The Eden Magazine April 2021 by Maryam Morrison

April 2021

EDEN T h e

Magazine

LAURA

Turner Seydel CHANGING THE WORLD ONE STEP AT A TIME

HEATHER JAMES Fine Art Gallery Presenting

HERB ALPERT'S Coffee Paintings

MAHASIDDHA SANCTUARY FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE in Lumbini, Nepal

The importance of Using Clean BEAUTY SKINCARE Margret Tomaszewicz

Table of Contents 8

SAVE AN ELEPHANT

LAURA TURNER SEYDEL

ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES

Virtual programs will begins rolling out in April

THE ENCOUNTER By Stéphane Allix

YOUR NEXT FOOD OR COSMETIC PURCHASE MAY HELP THESE WILDLIFE RESCUE CONSERVATIONIST SAVE AN ELEPHANT

"COVERING CLIMATE NOW" EARTH'S VOLATILE BALANCING ACT By James D. Muirhead, Samer Naif, Tobias P. Fischer, & D.J Shillington

THE IMPORTANCE OF USING CLEAN BEAUTY SKINCARE By Margret Tomaszewicz

EARTH'S VOLATILE BALANCING ACT

ACCESSING YOUR LUCID DREAM STATE By Sasha Gary

THE SENIOR CITIZENS, TAKE A MOMENT FOR THEM By Jayita Bhattacharjee

LIVING AS A JEWISH VEGAN By Richard Schwartz, PhD.

MAHASIDDHA SANCTUARY FOR UNIVERSAL PEACE IN LUMBINI, NEPAL

Cover Photo by

BEN ROLLINS

Happy Earth Day 62

YOU CAN'T MAKE "OLD FRIENDS" By Joey Santos Jr.

THE TRANSIENT NATURE OF EMOTIONS

By Angela Dunning

2 CONCEPTS THAT WILL INCREASE YOUR ABUNDANCE PERMANENTLY & FOREVER By Phyllis King

FROM HELL TO BIRTH By Michelle L. Potter

HEATHER JAMES FINE ART GALLERY PRESENTING HERB ALPERT'S COFFEE PAINTINGS

IT'S A WONDER-FULL LIFE By Katie Mahon & Joan Luise

TUNING INTO THE SIGNS, THAT SURROUND US By Shelly Wilson

68 72

THE MONSTERS IN OUR HEADS By Leanne Brown

FROM HELL TO BIRTH

86 96

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EDEN T

MAGAZINE

Since 2010

The Eden Magazine is a free online publication focuses on spreading compassion to all Sentient Beings living in a healing and peaceful world FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARYAM MORRISON EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER DINA MORRONE COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER ALEXIA MELOCCHI BRAND AMBASSADOR MARIA ELENA INFANTINO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SASHA GARY VITO TROTTA PHYLLIS KING JOE SANTOS, JR. SHELLY WILSON ANGELA DUNNING NANCY E. YEAROUT MICHAEL WHITE RYAN MARCO NUNZIO ALATI JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS + MAKEUP ARTIST EDWARD HAKOPIAN GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY GREG DOHERTY ISABELLE RUEN SHERI DETERMAN ARTIN MARDIROSIAN (Nexision) GRETA PAZZAGLIA WEBSITE

www.theedenmagazine.com 325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 To purchase a copy visit us in www.theedenmagazine.com

Eden Magazine is a non-profit monthly online magazine. We aim to create a better environment where we live among other living beings in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work matches our criteria. If you would like to submit your artwork, article or/and your photography for our future issues please contact Maryam Morrison at; maryammorrison@theedenmagazine.com The Eden Magazine reviews article content for accuracy before the date of publication. The views expressed in the articles reflect the author(s) opinions and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher and editor. The published material, adverts, editorials, and all other content is published in good faith. 4 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

MEET OUR TEAM

Photo by ISABELLE RUEN

Discover the path to a peaceful life among other living beings. We are all made of vibration and light in the universe to manifest our energy around all livingness.

DINA MORRONE

Maryam Morrison

ARTIN MARDIROSIAN

EDWARD HAKOPIAN

MARIA ELENA INFANTINO

ALEXIA MELOCCHI

VITO TROTTA

SHELLY WILSON

ANGELA DUNNING

MICHAEL WHITE RYAN

SHERI DETERMAN

PHYLLIS KING

MARCO NUNZIO ALATI

SASHA GARY

GRETA PAZZAGLIA

MARGARET TOMASZEWIC

ISABELLE RUEN

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JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE

NANCY E. YEAROUT

JOE SANTOS, JR.

GREG DOHERTY

7 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2020

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Laura

Turner

Seydel By Dina Morrone

aura Turner Seydel is an activist for the environment and works with a number of organizations that address the many urgent challenges that affect all of us. She inherited her passion for taking care of the planet from her father, long-time legendary environmentalist Ted Turner. Turner-Seydel is also very passionate about health, quality of life for all, and the future of children. She wants to make sure that when all is said and done, we will want our children to know that we did everything in our power to pass down a healthy, livable planet.

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Please share with us a special moment from your childhood that brings a smile to your face when you think about it.

My family discovered me missing one afternoon when I was quite young. And where did they find me? I was meandering toward a local zoo to see the animals. I recall loving animals then as much as I do now. There was definitely a current of "all creatures great and small" during my childhood and a natural curiosity and wonder toward fellow species. Growing up, I was lucky to experience the gift of having pets and to learn the important lessons of the responsibility of caring for them. When did you first become passionate about the environment, and what were your first steps in turning that passion into action? From a young age, my siblings and I were fortunate to live in places where we could spend a lot of time outdoors. We learned to appreciate the woods and wild fields and all the animals and wonderful creatures that lived there. We played in streams, turned over rocks, and caught frogs and crawdads. Our experiences in nature helped us grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. There are more than 1,000 peer-reviewed studies that show the benefits of health and wellness with children (and adults) who spend time in nature. And it makes sense that people want to protect what they know, appreciate and love. It's no wonder doctors are now writing nature prescriptions for their patients who are suffering from a number of maladies — diabetes, stress, anxiety, depression, to name a few. You can learn more in the research hub on the Children & Nature Network website.

Ted Turner, Laura Turner Seydel and former President Jimmy Carter at the AREDAY Summit. Laura serves on the Carter Center Board of Councilors.

of Jacques Cousteau and National Geographic Explorer, and countless other environmental and social-minded documentaries. Learning about our world's systems really helped shape me as a person; it set the stage for me to now devote my time, energy, and resources to protecting Earth. In this Anthropocene Epoch (the era of man), we are experiencing many formidable challenges, such as the sixth great extinction of biodiversity and the climate crisis. In his latest book, How to Avoid a Climate Disaster, Bill Gates has confirmed that we have to work hard, smart and fast to ensure humans as a species don't become a casualty of apathy and inaction when it comes to protecting and restoring our life support system. We can all make a difference, and we must. No action is too small. We must vote with our dollars when making purchases and let our voices be heard by our elected officials and hold them accountable. If we take actions on a regular basis and work collectively, we can ensure not only a livable planet but one that is safer, healthier, and more peaceful. One we'd be proud to hand over to Our grandparents, who survived the Great Depression, our children. were superheroes for Earth who taught us that wasting is a sin — and that went for food, energy, and water. Was there an episode in your life that affected you so profoundly, you Our dad also led by example and reminded us to con- knew animals and their well-being were going to be a part of your life serve by turning off the television and lights when not forever? in use. He taught us to take short showers like he learned While I had many important experiences, two eye-opening shifts in my to do when he served in the coast guard and lived on worldview happened in the 1980s and really helped catalyze my passion a boat. He taught us to clean up trash even if it wasn't for protecting animals and the environment. ours, which we did, in our neighborhood regularly. We were particularly happy when we came across dis- A documentary called The End of Eden by South African filmmaker Rick carded bottles and cans. It meant instant cash from the Lomba documented how cattle ranching contributed to Africa's grasslocal store for a whopping nickel per container. At that lands' desertification and severed an age-old migration route for millions time, my state of Georgia had a bottle deposit law, but of wildebeest and other species. The World Bank made loans to grow catthe industry lobbied, and it ended. Now, many discard- tle production, an invasive species, with disastrous outcomes. In a very ed bottles aren't getting returned and are ending up short time, thousands of miles of barbed-wire fencing were erected and along the roadside and in waterways, incinerators and carved the land into pastures. The images of an overgrazed dust bowl and wire-entangled animals still haunt me to this day. This documentary was landfills. used in the D.C. courts to stop the World Bank from making additional I'm enormously proud of how my father used his me- ill-conceived loans. But it was too late, as cattle had devastating effects on dia platform for good. He funded and aired program- the fragile systems and permanently altered the great migration route. It's ming that educated and entertained millions of peo- a story that should serve as a warning call about the cascading effects and ple around the globe on his satellite superstation. We unintended consequences of projects that value short-term profits above were fortunate to be 'edutained' by The Undersea World everything else. 10 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

I was greatly impressed by the audacious and risky action campaigns of Greenpeace International, where I worked after college. I was in awe of the fearless activists who risked their lives to bring the world's attention to the illegal killing of whales by placing their boats and bodies directly in front of the harpoons. The activists were also committed to exposing and stopping the French government, which was secretly dumping nuclear waste into the ocean by positioning their boats directly under the dropping barrels. As retribution for bringing this (along with Greenpeace protesting France's testing of nuclear bombs in French Polynesia) to light, a bomb was detonated on the flagship, Rainbow Warrior. My eyes were opened to the harsh reality of corruption and criminal activity by governments and corporations. Like the civil and human rights activists, the undaunted courage and commitment of these activists fill me with the deepest respect and hope for the future. Many people in this country are still in denial about Global Warming. What needs to happen so that deniers will be convinced that it's real? The documentaries The Social Dilemma and The Great Hack explain the problems well. Over the past decade, social media companies' platforms have fed disinformation to viewers, helping to create a deep divide in this nation and around the world — interfering even with election outcomes and democracy. We need laws that protect our children, people's personal information and end the widespread dissemination of conspiracies, misinformation, and lies.

Laura assisting with the vaccination of a wolf pup at the Ladder Ranch in New Mexico with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. 12 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Laura Seydel, Co-Founder of Mothers and Other for Clean Air, speaks at the Fire Drill Friday Rally in DC which was started by Jane Fonda to support Greta Thunberg and the youth climate strikes to demand that our political leaders address the climate emergency we are in. (Photo: Tim Aubrey, Greenpeace)

We need to move beyond the debate of climate science being real and take action as if our lives depend on it — because our lives do depend on it. Ninety-eight percent of the world's most respected scientists have concluded that human activities have created the climate crisis, and it is up to us to stop it. Many solutions exist. They just have to be scaled. Solutions mean good and high-paying jobs and a more robust economy. Solutions will increase public-health outcomes due to cleaning the air, water and improving the health and productivity of soil in order to grow more nutrient-dense food. The organization Project Drawdown was the first to task 70 researchers from 22 countries to map, model, and measure the top 100 solutions to achieve drawdown by 2050. Drawdown is the point in the future where greenhouse gases in the atmosphere peak and start to decline. Check out the scalable solutions online in the newly updated Drawdown Review 2020. Solving for climate change means moving away from fossil fuels as quickly as possible to alternative, clean and affordable ways to generate power and provide electrified transportation. This means there will be a great demand for job training stemming from the expansion of renewable energy. This will include upgrading aging infrastructure, including the energy grid, transitioning the transportation sector away from fossil fuels to electricity, and weatherizing and retrofitting buildings and homes to be energy efficient. As people become displaced from the fossil fuel industry, retraining is paramount for new, good-paying jobs. The transition can also benefit frontline communities disproportionately affected by the climate crisis, whether from rising sea levels or air pollution stemming from the energies and transportation sectors.

You have been very active with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to limit the toxic chemicals in food, air, water, and consumer products. What are some of the steps being taken to ensure our food supply stays safe? From Erin Brockovich, EWG board member Michelle Pfeiffer, Jennifer Lopez to Kourtney Kardashian and Jessica Alba, women have become outspoken advocates in the fight to protect the health of people and communities from exposure to untested and unregulated chemicals. Cofounder of EWG, Ken Cook, took on the fight three decades ago to stop the unregulated industry from exposing babies to harmful industrial chemicals that are powerful neurotoxins, carcinogens, hormones, and endocrine disruptors. It is indeed one of the most important things we can advocate for as parents and consumers. EWG. org has a great consumer-facing platform that informs us on making the best consumption choices to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities including the Shopper's Guide to Pesticides in Produce and the Skin Deep Guide to Cosmetics. Because of EWG's various targeted awareness campaigns, companies have reformulated their products to make them healthier and safer across the board, from personal care products, cosmetics, and sunscreens to cleaning products.

Turner Endangered Species Fund helps prove that private landowners are key in protecting endangered species and bringing back the natural ecosystems of our planet. The Turner family now has over 50,000 bison on their ranches.(photo: Flying D Ranch)

plastic a week. Recycling centers are closing in cities across the country. In the state of California alone, more than 1,000 centers have closed. China, the biggest market for American recycled materials, warned us repeatedly they would ban the processing of our highly contaminated recycling. Sales to China used to be about 30 percent of the market. Now, since the ban was enacted in 2018, materials are stockpiling in the U.S., and that goes to landfills, incinerators, or into In addition to EWG providing resources, it also lob- our waterways. Plastic China, a film that documents the horrors of bies to ban harmful ingredients in products and keeps mountains of plastic, helped inform public sentiment and put prestabs on members of Congress who vote on key pieces in sure on the Chinese government to ban plastics from the U.S. legisltion. Check out the EWG Action Funds 2020 Toxic Pollution scorecard. EWG also tracks and posts the results The companies whose shareholders are profiting the most are big oil of required reporting from municipal water treatment and big waste. Another giant factor: The companies who own the replants on the number and levels of chemicals used in ag- cycling centers also own the landfills. And guess what? Over the past riculture that end up in our drinking water because there few years, the waste companies have been closing recycling facilities are no laws to require their removal. I was mortified that because they are making record profits due to the high tipping fees nitrates and atrazine (which cause fish to have both female they are charging. A direct conflict of interest, wouldn't you say? and male reproductive organs) are routine contaminants. The documentary The Devil We Know and the recent There are solutions, and Mitch Hedlund and her important orgamovie Dark Waters tell the true story of the courageous nization, Recycle Across America, have been working to standardize attorney, Rob Bilott, who took on the DuPont company labels on recycling bins so people understand what can be recycled in in a lawsuit. He exposed a decades-long history of PFAS, a municipality, arena, school, airport, or business. Try to imagine a known as the "forever" chemical, which is now in every world without standardized stop signs. American's body and is linked to eight forms of cancer. Recycling has made huge progress throughout the United States and many parts of the world, but some experts say recycling is broken. What will it take to get back on track? And what can our readers do to ensure they're doing their part? According to The National Geographic Society, only 9% of plastics get recycled. This grim statistic tells us there is a plastic pollution crisis going on, affecting our health and and well-being and that of our vulnerable children. Not to mention wildlife. Our waterways and oceans are being choked to death. Microplastics are working their way up the food chain and into our bodies. It's quite alarming to know we consume, on average, a credit card worth of

"Our experiences in nature helped

us grow spiritually, emotionally, physically, and mentally. There are more than 1,000 peer-reviewed studies that show the benefits of health and wellness with children (and adults) who spend time in nature. And it makes sense that people want to protect what they know, appreciate and love.

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So, what can we do? We can start by practicing the four R's: reduce, reuse, recycle and refuse. The only way to alter the course we are on is to invest in real, sustainable solutions that address the root cause of plastic pollution. We can integrate plastic-free living as much as possible and make it a lifestyle and health choice. We can refuse one-use plastic items like plastic straws, bags, water bottles, plastic utensils, and products wrapped in a lot of plastic packaging. Buy food when possible that is not wrapped in plastic — and also buy in bulk. We need to contact our legislators and tell them to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act, which was introduced by Sen. Tom Udall (N.M.) and Rep. Alan Lowenthal (C.A.). Some of the bill's proposed key solutions include: preventing plastic waste from being shipped to developing countries that do not have the infrastructure to manage and process it, phase out single-use products and require product producers to take responsibility for collecting and recycling materials. We have to make sure the companies who profit from using plastics are the same companies who share in the cost of recapturing these plastics. When people think of animals, most think of their pets. Not many people think of all the wonderful species we share the planet with that risk endangerment or extinction. Please tell our readers about the Turner Endangered Species Fund? And how can they get involved? As a Patron of Nature for the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), I am determined to help shed light on one of the greatest threats to the planet: species decline and extinction. Journalist Elizabeth Kolbert won a Pulitzer Prize for her important book The Sixth Extinction, in which she argues the case that, globally, we are experiencing a man-made extinction. According to a 2015 report published in Science Advancement, the rate of extinction could be as much as 100 times faster than the normal rate of extinction. Currently, there are more than 128,500 species on the IUCN Red List, with more than 35,500 species threatened with extinction, including 40% of amphibians, 34% of conifers, 33% of reef-building corals, 26% of mammals, and 14% of birds. The causes of decline are varied. The rapid destruction of natural habitat is arguably the biggest cause for the loss of species. While protecting habitat through the conservation of public lands for plants and animals is crucial, it only makes up 30% of what needs to be protected. And it's not enough to stem the tide of extinctions. Private landholders’ control 60% of what needs to be preserved, and they have to be brought to the table and convinced that conservation and commerce are not mutually exclusive. Once again, Dad has led by example in this sphere. He and his dedicated team of managers, biologists, and employees have demonstrated over the last few decades how a private landowner can manage land for conservation and commerce and that the two are not mutually exclusive. My dad's conservation ethic was born when, as a young boy, he learned the plight of the American buffalo. An estimated 50 million once roamed and maintained the plains from coast to coast. To control the indigenous people and make more room for westward expansion, the American government instigated the outright slaughter of millions of bison. With the native people's food and clothing source cut off, they were forced from 15 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

their ancestral lands and hunting grounds onto smaller and smaller reservations to make room for settlers from the east. The bison population was reduced to just a few hundred. My dad always kept the native people and bison in his heart, and in the '70s, he acquired his first three bison. Today, he has grown the bison herd to upwards of 50,000 strong, over 15 ranches totaling nearly 2 million acres, and along with it an abundance of wildlife, including elk, deer, bears, mountain lions, and wolves, for which Dad's lands are a vital refuge. As part of his land ethic and philanthropic focus, Dad created the Turner Endangered Species Fund (TESF) in 1997. TESF partners with federal and state agencies to help many different species on the U.S. endangered species list, including the Mexican gray wolf and the northern Rocky Mountain wolf, native species of cutthroat trout, black-footed ferret, black-tailed prairie dog, desert bighorn sheep, and the Bolson tortoise. Due to successful introduction at the Ladder Ranch in New Mexico, Bolson tortoises were born in the wild — for the first time since the Pleistocene era, which took place 10,000 years ago! Your father's television series Captain Planet and the Planeteers was created over 30 years ago, at a time when young people were not yet on board with saving the planet. Now we have Millennials and Gen Z activists like Greta Thunberg, who have opened a lot of eyes - both young and old. How do you feel about making the study/subject of the environment and our planet's health mandatory along with Math and English? In the 1990s, Dr. Gerald Lieberman started working hard to prove that environment is important as an integrative context for learning for youth. In other words, you could make the environment cross-cutting and teach it in all disciplines. Having youth experience and learn about the real world — for example, in a living, outdoor laboratory — is known as project-based learning. It's the way teachers love to teach, and students love to learn. Improved test scores prove it. Environmental education should be a core subject. California was the first state to mandate environmental education, and it should be mandated across the country. My father understood it would take too long to get the educational system to change and teach the youth. So, what did he do? He went a non-traditional route. He gave life to Captain Planet, the first eco superhero, who worked with a diverse set of young people from five continents; by combining their individual powers, they would amplify and create superpowers that could defeat dastardly eco-villains who valued ill-gotten gains over people, the environment and animals. The award-winning Captain Planet and the Planeteers cartoon series got the message directly to kids. My dad wanted to create a generation of environmental stewards, not just in the U.S. but around the world. Mil16 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

lions of kids viewed the series in more than 100 countries and 23 languages.

Captain Planet Foundation's Project Learning Garden gives kids in elementary and middle schools a chance for hands-on learning education about gardening and eating healthy foods.

Everywhere I travel, young business, political, and community leaders tell me they are "Planeteers" and how much they were influenced by the T.V. series. Even the recently elected U.S. Senator from Georgia, Jon Ossoff, told me he watched Captain Planet and that it inspired him to want to fight corruption as a career and as a public servant. Many such personal stories prove that what youth watch matters so much — and can translate into real actions. From the success of the T.V. series, the Captain Planet Foundation (CPF) was born. For 30 years, CPF has provided cash grants, support, and tools to schools, educators, and youth to promote students' hands-on environmental education. This includes learning gardens in schools. Project Hero engages K-12 students in "quests" to research challenged, threatened, or local endangered species and to design and implement a plan to help those species live and thrive. CPF's Ocean Heroes Bootcamp program helps support, connect, train and empower youth to become successful campaigners for environmental, social, and community impact issues. Over the course of three decades, we have directly funded 1.7 million youth and impacted more than 10.5 million youth.

The award-winning Captain Planet and the Planeteers cartoon series got the message directly to kids. My dad wanted to create a generation of environmental stewards, not just in the U.S. but around the world.

The fashion industry, for all its glamour and necessity, has become one of the worst sectors for carbon emissions and for filling up landfill sites. Yet, most people don't have any idea about this. How can we change the mindset of the consumer and the manufacturer? We must move from fast fashion to sustainable fashion. When I was working in the apparel industry, we had four main collections a year: winter, spring, summer, and fall. Today, with "fast fashion," clothing production has increased to produce cheaper clothes 52 weeks a year. The apparel industry is now the second-most polluting industry after the oil industry. Essentially, the fashion industry and fossil fuel industry are joined at the hip. More than half of the fibers today are synthetic, meaning they are oil-based, like polyester, nylon, and elastin. The oil is also the base of a lot of the color dyes. Buying fast fashion also comes at a huge cost for labor conditions, especially concerning are the high numbers of child slave laborers who live and work in deplorable conditions. It is imperative that the industry becomes more transparent. We must know who makes our clothes. One of the most telling documentaries, The True Cost, outlines the true cost of fast fashion. We can all consume less, and we need to. And we can support companies and fashion houses that track their supply chain and do right by people and the environment — and who don't damage lives and our air, water, soil, and climate. I love Patagonia because they make it part of their business model to make high-quality clothing and products with sustainable manufacturing practices and sourcing that lasts. In their advertising, they show a picture of a cool jacket, and the headline is, "don't buy this jacket." When their garments become damaged or defective, they even repair them. And they offer and market secondhand clothes. I wish more companies would commit to focusing on quality over quantity and putting an end to planned obsolescence in fashion and beyond. That practice leads to the landfilling or incinerating of 70 pounds of fashion per person every year. In the generation of my grandparents, it was a sin to be wasteful. Their clothes were cared for, loved, repaired, and altered. They were not discarded and sent off to a landfill.

Social media platforms are designed to collect an individual's data and sell that information to companies, which then provide viewers with more of what interests them. It keeps the consumer coming back for more. It is best described as an information and news silo. This often-sensationalized and sometimes-false information is pushed out in order to manipulate outcomes. The designers of the platforms admit that things are totally out of control and are driven by artificial intelligence (A.I.) algorithms. The results are corrupting national elections, driving a greater divide among citizens, perpetuating a rejection of science both in health and climate, and increasing depression and suicide rates in teens, especially girls. The experts featured in the documentary say they restrict their kids from using social media and even recommend all people getting off social media, which in the time of COVID-19 isolation is a lot to ask of people.

A great organization, the Apparel Impact Institute, is working to create a third-party verified and measurable certification for manufacturers and vendors in the apparel supply chain for water, energy, and chemicals. Being able to know what we are buying and how it affects the environment and people are important tools in providing transparency. They can help us and younger generations make informed decisions about what we consume and from what What is your idea of the ideal relax and pamper? Nature is a perfect elixir for both healing and relaxation. companies. It makes me realize how grateful I am for the bounty and life-giving aspects of nature: the clean air, the beautiful bodWhat is the one feature film or documentary about the ies of water, the diverse flora and fauna. Over a thousand environment and saving the planet that should be mandatory peer-reviewed studies make the connection between exposure in the school curriculum? One of the most important documentaries I think parents should to nature and the resulting physical, emotional and mental watch with their children is The Social Dilemma. It should also be uplift. Two of my favorite nature experiences are looking up discussed in schools. It speaks to the taproot of the divide in our and seeing the stars and planets on a clear, dark night, and observing wolves in the wild, and listening to them howl. country across philosophical, political, and social realms.

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As soon as we can all return back to our pre-pandemic life, where is the first place outside of the United States you'd like to visit? I really want to plan a trip to Africa. Due to the pandemic, ecotourism came to a grinding halt. Those tourism dollars also fund species and habitat conservation and support many jobs. Some countries in Africa get 40% of their GDP from the travel and tourism industry. Many people in the industry have lost their jobs, resulting in devastating outcomes for families and the economy as a whole. Sadly, there's been a remarkable increase in illegal poaching, fishing, and deforestation and an increase in the consumption of wild animals, called bushmeat. We have to bring support for regenerative travel, where people and nature can thrive and coexist. I would like to see more examples of what the best companies are doing to integrate the principles of sustainable tourism, focusing on the environment, people, local communities, and culture. We are in the travel and tourism business with our company Ted Turner Reserves, and we can always learn from others about how to do what we do better. Is there a place, city, or country where you would like to spend more time and why? Big Sur, California. It's located in a biodiversity hotspot with so many animal and plant species. My favorites are the ancient redwoods and the California condors, which made a comeback due to a successful captive breeding and release program. And the sea otters are so fun to watch. They are happy, fun-loving creatures. What project are you currently working on? And would you like to share some of the details with our readers? The more I've learned about regeneration, the more passionate I've become about the topic. I've learned that some of the principles like regenerative farming and managed adaptive grazing have many, many wins. We need to completely rethink the outdated farming and ranching methods that have degraded the soil, made people sick, and polluted the environment. Switching to regenerative agriculture is one of the most important things that can be done to increase profits for the farmers and rranchers. It helps build topsoil, increase wildlife, increase drought tolerance and resistance, and sequester carbon from the atmosphere to help rebuild life in the soil. We are proving it can be done on Turner ranches. We are dedicated to transitioning to practices that will regenerate the soil — in hopes that our ranches will become sustainable best-practice models to help build upon my father's conservation legacy. Once again, we can show that profits and conservation are not mutually exclusive. April 22 is earth day – how are you going to celebrate this special day? Gratefully, Earth Day has evolved into a month-long celebration known as Earth Month. And each and every day, we have an opportunity to honor our Mother Earth. Truth 18 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

be told, we have ten years to solve the biggest issue of all: climate change. So, with every day, let us take concerted action to make a difference and give back to Mother Earth, to protect and restore. Our children will hold us responsible if we fail to act while we have the time and opportunity. On the actual Earth Day this year, my family is participating in a Riverkeeper cleanup on the Chattahoochee River, which supplies 70% of the city of Atlanta's drinking water — and a ton of recreation because the river runs straight through it. There are 150 Waterkeeper groups across the country, with several in California, including L.A., so you too can likely participate in a local cleanup or stream bank restoration. I also plan to attend the Environmental Working Group (EWG) 's virtual Earth Day dinner and board meeting and Earth Day Network's virtual event. (Earth Day Network is the organization that created the first-ever Earth Day event in 1970.) I encourage everyone to take some type of action every day. You can plant gardens and trees. You can turn your homes, schools, offices, houses of worship into zero-waste zones. Shop with intention, support transparent companies, and participate with organizations or companies to help with cleanup or other outdoor projects. This year, think about something your family can do in your community, like planting a pollinator or edible garden. Picking up trash always helps to cut down on waste polluting our waterways, and a family outing in nature provides therapeutic benefits. Also, consider making a donation to a community food bank or environmental organization.

Is there anything you want to add? A Native American proverb drives my passion for the environment: "We do not inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children." We must all work together to create a healthy and sustainable future for our children. One of the most powerful ways we can protect our children is to vote and elect leaders who prioritize the environment. The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is my go-to source for voting green. We have seen firsthand what happens when we don't elect people who believe in and prioritize science. The last administration rolled back more than 100 environmental rules. In addition to the rollbacks affecting the health of our planet, there has been a rollback on the health of our democracy. There are urgent and present threats as legislation is being proposed, considered, and passed to make it harder to vote instead of easier. My hero, friend, mentor, and congressman, the late civil and human rights activist and icon John Lewis, spoke to the vote as the most powerful and sacred tool in a democracy, along with citizen action. He said it takes "good trouble, necessary trouble" to stand up to wrongs and threats against democracy. Passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act would be an important step to restore and strengthen the protections of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and help protect voters from racial discrimination and voter suppression. In order to secure the health of our planet and our future, we must have voting rights secured and solidified. Let's build bridges instead of moats. Let's keep our voices loud, our feeds filled with facts, and cause some good trouble! Special Thanks to; Laura Turner Seydel Photography: Ben Rollins Make-up: Becca Bussert

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Take Action. Get Involved Captain Planet Foundation – Empowering the Next Generation of Changemakers. Apply for grants for your school for Learning Gardens. Participate on our Ocean Heroes Bootcamp program. Sign up for Project Hero Quests to save endangered species and pollinators in your community. Children & Nature Network – Leading a global movement to increase equitable access to nature so that children– and natural places– can thrive. Become a member – learn about upcoming summits. League of Conservation Voters (LCV) – an American environmental advocacy group which advocates for sound environmental laws and policies, holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and elects pro-environment candidates. Environmental Working Group (EWG) – EWG’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. With breakthrough research and education, we drive consumer choice and civic action. Check out their reports: 1. Skin Deep Guide to Cosmetics – rates 70,000 personal care products 2. Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce – see which produce has the least pesticides 3. Guide to Healthy Cleaning –

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ranks 2,000 household cleaning products 4. 2020 Guide to Sunscreens – sunscreen safety ratings that help you make the right purchase Project Drawdown – The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming. The peer-reviewed data and projected effectiveness of 100 solutions are already in existence, and the positive impact can be seen from various levels, ranging from local to global. Top 10 solutions include #3 Reduce Food Waste, #4 Plant-Rich Diet, #6 Educating Girls, #7 Family Planning, #8 Solar Farms and #10 Rooftop Solar. See all 100 solutions ranked. Waterkeeper Alliance – Join the fight for clean water. Preserve and protect water by connecting and mobilizing with more than 300 local Waterkeeper groups. Let’s keep our water drinkable, fishable and swimmable everywhere. Find your local group and get involved. LauraSeydel.com – I hope you will find this site useful and inspiring. We have to do everything in our power to protect our life support system - our air, water, land, food, biodiversity and climate to create a healthy and sustainable planet for future generations.

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ACADEMY MUSEUM OF MOTION PICTURES

VIRTUAL PROGRAMS WILL BEGIN ROLLING OUT IN APRIL, WELCOMING AUDIENCES BEFORE THE ACADEMY MUSEUM OPENS ITS DOORS ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2021

On March 10th, we had the pleasure of being invited to take a virtual tour of the new Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles. Bill Kramer, Director and President of the Academy Museum guided us throughout this jaw-dropping architectural marvel that sits at the corner of Wilshire Blvd. and Fairfax Ave. Virtually, we went from room to room, exhibition to exhibition, through the state-of-the-art theaters and even the dome terrace. The museum was a long time coming! It will be a must-see, must-visit museum for all Angelenos and for all who come to visit the city of Angels where movie making is king! The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles today announced a slate of programs it will offer to the public beginning September 30, 2021, when it will celebrate its grand opening. The museum’s inaugural programs are made possible by the kind support of donors, including Richard Roth Cinema-Arts Fund, Participant, Pritzker Foundation, Eric and Melina Esrailian, Dr. Kathy Fields and Dr. Garry Rayant in honor of Sid and Nancy Ganis, Julia and Ken Gouw, Robert and Miryam Knutson, and Dr. Peter Lam Kin Ngok of Media Asia Group Holdings Limited. Generous support is also provided by Istituto Luce Cinecittá. Around the time of the 93rd Academy Awards®, to be presented on April 25, 2021, the Academy Museum will launch a series of virtual conversations, screenings, and education programs on the Academy Museum website . Conceived as digital prologues to the Academy Museum’s core exhibition, Stories of Cinema, these programs will share the varied voices of extraordinary film artists, tell the stories of their inspirations and collaborations, and explore the art, technology, history, and social impact of the movies. Pre-opening programming will kick off on April 22, 2021 with Breaking the Oscars® Ceiling, a conversation hosted by Academy Museum trustee Diane von Furstenberg and moderated by the Academy Museum’s Jacqueline Stewart, who will be speaking with women who achieved historic Oscars milestones. Guests include actor Sophia Loren, actor and comedian Whoopi Goldberg, actor Marlee Matlin, and singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte-Marie.

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Also launching on April 22, the museum’s website will be activated with thoughtful historic content on the Oscars and Hollywood: the Academy Awards History Timeline, an interactive timeline that previews and expands on the Academy Museum’s gallery of Academy Awards History and Hollywood Past and Present, a virtual tour of Oscars-related locations with vintage and contemporary photographs of key locations. When the museum opens in September, visitors will be able to join interactive 45-minute guided tours throughout the week, offering insights on the core collection, exhibitions, art installations, and the Academy Museum's architectural design. Family tours and accommodative tours (including offerings for the low vision, blind, hard of hearing, and deaf communities) will be scheduled on a regular basis. On weekends, multiple 15-minute Gallery Highlights will encourage a deeper understanding of focal points in the museum’s content while engaging visitors in conversation. Guided tours and Gallery Highlights will be free with museum admission, and free audio tours will also be available in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Jacqueline Stewart, Chief Artistic and Programming Officer of the Academy Museum, said, “We have been hard at work preparing the Academy Museum and are ready to welcome visitors first virtually and then in person in September. The programs we are rolling out for our opening are dynamic, diverse, and deeply grounded in the history and artistry of filmmaking. Whether they are recognizing Hollywood legends, delving into the working process of film professionals, or addressing issues of race, gender, sexuality and inequity that run through film history, these programs will use the power of movies and stories of filmmakers to open eyes and minds.” Bill Kramer, Director and President of the Academy Museum, said, “Developed in partnership with incredible Academy members, our slate of virtual programs is designed to complement our compelling and engaging core and temporary exhibitions. When we open, our programs will also come to life in our theaters and in our public spaces to deepen the visitor experience. Our screenings, panels, symposia, and educational programs are key components of how our visitors will interact with the museum and learn about filmmaking.” 23 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

A Journalist’s Profound Investigation into the Reality Behind an Intense Waking Vision and the Search for Healing after Death

Obsessed by the power of this extremely real vision, Allix began an intensive investigation that revealed this individual had actually existed: a German soldier who died in World War II during the 1941 Russian campaign. As he began retracing Herrmann’s past, he found that the other images accompanying the battle scene were also of people who had truly existed and were close to the man who died. Diving deep into German military archives, meeting the man’s surviving family members, and following his own intuitive hunches, the author also discovered that the soldier was part of the Waffen S.S., the infamous Totenkopf Brigade, and his investigation broadened to explore what drove Herrmann to become part of such an organization. While Allix’s initial impression is that this German soldier was a past life, as he progresses in his rigorous investigation and his decoding of the events surrounding it, he realizes that it was actually his own work with the paranormal and his unresolved feelings over the death of his brother and his father that made him particularly sensitive to the veil between life and death, culminating in the soul of this dead soldier coming to him in search of forgiveness and healing. Allix realizes that his mission is not to bring about the rebirth of this person but to heal him—and the victims of his ignominious actions during the war. Offering a fascinating exploration of visions, synchronicities, reincarnation, and the connections between the spiritual and physical planes, When I Was Someone Else shares a powerful message of healing after death along with the profound epiphany that light needs darkness to be perceived.

Photo by Warren Wong

While on a spiritual retreat in Peru, journalist Stéphane Allix experienced a vivid waking vision of a soldier dying on a snowy battlefield, followed by scenes from the soldier’s earlier life. He also clearly saw the man’s name, Alexander Herrmann, and felt a disturbing sense of closeness with the soldier.

he Encounter

’m on retreat in Peru, and I have the intuition that I need to be still, stop moving, and listen to my deepest feelings. I stretch out on my little wooden bed and let myself fall into a reverie. I’m lying down with my eyes closed, and my mind begins to wander. In the beginning, I don’t quite know what to do, and then I imagine that I’m an eagle flying. Suddenly I think of my brother Thomas as well as my father, and I find myself on a familiar path facing them. Thomas is standing, and with a hand gesture, he designates the space in front of us. I don’t understand. Is there a message? What is he showing me? Gradually, I’m flying again. I visualize in my thoughts the valley where I am as if my point of view were that of a bird, one of the eagles that are certainly at this very moment above me. I can make out my little hut from high up, and then I glide toward the river as if my spirit were flying over it at a good height. At this moment, I am quite aware that I am the one imagining this vision. And then something unexpected happens. An image surprises me and imposes itself very precisely. I’m still flying above the river, but suddenly I’m observing men moving forward - people walking in the river. From this height, they are little black dots. Are they Indians who used to live in this forest? Conquistadors? As I descend toward the ground, the vegetation disappears, the river disappears, giving way to a landscape that is uniformly white, as if

By Stéphane Allix

covered in snow. I’m at their level now, on the ground. It’s very surprising: I see an assault tank and men advancing, protected behind it. They are soldiers. They’re German. It’s war. They’re advancing, sheltering behind the tank. What is totally strange is that I am one of them—an SS officer. I see a face yelling at me. I’m in a demolished village, and I’m going to die, wounded in the throat from the burst of a shell that has severed my jugular. I die. I am enthralled and stunned by the intensity of what is taking place. I am lying down with my eyes closed but completely awake and conscious, on a pallet in Peru, and in the same moment, my mind has been catapulted into another time, another place. Suddenly I know this man’s name. His first name, Alexander, has just come to me out of nowhere and imprints itself on me. I can’t make out his face very well, just that he has light brown hair, almost blond that is cut very short on the sides and at the nape of the neck, but longer on top. I see him walking in this scene of desolation strewn with cadavers. Everything is white, as if covered by plaster dust or snow. The silhouettes are black. Faces are screaming. My throat is dry. He’s wearing a long dark coat. He is tall, thin but well built, his muscles finely chiseled—the scene of his death repeats. 25 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

This is too incredible, too powerful. It cannot be possible. I ask for an element that I could verify afterward, and I see it appear what seems to be an identity card written in Gothic script. I can make out “Herman,” where the family name is written. He’s called Herman, Alexander Herman. In the same way that I knew that his first name was Alexander, I know what his officer rank is. “Obersturmführer” sprang into my mind. And me who doesn’t speak one word of German. I am assailed by several other visions -like scenes of life that come crashing in behind my closed eyes. In some scenes of his civilian life, I see a playful little girl - blond, smiling, joyful. She must be between two and three years old. He is with her. Is she his daughter? And then once again death, screaming faces and suddenly he is near a lake in the countryside, and it is summer. He has his shirt off, and another man is lying on his stomach beside him - a man a little older whose face I can make out quite clearly. There is a strong connection between them. Once again, a ruined town or village and the feeling that it’s named Bagneux or Bayeux actually neither of those two names but a name like that. And then the little girl is there again in the countryside scene in the company of Alexander and this other man. After that, I see Alexander in Paris, on the upper part of Gay-Lussac Street in the 5th arrondissement. He turns around and looks at me with a certain mischievousness in his eyes as if he’s amused by my astonishment. I can see his face then quite distinctly. Then I see him once again collapsing, blood spurting from his throat, pouring over his collar and out onto the ground. He holds his neck. His life is slipping away. His look flickers out. The white dust covers him. The earth is pulverized by explosions that throw out snow and fire, fury and cold. He is dead. He is me. His body is my body. When the vision ends, a half-hour has gone by, and I am blown away. The experience is totally unexpected, incomprehensible, and stunningly powerful. Did I imagine all that? But why? Who is this man? What just happened? Later in the day, and the next day, the images of this German man do not fade. He appeared out of the depths of darkness, he penetrated into my reality, and he’s still there as if he were living in me. Once again, I see the sinister landscape, the death, the violence, his look...but not for one second do I imagine the explosion that was coming after my return to France when I discover that this man really existed. An excerpt from When I Was Someone Else

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Stéphane Allix is a journalist, former war correspondent, and founder of the Institute for Research on Extraordinary Experiences (INREES). He is the author of The Test: Incredible Proof of the Afterlife and the writer and director of the French television series Extraordinary Investigations (Enquêtes extraordinaire). He lives in France. When I Was Someone Else by Stéphane Allix © 2021 Park Street Press. Printed with permission from the publisher Inner Traditions International. www.InnerTraditions.com

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YOUR NEXT FOOD OR COSMETIC PURCHASE MAY HELP THESE

WILDLIFE RESCUE CONSERVATIONISTS

SAVE AN ELEPHANT This dedicated team of Malaysian Rangers and Veterinarians is part of a Global Movement to preserve millions of Rainforest Species

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As Malaysians were in total lockdown from the COVID-19 pandemic, a sweet-natured baby elephant named Sahabat was found wandering near an oil palm plantation. In Malaysia’s Sabah state, the Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) answered an emergency call and swooped in to rescue her. Veterinarians discovered that the Sahabat was nearly blind from severe eye infections in both eyes. This is likely why she was separated from her family. Field medical treatment was given to the infected eyes, and preparations were made to transport her to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park for proper medical treatment. A special holding crate was made overnight by workers to make quick transport possible. Thousands anxiously followed Sahabat’s story on Facebook and Instagram as the WRU team of rangers and veterinarians worked for nearly eight months to successfully restore his eyesight. She will soon be released into his natural habitat.

Why the world cares about Malaysian rainforests “Wildlife conservation is a global issue, just like climate change,” explains WRU Manager and Chief Veterinarian Nathan Sen, DVM. “Malaysia is a biodiversity hotspot. We have species in Malaysia that live nowhere else in the world, such as the Proboscis monkey and the Bornean pygmy elephant. There’s a whole and often different ecosystem here. If it is messed up, there will be consequences for the entire world and our next generations.” And the world is paying attention. While the WRU is primarily funded by the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC). Others, such as the British conservation group, the Orangutan Appeal UK, regularly offer the team financial support for its conservation efforts. In addition, support also comes from the US-based Oregon Zoo and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The WRU is also charged with education and enforcement Malaysia has some of the world’s toughest wildlife conservation laws but currently only one dedicated wildlife rescue organization. The WRU was formed in 2010 with just Sen and three rangers. “We had no uniforms and just one old pickup truck,” Sen recalls. Now the 40-strong team, including four veterinarians, is celebrating 10 years of rescuing and rehabilitating animals, often relocating them to safer habitats. Routinely, the WRU team answers call about macaques and crocodiles, and there are frequent calls to help elephants, turtles, and other species, including the endangered Sunda Pangolin, a protected species that looks like an anteater with scales.

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The WRU also plays an essential role in public awareness and education about the importance of preserving Malaysia's wildlife. "Most of our rangers are from indigenous native communities where, a generation ago, they were hunting wildlife as part of their hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Now, these are the very individuals who have come together at WRU and are saving wildlife," Sen comments. "We know our awareness efforts are working because we are answering more calls from homeowners and villagers than ever before." Such a call recently resulted in the WRU rescuing an emaciated and severely dehydrated adult female orangutan. She was too weak to move and drift in and out of consciousness, she was rushed to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for intensive veterinary treatment. It was determined she had a very serious bacterial infection. Her prognosis was poor. But the team of dedicated rangers refused to give up. Two weeks later, she was eating on her own. The WRU now looks forward to releasing her back into the wild. The WRU's role continues expanding. The Bornean orangutan and pygmy elephant are two of Malaysia's most iconic wildlife species. Starting in 2020, the MPOC further funds the Sabah Wildlife Department and WRU to manage new conservation programs and undertake a full-blown wildlife population survey to evaluate current efforts' effectiveness and build on past successes. The Sabah Wildlife Department is also launching a new endangered species conservation unit, which Sen will lead.

Plantations are already committed to conserving wildlife, and it is heartening to note that some of these plantations have begun to open special corridors and create riparian reserves to enable elephants and other wildlife to travel freely across their properties. 30 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Malaysia is where agriculture and wildlife successfully coexist Malaysia currently accounts for 28% of the world's palm oil production, which is used in everything from food to cosmetics. Thanks to the country's stringent laws protecting more than 50% of its forested areas, as well as its nationally mandated sustainable palm oil certification program, Malaysia is managing the delicate balance between caring for its wildlife and its economy. "We're not talking about a lot of big corporations," Sen stresses. "It's important to note that small family farmers produce about 30% of palm oil. These are the people we're working with to achieve human/wildlife coexistence." Plantations are already committed to conserving wildlife, and it is heartening to note that some of these plantations have begun to open special corridors and create riparian reserves to enable elephants and other wildlife to travel freely across their properties. Sen adds, "It's also revealing that a Western non-governmental organization, the Orangutan Appeal UK, is one of our strongest supporters. They understand the importance of sustainable palm oil to ensure our ability to maintain species diversity in our rainforests." You can help the WRU's efforts by supporting the use of certified sustainable palm oil

Sen is concerned that some people don't understand how the oil they use impacts the environment or the extent of the Malaysian palm oil industry's commitment to conservation. "Around the world, palm oil competes with many other vegetable oils, including soy, corn, sunflower seed, and canola oils. Most people don't realize that it requires just 1/10th the amount of land to produce palm oil as it does for other oil crops. That means significantly less deforestation. Also, the oil palms bear fruits for 25 years or more, instead of needing to be reseeded or replanted every year; thus, their lush plantations provide permanent homes for some wildlife species," Sen points out. "When possible, make the right choice through sustainable palm oil to support the animals." One of the easiest ways to help his team preserve the animals living in Malaysia's rainforests and coexisting on oil palm plantations is to choose products made with certified sustainable palm oil. "Malaysia's palm oil industry is a huge financial supporter of wildlife conservation," he stresses. "Spend time online to research companies that have pledged to use only responsibly produced palm oil. Follow Malaysia's Wildlife Rescue Unit on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram; and learn more about sustainable palm oil at www.PalmOilHealth.org.

EARTH’S VOLATILE BALANCING ACT

How do greenhouse gases and water circulate from minerals deep below Earth’s surface into the atmosphere and oceans—and then back again? Our understanding continues to evolve.

By James D. Muirhead, Samer Naif, Tobias P. Fischer, & D. J. Shillington Earth’s hot, pressurized interior is composed primarily of rock that, despite being solid, contains vast stores of fluids rich in carbon and dissolved gases. Unlike the free-flowing waterways of Earth’s surface or the groundwater just beneath, however, these subsurface fluids have long been trapped within minerals deep inside the planet, some since its formation 4.5 billion years ago. Indeed, there is likely more water stored in Earth’s interior than is on its surface, constituting a global ocean in the rock below our feet [Hirschmann, 2006]. We refer to these deep fluids as volatiles—the most common of which include water, carbon dioxide (CO2), and sulfur dioxide (SO2)—because they readily turn to gas in Earth’s near-surface region. However, down below, they often remain chemically bound to minerals or in a liquid state due to the massive pressures they experience. Deep volatiles play critical roles in driving volcanic and plate tectonic processes on our planet. For example, 32 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

the presence of water in rock reduces the temperatures required to melt rock, which promotes the formation of magmas that feed volcanic eruptions. Deep volatiles can also weaken and damage rocks, allowing Earth to deform more readily by flowing or fracturing, and they influence the occurrence of earthquakes. Volatiles escape Earth’s interior when they are dissolved in magmas that ascend toward the surface in volcanic regions. As magmas cool and solidify, either as erupted lavas or as igneous rocks emplaced in the crust, they release their dissolved gases, which can then be expelled through fumaroles near volcano summits or through seafloor vents (often called black smokers for the dark billowing plumes of precipitating minerals that pour from them). If, as magma rises to the near surface, the dissolved volatiles transform into gas bubbles that rapidly expand, they can catastrophically fragment magma to drive explosive volcanic eruptions.

Gases expelled in volcanic regions—water vapor, CO2, SO2, methane, and others—can become incorporated into surface water and into minerals within crustal rocks. They can also, however, collect and reside in our atmosphere for up to thousands of years (although human activities today release much greater amounts of these gases into the atmosphere). The concentrations of these gases in our atmosphere play critical roles in controlling global temperatures.

Understanding how volatiles cycle through our planet is critical for improving our knowledge of Earth’s tectonic and volcanic processes and of the evolution of its climate. Understanding how volatiles cycle through our planet’s atmosphere, oceans, and rocky interior is thus critical for improving our knowledge of Earth’s tectonic and volcanic processes, as well as of the evolution of its climate both today and through geologic time. Scientific advances in the 20th century provided a foundation for investigations into deep volatile transport during the National Science Foundation–funded MARGINS program (2000–2010) and its successor GeoPRISMS (Geodynamic Processes at Rifting and Subducting Margins) program (2010–2021). Studies occurring within or alongside these programs have since revolutionized our understanding of where volatiles are located, how they are transported from the ocean and the atmosphere into the lithosphere (comprising the crust and the uppermost mantle), and how they are incorporated into magmas on their journey back to Earth’s surface.

and nitrogen released at these volcanoes originated from the subducting plates [Marty and Jambon, 1987]. Later studies showed the same for magmatic water at volcanic arcs [Giggenbach, 1992]. It is now known that the volatiles released at arc volcanoes were originally incorporated into the lithosphere largely through processes occurring within the seafloor millions of years earlier. The global mid-ocean ridge system, a 65,000-kilometer-long divergent plate boundary that accounts for most of Earth’s volcanism, is key in volatile assimilation. These ridges are localities of intense hydrothermal circulation of seawater through the crust, where fluids migrate through developing faults and fractures and fluid convection is driven by heating from submarine volcanism and magmatism. The resulting interactions between seawater and rocks at mid-ocean ridges lead to mineral alteration and the formation of hydrous minerals that ultimately store components of seawater within oceanic lithosphere [ Alt, 1995]. Sediments deposited and rock formed atop seafloor crust as a result of sedimentary processes in ocean basins also store such elements as hydrogen, sulfur, and carbon [ Jarrard, 2003]. And immediately prior to subduction, a final and critical hydration stage results from the bending and faulting of the lithosphere at subduction margins, which enables deeper and more pervasive hydration [Ranero et al., 2003]. Following subduction, some of these volatiles are later released back into the atmosphere as water, CO2, SO2, and other gases because of magmatic and volcanic processes.

Origins of Volcanic Arc Volatiles The origins of magmatic volatiles remained a controversial topic until relatively recently. Early studies in the 1960s suggested that water dissolved in magma was primarily meteoric, originating as rainfall that circulated within the crust before being incorporated into magma. Beginning in the late 1980s, scientists recognized another, potentially deeper source for volatiles at subduction zones. At these convergent tectonic plate boundaries, where one lithospheric plate sinks beneath another, volatile-laden material is recycled from the shallow and surficial Earth into its deep interior. Most of Earth’s subaerial volcanoes (i.e., those that are exposed to the atmosphere) are found along volcanic arc systems above subduction zones. By examining the abundances of carbon, nitrogen, and noble gases like argon and helium, researchers demonstrated that most of the CO2

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Tracking Volatiles Through Subduction Zones The potential role that faults play in allowing seawater to infiltrate and hydrate oceanic mantle was of wide interest to the MARGINS research community, and investigations of the topic continued during the GeoPRISMS program. Recent work has since confirmed that faults do indeed penetrate the lithosphere, drive fluids into the crust, and likely hydrate the crust and the uppermost mantle [e.g., Grevemeyer et al., 2018]. This work has provided more accurate constraints on the volumetric inputs and outputs of volatiles at subduction zones. These studies also revealed that although some volatiles delivered into the deep Earth at subduction zones are released back into the atmosphere and the ocean at arc volcanoes, large volumes also remain trapped in the subsurface. Studies now point to higher volatile storage resulting from subduction than previously thought, with these volatiles incorporated into minerals in the crust and the mantle. Bending-related hydration prior to subduction could contribute the largest amount of water entering subduction zones. Some theoretical and observational studies suggest that volatiles may penetrate tens of kilometers into the oceanic mantle because of this bending [Cai et al., 2018], with the oceanic mantle storing 4 times more water than subducting oceanic crust. However, contrasting studies suggest that volatile penetration is limited to the top few kilometers of oceanic mantle [Korenaga, 2017], leaving the subducting mantle with 4–8 times less water than the overlying oceanic crust. As such, bending-related hydration of the oceanic crust and mantle remains poorly constrained. Refining the large uncertainties in water fluxes at subduction zones is critical for balancing the global water budget.

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Missing Sources of Deep Carbon Because CO2 is a greenhouse gas that plays a key role in controlling Earth’s climate, the scientific community is particularly interested in balancing the outputs and inputs of deep carbon in addition to studying water fluxes. The amount of CO2 in Earth’s atmosphere has remained within a narrow range (typically 150–400 parts per million) throughout the past 10 million or so years, conditions that have maintained an “icehouse climate” (as distinct from “greenhouse climate” periods in the more distant past). Stable atmospheric CO2 levels require a balance between deep carbon outputs and inputs. But compilations of carbon fluxes reveal that the amount of carbon transported into Earth’s interior by subducting plates significantly exceeds the amount released at volcanic arcs [Kelemen and Manning, 2015]. These observations suggest that the crust and the mantle at subduction zones sequester substantial quantities of carbon, and likely also other critical volatile components. The apparent deficit in carbon outputs based on current observations and calculations further suggests the likelihood of a currently unrecognized source of deep carbon. Earth’s global mid-ocean ridge system is one possible explanation. At mid-ocean ridges, carbon is extracted from mantle rock when this rock melts and is then released into the ocean during submarine volcanism. Quantifying CO2 fluxes from these settings has been the focus of numerous studies over the past few decades [Wong et al., 2019]. Recently, however, these studies have started to converge on a common value for the total carbon flux from mid-ocean ridges that is too low to make up the apparent carbon deficit, hinting that there are still other critical sources responsible for the remaining carbon.

The GeoPRISMS program targeted studies at other potential sources of deep carbon. In particular, the role of continental rifts (e.g., the East African Rift System) has been of significant interest. Not only are large magma volumes produced at these settings, but they also represent locations where Earth’s continents split apart through the formation of deep cracks and faults. Recent studies show that in addition to volcanoes, widespread faulting at continental rift systems provides pathways for deep CO2 to reach the surface. Furthermore, compared with mid-ocean ridges, continental rifts occur in comparatively ancient continental lithosphere, thereby tapping volumetrically large carbon stores accumulated over billions of years [Muirhead et al., 2020].

high-resolution geophysical studies and geodynamic models, may help track emissions from these environments and are needed to obtain a more complete picture of volatile fluxes on Earth. Quantifying these fluxes is relevant for many current and future community scientific efforts and is essential in developing a comprehensive understanding of past and current environmental change on our planet as well as of Earth’s volcanic and seismic hazards. References Alt, J. C. (1995), Subseafloor processes in mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems, in Seafloor Hydrothermal Systems: Physical, Chemical, Biological, and Geological Interactions, Geophys. Monogr. Ser., vol. 91, edited by S. E. Humphris et al., pp. 85–114, AGU, Washington, D.C. Cai, C., et al. (2018), Water input into the Mariana subduction zone estimated from ocean-bottom seismic data, Nature, 563, 389–392, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-018-0655-4.

Improving the Picture of Earth’s Volatiles Over the past few decades, much progress has been made toward constraining global water and carbon fluxes in and out of Earth’s interior. But significant gaps remain in our understanding, particularly of carbon emissions from volcanically and tectonically active regions as well as of fluxes of other important volatiles such as nitrogen, methane, and halogens.

Giggenbach, W. F. (1992), Isotopic shifts in waters from geothermal and volcanic systems along convergent plate boundaries and their origin, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 113, 495–510, https://doi. org/10.1016/0012-821X(92)90127-H.

Continental rifts arguably represent the biggest source of uncertainty in global carbon flux estimates [Plank and Manning, 2019]. Quantifying total CO2 fluxes from continental rifts is thus a critical endeavor for future deep carbon studies. Other uncertain sources of global CO2 outputs, all of which also require further study, include regions of diffuse volatile degassing via soils, volcanic lakes, and volcanic aquifers. However, our ability to measure volatile fluxes at these settings is limited because of their size and complexity. The 3,000-kilometer-long East African Rift System, for example, features thousands of faults. Each fault releases a relatively small amount of gas, but cumulatively they may represent a significant volume of carbon release.

Jarrard, R. D. (2003), Subduction fluxes of water, carbon dioxide, chlorine, and potassium, Geochem. Geophys. Geosyst., 4(5), 8905, https://doi.org/10.1029/2002GC000392.

Over the past few decades, much progress has been made toward constraining global water and carbon fluxes in and out of Earth’s interior. But significant gaps remain in our understanding, particularly of carbon emissions from volcanically and tectonically active regions as well as of fluxes of other important volatiles such as nitrogen, methane, and halogens. Technological advances using satellite- and unoccupied aerial vehicle–based remote sensing, combined with

Grevemeyer, I., C. R. Ranero, and M. Ivandic (2018), Structure of oceanic crust and serpentinization at subduction trenches, Geosphere, 14, 395–418, https://doi.org/10.1130/GES01537.1. Hirschmann, M. M. (2006), Water, melting, and the deep Earth H2O cycle, Annu. Rev. Earth Planet. Sci., 34, 629–653, https://doi. org/10.1146/annurev.earth.34.031405.125211.

Kelemen, P. B., and C. E. Manning (2015), Reevaluating carbon fluxes in subduction zones, what goes down, mostly comes up, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 112, E3997–E4006, https://doi.org/10.1073/ pnas.1507889112. Korenaga, J. (2017), On the extent of mantle hydration caused by plate bending, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 457, 1–9, https://doi. org/10.1016/j.epsl.2016.10.011. Marty, B., and A. Jambon (1987), C3He in volatile fluxes from the solid Earth: Implications for carbon geodynamics, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett., 83, 16–26, https://doi.org/10.1016/0012-821X(87)90047-1. Muirhead, J. D., et al. (2020), Displaced cratonic mantle concentrates deep carbon during continental rifting, Nature, 582, 67–72, https:// doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2328-3. Plank, T., and C. E. Manning (2019), Subducting carbon, Nature, 574, 343–352, https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1643-z. Ranero, C. R., et al. (2003), Bending-related faulting and mantle serpentinization at the Middle America Trench, Nature, 425, 367–373, https://doi.org/10.1038/nature01961. Wong, K., et al. (2019), Deep carbon cycling over the past 200 million years: A review of fluxes in different tectonic settings, Frontiers Earth Sci., 7, 1–22, https://doi.org/10.3389/feart.2019.00263.

This story originally appeared in "EOS” It is republished here as part of The Eden Magazine partnership with Covering Climate Now, a global journalistic collaboration to strengthen coverage of the climate story.

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36 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Beauty

Looking good, feeling great

The importance

Photo by Anthony Tran

By Margret Tomaszewicz

of using Clean Beauty Skincare 38 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

f you're like many people these days, you're reading the labels of virtually everything you put in or on your body. However, you still want to look good, and your daily beauty regimen is part of that. Clean beauty is more than just a buzz phrase. It is a way of life. Here is what you need to know to select clean beauty products.

What Does Clean Beauty Mean?

Clean beauty products are safe for humans and the planet. A manufacturer like WODA Skin Care has considered human and environmental health when making its products by following European practices. The product should have a non-toxic element as a baseline and plant-based ingredients that produce results. Clean beauty is similar to clean eating, which involves minimally processed foods that are as close to their natural state as possible. Ethical and sustainable foods are also part of clean eating. Here is terminology to look for: • Green - The product does not harm the environment but be careful with this one as some manufacturers simply claim that their products protect the planet's resources • Organic - Products must have at least 95% organic ingredients to bear the USDA seal and also meet handling and manufacturing specifications • Non-toxic - Ingredients in products have been shown not to produce and adverse health effects • Sustainable - Ingredients are ethically sourced and proven safe for the environment and include sustainable or no-waste packaging • Vegan - Does not contain animal byproducts or ingredients • Cruelty-free - Not tested on animals In short, clean beauty products are mindfully created and produced without any proven toxic ingredients. They're also ethically sourced and made with body health and the environment in mind. WODA Skin Care follows these principles as our products are based on scientific research, using organic and natural ingredients to meet your skincare needs.

Avoiding Ingredients

To follow clean beauty practices, you should avoid

certain ingredients. Although the European Union has banned more than 1,000 substances in many beauty formulations, most are still allowed in the United States. You'll want to make sure the product you choose does not have the following ingredients. Parabens This chemical mimics estrogen. Evidence links it to reproductive problems, thyroid disruption, and hormone-related cancers. It is included in products to slow the growth of mold and other microbes. Europe has banned five types of parabens, isopropyl-, isobutyl-, phenyl-, benzyl-, and pentylparabens, all of which are still legal in the United States. Phthalates and Fragrance Manufacturers want their products to smell good, so you'll continue buying them, but wherever you see or smell a fragrance, phthalates are usually there too. This chemical helps that good smell last longer, but it is also linked to reproductive harm and diabetes, and even cardiovascular problems in some studies. Hydroquinone Found in skin-lightening creams and serums, hydroquinone is a topical bleaching agent. Studies have linked it to some cancers, abnormal adrenal gland function, and some cancers. Talc While talc's implication in ovarian cancer because of its presence in baby powder is well known, the problem occurs with this natural mineral when it hasn't been purified as it could contain asbestos. Talc is an ingredient in face powders and eye shadows. Triclosan Many sanitizing hand and body soaps and mascara contain this antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical. However, no research has indicated that it provides an advantage over soap and water, while it has also been linked to liver fibrosis, hormone disruption, and skin cancer. Silica Many different products contain silica as it is absorbent and prevents products from caking. The problem occurs when crystalline silica, a known human carcinogen, sometimes contaminates formulations with amorphous silica, which is FDA-approved. Refined silica also poses environmental concerns as it is not biodegradable.

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Other Ingredients to Avoid Remain wary of products that contain the following ingredients. According to the Good Face Project, these and others are either known carcinogens or somehow harmful to humans: • Chemical UV filters Octinoxate and Oxybenzone • Diethanolamine (DEA) • Sodium laureth sulfate (SLS) • Formaldehyde • Polyethylene like PEG-10 laurate • Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)

Find one or two product lines like WODA Skin Care and stick with it. Our skin care bundles are a great way to start a clean beauty regimen for your face with products that are targeted toward your skin type. Beware of Greenwashing

Photo by Vladimir Yelizarov

How to Transition to Clean Beauty Products Switching to clean beauty can be overwhelming because we use so many different products. A good place to start is with facial and hair products. Think shampoos, conditioners, mousse, hairspray, and the like. You don't want toxins seeping in through your scalp. From there, move onto facial products, including moisturizers, eye creams, brightening serums, and other skin care items. Follow with cosmetics. Once you have accomplished this, you can move onto finding clean beauty products for the whole body.

is synthetically-derived forms of vitamin C. However, make sure that synthetics have a purpose and are not used as fillers, stabilizers, or preservatives. The bottom line is to read labels and pay attention to ingredients. Use online reviews and ingredient resources to determine if your chosen clean beauty products are effective and don't contain any unsafe or environmentally unfriendly ingredients. To your health!

Greenwashing is the practice of making a company look environmentally responsible through vague claims. Previously mentioned terms such as organic, natural, sustainable, and the like can make a manufacturer look like they care about the environment. For example, palm oil is a natural ingredient, but the harvesting of palm trees leads to deforestation in the tropics, thus negatively affecting the environment. In some cases, synthetics may even be cleaner than a natural compound that is not 100% pure. One example

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Margaret Tomaszewicz is esthetician with over 25 years of experience and the owner of European Skin and Massage Studio in Los Angeles and creator of WODA European Natural Skincare. WODA is cruelty-free products. Her products are available in her Studio or online at wodaskincare.com

The Healthstyle Emporium

Photo by Katerina Plotnikova

Sasha Gary

Accessing your

LUCID DREAM STATE

hen I was a child, I would dream that I was flying. I would clear the streets, pass the cars, get higher above the buildings, flying with the birds, into the clouds high in the sky. So vivid, so real like it was happening. They didn’t know at the time I was experiencing lucid dreams. I just thought it was a dream. As I look back, I knew it was too real. Many children do lucid dreams. You can even teach your child how to lucid dream and be in control of their dreams. It’s a great way for kids to take control of their nightmares. I was very aware that I was awake in my dream. I became very aware of my dreams at a young age, and I always looked up certain symbols in my dreams for meaning. It was fun to learn about it as I got older. I had a dream interpretation book that I would refer to and figure out my dreams. 42 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Not all of my dreams were fun. I also had dreams of grinding my teeth and my teeth falling out, which is related to anxiety. The dreams about flying were so exhilarating, and I felt so free. I’ve always remembered my dreams and wrote them down as recommended in dream books. There were themes, or certain people would come up. It’s good to write your dreams down to read in the morning. It can help you to get into a lucid state for the next time you dream. You start to recognize certain symbols that occur, and you can tell yourself in your dream, I must be dreaming. Before I fall asleep, I say to myself, “tonight, I will have many dreams. I will have good dreams. I will remember my dreams. I will wake up in my dreams.” A wonderful technique I learned from my Integral Life Practice to activate my mind in order to get myself into a lucid dream state. I was learning to say this before sleep gave me access to my lucid dream. Before this, I wasn’t accessing it on my own. This was a game-changer. So what is lucid dreaming? Lucid dreaming occurs during REM sleep, the fifth sleep stage. Your body is paralyzed, but your eyes are in movement. It’s becoming conscious of your dream state. You are asleep, and in your dream, you realize that you are aware of your dream. A part of your subconscious mind has woken up. A Dutch psychiatrist named Frederik van Eeden came up with the term for lucid dreams in 1913. He recorded several of his own lucid dreams and his thoughts during them and upon awakening. He remarked that they often involved flying, just like mine. Most recently, Stephen Laberge, a psychophysiologist with a Stanford degree, is well known for lucid dream study; he heads up the Lucidity Institute. You can command your dreams and do what you want in them. It’s an amazing way that you can heal yourself in your subconscious mind too. If you ask in your dream to heal yourself, you will find that you have healed an ailment in your awakened state. I would recommend talking to an expert on how you are able to do this. There are many experts and books to read on how you can heal yourself. For the past two years, I have experienced wonderful guided lucid dream meditations that alter between alpha, beta, and theta brain waves that I found really helped me to become more lucid over that period of time. I practice those meditations semi-regularly as well. Now that I have a better idea of how to wake myself up in my lucid dream, I am confident in doing this in another guided meditation. It

takes practice to do this, and the beautiful thing is you can do it on your own every night. In lucid dreams, you begin to be able to access your past experiences, past traumas, and past memories. This is very powerful because your mind holds everything in the subconscious and lucid dreams give you access to all of that. It’s your highest self! As I was researching this article and practicing my lucid dream technique, I found myself in a lucid dream for the first time in a long time. I was very excited because I haven’t been able to do it on my own since I was a child. I had taken my dream state to another level. I woke up, and I wrote the dream down in my journal. I am literally learning more and experiencing it more as I write this article. My neural manifestation technique also has you access your subconscious to reprogram certain situations in your life in order to heal yourself. It allows you to live your life in its highest self-worth. The more you can access your subconscious mind more you have access to who you truly are underneath the physical body. There’s a great horror film called Black Box starring Phylicia Rashad that I truly enjoyed, and I’m not big on horror films, but this was all about the subconscious mind. I am obsessed with learning more about it, and this piqued my interest. A lot of fun! That’s just Hollywood, though. If you want to access your lucid dream state, then just go back and say that mantra before bed, write down your dream in a journal, and look for recurring themes. Once you find them and you are in a dream and see a recurring symbol, your mind will know I’m in a lucid dream! My next lucid dream is to take myself to the Maldives for a tropical vacation and wake up refreshed with a tan! Sweet dreams, my friends, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Sasha Gary is Gratitude Life Coach. actress, and writerin The Healthstyle Emporium www.theHSE.net.at is a 16 week online health program for women that shows you how to implement small sustainable changes one by one to help you with whole food nutrition, self-love and a conscious movement. Sasha is a yogi of 25 years, a crystal healer, and an avid sound bowl meditation participant and lives in Venice California! 43 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

44 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

THE SENIOR CITIZENS

Photo by Aswathy N

Take a MomentBy Jayita For Them Bhattacharjee

Looking into the eyes of a senior citizen is to see the fathomless loneliness clouding their eyes. They might have had the brightest shine in their golden years of youth, but their depression at their senior years, still often goes unrecognized. A huge part of the populace is left to suffer in silence. But to have a discussion out in the open air about depression is stigmatized, so depression lies veiled behind the broken smiles most of the time. This is prevalent in one and one section of the population, and who else could it be than the senior citizens. They are grappling with loneliness. So how do they live with what is left? Do they continue to feel the deficit of connection when it comes to the following? Having a companionship to meet their emotional needs, or do they feel left out? Are their hearts tormented inside for someone to spend a moment with them, know them, and feel them for what they are going through? Do they feel attuned to people and the world around them, or do they feel estranged in a world that barely understands them or even tries to? Do the seniors have any outgoing spirit left? If it is lost, do we have any moral obligations to revive it, from the perspective of pulling someone into the light, when we know they are silently slipping into the darkness? Do the seniors know there are people they can turn to when 46 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

silently and secretly they are wounded from loneliness? The lack of supportive social connections may pose a serious societal challenge that may hurl them into a sea of despair. Though seniors do have friends and family in their lives, yet their engulfing loneliness is tied to the quality of their relationships. There seems to be a terrible lack of authenticity in relationships, so much so that a crowd can result in loneliness. They pick up very fast on the signs of potential rejection. The seniors on having seen more of life than we do, have an innate ability to pick up on these faster than we do. Their awareness of this bias becomes a factor in seeking out companionship. How can we take a moment for them so they can build their emotional strength? How can we also guide them to the restorative aloneness, the enriching solitude, where they can relax and reflect and create once again, given what is left at their age? The questions arise, how can we socially integrate them again with people who have the same commonalities that they do? It is vital that they are offered reassurance of their worth, though they have aged. If they can create and nurture meaningful relationships in which their skills and abilities are recognized and admired, then it can restore their sense of worth.

That they still have something to give, something to offer in this walk of life. In the process, we as youngsters must not forget that wisdom comes from the elderly people, as they have witnessed more of this life, its lessons, and blessings compared to us. Or else their depression becomes devastating, and it can be fathomed as we look into the gaping sadness in them. It goes beyond their sad moods and lack of interest. Depression is followed by irritability and unexplained fury, the silent helplessness at not being able to do anything about it. The persistent sadness is chased by a lack of sleep, appetite, and energy. There is this inescapable dwelling on their youth, what those years were like, and hopelessness hangs in the air for them as they turn to be the senior citizens. Alongside that, cognitive problems come in, like poor concentration. In addition, it takes a toll on their physical health as their normal movement is deterred. They begin to move very slowly, being physically agitated. But why is the senior depression so unrecognized? While we follow the normal assumption that the fogginess of memory, the continual crankiness, and an increase in the sleep pattern are the normal indicators of aging, we almost always exclude them as the signs of a gradual despondency. Exhausted from loneliness, they slump down into the bottomless depression and meeting their eyes, and we see a melancholy. It becomes a trait as they gradually carry with them everywhere. While we focus on the olden theories that come with aging, like petulance about numerous medical appointments, low motivation, a gradual loss of appetite, we are not so successful in recognizing the unrecognized senior depression. The increasing physical ailments and the gradual loss of independence hurl them into despair and lack of confidence. The senior citizens are characterized by their reduced intellectual functioning, which is many times mistaken as some sort of physical ailment, the by-product of which is a loss of memory. Consequently, the seniors get caught in a huge frustration. Many times, they roll their eyes in sheer exasperation. Following their own cognitive deficits, the depressed seniors collapse into a net of frustration. Another problem stems from the fact that their emotive health, the feelings that cloud their minds, and their problems are not discussed out in the open. As in society, discussion about feelings is a stigmatized thing. It doesn’t mean that the silent feeling of loneliness is not there. It is there, behind the curtain of society, it exists loud and clear. But as per the dictum, they do not talk about it because it would mean a sign of weakness, not

strength. It has been passed on as a generational habit. As a result, we are never inclined to question what thoughts do silently fly in their sky. Neither do we ever inquire about their mood? Following are the steps in identifying a senior depression. If there is a potentially depressed senior citizen in the midst of all, then we can take a moment to ask them how they are feeling, sad or depressed. Their words will indicate their mood or if it is a substantial depression. They might deny it in fear of how society is going to perceive them, or they might get angered. We might even smell an irritation in their tone and words. But if they have languished for most of the time, then it becomes a strong indicator for an evaluation of their mental health. Are they looking back at the years left behind, do they spend too much time dwelling on the long-gone past, or do they worry incessantly about what the future holds for them? Do the seniors feel like they have become a burden to others? They may be inclined to feel it because of the caretaking they need. Does their sadness inside push them to wish that they would rather not wake up? Do they gradually slip into a downslide? Elderly people tend to encounter diverse medical problems and have to take various medications. They, in turn, might cause depressive symptoms. But elderly people are often depressed and live a withdrawn lifestyle. Their depression stems from the fact that as they age, their social circle contracts. Huge loneliness engulfs them. Many times, they reflect on things and live with regrets that silently swallow them inside. In addition, the limitations on their physical abilities reduce their capability to participate in productive activities like pursuing a career, volunteering, and contributing to society. Their travel is restrained due to mobility problems.

THOUGH SENIORS DO HAVE FRIENDS AND FAMILY IN THEIR LIVES, YET THEIR ENGULFING LONELINESS IS TIED TO THE QUALITY OF THEIR RELATIONSHIPS. THERE SEEMS TO BE A TERRIBLE LACK OF AUTHENTICITY IN RELATIONSHIPS, SO MUCH SO THAT A CROWD CAN RESULT IN LONELINESS. 47 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

the seniors. They can be their favorite discussion topics, which will give them the impression that their past years matter to us. They are not lost; rather, they want to be voiced. What was their most rewarding childhood memory? We can ask for their views on the present lifestyle. How has it changed from the years they lived? Does the difference seem glaring to their eyes?

Photo by Firdaus Roslan

How do they plan to look toward the future? In addition, we can ask about their accomplishments of the past, so it reminds them of the priceless contributions they brought to this world. We can reveal our genuine interest in them by asking questions like….

That’s where our focus needs to be, so we can assist the seniors in adapting to their new lifestyle, given their abilities and limitations at that age. We can involve ourselves in making them see themselves in a dignified way and not as a burden to society. In conjunction with an occupational therapist who is skilled in working with gross motors and fine motors, we can help them gain some of them to perform new meaningful activities. It can be viewed as an ‘emotional hand-holding during which the elderly people gain a lot from that occupational therapy. Rather than hopelessly looking back on the years they once had, they learn to look into the years optimistically they have now. It becomes a liberating experience for the seniors. We can make them feel valuable by asking some questions like…… Growing old is a part of life. But what seemed to be the most rewarding thing about getting older. Was that a lifetime of knowledge that they gathered? What are the most important lessons they have learned in their lives? We can ask them to reflect on the past meaningfully and bring out their shares of blessings and lessons that they found along their way. Who has influenced them in the most positive way possible? Who shaped their lives so they became the best versions of themselves? Answering those questions gently takes them back to make meaning out of all those years lived, and instead of dwelling on the past, it becomes a meaningful reflection. Now that they are elderly people, what life advice would they pass along to the younger generations? We can make some choices about what to talk about to 48 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Where did they grow up? What was their place of nativity? What brought their parents to live in that area? Was it their career or other family members living nearby? What was their residence like, an apartment or a house, and then to describe it in vivid details? What were they like when growing up as children (the emotional ones, or the boisterous or the resistant ones)? Being able to talk about their childhood awakens the child at heart. While the seniors have aged, we can help them age gracefully. It adds laughter to their lives, and the days do not have to be so cloudy for them after all. This is where we succeed, as we give the seniors back what they thought was lost and let them live life through the lens of optimism. Please take a moment to reassure them that they have something to offer still.

Jayita Bhattacharjee was born in Calcutta, India and later on pursued education from University of Houston in Economics, she had chosen her career as a trustee and teacher. Her Indian residence is in the vicinity of the famous Belurmath. Currently, she is settled in Tampa, Florida. Her love for writing on a journey of heart and soul was hidden all within. Looking at the moments captured in love and pain, joy and grief, the hidden tragedies of life...it was a calling of her soul to write. Her books "The Ecstatic Dance of Life', " Sacred Sanctuary", " Light of Consciousness", "Dewdrops of Compassion" are meant to shed light on what guides a person to respond to the mystical voice hidden inside, to soar in a boundless expansion with the limitless freedom of spirit."It is in the deepest joy that I write with every breath of mine."

49 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Photo by Manki Kim

This information allows consumers to make wise decisions when it comes to water. Pleco is good for the planet and good for the pocketbook, too, as the device will pay for itself in 24 months under normal use and much faster if there is a water leak.

Every Drop Counts

Water Conservation Device Helps People Be Water-Wise

Did you know that the average family wastes 180 gallons of water per week? That equates to 9,400 gallons annually! I bet you also didn't know that household leaks can waste approximately 900 billion gallons of water annually nationwide. That's equal to the annual household water use of nearly 11 million homes. The only way consumers can reduce wasting water is by knowing how much water they are using and where. Nudge Systems is a startup on a mission to fix this problem and conserve as much precious water as possible. The company has created Pleco, a smart device that provides live updates on water usage in the home broken down by category. From showers to toilet flushes and water faucets to irrigation, Pleco is a smart technology that uses sensors to show consumers in real-time the water being used in their home. The innovative device can even detect water leaks, potentially saving users thousands of dollars in repair costs. "Most people care about the environment and are willing to conserve natural resources. The problem with water is that we don't know how much water we are using until we get the water bill at the end of the month. And even then, there is no insight on how we use water. We created Pleco to address this need for information on how we use water. Pleco tells the user in real-time where, when, and how much water they use. Our goal is to raise awareness about our water use habits, promote conservation and reduce water bills," says Ana Pedreiro, President and Co-Founder of Nudge Systems. Pleco is the first-of-its-kind device on the market that uses home automation, a smartphone app, nd a display screen to help users understand and a reduce their water use. Notifications and colorful graphics make it easy to track and monitor how much water is being used daily, weekly, monthly, etc. 50 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Here's how it works: the Pleco sensor attaches to a home water meter and sends water usage information in real-time to the Pleco display via a radio link. The display connects to the internet via WiFi, making all the information available on the go through the Pleco app on your smartphone. No tools are required to attach the sensor to the water meter - simply fasten the elastic belt around the water meter to hold the sensor in place and follow the instructions on display. Setup is fast and easy. "At Nudge Systems, we are passionate about the environment and improving quality of life. With 35% of the world experiencing water scarcity and over 50% of the continental US regularly under drought conditions, the need to understand water use is critical to conservation. We created Pleco to address this need. Pleco provides live water usage updates. Our smart software distinguishes between different types of water use such as shower, flush, sprinklers and detects leaks. With Pleco, you will know where, when and how much water use and will be able to conserve water and reduce water bills. With the Pleco leak alert feature, you can take prompt action avoiding costly repairs due to water damages," states Dan Vale, Communications Lead of Nudge Systems. Water is a precious and limited resource, and as such, it is everybody's responsibility to conserve. Pleco technology makes that possible on the consumer level by bringing "smart" advice into a user's home and making them aware of the water they are consuming.

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HIGH ROAD TO HUMANITY

Photo by SB

By Nancy Yearout

WAYS TO ACHIEVE BALANCE THIS SPRING

Spring is a time of growth, of new beginnings! When the flowers bloom, and the rains wash away the old and reveal the new, the time of year. Recent days have shown signs of Spring as the daffodils and the tulips are peeking their heads up towards the sun for their natural nourishment of growth and balance.

white blossoms seem to dance and swirl around in the air as we go about our day. Its nature’s way of announcing that Spring has arrived, and the fruits of those blooms will bring in the new. We need the sunshine to nourish us, just as the sunshine nourishes the flowers and the trees.

We, humans, are the same. We need certain things to help us grow and feel renewed. And most importantly, a sense of balance in our lives.

The recent pandemic has impacted so many of us in ways that we could never have imagined. I believe staying at home has been the most challenging for many of us. We as human beings require fresh air, movement, connection, and sunshine for balance. Remaining homeward bound for so many months has made us go within and become more creative in our lives. These are a few brilliant ideas that people are doing to stay in balance, mind, body, and spirit. They may assist you in finding your balance this Spring.

As the weather warms and the days grow longer, we feel a sense of renewal. Some call it Spring Fever! Each year we all get that same feeling of freshness and newness when the flowers and the trees are in full bloom. The Pink and

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and outdoor plants as they are a fabulous source of oxygen and beauty. Please watch certain plants with your pets, as specific plant leaves can be lethal to animals. 6. Adopt a pet if you don’t have one. There are so many animals that need a good home in this world. They are little souls looking for love. Animals are very therapeutic and will love you unconditionally. Humans need the loving, unconditional love that a dog contributes to a home. It’s a win-win situation. 7. Make an effort to be kind to all of the people you meet every day regardless of their attitude. Lead by example and show kindness to all human beings. Be the one who lets the car in on the highway or the one who says, excuse me at the store. Smile at everyone you meet, and they will smile back at you! With Love & Gratitude,

Here are a few tips to brighten your days. 1. Go outside for a walk in the park or spend time in your back yard, sit in the sunshine for fifteen minutes. 2. Begin a regular exercise program (5 days a week at least). If you are not already on one, it will help you find inner peace. Take a yoga class online, ride your bike, run, go for a 30-minute walk; it’s a way to release the stress of the mind and your body. 3. Take 10 minutes a day and quiet your mind; this can be meditation or just sitting quietly by yourself out in nature or a quiet, comfortable room; we find renewal in the silence of the mind. 4. Take a Sea salt or Epson salt bath. Two cups of Epsom salts, water, and soak! The Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is a mineral that many of us lack. 5. Garden indoors or outdoors. It is still too cold in New Mexico to start planting a garden, but I have indoor plants blooming their little petals off! It’s fun to have indoor plants

Nancy Yearout is an Psychic Reader, Intuitive Life Coach, Author and Inspirational Speaker. Her religious and spiritual work has enabled her to help many people to live the life they desire! Nancy feels inspired to share the wisdom and the messages she receives with others. Her real-life experiences are shared each week on her Radio Show/Podcast, High Road to Humanity where insightful, spiritual guests share their story. This is Nancy’s way of each sharing new insight about raising the vibration and consciousness for all of us to create a healthy, Loving and kinder people as well as a safe harmonious place to live. My Credentials: Sales Coordinator for General Motors Corporation, Sales Manager for multiple, Owner and Qualifying Broker of The Harville Estates Real Estate & Development LLC, Owner of Energy Girl Publishing LLC., Author of, Wake Up! The Universe Is Speaking to You, Author of Monthly Contributor to Eden Magazine, Motivational/Inspirational Speaker, Intuitive Personal Coach Intuitive card reader, Energy Healer, Radio Host/Podcast High Road to Humanity. Nancy Yearout Hosts a Radio Show/ Podcast every week on Toginet radio and iTunes called High Road to Humanity. Visit her website www.NancyYearout.com or her Podcast www.Highroadtohumanity.com

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LIVING AS A JEWISH

VEGAN

By Richard H. Schwartz, PhD,

n this book, I have attempted to present evidence that the world is in the throes of a climate catastrophe. Self-reinforcing positive feedback loops (vicious cycles) are moving the climate system toward irreversible tipping points. If we fail to act rapidly and decisively, these will bring massive climate disruptions, with calamitous results for all life on Earth.

Because animal agriculture is a major cause of global warming, a shift toward veganism is key to the effort to avert this climate catastrophe. Such a shift is becoming easier than ever, thanks to monumental progress in simulating popular animal foods with plantbased and animal cell–based ingredients. As this book documents, many potentially fatal diseases can be prevented and in some cases reversed by positive lifestyle changes, including a vegan diet; in an age of resource scarcity, diets full of animal products require far more land, energy, water, and other resources per person than plant-based diets; and although the world already produces more than enough food to feed

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every person on the planet, we waste it through turning so much of it into animal feed. In addition, climate the change will only exacerbate tensions around the planet as desperate refugees flee droughts, wildfires, storms, floods, and another severe climate events, making terrorism and war more likely. These issues animate my life, and they impact what food I place in my mouth. Although I have been a vegan for many years, I still encounter the assumption that my diet is a deprivation— an ascetical practice that runs contrary to a deeper biological or emotional need that I may have to eat animal products. It is as if vegans are expected at any moment tothrow up their hands and return to eating meat and dairy, relieved oftheir burden of conscience. For me, veganism is a life-affirming and life-giving diet and set of values that are about plenitude and pleasure. It offers a daily reminder of our responsibilities as stewards of creation and environmental remediation, and it provides me with a way to protest the sheer insanity that non-vegan diets represent. It offers a prospect of peace and security for all.

Photo by Roam in Color

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FOR ME, VEGANISM IS A LIFEAFFIRMING AND LIFE-GIVING DIET AND SET OF VALUES THAT ARE ABOUT PLENITUDE AND PLEASURE. IT OFFERS A DAILY REMINDER OF OUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS STEWARDS OF CREATION AND ENVIRONMENTAL REMEDIATION. In fact, veganism couldn't be further removed from deprivation or denial. Not only is there an astonishingly wide variety of plant-based foods, fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, pulses, and grains, but cuisines from all over the world offer thousands of dishes that are either already vegan or can easily be made so. Indeed, over the last couple of decades, vegan options have moved from health food stores, co-ops, and stores selling ethnic foods, to supermarkets all over the United States and many other places around the world. Tofu, tempeh, and seitan—to name some of the classic formulations of bean curd and wheat gluten, respectively—have now been supplemented with an ever-expanding range of plant-based burgers, sausages, crumbles, and slices; an enormous array of cheeses made of various kinds of nuts and many varieties of yogurts, milk, and butter; and a panoply of vegan juices, smoothies, and snacks sit alluringly on or near the check-out counter. The Active Vegan "How can you tell if someone is vegan?" runs a set-up to a joke that's familiar to vegans. "Don't worry," comes the answer. "They'll tell you." 3. As you can probably tell from reading this book, I am passionately committed to veganism, and I am not alone. We can see how much is wrong with our current treatment of animals and how consequential that maltreatment is for the environment, human health, and the future of the planet, so that it is hard not to want to tell everyone we meet about the problem and the remedy, as we see them. Many of us see it as a moral Imperative to change people's minds as well as their practices before it is too late. Furthermore, remember that veganism is only part of our struggle for a more just, peaceful, compassionate, environmentally sustainable world.

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All of us should try to affect public policy with regard to vegan-related issues, including preserving health, showing compassion to animals, conserving natural resources, helping hungry people, and seeking and pursuing peace. If you ever feel frustrated or overwhelmed by the many crises facing the world today and the difficulties in trying to help shift people toward vegan diets, please consider the following. Jewish tradition teaches, "You are not obligated to complete the task, but neither are you free to desist from it" (Pirkei Avot 2:21). We must make a start and do whatever we can to improve the world. Judaism teaches that a person is obligated to protest when there is evil and to proceed from protest to action. Judaism also teaches that the world is evenly balanced between good and evil and that each person's actions can determine the destiny of the entire world. Even if little is accomplished, trying to make improvements will prevent your heart's hardening and affirm that you accept moral responsibility. The very act of consciousness-raising is meaningful because it may lead to future changes. Also, as you plant seeds of information, you never know what positive things might eventually result. Veganism is my practice and my journey. In this book, I've tried to show that veganism is the diet and lifestyle most consistent with fundamental Jewish teachings, which oblige us to preserve our health, treat animals with kindness, protect and preserve the environment, feed the hungry, and pursue peace. I hope I have demonstrated, using the wisdom of the sages and the scriptures, that the exploitation of animals is an egregious violation of the Jewish obligation to be kind to animals. I have suggested that Jews, including those who observe kashrut, have freedom of dietary choice and that choice should not be based solely on habit, convenience, or tradition. Instead, it should be animated by an ethical consideration of the impact the food we eat has upon our fellow human beings, the animals with whom we share this planet, and the planet itself. Furthermore, Jewish traditions call upon us to be active agents in the fight to avert catastrophic climate change while promoting peace, justice, and compassion for all. We must strive for Tikkun olam to repair a broken world. And we can do it in the way that fits our interests, skills, and personality: from "being the change" we wish to see in the world, to engaging in respectful one-on-one conversations, to writing, tweeting, leafleting, voting, and demonstrating.

I believe the principles I've articulated are not only my vision of Judaism, but are fundamental truths of the faith. Judaism teaches us that God's compassion is over all His works (Psalms 145:9), that the the righteous individual considers the well-being of animals (Proverbs 12:10), and that Jews must refrain from tza'ar ba'alei chayim, the needless infliction of pain on animals. Judaism calls upon us to engage boldly and unshrinkingly in the struggle against injustice, oppression, and idolatry, and to proclaim that God is the Creator of all life, and that His holy attributes of kindness, compass on, and just benevolence are to be emulated by us, His children.

to a vegan world in which "they shall neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mount." (Isaiah 11:9). The futures of Judaism and our imperiled planet depend on it. There is no Planet B!

Judaism asserts that every person is created in God's image (Genesis1:26, 5:1) and is precious and invaluable, and directs us to work withGod to preserve and perfect the world as stewards of Earth's resources toensure that God's bounties are used for the benefit of all (see Genesis 2:15). Judaism cautions us that nothing useful should be selfishly or frivolously wasted or destroyed (bal tashchit, based on Deuteronomy 20:19, 20), and bids us love other people as ourselves and to be kind to strangers. For, note the scriptures, "we were strangers in the land of Egypt," and we should be compassionate toward others who are poor, homeless, orphaned, widowed, or simply members of other species. It is a Judaic priority to relieve hunger. One who feeds a hungry person is considered, in effect, to have fed God Himself. Judaism mandates that we must seek and pursue peace. Great is peace, for it is one of God's names, all of God's blessings are contained in it, and it will be the Messiah's first blessing. Judaism likewise exhorts us to pursue justice, to work toward a social order in which every person is able to obtain through meaningful and dignified work a secure and fulfilling life. And that, finally, the Jewish people are mandated to be a "light unto the nations," compassionate followers of a compassionate God, setting a positive example for others to follow. For these reasons, and much more, I am proud to be a Jew. I am proud of our wonderful and universal teachings. Applying them to the world today is vital if we are to steer our endangered civilization onto a sustainable path. I hope that if you are Jewish, and even if you are of another faith or no faith at all, you will join in the mission to apply these values to the challenges of today. I hope my efforts will help to revitalize Judaism and return disaffected Jews to its embrace. It is also my hope that this book will provoke respectful discussions within the Jewish community and beyond. Such discussions can lead us

Richard H. Schwartz, PhD, is the author of Vegan Revolution: Saving Our World, Revitalizing Judaism; Judaism and Vegetarianism; Judaism and Global Survival; Who Stole My Religion? Revitalizing Judaism and Applying Jewish Values to Help Heal our Imperiled Planet; and Mathematics and Global Survival, and over 250 articles at JewishVeg.com/schwartz. He is president emeritus of Jewish Veg, and president of the Society of Ethical and Religious Vegetarians.

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Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace On February 26, 2021, Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation and Rangrig Yeshe, Inc. announced the launch of a new website for the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace in LUMBINI, Nepal.

For over 2,500 years, Lumbini has been an important pilgrimage place; however, for hundreds of years the site was largely neglected. In 1967, His Excellency U Thant, the Secretary General of the United Nations, visited Lumbini and was moved by its profound significance. He went on to propose the development of Lumbini as a major center for pilgrimage. The United Nations commissioned the renowned Japanese architect Kenzo Tange to develop a master plan for the site, and it was finalized and approved in 1978. In 1985, the Lumbini Development Trust was established to implement the master plan. This plan includes two zones reserved for monasteries. The first monastery was established in 1992, and many have been built since then. In 2012, the Lumbini Development Trust was searching for a custodian to develop a tract of land and build a monastery adjacent to the Sacred Garden where Lord Buddha was born. The Birth of a Vision For many years, His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, renowned Buddhist meditation master and teacher, was seeking an opportunity to build a monastery near one of the sacred pilgrimage sites of Lord Buddha. In 2013, a series of auspicious coincidences lead to the realization of Rinpoche’s wish. 58 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Around this time, His Eminence launched a Nepali translation of his first book, Living Fully: Finding Joy in Every Breath in Kathmandu, Nepal. This event served to enhance awareness of Rinpoche’s teachings and activities in Nepal. Prominent business and community leaders suggested that Rinpoche’s non-profit organization, Rangrig Yeshe, Inc., apply for stewardship of the land. They felt that Rinpoche would be an excellent representative for Buddhism in the 21st century.

Rinpoche graciously responded to their requests. Rangrig Yeshe, Inc., was awarded a lease on the land for 99 years. His Eminence was entrusted with the task of constructing a magnificent temple to honor the Buddha and his profound teachings on compassion, tolerance, and peace. A series of fortuitous events brought Rinpoche together with the prominent German Architect, Professor Stephan Braunfels. At their first meeting, the professor generously offered to help design and work with Rinpoche on a monastery project. As Rinpoche was applying for a permit to lease the land, His Eminence received a message from Professor Braunfels inquiring about plans for a monastery project that they had previously discussed. Rinpoche said that there might be a great project forthcoming in Lumbini. When the lease on the land was nearly secured, Shyalpa Rinpoche and the professor traveled to Lumbini to survey the site. They were truly enthused about the project and began to collaborate on a design for the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace. His Eminence envisions the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace as the ideal spiritual destination and pilgrimage site for people of every race, color, and creed. The sanctuary’s unique modern design incorporates traditional Buddhist symbols: 1) a lotus flower, symbolizing purity and the blossoming of enlightened qualities 2) a butter lamp, symbolizing the five wisdoms, 3) an offering mandala, symbolizing accumulation of merit 4) and a stupa, symbolizing the mind of enlightenment.

“Due to the miraculous birth of Shakyamuni Buddha, Lumbini will forever remain as a sacred site of immense power and blessings. There is no place on earth that is better suited to serve all of humanity as a world center for universal peace.” ~ His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche

Since 2013, His Eminence has been traveling around the world to share his pure vision for the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace. His travels have taken him to Thailand, Hong Kong, Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Vietnam, England, Spain, and the United States. Rinpoche sees this as an opportunity to share the healing teachings of the Buddha and his message of peace. As His Eminence travels around the world sharing his vision for the Mahasiddha Sanctuary, many are inspired and ask Rinpoche how they can contribute. Rinpoche responds by saying: "I would like you to think of this as your project, not as Rinpoche’s project. This is everyone’s project! If you see something worthy here, if you feel inspired and would like to contribute to a more peaceful and compassionate world, feel free to use your creativity and see what you can do to support this project and inspire others."

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His Eminence has stated that we are doing much more than building a physical temple in Lumbini. This is Rinpoche’s opportunity to spread the healing message of the Buddha to people all around the world. Rinpoche states: “It is great to build temples, especially in pilgrimage sites such as Lumbini. However, everyone needs to build a temple of tolerance and peace within their own hearts. Then, wherever they go and whatever they do, they will always find refuge in the true sanctuary within.” The merit and good karma generated from participating in this charitable activity will be immeasurable. Rinpoche invites everyone to support this sacred project with one positive thought, one prayer for peace, or one single dollar, yuan, or euro. All around the world, much assistance is His Eminence speaks about the true meaning of this endeavor: “The Mahasiddha needed to help organize and spread the mes- Sanctuary is about nourishing seeds of universal harmony and peace. Everyone can particsage of the Mahasiddha Peace Project and its ipate with a pure and generous heart—free of personal agenda. According to the teaching spiritual and historical significance. People of the Buddha, this is the attitude that will engender peace, harmony, tolerance, and from business, entertainment, government, understanding.” philan- thropy, and the arts can use their ingenuity and talents to inform and inspire oth- Envisioning the Universal Peace Sanctuary ers. This is a great opportunity for people to His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche envisions the Mahasiddha Sanctuary as an come together and share in the good karma inspirational place of pilgrimage for people of every race, color and creed. This magand merit. nificent edifice, in the form of a blossoming lotus, will grace the historical site of Lord Buddha’s birth in Lumbini, Nepal. Building the Mahasiddha Sanctuary in Lumbini will require much funding; howev- The Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace will honor the enlightened one’s fearer, Rinpoche does not wish to limit donations less engagement and compassionate action in our world for the benefit and welfare to a few wealthy patrons. The Buddha taught of all sentient beings. It will serve as a radiant beacon, helping to inspire and guide us that the size of a gift is not important; rath- individuals, communities, and nations toward peaceful co-existence and reconcilier, it is the purity of intention that makes a ation. gift meritorious. If one gives a gift with good intentions and expects nothing in return, this The Universal Peace Sanctuary building includes; is pure generosity. Rinpoche says that the The Sanctuary Design Mahasiddha Sanctuary Project is really about The Sanctuary Shrine Hall giving everyone the opportunity to partici- The Golden Pinnacle pate with a good heart. The Universal Peace Library The Peace Museum Lord Buddha taught us the healing power of The Grand Assembly Hall love, compassion and equanimity. Rinpoche Meditation Rooms and Meditation Hall envisions a sanctuary and place of spiritu- The Universal Peace Institute al refuge for all beings, beyond the limiting Charitable Activities boundaries of religion, culture, race, and nationality. As all beings seek happiness and relief from suffering, we are all equal partners in our quest for enduring peace and fulfillment.

"The Mahasiddha Sanctuary is about nourishing seeds of universal harmony and peace."

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“It is great to build temples, especially in pilgrimage sites such as Lumbini. However, we all need to build temples of tolerance and peace within our own hearts. Then, wherever we go and whatever we do, we will always find refugein the true sanctuary within.” His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche Renowned Buddhist teacher, His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche, was born in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains. He was recognized as a holy child and began training as a lama from the age of four. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist University of Sarnath, in Varanasi, India, and later received empowerment and transmissions from many of the greatest realized Buddhist masters of our time. Rinpoche is a lineage holder of Dzogchen, the Great Perfection—his primary root teacher is His Holiness Chatral Rinpoche, Sangjey Dorje. With great compassion and wisdom, Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche teaches us how to actualize the essence of our precious human lives. He shows us how to seize the moment and live with clarity, kindness, and genuine compassion. His powerful blessings can remove obstacles on the spiritual journey and his insightful words beckon us home to the purity and simplicity of our true nature. Just as a small key can open the door to the vast and splendid treasures hidden within a palatial mansion, Rinpoche’s pithy and succinct teachings reveal profound, penetrating, and life-changing instructions on how to positively transform our way of being in everyday life. For over 30 years His Eminence has conducted countless retreats, seminars, and empowerments at centers throughout Asia, North America, and Europe. Rinpoche gives teachings and conducts pujas for large groups of hundreds of followers or for small gatherings of a few devoted students. In 1987, His Eminence was invited to come to the United States to teach. He was intrigued about visiting there, as he had met many American tourists in the sacred city of Varanasi, India, who told him that their country was materially rich but spiritually impoverished. Rinpoche was saddened to hear this and was inspired to help them enrich their spiritual understanding. Arriving on the East Coast of the United States with only a hundred dollars in his pocket and only two sets of robes, he traveled across the country for one month, giving teach-

ings along the way. Some of Rinpoche’s close students requested that he remain in America, and Rinpoche spent much of the next 25 years in the United States, fulfilling the wishes of his teachers by sharing his understanding of Buddhist teachings and practices. His Eminence founded Rangrig Yeshe Inc. in the United States, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to benefit beings through teachings, meditation retreats, and other compassionate activities. During this time, Rinpoche had many requests from people in the Himalayan region for teachings and support. Rinpoche responded by establishing Shyalpa Monastery and Nunnery in Kathmandu, Nepal, and more recently, the Miphan School, a traditional Buddhist study center. In addition, he formed the Himalayan Children’s Fund, which sponsors poor and needy children. In 2009, Rinpoche founded Wencheng Gongzhu International Foundation in Hong Kong and later established branches in Taiwan and Malaysia to support his compassionate activities and spread the peaceful and healing message of the Lord Buddha. In 2013, the Nepalese government entrusted His Eminence with the task of developing a precious tract of land in the birthplace of the Buddha in Lumbini, Nepal. This project holds great historical and spiritual significance for the entire world. Rinpoche’s vision is to build a sanctuary that will honor the sacred birthplace of Shakyamuni Buddha and serve as a pilgrimage site for visitors of every race, color, and creed— a fountain of universal peace and understanding. His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche would like to invite all of humanity to participate and support this most sacred project. In this way, everyone will have the opportunity to share in the meritorious karma. For more information and donations visit: www.peacesanctuary.org . All donations are tax deductible. 61 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

THE WAY I SEE IT By Joey Santos, Jr.

Photo by Kylo

You Can’t Make "Old Friends!"”

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here is something about a "remember when" friend. That friend that speaks to you in complete silence at times, yet you hear every word. The friend that seems he/she has always been there and feels that he/she will always be. If you're lucky enough to have this experience, it speaks volumes. I personally have never met a stranger. In other words, I'm the kind of guy that likes everyone until given a reason not to. Unlike many who like no-one until given a reason to! Romantic relationships can get complicated. Communication gets muffled, emotions run high while passion creates drama, work and finances bring stress, and some personal goals lead to frustration and anxiety, allowing a host of other things to take over and wreak havoc on even the closest. Enter the old friend. Just when all gets windblown around you, a sigh of relief shows up right in the nick of time. This is not a tradeoff, mind you. It's a simple fact. When you choose a friend, it's usually based on reflection. You see each other in each other. You tell each other everything at hello. No secrets, no lies. You laugh, you confide, you trust. You answer the phone when they call. Or you call right back. When you're in trouble, a quandary, or have something to share, need advice, need a laugh, they're always there, even when the phone wakes you up at 4 am. Ok, it's a bit annoying, but you can always go back to sleep!

Photo by Jude Beck

I have those old friends. I am more than blessed for having them. When I look at life with all of its' beauty, joy and love, that surrounds us, then see its' struggle, strife, sadness and unhappiness, anger, and confusion, it helps to, of course, have family, kids, a partner. But, having a true friend? Well, that's something!

We have all done some searching this past year. If not all, then at least many have. For those who have taken on the major task of realization, take one more look. Look to your left and see the world you want to live in and create it. Then, look to the right and see the world that surrounds you. As you create, add, change, discard and acquire, know the value of it all. Know yourself worth too. And, before you start adding tax to it, know it means nothing without having your best old friend to share it with.

When you choose a friend, it's usually based on reflection. You see each other in each other. You tell each other everything at hello. No secrets, no lies. You laugh, you confide, you trust.

Joey Santos Jr. was raised in NYC, Malibu, and West Hollywood Hills. He is son to Film & Television Actor Joe Santos. His Mother, Mary, was a former Showgirl who became a "stay at home Mom," Joey's Grandfather is World-Renowned Latin Singer Daniel Santos, and his Grandmother Rose was a Business Woman who owned Nightclubs in NYC, Havana, Miami, and LA. She also started a Record Label and a Film Studio. Early on, Joey worked as an actor. He had a recurring role in NYPD Blue's, as Officer Aiello, and also performed on stage doing live theater.Joey embarked on a inging career, recorded a couple of CDs, and performed in various venues throughout the US. His ultimate passion, however, was the result of following in both his Grandmother'sand Mother's footsteps. He became a Restauranteur - (Co-owned the El Mocambo in LA, Owner and Chef of JoJo's Americana Supper-club in Saugatuck, and JoJo's Juke Joint in West Hollywood). This experience would lead Joey to embark on his own very successful private business of catering/hosting events for the Hollywood elite. For the past four years, he as been Private Chef to Brad Pitt. Since 2016, Joey writes a monthly column, "The Way I See It " for The Eden Magazine. He has also teamed up with life-long friend (Literary Agent) Alan Nevins, co-creating and co-hosting the successful PodCast called, "Two Guys From Hollywood" where they will talk about everything you always "didn't want to know!" 63 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

RECLAMING YOUR TRUE SELF

Photo by Adrian Swancar

By Angela Dunning

The Transient NATURE of Emotions If only we could let our emotions flow like water… Emotions have a transient nature. If we could just remember this truth, life I suspect, would become a whole lot easier. Like the weather and all other natural phenomena, our emotions are fleeting, natural, and temporary energies that move through us, arising when necessary and leaving just as effortlessly; if we can allow them to. Unfortunately, most of us are conditioned from a very early age to fear our very own emotions and their need to live through us and guide us. We are taught to suppress and override our emotions, hiding them not only from others but also sadly from ourselves. This has drastic long-term implications for physical and emotional health and well-being, fulfilling our true potential or even being able to speak our truth easily. After decades of suppression, is it any wonder that as adults, we have the most difficult time feeling our emotions, let alone learning to surf their waves with accomplishment? We particularly fear and keep at bay all of the so-called painful, negative emotions. We fear that our grief, anger, sadness, or fear will take up permanent residence if we allow them in. Our mind cannot fathom that our emotions are so fleeting, so temporary, just pure energy moving, in, up, out, and off again. We come to believe that if we stop feeling happy and let ourselves feel sad or depressed, that we will stay permanently in that state, that we will never feel happy again, relaxed or upbeat. People will do whatever they can to avoid feeling their emotions, including developing addictive habits and dependencies.

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Animals have a much easier time living with the full range of their emotions. To them, emotions are simply energy and forms of communication and information, different sorts of energy, yes, with differing intensities, qualities, and feelings, but they don’t seem to fear them in the way that we do. Yet, the very fact is that ALL emotions come and go, including happiness, joy, and contentment. None of them are permanent, no matter how hard we try to hold on to the more positive feeling states. The more we can remember this, the more permission we give to ourselves to ride the undulating, never ceasing waves of all of our emotions. We can then drop down into sadness or grief, knowing that we shall soon come back up, that something wondrous will capture our heart again, and we will feel happy once again. It seems to be a law of nature that when we allow ourselves to feel one thing, we automatically create the conditions for other emotions to arise more freely in us. And, in letting ourselves feel our fears, nervousness, and anxiety, instead of pretending we aren’t afraid, a baby or chicken, we might discover untapped innerresources, power, and skills. We also come home to the truth that we are vulnerable beings, not ego-inflated, invincible Gods. Animals have a much easier time living with the full range of their emotions. To them, emotions are simply energy and forms of communication and information, different sorts of energy, yes, with differing intensities, qualities, and feelings, but they don’t seem to fear them in the way that we do. A dog will show sheer joy one moment and then suddenly be nervous or angry the next. A horse will display anger at a herd mate one moment and then be peacefully grazing alongside them the next. So at-home with emotions are they that when we allow ourselves to fully feel our own emotions, they usually come closer to us, offering comfort and support or sharing in our joy. Conversely, when we suppress, override or mask our true feelings, animals react unexpectedly towards us and often with aggression. In my equine facilitated learning practice, I work with a tool called The Emotional Message Chart. This was devised by my trainer and bestselling author Linda Kohan66 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

ov, based in part on the many years of working with horses and people and on the work by Karla McLaren. The chart discusses each core emotion and simply lays out the core message/s behind each emotion; how to ask the right questions of each emotion, including what action we need to take, as each emotion is asking something different of us. If, however, we don’t take some form of action, then the emotion intensifies and can become a chronic state, such as fear turning into long-term anxiety or anger turning into a state of enduring rage. A couple of examples from The Emotional Message Chart would be that the message behind anger is usually that someone has overstepped our boundaries, and so we need to set or reset our boundaries. Or, if we feel sad, we need to ask what needs to be let go of at this time so that we can move forward. McLaren writes that sadness “restores flow” to the system, that it “brings the healing waters of tears and physical release”, and “removes log jams in our psyches”. Horses, in particular, emulate this beautiful natural flow, and being around them with the knowledge of The Emotional Message Chart under our belts can help us develop both the capacity to let ourselves finally feel our emotions, but also how to express them in a healthy, constructive way, rather than in destructive ways that hurt us and others or through further suppression. Sadly, this is a life-long re-training for many of us due to how we are raised and our culture’s bias against emotions generally in favor of the mind, reason, and logic. Yet, the Emotional Message Chart is very logical, and in learning to understand and respond to our emotions in this way, we actually develop clearer social-emotional intelligence skills, making us more connected to ourselves and more coherent and relatable to others. Resources used and further suggested reading: Quotes taken from: The Power of the Herd by Linda Kohanov. Emotional Genius, and The Language of Emotions by Karla MacLaren.

Angela Dunning is a regular contributor to The Eden Magazine. She is the author of The Horse Leads the Way: Honoring the True Role of the Horse in Equine Facilitated Practice. Angela writes regularly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ thehorsestruth, and Patreon: www.patreon.com/angeladunning. You can learn more about Angela and her work helping people and horses at: www.thehorsestruth.co.uk.

Abundance Corner

Photo by Darius Bashar

By Phyllis King

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2 THAT

CONCEPTS

WILL INCREASE

YOUR ABUNDANCE PERMANENTLY & FOREVER

hen I was younger, I identified my worth and value through achievement. I thought the more ground I could cover, the more income I could earn, the more recognition I could garner, the better life was, and the better I was. How I felt about myself was determined by external measures. A time came when despite all my achievements, I still felt incomplete. Something was missing. Then, when the 2008 recession hit the US economy, suddenly money became an issue as it had never been before at any time in my life. I began to search out and mentor with several of the wisest abundance experts this planet has to offer. Given the stature of these individuals, I expected I would

undertake a course that would be arduous and complex. I viewed my learning and experience with them as an achievement. After many hours, weeks, and years of struggle, I would discover that the principles of abundance and generating abundance are quite simple and have practically nothing to do with achievement. They have everything to do with allowing it in. One of the first and most challenging lessons I had to grasp was that my abundance was inside of me. That took the most time. I learned that my value is not in what I have or receive. Rather than my value is inherent, and it never changes. No matter what happens in my life.

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My value does not change because life throws me a curveball, or because I make a mistake, or because an influential person does not like me.My value never waivers whether I achieve great accomplishments or end up in jail for a heinous crime. Once I grasped that concept, abundance became much easier to manifest. I understood that I contribute to the whole. No one can contribute like another. Every contribution brings important energetic value to the collective. It is human to desire and want things to happen. We identify achievements and activity as a sign that we are capable and effective in our daily lives. It is also rewarding to experience the fruits of our labor. They provide validation and recognition of our ability to organize energy productively. They let us know we are on the right track. In the human experience, we do need things. Most experiences are for the purpose of who we become. Not for what we get. When we are working toward a goal, we are often at our happiest. When the outcome arrives, the satisfaction is short-lived. Stimulation of “getting” something lasts about 20 minutes in most circumstances, maybe up to a day or two. The challenge/reward of becoming something over days, weeks, months, or years lives with us forever. We get tripped up when we shift from experiencing to attaching to goals. When the goal becomes the dominant focus of our energy, we immediately begin to lose power. Our quest and desire take us away from ourselves rather than guides us toward ourselves. Then we struggle. Our definition of abundance no longer resonates from our core center of value.

We shut down intuitive insights that may otherwise lead us to the very thing we say we want. We unintentionally insert impediments into our process. The art of becoming comfortable with “not knowing” is the art of being free in life. When we do not have to control, manipulate, or worry about external affairs, we become free to be happy and present. In that, we raise our magnetism and become naturally good attractors to things that are unique to our state of being. In other words, exactly what we need and more. Once I learned that my abundance was in me and that my value was inherent, I began to stop asking for things. I didn’t need much. I was no longer trying to prove something to myself or the world. I stopped trying to achieve. I began to focus on “allowing in” rather than going to “get.”

THE ART OF BECOMING COMFORTABLE WITH “NOT KNOWING” IS THE ART OF BEING FREE IN LIFE. It is not that I will never ask for something or manifest something I need in a particular moment. I have learned that becoming a good receiver and expecting the best to occur in my life is a far superior strategy than pushing and forcing energy to do what I think best. The universe does a much better job than I can do. My needs are most often met beyond my wildest expectations. Learn and embody these two concepts, and your abundance and life will change beyond any strategy you could ever devise.

Abundance does not flow. How do we avoid this pitfall? How do we stay in the right relationship to an energetic universe that responds perfectly to our vibratory state of being? The best way to do this is to become comfortable with not knowing what will happen. When we become comfortable not knowing, we relinquish any relationship to resistance. When we must know how, when, or why something is going to work out, that itself is a form of resistance. We are essentially telling the universe we do not trust the evolutionary perfection of expansion. Through our worry and concern, we divorce ourselves from the divine connection.

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Known as the Common Sense Psychic (tm), Phyllis King has worked with tens of thousands of peoplein 25 countries. She is known for her practical and down to earth approach. She has been featured on, ABC, CBS and NBC TV, radio programs across the country, and has been published in over 70 print and online publications. She has four books, including Bouncing Back, Thriving in Changing Times, with Dr. Wayne Dyer. Her latest book The Energy of Abundance is available in bookstores now. Phyllis holds a B.A. in Sociology. www.phyllisking.com

From Hell to Rebirth

By Michelle L. Potter

Photo by I.am_nah

A True Story of Long-Term Suffering with Chronic Illness, Addiction, and Lyme Transformed by the Will to Live

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In From Hell to Rebirth, Potter shares her intense, raw, and emotional journey of pain and suffering, trials and struggles, and bullying and false promises. Potter takes readers through her childhood trauma experiences, early academic struggles, addiction, a Lyme Disease diagnosis, and persistent sickliness. As Potter discovers more about her body, past, and herself, she becomes closer to her spiritual truth. Ultimately, From Hell to Rebirth demonstrates how Potter transformed her struggles into strengths and illness into wellness and meaning. Potter’s book shares a story of hope and inspiration for all who suffer from mysterious and chronic conditions.

t some point in my childhood, my ability to express myself was shut down, and it stayed that way throughout most of my adult life. I was tainted by an extreme heaviness around having to live up to people’s judgments and what they thought of me until now. Now, for the first time, I express myself. I am able to speak my truth in different ways that are unique to me. I express myself through writing, art, and my online boutique, mi-Chalet boutique. I am finding passions that stir my soul. I will never let anyone make me feel disempowered due to fear of confrontation and lack of confidence in myself. It’s a very freeing experience. I have learned on a deep level that love is the key. I often remind myself of Master Ou’s words: “The more noble you love, the greater the healing.” The more I heal my heart from all the pain, self-sabotage, abuse, and all of the garbage life has thrown at me, the happier I become, regardless of my circumstances. It is so easy to let life get in the way of your true self. But viewing everything with love allows me to see and listen differently—from the heart. It allows me to take in the energy to create, activate, and guide me into a more productive and powerful outcome. With love, I can heal the past, present, and future through this process, and I have learned that I can now also help others through their own healing process. The Lord has blessed me with some pretty amazing gifts; there’s no need to fear them anymore. As I’ve done my work, my relationship with God has become unbreakable. Prayer provided me comfort in my life for many years, but for much of that time, I’d get frustrated with God because nothing seemed to be happening as a result. My challenges and pain caused

me to question my heart and my faith; for a long time, even my hope was destroyed. I just about gave up at one point, but God continued to open and close doors for me because He knows what is best. I finally recognized that I have to trust and stay rooted in His word. I had to come empty. No more old beliefs, mindsets, patterns, perceptions, doubts, and fears, I had a choice—either to let this disease kill me or to take control and take my life back. Find a way. I started to understand that He has me in the palm of His hand. That there is nothing to fear. I am still here because of a greater purpose in life. I finally began to realize that God uses the broken; I have been called to live with intention, to be a beacon of light in the darkness, and to help those who have lost all hope The journey has circled me back to my true identity in Christ—that I am the daughter of the Most High. He is my Father and loves me unconditionally and provides me mercy and grace and the gift that my sins have all been forgiven. I now live my life to please Him, not people. At the end of the day, He passes judgment, not the human flesh. My strength comes from Him. He knows my heart, and that is all that matters! Each day, the Holy Spirit speaks to me, in a very gentle reveal of the next layer to be released or more work to be done on a previous layer. I am here today because I have been given a second chance at life. I want to live out the rest of my days doing His will and what He has called me to do. I have been searching for a purpose for a long time. My soul has been restored. I also seem to have a very close connection to the angelic realms, and, over the years, I often have dreams where they speak to me and give me messages. It’s even become somewhat common for me to leave my body and find myself in dreams with Archangel Michael. I’m usually dressed in dull and dingy full-metal armor, often in a battle fighting evil and saving souls. Then, I’d often be told, You have much training to do, my child. I would wake up the next morning feeling as if I hadn’t slept at all. I was beginning to get a sense that I was put on this earth to help in some way beyond what I fully understood. In one dream, I was riding in the back of a beat-up pickup truck in the middle of the desert with Archangel Michael. He turned to me and said, I have to show you something, and a multitude of dreamy scenes flicked quickly past us. I kept saying, Can we slow down? I can’t keep up. Then there was silence and just a smile from Michael. I continued to ask: What is this? Who is this? We are going too fast; I can’t see. Michael said, Patience, my child. You will see soon enough.

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Finally, I saw in front of us a naked woman lying in child’s pose, incomplete surrender, with the most beautiful, intricate, detailed white wings. She was so mesmerizing, beautiful, and delicate, yet strong. I felt so drawn to touch her. I got out of the truck and slowly walking to her, almost in a trance. I kneeled down beside her and asked, Is she real? Who is she? Michael said, “That is you, my child! This is your Awakening: Truth Be Told. Darkness no longer resides. Only light and love.” And, as I am guided, Awakening: Truth Be Told will be the name of my next book! In another dream I had in 2019, Jesus carried me to the beach and laid my body in the water while waves were crashing over me. I was rebaptized and given strict instructions of ministry, where I was to help and guide others to wholeness, share hope, and let others know that “broken” can still be beautiful. I was told that I would be sharing my story, as painful as it is, to help others fight for the light within themselves. I walk in obedience and follow the path that has been set forth; I will never feel I am walking it alone. We live in a very negative world consumed by darkness. I have seen that we have become so consumed by our hurts and other people’s opinions, but we already have it inside of us to hear our own voices and be liberated. We are being held captive by our own belief systems and playing the blame game, but no one—and I mean no one—is responsible for our peace and happiness. We have to ask ourselves, where am I placing my energy? What is of highest priority? Freedom is a choice. Every single moment of the day can be a new beginning. Take things as they come and truly deal with them and let them go—don’t sweep them under the rug and let the misery build up. Let your true self rise out of the flames. We have it in our very souls to do so. I want to say a few words to you, my reader, to pass my torch of healing to you because you are worth it. It is important to remember that you are beautiful. You are healed. You are intelligent. You are loved. You are free. You are deserving. You are the child of the Most High. And simply, you are who God called you to be. Don’t resist; embrace. The purpose of this life is to love yourself, know yourself, and trust yourself. It is to set your soul free and see others in a higher light. I never settle on trying to heal. Giving up is not an option now in my life. There’s a will; there’s away. Many of us don’t take time to recognize just how much life is a precious gift. Each moment presents an opportunity, and it is up to us with what we do and think about it. Positive and negative emotions will show themselves; be mindful in the present moment of how you respond to them. Be willing to receive the blessings from above. 74 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

Michelle L. Potter is a traditional naturopath at Naturally Thriving with Michelle, a certified NES Health practitioner, a YogaFaith instructor, the owner of online clothing shop mi-Chalet Boutique, and a chronic illness and Lyme Disease survivor. Potter has completed studies and received certifications from Trinity School of Natural Health, YogaFaith and YogaFaith University, and NES Health. She also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from the University of South Alabama and a Master of Arts and Human Development degree in educational leadership and administration from George Washington University. Potter’s journey to becoming a traditional naturopath began with her health deteriorating from chronic health conditions, complications from Lyme Disease and coinfections, mental illness as well as fatigue from constant doctor shopping and collecting prescriptions. A Louisiana native, Potter, enjoys spending time in prayer, reading, practicing Pangu Shengong and yoga, meditating, gardening, and going on adventures with her family. Michelle is a mother of two and the wife of the love of her life, Steve. She currently resides in Gibson, La.

Have you seen Gretchen?! Missing since 11/11/2016 Please contact us

info@theedenmagazine.com

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LANGUAGE OF SPACE

By Michael White Ryan

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THE

PIED PIPER

Who is....

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The Pied Piper tale is one of regarding the full

acceptance of self and

acknowledging one's true-worth to be renewed at this time fully. Rather, not in a value for money sense to look beyond one's judgment of self-worth, beyond false past memories, in accepting one's worth as 100%, stay true to the core.

e don't break down old patterns or issues in order to evolve in our progress. Best we penetrate and engage with the program, not to dissolve for this is impossible. Better yet, once engaged, transform and mutate the existing into a new revised, benefiting energy pattern for use in one's future quest. As our past is the forest, we must transverse if one is ever to be, the Pied Piper of their destiny. Denial, see now, how its treachery binds one to assume personal power over past choices, delivering today's circumstances as a false safety zone. As the Pied Piper Denial, we maintain our rat-personage, leading us into one's future-prison-past. I have been informed I write terrible English, whatever that is, so please accept my apology. If one reads to correct, the story is nonexistent. As the morning sun rises in the West, the yellow hues engage across the wide expanse. Its silent-light dazzles across the waxy eucalypt leaves. Once again, it lives as our spirit dances, healing all who gather unto its presence. Now that we got that out of the way, let's get back to the serious stuff at hand. The year is beginning to gather momentum; what to do? There are, as an example, TWO choices. Yes, there may be more; for now, let's get a handle on just these two. Opportunities are standing in front of you. What do you actually perceive? Opportunities are seen freely for what they are, or we see them in what they can do for "theme." We perceive from a past thinking program the same result existing now as a pattern extension when looking at again. DO WE NEED THESE WORDS? When perceiving freely, the opportunity may look enticing, yet one may see it as a bad choice over an extended moment if one remains aware-free. This will instigate a paradigm shift in your perception, resulting in opportunities never noticed that have always been there just for you, now visible. Choice alone is an opportunity. Two portals, one, choose possibility, two, better yet, look for probability! What can you see when you look at a piece of 70-yearold wood shaped and designed to do a specific job.

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We are creatures endowed with intelligence, insight, and wisdom. It's a fascinating phenomenon indeed, how in this age of intelligence, is it possible that a 70-year young person is not in as good as condition as that 70-year-old piece of wood? Boggle boggle boggle! It's a mystery Anyway, what is this Pied Piper fairy tale all about, does it have to do with choice, maybe it explains real-power versus assumed-power, or could it possibly be karma in the real? One thing is for certain, the phrase pay the piper is as enduring as it is today. Note that all historical facts surrounding this story point to this power-tale being absolutely true. It's definitely a story about; when we commit to a contract, as we all do every day of our life, there will automatically be consequences. When one side thinks they are the powerful upper hand, they assume a role, a self-consumption relationship. It's an unfortunate position for both parties when the "I am" is beyond needing to follow up and commit. It's an accepted story in today's world, still alive and kicking in business and marriage. Fortunately for us, when one accepts the Pied Piper identity, this old human-accepted pattern of assumed power now sits squarely on the chopping block. When allowing the process of automation into our existence, we forgot to look outward for any anticipated consequences. Cause and effect are still the dominating rulers of this planet. Choose wisely future decisions, past paradigms are losing power it's a quickening The Pied Piper tale is one of regarding the full acceptance of self and acknowledging one's true-worth to be renewed at this time fully. Rather, not in a value for money sense to look beyond one's judgment of selfworth, beyond false past memories, in accepting one's worth as 100%, stay true to the core. There is no one else you can ever turn to, greater than you. Thinking has its boundaries preset, long ago among the fairy floss, games, and ice cream, long before we ever knew we existed. High performance is a Tom Cruise game-changing event. Make no bones

about it; this is not, for most, an overnight event. One's purpose at this time juncture is to release one's magic, hiding behind the curtain-veil, where you, the Pied Piper Magician, stand waiting for the command to invisible all of one's past worlds and experiences. You are the symphony, the orchestra, and the conductor this time round. Go write a new musical story while this portal remains open. I t's going to be alright, for each person has their own private journey. Meaning, along the path, one's failures, successes, fears, doubts, and overwhelming joy, are experienced by all. It appears to be the natural journey of life, yet there is more. Find your belief? Allowing a person free reign to fail, fall, and stand requires real understanding from observers, friends, and you, the witness, who has not yet been graced with patience and maturity. The Pied Power tale is about who? The answer is so daring I say it, obvious!. It stands and delivers a message or remains forever hiding behind the many masks of false identities. No matter where one goes, the choices one makes are merely bus stops that we mistakenly attach to thoughts, feelings, and lies. Only to live in constant denial of one's true worth, hear the music, or create the music, ….. Run in the shadows, stand to deliver. Now is the perfect time to choose. Blessings are forever yours.

Michael White Ryan is a co-founder with his wife Pamela Edwards of Language of Space. They are leaders in sustainable business growth via Performance Design and Performance Code. Sustainable design encompasses both Western and Easternphilosophies including advanced Feng Shui principles, \Environmental Design, Buildings, Alternative Health, Business Advisory Consultants and 20 plus years as entrepreneurs. Recognized in the top 100 globally and are Americas Leading Feng Shui BusinessConsultants.They are on faculty at CEO Space International one of the oldest business organizations in America today, currently operate in 7 countries and reside in Australia. www.languageofspace.com

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HEATHER JAMES Fine Art Gallery The virtual art gallery exhibit is at Heather James Fine Art galleries located in Palm Desert, Montecito, San Francisco, CA, and New York and Jackson Hole.

Proudly presenting exclusive online exhibition of coffee paintings by renowned Jazz Musician & Visual Artist

HERB ALPERT’S www.heatherjames.com

Herb Alpert is an American Jazz musician who maintains a second career as a abstract expressionist painter and sculptor. During the height of his music career, he began painting, and in the early 1980s, he began to sculpt as well. His paintings and sculpture, though a different art form, still speak to his love of music and his musical style. His sculpture has been termed “lyrical” and his latest works are meant to capture the feeling he gets when he plays jazz. They are improvisational, much like jazz, and he says he gets the same rush of energy and the same satisfaction from creating visual art as he does from creating musical art. Artistically, he is known for his “Spirit Totem” sculptures. They have been described as “frozen smoke” and indeed, each has individually crafted twists and curves, and a sense of fluidity and movement, despite being still bronze statues. Alpert creates the molds by hand, first in small scale with wax, then in a larger clay mold, before they reach their final, large scale, forged in bronze. In regard to his process, Alpert has said, "When I paint or sculpt I don't have anything in mind. I don't have a goal other than form. I'm looking for that form that touches me and when I find it... I stop."

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1. Heather James Fine Art Gallery 2. Passer By 2014 48 x 36 in. acrylic and coffee on canvas 3. Disorganized 2018 48 x 36 in. coffee on canvas

The series of paintings has a sweet origin story. Alpert noted, “I wanted to get my organic conscious daughter a housewarming gift and thought about painting something with organic coffee. Not only did I have fun, it opened up a new door for expressing myself.” The 27th Herb Alpert Award in the Arts will be awarded to ten mid-career artists on May 20th, 2021. The award is $75,000 to each of the winners.

7 4

5. Radiant Aura 2017 48 x 36 in. acrylic and coffee on canvas 6. Black Horizon 2017 48 x 72 in. acrylic and coffee on canvas 7. Nocturne 2017 36 x 60 in. acrylic and coffee on canvas 8. Chicago 2015 60 x 48 in. acrylic and coffee on canvas

Archangel 2012 72 x 48 in. coffee and acrylic on canvas

Coffee Paintings photographs courtesy Heather James Fine Art

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I Photo by Filip Baotić

t's a Wonder-Full Life

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By Katie Mahon & Joan Luise Hill's

The Miracle Collectors, Uncovering Stories of Wonder, Joy, and Mystery

Miracles are usually defined as an extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and are ascribed to a supernatural cause. THE MIRACLE COLLECTORS invites us to consider an expanded and more personal view. Now, think again…Have you experienced miracles in your life? In The Miracle Collectors, Katie Mahon and Joan Luise Hill discovered that when we are truly awake and present, miracles abound all around us, but we must learn to recognize them. When the authors began to share their own miracle stories after publication of their first book, The Miracle Chase, there was an unexpected outpouring of stories from others. Stories that had never been told, stories that didn't seem to matter, and stories that had been forgotten. While some defy explanation, others invite us to take a closer look, to discover common ground with each other, and to seek and understand in a whole new way the meaning of miracles. “We learned that it is okay to dream big and believe in yourself, and that cultivating a generosity of spirit pays untold dividends for your soul and your relationships. We remained curious, open to where the journey would take us.” The stories of courage, forgiveness, gratitude, faith, hope, and love shared in The Miracle Collectors, allow us to see more clearly and appreciate the miracles that can be available to each of us. the book takes the reader first to "Becoming Aware,” then, “Deepening Connection,” and finally, “Finding Meaning.” Each chapter ends with a Take a Miracle Moment Challenge to guide you to opening the path for your own reawakening and recognition of the spirit.

llowing our own light to shine provides needed perspective in a troubling world. In order to feel truly alive, we must also embrace the beauty that exists around us. There is a unifying and connecting spirit found in feelings of wonder and awe that have been part of the

human experience since the beginning. According to professor Dacher Keltner, "Awe is the feeling of being in the presence of something vast that transcends your understanding of the world." [i] Sounds a lot like miracles to us. We often compare miracles to Russian matryoshka dolls—universally recognized, multilayered, and the closer you get to the inside, the more intriguing they become. As we peel back our own layers, becoming more aware by finding the time to stop and notice and consider that there is more behind the immediate scene, we can see that a synchronistic thread runs through our lives. When the spotlight of awareness highlights our own worthiness to let our light shine in our own unique way, we are ready to fully engage with the world around us. Cultivating a sense of wonder becomes second nature once we are tuned into our surroundings and ourselves. The phrase, "It's a miracle!" is ubiquitous. We use it in our daily discourse to mean anything from the latest pop culture cure for thinning hair to finding a parking space outside a crowded store on Christmas Eve. The word miracle derives from the Latin mirari, which means to look in wonder. In the sense that a miracle evokes wonder and awe and that miracle stories abound in every religion and culture, miracles are a universal language we can all understand. We recognized this universality as the world breathed a collective sigh of relief in October 2010 when one billion of us watched on live television as the first of thirty-three Chilean miners was rescued after sixty-nine days underground. Roughly 14 percent of all of humankind was riveted by an ordeal that had captivated the world. People who had been praying for their safety for two months in every language, religion, and culture sent messages of hope to Camp Esperanza at the top of the mine. The trapped miners somehow survived a slab of tumbling rock weighing 770,000 tons that gave way on top of them. One miner shared his epiphany that their survival from the very beginning carried with it "a hint of the divine" and reminded the others every day that "God is with us."

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If we permit ourselves to be

captivated by, and maybe even seek out, experiences of wonder, we cannot help but establish our place in the universe. We must question and place ourselves in the midst of all that is. Only then can we begin to see how we are

connected to each other and what lies beyond.

Some of the miners felt this presence through a "thirty-fourth miner." An American entrepreneur, whose equipment and expertise finally broke through, admitted they had been more than lucky. "These tools should not have been able to bend and go around some of these curves. I mean, there's no question in my mind that the faith of God and the faith of the world praying for these guys to get rescued was a huge factor." [ii] Most of us can relate to our loved one's pain and the nightmare of the miners even though we have never experienced anything like it. Imagining the terrors of starvation, insanity, and the very real prospect of being buried alive, we wished for their rescue as if we were there ourselves. There was a level of "love thy neighbor" in the collective, universal prayers sent up that we rarely get to see in the news, highlighting our connection to each other, a divine thread running through our lives. And finally, somewhere deep down, we all hope or wish or pray; if they, then why not me? If they can be saved, then maybe my faith is not in vain. In his book Miracles, David Weddle wrote, "Belief in miracles is the confidence that, at rare and wondrous moments, grace may overcome fate." [iii] The 2018 rescue of the Thai soccer players provides a similar perspective. Twelve players and their coach became trapped deep in underground caves when the monsoon rains came early, and the cave entrance flooded. What started as a fun team-bonding experience of hiking and exploring turned into a disaster. Their

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coach, a Buddhist monk, taught the young players mindfulness and meditation, a practice that focused their energy and helped ward off panic. Fortuitously, a British cave expert who had made a detailed map of the caves the previous year was only a few hours away, having planned to visit there the very next day. Based on his knowledge of the area, he was able to direct the rescuers to the only place the team could be trapped and still be alive. Once the soccer team was located, highly skilled and specialized divers made the trek through the tumultuous conditions to bring supplies and evaluate their options. The danger with each trip was underscored when one diver died in the process. The world, united, tuned in to pray and wondered how twelve unskilled youngsters and their coach would ever be retrieved. All of humanity, it seemed, whether across the globe or in the backyard of the cave, was rooting for the Thai soccer players as if these twelve children were their own. A global sense of community won out, and the barriers that divide us come tumbling down. Maybe that is the miraculous point. Keeping vigil over the Chilean miners and the Thai soccer team brought out the best in us. After eighteen days, all thirteen made it out, and the world breathed a collective sigh of relief. "The rescuers succeeded, or the cave relented, or maybe both happened at once. No one can say for certain, and perhaps it doesn't matter: It was a miracle either way." [iv] René Descartes wrote that wonder is "a sudden surprise of the soul," [v] as compact a definition of a miracle as there is. Perhaps a miracle comes as an epiphany about a past experience or knowing you have just met the love of your life or your new BFF. But it could also be the kind of experience available to us and repeatable every day, like a kaleidoscope of color after a seemingly endless winter, as you happen upon a garden in spring. Or it could be that feeling of oneness with the universe as you stare into the endless depths of the heavens, stars sparkling like precious jewels on a clear night. Wonder stops us in your tracks, prompting us to take in an air of appreciation and admiration and momentarily expanding and questioning our place in the universe. Miracles relate to wondering in its many iterations, cultivating not just a sense of wonder but the ability to wonder, to stay curious, to ask the question, "How can this be?" Socrates said that wonder is the beginning of wisdom. It means we acknowledge that we do not have

all the answers, and we remember to bow in appreciation of the universe's bounty, which has been laid at our door. We often walk right past it, not noticing the sound of wind in the trees, not seeing the common in an uncommon way. As an exercise in appreciation of wonder, we decided to ask ourselves the question: what is the most "wonder-full" thing we've encountered? Katie immediately went to the obvious, something we initially experience with our eyes, the Grand Canyon. For Joan, it was a feeling of profound gratitude at getting to live her life after a serious diagnosis. Our answers got us thinking: what about the senses of wonder? Music can expose raw emotion in the depths of our soul or get us to dance like no one is watching. A familiar and mesmerizing scent can also evoke beautiful memories. Even a gentle touch can be a reminder that we are in this together; we are loved and not alone. If we permit ourselves to be captivated by, and maybe even seek out, experiences of wonder, we cannot help but establish our place in the universe. We must question and place ourselves in the midst of all that is. Only then can we begin to see how we are connected to each other and what lies beyond. If we cannot see the bounty constantly around us, miracles of a subtler nature—someone who does not have time but makes time, giving or receiving the benefit of the doubt, a smile between strangers on a subway— these opportunities to feel the miraculous will surely be missed. When we allow awareness to seep fully into our lives, wonder and wondering become part of who we are. If we live in the eternal now, we can imagine that time could stop; for the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, the full gamut of the human experience, both profound and subtle, can lead to an open spirit. Our preconceived notions about what can and cannot be true loosen their grip and perhaps even fall away. So, take time to notice, be open to possibility, and cultivate a sense of wonder. It takes all three if we are to fully appreciate the gifts available to us, the connections to be made, and recognize they are all there for the taking. [i] Dacher Keltner, "Why Do We Feel Awe?," Greater Good Magazine, May 10, 2016, https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/why_do_we_feel_awe. [ii] Sarah Butler, "The Chilean Miners' Miracles: How Faith Helped Them Survive," CNN, August 4, 2015, https://www.cnn.com/2015/08/02/world/chilean-miners -miracles/index.html; Héctor Tobar, "Sixty-Nine Days," The New Yorker, June 30, 2014, https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2014/07/07/sixtynine-days. [iii] David Weddle, Miracles: Wonder and Meaning in World Religions (New York: New York University Press, 2010), 2. [iv] Sean Flynn, “Miracle at Tham Luang,” GQ, December 3, 2018, https://www. gq.com /story/thai-cave-rescue-miracle-at-tham-luang. [v] David Weddle, Miracles: Wonder and Meaning in World Religions, 22.

Katie Mahon became a miracle expert the hard way. At nineteen, she walked away from serial killer Ted Bundy with the help of a stranger who appeared, seemingly, out of nowhere. Mahon has a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Santa Clara University and spent nearly twenty years in banking before staying home with her two daughters. A transplant from the San Francisco Bay Area, Mahon now lives in New York City with her husband and enjoys chasing more than miracles with her four grandchildren. Joan Luise Hill's introduction to miracles evolved as a series of coincidences that ultimately could not be ignored. After a thirty-year career in medical administration and advancing innovative medical solutions, her expertise was put to the test to save the life of her son. She has a master's degree from the University of Connecticut and a Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College. Having lived in a number of states and with three adult children and family spread across the country, Hill and her husband are avid (and constant) travelers.

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g i n n s i t n n o g i t u s h e T

s u r U r S o d t un a h T By Shelly Wilson

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o you believe that the Universe speaks to us? Do you recognize that there is a Divine intelligence that guides, supports, and comforts us on our journey into consciousness? As an Intuitive Medium and number enthusiast, I wholeheartedly believe that spirit always provides the perfect message at the perfect time via the perfect messenger. Many times, these messages are in the form of numerical sequences that are often referred to as angel numbers. How often have you seen 11:11 on the clock or other repeating digits? Angel numbers are reminders that we are receiving messages from our angels and guides. Authors and channels have assigned meanings to number sequences, but the magic lies in how we interpret them for ourselves, knowing that magic is the power to create. As humans, we may function on auto-pilot or simply exist, going through the motions of life on planet Earth, until we unlock the proverbial doors to more and begin living our life fully. We do this by asking the questions that unlock the door to more – Who am I? Why am I here? Is this all there is? These keys assist with our awakening. Awake refers to being conscious, aware, actively tuning in to our intuition, and exploring more, whereas asleep indicates those individuals that have yet to experience a spiritual awakening and are functioning solely on their five human senses rather than intentionally accessing their intuition. Each one of us is exactly where we are supposed to be on our path, operating from our own level of awareness.

Learn to slow down and perceive the mysterious events and opportunities that happen in life. We call them coincidences, but if we look closely, we see they are meaningful. They bring us just the right information at just the right time to extend our careers, relationships, and growth. These events feel destined in some way, as though the world is set up to help us make a better life, work through our problems, and reach our dreams – if we just pay attention. ~ James Redfield

Recognizing angel numbers and the other signs the Universe provides are ways that we heighten our awareness and strengthen our relationship to spirit (a collective term for our angels, guides, and loved ones in spirit). Other individuals may prefer the terms Universe, God, Source, Consciousness, Creator, and Higher Power. Coined by Swiss psychiatrist Carl Jung, the term synchronicity is used to express a concept involving a causal connection of two or more psycho-physic phenomena. Otherwise known as a meaningful coincidence, synchronicity often plays a role in the people who cross our paths. I don’t think that anything happens by coincidence. No one is here by accident. Everyone who crosses our path has a message for us. Otherwise, they would have taken another path or left earlier or later. The fact that these people are here means that they are here for some reason. ~ James Redfield Recognizing your connection to those in your life today will help you understand the valuable roles we play in each other’s lives. In addition, observing the blessings within all relationships is essential to our journey, including those individuals who are no longer in our life as well as those we have yet to meet.

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Strengthening our relationship with spirit involves heightening our awareness and taking note of everyone and everything that comes into our awareness while not being obsessive in doing so. Rather, we can begin to acknowledge what we experience through our senses as we focus our energy on the present moment. This involves paying attention to what we see, hear, feel and know. Please know that doing so will become easier with practice and will eventually become a natural way of being. Each one of us is messengers as well. These messages may be presented to us via a social media post, from an encounter with another individual or even an overheard conversation. Inspiration is always flowing to us and through us; it’s simply a matter of recognizing it and then taking action by conveying the words we hear within our minds to another. You are all messengers—every one of you. You are carrying a message to life about life every day. Every hour. Every moment. ~ Neale Donald Walsch Heightened awareness involves taking note of the signs and synchronicities that are being presented to us from the Spirit realm. As previously mentioned, number sequences on the clock or phone, license plates, and receipts are signs. Many times, these numerical sequences are viewed as angel numbers, especially if they are repeating numbers or have a personal meaning to the observer, such as birth date or year. Songs on the radio, television commercials, and even upcoming events brought into our awareness are worth paying attention to, especially if we keep seeing or hearing them repeatedly. Songs or short lyrics that come into our minds are ways our angels and guides communicate with us. Coins found in unexpected places are often reminders our loved ones in spirit are with us. Messages in nature, such as birds, insects, mammals or reptiles, and even cloud formations, as well as anything else that catches our attention, should be noted. Cardinals, hummingbirds, butterflies, and dragonflies are very popular messengers from the spirit. I love referencing Ted Andrew’s Animal-Speak Pocket Guide when an animal crosses my path literally or comes into my awareness through media or during the dream state. When referencing meanings, please choose credible resources and practice discernment. Symbols are everywhere and may mean one thing to an

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individual and something entirely different to another. Our frame of reference and perception assist us in our individual interpretation of these symbols. Sometimes, the message is not revealed to us immediately. Therefore, it is important to simply acknowledge that you see the sign regardless of what it may be while doing your best to not over-analyze it. Instead, express your gratitude for receiving it, knowing you will gain clarity on the meaning in due time. Sometimes, the message is just the awareness of receiving a sign. As I’ve stated before, taking note of the signs will continue to heighten our awareness so that we can recognize the synchronicities or meaningful coincidences that we experience in our lives, which is magic. Personally speaking, my birth certificate indicates that I was born at precisely 4:44 pm. I’ve always appreciated the special number sequence, but it wasn’t until I “woke up” that I recognized that it was indeed an angel number. According to Doreen Virtue’s book, Angel Numbers 101, the numbers 444 indicate ~ There are angels – they’re everywhere around you! You are completely loved, supported, and guided by many Heavenly beings, and you have nothing to fear. What a beautiful and comforting message to receive! As a gentle reminder, be kind to yourself and to those around you. Everyone is experiencing life in their own way and has their own reality. We are all messengers. We are all teachers. We are all students. We are all in this space of learning and growing. Our purpose is to show up as who we are in this physical body for this human life experience. By tuning in and recognizing the signs that surround us, we can truly embrace the magic within.

Shelly Wilson is an author, intuitive medium and conscious creator who is passionate about helping people wake up to their greatness. She supports others as they navigate their own journey into consciousness to experience aliveness. Shelly’s books, 28 Days to a New YOU, Connect to the YOU Within, Journey into Consciousness and Embracing the Magic Within are available in paperback and eBook. She is also the creator of Cards of Empowerment and Clarity Cards. ShellyRWilson.com EmbracingTheMagicWithin.com

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By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio Alati & the Team

We are …

I AM

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What can bring us eternal happiness? Everything changes, everything is changing, and everyone is in the field of transformation. Therefore, everything is relative. Happiness comes from the immutable, from the eternal, from the infinite, immortal, and I AM. Man can say "I AM" only to himself, never to others. The I AM requires us to enter into ourselves and to speak with God. The I AM is not the mind; it is not our emotions; it is not joy, love-possession, or sadness. The I AM is indefinable from the mind; it is without past, present, and future. The I AM is fully aware of oneself, of the Divine's consciousness, the only true teacher. The I AM is eternal; it has no beginning or end. It is pure potential. To experience the I AM, one must not seek; no effort is required. It is already there, present at any moment. We have to bring awareness there, awareness at our own level of life. The I AM lives in every individual. It is a drop and a spark of the Divine. The individual I AM is part of the Father's I AM. The I AM exists before anything we can perceive. The feeling of existing is the first perception. Existence exists before every thought, before the arising of every thought; it is not separate from us, so we don't have to look for it. It is already here. The "Personal I" must, therefore, leave room for the impersonal I AM: "I am what I am." It is necessary to remember what we have forgotten, what we are, and what resides in that I AM. Do not fall into the trap of shallow events in life, as all moments are precious for recognizing the I AM. Life is a continuous flow of these moments. Let's not forget that the Universe ceases to exist if it stops being observed. The boundary between the outside world and our subjective consciousness is really thin and unstable. Saying "I AM" announces the presence of the Divine in us. God is thought, a substance that generates creations. Love is the cosmic glue that holds all matter together. God, the origin of life in all of us, is a silent and constant presence in everyone. We are perennial and immortal essence, unique. We have intelligence and will, and we are all creators, immortal creators. We are unlimited. We are unlimited spiritual beings; we are ... I AM.

The I AM lives in every individual. It is a drop and a spark of the Divine. The individual I AM is part of the Father's I AM. The I AM exists before anything we can perceive.

"I bear within me peace: Within myself, I bear forces to make me strong. With the warmth of these forces, I shall be imbued. With the power of my will, I shall be filled. And then I shall feel how peacefulness pours through all my being as I strengthen myself to find peace as strength within myself through steadfast inner striving." ~Rudolf Steiner

LAVANDAIA (Paola, Marco and the Team) Lavandaia's mission is to provide clarity and awareness to those who decide to embark on a serious journey towards the discovery of their deepest self, with humbleness and inner courage. The pioneer and founder of Lavandaia is a gifted woman named Paola. Her loving patience, firmness, and wisdom are a source of resonance and inspiration for hundreds of people, as well as a distinctive trait of the life she chooses to embark upon and live. As Paola receives deep and profound messages from Mother Earth and what she calls "The Sky," Marco and Lavandaia's team translate them into written compositions and opportunities to share this Timeless Intelligence.

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Threat Turned Into Threads:

Entrepreneur Creates a Sustainable Fashion Line for Men

ashion and function may not always go hand-in-hand, but Ben Perkins is an inventor who decided they should when he created &Collar. The brand new line of stain-resistant and wrinkle-free men's dres's shirts, slacks, and ties is made using recycled plastic. Perkins, an athlete who grew up in humid climates and often wore dres' shirts, wondered why these items were not made from athletic, breathable, moisture-wicking fabric. This question, coupled with a love of the environment, led to the launch of the new, sustainable apparel line. "When we started &Collar, we wanted to change the world for the better. We weren't sure how we were going to do that, but we feel that we are starting down that road, and we feel incredibly good about it. We can confidently say that we are making life easier [and consequently better] for the tens of thousands of individuals who have added our stress-free clothing to their wardrobe. We are also proud to report that they have helped us remove hundreds of thousands of plastic bottles from waterways and landfills because of those individuals taking a chance on us and our products. We have barely started to scratch the surface, but I feel very excited about the direction we are going and the continued positive impact we will have one customer, one product, and one water bottle at a time", Perkins says.

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Our goal is to make products that aren't just good for our customers, but also good for the world at large. Our shirts are made with a proprietary blend of fabrics that allow for maximum performance while also utilizing upcycled plastics that would otherwise end up in the world's waterways and landfills. & Collar's goal is simple, and the company aims to create products that are not just good for customers but also good for the world. The line's shirts are made using a proprietary blend of fabrics that allow for maximum performance while utilizing upcycled plastics that would otherwise end up in the world's waterways and landfills. Every &Collar.com shirt is the equivalent of 15 recycled plastic bottles! One million plastic bottles are purchased every single minute globally. Instead of sending those bottles to oceans and landfills, &Collar.com is using that recycled plastic to create a high-performance fabric that keeps men cool and dry. The company's goal is to make the world a little bit better, one shirt and tie at a time. "We are at a seminal moment right now where technology and manufacturing have made it possible for us to create not only the best menswear in the world but also the best menswear for the world. We have adopted sustainable sourcing and manufacturing practices at &Collar because we believe each of us, including individuals and businesses, has the responsibility to become better stewards of this wonderful planet we call home. Although we do pay significantly more to create our products using recycled plastic bottles, we feel it is completely worth it to partner with our manufacturers and customers to make the world a cleaner place. There is no reason with all of the plastic that has already been created and still floats in existence that all businesses shouldn't be making aggressive efforts to incorporate recycled plastic into manufacturing and moving away from virgin polyester," says Perkins. All &Collar shirts are machine washable, contain moisture-wicking fabric, and have multiple sustainability certifications. Think about this. With every shirt purchased, there are 15 fewer bottles in the environment, and that is something everyone should feel good wearing! https://andcollar.com

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The Bench

Photo by mnyar samir

By Donald L. Hicks

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A place to search the soul, To intrepidly explore her many caverns: those bright and straight, those dark and twisted, To muddle the glue bonding a forsaken past, To forget the itchy future, To embrace a fragrant wealth of uncertainty, To invoke and solicit the great Moment of Now. That moment whose ceilings are steeped in infinitesimal unnoticed change, walls riddled with potholes of possibilities, and floors mopped with tepid stagnation. To inhale golden moonbeams and cherry rainbows, To poke at the dark corners and murky recesses, resuscitating undigested memories long perished, To confidently tread into stalwart indecision, To meekly venture into brazen transformation, To passionately and interminably sit with nothingness… yet everything at once. To rise and leave that slatted seat, innately the same, yet changed beyond measure. Suffused with awareness that from the bench, the soul calls: “Come. Sit with me. Let us speak.”

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MONSTERS IN OUR HEADS

Photo by Theme Inn

THE

By Leanne Brown As a teacher, Leanne Brown has seen first-hand not only how childhood mental health has reached epidemic levels, but how the conversation with youngsters about their mental wellbeing often never takes place. Also boundlessly creative, Brown has recently released the first volume in her new Monster Mountain children’s book series. The series was written to not only share fun and adventurous stories, but to help children recognize mental health issues, understand them, and go out into the world with gusto. "Daniel is a young boy from a ‘normal’ family. He is shy, quiet and worries about things in life. Unlike his sister Darcie, who is outgoing, loud, and confident. Daniel loves bedtime because his imagination, through his dreams, takes him on adventures, where he meets new people and visits new places. His journeys are always something he enjoys. One night, a monster appears in his bedroom, who takes him on an adventure to Monster Mountain. Daniel has always thought monsters were scary, but tonight he learns that they are just like humans; they have 96 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2021

feelings and they too worry about things in their lives. When Daniel arrives in Monster Mountain, he is over awed by how beautiful and unique it is. Dex introduces Daniel to his monster friends. Daniel quickly notices that each monster is individual and unique. Whilst at Monster Mountain, Daniel helps one of the monsters, Shelley, who is really struggling with anxiety. This is something Daniel relates to as he too is worrying about something at school. Daniel teaches Shelley different ways to cope with her anxiety. He, too, must use these skills to get over his own worries about school. Can he overcome his worries and apply the strategies to cope?" “Each book is going to see Daniel return to Monster Mountain, where he’ll encounter and learn about a different mental health issue such as depression, grief, PTSD, anxiety, bullying, OCD and ADHD,” explains the author. “Mental health is a tough issue to discuss with children, chiefly because nobody can “see” you suffering.

ince being a young girl, I have always wanted to be a teacher. This never faltered, and throughout life, my focus was clearly on being a teacher. It started with the teddies and dolls in my bedroom, who would have to sit through my endless lessons when I was a young girl. They grew up to be very educated teddy bears and dolls. My passion for teaching stemmed from wanting to help. Help anyone, but mainly children. I wanted to be the voice that they may not have. My teaching career took me to teach secondary English for 10 years. I loved English, another passion of mine. I loved my job, loved the children, and loved the fact I got to teach something I was passionate about, but something was missing. Two of my passions bowled into one, but I still felt like there was a part of me that was not meeting the part of me that wanted to help. Yes, children achieved their grades, and they went on to a variety of careers, but at the end of the day, did I make any difference to any of them? My journey took me to work in a special educational needs school, which I loved. This was it; this was my moment to make some helpful impact on a child. It was evident when I started at the school that my help didn't have to be academic. It could be something as simple as listening to a child, giving them a hug, or letting them experience something that we take for granted in everyday life, but something they had never experienced. It was my life in this section of education that opened my eyes to how so many children struggle with mental health. It was so evident that children could not recognize their feelings as mental health, and they were unable to cope with the feelings. It was for this reason; I wrote Daniel's Dream: Monster Mountain.

that may be, I hope that it teaches them that it is ok to not be ok, that there are lots of people who have mental health issues, and the more it is talked about, the more awareness there is; I hope that children can identify coping strategies, that they can use the breathing techniques and grounding exercises and then apply them to everyday life. If this can bring some impact on their own mental health issues, then we are starting to win the fight against childhood mental health illnesses. I hope that children enjoy the first one enough to want to buy the next in the series, which I am currently writing. Writing is not easy; finding ideas that can be sustained and enjoyable for children can be a task. You constantly question what has been done before? How will my work stand out above the rest? But I found my solace in writing. I found it an escape in times of unhappiness. I, too, have suffered from mental health issues, and they can be tough to battle even with the most gusto you can muster up. My own mental health has been one of my biggest challenges over the last two years. Some days, I do not recognize who I am now and how to become 'me' again. So, writing allowed my mind time to be creative and escape its own monsters. I sit, usually with a cup of tea, open my laptop and let my fingers do the work. I like to just write and write until my fingers stop and my mind is emptied completely of its ideas. It is then that I go over it and edit my ideas, add to them, or move things around a bit. I like to develop my characters and descriptions further, too. In the weirdest of places, my ideas tend to come, develop, or elaborate further, often in the shower or just as I am about to sleep. The number of random notes of ideas I have either on my phone or written is astronomical. But it works for me, and I love it. It is when I am most creative.

I wanted to use the idea of mental health being compared to the idea of monsters in your head. When Daniel meets the monsters, he realizes that monsters are not all mean and that some just need help with their issues. The characters are designed around the premise of their mental health issue. So, their colors, names, features, and personalities all represent the mental health issue they are linked to. Once a child reads one of my books, whichever in the series

Photo by Annie Spratt

Using Lockdown for something productive, I decided to start Daniel's Dream. My idea was that if it reached one child, then I will have achieved something. The intention of writing Daniel's Dreams is to raise awareness for the variety of mental health issues that arise for children. The whole premise of the book is that it will become a series of books. The first book 'Monster Mountain' introduces the main characters and a general idea of anxiety and fear. Future books will see the characters come together but will mainly focus on one mental health issue per book.

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The Honesty of Children

"Children are not things to be moulded but people to be unfolded." – Jess Lair

Photo by Annie Spratt

Working with children is one of the most magical experiences anyone can be part of. In my career, children have driven me crazy, I have become frustrated with them, and my patience has surely been tested. However, watching the lightbulb moment on a child's face is undeniably the one thing that can make anyone's day. Their joy, confidence, and pride are overwhelming feelings of pleasure, watching these young humans become the people they hope to be one day. It is the reason I wanted my sole focus to be children when I release my new book 'Daniel's Dreams'.

As a budding writer, I also use the environment around me to encourage my creativity. I have a remarkably close family; my daughter, niece, and nephews play a large part in me coming up with ideas, or descriptions, or even humorous moments. It is these that I take away and develop in the hope that I can bring them to life in a book for other children. My daughter is a huge inspiration for what I do now, and the most satisfying moment is her reading the entire first book and saying, 'Mummy, I am so proud of you. Moments like that are priceless, especially from her. Everything I do, I do with her at the forefront of my mind. Writing is not always easy! For me, you are putting your heart, mind, and soul on a page for all to see, judge and comment on. It is a scary process. I do not believe it is only me that can feel this way about their work. Most authors must suffer a case of insecurity; is my work good enough, did I miss something, will everyone like it, and will it achieve the intended purpose? During times of doubt, I try to remember that all I want to do is help children. If I can do this, then the rest that comes with releasing a book is just a bonus. Yes, it will be judged, but the most important audience to me are children; Let us face it – they are brutally honest.

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For this very reason, the reviews that mattered most to me were the ones from children. I wanted to know that my main goal of helping children with mental health could be achieved. So, I enlisted some young critics to review my books. Yes, I had also enlisted adults and professionals, but I was most nervous about the children's reviews. They are the harshest of critics and, no matter what, seem to always speak their minds. Their lack of filter is nerve-racking yet refreshing in the same breath. If my book was unsuccessful, it was children that were going to tell me so. The first child I needed approval from was my 9-year-old daughter! She had asked several times when she was going to be able to read it. I plucked up the courage one evening, gave her a copy, held my breath whilst she read it, and hoped for the best. She closed the book, looked at me, smiled, and said, 'Mum, I am so proud of you.' I wondered whether her bias towards me was what prompted her wonderful comment. When I asked her, she told me, 'you know how honest I am, so I would say if it was rubbish.' Since that moment, she likes me to quiz her on Daniel's Dream, and it astonishes me how much she knows about the book already and how much pride she takes in understanding the book. My next hurdle was a bigger group of children. I enlisted a group of year four children from a school in Tameside. This class is the only child that has read the full book.

Nervous was an understatement. I passed the manuscript to the teacher with some anticipation, leaving it in her capable hands; now, all I could do was wait. I had to hope that the children enjoyed reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it. They did! They loved it, and their reviews echoed this. My heart burst with pride, and I truly felt that I had achieved something. I sat one evening and read the reviews and was so surprised by how mature their reviews were and how they had identified the underlying mental health message I had planted within the story. Some of the reviews included comments about 'learning to breathe correctly,' 'it was funny', 'Daniel was brave', 'Daniel is a real type of person', and 'it was really touching' to name but a few of the comments made by the children. The teacher's review was equally as satisfying. The class teacher had asked me to do a question-andanswer session with the class, which I was thrilled to do. Their questions were phenomenal, mature, well thought out, and engaging. I really was impressed with a class of 8- and 9-year-olds. I think my favorite question was why I had focused on mental health. This made me realize that the children had been able to understand the intention of my book. It could not really be any better for an author. The class teacher informed me that the children had engaged with the text and that they were planning on doing a classroom display on Daniel's Dream. As a teacher and an author, I felt very honored. I was achieving everything I wanted with my first book; I wanted it to help children; I wanted it to be enjoyed; I wanted it to help, and I wanted it to be used in school to help promote mental wellbeing in children. This was the first class that had read the text, and I was already living the dream of what I wanted to achieve. As Jess Lair states, "Children are not things to be moulded but people to be unfolded." I was lucky enough to be a small part of their unfolding in this instance. Children should never be restricted to what society wants them to be. If we allow them some space and freedom, they will unfold into everything they want to be. It is with great pleasure that I pass my thanks on to the Year 4 class and their teacher. Their support, opinions, and engagement in my book is everything I hoped it would be. I look forward to sharing the finished book with the class, with all the book's final illustrations in it. Continue to be yourselves, unfold your own future and always be honest.

WATCHING THESE YOUNG HUMANS BECOME THE PEOPLE THEY HOPE TO BE ONE DAY. IT IS THE REASON I WANTED MY SOLE FOCUS TO BE CHILDREN WHEN I RELEASE MY NEW BOOK 'DANIEL'S DREAMS'. Leanne Brown, the author of Daniel’s Dreams: Monster Mountain, lives is Greater Manchester, England with her partner Steve and her young daughter, Erin. Leanne is a qualified secondary English teacher, who has specialised in special educational needs, and is now focusing on writing children’s books based on mental health issues that arise in children. Mental health is something that Leanne is passionate about and hopes her books will help young children everywhere. When not writing, Leanne likes to spend time with her family. She loves to read, colour, watch a good series or film, go swimming, enjoy a meal out and spending quality time with her daughter and partner.

I hope that my book reaches you somewhere and that you www.dreambelieveread.co.uk enjoy reading as much as I have enjoyed writing.

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102 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e December 2020

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The Eden Magazine April 2021

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The Eden Magazine April 2021