Use the New Moon Cycle to Set Intentions to Create The Life You Want

On March 19 Dianna Graves will facilitate a simple walking ceremony for ten women 40+ on the Kinsol Trestle trail.

The purpose is to intentionally focus on creating more of what you want in life while connecting with your body in nature to bring clarity, inspiration, and direction.

The walk is from 1 to 3 pm (rain or shine) beginning in the parking lot then proceeding on the trail, down to the river, and return. The participants will learn an easy yet powerful intention setting process to focus, be present, listen to intuition, and create meaningful actions for daily practice.

The New Moon is the first phase of the lunar cycle and usually appears mid-month. It is known for new beginnings and is a natural time to set an intention and create change. Often during this time people find they are craving something ‘new’, yet don’t know why.

For women, the monthly moon cycle historically symbolizes receptive femininity. It mirrors the life-death-rebirth cycle as we go through ages and stages. The New Moon is a natural time for like-hearted women to gather in community and nourish our feminine spirit – to pause, gain clarity on what no longer serves us, and focus on what does. For women over 40 who are experiencing major life transitions, the support of other women is nourishing and helps with healing.

Setting intentions is a helpful strategy when feeling stuck and unsure of the future. Consider it like setting a GPS point that connects to the larger roadmap of your life. Every journey is much easier and enjoyable when you know the route.

If intention setting is new for you, start by reflecting on what you want to be different. Then intend for a 20 minute daily mindful action to begin the desired change. For instance, “I will practice a new positive mindset by writing a list of 10 things that I am grateful for, and why.”

Register at www.eventbrite. ca and find more info at diannaleegraves.ca

Discover the Tropical Superfood Collection from Eminence

Paradise found in this facial with antioxidant-rich botanicals and gentle exfoliation leaving the skin visibly smooth, renewed, bright and includes a complimentary 30 minute back massage. $105 (Regular $167)

Monday-Friday 9-5pm Saturday, Sunday and Holidays – Closed 109-2673 Beverly St., Duncan (Thrifty’s Plaza) 250 748-2056 I www.soulescape.ca

SOUTHEASTERN TURKEY: RICH IN HISTORY AND CULTURE, NOW DEMOLISHED BY THE EARTHQUAKE

As a Turkish-Canadian, I was born and raised in Turkey and have regularly visited my mother and father, sister and friends, over the last twenty years. With my husband, I was privileged to travel to the home of my ancestors and grandmother in the Southeastern city of Diyarbakir. A key figure in my life growing up; my grandmother always offered us her warm sense of humour, a vast tenderness and love, and an expansive spiritual depth, impacting my life greatly.

While travelling in this region, we were welcomed with such kindness and warm generosity. As a photographer, I was able to capture parts of this area, including the Syrian neighbourhoods of Hatay. We feel eternally grateful to the selfless families who hosted us, welcomed us in their homes and shared coffee and meals.

Located in the south east of Turkey, this Anatolia region is known for its rich cultural heritage, blending ethnic and religious communities living in harmony. Hatay is a turkish city famous for its historical significance as one of the birthplaces of Christianity, the birth place of Saint Peter, and home to the cave where the apostle is believed to have lived. This region is home to many heritage sites, such as Gobekli Tepe, a 12,000-yearold temple complex, with the world’s oldest known megaliths. Tourism has easily thrived in this region, offering guests traditional dishes, such as tasty kebabs and kunefe pastry.

However, last month two earthquakes of magnitudes 7.8 and 7.5 hit this region of Turkey and Northern Syria where 13 million people live in over 10 cities. The result is that most of the city has been destroyed, leaving little trace of its past glory. Most of the museums and UNESCO heritage sites are damaged or destroyed, including one of the first mosques in Anatolia from the 14th century.

Sadly death tolls from the earthquake have increased to 46,000 as of print date, and the numbers keep rising. As in any disaster, there are stories of miracle proportion and tales of great heroism that emerge amongst such trauma. Rescuers pulling still alive infants and children from the rubble over a week later.

The survivors of Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria are now faced with rebuilding their homes and cities from scratch. This loss is one the entire international community must come to grips with, as this place represents a unique representation of cultural coexistence. This region and these incredible people need support to rebuild homes, rehabilitation centres, daycares, schools and longterm aid infrastructure for healthcare professionals.

For this reason, I have felt called to create a fundraising campaign to support the earthquake survivors. The funds from this campaign will be directly sent to https:// ahbap.org/, an active and respected non-governmental organization on the ground. Ahbab is founded by a humanist musician, and the organization is a collaborative movement, with a value system based on solidarity, sharing, caring and belonging, while unifying the cultural treasures of Anatolia.

It is my hope that you too may be called to stand in solidarity with the people of this region and Northern Syria. We can send a message of support through these funds, and ensure families who have lost everything, know that they are not alone as they rebuild and heal.

Fundraising Campaign Link: https:// gofund.me/ ae60a2e4

Photographs from Southeastern Turkey, 2019: www.flickr.com/photos/ momentaryglimpses/

9 years consecutive years

Traditional Chinese Exercise for Health

All Classes in the Cowichan Valley *unless stated

Wild Goose Qigong (Chi Gong)

Gentle movement • Calms your mind • Heals internal organs •

Develops flexibility

Mondays 9 -10 am

Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm

(combined Qigong and Chun Yuen)

Wednesdays 10-11:15 am

Fridays 10-11:15 am (Victoria)*

Northern Shaolin

Chun Yuen Quan

Dynamic movement • Improves posture • Increases energy •

Strengthens bones

Tuesdays 6 pm - 7 pm

(combined Qigong and Chun Yuen)*

Wednesdays 9 am - 10 am

250 748 4060 rivendellrhythm@shaw.ca www.WildGooseQigongCentre.com