OMTimes Magazine April A 2023 Edition

Editorial

Living a conscious life means being aware of your thoughts, feelings, actions, and surroundings. It involves being present and fully engaged in each moment of your life rather than just going through the motions on autopilot. In addition, conscious living requires a willingness to examine your beliefs, values, and habits and to make intentional choicesthatalignwithyourgoalsandvalues.

Somekeyaspectsoflivingaconsciouslifeinclude:

1. Mindfulness means paying attention to the present moment without judgment. It involves being aware of your thoughts and feelings as they arise and letting them pass without getting caught up in them. Mindfulness can help you stay grounded and concentrated, reduce stress and anxiety,andenhanceyouroverallwell-being.

2Self-awareness:Self-awarenessmeansunderstandingyour own thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, as well as how they impact those around you. It involves being honest about your strengths and weaknesses and being willing to learn andgrow.

3. Purpose and meaning: Living a conscious life concerns havingasenseofpurposeandmeaninginyourlife.Thiscan involve pursuing your passions and interests, contributing to your community or society in some way, and living in alignmentwithyourvalues.

4. Connection: Connection to yourself, others, and the worldaroundyouisanimportantaspectofconsciousliving. This involves building meaningful relationships, engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment, and finding waystoconnectwithnatureandtheenvironment.

This April edition brings Sandie Sedgbeer, a seasoned broadcaster, an Award-winning Radio Personality, a Radio Host, and an Influencer that holds the mission to bring the mostprominentvoicesoftheSpiritualandconsciousgenres to the forefront. Sandie has an amazing story to tell about her conscious journey, the pathways she traveled, her realizations, and her projects. It is with pleasure that we bringthisNewAprileditiontoyou.

MayConsciousLovingTransformUs!

LianeBuck EditorInChief

Sandie Sedgbeer

A veteran broadcaster, author, media consultant, and professional journalist who cut her teeth in the ultra-competitive world of British newspapers and magazines, Sandie Sedgbeer has interviewed some of the world’s leading thinkers, scientists, celebrities, politicians, educators and new thought teachers and speakers. She is the author of 6 books published by major international publishing houses and has been a frequent guest on all of Britain’s most popular TV and radio shows. Her books have been translated into several languages.

"Iamnot,bynature,apatientperson,andIdon’tsufferfools gladly,soIhavetoconsciouslyworkharderatremembering thatwe’reallonajourney"-SandieSedgbeer

OMTimes:Howdidyourjourneythrough theworldofConsciousandSpiritual broadcastingbegin?

SandieSedgbeer:Istartedmycareerasa journalistintheUK,workingasbothastaff writerforinternationalmagazinesanda freelancewriterforteenmagazines.

Myinterestinmetaphysicswasalways there,butsincethesubjectwas consideredabit“outthere,”Ikeptmy careerandprivatelifeseparate. Nevertheless,Iwasfascinatedby esotericsubjectsandanymodality likenumerologyandastrologythat helpedoneunderstandoneself.

WhenIwasinmymid20’s,Iwasfortunate enoughtomeetanincrediblewoman whohadsuchbadasthmathatshe couldn’tworkandinsteadspentmostof hertimestudyingastrology,homeopathy, andBachflowerremedies.Tohave accesstohervastknowledge,experience, andlibraryofesotericclassicswasa dreamcometrue.

Shenurturedmycuriosityandencouraged mygrowinginterestincomplementary therapies,metaphysics,Consciousness, divination,andthesearchfor“truth,” Tothisday,Imisstheincredible conversationsweusedtohave.

IoftenwonderwhetherIwouldbedoing whatIamdoingtodayifithadn’tbeenfor Lillian.

Duringthattime,Iwroteseveralbooks whichwereverywellreceivedintheUKand ledtomanyappearancesonBritain’smost popularTVandradioshows,being interviewedmyself,andacquiringabitofa reputationasa“talkinghead.”

OnceIarrivedinCalifornia,Iwasofferedthe opportunitytolaunchandmanagean onlinespiritualmagazinecalled PlanetLightworker,anotherdreamcome true.Ihelpedconceiveandexecutethe launchofseveralprintmagazinesintheUK. So,Iwasreallyeagertoseehowonecould dothesameontheinternetandbring togethermyinterestinmetaphysicsand spiritualitywithalltheskillsandexperience I’dgatheredovertheyearsworkingonprint MagazinesintheUK.

Afewyearslater,theoriginalownerofthat magazine,aspiritualteacherandauthor, launchedoneofthefirstSpirituallyoriented InternetTVshowsand,givenmypast experienceonbothsidesofthecamera andmicrophone,invitedmetoconduct guestinterviewsfortheshow.

ThatwaswhenIdiscoveredmysecret passionasa“shamelesssharer”whojust lovesaskingquestionsandsharing informationandpeoplethatIfeelwecan allbenefitfrom.

OMTimes: How were your belief systems formed?(Religion,politics,family,etc.)

SandieSedgbeer:Myfamilywasnotreligious. Ifasked,mymotherwouldsaywewere“CofE” (Church of England). ). I lived in a children’s home with three of my siblings from ages four to eleven. The “home” was one of several houses on a larger property with a church, small hospital, gymnasium, indoor pool, laundries,andjustabouteverythingyou wouldfindinasmallvillage.

C of E children went to the church on the grounds, while Catholics went to a church outsideofthevillage.

Occasionally, we were allowed to attend a Catholic child’s confirmation. Being exposed to two different churches was a wonderful experience for an inveterate ‘thinker,’ “observer,” and‘questioner’likeme.Iveryquicklyunderstood theanomalies.

Asaresult,whileIalwaysthoughtIbelievedthere was some kind of higher intelligence, I never reallyboughtthestoriesofthevariousreligions. My later dive into metaphysical literature confirmedthatorthodoxreligionwasnotforme.

OMTimes: Do you have any recollection from yourchildhoodofanyepisodethatsteeredyou towardsthispath?

SandieSedgbeer:Lookingback,Icanseethat thereweredefinitelysignsalongtheway.Iwas a precocious child in many ways. I don’t recall being taught to read, but I was reading long beforeIwenttoschool.Iusedtoloveobserving peopleandwouldhideintreesandundertables and listen to what people said and how they behaved. I was very interested in psychology –whypeopledowhattheydo,saywhattheysay, andbehaveincertainways.

I intuitively knew when someone’s words or behaviordidnotmatchwhatwasreallygoingon insidethem.Iwasobsessedwiththelibraryand lovedreadingFolkTalesfromdifferentcountries. I believed in faeries, elves, and trolls and spent muchtimeinthefieldshopingtomeetsomeof thesebeings.

WhileIwasveryshy,Iwouldoftensaythingsand askquestionsofadultsthattheywouldsaywere ratheroddandadvancedforachildofmyage. Iwasalwaysfascinatedbythenightsky.

IwouldstargazeforaslongasIwasallowedto, wonderingaboutthestarsandthelifeonother planets, and whether there were people somewhere “up there,” wondering if there were people down here on this planet, wondering if there were people up there, etc. I have no idea wherethosethoughtscamefrom.

IdistinctlyrememberastrangemomentwhenIwasabout fiveorsix.IwasplayingagameofSupermanwithfriends.I hadtakenmycoatoffandplaceditovermyshoulderslike a cape. I recall looking down at my lower arm where the sleeve of my blouse met my wrist and being mesmerized by the smooth unlined skin on my wrist and hand, and somehow knowing that it hadn’t always been as smooth and unlined. It was only a fleeting moment, and I didn’t understandit,butthesurpriseofitstayedwithme.Looking back, I can only think that it must have been a deeper, older part of me who had enough experience to appreciateandsavorlifeandyouth.

OMTimes: Tell us a little about your Journey into the SpiritualandConsciousGenre.

SandieSedgbeer: IthinkIhavelargelycoveredthatinmy answer to the first question. I would add that although I was an avid reader of every metaphysical book, I could get my hands on, I still approached everything with a degreeofskepticism.

My criterion was always my gut. I was aware that some books ‘resonated’ with me at some level, and something in me knew theywereclosertothetruththanothers.Still,therewasadefinite sense of sorting books and information into YES and NO piles going on. But something happened in 1987, which I later realized was the year of the Harmonic Convergence. I didn’t know that then, and I cannot pinpoint the actual timing of the shift within me. But suddenly, I seemed to have a strong knowledge, which hadn’tbeensoclearbefore,thatwhathadoncebeenasuspicion had now become a belief. The only way I could describe it is to saythatitwasasifsomethingthathadbeen‘outthere’wasnow ‘inhere.’ AndIunderstood,withoutknowinghowIknewthis,thatI hadnotbeenstudyingtolearnintheusualway,tobeconvinced, butratherIhadbeenlookingforinformationthatwouldhelpme rememberwhatIalreadyknew.

OMTimes:Haveyoulearnedanythingfromsomeonecriticalof you?

Sandie Sedgbeer: Like many people, I need to think carefully aboutcriticism.Ontheonehand,itcanbehardtotake,andeasy to dismiss. But while I might find my ego shrinking or leaping to defendmyselfinthefaceofcriticism,Iknowthatthereisapartof methatwantstoknowthetruth,thatstrivestobebetter,andthus cannot shirk from self-inquiry and owning my mistakes. To me, self-knowledge is a necessity. It’s a drive in me, which is why I studied astrology, numerology, human design, gene keys, etc. I don’twanttobethekindofpersonwhoisoblivioustotheirfaults.I knowthereismoretomethanthephysical.Iwanttoknowitall… the physical, the persona I am playing with in this lifetime, the lessons and experiences I chose to have in this form, and everythingthatismebeyondthisform.

Andthatmeansputtingmybiggirlpantsonandlearningfromit all.

OMTimes: As one of the big conscious influencers worldwide, notonlyintheconsciousrealmsbutalsospirituallyandnowin thescientificcommunity,howdoyouevaluatetheactualstate ofConsciousnessinourniche?

Sandie Sedgbeer: I think there are many states and levels of Consciousness,andthuswehavetoacceptthateveryoneofus istransitioningfromonestatetoanother.

Someofuscanspendanawfullotoftimemovingthroughthattransition.

Wecangetstuck;wecantrytoleapfrogandbypasssomestatesofmindandbeingthatfeel liketheymightrequireabitmoreworkthanwewanttogivethem.Ican’treallycommenton otherpeopleandtheirstates.Idoclearlyseethatmanyofusdonotclearlysee…untilwedo.

Iseehowsometeachersaresopassionateaboutsharingwhattheyknowthattheyputtheir all into it and, later down the road, have so much invested in it that keeps the machinery of living that passion in motion that it has become a driving factor that sometimes requires things from them that they might not have considered doing at the beginning. Some people get seduced by being in the spotlight. Some get seduced by their followers' attention, adoration, and projections. I always find that a little sad because it is a trap that any of us is susceptibleto.

I am not, by nature, a patient person, and I don’t suffer fools gladly, so I have to consciously workharderatrememberingthatwe’reallonajourney,andjustbecauseIdon’tfindsomeone authentic, others are gaining something valuable from them. So, it’s not an easy question to answer.Icanbejudgmental,andIalsoknowthatIamnotqualifiedtositinjudgment.

OMTimes:Doyoubelieveingurus?Doyouhaveaguru?

SandieSedgbeer: I do not believe in gurus, and I do not have one. I do not believe in giving one’spowerawaytoothers.Idobelievethatweallhaveeverythingweneedwithinus.

Ittookmealongtimetocometothatconclusion aboutmyselfandtotrustmyinnerguidance.Still, the proof of the pudding lies in the knowledge thatmyinnerguidanceneverletsmedown. Ithinkthetimeofgurusandteachersisover.

I believe we are beyond that now. We are all teachers,andwecanalllearnfromeachother.I am a strong advocate of never surrendering one’ssovereigntytoanyone.Thatdoesn’tmean therearen’tpeopleIrespect,admire,andwantto learnfrom.

Iprefertousetheterms‘mentors’and‘guides’rather thangurus.AndIhavebeenveryfortunatetohave severalwonderfulmentorsandguides.

OMTimes: Do you have a superpower? If so, whatisIt?

SandieSedgbeer:Thatmakesmethinkbackto the five or six-year-old me with my coat buttonedaroundmyneck,flyingbackfrommy shoulders as I raced around the playground pretendingtobeSuperman.

IthinkImighthavedevelopedafewnatural “powers’ that I would put in that category. One is the power of my intuition. Another is thepowerofmyintention.Ihavetestedboth to the hilt and have been astonished by whatcanbeachievedwhenweapplythese powerstowhichweallhaveaccess.

OMTimes: Tell us how your gift (superpower) changed you, helped someone or expanded yourhorizons.

Sandie Sedgbeer: When I wanted to come toAmerica,IknewthatIwouldhavetogeta workpermitifIwantedtostayforanylength of time. Friends in the USA had introduced two possibilities. I had been talking to two CEOs, one in San Diego and one in Tiburon, about two potential jobs. When nothing happened, I gave myself six months to live with my sister on one of the Gulf Islands in BC between Vancouver and Victoria and continueseekingajobintheUSAfromthere. After a couple of months of rest and relaxation,IwentonMonsterBoardoneday tostartaserioussearchwhenIcameacross an ad for a potential job in San Diego that I hadbeeninvestigating.

I contacted the CEO and told him I was now in BC. He said he hadn’t been able togethisheadaroundthedistance,but nowthatIwasonthesamecontinentif I was prepared to fly to San Diego for a meeting at my own expense, he would beveryhappytotalktome.

A few weeks before that, I had been surprised by one of those “books falling off a shelf” in a 2nd handbook store on the island. It was Jose Silva’s The Silver MethodofMindControl.Ihad,ofcourse, boughtandreadthebook.So,Idecided thatsinceIonlyhadfourmonthslefton my visa, I had to manifest that job in San Diego, which sounded like a fabulous place to live for a Brit who hated the cold. So I applied myself assiduously to putting Jose Silva’s methodintopractice.

Asstillsomethingofaskeptic,Idecided that to prove this method to myself, I had to build into my visualization processthreeunlikelythingsthatwould have to happen for me to believe that I was responsible for manifesting a positiveoutcome.

So,Idid.Andonthedayoftheinterview,all three of those unlikely things happened in the order that I had placed them. The first wasthattheCEOwouldoffermethejobthat veryday.Andthathewouldtakecareofall thecostsinvolvedingettingmyworkpermit. The second was that he would take me to lunch.Andthethirdwasthathewoulddrive mearoundSanDiegotoseemynewhome afterlunch.

When that happened, I recognized and acknowledged the power of my intention. And have used it many times in the same waysince.It’sneverfailed. However,thereisacaveat.

Weallknowit--Becarefulwhatyouwishfor. I was triumphant when those three things happened. I couldn’t wait to call my sister whenIwasbackatthehotelandsharemy jubilation.

Except, when I started telling her, I became aware of this ‘aching pit’ feeling in my gut. Something was not right. I had everything I had hoped for, yet I could feel this nagging sensation telling me that this might not be thebestthingformeafterall.

Anditwasright.Istartedworkingforthedot com straight away while living in BC and waitingformyworkvisa.So,bythetimeIgot thatandmovedtoSanDiegoinJanuaryof 1999,IknewthatthiscompanyandIwere notagoodfit.Ihatedthejob,andsixmonths later,Ileftthatcompanyandtookajobin Manhattan.OnepositivewasthatIfellinlove with San Diego. I met my spiritual family withinafewweeks,andweareallstillvery close. And I felt for a long time that I was living in my spiritual home. The second positivewasthatwhenIwasofferedthejob inManhattanbutdidn’twanttoleaveSan Diego,InowknewwhatIhadtodotohave thecompanyinManhattanagreetoletme work from San Diego and commute one weekamonthtoNY.

And,yes,mymethodworkedagain. So,Iconsiderthatmysecretsuperpower.

OMTimes: What is the most challenging aspect of being a spiritually conscious individual?

SandieSedgbeer:Withoutadoubt,themost challenging aspect is coping with being a human. We are fallible. We are easily influenced.Wehaveemotionsanddesires thatoftengetintheway.Andonceoneis spirituallyconscious,onecan’thelpbutbe awareofthis,soonemustbevigilantabout applyingself-inquirywheneverpossible.

OMTimes:Whowasthebiggestinfluence (positiveornegative)onyourlife?

Sandie Sedgbeer: Let’s start with positive influences.Todate,Iwouldsay…

1)Myastrologerteacher/friend/mentorLillian.

2) The teacher and founder of Mastering Alchemy,JimSelf.

3) Author, channel, and spiritual teacher Steve Rother, whom I met within six weeks of arriving in the USA, who not only taught me so much but gave me so much – the magazine PlanetLightworker.com, the opportunity to step into broadcasting and to help him with his channeled books (from which I learned so much), and who is a masteratcreatingagenuinecultureoffamily,forthosewhoarejustwakingup.

4)ToomanyoftheauthorsthatI’vereadalongthewaytomention.

5) And, currently, I have to add what I believe to be the most eye-opening, mindblowing, gobsmacking book I have ever read, or to be more accurate, listened to (to date),LSD&TheMindoftheUniverse,anditsauthor,ChrisBache,whomIcan’twaitto interview, and who I genuinely feel has to be the most courageous, honest, and unequivocallyego-lessperson/adventurerI’veevermet.

OMTimes:Doyouholdamysticalvisionfortheworld?

SandieSedgbeer: I’ve always believed that one day, humanity will evolve to the point where we have mastered hate, war, and greed and learned to live in love, peace, harmony, and inclusion. I had no idea whether that was a realistic vision or not. But I amencouragedafterreadingChrisBache’sbook.

OMTimes:Haveyouhadanyexperiencewithpastlifememories?Couldyoutellusa littleaboutthat?

SandieSedgbeer:Ihavehadacoupleofpastliferegressionsessions,whichwerevery interesting. And I have had a small number of spontaneous flashes of memories from pastlives.

OMTimes:Howisyourrelationshipwith yourdreamworld?

SandieSedgbeer:Gettingbetterandbetter.

OMTimes:Whichbookwouldyouliketobe writtenbyyou?

SandieSedgbeer:Myownmemoir.Ihaveled “a life less ordinary,” as they say. And I have comealongwayfromwhereIstarted.Ihave in my head a trilogy of books about my life, myexperiences,andmylearning.

Three volumes, titled HORNCHURCH (which is where I grew up in the children’s home), HACKNEY,aroughareaintheEastEndofLondon that has now become gentrified and trendy where I spent a large part of my youth after leaving the children’s home)and HOLLYWOOD, whereIlivedforawhile,

andwhichwouldencompasseverything Iexperiencedthroughoutthefirsttwo decadesofthenewmillennium.I’vemade astart(averysmallstart),andnowIneed togetwriting.

OMTimes:Whatdevelopingidea/fieldis gainingtractionareyoumostexcited about?

SandieSedgbeer:Ilovethefactthat technologyhasevolvedtothepointwhere wenowknowsomuchabouttheoriginsof ourUniverse,andsomuchinformationis beingreleasedaboutConsciousness, paleocontact,andtheevolutionof humanity,andaboveall,theevidenceof ouroneness.

OMTimes:Doyouhaveacookiecutter recipe to help and guide someone who just started in ConsciousBroadcasting?

Sandie Sedgbeer: I don’t believe in doinganythingcookie-cutter.

I created and have consulted a lot on resonance marketing, which is anything but cookie-cutter. I love that the playing field has leveled, and anyone with an interest can createtheirownpodcast.Butitisa competitive market, and there are essentialdosanddon’tsifsomeone wantstosucceed,createinteresting dialogues with fascinating people, andholdanaudience’sattention.

Iamcurrentlyputtingthesetogether intoaformatforaWebinar,soIcan’t reveal too much here. Otherwise, therewon’tbeawebinar.

OMTimes:Whatmotivatedyouto createTheNoBSBookClub?

SandieSedgbeer:Honestly? Themotivation,Ithought,camefrom a gripe. People are waking up fast thesedays,andtheMindBodySpirit arenahasbecomesolucrativethatI andmanyothersfeelitisindanger of losing its authenticity and heart. AndIwasjustgettingsotiredofthe number of books being pitched to me for interviews that are clearly rehashesofotherpeople’sworkand totally lacking in substance that I begantodespair.Withsomuchfluff crowding the market, how would people who were just waking up knowwhatisworththeirmoneyand whatisn’t?

I was having a mental gripe conversation with myself about this one day when suddenly, and quite literally, a visual image popped up in front of me. My mind was struck with a fully formed vision of a No BS book club that would contain recommendations from authentic and trusted teachers, speakers, scientists, and authors whohavewalkedthepathinfrontofus.Anyonecanrecommenda book, but when the people you trust and follow share the books that influenced them the most on their life journeys, provide their recommendations and tell you the stories of how and why they inspiredthem,that’savaluableresourcerightthere.

I literally saw it all in an instant. And it looked wonderful and necessary. And I turned my back on it. It seemed too big a task, too expensive to implement, and too time-consuming to manage. I’vehad‘visions’likethisbefore.AndI’veinvestedthetime,money, and energy into seeing them come to fruition. I’ve pioneered magazines. And, this is not bragging, but I know that I have been ahead of the curve… And that’s not necessarily a good thing, because when you’re the first, you need a lot of time and energy, and money to keep them alive until the rest of the world catches up with the need for them. And I’ve lost a lot of money. So, “Fabulous idea,” I said to the Universe, “now go find someone else todoit.”

Butitwouldn’tgoaway.So,overthefollowing year, I’d look at it sideways for a moment or twoeverynowandthen.Andthen,oneday,I just knew it… this was mine to do. So, I did it. And it is time and energy and moneyconsuming. And it is one of the most rewardingprojectsIhaveeverundertaken.

So,thisisit.Thisismylegacyproject.AndI’m havingalotoffundoingit. Now,allweneed todoislettherestoftheworldknowaboutit. I want to keep it free for subscribers and the public. It’s a world service project that belongs to us all. And, realistically, I cannot continue funding it myself forever. So, I am looking at ways to support its future financially. But I won’t sacrifice the purity of the concept. So, I’m looking into ways that it can become self-funding without the public havingtopayforit.

OMTimes: Tell us a little about how people cancontactandworkwithyou.

SandieSedgbeer: People can contact me at sandie.sandiesedgbeershow@gmail.com.

Ifanyoneisattractedtotheideaofworkingwith me,Iwillencouragethemtogotomywebsite (www.sedgbeer.com), where they can read a bit more about me and some of the things I have done here, and what people say about mehere

Andiftheyareinterestedinworkingwithmeon abook,theycancheckoutthispagetoo:

So you have written a book and are looking for ways to place it before Conscious Readers. You are in the right place!

OMTimes readers ARE Conscious Readers.

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Health & Wellness

Innovative new approaches to Healing as well as holistic methods for dealing with health issues and personal growth

6 Natural Mood Boosters That Really Work

By Meghan Belnap

Everyone has off days where no matter what you do, you just can't seem to shake the funk. If you're feeling a bit down and out, try one of these six natural mood boosters to help you turn that frown upside down.

GET SOME SUNLIGHT

One of the most effective natural mood boosters is also one of the simplest: get some sunlight. Exposure to sunlight increases levels of serotonin in the brain, which is

a chemical that promotes positive mood and feelings of well-being. So next time you're feeling blue, step outside for a few minutes and soak up some vitamin D.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

It's no secret that exercise is good for your physical health, but did you know that it's also excellent for your mental health? Exercise has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase self-esteem. So, if you're looking for a natural way to

boost your mood, make sure to add exercise to your weekly routine.

CONNECT WITH LOVED ONES

Sometimes all we need is a good old-fashioned hug from a loved one to make us feel better. Human contact has been shown to release oxytocin in the brain, which is often referred to as the "cuddle hormone" because it helps reduce stress and promote feelings of happiness and love. So next time you're feeling down, pick up the phone and

give your best friend or family member a call.

SPEND TIME OUTDOORS IN NATURE

Spending time outdoors in nature has been shown to have a number of benefits for mental health, including reducing stress levels and improving mood. If you need a pick-me-up, go for a walk in the park or take a hike in the woods.

You'll be surprised at how much better you'll feel!

LISTEN TO UPLIFTING MUSIC

Listening to music is another great way to instantly boost your mood. Uplifting music can help reduce stress levels and promote positive emotions. So if you're looking for a quick fix, put on your favorite feelgood tunes and dance around your living room like no one's watching!

TRY MARIJUANA

For many people, marijuana is synonymous with relaxation. The plant has been used for centuries to help people wind down after a long day or to cope with chronic pain. But marijuana can also be used to boost mood. Marijuana use has been linked with lower levels of depression and anxiety, and some studies have even found that it can help to reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Try looking

through your options to see if a little weed may be just what the doctor ordered.

These are just a few of the many natural mood boosters that really work. So next time you're feeling down, try one (or all!) of these tips. It's important to not only keep your body healthy, but your mind as well. Don't wait until you're absolutely at your wit's end to try to uplift your mood. Add these simple tasks into your day to stay encouraged!

5 Exercises to Decrease Shoulder Pain and Improve Your Mental Health

by Ginger McBride

Physical pain, such as shoulder pain or soreness, can cause stress and affect your mental health. Those

with daily pain tend to report a lower quality of life compared to those that don't have daily physical pain. This means that minimizing the pain in

your shoulders can decrease your stress and improve your mental health and overall well-being.

Your shoulders take a lot of punishment. Every time you lift, tug, push, pull, or perform any other upper bodywork, your shoulders generally bear the brunt of the labor. With so much work and activity, it's no small wonder why so many people experience discomfort or pain in their shoulders. The good news is that there are ways to reduce and eliminate pain in your shoulders without using painkillers or medications. Here are four exercises that can help reduce pain in your shoulders.

PENDULUM EXERCISES

The pendulum exercise is a great way to strengthen your shoulders to reduce and eliminate shoulder pain. The great thing about this exercise is that you don't need any special equipment; you can do it virtually anywhere.

down and draw circles in the air. Start with small circles and gradually make the circles larger. Repeat the exercise for each arm five to ten times throughout the day.

ACROSS THE CHEST STRETCH

To keep shoulder discomfort from becoming a chronic condition, you must keep your arms and shoulders healthy and strong. Stretching exercises are a great way to keep the muscles, joints, and ligaments in your shoulders and chest flexible and strong. To perform this exercise, you simply hold your right hand in front of your body close to your waist and place your left hand behind your elbow. Next, pull your right arm to the left and across your chest. Perform this exercise several times a day with each arm.

NECK RELEASE

Perform this exercise by leaning over a table or other stable surface. Allow one arm to hang straight

You do this exercise while sitting straight up and slowly tilting your chin toward your chest until you feel the stretch in the back of your neck. Next, tilt or lean your head to

the right to stretch the left shoulder. Next, lean your head to the left to stretch the left shoulder. Repeat five to ten times throughout the day.

SEATED TWIST

The seated twist is an excellent exercise for stretching your shoulders and neck. Sit in a chair with your feet directly beneath your knees. Twist your upper body to the right bringing the back of your left hand to your thigh. Hold the position for roughly 30 seconds. Repeat on the right side.

MEDITATE

Stress is a common cause of shoulder and neck pain. If you suspect

that your stress is the cause of your shoulder pain, then you may want to try meditation to decrease your stress. Meditation has been recommended for stress management. If you are new to meditation, you may want to use guided meditation either through videos online or through apps, which you can download on your smartphone.

Ignoring shoulder pain can lead to long-term chronic conditions and can inhibit your range of motion in your chest, arms, and shoulders. Therefore, you should always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen.

Simply Spiritual

To perceive reality from a different perspective is to open oneself to the wonders and unlimited wealth of creation. Simply Spiritual offers the opportunity to visit new places, new methods, and different ways to perceive the vast human knowledge of our Universe.

Living a Uniquely Inspired Life

By Judi Lynch

When we are actively aware and engaged in assisting in helping make the world a better place to be, we find inspiration everywhere.

Seeking our own path in life can be a tremendous challenge if we have grown up feeling that we have to conform to certain ideals and accomplishments. Not only fidelity to society but to our families, friends,

and others who step on the path with us now and then. We may often feel we must follow the crowd, keep in line, and have things in the order they were always done. From the fear that life won’t be successful if we don't. This has caused so many to lose faith in their unique, beautiful thoughts, visions, intuitive messages, and dreams.

When a small child is introduced to unhealthy foods or taught physics in kindergarten because their parents want them to be a scientist, it can crush the Spirit within and possibly ruin their future health and happiness. The focus turns to what the parents want a child to be instead of letting them discover the mystery and magic of life. It can cause feelings of inadequacy and failure that, in the eyes of their family, they have failed to blossom. The truth is a parent is responsible for nourishing and providing for their children selflessly while also being positive role models. Teaching respect and compassion for others and encouraging them to live their lives with purpose and focus is key. Parents projecting their own agendas and judging life choices can thwart inspiration and efforts to

thrive. Everything gets centered on achieving and acquiring instead of relishing the experience of life and honoring talents that parents may not understand.

Many of us develop interests through life that lead us to new ideas, perceptions, and creative expression. We may have to ‘unlearn’ many things we were taught as truths as we evolve into our adult lives. Outdated ideas, procedures, and rules no longer serve our best interests; they are left behind to make room for progress and discoveries that enrich our world. We do not have to be or may not wish to be carbon copies of those who came before us. It’s perfectly okay to seek out our own roads and learn lessons from what life offers. Even when we stumble, we are hopefully learning and growing.

Traditions will always be important to carry with us into the future. It respects our heritage, accomplishments, and uniqueness.

The fusion of the past and present and how we manifest our destiny depends on our courage and willingness to try new pathways of acceptance. We might have grown

up in a family situation where there was bigotry and intolerance. The past is there to guide us, to remember what is truly important, and to reflect on what we were meant to improve upon. The way we all interact and accept each other is a great example. As we have learned from history, humans have faced many challenges accepting our differences. Instead of honor, respect and celebration, we have witnessed cruelty, war, and control of others. We have often struggled to understand

how these things could happen and how they can be prevented in the future. Knowing a better way can inspire us all to investigate the possibilities of positive change.

Inspiration comes in so many forms. We can discover millions of ways to expand our worldview through nature, travel, education, and open minds. When our hearts are open to all possibilities, our thoughts can be guided with hope, with possibility replacing fear and inaction. Our choices can help

us heal the control dramas and judgments of the past.

When we are actively aware and engaged in assisting in helping make the world a better place to be, we find inspiration everywhere. New perspectives, accountability, equal rights, and respect for humanity are all at the forefront of living our lives with purpose and evolution. Ideas that turn into solutions to keep seeking out a better way of existence. Nurture the creative intelligence that lives

inside us, then have the courage to keep moving forward.

Judi Lynch is a psychic medium, intuitive counselor, healing channel, and author. She is president of the Crystal Healing Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) spiritual charity, and a writer for OM Times Magazine. She has authored two books, Friends with Lights and Conscious Ascension, and has read to clients worldwide. To learn more or contact us for a session, see judilynch.com

OM Living

For those living a more Conscious Lifestyle

10 Best Tech and Tools to Bring Your Art To Life

By Tracie Johnson

The art world has evolved in the past few years, with technology taking a more prominent role.

As a result, countless tools and technologies are now available to artists of all levels, from beginner to professional. This article will

explore ten of the best tech and tools for bringing your art to life.

1. ADOBE PHOTOSHOP

Photoshop is one of the most popular image editing programs. It offers a wide range of features and tools that allow you to manipulate your images however you want. So, whether you need to adjust colors, add effects, or create composite images, Photoshop has you covered.

Photoshop is also widely used by professional artists for creating digital art, illustrations, and comics.

2. WACOM INTUOS PRO

Suppose you're looking for a great tablet with Photoshop or other image editing programs. In that case, the Wacom Intuos Pro is a good option. It has a large drawing surface and plenty of features that make it ideal for artists.

It's also worth mentioning that Wacom tablets are the industry standard for digital art. You can also bring your digital art to life through rough wrap adhesive vinyl that can be beautifully displayed on brick walls and textured surfaces.

3. IPAD PRO

The iPad Pro is a powerful tablet that has been gaining popularity among artists in recent years. It has a large screen, great drawing and painting apps, and many accessories available.

The iPad Pro can be used with a Pencil stylus, which provides a level of precision and control that other tablets can't match.

4. CLIP STUDIO PAINT

Clip Studio Paint is a great program for creating digital art and illustrations.

It offers vector drawing tools, layer support, and animation capabilities. It's also been designed specifically for manga and comic artists, so it's ideal for anyone looking to create comics or other sequential art.

Clip Studio Paint is available for both Windows and Mac, and a free trial is available on the official website.

5. WACOM CINTIQ

The Wacom Cintiq is a highend graphics tablet that's been

designed for professional artists. It offers a large drawing surface, pressure and tilt sensitivity, and a wide range of features and tools.

The Cintiq is also one of the most expensive tablets on the market. However, the Cintiq is hard to beat if you're looking for the best possible experience in digital art.

6. PHOTOSHOP BRUSHES

Photoshop brushes are a great way to add extra customization and flexibility to your images.

There are thousands of free Photoshop brushes available online. They can be used for everything from adding texture to your images to creating realistic effects. Some great websites for finding Photoshop brushes include Brusheezy, DeviantArt, and PixelBuddha.

7. WACOM BAMBOO

The Wacom Bamboo is a great entry-level graphics tablet that's perfect for beginners. It offers a small drawing

surface, basic features, and an affordable price tag.

The Wacom Bamboo is also a good option for artists who want to try out digital art but aren't sure if they're ready to invest in a more expensive tablet.

8. APPLE PENCIL

The Apple Pencil stylus is designed specifically for use with iPad Pro devices. It offers an ultraresponsive experience that makes it perfect for drawing, sketching, and more.

You can even use the Apple Pencil to take notes or create artwork directly on your iPad screen, making it a great tool for artists and creatives of all kinds. In addition, the Pencil's sleek and stylish design will look great sitting on your desk or workspace.

9. SURFACE PRO 6

The Surface Pro is a great option if you're looking for a powerful and versatile tablet that can handle all your art needs. This device comes with a built-in stylus and offers amazing performance and battery life, making it perfect for artists,

designers, and anyone who wants to get creative on the go.

The Surface Pro also comes with a variety of different configuration options, so you can choose the model that best suits your needs. Plus, it's lightweight and portable, making it perfect for taking with you on the go.

10. PROCREATE

If you're looking for a powerful and versatile drawing and painting app for your iPad, look no further than Procreate. This app offers amazing features and tools that make it perfect for artists of all experience levels.

You can create stunning digital paintings, illustrations, and more with ease. In addition, the app's intuitive interface makes it easy to learn and use, even if you're new to digital art.

CONCLUSION

These are just a few of the best tech tools for artists. Whether you're looking for a powerful tablet to take your art to the next level or an easy-to-use drawing app, there's something here for everyone.

Does Feng Shui Address Depression?

By Kartar Diamond

Many of us are familiar with the famous quote by Henry

David

Thoreau or some

variation of it: “most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Recent studies have also found that the average American has only one

true friend or confidante. And how do you feel when your best friend doesn’t consider you their best friend? Said differently: They are your “A-List” friend, but you are on their B or C List.

I recently responded to a question on a Feng Shui forum. The person writing me wanted to know how they could get out of their rut, stop procrastinating, and have more energy. I’ve written before about how bad Feng Shui can affect our moods and health. Still, I first had to point out to this new person that there are different approaches to stimulating motivation and a happier mood. Feng Shui cannot cure every ailment. Therefore, one should never neglect to get a complete physical exam, addressing diet and exercise, in conjunction with the desire to find some mystical or esoteric solution, such as Feng Shui.

Depression, especially chronic depression, is not a mental illness per se but is usually classified as a mood disorder. Therefore, I created a Case Study on the connection between Feng Shui and Mental Illness, geared toward the reader familiar with the Flying Star School of Feng Shui. It

sheds new light on what I have discovered over the decades by interpreting the stars specifically in mental health matters.

Over the years, I have had many clients who sought out Feng Shui advice because they were perpetually lonely, depressed, and/ or lacked the motivation to achieve some of their most basic goals. In extreme situations, people manifest their depression through a lack of self-care, which extends to the home. Of course, not everyone who suffers from depression lives in a cluttered mess; when I’m feeling down, I try to distract myself with cleaning, organizing, and writing! But that is just me. Others may find it hard to even pick up things left on the floor.

For those who are familiar with the flying star school, I have often seen the 2 stars play a role in undermining a person’s mood and mental state when it resides in important areas of the house, such as the bedroom or any area where a person spends a lot of time. The location of a 2-star is determined based on when a house was built and its compass alignment. It’s totally non-obvious.

What can be said about the 2 stars, now that it is on the cusp of changing (in 2024), as it begins a more positive cycle? In fact, when the next Period 2 arrives (2064), it will reign for 20 years as the major “wealth star” and be associated with good health. Will another star take over as the Lonely-Sad star?

We already have that manifesting with the 6-star. The nuanced difference is that the 6-star can indicate a person can be powerful and wealthy but aloof or lonely. And, indeed, powerful, affluent people often wonder if friends in their life

are genuine or just hangers-on, so they can be “famous-adjacent” or something like that.

Without formal training, a person can change their living space in ways that will lighten the mood, which is very basic and common sense. One needs to ensure their living or work space is not too dark or cluttered. Completely aside from the fact that a cluttered space is chaotic and undermines a person’s ability to focus and set goals: the cluttered space literally inhibits airflow and ventilation. A stagnant, cramped space can make anyone want to fall asleep.

Of course, it has always been the non-obvious Feng Shui details that have amazed me. One can live in a very neat, clean, and cheerful-looking space. However, if the non-obvious energies are off, it can still contribute to a person lacking the will to change what they need to change. “Contribute” is the operative word here because we can’t and shouldn’t blame sub-par Feng Shui for all that happens to us.

It is part of the Big Picture and one of several influences, which is why I also recommend that

people get their physical health checked when they feel down in the dumps. Something else could be lurking, and it is wise to address all possibilities. In fact, many people don’t get the feng shui results they were hoping for because they are battling other environmental issues which give them “brain fog,” make them feel sad, or even cause them to succumb to specific illnesses. This can include chronic exposure to high EMFs (electromagnetic fields), chemical residue from synthetic materials in the house, and even black mold.

Meditation: a Lifeline to Sanity in a World Gone Crazy

By William T. Hathaway

Humanity is in crisis. Our social structures are crumbling. Institutions that had seemed secure are now breaking apart. Politicians are figures of contempt. Once-

respected news sources are distrusted. Schools have devolved into internment camps. A dozen war flags rally us into battle. Our punch-drunk planet is staggering on the ropes.

Political polarization is destroying friendships. The economy is lurching around, torn by contradictory pressures. Explanations for the chaos abound, but attempts at solutions are stalemated.

However, we react to this crisis –by revolutionary action to overthrow the established order, by conservative action to defend it, or by a simple desire to survive in peace – to be effective, we need to maintain inner calm and stability.

Otherwise, we’ll be swept up in the chaos and become its victim.

Transcendental Meditation is a good way to achieve this inner calm and stability. It’s the most scientifically researched method, and millions of people practice it worldwide. It uses a special technique of effortless, nonconcentrative thinking that makes it fundamentally different from other forms of Meditation.

Since we are so accustomed to concentrated, focused thinking, we

need training in this new method. Although TM is very easy to do, learning how to do it takes personal instruction over some time. This results in its only drawback: it costs quite a bit to learn. I’ve seen internet sites that claim to teach it, but they’re not authentic.

Some people believe that Meditation was free in ancient times and should be now, but that’s a nice-sounding myth. In Vedic times the people were obligated to care for and support their spiritual

teachers. In our times, that’s done with the money. Maintaining a large international organization requires finances. Without the organization, teaching wouldn’t be available worldwide.

Maharishi experienced how colonial exploitation had impoverished India and saw how Western countries still benefit from neo-imperialism in the global South. The fees charged for learning TM in the West subsidize low-cost instruction in South America, Africa, and Asia.

This painful issue is part of the overall crisis of humanity. Capitalism can’t continue the way it is. It’s starting to fall apart, and nations are fighting for bigger pieces of it before the collapse. Since that’s the material basis of our lives, we sometimes feel we are falling apart. Some of us freak out.

This brings us back to the need to stay grounded in ourselves so we can act effectively amid all the seismic shocks that keep rolling

through us. Meditation helps us develop an inner unshakably, a great asset in times like these.

William T. Hathaway is an award-winning novelist and an emeritus Fulbright professor of creative writing. His peace novel, Summer Snow, is the story of an American warrior falling in love with a Sufi Muslim and learning from her that higher consciousness is more effective than violence. Chapters are posted here.

Relationships

The interconnectiveness among all human beings and, consequently, the relationships among us are the focus of this section. The dynamics of the web of connections we make is one of the most prominent aspects of human existence: how we interlace with each other’s existence in a meaningful way.

8 Tips to Build a Healthy Relationship

By Sara Sparrow

All romantic relationships aren’t perfect. Even after seeing many movies and shows, you’ll know that not everything is all sunshine and rainbows when it comes to relationships. Being in a relationship takes effort, commitment, and, most importantly, love.

SO, HOW CAN YOU MAKE YOUR RELATIONSHIP AS HAPPY AND HEALTHY AS POSSIBLE?

In this article, we’ll show you 8 tips on how to make your relationship happy and healthy forever and always:

BE OPEN TO CRITICISM

First, being in a relationship is about understanding each other. Rather than walking on eggshells to please others and trying to sugarcoat things, be real about things. Be honest about the situation and let your loved one know what needs to be brought to their attention.

“Plus, when your loved one offers criticism of something, don’t get offended easily. Instead, listen to what they have to say, and then

explain your side of the story. Being open to criticism makes you easier to talk to, and the both of you can be more honest with each other,” says Linda Yellen, a psychology writer.

TALK TO EACH OTHER

Nowadays, people are too busy on their mobile devices, computers, video games, etc. Sometimes, you have to set the phone or remote down and just talk to your loved one. It’s important to communicate consistently with each other rather

than waste time on devices. This allows you and your loved one to see what’s truly important in life –each other.

BE EMOTIONAL

Everyone feels happy, sad, angry, and so on. That’s why it’s important to understand when you or your loved one is feeling a certain way. It’s not weird to feel sad, and it’s certainly not weird if your loved one feels that way.

Just keep in mind that how you feel loved might not be the same as how your loved one feels loved.

CONTINUE TO BE YOURSELF

Just because you’re in a relationship doesn’t necessarily mean that you’ll have to sacrifice all of your personality. While there are other things in life that you might want to refrain from (i.e., alcohol), it’s still important to keep the personality

that had attracted your loved one in the first place. In other words, always be your authentic self.

HAVE FUN TOGETHER

Who doesn’t want to have fun every once in a while?

“Why not treat yourself and your loved one to a special night out or a great movie? Or maybe spend lunch together at your favorite hangout?

Or, you can hang out at home by playing board games or watching a movie together?” says Stephen Belcher, a lifestyle blogger.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to having fun with your loved one!

VACAY TOGETHER

Couple’s retreats are often meaningful, seeing that you and

your loved one can reconnect in new ways. However, if you need to rejuvenate your relationship in any area (or in more areas than one), consider going on a vacation together – regardless of whether it’s a couple’s retreat or a simple trip to your favorite vacation destination.

ALTERNATE ROLES

This tip is effective because it’s important to better understand

your loved one. Here are a couple of examples of how it works:

If you’re a guy, and your loved one is always cooking and cleaning, then take some time to cook and clean for them while they rest or do other things.

If you’re a woman, and your loved one usually picks up food from a restaurant, then allow them to stay home while you run that errand for them.

By alternating roles, you and your loved one will have a better understanding of what you both do for each other on a regular basis.

TAKE TIME TO LISTEN

Finally, it’s important to listen to each other, no matter the situation. In fact, no one wants to feel like they’re being ignored or left out.

By listening to your loved one, you’ll better understand their thoughts

and feelings; and know the right things to say. Plus, listening helps you build a stronger and deeper connection between the two of you.

As you can see, every relationship is different. And no relationship is perfect.

So, as you take these 8 tips into heart, you and your loved one will have a happier and healthier relationship for many years to come.

Metaphysics

Soul Hunger: How Do You Feed Your Soul?

9 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW TO FEED LIGHT INTO YOUR SOUL

By Cathedral of the Soul

There is a Cherokee legend about an elderly brave who tells his grandson about life.

"Son," he says, "There is a battle of two wolves within us. One is evil. He

is angry, envious, jealous, sorrowful, greedy, arrogant, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego."

He continued, "The other wolf is good. He is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity,

humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, truth, compassion, and faith."

"The same fight is going on inside you and every other person, too," explained the wise Cherokee elder. The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather, "Which wolf will win?"

The grandfather replied, "The one you feed."

Food is of vital importance to our organisms. There is no doubt that a balanced diet, based on healthy nutrients, has a considerable impact on our body's health. The same is true of our Souls.

When we talk about feeding the Soul, we need to think in the long term and question what is really good, not only for our body but also for the spirit, which means, in many cases, refusing immediate pleasures. The better the quality of the "food," the healthier your Soul will be, and the more pleasant your journey of personal evolution will be.

itself? Christian wisdom talks about this. For example, in Matthew 6:22,23, the Bible states that "the eyes are the lamp of the body. If your eyes are good, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are bad, your whole body will be full of darkness." This passage normally talks about the importance of how we see life, the world, and the other, as well as the need to cover our eyes with love. But spiritually speaking, one of the ways to feed the Soul is through our eyes.

1. Beauty is a nourishing element for our psyche and our Soul.

"Beauty is the illumination of your soul."

What we witness, what we read, and what we see can bring light or darkness to our Souls. The Dalai Lama has talked about "ingesting" passive evil through violent movies and video games because they damage the aura of compassion around us and desensitize our senses to violence. Moreover, they invoke indifference and disregard for the world around us.

If it is true that the body is fed through the mouth, where does the Soul feed

Aside from Beauty perceived through our eyes, there are other channels through which we can feed the Soul.

—John O'Donohue

In addition to vision, the other senses (hearing, smell, touch, and taste) can also take inspiration, the Soul's food.

Through our journey of personal evolution, we have the opportunity

to share with many people experiences on how to feed the Soul. Although the focus is always on Good, Beauty, Love, Joy, and Light, what works for one does not always work for the other.

However, there are some practices that connect different lightworkers tribes around the world. So, what do people who seek to feed their Souls healthily and consciously have in common?

Happy Soul and beauty are things that go together. A happy soul is one that is in contact with what is beautiful and recognizes beauty in different people, places, and situations. So bring beauty into your life and see your Soul quenched.

2. Harmony with Nature and All its sentient Beings

Harmony is one phase of the law whose spiritual expression is love.

— James Allen

A Healthy soul is a soul in harmony with Nature, which is much more important than we imagined. It is through Nature that many manage to find the necessary serenity to listen to their intuition. So, at least once a week, get lost in Nature and make your Soul happy.

3. Practice Silence

"Silence is a source of Great Strength."

Lao Tzu

To feed your Soul is imperative to learn how to silence your mind. Putting the world on hold and not being run over by your thoughts is difficult, but it can be trained. Many people manage to silence their minds through meditation, while others just need a landscape to contemplate. No matter what method you choose, what feeds the Soul is the ability to listen to your breath and be deeply connected with your divine self.

4. Music Appreciation

"Music is the language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life bringing peace, abolishing strife."

— Kahlil Gibran

Music and reading are sources of inspiration, so you must choose songs and books that are healthy food for your Soul. That is, prefer what builds values that meet your purpose and awaken pleasant feelings. We can't stress enough the need to start feeding children's souls with beauty, inspiration, and compassion.

5. Service to Others

"Rule with the heart of a servant. Serve with the heart of a king."

― Bill Johnson

It is a human soul's dharmic path to love and assist sentient beings on their own path of selfrealization. Only through the exercise of this soul tendency can we magnify the lessons in compassion we need for our future Cosmic experiences. Whether through volunteering or specific actions, serving, helping, and supporting others are manifestations of kindness.

Be genuine when helping someone, and don't advertise it.

6. Practice Yoga

"Yoga is a light, which, once lit, will never dim. The better your practice, the brighter your flame."

— B.K.S. Iyengar

Many people see yoga as excellent food for the Soul, as it facilitates the

connection between body and spirit. In addition to strengthening muscles and increasing flexibility, some see yoga as a way of meeting their divine self.

7. Devotional Prayers

"The function of prayer is not to influence God, but rather to change the nature of the one who prays."

― Soren Kierkegaard

Regardless of belief, prayer, in a broader sense, is an opportunity to dialogue with the Divine. Therefore, regardless of using Rosaries, prayer beads, being silent, or speaking out loud, when one is praying, it is important that you open your heart and leave space for the Divine to manifest itself in you.

8. Caring for Animal Companions

We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.

— Immanuel Kant

Having the opportunity to care for an animal is a blessing, but it's not always possible. Living with animals feeds the Soul and teaches profound love, healing, and gratitude lessons.

9. Gratitude for Being Alive

Gratitude is a deep soul-learning experience that brings us unlimited power, appreciation, and Joy. It is part of the experience of Generosity of Spirit; both attitudes feed our souls deeply.

Gratitude also teaches us to maximize our experiences and to use them joyfully all the time we have available in this lifetime. However, we do know that our time on the earth plane is limited. Therefore, it is necessary to establish priorities and commit to what matters. Between feeding your Soul or starving it to death, the choice is yours.

There are unlimited ways to feed our souls; the list does not resume with these 9 listed activities. However, by connecting with the deep truth that comes from our heart, we are able to discover the most suitable "foods" for our Souls.

However, it is worth remembering that in feeding the Soul, we must always start with the simplest: eat, breathe, exercise, sleep, and be our authentic selves.

Personal Growth & Development

We grow as individuals as we face challenges and overcome life’s obstacles. This section is dedicated to helping you chart your course.

End Your Unseen Habit of Self-Sabotage

By Rachelle Wilber

It's time for a change. No more self-sabotage. It's time to live better. How many times have you said you'll start living healthier

tomorrow? How often have you told yourself you'll start eating better, exercising more, or drinking less after this week? We're all guilty of it. We

know we need to change, but we always find excuses to put it off. "I'll start on Monday." "I'm too busy right now." "I don't have time." But the truth is, we'll never find the time. So we have to make the time.

GET OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE

Self-sabotage is a habit that's hard to break because it's so ingrained in our everyday lives. We don't even realize we're doing it half the time. It's like a comfort zone we don't want to leave. But comfort zones are meant to be broken out of. That's how we grow and learn and become better versions of ourselves. So if you're ready to break out of your comfort zone and end the cycle of self-sabotage, here's what you need to do.

SET REALISTIC GOALS

The first step is setting goals that are achievable and realistic. If your goal is to lose 50 pounds in a month, that's not going to happen. Not only is it not realistic, but it's also not healthy. You might be able to lose 5 or 10 pounds

in a month if you really commit yourself, but anything more than that is putting your health at risk. So set achievable goals that you can actually reach. And don't forget to celebrate those small victories along the way.

MAKE A PLAN AND STICK TO IT

After you've set your goals, it's time to plan how you will achieve them. This means setting aside time each day or week specifically for your goal. So whether it's 30 minutes each day for working out or Meal prepping every Sunday for the week ahead, make sure you put it in your schedule and stick to it.

FIND A SUPPORT GROUP OR ACCOUNTABILITY PARTNER

One of the best ways to stay on track is to find someone to help hold you accountable, whether joining a support group or asking a friend or family member to check in on your progress regularly. When someone else is counting on you, you're much less

likely than ever before to let them down—and yourself.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP WHEN NEEDED

There's no shame in admitting when you need help from a professional—whether that means hiring a personal trainer, signing up for therapy, or seeing a nutritionist. Often, all it takes is that outside perspective and guidance from

someone who knows what they're doing in order for us to finally break our bad habits and improve our lives for good. You can even look into finding an online self-sabotage coaching course for more specific help.

If self-sabotage has been holding you back from living your best life, it's time to put an end to it once and for all. These tips will help get you started on the path toward success

so that you can finally achieve your goals and live better than ever before.

Up until now, self-sabotage has been holding you back from living your best life—but it doesn't have to be that way anymore. If you're ready to make a change, use these tips as your guidepost toward success. You can achieve anything you set your mind to—it all starts with taking that first step today.

Rachelle Wilber is a freelance writer living in San Diego, California. She graduated from San Diego State University with her Bachelor's Degree in Journalism and Media Studies. She tries to find an interest in all topics and themes, which prompts her writing. When she isn't on her porch writing in the sun, you can find her shopping, at the beach, or at the gym. Follow her on Twitter and Facebook: @RachelleWilber.

The Problem with Body Shaming Other People

By Marcia Sirota, MD.

Ihave noticed lately that many people are engaged in body shaming. So, I thought it would be good to look at who we shame.

We shame people who we perceive as overweight, and we also shame people who we consider underweight. So, in fact, there's a lot of body shaming going on.

What is shaming? It's making the other person feel bad about themselves, feeling not good enough, not as good as the rest of us, somehow lacking in value. So, when we shame someone, we make them feel inferior to us and like they are not worthy of belonging to the tribe.

So, let's talk about fat shaming

First, people mistakenly believe that overweight people are out of control. And this being "out of control" is threatening to the person doing the shaming. They're shaming the overweight person because they're terrified that they might themselves lose control or already somehow be out of control.

To the shamer, the overweight person is a threat because the shamer has their own urges and impulses that they're trying to repress. And maybe they're not that successful at it. But, as opposed to the overweight person, they can hide the fact of their out-ofcontrol urges and impulses because they're not overweight. So there is no visible sign that they have a problem.

most obvious addiction. For example, it seems obvious that they have an issue with food. Other people with addictions can more easily hide their problems.

The shamer attacks the overweight person so that they can feel better about themselves. They say, "see, the fat person can't control themselves, but I can," even if it's a lie, even if they are completely out of control in some other way. So they can say to the world, "see? I'm in control, but this heavy person is not."

Let's talk about the body shaming of thin people

We shame people who we consider underweight because we perceive them as "trying too hard" to achieve a perfect degree of thinness. It's as if we're all supposed to try really hard to be "thin enough," but we shouldn't try so hard that we become "too thin."

Overweight people are most at risk of being shamed because they have the

The fact that "thin enough" and "too thin" are ill-defined concepts doesn't seem to be a problem for the shamers any more so than the very loose definition of "overweight" that is used in the media today.

Another reason why people might shame those who they consider "underweight" is that they are envious of the other person's physique. Sometimes people use shaming as a way to attack someone who has something that they want. If this person is thin in a way that they could be, they might shame them when really they want to be like them.

This is why shaming exists. And it's important that the people being shamed can stand together and say, "no, no more. I will not be shamed because of

my weight. I will not be shamed because of my size. My body belongs to me, and you have no right to comment on it."

We Need to End This Shaming

Shaming makes people feel so bad about themselves that, at worst, it can lead to suicidal thoughts and even complete suicide. In addition, shaming can be extremely toxic because it isolates you and it makes you feel separate from the tribe.

The shamers need to look at what they're afraid of. For example,

if they have their own covert addiction, they would be better off dealing with it directly rather than putting down somebody else. And if they're shaming people for being "underweight," they need to look at their issues around being judgmental or jealous and sort it out on their own.

Shaming never does anyone any good. The person being shamed is isolated and attacked. Shaming doesn't help them "improve" anything. It just makes them feel bad. And the shamer doesn't actually feel better for putting

other people down. If they want to improve their self-worth, they need to do it directly, not by hurting other people.

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Books

The Physics of God

Unifying Quantum Physics, Consciousness, M-Theory, Heaven, Neuroscience, and Transcendence

Compelling and concise, The Physics of God will make you believe in the unity of science and religion and eager to experience the personal transcendence that is the promise of both.

The Physics of God is reader-friendly; combining humor and well-chosen analogies to make complex subjects–both scientific and spiritual–easy to understand. There’s no math and there’s no dogma. Unlike many books in this genre that compare only a few concepts of religion with a few facets of science, The Physics of God, is complete. This short book concisely connects all the dots between science and the timeless concerns of religion: miracles, heaven, immortality, consciousness, transcendence, and God.

You can’t read this book without being deeply touched by the testimony of scores of mystics or be moved to embrace what you learn to change your life for the better. Your own high spiritual potential will never have felt clearer or more accessible.

Author Joseph Selbie shows how science and religion, far from being incompatible, share a deep congruence. He draws from the transcendent testimony of mystics the world over as well as from the findings of string theory, David Bohm’s version of quantum physics, quantum biology, neuroscience, and quantum physics itself to demonstrate that a physics of God is at hand!

This book will change the way you think of God.

It will change the way you think of science, and it will change the way you think of religion.

And it will profoundly and movingly change the way you think of yourself.