December A Issue
Rebecca Schaper
A SISTER'S CALL
Log On Our Website and Learn more in how to Live a Conscious Lifestyle: OMTimes.com
CONTENTS HEALTH & HEALING 38
86
HEALTHY LIVING DURING THE HOLIDAYS
SPIRITUALITY 44
IS YOUR SOUL THE REAL YOU?
48
4 STEPS TO HELP YOU SPIRITUALLY PREPARE FOR 2021
+
Spotlight
METAPHYSICS 92
DISCOVER THE 36 DIVINE FEMALES ARCHETYPES
REBECCA SCHAPER INTERVIEWED BY SANDRA SEGDBEER
SHORT STORIES 84
5 CHRISTMAS SHORT STORIES TO PUT YOU IN A HOLIDAY MOOD
MOVIE REVIEW
CONSCIOUS PARENTING 56
78 OPERATION DEAR SANTA
RAISING SPIRITUAL CHILDREN
OMLIVING
66 70
DEALING WITH THE SUNK-COST EFFECT DOES THE BRAIN HAVE A DELETE BUTTON?
PERSONAL GROWTH 112
106
REASONS TO PRACTICE MINDFUL MOTIVATION 4 WAYS TO MITIGATE YOUR EMOTIONS IN UNPRECEDENTED TIMES
WWW.OMTIMES.COM
CONTENTS
December 2020 Issue A
MENTAL HEALTH
LEARNING TO GIVE
COPING SKILLS
SPIRITUALLY AWARE
SHORT STORIES
FEMALE ARCHETYPES
SPIRITUAL CHILDREN
OPERATION DEAR SANTA
DECEMBER A EDITION
THE FIRST AND ONLY SPIRITUALLY CONSCIOUS LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE
HEALTH AND HEALING
90
36
METAPHYSICS
PERSONAL GROWTH
54
CONSCIOUS LIVING
104
OMTIMES.COM
& A more Spiritually Conscious Life
Editor in Chief Publisher Managing Editor Article Layout & Cover Greek Edition: Social Media: Cartoons: Images:
Liane Buck Christopher Buck Lisa Shaw Vik Leigh Christos Archos Iryn Fernando Cartoon Resource BigstockPhotos + Pixabay
OMTimes Magazine is a Twice-Monthly Publication from OMTimes Media, INC OMTimes Media Inc is A 502 Company. A company fully Owned by Humanity Healing International, a 501-C (3), an IRS Registered Charity. FOR ADVERTISEMENT & RELATED INQUIRIES WRITE TO OMTIMES MAGAZINE INQUIRY@OMTIMES.COM OMTIMES RADIO CONSCIOUS.RADIO@OMTIMES.COM
+1 571-266-8463 INQUIRY@OMTIMES.COM Customer Service 825-C , Merrimon Avenue, Suite #301 Asheville, North Carolina 28804
OMTimes Magazine ™ is a Trademark of OMTimes Media , Inc & Publishing House. For inquiries or suggestions, or advertisement contact us at:
Writers
Robyn M Fritz
Greer Jonas
meghan belnap
Carmen Harra
Laurie Sue Brockway
Sandy Sedgbeer
Judy Lynch
Kathy Biehl
Lisa Shaw
Rene Wadlow Rene Wadlow
John Holland
 OMTIMES *DECEMBER A 2020
Columnists
THIS EDITION
Follow us Sharon Sayler
Johanna Kern
FB//Omtimes.Magazine/@OmTimes @OmTimes
Looking to connect with the Conscious Community? Let OMTimes point the way!
omtimes.com/advertise
REBECCA SCHAPER A Sister's Call
The following interview is a conversation between Sandie Sedgbeer and author, filmmaker, philanthropist, and mental health advocate, Rebecca Schaper, which covers two important topics. The first is Rebecca's own family story, chronicled in her award-winning documentary "A Sister's Call," and her book The Light in His Soul – Lessons from my Brother's Schizophrenia, which have been hailed as essential for anyone who dares to see the miraculous gift that life presents us in our struggles, obstacles, and most difficult moments.
OMTIMES.COM
Mental health needs a great deal of attention. It's the final taboo and it needs to be faced and dealt with.
ADAM ANT
The second is the launch of Sandie and Rebecca's new Podcast, starting in 2021, which aims to shine a new light on mental health by expanding the conversation to cover areas that only just beginning to be examined. Mental health has become one of the hottest topics of our era. We all have mental health, just as we all have physical and emotional health, and, just as we all struggle to stay in shape and manage our emotions at times, so, too, do we all face times when our mental health is affected by circumstances beyond our control. The events of this year being the perfect case in point. Sandie Sedgbeer: Rebecca, welcome. Your book The Light in His Soul Lessons from my Brother's Schizophrenia is a story that takes us on a journey through pain, sadness, and suffering. Of growing up with a mentally ill parent, child sexual abuse, parental suicide, and the 20-year disappearance and reappearance of your much-loved brother, Call. Tell us about your family background & Call's disappearance. OMTIMES.COM
REBECCA SCHAPER: My Father was a war hero. He had PTSD. My mother was a debutante. We lived in the south. We looked like this perfect family, but we weren't. My mother was diagnosed with paranoid Schizophrenia, and my brother was as well. I grew up in a family with alcoholism, sexual abuse, mental health issues, and both parents died by suicide. In 1977, my brother Call dropped out of college with one semester left. Then my mother died by suicide, and Call took off. I was married by then. I searched for Call for a very long time. But I knew he was alive. Occasionally, he would pop back in and out, but I could never figure out how to truly bring him back home. SANDIE SEDGBEER: And then in 1998, after 20 years of searching, incredible synchronicity brought him back into your life.
REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes. I will never forget that day. It still brings tears to my eyes. Call stayed at the Haven of Rest in Anderson, South Carolina, which takes in people with mental health issues and homelessness. They run a Thrift Store, which helps support the homeless people and give them work, picking up donated furniture from people's homes. Call, and another guy was collecting furniture from someone's house. When they got back to the truck, Call noticed the name "Schaper" on the form. He went back to the house, knocked on the door, and said to the owner, "Marge, do you know who I am? I am Rebecca's brother, Call Richmond." Marge is my husband's mother. "Oh my gosh, Call, come in." she said, "You don't know how happy your sister will be. Let's call her right now."
"THE LIGHT IN HIS SOUL"
I was living in Atlanta, Georgia. I got that Call at 11 in the morning, and I went, "Oh my God." I later learned that he lived at the Haven of Rest, off and on for six years. And I had no idea that he was just an hour-and-a-half away from me.. Of course, I drove straight there. We were in the parking lot of the Haven of Rest, and we hugged each other, and it was like 'here's this person, my brother, who I knew was always alive, and he's standing right here in front of me. It was like I knew him, but I didn't know him. But I saw into his soul, and though he looked broken, I never felt he was broken inside. OMTIMES.COM
"A SISTER'S CALL." SANDIE SEDGBEER: And you were able to persuade Call to come back and live near you. REBECCA SCHAPER: He stayed there for a little bit until I found him a place to stay in Greenville, South Carolina, which is 2½ hours from where I live. I got him in with the Greenville Mental Health System, which was the saving grace at that point. He resisted, at first, but then realized that this was what he needed to do. SANDIE SEDGBEER: But he was happy to be reunited and didn't want to disappear again? REBECCA SCHAPER: No. I remember, when we were filming the documentary, we were standing on the railroad track, and I asked him, "Call, are you glad to be here?" "Oh, yes." He said, "I never want to do that again." SANDIE SEDGBEER: Did he ever explain why he'd stayed away so long? REBECCA SCHAPER: No, but I felt that he felt ashamed and afraid of how other people would treat him, that he would be judged. He had lived in the woods a lot. He loved nature. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Now, it wasn't a happy ever after ending by any means. There were several problems. You became his primary caregiver, his supporter, his advocate, but your husband and your children weren't exactly overjoyed, were they?
REBECCA SCHAPER: No. My daughters were little at that time, and my husband was afraid. He didn't know how Call would react, and he didn't want him in our home. I had to respect that. Even though I knew Call would not do anything to harm anybody, So, we started to build up trust.
Once Call trusted them, and they trusted him, he became part of our family. We took him on family vacations. We brought him over for the holiday dinners, and we had so much fun. My daughters really embraced him. They saw something special in him. SANDIE SEDGBEER: But there was a time when your daughters felt you were giving more attention to Call than to them. That must have been very conflicting for you? OMTIMES.COM
OMTIMES.COM
REBECCA SCHAPER: Very conflicting, but I knew I had to do what I had to do because he was my brother. I loved him, and I didn't realize that until we filmed a scene in the documentary when they told me how they felt, and it did take me back a little bit. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Your documentary, A Sister's Call, which logged a lot of what was going on as it was occurring, won several film festivals awards. It's very raw and honest. You didn't sugarcoat anything. What motivated you to make that documentary? REBECCA SCHAPER: I wanted to tell his story. I wanted to show that he had a soul.
That he was a very compassionate person, and he was very loving. Because Schizophrenia has this stigma, and I wanted to break that stigma. I want to show the world that there are kind, beautiful, smart, creative, and very wise souls. I didn't know anything about filming. But I asked Call if he would be willing to let me tell a story about his life, and he instantly said, 'Yes, of course.' The way he said it made me feel that he knew I was going to ask him that. And that's when we started healing the wounds. I thought it would take a year, but it took 14 years. SANDIE SEDGBEER: So, you wanted everybody else in the world to understand the soul of Schizophrenia, not just the diagnosis?
REBECCA SCHAPER: Exactly. SANDIE SEDGBEER: And those 14 years were not always easy. Call had a number of relapses. What sort of problems and setbacks did you encounter? REBECCA SCHAPER: Thank goodness, I had a social worker who worked with him and Greenville, and we communicated a lot. Sometimes, Call would be on his medication, and then when he'd be OK and feel OK, he would stop taking it. Then he would plummet, and then it was like a roller coaster ride —up and down and up and down.
At one point, he was admitted to Marshall Pickins hospital for three or four months and was lost for a while.
He couldn't take care of his apartment that well, but that was OK. OK. But I didn't care about that. It was him that I saw. OK, his apartment was a huge mess, and it was frustrating at times. Still, it was Call that drove me to… well, I wanted to expose the real him that he was a beautiful person despite all this debris and chaos. SANDIE SEDGBEER: You hinted in your book that he had some kind of psychic gift. He told you about having heard that your mother was going to kill herself before she did. REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes. I'll never forget this. We were filming him, and he was reflecting back, and he said he remembered that he was on the road, standing under a bridge one day when a voice came over him. And it said, 'I’m going to have to take your mother.’ Two weeks later, our mother died by suicide. Now, he was not on any medication then. So, is that really a hallucination? Or was he tapping into something else? I do believe he was telepathic, as there are other stories. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Did you ask him, ‘Where did you think that information came from?’ REBECCA SCHAPER: No, because it didn’t dawn on me until later on. But in that interview, he said, “Isn’t that something?’ And then he said, “I never told Becky, and I feel guilty for that.” OMTIMES.COM
SANDIE SEDGBEER: When he relapsed when he wasn’t looking after his apartment or himself, and you had to deal with that, did you ever feel that you might have done the wrong thing? That you were fighting a losing battle. That you couldn’t make him well, you would never be able to help him enough, and it was always going to be like this? REBECCA SCHAPER: I never felt that this was not the right thing. I knew it was. It was my passion. Some people may see it as being obsessive, but no. I wanted to get him as well as I could, and I had to accept that I had to find a balance. That was hard for me because I didn’t want to lose him like I lost my parents. And that was one of the lessons he was teaching me. Even though he didn’t know it, I knew it. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Say more about the lessons he was teaching you. REBECCA SCHAPER: He taught me a lot about patience. I remember him always asking me, ‘Rebecca, how’s your patience?’ I would say, ‘We’re together, right? That should say a lot. He never complained. He lived such a simple life. He loved life. He didn’t have to say much. I learned from that. He was an example of being happy where he was, even though he had this diagnosis. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Did he ever question the diagnosis? What was his attitude to it?
REBECCA SCHAPER: I asked him. It’s in the film and the book. I said, “Call, how do you feel about this? What would you tell people about it?’ He said, ‘I’d tell them to pray and go see your Doctor.' We laughed about that. I said, ‘Are you happy? Do you ever regret this?’ He said, ‘No, not at all. I am so thankful for the people who are around me, who love me.’ SANDIE SEDGBEER: The book is very heartfelt and courageous. You expose your life and your family because you want the world to know what it is like to be with somebody in Call’s situation and not see them as broken. There’s a passage in your book that you feel sums up a lot of what you learned from Call. Would you read that to us? REBECCA SCHAPER: Thank you. I would love to. ‘Today, I felt it was the shared pain of abuse that drew Call and me together in support and healing of each other. It was a powerful underlying subconscious bond. He and I never discussed this, but I felt that it was recognized and acknowledged between us. I heard him. I felt him. I would find the best way to help him as I too wanted to be helped.’ SANDIE SEDGBEER: I’m sure there are many people listening who live with the same things you lived with every single day.
OMTIMES.COM
.I think it’s important for us to see beyond the diagnosis, the shame, and the stigma and look at the person as a soul and what they are going through. You make quite evident in the book and your documentary that the beautiful parts of us are genuine love, humor, compassion, and profound spirituality, are still there even when hidden by illness. I know you loved your brother. I know you were passionate about helping him. With the best will in the world, being a caregiver to somebody in any situation is exceptionally debilitating both physically and emotionally. What kept you going? REBECCA SCHAPER: Wow, that’s a big question. Passion, love. I can’t really articulate it. I just had this driving force, and maybe that was part of the contract that Call and I had together. I know that when Call and I were together, he would always bring up the word processor, so maybe that was part of the process. SANDIE SEDGBEER: What did he mean by process? That’s an exciting thing for him to say. He knew there was a process going on. REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes, and right now we’re going through the process; i’s continuing. I feel that he knew why he was here on this earth and that our relationship, our contract together, was part of the process. When he was in Marshall Pickins hospital, he talked about this ‘process,’ I said to him on film, ‘OK, tell us about the process.’ He said, ‘Well, I signed this contract, and you wouldn’t understand it. It’s in the English language, but it’s translated differently. You wouldn’t understand.’ I said, ‘OK, that’s fine,’ but I couldn’t stop thinking about what contract? Our contract? His contract being here? My contract? SANDIE SEDGBEER: Soul contract? REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes. Our contract together. Call’s contract with me. His contract with my family. That’s all part of the process. OMTIMES.COM
SANDIE SEDGBEER: One of the things that struck me in the movie is that Call seemed always to have an aura of calm about him. We didn’t see him having rages or getting angry. He seemed patient, almost amused at times as if he was saying, ‘I’m just chilling. everybody else does what they’re doing.’ REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes, exactly. I would be buzzing around, and he would just sit back and say, ‘OK, Rebecca.’ SANDIE SEDGBEER: In many cultures, people that we might dismiss as having mental health issues are loved, lauded, praised, looked after, regarded as a gift to the tribe. Or they’re called Shaman. If we go back into history, there are so many cases of people who openly wrote and spoke about hearing voices, being ecstatic because God talked to them. Why are some of those elevated to sainthood, yet Today we put them in a mental home? REBECCA SCHAPER: It’s horrible. I have wondered why religion and God seem to be such common themes. Could it be they are merely tapping into other dimensions? I do believe that there are mystic voices here as well. I am in the process of creating with another filmmaker a documentary about the voices of Schizophrenia. We’re exploring and researching mystic voice heroes and more about the voices of Schizophrenia.
SANDIE SEDGBEER: I’m encouraged by the research conducted right now with the microbiome and how certain microbes in our system affect our mood and emotions. Experiments with psychedelics and anxiety and depression, etc. REBECCA SCHAPER: We’re on the brink of a whole different field of understanding in all of this. Nature, meditation, and yes, food can make a big difference, too. Not to mention family support. And love – that’s huge. SANDIE SEDGBEER: What are the key lessons that you learned from your experience that could help others? REBECCA SCHAPER: To have compassion, trust, and to give others hope. And don’t give up. It can be challenging at times, but don’t give up. There’s something to be learned from it all, and you never know what that could be. To those who are taking care of others with mental health issues, I would say, be sure to take of yourself. That’s so important. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Your hope was for Call to get better. How did you define that? What were you expecting or hoping to see? REBECCA SCHAPER: In the end, he was stabilized. He stopped smoking. He stopped drinking. He was back to his old self. He was engaged in family activities. He was socializing. We’d go into stores, and people would just gravitate to him. He was like this gentle giant.
OMTIMES.COM
’ That was another lesson for me – to see how my brother was embracing death. He passed away on September 04, 2012. He was in hospice, and my husband and the girls would visit him. And there were so many synchronicities around that situation, it was pretty amazing. I felt like angels were around him, and in fact, Call told me that when he was young, lying in bed one night, he actually saw an angel. His actual passing was very sacred. My daughter, Lauren, put plugs in Call’s ears so he could listen to his favorite music as he was slowly passing.
SANDIE SEDGBEER: After 14 years of having Call back in your life, he passed? How did that happen? REBECCA SCHAPER: He had colon cancer.
I’ll never forget this. Again, I think this was something telepathic that we had. In March of 2012, something kept telling me I should call him or go see him, but I was on the road doing film festivals, and I didn’t get a chance to have him home with us until July 2012. That’s when we found out that he had colon cancer. I took him to the doctor, and he had very severe edema. When the doctor told Call that he had stage 4 colon cancer and said he was sorry, but Call only had x time to live, Call reached over and shook the doctor’s hand and simply said to him, ‘Thank you for your wisdom.’
SANDIE SEDGBEER: Did you feel a sense of peace; that you had found him, you had made his life different, you had done everything that you wanted to do, and you could close the book with a clear conscience and with love? REBECCA SCHAPER: Yes, it took a while, but he’s still around us. My daughter Lauren and I both feel him, especially my daughter, Lauren. He shows up in music. There’s so much more I could say, but he’s still around us. I know he is. He’s right here. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Since the documentary and the book, you’ve invested a lot of time, energy, and money into being an advocate for mental health. You speak at various different events, and you’re producing a second documentary. OMTIMES.COM
And now, you — we —are launching a new project dedicated to slaying the dragons of mental health by stripping away the shame, the embarrassment, the fear, and the stigma associated with it. Why a new project? Well, as mentioned, mental health isn’t something that applies to just some of us. It applies to all of us. It’s part of the human condition. No person should ever be made to feel embarrassed, ashamed, or discriminated against for simply being human. Today, we’ve heard just one person’s story. Throughout the world, millions of people are living their own stories and looking for answers. Long before Covid and lockdowns became part of our language, mental health statistics were climbing. Experts are in agreement that we’re heading towards a worldwide crisis. No one knows for sure what causes mental health issues. A myriad of things can tip the scales of our emotional, physical, and mental equilibrium. From brain and body chemistry, hormones, food, nutrition, trauma, shock, our microbiome to pharmaceutical drugs, psychedelic substances, meditation, visionary experiences, and spiritual awakenings.
OMTIMES.COM
But Rebecca Schaper and I want to find out. We intend to do whatever we can to find some answers for people. So, we’re going to join forces. Starting in January 2021, we’re launching a new live video and audio podcast dedicated to de-mystifying, de-stigmatizing, humanizing, and personalizing mental health. This show will air at noon, Eastern time, on the first and the third Thursdays of every month. It’s called ‘CRACKED! THE PODCAST – Slaying the Dragons of Mental Health, and its goal is to expand the conversation about mental health. So we are leaving no stone unturned. No question unasked, and no potential solution unexamined in our quest to shine many different lights on a topic that none of us can afford to ignore. ‘CRACKED! THE PODCAST’ will explore them all, including and perhaps especially something that Rebecca has touched upon in this interview—that for many, a breakdown can be the beginning of a breakthrough. So, as the Poet and Philosopher Leonard Cohen observed, “there is a crack in everything, it’s where the light gets in.” Rebecca, no one can doubt your passion for taking the shame out of mental health issues. Before bringing this show to an end, would you like to add any last words about the new Podcast? REBECCA SCHAPER: I hope I said enough. I hope that people will resonate with this and be excited about this because you and I have a strong passion for this and educate so many people. And there will be resources also as well for people.O M T I M E S . C O M
SANDIE SEDGBEER: Indeed. It’s important to state that while I am based in England, and Rebecca is in America, this is an international Podcast that can be heard worldwide. So, there’s no such thing as boundaries or barriers. REBECCA SCHAPER: And mental health is a worldwide situation. SANDIE SEDGBEER: Absolutely. Rebecca Schaper, thank you for joining us. Thank you for sharing your story. And thank you for embarking on this new venture with me. REBECCA SCHAPER: Oh, I’m so excited, Sandie. I can’t wait. The inaugural edition of ‘CRACKED! THE PODCAST’ will air live on Thursday, January 07, 12:00 noon Eastern time, 9:00 am Pacific, and 6:00 pm UCT. And every episode will be available on multiple Podcast sites, as well as streamed through OMTimes’ Magazine’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
Health & Wellness Innovative new approaches to Healing as well as holistic methods for dealing with health issues and personal growth
Healthy Living During the Holidays Stay healthy during The Holidays.
H
By Ginger McBride
olidays can be a difficult
ambitions to meet, but sometimes life
time to stay healthy. Learn
interjects, and we stray off our path.
four ways to continue to
When fall arrives, we know the end
strive for healthy living and
of the year is near, and celebrating
celebrate at the same time!
is around the corner. We begin to retrospect about what we wanted
We begin our year with a fresh, new
to accomplish in the first place!
resolution. We have plans, goals, and
Whether there is a goal that was not
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
accomplished or a new one to take
and begin. We may not realize how
its place, we can continue to strive for
much time we do or don't spend on
healthy living!
activities. How many hours of video streaming have we enjoyed? How
During the holidays, it can be
many hours did we exercise this past
incredibly challenging to stay
week? We can journal everything
dedicated to our health. We have
from how much time we spend on
much to celebrate, such as Halloween,
certain things, our foods, water in
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and
taking, sleep, and exercise. Some of
New Year's! Holidays are a time
us are lucky enough to even have
of togetherness, tradition, and
accessories that monitor this for us
celebration. At this time of the year,
and make it as convenient as possible.
food is not only sustenance but also a communal experience! Most of us
Once we journal, we can look back
lead busy lives. There are the constant
on our entries and make some
hustle and bustle. The holidays arise
realizations about our self. What are
to give us an excuse to slow down and
some things we could do differently?
catch up with loved ones!
Could we exercise more? Pay closer attention to our meals? Could we
Let's stay committed to our health
have a better quality of sleep? These
and celebrate. An essential first step
are all things worth mentioning. Now
to doing both is awareness and being
is the time to plan. We can take a
conscious of our actions. Often times,
look at our initial goal and break it
we don't realize that we are slipping.
down into more attainable monthly
It's subtle and gradual, and before
goals that we can accomplish. Plan to
we know it, we haven't accomplished
sleep at least seven to eight hours a
anything for our goals in weeks. To
day, drink enough water, eat healthy
start being aware, we need to focus on
meals, and exercise.
our time, meals, sleep, and exercise. The holidays can also bring out Journals are a great tool that we
unique stress in some. Perhaps it is
thankfully can use both manually
money for gifts, or they are not a fan
and digitally. Grab a notebook, or
of crowds. Exercise is a great way to
download an application of choice,
relieve stress. It releases endorphins,
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
which help alleviate our mood.
going to say next. By doing this, we
When we finally make it to our many
enhance our quality time with those
planned events, an important aspect
that mean the most to us and strive
to remember is portion control. Please
for better living!
sit down with the loved ones, and enjoy a tasty meal. Just remember what food items to focus on and which to limit.
Ginger McBride is a certified health coach, wellness expert, entrepreneur, and raw food enthusiast. She is the founder of
To further enjoy our celebrations, we can practice mindfulness and be in the moment. We can sit down our phones, put them on silent, or even turn them off. When we are fully present, we can obtain what others are saying to us much more comfortable. We can practice active listening, and not just what we are
Raw Ninja – a wellness coaching membership that provides affordability and accessibility to her clients. She is passionate about helping others with their health, inspiring them to reach their goals through motivation and education! To learn more, visit www.rawninja.net
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
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.
IS YOUR
SOUL THE REAL YOU?
By John Holland
When you look in the mirror, think about it ‌ Is it the real you? NO! The Soul is pure consciousness and
You've heard me talk a lot about the Soul lately. I can't help it. I'm so excited about this limitless power we all possess. It's sort of like having Harry Potter's wand or Samantha Stevens'
the true essence of who you really are. When you acknowledge that you're a soul and not purely just a physical body, then believe me when I tell you, there's no limit to what you can achieve!
twitchy nose. Whatever it is you want or need, your Soul can make it happen!
I'm very passionate when it comes to the Soul. I feel like I've found a revolutionary power that I just know
Many of you have asked me how do you start connecting with your Soul? Well, I always say
can change our lives, and I want everyone to know about it.
the same thing, which is by remembering that you are a soul first. You've heard me say this again and again: "You're a soul that comes with a body—not a body that comes with a soul."
I truly believe part of my purpose here on this planet is to teach you how to understand and connect to your beautiful Soul. It is to help you trust your Soul's sense of intuition and guide you on how to tap into this immense power and energy. And here's the best part: Your Soul is powered by the energy of love!
OMTimes.com
NOMADIC
|
24
As you discover this fantastic soul source, you'll learn how to heal yourself and others and find the tools to break free from the limitations of the past. Once you realize you can access this phenomenal database—your soul wisdom—anytime you wish. It becomes an empowering motivator to start living the life you were meant to live.
Every single human soul has more meaning and value than the whole of history. Nikolai Berdyaev
JOHN'S MESSAGE Here's a great way to start living as a soul. Each and every day, repeat this mantra as often as you can: I am Soul
When you say these three simple words, your Soul resonates with what you're expressing, and your consciousness automatically begins to expand. It's important to remember that regardless of the image you project outwardly to others, it's actually your inner-self—your Soul—that generates your responses. It is your Soul that inspires your tender emotions and forges your lasting relationships.
No matter who you are, where you've been, or what you've done, you always have the freedom of choice to begin living a spiritual life, to start living from the Soul.
When you focus on what lies within, rather than what's on the outside, you become more aware of the force that draws us all together: the power of the Soul.
If this Soul Inspiration resonates with you, what better way to continue the discovery and transformation journey than to join My Soul Community.
NOMADIC
OMTimes.com |
24
4 Steps to Help You Spiritually Prepare for 2021 by Meghan Belnap OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
T
here's no question that 2020
future with a sneak peek? A gifted
has been one of the most
psychic can provide clairvoyant
challenging and eventful
readings to answer your questions
years in modern memory.
about what lies ahead in your life so
Many people are more than ready to
you can look forward to the good
move on to a new year and a fresh start.
and prepare for the bad. Psychics
Still, others are understandably worried
can also help you increase your self-
about the future. If you have concerns
awareness and better understand
about what lies ahead, spirituality
how your future may be affected
can provide comfort and put you at
by who you are as a person now.
ease. Try these four steps to help you
Many psychics are well-versed in
spiritually prepare for 2021.
attraction-theory subjects, guiding you in the concept of how what you
Envision Your Future
put out into the world can attract the same things back to you.
Is 2021 your year to buy a new house, find the love of your life or find yourself? Whether you write your goals down in a journal, or create a vision board, laying out your goals and dreams for the new year is an excellent way to begin your spiritual journey. Having a focused plan can help give you something to aim for rather than wandering aimlessly in the new year, waiting for change to come to you. Having a vision in mind can also help you prepare emotionally for significant changes that may come, making them easier to handle when they do.
Get Psychic Guidance What if you could prepare for your
See a Counselor Sometimes all you need is someone to talk to. It doesn't matter whether you visit a mental health professional or a leader f rom your spiritual community. Counseling sessions can help you put your worries and fears into perspective and sort through your feelings. A trained counselor can also offer advice and suggest exercises to overcome any fears and anxiety you may be experiencing. Anxiety can be a significant energy-killer and inhibit spiritual growth if you don't take time to address it. Make sure
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
that you are taking the time to have
enjoy a good meal, or just relax
any mental illness appropriately
in a warm bath. Don't feel guilty
treated.
if you need to forego plans with
Make Time for Yourself
f riends or family sometimes. You can't be expected to take care of others if you don't take care of
Self-care is essential for spiritual
yourself first.
health, so remember to make time for yourself every day. Participate
Although being spiritually
in hobbies you enjoy, read a book,
prepared for the new year can
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
help you cope with your worries,
Meghan Belnap is a freelance
don't put too much pressure on
writer who enjoys spending time
yourself. No one can ever be 100
with her family. She loves being
percent prepared for what the
in the outdoors and exploring
future holds, and it's normal to
new opportunities whenever they
feel like you're not quite ready
arise. Meghan finds happiness in
when a significant change
researching new topics that help to
happens. Try to expect the best,
expand her horizons. You can often
prepare for the worst, and always
find her buried in a good book or
roll with the punches.
out looking for an adventure. OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OMTimes Magazine
Relax… Let your worries drift away into the moment… OMTimes is a free publication and can be delivered right to your inbox… Subscribe at: Free OMTimes Subscription Visit our website at: www.omtimes.com
OM Living For those living a more Conscious Lifestyle
Raising Spiritual Children By OMTimes Team
I
f you have a child, you may know
this work out correctly. Many of us
that raise a child is not an easy
have made mistakes while trying to
task. It is something that will
do our best. We also nurture high
demand every fabric of your
expectations for our children. We want
being, and that will last your lifetime.
them to be successful and great human
It is also something that immensely
beings, real citizens of the world.
rewarding and souls fulfilling. To do so, we need to teach some ethical As parents, we are bound to make
concepts, inspire a moral compass, and
mistakes, even when we try to make
infuse essential spiritual wisdom to our
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
children. At the end of the day, they are
Spirituality touched, denying it can
the best gifts we can give to them.
be a big mistake.
"Educate the children, so there is no
"We must not shape children
need to punish men."
according to our feelings; we must
Pythagoras
have and love them the way they were given to us by God."
For starters, we shall reiterate that
Johann Goethe
Spirituality is not Religion because Spirituality transcends any religion's
Over time, if applicable, you can
notion. Spirituality deals with human
present your universe of beliefs
values, moral education, ethics, and
and let them decide for themselves
conscious living. Spiritual values reflect
what to believe and what they
how people relate to each other,
want to follow. But never impose a
the importance of civilized social
reality, especially when it involves
interactions, and our relationship with
discrediting what the child
the Divine.
questions and presents about
Mediumship and Children
the theme only contribute to the subject generating pain and being forgotten. All children are born with
Trust your child when she says she
what is called extrasensory skills.
sees someone, hears things, or has an imaginary friend who she believes to be real.
DEALING WITH HYPERSENSITIVE CHILDREN
Not considering what she says can create a breach of trust between
Let go of ideologies and teach
you and, worse, cause these gifts to
your child to feel emotions and not
be overwhelmed, not healthy. Give
repress them. Anger, guilt, sadness,
your children the freedom to talk
happiness, and joy, everything
about it, even if it does not meet
must be embraced. When we
what you believe. In this topic, the
get the idea that feeling angry
recommendation is about the denial of
is wrong, we teach children to
mediumship: if your child has traces of
create blocks concerning emotions
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
and, rest assured, they will feel angry.
They will feel more connected with
Expressed or not, all children have
themselves and the world.
a spiritual awakening call. We must understand that. They will experience sadness, guilt, frustration, and the full range of sensations that are part of life. When we teach children to understand their emotions, to seek their source, and deal with them without denying them, we build the spiritual foundations for
TEACHING RESPECT, ABOVE ALL Teach Your child the love of diversity. That is the way of Nature. Diversity is how we can survive as a species. Teach your child to love the difference and show him that nobody is equal to anyone. It is the
this child to grow up.
diversity of life that makes him more
This attitude will help them to become
help to build this "cultural" whole
beautiful. It is the differences that
healthy, happy, more secure Individuals.
that is a human being.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
If we teach to exclude and not integrate,
anything else teaches your child
we are hurting one of the basic spiritual
Spirituality. To say that everyone has
principles: unconditional love. Children
the right to life, that no one is better
need to be taught to respect what is
than anyone, and equal rights must
different from a young age, even if they
always be preserved is of the utmost
"don't like it." Nobody is forced to like
importance to make a better future.
everything and everyone. Still, teaching
To help create a future with less
respect is one of the parents' obligations
hatred and less inequality.
and fundamental divine precepts. Racial or gender separation, for Teach the Love for Nature, our Planet,
example, goes against divine
and Animal Life.
principles. In terms of gender, a very
LOVE FOR NATURE, FOR THE ANIMALS, AND OUR PLANET Nature is God. Teaching children a love of animals is essential. Teach love and respect to all lives, for all animals, not just pets. The wildlife is critical to the balance of this planet's environment. It is essential for the survival of all of us. Teach them to respect every single manifestation of life. From flowers, trees, make sure to include everything that has life. Show that all beings are aware and that mistreating them is terrible. Whoever loves animals loves the Divine.
LESS HATE, MORE EQUALITY
controversial agenda, keeping sanity and balance is the best way out. Do not force anything, but do not forbid anything. If your child wants to play with a doll, what's the problem? Your child's sexual orientation will not be influenced by the toys they have; the ability to respect the opposite sex, yes. In fact, sexual orientation is not related to someone's character. It cannot be used as an asset, advantage, or reason to diminish someone. Teaching this to your children will do enormous good for humanity. This does not mean forcing behavior upon our children. Most boys, it is true, are more interested in ball and
Like diversity, teaching that life is
superheroes and, if that is the Nature
the most asset and matters above
of your child's interests, respect it. If
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
your daughter wants dolls, there's no
great practice, especially in such a
problem with that either! The idea is
hectic world we live in. Your child
to offer children toys that encourage
will learn to seek peace and silence
intelligence and those that reinforce
of the mind alone, learning to deal
gender identity. Lego, puzzles, books,
with the emotions and difficulties of
and crosswords have never hurt
life early on. This contributes to their
anyone and can diversify children's
self-reliance process.
toy collection.
THE PRIVILEGE OF PLAYING OUTDOORS Using the internet and playing games are part of childhood and are also healthy when it does not take all children's time. What better alternative to teaching your children about Nature and animals than letting them play outdoors? Allow your children to play outdoors if you want to raise more sensitive, fulfilled, and spiritualized children. Children who spend a lot of time playing outdoors have a stronger spiritual connection to the planet and peace.
The advantages are many: it fights stress, relieves anxiety, improves sleep, reduces aggression, supplies mental hygiene and relaxation, improves concentration, and helps deal with feelings such as frustration, fear, and anger. These practices help the children get in touch with themselves. We must raise our children, thinking, above all, in their well-being instead of the intense demand for results.
RESPONSIBILITY AND CHOICES Always show your children that they must be responsible for their actions and, more than that, that all choices
YOGA AND MEDITATION FOR THE LITTLE ONES
and attitudes have consequences.
Besides the immediate benefits
reap what we sow. Teach that taking
like concentration and well-being,
responsibility for our own actions is
teaching your child to take a short
the best way to grow and live with
break from routine every day is a
others.
This is a way of introducing the law of return (KARMA), showing that we
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
LEARNING TO DEAL WITH DEATH
because the child will undoubtedly
Do not hide death from your children.
When someone dies, we have an
It is essential to deal naturally with
excellent opportunity to talk about
the only certainty we have in life:
the soul, about the spirit, about life
everything that lives, one day, will die.
after death, heaven, paradise, in
Hiding it or treating it in a childlike
short, whatever your belief. Enjoy the
way can generate future trauma
moment when death touches your
face death sooner or later.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
family circle to present Spirituality to
words and defend the oppressed, those
your child.
that feel or are voiceless.
ABOUT THE IMMENSITY OF THE UNIVERSE
Do not tolerate any type of aggressive behavior from your child towards another child. Always use emotions,
Teach your child about the stars. From
the feelings of others, and ethics as an
an early age, show him the immensity
argument. Words can hurt, but they
of the universe and the Universal
can also heal. The sooner your child
infinity of the Divine (God / Goddess)
realizes this, the better for him and for
and their creation.
those who live with him.
Embrace the opportunity and take
CHARITY NEVER FAILS
advantage of this scientific learning process to talk about Spirituality, about God. Maybe even talk about the possibility of life on other planets as a way to show the diversity of love and
Teach your child to help others. Teach them to be generous, not only materially but also spiritually. Show them that not all people are fortunate
divine creation.
to have a home, food on the table, or
THE IMPORTANCE OF NON-AGGRESSIVE COMMUNICATION
notion against excessive accumulation.
have toys to play with, building the
Encourage your child to donate toys that they no longer use, and that can
Show the child that words have
make other children happy. Show
strength, be creative, or not,
them that feeding the hungry when
Words can impact the lives of others.
possible is our duty as a human being.
Teach that expressing anger through words to hurt others is not the best
Teach your child to empathize with
way to live in society. It hurts a lot
others, especially when they are in
and can cause irreversible damage to
more severe living conditions. This is
someone's emotional structure.
one of the best ways to raise children
For example, bullying is a great topic to
with a spiritual ground, a true citizen of
teach children to spread love through
the world.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
Dealing with the Sunk-Cost Effect Don’t Feel Guilty When You’re Getting Rid of Your Things by Kristin Herman
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
M
inimalism has taken the
anymore? Gifts and presents from
world by storm over the
other people and loved ones?
last few years. With the
Memories and keepsake items from
rises of influencers like
past relationships or friendships? Yes,
Marie Kondo, the chances are you may
of course, you are going to feel guilty
have thought more and more about
throwing this stuff away.
getting rid of your useless ‘stuff.’ Let us face it, we all have tons of ‘stuff’ lying around everything that has built up
Change is unsettling for all human beings
over our lifetimes, and there comes the point where you’ll want to get rid of it.
The average human being hates change. It is just how the mind works.
While throwing out stuff you do not
The mind believes that the more
need, or at least highlighting the
comfortable and familiar things
things you don’t need, is pretty easy,
are, the better off we are. While our
actually getting rid of it is another
survival tool brain thinks this, the real
thing altogether. When I went through
human’s we know this is not always
my stuff and had to clear out, I felt so
the best. You need to clear yourself of
guilty for getting rid of many things,
the old to make way for the new. This
but I found a way to overcome these
is the way of nature.
feelings.
Why Do You Feel Guilty?
So how do you get rid of this feeling of guilt?
Let us say you go through your
Remember Why You Started the
cupboards and have a proper clear-out.
clearing.
You stack up all the stuff you want to get rid of and put the stuff back you
Perhaps the first and most important
wish to keep. Simple, right? When you
thing to remember. There’s a reason
start looking at the stuff you are getting
you’re tossing out’ your old things.
rid of, what do you see?
Maybe you have started a new relationship, and you have got a ton of
Things that you brought and really
old clothes and bits and pieces from
loved years ago, but not so much
your ex. You did not necessarily end on
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
bad terms, but you know you want to
been working so hard to achieve.
leave that relationship in the past now.
Recognizing this should help relieve some of the guilt.
“Having this message in your head while you’re clearing out is essential.
Put Them to a Better Place
Keep that original message of why you started in mind. Maybe you have
It’s important to remember that when
been unhappy in your life. You’re
I say you’re ‘tossing out’ or ‘getting rid’
having a clear-out to have a fresh
of your things, which doesn’t mean
start, and to begin a new chapter in
you’re just tossing a lot of things in
your life,” shares Marie Turner, a writer
the bin. Instead, you can give things
at State of writing and Dissertation
to a better home. Maybe donate
writing.
your belongings to a charity shop or sell them on eBay or Facebook
Write this message down on a
Marketplace.
Post-It note if you have to so you
“In most cases, it is always better to
can remember everything you’ve
give stuff away to a new home where
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
someone else can use or value what you have, to freecycle it, rather than just putting it straight into a bin. This is a great way to reduce any guilt you may be feeling about getting rid of your things, to begin with,� explains Nick Harris, a lifestyle blogger at
is known as the sunk-cost effect, highlighting that you have spent a considerable investment of money into something, so now you are obliged to keep it. Instead of holding onto something
College paper and Paper Fellows.
holding you back, use the opportunity
You Cannot Change the Past, But You Can Learn from It
time and money invested in those
to learn from your past, despite the items. It means you will not need to repeat the mistake in the future.
It is worth remembering that you probably cannot undo an expensive
Kristin Herman is a tech enthusiast
or luxurious purchase you made
and a project manager at UK
in the past, and regret, and now
Writings and Research paper
feel guilty about getting rid of. This
writing service.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
Does the Brain Have a Delete Button? By Humanity Healing
Neuroplasticity, neuron Connections, and a Brain Delete Button OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
N
europlasticity is a brain
Scientists have known this for years.
function, also known
However, nowadays, researchers learn
as brain plasticity. It
another part of the truth: to learn
is the brain's ability to
something, even more important than
change itself through growth and
practicing, is the ability to unlearn or
restructuring. These alterations range
break old neural connections. This is
from individual neurons making
called "synaptic pruning."
new connections to systematic modifications like cortical remapping.
HOW DO BRAIN CONNECTIONS WORK?
Neurons that fire together wire together. Donald O. Hebb
Brains are tricky and adaptable organs. For all the 'neuroplasticity,'
The more you work on the neuro-
allowing our brains to reconfigure
circuit (reengineering) in your brain,
themselves to our computers' biases,
the more robust neural networks'
we are just as neuroplastic in our ability
circuit will become. That is why,
to eventually recover and adapt.
quoting another old phrase, "practice
Douglas Rushkoff
makes perfect." The more you practice piano, or speak a language or juggle,
Imagine that your brain is a garden,
the stronger these skills become.
except that instead of growing
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
flowers, f ruits, and vegetables,
When microgliocytes detect this
you develop synaptic connections
mark, they bind to the protein and
between the brain cells or neurons.
destroy - or prune – the individual
These are the connections in which
synapse. This is how your brain
neurotransmitters, such as dopamine,
makes physical space for you to
serotonin, and others, circulate the
build new and stronger connections
brain.
so that you can continue your process of learning.
"Glia cells" are your brain's gardeners they are special cells that act to speed up signals between specific neurons. But other glial cells are
WHEN DOES THE BRAIN PERFORM THE "SELFCLEANING" FUNCTION?
"trash removers," pulling weeds, killing pests, pulling dead leaves. Your
Among other things, neuroplasticity
brain's pruning gardeners are called
means that emotions such as
microgliocytes. They prune some
happiness and compassion can be
synaptic connections.
cultivated in much the same way that a person can learn through
The question is, how do they know
repetition to play golf and basketball
which ones to prune?
or master a musical instrument, and that such practice changes
Neuroplasticity research showed that
the activity and physical aspects of
the brain changes its very structure
specific brain areas.
with each different activity it performs,
Andrew Weil
perfecting its circuits, so it is better suited to the task at hand.
Have you ever felt like your brain
Naveen Jain
was full, usually when you learn something new or start a new job or
The scientists and researchers are just
hobby?
beginning to unravel this enigmatic function, but what they do know is
When you learn many new
that the synaptic connections they get
things, your brain creates new
used the less are marked and tagged
connections, but they may be
by a protein, C1q (as well as others).
somewhat inefficient connections.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
Your brain needs to remove many of these connections and build more
CAN WE CONTROL WHAT IS DELETE FROM OUR BRAIN?
efficient and simplified paths. It usually does this while we sleep.
Usually, the synaptic connections that you are not using are marked
When you sleep, your brain cells
for "recycling." The ones you use are
shrink by up to 60% to make room
those that are protected, watered, and
for your "glial gardeners" to enter
oxygenated. So, be aware of what you
and remove the "dead "waste. This
are thinking. If you spend too much
is how they can clean synapses.
time reading theories about the end
Have you ever woken up from a
of "Game of Thrones" and too little on
good night's sleep and been able to
your work, guess what synapses will be
think clearly and quickly? It is like
marked for recycling?
reformatting your computer. Suppose you are fighting with It is the same reason that naps are
someone at work and devote your
so beneficial to your cognitive skills.
time to thinking about this situation,
A 10- or 20-minute nap gives your
and not about a big project. In that
microgliocytes gardeners a chance
case, you will end up being a synaptic
to come in, clean up some unused
superstar in revenge plans but a
connections, and leave space to
terrible innovator.
grow new ones. You literally influence the make up Thinking with a sleep-deprived brain
your own mind by choosing what you
is like making your way through
pay attention to.
a dense jungle with a machete. It is vast, slow, and exhausting.
Sure, you can hardly control what
Thinking of a well-rested brain is
happens to you throughout the day,
like wandering happily through
but you can control how much it
a forest; the paths are clear and
affects you. To be more specific, you
connect to each other at different
can choose what affects you and
points. The trees are in place. You
build your own neural connections.
can see it right in front of you. It is
Be aware of your thoughts. They are
invigorating.
important for your personal growth. OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OMTIMES • DEC 2020
T he Dear Santa Project: Interview with Dana Nachman
DEAR SANTA shines a light on the 100-year-old 'Operation Santa' Program of the United States Postal Service. Each year, hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa arrive at Post Offices around the Country. Through Operation Santa, the United States Postal Service makes it possible for the public to safely adopt these letters and make children's dreams come true. The film invites audiences along for the magic of this massive endeavor. While traveling throughout the Country, like Santa does on Christmas Eve, the "DEAR SANTA "film focuses on select 'Operation Santa' Centers. Some of these operations are in metropolitan areas like the massive operation in New York City. In contrast, others are found in small towns where the Post Office is the community's heart. The timeless documentary captures the warmth and spirit of Christmas time through the lens of this great American tradition, provoking audiences throughout the world to ask themselves how they can make the world a better place, one gesture at a time.
The Dear Santa Project Opening the window to the many facets of the United States Post Services. Father Noel has been part of every child's imagination in this world. The many narrations about his MO may vary. Still, the message and intentions behind the kind gift-giving character continue to be the same. On Dear Santa Project, the United States Postal Offices play an equal and important part in keeping the dreams of Christmas night alive for thousands of kids. Their "Elves" are intimately involved in all stages of this process, from the many letters to making sure they find their destination.
OMTIMES • DEC 2020
It is historically registered that Children started to send Christmas letters to Santa 150 years ago. The Story goes like this: Back in 1907, Santa Reached out to the US Postal Services and asked them to help deliver the Thousands of Letters he gets every year. Nowadays, their partnership grew exponentially into a massive nationwide Program called "OPERATION SANTA." Many Children believe that only the Post offices know Good Mr. Claus's real location and address. Independent of where you are or what you may believe. Operation Santa is a message of hope. The movie is proof that there is still goodness in this world. For more than a hundred years, Americans have brought cheer, compassion, and hope Through Operation Santa through good and hard times. Origin of the Legend When barbarians took over the Old World, a series of celebrations tried to alleviate the severe temperatures and the lack of food that took over Europe in late December. In this situation, the "Old Man Winter" legend appeared as a gentleman who beat up people's homes asking for food and drink. According to the myth, whoever served him with generosity would enjoy a milder winter. The association between Old Man Winter and St. Nicholas appeared many decades later. According to historical accounts, Saint Nicholas was a Turkish monk who lived during the 4th century. Christian tradition tells that this clergyman would have helped a young girl not to be sold by her father, throwing a bag full of gold coins that could pay for the girl's wedding dowry. Only five centuries later, Saint Nicholas was recognized by the Church as a saint. How did the image of the plump old man with a white beard come about? At the end of the 19th century, the German designer Thomas Nast had the idea of incorporating new elements into the good old man's image.
OMTIMES • DEC 2020
To this end, he published in the North American magazine Harper's Weekly the drawing of a Santa Claus who, to the present day, most resembled a forest gnome. With the other Christmases' passing, he improved his original design until the old man gained a protruding belly, good stature, and an abundant white beard. Despite the outstanding contributions from Nast's experimentalism, we still have to unravel the origin of his reddish clothing. Several drawings had already portrayed Santa Claus in costumes of the most varied shapes and colors. However, in 1931, Haddon Sundblom, hired by the Coca-Cola soft drink company, came up with the good old man's clothes' red pattern. Over time, the popularization of the brand's advertising campaigns ended up setting up the standard. OMTimes had the opportunity to converse with Director Dana Nachman about Operation Santa. Dana Nachman is an award-winning filmmaker of both fiction and documentary films. Nachman's 2018 feature documentary "Pick of the Litter" was sold within 48 hours of Its premiere at the Slam dance Festival. Soon after, it was released theatrically by IFC Films. Born and raised in New York, Nachman graduated from Trinity College in Harford, Connecticut, with a dual degree in Middle Eastern Studies and International Relations. She went to earn a master's degree at NYU On Broadcast Journalism. Dear Santa, is about The United States Postal Services' program called Operation Santa. Santa is Thrilled to see the film cut of the film ready for his viewing this Christmas.
OMTimes: What motivated you to tell this story? Dana Nachman: About eight years ago, my mom bought me a book about Operation Santa. About the United States Postal Service's program that helps Santa get all of his letters answered. Every year around Christmas time, I would read this book to my kids, and I would think, what a fantastic book, but I thought a film about it would be even more amazing. I loved the backbone of the story about the magic of childhood and the hopes and dreams of kids (and some adults too.) The thought of being able to lean into the fantasy of Christmas made me very excited. To focus on all of the human elves that spend the time to make these dreams come true also was exciting to me, all the while understanding that much of the time when we do things for others, we are the ones that get the most out of it! To make a film that focuses on this, one of life's biggest hacks, was thrilling to me! OMTimes: How does the Dear Santa Operation work? Do you know the real numbers of Elves involved in the entire United States Operation? Dana Nachman: Thousands upon thousands of letters come into the United States Postal Service each year to Santa. For more than 100 years, USPS has been helping Santa respond to all the messages. Santa has also allowed USPS to adopt certain letters because he obviously has letters from all over the world to deal with. USPS puts many of the letters up online, and anyone can apply to be an elf and adopt one or several of these letters. Last year more than twelve thousand people became adopter elves. All people have to do is go to https://www.uspsoperationsanta.com/ to read the letters and choose the ones they want to adopt.
OMTimes: During the movie, the children's type of requests changed according to their geographic region. Why do you think this happens? Dana Nachman: One of the mailroom elves in the film told us that when they read all of the letters, they notice that kids from different areas of the Country ask for some other toys and gifts. I guess it's because different trends hit different areas of the United States! OMTimes: Can anyone volunteer to be an adopter elf in their own community? Dana Nachman: Anyone can volunteer to be an adopter elf. And one of the coolest parts of it is the whole thing is totally anonymous. USPS redacts all of the personal identifying information. When you pick out a letter that speaks to you, that child can be from anywhere in the US. If you want to choose them from your city, you can do that too! When the child gets the present, it just comes from Santa and his elves. OMTimes: Do you have to be a non-profit organization to become a lead elf or become part of the Post Office program? Dana Nachman: The lead elves all work at the USPS. They are the only ones who communicate directly with Santa. But any person in America can help the lead elves get all the letters answered. OMTimes: Did you have personal contact with these "miracle works"? Tell me a little bit about the people involved in this network of kind hearts across our Country. Dana Nachman: I met all of the elves in the film through the production process. I didn't know any of them before. I loved to get to know each and every one of them.
OMTIMES • DEC 2020
I love to be connected in my life with people my grandmother referred to as "doers." These are the people who spend their lives changing the world, not being spectators! It was amazing to experience firsthand as these people worked throughout last year's Christmas season. Many of us got a few letters, and then there are many people in our film who had to rent U-Haul trucks to deal with all of the presents they were giving. These are really the kindest and most generous people globally and to be around them is infectious. Just makes you want to go out and help! And what strikes me the most about what I have learned about Operation Santa is that many of the elves' people give even though they might not have a lot themselves. This is such a beautiful part of the program. As one of the amazing women in the film says, "It's not what you have that matters, it's what you do with what you have!" AMEN! OMTimes: 2020 was and continues to be a strange year. Aside from the Pandemic's strangeness, the Post Office had suffered direct political attacks during this peculiar year. Was the "Dear Santa Program" target? How can ordinary people continue to assist the Post Offices and support the "Dear Santa Program"? Dana Nachman: I absolutely loved working with USPS. Our collaboration on this movie started with a cold call email I sent to the USPS press office. I told them I wanted to tell this Story, and I was so lucky that they trusted my team and me with their beautiful Story! Every shoot that we had where I got to interface with USPS staff really was a joy. They were all salt of the earth people trying to make our communities stronger through their everyday work and this program! I was so impressed by the hundreds of USPS workers I got to interface with on this film. I am not aware of any problems this year with Operation Santa, and I know USPS is very excited to launch on 12/4.
OMTIMES • DEC 2020
OMTimes: During the movie, I noticed children's presence and participation in making other children come true. In your opinion, how important is it to involve children in this tradition? Dana Nachman: I love the thought of children helping other children! I think it's excellent! At my kids' school, I know they have a giving tree where kids can pick from the tree and give kids things that they need around Christmas. I can see my kids and their friends have always liked the feeling of helping others. I think it is an excellent idea, in general, to empower kids to be change-makers. Often children feel they have no authority to make a difference, and this is a shame! This program is fantastic because kids can read the letters and pick out those that speak to them. They can wrap and decorate and are excited to know that Santa has tasked them with this important honor! OMTimes: Let me build a little bit on the last question. Do you personally believe that we should teach compassion in schools? Dana Nachman: Oh my, yes! Don't get me started with this year and the lack of compassion we see all around us! The more we can teach children about helping others, empathy, and kindness, the better! I think Operation Santa is a straightforward and fun way to do this! OMTimes: My last question to you would be: can you reveal the real address of Santa at the North Pole to our audience? Dana Nachman: Absolutely. I would love to. For children who want to write to Santa Claus, send letters to 123 Elf Road, North Pole, 88888
5
To Put You in a Holiday Mood
Christmas Short Stories
BY CATHEDRAL OF THE SOUL
FIRST SECOND THIRD FOURTH FIFTH
The Christmas Tree Author: Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Molière
Ancient Christmas Tale from Austria Author: Unknown The Christmas Rose Author: Selma Lagerlöf Father Christmas Dream's Tale Author: J. Letria Ancient Legend of the Christmas Flower Unknown author
OMTIMES MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020 •
I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year. Charles Dickens From the decorated pine tree to the Nativity Set, everything has a story that takes children to a better world full of dreams and magic through the kind Santa Claus. This Christmas gather the little one at home and embark on a real adventure in the company of some of the short stories that gave rise to the most beautiful traditions of this Holiday Season.
The Christmas Tree Author: Jean-Baptiste Poquelin Molière Long, long ago, on Christmas Eve, there were three trees next to the Nativity Set: a date palm, an olive tree, and a pine tree. When they saw the Baby Jesus being born, the three trees wanted to offer him a gift. The olive tree was the first to do the offering, giving the Baby Jesus its olives. The date palm immediately offered him his sweet dates. But the pine tree, as it had nothing to offer, was miserable. The stars of the sky, seeing the sadness of the pine tree, which had nothing to give to the Child Jesus, decided to go down and land on its branches, illuminating and decorating the pine tree. When this happened, Baby Jesus looked at the pine tree, raised his arms, and smiled! Legend has it that this was how the pine tree always adorned with lights - was elected the typical Christmas tree. It is one of the seasons of this enchanted Season of Lights.
OMTIMES.COM
Remembrance, like a candle, burns brightest at Christmastime. Charles Dickens
There seems a magic in the very name of Christmas. Charles Dickens The Christmas Candles Ancient Christmas Tale from Austria Author: Unknown Once upon a time, a poor shoemaker lived in a hut at the crossroads of a path near a humble village. As he liked to help travelers who passed by his house at night, the shoemaker left a candlelit every night in the house's window to light their way. At one point, there was a great war that made all young people go away, leaving the village even poorer and sadder. Seeing the persistence of that poor shoemaker, who continued to live his life full of hope and kindness, the village people decided to imitate him. On Christmas Eve night, everyone lit a candle in their homes, thus lighting the whole village. At midnight, the church bells began to ring, announcing the good news: the war was over, and the young men were returning to their homes! Everyone shouted, “It's a miracle! It is a miracle of candles!”. From that day on, lighting a candle on Christmas Eve became a tradition in almost every home. OMTIMES MAGAZINE • DECEMBER 2020 •
Father Christmas Dream's Tale Author: J. Letria One night, while sleeping, Father Christmas had a beautiful dream: it was Christmas Eve, and everyone was happy! Nobody was alone ... Everyone had a family and a house with a table ready for Christmas dinner, where there was plenty of delicious food. There was no poverty, no hatred, no wars. They were all friends, and there were no fights, swear words, or bad manners… Yes, there was love, understanding, and affection among everyone. All the world was feeling like a big family. People on the streets on the way home happily hummed Christmas songs, bringing the latest gifts to put under the pine tree. Father Christmas couldn't help smiling, so happy when he saw the world full of peace, love, and harmony!
The Christmas Rose Author: Selma Lagerlöf On the night that the Child Jesus was born, a small shepherdess, who kept her flock on the mountain, saw some shepherds and three wise men passing by, heading for the stable where Jesus was, next to Mary and Joseph. The shepherds carried gifts, and the three wise men carried rich offerings of gold, incense, and myrrh. The Shepherdess was sad because she had nothing to offer Baby Jesus and started to cry. An angel was passing by, seeing such sadness, passed by the girl, and, when her tears fell on the frozen earth, she transformed them into beautiful white roses, which the girl, with a heart full of happiness, quickly caught and took as an offering to the Child Jesus. The White roses are symbols of tears of Loving devotion.
When Father Christmas woke up and saw that it was all just a dream, he became sorrowful. After all, only a few people in the world were happy, celebrating Christmas in joy and peace with their own, to have a home, food, clothes, and love. Given this situation, Father Christmas said out loud: “I will have to continue helping children and adults to have a pleased Christmas! I will prepare the reindeer and my sleigh, fill it with gifts, and distribute them tonight, so that, at least once a year, there will be joy in the hearts of all of us! ” When he saw the smiles of children and parents when they saw their gifts, Father Christmas decided to keep this tradition. It continues like this, year after year, to fulfill its task, until one day he can see his beautiful dream fully realized.
OMTIMES MAGAZINE
Ancient Legend of the Christmas Flower Unknown author Once upon a time, a poor girl named Pepita could not offer a gift to Baby Jesus at Christmas mass. Very sad, she told her cousin Pedro, who was going with her to the church. The latter told her that she didn't have to be sad because what matters most when we offer something to someone is the love with which we offer it, especially in the eyes of baby Christ. Pepita then remembered to collect some dry branches that he found along the way to offer him. Upon arriving at the church, Pepita looks at the branches she has picked and begins to cry, as she finds this offering very poor. Even so, he decides to offer them with all his love. She enters the church and, when she deposits the branches in front of the Child Jesus image, the branches take on a bright red color, before everyone's amazement. Another Christmas miracle, which is said to be the origin of the traditional Christmas flower.
OMTIMES MAGAZINE
"Love is always in the mood of believing in miracles." John Cowper Powys
Ascendinghearts.com
Metaphysics
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.
4 Ways to Mitigate Your Emotions in Unprecedented Times
O
By Dr. Carmen Harra
ne word we've heard a lot
The shaky state of our world may
lately is "unprecedented":
be causing you to have conflictual
unprecedented pandemic,
emotions, especially if you're a
unprecedented protests,
sensitive person: you may feel
unprecedented unemployment rate,
frustrated about your finances,
etc. As we pass through unusual yet
impatient to get back to work,
extraordinary times, our emotions are
outraged over police brutality, or just
starting to reflect the chaos around us.
plain bored of this whole situation.
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
Even in such instances, it's imperative
to know them, then show them the
not to let your emotions get out of
door. You shouldn't dwell on negative
hand. To remain in control of your
emotions, or you risk getting stuck
circumstances, you need to stay in
in them. It's important to keep your
control of what you feel. No matter
feelings constantly flowing so that you
what your mindset may be in this
don't become emotionally stagnant.
moment, you can mitigate your emotions by taking these four steps:
2. Transform what you feel. Human beings are unique. We
1. Recognize that no emotion is wrong. It takes time to adjust to
have an incredible ability to transmute
a new reality because the human brain
change it into a more productive
likes to follow predictable patterns;
and enlightening one. So denial can
it does not appreciate change. Our
evolve into acceptance. Hate can be
regular activities have been put on
shifted into love. Disinterest can be
pause, and we've been taken out of our
transformed into motivation. Unease
comfort zones quite suddenly. Such
can be converted into faith. Suppose
disruptions are guaranteed to cause
you're experiencing negative emotions
a wide range of emotions, including
due to the pandemic or other factors.
ones you may not expect or enjoy.
In that case, you can choose to
However, you must accept how you're
examine your emotions and gently
feeling at any given moment because
transition out of them.
our emotions, take a feeling, and
your emotions are a part of you; they come from you and no one else. Some
The solution might be simply to
sentiments like regret and guilt are
apply logic. Reasoning through your
especially oppressive; they weigh down
feelings can help you differentiate
on your conscience and make you
between rational and irrational
falsely believe that what you're feeling
emotions and dissociate yourself
is wrong when, in reality, no emotion is
from unhealthy ones like fear, worry,
wrong. Recognizing that all emotions
and anger. For example, it's rational
are normal will help you return to a
to feel disappointed for being fired
positive state of mind more quickly. The
from your job but irrational to feel
key is to allow your feelings to come
disappointed in yourself if it wasn't
and go like visitors: welcome them, get
your fault. Remember that harboring
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
such emotions hurts no one but you.
personal ambitions, sparkling emotions
It's always in your best interests to
like intolerance and selfishness. To
release feelings that don't contribute to
keep your ego and higher self in careful
your mental, emotional, and physical
balance, I encourage you to practice
growth.
self-care while also caring for others.
3. Balance your ego and higher self. The human ego serves a critical role in protecting us, but
This means tending to your own needs and desires and showing compassion for the world around you.
it can also throw our emotions out
Suppose there's one long-forgotten
of harmony. That's because the ego
lesson that this crisis is teaching us. In
disregards the "we" and emphasizes
that case, our emotional well-being
the "me." If left unchecked, it can
can be improved by acknowledging
easily push aside empathy to spotlight
the common threads that run among
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
us all. It's a well-known fact that you
catharsis, an emotional purge. Then,
encourage emotions that make you
close the book. Try to meditate or
feel good when you do something
exercise to lighten your mood. Revisit
good for others. Being of service
your journal entry the next morning.
produces a neurochemical sense of
What do you notice? Is the page full
reward in the brain: it reduces stress,
of statements that reflect anxiety or
elevates mood, and increases self-
uncertainty? Did you write things like,
esteem. So for every loving action,
"This isn't fair to me," "I'm not good
you perform for yourself, perform a
enough," or "Nobody understands me?"
similar action for someone else. If you
As you read over your entries, you'll
bought yourself a new pair of shoes,
notice if your words were driven by
consider donating a few old pairs that
healthy or unhealthy emotions. You'll
you no longer wear. Or, if you take
also realize how your feelings may be
care of your pet, make a donation to
making you reach harmful conclusions.
a shelter so that another animal can be taken care of, too. Do all that you
Counteract adverse emotions by
do with awareness and empathy in
distracting yourself and doing
mind. It is such small but thoughtful
something you genuinely enjoy, like
actions that bring more joy not only
talking to an old friend, starting a new
into your personal world but into our
project, redecorating your home, or
collective world.
discovering a skill you never knew you had. The emotions you choose to invite
4. Take actions that encourage healthy emotions.
and engage determine how resilient and ingenious you can become.
The right actions are tantamount to positive emotions. I recommend
Our emotions fill our world with color,
journaling because it's a great way to
but it's important to keep track of what
release intense emotions and become
and how we feel in times like these.
more aware of your feelings' role in
Practice my steps to restabilize your
your thought process. Write down
emotions and rediscover peace of
everything you feel in a notebook:
mind.
capture your annoyance, loneliness, or desperation without censoring
To healthy emotions,
yourself. Think of exercise as a kind of
Dr. Carmen Harra
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
Reasons to Practice Mindful Motivation By Judi Lynch
O
ur appreciation and
or seem out of control. If we feel that
gratitude for the beauty of
our efforts are being wasted, unseen
life create and motivate us
or unheard, we can lose our focus,
to experience all we can
our will to succeed. When we can feel
while here.
purpose in our actions and words, we’re more inclined to keep going
Motivation is the force that drives
upward.
us and helps to maintain our goals in life. It can be a challenge to stay
Motivation can come from several
motivated when things are uncertain
different sources if we are listening,
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
observing synchronicities and signs.
Positive motivation can be recognized
In moments of peace, we can find the
much easier when we feel well,
clarity we need to make important
taking good care of our physical
decisions if we can trust our intuition
and emotional health. Getting
and spiritual connections. If we gain
enough rest and healthy food is truly
clarity, we will be led to the people,
important for keeping a positive
places, and things that positively and
energy flow, which helps us much
productively motivate us.
in our daily attitude. The people we are in close contact with also
Fear is one of the most powerful
make a big difference in our ability
motivators to make changes. When
to stay positive and focused. If we
we are faced with challenging
are constantly listening to someone
situations, anxiety can force us to
complain, criticize, or blame, it can
make personal decisions quicker. We
become necessary to limit your time
are motivated to take action, to ask
in that energy. If you are always trying
for help, to protect ourselves from
to reason or explain, your energy can
threats. Fear motivates us to act
become very low and unmotivated.
under pressure, shows our worth, and
Much easier to let others be who they
helps us to remember how to respond
are and not believe we can make
when faced with similar situations in
them change with just our positive
the future. It helps to keep us alive.
attitude. It saves a lot of frustration to remember this.
Many people we meet throughout life motivate us to evolve, question,
When we are surrounded by positive,
gyrate, and learn. They lead us on to
helpful, and willing to share their
live our own unique lives. Even people
insights, we are motivated to shine.
we have never met who lived before
When we make a list of goals and
us have inspired and motivated us
actions we want to activate, we
to create new life paths. One idea
motivate ourselves to complete what
can spark our enthusiasm for a
we’ve begun, and we see the end
project we had been considering. Our
result. Positive memories from the
determination can be fueled by one
past are also helpful in gaining energy
positive quote, enabling us to make
to charge the future. Be mindful not
life-enhancing decisions.
to overthink or judge a situation. See
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
the possibilities in what you are
become curious, peaceful, and self-
trying to plan, change, or manifest.
driven when we make connections that enhance our Spirit and bring us
Walking in nature helps us to
joy. The energy of joy is contagious
connect on a higher frequency and
to those around us and motivates
motivates us to enjoy our lives as
them to want to feel what we feel.
we know them from instinct. The inspiring beauty of a waterfall, a
Love is also a great motivator.
sunset, or a majestic tree brings
When we are happy just to be
our natural enthusiasm for life. We
here another day. When we love
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
unconditionally without making
Judi Lynch is a psychic medium,
conditions, we can be ever
intuitive counselor, healing channel,
motivated f rom the inside. Our
and author. She is president of the
purposes here and the people we
Crystal Healing Foundation, Inc., a
love help encourage us to keep
501(c) spiritual charity, and writer for
going, learning, healing, forgiving,
OM Times Magazine. She has authored
and evolving. Our appreciation
two books, Friends with Lights and
and gratitude for the beauty of
Conscious Ascension, and has read
life create and motivate us to
for clients worldwide. To learn more or
experience all we can while here.
contact for a session, see judilynch.com
OM TIMES | December A Edition 2020
OMTimes Media, Inc. PO Box 1333 Oil City, PA 16301 (571)-2OM-TIMES ©2009-2020 OMTimes Media
All Rights Reserved MMXX
Please review the
OMTimes Reprint Policy Contact our Advertisement Team:
advertise@omtimes.com