Conscious Living Magazine Summer Issue 94 2016

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Australia’s Leading Magazine For Sustainable Healthy Living Established since 1989 Issue 94 Summer 2016

SPEAKING FROM THE HEART MARY LUCILLE BAKER

The Purpose of Depression BLAKE BAUER

In The Raw RECIPES BY ROWENA JAYNE

Complementary Medicine REGULATION & RISKS

The Search for Love BEGINS WITH YOU

Mindfulness Meditation LIBERATING INTELLIGENCE

Year of the Yang Fire Monkey CLARICE CHAN www.consciousliving.net.au



CONTENTS

ISSUE 94 SUMMER 2016

FEATURED

CONSCIOUS EARTH

44 Year of the Yang Fire Monkey

27 New Joneses Project – Martin Oliver

30 The Purpose of Depression

29 Eco Consumer: Spectrum Dowsing – Feng Shui, Spirit of Earth Retreats

57 Luck of the Toss Short Story 2 From the Editors – Patricia Hamilton and Jacquie Walker

CONSCIOUS CREATORS 4 Speaking from the Heart – Mary Lucille Baker 6 Conscious Creators Transforming the Planet Interviews with Mary Lucille Baker 10 Your Personal Blue Print – Johanna McNamara

CONSCIOUS FOOD 12 In The Raw – Rowena Jayne Try out these delicious recipes and make your own 14 Organic Consumer Reviews Teapot Teas, Body Balance, Pana Chocolate

CONSCIOUS HEALTH 15 Secrets of Clean Living – Pauline Hall 16 Health Consumer Reviews Powertube, Remote Balancing, Biomat, Organic Perfumes

CONSCIOUS GROWTH 30 The Purpose of Depression – Blake Bauer 34 An Inspired Life In the Cards – Denise Jarvie 35 Achieving Human Connectedness – Sylvia Marina 36 The Therapeutic Evolution of Tarot – Kim Echammaal Coull 38 The Search for Love Starts with You – Robert Kirby 41 Neuro Training – Coleen McClymans and Sarah Hemetsberger

CONSCIOUS SPIRIT 42 World Dharma: Mindfulness, Meditation and Liberating Intelligence – Alan Clements 44 2016 Year of the Yang Fire Monkey – Clarice Chan 48 The Power of Vedic Astrology – Dr Theja Hettiaratchi 50 Teachings of the Ascended Masters – Summit Lighthouse

CONSCIOUS ARTS

18 Birthing the Next Generation – Vicki Delpero

51 Book Reviews – Jan Mawdesley

20 Focus on Family Health: Mums and Bubs – Stuart Morick

52 Music Reviews – Jan Mawdesley

22 Complementary Medicine: Regulation and Risks – Martin Oliver

54 Enter the Divine Land of Shen Yun Myths and legends come alive through dance

26 The Energy System In and Around the Body – Ali Jardine

53 Seda Dance / Peaceful Warrior

56 Flutes of Graeme Hadfield 57 Luck of the Toss – Story by Claudio Silvano

Read More Articles Online Visit www.consciousliving.net.au SUMMER 2016

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From the Issue 94 Summer 2016 Publisher and Editor Patricia Hamilton patricia@consciousliving.net.au T: 08 98 482748 Co Editor Jacqueline Walker jacquie@consciousliving.net.au T: 08 9848 2748 Mobile 0427 377803 Assistant Editor Colleen Clay editor@consciousliving.net.au Exhibition & Advertising Sales National Patricia Hamilton patricia@consciousliving.net.au Tel (08) 9848 2748 mobile 0418 955396 Subscriptions & Memberships Jacquie Walker info@consciousliving.net.au Contributing Writers: Mary Lucille Baker, Blake Bauer, Clarice Chan, Alan Clements, Kim Echammaal Coull, Vicki Delpero, Graeme Hadfield, Pauline Hall, Sarah Hemetsberger, Dr Theja Hettiaratchi, Ali Jardine, Denise Jarvie, Rowena Jayne, Robert Kirby, Sylvia Marina, Janet Mawdesley, Coleen McClymans, Johanna McNamara, Stuart Morick, Martin Oliver, Claudio Silvano Graphic Design Ailar Arak Images: Fotolia Publisher Conscious Living Co-Creations Pty Ltd ATF the PH Trust ABN 30 064 748 794 103 Paramatta Road Doubleview 6018 PO Box 527 Denmark WA 6333 Tel 61 8 9848 2748 Fax 61 8 9848 1198 info@consciousliving.net.au www.consciousliving.net.au 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.

Hi Everyone

Editors

We celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year ushering in the Year of the Yang Fire Monkey. Author/ Astrologer and Feng Shui practitioner, Clarice Chan provides insight into what’s in store in the Year of the Fire Monkey for the economy and how you will fare in your individual Chinese Astrological Sign. We are excited to have launched the Heart Conscious Business Hub on the 11th February, where we collectively shared inspiration and vision for future hub meetings that will be Monthly at the Vivacious Living Centre in Applecross on the 2nd Thursday of each month. It is a great opportunity for business leaders to come together, listen, share and learn from each other and it will be a platform for professional development. In this issue Mary Lucille Baker shares her inspirational vision that lead her to create her new business, Heart Conscious Connections, and join with Patricia, Jacquie and others in cocreating the Heart Conscious Business Hub. Read about the pros and cons relating to regulating complementary therapies and find out how this might affect your choices related to your health and wellbeing. Vicki Delpero talks about birthing and creating happy healthy babies with the emphasis on wellbeing and health of the mother before, during and after pregnancy; Stuart Morick looks at some of the issues that new parents may face when they take their new born home including breast feeding, sleeping, skin conditions and depression and you can find out more about the risks associated. Enjoy reading. Warm Regards

Patricia Hamilton & Jacquie Walker

Conscious Living Purpose To facilitate the expansion of consciousness and to co-create a world of harmony, love and wellbeing Copyright Conscious Living Magazine 2016 2 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE All rights reserved ISSN 10336826

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CONSCIOUS PEOPLE

SPEAKING FROM THE

HEART By MARY LUCILLE BAKER

M

editation was the beginning of my awakening in 1988. It prepared me for the nervous breakdown I “had to have” to get off the cycle of running my life on autopilot.

I began to ask myself questions. Who was I and where was I going? What brought me joy? I recalled being laughed off the stage at the age of 6. Wearing a fairy costume, no dress rehearsal, they put me in stockings. There I was, all excited running from the wings onto the slippery timber stage. Flat on my bum and big laughs from the audience, that was it for me, and the stage! Why did it take me more than 30 years to return? I had retreated into my shell and was living under the radar. My unconscious belief was that if I showed up I would be laughed at.

THERAPY AND WORKSHOPS

Turning 40, recovering from that nervous breakdown and 12 months of soul searching, therapy and countless workshops, I began to re-create my life from what I wanted to do and be. My youngest son had started school and we were selling our house. I had lost my identity. I was a mother and a wife, and I had a house. Externally I had everything. Internally, I didn’t exist. I took up Interior Design and joined a singing group. When the lead role was offered to me for an upcoming music theatre performance, I said: “No, I’m not a lead singer”. Driving home that night a little voice in my head went “buk buk buk, chicken, chicken – you really want to do this”. I auditioned; got the part. And although terrified at having to recall lines, I loved performing. 4 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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‘MY COMFORT ZONE… WAS EXPANDING… RECEIVING POSITIVE FEEDBACK, I BEGAN TO BELIEVE IN MYSELF’ Ten years later, in a senior voluntary position at a prominent club addressing members on a weekly basis brought out my love of speaking to groups of people. The “mike” and I became friends. Personal development was ongoing. I continued to unlock and release my fears, anger and insecurities. I took a course on public speaking, appearing calm on the outside, trembling inside. Patricia Hamilton asked me to MC at Conscious Living Expo. That opportunity opened up more MC gigs. My comfort zone on the stage was expanding. I was receiving positive feedback. I began to believe in myself. I listened to the signals I was receiving from my body and made a demand to surrender and let go.

One of the scariest things I did was to take up acting, which led to film making. Then Show Up Stand Out was born. Having unlocked my own talents I began teaching others how to engage an audience, supporting exhibitors in their presentations and showcasing people who are aligned with their hearts purpose.

ENGAGING YOUR AUDIENCE

A few of my tips for engaging large or small audiences are: ●● Be present ●● Show confidence ●● Be Yourself ●● Know your Stuff ●● Clear the Past

●● Ask three questions that require a Yes or a positive response ●● Be willing to be vulnerable You will find more tips and details on my website. As my MC business blossomed my vision became to connect people to their hearts and to each other on personal and business levels. Conscious Heart Connections www.cheartc.com was formed following short-term dating and longerterm relationship experiences that were missing a conscious connection. Gratitude, forgiveness, kindness, generosity of spirit, respect and allowance are some of the qualities required for a blossoming relationship. Judgment creates separation. See Mary Lucille’s Video Conscious Creator Transforming the Planet youtu.be/cNrYulcX6KI

Conscious Heart Connections (matchmaking with a difference)

Be at ease in front of the camera or on the stage Speak from your heart Shine your light so that others can be inspired to do the same. It’s time. Mary Lucille Baker interviews people who have done a 180 degree turnaround in their life, given up their secure job and are now working from their heart space. They are changing the world with the gift of themselves. Complementing this service are seminars, private sessions and half to two day classes. During the classes, you get to practise being videoed, get clarity on what you want and energetically let go of your ‘stage monster’ and cellular memory that limits you from being you. Become a magnet to engaging an audience, large and small. Mary Lucille Baker has worked in the unseen world for over 25yrs from Singapore to San Francisco, utilizing many different healing modalities and her own awareness.

W

hy are you still single? Choice or circumstance? Time to explore a different way to meet a partner, in a fun, open party style event? What if inspiring speakers could give you tips that you need? Or unlock something that is holding you back? Perhaps you need a makeover, grooming tips or plain old fashioned etiquette knowledge. Conscious Heart Connections holds monthly social events with inspirational and entertain-ing guest speakers. Inaugural event Jan 16th at Vivacious Living in Applecross. Mention Conscious Living for the Launch Membership fee. All members are interviewed, complete a questionnaire and profile.

Call now to chat about the possibilities for your future, the one we have been waiting for. Mention Conscious Living for a free upgrade to video session or a half price consultation. PHONE: 0428 422 888 WEBSITE: www.showupstandout.com EMAIL: showupstandout@iinet.net.au

SUMMER 2016

www.cheartc.com Mary Lucille Baker 0428 422 888 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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CONSCIOUS PEOPLE

CONSCIOUS CREATORS

TRANSFORMING OUR PLANET By MARY LUCILLE BAKER

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015 was a turning point for many of us and the transformation of the planet. As M.C. at Conscious Living Expo in Sydney in August we all felt the energetic shift. The vibration was high; we were close to the inner city. The camaraderie and collaboration between Exhibitors and organisers was very closely connected. Meanwhile, the Perth Conscious Living Expo had moved to a new venue. We hit main stream. The we that I refer to here is the we collective. Exhibitors, general public,visitors, Interstate and International guests came together to celebrate the 6 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

coming of a new age of working together in a new model to be more inclusive in business. Following an informal conversation after the opening evening, John Martin, a French visionary, now living in Australia, had a dream and shared it with us the next day. The dream of connecting, working together and a more collaborative society. We began to ask some of the key people at the Expo where they saw the consciousness of the planet heading in the future. What is their dream, what trends are they seeing and what is their gift? I call them (for now) Conscious Creators. This concept has wide reaching effects and will grow to all corners of this planet.

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This vision is about – creating a cohesive group of like minded people supporting each other on many levels, all with different gifts yet similar aspirations for the planet. This is our Genesis. In the beginning was the word, yet the word was misinterpreted. In the beginning was energy, we are that and we are expanding our consciousness throughout the universe. In gratitude to you for reading thus far, and for being on this journey with us, click on any of the presenters below to hear their 2-minute vision. Here are links to some of the interviews. You can meet all the Conscious Creators if you follow this link showupstandout.com/ broadcast/conscious-creators-fortransformation.

SUMMER 2016


MARY LUCILLE BAKER

showupstandout.com/broadcast/mary-lucille-baker/ Seeing the gifts in others, Mary Lucille promotes them at Expo’s around Australia and Internationally. A desire to showcase people who had taken a leap of faith, Mary Lucille created Show Up Stand Out and has created these 2 minute interviews and much more.

JOHN MARTIN

showupstandout.com/broadcast/john-martin/ John Martin is an international visionary, business wizard and intuitive healer, who helps companies and individuals to become who they are and assist with raising the vibration of humanity.

ROBERT KIRBY

showupstandout.com/broadcast/robert-kirby/ Robert Kirby originally from the Connecticut area of USA believes that the future is in people wanting to connect. His work is about embodiment and he helps people worldwide to get grounded and to be in deep contact with their heart and their inner person. From this place he believes we can solve any problem.

SYLVIA MARINA

showupstandout.com/broadcast/sylvia-marina/ Sylvia Marina, educator speaker and healer is well known for her ability to engage and inspire audiences to take action. She has a personal message that speaks to people who intend to live lives of meaning, contribution, wellness, and achievement.

ANGELA FLACK

showupstandout.com/broadcast/angela-flack/ From a student of Psychology to Author and Authority on Sustainable Edible Food, Angela is young, vibrant, and articulate. She loves to tell us about her journey with food.

BLAKE BAUER

showupstandout.com/broadcast/blake-bauer/ Blake D. Bauer is an internationally recognized author, counsellor, and alternative medicine practitioner. His bestselling book You Were Not Born To Suffer and pioneering work centre on loving yourself unconditionally as the key to healing yourself, fulfilling your life’s purpose, and realizing your full potential both personally and professionally.

GAIL THACKRAY

showupstandout.com/broadcast/gail-thackray/ Gail Thackray is a world renowned psychic medium with a strong connection to the spirit world. She believes we can all develop such a connection.

JOHANNA MCNAMARA

showupstandout.com/broadcast/joanna-mcnamara/ Johanna McNamara is a visionary and facilitator of personal change and transformation who channels a personal blueprint for an individual‘s life. Family is a very important part of her life and she sees it as being a significant part of people’s lives in the future.

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CONSCIOUS PEOPLE

Heart Conscious Business

H

eart Conscious Business was launched in February. The purpose of the HCB Hub is to facilitate the delivery of education and training programs for heart centred professional development and business success, contributing to the wellbeing and sustainability of our planet. The Heart Conscious Business Hub aims to align business and professional development with the uplifting of the global consciousness of humanity and the planet. How: To create a global community of individuals who connect and collaborate with one another, sharing their expertise and knowledge and who are aligned with the core values and principles of HCB.

THINK GLOBAL ACT LOCAL

Each local Hub has a maximum of 100 members who meet on a monthly basis with Guest Speakers and Members who are involved in speaking, mentoring and sharing their ideas and collaborating on projects. HCB is B2B oriented and espouses the core values of valuing each other, trust and heart centeredness. It is an umbrella organization for business entities which share the values of the Hub members.

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“IT PROVIDES A GREAT OPPORTUNITY FOR BUSINESS LEADERS TO COME TOGETHER, LISTEN, SHARE AND LEARN FROM EACH OTHER.� MONTHLY MEET UPS

It is though connection and sharing with others that we birth ideas and create new pathways. When we share an idea we clarify and refine the concepts and strategies, becoming clearer about the outcome we desire. The input of others is an essential element of success.

AFFILIATE REFERRAL BENEFITS.

Members are encouraged to invite guests who can contribute and help to grow the local Hub community. Members receive a 10% affiliate commission for referring a new member or referring a seminar participant.

PLATFORM TO PRESENT PUBLISH AND PROMOTE

Members have the opportunity to speak at Hub meetings. The Hub website is a platform to present and promote your professional development training courses Members receive access to publish blogs and articles on the Hub website. Members receive a business profile, logo and links to website, videos and products on the Hub Website.

SUMMER 2016


2016 CALENDAR FOR HCB

Venue: Vivacious Living Centre 9A Riseley Square, Riseley St, Applecross WA events.consciouslivingexpo.com.au/our-venue/ Hub Meet Ups Thursday 6.30pm-8.30pm Tickets $20 March 17 April 14 May 12 June 9 July 14 August 11 S September 8 October 13 November 10 December 8 Heart Conscious Business 101 – FREE with Membership Creating Your Blue Print for a Successful Heart Centred Business Saturday March 19 9.00am to 4.30pm

CONSCIOUS BUSINESS HUB ●● ●● ●● ●● ●●

Monthly Networking Meetings with leaders in Business Professional Development and Mentoring FREE Media exposure for your business Affiliate Referrals and Discounts Platform to Speak and Present Training Courses.

MEMBERSHIP FEE

Regular Membership $397 for 1 year Foundation Membership $297 for 1 person (Save $50 if joining with 2 people) Available only until June 30th

HCB CONTACT US

Like us on Facebook fb.me/HeartConsciousBusiness Register on line – go to our website events.consciouslivingexpo.com.au/ Call Jacquie on 0427277803

Heart Conscious Business Hub www.events.consciouslivingexpo.com.au

BONUS FREE 1 Day Course: Heart Conscious Business 101 Creating your Blueprint for a successful Heart Conscious Business. Explore what is working in your business and what you might change to grow your business. Co-facilitated by Jacquie Walker and Mary Lucille Baker. Part 1: “Snap-Shot”, a reality check, identifying what blocks success and positive change in your business and professional life. Part 2: Clearing the obstacles and energetic blocks that inhibit success. Part 3: Creating Your Business Blueprint Connecting to and communicating the purpose and the core benefits/ contribution of your business. Jacquie Walker will lead you through a process to assist you to reflect and identify where you are now and identify what is creating business success and what is holding you back through a process called “Snap-shot” The session will assist you to identify limitations and what blocks and makes it difficult for you to achieve your desired goals so you can vision and create strategic pathways that will help to make it easier.

OUTCOMES

Mary Lucille Baker will then assist you to work with and clear energetic blocks and patterns to clear the way for success in your business. Mary Lucille has been working with unseen energies since 1988 and teaching since 1998. Her specialty is to unlock where you are not showing up in your life, from talents and abilities to being confident on stage or addressing individuals in a business setting. The higher your vibration of self-love the more you attract to you.

At the end of the day you will have greater insight into your business model, your leadership style and influences that affect your business success. You will have greater clarity for decision making, a vision for areas of your business that need transforming to create more success wellbeing and balance for yourself, employees and family.


CONSCIOUS PEOPLE

Your Personal Blue Print for change AND

Transformation J By COLLEEN CLAY

ohanna McNamara (BA, IR, Dip Teach, Ed Psych, Reiki Master) named her Ascent Healing Centre to signify how her clients ascend in their personal and professional development, taking simple, easy steps to more positive, successful and happy lives. As a Visionary and Intuitive Healer, Johanna’s vocation is to “assist individuals and humanity to be the best they can be”. Her backgrounds skills include Teacher, Workplace Assessor, Counsellor, Reiki Master, Theta® Healer Practitioner and Energy, Sound and Vibrational Healer. Describing herself as a prayerful therapist who seeks Divine assistance and guidance, Johanna brings genuine spiritual strength to her work. Her specialty, Creating Your Personal Blue Print for Change and Transformation, guides the individual to transform, transmute and transcend to improve their daily life. Joanna said she was following a calling to bring wellness, healing, peace and harmony to the human family. “I view humanity as the collective heart of the planet,” she said. “When we heal ourselves, it is important to harmonise the emotional heart, and spiritual soul. When realigned and balanced, we can assist others and thus the world. We become the pebble that causes the ripple effect throughout our planet, heart to heart.” 10 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

GENERATIONAL UPHEAVAL

Joanna’s therapy involves a process designed to clear generational memory embedded at cellular level and to reverse the effects on DNA. “DNA formation inevitably involves the experiences of past generations,” she said. “Trauma, drama and conflict are absorbed into the body’s cellular structure, and these negative events can snap or erode the DNA chain. True wholeness, emotional intelligence and identity are lost or, distorted. “Trauma can apply to physical, mental, spiritual, or emotional upsets. From what I’ve observed, emotions form a critical mass: hence, dis-ease and addictions can follow.” Johanna explained that altered or damaged DNA was similar to the shorting out of an electrical circuit. “When this happens mutation occurs in which DNA linkage is altered from its original positive form. The ‘new’ or ‘substitute’ – or ‘distorted’ – negative DNA does not operate in the person’s highest good, because it is damaged. “The aim of my therapy is to energetically take the damaged DNA back prior to conception in the womb. “Done in a simple, easy manner, one family member can use this therapy to bring harmony to their entire family and workplace” “The effect is in most cases instantly felt. However, this is a process, and timing is according to each individual. After sessions, I give my clients remedies that empower them to identify problems, find solutions and make appropriate changes in the daily flow of their lives.”

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Remedies may include: affirmations, guidance regarding specialist treatments, such as naturopathy, massage, yoga, meditation classes and – where necessary – seeking added medical advice. After my session I was left with a sense of hope and renewed zest for life. Johanna said damaged and distorted DNA, unresolved drama, trauma and conflict could result in people being continually drawn to the energies that first caused the damage. For example, we may be “continually attracted” to experiencing aggression and betrayal, being a victim or a rescuer. We self sabotage. Johanna’s clients range from individuals to small business and corporate clients seeking customised personal development.

UNCOVERING HIDDEN TALENTS

“In my process, I identify skills and special talents often hidden from the individual,” Johanna said. “I map this information for each client, according to my visionary, intuitive channelled information concerning that person or organisation. This facilitates a surge forward in their life, freeing them of sabotage and pain. The resulting outcome is a more balanced, successful, prosperous, and harmonious life.” Based in Western Australia, Johanna’s local clientele attend grouptraining sessions at her healing centre. As well, demand for online training and Skype sessions now includes an international client base. Ascent Healing Centre is a heart centred business servicing humanity. www.ascenthealing.com.au Skype: johanna.mcnamara E: johanna@ascenthealing.com.au T: 0434 390 363 SUMMER 2016


www.remotebalancingtechnology.com Aura

Analysis & Brain Scanning

#NOGUESSWORK Bookings call : 0468 362 111

An Experimental Electromagnetic Feedback and imaging process. This new technology gives detailed scientiÞc information and objective interpretations for all Auras and Bioenergy Þelds, and identiÞes the type and function of all bioenergies present in speciÞc regions of human brain. RFI system accurately identiÞes and interprets 15 colors of bioenergy,representing all 15 distinguishable colors of the optical spectrum, giving it the maximum possible usefulness for detailed and accurate images and interpretations.

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CONSCIOUS FOOD

In The Raw

I

by ROWENA JAYNE - Real Food Yogi

n this extract from her book, The Joy of Real Food, Australian author, Rowena Jayne gives us some feel good reasons why eating raw can be beneficial for our health with three taste tantalising raw recipes for summer. The average person who has existed, and still does, on diets of junk, processed, packaged, and chemical and even sugar laden foods will without a doubt have perverted taste buds, and the idea of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables to many would certainly not conjure up and wet the lips of desire to change their lives. The thought of sitting down to a meal of lettuce and chopped carrots, while everyone around them is consuming fat and sugar-laden foods they desire and have become addicted to, is abhorrent. The most wonderful attribute that raw food plays in transformation of society at large is helping people transition from junk food to health food through the means of texturally, visually and orally appealing food that attracts rather than repels. Inspired raw, plant-based recipes being created in the modern world are fun, fresh and enticing. They often mimic flavours of foods we all grew up with that don’t promote health. We are emotional beings and most, if not all of us, have attachments and triggers emotionally to our food. As you open your eyes to the wonderful delights that raw cuisine offers, you will observe that these foods too can offer the same comfort and titillation of their sinful counterparts. As you begin to sample and try more raw creations you will relish this cuisine and no longer perceive health food as boring, tasteless and a punishment. Instead, you will be excited to eat better, feel better and live better.

NAKED PRINCIPLES

Historical records indicate the Raw Food Movement has existed for many years in many cultures, including biblical times. There are reports of a living foods movement in the 1820s by Mormons seeking ways to enhance their spiritual connection and written reports by Pythagoras indicative of a diet of living foods. 7 However it is only in the recent years of the twenty-first century that a movement has reached the 12 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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world at large. There are many pioneers who have contributed to dispersing the message to the masses worldwide, such as David Wolfe, Dr Gabriel Cousins, Susie Miller, Viktoras Kulvinskas and Dr Anne Wigmore. A raw food diet is comprised of predominantly plant-based foods that are naturally and organically grown. This includes fruits, vegetables, sprouted grains, algaes, herbs, nuts and seeds. It includes no animal products, excluding raw honey and bee pollen which are widely accepted due to their known health benefits as Super foods. Vegans however will omit these foods. A raw food diet gives us energy and life force. When we increase our life force, we have the energy to function on a day to day basis and we no longer have the excuse that we are too tired to live fully. We lose the victim mentality and take accountability for our lives. Swiss Doctor, Paul Kautchakoff, conducted over 300 detailed experiments which pinpointed the pathogenic nature of cooked and processed foods and showed evidence that eating cooked food increased the white blood cell count (indicating an inflammatory immune response).

CAN ALL FOODS BE EATEN RAW?

There are certain plants that are considered inedible raw due to their high levels of calcium oxalate. Taro and rhubarb leaves are two such examples and eating the leaves of these plants is poisonous and can cause anaphylaxis. There are some foods, seeds and nuts that contain enzyme inhibitors such as phytic acid. These enzyme inhibitors are present for the protection of the seed in the early stages of germination. When you eat raw nuts or seeds you swallow Enzyme inhibitors, which will neutralize some of the enzymes your body produces. Most nuts and seeds contain these inhibitors. Raw peanuts, for example, contain an especially large amount. Raw wheat germ is also one of the worst offenders. In addition, all peas, beans and lentils contain some. There are two ways to destroy enzyme inhibitors. The first is cooking; however, as we know, this also destroys the enzymes. The second way, which is more preferable, is sprouting or soaking. This technique neutralizes the enzyme inhibitors, increases the enzyme content and the food’s digestibility. In the Staples section you will find a table and information on sprouting and soaking to disarm these enzyme inhibitors. SUMMER 2016


½ large kaffir lime leaf 1 tablespoon shallots 1½ tablespoons coriander leaves ½ teaspoon sea salt Coriander Herb Oil Joyful Preparation: Soup: Blend pumpkin, carrot and water until smooth. Add remaining ingredients except shallots, coriander and lime leaf (leave these to last so the soup retains its orange colour). Once blended, add the green ingredients. Pour into soup bowls and garnish with herb oil, carrot flowers (dehydrate finely sliced carrots) and edible flowers. Option: To increase the depth of flavours, dehydrate soup for 1-2 hours.

SAMBHAR SOUP (Serves 1-2) PINA KAFFIR COLADA (Serves 2)

“If you love coconut and pineapple you will enjoy this. The kaffir lime brings a unique flavour, but you can always omit it and go with the more traditional version.” Ingredients from nature: 1 cup coconut water 1½ cups fresh cut pineapple ¾ cup fresh coconut flesh (or dried coconut) ½ teaspoons coconut essence 1 teaspoon coconut oil 3 medjool dates, pitted ½ small kaffir lime leaf (optional) 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Pinch sea salt Joyful Preparation: Blend all ingredients until smooth. Add a squeeze of lime too.

PUMPKIN, COCONUT & KAFFIR LIME SOUP (Yields 3 cups) “This Soup was created during the final weeks of my advanced chef course with Matthew Kenney and it made it to his social media page, which blew me away! I have always loved the flavours of kaffir lime, chilli and ginger and was inspired to create a raw soup with these flavours during the produce challenge we were set. Pumpkin is a wonderful, nourishing vegetable high in beta-carotene.” Ingredients from Nature: 1½ cups pumpkin, chopped roughly 1½ cups carrot, chopped roughly ½ cup coconut milk (see Staples) ½ cup water 1½ tablespoons lime juice ½ red chilli, de-seeded ½ teaspoon garlic powder 2 thin slices of ginger SUMMER 2016

“This is a traditional South Indian soup served with dosa and chutney. It is usually cooked with one of my favourite vegetables called drumstick. I miss it dearly! Here is my raw version. Using tamarind creates quite a sour soup. If your taste buds prefer less sour, feel free to use less tamarind and even omit the lime juice.” Ingredients from nature: 1¼ cups tomato, roughly chopped 1 cup carrot, roughly chopped 1 cup coconut milk (see Staples) 1 tablespoon sprouted beans (lentils, mung, chick pea, etc) 1 sundried tomato, soaked 1 tablespoon coriander 1 tablespoon shallots ½ avocado 1 teaspoon tamarind paste 1 teaspoon lime juice 1½ teaspoons sambhar spice mix ¼ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon salt Garnish ½ tablespoon coriander leaves, minced 1 teaspoon tomato seeds 1 teaspoon cucumber seeds Curry leaves Herb oil Joyful Preparation: Blend tomatoes, sundried tomato and carrots until smooth. Add all other ingredients and blend again. Place in a small side bowl top with coriander oil and all other garnishes. For More Information visit: www.rowenajayne.com Email: info@rowenajayne.com CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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CONSCIOUS FOOD ORGANIC CONSUMER REVIEWS

Hand-Blended Herbal Tea

Sea Vegetable Cocktail for Health

At Teapot Teas Andrew Yeo has combined the joy and experience of tea drinking, with a range of teas using the highest quality natural organic ingredients which create an atmosphere of health and wellbeing. Each tea is thoughtfully and therapeutically blended for taste, to create a positive experience which nourishes the palette as well as the body, mind and spirit. Enjoy Teapot Teas delicious range of herbal teas, green teas and black teas. Selecting and brewing and enjoying a cup of herbal tea can be such a deeply healing, meditative and transformative process. Andrew invites you to treat yourself and share in the Teapot Tea experience and to enjoy the simple ritual of sitting down and relaxing with your favourite blend of tea. Contact: Andrew Yeo For more information go to www.teapotteas.com or email Andrew on info@teapotteas.com

Body Balance is an energy drink made from a blend of 9 sea vegetables and organically grown aloe vera. It contains nutrients which helps to strengthen the immune system and helps to balance the gut flora. In testimonials people attribute Body Balance with helping to relieve migraines and headaches, decrease food intolerances and allergies and stabilise blood pressure and cholesterol. Others have testified that taking body balance has helped then to deal with and clear emotional issues and addictions. Body Balance assists the body to remove toxins and heavy metals, as well as supplying vital nutrients that are lacking. It does this in a form that the body will accept, right down to a cellular level. For more information call Christine OIsen T: 0433 164 700 or visit www.thebalanceyoulove.com

Deliciously Raw and Vegan

* Visionary * Medical Intuitive *

Pana Chocolate is a rich and luxurious chocolate that is smooth, textured, sweet and spicy all in one mouthful. Imagine cacao melting on your tongue with surprising bursts of citrus or herb, blending with natural sweeteners and a hint of coconut. Pana Chocolate is made from vegan, organic ingredients with no added sugar, and produced using minimal heat (raw). Enjoy the taste of coconut and goji, fig and wild orange, raw cacao or mint. Or you might like to try one of their delicious cakes. Pana Barounis founded Pana Chocolate in Melbourne. In the beginning he used to deliver the chocolate to stores on his scooter. Today Pana Chocolate is distributed Australia wide and internationally. To find your local outlet for Pana Chocolate go to www.panachocolate.com or T: 1300 717 488 14 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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- Creating your personal blue print for change Facilitator of personal change and transformation * Transform * Transmute * Transcend *

Web: www.ascenthealing.com.au FB: ascenthealing Skype Sessions

By Appointment ~ 0434 390 363 * Visionary * Medical Intuitive * * Ancient Tibetan Healing Singing Bowls * * Reiki Master * Access Bars Practitioner * * Theta Healing® Practitioner * * Energy Magnetic Clearing & Healing * * Vibrational Energy Aromatics * * Holistic Children’s Coaching *

Meditation – 1st Wednesday night of each month * Sessions * Work Shops * * Groups * Individuals *

Johanna 0434 390 363

SUMMER 2016


CONSCIOUS HEALTH

The Secrets Of Nature

AIR FRESHENERS

And Clean Living

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n our life today there is some confusion over what to do to go “green” in our homes and environment. Many people use products such as vinegar to clean, believing they are making a safe choice. But cheap vinegar may be derived from synthetic ethyl alcohol, which is synthesized from natural gas or petroleum derivatives, not brewed from grain. This is one of numerous instances in which we believe we are doing the right thing for our families and ourselves but, in reality, may not be. Toxic chemicals are found in personal hygiene products, water, food, air, medicines and cleaning products. More than 8000 pesticides and veterinary products are registered for use in Australian agriculture, horticulture, livestock, forestry, commercial premises, parks, and most likely your own home and garden. More than 80 of these are prohibited in the 28 member countries of the European Union. Why do we still use them in Australia?

TALLOWATES IN SOAPS

Our skin has such a large surface area, it can soak in many types of toxins and petrochemicals from synthetic ingredients. This can result in compounds leaching into the body and accumulating in fat cells. Many people complain of commercial soaps making their skin feel dry and itchy. They may not be aware that the main ingredients in mass-produced bar soaps are sodium tallowate and potassium tallowate. SUMMER 2016

By PAULINE HALL These substances are the toxic fatty remains of slaughtered cows, sheep and horses.

EFFECTS OF FRAGRANCES

So what about fragrances? Many compounds in the commercial synthetic fragrances used in bath and body products are carcinogenic or toxic. Clinical observation by medical doctors has shown that exposure to synthetic fragrances can affect the central nervous system causing depression, hyperactivity, irritability, inability to cope and other behavioural changes. (Dadd DL. Home Safe Home. 1997. New York: Barnes & Noble Books). Laboratory analysis of top selling colognes and perfumes identified an average of 14 chemicals per product not listed on the label, including multiple chemicals that can trigger allergies reactions, or interfere with hormone function (Environmental Defence Canada, 2010-2014). In Australia, manufacturers are only required to put “fragrance” or “perfume” on the label. They’re exempted from listing the individual ingredients. Yet sensitivity or allergy to chemicals in fragrances is found in about 20 per cent of the population, who may suffer dizziness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, hay fever, skin rash, migraines, nausea or asthma. However, little research has been done into the possible long-term effects of exposure to these chemicals. Most of the 3000 chemicals used in fragrances in Australia have been in use since before the introduction of compulsory testing, which started about 12 years ago (ABC Health & Wellbeing 2015).

The Connecticut Department of Public Health states that air fresheners don’t freshen or clean the air, they add fragrance and in some cases chemicals that may be harmful. Several studies have found the following are common ingredients in air fresheners: fragrance, phthalates, propellants, solvents, aldehydes and deodorisers. Some possible side effects of these chemicals include allergies, hormone disruption and cancer. The department states that decreasing risk of air fresheners will decrease chemical exposure in the home (Fact sheet: Air fresheners, what you need to know. Connecticut Department of Public Health. July 2013). So where does this leave us? Some suggestions include [for cleaning] sodi-bicarbonate, brewed vinegar and essential oils. But with the busy, stressed lifestyles many of us lead today, it is not always practical to make our own products. Safe, healthy alternatives are available; it just takes a little effort to find them. Essential oils have been around for centuries and generally are a safer alternative to use in the home. It is vital that the essential oils in the products you choose are pure and potent. Don’t choose an essential oil that has synthetics added to boost its fragrance! Do not accept that because a product is available it is safe. Look for better alternatives. Buy from a company that has its own farms, with years of experience and knowledge in its own planting, harvesting, distilling and testing to ensure potency and purity. Your health and that of your family is worth it. Further information: www.essentialoilsonline.biz

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CONSCIOUS HEALTH PRODUCT REVIEWS

HEALTH of THE FUTURE

TODAY Leading edge scientific research says that “all is energy” and as we know energy is vibration, whether is be light, colour, sound or frequency. It has been recognised by some in the scientific community that vibration is the future of healing. Swiss engineer, mathematician, musician and inventor Martin Frischknecht knew these concepts when he began to explore frequency healing almost 20 years ago. His first device was the Frizap in 1998, followed by the Power Quickzap and finally the Powertube was perfected in 2006. The Powertube is 300% more powerful than any of his previous inventions. Martin himself had suffered immense pain for many years from acute rheumatoid arthritis and epilepsy, which motivated to him to invent this health device to aid others with their pain and suffering. Research shows that modern day living with its stresses cause the hexagonal molecular structure of the water molecules in the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the

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cell, in our body to misalign. This allows toxins and viruses to infiltrate, which reduces the body’s energy, leading to pain and disease. It is said that chronic disease and pain is almost always associated with an acidic pH level. The Powertube with its 3 frequencies works to realign this molecular patterning back to its optimum state and assists with balancing your body’s pH to an optimal level. When our pH is optimal, it increases the millivoltage of the cellular membrane and the higher the milivoltage the healthier the cells in the body. This then enables to detoxify and heal itself. And here’s the best thing, Powertube is a registered medical device in Australia for pain and its symptoms. So as you can see, the future is here already and the inventor of this revolutionary health device will be here at our very own Conscious Living Expo holding demonstrations and workshops. Don’t miss the opportunity to find out more and try it out.

SUMMER 2016


CONSCIOUS HEALTH

Remarkable health benefits through advanced technology of the Biomat The core of the BioMat technology is a combination of far infrared rays, negative ion and the conductive properties of amethyst channels. These three powerful health stimulators are combined in a single, easy-to-use product with remarkable benefits. It is a safe and natural way to own the ability to enjoy life for years to come with FDA approved temporary relief from minor spasms, minor sprains, minor strains, minor joint pain associated with arthritis, minor muscle pain and more. This highly effective therapy is now available to medical professionals and home consumers who want to improve health and well-being with products based on Nobel prize-winning scientific research

pioneered by NASA and developed using pure, natural materials. Imagine being able to feel better while you relax in soothing heat. That is the benefit of the amethyst BioMat technology: it’s effortless, easy to use, and feels great while it provides muscle relaxation and temporary relief of the aches pains, spasms sprains strains and stiffness. To use you simply adjust the control panel settings, position yourself comfortably on your BioMat, and let the deep-penetrating far infrared rays and negative ions go to work. Even a short time on the BioMat reduces stress, muscle tension and the aches and pains.

The Sacred Relationship Between You And Your Perfume There is a fascinating mystery associated with perfumery. For centuries scents have been extracted from natural substances. They were used for transformations, initiations and practical purposes. And in mythical stories, scents were used to capture people’s souls. In the hands of the knowledgeable, scents were a powerful ally in achieving any goal. You and your scent are always in an intimate dance beyond consciousness as you journey through your daily life. Today, there is a big question around how the body deals with isolated compounds or synthetically reproduced isolates. If the system cannot recognise the source, it can remain activated for SUMMER 2016

a prolonged time and deplete the adrenals. For this reason, a natural perfume is generally considered a gentler option.

THE NATURAL ADVANTAGE

Natural perfumes that honour the old wisdom do not just smell nice and bring forth memories; they also “move” you at soul level and invite you to connect. The 100 per cent Australian botanical perfume, CORE, offers this natural advantage. This is the first perfume in ASSION Perfumery’s Labyrinth Trilogy. CORE tells its own story of creation: “I come to you from the depths of the ancient lands of

PRODUCT REVIEWS

Using the amethyst BioMat for just a short time each day leaves your body relaxed and refreshed, and it’s designed to fit your lifestyle. Use the BioMat while you relax with a good book or in front of the television. Use it at bed-time and drift into sleep, or incorporate the BioMat into your fitness, relaxation or meditation routine. To read more visit www.Biomat4Therapy.com or call 0412 975 128

Australia and invite you to unfold the core of your sacred wisdom within and, thus, reset the path of your journey forward. “My strength is gentleness and vulnerability. My power is safety and protection… I draw you in gently and with the greatest respect of your journey gone and your journey still to come… “Don’t mistake my gentleness for weakness for I am a true warrior. Truth and courage cannot be accessed through the mind for they are matters of the heart. In the unity of all that you are lies the key to the power of creation and the power of love.” This perfume trilogy of which CORE is a part was created by Halka Beseda for ASSION Perfumery and the full range is available at Halka B. Organics Fremantle, T: 0418 957 010. Or to discover more go to www.AssionPerfumery.com.au

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CONSCIOUS HEALTH

Birthing the Next Generation

By VICKI DELPERO, Midwife, Psychosomatic Therapist and Teacher, and author of Creating Happy Healthy Babies

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y vision is a world in which all women are nurtured, honoured and respected as the sacred bearers of the next generation, revered for the goddesses they are. Almost every person on this planet knows or has some connection with a young woman who has or will one day birth a child. The trust and knowledge that is shared by all gives them the trust in themselves, which will in turn be sent vibrationally to their child. Every thought and feeling is transmitted through vibration to the growing child in the womb and to the soul awaiting entrance. Vibrational alignment is so very important. My purpose is to dispel the fears and medicalisation surrounding birth, to give back to women the power they have always had.

LEVEL OF VIBRATION

So many couples come to me facing fertility issues; it is my role to enhance the vibration to assist the synchronisation of the incarnating soul and its parents. The souls coming in now (the children of the new age) 18 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

request a way of being; not a way of living but a level of vibration coming from their parents. Repeatedly, I see couples who have experienced 10 or more IVF transfers without success, yet they finally fall pregnant once they have embodied this understanding. This is why even with the high level of technology available today IVF is only successful in a percentage of cases. Alignment must occur on all levels, Spiritual, Emotional, Mental and Physical, then the soul’s passage is easy. When this vibration is clean and clear, then all is well. We must lose the fear of death and disease to see pregnancy as a state of wondrous joy, a time not to be feared. Each individual co-creates by the power they express within. Many couples diligently change their diets, embracing healthy lifestyles in order to be toxin free, yet they still do not fall pregnant. It may be that they are not aligned emotionally or spiritually, rather

“… IT IS MY ROLE TO ENHANCE THE VIBRATION TO ASSIST THE SYNCHRONISATION OF THE INCARNATING SOUL AND ITS PARENTS”

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placing way too much emphasis on the physical. It is time to trust the self fully and openly. No more hiding behind the external distractions.

OBSESSION WITH EATING

We are powerful energetic beings who can shift energy through our vibration. We must stop the obsessions! Orthorexia (an obsession with eating healthy foods) has become a huge distraction in the ascension process. Food is not as important as you think it is, not anymore. Eat healthily for fun and joy, not because of fear. The fear will do far more damage. Our body is ascending too, and is learning to adapt and heal from toxins, viruses and bacteria. We forget to trust this and believe that our minds are more powerful: that is the greatest distraction. At the retreats I run, I encourage participants to allow all feelings and emotions such as bliss, joy, peace, confusion, depression, exhaustion. Give yourself the space to acknowledge what you feel, breathe, let it go. Stay as positive as possible in each moment without lying to your body’s emotions or challenging processes. Lying to yourself only creates more issues by pushing your issues into your tissues. Your body then becomes overloaded with this unreleased emotional energy, causing imbalance and disease. Don’t lie and say it is “all good” when it is not. Own the process. Make no judgments or involve yourself in any obsessions, because both slow the process. Be supportive, patient and accept that all life undulates from challenging to blissful. Further information www.casadelsole.com.au www.facebook.com/ creatinghappyhealthybabies SUMMER 2016


SUMMER 2016

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CONSCIOUS HEALTH By STUART MORICK, Bachelor Health Science (Naturopathy), Member ANTA & AHA

Focus on Family Health: Mums and Bubs BREASTFEEDING

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uch joy surrounds the birth of a child. Families gather to coo over and admire the new addition. But once you’re back on home turf, the shine can quickly be taken out of this sunny time. As a naturopath, I regularly see new mums – and dads – who are despairing for various reasons. However, many of these “problems” are not unusual and can easily be tackled naturally and safely.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t come easily to every mum. The good news is that breastfeeding issues respond well to herbs and homoeopathy – a consultation with your naturopath can help narrow down the cause and define a treatment. For example, to increase milk flow, one option is a tea made with the herbs goat’s rue, fennel, fenugreek, horsetail, shatavari and chaste tree berries. Blend in equal parts and drink up to three cups daily. Make sure you include plenty of good fats in your diet, which you can get from avocado, nuts, olive oil, butter and fish – I suggest sardines as they are believed to have the lowest heavy metal levels. This supplements breast milk’s nutritional value, providing your infant with vital building blocks for their life.

SLEEPING

When baby isn’t getting enough sleep, everyone in the household can suffer. Extreme tiredness causes tempers to fray, which impacts emotionally on the infant as well. Simple remedies

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such as essential oils of lavender and valerian sprayed lightly or diffused around the home or used in infant massage (at recommended doses) can help. Most importantly, it is essential to identify whether your baby is fretting because of an undiagnosed complaint, and discussing your child’s moods and habits with your naturopath can be invaluable in contributing toward this. Useful herbal medicines can include skullcap, chamomile, passionflower, Californian poppy and Jamaican dogwood – please consult your naturopath to discuss.

SKIN CONDITIONS

With many babies, rashes and other skin conditions come with the territory. Some common creams and lotions may be too harsh for a baby’s sensitive skin, so it’s important to treat these complaints carefully. Skin complaints may have their origin in a compromised gastric environment – improving gut flora balance by removing unwanted intestinal bacteria while repopulating it with healthy bacteria is a helpful start, and best performed homeopathically in infants. Nutritional imbalances may also need to be addressed. For example, is the child getting enough zinc and vitamin E? In breastfed infants this SUMMER 2016


FOODS RICH IN THE AMINO ACID TRYPTOPHAN MAY HELP THE WAY YOU FEEL. THESE INCLUDE TURKEY, WHOLE MILK DAIRY PRODUCTS, FISH, NUTS AND EGGS. comes from the mother, so a diet rich in foods such as cashews, spinach, liver, pumpkin seeds, beef (grass fed), wheat germ, and mushrooms is important.

DEPRESSION

Post-natal depression is a real and confronting issue that can be emotionally and socially debilitating for individuals and families. Fortunately, there are some wonderful herbal and

SUMMER 2016

homoeopathic remedies that can contribute strongly to helping mum cope and move toward establishing a strong family connection. Clinical trials have shown herbs such as St John’s wort to be as effective as pharmaceutical antidepressants for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. During breastfeeding, nutrients are frequently lost through breast milk, especially tryptophan and zinc. Growing babies need these nutrients, but this depletes the mother’s own stores, affecting the way her body works. It may be one way depression develops, because our bodies require these nutrients to produce serotonin.

You may feel better by ensuring your intake of B vitamins, zinc and iron are high enough. Remember, when breastfeeding you have a higher nutritional requirement. Foods rich in the amino acid tryptophan may also help the way you feel. These include turkey, whole milk dairy products, fish, nuts and eggs. A wellbalanced diet of carbohydrates, proteins and fats is necessary to ensure the body works in a healthy, happy manner. A great many herbal and homoeopathic remedies are traditionally used to help the body cope with conditions regularly experienced by parents and babies. An appointment with a qualified naturopath may be beneficial to determine the safest options to improve your family’s health. Further information: www.purehealthandwellness.com.au Tel: 08 9378 2774

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CONSCIOUS HEALTH

Complementary Medicine

Regulation and Risks While Australians want more of what’s natural in health care, the authorities continue to disbelieve the many obvious benefits. MARTIN OLIVER reports

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round 70 per cent of Australians take supplements or complementary medicines.

“UNDER-EMPHASIS ON PREVENTION MEANS THAT SUBSTANTIAL PREVENTATIVE HEALTH BENEFITS AND SAVINGS COMPLEMENTARY THERAPIES CAN OFFER ARE OVER-LOOKED”

Natural therapies are increasingly popular in Australia, and although accurate figures are hard to come by, they are accessed by well over half the population. They are gentle, frequently effective, and treat the whole person. Yet, as their popularity continues to grow, they are meeting growing resistance in some quarters. Elements of the Australian media have taken on the role of attempting to turn public opinion against complementary therapies by repeating ad nauseam a number of questionable key messages, the most common being that these therapies are “useless”. For their part, Australian health authorities tend to dismiss the value of natural therapies in a similar fashion. This is reflected in a lack of Medicare coverage for natural therapist consultations, and an exclusion of complementary medicines from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 22 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

Furthermore they are generally excluded from hospital settings, in contrast with a country such as Germany where allopathy and naturopathy are used side-by-side, in a successful example of integrative medicine. Instead there is a singleminded focus on the hospital and pharmaceutical paradigm, to the degree that in 2014 the Abbott Government attempted to abolish the National Preventative Health Agency. The aim was to achieve savings that would probably have been outstripped by downstream expenses caused by increased ill health. Such under-emphasis on prevention means that the substantial preventative health benefits and savings complementary therapies can offer are overlooked.

REGULATE – OR NOT?

In 2010, when the current national regulatory framework for health practitioners was drawn up under the Australian Health Practitioners

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Regulation Agency, all natural therapists were excluded with the sole exception of Chinese medicine practitioners. Because “unregistered” health practitioners, natural therapists in New South Wales and South Australia are subject to state-based codes of conduct that may later be extended in the form of a single national code. Despite much of the industry keen to be regulated, health authorities are holding off taking this step for the time being. Similar to other areas that the federal government declines to fully regulate such as organic food and free-range eggs, there are some commonalities. In each case, the product is viewed as “alternative” in some way; the industry itself is lobbying to be regulated; lack of regulation gives rise to some negative media coverage, and confidence in the sector is somewhat diminished as a result. Because this lack of regulation also makes it harder to achieve a good level of quality control, membership of an appropriate professional body is SUMMER 2016


particularly important as a means of reassuring any public concerns. In this regulatory vacuum, the Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists (ARONAH) has set itself up as a standards-setting body aiming for high levels of proficiency, while maintaining a register of qualified practitioners who meet minimum standards of education and practice. ARONAH’s hope is that government authorities will in time adopt this model of industry regulation. However, not everybody is on board: the Australian Traditional Medicine Society has criticised the ARONAH model because it leaves out homeopaths. Therapeutic claims that can be made by natural therapists are governed by either a state code of conduct or a professional association, and are generally restricted to the treatment of symptoms rather than conditions.

REVIEWING HOMEOPATHY

In 2012, the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) began a review of homeopathy, with a final report issued in March 2015 concluding that there was a lack of good quality evidence to back it up. Looking behind the scenes, a different picture emerges. A Freedom of Information request by Complementary Medicines Australia found that two of the three experts consulted by NHMRC expressed numerous concerns about the methodology and selective use of data, but their concerns were overridden. More specifically, these included: ●● Excluding randomised controlled trials in favour of systematic reviews, thereby bypassing Level 1 evidence. ●● Limiting the number of databases accessed, in at least one case for a non-scientific reason. ●● Ignoring non-English-language studies. SUMMER 2016

●● Excluding all non-human studies. ●● Limiting studies to a narrow 16year time window. ●● No homeopath being appointed by the review panel. While still in a draft state, the NHMRC report was used by the media to advocate undermining homeopathy on a few different fronts: ●● Criticising taxpayers’ funds being used for homeopathic training. ●● Pressure on the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency to review accreditation of homeopathy in the higher education sector. ●● Former NHMRC CEO Warwick Anderson criticising pharmacies that sell homeopathic medicines. ●● Calls for it to be dropped by health insurance companies. It is often pointed out that an absence of evidence does not equate to evidence of absence, but this nuance appears to have been lost by the media and the NHMRC. As a response to the final report, the Australian Homoeopathic Association sent a hard-hitting letter to the NHMRC, outlining a range of concerns and raising issues about the NHMRC’s seeming closeness to the anti-natural health lobby group Friends of Science in Medicine (FSM.) Most worrying of all were a couple of leaked NHMRC press releases from 2011 and 2012, which pre-emptively gave homeopathy a negative evaluation. Given that these preceded the review, this raises some fundamental questions about impartiality, the scientific process, and whether the review’s parameters

were designed to concur with the negative conclusion that the NHMRC had reached at the outset.

MORE ‘UNPROVEN’ THERAPIES

Also in 2012, the NHMRC began a review of 17 natural therapies covered by some health funds, with a view to the 10-39 per cent federal rebates on private health policies. If leaks to the media are to be believed, the therapies with the highest levels of scientific evidence are apparently Alexander technique, massage, tai chi and yoga, but all are set to fail because of an absence of high-quality evidence to back them up. This in turn could be used as negative leverage in a similar fashion to the homeopathy review. Criticisms of the methodology overlap those for the homeopathy review, and include the exclusion of randomised controlled trials, and limiting evidence to a narrow five-year time window. While policies containing these “unproven” therapies were under threat of losing their rebates on April 1st 2015, this deadline came and went without any changes being made. Judging from recent comments by Health Minister Sussan Ley, the threat to policies containing these therapies appears to have waned. Some individuals within the industry see this review process, initiated by the previous Labor government, as a headache that the current authorities would gladly sweep under the carpet. Were rebate support to be pulled, health funds would be under pressure to drop the natural therapies in question to protect rebates on their other coverage areas, and the livelihoods of practitioners would be

“WHILE STILL IN A DRAFT STATE, THE NHMRC REPORT WAS USED BY THE MEDIA TO ADVOCATE UNDERMINING HOMEOPATHY” CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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undermined. Health funds require practitioners to be members of professional organisations, and if natural therapies were removed, one undesirable outcome would be a loss of an important quality control mechanism within the sector. In terms of the economic arguments raised in the media, it is impossible to quantify taxpayer support for natural therapies, given that they are bound up with other coverage areas in health fund policies. Most importantly, costs to the taxpayer are likely to be offset many times over by preventative health benefits.

THERAPEUTIC PRODUCTS

Supplements and complementary medicines are regulated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), a body that receives all of its funding from industry under a cost-recovery system. A minority of its funding is from the natural products sector, while the majority comes from pharmaceuticals. While most developed countries treat supplements as foods, in Australia they are regulated under a similar framework to pharmaceuticals. The TGA maintains a “positive list” of ingredients known as the Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods that can only be added to following expensive tests, placing the burden of proof and expense on the manufacturer. The Australian Self Medication Industry (ASMI) would like the TGA to automatically approve an ingredient if it has already been given the green light in key overseas jurisdictions. ASMI disagrees with the current arrangement where one company fronts up the cash, and anyone else can effectively freeload on its investment. It would prefer another system, one option being for costs to be spread across the industry as a whole. For getting unpatented supplements approved, at present 24 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

“HEALTH FUNDS REQUIRE PRACTITIONERS TO BE MEMBERS OF PROFESSIONAL ORGANISATIONS… AN IMPORTANT QUALITY CONTROL MECHANISM WITHIN THE SECTOR” the economics rarely stack up, but an alternative system could lower the hurdle considerably. The TGA code prohibits virtually all health claims from being made in connection with complementary medicines, especially in the case of serious illness. This includes material on websites, including testimonials. To give one example, in most cases tea tree oil is prohibited from being labelled as an antiseptic. The regulator’s critics, including Senator Nick Xenophon, see a pattern of the TGA targeting small businesses, in some cases causing them to close down, while leaving the large players alone. Moves to create a trans-Tasman body called the Australia New Zealand Therapeutic Products Agency were abandoned in 2014. Such an agency would have brought New Zealand’s liberal therapeutic products regime under the comparatively more restrictive Australian framework. At the time of writing, the TGA’s regulation of complementary medicines is being reviewed.

RECENTLY TARGETED

In recent years, homeopathic prophylaxis, thermography, and skin cancer salves have all fallen foul of either the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) or the TGA, and in most cases the authorities have problems with the health claims being made. NSW Central Coast business Homeopathy Plus had statements

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on its website that advocated homeopathic prophylaxis for whooping cough while casting doubts on the effectiveness of the whooping cough vaccine. They were removed at the ACCC’s request, and later replaced. This led to the ACCC bringing legal action, the outcome of which mandated in December 2014 that the material be permanently removed. Thermography is a breast imaging technique that is widely used overseas in countries such as China. Authorities in Australia however claim that it is ineffective. Following zealous activism by Cancer Council Western Australia, two Perth-area companies using non-mammogram imaging were effectively shut down following ACCC legal challenges. These were Breast Check (thermography) and Safe Breast Imaging (electrical impedance). In both cases, very careful use of language in their written material would probably have prevented this outcome.

SKIN CANCER – BLACK SALVE

Black salve is a topical skin cancer treatment prohibited in Australia by the TGA. Bevan Potter of Centreforce Australia in Queensland attended court in 2014 and 2015, charged with selling it to the public. For the court case, testimonials were collected from users claiming that black salve safely healed their skin cancer. The judge was unable to identify a single person who had been harmed by the product, and declined to subject Potter to a fine or jail. For anyone interested in using it, one option is to make your own salve using online resources such as the video at www.blacksalveaustralia.com. In NSW at the end of 2013, the Committee on the Health Care Complaints Commission started an inquiry whose terms of reference included the possibility of curtailing the freedom to express SUMMER 2016


or disseminate views challenging medical orthodoxy while banning the promotion of health modalities that “depart from accepted medical practice”. Fortunately, the recommendations found in the final report abandoned such a draconian position. In the US, the right to free speech is protected under the First Amendment, but in Australia it requires vigilance.

CAMPAIGNING TO PROTECT THE INDUSTRY

One weak spot with Australia’s natural therapy sector is its fragmented quality, with a large number of peak bodies, most of

which represent a single modality. During the 2000s, an attempt was made to form an umbrella group, the Natural Health Care Alliance. It ran from 2003 to 2009, but folded because of lack of support from some organisations. Another active group is Friends of Homeopathy Australia. At present, its two main areas of focus are the private health insurance review of natural therapies, and pressure to review accreditation of homeopathy in the higher education sector. Among complementary therapies, homeopathy has been a prominent target, probably because it plainly contradicts the materialist-

“THE THERAPEUTIC GOODS ADMINISTRATION PROHIBITS VIRTUALLY ALL HEALTH CLAIMS FROM BEING MADE IN CONNECTION WITH COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINES… THIS INCLUDES ON WEBSITES AND TESTIMONIALS”

reductionist paradigm that underlines allopathy.

RESOURCES

Australian Register of Naturopaths and Herbalists www.aronah.org Complementary Medicines Australia www.cmaustralia.org.au Australian Homoeopathic Association letter to the NHMRC www.homeopathyoz.org/images/ news/Open_response_letter_by_ AHA_to_NHMRC.pdf Complementary medicines review www.health.gov.au/internet/main/ publishing.nsf/Content/ExpertReview-of-Medicines-and-MedicalDevices-Regulation Friends of Homeopathy Australia www.friendsofhomau.com Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based in Lismore.

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SUMMER 2016

U10 Bassendean Shopping Centre 45-71 Old Perth Road Bassendean 6054  08 9378 2774 or 0412 341 143  www.purehealthandwellness.com.au

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CONSCIOUS HEALTH

The Energy System In And Around The Body By ALI JARDINE

WHAT IS THE ENERGY SYSTEM?

Everything is made up of energy; it is the driving life force of all beings and everything in nature. We as humans are not just a physical body; we have an energy system that runs throughout the internal core from the base of our spine to above the crown area at the top of our heads. These present as energy points: they are colour-coded and are called Chakras. The Energy system also extends about one metre around our bodies. This is called the Auric Field, which is electromagnetic and vibrational. If we meditate on a regular basis we can tune into our energy field and see the internal colours within us.

WHAT DOES ALL THIS MEAN?

Basically, the Chakra and Auric system is a big part of our very essence. It is our living light force that goes through us and all that is around us. This energy system plays a major part in our health, what we attract into our lives, and how much energy we have. Like exercise and nutrition, the energy system also needs to be maintained, unless we keep it clear we get blockages in and around our bodies that can present on the physical as pain and disease. We also attract on a vibrational level what we are feeling. 26 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

HOW IS IT ALL CONNECTED?

Every part of our body is connected to our energy system that lies deep within the spinal column. For example, problems with knees, wrists and ankles are connected to the energy point at the base of our spine.

HOW DO WE GET MORE ENERGY?

We can increase our energy by exercising and having good nutrition. But it is also necessary to keep our energy points cleared though breathing techniques, and being aware of who is around us – in our space. Clearing out our auric field must be done on a regular basis. If we work closely with people or we are in a busy environment we can pick up or be left with some energy that does not belong to who we are. Our body can tell us when we are carrying “unsuitable” energy. The signs are: ●● Extreme tiredness ●● A feeling of negativity and not knowing why. ●● Crying and being emotional for no reason. ●● Anger issues. ●● Wanting to get away from everything and everybody.

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Cleansing: By cleansing our energy through certain techniques, the use of essential oils and herbs, and keeping our own lifestyle, mindset and the whole holistic body free from negativity and toxins we can create and attract a wonderful and higher vibrational outcome. Dance: Dancing and listening to music can cleanse our energy and raise our vibration. Dance is part of my cleansing routine. When I dance to music I can be on such a natural high that I have the feeling of euphoria and the purity of life force going through me. Colour: Subconsciously, we are attracted to the Colours of the energy system through the clothing we wear and the foods we eat: these can also give us a lot more energy.

THE OUTCOME!

Living a healthy holistic lifestyle that covers all modalities including our own energy source can give us lots of energy, confidence, great selfesteem, success and a feeling of abundance in all aspects of our life. We create our own light within that is then outwardly projected. All this information is based on my personal experience and how I live my true values. A light that shines is one that is followed.

Ali Jardine from The Colour of Health-Food for Life is a successful author and facilitator, and regular speaker at the Conscious Living Expo. For further information go to www.ajwellness.com.au and www.facebook.com/ thecolourofhealthfoodforlife Mob: 0448516015 E: alison_jardine@hotmail.com SUMMER 2016


CONSCIOUS EARTH

New Joneses Project Rocker’s five sustainable days

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n an interesting cross between an art installation and a lifestyle experiment, a member of the public spent five days during February 2015 living sustainably in a modular eco-house temporarily relocated to Melbourne City Square. The volunteer in question, known as Wayne, is a tattooed meat eater and a member of a rock band. Before starting out, he received some coaching from celebrity downshifter Denise Drysdale, who recently sold her home in Victoria to pursue a simple nomadic lifestyle further north. Starting out wearing just his underwear and a bathrobe, Wayne was faced with the challenge of conducting his life as sustainably as possible and furnishing an empty house, while under the public gaze. This initiative was an offshoot of the New Joneses Project, which was started in 2012 by a woman named Tamara DiMattina.

BUY NOTHING NEW

After an earlier life working in a consumer PR agency, Tamara took a Centre for Sustainability Leadership course that radically shifted her outlook. Tamara is also behind Buy Nothing New Month, held in Australia every October, which aims

SUMMER 2016

By MARTIN OLIVER

to stimulate people to think about lower environmental impact preloved alternatives. Key strategies that Wayne pursued included: ●● Reducing energy usage ●● Attempting to obtain all his purchases second hand ●● Making use of collaborative consumption, a new type of economic arrangement where participants sell, rent, swap, share, and borrow within the local area. Some examples include Freecycle (free items), and Open Shed (hire) ●● Buying food direct from producers ●● Avoiding food waste, and composting via a worm farm

●● Cycling, or driving an electric vehicle for longer trips ●● Living chemical-free

EIGHT STAR ENERGY RATING The house chosen was a prefabricated design made by

ArchiBlox, with an impressive eightstar energy rating, and the lowest embodied energy of any new build house in Australia. Its important features include: ●● At 77 square metres, its small size reduces energy demand

●● An airtight building envelope saves energy ●● 5 kilowatts of power generated by solar panels ●● Only passive forms of heating and cooling are used. These include cooling via in-ground Cool Tubes that pull air from the floor on the south side of the house, and release hot air via high north windows ●● A north-facing buffer zone blocks the harsh summer sun ●● A green roof for added thermal insulation ●● Indoor edible garden walls ●● The use of sustainable and lowtoxicity materials

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Obviously, the take-away message is that everyone else could be living in a similar fashion, or might at least incorporate one or two of these changes in their own lives. It is impressive that the New Joneses Project looks at the big picture, taking to heart the important issue of embodied energy tied to consumer purchase decisions. It also highlights how sustainable living strategies frequently align with living on a budget, and are not just for the affluent.

RESOURCES

The New Joneses www.thenewjoneses.com Buy Nothing New Month www.buynothingnew.com.au ArchiBlox www.archiblox.com.au Centre for Sustainability Leadership www.csl.org.au

“COLLABORATIVE CONSUMPTION EXAMPLES INCLUDE FREECYCLE (FREE ITEMS) AND OPEN SHED (HIRE)”

Martin Oliver is a writer and researcher based in Lismore.

Writing & Book Editing Services

Our Fair Rates Make Your Project Possible Confidentiality Assured • Do you need a manuscript tidied up? • Do you need a ghost writer? We use your information – you remain the author. • Are you writing text for your Website or Blog that you’d like edited and proofed? From Natural Therapies and Nutrition to Spiritual and Personal Growth and the Esoteric, with more than 20 years working in this field, we are able to ensure your manuscript’s text or online copy is appropriately prepared. Enquiries to: colleenclay@bigpond.com 28 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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SUMMER 2016


Connecting With The Heart Space Of Your Home

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eep within the core of the earth natural, harmonious vibrations emanate that support our energy systems, our immune systems, our bodies and our minds. However, if these natural vibrations are disturbed by underground water, geological fractures, fault lines and the pervasive effects of electromagnetic stress, this energy turns negative. Our homes become containers for this negative energy. Over time we have lost our conscious awareness of the effects of this energy and we may search for reasons why we feel stressed and tired all the time. We ask ourselves whether we are getting enough sleep, or is it our diet or perhaps we are not getting enough exercise but the answer may be the negative energies we live and work in. Feng Shui enhances this new positive energy by assessing and releasing the energy blocks or “chi” in your environment. Chinese Feng Shui Masters understand how to use this flow of chi for human existence. The Chinese philosophy of heaven, mankind and earth luck assigns 33 per cent of each type of luck to you for this lifetime. Heavenly luck is influenced by finding your souls purpose to humanity through prayer and meditation. Mankind luck is manifested through our

daily lives and the choices we make around how we grow and develop as a person. Earth luck is influenced by the practice of Feng Shui and is the easiest to influence by activating and curing our environments according to the art and science of this ancient practice. Integrating both dowsing and Feng Shui truly opens up the heart space of your home or office so that the positive flow of energy will help you to achieve greater success, good health, better relationships and spiritual wisdom. Spectrum Dowsing & Feng Shui offers a unique consultancy to evaluate homes and offices and exclusive dowsing tools to cure the earth’s energies that may be creating an imbalance in our lives. For more information please visit www.spectrumdowsing.com.au

Spirit of the Earth Eco Retreat Denmark’s Eco Retreat is found on 6 acres of ancient bush lands called “Spirit of the Earth”. Overlooking picturesque Wilson inlet, the peaceful environment provides the perfect space to connect with nature, embark on a spiritual journey or enliven your body. The retreats give you the opportunity to experience a wide range of therapies from Thai Massage to Kundalini yoga, Art therapy, Energy/ Spiritual work & Body therapy. Raw food classes with local organic food can be arranged. Other options include couples and women retreats. Seasonal fire ceremonies, sweat lodges and water healing retreats facilitate deeper connection with self.

The accommodation is luxurious. Each room has ensuites with rainwater showers and therapeutic beds to enhance deep sleep. An Art Studio is available for creative pursuits and there are numerous walking and bike trails to explore the surrounding region. Aboriginal cultural tours and opportunities to learn about bush medicine plants can be organized. Spa services include aromatherapy and bush medicine body scrubs, massage, organic facials and body sculpting using the ultrasound. The retreat can also be a pampering or relaxation experience for individuals, couples or small groups up to 12 persons. Dietary requirements catered for. Experience our amazing affordable retreat soon.

Contact Yasmin Bartlett Email: stay@sleepretreat.com.au Visit www.earthspiritsparetreat.com T (08) 9848 2873 M 0419 926 285

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CONSCIOUS GROWTH

The Purpose of

Depression Everything happens for a reason, including health challenges

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By BLAKE D. BAUER, internationally recognised author of You Were Not Born To Suffer, spiritual teacher, mentor and healer focused on natural health practices, including Chi Gong.

lthough this may be difficult to accept, my view is that we make ourselves sick and miserable looking for love and attention outside ourselves.

disease. The suffering in our body and mind is cries from our soul, from God and the Universe, calling us back home to ourselves and to the source of peace and strength within. As adults, we’ve become accustomed to living with fears of losing love, attention, approval and security.

We learn from a young age to seek Mom and Dad’s conditional love in order to survive, but it is often at the expense of being true to ourselves and causes us harm. If we never wake up to this unhealthy internal dynamic, it eventually leads to depression and

PLEASING OTHERS

We learned to feel guilty early in life about expressing what we need to be healthy and happy, because this is somehow too selfish or criticised as wrong, when in reality everyone is actually selfish whether they’re aware of it or not. Now, after years of pleasing others and not taking care of ourselves, we often find ourselves unhappy, unwell and full of resentment, anger and regret.

Confused, we wonder, How did I get here? No one is a bad person for wanting to live a deeply fulfilling and authentic life. Yet we feel shame for having this desire. Entrapped in a web of our own weaving, we have yet to realise that we are waiting for a wholehearted commitment to our own wellbeing and that our suffering is simply asking us to speak and act based on what we truly feel in each situation and relationship. I cannot help but point out here that modern medicine has not discovered cures for ailments such as cancer, auto-immune disease and clinical depression. Is it because we have been viewing these extreme symptoms from a limited perspective and completely missing the purpose of these challenges? I believe so.

“… AFTER YEARS OF PLEASING OTHERS AND NOT TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES, WE OFTEN FIND OURSELVES UNHAPPY, UNWELL AND FULL OF RESENTMENT...”

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ALIGN WITH INNER TRUTH

Although it can be hard to swallow, I have found that our mental and emotional relationship with ourselves is both the cause of and the solution to most forms of personal suffering. Our ability to express what we feel effectively and act in alignment with this inner truth directly determines the quality of our mental and physical wellbeing. In most cases, deep unhappiness and chronic illness are simply the result of the self-destructive, critical, judgmental and fear-based relationship many of us developed toward ourselves in childhood. Because we tend to be so lost in this harmful way of thinking and acting, it’s very easy to overlook the simple fact that transforming this mental and emotional dis-ease can bring the long-term relief and peace we’re seeking. I have heard it said that life will take away anything or anyone we take for granted. Our life itself and our health fall into this category. In my work with thousands of people I have witnessed time and again how individuals ignore and disregard their mental and emotional life because they do not know how to navigate it, talk about it or respect it. The natural progression of this sentiment is a deep feeling of worthlessness, where one believes one’s feelings, needs and desires do not matter. They feel their inner self or soul has no value or is not appreciated by those around them, and the byproduct is a body that does not matter or feel worthy of attention. In other words, a heart not cared for or honoured by ourselves becomes a body that does not feel good to inhabit.

What’s the point of being alive if our soul feels trapped, misunderstood and valueless? What sentient being would ever want to continue to live a mentally tortured, emotionally anxious and overwhelmingly stressful life? Yet we as human beings feel so unworthy of creating a lifestyle, career and relationship that make us feel good, alive and well on a daily basis.

ADDICTION AND SUICIDE

Although objectively it seems natural to desire a healthy and happy life, the guilt, fear and underlying hurt inside us persistently hold us back. They leave us feeling disconnected and trickle down inside like acid slowly eating us alive from within. Addiction and suicide can be understood in this light. No one wants to live believing they must always be more, do more, or have more to find happiness, health, peace or love. But this is a psychological symptom of past internalised hurt caused by others and ourselves, which when left unresolved leads us to live in our head in an attempt to protect our heart from further pain. It also leaves us feeling alone and insecure. As children we learned our feelings, needs and desires were wrong, and for years we’ve endured a limited life of poor self-care and toxic self-talk. We need to swing the pendulum of attention toward transforming our dysfunctional mental and emotional life if we want our body to reflect a healthy internal environment moving forward. Traditional Chinese Medicine offers one of the most practical and logical insights into how our thoughts and emotions can lead either to health and happiness or to depression and

disease. From this worldview the causes of physical disease directly correlate to the flow of energy and blood in the body. In simple terms, when energy and blood are free-flowing daily, we experience health and happiness. But when they stagnate, we will eventually encounter pain, tiredness, depression and the toxic build ups that cause illness. The belief is that blood in the body follows the flow of life force energy. The best example of this is the energetic beat or pulse of the heart that causes blood to flow within our veins and carries our immune cells, hormones, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients to all corners of the body. What is often overlooked in western medicine is the link between internalised thoughts and emotions that, coupled with fear and the resulting inaction, lead to a decrease in the healthy flow of energy first, and then of blood.

DEALING WITH DEEPER NEEDS

A 40-year-old person, who has on average been awake for 16 hours every day, has lived 840,960,000 moments or seconds. That’s 14,016,000 minutes of life experience, during which this person is feeling and thinking something directly connected to his or her deeper wounds, needs and desires. Objectively, much of this inner process is made up of unresolved emotional pain and negative thoughts, which constantly circle the mind and body and are rarely expressed or addressed in a way we’re at peace with. Both thought and emotion are subtle forms of atomic energy, which

“… A HEART NOT CARED FOR OR HONOURED BY OURSELVES BECOMES A BODY THAT DOES NOT FEEL GOOD TO INHABIT” SUMMER 2016

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when repressed constantly over time cause internal stress, limited oxygen intake and imbalances in molecular and cellular processes. It also causes the flow of life force energy and blood to slow down and become severely blocked.

DISRUPTIONS TO HEALTH

Primarily because of the various manifestations of survival fear, most people don’t act based on instinct, intuition and what the heart communicates, which creates further disruptions to the healthy flow of energyand blood in the organs and circulatory system. Symptoms like anxiety, shallow breathing, chronic fatigue, lethargy, digestive disorders, depression, bi-polar and sleeplessness set in, and we, and often our doctors, are not quite sure what the underlying cause is. Eventually, over days, weeks, months and years of this process guiding our lives and behaviour, the blood and fluid in our bodies begin to coagulate to such a large degree that nodules, masses, growths and tumours begin to form. This then leads to toxins building up in the blood stream and organs, resulting in chronic pain and disease. In simple terms, our body becomes at war with itself on a cellular level (like in auto-immune conditions) because we are at war with ourselves mentally and emotionally, living with a constant tear between what we really feel, want and need, and the fears that stop us from speaking and acting completely honestly. From this viewpoint, it’s easy to see how living a stressful life compounded by unfulfilling work or staying in relationships where one is not true to deeper emotions, needs and desires can create significant inner pressure on our major organs and central nervous system. If we are constantly fighting ourselves in this way, the inevitable result is our selfdestruction. 32 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

This does not even account for excessive consumption of alcohol, food, recreational drugs and pharmaceutical drugs, which are merely unhealthy habits motivated by an unconscious desire to numb our deeper mental and emotional pain in a misguided quest for short-term superficial relief that only makes health concerns worse in the long run. Most people understand that eating natural whole foods and adopting a healthy lifestyle will support health and prevent illness. What most don’t know, though, is that complete honesty and vulnerability in every situation is just as vital to our long-term mental and physical health. We are so used to hiding our true feelings in order to survive and keep the peace, protecting ourselves from judgment, criticism, rejection, abandonment and aggression, that we remain unaware we’re relating to ourselves in such a harmful way – until of course we are forced to figure out why we’ve become so depressed or ill.

WE WERE NOT BORN TO SUFFER

Deep down we all know we were not born to suffer. But no one can save, heal or free us beside ourselves. This is precisely why the purpose of mental, emotional and physical symptoms is to show us where and how we are not caring for ourselves well enough to thrive and flourish fully before we die.

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When we can understand the simple but profound truth that all suffering is the result of a constant rejection of the true self—a self that we never learned how to love, accept or value fully—we can begin transforming whatever struggles we’re faced with and find deeper peace and health immediately. There will never be a better time than today to begin practicing this. Depression and disease are our body’s practical and logical way of alerting us to the life or death importance of giving ourselves permission to be fully who we are now, because it’s the only path to lasting happiness and vitality. We are given a choice in life between feeling sorry for ourselves and respecting ourselves, but we cannot have both.

ENJOYING LIFE DAILY

I have witnessed countless people stop being victims to their fearful and insecure thoughts and move beyond suffering into enjoying life daily. Once they wholeheartedly committed to speaking and acting in a way that values their thoughts and feelings in every situation as the priority, even when scared, they were able to heal and forgive their past, and finally stop hurting and betraying themselves in the present. The key, then, to letting go of depression and disease is to stop running from yourself and to start breathing in life and oxygen as deeply as possible—right now. By staying open to yourself in each moment, you will finally welcome your inner truth and feel deeply again, even if it’s scary or painful at first, which is the only way to truly heal. Then you can get clear about what you actually want in life, what feels good to you and what makes you feel alive and well.

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“… I HAVE WITNESSED COUNTLESS PEOPLE…HEAL AND FORGIVE THEIR PAST, AND FINALLY STOP HURTING AND BETRAYING THEMSELVES IN THE PRESENT”

RESPECT FOR OURSELVES

When we focus primarily on these things daily, even when criticised for doing so, while speaking and acting with complete honesty and respect for ourselves, we support the healthy flow of energy, blood and emotion in the body and we naturally move away from any person, situation or habit that is no longer healthy for us. Anything else that we need to address will naturally surface to be felt and liberated as we move forward. Each person is one with what we term God, or the Loving Universal Intelligence, and until we open to this power within (until we believe in our inherent capacity to heal ourselves and find lasting happiness) there will

always remain aspects of our body and mind that are closed and thus will not heal. It doesn’t matter how many doctors we visit or how great a practitioner we might be. The walls of the ego and the small separate self must come down by bringing our own loving attention and acceptance to all the parts of ‘us’ that we’ve rejected over the years. It’s only through taking 100 per cent responsibility for the depression and disease we’re experiencing now, regardless of how hard life has been to date, that we can finally see the purpose this suffering has served in bringing us home to our true selves and to the ocean of strength and peace that’s always existed beneath

our mental and emotional struggles. Blaming anyone or anything external only wastes the time and energy we need to heal and free ourselves now. And choosing pride over honest vulnerability will only keep us trapped.

Blake D. Bauer is an internationally recognized author, counsellor , and alternative medicine practitioner. His bestselling book You Were Not Born To Suffer and pioneering work centre on loving yourself unconditionally as the key to healing yourself, fulfilling your life’s purpose, and realizing your full potential both personally and professionally. For further information visit www.unconditional-selflove.com

Cultivating Emotional Equilibrium Stress Science Seminar

with Willow and Catherine Francis 18 March 2016 6pm - 8pm Bendat Parent and Community Centre Leederville • Learn how to ground your spirituality in the real world, authentically clearing all that is blocking your heart’s purpose on Planet Earth. • This two hour seminar will show you where science is meeting spirituality - and it’s all in the heart - the physical heart. • Learn to harness the power of your heart’s intelligence for permanent transformation of stress and resistance to change. • All that is required is a beating heart and an earnest desire for change!

“Be the change you want to see” - Mohandis K. Gandhi • Here is a way to walk in integrity in the world and truly ‘Know thy Self’. • This seminar will show you what 3 decades of evidence-based research has shown us and how to practically apply this to your life. • Transform Your Stress into Purpose BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL Cost $20 Phone Willow and Catherine and book your place today on 0415463557 Email us at contact@stressscience.com.au To discover more about what we offer go to www.stressscience.com.au

SUMMER 2016

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CONSCIOUS GROWTH

An Inspired Life

“In The Cards” Images convey energy of sacred geometry

By Energy Intuitive DENISE JARVIE creator of The Flower of Life – Wisdom of Astar card deck and meditation CD

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hen I set about on my path of healing my life, I yearned for a tool I could use every day for inspiration and comfort. This “asking” lead me to the creation of The Flower of Life card deck. The Flower of Life is a symbol that represents the process of creation. It is made up of overlapping circles that are an outward expression of the first circle. Just like ideas drop into our mind that have us creating something new in our lives, something that stirred within the consciousness of the first circle sparked it to become more.

CREATIVE SPARK

This movement of the human mind, this creative spark, has been found throughout many civilisations, cultures, philosophies and religions. The trend towards creativity is thought to have begun 6000 years ago, but no one really knows. The Flower of Life is also known as a symbol of sacred geometry. This means that contained within it are perfect mathematical equations, which point and prompt us in the way of creation. We don’t have to know what these equations are: we just

have to connect with the symbol if it feels right to do so. This focus will take you on a journey to the centre of your deepest self and back out into the world with an expanded feeling of who you are. To me, the Flower of Life symbol is a geometric metaphor for the unfolding process of nature. The images on the cards are the way that the Flower of Life manifests in our physical world.

EVOLUTION AND EXPANSION

Nature is unconditional love; it holds no judgement about anything; it allows and accepts, knowing all occurs to bring balance where potential can be fulfilled. Nature in its universal wisdom also knows being out of balance is needed for evolution and expansion so that balance and realisation can occur. The beautiful images in the Flower of Life card deck reflect the energy of nature. They create a space where you can find your way back to full alignment with you, in other words, be in unconditional love. From this place you can create whatever you desire, you can unfold

and blossom in your personal Flower of Life. Your capacity to love, create and fulfil your potential will expand, inspiring others to create their hearts desires. Additionally, this heals and helps others more than you can imagine. I share my work as a way to assist all to find their truth and feel empowered by our creative nature. From this calm and empowered foundation, a life of authenticity and love begins to emerge. We can all create and live a life of joy! Denise is an Energy Intuitive, who soothes the mind and frees the heart, through readings, healings, courses and writing. www.denisejarvie.com

‘THE BEAUTIFUL IMAGES… REFLECT THE ENERGY OF NATURE… A SPACE WHERE YOU CAN… BE IN UNCONDITIONAL LOVE’ 34 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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CONSCIOUS GROWTH

Achieving Human Connectedness By SYLVIA MARINA ND, author of Getting The Love You Want in 7 Steps

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hen you believe in yourself others can’t help but “connect” with you, believe in you. What has happened to human connectedness? We’ve “done” New Age and are presently making browfurrows as we educate ourselves with Technology Age. Higher intelligence... Greater than technology...it is imperative [that] we be alert to the Age of Human Connectedness – developing our selves to be the best possible human, enjoying and exploring our individual passion, getting the career and relationships that are satisfying and worthy. Connectedness is crucial to positive mental health, belongingness, our relationships and personal and professional growth. SUMMER 2016

In our youth we seek approval. Confused about what the complete model should be, many of us feel that if we achieve a measure of perfection, then approval from our families and our emerging world of social and career will follow. Too often, that does not happen. This leads to a yearning for belongingness and a love that satisfies our need. We fear feelings of inequality and adopt a “need to please” mode, becoming overly self-sufficient, spending excessively, and indulge in extreme giving in an attempt to compensate for inadequacies. Those who are devoid of approval and love turn to addiction. Dissatisfied people become addicted to “needing approval” and spend countless hours seeking approval either directly or indirectly by comparing how they

perceive others to be creating and managing relationships, career, business, finances... and exude excessive desire to please and gain approval. Approval from outside sources does not provide the love they want – seeking approval becomes an addiction – addicts are never satisfied. The opposite of addiction is connection. And connection is what people want. The quest becomes to stop the conflict of “not being good enough” and learn how to connect to the inner sanctum gift of “self-approval”. Until each of us fully approves and loves ourselves, we will continue to have difficulties in many areas of our lives. For further information visit www.sylviamarina.com

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CONSCIOUS GROWTH

The Therapeutic

Evolution of

Tarot

By Dr KIM ECHAMMAAL COULL, psychospiritual teacher, therapist, Tarot reader and healer

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arot cards ache with our stories. They cry out with the memories of our hearts, illuminating with acute perception our longings and our gifts. They alert us to the promise of our authentic selves and, beyond our earthly experience, who we really are. They are infused with the human experience and uncover the common workings of our lives from the mundane to the spiritual. Their inevitable evolution throughout history mirrors our own, so that thanks to our expanded understanding of the human condition through psychological discovery and awareness, it is now possible to read them with much more psychological complexity and richness. Yet, they continue to contain what has always been essential. We still arrange the cards on a table as representations of our souls. However, Tarot has evolved from “Fortune Telling” into a healing modality that in the 21st Century encompasses depth psychology and narrative and archetypal therapy. 36 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

EXPANDING ARCANE LANGUAGE Tarot offers, in this psycho-spiritual therapeutic space, an evolved primer for the Soul: a reconstituted Rosetta Stone; an ever-expanding, arcane language that has the capacity to describe us more fully; and a “right-brained” alphabet of the human condition (and not the only esoteric art to be so), that as our skill

“TAROT… PROVIDES A NECESSARILY UNIVERSAL AND INTEGRATIVE CHANNEL THROUGH WHICH WE CAN SELFREFLECT” increases, provides a deeper, more nuanced exploration of what it means to be a spiritual being having an Earthly experience. The old saying that a picture speaks a thousand words is true: Tarot cards capture a thousand

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lives, and thousands, millions of experiences condensed into symbolic representation. Tarot provides a necessarily universal and integrative channel through which we can selfreflect. As we unravel the labyrinth within us, the story of our lives becomes coherent, comprehensible, provides healing witness, and encourages therapeutic intra and inter personal agency. Tarot takes us on a journey into ourselves and provides an awakening on every level: the mundane, physical, emotional, psychological, spiritual – as deep as you want to go right into the arms of the Beloved Within. Beyond the facts, experiences, and vagrancies of life, right at the coal-face, in the “mother vein” of our existence, Tarot cards mirror back to us who we are – our view of ourselves – the scripts we have been conditioned to uphold (whether helpful or repressive). The cards reveal our talents and abilities, our fears and disappointments, our grief and our joy, our hopes and our longings. They reflect what we feel we are worth. How much we feel we deserve: what we disown within ourselves; what we project on to others. They offer a map of our feelings and experiences, of the vibrant and rich tapestry within. They are a surrogate therapist – one who waits patiently and without judgment for the truth to emerge so it can be embraced and integrated, so it can be witnessed and soothed with unconditional love and acceptance. I like to think of Tarot as an archaeological “dig”, often in what feels like a foreign land – the land of our emotions, memories, heartaches, disappointments, losses, regrets, the land of our inexplicable souls. The Tarot Reader (Archaeologist and Evolutionary Psychologist) excavates, translates, offers tools, identifiea fossil remains, interprets hieroglyphic SUMMER 2016


AurA PhotogrAPhics An Aura is recognised as an electro-magnetic field which surrounds all living creatures. This field comprises colours and symbols which can be interpreted to indicate a person’s current physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. As we grow and develop, so does our Aura, which is also influenced by our environment and life changes. It is therefore desirable to have an Aura photograph taken regularly, ideally every 6 months. Denise is available for psychic fairs, crystal and bookshops, corporate functions, weddings, birthdays, fun days and special events at home. For further information, please ring (02) 9569 9113

fragments, offers explanation and classifications. It is often a “Crime Scene Investigation”. Forensic.

SECRET SEMANTICS OF OUR SOUL

As the cards mirror our experience back to us, cellular muscle memory is activated. Our heart is moved. The symbols sneak past the analytic language centres of the brain to unlock the secret semantics of our Soul – the language of feeling, emotion, and memory. In this way, Tarot makes us conscious of our myriad perceptions and preconceptions, the vast complexities of our motivations and allows us to see what is often almost impossible to perceive. And what we observe is a beautiful, disturbing, haunting, enigmatic, piercing, delving, thought provoking, transformational treasure trove that and will help us on our journey to self-realisation, enlightenment, self-actualisation. It is deep work. We are unearthing what we have spent a lifetime repressing, SUMMER 2016

suppressing, and disowning. We repress to maintain coherence within ourselves, family and society. This is an obvious technique for psychological survival within the

“WITH ACUTE FOCUS, THE CARDS HAVE THE ABILITY TO EXCAVATE THE SOUL FROM OUR PSYCHOLOGICAL AND SPIRITUAL AMNESIA” “troop”, within ourselves, and forged at a time when we have no real defences.

DEEP AND PROFOUND HEALING So, to let all this out, to let the cards release possibly painful and “unacceptable” material within us, is to open ourselves to deep

psychotherapeutic diagnosis and metaphysical and psychological surgery – but also for deep and profound healing. Healing today in its myriad manifestations has evolved to encompass embodied experiences, embodied knowledge, the psychological, physical, spiritual, and emotional as a pathway to selfactualisation and-or the Divine Within. Tarot is no exception. With acute focus, the cards have the ability to excavate the Soul from our psychological and spiritual amnesia, and provoke conscious awareness so that we may be integrated and embraced with love and compassion. We understand now that to become self-actualised means we must bring the whole of our life into embrace. The cards are beautiful keys that open a myriad of doors into the temple of the Awakened Soul. The Light floods in onto the altar of your heart every time you use one. For further information, visit: www.kimechammaal.com

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CONSCIOUS GROWTH

The Search For Love It starts with you

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you say.

hy does everyone else seem to find love so easily?”

It’s the $64 million question that men and women always ask me. And I’ll be honest, I get your frustration. You’re beautiful, accomplished, funny, caring, highly successful and financially stable. You’re a total catch. You’re committed, capable and you excel in virtually every aspect of your life. But for some reason, love and finding love is a mystifying prospect that just doesn’t seem to work out for you. You might find yourself constantly jumping from one long-term relationship to the next, in a perpetual cycle of love and pain. The process always starts in the same way: caught in the heady connection of the initial romance, the love feels perfect and serendipitous. Then, as the two year anniversary approaches, you find yourself feeling angry, constantly criticising your partner and pushing them to change. The common ground you once shared slips from under your feet and without even realising it, it somehow all disintegrates. You crawl out from the relationship wreckage feeling the weight of disappointment once again: all that time, energy and investment. You say to your friends: “I

guess it just wasn’t meant to be.” But inside, you wonder: “What’s wrong with me? How has this happened again?” Or, you might be the one who flits between first dates. Like a Trojan, you pound the online dating circuit and meet and greet and present your best self each evening: “It’s a numbers game, right?” At first, there’s a thrill and the whole process gives you a sense of confidence and validation, because the singles scene seems quite taken by you and there’s no shortage of people wanting to find out about you. But then, as the months pass and each evening ends in wasted hopeful anticipation, your heart feels empty, you’re exhausted and the grind gets to you. You’re over it. It doesn’t matter which situation you’re in: finding love and connecting with your love is not about changing your partner and their flaws. It’s also not about where you look or what you’re doing to meet your soul mate. It’s never about changing your external circumstances or searching for something outside of yourself to fill that void. Instead, as strange as it sounds, it’s about turning the mirror on yourself and looking at the way you can let go of the negative beliefs and past pain that’s holding you back. Because it’s only then that you can unlock your heart and raise your vibration to attract the right partner.

“SO, WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO LET GO OF THE STUFF THAT’S BEEN STOPPING ME FROM ATTRACTING LOVE?” YOU ASK. 38 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

ISSUE 94

By ROBERT KIRBY

IT ALL STARTS WITH YOU

You’ve heard it before: “You need to love yourself before someone else can really love you”. It all sounds a bit vague and esoteric, I know. But, I want you to take a moment to really think about it. Have you noticed that when someone says “I love you” to you, there’s a part of you that doesn’t really believe it? You might instinctively think: “Really? Why?” And then when your partner tells you all the reasons why they love you so much, you might - for a fleeting second - feel appreciated, acknowledged and special. But then there’ll be a part of you that doesn’t fully receive it; that can’t fully own it. And, so you run yourself to the ground constantly doing things for them, helping them and generally being indispensible. Really, you do it to give them a list of reasons to love you. But it’s not a sustainable way to exist, and if at some point, your partner forgets to acknowledge you or reciprocate in the way that you need them to, it can trigger you to bring up mountains of past anger, rage and resentment that you didn’t even know you had. “Why does this happen?” you ask. I’ll let you in on a secret: you’re not alone. All of us have defences that we’ve put up over the years. As children, if our best friend let us down, we may have concluded that we weren’t worthy or lovable. As young adults, if our parents divorced, we may have decided that relationships weren’t safe. As adults, if our lovers and partners betrayed us, it SUMMER 2016


again confirmed our unconscious belief that we don’t deserve to be loved. Most of us don’t even realise that we’ve built these walls up around our hearts; we just see proof of our thoughts, words and actions in the kinds of unfulfilling, unhealthy and unhappy relationships that we attract over and over again.

LETTING GO OF THE JUNK FROM YOUR PAST

What do you think would happen if you sent out a different message to the universe? If you really owned your past and worked on yourself - confronting and dissolving your self-love issues, and forgiving yourself for all the times you gave your power away? How would your heart feel if you gently accepted yourself, in spite of all the times you closed your heart to love because of your trust issues? Or the times you gave in to sexual tension but never really let the other person in? Or the shame you felt when you cut your partner down and made them feel small, but only because you were the one who was scared of being vulnerable? For many of us, we think that the solution lies in finding that special person who will fulfill our needs for love and support. We search outside ourselves for someone to really appreciate and love us for who we are. But really, anything that we try to change outside ourselves only makes

things worse. The world of single people - including those looking on internet dating sites or Facebook - can only align with people who have a similar vibration to themselves. You’ve heard the old saying: “Birds of a feather flock together”? Well, it’s true. If your heart is broken or shut down, that is exactly what you’re going to attract. It makes no difference if you’ve been married for 25 years or been dating someone for 25 days. Opening to love and all authentic change requires you to look within and confront whatever is not in truth. The mind, body and spirit are inextricably connected. It’s the integration of these aspects of you that will open your soul. To do this, you need to clear the negative beliefs and move the energy around past pain, hurt and betrayal. It’s only once you’ve done this, that you can love yourself completely and open your heart to actually receive and give love in an unconditional way. Your vibration will rocket and you can then effortlessly attract the right person into your life.

OPENING YOUR HEART TO PASSIONATE LOVE

For many of us, we need to hit rock bottom before we consider this journey of inner work. And that’s okay. But if you’re reading this, I can tell that you’re ready to clear the emotional blocks that are stopping you from being vulnerable

and passionately giving and receiving unconditional love. You’re committed to attracting a healthy, emotionally available partner, and starting the process of really working on yourself. “So, what do I need to do to let go of the stuff that’s been stopping me from attracting love?” you ask. As people, we’re giant vessels of memories and our bodies hold onto past pain and trauma. We’ve also held onto negative ways of thinking and become attached to wrong conclusions that we reached as children. So, it’s all about confronting these unresolved emotions and past events. When you work on yourself and dissolve past pain and blocks, your container of self-love grows and your capacity to love expands in a big and beautiful way. Your heart and soul connect and you feel so passionately congruent in life, that you’re then able to spread your light to those you love and receive from them, the love you deserve. The work you need to do is the deepest and most effective in a safe group. The energy of the group with an experienced facilitator will support and guide you into the depths of your pain and back out again, so that you can embrace and feel the joy of passionate love. Robert Kirby is a leading relationships facilitator and mind-body integration expert. For more information, go to lv8.me/hrt

Heartfelt Relationships I’d love to help you

I’ve helped thousands of couples and individuals connect with their hearts, re-ignite the love in their existing relationship, or attract their soul mate. It’s a beautiful process to facilitate, and on the weekend of 5 and 6 March 2016, I’ll be holding a FREE two day workshop in Sydney on Heartfelt Relationships. It will run from 9 am to 5 pm on both days. It will change the way you feel and be incredibly transformational. To book your spot or for more information, call us on (02) 9550 0099 or email me at info@robertkirby.com.

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Heartfelt Relationships

A FREE WORKSHOP with Robert Kirby

Why can’t I attract the right partner into my life? This is by far the most common question I get asked by clients. Strange as it seems, finding your soul mate actually starts with you loving yourself fully and completely. It elevates your vibration at the speed of light and as the saying goes, “Birds of a feather flock together.” Once you let go of the unconscious thought patterns, conditioning or experiences that made you close your heart in the first place, you’ll be able to attract a ‘bird’ who is your emotional, intellectual and open-hearted loving equal. Come to a Robert Kirby free workshop and open your heart to passionate love. These two days will permanently change the way you love and attract love into your life. You’ll learn:

· Why vulnerability is the key to opening your heart · How to be free of the blocks that are stopping you from giving and receiving love · How to awaken your sexual energy and keep the fire burning in a long-term relationship. · Date: Saturday 5 to Sunday 6 March 2016 · Time: 9 am to 5 pm on both days · Cost: Free To secure your spot, you can book online @ www.robertkirby.com or contact info@robertkirby.com Book now, seats are limited! Look forward to seeing you there.

· How and why it’s so important for you to love, accept and honour yourself · The love equation that no self-help book ever talks about · The 50-50 rule 40 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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SUMMER 2016


Neuro-Training With COLEEN MCCLYMANS and SARAH HEMETSBERGER

Neuro-Training (NT) is a modality that has evolved through a process of integrating principles used successfully in other modalities and combining them with Kinesiology based techniques. We have created a totally new way of dealing with the challenges people meet in their lives. Our purpose is to train you to recover in the best way possible from any adverse effects of the past. Using the tools, techniques and internal references we provide, you are then able to continue training yourself, as you begin leading a better quality of life. The aim of NT is to re-educate people to improve the quality, focus and purpose of their lives. It focuses on bringing the individual into the

higher positives of his or her life, rather than remaining bogged down by stress reactions. Whether you are a parent or planning to become one, student, or a professional in the health care or personal development industry, attending a NT presentation, class or workshop would help you with discerning the right solutions for your life and your business. SELF-ACTIVATION WORKSHOPS At our Self-Help Activation workshops being held from January to April next year, you will enjoy a range of benefits. ●● Energy Lift – stimulating your body’s drainage system, allowing your tissues to recuperate faster. ●● Clear Energy – stimulating your body’s vascular reflexes, allowing more oxygen and nutrients available for organs and glands.

●● Life Insight – simple but powerful techniques to re-train the brain’s basic functions and stimulate the nine intelligences. ●● Freeing the Way – stimulating the flow of energy using ancient Chinese Meridian theory. We are also offering a Free Information evening for our Diploma of Kinesiology and Diploma of NeuroTraining in January. To reserve your place at the Self-Help Activation workshops and-or the introductory evenings for the Kinesiology and NeuroTraining Diplomas, contact Coleen McClymans M: 0438 231 209. E: info@empoweringdynamics.com.au

Creations to help you rediscover your greatness MIND | BODY | SPIRIT | WELLNESS

Monique Billstein – evolve healing Owner and creative director At evolve healing we believe that rediscovering your greatness begins with a journey to the inner world. Learn about ITA energy medicine, practical tools to master your mind, relaxation and meditation techniques, and the latest on our courses, workshops and retreats. ITA Energy Medicine, Integrated Therapeutic Alignment (ITA), is a non-invasive healing modality that combines principles of eastern medicine with western healing sciences.

COME AND JOIN US AND PARTICIPATE IN OUR FUN WORKSHOPS, EVENTS AND RETREATS - learn about oracle cards, the power of crystals to help energise you and your home, meditation and yoga retreats

WHAT WE DO Here at evolve healing; we are committed to guiding you on your inner journey and supporting you on rediscovering your greatness.

Tel: 0406 766 795 Website: www.evolveaustralia.com E-mail: evolvehealingaustralia@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/evolvehealingaustralia

RED TENT CIRCLE - a safe, sacred, nurturing and creative space for women of all ages and backgrounds to explore the Sacred Feminine.

HOW WE HELP YOU ON YOUR JOURNEY Learn to Meditate – join our courses and classes, developed by Melaney Ryan of the Australian Stillpoint Institute. Our Life Cycles Coach will help empower you to step forward and rediscover your greatness!

SUMMER 2016

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CONSCIOUS SPIRIT

World Dharma Mindfulness, Meditation And

freedom, they are not free until those conditions are met. If they become dependent on those conditions, their freedom disappears. Striking a human and realistic balance is necessary. As such, they continually challenge fear and make “liberation through living” a anything to way of being. By ALAN CLEMENTS, author and safeguard My Burmese guides often spoke spiritual maverick working for global their about the importance of compassion. human rights and environmental sanity children. “The mind-set of a person dedicated Caring is to liberation through worldhen I entered the foremost relationships makes a life out of caring meditation centre in their for others,” Mahasi Sayadaw said, “but in Burma (now minds. In it must be understood that caring for time, their others is not enough.” Myanmar), one of the first sense of family – “a sphere of love and He made it clear that compassion things I was taught is that compassion” – can expand beyond must be guided by Dharma intelligence, there are two ways to find their own blood to embrace a larger and which he described as “being able to liberation. The first, and more complex circle of life. One begins discern the right course of action from to feel empathy – “a deep heart bond” – the wrong one”. the most difficult, was for life and for otherness, not just one’s In order to understand the liberation through world own children or circle of friends. Such a subtleties involved in making skillful relationships. person thrives on engaging relatedness; wisdom choices – decisions that all types of relationships become his or release limitation and expand freedom The classical Buddhist texts refer her vehicle for awakening. – the person seeking liberation to this approach as “the way of the Of course, the existential, through world-relationships, he said, Bodhisattva”. In contemporary, transpsychological, and emotional physics “understands that awareness is the religious terms this essentially means of interpersonal relationships are chief quality responsible for human that by engaging in relationships we complex and difficult, as we know. We freedom.” In other words, to understand discover ourselves. Its more elevated will encounter numerous challenges how to liberate “shared space,” one must meaning: by serving the become fluent in knowing “I UNDERSTOOD HIM TO SAY THAT freedom of others one where one’s person begins EVERYTHING WAS ALIVE, THAT WE ARE and ends, what belongs frees oneself. This style, IN A LIVING UNIVERSE – A COGNITIVE to self and what doesn’t. which is the cornerstone TOTALITY OF INFINITE BEINGNESS” of the “liberation through He concluded by saying living” model of spiritual awakening, and obstacles. When humans risk loving that “meditation – the application of rests upon the idea that wisdom “the others as the basis of their being, it’s sustained awareness – was essential in liberating blend of intuitive discernment, only natural their heart will be broken finding liberation through living.” creative compassion, and basic many times. Nonetheless, one must not goodness” counters the habit of selfbe intimidated by rejection, hurt, or any MEDITATION – THE STUDY OF centered fixation. And self-centered other complexity. No one can take or CONSCIOUSNESS fixation is the root cause of greed, fear, bargain with our dignity. When liberation Mahasi Sayadaw called the second way anger, and all other forms of suffering. becomes more important than safety, of awakening “self-oriented liberation.” as I saw so often with those seeking Usually motivated by feeling the futility RELATIONSHIPS AND freedom in Burma [Myanmar], the heart of seeking stimulation in the outer LIBERATION grows stronger and less protective. It world, one renounces such pursuits “Liberation through living” can be becomes more available to actually and enters the solitude of a retreat likened to the dedication of good participate in intimate situations. When center. By entering formal meditation, parents who are willing to endure people impose conditions on their they internalise the mind, employing an

Liberating Intelligence

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awareness that dissolves ideas of the whole-consciousness or samsara is a who were serious about liberation past, present, and future. From within living eternity of discernable realities. “practice a combination of both styles”: that wisdom, pure consciousness He suggested that the mind can be liberation through intensive awareness becomes illuminated. And through trained to harmonise itself with any of meditation and liberation through repetition the meditator progressively these realities. world-relationships. “One form serves discerns the self-generated nature the other and vice versa,” he said. of suffering and gradually liberates FINE TUNE CONSCIOUSNESS him- or herself from primordial He made it clear that “if one knows MIRACLE OF AWARENESS misconceptions about what it means how, one can enter any dimension The Buddha’s greatest contribution to be a human being. of consciousness at will. This is as to society was that he revealed the As a process, self-awakening is straightforward as turning a dial on power of meditation, the miracle of generally believed to be both simple a radio. If you learn how to fine-tune awareness, as a means to discover and complex. It is simple in the sense consciousness there will be no static the nature of consciousness. that consciousness and its inherently – no distraction, no wandering, no Fundamentally, there is nothing to liberated nature are not manufactured dullness.” believe in except that which one’s selfrealities; they are “always already” Mindfulness meditation, Mahasi awareness reveals about the qualities present, as is commonly explained. It Sayadaw said, is the experiential study of one’s own being. Mahasi Sayadaw, is complex in the sense that the mind of consciousness. Through meditation being the ardent spiritual empiricist seems to thrive on complication. It one can understand the mind’s that he was, was firmly convinced is human nature to want to be doing nature – its structure, functioning, and that there was no God to believe in, no something, rather than just cosmic deities to honor, and no “MEDITATION IS… A WAY OF being without thinking, imaging, gurus to worship. Meditation GRADUALLY REMOVING THE FILTERS – the liberating Dharma – creating. By recognising the THAT DISTORT PURE EXPERIENCE” mind’s capacity for denial, was about one thing: direct, self-deception, and distraction, one characteristics. Consciousness, according non-conceptual, personal experience of ideally seeks and works with a trained to Buddhist and Eastern mysticism, is a reality, as it is, in this moment, now. meditation instructor in navigating the holographic-like excitation of cognitive Meditation is the practice of direct complex landscape of consciousness. properties, without a centre and experiential contact: a way of gradually therefore without one inherent reality. In removing the filters that distort SAMSARA other words, consciousness is a coreless pure experience. Based on this basic During my first days of instruction, circuitry of comprehensible functionings. understanding, I pursued the path of Mahasi Sayadaw talked about the nature Meditation is the process by which intensive mindfulness meditation for the of consciousness and the importance of one enters consciousness – sees past first 20 years of my spiritual life. It was to meditation. He explained how the world surface appearances – and discerns the be a process that touched, opened, and exists as an expression of consciousness. underlying realities, or the infrastructure liberated me in every way imaginable. I took this to mean that consciousness of its processes. Meditation is the It was equally a process that shattered was the “virtual reality” of all existence – science of a self-liberating awakening. my ideas of normalcy and turned my life the substratum or sub-molecular basis “Remember,” Mahasi Sayadaw told upside down and inside out. The path of of the trees, rocks, rainbows, oceans, and me, “reality rules nature, not one’s intensive meditation is by far one of the galaxies. Everything was consciousness, opinion of it. When you die, you can most fascinating and complex behaviors in varying degrees. I understood him take nothing with you. The meditator known to humankind. to say that everything was alive, that practices dying every moment: they we are in a living universe – a cognitive practice non-grasping. Meditation, Alan Clements is an author, mindfulness totality of infinite beingness. Quoting therefore, is the practice of liberation.” meditation guide, spoken word artist and the Buddha, Mahasi Sayadaw called this But he was quick to add that “the World Dharma teacher. One of the first totality samsara. liberated mind is completely free of Westerners to become a Buddhist monk In his way he expressed how the kilesas – the afflictive emotions of in Burma [Myanmar], he is now a spiritual human consciousness was a prism for fear, anger, and ignorance.” Anything maverick working for global human this totality, this samsara that we see, less, he said, is “partial freedom – rights and environmental sanity, while hear, and sense in and around us. Just momentary nirvana”. sharing his contemporary understanding as the outer universe is a multilayered He concluded by explaining how of liberation. For further information, visit infinity, so too is the inner one. This most people in Burma [Myanmar] www.AlanClements.com SUMMER 2016

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CONSCIOUS SPIRIT

2016 Year of the Yang Fire Monkey Monkeys have the reputation of being playful and mischievous. They are very active, clever, interesting, resourceful and witty. They are always on the alert, which allows them to anticipate problems and to find a way out of trouble quickly. Usually successful and charismatic, they can sometimes take too much for granted. By CLARICE CHAN

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he elements and zodiac sign that define 2016 are a combination of Yang Fire sitting on top of the Monkey sign. Based on the theory of the five elements, this is described as a controlling or destructive cycle. While it is commonly suggested that a destructive cycle year is inauspicious, this is not entirely true. Whether the element of the year is in a productive or a destructive cycle, there will be both positive and negative incidents. Having the right attitude, and mindfulness combined with appropriate action will give you a more positive outcome from the year. To make any year positive, understanding the meaning of the elements and the co-relations of the 12 zodiac signs is important. Generally, the element appearing each year can also reveal the general sentiment and our emotions. 44 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

CHARACTERISTICS:

The Yang fire element can be compared to the energy of the Sun, summer or bringer of light. Fire as an emotion can symbolise optimism, vibrancy, happiness and passion on the positive side. With these positive symbols, we are likely to be able to enjoy some of its goodness in 2016. ISSUE 94

POSITIVE NEGATIVE Clever Opportunistic Interesting Restless Resourceful Devious Witty Unpredictable Charismatic Vain Generous Mischievous Fire is always a welcome energy for the growth of the economy. While the economy is superficially looking good, we must also be aware that on the extreme end there could also be actions which stem from SUMMER 2016


impulsiveness, arrogance, aggression and ruthlessness that will trigger negative results. The zodiac sign, Monkey is mainly made up of the element of Metal but it also carries some elements of Water and Earth. The image of Yang Fire sitting on the Monkey can be seen as Fire suppressing the Metal, which can be both positive and negative. On the positive side, if it is used correctly, Fire could make the Metal useful and turn into prosperity for those in the Fire Industries. Realistically, there are many industries that will need Fire to warm up; therefore the Fire element is generally useful. For the Metal Industries, Fire could also mean more demand from the market and in turn pushes for productivity. Metal trades such as automobile, entertainment, gaming or IT cannot function without the Fire element. (Here, Fire is seen as electricity and power supply) On the negative side, the destructive side could mean more situations of aggression and fighting. With all these in mind, by taking the right action you can make this your best and most positive year. May you have a blessed, healthy and successful year ahead!

YOUR CHINESE ASTROLOGY FORÂ 2016 RAT

Overall, this Monkey year will hold many possibilities for the Rat sign; it is one where you can expect growth, excitement and reward. Romantically, Rats who are single can look forward to an enjoyable and harmonious year with loved ones. In your professional life, new roles and responsibilities will keep you busy. Job seekers as well as those who are looking for career change are likely SUMMER 2016

to find good opportunities. Financially, many can look forward to better income as well as other gains. Those who are very active and have the tendency to overwork are advised to moderate their activities and pay extra attention to their health. Personal safety must be taken seriously when traveling and driving.

OX

While wealth energy is on the slow side this year, you will experience fewer and less dramatic fluctuations than in the previous year. You are warned against making impulsive decisions due to outside pressure. Job seekers will find it easier to get the job they desire. For more personal growth, you must be prepared to make changes in your career and lifestyle. Be aware that conflicts will upset your inner peace; therefore it is best to stay removed from people that are quick tempered. Travel and group activities will be beneficial to your emotional wellbeing. Relationships with friends and loved ones will be mostly harmonious. Singles should be more outgoing if you wish to find romantic partners. Parents should pay more attention to Oxen children, as they can be accident prone and are likely to keep problems and difficulties to themselves.

TIGER

This is a year to be cautious with your spending, as money energy will fluctuate more than the previous year. Many will look for opportunities to switch jobs. Those whose jobs are in sales will have to work harder in this hectic year to achieve their targets and goals. Those in business will feel the need to expand their horizons. The Tiger sign will have a direct clashing relationship with this year’s

ruling sign, the Fire Monkey. As a precaution, all clashing signs are advised that they should keep a low profile, avoid high-risk activities, adventurous sports, and impulsive actions to protect them from being harmed. Multiple travels are indicated and for your personal safety, drivers must be more patient on the road especially when driving in foreign countries. General health will be stable for Tigers but those with a weak immune system and pre-existing conditions must take very good care of themselves.

RABBIT

2016 is going to be one of your important years, as you will find new directions and goals. Rabbits who are actively working or running businesses will have a responsibly good financial year but be aware that investments may not give you the yield that you desire. It is therefore best to refrain from taking risks. This is a relationship friendly year for those born under the Rabbit sign; you should make more effort to be part of the social scene to meet new people, especially those that are looking for romance. Many Rabbits will also consider marriage this year. With this busy year, you must take very good care of your well-being as issues with fatigue and problems related to the digestive system are indicated.

DRAGON

The Yang Fire Monkey year will be a mixed year for those born under the Dragon sign. While your sign is in harmony with the Monkey sign, the surrounding stars are not overly helpful. In such a situation, it is advisable for Dragons to tread this year mindfully and always try to be on the safe side.

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changes. Those who are looking for advancement are encouraged to keep up with trade knowledge and think about upgrading their skills. Financially, this is a positive year; better income jobs, commissions and bonuses are indicated. However, your expenditure will also be likely to increase significantly, especially since the Snakes generally love the finer things in life. Health wise, you will be prone to fatigue and issues related to the blood and heart. As this is an active and hectic year, you are cautioned not to take personal safety for granted.

HORSE

Work and business for the Dragons will have high and low moments. Keep in mind that interpersonal relationships can be problematic; gossip and jealousy are also indicated. To help yourself, you must try to be detached from conflicts and petty issues at work. Choose to work independently and yet still be accessible to your coworkers when they need your help. Socially, this is an active and exciting year; the Fire Monkey will bring celebrations, parties and travel. This is especially good for those who wish to make new friends. Love encounters can be tricky; it is best to avoid jumping into a relationship too quickly.

SNAKE

Those born under the Snake sign will be happy to note that they are the most compatible sign to 2016’s ruling sign, the Monkey. According to the Chinese Astrology system, compatible and harmonious signs of the year are likely to have a good and dynamic journey. In your professional life, be prepared that this Monkey year will bring about 46 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

This is a weak year for the sign of the Horse. To help yourself, you must slow down a little this year to make sure that you do not stumble due to your own impulsive actions. Planning and strategies are very important this year as obstacles are indicated on the work front. Starting new businesses or partnerships are both possible but be aware that the process will be slow. On the bright side, this is still going to be a positive financial year for many Horses; increase in salary, better commissions, profits and gains are indicated. Relationship energy can be stressful: it is best to adjust your expectations of others and be gentle with loved ones. For singles, new relationships will need more time to form and develop so be patient and keep socially active. For your well-being, it is important to have a balance of activities, or you will become prone to exhaustion.

GOAT

2016 will be a good year for those born under the Goat sign. In this fast moving year, you must continue to keep optimistic, healthy and productive. Clear communication

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is important for your professional and personal growth. Stress can also affect your emotional health causing you to be short-tempered. To prevent from becoming burnt out and prone to mood swings you must keep up with exercise and make time for relaxation. Professionally, there will be advancement; those who are looking for a better position will find opportunities. If you have been planning for business expansion, this may be a good time to start. Money energy is enhanced this year for most of the year. Those who are into investments should continue to be vigilant and watch out for sudden downturns. This is a relationship-friendly and socially vibrant year and it is especially exciting for those who wish to find romance or meet new people.

MONKEY

This is a fast moving year: work, social and personal life will be hectic. If you are already leading a fast-moving lifestyle, it is important to take good care of your personal well-being. Changes are indicated in your professional life: this is neither good nor bad, just a part of your journey this year. For some, this could manifest as a change of location, a transfer within the same group of companies or a promotion. Money energy will be fluctuating. You are advised to keep a conscious tab of finances and not be caught out by overspending. Relationships will go through some stressful moments. Try to be more understanding, especially if you are often away from home. While there will be opportunities for singles to find romance, it will be wise to take your time to form and develop the relationship. SUMMER 2016


ROOSTER

This is an exciting and positive year for those born under the Rooster sign; you are likely to receive work recognition and see better opportunities. Be forewarned that the Yang Fire Monkey may offer you a few twists and turns before you get to your goals; but with confidence and keeping a positive mind-set you will see the success you desire. Business energy will be vibrant: if you are a freelancer or running your own business, you are likely to see a busy and rewarding work year. Those who are in employment may have a heavier workload but advancement is indicated. This is also a positive year for those who are job-seeking or changing career. Money energy will be mostly positive. Increase in salary or income, and gains from other areas are also indicated. However, you are still advised to be frugal and to avoid random spending or investments.

DOG

Professionally, this can be a challenging year. Workload is likely to be heavy, and pressure can get to you causing you to be short tempered. Those of you who are running your own business will have to moderate your expectations relating to growth and expansion. Changes and moves are considered to be favourable this year, as it will help to shift your energy. Those who have been thinking of having a job change or travel should start looking into it early in the year. Money-wise, this is an average year but expenses could be high. At home, make sure to fix any small repairs, as it will save you time and money in the long run.

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Socially, this is a less active year therefore singles who are seeking love and romance will have to be more patient. Taking care of your well-being should be listed as the top priority as you will need plenty of energy to run through the course of this year.

PIG

This is especially good for those who are seeking employment, a career switch or overseas assignments. For some, these changes could manifest as a change in the scope of your job. Money energy will be fluctuating throughout the year: it is important

that you keep a tighter hold on your finances, avoid overspending and avoid being tempted by risky investments. Home improvements and repairs are indicated. While romance is indicated for the singles, those who are attached or married may have stressful moments with their partners. In these sensitive moments, it is important to remind yourselves to be more easy-going and forgiving. Overall, to balance your energy, you are encouraged to maintain an active lifestyle. This is especially important for those who are complacent and do not place importance on taking part in activities.

Clarice Chan is a Singaporean Feng Shui Master with a deep connection to the metaphysical realm. She works throughout Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Hong Kong. Her diverse publications are distributed worldwide. Chan is well respected in her field and has been nominated for Singapore’s Spirit of Enterprise Award Visit her website: www.claricegvchan.com Facebook: fbl.me/ClariceGVChan Email: masterclaricechan@aol.com CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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CONSCIOUS SPIRIT VEDIC ASTROLOGY CAN ACCURATELY ANALYSE OUR STRENGTHS, TALENTS AND ALSO PREDICT UPCOMING EVENTS IN OUR LIVES, HELPING US MAKE EFFECTIVE DECISIONS… AND TO PLAN FOR THE FUTURE

The Power of Vedic Astrology – Jyotish

V

edic”, comes from the word “Veda” in Sanskrit, which means knowledge in its broadest of contexts, for Vedic knowledge embodies every area of human experience.

is a very old tradition of using the positions of heavenly bodies to predict world events. Many people who have their charts done by a qualified Vedic Astrologer come away deeply impressed with the level of detail discerned about them.

VEDIC VS WESTERN ASTROLOGY

Spiritual, medical, political, technical, cultural, and astrological areas of study are found in the Sanskrit Vedic writings. Vedic Astrology is the original philosophical knowledge, the oldest system of knowledge devised by human beings. It is a philosophy that deals with the nature of the physical universe – and is the most important of all philosophies of the “inner” or spiritual sciences dealing with the mind and soul. The word Jyotish literally means the science of light. To be clear, Vedic Astrology claims to predict events based upon the positions of various celestial objects at birth. This is usually the point at which most rational people walk away and label astrology as nonsense. There are two main reasons for this rejection. First, we have no direct experience of stars or planets influencing our lives. Second, there is no known physical principle that explains such a connection. Why then is astrology, in any form, still around, especially in scientifically oriented societies? Part of the reason is historical. There 48 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

Put a Western and Vedic Astrology chart side by side and you will immediately see how different they are. The Western chart is round, while the Vedic chart is square. Those familiar with Western astrology will see that the Vedic chart appears to have the planets aligned with the “wrong” constellations (signs). For example, suppose, according to Western astrology, your Sun sign is in Capricorn. In the Vedic system, it could be in Sagittarius. Your rising sign and the other planets might also be in unfamiliar signs. This is because Vedic astrology calculates a horoscope differently. Vedic astrology gives a better view of a person’s karmic tendencies and when such tendencies are likely to manifest. The times of life events are shown through a detailed system of planetary time cycles, called “dashas”. There is no corresponding method in Western astrology. Vedic Astrology places strong emphasis on harmonic charts – could go up to 24 additional charts (called vargas). Vargas represent different ways of dividing up the zodiac to focus in on specific aspects of a chart (such

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Western Australian based Vedic Astrologer, DR THEJA as career path, wealth, relationship issues or moral character, etc.). Notably, the outer planets (Uranus, Neptune, and Pluto) are not part of Jyotish, whereas they are part of the Western system. The Western system also uses asteroids and stars, and these have no counterpart in traditional Jyotish. And compared with the Western system, Vedic Astrology employs more techniques in its basic analysis.

CALCULATIONS AND INTERPRETATION

There are several precise steps followed in preparing birth charts or horoscopes. If these steps are performed as prescribed, the result is a birth chart that can form a useful basis for interpretation. Interpretation can address a person’s basic character and can highlight some of the forces at play in influencing a person at different periods in their life. Therefore, the first step towards making accurate readings for any individual is to cast the horoscope using the correct time, date and the place of his or her birth. If the time is unknown or not given in the birth certificate one can get the time from the archives of the hospital by paying a nominal fee. Even if the approximate time is known, the astrologer can rectify the birth time by analysing the positive and negative events that an individual has experienced. SUMMER 2016


‘ACCORDING TO BIRTH TIME… THE PLANETS TAKE THEIR PROPER PLACEMENT WITHIN… THE VEDIC BIRTH CHART, ALLOWING THE DESTINY OF THE LIVING ENTITY TO BE ASCERTAINED WITH AMAZING ACCURACY’ This process of casting one’s horoscope is based on complex and deep mathematical calculations, which, if done manually, will require lots of time and will also be error prone. However we can make use of the modern technological marvel – the computer – to do all of these calculations and to rectify the time of birth. What a computer cannot do is give a properly analysed interpretation. Now, through the use of computers, we know the process of casting the horoscope will be accurate: the remaining work of making interpretations is then done by an experienced astrologer with a good spiritual background combined with an analytical and research talent. In one chart alone, there could be billions of probabilities, making the interpretation a million times more difficult than playing a game of Chess.

KARMA STUDIED IN READINGS

Vedic astrology embraces the law of cause and effect. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction: this is called karma. The Vedic astrologer studies the laws of karma as they apply to any particular horoscope. The Vedic astrologer observes the placements of seven planets, namely, Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn. He or she will also take careful notice of two invisible planets, Rahu and Ketu. According to birth time, the rising sign is established and the planets take their proper placement within the horoscope or the birth Chart. From this information, the destiny of the living entity can be ascertained with amazing accuracy. By employing a unique system of planetary periods and sub periods, SUMMER 2016

not those that come true, but those that Warn, Teach and Prepare.” Vedic astrologers observe confidentiality in relation to the identity of clients and their readings. The Vedic Astrologer is not a fortune-teller, a psychic reader or a clairvoyant. Vedic Astrology is a divine subject. The astrologer approaches it with true reverence. His authentic horoscope readings are very unique and not a generalised computer generated version. by observing the movement of the planets through the houses of the horoscope and various vargas (harmonic charts) the Vedic astrologer is able to predict the timing of events in anyone’s life. Hence, Vedic astrology is rapidly being known as a very effective tool in giving clarity to resolving the dilemmas of life. It can help you conquer obstacles, prepare you to grab golden opportunities regarding finances, career and help you in analysing marriage, relationships and family matters. I have been a studying astrology for more than 35 years. I can personally bear witness that the Vedic system of planetary periods for timing the events in one’s life is unparalleled. It works very well when used properly and in conjunction with transits through the horoscope and significant vargas. After studying the horoscope of an individual, a skilled, experienced astrologer can discover the major patterns of influence in a person’s life, principal character traits and make fairly accurate readings about future events. The quote that I like most about Astrology is: “The best forecasts are

BENEFITS OF THE TECHNIQUES

Nothing compares to Vedic Astrology. It is simply marvellous. Vedic Astrology has an infinite number of rules and astrological techniques developed in India. For more than 6000 years, the elders of India have employed and embraced astrology. They recognised that the time-consuming techniques and complexities of the calculations allow for more subtlety, accuracy and the privilege to go deeper into the astrological work. Vedic Astrology is a process of weighing the positive and negative forces attached to each specific issue. It is important, however, that although any one particular condition in a birth chart may reveal quite a definite and predictable effect, this aspect must be balanced with the enormous amount of other variables present. Finally, I leave you with the words of Danish Astronomer Tycho Brahe (1546 – 1601): “To deny the influence of the stars is to deny the wisdom and providence of God”. To read more visit: www.theja.com.au

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The Summit Lighthouse

The Inner Retreat

For more than 50 years, The Summit Lighthouse has been publishing the Teachings of the Ascended Masters— the mystics and sages of East and West who graduated from earth’s schoolroom and attained union with God. The Summit Lighthouse, a non-profit organization, is the official source for Teachings of the Ascended Masters from Mark L. Prophet and Elizabeth Clare Prophet and their students. We are dedicated to making these teachings available to all those looking for answers to life’s difficult questions. The fundamental principle of the Teachings of the Ascended Masters is that all sons and daughters of God have a divine spark that is their potential to realize the universal Christ within and ascend to God as Jesus did. This concept is at the heart of all the major religions, East and West.

The Great White Brotherhood The ascended masters are all a part of the Great White Brotherhood*, spoken of in Revelation 7 as the great multitude of saints “clothed with white robes” who stand before the throne of God. The Brotherhood works with earnest seekers and public servants of every race, religion and walk of life to assist humanity in their forward evolution. * The term “white” refers not to race but to the aura of white light that surrounds these immortals.

50 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

The Ascended Masters and their Messenger Mark L. Prophet founded The Summit Lighthouse in 1958, and today its headquarters is in the Rocky Mountains of Montana. This property, known as the Inner Retreat, is located high in the beautiful Paradise Valley. It is bordered on the east by the majestic Yellowstone River and on the south by Yellowstone National Park, renowned for its wildlife and spectacular natural beauty. To read more click on this link: www.summitlighthouse.org/ summer2014/inner-retreat/

Our Offerings for You The Summit Lighthouse offers workshops, seminars, conferences, online courses, book study groups and events at local teaching centres, as well as opportunities to share with like-minded friends at various levels of affiliation. For more information click on this link: summituniversity.org/ courses/ We welcome you to write or call us for further information about the activities of students of the ascended masters in your area. And we look forward to meeting you at our services and retreats.

Official Websites More Summit Lighthouse websites (summituniversity.org/courses/) with teachings on the ascended masters. In Australia, please visit our site: www.summitlighthouse.org.au YouTube: youtu.be/yfjqgiS5wQU

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Contact our Centres:

Sydney Teaching Centre 7 Lane Street Wentworthville NSW 2145 Ph: 1300 554 384 Or Melbourne Teaching Centre 3 Devon Street Croydon, VIC 3136 Ph:1300 554 384 Perth Mary Marechal 04 Or Call 1300 554 384 in your state SUMMER 2016


CONSCIOUS ARTS BOOK REVIEWS UNDER COVER OF DARKNESS Author: Margaret Cahill Publisher: O Books ISBN: 9781782799306 www.o-books.com

Margaret Cahill was diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma sometime after being unwell. Her world came to a shuddering halt as, with many of these conditions, there were no definitive answers available, just a long journey of uncertainty ahead. One of the interesting facets of this story is the research into alternatives that may help and benefit her on her journey, the effect of eating various foods to help build up her iron count and eventually coming to terms with the philosophes she has always tried to include in her lifestyle. Accepting that while there is merit in both the modern and the traditional medicines, sometimes you need to be able to step back and accept a blend of both.

THE PATH OF THE EMPRESS

Author: Christine Li. MD. Ulja Krautwald Publisher: Rockpool ISBN: 9781925017519 www.rockpoolpublishing.com.au

This entire exploration of the feminine power is based on the life of Wu Zhao, the only woman to ever officially rule China. Her rule led to many changes and developments in China which were deemed as extremely radical

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at the time, many of which are now considered a normal component of life and times in modern and ancient China. Shaman Sun Simiao guided her steps and was also instrumental in imparting the wisdom she needed to be able to fulfil her role, as well as remaining strong and steadfast throughout the various stages of her challenging life.

THE REAL GYPSY GUIDE TO FORTUNE TELLING Author: Deborah Durbin

Publisher: Soul Rocks ISBN: 978-1-78279 4525 3 Fortune Telling or being able to understand what is happening now and why and what is to come in the future is something which has fascinated people since time immemorial. Written with a great knowledge on the subject and with a light, enjoyable turn of phrase you will definitely enjoy the read, know heaps more about everything from Tarot to Tea Leaves and everything in between, as well as develop one of the skills which have lain dormant within you for many years.

INTO THE DARK

Author: Alison DuBois

Publisher: A&U ISBN: 978-1-92526-615-3 www.allenandunwin.com In this gentle and compassionate look at what happens after death, what the transition process is from life to death and reconnection to the living,

Alison DuBois brings comfort to many who are struggling to find solace and also closure. She, through the touch of those who have left, offers the key to being able to move on, to slowly and gradually begin to live life again, to heal, in the knowledge that their loved one is really OK. Poignant, gentle and filled with love, her words will help you begin to understand the inconceivable loss of your loved one.

THE ANATOMY OF THE ELDER ANATOMIA SUMBUCI Author: Dr Martin Blochwich: London 1677. Publisher: BerryPharma AG ISBN: 978-3-9523693-0-2 www.iprona.com

How best to describe this little wondrous book is the question. Unique, fascinating and astonishing are just a few of the words which come to mind. As you read through the many detailed subject areas, you are taking a peep back to medicine the Middle Ages, courtesy of a man who dedicated his life to recording the incredible health benefits of the humble Elder tree. First published in 1644 and reborn as a labour of love in 2010 by staff at BerryPharma over many months, the fascinating details of the use of the Elder or Elderberry tree as a physic for a raft of illnesses and conditions makes intriguing reading.

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CONSCIOUS ARTS MUSIC REVIEWS PIANO MEDITATIONS

BLOOM ROAD

HEART SONG

www.tronmusic.com

www.dankennedy.us

www.eliselebec.com

Tron Syversen

Dan Kennedy

Elise Lebec

There are four meditative tracks on this release; all totally different to Syversen’s usual style in that each piece has been woven together in totality with vocal harmonization. While he has used vocals on previous albums this is the first time where they are used, not just as an additional sound or instrument, but as a complex, if not elemental, component of the track, of the desired outcome. Created specifically for meditation purposes, the clear, unmistakable notes of the piano are softened into a timeless thread which will slowly make itself comfortable in the mind, the emotion, to bring on a state of gentle mellow relaxation.

As you sink into this wonderful collection of pieces you will feel your spirit soaring effortlessly as if on the on the wings of a bird viewing the earth from on high, life shifting into perspective as you swoop and dive in the ether; and this is just the introduction. The album just keeps getting richer as you move into the various tempos combined onto one album to create a listening experience which will have you gently moving through time and space with the haunting melodies of the Native American flute, accompanied by delicate strokes on the keyboard.

A single delicate note, conception: growing into the birth of a fully fledge composition, so delicate and light, ethereal and transcendental, allowing you the time and place to simply be; to sit, to listen to think or to dream. Thus is the introduction to a collection of often solo piano pieces and others, complete with the delicate tones of flugelhorn, the cello and vocals giving the pieces a depth of understanding: a richness of texture. With ‘Heart Song’ you are encouraged to simply stop, to listen and enjoy the many things which make up the very essence of people and life.

REIKI: HANDS OF LOVE

SPIRITUAL HAVEN

A THOUSAND SPRINGS

www.NewEarthRecords.com

www.russellsuereth.com

www.adamandrewmusic.com

Deuter

Russell Suereth

As with all music created by Deuter, it is magnificent; whether it is gentle and melodious or more energetic, it reaches out to touch the soul, to heal, to bring peace, comfort and tranquility to the listener. ‘Hands of Love’ can be likened to silk on the skin, a deeply sensuous feel which engages as soon as it is felt, as does this serenely enchanting, reflective work. Created to work with Reiki, a Japanese healing technique focusing on stress and relaxation, it is also an extremely comprehensive listening piece for anyone who simply enjoys incredible music created by the divine through the talents and abilities of man. 52 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

Russell Suereth believes people should have spiritual havens but these do not need to be in any one fixed place; they can be a car, a place in the bush, a quiet moment by the fireside or walking along a deserted beach in the winter chill. Basically, anywhere you choose. With this philosophy in mind he has created the perfect medium to take you to your spiritual place in this beautiful, enchanting collection. As with all music you can find within each piece something that will touch you in so many differing ways to sooth the emotional soul.

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Adam Andrews

Pure joy and happiness from the first to the last are captured to perfection in this second release by pianist Adam Andrews. No matter how many times you listen, the entire album it is representative of the gurgling stream of life as it is born in creation from that single note or droplet, gathering momentum as it playfully skips and leaps along its chosen course. The music is vibrant, melodic, and happy, leaving you with a wonderful sense of freedom and happiness. Your spirit is uplifted; your mood encouraged towards happiness, your soul refreshed.

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CONSCIOUS ARTS BOOK REVIEWS I AM SEDA, I AM THE DANCE! Seda Star

Balboa Press

Celebrity Australian dancer Seda Star’s new book, I Am Seda. I Am the Dance!, is a self-help, autobiographical guide to tapping into an innate mind, body, spirit dance connection, a connection, which she calls “the dance prayer”. Taking readers through her life story, Seda shares the wisdom she has received on her own spiritual journey so far. Trapped in a mundane life setting, and overwhelmed by negative family experiences, at the end of each day Seda waited to be alone with her

THE WAY OF THE SACRED WARRIOR, LIVING CONSCIOUSLY IN PEACE AND PROSPERITY Ron Ragel

Medicine Music Publishing

Ron Ragel is an author, educator and a multi-skilled musician, committed to living the life of a Sacred Warrior, the title of his latest book. In The Way of the Sacred Warrior, Living Consciously in Peace and Prosperity, Ron provides essential and practical tools for a journey towards a happier and more consciously fulfilled life. Ron was born and raised in Sri Lanka, in an area surrounded SUMMER 2016

music and dance. Facing her loneliness, Star created Seda Dance, a freeform style of dance movement received from her highest self. Seda’s success as a dancer set her on a path toward spiritual freedom, self-discovery and joy. By creating movement in her mind, she was able to release stuck patterns of negative thought, to dance through her pain, through her challenges and through her life. I Am Seda. I Am the Dance! offers readers easy-to-follow, step-bystep guidance, giving them the tools of dance motivation, inspiration and empowerment. This, according to Seda, allows people to connect to their deeper self,

heal their mind and body and find inner joy. Seda promises the book will move readers’ minds and bodies, inspiring them to make fundamental changes to their lives and the world.

by churches, temples, mosques and other places of worship. It was this environment along with the religious practices of his family and the influence of those of their neighbours, friends and servants from many diverse religious traditions, that shaped his early worldview, and provided him with a permanent and inspiring view of everything that was ‘sacred’. Moving to Australia in the 1970s, secularism gradually took root in him. But he would later undergo a life changing epiphany in America. His life would change forever as he experienced an inner clarity about the bondage of human experience and how freedom could be found. This meeting with destiny, which included a stint in hospital and loss of use of

his right side, ignited his search for the meaning of life. Harnessing the best possible tools he could find, he unlocked the innate capacity we all possess for health, wellbeing and prosperity. The journey included an integrated practice of breathwork, meditation, music therapy and lifestyle changes. Detailed in The Way of the Sacred Warrior, readers are given Ron’s extraordinary personal road map, which each of us can follow to reach our own unique destiny, while living with meaning and purpose. How should we best live our lives? Ron’s experiences have proven to him that the answers are there for those who truly want them. He tells us: “Just listen and learn.”

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Seda Star, the celebrity dancer from Australian TV, has been dancing since childhood. She developed an international televised program called SEDADANCE BellyRobics with Aerobics OzStyle team. She has also created two DVDs – Belly Dancing for Baby and Aerobics Oz Style Belly Dance Fitness – to share fun and energising ways to achieve good health through dance. She lives in Australia and travels around the world, dancing and teaching dance. Further information: www.sedastar.com.

Further information www.medicinemusic.com.au

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CONSCIOUS ARTS

Enter the Divine Land of

Shen Yun

A

New York based Performing Arts Company; Shen Yun’s touring grand production takes you on an unforgettable adventure through 5000 years of Chinese civilization. Be prepared to travel across centuries, visit imperial palaces, and discover realms hidden to the human eye. Return to ancient China’s Middle Kingdom and experience a Divine Culture when Emperors ruled dynasties, heroes became legends and the world was full of magic and miracles. China was once known as the Land of the Divine. Everyone, from the

emperors to the common people, believed that their culture was a divine gift. They lived in harmony with the universe and saw a connection among all things. And authentic Chinese culture carried these principles for thousands of years – until it was lost. Shen Yun Performing Arts Company invites you to visit this lost civilisation. To make the journey possible, our company had to push the boundaries of performing arts. We combine ancient dance with technological innovations, and historically au- thentic costumes with breathtaking animated backdrops. We let classical Chinese dance do the storytelling, and share with you the beautifully diverse worlds of ethnic and folk traditions. Filled with an enchanting orchestral sound, this is a unique stunning visual and emotional experience.

HEROES. MISCHIEF AND MIRACLES

Watch myths and legends come alive! Folk tales, legends, and timeless classics make up Shun Yen’s magical world of immortals and miracles. Its heroes – a quirky monk, a fearless general, or maybe a mischievous monkey – fly up to the heavens, split mountains, and visit deep-sea palaces. Dive into the action-filled stories embodying the wisdom and virtues of ancient China. Classical Chinese dance, with its distinct elegance, vividness, and athleticism, is the perfect way to bring these stories to life. The dancers’ seamless interaction with grand animated backdrops puts you right inside the story, transporting you to another time and place. Melodies that accompany the action are both soothing and captivating. What do 5000 years of civilisa- tion sound like? How can a melody capture the mystery of heavenly realms or the

“DIVE INTO THE ACTION-FILLED STORIES EMBODYING THE WISDOM AND VIRTUES OF ANCIENT CHINA” 54 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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strength of an imperial army? Shen Yun’s orchestra has found the answer. Shen Yun’s distinctive approach blends the singular beauty and expressiveness of Chinese instruments with the grandeur of a Western orchestra. The result is a gorgeous and vivid sound with great emotional range that is perfect for bringing to life the soul of an ancient civilisation. It takes musical storytelling to a new level. There is a healing power in harmony: it could be called Medicine Music. The ancients understood that music has the power to heal. In fact, the Chinese word for medicine comes from the word for music. People believed that elegant, virtuous music has a pure energy that harmonises our body, mind, and soul. This ancient tradition is alive today with the music of Shen Yun. You can sample this music at ShenYun.com/music.

ART THAT NOURISHES YOUR SOUL The power of Shen Yun to nourish the soul is in its uplifting energy, which makes it truly different from other performance arts.

True art does more than make us smile. It is a universal language that knows no cultural boundaries. It speaks directly to our hearts. It inspires and uplifts us. In ancient China, artists believed that to create true art, they had to master their craft, cultivate goodness and inner purity, and create works with virtuous themes. This very principle is at the root of Shen Yun’s artistic philosophy. The performance takes the virtues that nurtured Chinese culture for thousands of years – ideals such as loyalty, honesty, and compassion – and presents what is beautiful, good and upright in a powerful theatrical experience. Shen Yun’s artists emphasise moral character and include introspective study and meditation in their daily routines. You can see the result in the genuine joy with which they perform. You can feel it long after the curtain falls.

Some people fly from other countries or drive hundreds of miles to see it. Others see the same show five times. Why? Many say there are no words to describe it – you have to see it with your own eyes. Among the many comments we have received about the performance is one from Chang Fu-Sheng, Chairman of Tang Eng Iron Works. He said: “This show can purify people’s souls. An extraordinary performance where every program disseminates the message of human compassion.” Shen Yun will perform at the Arts Centre in Melbourne from Feb 20th to 24th and at the Sydney Lyric March 3-13 2016. For more information, visit: ShenYun.com

SEE WHY EVERY SEAT IS TAKEN Shen Yun has only been around for a decade, but these days, wher- ever it goes theatres are packed.

“THE PERFORMANCE… PRESENTS WHAT IS BEAUTIFUL, GOOD AND UPRIGHT IN A POWERFUL THEATRICAL EXPERIENCE” SUMMER 2016

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CONSCIOUS ARTS

Spotlight on Wolf Drums Native American Flutes

W

ith the right tools and knowledge anyone can work with timber. But to create a musical instrument that reaches behind our facade and into the depth of our soul, well, that’s a gift.

Wolf Drum and Flute maker Graeme Hadfield began working with timber when he was eight years of age. This childhood pursuit led to his deep passion for wood and his connection with Native American culture. For him, crafting Native American style flutes seems natural and through research and development, his Native American style flutes produce concert quality sound while maintaining a distinctive appearance. Graeme’s ability to select a piece of timber and make it sing is well known. Like his drums, his flutes are crafted from his heart. He specialises in flutes made using rare Australian timber and burl from legally salvaged and recycled sources. His flutes are noted for their high quality, playability, responsiveness and

Birdseye Huon Pine F# Drone. Natural edge at the end of flute. Red coral inlay. 56 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

acoustics. All his flutes are guaranteed against faulty workmanship and materials.

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

“All Wolf Drum flutes are made from solid blocks of timber and precision bored, not split and glued,” Graeme said. “Technically speaking, precision boring produces a perfectly round smooth bore which is ideal for creating sound. This process also allows us to use highly figured and decorative timbers without a glue line on the side of the flute disrupting the natural flow of the grain. It also eliminates the risk of the glue line possibly splitting in the future. All our end caps and timber inlay work are done using accepted woodworking practises, not just glued on”.

Harmony Drone Flute. G Key. Black Walnut with White Beech and Silky Oak accents

FLUTE TIMBER

All of flute wood is from legally salvaged and recycled sources. Wolf Drums supports sustainable forestry practices. Burls are among the favourites with which to make flutes from and each piece of burl is hand selected. The preferred size and quality of burl is hard to find. “If you have any doubts or questions about the use of burl timber for flutes, contact me,” Graeme said. “I can explain the facts and dispel the myths surrounding the use of this amazing timber for flutes.” Graeme’s knowledge is based on more than 50 years of wood working experience.

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“Burl flutes are a highly specialised aspect of flute making and are truly unique instruments, quite often with exceptional acoustic qualities,” he said. “Ask any professional wood instrument maker. Very few timbers can match them for acoustic quality combined with decorative appearance.”

F# Flute. Laced She Oak, Buckeye Burl endcaps. Horse totem block with horse hair inlay.

FROM THE HEART

For Graeme, making a Native American style flute is an expression of his heart and soul. He takes a piece of timber and transforms it into a piece of playable art, hence the Wolf Drum motto ‘Crafting Playable Art’. His flute customers have some amazing stories of healing and transformation, the depths of which are truly heartening and honouring. Buying a flute from Wolf Drums is the beginning of a journey into your own heart and soul – musically, spiritually, culturally, and holistically. Some decorative options are: gemstone inlay, carved animal totem blocks, pyrography art (done by Graeme’s lovely wife Diane). Styles of flutes available are: standard flutes, drone flutes (double chamber), and harmony drone flutes (two playable chambers). Flutes are available for purchase and made for custom orders. Contact details wolfdrums@bigpond.com Online shop: www.wolfdrums.com Ph: 02 4731 1019 FB: facebook.com/wolfdrumsflutes SUMMER 2016


CONSCIOUS ARTS

TOSS

LUCK OF THE T

he boy walked through the town slowly.

He went past the farrier’s shop and the row of market stalls, past the old temple pillars and into the main square. No one looked at him or paid him any attention. Why would they? He was just another street urchin like so many others, and everyone was too engrossed in their own survival to care about his. The stink of an open sewer caught him, sending him reeling, spinning him momentarily off balance. But the feeling faded rapidly, even before the smell did. A man with a large aquiline nose was watching from across the road. The boy became aware of him and went out of his way to avoid those searching eyes. He had learnt long ago that attracting attention brought him nothing but trouble, so he kept his head down and sped up his pace, all the time reaching with his senses towards the man, monitoring him. Was he still watching? Had he moved? Was he following him? He did not see the form that blocked his path. A hand seized his arm. “Watch your step, boy!” He muttered an apology, but the grip on his arm did not relent. “Where do you think you’re going?” He looked up at the question and started! It was the same man who had been watching him from across the street, or perhaps his twin brother. How had he moved so far so quickly? What did he want with him? In sudden terror, he tried to squirm away. But the man’s hold only tightened. Dark eyes in a wizened face, lined with the marks of venerable age but belied by the iron grip upon his arm. “Why are you fleeing, boy? What have you done?” His tone lowered a notch and became accusatory. “Are you a thief?” The man shook him as if to shake an explanation out of him.

SUMMER 2016

THE BOY BECAME AWARE OF HIM AND WENT OUT OF HIS WAY TO AVOID THOSE SEARCHING EYES. HE HAD LEARNT LONG AGO THAT ATTRACTING ATTENTION BROUGHT HIM NOTHING BUT TROUBLE CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

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But the boy was too frightened to answer and the man finally saw that this was so. “Very well - cat got your tongue, I see. Well, you’d better come with me.” It was not as if the boy had any real choice. He stumbled to where the man dragged him, into the shadowed portico of a derelict house. Here the boy became aware of others pressing in around him. “Hey Sharim, look what I’ve gone and found!” the man exclaimed as he thrust the boy into the middle of the space. A lantern appeared and an old crone bent down to look into the boy’s grimy face. She lifted his chin with a pointy finger and peered into his frightened eyes. “Aye, he’d be the nimble one. He’ll do nicely, he will,” she said, and then he was whisked away.

—ooo—

“What’s your name, boy?” He had been carted somewhere in a carriage with no windows. When they had let him out, daylight had blinded him and, before he could get his bearings, he had been shoved into this room. It was gloomy, except for the vertical slivers of light seeping through the gaps in the roughly made windows. A man spoke from across the table at the room’s centre. His face was in shadow, but the boy made out the outline of a hat and thought the man might be bearded. “Toss,” he answered. This revelation was met with a moment of silence. “Toss?” the man repeated in a tone of disbelief. “What kind of a name’s that?” 58 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

The boy shrugged. “Well, never mind. Toss, I have a job for you. One that will pay really well, but you must do exactly as you’re told. Do you understand?” Toss nodded. “Now listen very carefully to what I have to say, Toss. Because if you perform your duty to my precise instructions, I will pay you more than you can possibly imagine. I will pay you in gold. Have you ever even seen gold, Toss?” The lad shook his head. The man leaned forward and held something out for him to inspect. As he did so his hand passed through one of the slivers of sunlight. For just a moment, whatever was in his hand shone as if it was a fragment of the sun itself. Toss’ eyes widened and the man behind the desk smirked. “Ah, you see it, don’t you? You see it and you want it!” The hand closed around the treasure and withdrew. “And as I said, it can be yours, but only if you do exactly as I ask, not more and not less. Do you understand?” Toss nodded again. “Very good,” the man continued. “But Toss, I need you to understand that if you do not follow my instructions precisely, something terrible will happen to you. Do you know what happens to thieves?” Toss nodded, he knew only too well. Many of the boys he had met or had scrapes with had only one hand, having lost the other to the punisher’s blade. “And you would not want that to happen to you now, would you?” Toss shook his head slowly but firmly. “Good, good; very good. Because if it came down to that, you would not lose just one hand, you’d lose

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them both, and we all know what that means, don’t we? You’d be of no use to anyone. It would mean the end for you, Toss. I need you to understand that before we go on. So, do you?” Another slow nod. The man moved closer to Toss and lowered his voice to a whisper. “So then, here’s what I need you to do...”

—ooo—

The next morning Toss was free. He had slept on a pallet for the first time in a long while. He had been fed well last night and had broken fast with pork and bread and milk. He was sated and even a bit groggy from all the food. But still he was far from happy with his situation. His freedom was nothing but an illusion. He knew that he was being watched. And though he had no idea how many sets of eyes were locked on him as he walked down the street, he could feel them boring holes into the back of his skull with their intensity. He had been given his instructions so many times since yesterday that he was certain he could prattle them off by heart even in his sleep. He walked back towards the town centre. When he reached the square he stopped in the shade of a wall and waited. The wait seemed interminable. It ended when a carriage drawn by two horses came down the west road and came to a halt outside the inn. The driver passed the reins to the lad sitting next to him and climbed down from his seat. He opened the carriage doors for a young woman and an older man. The driver then escorted the pair to the inn, leaving the carriage with the boy who was now sitting SUMMER 2016


squarely in the centre of the driver’s seat. Toss made his move. Moving nimbly, he crossed the square and walked casually along the inn side of the carriage. As soon as he reached the rear he looked around to make sure that no one was marking his manoeuvre and then climbed up onto the luggage rack, He lifted the wooden lid of the luggage compartment and slid into the narrow space between the luggage and the side of the carriage. Gingerly he lowered the lid shut.

creaks and groans of the carriage timbers as the vehicle swayed on the uneven surface. Suddenly the noise of the wheels changed as they left the town and pulled out onto the open highway where there were no more cobbles, but plenty more potholes and ruts caused the carriage to bounce and sway violently. The journey seemed to go on forever and, with nothing else to occupy his mind, he went thoroughly over what he was required to do. He didn’t want to lose his hands.

—ooo—

—ooo—

He awoke when the carriage lurched forward and he banged his head against the side of the compartment. He couldn’t be sure that he hadn’t cried out, but the carriage didn’t stop, so he slowly allowed his body to relax. If anyone conversed inside the carriage, he did not hear their exchange. All he could hear was the racket of the metal wheels striking against the cobbles of the street beneath him and the rattles and

Another change, short and dramatic, found the wheels thundering over a wooden drawbridge; a jolt and a thump and the carriage was admitted through the castle’s walls, and moved now across the smooth, level ground of the first yard. Toss tensed again. The time for movement and action was almost upon him again. He waited until all motion ceased and listened carefully to all the sounds around him.

SUMMER 2016

The driver and his boy descended from the bench and opened the doors for the passengers, murmuring voices fading as the four walked towards the keep. One. Two. Three, Four, Toss pushed the compartment’s lid open just a fraction. He glanced left and right then dropped to the ground and scuttled underneath the carriage just as more footsteps approached. Three sets of feet shod in black shoes. The house servants gathered at the rear and opened the compartment he had just escaped from. Grunts and scraping sounds and then a loud thump as the heavy chest was lowered to the ground. “They don’t think’bout us when they pack these things, do they?” complained one voice. “Shh!” cautioned another. “Of course they don’t, why should they when they haven’t lifted a thing in their life? They don’t understand weight. All they know is that someone’s gonna do it for them.” “Shut yer traps,” warned a third voice. “Let’s just get all this stuff inside before ye have to look fer another job, yer stupid oafs!”

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Accompanied by huffs and more grunts, the chest was lifted and two sets of feet walked it towards a small entrance, not the one where the first lot had gone through. The last of the trio fell in behind the others carrying some burdens of his own. Toss crawled out from under the carriage and followed the last man right up to the door. He hesitated for a moment until he could no longer hear the sound of the man’s footsteps, and then he too was inside. It took a moment for his eyes to adjust to the change in light. Then he froze to the spot. Blocking his passage was a guard: armour, helmet, the lot. As luck would have it, the man’s head was turned towards where the last servant was even now turning a corner. Another moment now and he would turn, see Toss, and Toss would lose his hands. Quick and silent as a rat, Toss scanned the room and bolted, even as the guard began to turn towards the door. He scuttled behind some crates and, keeping as low as he could, he made his way past the guard and 60 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

made for the stairs that would take him up to the second floor, to where he was meant to go. Toss moved when he could, froze when he had to, and slowly made progress towards his destination He climbed the first flight of stairs without any bother at all, but then, when he was halfway up the second flight, someone started to come down and he was forced to retreat to the first landing. He could not stop even here but ducked down the hallway to the left of the landing. Just three steps into it and he heard the murmur of voices coming towards him. Trapped between two possibilities of discovery he opted to open the first door he came across and slipped inside. He did it quietly of course, making hardly any noise opening the door and closing it behind him; so he almost jumped out of his skin when a voice spoke in his ear. “What are you doing here?” He turned to see a girl maybe just a few years older than himself. Her inflection was so confident it seemed to suggest that she knew him somehow, or perhaps that she even

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knew his purpose. Toss whirled around to face her. “Please, don’t...” he started, but the girl reached past him and opened the door just a fraction. They both watched as two maids walked past at a brisk pace, heads bent together, talking in hushed tones. The girl closed the door. “What are you doing here?” she repeated, a little louder and more forcefully this time. Toss turned to her with his eyes full of terror. “Please, please, please ...” he implored. “Don’t tell anyone I’m here I don’t want to lose my hands ...” But before their conversation could go anywhere, another, deeper voice interrupted him. “Savina, what is it? What are you doing in there?” “Wait and be quiet!” the girl whispered urgently, shoving him back against the wall and then pulling quickly away. “Nothing, Pa,” she said, walking towards the room where the man’s voice had come from. “The door to the passageway was open, so I closed it.” “Ah, good girl. I thought I heard voices...” She walked into the room. “A couple of servants were walking past,” he heard her explain before the door closed and their exchange became muffled.

—ooo—

Toss’ heart was beating furiously. He was stuck and did not know what to do. Any moment now that door could fly open and the man would seize him. If the girl talked, it was over. And why wouldn’t she talk? He was an intruder, he was in her home, and he obviously wasn’t here SUMMER 2016


with good reason, She knew he was up to something, up to some mischief. Toss had not been told what the results of his actions might be, but he was not a dullard, he could piece things together. The small metal vial tied inside the hem of his vest was of metal for a reason, and though he did not know for sure what it would do to anyone who consumed it, he could guess. If they caught him and searched him, they would find the vial and would know his true purpose; and then he’d lose more than his hands. He’d lose his life. There was no sign that anyone was coming for him. Clearly, the girl had not told her pa about him. He had to keep going - there was nothing else for him to do. He started moving again. He emerged from his hiding place and, feeling his way, walked back towards the door to the hallway. When he reached it he peered outside and, seeing that the coast was clear, he tiptoed to the landing and dashed up the stairs. This time he had a clear run. He reached the second landing and took the left passage. He slid inside the third door to the right. Into a bedroom, just like he had been told. An imposing four-poster dominated the room. A large wooden chest sat at the foot of the bed, offering a cushioned seat before a deeply set fireplace. Two gigantic wardrobes rose along the left wall, while an ornate dresser, and glass doors which opened onto a small balcony, claimed the opposite side of the bed. Feeling dwarfed by all the furniture. Toss did not linger but slid under the bed and positioned himself close to the head of the bed, near the wall. This is where he felt most comfortable of all - waiting SUMMER 2016

patiently. He knew waiting. He was consummately used to it. It was such an integral part of his life - like regular meals and sleep are an integral part of a normal person’s life. He used every waiting experience to sleep, secure that he would be instantly awake at the slightest change in his waiting environment. This time was no different. His eyes sprung open when the door to the room opened, and he was instantly awake before the first footfall had even connected with the room’s floorboards.

QUICK AND SILENT AS A RAT, TOSS SCANNED THE ROOM AND BOLTED, EVEN AS THE GUARD BEGAN TO TURN TOWARDS THE DOOR. Toss’ mouth felt parched. He had not had anything to drink since morning. He watched as a man’s feet walked around to the dresser. The man paused before the balcony doors and opened them to the balmy night air. He could see all this because the man held a taper, and its tremulous light made the room quiver and the shadows dance. With a sigh, the man made his way to one of the wardrobes and opened it. He disrobed, discarding his clothes on the floor, and donned a nightdress. The bed swayed dramatically when the man sat down upon it. Then the feet swung up and the man shuffled and wriggled into the bed. The candle was extinguished, and after a silent spell the man’s

breathing became audible and rhythmic. It gradually grew in volume until every out-breath produced a respectable snore.

—ooo—

Toss waited, just like he had been instructed. When he deemed he had waited long enough, he silently crept out from under the bed and stood near the chest, looking down at the man’s sleeping form. He was within reach of his employer’s intended purpose and was close to accomplishing his objective. Until now, he had not allowed himself the luxury of thinking past this point. He was a street urchin, condemned to a life of hardship and misery. At best, he could hope to forge for himself a career as a pauper or a vagabond. He did not indulge in the luxury of thinking too far ahead. One thing at a time seemed enough to him. But now as he stood there, looking at the sleeping form of this man, he sensed that he stood at a major turning point. The decision he made here tonight would steer the direction of his entire future. And as he faced what he had been ordered to do, he could not deceive himself about the consequences. He knew clearly that, if he accomplished the task that had been appointed to him, the man in the bed would die. A chill travelled the length of his spine. I’m only doing what I’ve been told to do. I’m just doing what I have to do to stay alive, to save my hands. But still he could not deceive himself. If he carried out this deed, his career would take him down the path of a cutthroat or, worse, an assassin.

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Or he could try to leave and run away. Hope they would not find him. But he knew that this was self-deception. There was no hiding for the likes of him. He belonged in the gutter and there was nowhere to hide there - it was way too crowded. As he stood there, torn between these thoughts, another thought suddenly stalked into his awareness, like a predator. What if this was the girl’s pa? She had seen him and not betrayed him. She had decided to protect him. Was this how he was going to repay her gift? He stood there hesitating and looking at the form on the bed, confused as to what he should do, when the chance to make a decision was abruptly taken from him. He must have had some subtle warning, however, maybe a soft scuffle in the hallway, or perhaps he felt the displacement of air as the bedroom door began to open, because he was back under the bed so quickly that whoever crept into the bedroom didn’t have a chance to see him. From his hideout, he watched a pair of bare feet cross the floor to the bed and then climb up. The man’s regular breathing soon changed and was replaced by sounds of pleasure. Toss was young, but he was not stupid. He knew what was happening, All the boys on the street talked of little else. Toss didn’t really get it though; he understood that it was necessary in order to make babies, but... why did people have to do it so often? It was baffling, almost as if they enjoyed it. Oh, he could understand the men enjoying it, but the women? They were the ones who ended up making the babies. He had seen a baby being born once and it scared him half to death, it had. 62 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

These and other thoughts passed through his mind as he lay under that bed, listening to the babymaking sounds just above his head. His mission was still poised over him like a menacing threat, unaccomplished and as unavoidable as death. Toss waited and worried.

—ooo—

Eventually the two on the bed exhausted themselves and the room grew quiet. Two breaths now sang their snoring duet. Toss reached a decision. He was here with a purpose. He could not leave and hope to survive if he did not complete what he had come here to do. It was not his fault if anyone died. He was not the hand that thrust knife, he was just the blade that was being thrust. He waited some more, just to make sure that the pair was truly and deeply asleep. Then he crept out from his hiding place and, wasting no time, he unstoppered the metal vial, reached for the cup of water on the man’s side-table, and emptied the small amount of liquid into it. Done. He replaced the vial into the folds of his shirt, secured it there

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with a tight knot, and then he was out of the room and down the stairs. He was on the verge of walking past the passage where the girl had surprised him, when he stopped short. He could not do it. He could not walk past. Could not bring himself to walk away from her life without one more glimpse, one more attempt to see her. Cussing at his own stupidity, he opened the door and slid inside. The long room was empty. He sneaked up to the door at the far end and peeked inside. He saw a small bed, A small form lying in it. He tiptoed right up to the girl and tried to peer into her face. He could barely make out her features. He noticed how the sheets rose and fell with her breathing. What am I doing here? And, as if in response to his silent question, her hand shot out to grab his arm. “What are you doing here?” There it was, the mirror of his own question. At least he knew what answer to give. “I don’t know.” The girl’s eyes burned like lanterns. Her lips parted into a small smile. “I knew you’d come back.” You knew? he thought numbly, I didn’t. SUMMER 2016


“I... should go ...” he stammered. She frowned at his words. “Go where? The castle is closed. There is no way out, until they open the gate at dawn.” “The side gate’s not manned,” he insisted, telling her what he had been told. “I let myself out and I’m gone, long before dawn.” “Who told you that?” she asked, sitting up in her bed. He shrugged, unsure of what to say. “I should go,” he repeated, serious this time. He looked at the hand still gripping his arm. “You can’t go now!” she insisted. “There are guards at every gate ... you’ll never make it out. They’ll catch you.” Toss frowned. Could it be that they had lied to him? That they had made him do their dirty work, and trapped him here so that he would be found and killed? Could it be that even the gold they had promised him had been a lie? He looked into the girl’s eyes. He had never seen anyone with eyes as clear and honest as hers. The more he thought about it the more he asked himself why he trusted the men who had forced him to do this. And he realised the truth: he did not trust them at all. He was terrified of them. That was the true force that had driven him here: terror and survival. He felt his eyes smarten with tears. He jerked his arm away from the girl’s grip. “Who’s the man sleeping upstairs?” The girl looked at him with sudden fear in her eyes. “He’s my uncle, why?” “You called him pa...” Toss pointed out. SUMMER 2016

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“My pa’s dead,” she told him. “He’s been my pa since my true pa was killed.” Toss looked at her hard. “Is he a good man?” She nodded, eyes wide. “Why? What have you done?” But Toss didn’t answer. Instead, he fled the room.

Toss burst onto the landing and made for the stairs in a rush of blind panic. “Hey you!” bellowed a voice from behind him. “Stop!” He did not heed it but ran up the flight of steps, followed all the way by the guard’s shouts of alarm. He ran straight into the room of the sleepers who were just rousing in

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response to the racket. The woman screamed and the man cursed as Toss lunged across the bed to seize the poisoned cup. He glanced inside, but could not tell if any of the liquid had been drunk. He carried it to the balcony and cast the cup flying into the courtyard below. Then a blow to the head sent him reeling across the room and the darkness that followed was not one he would have chosen to suffer if he had any choice.

—ooo—

Toss was a survivor. Even emerging from unconsciousness had to be done properly, seizing on any vantage he could find, any foothold that could help him stay alive. He felt himself reaching for the surface, but forced his body to remain still, as if he was still senseless. The first thing he ascertained was that he still had hands. He did, and it pleased him immensely, But in the process he also discovered that his arms were tightly bound, as were his legs. So next, he risked opening one eye, just slightly. And that was as far as his stealth got him. “Pa,” the girl yelled, hurting Toss’ head. “He’s waking, he’s waking!” Further away, a voice answered. “Oh he is, is he? Well, let’s see what he has to say for himself.” Footsteps approached. Toss realised just then how much his head hurt. Opening his eyes was painful. Light was painful. Sound was painful. He groaned. “Ah, your head hurts, does it? Well, that’s no surprise. You got 64 CONSCIOUS LIVING MAGAZINE

yourself a considerable whack. But don’t worry, you’ll live. And, depending upon the story you tell me now, you might even avoid the gallows. So you’d better start from the beginning.”

—ooo—

Three days later, Toss attended the execution of the enemy spies in the town’s public square. Once the five men and two women were swinging from the ropes, he knew that the danger was mostly over for him. But he also noted that some faces in the crowd eyed him without sympathy. Jasmine was not there. Uncle Tobias was of a mind that a young girl like her should not have to witness such harshness. Not at her age. Afterwards, he approached Toss. “So, you’re free to go now, if you like. You’ve got a lot to thank Jasmine for, you know. If it hadn’t been for her you’d likely be dead now.”

So would you, Toss thought - but said nothing. A smile crept onto Tobias’ lips. He nodded slowly. “As indeed would I...” How did he ...? “But I suspect that freedom may not be the thing you really want? Made a few enemies, perhaps, by not killing me? So, here’s the thing ... if you’re willing to work hard, you can come and make a life for yourself in the castle. How does that sound? It’s just an offer, you don’t have to accept...” “I’ll come,” Toss said without hesitation. And, as he followed Tobias away from the gallows and climbed into the carriage with him to ride back to the castle, Toss knew that his life had indeed turned. He did not know where this path would lead, but he followed it gladly for, against all odds, it led away from the gutter and from a life that he had not believed it possible to escape.

Claudio Silvano is an author and a shamanic practitioner situated in Clifton Hills, Perth. His writing focuses mainly on spirituality and consciousness whilst still striving to entertain. He is the author of the work of spiritual fantasy llliom, Daughter of Prophecy and Keys of Awakening (both available from www.claudiosilvano.net). He is currently writing the third book in the series entitled Into Forbidden Lands. Claudio and his beautiful wife 5a offer a smorgasbord of wonderful events for those who are seeking awakening and liberation from the cycles of suffering that afflict so many. Find out more about their healing services here www.sacredradiance.net or contact Claudio & Sa on 0403 699 479 - email: awake@sacredradiance.net

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