THE WELLNESS MERCANTILE A
GUIDE
T O
CONSCIOUSÂ LIVING
SPR ING
2018
TIME FOR
REBIRTH WRITTEN BY WINTER CLARK The Spring speaks to our soul of all things waiting in the darkness, simmering with anticipation at bursting through the soil of possibility, into the light of the physical realm. This time of year is ripe with the energy of the divine feminine, who anxiously awaits our dreams and wishes to be intended, so that she can support us in our process of becoming. To harness this moment of potency, I humbly present the energy of the goddess Isis for this time of rebirthing and revealing our sacred feminine power. Isis is the most widely recognized and celebrated goddess from Egypt, a mystical place in its own right. As the divine mother of Egypt she rules over motherhood, magic and fertility. This gives us an opportunity to use her influence in ways that can help us create the life of our dreams, birth new ideas and projects, while bringing in prosperity with our natural gifts. She loves nature, protects mother and child and in doing so her energy embodies the concept of rebirth, transformation and magical possibilities of the divine feminine. I’ve been working with the energy of Isis for the past two years now; she first made herself known to me during a summer solstice full moon circle that I was facilitating. I was channeling energy for a group healing and when it was finished, all the women shared their vision of the same image; seeing a very tall woman wearing long robes and crowned with a large round, horned headdress. During the meditation, I had been reciting the goddess chant my mother had taught me when I was young and so it was that Isis paid us a visit that evening! Her energy is strong and loving; supporting our efforts to remember our power and embrace our sacred feminine essence through our connection to Source energy. There are many ways to call her energy into our life! If you like to work with oils, some scents related to her are rose and frankincense. Anointing your throat and heart chakra areas with rose oil helps with heart opening and speaking your truth from that place. Frankincense rubbed onto the third eye (just above and between the eyebrows) helps with intuitive clarity and trusting psychic flashes. Using essential oils in a diffuser is a beautiful way to have her scent around your space. She also loves fresh flowers as this is heart-opening and a way to bring nature into the home. Place a little honey in a small dish nearby to bring in the sweetness of love and sprinkle some dried rose petals on top! Isis is also considered to be a patron of nature and is connected with the earth. If you prefer to use crystals, some gems that are associated with her are lapis lazuli and bloodstone. You can wear these to align yourself vibrationally with her energy. Lapis lazuli opens our third eye chakra, allowing greater connection with the higher self to allow insights to come through. Bloodstone is wonderful for opening doors and breaking through mental or spiritual barriers. I like to refer to her as “Mama Isis.” When I bring her energy in, I feel a strong motherly presence around me; usually standing behind me or towards my right side. She’s helped me develop my intuition, strengthen the connection to my higher self and has most definitely guided my way in using Divine energy for healing work. I like to meditate with her while sipping on tea made with rose petals, lavender and hawthorne berries to open my heart, crown and root chakras. You can set intentions with her during any lunar event; she’ll help you release what no longer serves you on the full moon and envision the life of your dreams on the new moon. Her energy is lovely to behold and is a force to be reckoned with, especially if you’re looking for support with transformation. She is ready and available to assist you in your journey of becoming and realizing your dreams! www.sourceandstone.com
VEDIC ASTROLOGY
SPRING FORECAST WRITTEN BY TRACY ATKINSON Jyotish (Vedic Astrology) Jyotisha, or Vedic astrology, is the ancient astrology of India. It has an unbroken lineage going back over five thousand years. Jyotisha is derived from the Sanskrit word Jyoti meaning “light”. Thus, Jyotisha is often referred to as the science of light, for it helps us to see the past, present and future clearly as well as giving us insight into who we are and how to best actualize our potential. Vedic astrology, along with yoga, meditation and Ayurveda, originates from the Vedas. The Vedas, meaning knowledge or wisdom, are a large body of texts intuited by the ancient sages of India to help humanity in achieving happiness, peace and fulfillment and to relieve suffering that arises along the way. Vedic astrology has a strongly predictive focus. For thousands of years people have been going to Vedic astrologers asking when they would get married, have children and meet with professional success. All of this information can be seen from the Vedic birth chart, which is derived using the birth date, time and place of the individual. However, Vedic astrology is much more than a way to see into the future, it is a great vidya, or means to gain clarity, that is an integral part of an ancient and profound belief system. How Does Vedic Astrology Work? The philosophy behind Vedic astrology is that we are spirit beings that incarnate into a physical body as a way of evolving ourselves toward enlightenment. The Vedic birth chart is a a map or blueprint of the karma or actions that we are likely to take in this lifetime as well as situations that will arise, both positive and negative, based on the culmination of karma or actions from past lives. Your Vedic Birth Chart Your Vedic birth chart shows how your personal karma will unfold through time. It shows every aspect of who you are: your unconscious motivations or psychology, what you love and are passionate about, what makes you feel safe and secure, what your fears are and what you desire. The chart indicates what your birth was like, what your parents are like, whether you are an adventurer or prefer being at home with a book and a cup of tea. The chart reveals whether you are a teacher, an advisor, an artist, a leader, a hard worker or prefer to indulge in the pleasure of life. It is all there in the chart from top to bottom. Vedic astrology is a great tool for gaining clarity and guidance at any stage of your life. It can help you answer the mundane questions of love, marriage, health, money, success and more, but at a deeper level, it can also allow you to know yourself better, help promote spiritual growth, and give you insight into the numerous ways in which your own karmic impressions are scheduled to manifest. This knowledge is a powerful tool that enhances your ability to utilize your free will, ultimately leading to greater success and happiness through out your life. The Forecast for Spring 2018 In light of the previous article on Vedic astrology describing the process of incarnation, and that we are spirit that takes form in a body with the sole purpose of awakening to the full experience and awareness that there is only one consciousness, the concept of astrological transits provide us with opportunities to evolve. How the energy of the planets influence our own personal karma as seen by our horoscope indicates how we may be tested or given an opportunity. April As we move into April and witness the unfolding of spring, the sun is still moving through mystical Pisces (Sidereal Zodiac) for the first half of the
month and then moves into life affirming Aries for the second half where he will stay until mid May. Pisces is a fluid dual sign that represents the mystical, a time of change and ability to surrender to a higher source. It gives us the opportunity to clear, clean and let go of things on the material plane, as in our homes and in our bodies, making a great time to do a body cleanse and a deep home cleanse. It’s also a time where we may let go of a habit more easily than at other times, clearing the way for the creative energy that is Aries. Sun in Aries As we move into the second half of April, and the sun moves into Aries, it is time to take initiative, to create, to take a risk that is growing us in some way. Nature all around us is coming alive and rebirthing itself, we are no different. It is our time to renew and reinvent. The warmer days allow us to spend more time outside and move our bodies more. Everything around us begins to quicken and the energy is one of upliftment and hope. We are reminded that their is a cycle and that although some things may leave our lives, this space offers us the opportunity to create something new. Mars/Saturn Conjunction Continues During the entire month of April, Mars and Saturn will continue their dance together in adventurous Sagittarius. This conjunction has been going on since March 7th and will go until May 2nd. This combination is often referred to as the excelerator and the break or the start/stop combination as Mars and Saturn are very different energies. Mars represents pure energy and vitality. He is a planet of ambition and moving fast. He wants to act, fight and win and therefore represents athletes, heroes and warriors. Saturn on the other hand is slow moving, cautious and calculating. He is also ambitious, but he wants to take his time. He represents patience, responsibility, commitment and discipline. When theses two energies combine there is an intensity that is created that may help you to focus on a specific area in your life and work very hard there. It is certainly a time where you can make heroic leaps in a given area. However, this is also a workaholic combination and can sometimes lead to burn out. So during this month, if you are feeling stuck or stopped, it’s best not to forge ahead at that time, but pull back and go deeper with what you are doing so that when you move forward again, your foundation is stronger. Mercury Retrograde Mercury began its retrograde cycle on March 23rd and remains retrograde until April 14th. Retrograde periods are always a good time to back over a project we have been working on and revise, and revision it. There may have been something we missed that needs our attention or it can simply be made better. Traditionally, it is not the best time for signing contracts and making verbal agreements, but if it is unavoidable don’t worry about it. There may be a clause or idea that needs changing when Mercury goes direct, but that can sometimes make it even stronger yet. May May begins with the warrior planet, Mars, moving into practical and stoic Capricorn on May 2nd, where he is exalted. When a planet is in its sign of exaltation it performs to the best of its ability. This is a significant cycle for Mars, as he is set to go retrograde in Capricorn, which means he will spending quite a bit of time in this sign. He usually spends just six weeks in a sign, but he will be spending a whopping six months in Capricorn, as he is there until November 6th! What does this mean? It is easy to understand how Mars in Capricorn works if we look at the nature of the constellation Capricorn and the planet Mars separately: Mars is action. He is fiery, angry, impatient, violent, rash, impulsive and he is looking for a fight. He is athletic, competitive, decisive, vital, energetic, and courageous. Capricorn represents law and order, stamina, perseverance, hard work, ambition, struggle and achievement over time. Blending these two energies together we get a noble warrior who follow the orders of the king without question. He loves to fight and win and win he does, even if it takes a long time. We get a person who has enormous will power over the body, and although he loves to fight, he does so with integrity. He embodies law and order as he is conquering enemy after enemy and achieving goal after goal. He is like the mountain climber that gets to the top of the mountain and can’t wait to find an even bigger and more challenging mountain to climb. He has the stamina to win the war, not just the battle.
So, for the next six months take advantage of the action, strength and will power that Mars is bringing into a part of your life. For example, if you are a Capricorn rising or have your Moon in Capricorn, you may feel a surge of energy, passion and vitality. If there is something or someone you have been doing battle with, this is a time when you can win. If on the other hand if you are a Cancer rising or Moon in Cancer, Mars is traveling through your 7th house of business and romantic partners and others in general. During this time you may attract aggressive people or your partner could be a bit more passionate than usual and ready to take on the world. June For the first nine days of June, Venus is in social sign of Gemini. Venus, the planet of the senses, wants to get out into the world and enjoy life through meeting new people, learning and communicating. The dual aspect of Saturn and Jupiter on Venus opens the way for significant friendships to now. Jupiter brings opportunity, expansion and grace, where as Saturn pulls back on the more frivolous side of Venus in Gemini, offering social engagements that are deeper. The sun is in stable Taurus for the first half June slowing down the energy of wild Aries and giving us a chance to strengthen and nurture what we have created over the past six weeks. It’s a time of rediscovering our sensuality and connecting to life more deeply through the senses. Nature is in full bloom and we can thoroughly enjoy her beauty. Going on a picnic in the park, sitting on the grass, eating fresh strawberries and taking in the rich scents of flowers and the earth. Taurus is all about the senses and becoming more present through the senses. So, even while an exalted Mars continues to create a background hum of taking on big projects and moving steadily forward toward our goals, the energy of Taurus is reminding us to also find balance and connect to the present through nature, beauty and the senses. www.tracyatkinsonconsulting.com
IS YOUR STORY
MAKING YOU SICK? WRITTEN BY ERICA JOY DUNN Kripalu is one of my favorite places to visit and I try to go a few times a year. The feeling never gets old as I head down the long driveway. I feel like I can breathe. The anticipation of checking in, throwing my bags in my room and putting on yoga pants. At Kripalu, I always look forward to the great classes, reading a good book and the kitchari but this time I was ready to do the work. I signed up for a program titled, "Is Your Story Making You Sick? Meditation and Mindfulness for Stress and Illness" with Dr. Mark Pirtle. Even the title of the program made me a little nervous because I knew this would require a lot of self reflection and really digging into the past. Over the past few years, I have studied narrative medicine and how storytelling can be a means of coping but haven't really thought about how our stories can make us sick and really hold us back. Dr. Mark Pirtle is among those at the forefront of integral thinking in recovery. He is a teacher, speaker, filmmaker and true "innerpreneur," He is described as a pattern recognizer who connects the dots between science, spirituality, wellness, business and culture. He applies systems thinking or "vision-logic" to every aspect of his work This work requires vulnerability which can be tough in a group setting but I immediately felt comfortable and learned that it is so powerful to hear others stories and their healing journey. At the end of the day, we are all the same. Everyone experiences the same feelings but it's about how we identify the thoughts that cause suffering. Dr, Pirtle explains in depth, the "hero's journey," and gives tools needed to come home to your authentic self. Pitrle says, "You are the one you've been waiting for." Pirtle describes shadow work, which opens you up to your own projections. The shadow is a part of you that you cannot see and how we show up, which keeps us stuck. The shadow is a apart of the story that is revealed, often by others but how to do we meet our shadow with equanimity? This was a major takeaway for me from the program. I left feeling empowered, curious and with a clear mind and heart. The tools and techniques that were taught in this program are extremely valuable and are based on these three principles: First, the more you know about your condition, the better you will be able to improve your outcome. Second, it is your mind that creates your world, therefore in order in consciously change, you must begin to understand and change your mind. Lastly, healing doesn't just happen in your head, it happens in your heart and world too. By connecting with your heart, you will connect in relationship with others, and your purpose. That's when life truly gets better. Dr. Pirtle teaches his programming in in-person classes in Tucson, Arizona. He also hosts LIVE classes over the Internet. Pirtle, along with two-time Emmy Award winning Director, Frances Causey, produced and co-wrote a full-length documentary film titled: “Is Your Story Making You Sick?” For more information on the film and its release please email info@skillfullyaware.com or visit www.skillfullyaware.com For information about Kripalu, visit www.kripalu.org
THERAPEUTIC BENEFITS OF
SPRING CLEANING WRITTEN BY JENN TSANG
It's spring, a time of symbolic beginnings and mindful preparation. For most of the world, spring is a time for cleaning; an ancient conduit of the spiritual world, that offers us new and modern ways of cultivating mindfulness and wellness in our everyday lives. Every morning, half asleep, I start my day in the kitchen. I put the dishes away and wash the occasional spoon or cup left in the sink. It's quiet and I use this time to tidy our apartment, where we express a love for imperfection with intentional and reverent clutter. I purge papers and quarterlies, deadhead days-old flowers, and give bar glasses a quick dust. With a modest hand, even on the gloomiest of days, our apartment feels bright and orderly, and gradually I awaken as my mood lifts. For me, engaging in small cleaning tasks routinely gives me a sense of calm, clarity, love, and mindfulness. It turns out that the therapeutic benefits of housecleaning are well documented. As little as twenty minutes a day can treat patients with anxiety or depression, the latter affecting some 350 million people worldwide. And while not everyone can attend a silent retreat – everyone can wash dishes. Research published in the journal Mindfulness show the calming effect washing dishes has on people who immerse themselves in the experience, an effect mastered by Buddhist monks in practice, and that hospitals are responding to through the inclusion of stress-reducing-mindfulness treatment programs in over two hundred and fifty hospitals in the United States. The key to reaching a state of calmness is at the heart of Buddhist practice: to be fully present and give oneself completely to a task. Why? Thich Nhat Hanh, a Buddhist monk and writer believes, "If I am incapable of washing dishes joyfully, if I want to finish them quickly so I can go and have a cup of tea, then I will be incapable of drinking the tea joyfully." We live in an age of productivity, where our activities are seen and measured through the lens of efficiency. It can be hard to feel joyful about tasks that seem to multiply with endless goal-setting and unrelenting pressure to be more productive with our time. The Japanese have defined a form of death-from-productivity called karōshi, a sign of our crosscultural shift away from leading meaningful lives to productive ones. But how much of what we do gives us a sense of accomplishment? Unlike the things we measure that are hard to visualize like steps per day or sleep quality, housework shows us our immediate positive impact. Marla Deibler, executive director of the Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia says, "After cleaning, people tend to feel they have accomplished something and gain a sense of control over their lives and environment." The flow-on effects from accomplishing tasks from beginning to end with results we can see – such as confidence and clarity – increase our mental stamina and contribute to our emotional wellbeing. Perhaps the most poignant aspect of cleaning is that it helps us convey love to our families and partners. It deepens our connection to and appreciation for the beauty of our homes, which in some ways, reflect the beauty of our lives together. For many, cleaning is nostalgic and rich with memories of childhood homes. Something as simple as putting away dishes reminds us of meals, dinner conversations, and lives gathered around a table. Interestingly, the converse effect applies too, and "housework can be used to work out frustration or even grief," writes journalist Margaret Horsfield. Beyond the many therapeutic benefits that cleaning offers, using natural home-care products create healthy, green, and inspiring spaces while giving us a sense of ownership and purpose. As people celebrate the spring equinox around the world in myriad ways, everywhere spring inspires a clean start; a clearing out of the old to make way for the new. My only advice? As Hanh would say “Smile, breathe and go slowly.” www.squishful.com
PERSONAL CONNECTION TO
THE RECORDS WRITTEN BY DIANA STAHL
Last Spring I had my first Akashic Records reading when my, at the time, girlfriend and I were having problems. I was living in Park Slope, feeling like a ghost in the streets and hadn’t finished a draft of a play — or anything — in the year and a half since my Mom died. I was yearning to feel a connection to this part of myself I couldn’t find. Oh and also — spoiler alert — I struggle with deep feelings of isolation. This becomes important later. I sat on my friend’s couch not expecting much, sipping some ginger tea. As soon as she announced, “The Records are now open” it felt as though twenty-seven hands had been placed on my shoulders, arms, small of my back, and feet. I felt physically supported. I felt the presence of legacy before me. I felt held. I felt - without a doubt - in good company. We were asking questions about different cites I was interested in living, questions about love, career, politics, historical figures, etc. And then writing came up and I asked for more information. My friend started to laugh and said The Lion King came through. She laughed because this didn’t seem like esoteric, profound or useful information. The moment she said The Lion King, tears came to my eyes. When The Lion King came out in 1994 it rocked my world. There was a super janky 99 cent movie theater near my house in Milpitas and I saw The Lion King there six times. I remembered exactly how I felt when I heard Carmen Twillie’s iconic voice open that movie and saw that animated sun rise. That sense of childish wonder resonated. Here’s the thing — I didn’t remember I’d felt this way. I don’t think about The Lion King. Come on! I’ve spent little to no time reminiscing on my time in that smelly movie theater. It’s not something I consciously feel satisfaction or joy from. But the moment the words The Lion King came out of her mouth, my eyes moistened and felt an outpour of joy, innocence and wonder I hadn’t felt in a long time. This real pure innocent joy was lodged away somewhere inside of me that — once released — made me feel joyful and excited about the present moment I was in. And it’s reminded me of the support team around each of us at all times. An idea that seemed foreign and yet deeply healing for me. And then whole bunch of strange things happened, that I won’t get into, that lead me to learning how to read the Akashic Records and do some training with the legendary Christina Cross. (Google her — we don’t have time.) Spoiler alert, moving with the Records has gotten me to write again and all I can say is, “There you are Peter.” I have found a deeper sense of sense and have fallen in love with working with the Records for others. Here’s some basic information you might find helpful on your possible pursuit with the Records. What are the Akashic Records? The Akashic Records are the Record (or light library) of your Soul since it’s inception. Light is synonymous with vibrational imprints here. The Akashic Records evokes the space of all knowing, all space and all time. If you’re a Pisces Sun or Moon (like me) you probs already get this vibe. All vibrational imprints of things past, present and future are available to you. This doesn’t mean the Akashic Records can offer you winning lotto tickets (they don’t work like that) — they may reveal your deeper relationships to worth and money. Edgar Cayce accessed the Records (if you use Rose Water spray, the kind in the pink bottle) you’ll notice a note saying it was recommended in an Edgar Cayce Reading. AKA an Akashic Records Reading. It’s said the idea for The Waldorf School came through in an Akashic Reading. Not to mention thousands of scripts, art projects, humanitarian efforts and more. Linda Howe’s book How to Access the Akashic Records lends a pretty user friendly approach to accessing your records yourself if you’re interested.
What does Akashic mean? Akashic or Akasha means “primary substance.” The Records are known to exist in the ether realms — or — the space above the sky. Ether or “Akasha” is the first and the most subtle element. It’s associated with hearing, winter, death is the time of ether. Ether is the subtlety of spirit. What happens in an Akashic Records Reading? When you open your Records - or have them opened for you in a Reading - you can ask questions about your life. Your questions may align with your vocation, soul purpose, love-life, family or health issues. Past life information may present itself, if it is a passage for healing. Practically speaking when you come to a Reading you’ll want to come with a series of questions prepared and keep the questions as clear as possible. The more clarity you have in your questions the more precise your responses will be. Would you want to connect with the Records? To take a step back - most holistic healing methods (Ayruveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Reiki, Acupuncture, Astrology, Sound Healing, Laughter) are meant to put you in touch with your Soul’s mission. To align you with what you’ve got to offer to the world. It also serves to heal your physical, emotional and mental body. But why? When you are healed — then what? What does alignment bring? Alignment brings a great expression of your soul’s desire. Of why you’re alive. It aligns you with the responsibility of that and its expression. It helps you to serve others to your fullest expression. When your soul is expressing with ease we experience more ease, happiness, physical pleasure and joy. What I’m talking about here is that living in soul alignment feels good. And there’s something about the way information is delivered through an Akashic Reading that is practical, concise and absolute. Getting a Reading directly connected me with my spiritual alignment and, as Ru Paul says, “I am a spiritual being having a human experience.” These holistic and esoteric practices help us make direct connection with our Spirit and Soul journey so we may move through our human experience with fuller expression, light, ease and pleasure. Why pleasure? If you’re reading this right now chances are you’re in a physical body. The physical body is filled with all sorts of pockets of pleasure. Think of the feeling when you wear expensive fabrics. When you lay on a supportive mattress. When you sit in a hot spring. When we get too anxious or worried or in our heads (which is most of us) it can stop us from experiencing the pleasure of the present moment. The Akashic Records and those beings out of the body want us to reach our highest soul potential while experiencing pleasure in the body. It’s a fleeting amount of time and enjoying and nourishing the physical body is absolutely essential. Plus its fun!
IS CONSCIOUSNESS
WORKING AT WORK WRITTEN BY CAREY DAVIDSON Emily arrived on a brisk Tuesday morning last spring. Her energy was like the weather. She held a latte in one hand and her phone in the other. Her brown suede kitten heel boots announced her entrance. Emily’s life was about to change. It had to change. It was time. Emily was in her late 30’s and she wore her shiny brown hair to her shoulders. She sat waiting for me with knees and feet together, her back straight. Few people in Emily’s life knew she was struggling. I was one of the few. Six years ago, Emily founded and expanded a successful NYC-based interior design company. Her early successes, big clients and broad acclaim proved that her hard work had paid off. Emily’s social media feed painted a picture of #theperfectlife. A glimpse through Emily’s Instagram revealed that she went to two Ivy League schools. She landed her dream job out of graduate school, authored a book on simple home design, had a great husband, an adorable kid and a flawless figure. Her life online was enough to make any woman feel inadequate. I greeted Emily in the Tournesol reception area and we walked through the archway that led to my office. She followed me inside the gentle quiet. Emily relaxed into one of the light green antique French chairs and surrendered an audible exhale. The tear that formed at the outside corner of her left eye swelled. She leaned in for a tissue and the tear spilled down her cheek. “Carey, I don’t know what to do. I don’t even know where to begin.” “I’m tired of things not working right at my company. I feel like I’ve done everything I was supposed to do, but I’ve completely lost control of my staff. My clients control my life. I meditate and exercise and eat what I’m told to eat. I don’t understand. “I brought in a mindfulness company to fix things, but my staff is still ungrateful. I feel like all I get from them is complaints about workloads and expectations. I certainly never complained about workload when I had my first job.” Emily’s frustration mirrors a recent trend for my clients and in corporate wellness as a whole. Employers are increasingly disappointed in lackluster program outcomes. Employee education systems that promise expanded consciousness and happier staff fail to deliver meaningful change. The weekly yoga programs don’t reduce escalating anxiety around difficult client meetings. Meditation isn’t easing the overwhelm of a demanding workload. While free snacks and on-site massages are nice, they don’t reduce complaints about unrealistic supervisor expectations. To make a real difference in workplace challenges, we need to teach staff the skills to: 1. Understand how unique adaptive style impacts physical and emotional health 2. Acquire individualized tools for reducing the harmful effects of stress and new healthy habits to enhance overall wellbeing 3. Strategies to remain resilient in the face of difficult work interactions and relationships Take a peek at the five types. 1. Emotional – Emotional people have a core need to bring joy to themselves and to others. They are inspiring leaders and intuitive learners. Under stress, emotional types become anxious and panic over little things. They crave positive attention and rewards for a job well done. 2. Team Player – Team Players have a core need to care for others and bring unity to their company. They are compassionate leaders and empathetic contributors. Under stress, they worry and become overwhelmed. It’s important for them to be included as part of a team and they love warm, heartfelt interactions. 3. Designer – Designers have a core need to bring beauty and perfection to a company, product, or project. They keep people on their toes and make sure a company has sound policies and procedures in place that protect organizational interests. Designers crave consistency and are creatures of habit.
4. Creative – Creatives prefer to work alone and are terrific problem solvers. They are wise leaders and crave knowledge and understanding. Under stress they tend to isolate and may not talk about what is bothering them. Creatives are great listeners and crave peaceful work environments. 5. Mover – Movers are brave leaders who like to make things happen. They crave freedom and prefer to be in charge rather than being part of a team. Under stress, Movers become frustrated and may react with anger. It’s important for Movers to have control over projects and feel a sense of ownership and pride. Emily is a Designer. Once she understood her nature and her button pushers, she had more empathy for her own needs and the needs of her staff. We worked together to implement a customized program for self-growth and self-care that solved the core causes of stress in her personal life. At work, we created a six-month wellness education program that we launched last June. We applied the methodology of the five types to each one of her core concerns. Emily’s customized program addressed: • Manager Style – Communicating clearly about expectations, deadlines, priorities • Company Culture – Designing expectations around work hours, workload and time off • Effective Team Design – Using the five type model to staff high performance teams • Managing Difficult Clients – Teaching conflict resolution and anticipating client needs This past January Emily emailed me an article. It was issued in a national publication that writes about noteworthy entrepreneurs in the design field. The write up recognized her again for her outstanding work. Emily was no stranger to media acknowledgement, but this was not her typical coverage. Emily’s company was being singled out for being a great place to work. You can reduce stress and suffering in the workplace. However, there is no 15-minute quick fix, not for personal wellbeing and not for a company. One-size-fits-all efforts continue to fall short. I recommend you not waste your precious resources on trendy wellness options because it costs less, or promises fast results. I’ve seen too many people and companies regret the attempt. You can enjoy success. Know who you are. Know whom your staff and stakeholders are. Once you do, you will have the powers of inference, compassion, intuition, empathy, grit and grace. You will know what you need and how to ask for your needs to be met. When all your needs are met, you do not suffer. You soar.
INTERVIEW WITH KIMMY ROHRS
WHEEL FEELINGS WRITTEN BY GENEVIEVE WOLLENBECKER
My first wheel-throwing experience resulted in a paperweight. It was a round mound, lumpy in parts, a bit to oblong perhaps, and covered in a beautiful deep-blue slip that would later melt into an unappealing bluish-brown mass. It looked a bit, well, melted. Despite it’s obvious faults, I was proud of it and presented it to my mother with a great deal of selfsatisfaction. She happily accepted it, and she kept it on our family kitchen table for years (she didn’t have a desk, a slight oversight, I admit, on my part). There’s something intrinsically satisfying about working clay, whether hand-building a vase coil by coil or throwing a plate, bowl, or delicate porcelain cup. For those who have ever set foot in a ceramics studio, the air of contentment is palpable. Over the past few years, and especially with each passing winter, there’s been a phenomenal rise in attendance and participation in ceramic studios around Brooklyn. Droves of people come into Brooklyn’s pottery studios to work the clay and work through rough patches, anxieties, and stress. There’s something to this magic, and scientific research in recent years points towards the increasing number of benefits in pottery-making, the plastic arts and crafting in general. A study published by Art Therapy in 2015 revealed that cortisol levels in participants dropped considerably, some as much as 75%, after only 45-minutes of visual art making. It appears that wheel-throwing can literally sooth the stress-making hormone out of our system. Whether people seek out pottery because it allows them the space to concentrate, struggle, relax, or meditate outside of their daily lives, is up to the potter. To explore this issue further, I spoke with ceramicist Kimmy Rohrs of Whiskey & Clay about her start to pottery. Below, we discuss her practice, wellness routine, and why wheel-throwing feels so damn good.
Genevieve Wollenbecker: What lead you to ceramics? Kimmy Rohrs: I was in a rough relationship that ended abruptly and left me feeling empty and worthless. My roommates girlfriend swooped in and invited me to her pottery classes. I fell in love with clay during the first class and have been obsessed ever since. GW: Could you discuss how Whiskey & Clay came into being? KR: I was throwing around pieces for fun, just things for myself and gifts for family and friends. Then people started commissioning me to make custom pieces, and at the same time I started my instagram for clay. The name fit well with my life at the time. After my day job, it was all whiskey and clay in the evenings, so I went with it. GW: Could you speak to your process & practice? KR: My practice is mostly to relax me. Spinning pottery helps me focus and remain calm in the very hectic life I've created. It establishes a routine in my life and forces me to be a more responsible person. As a potter, you essentially have to babysit your pieces throughout the entire process. You're aware of drying rate, trimming time, kiln schedules, shrinking rates, glaze interactions, etc. All things that require thought and mindfulness. GW: What is your design influences? Mentors? KR: My most heavy influence is the desert in west Texas. My partner and I own land in the big bend area and go often and every time I
am inspired by colors and shapes found naturally out there. Blended bands of shades of brown, cream, and white, hints of blue and towering bare mountains are all inspiration to me. GW: Your work straddles a mixture of uniformity and delight in the imperfect. How do you know when a design is "right," or one you'd like to explore on a bigger scale? KR: It’s all about feel for me. A piece can be technically 'bad pottery,' but feel so damn good to hold and drink from, that it becomes beautiful in a carnal way. That's motivation in itself for me. Once I find that perfectly accidental design, I spend hours trying to recreate it on a bigger scale, with the hope that others feel that joy and want to share their experiences with my piece. GW: What activities, practices, or rituals do you follow for own well-being? KR: I am a big fan of mornings. I have a routine each morning that I follow fairly strictly: a 20 minute strength-focused yoga practice, burning palo santo, hot tea, and a slow drive to work in a vintage run-down car. I'm also a distance runner. In the afternoons, right around sunset is when I find space. I run with no technology and as far or short as I desire. Running long allows me to clear my head and create space to truly to appreciate my life. GW: How, if at all, does your pottery practice in the studio affect other aspects of your life? KR: As I mentioned before, my studio work forces me to be a more responsible adult. If I forget to cover a piece or trim it in the right time window, it’s over for that particular item. It’s almost like owning a dog —you need to be home at a certain time each day to take care of it. Being an artist also amplifies my life. It gives me purpose that feels greater than myself, and making pieces for people to enjoy and use is one of the best feelings I know.
As the proud owner of two Whiskey & Clay tumblers, I immediately admired them for their sultry, Southwestern dusky glaze. It took a few uses to notice their slightly elliptical shape, not quite perfectly round but smooth and cool to the touch. I began to wonder why my coffee cups needed to be perfectly round in the first place. When we hold a glass, our hands do not make a perfect semicircle, but a parenthesis, a parabola, the shape of a waning moon, and it’s only fitting that my cups should mimic the form, too. These utilitarian works of joy are now my favorite containers, and I give them to honored guests at dinners. From a mound of lumpy clay, to it’s meditative creation, and the place of honor on my kitchen table, the practice of pottery-making is brimming with labor and love.
Kimmy Rohrs is a ceramicist based in Santa Fe, NM. To learn more about and explore all of Kimmy's work, visit www.whiskeyandclay.com.
Genevieve Wollenbecker is a writer living in Brooklyn. She is currently working on her first novel and is the Editorial Director of The Wellness Mercantile.
Image 2: Photo by Kimmy Rohrs.
1. Girija Kaimal, Kendra Ray & Juan Muniz (2016) Reduction of Cortisol Levels and Participants' Responses Following Art Making, Art Therapy, 33:2, 74-80, DOI: 10.1080/07421656.2016.1166832
SPRING TIME RECIPES
Lina Nertby Aurell & Mia Clase are the gut gurus behind Food Pharmacy. Their blog perfectly balances humor, delicious recipes, and gut health. We asked them to share their favorite recipes for a healthful spring and they had A LOT to say about delicious pad thai, easy dinners, and oven-free apple pie energy balls. Press photography: Andreas Link / CAMERALINK Cookbook photography: Ulrika Ekblom
ELITNACREM SSENLLEW EHT
BY FOOD PHARMACY
FOOD PHARMACY LASAGNA SERVES 4 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained 1 lb firm tofu (or a regular package) 0.5 cup walnuts 1 tbsp tamari a handful fresh basil 2 eggplants 1 yellow onion 1 garlic clove 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil 1 lb crushed tomatoes 2 tsp dried thyme 2 tsp dried oregano 1 tsp dried basil 2 tsp apple cider vinegar salt freshly ground black pepper
PUMPKIN PARMESEAN 0.5 cup pumpkin seeds 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 0.5 garlic clove 1 tbsp cold-pressed olive oil 0.5 tsp salt
Mixed green salad (for example baby spinach, Swiss chard, rucola and mâche)
ELITNACREM SSENLLEW EHT
SERVE WITH...
Cut the sun-dried tomatoes into small pieces. Drain and squeeze the excess liquid from the tofu. Mix tomatoes and walnuts in a blender until crumbly, then add the tofu and continue to pulse until you have the texture of lumpy and crumbly ”mincemeat”. Add tamari and most of the basil (safe some for serving), and press pulse a couple of times. Cut the eggplants lengthwise into thin slices using a cheese or mandoline slicer. Bring water to a boil, place the slices in a strainer, cover the pot and steam the eggplants for two minutes. Then gently press the eggplants between clean paper towels to extract as much liquid as possible. Preheat the oven to 212° Fahrenheit (or 100° Celsius). Spoon one tablespoon of the tofu mixture onto an eggplant slice then roll it up. Repeat for all slices. Place the eggplant rolls in an oven safe dish. Peel and finely chop onions and garlic. Pan-fry at low temperature in coconut oil, until soft. Add crushed tomatoes, dried herbs and vinegar. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Spread the tomato sauce over the eggplant rolls. Bake in the oven for around 30 minutes, until the eggplant rolls are soft and the tomato sauce is warm (but not cooking). Use a blender to mix all ingredients for the pumpkin parmesan. Sprinkle fresh basil and half of the pumpkin parmesan on top of the lasagna. Serve with the rest of the pumpkin parmesan and a side of mixed green salad.
ULTIMATE DINNER SMOOTHIE SERVES 4 Voilà, a light green smoothie with a green but incredibly delicious taste. This smoothie is full of yummy vegetable fiber that goes all the way down to your protective bacteria in the colon. And it’s perfect for days when you don’t have the energy to cook. If you’re not used to green drinks we suggest you add an apple or a kiwi - core and all. When consuming our favorite fruits and vegetables, we often forget to eat the parts that contain a majority of the nutrients, like seeds, tops, stems and skin. The easiest way to solve that is to put it all in a blender and make this tasty smoothie. 1 small Jerusalem artichoke (raw with skin) 1 small sweet potato (raw with skin) 1 small piece of ginger (with skin) 2 kale leaves (with stems) 1 avocado (and 1/4 of the avocado seed) 2 blanched celery stalks (with leaves) 1/2 lemon (with skin and seeds) a handful leafy greens of your choice 2 cups water
PREPARE Rinse the vegetables thoroughly. Mix all ingredients until smooth and creamy using a high speed blender. If necessary, add some more water to get the right consistency.
SEPICER EMITGNIRPS
PREPARE
PAD THAI SALAD WITH TOFU SCRAMBLE Everybody loves our Pad Thai. Except for the evil bacteria in the colon. Feel free to top the salad with some tofu scramble to make sure you win the battle against them. Also, we’ve noticed that if we skip some of the lime and ginger, our kids love the peanut sauce. Let’s just say, it is the perfect kid-friendly dip to pair with colorful vegetables.
VEGETABLES 2 zucchini 2 carrots 1/2 small red cabbage 1 small cauliflower 2 spring onions (with tops) 1 cup mung bean sprouts
PEANUT SAUCE 0.5 cup peanut butter 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lime juice 1 tbsp tamari 0.5 inch fresh ginger, peeled and grated 4 tbsp water
TOFU SCRAMBLE 12 oz firm tofu (or a regular package) 1 tbsp cold-pressed coconut oil 1 tbsp tamari
SERVE WITH... raw peanuts fresh cilantro lime
ELITNACREM SSENLLEW EHT
SERVES 4
Make long slices along the side of the zucchini, the carrots and the red cabbage using a julienne peeler or spiralizer (or a regular peeler). It doesn’t really matter, just make sure you end up with a pile of veggie ribbons or noodles. Cut the cauliflower into florets. Use a mandoline or a sharp knife to cut the florets into thin, flat pieces. Shred the spring onions. Add all vegetables and the mung bean sprouts to a bowl and mix. Put aside. Mix all the ingredients for the peanut sauce. Add half of the sauce to the vegetables. Let rest for an hour before serving. Drain and squeeze the excess liquid from the tofu. Then, use a fork and crumble it to get the consistency you like for your scrambled tofu. Warm over low heat in some coconut oil. Remove from the stove and add tamari. Divide the salad into four serving bowls. Add the tofu and drizzle some peanut butter sauce on top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts and cilantro. Serve with lime wedges.
NO-BAKE APPLE PIE ENERGY BALLS SERVING OF 15 This is genius. Made with just a few ingredients and a food processor, they come together in a matter of minutes. These no-bake apple pie energy balls are a delicious and healthy vegan and gluten-free snack, perfect for day trips and excursions. Yummy. The only problem is, how are they ever gonna last until it’s actually time for a day trip?
1 apple 1 tbsp ground cinnamon 0.5 cup almonds, preferably soaked 1 tsp pure vanilla powder 5 fresh dates, pitted 0.5 cup oat flakes 0.5 cup coconut flakes
PREPARE Add apple, cinnamon, almonds, vanilla powder and dates to a food processor and pulse until they come together. Add the oat flakes and stir. Scoop out tablespoon sized amounts of the mixture and roll into somewhat round balls. Roll each ball in coconut flakes.
SEPICER EMITGNIRPS
PREPARE
INTERVIEW WITH SUSANA SALAZAR
OF BRITTA BEAUTY WRITTEN BY LAUREN MOONEY
Susana Salazar was first introduced to natural beauty care from her grandmother in her native country of Peru. Now a Licensed Holistic Esthetician, as well as an Integrative Health Coach; she currently works with Britta Plug at Britta Beauty. Both Britta and Susana focus on facial massage, using all natural products, and encouraging healthy lifestyle to promote true and lasting changes in your body and skin. Susana was kind enough to bestow some of her wisdom just in time for Spring. Lauren Mooney: As we transition from Winter to Spring are there any specific skin care tips for this time of year? Susana Salazar: As the weather gets warmer, the humidity increases, so it is important to take a break from your heavy winter products and move to lighter moisturizers or oils, and cleansers depending on your skin type. If you weren't exfoliating during winter, start exfoliating now and boost it to 2-3 times a week in order to get rid of that winter dead skin build up and support the skin cell turnover during this transition. I love a nice fruit enzyme mask to smooth, brighten, stimulate and hydrate the skin. It is time to pull out the pretty hats and give your face full coverage! I prefer hats over excessive sunblock use, but I still wear a clean SPF most of the sunny months. I really like Josh Rosebrook's SPF. LM: Are there any natural beauty recipes you still use from your grandmother? SS: She taught me how to make a few simple masks and elixirs when I was a young girl, but I have to say that I thank her for always telling me that when in doubt, mask with pure aloe or pure honey. The benefits of honey and aloe for the skin are many and the glow is instant! Those two simple but powerful ingredients have been my go-to masks for years! LM: What do you love the most about introducing women to natural beauty? SS: I love the notion of less is more. I feel that by stripping down all the "add-ons" and products, and the expectations, and comparisons, we take away the pressure, we become more educated on non-toxic and natural beauty, we learn to love ourselves more and embrace our unique beauty in a natural way. Supporting aging gracefully, rather than resisting it anxiously. What is fulfilling for me not only as an esthetician but as a health coach and wellness advocate, is to see the clients that embrace the natural beauty journey, also embracing a path of health, joy, selfdiscovery, and growth on all aspects of their life. I believe natural beauty becomes a lifestyle. LM: Any tips for grounding during the change of seasons? SS: Going outdoors more! Being from Peru, and living in Miami and tropical places for most of my life, the transition to a cold place like New York during the winter has been brutal!! Being outside close to nature and breathing fresh air is very grounding for me! I can't wait to see the trees bloom, hear the birds sing, and to feel the warm sunshine on my skin! But until then the closest I get to that would be a nice Savasana after a yoga class! LM: How did having your son change the way you felt in your skin? SS: Well, my son is eleven now, so I've had many faces of motherhood so far, but I would say that it created another layer in me of a love I never thought I could feel, a fierceness beyond words and a selflessness I didn't even know I possessed. I feel more of a protector now and I have a big sense of responsibility for my actions and the way I am an example to my son.
And physically, I went through my moments, I breastfed him for two years so the woman in me had to reclaim my breasts from the mother in me after that period was over! haha It took me a little while to get back into my groove of womanhood as oppose to motherhood. For me it was a game changer to separate the two and never disconnect from my essence as a woman even when I got overwhelmed as a mother. LM: What makes you feel most empowered? SS: Speaking my truth and living it. LM: Can you share one go-to recipe for enhancing beauty? SS: My signature green juice a.k.a Liquid sunshine: Kale, spinach, celery, green apple, ginger, lemon. This recipe is good for skin health, gut health, blood health, and it will leave you energized and glowing from the inside out!
Lauren Mooney is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and Reiki practitioner who has studied both the Tera-Mai Seichem and Usui Shiko Ryoho lineages of the form. For more information, visit www.lamooney.com Susana is a Licensed Holistic Esthetician with eight years of experience, as well as an Integrative Health Coach, and she also holds a Bachelors Degree in Health Arts, with a focus on Nutrition as Medicine. You can learn more and book appointments at www.brittabeauty.com
MOVING TOWARDS
A GENTLER CYCLE WRITTEN BY JONNA PIIRA It’s no secret that PMS has a bad rap. We’ve all heard the horror stories, and some of us have lived them. Short for premenstrual syndrome, PMS describes the collection of symptoms that women typically experience one to two weeks before their period’s onset, and nearly all menstruating women can say that they’ve had some degree of PMS. The list of symptoms is surprisingly vast: by some estimates, over 150 symptoms have been attributed to PMS. Common physical symptoms include bloating, cramps, and breast tenderness. Emotional symptoms include irritability, depression, and mood swings. There is no straightforward explanation as to what causes PMS, though it’s often attributed to hormonal shifts during the menstrual cycle. While minor symptoms can be merely disruptive, acute symptoms are debilitating. Whatever the severity, PMS is thought of by most as an unwelcome monthly occurrence. Supplementing for PMS May Be Just What You Need. Although you can’t necessarily erase all signs of PMS, studies show that its symptoms can be reduced through focused attention to diet and supplementation. We’ve read through countless pages of clinical research to find the vitamins and supplements backed by science to help alleviate PMS symptoms. #1 Calcium Does the Body (and Mind) Good. Calcium supports your bones and muscles. Calcium deficiency, which poses a serious health risk for women, may contribute to PMS symptoms. In a study published in 2017, a group of college students who reported severe PMS symptoms were given 500 mg of calcium a day over a period of two months. Compared to a placebo group, those taking calcium saw lower symptoms of anxiety, depression, fluid retention, and moodiness. An earlier study produced similar results, finding that depression, fatigue, and change in appetite were significantly lessened for a group who took 500mg of calcium carbonate a day for three months. It’s clear that mood symptoms of PMS have been significantly reduced by increasing daily calcium. #2 Vitamin D for a Sunnier Outlook. Vitamin D is an essential vitamin for calcium absorption as well as for bone health, and many American adults and teens do not get enough of it. In fact, emerging research suggests that it may be just as important as calcium itself. Having inadequate blood levels of vitamin D is common among women who suffer from PMS. A 2005 study measured the risk of developing PMS symptoms alongside levels of calcium and vitamin D. Results indicated a connection and suggest that a high intake of vitamin D and calcium can reduce the risk of developing PMS. As an added bonus, the researchers added that all women stand to benefit from a combination of calcium and vitamin D, which also reduces the risk of osteoporosis and certain types of cancer. #3 The Magic of Magnesium. Called a “miracle mineral,” magnesium is essential to health and helps with sleep, energy, bowel regularity, and more. Magnesium deficiency has been linked to PMS and several studies reveal that supplementing with magnesium can aid both physical and emotional symptoms. A double-blind study of 20 patients indicated that magnesium can help prevent and relieve menstrual headaches. A second study found that a group of women taking magnesium along with vitamin B6 had reduced cravings, anxiety, and depression. The magnesium-B6 combination also eased physical symptoms such as water retention, breast pain, bloating, headache, nausea, and back pain. Several other sources confirm that magnesium can also reduce fluid retention, bloating, and breast tenderness.
#4 Omega-3s are Your New Favorite Healthy Fats. Omega-3s are vital for overall health, supporting the eyes, heart, joints, and the brain. A double blind study found that taking a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids reduced both physical and emotional symptoms of PMS including depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, headache bloating, and breast tenderness. This is the kind of fat your body thrives on. Improve PMS Symptoms with the Ancient Wisdom of Herbs. Herbal supplements are another option for those seeking a reprieve from PMS symptoms. These healing herbs have been used for centuries and are often free of the unwanted side effects often associated with prescription treatments and hormones. #5 Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha (aka the “chill pill”) is an adaptogenic herb that has been shown to relieve stress and reduce food cravings. Keep in mind, though, that if you’re looking to become pregnant, you should check with a doctor before taking herbal supplements. #6 Chasteberry Can Reduce Breast Pain. Chasteberry, also known as vitex, is made from extracts of fruits from the chaste tree. It is widely taken for menstrual symptoms, menopause, infertility, and other women’s hormonal health conditions. Though more research needs to be done on the #7 Evening Primrose Oil: An Ancient Panacea. Evening primrose oil is a supplement made from a yellow flowering plant native to North America. Native Americans commonly used evening primrose oil both as a food and as a panacea for wounds, sore throats, stomach problems, and more. While it is widely known for its ability to help reduce PMS symptoms, there is conflicting evidence about its efficacy. Although it is not yet supported by substantive scientific research, it is said to help with breast tenderness, depression, and mood symptoms associated with PMS. Moving towards a gentler cycle. The menstrual cycle is a natural part of women’s health, but when you think about it, the combination of PMS and menstrual pain can create up to two weeks of misery every month, a significant amount of time. So if you do feel PMS symptoms that affect your quality of life, it’s a great idea to take steps to manage them and improve your overall well-being. Strong scientific evidence suggests that the right supplementation can significantly reduce PMS and painful menstrual symptoms. In addition to other improvements to your diet and lifestyle, supplementing can be a promising option for alleviating symptoms so that you can feel better all month long. #8 Make the Switch to Chemical-Free Tampons and Sign up for Kali. Kali is an organic, chemical-free tampon and pad subscription service. Not only does Kali offer a luxury way of getting your tampons and pads delivered to your door every month, it makes that time of the month brighter. Kali was founded on the idea that women need tampons every month like clockwork and never have one when they need one. When it’s that time of the month, most of us end up wadding toilet paper in our underwear, dragging ourselves to the nearest CVS, and having that awkward moment with the guy at the check-out counter. When we were creating Kali to eliminate this problem, we didn’t think much about what was in our tampons. We used the brand our mother’s did. We were drinking our green juice, downing probiotics, and sweating through 75 minutes of hot yoga-yet when it came to our monthly period, we’re shoving a chlorine bleached wad of pesticide ridden cotton up our V. Contradiction? Absolutely. It started to make us question how many women out there are doing the same thing. At Kali, we’re on a mission to empower and educate women about what they are putting in their bodies. We want to band together with the other organic tampon companies in the Tampon Revolution and spread awareness of the benefits of using organic tampons, while giving the everyday she-woman a break from running to the store on her period. Kali doesn’t just automate another annoying task on our to-do list every month. Kali symbolizes a tampon revolution, female empowerment, and education about wellness. Kali girls have a forum to find information, learn about what’s going on in the world of wellness, and be educated about their options and rights as a woman.