Lucuma 03

#03

Editor Steven Nicolaides

Design New Gaia Designs

Writers Adriana Wigderowitz

www.soul-clearing.com Irene Arango www.blissbites.co.uk Rich Havardi www.therawfoodscompany.com Steven Nicolaides www.lucuma.co.uk Patricia Creola Ariadna Bakhmatova www.ariadnasthread.com Anna Maria Stöckert

www.rawfoodbutiken.se Front & Back Cover ‘Dissolving Becoming - The Alchemy of

Transformation’ by Jan Betts www.janbettsart.com

Advertising papillon@lucuma.co.uk

Om Noms, Goodies, Adornments creamy@lucuma.co.uk

www.lucuma.co.uk

© Lúcuma No part of this magazine can be reproduced without our permission

2

Information in Lúcuma is for information only and no part of it is a substitute for health diagnosis, care or treatment. Lúcuma and its contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or any party on basis of reading information, stories contributions or advertisements in this publication, website or related product.

# 3

T

HIGH he theme for this issue is flow and synchronicity. One of the reasons synchronicity appears in our lives is to attune us to think less and instead embody the higher-self on Earth so that we are more able to flow through life. To bend and twist like water in a stream, instead of halting our flow through worry, stress and over analysing.

To encourage us to take that leap forward, and ultimately to realise we create our own reality.

More results from less work Being in this flow has a number of advantages. You are able to create much more easily and in less time. Lúcuma magazine is an example of this.

Most of the things you see and read about in this magazine come to me via synchronicity or through just living in the flow, even the writers, artists and contributors. Adriana I met at a meditation flash mob, Rich from a summertime picnic in the park and perhaps the most interesting story of all Anna Maria through following a ‘synchronicity trail’ which you can read about on page 50. Since I launched Lúcuma in October 2012, people always ask me ‘How long does it take you to put this together?’ Well for this issue I calculated the hours. It came to about 33 hours work on a computer spread over a 2 month period. That’s including the feature articles I write such as ‘synchronicity trail’ which took 9 hours to write, illustrate and design. That is quite a low figure and it is done through being in the right consciousness which allows me to expressing myself. It is having the right idea first time and just doing it! As a example the brilliant artist we have featured in this issue Jan Betts, was found by me having a feeling to check facebook and there on the news feed I saw someone had shared a picture of ‘Angelic Tear’ I knew straight away she was the artist to be featured and immediately contacted her.

A note from Steven Nicolaides (February 2013) (founder of Lúcuma Magazine)

# 3

3

CONTENTS 12 GOODIES

6

8

46

OM NOMS DEATH

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

4

# 3

TRAVEL: ASHIYANA YOGA & SPA RETREAT

56

86

ADORNMENTS

30 20

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

JAN BETTS

66

BOOKS

24 92 RECIPES

96

SUSPENSION TRAVEL: BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL

102 # 3

5

HOW DID WE CREATE SUCH A BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSE?

6

# 3

Pandora’s Cluster – Abell 2744 Photo Credit: NASA, ESA, J. Merten (Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics, Heidelberg/Astronomical Observatory of Bologna), and D. Coe (STScI)

# 3

7

OM NOMS RAISING HEAVEN WITH NAKD INFUSED RAISINS A simple and delicious addictive snack from Nákd. Raisins infused in natural flavouring.

This is a natural alternative to sugary gelatine sweets. Great for kids but beware, one packet is never enough!

Price: £7.99 GBP for 18 bags www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk

SALAD WILL NEVER BE THE SAME AGAIN I’m very impressed with these new superfood sprinkles from inSpiral. They transform salads or basic meals like pasta or quinoa dishes into something much more interesting. My favourite is the ‘Furikake’ which is ridiculously addictive. There is also Pizzeria which is a mix of Italian flavours and Mexicana which turn a bowl of green peas into a meal with is smoked paprika and purple corn yuminess. www.inspiralled.net

8

# 3

CLIPPER ORGANIC LOOSE GREEN TEA Easily one of the best green teas out there and its a great joy to see green tea that is actually green in colour! The tea has a light full flavour and the loose tea settles nicely at the bottom of the cup so there is no need to use a teapot. www.clipper-teas.com

MAGIC AL BLACK SESAME HALVA & ‘WILD’TELLA Easily the best raw food snack/desserts we have seen in a long time.

The Black Sesame Halva is a new twist on the ancient classic, with the addition of powerful medicinal mushrooms Chaga and Fo-Ti. The flavour is astonishingly satisfying and deeply nourishing.

Wildtella is a sublime mixture of cacao and sprouted hazelnuts. Both the Sesame Halva and Wildtella are made at the Wild Juicery in London with a stone-wheel grinding machine for an extra silky texture.

Price: Back Sesame Halva £5.50 GBP Wildtella £8.00 GBP

Black sesame halva

www.wildjuicery.com

Wildtella

# 3

9

Om Noms

RASPBERRYLICIOUSNESS FOR SPRING! The birds are flocking the bees are buzzing - yes its Spring and why not celebrate with inSpirals range of Raspberry love treats. The Artisan Raspberry Rose Raw Chocolates are like bitting into a chocolate flavoured rose flower.

The Loveberry Granola is sweet and tangy way to start the day. Its an all raw granola made from strawberries, raspberries, goji berries and omega-rich seeds and nuts.

Then there is the new flavour of kale chips - Raspberry Maca. Eating a tub of these is like getting kissed by the raspberry fairies incredible! www.inspiralled.net

Raw Kale Chips: Raspberry Maca u Also available in other flavours 35g £3.45 GBP 80g £5.75 GBP

tt Raw Superfood Granola: Loveberry Also available in other flavours £3.99 GBP

SOLID RAW CHOCOLATE EGG This is so new we haven’t tasted it yet, but if its anything like Mulu’s chocolate bars then this is going to be flying of the shelves putting raw chocolate smiles on kids and adults alike.

Price: £5.99 GBP www.muluchocolate.co.uk 10

# 3

Om Noms

Let’s have a Rawmance!

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

WITH

RAW ORGANIC

CACAO

Perfect for creating your own amazing RAW chocolates and deserts!

www.bonpom.com

# 3

11

GOODIES THIS IS THE ONE TIME YOU DO WANT TO BE ‘GROUNDED’ If you have trouble sleeping, wake up feeling drained and tired or feeling like you are electrostatically charged then this could be the solution for you.

Grounding technology is the next best thing to sleeping outdoors or walking barefoot.

(The natural way we discharge excess electrical charge) In spiritual terms it is a constant information exchange between the person and the ‘divine mother’- the Earth. It’s a way of completing a circuit and plugging in. In modern society we have lost this connection due to insulating rubber soled shoes and generally less contact with nature by living in a city.

The sheet itself is 100% cotton with silver fibres woven into the sheet in a grid formation. The sheet has a small connector point at the base which can then be plugged into an electrical socket. Only the third/earthing prong is used so no electrical current is flowing inwards. Therefore you are effectively connected to the earth via the grounding rod that most homes have built in for safety (check if your home has one installed before hand. If not a grounding rod can be purchased separately).

I was amazed at the difference in quality of sleep I achieved after using this grounding sheet, especially in the first few days. Sleep is less disturbed and I find it easier to get out of bed in the morning, feeling like I have slept well. I highly recommend grounding technology especially if you are sensitive to energies or live in a city. www.groundology.com Fitted earthing sheet 100% cotton with soft, yet durable conductive silver fibres woven Slim Single £130 GBP Single £130 GBP Long Single £130 GBP Double Bed £150 GBP King Size £155 GBP California King Size £165 GBP Super King Size £165 GBP

12

# 3

BEFORE

AFTER

The effect of grounding on the blood Darkfield microscope images of blood taken from three individuals just before and after forty minutes of grounding.

The before images are on the left, the after on the right. The pictures clearly show a dramatic thinning and de coupling of the blood cells.

The blood samples were taken during research into grounding by Dr Stephen Sinatra MD. qq CLOSE UP OF SHEET SHOWING SILVER FIBRES Washing and care instructions: The earthing sheet may be machine washed at a warm temperature (up to 40째C / 105째F). It may be tumble dried using a medium setting (up to 65째C / 150째F). Do not dry clean. Do not use chlorine bleach or liquid fabric softener, or any detergent containing bleach or fabric softener, as this can impair the conductivity of your sheet.

# 3

13

Goodies

MAGICAL SAMSARA A visual meditation of a movie set to a spine tingling soundtrack (reviewed in Lúcuma 02) that spans twenty five countries capturing the best and worst of this planet. Samsara is a deeply touching movie with the power to create elation and transcendence in the viewer. Shot on 70mm movie cameras, Samsara is probably the best quality movie to make it onto Blu-Ray. The levels of detail are beyond anything you would have seen before.

Special Features: There are a whole host of insightful ‘making of’ documentaries featuring the producers covering everything from the concept to the soundtrack.

Price £14.99 GBP for Blu-ray & DVD version www.barakasamsara.com

FIRE IN THE BLOOD “Is a new movie that tells the story of how Western pharmaceutical companies and governments aggressively blocked access to low-cost AIDS drugs for the countries of Africa and the global south in the years after 1996 causing millions of deaths. Shot on four continents and including contributions from global figures such as Bill Clinton, Desmond Tutu and Joseph Stiglitz, FIRE IN THE BLOOD is the never-before-told true story of the remarkable coalition which came together to stop ‘the Crime of the Century’ and save million of lives in the process”.

UK release from 22nd February. www.fireintheblood.com

14

# 3

Goodies

Sumptuous Home C andle - Rose & Neroli (Orange Blossom) NEOM Luxury Organics candles are made using only vegetable wax and pure essential oils rather than synthetic fragrances so they burn without releasing harmful pollutants, toxins or soot. They work as powerful holistic treatments as you breathe in the scented air so it is best to burn them for between 2-4 hours at a time.

Each candle has 3 wicks and burns for up to 50 hours (30% longer than standard premium candles).

Price: ÂŁ39.50 GBP www.neomorganics.com

# 3

15

Goodies

UP CYCLING GENIUS FROM REESTORE Reestore take everyday waste objects and playfully upcycle them into beautiful accessories and functional pieces of furniture complete with cheeky names. How about an office desk called ‘Deborah’ made from an old air plane wing? Or a coffee table called ‘Jeremy’ made from on old V8 car engine? Wonder who that could be named after...

Some items can also be personalised with names and graphics. www.reestore.com

Special Discount price of £395 for you!

Just mention Lúcuma Magazine and price when ordering. Valid until the end of February 2013

16

# 3

JEREMY V8 Engine Coffee Table £450 GBP

Goodies

Max Bath Tub Sofa £1,850 GBP

# 3

17

Goodies

Annie Shopping Trolley Chair £550 GBP

Deborah Aeroplane Wing Desk £2,250 GBP 18

# 3

Goodies

Silvana Washing machine Wash Drum Coffee Table ÂŁ350 GBP

# 3

19

ADORNMENTS ‘INTO THE LIGHT’ FROM SATYA Satya’s new spring 2013 ‘Into the light‘ collection has got us all excited. We think they’ve really captured the current enthusiasm for the age of aquarius with the blue hues of angelite and topaz whilst taking an strong influence from our ancient past with the Egyptian lotus theme. www.satyajewelry.com

pp Anew Bib Necklace - Blue Topaz CZ Sterling silver over brass, blue topaz CZ aids wisdom, communication, love.

16” length $238 USD

pp BLOSSOMING STRETCH BRACELET - ANGELITE Angelite - truth, compassion, acceptance.

Blue topaz CZ - wisdom, communication, love.

7” long, pendant is approximately 1.5” across” tall $68 USD 20

# 3

tt RENEWAL LARGE BRACELET - ANGELITE Angelite - truth, compassion, acceptance.

Blue topaz CZ - wisdom, communication, love.

7.25” long, pendant is approximately 0.5” tall $68 USD

tt Anew Necklace Blue Topaz CZ Sterling silver.

Blue topaz CZ aids wisdom, communication, love.

36” length $148 USD

# 3

21

Adornments

SPROUTING 24HRS A DAY Sprout watches are probably the most ecofriendly and original watch brand out there using corn resin, conflict-free diamonds, bamboo and cork in their range of watches.

As if that wasn’t enough they are amazing value for money. www.sproutwatches.com

pp MENS BAMBOO DIAL WATCH Organic cotton strap, corn resin case $35 USD

tt MENS CORK DIAL WATCH Slate Black Tyvek Strap $55 USD

22

# 3

Adornments

pp WOMENS BAMBOO DIAL WATCH Organic cotton strap $30 USD

pp WOMENS BAMBOO DIAL WATCH Organic cotton strap $30 USD

pp WOMENS CORK DIAL WATCH Organic cotton strap $50 USD

tt WOMENS CORK WATCH $35 USD

# 3

23

BOOKS JAMES WONGS HOMEGROWN REVOLUTION After his ground breaking natural beauty products and home made remedies BBC TV series ‘Grow your own drugs’, James Wong has turned his attention to revolutionising what food and veg we grow in our allotments, back gardens and even window boxes.

Who knew that the UK climate could support such exotic foods such as goji berries, inca berries and cucamelons. Yes that’s right, cucamelons, which look like mini watermelons but taste of lime and cucumber. That’s just one of the many exotic plants listed in this book. Others include chilian guavas tiny red berries which taste of wild strawberries, pink guavas and a hint of candy floss. Dahlia yams similar to sweet potato which was a staple food of the Aztec people. And alpine strawberries (white strawberries that are invisible to birds and slugs!)

The book also resurrects long lost crops from British history like Sweet galingale - which was a popular spice in medieval Britain. This British native plant is a relative of Thai ginger - galangal. Apparently its so low maintenance it can grow in a bucket of water!

‘Homegrown Revolution’ is very simple to read and digest with illustrations, photos and instructions of how to grow all these wonderful plants as well as recipes. Its incredibly easy to get started. James has teamed up with Sutton seeds so you can order the seeds you fancy from their website and get growing!

There are also chapters on natural pest control with tips on ‘poly culture’ and using nature as your ally. £12 GBP www.jameswong.co.uk

24

# 3

“By swapping common, low value crops for a range of easy-to-grow genuinely productive cutting edge ones, you can turn your yard veg patch back into a living larder of ‘superfoods’ and exotic delicacies”

pp COCKTAIL KIWIS (KIWI ISSAI). A smaller, sweeter version without the harshness of the regular kiwi variety we are familiar with in supermarkets. It even has a smooth edible skin! According to James “if Haribo reinvented the kiwi it would be this� # 3

25

Books

Pickled cucamelons with dill & mint u A recipe from ‘Homegrown Revolution’

BORAGE u The flowers and leaves taste like cucumber!

tt ELECTRIC DAISIES The flower heads are like fizzy sweets!

Traditionally used in treating toothache, mouth ulcers & sore throats.

26

# 3

books

# 3

27

Books

CHANGE YOUR UNIVERSE The ‘Holographic Universe’ by Michael Talbot has been a highly influential book for the new age spiritual community since it was first published in 1991. If ever there was a book equivalent to taking the ‘red pill’ in the ‘Matrix’ movie this is it.

It starts of in the world of scientific research into holograms and quantum physics to support its theory that the universe you perceive is a hologram generated by consciousness. The book makes the analogy that the universe and the people in it is like the ‘Holodeck’ in Star Trek the Next Generation.

‘The Holographic Universe’ then moves into moving into historical accounts of miraculous events, near death experiences, out of body experiences and healing, showing just how flexible this thing we call reality is. There are so many fascinating accounts in this book that it will lead to so many things you will want to lookup. The are also many references to scientific experiments of spiritual phenomena such as out of body experiences and lucid dreams that make it very difficult for the sceptic to ignore. There are even medically documented cases of people healing themselves through the power of belief, including one individual who grew a new hip bone!

The book is brilliantly written and at times seems to be functioning on another level. For me it is in touch with the energies it describes and spans many alternate realities. This is definitely a book to ‘read in between the lines’ on. I’m sure there are words in this book such as places and peoples names that would appear differently from reader to reader. And other words that would trigger memories and synchronicites. Sound far fetched? Well not if you live in a Holographic Universe!

‘We - like all things in a holographic universe - are ultimately a frequency phenomenon which our mind converts into various holographic forms’

£7.19 GBP

28

# 3

# 3

29

A

t the 2011 Festival of Life. Long time raw food and healthy living expert, Joel Gazdar, gave a talk in which he announced to an enthusiastic crowd plans to open a new vegetarian cafe in colourful Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden - London... The WILD FOOD CAFE!

With its lovingly made simple & delicious dishes and great atmosphere, it was an overnight success. In 2012 it was joined by the WILD JUICERY making customers and passers by feel orgasmic with their unique smoothies, juices, products and snacks.

We caught up with founders Joel Gazdar & Aiste Leipute for a wild and juicy chat.

Questions by LĂşcuma

30

# 3

# 3

31

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Aiste & Joel

Joel how did you get into the raw food/healthy living scene at such a young age? What did you learn from your experiences in this movement?

It has always seemed to me that life has always been calling me in a certain direction, guiding me into expansion beyond the limits of what may appear possible. This could be from the circumstances and lessons I have learned in life to the very first dreams I remember having.

I started getting actively into raw foods, nutrition and yoga in my teens, which may be more common now but wasn’t 15-20 years ago. I had always been interested in the food discussion and the vegetarian debate, made famous by so many personal boyhood heroes of mine. One of the big catalysts to get into nutrition was seeing my mother experimenting with every diet under the sun, especially after putting on weight following her quitting of cigarettes (interestingly enough the one diet that always made the most sense to me was ‘Fit For Life’ by Harvey & Marylin Diamond).

Although I wanted to be a vegetarian since I was a child, it was pointed out to me that there was no one around me who was a healthy looking vegetarian or vegan. Still to this day, after half a lifetime’s experimentation in vegetarian nutrition and over 10 years being all raw vegan (until 2010) I observe that although I have met some of the healthiest (by which I specifically mean overflowing with happiness and vitality) people eating plant-based raw food I met some of the least healthy (and most neurotic) people preaching the same concepts often professing as teachers, authors and experts.

These concepts and movements can be great tools to help us along our journey and provide reflection for guidance and introspection. At the same time if we become too serious about them or attached to them they can be our downfall and our ball and chain.

Nutrients and nutrition are wonderfully liberating allies. Neurosis about nutrition or any path or recreation comes from externalising our wellbeing. We create our wellbeing through our consciousness: more and more vibrations of unconditional joy, ecstasy, love, expansion. Any

32

# 3

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

WIld Food Cafe

other external factor, including food is important, however: secondary.

Often we will make food choices which correspond to the average of the vibrations (consciousness) we are offering to the world. However, I have seen people who eat what-some-may-label toxic junk food being considerably more ecstatic than some people who are extremely intellectually educated in nutritional philosophy.

Since I was a child I craved nature, and felt confused by the asthma and hay fever, which occluded my enjoyment of it. That led me to choosing architecture as a profession at the age of 11, after seeing the work of Frank Lloyd Wright, who’s work blended the urban and rural, the human and natural in the most inspiringly synergistic way. It was very obvious to me that with architecture I could choose to develop both my artistic and scientific qualities, merging them to create new worlds & realities.

I loved seeing connections and similarities between what I saw down a microscope and up a telescope. My urge for greater colour, vibrancy, vitality and spiritedness led me to explore and meet other people who’s realities and paradigms blew my mind, from prize-winning scientists to

WIld Mushroom Risotto

homeless people, WOW! I met more and more people with completely different world-views, paradoxically both contradictory and complementary, and reaffirmed and reminded me that everything is possible!

My specialisation in architecture is organic ecoarchitecture, and has been long before it was popular.

I began my apprenticeship (with Shamans in various esoteric arts and techniques) including famous American polymath and eco-architect Eugene Tsui by the age of 17. At this time my disillusionment with the status quo plummeted out of control, I sought to break free of the mind matrix of my own making (by default) and was willing to die in the process. I experimented with every technique under the sun, from numerous types of meditation, yoga, nutrition and everything else associated with expanding one’s consciousness. It called for living way outside the comfort zone, and facing all the fears i’d inherited with courage, and a total willingness to make mistakes, to fail, to crash and burn, to burst free from the LIMITATIONS patterns. It is a case of creating oneself anew & embracing the never-ending discovery while letting go of the old to be destroyed & lost.

# 3

33

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Aiste what prompted you to get into raw foods?

I have been exploring and experimenting different approaches to eating from about 17 as well. First it started with yoga, vegetarianism, experimentation, curiosity and just not being satisfied with the mainstream diet or ways of thinking.

I am very lucky to have received large amounts of consciousness-expanding knowledge and experience from a fairly young age and that propelled me to change all areas of my life, including food.

I must say after my early experiments with vegetarianism and veganism (from which I also got inspiration from ‘Fit for Life’) I ended up with severe anaemia. Following that, raw foods definitely brought a lot more nutrition, vitality and wellbeing into my life. I met some really cool (and really far-out people) through raw foods which definitely taught me a lot! Raw food is a great way for people to expand their minds and experiment with taste buds - the more playful experimentation there is, the better! It is a very potent paradigm shift for most people to experience - that’s why we’ve been organising Wild Wellbeing & Raw Food Courses at Wild Food Café since October last year. It can change peoples’ lives and improve wellbeing regardless of whether they decide to stick solely to raw food or not. It has a power to shift people’s habits and break patterns. That’s big.

Personally, I don’t consider raw food or any other food-movement being more important than anything else. It’s just another piece of the puzzle. A lot of people get really focused on foods, nutrition and eating - Joel’s experience is definitely a good example of that. That requires a genius-like dedication (or obsession) and I definitely don’t have it. I love being intuitive with food and going beyond the trends & movements. I love making good quality food from the heart, be it raw, vegan or vegetarian is not of a prime importance at this time. Most of the time I eat really simple food like soups, whole grains and vegetables.

In general what are some of the best foods a person can eat for health and vitality?

Joel: I’m famous for saying: “If it’s not orgasmic don’t eat it” sometimes people have misinterpreted that and responded: “well what if I find McDonalds orgasmic, shall I just eat that all day?”

To which I laugh and reply that I was once the same, and at the age of 15 I loved eating junk food, I must have gotten addicted to all the additives and I let myself eat it as much as I liked of it. It was at this point that I got one of the first personal revelations I had about nutrition: It felt delicious when I ate it, but my overall wellbeing and mood went downhill. It was a very short-lived pleasure (stimulation). So I say, from a tantric perspective, do we simply like the titillation

34

# 3

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Raw & Vegan Korma Curry with Parsnip rice

Living Lasagne

# 3

35

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Mayan Gazpacho

on our tongue for a few minutes or would we prefer our whole body to bask in ecstasy whilst eating and for hours afterwards, and for us to wake the next day still feel orgasmic?”

Aiste: It is funny, it is quite a task these days to get Joel to share or promote specific foods that are good for health and vitality. And there is a very good reason he doesn’t do it anymore. In many ways, based on the depth of his knowledge and experience being in the raw food & nutrition fields for over 15 years, it is almost ridiculous that he doesn’t name specific foods. Sometimes it frustrates me☺ However, there is wisdom in doing that. There are no right foods that you can prescribe to everyone. That would be cheating. That would be shortsightedness. The world is full of infinite possibilities and as Joel often says: “if you read every book on nutrition you would have nothing left to eat.” I think everyone can get into a state where they KNOW what’s good for their health and vitality. The inner knowledge and inner wisdom is so much more precious than someone else telling you what’s good and what’s bad. My little comment would be: everyone could do with eating more mineral-rich foods and fresh fruit & vegetables, less of the white processed stuff, it is obvious. But most importantly, it is about starting to OWN your wellbeing and starting to listen to that inner guidance that has depths of knowledge. That’s self-empowerment.

36

# 3

Raw Chocolate Workshop at Wild Juicery

Joel, in the past you have described yourself as a ‘Water Nazi’ but now you hold a more relaxed view. Why is water so important?

Well I have been very actively studying water since 1999, when I first came across the works of both Johan Grander & Viktor Schauberger and began experimenting & applying their discoveries. From 2002-6 I drank and washed only in fresh spring water, which I went to collect at springs around the country with friends. I’ve owned almost every water filter and revitalizer available. I’ve given many 3-5 hour lectures and workshops on water. My interest had a major resurgence a few years ago, when I had a realization about water and wellbeing. I had eagerly been trying to work out why I had felt there was a peak in my wellbeing around 2002-4, which I had since not quite matched despite all the new exciting disciplines I had added in. Then, one night it hit me, I had felt the best when I had been inspired by Peter Ragnar’s work to drink 5 litres of water a day. I just knew in every cell in my body, this was the key of keys for me to my vitality.

He had recommended distilled, however I felt much more strongly drawn to fresh spring water, and I was obsessed with drinking freshly collected springwater (only stored in glass bottles, anyone who has lived on this can relate to the potency of this practice).

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

First year anniversary party at Wild Food Cafe

I became such a snob and refused to drink anything I deemed less quality than this, that now looking back (from my abundantly rehydrated perspective) I actually feel that I was dehydrated for many years, even whilst all raw, drinking fresh juice and smoothies everyday, and more often than not still drinking around 2 Litres a day.

That night I immediately went back up to drinking 5 Litres a day (I knew I could, I had done it before and stretched my cells to that capacity before) I felt immediately better and have continued that ever since, even though I am no longer exclusively eating raw, vegetarian, vegan or organic foods.

I consider drinking between 3-5 Litres a day of fresh, pure, and preferably completely unaltered water the greatest health practice out of things we can physically add to our body other than breathing air. (This doesn’t include beverages based on water-like tea, which is an addition on top of this volume). Only pure water, has the specific effect of cleansing the body. When herbs or any plant matter is added, our body responds differently. It thinks that we wish to add something to the body, so it opens itself to receiving rather than letting-go which it only does to the blank canvas of pure water.

Every single beneficial activity or therapy we could experience comes with the caveat “drink more water”

whether its going for a run, dancing, sex, massage or reiki, every type of cleanse. The only thing to bear in mind when drinking 5 Liters a day – you can’t be on a zero or very restricted salt diet.

Both the quantity and quality of salt should be closely monitored until we intuitively feel certain we have can maintain balance. Most creatures on earth seek out the perfect amount of salt in their lifestyle (which although being a small and precise amount, it is not zero. Water and salt balance each other on many levels (we need only see what happens when we mix a perfect acid with a perfect alkali).

In fact I feel that the increased intake of hydration is the number one benefit of raw food. After all, life is about flow.

These days I will even drink the odd glass of the waterlike-substance that comes from a tap, to make sure I’m not being too rigid, after all how lucky are we to have water on tap, some people have to walk dozens of miles for the privilege.

And as the work of Masaru Emoto shows, we can transform everything, and especially water, with the power of our consciousness. Vitality is primarily an inside-out job; the outside-in is totally relevant, however it is secondary!

# 3

37

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

What are some of the greatest examples of healing that you have seen where raw food and good quality water have played a big part?

First hand I’ve seen several cases of cancer disappear, and most of the most common diseases (The cases where they’ve worked are the ones where I’ve seen a dramatic change in attitude). Food, water & outside causes alone rarely work; the shift in vibe and consciousness does!

Joel you are famous for saying things like “How does it get better than this?” or “How does it get tastier than this?” What is the story behind this philosophy?

Well it is a trite and true saying worldwide that the quality of our life is determined by the quality of questions we ask. You can see this in everything from Gautama Buddha’s teachings, to modern human potential movement pioneers like Anthony Robbins and techniques like Access Consciousness.

I personally write new questions every day and daily remind myself of a variety of my favourite questions from a list of several hundred. The trick is asking possibility based questions. By asking them we open doors to perceptions beyond our current horizon; they uplift us to greater altitudes where we have access to more of our magnificence and clearer, brighter radiance of self.

Self defeating questions need not apply: such as “how did I get to be such as an idiot?” & “why does nothing ever work out for me?”.

Far better to ask: “How did I learn to perceive that everything is always working out so perfectly for me, even when at first glance it may appear otherwise!?”

(I literally just made that one up one the spot) or “how did I get to be so appreciative that there is always enough of everything in my life including all the qualities I love to be!?”

Wild Food Cafe is in a very touristy part of London, what has been their reaction to the menu of Wild Food Cafe and raw foods?

AISTE: We are very lucky to be able to literally feed the world through our place at Neal’s Yard, Covent Garden. People tend to be more open-minded to trying new things, a lot of tourists are positively surprised to find something like this in the centre of town, a lot of them have stories of similar establishments in their countries or they ask us to open Wild Food Cafe where they live. In fact, some visitors from Europe and Americas book in advance to make sure they have a meal at Wild Food Cafe and some of the tourists come to see us straight from the airport.

There is no radical ((((Cliquey)))) vibe about Wild Food Cafe, so depending on where you are at with your diet you can have a fairly mainstream meal or a burger in a sourdough bun or go for a complete raw extravaganza. People like it and they don’t feel “weirded out” or pressured to try new things too unusual, which would cause resistance. It is just great tasting, high-vibing food.

Inevitably we can’t please everyone and people have all kinds of expectations and nuances around food. As pleasant as the daily great feedback can be, often our greatest teachings come from a dissatisfied guest. It is all part of the journey.

38

# 3

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Raw vegan chocolate tart

# 3

39

Raw chocolate workshop at the Wild Juicery

Chocolate being slowly ground in a stone wheel grinder

Forgotten Ecstasy Smoothie

Mmm Chocolate!

40

# 3

Stone ground Pumpkin Seed Butters

Raw Chocolates

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

The Wild Juicery was recently opened. What is so cool about this place and how is it different from other juice bars?

Simply put it is leaps and bounds beyond other juice bars. Some people think “surely this must be bad for me!?” As most people assume that something that is this delicious can’t be nutritious.

For one, it’s the only juice bar focused on getting as much wild-crafted & biodynamic produce on top of the standard organics as possible. We aim to keep going beyond, both in flavor and nutrition.

We don’t add cheap fillers and insist on only the best sources of products. We use an awesome range of fresh superfoods in all our smoothies.

Also, we have a chocolaterie section: all of our chocolates are roaring with freshness, flavor and nutrition. The beans are ground on the premises. I have been making raw chocolates worldwide since 2003, so now we have a space to share all this experience & magic with the world.

We also use freshly ground chocolate for our “WildTella” – chocolate spread with sprouted hazelnuts, coconut sugar and reishi & chaga medicinal mushrooms - as well as hot chocolate and chocolate smoothies.

Finally, we have a range of Tonic ‘Potent’ Drinks which combine wild crafted tonic herb teas with freshly cold-pressed organic juice and Neal’s Yard Remedies Organic Herbal Tinctures.

Aiste your photos of the food and drinks served up at the Cafe and Juicery have tantalised the tastebuds of Facebook land. What are your tips for good food photography?

I must say my photography skills serve me well today with all the photos and videos required for the Cafe and the Juicery.

I have been experimenting and self-teaching myself photography since I was 19.

During this time I spent A LOT of time taking crap pictures, experimenting with lighting, composition, exposure, post-production, basically everything. Spending hours and hours in front of the computer, carrying a camera with me everywhere I went. A couple of years ago I did get a photography certification from London College of Communication but I can reassure you that the biggest leap in the quality of my work came from my own commitment to take pictures. In 2011 I started a 365 photo project (taking and publishing one photo a day) which I haven’t completed because I decided to change the course of my life all together and opened Wild Food Cafe, but even 9 months of that project raised the standards of my photography more than any other course, tip or technique. It is really about deciding to do it and doing it. Getting out there, engaging with people, getting out of your comfort zone, pushing yourself to ‘find’ a better picture, composition and subject everyday. Challenging yourself.

I must admit I spend very little time doing any photography today and would love to get more involved with it. It is in my plans to teach a food photography course at Wild Food Cafe one day, but you might have to wait a bit for that one.

# 3

41

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

What’s down the pipeline for the Wild food Cafe and Juicery?

A lot of things! These projects are never ending and ever expanding works in progress. On a smaller scale we have launched Wild Cleanse programmes and are launching an online shop at the beginning of February so our products can reach more people.

We will be running some very interesting specialist workshops on water and teeth (oral) health which are often overlooked but very important topics alongside our Wild Wellbeing & Raw Food Courses which have been very warmly received so far. Both October & February courses were sold out, March course is filling up fast. We are keeping ourselves busy, it is a great honour to be sharing wellbeing knowledge to more and more people. Somewhere in between all this we are getting married.

Also in the plans is a Wild Food Cafe recipe book. On a bigger scale there is a lifetime’s work of “Worldwide One Wellbeing” - it is a non-profit movement which is developing an official day of worldwide celebration and a practically achievable strategy of planting over a trillion fruit trees across the world. www.wildfoodcafe.com www.wildjuicery.com

Raw Olive & Shiitake Mushroom Burgers One of the most popular dishes on the menu.

Absolutely magnificent!

42

# 3

Live music at Wild Food Cafe

HOW DOES IT GET BETTER THAN THIS?

Happy staff members

# 3

43

10

1 Cooking

A VIRIDIAN NUTRITION GUIDE

fresh uses f

The amazing propertie

2

Organic Raw Coconut Oil is fabulous to replace butter or olive oil in everyday recipes.

Try it for yourself as part of one of these delicious recipes...

Coconut Curry

Rich in healthy fatty acids and a number of phytonutrient-rich spices.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons Organic Raw Coconut Oil 1 can of coconut milk 1 tsp chopped garlic 2 pinches of sea salt 4 large potatoes, peeled and chopped ½ large cauliflower, chopped 2 large courgettes, chopped 2 tablespoons curry powder ½ tsp ground cumin ½ tsp ground nutmeg ½ tsp ground ginger Method: Combine curry powder, cumin, nutmeg and ginger in a bowl. Steam potatoes for twenty minutes; add cauliflower for the last five minutes. Heat coconut oil in a large saucepan. Add garlic and courgettes. Cook until courgettes soften a little. Add steamed potatoes and cauliflower to the saucepan. Add coconut milk. Stir in the spices and sea salt until spices are fully incorporated.

Enjoy this rich and delicious coconut curry with rice or quinoa. Serves 4.

44

Chocolate, Orange & Coconut Pudding

Dairy free, nutrient dense, and surprisingly delicious.

Ingredients: 1 large, ripe avocado 2 tablespoons of Organic Raw Coconut Oil 2 tablespoons of cacao powder 3 teaspoons of honey grated orange zest Method: Scoop the flesh out of the avocado, and add to a food processor. Melt the coconut oil gently in a saucepan on a very low heat. Add the melted coconut, chocolate powder, honey, and orange zest to the avocado, and blend until a smooth chocolatey paste is made.Transfer into ramekins and refrigerate for 2 hours.

Sports nutritio

Organic Raw Coconut Oil is increasingly popular in sport as a source of med triglycerid

5

Acne

Organic Raw Coconut Oil can be used as a skin moisturise by people suffering from acne because coconut oil is naturally small in molecular structure wh allows for easy absorption throu the skin without blocking pores

7

Body scrub

Add a little sea salt and your fav oil into some Organic Raw Coc you have a natural body scrub t exfoliate and moisturise at the same time.

The end result should be a smooth chocolate mousse/pot au chocolate texture.

100% Organic Raw Coconut Oil # 3

for Coconut Oil

es of the coconut know no bounds‌

3

on

s becoming ts nutrition, dium-chain des (MCTs).

4

Stretch mark prevention

Organic Raw Coconut Oil can help with the appearance of stretch marks and can help prevent premature ageing of the skin. Coconut oil absorbs very readily into the skin and keeps it soft but not greasy. It can be used as an all-over body moisturiser.

6

er

Protect your lips from winter chapping by rubbing a little Organic Raw Coconut Oil into them.

An ideal post-shave soothing balm.

Organic Raw Coconut Oil is also a great natural skin moisturiser. Suitable for face, legs, armpits and sensitive areas.

After shave

hich ugh s.

Hair and scalp rejuvenation

b

vourite essential conut Oil and that will

8

Organic Raw Coconut Oil is wonderful to use as a hair conditioner as it softens the hair and conditions the scalp, leaving it smooth and frizz-free. Using the oil as a pre-wash conditioner can help combat dandruff. Coconut oil is famous for its ability to strengthen the structure of damaged, devitalised hair.

10

Nappy balm

Lip balm

9

Make-up remover

Organic Raw Coconut Oil is an excellent make-up remover because it moisturises at the same time. Powerful at removing stubborn eye make-up such as eyeliner and mascara.

Organic Raw Coconut Oil creates a water-repellent barrier.

The natural moisturising properties of coconut oil are perfect for baby’s bottom.

Simply the freshest, most fragrant and delicious coconut oil

For your nearest specialist health store visit viridian-nutrition.com

# 3

45

y t i c i n o r h c n . y . . l i S Tra Written by Steven Nicolaides

Do you see certain number sequences, patterns or objects all the time and wonder what they mean?

Do you think about something and then see an example of it in life?

Congratulations! You are perceiving the world of synchronicity. You are at a level of frequency that will take you on adventures beyond your wildest dreams!

Read on and I will give you my tips on how to get the best out of these synchronicities, how to increase their frequency and obviousness and turn these into tangible results in physical reality!

46

# 3

# 3

47

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

What is Synchronicity?

Synchronicities are coincidences that grab your attention. On a deeper level they have a significance to you and are actually sign posts and stepping stones to further your journey.

They can also act as guidance, relating information to your conscious mind from your higher mind or angels/spirit guides.

What is the point of Synchronicites? Why follow them?

Everything that surrounds you at this moment in time has a significance to you however the conscious human mind is not designed to comprehend that vast amount of information. It is designed to integrate with your higher mind and higher spiritual self which CAN handle that level of information. Synchronicity is a way your higher self trains your waking conscious mind in understanding this - one trail at a time. It sends out a thread for you to grab a hold of and follow. In doing so you learn to attune to the subtle ‘voice’ of the higher self, whilst learning more about yourself and having fun on an amazing adventure! For example, you think about taking a holiday to Peru and then soon after you see a TV show about it or you might meet someone who has just been to Peru. Whether or not this is sign for you to take action on or just information you may need in the moment is down to your discernment and your ability to perceive what it means to you.

Discernment - How do you know?

The greatest way to digest a synchronicity is FEELING! See how it feels to you. Does it feel right? Does it feel good? Most importantly...Does it make you truly excited? The more you get used to holding the vibration of ‘knowingness’ the more seamless the understanding and taking action will be.

An early trap for beginners is to over think a synchronous event. ‘What if it means this’?

‘What if it means that’? ‘What if something bad happens’? If you enter this mode of thinking, life will deliver to you conflicting signs so as to deliberately confuse you and force you to confront this blockage! You cannot get the best from synchronicity unless you know how to control your own mind, are free from any fears and doubts and are prepared to be honest with yourself.

48

# 3

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

Spotting a Synchronicity path - Subtlety & Whispers Once you become familiar with acting on synchronicity and following them to fruition, you can start to look for them consciously after presenting a question to your higher mind and then being open to receive the answer. Use your subtle senses combined with instinct to notice something that stands out from the crowd. Something which appeals to you. Was that conversation you overheard telling you something? Did a certain word leap towards your ears? Is there someone at an event or party who seems to stand out from the rest? Is there a place that seems to pull you in that direction? The more you exercise this instinct using this as a way to receive ‘signs’ from your higher self, the easier it will be to recognise fruitful trails and receive an instant divination.

Example: During the London 2012 Olympics I was in trafalgar square enjoying the sun.

The square was more crowded than usual due to the large influx of tourists for the games. I felt like I wanted a nice soya coffee frappuccino but didn’t want to face the large queues in the coffee shop. Suddenly I spotted a woman who was wearing a shirt in an identical colour to one I had bought a few days ago. I decided to see where she was going, so I followed her. She was headed towards Covent Garden via a back road that I don’t normally take. I didn’t have to walk far before I noticed to my left a coffee shop!

Because it wasn’t in the main road it was less crowded and I didn’t have to queue!

Realise you are a Magnet and maximise your efficiency A human being is essentially a magnet. All of the things you need are already in a process of moving towards you. Its just a case of being a vibrational match to be able to receive them. In most cases the releasing and resolving of certain blockages such as; {old negative belief systems, negative thinking, a chaotic mind or situations and relationships that don’t serve you} are all that is required to get things flowing to you. It’s like unblocking a drain so that the water can flow.

# 3

49

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

The Cat Lifestyle I take great inspiration from cats. They are masterful teachers to a person who wants to develop their synchronicity and manifesting ability. The skills of particular use are: • Observation and sharp senses • Live by and trust your instincts • Independence • Supreme self confidence (allows you to be bold, do things out of your comfort zone and punch above your weight) • Putting your self as number one (don’t let others distract you or drain your energy!)

• Plenty of alone time to take care of your self

The Universe is your playground An attitude that the universe you perceive is your creation is important. This may sound arrogant, egotistical and selfish but it is in fact the opposite. It’s an attitude of humility and respect that allows an energy of gratitude to grow within you because you are actually taking responsibility for your self, your actions and the world around you.

What kind of world DO YOU want to live in?

Embrace the NEW Embracing the new and consciously choosing new things and activities, alchemises the energy of stagnation into vitality and life. This is the frequency that will change your reality.

Frequency of Abundance - Start with what you have To help raise your frequency and get out of the poverty consciousness so prevalent these days, change your environment by going to expensive and luxurious places - but act like you belong there, feel the vibration and be familiar with it. When you want an item that you cannot currently afford make sure you are not holding onto self limiting beliefs about money and wealthy people. Instead try on that expensive coat and enjoy it - window shopping works! Bookmark items on websites you want even if it doesn’t make sense financially to buy them right now.

50

# 3

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

When Sean Connery received the role of James Bond in the early 1960s he was given an expensive tailored suit from London’s Saville Row - a place renowned for its fine tailoring.

He was ordered to wear it 24 hours a day, even sleep in it until he felt like he had become the character.

Also be honest with yourself. Do you really need money in order to act on your dreams?

Why not start with what you have and let life provide what you need as and when it is needed.

No expectations - Less is More I’m not a fan of detailed visualisation techniques where every detail is visualised. It’s the ‘feeling’ and the ‘vibration’ you emit, rather than the details which brings your hearts desire. So allowing yourself to get excited about going somewhere tropical is better than visualising the whole holiday in your mind. Also this way you are open to surprises. There may be a better country/outcome for you than the one you are focusing on.

Take care of your appearance, health and lifestyle If you don’t take care of yourself who else will? How can you expect pleasure when you give yourself pain?

Synchronicity and your highest excitement/bliss act in unison It is by following the thing that makes you most excited that synchronicites become more apparent. The frequency of joy and love that you hold in you by living this way increases their frequency and the level in which you will be amazed. The relationship between them is a symbiotic one, as one feeds into the other. The joy of following a synchronicity trail and the results of what you learn and achieve creates more synchronicites and more paths. This is why statements like ‘Follow your highest excitement’ are the mantras of this age, because it is the main tool for spiritual evolution at this point in the souls journey.

What is the final destination?

The more you are in harmony with living this way, the more freedoms will open up leading to a euphoric way of existing. Life is training you to live in the flow of your highest authentic self. You can then become more of a conscious driver in this game, free to choose pathways and realities that are more attractive to you. To exist in a freer parallel universe where one is able to view, select, traverse and create realities that span time and space.

# 3

51

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

Caterpillars & Coconuts An Example of a Synchronicity Trail 26th May 2011

1. Start I had to meet a client in a coffee shop before lunchtime near Clapham Common tube station in London.

After our meeting I looked around for something to eat.

6. Find!

The autopsy revealed that the poor caterpillar had perished by ‘Death by stir fry’

3. Curiosity > Exploration BRIXTO N

Sign post to Brixton.

I’m now dreaming of green coconuts

Left the restaurant and felt I should explore the area which I was not familiar with. I then saw a sign pointing to Brixton. (Famous for its large Caribbean community) I thought I could find a nice young green coconut to take my mind of the lunch!

4. Enjoyment > Intuition Enjoying the sunshine and trusting my instincts to find the way to Brixton.

52

# 3

Amazingly I stumble across a small courtyard with yoga studio and the offices of a raw food company ‘Gourmet Raw’. Raw food businesses are rare, so to find one through wandering is remarkable. (They have since moved)

CLAPHAM COMMON

2. Instinct > Food I found a nice looking Thai restaurant in the high street and ordered a starter of tofu and satay sauce and a main dish of Thai green curry! Yum Yum. Amazingly I noticed a large DEAD green caterpillar in the thai green curry!

Shocked I asked the question how could I attract such a thing? Especially as I’m Vegan.

5. Find!

Rejoining the road I spotted this car.

Its number plate had 114 in it. This is a big synchronicity for me. According to DOREEN VIRTUE “1’s and 4’s, such as 114 or 144 - The angels are emphasizing strongly that you watch your thoughts right now. They counsel you to make a wish, as you are in a gateway that will manifest your thoughts right at this moment. “ (NOTE: 411 means “Ask the angels for some vital information that you need right now.”

I started noticing 114 in 2001.

Since then I have seen hundreds of examples of it.

I even started a facebook album a few years ago as I saw so many.

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

7. Opportunity After 30 mins of walking around and getting tired I decided to take advantage of the bus stop I just past. I took a bus for Brixton central.

8. Find!

I arrived in Brixton and came across the wonderful indoor ‘Brixton Village’ selling world foods from India, East Asia, Africa, South America and the Caribbean. There are also lots of unusual boutique shops, cafes and restaurants. Very exciting but still no green coconut!

African dress designs, nice inspiration for my creativity

9. Find!

So pleased to discover a juice bar that also sold vegan snacks - ‘Oracles Organic Juice bar’!

Sitting outside the bar enjoying a smoothie and vegan chocolate cake.

# 3

53

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

10. Find!

Found a cute new age spiritual shop. Bought myself a quartz crystal pendant. Had a nice conversation with the owner.

11. Find!

Amazing, more vegan treats! Ms Cupcake is a famous vegan and gluten free cake shop. I had heard the name on the London vegan scene but didn’t consciously know where the shop was, and yet I found it!

Ms cupcake herself is the most adorable woman, I loved meeting and chatting with her. I particularly liked the pomegranate flavour cup cake.

54

# 3

SYNCHRONICITY TRAIL

12. Find!

As I crossed the road to eat my cupcake I saw an empty shop that was being used for an art exhibition. There were large artworks

by Marek Light as well as a promotion for the book launch of ‘Lightman’ a new comic book hero. The shop said back in 5 mins as they had popped across the street to eat some cake at Ms Cupcakes! They spotted me from the shop and a young woman by the name of Anna Maria Stöckert (writer of the text to accompany the images) came over to open the door. She enthusiastically explained to me the concept and I was amazed.

Soon after Marek came over and we spoke at length about the exciting changing times we were living in.

To their delight I decided to buy a copy of the ‘Lightman Vol 1’ book. I was the first person to do so and got my copy signed. I can still remember the gratitude and the big hug I got from them! www.lightman-comics.com

As I signed the mailing list I noticed their telephone number contained 114.... what are the odds?

13. End Anna and Marek informed me there would be a launch party with live band around 7pm so I decided to spend some more time exploring Brixton until then. A little while later there was a very heavy down pour of rain. As I had no umbrella I dashed into a coffee shop to shelter. I found a quiet spot and read the entire Lightman book. I was absolutely transfixed. I resonated deeply with the story of a being of light that comes to Earth to shine its light. In particular the scene where lightman (whilst still in human form), lays in a bath tub to transform (I was using warm baths every night to get me through the cold London weather). I felt this book was made for, as well as created by, my generation.

Still digesting the Lightman story, I moved to the front of the cafe where it was more lively. There was a slightly eccentric woman speaking strange random things to the other customers in the shop (including me). I decided to show the Lightman book to her. We spoke about art, spirituality and food. Incredibly I discovered we had a mutual friend!

There are over 8 million citizens in London so this is quite a ‘co-incidence’.

She also went to the Lightman launch party and I had a great time dancing to the live band and socialising.

14. Hind sight and digestion Looking back now I can see why the caterpillar was in my Thai green curry. It was my higher self explaining that the spiritual growth of a human is like the catepillar turning into a butterfly. The Lightman story also runs on similar themes. The caterpillar was also the trigger to head off in search of the green coconuts and give me a great example of a synchronicity trail....for me.... and you who are reading this.

Anna Maria became a good friend and she is a contributor to Lúcuma.

# 3

55

By Light of Death Words by Adriana Wigderowitz

N

Gifted spiritualist Adriana Wigderowitz journeys to visit her future probable deaths... and emerges forever changed with a new perspective AND relationship with death.

N

56

# 3

# 3

57

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

58

# 3

D

e

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

eath has stalked me since I was nothing more than a foetus in the womb. As a very high risk pregnancy, my chances of surviving the first nine months of my development were less than 20%.

In my early childhood, death spoke louder... with the presence of the elders in my family who had passed on haunting both my sleeping and waking dreams, and occasionally relatives of friends and family pressuring me to pass on messages from beyond the grave. I didn’t know what to do with this gift then, only that listening to those who had passed often got me into a lot of trouble, and sometimes the messages hindered rather than helped those trying to move on.

To say my relationship with death made me uneasy would be an understatement. It seemed a curse rather than a blessing. But as I matured I found myself moving out of polarity with death and when my grandmother passed on just before my 22nd birthday, I found myself immersed in such an intimate relationship with death and its presence in life, that it became a life affirming warmth in my heart and in my life. I never thought death could be a powerful light in my life and it certainly is an uncommon statement. But the truth it seems is often stranger than fiction.

There’s a great danger in collapsing truth about death into beliefs that limit us. Our mission is to move beyond a belief that there is only what is true and what is not true, that there is only real and not real and nothing in between. To move beyond duality in our relationship with death is no small task. Regardless of our experience one belief stands strong, in the same way that when we were children we believed in walking on the moon, cloning, robots and flying were possible long before there was any evidence in real life, strict beliefs about death and what is and isn’t possible keep us from entering into the relationship with it we desire.

# 3

59

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

F

rom our worries about losing health, families, lovers and jobs our strongest fear is of annihilation. It is even greater than our fear of death. But our death is in our blood, and the more I came out of my body and travelled down lifelines, the more people I journeyed for and healed, the more one simple pattern infiltrated the others. Physical death is inevitable and to be honest somewhat desirable to those of us who enjoy reincarnating as different energy systems....but sleepwalking through life was consistently caused by the unconscious conditioned living patterns that had been imprinted inside our families collective unconsciousness. The message was simple. When we’re identified with the physical we’re concerned about our physical demise..about

60

# 3

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

“when we’re identified with the physical we’re concerned about our physical demise”

our actual death. The deeper we go into our soul the more our concerns shift to being the living dead simply existing without really living.

Unsurprisingly the more we realise that this fear of our own physical death, (the one chosen for us by the many stories of our culture, family, race, gender, genetics and education) is the biggest cause of feeling dead in your own life that there is..the more the possibility of freedom from those stories becomes evident. It was journeying to heal the deaths of people in other lifetimes which birthed the idea..if there was nothing stopping us from journeying into the past to clear traumatic past deaths.. then there was nothing preventing us from journeying into the future to heal our attachments to future ones.

q # 3

61

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

“Standing at the edge of my own death bed in different timelines, forgiving & performing the ceremonial death rights of passage for each one of my selves I was forever changed�

62

# 3

T

k

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

he first time I journeyed to my future death I was petrified. As I gently performed the ceremony for entering the lower worlds my heart was breaking..

The twilight shining softly on the aching of my inner wounds and my emotional body in turmoil.

My mind was running over all the possible karmic repercussions but I had the lords of karma on stand by, and my angels stone towers of peace holding the space in the four directions and found deep courage, strength and approval in the tender gaze of these beings and my softly nodding ancestors. The lower worlds are notoriously difficult to manoeuvre, even when you’re working with an energetic blueprint as accurate of that of the past..never mind projecting into possible future outcomes. But the reality of the process was a profound sense of peace deeper than anything I have ever experienced. There were three probable deaths in my own lifetime energy system. Standing at the edge of my own death bed in the different timelines, forgiving and performing the ceremonial death rights of passage for each one of my selves I was forever changed and at the same time experienced a sense of inner peace beyond anything I can describe in words. The gift of the process was greater than I had ever imagined, the end result being that when you changed the end point all the intermediate steps fell away. By meeting my death I had detached from the energetic strands and patterns binding myself to living the way my ancestors lived or died. For the first time in my life I was able to experience death as another expression of life instead of just knowing that it was. Death, like life when confronted on an energetic level instead of a physical one, is the biggest door to freedom I have ever encountered. I was no longer propelled into a future by the momentum on my unconscious attachment.

# 3

63

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

“stay in your nightmare as long as possible..to wake up in the dream & change the end” 64

# 3

BY LIGHT OF DEATH

W

d

hen the difficult things are attempted we can achieve the impossible. I recently attended a lecture by Todd Acamesis in which Charlie Moorly was talking about Lucid Living. The question of the evening which inspired the most interest was nightmares. He explained that Tibetan monks advise you to do the opposite of waking up..to actually stay in your nightmare as long as possible.. to wake up in the dream and change the end. They believe that to do otherwise is to suppress a pattern you will simply have to relive or re-dream in the future. Are you willing to stay with your living death nightmares..to find the courage to change the end..look death in the eyes and embrace those parts of life with an all resounding yes? Because a new way of living could mean a new way of dying...if we’re just willing to change our relationship with this experience. Can you imagine all the people.. passing over in peace? Being interconnected in joy of death instead of the experience of profound suffering?

# 3

65

ART

66

# 3

Jan Betts Rebirth in the Jungle

# 3 ‘Rebirth

67 in the Jungle’

ART: JAN BETTS

What’s it like living in Costa Rica after growing up in the U.S.A? Upon entering Costa Rica, I was enveloped by a sweet aura of dense life energy that was new to me. I knew I was in the right place, this was my next fabulous adventure. I was so excited and eager to take it all in! And every moment was filled by totally different experiences than I had previously known… and that continues to this day!!!!

My life in Costa Rica has had many amazing chapters!!! My initiation to living here was a true magical mystery tour, which took place in remote, wild, virgin jungle, with multiple waterfalls all cascading down to a private beach on the Pacific coast. The lifestyle was very rustic in all ways, but spectacular!! I adored it! And it was high creativity as well!!!! It was a multi dimensional pioneering experience which alchemically transformed and expanded me into someone I never could have imagined!!! Something OPENED WIDE! I could write a book on that chapter of my life in Costa Rica alone. It gave me a beginning few years that fertilized and enhanced all other chapters of my life here, culturally, environmentally… and my magical, ever changing, spiritual journey…. And of course my art!

Does Costa Rica help nurture your art and give inspiration?

My art is totally influenced and inspired both by the breathtakingly beautiful, abundant tropical nature surrounding me wherever I live in the country, but also with my expanding spirituality, which in itself has had many chapters and unfoldings. This includes giving birth of my beautiful son, and then the gift of raising him here!!

I have aspired to become what I will call a Mystic… fascinated by the Mysteries, the unknown. This has been a perfect path for me…. allowing my innate sensitivities and empathic qualities a beautiful adventure of discovery in a rich ambiance it thrives in! And then, joyfully expressed in my art in various forms, as it all unfolded over the years. Also various other lifestyles I have lived here, all with abundant blessings….all the while being a mother, and my other important relationships including the wonderful Costa Ricans, family, friends, lovers/partners, teachers, shaman, healers, Angels, and the discovery of my own inner rabbit hole!!!!!

68

FLOWERING BEAUTY u # 3

ART: JAN BETTS

# 3

69

ART: JAN BETTS

70

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

Have you ever communicated with or seen the Rainforest spirits/energies?

I have… especially in those first years on our wild magical finca by the sea. I had many communications with mysterious lights and spirits of several kinds.

There was one powerful occasion that I did experience profound connecting with 5 large lights that came to me at night… passing information into me directly, in an intuitive, other worldly language that I knew was beyond translation into words so that my mind could remember its information. But I got it, this I do know.

I loved to just walk barefoot into the wild jungle and FEEL the energies (it never occurred to me to be afraid of poisonous or dangerous jungle dwellers…oh…that has changed!)… I observed with wide eyed wonder the vast collection of flora and fauna. I was living in Paradise.

I want to be accepted by the devic spirits… to be that sensitive and pure. I seldom saw them, but I felt them!!! I also made deals with the oversoul of various insects, like spiders and ants, to keep out of my cabin and out of my bed! In trade for not killing them!!! And it worked! Still today it is my intention to feel these Light beings, and to allow this to deepen and inspire my art, and to be playful with them. My lifestyle is very reclusive, and I find that my developing inner silence and sensitivity is becoming more brilliant as I go. I have a rich solitude! Not without its tests and challenges!!

Crystals make frequent appearances in your art.

Why is that? And what do they mean to you?

I love crystals… and I live with quite a collection on my alter. They represent to me the magic and wonder that this mother earth holds… and all it produces in its dark chambers. I have had many visions and insights into the magical qualities of this planet earth. Everything we know in the material world, has come out of the earth… everything! Even the computer you are reading this from! Crystals don’t need the intelligent imagination of man/ woman to create them, they are pure… and when we focus our intuitive minds, crystals have a lot going on… but we have to clear our energy fields to be so very pure, to get closer to them, and to intuit what they offer to us, as guides and healers… even muses. Not to mention their deep beauty when you train your eyes to see!

tt ILLUMINATION

# 3

71

ART: JAN BETTS

tt HARMONIC BLENDING

Divine sensuality & union is a big theme in your work.

What are you thoughts on this subject?

Oh yes… this theme has been in my art over the years. The painting ‘Joining’ tells a story of two who tried to unite in oneness and Divine love. The crystal ball in the painting, held by the one hand of both figures, shows two hands touching, creating radiant Light, representing the dream of union completed. The two figures share parts of each others bodies. One side of the figure on the right is focused in love on the other, while the other half of it is crying, but the falling tears are transformed into visions of freedom. The two hands reaching to touch each other at the top, almost touch, but don’t quite make it. It is a story of my attempts at this high dream… the beautiful deep love, and the sadness when it fails. I know far more, now, as to why it has failed.

Another painting, ‘Harmonic Blending’ again shows this beautiful dream… this time they are One. And the painting ‘Angelic Tear’ is about when I learned just why I could not complete this love union, on my side. I learned that I still held within my field many fears, obsolete pains and delusions, dark energetic densities, fears and false belief systems (some of them were idealistic dreams, but not real, not true), etc, that made it impossible for me to love in this pure way on a sustainable basis. So even though the shock of seeing this was intense and terribly painful…. it freed me of much of it because I SAW a new truth when my “lie” was exposed, by Grace. Also I have learned how to process these inner pollutants to release and clear them from my field. Brilliant work, courageous, essential work, but not fun!

72

# 3

JOINING u

ART: JAN BETTS

# 3

73

ART: JAN BETTS

tt HEALING PRAYER

The ‘As Above, So Below’, Father Heaven, Mother Earth theme is wonderfully explored a lot in your creations ‘Eternal moment’, ‘Illumination’, and ‘Angelic Tear’ for example. Is that part of your philosophy?

‘Eternal Moment’ came first, and I loved it so much, I wanted to expand upon its vision. So years later I painted a large oil inspired by it, which became ‘Illumination’.

To me Heaven and Earth actually connect through consciousness… one without the other is incomplete. Each realm offers vast riches for us to enjoy. The figure in both paintings is experiencing the connecting of Heaven and Earth in the pure moment, as One. A sacred truth. And surely I did experience the bliss and celestial beauty of these images while painting them. They were an inspired meditation to me.

There was a time in my spirituality where I focused more on Heaven and cosmic celestial realms, and out-of-this-world, deep dimensional epiphanies (great fun and astonishing for sure!), but my spirituality was full of “enlightened” high highs and then painful low lows of equal depth. I finally learned the importance of grounding, each realm completing each other as One through our consciousness. So as each realm displays its magical qualities and offerings in my paintings, the moment of pure truth arrives through the letting go of the manifest realms, and their dualistic, idealistic belief systems, through the portal, thereby becoming both/neither…All…One. Often, at this point, a spark of magic arrives in a painting…

Eternal MomENT u 74

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

# 3

75

ART: JAN BETTS ANGELIC TEAR u

‘Angelic Tear’ was quite a journey… because while half way through painting it, I experienced one of the most powerful inner shifts in my life!

The painting began as one of my visions of divine perfection. Diamond mandala, tree of life, heaven, Earth, union of man and woman in perfect love…. etc. … all so ideal and all so divine. It was then that I had a profound disillusionment in my reality. It was a shattering of a whole series of belief systems, illusions, and a false identity (ego) that supported them. I saw my own essential lie - it was HUGE. This is when I did something that I would NEVER ever have done before… I cut through the actual canvas of my beautiful idealistic painting!

After that, the embracing couple and the tree were split, the eye of the tree cried, its tears falling as transformative Light, morphing it into a new beautiful vision of oneness at the roots of the tree, and thus it became one of my most powerful paintings.

From then on, my art changed.

‘Dissolving Becoming - The Alchemy of Transformation’ Is one of my latest paintings, and one of my all time favourites!!

And it happened like magic! It started out as a wild splashing of colours running into each other. I had not a clue where it was going. When it dried, I started painting into it, and the images morphed into being so spontaneously and I got so delighted and excited with the images that emerged!! To me, the androgenous angelic image is just brilliant… it is either Becoming manifest within the ambience, or it is Dissolving into it…? Is the energy radiating out of the heart chakra, or is it taking it in? Could be either. The alchemy of transformation works either way.

I can feel such Angelic energies in this painting! And I am so honoured and proud that this painting has been chosen to be on the cover of Lúcuma!

tt DISSOLVING BECOMING - THE ALCHEMY OF TRANSFORMATION 76

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

# 3

77

ART: JAN BETTS

tt CHRYSTALINE ANGEL

You often speak of a ‘divine guidance’ in some of your paintings. What does that feel like and how does it affect the artwork. Is there any examples of how the direct spiritual guidance affected an artwork?

Yes… ’Angelic Tear’ is a good example of that! I have learned that the quest for what we mortals call “enlightenment” entails an undoing of all we hold that is false, our precious LIE that keeps our ego so secretly and cleverly in control. So it is not so much about creating visions of light and divine beauty, and engaging in spiritual practices that we do to improve and heal our reality and make us seem to be happier and more peaceful… It is a process of annihilation that wipes out the false in us, the light burns it all out. And we DO hold on to these lies, so if we resist this process, it can feel like death by a thousand cuts. If we learn to allow it (knowing the benefits helps)… the process works faster, with less suffering and confusion. Becoming aware of this was brutal for me…. But oh wow…. It is setting me free!!! It is about freedom. Divine guidance was present in this painting.

78

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

qq MONKEYS

# 3

79

ART: JAN BETTS

GENTLE ENCHANTRESS 80

# 3

# 3

81

ART: JAN BETTS

Your style of art has changed recently. Can you tell us about this change and the direction you are now headed in?

I am less moved to paint idealistic images and figures of light, and perfect goddesses in paradise as before. Now each new blank canvas presents a fresh opportunity to face the unknown with a new kind of energy, movement and curiosity! Some begin as abstracts with no meaning, but with powerful dynamics… like ‘Zen Carnival’, in which chaos surprisingly did finally morph into a spiral, an energetic vortex.

A mandala representing the delightful dive that takes us IN DEEP past mental and intellectual noise and idealistic ideas of what we think spiritual realms are or should be… past all of that into the pristine mysteries. So my art now has become adventures of not knowing a damn thing, and I’m totally loving that, (after so many years of thinking I did “know”, or “needing to know” and the ever elusive, smug “spiritual ego”- perhaps the hardest of all to bust) There is a fresh exploration that is all new to me. I am less attached to what happens as I paint…. Far more spontaneous, a huge liberation… more playful.

I have befriended the unknown! Even though the mystic realms have always beckoned me, I never had the courage, or clarity to dive in at this level. I find it to be brilliant and full of surprises. Realms I used to imagine are now myriad realms of truth, beyond my imagination!

With this comes learning the value of the magical surrender and nonattachment to outcomes… which allows Gifts to come to us way beyond what we might dream about or try to “make happen” for ourselves.

ZEN CARNIVAL u 82

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

# 3

83

ART: JAN BETTS

Jan Betts Website Blog Facebook 84

# 3

ART: JAN BETTS

pp SPEECHLESS

Posters & Canvas Prints Redbubble

All images copyright Š Jan Betts # 3

85

YOGA Amidst Goa’s lush tropical flora and fauna

Ashiyana Yoga & Spa Retreat Village Words by Patrica Creola

86

# 3

travel

# 3

87

A 88

# 3

shiyana Yoga and Spa Retreat Village is located on the beautiful and unspoiled Mandrem Beach in the very north of Goa. Set amidst abundant, tropical flora and fauna, it has been designed as a deeply nurturing space where you can relax your body, calm your mind, and awaken to your inner peace of being.

Ashiyana is open between 14th October and 15th April each year and offers Retreats, Yoga Holidays and Yoga Teacher Trainings. Alternatively you can join for drop-in Elemental Yoga Classes which take place twice a day, in the morning and in the afternoon. The Elemental Yoga Classes are based upon the five elements of Nature which are Earth, Fire, Water, Air and Space and each class has a different structure and uses different Asanas according to the elements the teacher is focussing on during the class. The practice lasts for two hours which allows enough time for a gentle warm-up, a yin (softer) or yang (stronger) sequence and a long relaxation or even a guided meditation at the end. After an Elemental Yoga Class your body feels energized yet balanced and peaceful at the same time.

TRAVEL: Ashiyana Yoga & Spa

TRAVEL: Ashiyana Yoga & Spa

Should you be more interested in the five elements and how they manifest within you. You can sign-up for a one-to-one Elemental Yoga Therapy session and learn how you can bring those elements back into balance in your body. You will first see a therapist for a consultation and in the second session you will receive your personal programme that includes breathing exercises, meditation practices and a tailored yoga sequence, which will be designed specifically for you.

Mandrem Beach

The beautiful and newly built Spa area invites you to an afternoon of pure relaxation by the pool, followed by a massage treatment and some more relaxation.

Ashiyana offers the right package for everybody who is looking for peace, healthy lifestyle and relaxation. Its accommodation ranges from simple beach huts for those who love the sound of the ocean, eco lodges for those who prefer to live in the palm grove and luxury suites where no two rooms are the same, each having its individual charm and magnificent view from windows and balcony.

Whatever your choice is - Ashiyana will make your holiday an unforgettable experience in Goa.

www.ashiyana-yoga-goa.com Main Shala Class

90

# 3

Spa

Restaurant

Luxury Jodhpur Suite

# 3

91

20-24 March 2013

q q

Join several thousand guests and the worlds top yoga and dance instructors, healers, musicians over five days and four nights in Ubud, Bali for the sixth annual Bali Spirit Festival.

Words by Ariadna Bakhmatova

92

# 3

travel

# 3

93

TRAVEL: BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL

T

he annual BaliSpirit Festival, Southeast Asia’s premier yoga, dance, and live music event, and one of the “Top Yoga Festivals Around the Globe”(Yahoo News), will be held from March 20th to March 24th 2013 in Ubud, Bali.

The 5-day and night event offers over 100 yoga, meditation, and body movement workshops, convenes dozens of top international yoga and dance instructors and world class musicians, and attracts thousands of guests from all over the world.

The BaliSpirit Festival-2013 will feature presenters and musicians from over a dozen countries. Among the many styles of yoga, wellness activities, dance classes and workshops on offer will be: Acro Yoga, Anusara Yoga, Ashtanga Yoga, Yin and Yang Yoga, Qi Gong, Dynamic Meditation, SoulMotion Dance, and much more.

The 2013 line-up includes, among others: Danny Paradise (USA), Cat Kabira (USA), Prem Carlisi (USA) Simon Low (UK), Simon Borg-Olivier (Australia), Nadine McNeil (Jamaica), Yogacharya Ananda Leone (Brazil/Germany), Simon Park (USA/Korea), as well as Dave Stringer (USA) on the Bhakti programme.

Guests often describe BaliSpirit Festival as “life changing”, “inspirational,” being positively impacted by the experience’s successful blending of energy, passion, personal awakening, social consciousness, and high quality entertainment. www.balispiritfestival.com

94

# 3

TRAVEL: BALI SPIRIT FESTIVAL

# 3

95

RECIPES

96

# 3

Fennel, rocket & avocado salad with macadamia ‘cheese’ balls Recipe by Irene Arango & Rich Havardi of Nama Foods Ingredients - Makes 2 servings 2 large handfuls of rocket 1 fennel bulb, sliced thin on a mandolin 5 cherry tomatoes, quartered 2 macadamia ‘cheese’ balls, chopped into small pieces Small handful leek, chopped thinly 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 2 tbsp lemon juice 2 tbsp olive oil ½ tsp salt Pinch black pepper 1 tsp garlic powder 2 tsp coconut sugar, ground Method In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, olive oil, black pepper, coconut sugar, garlic powder and apple cider vinegar. Pour this marinade onto the fennel and leeks and allow them to soften and absorb the flavours for 10 minutes or more.

In the plate where you are going to be serving the salad, create a ‘bed’ with the rocket. Place the marinated fennel and leeks on top and top with the cherry tomatoes and the macadamia balls. Dust with the black pepper.

# 3

97

Smoked macadamia ‘cheese’ balls Recipe by Irene Arango & Rich Havardi of Nama Foods Ingredients - Makes 15-20 balls 2 cups macadamia nuts, soaked 20 minutes ¾ cup water 1 tsp high strength probiotics Preparation Blend all the ingredients in a high-powered blender until smooth and fluffy and then place the mixture in a strainer that has been lined with cheesecloth. Place a weight on top - not so heavy that it pushes the ‘cheese’ through the cloth, but heavy enough to gently start to press the excess liquid out.

Allow the ‘cheese’ to ferment for up to 24 hours. By then the mixture should have a slightly sour aroma to indicate that it has successfully fermented. Once you perceive the sour smell, stir in the following ingredients: Pinch ground red pepper 1 tsp garlic powder ¾ teaspoon smoked salt or sea salt 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast 1 tsp lemon juice Roll the mixture into small balls and place them on a dehydrator sheet.

Dehydrate at 115° F/ 46° C for 12 hours until a rind has developed on the cheese.

Cashew ‘parmesan’ Ingredients 1 tbsp nutritional yeast 2 tbsp ground cashews pinch of salt Mix all ingredients. It is delicious on top of salads or any ‘pasta’ dishes. *In an airtight container the cashew ‘parmesan’ lasts for 2 weeks.

98

# 3

RECIPES

# 3

99

RECIPES

100

# 3

Raw pistachio ice cream Recipe by Irene Arango & Rich Havardi of Nama Foods This raw pistachio ice cream is deliciously creamy and a luxurious dessert to offer to your friends, who won’t even notice that is raw & vegan!

Ingredients - Makes 4 servings 3 cups frozen bananas, in pieces.

1 avocado 1 cup almond milk * ½ cup pistachio butter** ¼ teaspoon chlorella powder (for colouring) - Alternatively you can use barley or wheat grass 1 teaspoon slippery elm (optional - makes the texture more creamy) 3 tablespoons agave (or other liquid sweetener of your choice) Pinch of Himalayan salt ¼ cup crushed pistachios (for garnish) Method In a high speed blender, put the frozen bananas and all the other ingredients except the crushed pistachios. Blend until you get a smooth mix. Keep it in the freezer and take out ½ hour before serving. *To make almond milk blend 1 cup almond soaked for 8 hours with 4 cups water, ½ teaspoon vanilla powder and strain through a nut milk bag. Or you can purchase ready made almond milk. **to make raw pistachio butter put 1 cup pistachios into your food processor and operate until it becomes a smooth butter. You can also purchase it already made in health food stores.

# 3

101

102

# 3

Suspension

by Anna Maria Stรถckert

Dancing warriors of joy Stomping the rhythm of grace Whirling up the air and atoms In the alchemy of life On and on and over Flying the only movement possible Stealing all breath and shadow Filling all space with roots of wisdom In trance for beauty Destined devotion to admiration Infinite surrender to eternity And becoming grace in expression # 3

103

CONTRIBUTORS Steven Nicolaides

Adriana Wigderowitz

Editor & Founder of Lúcuma

Spiritualist & Soul Clearing Maestra

Steven is the founder and designer of Lúcuma. He has a background in music and design.

Like the way a hill alters the course of a stream upon their meeting, Adriana’s course in life was changed when she was woken up in 2007 by the Seraphim.

Her clairvoyance and other spiritual gifts switched on like a light bulb over night.

Since then she has been working as a Soul Clearer, deeply clearing physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and lifetime energy/belief systems with the help of her light team, angels and the Universe.

She helps to heal the collective human consciousness as well as individuals.

Adriana completed her training as a Certified Angel Practitioner in 2009 with Charles Virtue. “Surrendering to divine guidance often hasn’t led me down the easiest path, I do not know where I would be without it and I have experienced true inner peace and bliss through it.” “I work very deeply with the Mineral, Nature and Angelic Realms.” Adriana gives angel readings, space clearing sessions and has recently finished writing ‘Family Consciousness’, a book on healing the Family Collective Consciousness.

Disillusioned with the conventional way of life he desired to unplug from the illusion and gain more freedoms on every level.

Spirituality, creating, veganism and mindfulness has been his passion since the turn of the millennium. He is a natural creative able to communicate ideas and concepts through a variety of media. He started doing free-lance design under the name New Gaia designs in 2008, but rarely takes on new clients now due to lack of time.

He loves spending time in nature, guitars, drums, chanting, meditating, travelling flowers and nice scents.

For more of Steven’s photography see fizzyimages.imagekind.com www.newgaiadesigns.com

www.soul-clearing.com Adriana also runs a spiritual meet up group: www.meetup.com/Soul-Clearing

104

# 3

Irene Arango

Rich Havardi

Founder of Nama foods restaurant & Bliss Bites & Detox

Founder of Nama foods restaurant & the Raw Foods Company

Irene started her journey into raw food in her search for better health, more energy and ideal weight. Delighted that she found it, she has since then dedicated her life to help others to embark on the same fulfilling path trying to bring raw food and its benefits to mainstream knowledge showing how exciting raw dishes can be using your creativity and imagination.

Rich Havardi has always had a passion for food and nutrition and is a firm believer in the value of a healthy diet for body, mind and spirit.

Founder of Bliss Bites, a raw chocolate, cakes, nut cheese and kale crisps online business and Bliss Detox, Irene spends her days working in her West London kitchen, producing the healthy raw treats for business Bliss Bites, developing exciting new recipes and making bespoke juices for her detox clients.

Irene also runs health related events in the UK and Spain, caters for meetings, dinner parties, conferences and retreats in Europe and runs raw food and chocolate workshops to encourage and inspire more people to embrace the raw lifestyle.

Irene believes that raw foods are not only a way to become healthier but also to use your imagination and nurture your spirit.

Irene is founder and chef at Nama foods in Queens Park, London, England.

In the last few years, he has been bringing more raw foods and superfoods into his diet and has experienced massive benefits to his health since following this path. “My energy levels have dramatically improved, I feel more focused and balanced, my skin feels radiant, I don’t suffer from any digestive problems and can’t remember when I last got sick. By focusing on a path of improving my nutrition, wonderful synchronicities have enriched my life to help me fulfill my dreams.”

Over the last 9 months, as the raw food chef at ‘Down to Earth’, a vegetarian cafe in Kensington, he has now opened Nama, a raw food bar situated in the heart of Queens Park, West London. At Nama you can buy artisan raw food dishes, attend workshops and enjoy juice/food-cleansing programs. Nama also offers bespoke raw catering for events and retreats in addition to providing a delivery service. www.therawfoodscompany.com NAMA on Facebook

www.blissbites.co.uk NAMA on Facebook # 3

105

Jan Betts

Patricia Creola

Artist

Yoga and Holistic therapist

I was born and raised in Washington, D.C. As I child, I was always very creative, making art, and designing all sorts of things. My mother was a huge teacher and had faith in me. My art has followed me my entire life, expressing the varying stages of the sometimes ordinary, sometimes outrageous, bizarre, but always magical Path that has lead me to this day.

After 10 years as a Human Resources Professional within the Financial Services sector Patricia started practising yoga in 2007 and ever since wanted to learn more about the philosophy behind it. She appreciates the deep connection between body and mind and understands how beneficial it is, physically and psychologically. In October 2010 she decided to deepen this knowledge in India, the origin of Yoga & Ayurveda.

I attended University to receive a Bachelor of Fine Arts. From there I worked both as an independent freelance painter/ illustrator, and also as an illustrator for 3 high level publishing companies.

I got a stroke of lightning that set me (and my art) free of what I will call a ‘normal ‘ lifestyle, to explore realities totally new!

I dropped out of that life, quit my job, moved to San Francisco, then L.A….which became my launching pad to take off to Costa Rica. And indeed… a many faceted transformational journey awaited. www.janbettsart.com Blog: www.janbettsart.com/wp/ Buy prints on Reb Bubble

106

# 3

In November 2011 she started working for Wellicious (an eco friendly yoga clothing brand).

Her passion is for the healthy lifestyle, helping others to understand the impact of their food, thoughts and behaviour.

Ariadna Bakhmatova

Anna Maria Stöckert

Wellbeing PR and Communications

Founder of Green Earth - Stockholm

Ariadna was introduced to the philosophy of yoga when she was in her teens. Since then, wellbeing has been her passion, hobby and a lifestyle choice. Over the past years she has been discovering and trying various tools and techniques that can help people live a healthier and happier life; from various types of yoga to Ayurveda and holistic massages to Reiki to flower remedies and superfoods… and so on. She is a believer that small things can make a big difference and is interested in discovering how wellbeing can be incorporated into a busy city lifestyle. For work, Ariadna does PR and communications specialising in holistic health and wellbeing.

Coming the long way around: AnnaMaria has revolutionised her life. The first demand for better life quality was launched over ten years ago, and linked a troubled mind with the meanings of contrast, solitude, and yoga. Since then, Anna-Maria’s steps have been a union of spiritual and physical work. Her path stands for the break through the net of conditioning. Anna-Maria’s mission is deeply inspired by the rhythms of nature and the limitless universe. Living life raw, both in nourishment and contemplation of nothingness nurtures the power of her will that helped her developing well-being. The self-healing journey through an ordinary life has long been accompanied by the arts, especially the written word with which she hopes to inspire cosmic wisdom and life force within all her relations. With her inspiring partner Mattias, the two recently opened the first Raw Food Store in Scandinavia which is besides being a nutritional pharmacy is first and foremost an island to feed all senses and an urban point of reconnection with consciousness.

Green Earth in Stockholm invites all folks to come recharge and to come beyond expectations. Anna-Maria is always open for flowing exchange.

www.ariadnasthread.com Follow Ariadna on @AriadnaWell

www.rawfoodbutiken.se

# 3

107

#03