.com Super Switch www.superswitch.org.au Future Super www.myfuturesuper.com.au

Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based at Lismore, Northern NSW.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 35

Eco Living

Harm Hidden In Earth Radiation

By Gerard Bini

M

any people who are aware of electro magnetic field (EMF) energy tend believe its most harmful form within a building comes from electrical systems.

This is closely followed by radio frequency from WIFI and Smart Meters. After that, Earth radiation is regarded as being the least harmful.

Not so! The most dangerous forms of EMF in a building come from various types of Earth radiation in the form of grid lines, radioactive geological matter in the ground, such as Uranium, Granite or Coal, which in turn, cause shallow water tables to emit Earth radiation. The water that emits this type of radiation is called Black Water.

These fields may occupy the entire space of a home. In contrast, Wi-Fi or electrical radiation fields may be localised to within a metre or so from an appliance or Wi-Fi routers.

ILLNESS IMPRINT

Illness can also cause a “charge”.

In a building where an occupant has a diseased organ that is producing a positive charge, there will be an imprint in the ether, which may be present throughout the entire building.

When this occurs those who enter the space will experience a resonant stress on their co-responding organ, created by the original organ imprinted resonance. For example, if someone in a house has a diseased liver, then there would be a liver resonance imprint present, and the livers of those who enter the space will experience the resonant stress.

36 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

• Benker Grid earth magnetic grid line 1100mm wide as a standing wave above ground • Knots-Crossing of Hartman and Curry grids • Resonance from pipes carrying water such as sewer, grey water and storm water up to 2000mm around the pipe, depending on the diameter and content of the pipe.

PHONE TOWERS DANGER MEASURED

The list below explains the most dangerous to the least dangerous EMF, all having been measured with equipment and methods which indicate biological stresses on the body. However, because we are human, each of us differs in our specific makeup, which means even the least harmful may still pose as a potential health hazard.

• Uranium, Radioactive Granite, Coal and other noxious geological matter induced earth radiation up to 15 metres above ground • Black water caused by energetic affliction from the above sources of radiation up to 1400 mm above ground • Illness and emotional imprints • 400 Metre Grid earth magnetic grid lines 2 metres wide, as a standing wave above ground • Water Vein over 1000mm wide 14mm above ground • EMF from electrical systems localised to within 1500mm of appliance • Radio Frequency and Microwave fields from Wi-Fi-Smart Meters and appliances localised to within 1500mm of appliance • Digital TV beams between 200 and 400metres in front of screen

Other variables may be influences from transformers on power poles adjacent to a house, or a mobile phone tower within 30 metres of a house, depending on the type of tower it may be. And some very large communication towers are potentially harmful up to 400 metres.

The above list of indicates that it may be misleading to assess a building only for EMF from electrical appliances and systems, and radio frequency from potential outside hazards such as mobile phone towers, while excluding all forms of Earth radiation.

Testing for radiation stress at a biological level requires the correct set of tools, such as Kirlian Photography, Bioresonace, Biotensor, Lecher Antenna and Kinesiology.

These will reveals which organs are experiencing resonant stress from a known source of radiation.

The knowledge gained by simple biological tests may indicate organ stress patterns, which may be similar across all radiation fields tested.

The resulting information could give a good indication as to the overall health and wellbeing of the person tested, or indicate other potential underlying problems.

www.orgoneenergy.org SPRING 2014

Conscious Parenting ‘We are walking away from guilt. We are walking towards our fears with love in our hearts, back to our ecstatic union with the Earth Mother through our children. I want to dance in your hearts with the music I hear from the Earth Mother who continues to give us all life.’

– Krysti McMullan

Earth Mother

T

he author of a new book on “Earth Parenting “ Krysti McMullan shares her story about raising children through connecting to nature.

and how they impact on it. I want them to be happy, of course, but I know true happiness comes from connection with the world around us, the people in it, and connection with a higher force.

Let me begin with my life intention: what it is and how it came about.

My intention is to raise our children with a love for the Earth and all her creatures, and an understanding of their place in the web of life

While still quite young, I recognised consumerism to be a trap, and knew that when the time came for me to have children, I’d want them to be able to navigate their way around this. My hope was that they would then be able to raise their own

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ECO FOOTPRINT

by Krysti McMullan children with an intention to keep their eco footprint light. I wanted to be able to pass on the ways of people of the Earth who have gone before us, who lived sustainably and mostly peacefully.

With my first pregnancy something ignited in my soul: a yearning to remember the ways of the women who in times past had raised their babies without all the trappings of the modern world.

As an adult I had worked for six years on luxury yachts owned by billionaires. Arriving wide-eyed into

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this world of opulence, what struck me hard was how resources were squandered.

I had come from nursing in geriatric homes that had the limited resources and found myself confronted with the most amazing amount of waste and in the name of order and cleanliness of superior standard. I discovered an underlying common denominator in the billionaires themselves that pointed at an actual psychosis. I felt like I was receiving information that would help the whole world. These people were not fully conscious and they were running the world.

My childhood was spent over seas, in Fiji for five years and Arabia for six years and then Pakistan for a year. When our family took holidays we traveled to different parts of the world. So when I first fell pregnant, I remembered the profound happiness

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Burning unwanted synthetic clothing should be avoided at all costs, as it releases highly dangerous gases and natural ease with which babies and children were handled in “poorer� countries around the world. In contrast to those people, my family had no close relatives. Our community was an ever-changing group of expatriates and single people, and my parents argued a lot, in a kind of love-hate relationship.

THE SHADOW SIDE

This setting meant that I grew up as a privileged child within the dysfunction of my nuclear family, while observing the threads of a matriarchal culture all around me. I needed those threads: I wanted to pick them up and weave their magic

into my family. But deep down I also observed that a shadow side to my mothering lay in the curtains of my sideshow, waiting for its moment.

I had to recreate the atmosphere in which I grew up in order to cleanse the karmic space of my soul for myself, and for my children. It was necessary for me to learn my lessons so that they could flourish without any handed down baggage.

In sharing my failings, other mothers may see that we are all in this together. Often, aspects of ourselves that we hide from other mothers are what they too are hiding and, like the first person on the dance floor, it only takes one to get everyone dancing.

RECALLING INSIGHTS

So when I began the weaving of my family, I was carefully regarding my shadow, observing it when it appeared and mostly just dancing

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The most common chemical used in dry cleaning is perchloroethylene (perc), a solvent linked to neurological effects, liver and kidney damage… my dance. Pregnant with a big belly, I began recalling many forgotten insights I’d made as a child while traveling. I remembered how contented the babies and small children were, and that I had rarely seen them upset. In comparison, the scenes around me in Perth, 1999, showing a modern lifestyle and affluent culture, were different. Supported by children’s television and general media there was evidence that our culture was, and still is, weighed heavy with its conversation of the “difficulties of parenting”.

It was obvious that babies I’d seen in other countries hardly cried because they were always carried by someone, and usually were tied onto their mothers. In Africa, their practise of carrying their babies on their backs allowed them to get about with ease.

I decided that carrying the baby on my back would be an essential part of this easy parenting. The baby would blend in with the flow of my life, intimately connected to my flow from the beginning. Asking new African Australians was not the answer: they seemed unhappy about the connection to such a thing. But eventually one African told me “they just throw them onto their backs”.

I realised that the confidence to do this would be a cultural thing from having grown up watching women doing it and I was out of my depth. Rather than giving up I left the matter with providence and kept my intent strong, focusing on the questions of what women throughout time would have done as I neared our baby’s birth. The rewards began immediately. It was as if I had opened up a direct line with ancient women.

My questions were answered with SPRING 2014

sudden realisations and knowing. I think all mothers are receptive to this and some operate from this place of knowing.

As my intent developed and strengthened, my desire to live what I was intuiting became more important to me. We moved our bed to the veranda. We decided that although the suburb we lived in was one of Perth’s “most dangerous”, we would be safe under the umbrella of intention. Our first baby slept outside with us: the temperature was seven degrees Celsius. I was awakening under the stars. Me, an Earth Mother I have been given the title of Earth Mother so often in my mothering that I wonder what it meant to others to call me this. I do not prescribe my approach as necessary for other mothers. And while satisfied with the path I took, looking back, I would do more for my

personal nourishment, knowing now what that loss has taxed from my essential energy system.

MEDICAL INTERFERENCE

I birthed naturally with all my babies. My first baby’s birth suffered with interference because we were in a birthing suite of a hospital and I came outside of their prescribed time limit after breaking my waters.

Consequently, I was moved during the middle of my labour, which was an enormous setback. Despite the medical interference that this caused, I birthed my baby naturally.

My next baby was born at home, the third was a “home birth in hospital”, as friends described it, and my last was born at home.

I breastfed all my babies until were three years of age, except for the third, who stopped at two and a half years when I needed to be in hospital with my four year-olddaughter. The first three babies were co-fed so that the first two fed for a year and a half together and the second and third babies did the same. Three years gave them the full time that babies are connected to their mothers’ psychic energies, and this forged a strong bond and base for their development.

All my babies were carried everywhere on my back. They gained tremendous resilience and physical development from this. It also fostered their emotional strength.

They all slept well throughout their babyhoods, and this has continued as they have grown.

PEACEFUL SLEEP TIME

We co-slept with all our children, which promoted confidence and

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flexibility in their sleeping habits.

Sleep time has always been a peaceful and simple process in our family.

In the past, I’ve hesitated to pass on this information, being careful to avoid touching on an area of life that’s sensitive in many families.

However, I now feel I should share our bounty. Our information may help others reset their intentions for sleep time with their babies away from what is considered the “norm”.

In my view, what is perceived as the norm for sleeping arrangements for babies is a cultural fracture, born of many generations of belief systems.

Cloth nappies were another departure from modern day practices. I only used cloth nappies with my babies because they were easier, more convenient and in the long run promoted early toileting control, without me doing anything much about it.

I began feeding my babies food other than breast milk from six months onwards, despite their prior interest, because I knew that it would benefit their digestive system to wait that long. Earlier feeding contributes to food sensitivities.

I fed my babies chewed up food that I was eating after first starting them on mashed bananas or other soft fruit or vegetables. By chewing up my food and giving that to them, I was giving them a wide range 40 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

Wash all new and second-hand clothing at least once before wearing, using bicarbonate of soda of food that aided their palate to accept all manner of vegetables and other healthy foods. It was also convenient and easy. Other times I specially prepared them cooked or mashed up foods.

Most of the time, I kept toys away from my children. They played with the Earth. Their first toys included leaves, sticks, stones, sand, mud, water, flour, flowers and nuts. I never took toys with us on outings; instead we found endless things to play with wherever we went. They were given toys by relatives and friends but I guess because I focussed more strongly on the elemental wealth that surrounded us, the toys were not essentials in their lives.

I have always immersed them in nature, in any weather.

We grew our own food. Even though we were only renting and knew one day we would have to move, at each home we had a garden with food growing in it. I wanted to instil in my children an understanding of the true value of food. I also wanted them to have the best nutrition possible. And it was fun gardening with them by my side.

I have always bought our clothing and household necessities from second hand stores, preferring to recycle rather than adding to the weight of consumerism. Throughout the years we have demonstrated often to each other our powers to manifest what we want. I have encouraged them to think about what they need before we go to the second hand store and sure enough, we often find it magically waiting for us!

PRECIOUSNESS OF EARTH

We have always recycled and composted our waste. I have lived demonstrating resourcefulness with the elements so that the children could grow with a connection and understanding of the preciousness of this Earth. For many years, I hand-washed their clothes, wanting them to grow up with a deep understanding for how to sustainably use resources. I walked or used public transport as much as possible. We have walked in terrible heat with wet sarongs that kept us as cool as air conditioning.

We were blessed with the connections we made with people and our surrounding environment through our dedication. It grew in the children a resilience and flexibility, and because they usually had my attention when they needed it, it was generally stress free.

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Growth and Education

Remembering Your

Life Purpose

By Scott Alexander King

F

rom the first moment of conception each of us knows our life purpose, because it was talked about and decided upon by us before we were conceived.

While growing in the womb, we’re conscious of who we are and what we’re destined to be. We’re totally evolved spiritually, with a clear sense of purpose and knowledge of our place in the wider Universe. We are perfect on all levels. Divinely perfect.

While in the womb, we’re absolute spiritual beings.

The “trouble” is, we’re also physical beings destined to be born into a mundane world that seems determined to make us forget how divinely perfect we are. And this chipping away of perfection starts while we’re in the womb! Can you believe it?

The time spent in the womb is sacred. It shapes our view of the world before and after we are born.

Realising what life was like for you and your mother while she was carrying you will help explain why you act and react toward life the way you do, the way you feel toward your family, why you hold your breath in times of stress and why your view of yourself has developed as it has.

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HEARTS IN UNISON

When we are in the womb, the most sacred sound is our mother’s heart beat. It’s the only constant in our life at that time, and reminds us we’re not alone. To prove it, our heart beats in unison with hers.

When she’s happy, our mother’s heart echoes the happiness with a gentle, steady rhythm. But when she’s upset, frightened or annoyed, her heart beats much faster, and ours must struggle to keep up. If she feels anxious, we feel anxious. It’s as simple as that.

If our mother’s heart is regularly in a state of anxiety, then ours will mirror hers. It follows that if our heart is constantly in a state of anxiety, this becomes normal. We become accustomed to feeling this way. We begin to rely on it. And because we’re the only “being” in our little, watery world, we begin to assume it’s our fault. Who else is there to blame?

I believe that unless our mother (the first opportunity she gets after we’re born) holds us close to her heart and reassures us that the fears, worry, anxiety, frustration, hurt, grief, anger or despair she was feeling – those emotions that caused her heart to beat so fast – were not because of us, then we find ourselves

carrying forward the subconscious belief that it was.

If we’re born with a heightened sense of anxiety, we go through life constantly worrying that we’re letting our mother (and everyone associated with her and our birth) down. We’re always in damage control, trying to prove our worth, win her affections, gain her trust and hear her acceptance. And because she has no conscious idea that we’re yearning for these things, she never offers them. Not in the way we need her to, at least.

So in many ways, we’ve begun to “forget” our life purpose even before we’ve had a chance to remember it.

How can we reclaim that sense of Divine Perfection we had when we were conceived?

My belief is that when we are little, before the world reveals it’s true nature; before our childlike innocence is tampered with and clouded by “adult awareness”, we are as close to “divinely perfect” as any physical being could be.

WE ARE PART OF ALL THINGS

We know, for example, that the physical world is but one of the many worlds available to us. We can see Faeries. We believe in Magick. We can “see” our “imaginary friends”.

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They’re real to us because they’re a part of our divinely perfect world. We realise we’re a part of all things, and that’s why we’re able to talk to and hear the animals, the plants and the elemental spirits of nature. We’re still attuned to all things. Most importantly, we’re still attuned to our higher self and our “true self”: our divine self.

We know God loves us because we see the proof all around us. We know who we are and why we’re here. We know our strengths and appreciate our weaknesses. We know what our master plan is and how we’re going to see it come to fruition. We know what our life purpose is. It’s all so clear, and we live it every single day.

The surprising thing is that others around us know what it is too! They see us living it every single day.

Something simple! Something so profoundly obvious that it’s often overlooked and forgotten over time. The forgetting begins the moment the mundane world into which we’re born notices us, overpowers us and taints us.

This “tainting” may happen in a subtle way, or in a devastating way: it may happen because of the death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse, emotional neglect, sudden and ongoing or stress, or simply by falling off a swing and breaking our arm.

BECOMING EMOTIONALLY SPLIT

We become emotionally split the moment the tainting takes hold, and our divinely perfect view of the world becomes hampered or warped. We separate from whom we know and believe we truly are and become a product of what the world needs or wants us to be.

We literally split in two; one half remembers our true self while the other half determines to live life as the indoctrinated self. It’s as if our child (self) becomes twins.

One twin consciously vows to remain true to his or her self; the other turns and walks away, lost and confused.

This “true twin” is our “inner child”. It is that part of our consciousness which has decided to remain pure and divine. At the time of splitting, the subtle inner child says to its physical twin: “You go on and find out why this has happened. Seek your fortune, while I stay here and hold the space. I’ll stay here and remember. I’ll remain true to who and what we were meant to be before we were tainted.”

When we close our eyes and imagine our inner child, they often appear to be “us” at the age of six or seven. That’s because they are. They’re an exact copy of us before our innocent world was corrupted by the mundane, physical, unapologetic world of the adult. It is within the essence of the inner child that our true self

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and purpose can be found.

During my childhood, I loved watching the animals that came to visit my garden. I’d sit for hours observing the way they moved, how they interacted with other animals and birds, what they ate, where they spent their nights, their mating and reproductive patterns and the impact they had on the world around them. They were all so special to me, beautiful, perfect and powerful. After I’d finished watching, I’d record what I’d seen in a tatty little journal, and draw pictures of the animals underneath.

I carried this journal everywhere I went. I felt it was my duty to observe, record and share with others what I saw in them. I did this with passion every day, every spare moment of my childhood. I simply loved the animals, and still do, passionately.

As a grade three pupil, I realised what I was “good at”.

My teacher’s name was Mrs Anderson and one day in her class I experienced a defining, pivotal, life-changing moment that I promptly forgot all about, until recently.

It was during the spring of 1977 and I was drawing a donkey on a white handkerchief. We had been introduced to the joy of Hobbytex, the all-Australian art of ball-point pen painting, and I was adding the finishing touches to my piece of art when, to my delight, the little girl I shared my wooden desk with leaned across and exclaimed: “Wow! You’re really good at drawing donkeys.” To which I nodded and replied: “I can draw other things, too!”

TRUTH IN CELLULAR MEMORY

That was it. I knew what I was good at. Someone in my physical world had confirmed my inner knowing. It became truth. It was recorded in my cellular memory, and while my conscious mind forgot, my subconscious mind (my inner child) did not. My conscious mind only recently recalled the incident in the classroom and its meaning.

Loving animals, observing them, drawing them and writing about them during my childhood has carried over SPRING 2014

into my adulthood. I believe it is my purpose, because if it were not, why would I still be doing it? Why would I do it every day, with such passion, purpose and powerful intention?

Through my love of animals I have healed myself of a perceived disease. I have become stronger, purposeful and richer as a person. I’ve found true, eternal love and have become a father. I have also become a mentor to many, formed deep and lasting friendships, and feel I have made a difference. But most importantly, I have found my purpose. And that is to love animals, draw animals and to write about animals.

Through living my purpose, I have been gifted with publishing deals (in the form of books, oracle cards and CDs) and wonderful opportunities to reach many people through my seminars, workshops and television and radio appearances. Some of the wonderful people I’ve met have been quite famous. I have been able to live a good life and follow my heart. I literally carry my destiny in the palm of my hand. I know who I am and why I am here.

All these gifts were my reward. They represented the beauty that I discovered through living my purpose, which is to love animals, draw them and write about them.

HOW TO FIND YOUR PURPOSE

The key to finding your purpose is to sit in the silence of your own inner truth so that you may find your inner child. Sit with him or her and ask: “What am I good a?”

Ask him or her to remind you of the one thing that made you special as a kid; the one thing that made you feel proud, strong, “able” or “better than”. It may be something basic, like mud-pie making, or finger knitting, or making daisy chains from the flowers in your front yard.

It is going to be something simple: it must be because the last time you did it with a passion was when you were a kid! And probably a little kid at that! So sit still and remember. Be silent within yourself. Silence the internal chatter. Still your mind, and remember.

What is it?

What were you good at? What was it that made you feel special, talented, and able?

The kids who were gifted at making mud pies are probably starring on Masterchef. The kids who were good at making daisy chains could be being paid tens of thousands of dollars for those massive floral installations for major department stores, corporations, celebrity weddings and events like the Olympic Games. And those kids who were good at finger knitting may have designed that jumper or jacket you’re wearing right now.

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REMEMBER YOUR DIVINE SELF

Remember what you were good at as a very small child, and vow to do it again. Go do it now. Do that one thing every day with passion, if only for a few minutes here and there. Each day, spend a few minutes more, and soon you will be doing nothing else, because you will have remembered why you’re here. You will have remembered your divine self. You will have remembered your life purpose.

When you live your passion you make a difference to the world. Through living your truth, you inspire great change. You literally heal people by being a living example of what is possible. The world celebrates you and everything begins to fall into place.

Through remembering what you’re good at, you will help the world remember. And perhaps, Scott Alexander King just perhaps, we could all remember how to unite and is the author of walk as one again. Perhaps. www.animaldreaming.com

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CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 43

Growth and Education

The Heart Of You

By Sky Shayne Innes BSocSci MA(Psy)

M

ay I offer you an experience of your essence? While you read these words, gently shift your attention to your heart centre. Continue reading but maintain this heart awareness.

You may feel a difference, or you may simply feel a slight release, a slightly altered state from being in your mind. You may also already be feeling the presence of love.

When you place your attention on your heart, automatically you allow for the presence of love. After all, the heart is the quintessential symbol of love and naturally brings love with all its qualities. Perhaps only fleetingly, you are experiencing your essence, the heart of you. You are also modifying your physiology, bringing a little more balance to, at least, your nervous system and hormonal system.

Just by placing your attention on your heart, you have reoriented yourself and returned to your essence: who you truly are.

THE FREQUENCY OF LOVE

At this time of great shift in consciousness, while there is a wonderful diversity of messages, love is commonly understood to be what

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is needed for the shift to occur. But what does it mean to live in love?

How do we change from living in a fear frequency to making love the frequency of our lives? And what does this mean in practical terms?

As a psychologist, I have always been profoundly interested in how we change. Over the decades, I’ve learnt that it is not actually change I’m interested in but transformation.

Change is happening all the time but with transformation, we become differently informed. We come to embody a new way of being.

The global shift towards a new consciousness means we now have the opportunity for extraordinary transformation. This is what we are being invited, indeed, compelled to do, if we want to survive and thrive!

As much as we say we want it, making the commitment to embody transformation requires the intention to integrate our psychological self into our very essence.

This is where love’s powerfully transformative alchemy comes in.

I am the founder of HEARTherapy©, a practice through which we can really change in a transformative way. Many years ago, I was intuitively guided to my heart where I discovered how to survive in what appeared to be an insane world and create an entirely different

experience of life.

Much like Alice in Wonderland going down the rabbit hole, my heart became a portal to a world of wonder. This personal journey of mine was then confirmed and validated over the years by mystics and scientists such as Ramana Maharshi, Einstein, David Bohm, Gangaji, Bruce Lipton, Candace Pert, the Upanishads and HeartMath. These great men and women confirmed for me what I had discovered through my heart.

QUANTUM PSYCHOLOGY

HEARTherapy is founded on two key areas. First, as a psychological model, it is based on Quantum Psychology, which in turn is derived from Quantum Physics. (This stuff makes the Mad Hatter’s tea party look tame in comparison.) The way we perceive life is expanded to incorporate the new consciousness of this astonishing science, which is also “proof”, if you like, of ancient wisdom.

By definition, psychology is the study of the human mind and its functions. Quantum Psychology is the study of consciousness and how it functions through the human mind. We don’t know much about this yet but we do know it is extremely powerful.

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Quantum Psychology repositions the psychological self. Instead of it being the core identity, the psychological self is recognised as only one point of view or perception.

Psychologically, we think, feel and believe that we are this mind-body mechanism operating in a world that exists out there. Quantum Psychology helps us recognise that we are much more, and that we create the kind of world we live in.

SCIENCE OF THE HEART

The second key area is based on the new science of the heart, which is a direct reflection of the ancient wisdom of the heart from all of the great traditions going back thousands of years.

The bridge between these two key areas is the recognition that consciousness is all there is, and the nature of consciousness is love. As a process for healing, the vibrational frequency of love is fundamental.

Without this frequency, true healing cannot happen and we remain locked in our prison of fear.

This is also the bridge between the new sciences and the perennial wisdom of the mystics. With this new expanded intelligence, Quantum Psychology brings the awareness of who, even what, we truly are.

Knowing this expands our cosmology and is vital for tapping into the infinite field of possibility. Without accessing this realm, change is not transformative.

Astrophysics explains that every atom in your body comes from a star that exploded. Quite literally, you are born of stardust and at an atomic level you have been around for a very, very long time. Imagine if you could access the intelligence of your cosmic self. Surely this would be knowledge of a different sort to that of your psychological self.

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‘Quantum Psychology is the study of consciousness and how it functions through the human mind…

We know it is extremely powerful’ DISSOLVE MALADAPTIVE IDEAS

Pure consciousness, or the Zero Point as it is often called, literally dissolves all maladaptive ideas of whom we think, feel and believe we are. Beyond the psychological self with its frequency of fear, we live free of lack, limitation and self-doubt.

With a more cosmic awareness, we live our lives deepening into the frequency of love. This is where the heart comes in.

To heal the illusion of separation we must feel our wholeness and our divinity. We must feel it in spite of the bodily sensations of our separate, psychological self.

Your heart is the portal out of consensus reality. It aligns you to what is ultimately real and connects you with your soul purpose and journey.

YOUR ENERGETIC SIGNATURE

In Quantum Psychology, we talk about sympathetic resonance.

This is a kind of energetic signature associated with emotion. Emotion is energy in motion, or resonance.

The emotions we feel, whether we are conscious of them or not, are like a sounding board broadcasting to the universe. For example, if you are broadcasting the resonant frequency of “not good enough” this energetic signature attracts a world to reflect that. Such fear-based perceptions may be completely unconscious but they are informing your life.

To live apart from your heart, is to live apart from your essence.

Without heart awareness, you can only react, and react, and react. The healing property of love cannot be properly understood by the mind. It can only be fully appreciated through the heart because it is an experience of who you truly are. Such an experience cannot help but change you. And it does this at the quantum level of pure consciousness, the field out of which it all arises.

VIBRATIONAL FREQUENCY OF LOVE

At this level you have an entirely different energetic signature, one that resonates with the vibrational frequency of love.

You cannot change your energetic signature through your mind. That is why so many of your attempts to change in the past have failed.

No amount of affirmation or prayer will bring the changes you long for through your mind alone.

Your heart, with its vibrational frequency of love, brings real change with an inner conviction that pervades your entire being. It is the kind of conviction allowing us to know that as surely as the sun goes down each day, it will rise again.

This knowing is transformative. This is to “know thy self”, to know your essence, the heart of you.

Founder of HEARTherapy©, Sky Shayne Innes offers courses and private sessions.

She also runs retreats at Bellingen, northern NSW. Her invitation is to awaken to your true nature and, thereby, fulfil your purpose. For sessions or details of events call 0417 288 642, or visit www.lovesalchemy.com CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 45

Growth and Education

Release Emotional Triggers The Key to Abundance I

was completely “normal” until I turned 40 when suddenly and spontaneously, I was able to hear the voices of people “on the other side” and do other “paranormal” stuff. I thought, “If I can do this, everyone can!” I now attune people to the spirits I work with and teach them how to do this. I also share my experiences and connection with Brazilian spiritual healer John of God. INVISIBLE WORLD

So what is spiritual healing all about? I believe there is a whole invisible world around us that we can tap into, but most of us don’t know how to do this.

When we recognise this world and connect to it, we are able to sense our loved ones. As well, we can also channel healing energy to heal ourselves and others, receive guidance, and manifest what we want into our lives, even money.

How can we use spiritual energy for healing and even bring money into our lives?

Around our body is our energy aura where we store our thoughts, experiences, and our karma. The aura is connected to our chakra body’s

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chakra system. Students of Reiki or any form of energy healing would have in depth knowledge of the chakras.

As well as our seven main chakras we have many smaller ones.

Each chakra is an energy centre and each is associated with different emotions, physical organs, and spiritual relevancies.

We often unknowingly attract negative energy into our aura, which can slow down or even block our chakras. When our chakras are working efficiently they are bright, beautiful lights, rotating in the proper speed and direction for us.

BLOCKAGES AND STRESSES

I have found that I am able to tune in and intuitively sense a person’s energy. I can often “feel” if their chakras are shut down.

Actually, spirit shows me by using my body as a gauge and allowing me to sense their issues. These issues may be physical or emotional. They

‘We often unknowingly attract negative energy into our aura, which can slow down or even block our chakras’

by Gail Thackray

can even be financial blockages and stresses.

Each time we experience something negative, if we don’t fully release it, we will hold a part of it in our energy field.

Start thinking about incidences that occurred in your past that still prompt an emotional reaction in you.

Are there hurts lingering because of what people have said or done to you over the years that still bother you?

When you look at your life and think about how you’ve felt when you’ve been wronged, or when something “bad” happened to you, how do you feel about it now?

When you remember a former romantic partner and that unforgivable thing they did, do you look back with love and light, and total forgiveness? If you do, you’re an angel!

Most of us are still irked when we think about that jerk and what they did. But that person is long gone: the only one who is still bothered is us. When you feel strong negative emotions about what happened years ago, these are your “triggers”.

It’s like a small part of their energy was left embedded in you – yuck!

A trigger is associated with a romance is going to be in your abdominal area (stomach, ovaries, intestines). If it is caused by something a parent said or did to you, it is SPRING 2014

going to be in your hips and thighs.

Yes, that’s why you can’t lose that last bit of weight from your thighs!

Money and financial stress is often going to show up in your lower back.

The good news is that although we have accumulated this negative energy, it can easily be dissolved. A spiritual healer can often help you to shift your energy, but the real healer is you. You are the one who is open to this energy shift.

SPRING 2014

Begin thinking today about the triggers you are holding on to. Ask spirit to help you release these negative feelings.

As you release these old thought forms, you may notice that your health improves. This is because our emotional and physical wellbeing are interrelated. Our thoughts create our physical existence. And as you release negative feelings, you may even notice an improvement in your finances.

Gail Thackray is a spiritual medium and author of Gail Thackray’s Spiritual Journeys: Visiting John of God, as well as 30 Days to Prosperity: A Workbook to Manifest Abundance and other books on healing and spirituality. She is the star of the documentary John of God, Just a Man and the series Gail Thackray’s Spiritual Journeys. She is a keynote speaker at Conscious Living Expo in Perth October 16-19, 2014 www.GailThackray.com CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 47

Growth and Education

Why Become a

Life Coach F rom helping people gain control of their finances, to holding their hands on their journey to bettering themselves, or finding love, life coaching is booming in Australia.

Life coach training expert at eQ events, Niki Bowen said coaches assist clients to develop a plan to bridge the gap between where they are now and where they would like to be.

“The most important element of being a life coach, is empowering people to help themselves,” Ms Bowen said.

“Coaches inspire people to lead a life they love.

DEFINITION OF SUCCESS

“Australians are starting to realise that the traditional definition of success is no longer enough.

“Having a dream home or driving a flashy sports car doesn’t give the long term sense of fulfilment they thought it would.

“What’s the point in buying these luxury big-ticket items if there is no time to use them, or no one around to share the experiences with.”

“We often see successful business owners who have neglected their health. On the other side of the coin, there are gym junkies who are single and lonely. Or spiritual gurus who have no control over their finances.”

“What they all have in common is a desire to improve one of more areas

48 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

of their life, and they want someone to help them achieve their goals.”

“As a career, life coaching is a flexible and attractive job that is highly rewarding. If you are considering changing your career and becoming a life coach, you would benefit from: • Understanding your purpose. Be clear on why you want to be a life coach.

• Employ a life coach for yourself.

Experience the benefits from a client’s perspective.

• Undergoing training. This is an essential part of assisting your clients to achieve transformational change in your clients.

• Being committed to your own success. Focus on the goal and don’t get distracted.

• Practicing what you preach. If you are coaching someone on how to get healthy, make sure you implement the same techniques in your own life style.”

MAKING THE TRANSITION

Ms Bowen said many life coaches worked in other fields before making the transition.

“It’s a good idea to start your business in addition to your day job, so you still have the security of a income before making the full-time leap,” she said “Once your business grows, you can either opt to keep it part time or take a leap of faith and make the move to becoming a full time life coach.”

An International Coaching Federation (ICF) study conducted in 2012 revealed that Australia leads the world in income and the number of coaches relative to its population.

Sydney-based life coach Scott Everheart worked as a corporate IT professional for 10 years before he moved into helping people improve their life.

“Often people believe they will not be a good life coach until they have achieved everything they want to achieve in their own life,” said Mr Everheart.

“This is simply not the case and it becomes an unnecessary burden.

CONSTANTLY LEARNING

“While it is important for life coaches to constantly be learning, growing and improving their own lives, you do not need to be perfect before you start coaching.

“With the right training, a passion for helping people reach their full potential and persistence, anyone can become a life coach.”

Niki Bowen is a former accountant who discovered she would rather work with people than numbers. With seven years’ experience as a life coach, trainer, presenter of personal development programs and fire-walking instructor, she is one of Australia’s leading life coach experts, and has trained hundreds of life coaches. www.eqevents.com.au SPRING 2014

Psychic & Spiritual

Stop Speed Dating

Your Crystals

By Adam Barralet, Western Australian author, crystal alchemist and healer.

T

here are so many varieties of crystals available today, all with dazzling colours, fancy names and properties to heal, manifest and connect with anything you desire.

It’s easy to leave a store, marketplace or online shop with a hefty handful of new, exciting finds. At home, these are added to your collection to become new ingredients in your ever-expanding crystal buffet.

A MULTITUDE OF TALENTS

With so many crystals to choose from you can end up flitting from one new favourite to the next and end up “crystal speed dating”. This prevents you from getting to know each crystal’s full potential. Each crystal has a multitude of talents that will appear beyond the initial impression as you develop your relationship with it.

One example is selenite, the great cleanser of the crystal world.

It is often placed around a space to remove low vibrational energies. In healing, it quickly dissolves grudges, judgement and other negative feelings, removing erratic moods or behaviour. However, as your relationship with selenite develops it

SPRING 2014

supports you to move toward a state of “personal purity”. Each day, other’s opinions of you begin to affect you less. You trust your perception of who you are, and begin living your life in line with your own inner guidance.

There are many ways to deepen your relationship with each crystal.

First, limit yourself to one and work with it for a day, a week, or longer until you feel you’ve had a chance to experience its full potential. During your “dating period” try the following three practices to nurture the relationship.

1. Cleanse your crystal. Cleansing crystals allows them to release all unwanted and unhelpful energies they have picked up from previous experiences, and return them to a state of balance. Ways to cleanse crystals include: candle flame, smudging, water, the Moon, lightning storms and placing them on the Earth. Try using a natural element that has a similar energy to your crystal. Placing a sunstone or ruby under the soft, nurturing energy of the full moon is not energetically compatible with these fiery crystals and will not allow them to cleanse to their full potential.

2. Connect with your crystal.

Like any healthy relationship, communication is vital. But before

programming a crystal, or telling it your intent, take time to listen to it, as you would with a friend.

This can be as simple as sitting outside quietly while holding it, or an in-depth meditation. Crystals can communicate in different ways. You may see or hear something within your mind’s eye, or your body may start to feel different.

3. Use ‘co-respondents’. Animals, plants and planets have energies of their own. Learn which ones have similar energies to your crystal.

Combining crystals with other items that possess a similar and compatible energy can generate a mass of energy, resulting in the sum of the whole becoming greater than all the parts used separately.

Crystals are a gift from Mother Earth. They come into your life to support you. Like any gift, treasure the crystal you’ve chosen for a specific purpose and allow the relationship to develop over time.

Give it a try and discover the virtues of “crystal monogamy”.

Adam Barralet will be at the Perth Conscious Living Expo, 16th to 18th October 16-19, 2014, to launch his new book Crystal Connections – A Guide to Crystals and How to Use Them.

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 49

Psychic & Spiritual

Awakening and Transformation Through Crisis and Change

By Rob Hindmarch FRC

are living in turbulent but exciting Wetimes.

Everywhere there is political unrest, a seething resentment at oppressive forces, a demand for freedom and greater equality, has spawned riots and revolutions in many places throughout the world.

Financial corruption and economic uncertainty are causing great personal anxiety and dissatisfaction with governments, corporations and institutions. Behind these events is the constant threat of ecological crisis.

At the same time, the emergence of new ideas, technologies and global interaction on an unprecedented scale is creating many changes, suggesting major cultural and social breakthroughs that will transform our lives.

Although each time period is unique, there are similarities to earlier epochs, where it appears as if history is repeating itself. This era is such a time and a study of astrological-archetypal cycles reveals a consistent pattern that has punctuated the stream of human consciousness for centuries.

50 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

This 14th Century illumination depicts how individual planets were related to great men who were ruled by them. Austrian National Library, Vienna.

Astrology

The archetypal, symbolic, geometric system of astrology links patterns of experience in the individual and collective psyche to the cosmos.

Considered impossible by scientific materialism, astrology is given credibility by new paradigm science that suggests through quantum mechanics, chaos theory, string theory, systems theory and the Gaia hypotheses that the cosmos is a system, comprised of interrelated parts and guided by deep patterns of geometric order.

Similarly, investigations into depth psychology, by Carl Jung, Stanislav Grof et al, also give credibility to astrology by showing that physical events sometimes coincide (synchronicities) with psychological facts, and that SPRING 2014

human consciousness under certain conditions can have direct experience of the entire spectrum of cosmic existence.

freedom, creativity, innovation and sudden radical change. Conversely, Uranus acts to suddenly liberate or awaken the deep, hidden and repressed forces of Pluto sometimes with catastrophic consequences.

Uranus-Pluto Transit

A key component of the astrological model is transit analysis, which studies the cycles of the planets over time and the changing geometric relationship between the different planets within these cycles.

Two types of transits are studied: personal transits and collective transits. Personal transits relate to individuals and their unfolding experiences and potentials and are derived by comparing the position of the orbiting planets at any given time with the planetary positions at the time of birth. Collective transits relate to the changing patterns of collective human experience and are derived from the geometric relationship between orbiting planets at any given time.

The Uranus-Pluto transit is a key cycle that lasts between 115 and 140 years with every 30 to 35 years being a critical development phase in the cycle, lasting about 10 years.

The current phase occurs from 2007 to 2020, peaking in intensity between June 2012 and March 2015.

Archetypal Meanings of Uranus and Pluto

Archetypes organise human experience into thematically structured patterns, which connect concepts, ideas, feelings, objects and events that have a distinct archetypal character.

Key themes for Uranus are sudden change, creative awakening, unexpected disruptions, psychological turning points and breakthroughs, shocks, radical changes in perspective, innovation and discovery, rebellion against old or repressive SPRING 2014

History of the Uranus-Pluto Cycle

The Moon and Jupiter in Sagittarius, with the five other planets below. From an astrological treatise by Albumazar, 13th century manuscript, Bibliotheque National, Paris.

forces and revolutionary activity.

It also governs sudden collapse of established structures, individualism and originality, creative genius, invention and illuminating insights.

Key themes for Pluto are the exposure and elimination of all that has been suppressed, denied or taboo: the fundamental biological processes of birth, sex, and death; the instinctual forces in the body and psyche; the transformative process of psychospiritual death and rebirth; catharsis, renewal and regeneration; great intensity; power struggles; politics; political extremism; and totalitarian regimes.

When these planetary archetypes combine, Pluto intensifies and empowers on a massive scale the Uranus archetype of rebellion and

When these archetypal principles are activated there is a clustering of events and ideas that illustrate the key themes for this transit, which are an intense desire for freedom and equality, the awakening of consciousness, transformation and sudden evolutionary developments.

This is followed by slow development until the next cyclic activation when there is a further intensification of these themes.

An analysis of transit activity shows that there are two types of archetypal patterns: diachronic and synchronic. Diachronic patterns show historical and archetypal associations with events occurring during preceding and subsequent transits, suggesting a distinct unfolding cycle. Synchronic patterns are when simultaneous events happen that sometimes seem unrelated but at a deeper level share the same archetypal character.

Revolution

For example, periods of upheaval, rebellion, civil wars and revolutions, coincide precisely with the Uranus/ Pluto transit and often happen simultaneously throughout the world as seen in the 1845-56 cycle, where

Uranus-Pluto Cycles Orb of transit 10 degrees for square aspect, 15 degrees for conjunction and opposition, transit peaks in brackets1450-51, (1455-56), 14891507,(1496-1500), 1533-45, (1538-40), 1563-70, (1566-67, 1592-1602, (1597-98), 1620-27, (1623-24), 1643-54, (1648-49), 1674-83, (1678-80), 1705-16, (1710-11), 1749-64, (1755-58), 1787-98 (1793-94), 1816-24, (1820-21), 1845-56, (1850-51), 1873-86, (1876-77), 1896-1907, (1901-1902), 1928-37, (1932-34), 1960-72, (196566), 2007-2020, (2012-15) 2042-52, (2045-48) CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 51

there was revolution in almost every capital city in Europe: in Paris, Vienna, Budapest, Dresden, Baden, Prague, Rome, Milan, as well as, China (Taiping and Nian rebellions), and India with the British incursions that led to the Sepoy mutiny.

The current transit has seen the mushrooming of revolutions in the Middle East and Africa, while riots, strikes, marches and protests are happening all over Europe, reminiscent of the French Revolutions of the 1790s and 1960s, during which rebellion and civil unrest was common place.

Civil Liberties

In parallel to revolutions and civil wars is the development of movements to free disadvantaged and minority groups. Simultaneously emerging in Britain, France and America in 1787-98 was the first widespread public call for the abolition of slavery that eventually led to the American civil war. During the transit of 1960-72, we saw the emergence of the movement for black civil rights with Martin Luther King, Malcolm X and Nelson Mandela, and the founding of the AfricanAmerican Black Panther Party

Feminism

The struggle for women’s rights started in France where women were instrumental in the French Revolution.

The 1845-56 transit saw the emergence of women’s suffrage in the United States and Britain. The transit of 1896-1907 saw the founding by Emmeline Pankhurst of the Women’s Social and Political Union in England. The transit of 1960-72 coincided with the widespread emergence of feminism, the women’s liberation movement, and the era of sexual freedom accelerated by

52 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

the discovery of the contraceptive pill. Women in The West have since become more empowered and play significant roles in the arts, business and politics, while the emergence of protests by women against repression in the Middle East, Pakistan and Africa is a key feature of the current transit.

Scientific and Technological Revolutions

The Uranus-Pluto transits have their parallel in scientific and technological revolutions and advances that again display themes of empowerment and freedom.

For example, major advances have been made in astronomy, aviation, chemistry, physics, biology, and manufacturing. Many inventors were trying to develop powered aviation at the same time, successfully achieved by the Wright brothers in the transit of 1896-07, which began a diachronic sequence culminating in the moon landings in the 1960-72 transit.

After a period of relative disinterest, enthusiasm has returned during the current transit with the Mars rover expedition and the development of space tourism.

The transit of 1896-1907, brought both of the major revolutions of modern physics: quantum mechanics, initiated by the work of Max Planck (1900), and relativity theory

by Albert Einstein (1905), which had their antecedents in the transit of 1845-56 with the formulation of the conservation of energy, the second law of thermodynamics, entropy and James Clerk Maxwell’s work on electromagnetic fields that transformed modern physics.

The transit of 1960-72 brought another wave of revolutionary scientific developments: Mandelbrot’s invention of fractal images, Edward Lorenz’s first paper on chaos theory,

(1963): the discovery of quarks by Gellman and Zweig, (1964): the theorem of nonlocality, Bell (1964): the emergence of systems theory and the formulation of the Gaia hypothesis by James Lovelock (1968): the general acceptance of the big bang cosmology currently being challenged by the big bounce theory.

Surgeon Christian Bernard performed the world’s first heart transplant in 1967, the same year as the first liver transplant. The world’s first transplant (the cornea) was performed in 1905 by Thomas Starzl, and the current transit has seen the first face and cochlea transplant.

The Higgs boson was proposed in 1964 that explains how some subatomic particles bond to form matter, and was recently confirmed by experiments conducted at the Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland.

Entirely new developments also can occur in this cycle as in the Ecology movement that began with the publication of Rachel Carson’s Silent Spring in 1962, and in the accelerated development of computers.

Individuals

At individual level, Uranus helps us detach from old restrictions, awaken to new ideas, develop intuition and reach a higher state of consciousness. Pluto gives us the opportunity to transform old hurts, traumas and sabotaging patterns and purge ourselves of weaknesses.

Consciously working with these archetypal forces will accelerate our mystical growth enabling us to emerge from any crisis greatly transformed and awakened. We are only at the beginning of the peak of the transit, but as shown here by a very few examples, a parallel exists between the current and previous transits. The full extent of which will not be seen until this transit is over.

SPRING 2014

Psychic & Spiritual

Free Will – Myth or Reality?

By Reverend Bente Hansen

For three years, REVEREND BENTE HANSEN was privileged to channel the energy of Edgar Cayce to audiences in the Northeast of the US. Incorporating his wisdom, she gives recommendations for making changes and decisions leading to happier lives.

‘You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today’ – Abraham Lincoln

Often I hear individuals commenting on the importance of exercising free will to create a desired reality. What is “free will” and how does it apply to your ability to create positively and definitively?

Most people believe free will relates to exercising control and determination around unfolding events, issues and challenges. Information in current literature provides guidance on how to effect and manage change in order to achieve desired outcomes.

But the crunch comes when you have exhausted all the techniques and are still feeling as though your intentions are not manifesting what you consciously desire. This is where there is considerable confusion.

THE EGO MIND

Consciously desiring outcomes is an ego mind intention. By this I mean the intention is “I want, desire, need, or must have” a specific outcome in order to feel satisfied or fulfilled.

It is highly desirable to consciously create a positive reality through intention. But when the eventual outcomes are less than desired – which is the usual result when working through ego mind – there is disappointment and disillusion.

When you exert free will through

SPRING 2014

ego driven intentions there is always the feeling of “not enough”. This is because the egoic mind thrives on drama, lack and inadequacy.

True free will exists and is exerted through the Higher Self.

As an example, the conscious ego mind may determine that financial abundance is essential to wellbeing and survival. The Higher Self, instead, may know that certain challenges are essential for the growth and evolvement of the soul; and that if financial abundance is attained effortlessly then the soul will miss a vital aspect of its growth.

In instances such as this, free will of the Higher Self overrides the intentions of the conscious ego mind.

The result will be in frustration and tension, especially when all intentions and endeavours fail to meet desired results.

It is pointless to try using the conscious mind to determine whether there is an element of ego driven intention, or if the intention is manifesting via the Higher Self.

Instead, use simple intentions that support the true flow of free will.

YOUR HIGHER SELF

When placing an intention, include a statement along the lines of: “If it is for my highest good and in my best interest.” This acknowledges the role and wisdom of the Higher Self in

all aspects of daily life. Additionally, once an intention has been placed, let go of attachment to the desired outcome. Letting go of attachment is acknowledgement that while the expression of desire has been placed, there is a higher and wiser power at work, which will provide what is needed in divine manner and time.

This divine manner and time generally will not correlate with conscious ego mind deadlines or expectations.

You are continually creating through the power of imagination and intention. When you desire an outcome, quietly reflect, even meditate, on the possibility of manifesting it. Does the intention create a feeling of joy within? Or is there an unpleasant feeling in the stomach instead? By tuning into your body’s innate responses to egoic desires it is then possible to determine whether the intention is for the highest good.

This practice improves with diligent application and fine-tuning.

Ultimately, exploring and flexing your free will muscles moves you towards understanding yourself better – and after all isn’t that what life is really about?

Bente Hansen is a medical intuitive, author, radio host and teacher.

For more information visit www.edgarspeaks.com.au and www.dynamicenergyhealing.net CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 53

Psychic & Spiritual

Awaken to

Presence

by Sa Silvano

Are you present in your life?

Are you connected more to thought-stream than to life-stream?

Do you wish you were less reactive to those around you?

Are you constantly being buffeted by relentless thoughts, exhausted by the noise of your mind?

Would you like to experience life as joy?

Would you like to respond effortlessly and gracefully to life’s offerings, whatever they may be?

Do you long to experience a quiet mind and rest in your inner spaciousness?

It is my experience that the more I engage with the present moment the less I need concern myself with any problems, small or large.

In my engagement with the present, I find myself infused with Presence and this Presence – which is all that I Am – imbues every aspect of my life– so that everything finds its harmonious expression.

There is nothing for me to do. I ensure that I do not interfere and simply allow the Divine expression to unfold.

When we stop engaging with the mind, we can allow this moment to be as it is, allowing the Presence that is always here to fill us. The only place we can meet our true self is in this moment.

54 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

So join me and become present to the room you are in, to the temperature, to the sounds and the sensations that are right there with you; then fall into your heart.

With every breath fall deeper and deeper until you can feel the silence that pervades all; until you become aware of that which is listening, that alert awareness. That is you.

When you align yourself completely with this present moment, in total harmony and acceptance of all that is present with you, there is a quieting of the mind and an opening of the heart; there is aliveness and a spaciousness that is both liberating and deeply restful.

As you allow yourself the full experience of this, you will connect into an energy that is potent with power; a profound awareness that is self-aware. This aware Presence naturally brings about a restoration of all the fragmented energies within and around you, bringing all into wholeness.

This space of Presence, both empty and complete, awakens everything else to its essential nature. Everything in creation arises from love; created by love’s wielding of love to manifest a visible expression of love. Formlessness and form, All Is One. When you are plugged into it, this

Living Power of Presence inspires and invigorates. It offers you the experience of your interconnectedness with all creation.

Then, beyond even this, you will fall into the full realisation and experience that all “IS” one, and even the perceived experience of separation was part of the dream, part of the great illusion.

You are life.

Life,that bathes everything with its own effervescence.

Life, that appreciates life in all its profound beauty and power.

Life, with all its confronting challenging glory.

Life, in all its comforting sweetness.

Life, the creative and loving expression of that which is love.

Life, the essence and Presence that offers itself into every moment.

Life, the joy of being.

Sa is the author of “Pearls from the Heart” a guide to living consciously, which offers the reader many gifts of healing, transformation, inspiration and awakening. www.sacredradiance.net SPRING 2014

Psychic & Spiritual

10 Vital Secrets That Strengthen Intuition My personal search for answers about life after death and spirituality led me to discover intuition and it’s relevance in my life.

Simple daily disciplines can be applied to improve spiritual depth.

Intuition becomes clearer when mindfulness and mental clutter is cleared.

While teaching intuitive development, I have noted many truths. Here are 10 for you to consider.

1. Each of us is different, so not everyone’s intuition will work the same way.

2. Comparing ourselves to others is like comparing an apple and an orange! Our individualised processing systems determine how we intuit.

3. Stepping into our own power can be terrifying. Almost invariably there will be tears, yet it must be done to lead a satisfying life.

4. Self-judgement needs to be put to rest. Self-blame will hold us back,

By Sunita, Medium and Mindset Coach & Trainer

regardless of who we are.

5. The harshest critic we have is ourselves: it would be rare for anyone else to be as punishing in their observations of us.

6. Self -love and self-nurturing are the hardest nuts to crack. Many of us feel guilty for just sitting down and doing nothing for 10 minutes,“because there so many other things to do”, 7. Instead of making the effort to connect to our true selves and act in our highest and best good, many of us do what we think is “safe”.

8. For many of us delving into our emotions and our heart centre is so frightening, it causes physical pain.

Yet this pain is part of the healing path.

9. After we let go and release all the drama and drama queens in our lives, we are able to look into the mirror and acknowledge, without the pain of self-blame, our part in our own difficulties.

10. Accepting ourselves wholly, just as we are is one of the hardest challenges we face.

Working with my students, I see them transforming as they accept and apply these concepts and start living a more authentic life through feeling more connected to themselves.

www.thetrinityconnect.com sunita@thetrinityconnect.com FACE Book https://www.facebook.com/ sunitaofficialpage

FREE 1-on-1 Life Coaching Session for every reader Get practical guidance on creating the life you desire eqcoach.com.au/free or 1300 66 65 67 SPRING 2014

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 55

Shiftling Short Sory

By Claudio Silvano

She scrambled up the steep slope.

Behind her a small avalanche of rubble tumbled towards the bottom of the ravine.

She knew that she was leaving behind her a trail as loud as an announcement. There was nothing she could do about that, she did not have time to take more care; that kind of luxury belonged to the past.

As if to confirm this, the sigh of an arrow passed so frightfully close to her ear that she ducked, long after there could be any use to such a

56 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

reaction. She pushed herself harder towards the crest, lungs screaming for more air, legs becoming wooden and clumsy with fatigue.

Another arrow snapped against a nearby rock.

The men were gaining on her.

Any moment now they would be in range and then‌ Her back tensed, involuntarily bracing itself against the dreaded impact, the pain that would mark the end of her life. So she threw herself erratically now left, now right; it slowed her progress but she hoped it would make her a more

challenging target.

No more arrows came. Maybe her pursuers were concentrating on bridging the gap between them. She dared not turn to look.

With one final effort she gained the ridge and the moment she was out of sight she collapsed. Her breath rasped past her throat and into her lungs burning like fire, she could not breathe fast enough to meet her body’s demands.

Her vision darkened.

No! She screamed inwardly.

Must not pass out, she told SPRING 2014

herself fiercely.

While she waited long precious moments for some strength to return, she took in the terrain beyond the ridge.

The hill curved down sloping just as steeply on this side and ended in what looked like a sudden drop some three hundred spans from where she lay. Half way down three small, tough trees grew, their bent and twisted trunks shaped by the relentless winter winds. To the left the ridge widened and levelled out before arching suddenly up into the rugged slope of yet another, taller hill.

Her gaze drifted back to the clump of trees.

There, she thought, and sprung into a run towards them.

Her left leg nearly gave way under her as a stabbing pain seared it from ankle to hip. She recovered from her near fall and limped on, speeding as best she could towards her destination.

She wasted no time. Even as she ran she studied the three trees ahead: their lean, their thickness, the way they had forced large stones apart to send roots down into whatever earth they could find.

They were survivors, just like her.

Memory came haltingly at first, then more rapidly, gaining momentum.

In moments she was amongst them, her feet finding suitable footholds without any conscious effort on her part, her hands swiftly stripping the clothes off her body until she stood naked, shivering in the cold breeze.

Her fear slowed her as she constantly strained to hear the noise of pursuit from the crest behind her.

Even as she raised her arms towards the sky she twisted to look back.

With the ridge in clear sight she pushed down with one foot wedging SPRING 2014 57 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 91

the bundle of clothes deep between two stones.

Only then was she able to allow herself to become still and remember.

Cycles swept past her: the sun moving imperceptibly from dawn to dusk; the wheel of stars spinning majestically overhead, intersected by a pregnant moon; the downpour of torrential rain giving way to gentle snow; the whitening of the world; the blowing of fierce winds that strip the mountains bare; the tepid thaw that summons the earth’s greening.

Her sight blurred as the vision of the cycles claimed her.

Her skin hardened and her soft flesh became knotted, like muscle.

Blind now, her eyes perforce closed, yet other senses now made themselves available to her. As her feet forgot their flesh-form and plunged deep into the earth she became one with the stone of the mountain.

She could now feel the vibration of each footfall as her pursuers approached the crest. So she demanded more of her body, she needed a faster change.

Her colour, her form and her hair, these shifted quickly to her demands. Her skin browned, her flesh became creased and calloused, and soon strands of old bleached lichen hung from the twisted stump that had been her head, her neck.

Her unseeing eyes, almost completely invisible now, sunk into two indistinct knots. Her breath slowed and stopped altogether for she had no more need of it.

Then as the change took a complete hold, she lost interest in the churchmen; she forgot all concerns as her body surrendered to the call of a different knowing, a more measured way of being.

–oOo–

The three men who gained the ridge searched for their quarry. It had only been some minutes since they had last seen her vanish from sight, she could not be far.

“She’s hiding,” said the leader and spat on the earth. “Let’s fan out, find the stinking little weasel and be done with it. She can’t hide for long.”

Hours later they called off the hunt.

The girl had vanished into thin air and for all their efforts they had been unable to find her hideout. By then the sun was low, too late to wander back down to the plains before dark. This was just as well, for if they were to return empty handed to the bishop, they needed time: time to conjure up a convincing story to explain their failure…

They pitched camp near the only four trees they could find and muttered their lies over a cold supper.

The Author of Vanquished, Claudio Silvano, is a shamanic practitioner based at Bedfordale, a suburb in the hills near Perth Western Australia.

His writing focuses on spirituality and entertainment, meaning that his intention is always to nourish the soul while distracting the mind. He is the author of the fantasy novel Illiom, Daughter of Prophecy and is currently finalising its sequel, Keys of Awakening.. For more information on Claudio’s written works and also to download free stories please visit www.claudiosilvano.net Contact: 0403 699 479, awake@ sacredradiance.net CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 57

BOOK REVIEWS

Healthy Bowel Healthy Body - an A to Z guide Dr Sandra Cabot Publisher: WHAS Pty Ltd ISBN: 978-1-936609-20-8 New research shows the gut. in particular, plays a crucial role in all aspects of our health and has a profound influence on mental health, energy levels, autoimmune disease, recurrent infections, pain and excess inflammation, weight gain and cancer risk.

In ‘Health Bowel Healthy Body, an A to Z Guide’, Dr Sandra Cabot has set down the principles for a healthy digestive system from beginning to end result, by presenting the latest research into holistic options and strategies to help overcome many of the common bowel problems such as excess gas and bloating, bad breath, constipation, ulcerative colitis and so many more of the conditions relating to an unhealthy digestive system.

Pearls from the Heart Sa Silvano Ganesha Imprints ISNB: 978-0-99223393-0-2 www.sasilvano.net When you are having one of those days, or weeks, or months life has an habit of presenting you with from time to time, Sa Silvano has the answer, or if not the answer, some guidance to help you through the tough stuff. Her insights and wisdoms, gained from living life have been compiled into a wonderful journey of healing that can be accessed at any time through the pages of Pearls from the Heart. Use the book as you so choose; Read it from cover to cover or simply dip in and reflect: the love, help and compassion you need are waiting there for you.

Why Mindfulness is better than Chocolate David Michie Allen & Unwin 58 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

by Janet Mawdesley

ISBN: 978-1-74331913 www.allenandunwin.com.au With his characterising way of adding humour and light heartedness to his subject matter David Michie introduces us to the fascinating and life-enhancing practice of mindfulness. No matter where you are on your own journey, this book offers fresh insights, inspiration, and encouragement for further exploration. David invites you to take a gently guided journey within to meet your own mind, leaving behind resistance, where you’ll discover that your own true nature is one of timeless and transcendental bliss.

Stardust on the Spiritual path Yildiz Sethi Bright Pen ISBN: 9780755216345 www.yildizsethi.com If you are ready to accept that we are more than just a human being and that before we arrived on earth in this present incarnation, we were stardust, just waiting for the right moment in time when all the planets and so forth were lined up exactly right for your arrival, this is a book you should read. It will give you an insight into just why you are here and how this chosen pathway, remember you chose it, is to be lived out.

A fascinating insight into what came before, is now and will be.

Heartskin Stories JM Levar Balboa Press ISBN: 978-1-4525-0314-1 www.balboapress.com Over a period of thirty years or more Jadranka Millica has shared tales and heard stories from many women she has met on her travels. It was not until recently she decided to create a book of these incredible stories to help inspire, heal and restore the faith of all who read them.

Accompanied by her delicate illustrations each story will come to hold a special place in your heart.

Every person will find a special message in each story that touches their hearts , answers a question or offers reassurance that Yes, maybe fairies are real and life can change!

Illiom: Daughter of Prophecy Claudio Silvano ISBN: 9780646582328 Ganesha Imprints www.claudiosilvano.net This is the first book, in the Destiny of Fire trilogy. Claudio introduces us to Illiom, the central character, a Chosen. This is her story, in a time when there were only seven chosen, selected by the Gods and placed in all different walks of life and religion for the their ability to be able to come together as a force; a group each with different values or powers . They are taken from their normal life, to a place where they are able to use their powers and knowledge to be able to overcome the challenges that are heralded. This is a must read for the lover of a great Fantasy Fiction.

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The Rise and Rise of

Conscious Music Music is a vital part of our daily lives. It is able to lift the heaviest heart, bring back a memory with the start of a single note or motivate a nation to action.

Frank Fitzpatrick aptly described it: “The more music continues to awaken my higher aspirations and light the path of my inner journey, the higher I am inspired to reach and the deeper I long to delve into those realms of the magical unknown that awaits me. If words are the limited language of my mind, music is the limitless calling of my soul.�

His words convey the message: let your music be the light on the path to your inner journey and ultimately the calling of your soul.

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by shayne locke

CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 59

Yoga Studio was born, naturally there was a gravitation towards the Kirtan standard of sound.

Steve Gold, who now opens at Deepak Chopra events, explains that it wasn’t always so. He was a new musician wondering how his music story would unfold when he was noticed by Yoga guru Shiva Rea, who immediately funded his first album.

“This gave conscious music a huge boost,” Steve said. ”Very quickly yoga studios became radio stations and yoga teachers became disc jockeys, and my songs ended up on play lists.”

Sika

A search or need for people to connect to even more conscious music has started to occur. There has been a shift, a swell if you like, towards a rise in artists and producers dedicated to bringing conscious music to the forefront. This has been brought about in part by the increase and interest in lifestyle activities such as yoga or meditation, world changing events like 9/11; the freedom of nations, races and sexes.

However, whether we wanted to admit it or not, conscious music has always been an important part of our lives and hasn’t been reserved for those of us with a spiritual inclination.

CONCERN FOR THE WORLD

As a teenager, I gravitated towards artists like U2, Midnight Oil, Simple Minds, Peter Gabriel and The Call, mainly because of their concern for the world around them.

Likewise, a generation before mine found answers in Bob Dylan’s Blowin’ in the Wind, or using music to instil a spirit of pride and unity on board the Freedom Ride to a segregation-free world.

Conscious music has always been integral to our lives and the

60 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

Lou VanStone

lives of those in need. The rallying together of artists for a cause like Live Aid brought everyone together under the banner of consciousness to facilitate change. And in the case of artists like the great John Lennon, their message has remained as strong as the day it was penned long after their earthly bodies passed on.

So what exactly is conscious music? How do we decide that a song is considered conscious?

Conscious musicians seem to have appeared in droves in recent times spurred on by the introduction of yoga studios.

KIRTAN AND BHAKTI

In reality, conscious music has always been there. Kirtan and Bhakti were already celebrated by the Kundalini masters, so when the

A STORY OF TRUTH

Co-organiser of The Power of Music conference, Fabian Alsultany said in a recent interview with Soul Traveller Radio that conscious music is “a music that is able to say a story of truth. And that story is one that is touching on The Divine, Love or Human Rights and Justice. For me those are the three pillars that express what conscious music is.”

DJ Fabian sees the conscious music artist’s role as a facilitator of change.

“At the core of it all there is a much deeper purpose why people are doing music.” Fabian said.

“And that is the intention of the (Power of Music) conference... to get into the deeper ‘why’ they are doing this... and the deeper story is, we are recognising what effects these artists are having in the world.

“When we talk about some of these musicians, it is easy to point towards people within the Yoga space like Krishna Das, Deva Premal and MC Yogi. Clearly this music is being sung at Yoga Studios to millions upon millions of people. And people all over the world are gaining inspiration from that.

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Conscious Music has to have the connection to source to be truly authentic PILLARS OF CONSCIOUS MUSIC

Kavisha

POSITIVE MESSAGES

“But additionally, when we look into pop radio, and look at the Playing For Change movement, or an artist like Alanis Morissette, these musicians are bringing forward beautiful positive messages in their music about unity, human rights, the divine, all of the different factions that make up the human experience.”

Fabian Alsultany’s personal convictions have been refined over the years through opportunities to work with world music labels, such as Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios performing a posthumous remix of the late Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s Fault Lines, co-ordinating world music events and producing his own world music collaborations with some of the rising stars in conscious world music.

On the other side of the world... the world of commercial popular music, Alanis Morisette also tackled the themes of love and change in her album Havoc and Bright Lights.

Moving into the conscious music field, Morisette announced in the song, Edge of Evolution, that after leaving her story behind, she was ready to ”push the envelopes into full blown consciousness”, a constant theme in the new music paradigm and a core value in the ”Love” pillar of conscious music.

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While Fabian Alsultany has described Three Pillars of Conscious Music, internationally acclaimed musician and sound healer, Chris James believes there is a fourth and vitally important pillar that we tend to neglect with conscious music. That pillar is Energy.

Attending the Conscious Living Expo in Melbourne, Chris was one of four panel members on a discussion we held about conscious music. All four panellists, Chris, Kavisha, Lou Van Stone and Sika agreed that having conscious lyrics was not enough. For conscious music to be completely effective, the connection to Source was integral.

Chris James has been in the industry for more than 20 years as a successful artist.

“It wasn’t until I had sold thousands of albums and had big following that I came to terms with the fact that my music wasn’t coming from the right space energetically,” Chris said.

“It wasn’t coming from the divine source within ourselves that all of us can naturally connect to and express from.

“In coming to terms with this, I made the decision to recall my music, redo it and send out a newsletter acknowledging this. Conscious music has to have the connection to source to be truly authentic.”

Instrumentalist Sika agreed that for music to be considered conscious, a connection to Source was vital.

“How do you classify instrumental music within the conscious music field,” Sika said.

“It has to come down to the energy behind the music. I set an

intention and connect with Spirit before I commence playing to ensure that I come from a pure place.”

ENERGY BEHIND THE SONG

While we all have our personal preferences for a particular pillar of conscious music… it is the energy behind the song that becomes the driving factor. Is the singer or musician tapping into a source far greater than his or her own poetic ability? Is what is being heard driven by love, faith or understanding of what needs to change?

It is this energy behind the songs and artistry of performers such as Sika and Chris James that allows truly conscious expressions to be passed on from generation to generation.

It is the connection of popular artists with Source such as Madonna’s backup singer, Donna De Lory, or Simrit Kaur performing with Belinda Carlisle that is resulting in greater acceptance of conscious music.

It is also the spirit behind current driving forces in the conscious music scene, like Krishna Das, MC Yogi, Alanis Morrisette and Fabian Alsultany, that will ensure conscious music continues its momentous rise.

Shayne Locke is the Program Director of Soul Traveller Radio After many years of supporting Independent Music Shayne is now combining his music passion with his personal convictions, to help bring conscious music to the world through Soul Traveller Radio. e: radio@soultravellerradio.com www.soultravellerradio.com CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92 61

MUSIC REVIEWS

Sacred Chants for Slow Yoga Artist: India Jiva www.medicinemusic.com.au

BRAND NEW ALBUM! Produced and performed by the India Jiva team of Ron Ragel and Vicki Hansen, this collection of mantras and prayers from the everlasting treasures of the East has inspired millions of listeners with its power and beauty. They offer an uplifting and beautiful selection of songs in celebration of Peace and Universal Love. It has been specially produced to aid in yoga practice and to maximise therapeutic benefits. Whilst chanting is a yoga practice in its own right it can also be used to support other forms of yoga practice.

Western science today has begun to recognize the therapeutic effects of chanting on the body and mind, in alleviating stress and can be done anywhere and at any time.

Voyage of the Troubadour

Artist: Jack Gates Distributor: White Gates Publishing BMI www.jackgatesmusic.com Want to go on a journey but can’t leave home: don’t stress it with this latest album from Jack Gates. You can do just that via your armchair, kitchen table or on the journey to work. This album will take you to places you have always wondered about, letting you paint the scene, the place, the time by simply going with the flow. Created to represent his wide and varied taste in music he has composed tracks which are influenced by Latin, calypso, jazz, and indigenous beats to name just a few. Sparseness changes to full bodied beats as each stop on the journey leads you to another destination, rich, full, clean and occasionally slightly traditional.

Arctic Sunrise

Artist: Kerani Distributor: Kerani Music www.kerani-music.com The deep rich sound created by Kerani is interlaced with a sense of great delicacy, highlighting 62 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE ISSUE 92

by Janet Mawdesley

the movement and continuity that is the Arctic in all its moods. From the sombre brooding to the spectacular sky show of Northern Lights; the majesty of the polar caps and the awesomeness when the ice splinters to re-create a smaller ‘berg’ has been captured with finesse and deep appreciation of Mother Nature and her magnificence.

Each track has been inspired by history; Scott’s final and tragic expedition in 1911 and the Native Inuit Indians of the Artic regions and their daily struggle for survival, the long winters and heralds the miraculous dawning of the Artic summers – drawing attention to an area of our planet, which is largely untouched.

Sketches from an Island.

Volumes 1 & 2

Artist: Mark Barrott Distributor www.sketchesfromandisland.com Mark Barrott has created something special that captures the essence that is the Balearic Islands group in all its moods. From the relaxing yet up tempo introduction to the more melodious pieces on the way through there is an underlying essence of happiness, relaxation, and enjoyment.

He has taken a more traditional sound, redolent of the island beat and rhythm and given it new life: bringing old into new for another generation of music lovers to enjoy. Full and rich you can imagine, as you absorb the melodies, sitting under a shady tree or umbrella, long cold drink in hand watching the carefree island life evolve around you. The music is ageless, without boundaries.

Pavane

Artist:Paul Higgs.

Distributor: www.CDBaby.com Enjoy the journey into relaxation, sensual pleasure and gentle healing vibration, all conveyed to the listener through the delicate notes of trumpet played by a master in this very eclectic journey through a musical odyssey of genres, tastes and offerings. It is a soundscape encapsulating longing, love, romance, seduction and reflection

which is, in so many ways inspirational when you simply let the music wash over you. Tucked away at the end of ‘Salvation’ you will also hear the haunting notes of the ‘Last Post’ in remembrance of fallen soldiers, presenting a fitting tribute to a piece that is sombre, but uplifting in its melodies.

This is definitely a mood album that ebbs and flows with the tracks, touching many styles with rhythms coming together to make a collection that will be enjoyed time and time again.

SPRING 2014

Healthy Sustainable Living Resource Guide

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Healthy Sustainable Living Resource Guide OUR LADY OF MOUNT CARMEL PARISH 82 Collick Street, Hilton WA 6163

A place to worship Visitors, parishioners – past and present are welcome.

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Our parish has creative liturgy and wonderful music and it is children friendly.

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CONTACT: 08 9314 7733 Email: sec.hilton@perthcatholic.org.au

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2015 Melbourne May 15-17 Sydney August 21-23 Perth October 15-18

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