The Eden Magazine April 2025

HEALING IN SACRED NATURE

MEET OUR TEAM

Maryam Morrison

Dina Morrone

Alexia Melocchi

Brad wallace

Lisa Joy Walton

JSquared Photography @j2pix

Nikki Pattillo

Artin Mardirosian

Sheri Determan

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Greg Doherty

Ben Rollins

Joe Santos, Jr.

Philip Smith

Edward Hakopian

Susanna Schroadter

Jan Wakefiled Zee

Emilie Macas

Polly Wirum

Sherri Cortland

Benjamin D.Buren

Dr. Rob Moir

EDEN

Since 2010

The Eden Magazine is a free online publication is your guide to healthy living, spiritual awareness, compassion and love for all living beings, holistic lifestyle, mindfulness, organic living, positive thinking, sustainability, and personal development

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Maryam Morrison

Executive Editor/Contributing Writer

Dina Morrone

Contributing Writers

Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Susanna Schroadter

Alexia Melocchi

Sherri Cortland

Joe Santos, Jr.

Dr. Rob Moir

Emilie Macas

Jan Wakefiled

Nikki Pattillo

Polly Wirum zee

Guest Writer

Philip Smith

Contributing Stylists + Makeup Artist

Edward Hakopian

Lisa Joy Walton

Graphics & Photography

JSquared Photography @j2pix (Los Angeles)

Artin Mardirosian (Nexision) (Los Angeles)

Benjamin D. Buren – AliveStudios.Com (Denver, SanFrancisco, Boston)

Sheri Determan (Los Angeles) Greg Doherty (Los Vegas)

Ben Rollins (Atlanta)

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Brad wallace https://bradwallacedesign.com/

325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209

To purchase a copy, visit us at www.theedenmagazine.com

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ACADEMY MUSEUM  OF MOTION PICTURES  PRESENTS THE DIRECTOR'S  INSPIRATION  BONG JOON HO

50 THE SLIENT EPIDEMIC; UNDERSTANDING  CARDIOVASCULAR  DISEASE IN AMERICA by John Chuback MD. FACS

54

AN INTERVIEW WITH SEAN AND MICHELE KANAN

62 THE SULTANS OF SWAG VERSUS LOOKING AT CLOUDS FROM BOTH SIDES NOW by Dr. Rob Moir

66

USING CHAKRAS TO CREATE A SACRED LIFE JOURNEY by Polly Wirum

72

A GUIDE TO SHAMATHA MEDITATION by Dulce Garcia-Morman

76

WAKING UP STRESSED? TRY THE POWER OF MANTRAS AND RITUALS BEFORE BED by Shannon Kaiser

82

THE WAY OF THE TURTLE by Matthew Wood

90

THE HEALTHY DANGERS OF TOXIC MOLD by Laura Knight

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Cover by: Designed by Artin Mardirosian (Nexision)

by

Photo

Julia Vivcharyk

Greenbreath Journey: Co-Creating with Nature via Breath

By Pamela Montgomery

One of the most foundational ways in which we bond with Nature is through our breath.

Breathing is so basic that we don’t give it much thought unless it becomes impaired. What if we were to bring our breathing into conscious awareness, realizing that without it we would be dead within a few minutes? If this consciousness led us to the source of our breath, the plant kingdom, surely our relationship with the plants and trees, which are made up of all the elements, earth, air, water, and fire, would change. We would realize that this inherent bond is one that is vital and that without it there would be no human or animal life.

In many traditions, breath is more than ox-

ygen flowing in and carbon dioxide flowing out. Breath also carries what the Asian Indians would call prana, the Chinese would call chi, or what I would call spirit. Spirit comes from the Latin word spiritus, which means “breath.” This prana, chi, or spirit is considered to be life force energy that enlivens each of our cells. The respiration process is a rhythmic in-breath or inspiration and out-breath or expiration, which Swami Rama explains in his book Science of Breath. “When a person dies, the energy leaves. The body is still there, but the prana departs. Here, we return to the matter of breath because breath is the vehicle for prana. When someone dies, and the vital energy departs, we say that person has “expired.” On the other hand, when someone experiences increased mental energy and creativity, we say that person is “inspired.” We indicate through our language an intuitive recognition of the relationship between the inspiration, expiration, and the vital energy necessary for life and creativity. “

When we are inspired, we experience mental clarity, an abundance of physical energy, and emotional well-being. With spirit, the vital principle held to give life, coursing through us, we become plugged into life and all its diversity. The trick to being inspired is to be conscious of the life force that rides on our breath, as an eagle rides the currents of the wind, foam eyebrows ride the crest of an ocean wave, or light rides the horizon at daybreak. This life-giving breath is crucial to our well-being, and yet we take it for granted as if it will always be there for us, even if we don’t give it any recognition. According to the Science of Breath, breathing is the only physiological process that can create change—physically, emotionally, mentally, or spiritually—depending on whether it is involuntary or voluntary. Consciously shifting our breathing patterns can change not only physical functions but also emotions, thoughts, and even our personality. When we awaken to our breath and its inspiring qualities, our creative power within becomes available. Many methods of working with the breath (such as transformational breathwork, holotropic breathwork, and rebirthing, to mention a few) have been developed over the years to serve as a tool for moving through stuck patterns that no longer serve us, helping us reach our full potential.

The beauty of breathing is that with every inhalation, there is an exhalation so that we have an opportunity to release carbon dioxide, a by-product of the cellular exchange of oxygen. This release of carbon dioxide helps set the rhythm of our breath as well

as remove what we might see as spent fuel from the energizing process. As we release, we also let live, as our carbon dioxide contributes to the plants’ and trees’ in-breath. This reciprocal exchange of breath with the green world creates an interdependent relationship that is a primary bond between humans and Nature. When we consciously breathe with the green beings, our bond with Nature deepens, and we move beyond our mere physiological needs being met to the nurture of Nature. In my work with plant intelligence, I continue to seek ways to expand my relationship with plants and trees, and focused breathing, which I call Greenbreath, is a profound avenue for bonding not only with plants but with all of Nature.

In the early 2000s, I had the good fortune to participate in a transformational breathwork session with a lively group of women. My dear friend and colleague ALisa Starkweather had come to Sweetwater to teach a class in women’s empowerment and lead the breathwork session. When I heard how long we were going to breathe together—over an hour—I was astounded, and I realized this would be an excellent opportunity to go further in my exploration of my relationship with the green world. Since plants and trees are the source of my breath, it made sense to me to focus with a particular green friend. I was working with White Pine at the time, so I chose to be guided by White Pine throughout while also focusing my breath with my budding tree ally. The breath work was quite intense, and many of my mother’s issues surfaced

Photo by AdobeStock

Pam Montgomery is an herbalist, Nature Evolutionary, international teacher, and Earth Elder who has passionately embraced her role as a spokesperson for green beings. A founding member of United Plant Savers and the Organization of Nature Evolutionaries, she is the author of two books, including Plant Spirit Healing. She lives, works, and plays at Sweetwater Sanctuary in Danby, Vermont.

as I worked to understand and heal them. So much happened in this first Greenbreath session as I moved through limiting beliefs from childhood, my ancestral lineage, and beyond, and I realized this was the next level of intimacy with the green nations. I cried, screamed, laughed, feared, and somehow came out the other side, breathing with White Pine, one of my most potent personal allies. As I breathed, my hands began to tingle while my whole body received a warm flush of radiant energy. I began to wonder if this is what photosynthesis feels like as I merged with White Pine to the point at which I was not certain who was breathing—me or White Pine. I felt a tingling in my spine, which began to move upward. By the time it reached my upper back, I was in a massive kundalini experience, with waves of ecstatic energy moving in a snake-like fashion up my spine as I reached an ecstatic bonding with White Pine, much like an orgasm. I had always thought one might be able to have sex with a plant or tree, but I wasn’t quite sure how. Now I knew. This experience was like none other with a plant or tree and was formative for the creation of the Greenbreath process that I now share with my students.

After many Greenbreath sessions with myself and others, I have come to realize that bonding with Nature in this way is the best therapy one could hope for. It moves you through obstacles and limiting beliefs, physical compromises and emotional traumas and removes intrusive energies, while filling you full of your true essential nature so you can walk the path that is yours. A Greenbreath session begins by sitting with a plant who has chosen you or tapping into an existing plant nonlocally (across time and space) that is already known to you. You set an intention with this plant or tree to help you move through that which keeps you from being all you can possibly be while at the same time committing yourself to being a lifelong ally with this plant or tree. In this way, the rela-

tionship becomes reciprocal instead of a one-way encounter.

Greenbreath is a form of journeying into the holographic world of spirit where, through one individual plant spirit, the whole of spirit can be experienced. Since our breath is of spirit, when we focus our breath in this way we have access to enormous amounts of Source energy which carries a high wave vibration or frequency. We breathe in a wave-like pattern of equal inhalation and exhalation, with no pause between the two. This creates an activation that puts us in a positive or yes-flow pattern of energy movement. The high frequency that this activation creates can dislodge static or stuck energy and long-held negative emotions. The ego breaks down so that the constant monologue of the “nag” no longer interferes with our healing process. As the ego dissolves, past traumas that we have clung to begin to move in a flowing pattern, and just as waves break upon the shore, old hurts and traumas crash upon the shore of our psyche, breaking into millions of fine particles only to be washed away by our focused exhalation.

Spontaneous healing-physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually—can occur. New neural pathways can be laid in the brain so that exploration of unknown territory is possible. Our Greenbreath opens doorways that we cannot even imagine are possible. Light rides upon Greenbreath as coherence occurs between biophotons at the nucleus of our cells and the cells of our plant ally. This radiant beam of light reinforms the light patterns in our DNA toward balance and well-being. Our entire energy field becomes ensparkelated with crystal clarity as a portal opens and the vision of our life is revealed. You remember who you are, where you came from, and why you are here. Through the focus of Greenbreath not only does your relationship with your plant or tree ally deepen, but also your relationship to yourself, to Nature, and to all of life expands.

Photo by Eric Ward

of Interacting with

Professionally Trained Service Dogs Do's Don'ts The and

Since 2012, Shannon Walker, founder of Northwest Battle Buddies (NWBB), has led this life-changing organization. Over 270 Veterans who are battling PTSD, all with their Northwest Battle Buddy service dog at their side, have been helped by this organization.

The non-profit helps these Veterans reclaim their purpose and independence with their service dog at their side. Northwest Battle Buddies service dogs task for symptoms of PTSD and make a life-changing difference. This achievement is particularly impactful given the heartbreaking statistic that 20 veterans in the United States lose their lives to suicide each day, often due to the debilitating effects of PTSD.

Shannon's years as a dog trainer, understanding dogs' inherent traits led her to discover how they are specially equipped to help humans in their times of need. Her dad, Glenn Walker, who served in the Korean War for the United States Air Force as an Airman 2nd Class, instilled in her the enduring message of patriotism and duty.

Battle Buddy dogs are not just your average canine; each dog has 5 months of training, and each Veteran/dog team has 160 hours behind them. They are trained to significantly impact the

quality of life of their Veteran handlers in these specific ways:

• Wake their Veteran from nightmares

• Interrupt anxiety attacks

• Redirect flashbacks

• Alert on adrenaline

• Provide a social barrier in public

• Perform pressure therapy

• Providing a constant feeling of safety

There are many inspiring success stories of Veterans who courageously live their lives to the fullest with their dog companion. These stories are a testament to our program's effectiveness and its positive impact on veterans' lives.

Says Veteran handler DL about his dog, Atlas: "Before Atlas, it was so hard to live like this. I felt anxious and angry, and it was lonely. But now, with my service dog, everything is different."

In this issue, The Eden Magazine is honored to share an insightful article by Shannon Walker, which highlights the importance of understanding service dogs and their handlers. Their incredible bond and vital role deserve greater awareness and appreciation.

It's important to remember that service dogs are working animals, not pets. There is a certain level of respect to consider when encountering a trained service dog in public.

Service dogs can provide crucial, life-changing services for many types of disabilities, from providing balance support to mitigating the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

When you see a service dog, consider these dos and don'ts for good service dog etiquette, whether you're a handler's friend, family member, or just a curious member of the public.

At Northwest Battle Buddies, we pair professionally trained PTSD service dogs with Veteran handlers at no cost to the Veteran, thanks to generous support.

A professionally trained service dog is an animal trained to help a person with a disability lead a more independent life. There is a certain level of respect one must consider when encountering a professionally trained service dog in public:

You can support service dog handlers and show good service dog etiquette by listening to what the handler asks and following their directions when you're around their service dog.

HOW TO SHOW GOOD SERVICE DOG ETIQUETTE

1. Do respect the handler's instructions for good service dog etiquette: It's easy for animal lovers to want to interact with a service dog, potentially overlooking what the handler needs. But it's important to respect the handler's instructions.  As a family member, for example, you might think you're an exception to the rule. Often, it puts our Veteran handlers in a very difficult position.

You can support service dog handlers and show good service dog etiquette by listening to what the handler asks (like not petting a dog while it's working) and following their directions when you're around their service dog.

1. Do treat the handler like you would anyone else:

The best thing you can do when you encounter a handler with a service dog is to treat the handler like any other person. Many of the Veterans we work with initially feel like they have a spotlight on them when all they want to do is blend in. If you walk by someone in a wheelchair, you'd likely smile and give them space as they go by. Handlers appreciate the same thing.

The best thing to do when you encounter a service dog in public is to pretend the dog is  not there and interact with the handler like you would anyone else. This will allow the dog to do its job and ensure you don't disrupt the dog-handler working relationship while helping the handler feel comfortable.

1. Do keep your dog under control when you're around a service dog:

If you're out and about with your pet, be sure to give working service dogs plenty of space. Service dogs are not out in public to play or engage with other dogs. They are working when their vest or harness is on! Service dogs and their handlers have the right of way, so give them that respect and always allow them to go first when you see them out in public.

Unruly dogs are common distractions for the PTSD service dogs we train. Often, we run into dogs that bark, growl, and show aggression while we are in a store. A business has every right to ask those handlers to leave, but often nothing happens, and they continue to be allowed in the store. Our professionally-trained dogs do not react in these situations, but it is an additional factor for our Veterans to be aware of so they can keep their dog safe.

WAYS TO AVOID BAD SERVICE DOG ETIQUETTE

Don't distract a service dog:

Disruptive situations can vary greatly depending on the individual dog and the handler. But in general, some good rules of thumb to avoid distracting a service dog include:

• Allow the dog to continue to focus on its handler and keep that individual safe.

• Always communicate with the handler, not the dog. The dog is working.

• Don't attempt to feed or talk to the dog.

• Don't deliberately make eye contact with a working service dog; it is disruptive.

• Don't assume you can pet a service animal.

It's a common misconception that it is appropriate to go up to a handler and ask to pet their dog. While this is good etiquette for a non-service dog, it's not appropriate with a service dog who's wearing a vest and clearly on duty.

Service dogs are considered medical devices, like wheelchairs. No one would walk up to someone and ask to touch or interact with their cane or wheelchair. It's important to give the service dog that same respect.

https://northwestbattlebuddies. org/nwbb-leadership/shannon-walker

1. Don't make assumptions about service dogs and their handlers:

It's good service dog etiquette to leave assumptions at the door when you see a working animal out in public. PTSD service dogs from Northwest Battle Buddies help their Veteran handlers battling PTSD, and there are many different kinds of service dogs trained for different tasks, which might not be obvious just by looking at someone.

Many people have an image of a service dog being a guide dog for blind handlers. A guide dog for the blind is taught very differently than a PTSD service dog that we train at Northwest Battle Buddies, but they both are excellent roles for the dog to fill. Guide dogs for the blind are taught to lead the handler, whereas we teach our Veterans to lead their dogs.

One of the biggest misconceptions: if there is nothing visibly wrong with the handler, people think the dog is in training or is an emotional support animal. Service dogs come in all shapes and sizes and perform all kinds of different tasks. Invisible disabilities like PTSD aren't always obvious just by looking at someone, but that doesn't mean that a service dog isn't an essential component of their medical care.

UNDERSTANDING SERVICE DOG BEHAVIOR

Just as important as it is to respect a service dog encountered in public, it is also equally important that service dogs exhibit good behavior while in public settings. A good professionally trained service dog in public is expected to behave well. Service dogs are permitted to access public places that most other dogs are not allowed to venture into. Therefore, service dogs are expected not to sniff everything for the thrill of exploration or the "sniff."

Professionally trained service dogs out with their handlers are expected to be well disciplined. These dogs should never appear to be anxious or aggressive during their public outings. Service dogs should be focused on their handlers while they are out in public. If a handler is seated, at a restaurant, for example, the service dog is expected to remain laying down near its handler, ready to respond to an emergency but otherwise still.

Service dogs in public should be well-groomed, also it is recommended, but not required by law, that they be wearing their service vest at all times while in a public setting. Service dogs are expected to be housebroken and have an understanding of when and where it is permissible to relieve themselves. Service dogs out in public with their handlers are also expected to be on a leash at all times for the safety of both the dog and the handlers.

Professionally trained service dogs in public are expected to be quiet and not bark or growl. It is okay if a service dog makes noise in order to get the attention of its handler, but otherwise, the dog should not make noise while out in public. The service dog should not snarl or make aggressive gestures towards other people or dogs while out in public, their focus should remain on the handler they are accompanied with.

Shannon Walker is an esteemed canine expert, renowned trainer, and the CEO & Founder of  Northwest Battle Buddies, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing service dogs to combat veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Awakening Inner Strength

Reflections on the Teachings of Paramahansa Yogananda With Self-Realization Fellowship Nun Sister Ranjana

Paramahansa Yogananda taught that true strength comes from inner peace. How can one cultivate peace and stability, even during external turmoil or personal hardship?

Paramahansa Yogananda taught that true strength comes from inner peace. How can one cultivate peace and stability, even during external turmoil or personal hardship?

Sister Ranjana: The world is going through rapid changes, and various situations arise that can cause us to lose our inner peace — fears, insecurities, uncertainties about finances, the future, and so on. Security, strength, stability — everything we seek is generally sought externally. But nothing in this world is permanent. Lasting peace and stability are found when we realize we are souls, children of God, essentially untouched by outer circumstances. We can play our role in life without worries by doing our best and not being too attached to the results.

Self-Realization Fellowship President Brother Chidananda talks about how a regular meditation practice is crucial for coping with the modern world: “Taking a little time, first thing in the morning and before retiring at night, to enter into the inner stillness will help us face the unendingly diverse challenges to our peace of mind and emotional stability, and will reinforce the connection to our divine nature. That is our only realistic hope of preserving the divine attitude and manifesting divine qualities during our daily lives.”

Many seekers struggle with self-doubt on their spiritual journeys. What advice from Yogananda's teachings can help individuals overcome inner obstacles and trust in their own divine potential?

SR: When we start a real search for God, we may have an idea or an expectation of how we feel we should be. At the same time, we begin to become aware of inner obstacles that we may not have noticed before. Now we want to rid ourselves of them because we see they are in our way, while at the same time finding it's not always easy to do. This can feel discouraging and cause us to doubt ourselves. But the truth is that we have more inner strength than we will ever need.

Yogananda said, "You have come into this world without realizing what marvelous faculties you possess….Your soul is a beacon of infinite power. You can expand that power from within and give light and health and understanding to others."

One of Yogananda's affirmations — statements of truth — that we can commit to reminding ourselves again and again is: "There is hidden strength within me to overcome all obstacles…. I will bring forth that indomitable power and energy."

Yogananda often spoke about the power of divine will. How can individuals cultivate inner strength through meditation in their daily lives?

SR: Yogananda said that "Divine Will has no boundaries; it works through laws known and unknown, natural and seemingly miraculous. It can change the course of destiny….Man, as an image of God, possesses within him that all-accomplishing power of will. To discover through right meditation how to be in harmony with the Divine Will is man's highest obligation."

Yogananda brought India's ancient science of yoga meditation to the West in his Kriya Yoga teachings. The daily concentrated practice of the techniques he taught gradually shifts our attention and consciousness from restless body identification to communion with the indwelling Spirit, awakening our own inner strength. Yogananda said that the specific Kriya Yoga technique was the one he found to be the highest for realizing God, the source of all strength.

Along with meditation, as part of the Kriya Yoga way of life, Yogananda stressed the importance of the right activity. Living by universal spiritual principles, our activities support our meditations, and our meditations support our activities, and we discover the willpower we have. Yogananda said that power can be eclipsed for a time by bad habits or other influences, but most importantly: "You have all the willpower in the world to break any habit. The power of divine will is always with you, and can never be destroyed."

Yogananda emphasized the balance between spiritual practice and worldly responsibilities. How can people integrate meditation and spiritual principles into a busy modern lifestyle?

SR: Balancing our material and spiritual life means learning "to be in the

world but not of it," as Yogananda put it — performing our responsibilities while keeping our mind on God, sharing our life with that divine Presence.

He explained, "Harmony between one's material and spiritual duties is the outward expression of a balanced life. There is also an inner aspect. Without inner balance, calmness, and poise, one's troubles are seemingly endless. Balance means the ability to preserve your inner peace and happiness in all circumstances during the spiritual battle of daily life."

Yogananda's teachings show the universal art of right living that balances body, mind, and soul. First, meditate to establish a connection with God. Then carry that awareness of the Divine's presence into your activities — so we are only influenced by those things that contribute to our true well-being and that of others and that reflect our soul qualities in our outer life.

As we celebrate Yogananda's legacy, what is the most important lesson from his teachings that can help people awaken their highest potential and lead a more fulfilling life?

SR: The unique, priceless gift Yogananda gave to the world is what I mentioned earlier: India's ancient science of yoga, specifically Kriya Yoga, which is taught in his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons. Through the scientific practice of yoga, right activity, and desire for God, we can discover our highest potential. This is the purpose of life. The more we draw nearer to that divine state of consciousness, the more joyous and fulfilled we are; it is not dependent on outer circumstances but on inner realization of our true Self. There is nothing greater than to live in that state of consciousness. Our souls want to be reunited with God in that oneness of Eternal Bliss — and that is what Paramahansa Yogananda shows us how to achieve.

Sister Ranjana, whose name means "to worship, please, gladden, and serve the Divine," has been a member of the Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) monastic community for over 40 years. She played a key role in the development of the SRF Youth Services Department and served young people and their parents. Sister Ranjana provides spiritual counseling to SRF members and friends and conducts inspirational services and retreats. She currently resides at the SRF Ashram Center in Encinitas, California.

Paramahansa Yogananda (1893-1952) first arrived in America in 1920 from his native India, an invited delegate to an International Congress of Religious Liberals convening in Boston, where he delivered a speech on the science of religion, marking a pivotal point for yoga in the West. Yogananda founded the Self-Realization Fellowship that same year to disseminate his Kriya Yoga teachings, which have inspired many through the years to cultivate their divine qualities and live with greater peace, joy, and purpose. Yogananda's spiritual classic Autobiography of a Yogi continues to be recognized as one of the world's most influential books.

For more information about Paramahansa Yogananda and his Self-Realization Fellowship Lessons, please visit Yogananda.org.

G a Makeover

ive Your Attitude about A ging

by Carol Orsborn

The ancient Chinese believed that after 40, you could read a person's character from the lines on a face. And nothing ages a face faster than worry lines, especially if they are shadowed with dread. Even so, the older we grow, it seems the more there is to be worried about.

Some self-help advice centers on various tools, techniques, and psychological tricks to keep you happy. On the most practical level, there are endless ads offering make-up advice for lipstick that won't feather and eyeliner that won't

smudge. Stay busy. Travel. Socialize. All of these can be welcome additions to a fully lived life, but the saddest people I know are the ones who try to forestall the effects of aging indefinitely by extending midlife long past its shelf life. According to this approach: You don't want to age? Just don't do it. Push yourself even when you're tired. Continue to work for other people's approval. Keep your inevitable losses and diminishments a badly kept secret.

The reality is that no one can forestall the truth that aging is hard and that if you are fortunate enough to live long enough, you are going to experience this first-hand for yourself.

Photo by Sophia Lasheva

Carol Orsborn, Ph.D., is a leader in the conscious aging movement and editor-in-chief of Fierce with Age: The Digest of Boomer Wisdom, Inspiration, and Spirituality

The author of more than 35 books, including The Spirituality of Age, with Robert Weber, Ph.D., and Older, Wiser, Fiercer, as well as popular blogs on Huffington Post and BeliefNet.com, she has served on the faculties of Georgetown University, Loyola Marymount University, and Pepperdine University.

She lives with her husband in Madison, Tennessee, and Toronto, Ontario. https://carolorsborn.com/

And yet, there are some among us who appear to age more gracefully than others. There are wise, old women with white hair left to fly haphazardly, seeming to share a rare inside joke with each other. They stopped asking what they should do and began starting each day by asking, "What interesting things do I want to do?" There are women who live on their own and seem quite content to do so. You can even see them sitting on park benches feeding birds, and while some might mistake them for bag ladies, they are having the time of their lives.

If you really want to have true joy in old age, you don't need to stop going to the hairdresser or give up a passion even if society still recognizes it as valuable. But you do have to take a giant leap of faith right off the edge of your dread and into the deep waters of spirituality. This can be easier said than done, as true spirituality requires more of you than you think you have to give. Things like humility, patience, acceptance, and gratitude. The good news is that to obtain a higher state of equanimity in the world is exactly why you became a seeker in the first place. How many yoga classes did you take to strip away your ago? How many meditation retreats to find peace of mind? It wasn't easy when you were in the heat of your life and career to reap the full benefits from your practices. But aging requires no donation, fee, or love offering. Growing older strips you of your masks and melts away your defenses without you having to do anything but feel. In the end, if you find sufficient faith not to second guess yourself, what will remain is the distilled

essence of who you are. And you are dependable, kind, and radiantly beautiful. Aging viewed through the soul's lens is not a slow, sad decline but a spiritual culmination.

How is this transformation accomplished? It begins right where you are, more often than not, in some degree of dread. Why, in terms of your prospect for spiritual development, is this good news? Because it means that you are, at the very least, taking mortality seriously. This confrontation with the archetypal shadows is what shakes you from denial and into a broader and deeper embrace of what it truly means to be human. With the admission of mortality, we suddenly see our lives in the context of the preciousness of time and its attendant-in-waiting: what matters most.

Hard on the heels of expanded vision comes the second great gift of older age: the surrender of the illusion of your personal power. This has been true your whole life, but now any of your efforts to have life deliver to you exactly what you ordered are revealed for what they always were: stop-gap measures, at most, that were always doomed ultimately to fall short. Like addicts hitting bottom, the aged finally have no choice other than to "let go and let God." You lay down all your frantic attempts to call the shots, and finally, there is the time and space for God to intervene in your life: Divine guidance, grace, and being beloved unconditionally for no particular reason.  As it turns out, all the seeking you've been doing all your life, this is what it has all been for.

But wait, there's more. Stripped of our egos and old identities, people love us for who we are. The lines between our hearts dissolve, and we feel understood and appreciated. And then there's our own blossoming attributes: gratitude, compassion, generosity.

How many times have you taken workshops or bought books on simplifying your life? Aging really does a number on our materialism, and it does it organically. Whether we need to or not, we can't wait to lay the burden of all our possessions down and start traveling lightly through life. With lowered expectations, acceptance comes easier. And yes, there is even a time on this long, winding road where we have rectified every wrong we could and let go of regret.

Evolving spiritually is not just the solution to the problem of aging; it is, in fact, the meaning and evolutionary purpose of old age. Know this to be true for you, too, and when you look in the mirror, you will see how magnificent you have become with age. And it will take your breath away.

5 Benefits of Spiritual Aging

Want to take advantage of the spiritual benefits of aging?  It's what happens to you when you age organically without needing to invest in a yoga mat. Aging is the teacher, and the only requirement for entry is to grow old. Here are 5 benefits: EROSION OF EGO. Why meditate or pray to see the divine being you are behind the masks when aging reminds you every day that you're not who you used to be, guiding you to disidentify with your ego?

SIMPLICITY. Why buy another selfhelp book on letting go of the clutter in your life when aging strips attachment to your worldly possessions away organically? Beyond addiction to materialism: gratitude for having enough.

RELISHING THE MOMENT. Prerequisite for the advanced course:

slowing down, which is a natural part of aging.

ACCEPTANCE AND HUMILITY. Aging is the master at teaching us we are not the ones calling the shots. It takes growing old to finally give up believing that this is your show.

FORGIVENESS. It takes every one of those years to accept your and the world's imperfections and limitations and taste the freedom of life on the other side of regret.

BULLET POINTS

No one can forestall the truth that aging is hard, and that if you are fortunate enough to live long enough, you are going to experience this first-hand for yourself.

And yet, there are some amongst us who are appearing to age more gracefully than others. If you really want to have true joy in old age, you don't need to stop going to the hairdresser or give up a passion even if society still recognizes it as valuable. But you do have to take a giant leap of faith right off the edge of your dread and into the deep waters of spirituality.

Aging viewed through the soul's lens is not a slow, sad decline but a spiritual culmination.

• What do you mean when you say you can give your attitude about aging a makeover? From what to what?

• What is spiritual aging?

• Why are we so reluctant to leave the prevailing attitudes about growing older behind to adopt this new way of thinking about age?

• What are some of the specific benefits?

• Does spiritual aging mean you just let yourself go? How do you know what things to hold onto— what to let go?

• We can't avoid diminishment and loss in older age, so how can you call this a culmination?

Happy Earth Day

Photo by Ivana Cajina

C ultivating Creativity and Healing in Sacred MOTHER NATURE

Pursuing mindfulness and conscious living has become essential in our fast-paced, hyper-connected world. As distractions multiply and external pressures mount, many seek ways to return to their inner selves, embracing a state of presence that fosters creativity, inner peace, and emotional balance.

The path to conscious living is not about escaping reality; instead, it is about engaging with life more meaningfully. Through mindfulness, nature, and sacred spaces, we can cultivate an environment that nurtures our well-being and enhances our creative expression.

The Art of Presence: How Mindfulness Enhances Creativity and Inner Peace

At its core, mindfulness is the practice of being fully present in the moment. It is about observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment and allowing oneself to experience life with heightened awareness.

When it comes to creativity, mindfulness plays a pivotal role. Creative endeavors, whether

writing, painting, music, or problem-solving, require deep Focus and the ability to access the subconscious mind. Many artists and visionaries have spoken about moments of allowance where they lose themselves in their work, feeling as if something more significant is moving through them. This state of flow is closely linked to mindfulness, as it demands full immersion in the present moment.

Practicing mindfulness enhances creativity by:

1. Reducing Mental Clutter - The mind often feels overwhelmed with endless to-do lists, worries, and distractions. Mindfulness clears mental noise, allowing creative ideas to emerge more freely.

2. Strengthening Focus - By training the mind to stay present, individuals can develop deeper concentration, leading to richer, more profound creative expressions.

3. Encouraging Playfulness - A mindful approach encourages curiosity and openness, key components of creative exploration.

4. Fostering Emotional Awareness -Understanding emotions helps creatives tap into their personal experiences, bringing authenticity and depth to their work.

Mindfulness also promotes inner peace by fostering self-compassion and reducing anxiety. As individuals embrace the art of presence, they develop a greater appreciation for the here and now, learning to savor life's simple yet profound moments.

The Healing Power of Nature: Exploring the Connection Between Creativity and the Natural World

Nature has long been a source of inspiration for artists, musicians, and writers. From the poetry of Mary Oliver to the paintings of Claude Monet, the natural world has provided a boundless wellspring of creative energy. But beyond its artistic influence, nature also plays a significant role in our mental and emotional well-being.

Scientific research has shown that spending time in nature reduces stress, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or forest bathing, exemplifies this concept. It involves immersing oneself in a natural environment, engaging all senses to absorb the healing qualities of the outdoors.

Creativity flourishes in nature because:

1. It Encourages Stillness - Away from digital distractions and urban noise, nature allows the mind to be quiet, making space for inspiration.

2. It Awakens the Senses - The sights, sounds, and scents of nature activate the brain in ways that stimulate imagination and innovation.

3. It Fosters Connection -Being in nature reminds us that we are part of a larger, interconnected world, inspiring a sense of wonder and deep reflection.

4. It Provides Movement - - Walking, hiking, or even sitting outdoors encourages bodily movement, which has been linked to enhanced creative thinking.

Many of history's greatest thinkers, from Henry David Thoreau to Albert Einstein, have credited nature with their intellectual and creative breakthroughs. In a world where time spent indoors has increased significantly, reconnecting with nature is beneficial and necessary.

Sacred Spaces: Designing Environments That Nurture the Soul and Spark Inspiration

The environments we inhabit have a profound impact on our well-being. A cluttered, chaotic space can create mental unrest, while a well-designed, intentional space can nurture creativity, relaxation, and spiritual connection.

Creating a sacred space is not about grandeur but about cultivating an environment that resonates with the soul. Whether it is a meditation corner, an artist's studio, or simply a thoughtfully arranged living space, a sacred space provides a retreat from the external world, allowing for introspection and inspiration.

When designing a sacred space, consider the following elements:

1. Simplicity and Minimalism - A space free of unnecessary clutter allows the mind to settle and creativity to flow.

2. Natural Elements - Incorporating plants, stones, water features, or wooden textures creates a grounding and calming atmosphere.

3. Personal Meaning - Artwork, symbols, or objects that hold personal significance can deepen the emotional connection to a space.

4. Comfort and Sensory Appeal - - Soft lighting, soothing colors, and cozy textures enhance relaxation and Focus.

5. Aromatherapy and Sound - - Essential oils, incense, or

calming music can elevate the energy of a space, making it more inviting.

A sacred space does not need to be confined to one room. It can be a designated corner in a home, a backyard garden, or even a temporary space created through mindfulness rituals. The key is intentionality - designing an environment that supports one's creative and spiritual journey.

The Path to Conscious Living

Mindfulness, nature, and sacred spaces are all interconnected threads in the tapestry of conscious living. By embracing the art of presence, immersing ourselves in the healing power of nature, and creating environments that nurture the soul, we unlock new dimensions of creativity, peace, and well-being.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, choosing to live mindfully is a radical act of self-care. It is an invitation to slow down, appreciate the beauty of the present moment, and cultivate a life rich with meaning and inspiration. Whether through daily meditation, a walk in the woods, or creating a personal sanctuary, the journey to conscious living is one of continuous discovery that leads us back to our truest, most creative selves.

Artwork

by Artin

Mardirosian (Nexision)

How to be

Sadhguru: When you are fundamentally joyous and do not have to do anything to be happy, then every dimension of your life – the way you perceive and express yourself and the world – will change. You will no longer have vested interests because whether you do something or you do not do something, whether you get something or do not get something, whether something happens or does not happen, you will be joyous by your nature. When you are joyous by your nature, your actions will rise to a completely different level.

10 TOOLS TOWARDS A HAPPY LIFE

1. See that being joyful is your fundamental responsibility

The first and most fundamental responsibility for a human being is to become a joyous being. To be happy is not the ultimate aspect of life. It is a fundamental aspect of life. If you are not happy, what else can you do with your life? Only if you are happy can other great possibilities open up.

Whatever you do, it is only your inner quality that you are going to spread. Whether you like it or not, that is the reality. Unless something of true value happens within you, you cannot do anything of tremendous value to the world. So, if you are concerned about the world, the first thing you must do is transform yourself into a joyous being.

2. Realize that joy is your original nature

It does not matter what you are pursuing in your life, whether it is business, power, education, or service; you are doing so because somewhere deep inside you is a feeling that this will bring you happiness. Every single action that we perform on this planet springs from an aspiration to be happy because it is the original nature. When you were a

child you were simply happy. That is your nature. The source of joy is within you; you can take charge of it.

3. Put things in perspective

Today morning, did you see that the sun came up wonderfully well? The flowers blossomed, no stars fell down, the galaxies are functioning very well. Everything is in order. The whole cosmos is happening wonderfully well today but just a worm of a thought worming through your head makes you believe it is a bad day today.

Suffering is happening essentially because most human beings have lost perspective as to what this life is about. Their psychological process has become far larger than the existential process, or to put it bluntly, you have made your petty creation far more important than the Creator’s creation. That is the fundamental source of all suffering. We have missed the complete sense of what it means to be alive here. A thought in your head or an emotion within you determines the nature of your experience right now. Your thoughts and emotions may have nothing to do with the limited reality of your life. The whole creation is happening wonderfully well but just one thought or emotion can destroy everything.

4. See the mind for what it is

What you call “my mind” is not yours, actually. You do not have a mind of your own. Please look at it carefully. What you call as “my mind” is just society’s garbage bin. Anyone and everyone who passes by you stuffs something into your head. You really have no choice about whom to receive from and whom not to receive from. If you say, “I don’t like this person,” you will receive a lot more from that person than anyone else. You really do not have a choice. If you know how to process and use it, this garbage is useful. This accumulation of impressions and information that you have gathered is only useful for survival in the world. It has nothing to do with who you are.

5. Move from psychological to existential

When we talk about a spiritual process, we are talking about shifting from psychological to existential. Life is about the creation that is here, knowing it absolutely, and experiencing it the way it is, not distorting it the way you want. If you want to move into existential reality, to put it very simply, you just have to see that what you think is not important, what you feel is not important. What you think has nothing to do with reality. It has no great relevance to life. The mind is just chattering away with nonsense that you have gathered from somewhere else. If you think it is important, you will never look beyond that. Your attention naturally flows in the direction of whatever you hold as important. If your thought and your emotion is important, naturally your whole attention will be right there. But that is a psychological reality. That has nothing to do with the existential.

Suffering is not showered upon us; it is

manufactured. And the manufacturing unit is in your mind. It is time to shut down the manufacturing unit.

6. Stop pursuing; start expressing Today we are seeking happiness so vigorously that the very life of the planet is being threatened. Do not be in pursuit of happiness. Know how to express your happiness in the world. If you look back at your life and see, the most beautiful moments in life are moments when you are expressing your joy, not when you are seeking it.

What you save will never be your quality. What you dispense will be your quality. If you save your joy, at the end of your life, no one will take into account, “She saved every bit of joy in her; she’s the most joyfully dead.” They will say, “This horrible creature never even smiled in her life.” But every day, if you dispensed your joy and love, people would say, “Oh, she was a joyful and loving being.”

Photo by Adobe/stock

Infrastructures to Raise  Human Consciousness

Experience Yoga in its classical form at Isha Yoga Center Los Angeles and Isha Institute of Inner-sciences. Established by Sadhguru, the centers serve as powerful spaces for inner transformation and raising human consciousness. Located  in northern Los Angeles County and Tennessee, the centers offer an array of yoga and meditation programs in a vibrant and conducive ambience.

You are invited to Free Yoga Day, a monthly open-door event a t the center. On this day, we offer a variety of free sessions dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being through simple but powerful practices sourced from the Yogic tradition.

Learn more at ishausa.org/la

7. Smile!

When you get up in the morning, the first thing you should do is smile. At whom? No one. Just the fact that you woke up is not a small thing; so many millions of people who slept last night did not wake up today, but you and I woke up. Is it not great that you woke up? So smile because you woke up. Then, look around, and if there is someone, smile at them. For so many people, someone dear to them did not wake up today morning. Everyone who is dear to you woke up – Wow! It is a great day, isn’t it? Then go out and take a look at the trees. They did not die last night, either.

You may think this is ridiculous, but you will know the reality of it when someone dear to you does not wake up. Do not wait till then to realize the value of it. It is not something ridiculous; this is the most valuable thing –that you are alive and everything that matters to you is alive. When on this disastrous night, so many people did not wake up, and the loved ones of so many others did not wake up, you and your loved ones woke up. Isn’t it a fantastic event? Appreciate it and smile at least. Learn to look at a few people lovingly.

8. Remind yourself to smile!

For many people, it just takes an hour to forget all this, and pretty soon, their reptilian brain wants to bite someone. So give yourself a dose once an hour – a reminder of the value of life. If you are very insensitive, remind yourself every half an hour. If you are horribly insensitive, remind yourself every five minutes. It takes only ten seconds to remind yourself. You could do it in just two seconds too – “I’m alive, you’re alive. What more?”

9. Transform what’s within

At present, the quality of your life is not determined by the clothes that you wear, the educational qualifications that you carry, the family background that you come from, or the bank balances that you hold. Rather,

the quality of your life depends upon how peaceful and joyous you are within yourself.

Definitely, someone who does not have food and who is deprived of the basic needs for survival can be physically miserable. That needs to addressed. For such people, we must take care of those things first. But for most others, their needs are an endless list. Do you think the man who is driving the car is happier than the man who is walking on the street? No. It is not decided by what you have. It depends on how they are at that moment.

10. Stop comparing with others

Most people are miserable not because of what they do not have. It is simply because they are comparing themselves with someone else. You are driving a bike, you see someone in a Mercedes, and you make yourself miserable. Someone walking on the street looks at your bike, and that is a limousine for them. Someone who does not have legs looks at the man who is walking and thinks, “Wow if I had just had those two legs, what would I have done with my life!” It is just a foolish game and it is just going on.

All those people who depend on external situations to be happy will never know true joy in their lives. It is definitely time we look inward and see how to create personal wellbeing. From your own experience of life, you can clearly see that true wellbeing will come to you only if your interiority changes. If you depend on the outside to bring joy to you, you need to understand that the outside never happens 100% the way you want it. When this is the reality, at least this one person – you – must happen the way you want it to be. If you did happen the way you want yourself to be, the very natural choice is joy. That is not something that you have to pursue. If you fall back into your original nature, joyfulness is the only way you will be.

BONG JOON HO

The Eden Magazine attended the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures Director's Inspiration event featuring acclaimed filmmaker Bong Joon Ho. Known for his genre-defying storytelling and masterful cinematic vision, the Oscar-winning director of Parasite offered an illuminating conversation about his creative journey, influences, and the artistry behind his filmmaking.

Bong Joon Ho's Creative Process

Bong's inspirations range from classic Hollywood to international cinema, literature, and his experiences. His reflections on storytelling, character development, and the intricate balance of humor, horror, and social commentary showcase why he remains one of the most celebrated directors of our time.

Whether set in 1980s Korea or an imagined future, Bong Joon Ho's films highlight transnational and universal issues: class disparities, social injustice, the environmental crisis, and political and moral corruption. His protagonists are everyday people—unlikely heroes—who confront the absurdities of modern life.

With unprecedented access to the filmmaker's archive and personal collection, the exhibition features over 100 original objects, including storyboards, research materials, film posters, concept art, creature models, props, and on-set photographs.

The Academy Museum's Commitment to Film Education

The Academy Museum provided the perfect setting for this intimate discussion, enhancing the experience with curated visuals and film excerpts that underscored Bong's unique storytelling techniques. The museum's commitment to preserving and celebrating cinematic artistry was evident throughout the evening, reinforcing its role as a hub for film enthusiasts, aspiring filmmakers, and industry professionals.

Adding to the excitement, the Academy Museum announced that its new Director's Inspiration Gallery will be open to the public starting March 23, 2025. This gallery will offer visitors a deeper exploration into the creative processes of visionary filmmakers, featuring exclusive artifacts, behind-the-scenes materials, and immersive exhibits that celebrate the art of storytelling in cinema.

Joon's directing inspiration is a true testament to the magic of filmmaking and its boundless possibilities.

The Academy Museum exhibition galleries and store are open six days a week from 10am to 6pm and are closed on Tuesdays.

In conjunction with the exhibition Director’s Inspiration: Bong Joon Ho, the Academy Museum presents a retrospective of the director’s first seven feature films, kicking off with a special screening of John Carpenter’s The Thing (1982), a genre classic that influenced Bong’s dark, subversive style.

Upcoming screenings include:

The Thing (1982) in 4K | Saturday, March 22, at 7:30 pm

Okja (2017) in 4K | Sunday, March 23, at 2 pm

Parasite (2019) in 4K | Sunday, March 23, at 7:30 pm

Snowpiercer (2013) | Monday, March 24, at 7:30 pm

Mother (2009) in 35mm | Monday, March 31, at 7:30 pm

The Host (2006) in 35mm | Thursday, April 3, at 7:30pm

Memories of Murder (2003) in 4K | Saturday, April 5, at 7:30 pm

Barking Dogs Never Bite (2000) in 35mm | Monday, April 14, at 7:30 pm

For the Screening details, please visit; www.academymuseum.org/en

Photo Credit: ©Academy Museum Foundation, Photo by: Fredrik Nilsen, and Andrew Ge

Photo by

The Silent Epidemic: Understanding Cardiovascular Disease in America

By Dr. John A. Chuback, MD, FACS

Cancer often takes center stage in discussions about health, with its prevalence and the emotional weight it carries. Fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and public service announcements predominantly focus on cancer, leading many to perceive it as the most significant health threat in the United States. However, an alarming fact that many Americans overlook is that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading cause of death, claiming more lives than all known cancers combined.

The Stark Reality of Cardiovascular Disease

According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly 697,000 deaths in the United States each year, which is approximately one in every five deaths. In contrast, cancer, despite its devastating impact, caused around 600,000 deaths in the same period. This discrepancy is startling: more Americans lose their lives to heart disease than to all forms of cancer combined, highlighting a critical public health issue that demands attention.

These statistics underscore the reality that cardio-

vascular disease is not just a concern for older adults; it affects a wide demographic, including young and middle-aged individuals. In fact, roughly 47% of Americans have at least one of the three key risk factors for heart disease: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and smoking.

A Gendered Perspective

The prevalence of cardiovascular disease is significant for both men and women. Although men are often perceived as at higher risk due to lifestyle factors, such as higher rates of smoking and alcohol consumption, women are also significantly impacted. In women, CVD is the leading cause of death, surpassing cancer by a substantial margin. In fact, about 1 in every 3 women dies from heart disease, and women are more likely to experience heart attacks later in life, often with more severe outcomes.

Despite advancements in healthcare and a growing awareness of heart health, the rates of cardiovascular disease remain alarmingly high. Public perception often clings to the notion that cancer is the deadliest disease, overshadowing the heart's peril. This misconception can lead to a lack of preventive measures and awareness regarding heart health.

Dr. John Chuback is a board-certified cardiovascular surgeon and the founder of Chuback Vein Center With a deep commitment to patient care and medical excellence, Dr. Chuback has been at the forefront of treating venous diseases for many years. Along with his Paramus, NJ vein center, Dr. Chubacke established a state-of-the-art vascular imaging center on-premises, Chuback Vascular Imaging. Both Chuback Vein Center and Chuback Vascular Imaging are accredited by the Intersocietal Accreditation Commission (IAC) Dr. Chuback is an accomplished author, speaker, and educator dedicated to advancing the field of venous disease. He is also the founder and owner of VitasupportMD, a nutraceutical company specializing in dietary supplements that support healthy circulation.

Dr. Chuback and his wife, Diane, live in Upper Saddle River, NJ.

To learn more, visit ChubackVeinCenter.com, VitasupportMD.com, and lymphcastnetwork.com

Risk Factors and Prevention

Several risk factors contribute to the prevalence of cardiovascular disease, many of which are modifiable. Key elements include:

Unhealthy Diet: Diets high in saturated fats, trans fats, and sodium can lead to obesity, high cholesterol, and hypertension—significant contributors to heart disease.

Physical Inactivity: Sedentary lifestyles are a major risk factor. Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and reduce cholesterol levels.

Smoking and Alcohol Use: Smoking is a leading cause of heart disease, and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular issues.

Chronic Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes and hypertension significantly increase the risk of heart disease. Effective management of these conditions is crucial for prevention.

Stress and Mental Health: Chronic stress, anxiety, and depression can also impact heart health. The interplay between mental health and cardiovascular health is becoming increasingly recognized, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches to treatment and prevention.

The Importance of Awareness and Education

Awareness is key to combatting the cardiovascular disease epidemic. Public health campaigns must shift focus to educate people about heart health, emphasizing that understanding one's risk factors and adopting preventive measures can save lives.

Healthcare professionals play a

pivotal role in this educational effort. Regular check-ups should include assessments of blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and lifestyle habits. Early detection and intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing severe cardiovascular conditions.

Moreover, community programs that promote healthy eating, physical activity, and smoking cessation can foster a culture of health that prioritizes heart health alongside other significant health concerns, such as cancer.

Conclusion: A Call to Action

While cancer remains a critical health concern, it is essential to recognize that cardiovascular disease poses a more immediate threat to the American population. The statistics are compelling: CVD claims more lives than all cancers combined, affecting both men and women.

To address this silent epidemic, society must prioritize awareness and education regarding heart health. By understanding risk factors, embracing preventive strategies, and fostering community health initiatives, we can collectively work toward reducing the burden of cardiovascular disease.

As we continue to advocate for cancer research and support those affected by this formidable group of diseases, we must equally champion heart health. It is time to shine a light on cardiovascular disease, ensuring that it receives the attention and resources it rightfully deserves. The health of millions depends on it.

Sean MicheleKanan

Actor and Emmy-winning producer, Sean Kanan, known for his roles in Netflix’s Cobra Kai and CBS’s The Bold & The Beautiful, and his wife, accomplished writer and producer Michele Kanan, who also won an Emmy alongside her husband for Outstanding Digital Drama for Studio City (streaming on Amazon Prime), are a powerhouse duo both on and off the screen. Together, they have just released their latest book, Way of the COBRA Couples, the newest installment in Sean's bestselling Way of the COBRA series. Blending personal insights, relationship wisdom, and empowering strategies. Their book offers a guide to building strong, fulfilling partnerships. With a shared passion for storytelling and personal growth, Sean and Michele continue to inspire audiences worldwide.

This is the third installment in Sean's acclaimed Way of the COBRA self-motivational series, but this time, he's bringing a new dynamic voice into the mix: his co-Sensei and life partner, Michele.

The Eden Magazine sits down with Sean and Michele to discuss their relationship and careers as they invite readers into their world, sharing insights, experiences, and the strategies that have helped them build a thriving partnership.

Way of the COBRA has been an incredible journey of personal empowerment. What inspired you both to take the next step and focus on relationships in  Way of the COBRA Couples?

SEAN: Michele and I frequently collaborate as writers. Working together, we earned an Emmy for our series on Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Roku called Studio City, so we knew that we could effectively put our heads together. We decided to take the highly effective strategies and philosophy from Way of the COBRA Couples and Welcome to the KUMITE and apply it to a book about relationships. The result was Way of the COBRA: Couples, which just won the International Impact Book Award. It presented the perfect opportunity for us to collaborate again, with the added benefit of each of us having an individual voice in the book.

MICHELE: Sean's philosophy in the Way of the COBRA Couples  is about stepping into your power, but what happens when two powerful individuals come together? That's where  Way of the COBRA Couples was born. Relationships aren't about two people losing themselves to become.  Relationships are about two people maintaining their individuality while becoming a force together. Sean and I realized we've been navigating this wild world of Hollywood, parenthood, and marriage with a method that works—so why not share it?

“ Every time Michele and I undertake a project together, we learn and grow. When that project results in something successful, it affirms that when we work together, we can do anything. That's the kind of confidence and optimism we want other people to achieve in their relationship.

How does the philosophy of Way of the COBRA apply to relationships, and what do you hope couples take away from this book?

SEAN: For those unfamiliar with the Way of the COBRA book series, COBRA is an acronym formed from character, optimization, balance, respect, and abundance. At the core, these books serve as a touchstone initiating a quest to elevate self-awareness and a blueprint pushing the reader to "take action." The information in the books works if you put it into action…Full stop. These are the strategies I used to completely change my life by losing over 50 pounds while exploding professionally and creating a vibrant, authentic, and loving relationship with my dream girl. Everybody's life is messy. All relationships involve work and consistent attention. Communication and honesty serve as the bedrock upon which you build that relationship. Michele and I hope reading Way of the COBRA: Couples will turbocharge existing relationships and guide single people to stop wasting time and find the partner they deserve.

MICHELE: The same discipline, strategy, and mindset that help you succeed in life also apply to relationships. You must train like a champion in love, be intentional, and show up even when it's not easy. We want couples to walk away knowing that love isn't luck—it's effort, consistency, and a hell of a lot of humor.

As a couple working together creatively, what has been the most rewarding and the most challenging aspect of this collaboration?

SEAN: Every time Michele and I undertake a project together, we learn and grow. When that project results in something successful, it affirms that when we work together, we can do anything. That's the kind of confidence and optimism we want other people to achieve in their relationship. One of the biggest challenges was the sense of responsibility we both felt towards the Way of the COBRA brand. We were determined to create the third installment in the series that would not only live up to the first two but in many ways would surpass them. I think I can speak for Michele

when I say we've achieved that.

MICHELE: Rewarding? It is rewarding seeing our ideas come to life and knowing we're creating something that can genuinely help other couples. Challenging? We're both opinionated, passionate, and—let's be real—bossy at times. But the key is that we respect each other's strengths. Sean may have a big voice, but he listens. And I may be the strategist, but I make sure we both stay connected to why we're doing this.

You both have impressive careers as Emmy-winning producers, writers, and actors. Now, you are both published authors. How do you balance your personal and professional lives while maintaining a strong partnership?

SEAN: Michele and I are extremely passionate people who love what we do professionally. Although we both work very hard, it doesn't seem like work because we love what we do and get to do it together. We make sure that while achieving couple goals, we each support the other's individual goals. This is critical in a relationship because it allows each partner to maintain their individual identity.

MICHELE: There's no magic formula—it's a constant dance. Sometimes, one of us needs more support, and the other steps up. We respect the hustle, but we also prioritize our relationship. We check in with each other, and when we sense we're more business partners than spouses, we take a break—usually involving a great meal and some laughter.

In today's world, many couples struggle with communication and connection. What are some key principles from your book that can help strengthen relationships?

SEAN: Unfortunately, love does not conquer all. As a couple, your ships must be sailing in the same direction. You must share a common vision of the life you want together. Ultimately, each partner needs to live their most authentic life. Remember, none of us need another person to complete us despite what Jerry McGuire says. We need a partner who allows us to live authentically, which allows us to be the very best version of who we can be.

MICHELE: The Relationship Day Meter –Knowing that effort isn't 50/50 every day and communicating what you can give that day. The Trust Bank – Depositing trust through actions so that withdrawals (mistakes, missteps) don't leave you overdrawn.

Magnetic North – Trusting your partner's core values and direction, even when life throws curveballs. And let's not forget humor! A couple that laughs together, lasts together.

How has writing this book together deepened your own relationship, and have there been any surprising revelations along the Way?

SEAN: The process of writing the book also allowed Michele and I to look at our own relationship. It served as a diagnostic. Relationships are organic. They are a living entity that requires attention and nurturing. I believe that the writing process for the book deepened our connection because it really required looking back at where we have come from and how hard we have worked to overcome many challenges to get to where we are now.

MICHELE: Writing this book made us more intentional about our relationship. We had to practice what we preach! The surprising revelation? Even after all these years, we're still learning about each other. There's something humbling about realizing you can always grow together.

Sean,  Way of the COBRA has always empha-

sized self-discipline and personal growth. How does this new book integrate those themes within the dynamics of a romantic partnership?

SEAN: Over the course of our lifetime, humans change. What may have been important in your 20s may no longer be important later in your life. Continual self-evolution is fundamental to becoming a meaningfully happy person. The ability to take personal growth and bring it to the relationship is extremely important. Unfortunately, many couples grow apart as one or both partners grow individually. In regard to self-discipline, creating a vibrant relationship isn't difficult, but it does require work and compromise. The self-discipline aspect involves constant attention to the health of your relationship. Frankly, as I write this, it doesn't seem like a lot of fun, but here's the ironic kicker… When you have a rewarding and fulfilling partnership, the self-discipline and compromise part doesn't feel like work. It's more akin to doing something that, while requiring effort (like working out), makes you feel better and is beneficial.

What advice would you give to couples who want to embark on a shared creative or entrepreneurial journey together?

SEAN: Communication is key. There are many different styles people use to accomplish goals. You and your partner may each have a very different process to arrive at the same destination. Discuss how you will work together and how you will resolve challenges and conflicts. Most importantly don't allow a working relationship to obscure your fundamental relationship as romantic partners.

MICHELE: Set boundaries—work time is work time, and relationship time is sacred. Respect each other's strengths and play to them. And don't forget why you started in the first place—keep the fun alive.

Sean, you've had a successful career in television and film, from  The Karate Kid Part III  to The Bold and The Beautiful. What has been the most defining moment of your journey as an actor?

SEAN: People frequently ask me what advice I would give to my younger self. It's the same advice that I give to all young actors. It also applies to most people: You are enough. When I truly acknowledged that the things I needed to become successful in life and as an actor already existed within me, it allowed me to stop pushing. When we push too hard, we are sending a message to the universe that we don't believe we are intrinsically enough. This means you are living in scarcity and not abundance. I'm a huge proponent of the law of vibration.

Whether you believe in this law or not really doesn't matter because it exists. Basically, it states that everything is energy and vibrates at the subatomic level. This includes thoughts, emotions, and words. The universe is not fair or unfair. It simply matches your vibration. If you're coming from a place of scarcity, the universe interprets that and gives you more of it. As a young actor, I found scarcity would often manifest emotionally as a desperate need to win an acting job. Here's one of life's great ironies: If you want results, ignore them. Focus on refining a bulletproof process to achieve the results. Once I stopped looking for validation outside of myself in the form of "getting the job" and instead focused on the process of creating my most authentic audition, I exuded a newfound confidence and authenticity in my work that I previously wasn't always able to tap into. I now live my life in gratitude and abundance, and the universe matches that.

Michele, as a screenwriter and producer, you've worked on various projects in the entertainment industry. What drives your passion for storytelling, and how has your career evolved?

MICHELE: Storytelling is connection. It's the ability to move someone, make them think, or let them escape. My career has evolved because I'm constantly learning and adapting. The industry changes fast, and the key is to stay passionate and flexible while remaining true to your voice.

Both of you have worked in Hollywood for years. How has the industry changed since you started, and what advice would you give to aspiring actors and writers looking to build a lasting career?

SEAN: The single greatest change, and in my opinion, advancement, has been the internet. Now everyone with a smart phone has the ability to create content and get it seen by decision makers. That simply did not exist when I began acting. This is a huge advantage to actors who have yet to establish their body of work. Take action! Film a monologue, get together with some friends, film some scenes, or even make a short film. The

best advice that I can offer someone who would like to embark upon a career in the arts is to cultivate their self-awareness. Before you slip into the skin of a character, really work to understand who you are. Visit museums, see plays, read books, study a foreign language, study a martial art, and learn as much as you can about human psychology.

MICHELE: Hollywood has shifted dramatically—streaming changed the game, and social media has made branding crucial. The advice? Hone your craft, be adaptable, and don't wait for permission. Create your own opportunities and stay persistent.

You've worn multiple hats in your career: acting, writing, producing, and more. How do you stay inspired and continue pushing your creativity?

SEAN: I discuss this in my book Welcome to the KUMITE. The Kumite is an epic battle against your greatest opponent…You. I stay inspired and renew my creativity by extinguishing who I was yesterday and experiencing a daily "rebirth" as a kinder, wiser, tougher and more compassionate version of myself today.

MICHELE: Inspiration comes from everywhere—our own life, the people we meet, the world around us. But the real secret? Keep challenging yourself. Get uncomfortable, try something new, and don't let fear dictate your choices.

What do you do to pay it forward?

SEAN: Service is a huge part of my life. I'm involved with multiple charities; however, the most effective thing I do and suggest to others is simply to be kind. Remember, everyone is fighting a private battle unseen to the rest of the world. Demonstrate compassion to others, and you will experience it in your own life. Commit to being a force for good.

MICHELE: Mentorship. We love helping others navigate this industry and their relationships. Whether it's giving career advice, supporting new talent, or sharing lessons in Way of the COBRA:Couples, the best thing you can do with success is help someone else reach theirs.

IG: @sean.kanan

IG: @michele.kanan

IG: @wayofthecobra Website: WayoftheCobra.com

Photos by Raquel Krelle & Nick Peruto

Welcome to Our Contributor Writers’ Neighborhood

The Sultans of Swag Versus

Looking at Clouds from Both Sides Now

From Climate Misconceptions to Sustainable Solutions

Ocean River Institute

by Dr. Rob Moir

Photo by Jeremy Perkins

Anew study in science indicates that changing cloud cover may be behind most of the abrupt global warming observed in 2023, with the rise in carbon dioxide contributing to only 10% of the warming. Climate scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space Studies find that the world's cloud cover has shrunk by a small but tangible degree in the past two decades. Clouds that once reflected light away now let more light in to warm the Earth and boost global warming. Amazonian and Congolian forests and portions of Canadian forests had some of the largest reductions in cloud cover in 2023.

The Port of Manaus on the Rio Negro in Brazil recorded its lowest water level in October 2023 since 1902, accompanied by the highest air temperatures in at least 50 years. The rainforest is on the threshold of a "tipping point," with the Amazon undergoing intense forest degradation and deforestation, a lengthening dry season, and a decline of the Amazon carbon sink.

In New England, reading the landscape reveals a critical tipping point was crossed when too many hard surfaces replaced native vegetation and soil. Although annual rainfall remains unchanged, increased stormwater runoff erodes soils, and warmer water flows to the sea.

In 2011, the Gulf Stream meandered onto the Continental Shelf closer to

Rhode Island to dissipate more energy, while in 2007, a stronger Gulf Stream surfaced in Svalbard, warming the land and initiating glacier melting. Our actions on the land are strengthening the Gulf Stream.

NASA's animated video of the Arctic Sea Ice Minimum 2024 does not illustrate the typical spring ice melt beginning along the shore. Instead, the melt begins in the Greenland Sea, where the Atlantic meets the Arctic Ocean. More of the Atlantic-warmed West Spitsbergen Current flows into the Arctic and veers right due to the Coriolis Effect of Earth's rotation. As spring arrives in the Arctic, warm water continues counterclockwise circulation, leading to open water along the shores of Siberia to Alaska. A field of icebergs remains at the North Pole, while thick ice adheres to Canada and Greenland's shores.

There are many misconceptions about climate change. Experts say the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) will weaken due to freshwater input from the melting Greenland ice sheet, a process they call "freshwater forcing." However, these experts have not attempted to slow saltwater flow directly with freshwater and have not observed freshriver water spreading over denser saline water without impeding the current. Additionally, they hypothesize about the impact of various factors on ocean temperatures without direct observations. They probably believe that a hairdryer warms coffee when it must be placed on a hot plate instead.

Dr. Rob Moir is a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmentalist. He is president & executive director of Cambridge, MA-based Ocean River Institute, a nonprofit providing expertise, services, resources, and information unavailable on a localized level to support the efforts of environmental organizations. For more information. please visit www.oceanriver.org

The Arctic Ocean, where the water has been darkened by depth, is believed to be warmed by the low-altitude sun, known as the albedo effect. Without direct observation, people think that a pint glass of black coffee set next to a glass of milk on a sunny table will become warmer than the milk.

The ocean significantly affects coastal communities' climates, warming them in winter and cooling them in summer. While substantial meltwater has been observed pooling on the Greenland ice sheet, it is unknown whether more or less than 50% will refreeze this October. No significant increases in freshwater flow into the sea have been reported, except in 2012, when the bridge over the Watson River was damaged. With longer, warmer summers, Greenland's vegetation is growing and transpiring more than ever, and its coastal ocean waters remain characteristically saline, 36 parts per thousand.

There are misconceptions about global population growth and resource distribution. Some people mistakenly believe that an increased population diminishes individual resources, thus blaming individual users for the decline in resources. Pizza-earthers believe the Earth is like a pizza. The more people on it, the smaller each person's slice will be.

However, life demonstrates organized growth, unlike unregulated cancerous growth. Cells organize into organs, and organs form bodies. Bodies create communities, and communities develop ecosystems. The brain, for example, integrates numerous neurons and synapses, enhancing communication and function without concern for the skull's spatial limitations. Many neurons become one brain that will make room for more.

Trouble arose when organized growth— more organized entities are better than less—collided with an economy based on scarcity. Markets require limited resources to establish value and generate profit. Free goods, such as air and

sunlight, defy commodification due to their abundance. This economic paradox was notably addressed in 1972 when the Volkswagen Foundation funded the publication of "The Limits to Growth," highlighting the inherent conflict between perpetual growth and finite resources.

This illusion fails to recognize how nature thrives with limited resources by sharing and cycling. One Earth, the water you drink today, was consumed by a dinosaur long ago. Organisms that cooperate are more fit to thrive than those that compete.

The late 20th century saw a pivotal shift in the discourse on environmental degradation. Vice President Dick Cheney, for instance, steered scientific narratives towards framing global warming as "climate change," thus diverting public attention from urgent issues such as deforestation, soil erosion, urban heat islands, stormwater overflow, harmful algal blooms, ocean dead zones, and extreme local weather events.

Historically, climate change is not a novel phenomenon. The transformation of Mesopotamia from a lush, forested region into the arid desert known today is a testament to the consequences of mismanagement. Practices such as excessive plowing released carbon and

Climate scientists at NASA's Goddard Institute for Space

Studies find that the world's cloud cover has shrunk by a small but tangible degree in the past two decades. Clouds that once reflected light away now let more light in to warm the Earth and boost global warming.

methane, depleting the soil and altering the climate. The focus on maximizing immediate production for wealth ultimately resulted in long-term ecological devastation, a pattern that history has repeatedly revealed.

Contrastingly, proactive environmental stewardship can yield significant benefits. During Reconstruction following the Civil War, New York proactively addressed declining water levels by acquiring approximately 1,000 square miles of the Adirondacks Forest. This move ensured sufficient water supply in the Erie Canal for barge traffic, facilitating the state's burgeoning economy.

Our actions must reverberate at the local level to effectively combat climate change. We must steward nature with more vegetation, cultivate deeper soils to sequester carbon, and replace impervious surfaces with permeable alternatives. Doing so moves away from

unsustainable practices and moves towards a harmonious coexistence with our environment.

In conclusion, restoring our climate depends on acknowledging the symbiotic relationship between organized growth and sustainable resource management. We strive to create resilient and thriving ecosystems through local actions and mindful stewardship of nature and clouds (you know, without illusions).

Cited references

1. H. F. Goessling, T. Rackow, T. Jung, Recent global temperature surge intensified by record-low planetary albedo. Science 387 (6729), 68–73 (2024), https://doi. org/10.1126/science.adq7280

2. J.-C. Espinoza, et al., The new record of drought and warmth in the Amazon in 2023 related to regional and global climatic features. Sci. Rep. 14 (1), 8107 (2024), https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598024-58782-5.

3. NASA, Arctic Sea Ice Minimum. (2024), https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/5382/

A Guide to High-Vibrational Living

By Polly Wirum

Using Chakras to Create a Sacred Life Journey

Have you ever paused and considered the way you connect with the world or the Universe at large? Have you recognized that you are completely in control of how you utilize the beautiful life-sustaining energy flowing through your mind and body? Our ability to choose what we connect with is a gift. Keep reading and discover simple ways to use your energy and chakra system to intentionally create a sacred life journey.

Meditation

Over the years my meditation practice, and the way I connect with the Universe, has evolved. The only thing that has been consistent is how I start each day intentionally giving my attention to the Universe and her unseen energies. When traveling or something else shifts my practice, I still find time to meditate daily.

Several years ago, I adopted the practice of focusing on each of my chakras and repeating a mantra at 11 of the chakras or energy centers. These affirmations are part of my meditation and bring me peace and strength.

My awareness of the sacred Universal energy is what keeps me feeling empowered, loved, and supported. When challenges occur, I can hear the mantras in the back of my mind; this has kept me steady even in the craziest of times.

My Concept of Chakras

I'm sharing a very easy way of working with your chakras. We have seven wellknown energy centers and many more throughout our bodies. They each help us utilize, regulate, and even manifest with Universal energy.

Take, for example, your heart chakra. Imagine this chakra, like the others, is a filter and a generator at the same time. The filter is like a lens of how you see and interact with the world. The generator radiates out to the world, your personal energetic signature, entwined with the cosmic energy of creation.

If your heart chakra is healthy, you can see love throughout the world. This beautiful vibration is generated outward and reaches all directions and at all times. This is how we share peace and healing with the world.

Now let's look at a heart chakra that is filled with byproducts of fear, shame or any other low vibrational energy. It will be difficult for this person to feel and connect with love.

Therefore, the energy of love remains waiting to be remembered and is not easily shared with the world.

Clearing our chakras is not super complicated; you can simply visualize every chakra as vibrant, open, and beautiful. Another way to clear chakras is to live with intentions that recognize love and other high vibrational energy in your life. This requires consistency, and the more we do it, the easier it becomes. Having wellness practices that move our body and breathe also helps every chakra. Funny enough, laughter is a great way to shift energy and balance chakras.

I am simplifying our very complex energy system, but really, we just need to remember we each have the power to bring balance into our lives, body, and mind. At our best, we radiate brilliance; other times, we simply need to recalibrate our energetic system.

CHAKRAS

Earth Star Chakra: Located below our feet

This energy center helps us stay connected with the grounding and abundance of the Earth. I use this chakra to help me remember I am supported, nurtured and grounded in abundance.

This chakra focuses on increasing my feeling of being supported and nurtured in my life.

Mantras:

I am anchored in abundance. I am supported and nurtured in this life.

Root Chakra:  Located at the base of the spine

This chakra focuses on promoting the feeling of safety, being grounded, and connected to abundance.

This chakra always grounds me but also helps me remember the unlimited number of resources available to each of us.

Mantras:

I am safe I am protected I trust in my ability to create an abundant life.

Sacral Chakra: Located roughly four fingers below navel

This chakra focuses on stable emotions, creativity, sexuality, passion, and healthy connections. I use this energy to help me make strong, healthy connections in all areas of my life.

Mantras:

I honor my creativity I have healthy emotions and connections

I honor my ability to experience pleasure

Solar Plexus Chakra: Located about three inches above your navel

This chakra promotes the feeling of being inspired, beautiful, and empowered. This is one of my favorite energy systems to connect with. I love the feeling of being empowered, healthy, and vibrant.

Mantras: I am thriving I am empowered I am beautiful I am strong and successful

Heart Chakra: Located near the heart

This chakra focuses on self-love and living in the flow of love. It is a great place to go when you need some healing energy moving through your body and mind.

Mantras:

I am grateful I live in the flow of love I easily receive love I am loved

Throat Chakra: Located in the throat area

This chakra is focused on communication, self-expression, and speaking one's truth. This is a great energy system to connect with before you have any big conversations.

Mantras:

I easily and clearly speak my truth I am a great communicator

Polly Wirum is a psychic, life coach, and writer. Years ago, she experienced a health crisis that led to a complete spiritual and life transformation.

When she thought her life was crumbling, the universe was easing her grip on everything, distracting her from the truth. The healing helped her discover the beauty of a joyful and uncomplicated life.It is here that she connects with wisdom and magic. She shares this with her clients through life’s coaching psychic readings and spiritual retreats. visit Pollywirum.com

Alta Chakra: Located at the base of skull

This chakra focuses on connecting physical and spiritual realms. I love the feeling of being balanced as I expand my awareness between my physical life experience and my spiritual awareness.

Mantras:

I live a high vibrational life

My life is balanced in love I easily connect with a higher consciousness

Third Eye: Located in the middle of the forehead

This chakra focuses on communication with higher realms, your angels and guides. I connect daily with my angels and guides. I offer gratitude and ask for help maintaining a loving mindset.

Mantras:

I have a clear connection with my angels and guides I trust my intuition I am a spiritual being

Crown Chakra: Located at the top of the head

This chakra focuses on a connection to a higher power, and a higher consciousness. I love focusing on this energy system to bring balance, healing, and love into my life. I ask that this beautiful energy be radiated out through the world, touching each of us.

Mantras:

I radiate the love and light of God

I am filled with and surrounded by the love and light of God

I am healed in the love and light of God

Soul Star Chakra:  Located above the crown chakra

Mantra:

I am aligned with the love and wisdom of my soul

I am guided by the wisdom of my soul

Gateway Chakra: Located above the Soul star chakra

This chakra connects you to Christ light, unconditional love and other divine realms. I love this energy center for sharing the love and light of Christ with the world.

Mantra:

I am filled with and surrounded by unconditional love

I have the loving energy of Christ guiding me thru life

I connect with others through the light of Christ

Things

to Consider

Have fun exploring each of your chakras. Take some time every day to tune into your energetic and physical body. You might notice parts of you feel a little more constricted or heavy while others feel light and easy. Does this correlate with what's going on in your life?

Is there an area of your life that needs more energy? Spend some time meditating and creating mantras that boost your awareness of your sacred life experience.

Wrapping it Up

Life will always offer births, deaths, joy, and various challenges. One of our greatest spiritual lessons is learning how to move through our journey with grace. Intentionally focusing on your chakras and the energy they represent can help you discover the best path forward. It doesn't mean that you won't experience difficult days, but you will have the tools to shift the energy into something that feels better to you.

This chakra focuses on alignment with the higher self, wisdom and guidance of the soul, and connection to all that is. I love knowing that I have unseen guidance in this life, helping me clear karma and navigate life lessons.

GO VEGAN

“Animals Have Souls Don’t Put Them in Your Bowl”

An Ecology of Ideas

By Dulce García-Morman, Ph.D.

Aguide Shamatha Meditation to

As I wrote in my article last month, while meditation has always been an important aspect of self-care, its importance may have exponentially increased in the current chaotic environment we’re living in. Based on my experience, there are two ways in which we can frame meditation, one being as a tool for relaxing the nervous system and the other as a tool to awaken the mind. Of course, these two things can and do happen together; they are not mutually exclusive. However, if the aspiration is awakening versus “feeling good”, meditation takes on a more complex vibe, as the process of awakening can be magical and transformative, but also very disorienting for the ego. By awakening the mind, I’m referring to the Buddhist idea of awakening to our buddha [sacred] nature, which is veiled by the ego.

The awakening can feel gradual and evolving, but it can also be felt as a momentary explosion that takes you from 0-60 in a nanosecond. When I practiced meditation with rigor, both experiences were available to me. One is not better than the other; the important thing is to be open to whatever arises without any expectation other than being fully present at the moment. The moment we try to control our experience or wish too hard for a specific outcome, we lose the precious fuel that is “letting go.”

Preparation

The preparation is sitting in a comfortable position with the spine straight. If you can sit properly on the floor in a cross-legged or half-lotus

position, that is great, but it also works to sit in a chair. If sitting in a chair, do not slump or sit back all the way against the backrest. The chin should be slightly tucked in, not down or up, but a slight pushing back of the neck at the level of the chin. The tip of the tongue should touch the roof of the mouth, resting gently against the front top teeth. The eyes remain open in this meditation, aiming for a panoramic gaze that is neither too focused nor too relaxed. It’s like looking over the horizon with persistent curiosity but without straining. The gaze is straightforward; don’t let the eyes wander up or down. However, if you begin to feel sleepy during meditation, you can adjust the gaze upwards a bit; if you feel too energized (amped-up), you can adjust the gaze down a bit (not the head, just the eye gaze). The only object of “focus” during this process is the breath, but not to focus so hard on it that you lose touch with the horizon in front of you.

Meditation Instruction

Step 1. Breathe in and visualize/feel taking your breath down to your belly button area. Then, visualize/feel, taking the breath back up and out the nostrils. This “round trip” cycle is one count. Repeat 21 times. If you get distracted and lose count, start from the beginning until you can keep track of 21 consecutive reps. Prep for step 2: Without affecting your position, you can do a couple of back rolls with your shoulders to “take a break” and to ensure your spine is still straight. As you progress in the practice, this “break” will not be as necessary, but it is helpful for the beginner. This “break” applies to all the steps below.

Photo by Olga Nayda

Dulce

García-Morman, Ph.D. is founder of Life-Is-Art Equine Assisted Learning & Coaching.

She has facilitated learning and therapeutic experiences throughthe horse-human connection for the past 17 years. Dulce’s practice draws from different wisdom traditions and is strongly oriented toward a Jungian approach to the restoration of the authentic Self.For more information, visit https://life-is-art.us/

Step 2. Breathe in as in step one, but DO NOT count. This sounds quite simple, but for many people, it may be hard not to count. If you find yourself wanting to count, don’t get frustrated. Just notice and refocus your attention on your breathing. You may want to shoot for about 5 minutes, and you may wish to set an alert on your phone. As the practice progresses, you will rely less on setting alarms. You will get an instinctual sense of completion for each stage of the practice.

When I started Shamatha practice, it was very difficult for me to drop the count, and to this day, I occasionally feel the “tension” that comes with the effort not to count. With practice, this will become more effortless.

Step 3. Breathe in, but do not visualize the breath going into the belly button. Rather, feel/sense the breath coming into your nostrils only. Keep breathing naturally, but only “focus” on the breath as it enters the nostrils; do not follow it anywhere else. Do this for about 5 minutes.

Step 4. In the fourth stage, the aim is to drop any focus altogether. It’s the letting go stage. This is hard to describe other than “just sit.” If you become distracted, as with any other previous steps, just come back home to breath. This part of the practice is less intentional. This stage will eventually feel effortless, completely directed yet without direction, completely full yet completely empty. There is no way to really describe it, but when you hit it, you’ll know it. By empty, we don’t mean that no thoughts will arise, for they will. This is perfectly ok; it is part of the practice. As you progress, the distractions will lessen, and when they do occur, the mind will not attach… it’ll instinctually hunt the breath for a moment, then drop that and “just sit.”

Learning to meditate with your eyes open will allow you to be fully present

in the world, without having to shut it out or isolate to be in the moment. It is always helpful to find a place that is without distractions and where you feel safe, nurtured, and comfortable.

There is no harm in trying the above steps and just seeing how it feels over the course of a few days or weeks. I recommend starting with two sessions per day, 15 minutes each. As you progress, you will almost naturally begin to extend the time, but it is not necessary to spend an hour meditating in order to feel “successful” -in fact, too much too soon is not always good.

If you feel inclined to explore Shamatha further, I do recommend doing so under the instruction of an experienced practitioner who can help you navigate the changes and experiences that occur as your practice develops. Shamatha, which could be translated as “calm-abiding” meditation, aims at liberating the mind from afflictions (negative emotions, obstructions), as well as preparing the mind for more advanced forms of meditation. There are also many misunderstood concepts in the West, such as emptiness, which do require formal instruction. You will inevitably run into emptiness if you are consistent in your practice, but it does not mean “emptying” the mind of its contents/objects. It means seeing objects as empty in themselves, which can be a disorienting experience for the ego, as it becomes challenged by the emergence of Buddha nature. As one progresses in Shamatha, “stuff” from deep in our unconscious can and does come up, and this is where expert guidance becomes invaluable. There is no need to “convert” to Buddhism for those who may see value in the practice but would not want to join a temple or formal study group. In fact, proselytizing is not permitted in Buddhism.

I offer this article for the benefit of all beings! Namaste.

Waking Up Stressed?

TRY THE POWER OF MANTRAS AND RITUALS BEFORE BED

by Self-love and Spiritual Teacher Shannon Kaiser

Do you ever wake up feeling overwhelmed, on the edge, or super stressed out from the day before? It can be frustrating to wake up and dread the day ahead, but there could be a simple way to combat this: create an intentional bedtime routine.

Taking time to wind down before bed at the day’s end helps your mind, body, and brain relax and ease into a quality night’s sleep. If you aren’t sleeping well at night, you toss and turn, get up to go to the bathroom a lot, snore, or experience insomnia; start by looking at your habits before bed. When you are stressed out from the day and just race to bed without a ritual or evening routine, you could be selling yourself short. This could be impacting the quality of your life.

If you wake up stressed, consider a more calming evening routine to help support your body, mind, and soul.

For those who do not get enough sleep on a regular basis, implementing a bedtime routine can provide a foundation for sufficient rest. A bedtime routine is a set of activities you perform in the same order, every night, in the 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed.

The bottom line is, having a bedtime routine can help you not only sleep better but feel better in the day because it signals to your brain it is time to get ready for bed, and when your brain and body are in sync, you feel better and can relax much easier. Here are some bedtime routines and rituals to help you sleep better so you can wake up blessed and not stressed:

Share meaningful moments with loved ones.

Your wind down routine doesn’t have to happen once you go into the bedroom. In fact, connecting with family and loved ones earlier in the evening can help your body feel safe and relaxed. Make it a point at dinner to establish a more conscious connection time with others. Connect with family members over dinner or evening tea. You can do this in person or on the phone, Zoom, or FaceTime, to share a meaningful experience from your day. Invite them to do the same!

Eliminate electronics and distractions.

Before bed, swap out digital distractions for a more intentional ritual like meditation or breathwork. If you find yourself on your digital device before bed, scrolling social media, reading the news, or watching YouTube, the electricity and ions can impact your brain waves, keeping you more wired undesirably. The screen time can also impact your eyes before bed. Make it a point to leave electronic devices on the other side of the room or even in another room at bedtime. Put your device in “do not disturb” mode and restore your own natural energy before bed.

Stretch, breathe, and relax.

Taking moments before bed to move your body gently can help you ease into bed more gracefully. Doing yoga poses or gentle stretches is key to a limber, flexible body. Tonight, before you tuck yourself into bed, move your body by stretching your muscles gently. You can even do this after you lay in bed. Gently stretch your toes and feet to the edge of the bed, then pull them upward. Rotate them in circles and do this with each body part as you drift off to sleep in pure relaxation.

Shannon Kaiser is a world-renowned spiritual and self-love teacher, speaker, and acclaimed empowerment coach; a bestselling author of six books on the psychology of happiness and fulfillment, including The Self-Love Experiment, named number one of the “20 Self-Love Books That Will Lift You Up” by Oprah magazine; and the designer and creator of two other oracle decks and two mantra decks.

She guides people to awaken and align to their true selves so they can live to their highest potential. Shannon’s signature teaching is transformative, bridging spiritual and ancient wisdom with modern practical wisdom. Her self-inquiry and personal transformation books, programs, social media channels, and viral reels have reached 22 million people a month. She’s been named among the “Top 100 Women to Watch in Wellness” by mindbodygreen, “your go-to happiness booster” by Health magazine, and “one of the freshest voices in mental health and wellness” by Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul. PlayWithTheWorld.com and RadicalBodyLovewithShannon.com

Stretch, breathe, and relax.

Taking moments before bed to move your body gently can help you ease into bed more gracefully. Doing yoga poses or gentle stretches is key to a limber, flexible body. Tonight, before you tuck yourself into bed, move your body by stretching your muscles gently. You can even do this after you lay in bed. Gently stretch your toes and feet to the edge of the bed, then pull them upward. Rotate them in circles and do this with each body part as you drift off to sleep in pure relaxation.

Get cozy.

Crawling into bed is more exciting when you feel comfortable in your bed. Investing in fabrics, colors, and bedding you enjoy will make sleeping more enjoyable. For example, if you are a hot sleeper, you may opt for linen fabric over silk or wool. Try a weighted blanket (or multiple blankets) to help create a sense of warmth and calm.

Play relaxed music.

Before bed you can listen to music that feels soothing to the soul. Create a bedtime routine playlist with low impact, soft music and lyrics. Opt for lo-fi music during your evening wind-down routine, which is more laid-back, as it has a slow tempo and is a relaxed style of music with chilled-out vibes.

Breathe better.

Before bed, you can do breathing work or use different breathing methods. You can try box breathing (popular in yoga classes), where you breathe in through your nose as you slowly count to four in your head, and as you do this, fill your diaphragm and lungs with air. Hold your breath for another four counts, then gently exhale for another count of four. Feel your body relaxing and

wait to inhale again for a count of four. Repeat this style of breathing a few times until you feel ready for sleep.

Try water therapy.

Taking a warm bath or shower before bed isn’t just about cleanliness, it is a form of water therapy. As you finish, consciously focus on releasing the day. The water is a form of release as it washes away impurities. As the water spirals down the drain, focus on what you want to release. Be in gratitude as you settle deeper into the night with a clean body and mind.

Practice prayer.

Spending time before bed in prayer is a wonderful way to connect to your higher power and show gratitude for another day of life. You can always focus on a loved one in your prayers. Send positive energy in your prayers to someone who is important to you (This could be a friend, partner, family member, coworker, boss, or mentor, etc.). Try dedicating tonight’s prayer to them. By sending uplifting energy their way, you, too, will be uplifted.

Repeat mantras.

Using mantras before bed will help you feel more relaxed. Mantras are words you say to help retrain the brain to focus on the good.

Some mantras to repeat this week could be:

I am ready to rest. All is well. My needs are important. I honor them nightly.

I feel accomplished and empowered when I lie down to sleep.

I release myself from self-judgment, criticism, and blame.

I focus on the good things all around me.

Or simply make up your own mantra to create your evening routine!

Earth Day April 22 Celebrating

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THE WAY OF THE TURTLE

by Matthew Wood

Turtle marks the boundary between the human (in the head) and the animal (in the body). When the Place of the Turtle breaks open, animal consciousness flows into the human, allowing us to meet our long-lost ally—the animal self—and become conscious in the Spirit World.

Rudolf Steiner identifies this point as the "throat chakra," noting that the eight upper petals of the chakra belong to the human, while the eight lower petals belong to the animal.

While Snake raises the kundalini to the third eye and opens psychic vision, Turtle brings the energy down from the crown of the head, past the third eye, to the neck—the Way of the Turtle—where the human self meets the animal self. This actualizes and brings the animal self to consciousness. The turtle is considered the ancestor of all warm-blooded animals. Unlike the Snake, which empowers only the human self by opening the mind's eye, Turtlethe connects the human to the animal self.

Star Woman marked all the star essences on the back of Elder Turtle, with the solar and lunar years depicted there. Turtles typically have thirteen large scales representing the lunar calendar, while the numerous smaller scales around the perimeter represent the solar calendar. The entire turtle's form is a circle, with four directions represented by its feet. The head and tail signify the direction of time—birth and death—and the doorways in and out of life within the mundane shell.

Matthew Wood has been a practicing herbalist for more than 40 years. He is an internationally known author and lecturer in the field. He holds a master of science degree in herbal medicine from the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine (accredited by the University of Wales) and is the author of several books, including The Earthwise Herbal and The Book of Herbal Wisdom

Matthew runs an online school, the Matthew Wood Institute of Herbalism, and lives in Spring Valley, Wisconsin.

https://www.matthewwoodinstituteofherbalism. com/

Turtles can adjust their internal temperature by pressing against their shells to extrude water and warm up or by jumping back into a pond to cool off. This adaptability makes Turtle the most evolved of the reptilian life wave. Evolutionary biologists say Turtle is the main stem from which warm-blooded animals arose. Thus, the Turtle is seen as the foundation upon which the Earth rests or from which the Tree of Life arises. The turtle represents the path of Wisdom, both gained by living and examining life and embedded in the Living Nature— the Wisdom of Nature.

When Star Woman descended to Earth, she set her foot on the back of the Original Turtle, upon whom the Earth was gathering. The stars of the heavens were imprinted upon the emergent rocks, plants, and animals, each one carrying an essence that guided their formation and manifestation. Turtle was present at the beginning of creation, the start of time and space. Instead of merely preserving a record of everything that has transpired, Turtle reduces all that experience to Wisdom. In some ways, lowly Turtle is not the least of the medicine animals, but perhaps the greatest.

Turtle leads us back to the knowledge of Star Woman, known as Sophia in the Old World. Knowledge of the archetypal markings inscribed upon creation is called the Natura Sophia, or Wisdom of Nature, a term originated by Jacob Boehme. The light of wisdom that shines forth from creation, through their signatures and marks, was called the lumen naturae, or Light of Nature, by Paracelsus.

My friend Susan had Crohn's disease, an autoimmune ulceration of the small intestine. When

I met her, she had already had a third of her intestine removed. Gravel Root, a "Turtle Medicine," stopped the ulceration for almost thirty-five years until she passed away from an embolism in 2023.

After Susan recovered, she held a swipe, a sweat lodge ceremony, to thank those who had helped her. I was there. Deep in the ceremony, when it was my turn to speak, I thanked Gravel Root. Almost immediately, the plant spoke to me clearly:

"You can tell I'm a Turtle Medicine because, just as Grandfather Turtle rose up out of the sea at the beginning of time to create the first earth, so too do I rise up out of the swamp to create the first soil."

The Speech of Nature does not assert but paints a picture, a parable. It does not demand belief; we can choose to believe or not. The world is full of mysteries and wonders. Attempting to explain it all would render it boring, devoid of medicine, spirit, or spiritual life. The mystery must be a part of even ordinary life. Susan once spoke about this in a pipe ceremony.

There is a sacred turtle graveyard at the bottom of the ocean. Nobody knows why it is there or why turtles go there to die. It is a Mystery. Mysteries will unfold as the world changes, penetrating the marrow of our bones. If we are not ready, our bones will be shattered.

We are a Mystery People, an Eternal Truth/Beauty/Mystery People—when we let the spirit have its way with us. It will meet us everywhere: on land, in the boat, speaking, or staying silent. More than anything else, it loves impossibility and Mystery, and here it will meet us most graciously.

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova

In Loving Memory of Gerald W. Maio

December. 2.1950 March. 6. 2025

Safely home

Gerald Maio was a man whose kindness knew no bounds. A lifelong advocate for animals and those in need, he dedicated his life to providing shelter, safety, and compassion to the voiceless. His unwavering commitment to protecting and rescuing animals was not just a passion—it was his purpose.

Beyond his tireless work in animal welfare, Jerry’s vast knowledge of engineering and finance made him a guiding force for all who had the privilege of knowing him. He generously shared his wisdom, always eager to uplift and support others in any way he could. His presence brought comfort, his advice brought clarity, and his heart brought warmth to everyone he encountered.

Jerry’s legacy is one of love, selflessness, and profound generosity. Though he is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in the lives he touched, the animals he saved, and the countless people who were fortunate enough to call him a friend.

Rest in peace, dear Gerald; Your kindness will never be forgotten.

The Health Dangers of Toxic Mold:

Millions of Americans Impacted

by Laura Linn Knight

Photo by Getty Images

Inever intended to become an educator on toxic mold, but when my family began experiencing inexplicable health problems, I found myself thrust into a world I had never imagined. For years, my family struggled with chronic illnesses that no doctor seemed able to explain. I was exhausted and overwhelmed by symptoms that were constantly dismissed, and my children suffered, too. My daughter, just five years old at the time, experienced insomnia and fear so severe it left me worried and feeling helpless. My son frequently battled recurring colds and asthmatic episodes that terrified me.

Despite living a health-conscious lifestyle— eating organic foods, using nontoxic products, and spending plenty of time in nature—it felt like our health was deteriorating at an alarming rate. I consulted numerous specialists, but none could offer a definitive diagnosis. It wasn't until a series of synchronistic events occurred that I connected with a functional medicine doctor and received the breakthrough I needed: mold exposure.

I was skeptical at first. After all, our home was clean, and I hadn't noticed any musty

smells, which are often associated with mold. However, desperate for answers, I agreed to test my daughter using an Organic Acids Test, which can measure the presence of mycotoxins—the toxic substances mold releases into the air and, more alarmingly, into our bodies. When the results came back, I was stunned. My daughter had dangerously high levels of toxic mold in her system. It turned out that the source of the mold exposure was our own home. Though it appeared pristine on the surface, hidden behind the walls were colonies of mold, likely caused by years of unnoticed water damage from leaks in the roof and bathroom.

What followed was a series of eye-opening discoveries about the health risks of mold and how pervasive it is in the environment. It turns out that mold can silently invade homes, schools, and other buildings without leaving a trace. Mold feeds off materials like drywall, carpet, and wood, releasing mycotoxins into the air. As those spores are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems. And, as I discovered, mold doesn't always announce itself with a musty odor. It can hide behind walls, under carpets, or in basements, waiting to wreak havoc on your health.

Toxic Mold: A Hidden Epidemic

My family's experience isn't unique. In fact, it is estimated that millions of Americans are affected by toxic mold exposure, though many are unaware of it. Mold toxicity doesn't always present in the same way for every person, which is why it often goes unrecognized. While some may experience respiratory problems like coughing, wheezing, or sinus infections, others might suffer from chronic fatigue, headaches, and brain fog. Still others might face mental health issues, such as anxiety or depression, which are often attributed to other causes.

What makes mold exposure even more insidious is that it affects individuals differently. One person in a household might experience severe symptoms, while another might show no signs of illness at all. And in some cases, it can take years for the full effects of mold exposure to manifest. This variability makes it hard for families to connect health problems to their living environment, especially when the mold is hidden and undetectable without specialized testing.

It's easy to dismiss the idea of mold affecting health, but as more people—like my family—discover, it's an issue worth serious attention. Even homes that seem to be in good condition may harbor hidden dangers. Our family's mold problem, for example, was caused by a series of undetected leaks from the roof and an improperly sealed bathroom. These issues, though seemingly small, provided the perfect conditions for mold to thrive unnoticed. We later learned that the damage was significant enough to create mold colonies within the walls and lumber of our house.

The Path to Healing

Once we confirmed that mold was the root cause of our health problems, the real work began. Removing the mold from our home was the first step, and it wasn't an easy one. I hired professional mold remediation ex-

perts who were equipped to handle the situation safely. Mold remediation is not necessarily a DIY project—cleaning mold improperly can stir up spores and make the problem worse. Professionals use specialized equipment to safely contain and remove mold, and they wear protective suits to prevent exposure.

In addition to cleaning our home, we began a detox protocol to clear the mold from our bodies. The process was complex, but it was necessary for healing. As part of our journey, I learned that detoxifying from mold requires a multi-faceted approach that goes beyond simply removing the mold from the environment. It involves testing both your home and your body, identifying the types of mold present, and following a customized treatment plan.

Mold toxins, or mycotoxins, are known to disrupt normal bodily functions. For my family, this manifested as a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, digestive issues, and headaches. For my daughter, after starting her detox protocol, we noticed a dramatic improvement. Her fear decreased, her sleep improved, and she regained her vitality. With time, dedication, and the right guidance, we all began to heal!

Practical Tips for Families Impacted by Mold

If you suspect that mold might be affecting your health or the health of your family, the first step is to have your home tested. Mold can often hide behind walls, under floors, or in other areas that are difficult to inspect, so it's important to use reliable testing methods. I recommend the Environmental Relative Moldiness Index (ERMI) test, which collects dust samples from throughout the house to identify the types and levels of mold present. This test can provide an accurate representation of mold exposure in a living environment.

“ What makes mold exposure even more insidious is that it affects individuals differently. One person in a household might experience severe symptoms, while another might show no signs of illness at all.

There are also other reliable testing options, such as plate testing, which some good mold testing companies offer. Plate testing can help identify specific types of mold and give a clearer picture of your home's mold situation, especially if you're concerned about particular areas.

If you suspect that mold is affecting your health, it's equally important to test your body. The Organic Acids Test is one option that measures the level of mycotoxins in your urine, providing insight into the amount of mold in your system. Another option is a Mycotoxin Test. Working with a functional medicine doctor or a naturopath is highly recommended, as they can help guide you through the testing process and recommend a detox protocol tailored to your specific needs.

Once You Have Identified Mold: What's Next?

Once you have identified mold in your home or your body, the next step is to create a remediation and detox plan. This typically involves two main components:

1. Removing Mold from Your Home: This step should be done by a professional mold remediation company. Mold is a serious health hazard, and taking the proper precautions to protect yourself during the cleaning process is essential. It's not enough to simply clean what's visible—you need to address the root cause of the problem, such as water leaks or poor ventilation. Often, minor issues—like leaking pipes or gaps around windows—can become the perfect breeding ground for mold without us realizing it.

2. Detoxifying Your Body: Mold toxicity requires a multi-pronged approach. Detox

protocols typically include dietary changes and supplements to support detoxification. It's also helpful to incorporate calming exercises and techniques into your daily routine to support your mental and emotional well-being as you navigate the detox process. I outline tools and strategies for this, along with other key topics in my book The Toxic Mold Solution. Detoxing from mold is not a quick fix—it often takes time to fully recover. But with persistence, the right tools, and proper support, healing is absolutely possible.

Mold Is More Common Than You Think

Many people think that mold requires largescale water damage, like flooding, to become a problem. In reality, mold can grow in homes, schools, and offices from relatively minor leaks or humidity issues. All it takes is a leaking pipe, a poorly sealed window, or a small roof leak, and you can have a mold problem on your hands.

If you are experiencing unexplained health symptoms—such as fatigue, headaches, digestive problems, or mental health issues—it's worth considering mold as a potential cause. Testing your home and body is the first step toward identifying the issue, and from there, you can take the necessary actions to heal.

Mold is a hidden epidemic, and it affects more people than most realize. But the good news is that it doesn't have to control your life. By being proactive, getting the proper tests, and following a detox protocol, healing is possible. I hope that by sharing my story and the lessons I've learned, I can help others recognize the dangers of toxic mold, take action to protect their health, and ultimately find the healing they deserve. Knowledge is power—and it's the first step toward a mold-free, healthier future.

The DPA Diamond Lounge 2025

Dubois Pelin & Associates (DPA) once again delivered exclusive and elegant experiences with their Hollywood Award Gifting Suites. Honoring the 2025 OSCARS® Nominees and winners.

Founder Nathalie Dubois curated a luxurious selection of 32 brands worldwide, showcasing high-end and unique products. The event exuded sophistication, offering guests a memorable experience with premium gifts. DPA.s dedication to excellence and international flair continues to make their gifting suites a highly anticipated highlight of award season.

DPA started its operations with Japan nearly two decades ago and opened an office in Tokyo with Japanese partners in 2017. This year, DPA created a small Japanese lounge with Soubou: Six Japanese artisans were introduced to the DPA guests, and the US market their products: From clothing to blankets and carpets and towels, from Ikebana (the art of flowers) to tatami and matcha tea utensils and traditional Japanese paper (washi), Kitama Wool Weaving, Cucuri (ArimatsuShibori), TakaokayaTsunekawaTatamiten, Maruta Shoten, Pele Malie Flowers, and Kashiwaya Co., Ltd were presented centuries-old traditional technics to the DPA guests.

High luxury brands were represented, such as Tess Mann Atelier with exquisite and unique gowns, NaturelleWithLove a high-end cosmerics brand that harness the power of 100% natural rose oil. Cosmetics Swiss Demarquet with the newest beautiful clutches, the envelope, and Sal Y Limon with good luck bracelets. Yacht Club Access, a luxury swim and resort brand, is an exclusive Yoga/Fitness wear collaboration with Metric Mat, marking an exciting expansion into the athleisure space. Kokom Scrunchies: Mya Beaudry, a youth from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, from the Algonquin Nation (First Nation), with her latest collection and the core collection made from Kokom Scarves. Monkey Snax, with its freeze-dried ice cream, is a revolutionary concept!

DPA keeps giving back to some LA fire victims, and for this event, it donated space in the

gift suite to support This Girl Walks Into a Bar. This cocktail mixer brand is owned by two sisters, one of whom lost her home and all their bartending business supplies in the Palisades fire.

The remaining Brands represented in the suite or gift bags were Beach Sandy, Black Château Enterprises, authors Mick Heyman, Corey Poirier, and Oshri, medium Kim Alexander, pet communicator Connect with Keao, Perduret, Bonilla A La Vista (most expensive chips in the world), Chipz Happen, Slow North, Waterloo and Hidden Foods (back with their pasta and waffles bar).

Finally, DPA has welcomed the Isha Foundation for the second year in support of SAVESOIL, the foundation created by yogi and visionary founder Sadhguru, and is behind the global movement for a conscious planet.

Nathalie Dubois and DPA: A veteran in the production of star-studded events, Nathalie Dubois, CEO of DPA, has proven herself to be exceptionally innovative and successful in the realm of celebrity gift suites. Originally from France, Nathalie Dubois attributes her success in part to her world travels and the exotic cultural influences of the products she picks for her unique gift suites. DPA runs luxurious and spectacular gifting suites in Los Angeles, the weeks of various award shows, but can be seen in the biggest film festivals such as Cannes, Venice, or Toronto. You can find details on DPA at www.dpagroup.org.