OMTimes Magazine July A 2019 Edition by OMTimes Media

July A Issue

SIMRIT KAUR

Log On Our Website and Learn more in how to Live a Conscious Lifestyle: OMTimes.com

CONTENTS • OMTIMES

Table of Contents 44

66 28

Simrit Kaur Imagine if the Aurora Borealis Could Sing by Liane Buck

44 50 54

The AntiInflammatory Power of Reishi Mushrooms

By Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac

Do Animals Have Souls - and Afterlives? By Robyn M Fritz

Creating the Energy of Peace

By Judi Lynch

Consciousness is Everything - Literally. By Monica Berg

JuLy A EDITION

CONTENTS • OMTIMES

Become a Spiritual Life Coach

Love is EVERYWHERE - Do You See It?

Victor Fuhrman - Going Beyond

How to Upgrade your Akashic Records

Table of Content

01110

102

118 02

128

102 OMTIMES.COM • +571.266.8463 • @OMTIMES.MAGAZINE

122

Table of Contents 92 96 102 110 118 122 118 136 138

How to Contact Your Departed Loved Ones How to Approach Animal Communication Does Your Zodiac Sign Give You Psychic Abilities Pet Horoscope: Discover the Personality of your Pet The Alchemy of Being Authentic Opening the Heart: From Grief to Gratitude Can We Build Non-Sexist and Non-Racist Cities? Gita: A Timeless Guide For Our Times Gita: The Inner Journeys

OMTIMES | JULY A

Publisher: Christopher Buck Editor in Chief: Liane Buck Executive Editor: Lisa Shaw Editor at Large: Leigh Burton Social Media: Iryn Fernando Greek Edition: Christos Archos Cover Design: Ilana Tschiptschin Article Layout: Sean Keenan OMTimes Magazine is a Bi-Weekly Publication from OMTimes Media, INC OMTimes Media Inc is A 502 A company fully Owned by Humanity Healing International, a 501-C (3), an IRS Registered Charity.

OMTIMES Columnists

Editorial Team

Robyn M Fritz

Greer Jonas

Kathy Biehl

Lisa Shaw

Get in Touch Letter to the Editor P.O.Box 1333 Oil City, PA 16301 Email: Editor@Omtimes.com

Letters should Include full name and address and must be edited for clarity

Customer Service: (Phone)571-266-8463 Or email inquiry@Omtimes.com FOR ADVERTISEMENT & RELATED INQUIRIES WRITE TO OMTIMES MAGAZINE AND OMTIMES RADIO INQUIRY@OMTIMES.COM OMTIMES | JULY A

Michelle Whitedove

Sharon Sayler

Rene Wadlow

Monica Berg

OMTIMES | JULY A

Writers

THIS EDITION

John Holland

Jayita Bhattacharjee

Andrew Pacholyk

Liane Buck

Judi Lynch

Jill Mattson

FB//Omtimes.Magazine/ @OmTimes @OmTimes

Your Book and The Promotion That it Deserves

BOOK

SPOTLIGHT The books are featured in our weekly newsletter 2 Pages Ad inside the digital Edition Social Media Blast On the day of Publication Six Month Inclusion of Book Spotlight Feeds

“Visionary builds what dreamers imagined.” TOBA BETA

Find your audience

With Spotlight Program You access to thousands of Avid Readers in your genre.

Just Pick your launch Date

Leave the Rest on Our Hands.

OMTimes Magazine is the only Online and Printed Magazine that promotes and supports the conscious community on its entirety. The Conscious, The Spiritual, Alternative and Indie communities and their bright stars are represented by selected articles, essays, recommended reading and Interviews. OMTimes Radio is #Conscious #Life at its best.

HOW

REAL

CONSCIOUS IS

SUPPOSED

RADIO

SACRED MUSIC

TUNE

INTO

OMTIMES HAS

WHAT

i-OM.fm, the radio engineered for the

RADIO

Consciously aware that helps you to be open to unlimited potential

OFFER,

Just Imagine a way to

16 BROADCASTING HOURS

broadcast your message, to

RADIO CONCIERGE

change the world with your

PRODUCED LIVE SHOWS

passion, your ideas without

3 TARGETED COMMERCIALS

feeling you are the lonely voice in the desert.

SYNDICATION ON 17 MORE CHANNELS

OMTIMES.COM/IOM

PARADISE IN THE PALISADES

TALK RADIO

Reach an audience of 500,000 + listeners a month. Start your Show and receive pitches for your shows with The Best of the Conscious Lifestyle, Spiritual and Holistic Communities.

Phone | +1 571-266-8463 Conscious.Radio@Omtimes.com

OMTIMES.COM/IOM

Real

LO VE

A Relationships that are Beyond this World? Only A Conscious Ones.

Find Your Partner Soul Wherever They are in this world. We are specialized in Serendipity

ASCENDINGHEARTS.COM

ACCESS THE BEST OF TALK RADIO

With the Headliners and Influencers of the Conscious World Light On Living What is going OM Dr Kevin Show Destination Unlimited Acorn To Oak Inspired Conversations The Autoimmune Hour Miracle Guidance Voice Rising Inspiration &Transformations

June B edition

The InspiredÂ Living Vibrant Living Network Wiki Politiki Outside the Impossible The Practical Intuitive Joy Of Business Imperfect Brilliance Conflict Rising Musical Chairs

June B edition

Looking to connect with the Conscious Community? Let OMTimes point the way!

omtimes.com/advertise

SIMRIT Â Imagine if the Aurora Borealis could Sing

OMTIMES July A Edition

JULY A EDITION

Being Simrit By Liane Buck

The Vocalist and songwriter Simrit, born in Athens, Greece, adopted and raised in the American South, is one of these artists. Her music and artistry, which have attracted fans such as Steven Tyler of Aerosmith and Belinda Carlisle of the Go-Goâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, is known for its depth, haunting beauty, edge, and psychedelic atmosphere. Drawing on the harmonic beauty and melodic sensibilities of the ancient Byzantine, Greek Orthodox chants she grew up with, adding the pulse of the West African drum traditions she studied, and fused with her training in piano and vocals from different traditions, Simrit and her band tease out distinct facets of mystical poetry and the intimate ardors of the spirit.

OMTIMES

Over the last several years they have created waves with packed theaters and concert halls, chart-topping albums, and raving fans that have powered a palpable musical movement. She is a Renaissance woman who is the CEO of her independent record label, SIMRIT KAUR MUSIC, and she has topped World Music Charts including iTunes at #1 for consecutive weeks at a time, many times over, and Billboard Musicâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top 5 and 10 with her last four consecutive releases.

OMTIMES

JULY A

O M T I M E S

J U L Y

E D I T I O N

Simritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique sound and artistic contributions have inspired and pushed the boundaries of world and chant music into new places, throwing off old conventions. She mixes distilled philosophical statements with ethereal and hooky arrangements, turns 16th-century Gurmukhi poetry into hypnotically grooving songs, develops anthemic melodies and feels, and creates epic soundscapes threaded with mantras. She brings the depth of the sacred and ancient to the modern. We sat with Simirt to discuss Ancient Mystic Wisdom, numinous poetry, and the spiritual nuances of her musical Universe. OMTIMES: Simrit, you are a well-known Transformative Artist, a Spiritual Teacher, and a Renascence Songstress with a harmonic and hypnotic voice. How and when did your spiritual call occur? Was there a mystical event or situation that changed your life and set you on Its numinous path? SIMRIT KAUR: I've felt I've always been really inside the Mystical. Ever since I was a very young child in grade school, I can remember having a very real and casual relationship with prayer and the Infinite. It was never a big deal, and I always felt heard by the Universe. Somehow, I feel I came in this way. There was never a "spiritual call," as I've always felt a deep relationship with the Mystical ever since I can remember.

JULY A | OMTIMES MAGAZINE

OMTIMES: Snatam Kaur once said It about you: "For Simrit, singing is not a performance; it is a sacred worship of the Divine. Her voice, her music, and her teaching reflect It devotion, which seems to come from her so effortlessly. Its devotion is a gift, a talent beyond any that will lead thousands into the lightness of being, and awareness that is so vital to humanity in It day and age." What is the role your personal devotional and your life experience play when you are performing your sacred music? SIMRIT KAUR: It is something that I don't feel I am purposefully trying to have come through while playing music. However, people tell me they feel it so strongly. The vibe is ancient, deep, and sacred because of my intimate connection with the Infinite. It's not a formal connection I have with the Infinite. It's very casual, informal, just like it was when I was younger. When we are younger, we are naturally more connected because we haven't had time to be indoctrinated. So, there was something inside of me that said, "keep the connection you have now as you grow older on It earth, and you will always have a strong sense of self." It was something that I felt when I was a young child. It wasn't even a question. The connection is a connection, and for some reason. I have always been strongly connected with the Infinite. As a child, I never understood why people felt they had to do so many rituals to get in touch when it was such a natural way to be and feel. However, as an adult, I can now see how some people need or even enjoy ritual to get in touch if that helps them to feel the mystical aspect of life.

"I consider myself a courageous person, a woman of true confidence that comes from my connection with my soul, who moves through the presence of fear when it arises."

Look magazine OMTIMES: Do you consider yourself a Oct â&#x20AC;˘ 2019 fearless person?

/ 25

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST

SIMRIT KAUR: I consider myself a courageous person, a woman of true confidence that comes from my connection with my soul, who moves through the presence of fear when it arises. I consider myself someone that doesn't get debilitated by fear, but more motivated by it. I think anyone who is From to monumental living on food, the planet feels fearstructures, from time we to time; about of feeling fear; east it's aboutit'sthenotculture the middle about how we deal with it. It's a choice. OMTIMES: Where do you get your inspiration for your work? What inspires you to create such outstanding soundscapes? SIMRIT KAUR: The motivation is Life, itself, and my relationship with it. OMTIMES: I love your music videos. There is one in particular that left a haunting impression on me, and it is the one where you sing Akal. Could you explain to us the importance of this chant, and tell us a little about that video clip?

OMTIMES: You have the gift to bring & bridge sacred knowledge, Ageless wisdom, to our modern world. What do you believe is the importance of the old Traditions such as Mantras, Kriyas, chants and devotional poetry to a western world that somewhat has problems distinguishing Religious from Spiritual Traditions?

learn SIMRIT more

KAUR: Mantras and Kriyas are forms of Art, especially if we treat them as such. True Art is ever evolving and doesn't belong to any one tradition, people, or restricted to any one time. I am an artist who brings Art to life, and Art brings me to life. It's a symbiotic relationship; it's never one way. So, to the extent that I put myself into the Art is the extent of what the Art gives me. When there is dogma placed on Art, then the point is lost and mute. True Art is understood by those who have respect for it and treat it as such. Art is meant to grow, expand, and evolve. Mantras and Kriyas are meant for anyone at any time in anyByplace; there is no better definition, a magazine paginatestime than now for ancient to withthese each issue startingpractices at page three, the standard sizing being be a part of ourwith modern world. It's as 8 3/8 Ă&#x2014; 10 7/8 inches. However, in simple as that.

The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia and Egypt.

SIMRIT KAUR: The music video has the chant: Kal Akaal, Siri Kal, Maha Akaal, the technical sense a journal has Akaal Moorat, acknowledges the Time continuous pagination throughout a They are tools to help us remember our and the Timelessness (Life and Death), volume. genuine nature. When humans get a hold The Great Undying, and recognizes that of something, they tend to want to have we are the Great Timeless.Most of the Thus Business Week, which starts ownership each of itissue andanew claim for one, their videos that I put out are meant for the withitpage is aown and regulations. Thus, viewer to have own usually experience. If publication,with magazine, but the Journal of making A magazine is a their publication, a periodical whichrules is it inaccessible to others. Instead, we Business Communication, which printed or electronically published (sometimes referred to as an I tell you a story about what it means to starts each volume with Art the winter are generally published on a regular have the opportunity to see for what me, online then magazine). you may Magazines adopt that for issue and continues the same schedule and contain a variety of content. They are generally it is and feel its expansiveness and how yourself. I like for my art to have a sequence of pagination throughout financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by prepaid it has no limitation. mystery in it, a mystery so that you have the coterminous year, is a journal. subscriptions, or a combination of the three. At its root, the word the permission to draw upon it what you "magazine" refers to a collection or storage location. In the case of are meant to draw upon. Some professional or trade written publication, it is a collection of written articles. This explains why magazine publications share the word root with gunpowder

publications are also peer-reviewed,

magazines, artillery magazines, firearms magazines, and, in French,

an example being the Journal of

retail stores such as department stores.

Accountancy.

JULY A | OMTIMES MAGAZINE

SEMITMO• A YLUJ

There is no room for dogma in that scenario. Dogma cannot exist when we experience the reality of these Mantras and Kriyas and our relationship with them. These practices were given to us as a safe, practical, and highly effective tools for our evolution from the 'fight or flight' ways of being, that can permeate all aspects of our lives; to our more genuine and expansive nature. I feel that spirituality is the relationship we have with life, including ourselves. It's inherent. Mantras and kriyas are tools we work with to experience our inherent spiritual nature.

OMTIMES: You were born in and grew up also in a Greek family. How did the haunting Byzantine & Greek Orthodox chants influence your artwork and shape your passion for the ancient and the sacred Traditions of the East? SIMRIT KAUR: They all influence my melodic sensibilities and tendencies. They were the catalyst for me wanting to practice Kundalini Yoga. They all take me to the same place inside, and that is ultimately why I practice what I practice. Because ultimately, the place I want to be consistent, is that deep, mystical place that I get to inside myself that feels like home. I wanted this ever since I was a young child, or I can remember..

OMTIMES: What is the importance to know the song of our souls? Do you

The lineages of all my teachers that

believe everyone has the potential to be

came before me have shown me and

authentic and express their soul’s pure

continue to show me the way.

vibration and unlock the power to be our

There are many — Yogi Bhajan and

true selves?

Hazrat Inayat Khan as well as vocal teachers from different traditions

SIMRIT KAUR: It's very important to

around the world.

connect intimately with our genuine, multifaceted self. Indeed, everyone has that potential, as that is the whole point of us being here. We get utterly distracted. OMTIMES: You are known to be a teacher of the “Supreme Sound,” which is a Sacred and Ageless Practice. Tell us about your teaching and the lineage

OMTIMES: How does the throat chakra hold the key the “Supreme Sound” and how one can access It ancient technology? SIMRIT KAUR: The throat chakra is our power in the world and learning to balance it and cultivate the inner

related to this path.

and outer voice is so crucial in It SIMRIT KAUR: It's the practice of true

time. Each person is equipped with

empowerment from the inside out. To be

their own, unique sound that is

clear and confident in a challenging world

specific to their particular body

is what we get from the practice, as well as

type and mind system.

refining our sound, but not changing it.

JULY A | OMTIMES MAGAZINE

Look magazine If that sound is altered, adulterated, to Oct sound • 2019 or be like someone else's, try to then it doesn't have the same power as the unique tone and timbre that was originally meant for that specific soul in that specific body.

/ 25

EXPLORING THE CULTURE OF THE MIDDLE EAST

However, refining the sound and our relationship to that sound is a beautiful practice that will draw out the Supreme Sound in each of us, that helps us on a From food, to monumental structures, biological level.

about the culture of the middle east

I have a course that is called 'The Supreme Sound 2.0', and there are many practical tools in there to help one access their Supreme Sound, which can heal them on many levels, physical, emotional, and energetic. These tools are meant to work with people in a modern world living with much responsibility. They are highly effective. They work, and that is why I love practicing and teaching them. People, including myself, have lifetransforming experiences and highly effective results.

I'm passionate about bringing Art into the world that moves people deeply in whatever way that happens to be for them. When I feel I'm helping if even in some small way, with whatever I'm doing, that is what makes my heart sing.

OMTIMES: Your music and presentation are very soulful and transcendent: You bridge souls and continents. LA Yoga learnonce more compared you to some of the most formidable worldly expression of pure light: “Imagine that the Aurora Borealis could sing. Timeless, Strong, and Ethereal as a whale’s song…”. At the same time, your performance is revolutionary, tangible, and grounded. Would you say you are a spiritual activist? Do you believe that, as humans, we withhold spiritual responsibilities with our planet and all the Beings on it?

SIMRIT KAUR: As my Teacher says: We Are Spiritual Beings Having A Human Experience. It always rings true for me. It is what my art conveys, The OMTIMES: Many different sources say spirituality By ofdefinition, living asa magazine a human. We are you are a very empathic person, and paginates all in the same boatissue here. No atone with each starting pageis that you mesmerize people with your three, with the standard sizing exempt from Its wild experience ofbeing the Humanness. What are you passionate 8 3/8 × 10 7/8 inches. However, in perceived dichotomy of the world. We about, what moves you, what makes the technical sense a journal has are all doing our best to navigate it. So, your heart sing? continuous pagination throughout a whether someone else considers me an volume. activist or not, is their opinion. I don't SIMRIT KAUR: I'm passionate about think aboutThus it like It. I'm just doing what Life, Art, and the experiences that Life Business Week, which starts feels right each and issue good in my That gives us. The experience of small acts of anew with soul. page one, is a is guide. kindness fromis others or myself magazine, but the Journal of A magazine a publication, usually that a periodical publication,my which is Business Communication, which printed or electronically published (sometimes referred to as an usually go unseen; those are the kinds of starts each volume with the winter online magazine). Magazines are generally published on a regular things that move me. The experience of issue and continues the same schedule and contain a variety of content. They are generally empathy is something that gets me inside sequence of pagination throughout financed by advertising, by a purchase price, by prepaid the Art. I'm grateful for that depth of the coterminous year, is a journal. subscriptions, or a combination of the three. At its root, the word feeling at the drop of a dime.

The Middle East is a transcontinental region centered on Western Asia and Egypt.

"magazine" refers to a collection or storage location. In the case of

written publication, it is a collection of written articles. This explains

Some professional or trade

why magazine publications share the word root with gunpowder

publications are also peer-reviewed,

J U L Y Amagazines, | O M T I Mand, E S in MA GAZINE magazines, artillery magazines, firearms French,

an example being the Journal of

retail stores such as department stores.

Accountancy.

"Ever since I was a very young child in grade school, I can remember having a very real and casual relationship with prayer and the Infinite." Simrit Kaur

SEMITMO• A YLUJ

JULY A | OMTIMES MAGAZINE

OMTIMES: Do you hold a vision for our world. What would you like to see manifested in our collective reality now? SIMRIT KAUR: The vision is more understanding between people. It's a challenging time we live in, and the more kindness we can exhibit, through small everyday acts of kindness, the more we profoundly affect each other. OMTIMES: Tell us a bit more about your next creative projects, and how people can get follow you and know about your events? SIMRIT KAUR: My band and I have a new album coming out It August 2019! We are SO excited about it! I'll also be filming a new course for women that will come out sometime in August or September of this year! I'm excited about that, too! I'll be touring the rest of It year, as well. I'm excited to see so many people from all over the world. To say I feel grateful or fortunate about it all is an understatement. You can check out my website at simritkaurmusic.com for upcoming tour dates and info.

Simrit Music at https://simritkaurmusic.com/albums/

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

The Anti-Inflammatory Power of Reishi Mushrooms

Ganoderma lucidum (Ling Zhi) is documented to have wonderful medicinal value. Reishi mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine as a herbal medicine for more than 5,000 years, making it one of the oldest mushrooms known to have been used in medicine. The word lingzhi, in Chinese, means “herb of spiritual potency” and is considered the “mushroom of immortality.” It has attained a reputation in the East as the miracle mushroom due to its many health benefits and absence Omtimes.com

of side-effects. Lingzhi has been added to the American Herbal Pharmacopoeia and Therapeutic Compendium. Lingzhi has a diverse amount of other species and mycologists are still researching the differences between each particular Ganoderma lucidum species. Ganoderma lucidum is the only known source of a group of triterpenes, known as ganoderic acids, which have a molecular structure similar to steroid hormones. It is a source of biologically active

polysaccharides, ergosterol, coumarin, mannitol, lactones, alkaloids, unsaturated fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals. The reishi extract is effective in treating migraine headaches. It is believed that oxygen shortage in the brain (hypoxia) is at the core of the pathogenesis of a migraine attack. As an anti-inflammatory agent, the extract is effective in substantially alleviating the problems and pain related to rheumatism or osteoarthritis and gout. In treating hypertension or hypotension, the extract is highly effective in a very large number of cases treated. In the more successful cases, blood pressure is back to normal within two months. The extract has been found effective in reducing and in some cases eliminating asthma attack. It is effective in reducing blood sugar levels and the amounts of insulin required for diabetic patients. The extract is operative in regaining stamina and energy or debility

due to prolonged illness especially for cancer patients after undergoing radio and chemotherapy. The extract is effective in clearing up a large variety of allergic skin conditions either due to food or airborne allergens. They can eat and sleep well. Ganoderma extract is useful in detoxifying the kidneys and improving its overall function. Patients receiving hemodialysis should find that the duration and frequency of the treatment could be reduced. The extract has been shown effective in reducing or eliminating excessive menstrual pain and irregularities. Ganoderma extract has been found effective in addressing a variety of cardiovascular problems. It improves the circulatory system with excess oxygen. It also decreases the conditions of angina pectoris and palpitation. Andrew Pacholyk, MS, L.Ac http://www.peacefulmind.com/ anti-aging.htm Therapies for healing mind, body, spirit Omtimes.com

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.

These days people consider their animals to be family members, which deepens the humananimal bond and raises mind, body, spirit issues in their multispecies families, including what happens to animals when they die. Do animals have souls? Do they reincarnate? Do you live with animalsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and think of them as family

Omtimes.com

members? If so, you’re well aware of the emotional roller coaster of multi-species family life, from the delight of welcoming a new animal into the family to the heartbreak of saying goodbye. As we dread the possible loss of our beloved animals, we’re also curious about what happens to them when they die. Do animals have souls—and afterlives? Do they reincarnate? What does that mean, for them and us? In this first of a two-part series, we’ll explore how souls work. In Part 2 we’ll explore animal reincarnation and families. Metaphysical Traditions and Soul Experiences Religious and cultural traditions throughout history have all believed that humans are the highest of all beings, souls included, leading metaphysical thinkers to conclude that if nonhumans have souls, there must be levels of souls, all inferior to human ones. Some traditions assert that souls in animal bodies are evolving and may someday become human,

or they are being punished for some transgression when they were humans, and have to “earn” their way to “salvation.” However, the theory is not reality: my personal and professional experiences tell a different story. That includes the multi-species families I know and work with, including my own; my mediumship practice; and my soul regression hypnotherapy practice, which explores our souls’ past lives, including lifetimes in nonhuman bodies. My conclusion? All beings have souls, and all souls are equal. Bodies, human or not, are the unique hardware that makes us visible in the world, the container that holds us ‘in.’ Souls are the underlying operating system, the invisible, eternal part of us that contains our consciousness, including the memories of previous lifetimes. Yes, there are other theories about consciousness, but they’re inadequate if they ignore the soul. Our intuitive abilities and experienced (and openOmtimes.com

minded) intuitives or past life regression specialists can reveal the different bodies a soul has taken over time: that is, how and why it reincarnates. We can endlessly debate reincarnation, from if it occurs at all to whether humans can be reborn as animals or vice versa, even whether animals can reincarnate. We can live with the truth: souls can, and will, do whatever they want, regardless of human dogma. What they want comes down to soul purpose. Soul Purpose, Soul Groups, and Our Animals Every soul chooses the body; it thinks it needs to achieve its soul purpose—the work it has chosen for that lifetime. Although the soul’s most important job is always to grow in self-love, it also chooses experiences, including living in multi-species families. Luckily, souls aren’t in it by themselves: they belong to soul groups that tend to reincarnate together throughout their many lifetimes and gather together between lives in the afterlife. Granted, we may not always share life with Omtimes.com

or recognize our soul group members, but over lifetimes they have been human family, friends, enemies, strangers who never connect—and animal family members. Does it matter if our animal families are part of our soul group? Only if we have work to do together. Even then, we humans don’t always recognize them. It doesn’t make our animals’ deaths easier to know that they have souls, and thus afterlives and the choice to reincarnate, but it does make us wonder if they’ll come back to us. Granted, some people think this means we aren’t properly dealing with grief. Some don’t value animals enough even to consider reincarnation. Some accept their animals’ choices, whatever they are. Others are convinced that it always happens, or it’s ‘what’s meant to be,’ or some such nonsense beyond the simple fact that sometimes it happens—and sometimes it doesn’t. As we all know, once bodies, free will, and real life interact, it’s a free-for-all, anything-canhappen world.

Creating the Energy of Peace by Judi Lynch

We have to keep the belief alive that we can evolve into higher intelligence with integrity and respect for each other. When one person or a group of people forget to connect to that truth, The Energy of Peace

Omtimes.com

can get lost in judgment and fear of another. This World is on the edge of great changes to come. Our sensitivities are on high alert listening to discern between what we believe as our truth. What we are being told to believe. So many of us are sensitive and can feel drained by our empathy. If we allow ourselves to get lost in the horrific media reports of things happening all over the Earth, we reduce our power to manifest positive action. When there are unrest and conflict, it creates an energy of fear which fuels anxieties. It affects some more than others depending on our skills and abilities in creating places of peace around us and inside of us. Peace lives in those moments of quiet solitude and still thoughts when we are alone. It lives in our hearts long after we spent

the afternoon walking and talking with a friend who makes us laugh. It lives in photographs and memories of all the times we forgot to worry about anything to just be in the moment. Peace sparkles on top of sunsparkled water in the middle of a beautiful day spent canoeing on a lake. We can train our minds to bring in these visions in times of great stress and worry. With practice and will, we learn how to process information and life challenges in ways that help to keep our emotions in check. Eventually, we learn to respond with calm insight instead of reacting in anger or fear at people and situations which break through our barriers of tolerance. Practices which help us cope with stress are unique to each of us. If we use more natural and holistic

Omtimes.com

methods, then we are less dependent on alcohol and pharmaceuticals to ease our pain. Meditation can help us bring healing energy to every cell by strengthening the mind, body and soul connection. For some, walking in the woods is their way of connecting to spirit through nature to recharge the system. For others, it could be an intense gym workout which brings a natural high and sends good energy through the body causing a release of negative energies to let in more light. We begin to operate at optimum level creating new healthy cells and a lightness of being. Water features inside and out can help calm the mind. Add some relaxing music or a colorful sunset, and the brain begins to release endorphins that can evolve into bliss. When we are at peace deep inside, we begin to understand how

Omtimes.com

important it is to every living thing around us. It helps us greatly to be aware of our environments and the peace factor in which we live in. Does it bring us a sense of security, beauty, and joy? Our homes should be a place we are happy to live in with our comforts and loved ones. Humans spend millions on relaxing spa treatments and Zen retreats to bring tranquility into life for a few days at a time. If we can learn to bring in the energy of peace every day in our lives and our dealings with others, we can have the spa living within. There is an inner harmony that helps us to breathe in knowledge and connection which helps us communicate with new enthusiasm. The inner knowing that we can remain calm and keep a clear head when we are in challenging situations is invaluable to our health and survival.

We must keep the belief alive that we can evolve into higher intelligence with integrity and respect for each other. When one person or a group of people forget to connect to that truth, peace energy can get lost in judgment and fear of another. It may seem at times that the World will never achieve lasting peace in which not one person is lost from the violence of war. We are still learning how to manifest peaceful action in conflict without harm to humanity. 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 writer for OM Times Magazine. She has authored two books, Friends with Lights and Conscious Ascension and has read for clients all over the world. To learn more or contact for a session see judilynch.com

Omtimes.com

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

CONSCIOUSNESS IS EVERYTHINGâ&#x20AC;Ś LITERALLY By Monica Berg

Contrary to popular belief, it is not outside forces that shape our reality, rather our experience of the world is entirely dependent upon everything that we think, say,

Omtimes.com

and do. Thoughts originate from our consciousness, our systems of belief, and perspectives. So often, when we want things

to change in our lives, we go about changing circumstances, never realizing that it is ourselves, and particularly our thoughts, that need to change. There is typically a myriad of changes or improvements that we all want at any given time: a better job, a happier relationship, thriving, welladjusted children, or even a better car. We tend to think of these changes in terms of material goods or other people’s behavior. All the changes we yearn for the lead back to one central desire, we want to be happier and more fulfilled. The changes that we so yearn to begin most effectively by changing ourselves, not in changing our job, partner, or car. We all have the power to change our entire lives drastically, and immediately. It all starts with our thoughts. It may not instantly change our outward circumstances, but it most definitely can change our inner world which then affects absolutely every aspect of our lives. It is the inherent power of our consciousness, our ability to choose in each moment how we wish to

perceive our lives. Think of a situation in the past that we deemed unfavorable. See the people involved, hear the words that were said, and try to relive the experience. Now, instead of ruminating on all the old reactions and feelings, try shifting perspectives. We can view the same experience differently, by choosing to see why it was good. Suddenly, the unceremonious way we were let go from the job that left us feeling worthless becomes one of the greatest days of our lives, shoving us on a path that led to a job that we love. There’s a country song with the lyrics, “God bless the broken road that led me straight to you.” Think of a relationship that ended, but later we met someone who made us feel happier than we could have ever imagined. There are as many ways to see the good as there are sad and difficult chapters in our lives. Many people with hard childhoods credit those early struggles with their ability to persevere in the face of challenges, leading them to great success Omtimes.com

in their adult lives.

our reality changes.

When we choose to see the good in everything, we aren’t pretending that something bad didn’t occur, ignoring our feelings, or invalidating our experience. We are using the power of consciousness and perspective to trust that the process of life is all happening for us, not against us.

This concept can be summed up by a quote from Frank Outlaw,

Utilizing this power may look like asking simple questions. How can we see something from a new angle? What was a good outcome? Did we personalize the experience and was it really about us? What did we learn and can now apply to our lives today? What we’re working toward is building a consciousness that will be unassailable to the shifting tides of emotion and circumstance. When we practice over and over to choose to believe that everything is for us and not against us, the way, we think about everything changes. And when our thoughts change, Omtimes.com

“Watch your thoughts, they become your words; Watch your words; they become actions; Watch your actions; they become habits; Watch your habits; they become character; Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.” The way we think about our lives dramatically changes the quality of our lives. Consciousness is everything. Monica Berg is a teacher and writer who specializes in assisting people in living their most fulfilled lives through the wisdom of Kabbalah. She is the author of Fear Is Not an Option and serves as Chief Communications Officer for Kabbalah Centre International. Follow her weekly blog at rethinklife.today and stay in touch via Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

JUNE

2019

OMTIMES

“The Gita deals with the very structure of the universe and consciousness and who we really are. Understanding that as quantum physics helps us realize – it seems as though I am separate than you. But in reality, you know it’s a soup of atoms and subatomic particles and there is a unity underlying it. This is the unity that the Gita and Vedanta philosophy describe.” ISAAC BENTWICH, M.D

GITA |A TIMELESS GUIDE FOR OUR TIME | ISAAC BENTWICH, M.D

Want to connect the mission in your heart to your daily reality? Sophie will help you finally get into alignment with the feeling that you are fully living your purpose! This Spiritual Life Coach Training Program is a spiritually driven, hands on, interactive training, and transformational experience. In just 4 transformational months, you will be ready to embody your new identity as a Certified Spiritual Life Coach! This is not a "get certified in a weekend" type of program, so if you are looking for that, we are not a match. The blend of this retreat and online training is very much like a safe + sacred cocoon where Sophie will teach and guide you to go through your own metamorphosis + to transform into a Powerful Spiritual Coach! With the healing work, practical skills, understanding of modern spirituality theories, and defining your soul's mission... Sophie will ignite your spiritual practice in a way that lights you up!

awakenwithsophie.com

Love is EVERYWHERE. Do You See It? By Jenny Lynne

Have a heart others would want to mirror. Empower others to love on a deeper level. Allow yourself to create a new pattern of love. Release matters of the heart that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t serve a positive purpose anymore. Teach with your heart. As you casually stroll through your downtown or venture out on a vigorous hike, what are the things you notice? Do you see abstract

Omtimes.com

patterns left on the concrete after an afternoon rainstorm? Does your gaze go towards the contrasting white and blue in the sky? Or do you get so immersed in thought that you’re not seeing what you’re seeing? Being present and cognizant of your surroundings should be a perpetual habit. The saying “in silence comes clarity” is beyond truth. How else are you going to hear what that circling pattern of thoughts and dialogues are you have going on in the old noggin? The same is true for what you’re seeing or not seeing. Once you’re able to recognize your patterns and identify the thought process behind them, you’re one step closer to understanding your conscious and subconscious mind. Whoa, actually understanding your thoughts that go beyond the thin slices (the power of thinking without thinking and rapid cognition which is completely fallible as Malcolm Gladwell explains) could be frightening especially if there are years worth of unresolved matters of the heart. Now that you’re a tad bit more mindful of you being you

start putting significance and substance behind your thought process and your perceptions. Children have such an innocent way of seeing things. They can be more adept at finding shapes and patterns but they don’t have the wherewithal to associate it with a deeper meaning as we do as adults. Let me get to my point. Nature has a powerful yet beautifully subtle way of showing us, love. Have you ever seen an accidental heart that nature has put in front of, beside or above you? Hearts are everywhere! Are you seeing them? The shape of a heart is the universal symbol of love. They will appear in the most profound places and the most unfathomable materials. Open your eyes! I’m double daring you to make a concerted effort to be acutely aware of your surroundings. Each heart on display for you should evoke a different emotion. Each is as unique as a snowflake. Where are you when you see it? What is your mental state, happy, sad, stressed or content? Attach meaning to it then take an introspective moment and listen to your heart. Omtimes.com

Here’s how to make finding accidental or natural hearts habitual. Four Steps: 1. Open your mind, and your heart will follow. It’s ok to use your imagination and look in unlikely places. That when the magic starts. 2. Be present and aware of your surroundings. That’s when you’ll start to become a noticer of the little things. 3. Attach love as the meaning when you see a heart. If Mother Nature shows you the universal symbol of love, then she put it there for you to see. I’ll leave it up to you on whether you pick it up and take it or leave it for others to also use as a source of love. 4. Remember you’re meant for all things to love. Believe that you’re meant to see and feel love at a deeper level and allow yourself to become a source of love. Teach others the meaning love has for you and how you’ve found it. What’s exciting is that you’ll surpass the steps on how and Omtimes.com

where to look for hearts. It will become as natural as taking in a deep breath or stretching when you wake up. I’m often asked “How did you find that heart?” when it’s in an unexpected spot or made out unusual material. My answer - I don’t find them anymore, they find me. I’m attuned to the exchange of nature showing me love than me acknowledging and accepting it. It’s almost like a metaphoric agreeable nod or hats off gesture. A woman recently told me her story of what finding hearts in nature means to her. She was on a nostalgic walk and begged her dearly departed husband to give her a sign that he was still watching over her. Moments after, she abruptly tripped and giggled then continued the walk and asked again. For the second time in a matter of seconds, she stumbles on a small rock. Now she’s perplexed and questioned her balance and equilibrium’s stability, but at the same time looked down and saw the perfect rock in the shape of a heart. Coincidence? Nope! Another example was when my blood spurted out of a needle while I was donating blood; it

created a small pool in the shape of a heart on my arm. That’s right; it was a blood-red heart. If that’s not serendipitous, then I don’t know what is! Moreover, these types of stories go on and on and on. Both of my books, Hearts, and Hearts for Kids exemplify that love can found in nature and is all around us. It’s proof that love is everywhere! My vision and hope are to encourage everyone to be present in nature and appreciate the subtleties of how nature shows us, love when we need it the most. These were created and written for someone who lives to love, needs their spirits lifted or who just appreciated the miracles in nature. All one can control is the way they react. What if actions and reactions came from a place of love? How would that change the energy around us? What kind of a magnificent ripple effect would that make? Let’s take it a step farther - what if the next time you saw a heart, the meaning you put behind it was a reminder to reach out to someone you love merely to let them know you’re thinking about them?

Love is everywhere. Please go out and find it but don’t keep it to yourself; share it! When you see nature’s heart, let it be a reminder to love out loud. The concept is not inventive, unique or even new and yet we forget it’s so simple to implement in everything you do. The more love you give, the more it will come back tenfold to you. Look up, look down, look all around-find love in nature from the hearts that abound. Jenny Lynne is an inventor, connector, entrepreneur and author. She found her passion and is devoted to inspiring others by finding hearts in nature. Her two beautifully illustrated picture books, HEARTS, and HEARTS FOR KIDS capture naturally occurring or accidental hearts found around the world and photographed by her. Each heart image is accompanied by a caption that encompasses her wit, humor and sometimes seriousness by describing the emotions and perceptions that were evoked. She encourages people to email her heart images (www. JennyLynneBooks.com) or posts them to her social media (#jennylynnebooks.) Omtimes.com

OMTIMES magazine JULY A â&#x20AC;˘ 2019

Victor Fuhrman Going Beyond

Destination Unlimited

Radio Spotlight

WHY ARE WE HERE? WHAT IS OUR PURPOSE?Â WHERE ARE WE GOING? HOW CAN WE MAKE THIS HUMAN EXPERIENCE ALL THAT IT CAN BE?

These questions have fascinated me since childhood, and I have found some of the answers at the crossroads of science and spirituality. Each week, I interview bestselling authors, thought leaders, scientists, spiritual leaders from all faiths and experts who share their piece of this puzzle and give us insights into these eternal questions. Where are we headed? Destination Unlimited! Destination Unlimited is aimed at seekers of all generations who have ever questioned their path and purpose in life. Destination Unlimited validates their experiences, offer new insights, and bring them information that will expand their horizons.

OMTIMES: What are the most significant trends you see on the horizon affecting The Spiritual and Conscious Lifestyles? Victor Furhman: With our world in turmoil, many are filled with fears and worries about what the future will hold. Even strong and grounded people are finding themselves emotionally and spiritually challenged. There is a growing need for conscious media like OmTimes Magazine and Radio to provide information, inspiration, and tools to help people become more resilient and find a like-minded community.

OMTIMES magazine JULY A • 2019

DESTINATION UNLIMITED

As a child, I was sensitive to etheric energy, connecting with the essence of those who passed and also a source of wisdom outside of myself

OMTIMES: You have a fascinating personal story. How did your adventures lead to you becoming a Conscious Radio personality? VICTOR FURHMAN: As a child, I was sensitive to etheric energy, connecting with the essence of those who passed and also a source of wisdom outside of myself. I seemed to know a very young age that was not native to my family, community, or education. I also experienced what I believed to be “contact” with extraterrestrial beings. After college, I spent six years in the US Air Force and 1975, while stationed in Korea, contracted a very virulent case of Hepatitis B. The doctors said I would not survive, but intuitively I meditated and healed myself resulting in a total cure. In my mid to late thirties, my path reopened with yoga, meditation, and facilitating guided meditation. This led to learning and mastering Reiki, a calling to attend the New Seminary of New York and ordination in 1997 as an Interfaith Minister. My wife, Laurie Sue Brockway, whom I “magically met” through my association with the seminary and I served as chaplains for the Red Cross after 9/11 and I used my training and experience for many aspects of spiritual counseling. In the mid2000s, I became involved in a paranormal investigation and later co-hosted a podcast on the field. Through another wonderful synchronicity, I met Christopher and Liane Buck of OmTimes while co-officiating a wedding they attended. I had just left the paranormal. show, and they asked me to create a show for OmTimes Radio. Thus, Destination Unlimited was born and continues to thrive! OMTIMES: Why is it important to the Conscious/Spiritual/Holistic community to keep themselves connected with their inherited gifts? VICTOR FURHMAN: With negative energy so pervasive today, it is essential that like-minded spiritual people find a way to remain grounded and use their gifts to support and uplift others. I believe that people of spirit and healing are being called together for this higher purpose and must be ready to “answer the call.”

OMTIMES: What would you regard as your life purpose and message? VICTOR FURHMAN: Many people of my generation sought a world of brotherhood, compassion, support, understanding, and peace. Somehow, we lost our way. My lessons have taught me to see clearly between the illusion of the material world and the reality of the loving source of all that is. I have been blessed with the synchronicity of meeting wonderful teachers who have shared their gifts and encouraged me along my path. My calling is to carry on this tradition and “pay forward” the knowledge and wisdom that I received. OMTIMES: What are your dreams and plans for the Future? VICTOR FURHMAN: I am presently writing a book on my experiences and how what I have learned may inspire and encourage others. A series of lectures and classes will accompany the book launch in 2020. The emphasis will be on the tools that each of us possesses and how they may be developed to get in touch with the higher self to find personal truth, happiness, and peace. OMTIMES: How can readers connect with you? VICTOR FURHMAN: Very easy, I would love to receive person feedback from our audience. www.victorthevoice.com https://www.facebook.com/VictortheVoice Twitter @VictortheVoiceF Email: voice@victorthevoice.com

OMTIMES magazine JULY A • 2019

IOM.FM

" UNANIMOUSLY VOTED THE BEST CONSCIOUS RADIO" OMTIMESCOM/IOM

Metaphysics

Upgrade your Akashic Records

The Atlantis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mythâ&#x20AC;? may be the most enduring grand mystery of all time... an enigma that was famously recorded by Plato around 360 BC (and it was ancient

Omtimes.com

at that time!). Atlantis has captured the interest and imagination of countless generations; over 2,000 books have been written on this most famous “Lost Continent.” It has even been suggested that the longevity of the “myth,” and mankind’s fascination with Atlantis is due to the memory of Atlantis in our collective subconscious indelibly written into The Akashic Record. The last Golden Age of Atlantis was the most spiritual time experienced on this Earth. Atlantis’s Glory was eclipsed, but now her ancient wisdom and wonder is rebirthing in the upcoming Golden Age. Masters, old and new, have long foretold that there would arise a NEW Golden Age. Sages have linked “Golden Ages” - periods in which the Earth is bathed in harmonious energy - to the beginning of a Platonic Year Cycle. A Platonic Year is

one cycle of the equinoxes around the ecliptic lasting about 26,000 years. At the end of an old Platonic cycle, there is much discord and disruption - in the earth’s weather and geologic activity as well as in the affairs of men. The beginning of a new Platonic Year is a time of rebirth and renewal. The past Golden Age of Atlantis was the pinnacle of Spiritual attainment, ever experienced on Earth. After shining eons, Atlantis vanished, but NOW, Her Ancient Wisdom and Glory are reborn. This time is unlike any other. The catalyst for the beautiful coming age is Lightworkers, like You! It is time to unleash your ancient mastery! Many of us sense, there is a far more profound truth beyond our physical realms. We CAN open our hearts and our eyes to a new reality and change our lives as a result. We can prepare ourselves for the ultimate step. We

Omtimes.com

will accelerate our spiritual scope and growth. Part of Ascension and Enlightenment require opening to the deeper truths, trusting our natural feelings and reconnecting with our roots. The longevity and the endurance of the Atlantis â&#x20AC;&#x153;Mythâ&#x20AC;? are due to the permanent place this Magical Kingdom holds in our collective subconscious. Atlantis - to us - is like an instinct in a wild animal - it is naturally present in our genes & in our souls. The Signs are Everywhere The signs are clear - from old Mayan predictions, Nostradamus, Old Hebrew, John the Beloved (in Revelations: Bible) and many others - the alignment of the stars and the events around us tell that the dawn of the New Age is at hand. We can recapture the mastery of Atlantis! Her secrets are being revealed to us! The powerful tool of the Akashic

Omtimes.com

Records has been regifted to humankind to aid us in transforming our souls. The doors to the destruction of the old and the realization of our destiny are open. There will be upheaval and devastation, but equally rebirth and renewal. Destructive weather and false prophets will churn the world. Political instability and chaos will threaten. But also, miracles and wonders will occur, biblical events come alive. The Lost Continent will reveal all of her secrets once again. Think to the undeniable evidence at hand: weather calamities and natural disasters are becoming more numerous than in any period we know of tremendous hurricanes and storms, torrential rains and severe droughts; earthquakes and volcanic eruptions of extreme violence. These - ever more prevalent natural disasters - portend monumental

changes. Whatever your political views - I believe it is unassailable that political extremism is out of control. International tensions are at generational highs. More and more countries possess nuclear weapons, the earthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ecosystem is failing, what can an individual do? Take heart, do NOT despair, for truly Atlantis IS Risingâ&#x20AC;Ś within You! Our collective energy will open the forbidden seals and release the secrets and marvels of a great civilization long past. Akashic Records The Akashic records were located in the Great Atlantean Crystal Pyramid in the 5th dimension that is not visible to the humankind at this time. Being so powerful, they have been closed to humanity for thousands of years to prevent misuse. Within the last hundreds of years, the door to this transformational tool has been reopened, preparing

for Atlantis Rising. What exactly is the Akashic Record? I like the description of it like the Akashic Field because a field (like a force field or a gravitational field) more clearly helps us conceptualize what the Akashic Record is - an infinite collection of indestructible energies that capture the life force and spirit force of all life and all consciousness. Everything - past, present, and future about you is written indelibly in the Akashic Field. Science even suggests that consciousness is vibrating fields of energies and information (Akashic Records). Energy can be changed. And it must! As we step into our mastery. Your soul wants you to upgrade, rewrite all negative histories and unwanted traits, upgrade your vibrations and yes it can be done! The universe is your friend. Understand the real roots of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problems in

Omtimes.com

relationships, health, and work. How did a past life impact this one? Break contracts/patterns with unwanted people, energies, and health issues that continually show up in your life. Undo fears, phobias, emotional patterns, genetic patterns, and blockages. Allow the Akashic records to run forward to ensure you are happy with the outcome. Why do you want to look at your Akashic Records? In past lives, you may have talents and abilities that you want to connect with? Do you like Music, Art? Architecture? Travel? Selling? Paul McCartney dreamed (accesses his Akashic records) the song Imagine. Pick stocks, find a new place to live that will suit you, love interests, work partners, understanding of your moods, to alter your job or get a new one. Look at the comprehensive

Omtimes.com

knowledge about the Akashic Records: • Every moment you write new Akashic records. Jesus said, “As a man thinketh, so is he.” • Blavatsky (1831 – 1891) Access Akashic records to create the life we want now. • Jewish tradition – the Book of Life is opened on Rosh Hashanah – to look and atone before God sets karma/punishment. (they know what is written can be atoned for and changed. • Exodus 32:32, “If you will not forgive their sin, blot me out of your Book of Life.” • Revelations 20:12 - “and the books were opened, which is the Book of Life; the dead were judged

according to what was written in the books.” • Philippians 20:12 “Help these women… whose names are in the Book of Life. • Ancient Hittites – talk about Tablets of Destiny. (They knew these records shaped our present lives.) • The Egyptians had their Book of Life weighed after death – to open or close the gates of higher realms. • The Prophet Noble Drew Ali wrote, “Not a word is lost, for the book of Allah’s Remembrance (Koran) is made of every thought, word, and deed.” • Rudolf Steiner, Edgar Cayce, Alice Bailey, Charles Leadbeater, Max Heindel, A. Sinnett wrote about the Akashic Records.

• Edgar Cayce credited the source of his readings from the Akashic records or the person’s subconscious mind. Passage 487 - 17 • The Old Testament refers to the Book of the Living, and the New Testament calls this the Book of Life. Listen to a 2-hour free talk on this subject with Jill at You Wealth Revolution.com. http://youwealthrevolution. com/popular http:// youwealthrevolution.com/ popular Jill Mattson, Artist, Musician, four-time Author, and widely recognized expert and composer in the field of Sound Healing! Recent International Awards: Best 2016 Sound Healing CD, 2015 CD & Best New Age CD, Silver award for Best CD 2012. CDS include profound, magical tracks - using ancient & modern techniques.

Omtimes.com

How to Contact Your Departed Loved Ones By John Holland

If spirits can reach out to you, then itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fair to say that you can reach out and communicate with them. Best of all, you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need a medium like me to do it for you, nor do you need special abilities to make this type of loving connection on your own. There are numerous ways to communicate with passed loved ones and stay in touch every day, but you have to start with a strong mindset and a belief that it is possible. Omtimes.com

Your loved ones know when you’re reaching out to them. If you have this strong belief in place and are missing a particular loved one who recently passed, I’d like you to try the following 7 steps to invite them to your own private get-together: Find a comfortable place and safely light a small votive candle on a table. Place a picture of your loved one right in front of you. Try to find the happiest picture you have of them because, in reality, that’s how they look now! Look into their eyes in the picture for a few moments. See the light that’s coming from them and remember that beautiful image in your mind. Now, set an intention that you’re open to receiving messages or signs from your chosen loved one. By setting the intention, you’re lovingly inviting them with an open heart and mind. Close your eyes and meditate to clear your mind to make room for them. Hold the image of your loved one from the picture in your mind’s eye.

Send out a loving thought and invite them to join you. Let them know it’s okay to come to you now. Remember, they take their cues from you when connecting and will only connect when they know it’s not going to upset you. Ask a question in your mind and be patient. Try not to have any expectations. Patience is key here in making sure you’re receiving a message that didn’t come from your own imagination. You may feel your loved one draw close to you, or you might feel a breeze, a light kiss, or a gentle embrace. You may even notice a scent like a perfume or a flower. (Don’t worry if you feel you didn’t get a message or sign right away; you may get an answer when you least expect it.) Most important, trust what you’re getting and don’t try to manipulate it or make it fit some preconceived idea of what you wanted or needed to hear. Each time you talk to them in your mind, the stronger your link will become. The more you do this, the more proficient you’ll get in building the bridge to your loved one.

Omtimes.com

Always end by thanking your loved one for coming. Say, “See you later” rather than “Goodbye,” as you know, you can connect with them whenever you wish.

JOHN’S LESSON While there are many ways to communicate with Spirit, it’s not a one-size-fits-all type of thing. What works for one person might not work for you. It’s a matter of trying different techniques to find the one that works for you. This is just one technique you can use to connect with your loved ones without having mediumistic abilities. I’ll be sharing more of these exercises in future newsletters, so be sure to add your name to my Soul Inspirations subscriber list. If you do want to go further with your psychic and mediumship abilities, these techniques are a good start to developing them. I invite you to share some of the techniques that have worked for you either on my Facebook page Live a Soul-filled life! Omtimes.com

Promoting your book Doesn't Need to be a lonely Road WE CAN HELP

LET OMTIMES CREATE THE BUZZ BOOK SPOTLIGHT TO SUIT YOUR STYLE

How to Approach Animal Communication By Lisa Shaw

Humans are a stubborn species: we often lean towards self-centeredness, which is not to be confused with selfishness. Selfcentered means putting ourselves in the center of a situation, viewing it from our perspective, usually a narrow or one-dimensional one. How does it affect me? Why is this happening to

Omtimes.com

me or in my world? When it comes to our relationships with our animals, we extend this central theme and often become species-centric. When an animal develops a behavioral problem sometimes people are unable to view it from the animal’s perspective and see it as their inconvenience which “must be stopped.” Such is the case with clients who call an animal communicator seeking a simple solution to an emotional or behavioral issue, seeing it from their isolated human perspective rather than from the animal’s. I recently had a client who approached a distance reading this way. After arranging for the consultation, the woman sent me two photos of her dog with the request, “I need her to stop attacking my other dog.” Sometimes as a communicator I forget that new clients need guidance in asking questions. It was an instruction, not a question, and it came from the owner’s frustration of living with

two animals who weren’t getting along. Before I would delve deeply into the reading, I tuned in to the dog and picked up a feeling of jealousy and resentment based her feeling “less than” the other. However, I needed more information and so responded to the owner this way: I want to redirect your question. Instead of saying “I need her to stop,” we need to ask why she is doing this. Animal communication is a dialogue between the communicator and animal..., you, the owner, would provide the list of questions you have for me to ask Shadow. In that regard, I act as a medium and relate answers back and forth between the two of you. It would help if you gave me a bit more info: when did this behavior start, who is the older dog, have they lived together a while before the attacking began? How old are they? Reading works like a consultation with a therapist, Omtimes.com

whose first questions are usually exploratory. Somehow people get the impression that they must withhold information from a psychic, almost to “test” her ability, which immediately erects an energetic wall that interferes with a reading’s clarity (in both animal and intuitive human consultations). Information sharing works two ways – from the client to the reader, and from the animal to the reader. Any deliberately veiled information results in an unsuccessful session. A few years ago, in an animal communication class I taught, one of the students complained she had taken similar classes but “just couldn’t get it.” I was her last hope. It turned out that (naturally) I gave her the same exercises and guidance that her previous communicators had. She came to the second class disappointed: “It’s not working.” I asked her what wasn’t working. “The

Omtimes.com

communication. I told my dog to go get her toy, and she didn’t do it.” I took a deep breath. “Why did you ask her to do that?” The woman replied, “Because I wanted to see if she’d obey me and then do it.” Of course, the dog didn’t get her toy! She didn’t want to obey some arbitrary rule for her owner to prove just how powerful and skilled she was. Her motivation was all wrong. The dog was all right not to pick up her toy. Bravo to the canine will. Animal communication (just like any psychic communication between reader and client) must be based on the authentic desire to retrieve information for our highest good and to use it for our welfare, “our” being inclusive of the animals. Anything else will not yield beneficial results. We are not the center of reading.

Omtimes.com

Astrology

Does your Zodiac Sign give you Psychic Abilities? OMTimes Astrology

Did you know that all people are born with different degrees of psychic ability? The gift is identified by our date of birth and, more specifically, by our sun sign. Psychic powers refer

Omtimes.com

to the functioning and characteristics of our psyche, which has everything to do with our Zodiac sign. The more we work on this gift, the more we improve our lives and relationships. Each of the signs of the Zodiac has different talents and qualities, of which we are not always completely aware. There is also a collective consciousness that can bring us teachings, but it is very important to know our inner selves and to be aware of our natural abilities. What psychic ability do you have inside? If you have not yet discovered, see below the powers and gifts of each of the Zodiac signs. The Zodiac and The Psychic skills ARIES’ PSYCHIC SKILLS Clairvoyance often guides the impulsive behavior of the Aries, and it is his intuitive power. Generally, this does not happen purposefully, and the Aries does not even

notice. He ends up giving credit to his luck or thinks it is pure coincidence. However, if you Aries know how to tune your intuition, you will discover an inner “guide” that will help you to be in the right place at the right time. When this happens, by following your intuition, you will be able to do things the best way. TAURUS’ PSYCHIC SKILLS Taurus has a strong sense of boundaries and can predict when someone is about to step over them. So, it is possible that they become quite nervous or uncomfortable in some situations. Although you do not believe in your intuition much, and we believe that this is an area that you should work. It is important to know that your instincts almost always correct, so if you are troubled do not hesitate to listen to your inner self and act. GEMINI’S PSYCHIC SKILLS The Gemini’s heads are always

Omtimes.com

swarming with subjects, and the natives of this sign prefer to rely on logic rather than instinct. However, if you seek to slow down your thoughts by daily meditation practices, for example, you will realize that your intuitive gifts can move to surface more easily. As these skills increase, they will gift you access to a body of knowledge they never imagined they have. CANCERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; S PSYCHIC SKILL The Cancerian psychic abilities are in the field of empathy. Instinctively, they know how to define how others feel and seek out the right words and actions to provide the necessary support. It is because they are aware of the support they need when they go through similar situations. This gift explains why natives of this sign tend to be excellent parents, counselors, and teachers. LEOâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PSYCHIC SKILLS Leos have a greater sense of Timing. This ability is linked to invisible forces

Omtimes.com

and is therefore capable of holding up to events. They are always in the right place at the right time. In areas such as trends and fashion, they tend to be leaders. Also, their psychic abilities always make them look directly and straightforwardly at strange events and life challenges. VIRGINâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PSYCHIC SKILL Virgins tend to hide and repress their psychic powers, which are closely linked to creativity. If we can give some advice to these natives, it would be: Explore Your skills. This gift comes from the power they possess to see everything around them, with a fine eye. How is it possible to work this skill? It is only necessary to release your inner self so that it can manifest, and everything will flow much better. LIBRAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PSYCHIC SKILLS Librans can know what motivates people. If you are a native of this sign, you can read other people like an open book, and you may

Omtimes.com

notice that almost every time you are right when judging someone’s character. However, there is not always much reason for these processes. You probably do not think you have any psychic ability, but you can be sure that you have it. SCORPIO’S PSYCHIC SKILLS Scorpio natives are very attracted to deep mysteries and enigmas about life. They also have exploratory characteristics, which are often appreciated by others. Scorpios can analyze an environment full of people and know immediately if anyone can connect with them. We can say that they will go to people who are willing to overcome their limits, to get out of common sense and accompany them on an obscure side of being. SAGITTARIUS’ PSYCHIC SKILLS Sagittarians have the gift of knowing how to analyze when a situation will bring opportunities or lead them

Omtimes.com

to a dead end. They are often able to invoke their intuitive guide when they need to make some important decisions. Their psychic abilities enable them to advance, often with absurd speed. Whoever sees you from outside, may think that you make decisions without analyzing, but this is not true. You know very well the choices that will improve it psychically. CAPRICORN’S PSYCHIC SKILLS The Capricorn natives possess far more psychic abilities than anyone living with them can imagine. Capricorns have their feet on the ground and contain a strong earthly connection that helps them make the right decisions, intuitively reach conclusions, and read the character of other people. We can say that they can see life through practical lenses. They need to understand that their psychic abilities are as strong, if not more, than anyone else’s.

AQUARIUS’ PSYCHIC SKILLS Aquarians can find out what other people are thinking. Regardless of what they are saying. The natives of this sign can discern what they wanted to talk about. No person can hide their real inner thoughts or thoughts from them. Aquarians have an astute conscience that makes them adapt their lines and gestures to get what they want. You’re sure to surrender if you try to lie to them. PISCES’ PSYCHIC SKILL Anyone who lives with Pisceans would not be scared to know that it is the most psychic sign of the circle of the Zodiac. They have the gift of attuning to the invisible things because they can feel the currents that underlie physical events. In this way, they choose where they want to focus their consciousness. It is important to note that when we refer to psychic abilities, many people think it is a form of fiction, but some reports say the opposite. There are those who believe that we

have gifts that improve with time and practice. Only the native of each sign can know its limits and its potentials. No matter what your Zodiac sign you are, there is a unique power that only you can play. Seek evolution, develop your abilities, to work your inner Self, and achieve your dreams. However, do not just rely on luck, but always have your feet on the ground. Anyone can have access to psychic abilities; anyone can access the collective consciousness and learn some from it. Knowing your power can be complex, but nothing is impossible. To accept that this gift exists is the first step. The second step is to insist and embrace your ability to understand what you feel and interpret how it can be applied in your life, in your decisions, and your problems. Be persistent and conscious in this process. Do not give up knowing and enjoying all the benefits it can bring.

Omtimes.com

Pet Horoscope: Discover the Personality of your Pet By Liane Buck

Animals are sentient beings, and just like us are also susceptible to the whims of Cosmic forces and Astrology. Unlike in human horoscopes, Animal horoscopes only reach the scope of the personal planets, and all the planets beyond Mars are not considered on the making of their maps. The reason is that Astrology only accepts the development of the animal Omtimes.com

consciousness reaching only the concrete mind, and not the upper level, which is the Abstract Mind, proper of Human beings. Although these premises may be debatable for animal lovers, that is the only references we find available regarding Horoscopes of animals. Aries (March 21 to April 20) The Puppies and Aries Cats are always full of energy. They love attention, affection, and play, and they never seem to get bored. It can be difficult to keep track of these overactive animals. They are temperamental and not the type to give up a fight. They may be embarrassed easily, so do not call their attention in public. Reward good behavior with a delicious treat. Never give “food of people” to your Arian animal, the tastiest and well-seasoned rations are your favorite. The biggest difficulty you will have will be to make your Aries Pet obey you most of the time. They can be a problem when they start to

destroy things in your home. Therefore, they will need repetitive training, a lot of steadiness and patience on their part to learn the lessons. Taurus (April 21 to May 20) Taurus Pets are a quiet and passive lot and are the easiest to train. However, if they are provoked into a fight - watch out! These animals never give up; they become stubborn and restless. They are cautious when they meet new people, but when they like you, you can be sure that you will have a friend for life. They will always remember your “friendly smell.” These animals love life outdoors but prefer to sleep than play. They love to eat and may have problems with weight. They are possessive and will defend their food and toys fiercely. Gemini (May 21 to June 20) Gemini pets are curious, friendly, and full of energy. These dogs tend to be vocal and can bark a lot. If possible, get another pet playmate for Omtimes.com

these animals, as they hate to be alone. They learn fast and can be well trained. Remember always to keep the door closed, or the Gemini pets will leave instantly, exploring and looking for new friends. Gemini Pets rarely choose one person or animal as a favorite; for them, the important thing is to be together and play with others! Cancer (June 21-July 21) These pets are very sensitive creatures, and they detest to be sad. They do not like much noise or shouting, and this can make them easily irritated. Otherwise, they are very quiet in calm environments. Any change in their routine or if there is a stranger in the house can make them withdraw and end up hiding for hours or even days. Pets Cancerians are careful to meet new people. But once they trust you, you will have a friend for life. They do not like sharing the space of the home with other animals because they do not want to share their Omtimes.com

attention, but they also do not like being left alone and can become destructive if left alone for long. Leo (July 22nd to August 22nd) Your Leo Pet feels like the King or Queen of the “Castle,” and they are enveloped in an air of royalty. They love a good adventure and will “roar” if you do not take them for a ride, so make each ride a great event. They are born leaders and in a short time can make their other Pets friends follow him. They are very curious and know no bounds, which is an attitude that fits naturally in their profile of being King or Queen. Leo animals love children, and by the way, they are perfect Pets, for they are very protective and can gladly lay down their lives for their own. Take care of them kindly, and they will be friends for many lives. These pets ten to become familiars. Virgin (August 23 to September 22)

Virgo pets are wonderful companies. They have a sixth sense to know when you are happy or sad, and will always be willing to comfort you. They are shy animals and prefer their own company and even are happy to play with themselves. They are reserved and will not show their affections easily, so do not expect your Virginian Pet to come running when you get home. They can lovingly stay up all night under your feet or resting on your lap. They are a bit “picky” at the time of eating and may not want to eat any food, once you find a Dog food brand they like, keep this one. Libra (September 23 to October 22) Libra’s pets are calm, and they like a lot of attention. Like the symbol of justice that is the sign of Libra, these animals divide their attention equally among all members of the family. They are great companies and hate to be left alone. These pets love good food and quiet Omtimes.com

music. Put on a song when you leave the house, and they will remain calm and quiet. They may be stubborn from time to time and may appear to be in a bad mood. Pets Librans eat practically everything, combine this with the tendency to be lazy, and they can get overweight. Be sure to give plenty of exercise for them. Scorpio (October 23 to November 21) Scorpio pets are extremely loyal. If goodness is presented to these animals from an early age, that goodness will come back to you for the life of this pet, but if they are mistreated, getting their trust again will require a long time and patience. They tend to nibble, scratch, or pinch people who mistreat you. Scorpio animals can intimidate other animals because they rarely give up when confronted. They are full of energy and have to spend it, so, since they are possessive and may have a tendency to fight, keep an eye on them especially when you receive Omtimes.com

the visit of the postman or strangers. Sagittarius (November 22 to December 21) Sagittarius Pets are the most fun of the animal world because they are always eager to please. They love open spaces, so make sure you offer plenty of space for them as a backyard or take them out for a walk. If you keep them indoors for long periods, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll probably break that spirited feature of your Pet. They are one of the most loving pets in the Zodiac, so be prepared to receive several â&#x20AC;&#x153;wet kissesâ&#x20AC;? when you put your foot indoors. They are intelligent animals, but they tend to be very distracted. Because they have a lot of energy to spend, they want to do lots of things at once, and they can forget the commands you teach them, so you have to be very firm when you discipline these animals. So do not worry or be afraid to set strict limits. They will respond well. They tend to play until

they get exhausted. Capricorn (December 22 and January 20) Capricorn pets become young forever, as they tend to behave like puppies even in old age. They are very patient and play for endless hours. They are the best companions for children. They may be grumpy and tend to be upset if things do not work out the way they do. So be patient when training these animals since they tend to be kind of “slow” to learn the commands. These animals are more loyal to family members. As they always wish to please, your patience will be well rewarded. Aquarius (January 21 to February 19) They are truly the comedians of the Zodiac. They are kind and loving to children and elderly alike and will bark or meow to hear the sound of their voice. They are extremely intelligent and at the same time, can be brainless or aloof. You will need a lot of patience to train them as they will not obey orders easily, and the more

you force them, the more they will hit the ground and refuse to obey. Sometimes these animals do not want to be cuddled, so do not be surprised if they get away from time to time, that’s their way. Aquarian pets are very curious and will stick their noses at everything! Pisces (February 20 to March 20) Pets of Pisces are gentle, loving, and peaceful folk; they will hate fights and shouts. They love music and do not need a lot of open space and can adapt well to apartments. They will be sensitive to your mood and will be well on your side to give you security when you are sick or sad. If your Piscean Pet needs discipline, be very careful how you would do it, because as they are intuitive, if they feel that you are sad or angry, stop what they are doing to “take care of you.” So, you may feel that you have a “psychic link” with these animals because they will be able to guess your thoughts.

Omtimes.com

We grow as individuals as we face challenges and overcome lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s obstacles. This section is dedicated to helping you chart your course

Personal Growth & Development

The Alchemy of Being Authentic By Maryne Hachey

Times are sure changing for anyone spiritually aware or otherwise, and there is a collective awareness that humanity is tuning into. What I have noticed is how many of us are struggling with the influx of heavy energy that has moved across the planet, and if you feel cloudy or heavy, you are not alone. Omtimes.com

For some time now my Guides have been pressing me to get writing and sharing my perspective and wisdom with others as there has been an increase of people searching for answers and questioning their belief systems and authenticity. For the last few years, people we have grown to love and look to in the spiritual community have either passed on or completely changed their practices and have fallen off the axes causing many to really question their own path and direction, so I want to address this and encourage you if I may. It is amazing when someone called to service is inspired to change and share those changes, but what if their changes negate the very foundations of your own spiritual practices? Authenticity as a Spiritual Practice This is simple: Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t follow people if you are truly following your own Path. Listen to your guides and intuition then there is no cause

for panic or worry because you are always staying true to you, and your path as your journey on this earth plane is a unique one of a kind, so donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t let anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a change of heart take away from who you are. You are still YOU!, divinely created and have a place on this earth, so keep shining, your gifts and talents are needed and as you watch others change, and use their platforms to spread their messages be very mindful not to cast judgments or fear-based energy onto one another. You and only you can decide if their truth is also your truth. For there is a collective group, I will call the watchers that have been changing the frequencies and remotely impacting anyone who is called to be of service. Now I know it sounds scary or way out there to some people, here is how you can tell if you are experiencing this for yourself ***the following list is given to you outside of any medical conditions, and should you suffer suicidal thoughts or think you have depression Omtimes.com

seek medical attention, never discontinue prescribed medication without consulting a medical professional. * extreme fatigue *hopelessness/self-sabotage * headaches *heaviness around your head & clouded third eye *difficulty meditating or holding on to positive thoughts or motivation *changes in weight & appetite *lack of motivation *extreme anxiety *feeling lost, withdrawn *angry *unexplained pain Alchemizing your own self As energy beings, we know when something is off, and if these appear out of the blue, and you’ve consulted a medical professional, and they can’t find anything wrong with you, you can rest assured that this is Energy. So now what? How do you stay balanced with all this crazy energy happening around you? Meditate, if you don’t already you can find many books on meditation, there’s also guided meditations, I personally Omtimes.com

use Kelly Howell, brain sync, Jonathan Goldman, and Thaddeus from the Light body consciousness, just to name a few. There is a wealth of information on social media, just stick to the rules of if you get resistance, trust it, and if it flows it goes! Just remember, that not everything everyone states is indeed your truth, take what fits and incorporate your own wisdom and knowledge. Be kind and gentle with the process, it is something you have to do every day to see the benefits and changes that will occur. Keep with it, and if you skip a day, no sweat, just get right back at it and keep going, because you don’t have to be perfect, just consistently moving forward, just take the next step. Authenticity and Healthy Living The benefits of Meditation are scientifically proven to improve your sense of wellbeing, reducing stress and anxiety and deepen your connection to Spirit Next, take action towards healthy living, force yourself

to go for a walk, any form of exercise and follow those intuitive nudges, like if you feel compelled to write, sit down and write, don’t worry about what it is your supposed to write about, it will come. Stop trying to fix others, especially if it’s draining you. Listen, as a healer I get this you want to help, but everything in their life has to line up, there are things people have to go through. It is a process of reckoning and being ready for the next step. If you are truly called to be of service for another, let Spirit guide you, and not your will be done but their higher power, whether its God, Spirit or an Angel. If you Pray, pray simple, allow your Will to be done, because the truth is, the Divine Creator already knows what that person needs, as well as where your heart is and simply put they may not be ready for the changes you desire for their life, so let go and let God. Eat foods that bring you joy, that makes you feel light, drinks plenty of water and

avoids anything that can cause you to lose control while you are feeling vulnerable ( drugs or alcohol). Say NO guilt free of demands of your time, & remember if it flows it goes, and don’t do for others if it causes resentments or harsh energy. There are plenty of resources to assist you when caring for the needs of other humans without becoming codependent or drained. Spend your time doing things that would bring you joy or are gentle for you while you regain momentum and strength, seek out help from others if that’s something that works for you. Don’t focus so much on being “Grounded” as you do on finding the Balance within all things. Here’s a Mantra I give to all my clients, and often use with things seem too big, because even I have a human experience and these are some of the lessons I have learned myself as someone who has been of service for over 20 yrs., you keep learning and growing it really never stop Omtimes.com

Opening the Heart: from Grief to Gratitude By Jayita Bhattacharjee

When grief seems to take away everything that we have, something else comes to fill us, and the process becomes the path of selfdiscovery. How it all reveals comes as we peel the grief,

Omtimes.com

every bit of it to its core, to see and acknowledge if there was a wealth that we could mine from those unmined depths. With faith and surrendering as we give in, gratitude seems to rise. Crushed in grief, one day astonishingly, we feel like we are sprouting. When grief gives birth to gratitude, and we begin to feel both, we are transformed. When tragedy strikes the life, and we grieve the loss of a loved one, that we are completely immersed in darkness and nothing but it, one day somehow gratitude begins to arise from the same heart that spent days and nights in a silent sobbing. The thankful heart starts to be reborn. We seem to be grateful for all the goodness rising from the dark dungeon of sorrows. The deeds of thankfulness that were planted by the grief are now getting sprouted. It is our rebirth. Grief and gratitude, one doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t erase the other.

We will always grieve for the loss that we face, yet from that grieving, we will recollect the happy hours, the happy times that we once had with them, and for that, we will forever remain thankful. We create a craft weaving those memories; one that can speak from our soul, that will give an unending joy. As we explore into our sad selves while mourning, we peel off the sadness, we see the light of gratitude. As we unmask it, the beauty reveals. We can peel the pain, layer by layer while spilling out the tears of a thousand agonies, from there rises the living light of life, the light that asks a heart to remain grateful. In light of surrendering, It is a process and a journey. We put our trust and accept the loss, in the faith that something good will arise in our lives. What we took for granted in the past, we now know that it was not meant to stay. From

Omtimes.com

that realization, comes the thankfulness of what we once had, how the leaves shed in autumn, and we know what comes must go. Knowing this, we begin to see everything in a new light with a grateful heart, giving thanks for what we have. What dies in a moment leaves behind something; it is gratitude that rises from there. The loss didn’t go in vain after all. Something did arise, and that something is beautiful. It is a heart that is beating with gratitude. Nothing ever stays the same. We are transformed emotionally and psychologically as we begin to give thanks for all the beauties that reveal in every moment. We live in the light of consciousness. We become empowered with light. From the wounded warrior we become the carriers of light. Through such sharing, we develop a sense of community, a kinship with all around us. From grief, we rise, and in Omtimes.com

gratitude, we fly. The acceptance of our loss will never be the ending point of grief; rather it will always be a portal to living life to the fullest. This truth of not taking anything for granted makes us conscious of all the gifts knowing those too can be taken away. It is the birth of a new beginning. It becomes a path of selfdiscovery. In this rebirth, we are born as empowered beings being able to gaze at this world and life with deep thankfulness. Jayita Bhattacharjee was born in Calcutta, India and later completed her education on the University of Houston in Economics, she had chosen her career as a trustee and teacher. She is an author of many books “ The Ecstatic Dance of Life,” “ Sacred Sanctuary,” “ Light of Consciousness,” “ Dewdrops of Compassion” “ The Light of Life,” “ Song of Eternity” “ The Breath of Heaven.” Find Jayita on Goodreads

The Magic Of Conscious Relationships Try Ascending Hearts.Com For Free

World Vision

When you look at the view of Earth from space, you are immediately in awe of what you do see: the incredible beauty of Creation. It is not until you look closer that you realize what you do not see. You do not see lines partitioning countries. You do not see separation between races. You do not see division between religions. You do not see the walls people build to isolate themselves from each other. There is only One Planet. There is only One Humanity. This section is dedicated to introducing thoughts and ideas to foster a greater understanding of Humanityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s interdependence.

Can We Build Non-Sexist and Non-Racist Cities? By MonĂŠe Fields-White

Can we redesign American cities to foster connection and a sense of community instead of prioritizing isolated, atomic family units? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an especially urgent question as demographics shift. Single-individual households now make up 28 percent of all households, a dramatic increase since 1965, when they were 15 percent. At the same time, Omtimes.com

loneliness is on the rise. It’s also a question that was asked almost 40 years ago when urban historian Dolores Hayden wrote “What Would a NonSexist City Be Like?” an essay that resonated through social science and urban design communities and has experienced a resurgence of interest in recent years. In introducing the concept of the non-sexist city, she exposed how architectural design, capitalism, and urban planning over centuries had isolated women physically, socially, and economically. “‘A woman’s place is in the home’ has been one of the most important principles of architectural design and urban planning in the United States for the last century,” she wrote in her essay. Since then, other academics have taken her critique farther, pointing to how urban design has also divided minorities and kept other communities disconnected. These concerns are more pressing for disadvantaged communities today. African Americans, for example, are more likely than any other ethnic group to live alone, putting people in those households more at risk for

loneliness and feeling socially isolated. Hayden “brought critical awareness to the design of cities and a new lens with which to see the built environment as an extension of western societies’ systems of oppression,” says Drea Howenstein, a professor of art education and architectural design at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. That oppression in the built environment is not impossible to counteract, some experts say, but it requires civic engagement and in some cases a revolution. Material Feminists Led the Way In her book “The Grand Domestic Revolution,” Hayden introduced her readers to the material feminists — whose leaders included Melusina Fay Peirce, Mary Livermore, and Charlotte Perkins Gilman. For six decades, between the end of the Civil War and the start of the Great Depression, these feminists redefined the idea of what home meant for them and their families by pushing back against the domestic servitude that they deemed isolated women. They championed for architects and Omtimes.com

urban planners to reconsider the impact of their developments on family life. They even proposed what “the ideal, feminist” city would look like, creating new neighborhood designs and building developments that had shared day care centers, public kitchens, and community dining clubs. Take Melusina Fay Peirce. She organized women to fight for paid housework, and in her campaign, she developed the ideas behind “cooperative housekeeping,” in which women would create cooperative associations that would charge their husbands retail prices for their services — ranging from cooking to sewing. She even envisioned a broader plan for cooperative residential neighborhoods that had kitchenless houses and a centralized headquarters for cooperative housekeeping. “Material feminists dared to imagine women’s economic independence from men and to plan for the complete environmental and technological changes such independence implied,” wrote Hayden. Hayden’s work came at a time Omtimes.com

when women were entering the workforce in droves. In her essay on the non-sexist city, she envisioned an urban and suburban plan that centered on supporting the activities of employed women and their families. “It is essential to recognize such needs to begin both the rehabilitation of the existing housing stock and the construction of new housing,” Hayden wrote. Could a non-sexist city also be a non-racist city? Hayden has spurred community activists, educators, and researchers to focus on creating urban spaces that foster community and equity for all. But that’s still a challenge, especially for communities of color that have had to navigate redlining policies that barred them from accessing mortgage lending, racially restrictive covenants preventing them from purchasing homes in white communities, and other legacies of segregation. “When we go back in time, the 1950s and prior, this is when we threw freeways through neighborhoods,” says Dan

Pitera, executive director of the Detroit Collaborative Design Center (DCDC) at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture. “Redlining and other racist policies were in place to create the situation we have now,” he added. “And we live in a capitalistic society — and equity doesn’t exist in capitalism.” Unlike Europe — including Denmark, Sweden, and the Netherlands — the U.S. has been slow to move toward alternative housing options like co-housing, a concept that allows a collective sharing of services like common kitchens, dining rooms, laundry services, and daycare. In the U.S., “we have barely cracked the surface,” says Lori Brown, professor of architecture at Syracuse University. Brown, who’s also co-founder of ArchiteXX — a nonprofit focused on gender equity in architecture, notes that there are a few examples of communities adopting co-housing. “But we need to fund more of that, and it will require a different kind of socializing on how we think about domestic

space,” she says. “Unless you’re living in a community supportive of your demographics, it’s so easy to become physically isolated and lonely in life.” Co-housing and other community alternatives Brown notes that living in isolation can weigh on a person’s mental health and overall wellbeing, whereas co-housing can forge common bonds. Residents in Denmark’s first cohousing community, built in 1972, described Saettedammen, where 71 people live, as an “extended family.” Hayden proposed a plan to create small participatory groups known as Homemakers Organizations for a More Egalitarian Society (HOMES). They involved tearing down fences between backyards and creating shared space as well as systems of shared work like meal preparation, daycare, gardening. Hayden also imagined the groups using shared appliances, tools, cars, and an approach to shared work that eliminated sex stereotypes and treated men’s and women’s labor equally. One of the first steps Hayes Omtimes.com

envisioned for those groups were organizing to persuade cities to allow them to modify zoning laws so they could open up their backyards. Such change requires civic engagement, says Pitera: “Civic engagement is a set of systems that are put in place that will remain way beyond the project.” The DCDC has worked to build civic engagement since its inception in 1994, including in its partnership with the Detroitbased nonprofit Young Nation on The Alley Project (TAP). TAP is a community-driven project that has transformed a southwest Detroit neighborhood alley into a graffiti art center. DCDC worked with Young Nation, the youth and the residents in the neighborhood to turn the alley into a walking gallery with the garages serving as the canvases. Two vacant lots were transformed into art displays with space for families to gather and play. The main garage was redesigned into an art studio for the youth to explore their creativity in other art mediums. Our partnership with Young Nation is an example of a civic Omtimes.com

engagement system that we have plugged into — and it continues to grow,” Pitera says. “That’s the difference between civic engagement and civic participation; civic engagement can’t be turned on and off.” Experts say it’s critical to have an inclusive urban and housing design framework that brings people together. It won’t be easy to build, but a non-sexist and non-racist city would foster equality and accountability to one’s neighbors while creating an environment with shared resources, diverse perspectives, and public spaces built for sustainability. Monée Fields-White is an awardwinning writer and journalist based in Los Angeles. She has produced a broad spectrum of stories on a national and global scale for leading publications and nonprofit organizations in the four largest markets—Washington, D.C., New York, Chicago and Los Angeles. She can be found on Twitter and LinkedIn. Article originally seen in Shareable This article is part of our first quarter social isolation series.

Books

GITA THE INNER JOURNEYS

O M T I M E S

| G I T A :

I N N E R

J O U R N E Y S

Chapter six of the Gita, Yoga of Meditation, discusses a method of training and calming the mind which is central to inner journey and Yoga. You begin your inner quest convinced that you are your intellect, emotions and thoughts.

Meditation opens the door for you to go beyond noisy thoughts and emotions, thereby experiencing, at least in part, the blissful quietude within – your true, Divine, Inner-Self. Meditation practice is simple, but since, as the Prince observes, the mind is wilder than the wind, it is a practice that requires patient perseverance. You initially turn to Meditation, simply to give your mind a much needed rest; like the rest Yoga gives your body.

Over time though, Meditation practice leads to a profound Wisdom transformation which changes your experience of the world, and your functioning in it.

You begin your journey seeking happiness outside; through the alchemy of Meditation, you find it where it always was, within. As this transformation settles in, you find you no longer depend on the external world for your happiness: “Having obtained it, one now knows — this treasure’s superior to all; Knowledge so certain cannot be shaken — though greatest of sorrows befall.”

Omtimes.com

A Yogi, a true Renunciate, Does one’s Duty, fruits doesn’t expect; A monk is not a Renunciate If one’s vows cause Duty’s neglect.

Yoga, O Prince, do understand, Is merely renunciation; Fearing for future or results Befit not Yoga of Action.

For the Yoga Seeker, at first, Action’s good – it quiets the mind; When mind is stilled, firm in Yoga, Now it’s quiescence – one would find.

When one experiences Wisdom-Divine, Content, by sense-objects no more swayed Divinely-United, while still in this flesh One equally views – stone, gold or clay.

Greatest is one who’s even-minded To kind friends, and vicious foes; Righteous and rogues, haters and kin And to them who are none of those.

Let the Yogi retreat, alone, secluded, Over body and mind let one practice control; Shedding all hopes, shedding worldly possessions, Constant Inner-Self meditation is one’s

When attachment, even in thought,

goal.

To sense-objects and action – is gone; One is then considered to be In Yoga – established, enthroned.

Setting one’s seat, comfortable, firm, In a place calm, quiet and clean; Seated in a seat not too high or low,

Lift yourself by your Self, O Prince,

With cloth and holy grass cushioned.

And let not your Self flounder low; You yourself are your only friend As well as your very worst foe.

Seated there, patient, one practices control Over one’s senses, emotions, and thought; Meditating this way, mind single-pointed,

Your divine, Inner-Self is your friend,

Gradually, but surely purifies one’s heart.

Mind’s lower nature – your worst foe; Bond with your pure, divine nature, Mind, subdued – will follow in tow.

One’s posture is motionless, firm, Body, head and neck – still, upright; Inner gaze – to the tip of the nose,

One who’s established in Inner-Self,

Mind steady not straying about.

Mind serene, all cravings restrained; Knows no disquiet, in heat or cold, Shame or honor, pleasure or pain.

Mind controlled from its restless drift, Fearless, in celibacy steadfast; Let one sit, mind focused, serene, Goal Supreme, Divine – reach at last.

NOITIDE B ENUJ• SEMITMO Inner gaze – to the tip of the nose, Mind steady not straying about.

Mind controlled from its restless drift, Fearless, in celibacy steadfast; Let one sit, mind focused, serene, Goal Supreme, Divine – reach at last.

Thus, the Yogi strictly maintains Mind balanced, controlled at all times; Peace one attains, leading to Freedom, Abiding in Me, the Divine.

Yoga is not possible, O Prince, For one who overeats or fasts; Not for one who’s oversleeping Nor one who over-exerts oneself.

Let one ever be moderate, Ever steady in all one’s ways; In sleep, waking, eating and exercise, Yoga removes all one’s pains.

Resting, focused – in Inner Self, With perfect control of the mind; Freed from any desire, ‘tis said, One’s united in the Divine. Like a lamp’s flame, which flickers not, When it is in a windless place; So is the Yogi’s mind, which is Focused, steady, on Inner-Self.

When the mind, restrained by Yoga, Within it-Self quietly rests; ‘Tis then one experiences one’s True Self, Knows joyous content in one’s breast.

Then does such purified heart know Bliss that’s beyond what senses can; Established in this Reality

Supreme Bliss one verily knows, The Yogi whose mind is serene; Who’s become at one with the Divine, Desires all hushed, free from sin.

Never to wander again. Free from vice, mind constantly Having obtained it, one now knows

trained,

This treasure is superior to all;

Meditating deeply on the Divine;

Knowledge so certain cannot be

Divinely touched, one’s path now clear,

shaken

Thus the Yogi knows Bliss Sublime.

Though greatest of sorrows befall.

Pure divine heart, sees but Divine, Yoga parts us from pain, O Prince,

In every creature large or small;

Pain we thought would always be

Knows one’s Inner-Self – in all beings,

there;

And in Inner-Self – sees all.

Practice it therefore, determined, One who sees Me, the Divine, in all,

Be joyful and never despair.

and In Me sees all beings, every bird ‘n tree; Never am I separated from

Utterly abandon desires, Prince, Know they all arise from your thought; The wild pack of senses – restrain,

such Yogi,

Nor such Yogi – separated from Me.

Discerning what’s Real from what’s not.

Established in Unity, with Me, Divine, Worshiping Me devoutly, in all beings;

Patiently, O Prince, bit by bit,

In Me, Divine, such Yogi safely abides,

Let one gradually calm one’s mind;

Whatever be one’s conduct or what

On divine Inner-Self focus inwards,

life brings,

Not letting the mind wander round. Time after time – mind will stray, Outward, by senses – drawn away; Time and again it be withdrawn,

Bearing each creature’s joy and pain As though they were one’s very own; Highest Yogi, sees all around But one’s own Inner Self alone.

Focused on Inner-Self alone.

Omtimes.com

PRINCE: Master, you describe this Yoga As constant union with the Divine; How can such a state be constant? Ever so restless is the mind!

Roughened by worldly desires, Restless, unyielding is man’s mind; How shall I tame it, O Master,? Wind itself does not seem as wild!

MASTER: Yes, Prince, mind is restless, no doubt, Its control – is hard to maintain; But it can be done, if you persist And all your desires – restrain.

One who has fallen from practice Will still get to heaven for sure; Then, in due time, would be born again To parents successful and pure.

One may even be born, O Prince, To wise Yogic parents to bear; Though such birth is hard to come by For in our world, these are rare.

One would then, assimilate anew Wisdom acquired before; And to reach the goal of perfection, Would then strive for even more. Through practice of previous lives To Union-Divine path one’s drawn;

One who reins not senses and mind Will find this Yoga difficult;

Mere wishing it is loftier than All religious rites one performs.

But one self-restrained, persevering, Using right means – will master it.

Through many births and tireless striving

PRINCE: But what of one who strives not enough,

All one’s shortcomings to cleanse; This Yogi moves towards perfection And reaches this goal in the end.

And though faithful – yet hasn’t stayed; One who does not reach perfection For one’s mind from Yoga has strayed?

Be a Yogi, Prince! A Yogi’s best, Who tirelessly seeks the Divine; Greater than scholars and doers Or ascetics who purge body ‘n mind.

Both life paths, of spirit and matter, Doesn’t one miss by and by? Isn’t one lost, unsupported, An orphan cloud, lost in the sky? This doubt, Master,

One who thus faithfully merges One’s Inner Self, in Me, Divine; Such Yogi, above all others, I ever consider as Mine.

Has me distraught; Only you can Dispel this thought.

MASTER: No, my son, such seeker’s not lost, Not in this world nor in the next; Know that one who seeks the Divine Shall never succumb to ill fate.

Excerpt from Gita: A Timeless Guide For Our Time, by Isaac Bentwich (Harmonia Books, June 2019) Website: https://www.newgita.com/

Please review the

OMTimes Reprint Policy Contact our Advertisement Team:

advertise@omtimes.com