Conscious Community Magazine - December 2018

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CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY D E D I C AT E D

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C O N S C I O U S N E S S

LOVING KINDNESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS INTERVIEW WITH A BUDDHIST MONK BHANTE SUJATHA

INNER AWAKENING

THRU SELF-MASTERY, BREATH AND CONSCIOUS LIVING LOSING TOUCH WITH OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL SELF IN A

HIGH-TECH WORLD

HOW TO CONNECT IN

ONENESS HAPPY HOLIDAYS! CRANBERRIES & PEARS RECIPES DECEMBER 2018

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Featuring in-depth conversations with spiritual teachers, healers, authors, entrepreneurs, musicians, artists and leading minds of the Conscious Community.

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This Month: Bhante Sujatha - Empty Empty Happy Happy Upcoming:

Monk Yun Rou - The Mad Monk Manifesto Kim Krans - The Wild Unknown Dean Sherzai and Ayesha Sherzai - The Alzheimer’s Solution

Past Guests: Sally Quinn - Finding Magic

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Contents

AMERICA’S OLDEST SPIRITUAL AND METAPHYSICAL MAGAZINE

29

FEATURES 12 LOVING KINDNESS

FOR THE HOLIDAYS

Interview with Bhante Sujatha

by Janae Jean and Spencer Schluter

16 LOSING TOUCH WITH

OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL SELF in a High-Tech World

by Phyllis Light, Ph.D.

24 HOW TO CONNECT

16

WITH YOUR HIGHER SELF

by Shakti Gawain

26 IT ONLY TAKES A

FEW SECONDS TO BE KIND

by Joyce & Barry Vissell

28 THE CHANGING CYCLES

OF OUR LIVES

by Carolyn M. Greenleaf

24

33 CONNECTION OF ONENESS

by Teal Swan

DEPARTMENTS

28

06 PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Inner Peace

by Kasia Szumal

08 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

December 2018

11 ASK ALECIA

Community Q&A

33 4

| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

December 2018

14 ALL ABOUT TOWN

Inner Awakening Through

Self-Mastery, Breath and Conscious Living

by Theresa Puskar

DECEMBER 2018 VOLUME 40, NO.4

(Formerly The Monthly Aspectarian)

18 FROM THE HEART

Guess Who’s Coming

to Christmas Dinner

PUBLISHER KATARZYNA (KASIA) SZUMAL

by Alan Cohen

EDITORS JANAE JEAN ALMEN SUSAN PLUTO JULIE ROBERTS

25 CCM BUYERS’ GUIDE

Give the Gift of Wellness 29 REVIEW OF HEALING MODALITIES

Breathing Therapy

by Dalia Beata Kasmauskaite

34 COSMIC DAILY WEATHER

In-Depth Astrology Perspectives

December 2018

by Bernadette Evans

37 HEARTH & HOME

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Cranberries and Pears Two Ways

by Janae Jean

CONNECTIONS 20 MIDWEST PULSE CALENDAR

Events, Happenings and

Announcements of Interest

December 2018

30 BUSINESS DIRECTORY

Resources for Better Living

REVIEWS 38 IN PRINT

by Kayla Hancock

ON THE COVER Happy Holidays!

™

MEDIA COORDINATORS JANAE JEAN ALMEN KAYLA HANCOCK SPENCER SCHLUTER ART DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER JODY LEVITAN ADVERTISING INQUIRIES KASIA SZUMAL KASIA@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 847.966.1110 SPENCER SCHLUTER SPENCER@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 630.492.0831 EDITORIAL INQUIRIES KASIA SZUMAL KASIA@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 847.966.1110 JANAE JEAN ALMEN JANAE@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 630.945.7356 ALL OTHER INQUIRIES INFO@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM ONLINE WWW.CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM

www.facebook.com/ConsciousCommunityMagazine www.twitter.com/TweetCCMagazine www.instagram.com/consciouscommunitymagazine/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCla2b_NjCdjxQldeXCL1FjA CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY is published 12 times yearly by CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY, LLC 47 W. Polk St., Suite 153 Chicago, IL 60605 847.966.1110 © 2017 Conscious Community, LLC. Formerly The Monthly Aspectarian. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Conscious Community does not necessarily agree with opinions of the writers, nor is it liable for advertiser claims or representations. We believe in the reader’s judgment regarding the quality of any information. All ads should be received by the 10th of the month preceding publication.

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

INNER PEACE W

elcome to the December issue of Conscious Community! It is our last issue of 2018 and I would like to thank you for reading, staying connected and continuing to elevate your consciousness!

In this month’s issue, you can discover ways to make this year’s holiday season more meaningful by remembering the true value of a gift that goes beyond its price tag. Also, in the issue you can read about conscious breathing what is doing for your mind and body as well you can read about lifecycles that we all go through all the time.

A few weeks ago, I had a pleasure to meet Bhante Sujatha on Meditation Retreat at Theosophical Society in Wheaton, IL. He is a Buddhist monk that came to the U.S. 13 years ago from Sri Lanka. His smile, the pure joy of existence without any expectations that he has, left me wanting to hear him more of his wisdom. You can learn more about Bhante in December interview “Loving Kindness for the Holidays” where he shares some ways to make the holidays more enjoyable and meaningful while creating fond memories.

KATARZYNA (KASIA) SZUMAL PUBLISHER

Breathing is one of the most important functions of our body that we take for granted. When we breathe in, we oxygenate our whole body, calm down our nervous system and feel more energized. Also, through deep breathing, you can elevate your consciousness and change your behavioral patterns for the better. For more about the importance of deep breathing, read Theresa Puskar’s article, Inner Awakening Through Self-Mastery, Breath, and Conscious Living, and Dalia Beata Kasmauskaite’s article, “Breathing Therapy.”

Our lives have many cycles, and December marks the end of the cycle of our calendar year. I know many of you are excited to finish this year and begin the New Year with your New Year’s resolutions and a different perspective. I am with you. In “The Changing Cycles of our Lives,” Carolyn Greenleaf shares some insights about astrological cycles as well as the numerological that we are going through right now.

To show our gratitude to you, we would like to invite you to our Holiday Party! It is a potluck-style party with games, gifts and great conversation.

When: Saturday, Dec. 1, 2018, 5 p.m.

Where: Journey to Wholeness Center, 9501 S. New England Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453.

RSVP only by calling 847-966-1110 or by emailing Info@ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com.

Space is very limited, so RSVP early to guarantee a spot. We hope to see you there and celebrate the holidays with you!

Finally, I want to wish that you will find inner peace this holiday season and Happy New Year!

The Best,

Kasia Szumal

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JOIN

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The Conscious Community HOLIDAY PARTY IT IS TIME FOR US TO MIX AND MINGLE! WHEN

Saturday December 1, 2018 5:00 PM

WHERE

Journey to Wholeness Center 9501 S. New England Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453

It is a potluck-style party with great music, games, gifts and great conversation. Please RSVP by phone 847-966-1110 or email Info@ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com W W W. C O N S C I O U S C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M

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is a Vehicle to Transport Your Business to the Next Level!

DO YOU NEED A RIDE? Join us in our January issue featuring Holistic Health and Wellness.

Our advertising deadline for the January issue is December 10, 2018.

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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS

Conscious Community Holiday Party Dec. 1, 2018, 5 p.m.

IT IS A TIME FOR US TO MIX AND MINGLE! To show our gratitude to you, we would like to invite you to our Holiday Party! We are having a potluck-style party with great music, games, gifts and great conversation. We hope to see you there and celebrate the holidays with you and gather as a community.

Location: Journey to Wholeness Center 9501 S. New England Ave., Oak Lawn IL 60453.

Call 847-966-1110 or email Info@ ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com to RSVP. Space is very limited, so RSVP early to guarantee a spot.

Visit www.ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com.

Cost: Free!

Presenter: Kimberly J. Davis Location: Journey to Wholeness Center 9501 S. New England Ave., Oak Lawn IL 60453.

Visit www.journeytowholeness.or or call 708-634-3664 Cost: $20

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Is your holiday season filled with stress & anxiety? Is the thought of entertaining family & friends overwhelming? Do you get emotional during this time of the year as you reflect upon loved ones and ancestors? Join us as we share with you tools and techniques to remain in a place of calm, love, and peace during this holiday season.

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Most spiritual people have a point in their lives where they hit a crossroad and know something in their life has to change.

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Bring your own cards and pendulum or purchase them at Equilibrium.

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Curious about what 2019 brings? Join Lisa for a fun day using Oracle Cards and the Pendulum to help you prepare for the New Year. Come to one class or both!

Oracle cards are a centuries-old divination tool used to gain insight and uplifting, positive and loving guidance. In this two-hour class, you will learn the history of Oracle Cards, what they are, how to handle them, as well as how to give an Oracle Cards reading to yourself and others. The class includes reading practice.

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[COMMUNITY Q&A]

ASK ALECIA

by Alecia Rice

Q: I’d like to host a party during the holidays, but I hesitate because I’d like it to be a specific size with a specific ambiance. I don’t want to offend anyone, but I’m afraid I will if I don’t invite certain people which then creates a domino effect of invitations.

Can I have the party I want?

— Ambiance or Bust A: Dear Ambiance or Bust, Many hostesses find themselves in this agonizing predicament during the holidays, and it isn’t necessarily easy to navigate. We’re entitled to have parties in whatever way we see fit without feeling codependently obligated for others’ inability to process that fact in mature ways. It takes courage to follow your heart while not taking responsibility for others taking it personally.

I consider social gatherings like recipes.

People are like the ingredients. They bring their own flavor of temperament into the mix, which alters the feeling of the gathering. Sometimes we want chocolate cake; other times we want fruitcake. The number of people invited, along with the combined personalities of those people, creates the atmosphere.

Sometimes we want an event to be high energy and festive with lots of people.

Occasionally, we want it to be more subdued, intimate and conversational.

Therefore, we choose the ingredients for the ambiance we wish to create.

We can head off hurt feelings ahead of time by explaining the circumstances to those who may assume they’ll be invited, or we can address it neutrally 10

| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

and compassionately after the event, if asked. It’s our responsibility to discern what’s best under the circumstances.

Remember, just because someone has hurt feelings doesn’t mean that we’re necessarily responsible for them.

These situations arise mostly between women not only around gatherings but also around trips and weekends away.

Generally, we’re not taught how to process these issues verbally or emotionally. It’s not surprising that many grown women don’t know how to navigate this complicated maze on either end.

Many of us have difficulty saying no or using our voice in delicate circumstances which gets us into sticky situations. As my girlfriend says, “we have to put on our big girl panties and pull them way up high.” This is the perfect scenario to shore ourselves up to stand in our power as conscious women by using our voice to compassionately explain the circumstances while still making the decision we need to make for ourselves. Cheers!

Q: I’ve had a pattern lately of disagreements on social media about things that I post. My page is mine, and I feel that I can post whatever I like. What do you think? — Tired of Arguing A: Dear Tired of Arguing, Engaging on social media can sometimes feel like we’re entering into battle.

People can get triggered by what we post and vice versa.

Our page is our own. We are entitled

to post what we wish, although I hope we do so with conscious forethought. If posts are inflammatory or disrespectfully paint large swaths of people with a negative paintbrush, we may suffer the consequences of reactions to those posts.

Collectively these days, we’re in mental and emotional overload and rarely get a break. Passions run high and we’re often quite divided in perspective which causes many of us to be easily triggered. We must be discerning in what we post and how we choose to respond, lest we get caught up in an unwanted maelstrom of negative responses which drains our energy.

Ultimately, one needs to ask themselves who they publicly want to be and how they wish to represent themselves online which breeds self-awareness.

There are no wrong or right answers.

This is merely a quest for internal clarification and direction. The answer can serve as a stabilizing mission statement to hold future posts and comments up against to ascertain if we’re actually in alignment with that intention.

Tips for posting: Ask yourself if this post is coming from a highly-charged emotional place? If so, save the post to simmer on, to return to later for further consideration when the charge may have lessened. It’s far too easy to quickly click on a post that has fired us up. When we return to it, we’ll often find that the fire has dimmed.

The internet is forever. Posts will represent our character in important situations decades from now. If we’re coming from an imbalanced place, or if we would be ashamed for our grandmother to read it, then it probably shouldn’t be posted.

These guidelines should keep us in the “safe rather than sorry” mode.

Alecia Rice integrates higher concepts with wisdom to bring forth balance, perspective, and clarity. She’s a personal advisor, speaker and gatherer of women.

For perspective on life issues, you’re invited to text questions and comments to 681-321-1109. Discussions continue at Ask Alecia on Facebook.

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11

LOVING KINDNESS FOR THE HOLIDAYS Interview with Bhante Sujatha

by Janae Jean and Spencer Schluter

Bhante Sujatha is a Theravada Buddhist monk from Sri Lanka.

He has made it his life’s work to share the teachings of the Buddha and the message of healing through loving kindness.

This mission has taken him around the world. When he was only 10 years old, he told his parents he would throw himself off the bridge in his hometown of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, if they did not let him become a monk. Since that time, he has remained certain and determined to live a life dedicated to adding more love to the world and helping people heal their wounded minds.

Bhante has always known he was born to serve humanity and he wakes up every day committed to this cause, teaching meditation and helping people access deeper parts of themselves so they can feel radiant joy and peaceful happiness. With a single robe and some leftover food, Bhante left his home country and eventually found his way to America, where he learned a new language and culture and discovered the aching desire people have for a more meaningful life.

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Bhante’s book, Empty, Empty. Happy, Happy, written with Tyler Lewke, is available at www.emptyemptyhappyhappy.com.

His biography, My Wish: The Story of a Man Who Brought Happiness to America: The Life Story of Bhante Sujatha

by Mary Gustafson, is now available on Amazon. You can learn more about Bhante at www.bhantesujatha.org and find out more about the Blue Lotus Temple at www.bluelotustemple. org. Bhante is also a frequent contributor to The Blue Lotus Buddhist Temple Podcast.

The following is only a small part of our in-depth conversation with Bhante. To hear the rest of our conversation, download or stream the episode. Don’t forget to subscribe, like, review and share the Conscious Community Podcast on your preferred podcatcher app.

Janae Jean: Was coming to America and living with an American family your first time experiencing American holidays?

Bhante: Yeah, actually, I enjoyed Halloween with those two children because I almost became a babysitter. Also, those two children were my first English teachers. That’s how I learned how to speak English. Every holiday, we celebrated. The pumpkin carving, Easter egg hunting, and all that. We really enjoyed Christmas together as a family. Because of that experience I had with them every year, I’m making the Christmas tree here in the temple. We call it “Buddhistmas.” [All laugh.]

Spencer: Is there a festival or holiday in Buddhist tradition every year at this time?

BS: Yeah, we have a few holidays. Every Full Moon in Sri Lanka is a public holiday. That’s the people’s spiritual day. People go to the temple all day. Also, we have the Buddha’s birthday celebration. The three significant things, his birth, his enlightenment, and his death, we are celebrating that same day.

SS: When do you celebrate that?

BS: The Full Moon in May. SS: One of the things we’ve talked about with several guests is that they have a Day of the Dead, Halloween, at Autumn Harvest time. In many cultures all over the world, there’s a Spring Festival, there’s a Fall Festival, there’s usually a Midwinter Festival and often a Summer Solstice Festival.

BS: Because it is based on the weather—where we live on this planet. But, in our country, we have rainy season retreat for the month. We have rain or hot. That’s it.

SS: Aha, so you don’t have seasons.

BS: We don’t have seasons. We have hot or rain. Monsoons.

JJ: So hot rain?

BS: Right, hot rain. That’s it, we have different holidays independently, but those are the major holidays.

JJ: You do the Loving Kindness Meditation here. Would you explain how someone can incorporate this in their life when they’re in a stressful time such as the holiday season?

BS: We have to think, why is stress coming to us? Because we exist. We all exist. As a family, as a husband, as a wife, we have some conventional guidelines in the society we have to follow. If we are not following them, we are excommunicated, separated from society. That’s what Buddha said, it’s a painful experience. But you exist. If you want to exist, those are the things you have to do. It’s okay. Now we exist in this world, so how are we going to live?

Now we live with those ideas of expectations because life is full of expectations. “Oh, the holidays are coming, I have to give all of those gifts to my family members.” Why? Now people are trying so hard to give. Then they question, “How much?

How big? Is it $20 or $30?” So, it’s very confusing. People are

worried. I think everything is materialistic in this society. The value is the material. That’s the problem. How much money you spent is the quality. If I give free meditation, people don’t come, because it’s not “quality.” In this society, quality means “how expensive?”

So, I think that’s not the theme of the holiday. Holiday means your heart, how you feel. Also, I think that’s the best gift I can give to somebody. Making them feel better, not giving them a big gift. And so, I go and spend time with them. You can tell, I don’t have that much money to give, but I want to spend time with you. Sometimes, some poor people have one nice meal to enjoy for the holiday, sharing their ideas and thoughts.

When the world becomes so materialistic, then people stress out, then they don’t enjoy the holiday.

JJ: How do we get out of that, how do we find real authentic joy?

BS: We have to be in the middle. The nature of our life is always our emotions pulling us in two different directions.

That’s why we have imbalance. Sometimes like, sometimes dislike. That’s how from birth to now we are living our life. So, that’s really bringing us so much stress. We are always in this modern world.

Scientists, doctors, medical professionals, everyone is encouraging people to meditate. When you meditate you will learn how to balance your emotions and keep calm. We call it “The tranquil state of mind. Equal state of mind. Keep even.”

That’s why meditation is important. Then we understand the nature of this life, and that everything is subject to change.

Everything is impermanent. Now we have a good time in our life, just enjoy it without complaining. We don’t know what will happen tomorrow, but we know what is happening now. All these people are worrying about the future, “What will happen to me?” You can think about your future, but what is the nature of your future? What you plan may happen, or it may not happen.

After you understand that, you can plan for your future.

Janae Jean serves as editor, social media manager, recipe columnist and podcaster for Conscious Community Magazine. She has an extensive background in new media and music education. She is also the founder of Perennial Music and Arts, an arts education and healing center based in downtown Geneva, IL. Visit www.janaejean.com and www.perennialmusicandarts.com for details about Janae’s upcoming classes, lesson information, workshops, shows, articles and projects.

Spencer Schluter is the advertising account manager, social media manager and podcaster for Conscious Community Magazine. His experience includes visual communications, advertising, social media, marketing, public relations and business development. Visit www.yggstudios.com for more information about his freelance design and consulting work. He is also a master level Reiki and traditional Chinese Qigong practitioner.

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Theresa Puskar and Chicago Breath Integration Practitioners

[ALL ABOUT TOWN]

COLIN P. SISSON’S

INNER AWAKENING THROUGH SELF-MASTERY, BREATH, AND CONSCIOUS LIVING Schaumburg, IL -

Nov. 10 & 11, 2018

by Theresa Puskar “With the help of breath, we recreate crisis and then integration can happen. Every crisis carries the seed of our awakening. When we go and meet that, what is left is love.”

— Colin P. Sisson

What a wonderful weekend I spent with New Zealander, inspirational writer and metaphysical teacher, Colin P. Sisson and the Chicagoland Breath Integration practitioners. Upon my Theresa Puskar and Colin P. Sisson arrival, I was immediately greeted by the facilitator of the Chicagoland group, Sylwia Kaliszuk. One thing I noticed about Sylwia, Colin and his followers was a radiance and glow within their eyes. Our soul connection started high and grew, so much so, that I emptied my calendar so that I could attend the bulk of my weekend at the workshop.

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I was immediately drawn to the principles and foundation of the workshop, Inner Observation and Self-Responsibility, as both are currently central to my recent spiritual contemplations (the universe has such a wonderful way of synchronistically orchestrating our lives!) Colin started each day with theories and explanations and then followed with guided processing. Prior to starting, he shared the remarkable story of his awakening.

“I was 21 years of age and out on an ambush in Vietnam. I anticipated no chance of survival, and with this realization, my body completely relaxed, and in that moment, I felt love, joy and freedom. Everything I experienced was a ‘wow’!

— Colin P. Sisson

He too us back to the scene of the ambush, and I was mesmerized! At the moment when he felt utterly helpless and hopeless, he completely relaxed and found himself in a different state of consciousness. When witnessing a fellow soldier being shot, he was in a state of non-judgment and awe as he experienced the slow-motion impact of the bullet hitting his comrade’s chest. After a short time, he was back in the present, and had returned to his previous state of mind.

The interesting thing is that this happened to him again in a

similar situation one month later. One might conclude that such mind-altering events must have immediately shifted his consciousness and improved his life. Not so. The truth is that life became very difficult for him thereafter. In fact, he forgot the episodes for several years. Having been greatly affected by the war, he experienced marital unhappiness, PTSD and alcohol abuse. After living through years of emotional and spiritual angst, he started seeking answers and studied everything he could, from Zen Buddhism and Taoism to the Kabbalah and Goethe. Eventually, he went through a rebirthing process that set him on a vital, new path. While the rebirthing touched him deeply and opened his conscious awareness to his experience while on the battlefield, he felt that there was something more that he needed to find and share with others. He spent more time delving further into psychology, spiritual teachings and practices and eventually created Inner Awakening Through Self-Mastery, Breath and Conscious Living.

“Breath integration and integrative presence is being present with the truth of this moment whatever it is.” — Colin P. Sisson In this practice, you focus solely on your body, feelings, and behaviors – nothing else is required. There are no techniques, gurus or ideologies. This practice can take you back to the paradigm that Colin experienced in Vietnam, where you connect with the true part of you, the one who has no judgments and follows no belief systems.

Colin asserts that the good news is that there is absolutely nothing wrong with any of us. We are already fully integrated beings.

There is nothing we have to do to improve what we are, but the bad news is that nobody actually believes this! What Colin has introduced to the world is not just a practice but a way of being, especially during crises. Once you learn to integrate these teachings, you can witness, react to and experience crises with a great deal more consciousness as they arise.

“We are human beings, not human doers. If I’m doing something, I am searching outside of myself. Therefore, I am not present.” — Colin P. Sisson We have been conditioned and raised to believe three myths that have led us to our current demise: ‘I’m not okay,’ ‘you’re not okay’ and ‘life’s not okay.’ Entrenched in these fallacies, we judge so much around us and within us as broken and wrong and avoid being present and going within at all costs.

Eventually through our misbeliefs, resistance and avoidance, stuck feelings build within us and create dis-ease in our bodies.

So much of what Colin taught rang true. With the help of breath, we became present with our bodies and through that connection, we were gifted with an opportunity to lift our fearful resistance to feel. We could then journey into where crises had been physically stuck in our bodies and experience them in a non-judgmental way. This ultimately dissolves the root pain and opens the door for integration to happen. The trick, however, is to totally commit to remaining present with whatever exists.

If you go into the process with the expectation and focus on removing pain, fear or anything else, you are not totally present and will perpetuate the cycle of non-being.

“Every crisis carries the seed of our awakening. When we go and meet that, what is left is love. Fear is your best friend; it is not your enemy. You can use it to your advantage!”

— Colin P. Sisson

On Saturday, my facilitator was Sylwia. She was highly focused and present as she guided me through breathing and feeling into my body’s sensations. With her gentle guidance, I experienced some lower back pain and I was able to be present and allow feelings from that core pain to arise and be expressed. It was a highly cathartic and liberating experience. I got a sense that we were clearing things on many levels; layers of pain and repression that were beyond thoughts, feelings and experiences which I was conscious of during the process.

While remaining within the structure of their training with Colin, each practitioner had a slightly different style. Dorothy took me through another process on Sunday that, while slightly different, was equally as powerful. It was clear that they were both very present with me, and we very comfortable relying on their intuition to guide the way. I am grateful to Colin and the wonderful facilitators he has trained in Chicago. The work that they do is profound.

“If we know how to come through crisis, we can use it to heal ourselves—be real. What is happening to you right now? Be present with that!” — Colin P. Sisson The exciting thing about Breath Integration is that it spills into our daily lives. When crises arise, we can use the tools we have developed and catch our reactivity in the moment. This allows us to be more present, dealing with it as it happens (or soon thereafter), so that it is not repressed and physically stored within us. Overall, the weekend had a great impact on me. I was excited about having an opportunity to do some cathartic work, and was thrilled to be under the gentle and kind care of a wonderful team of practitioners. With each breath, with every step I take towards feeling into my experiences, I look forward to uncovering that radiant glow that I saw so clearly in their eyes within my own!

If you wish to learn more about Colin and the Chicago branch of Breath Integration, email the word “Awakening” to sylwia. kaliszuk@gmail.com, or visit http://www.facebook.com/ breathintegrationinchicago or http://www.colinsisson.com.

Tickets are available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ inner-awakening-tickets-49832769154.

Theresa Puskar is an author, performer, speaker, minister and motivational audiobook producer. With over 25 years of experience in media and communications, she has worn many hats in the industry. She is the author of the “Terri” children’s book series, which focuses on a variety of emotional and social development issues for children, ages 5 to 9. She recently received a four star review from New York critic, Alex Miller, for her autobiographical solo show, Beauty, Bollywood and Beyond. A powerful inspirational speaker and transition leader, Theresa edu-tains her audiences by touching hearts and minds in a way that is engaging, joyful and life-affirming. For more information, visit www.TheresaPuskar.com.

CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM

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LOSING TOUCH WITH OUR TRUE SPIRITUAL SELF in a High-Tech World

by Phyllis Light, Ph.D. It is the holiday season once again. It is that time when we do our best to promote joy, love for our fellow man and peace on Earth. Our intention is to connect with our Higher Self and the true spiritual principles of Love and Goodness for all. We do our best to think of others and help those in need.

It is truly a time when we can shine spiritually—as long as we are able to climb out of whatever funk, doldrums or apathy we may find ourselves in.

What could be causing this “funk, doldrums or apathy?” Is that just normal for life outside of the holiday season? Is it possible that something is going on in our world that is causing us to feel down or depressed as our norm? Yes, there is absolutely something going on that is depleting 16

| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

us spiritually and making us lose touch with our true Spiritual Self.

We have a huge problem today that most people think of as “the best thing since sliced bread,” and that is our advanced technology. From a positive perspective, the world we live in is incredible. We can get on our computers and get whatever information we need—whether it’s instructions on how to baste a turkey, or directions to the local tile shop so we can complete our bathroom remodel. Or better yet, we can do this from our smartphone anywhere we go.

No wonder people seem to want more and more…faster connectivity, more cellphone towers, more WiFi hot spots. The frequencies are

addicting. We can’t wait until the latest electronic advancement gets revealed, whether it’s an app that allows us to control our appliances remotely or the hottest new cellphone that outshines its competitors with all its amazing, innovative functions.

However, to the surprise of many, I have been “standing on the rooftops” for over 30 years now, shouting, “People, these frequencies…they’re not good for you.” But, my words have gone unnoticed by the majority of the population, which has passionately embraced all of the benefits technology—and its accompanying frequencies—continually brings.

What is the actual problem with all of these high-tech frequencies? First,

they make us feel stressed, irritable and depressed, to say nothing of challenging the health of our immune and cardiovascular systems. How can you feel positive and loving and want to proclaim “peace on Earth” if you’re suffering from stress, irritability or depression?

fragment our energy field above the spiritual, or crown chakra at the top of the head, and those fragmentations remain there, creating sabotaging behaviors in us and blocking the influx of spiritual energy throughout our chakra system on an ongoing basis.

Certainly, the more stressed and irritable you feel, the less likely you are to want to reach out and uplift others.

If your health is challenged, you are distracted and focused primarily on yourself, not on sharing peace and joy with the world. The harder your life is, and the more you suffer within, the less likely you will feel good about expressing the qualities of your Higher Spiritual Self—love, joy, peace, harmony and compassion.

There is another problem with the omnipresent electromagnetic fields and frequencies generated by all of our electric and electronic devices and overhead satellite systems. They literally disconnect us from our true Spiritual Self. The high-tech particles actually

Over time, this diminishes our intuitive abilities, reduces the amount of love we feel, and hampers our full creativity and sexual expression. In addition, it makes us lose our ability to trust life and to feel safe. Has anyone noticed that as the world becomes more and more frequency-filled with time, people are feeling less and less safe here? It is all part of this energetic challenge we face in our modern, high-tech world.

Plus, as people feel more stressed, irritable and out of control in their life due to the constant bombardment by all of these detrimental frequencies, they do crazy, harmful things—like senseless shootings, random and targeted bombings, and using their vehicles as weapons to hurt or kill pedestrians. So, as we get

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US

blocked in our own ability to feel safe, the world shows up as a place that’s “less safe to be in.” It’s a vicious cycle.

Solutions do exist, but you have to make an extra effort to pull yourself out of the “funk, doldrums or apathy” you may find yourself in to even attract something that could help you. When you lose the connection with your Spiritual Self, you can forget you’re on a spiritual path of self-discovery and become stuck—working hard just to survive. There is a Higher side to life that is calling to you, the more you reconnect with who you truly are.

Phyllis Light, Ph.D., is an author, expert in “Telepathic Healing,” pioneer in subtle energy protection, and creator of Rejuvenizers®—protective and healing devices designed to combat the ills of life in a high-tech world. She has spent over 35 years researching how to heal, repair and normalize the physical and subtle bodies, to bring greater health, well-being and spiritual awareness to all.

For more information, call 512-301-2999 or visit www.lighthealing.com.

FOR

The Conscious Community HOLIDAY PARTY IT IS TIME FOR US TO MIX AND MINGLE! WHEN

Saturday December 1, 2018 5:00 PM

WHERE

Journey to Wholeness Center 9501 S. New England Ave. Oak Lawn, IL 60453

It is a potluck-style party with great music, games, gifts and great conversation.

Please RSVP by phone: 847-966-1110 or email Info@ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com W W W. C O N S C I O U S C O M M U N I T Y M A G A Z I N E . C O M CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM

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[FROM THE HEART]

GUESS WHO’S COMING TO CHRISTMAS DINNER

by Alan Cohen

When I texted my niece Jordin, an attorney who works as a public defender, she told me she was at a softball game.

Every month, she explained, the town lawyers get together with the inmates at the local prison along with the guards, and play softball. I was jarred to hear this, as I usually think of lawyers, guards and inmates as being in adversarial positions. They are too busy fighting and being angry with each other to enjoy each other, but this is not so in Jordin’s town. For a few hours each month, all of these people rise above their social identities and come together as equals on the same playing field. What a model for how good it can get if we let it!

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| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

Jordin’s softball game reminded me of a story I heard about the French and German armies fighting each other in World War I. One Christmas both sides agreed to a cease-fire, and soldiers from both armies came into a small border town to a tavern where they ate dinner together, drank wine, sang and enjoyed each other’s company. The next day they went back to shooting each other. Yet for a moment in time, those soldiers dropped their animosity and joined together. I hold this vision dear as a teaching of what we can all do if we are willing. If we can meet each other in the heart for a day, can we not do it for two days; a week; a month; or a lifetime?

The popular and healing spiritual training A Course in Miracles began when two people who were at odds with each other chose to join together instead. Dr. Helen Schucman and Dr. William Thetford were research psychologists and professors at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons. As is often the case in academia, the two were immersed in egoistic power struggles, competition and backbiting. One day Dr. Thetford came to Dr. Schucman, and told her, “Helen, there must be a better way.” Helen agreed, which changed the entire dynamic of their relationship. Soon afterward Helen began to hear a voice that gave the world A Course in Miracles through her. Course scholars cite the moment the two agreed to work together rather than against each other, as the seminal moment that opened the door for the entire Course to come to the world. Behold the power of sincere willingness to join together.

One Mother’s Day, I saw my friend Danielle walking into a restaurant for brunch. “My husband and ex-husband are taking me out for Mother’s Day,” she told me. Odd, I thought, that these two men would join together to support their current and former partner. “We all cooperate around taking care of the kids, so we thought we would celebrate together,” she went on. What a wonderful demonstration of how we can choose to stay connected in relationships rather than use changes as an excuse to separate from each other. Even though we may choose to separate physically, we can still join together in spirit.

One of the key lessons in my Life Coach Training Program is the technique of reframing; taking a situation that seems daunting and finding another way to look at it that is empowering. One of the trainees reported a reframe she had achieved: “Last weekend my ex-husband, who now has a girlfriend, came to my house to drop off our daughter after she had spent a few days with her dad. As the girl was exiting the car, the girlfriend gave her a hug and kiss and said, ‘I love you.’ When I heard that, my heart sank. I felt like this woman was attempting to replace me as my daughter’s mother. When I thought about it more, I realized that it was a wonderful thing that my daughter had another loving parental influence, how nice that this woman chose to reach out and support my daughter. I realized that we are not in competition with each other, but we are all devoted to the welfare of my daughter. Seeing the situation that way made me feel a lot better. I now appreciate my husband’s new partner.”

Alan Cohen is the author of many popular inspirational books, including the bestselling A Course in Miracles Made Easy. For more information about his programs, books and videos, free daily inspirational quotes, online courses and his weekly radio show, visit www.alancohen.com.

an AWAKENING SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY of acceptance, safety and inclusion, offering:

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CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY

MIDWEST PULSE CALENDAR

DECEMBER 2018 Subscribe NOW

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MONDAY

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• SECOND HAND SUNDAY – Hinsdale

• HANDLING STRESS & GRIEF FOR THE HOLIDAYS – Homewood

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• GODDESS MICRO–RETREAT – Forest Park • HOWL IN HARMONY – Downers Grove

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On The Cover Happy Holidays!

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1 • “THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE” – Chicago • CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE HOLIDAY PARTY (p.17) – Oak Lawn

5 6 7 8 • HANDLING STRESS & GRIEF FOR THE HOLIDAYS – Evanston

• CHICAGO IANDS – Evanston • INVOKING THE ARCHANGELS – Chicago

12 13 14 15 STORIES – Berwyn

• ACTUAL–EYES YOUR DREAMS – Chicago

• WOMEN’S WINTER SOLSTICE CHAKRA RETREAT – West Bend, WI

• WOMEN’S WINTER SOLSTICE CHAKRA RETREAT – West Bend, WI • GET A PLAN, A MOTIVE AND A LIFE DIRECTION! – Clarendon Hills

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26 27 28 29 • NEXT STEPS TO NEWNESS – Chicago

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E V E N T S

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P A G E

Midwest Pulse Calendar Saturday, December 1 “THE SECRET TO A HAPPY LIFE” Public Talk by a Buddhist Monk. 7–8:30 pm. $18 advance/$23 door. Want to be happy? Learn the secret from international teacher Kelsang Khyenrab.

Malcolm X College. Register at: www.MeditateInChicago.org/happy

Sunday, December 2 SECOND HAND SUNDAY: 10-11:30 am at SpeakEasy, a progressive spiritual community. Come for a great conversation and then shop our highend resale market for new and gently used holiday gifts. Location: Immanuel Hall, 302 S. Grant Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521 Contact: 708-497-9644 or www.

SpeakEasySpiritualCommunity.com

Monday, December 3 HANDLING STRESS & GRIEF FOR THE HOLIDAYS. 7-9 pm. $25. Insight Awareness, 18110 Martin Ave,

Homewood, IL 60430. To register, call: 708-955-3634.

Thursday, December 6 HANDLING STRESS & GRIEF FOR THE HOLIDAYS. 6:30-8:30 pm. $25.

Heaven Meets Earth, 2746 Central St, Evanston, IL 60201. To register, call: 847-475-1500.

Saturday, December 8 CHICAGO IANDS, support/study/ resource forum for near-death, out-ofbody, & spiritual experiences, losses.

2-5 pm. Donation: $20. Guest Speaker: Barbara Bartolome, NDEr, leader of Santa Barbara (CA) IANDS. Wonderful story. Frank Auditorium in Evanston Hospital. Free covered parking. For more info: 847-251-5758 or http://www.chicagoiands.org INVOKING THE ARCHANGELS with Lisa Ahkeahbo. 10 am - 3 pm. $110. Invoke, connect, communicate,

and be guided by each archangel.

Equilibrium Energy + Education, 850 S. Wabash, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60605 Registration is required. Contact: 312786-1882 or www.equilibrium-e3.com

Sunday, December 9 GODDESS MICRO-RETREAT: 12:304:30 pm. $179. Ladies, be part of an afternoon dedicated to reconnecting with Inner Bliss! Event will be guided by energy healer Karen Marzec and will include sound healing, guided meditation, chakra balancing, tea ceremony, Bliss elixir, gifts and more.

7518 Madison Ave, Forest Park, IL 60130 Contact: 866-916-2348 or www.karenmarzec.com HOWL IN HARMONY: 7-9 pm. A Conversation on sex, shame, and speaking truth with Maureen Muldoon and Todd Fink. Location: Yoga Among Friends, 4949 Forest Ave., Downers Grove, IL 60515 Contact: www.

MaureenMuldoon.com

AT T E N T I O N A D V E R T I S E R S Did you know that the Midwest Pulse Calendar section is one of the most read parts of Conscious Community? The Midwest Pulse Calendar listings are $1.00 per word with a 30 word minimum. Copy is due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Copy submitted after the deadline is not guaranteed to be included in the next issue. Check or credit card information must accompany calendar listings.

For questions, please call: 847-966-1110 or email: Kasia@ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com.

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Monday, December 10 HANDLING STRESS & GRIEF FOR THE HOLIDAYS. 7-9 pm. $25. Insight Awareness, 18110 Martin Ave, Homewood, IL 60430. Contact Tom: 708-955-3634.

Tuesday, December 11 VOICE BOX STORIES: 8-10 pm. Enjoy a great line-up of storytellers and the music of Cathy Richardson! Location: FitzGerald’s Night Club, 6615 W Roosevelt Rd, Berwyn, IL 60402.

Contact: www.VoiceBoxStories.com

Thursday, December 13 ACTUAL-EYES YOUR DREAMS with Jane Albright. 6:15-7:45 pm. $15.

Combine strengths of the 3rd and 6th Chakras to “actual-eyes” and create what we see is possible! Location: Equilibrium Energy + Education, 850 S. Wabash, Suite 300, Chicago, IL 60605 Registration is required at: 312786-1882 or www.equilibrium-e3.com

Friday-Sunday December 14-16 WOMEN’S WINTER SOLSTICE CHAKRA RETREAT - Celebrate the holidays in a unique way with a women’s intensive holistic healing weekend. Beautiful, peaceful, relaxing setting. All services, activities, lodging, and food included!

Massage, meditation, yoga, tai chi, psychic medium, more! Mind, Soul, and Self LLC. West Bend, WI. mindsoulandself@yahoo.com; 608393-7353; https://mindsoulandself. com/womens-wellness-retreats/

Saturday, December 15 GET A PLAN, A MOTIVE AND A LIFE DIRECTION! 12-2 pm. $20. Most spiritual people have a point in their lives where they hit a crossroads and know that SOMEthing in their life has to change. But sometimes they aren’t sure what to do or how to go about it.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by an end goal of where you’d like to be, or to feel defeated before you begin, if you have no idea where you’re going. In this

session, we’re going to focus into a few areas to cut down on the scatter, fear, confusion and over-analyzing. By the end, you’ll have a plan, a motive and a direction! Location: 219 W. 55th St., Suite 105, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514 (Go through front door, turn right, down the stairs, office 105 on the left). Contact: 407-575-7547 or www.rebeccarockwood.com

Thursday, December 27 NEXT STEPS TO NEWNESS with Jane Albright. Start the new year with greater clarity! 6:15-7:45 pm. $25.

Equilibrium Energy + Education, 850 S. Wabash, Suite 300, Chicago, 60605 Registration is required at: 312-7861882 or www.equilibrium-e3.com

Friday-Sunday January 11-13, 2019 YOGA LOCK-IN AT ALLERTON MANSION: $550: Includes 2 nights’

lodging, 5 meals, and all workshops in Monticello, IL. Educational opportunity to receive yoga, meditation, reflexology, sound healing, life coaching, & energy work. Contact: 217-649-9913 or www.barefootfreedomyoga.com

Saturday, January 12 Conscious Aging Fair at the Hanover Township Senior, Saturday, January 12, 2019. 9 am-2pm.

Admission FREE. This fair is about providing aging adults in the community with practical practices and resources that can be implemented and utilized to enhance selfawareness, reduce the stresses of aging and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Location: Hanover Township Senior Center, 240 S. IL Route 59, Bartlett, IL 60103. Interested vendors contact Jamie at: jzbrzezny@hanovertownship.org or call 630-483-5673.

Richard Rudis

Expansive Extended Gong Bath Absorb this vibrational sound healing experience that frees up, boosts, and shifts your energy.

Wednesday, December 5th, 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Mel Doerr

Intuitive Receptivity Discover levels of intuitive receptivity by tuning into the resonance you experience when going into an intuitive state.

Sunday, December 9, 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM

Limited Space, Register Today: InfinityFoundation.org 847.831.8828 Free course guide with 60+ courses, events & more. CEUs availabl available.

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HOW TO CONNECT WITH YOUR HIGHER SELF

by Shakti Gawain Your spiritual source is the supply of infinite love, wisdom, and energy in the universe. For you, source may mean God, Goddess, Universal Intelligence, the Great Spirit, the Higher Power, or your true essence. However we conceptualize it, it can be found here and now within each of us, in our inner beings.

Receptive: When you quiet your personality during meditation, and come into a “being” space, you open the channel for higher wisdom and guidance to come to you through your intuitive mind.

You can ask questions and wait for answers to come to you through words, mental images, or feeling impressions.

You can think of contacting your source as connecting with your higher self, the wise being who dwells within you. Being in contact with your higher self is characterized by a deep sense of knowingness and certainty, of power, love, and wisdom. You know that you are creating your own experience of life and that you have the power to create the experiences most important and necessary for your own learning process.

Active: When you are experiencing yourself as the co-creator of your life, you make choices about what you desire to create, and channel the infinite energy, power, and wisdom of your higher self into manifesting your choices through active visualization and affirmation.

We have all had experiences of being connected with our higher selves, although we may not have conceptualized it in that way.

Feeling exceptionally high, clear, strong, “on top of the world,” or “able to move mountains,” are indications of being connected with your higher self; so is the experience of “falling in love”… when you feel wonderful about yourself and the world because your love for another human being is causing you to connect with your highest self.

When you first become consciously aware of the experience of your higher self, you will find that it seems to come and go rather sporadically. At one moment you may be feeling strong, clear, and creative, the next moment you may be thrown back into confusion and insecurity. This seems to be a natural part of the process.

Once you are aware of your higher self, you can call on it whenever you need it, and gradually you will find that it is with you more and more.

The connection between your personality and your higher self is a two-way channel, and it’s important to develop the flow in both directions.

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| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

When the channel is flowing freely in both directions, you are being guided by your higher wisdom, and based on that guidance, you are making choices and creating your world in the highest, most beautiful way.

Almost any form of meditation will eventually take you to an experience of your spiritual source, or your higher self. If you are not sure what this experience feels like, don’t worry about it. Just continue to practice your relaxation, visualization, and affirmations.

Eventually you will start experiencing certain moments during your meditations when there is a sort of “click” in your consciousness and you feel like things are really working; you may even experience a lot of energy flowing through you or a warm, radiant glow in your body. These are signs that you are beginning to channel the energy of your higher self.

Shakti Gawain (1948-2018) was a bestselling author and a pioneer in the field of personal growth and consciousness. The 40th Anniversary edition of her classic work, Creative Visualization: Use the Power of Your Imagination to Create What You Want in Your Life was recently published by New World Library. For more information about her life and work visit http://www.shaktigawain.com.

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The January issue of Conscious Community Magazine is about holistic health and wellness. If you have a product or service that improves the quality of people’s heath, and would like to share it with our community, please call 847-966-1110. Deadline for the January issue is December 10th, 2018.

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25

IT ONLY TAKES A FEW SECONDS TO BE KIND

by Joyce & Barry Vissell In 1993, Conari Press published a book called Random Acts of Kindness. This book started a movement of people looking for ways to be kind to complete strangers. It was not at all unusual to see a bumper sticker on the car in front of you that read, “Practice Random Acts of Kindness.” My favorite story from the book is a person who makes a point of paying for the person behind them whenever they cross a toll bridge.

The stranger then pulls up to the booth and is told that their fee was paid. For a while, acts like these became popular.

Somehow in all of the busyness of our world this lovely movement seems to have faded a bit.

Barry and I just returned from our three weeks of work in Norway, Italy, and Germany. The trip from where we were staying in Germany to our home in California took almost 24 hours. It was a long, rather difficult trip made easier 26

| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

by kindness. Our flight from Hamburg to Munich was delayed, and we were told that we needed to rush to make our connection to San Francisco.

Both of us have right knees that are giving us a problem, so rushing was a problem, but we did the best we could through what seemed like miles of airport terminals. We finally made it to the gate area when we discovered that we were chosen for a random search. Not random kindness, but random search. This was not your average two minute search. It took at least 10 minutes per person. They investigated everything in our carry-ons, purse, and body. Not only did we have to go through the scanner, we also had to endure a body search that was embarrassing. Then our bodies had to be tested with tape that had to go through a special scanner that took over three minutes to process.

As we waited in line, the group of us began to complain, as there was a very real possibility of missing our flight back home. The man in front of me turned to me and said, “The young people doing this search are here only because the United States government is enforcing this search. Everyone is so angry at them. Let’s practice kindness.” So the three of us were kind to the searchers, and even joked with them while they searched everything in our suitcases, and practically made us undress. As the minutes ticked by and we heard the boarding call for our flight, we continued to practice kindness. The young people (eight for each person searched) were delighted, as most everyone else was rude and unkind. As Barry and I left the search area, the young German security staff all waved to us and thanked us.

Now we had a quarter of a mile to the gate, and only 10 minutes left. We

rushed as best we could and arrived just as they announced general boarding. Over 100 people stood up and started rushing the gate.

Normally I like to get on the plane early and get settled before the crowds rush on, and I will usually stand at the gate long before the boarding is announced.

Yet here we were with the crowds pushing around us. A young man in a red shirt took notice of us, and spread his arms wide to stop the much younger passengers, and for a brief moment let us by and into the plane before most of the people. It only took him two seconds to perform this kindness towards us, and it made a lasting impression.

While putting our bags up in the storage area, we noticed a woman behind us struggling with her bag. This same man in the red shirt rushed forward and helped her. She was so grateful to him.

Truly this man had the spirit of kindness within his heart.

The flight was over 13 hours and we experienced three sunsets. One flight attendant particularly caught our eye.

He was a young German man who was perhaps in his early twenties. We learned that this was his first international flight. He was very kind to us and brought us extra water, and made sure we were comfortable. Toward the end of the flight we thanked him for his kindness, and told him he was one of the best flight attendants we’ve ever had.

His huge smile showed us those words of appreciation made his day better.

He looked at my passport and said, “You should have been called Rejoice.”

Then he gave us our passports and said, “Hope you have a good evening and enjoy your time at home.” It took him seconds to bring kindness to a situation that can be quite tense.

relationship and personal growth. They are the authors of The Shared Heart, Models of Love, Risk to Be Healed, The Heart’s Wisdom, Meant to Be, and A Mother’s Final Gift.

His kindness (and humor) made all the difference to us, and I am sure to the passengers that were lucky enough to be in his line. As we walked away, we glanced back to see a cute elderly couple approach this customs agent.

We heard him call out to the woman, “Is that man bothering you?”

Perhaps we could bring back the Random Acts of Kindness movement, and take a few seconds throughout our busy days to be kind to others. A smile, a word of appreciation, a simple act of caring and helping, can make a very big difference to others, and it is much more fun to be kind. I believe the kindness all flows back to us to bless our lives.

Joyce & Barry Vissell, a nurse/therapist and psychiatrist couple since 1964, are counselors near Santa Cruz, CA, who are widely regarded as among the world’s top experts on conscious

At five am German time the plane landed in San Francisco. The tired crowd of passengers slowly made it to the customs line only to wait for another hour.

Customs officials are an unusual lot.

It must be part of the job description to stare at each person while holding their passport, not bring even the hint of a smile to their lips, then pound the stamper and give back the passport without a word. Having gone through four other customs lines on this trip we were used to this treatment. Our customs official this time was totally different. He smiled at us right away and said, “Welcome Home!”

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THE CHANGING CYCLES OF OUR LIVES

by Carolyn M. Greenleaf As the end of each year approaches, we find ourselves reassessing our paths, and often, the totality of our lives. During this review, a natural transformation takes place; one that is both painful and beautiful. This transformation is instigated by many things—both seen and unseen. I speak of a constant cycle—an ebb and flow that is our true nature, although forgotten, will always exist.

SACRED JOURNEY In our ancient past, the cycles that directed our ancestors’ course were honored and embraced. This forgotten connection is an important element to understanding the twists and turns our lives must take. Life is and has always been a sacred journey; one with intersecting cycles that move us toward the growth and achievement we chose before we were born.

Timing is everything, as the date we are born begins our personal cycles of experience. Numbers are encoded universal energies that influence our lives in many ways. Understanding what each number symbolizes helps us know what we can expect within each stage of our nine-year cycles of growth and experience. Our personal cycles intertwine with the Universal year everyone experiences.

During the later months of each year, the focus becomes resolve, release and open. The approaching new and evolved cycle triggers the release of the old. Externally, life circumstances begin to change. Internally, we experience the release of our old cycle energy as colds, flu, aches and pains on any level of our being. The release of old energies creates openings for the new and expanded cycle that is coming into our lives. Hence, we must transform what was, so we can experience what and who we are ready to be.

SAY YES! The quickest and most rewarding way to move through these shifting energies and cycles is to honor and embrace the sacred transformation taking place. As difficult as some days may still feel, the past helped you grow and achieve the level of maturity and knowledge needed for the next cycle of your exciting journey.

As the old releases, hidden emotional traumas, erroneous thoughts and limiting beliefs that block us arise. We feel or re-experience the past because it is being drawn out of us by the improved opportunities that now approach. By releasing our resistance, we surrender to our sacred nature and allow a deep cleansing or ebb to occur, so something much better can flow into place.

You are capable of more than you can fathom, with gifts beyond your imagining. You came here to realize all of it! When you understand that each cycle is designed to move you into your greatest potential, you will know why your ancestors honored them. By embracing the natural ebbs and flows within your cycles, joy will always find you.

NEW BEGINNINGS

Carolyn M. Greenleaf is a Transformational Life Coach, Teacher, Author, and Speaker at Greenleaf Healing. Visit greenleafhealing. com for more. Carolyn is the author of Re-Entering Eden: Reclaiming our Wholeness & Divine Truth. Carolyn is also the president of All Things Wellness Events & Expo. You may reach her at carolyn@greenleafhealing.com.

If you recall, you may have felt uplifted, hopeful and excited before the upheaval of the old cycle went into full force. The energies of a New Cycle overlap the Ending Cycle for three months prior and after.

Since our upcoming New Year or Universal Year 2019 is a 3, (Add the numbers 2+0+1+9, and then reduce the solution to a single digit.

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In this case that is 1+2=3), it’s no wonder you may have felt uplifted!

The energy of 3 is very optimistic—it’s the energy of our Divine Innocence, expansion and happiness! This coincides with the planet Jupiter’s recent return to its home sweet home in Sagittarius. This matchup embodies expansion, benevolence, and a bounty of possibilities! Prior to Jupiter’s station in Sagittarius, this influential planet spent the last year in Scorpio. Scorpio represents transformation, death and rebirth, which is why we experienced so much turmoil.

The stuck energies of the past were being forced out, and it wasn’t pretty. Now, we will experience the blessings on the other side of that difficult year of transformation; we have become a new Phoenix!

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[REVIEW OF HEALING MODALITIES]

Breathing Therapy

by Dalia Beata Kasmauskaite When I had my first breathing session 14 years ago, its power and effectiveness overwhelmed me. For the first time in my life, I realized how potent the inherent energy in breathing is and the immense potential it has for human transformation.

Breathwork allows the body to enter into deep relaxation. All of the inner organs relax when they receive more oxygen, and as a result, mood improves, positive thoughts surface and inner forces build up.

Emotions and thoughts change our breathing every second. When we think different thoughts or experience different emotions, our breathing continuously changes. With these changes in breathing, our body tenses up or relaxes. If negative thoughts and emotions abound, our body becomes tight and breathing becomes compressed. If we feel happy, our breathing becomes free. A happy man breathes one way, and an unhappy man breathes a different way, as each emotion affects human breathing. All of these aspects of us— our thoughts, emotions, breathing characteristics, bodily relaxation and the supply of oxygen to our inner organs—are all directly associated with our health. According to the late Sheldon Saul Hendler, Ph.D., M.D., “Breathing is the key that unlocks the whole catalog of advanced biological function and development. Breathing is the first place, not the last, one should investigate when fatigue, disease or other evidence of disordered energy presents itself. Breathing is truly the body’s most basic communication system.”

Moreover, experiments show that after in-depth relaxation, your creative powers increase. You acquire vital forces and your talents are exposed. Breathwork could even be called the practice of changing psychological behavioral patterns. This breathing technique opens up a person very deeply. With the help of such practice, it is possible to liberate yourself from painful emotions. When someone says, “I cannot forgive myself,” or “I hate,” negative emotions begin to take over and the person becomes a captive of these emotions. Although they may say, “Release these thoughts; do

not think like that;” the person may not be able to do this because it is like there was something inside that keeps hold of it. During practice, the breathing energy penetrates very deeply and slices through the body; this triggers a release of such emotions which may be cured this way.

Often worries overshadow a person’s mind and heart. Sometimes, it is not even possible to pray or meditate in a focused way, and it seems that noone is listening or cares. This is not because God does not hear; it is more akin to the person hiding in a basement where nobody can hear them. This breathing technique opens up a person very deeply; this is the practice of changing your consciousness. In fact, if such a behavioral pattern is inherent in you, it means that you are smaller than it, your consciousness is narrower.

Then the breathing technique may help, as the energy of breathing expands the consciousness, you may start releasing different behavioral patterns that confine you.

Dalia Beata Kasmauskaite is the founder and director of the public institution, The Centre of Breathing Therapy. Dalia is a breathing therapy coach who has coordinated breathing therapy seminars in Lithuania and abroad since 2008. She is known for her special and unique ability to “read” the information and look at the deepest state of the person. Due to Dalia’s devotion, ability and desire to heal, she has earned the recognition and love of thousands of seminar participants. Breathing therapy is Dalia Beata’s absolute mission. She authored the e-book, Insights into Spiritual Breathing and Personal Experiences.

All of Dalia’s breathing workshops are widely attended. Participants are encouraged to share their opinions, experiences and discuss their results. Most often, they are pleased with the regained inner peace and self-confidence.

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BUSINESS Directory

ANGEL CARD READER RHONDA BRUNETT INTUITIVE MEDIUM - Phone Readings.

Contact: FB: Rhonda’s Tarot Readings; call 630-885-2128, www.rhondabrunett.com.

ASTROLOGY SANDY RUEVE. Astrology readings, personal & universal talismans, intention consultations, workshops, retreats. Align in harmony with the Universe. Sandy is available for astrology readings, talisman consultations, and workshops-Shop, schedule, or learn more: 847-507-3519, www.intentionbeads.com.

BODYWORK SHARON M. VOGEL, CLT, LMT, LC, BCTMB, Clinic Director of National Lymphatic Centers. With 27 years in business, I am referred to by Mayo Clinic practitioners, national surgeons, physicians and patients. The practitioners at NLC care for you with Biofeedback, Acupuncture, No-needle Acupuncture, Rife, Chiropractic, Cupping, Myofascial release, Craniofascial, Lymph Drainage, Oncology Massage, and much more. 5002 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. www.lymphatics.net, 630-241-4100.

THERAPEUTIC BODYWORK. Your pain and suffering are telling you something! Ron Shereyk offers Integral Bodywork® and instruction in Zen 30

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breathwork, TRE™ (tension/trauma releasing exercises), meditation, and other body-mind practices.708-710-6227.

creativity. Dreams are a spiritual path, customized for you. 847-440-4468, www.kerenvishny.com, Kvishny@mindbodynorth shore.com

BOOK AND METAPHYSICAL STORES

ENERGY HEALING

STYX AND STONZ, 1764 W. Algonquin Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. www.styxstonz.com 847-358-9975.

BUSINESS SERVICES LORI AIELLO, CPA. Aiello Accounting Services, Inc. provides professional and conscientious certified accounting services. Our services meet both business and personal needs.

Contact: www.aiellocpa.com or 630-329-0046.

MARMEL ACCOUNTING, LLC, accounting with heart provides QuickBooks accounting, tax research and business consulting for small businesses.100% of every invoice you pay is first loaned out on kiva.org as a microloan to people in developing countries. Location: Chicago, IL. www. marmelaccounting.com, Phone: 773-456-9729.

DREAMWORK PRACTITIONER W. KEREN VISHNY. Explore the potency of your dreams. Your dreams can help you heal and grow, strengthen your relationships and rediscover your natural

ADVANCED SPIRITUAL ENERGY HEALING - Sessions are Divinely guided for the most clarity, direction and healing. We work from your unique Divine plan to assist you on your evolutionary path. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. 20 years’ experience. I would love to help you. Call Susan for more information/appointment. 312-335-0053.

DIVINE CREATIVE SYNERGY. Diann Squires, CRMP, CRMT, CA. Reiki, Aromatherapy sessions by appointmen Free consultation before session. Check website for upcoming workshops and events! Location: Divine Creative Synergy, 707 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202, 312-3918740, www.DivineCreativeSynergy.com.

JOHREI is a preventative and complementary therapy to balance our Mind, Body, and Spirit by harnessing the Divine, Spiritual Light. Johrei sessions are a holistic means of attaining true health and spiritual growth. Visit www.johreichicago.org Chicagoland call: Joe Jarnol 773-465-9014, Tom Wenc 815-886-4337.

PEACEFUL HEALING ROOM: Ana Devi, LMT RMT. Massage, Reiki, New Paradigm MD or Angelic Healing. Locations:

Chicago, Lincoln Square Neighborhood.

Contact: www.peacefulhealingroom.com or 727-201-3536.

SHAWNA IS A CERTIFIED REIKI MASTER TEACHER & PRACTITIONER IN USUI/ TIBETAN/HOLY FIRE II by the ICRT. In-home sessions or by appointment at Salternative Spa in Geneva. Reiki promotes stress reduction, relaxation and self-healing. Always leading with love. Monthly Classes or for appointments: 847-401-1015 or www.mylifewithreiki.com.

VIRGINIA “GINGER” ADAMS. Reconnective Healing Foundational Practitioner. The Frequencies of Reconnective Healing lead us to a place where spiritual, emotional and physical healing resides. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.virginia-adams. com or call 847-445-0092.

ENERGY MEDICINE CAROL SWANSON LLC Medical Intuitive & Wellness Consultant, specializing in the release of chronic health issues. Intuitive Health Analysis and Treatment Protocol. Deep Meridian Clearing releases the energetic blockages/trauma supporting your illness. Clients worldwide. Serving Humans and their companion animals. Email: carol. swanson@att.net, 608-359-4720 or visit www.carol-swanson.com

FENG SHUI LEARN FENG SHUI at The Feng Shui School of Chicago, recognized as a Gold Level School by the International Feng Shui Guild. Certified Consultant Training Program. Contact: LauriePawli@gmail.com, 630-279-8870. www.TheFengShuiSchoolOfChicago.com

HOLISTIC HEALING BRIGITA VAICIULYTE, PT (LT), CRP - Light touch therapy for chronic back pain, headaches, joint pain, anxiety and fatigue.

The session blends Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Myofascial Release. Long lasting results in treating chronic pain. LaGrange, IL. Contact: 224-243-1513, www.healinghands.name

HOLISTIC HEALING FOR ANIMALS ANIMAL REIKI WITH AMBER SHANER - Reiki Master Teacher.

Through energetic healing, Amber helps to provide a restorative balance for your pet companion on a social, emotional, and physical level. Sessions, classes, workshops offered. All animals welcome. Location: Naperville & Chicagoland surrounding areas.

Website: www.amberreiki.com 630-835-6727.

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Testimonials

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OFFICIATE: WEDDINGS & OTHER TRANSITIONAL EVENTS Ordained non-denominational minister officiates at transitional events (weddings, baptisms, funerals, birth rites, etc.). For further information on personally-tailored, magical and intimate experiences, contact Theresa Puskar. www.theresapuskar.com, 630-272-1805.

PSYCHICS DeETTE RANAE IS A CERTIFIED PSYCHIC MEDIUM through LWISSD. Private readings, parties, and galleries. Also offering classes on psychic/ medium development and mentorships. Http:// www.deetteranaepsychicmedium.weebly.com 608-352-5944.

PSYCHIC OF CHICAGO solves all problems! 5 Generation Psychic specializes in re-uniting loved ones, Palm, Tarot, Psychic Readings Chakra and Aura Cleansing. Open Daily 8 am -11 pm. Walk-In! Free Parking. Locations: 5732 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. 773-202-7062, 7936 W Ogden Ave. Lyons, IL 60534. 708-447-3152, 6429 W Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60634. 773-664-3620.

PSYCHIC READINGS. Tarot card reader. Energy balance and cleansing. Available for parties.

I have answers regarding love, marriage, heath and business.

Location: 169 W Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440. For appointment, call 630-226-1968.

PSYCHOTHERAPY STEPHANIE MEIS, MA LCPC. A guide to help you explore and heal your inner obstacles - using energy, past life exploration, ancestral energy, music,

Your magazine is an awesome resource and so reader friendly Many blessings to you for the work you do to expand awareness of all that is beautiful, true, regenerating and hopeful.

— Carol Swanson www.carol-swanson.com

My advertising with you began last month. I wanted to let you know that I was very happy with the response I received from my listing in your Pulse Calendar for my Women’s Micro-Retreat event in December. I will definitely continue advertising with you in 2019!

Wishing you a happy and healthy holiday season.

— Karen Marzec Energy Healer/Creator of The Biofield Method

Thank you so much for running such an amazing publication!

Everybody loves Conscious Community. It is so educational and informative, and it helps many people.

— Ujjaval

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dialogue and visualization. The fun and holistic way to do psychotherapy! Contact info: 847-6090406, smeis@stephaniemeis.com.

FOR SALE SALT CAVE FOR SALE by owner. For more information call Bozena 708-269-7054.

SCHOOLS AND LEARNING CENTERS DIANA KUSHENBACH ACADEMY OF SPIRITUAL ARTS - Just expanded!! Intuitive Energy Healing, Psychic Medium, Gong/Sound Healing Meditations, Reader/Healing Fairs. Store hours: Wednesday and Friday 10 am – 4 pm; other days by appointment. Location: 6442 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532. www.dianakushenbach.com 630-269-0115.

THE SPIRITUAL LEARNING CENTER (SLC) is here to offer you the opportunity to study with like-minded people in an emotionally safe environment.

SLC strives to provide learning opportunities based on expansive concepts that challenge and amplify mainstream knowledge and experience.

We offer the chance to learn about things that you may have always been curious about but haven’t known where to go for answers. To check our classes and receive location details please email: SpiritualLearning Center@gmail. com, visit www.SpiritualLearning Center.com.

SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER CHRISTINE MOSES IS A HOLISTIC COUNSELOR AND SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER, specializing in facilitating women’s circles and retreats, as well as training other women to lead circles with her book, The Wisdom of Circles: Gathering Women for Conscious Community.

847-525-2600, www.chrisfeatherheart.com.

JASON MARAVELIAS IS A SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER, SPIRITUAL COUNSELER , REIKI HEALER AND YOGA INTRUCTOR (200TTP). Feel free to contact for any spiritual or physical well being needs. Schedule an appointment via www.journeytohealth80.com or 224-908-4199.

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SPIRITUAL COUNSELING REBECCA ROCKWOOD spiritual counseling for spiritual people!

Specializing in spiritual disconnection, lost life direction, energy overwhelm, spiritual depression, resonation changes, advanced spiritual evolution. Your future doesn’t have to be a replay of your past!219 W. 55th St., Suite 105 Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. 407-575-7547, www.rebeccarockwood.com

TAI CHI/QI GONG TAI CHI & QIGONG. Fantastic.

Easy exercises. Many health benefits. Very affordable. Seniors, special needs, non-ambulatory welcome. Please call Dr. Dave at 847-864-0526 or 773-213-9174.

TAROT-INTUITIVE COUNSELING JAN CEDERLUND, M. Msc, Ph.D. Private readings, parties and teaching. McHenry County and surrounding area. For appointments call: 815-482-2511, or email: TarotByJan@aol.com

Community Magazine or see website for advertising information. Distributed in Illinois and Wisconsin.

Communities that share together, grow together.

Together we go further than ever going alone. Please visit: www.ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com or call 847-966-1110.

HELP WANTED

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! ARE YOU A MOVER AND A SHAKER? Are you an organized self-starter? Do you have a desire to help out, but you are not sure where your skills will be best suited? The Conscious Community family is looking for assistance in the following areas: Administration, Event Scheduling, Event Sponsorship, National Calendar Coordinator, IT Expertise or Conference Coordinator. Whether you can give one hour per month or 10 hours per month, we would love to have you join our team.

Please call 847-966-1110 or email Kasia at: Kasia@ ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com

BUSINESS Directory

TRANSFORMATIONAL LIFE COACH CAROLYN M. GREENLEAF is a Transformational Life Coach, Teacher, Author & Speaker at Greenleaf Healing. Focused on reclaiming authentic self, expanding consciousness and resolving barriers toward goals. Also, Energy Healing, Readings for Self-discovery. Contact: carolyn@greenleafhealing.com or www.greenleafhealing.com or 224-241-6645.

TRANSFORMATIONAL READINGS PERSONAL READINGS THAT CLARIFY, UPLIFT AND BRING CLOSURE! CAROL SWANSON LLC Email:carol.swanson@att. net Website: http://www. carol-swanson.com, Cell: 608-359-4720.

CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY ADVERTISERS Tap into an open and aware community by advertising your message in the Conscious Community Magazine Calendar and Lightworkers Directory listings. Display ads are due by the 10th of every month. Call Conscious

The Lightworkers Classified Directory provides listings of a wide variety of practitioners, products and services available to our readers.

Lightworkers listings are $1.00 per word with a 25 word minimum. Display ads are due by the 10th of every month. Copy may be submitted by email or regular mail. Check or credit card information must accompany your insertion unless you are submitting it by email. In that case, please call with your credit card information to finalize your listing.

Please call: 847-966-1110 or send your listings to: Kasia@ ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com by the 10th of the month prior to publication.

understand that intimacy is not about sex. Of course, we know that sex may be a by-product of intimacy in certain circumstances, but it’s not intimacy in and of itself. Intimacy is about knowing yourself and being known by others for who you really are in all aspects of your life, and as such, intimacy is the primary ingredient of connection.

Intimacy is what brings forth the truth about who you are, so you can be received, while at the same time, the other person brings forth the truth of who they are and is received for that. Intimacy is a meeting at the heart center, where empathy and understanding occur. Intimacy is to see into each another so as to deeply connect with the other person, and intimacy includes seeing into, feeling into, listening into, perceiving and understanding each other. To have genuine intimacy with someone, we have to be willing to commit to becoming an expert on them.

CONNECTION OF ONENESS

by Teal Swan Connection can be thought of as perceiving a link or association between yourself and another thing. But in a state of oneness, you cannot be connected any more than you can be disconnected because you are everything else and everything else is you. In other words, in a state of oneness, there is no need for connection.

Oneness is the ultimate truth of this universe, and yet, here we are in the physical dimension living our separate physical lives. Most of us cannot perceive oneness. Some of us catch a glimpse of it only now and then. And so, connection is the closest that we come to that delicious state of ecstasy where no lack or distance or separation exists. But when it comes to making a genuine connection with someone else, that link is consciously chosen and wanted by both people who are deciding to be linked together. Our connection can exist at any level of our being. We can be mentally, emotionally, energetically or physically linked. When we disconnect, we break that link on whatever level we disconnect, if not on all levels. Genuine connection is a link to someone that is consciously chosen, not forced upon us, so we have to focus on choosing to create it as well as on keeping it. Thus this section is about creating that permanent and lasting connection.

THE PRIMARY INGREDIENT FOR CONNECTION IS INTIMACY When most people hear the word intimacy, they think of sex.

Obviously, if we think of intimacy only this way, it makes us feel threatened when we think of the notion of having intimacy with a friend, colleague, sibling or parent. But it’s important to

We cannot deny that intimacy is scary for most of us. It’s scary because in this day and age, almost no one knows how to create and maintain a healthy, loving relationship. Because of this, when we have trusted people with ourselves before in our lives, too many of us have been hurt, betrayed, rejected, punished or ignored. We learn that there is no way to have other people and to have ourselves too.

However, when we make a genuine connection, we can have autonomy and maintain a healthy sense of self at the same time that we depend on someone and let ourselves really coalesce with another person’s heart, mind and body. In genuine connection, we don’t lose ourselves when we connect with someone and we can connect deeply enough that our sense of isolation is gone. If we suffer from feeling like we will lose ourselves by being connected to people, we will constantly push them away when we feel closeness. If we worry that we will be abandoned when we are connected to people, we will constantly cling to them and test the strength of the connection. As a result, our relationships become painful and we never have a healthy sense of connection.

When we enter into a relationship of any kind, we do so with all our own pain. We enter into relationships with other people who also experienced pain in their past relationships and thus bring that pain into this one as well. We both do what we learned to do, which is to protect our inner worlds and keep them hidden to avoid further damage. This might seem on the outside to be all well and good except for one thing: this leaves the majority of us unseen, unfelt, unheard, misunderstood and miserably lonely.

This is an excerpt the from book, The Anatomy of Loneliness

by Teal Swan.

Teal Swan was born in Santa Fe, New Mexico with a range of extrasensory abilities, including clairvoyance, clairsentience and clairaudience. Her worldwide success as a modern spiritual leader has earned her the nickname “The Spiritual Catalyst.” She is the bestselling author of five books, including The Sculptor in the Sky, Shadows Before Dawn and The Completion Process.

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COSMIC DAILY WEATHER December 2018

by Bernadette Evans

Overview

December is a month of celebration for some and introspection for others. We get to enjoy the holidays with the people we love while remembering our loved ones who are no longer with us.

Projects that have been on the back burner are slow to get rolling, as Mercury is still Retrograde for a few days in December and takes a few weeks before gathering up enough steam to move forward.

Continue with your preparations by writing down all the ideas that come to you and be patient, everything will happen in due time. In the meantime, enjoy all the rewards, the bounty that you do have right now and treasure these moments with your loved ones.

On Dec. 21, we celebrate the Winter Solstice; the day with the shortest amount of light and the longest amount of darkness in the Northern Hemisphere. The darkness gives us the opportunity to look within and discover new meanings, so that we will be renewed and refreshed when the Summer Solstice arrives.

When the New Moon is in Sagittarius, it asks us what we believe in, where do we put our faith? It speaks honestly and bluntly, sometimes getting itself into trouble. Traveling or going on an adventure in the spur of the moment is a possibility with the Sagittarius New Moon; as is going back to school to pursue a higher education.

Our Full Moon is in Cancer this month and asks us what we want to release. Cancer can be sensitive, intuitive, emotional and nurturing. What emotions do you need to release that may be keeping you stuck? Are there family matters that need releasing and healing? When we release these stuck emotions, we make room in our body/mind for new experiences. Healing can help you move forward in a more balanced and healthier mindset.

Saturday, December 1 When the Moon is in Libra, we’re looking for harmony, beauty and balance when connecting with others. Remember to balance the needs of others with your needs. Mercury Retrogrades back into Scorpio at 5:12 a.m.; conversations may run deep. Moon is VoC 8:34 a.m. for a few minutes until it enters the sign of Libra at 8:49 a.m.

Sunday, December 2 Venus enters Scorpio at 11:02 a.m. and is there for approximately five weeks.

Venus in Scorpio may be passionate, intense, jealous and possessive; she can also be fiercely loyal and laser focused. You can use that passion and focus when building your relationships, it may facilitate something quite deep.

Monday, December 3 The Moon-Venus conjunction asks you to pay attention to what you love to do.

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Whatever it is, do it with enthusiasm and passion and bask in the sheer bliss of doing what you love. Moon VoC at 12:16 p.m. until 1:55 p.m. when it enters Scorpio.

Tuesday, December 4 You may be feeling emotional with the Moon in Scorpio trining Mars and Neptune. It takes courage to acknowledge buried feelings. Find the time to gain perspective and clarity when it comes to understanding your feelings.

Wednesday, December 5 You may want to immerse yourself in something artistic. The Sun-Neptune square can be a mash-up of desire and imagination that creates something magical. If the arts aren’t your thing, what other areas of your life could you enhance with a little imaginative juice?

Moon VoC 3:53 p.m. until 8:49 p.m. when it enters the sign of Sagittarius.

Thursday, December 6 The atmosphere is friendly, sociable, and generous when Jupiter cozies up to the Moon. Pay attention that you don’t overdo it and burn yourselves out, by running from one social engagement to another.

Mercury Stations Direct at 3:22 pm.

Friday, December 7 The Sagittarius New Moon speaks to us about knowledge. Whether we are pursuing a new subject that we’ve always been fascinated by or sharing our wisdom with others, there is joy to be found in both! New Moon at 1:20 a.m.

Saturday, December 8 The Moon in Capricorn can bring a slower, more grounded energy to the day. It can be good to plant our feet on the ground and be practical to finish our tasks. Who said being practical and resourceful isn’t sexy? Moon is VoC at 4:00 a.m. and enters Capricorn at 6:01 a.m.

Sunday, December 9 We can’t always find a solution when

we are pushing against the problem.

Take a breath, quiet your mind and go inward for the inspiration to solve the dilemma. You may suddenly see things from a different perspective with the Moon-Neptune sextile.

Monday, December 10 The Moon-Mercury sextile gives us an opportunity to put our ideas to practical use, they could yield some wonderful rewards. Moon VoC at 3:27 p.m. until it enters Aquarius at 5:39 p.m.

Tuesday, December 11 The Moon in Aquarius acknowledges its uniqueness, its desire for liberation and independence. You may feel your ideas are far too wild; too far out there for the general public with the Mercury-Uranus quincunx. Something is not quite clicking, you can taste it. It’s that close, but the idea is just out of reach. You keep making adjustment after adjustment.

Saturday, December 15 The moon is void for most of the day in Pisces. You may be feeling some tension with the Moon-Sun square and have very little patience. Try to relax as everything will soon fall into place.

Moon VoC at 5:49 a.m. until 6:44 p.m. when it enters Aries.

Sunday, December 16 Whether you’re teaming up with someone to work on a project or tapping into your own inspiration to create your own masterpiece when Venus sextiles Saturn, you have the opportunity to get results when you put in the time and work.

Monday, December 17 With the Moon-Pluto square, acting on a hunch or letting go of an old belief could be just what you need to bring about some change that could transform your life.

Wednesday, December 12

Tuesday, December 18

Mercury enters the sign of Sagittarius at 5:43 p.m. When Mercury is in Sagittarius, we can explore new philosophies and ideologies. It’s a time of being direct and truthful. Some people may not appreciate the way you cut to the quick, you don’t suffer fools and say so.

We may want to spoil ourselves by buying a beautiful pair of shoes or indulge in a decadent dessert when the Moon’s in Taurus. Everything slows down a little today and we get to enjoy the finer things in life. Moon VoC at 1:21 a.m. until 3:37 a.m. when it enters Taurus.

Thursday, December 13

Wednesday, December 19

There may be disagreements today with the Moon-Mercury square. You may feel your voice is not being heard over the din of everyone else’s opinion. Retreat for a time and listen to your heart. Moon goes VoC at 4:20 a.m. until 6:40 a.m. when it enters Pisces.

Your strength, passion and intensity may shine through for everyone to see with the Moon-Pluto trine. You’re sensitive to the emotional currents of the day and can be very persuasive when you want to. Moon VoC at 6:42 p.m. and is void for the rest of the evening.

Friday, December 14

Thursday, December 20

Heightened sensitivities abound when the Moon conjuncts Neptune. Enjoy the day with friends, go dancing, play a game, get together for a paint night or see a movie. The shadow side is the potential of losing yourself in drugs or alcohol. You get to decide how to use the energy.

The Sun trines Uranus today which may be the reason we’re feeling inspired, energetic and enthusiastic. It feels as if the energies of the day have sped up and we have goals we still want to manifest. The Gemini Moon may mean we have many irons in the fire, just try not to be scattered. Moon enters Gemini at 8:34 a.m.

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Friday, December 21

Sunday, December 23

Friday, December 28

There are a lot of different energies floating around the Universe today, but first, let me say Happy Birthday, Capricorn! When Mercury conjuncts Jupiter, the ideas and conversations are flowing, so much so, you might not be able to turn off the faucet! Then add in the Venus-Neptune trine and it just makes for a fun night out with friends.

Happy Winter Solstice, everyone! The Sun enters Capricorn at 4:23 p.m.

Are dreams of sugar cookies and other confections floating through your head?

Why not use your creativity to make yummy cookies or do some beautiful gift wrapping for your loved ones?

Enjoy the homey atmosphere, just remember to stay grounded and to have good boundaries. All the watery energy means we could be picking up other people’s feelings.

We have a push/pull with wanting to have a deep connection with another person, and the Venus-Pluto sextile may just give us that opportunity. Let go of control, open up your heart, and you never know who will show up. Moon VoC at 10:27 a.m. until it enters the Libra at 2:23 p.m.

Saturday, December 22 Moon VoC at 8:21 a.m. until 10:28 a.m. when the Moon enters Cancer followed by our Full Moon at 11:49 a.m. You could be feeling extra sensitive, so a word of caution, try not to take offense to what others say, as well as take care you don’t hurt others when speaking.

There’s a need to nurture ourselves today. We may be feeling nostalgic about family traditions and crave the comforts that only our family and home can provide.

Advertiser’s Index BUSINESS DIRECTORY................................30 CCM ADVERTISE WITH US.......................7, 39 CCM HOLIDAY PARTY..............................7, 17 CCM SALES PEOPLE WANTED.......................7 CCM SOCIAL MEDIA....................................19 CCM SUBSCRIBE NOW................................39 CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY PODCASTS............2 CRYSTAL EARTH ROCK SHOP........................2 DR. C. SCOT GILES......................................27 EARTHSONG...............................................11 FLOWERING HEART CENTER.......................19 FOUNDATION FOR SHAMANIC STUDIES.......39 HEALING HANDS.........................................11 HOLISTIC HEALTH SPIRITUAL EXPO...............3 INFINITY FOUNDATION................................23 JESUS THE ULTIMATE SUPER HERO............11 LARRABEE HERBS.......................................11 LIGHT UNLTD/THE REJUVENIZER.................40 PERENNIAL MUSIC & ARTS..........................11 REBECCA ROCKWOOD................................11 TWIN FLAMES MERGE.................................19 UNIVERSAL AWARENESS FELLOWSHIP........27

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Monday, December 24 There may be moments of confusion or miscommunications when Mercury squares Neptune; maybe we’re not seeing something clearly. Don’t jump to any conclusions, ask for clarity on the situation or wait for the fog to lift. Moon VoC at 8:50 a.m. until 10:59 a.m. when it enters Leo.

Tuesday, December 25 Merry Christmas! The Moon is in generous and playful Leo all day. It’s wonderful spending time with family and friends, enjoying each other’s company and good food. Everyone is exuberant and bubbly and sometimes some of our relatives enjoy the limelight more than others. Be magnanimous and let them have their “15 minutes” if it keeps the peace.

Wednesday, December 26 Time to assemble toys, figure out how the new devices work and generally get organized, after all the festivities. What a great use of that Virgo Moon energy!

You might want to plan an outing with friends or family; just don’t criticize other people’s ideas if someone else is the event planner for the day. Moon VoC at 9:37 a.m. until 11:50 a.m. when the Moon enters the sign of Virgo.

Thursday, December 27 With the Moon-Neptune opposition, we can be idealistic and possibly selfsacrificing. Tap into this fluid energy and you could emerge with some magnificent ideas that you could use in the real world for everyone’s benefit.

Saturday, December 29 When Mars conjuncts Chiron, old wounds that you may not even be conscious of (or that you have been pushing down and ignoring) could create some internal pressure and you react explosively. Instead, look into the shadows of your soul, face your fears and allow the healing to take place. Pay attention to what you’re feeling, where it is in your body and what elicited the response in the first place and choose a healthy way to express it. Remember, there’s a light at the end of the tunnel.

Sunday, December 30 Today calls for diplomacy, along with reasoning and logic in our relationships with the Moon in Libra. Communicate your ideas, your wisdom and be sure to let your colleagues share their knowledge as well. Cooperation and compromise can go a long way in maintaining good partnerships. Moon VoC at 4:53 p.m. until 7:23 p.m. when it enters Scorpio.

Monday, December 31 Celebrating and counting our blessings at the year’s end is a common tradition and it feels fitting to have the Sun-Moon sextile to do so. It’s also the perfect time to look back at all you accomplished this year; as well as thinking about what you want to create in the new year. Happy New Year’s Eve everyone! Mars enters Aries tonight at 8:20 p.m.

Bernadette Evans is a practicing astrologer, hypnotherapist, Registered Professional Counsellor and writer. She has studied with many great teachers, including Steven Forrest. She can be contacted at 780-289-7398 or Bbevans001@gmail.com.

[HEARTh & HOME]

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Cranberries and Pears Two Ways

by Janae Jean Pears and cranberries are both popular ingredients on holiday tables. According to the traditional song The Twelve Days of Christmas, the Christmas season begins with the gift of “a partridge in a pear tree.” Cranberries, historically known as “craneberries,” were served at the first Thanksgiving dinner.

This month, we have two recipes that feature both of these fruits but in very different ways. The first, Cranberry and Pear Bake, is a sweet dish that can either be served as a side dish or as a dessert.

The second, Cranberry and Pear Salsa, can be served as an appetizer with toasted French bread or tortilla chips or as a dressing for a savory entrée.

Pears contain a number of vitamins and minerals. They boast a significant amount of dietary fiber—about 22 percent of the daily recommended value.

The hydroxycinnamic and hydroxybenzoic acid in pears is associated with preventing stomach and lung cancers.

Pears also contain boron which helps prevent osteoporosis by giving the calcium in our bodies a boost. Additional health benefits from pears include lowered risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Our other featured ingredient this month, the cranberry, is second only to the blueberry in antioxidant capacity per cup. They are also high in vitamins C and E and fiber and very low in sugar with only 46 calories per cup. Fresh cranberries can be stored in refrigeration in tightly sealed plastic bags for up to two months. Cranberries may be eaten cooked or raw.

GLUTEN-FREE CRANBERRY AND PEAR BAKE FILLING 3 medium pears, peeled and sliced 2 medium apples, peeled and sliced 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry Juice of 3 limes Zest of 1 lime 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup white cane sugar 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cardamom 1/8 teaspoon allspice ¼ teaspoon salt Crumble ½ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour blend ½ cup packed brown sugar 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter or butter substitute, cold and cubed 1 ½ cups old-fashioned oats Preheat oven to 375˚F. Grease a 9X13 inch baking pan. In a small bowl, mix together the spices, salt and sugar. In a large bowl, stir together the fruit, lime juice, vanilla, zest and dry ingredients.

In another bowl, use a pastry blender to combine gluten-free flour blend, cold butter, sugar and oats. Pour the fruit filling into the prepared pan. Spread the crumble mixture on top. Bake for about 35 to 40 minutes, until the fruit is tender and the topping looks golden. Serve warm as a side or as a dessert with vanilla ice cream.

CRANBERRY AND PEAR SALSA 12 ounces fresh cranberries, rinsed and patted dry ½ cup white cane sugar

3 pears, peeled and chopped 2 apples, peeled and chopped Juice of 1 lime 1 cup water 4 shishito peppers, chopped ¼ cup green bell pepper, chopped ¼ cup (about two) green onions, chopped ½ small white onion, chopped ½ teaspoon chipotle powder Freshly ground salt and black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional) Mix fresh cranberries and chopped pears and apples. Stir in sugar and lime juice. Set aside. Bring water to a boil and add fruit blend. Simmer for five minutes. Pour into blender and blend into a sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the chopped peppers, onions and cilantro (if using.) Add salt and black pepper to taste. Stir together fruit sauce and vegetables in a large bowl, cover and refrigerate for about an hour before serving to allow the flavors to integrate. Serve chilled.

Food Facts: https://foodfacts.mercola.com/pears.html https://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/features/ cranberries-year-round-superfood http://www.whfoods.com/

Janae Jean serves as editor, social media manager and podcast co-host for Conscious Community Magazine. She enjoys improvising in the kitchen and creating recipes with her loved ones and is very grateful for their suggestions, feedback and assistance.Visit www.perennialmusicandarts.com and www.janaejean. com for updates, articles and more.

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[BOOK REVIEWS]

In Print Reviews by Kayla Hancock

Resilience:

Powerful Practices for Bouncing Back from Disappointment, Difficulty, and Even Disaster

Pleiadian-Earth Energy Astrology: Charting the Spirals of

by Linda Graham (New World Library, $17.95, Paperback)

Cullen Baird Smith (Bear & Company, $20.00, Paperback)

Life is constantly throwing curveballs our way and threatening our equilibrium. Linda Graham teaches readers how to deal with challenges more confidently so that they can more effectively handle life’s inevitable tragedies. She explains the science of resilience and its effects on the brain, dividing the foundations of resilience into 5 categories: somatic, emotional, relational with others, relational within ourselves, and reflective. Graham also provides exercises throughout the book to improve these skills and increase one’s flexibility to stress.

The Anatomy of Loneliness: How to Find Your Way Back to Connection, by Teal Swan (Watkins Publishing, $17.95, Paperback) Experiencing loneliness is not exactly the same thing as actually being alone. Teal Swan explains how a state of loneliness usually develops over a period of time due to negative behavior patterns and feelings of separation, fear and shame. She shares her groundbreaking technique with readers, called The Connection Process, to help more people conquer their fears concerning genuine connection with another and to help bring more unconditional love into the world.

Dreams That Can Save Your Life: Early Warning Signs of Cancer

and Other Diseases, by Larry Burk, M.D., C.E.H.P. and Kathleen O’Keefe-Kanavos (Findhorn Press, $17.99, Paperback) Dreams have been used since ancient times to find the answers to some of life’s burning questions. Larry Burk and Kathleen O’KeefeKanavos share the ways in which the art of dreaming is currently being reanalyzed and studied in the medical field. They mention instances in which intense healings and specific diagnoses have occurred because of one’s dreams. They also highlight the power of precognitive dreams and explore Dr. Burk’s own research further. Additionally, Burk and O’Keefe-Kanavos introduce how to keep a dream journal and analyze one’s dreams.

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| CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2018

Consciousness, by Pia Orleane Ph.D. and

Time, growth, the universe—all of these concepts are not only deeply connected, but they are also non-linear. Pia Orleane and Cullen Baird Smith help readers to understand the cosmic teachings they received from a Pleiadian group known as Laarkmaa, claiming that this new PleiadianEarth energy wisdom can support human evolution. Orleane and Smith detail the main spiral patterns influencing us and provide ways in which individuals can use energies prevalent on specific days to optimize their spiritual well-being and growth.

Buddha’s Bodyguard:

How to Protect Your Inner V.I.P, by Jeff Eisenberg (Findhorn Press, $14.99, Paperback)

One’s energy is very sacred, which is why it is important to make sure we routinely clear our own energy fields and center ourselves. Former private protection agent, Jeff Eisenberg, shares with readers a blueprint for creating one’s own personal “security plan” to protect their own energy and to secure their well-being. Providing a more Western take on Buddhism, Eisenberg applies specific strategies he once used as a bodyguard to help readers to ultimately keep their inner Buddhas safe from harm.

Q2: A Healthy Recipe for a Balanced

Life, by Donna Fatigato (Scriptor Publishing Group, 24.95, Paperback) This self-help book is made to propel individuals who truly want to change into action so they can reach their goals and improve their overall quality of life. Donna Fatigato emphasizes key elements of creating change in one’s life, like preparation and proper nutrition. She also provides countless health and wellness tips throughout, covering topics such as mindfulness, positive body image, food prep, exercise and self-love.

Kayla Hancock is grateful to be a part of this community. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner and certified Deeksha giver who enjoys working alongside her angels and spirit guides to bring more love, joy and compassion into the world.

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