The Eden Magazine March issue by Maryam Morrison

March 2021

e zin ga Ma

EDEN T h e

WHY 2021 IS ABOUT HOLISTIC HEALTH by Dr. Kirsten Shepard Ahmad

CHANGE THE WORLD BY CHANGING YOURSELF by Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Voice Over Artist, Actress, Singer, & Celebrity Activist

EG DAILY

BEAUTY IS IN THE HEART OF THE BEHOLDER by Sarah Mane

WHAT IS GARDEN ALCHEMY?

MINISTRY OF TOMORROW An interview with Julian Proman

Table of Contents 8

THE GOLDEN KEY

EG DAILY

MINISTRY OF TOMORROW An interview with Julian Prolman

THE GOLDEN KEY By Alon Ylman

DEPRESSION, AN INVISIBLE AILMENT OF THE SOCIETY By Jayita Bhattacharjee

PRAY FOR NATURE By Gerald Prolman

WHAT IS GARDEN ALCHEMY?

BEAUTY IS IN THE HEART OF THE BEHOLDER By Sarah Mane

LEARNING TO LISTEN

GOT SOUL?

By Alexia Melocchi

COMMITTING TO YOURSELF & YOUR TRUE PATH By Angela Dunning

THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO MANIFESTATION By Phyllis King

CHANGE THE WORLD BY CHANGING YOURSELF By Rabbi Simon Jacobson

Cover Photo by

DEAN FOREMAN

Happy Equinox 64

LANGUAGE MORE THAN WORDS By Michael White Ryan

KINDNESS IS YOUR GOD POWER By Diana Cole

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SPRING CLEAN FOR WELL-BEING By Shelly Willson

YOUR THOUGHTS MATTER By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio Alati

WHY 2021 IS ABOUT HOLISTIC HEALTH

By Dr. Kirsten Shepard Ahmed

CAUGHT IN THE GRIP OF COVID STRESS? NINE QUICK & EASY WAYS TO STOP STRESS IN THE MOMENT By Mark Goulston, MD & Diana Hendel Pharm D,

USING OUR INTUITIVE GIFTS IN THE AGE OF AQUARIUS By Nancy Yearout

HOW TO HONOR YOURSELF WITHOUT BEING SELFISH

92 96

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EDEN T

Since 2010

MAGAZINE

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

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

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

MEET OUR TEAM

Photo by ISABELLE RUEN

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

DINA MORRONE

Maryam Morrison

ARTIN MARDIROSIAN

EDWARD HAKOPIAN

MARIA ELENA INFANTINO

ALEXIA MELOCCHI

VITO TROTTA

TARA-JENELLE WALSCH

ANGELA DUNNING

NANCY E. YEAROUT

SHERI DETERMAN

GREG DOHERTY

MICHAEL WHITE RYAN

MARGARET TOMASZEWIC

ISABELLE RUEN

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SASHA GARY

SHELLY WILSON

JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE

JOE SANTOS, JR.

MARCO NUNZIO ALATI

PHYLLIS KING

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E.G DAILY Voice Over Artist, Actress, Singer, & Celebrity Activist

By Dina Morrone We've all heard E.G. Daily's award-winning vocal talents. She is one of the top voice-over artists in the world, having animated characters on award-winning feature films and television shows. She was the voice of Babe, the adorable piglet in the movie Babe, Baby Mumble in Happy Feet, Froggy in The Little Rascals, Butter Cup in Power Puff Girls, and Tommy Pickles on Rugrats, to name only a select few. As a singer/vocalist, she competed on season five of The Voice, winning a spot on Team Blake (Shelton). In the 80's she had a major record deal with A&M Records. Three of her hits reached the top 10, including Say It, Say It, which Jelly Bean Benitez produced. It became a number one dance hit all over the world on the Billboard dance charts. She produced, composed, and sang on over 30 classic film soundtracks, including Scarface, The Breakfast Club, The County Bears, Babe, and Rugrats.

As an actress, Daily starred in blockbusters like Pee Wee's Big Adventure, where she played Pee Wee's girlfriend, in Valley Girl, opposite Nicholas Cage, in My Sisters Keeper with Cameron Diaz, as well as the hit television series Friends where she played Phoebe's ex-song writing partner in the iconic smelly cat episode. When Daily is not using her golden voice to sing to us or do voice over, she uses it loud and clear as an animal rights activist to defend not only their safety and well-being but, in some cases, their right to live. Daily's latest single is a song entitled Don't Worry About Me. All proceeds from sales will benefit LCA (Last Chance for Animals) and Tobies Small Dog Rescue.

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Who was E.G. Daily as a young child growing up in L.A.? I had a pretty normal upbringing. We lived in a normal little neighborhood, where we played capture the flag on the lawns. We would run over to our neighbors Roz Goldstien's, for Mac n Cheese. Nothing seemed pretentious. I had a large family, five kids and all sorts of animals and lots of music playing all the time! Tell us about your very first pet. What are your memories of this relationship? BooBoo was my first dog. Pure LOVE was how I felt about my first pet and every one after. We also had a basset hound named Duke. My family had a Ranch that we would stay at every weekend. We had lots of cows, goats, chickens, and horses. I felt super content and happy around all of them. What was the turning point in your life when you decided to become Vegan? And what do you do to promote a Vegan diet? I have been Vegan many different times in my life and for various reasons. One of the reasons I was a Vegan in the past was because it grossed me out to eat meat since I had such a strong connection to animals. Sometimes it was because of cholesterol or other health factors. Today, I prefer to be Vegan. However, I do eat fish once in a while, and if I feel my body needs meat once in a very blue moon, I listen to my body and do what it tells me. The one thing I do not eat is dairy. Was there an incident that convinced you that making animals the main focus of your life was the right thing to do?

Animals have always had a significant place in my life. It was never one thing. It was just a huge desire to keep them safe and treat them with kindness. Always.

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As a recording artist, you recently released your new single, Don't Worry About Me, with proceeds benefiting LCA (Last Chance for Animals) and Tobies Small Dog Rescue. Please tell us about LCA and Tobies Small Dog Rescue. Chris DeRose is this amazing man who started Last Chance for Animals. He was shot trying to fight to protect animals. He has built up Last Chance to do the most incredible work to stop animal abuse. I have been protesting and doing fundraisers for them for decades, and my feelings only get stronger on this mission. Last Chance for Animals is a smaller organization that I began fostering years ago, and I continue to foster abused, neglected, and rescue tiny dogs for them. It's my way of doing very hands-on work in my own home. I will get a dog from Tee, the founder of Tobies. She will say, "I have a tiny dog that was thrown from a moving car window with head trauma." I will take that dog and nurse it, hold it, and love it back to where it trusts again, its spirit comes back, and it is healthy enough to place in an amazing, forever, loving home. I want to add that my beautiful daughters join me in this process as well.

Back in 2019, you and many other celebrities, including Kim Basinger and Priscilla Presley, went to extreme measures during a protest against the dog meat trade in China and South Korea by holding an actual deceased dog in public. How can our readers get involved in helping to stop this horrible action? There is no question that if everyone saw even just a small clip of the horrific treatment of dogs /animals in Korea, or anywhere else where brutal practices happen, their knees would buckle. It's so painful to see an innocent animal or beautiful creature of God, with feelings and compassion being tortured. I encourage everyone to check out the Last Chance for Animals website to see the fantastic work they have been doing globally with their fight against all kinds of animal abuse and exploitation. The website gives an in-depth look into what really goes on. It gives people awareness, which can help with funding, donations, press, and getting petitions signed so that we can hopefully stop the torture and abuse. Also, it is imperative to educate everyone to only treat animals with kindness.

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You are one of the top voiceover artists in the country. When did you discover you had this extraordinary ability to use your voice as an instrument and create character voices? When I was a little girl, I used to do baby voices. I always liked to imitate sounds and accents. I also did that with singers. I could do similar tones and qualities. I think I created the voice for Tommy Pickles (Rug Rats) when I was that little girl. When the audition for Rug Rats came up, I had already done that voice and character. That voice had been living in me for so long. I walked into the audition and booked Rug Rats, my very first cartoon voiceover audition ever! Along with being on The Voice, you also appeared on Saturday Night Live as a musical guest, among many other shows and appearances. Share with us a little bit about your experience on these two mega television shows. It was awesome to be on both Saturday Night Live and The Voice. I was in very different places in my life with each. My song Say It was number one on the dance charts. I had been touring all over the world with it. And like a whirlwind, Saturday Night Live came so quickly. It wasn't until after I was on it that I realized how monumental that was. It was like, 'Oh wow, that was me on that show!' The Voice was a different experience. It was decades later. I was a mom with my own amazing daughters and a body of work I felt really proud of. But, The Voice was like getting a second wind into singing at a time where I had started to buy into the idea that you couldn't make music or sing past a certain age. The Voice changed all that thinking for me and reminded me never to stop doing what I love, and now I don't. I continue to put out music and music videos with even more love and passion.

I learned that I liked the feeling that I could just B.E. That feeling that I always have to hustle or grind and do something, I learned that it's not necessary. I learned to be in the moment and to enjoy the day just as it.

A few years back, I saw your One-Woman Autobiographical Musical show, Listen Closely, in an L.A. theater. It was a tour-de-force performance. Are you planning on mounting the show again, or are you working on any new solo theatrical shows? Oh wow, so cool, thank you! And so cool you got a chance to see Listen Closely. That was one of my favorite passion projects ever. I probably wouldn't re-do that show today, though, because I did it at the right time, I was meant to do it. To try to re-create it now wouldn't be the same. The great news is, it was filmed before we closed the show. So, it's available on my website. egdaily.com That show is all about listening to your inner voice. It tapped into my life journey, music, and personal issues. It's both funny and super painful, and it's all true. I will do another project at some point that ties into my journey now.

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And I just keep getting desires to try new things, and I follow it. Was there ever a moment you looked at yourself in the mirror and realized you were on the right life path, doing what you were born to do? Everyday! Especially when I see my daughters, Hunter and Tyson, and what amazing people they are. I know that Mothering was something I was born to do. Also, when I connect with all the fans, the beautiful, sweet people on Tic Tok, and hear what they say to me about my work. That reminds me that I am reaching them and also able to inspire them about kindness to animals. I know I'm on the right track. Do you practice any form of meditation or fitness routine? Yes. I have found so many awesome stretch and yoga classes on YouTube during Covid. My daughters and I do lots of beautiful walks and hikes. Training Mate training classes! I love those, and Equinox has been my gym for a long time. I can't wait to be able to get back to those.. Is there a favorite place, quiet or not, you like to go to that energizes you and makes you feel empowered or at peace? I recently moved to the beach. Taking walks on the beach at sundown or when the sun comes up is amazing! Where is the first place you'd like to travel to once the world goes back to normal? And why? I'd like to go to Europe. Explore beautiful places like Ireland or the tiny islands of Italy. It's hard to say precisely where, as there are so many beautiful places to see. During this pandemic, is there something you learned about yourself that surprised you? I learned that I liked the feeling that I could just B.E. That feeling that I always have to hustle or grind and do something, I learned that it's not necessary. I learned to be in the moment and to enjoy the day just as it. What is the secret to your longevity in the entertainment industry? I keep listening to what I want to do next, and I try not to recycle what's done or what I already did. That is a hard thing to do because when you feel like you did something successful, it's easy to want to try to re-create it, but it has to be new. It can’t be just a replication of something you have already done. I also try not to force myself to do something until I feel really excited about doing it. I have to have an excitement in my body, a ‘hell yes’ feeling that I have to do it! Also, I keep learning. I'm not too prideful to grow or to be teachable. I love continuing to grow my voice, grow my soul, grow my passion for things that matter. Grow my humility. 14 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

What is a typical day in the life of E.G. Daily? I wake up and do a little meditation. I love Chopra. I feed my small dogs, make breakfast, have some coffee, and journal a little. Then either do a voiceover session, answer emails, and make business calls. And I might head to the beach for a walk. Or head out to do a bunch of other random things. The rest of the day is always so different. I try to stay open and allow the day to tell me which direction the magic is. Any parting words for our readers that you'd like to share? Thank you for allowing me to share with you a little of me. Special Thanks to Photographers: Dean Foreman & Amber Melody

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OLLYWOOD CLOSE UP

NEW FAVORITES & MUST HAVES

By Vito Trotta

We live in a world where looking our best and feeling confident is just as essential in everyday life as it is in front of the camera!

Vito Trotta

Freelance Beauty Contributor vitotrotta.com IG: vitotrottahair

Silc Skin Decollette Pad is an absolute must have for anyone of age trying to combat wrinkles and look refreshed. Created by emmy award winning make up artist Camille Calvet using medical grade technology. The pads stimulate collagen and cell growth hydrating the skin by drawing the natural moisture to the surface. Made in USA, clinically tested and cruelty free/no animal testing. Silc Skin Decollette Pad | $31.99 | Silcskin.com

PDL cosmetics opulent new line of lipsticks created by actress Patricia DeLeon is a new find and favorite. Are you looking for the perfect red lip? Look no further this weightless,long lasting liquid lipstick in scarlet red is a must have and perfect for that glamours night out or a romantic night in! This rich pigmented , non transfer and non drying formula is not only impressive but also is cruelty free, vegan and gluten free which speaks volumes to me about this fantastic line. PDL Bold Aspirations liquid lipstick | $23 | PDLcosmetics.com

This new curl defining creme from Hask is a must have for anyone with curly/textured hair.It provides long lasting, frizz free curl retention and definition. Enriched with a miracle blend of coconut oil, argan and vitamin e to seal in moisture and shine. Free of silicones, sulfates and drying alcohol makes this vegan, cruelty free/no animal testing formula a win win! Hask Curl Defining Creme | $7.99 | Haskbeauty.com

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In a world defined by experiences, it’s not enough for brands to simply stand for something – they must stand up for it. And that’s exactly what Ministry of Tomorrow, an eco-fashion label based in Los Angeles, California, is doing. At a young age, Julian Prolman, Founder and President of MOT, envisioned not just an environmentally and socially conscious brand, but a movement rooted in love and positivity.

t the heart of Kibera, is the Chema Vision Childrens Centre, a school that is restoring hope to the less fortunate children.

how to guide them on such concerns. We walk them through the different stages of adolescence and teach how to take control of their lives,” adds Mary.

Kibera suffers from inadequate housing, overcrowding, poor sanitation and poverty.

Currently, Chema Vision Children Centre charges affordable tuition money. However, only 40% of the pupils pay and the money is used to pay teachers and cover operational costs of the school. “Another challenge we incur is the lack of enough food supplies and stationery. The number of children is increasing forcing us to rely mostly on well-wishers for support,” says Joseph.

Education is a major challenge for children born into the Kibera slums because quality education is costly. Several months ago, the Chema Vision Children’s Center was affected by the Kenyan Ministry of Education directive to close down all learning institutions that had not complied with the government’s safety guidelines. The Chema Vision Children’s center was not able to raise the funds to bring the facility up to code and was forced to vacate leaving no school options for 155 children ages 2.5-15 years old. Also, one of the most important aspects of the school is guidance and counselling sessions especially to girls as well as sexual education. Girls in slums live in abject poverty, lack proper guidance and are sometimes pushed to early marriages and prostitution. “We have been attending seminars that enlighten us on 18 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

“Chema is a Swahili word meaning something good. Our goal is to educate and feed as many children in the slums because we want something good for the children of Kibera. Chema Vision Children Centre is very important because it serves as a center for many hopeless children. To some, the food we offer at school is their only meal. Our goal is to raise enough funds to sustain Chema Vision School operations to continue supporting needy children of Kibra slums.

In this exclusive interview, Prolman shares his view on the strides and setbacks of the sustainable fashion industry, his advice to upcoming designers, and how a trip to one of Africa’s poorest village ignited a fire inside him to build a successful luxury eco-fashion label and eco-factory. “I have been asked many times why I chose to start up a luxury fashion house in proximity to the Kibera village. My answer is why not Kibera? Why not bring opportunity to where opportunity is needed?”

What is the status of sustainable fashion today? There is definitely positive movement happening amongst an increasing number of small producers across the globe but it is highly fragmented.

In your opinion, what are the key issues facing the global sustainable fashion industry? The biggest issue is the fact that non-sustainable fashion exists and there isn’t legislation to prevent it.

For many other corporations it's been a slow and cumbersome process because they are committed to systems that perpetuate the problems. They are all too often focused on cutting costs and competitive strategies which come at the expense of nature, animals and the people who produced the goods.

As non-sustainable fashion is the global norm and society rewards harmful behavior it will take an awakening of biblical magnitude for the world to demand sustainable fashion. However, we can’t succumb to the negative forces and there are several things MOT and its clients can do about it: 1. As a Producer we pay the true cost of raw materials and production considering every step of the supply chain. 2. As a Designer we pursue the creation of original and highly desirable fashion with sustainability as a core standard to design upon. 3. As a Marketer we aggressively promote the positive attributes of responsible commerce and aim to be impeccable with our claims. 4. We ask our customers to support authentic companies that do all they can to produce goods that don't harm animals, the environment or the people who made the products, and that everyone involved in producing the goods is fairly compensated for their work. As the notion of morality in fashion gains traction, increasingly large corporations will notice, and then sustainability could become a market imperative – at least that’s what we at MOT are fighting for. What do you think were the key achievements of the sustainable fashion industry over the past 20 years? Globally, the Fair Trade, fairly traded, animal welfare, Organic and Biodynamic agricultural movements and others, have fought long and hard to set the foundation by proving that producing goods with respect for life can work and at scale. It’s now up to a new generation to take this righteous work forward to the next level.

Some progressive brands like Stella McCartney and Patagonia have demonstrated leadership in making sustainability a priority. They are examples of the kind of bold action that is needed.

They look at sustainability through the lens of profit rather than taking a firm position to not ever participate in the production of products that cause harm. This is really all about the leadership of major corporations finding their moral compass and taking action to do what’s right. The sustainable fashion sector has surely made waves but what we need now is the force of a tsunami to really shift bad behavior. What key things should consumers look out for when wanting to buy sustainable clothes? First and foremost, ask yourself if you really need it. If you don't then don't. If you are going to buy garments and accessories, look for quality that is designed to last. Next, don't support fast fashion even though its cheap. It’s cheap for a reason – something or someone has been compromised along the way and we are just supporting the creation of more waste, which is killing us. Don't buy products that use the skin of animals. This is a disgusting and barbaric practice. It is beyond disturbing that we still have to explain why it’s not nice to peel off the skin from another living being. Look for fabrics that are sustainably produced. Usually eco-manufacturers proudly label their products. Take a moment to check out the company online and see if they have a statement about their business practices. Those that embrace the notion of responsible commerce that would include fair wage practices, for example, usually talk about it on their website. Support these companies. They are usually small companies that are undercapitalized and can exist only with sales. Every sale counts!

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What challenges face the current sustainable industry? We exist in a world where unsustainable is legal and the norm. Corporations make profit at the expense of nature and society. Until a new generation of mindful consumers demand sustainable alternatives and then support them, not much will change. There are many small innovative companies struggling to get their products to market. Access to growth capital remains a challenge. Celebrities hold the key to positive change. They are respected by youth who are finding their way in the world and look to them for direction. Our challenge as a sector is to motivate celebrities to redefine symbols of success and promote positive virtues. What inspired you to launch Ministry of Tomorrow and what’s the meaning behind the name? I was seeking a way to have a rewarding, happy life while working in a creative space. I thought that fashion could be used as a vehicle to help improve the lives of disenfranchised people and in this way bring together style and purpose. The Ministry of Tomorrow brand represents a movement for positive life experience that is rooted in love for everything and everyone.

Most people

would be horrified to witness the process of how animals are killed and stripped of their skin. I want to believe that people would find their conscience and decide to no

longer support products made from animals.

Besides the sustainable aspects of your bags what is MOTs competitive business advantage? Old established producers have well run, mature systems with expensive overhead that fix creativity within a restricted framework of arbitrary rules. Although we have limited capital as compared to the major brands, our competitive power comes from; being able to work in an environment of unrestricted creativity, being of service to others, and running the business upon principles of kindness. Tell us more about the bags and company We offer a cruelty free choice and express luxury by using high quality alternative materials and craftsmanship. There is a disconnect from the cruel process behind the scenes to the luxury bling that is marketed. Most people would be horrified to witness the process of how animals are killed and stripped of their skin. I want to believe that people would find their conscience and decide to no longer support products made from animals. I think we are in a transitional period where many people are seeking truth and, in the process, come to understand that they have been brainwashed and bought into an undesirable belief system propagandized by major brands for profit. Our bags are marketed to a consumer that exercises independent thinking. This is a conscious revolution. We are a luxury brand because we only use the highest quality vegan leathers and fabrics. All of our cotton is sourced from India and is 100% Certified Organic and Fair Trade.

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MOT products are produced with respect for the earth and humankind. The company closely examines the supply chain at each step of production. We look for elegant alternative materials that exhibit the similar desirable qualities that leather offers but the difference is our materials are always cruelty free – no animals suffered to make our bags. We have a stringent selection process that has to check a list of criteria including; aesthetics, functionality, cruelty free, good for the environment and wildlife, fairly traded and social benefits. MOT defines luxury through a new expression of imaginative design that is elegant and at the same time distinctive and functional. MOT’s fashion statement is: “Awe-inspiring works of art.” MOT bags are handcrafted by skilled tailors who are proudly devoted to producing exceptional quality bags. Our price points are attractive and we are able to compete on quality with the best of the major fashion houses in Milan and Paris. Tell us more about your factory in Nairobi, its proximity to Kibera, Africa’s largest slum, and your journey there. I chose Kibera but it feels like Kibera chose me. I could not walk away and forget what I witnessed. Surrounded by contaminated waste and the most unhygienic conditions one can’t ever imagine, I saw the beautiful faces of thousands of precious children who excitedly greeted me as I walked through the slum. This scenario grabbed my heart in a most serious way and would not let go. The circumstances of how people live in Kibera rendered me speechless. I knew that something had to be done to break this unfortunate pattern. No one deserves to live in severe conditions like this. So, I thought I would try to see if there was something I could do. I have been asked many times why I chose to start up a fashion house in proximity to the Kibera slum. My answer is why not Kibera? Why not bring opportunity to where opportunity is needed? I discovered some real advantages; people are extremely willing to give their very best to do excellent work. They are grateful for the chance to have a job and be treated with decency. This is reflected in the bags they make. I can’t think of anything more rewarding I would rather be doing with my time.

Michelle Aricha is the general manager of the factory. She was instrumental to recruit the tailors. There are so many very talented young artisans in Nairobi eager to show the world what they can do. They need a spotlight and this is what I am trying to do. There is an abundance of fresh and unrestricted expression that is soon to be discovered, respected and desired. Our success shows that everything is possible, and no-one holds an exclusive on quality and creativity. I have had to bootstrap the development of the company. It’s not so easy to start any business but starting up a high fashion house next to a massive slum surely sharpens creative survival skills. We have got to where we are on the power of a dream. I was lucky to have met Michelle Aricha who runs the production facility and shares the dream. With Michelle and her team’s strong desire to excel, we are progressing toward our goals.

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of their slaughter, and then you buy it and wear that energy on your body. Also, the people who manufacture your bags have feelings. They have families and many in the industry live in unthinkable conditions and work to survive. Now imagine the opposite where tailors are not spending their day stitching together dead skin from tortured animals, where they are well cared for and work under good conditions and are happy. In this scenario, positive vibrations are in the bag. The simple way we can assure sustainable livelihoods is to provide steady work and fair wages. To achieve this, we need market success. The reception so far is positive. What do you want to say about and to the fashion industry as a whole? We are becoming a society of fashion robots. Innovation today looks like a copy of a copy. Everything in life holds energy. Imagine animals that are killed for fashion. Dead skin holds negative energy from the fear and agony they experience in the brutal process

About the Ministry of Tomorrow The company established its flagship production facility in Nairobi, Kenya, that exclusively supplies MOT with its initial core product line; distinctive luxury bags, handmade with eco-materials by a group of talented tailors that come from Kibera. MOT’s production criteria include: Sustainable livelihoods, cruelty free (no animal products) and sustainable materials, woman’s empowerment, and social and environmental activism. MOT products are produced with respect for the earth and humankind. 22 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

So what I would say to the fashion industry: change the model – put animals, environment and people above corporate profit and derive your profits from positive choices. In a previous press release you declared Nairobi to be the ‘new Milan.’ Do you believe Africa can compete in the world of high fashion? Africans have long been tastemakers, well before Europeans – who took much from the rich African cultures. Given the same tools, opportunity, and access to market we will see an explosion of unmatched creativity from Africa.

The Ministry of Tomorrow, headquartered in Los Angeles, is a for-profit social enterprise that designs and produces high-quality, eco-luxury, vegan accessories and garments and sells directly to consumers at ministryoftomorrow. com The purchase of MOT products enables sustainable development by providing income generating opportunities for people in marginalized places of the world. MOT represents a new frontier in business based on love for all and responsible commerce.

THE

GOLDEN TICKET By Alon Ulman

n action that repeats itself again and again becomes a habit. We form habits, and our collection of habits constitutes our character. This character – day by day, month by month, year by year – actually creates our personality, who we are. A thought that repeats again and again, is called an internal story. Whose thought is it? It’s mine! For example, do I think that all rich people are thieves? Do I (as a woman) think that all men are...?

Thoughts have tremendous power. There are people who believe that their success depends on themselves, that they are the ones who “write the screenplay” of their lives. In contrast, there are those for whom everything is dependent on something external (e.g. luck, fate, the government, the boss). And how do they feel regarding the actions that they can take? Primarily, helplessness. Therefore, they don’t do anything. And the results that they get are also accordingly... nothing. When people speak about “positive thinking”, they mean thinking that helps us to progress our lives. It’s because our results in life are like fruit. When we look at a tree, something we can see – the fruit – are our results. We don’t see the roots of the tree. Also, feelings cannot be seen, only actions and results. Facial expressions are actions that express feelings, because the source of every action is a feeling.

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Photo by onathan Cosens Photography

Thoughts have tremendous power. There are people who believe that their success depends on themselves, that they are the ones who “write the screenplay” of their lives.

In most cases, people move toward making a change when they get some sort of unbearable result. When they get home and realize that their suitcases are waiting outside for them, the lock on the door has been replaced, and they’ve been kicked out of the house. Or when the bank cancels their credit card. And then they turn to some sort of expert (expert professors, relationship counsellors, lawyers, bankers) and ask them to tell them what to do. Why? Because that’s what they can “see”: the actions and the results, not the thoughts and emotions that caused the situation to be the way it is.

been totally right. Because we are always right. There are people who write letters of complaint, telling the whole world about what could have been, had they not had awful genetics or a conniving colleague... and all while they too have the ability to choose. We write our own screenplay, we are the protagonists of our film, and also the director. Winners think, “What can I do?” and, “How can I?” consciously or unconsciously. In any event, we write our own screenplay, whatever the given circumstances. And we are the ones who can completely rewrite the plot. And even win an Oscar!

If this were the way, people would open a book about relationships, do exactly what is written inside, and enjoy outstanding marriages. But this is not the case. It is actually about the “internal story”. Great changes in the world come about only once the story that people have been telling themselves has changed dramatically. Do you remember when the Earth was flat? Of course, it was never flat, but tell that to the heads of the Church during the Middle Ages. Pythagoras, Plato and Aristotle were among the first to claim that the Earth is round, and this happened in the fourth, fifth and sixth centuries BCE. Until then, the story that the Earth is flat was a story that we told ourselves. And it wasn’t that the shape of the Earth changed; it was our paradigm that changed. Successful and effective people enquire into the nature of every so-called “truth” and “that’s just the way it is”. Yet they are intellectually modest. A person who does not have intellectual openness and flexibility will remain stuck with their truths (i.e. internal stories) and will therefore keep doing the same actions and getting the same results, and won’t be able to grow and develop. “If you want a significant change in your life, you must change your internal stories to those which will advance you toward your winning picture.” One of the universal laws is that anything that we focus on will grow and expand in our lives. According to this law, if we focus on our husband’s or wife’s shortcomings, these will grow and, of course, they will also bother us more and more. If we focus on what we can’t do, what’s impossible for us, and what “definitely won’t work”, it truly won’t work. If I had sat at home when I was 39, with my medical condition at the time, focusing on my bitter fate, and had said, “I could’ve been the chief of the Navy, but that’s gone, it was taken from me... I’ll receive social security disability benefits instead”, and mourned over all the things that I’d no longer be able to do, I would have

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Alon Ulman is a sought-after speaker, life and business strategy expert, and practical success strategist. A Commander (Res.) in the Israeli Navy, marathon runner and Iron Man, he holds a BA in Economics and a Master’s degree in Business Administration, both with distinction. Founder of The Winner's Code Ltd, Alon is Israel's most influential mentor. Speaking to packed auditoriums and sold-out events every month, Alon has helped over 250,000 people, 400 organizations and top leaders to achieve their goals. Success is Not A Fluke was a smash-hit in Israel, staying in the bestseller list for 83 consecutive weeks. After it was published in Hebrew, Ulman shared a stage with Tony Robbins at the largest personal development show ever to be staged in Israel. Ulman lives in Tel Aviv and is happily married.

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Photo by Katsiaryna Endruszkiewicz

Depression,

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AN INVISIBLE AILMENT OF THE SOCIETY

By Jayita Bhattacharjee

here is a stigma, a hidden one that is undeniably involved with the release of emotions. The inescapable truth that hits us inside, the moment we feel that compelling urge to break free of what was killing us inside, what seemed to strangle our throats, what we grappled with in the very deeps. Somewhere between what we reveal and who we are authentically inside is exactly where we wrestle with the bottled emotions. As we hear the all-time used "get over it", the fact is we do not get over it until we get through it. Spilling the emotions doesn't necessarily imply that it is a sign of feebleness. It doesn't show a person's frailty and fragility; rather, it is God's truth that he/she is innately alive, being uncompromising. So, let him/her throb with life. As to feel life in every cell, in every fiber, is to feel the beat, the pulsating emotions as life come in so many seasons and colors. And so do the myriad episodes that may either traumatize or energize, that sketches the narrative of life. Somewhere between who we are suppressed to be and who we desire to be, lies the deep-rooted need to emerge in the most raw, real, and vibrant manner, the one that nurtures our heart and reflects the soul. But why doesn't this flamboyant society realize the need to just 'let it be,' as this is the only way we will ever dare to stroll along the trails of life. Whoever said we will find comfort in the dungeons of darkness, weeping in the lonesome corners? While growing up, many of us are not taught to feel and express fear, shame, guilt, apprehension as these are often quashed. This need for repres-

sion has been passing on through centuries as there is that unspoken stigma, that invisible shame, the falling out of grace involved with the release of feelings. As someone freaks out in extreme pain, society sees it as a shortcoming of that person, perceives it as lunacy. But it's time, we realize that the journey from lunacy to lucidity begins as we feel to heal. And feelings do need to fly in the air, to let the heart have its beat in the fresh breeze. Consequently, from a position of powerlessness, rises the power as he/she is given the dignified freedom to weep and weep out loud. The tears that fall drop by drop as the sadness clouds the eyes because there was that pain all along that burned inside, yet the society dictates it as a shame. Being under the pointed fingers of a dictatorial society, we coil inside, shrinking from an invisible pressure, that fear that chases us everywhere. Emotions sustain a person's desire to continue living as it is the feelings that add life to a lifeless person, living, walking, breathing with a pallid spirit. The inability to express results in a disability, and someone who has been walking around with a broken heart is sauntering in the woods of life, with a limp in the leg. What could have been managed in a constructive way then follows a destructive pattern and ultimately pushed the person towards his/her very end. The person gets ensnared in the net of self-rejection. He rejects himself, begins to loathe his very existence, and is caught up in a spiral of doubts. Before he gets to kill the trap, the trap almost kills him. And that becomes the saddest point of a person's life, the God-gifted life, the precious one which is seeded with the light of love since the inception.

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instead of looking back at the limiting past. With the azure sky overhead, the ground beneath, and seasons in the air, whoever said life is over? Somebody pronounced an announcement, and someone dictated us to sigh in the solitary corners how to feel and kill them in the dark rooms shutting the sunlight of the day. As we did not learn to subdue them on our own, rather we have been taught to internalize them instead of externalizing our natural emotions. There is this fear that once those feelings gush out, especially of sadness, it will be overwhelming and pull us into a prolonged sadness.

Photo by Conscious Design

To maintain a stiff upper lip is the dictation of society. To let them flow like a river flow has been labeled as disgraceful. Societal norms attempt to dampen this free flux. There is this traditional need, passed on from generations and generations, to maintain that shattered smile, no matter what lies behind that broken visage. But as per Dr. Jill Bolte, a neuroanatomist, the duration lasts for only 90 seconds for an emotion to be triggered and chemically processed through the body.

IT COMES WITH ITS PULL ON OUR MENTAL HEALTH AND GETS MANIFESTED THROUGH A BROAD RANGE OF NEGATIVE BEHAVIORS. THE UNDERLYING REASON IS THAT WE ARE IN SEARCH OF WAYS TO NUMB THE EMOTIONS RATHER THAN HEAL THEM IN AN AUTHENTIC WAY.

Any residual emotional response that remains is more of a thought pattern than our emotional pattern. With the release, we sense the echo of that fathomless vastness of life as we break free from society's dicta. There is a deeper need to destigmatize the stigma associated with emotion, as any stifling or suppressing of feelings results in a gradual mental depression, and consciously or subconsciously, we slip into the downfall of life. It becomes a subtle slip that happens stealthily, surreptitious is its crawl into our lives, and before even we know it, it has its rigid hold over us, and we grapple with the grip, sighing in the lonesome nights.

And if this essentiality is denied, then it inevitably kills the need to feel alive. Such is the truth behind the fact that most people are existing and not living. If the stigma is taken off and a person is free to indulge in the moments of fragility, allowed to reveal their unrevealed feelings, then in time, they will transform their frailty to courage. After all, feelings are what bring a transformation from the inside out. They hold the seeds of sacred alchemy. There is this invisible hold of emotions that summon us in fragility, but in the end, they sustain us by their strength. That's when someone's transformed and learns to live from the imagination and not the memories of hurt, or shame. As the contained emotions are not erased, rather, they somehow manage to smolder inside and eventually overpowers everything else. But with the unrestrained flow of them, he/she learns to fly, unbound and limitless,

It comes with its pull on our mental health and gets manifested through a broad range of negative behaviors. The underlying reason is that we are in search of ways to numb the emotions rather than heal them in an authentic way. One might indulge in drugs, alcohol, eating disorders, shopping compulsion, and many other pathways that lead to a gradual debasement of the body and mind. That then becomes a path of descent, rather than of ascent, a way to ruination, as the repressed emotions vanquish the authenticity in us. The goodness in us is toppled as the truth of feelings is squashed by purposive suppression.

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As per studies, there is a strong interconnection between emotions and physical sensations in the body. Emotions rule our behaviors and physiological states. We have different emotions during survival mode or

pleasurable interactions, or salient moments. Different emotional states are associated intrinsically with distinct body sensations. These emotional experiences could underlie our physical sensations. These emotions- triggered bodily sensations get manifested as stress-related disorders and pounding headaches. As we connect with our emotions, we intentionally bring awareness and become conscious of the body's physical sensations. By acknowledging those sensations, we become capable of harnessing and understanding those feelings and can prevent ourselves from going along a downward path. This effort takes a conscious approach from us and can be attained through mindfulness. Body scan practiced in mindfulness is an effective way to tune into presence, which lets us incline the mind into a sensory experience and the discoveries that come along the way. Through the body scan, we develop emotional awareness. By having a better perception of the physical sensations as the emotions rise and fall, we can choose how to respond to them and not be reactive to them. We can be conscious of them by bringing an awareness of them, which eventually leads to a healing of the body and mind. Acknowledgment gives us an opportunity to sit with our own emotions, however uncomfortable they may be as we tap into the here and now, and gradually rationality settles down over irrationality. This then becomes a conscious choice, practiced through mindfulness. In the process, we learn to master to process those emotions in a healthy manner, which ultimately impacts our mental and physical health. The body scan practice becomes very effective to release the stress and tension that unknowingly perches on our shoulders and eventually spreads to the entire body. Through a process of mental scanning, awareness seeps into every single area of the body, and we become observant of any ache, pain, tension, or general discomfort tightening our body. We get to know the pain and be familiar with it to learn how to better manage it, if not totally eliminate it. One of the many primary benefits of this body scan meditation is stress reduction. To be comfortable. Lying down is the most preferred method or sitting comfortably seems to be another option. To inhale deeply, as taking deep breaths and starting it from the belly rather than from the chest lets the abdomen expand and contract with each and every breath.

Then slowly, we need to bring attention and awareness to our feet, and we can be observant of the sensations arising there. If we sense any pain, then we can acknowledge any emotions associated with it. Then we can gently breathe through it. Next, we have to breathe into the tension. If and when we notice any uncomfortable sensations in the body, we can be attentive and breathe into them and take it from there. We can gradually visualize the tension leaving the body through the breath and evaporating into the air. Next, we need to scan the entire body. We need to continue this same practice with each and every area of the body. So eventually, we move up through the feet to the top of the head. There is a difference in feeling when we are holding the stress and when we are letting it out. If there is any tightness, pain, or pressure, we need to breathe into the tightness and release the body's tension. We rise from insanity to sanity through acknowledging our emotions, from a frantic mind to a grounded being, with our feet on the ground and imagination sky high.

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

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WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Dr. Lisa Leslie Williams

GOT GERMS?

HERE’S YOUR RX FOR HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Mom, pharmacist and healthy living expert Dr. Lisa Leslie-Williams explains how she helps her own family stay healthier this time of year. Dr. Lisa Once a practicing pharmacist, is now writing rescriptions for healthy and whole living one post at a time. As the founder of The Domestic Life Stylist, a health and wellness blog, Dr. Lisa is a respected naturopathic healthy living expert, speaker, wellness blogger, Oprah Magazine Ambassador (O MagInsider) and media spokesperson.

ou can’t supervise your kids 24/7. That includes monitoring what they swallow, touch and breathe. As a pharmacist-turned healthy lifestyle expert, I understand. In addition to juggling a busy career and homeschooling, I’ve been teaching my kids how to stay well. 32 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

They are learning that it’s easier to be proactive rather than reactive when it comes to health. Cold and coughs really don’t have a season. They can happen all year long. Some people get sick with every germ and bug they’re exposed to. When it comes to building my family’s immune systems, it’s serious business around here and I know what works. As a native islander, I grew up with the notion that food was medicine and that nature was a resource best tapped into first, for wellness and well-being. I don’t just have a passion for health and wellness, these pillars are at the foundation of who I am. When I traded my pharmacist’s script pad for a keypad, I never looked back. And I have a passion for sharing what I’ve learned with moms everywhere.

Write a health and wellness prescription for your family. Grab a whiteboard and post your wellness prescription on the refrigerator or in another high-traffic area where everyone will see it daily. Some things to include on your list are: 1. Everyone should use their own utensils and water bottles. “Help children learn to keep their germs to themselves by labeling their water bottles, so there is no confusion.” 2. Wash your hands. “No splash and dash allowed!” Stresses Leslie-Williams. “While some moms teach their kids to sing the ABC or birthday song, instead try putting on some great music and have a fun time.” Juice up your immune system. “Black elderberries provide natural support for the immune system and can be enjoyed for year-round immune maintenance. But choose the variety that is backed by science. If you buy homemade elderberry tea or jam, it might help someone with their business, but you won’t get the same powerful immune support. Sambucol black elderberry comes in multiple forms that will please everyone in the family, from syrup and a drink powder to capsules, pastilles, and gummies.” 3. Follow the cleaning or changing schedule on your air filters packaging. Also, have your HVAC professionally cleaned at least twice a year to maintain good indoor air quality. 4. Give cod liver oil a try. When I was a kid, my mom always made sure that we took our cod liver oil. Let’s just say that I wasn’t really a fan. But as an adult, I now realize the powerhouse that cod oil is. Not to mention, cod liver has come a long way since I was a kid. Some even come naturally flavored. Cod liver oil offers a plethora of health and wellness benefits including immune boosting, so be sure to add it to your family’s health and wellness regimen.

As such, these vitamins should be taken with a meal for optimal absorption. When shopping, be sure to look for vitamin D3 versus another type.

5. Take a good look at what meals you’re serving your family. A healthy and nutritious diet that is high in organic fruits and vegetables, low in sugar, no gluten, avoiding artificial dyes and a diet low in dairy and grain is still my primary recommendation when it comes to keeping families healthy and keeping sickness away. 6. Supplement with vitamin D. There are two main types of vitamin D. Vitamin D2 is made from plants and vitamin D3 is what the skin makes naturally when sunlight hits the skin. What many parents don’t know is that vitamin D plays a major role in immunity. So once those vitamin D levels drop, so does your child’s immunity. Additionally vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health. It’s best to have your child’s blood levels of vitamin D professionally checked. Some important notes about vitamin D: It is a fat-soluble vitamin. 33 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Moms, you also need some self care Moms, self-care is not getting your nails done or treating yourself to a double-scoop ice cream sundae. Self-care is the foundation for the things that will help us thrive, and help our bodies do what we intended to do. My husband and I live an entrepreneurial lifestyle. No two days are exactly alike. Homeschooling offers tremendous flexibility and lots of opportunity to travel. In 2019, we went on 13 family trips. And while everyone has slowed down to recent events, we can’t wait to safely get on the road again. Being in top shape means I’ve got the energy and stamina to go when the opportunity strikes. Treat your body the way it should be treated! That means prioritizing rest, good nutrition and exercise. Also, don’t skip your health screenings. Stay on top of your health and be a good role model for your family. By following this health and wellness prescription, you are instilling good habits in your children that will serve them throughout their lives. Plus, when you feel well, you experience more out of life.

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Photo by Jan Canty

PRAY

FOR

NATURE By Gerald Prolman

Young Kenyan Artists Release New Music Video To Stop Deforestation NEW YORK, NY, January 11, 2021: Kenya’s rising rap stars, Anderson Mwakazi (aka Harshkid Luckystah) and fellow artists Benard Kaisa (aka Benkaizah) and Simon Mwanjala (aka Popsodah) released ‘Pray for Nature,’ a new music video with an urgent message for the world about the Climate Crisis and the critical need to stop forest destruction. Deforestation is the second largest contributor to the Climate Crisis. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) – the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change – warns that deforestation intensifies the effects of climate change, such as water scarcity, drought and food shortages. Billions of people will be adversely affected and especially those living in rural parts of the world who depend on farming to feed their families. Anderson Mwakazi lives in the Kasigau Corridor, a severe drought region in SE Kenya, located between Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks – a vital wildlife corridor. Anderson’s family and neighbors are subsistence farmers. He knows first-hand how burning and cutting trees to clear land for farming and for charcoal production has a direct negative impact on the rain and farming conditions. Thus, his new song and music video seeks to inspire environmental activism.

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“My generation is increasingly anxious about the climate crisis- we don’t know if our lives will be cut short or if current harsh conditions will get even worse. It is overwhelming and causing young people serious depression. Climate scientists have been warning our leaders since before I was born but unfortunately for us, they have not acted. I wrote this song as a wakeup call for young people to stand up and demand that corporate and political leaders take immediate action to do what’s right for the children of the world before it’s really too late,” said Anderson Mwakazi. The Kasigau Corridor is also home to Wildlife Works, a leading conservation business focused on protecting forests, wildlife and sustainable development for local forest communities. The company with its 350 local employees and with the cooperation of 120k community members, protect the entire 200k hectare corridor. Wildlife Works far reaching community engagement activities include youth education on environmental issues held at local schools, many of which have been built or refurbished by Wildlife Works and where thousands of children have and continue to receive scholarships covering their school fees. Anderson first learned about climate change and the importance of protecting trees from the community outreach leaders at Wildlife Works. “Deforestation causes a direct threat to our survival in rural Kenya but it’s not only a local problem, we all share the atmosphere that doesn’t care where emissions from burning forests come from so this is also a serious problem for everyone in the world. I hope our song Pray for Nature will help people remember to have more respect for nature” said Anderson Mwakazi. Wildlife Works and its business development partner Everland sponsored Anderson to write and record “Pray for Nature”. 37 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

PRAY FOR NATURE LYRICS - GREATSONs MUSIC I remember there was a big tree in the midst of our village, It was long ago in the days of my young age, We used to play around the tree when we were small It was where grandparents told stories to us all, On top of the tree there were birds of all kind, Their melodious songs blessed ears of the blind, It was a landmark and the main meeting spot, It was the holy spot that the ancestors brought, One calm day I heard a big boom, I couldn't believe my eyes it was a sign of doom, A big bulldozer fell the noble tree, The locals who were watching were cheering with glee, I was lost in the midst of the cheers and the dust, Tears filled my eyes as I watched in disgust, Oh! Baby chicks fell out of their nest, They couldn't fly away though they tried their best, This mindless act affected the rain, Bringing them drought with the hunger with the pain, There were no more cures for the sick and the weak, The future became quite sad and bleak, Forests have vanished, fading away, like the evening sun, From earth we'll be banished, sent away, life's gone and done x2 No no no no no no, We should never do it again, So I say no no no no no no, Pray for nature and say amen, Sote twasema pamoja tuzidi, Kuitunza miti daima, Kunena kutenda tutaiweka bidii, Kuitunza miti daima, Warning to everybody living in the generation, Message to every state and every conscious nation, Death of our trees has become a fixation,

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We ain't moving forward with this null acceleration, It spits in the face of the source of creation, So mindlessly terminating our earth's duration, Destroying the trees causing irreparable harm, Is like slashing your throat and cutting off your arm, So, before I proceed, let me ask it, Why are you pushing us to this early casket? Calling our leaders to stop deforestation, Do what’s right to end this abomination, We must shout real loud, Stand strong and proud, Our last opportunity, to achieve impunity, In all corners of the world and every congregation, We must put our efforts in one combination, Listen up, have no doubt, Hurricanes, fires, floods and drought, We must act without hesitation, There is no life on earth without conservation, Forests have vanished, fading away, like the evening sun, From earth we'll be banished, sent away, life's gone and done x2 no no no no no no, We should never do it again, So I say no no no no no no, Pray for nature and say amen, Sote twasema pamoja tuzidi, Kuitunza miti daima, Kunena kutenda tutaiweka bidii, Kuitunza miti daima, So it’s time to wake up and care for the tree, It’s time to make our world carbon free, Cause the trees are the reason we breath clean air, And we can only breathe if the trees are there, So protect the trees and avoid the strife, When you save the trees, you are saving your life.

What Is Garden Alchemy?

lchemy’s history is shrouded in controversy. Those practicing the art were admonished for tirelessly working on transmutation, famously failing to turn metals into gold. Yet as anyonewho has experienced failure knows, alchemists learned a whole lot about the natural worldthrough their experimentation. They hacked natural processes to get a better understanding of how things work, and while their research has been left to many interpretations, the investigational methods they used can be employed to give us a deeper understanding of the natural processes of our gardens.So what does that tell us? That there is no magic potion or secret sauce that will grow a perfect garden every time (although compost comes pretty close). The most successful gardeners have learned the formula that works best for them through observation, testing, and time. You can read and study every written word, but, in the end, it’s getting yourhands dirty that will give you the definitive answer how best to grow plants in your unique garden. Even if you do get excellent quality topsoil and the first year of gardening is wildly productive, those easily accessed nutrients will soon be depleted. After that, the new soil will need to be amended annually until it becomes rich with the organic matter and microbes that make up living soil. A much less expensive and productive way is to start by amending the soil you have. But before you can do that, you need to assess it. 40 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Learning to work with your soil as opposed to fighting its nature will bring the gardener in sync with the garden. Take some time to meet your soil. Learn about its natural structure, pH, and health. In this chapter, I'll share some simple home tests for evaluating your soil as a foundation for the garden alchemy you will use to grow a healthy, regenerative, and thriving garden. Learning to work with what you have is a skill that will save you time, energy, and money in the long run. At-Home Soil Testing A soil test is an essential first step in knowing the soil you are working with. Basic home tests can give you a better understanding of the soil composition and pH, which will serve as a basis for the recipes in this book. With just a bit of information about your soil, you will begin your relationship with the land, learning about what works and what doesn't work for your space. Some of the plants you grow will effortlessly take root, while others may struggle despite your best efforts. Learning to work with your soil as opposed to fighting its nature will bring the gardener in sync with the garden. While this strategy works well for many home gardeners, if plant problems are persistent and your efforts are not resolving the issues, lab testing provides a detailed qualitative assessment of your soil, including nutrients, toxins, and microbes. Simple Squeeze Test Can do this quick and simple test, can be done right in the garden with minimal time or disruption. Take a handful of soil from the garden and squeeze it into a ball. Poke it with your finger and observe the results: • If it sticks together, it's clay. • If it falls apart somewhat, it's loam. • If it falls apart completely, it's sand. How to Collecta Soil Sample To collect a soil sample, dig down 3 to 4 inches (7.5 to 10 cm) with a trowel and scoop soil into a bowl. Take three to five samples from different parts of the garden and mix them together. Do not touch the sample with your hands to avoid altering the pH. Soil Composition Test in a Mason JarSoil is made up of sand, silt, and clay. The ideal balance of these particles for garden soil is called "loam." It is suitable for growing most plants as it has a great balance of air pockets, moisture and nutrient retention, and drainage.

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The most successful gardeners have learned the formula that works best for them through observation, testing, and time. Test It! Loam is made up of 40 percent sand, 40 percent silt, and 20 percent clay. • Sand makes up the largest soil particles(between 0.05 to 2 mm in diameter) • Silt makes up the intermediate size soil particles (between 0.002 to 0.05 mm in diameter) • Clay makes up the smallest soil particles (smaller than 0.002 mm in diameter) To determine the mix of soil you have in your garden, 1. fill a 1-quart (1 liter) Mason jar one-third full with garden soil. 2. Fill the rest of the jar with water and close the lid tightly. 3. Shake the jar well. 4. Let the contents settle overnight. In the morning, there will be up to four visible layers from bottom to top: sand, silt, clay, and water. Results Measure the percentages of sand, silt, and clay to learn your garden soil's composition. On soil composition additionally, the clarity of the watersheds lights. • If the water is clear, the soil is primarily free-draining sand. • If the water is murky with soil suspended, it is loam. • If the water is murky with visible sediment around the jar, it is mostly clay. Photos courtesy: Stephanie Rose Erda Estrenera Daniel Obruntoba

Filip Urban

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Photo by Raamin ka 44 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Beauty is in the Heart

of the Beholder By Sarah Mane

WHAT IS BEAUTY? I am incredibly grateful that in my life I have had teachers, mentors and guides who laid out for me the lessons of timeless wisdom and set out a practical path to increased awareness and self-knowledge. On that journey to higher consciousness I was guided through many wonderful exercises and practices which led me to the personal experience of higher consciousness. One such exercise was concerned with the contemplation and experience of beauty. One day at a retreat - I was quite young at the time - I was in a group, and we were asked to fall deeply still and find a restful place within. Then, when we opened our eyes, we saw a projected image of a beautiful peach-coloured rose, bathed in sunlight, with a drop or two of water on the petals. We were asked to simply allow the eyes to rest on this image. There is much that can be said about such a simple exercise of contemplating a beautiful image with a clear mind and a still heart. 45 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

For me the most important thing was acknowledging that I could only know the external beauty of a rose in full bloom if I knew that the beauty within myself as well. Seeing beauty outside was an act of recognition. I knew that beauty was already within myself. And I understood that it was the same beauty. So what is that Beauty, that we see around us, and that we experience as part of our own being? Sanskrit has several words for Beauty that fill out our understanding. Saundarya which means graceful, elegant and lovely, and also refers to noble conduct and generosity; Chārutā, which carries a sense of loveliness, and of that which is agreeable and beloved; and finally, Shobhā which relates to brilliance, lustre and splendour. We can combine the meanings of these three words and say that Beauty is lovely, graceful and elegant, and also noble and generous, it is beloved, and it shines and radiates splendour. This gives us a very full description of Beauty. It certainly includes the physical beauty of a handsome person, a harmoniously designed building, an expertly executed work of art, a finely crafted piece of jewellery. But this full description of Beauty, derived from Sanskrit,

In the world of science and technology the intricacies of machines, and computers, aeroplanes and cars, great ships and factories that allow us to move around the world, and which bring us all that our heart desires. Isn’t there something beautiful in a matrix of commerce and invention that can deliver fresh milk to your refrigerator, your favourite movie to your TV, and a gift to your beloved? And finally, what about the highest values and principles that make life worth living – honour, kindness, courage, respect, justice, and wisdom. Aren’t these perhaps the most beautiful things of all. To see honesty in action, respect in speech, courageous behaviour, and acts of kindness to friends and strangers alike. These are all examples of Saundarya – elegance, grace, nobility, generosity; Chārutā – loveliness, and love itself; Shobhā – radiance, lustre and brilliance. And we see these everywhere, if would just open our eyes. In the exercise with the rose we were asked first to close our eyes and find a still place of peace within our hearts. Then, when we opened our eyes we were presented with the sight of the peach-coloured rose. It was

Beauty is all around us. And, more importantly it is within each of us. At any time, we can go to a still place inside and look out and see a world of beauty, brilliance and nobility. with its inclusion of nobility and generosity and love and splendour, takes us beyond the merely physical.

a wonderful experience carefully created by intelligent and sensitive teachers.

The sun dappled rose is a thing of beauty. It is elegant and lovely. In a subtle and magical way, it is also generous. The flower displays its beauty and its radiance to whomever happens upon it, without any judgment or any wish for anything in return.

But we don’t have to wait for such perfect circumstances. Beauty is all around us. And, more importantly it is within each of us. At any time, we can go to a still place inside and look out and see a world of beauty, brilliance and nobility.

And we can move further beyond the physical to beautiful behaviour and actions. What of a mother caring for her child, attending to grazed knee, wiping away the tears, setting him back on his feet? Here is beauty indeed.

The timeless wisdom of Sanskrit lays out a pathway to a marvellousworldofloveandbeauty. Itisapaththatisopento all of us. The destination is well-worth the journey.

And in the world of creativity and invention what of a piece of beautiful music that uplifts the hearts and nourishes the minds of the audience and the players alike? What of a painting that presents to us a view of the world that surprises and delights? Or a poem or novel that opens a door to intriguing places and allows us to experience emotions and ideas in a fresh way? Here also we find great beauty.

Sarah Mane is a Sanskrit scholar with a particular interest in the wisdom of Sanskrit as a practical means to life-mastery. Previously a teacher and school executive, today she is a transformational and executive coach. Sarah lives in Australia. https://consciousconfidence.com

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GOT SOUL? By Alexia Melocchi

n Christmas Day, Pixar released on Disney Plus the animated film Soul.

It is possibly one of the most influential and most impactful Disney films made to date. Be warned of the Spoiler Alerts if you have not seen the movie yet. I shall list here the five most important takeaways, reframing the famous saying "it's the little things" into what I would call "The simple way to live." Soul tells the story of Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher and aspiring musician who has been trying to make it in the jazz world for one too many years. As fate has it, he has an accident and ends in a coma on his way to his first performance in a dream job. The premise may appear as a downer, but don't give up on me yet and read on! Joe arrives at The Great Before, where young souls are groomed for their human incarnation on Earth. Desperate to be sent

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back to Earth, he has the assignment to work with Soul 22 to help her find her unique "spark," the one thing required to be "Earth ready." Everyone has failed before him. If he succeeds, he will wake up from the coma. Soul 22 has been afraid of life on Earth and refuses to leave this In-Between world. Her theory is that life on Earth is pointless and that all souls that incarnate end up with their dreams crushed and their hearts full of sorrow. Who would want to live there? In a year as tumultuous as the last one, it's easy to feel as if the world is weighing us down. It's easy to feel like a lost soul going through the motions of everyday life, losing sight of the little things in front of us every minute of the day. Joe and Soul 22, through their unlikely friendship, and their adventures on Earth, remind us of these five simple rules for a more fulfilling life.

1. Find the spark in everything. "I was born to do this" is what Joe keeps telling everyone when it comes to his playing music. Do we truly have one single purpose? I was born to do this. This is one of the most critical lies we tell ourselves and the world when we want to accomplish our most coveted dream. It is the feeling of "being in the zone," something we experience when doing what we believe we were born, our exceptional talent, a pure ecstasy. Joe continued to pursue his dream because of his obsession that he was born to be a musician. However, in the Great Before, the "Spark" is that moment when souls have acquired their unique gifts and character traits and are ready to be sent to Earth to live. We were born to all of us to LIVE this great adventure of being human, with its joys and sorrows. It's the journey, not the destination, that matters. It is hard for us to accept changes that we might have hoped for it go differently. But with time, we can try to get where life takes us and maybe start to feel fulfilled regardless.

time, his barber's passion for owning his store and serving his customers by shaving them. What seems like a meaningless task for one person can be another's personal triumph and joy. In the film, they call it being in the "in-between," that place where time and space are in suspension by the pleasure of doing what we love the most.

2. Stop getting lost in the hustle. Relentlessly pursuing a dream can be exhausting and stressful. Forcing things and stressing over finding our worth in recognition of our talent can be extremely stressful. To survive the daily pressure to make a name for ourselves, chasing our goals, makes us forget the blessings we have, regardless of the wealth, fame, or success in the conventional sense. Life is a cumulation of small moments such as the joy of eating pizza, a gust of wind caressing our faces, getting lost in the notes played by a street musician, and so much more.

I genuinely hope this gem of a film wins the Oscar for best animation. Still, I am grateful for the souls who had the imagination and heart to create such a powerful story. Children and adults alike will discover a newfound appreciation of "the little things."

3. A word from your mouth can change a person forever. We do not have to be teachers by profession to make an impact on another. We are all mentors. When Joe has a meeting with one of his students, who has been bullied and feels worthless, he pays her one compliment. And that's where we see the power of words. A moment of kindness and understanding can change in an instant the life trajectory and destiny of another person. It is where the principle of "we are all one" is best demonstrated. All this applies to the negative words as well, which can cut more profound than a knife. 4. All dreams are worthy. Joe is so busy pursuing his dream, obsessively talking about it to everyone he knows that he forgets to listen. In one extraordinary moment, he is at the barbershop getting a haircut. He hears as if, for the first

5. All we have is love. Life is amazing. And it can end in a moment. What will be remembered when it's all over? Soul is a love letter to the gift of being alive, to learn to appreciate the highs and the lows, and the people who cross our path. If we step into our memories, can we recall that we were not present for a special moment because of being so stressed trying to do something different? The purpose of life is to live it. We must not waste one single minute of it. I cried when I saw the film as I faced how fragile all of us are in our mortality.

Alexia Melocchi is an accomplished international film producer and distribution executive and the partner of Beverly Hills based LITTLE STUDIO FILMS. Over 25 years, she has produced 27 film and documentaries, several of which were created by filmmakers that she has personally discovered. She is the host of THE HEART OF SHOW BUSINESS podcast and the upcoming series CHASING THE EXTRAORDINARY. Alexia attends all major film festivals and has been featured as an expert speaker on the Film Business. As a proud mama of 3 cats, she supports environmental and animal causes. Her formula for well- being is meditation and surrounding herself with like-minded people.

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RECLAMING YOUR TRUE SELF By Angela Dunning

Photo by SHAYAN rti

COMMITTING TO YOURSELF AND YOUR TRUE PATH 52 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COMe February 2021

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Nothing can be achieved in life without first committing to yourself. It has taken me a long time to learn this and to really practice this every day. Yet, I have seen the evidence time and time again where, through my lack of self-commitment, initiatives, projects, and relationships have all fallen apart or faltered partway-in because of my lack of commitment to myself. Many people struggle with this very simple and fundamental part of life, especially those who experienced difficult childhoods and/or are addictive types (and if we are honest with ourselves, most of us are addicts in one way or another). It takes great strength and courage to commit to yourself as this involves inherently learning to love yourself and value who you are properly, no matter the trials and tribulations of your life-to-date. It also takes great courage to commit to your true path, yet it is only through such commitment that we are ever able to truly manifest in our lives that which we truly desire.

Photo by Batuhan Doğan

Self-commitment requires not only a belief in yourself, your gifts, and capabilities, but it also requires that sometimes elusive tricky thing of self-worth: We have to believe we are worth anything, let alone good things, before we can even start to commit to ourselves. Self-commitment also entails valuing your feelings, intuitions, bodily sensa-

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tions, and insights that spring up from your unconscious. It encompasses all of these things, and over time, all of this steadily builds self-worth.

IT TAKES GREAT STRENGTH AND COURAGE TO COMMIT TO YOURSELF AS THIS INVOLVES INHERENTLY LEARNING TO LOVE YOURSELF AND VALUE WHO YOU ARE PROPERLY, NO MATTER THE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS OF YOUR LIFE-TO-DATE. This is often difficult for people who lacked really strong and healthy mothering when they were small. Lack of love, attention, and true nurturance of who we really were back then creates gaps and holes in the fabric of our soul, and through which troublesome energies and voices can enter, creating a toughened and often very destructive false-self, who likes to berate and doubt us at every turn. Therefore, getting to grips with these voices and their impact on us in all that we try to do is vital. We have to learn to slay these dragons before they take hold of our attempts to live the life we feel is truly the one for us. This involves continual deep inner-work and vigilance. It involves developing an inner witness so that we can observe more objectively what they are saying to us and how we respond to them. Paying attention to our dreams is a hugely helpful device in this regard, as is working with a loving and attentive therapist or coach.

In addition, if we have co-dependent tendencies, we will often try to commit to other people at the expense of truly committing to ourselves and our unique path. Here we are misdirecting our energy outwards when it should be turned inwards. Needless to say, this is a false economy, and eventually, usually after many painful experiences in relationships, we will finally learn this lesson and realize that it is ourselves who we need to commit to first, foremost, and always. Then it seems to be a natural law that once we fully do this, we have the capacity to genuinely also commit to another person or project. Once we have mastered this, then we can turn our attention to the lonely, neglected parts of ourselves who carry our as yet unmanifested abilities and gifts. We must give them plenty of attention and love in order to develop a genuine feeling of commitment to ourselves as well as to our unique path. This takes time, but it is essential if we are to stand true and firm to that which we wish to pursue. And not only that, we need to have established a genuine strength of self-commitment in order to defend against anything in our external environment, including other people and the wider culture, which can often put pressure on us to follow a more acceptable path rather than our own unique path. Ultimately, what it comes down to is truly feeling that WE are worth committing to. Once we have built this firm bedrock of commitment to ourselves, then we can start the task of committing to our life's purpose, whatever that may be. Trying to do this stage without having accomplished the first part sufficiently is like building a house on shaky foundations; whatever we attempt to create will lack stability and will tend to wobble and falter. Commitment also requires that we can be strong enough in ourselves to choose to follow that one thing that truly makes our heart sing and our soul dance for joy every single day. We can be strong enough to cutaway with a sword of discernment anything which does not serve this purpose. All of which requires trust and faith in ourselves and in life itself. We often struggle with making this single, deep commitment to one path. Yet as one of my favorite teachers, Chameli Ardagh of Awakening Women Institute, says of commitment: I used to think of commitment as something opposed to freedom; that if I decided or committed

to one thing, I would lose out on other opportunities. Yet, she adds, it was only after she committed and jumped in with both feet that opportunities finally arrived: Commitment made them appear. In essence, then, commitment involves huge doses of genuine self-love, faith, trust, and strength, as well as the courage to leap-in fully to our soul's calling. Ultimately, we have to really value ourselves and our unique soul path. As W.H. Murray of the Scottish Himalayan Expedition famously stated: Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings, and material assistance which no man could have dreamed would have come his way. I have learned a deep respect for one of Goethe's couplets: 'Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it! Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it.

IN ESSENCE, THEN, COMMITMENT INVOLVES HUGE DOSES OF GENUINE SELFLOVE, FAITH, TRUST, AND STRENGTH, AS WELL AS THE COURAGE TO LEAP-IN FULLY TO OUR SOUL'S CALLING. ULTIMATELY, WE HAVE TO REALLY VALUE OURSELVES AND OUR UNIQUE SOUL PATH.

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

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THE

WE NEED We cannot deny the obvious truth that driven by consumerism; the current population is merely generating too much waste. As a result, landfill sites around the world are reaching their maximum capacity. We have a choice. We can keep digging holes, or we can look for new solutions. That is the conclusion recycling expert and inventor Nik Spencer came to. Driven to change the way we view 'resources' fundamentally, Nik created the HERU, an innovative product that values all of the resources we produce and harvests energy from them. The status quo The trash that we throw into the garbage generally has either one of two fates awaiting it. One, the landfill; two, the recycling center. Take the humble diaper, there's only one typical outcome for it (as it cannot be recycled), and that is spending the next 450 years waiting to biodegrade. The same is true of a plastic bottle or a sixpack beer holder. The fishing line waits even longer at 600 years. An aluminum can is of soda fairs better, at a mere 200 years, while a foamed plastic cup needs to wait 50 years to biodegrade. A pretty depressingly tale! On a fundamental level, the HERU asks the question, what if we could find a better use for that diaper than letting it rot for 450 years? Something more immediate. And what if we could do the same with plastics, food, and other items that wind up in the current "waste" management system. What if waste was actually considered a valuable resource? 56 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Recycling is no longer the answer Around 270 million tons of trash are recycled globally, and recycling is seen as an environmental solution. However, when we peel back the bandaid, we realize that the solution offered is more complex and certainly not enough to tackle the mountains of excess we consume. As we clean our yogurt pots and cans of tuna, we do so in service to the recycling industry, but so much of what we deposit cannot be recycled due to food contamination or mixed material usage. In fact, as little as 60% could actually end up being repurposed. It is also extremely carbon-intensive. This applies from the transportation in heavy-duty vehicles through to the infrastructure and techniques required to process "waste" and recyclables.

Founder Nik Spence

HERU could take the average 68m2 home with the average occupancy of 2.4 people from producing 1.6 tons of CO2 per year to minus 80kg CO2 per year for space heating and hot water with a HERU and gas boiler

While people may feel they're doing their bit to be environmentally-friendly by separating glass from cardboard, waste collection trucks are one of the least efficient vehicles on the road. Sustainably managing our resources on a mass scale is something that is increasingly being debated and discussed by individuals, organizations, and leaders worldwide. But there's no quick fix to dealing with the rapidly-growing excess resource in a way that won't damage the environment. Using heat treatment, via pyrolysis, energy-rich items are loaded into the HERU, then oxygen is removed as the resource reaches 212 Fahrenheit, and the moisture is boiled off as steam. The steam passes over the HERU's heat exchangers, recovering the energy for use in the hot water system. The remaining dried resource is then heated to 572F in the absence of oxygen. This releases an oily vapor containing synthetic gas, which is cleaned using a water screen filtration system, compressed, and then stored, ready to be used as fuel in boilers. If you are unfamiliar with pyrolysis, I would describe it as a natural process, sped up. In simple terms: bury a dinosaur or a tree in the earth in a lack of oxygen and wait for millions of years as the heat from the earth transforms it into hydrocarbons. What the HERU does is exactly that same process but reduces it from 5–9m years to 5 hours of pyrolysis.

per year for space heating and hot water with a HERU and gas boiler (based on the electric grid mix of Norway in 2012). That's a saving of 1,680kg CO2 per year, per home. The potential is clearly immense. The future is now Global warming is a crisis that is becoming more severe with every passing minute. We all must take personal responsibility for implementing and driving innovations that will help combat this universal dilemma.

The wider adoption of the HERU would potentially mean a massive reduction in bins and garbage bags, and collection trucks. With the reliance on home-sized appliances delivering energy at the push of a button, we would all have the power to take resource management into our own hands and give the environment a much-needed helping hand too. For more information please visit https://www.myheru.com

By converting everyday materials into energy, the HERU avoids the creation of "waste." This is a highly-efficient process as nothing is lost in transportation or requires processing in carbon-intensive infrastructures, which hugely reduces the amount of carbon generated. Credentials Over 10,000 hours successful running hours of the technical evaluation units in the UK, coupled with a detailed independent assessment of the technology by Ricardo Energy. The environment has found that the HERU could take the average 68m2 home with the average occupancy of 2.4 people from producing 1.6 tons of CO2 per year to minus 80kg CO2 57 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Abundance Corner

Photo by Cristiano Temporin

By Phyllis King

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THE SECRET INGREDIENT TO MANIFESTATION W

hen we think about how to manifest or the law of attraction, most of us think about being positive or making vision boards to magnetize our desires us. All these tools can be useful in certain circumstances. The stand-alone vibration that causes the most abundance to flow is courage. It is the largest factor that will determine how far and how well our desires manifest. It can truly make or break a person’s path. Those who learn

to summon courage from the inside, despite their fear, are the ones who have the most success and find abundance waiting around every corner. Many believe that my job as an intuitive life coach entails holding people accountable. Contrary to this popular opinion, the vast amount of my time is invested in teaching people how to allow courage to lead the way in their life.

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WHEN WE REACH FOR THE

COURAGE

TO NULLIFY THE SUPERFLUOUS NOISE OF LIFE AND WRAP OUR ARMS AROUND OUR SACRED FLAWS, WE ENGAGE WITH

THE MOST VITAL AND POWERFUL ENERGY AVAILABLE.

Many come to my service hoping accountability will be the standard. In that, I will somehow push them over the hump they have been unable to surmount toward their goals and outcomes on their own. Mistakenly people think that a good swift kick in the derriere is the path to expansion. Most of the time, that is the exact opposite of what is needed. Most people need compassion and understanding to be able to come to their present moment and stand center stage in their reality. Then and only then will real progress be made. It requires enormous courage to stand center stage in our reality. To look at our naked and unvarnished selves and embrace what we see. The combination of our conditioning, experiences, and emotional wounding has written on the slate of who we are. It has told us a story about who we are and who we are not. A false and unreliable story. Even the idea of breaking free from the false story that has defined our life can be frightening. It is all we have ever known. It is familiar. We know how to do it, even if we do not like it. Human nature would rather live with the discomfort of the familiar than lean into the uncomfortable unknown for the potential of greater ease. Abundance only occurs when our awareness expands into a broader point of view. One of the reasons so many forms of coaching fail is because it is goal-oriented as opposed to presence oriented. Results in that style are most often temporary or localized to the moment a person is in. Will power, force, and external stimulus will never solve the problem lack of presence creates. When presence is not the state of being, my job becomes a cheerleader and advocate to encourage com60 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

passionate curiosity. Inspire one to embrace the honest totality of their experience. In a container of acceptance, we become free to reconnect to our inner wisdom where abundance becomes most available. Most of us are ruthless judges of ourselves, with exorbitant expectations of perfection. Anything less than perfect is viewed as a failure. We are deathly afraid to look into the present moment. We are terrified of what it might say about us and the life we are living. When we reach for the courage to nullify the superfluous noise of life and wrap our arms around our sacred flaws, we engage with the most vital and powerful energy available. We marry ourselves to abundance itself. Every time we find the courage to validate the perfection of our lives, we step into abundant energy and become ever more increasingly magnetic. Whether it is private coaching or a personal journey to solve complexity in our lives, the formula for being present with ourselves is compassion and patience in the face of fear. Allow stillness in. Be with ourselves with love and kindness. In that, we more easily access our courage. Once courage lights our way, the changes we long to see happen nearly effortlessly. Further, they become changes that are permanent because they originate from the wealth of our own being. As we ponder abundance and how to receive the bounty life yearns to give us, we want to consider the idea of fertile soil. We want to strive to be fertile soil for the seeds of life to grow in our energy. The most potent quality that inspires abundance to grow is the courage to witness our own present moment and honor it for the sacred gift it is in the story of our life. In that awareness, we magnetize to us all that is good and true.

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

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Photo by Rifky Nur Setyadi

WHEN CLIMATE ADAPTATION INTERVENTION RISKS FURTHER MARGINALIZATION By Rishika Pardikar

any climate adaptation interventions focus excessively on the effects of climate change and less on examinations of what drives vulnerability.

Many internationally funded climate adaptation projects “reinforce, redistribute or create new vulnerability” in developing countries, according to a new review led by the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU) and the University of Oxford. Essentially, the paper argues, people in developing countries are worse off after climate change adaptation interventions are undertaken. Developing countries are already disproportionately burdened by the impacts of climate change. The paper, published in World Development in January, is authored by a group of 20 scientists and adaptation practitioners. It comprises a review of 34 studies on adaptation projects in developing countries across Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Oceania.

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The crux of the issue lies in the fact that “the existing structure for adaptation projects frequently focuses on the impacts of climate change rather than [on] the root causes of vulnerability,” said Lisa Schipper, one of the paper’s authors and an environmental social science research fellow at Oxford’s Environmental Change Institute. Adaptation efforts might seek to address effects such as sea level rise, for instance, while failing to fully address social issues that create vulnerability, such as adequate access to education, job opportunities, housing, and health care. For example, to combat the agricultural effects of the region’s rising temperatures, Ethiopia’s Climate-Resilient Green Economy Strategy included increasing the country’s amount of irrigated land and shifting people’s livelihoods from pastoralism to agriculture. But this strategy shifted “some people into more marginal livelihoods like informal jobs. This has a huge impact on people’s long-term vulnerability,” said Siri Eriksen, lead author of the paper and a professor of international environment and development studies at NMBU.

Aditi Mukherji, a principal researcher at the International Water Management Institute who was not involved in the new study, agreed with the idea that reducing vulnerability needs to be a central component of adaptation success. “We can’t move towards transformational adaptation without tackling the root causes of vulnerability,” she said. To tackle these causes, “it is absolutely essential that there is more adaptation funding,” said Eriksen. She added that “there has never been adequate [adaptation] funding in comparison to the need” and that addressing this lack of funding is important because “it’s a social justice issue… rich countries which have emitted the most [greenhouse gases] are the least affected and the ones which are most affected are the ones which have emitted the least [greenhouse gases].”

the immediate effects (like storm surges) may introduce new risks in the long term (like having more communities at risk). However, Mukherji explained, a more holistic consideration of vulnerability does not have to be concentrated on specific climate adaptations alone. Bangladesh, she said, has made “tremendous progress” in addressing social issues such as child and maternal mortality, female participation in the workforce, school enrollment, and food security. In addition, the country has developed very good early-warning systems as part of its disaster preparedness program.

An important reason for these maladaptations is the lack of widespread consultations with ocal stakeholders.

What the current development aid model broadly entails is that when a project is designed as part of the Green Climate Fund or the Adaptation Fund, an international agency like the United Nations manages its overall finances. From there, funding flows to nongovernmental organizations or local research institutes. These organizations then implement the project on the ground. Failures of these “top-down intervention” approaches have been well established over decades, Schipper said. An important reason for these maladaptations is the lack of widespread consultations with local stakeholders. One way to overcome this, Schipper said, is to ensure that “local partners actually represent everybody and not just a subset like landholders.” Case studies of how vulnerability might be better understood in the context of international aid come from, among other places, Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, climate adaptation strategies included upgrading coastal infrastructure to protect people from tropical cyclones and storm surges. This more fortified infrastructure turned out to be a maladaptation, the authors argue, as it encouraged residents to stay in highrisk areas. Incremental adaptation strategies focusing on

Photo by wilsan u

Reconsidering the Current Model of International Aid Any existing and future adaptation funding, Eriksen cautioned, needs to be better managed than the current model.

“These are truly spectacular achievements for a small country with a huge population, and it could not have happened without concerted government and civil society efforts,” Mukherji said, adding that “the progress also signifies reduction in [climate] vulnerability to a large extent.” Essentially, Mukherji noted, although some people in developing countries may still remain vulnerable, “a broad-brush picture of what is, and is not, maladaptation is not yet informed with sufficient granularity. This paper is a step towards that understanding.”

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

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LANGUAGE OF SPACE

By Michael White Ryan

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LANGUAGE MORE THAN

WORDS Finally, humans of this world may have succumbed to an idea; flow just might be the natural language of this 3D universe planet. On a smaller level, in our personal micro-universe, the same process applies, to how we as individuals flow, when connecting with any external source and with self. When flow happens, babies are born, the economy grows, relationship supports, the oceans run. When we give grace for their shadows to emerge, nature shows us our lessons not yet learned. Why else would we invite an abundance of divorce, recession, separation, stagnation, confusion to occupy us? Are we there yet, grasping the situation we find ourselves in, now that uncertainty has shouted from the rooftops, I am always here? Is uncertainty a beautiful mystical creature ordained deliberately with power, to spike our interest, to inspire us beyond new heights, to challenge us at the moment at the very core of who we think assume we are? Words cry out, trapped for eons, imprisoned within definitions limitations, they as are we, also looking for meaning. One word which comes to mind, understanding, we use as a finalized knowing. If you consider this word cleanly, one's reality is, we think. Therefore we know, and yet, does this finalized perception minus maturity have any relevance with understanding? Look about, look within, the stark reality, I think not? As we moved from a child into life, a deep understanding may have hit home via general arrangement. Humans

willingly became a slave to a number of systems. Generated in innocence, caught up in one's personal good and bad self-imposed results, we unknowingly disempowered ourselves and created in a responding reactive, defensive mindset, based on one's limited evaluations understandings, now imposed unto self or delivered by external forces. Now we live it out, and as such, we remain. Have you not heard the phrase, "the proof is in the pudding"? Conditioned are we Until we move from knowing to understanding, all effort provides the same result. In a café, a person asks for a coffee; the barista asks how hot do you like it, answer. As you are handed the coffee, you observe their hand is shaking. Immediately inside your head, the mind spits out the language of reason, shy, hard nite before, nervous it's too hot, needs to be appreciated, fears rejection, born that way. As the receiver, we may think we know why the shakes, even if we know their story, do we understand or interrupt? Definition of "understanding," comprehension, mastery, compassion, empathy, having the insight or good judgment. Yes, I know it's a bit of a shock; there is such a thing as having "good judgment", how else could we allow, grant ourselves, it's OK, to have judgments? Remain Dual

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My mind is my enemy, and my mind is my friend, ask for forgiveness, say you are sorry, and it all just goes away, just like a four-year-olds understanding, it just all goes away away away. This is good for one; becoming aware that being mindful of how one functions is a deeper understanding. It all makes sense now, as we once again return to the starting gate, like horses in a row, here we GO. Don't you love merry-go-rounds, only exist in a circus. The term tipping point has been around for some time. Being a 2021 multi-tasker, it stands to reason the tipping point for moving beyond language to understanding will vary to each individual. Say you're capable of multi-tasking 500 various areas in your life, and the tipping point is when you unravel understand 302 of life's little issues. You're saved, tipped over the edge, and now you are an enlightened being. It sounds a bit like a horror story! Music, an unspoken, spoken language, and sounds fill the air and covertly transport us for brief moments into stands before gateways to our authentic self. We move dance feel join, overcome; it is interior decorating, merge inside-space with outside-space, and become one. It is nonduality engagement in its finest natural function. The entire world of rules, guidelines that distract us from seeing living our individual life experiences vanishes just goes away. This is my life; who needs the silver-back guru? I am invisible. Open one's born-free-mind. Language has been a prison of confinement. Wake to the binds that hold one in constant suspension. Know who you are, NO. Find, unravel the meaning behind how you arrived, as you are. There are many ways to elicit answers as you wind down life's past-now-highways, as experienced-responders. These past-now consequences are energetic forms, intermingled within the boundaries of one's living conscious mind-womb. Have we crossed the line and discovered? 2021 birthed through the 2020 Watery womb, has brought us to now, out into a new Earthly 2021 beginning. It's diaper time, baby! 2020 taught us reason to evaluate our past, to reach out behind the darkness of confusion, to live a more authentic life. 2021 is where the action happens. New language words will be born fourth and be expressed with emotions that inform the listener of real trusted communication. The cinemas are open, headlining The Show Must Go On, where flying pigs meet and greet the

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flying elephant, and all is good. Make awareness, and the new black is orange is black. You, me, we, are alive in a world where more than ever learn, trust the self, follow up, flow through Alienation discrimination is feed to us as a gift from those who need to be better than. Is feed to us as a self-punishment? Is it feed to us to feel good about misplaced emotions? Is feed to us as another's jealousy, allows disrespect? It is conditioning feed to us through the education to be a remained innocent. Words, language, as witnessed, are a powerful art form. Hey there you person, what has greater power, a repeated conditioned choice, a choice with intent to gain. A correct choice, a choice that encourages one's natural flow, allows progression; it is our unfolding. Uncover those juicy secrets residing anticipating that moment of discovery and join in. Language more than words. It's when the hairs on your leg talk of an Itty-bitty something has landed in the forest of leg hairs. Act, before its feasting, unleashes the French language at a volume beyond ten. As always, a thousand words are never enough or far too many? Time is waiting, so get to it, friends, recognize the signs of one's progress. Blessings along the highway transcend conditioning.

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

CHANGE THE WORLD BY CHANGING YOURSELF 3,300-year-old system to take spiritual stock and refine our lives

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By Rabbi Simon Jacobson

ith all this talk about the global economic crisis and our other current challenges, things can get quite depressing. People everywhere, and our institutions in particular — the ones in which we placed our trust — have been humbled, or worse, shattered. Our leaders are scrambling to find solutions, mostly short-term, to stem the tide and stop the bleeding so that we can then think of restoring and rebuilding the crippled infrastructures. And where does that leave most of us today? The Cowering in fear and insecurity over an unstable present and an uncertain future. Truth be told, there are many people looking for opportunities and surely finding some; there are those that have put away for a rainy day and are cruising along. But overall, a cloud of doom and gloom hangs over us, affecting anyone and every one, some in very financial and tangible ways, and all others in psychological ways. Demoralization is felt in almost every circle. So when I tell people: Now is the time to create global change; now we have an opportunity, when our ‘systems’ have failed us, to introduce a new spiritual consciousness and help create a new world order, my friends nervously laugh and shrug me off: No, now is a time to hunker down, lick our wounds, and wait until the storm passes. When I hear such resignation, all my antennae go up. Everything I was ever taught, all my training, causes my juices to begin flowing and my instincts to sharpen up, telling me that this attitude is wrong. Absolutely wrong. We are not victims of circumstance. We create circumstances. It’s no big feat to be riding high when everything is going smoothly and the economy is humming along. The challenge is this: Can you rise to the occasion when things are not going that well, and people are fearful and weak? This is the deeper meaning of the ancient Jewish practice of Counting the Omer, which this year begins March 28 and ends May 16. During this 49-day period, we are tasked to examine the 49 different facets of our personalities and emotional attributes. We must identify and work on our shortcomings and flaws. I love

how timeless and timely this 3,300-year-old process is, applying ancient teachings to our contemporary life! This system reminds us that we have the power to change ourselves and the world — to refine the unrefined and transform the selfish into the selfless. It is a calling for us to bring on a better world — a world where people are driven not by self-interest and material gain but by sublime and spiritual goals. Personal and global refinement, as beautiful and glorious as they sound, are revolutionary concepts. Let us study them a bit in more depth. Personal Refinement Power to change yourself; the power to change the world. These are not small statements. can be made a scientific argument that we are all hard-wired creatures, following the cardinal rule of “survival of the fittest.” Yes, personal refinement may be a very noble ideal, but humans, like all animals on this earth, are guided by self-preservation and self-interest. If it serves their interests, they can be very kind and sensitive, but if it doesn’t, all these aspirations are nothing more than highfalutin flights of fancy. History is a brutal testament to the capacity of people to annihilate each other. And we need not look far: In our own, so-called progressive times, we see the far-reaching effects of greed and self-interest on our economy and institutions. To claim, therefore, that we can refine our emotions and perfect our personalities may be simply dismissed as fantasy. And yet, that is exactly what our faith expects and demands of us: to go against the natural tide of self-worship and, yes, refine our very personalities. You were born with certain personality traits and genetic tendencies — now go and work hard to discipline them, refine them, channel them, direct them to higher ends. You came to earth in a certain package; you have the ability — and responsibility — to perfect the package. Like raw material, we can polish, shine, and transform the raw matter into a jewel. If you have a bad habit, you can break it. If you have an evil streak, you can change it. Bad can become good. If you are good, you can become better. And when you become better, you can become even better than that.

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NOW IS THE TIME TO CREATE GLOBAL CHANGE; NOW WE HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY, WHEN OUR ‘SYSTEMS’ HAVE FAILED US, TO INTRODUCE A NEW SPIRITUAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND HELP CREATE A NEW WORLD ORDER Yes, my friends, that is exactly what we are capable of. The first chapter of the Bible, still the #1 best-seller in the world, opens by describing man — not as a five- or six-foot skeleton, not as a creature of intelligence and feelings, not as a being that is born and dies. Who then is man? The first thing we are told is that the human being is not human but divine, created in the Divine Image. At the core, each of us is a Divine Persona. The declaration changes the entire picture, were we mere human personalities, then our personality could change no more than land can become water, or a cow can transform into a fish. Being created in the Divine Image gives us abilities and resources far beyond the ones we can ever imagine. The implications of personality change due to our Divine (rather than human) nature are far-reaching. It creates an infinitely higher standard of what we can expect of ourselves and of others. It motivates us to reach places we may never have considered imaginable. Above all, it gives us the power to change our very nature — even if it is deeply ingrained into our genes and personalities due to heredity or training. The Counting of the Omer is, therefore, a time to celebrate the power of mortals to become something greater than their pre-destined natures. It is a time when we can rise to tower heights of character development and personality refinement — a period when we can and ought to change ourselves for the better. And in doing so, we demonstrate the power of the Divine in this world: the power to take a raw human being and transform him/her into a beacon of compassion and love. Global Refinement The reason why people have always aspired to the Messianic age: It captures the dreams and highest aspirations of human beings to change themselves and the world for the better. This dream has taken on many shapes in history — many isms — but they all boil down to the firm belief that we can create a better world.

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Counter to some cold scientific arguments, counter to the pessimism of some cynics, counter to the general resignation that many naturally gravitate to (especially in times of crisis and uncertainty) — we humans also have the capacity to dream and aspire to a perfect universe. And it is this deep-rooted feeling that has actually driven human beings to improve their lives, through medicine, technology, and above all (and the most difficult of them all), in the moral standards of ourselves and our neighbors. Therefore, the goal of personal refinement during the Counting of the Omer extends much further than our own personal growth. In addition to the focus each day on refining ourselves, it is also beneficial to step back and concentrate on the overarching theme of this forty-nine-day counting period — how our work in personal refinement is infused with the overall Messianic refinement of the universe. Take pride that you have chosen a path — the one less traveled — of believing and working on improving your character and bettering the world around you. Feel proud that you have chosen a life of vision where everything is possible. Stand tall with the knowledge that your personal choices in how you will behave today will move the universe to a better place, a step closer to the Messianic era. Go in and change yourself. Go out and change the world!

Rabbi Simon Jacobson shares emotional, psychological, and spiritual skills to help people live their most meaningful lives. An engaged sage with an open, empathetic, and non-judgmental approach, he provides clarity, solutions, and new perspectives based on timeless teachings. He is the author of the best-selling books Toward a Meaningful Life and Spiritual Guide to Counting the Omer: A 49 Day Plan for Improving Your Emotional Health. To learn more at www.meaningfullife.com.

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Photo by Allef Vinicius 72 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Afua Serwah Osei-Bonsu is a biracial Ghanaian American, raised in Michigan. She has lived in the Tepoztlan mountain in Mexico, Mexico City, London, New York and Chicago, where she helped run her father’s African grocery. She received her degree from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London, UK, and worked for Michigan State University College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. Osei-Bonsu believes in diversity, equity, and realistically addressing inclusivity and wholeness. She is currently a candidate to be a Certified Non Profit Professional. https://revolvingstream.com.

fter learning of a man who didn’t have housing and subsequently died in the woods of Michigan, poet and author Afua Serwah Osei-Bonsu couldn’t remain silent.

In “Value to Man,” Osei-Bonsu provides a collection of poems, covering issues like poverty, irreverence for slavery, international trade and self-worth. “This pandemic has created housing issues in my own town,” Osei-Bonsu said. “Even staff at the local college have gone too long without a paycheck and homelessness has spiked." Osei-Bonsu is committed to improvement of social issues and systemic problems. She works with several nonprofits to serve her community, takes on the controversial issues of poverty and racism, and believes in diversity, equity and inclusion. She describes this book as a poetry collection, based on valuation; that “value to man” is about how one comes to value their people deliberately. “Branding has devalued us over time, until we became a people with low value,” Osei-Bonsu said. “We have become accustomed to the branding and historizing of slavery, and not to the recognition of people and the presence of criminals. When I hear the word slave, I now hear person. When I hear master, I hear criminal."

From collection of poems Value to Man

That poor old girl She strips the buttons and bows from the discarded dresses That poor old girl She strips the zips She strips the cuffs That poor old girl She strips the collar and hem She strips the bodice and the skirt That poor old girl She strips the sleeves She strips a nice yoke That poor old girl From the old dresses She pieces a quilt That poor old girl Grows a big piece of cloth out of scraps That poor old girl is braiding the selvage That poor old girl coils and stitches the braids to make a hat or a basket That poor old girl saves for tomorrow That poor old girl saves for tomorrow, today

KINDNESS IS YOUR GOD POWER By Diana Cole

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An excerptof from Spirit Translator; Seven Truths for Creating Well-Being and Connecting with Spirit

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle. ~plato I READ A BOOK YEARS AGO THAT I'VE NEVER forgotten—Saved by the Light by Dannion Brinkley. Dannion's near-death experiences (he's had three of them!) are riveting, to say the least. In his first experience on the other side, he recounts his "life review," where he revisits each key moment of his life. But here is the life-changing twist: Within each of the moments that involve others, which is most of them, he experiences the emotions that the other person or people felt in relation to what he did or what he said to them. He experiences his emotional impact on them. In other words, he doesn't relive his own sadness, grief, happiness, or pain; he experiences theirs. It is such a searing reminder of something I believe we all know at some level: Our words matter—the ones we say out loud and the ones that never pass through our lips. Back when my business was unraveling, I was the subject of a hailstorm of gossip, and it hurt. A lot, that period has forever changed how I think, speak, and act. Now my choice and decision are solid: My thoughts and words are for healing and loving, period. So, needless to say, I was moved and excited when spirit indicated that the seventh truth for well-being—the culmination of their road map to happiness and well-being—was centered on this topic: Some say there is a "seed" of truth in gossip. This is usually the case. One perspective, a truth for someone, is at the center of every piece of gossip you hear as the story fragment circulates from one person to the next, that "seed" blossoms into a dragon. The dragon takes on a life of its own and no longer carries the truth at all, not even one person's relative truth. It is something completely different. If you are on either side of a piece of gossip—like the one telling the tale or the one listening to it, this dragon follows you around everywhere you go. To those who are talking about another, we want you to know that you feed your dragon energy

every time you say something against another person. Your dragon grows and becomes more and more harmful to you. It is never comfortable to be tethered to a large, fire-breathing beast. Dragons live with the people who feed them. It is very hard to raise your frequency or elevate your happiness level when you are tending to them and their voracious hunger for more. We offer this metaphor to illustrate the impact and the cost of where you choose to put your attention and what you choose to talk about. Your words are powerful. They are a reflection of your thoughts, and they shape your life. If you want to know how someone feels inside, listen closely to what they say about themselves and others. Understand now that whatever people talk about—whether for or against, pessimistic or optimistic, good or bad—has nothing to do with you or another person. It is about the thoughts, beliefs, and attitudes they hold within themselves. While one negative comment can seem like a harmless little snowball, it can gain momentum and turn into an avalanche. Again, it comes back to the matter of attention. What you put your attention on is sure to grow and expand, whether in an upward or downward trajectory. Negative cycles continue on and on and repeat—same story, same complaint, different names. People who spread negativity do so with great predictability. If you become conscious of the people around you who hold negative thought patterns, you will see that they swim around in a large reservoir of negative thoughts about all kinds of people and conditions, and they are not happy. Negativity has a strong, energetic pull. Positivity can seem harder to achieve because it requires a deep belief in what is unseen. To be truly happy and at peace, thoughts need to shift, and therefore some work needs to be done. As we have indicated in describing some of the preceding truths, if you have a bad feeling about something, stop whatever you are doing.

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Imagine what is possible in your life as you replace negative cycles with positive cycles. You can set in motion conditions of presence, self-acknowledgment, acknowledgment of others, curiosity, enthusiasm, empowerment, inspiration, and more! Cycles of inspiration are contagious. It is easier to live in positivity when you consciously choose to be a positive participator in your interactions with others, spreading the good vibes. As a positive participator, you become a teacher.

Photo by Roxxie Blackham

How do you do that? Begin to take notice of what inspires you throughout your day. Start small. You can find inspiration in making dinner or driving your kids to school or in the way you communicate with your work colleagues. Every action, every movement, is worthy of celebration and can therefore spark inspiration. We will say that again: Every action, every movement, is worthy of celebration and can therefore spark inspiration. And the act of celebration—praising, honoring, and feasting upon life—is so energetically large and embracing that it transmutes the smallness of gossip into dust.

Stop the discussion. Stop the activity. Stop the internal dialogue you're having. Simply stop. When you're ready, stop and assess what is going on that doesn't feel good. And then give yourself full permission to clear the path to a more positive life. The only way to begin anew is to stop negative words and negative thoughts. Then eliminate activities and associations that foster negativity.

Do not give in to the mistaken belief that you can fly under the radar, living a life where your presence goes undetected as if it is of little consequence. What you think and do and feel matters more than you can fully comprehend from your current vantage point. When you see how your energy reverberates outward, and you start to feel good about everyday doings, the people around you feel better in your space. As you live in a field of inspiration more and more, you spark cycles of positivity for yourself and others by being an example of the power of positive thought.

Be an influencer of positivity, an inspiration who teaches others by example.

The way to expand your field of inspiration— and all the good feelings that grow from that fertile ground—is to use the positive thought practices contained in each of these seven truths and then link with other positive thought thinkers as much as possible. Look for them, and they will be there.

Imagine this scenario: You are rising above the debris of negativity (your own and that of the collective) and becoming increasingly capable of sending love to those caught in their own negative "headspace," as you say. More and more, you are enjoying serving others with great love and gentleness. You are living as an earth angel whose new default mode is to treat yourself and others with kindness and dignity— especially when conditions could so easily invite negativity.

As you get better and more practiced at changing your thoughts and become happier for longer periods of time, it is essential to protect your positive space, your new reality. If you experience something that does not promote a positive feeling or a positive thought, then avoid it. When you are happy and have a circle of happy people around you, notice that you created this experience and give yourself credit for the achievement.

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Photo by Thought Catalog

Finally, in order to expand your happiness and be the person who speaks words of kindness, empathy, and inspiration, you must clear worry from your thought process. This takes time and practice but is absolutely possible for you. Worry may be signaling to you that you need to be more awake to what you are thinking. Worry is a belief in the negative or the welcoming of a negative outcome. First, make a list of all the things you are worried about. After reading each one, you may realize that most of your worries are not based on real conditions or on real probabilities. They are largely imagined (in the negative sense) and can only be cleared by thinking about them differently. Writing your worries down on paper brings them out into the light and allows you to see them more clearly. Look at each worry through the soft lens of compassion, and do not settle for being critical toward yourself about your worries. Notice that these fears are not real; they live in a thought process, not in reality. Restate each worry in a positive tone and let each one fall away. Notice how the light of your own kindness shifts those points of concern and fear. To say that kindness is misunderstood and undervalued in your world is a vast understatement.

WORRY MAY BE SIGNALING TO YOU THAT YOU NEED TO BE MORE AWAKE TO WHAT YOU ARE THINKING. WORRY IS A BELIEF IN THE NEGATIVE OR THE WELCOMING OF A NEGATIVE OUTCOME.

Kindness is your God's power Practice it. Prioritize it. Choose kindness even when it would seem easier not to. As you lighten your load, consciously releasing negative thoughts, you will discover that you are able to imagine more and worry less. You can enjoy yourself more and fearless. You can connect with others more and protect yourself less. You are able to love more and judge less. What a joyous relief this will be for you. The more I work with people, the more I see that the desire for relief is almost always a part of why they come to me. They want relief from feeling stuck, relief from holding back in their lives, relief from worry, relief from fear, and relief from pain. I understand this so well. I now believe that true relief is achieved through kindness, approaching ourselves and others from a place of emotional generosity. Diana Cole is a gifted intuitive thought leader and the author of Spirit Translator. Through her Spirit Translation Readings, she guides individuals and groups through the steps of connecting with their own spirit guides and healing through positive thought repatterning. Diana is also a successful entrepreneur, having created nationally recognized brands in the fitness industry before a series of life-changing events led her to embrace the spiritual lessons she now teaches. Her fast-growing Facebook community currently includes 1.2 million people. Diana and her family live in the San Francisco Bay Area. 77 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

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

info@theedenmagazine.com

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Life has been pretty stressful these days. The idea of getting a massage every day at home sounds pretty appealing right about now, doesn’t it? Rawlogy is a company that makes e-cool-logically cool cork stress balls and massage rollers which are great for sore, tired or tense muscles. These ultralight, eco-friendly, ethically produced, and travel-ready, cork massage balls and rollers offer a premium self-massage experience wherever you are. Whether you are hiking, traveling, are in the office or at home, Rawlogy allows users to de-stress and relieve tension in those sore, tired, aching and or stressed Marek felt old, and his mental health was suffering. He was sad, frustrated, and hopemuscles less because running had always made him In 2016, Marek Bowers was working as a feel happy and alive. He wanted to quit software designer, typically spending 50- running, check out of life, and be numb all 60 hours a week stuck at a desk, staring at over all the time. a screen. He was going through a divorce and juggling that with co-parenting his Then, a ball changed everything. two young sons. Marek was only 35 years old but often felt physically and mentally exhausted. To maintain his fitness (and sanity), Marek ran the half and full marathons. Training for races involved getting up at 5 am, and running up to 22 miles in a single day. Unfortunately, he found that the more miles he accumulated, the more pain his body felt. Following his longest runs, Marek would wake up screaming in the middle of the night with intense, nausea-inducing cramps in his feet, calves, hamstrings, and back. He tried seeing chiropractors and PTs but couldn't get an appointment or were not covered by his insurance. Professional deep-tissue and sport-massages helped, but they were a "luxury" and something he could only afford every couple of months. 80 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

A friend introduced Marek to "rolling out" his feet and back with a rubber lacrosse ball. The relief floored him that such a simple tool could offer. With a daily practice of self-massage, Marek's pain went from unbearable to nonexistent, and his mental health improved immediately. The downside, however, was that the ball was heavy and made with synthetics and chemicals. Marek had always found true abundance in nature and was committed to reducing waste, making eco-friendly choices, and using natural products for himself and his kids. The rubber ball experience made him realize that a daily self-care routine was vital for his physical and mental wellbeing; however, he wanted tools that were sustainable and light enough to take anywhere.

RAWLOGY PLEDGING 5% OF OUR YEARLY PROFITS TO PUBLIC LANDS, BECAUSE WE CARE So, he went searching for a natural material that was renewable, lightweight, and durable to make better tools. And with that, Rawlogy was born! Marek discovered that Portuguese cork was the perfect combination of sustainability, weight, and durability for a massage ball. Cork is a renewable resource—when the cork oak bark is harvested, the tree regenerates new bark. Once the bark is harmlessly extracted, it's used to make wine stoppers, flooring, and new shapes, like Rawlogy balls! Marek joined forces with an ethical cork manufacturer in 2019 and began a grassroots effort to market his eco-friendly massage balls. He focused on the long-distance hiking community at first. As a backpacker himself, Marek knew how much carrying a heavy pack could hurt. Because the ball was the perfect combination of small, lightweight, and durable, Marek knew it would

be a hit with hikers. And he was right! In addition to receiving messages from hikers about how Rawlogy improved their physical and mental wellbeing, Outside Magazine named the Rawlogy Cork Massage Ball the "Best Recovery Tool of 2020." What's next for Rawlogy? The company continues to innovate with products like their premium "not foam" travel roller and their fun graphical balls (you must see the Bernie Sanders). Rawlogy is gaining a large following outside the hiking community with customers who value sustainability, inclusivity, and playfulness. And in support of its environmental ethos, the company eliminated virgin forest fiber from its product packaging and pledged 5% of its yearly profits to Public Lands to mitigate lack of funding, neglect, poor leave-no-trace practices, and environmental rollbacks. https://www.rawlogy.com 81 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Photo by Volha Flaxeco

NOW IS THE PERFECT TIME TO SPRING CLEAN FOR WELL-BEING

By Shelly Wilson 82 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

thorough cleaning of a house or room is often referred to as spring cleaning since, many times, this action coincides with spring arrival. There’s no need to wait for a specific date as anytime is a perfect opportunity to do some spring cleaning in our homes as well as within ourselves. Clear the Home’s Energy Clearing physical clutter from our home is necessary to change its energy. Removing unused items by discarding, donating, or selling them will instantly provide a shift in the home’s energy. Then, choosing personal décor that fits your personality will lighten and brighten the space. In addition to clearing the physical clutter, setting the intention to clear the space energetically can be achieved by lighting a candle or burning incense as well as sagging the space. As we would dust the furniture, sweep the floor, and vacuum carpet, we can easily clear energy at the same time. Recognizing that emotions can linger in our home, this type of clearing will alter the energy in our space very quickly. Surpassing the Past Much like an individual would do a thorough cleaning of their living space, one can also intentionally do a mental spring cleaning. One way to do that is to create a space to release ourselves from the pain, heartache, and frustration we have been holding on to. This involves forgiving ourselves for any choices we made and now regret. Every experience and individual we encounter as well as any self-perceived mistakes or bad

choices offer us opportunities for learning and growth. We can also choose to consciously practice non-attachment to an outcome rather than having expectations or pre-conceived notions. Sometimes, we need to simply step back from experience, observe what is happening, allow it to happen and then let go of the outcome. Some people may choose not to forgive those that have hurt them when they feel wronged or abused. The reason may be personal and justifiable. No one should tell us what is right for us. However, practicing forgiveness provides us with an opportunity to free ourselves from the ties that may bind us to another in regards to the anger, frustration, disappointment, pain, and other emotions that we are also holding onto. The only way that we can now evolve, therefore, is elegantly simple: discover, experience, and heal the parts of ourselves that do not love, and discover, experience, and cultivate the parts that do. ~ Gary Zukav A simple yet powerful technique involves a releasing and forgiveness exercise. Please know that this is a process and is not something that will have instantaneous results, although it is possible. The concept is to allow space for healing to occur. In doing so, we are offering an opportunity for the repressed and suppressed memories to surface. In addition, seeking appropriate counseling or other types of therapy may be needed and would be determined as necessary by a mental health counselor or medical professional.

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Releasing and Forgiveness Exercise Take a moment to just be. Sit up with your back straight and your palms up, open to receiving. Close your eyes. Allow the memory of an experience or individual that you have labeled unpleasant or uncomfortable (one that may trigger or affect you) to come into your consciousness. Do not attempt to relive the experience in its entirety or remember all of the details. Simply allow this individual, event, or experience to come into your mind. Then, acknowledge and release this memory you have labeled unpleasant. Say aloud or in your mind, “I acknowledge. I release.” Breathe in deeply and visualize yourself exhaling this situation or individual. Continue to allow any feelings or memories to arise while breathing consciously. When you are ready, open your eyes, ground your energy and give yourself time to adjust to your surroundings. This exercise can be performed any time you feel led to do so. Honing Healthy Relationships We may also be guided to assess our present relationships and become aware of our time and energy investments. We may choose to cultivate healthy, balanced relationships (invest more time and energy) and establish boundaries within those relationships we deem unhealthy or imbalanced (invest less time and energy). I am saying No when we really mean No means we are saying Yes to ourselves. Since everyone has their own unique human life experience, we must also know that our life experiences, culture, conditioning, and frame of reference will influence our perception. Taking this into consideration will enable us to be more aware and in tune with what is being conveyed from those around us. Communication is a key element in all connections. Rather than denying ourselves the opportunity to share our thoughts and emotions, we can choose to express ourselves fully. Feeling safe to speak our truth based on our own perception is essential. We may even be called to connect more deeply to ourselves while listening to our spirit, heart, and physical body. Intentionally devoting time to practicing selfcare and self-love will create a ripple effect throughout all of our relationships. A self-care practice may include removing people from our saved contacts as well as deleting text conversations and emails. As humans, we tend to revisit the past and reflect on previous experiences. Becom-

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ing aware of how much time is invested is necessary. Feel as if doing so is energizing or exhausting to you. Rereading old texts and emails can sometimes hold our energy hostage rather than allowing us to move forward and also, choosing to unfriend or unfollow people on social media as well as unlike pages assists with clearing energetic clutter. Being selective of what and who we see in our social media feed reminds us of the power of choice we behold. Making conscious and empowered choices is fundamental for our overall wellness, including our physical health and mental/emotional well-being. A mental spring cleaning assists with clearing the energetic clutter from our body, mind, and spirit so that we can fully embrace our aliveness and do more of what we love. Quick Tips to Spring Clean for Well-Being 1. Discard, donate, or sell unused items 2. Clear the energetic clutter from your personal space 3. Delete phone numbers from your contact list 4. Delete text conversations from your phone 5. Cleanse your emails by unsubscribing from mailings 6. Delete emails from your email account 7. Clean up any social media accounts 8. Speak your truth and communicate clearly 9. Create conscious connections and cultivate healthy relationships 10. Embrace your aliveness and do more of what you love

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

Buddha Board

This blank slate offers you a chance to paint away the daily stressors that sap us of our creativity and energy without needing a long list of supplies or a lengthy chunk of time. Simply grab your board when things start to get overwhelming and let the act of putting brush to tablet absorb your focus. Water “paint” in the abstract, make a picture, or give shape to your feelings. As the water evaporates you’ll be left with a clean slate and a clearer mind.

Buddha Board Highlights:

• Designed with a sleek, modern aesthetic • Reusable • Quick to set up • Painting is truly MESS FREE • Encourages mindfulness • Doesn’t add to your digital footprint • Taps into your creative side • Fun for all ages • Helps kids explore the creative process judgment free • Perfect for relieving stress at home, in the office, or when traveling • Original Buddha Board measures 12” x 9.5” x 1/4”

Take care of yourself, and you’ll help take care of the world with a little help from Buddha Board 85 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e February 2021

By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio Alati & the Team

YOUR THOUGHTS

MATTER 86 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Waking up every day is a gift. Life is a gift. Creating is a gift and creating one's divinity is a gift; it is part of man's innate ability. This is why it is necessary to create your day in divinity because you are divine beings. The course of the days depends on you. Thoughts create reality; thoughts are the structure of reality. You consciously create when you observe your thoughts. Thoughts are important, and opinions are essential. In quantum physics, it is understood that every time you observe something, thoughts, for example, or every time you mentally express opinions about them or create expectations about them, you are modeling the electromagnetic field. Everything you think creates and enters the field. This explains how important your thoughts are in creating the planet you inhabit. Everyone is involved; you are not a victim of anything. There are no victims or executioners. Everyone must take responsibility for each day so that there will be no backward glance of judgment. On the contrary, creation will be recognized as an act that starts from us through our inner thinking. What you think creates. This is why it is important to commit oneself to joy, abundance, prosperity, harmony, and most importantly, Love. What do you want to believe? What thoughts do you want to have? Believe in the magnificence of thought! Believe it! When you have a negative experience during the day, you continue to think and judge it. For this, you create it again, and you have to live through it again. This does not happen because you are bad or because you have to be punished or deserve it. It happens because you keep re-creating it. You create your reality. Is it bad luck? No! Is it good luck? No! Everything is real, and you can create anything. Why not try creating something new, different, original, and empowering since you can? Believe in yourself every day, and you will see the outcome of positivity! Create the day you want! No more doubts! Remember who you are! Come out of the ordinary and go back into the extraordinary! Here and Now.

d A Verse for Our Time We must eradicate from the soul All fear and terror of what comes towards man out of the future. We must acquire serenity In all feelings and sensations about the future. We must look forward with absolute equanimity To everything that may come. And we must think only that whatever comes Is given to us by a world-directive full of wisdom. It is part of what we must learn in this age, namely, to live out of pure trust, Without any security in existence. Trust in the ever present help Of the spiritual world. Truly, nothing else will do If our courage is not to fail us. And let us seek the awakening from within ourselves Every morning and every evening. ~Rudolf Steiner

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

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Tips for Taking a Holistic Approach to Your Health & Wellness Goals

TAKING CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE IS POSSIBLE, ESPECIALLY WITH KEY FOCUS AREAS TO MAKE GOAL-SETTING MORE DIGESTIBLE.

Dr. Kirsten Shepard Ahmed (LMT, DC) is the Founder and CEO of Pain Stoppers, a hempbased solution to pain management and recovery that promotes wholebody wellness. For more than 10 years, she has established integrated practices that combine medical, chiropractic, acupuncture, and physical therapy approaches to whole body care, including the opening of clinics across Texas and in Los Angeles. Dr. K’s holistic approach to pain relief has led to recognition, by way of awards and teaching opportunities, from Texas legislators and leaders from top organizations. She is a Cannabis advocate and an active member of Texas NORML, the Minority Cannabis Business Association, and the Drug Policy Alliance. 88 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

ith every new year, it’s essential to look back as well as forward to help us strive towards becoming the best version of ourselves, whether that means being healthier, exercising more, connecting with our spiritual side, or perhaps just being in the moment more. Taking stock in what’s important to you and setting goals that align to help you live the life you’ve been dreaming of may sound simple, but it’s not always so cut and dry.

to your emotional health by recognizing moments of distress and use coping mechanisms like deep breathing, yoga, or meditation when needed

In order to work towards a more balanced state of physical and mental wellbeing, it’s important to take a holistic approach to your health and wellness goals, factoring in mind, body, and spirit.

5. Nutrition - Staying on track with foods that are rich in antioxidants like fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, carbohydrates, and whole grains will help your body feel its best

Just think, if you devote all of your time and energy to connecting with your emotional self, for example, but then forget about your ambitions to spend more time with family or focus on healthy eating, you will fall short in ensuring balance and overall happiness. In the end, we are complex beings with complex needs.

6. Sleep & Water - Sleep and water are more important than exercising and eating right. If you don’t get between 7-8 hours of sleep a night and drink 64 oz of water a day, your body is in a state of distress, so make these two a priority!

As a Licensed Massage Therapist and Doctor of Chiropractic, I am both an advocate for whole-body health and the use of natural remedies. Just as I use integrated approaches to care for my patients, I believe in thinking about health holistically. To help achieve this state of balance, here are 8 critical tips: 1. Financial Health - Now is the perfect time to focus on getting your finances in order, to identify where you need stricter budgeting and where there’s room to splurge on something that’s important to you. Financial stress, after all, plays a huge part in your mental wellbeing 2. Boundaries & Limits - Be aware of situations or conversations that make you uncomfortable and remove yourself from them if that’s what you need. The same goes for physical limits -- be comfortable pushing yourself but also stepping back 3. Emotional Health - Pay attention

4. Self Care - Gift yourself with self-love and use natural ingredients and scents to help with relaxation and rejuvenation. Did you know that a bubble bath with essential oils like lavender, chamomile, eucalyptus, and those infused with CBD can help with stress?

7. Screen Time - Time watching television, scrolling through social media, or working on the computer can put mental and physical strain on your body. It can also increase anxiety and depression. Consider adding non-screen-time activities to your routine such as reading a book or taking a walk to experience nature Put YOU First - Lastly and most importantly, don’t let other people’s judgments or society’s stigmas get in the way of getting your mind or body where you need it to be. As the founder of a Cannabis company, I’ve managed many judgemental questions and push-back, but I continue to do what I believe in. Trusting your gut and making decisions that you feel are best for you will always be the best approach. Taking control of your life is possible, especially with key focus areas to make goal-setting more digestible. By utilizing the above tips to guide your habits and actions, achieving balance and wholebody health can become your reality.

WHY 2021 IS ABOUT HOLISTIC HEALTH Thinking About Your Health Holistically Is The Best Thing You Can do For Yourself By Dr. Kirsten Shepard Ahmed

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THE WAY I SEE IT By Joey Santos, Jr.

IF I "COULDA,

WOULDA,

SHOULDA." 90 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e February 2021

Ever play that game? I used to, but these days, I don't anymore. Maybe because after this past year especially, I've learned so many valuable lessons. One of them is to ask if "I coulda, woulda or shoulda" would have made any difference? What is done is done! And what we can do now is accept and learn from these sobering, often painful, but enlightening times we are in.

LET'S REMEMBER THAT LIFE, LOVE, EARTH, PEOPLE, ANIMALS, PLANTS, AND FORESTS ARE OUR GIFTS. THEY ARE TO BE ADMIRED, RESPECTED, CHERISHED, AND HONORED. I have gotten to see people in a different light. Some friends I used to admire I don't so much now. Some acquaintances have proven themselves to befriend worthy, while others have become family, and a few have simply faded into the woodwork. And although I've always taken pride in myself for having close family ties, this past year, even they have strengthened. My relationship has also proven itself to be by certain accounts admirable, inspiring, and hopeful. Reminding me of how secure and blessed we are. Especially after witnessing other couples struggling to stay together. I've never been the guy that "looks back" I'm more of a "look around and assess" kind of guy, but lately, I certainly have become the guy that looks within. I learn so much more about life simply by sitting still and taking it in. "Life a funny thing," a man once wrote. He was right. A funny thing indeed! Just when you think you have it all sorted, planned, and organized, here enters the jokester, ready to pull the old tablecloth trick! You know the one where the table is exquisitely set with beautiful china and crystal, lit candlesticks, a flower arrangement, and with one swift pull, he manages to remove the cloth, keeping all of the table settings in place. Well, good luck with that one. Never have I ever been able to do that trick! Honestly, I've gotten away with a few smooth moves in my day, but never one quite so. Somehow, I'm the one that manages to trip over a dining room chair after I spent an hour making it look perfect and destroy the entire effort. Sound familiar? It is what this past year has been for so many - a disaster, a calamity, a blessing. It's all how we look at it, I suppose. One thing is for certain, though. It's not personal. The world is changing. It's at a point where its personal evolution is spinning. If we are not keeping in step with it, we'll be the ones falling off. FLYING off, in fact! What will be our fate? Are we simply one tablecloth trick away from extinction?

Think about it. There is no "wisha, coulda, woulda, shoulda" waiting in the wings "to go on next" if we screw this next and final act up. That's for sure. Let's remember that life, love, earth, people, animals, plants, and forests are our gifts. They are to be admired, respected, cherished, and honored. They are a gift bestowed. How we treat them determines their life and, ultimately, our own. Let's get ourselves together. If we manage to get through this madness by

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

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CAUGHT IN THE GRIP OF COVID STRESS? Nine Quick and Easy Ways to Stop Stress in the Moment By Dr. Mark Goulston & Dr. Diana Hendel

Photo by Ashlan Forouzani

Dr. Mark Goulston is the co-author of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD, and Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through Disruption and Thriving on the Other Side. He is a board-certified psychiatrist, fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, former assistant clinical professor of psychiatry at UCLA NPI, and a former FBI and police hostage negotiation trainer. He is the creator of Theory Y Executive Coaching—which he provides to CEOs, presidents, founders, and entrepreneurs—and is a TEDx and international keynote speaker. He is the creator and developer of Surgical Empathy, a process to help people recover and heal from PTSD, prevent suicide in teenagers and young adults, and help organizations overcome implicit bias. Dr. Goulston is the author of seven prior books, including PTSD for Dummies, Get Out of Your Own Way: Overcoming Self-Defeating Behavior, Just Listen: Discover the Secret to Getting Through to Absolutely Anyone, Real Influence: Persuade Without Pushing and Gain Without Giving In, and Talking to Crazy: How to Deal with the Irrational and Impossible People in Your Life. He hosts the My Wakeup Call podcast, where he speaks with influencers about their purpose in life and the wakeup calls that led them there. He also is the co-creator and moderator of the multi-honored documentary Stay Alive: An Intimate Conversation About Suicide Prevention. He appears frequently as a human psychology and behavior subject-area expert across all media, including news outlets ABC, NBC, CBS, and BBC News, as well as CNN, Today, Oprah, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Forbes, Fortune,Harvard Business Review, Business Insider, Fast Company, Huffington Post, and Westwood One. He was also featured in the PBS special Just Listen.

ven when stress levels skyrocket, you can reclaim a sense of calm and control. Mark Goulston, MD, and Diana Hendel, PharmD, share simple ways frontline healthcare employees can lower their stress anytime, anyplace. After a year of fighting COVID-19, no one doubts the toughness, drive, or dedication of healthcare workers. But the pandemic has still taken a crushing toll on our frontline heroes. Though many put on a brave face, their stress levels are at an all-time high, say Diana Hendel, PharmD, and Mark Goulston, MD. And if you’re caught in the grip of COVIDrelated stress, it’s better to take decisive action in the moment than to ignore it until it escalates into something more serious. “No matter how much you pride yourself on staying calm under pressure, it’s important to mitigate stress, especially when you are in the middle of your shift and can’t leave,” says Diana Hendel, PharmD, coauthor along with Mark Goulston, MD, of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD (Harper Horizon, December 2020, ISBN: 978-0-7852-4462-2, $17.99). “No one thrives while they are in perpetual survival mode,” adds Dr. Goulston. “Constantly feeling afraid, exhausted, and overwhelmed is dangerous and puts you at risk for burnout—something neither you nor our community can afford right now.” The authors say every healthcare worker should have a tool kit of “stress stoppers” at their fingertips. For example: Do frequent self “check-ins” to recognize when your stress levels are rising. When you’re busy and under pressure to perform, it’s easy to go on “autopilot.” Therefore, periodically pause and do a quick self-assessment throughout the day.

Consider your emotional state (Do I feel friendly and engaged, or edgy and aggressive?) as well as your physical state (Is my body calm and at ease, or is it holding onto tension?). “Take 20 or 30 seconds to scan your body and identify areas that may be holding onto tension or stress,” says Dr. Hendel. “For example, you might be carrying tension in your jaw or shoulders. When you notice an area that is tense, gently release the tension. Over time it should become easier to recognize when stress begins to take hold—and to do something about it.” Ground yourself when you start feeling overwhelmed. Grounding is a great way to reduce anxiety and arrive in the here and now. Use it anytime you feel carried away by anxious thoughts or feelings, or triggered by upsetting memories and flashbacks. •

•

• • •

Find a comfortable place to sit (or stand). If sitting, rest your hands on your legs. Feel the fabric of your clothing. Notice its color and texture. Next, bring your awareness to your body. Stretch your neck from side to side. Relax your shoulders. Tense and relax your calves. Stomp your feet. Look around and notice the sights, sounds, and scents around you for a few moments. Name 15-20 things you can see. For example, the floor, a light, a desk, a sink. As you keep looking around, remind yourself that “The flashback or emotion I felt is in the past. Right now, in this moment, I’m safe.”

Pause and take a few deep breaths. We tend to hold our breath whenever we are stressed, but this only exacerbates feelings of anxiety and panic. Instead, use “box breathing” to calm yourself and heighten your concentration. Box breathing is the technique of taking slow, deep, full breaths. Here’s a tutorial for when you’re feeling triggered.

Dr. Diana Hendel is the coauthor of Why Cope When You Can Heal?: How Healthcare Heroes of COVID-19 Can Recover from PTSD and Trauma to Triumph: A Roadmap for Leading Through Disruption and Thriving on the Other Side. She is an executive coach and leadership consultant, former hospital CEO, and author of Responsible: A Memoir, a riveting and deeply personal account of leading during and through the aftermath of a deadly workplace trauma. As the CEO of Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, Hendel led one of the largest acute care, trauma, and teaching hospital complexes on the West Coast. She has served in leadership roles in numerous community organizations and professional associations, including chair of the California Children’s Hospital Association, executive committee member of the Hospital Association of Southern California, vice chair of the Southern California Leadership Council, chair of the Greater Long Beach Chamber of Commerce, board member of the California Society of Health-System Pharmacists, and leader-in-residence of the Ukleja Center for Ethical Leadership at California State University Long Beach. She earned a BS in biological sciences from UC Irvine and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from UC San Francisco. She has spoken about healthcare and leadership at regional and national conferences and at TEDx SoCal on the topic of Childhood Obesity: Small Steps, Big Change.

GROUND YOURSELF WHEN YOU START FEELING OVERWHELMED. GROUNDING IS A GREAT WAY TO REDUCE ANXIETY AND ARRIVE IN THE HERE AND NOW. 93 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2021

Photo by Branimir Balogović

Slowly exhale your breath through your mouth. Consciously focus on clearing all the oxygen from your lungs. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose for four slow counts. Hold your breath for four more slow counts. On the next four counts, exhale again through your mouth until your lungs are empty. Hold your breath again for a final slow count of four beats. Reach for something that anchors you in the present moment. Carry a small reminder of what you love about your life and focus on it if you feel triggered and need to center yourself. It might be a photo of your kids or pet, a small rock you picked up on a scenic nature hike, or a special necklace. Think of the gratitude you feel for your life whenever you look at this token. Keep something that makes you laugh nearby. Humor is a great way to alleviate stress. Tape a clip of a funny cartoon to your work area or carry a small notebook with jokes that make you laugh every time you read them. Use calming affirmations to give you strength and peace. Written positive statements can give you a lift when you feel yourself sinking. If self-talk is not for you, imagine a supportive other saying these to you in your mind’s eye. A few examples: I am great at my job, and my training and skills are empowering. I feel energized and ready for anything the day has in store for me. I accept myself as I am. I am enough. I am safe in this moment. Let your feelings out (when possible). At times you may find you need to step away from your duties for a few minutes and

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give those intense emotions some “breathing room.” Try to move to a different room so you can cry or discreetly express your feelings. Sometimes you need to release the stress that’s built up in your body, and finding a private place to let the tears fall or vent for a few minutes can lighten your stress and enable you to get back to work. Play a mind game. “If there is no way to speak to someone else and you need comfort in the moment, imagine talking to someone who loves you,” says Dr. Goulston. “Imagine that they are listening and lovingly holding and encouraging you. As you hear them talking and walking you through it, you will feel their love and belief in you. This kind of mental pep talk can be a bridge until you are able to speak your feelings to somebody in person.” Head outdoors for a few minutes. If at all possible, try to get outside for a few minutes of fresh air. Take deep breaths, stretch your arms and legs, and take in the gifts of nature around you. And if possible, find someone else who is on a break and invite them for a 10-minute walk so the two of you can blow off steam. Don’t just turn to these strategies when you feel stress or anxiety rising in your mind or body. Intentionally practice them daily—even if you are feeling calm and in control. Stress management is a skill you must work at until it becomes a natural part of your life. “Managing stress is a key to resilience and a valuable life skill,” concludes Dr. Hendel. “If you can learn to control your stress levels during a pandemic, you will be more than prepared to meet and conquer other challenges further down the road.”

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HIGH ROAD TO HUMANITY

Photo by Apostolos Vamvouras

By Nancy Yearout

96 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e January 2021

Using Our Intuitive Gifts in The Age of Aquarius For most of my life, I did not have a name for my abilities. I figured that I had really good intuition and was psychic; I just knew things. Today this gift is referred to as Claircognizance. This is one of my gifts, a clear knowledge of the future. Growing up the afterlife, angels, astrologers, and psychics fascinated me. I oftentimes saw my Grandmother with a book about the afterlife in her hands; she was a big fan of Edgar Cayce and had some psychic abilities herself. I can remember my mom and aunts gathering around the dining room table on a Sunday afternoon to use the Ouija board, as they were all fascinated by the afterlife and psychics too. I must confess that I used the Ouija Board a few times with a friend when I was in my twenties. Sherry was my neighbor, and our kids played together. While sitting at my kitchen table, hands on the Ouija Board, Sherry became chilled, and I would overheat as the pointer moved across the board. I feel as if we were conducting the energy through us. I am not sure who or what we conjured up over twenty years ago, but the answers that the board gave us came true. Scary stuff.

And no! I do not recommend conjuring things up with the board. Venturing out into the business world, I learned that I could use my intuitive abilities in my work. This newfound ability worked well, along with faith and good intentions. I began to use affirmations and visualizations and go with my gut feeling on deals and people. But when it came to my love life, I was always saving my man. Why was I always attracting the guy who needed me to help them? I was married for many years before I realized that I was an empath. An empath is a highly sensitive individual who can sense what people around them are thinking and feeling. Empaths have a great sense of empathy, often to the point of taking on another's pain. Empaths have a strong attraction to narcissists. This is a real issue for empaths as they can be sucked dry of their good energy and used up by these folks. This is one reason I am mentioning these empathic tendencies. Empaths can't help themselves; they have strong empathy for humanity; it is a proven neurological difference in their brains.

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AS WE GROW THROUGH THIS EXCITINGTIMEONOURPLANET

THE MOST IMPORTANT

THING TO REMEMBER IS TO LOVE EACH OTHER, HAVE COMPASSION, DO NOT JUDGE EACH OTHER AND BE TRUE TO YOURSELF. There is so much to know as we all begin to wake up and realize our gifts. Now that the age of Aquarius has arrived, many of us will begin to be more aware and tuned in to our own intuition and unique gifts. As we open our eyes, we will begin to see things in a different light. You may see things for the first time about people you have known your whole life. No judgment, just a new awareness. We all come here to learn. I believe we have to go through challenging situations in life to realize our own powerful abilities. As you learn, use your gut feeling and trust it more and more, and it will grow stronger, just like a muscle. My gifts have become intensified the more that I have meditated and connected with the divine. The more you use spiritual practices, the more your abilities will grow. As you use your intuition, it intensifies, and you will immediately know when a person is not truthful to you. You will be more aware when people speak and interact with you. Please understand that being intuitive is a gift from the divine, the universe, whatever you call a higher power. This power has allowed me to help many people to stay on the right path or to ease their minds about something, or to help them move forward in their lives. But it is also a bit of a curse when you realize the people around you are not what you thought they were. This is the age of Aquarius, and as people begin to wake up with their gifts and raise their consciousness on the planet, you may have people fall away from your life. The universe is changing it up and allowing new people to become more like-minded and have the same vibration. This will be difficult to do as family members and loved ones may slip out of your life but be assured that this is all part of the growth that we are experi-

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encing right now as the planet's consciousness is rising. Please know that we can only make changes within ourselves; we cannot change other people who do not want to change. Much of humanity is comfortable where they are. Please do not try to change them or save them. We all have to make a choice, for this is an inner journey for us all. As an empath, it is difficult for me not to be empathetic to all people, but along with being compassionate, I have learned thus far you can be sympathetic and still have boundaries. This way, you are not drained of all of your own energy. As we grow through this exciting time on our planet, the most important thing to remember is to love each other, have compassion, do not judge each other, and be true to yourself.

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

102 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e December 2020

103 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e December 2020