The Eden Magazine 2019

EDEN T h e

March 2019

©

Magazine

Voices of Powerful Women

By Zoe Sallis

WOULD YOU DATE YOU?

By Joe Santos, Jr.

Earth Star Chakra Vasundhara

By Athena Perrakis

Christophe

Bonnegrace From France to America with his exceptional cuisine and charity work

69TH ANNUAL

American Cinema Editors,

ACE Eddie Awards

THE91ST

OSCARS

®

ACADEMY AWARDS

Table of Contents 6

THE 91ST OSCARS® ACADEMY AWARDS OUTLOOK

32 6 36

10

69TH ANNUAL AMERICAN CINEMA EDITORS ACE EDDIE AWARDS

16

CHRISTOPHE BONNEGRACE

28

HEAL YOUR BROKEN HEART & THAN GO SAVE THE WORLD

By Bridget Fonger

32

VOICES OF POWERFUL WOMEN

By Zoe Sallis

36

A GENTLE APPROACH TO SPRING CLEANSING

By Jessica Baker, LAC

40

LIVE TRUE: A MINDFULNESS GUIDE TO AUTHENTICITY

By Ora Nadrich

54 16 80

54

EARTH STAR CHAKRA VASUNDHARA

By Athena Perrakis, ph.D.

58

WOULD YOU DATE YOU?

By Joe Santos, Jr.

80

THE BUDDHA PILL CAN MEDITATION CHANGE YOU?

By Dr. Miguel Farias & Dr. Catherine Wilkhom

Cover Photo

by Rachel Bonnegrace

3 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e July 2016

DINA MORRONE

Maryam Morrison

GLORIA KISEL-HOLLIS

MARIA ELENA INFANTINO

EDWARD HAKOPIAN

MICHAEL WHITE RYAN

TARA-JENELLE WALSCH

ISABELLE RUEN

KATE YOUNGER

SHERI DETERMAN

SASHA GARY

ANGELA DUNNING

MIRIAM BERTKE

ALEXIA MELOCCHI

JOE SANTOS, JR.

MARCO NUNZIO ALATI

JAN DIANA

BRENDA SAINT HILAIRE

MARGARET TOMASZEWIC

JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE

MEET OUR TEAM

Photo by Artin Mardirosian

Spreading Compassion to all Sentient Beings and Living in healing and peaceful world

EDEN T

H

E

MAGAZINE

Since 2010 The Eden Magazine is a free Online magazine focuses on spreading compassion to all sentient beings Living in a healing and peaceful world FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARYAM MORRISON CONTRIBUTING EDITOR DINA MORRONE BRAND AMBASSADOR MARIA ELENA INFANTINO SOCIALITE DIRECTOR GLORIA KISEL-HOLLIS CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JAN DIANA SASHA GARY JOE SANTOS, JR. ALEXIA MELOCCHI

MIRIAM BERTKE ANGELA DUNNING MARCO NUNXIO ALATI MICHAEL WHITE RYAN JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE TARA-JENELLE WALSCH MARGARET TOMASZEWIC CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS + MAKEUP ARTIST EDWARD HAKOPIAN GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY KATE YOUNGER ISABELLE RUEN SHERI DETERMAN BRENDA SAINT HILAIRE WEBSITE

www.theedenmagazine.com 325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 To read this issue online www.issuupublishing.com To purchase a copy visit us in www.magcloud.com Eden Magazine is an non-profit & independent monthly online magazine.

Our aim is to create a better environment where we live among other living being in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work match 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 5 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

The

91st Oscars Academy Awards outlook ®

Winners, Fashion Statements, Emotional Highs…

Some of the best moments from the biggest night in Hollywood

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Thank you to The Academy of Motion Pictures for the honor in having us to cover the 91st OscarsŽ. And thank you to all of the photographers who captured all of these stunning images: ŠA.M.P.A.S. Phil Mc Cartenl, Caleria Durant, Matt Salyes, Richard Harbaugh, Troy Harvey, John Farrell, Todd Waerychuk, Kyusung Gong, Aaron Poole, Kate Noelle,

Regina King, Winner, Supporting Role, "If Beale Street Could Talk"

Oliva Coleman, Winner, Leading Actress, "The Favourite"

Mahershala Ali, Winner, Supporting Role, "Green Book"

Rami Malek, Winner. Leading Actor, "Bohemian Rhapsody"

Best Motion Picture "Green Book"

The American Cinema Editors, ACE Eddie Awards show, is the 3rd oldest awards show in Hollywood, only after the Oscars® and Golden Globes®.

This years Eddie Award for best editing, celebrated its 69th year. The black-tie ceremony, produced

by Jenni F. McCormick and directed by Michael Seel, was held in the International Ballroom of the Beverly Hilton with over 1000 in attendance. President of American Cinema Editors, Stephen Rivkin, ACE, presided over the evening’s festivities, while comedian and voice over actor (voice of “Sponge Bob”), Tom Kenny, was the evening’s host.

The American Cinema Editors (ACE) is an honorary society of motion picture editors founded in 1950. Film editors are voted into membership on the basis of their professional achievements, their dedication to the education of others and their commitment to the craft of editing.

The objectives and purposes of the American Cinema Editors are to advance the art and science of the editing profession; to increase the entertainment value of motion pictures by attaining artistic pre-eminence and scientific achievement in the creative art of editing; to bring into close alliance those editors who desire to advance the prestige and dignity of the editing profession.

In addition to the annual ACE Eddie Awards, ACE produces several annual events including EditFest (an international editing festival), and Invisible Art/ Visible Artists (annual panel of Oscar® nominated editors). The organization also publishes a quarterly magazine, Cinema Editor, highlighting the art, craft and business of editing and editors.

American Cinema Editors President, Stephen Rivkin, ACE

69TH ANNUAL

American Cinema Editors, ACE Eddie Awards Photography by Peter Zachary, Tilt Photo

Career Achievement Recipient Craig McKay, ACE

The ACE organization is also very active in nurturing the next generation of film editors. They have a student-editing award, an Internship program, and several fellowship programs, including, Sally Menke Fellowship, Karen Schmeer Fellowship, and the Eric Zumbrunnen Fellowship.

Jenifer Lewis

12 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

Peter Farrelly

Harry Shum Jr., and Jon M. Chu

On the evening of the awards show, Eddie’s were handed out for outstanding editing in 11 categories, in film, television, and documentaries. This year, the two top prizes in feature length film, went to John Ottman, ACE, for “Bohemian Rhapsody” (Best Edited Feature Film, Dramatic), and Yorgos Mavropsaridis, ACE for “The Favourite” (Best Edited Feature Film, Comedy).

Other top winners were, Robert Fisher, Jr. for “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse” (Best Edited Animated Feature Film) and Bob Eisenhardt, ACE, for “Free Solo” (Best Edited Documentary, Feature).

Television winners included Kyle Reiter, for “Atlanta -- Teddy Perkins” (Best Edited Comedy Series for Commercial Television), Kate Sanford, ACE, for “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel – Simone” (Best Edited Comedy Series for Non-Commercial

Television), Gary Dollner, ACE, for “Killing Eve -- Nice Face” (Best Edited Drama Series for Commercial Television), Steve Singleton, for “Bodyguard -- Episode 1” (Best Edited Drama Series for Non-Commercial Television), Malcolm Jamieson & Geoffrey Richman, ACE, for “Escape at Dannemora -Episode Seven” (Best Edited Miniseries or Motion Picture for Television), Hunter Gross, ACE, for “Anthony Bourdain -- Parts Unknown: West Virginia” (Best Edited Non-Scripted Series), and Greg Finton, ACE & Poppy Das, ACE, for “Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind” (Best Edited Documentary, Non-theatrical).

The ACE Student Editing Award went to Marco Gonzales of Boston University. This year the award was named in honor of the late Anne V. Coates, ACE (“Lawrence of Arabia”). Coates’ daughter, Emma E. Hickox, ACE, presented the award to the winner.

Filmmaker of the Year, Guillermo del Toro

Host, and Voice of Sponge Bob, Tom Kenny

Spike Lee

Octavia Spencer

D’Arcy Carden

13 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

The Career Achievement Awards honored Jerrold L. Ludwig, ACE, (who was not present), and Craig McKay, ACE. The highest honor of the evening, the Golden Eddie Award for Filmmaker of the Year, went to director Guillermo del Toro.

On hand to present awards were Octavia Spencer, who gave a very heartfelt tribute to Guillermo del Toro – he directed her in “The Shape of Water.” Spike Lee, handed out the award for Best Documentary, actor Paul Walter Hauser (“Blackkklansman”) and Tatiana Riegel, ACE, handed out best-edited film, comedy, and “Green Book” director, Peter Farrelly, presented best-edited film, dramatic.

Yorgos Mavropsaridis, The Favourite

Other presenters included, Angela Sarafyan, of “Westworld,” Jenifer Lewis, from “Blackish,” D’Arcy Carden, “The Good Place,” and from “Crazy Rich Asians,” director Jon M. Chu and actor Harry Shum Junior. Bradley Cooper was there to show support for his editor Jay Cassidy, ACE (“A Star is Born”).

It was a truly memorable evening for all the winners and their families.

There is so much to be said about film editing and the very important role it plays in filmmaking, but I will let some great directors have the last word.

Cathy Repola, Exec. Dir. MP Editors Guild, holding Career Achievement Award for Jerrold L. Ludwig

Tom Kenny, Octavia Spencer, Guillermo del Toro

John Ottman, Bohemian Rhapsody (John went on the win the Oscar® for Best Editing)

Billy Goldenberg, ACE, Allyson Goldenberg, and Michael Tronick, ACE

Angela Sarafyan

Alfonso Cuaron and Adam Gough, ACE, (Roma) Photo by Sheri Determan

Emma E. Hickox, ACE

“I might say that everything that precedes editing is merely a way of producing film to edit. Editing is the only unique aspect of filmmaking, which does not resemble any other art form – a point so important it cannot be overstated. It can make or break a film.” Stanley Kubrick.

“Cinematography and Editing are at the very heart of our craft.

They are not inherited from a theatrical tradition or a literary tradition: they are cinema itself.” Guillermo del Toro “In the history of Cinema, masterpieces have existed without color, without a story, without actors and without music. No single film has ever existed without cinematography and without editing.” Alfonso Cuaron

Paul Walter Hauser

“I’ve always looked at the editing room as the safe haven of second chances. So if directing is an art form, then film editing, to me, is a fine art form and the final and most important stage in turning something good into something great.

Editors! You are my heroes!”

Steven Spielberg.

Carol Littleton, ACE, John Bailey, Academy President, ACS

Carolyn Giardina, Hollywood Reporter, Chris Lebenzon

Music to Our Ears Human journeys through sound

By Alexia Melocchi It was February 26th, 2017 when a much talked about movie, a Musical called “LA LA LAND” that had danced into the hearts of the global movie going audience, was considered the “sure win” for Best Picture. In a shocking twist of events, it became the wrong picture being called out, and the Oscar went to “MOONLIGHT”.

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Though our hearts sank a little, little did we know that “ LA LA LAND” was going to mark a new era for Musicals in Hollywood, so much than in 2019, at the Oscars, two movies about musicians, “BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY” and “A STAR IS BORN”, have made it all the way to receiving multiple Oscar nominations, confirming once again the power of Music in storytelling the journeys of human beings, and not the glorification of rock and roll stardom. I know this to be true because I have observed that whenever a film becomes a dinner table conversation, and moments of a film become memorable, it has succeeded to shift or enhanced our perception of human nature.

In Bohemian Rhapsody, for example, each Queen hit song is carefully timed into a seamless plot where you will find messages and themes that tug at the heart strings of the movie going audience beyond the experience of listening to a familiar sound.

Freddie Mercury had charisma. Freddie Mercury had talent.

Freddie Mercury was eccentric and perhaps overly self - confident. Freddie Mercury had demons.

Though not a biopic, A STAR IS BORN went beyond a musical film, it morphed into a romance classic, the once in a lifetime love story we all wish to have. Depicting the struggle of an artist, Ally, played by Lady Gaga, striving to stay true to herself and to be recognized by her singing voice, in a male dominated Industry that wants women to look “hot” first, then talented second, the film was really an ode to the blossoming of a woman when unconditional and deep love arrives in her life. Bradley Cooper’s character, Jack, saw Ally as beautiful, and passionate and past her average physical appearance. He pushed her to own her power and her musical gifts ,and to follow her calling. He pushed her on stage, to sing with him, and in one instant he made her destiny and he became her destiny. One of my favourite moments in the

“Look, talent comes everywhere, but having something to say and a way to say it so that people listen to it, that’s a whole other bag. And unless you get out and you try to do it, you’ll never know. That’s just the truth. And there’s one reason we’re supposed to be here is to say something so people want to hear. So you got to grab it, and you don’t apologize, and you don’t worry about why they’re listening, or how long they’re going to be listening for, you just tell them what you want to say. Don’t you understand what I’m trying to tell you?”

And that is the power of music. And when the medium of film, that extend a series of musical notes that become hit songs like “I will never love again” or “Shallow into a two- hour experiences and grabs you with its celebration of humanity, growth, love, friendship, integrity, artistry, purpose, then sound has not just caressed our ears, but has embedded itself into a memory that will stay with us for many years to come.

I hope, this year, the music wins. And the Oscar goes to…

? ?

Every song in the film marked particular moments in Freddie’s life , and told a story about Freddie, the human being, his loves, his desire to be accepted, his struggle with the false idolatry of fame, and his eventual return to authenticity, touching upon some of life’s most important lessons that we all sooner or later will experience. “Love of my Life” was an ode to true love, a love that fully accepts you and embraces you. “Under Pressure” showed us how we can lose ourselves in the negativity of the world’s problems and the only thing that will stop us from drowning to dig deep inside ourselves and find that love “that dares you to care for the people on the edge of the night, And love dares you to change our way of caring about ourselves”, says the song. “We are the Champions” is to this date, one of the most played songs in sports events because it reminds us that we can all get up on our feet, try again, and that we all have the potential to be winners, if we get out of our own personal jail and live our lives to the fullest. At the end, Freddie lived up to his father’s teachings: “Good thoughts, Good Words, Good Deeds” and raised millions of dollars for LIVE AID.

movie is when he reminds her that the ability to connect to others through song and lyrics can profoundly affect people and it would be a shame if she deprived those who want to listen to something meaningful by holding herself back.

Alexia Melocchi is an accomplished film producer and worldwide distribution executive and the partner of Beverly Hills based LITTLE STUDIO FILMS. Alexia Melocchi has an experience of more than twenty years in in Hollywood and has produced 11 award wining movies and 3 documentaries that were shot by emerging film makers that she has personally discovered and mentored.

She also acquires on behalf of her international distributor clients films and television shows from all over the world for release in the Middle East, Italy, Greece, Spain, Canada, South America and Germany. She attends all major film festivals in the USA and abroad and has been often invited as an expert panelist on the Film Business for high profile film and television conventions.

Alexia is fluent in five languages and is the proud mama to 3 rescue cats.

She supports environmental and animal causes , meditates daily, and is an avid reader of spiritual and self helps books.

IG @lexybella @LttleStudioFlms www.littlestudiofilms.com 17 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

Un Chef avec une cuisine exceptionnelle

Christophe

Bonnegrace

By Dina Morrone Photography by Rachel Bonnegrace

F

From France to America with his exceptional cuisine and charity work

or the past 27 years, Chef Christophe Bonnegrace has been perfecting his skills as a culinary artist and businessman. At the young age of 14, he was as an apprentice at St. Maximin, in France, where he also received his Culinary Arts Degree from the C.F.A. Culinary School. Soon after his studies, The Var-Matin Republique Journal voted Christophe, youngest chef in France.

Christophe’s adventures and curiosity led him to Africa to explore life over there. He began traveling between tribes from Cairo to Nairobi learning all that he could about their cuisine and lifestyle.

Upon his return to France, Christophe was hired as a sous chef in the seafood restaurant La Vigie. He remained there until 1993 when he decided to broaden his horizons and take a trip across the Atlantic Ocean to Los Angeles, California. He landed a job as Executive chef at Aristoff Caviar & Fine Food, where he served patrons the likes of Gene Kelley, Gina Davis, and Georges Marciano. He then came to the decision to move to Las Vegas, where at first, it was very discouraging for him, but he soon found his footing and things really took off. It was that Las Vegas experience that really helped shape him into becoming the successful person and chef he is today. And just like that, he went from once being the Assistant General Manager of an English Pub to becoming the Executive sous chef for the Mirage Hotel, in Las Vegas!

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In 2001, Christophe became food and beverage consultant and was offered the corporate chef position for the Sevilla Corporation, based in Denver, Colorado. While he was there, he earned the award, Chef of the Month, for the state of Colorado. His next consulting job sent him to Maui, Hawaii, where he landed the job of Food and Beverage Director / Executive Chef for the Royal Lahaina Resort.

Traveling back to Las Vegas proved to be very successful for Christophe. He was offered the executive chef position for Little Buddha, at The Palms Casino, where he received the Culinary of Excellence Award and placed Little Buddha in the top ten best restaurants in Las Vegas in 2003. The restaurant also received the award for Best Asian Restaurant in 2004. On the heels of that success, he decided to travel to Sham El Sheik, Egypt, to open a new addition to the legacy of Little Buddha.

In 2006 Christophe formed CBG Enterprises, his own Consulting and Development Company, where he became involved in working with numerous Native American tribes throughout the U.S and the Dominican Republic.

Christophe also worked as Corporate Executive Chef for Royal Caribbean Celebrity Cruises and won multiple awards with the company. However, as a true artist of cooking, he found the position unfulfilling and wanted to find his way back to the kitchen.

2012 brought Christophe back to his roots of Provencal French cooking with the opening of a new restaurant, La Villette, in the famed West Village of Manhattan. It became an instant success. He brought La Villette to the prestigious James Beard Foundation and received The Green Light from Forbes.

His next move was up to Harlem, where he opened Barawine, a Wine Bar & Restaurant, which served French American Flair Cuisine. The critics loved it and called it, Best New Restaurant in Harlem, Number 2 Best Outdoor Dining in Manhattan, and Top 18 Favorite Restaurants in Manhattan.

Christophe has also worked as an Executive Chef for the famed Yamashiro Restaurant in Hollywood. Within six months of being there, Yamashiro was placed in the Top 10 Best Restaurants in Los Angeles and the number one Most Romantic Restaurant. He was not only credited with its success but also responsible for bringing back Hollywood celebrities to dine at this iconic and historical place.

With Christophe’s memorable culinary creations, coupled with his love and respect for what he does, he has certainly put a big smile on the faces of so many people from all over the world for so many years. He has been an unstoppable force with his intelligence, creativity, and love for what he does. After all… food is love, love is food, and who doesn’t love really good food created by a master chef?

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Christophe Bonnegrace with his wife Rachel

Thank you so much, Christophe, for your time. It’s an honor to have you featured in the March issue of The Eden Magazine.

What motivated you to become a chef?

The thing that motivated me the most is the pleasure to cook with products that our planet has to offer, by keeping their beauty and integrity, and most and foremost, the honor to put it together to create beautiful dishes.

You traveled to so many places in the world, which place do you feel you connected with the most?

There isn’t one place in particular. All the places in the world I’ve traveled to have something magical to offer if you allow yourself to see further of what it is you are looking for. But if I really must choose one place, I have to say it would be New Zealand.

Who has been your mentor in life?

It’s not just one mentor. It has been both of my Grandfathers and my Father. They taught me to always be humble and respectful, but to never back down, never put your head down, stand up tall, and if you fall, get up and move forward.

With your busy schedule, how do you find time to enjoy life?

I won’t lie, it is not easy for me to find the time to just sit back and enjoy life as I am quite busy, but I do make time for riding my motorcycle every day. That is pure joy for me, and when I have time to relax, I like to spend it with my wife, Rachel. We try, as much as possible, to spend time seeing places together.

What is your favorite cuisine?

Mediterranean cuisine, Asian Cuisine… I love simple cooking with excellent ingredients.

You spent two years studying food aboard in Africa, why did you choose Africa?

I’ve always been interested and curious to know how back in the King's era, emperors were throwing those large feasts, and the Chefs, the cooks, they didn’t have all the toys in the kitchen we have today. How did they do it? Well, the way to witness that is in Africa, where tribes don’t have kitchens but still manage to pull out amazing food.

How do you feel your work can help our society?

We live in a society where we are consumed by technology and do not socialize like we used to. Everyone is so stuck on their phone and on social media. No one talks to each other, spends time, or plays like we used to. So I truly believe my work as a Chef brings people together at the table in front of a great meal. The beauty of it is that everyone starts chatting, laughing, and enjoying each other. So basically, I can say, through one dish at the time, I am helping our society.

If you had to choose one animal organization to support, which one would you choose and why?

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There is no doubt it would have to be ASPCA (American Society for the prevention of cruelty to animals). I have two dogs, which both my wife and I rescued. There are so many animals that are mistreated and that get abandoned, so if I can bring them home and give them the love they deserve, then so be it. Adopting is where it’s at!

Tell us about your charity work.

Working as a Corporate Chef for Sugar Factory for many years, the group is heavily involved and are big supporters of giving back to the community by contributing to Children who are ill and in need. Here are a few of the Charities we work with in Las Vegas: In Las Vegas: Nevada Childhood Cancer Foundation NVCCF Make a Wish Foundation Make a Wish Southern Nevada The Shade Tree Ronald McDonald House Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Nevada Opportunity Village In Miami: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital In Atlantic City: Emmanuel Cancer Foundation In New York: Candlelighters Childhood Cancer In Chicago: Bare Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundations In Connecticut: Sunshine Kids dedicated to Children with Cancer In Seattle: Good Times Project Children’s Cancer Foundation Why is it so important for you to contribute to these charities?

Children are our future! We are their stepping-stones to greater things in life. It is important for children to know that they are not alone, that they are supported in their battle and journey. It is important to help and to give back. I am proud to have been there for them all these years.

Any final words for our readers?

Have faith and believe. Stay strong and love.

Have you seen Gretchen?!

Missing since 11/11/2016 Please contact us

info@theedenmagazine.com

4 Easy Ways to

Feel & Show Gratitude Year Round

By Dannie De Novo

Gratitude is a powerful, magical force that is available to us every waking moment of every single day. We can always make the conscious choice to look at people, things and situations with gratitude. Always.

I can tell you that my personal gratitude practice holds a very high place on my daily priority list. But why the need for gratitude in our day-to-day lives? Why is gratitude so important?

Gratitude shines a big, bright light on the positivity in our lives—on the positive people, on the positive results and on other positive emotions like love and joy. Gratitude allows us to honor what we have and are experiencing now.

Gratitude shifts our thinking to the present moment. When we are appreciative, we are focused on the good in life, not on the lack or worry or scarcity. With gratitude, we tend to look at life with a sense of wonder and abundance and not from a sense of fear.

Gratitude also allows us to acknowledge how far we have come in our journey.

And that is only the beginning of the power of gratitude. If a gratitude practice is something you have thought about adopting in your life, here are four ways to feel and show gratitude on a daily basis.

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Gratitude Tip #3 Share Appreciate all the good in your life by sharing that good with others!

Whether it is making a meal for a friend, sharing your time with someone who needs your help, sharing your gift of humor or giving to charity, you have the incredible ability to make others feel special and loved.

And just think, if you didn’t have that time, money or other talents, you could never share all that you have with others and see the impact that you have on another human being.

Gratitude Tip #1 Show yourself a little love Who better to appreciate than yourself?

First thing in the morning, look at yourself in the bathroom mirror and tell yourself, out loud, why you love yourself.

This isn’t an exercise in arrogance; it is an exercise in pure gratitude. What makes you unique? What do you really like or admire about yourself? Then, express your gratitude for having or exhibiting that particular quality.

Taking the time to acknowledge and celebrate what makes you special is a significant way to practice daily gratitude for all that you are and all that you have. You possess amazing abilities and talents. You contribute to the greater good with those abilities and talents. Be thankful for who you are and what you are becoming.

When you begin to truly appreciate and love yourself, you will see huge changes in your life.

Gratitude Tip #2 Compliment others Take that eye for appreciation and turn it toward others.

It only takes a moment to slow down and notice the great things about others around you. Compliment a stranger.

Smile at children. Tell the important people in your life why you love and adore them. If you take a few minutes, you can always find a reason to be appreciative of another.

Whether we realize it or not, we get through life with the help of a lot of lovely souls. Around the clock, there are people stocking grocery shelves, driving goods across the country and making things we need to live out our daily lives. And don’t forget all those wonderful people who serve us in so many different ways throughout our day.

Always be genuine with your compliments and imagine leaving each person with whom you come into contact feeling a little happier because of you. Your gratitude will not be taken for granted.

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The big bonus here is that sharing generally (or showing gratitude in any form, really) immediately raises your own sense of love and happiness. Gratitude is a true win-win!

Gratitude Tip #4 Marvel at the little things There are so many little wonders that are a part of our lives every single day.

Think about all the amazing things and people that are a part of your existence right now. We drive around in cars and can go anywhere we want at any time of day, fly through the air in planes and can call someone on the other side of the world by way of a device we keep in our pocket.

We can connect with a loved one with a wink, smile or a hug, we can hear laughter and the sound of the wind blowing through the leaves on the trees, and we can smell that miraculous first cup of coffee in the morning as it brews.

Show your gratitude for all of the little things in your life— from clean, running water to the ability to kiss your loved ones goodbye. When you are full of gratitude for each little piece of your awesome little world, you will experience a level of happiness like you never imagined possible.

ß Dannie De Novo is an author, attorney, life coach, entrepreneur and podcast host who loves horses, traveling and learning. Her book Get in a Good Mood & Stay There launched in 2018.

She spends her days finding ways to help those who aren’t experiencing the most fulfilling version of their lives.

Her greatest job and joy is serving as mom to an amazing beacon of light and hope, her daughter, Carson.

To learn move visit: www.DannieDeNovo.com

Excerpt from Superhero of Love

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Heal Your Broken Heart and Then Go Save the World

By Bridget Fonger

It was my first betrayal. As soon as I discovered the intricate web of lies he had spun over the course of two years, I broke it off with the man I will refer to here as Mr. X. This breakup brought me to my knees. I thought I knew better. I thought I was better—better at being me, at relationships, at being aware. After many years of diligently working on myself—alone and in partnership, in and out of long- term relationships—this dramatic ending left me stunned. I thought I had done it all. I was a personal- growth ninja, for God’s sake, starting in young adulthood with meditation, then individual and group therapies, then off to an ever burgeoning and juicy spiritual practice, followed by intense personal- growth workshops, more meditation, more spiritual work, more deep dives at every opportunity.

What, oh what, had I missed that had left me in this state? Most of us have been burned at some point in our lives, left in a pile of ash by some life- altering loss. Somehow, just as in a cartoon, the little bits of nearly weightless ash, helped by a gentle breeze, become more weighted and gather into a semblance of human form again. And we carry on. Is my head on straight? Can I put weight on both legs? Do I look human from the back, too?

Several days after I broke it off with Mr. X, I ventured out of the house with my not- so- fully formed self, acting as if I were back to normal. But I wasn’t. I was walking in Old Pasadena, a rather sparkly shopping area in Southern California, hoping that the tiniest bit of its shine would rub off on me. I felt dull, gray, hunched over physically and mentally. I looked across the street at a couple who caught my eye. At that moment, the man spontaneously grabbed the woman’s face between his two hands and kissed her. Mr. X used to do this—kiss me with wild abandon in public—and I loved it. He once twirled me around and dipped me dramatically in a grand hallway in Vegas and asked me to marry him. I love grand romantic gestures and, normally, witnessing any couple’s private moment of bliss from across a busy street would have made me smile.

But it didn’t. Instead I thought: “I wonder what lies he’s telling her.”

That bit of inner dialogue was my wake- up call. I knew that if I didn’t start working on the internal filters creating this jaded worldview, I would never be able to open my heart fully again.

But how could I heal? I felt as if my heart and mind were on fire with incessant negative chatter: “What about that time?”

“How about that woman?” “Where was he that night, that day, that afternoon?” “Did he mean it when he said that?” My thoughts were consumed with the betrayal, the many lies, as if pointing my finger at any one detail would take away the pain. But something inside me remembered that wise old saying: “When you point a finger, there are three fingers pointing back at you.”

That first step I took—recognizing my own role in this state of affairs—required an inner strength that came from the yetunrecognized Superhero of Love inside me. I forced my pointing finger back so that it pointed in the right direction—toward me. I had work to do. Me. My work. It had nothing to do with him. So, I got to work. I reached out for support and I made a commitment to be open to whatever came my way that could help me on the path to healing. You may not believe this, but there are people all around you right now who want to help you. People really do have a natural instinct to help one another. You may not have recognized it before, but I encourage you to look at those around you with fresh eyes and to seek out people who can help you on this journey. It’s simple. All you have to do is ask.

ß Bridget Fonger is a longtime health, lifestyle, and relationship writer, having authored a ]regular column for Huffington Post and blogs at uperherooflove. blogspot.com.

Fonger currently serves as a contributor for Thrive Global and Quora, and hosts a podcast entitled Superhero of Love Podcast.

She is author of Superhero of Love: Heal Your Broken Heart & Then Go Save the World (January 2019). Learn more about Fonger at www.superherooflove.com, and check out her inspirational series of talks, Love Forward Talks. Superhero of Love is now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and bookstores nationwide upon request.

31 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Erika De La Cruz

TV Host, Author and a Media Personality

T

oday we live in a world where you can be paid for doing a variety of things you probably never thought possible. Do you want to join the journey of inspirational dream-pursuit, to get closer to your own? Do you want to turn your Day-Job into your Dream-Job? Or your Day-Dream into Reality? Erika De La Cruz, best-selling author and Focus TV host has figured out a way to capitalize on being yourself- and turn it into a career in the entertainment industry!

The acclaimed TV and media host recently turned CEO after creating Passion to Paycheck, the annual conference where you can gain insight on media reporting and the entertainment industry by learning from Hollywood’s top television presenters, media personalities, hosts and professionals. Acknowledge what you have done and what you have to offer while learning from masters on how to be paid by being you. Last year’s lineup included Entertainment Tonight and The Lady Gang’s Keltie Knight, Golden Globes pre-show host AJ Gibson and Clevver TV’s Emile Ennis Jr. This year’s conference will be held on April 27th, 2019 at The Andaz Hotel in West Hollywood in partnership with Bumble Business to connect female entrepreneurs.

Erika has a long history in the media. Her personal struggles have allowed her to create a business of helping others after she and her family were left with almost nothing after the economy crash of 2008. With nothing to lose and everything to gain, her perseverance and clear head enabled her to find her passion and turn it into a career.

Her interest began when she was in college, when she wanted to create her life and brand freely, but also stay open to the experience of working with (and FOR) others along the way. This led to a corporate job at Entercom Broadcasting, as a Marketing Director and Personality. The experience gave Erika the business edge she needed to confidently start her own brand!

After that, she began public speaking and sharing her personal story while hosting several shows and red carpets and working for brands in entertainment. “There was a demand to work one on one coaching and stuff like that, so Passion to Paycheck stemmed from my desire to reach more than one #passionista at a time. You know, to really step into who I was meant to be and the part I’m meant to play in bringing a vulnerable conversation to mainstream media,” says Erika.

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Her Amazon best-selling book Passionistas is a compilation of tips, tales and tweetables from different women pursing their dreams. Erika De La Cruz, combined with a powerhouse group of fellow #Passionistas, including entrepreneurs, founders of brands and small businesses, women in business and the entertainment world, and speakers and authors, share their authentic, from-the-heart stories. This book will touch and relate to exactly what the reader may be going through with some powerful tips and inspiration on how to get through obstacles they encounter and come out the other side more determined and validated than ever.

“I think so far, I’m most proud of passion to paycheck and it’s really because I get to give BACK. I’m here to make a positive impact and if that looks like acknowledging personalities in the field who have gone unacknowledged for so long or allowing future Boss Babes to take part in content that contributes to their brand- I’m set. (For Life. Literally.) Now, I’m gushing, but the last thing is that the P2P team are such bosses themselves. The integrity from brainstorm to production is really pristine in terms of our intentions. That lights me up,” says Erika about the brand she has created.

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Voices

of Powerful Women

By Zoe Sallis

Zoë Sallis was born in India and educated in England, attending Cheltenham Ladies’ College. After college she won a scholarship to the Webber Douglas Academy of Dramatic Art, and went on to act in theatre, TV and film.

She met and fell in love with film director John Huston in 1960. They had a son, Danny, and lived in Rome for many years. Danny is now a well-known actor and director.

Zoë currently lives in London. She has published two books, Ten Eternal Questions and Our Stories, Our Visions, both were international bestsellers.

A fantastic collection of interviews with 40 of the world’s most powerful women including: Jane Fonda, Paloma Picasso, Benazir Bhutto, Judi Dench, Yoko Ono and Tracey Emin. ‘Remarkable questions answered by remarkable women … A fascinating collection!’

Maya Angelou In this timely book, 40 amazing women from Nobel Peace winners, actors, humanitarians and artists to politicians discuss their greatest fears, how their upbringing influenced the course of their life, whether they believe there’ll be an end to poverty and injustice and give advice to the younger generation.

Female empowerment is a topic on everyone’s lips with the #MeToo Movement and the gender pay gap and Voices of Powerful Women’s release will be on 31st March.

Filled with meaningful inspirations and lessons on

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how to live, Voices of Powerful Women is structured around 10 questions with the 40 interviewees providing succinct and insightful answers to each one.

We learn how Benazir Bhutto’s father shaped his daughter’sfuture career by believing in gender equality and how Yoko Ono character was formed by rebelling against her background. Equally we learn how many of these great women had to overcome the most incredible adversity yet still believe in forgiveness.

Mary Kayitesi Blewitt, founder of the Survivors Fund lost 50 of her family to Rwandan genocide, yet she lives by the belief that ‘when something terrible happens you need to look deeper to see what you can do to make it better’. Dame Judi Dench echoes this sentiment, ‘Holding a grudge becomes heavier than the act of forgiveness.’

In terms of their greatest fears, Jane Fonda is terrified of dying with regrets whilst Bianca Jagger fears we’re heading for a climate change disaster. Many of the interviewees most inspiring woman is Eleanor Roosevelt for the way ‘she rose above her personal anguish to care for the world. ‘ Whilst Joan Baez believes that it’s mothers that are the admirable ones.

Final word goes to award-winning journliast Louise Ridley on her advice for the young. ‘Know that if you don’t take the initiative to make something happen, it probably won’t.

Be your own champion and a champion for people who could do with your support too.’

Photo by katerina plotnikova photography

Which Woman or Women, past or present, do you most admire?

things we can make a difference. We don’t need to be somebody big to make a big difference.

Judi Dench I admired Peggy Ashcroft very much indeed. So manythings happened to her during her life, and her vulnerability, resilience and spirit were just wonderful. And I admire Marjorie Wallace. I admire people who go out on a limb, to pursue a dream that they have. Most of these are men, but I do admire lots of women.

Dagmar Havlová I admire the women who took care of the wounded in hospitals during wars and displayed exceptional courage and determination while knowing that they could not change much. There was such despair, but they still tried to care for and save others. I also admire women who care for old people who are bedridden or in hospices. They do the work of children who should be looking after their parents, because it is our obligation to look after our parents’ generation.

Joan Baez Mothers are the admirable ones. When you ask a woman what she does, it means, “What do you do out in the world?

Are you only a homemaker? What are your hobbies?” She doesn’t have time for that. A mother’s role is all-consuming, but at least now the work at home and responsibility are beginning to be shared by fathers.

Jane Fonda Eleanor Roosevelt I admired a lot. But the women I admire most are people like Lois Gibbs, a shy retiring homemaker in Love Canal outside of Buffalo. Her community realized that it was built on a toxic dump when their children began to be born with birth defects and die from cancer. Lois turned her anger into activism by founding a national organization to stop toxic waste. She remains to this day a national leader.

I’m always in awe of these working-class women who become real leaders, and I’ve had the privilege to meet many of them.

Maya Angelou I admire my grandmother and my mother, who was very different. And my “chosen sister”, Coretta Scott King, who believed non-violent protest could awaken a nation dozing in its history of slavery.

Martha Lane Fox I admire lots of women. I studied ancient and modern history, and I think one of the women who always fascinated me was mperor Justinian’s wife, Helen. She ran his empire while he was charging around trying to expand it in lots of different irections. She was a very interesting woman and a strong character – one of the first empresses to wield some real clout back in about 500 AD. I’ve had the privilege of working with n organization called CAMFED, which supports female ducation in Africa and is working to overcome AIDS and change the economic dynamics there. Through that, I’ve met some astonishing women who’ve literally dragged themselves out of the most terrible situations and created their own businesses, set up schools or changed their local village’s fortunes in a host of ways. I’ve taken a great deal of inspiration from women in that programme.

Kim Phuc I admire my mum. The one who had me, the one who loved me, the one who stood by me. She showed me that with little

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Christiane Amanpour I most admire Marie Curie, Margot Fonteyn, Martha Gellhorn, Oriana Fallaci and Gloria Steinem.

Hanan Ashrawi I’m always quite eclectic. I never say there is one model or one person, or one incident. I find what is good in different people, in different women, and these things influence me, most of the time in very subtle ways. They don’t have to be dramatic or conscious even. Some events or individuals have a greater impact than others, and you absorb them into your own sense of values and into your lifestyle and choices.

I mainly admire the women I know, more than historical figures. Most of them I look at as friends – for instance Anna Lindh, the Swedish Foreign Minister who was assassinated, was a good friend of mine.

Marion Cotillard I discovered Aung San Suu Kyi when my mother took me to see John Boorman’s movie Beyond Rangoon. I was 19 and knew nothing of Burma, but from that day on she has been my hero. Another is Mariane Pearl, an amazingly beautiful soul. And Shirin Ebadi. I read her very interesting book Iran Awakening some years ago, and it tells us a lot about the world and how politics and manipulation work.

Tanni Grey-Thompson I admire my mother because she was such a strong woman.

She made positive choices and didn’t let other people’s perception of me stand in the way of the belief she gave me.

She was very strong and quite stroppy – I’m turning into her! I had a wonderful deputy headmistress in high school, Audrey Jones, who was a feminist. She was very keen on encouraging women to be engineers, for example, and not just stay within the norms of the time. When I was growing up I never thought, “I can’t do this, because I’m disabled and female.” Of course, there were, and are, many things I can’t do, but I always start off thinking I can.

∫

∫By Jessica Baker, LAC

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I see way too much aggressiveness when it comes to Spring cleanses.

There is a popular yet misguided approach with emphasis on harsh herbs and handfuls of supplements to purge your body of built up toxicity. In my opinion, there is nothing more counterproductive to your health than putting undue strain on your kidneys (and liver) to assimilate eighteen different herbal capsules at the same time you starve yourself of vital nutrients. I know this extreme approach isn't true for all people who cleanse, but there are too many herbal cleansing companies on the market for it not to be true. As an acupuncturist and herbalist I have seen this approach too often.

I have a gentler attitude and milder style to cleansing. Spring is still cold in many places and winter like weather can continue for another month or more, so early Spring is not the best time for cleansing. It is the time to start adding young bitter greens to your diet.

The new shoots that generate in Spring are bitter and cool and will help clear heat from the digestive system that may have accumulated from eating heavier foods in winter.

Photo by Jessica Baker, LAc

In today's society most of us can eat however we choose regardless of the season. Up until fairly recently, unless you lived in a temperate environment, winter eating consisted of dried fruits, nuts, grains, root vegetables, and meat. Fresh leafy greens and vegetables were not available, so eating the early Spring greens as a way to generate enzymatic activity and stimulate metabolism was essential after months of eating dried, starchy, or heavy foods. Examples of Spring greens that would be beneficial to cleansing would be Plantain (Plantago lanceolata), Red Clover (Trifolium pratense) and Nettles (Urtica dioica).

The intention of a Spring cleanse should not be to force change through drastic measures. A lot of the herbal cleansing products are very cold and or slightly toxic herbs that can contribute to problems with digestion and metabolism. Someone with a compromised digestive system can take weeks or months to recover from the injury that harsh cleansing can create. This does not happen when we approach cleansing with a gentle hand, one that focuses on giving the body a chance to fully assimilate nutrients and repair cellular damage caused by our modern, fast-paced lifestyle.

I have a few basic guidelines I encourage when someone asks me for a Spring Cleanse!

Photo by Jessica Baker, LAc

Photo by Jessica Baker, LAc

Photo by Jessica Baker, LAc

1. Cleanse for the 3 days around Spring Equinox (March 20-22).

If possible, lighten your work and personal load to the bare minimum so you have time to assimilate what comes up for you during the cleanse. Use this time as an opportunity to relax, write, paint, sing, whatever inspires you. Take small walks in Nature but nothing that will exert too much energy.

4. Hydrotherapy Every evening dry brush with a loofah, starting from your chest and moving outward towards your extremities. After the dry brush, take a baking soda and salt bath and soak for at least 30 minutes. Make sure to stay well hydrated during and after your bath.

Lather yourself with oil before dressing.

Cleansing is a great opportunity to let go of resentment; frustration, ego and anything else that may be holding you back from making space for new energy to come into your life. Be patient with yourself and the process of healing.

After the three-day cleanse, continue to eat simply and nurture yourself with good selfcare. If you feel like you need more cleansing, take 1-2 days out of every week to eat lightly, rest and rejuvenate.

2. Drink herbal tea instead of taking capsules, powders, or tinctures.

Like happens often in a world of consumerism, we have taken the idea of cleansing and gone to the extreme. We think we need jars of pills, gallons of juice, and hours in the bathroom to have a successful cleanse. We champion ourselves on suffering through our cleanse when really we need to be gently nourishing our tissues and hydrating our cells with nutritive herbal teas.

RECIPES FOR SPRING CLEANSING Detoxifying & Nourishing Herbal Tea 2 tsp Milky Oat tops (Avena sativa) 1 tsp Chamomile flowers (Matricaria recutita) 1 tsp Nettle leaves (Urtica dioica) 1 tsp Red clover flowers (Trifolium pratense) Put all herbs in a pint jar. Steep in hot water for 15 minutes.

Strain and drink throughout the day.

Some great choices for herbal teas are nervines like Milky Oats (Avena sativa) and Chamomile (Matricaria recutita). All of these herbs are inexpensive and easy to source and grow and can gently nourish and heal the body without taxing the system in any way.

Baking Soda Bath Add 1 cup of Baking Soda and 1 cup of Epsom Salts to a warm bath. Soak for 30 minutes. Drink plenty of water during and after the bath.

3. Eat lightly or drink diluted juices throughout the day.

Upon waking drink 6 ounces room temperature water. Add a squeeze of lemon if desired. Throughout the day, drink at least 4 glasses of water and 3 cups of herbal tea.

Eat between 2-5 small meals each day. Eat only lightly steamed vegetables, especially roots like beets, dandelion and burdock, and handfuls of steamed leafy greens like chard and kale. The roots are full of inulin, iron and other vital nutrients and will keep you grounded and less likely to get light headed from the lack of calories that accompany a cleanse. The steamed bitter greens clear heat and dampness that can accumulate with high fat, gluten or sugary diets. They also provide fiber, protein, and carbohydrates.

You are welcome to have diluted juices each day. Make sure they are primarily vegetable juices and dilute them by half with water. Add a little fresh ginger to juices to help digest the raw juice.

If you feel you need some protein during the cleanse, you may have up to ½ cup soaked nuts like brazil nuts or walnuts or seeds like hemp or sesame. Consume small amounts throughout the day instead of eating all at once.

During the cleanse, try to avoid all meat and animal products, alcohol, coffee, black tea, dairy, garlic, onion, processed foods and iced or frozen beverages. Other than fresh juices, do not consume too many raw fruit or veggies.

{ Jessica Baker, LAc, RH (AHG) is an author, acupuncturist, herbalist, aromatherapist and educator. Her passion for all plants is reflected in her formulations, private practice and classes on aromatherapy, herbalism, and Chinese medicine. As a continuing education provider, she teaches at several herbal symposia and conferences throughout the United States. Jessica is on the faculty of the Holistic Cannabis Academy and teaches The Colorado School of Clinical Herbalism. Having many years experience as a clinician, Jessica is a master formulator, understanding the importance of plant synergy and energetics. Jessica has completed her first book, Plant Songs: Reflections on Herbal Medicine, through Balboa Press. Her Baker Botanica 5 Element essential oil blends are now available.

Website- www.bakerbotanica.com Email- jessica@bakersbrands.com Facebook- www.facebook.com/bakerbotanica/ Instagram- www.instagram.com/baker_botanica_/ The Herb Walk Blog- www.jessicabaker.blog 41 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

Change your life today.

Don’t gamble on the future, act now, without delay. ~Simone de Beauvoir

When we hear sayings like, “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” we may think, brimming with positivity, “That is so true!” But in a matter of just a few minutes we may find ourselves back to our usual “out of the moment” behavior: today is just another day, and the rest of our life is a long way away. But, today really can be the first day of your life because when you live in the present, everything begins in the “now” and the now is all there is. So why not make it a great new beginning.

Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity

By Ora Nadrich

What’s exciting about waking up to today is that we can make great changes in our lives, and today can be the day to do that. That means you can literally get out of bed and decide that you’re going to change your life by exercising more, eating better, get a new job, end your relationship, move, get a dog, cut your hair, travel, recycle, or whatever else you really want to do. And then, bam! All of a sudden doubt or insecurity seeps in, and you begin to step away from the idea of today being the first day of your new life, and accept that today is just today, and why should it be different than any other day before it. But it can if you believe it.

The reason why today doesn’t get met with a belief in what is possible more often, is that we don’t meet it with the awareness of believing in ourselves. We’re not fully awake to that idea.

Remember, Mindfulness is being fully present in the moment with total awareness, but if you’re not aware of what you’re thinking or believing about yourself in the moment of now, then you’re living in this very moment with old ideas, opinions or beliefs about yourself, and they’re going to be very real for you in the present, whether you know it or not.

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When you’re living your life as a past dweller it’s easy to carry into today the “same ol’ same ol’” beliefs about ourselves.

Some of those beliefs may be, “Nothing ever works out for me,” or “Why should I bother?” or “I’m never going to lose weight” or “I’ll never meet my soul-mate” or “I’ll never get pregnant” or “I’ll never find that great job” or “I’ll never be successful”, and on and on and on.

You may think you’re out of the past, but that doesn’t mean your beliefs are.

So much of what we carry over into the present is what we’ve been telling ourselves—that inner voice—for so long.

Unless we change that inner; “I’m not good enough” or “I don’t deserve better” talk, today will be just another day, and our past dweller babble, or what I like to call the “yeah, buts” will run the show and dictate exactly how today is going to go.

When you make the decision to make today different than any other day before it, you have to also decide to not let your past negative beliefs about yourself get in the way of the changes that can happen today in the now.

Now is now, and today is today. There has never been another “now” and there has never been another “today” nor will there ever be again. This is it! Right now, literally means, right this very moment, so seize it! Grab it like you really want it, and deserve it. And don’t let it slip through your fingers.

You may tell yourself you’re not good enough, or not this enough/that enough, or remind yourself that you’re fat, or ugly, or weak, or unlovable, or a loser, or whatever berating, demeaning, and downright awful thing you want to tell yourself over and over again, but if you really want today to matter, and be different than any other day you’ve ever lived before it, begin now, and really do it because you can.

There’s that doubt again!

You probably just told yourself something that you’ve told yourself so many times before. But guess what, all that’s going to change because you’re going to change it today.

So how do you do that? You begin by catching yourself slipping out of the moment, which I referred to earlier, and bringing yourself right back to it. That means the second your mind starts to wander to past dweller or future chaser negative talk, you catch it immediately and do the following: .Acknowledge your awareness of slipping out of the present moment. .Be aware of any harsh opinions of yourself. .Say any of the following affirmations: *“I am present in this moment with kindness, love and acceptance.” *“Today is different than any other day before it.”

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* “The past is gone, the future is not here yet, and the present is here to manifest what I want.” * “I believe in myself.” * “I believe in what I want to manifest.” * “Who I was then is not who I am today.” * “Who I am today is capable of manifesting positive, healthy things for myself.” * “I am ready to manifest a great today.” * “Today begins now.”

The only way for today to be unlike any other day is for you to take hold of it by the reins, and guide it to where you want it to go. You’re the one on top of the “happy trails” horse, and you can’t ride that horse if your mind is elsewhere because that horse is going to sense that you’re not in control and want to buck you right off it.

Make today the first day of your new life. This is it. This is the one that matters the most because it’s the day you’re alive in, and tomorrow may never come. What are you waiting for? Don’t let today come and go and find yourself thinking tomorrow, “would-a could-a should-a.” That would be a total waste of “all moments are golden” energy.

Value your moments—they are what constitute your Today. They offer you the oxygen that keeps your heart pumping, and breathes life into your very existence. Each one of them is ready to serve you as you want them to, but they can’t work alone if you’re not fully available for them to support you, or grateful for how much they want you to succeed. Live today unlike you’ve ever lived another day before it.

Are you ready?

o Ora Nadrich is founder and president of the Institute for Transformational Thinking and author of Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity. A certified life coach and mindfulness teacher, she specializes in transformational thinking, self-discovery, and mentoring new coaches as they develop their careers.

Learn more at theiftt.org and OraNadrich.com.

Conscious Life Expo 17 Annual

at LAX Hilton Hotel

www.consciouslifeexpo.com The Conscious Life Expo, a four day multi-dimensional event returned to the LAX Hilton Hotel on Feb. 22-25, 2019. This interactive exposition featured 200 exhibitors with over 150 lectures, panels, workshops, a Spanish Program and special events based on metaphysical, health and spiritual concepts with best-selling authors, musicians, transformational leaders, energy and light workers, and visionaries exploring advancements in science, UFO disclosures, spirituality, creative consciousness and promoting sustainable healthy lifestyles.

The Expo was abundant with opportunity for inspiration, empowerment, knowledge and creativity admist a global community of like-minded souls. Returning for its 17th year, The Conscious Life Expo continued to be an outstanding success, with a reputation as being the best Expo of it's kind in North America. Aptly living up to its name, the Expo created an en-

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vironment of heightened consciousness that allowed attendees the experience of creating new possibilities for living an inspired way of life - more important than ever, as we navigate the unpredictable avenues in these challenging times.

Five Exhibit Halls featured over 200 exhibitors displaying innovative products and services to heal and inspire from the latest health technologies to ancient healing modalities. Healthy, vegan and organic superfoods were offered to suit everyone's food style. There was a three day non-stop concert in the main lobby of the hotel with music to suite everyone's style from soothing the soul to rocking the heart chakra. The Conscious Life Expo drew rave reviews from it's 12,000 attendees once again presenting the most innovative and eco-sustainable solutions for a healthy planet. It was indeed a dazzling potpourri of visual, audio, spiritual and sensory delights for all!

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS & WORKSHOPS KEYNOTE SPEAKERS INCLUDED: Marianne Williamson, Erich von Daniken, Deborah King, Nassim Haramein, Anita Moojani, Jason Silva, Steven Kotler, Dr. Sue Morter, Gail Thackray, Lisa Garr, Dannion Brinkley, Kimberly Meredith, Enric Corbera, Teal Swan, Kai Ra, Emery Smith, Dr. Ibrahim Jaffe, Billy Carson, Julia Mossbridge, Sonja Grace, Stephen Halperhn, David Adair and many more. Livestream available to purchase for those unable to attend.

For more info: www.consciouslifeexpo.com

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48 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

in the Air Springcanis you Feel it?

By Nancy E. Yearout

Even though the cold winds may still be blowing as March arrives, you can feel a hint of Spring time all around you.

There’s a smell of newness in the air. This is a magical time of year when everything comes to life again after a cold dark winter nap. Hibernation for the animal kingdom is complete, bringing new birth as they awaken.

When you walk outside the trees are beginning to bud and the tulips are peaking their tiny heads up to see the sunshine. There are bits of green color popping up among the brown terrain that gives us a sign that new beginnings have arrived.

Spring is the perfect time of year for a fresh start. This is the time to plant new seeds and watch them grow! These can be seeds of love, business or enlightenment but it’s the perfect time to get started on your garden.

When we begin a new project or take on a new way of thinking the newness can be difficult. Most of us are comfortable with where we are, and change can be uncomfortable for some of us.

But new is good. Life can often become routine and dull and its up to us to change it up!

Now is the time to renew our souls, as the flowers and the trees are renewed in the Springtime. Maybe God set it up this way so that we would renew ourselves every year by shedding the old skin and growing a new one. The longer you live the more you begin to realize that we are all here to learn life lessons, and if you weren’t aware of this fact it may ease your mind.

None of us are perfect people. We may strive for greatness and perfection but when reaching new heights realize we are only human. We all make mistakes along our journey, but with these bumps in the road we gain important knowledge. We take this wisdom with us down our path in life and share our experiences with others so that they may grow too.

We are like plants in a garden, as they all grow at their own pace. You may plant your seeds at the same time as another person, but some grow taller quicker or bloom sooner or later than others. We are all unique souls and special in our own way. We are the seeds that are growing with each season. We

peek our heads out into the world and blossom as we grow stronger and more enlightened. At the end of life, we just as flowers wither and die but are never gone. Our seed is our spirit that will rise again as our soul never dies, it just renews itself with light and Love like the flowers and the trees in Springtime.

1 Nancy E. Yearout is an author, a spiritual life coach, and a motivational speaker. Nancy hasenjoyed an extensive corporate career as a sales coordinator with one of the Big Three automakers in Detroit.

Her sales, management, and marketing skills have grown with each step of her business. Her success has blessed her with the real life experience, knowledge, and common sense that is required to help others through life’s challenges.

Nancy has been fortunate to acquire hands-on energy healing skills from an Aztec healer from Mexico, and she has helped many balance their energy fields. She has received guidance from religious and spiritualteachers along the way, resulting in the development of her skills as an intuitive, a tarot card reader, and a life coach.

She utilizes these tools to guide her clients to joyful and successful lives. Nancy is the author of Wake Up! The Universe Is Speaking To You. www.Nancyyearout.com Also check Nancy's Podcast called High Road to Humanity on iTunes www.HighRoadtoHumanity.com 49 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

How many times have you said: “I’m lost” or “my life is in total chaos”? According to Forbes, if your answer is “zero,” you are either less than 11 years old, or you belong to a very tiny niche of 0.5% of people. Most of us have indeed experienced what is called “the drift syndrome,” a sense of internal confusion that brings us to a place where we can't figure out which direction to take in life. When we experience that, we either begin to feel frustrated about our existence, or we take random actions and send resumes to every company we can possibly think of, putting up a fight for our new place under the sun.

But the real question is, how can we get lost if we don’t know the destination yet, and what is the right route for us anyway?

I believe the only way for me to get lost is realizing that I am not on the path I was planning in the first place. In my own world, and in my personal way of living, I truly think that when chaos knocks on the door, instead of slamming the door with fear and anxiety, and instead of immediately trying to fix the situation, we’re better off doing the opposite and welcoming it.

We should embrace chaos in our experience, trust that this is only enhancing our life as a wonderful driving force that the universe is providing for a new seed to grow and blossom within us. If we look at the scientific aspect of chaos, it is related to one of the most important laws of physics that govern our universe, "The Law of Entropy" can be understood as the measure of disorder within a macroscopic system. Therefore the Law of Entropy shows the tendency of all matter and energy within the universe to naturally move into a state of maximum disorder. For a more literal understanding, let’s imagine children entering a large empty room. After a while, all the children will probably be running and jumping all around the room, rather than staying in one corner. The same is true for the particles that form to make what we call our universe; they tend to disperse in the most chaotic way possible.

After learning the Law of Entropy, it's important to acknowledge that if we were to observe the wonders of the Universe we would also notice that there is an extremely high level of organization in it. Think about it... if the Earth were only few degrees further from the sun or if our atmospheric layer was slightly thinner, life would not be possible at all. According to the scientific journal Nature, if our cells were created by a sequence of statistically random events we would need much more than a few billion years for the tiniest molecule to be born.

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The Beauty within Chaos

By Marco Nunzio Alati

How can such a highly organized entity be run by a “chaotic” law of physics?

The reason why we perceive this as a mere paradox comes from our habit of giving linear explanations and logical reasons to something that truly is multidimensional and quite difficult to perceive in its wholeness. If we think about any type of isolated system, like a chemical reaction or our biological processes or even our entire cosmos, a higher level of disorder means a higher level of freedom. It means a greater opportunity to seek, investigate, and explore. That’s why the Universe relies on the law of entropy as a subtle creative force that allows it to evolve to a new and higher level of balance, harmony and coherence. On the contrary, order is a static state of being, a compact design with no opportunity to reach a new and more profound equilibrium.

So if the Universe that we live in evolves through the Law of Entropy, why do we fight chaos instead of rejoicing and acknowledging it as our biggest ally?

The task then becomes to recognize that the Beauty of Chaos comes to our life as a benevolent fairy who only wants our next metamorphosis to occur. When we fully embrace this simple yet important concept, we suddenly stop analyzing what our next obstacle to overcome is, and we stop striving for a more prestigious place in our society. We begin to trust unconditionally in that higher intelligence that has guaranteed balance for eons. In trusting, we begin practicing the sacred art of observation, which allows us to step back from attachments, and release our doubts. And by doing so, we are able to simply witness the most spontaneous and genuine evolution of our life path.

Surrendering to our natural, or rather, our super-natural state, is such a simple process that we often forget to do it. We tend to believe that there must be more complex laws and rules to follow. When we live with certainty in an environment of uncertainty, trusting that every single circumstance we face is perfectly designed for our greatness to unfold, we allow ourselves, and our cells to become the highest version of who we truly are.

So the next time you feel lost or you think your life is in chaos, celebrate and be grateful! This is an evident sign that the next step of your Life Progress is about to come into your existence. What a blessing indeed.

nm After graduation in Industrial Biotechnology, Marco played a key role in international research projects in Canada, Austria and Spain. He stumbled upon the Reconnection by mere chance and it enlightened him in ways he hadn't realized he needed.

Three months after that unique experience, he left his job in biotechnology and embarked on his journey to become a full time Reconnective Healing Practitioner, and one of the two Italian Mentors and Teaching Assistants of Eric Pearl’s direct Team. He is currently living in Los Angeles and collaborating with a number of independent scientific studies that are exploring Reconnective Healing and its extraordinary benefits.

For info contact marco.alati@gmail.com 323-617-2289

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LANGUAGE OF SPACE

By Michael White Ryan

Belief

theVIRUS ofTRUTH Belief has become the foundation of the I AM. We have become the end result of all the stories we have been told, which we now tell ourselves and to top it off, we think we have some idea of what this even means! While, away in some far-off distant galaxy of the human mind, there exists the remains of a memory. A place where we find ourselves lost in a world of self-deceptions, coupled with the uncertainty of what we can do to see beyond the veil of the many deliberate self-imposed deceptions.

It’s 2019 and we evidently have this understanding of what one of the existing natural laws is, a “state of balance”, and, we think we can actually define it? Walls, mindset walls, nothing but compounding walls to call you out, block you in. On the macro level it’s a bor-

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der-wall preventing two forces coming into contact. If balance does exist, comprising of equal and opposite forces, then on a micro level, what?

Here we stand, naked, faced with new incoming energies, a prize from nature herself. Change, has arrived in your email, gifted on the oncoming-winds. Commanded by the “laws that challenge you to change”. Question, does this imply change? Change into what one fears being? When we substitute change to evolve, one of its definitions is unfold.

Imagine for a moment, you are a rose, the seed contains all you can be. As the outside world nourishes the seed-you, waters break, life begins, you reach for the sky, constantly changing NO, constantly evolving YES, one’s natural state of being.

CHANGE, THE GREAT CONSTANT does not exist in the actual world only in the prison of a mind well trained, we have been caught out left standing in the rain holding our BE-LIE-F Don’t ask the question and remain, Ask the right question and its hide and seek, on a whole new level! Belief is nothing but an idea, a wisp of fog in an individual’s boxed-up-trainedmindset. I hold in my hand a book, let’s say your belief is, if I let go, it will not fall, hence the idea has no energy value except within the individual. What’s scary, is when masses have the same idea and call it real, truth. The rose-you, is now born to be nourished by a culture of false mindsets.

Right place right time, this may be for you. When we reach a conclusion from an experience, we, via auto-patterns justify, rationalize a belief, that fits a value perfectly in line with how we judge ourselves. It’s in total 100% support of the character identity we wish to show the world. We believe in how we see the world, experiences become our truths, when in fact it is nothing short of an interpretation, due to our current state of mind.

You are all there is and none of it the “constant” is, being caught up in being reason and excuse defines our everything difficult, creates our limitations of why it can never happen we call to the angels, please look down and help me we you me are always infinite now love is a palace, within allows one to experience the hidden self When or how do we determine the facts within this livingconstruct, NEVER! Face it, it’s an impossible task, evolution tells us the truth of the matter, living is a never-ending cycle of growth. Today is already outdated. Define the day from a past concept and you are left standing at the bus stop, with beliefs in hand. Is this who “I AM”, the very word defines an un-natural-beingness.

The real question…is beingness freedom, or have we become completely entrapped in defined beliefs, existing only in a self-grandiose idealistic dream, while breathing under sunlight?

Awareness, the shining self-light, turns on when we conspire to wanting to know and not be told. Hello, hello, I have been seeking you my friend. Tis the “I”_, standing, free to receive, all that is powerful, all that is possible, from “I”.

Rise, it’s a one step at a time, when moving from unknowing to determined, from divided to connected. Defining love has screwed us over, big time. What on earth was our mindset thinking, we could never define the undefined. Mark this down...Everything we do is to create a problem to figure a solution. This is the new definition of “human-evolution”.

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At this time, awareness, is our seeing eye. The mind defines the events, the mind supplies the interpretations, you supply the understandings, to see it for what it is. The unfortunate aspect of being in business today, we are being marketed. The telling is, if we wish to survive in today’s market, we need automation. The downside is, we are fast losing being selfdetermined.

The construct is alive and well, all we need do is discover where we are in the midst of all this. We can live, or remain, one day at a time, this I know is for us all. Our believed self-classifications are many, collected long before our time began. This never-ending roller-coaster ride conspires with its hills and valleys, rights and wrongs and bunches of stuff to bind us to mediocrity.

We have been drowned in false beliefs, it’s a cultural virus we were born into. Now that our awareness is activated, we are on the path to mastery over our conditioning. Shift the mindset from the past, the beliefs, into the now, into the world of uncertainty where possibilities has been planted, now fully ripe, waiting for us to relish in the flow of opportunity.

Blessings comes now on a new incoming wind, I feel, bearing change, devouring BELIEF!

t

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 Eastern philosophies 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 Business Consultants.

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 Carlsbad CA.. www.languageofspace.com

From The Chakras Handbook

Earth Star Chakra Vasundhara

By Athena Perrakis, Ph.D.

The Earth Star Chakra sits about 12 inches (30 cm) below your feet. It is a spinning wheel of light that connects you to Mother Earth, as well as our ancestors, the spirits living within our gemstone and mineral tools, the faerie folk, and humankind’s collective consciousness. Many people feel that the Earth Star Chakra is the most important of the central nine energy centers.

Connecting to the Earth Star, or Vasundhara, allows you to ground and root our collective energy more firmly into Gaia’s mortal matrix. Mother Gaia is the mother of all life on Earth, the keeper of ancient and grounded feminine wisdom. The Sanskrit name Vasundhara literally translates to “daughter of the Earth.” Thus, this energy center is your oldest spiritual home.

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Embodiment Exercise: Earth Star Chakra Induction Call your energy gently into present time by speaking your name out loud, over and over, in a soft voice, or by imagining your name written into sand on a beautiful beach. Your energy is the most powerful resonant tool you can use: Speaking it out loud or imagining it written brings your personal energy and focus into the present.

Bring your attention to this moment. Here begins a journey to encounter the Earth Star Chakra—your closest energy connection to Mother Gaia herself, and the part of your energy field that resides closest to the gemstone and mineral kingdoms, as well as the sacred plant medicines that grow in Gaia’s jungles. The Earth Star is represented by the Mother archetype, the essence of safety and compassion that wants nothing more for you than happiness, safety, and wellness. Let this meditation guide you.

1 –Bring your attention to your feet, and notice the way your feet make easy, intimate contact with the Earth. Curl your toes and then relax them, stretching them out and then curling them in and down to push your energy into the ground. Roll your feet back and push your ankles down toward the ground, curling your toes up and back. Feel the muscles down the backs of your legs tighten as you hold this position. Then relax yourfeet and let them rest softly on the floor in front of you.

2 –Now imagine that you are walking in a heavily wooded forest. On all sides of you are trees so tall you cannot see their tops. Their trunks are so large you cannot fit your arms around them. Breathe in the forest scent and let the clean, crisp, clear air fill your lungs. Notice how grounded you feel in this moment; it is almost effortless to find safety among the trees.

3 –Return your attention to your feet and imagine the vast strength and power of Mother Earth under them. Think of the centuries, the millennia, for which Gaia has existed, and how much change has taken place on her continents, in her cities, and across her countries. Try to access and pull up as much of that strength and power as you can. Bring up fire and heat from the core of the planet; bring up soil andbedrock and layers of limestone; bring up fistfuls of quartz and tourmaline; pull up fruit and vegetables to nourish and sustain you. Pull up tree roots, branches, and limbs to build a solid foundation for your growth and expansion.

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4 –Fill your lungs with the scent of ancient soil, soil that has been buried for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. Once you feel that you can see, hear, and smell Gaia clearly, give thanks for the connection you have made with her. Stay in this space for as long as you feel called to do so.

5 –Say, silently or aloud, “Pachamama, see your children today as they gather strength from your deepest reserves and bless them as they call this energy into present time, into their daily lives, to strengthen, solidify, and support them through change and transformation. Amen, A’ho, So it is.”

6 –With a breath of love and gratitude, release Pachamama’s energy from your space by offering words of thanks to her and sending her sweet blessings for her return to the spirit realm.

Earth Star Chakra Herbs and Essential Oils In Native American practice, Ceremonial Tobacco is considered a sacred offering to the Great Spirit and is commonly added to medicine bundles, bags, and pouches, in particular for healing rites and ceremonies. White Ceremonial Sage (Salvia apiana), when burned, is revered for its power to clear low, negative, or stuck frequencies. Light one end of a ceremonial white sage bundle, blow the flame out, and then place the bundle inside a fireproof dish, fanning the smoke from east to north. Allow the smoke to envelop you and your sacred space, and into it release any energies, sensations, or emotions that are no longer serving you. Black and Pink Peppercorn, either in whole, powdered, or essential oil form, bring protection, grounding, and courage. Red Clover detoxifies and purifies while Myrrh Resin invites angelic energies.

Frankincense Resinalso purifies and is typically used in liturgical practice to prepare for religious ceremonies. Finally, Galangal Root facilitates astral projection, as well as contact with spirit guides during divination. It is also very protective of overall physical health, especially the central nervous system.

In Peru, one way to honor the Mother is to create a despacho, or organic offering that can be buried within Tierra Madre, or Mother Earth, as a way of creating a sacred exchange with our planet. After all, we receive so much from her that it can be rewarding and healing to give something back.

Despacho de la Madre—An Offering to the Mother Ingredients • 1 ounce (28 g) whitesage leaves • Pinch of ceremonial tobacco • 6 black or pink peppercorns, or a pinch of black pepper • Frankincense or copal resin • Brightly colored candies or dried fruits • Pinch, or one large crystal, of sea salt • Seashells, gemstones, or other organic materials • 1 piece (12" x 12" [30 x 30 cm]) canvas or biodegradable fabric • Twine or thread to tie the package Make sure that all the items you use are organic and biodegradable, as you will be burying, burning, or floating this despacho off to its permanent home—that is, offering it back to Gaia.

Include a variety of ingredients, and make sure some are sweet and brightly colored. The Mother enjoys candies and sweetsas well as non-edible offerings that bring sweet, loving energies back to Earth.Place all of the ingredients inside the piece of canvas or fabric, then fold the despacho into a square or rectangle. Wrap it three times with your thread or twine, whispering a prayer for our planet each time you do so. Then either bury or burn the despacho, or set it out to sea. Release it to the elements and ask that your offering be received by the Mother with love and gratitude—just as it was created. Amen, A’ho, So it is. (While the despacho is meant to honor Gaia and is notoften used for personal intentions, some shamanic groups do create them for group intentions related to Pachamama.)

∑ Athena Perrakis, PhD (Torrance, California) is the bestselling author of The Ultimate Guide to Chakras, Crystals Lore, Legends & Myths, and The Book of Blessings and Rituals She is the Founder and CEO of Sage Goddess, the world’s largest source of sacred tools and metaphysical education.

She holds a PhD from the University of Southern California in educational leadership, and has 15 years of experience as a professor, corporate trainer and consultant, and educator.

Athena has traveled the globe and worked with CEOs and senior executives from the Fortune 50 companies. But her metaphysical experience, in which her current work is largely rooted, spans more than 30 years. During that time, she has become an expert in gemology, astrology, Tarot, aromatherapy, Reiki, and herbal medicine. Her Etsy shop was the first online metaphysical storefront to reach the Top 10 stores in the handmade category around the world. Today, there are more than 3000 products available through SageGoddess.com.

Tap into the nine major chakras that affect your power, health, and well-beingwith The Chakras Hand book, the essential portable reference for the experienced energy worker, available now from Fair Winds Press, an imprint of The Quarto Group.

Learn more at QuartoKnows.com.

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THE WAY I SEE IT

By Joe Santos, Jr.

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Would You Date You?

We all know people who are putting themselves out there in the dating world in search of finding a companion, a “friend with benefits,” that “special someone,” or maybe even their “soul-mate.”

They go about it in all sorts of ways: the Internet or Dating Sites, the workplace, the gym, bars, clubs, and even through friends. I recently heard of someone who frequented a popular Car Wash near Beverly Hills because she heard the clientele was known to be of a certain financial status and she was hoping to land herself a “Billionaire.”

This made me laugh. Every “Billionaire” I know has someone wash their “cars” for them. At least the ones worth dating do! Nonetheless, it doesn’t stop people from dreaming. And “dreaming” may be the very reason why they’re not making any real or long-term connection. I’m not saying we shouldn’t have an ideal of what we want. I’m saying let’s have an ideal of what we deserve and what it takes to maintain it once we meet the opportunity. And by all means, separating what is a “hope” from what is a fantasy. For so many, it is not even distinguishable. But more often than not, it’s a nightmare, drama, or tragedy. Getting caught up in the moment without even realizing what time it is… how romantic? Then the clock strikes midnight, and the hair is undone, make-up a mess, dress is off, no ride home, and worst of all, you lost a “Loubitan” and you’re doing the “walk of shame” limping home in one shoe. Trust me, there will be no Prince Charming knocking on your door the next day with a missing size seven on a velvet pillow asking you to try it on! Nine out of ten times, it’s that very idea of romance that gets us in trouble. The idea of romance based on the fantasy of romance. The fantasy that comes with reckless abandon, let's run away, use my credit cards, take my car, get on a plane, nothing else matters abandon! Trust me, it plays well on screen, book pages, and the occasional tropical isle with a full moon, warm breeze, pounding surf, a couple of Pina Coladas, and a toned, tanned body, next to yours. But then it’s time to “check-out.” In reality, that’s the time to check-in! The time to start the true and successful part of dating… dating you.

Before you can remotely look at another person in hopes of he or she “being the one,” we have to take the responsibility of knowing who we are, and what we are willing to sort, share, and commit to first. We all have baggage and anyone who brags about how “light they travel” is full of sky miles! I personally travel through life with steamer trunks. But they are expensive, well maintained, unlocked, their contents folded and meticulously packed with all receipts ready for inspection, and I clear customs every time. Ok, it’s my metaphor, but it implies “show up with your shit together!” How about that for a “Romantic Fantasy?”

Date yourself for a while. Get to know who you are. See your reflection. Search your soul by asking it questions you want to learn from. The soul never lies, deceives or confuses us. For some who are shallow, they may find it intimidating. By dating yourself and learning to trust your soul and its instinct, you will learn and master the tools you will need to find true love every day, and in every way, and then you will be worthy of finding who to share it with. That’s the beginning of true love, seeing yourself and finding delight in that. The rest is easy. So, would you date you?

2 Joe Santos, Jr. is a Celebrity Chef and Life-Stylist. He joins The Eden Magazine as a writer sharing his unique view on life, death, love, and the avoidance of mediocrity.

Follow Joey on Instagram @jojoboy13

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Reclaming Your True Self

Owning Your Shadow

By Angela Dunning

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Owning our own Shadow and working at integrating it so that it’s not a problem to ourselves or the world, is one of the most difficult things for humans to do; which is precisely why the overwhelming majority of people never go anywhere near their own Shadow. We prefer to keep it outside of ourselves and residing in ‘other terrible people’ who we can blame and stand righteously apart from.

Yet, as a species, if humans don’t start to get to grip with this task and start withdrawing their projections from others then we are forever doomed to repeat our tragedies; both on the personal and collective level. World War II was an act of collective Shadow projection taken to its most extreme. Every conflict, war, genocide and human rights violations all have their origins in Shadow projection. The fact that hate-crimes are currently on the rise again in the West is testament to this continued lack of psychological inner-work, which has devastating personal and social effects.

Essentially, Shadow and Projection involve the following core elements: • An unwillingness to look honestly and objectively at ALL of ourselves, not just the socially acceptable parts • Not taking personal responsibility • Judging and blaming others for our problems (perceived or real) • Labelling, generalizing and stereotyping • Scapegoating others • Holding prejudices against others different to us • Discrimination of all kinds

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• Acting out these prejudices through often harmful and even violent means to alleviate the tension inside of ourselves • Rigidity of (often very shallow) beliefs and defensiveness • Lack of knowledge, education or accurate information about people different to us.

What is the Shadow?

Robert Bly calls the Shadow “the long bag we drag behind us”.

Carl Jung was deeply interested in the Shadow and referred to it as “the thing a person has no wish to be”.

Our Shadow is unconscious material made up entirely of anything and everything which we do not like about ourselves or others. Yet, as I’ve discussed in a previous article (The Eden Magazine, October 2018), our Shadow also contains ‘our gold’; those positive attributes and gifts we hold but cannot own. So, the Shadow contains both negative and positive things we cannot fully own and live out.

Anything which goes into our Shadow is outside of our normal waking ego consciousness. Our dreams show us our Shadow regularly, in the form of characters often of the same sex, or situations highly at odds with our ego’s attitudes and self-perception.

Ultimately therefore, owning our Shadow involves taking full responsibility for ourselves: ALL of ourselves not the just the parts we like and wish to show to the world to be accepted and liked. But also our disowned, unpleasant characteristics and attitudes as well as our gifts.

What is Projection?

This one gets a bit tricky as it’s both a perfectly normal human thing to do, and to some extent, it is necessary, because if we don’t project some of the time we never connect with the world and get to really know ourselves. The trick lies in being aware that we are projecting and to not keep our projections outside of ourselves too long. (Robert Bly, p.23).

a bit better. Or, I stop blaming my partner for being lazy; I assess when I tend to be lazy and then I claim this trait as my own. I stop putting it on my partner and I OWN it and start to find out which part of me likes being lazy and why I am judgemental of laziness. Or, if I hold prejudices about certain ethnic or religious groups I could find someone from that community to get to know on a personal level, to challenge my beliefs and prejudices.

Projection is the action we commonly take to deal with our Shadow: We literally cast-out our Shadow material onto someone/thing outside of ourselves. Like a net we throw it onto the most readily available, easy target. Most frequently this is out onto other already scapegoated peoples, but it can also be institutions, animals or situations. From time to time all of this repressed, hidden content forces its way out. Inevitably, the more something is fervently denied, the more forcefully it will pop out and usually in the most inopportune and harmful way.

It helps to actually say this to the other party if possible; to really own it and to apologise to them. But journaling, painting or other expressive methods can also work. It is the intention to withdraw and own the Shadow material which is the important part and which is an energetic process, so your withdrawal will be felt by the other party.

This most commonly happens when a situation or person ‘triggers’ a piece of our Shadow content. For example, this frequently occurs between couples where one person starts blaming the other for something which they cannot bear to see in themselves. So, I might start thinking that my partner is being selfish and insensitive without honestly considering if I hold these traits myself. Or, if I have difficulty owning my anger, I will tend to perceive others as being angry at me; this often shows up in dreams as aggressive animals.

The above list can help alert you to when projection of Shadow may be occurring. So, if you start stereotyping or blaming you can be sure you are projecting some of your Shadow onto someone else and hopefully start to deal with it more quickly before it wrecks a relationship. Or, a parent can more quickly spot if their child is being scapegoated by other kids at school, or indeed may be able to challenge their own child if they hear them espousing views which are prejudiced or scapegoating other children.

This is a very brief and simplified outline on this immensely difficult task, so here is some further recommended reading on the subject: A Little Book on the Human Shadow by Robert Bly, and Owning Your Own Shadow by Robert A. Johnson.

Ultimately, I believe that undertaking this personal work is the most helpful thing we can do to heal our own and many of humanities problems; as the saying goes: ‘heal yourself; heal the world’.

2

First, I have to look at myself honestly in the mirror and see my Shadow selves. I have to pay attention to the notso-pleasant characters in my dreams each night and find out what they want to tell me.

Angela Dunning is the author of The Horse Leads the Way: Honoring the True Role of the Horse in Equine Facilitated Practice. You can learn more about Angela; her work helping people and horses reclaim their wildness, and read more of her articles at: www.thehorsestruth.co.uk

Then I need to actually pull back into myself that which I have thrown out at you. I take it back and I OWN the trait or problem. For example, I stop seeing my partner as a tyrant; I start to own my inner-tyrant and get to know him

You can also connect with Angela on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thehorsestruth or www.thehorsestruth.co.uk

How do I start withdrawing my projections?

(Also known as ‘eating our Shadow’)

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Love

& Power in Shaping

our Lives

By Jayita Bhattacharjee

The tale of love versus power has been passed down over the ages, to be told and retold, until mankind as a whole gets the message and understands it with their hearts—how easily wisdom and compassion can get totally blinded by the chasing after power, desire to dominate, and the distorted “us vs them” thinking.

But love is a power that takes this savage power struggle and transforms the fierceness to a beautiful sharing of the hearts. Two mindsets that try to conquer one another becomes a tale of lovers. Love---how it flows for the happiness and emotional wellbeing of another soul. Love to burn bright, needs a nurturing. Idealistically, love consumes every thought, every action. But to look at it from a pragmatic approach, the impulse of love is balanced with many other compelling drives. These drives may be eating, drinking, playing, pleasure seeking. Every impulse of love fulfills the same purpose…either nurturing the species survival by the altruistic approach, or by facilitating the individual’s survival. There are two forces that may be in conflict… egoistical approach caring for individually and altruistic approach…caring for the species.

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The drive for power is shared with the advancement of life. It is based on the desire to solidify a person or a group’s will to thrive and flourish well above the ordinary and to step into the extraordinary. “Extraordinary” is defined, not in the sense of the evolution of the soul, but in terms of societal status advancement, the furthering of material riches that defines a person’s identity. The egoistic person is driven day in and day out to reach for the earthly riches, not the riches of the soul. Power defines their identity.

Riches describe them. Dominating ability stabilizes those people, who hunt to rise in this society. Yes, they do rise, but is that a rising of the soul or rising of their wealth?

It’s the later, as the wealth fills their pockets, adds to their heaviness. And power rises from that filling, from that heaviness. The impulse for power may lead to struggle with others, giving birth to conflicts. From the egoistical perspective, rises the mentality of an unopposed extreme. Any type of opposition may seem to be beyond the tolerance.

The more uncontrolled the power drive is, the more it stands out to kill the growth rather than fostering it. The strive and drive for power is a divisive force. It by its very nature is supposed to divide and break. It speaks by its very desire to hunt for the riches. It stands nothing and nobody that comes along its way. The power drive is alienating, not uniting. It does not engage people rather it estranges them. It breaks, it does not build the real riches of the soul. Seeking power implies a justification of superiority.

The power rush fills their head and pushes them to seek perfection through the relentless racing. Love, on the other hand flows to make the hearts connected to one another. That is one heart reaching out to another heart, one soul speaking to another soul, an invisible connection knowing what comes from the heart travels to another heart somewhere in this universe. That is the undeniable beauty of love. Love arises from a place of humility, knows no such thing as superiority. Such is the light that arises from the heart of love. From such a perspective, love and power are mutually exclusive drives. Where love lives, there, the will to have power, simply does not exist. Love is a power in its light, and it does not mix well with any other type of power. When a person is steered by the impulse of power, he or she does not exemplify love and compassion. The desire to dominate stands in conflict with the desire to feel another heart. The desire to stand out arises from the mind’s egoistic thinking. The desire to feel arises from the heart. The two desires arise from very different places. Power is arrogant, love is humble. Power is shallow, Love is deep. Power rambles, love is silent. Power clamors. Love whispers in the sweetest echoes. The two are defined by their contrasting needs. Love versus power is the ancient tale of two mindsets—the tale of conflicts, who wins…ego or the heart?

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The power struggle is born out of the crucible of human history, and it traces back to centuries of individuals and civilizations bent on conquest, nations and religions dominating and ruling over others. It stems from the dualistic thinking which has given rise to militarism, racism, totalitarianism, colonialism, and slavery. The tale of love versus power has been passed down over the ages, to be told and retold, until mankind as a whole gets the message and understands it with their hearts—how easily wisdom and compassion can get totally blinded by the chasing after power, desire to dominate, and the distorted “us vs them” thinking. But love is a power that takes this savage power struggle and transforms the fierceness to a beautiful sharing of the hearts. Two mindsets that try to conquer one another becomes a tale of two lovers. And how abundantly life becomes accessible through the gateway of love, as it leaves the racing behind and gently allows the hearts to follow the finest feeling of life. A heart that has been filled with this light goes through the sunshine and rain of it and still comes out alive in such a richness and abundance, that power surrenders to it finally.

{ Jayita Bhattacharjee was born n 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 with the ink that kept flowing from her heart. This is what gave her the fulfillment, the richness in her soul.

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."

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING GREAT

with Margaret Tomaszewicz

It is a biological fact that everyone ages as the day goes by. Just as the body grows older, so does our skin. Some skin-aging factors cannot be controlled, but others can. Too many people assume that there is nothing that they can do to prevent wrinkles and sagging skin. The reality is that preventative measures are more productive and effective than you might realize.

Human skin is affected by two different kinds of aging. The first of these is called "intrinsic aging." This aging is simply a natural process that is undergone by the entire body. Over time, visible lines begin to emerge on the face. The skin becomes drier and thinner, and most people lose some measure of that young-looking "fullness" in the face that they used to take for granted.

There's little that can be done about such changes because they are regulated by our genes.

However, it is possible for people to have a great deal of control over the other aging process. Known as "extrinsic aging," this process is heavily influenced by lifestyle choices and the environment. These factors conspire together to cause the skin to prematurely age.

If you want to prevent your skin from making you look older than you really are, then it is vital for you to understand what causes aging skin. Even more important is identifying what methods and products you can use to treat aging skin.

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What Causes Aging Skin?

A surprising number of factors may influence how old your skin appears. While it may seem impossible to protect your skin from all of these potential threats, you really do have a great deal of power over how much all of these factors affect your skin. Many of the lifestyle choices that you make several times per day can either cause or prevent the signs of premature aging.

1. Sun This is the single most influential factor when it comes to premature skin aging. The real culprit here is the ultraviolet, or UV, rays that are emitted by the sun. UV rays fundamentally undermine elastin fibers within the skin. As the fibers break down, the skin stretches and sags while also losing its elasticity. This means that the skin can no longer "snap back" to its usual form after stretching like it used to. Sun damage also may result in an increased tendency of the skin to bruise or tear as age increases.

How do you know if your skin has sun damage? Skin that is darkened or reddened by the sun is the most obvious sign, but you also may begin to see wrinkles and blotches. Some people may develop rough and scaly patches on the skin or unusual moles. Skin cancer is the most dangerous sign of sun damage. If you have a suspicious mole, then it's wise to have it looked at by a doctor.

2. Smoking Loose skin under the eyes, excessive wrinkles and poor skin tone all are signs of aging that are caused by smoking. When you smoke, you deprive your skin of adequate blood flow as well as oxygen and vital nutrients. This causes sagging, wrinkles and uneven coloring. Additionally, cigarettes contain thousands of chemicals, and many of these destroy collagen and elastin. Damage like this makes smokers appear far older than they truly are.

3. Inflammation Certain foods are known to cause inflammation in the body.

Among these are those that contain white flour and refined sugar. Even the consumption of too many dairy products can lead to inflammation.

Inflammation is the body's natural response to an invasion from bacteria, a virus or other toxins. When an invasion is noticed, the white blood cells go on the attack. With healing complete, inflammation should disappear. However, when the body's system is unbalanced through a variety of things like eating an unhealthy diet, then the inflammation never truly goes away.

Chronic inflammation is a risk factor for many serious illnesses, and it also may have a detrimental effect on your body's largest organ, the skin. The inflammation may be caused by food, stress, lack of sleep or other factors, and it all may make your skin look much older than it is.

4. Not Using the Correct Skin Care Products

Good skin care products are formulated for specific skin types or to have certain effects on a specific type of skin. If your skin is dry and sensitive but you use products that are designed to control the amount of oil that your skin produces, then you likely are stripping your skin of essential hydration. Dehydrated skin may be dry, peeling, itchy, red and tight. All of this distress can lead to the signs of premature aging like lines, wrinkles and rough patches. That is very important to use organic, natural skin care products that do not contain any additional chemicals. Always look for cruelty-free skincare so you know that company is compassion to the environment.

5. Genetics Don't forget that your genes can play a huge role in what type of skin you have and how it ages. If your close relatives have oily skin that is prone to breakouts, then you're more likely to have these problems too. The same is true if your family has dry, sensitive skin that easily becomes inflamed.

While you cannot change your genetics, you can treat your skin for these conditions so that they do less damage. This minimizes the effects of premature aging so that you can look like your true age or perhaps even younger.

How to Treat Aging Skin If you don't think that your skin is yet showing the signs of premature aging, then now is the perfect time to take preventative action. However, even if you're concerned that lines, wrinkles and dark spots are making you look older than you are, it's not too late to take action. Science and the right skin care products can perform a miracle for your skin.

1. Correct Skincare with Anti-Aging Ingredients The skin care products that you routinely use can go a long way toward protecting your skin from damage while also reversing some of the signs of premature aging. Look for skin care products that contain one or more of the following ingredients: Retinol When you regularly use products containing retinol, then your skin will be stimulated to produce more collagen. This is beneficial because collagen is the skin's main building block.

Unfortunately, the skin produces less collagen on its own as the body ages. Retinol counteracts this effect by increasing collagen production. It also may produce new blood vessels in the skin, leading to a healthier color. Age spots and rough patches also may be softened. A compound based on Vitamin A, many products contain retinol to help you achieve younger-looking skin.

Vitamin C Not only is vitamin C a powerful antioxidant but also it stimulates the production of essential collagen. Skin that has been damaged by the sun may be rejuvenated when vitamin C-containing products are regularly used. Vitamin C further may mitigate the damaging effects of free radicals, unstable molecules that decimate the skin's supply of collagen.

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Hyaluronic Acid This is hands-down one of the best ingredients that you can put on your skin to reverse the signs of aging. The body naturally produces hyaluronic acid, especially when the body is young, but that production decreases with age.

Accordingly, it's vital to nourish and hydrate dry skin with a hyaluronic acid treatment.

The skin is naturally adept at holding in water when it is young. As the years go by, the skin begins to lose this ability.

This results in a loss of elasticity and firmness, and wrinkles begin to appear more frequently. Luckily, a product that is rich in hyaluronic acid can help by improving your skin's ability to retain moisture. The result is fewer lines and wrinkles, enhanced suppleness and a healthy glow.

Peptides Think of peptides as tiny bits of protein, whose main job is to stimulate the production of collagen. Research suggests that peptides have incredible anti-aging qualities. Some scientists have even described an effect like Botox in that dynamic wrinkles tend to become far less pronounced when peptides are regularly used as part of a skincare routine. If you want to see fewer lines and wrinkles, then a peptidecontaining product may be the way to go.

Antioxidants Is your skin looking dull? Perhaps it's inflamed or irritated. Or, maybe you're just seeing the signs of premature aging. In any of these scenarios, antioxidants can help you.

Antioxidants include substances like vitamin E, vitamin C, vitamin A, green tea and more. These ingredients may protect the surface of the skin so that it can resist environmental damage. At the same time, they reverse the effects of premature aging by making fine lines and wrinkles look less pronounced. You'll also see a more even skin tone and notice that your skin looks brighter when you regularly use products that contain antioxidants.

scars or acne or make surface lines and wrinkles less noticeable.

Then even help your skin to better absorb other healthy skincare products.

2. Sunscreen It follows that because the sun is the single most damaging factor for premature aging that wearing sunscreen every day is the most critical thing you can do to protect your skin.

Even on overcast, rainy days, UV rays can still penetrate your skin and cause damage. Using sunscreen every day prevents the rays from actually causing the harm that leads to lines, wrinkles and spots, so put it on before you even leave the house.

At a minimum, a sunscreen-containing product should be used daily on the face, neck, and dĂŠcolletage. Ideally, your hands would receive similar protection, as damaged skin on your hands can make you look far older than your true age.

5. Facial Treatments A good skin care routine is essential for maintaining healthy looking skin. The best person to recommend a home skin care routine is an experienced facialist.

By making a habit of scheduling a regular facial appointment, you can address different issues and receive advice that is customized to your skin care needs.

Be good to yourself and schedule your appointment soon.

To your health!

f

Ceramides Ceramides are fats, which are sometimes called lipids, that naturally occur in the skin's outer layers. This substance effectively holds together skin cells while also forming a layer that helps to prevent moisture loss. Like collagen, the body produces fewer ceramides with age. This makes it vital to use skincare products containing ceramides. They improve the skin's ability to retain moisture, resulting in fewer lines and wrinkles.

Margaret Tomaszewicz is a licensed esthetician with over 25 years of experience.

She is the owner of European Skin and Massage Studio in Santa Monica, California and has developed the Organic WODA European Natural Skin Care Line.

AHAs Alpha hydroxy acids, or AHAs, can do amazing things for your skin. Often found in facial masks and exfoliating products, AHAs are derived from both plant and animal sources. For example, glycolic acid comes from sugar cane while hydroxy acrylic acid is derived from animal sources.

Her products are available on wodaskincare.com and on Amazon.com

Regardless of which AHA you choose, they generally are effective for promoting collagen production and healthy blood flow. AHAs may lighten skin discolorations from

Margaret can be reached at 424-279-9771 or europeanskinandmassagestudio@gmail.com wodaskincare.com

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For every product sold WODA Skin Care plants a tree.

Hollywood Celebrated Doris Bergman's 11th Annual Valentine Romance PRE-OSCAR® Style Lounge & Party at Fig & Olive Photography by Sheri Determan On Thursday, February 21, 2019, Fig & Olive – THE newly remodeled Hollywood Hotspot on Melrose Place which features gourmet cuisine from the French and Italian Rivieras – opened its doors to commemorate Doris Bergman’s 11th Annual Pre-Oscar® Style Lounge and Party honoring the upcoming 91st Annual Academy Awards®. Over 100 of Hollywood’s finest turned out to celebrate and pay homage to the film industry’s Oscar® Nominated actors, former Oscar® winners, presenters, stylists and industry VIPS. This highly anticipated invitation-only event, hosted by JONATHAN SWEET OF BUILDING FOR THE STARS and presented by BUYWINE.COM & PRECIOUS VODKA, featured an incredible array of fashion for him and her including couture gowns, bespoke tuxedos & suits, hand-rolled cigars, tech accessories, the finest in beauty, skin & hair care, stunning jewelry collections, gorgeous accessories, French perfume, designer handbags, CBD products, Napa Valley wines, luxury home décor, exotic culinary spices, gourmet cuisine, unique spirits, delectable sweets and much more!

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Award-Winning Actors, Esai Morales and Christopher McDonald joined former Oscar Nominee Bruce Dern, Chris Browning (BOSCH), Diedre Hall (Hollywood Icon/”Days of Our Lives”), Jackson Dunn, (Star of Sony Pictures “Brightburn”), Jon Mack (“Pandora’s Box), Kheng Hua Tan (“Star of 2019 Golden Globe Nominated Film “Crazy Rich Asians”), Lydia Cornell, Maria Conchita Alonso, Michael Campion (“Fuller House”), Rex Lee (“Young & Hungry”), Teilor Grubbs (“Hawaii Five-O”, , Hollywood Icon Tristan Rogers, Jenni Farley (“Jersey Shore Family Vacation”), Comedian Judy Tenuta, Candace Rice (“Floribama Shore”), Elena Samodanova (“Dancing With The Stars/”So You Think You Can Dance”), Vincent Spano (“Alive”), Award-Winning Actor William McNamara (“Copycat”), Ryan Ochoa (“Pair of Kings”), Donovan Carter & Kris D. Lofton (HBO’s “Ballers”), to name a few, were among the cadre of celebrities and industry VIPS who were treated to the best of the best!

In the spirit of giving back, guests & sponsors made monetary donations and/or donated unwrapped gifts for young adults (ages 13-18) for a Post-Holiday Gift Drive benefitting ‘Wednesday’s Child’ -- a weekly segment airing on KTTV FOX 11 News, Los Angeles, with Anchor Christine Devine. ‘Wednesday’s Child’ highlights ‘harder to place’ children in the LA County foster care system who are in need of adoptive families. “In Los Angeles County, alone, there are over 30,000 children receiving child welfare services,” says social worker, Dr. William Wong. Bergman always invites beloved foster children to join in on the festivities and experience what it feels like to be treated as a VIP. http://www.foxla.com/wednesdays-child Gifts and services were provided by: Jonathan Sweet of Building For The Stars, Buywine.com, Precious Vodka, Montecristo Cigars, Quantum Rejuvenation, Milena’s Boutique, CURTIS & Co. Timepieces, La Cristallerie des Parfum de Paris, Free Bird Remedies, Lasio Hair Care, Beauty Kitchen, S&G THESIGN, Twisted Silver Jewelry, My Saint, My Hero Bracelets, Zirconmania & Diamond Veneer, Timmy Woods Designer Handbags, Sue Wong Couture Gowns & Fragrance, Sugar Me Life, Hint Water, Art Lewin Bespoke Suits & Tuxedos, Spa Girl Vodka, Rock Your Hair, Author Kathleen Heim “The Rules of Nines,” Olecea Beaute, LiquidNano, Junkless Granola Bars, Chapstick, Canteen Wine, Kam Shield, Canteen Wine, Dragon Island Spice Co., Vita Coco, Author Scott Kelley, “We All Die Young,” and VIP Gift Bags provided by BELLA MAGAZINE.

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SOUL COURAGE

By Tara-jenelle Walsch

The Importance

OfCelebrating Accomplishments I was about four years old the first time I felt a sense of accomplishment. One morning after Mom helped me get dressed, we were putting on my shoes when the phone rang.

She walked out of the room and I was left staring down at my untied laces.

I decided to give things a try and began wrapping the crazy strings around and under, when somehow they magically turned into a bow! The feeling inside me was one of such glee—a pride for understanding and joy in seeing my accomplishment.

I sat down on the bed smiling in amazement and squealed, “Mom! Mom! I did it! Come see!” She darted into the room, knowing by the tone of my voice that I was okay, but something wonderful had happened.

The big reveal was appropriately staged with my knee bent up and my foot proudly positioned like a trophy on the edge of the bed.

“Wow!” she sang with approval. “Let me see you tie the other one!”

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I paused for a minute, feeling a little unsure of myself now that I had an audience. But to my surprise, I picked up the laces and the magic worked again, as I instinctively tied a perfect bow and officially “closed” the other shoe.

“Hurray!” Mom cheered, throwing her arms up in the air with a big smile. I slid off the bed and danced with her in celebration, starring down at my shoes as if I had new feet.

Although this was a small triumph, it was one that opened my mind in a new way and allowed me to step into myself with more assurance. Acknowledged accomplishments have a way of doing that; there’s initial pride of completion, but also the added benefit of discovering and affirming our capabilities, which heightens confidence and builds personal identity.

No matter what it is that we’re doing in life, most of us are in the business of getting things done. We didn’t set out this way. In fact, most of the time we don’t even take pleasure in the process of doing all that much—until it comes to the end, that is. Until we’re moments away from completion.

Then we revel in knowing we’ve accomplished a goal, whatever it is—could be as small as emptying the dishwasher or as large as finishing a long-standing project.

shutter stock.com

The feeling of coming full circle, from start to finish, with something we’ve dedicated our time and energy to can be very satisfying. And it’s especially gratifying when we’ve actually rolled our sleeves up and gave the process some good old elbow grease. Yet, even as we enjoy the final yards to the finish line, seldom do we partake in throwing our hands up with glory and running through the winner’s ribbon. Seldom do we bask in our achievements.

Likely because before we even reach final completion of one goal, our mind begins raising the bar. It’s one step ahead of us, overlooking what’s soon to be achieved and immediately moving onto the next goal.

When we begin upping the expectations of ourselves with overlap like this, it bumps out any extra room to pause and celebrate our wins. And this isn’t just about those who have their nose to the grindstone. Continuous effort of any kind, when not met with recognition, usually leads to resentment and the deplorable crash and burn pit stop, where our body insists we break for refueling.

Wait a minute, resentment? How did that happen? We’re supposed to congratulate ourselves for all our hard work and do-goods, not be irritated and exasperated.

Well, funny thing happens, if we don’t take recess to feel into the joy and relief of accomplishment, our spirits are left running on fumes. It may not be obvious at first, but after while of swinging vine to vine, our grip loosens from deflated enthusiasm.

Then one day after applying ourselves to a project full-on, we run out of steam and drop the vine altogether, never completing the project. “Ah, screw it.” we may say to ourselves, “What’s the point?”

And with frustration or despair, we not only disengage from the project, but begin to lose elevated interest in new undertakings altogether.

You may be thinking, “Well, that’s a no-brainer then—I’ll simply lower my personal expectations. Thanks for the permission slip.”

Not so fast.

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We have a Catch 22 on our hands: As we know, if we keep stacking goals one after the other, they have a propensity to overlap leaving no room for awareness around accomplishment. With no awareness around accomplishment, we aren’t giving praise or celebration to our achievements and our spirit begins to wilt.

Yet, if we lower expectations of ourselves and constantly stop to pay tribute to every accomplishment, we lose momentum and are at the risk of stalling out. The more we stall out, the less enthusiasm we have to gear up again and strive towards achieving strong goals.

So, what gives?

Realistic Adjustment The solution can be found in not lowering self-expectations, but rather adjusting them to more realistic standards.

Start by accessing how much you require yourself to do in a day against how much you actually get done. Maybe you get everything done, but still continue working late into the night. Maybe you don’t even come close to finishing your projected plans and then have extra roll-over into the next day.

Take an honest look at your personal behavior and modify your goals with realistic timelines, padded with breaks between tasks to celebrate your accomplishments and prevent burn-out. Increasing awareness around your goals and acknowledging the effort put into them, regardless of completion, will lighten the pressure of productivity without sacrificing momentum.

To-Do List Another way to set ourselves up for success is by tracking our accomplishments. You may think making a To-Do list is an old-school method, but it’s been proven time and again to keep us on track and overwhelm at bay. I find lists especially helpful now at my age in remembering things that need to get done.

But the best part about a written To-Do list is the satisfaction of crossing things off as you complete them. That, in itself, is acknowledging your accomplishments. Sometimes if I’ve done more than is on the list, I will actually write the new tasks down and cross them out. Occasionally stars and smiley faces make their way on the list, too! Even though the list is just for me, it helps me to see all that I’ve done and feel good about it.

Celebrating accomplishments doesn’t always have to be done through a traditional reward like dinner out, a stiff drink or weekend vacation. Although fun, there are many other healthy, playful and inexpensive ways to celebrate like the big and small achievements in our lives.

Some include: Applauding and praising yourself out loud, singing, dancing, taking a walk or a bath or any time to yourself to reflect on your progress and growth, sharing with a friend how good you feel about what you’ve accomplished, listing big goals in your journal and writing about how and when you completed them.

This year, let’s make a promise to pat ourselves on the back along the way and fuel our spirits with fulfillment. There’s so much joy to be had in taking time to acknowledge and celebrate all of our accomplishments.

It’s a sweet gift to ourselves to recognize all that we’ve done and reflect on it with joy and a big smile, feeling our potential ever expanding. The body fills with endorphins and the mind, with confidence, as we ponder all the amazing things we’re capable of creating. Emotions of encouragement and cheering

ourselves on like this, however silly it may feel at the time, are extremely rewarding.

Oftentimes when I accomplish tasks, even small things like cleaning the kitchen, I throw my hands up in the air and do a little dance with new feet to the sound of my mother’s, “Hurray!” teaming up with me in celebration, all the way from heaven.

RoadMap to Celebrating Accomplishments 1- Declare that your efforts & accomplishments are worth celebrating 2- Increase awareness around what you set out to do & what you accomplish 3- Make realistic adjustments to your expectations 4- Write out To-Do lists & reward yourself with grandiose cross-offs 5- Praise & applaud yourself for all things, big & small 6- Feel the wonder of your potential

e Tara-jenelle Walsch is a monthly columnist for the Eden Magazine. She is the author of the book, Soul Courage, and the founder and spirit behind the Soulebrate greeting card company. You will also find her speaking publicly about emotional and energetic awareness, and a sacred formula which she believes has the ability to enrich the world at large. Tara-jenelle was raised in Annapolis, Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Towson University in Baltimore. She currently lives in the beautiful hills of Ashland, Oregon. www.soulcourage.com

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The Mindful Tax and Money Guide

By Miriam Bertke

How to make giving feel good and to help you

We all remember what our mothers told us, your mother always taught you to share with others.

But as adults, we understand that college loans, mortgages, medical bills and saving plans to make the decision to share is more complicated than deciding who gets your assets and who goes without.

What’s even more difficult is to choose a charity and to know when to give, how much to give and when to move on to another cause.

We help people to understand why giving back is a good idea and how to make it work for you.

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1. Give to a charity about which you are passionate How do you find a cause that fits your lifestyle, beliefs or politics?

I would suggest to ask yourself these following questions before you decide which charity you would like to support: - What am I passionate about? If you love to help children, perhaps you want to look for children’s organizations for abuse children, orphan children, ... If you love animals, perhaps you want to look for animal welfare organizations.

- What are the activities I enjoy? You can combine a love for running or biking to support diabetes, cancer organizations or other causes.

2. Do your research It is important that you look at your philanthropic investments in the same way you had view other investments. You’re not only investing your funds; you also need to consider long-term expectations. In addition to investigating a cause’s website there are some online resources for researching charities. LikeGuide star, GiveWell, ...

3. Giving can make tax breaks If you give cash to a charity, you can take a deduction when you file your income taxes, provided yours itemize.

There are some pretty basic rules to follow: - Contributions must be made to qualified organizations. You can’t deduct money you’ve given to an individual.

- You should always keep records of your contributions, obtain from the recipient a written record of your donation.

- For larger gifts, there are tax advantages to creating charitable trusts and annuities.

4. Giving means you have control over your money You can give your money to charity and get a tax deduction.

When you donate, you can control who you want to help and where your hard-earned money goes.

5. Giving doesn’t necessarily mean opening your wallet There is no one size fits all amount that accomplishes the goal of helping others while protecting your financial security.

There is, however, the right amount for you and it might come in several forms.

If you are self-employed, retired or have more time than most, volunteering your time might be more valuable than writing a check. Do not underestimate the value of your time. If you don’t have the personal financial resources to give to your favorite charities, you can offer other means of support, such as volunteer hours, a special skill or other kind of donations.

If you have less time but more money, try to work with your financial adviser or accountant to determine the amount that will be most beneficial for your bottom line.

6. Know when to stop giving What happens if you feel like you’re being given the hard sell at every opportunity? Treat your charitable giving with the same as purchasing items at a store. No one forces you to buy an item, and no one should force you to make a charitable gift. You have the right to say no. Worse than the hard sell might be the feeling that the charity you’ve chosen isn’t quite as it seems.

If you think something is wrong, use online resources to investigate the charity and if you need to withhold your donation

approach the charity with your concerns.

Whatever you do or how much you give, donating to a cause you care about can make you feel better, set a wonderful example for your family as well as create ongoing tax benefits for you and your family.

Do you have questions about how to give and help or any other questions about tricky issues relating to money? Send them to my email below and please include the state where you live.

∑ Miriam Bertke is a Financial Services representative. She is a part of The Advisor Consulting Group (ACG), a firm designed to provide financial and estate planning assistance to individuals and businesses.

She has many years of experience, specializes in strategic and comprehensive financial planning focusing on the areas of tax, retirement and asset protection, helping people gain clarity with their financial goals and objectives. She also works closely with attorneys, CPAs, as well as with other financial advisors, creating financial planning teams.

You can also connect with Miriam via email or on LinkedIn: Email: miriam@advcg.com http://linkedin.com/in/miriam-bertke Website: www.advisorconsultinggroup.com 81 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

The

BUDDHA PILL

Can Meditation Change You?

By Dr. Miguel Farias & Dr. Catherine Wilkhom

Mindfulness and meditation are practiced by millions of people around the world, and their benefits are being hailed by everyone from doctors and mental health professionals, to parents and teachers. Mindfulness programmers are being rolled out in schools and prisons, in workplaces and homes. Its popularity has exploded and everybody knows all the ways it can transform our lives and make us happier, calmer, and better people. Yet nobody ever seems to talk about the negative impact it can have too, and to what extent it can really change us as people.

In their groundbreaking book, The Buddha Pill, Dr. Miguel Farias and Dr. Catherine Wikholm put meditation and mindfulness under the microscope and challenge the mainstream perception of what they are for, and who should be practicing them.

Now, in this fully revised and updated edition, they’re back to separate fact from fiction. Dr. Farias and Dr. Wikholm reveal what scientific research-including their own groundbreaking study on yoga and meditation in prisoners – tells us about the benefits and limitations of these techniques for improving lives. As well as illuminating the potential, they also highlight the darker side of these practices. With such powerful and transformative abilities, meditation and mindfulness can be triggering, unsettling, and anxiety-provoking for certain people. Their effects vary widely, and peace and compassion may not always be the end result. This is especially true for young people, who have very complex emotional needs - aspects explored in a new section focusing on meditation and children.

This isn't simply another book about the route to enlightenment and happiness, nor is it a 'how to'. With a clear and compassionate approach, The Buddha Pill offers a compelling examination of research on Transcendental Meditation, recent studies on the effects of mindfulness and meditation, and fascinating contributions from spiritual teachers and therapists. Farias and Wikholm weave together a unique story about the science and the delusions of personal change, challenging assumptions and helping people realize which self-development practices are - or are not - right for them.

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Let me give a close-up of a study. In May 2013 one of the top experimental psychology journals, Psychological Science, published an article co-authored by Richard Davidson, one of the leading meditation scientists. Davidson and his colleagues studied the effects of compassion meditation on altruistic behaviour and brain activity. The experimental design was elegant: participants were randomly allocated to either a compassion meditation condition or a control group of cognitive reappraisal. For 30 minutes a day for two weeks, they would either focus on feelings of compassion or reinterpret negative feelings associated with a personal stressful event.

If you were in the compassion meditation group, you began the training by thinking of a time when a friend or family member was suffering. After focusing on these difficult feelings, you wished their suffering to go away by repeating: ‘May you be free from this suffering. May you have joy and happiness. May you be free from this suffering, may you have joy …’ As the day’s progress, you change the focus of the meditation. First, you try out being compassionate towards yourself, then towards a stranger, and finally towards a difficult person.

On the other hand, if you were in the control group, you were asked to think of a stressful condition you had experienced from different perspectives: think how your friend, mum or dad would have reacted; then view the event with little emotion; finally, imagine you were looking back at it from a year’s distance.

After two weeks of training, all participants were brought into the lab to undertake some tasks: the one reported in greater detail in the article involved playing an online economic game. These games usually work like this: you’re given a certain amount of money and are then tricked to believe that you’re actually going to play a game with people whom you can’t see (often, you’re told they’re in the same building, but in a different room). Imagine you’re given $5 to play. In this study participants were able to choose to use part of the money to help someone who was given only one dollar by a mean, dictator-like character. At the end of the game, each individual was paid the amount he or she kept. Basically, the more money you give to the unfortunate person, the less you keep for yourself; thus indicating your level of altruism.

The results showed that after doing the compassion meditation for two weeks, participants were more likely to give more money in the economic task. Those in the compassion group donated an average of $1.14, while those in the control group gave only $0.62.

The researchers had also brought participants into the lab before starting the training and put them inside a brain- imaging scanner. After two weeks they went into the scanner again – but this time with a difference. Compassion group participants were asked to spend their time in the scanner feeling compassion and repeating the mantra ‘May you be free from suffer-

ing …’ while watching images of people suffering; the control group, on the other hand, were asked to reinterpret the ‘emotional meaning of the images’.

Comparing the results of the economic test and the brain imaging, this is what the researchers found: participants in the compassion group showed a correlation between the amount of money they gave to the unfortunate fellow and greater activation of the inferior parietal cortex – a region of the brain that plays an important role in regulating how we think and feel about other people, including seeing others in pain.

Researchers found this effect only for those in the compassion group, leading them to suggest that the activation of the inferior parietal cortex may be a ‘unique neural marker for altruism’ induced by compassion training.

m Dr Miguel Farias has pioneered brain research on the pain alleviating effects of spirituality and the psychological benefits of yoga and meditation. He was educated in Macao, Lisbon and Oxford. Following his doctorate, he was a researcher at the Oxford Centre for the Science of Mind and a lecturer at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford.

He is the founding director of the Brain, Belief, and Behaviour Lab at Coventry University and the lead editor of the forthcoming Oxford Handbook of Meditation.

Dr Catherine Wikholm is a Clinical Psychologist and a Chartered Psychologist. She read Philosophy and Theology at Oxford University before training as a psychologist and completing a Masters in Forensic Psychology and a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Post-qualification, Catherine has worked within the specialism of children and families, both in the NHS, as part of a London child and adolescent mental health service (CAMHS), and in private practice. Her current NHS role is as a Highly Specialist Clinical Psychologist in a London perinatal mental health service.

Miguel and Catherine worked together on a ground-breaking research study investigating the psychological effects of yoga and meditation in prisoners.

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Q&A

From Grief to Grace Pet Bereavement Counseling Monthly Column With Pina De Rosa The loss of a beloved pet can be the deepest heartbreak of our lives.

Each month we will address and answer a key topic with Certified Pet Grief Counselor, Pina De Rosa (APLB / AAVSB).

If you wish to send in questions for Pina, please submit them to Pina De Rosa through www.PetBereavementCounseling.com

In our January column on Pet Grief Counseling, we looked at the four different degrees of bonding with our pets, as well as what is different when an older pet owner is grief stricken, especially a single pet owner.

For this month’s topic, we get to look at the impact of the complexity of euthanasia and how to cope with the guilt that is so common after euthanizing a pet.

Guilt is so common after euthanizing a pet because it can be extremely difficult to separate the harrowing heartbreak from the honorable decision. Euthanasia involves intense conflicting emotions. Even when the pet owner understands that euthanasia is a much-needed decision and humane way to deal with their pet’s degenerating quality of life, it is often one of 84 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

the most painful and guilt-ridden experiences that the owner will ever endure. That guilt they feel is their heartbreaking grief trying to come out somehow. While the pet owner often gets the concept that euthanasia frees their pet from terminal suffering, it is also one of the most distressing actions they will need to take. Eventually they learn to live with that choice as one of the most selfless, honorable and loving actions they could ever take. Unfortunately, pet owners are not always educated about it ahead of time. Although they understand that euthanasia is part of their responsibilities as a pet owner, it is often only a fleeting abstraction. The lesser they know about euthanasia ahead of time, the more guilt they are likely to feel when euthanizing their beloved companion. Hence some pet owners will often question if they acted too soon, even wishing that things had been done in different ways.

And some pet owners will wonder if they waited too long, often regretting delaying acting sooner. That tormenting second guessing they feel is inevitable at first, which is why the bereft owner needs to be gently reminded that the decision was taken away from them by the incurable disease. A continued sense of that unmerited guilt will only worsen their tormenting confusion and distress. Ultimately this experience is part of that unspoken covenant that pet owners have with their beloved companions.

Some people are very distraught after euthanizing their pets because they will question their judgment. Remorse will have them second guess if what was done was the right course of action, wondering if they acted too soon or if they waited too long.

Aside from 1-1 pet grief counseling, I would recommend these different kind of resources: “The Loss of a Pet” by Dr Wallace Sife – amongst the numerous books I have read on the subject, this book is, hands down, the best reading resource guide. Truly a priceless supplemental help to the 1-1 counseling. By far! If your friend has lost a beloved pet, I strongly consider buying this for them.

Pet grief support groups in your area - I would recommend these support group sessions as a way for the bereft pet owners to share their feeling as well as hear from others who are having similar painful experiences. This will help them feel not alone in their grief. The sharing of the heartwarming memories of their pet will also assist in their healing. That said, if they might not be able to drive to a group, but would still like the benefit of a community experience, I would recommend a dedicated Chat Room, such as the www.APLB.org Chat Rooms.

The www.APLB.org - I would recommend the Association of Pet Loss and Bereavement website to the bereaved pet parent for several reasons. The Pet Heaven web page and the In

Memoriam web pages can offer a sense of comfort, even for those who may not believe in religion or afterlife.

Lastly, if the client is distraught after euthanizing their pet due to bloody visual memories that may haunt them and cause them to experience a shock similar to PTSD, I would work with them on progressively attenuating that intensity. If those gory flashbacks persist even beyond the scope of our sessions together, I would then refer them to a licensed psychotherapist as supplemental help to the counseling.

After euthanizing a beloved pet most clients will feel emotionally wasted, and stunned, and their lives are in a turmoil. Aside from the guilt aspects which we have already ddressed, above, I would counsel this euthanasia remorse through the compassionate reminder that the decision was no longer theirs. I would gently reassure them that it was keeping them out of pain was their responsibility and an act of love.

I would emphasize that it was the terminal illness that actually killed their beloved companion. Nothing else. I would reassure them that it was a most courageous act, and their honorable duty to help end their suffering. I would acknowledge them for how generous they were in putting aside their own emotions for the sake of their beloved companion. I would let them know that while the emotional strain they feel is absolutely normal, it is important to cry and let it out because tears are healing. I would remind them that the only way out of that pain is to go through it. I would counsel them to gently start accepting the grief that comes with the terrible heartbreak of euthanasia. I may also recommend, if they haven’t already, to write two letters to and from their pet. I would counsel them with specific writing prompts so as to express those heartfelt thoughts and feelings on paper. Writing under specific writing prompts contributes to the healing as well as provides a sense of perspective. It would allow them to gently start looking for ways to create a meaningful perspective as a gateway to moving towards resolution and honoring their companion’s wonderful life.

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That said, there are special circumstances when it would be not good to euthanize a pet. It would not be good to euthanize a pet when it is a decision made out of convenience and when it is a decision that would be as easy for the owner as discarding a pair of old shoes. For example, some owners have no problem euthanizing healthy pets such as if a cat may scuff the any part of the house, or if the pup may dirty the house, or if a dog may bark excessively. Usually these are weakly bonded owners who would do it simply not to be inconvenienced. It would not be good, it would be in fact immoral, to euthanize a pet for such reasons. Euthanasia is a decision to be made out of mercy when a pet is terminally ill. That said, it would not be good to euthanize the pet if the pet has more good days than bad ones. It would also not be good if the pet is not suffering of a terminal disease. It is a judgment call that needs sacrifice and bravery – a decision that ultimately is up to the pet owner alone, without pressure from others’ opinions. Dr. Alice’s Villalobos’ Universal HHHHHMM scale will be very helpful in such circumstances, as it helps pet owners making this most challenging decision at the right time. Yet another bad reason to euthanize a pet is when there are times owners simply no longer want to be responsible for vet costs. That is not a good reason to euthanize a pet, especially if the animal is not in excruciating pain, is able to enjoy life and carry out normal body functions. Also, if the pet can experience a peaceful and painless death naturally at home, it would not be good to euthanize them. Ultimately, if the pet’s health, their disposition and their owner’s preferences are not being taken into consideration, it would not be good to euthanize a pet until the owner can find a veterinarian who will do the procedure the way they prefer it. The pet owner needs to remain informed, fully responsible and in charge, even during such emotional time.

And, there are a few reasons why “heroic measures” to save a terminally ill pet may not be advised. Those are practical reasons, ethical reasons and psychological reasons. a. Practical reasons - As overwhelming as it may feel, euthanasia maybe the only humane answer to handle a pet’s declining quality of life, such as when he turns violent and dangerous.

Another practical reason might be the financial burden if that additional financial and emotional expense would only briefly prolong the pet’s life. It would be putting the pet through extra painful procedures or surgeries, without changing the outcome when there is no cure.

Ethical reasons - The majority of pet owners do not want to see their pet suffer any extended pain or added stresses. Because most pet owners are honor-bound, ethical reasons usually make more sense and are often more easily accepted. Pet owners can eventually see that the mercy of the euthanasia process affords their beloved animals the chance to die with dignity and peace.

Psychological reasons – The pet owner’s selfish preoccupation with how they feel is something they need to have the fortitude to put aside for the sake of their beloved companion.

Regardless of his/her own personal discomfort with the need for euthanasia, it would not be advised to delay the process.

The owner has to muster the courage to choose euthanasia in the interest of their pet, and do so timely. This will likely thrust into a deep existential growth and ultimately, with the proper pet bereavement counseling, yielding a wiser version of who they were. b. Just keeping a pet alive is not enough because radical behavioral shifts can occur in the pet, which can be noticeably upsetting and even dangerous to themselves as well as the owner(s). What is happening to the pet’s quality of life at this time is the decline and deterioration of the brain cells, which can cause biting, hostility, loud vocalizations and even a shift in their neurochemical balance. Though we think medication can help, often times it negatively impacts the pet’s quality of life by diminishing their senses. This can be bad because it can cause new emotional trauma as well as behavioral problems making their condition only worse. They degenerate to becoming a shell of themselves.

Our pets completely trust us with their lives, their safety and well-being even when they have an incurable disease. Because euthanasia is a most selfless and courageous action for the sake of our pet, because it had to be this way, guilt has no place (and no logic) in that most honorable decision. Ultimately, we may need to gently be reminded that it is the terminal disease that is taking away the decision, often making euthanasia the only merciful recourse to save our beloved companion from any pain they feel. It is the most loving act of mercy, and there should be no guilt for that.

That acceptance will ease their transition through the stages of grief allowing them to start their path towards healing and letting go of their pain, anguish and any unmerited guilt.

As they start to heal, they can learn to live with their emotional wounds and focus their energies towards the heartwarming memories.

2 Pina De Rosa is a two-time TEDxSpeaker and Certified Pet Grief Counselor, founder of www.PetBereavementCounseling.com. You may reach her directly for 1-1 Pet Grief Support (sliding scale available). Her passion project is #MissionWellington and his www.TreatsForPups.com, bringing “doggie bags” of pet food, blankets and supplies to the homeless pups living out in the streets.

Follow her at www.Instagram.com/LifeAccordingToWellington

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My Beloved Children of Heart,

Message from the Goddess Mother With Jan Diana

“Greetings of joy! My heart is smiling today with the anticipation of what joy is about to reach your awareness. You can claim it now if you choose.

Yes My Beloveds, joy is a choice. Though it is your divine nature to be joy, it has been mostly forgotten during your life experience on a dual plane.

However, the great time of awakening is occurring. Many little sparks of awareness are lighting up your todays and tomorrows.

Each little spark brings its own blessing in that moment of acceptance. The awareness opens up the mind to sense and feel each little spark of lightness.

More sparks, more awareness. Thus the blossoming of awakening becomes a known reality to you.

Each spark has its own special gift. Everyone receives what they are ready for.

Sparks of Light

Lightness always rains upon each person as love is a constant. However these sparks I am talking about are about your own personal evolution to higher consciousness and awareness of your divine self.

If you are someone who desires a greater understanding, a greater connection to truth, you can actively choose to come into greater awareness. Choosing opens the doorway to receive. Accepting and allowing these sparks of light, leads you to feel a greater connection to your divinity.

The quest to a greater awareness of truth of self is a most delightful journey. You may feel some challenges at times based upon your present reality, past experiences and perceptions, but gradually you will be drawn deeper into your heart.

It truly is a journey to restore heart consciousness. To have that full awareness of knowing truth and the nature of the divine is a heart focus.

Your road is unique to you. Your life story is unique to you. And yet all stories are part of the greater story, the story of us.

As more people open up and accept the sparks of light, the world elevates as a collective. The day will come when there will only be a focus based upon the principles of heart consciousness for that is divine truth.

We journey individually and together. There is value for each individual expression of life. There is value in the collective expression of life.

The great plan of the journey of lives is a divine plan of the Creator.

There is a great sacred purpose which will bring such joy to all.

Now you might ask, “How may I accept more of these sparks of light to further my personal expansion? What are the ways to master my thoughts and actions to further my personal advancements?”

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photo by spinster cardigan

There are many pathways and all are honored. If you are seeking greater wisdom and understanding in your life, ask for guidance.

Connect to your heart in a quiet space and ask for guidance.

Allow yourself to be still and receive what comes forth.

You have the divine right of choice. You also have been given many other gifts. One of these gifts is the privilege to ask for guidance.

There is much shining upon you always. Each of you has also been given masters, angels and guides to assist you. You also have divine attributes which are innate abilities and gifts.

It is about you deciding what you would choose for yourself and asking for guidance. Being open to receive, will allow you the blessings of divine inspirations that will uplift and guide you to reach the next steps of higher awareness on your sacred path.

Each of you has within you a great capacity to expand and elevate. It is only a matter of choice and readiness, as you are honored in all ways.

Many of you are aware of some of the great masters that have lived on Earth, masters such as Buddha, Jesus, Mary and St. Germaine to name a few. These great ones followed the same path.

They received sparks of light. They were open and allowed the lightness to fill and inspire them.

They took each spark and built upon it. They had a great thirst for further light and knowledge. Thus their thirst to know was their sacred quest which drove them to constantly seek for greater wisdom and understanding.

They learned divine principles of truth and applied them to their lives. This was their choice which was fueled over and over until they reached the heightened levels of consciousness that they desired. They connected to their hearts, and let themselves by guided through divine communication.

This is how they reached their mastery. It is the same for all However today it is even easier for you if you desire it to be.

Earth has elevated. We are no longer on 3rd dimension. The lighter energies here now make it easier to connect to your heart.

We have reached this great time of awakening together. It is because of the readiness and choice to release from the old stories of limitations and move into the freedom that you choose to experience.

Yes Beloveds, I celebrate each of you and where you are in your personal journey. Your time to flourish in the many sparks of

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light is now. You can choose your mastery. You can choose to be consciously on the pathway to great wisdom and joy.

I celebrate your greatness. I celebrate the joy and wisdom that is your destiny. I celebrate you.

You are the jewels of my heart. Enjoy your life journey. Allow the sparks of light to rain upon you, elevating you onto the golden bridges of light. Shamon.”

With great love,

Your Beloved Mother FREE CLASS: As a Gift I am offering you a Free Tele- Class, “Remember Who you are”.

-Restore pathways to remembering the truth of yourself using the tools of SVH, a prayer modality that can shift the old stories, old beliefs and perceptions that are not relevant to your truth.

-Receive tools that you can utilize in your life to further free yourself from the veils of forgetting -Take a journey to meet your true self and receive a priceless gift you will leave this class filled a greater vision of yourself and what is now possible for you.

This class is a great joy bringer!

Note: Register by subscribing by email at: http://www.jandiana.com (if the time is not convenient, register to receive the recording when available)

n Jan Diana is an intuitive healer, spiritual teacher, and master practitioner.Her mission is to assist clients & students in creating harmony, balance, heightened levels of clarity, develop innate gifts & abilities, empowering them on their personal evolution to create the dreams of their heart.

She utilizes several modalities including SVH L3M, Animal healing, GHM, Language of love, Reiki Master, and more.

Free meditation journeys, articles, & classes. http://www.jandiana.com Sessions and Classes by phone. You can reach her at website http://www.jandiana.com or by email sunsinyourheart@aol.com.

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