T h e
EDEN MAGAZINE
March 2013 Volume 3 Issue 3
spreading compassion to all sentient beings and Living in healing and peaceful world Editor
Maryam Morrison
Front Cover “Willie & Heather Eden Magazine is an independent monthly online magazine. Our aim is to create a better environment where we live among other living being in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work match our criteria. If you would like to submit your artwork, article or/and your Photography For our future issues please contact Maryam Morrison at; edenmagazine@hotmail.com or www.theedenmagazine.com 2 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
Willie
4 Nowrouz
8 Ashqaqandha
By Dr. John Ann
10 The Divine Nature of your Chakra
By Peace Mother Geeta Sacred Song
12 I Am the light of the World By John Cogan Ph.D
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C O N T E N T S
The Sublime law of Forever By Elliott Eli Jackson
22 Allowing Money By Ellen Heller
26 The Inner Landscape By Marilyn Schwader
32 Moheb Yonas Sallam
34 My Gratitude Journal
By Debra J. White
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Willie
my Companion my friend
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The first time I saw his face was when I least expected it. I was in an obedience training session In Savannah, GA with my dog Daisy and my friend, Maryam in her backyard. It was a last ditch effort to see if we could help Daisy, a sweet but high energy and destructive black lab and basset hound mix, behave so we could continue to keep her. I looked up and saw this handsome, but thin, brown-faced dog with his two front paws draped over Maryam’s fence. He was dancing crazily , as if he was being moved by someone else. And, he was-Maryam’s husband, Matthew popped up over the fence a second later--and we all laughed. Willie and Matthew came into the yard and I was struck by how thin and sick he looked. I learned that he just gotten back from a heart worm treatment at the Army veterinary hospital. No wonder he looked so sick---heart worm treatment is no joke, very toxic and can make the patient extremely ill. I gave Willie a few pets as I listened to Matthew briefly describe his story about rescuing Willie from the Bahamas and I thought, what an interesting dog. I didn’t realize at the time that I had just met my dog soul mate and how important he would be to me in the coming years. A few weeks passed and my husband, Ted and I realized that as sweet as our new dog Daisy was, she wasn’t a good match for us. At the time, we were both away from home a lot and only had a small apartment with no yard and she needed constant attention and exercise.
It was with a sad heart that we arranged to give her back to her foster Mom, Terri ( on a happy note, Terri found the perfect family for Daisy--we visited Daisy several months later in her new home and she had a rambunctious bulldog as her constant companion and best friend and looked well loved) Maryam began mentioning to me the possibility of adopting Willie. I was surprised, as I had assumed that Matthew and Maryam would adopt him, as they obviously loved him so much---and Willie was VERY attached to Matthew. But, they had about 23 cats at the time, and just couldn’t take on a dog.I was reluctant, because I didn’t want the heartbreak of adopting another dog only to find out it wasn’t a good match. Our wonderful dog, Keiko had passed away suddenly about 6 months before and we were still grieving for her, as well. I wondered if I could truly open my heart to another animal. Willie finished his heart worm treatment and was declared healthy. Finally, Ted and I set up a time with Maryam and Matthew to meet with Willie to see if there was a connection. I really wasn’t sure about him--Even though he was very handsome and was an unusual color and had a great story, I had it in my mind that I wanted a female dog. Willie also didn’t really seem to be very interested in me. I did like the fact that he was mellow and rarely barked-- he couldn’t have been more different from Daisy. I remember Matthew describing him as a cat in a dog’s body. And, he was right. 5 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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At the time, Willie was living with a friend of theirs, but he wasn’t happy. He was kept in the garage a lot and as an unneutered male who loved adventure, that didn’t sit well with Willie. The pressure was on to find him a home. One day he somehow escaped the friends garage and found his way to Matt and Maryam’s backyard! After a lot of discussion, Ted and I decided to give Willie a try. In April 2002, Willie came to live with us. Matthew happily dropped him off with some food, a leash and collar and a red fuzzy plaid blanket. Willie was not so happy, however. He was so obviously connected to Matthew and not thrilled to be dropped off in a new home. I will admit we had a rocky start. We noticed immediately that something might be wrong with Willie--he had blood dripping from his penis. We weren’t sure if this was related to his heart worm or treatment or if there was something else serious going on. Matt and Maryam didn’t know either-- Matthew promised us he would take Willie to the vet the next day to see what was wrong. In the mean time, we tried everything from draping a towel around him like a diaper to wrapping him with bandages to keep him from dripping blood on the carpet in our apartment. Nothing worked and we basically spent the night following him around with carpet cleaner!
was going to be okay. We finally got a diagnosis--testicular cancer! The way the vet explained it to us was that it was very common in male dogs who had not been neutered and may have been sexually promiscuous... Wow, I remember my jaw dropping. Who knows what could have happened in the Bahamas! The vet said that it was a mild cancer and could be treated easily with a fairly mild chemotherapy. But, first and foremost--we needed to have him neutered immediately. Luckily that stopped the bleeding, which we were all thankful for. During the time before we had him neutered, he was also very mischievous-he hated the long blinds that hung over our bedroom window that faced outside After several vet visits and rounds of and destroyed quite a few sets of them antibiotics, the bleeding was no better. before we realized he just wanted to be It was a frustrating time and I held my able to see out. heart away from Willie, until I knew he 6 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
There was also another time when it was a warm day and I had the windows open a bit. I went to work and came home to find the screen busted out and Willie missing! I searched everywhere in our apartment complex and was worried sick--a few hours later a very nice woman rang my doorbell and asked if I knew this big brown dog. Of course I did! I was very relieved--and Willie looked quite pleased with himself. Yes, it was most definitely time to have him neutered. After a few months of chemotherapy treatment. Willie was doing really well. He had calmed down and had no health problems. I finally felt I could reach my heart out to him-- we slowly connected and I was beginning to really love him. He loved to snuggle and spoon and it was so nice to have him close to me. I was walking him around the apartment complex one afternoon and Willie decided he wanted to explore a different area. We were walking near some buildings we had never been to before when a young military man dressed in street clothes was leaving his apartment and walking towards us. As soon as Willie saw him, he surged forward on his leash-- i thought for a moment he was going to attempt to attack this man and was quite confused because Willie was anything but aggressive. The man bent down to pet him and looked at Willie curiously. He asked me if we had adopted him from the shelter and I explained that he had come from the Bahamas. At that moment a huge smile of disbelief came over his face and he said---- “Oh my God, it’s Willie! “
Willie was jumping and licking his face joyously. He explained that Willie had slept on his couch many times while he was stationed in the Bahamas and he had actually been one of the pilots who flew him to Savannah. None of us could believe it-- what were the odds that we would run into this man? It was a great experience and Willie seemed thrilled to have seen his friend again. Unfortunately, just a few shorts months later in April 2003, this man---who was Erik A. Halvorsen, was killed In Iraq when his Black Hawk helicopter was shot down. I remember being so grateful that Willie had a chance to see his friend one more time. I also know in my heart that Erik was there meet Willie when he crossed over--and that gives me immense comfort.
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Nowruz Persian New Year Artwork by Maryam Morrison
In harmony with rebirth of nature, the Persian New Year Celebration, or Nowruz, always begins on the first day of spring, March 20th of each year. Nowruz ceremonies are symbolic representations of two ancient concepts - the End and Rebirth. About 3000 years ago Persian’s major religion was Zoroastrianism, named in honor of its founder Zoroaster, and arguably the world’s first monotheistic religion. Zoroastrians had a festival called “Farvardgan” which lasted ten days, and took place at the end of the solar year. It appears that this was a festival of sorrow and mourning , signifying the end of life while the festival of Nowruz, at the beginning of spring signified rebirth, and was a time of great joy and celebration. Nowruz was officially acknowledged and named “Nowruz” by mythical Persian emperor, Shah Jamshid, from Achaemenid Dynasty (500 BC).
Ashaemenied created the first major empire in the region and built Persepolis complex (Takhte Jamshid) in the city of Shiraz. Nowruz in Persian means “New Day” and brings hope, peace and prosperity to the world and has been celebrated among people regardless of ethnic background, political views or religion in many countries around the globe such as Iran, Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Georgia, Iraq, Tajikistan, Syria ,Armenia and India. Some of the activities during Nowruz are Spring cleaning, buying new cloths, painting eggs, family reunion, giving presents, visiting neighbors and friends and celebrating by having a picnic on the 13th day of Spring. Happy NowRuz! http://www.rozanehmagazine.com/MarchApril06/anowruzhistory.html
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Ashwagandha Uses and Benefits By Dr John Anne http://www.morphemeremedies.com
Ashwagandha or Indian winter cherry is considered one of the most important herbs in ayurvedic system of medicines. As because of its vast area of application, ayurvedic physicians have used it extensively in curing people from their ailments. Due to its properties it has gained lots of respect in the eyes of herbal healers. Ashwagandha is biologically known as Withania somnifera. It is a shrub, normally found everywhere in India especially in northwestern part of the sub continent, but is now a days cultivated in fields because of its great commercial demand. Plant size varies from 1-5 ft. Plant part used is root. It derives its named “ashwagandha” because of two reasons. First reason is that its root smells like horse and the other reason is that it vitalizes body to provide 10 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
strength just like a horse possess. Ashwagandha is ushan virya in potency, has laghu (light) and tickt (penetrating) properties. Contains tickt, katu and madhur rasa. Due these combinations of superior properties, ashwagandha acts in numerous diseases with great results. As it is ushan virya in potency, it acts as vata suppressant. There fore relieves from all the illness caused by vata dominance. Also because of its hot potency, it opposes the rise of kapha therefore it also acts in suppressing increased and unbalanced kapha dosha. Root is found to contain biochemical like cuseohygrine, anahygrine, tropine, and anaferine etc. it also contains glycosides, withenolide with starches and amino acid. Ashwagandha is an herb with many uses.
Following are its indications:
· Increases muscular endurance and helps in building up of stamina.
· It is considered as most important adap- · Revitalizes body and decreases untimetogens in ayurvedic system of medicine. · It works in suppressing pains of any sort. It possess this property due to its ushan virya potency, which helps in eradicating vata that is the reason of initiation of pain in body. · Good results have been seen in diseases like Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), sandhi gata vata (Osteoarthritis), vatarakt (gout), gridhasi (sciatica) and other vata dominant diseases. · Works as anti-inflammatory substance therefore helps in reducing swellings and restoring blood supply. · Its local application also has tremendous results in lymphadenopathy, goiter and on any body part which is supposed to have inflammation and pain. Possess great healing properties therefore has great effects in healing wounds and injuries · It relieves stress due to presence of vata suppressant properties which helps in nurturing nervous system · Helps in promoting calmness and mental satisfaction in mind due to its good penetrating powers, which helps to counter negative adaptogens. · It helps in relieving from the feel of numbness and burning sensation in extremities. · Helps in providing nourishment to the brain for its better function and greater ability to work. · It is often given in a person who regularly suffers from vertigo, uncautiousness, and depression as it helps in curbing mental and physical weakness. · Improves mental ability, helps in gaining retaining power and improves mental concentration
ly fatigue caused due weak body strength accumulation of negative energies in the body. · Works as a rasayan i.e. a substance that helps in preventing early aging and rejuvenates whole body to provide youth. · It works as powerful immune booster that helps in fighting any foreign invasion in the body. · Its antioxidant properties helps in avoiding symptoms of early aging · A powerful aphrodisiac thereby helps in enhancing the sexual powers and long lasting endurance · It also helps in increasing sperm count and also the quality of sperms. · It gives good results in leucorrhoea, as it possesses the properties that suppress kapha. · It is considered as one of the most commonly used herb in relieving hypertension with excellent results. · It has also been found excellent supplement that helps in proving strength to heart muscles and keeps heart working normal · It also possess the properties which helps it to behave as an diuretic therefore is very helpful in treating urinary tract infections (UTI) · Wonderful remedy in increasing physical endurance is used extensively in physically weak people or people who are recovering from long illness as in case tuberculosis or surgeries. · Good results have also been seen in upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) and in asthmatic condition with wonderful results
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“THE DIVINE NATURE OF YOUR CHAKRAS” By Peace Mother Geeta Sacred Song
Art work by Maryam Morrison 12 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
CHAKRAS OF THE UNIVERSE, PART 1
“With each Lifetime We advance in Self Realization… Even if at times It appears we only gathered a speck of self-knowledge We are still moving forward…” Chakras are energy centers that receive and transmit Life Force…
They turn brown, gray or even black…
In the same way, your chakras absorb your stress and with the constant absorption, They are hubs of the Universal Energy can become damaged or unbalanced. That sustains and regulates our When this happens you experience blockbody and spirit… ages in your body, mind or spirit and feel symptoms of being stuck. To visualize your chakras, first imagine the finest, thinnest thread…running from It is easy to know when we are the bottom of the spine, to the top of your stagnating…. head. In India’s yoga tradition, this is Whenever you feel stressed or known as the Sushumna canal. Strung on depressed this supremely fine luminous thread are your chakras are also suffering… brilliantly colored lotus-like flowers. Chakras are vortexes of power that reThe Divine nature of your chakras ceive, utilize and then transmit Shakti Is to be brilliant and resplendent… (Life Force) to all parts of our physical and energetic bodies. In India’s sacred lanHowever, when they are inactive guage of Sanskrit, chakra means “wheel” They hang down like a wilted or “disc” and words cannot describe the blossom… chakras’ amazing whirling force and the concentration of energy they hold! When they are depleted, instead of being vibrant Whether we call the Universal Life They are lackluster… Force Prana, Ki or Chi… This Universal Energy In severe cases of weakness, is what keeps us alive and stagnation or illness functioning… 13 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
Our chakras are a major part of God’s to travel the Heroic Path of Unlimited perfectly created system that draws in Knowledge and Wisdom. Divine Life Force and then distributes it to all levels of our being. Chakras are not of physical matter… They cannot be seen with the The Chakras’ role is to connect us dense eye… to EVERYTHING… They are only perceivable through intuitive vision… They are our psychic sensing instruments Some people describe chakras as which allow us to sense vibrations Energy vortexes around us… Others call them Energy centers…. Every part of your body corresponds to one of the chakras. Each chakra feeds energy into its assigned organ and every function of your physical and energetic body is connected to one chakra or many. Therefore, the well being of our chakras is essential for maintaining optimum radiance in our physical and spiritual bodies.
Some Teachings focus on the chakras’ relationship to the physical body, while others highlight the link to our emotional-mental state… or focus entirely on the chakras’ influence upon the spiritual path…
If we contemplate the chakras and how Chakras are hubs of pure they work to benefit our Higher Destiny, consciousness… we realize attuning to the chakras will Whirling centers of pure power… speed up the development of our intuitive vision. Yet, most people do not dediIn the Sushumna is stored every bit of cate sufficient attention to their amazing the past that relates to us…all the karmic energy centers. tapes. All our feelings, impressions, preferences, fears, aversions, strengths and When you work consciously weaknesses are riding around with us, with your chakras stored in the subtle spinal column. Within they will bloom Beauty-fully… that channel lie all our thoughts, states, emotions and reactions. As they open, so will your psychic abilities.... The lower chakras contain the base emotions and attitudes that keep us feeling Creativity and spiritual Knowledge small, whereas the upper levels of our blossom… Sushumna contain the chakras that resonate with the higher qualities needed 14 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
At this time on Planet Earth, the most globally known yogic system refers to seven main chakras, each of which governs specific aspects of your well being. The descriptions I am providing for you here are extremely basic, since I feel many other authors have already provided abundant material on the intricate descriptions of each chakra and the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual functions it governs. Keep in mind that there are many areas of crossover and that all the chakras are inter-related as to how they advance you towards SelfRespect and Balance. To begin healing a chakra, visualize bathing it in the color associated with it. 1 Muladhara—Root Chakra: Located at the end of the spine, it processes issues related to grounding, survival, determination, sexuality, general will power, the will to live, physical vitality, domination, your relation to Mother Earth, bladder, adrenals and prostate. Primary color: red. 2 Swadhishthana—Sacral/Spleen Chakra: Located below the navel, processes issues related to your sexuality, creative/spiritual energy, “gut level” intuition, intimacy, control, manifestation, attraction-repulsion, attachment/detachment, emotions, morality, trust and reproductive organs. Colors: deep orange/dark blue.
termination, desires, will power, spiritual protection and adrenals. Colors: yellow/ orange. 4 Anahata--Heart Chakra: Located in the center of the chest/Thymus area, processes issues related to Self Love, Universal Love for others, Forgiveness, Compassion, Joy, Balance, Courage, your Noble self, artistic abilities and your physical heart condition. Colors: pink, green, red. 5 Vishuddha--Throat Chakra: Located in the lower neck/throat area, processes issues relating to communication, confidence, Clarity, the thyroid/throat/mouth and Unity with the healing sounds of the Universe. Color: light blue. 6 Ajna--Third Eye Chakra: Located between the eyebrows, relates to issues dealing with intuition, psychic abilities, the pituitary gland and Higher Guidance. Color: indigo/ purple. 7 Sahasrar--Crown Chakra: Located at the top of the head according to some systems and above the top of the head by others. It houses the thousand-petal Lotus of Light, which unfolds at the time of Liberation, granting Cosmic Consciousness. Prior to this experience it supports our “mental” faculties of intellect, Clarity, organization and concentration. Colors: white, gold/Violet.
3 Manipura--Solar Plexus Chakra: Lo- cated at the navel area, processes issues related to physical digestion and how you digest your Life experiences. Also creativity, healing powers, anger, ego, de15 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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Apart from the main 7 chakras described in many yoga systems, I feel the other chakras that are high priority, are found in the palms of our hands and the soles of the feet. For a healer it is vital to be aware of, and connect with, the hand and feet chakras…for these are vortexes that house and emit tremendous spiritual force/Shakti/energy. This is why healers’ hands become hot when doing healing work and why devotees long to touch the feet of the Saints. In many depictions of Saints, Gods and Goddesses...The Holy Beings holds their hands in a sacred gesture, with the palm facing us. Through the palms of Their hands, They are showering humanity with Grace. Rays of healing, activating, purifying Light energy flows, bestowing boons and protection upon those They direct it towards. Energy is flowing from all beings, however, keep in mind that it can be positive or negative…depending on the purity of the person. As a wise being, we are constantly aware of the vibration emanating from those around us. For this reason, it is supremely important you be selective about who you allow to touch you and especially, your chakra points. Remember, these are your sensing stations…through these centers you are receiving, as well as emitting vibrations. When it comes to any sensitive area of your body or your auric chakras... If you sense that someone should not 16 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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be touching you or directing energy into any area of your being You have Divine authority To set clear and firm boundaries… If your intuition is warning you of danger take wise action and protect your energy! Do not let all this knowledge overwhelm you. You do not have to memorize any of it. Everything you pay even a small amount of attention to…is a seed planted within you that will one day flower. So just know your inner computer is taking it all in, even if it does not seem like it.
Excerpts from “SHAMAN’S ART JOURNAL... SELF HEALING AND ENLIGHTENMENT, PART 1”
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I AM the Ligh
From time to time it pays to step back and try to get the panoptical v fraught with turmoil as they are now. Indeed, there are troubling cond than others. Such times provide ample rea in the world; or, as it is usu 18 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
ht of the World
By John Cogan Ph.D Artwork by Maryam Morrison
view of things; and this is especially true when the times we live in are ditions nearly everywhere on the globe, some seemingly more troubling ason to raise the question of God’s Presence ually put, the problem of evil. 19 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
Let me begin by “laying all my cards on the table” and saying that my fundamental belief about the world is that it is One; that is to say, there is a level of consciousness at which each individuation of God is aware of being One with the Whole of God, and that includes what we refer to as the material world. It follows from this starting point that there is no “problem of evil” in the world; there is only a “problem of evil” in me. This may seem like a difference that makes no difference but we are accustomed to perceiving “evil” as “outside” of us; separate from us; or belonging to other persons, places, conditions or things. When we do that, we are dividing the One Presence and assigning to the various “parts” the qualities of either “good” or “evil.” Already I imagine hearing the contentious voices bickering over whether “evil” “exists” or not; and the supposed “righteous indignation” arising on the grounds that someone would have the audacity to claim that such and such a reprehensible action was not evil (Hitler springs to mind here as well as some incidents of recent note). I do not want to pursue this question by trying to answer these objections as stated because they are objections that arise from the assumption of the very premises that are in question, thus, are instances of fallacious reasoning. What I want to do is begin with what we know to be true and proceed from there.
Intelligence and Presence acting in my world, therefore, the “I AM” is the foundation of all creation and activity in my world. Although this sounds strikingly similar to the position that the philosopher, Rene Descartes took up, it differs from his position in the respect that Descartes treated the “I” as a “third person” type of “I” and he spoke about it. However, what I want to get across to you is the necessity for you to experience the “I” in the first person and feel and know the Truth of that experience. This is rigorous interrogation of the self; you must push it all the way back upon itself and make it feel the unity of itself with itself by seeking the firsthand experience of the answer to the question “who is the ‘I’?” It is this experience that distinguishes what I AM saying from the idealism of what Descartes proposed.
A careful inspection of what you have in your immediate experience will reveal that you are what you have; and that you have it because you claimed it thusly, i.e. you can only truly have what you are, therefore, to truly have something in your experience, you must, at some point, have thought and felt it as part of your being by claiming it as “I AM [whatever].” Make no mistake, we are the creators of our experience and world and no one else is responsible! Each of us is One with the world of our creation and everything is present or absent in that world at our behest, whether “knowingly” or “unknowingly.” We maI begin with the indisputable fact that I ture in consciousness by consciously cannot escape myself and the focus creating our world according to the deof myself is the “I AM”; I AM the only sires we have; if constructive desires, 20 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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then we have a harmonious and peace- meaning and rhetorical force from actual ful world; if destructive desires, then we experience and the actual experience have…well…the world we have right now. of light and darkness demonstrates that light dominates completely and darkness Too little attention has been paid to the is entirely powerless. Using the metaphor power of our attention in creating what of the very ones who hold that there is appears in our world. That to which we a “battle” between good and evil shows give our attention, we give our Life; this that they have misunderstood the point is the principle behind positive thinking of the metaphor; it is not to show that and also why we continue to create dis- we must struggle against the darkness, harmony and “evil.” The “evil” distracts but that we must ignore the darkness and our attention and we are drawn to the focus entirely upon the light because the drama of it; this, in turn, simply creates Light is All-Powerful. The extent to which more of it. We can create a veritable we pay attention to that which we do not Eden in our experience by determinedly want is just the extent to which evil is focusing our thoughts and picturing what present in our experience. And since paradise we wish to experience and “evil” can be so easily vanquished, it has then continuously feeling it as already no lasting character; it is, quite assuraccomplished. This may seem like psy- edly, illusory. Arise, take your scepter of chological madness, but you cannot point Power, your Mighty “I AM,” and vanquish to anything in your experience that did forever the darkness in your world; make not first begin as a thought; nor can you your world a veritable Eden and claim point to anything in your world that is not your dominion forever. already in your consciousness. You cannot create in the world of another; you can only agree with another in what you want to create and then share that world with the other. All “evil” you do to another is “evil” done to you because you carry it in your consciousness. When you pay attention to evil, you compel it into your world. Fill your “I AM” with Light and you will compel darkness out of your experience. When you turn on the light in a completely darkened room, the darkness puts up no resistance; the light vanquishes the darkness utterly. The orthodox metaphor of understanding “good” and “evil” on the model of light and darkness seems to overlook the fact that metaphors get their 21 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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The Sublime L
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Law of Forever
By Elliott Eli Jackson
Artwork By Maryam Morrison
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This online magazine is one of the tools used by the universal Source/God to uplift the human spirit and assist you in understanding your place in the world, and your unbreakable connection to mother/father Earth and all of its aspects. The information given is for the benefit of all. Your, home, your planet, your earth is changing, each and everyday, each and every moment. The mass consciousness is moving towards, respect and understanding of light and love, and you are a part of it. The following is in portion excerpts, from the bestselling book, The Sapiential Discourses Universal Wisdom by Elliott Eli Jackson.
Now we express to you that in reality you have seen US; you see US all of the time, everywhere that you look. If you carefully observe the world around you, looking at it as it really is, you will see US. You will see US in the birds and in the snow. Your spirit already understands this fully and has accepted it. It is the mental portion of your wonderful being that has the difficulty. WE, your soul, are working on this right now, at this very moment at this very time, and it is in most cases unseen to you. It is a wordless process, spiritual and intuitive in nature. This process goes on within your being every second of every day, as you understand those terms. Every cell that regenerates understands that it is doing so out of the universal Sublime Law of Forever: All is forever, and thus the universe, which includes you, makes every attempt to remain current in some form or another to work toward reunification with the Oneness, or US.
if they are destroyed by fire. This is the reason that babies are born and will continue to be born. This is the reason that the fountain of youth is sought, and will always be sought, by men and women. This is the reason that you, all of you, seek, if only in your minds, a way to remain young and vibrant. You do this through coloring your hair, injecting Botox, alleviating varicose veins, and getting liposuction and other medical procedures. This law of forever is the reason that women are using new antiaging cosmetics for wrinkles. Further, this is why people are lessening their tobacco intake and thus clearing out their lungs, and it’s why weight training is coming to the forefront with its importance. It is the reason why more of you are eating larger quantities of vegetables and looking into beta-carotene.
It is why many of you are becoming more aware of fatty acids and the interest in omega has taken hold within your society. It’s why more folks are doing puzzles and This is, further, the reason that flowers math problems to stimulate their brains. It and the grass continue to grow, even is the reason that your television shows 24 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
such as Dancing with the Stars and The Biggest Loser are so popular; people are beginning to better understand that obtaining a healthy weight for their body frame can increase their life span, as you understand the term. You Have a Stronger Focus on Health
All of this that WE speak of above is a part of the natural universal movement that is subtle in nature. This great movement is also massive. It is quiet, yet it is loud. It is covert, yet overt at the same time. It is life; it is the flow of all things. It is everything and everyone. It is surging; it is affecting all of you. Don’t you feel it?
The use of sunscreen has increased. It is the sublime law of forever! More and more people are pouring into REMEMBER! gyms and doing cardiovascular exercises, and many are cleansing their digestive systems. Plus, more people are attending comedy shows – which, by the way, point to an inner understanding of the need for more laughter. Elliott Eli Jackson is an inspirational Yes, indeed, people are more concerned speaker, Reiki about dental health, and more under- Master, and stand the need to moisturize the skin on a author of The regular basis. A vast number of men and Sapiential women are using products to manage, Discourses ease, and – hopefully – erase the circles which is to be under their eyes to look younger. Con- released this tact lenses and laser surgery are being Year. looked into more. These are all attempts, subconsciously, to remain young and, He has also authored the best-selling further unbeknown to most of you, fulfill nonfiction book From God to You: the inner quest to remain as close to US Absolute Truth, and Cacophony, (eternal) as humanly possible. a collection of poetry about life, This, also, is the reason that many more understand the deep connection to animals that man has and is undeniable. This is the reason that more people are not taking the abuse of them lightly any longer. Many are speaking out and stepping up to ensure better treatment of your co-habitants on Earth. And this is as it should be, WE wish to add.
love, and spirit. Elliott channels All there is, was, and ever shall be. Elliott and his wife Diane tour America presenting workshops in which Source speaks through Elliott to the audience, answering questions as well as giving spiritual guidance. “The Sapiential Discourses Universal Wisdom is available now, wherever books are sold.”
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2013
Realization #110
Allowing Money By Ellen Heller
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Money issues; money problems...how many say, “I have enough?” Just the connotation of saying such a thing oftentimes causes fear, as once one states that, they usually think, “Oh no...now someone is going to ask me to SHARE! And...I have enough for me, but not everyone else...” That thought alone; that FEELING of “I don’t have enough..” starts that experience coming right to you!
The answer is to perceive money a different way. Let’s start with this question: Why do we wish to have a lot of money? If you answer, as most will, to buy things, to have things, to help someone else have things and/or buy things... to feel secure, then that is the reason money is not always there. To clarify this statement, the term, ‘to want,’ implies a statement of lack, for ‘wanting’ is to lack something, such as ‘wanting in manners...’ The purest reason we should really wish to have money is to show gratitude for what we have received; in other words, to exchange money for a service. Yes, I know you may wish to give to others, just because you wish them to be happy, or to take care of them, etc., but the real reason money was first even ‘created’ in our society was to pay for a service.
“Allowing Money” means to basically ‘let it happen.’ Its already there. Now for some that is a very hard concept to understand. The reason is that we don’t ‘see it,’ AND that usually means in our own bank account. Yes, we may see it in other peoples’ lives, and usually feel envious or at the least, we start asking ourselves, “WHY not me?” “Where’s MINE?” How many of us receive a bill and am THANKFUL for it? Bills come and the Everything vibrates at a certain frequen- usual response is, “Oh no...another cy, ALWAYS, in ALL WAYS; we too are bill!” Some even HATE bills! Yes, that is included. because we are not being grateful for what we have received to have the bill Vibrating at a frequency of ‘where is sent to us. (And, this even holds true it?’ implies we do not yet have it, and for people who have more than enough we then live that experience of ‘not money to pay the bill!) 99% of bills are having.’ Allowing Money is all about sent AFTER we receive the service, FEELING. Yes, that is what it is; even product, etc. Whether someone comes before a thought! Feeling leads to expe- in to clean our home, repair our car, prorience! vide water and other utilities...why even eating food in a restaurant, (at least a So now you may ask, “HOW DO I sit down restaurant), many never stop to CHANGE HOW I FEEL?” How I FEEL, think that that person/company deserves is how I feel and that’s it!” to be given to, in return for what we have received. 27 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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GRATITUDE...it is the KEY to RECEIVING. As Rhonda Bryne mentioned, in her latest book, The Magic,” the physicist Issac Newton stated, ‘for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction...’ Therefore, one must GIVE THANKS, to RECEIVE more. And to FEEL grateful for that service, allows more money to pay that bill. Stating “thank you,’ for the money; even writing ‘thank you,’ on a bill, is a wonderful way to ALLOW MONEY. (another idea from that same book, ‘The Magic,’ by Rhonda Bryne!) The moment one is truly grateful for the services provided, the more money we will ALLOW. That is a Universal Law. Once again, all abundance is basically a thankfulness and that statement of gratitude, replays in our life, once again, as Abundance, MONEY, or whatever else you feel abundance is; there are many forms of abundance: Good health, Good Friends, Good Food, and of course.... ….MONEY! All GOOD; ALL GOD! Blessings!
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Ellen Heller received a B.A. in Education in 1978; four major fields of study: English, Art, Social Studies, and Psychology. Received her M.S. in Clinical Psychology in 1997. Has treated patients in a locked psych ward, held a two office private practice, and currently is starting a private practice in Arizona. Taught Psychology classes at a University in the Chicago area, and has just completed a children’s book. She is currently writing another book for young adults and the general public. Her company was honored in Entrepreneur Magazine, March, 2003, for her business, Mother Earth Coffee Company, Inc., for cause related Marketing. 10% net profit was pledged to a different charity each month to give back to our community/Planet. She currently resides in Arizona, and is in the process of placing Mother Earth Coffee Company locations in the state of Arizona. She presently writes a successful blog called “Spirit-Minded; from the Inside---Out.” You can find her blog website located at: www.spirit-minded.com You can also contact her through her email: spiritmindedblog@gmail.com
Ask Ellen Heller
Q&A
Spirit-Minded (Advice Column)
Kind Guidance for Creating and Accepting Spiritual Health “All questions can be sent to:
spiritmindedblog@gmail.com Question: Dear Spirit-Minded: I have an ill spouse and feel like running away. This person has been very deceiving and basically although I truly feel Love and intense caring, the past behavior towards me causes me to feel that I am torn between wishing to help or caring for myself by leaving. I feel that I am being used and that if my spouse was well, I would again be mistreated. Spiritually I feel we are completing some mission, or am I just being ‘co-dependent,’ as some counselors insist? Signed: Feeling Guilty
in relation to the illness, your spouse, and seemingly forced servitude?
In your greatest and grandest version and vision of yourself, what do you see yourself BEING? If you left, would you feel good? It all comes down to loving yourself, and if this is a very hard decision for you to make for yourself, try deciding for someone you love, such as your child, parent, or other loved one. What would you tell them if they were in your situation? For in the highest state of Being Love, it is always about loving Self, This must never be Answer: Dear Feeling Guilty: confused with being self-centered, Guilt is a wasted emotion. Both par- but rather, loving yourself AS you love ties get nothing from feeling that way. others. The answer then comes Dwelling on the past only produces instantly. more feelings of anger, remorse, and hatred. Rather, why not dwell not on Blessings! your spouse, but on what you wish to be 29 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2013
IN MEMORY OF
Francis Michael Leo Frank Leo was a man that understood the animal kingdom; it was more than physical; it was a Spiritual Calling. From the time of his childhood, his ‘Heaven’ was to walk in the fields, searching for any life form he could find. Many boys experience this in their youth, but Frank kept this fascination within him his entire life. He studied Herpetology and although had not yet obtained his degree, his love of reptiles, especially the respect he had for Monitor Lizards and Komono Dragons, led to his writing for this magazine for the pure joy of it, and to inform others; such was his care, concern and respect for animals. His intention was always to inform as many as possible of the habits and nature of animals. He felt this information was the only way to secure that animals would be treated with humane respect, kindness, and care. He had participated in bringing his own collection of Monitor Lizards to schools, to educate the young, with the intention of cultivating respect, future care, and support for the reptilian community. We in Eden Magazine had a privelige to share his article with our viewer It is with honor, integrity and a touch of sadness that we honor this man today, for as of January 23, 2013, Mr. Leo has passed on. His writings will be missed; his past writing for our magazine has instilled feelings of gratitude for the brief time we enjoyed his knowledge through his literary efforts. The Eden Magazine
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The Inner Landscape: The Energy of Beliefs, Thoughts, and Feelings By Marilyn Schwader
Everything in our existence vibrates with energy. All of this energy contains information, if we know how to recognize what it’s conveying. While science and the laws of the universe have done well to explain the external sources and uses of energy, the internal landscape is still a largely unexplored territory. One reason why so many people have lost touch with this powerful source of information and strength is that the way it works inside of us is still one of the great mysteries of life. To begin to unravel that mystery, let’s start with how energy exists in our universe. The world around us is made up of things that we experience through the five senses: touch, smell, taste, sight, and hearing. These objects are all made of atoms, the essential building blocks of all the matter in the universe. But what are atoms made of? When you get to that level of observation, you’ll see that atoms are made up of energy ‘ pure energy. One unit of that energy is called a quantum, and Quantum Physics is the study of how that force works to create our reality. You cannot see, sense, or hear quantum energy. In fact, at that level, there is nothing physical for you to 32 THEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March 2013
experience at all. Yet, everything you see in your world is made up of these invisible vibrations of energy existing in empty space. The quantum field of energy within you is invisible, even as it drives your very existence. Understanding this concept is the start of a whole new level of understanding of how you create your reality through your energetic vibration ‘ your inner landscape of beliefs, thoughts, and feelings. Although science is just now revealing the principles that govern your inner energy, humans have been aware of its presence and power for millennia. All spiritual traditions acknowledge and work with this inner spiritual energy, with many names used to describe it in the human body: Chakras are energy centers; Chi is the flow of energy through meridians of the body; Kundalini refers to the energy that builds at the base of the spine and rises up in spiritual awakening; Samskara refers to the energy held in the heart; and Spirit is often used to describe this inner energy. Our thoughts, emotions, and actions control the frequency of the vibration of our energy. How is this so?
Everything you think, feel, and do requires energy. Have you ever been thinking about a list of things you need to do and suddenly your thoughts wander and you realize you can’t remember what you had previously intended to do? To return your attention to the former thought takes energy. If you pay attention, you can feel the effort it takes to expend that energy.
whenever you want. It never ages, never dies, never needs any nourishment from external sources. It is always with you. If you don’t feel this energy within you, it’s because you have somehow blocked it. Without realizing it, you’ve closed your energy centers, restricting what you allow yourself to feel, shutting off the flow of light to your inner energy. That is why you don’t have vitality when you are sad or depressed. The channels are closed and you will feel either an overwhelming tiredness or a huge disruption in your life ‘ or both. As a result, your inner energy becomes dormant, awaiting your permission to emerge again.
Remember a time when you felt jealous? Envious? Angry? Those feelings all take a significant amount of energy. Even pushing them away takes energy. Feelings and the resulting energy you are expending can also change in the moment. Think back to when you were a child and your parents asked you to do a chore you didn’t want to do. You might have been What you need to restore the channels sullen or moping, disappointed that you and start the flow again is very simple: couldn’t go and play with your friends. openness and accessibility Remember, too, when you were finally finished and you could do what you had planned. In a matter of seconds, you had more energy than you knew what to do with. You have an incredible amount of energy within you. When it is available, you can take on anything and everything. It’s palpable. You can actually feel it coursing through your body, like a swirl. If you focus on it and follow the flow, with practice, you can actually trace it to different centers of your physical being. This beautiful, loving energy that fills you from the depths of your being is yours from your birth to the present. There is no limit to it. It can never be diminished. No matter your age, you can call upon it
Marilyn Schwader uses a unique blend of technology, e-commerce, communication, and spirituality to help her writing coaching clients create and market their work. To find more of her tips, resources, and a schedule of her webinars, teleclasses, and retreats, visit http://www.clarityofvision.com
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Moheb Yonas Sallam
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Moheb Yonas SALLAM is an International Egyptian Modern Master Artist, he was born in Shanshoor - Menofia - Egypt, his talent in Art & Designs has appeared very early before he went to the School, but he became very skilful after he graduated from faculty of The Applied Arts (Helwan University) in Gizah - Egypt. His Art is very Unique and Stupendous. On 2012 he Innovated and Created with The International Miami Modern Master Artist L. DARVAS (U.S.A). The New Art School “COMBIENISM Art” which is equal to (The Fine Applied Arts), and which it’s Published in The (U.S.A) in International Contemporary ARTISTS. 35 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • March
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My gratitude journal By Debra J. White
image by deviantart.com
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Laughter group leader Linda suggests we keep a gratitude journal. I never did before but now is a good time to start. Since 2010, I’ve attended a monthly laughter group. In addition to laughing for no reason, Linda reminds us of the principles of good hearted living. Gratitude is one such principle. I’m grateful that Maryam asked me to submit articles to Eden Magazine. Writing is such a competitive field that most editors reject my submissions without even reading them. Thanks Maryam for your confidence in me. Living in the US as opposed to countries ruled by oppressive regimes is a whole lot to appreciate. I enjoy freedoms others cannot begin to imagine. The morality police don’t hassle me for wearing shorts and a T-shirt. My world is full of life unlike the crushing hardships I hear around the world. If money permits, I can eat at a popular restaurant, visit a museum, sip coffee at a sidewalk café, or watch a dance company perform. Tyrannical regimes deprive citizens of basic human rights. Ordinary people miss out on opportunities I take for granted such as reading a book at Starbucks or swimming at a community pool. I often complain about our government and probably will until I die but I doubt I’d live anywhere else.
to saving unwanted dogs, cats, horses, rabbits, guinea pigs and yes even rats. I am privileged and honored to be part of this wonderful community. Where would I be without my friends? I appreciate all my friends, past and current. Some like Rosemary, Guy and Mickey passed away. Without a close family my friends are very important to me. Although I moved away from New York City in 1989, I remain with friends with men and women I met years ago. We may not see each other as often as I’d like but we trade e-mails and phone calls regularly. Since 1989 I lived in a few different places and nurtured friendships in Colorado, Massachusetts and upstate New York. I am blessed with good friends in Phoenix. Nothing can replace the love and companionship of friends. I love my sense of humor. I laugh at myself all the time. And I love to laugh with strangers and friends at the monthly laughter group. Laughter really is fabulous, free medicine.
Although a pedestrian car accident in 1994 left me 100% disabled with brain trauma and spinal injuries, I am lucky to be active and alive. If I had died that evening, there are so many opportunities I’d have missed. I cannot begin to name them all. Thank you Linda for sugI love animals and am fortunate to live in gesting we keep a gratitude journal. It’s Phoenix where the animal rescue com- one heck of an idea. I am truly blessed. munity is vibrant. I volunteer with several rescue groups and know a lot of good decent people who dedicate their lives 37 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM • February 2013
Vafa Shelter
Needs your help, many beautiful animals waiting for a loving home.
For adoption please contact: http://www.cal.ir/ ~ http://cal.ir/main/fa/contact ~ http://cal.ir/main/en/contact