NATURAL OC WINTER 2014/15 by Natural OC

Minimalism

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Modern

mindful

living

Orange County,

California

Natural OC Magazine sets high standards to ensure forestry is practiced in an environmentally responsible, socially beneficial

and

economically

viable

manner. This issue was printed in Denver, Colorado by American Web on recycled fibers containing 10% post consumer waste, with inks containing a blend of soy base. Our printer is a certified

member

the

Forestry

Stewardship Council, the Sustainable Forestry Initiative, and additionally meets or exceeds all federal Resource Conservation Recovery Act standards.

The Promise of Ayurveda The Sister Science of Yoga – Part 1

Small Living By Jessica Malloy

By Sandhiya Ramaswamy From the Desert

32 30

Off the Mat

By Meryl Gwinn

Gratitude By Laura Love Minimalism

34 36

Meditation From the Wilderness

A Choice By Kaori

The Fragility of a Snowflake By Analee Scott Winter Soil Health

50 Natural Beauty: Diana Christinson

By Kerri Annick Cacciata

By Lindsey Bro Symphony of the Soil

52 40

Core Message

By Stacey Anderson

Yoga For Digestion By Barbara Campins Vibration of Stuff

54 42

Ask The Madame

By Sarah Elizabeth Colburn

Practicing Minimalism in Relationships By Madame Jo

Departments The 8 Limbed Path for Athletes

Bramacharya By Jamie Hanson

Spiritual Homework Raising The Vibration of Conversations By Dana Patterson

Ask the Herbalist

Herbs To Have On Hand By Kirsten Hale Tip from The Ecology Center

Secrets About Silence By Karen O’Connell 12

Turn Waste To Nutrients For Your Garden Clean, Naturally

Starting Now

Good Goods Rescue Recycle Reuse By Sarah Elizabeth Colburn

By Rachael Johnson

We Are Water Mineralization Of Our Generation

Goal Setting 101

Loving On Stillness By Marissa Rose Doing Good

Detox Massage By Adriana Peralta From Scratch, With Love

Gifts Of The Spirit By Ami Sattinger 57

Get Out and Go Do

By Taylor Morgan Ask An Expert

Star Light Star Bright

OC Food Access Coalition By Christina Hall Artist Spotlight: Chantal DeFelice

By Corey Waterhouse

Winter By Lindsey Bro Scene From Access

OC Farmer’s Market List

Contributors

Simple food Is The Best Food By Erika Tucker

Natural OC, LLC 24040 Camino Del Avion #A128 Monarch Beach, CA 92629 Email: letters@naturaloc.com Website: naturaloc.com Facebook.com/NaturalOC Twitter.com/Natural_OC Instagram: @Natural_OC

Publisher / Creative Dir. Kaori Kris Cornett Chief Editor Lindsey Bro Design and Photo Direction Pyrite Studio www.pyrite-studio.com

Contributing Photographers Chris Justice Billy Yarbrough Asst. Editors Sarah Elizabeth Colburn Taylor Morgan PR & Strategic Partnerships Amber Materna

PR Asst. Kimya Sadaghiani Distribution & Events Kathleen Johnson E-Media Updates and Distribution Stephanie Pavelkos

Chantal DeFelice_ Hunting With the Microscope ‘Whiskey Tears’

On the cover: Sky Gradient shot by Billy Yarbrough.

Base Camp Cozy

Winter14\15

Features

2015 SUMMER YOGA RETREATS WITH LAURA LOVE & MERYL GWINN

Enjoy yoga, native healing foods, and indigenous lifestyle in two of the most powerfully spiritual places on this magical earth. Elevate your practice and immerse yourself in deeply colorful culture with old friends and new. $500 deposit required to reserve your space. Price includes accommodation, yoga, all meals, ceremony, and more.

PERU RETREAT DATES: JUNE 24-JULY 1 PRICE: EARLY BIRD - $1950 AFTER APRIL 24TH - $2100

BALI RETREAT DATES: AUG 23-31 PRICE: EARLY BIRD - $1750 AFTER JUNE 22ND - $1900

CONTACT: MERYLGWINN@REVIVERETREATS.ORG \\\ 949.235.2558

Letter from the Editor \\\A Brief Thought on Minimalism

\\\One of the most basic principles of art has to do with the idea of what isn’t there — with what’s left unsaid, undone,

The space between

unpainted, and unsung — because it’s the negative space that helps us better see what’s there. That’s the principle we bring to winter this year: a chance to edit our lives and de-clutter our space in such a way that what’s

beautiful

(and

hard,

and

ugly,

and

magical,

and

sometimes uncertain) doesn’t have to compete with the things we often pile on top. So we take this season of hibernation and planning to turn inward, to come to the table as observers and artisans of the lives we want to live. Most of us aren’t ascetic monks and we certainly don’t have to be. Minimalism isn’t a punishment of living without, it’s a practice of honesty about what we want and want we need — more than anything, it’s a choice.

This issue of Natural OC is rich with talented contributors, simple

recipes,

lifestyle

hacks,

spiritual

thoughts,

and

mindful goods to help us make space.

We hope you enjoy,

Lindsey and the Natural OC Team

_Lindsey Bro

The 8 Limbed Path for Athletes

_Jamie Hanson

\\\Patanjali’s eight-limbed path is simply a plan to meet our full human potential. It’s a guide to help us live our lives more fully and freely, moving away from pain and suffering. Although the physical practice is the limb we are most familiar with, there are many other aspects to this spiritual path. The first limb, the yamas, refer to how we interact in the world around us and how we can do so in a way that supports both the individual and the whole. Of the yamas, the fourth is bramacharya. Bramacharya is often misunderstood to mean “abstinence.” However,

Bramacharya

deeper studies into this concept teach us that it actually means “moderation.” Moderation may mean different things at different times in our life, but it can easily be applied to whatever season we’re in. Bramacharya can be applied to our training, our work, how we choose to fuel our bodies, and even to how we fill our minds. The concept of bramacharya can also be applied to our asana practice. Any athlete, or individual who trains their body to meet some external goal, will certainly experience burn out. This may or may not include a physical injury. An injury may be our body’s sign that we are not practicing bramacharya. Nearly every injury I have ever had was a result of overuse, not taking time off, or not finding time to rest. Now that I have a regular asana practice, I experience fewer running injuries because the physical practice helps me build strength and flexibility; but the deeper practice is that I am more mindful and balanced in my training. For example, does it do my body any good to add an extra long run into my training program if my body is telling me to take a break? Or would it be better to take the day off and rest? In the long run, I find the answer is almost always the latter. Whether it be training for the next race, shopping for holiday gifts, or planning a holiday party, it is so very important to practice bramacharya (moderation). When we find ourselves consumed by

something

our

life,

this

brings

imbalance,

ultimately

resulting in pain and suffering. So, as we move through the holiday season and into the new year, seek out moderation in all areas of your life. Remember, we call this a practice for a reason—it doesn’t happen overnight. When we stray from the path, we must check in with our bodies and our intentions to help ourselves live a life of peace rather than suffering.

www.jamiehansonyoga.com _Yarbrough\\\Rishikesh

Ask the Herbalist _Kirsten Hale

Herbs to Have on Hand

“What are the best herbs to have in the house? I like to make natural things for my family and I am not sure what herbs are best to keep on hand.” \\\One of the interesting things to have happened in the herbal industry is that some really lovely, and very medicinal, plants have disappeared into the “Spice” world. Once shining stars like thyme, oregano, sage, and rosemary now live in cabinets, not medicine jars; and while it’s an understandable evolution, we’ve left some potent healers with long histories of use behind. I recommend growing many herbs around the house, but specifically Thyme. Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is the botanical star behind the original Listerine™ mouthwash and is a powerful antiseptic and antibacterial herb. Once used in the embalming process of ancient Egypt, it was also burned as incense to fortify courage in Ancient Greece. \\\As a natural remedy for coughs and colds, make Thyme infused honey: Pour 2 parts raw honey over 1 part fresh Thyme (or ½ part dried Thyme) in a jar and cover with a lid. Every day for 4 weeks, turn the jar upside down and let the contents resettle. Daily movement allows the honey to grab the essential oils of the Thyme. After 4 weeks, strain and place in a clean jar. Store in the cupboard or fridge. You’ll now have a strong antiseptic honey to add to tea, cooking, or to do what I do when I feel a sore throat coming: eat a big spoonful right from the jar. Another wonderful herb to infuse honey with is sage. To benefit the lungs, add a few tablespoons of dried or fresh sage to nearly boiling water, gently inhaling the steam as it cools. This brings the antiseptic oils directly to the lungs. I have witnessed Thyme infused honey help clients clear fungal infections of the toes, calm infected wounds, minimize acne (apply the honey as a mask every other day), reduce sore throats, and help with coughs and bronchitis. To get the medicinal variety, make sure you purchase (or grow) Thymus Vulgaris as other varieties are less medicinal (like French Thyme or Lemon Thyme). I deeply encourage exploration of culinary herbs as your primary home herbals as they’re not only potent, but they taste great. Do you have a question about herbs or herbal healing? I would love to support your learning! Submit your questions at www.lbapothecary.com

Tip from the Ecology Center

Turn Waste to Nutrients for Your Garden

6_ Add a light layer of water.

just nutrients in disguise. With the help

7_ Turn the pile. Composting works best when

of billions of tiny microorganisms like

there is airflow through the pile. If the pile

bacteria and fungi, waste such as food

starts to smell strongly, it may be too dense

scraps, vegetation, and other types of

or wet. If this is the case, add coarse bulky

organic matter are decomposed into compost.

material such as straw or twigs.

This compost is a key ingredient to a good

8_ Turn every 3-4 days for quicker ready compost.

garden and reducing waste. In California,

9_ Compost will be ready when none of your

we send 35 million tons of waste to the

initial ingredients will be recognizable or

landfill every year. By composting, we can

when it's dark brown and has an earthy,

reduce this number by 30%.

humus like odor. This could take anywhere from 3-6 months.

\\\MATERIALS AND TOOLS

10_ Once it's ready, apply it to your

_Carbon-rich material (brown)

garden. Enjoy the fruits, and vegetables,

_Nitrogen-rich material (green)

of your labor!

_Garden fork _Water

\\\TIPS

_4-6 Shovels of soil or compost

The

best

vegetable

materials scraps,

fruit

compost scraps,

include coffee

\\\INSTRUCTIONS

grounds, egg shells, newspaper, cheese, tea

1_ Construct a bin to contain your compost

leaves, lint (refrigerator or dryer), pet

- 3 cubic meters is ideal.

2_ Start with volume. This will be easiest

tissues and paper towels. Stay away from

to gather during the Spring or Fall when

citrus rinds, meat waste, bones, pet feces,

your

glossy paper, invasive weeds, and ashes

garden

undergoes

major

pruning,

human

hair,

stale

bread,

napkins,

(coal or charcoal).

weeding, and replanting. 3_ Lay down 4-8 inch layers of carbon-rich materials. These are typically brown straw, woody plant trimmings, bark, pine needs, sawdust etc. All of which act as a much needed air. 4_

top,

add

nitrogen-rich

equal

materials.

layer

These

include

anything green. 5_

Continue

layer

brown

and

green

materials, alternating between the two. The pile should be at least 3 cubic feet to allow enough heat to build up, but under 5 cubic feet. In between each layer, sprinkle 1-2 inches of soil or compost to help innoculate the pile.

TheEcologyCenter.org

\\\What many of us call â&#x20AC;&#x153;waste,â&#x20AC;? is really

_Rachael Johnson

\\\Our homes, like our bodies, deserve to be respected, and cared for in a way that reflects our natural lifestyles. We want our homes to feel happy, and breathe happy. Most people don’t realize that combining

But, sometimes, surfaces need more than just

natural, household ingredients can give the

disinfecting. When faced with such opponents

same disinfecting, self-scrubbing, big mess

as day old spaghetti sauce that you were just

handling clean as the scary ones that fill

too tired to wipe up after making dinner last

the aisles of our grocery stores. Have you

night, baking soda is the magical third

ever read the label of a big brand, chemical

component of the natural cleaning product

cleaning

tool box that helps take the effort out of

mention the knock-you-out fumes that fill the

scrubbing. If you sprinkle a bit of baking

house after a couple sprays on a surface that

soda on the mega mess, then spray with a

you might actually set some food on.

vinegar based cleaner, and leave it alone for

product?

mean,

whoa.

Not

couple

minutes,

you

will

see

for

One of my favorite combinations to use in my

yourself how easily the grime comes up when

home

wiped with a wet rag.

that

vinegar

and

hydrogen

a food scientist from Virginia Polytechnic

Living a holistic life is about more than

Institute and State University in Blacksburg

just treating your body well.

conducted

she

a natural beauty that doesn't want to be

contaminated fruits and vegetables with E.

tarnished by sprays and scrubs that make

coli, salmonella, and shigella, and tested

you feel the need to climb in your hazmat

the number of microbes destroyed by hydrogen

suit, so as to "avoid contact with skin"

peroxide, vinegar, and then the combination

while using them. Throw off those gloves,

of the two. What she discovered is that, as

and

she told Science News Online, “If the acetic

actually be enjoyable.

experiment,

which

take

deep

breath.

Your home is

Cleaning

can

acid [vinegar] got rid of 100 organisms, the hydrogen peroxide would get rid of 10,000,

Note:

and

The

the

two

100,000.” combination

together

Although directly

would

she on

was the

get

rid

scientific

information

referenced

from

the

testing

her

following article:

fruits

and

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/getfile?DocName=STELPRDC5079866

vegetables, she added that the combination is also great for sanitizing counters, and even wood cutting boards.

Artwork_ Chantal DeFelice

Clean, Naturally

peroxide. In the mid nineties, Susan Sumner,

Goal Setting 101

_Marissa Rose

\\\I used to dread being alone with myself. Whether at my house, a restaurant, or even on a walk, I thrived on the opinions, actions, and approval of others. I knew I needed to make a change. I began to work with stillness, committing to a regimen of re-training my mind to love being alone.\\\If stillness and quiet are a struggle for you, read on. Together we can begin a journey of self-discovery and, ultimately, self-love.\\\Have you ever watched your breath flow in and out? There’s a distinct moment of stillness between the rise and fall and it’s in this moment of stillness that the health benefits of the breath are found. For many, our breath may be one of the only constants in our lives, but we can work to develop more moments with patience and practice.

\\\If you commit to a practice of stillness, you will…

release the need to control others, learning we can only have true power over ourselves.

_Improve creativity, increase self-confidence, decrease stress.

_Find new ways to talk to yourself in a positive voice. As you observe your mind, rather than believing you are your mind, you’ll notice the negative voice that wants to take over. Begin the choose the positive voice instead.

_Rely less on the opinions of others, relying more on the truths you hold inside.

_Find less dependence on distracting devices. Phones, emails, the television, they all pull you away from stillness.

_Become aware of managing your energy, notice when you need time to reset, regroup, and refresh.

_Most importantly, begin to love yourself. You’ll find your ability to give to others expands the more you allow yourself to love yourself.

\\\Things to do alone:

_Go for a hike or take a walk. Leave your phone behind.

_Lay on your floor, close your eyes, and breathe.

_Go for a swim (in a pool, lake, ocean)

_Swing on a swing set.

www.marissaroseyoga.com

Loving on Stillness

_Learn to let go of control. In stillness, you have no one else to control. Slowly, you’ll

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

_Go on a solo road trip. Just bring yourself and your favorite music.

Doing Good _Christina Hall

OC Food Access Coalition 16

The popular impression of Orange County is that of wealth,

sparkling

beaches,

and

exotic

cars.

Unfortunately, this is just a myth as OC ranks 4th in the state for the number of people living in poverty. Living in this dichotomy of wealth and poverty, food insecurity is a topic not commonly discussed. Food insecurity is a growing problem, often

directly

economic

challenges

individuals and families face as they struggle to maintain

adequate

housing,

transportation,

and

other basic necessities. It can touch many areas of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and have profound effects on the community as a whole. The food ecosystem is complex and includes social, economic,

political,

cultural

and

ecological

processes. The connection between these processes can Food

create

injustices

injustice

occurs

certain

when

this

communities. ecosystem

effectively â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;stacked againstâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; the members of a particular community and denies them the ability to

have

culturally

access

healthy,

appropriate

foods.

affordable, Food

and

insecurity

impacts over 13% of adults and 30% of children in our county and is the complicated challenge that OC Food Access Coalition (OCFAC) seeks to address.

\\\OCFAC was founded in 2010 in response to a call for countywide coordinated action among hunger, health and food systems stakeholders. Our mission is to create access to healthy, local food options for Orange Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most nutritionally vulnerable residents. Together, we work to define the gaps in services and resources that prevent healthy food access, and ultimately help define and implement sustainable solutions to hunger. We have designed our programs to focus both on near-term solutions to address the current lack of access changes

to to

healthy

food

policies

and

long-term

affecting

food,

systemic water

and

agriculture throughout the region. We serve as the local food policy council, convene the countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm to School Task Force, pick backyard produce through our Harvest Club program and facilitate multiple work groups to develop and coordinate the actions needed to shift our food system to one that is equitable. During this holiday season, you can consume less and contribute more to your community. There are a number of ways that you and your family can find happiness through focusing on others. If you have a fruit tree or garden, consider donating your excess harvests to a local food pantry. If you are participating in a food drive, consider healthier options with lower salt and sugar. As we are funded

grants

and

individual

donations,

financial support is always welcome too. Visit our website for more inspiration on how to positively

ocfoodaccess.org

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

impact the food access in your community.

Base Camp Cozy _Jessica Malloy

\\\The impermanence of camping keeps your belongings limited, and mostly mobile.

\\\Camping’s like the training wheels to small living: we get the luxury of leaving everything

Thoreau’s

Walden

highlights

the

idea

sojourning as an equivalent to simplicity.

behind, but the safety of knowing it will still be there when we return. You take the essentials for

“He dwelt, as it were, in a tent in this world, and was

survival -- food, water, shelter, but still usually

either threading the valleys, or crossing the plains,

bring a few luxury items (maybe a speaker to play

or climbing the mountain tops… We now no longer camp

music?

as for a night, but have settled down on earth and

coffee

press,

your

favorite

pillow

from

home?). When we talk about minimalism, some cringe at

forgotten heaven.”

the thought of tossing their favorite items out the window, but minimalism is the method of cutting out

People throw around the words freedom and minimalism

excess while still keeping what’s valuable.

as companions, and not without reason. Whenever I pack

small living

up my gear, and know that I am going back to the world For the past month, I have been camping every weekend

of muchness, my heart deflates like a tent without

with Ian, my significant other. The first weekend we

poles. I feel freedom when living in a smaller space

spent camping was leisurely; we lingered in the tent

because it forces observation. There is less between

until almost 10am. Our flannel sleeping bags over our

me and the heavens when my home is made of nylon. On a

chins, the thick fleece blankets over our sleeping

frosty night, Ian and I bundled inside our sleeping

bags, and the pillows overlapping under our heads.

bags and unzipped the front door just enough so we could see the stars.

“It’s like our base camp.” Ian’s voice was muffled under all the layers of soft, “it’s Cozy Camp.”

Small space living lets your home become more than

“I like that.” I allowed my eyes to peer out enough to

what’s sheltered. It is everything surrounding it. I

look at him, “Base Camp Cozy.”

use camping as inspiration when I am back in my large,

“Base Camp Cozy.” He repeated in approval.

old brick house so I can purge myself of items I no longer need. Or sometimes I simply use it as an excuse

Our tent is small, but we stuff it to the edges with

to refrain from buying more stuff.

blankets and pillows because we know that for the Our

Minimalism is a practice, and something we can work

kitchen, living room, dining room, and bathroom are all

toward on a daily basis. We don’t always have to start

outdoors. I think what I have found most interesting

down the road of a minimalist lifestyle with an empty

about living out of a small space, is the impact it has

trash

on my relationship. Though we have been together for

outdoors, re-evaluating what we treasure most. “Our

over three years, we seem to take leaps and bounds

life is frittered away by detail… Simplify, simplify,

forward each time we spend another weekend camping

simplify!

together. Ian talks while we cross little creeks and I

purpose”

listen as I look around at the red and yellow trees.

simplify, the small living training wheels will be

Our lunch is nothing more than ramen noodles cooked

removed, and the ride will be smooth.

weekend,

that

space

only

where

sleep.

bag

…

our

side.

Simplicity

(Walden).

can

life

Hopefully

begin

stepping

and

elevation

continue

over a stove that fits into my pocket, but the view is so much better than a kitchen table.

The winter is rolling in and it’s almost time to say goodbye to our camping season. While old Sugar Ray

We eat big breakfasts. I drink hot tea. We toy with the

songs play over the car stereo, Ian and I continue

idea of quitting our jobs and never leaving. Then we

dreaming about turning the car around, spending just

take a short nap at Base Camp Cozy.

one more night at Base Camp Cozy.

Yarbrough X Sacred Ji

Artist Spotlight _Taylor Morgan

\\\She sat behind a desk, at the Artist Republic 4 Tomorrow Gallery (A.R.4.T) in Laguna Beach. The walls that surrounded her were curated with contributions from over 70 local artists, a squid playing the banjo, a woman floating on water and an intricately crafted piece of Australian tea tree, all belonging to a series called ‘Art & Nature’. Flying Lotus played throughout her laptop speakers and diamond shaped earrings made from

\\\Her name is Chantal deFelice and she is an explorer of the hidden landscapes in natural artifacts. For her the process begins with a camera, a hand held magnifying glass, salvaged scrap wood, a microscope and her acrylic wash paint set. She explores communities such as Angelino Heights, one of the oldest districts in Los Angeles, uses photomicrography to document the raw beauty of a Romanesco broccoli plant or zucchini that she grew in her garden. She studies tide pools using macro-photography as well as video, documenting starfish and sea anemone. Inspiration for her art surrounds her, even shedding a tear for her can inspire a microscope study and when photographed, you’d be awe-struck at this beautiful vine that almost looks like kelp, she refers to as ‘whiskey tears’. \\\She also has a project with artist Jason Phillips called ‘Pageant of Living Things‘ which is a multimedia collaboration. The two compile images, in layers, and process them through a live video collage to create an experimental and improvised image that they will later use in print or as a video accompanied with music. That’s actually how their collaborative interest sparked, with the idea of creating music for art + art for music. “It’s so much more experimental. This project is translating to my other map a building” she commented. With 3D mapping, different images and multiple images assigned to the space. \\\Chantal deFelice is a contemporary artist but the way in which she studies sea shells for hours or hand carves salvaged wood, with the help of friends, that she’ll later use as the canvas for her earrings is both paired down and sustainable. She also spoke of a time when she was once making self deprecating jokes, in a sarcastic manner, about identifying with the starving artist. Yet today she stands before me confident and proving that you can make money doing what you are passionate about. We love the way she has collaborated with both the specimens she studies, the knots in the wood she carves and incorporates this vision throughout several mediums of art. We look forward to what’s to come.

vimeo.com/chantaldefelice

videos can wrap around the exterior of a building, there can also be

\\\

work. We’re working towards projection mapping which is where you can 3D

chantaldefelice.com

Chantal deFelice

salvaged scrap wood hung from her ear lobes.

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio

Hunting with the Microscope_ ‘505’

Hunting with the Microscope_ ‘721’

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio

Hunting with the Microscope_ ‘593’

Ask an Expert \\\Winter naturally lends itself toward reflection and self-work – animals hibernate, flowers stay safe in bulbs, and trees drop unnecessary leaves to help them stay still and strong through colder months. Falling in rhythm with nature, we see winter as an opportunity to do deep work, cleaning house, and caring

for

our

detoxification.

bodies

After

all,

through we

spend

assisted all

year

building up toxins, we should change our oil every once in awhile.

So what does massage actually do?

Age-old in its history, massage is one of the most

\\\Cell function_ Every cell of your body requires

beneficial approaches to self-care. For centuries,

oxygen, water and a combination of nutrients to

cultures around the world have practiced some sort

survive. Just like you, they need to remove excess

of massage to aid the systems of the body, but we’ve begun

waste from the body. The rhythmic flow of massage

to associate massage with spa in recent years, missing a

assists your cells by pushing fluid past the cells,

great opportunity to do deep and cleansing work.

bathing them in nutrient rich fluid. It also creates

_Adriana Peralta

a partial vacuum behind the hand, helping to draw \\\So

what

massage?

There

are

number

waste materials out of the cells.

different therapies to promote detoxification but, generally,

your

therapist

going

use

\\\Blood

Circulation_

Improved

blood

circulation

combination of irregular and altering applications

enhances blood flow, lowers blood pressure, and

of pressure to gently (and not so gently) compress

improves body function. By moving blood through

and stretch your muscles.

congested

areas,

lactic

acid

flushed

from

the

muscles, improving lymph circulation, carrying metabolic The lymphatic system is one of the main elimination

waste away from muscles and internal organs.

detox massage

systems of the body, responsible for the absorption

of food nutrients and waste disposal. By working

\\\Stress Relief_ Clinical studies indicate that

particular areas of the body, your therapist can

regular

help your lymphatic system clear dietary toxins and

increasing the immune system’s cytotoxic capacity

other unwanted substances by removing blockages in

while decreasing the number of T-cells. In one study

your blood and circulatory system. The wastes that

by Gail Ironson, M.D., HIV positive men were given

build up in your system are byproducts of stress,

45 minute massages, five days a week, for a month.

dead cells, heavy metals, and other excess debris –

They showed an increase in serotonin and an increase

essentially, nothing you want to hold on to.

in cells that are viewed as the first line of

massage

alleviates

defense in the immune system. In this season of taxed immune systems, you might also consider massage to help strengthen immunity, muscles and connective tissue. The theory is simple: if

your

body

relaxed,

it’s

likely

detoxify and cleanse with greater efficiency. In this case, a Swedish massage may be the best choice for you. It helps normalize oxygen levels, improving colon drainage and optimizing the function of other organs in the detoxification process.

stress,

naturally

Pageant of Living Things (Chantal DeFelice & Jason Phillips) ‘Crentral to the Main Idea’

Simple food is the best food _Erika Tucker

From Scratch, With Love

\\\This month we focus on minimalism. For me, this means living with intention and purpose, making mindful decisions, extracting the excess, thinking outside the box and asking questions. Our lives become happier and more abundant when we cut out. With regards to food, I find a modest meal made with a few great ingredients incredibly appealing. Serving creative, nourishing food over a busy, complicated feast is sexy. Yes, elaborate food can be wonderful and impressive, but what’s more impressive is the satisfaction of a humble, unassuming meal. The trick to embracing minimalism is choosing quality over quantity. Locally grown, organic ingredients enjoyed at their peak will inevitably yield a healthy, wholesome, and gratifying meal. Since some of my most memorable meals were derived from the most modest ingredients, I thought I’d share a few of my favorite recipes with 6 ingredients or less. Pay particular attention to how highlighting a peak ingredient, with little manipulation, provides such satisfaction. Happy cooking _Chef Erika

Banana Oat Pancakes

Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Rustic Pesto

1 cup mashed bananas

For the Pesto:

3 large eggs

2 cups kale or spinach, mustard greens, arugula or basil

1 cup oats

1/2 cup toasted almonds or walnuts

2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 lemon, juiced

Coconut oil

1/2 cup Parmesan Olive oil

1_ In a mixing bowl, combine all ingredients with a fork. 1_ Combine all ingredients, except for the olive oil, in a food

the warm skillet, cooking as you would regular pancakes. Flip when

processor. While processing, slowly drizzle the oil until desired

one side is dry and golden.

consistency is achieved.

3_ Enjoy with maple syrup, nut butter, or honey and Greek yogurt.

2_ Season with salt and pepper. Taste to adjust seasonings.

Brown Rice Beet Risotto

For the squash: 1 Spaghetti squash

2 cups brown rice

Olive oil

1 beet, diced small

Salt and pepper

1/2 onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, minced

Preheat oven to 400F

Vegetable stock

1_ Cut squash in half, removing the pulp and seeds.

Parmesan, grated

2_ Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Additional toppings: arugula, pine nuts.

3_ Place cut side down on a roasting pan lined with parchment paper or foil. Roast until fork tender, roughly 45 minutes.

1_ Using olive oil, butter or coconut oil to softly cook the onions, garlic and beets over medium heat.

To finish:

2_ Add brown rice, stirring until toasted and coated with

Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh, with

oil/butter.

a fork, into a bowl. Toss warm squash with pesto and enjoy!

3_ Add a generous splash of vegetable stock and cook until evaporated, continuously stirring. 4_ Continue this process for adding stock until the rice is cooked. 5_ Finish with grated parmesan, season with salt and pepper. I love to top this dish with goat cheese, arugula and olive oil. If you don't like beets, substitute with any winter squash.

ChefErikaTuckerGroup.com

Photo_Billy Yarbrough \\\ Food styling by MRK Public \ Kai Robison

2_ Warm coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Drop batter into

The Promise of Ayurveda

The Sister Science of Yoga

_Sandhiya Ramaswamy

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio

\\\Ayurveda, which literally means “The knowledge of Life and Longevity,” is a 5,000 year old natural and holistic healing science from India. Ayurveda defines Health, or Swasthya, as a balanced state of body, mind and consciousness. To maintain this, Ayurveda focuses on the whole person, addressing both the root cause of the disease or imbalance, and the symptoms. Swasthya, or health, means “Established or centered in one’s own Self” – in other words, being connected to our own true nature as Divine Spirit (Self). This means that when we are connected to our higher Self, we remain balanced and healthy, taking in things that are

\\\Examples of Imbalances by Dosha

harmonious to our health through our five senses. In contrast, when we are more connected to our ego (or

Vata_

lower self), we take in things that are disharmonious

tremors, nervous system disorders

Gas, constipation, pain, excess worry and fear,

to our health through our senses. This leads to disease

Pitta_ Burning indigestion, acid reflux, excess anger,

and imbalance of the physical, emotional and spiritual

any

bodies. According to Ayurveda, the fundamental cause of

ulcerative colitis)

disease is forgetting our true nature as divine spirit.

Kapha_ Sluggish digestion, slow metabolism, lethargy, obesity

\\\We are all unique

\\\Healing through Ayurveda

Central to Ayurveda is the concept of the five elements

Ayurveda offers various tools to support the body, mind

(Ether, Air, Fire, Water and Earth). All elements are

and spirit in its journey back to balance and health.

present not only in the universe, but in the human body

Based on one’s unique constitution, and the nature of

as well – in fact, according to Ayurveda, the human

the imbalance, an Ayurvedic practitioner employs a

body may be viewed as a microcosm of the macrocosm that

(w)holistic and customized approach. They will offer

is the universe.

dietary recommendations, medicinal herbs, yoga asanas,

inflammatory

meditation,

condition

breath-work

(like

conjunctivitis

(pranayama),

aromatherapy,

\\\The five elements combine to form the constitutional

sound and color therapies, and daily (and seasonal)

makeup of our bodies, known as doshas or bodily humors.

lifestyle practices designed to bring one back to their inherent

state if

the

balance. patient

This

approach

diligently

ensures

The doshas are_

success

follows

Vata_ Air & Ether

recommendations of their Ayurvedic practitioner.

the

Pitta_ Fire & Water It is heartening to see more and more yoga studios

Kapha_ Earth & Water

incorporating The

doshas

perform

important

psychobiological

partnering

Ayurveda

with

into

Ayurveda

their

practitioners

offerings, to

become

functions for us: Vata governs our circulatory and

powerful centers for health care. With a taste for the

nervous system; Pitta is responsible for digestion and

benefits of yoga, now is a good time to see what

metabolism; and Kapha provides us with our structure,

Ayurveda can offer you. Take a workshop, read a book,

giving us stability and lubrication.

or meet with an Ayurvedic practitioner to see what your path

may

be.

This

ancient

healing

Photos_Billy Yarbrough

science offers us time-tested principles to help us

however,

achieve our highest levels of physical, emotional and

each

have

unique

proportion

the

doshas. Our unique blueprint (known as Prakruti, or

spiritual well-being.

True Nature) may go out of balance (ie – excess) due to our dietary choices, lifestyle factors, environmental

In the next issue, we will take a closer look at each

factors, stress, and disease. A state of imbalance is

known as Vikruti.

balancing them.

the

doshas,

exploring

general

guidelines

for

www.greenlotuswellness.com

individualized The doshas are present in each and every one of us,

Off the Mat _Laura Love

\\\I feel like gratitude is something I'm always talking about. It’s something most yoga teachers speak about in their classes: reflecting and finding gratitude for all the truly amazing and beautiful gifts we’re given. And, yes, this is so important. It’s transformative to continuously come from a place of gratitude – one’s life can change dramatically when gratitude increases, we know this. It’s an incredible and beautiful thing when we realize gratitude is love energy that lifts us up; but, lately, I’ve been thinking about gratitude in a very different way. It's easy to be grateful for a beautiful family, a comfortable home, a wonderful job, a supportive partner, food on the table, friends, and all the good we easily see. But what about everything else? What about the alcoholic ex-husband, the child with a disease, unemployment, the loss of a friendship, past traumas and abuse, the death of a loved one? What about all of that stuff? How do we find gratitude in that? That’s my meditation lately. When I compare this to a yoga practice, it’s headstand that turned into a somersault, in the fall from standing bow. Maybe that pulled hamstring from taking the splits just a little too far teaches us to keep our ego in check. Taking the idea of gratitude for the difficult things off the mat is a little more difficult, but it is valuable. Viewing our struggles not as coincidences, or bad luck, but as important lessons changes things. When confronted with something not so easy to embrace, we should ask, “Why is this showing up in my life right now?” It's a powerful tool. If you can avoid placing blame, that’s even more powerful. No matter how ugly, sad, or emotionally challenging a situation may be, there is always something to be learned. Perhaps you cannot find gratitude in the exact situation itself, but what about in the opportunity for true spiritual growth? Of course no one likes to fall on their face in crow pose, but there’s gratitude for the opportunity to grow. When we fall, we can assess the cause, change our approach, and evolve in our practice. This winter, challenge yourself to be grateful for all the things in your world right now -- the good and the beautiful, the heartbreaking and the difficult. Viewing challenges as beautiful gifts can help us carve out the capacity of our love. We get to grow, we get to discover the power of forgiveness, the connection of life, and feel how truly blessed and amazing it all is. Be grateful, everything’s here for us to work with. It’s all a gift.

www.dharmayogawellness.com

Gratitude

a simple parallel: I see it every time we fall out of an asana, in that

Om Shanti.

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio

Food As Medicine

_Meryl Gwinn (minimalism) (spirtualism) (you/me : same)

\\\

strange shapes in the desert mimic the blunt form of your jaw the soft vex of your low back or of mine made similar as the rough shapes of the desert bleached colors warm tones dramatic shifts in terrain like the grizzle of your chin and the silk of your skin [wrapped over spiny processes] curving towards mine made same \\\

rare,

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

From the Desert

you. (me)

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio \\\Medicinal Desert Plants to Keep You in a Desert Haze Desert Willow_ an anti-fungal found in herbal tinctures used to treat athleteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s foot, specifically powerful over candida (yeast). As a natural antioxidant, desert willow promotes cardiovascular health and regulates glucose metabolism.

The

Prickly

Pear_

the

plant

and

cactus

fruit

offer

vitamins,

minerals, and reduce the symptoms of hangovers (nausea, dry mouth, alcohol-related inflammation).

Mesquite_ a desert plant long studied and utilized for its medicinal

Need to know where to buy these goods?

uses.

levels,

Try The Waterhouse in Dana Point for

mesquite can be found as a powder, tea, or flour. Use in baked goods

an apothecary of herbs, remedies, and

Extremely

effective

controlling

blood

sugar

for a sweet, nutty taste while also adding high fiber and nutrients.

natural healing.

_Kaori

\\\In life, all we want is happiness. The kind of long, lasting, meaningful happiness that’s different in detail, but universal in scope, for each of us — the kind that says the quality of our life isn’t counted by the number of things we have.

While a truly minimalistic lifestyle may not be for you, it’s a good mark to begin to live with less, to begin to be less affected by stuff.

Stuff

takes

over

our

lives

faster

than

can

even

take

possession of them. From thinking about what we need, to working for it, and finally acquiring it, there’s a lot of energy spent for very little. And once you finally get the thing you so coveted, you’re then burdened with the task of finding a home for it, taking care of it, and making sure nothing bad happens to it until you’re done with it.

\\\Then you have to get rid of it.

Desire – Pursue – Acquire – Possess – Protect – Maintain Discard.

\\\Yet in a minimalistic lifestyle, there’s no excess. There’s nothing to take energy away from your freedom to pursue that long and lasting happiness. With freedom, you’re left to pursue your passions, to enjoy the life you’re living. Other than a lack of excess, there really are no rules to Minimalism – it’s up to you to decipher your own understanding of excess and happiness.

Photo_ Luki O’Keefe

Minimalism: A Choice

\\\The pattern looks something like this:

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a choice to decide where your energy goes so the next time you think you want something, ask yourself these questions:

_Do I really need it? _How much energy is required to acquire and keep it? _How much space does it require? _Is it going to own me, or am I going to own it? _What quality does it bring to my life? _How does it feel to have it? What does it say about me?

Remember: itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a choice, you truly need very little to survive on this planet, the rest is just extra.

Meditation From the Wilderness

_Analee Scott

The Fragility of a Snowflake

\\\When the clouds are brimming with moisture, and the temperatures drop just cold enough, ice crystals bind to

water

molecules

create

snowflake.

These

snowflakes get heavy enough to eventually fall from the sky to the Earth.

On their way down, they encounter

many different elements; which continually transform the structure of these frozen water droplets. Imagine

now

that

you

are

looking

snowflake.

Squares, circles, cubes and columns, or pointed lines, all different geometric shapes overlap upon one another connected at the center, then stem out like branches from the trunk of a tree.

Perhaps they resemble jewels

on a crown, or a beautiful spider-like web of crystal bridges.

Whatever images you see, let that feeling

shimmer in your mind, resonate with your heart, and then sink deep down into your belly. As

you

gaze

upon

your

snowflake

now

admire

its

whiteness, which shows you all of the wavelengths of all of the colors being reflected back at once. White seems purest and most innocently sincere, also reflecting back effortlessly all of the colors we have come to paint within our world. Now imagine connecting with all other colors that can come to be, only to reflect back that which is pure.

Do this with kindness and tender

fragility, for it is only precarious conditions that these ice crystals are even born. Snowflakes, like ourselves, are a freeze frame glimpse into the complexity of life that even a frozen water droplet contains in molecular expression. very

similar

proximity

one

creation

another, in

the

based

They can be

off

clouds,

their

and

their

closeness in paths on the way down to Earth, as they are affected by many similar variables.

Yet each frozen

microcosm of life will ultimately express itself into its own authentic pattern, distinct from any other, which is quite like us.

Connect to your nature, like

to that of a snowflake, to see beauty and find purity in honor of our unique, authentic, and fragile lives.

Photo_ Alex “Ozman” Scott

_Zack Miller X Pyrite Studio

Natural Beauty _Lindsey Bro

Diana Christinson

Bathed in natural light, Diana Christinson sits like a humble island before an altar, calm and quiet, still in her stark space. The room is large, with a single yoga mat, faint incense, and

effortlessly

long,

raw

linen

curtains

that

drape

the

windows; the wood floors are heavy, mirroring the weight of dark, exposed beam ceilings above. With the fervent energy of PCH below, it’s surprising this space is here — the wood, the energy, the calm, it all fits better in Bali, or India, or at least

Northern

California.

But

that’s

part

Pacific

Ashtanga Yoga Shala’s draw: it’s unexpected. Like the shala, Diana’s beauty is, too. Of course she’s beautiful on the outside (a natural blonde with a lithe body and sparkling eyes) but that special something to her comes from her devoted reverence to simplicity and gratitude. 38

“I think it’s a beautifully simple and profoundly meaningful thing to serve others.”

Q_What do you do to keep fit?

Q_What sort of products do you use?

It’s funny, I was coming back from Costa Rica, having just led

I’m very simple. Everything is organic, as local as possible,

a yoga retreat, and as I was walking through the airport, a

and natural. Actually, years ago, my teacher in India touted the

young man comes up to me, asking, “Excuse me, I just have to

benefits of coconut oil like it was everything. He would say, on

know, what do you do to stay fit?” I had to smile because, truly,

your day off, cover your entire body – from head to toe – in

I just do yoga.

coconut oil. So every day, I put raw coconut oil on. I still put it in my hair on my days off.

Every morning, I come to the shala to say our prayers, light the candles, and do a meditation on gratitude. I teach throughout

Q_You have a very holistic approach to living, what else fills

the day and I move my body, but I don’t think it’s just that that

you up?

keeps me fit. Of course yoga’s a breathing, moving and powerful

I think reading is so important. Throughout the year, I give my

practice, but I think it’s that sense of understanding and peace

students at the shala books to read because it helps to move our

it gives me that really makes me strong.

mind as much as we move our bodies.

Q_What’s your approach to food? I have an 80 / 20 principle. Eighty percent of the time, I try to make the best choices I can. I eat healthy foods, choose this over that, and I do what I can to be honest with myself. The other twenty percent of the time, I don’t worry. You have to live your life, to experience people, and when you travel, sometimes you go to far away places where you can’t stay true to a hard and fast diet. Overall, I think kindness and gratitude make the biggest difference so as long as I know I’m making the best choices I can, I’m happy. I have, however, been a vegetarian since 1987, and it’s mostly for environmental reasons. While I do see conventional farming as cruel to animals, I also simply feel better when I don’t eat meat. My energy’s better. But, just like yoga, I think the way we eat should be very individual. For me, I think I’ve aged better without eating meat, but that’s me taking a very holistic approach to food and living. Q_How do you see success? I think that to be successful, we have to nourish our souls. Real spirituality touches every part of our lives – every single corner – which means everything I do is somehow a reflection of that. One of the most beautiful reflections of success, for me, has been the community we’ve built at the shala. It’s a tangible reflection of spirituality for me, a real place with real people I get to serve. And that’s all I am, I’m a servant. I’m a servant whose work is to spread my arms as wide as possible so that I can hold the people who are a part of my community. I think it’s a beautifully simple and profoundly meaningful thing to serve others.

Photos_Billy Yarbrough

Pacific Ashtanga is located at 34207 Pacific Coast Highway, 2nd Q_How would you describe yourself?

Floor in Dana Point. 949.246.7315 | www.pacificashtanga.com

I’m minimalistic, straightforward, simple… and grateful. I wake up everyday so grateful. Over the years I’ve learned that sometimes

gratitude

gives

you

peace,

sometimes

courage,

sometimes quiet – it gives you what you need. Q_Where did you become so dedicated to ritual?

Recommended reading:

The Little Prince

I’ve lived in Japan and Thailand over the years and, in Bali,

Buddha and the Brain

there are puja ceremonies every single day. So while I know yoga

The Coconut Miracle

has made my energy strong and my body flexible, it’s the

The Alchemist

tangibility of ritual that’s very special to me. It gives us a

Buddha is as Buddha Does

small time to reflect.

The Prophet

Core Message _Barbara Campins \\\Overeating, upset stomachs, gas, bloating, heartburn, and even strong emotions, affect our digestion far too often. Fortunately, yoga aids by soothing the stomach, stabilizing emotions, and assisting waste elimination. Not to say yogaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s your free pas to as much food as possible, but if youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re present when you eat, overindulging a little, yoga can be your fix. How Yoga Can Help_ Many postures and breathing techniques help our digestive system by breaking down food particles, optimizing nutrient absorption and waste elimination. Particular postures twist our bodies in different directions, compressing our abdominal organs, toning the digestive tract while also encouraging it to move stagnant energy throughout the body.

Breath_ Breathe with awareness from the belly. Breathe in, expanding; breathe out, contracting the navel to the spine. Count up to four on the inhale, and back down from

Crocodile-Makrasana_

Calms

nervous

stomach,

connects you deep to your breath, relaxes the mind. Cue: Lay on your stomach, resting forehead on hands, legs wide, belly released.

Shalabasana_

Massages

the

abdominal

organs,

promotes detoxification. Cue: Inhale lift the spine, gaze up. Exhale, release the forehead and body down.

Photos_ Billy Yarbrough

Yoga for Digestion

four on the exhale. Count at least 10 breathes for each posture.

Cat\Cow_

Stretches

and

tones

the

abdominal

muscles

and

digestive organs. Deep internal massage. Cue: On your hands and knees, wrists under shoulders and knees under hips. Inhale, extend the chest forward, tilt the head back. Fill the belly. Exhale, tuck the chin to chest, round the back, bring navel to spine.

Childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pose_ Compresses the belly, helping to alleviate abdominal pain and gas. Cue: Sit on your heels, lower your torso until your forehead touches the ground. Keep the knees together to create more compression in the belly.

Seated

twist_

Stimulates

the

internal

organs,

improving

digestions and the function of the liver and kidneys.

leg. Turn your upper body to the left as you place the left hand on the floor behind you close to your low back. Wrap the right arm around the left leg or hook the right elbow outside it. Inhale and lengthen the spine, exhale and twist. Stay in the

pose

for

breaths.

Then

release

slowly

with

exhalation, reverse the legs and twist to the right for an equal length of time.

Agni Sara_ This is a pranayama (yogic breathing) technique used to massage all the organs of the abdomen, promote blood flow, tone the pelvic floor and abdominal wall. It also balances the third chakra, the energetic center of peaceful power, will-power, and self-esteem. Cue: Separate your legs wider than hip distance, turn the toes out and heels in. Bend your knees, place your hands on your thighs, supporting the weight of your torso. Inhale to let the belly expand, arch the spine. Exhale, round the spine and squeeze out all air. Hold the exhalation, draw the navel in to the spine, creating a vacuum. Hold for five seconds. Repeat five times.

www.barbaracampins.com

Cue: Sit tall. Extend the right leg long and bend the left

Ask The Madame

_Madame Jo

love and gives others the ability to become apart of your intimate world.

When we include others into

\\\In modern relationships participating in equal

that process, we create a deeper connection with

partnership means this: We have gifts to offer the

that person.

world through outer-world achievements and we desire

activity

to cultivate quality intimate connections with loved

achievement,

ones via the community and romantic counterparts.

connection with your relationships.

While your focus needs to be on an

that

you’re

about

still

your

building

outer-world intimacy

and

When engaging

in this kind of communication be sure that you are Minimalism is the art of paring down.

Practicing

also willing to be supportive in return.

Whit that

minimalism in relationship means clearing mental &

said, it’s important to ask if the other person is

emotional space to make room for what we truly

feeling supported in what they desire to create.

desire to create.

To do this we must take stock by Then take note of

In a world with so much going on and a lot to do and

which priorities need your full attention to help

be, it is vital to take time to step back and map

facilitate what you actually desire.

out the bigger picture of your life.

writing down our priorities.

Paring down

Clearing space

priorities like this can help direct your focus.

in your mind and heart and letting go of what no

Pure attentiveness translates into nurture.

longer serves our bigger picture purpose are all

This

nurturing communicates deep love for the people and

aspects

activities around us.

relationships. We are limited beings with limited

After becoming clear about

practicing

the

art

minimalism

who and where to give your total presence, ask

time and energy.

yourself these questions: What adjustments am I

distribute our love but we increase how we love. This

By paring down, we reduce where we

willing to make in my life to achieve this goal?

is an important lesson in balance and what it means to

What or who am I willing to commit to in order to

truly be present in a world fixated on the future.

fulfill this dream? Once all of this is clear the next step is communicating this to your loved ones.

Submit questions to: askthemadame@gmail.com Please note that all submitted questions may be reproduced in Natural OC or on my blog.

askthemadame.wordpress.com

Practicing Minimalism in Relationships

Communication of your needs and desires enables self

well as my personal and romantic relationships?”

Pageant of Living Things (Chantal DeFelice & Jason Phillips) ‘untitled’

Q_ “How do I make time for my dreams and goals as

Spiritual Homework

_Dana Patterson

be positive outcome perhaps you are sharing joy or \\\So often we hold back on communicating our needs,

communicating love. In these examples the vibration

our desires and our truth all with the intention of

of energy is at a very high place; perhaps your

freeing the other person and ourselves from the

heart. Now think of a conversation where you were

“conversation”.

excited or “bliss filled” to share some news with

Yet this is not freeing!

When we

fail to communicate we fail to show up as truth in

someone.

the lives of others and for ourselves.

Where was your energy sitting?

The reality

Take a breath and go back to that moment. Most likely in your

is we need to open ourselves to speak the truth and

heart center also the space of love and compassion.

the implementation of this has to begin with the

Both of these situations are about communication but

awareness of the vibration of conversation.

they are also about vibration of energy and where we are speaking from.

Vibration of conversation. I know this may seem, or sound, foreign to some of you yet follow me for just

The truth is where you speak from creates the energy

one moment.

that

If you walk into a situation, or

carries

the

conversation

vibrational

conversation, expecting a negative outcome, or from

outcome.

a place of fear or dread, then the vibration is set

that guidance there is something that your soul is

at a very low place; maybe your solar plexus.

trying to speak.

Think

When you are guided to communicate trust Perhaps take a moment to really

of the last conversation you had when you were

connect to the energy you are feeling about the

feeling uneasy about approaching a specific person

upcoming conversation.

or situation.

heart center take some long deep breathes and move

moment.

Take a breath and go back to that

Where was your energy setting?

in your solar plexus!

Most likely

The plexus of fear, doubt, or

If the energy is not in your

the energy to your heart using the breath release of fear or doubt you have about the conversation.

worry if not balanced and yet the space of will

you speak from a place of love, you will create from

power and projection if it is.

a place of love.

Speaking from your

One of my internal mantras is “As

solar plexus is something a lot of us do in this day

I speak my truth from a place of love I am healing

and time.

myself and others”.

holding

Since often we speak from the space of

back

for

long

that

conversations at the wrong vibration. look at the opposite spectrum.

move

into

Let’s take a

Perhaps before you speak, tune into your soul and ask for the guidance to deliver the highest outcome for all involved.

Continue to rise and start with

your words :)

www.spiritualhomework.com

Raising the Vibration of Conversations

What if you create a conversation knowing there will

Starting Now _Karen Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Connell

Secrets about Silence 44

Be silent often. Do this daily with intention. Take time to feel your whole body, Connect deeply to all parts of you, not just whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on your mind. Practice letting go.

The practice of sensing our organs can be strange and confusing at first, but our ability to feel and know them increases with practice. This winter, incorporate organ work with a full body relaxation practice to stimulate greater health and wellbeing.

Maximize your extraordinary new year by following Three Guidelines for When to be Silent: //1. Before you get out of bed each morning. Take two to five minutes to feel all of you: bring awareness to your belly, breathe and slowly relax your entire body from there. Scan your body, side and out, letting go of any tension. Before you let your thoughts travel to the day, give yourself its beginning to connect quietly and calmly. //2.

Before

snacks

and

meals.

The

body

constantly

communicates what it needs, but are we listening? If we quiet our minds, we can tap into the full wisdom of our bodies, better understanding how to feed and care for ourselves. When you connect to your body, you’ll begin to eat foods that taste good and leave you feeling nourished after you eat. //3. Be quiet when angry.

Don’t talk. Does this seem

unrealistic?

you

Speaking

when

are

angry

reduces

the

likelihood that you will enjoy the outcome. Take a breath or take a break. Time in nature usually helps shift the anger. Even a brief walk around the block to smell the fresh air and hear the birds will relax the body. Why nature? If we’re

open,

recalibrates

our

energy

allow

its

Photo_Luki O’Keefe

inherent harmony to wash over us. Take as much time as you need until you feel a shift within it. This doesn’t mean you necessarily let go of the anger, but it does allow you to approach the conversation from a more grounded position. Often anger focuses our thoughts in a smaller and more painful way. Being quiet allows us to expand our minds, reducing conflict through understanding.

www.vervexo.com

Good Goods

Rescue Recycle Reuse

_Sarah Elizabeth Colburn

mamacitasaritaa.wordpress.com

\\\Rescue Recycle Reuse, also known as R3, is a

\\\The

nonprofit organization on the rise with a socially

burlap bags don't stop there however.

uses

and

relevant purpose and far reaching implications. R3

solution

collects 100% burlap, biodegradable coffee sacks

environment and for helping people involved in the

from U.S. coffee roasters who source their coffee

organization.

from plantations all over the world. These burlap

issues surrounding plastic bag use need to be faced

sacks are used once in the coffee roasting process

and that consumers have a powerful voice and vote. R3

and then donated to R3, who repurposes the bags into

aims to make this a zero waste project, donating

small, medium and large grocery/beach bags. They also

scraps from the manufacturing of the bags to local

offer a large trash bag with a string on it for beach

farm

clean up, these bags are extremely strong and move

projects like the Newport Back Bay Restoration. These

well through water for deep-sea trash removal. R3 has

places take the scraps and use them for ground cover

a ‘bulk buy bag’ in the works that will have six

and mulch. The scraps also work well layered on top

sleeves for mason jars, and other products purchased

of the dirt of potted plants. When watered, the

at farmer’s market, as well as a new functional line

burlap helps the plants to retain more moisture and

of yoga mat products that allow yogi’s to tie their

allows for less watering, therefore preserving our

mats onto their bags. They’re also in the process of

most precious natural resource. Not only does the

designing a beer bag and a wine sack!

burlap help to save water, it replenishes and gives

minded

lots,

benefits woman

She

school

with

believes

gardens

manufacturing a that

and

passion the

land

these

Titus is a for

the

ecological

restoration

nutrients back to the soil, truly creating a ripple There are several fabric bags on the market today which

are

made

outside

the

U.S.,

but

effect of giving, giving, and more giving.

these

up-cycled bags are manufactured in the San Fernando

Once the bags are made, grocery stores, marketplaces

Valley of Los Angeles and support the local economy.

and other organizations sell them to their clients or

Suzanne Titus, founder of R3, has a vision of someday

use them in fundraisers for schools or churches.

being able to give back to the countries where the

Consumers can get involved by buying them through

coffee sack materials are grown.

Raising awareness

participating vendors. The organizations that buys

about the importance of stopping the use of all

the bags in bulk, from R3, have the option to have

plastic bags and giving back to the environment is a

their brand name or logo sewn onto the bags that they

core purpose for R3 and they also raise awareness and

will sell.

fund research for Alzheimer’s disease. When Titus’s mom

was

realized

diagnosed how

with

poorly

the

Alzheimer’s government

she

Look for R3 bags at Gelson’s Market, the Urban Radish

funding

(Downtown LA), Groundwork’s coffee, the Long Beach

disease, was

research for the disease and decided that she wanted

www.rescuerecyclereuse.org.

to bring light to a growing social concern.

Grocery Coop & Pure Love Yoga in San Clemente.

Order the bags online at naturaloc.com

We Are Water _Corey Waterhouse

Mineralization of Our Generation 48

\\\Though it may come as a surprise, the consumption of

\\\When people speak of “water,” especially in reference

processed water poses many verified health concerns for

to natural water as found in the biosphere, we are

human beings, one of which is demineralization. Here

actually referring to an electrically dynamic matrix of

we’ll

H20 molecules where positively and negatively charged

dissolved minerals and trace elements from water through

ions (electrolytes) are dissolved. These electrolytes

filtration and distillation.

are an important part of the nutritive qualities of

explore

demineralization,

the

removal

water. It has been estimated that human beings have existed in

When

they

are

absent,

the

case

demineralized water, the water becomes less nutritious.

our current form for 200,000 years. Hominids in general have an extraordinary history that, only until very

recently, allowed us to drink exclusively “whole” or

Averaging a 400+ PPM of TDS means our tap water is,

Dana

Point,

test

our

municipal

water

daily.

“wild” water.

essentially, treated sewage water. Meaning that every ten minute shower we take allows us to absorb two cups of

Wild water would have come either from the surface of

chlorine. In addition, we also get fluoride, heavy metals,

streams, rivers, lakes, and dug wells; or from ground water

radioactive isotopes and prescription medications.

springs sourced from aquifers, or deep pockets of stored water beneath the bedrock of the earth. Today, particularly

According to the World Health Organization, consumption

in the developed world, consumption of unprocessed water is

rare. Even in rural areas, we increasingly rely upon

deionized,

processed water for our hydration needs.

which may include damage to intestinal mucosa and a loss

demineralized

water

(distilled,

desalinated)

poses

reverse

several

osmosis,

health

risks,

of minerals due to increased diuresis. The WHO also The term “processed water” refers to the mechanical processes

reminds us that chemically pure water should be remineralized

aimed at cleaning water – such as filtration, distillation,

before consumption. Their report on the topic, Health Risks

and chemical treatment via chlorination, supplementation via

from Drinking Demineralized Water, discusses the fact that

fluoridation, stabilization via phosphoric acid and sodium

while commercially or municipally demineralized water is

hydroxide (designed to reduce the corrosion of municipal and

stabilized,

commercial piping infrastructure.

technologies are employed for household use.

Most of us were raised on the idea that water’s simply

What emerges now is a picture of healthy water that seems

H20, two Hydrogen atoms bonded to a single Oxygen atom.

to parallel that which has recently come to light about

What could be simpler? Chemically pure water is only

food. Just as we are evolutionarily adapted to eating

found in laboratories, though; in nature, water is far

foods in their whole form, so too are we similarly

more chemically complex with a varied composition that

adapted to drinking water in its whole form. Whole water

reflects the geology from which it is drawn.

than

the

rarely

sum

the

its

case

when

parts,

demineralized

cannot

replicated by adding minerals to demineralized water like Of

course

the

contamination

surface

water

from

ingredients in a recipe.

industrial, agricultural, and radiological contaminants has

lead

distillation, radio-isotopes

the

increased

remove

present

need

for

harmful surface

filtration,

waters.

Still,

remineralization

techniques

represent

and

improvement upon demineralized waters when they must be

However,

consumed. If you are using reverse osmosis or distilled

compounds

water

water to reduce chemical contaminants in your water

processed through these methods may not be supportive to

supply, consider employing some water remineralization

human health.

strategy

evidence

has

begun

emerge

suggesting

that

reintroduce

missing

nutrients

your

drinking water. A pinch of sea salt will do the trick!

www.ocwaterhouse.com

_Zack Miller X Sacred Ji

Organic Gardening _Kerri Annick Cacciata

Winter Soil Health

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

Southern California has a gorgeous climate. We are fortunate enough to have mild seasons, which can allow for certain fruits and vegetables to be grown practically year round in our gardens. Nature has other intentions with the changes of the seasons though. We have the opportunity to listen to the earth and let our gardens rest a bit in the winter months. This is an important act that can have lasting benefits in your organic garden.

\\\Although your garden beds may not be fruiting, it doesn't mean they aren't hard at work with these simple soil improving steps: \\\Amend soil with organic materials like compost, grass

\\\Mulch the soil's surface. Mulching will help prevent

clippings or wood chips. If you are composting at home,

water loss, which is important with the current drought we

now is a great time to turn your beds with the healthy,

face.

nutrient rich soil you have made. If not, local garden

stable and warm to allow the cover crops to do their thing.

stores

These simple winter actions will have a lasting impact on

have

quality

organic

compost

and

some

local

It will also help to ensure soil temperatures stay

municipalities even give it away for free. Check with your

your garden beds as the seasons change.

city's park department for compost and mulch give aways.

nutrients and solar-charge ensure health and bounty for

The added

your next season's crops. \\\Plant and grow cover crops. These hardworking plants They will

\\\A quick soil text can help you identify your needs.

help suppress weeds and protect your soil from erosion

You can then plant the cover crops accordingly. Legumes

during the (possible) rainy months ahead. Bio-drilling is

to help add nitrogen back into your soil.

when certain cover crops (daikon, canola, and oilseed)

or mulch with a lot of carbon rich grass this is very

have a deep rooted root system and will tap into the

important. Try black eyed peas, red cowpeas, soybean,

subsoil that you typically might not dig down into and

vetch and alfalfa to bring more nitrogen into your soil.

are grown specifically to improve your soil.

If you comport

turn. They in turn open up the subsoil for future plants to root into.

Many plants used for cover crops release

\\\Cereals like rye, wheat, barley and oats scavenge

sugars through their roots, creating a solar charge of

nutrients left over from previous crops.

sorts. The root tips host microorganisms that enrich

be helpful if you are turning beds where chickens were

This might also

your soil. Your cover crop's root systems and top

active as their waste is very nitrogen rich.

growth will provide organic material if tilled into the soil or pulled and put into your compost. \\\If you decide to till, wait a few weeks before planting your spring seedlings to avoid possible negative reaction with the dying crops and new additions to the garden. If you are keeping backyard chickens, I suggest letting them go to town and till the cover crops for you as spring approaches. My girls' favorite thing to do is turn bed and eat away at root systems. facebook.com/kerri.cacciata

_Stacey Anderson

\\\Every slice of land above the ocean exists because of a sweet, cacophonous symphony of soil ecology.

Deborah

documentary,

Koons

Symphony

Garcia’s the

recent

Soil,

reflective and inspiring story about the “dirt” beneath our feet. As we tour the raw elements of planet Earth, it’s

Different soils produce habitats and ecosystems.

apparent that there is a big difference between

Tropical soils in Central America, prairie soils

“dirt” and “soil.” Whereas “dirt” is dirt, soil

in the Midwest, volcanic soil in Hawaii, desert

place

immediate

full

life

gratification,

that but

offers

zero

soil in Joshua Tree – they all have different

patience

and

rates of productivity that result in different

observation will reveal its amazing mysteries.

climatic adaptations. To help work with our particular soils, we have to know how to minimize

The story of soil — of us and science — is

our water input. Mulching helps retain water, but

mesmerizing. With beautiful time-lapse imagery,

what about planting plants close enough to create

detailed

and

protective canopies? Solutions abound depending

informative montages, the documentary itself is

upon our needs, but clever solutions for smart

mesmerizing. After all, and not surprisingly,

soil

plant roots are far more fascinating once you

necessary future.

electron

microscope

photos,

management

are

certainly

part

our

learn they grow like reindeer antlers. An excellent demonstration in the documentary is As a fairly political film, the documentary does

an experiment composed of two-liter bottles and

good

different types of soil quality. The results show

work

soil love

perspectives,

attempting sound

provide

statistics,

varied

stories,

and

that

well-managed

soil

not

only

replenishes

personal experiences. Though soil forms slowly if

aquifers with drinking water, but filters our

unaided, we learn that with the help of people

drinking

and patient soil management, we have the ability

predicting our need for fresh water to double

to speed up the process of soil production. Sheet

over the next fifty years, soil filtration may be

mulching, for example, adds several inches of

a necessary option.

water

well.

With

projections

fresh topsoil to a garden in five years time. According to the UN, it could take millennia to

produce a few centimeters of soil.

comforted to know that healthy soil, coupled with

GMOs

are

concern

for

you,

you’ll

an awareness of ecology, nearly eliminates the Similar to sheet mulching and topsoil growth,

need for plants to be engineered in such a way to

Symphony of the Soil speeds up the relationship

withstand more and more herbicides.

of soil formation and humanity in such a way that our connection is vivid and tangible. Though

\\\If

sometimes dense, the story shines through: we are

screening of Symphony of the Soil at The Frida

here because of soil. Everything we love exists

Cinema in Downtown Santa Ana’s East End District,

because of soil. In response to this profound fact,

Thursday, January 15th. The Organic Farmer’s

the

Market is that night, 4 – 8 pm on the Spurgeon

Food

and

Agriculture

Organization

declared 2015 the International Year of Soils.

has

you’re

interested,

there’s

public

Promenade (between 3rd and 4th St.). Make a day of learning and connecting with the Earth and our local community. www.dtsafarmersmarket.com www.fao.org/soils-2015/en/

_Sarah Elizabeth Colburn

\\\I take deep breaths of relief as I clean the last counter with lemon essential oil, close the last open drawer, and hang up the last of the clean clothes. The trash is taken out, the toys and the magazines and shoes are in their rightful places, the giveaway bag is in my trunk to bring to the local shelter. Now I can focus, now I can turn my attention to playing with my son, getting my writing done, preparing for the busy week ahead. Every time I finish clearing the clutter that inevitably builds up in our living room, next to our bed and even in the bathroom, I feel my personal vibration rise. My thoughts become more coherent

Vibration of stuff

and a tremendous sense of liberation and satisfaction take over. A cluttered environment stresses me out, makes me twitch and scatters my attention. It turns out I’m not the only one. Abraham Hicks, teacher of the Universal Law of Attraction, imparts that every single thing has its own vibration and, as such, we develop a vibrational relationship with everything in our lives. Therefore, if we are surrounded by old magazines, unfinished projects, piles of mail and misplaced items, our power of attraction becomes tangled up in the stagnant energy of the past. Our progress slows, as does our ability to allow the positive momentum in our lives to move forward. Clearing space allows us to make room for new experiences, new opportunities, and even new material objects. I consider material objects as manifestations of Spirit – the tangible reality that forms around my dreams, goals, life experiences, and relationships. Therefore, a photo, a piece of clothing, a book or trinket, has the power to stir a memory from long ago. The challenge then arises as to whether or not it is healthier to keep the memories or let them go. One practice that helps me to let go of material things is to visualize the end result. What will the room (or closet or desk) look like when I’m through organizing and purging? How will it feel to wake up to a clean, crisp, renewed space? Once I have the feeling of clarity firmly in my mind, I intentionally set aside an hour or two to get moving. Allow yourself to move freely from task to task, tackle whatever feels right in the moment.

If you aren’t ready to give away

or sell certain things, place them neatly in a separate box, out of the motion and flow of your daily life. You can revisit them when you’re ready. Another practice for clearing space is to literally give away material items. A friend will give me a book, in turn I will pass on a belonging, releasing the need to tightly hold possessions. There are so many people, organizations and shelters that can benefit from items that simply clutter our existence. If we give, we will receive – a truth that makes this intentional practice a realization of our ability to create new motion and flow in all areas of our lives.

Photo_Billy Yarbrough

_Joshua Tree Minimalism

Star Light, Star Bright _Ami Sattinger

gifts of the spirit

\\\Have you noticed the stars twinkling in the dark winter skies? For most of us the

The

month of December is focused on getting

welcome time to slow down and listen to the

darkness

winter

can

also

things done and keeping up with our busy

message in our hearts and minds. For some,

holiday schedule, or completing our annual

the darkness is a time to be avoided, since

reports before the beginning of the New

it is unfamiliar and can feel empty and

Year. Yet the true gifts of the spirit

confusing. Why not offer yourself the gift

emerge as we begin to honor the darkness

of some time to tune in with your spiritual

and celebrate the birth of the light into

source and feel a sense of completion as

higher consciousness.

the year draws to an end? of

From mid February until the end of March,

stillness, with many animals hibernating

Jupiter is in the Water sign of Cancer,

and many people needing more time to sleep

making a harmonious aspect to Uranus in

and to dream. Let’s see how we can tune in

the Water sign of Pisces. This cycle is an

to the planetary patterns and find new

opportunity to expand the love and support

opportunities

Planet

Earth,

for

it’s

our

time

rejuvenation

our

give

and

receive

from

our

family,

heart and spirit. From December through

friends, and neighbors, both locally and

March,

globally.

Pluto

Sagittarius

making

the

Fire

sign

challenging

aspect

with Uranus in the Water sign of Pisces.

experience

would to

exemplify

to this

special

transit.

This offers us an opportunity to transform and

I participated in a spiritual celebration

embrace a deeper connection to our higher

this fall where 1,000 people from the West

selves and our spiritual source.

Coast of the U.S. and Canada gathered in

some

our

old

limiting

beliefs

Los

Angeles

welcome

our

spiritual

What if we were able to have a different

leader from Japan. We each received a seed

expectation of how the holiday season and

of light and gratitude as we touched hands

year end completion could be and feel a

with him and were asked to share that love

sense of peace and fulfillment as we begin

and light everyday with our friends and

our new year? Perhaps we could take a walk

neighbors. May you all be blessed with

in nature with a loved one to see the stark

seeds of light and magical gifts of the

and pristine beauty, or listen to some

spirit this winter season, and find a way

inspiring music and have the opportunity

to pay it forward.

to slow down and savor the moment. What if we

traded

our

‘last

minute’

holiday

shopping stress for some simple gifts from the heart like a foot massage, or some loved and nurtured?

www.AstroCoachAmi.com

homemade treats and could enjoy feeling

Get Out, Go Do

_Lindsey Bro

\\\It’s a Southern California winter and that means that while the days may be shorter and the winds may be chillier, the nights are also longer and the blankets are a little warmer. So in the spirit of minimalism, here are twelve things (one per week) you can use as an excuse to get out and go do. 1_ Buy a piece of art (print, press or original). 2_ Go sledding down a sand dune. 3_ Pick wild thyme, sage, or rosemary to infuse with honey.

winter

4_Find a project at the flea market to start in the new year. 5_ Make a pin-hole camera and take two photos: one on New Year’s Eve and one on New Year’s Day. (Or buy a disposable camera and look up how to hack homemade filters) 6_ Go on a full moon hike, or a night walk. 7_ In one day, go to the mountains, the desert, and to the beach. 8_ Find a used version of your favorite book from childhood, re-read it, write a note in the front, and then give it back to a used bookstore. 9_ Try four new coffee shops in four different cities. 10_ Hike to the Bridge to Nowhere or to Carrizo Gorge. 11_ Be a local tourist: visit the missions! Start with San Juan, then see how many others you can hit. 12_ Cross a border (not including California’s western one).

Artwork_ Chantal DeFelice

This November we launched our inaugural ACCESS event,

collaborative

community

event

series,

celebrating the holistic lifestyle we’ve all grown to

call

our

own.

Rooted

all-things-local,

yogis, cyclists, musicians and artists came out to Chris Justice painting live.

a yoga practice led by Laura Love and Lindsey Bro; following the practice surf-rock group Sapphire Road

played

sets

while

last

issue’s

artist

spotlight Chris Justice painted live. Neighborhood vendors

provided

small

bites

and

drinks,

exemplifying the idea of community we’re seeking to cultivate. Thank you to everyone —— attendees and contributors alike —— for your support. Stay tuned for our future ACCESS events; we’d love to see you there.

“Pura Vida”

_Community Partners

Beyond Print

Fyziio Body Performance

ArtAsan Jewelry

Brian Crawford Photography

Verve XO

Hobie

Jewelry by Joan

YogaWorks

PureLoveYoga

Jewelry by Mayu

Manduka

Oceana Yoga

Rescue Recycle Reuse

Makana

More Than Oils

Lady Bim

Shine Bodyworks

Pacific Ashtanga

Chris Justice Art

Organic Tree

Novecento Sports

Pyrite Studio

Wolf and Sheep Brand

Clif Kit’s Organic

St. Regis Monarch Beach

Le Visage Salon

Dyln Inspired

Yost Theater

SkinAgain

Massey Honey Co.

DTSA Farmer’s Market

Vitargo

the HIVE & Co.

Toes on the Nose

E. Diamond Diversified

Sweet jams by Sapphire Road.

Eddie giving out Kung Fu Tonic Samples, always with some love.

_Hosted Crank + Grind Coffee and Bike Religion

_Strategic Partnerships we are ROOT

_Styling Archive Rentals, SOURCED. Collective, Christina Annalisa Designs, Floral Fete

_Benefitted Challenged Athletes Foundation

Pouring samples of Abreojos Tequila with lime juice, ginger syrup and Kung Fu Tonic.

_Yoga Laura Love and Lindsey Bro

_Small Bites Boldo Bol, Keda Cortao Cafe & Bistro, Jackâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant, Carley Cakes, Pie-Not, the Cellar Cheese Shop

_Drinks Liquid Culture mixing Abreojos Tequila and Kung Fu Tonic, Handmade, one of a kind jewelry by ArtAsan.

Photos_Billy Yarbrough

Better Booch, Ritual Wellness, the Waterhouse, ZGR Imports

Everyone enjoyed the relaxed setting, styled by Sourced and furniture provided by Archive.

Our very own Barbara Campins and Laura Love with John Bonner and Marjorie Woodbridge.

Challenging yoga practice inside Bike Religion.

Date night for Heartworks OC ladies and their husbands.

farmers market \\\Looking for a few hours of live entertainment, fresh flowers, street vendors and farm-fresh goods? Orange County Farmers’ Markets offer the perfect combination of local produce, artisan crafts, and gourmet food stands with a fair-like atmosphere that everyone in the family will enjoy. Every market is an unique experience and you can find one that is open on almost any day of the week. All of them offer a wide variety of fresh, organic, local goods at reasonable prices.

Downtown Anaheim – Thursdays. Winter hrs. 11am - 4pm in the Center Street Promenade of Downtown Anaheim. Local California certified farmers, gourmet foods, crafts and music. Anaheim - Kaiser Permanente – Fridays. 9 am – 2 pm at 3400 East La Palma Ave. Local fruits and vegetables affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets.

Huntington Beach Certified Farmers’ Market – Tuesdays. 5 pm – 9 pm on Main Street for Surf City Nights. Orange County’s largest weekly street fair and certified market, it boasts vendors, fresh produce, flowers, entertainment, furniture and ready-to-eat food. Huntington Beach Market in Pier Plaza – Fridays. 1 pm - 5 pm at Main Street and Pacific Coast Highway. Affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets, it offers fresh produce, nuts, and other farm wares produced by the farmers selling them. Irvine,

Crossroads - Sundays, 9am - 2pm. Located 3750 Barranca Pkwy.

Irvine Market in the Irvine Center - Saturdays. 8 am - Noon on the corner of Bridge and Campus streets, across from UCI. Affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets, these farmers are screened to make sure they actually grow/produce the goods they sell. Irvine – Sundays. 10 am – 2 pm in The Great Park on Marine Way off Sand Canyon. Features fresh and locally grown produce, artisan crafts, entertainment, and gourmet food. Laguna Beach – Saturdays. 8 am - Noon. Located in the Lumberyard Parking Lot next to City Hall, this market is affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. Provides fresh produce, nuts, meats, and eggs to the public from California farmers. Laguna Hills - Fridays, 9am - 1pm in the mall parking lot. El Toro Road & Avenida De La Carlota. Laguna Niguel Market – Sundays. 8 am - Noon. Located in the Plaza De La Paz Shopping Center on the corner of La Paz and Pacific Park. Features farm fresh produce, eggs, honey, and is affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets.

Anaheim - The Farmers’ Park Market – Sundays. 10 am – 3 pm next to Anaheim Packing House. Brea – Tuesdays. 4 pm – 8 pm on Brea Blvd and Birch Street. Focused on connecting local farmers with the public, affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. Buena Park – Saturdays. 9 am – 2 pm on the corner of La Palma and Stanton Sears in the parking lot. Focus on fresh fruits and veggies, free-range eggs, raw honey, and ready-to-eat foods. Affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets. Capistrano Beach - Wednesdays, 3 -7pm. Located 25975 Domingo Ave. Corona Del Mar – Saturdays. 9 am – 1 pm on Margarite and Pacific Coast Highway. Affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmer’s Markets. Costa Mesa – Thursdays. 9 am - 1 pm at the Orange County Fairgrounds on 88 Fair Drive. Every farmer selling at this market is inspected by the Orange County Agriculture Commissioner to make sure they actually grow what’s being sold. Affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau Sponsored Certified Farmer’s Markets. Costa Mesa – Saturdays. 9 am – 2 pm at the SoCo Collection on 3315 Hyland Ave. Run by the Sprouts of Promise Foundation, the market features fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts, eggs, and raw honey. All goods are from California. Dana Point – Saturdays. 9 am – 1 pm. Located on Pacific Coast Highway and Golden Lantern. Affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmers’ Markets, find fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, seeds, crafts, and a few ready-to-eat foods. Foothill Ranch - Thursdays, 3 - 7pm at the parking lot of Food Festival. 26612 Towne Center Dr. Fountain Valley - Thursdays, 5 -8pm at Fountain Valley Recreation Center, 16400 Brookhurst St. Fullerton – Wednesdays. 8 am - 1 pm. Located in Independence Park at 801 W. Valencia Drive. Operated by the Fullerton Certified Farmers’ Market Board, it supplies fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, honey, meats, flowers, and artisan breads to the community. Garden Grove, Local Harvest - Sundays, 9am - 2pm at Main & Garden Grove Blvd.

Newport Beach – Sundays. 9 am – 1 pm at 3400 Block of Via Oporto. It was established in 2010 and is a certified farmers’ market featuring fresh produce and other farm goods as well as a few ready-to-eat options. Orange Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market – Saturdays. 9 am – 1 pm located at 304 N. Cypress Street on the corner of Cypress and Palm. Certified market operated by Orange Home Grown, Inc. Featuring a huge selection of farm fresh produce, nuts, mushrooms, honey, free-range eggs, meats, fresh breads, baked goods and more. Fresh coffee is available, too. Orange Market in Irvine Regional Park – Tuesdays. 9 am – 1 pm on 1 Irvine Mark Road. Affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets. Products are inspected to make sure they’re grown by the farmers selling them. Features fresh produce, eggs, and other farm products. Placentia - Tuesdays, 4 - 8pm at Placentia Town Center on Yorba Linda Blvd. / N. Kraemer. Seal Beach Village - Tuesdays, 9am - 1pm at Westminster Blvd. & Seal Beach Blvd. San Clemente – Sundays. 9 am - 1 pm on the 200 block of Avenida Del Mar. Affiliated with the California Federation of Certified Farmer’s Markets, providing a place where California farmers can sell their wares to the general public. San Juan Capistrano’s Market - Wednesdays. 3 pm – 7 pm. Located on El Camino Real and Yorba Street. Features produce vendors as well as flowers, fresh breads, olives, eggs, hummus, and other fresh goods. Downtown Santa Ana – Thursdays. 4 pm – 8 pm located on Spurgeon Promenade between 3rd and 4th Street. Chef-driven, community oriented market focused on quality produce at low prices. Tustin – Wednesdays. 9 am – 1 pm located on the corner of El Camino Real and 3rd Street. Affiliated with the Orange County Farm Bureau of Sponsored Certified Farmers’ Markets, it strives to include only products actually grown on the farms selling the goods. Yorba Linda Market – Saturdays. 9 am – 1 pm located on Main Street and Imperial Highway. As a certified market, it only has naturally grown goods and features local food vendors, fresh produce, eggs, honey, and meats.

www.artasan.com |

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contributors

Laura Love | Yoga teacher, wellness educator, and Creative Director of pure.love.yoga. Laura has been teaching yoga in Orange County since 2006. She also leads life- changing wellness programs and both local & international yoga retreats. www.dharmayogawellness.com www.pureloveyogasc.com Jessica Malloy | Jessica is a 200hr RYT and a freelance-writer. She enjoys seeing the world upside down or from high places to remind her of child-like fearlessness. She likes her bourbon straight and her tea strong. www.narrowhips.com

Stacey Anderson | An Orange County teacher With a degree in Biology from New College of Florida. She has worked with students of all ages, teaching science, math, and nature connection. When she is not working with Earthroots Field School, she is working at South Coast Farms in San Juan Capistrano. sodangdelicious.blogpost.com.

Amber Materna | Principal of we are ROOT. She's both written and placed work spanning across major publications, including the L.A. Times and Curbed. She found her love for meditation and wellness while studying at UCLA's MARC, prompting her to establish a firm centered around conscious content creation. www.weareroot.us

Lindsey Bro | California based creative who has traveled the world in search of stories, experiences, and adventures. While studying at U.C. Berkeley, Lindsey found an affinity for cultural studies, witty wordplay, and sharply intellectual writings that she never managed to shake. A writer for numerous publications, but her heart’s with screenplays, healthy living, and teaching yoga.

Zack Miller | Hi, I‘m Zack, 25 yrs. old from San Clemente, Ca. Relocated to the island of Oahu to persue my passion of surf and ocean photography. Instagram: @zeemillz

Kerri Cacciata | Chef in Residence at The Ecology Center, consult on edible gardens, raises chickens, and run a boutique catering business, Local Tastes Better. Kerri has spent over 10 years working and volunteering in the city of Santa Ana, and has worked hard to help bring a new farmers’ market to the community. www.facebook.com/kerri.cacciata Barbara Campins | A passionate Yoga Instructor and Holistic Health Coach. Her deepest desire is to unlock in her students, clients and herself the infinite possibilities of growth from the inside out. Barbara is an *E-RYT 200 and a graduate of the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. www.barbaracampins.com Sarah Elizabeth Colburn | She has passion for travelling, teaching and learning, and living a healthy, conscious lifestyle. She writes, breathes and loves yoga, her son River, the ocean air, and therapeutic grade essential oils. mamacitasaritaa.wordpress.com Meryl Gwinn | Meryl is teacher of yoga, meditation, and food medicine. Simplicity, freedom, and joy are motivators, and healing comes through movement, breath, and colorful plant foods. Meryl's BS is kinesiology; and she applies this science to meal creation, retreats, and nutritional detoxes to uplift and enliven body and spirit. Kirsten Hale | Herbalist, Activist and Educator that thinks the plants are in a divine and comical conspiracy to teach us the things we haven't learned yet. She is the potion maker behind Little Bird Apothecary. She is passionate about non-hierarchical spaces, social justice, plant people and BoBa drinks. And sparkles. www.lbapothecary.com Christina Hall | Executive Director of the Orange County Food Access Coalition, ensuring that our county's most nutritionally vulnerable residents have access to healthy, local food options. Her background has included engagement on social justice matters relating to food access, the right to water, and bettering air quality. www.ocfoodaccess.org Jamie Hanson | A life-long athlete and distance runner, found yoga after battling many injuries. Yoga instructor since 2009 and a leader for Off the Mat, Into the World, a founding member of the OC Yoga Connection and is passionate about bridging yoga and social activism in her community and abroad. www.jamiehansonyoga.com Sacred Ji | Fine Artist & Karmic Accountant. Represented by Pyrite Studio. pyrite-studio.com Madame Jo | Practices amorphous relationships and is a communications counselor and mediator for traditional and alternative relationships. She is a nomadic community-builder and offers her services from a distance or on-site. askthemadame@gmail.com Rachael Johnson | Rachael is the owner of HOMage, a natural cleaning product company dedicated to using simple, aromatherapeutic and homeopathic ingredients to inspire a holistic approach to home cleaning. As a single mother, she has been inspired by years of pursuing clean and beautiful ways of keeping house.

Chris Justice | Artist, Photographer, Designer. Chris shares his lust and exuberance for life through his relationship with color and the purity of raw emotion. Chrisjusticeart.com

Karen O’Connell | Karen helps individuals, families and businesses experience the joy of living more mindful, compassionate, and healthier lives. “be in the parade of life.” karen@vervexo.com | www.vervexo.com Luki O‘Keefe | Southern California based photographer specializing in capturing ocean beauty. Instagram: @_lucrecia_ Dana Patterson | Spiritual Guide, certified Kundalini Yoga and Mediation teacher as well as a Gong Sound Healing practitioner. Dana strives to integrate healing into all interactions with others; catalyzing individuals and their environment to shift toward both healing and growth. For upcoming events and services please check out www.spiritualhomework.com Adriana Peralta | A professional massage therapist by trade, Adriana studied at Fullerton College of Therapeutic and Sports Massage and has been practicing for over eleven years. Believing in the individuality of massage, she draws on many techniques, tailoring her work to specific client needs for relaxation and alignment. Sandhiya Ramaswamy | Ayurvedic Practitioner, educator and chef. Born and having lived in India, she has had a lifelong and intimate connection with Ayurvedic healing. Her practice, Green Lotus Wellness, is based in Dana Point, California. www.greenlotuswellness.com Marissa Rose | Reiki certified, Yoga Sculpt certified, and a SUP Yoga instructor. She teaches and leads trainings for CorePower Yoga as well as offers private yoga, SUP yoga, and reiki healing sessions. www.marissaroseyoga.com Ami Sattinger | A Sidereal Western Astrologer, Life Coach, Divine Light Practitioner and Wellness Astrologer. She has extensive training in Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP) and Landmark Education, as well as in the fields of Astrology, Nutrition, and Holistic Health. AstroCoachAmi.com | facebook.com/pages/Astro-Coach-Ami Alex “Ozman” Scott | A native Australian photographer and professional snowboarder who thrives on shooting with his medium format Hassleblad. He is one of the key contributors and co-owner of Spring Break Snowboards. www.springbreaksnowboards.com Analee Scott | “My life's tending is to help actualize the dream of our one, sweet world." Analee has two B.A. degrees from the University of Nevada, Reno in Psychology and Spanish. She is a certified yoga instructor and field instructor at Second Nature Entrada. www.snwp.com. Erika Tucker | She attained professional training from the French Culinary Institute in NYC and has studied under renowned chefs around the world. She is the chef-in-residence at The Ecology Center, a Green Feast chef, an instructor for Farm to Fork classes, and the lead chef behind Community Table. cheferikatuckergroup.com Corey Waterhouse | Owner of The Waterhouse, in Dana Point. Offering pure ionized alkaline water, filteration system, organic herbs and mixes. Corey is passionate about the quality of drinking water and its’ many healing benefits. She studied under Dr. David Jubb, author of The Secrets of an Alkaline Body in NYC. ocwaterhouse.com | facebook.com/theewaterhouse Billy Yarbrough | Photogenesis and co-founder of Pyrite Studio. Manager of the Nepalese fashion Guru \ Musician Terry Yaqui & Karmic Accountant Sacred Ji. billyyarbrough.com | pyrite-studio.com

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