Issue 19 | Face the Current by Face the Current

Keep It Wild

Issue 19

May 2018

fAce the current TRAVEL

CULTURE

MUSIC

SPORTS & FITNESS

HEALTH

Dream, Create, Inspire And Dare To Live.

Rory Kramer

Re-wilding To Get Back In Touch With Human Nature Wild Edibles + Green Smoothies Dr. Bruce Lipton Enlightens A New Generation of Self-Health Practices EDM Legacy Fedde Le Grand Talks Keeping It Authentic

...inspiring positive change in the world

EDITORIAL

F tC fAce the current

editorial

Issue 19 · May 2018

Connect With Us... @facethecurrent @facethecurrent @facethecurrent @facethecurrent

In the Beginning Face the Current was created with the intention to inspire positive change in the world and enhance lives by encouraging one another to relentlessly discover, explore, question and learn from current and emerging information and perspectives. Driven by a deep-rooted love of learning, creative minds and a great appreciation for connection with other individuals who are passionate about what they do, Face the Current has quickly developed into a growing team and global community of incredible people who believe in living life to the fullest and discovering their true potential. “I find it inspiring to connect with others who are following their flow, pursuing and exploring their passions. Their energy is vibrant & contagious and there is often a lot of incredible things to learn from their life experience and the perspectives they have gained.”

Sasha Frate Founder

sashafrate sasha@facethecurrent.com

Cover Image Credits: • •

Front cover by Rory Kramer Back cover by Lucas Taggart

Available at

(click logo to go)

www.facethecurrent.com For advertisement and sponsor inquiries: Annette Krey, Sales Manager annette@facethecurrent.com David Aiello, Director of Marketing david@facethecurrent.com For writer and contributor inquiries: Sasha Frate, Founder & Editor in Chief sasha@facethecurrent.com All Rights Reserved DISCLAIMER The information provided on this magazine is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment for specific medical conditions. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider. Opinions and other statements expressed by the kind souls sharing their viewpoint, users and third parties are theirs alone, not opinions of Face the Current. Content created by third parties is the sole responsibility of the third parties and its accuracy and completeness are not endorsed or guaranteed. Face the Current Website and third parties may provide links to web pages, web sites, and various resources or locations on the web. Face the Current has no control over the information you access via such links, does not endorse that information, and shall not be responsible for it or for the consequences of your use of that information. All products and services featured are selected by our editors. Face the Current may receive compensation for some links to products and services in this magazine.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

KEEP IT WILD Edition Our mission at Face the Current is to create a ripple effect of positive change providing fuel for our reader’s to live an authentic, inspired life and achieve their full potential. But what does it mean to keep it wild in this context?

“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” –Howard Thurman Consider that living a ‘wild’ life means not being ruled by fear, stress, and anxiety; staying true to yourself and jettisoning the naysayers and/or societal expectations that instill self-doubt. Simply put, it can mean having the courage to be your most authentic self. We need to free ourselves from the constraints that keep us stuck, complacent, and “normal”—which is not easy, especially in a world that reinforces conformity. This month’s features illustrate how we can free ourselves from the constraints and expectations others place on us to get in touch with who we really are and what we really want. We also explore other things wild, from travel to remote wilderness and the Van Boom lifestyle trend, to the art of re-wilding back to human nature, extreme sports feats, and going wild on green smoothies and wild edibles! We get to know Rory Kramer, a videographer, photographer, director, clothing line architect and host of his own MTV show who shares how he stays authentic to his true self by following his soul’s quest for fulfillment. His refusal to stifle his creativity has allowed him to travel the globe and realize the beauty in our magnificent planet. Sergei Boutenko tells how his experience of survival and self-healing through his discovery of wild edibles and his Raw Family’s ‘green smoothie revolution’ led him to author numerous books, film documentaries, and lead workshops around the globe on the power of plant based foods, food diversity, and eating wild edibles. He reveals his insights and shares his favorite recipes! Fedde Le Grand is, is a living legacy, credited with pioneering electronic House Music. In his interview he tells how he has kept it authentic and plans to continue living his dream. What a wild idea to think that we are capable of self-health! Well, sarcasm aside, the contrary is actually the wild concept; that we must rely on doctors, pharmaceuticals, etc. and lack the potential to live healthy lives whilst while employing self-health practices. To put this into perspective, we are excited to present the first of a three part interview with Dr. Bruce Lipton who helps guide us to regain intimate understanding and connection with mind-body and our macro environment. He shares his incredible insights on subjects ranging from stem cells, falling (and staying!) in love, cooperation versus competition as factors in evolution, and changing your subconscious programs. In this initial discussion, Dr. Lipton explores science and quantum biology as they relate to spirituality. As a result of reading this month’s edition, we hope you can imagine what it would be like to have a whole world full of people keeping it wild, living authentic and true to his and herself! But with as with all revolutions, it starts with you; and as Dr. Lipton reveals, something as simple as your thoughts can have a ripple effect of powerful impact all the way down to your DNA! Happy reading! www.facethecurrent.com

fAce the current Issue 19 · May 2018

the

t e a m 4

Sasha Frate

Founder and Editor in Chief

Annette Krey

Executive Assistant to Editor-in-Chief & Sales Manager

is a perspective seeker, adventurer, and explorer. She received her Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts and continues to study Coming from the hospitality industry, Annette has a variety of subjects within and outside of the academic successfully and passionately worked in Sales & setting. Frate brings her personal moonshot approach to life to Marketing both in the United States and in Germany FtC, aiming to provide an experience for our global community in different industries. A German native, she has lived in where we inspire one another to stay curious, never stop the Portland, Oregon area for almost 8 years. There she exploring, and to live on-purpose and to potential. learned to love the outdoors and the green lifestyle that plays an important role in the lives of many Oregonians. As a mom of two young children a healthy and sustainable lifestyle is now a big priority for her and she teaches her children to live passionately, be open-minded and to be respectful to our planet and all living things.

David Aiello

Chief Operating Officer is an author, musician and photographer based in Portland, Oregon. He has worked with Fortune 50 companies to build their global brands but now applies his natural curiosity to exploring and documenting the world around him.

Ainsley Schoppel Editor

Sema Garay

Executive Designer Sema is the graphic designer behind the development of the image and magazine of Face the Current. He has developed a multitude of projects, including his previous job leading the Creative Department of BG Life Magazine, in Marbella, Spain. Sema is passionate about all kinds of artistic expressions, especially music and architecture.

Ainsley is a classical pianist, former figure skater, and loves summers at the lake in northern Ontario. She holds an honours BA in Psychology and Arts & Business, and also earned a graduate degree in Hospitality and Business Management while working at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. After working in Toronto on published women-focused research, she moved outside the city to raise her family. While home with her son, she indulges her love of the written word with freelance editing.

Danny McGee

Brand Engagement & Partnerships

Michole Jensen

Project & Content Consultant is a journalist, marketer and blogger, Michole is a Northwest native who spent many years directing communications and marketing for a world-class organization in his home state. Michole’s array of skills, curiosity, and a passion for the environment and community, drive his exploration and immersion in both his professional and personal life.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Danny is our lead photographer and filmmaker based out of Colorado. For the past 3 years he has traveled all around the world taking photos and making films, creating cutting edge photo and drone video content. Danny has been chasing and living his dream, unafraid to travel solo, travel deeper, or adventure to new heights to capture some of this planet’s most stunning landscapes and life’s precious moments in connection with people, place, and culture. His goal is to not only share his vision of the world, but to inspire people to get out and explore it for themselves.

MAY

CREW David Ryan is a celebrity trainer in Los Angeles, California and creator of LIFTSTRONG Max Intensity Interval Training. You can get your own personalized HIIT program at www. DavidRyanFitness.com Instagram: @DavidRyanFitness

Lucas Taggart

is a photographer and filmmaker based out of Los Angeles, California. Lucas most enjoys working in the music industry specializing in photography and videography, but his real talent is catching and portraying people in their most human light. www.Instagram.com/lucas_taggart YouTube @Lucas Taggart

Matthew Belair

Belair is the author of the best selling book Zen Athlete and the host of the top-rated Matt Belair podcast. He is an explorer of the mind and world and has trained with 34th generation Shaolin Masters in China, studied meditation with monks in Nepal and survived a near-death experience trekking Mount Everest just to name a few of his accomplishments. He is dedicated to teaching others how to expand their consciousness, connect with spirit and bring more awareness, love and kindness to the planet. www.ZenAthlete.com www.MattBelair.com

We are a growing team of Up-standers whose intention is to create positive change in the world, through networking, connecting, supporting and developing at an individual and global community level. We are passionate about building our network of experts and industry leaders to deliver cutting edge information to our global community. This month’s Team and Crew are based in the US, Spain, Germany, Canada and UK.

Jeff Granville

has spent most of his adult life on the personal quest and self study to explore where science, biology and spirituality merge. His professional career has been focused on the building and repair of marine pleasure crafts and he has owned and operated several marine related businesses including Granville Marine, his own boatyard where he enjoyed the patronage of some of the most amazing mentors. Jeff is also a patented inventor and constantly looking to improve on the current standard. He currently acts as a family advisor and council member at Seattle Children’s hospital and recently founded a non-profit called Mindful Presents.

Jaclyn Schlindwein

grew up in the Pacific Northwest where her connection with the earth began while running barefoot on the edges of the Salish Sea. She worked as an Environmental Educator in both the Caribbean and Hawaii, including as a Naturalist for Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ambassadors of the Environment program. After snorkeling coral reefs and hiking through rainforests for nearly a decade, she was called to become a Chinese Medicine Practitioner. She is currently working on developing her practice, Sacred Geometry Wellness, where her mission is to be an advocate for the ultimate happiness, health and wellbeing of her patients.

Sergei Boutenko

is a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, green smoothie hustla, forager, health nut, salsa dancer, adventurer, and lover of life. As a child, he suffered from health problems that were caused by eating crappy food and leading a sedentary lifestyle. He managed to regain his health by cleaning up his diet and implementing a regular exercise routine. His lifestyle shift has had such a profound effect on him, he felt compelled to share his thoughts and experiences through publishing numerous books and documentaries about diet, exercise, and foraging and his thriving YouTube channel called: “BoutenkoFilms” with hundreds of original videos on various topics. From time to time, he also goes on lecture tours, appears on podcasts, writes articles, and hosts retreats. www.sergeiboutenko.com www.YouTube.com/BoutenkoFilms

George Bullard

is a 4x world record-breaking explorer, endurance athlete and motivational speaker. George has been guiding expeditions in the Amazon rainforest, the Indian subcontinent, the Greenland Icecap, Svalbard, cycling across Europe, driving through NW Africa amongst others. Now George completes his own expeditions as well as running a company IGO Adventures. www.georgebullard.co.uk www.igoadventures.com

Amanda Hubik

lives in the Pacific Northwest, enjoying the gentle pace of island life. She volunteers her time across various non-profits in the area that focus on women’s equality and leadership, and nurtures her soul by spending time in her various gardening spaces.

William Brown

is a biophysicist and research scientist at The Resonance Science Foundation where he performs theoretical and experimental research to better understand the physics of complex, self-organizing systems, particularly the biological system. Within the theoretical purview, this has revealed important new insights into the processes of biogenesis, evolution, biological intelligence and consciousness. In experimental and applied domains, this has potential applications in new health and wellness technologies, manufacturing, and agriculture. William is passionate about learning and considers that as a fundamental aspect of his work and life. His primary objective is to help bring forth new ideas and technologies to assist humanity and advance civilization. https://resonance.is https://academy.resonance.is

Ben Leddusire

is a Pacific Northwest area photographer, adventurer, and bicycle enthusiast. His passion for photography and bicycles began at a young age, and he spent most of his early years split between BMX biking, photography, and videography. He has since turned those passions into his profession and his love for adventure and thrill seeking continues to this day. He currently lives in Seattle, Washington with his wife Laura and his Siberian Husky Nymeria. www.benzphotography.com

www.facethecurrent.com

CONTENT Issue 19 · May 2018

Dream, Create, Inspire And Dare To Live. RORY KRAMER 10

RE-WILDING To Get Back In Touch With Human Nature 72

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

COVER stories EDM Legacy FEDDE LE GRAND Talks Keeping It Authentic 56

DR. BRUCE LIPTON Wild Edibles +

Enlightens A New Generation of Self-Health Practices 88

Green Smoothies 96

MAY CONTENT 10. Dream, Create, Inspire And Dare To Live. Rory Kramer

V RA

20. Van Boom! How Wild And Free Road Tripping Has Become A Lifestyle 24. Ftc Travel Connection 38. Poeme Clothing Is Wild And Free Living With A Purpose

R LTU

42. Wild Adornment 48. From Cosmogenesis To Consciousness: Looking At The “Big Picture” Perspective Of Science 56. EDM Legacy Fedde Le Grand Talks Keeping It Authentic

S MU

62. 2018 Wild Music Festival Guide 68. The Most Sophisticated House Music 72. The Art Of Re-Wilding. Get Back In Touch With Human Nature

s rt s o sp nes it &f

76. The Top 7 Extreme Sports Feats Of All Time 80. E-Bikes Innovate The Cycling World From Urban Commutes To Mountain Trails 84. Fitness ‘In The Wild’ With David Ryan 88. Dr. Bruce Lipton Enlightens A New Generation Of Self-Health Practices

l ea

94. Practical Meditation For Beginners: 10 Days To A Happier, Calmer You 96. Go Wild With Wild Edibles And Green Smoothies

www.facethecurrent.com

UNITEDBYBLUE.COM

GET

15% Off U SE CO D E

SHOPUBB AT CH EC KO UT EXPIRES: 6/30

FtC fAce the current

TRAVEL

10. 20. 24. 8

Dream, Create, Inspire And Dare to Live. Rory Kramer Van Boom! How Wild and Free Road Tripping Has Become a Lifestyle FtC Travel Connection

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

For every product sold, United By Blue removes one pound of trash from our world’s oceans and waterways.

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC travel

Dream, Create, Inspire

And Dare to Live

Rory Kramer

Interview by Lucas Taggart To many people, Rory Kramer’s life may seem anything but normal. He’s a videographer, photographer, director, clothing line architect, host of his own MTV show (Dare to Live) and all-round content creator. While thrill-seeking and traveling the world, Rory also makes every effort to see the beauty in our magnificent planet. For Rory, traditional life-structure would be stifling and confining, quashing creativity and his soul’s quest for fulfillment. His life is his norm and it’s wholly authentic. Rory’s adventures are wild, his stories are rich, and his career has carved a remarkable path in his life. From creating stunt videos in his youth to channeling the visions of celebrities like The Chainsmokers, 3LAU, Avicii, and Justin Bieber, Rory has never tamped down his untamed spirit and passion for storytelling. Face the Current is excited to present a glimpse into the wild mind and life of Rory Kramer.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

I’ve had money, I’ve experienced travel, and I’ve lived comfortably. Materialistic stuff will never fill your soul. I’m trying to find the next thing that really moves me and that’s where I’m at right now.

Rory Kramer: I used to work a regular job. I worked every day from seven am to three pm. When I got off work, I’d go to the beach, I’d hike, and I’d capture things on my GoPro. That’s where it started. Eventually, I made a video for my college as a favor to some friends and it was posted on social media. One of my friends, who managed Blau (Justin David Blau, aka

3LAU) at the time, saw the video and he was like: “What you are doing for yourself, I could pay you to do. I could give you 250 dollars a day for a shoot.” I’d never seen that kind of money. At my old job, I had worked there 4 and a half years and was only making $42,000 a year. That doesn’t go very far living in LA so I immediately jumped on board. Blau and I stage-dived together on the first night of the tour and I was filming him crowd surfing. It turned out to be one of the sickest live shots I ever got. When we got back

“

Lucas Taggart:You prefer to live outside the structures of “normal” society. What was the tipping point for you to leave behind the nine-to-five life?

on stage, he said, “Yo man, I’ll take you everywhere.” He told me all the dates he wanted me and I started doing the math. I had no vacation days left at my job. I realized that if I worked enough dates for Blau I could cover my rent and expenses, so I quit my job. I called my boss on my birthday and he was so happy for me. My old boss saw my real potential and was very supportive of me. He always said his goal was to find a way to utilize my talents before somebody stole me!

www.facethecurrent.com

From there, I was touring with Blau a lot, creating fifteen second videos every single day. I would stay up all night editing the videos after each show and he’d post them as soon as I gave them to him. Blau was gaining traction as a DJ because the turnaround time on his content was so fast. People were tagging their friends on the videos saying, “Check out where I was last night!” It was insane. He even offered me a bonus if I could edit his videos every day and have them out within 24 hours, and I accepted the challenge. At his shows’ after-parties in the hotel, I would literally be editing in a corner. I just grinded so hard for that time in my life and I really created a name for myself. After that, I started touring with Martin Garrix and Avicii also found my YouTube videos. A writer for an Avicii song called “The Nights” saw my work and thought I’d be perfect to direct the video for it. I created the video from footage I already had on hard drives because, to me, it was a living, breathing history. I included a few bangers from my successful YouTube videos and just gave them the final product. They loved it and immediately put it out, and that’s what really put me on the map. I really only started making videos because I wanted to capture my friends and myself doing crazy things like jumping off balconies into pools, skateboarding stunts, and intense skits. That’s all it was. Ultimately, I wanted to have a TV show as popular as Jackass and I was also really into blink-182; I loved their tour videos. All of that influenced me. The blink-182 tour videos definitely played a part in my tour videos because you just saw them for who they really were.

“

When you stop and reflect on everything, you become grateful. I have a lot of gratitude, but I do get caught up in my own head, constantly asking myself, ‘What’s next, what’s next, what’s next?’

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

Success lets more people see your art but it also gives people the opportunity to judge you, be jealous of you, and even hate you. That’s really hard.

“

LT: So, you watched blink-182 videos and got inspired? RK: I didn’t think about this until just the other day, but blink-182’s “The Urethra Chronicles” was one of the first things that I remember seeing. I had the video on VHS and it was 45 funny minutes. It really humanized my favorite band for me. It also inspired me to take my parents’ camera and reenact skits, doing crazy stunts. I made my first actual video in high school called “Losers, I Hope You Die…arrhea.” I sold copies at my school and made $500. I was 18 years old, looking at this money, and I realized I just got paid to hang out with my friends. That became my goal – to one day have a TV show.

I think it’s been a good thing that it’s taken so long for me to achieve that. It ended up giving the show real substance instead of it being a quick, disposable trend. The Avicii video gave me the platform to put my face out there as a personality and it gave me the opportunity to be recognized in front of the camera as well as behind. The video also inspired people to follow me on social media and to get out of their comfort zones to travel. When I was working with Blau, he recognized my strengths. He wasn’t a great on-camera personality but he saw that I was comfortable in that arena. I started vlogging our video tours and that was a great

opportunity to put myself in front of the camera. I also loved playing around on tour and pranking him and I ended up doing a thing called Blau House All-Access. Each video started off with me pranking him and his honest reaction. This was where I started seeing the real power of humanizing a celebrity. From there, I worked with Justin Bieber. Initially, people were calling me a sell-out and saying that I was only working with him for the money. I lost respect from some people. After his music and videos came out, there was a lot of backtracking. People said to me, “I need to apologize for what I said to you. I see what you’re doing now.You’re showing a different side www.facethecurrent.com

of a person that society really ripped apart.” It was never Justin’s fault. Who could possibly handle getting famous at fourteen and then be able to process all of it while on the road to becoming the most famous person in the world? I just wanted to help humanize him and make people like him. I got to travel with Justin and have access to him in a way that all of his fans wanted but never got the opportunity to have. We became friends and he trusted me to tell his stories. Last year at a small party to celebrate DJ Khaled going number one, Justin said to me “I never really thanked you for showing me for me to the people. If you didn’t do that, I don’t think my purpose would have been as big as it was. Not only was the music great, but what you did for me showed people that I’m not an asshole; I’m a human being and I’ve

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

changed.” So, that was really cool. Here I am now, still trying to figure out my personal path. I still love what I do; I love directing music videos and I could do that for the rest of my life. My show didn’t necessarily do what I had hoped because I don’t think it had the best opportunity for viewership. I still think it’s a really great show but I’m at the phase of “what’s next?” What do I really want to do? Yes, I can go direct another music video but I keep asking myself about what will fill my soul. I’ve had money, I’ve experienced travel, and I’ve lived comfortably. Materialistic stuff will never fill your soul. I’m trying to find the next thing that really moves me and that’s where I’m at right now. LT:You’ve said that it’s difficult when you actually achieve a

long-time dream. Can you tell me more about that? RK: When it happens, when you’ve been working your whole life toward it, it’s like: “Wow! I did it.” I was making videos with the end goal of having my own TV show and I got that. Of course you can keep doing the thing you’ve achieved, but there’s no going back. For me, I couldn’t go back to a nine-tofive job. It wasn’t a bad job; it just wasn’t mine to be doing. Now that I’ve had accomplishments, I want to keep pushing. I want to find a greater purpose; something bigger than myself. I’m a little anxious now because I don’t know what’s next for me. I did two videos for the Chainsmokers that I’m proud of, but I want those videos to serve a purpose. I want them to help me get to my next fulfillment and I know

LT:That’s awesome.

LT:You have obviously been inspired by many people. What are some of your biggest inspirations right now?

of you, and even hate you. That’s really hard and I’ve watched that not get the best of him. If anything, he uses it as fuel and I think that’s really cool. He’s not writing his music because he thinks it’ll be the next big hit, he’s writing to get it out of his system and I respect that. It turns out that those are some of my favorite songs because I relate to them. Our career successes happened in parallel so I experienced a lot of things he’s written about.

RK: Yeah, but it’s hard though. When you stop and reflect on everything, you become grateful. I have a lot of gratitude, but I do get caught up in my own head, constantly asking myself, “What’s next, what’s next, what’s next?” I’ve been grinding every day for three years since I quit my job. This is the first time in my life that I actually had a week or two off.

RK: I’d definitely say one of my biggest inspirations is my roommate, Drew (Drew Taggart of The Chainsmokers). He has an amazing work ethic and he deals with a lot of negativity. He’s an example of the hate that success will bring you. Success lets more people see your art but it also gives people the opportunity to judge you, be jealous

Another huge inspiration is definitely Twenty One Pilots. I really got into them when I was editing my TV show. Making a TV show was a lot more difficult than I anticipated because I was working with a team that had input. I was so used to having complete creative freedom and suddenly, I had people saying that they didn’t understand what I was doing. I

they will, I just don’t know what it is yet. I definitely want to keep building up my brand and building up my clothing line. I’m really proud of my clothing line actually, because it’s not based on me specifically; it’s centered on what I stand for. It’s pretty dope to see kids wearing my gear, tagging themselves in photos as they travel the world being happy, doing things that they love and being themselves.

It’s a bit foreign to me to have no plans in a day except working out. My focus has shifted more toward taking care of myself, getting in shape, recovering from knee surgery, and eating better. When I do find my next thing, I’m going to be like an animal – ready to attack!

www.facethecurrent.com

had to adapt to this new framework of operation and it was hard. Even though I was living a fulfilled dream, I was having a lot of anxiety and depression because it was very hard to explain my vision to people that weren’t familiar with me and what I stand for. Twenty One Pilots’ lyrics helped me to make sense of what I was feeling at that time. I know Josh but I don’t know Tyler and I think they take their brand very seriously. Everything they do makes sense and it’s always on brand; I think they’re really smart in that way. That’s inspired me in the sense that, whatever’s next, all decisions will go

“

toward that goal. Make your own brand and make it make sense. LT:You were talking about your depression and anxiety, and many people can relate to that. What helps you when you have anxious feelings or when you’re upset by something? Do you have a process that you go through? RK: I get in my head a lot so if I notice myself starting to feel down, I immediately go outside. I’ll walk down the street to grab a coffee or I’ll jump in my car and go for a drive to try to gain perspective. When

you’ve experienced success, fame, and people singing your praises, you’re put up on a pedestal. The thing is, you’re there by yourself and no one likes to be alone. Even when you know that people like what you’re doing, you start to feel the pressure. People will have their own idea of who you are and it no longer matters who you actually are. That can start to mess with your head because you’ll second guess yourself. People might tell you that you’ve changed and then you’ll start to wonder if that’s true. That’s something that’s really hard for me to accept.

People might not see your vision or understand something you’re doing. They might actually not be mature enough to understand. It’s all about exposing people to different ideas.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

LT:That’s similar to what you were saying about Drew and the way he puts himself into his songs to handle negativity. RK: It’s hard. I don’t ever want to sound like I am complaining about my life because it’s really awesome! At times though, I think you can just be misunderstood. People might not see your vision or understand something you’re doing. They might actually not be mature enough to understand. I’m a lot older than some of my videos’ viewers and that’s okay. It’s all about exposing people to different ideas. NOTE: make previous two green lines into one quote

LT:That’s dope! You have one of the most off-the-wall creative processes of anyone I know. You often edit at 5am! Would you speak a little bit about your work flow? I think it is really unique and I think it affects your product when you are heavily based in inspiration instead of routine. RK: I know what it’s like to feel unfulfilled. Since I know what that feels like, I can tell if I’m creating something for the wrong reasons. I’ll know right away that it won’t fill me up. I’m not going to do things just because I have an opportunity; I’m

going to do things that I believe in. I need to have something that moves me and that I know will connect with people. I’m not interested in faking anything. I struggle sometimes because I’m so concerned with what I put out there that I can drive myself crazy. I’m not me if I’m not creating and it can lead to bad decisions. I feel everything connect when I have a clear vision and it almost feels effortless because it’s my passion. Learning to say no is an important skill for me because I’m not interested in doing things I don’t want to do; it won’t make me happy.

www.facethecurrent.com

You always have to question your own motives. Sometimes I find myself thinking that I need to post a new photo to keep growing my brand. When you force it, you end up posting things that aren’t authentic to you. I posted a photo of myself jumping off a roof because it reminded me of my life before my success. Before I moved out of my hometown, I was always jumping off

“

of roofs into pools with my friends. We didn’t do it to get “likes” or because we thought it could go viral. We did it because it was something we just liked to do. It was about making memories and moments together, and we loved capturing photos and videos. That’s what I’m after; those moments that are true to who you are and who you want to be.

In a way, I’m also addicted to working. I love editing photos and videos and if I don’t have anything to work on, I can drive myself crazy. That’s where I am at in my life; learning to have balance. It’s okay to have days where you don’t do anything. When I have those moments that used to bring on anxiety, I try to be at peace with the calm and stillness. I’ve realized that things always end up being fine,

You don’t have to constantly create; you just have to experience life. Just get out there and find inspiration, otherwise you will never have anything from which to draw. Content droughts are a real thing. If you drink all the water in a cup, it’s not going to magically have more water; you have to go find more. That’s what will fill you up and keep you going. FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

so stressing myself out over work is not worth it. If I don’t have anything to do today, that’s cool! I could drive up to Malibu for a hike. When I first started touring with Blau, I had a perfect balance. I would work around seven days a month and I would spend the rest of my time exploring. It was in that exploration time that I captured all the clips that ended up in my personal videos. I just got

so caught up in the feeling that I had to be creating all the time. The thing is you don’t have to constantly create; you just have to experience life. Just get out there and find inspiration, otherwise you will never have anything from which to draw. Content droughts are a real thing. If you drink all the water in a cup, it’s not going to magically have more water; you have to go find more.

That’s what will fill you up and keep you going.

ymore info: https://rorykramer.com @rorykramer www.facethecurrent.com

FtC travel

Van Boom!

How Wild and Free Road Tripping Has Become a Lifestyle By Sergei Boutenko Sergei Boutenko is a story teller. His life as a filmmaker, author, entrepreneur, green smoothie enthusiast, forager, health nut and overall adventurer provides him ample ideas to share his thoughts and experiences. His wild life includes him participating in lecture tours, conducting podcasts, writing articles, hosting retreats and generally being on the road. Because of his somewhat nomadic existence, Sergei was attracted to the van life. For some, living in a van allows them to travel freely. For others, it lets them save money to pursue a passion. And still others are just drawn to van living because they want to maintain a lifestyle of minimalism and self-reliance. Fascinated by the van life trend, Sergei is determined to make sense of it all and capture that in his new documentary called “Van Boom!”

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

After publishing my wild edibles book, invitations for leading foraging hikes, conducting lectures, and doing book signings became more abundant. I began touring roughly 200 days a year and incurring big lodging expenses. My busy travel schedule had me spending tens-of-thousands of dollars a year on hotel stays. I hated this because I’m not a homebody and prefer to spend as little time in strange hotel rooms as possible. Spending that kind of dough just to sleep and shower seemed wrong so I began thinking of alternatives. Eventually, I found a solution; I bought a van! This van became

my transportation and lodging. I diverted the money that I normally set aside for lodging into my new vehicle and found that it was much more enjoyable and convenient to travel and sleep in. When I wasn’t touring, I kept driving the van as my daily driver and quickly noticed that it had other practical applications. Because it’s roomy and gets good gas mileage, I could do things like fill it with friends and go on an economic surf trip. It’s shape and size made it possible to securely haul film equipment from home to work location. I even discovered that I could load entire pallets

of books into it and move them without exposing them to the elements (i.e. rain, snow, etc.). Long story short, I got hooked on vans and van life. A year or two after that, big boxy, European-looking vans started showing up everywhere. At first I thought it was just the red Ferrari effect—when you buy a particular car and begin noticing that same car everywhere. But what I discovered was that van lifestyles are trending so hard right now, that Vice.com was quoted saying: “Living out of a van is the new American Dream.”1

www.facethecurrent.com

“

What I discovered was that van lifestyles are trending so hard right now, that Vice.com was quoted saying: ‘Living out of a van is the new American Dream.’

“

What’s with this van boom and is it all worth it? I have questions. I want to know if people gravitate toward van life because of economic reasons or if they’re simply craving more adventurous existences? How is van life different to living in a home? Or an RV? Or a trailer? Or a tent? Is it actually cheaper than living in a house? What is the average monthly expenditure of this type of lifestyle? Do van lifers get sick of it? Do they ever crave stability? Does the constant traveling wear on you? How does van life differ for surfers, climbers, authors, executives, single people, married couples, folks with families? Does it get lonely on the road? Are there any dangers? Are people nice to you? Do they respect your life choices or shun your existence? How does real life differ from what we see on social media? And finally, do van lifers feel happy and fulfilled?

22 Credit: FACEMurat the CURRENT MAGAZINE Dagaslan

I’m currently working on a new documentary about van living called: “Van Boom.” The aim of the film will be to answer all the questions above and many more. While I don’t live in a van, I already have some unique insight into the van community. I feel that I’m a good candidate to delve into this topic and do some investigation. Once I research the socks off of van life and collect a healthy dose of van-lifer interviews, I’ll make sense of it all and share my findings with the world. I’m currently slated to begin film production in June of this year and hope to release a film some time in early 2019. If you’d like to learn more about Van Boom, visit www.SergeiBoutenko.com

ymore info: SPRINTER VAN CONVERSION: My DIY Setup For Less Than $1,200: https://youtu.be/awwZ7N07w4w Why I Love My Sprinter Van Even More: https://youtu.be/wX4Sc21u0eE Winter Sprinter: https://youtu.be/thl5swSfFLU (My collab with Mercedes) A Sporty Day With Sergei In His Van: https://youtu.be/Le8AREumF8w www.facethecurrent.com

FtC travel

FtC Travel Connection Wanderlusters, Adventurers, Explorers, and Travel Photographers –‘Sharing Our Stories’

Jordan Hammond PLACE I Call Home: Dover, UK Instagram: @jordhammond

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

I believe it is very important to immerse yourself in a culture when you travel, and try to give back as much as you can.

“

ftc travel connection

What is one of your most memorable trips in remote wilderness? My most memorable trip in the wilderness would have to be hiking the Tiger Leaping Gorge in China back in 2015. The hike itself was only two days, but was one of the most grueling and beautiful I have ever participated in. Hiking along a gorge with the vast mountains of SouthWestern China looming overhead

was quite an experience, and we only encountered a few fellow hikers over the 2 days. Our half-way house was perched at the top of a hill, and watching the sunset over the valley was magnificent. The only slight challenge we faced was forgetting to go to the ATM before the trek, meaning we only had enough money on the second day for a Snickers bar and a bottle of water each, which made the trek exhausting. However, the sense of adventure was amazing

and it made me want to try different treks in China, particularly because of the feeling of solidarity and peace felt when in the mountains.

ftC fAce the current

travel connection www.facethecurrent.com

When you think of the phrase ‘keep it wild’ in terms of travel, what does it mean to you? The phrase “keep it wild” makes me think of the spontaneity of travel. Most of my trips only come about a week or two in advance, and so often we are left booking hotels and transport on the day, without having a return flight. I think you see more of a place and get a better feel for the culture when things aren’t quite so planned out, and it allows the flexibility to stay longer if you need to, and change plans last minute. This, to me, is keeping it wild, and travelling freely. This is also one of the reasons that I love travel so much, and whilst spontaneous travel can be tiring, it is also exciting to not know what is around the corner.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

What is one or two of your favorite books or quotes that have most inspired you to venture into the wild? A book that has really made me open my eyes when it comes to travel and venturing into the wild is “The Friendship Highway” by Charlie Carroll. I read it right before moving to China myself, and it really pushed me to explore as much of China as I possibly could whilst I was there, and in particular trying to steer clear of the main cities and heading into the countryside. The book tells of the author’s journey into Tibet, which was an adventure in itself, but also of the struggles the people of Tibet face. I believe it is very important to immerse yourself in a culture when you travel, and try to give back as much as you can, and so this book really hit home for me, and encouraged me to go and see remote places and do my best to help the people living there along the way.

ftC fAce the current

travel connection

www.facethecurrent.com

ftc travel connection

Kelsey Williamson PLACE I Call Home: Oahu, Hawaii Instagram: @kelsealoha

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

ftC fAce the current

travel connection

What is one of your most memorable trips in remote wilderness? Last summer my two friends and I set off to hike the Kalalau Trail and camp for two nights. This trail is a 22 mile trek round trip along the rugged coastline of Kauai that takes you to a remote beach that you can only get to by foot, boat or kayak. We had to hike in with all our food and camping gear but luckily there

are multiple rivers along the way we could refill our water supply.You have to traverse 5 valleys and for every turn and switch back, the views got continually better and the further away from civilization. Setting foot on that last beach and looking up at the drastic cliffs ending abruptly on the sea was so surreal. While we were in such a remote spot, I could feel the energy of the Hawaiian history that surrounds this place. I was able

to explore parts of Kalalau valley where a community of Hawaiians once lived off the land. Being this immersed in nature really makes me appreciate what it takes to survive. The feeling of being disconnected from the world and experiencing only what is going on around you is what draws me to the do these types a shack selling What is one of your most memorable trips in remote wilderness? www.facethecurrent.com

When you think of the phrase ‘keep it wild’ in terms of travel, what does it mean to you? When I think of ‘keep it wild’ referring to travel I think of experiencing off the beaten path places in nature and traveling a more rugged style. I believe in allowing yourself to have freedom from judgment, and in exploring new places with new people, because

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

that is what drives my soul. I try not to allow society’s standards and other people’s opinions inhibit me from achieving my dreams. Often times, when I island hop, I rent a car and have very little plans on where I’m going to sleep that night or what adventures are to come. Sometimes not having a set plan and being spontaneous, has resulted in the most exciting moments. Ending up somewhere on a hidden beach,

or discovering a serene waterfall is what makes my trips special. The mystery of the unknown is one of the most addicting feelings I long to feel over and over again through my explorations. Whether it is sleeping in a tent, car, or hammock, or finding remote spots to hike, my style of ‘keepin’ it wild’ is keepin’ it simple and natural.

Hiking down the red hill with the Kalalau beach in sight. What is one or two of your favorite books or quotes that have most inspired you to venture into the wild? One book I really love for inspiring one to travel and venture into the wild is the “Alchemist.” This book follows a boy who sacrifices everything to set off on an adventure to find treasure in the pyramids. A quote that stands out to me in this book is, “People are capable, at any

Kalalau Beach and its dramatic cliffs

time in their lives, of doing what they dream of.” I love this and try to live my life around this quote, which has created the opportunity for me to travel and explore as much as I can in the wild. It’s pushed me to pursue doing what I love as much as I can. People don’t realize that most of the time the only thing from stopping them from doing the things they dream of is their self. When you come to realize that the we are all capable to experience what this

world has to offer and the nature that surrounds us you find ways to make these experiences happen.

ftC fAce the current

travel connection

www.facethecurrent.com

ftc travel connection

Sage Stephens PLACE I Call Home: New York City, NY Instagram: @storyofsage

“

For me the phrase ‘keep it wild’ means disconnecting. Disconnecting from your phone, from drama, from being a content creator, and from worries. Keeping it wild, to me, is all about finding a deep connection with nature and finding the full potential of what we are supposed to be through our experiences while disconnected.

“

ftC fAce the current

travel connection 32

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

What is one of your most memorable trips in remote wilderness? Trekking through the Himalayas of Northern India was without a doubt the most memorable trip into the remote wilderness I’ve experienced. It was no easy task as it was a 6 day trek with a huge elevation gain. The climate where we started the

trek was around 80ºF, and where we finished it was a bone chilling 20ºF. Of course there were challenges with it being the first major trek I had done in my life. I’ve always been used to 1-2 day hikes, so this one tested my stamina in a major way and I quickly learned how to stay hydrated and find a find a good pace for longevity. This trek was memorable for me

because it was one of the first times in my life where I was able to completely disappear into nature with no way of contacting the outside world, not even small villages for a relatively longer period of time. We were a 2-3 day walk from the nearest small village (of 50 people). We were completely remote, and I loved it.

www.facethecurrent.com

When you think of the phrase ‘keep it wild’ in terms of travel, what does it mean to you? For me the phrase ‘keep it wild’ means disconnecting. Disconnecting from your phone, from drama, from being a content creator, and from worries. Keeping it wild, to me, is all about finding a deep connection with nature and finding the full potential of

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

what we are supposed to be through our experiences while disconnected. I live in Times Square - one of the busiest places on the planet. I’m the exact opposite of disconnected a lot of times. So, I keep it wild by escaping it all and running to nature. I take spontaneous trips – and I always find time to get away. I’m not a city person actually, but I’m someone with big goals and dreams. So even though

I live in a city, I find ways every couple weeks to travel and get into nature. I sacrifice a lot to make that happen, but keeping it wild to me is the root of my happiness. The connection I have with nature is what keeps me centered.

What is one or two of your favorite books or quotes that have most inspired you to venture into the wild? “How vain it is to sit down and write when you have not stood up to live”

- Henry David Thoreau

I first heard this quote when I had

“

initially started living in Hawaii - it helped me realize that I had been talking about my dreams my entire life, but I had done nothing about them. I hadn’t started living. So my experience in Hawaii was all about taking every possible opportunity I could handle. I said yes to everything and did every hike, dive, and adventure I could fit into my day for 2 years. I didn’t start living until I

moved to Hawaii. If there were any one quote that has inspired me to venture it was that quote.

ftC fAce the current

travel connection

Keeping it wild to me is the root of my happiness. The connection I have with nature is what keeps me centered.

“

www.facethecurrent.com

EXPLORE WITH US FtC

culture fAce the current

38. 42. 48. 36

Poème Clothing Is Wild and Free Living With a Purpose Wild Adornment FROM COSMOGENESIS TO CONSCIOUSNESS: Looking At The “Big Picture” Perspective Of Science

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

The Delegate Program:

Offers a innovative learning environment for people interested in exploring a unified science model, its implications and applications in consciousness and technology development and its impact on our daily lives and the state of our planet. Learn & explore alongside Nassim Haramien, Academy Faculty and Delegates from over 80 countries.

Big Questions

RESOLVING THE “HARD PROBLEMS” OF SCIENCE A RESONANCE ACADEMY ELECTIVE FROM FACULTY MEMBER

WILLIAM BROWN

BECOME A RESONANCE ACADEMY DELEGATE JOIN US IN PERU For 2 Annual Gathering In 2018 nd

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC culture

Poème Clothing Is Wild and Free Living With a Purpose By Connie Howes

Poème Clothing is a locally designed brand from Victoria, BC Canada that is shaking things up with their unique, purpose-driven vision. Poeme’s designs are both alluring and ethically sourced, providing beautiful clothes that serve a wider purpose. Connie Howes, the brand’s founder, is the creator behind it all. Her wanderlust roots combined with her desire to have an impact on a global scale were the source of inspiration behind Poème. After spending several years living in Africa, she wanted to create a company with a global flair and ethical purpose.This drives the brand’s identity of freedom, wildness, and femininity.

“

In a world where fast-fashion and exploitation of underpaid workers is common, Poème challenges mass production models by using ethical and sustainable alternatives.

“

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Photo by Jill Matthews from Sutton and Grove

@suttonandgrove

Connie’s love of both travel and fashion influenced the way that Poème’s clothes are designed in the sense that they are not only stylish and comfortable, but also represent something more universal. Poème is for the eternal seeker, the adventurous woman with wanderlust in her eyes. It is a brand for the traveler in us all who is at home gazing up at the stars from all corners of the globe. The Poème woman knows and embraces what it means to live wild and free.

Photo by Kim Jay Photography

@kimjayphoto

www.facethecurrent.com

@kimjayphotography

The carefully sourced, ethically crafted products encapsulate the freedom that Poème’s clothing inspires. This was the dream related to Poème’s identity - to create a brand that instills freedom for both consumers and producers. By working with a small, family owned production company in Bali, Poème provides quality that is impactful on a global level. In a world where fast-fashion and exploitation of underpaid workers is common, Poème challenges mass production models by using ethical and sustainable alternatives. All of Poème’s employees are highly skilled artisans who receive above industry wages as well as benefits, which are on par with international standards. Some of the benefits include 3 months paid maternity leave, which is empowering for women employees.

40 Photo FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE by Kim Jay Photography

@kimjayphoto

@kimjayphotography

scan to watch video

WATCH VIDEO

Other benefits include observation of religious holidays as well as health insurance. The brand’s vision of freedom and beauty is just as important for Poème’s founder as it is for the brand’s consumers. Working closely with a small, family operation allows for Poème to ensure that employees are treated fairly, and it ensures the integrity of the brand. This is at the forefront of Poème and is one of the reasons of its success among those who know that their purchase carries a lot of ethical power.

ymore info: Photos by Kim Jay Photography

poemeclothing.com Instagram: @poeme.clothing www.facethecurrent.com

FtC culture

Wild Adornment By Jaclyn Schlindwein Life imitates art and there is no greater masterpiece than the epic mountains, forests and oceans of our beautiful planet Earth. Let nature be the ultimate inspiration for your creativity, especially when it comes to how you adorn yourself. Take note from a tree decorated with its delicate and elegant strings of lichen, or the morning leaves bejeweled in glistening diamond-like dewdrops. Not only are the following accessories reminiscent of the exquisiteness of Mother Nature, the companies behind them are committed to doing what they can to protect the inspiration behind these art pieces. This means you will not only look good wearing them, but also feel good knowing that you are doing your part to support a more sustainable future for our world.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

PRODUCTS THAT KEEP IT CLOSE TO NATURE where to find these products: click on the image or scan the code

THE GEMFIRE RING BY HESPERA DESIGNS Make a statement with this one of a kind (literally, no two rings are alike) hand crafted amethyst crystal ring. Carved from a single piece of stone, wearing the Gemfire Ring will make anyone feel like a gem. www.hesperadesigns.com

CRYSTAL HAIRPIN SET IN LABRADORITE BY TRIBE JEWELRY Part of Tribe Jewelry’s mission is to create nature inspired jewelry “for the love of the Earth and conscious culture”. These crystals are designed to be worn in your hair and are set in sophisticated antique brass. www.tribe-jewelry.com

www.facethecurrent.com

CIRCUS VEST HOLISTIC WEAR BY CONSCIOUS CONVERGENCE Conscious Convergence supports Indigenous communities and uses ancient techniques such as natural plant dyes to create this playful and unique fashion piece. www.consciousconvergence.com

OUDOMXAI VINTAGE JUNGLEVINE BAG BY NATURE BAG This natural fiber handcrafted totebag has the artisan’s touch. Earth’s “greenest bag” is grown without cultivation, irrigation or chemicals and is woven by the women of the Khmu tribe in Laos. www.naturebag.org

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

SECRET RING BY SECRET WOOD Inspired by the mysteries of nature, these wood and resin rings are inset with natural designs. Looking into the magical world of this ring is more than enough to get you lost in a day dream. www.mysecretwood.com

WOOD ADJUSTABLE WRAP MALA BY MALA AND MANTRA Part of the Five Elements collection, this mala captures the energy and spirit of the wood element. Created with intention and sustainability in mind, the wood mala will help bring you to your ohm moment in style. www.malaandmantra.com

www.facethecurrent.com

ZEBRA VEGAN WALLET FOR MEN OR CORK MESSENGER BAG BY CORKOR Corkor uses sustainable and Forest Stewardship Certified cork to make eco-friendly bags and wallets that a surprisingly fashionable and functional. https://www.corkor.com

GOBI II ECO SUEDE MENS BY VIVOBAREFOOT Made with the idea that “less is best”, the thin soles of VivoBarefoot were created with the idea that the human foot is a bio-mechanical masterpiece thousands of years in the making. They are designed to keep you close to the earth and connected to your senses. www.vivobarefoot.com

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

ELEMENTS CAP BY SACRED STATE DESIGN These hats are made out of organic cotton by an eco-friendly company who donates a portion of every sale to clean up plastic pollution. And their designs are absolutely dreamy. www.sacredstatedesign.com

ORIGINAL FLOATING BAMBOO SUNGLASSES BY TREE TRIBE These stylish sunglasses are handcrafted from sustainable bamboo and are perfect for adventurous days on the water because they float! Tree Tribe also plants ten trees for every purchase and has already planted over 150,000 of our air cleaning friends. https://treetribe.com

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC culture

FROM COSMOGENESIS TO CONSCIOUSNESS: Looking At The “Big Picture” Perspective Of Science By William Brown, Biophysicist at the Resonance Science Foundation

Sombrero Galaxy

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

For instance, we know that Mars rotates in 24 hours, 37 minutes, and 23 seconds, with about as much certainty as can be conceivably achieved. We know that it orbits the Sun with a semimajor axis of 1.524 astronomical units (228 million kilometers), an eccentricity of 0.0934, and an average orbital speed of 24 Km/s; from which we know an exact period of 687 days for the Red Planet to make a complete orbit. Knowing the planetary motions of Mars with this degree of precision enables us to exactly determine its periodic orientation to Earth, from which— all-together—we can calculate the velocity boost and total impulse needed to hit an exact orbital trajectory that will take us 55 million km and successfully arrive at a destination only 6,779 km in diameter (like hitting a dime with a longbow arrow from 100 meters away). Similarly, we have been able to visit every planet in the solar system by understanding the orbital mechanics governing their motions. This is impressive, and similar levels of profound knowledge regarding other systems are extremely useful for humanity and our technological civilization. However, such acute knowledge can only go so far in explaining how it all fits together—or even more importantly— how we fit into the natural order and “grand scheme” of the universe. our scientific understanding of the natural world is perhaps getting to a sufficiently advanced level that to proceed further we must begin developing an encompassing purview from which we can gain insight about the operation of the whole, as a coherent and unified system. Under the assumption that any system can be described by identifying and characterizing its most fundamental units, to this day we are still searching for a fundamental particle, like vibrating strings of string theory—yet, why should we assume that there is not an infinite regression to smaller and smaller components? Perhaps, as physicist Nassim Haramein has said, “instead of looking for a fundamental particle, we should look for a fundamental pattern of division.” And most importantly, we should

elucidate the integral connectivity of all things—that no particle or system can be taken to be isolated; that there are constitutive field interactions extended through space connecting all things.

FIELD A physical quantity that has a value for each point in space and time. It can be thought of as an underlying energy that permeates all of space, as a liquid fills a cup. In previous eras, different fields and objects, particularly of a mechanical nature (including multi-component objects) could be idealized to be isolated and independently acting systems. For instance, the idealization of heat engines allowed for the derivation of the laws of thermodynamics; forces like electromagnetism and gravity were modeled as emissions from objects isolated in space. In limiting cases these reductionist models work, but they are not true characterizations of things as they exist in actuality. The idealized conditions of thermodynamics left us with the conviction that all systems will increase in entropy, what can be thought of as the lowest energy state of any system, which often corresponds to the most disordered arrangement. But this is a property of isolated systems, and no such system has ever been observed or even thought possible to exist within the canon of physics theory. No matter how independent a system might appear, there are always interactions occurring, even if its at the ground-state level of the zero-point field (the vacuum). Moreover, some of the greatest successes of 20th century science occurred when forces were no longer characterized as being emitted by objects isolated in space, but instead were characterized as ever-present quantum fields. The force interactions of charge and photoelectricity were understood to be oscillations of an ever-present quantized electromagnetic-field; gravity as a geometrization of the spacetime manifold, and even matter has been characterized as mass-energy fluctuations in the field of the quantum vacuum.

“

Science has made remarkable advancements since the relatively recent inception of this very specific and powerful method of inquiry and empirical investigation. Modern science, characterized by the reductionist approach, has been extremely adept at reducing systems to identify the fundamental units, enabling a detailed understanding of the function and behavior of these “reducible” systems via their basic components (hence the moniker reductionistic). Put another way, the scientific method has dismantled the clock and determined with extreme precision how each gear and wheelwork functions.

It occupies space. It contains energy. Its presence eliminates a true vacuum.

- John Archibald Wheeler, on the idea of a “field” www.facethecurrent.com

The reductionist approach was able to tackle problems that were comparably simple when compared to the complex systems that we are now attempting to characterize and understand, such as the unpredictable behavior of systems that are ruled by chaos dynamics (think “butterfly effect”) or perhaps the epitomal example: the physics of the living system. So, now we are dealing with systems that are not easily idealized, systems that are complex, far-from-equilibrium, acutely sensitive to minor perturbations, and which necessarily must begin to be incorporated into a coherent synthesis to understand how all of these “components” the reductionist method has identified relate to one another. We are also quickly nearing some questions that speak to the heart of existence, questions that have previously been safely relegated to philosophy, metaphysics, and religion—Big Questions that present particularly difficult problems for the scientific method to tackle; so much so that some have posited that these ‘hard problems’ are perhaps intractable via the scientific method.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

BIG QUESTIONS

The Resonance Science Foundation has made important strides towards developing a unified science that explains the functioning of the parts by understanding the function of the whole and the integral connectivity of all things. In a sense, this is a movement beyond the reductionist method into a science of connectivity, where it is no longer assumed that systems can be fully explained by the functioning of their most basic elements, but instead that the whole is more than the sum of the parts—what the prescient Buckminister Fuller called synergetics. The new approach to advance theory to the next level and unify disparate fields of science is looking at systems as being more than the sum of their parts, that in fact the “parts” carry information of the whole, and there is constitutive information exchange (feedbackfeedforward information processing) that vastly influences the dynamics underlying the formation of order so that

non-random self-organizing forces play a central role in the evolution and development of physical systems of the universe. The approach to answering these big questions looks at some of the most basic elements of a physics of reality—such as: space, information, time, and explaining how intricate complexity, organizational synergy, and dynamic evolving systems can emerge from relatively simple principles. As an example of this, consider the scale-invariant intricate complexity and infinite diversity within repeating patterns that characterize fractals, which are generated by a simple algorithmic feedback operation:

zn += zn2 + c . 1 Don’t worry about the math, but what you see is an algorithm, an iterative function, where a starting number, say 0, is squared and summed with a variable, say -1, and the computed value is plugged back into the original www.facethecurrent.com

equation and squared. This process is repeated many times, up to and exceeding millions of iterations. When the values of this bounded set are graphed, it produces the amazing Mandelbrot set. An example of simple principles underlying the formation of complex structure and integral order. Such a feedback operation could also be justifiably posited to be an intrinsic operation of the formation of awareness, and certainly self-awareness, perhaps suggesting that a universe with such feedbackfeedforward operations would have an inherent kind of self-awareness (it is certainly self-aware through our consciousness alone), and that this universal sentience may play a functional role in the natural development of physical systems. With such a holofractogramic unified physics approach we look to see if we can answer some profound questions, like: can we understand and explain the origins of the Universe? What processes give rise to the structure and dynamics that are observed? Are there natural ordering principles driving the evolution and development of the universe? What is our place in the Cosmos? What role does consciousness play? These are big questions of science — what have been termed the ‘hard problems’ — since scientific explanations seem to lead to intractable paradoxes and ultimate inexplicability.Yet, when viewed through the cohesive and wholistic understanding of unified physics, we see that the resolutions of these hard problems are relatively simple and intuitively understandable. These big questions will be explored, rendering a global synthesis in which there is a unified model: from cosmogenesis to consciousness.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

The implications and applications of Unified Physics are far-ranging in scope, potentially informing every aspect of our experience both here on Earth and beyond. With scientific understanding of the fundamental principles and processes by which the universe operates comes the opportunity to innovate new technologies and ways of living that can bring harmony to our relationship with each other, nature, and liberate humanity from many of the essential challenges we currently face. Through nearly unlimited clean energy generation and gravitational control capacities alone, our entire paradigm of economic and technological infrastructure completely transforms. We shift from a disconnected worldview — where humanity is left to survive with limited amounts of resources, breeding fear and concepts of lack and scarcity and therefore dominance, war, and control — to a sense of abundance and ease and the ability to direct our energy and resources towards creating a sustainable and thriving world in ecological and social balance.

ymore info: Resonance Science Foundation: https://resonance.is Resonance Science Academy: https://academy.resonance.is The Connection Universe Film, a documentary film written and directed by Malcom Carter, narrated by Sir Patrick Stewart and featuring the research of physicist Nassim Haramein: http://getconnected.resonance.is

o t e ib r c s b u s ! e u s is n don’t Miss A , h t n o M h c A e y p o to receive your c your inbox. delivered right to

NOT JUST A MAGAZINE “FUEL FOR AN INSPIRED LIFE. BE YOUR POTENTIAL.” click to subscribe

or scan Read us on issuu (click logo to go)

www.facethecurrent.com

Available at www.facethecurrent.com (click logo to go)

FtC fAce the current

MUSIC 56. EDM LEGACY FEDDE LE GRAND TALKS KEEPING IT AUTHENTIC 62. 2018 WILD MUSIC FESTIVAL GUIDE 68.

the most sophisticated house music

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Taking a slight change in direction from his recent releases, ‘Flex’ is a hybrid creation that combines electro-house with an urban flare through General Levy’s slick vocals. Working seamlessly with Funk Machine to create the perfect Main Stage weapon, this energetic number has already been played by the likes of Oliver Heldens and Dannic in their radio shows. With this new addition to his catalogue, Fedde Le Grand is ready to bring the heat all summer long with ‘Flex.’

MAY 14TH RELEASE www.facethecurrent.com

FtC music

EDM LEGACY

FEDDE LE GRAND TALKS KEEPING IT AUTHENTIC Interview By Sasha Frate If EDM music fans were asked to name legacy artists, Fedde Le Grand would undoubtedly be among their replies. Born in the Netherlands, Fedde has been credited with pioneering electronica House Music. His 2006 chart-topping hit Put Your Hands Up for Detroit solidified his spot in the House Music scene and catapulted him into the rankings in DJ Magazine. Using his creative beats, Fedde has remixed artists including Coldplay, Madonna, Rihanna, Mariah Carey, and Michael Jackson to achieve mainstream success while maintaining an edgy, underground vibe. He’s also played unforgettable sets at festivals including Coachella, Tomorrowland, EDC, and Ultra Music Festival. When he’s not busy touring the world, Fedde also produces music and runs his Darklight Sessions radio show, giving new and exciting tracks a showcasing platform. Face the Current invites you to enjoy a glimpse into the innovating yet forward-thinking life of Fedde Le Grand.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

Luckily, I have the greatest fans that are super open-minded and usually let me get away with quite a bit of experimentation in terms of different styles and sounds. That’s something I’m very grateful for as I really need to be able to be myself and try out new things; that’s what keeps it all interesting.

“

Sasha Frate: You Got Me Runnin’ is your latest track released this year on your own Darklight Recordings. What went into this production and do you have any specific upcoming venues in 2018 that you’re excited for? Fedde Le Grand: I actually worked a lot on this record during my Asia tour last year, so that’s quite a few months ago. Somehow, I couldn’t really finish it at a point that made

me happy. The record went through a few different versions before becoming what it is now and I’m very happy with it. I’m not really sure if I can name any specific shows but I’m looking forward to dropping this record. It works in pretty much all of my sets and it’s even a part of my new show intro that I premiered at Ultra Miami last month. I’ve got so many upcoming shows that I’m looking forward to; summer is just always a great, fun time!

SF: Music truly has the power to evoke many different emotions. Laughter is also said to be “the most revolutionary emotion, because it’s free and can’t be forced.” Outside of music, what is your source of uplift that helps you to stay positive and inspired? FLG: I mainly try not to take myself too seriously. That may sound weird, but there are so many truly horrific www.facethecurrent.com

things in the world that it’s good to try and see the perspective of everyday small irritations. I just try to have a good time and a laugh whenever I can. SF: Keep On Rising and Metrum are great inspirational and motivational tracks. What artists or tracks you like to go to for motivation when you’re feeling stuck in a rut?

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

FLG: There really aren’t any specific artists I turn to for inspiration. Of course there are some artists I love a lot like Jamiroquai and Bruno Mars, but when it comes to inspiration for new music, I take a broad approach when listening to and discovering new sounds. SF:You’ve been at this for a long time now and have a good read on your audience which helps when being spontaneous with your sets. Do you have any

particularly memorable sets where you’ve tried something new and the crowd had an incredible reaction? FLG: Yes, those sets are the best. I always try to test where I’ll be able to direct my set right at the beginning. Sometimes I’ll see the crowd respond to a record in a way that’s completely unexpected and then I know I’m free to throw some more gutsy stuff in there. Every now

and then I’m able to really play a more underground set, which I love a lot. For instance, at the DJ Mag party I played in Miami, I was pretty free to take my set wherever I wanted. That usually turns sets into the most magical and memorable ones. SF: What’s the story behind creating your weekly radio show Darklight Sessions? FLG: It pretty much started because I wanted to be able to showcase more music than I’m able to in my live sets. I have some tracks that I think are super cool, they just aren’t the right fit for some or any of my plays. This way I still get to provide a stage for records and artists. Plus, it’s a great way to get some initial feedback on new records, either for myself or for other artists. SF: Someone once advised that you should never read your own reviews (good or bad) because it’s not a critic’s place to tell you how to feel about your own work. What has been key for you in keeping it authentic and staying true to what feels right when producing music?

www.facethecurrent.com

“

Producing doesn’t really have an age limit. I hope to continue making music for as long as I feel inspired and as long as I enjoy throwing my ideas out there. Next to that, I hope to be able to guide young artists and to be working on the production side of shows, which I really like.

“

FLG: Very true. I’m definitely a sensitive person, especially about my records.You put so much of yourself in it and then all of a sudden it’s out there for the world to judge; that’s not always easy. Luckily, I have the greatest fans that are super openminded and usually let me get away with quite a bit of experimentation in terms of different styles and sounds. That’s something I’m very grateful for as I really need to be able to be myself and try out new things; that’s what keeps it all interesting. SF: Put Your Hands Up For Detroit has been a widely popular track for several years now and when you created that track, Detroit was one of the

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

best cities for EDM music. If you were to create that same track today, where might you give the shout-out?

but it’s definitely the fun part of traveling – exposing yourself to and learning from different cultures and viewpoints.

FLG: Ha! That’s such a fun question! Difficult, though. I have to say I’m a big fan of Croatia and I think it’s super cool to see that popup more and more as a fun party destination.

SF:You once said that “there isn’t much of a life behind the artist,” essentially because music is life for you. Would you have it any other way?

SF:You’ve spent many years touring the globe. What are some things you’ve picked up from your travels?

FLG: Haha that sounds a bit negative to be honest! For me, it’s more a question of not being able to do something else. I couldn’t imagine a life without music; it’s just in my DNA. So no, I definitely wouldn’t want it any other way!

FLG: I like to pick up a little bit everywhere I go. It’s often difficult to do that when I only have a few hours at my actual destination,

WATCH VIDEO - You Got Me Runnin’

SF: With music as your life, will you ever stop creating and performing? Where do you see yourself down the road – a Giorgio Moroder, releasing a new album at age 75, or do you see your role in the EDM scene shifting at some point? FLG: I think producing doesn’t really have an age limit, so yes, I hope to continue making music for as long as I feel inspired and as long as I enjoy throwing my ideas out there. Next to that, I hope to be able to guide young artists and to be working on the production side of shows, which I really like. I could see myself in all aspects apart from performing live. I still love touring at the moment, but I do think that there will come a time where it just gets to be too much, not only physically but also emotionally. It’s hard being away from home so often.

ymore info: http://feddelegrand.com @feddelegrand Dark Light Sessions: feddelegrand.com/radio youtube.com/user/FeddeLeGrand www.facethecurrent.com

FtC music

2018 WILD MUSIC

FESTIVAL GUIDE By David Aiello

Most of us cannot live without music. At home or in the car, music is on the menu! Yet there really is not a good word to describe those who loves music. Of course there is music-lover, but that sounds pedestrian. “Melophile,” melo meaning music and phile a suffix used to indicate a fanatic or enthusiast, has been proposed, but it sounds clinical. Even if we cannot attach a label to our relationship with music, it remains an escape from the real world and no pun intended, is amplified when we attend a music festival. At such a happening, music brings people together on a grand scale. It’s a time when creative cultures co-exist, a time to reconnect with friends and even strangers who seem like old friends and return to your uninhibited, natural wild state! Melophiles, or whatever, feel the connection and it’s what keeps us coming back again and again. If you are looking to keep it wild by attending a festival or two this year, here are some suggestions.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

The Creative Spirit on a Smaller Scale Larger festivals, such as Coachella in California, The Roskilde Festival in Denmark, and the Reading and Leads Festivals, attract hundreds of thousands of people from all around the world. Those who want to experience the wild, creative spirit of these events but on a smaller scale should consider these festivals.

Arcosanti

FORM ARCosanti

Nowhere

MoogFest

Arcosanti Arizona May 11-13

Northern Spain, between Zaragoza and Lleida, July 3-8

Durham, North Carolina, May 1720

www.goingnowhere.org

www.moogfest.com

Based on the core principles of Burning Man, Nowhere has been described as a ‘festival’, an ‘arts event’ and ‘a Burning Man regional.’ Nowhere is the culmination of the music, languages, art, outfits, workshops, words, parties and people from a diverse, international community.

It’s the 11th year of this boutique festival dedicated to celebrating the art of the Moog synthesizer! This isn’t just a weeklong seminar for tech geeks and audiophiles, it’s an incredibly unique festival that combines music, art, and technology with once-in-alifetime collaborations

www.experienceform.com FORM is a creative retreat & festival held in the desert eco-city of Arcosanti, Arizona. Participants experience three days and nights of live music, talks/panels, workshops, experiential art, screening, new technologies, outdoor/wellness activities, and more. The festival was created to provide attendees with as deep a sense of personal connection, creative inspiration, community and collaboration.

www.facethecurrent.com

A Touch of Modern If you are an indie-kid at heart, these festivals will having you grooving into the wee hours. Packed full of alternative bands and rising stars, these might be some of the hipper festivals you could attend.

INmusic Festival

Fuji Rock

Zagreb, Croatia June 25-27

Niigata Prefecture, Japan July 27-29

www.inmusicfestival.com The 13th edition of Croatia’s boutique feel festival features some of the biggest names of the 2018 festival circuit - Queens of the Stone Age, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, Interpol, David Byrne, Alice in Chains, St.Vincent, Portugal. The Man, The Kills, Bombino, Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes, Šumski, Superorganism, Tshegue, Reykjavíkurdætur, Super Besse, Témé Tan, Lika Kolorado, Tús Nua...and many more.

www.fujirock-eng.com Fuji Rock Festival is an annual rock festival held in Naeba Ski Resort, in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. Know as the ‘cleanest festival in the world,’ this three-day event, features more than 200 Japanese and international musicians, making it the largest outdoor music event in Japan.

Fuji Rock Festival

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

An Authentic Experience If you are looking for a dose of culture and music, to experience a new way of life just as much as good tunes, these festivals may be for you.

Reggae Sumfest Montego Bay, Jamaica July 15-22 www.reggaesumfest.com Besides being the largest music festival in Jamaica, Reggae Sumfest is truly the most authentic Reggae and Dancehall Festival in the world. While incorporating performances by some of the biggest stars in music, the festival manages to faithfully present the greatest and most authentic lineups of the Jamaican and International stars of Reggae and Dancehall.

Celtic Colours Festival

Montreal Jazz Festival

Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, Canada, October 5-13

Montreal, Canada, June

www.celtic-colours.com For nine days in October, Cape Breton is alive with Celtic culture from all over the world. This annual festival draws more than 10,000 visitors to celebrate with music, dance and events in communities across the island, set against a gorgeous backdrop of autumn colors.

Le Guess Who? Utrecht, Netherlands, November 8-10

28-July 7 www.montrealjazzfest.com B.B. King, Tony Bennett, and Diana Krall have all praised the long-running Montreal Jazz Festival and it’s hard to argue. The festival is known for its innovative line-ups and diverse programming that includes jazz, R&B, soul, and funk artists, as well as those that defy genre.

www.leguesswho.nl Each November, Utrecht, the Dutch college town an hour from Amsterdam, transforms into a citywide music festival. Le Guess Who? is known for featuring an eclectic mix of rising talent, legendary performers, and established stars.

www.facethecurrent.com

Chasing the Beats Get your LED gloves and glow sticks and get ready to dance! EDM, techno, house, drum’n’ bass, dub… whatever, these festivals have it!

Electric Daisy Carnival

We the Fest

Las Vegas, Nevada May 18-20

Jakarta, Indonesia July 20-22

www.electricdaisycarnival.com Party in the desert! The 24/7 party capital that is Las Vegas can now lay claim to hosting one of the biggest celebrations for electronic dance music lovers. The annual EDC – Electric Daisy Carnival, attracts more than 300,000 revelers to the Las Vegas Motor Speedway to indulge in three days of art, carnival rides, circus-style performances and all of the top EDM DJs.

www.wethefest.com The Fest is an annual summer festival of music, arts, fashion and food taking place in Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta. We the Fest has been described as a “classy festival” for its friendly vibe and its effective organization. The festival is breaking new ground in the Southeast Asian festival scene with elements of art, fashion and food presented through various whimsical activations and zones that festival-goers can experience and explore.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Tomorrowland

ParookaVille

Tomorrowland

Weeze, Germany July 20-22

Boom, Belgium Weekend 1 July 20 - 22 Weekend 2 July 27 - 29

www.facebook.com/events/973792046096095 PAROOKAVILLE is the biggest electronic music festival in Germany, creating a city ruled by madness, love and pure happiness alongside some of dance music’s biggest artists. Built around the mythology of founding father Bill Parooka and the town named in his honor, the festival is bursting with creativity, from spectacular stage design down to the smaller details like the PAROOKAVILLE Post newspaper and passports for each of its ‘citizens.’

www.tomorrowland.com Tomorrowland has quickly grown to become one of the world’s largest electronic dance music festivals. Each year over 100,000 visitors flock to Belgium to dance the day and night away. It now stretches over 2 weekends and usually sells out in minutes

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC ymore info:

music

www.soundcloud.com/semagaray www.facebook.com/semagaraydj www.mixcloud.com/semagaray beachgrooves.com/portfolio-item/ sema-garay/

the most sophisticated house music by Sema Garay presents his favorite monthly recent and upcoming new house music releases with a Top 10 chart that includes a variety of styles from deep house, soulful, and nu-disco, to tech-house and more. Tune in to these tracks by clicking the image or scanning the QR code!

ARTIST Christian B, Lavvy Levan, Rapson TITLE Mystery (Rapson Twice The Mystery Remix) label Friday Fox Recordings genre Soulful House Release 2018-05-11

ARTIST Log TITLE La Cité de la funk label Loulou Records genre house Release 2018-04-27

ARTIST Nathan Haines, Shelley Nelson, The Layabouts TITLE Believe (The Layabouts Vocal Mix) label Foliage Records genre soulful HOUSE Release 2018-05-11

ARTIST Souldynamic TITLE Bioluminescence (Original Mix) label Excedo Records genre deep house Release 2018-05-11

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

ARTIST Maxim Lany TITLE Resonator (Original Mix) label Lany Recordings genre DEEP House Release 2018-05-11

ARTIST Angelo Ferreri, Moon Rocket TITLE Main Piano (Original Mix) label Mood Funk Records genre HOUSE Release 2018-05-24

ARTIST Detroit Swindle, Seven Davis Jr. TITLE Flavourism feat. Seven Davis Jr. (Original Mix) label Heist Recordings genre DEEP house Release 2018-04-23

ARTIST Ian Pooley TITLE Time label suol genre Deep House Release 2018-04-20

ARTIST Johnny Corporate, Dr Packer TITLE Sunday Shoutin’ (Dr Packer Extended Remix) label Glitterbox Recordings genre soulful house Release 2018-05-04

ARTIST Ancient Deep, FNX OMAR TITLE NewMAN (FNX Remix) label Open Bar Music genre Afro House Release 2018-05-04 www.facethecurrent.com

FtC fAce the current

sports & FITNESS

72. The Art of Re-Wilding. Get Back in Touch With Human Nature 76. The Top 7 Extreme Sports Feats of All Time 80. E-Bikes Innovate The Cycling World From Urban Commutes to Mountain Trails 84. Fitness ‘In the Wild’ with David Ryan 70 FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

IGO’s mission is to bottle adventure euphoria. Our philosophy is to allow people who are busy with work, life and family to experience that sense of satisfaction, fulfillment and happiness in the wilderness. @igoadventures #Touchthewild www.igoadventures.com www.facethecurrent.com

FtC sports

The Art of Re-Wilding Get Back in Touch With Human Nature By George Bullard

“

I specialize in leaving the sofa, the TV and the mobile at home. Re-wilding if you like, getting back in touch with my wild side.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

A ship in a harbour is safe but that isn’t what ships are built for. In reference to life on earth, many humans are living a life inside a harbour that is tucked safely away in a warm puddle of contentment. Spending most of their days dreaming of doing something with their one life and never really putting their dreams into action.

However, in order to live a life of fulfilment and happiness, the subtle art of living on the wild side is so important. The trouble is, not many of us like the idea of living for an extended period of time in the wild. I find this fact reasonably sad, in fact. We have become so accustomed to a sofa, a TV and mobiles, that we could hardly

consider life with out them – isn’t that strange. I specialize in leaving the sofa, the TV and the mobile at home. Re-wilding if you like, getting back in touch with my wild side. Spending a month travelling by bicycle through Europe was a good example of this. My friend Jack and www.facethecurrent.com

“

When we spend a long time living in the wild it is about being comfortable in your own body and environment.

I slept in a small red tent in farmer’s fields, in amongst vineyards and next to streams and rivers. Washing in water flowing off the mountain tops of the Alps and Dolomites was revitalising and refreshing. It made us feel closer to nature and more alive than we ever felt. 30 days after leaving home in Suffolk (UK), we arrived into our Greek destination, 2,500miles

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

It is adventures like these that make a friendship and indeed relationships even more real.

different ball game. Our lives today are sanitised and dressed up so that the gruesome side of life and death is behind closed doors. Out there in the wild, where mother nature rules the roost, it is pure survival on a daily basis.

It is one things being able to live in the wild, but thriving there is a whole

When we spend a long time living in the wild it is about being comfortable

away, having had a fantastic adventure, some wonderful swims and better friends for life!

“

Having a taste of the wild is the most important thing that us humans can do right now. in your own body and environment. Not panicking that you haven’t washed in a few days. Having the skillset to gather and find food. Most importantly, it is knowing how to stay healthy. For once you have lost your health, you have nothing. Having a taste of the wild is the most important thing that us humans can do right now. Being in touch with our instinctual survival skills helps us to live each day in the moment and really appreciate the sofa, TV and mobile telephone.

ymore info: www.georgebullard.co.uk @georgebullardexplorer www.igoadventures.com #hibernever www.facethecurrent.com

FtC sports

The Extreme Top Sports

Feats of All Time

By Matt Belair

The word extreme sport implies risk, danger, environment and a “what the heck are they thinking?” factor. This is a list of the most extreme feats ever done in the extreme sports world.

BIG WAVE SURFING: Surfing by itself is a challenging extreme sport with all types of hazards. That alone wasn’t enough for big wave surfing pioneer Laird Hamilton. He had the idea to use a jet ski and rope to tow himself into some of the biggest waves on the planet. This ground-breaking thought opened up an entirely new chapter in the world of surfing. Now athletes have been on record surfing waves 80 feet tall!

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

SKIING BASEJUMP/ WINGSUITING: I’m not even sure of the proper name for this because it is so extreme. Shane McConkey, (R.I.P), one of the most fun loving, gnarly humans ever on this planet, I think was the first to even attempt this. Base Jumping is one of the most challenging and deadly extreme sports you can do and Shane decided to combine his love of skiing and his love of wingsuiting into one glorious experience. In the documentary “McConkey” you get to witness some of the most unbelievable feats ever done by man. The best part was the spirit in which Shane lived; he was truly a remarkable human being in sport and life.

Shane McConkey. Credit: Ulrich Grill. Red Bull Content Pool

BIKE SLACKLINING: Slacklining requires a tremendous amount of balance and normally it’s done with feet. Kenny Belaey not only decided to do it on his bike but he decided to do it 60 ft across a canyon 370 feet up in the French Alps.You can see some footage HERE

Kenny Belaey. Credit: Dom Daher. Red Bull Content Pool www.facethecurrent.com

MOTORBIKE SURFING: You may read this and think there has been a typo but I assure you there isn’t. Yes you’re right it makes absolutely zero sense but it has been done. Robbie Maddison and Red Bull had the genius idea to see if they could surf a wave on a motorcycle and guess what? They actually succeeded. This may be the most ridiculous, impressive and headshaking extreme sports crossover in the history of man!

DESERT MARATHON: Wim Hof is a real life superhuman and has 26 world records including running up Mount Kilamanjaro in just his shorts. Although most of his records are in the cold this record may be his most impressive. With zero training or preparation, Wim ran a marathon in the desert heat and then rehydrated with beer. That is truly unbelievable!

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Robbie Maddison. Credit: Garth Milan.

Red Bull Content Pool

FREE SOLO CLIMBING: Rock climbing is a popular endeavor and now there is a trend in Free Solo climbing, meaning climbing without a rope. So, essentially, one slip up and it’s over. It seems a bit of an unnecessary risk but those who do it have complete trust in themselves and a connection to the moment and the rock that cannot be expressed in words. Alex Honold is an assuming man free soloed El Capitan in Yosemite Park at nearly 3,000 feet!

SKYDIVING FROM SPACE: Skydiving is pretty great but not enough of a rush for Felix Baumgartner who decided to jump from pretty much outer space. Felix and Red Bull teamed up to do the Red Bull Stratos jump at approximately 39 kilometers up. Felix broke the sound barrier and displayed mastery under pressure when spinning violently while coming back into the atmosphere and ultimately landed safely on the ground.

The feats in this list were all completed by extraordinary humans, however if you asked anyone of them if what they achieved would be possible for someone else, they’d all say yes. Humans inspire us to push our limits, test our boundaries and face our fears. There is no better test than extreme sports and putting it all on the line. The skills acquired by these people were developed over a lifetime into a craft they loved. When we hear, see and witness the extraordinary we light up inside because we know we hold that same capability, we know that truly anything is possible for us. We may not desire to surf the biggest wave in the world, or solo climb a mountain, but if we can apply the principles it takes to do something that has never been done and apply them to our dreams, we KNOW what will happen. All humans are made equal and it is our beliefs, practices, actions and disciplines that shape us. When we can spend the time to foster a beautiful dream that is all our own we have a lifetime to bring it to fruition.

Felix Baumgartner. Credit: Red Bull Stratos. Red Bull Content Pool

This incredible split-screen still image shows multiple perspectives of Felix Baumgartner’s freefall as he nears the sound barrier, as well as data such as G-force orientation and speed, altitude and heart rate. At this point Baumgartner is just five seconds away from supersonic.

Felix Baumgartner. Credit: Red Bull Stratos. Red Bull Content Pool

Nothing in Felix Baumgartner’s career had ever been quite like the challenge of Red Bull Stratos. In this image, he is helped with the 100 pounds of equipment he wore on every flight by the team’s life support engineer, Mike Todd. www.facethecurrent.com

FtC sports

E-Bikes Innovate

The Cycling World From Urban Commutes to Mountain Trails By Ben Leddusire For centuries, bicycles have been a tool for both exploration and commuting. Bicycles have served purely for fun times and adventure filled afternoons, and they have helped adults and children move about their busy days with ease. Although the trusty bicycle has always been steadfast and true, the resurgence of electric powered vehicles has opened up a new world of possibilities for the electric bike.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

ELECTRIC VEHICLES ARE NOT NEWMany people who lead active lifestyles may not pay much At the turn of the 20th century, the horse was still the primary mode of transportation. As people became more prosperous, their attention turned to motorized vehicles, available in steam, gasoline and even electric versions. available in steam, gasoline and even electric versions. But our love affair with motorized vehicles was not limited to those with four wheels, it also extend to those with two!

“

The first electric bikes appeared in the late 1890s and were documented by various U.S. patents. These early electronic bicycles didn’t have any of the issues associated with steam or gasoline. They were quiet, easy to drive and didn’t pollute. As more people gained access to electricity in the 1910s, it became easier to charge electric vehicles, adding to their popularity. But it was

Henry Ford’s mass-produced, gasolinepowered, Model T that dealt a blow to the early electric vehicle industry. The Model T was widely available, affordable and took advantage of widely available, inexpensive petroleum. Now more than 100 years later, electric cars and bicycles are seeing a rise in popularity today for many of the same reasons they were first popular.

With e-bikes, you can explore further and you can even push past your typical limits. Mountains are no match for a little battery boost. You never have to be intimidated by steep hills again. They have made it easier than ever before to get outdoors and experience the world around you.

“

www.facethecurrent.com

21ST CENTURY E-BIKESattention to the environmental issues associated with clothing production and what With e-bikes, you can explore further and you can even push past your typical limits. Mountains are no match for a little battery boost.You never have to be intimidated by steep hills again. They have made it easier than ever before to get outdoors and experience the world around you. For those who are recovering from injuries, or have limited mobility, e-bikes can eliminate the barriers that once prevented people from riding. With the help of the electric assist, these riders are able to get back on a bike and continue their adventures. Electric bikes can also level the playing field for those who may not be as mobile; with an e-bike, they can keep up with speedier friends and family. With our fragile environment, e-bikes are also helping to keep cars off the roads. As traffic, congestion, and eco-

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

concerns are on the rise, e-bikes have begun to be a smart replacement for cars. They have solved countless commuter problems in some of the world’s most congested cities. Instead of fighting traffic, commuters can breeze past bumper-to-bumper cars, feel the wind in their faces and enjoy the ride. With the assistance of the electric boost, office workers can arrive fresh, poised, and full of energy, rather than exhausted and sweaty. E-bikes may sound intimidating, but well-built electric bikes are so intuitive, you ride them just like you would a normal bike. Built in sensors adjust automatically to give you the boost you need when you start pedaling harder. Whenever you engage the brakes, your bike will kick into regenerative mode and send the power back to recharge the battery, much like an electric car.

Quality electric bikes typically start at $2,000 and can go up dramatically from there. However, a local Pacific Northwest Bike Company, PIM Electric Bikes, has a mission to make the benefits of e-bikes available to the masses. In the caffeinated congestion of Seattle, their bikes are empowering commuters all over the city to leave their cars at home. Their factorydirect bicycles start at $995 with a standard battery and go up to $1,795 for their extra-rugged models with extended batteries. Unlike a lot of other electric bikes on the market PIM designs their bikes to integrate perfectly with the electrical system. This has allowed them to build a proper bike around the electrical system to provide a seamless integration between bicycle and electric assist modes.

“

With our fragile environment, e-bikes are also helping to keep cars off the roads. As traffic, congestion, and eco-concerns are on the rise, e-bikes have begun to be a smart replacement for cars. They have solved countless commuter problems in some of the world’s most congested cities. ymore info:

“

www.pimbicycles.com @pimebikes www.facethecurrent.com

FtC fitness

Fitness ‘In the Wild’ with

David Ryan Fitness

This month lets keep it wild with a high-intensity workout you can do outdoors with limited to no gym equipment. Science suggests that there are benefits to exercising outdoors that can’t be replicated at your favorite indoor fitness club. Some studies1 suggest that people have lower blood levels of cortisol, a hormone related to stress, after exercising outside as compared with inside. There is speculation too, that exposure to direct sunlight, known to impact our mood, plays a role as well. Our video features Grey’s Anatomy’s Giacomo Gionniotti, which incorporates martial arts, plyometrics, track and field, and functional training.

3 Rounds For Time 1) burpee jab, cross x 10 2) sled push x 10 3) hanging leg raise x 10 4) tire flip x 10 5) 100 Meter sprint

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

So get outside and let your wild side free! Give this full body circuit a go and let me know how you like it @davidryanfitness #liftstrong. We will be sharing more of my HIIT & Yoga workouts in the upcoming weeks. Stay tuned! Get fit with our community! Post your time and tag @davidryanfitness #liftstrong More Information: Vis Medicatrix naturae: does nature “minister to the mind”? Biopsychosoc Med. April 2012, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22472137

WATCH VIDEO

David Ryan training Giacomo Gionniotti

Get in the best shape of your life this year with David Ryan Fitness

10% off with code FTC10 W W W. DAV I D RYA N F I T N E S S .C O M www.facethecurrent.com

FtC

HEALTH fAce the current

88. Dr. Bruce Lipton Enlightens A New Generation of Self-Health Practices 94. Practical Meditation for Beginners 10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You 96. Go Wild With Wild Edibles and Green Smoothies 86

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

www.sergeiboutenko.com

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC health

Dr. Bruce Lipton Enlightens A New

Generation of Self-Health Practices Regain Intimate Understanding and Connection With Mind-Body and Our Macro Environment Part One Interview By Sasha Frate and Jeff Granville Our ancestors had an intimate understanding of the mind body connection as well as our connection to the macro environment. With the development of western medicines and psychotherapies, we became separated from the energies of our natural world that provided us harmonious, holistic health. But as they say, times are changing.The current understandings of quantum physics and cellular biology have led to conjoining science and spirituality once again, this time in the form of quantum biology, epigenetics and quantum entanglement. At the forefront of this renewal is Bruce H. Lipton, PhD.Through his observations during his research in cellular biology, Dr. Lipton pioneered a new level of understanding of the micro and macro environments, and the ways in which they are entangled. His teaching has led to the enlightenment of a new generation of self-health practices. Face the Current is pleased to present here the first of a three-part interview with Bruce Lipton. In this far reaching series, Bruce reveals insights on subjects ranging from stem cells, falling (and staying!) in love, cooperation versus competition as factors in evolution, and changing your subconscious programs. In this initial discussion, Dr. Lipton explores science and quantum biology with us as they relate to spirituality, the ways in which environment controls our genes, and what he recommends for positive change.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Face the Current: Why do you believe that it is important for us to close or bridge the gap between science and spirituality? Can you share one or two examples of these merging “fields” with which you are currently working? Bruce Lipton: Spiritual energy fields influence our biology. Our cells have membrane-bound self-receptors and a unique set of these receptors distinguish each individual alive. These protein “antennas” receive signals (information) from the field. In physics, the term field is defined as “invisible moving forces that influence the physical world.” From a scientific

“

It becomes important to recognize that consciousness is expressed as an energy field, which is also the same for spirit. In this regard, it is noteworthy that the energy field exists whether the body is here to receive the field’s information or not. In essence, our identity contained in the field has an immortal presence.

standpoint, the information contained in the field shapes our biology. It is not a coincidence that the field’s signals share the same definition as the term “spirit.” Spirit is defined as an “invisible moving force that influences the physical world.” So, how can I put the two fields together? Environmental signals control biology because these signals change the shape of proteins, which are the physical parts of our cells. A live person and a dead person have the same proteins and therefore have the same physical body. However, a dead person doesn’t express behavior while a live person does. As proteins change shape, their

movements are used to drive cellular function. Simply put, environmental signals paired with proteins provide living organisms with behavior. It becomes important to recognize that consciousness is expressed as an energy field, which is also the same for spirit. In this regard, it is noteworthy that the energy field exists whether the body is here to receive the field’s information or not. In essence, our identity contained in the field has an immortal presence. Once people start to recognize that we have a personal, immortal existence in the field, the idea of life after death becomes more acceptable as a fact of life. www.facethecurrent.com

Through the understanding and awareness that we are much more

“

than our physical bodies, we can embrace the opportunity to consider that our Earthly existence is more than just chance. I personally believe that we are on this planet with an intention and purpose to experience our own Heaven-onEarth. Somewhere in history our developmental programming became derailed, separating us from our immortal souls and spirituality. This led us to believe we are minute physical pieces in a pawn game where we are programmed to compete against one another. What do we acquire from this belief? When we recognize our spirituality, we can consider that we came to Earth with a purpose of creativity. If we don’t think we’re spiritual entities, we’re left with the belief that we are accidental

creations; genetic automatons. For the successful future of human civilization, we must become aware that we are far greater than this physical body. FtC: As you pioneered the field of epigenetics, the science by which perception and environment control our biology, how would you describe the true turning point in understanding that our genes are not ‘cast in stone’ but malleable to our perception of our environment? BL: My work with cloned stem cells started in graduate school, 1966. In 1967 my research revealed a startling and very interesting fact: in contrast to the conventional belief that genes “control” life, the study revealed that

“

Historically, the recognition that we are “mortal” and that we will die had a profound influence on the character of our lives. Consequently, our subconscious mind is always on guard, preoccupied with the fear that something in our world may be threatening our existence. If we are released from the fear of death, we find ourselves suddenly abounding with extra energy- energy formerly used by the subconscious mind to “protect” our life. Recognizing the existence of an immortal spirit eliminates the nature of a fear we acquired early in life. In letting go of fear, the energy we recover can enhance the quality and fate of our lives on this planet.

Through the understanding and awareness that we are much more than our physical bodies, we can embrace the opportunity to consider that our Earthly existence is more than just chance.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Switch = Perception

perception = belief mind Environment External & Internal Signals

Environment

Perception

External & Internal Signals

Nervous System Behaviour Gene Activity

environmental conditions altered the genetics and behavior of cells. The experiments revealed that cloned (genetically identical) cells in different environments expressed completely different characteristics. In my laboratory, I grew multipotential, undifferentiated (embryonic) stem cells in plastic petri dishes with culture medium. Culture medium is the laboratory version of blood. Since I synthesized the medium in a lab, I varied the chemical composition of the culture medium and I created three slightly different versions. I took 30 thousand cells from my stem cell culture, split them into three different petri dishes so each dish contained genetically identical cells and then I fed each dish a variant of the culture medium;

three dishes, three variants, three outcomes. In the first dish, the cells formed muscle. In the second dish, the cells formed bone and in the third dish, the cells formed fat cells. Since all the initial stem cells were genetically identical in my experiments, how do we account for the different outcomes? The only variable in the experiment was the composition of the culture medium. The study revealed that the environment controlled gene activity and hence the character of life! Over two decades later, this field of research would eventually be named “epigenetics.” The second biggest and most powerful influence in my life

Interpretation

Perception Nervous System Behaviour Gene Activity

happened in 1985. Understanding the ways in which environmental information controls genetics led me to the study of the cell membrane. At the time, most scientists considered the cell membrane to be the equivalent of plastic wrap that enclosed the contents of the fluid cytoplasm. The membrane apparently had holes (pores) that let specific things like nutrients into the cell and other things, like waste matter, out of the cell. The membrane’s structure was so simple, conventional biologists assumed its only function was that of a simple physical barrier. (Recognize that, until this very minute in my life, I was not a spiritual person at all. I was a conventional biologist; genetic molecules, cells, life, death, dust to dust, all that kind of stuff. I www.facethecurrent.com

had no inclination toward spirituality. What I’m going to describe next I can only recount in the abstract because it was a thought process that occurred in seconds. It was sort of like, “boom!” All of a sudden I saw this integrated interconnectivity of life, the universe, and the concept of “spirit.”) In 1985, I considered conventional descriptions of the cell membrane and analyzed the way in which it actually functioned. Based on its structure and my observations of its functions, I wrote this unconventional description of the cell membrane: “The cell membrane is a liquid crystal semiconductor with gates and channels.” When I wrote this description, I had just purchased a book from Radio Shack called Understanding Your Microprocessor. Right there in the

book’s introduction is where I read: “A chip is a crystal semiconductor with gates and channels.” At first I thought, “The cell membrane and a computer chip have exactly the same definition.” Within a fraction of a second, I realized that every structure and function in the silicon-based computer chip is replicated in the carbon-based cell membrane. The cell membrane was not “like a chip,” it was not analogous to a chip. The cell membrane was homologous to a chip. It was exactly the same as a chip! My whole world changed because I suddenly saw that the cell is an information processor; the cell is a programmable chip and the gene-containing nucleus of the cell is equivalent to a hard drive disc with installed programs. Our old,

“

Our old, conventional understanding of the operation of the cell’s DNA was Read-Only Memory (ROM) – your genes are your programs. But I recognized through my research on the role of the environment that gene programs were not ROM, they were Random Access Memory (RAM) –not only can you read a program, but you can re-write gene programs. This insight changed the entire game. We are not ‘victims’ of our heredity; we are ‘masters’ of our genetic activities.

“

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

conventional understanding of the operation of the cell’s DNA was Read-Only Memory (ROM) – your genes are your programs. But I recognized through my research on the role of the environment that gene programs were not ROM, they were Random Access Memory (RAM) –not only can you read a program, but you can re-write gene programs. This insight changed the entire game. If we can re-write our genes then we’re not controlled by our heredity – we can change the behavior of our inherited genes. We are not “victims” of our heredity; we are “masters” of our genetic activities. FtC: The new field of quantum biology teaches us that unlike previously thought, our biology is of course subject to the same ‘quantum weirdness’ as the rest of the atoms in the universe.

“

One of the biggest paradigm shifts facing us is to recognize that our thoughts control who we are and they also influence the unfolding of the world. Our collective thoughts lead to the manifestations that we observe in what we call reality.

BL: Our conventional belief in Newtonian physics has us separate the material realm from the nonphysical energy realm. In contrast, quantum physics reveals that matter as a distinct realm is actually just a unique form of energy. Energy fields cannot be separated because they are all entangled. Quantum

“

How does our awareness of this truth change the way we should approach medicine now and in the future? What do you anticipate to be the biggest paradigm shift?

mechanics reveals that individuals as energy are connected and entangled regardless of distance. An individual can influence the consciousness/ behavior of somebody who is physically located on the other side of the world. In many of the new belief modification modalities, an individual can be linked to another individual by a process called surrogation. In these energy-healing modalities, one person can engage in a belief change and, as a surrogate, influence another person they’re connected with on

the opposite side of the world. This person will then experience that belief change. When there are problems in the body, they don’t have to be physically connected to anything within the body. It could be a reflection of family, community, or global issues. Quantum physics establishes that everything in the Universe is connected and entangled. One of the biggest paradigm shifts facing us is to recognize that our thoughts control who we are and they also influence the unfolding of the world. Our collective thoughts lead to the manifestations that we observe in what we call reality. This new understanding is encapsulated in the words of Johns Hopkins physicist Richard Conn Henry: “The Universe is immaterial – mental and spiritual. Live, and enjoy.” (Nature 2005, 436:29) Look for the continuation of this interview in the upcoming June & July editions of Face the Current

ymore info: www.brucelipton.com www.facethecurrent.com

FtC health

Practical Meditation for Beginners

10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You Recommended Read by Ainsley Schoppel

When Benjamin Decker was young, he was profoundly struck by the various ways meditation seemed to exist in his surroundings. Whether it was in movies, TV shows, his family, community, or church life, meditation seemed everpresent and always associated with serenity and power. There appeared to him to be a universal awareness of meditation’s “mystical” powers to calm and heal the mind. Benjamin’s early fascination with meditation sent him on a journey to explore diverse traditions, techniques, and practices, spanning Buddhist and Hindu meditation origins to the Jewish, Islamic, Christian, and indigenous practices of North and South America. A study by Harvard Medical School neuroscientist Sara Lazar demonstrated that meditation physically changes the brain, positively impacting areas associated with learning, mental cognition, memory, and emotional regulation. Further studies have validated these findings and uncovered additional benefits such as stress reduction, decreased blood pressure, and even elevated levels of joy. Benjamin loved to learn about ancient philosophers, scientists, saints, and sages who unearthed some of the most profound truths about existence. Among their discoveries lay meditation and its many benefits. Advances in technology, neuroscience, and genetics have repeatedly validated philosophies our ancestors held by revealing the physiology of meditation and the ways in which regular practice can improve our bodies and minds.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

OpenMind Training Institute and The Institute for Transformational Thinking. This sweeping, exploratory journey of the world’s traditions and techniques inspired Benjamin’s book, Practical Meditation for Beginners: 10 Days to a Happier, Calmer You. This book presents a 10-day meditation program with clear, step-by-step instructions for each of the 10 different meditation practices.You’ll explore one practice per day and start your meditation right away. Through clear instruction and regular practice, meditation will help you experience a deeper connection to your senses, body, emotions, and the boundless frontier of your thinking mind. All you need to start building that connection is a chair or cushion, a quiet place, a timer, and a notebook – that’s it! You can begin today. After 10 days you will be familiar with the experience and process of different meditation techniques,

as well as their many benefits.You can utilize the program to help you discover the optimal meditation technique for you by finding the ones that work best with your individual lifestyle and goals. By using Benjamin’s guide to create a foundation, you can develop an ongoing meditation practice that will evolve with you into the future.

ymore info:

“

Benjamin’s early fascination with meditation fueled a long-term research project. In his teens, he embarked on an extraordinary experience by completing a four-year seminary program in his parents’ religion. The program opened his mind to the many and varied things he did not yet know about the world. He read numerous books including comparative religion literature, histories of cultural meditations, and neuroscience volumes, in order to explore how meditation changes the brain and body. In addition, Benjamin attended many lectures, workshops, and meditation classes. Over these years, he also participated in formal study programs at Deer Park Monastery, The Self-Realization Fellowship, and The Theosophical Society. He also participated in silent retreats and meditation challenges, eventually finding mentors to guide him on explorations of traditional paths in Zen Buddhism, Taoism, and spiritual psychology through The

http://bendeckermeditation.com

www.facethecurrent.com

FtC health

Go Wild With Wild Edibles and Green Smoothies By Sergei Boutenko It was a cold morning in mid-April when we ran out of food. We sat on tree stumps at four thousand feet above sea level and watched as mom rummaged through our shabby backpacks in search of something edible. After several minutes, she managed to round up a half-empty

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

bottle of olive oil, several handfuls of rolled oats, a few cloves of garlic, and a small container of sea salt. We were four days into our journey and had to hike another fifty miles to collect our next food parcel in the closest middle-of-nowhere town in Southern California.

Earlier that year, in January of 1998, my parents decided that as part of our adventurous lifestyle and homeschooling experience, we would hike the entire Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada along the West Coast.

Our team consisted of my mom, dad, sister, cousin (who was visiting from Russia for a year to get a well-rounded American experience), and me. None of us had hiked much, but what we lacked in practice we made up for in drive. My mother spearheaded the idea of a six-month, 2,650-mile walk after she read a book about the adventures one thru-hiker had on the Appalachian Trail. She decided on the Pacific Crest Trail because it was wilder and had less traffic than its East Coast sibling. At first my father was not too keen on such a long trek, but my mom’s determination quickly appealed to his adventurous side and he fell in line. There is a saying in Russia, “The man is the head of the family, while the woman is the neck, and the head cannot turn without the

neck.” As the neck, my mother steered our Chevy Astro van into a parking lot in front of a Play It Again Sports store in Escondido, California. There we equipped ourselves with top-ofthe-line used backpacking gear in preparation for the journey ahead. Once each of us had a rucksack and sleeping bag, my mother initialized phase two—-food planning and management. Since we could not carry six months’ worth of food on our backs, we had to plan how and what to eat in advance. According to the Pacific Crest Trail guidebook, the trail intersects with a small town every sixty to one hundred miles. A backpacker could visit a small grocery store or pick up a general-delivery package full of grub in town. Our

finite vagabond budget made it clear that shopping for food along the way was out of the question. My parents invested all the money they had in bulk food, which we repackaged into twenty-six resupply parcels. Because we had little overnight backpacking expertise, we made an educated guess as to how much food five hungry hikers could consume. Our average resupply parcel contained roughly five pounds of rolled oats, six dates per person per day, assorted dried fruit, mixed nuts, sea vegetables, an eightounce bottle of oil, random seasonings, and a few other essentials. Once I had wrapped each parcel with a thick layer of tape, my parents shipped them off. Then we packed our rucksacks and had a friend drop us off at the trailhead on the Mexican border. www.facethecurrent.com

Within a week of our April 3 departure, we realized that our calculations were off. Each food parcel we collected lasted four to five days instead of the intended week. Hiking hungry was not only more difficult, but less enjoyable. At the rate we were running out of food, we would almost certainly not make it to Canada. So there we were, at the top of the world without food. No one said much as my father rationed out the last few spoonfuls of oats and olive oil. Group morale was low, and quitting our adventure seemed inevitable. Our stomachs grumbled; we understood that if we were to succeed, we needed to acquire more food. Before we took off from our campsite that day, my mother ventured down to the nearby creek to wash her face. As she knelt on the sandy bank, she noticed a plant that looked a lot like celery. She picked

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

it and brought it back to camp for further investigation. Though the stalks of the wild plant were thinner than store-bought celery, they looked and smelled the same. We knew better than to eat unknown things, but hunger and curiosity got the best of us. My father decided to take the first nibble to see if it caused any negative reactions. After several minutes of chewing, the verdict was that it was indeed edible. We picked all of the remaining stalks near the river and stashed them in our packs for dinner. When we made it into town, my parents bought a used copy of Edible Wild Plants by Lee Allen Peterson at a local bookstore. It noted wild celery, as well as many other wild foods, as being edible and readily available. Flipping through its pages, we got the impression that nature was full of food. We had a family

meeting that night to discuss how to proceed. My parents asked each hiker to share his or her concerns in order to determine whether we should continue hiking the trail. The unanimous decision was to attempt the next section of the path while foraging for wild edibles. If this did not work, we would abandon the Pacific Crest Trail. Like all new things, venturing into the world of foraging was intimidating and awkward. During our downtime, we surveyed our surroundings and tried to identify the flora around us. When we found a potential match, someone from our expedition would eat a small quantity while the others observed. If the eater experienced no negative side effects after fifteen minutes, we deemed the vegetation fair game. We familiarized ourselves with plants such as miner’s lettuce, clover, plantain, dandelion, salsify,

sheep sorrel, pineapple weed, and wild strawberry, and Douglas fir. Adding these edibles to our meals allowed us to conserve our prepackaged food. Our food shortages stopped. And not worrying about going hungry allowed us to relax and enjoy our time in nature. Furthermore, because wild food grew in such abundance along the trail, it soon became our staple. By trail’s end, 60 to 80 percent of our diet was composed of wild edibles. All of the new plants we used in our meals were fresh and extremely nutritious. Our diets grew in diversity and led to improved health. We were astonished how much we enjoyed the flavor of our food and always looked forward to the next meal. In short, discovering wild food enabled us to successfully finish our hike.

Upon completion of the Pacific Crest Trail in September of 1998, we all marveled at how wonderful we felt. Our endurance and energy levels were incredible. Our complexions were clear and our spirits soared. My cousin, sister, and I each gained eleven pounds of pure muscle, while my mother and father burned through the extra fat they had carried prior to the hike. All of these positive changes were indicators that we had been living a well-rounded, healthy lifestyle on the path. Back in civilization, I continued researching wild edibles. Over then next decade I discovered that in addition to being free food, wild edibles benefit us in at least seven other ways. In the remaining portion of this article, I intend to elaborate on these benefits.

Healthier for You and the Planet A wonderful advantage to wild edibles is their immense nutritional value. Like store-bought greens, wild food is loaded with vitamins, minerals, fiber, carbohydrates, and phytochemicals. All of these elements contribute to a healthier state of being. Unlike conventional kale and arugula, wild foods have not been tampered with and remain pure. Most domesticated produce has been hybridized and selected for flavor and transportability, and is increasingly genetically modified (Kallas 2010).1 According to Adam Drenowski and Carmen Gomez-Carnero, such practices have the tendency to reduce the nutritional value of our

1 Kallas, John. Edible Wild Plants: Wild Foods from Dirt to Plate. Lay--ton, UT: Gibbs Smith, 2010.

www.facethecurrent.com

food (2000).2 In addition to producing less nutritional food, large-scale, commercial food growers often deplete the soil of minerals through poor farming techniques. In this respect, wild edibles are also superior, because they grow in areas where soil quality remains high. Even if you eat weeds that grow in depleted soil, they are likely to be more nutritious than conventional crops. Weeds are hardy and accustomed to surviving in harsh environments. Many have root systems that are deeper than those of domesticated plants

2 Drenowski, Adam, and Carmen Gomez-Carnero. 2000. “Bitter Taste, Phy--tonutrients, and the Consumer: A Review.” American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 72, no. 6 Dec. 2000: 1424–-35.

100

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

(Schofield2003).3 This allows them to draw water and minerals from deep beneath the earth’s surface. Next time you spot a dandelion on your lawn after a prolonged dry spell, notice how it remains green, while the grass around it has started to turn brown. If you would like to investigate this matter further, try pulling a dandelion. Is it tough? Does it fight to stay grounded? This is likely a sign that it has deep roots and a high nutritional makeup. In addition to being healthy for your body, harvesting wild food is more kind to the planet, because it reduces the amount of waste created. When I walk into a supermarket, I sometimes 3 Schofield, Janice. 2003. Discovering Wild Plants: Alaska, Western Canada, the Northwest. Anchorage: Alaska Northwest Books.

feel uneasy at the thought of how many resources have been wasted on packaging. Chips are sealed tight in a plastic bag, and crackers are doublepackaged in plastic and a box, because that’s a requirement of modern foodsafety rules. Once I consume the chips or the crackers, the bag will be thrown into a landfill, where it will remain for thousands of years. On the other hand, eating wild edibles or homegrown vegetables creates zero trash. Any scraps left over from meal preparation go into my compost pile, where they break down into rich soil that will eventually aid in the growth of more food. For me, this is reason enough to keep eating homegrown and wild-harvested food.

“

We are spending far more energy to get food to the table than the energy we get from eating the food. A head of lettuce grown in the Salinas Valley of California and shipped nearly 3,000 miles to Washington, DC, requires about 36 times as much fossil fuel energy in transport as it provides in food energy. -Brian Halweil

“

Local Food In 1969 the US Department of Defense performed a comprehensive nationwide study to determine the average distance food travels from farm to plate. The study found that produce traveled an average of 1,200 miles to get to consumers (Brown and Pilz 1969).4 Brian Halweil, a researcher at the Worldwatch Institute, claims this figure is likely higher today—-sitting somewhere between 1,500 and 2,500 miles. Some of the disadvantages of such practices include loss of freshness, food being harvested and eaten before it is ripe, and a massive waste of the earth’s finite resources. Halweil says, “We 4 Brown, Stephen L., and Ulrich F. Pilz. 1969. US Agriculture: Potential Vulnerabilities. Menlo Park, CA: Stanford Research Institute.

are spending far more energy to get food to the table than the energy we get from eating the food. A head of lettuce grown in the Salinas Valley of California and shipped nearly 3,000 miles to Washington, DC, requires about 36 times as much fossil fuel energy in transport as it provides in food energy.” If this same lettuce is shipped overseas, the ratio of fuel energy consumed to calories provided jumps to 127 (Halweil 2002).5 When I lived in Hawaii, I found it impossible to buy a Mauigrown pineapple, because they were all exported off the island. If I was craving pineapple, I had to go to the store and purchase one grown 5 Halweil, Brian. 2002. “Home Grown: The Case for Local Food in a Global Market.” Worldwatch Paper no. 163 Nov. 2002: 19–-20.

in Costa Rica or Ecuador. Likewise, when traveling in New Zealand, it was hard to find apples not grown in Washington State, and here in the apple-producing Northwest, grocery stores regularly sell apples from New Zealand. This is completely absurd and goes against any kind of logic and reason. On the other hand, wild edibles are a textbook example of local food. If you find weeds growing in the park across the street from your house, you can avoid petroleum expenditure altogether. By walking over to the dandelion patch and harvesting yourself a meal, the only energy expended is your own. This is commonly referred to as “exercise.” Such routines benefit you, while helping you to reduce your carbon footprint. www.facethecurrent.com

101

Expand Your Food Options As modern food growers and manufacturers continue to streamline the food supply and strive for convenience and profit, our diets become less diverse and our health diminishes. For example, apples that keep well during transportation and have a uniform appearance trump the thousands of older varieties and those that nature has provided. In his book In Defense of Food, Michael Pollan writes that the average American eats a substantially less diverse diet now than his or her ancestors did. According to Pollan, humankind has historically consumed upward of eighty thousand species. Today that number has dropped to around three thousand (2008).6 When you think of pizza, pasta, hamburgers, bread, decadent desserts, and beverages, it may seem like a wide scope of food. The building blocks of all these eats, however, are things such as corn, corn by-products, wheat, meat, and sugar. We have homogenized our food into what is most economical, not what is most healthy. 6 Pollan, Michael. 2008. In Defense of Food. New York: Penguin.

“

The average American eats a substantially less diverse diet now than his or her ancestors did. According to Pollan, humankind has historically consumed upward of eighty thousand species. Today that number has dropped to around three thousand.

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

“

102

“

According to Daniel Moerman, an ethnobotanist, precontact Native Americans are known to have used thousands of plants in their diet each year (1998). Such diversity is still possible today through foraging. Wild edibles are a fabulous way to expand your diet, as there are thousands of them. When you learn to identify just one plant, you have the potential to expand your diet exponentially.

“

I believe that as hunters and gathers, we ate wildly diverse diets comprised of thousands of ingredients. Have you ever heard the phrase “eat a balanced diet?” I have pondered this expression many times. It’s so simple, yet so wise. Perhaps the person who first mumbled it was referring to the abundant environment around him. Maybe he lectured a captivated group of Neanderthals about eating things from the fields, mountains, and lakes. There is much evidence of this when we look at the diets of indigenous cultures. According to Daniel Moerman, an ethnobotanist, precontact Native Americans are known to have used thousands of

plants in their diet each year (1998).7 Such diversity is still possible today through foraging. Wild edibles are a fabulous way to expand your diet, as there are thousands of them. When you learn to identify just one plant, you have the potential to expand your diet exponentially. For example, the common dandelion has two hundred relatives. If you learn to recognize a dandelion, you could potentially increase your diet by two hundred ingredients.

7 Moerman, Daniel. 1998. Native American Ethnobotany. Portland, OR: Timber Press.

Preparation for Unfortunate Events Being less reliant on purchasing food from a grocery store allows you to be more self-sufficient. This is a valuable skill. While I’m not hoping for a major world disaster, I take comfort in knowing that, if one occurred, I could provide food for myself and loved ones by foraging. I have attended several major survivalist conferences and listened to numerous keynote speakers proclaim with certainty that a major economic collapse will occur in the near future. Most of these presenters advise stockpiling www.facethecurrent.com

103

Couple harvests wasabi from forest in Nara, Japan

food and ammunition. I find this type of thinking amusing, because if civilization came to an end, any saved rations would sooner or later run out, and you would be back at square one. To me, stockpiling isn’t the same thing as being prepared. I feel equipped to face troubled times because I have the know-how to continue meeting life’s basic needs in any situation. Stockpiling is merely a way to postpone struggles. Knowing what I can eat in my surroundings

104

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

is liberating. If I needed to sustain myself for years on wild food, I could do it. I would, no doubt, have to adjust my comfortable, modern lifestyle, but nature is bountiful, and I am certain that I could live off the land in a pinch. I did exactly this while hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 1998. Bring People Together Foraging can and should be done with family and friends. Going on food hunts is engaging and fun for people

of any age. Think about how much you bond with your loved ones when you share a meal together. Now imagine how much more connected you might feel had you harvested the key ingredients for the meal from the wild. Group foraging can provide memories that will last a lifetime. It’s also a great way to disconnect from all the electronic devices that are constantly competing for your attention in the modern world.

Help Farmers Organic farmers can increase their profit margin by selling edible weeds that grow on their farms instead of throwing them away. A few years back I volunteered on a friend’s farm in Missoula, Montana. The amount of purslane, mallow, clover, chickweed, lamb’s quarters, nettles, and plantain growing on Dave’s land is hard to believe. Easily 50 percent of his crop is comprised of unintentional food. As an organic farmer, Dave barely makes ends meet. He has lots of expenses, and his prices can never compete with those of large-scale conventional farmers and supermarkets. As I got to know Dave better, I began telling him about the benefits of the weeds going to waste on his farm. I could tell that

he was absorbing my information, because his eyes lit up at the mention of such exotic greens. Finally, after many conversations, Dave began selling wild edibles at the local farmers’ market. His booth offered a service that no store could provide, and his profits increased significantly. Best of all, Dave’s team barely had to do any extra work to capitalize on this niche market, because the weeds were already growing on his farm. Throughout my travels, I have met many other farmers who have shared similar stories.

Exposure to Nature, Fresh Air, Sunshine, Exercise, and Relaxation If you are still not convinced that wild edibles have the power to enrich your life, consider this: they get you outside. Once in the outdoors, you breathe fresh air.Your skin is exposed to sunlight, which fills your body with vitamin D.You walk, crouch, and dig, all of which is excellent exercise. Anyway you look at it, nature is healthy. Foraging is simply another reason and another opportunity to get outside. Want to learn how to forage safety and responsibly? Follow these common sense guidelines while looking for the plants below! www.facethecurrent.com

105

Wild Edibles Wild Edibles 1 Clover Three oval leaves with pink, white, or red flowers. Rich in vitamin C, calcium, copper, zinc, and manganese. Add leaves and flowers to salads, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, and soups. Greens taste similar to pea sprouts. Flowers are slightly sweet.

1 Clover

Print these pages, laminate them, and take them with you on your next outdoor adventure.

Sergei Boutenko Print these pages, laminate them, and take them with you on your next outdoor adventure.

2 Broadleaf Plantain 3 Dandelion Round robust leaves with clear parallel veins. Bountiful seedpod on hearty stem. Rich in protein, beta-carotene, and calcium. Apply plantain juice or poultice to cuts and insect bites for instant relief. Eat leaves in salads and soups. Boil young seedpods like green beans.Broadleaf Plantain

Dark green toothy leaves with smooth main vein. Stems contain milky sap. Yellow flowers turn into puff balls in late summer. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Great for liver purification. Add young leaves & flowers to salads, smoothies, sandwiches, wraps, and soups.Dandelion

4 Miner’s Lettuce

5 Salsify

6 Sheep Sorrel

4 Miner’s Lettuce

5 Salsify

6 Sheep Sorrel

Round, disc-like leaves with a stem that grows directly through the center of the leaf. Tiny white flowers grow at the top of the plant. Rich in vitamins A and C. Greens and flowers are juicy and mild to the taste. Eat as trailside nibble or addPineapple to salads. Weed

106

CHEAT SHEET CHEAT SHEET

Sergei Boutenko

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

Bright yellow/ purple flowers with daisy-like petals and pointy green sepals. Rich in vitamins A, B, and C. Beneficial for inner organs. All parts of the plant are edible, but the tender parts taste best. Add flowers and delicate greens Strawberry to salads, sandwiches, Wild

Long leaves with symmetrical lobes that resemble a fish. Tiny reddish flowers that grow at the top of the plant. Rich in iron. All parts are edible. Leaves and flowers are slightly sour to the taste. Add tender greens to salads, smoothies, wraps, and Fir sandwiches, Needles soups.

4 Miner’s Lettuce

5 Salsify

1 Clover 1 Clover

6 Sheep Sorrel

Three oval Three leaves oval with leaves pink, withwhite, pink, or white, red flowers. or red flowers. Rich inRich vitamin in vitamin C, calcium, C, calcium, copper,copper, zinc, and zinc, manganese. and manganese. Add leaves Add leaves and flowers and flowers to salads, to salads, smoothies, smoothies, sandwiches, sandwiches, wraps, wraps, and soups. and soups. GreensGreens taste similar taste similar to pea sprouts. to pea sprouts. FlowersFlowers are slightly are slightly sweet. sweet.

2 Broadleaf 2 Broadleaf

Round Round robust robust leaves with leaves clear withparallel clear parallel veins. Bountiful veins. Bountiful seedpod seedpod on hearty on hearty stem. Rich stem. inRich protein, in protein, beta-carotene, beta-carotene, and calcium. and calcium. Apply plantain Apply plantain juice orjuice or poultice poultice to cutsto and cuts insect and bites insectfor bites instant for instant relief. Eat relief. leaves Eat leaves in salads in salads and and soups. soups. Boil young Boil seedpods young seedpods like green likebeans. green beans.

Plantain Plantain

3 Dandelion 3 Dandelion

Dark green Darktoothy green toothy leaves with leaves smooth with smooth main vein. mainStems vein. contain Stems contain milky sap. milky sap. Yellow Yellow flowersflowers turn into turn puffballs into puffballs in late in summer. late summer. Rich inRich vitamins in vitamins A, B, A, B, and C. and Great C. for Great liver forpurification. liver purification. Add young Add young leaves leaves & flowers & flowers to salads, to salads, smoothies, smoothies, sandwiches, sandwiches, wraps, wraps, and soups. and soups.

7 Pineapple Weed

8 Wild Strawberry

9 Fir Needles

Tiny,4 pineapple-like flower heads Three oval leaves withleaves deepa serrations. Coniferous tree. Round, Round, disc-like disc-like leaves with with stemathat stem grows that directly growsevergreen directly through through theNeedles center the center 4 Miner’s Lettuce Miner’s Lettuce of the leaf. of the Tiny leaf. white Tinyfive flowers white flowers grow the are top at the of the top of the Rich plant. inRich vitamins in vitamins that grow at the top of the plant. White flowers with petals. Tinyatgrow red flat andplant. short. Rich vitamins A A and C. A and Greens C. in Greens and flowers and areand juicy areand juicy mild and mild the taste. togreen theEat taste. as in trailside Eat as trailside These flower heads smell sweet berries. Rich vitamins A,flowers C, iron. and C.to Eat light tips salads. nibble or add or to add salads. salads. trailside Steep dark green needles in boiling when crushed. Leaves are made up ofnibble Eat ripe berries as to a delicious many small leaflets. Pineapple weed is nibble. Use young leaves and flowers in water and drink as tea. yellow/ Bright yellow/ purple purple flowersflowers with daisy-like with daisy-like petals and petals pointy and pointy green sepals. green sepals. 5 chamomile. 5 Salsify Salsify Dry the Bright essentially wild salads. Rich inRich vitamins in vitamins A, B, and A, B, C. and Beneficial C. Beneficial for inner for organs. inner organs. All parts All of parts the of the leaves and flowers and brew in tea. plant are plant edible, are edible, but thebut tender the tender parts taste partsbest. tasteAdd best. flowers Add flowers and delicate and delicate greens greens to salads, to salads, sandwiches, sandwiches, and wraps. and wraps.

6 Sheep 6 Sheep Sorrel Long Sorrel

leaves Long leaves with symmetrical with symmetrical lobes that lobesresemble that resemble a fish. aTiny fish.reddish Tiny reddish flowersflowers that grow thatatgrow the top at the of the top plant. of the Rich plant. inRich iron.inAll iron. parts Allare parts edible. are edible. Leaves Leaves and flowers and flowers are slightly are slightly sour tosour the taste. to theAdd taste. tender Add tender greens greens to salads, to salads, smoothies, smoothies, sandwiches, sandwiches, wraps, wraps, and soups. and soups.

Tiny, pineapple-like Tiny, pineapple-like flower flower heads that heads grow thatatgrow the at topthe of the top plant. of the These plant. These 7 Pineapple 7 Pineapple Weed Weed

flower heads flower smell headssweet smellwhen sweetcrushed. when crushed. Leaves Leaves are made areup made of many up ofsmall many small leaflets.leaflets. Pineapple Pineapple weed isweed essentially is essentially wild chamomile. wild chamomile. Dry theDry leaves the leaves and and flowersflowers and brew andinbrew tea. in tea.

Three oval Three leaves oval with leaves deep withserrations. deep serrations. White flowers White flowers with five with petals. five petals. Tiny Tiny 8 Wild 8 Wild Strawberry Strawberry red berries. red berries. Rich inRich vitamins in vitamins A, C, and A, C, iron. andEat iron. ripe Eat berries ripe berries as a delicious as a delicious trailside trailside nibble.nibble. Use young Use leaves young and leaves flowers and flowers in salads. in salads.

9 Needles 9 Fir Fir Needles

Coniferous Coniferous evergreen evergreen tree. Needles tree. Needles are flatare and flat short. and Rich short.inRich vitamins in vitamins A A and C. and Eat light C. Eatgreen light tips green in tips salads. in salads. Steep dark Steepgreen dark needles green needles in boiling in boiling water and water drink andas drink tea. as tea.

Sergei’s Sergei’s Simple RuleS Simple RuleS j j jj foRaging foRaging foR

foR

Don’t eat something if youknow don’t what knowitwhat Don’t something if you don’t is! it is! 1 eat

When trying trying new food newfor food thefor first the time, firsteat time, a small eat a amount small amount to to 2 When make sure makeyour surebody yourreacts body reacts positively positively to it. to it.

Don’t mixedibles wild edibles until you how know howaffect they your affectbody. your body. Don’t wild until you know they 3 mix www.SergeiBoutenko.com www.SergeiBoutenko.com

Face the Current does not claim to be a doctor, nutritionist or dietitian. Reproducing this excerpt is for informational purposes only. Statements within this site have not been No part of No this part book of this may be may reproduced or transmitted or transmitted in anyThe form in any or by form any orpublisher(s) by any evaluated or approved bybook thereproduced Foodbeand Drug Administration. writer(s) and means, electronic means, or mechanical, or mechanical, including photocopying, photocopying, recording, recording, or by anresulting or by anfrom of this site are notelectronic responsible for including adverse reactions, effects, or consequences information storage and storage retrieval and system, retrievalwithout system,the without express thewritten expresspermission written permission the use ofinformation any suggestions herein. CopyrightCopyright © 2014 by©Sergei 2014 by Boutenko, Sergei Boutenko, Raw Family Raw Publishing. Family Publishing. All rightsAll reserved. rights reserved.

of the publisher, of the publisher, except for except the inclusion for the inclusion of brief quotations of brief quotations in a review. in a review.

Raw Family Raw Publishing Family Publishing · www.rawfamily.com · www.rawfamily.com

www.facethecurrent.com

107

“

I have never met a person who did not benefit from eating fresh greens. Over the past 12 years, my family and I have conducted over 40 weeklong green smoothie retreats worldwide. During our retreats, we’ve witnessed hundreds of people heal their bodies from various ailments.

“

Wild Greens and Green Smoothies One of the best reasons to add wild food to your diet is the simple fact that many of them are leafy green vegetables. Adding more fresh greens to your meals will dramatically improve your health. After years of research and countless experiments on myself, I have concluded there is no substitute for a diet rich in leafy greens. It’s true that we are all unique. We come from different backgrounds, have distinctive constitutions and blood types, and require different practices to achieve the same results.Yet I have never met a person who did not benefit from eating fresh greens. Over the past 12 years, my family and I have conducted over 40 weeklong green smoothie retreats worldwide. During our retreats, we’ve witnessed hundreds of people heal their bodies from various ailments. After seven days of drinking smoothies made from

108

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

fresh vegetables and fruits, retreat participants notice improvements in their diabetes, insomnia, psoriasis, hypertension, osteoporosis, colitis, and many other health issues. One lady lost so much weight and became so rejuvenated at our workshop that her own mother didn’t recognize her when she picked her up from the airport. Many of our retreatgoers have since implemented what they learned from us and have been able to completely reverse their “irreversible” health problems. The secret behind leafy greens lies in their molecular makeup. Green vegetables, especially those that are dark green, are rich in chlorophyll. When you eat spinach, kale, miner’s lettuce, lamb’s quarters, and/or mallow, you are ingesting a chemical substance that is incredibly similar to hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying

pigment of red blood cells that gives them their color and helps distribute oxygen throughout the body. Chlorophyll differs from hemoglobin in its central atom, but it closely resembles human blood (Boutenko 2005). 1 When you ingest chlorophyll, you help your body rebuild and replenish red blood cells. This boosts your energy levels and builds a hearty immune system. Additional benefits of chlorophyll include cleansing the body of toxins; fighting infections; breaking down calcium oxalate deposits; healing wounds; reducing inflammation; improving circulation, digestion, and vision; and eliminating bad breath. In addition to chlorophyll, green 1 Boutenko, Victoria. 2005. Green for Life: The Updated Classic on Green Smoothie Nutrition. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

“

In addition to chlorophyll, green leaves are also packed with life-enhancing vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber. Vitamins A, C, and K, plus folic acid, magnesium, and calcium, help to further boost your immune system and repair anything that is out of order. Finally, the dense cellulose matter, better known as fiber, assists your body in straining away anything that’s not conducive to good health.

“

leaves are also packed with lifeenhancing vitamins, minerals, protein, and fiber.Vitamins A, C, and K, plus folic acid, magnesium, and calcium, help to further boost your immune system and repair anything that is out of order. Finally, the dense cellulose matter, better known as fiber, assists your body in straining away anything that’s not conducive to good health. According to Myron Winick, the molecule of fiber looks like a sponge under a microscope (1992).2 In the same way that a sponge absorbs spills, fiber soaks up toxic substances within your body, which are then flushed from your body via a bowel movement. Adequate fiber consumption has also been shown to positively affect high blood pressure, 2 Winick, Myron. 1992. The Fiber Prescription. New York: Ballantine Books.

high cholesterol, diabetes, and cancer. According to the US Department of Agriculture, a healthy adult should consume twenty-six to thirty-one grams of fiber per day (Keefe 2011),3 but average Americans eat less than half of that (Winick 1992). One cup of collard greens contains six grams of fiber. If you incorporate fresh fruit, salads, nuts, and seeds into your daily routine, you could easily meet your fiber requirements. Unfortunately, you cannot reap the benefit of greens if you don’t eat them. When compared to complex, processed food with artificial flavors, greens can taste bitter and unpleasant. They require time and 3 Keefe, Sandy. 2011. “The USDA Recommended Fiber Intake.” Live--strong. May 5, 2011. www. livestrong.com/article/400993-the-usda -recommended-fiber-intake.

preparation in order to be enjoyable, and their high-fiber content makes them tough to chew. This is precisely why blending greens in a smoothie makes sense. When you blend dark greens with fresh fruit, you create a drink that is both nutritious and tasty. Blending pulverizes but does not destroy the fiber, and the fruit sweetens the bitterness or strong flavor of many greens. Furthermore, a blender enables you to achieve a more varied diet by pulverizing greens that are spiky, fuzzy, or otherwise unappealing in their raw form. Consuming greens in liquid form is easy. Thus, smoothies enable you to eat more leafy vegetables regularly, which improves your health. My mother,Victoria Boutenko, pioneered the concept of green smoothies by writing a book called: “Green For Life” in 2005. In 1999, www.facethecurrent.com

109

my family began running into minor health problems after eating an extreme raw food diet. After ten years of overindulging in fruits and nuts, we had developed dental cavities, felt energy lulls regularly, and suffered from constant food cravings. My mother thought these symptoms were a sign that our diet was lacking nutrients and began researching solutions. Her research led her to discover the nutritional potency of greens. Green smoothies came about accidentally, while we were experimenting with ways to easily and painlessly consume more leafy vegetables. Once we began drinking

110

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

making wild green smoothies on a regular basis to see what effect they would have on my health and energy levels. Almost instantly, I noticed Several years after the invention an increase in vigor. My digestion of the green smoothie, I took my improved noticeably, and I began to mother’s creation and applied it to feel lighter on my feet. I observed wild edibles. I started adding foraged that drinking a quart of smoothie an greens to my smoothies and found hour before a ten-mile run would that the results to be wildly beneficial. curb my hunger and provide my body At first I was skeptical this would with boundless energy. Post workout, taste good, because foraged greens I witnessed less soreness, and noticed tend to be more intensely flavored that my muscles took less time to than even the darkest store-bought recover. I enjoyed both the positive vegetables. I was pleasantly surprised, effects and taste of my wild green however, when the first smoothie I smoothies so much that they have made tasted phenomenal! I began become part of my routine practice. smoothies, our health problems disappeared and our energy levels returned.

and rigorous endurance tests prior to the start of the study. Once the medical team collected all the baseline statistics, I began supplying my athletes with freshly made smoothies. Every athlete received a quart jar of green smoothie daily, along with instructions to consume the entire portion in addition to his or her regular diet. In the interest of reducing as many variables as possible, my athletes agreed not to deviate from their typical eating and workout schedules during the entire six-week trial. After a month and a half of incorporating smoothies into their routines, my athletes underwent retesting using the same methods as those from the beginning of the experiment. The end results proved extremely positive. Almost all the participants saw increases in their endurance and general health markers postsmoothies. One after the other, my runners and ‘CrossFit-ers’ testified that green shakes gave them more energy, helped their muscles recover from workouts quicker, reduced cravings for unhealthy food, and improved their mood. More Reasons To A Drink Green Smoothie Everyday In 2013, I conducted a six-week pilot study to see if regular consumption of green smoothies would have positive effects on active people. I rounded

up 10 endurance athletes from my hometown or Ashland, Oregon and assembled a medical team to help collect and interpret the gathered data. With cameras rolling, I put the participants through extensive blood tests, oxidative stress tests

Analysis of athletes’ pre and post-smoothie blood work revealed more good news. Study participants showed improvement in the concentration of vitamins and antioxidants in their bodies post-smoothies. Perhaps the most www.facethecurrent.com

111

“

Study participants showed improvement in the concentration of vitamins and antioxidants in their bodies post-smoothies. Perhaps the most notable change my research team discovered was a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a test that measures protein particles in the blood. Protein particles are directly linked to levels of inflammation. The higher the CRP levels, the more inflammation is present in the body.

“

notable change my research team discovered was a significant reduction in C-reactive protein (CRP). CRP is a test that measures protein particles in the blood. Protein particles are directly linked to levels of inflammation. The higher the CRP levels, the more inflammation is present in the body. Nine out of ten of the competitors managed to reduce their C-reactive protein levels significantly by drinking green smoothies. The only participant who didn’t see an improvement in his inflammatory markers eventually confessed to not living up to his end of the deal, i.e. not drinking his smoothies. I believe this reduction in inflammation explains precisely why the overwhelming majority of my runners and cross fitters reported feeling lighter on their feet, having more energy, and experiencing faster recovery times post workout. After conducting this pilot study, I am convinced more than ever before

112

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

that green smoothies are immensely beneficial for everyone, especially people who are physically active. While green smoothies have been a part of my routine for years, I find myself drinking them more regularly and consciously in the wake of this experiment. Many of the people involved in my film (athletes, camera crew, doctors, and lab technicians) also share in my convictions and continue to drink homemade smoothies daily. Obviously, I encourage you to do the same. If you’d like to watch “Powered By Green Smoothies,” I’ve made it available on YouTube for free.

30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge In an effort to help folks get healthier with minimal effort, I recently published a 30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge to YouTube. The main purpose of a 30-day green smoothie

challenge is to motivate you to take charge of your health in a manageable fashion. I believe that anyone who completes this challenge will feel happier and healthier after a month of regular smoothie consumption. The challenge is simple and straightforward. All you have to do is drink one quart (or liter if you’re in Europe) of freshly made green smoothie everyday for one month in addition to your pre-existing diet. It’s as easy as that! You don’t even need to plan a far-off start date, you can begin any day you please. In fact, just hopping into the challenge on no day in particular, produces fantastic results because it tricks the mind out of procrastination and wishful thinking. Have you ever found yourself daydreaming about starting a new diet, then planned it out to such an unrealistic degree that when it came time to begin, you put it off for days and months? I have. A lot. In observing myself, I’ve noticed that striving for perfection frequently

kills my progress, ambition, and willpower. Perfection is daunting and stressful. So do your best to allow imperfection. Go easy on yourself and start small. Begin by drinking a quart of green smoothie daily. Once you master this practice, go ahead and make other lifestyle adjustments (i.e., eat healthier food, drink less coffee, exercise more regularly, etc.). The 30-Day Green Smoothie Challenge is now available on YouTube:

WATCH VIDEO

The video includes exciting smoothie recipes, convenient ingredients shopping lists, and tons of helpful tips that will ensure success. Here are a few of my favorite recipes from the challenge:

Day 8 (with wild edibles) ½ bunch dandelion greens 1 pint strawberries (with tops) 2 cups mango chunks 1 orange, peeled and pitted 1 pint water

Day 23 ¼ pound baby green mix ½ bunch cilantro ¼ pineapple, peeled and chopped 1 banana 1 pint strawberries (with tops) 1 pint water

Day 26 (savory green smoothie) ½ bunch fresh dill ½-1 bunch carrot greens (just the greens) ½ bunch green onions 1 large tomato ½ avocado 1 lemon, juiced 1 pint water Happy blending!

ymore info: https://sergeiboutenko.com 30 Day Green Smoothie Challenge www.facethecurrent.com

113

114

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

www.facethecurrent.com

115

FtC fAce the current

116

FACE the CURRENT MAGAZINE

www.facethecurrent.com

Fuel for an inspired life. Be your potential.