ORIGIN - Issue 17

ACTIVE LIFESTYLE. Health.

NUTRITION.

30+

LOVE. EAT. HEAL.

TOP ATHLETES WHO INSPIRE

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plant-based diet

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MINDFULNESS:

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RUSSELL BRAND INTERVIEW

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ORIGIN.

12

PUBLISHER / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Maranda Pleasant

nutrition, mindfulness + YOGA 12 Deepak Chopra 14 Eckhart Tolle 17 BRENE BROWN 48 Ana Forrest 52 Sharon Gannon 58 Robert Sturman 73 KK Ledford 78 Tiffany Cruikshank 79 Shiva Rea 84 Kathryn Budig

63 24

30

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MANAGING EDITOR Meghan French Dunbar EXECUTIVE EDITOR Paul D. Miller / DJ Spooky creative DIRECTOR Sami Lea Lipman GLOBAL YOUTH EDITOR Ocean Pleasant INTERNATIONAL EDITOR Gina G. Murdock Assistant Editor Devon Craig

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social media Griffin Byatt COPY EDITOR Kate Brenton

68 ACTIVE, CONSCIOUS CULTURE + ECO 8 12 31 38 40 42 44 46 48 57

Brendan Brazier Chris Sharma Reverend Mpho Tutu Erykah Badu Joan Osborne India Arie Michael Franti Ziggy Marley Julia Stiles Alanis Morissette

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EDITOR’S NOTE This is our year. Let’s take chances and pursue risks that will nurture our spirit and make us grow. May we be the most alive, colorful version of ourselves.

Let’s talk about our “TOO Campaign” on true beauty this issue.

Women have been marginalized for their appearance and physical “flaws.” We’ve been undermined and told to be smaller, quieter and fill traditional roles. We have 50+ women who have claimed the very trait or flaw that they have been diminished for and transformed it into something that makes them stronger and shine brighter.

Let’s reclaim our power and reframe and redefine what beauty is for us. We get to live this life our way. We get to choose.

We cannot be defined by our culture. Let us create a new culture.

Maranda Pleasant ORIGIN Magazine & Mantra Yoga + Health Editor-in-Chief 6 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kathryn Budig COVER Jasper Johal www.jasperphoto.com ASHLEY TURNER COVER Meghan Brosnan www.MeghanBrosnan.com Contact us Head Ninja editor@originmagazine.com Advertising ads@originmagazine.com Media+Events press@originmagazine.com Ideas ideas@originmagazine.com Subscriptions director@originmagazine.com Ad Rates+ Specs originmagazine.com/advertise Rates begin at $2800/Full page

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Ashley Halley

Yoga Instructor, Personal Trainer As a little girl, I found strength when I was moving. I loved climbing, body surfing, and dancing, but I was an outcast and always on the fringe of intimidation. When I discovered yoga and merged it with strength training, I found my power and hidden courage. The anxiety melted away and I felt fortified. This is my passion now, to empower all those who seek the emergence of their strength, dharma, and power to live authentically from the inside out.

ashleyhalleyyoga.com 8 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

not tonight, I’m too tired.

When “I’m too tired” is more than just an excuse.

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LOVE, EAT, HEAL by kris carr

EVERY TIME

I see a cardinal, I know my grandmother is with me. This regal, red bird was Grandma’s favorite. It reminds me of her fiery Colombian spirit and the blue flames that blazed in her restaurant’s kitchen. Grandma infused her food with love, captivating stories, and copious amounts of butter. And everyone who slipped into a booth at The Village Gourmet in Pawling, New York felt that love from their taste buds to their toes.

My grandma died nearly a decade ago, but I swear she’s been sending me flocks of cardinals in her absence. I think she knew I’d be needing these precious symbols of her love. Two weeks before she died, I received my own walloping wake up call. Incurable cancer. I needed a lifeline.

I needed my Grandma. So, I went into the kitchen, and I’ve never left.

Although Grandma’s passion had led me to the power of food, not all of her recipes were healthy. I kept her gusto and the love that she put into her cuisine, but ditched the ingredients that bought her a one-way ticket to arthritis, diverticulitis, and a host of other inflammatory conditions. I also ditched my own addictions and compulsions around food.

At one of my lowest points, sugar had a painful grip on me. I’d buy and binge and then beat myself up over my behavior. Sometimes the only way out of my food-drug trance was to mutilate my stash before burying it in the trash. This step was very important. If I didn’t jam cigarette stubs into the pints of Ben & Jerry’s or spray them with cleaning products, there was a 50/50 chance I’d rummage through the rubbish to rescue my heroine.

My new kitchen was (and still is) a peaceful haven, fully stocked with nutrient-dense, plant-empowered, whole foods. It’s my direct connection to spirit and, of course, my juicer! Slowly, as my time in the kitchen deepened, I started to feel better. While I may never be in remission from cancer, I am currently in remission from an unhealthy relationship to food.

The fact is, we need help and we need each other. We’re a nation riddled with preventable, lifestyle-driven diseases. We consume far too many animal products, processed and refined foods, saturated fats, and empty calories. Industries that profit from both our ignorance and our misfortune spoon-feed us confusion and deception. We’re taught to solely blame our luck-of-the-draw genes for our health issues, rather than our daily habits, dietary choices, and interplay with the environment that surrounds us. The real truth lies somewhere in the middle. The good news is that we are more capable of turning around our global health crisis than we think.

Change your plate. Change your fate. If you learn anything from my story, let it be this: Don’t wait. But I get it; change is a pesky notion. For many folks, the biggest challenge in changing their eating habits isn’t money, time, or education; it’s reframing their connection between food and love. Love is healing. Love is comforting. Love is holy. Food can be all those things, too. But as I mentioned, food can also be harmful. The goal isn’t to be restrictive or tight about what passes through the altar (your mouth) and into the temple (your body). It’s to create sustainable and consistent energy for every deserving cell in your body. That, my friends, is true love.

We’re taught to solely blame our luck-of-the-draw genes for our health issues, rather than our daily habits, dietary choices, and interplay with the environment that surrounds us.

PHOTOS: BILL MILES 10 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

kriscarr.com

KIKKAN RANDALL 3-TIME U.S. OLYMPIAN CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

eat POSITIVE ®, ™, © 2014 Kashi Company 36USC220506

“

As you meditate, over time your consciousness becomes awake within itself. The silent witness within saturates and illuminates the mind so that it does not look to the past or the future for fulfillment. It experiences peace and freedom within itself in every moment.

Make Time Your Ally

By Deepak Chopra, co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing

All the happiness and fulfillment that humans yearn for exists in the present moment. In the now, time ceases to exist and we experience a presence that is all-absorbing, completely at peace, and totally satisfying.

Nothing could be closer than the present, yet nothing slips away faster. In an instant, our mind can carry us far away into memories of the past or fantasies about the future. Or we may get caught up in a race against the clock, feeling like there’s never enough time. We say things like, “Time is flying,” “Time is running out,” or “There are never enough hours in the day.”

We somehow forget that we can choose whether to make time an enemy or an ally.

We can shift from time-bound awareness into timeless awareness . . . to the ecstasy that can only be found in the present moment. If you want to have all the time in the world, you can train yourself through the following simple practices: Dive into the source of awareness.

The most effective way to live in the flow of the timeless is meditation. As you meditate, over time your consciousness becomes awake within itself. The silent witness within saturates and illuminates the mind so that

it does not look to the past or the future for fulfillment. It experiences peace and freedom within itself in every moment.

Try this: In a quiet place, close your eyes, take a deep breath, and go inward. Place your attention on your heart, in the center of your chest. Sit quietly and easily let your attention remain there. If it is pulled away by random thoughts, sensations in your body, or noises in your environment, re-center yourself as soon as you notice what has happened. After a few minutes, open your eyes. For the next half hour or so, observe yourself to see if you remain centered. Don’t instantly throw yourself into external demands.

Practice paying attention.

Throughout your day, when you notice that your thoughts have drifted away, come back to where you are. You’ll instantly see why you drifted away, whether because you were bored, anxious, dwelling on the past, or anticipating the future. Don’t judge yourself; simply return your attention to what’s in front of you right now.

Feel the sensations in your body.

While the mind lives in the past and the future, the body lives in the now. Connecting

to the feelings in your body brings you back into present-moment awareness.

Do one thing at a time.

Multitasking divides your attention and leads to confusion and weakened focus. When you focus on just one thing at a time, without rushing or procrastinating, you cultivate a sense of timeless awareness that creates feelings of calm and well-being.

Our thoughts are always pulling us into the future or the past, away from the present.

But it is in the present moment that we find Spirit, our essential being and the force that animates all life. By connecting with the present we turn our attention inward, away from all the chaos and activity, and experience our eternal, unbounded nature.

Deepak Chopra, M.D. is a best-selling author and the co-founder of the Chopra Center for Wellbeing in Carlsbad, California. The Chopra Center offers a variety of signature mind-body healing programs, online learning experiences, and retreats, including the Seduction of Spirit meditation and yoga retreat led by Deepak Chopra. To learn about special offers and upcoming events, please visit www. chopra.com or call 888.736.6895. chopra.com

12 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Oprah Winfrey and Eckhart Tolle from the SERIES “A New Earth”

OW N : O p r a h W i n f r e y N e t wo r k

ECKHART TOLLE IN TERVIEW: MARAN D A PL EASAN T

Tune-in:

An all-new season of “Super Soul Sunday” begins Sunday, March 23 at 11 a.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Immediately following is the television premiere of “Oprah & Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth” at 12 p.m. ET/PT. Check Oprah.com for local listings.

Photos: (TOP & RIGHT) Harpo Studios, Inc./George Burns (BOTTOM LEFT) David Ellingsen 14 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

oprah.com eckharttolle.com

Mar a nda Pl e a s a n t: I k now t hat y o u ’r e do in g th is a m a z i n g s e r i e s w i t h O p r ah and New E a rth . At t he he a rt o f i t, w hy do you thin k it’ s s uch i m p o rta n t wo r k r i g ht now for pe o pl e ?

Ec k h a rt Tolle : This is a time of transition for humanity, and it’s also a time of crisis. The problems that we are facing are multiplying on the planet – economic, environmental, social, political upheaval – the list goes on. It’s a time of change and transition, and as I see it, we are entering a new state of consciousness. It’s a transition between one state of consciousness and another. It’s an evolutionary leap that is happening. I’m not sure about the time period that this will take place, but I know it’s taking place already. That’s why it’s so important. That’s why I’ve joined with Oprah. She is part of that shift in the collective consciousness on the planet.

I feel quite hopeful because I never expected that so many millions of people would be open to a change in consciousness. I was already surprised when my first book came out, The Power of Now, because as I was writing it, I thought that only a small number of people would be open to a spiritual truth. When the book came out, even before Oprah discovered it, and the book was only known through word of mouth, it was surprising to see how many people seemed to be almost waiting for this message. There was something inside of them that was ready for the change and the book just triggered that and the same applies now, on a much larger scale, to the work I’ve been doing with Oprah. There’s something in human beings, not all human beings, that is ready for the change in consciousness. So, what we are doing is really triggering that so that it speeds things up so the change in consciousness happens more quickly. It needs to happen now if humanity is not to destroy itself and the planet.

M P : Wow. Yo u d i d t h i s wond e r f u l w e b s e r i e s i n 2 0 0 8 t h at r e ac h e d ov e r 4 0 m i ll i on

p e o p l e a nd now y o u a r e a i r i n g i t on t e l e v i s i on f o r t h e f i r s t t i m e . How do y o u f e e l a b o u t t h at ?

ET: It’s very exciting. In 2008, we did that on a webcast and now it’s on television for the first time. So, it’s going to reach new people; people who were perhaps not ready at the time; people who were not old enough at the time, and it’s going to reach many more people. It’s an amazing impact that it is having on the consciousness of the planet.

Nobody will be able to measure it. I know the impact that it’s already had has been tremendous. So, I know it will happen again, and perhaps, even at a deeper level. So, I’m very excited about it.

MP: We ll, I’m e xc i t e d be c ause I’m not sure I was r e ady i n 20 0 8 e i t h e r .

ET: Yes, it often happens that the readiness needs to be there for the spiritual teachings to be meaningful to a person. It’s not going to be meaningful to everybody. Often people tell me that they read A New Earth or The Power of Now and they felt it changed their life, and then they gave the book to a relative or friend and told them, “You must read this. It’s going to change your life,” and they open the book and it was completely meaningless to them and they said, “What is this all about?” So, they put it on a shelf. Sometimes it happens that several years later, after they went through challenges in their life and they went through suffering and through the suffering, something inside them deepened. Then, they picked the book up again and, suddenly, it all made sense, and it began to initiate a change inside of them. So, a person needs to be ready, but one of the things is that so many millions are ready. I don’t know what the percentage is of humanity that is actually ready for this shift in consciousness, and of course it varies from place to place. There are some areas of the planet that are more ready than others. The places that are least ready are the places where there is continuous violent conflict. So, those people are still deeply

Opra h W i n f r e y a nd Eck h art Tolle fr om “ S up er Soul Sund ay”

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 15

(continued) identified with the old egoic consciousness. Everybody is evolving, but at different rates. So, on the whole I am optimistic that humanity is going to make it, that humanity is going to reach, finally, a new state of consciousness which will then create a different kind of world.

MP: I h o pe so , so m u c h. What t r u t h do you know fo r s ur e ?

So, I can sense my own presence that is deeper than my physical body, my thinking, and my emotions, and that is what the work is all about.

The spirit of teaching, in the book and the work I am doing with Oprah, is really to enable people to get to that inner depth within, to realize their own depth and then, the ways in which they relate to other human beings changes fundamentally. And it is only then that you can actually emanate good will or loving-kindness or, as the Dalai Lama calls it, just kindness. If you emanate that into the world, it changes every relationship and when human relationships change, the world changes. The essence of this is knowing yourself on this very deep level and that is what the spiritual teaching is about. So, your simple question about what do you know for sure led to quite a long answer [laughter].

ET: Well yes, that’s the famous Oprah question, isn’t it? [Laughter] She likes to ask that question. On the deepest level, what I know for sure is that who I am, essentially, is consciousness and consciousness is timeless and it transcends the body; it transcends the psychological “me,” the egoic self. Everybody can know themselves as consciousness.

Consciousness is not personal. ...on the whole I am optimistic that Human consciousness is just an expression of universal consciousness, is going to make it, that humanity is which pervades the entire universe.

So, what I know for sure is that I am a temporary expression in physical form of the one consciousness that expresses itself throughout the universe.

I am not separate from that. Ultimately, there is no such thing as “my consciousness,” but just the one consciousness and to sense your connectedness with the one (I can sense that continuously, which is why I can say that I know this for sure) to sense that connectedness with the one consciousness that pervades the universe, which in some traditions is called God, to sense that frees you of fear, from anxiety, and takes you to a very deep place of peace, but also of heightened aliveness.

humanity going to reach, finally, a new state of consciousness which will then create a different kind of world.”

Op r ah Winfr ey and Eckhart Tolle from the SERIE S “A N ew Earth”

So, that’s the long answer, but really, this is the essence for every human being to realize that who they are, essentially, is far more than the physical body and is far more than the mental body, the psychological makeup, the psychological “me” body. Who they are is far deeper than that. I often say to people, “There is more to you than meets the eyes.”

So, when you meet another human being, what meets the eye, to use that expression, what meets the eye first of all is the physical body and, in some relationships, that is all they ever relate as, physical bodies (and those relationships are short lived). The next thing that meets the eye is the personality. The personality manifests through the physical body, but is not visible itself, but it manifests itself in behavior and speech and so on. That’s also what meets the eye. So, when you meet another human being, you meet the physical self; then you meet the psychological self that’s behind it, which is their mental conditioning, their patterns of behavior and so on. And then, there is a deeper level to every human being that transcends all of that. I can only sense that in another human being and relate to another human being on that deeper level if I have gone deep enough within myself.

Photo: Harpo Studios, Inc./George Burns 16 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

“Oprah and Eckhart Tolle: A New Earth” premieres Sunday, March 23 at 12 p.m. ET/PT on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network.

For the first time on television, Oprah presents her groundbreaking and wildly successful 2008 web series with spiritual leader Eckhart Tolle, based on his New York Times bestselling book A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life’s Purpose. Oprah and Eckhart take viewers on a chapter-by-chapter journey through this special 10-week series which has helped students awaken to their life’s purpose and has been viewed over 40 million times. These thoughtprovoking discussions, framed with brand-new content, will teach viewers how to focus and become more aware and present and to begin to understand the motivations of the ego. Oprah and Eckhart create a true global classroom, answering questions via Skype, email and phone from readers all around the world who are fascinated by Eckhart’s ideas on presence and awakening. Oprah and Eckhart interact with real people dealing with real issues and give practical advice on how to apply the concepts of A New Earth in order to bring more peace and joy into people’s lives.

oprah.com eckharttolle.com

By chantal pierrat PART 2

Brene Brown on storytelling, humor, fear, and belly laughter.

Chantal Pierrat: On your website, you have a business card that says “Researcher. Storyteller.” And those are not two concepts that normally go together.

Brene Brown: Yeah, let me tell you something about the whole story about the “Researcher. Storyteller” label. I used that to open my TEDx Houston talk and it was something I really hated. Someone was trying to advertise an event where I was speaking and she said, “Hey, I don’t know how to describe you.” And I said, “Just tell them what I do.” And she said, “Well, I was going to say you’re a researcher, but that’s really boring. And then I was going to say you’re a storyteller.” And I was like, oh my god, don’t ever use the word “storyteller” close to my name.

I’m an academic. What are you going to call me, an enchanted drummer on a magic pixie? No. And so it has taken me years to get comfortable with that. But the truth is, I’m a storyteller. And it scares me, because my training as an academic is that the more accessible you are and the more human you are, the less smart you are. It’s a shame trigger for me to be honest. When you don’t put your initials behind your name, and I’ve got tons of them, and when you talk about storytelling or love or gratitude, you’re diminishing your legitimacy and importance in this world.

power of laughter. I believe laughter forces us to breathe. I think laughter between people is a holy form of connection, of communion.

It’s the way you and I look at each other and without words, say, I get exactly what you’re saying. And so, it’s important to me.

CP: It’s also disarming.

BB: I agree. The laughter that happens when people are truth-telling and showing up and being real - I call that “knowing laughter.” That’s what happens between people when we recognize the absurdity of the belief that we’re alone in anything. If there’s a feeling you have, other people have it. If there’s something weird about your life, other people have lived it. If there’s something kooky about your body, other people have that, too. We’re not alone. There’s some kind of tremendous relief in that, and I think it can only be expressed in belly laughter. This tremendous relief that happens the millisecond we realize, it’s not just me. That’s what good laughter is about. It’s about knowing that you’re not alone.

So it’s been a lot of work for me just to kind of own it and say, I am a storyteller and a researcher, and I’m sorry the world has a hard time straddling the tension of those two things, but that’s who I am. I think a lot of us are multiple things that don’t always fit together neatly in a bio box. And I think that’s the authenticity piece. The truth is, fifth generation Texan? I come from a long line of storytellers. It’s in my DNA. CP: You’re really funny – you make people laugh. I’m curious: how do you think humor fits into your work?

BB: I’m a huge fan of the poet Billy Collins. I heard him say, “Humor is the door to the serious.” I think that shame is a universal, paralyzing, painful emotion. The only universal language I know of that wraps up joy and gratitude and love is laughter. And so I believe in the healing PHOTOS: (TOP) FELIX SANCHEZ (BOTTOM) harpo inc./george burns

brenebrown.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 17

Daphne

Oz

an interview by Rachel P. Goldstein

We need to demand that our food is labeled, especially genetically modified foods, and learn how it is produced, processed, and grown.

Daphne Oz on health, educating future generations, and staying balanced

Rachel Goldstein: What is it about food that makes you want to educate others?

Daphne Oz: Food is medicine! We have forgotten that! The fact is that every bite you take goes through a course of digestion. Every bite becomes a part of your biochemistry. Somewhere along the way, that green juice or that cheeseburger becomes a part of your body and your organs. Make sure you eat whole foods that are good for your entire body. This doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy your food or make room for plenty of indulgences, but your conscious goal has to be to eat for long term health and what you do most of the time is what really counts.

RG: Coming from a lineage of health advocates, what kind of food was served in the Oz household when you were growing up?

DO: I think that people really believe that my dad eats for fuel, not

fun. The fact is that a lot of the time, he doesn’t have time to forage for great meals, so he grabs yogurt, fruit, and nuts - things he can healthfully eat on the go. But he LOVES great food. My mom is a great cook, and family dinners were a must growing up, even if that meant eating at 10 p.m. when my dad got home from the hospital. It’s where we did our family bonding. And anyone who knows our family knows this: we eat ALL the time!

RG: How would you guide the youth of today in hopes of providing a platform for a healthy future for themselves?

DO: Education… but not in a traditional sense. The most imminent battle our generation is going to have to fight is food transparency: how food is made/grown, where it comes from, the quality of the source, and how it will affect our health long term. We need to demand that our food is labeled, especially genetically modified foods, and learn how it is produced, processed, and grown. We can try to reform healthcare, but the fact is if we don’t have a healthy food source, we are only treating the symptoms and not the problems. It is expensive to keep letting this issue go unnoticed, and countless lives are ruined because we’ve made health expensive in this country. But if we make wholesome, healthy food accessible and affordable for everyone, we make the choice to be healthy an easy one.

RG: What do you do to stay balanced in mind, body, and spirit?

DO: Walk. Walk. Walk. I walk home from work and to my errands.

If I don’t get to go to the gym, walking is the answer. I get to listen to great music, and most importantly, I get to move my limbs, shift the lymph around, clear my head. If I take a car to and from work, I will just sit down at my computer and keep plugging away without any fresh inspiration. Keeping stationary drains your brain, but moving around shows you new things, new inspiration, and keeps the blood moving.

RG: What advice would you give your future children to help them stay balanced?

DO: Keep on moving: any motion is forward motion. You can always course-correct. As my dad always says, “You can’t catch the ball if you are not in the field.” Don’t get stuck and don’t worry.

daphneoz.com 18 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

The Breath of Compassion INTERVIEW BY: Tami Simon

P

When many people are first introduced to tonglen, a Tibetan Buddhist practice for generating compassion, they find the technique—to breathe in pain and breathe out relief—to be counterintuitive. In this interview, Pema Chödrön explains.

ema Chödrön: Each

of us has a “soft spot”: the place in our experience where we feel vulnerable and tender. This soft spot is inherent in appreciation and love, and it is equally inherent in pain.

“In tonglen practice, when we see or feel suffering, we breathe in with the notion of completely feeling it, accepting it, and owning it.”

Often when we feel that soft spot, it’s quickly followed by a feeling of fear, and an involuntary, habitual tendency to close down. This is the tendency of all living things: to avoid pain and to cling to pleasure. In practice, however, covering up the soft spot means shutting down against our life experience. Then we tend to narrow down into a solid feeling of self against other.

One very powerful and effective way to work with this tendency to push away pain and hold on to pleasure is the practice of tonglen. In tonglen practice, when we see or feel suffering, we breathe in with the notion of completely feeling it, accepting it, and owning it.

Then we breathe out, radiating compassion, lovingkindness, freshness—anything that encourages relaxation and openness. So you’re training in softening, rather than tightening, your heart.

In this practice, it’s not uncommon to find yourself blocked because you come face to face with your own fear, resistance, or whatever your personal “stuckness” happens

to be at that moment. At that point, you can change the focus and do tonglen for yourself and for millions of others just like you who, at that very moment, are feeling exactly the same misery.

I particularly like to encourage tonglen “on the spot.” For example, you’re walking down the street and you see the pain of another human being. On-the-spot tonglen means that you don’t just rush by—you actually breathe in with the wish that this person could be free of suffering, and send them some kind of good heart or well-being. If seeing that other person’s pain brings up your fear or anger or confusion (which often happens), just start doing tonglen for yourself and all the other people who are stuck in the very same way.

You see, there really is no separation between you and everyone else. Tonglen practice begins to dissolve the illusion that each of us is alone with this personal suffering that no one else can understand.

Ani Pema Chödrön was born Deirdre BlomfieldBrown in New York City in 1936. She is one of the first American women to be ordained as a nun in the Tibetan Buddhist tradition. Pema is author of How to Meditate: A Practical Guide to Making Friends with Your Mind (Sounds True, May 2013).

pemachodronfoundation.org 20 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

SHARON A L Z B E R G

A Conversation with Meditation Teacher &

Co-founder of the Insight Meditation Center

Interview by Nancy Alder

Sharon Salzberg is one of most well-known and loved teachers of meditation. Her ability to break down often esoteric practice with simplicity and humor has endeared her to meditators of all levels. After a childhood filled with trauma and sadness, Sharon found her path while studying meditation in India. In 1976, she established, together with Joseph Goldstein and Jack Kornfield, the Insight Meditation Society (IMS) in Barre, Massachusetts, which now ranks as one of the most prominent and active meditation centers in the Western world.

Nancy Alder: If you had to say in one sentence why someone should begin and continue a meditation practice what would it be?

Sharon Salzberg: Meditation clarifies our minds and opens our hearts, and brings us to unusual depth and stability of happiness, whatever life brings.

NA: What is the most frequent question you get about meditating and what do you reply?

SS: One very familiar, very poignant comment goes something like: “I tried meditation once before. I failed at it.” Then follows a description of just what the person expected, which they failed to achieve. “I couldn’t make my mind blank.” “I couldn’t stop all thinking.” “ I couldn’t have only beautiful thoughts.”

I respond, as you might imagine, by saying, “You cannot fail at meditation,” and describe the goals of meditation as none of the above, but rather as transforming our relationship to everything - thoughts, feelings, the body and the breath. We say all the time in teaching,

“What comes up is not nearly as important as how you relate to what comes up.” So you might have extensive bouts of thinking exceedingly nasty thoughts, but because you are relating to those thoughts with mindfulness and compassion, that’s considered good meditation.

NA: Are there ever experiences where you struggle to practice loving kindness toward someone? What advice would you give to others about how to handle this struggle?

How has loving kindness meditation changed your perspective on meditation and the world?

SS: There are many times when I have to remind myself that people who harm others are coming from a place of profound disconnection. It is not easy to recognize the pain such a person is in, especially because they may not be conscious of it themselves.

They may present themselves to the world as just fine. If you believe human beings have a potential for deep connection, wisdom, and love, the limitation in those

peoples’ lives becomes clearer. As the Buddha said, “If you truly loved yourself, you would never harm another.”

I have seen that there are a number of people who benefit from doing loving kindness meditation, either prior to or along with mindfulness meditation. It varies from person to person of course, but for many, their practice of mindfulness will bring along old habits of self-judgment and ruthless criticism, so it is not actually mindfulness. The quality of mindfulness does not just know something is happening – e.g. there is an emotion, a sensation – but knows without clinging or condemning. It is because of that balanced relationship to the moment that mindfulness serves as the platform for insight…if we feel an emotion, for example, and struggle against it right away, there is not going to be a lot of learning going on. In the same way, if we are swamped by that emotion, overcome by it, there won’t be enough space for there to be learning or insight. So mindfulness needs to not be judgmental to really be mindfulness, which means it needs a basis of loving kindness.

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 21

B

ng i e B i d n e

The beauty lies in imperfection and finding a deep connection within, an inner smile.

by Kristin McGee

I

study with an amazing teacher, Nevine Michaan. She has a magical way with words, and she has helped me grow as a yoga teacher, student, and person in so many ways. The one thing she tries to instill in all of her students is how to find our own center, then build a circumference around it so we become buoyant and flexible.

Everyone is going to fall in life, and the goal is to learn how to bounce back instead of break. If we can get comfortable with that knowledge, the world is ours to explore and thrive in! We can’t prevent the fall, nor do we want to; the magic in life is going out on a limb and bouncing back if that limb breaks.

Yoga is a way for us to become “bendi” not just in our bodies, but also in our minds. If we’re rigid in our thoughts, we are rigid in our bodies and vice versa. Yoga lets us explore our edge and find a way to test the boundaries on our sticky mat. Once we push ourselves further in our practice, we find ways to journey into the unknown in our lives.

This mindset, which we can cultivate over and over again through yoga asana, pranayama, and meditation, can help us in ways beyond the imaginable. If we can continue to come back to our center, come back to our home and our midline, we can find ways to eliminate PHOTO: APPCESSION 22 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

the underlying fear inside. It is that fear inside of us all that can lead to problems such as anxiety, depression, eating issues, drug abuse, and relationship troubles.

I’ve always been an overly sensitive girl, and I found ways to protect myself through my perfectionism and holding myself up to such crazy standards. I would get so anxious about failing that so many times I’d limit myself from truly letting go and enjoying the moment. It’s so easy for us to hide behind these mechanisms and think we are protecting ourselves in some way.

and outside, so I can continue to bounce back in life. I want to broaden my circumference and open myself up to amazing circumstances in life. I want to be comfortable falling and find the thrill in bouncing back. I want to share these principles as much as I can when I teach and continue to cultivate them in myself.

When I go to Nevine’s or do her practice at home, I find my fear start to melt away. I find that I don’t have to hide or try to protect myself from failure and that perfectionism is truly limiting and rigid. The beauty lies in imperfection and finding a deep connection within, an inner smile.

I was nicknamed the Bendigirl years ago by my producer on set when I was shooting my first MTV Yoga DVD. He meant it as a joke since I could bend in so many ways that were incomprehensible to him. The name stuck with me, and it’s grown to mean so much more over the years.

My goal is to continue to find my inner “Bendigirl.” I want to be flexible on the inside kristinmcgee.com

“Manufacturing of synthetic, toxic beauty products is a billion dollar, unregulated, and ever-growing industry.”

Next Hottest Beauty Trend: You

By Amy Halman

I

’ve watched this quest for beauty turn into a strange campaign – this idea that one product will change your life or the suggestion that one serum will erase your imperfections, help you find that guy, and make the world take notice.

I’ve been there myself as a 21 year old that would have tried absolutely anything to erase the embarrassment and pain I felt. The girl who couldn’t imagine that people could see past the acne, scars, and inflammation to a person with dynamic interests and passions; I didn’t understand that those interests made me more attractive than any chemically laden acne cream or heavy cover-up ever could.

Manufacturing of synthetic, toxic beauty products is a billion dollar, unregulated, and ever-growing industry. Everyday, consumers sacrifice their health to achieve some pre-defined sense of perfection without realizing two extremely important details.

1.

It is unrealistic to expect skin care to solve your

problems! Problems such as acne, eczema, skin sensitivities, accelerated aging, and hyper-pigmentation have more to do with what is going on internally – hormones, diet, stress, and sleep. It’s about healthy thoughts, actions, and balance, not an $85 collagen cream that promises the fountain of youth.

2.

Ultimately, compassion for yourself, your body, and

the world around you is more noticeable and more brilliant than a perfect appearance.

We are bombarded with Hollywood images of beauty. To try and change that definition of beautiful is too late, and quite frankly, missing the point. We have to start earlier than that, with your sons and daughters, nieces and nephews, the kids you teach, and the college students who are changing the world around us.

Our younger generation, as consumers, carry over $170 billion in purchasing power per year. So I guess it’s no wonder that manufacturers are falling all over themselves to put their same toxic formulas in a pink, glittery bottle and call it a teen line.

However, they are greatly underestimating this generation. They don’t realize that millenials are smart, empowered, vocal, and extremely organized. There are 79 million of them in the US, versus 48 million of the generation before them. With those stats, who do you think has more influence? It’s certainly not Hollywood or even manufacturers; it’s our youth. Their voices can steer their parents, Hollywood, and all the generations that follow, to choose more constructive solutions to appearance and healthy self-image.

To me, beauty is having a drive, following a passion, having a voice, and a smile that comes from knowing your unique value and impact in the world. Instead of convincing them to buy the next skin perfecting cream or sparkly lip-gloss, let’s give them the information to be conscious consumers and the platform to share what lights them up inside.

Amy Halman is the President + Formulator for ACURE and the Founder of ShowYourFaceProject.com: a movement encouraging youth to define the face they want the world to see while remolding cultural expectations of what’s truly attractive along the way.

Acureorganics.com showyourfaceproject.com 24 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

R

ight now we’re in a special and powerful position because the world is having a spiritual awakening. When energy speeds up there is no space for playing small, and nothing can remain hidden. At some point, all lies are brought to the surface and truth comes forth no matter how hard we try to hide it.

Cynics are filling the yoga studios and the spiritual choir is growing larger.

There is a massive call for more lightworkers, and now is our time to rise up and bring more positivity to the world. When the masses begin to vibrate with an energy of love, the world will no longer be a container for war, violence, and lies.

The more we tune into our own frequency of love, the more love will spread. When love is the trend, there is no room for violence and war. Trust me when I say: Your commitment to love is crucial in the awakening of the world. Each person’s energy matters.

Choosing love will bring you great joy and great happiness - that happiness is a choice you make.

It’s very easy to look for happiness outside ourselves: in a relationship, a dream job, or the perfect body weight. When we chase happiness externally, we’re simply looking for God in all the wrong places. The outside search is based on false projections we place on the world. These projections build up a wall against true happiness, which lies within us.

This exercise will help you understand how nothing “out there” can save you from the conflict that resides within. You must develop a rich inner life to enjoy life altogether.

Each time we make this shift and choose happiness, we experience a miracle. Our mind shifts from fearful delusions and reconnects to our truth, which is love. Creating these shifts requires a dedicated commitment to choosing love. To begin your commitment to new perceptions, start by paying attention to

“The more we tune into our own frequency of love, the more love will spread. When love is the trend, there is no room for violence and war.” attack thoughts toward yourself and others.

Whenever you notice your thoughts detour into attack mode, say out loud or to yourself: Happiness is a choice I make. Make this your mantra.

The more you retrain yourself to choose happiness over fear, the more blissful you will be. Repeating a new behavior is what makes change stick. When you repeat a new pattern often, you literally change the neural pathways in your brain. This shift helps true change settle in.

Happiness is your choice. You can choose today.

Your energy has far more power than you can even imagine. There is energy in your spoken

words, in your emails, and in your physical presence. When we function from a fearful, low-level energetic state, our thoughts and energy can literally pollute the world.

Conversely, when we function from a place of positive energy, the world around us becomes more positive. The truth is that fear cannot coexist with love. Therefore, we must learn how to dissolve all boundaries with love by taking responsibility for our own energy. In doing so, we’ll raise the energy around us.

Now, let’s get this miracle train on the tracks and start busting through your blocks, releasing anxiety, and living a fearless life. Let’s begin creating Miracles Now. Gabrielle Bernstein, New York Times bestselling author. Check out her newest book, Miracles Now. gabbyb.tv ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 25

Sadie Nardini

Sadie is a renowned Ultimate Wellness expert, founder of Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga and creator of the Amazon #1 bestselling Total Transformation DVD series. Sadie is the author of The Road Trip Guide to the Soul and the top selling 21-Day Yoga Body at DailyOm.com.

I

get this question all the time. In my experience, losing 40 pounds doing only yoga: yes...and no.

physical, yet we walk around in this body and we have the responsibility to take care of it.

Yoga can be one of the most effective ways to lose weight and tone the body...or it can be one of the least. It all depends on which style you choose.

If we really believe that yoga, a practice of coming into alignment with our best selves ever, works holistically on every level, then a focus on transforming the body can’t help but shift us in other aspects too.

Of course, some of the yogis among us might react negatively to yoga being promoted as a way to do something as supposedly mundane as torch calories and drop a few pounds. I’ve heard this more than a few times: yoga is not about the superficial body.

As you do the following Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga sequence I designed to amp up your food-burning, fat-melting metabolism all day long, know that in agreeing to commit to your health today, you’ve just sent a powerful message to yourself: along with excess weight, you will begin to drop the other baggage of destructive habits and limiting stories that bind you to your old self.

Of course, I beg to differ. I would say that no, yoga is not only about the

CHARLIE’S ANGELS POSE

Stand at the front of your mat, feet wide, toes slightly turned out. Interlace all fingers except for the index, arms straight out in a Charlie’s Angel’s-esque position.

Inhale, lower your hips into a low squat. Exhale, squeeze your pelvic floor and low belly upward and come up halfway.

DOG SPLITS TO CORE PLANK

In Down Dog, Press hands and feet into the mat, lift your low belly, and raise the right leg. Maintain centered hips. Exhale, curl your spine as you bring right knee to chest, shoulders over wrists. Lift your hips high. Repeat 5-10 times, and on your last exhale, step the right foot to the right thumb.

TWISTED LUNGE

Keep your back heel lifted, root your feet down, lift the belly and roll your spine up into high lunge, arms overhead. Bring your palms together and place your left elbow on right knee. Lengthen your spine, and take 3-5 exhales here, spinning more with the mid and upper side waist and less with the arms.

CHAIR TWISTS OF FIRE

Keep the twist but step your left foot forward into Chair pose. Inhale, reach the sky at center into regular chair, and exhale, palms back together, twist to the left. Inhale center, exhale to the right.

CHILD’S POSE

After your forward fold, find Dog Pose, then bend your knees to the floor, and surrender your head and arms down for a few restorative moments.

Rock your hips gently from side to side. When you’re ready, return to Dog Pose, step or hop into a wide squat, and begin the sequence on the other side!

Now go rock your body, mind, and heart from the inside out! sadienardini.com 26 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

YOUR PATH TO WELLNESS

BEGINS HERE Yoga • Meditation • Mind-Body Wellness

It’s Time to Experience Perfect Health If you’re facing a health challenge or you want to create a lifestyle that nourishes optimal mind-body wellbeing, the Perfect Health program offers you compassionate, expert guidance on your journey. Perfect Health combines the healing arts of the East with the best in modern medicine. Join us and experience the benefits of this holistic approach and return home feeling renewed, rejuvenated, and empowered to continue on your path of wellbeing.

Immerse yourself in the healing wisdom of Ayurveda at the Chopra Center in Carlsbad, California.

Visit us at chopra.com/perfecthealth for dates.

Balancing Beauty With Beneficence

By Alaffia

The virtues of shea butter (Vitellaria paradoxa - also known as Butyrospermum parkii in the cosmetic industry) have been known to the people of West Africa for centuries. It has traditionally been used as a decongestant, anti-inflammatory, healing salve, beautifier for hair and skin, and cooking oil. Now that shea butter has become more popular across the globe, it can be found in high-end beauty products as well as gourmet chocolates.

However, shea’s rise in popularity also brings to light potential human rights violations.

If you buy shea butter from a certified fair trade source, your purchase can have a positive and lasting impact on women and their communities.

One kilogram of handcrafted shea butter takes 20 to 30 hours of labor to produce. That same kilogram will typically be traded at $1 or less in today’s market. A woman making shea butter in West Africa will receive only a fraction of this price. In essence, a woman working for 30 hours, almost a week’s worth of work, will not make a livable wage.

You may be unknowingly contributing to her plight when you buy certain beauty care products. Many of the ingredients used in these products come from countries with widespread human rights violations, and the women (as it is mostly women who harvest the raw ingredients) aren’t paid a living wage.

The result of this is parents who can’t afford

to send their children to school, mothers who lack access to proper maternal care, and families who struggle to bring home basic necessities. Many beauty care companies are unaware of the situation because of buying arrangements with third party vendors.

However, to maintain a fair and free world, it is important to know where ingredients come from and how they are sourced.

If you buy shea butter from a certified fair trade source, your purchase can have a positive and lasting impact on women and their communities. Fair trade shea butter ensures workers receive a livable wage that can be used to pay for education, maternal care, and basic needs. Fairly traded shea butter means equality, empowerment, and beauty for everyone involved.

Alaffia is founded on the ideals of equality, empowerment and beauty. Through fair trade beauty products, Alaffia works to alleviate poverty and empower women in West Africa. Alaffia encourages empowerment through community projects, women’s cooperatives, and through education and involvement in local customer communities. Alaffia was the first company in the United States to be certified fair trade for its Shea butter by IMO. alaffia.com

28 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Revolutionizing the Way the World Eats Coconut, Hemp, Chia & Red Palm Superfoods with 1% donated to sustainable agriculture

SA N E ME W P R LO O OD K UC T

Brendan Brazier’s

Thrive Energy Cookbook

A visually beautiful, decadent dessert that will satisfy your sweet tooth while helping to shift your palate toward simpler food combinations. Serves 6 to 8 Transition GF Gluten-Free Prep Time: 20 minutes, plus overnight chilling Special Equipment: nut mill or food processor

Crust

For the crust, in a medium bowl, combine the ground pecans, chopped almonds, almond meal, and cane sugar. Stir well. Rub in butter until well blended. Turn the crust mixture into a lightly greased 9-inch (2.5 L) springform pan and press firmly and evenly into the bottom. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

2 cups (500 mL) finely ground pecans 1 3/4 cups (425 mL) finely chopped almonds 6 Tbsp (90 mL) almond meal (flour) 3 Tbsp (45 mL) brown cane sugar 3/4 cup (175 mL) Earth Balance Vegan Buttery Sticks

Filling

For the filing, in a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Stir in the water and almond milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring, and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened, three to four minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the orange zest, orange juice, and ginger juice. Pour into the cooled crust, cover, and refrigerate overnight.

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) cane sugar 1/2 cup (125 mL) cornstarch 1 tsp (5 mL) salt 1 1/4 cups (300 mL) water 1 cup (250 mL) almond milk (page 23) 2 Tbsp (30 mL) orange zest 3/4 cup (175 mL) orange juice (from about 6 medium oranges) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) ginger juice

Remove sides of pan and gently press the shredded coconut onto the sides of the tart. Arrange the orange slices around the top edge of the tart.

Garnish

Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).

Bake the crust for 15 minutes. Let cool.

Drizzle the melted chocolate over the tart in a zigzag pattern from one side to the other.

• You can use any combination of nuts, such as hazelnuts or walnuts. Simply keep the overall nut ratio the same.

• If you can’t find blood oranges, you can use any other type of orange.

PHOTOS: THRIVE ENERGY COOKBOOK 30 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

1/4 cup (60 mL) unsweetened shredded coconut 2 blood oranges, sliced, each slice cut in half 1/4 cup (60 mL) vegan white chocolate chips, melted

Kathy Freston:

On How to Become a

Veganista an interview by Robert Piper

Kathy Freston is an author and wellness activist. She is the New York Times bestselling author of The Lean, Veganist, and The Quantum Wellness Cleanse.

Robert Piper: You’re an advocate for taking small steps

towards becoming a vegan. You call it “leaning in.” Can you explain what you mean by this?

Kathy Freston: For many of us, it’s too difficult to jump in to vegan full on because it’s just so different than the way we grew up eating. But if we take small steps—like replacing cow’s milk with almond or soy milk, or using veggie sausage instead of sausage made from animals—we can keep enjoying the things we grew up loving, just better versions of them. Little by little we discover that we don’t need to eat animal products at all because there are so many healthier alternatives that taste great. The trick is going easy with yourself so that you can find your way comfortably. Then you’ll stick with it. The goal is progress, not perfection!

RP: Why is it healthier to become vegan?

Livestock accounts for most of the water consumed in this country, emits two-thirds of the world’s acid rain-causing ammonia, and is the world’s largest source of water pollution—killing entire river and marine ecosystems, destroying coral reefs, and of course making people sick with contamination on crops.

KF: An abundance of peer-reviewed science is showing that a whole

foods, plant-based diet prevents most heart attacks, strokes, and even many kinds of cancer. It gets you to your ideal weight easily and sustainably, reverses Type 2 diabetes, and even fixes erectile dysfunction (because it greatly improves circulation!). You get tons of phytonutrients and antioxidants from plant-based foods, very little saturated fat, and you avoid cholesterol entirely.

RP: Can you explain the best sources of protein?

KF: Protein is in just about everything (even broccoli!), but you get

a lot from beans and legumes—black beans, chickpeas, lentils—soy products, nuts, and seeds. You know how most people think that eggs are great sources of protein? Well, you only get about six grams from an egg, and about half of that is in the yolk and the other half is in the white. If instead you opt for a cup of lentils, you get a whopping eighteen grams of protein, plus all that fiber that makes you feel full and cleans out your body!

RP: Why is going vegan good for the environment?

KF: The business of raising animals for food (with its continuous heavy waste stream of methane and nitrous oxide—leading global warming gases) is responsible for about 18% of global warming. Some scientists actually say the number is closer to 50%. Also, animal agriculture takes up an incredible 70% of all agricultural land, and a whopping 30% of the land surface of the planet. As a result, farmed animals are probably the biggest cause of slashing and burning the world’s forests. Livestock accounts for most of the water consumed in this country, emits two-thirds of the world’s acid rain-causing ammonia, and is the world’s largest source of water pollution—killing entire river and marine ecosystems, destroying coral reefs, and of course making people sick with contamination on crops. A veggie burger is sounding great now, isn’t it?

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 31

GMO’s

The Fight for a Transparent Food System

Regardless of one’s political affiliation, or any other cultural or social affiliation, the issues of food transparency and food sovereignty affect everyone. While many people are still not yet aware of the extent of GMO’s in our food system, those who are believe these issues could be the defining political debate of our time. We, however, would like to offer that the debates surrounding GMO’s are not political issues. They are, in fact, human rights issues.

In addition to nourishing and sustaining us, food has the power to bring people together, foster community, elicit creativity, and bring us joy. In some cases, food can even produce transcendent states of bliss. The right to know what is in our food and how our food has been produced should be considered among our inalienable rights. No corporation, governing agency, or special interest group should be making choices about our food without our clear understanding and consent.

As the movement to label GMO’s continues, food producers will need to realize that the greatest commodity they can cultivate is the trust of their consumers. We develop relationships with our favorite food brands. We count on a product to deliver on a promise, to fulfill its role in our lives. In demanding greater transparency of these brands, we may perhaps learn some unsavory truths that have been lurking in the shadowy corners for decades. While these relationships may initially take a toll, they are repairable.

As in any relationship, it takes time and work and consistent feedback to make lasting changes.

It is time for us all, as a nation, as a people, to put in the work. We must raise our expectations for labeling and transparency. We must validate the brands that meet our requests, vote with our dollars, and get out the vote for initiatives in support of labeling. Although nearly half of all PHOTO: thrivefoodsdirect.com 32 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

As in any relationship, it takes time and work and consistent feedback to make lasting changes. It is time for us all, as a nation, as a people, to put in the work.

US states have introduced labeling bills, most have failed under the weight of campaigns well funded by the companies who profit from GMO’s.

This year, in the state of Oregon, we are preparing to raise our collective voice with a ballot initiative that requires the labeling of GMO food. We know what we want, and it’s accurately labeled food; numerous polls and studies prove this to be true for the majority of Americans. The time has come for transparency in our food systems. The time is now.

At Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss, transparency is a driving force behind everything we do. Beginning with the ingredients we source, and throughout all levels of our operation, we seek to provide honest and accurate information so that our customers are empowered to make the best, fully informed choices for themselves and their families. coconutbliss.com

SUPER

Y

Your immune system is vast and complex. It is designed to detoxify your body as well as protect your body from illness and foreign invaders. Harmful bacteria, viruses, calcium-forming microorganisms, and candida are part of our world. Unfortunately, so are toxic chemicals, including everything from pesticides to car pollution to nuclear radiation to most municipal tap waters. In our world, these harmful micro-organisms and an endless list of toxic chemicals consistently assault our immune system. Coupled with these assaults are the daily stresses of life and their deleterious effects upon us.

However, we all can learn more about how to empower our own immunity. I believe the best way to activate genius within the immune system is by ingesting certain superherbs and superfoods, taking probiotics, and cultured foods, minimizing toxic food exposure by eating pure organic raw-living foods, and making appropriate healthy lifestyle improvements.

We live in a time of unprecedented abundance.

Through the Internet and the advancing health freedoms we are all enjoying, we have easy access to these superfoods, superherbs, and super health products.

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) KEIRA BISHOP (TOP RIGHT) JASON HOLLINGER

IMMUNITY David Wolfe

Whenever possible, try to include the following superfoods, superherbs, and super products in your daily regimen: • Reishi Mushroom • • Chaga Mushroom • • Gynostemma • • Ginseng • • Chlorella • • Zeolites • • Shilajit • • Astragalus Root • • Camu Camu Berry • • Probiotics •

We live in a time of unprecedented abundance. Through the Internet and the advancing health freedoms we are all enjoying, we have easy access to these superfoods, superherbs, and super health products. When you start investigating and utilizing these substances consistently and regularly as part of your overall health and exercise program, you will notice that your immunity will gradually be enhanced. Your thoughts will have more clarity. Your overall energy will increase. You will also likely sleep better and perform better in athletic activities. Your overall productivity will improve. Digestive distress decreases. Feelings of well-being begin to dominate your life.

Superfoods and tonic superherbs can be added into anyone’s diet. Simply begin with the first one or few that you’re drawn to and go from there. Get out a blender and have fun. Make different teas with the superherbs or create davidwolfe.com

new smoothies with the superfoods. Better yet, take your superherb tea and blend it with your superfoods to make the best elixirs ever.

Getting healthier and healthier is fun!

David “Avocado” Wolfe is the author of Eating For Beauty, Superfoods: The Food and Medicine of the Future, The Sunfood Diet Success System, and several other bestselling books. David is the founder and leading contributor to the Internet’s only peak performance and nutrition online magazine: TheBestDayEver.com. He is considered by his peers as one of the leading authorities in nutrition. David is also the co-creator and host of the world-famous LongevityNOW Conferences.

TheLongevityNowConference.com

LongevityWarehouse.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 33

FOOD WE CAn’T STOP EATING

1.

5.

2.

4.

3.

4. So Delicious® Dairy Free Cultured Coconut Milk

1. filled bARS BY Endangered Species Chocolate

We are delighted that So Delicious® Dairy Free Cultured Coconut Milk is now available in unsweetened and unsweetened vanilla.

With only 1 gram of naturally-occurring sugar per serving, they are made with organic coconuts, are Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Gluten Free, and live up to the name of being So Delicious! sodeliciousdairyfree.com

We’re totally in love with the new Filled Bars from Endangered Species Chocolate!

These premium chocolate bars are filled with pillows of natural dairy-free crème. Each delicious bite is layered with a 10% promise of supporting species, habitat, and humanity, so you can feel even better about your purchase. ChocolateBar.com

2. SILK YOGURT

After tasting this amazing yogurt, our team described it as creamy, dreamy, and delicious! Made with wholesome soymilk, Silk® is now available in the yogurt section. It has live and active cultures and all the goodness you expect from Silk—with absolutely no dairy, lactose, cholesterol, artificial flavors or colors. silk.com

3. Kashi Organic Promise® Raisin Vineyard™ Cereal

This Kashi Organic Promise® Raisin Vineyard™ Cereal is unbelievable! Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan and USDA certified organic, this reinvented breakfast classic is a good source of fiber and contains 15 grams of whole grains. We were thrilled to learn that every delicious bite contains a blend of unique and progressive ingredients. kashi.com

5. Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel and Chocolate

One bite of Luna & Larry’s Coconut Bliss Salted Caramel and Chocolate made us think we had tasted an evolutionary twist on a divine trio. Coconut Bliss is dairy-free, soyfree, gluten-free, certified organic, Non-GMO verified, Kosher Pareve, and uses Fair Trade certified ingredients whenever possible. It’s simply amazing. coconutbliss.com

Toasted Berry Crumble

Cereal Bars Recipe These homemade chewy cereal bars are loaded with pecans, almonds, and pumpkin seeds—not to mention Kashi GOLEAN Crisp! Toasted Berry Crumble cereal, honey, and tofu, too.

Ingredients • 1/3 cup chopped pecans • 1/3 cup sliced almonds • 1/3 cup raw pumpkin seeds • 3 cups Kashi® GOLEAN® Crisp!® Toasted Berry Crumble cereal • 1/2 cup whole wheat flour • 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt • 1 free range egg • 2/3 cup water-packed, silken, lowfat tofu (about 6 ounces) • 1/2 cup honey • 2 tablespoons expeller-pressed canola oil • 1 teaspoon grated organic lemon peel • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking pan combine pecans, almonds, and pumpkin seeds. Bake until lightly toasted, 10 to 15 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes.

3. In large mixing bowl stir together the toasted nuts and seeds with the cereal, whole wheat flour, and salt. Set aside.

4. In food processor bowl combine egg, tofu, honey, oil, lemon peel, and vanilla.

Cover and process until nearly smooth, scraping down sides of bowl as needed to process the mixture thoroughly. Add to cereal mixture; mix well.

Spread in lightly oiled 11 x 7 x 1 1/2-inch baking pan.

5. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until firm in center and golden brown. Cool slightly. Cut into bars.

For nearly 30 years, Kashi has been a pioneer in the natural food industry. Kashi is passionate about the power of positive eating and believes that a healthy lifestyle begins with eating right. From breakfast cereals, to frozen pizzas, Kashi promotes the positives in its foods through unique and nutritious ingredients.

kashi.com 35 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

mango lassi smoothie By: Silk

Servings: 1 Prep Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients

Preparation

3/4 cup Silk Original 1/2 cup diced ripe mango (about 1/2 mango) Pinch of salt 1/4 tsp fresh lemon juice 1/2 Tbsp honey 1/2 cup ice cubes

1. In a blender, combine all ingredients until thick and creamy (about 2 minutes).

2. Serve in a tall glass garnished with mint.

For a spirited drink, add 1 oz bourbon.

silk.com 36 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

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• No soy, gluten or dairy

FOOD WE L VE Mindful Mayo

This 100% plant-based MindfulMayo® Dressing and Sandwich Spread is certified organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, totally free of dairy and eggs, and completely amazing. We were thrilled that we could enjoy all the things that we love about creamy, tangy mayo, without many of the things that we don’t. earthbalancenatural.com

BRAGGS’ LIQUID AMINOS

We can’t stop using Bragg’s Liquid Aminos, which are made from health-giving soybeans and purified water. In addition to being Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten free, they’re an excellent, healthy, gourmet replacement for Tamari and Soy Sauce. So good! bragg.com

Follow Your Heart® Vegenaise®

Our team loved freshening up our favorite foods with great-tasting Follow Your Heart® Vegenaise®, the original eggless mayonnaise. Non-GMO and made with heart-healthy oils, Vegenaise® delivers the rich taste of mayo without cholesterol or preservatives. followyourheart.com

LUNDBERG’S PASTA

Lundberg’s new Organic Brown Rice Pasta and Sauce Mix is a new favorite. It’s entirely vegan, gluten-free, Non-GMO verified, and whole grain. We found it easy to prepare, healthful, and delicious! lundberg.com

PACIFIC’S SIMPLY STOCK

Pacific’s Organic Simply Vegetable Stock is amazing! It’s made by simmering organic celery, carrots, leeks, mushrooms and onions for up to six hours and you can taste the rich, clean, and full-bodied base that enhances the flavor of sauces, sautés, and braises. pacificfoods.com

BOB’S RED MILL

Bob’s Red Mill minimally processed hot cereals hit the spot, proving simple pleasures do exist! Made from healthy whole grains ground to perfection using old-world stone-milling methods, these cereals gave us a wholesome and satisfying start to our day. bobsredmill.com

40 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

S u s tainab l e

Omegas

By Alberto Trujillo, National Educator

O

Omega-3’s are “Big Business;” global sales in 2012 reached 25 billion according to the Global Organization for EPA and DHA Omega-3 (GOED).

We’ve all heard about the health benefits of omega-3 fatty acids, ranging from heart health to brain function.

But is the demand for Omega-3’s threatening our ecosystem? A study published in 2006 in Science Journal grimly predicted that if fishing rates continue apace, all the world’s fisheries will have collapsed by the year 2048. In 2010, Oceana reported that 85 percent of the world’s fisheries are now either overexploited, fully exploited, significantly depleted, or recovering from overexploitation. Supplement companies claim that their products are not affecting overfishing because their industry is an aftermarket of the fishing industry. They simply get the oil processed from the scrap of the fish going to market. If that is the case and the suppliers are the fishery conglomerates who are often charged with employing unsustainable fishing techniques, depleting stocks, and killing thousands of accidentally snagged sea animals, then they are a part of the problem as well.

The reality is that over 80% of fish oil comes from South America, primarily from anchovies, yet most people think that the majority of their oil comes from fish like salmon, tuna, and cod – all of whose populations have been under significant pressure from decades of overfishing. Yet even anchovies may not be off the hook. According to Adam Ismail, director of GOED, if the market demand keeps growing the way it is, in three to four years we may reach the limits of what the anchovy fisheries can provide.

“We need to think Supplement manufacturers are now looking at other sources such as menhaden, a filter feeder toward the bottom of the food chain. Time Magazine reported in 2010 that environmentalists fear menhaden, which plays a critical role in the aquatic food chain, are being overfished for oil supplements. Some people consider menhaden to be the most important fish in the sea. They filter the water, promoting growth of healthful, sub-aquatic grasses and prevent oxygen-depleting algal blooms that lead to underwater dead zones.

The world needs a more sustainable and ecoresponsible source of omegas.

Meanwhile, conscientious consumers are still left to make decisions about omega-3 products. We need to think about where our food and supplements come from so we can make environmentally responsible decisions that are beneficial to our health as well as that of the entire ecosystem. Thankfully, there is a more efficient source of omega-3s that is available and it’s made straight from the algae that give menhaden and other fish so many healthful fatty acids (EPA & DHA). Today, we have a better option. Algae can be easily grown and, through fermentation, produce plenty of EPA and DHA to make supplements that are naturally free of environmental toxins and debate. Plant-based omegas are good for your brain, your body, your spirit, and better for the world.

about where our food and supplements come from so we can make environmentally responsible decisions that are beneficial to our health as well as that of the entire ecosystem.”

Flora manufactures and distributes premium health products including 7 Sources, a 100% plant-based omega product, with EPA & DHA from algae, not fish. 7 Sources combines flax, sunflower, sesame, pumpkin, evening primrose, algae, and coconut oils, to provide you with the most complete EFA product ever made. Non-GMO Project Verified.

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42 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

YOGA IS A JOURNEY PACK WELL FOR IT.

Udon & Portabella Mushroom Stir Fry

BY EDEN FOODS Serves 4 | Prep Time 5 minutes | Cook Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

8 ounces any Eden Organic Udon 1 tsp Eden Toasted Sesame Oil 1 Tbsp Eden Extra Virgin Olive Oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup sliced onions 1/2 pound baby portabella mushrooms, sliced 1 1/2 Tbsp Eden Shoyu Soy Sauce 1/3 cup chopped scallions

Directions

Cook udon according to package directions, rinse, drain, and set aside. Heat the oils in a large skillet and sauté the garlic, onions, mushrooms, and 1/2 tablespoon of shoyu for 3 to 4 minutes. Place the udon on top of the mushrooms and onions. Turn the flame to medium-low.

Sprinkle the remaining shoyu over the udon, add the scallions, cover and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes or until the udon is hot, mixing periodically. Place in a serving dish.

Nutritional Info

Per serving: 284 Calories, 7g Fat (22% calories from fat), 13g Protein, 43g Carbohydrate, 4g Fiber, 0mg Cholesterol, 434mg Sodium

edenfoods.com

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Avocado Hemp Date Shake

Recipe By Megan Roosevelt for Pacific

Spring time means warmer weather and cooler drinks! Hello smoothies! I love smoothies. They are the perfect way to blend up a variety of healthy ingredients for a quick meal that is ohso-good for you!

Unfortunately, one common frustration I often hear from my clients is that smoothies are not filling or satisfying. Please, let me introduce you to my newest smoothie creation – my Avocado Hemp Date Shake. A satiating blend of creamy avocado, antioxidant-rich dates, and hydrating coconut water, this smoothie packs a hidden boost of plant-based nutrition in its Unsweetened Hemp non-dairy beverage base. Hemp is filled with heart healthy Omega 3 and 6 along with additional protein, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health.

Finally, a sprinkle of Chia seeds provides an extra dose of fiber, protein, and a unique gelatinous consistency, which makes them expand in liquid. This “expansion” will help fill you up, but not out!

This Superfood smoothie contains a balanced mix of protein, healthy fat, carbohydrates, and fiber – all key nutrients to help you feel full, satisfied, and energized for hours.

Recipe Ingredients*

• 1/2 avocado • 2 pitted medjool dates • 1 tablespoon chia seeds • 1 cup Pacific Foods Unsweetened All Natural Hemp Non-Dairy Beverage • 1 cup Organic Coconut Water • 1 pinch of sea salt • 3 ice cubes

Preparation Instructions Blend and enjoy! *Makes one, 16-ounce smoothie

PHOTOs: Megan Roosevelt, Registered Dietitian and Healthy Grocery Girl® 44 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Megan Roosevelt is a fun loving foodie, Registered and Licensed Dietitian, Nutrition Consultant, Author, Speaker, Spokesperson, Regular Nutrition Expert for TV and a dynamic entrepreneur as the founder and CEO of Healthy Grocery Girl® LLC. healthygrocerygirl.com pacificfoods.com

MORE FOOD WE L VE Navitas Naturals Dragonfruit Slices

These Navitas Naturals Dragonfruit Slices are organic, kosher, non-GMO, gluten-free, vegan, raw, and delicious!

These low-calorie, sun-dried fruit slices from Thailand have a unique purple appearance, chewy texture and sweet flavor similar to pears and kiwifruits. They’re a delicious snack or add them to salads, trail mix, energy bars and more. navitasnaturals.com

Larabar’s über Dark Chocolate Turtle

Larabar’s über Dark Chocolate Turtle bar is a delicious, unique, sweet, and salty snack. Made from whole fruits and nuts, the flavors emulate the decadent, timehonored desserts they are named after, yet are made with whole, simple ingredients. They are gluten-free, non-GMO and Kosher to boot! larabar.com

Philosophie Premade Cleanse

This wonderful Premade Cleanse, made by Philosophie, is an organic, vegan, and gluten-free food program, with three and five day options available. It’s a gentle, delicious, balanced cleanse, with filling smoothies and soups instead of just juice, which we loved. thephilosophie.com

Garden of Life’s® RAW Meal

A new must-have for us all if Garden of Life’s® RAW Meal, which was formulated to be a snack or meal replacement that satisfies hunger, is naturally filling, and provides energy. Even better, it also provides the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals that you would find in a healthy meal of raw foods. Oh, and did we mention it’s absolutely delicious? gardenoflife.com

Organic EDEN® Müesli

Organic Eden’s cold or hot cereals are good morning, noon, or night, as a meal or a snack. We found them to be excellent in baked goods too. With three whole grains, three antioxidant rich dried fruits, and two delightfully crunchy seeds, EDEN Müesli is a new favorite for us all. edenfoods.com

Organic EDEN® Grape Butter

We love Organic Eden’s Grape Butter! Made with 100% Concord grapes grown on a 20 year organic family vineyard on the shore of New York’s Keuka Finger Lake, this delicious product has over two pounds of fruit in each jar. With a deep purple color, sweet flavor, and ambrosial aroma, we were sold. edenfoods.com

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 45

<< Authentic Black Soap BY ALAFFIA

We can’t recommend Alaffia’s Authentic Black Soap enough. This all-purpose soap, created using centuries old indigenous techniques of combing fair trade Shea and palm oil, is suitable for any task and ideal for all skin and hair types. alaffia.com

Even Tone - Brightening Serum BY SUKI >>

Suki’s Even Tone - Brightening Serum is a new must-have. Melanin concentrations occur beneath the surface of skin, where Suki’s high-potency rose concentrate™ delivers proprietary complexion brightening complex™ to even the appearance of tone variations, spots, veins and redness, all without synthetics’ toxic effects. sukiskincare.com

Editor’s Picks

BEAUTY

<< Resurfacing Enzyme Peel BY SUKI

This amazing Resurfacing Enzyme Peel – with Suki’s high-potency, enzymatic purifying complex™ and TLC glycolic acid™ – removes dead skin, eliminates toxins, blemishes of all kinds, dry and dull skin, scars, and the appearance of lines and wrinkles from lost collagen without irritation. It’s a new favorite! sukiskincare.com

Purifying Acne Serum™ BY SUKI >>

We are loving Suki’s Purifying Acne Serum™, with their highpotency TLC salicylic acid™ from white willow. It eliminates clogged pores and signs of cystic or chronic blemishing, swelling and redness, balances complexion (pH, bacteria and sebum production) for lasting clarity without synthetics’ peeling, drying effects. sukiskincare.com

<< SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer BY Juice Beauty

Juice Beauty’s SPF 30 Oil-Free Moisturizer is fantastic. This lightweight, zinc broad spectrum SPF 30 moisturizer uses antioxidant rich certified organic grape and pomegranate, soothing aloe vera, vitamin antioxidants, and nutrient rich sea algae. Our complexion felt protected, hydrated, and radiant. juicebeauty.com

46 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

health & beauty

FAVORITES SOURCE NATURALS SERENE SCIENCE

We’re so happy that Source Naturals® introduced Serene Science™, a full line of products designed to address the different ways our bodies react to stress. From tense muscles to moodiness, each Serene Science™ formula is designed to work naturally with the body’s chemistry and, for people working in publishing, we couldn’t need this stuff more. serenescience.com

Flora’s Floradix

Flora’s Floradix is the best selling iron supplement in North America for a reason! It has been helping women reclaim their energy and vitality for over 60 years and our team felt great after using it. It is easily absorbed by the body, ideal for vegetarians or vegans, and Non-GMO Certified. florahealth.com

Acure Organics BODY WASH

This yummy foaming body wash is packed with nutrients that made our skin sing with renewed radiance and moisture! Made with argan stem cells, argan oil, CoQ10, sea buckthorn and pumpkin seed oil, it’s simply delicious. No fragrance, no gluten, no chemicals, just good, clean fun! acureorganics.com

Organic India’s Tulsi

Oh how we love Organic India’s Tulsi. In India, Tulsi is known as the “Mother of all herbs” and we can see why. Not only does it adapt to the needs of the body, but also is great for the immune system and relieving stress, which our team needs all the time! organicindia.com

Sibu’s SEVEN Omega 7 Pure

We’re obsessed with Sibu’s SEVEN Omega 7 Pure, which is made of 100% puréed sea buckthorn berries. The sea buckthorn berry is the highest naturally pure source of Omega 7 (Palmitoleic Acid) and contains over 190 bioactive nutrients; providing cardiovascular, anti-inflammatory, skin, hair and membrane health benefits. sibubeauty.com

BRÖÖ shampoo & conditioner

Beauty in a beer bottle? Yes! We’re loving BRÖÖ shampoos and conditioners. The beer in these products makes hair shiny, healthy, and strong. What more could we ask for?

BROO.com

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 47

feminine power HeatherAsh Amara author of The Toltec Path of Transformation and the upcoming Warrior Goddess Training speaks to 21st century Warrior woman, Ana Forrest — Medicine Woman, Creatrix of Forrest Yoga and author of Fierce Medicine — about the role of feminine power.

HeatherAsh Amara: Why is it important for women to have Goddess/powerful feminine role models?

Ana Forrest: When I read this question, it brought tears to my eyes.

For thousands of years, women have been taught on pain of death to be subservient, to be slaves, to hide and suffocate their power unless it’s sexual and, even then, only “approved” sexuality.

We are very fortunate that we are living in a time where this is possible to change.

I think it’s vitally important to recognize that the deep scarring in humanity from the “burning times” still affects us. Women used to gather in power and in Ceremony that was empowering to the individual, to the group, and to their village or tribe.

PHOTO: Sophia Van Der Dys 48 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Women of power held positions of authority and owned property. We are beginning to move into that power today. We hold positions of authority and property, we make our own income, but we still have the huge cellular scarring and push women away if they get too close. Why do we do that? In the past, if they were accused of being a witch, that would lead to hideous betrayal, torture, and death.

I am putting out a call to all the women reading this to stand next to your friends and encourage them. Do not indulge in gossip or tearing a person apart. Those actions come from that deep wound in humanity’s history. Instead, be a warrior and speak truth about whatever discord is happening. Work together for a resolution.

As we begin to discover and polish each facet of the gem of who we are, we can open up to our vast potential. We need that! We need to learn to hone our skills in being powerful as a woman. We have learned to be powerful by imitating men and that actually does a great disservice to our enormous strength.

The next step is to lovingly educate our men to also step forward into a new paradigm of men and women supporting each other. The men standing guard for the women, as the

women go on quest into the great mystery and deep Ceremony.

And women to stand by their men, so that the men can quest and soften into their deep and tender places.

We have the opportunity as women coming into their power to stop the war with ourselves, each other, and our men and to co-create another way to have relationship.

That’s power!

We need to be around women that are living in a way that we admire and that we want to emulate. Who wants to emulate the housewife who is so exhausted that she’s grey and can barely get the job done? None of us want to become that anymore.

To see a video of HeatherAsh’s full interview with Ana and 12 other Warrior Goddess women go to: http://www.insighteventsusa.com/ warrior-goddess-wisdom To work with Ana Forrest visit www.forrestyoga.com or read her book: Fierce Medicine: Breakthrough Practices to Heal the Body and Ignite the Spirit. Also available as an audio book, read by Ana. forrestyoga.com

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reasons why yoga isn’t working for you

Two feet tucked behind your head & still an asshole.

II

By Tanya Lee Markul, Co-Founder and Editor at Rebelle Society

It’s true, not every modality is going to work for everyone. Yoga might be great for a whole bunch of people, but one shouldn’t assume that it would work equally well for the whole lot. Right? There are certainly those who believe they are better served by pursuing other philosophies or physical activities. So be it.

So, why isn’t yoga working for you?

Can’t find the right style? Did an instructor’s esoteric narration turn you off? Was it a stereotype created by the West that has kept you off the mat — yoga is for young, flexible, white, upper class, vegetarian, women.

Or does it have something to do with a resistance toward observing your mental conditioning as it relates to the relationship you have with your body — with life? Bringing awareness to the excuses, blame, and creative distractions we create are all a part of this process — “I’ll be more mindful next time.” Right.

Three more reasons.

“Yoga is an intimate, personal path of recalibration.”

1. You’re chasing superficial shapes.

Instead of practicing from a place of inquisitive intuition and detached possibility, your effort stems from limiting aspects of the ego. You’re swept up with concepts of the past or future, pushing for the body you had ten years ago and the perfect yoga butt.

2. You’re in it for superiority & attention.

harmony with the nature of all. It’s an invitation to integrate the wisdom of the mind with the wisdom of the body, whereas your perception of who and what you are becomes less limited and more open to beauty, possibility, compassion, and joy.

Instead of exploring and inquiring about the intent behind your actions, you’ve allowed your practice to become that of an arrogant, complacent, self-perceived, enlightened being, even with both feet behind your head.

Yoga is a path of personal evolution from the inside out and, as with any journey, it is up to you. Internal inquiry can be the next phase of your personal evolution.

3. You give up easily.

And as I enjoy saying: if your practice has you looking for exits, it’s working.

How will you grow if you are never challenged? Acknowledging your habit to give up on what is intuitively speaking to you is one of the greatest opportunities to go deeper, to inquire within, and to open up to the possibility of birthing new insight and creativity into your life.

If yoga isn’t working for you, you’re the guru to change that.

Yoga is an intimate, personal path of recalibration. It can walk you closer to personal truth and integrity. It can also bring you into

Tanya Lee Markul is a devoted student to the sacred art of Self-Discovery, Authentic Creative Expression and Wellness Alchemy. She’s also a yoga teacher and student, writer and Co-Founder of RebelleSociety.com, RebelleWellness. com and owner of ThugUnicorn.com. Rebelle Society Vol. I — Celebrating the Art of Being Alive is now on Amazon.com. rebellesociety.com rebellewellness.com thugunicorn.com

51 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

YOGA & VEGANISM: COMMUNICATION

Ask Sharon Sharon Gannon is the co-founder of the Jivamukti Yoga method and author of Yoga & Vegetarianism: the Diet of Enlightenment.

Q: How do I deal with others who don’t

share my views about animal rights and try to ridicule me?

SHARON: With compassion. Compassion is essential for any type of relationship between anybody--human to human, human to dog, human to cat, human to bird. Compassion is the key to a successful relationship because by means of compassion we can access the innermost needs of the other. When we are aware of those needs, we can begin to communicate and not just profess what we think we know and demand that others change because we want them to. To cultivate compassion, try to remember that others are doing the best they can, just like you, and that when someone does something abusive, they are getting something that they feel is positive from the experience. When you feel destructive,

negative emotions like hate and anger arise within you towards the person opposing you; cultivate the opposite state of mind. See the other person’s potential for kindness and bolster your own expression of kindness. If you see them in a negative way, the power of your perception will only help to keep them that way as you polarize yourself from them, assuming a superior role, seeing yourself as the good guy and them as the bad guy. Hang in there. The ridicule you may endure from others when you speak up for animals can help you to hone your skills, enabling you to become better at articulating your message in an informed, compassionate, and communicative way.

Q:

Most people that I know are turned off when I start to talk to them about veganism.

How do I get them to listen?

SHARON: Be a communicator, not a selfrighteous proselytizer or preacher. Many people are only concerned with expressing themselves, which isn’t necessarily communication. Communication implies communing, having a shared experience with another, not “talking at” or “talking down to” someone.

If you want people to listen to you, then be willing to listen to them. Be clear in your mind what you want the outcome of your communication to achieve. If your aim is more than just to vent your anger towards a meat eater and you sincerely want that person to be a kinder more compassionate being, then you must start by seeing them as a kind and compassionate person. If you are unable to see them as kind and compassionate, then how dare you demand them to see themselves that way.

jivamukti.com 52 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

interview: yoshi aono

FOUNDER, HANUMAN FESTIVAL

- watching t.v, eating too much, texting nonstop, quaffing tequila. Even spiritual practice can be used to sedate emotional pain, whether it is asana or getting in a transcendental groove. It is important to be with the pain, not reject it, deny it, or pretend it’s not there.

YA: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

TL: Meditation is the way for me to keep the ballast of my boat centered so that I don’t tip.

Meditation builds kapha, which in Ayurveda is an antidote for the winds of distraction, particularly meditation on space, silence, and open-mind. And meditation on what the Tibetan mystic Shabkar described as, “this all penetrating intrinsic awareness that has no center or circumference, no inside or outside, and knows no blocks or barriers.” Then the inevitable chaos of life can be seen as part of something much much bigger.

YA: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

Tias Little Founder of Prajna Yoga

Yoshi Aono: What makes you come alive?

and heart, slowing down is critical. Dare to go slow.

Tias Little: I think I most feel alive when my sense of self diminishes, and I am not having to “do” my life. When I can let go of the “me, me, me,” behind every move and every scene, then I feel like life is taking me in its current, like a sailor who catches a gust and just rides.

Flowing in the current without struggle is in many ways the primary aim of the practice.

YA: How do you handle emotional pain?

YA: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

TL: Dare to go slow! It is a funny thing us humans do that in order to try to feel more secure we move faster. Our world with the ever present smart phone in hand now seems to spin faster and faster. So slowing down takes courage. Many find this scary and people think the faster I go the better off I’ll be. When it comes to healing the body, mind,

TL: It is really important to feel the pain and not simply override it. There are lots of ways to override pain and most people are their own private masters at glossing over pain

TL: The importance of following your innermost calling – that which has been inside you since you were seven or eight–involved in this is trust, fortitude, and some blind determination. Also a tremendous amount of work and practice goes into seeing the fruition of your innermost calling, your true dharma.

YA: What truth do you know for sure?

TL: That all experience, all things, all bodies, are impermanent and that nothing anywhere or at any time is fixed.

Tias approach to the practice is inter-disciplinary, passionate, intelligent, innovative and full of insight. He synthesizes years of study in classical yoga, Sanskrit, Buddhist studies, anatomy, massage, and trauma healing. Tias earned a Masters degree in Eastern Philosophy from St. John’s College Santa Fe in 1998. He lives in Santa Fe, New Mexico where he directs his school Prajna Yoga with his wife Surya and is author of three books, The Thread of Breath, Meditations on a Dewdrop and The Yoga of the Subtle Body.

Hanuman

Festival June 12-15, 2014 Boulder, CO

www.hanumanfestival.com

prajnayoga.net 54 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

inner waves organics Worn by Inspiring Teachers & their Students FEATURED TEACHER

Justin Kaliszewski â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Outlaw Yoga Co-Founder, Teacher, Poet, Activist

www.innerwaves.org

yoga_IW half-ad B.indd 1

2/13/14 10:32 AM

SIANNA SHERMAN

founder of mythic yoga flow

Photos: Theodore Kyriakos 56 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

INTERVIEW: YOSHI AONO Founder, hanuman festival

Yoshi Aono: What makes you come alive?

Sianna Sherman: The practices of yoga and Tantra (mantra, asana, mudra, meditation, pranayama, integration of the practices); dancing; being in nature, especially with the trees; collective gatherings of the heart where collaboration is key; mythology and stories of the Hero’s Journey; swimming in the Aegean Sea with my husband, Theodore Kyriakos; all gatherings of yogis dedicated to transformation.

YA: What makes you feel vulnerable?

SS: When community breaks down, when there is intense reactivity in the face of challenge, and when I’m out of sync with my husband.

YA: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

SS: I breathe and muster my awareness to the root of my heart. The glue to my life is my morning sadhana, which includes meditation, mudra, mantra, heart flame transmutation practices, and contemplation of sacred writings. Later in the day, I practice asana and spend time writing and being outside in nature.

YA: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

SS: To melt my resistance, stand in my truth, and not hide my power and voice in times of turmoil.

YA: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

SS: No matter what, remember we are all one and the mirror of each other.

YA: What truth do you know for sure?

SS: We are one living, breathing ecosystem of consciousness and we are each being called to our highest creative expression for the benefit of All Beings.

YA: How do you handle emotional pain?

SS: I breathe into it. I pray; I dance; I write; I sing; I chant mantras; I weep, and I remind myself that this energy is a doorway into my heart. I remember that this is my opportunity to see myself more clearly and that every wounded place is a magic place of transformation inside me.

Sianna Sherman is an internationally celebrated yoga teacher of over 20 years who soulfully weaves the power of asana with myth, mantra and mudra.

Known as a story-telling yogini, she is founder of Mythic Yoga Flow and author of Stories for your Life. Sianna’s teachings ignite the heart with love.

Hanuman

Festival

June 12-15, 2014

Boulder, CO www.hanumanfestival.com

siannasherman.com

THINK LESS

MORE

p o w e r v i n ya s a yo g a â&#x20AC;˘ au s t i n , t e xa s breathandbodyyoga.com

We Honor Strong,

Powerful Men.

PHOTOS: ROBERT STURMAN 58 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

robertsturmanstudio.com

PHOTO FEATURE: ROBERT STURMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

PHOTOS: ROBERT STURMAN

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PHOTOS: ROBERT STURMAN

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robertsturmanstudio.com

“Little did I know that it would compel me to seek and find the sublime––a world that few see or know––and there, discover the freedom I required to thrive here, in this world.”

What have you been told “you’re too” much of? ...SENSITIVE Rod Stryker “You’re too sensitive.” Not sure where this condemnation began, but hearing it enough, I bought into its destructive legacy. Little did I know that it would compel me to seek and find the sublime––a world that few see or know––and there, discover the freedom I required to thrive here, in this world. Yes, sensitive became the basis for becoming a Yogi and all my future tears of joy. parayoga.com Photo: Danielle Cuvillier

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category

R EB EC CA S O N I Olympic Gold Medalist swimmer, Jade Yoga Ambassador

Striving to be better is what keeps us moving forward, whether in training and competition, or in everyday life. I try to challenge myself in different ways every day, in and out of the pool.

PHOTO: JORDAN JASPER JOHAL PHOTO: ANAST omgym.com 64 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

TiffanyYoga.com JADEYOGA.com

JUNE 12 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 15, 2014 Yoga + Music + Boulder, CO

A Yoga Festival for the Modern Lifestyle

Photo By: TonyFelgueiras

interview: yoshi AONO, FOUNDER HANUMAN FESTIVAL

TIM FELDMANN: FOUNDER OF MIAMI LIFE CENTER Yoshi Aono: What makes you come alive?

Tim Feldmann: Good coffee, deep asana, and my wife’s spontaneous smile.

YA: What makes you feel vulnerable?

TF: My wife, yoga, asana practice, friendship, spending time with people I love, the presence of great teachers, seeing loved ones suffer, pain in my body. As a matter of fact, the feeling is dear to me.

YA: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

TF: It’s gonna be alright! Don’t worry, take a deep breath, and give it your best shot, then see what happens. It’s all gonna be alright.

YA: How do you handle emotional pain?

TF: With time, solitude, and reflection, and with advice from people I trust.

YA: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

TF: Accepting obstacles; finding a way to remain happy, joyful and present in the face of limitation; not dreaming myself away; not trying to better it before understanding it; not getting bitter, hard and angry. I acknowledge that I have had the grace of great opportunity, luck, and prosperity in my life, no doubt, but I have also had my fair share of being stuck in the mud. Numerous times, short and

What makes you come alive?

“Good coffee, deep asana, and my wife’s spontaneous smile.”

long, really sticky, yucky goo up to my waist!

Among many incidences, I fell off a cliff when I was 25 years old, almost broke my neck, and took two years to walk again. So, in my body, with my work, emotionally, in relationships, you name it. I seem to have gotten a little better at finding the way out of these moments year by year, mostly be realizing that the solution is often simple and very subtle and that the steps to reclaiming the moment usually lie beyond my first inclination of where to look, or of how to act. I need to stop for awhile and look and listen for the solution to offer itself to me pretty much every time.

The catch is that, whereas the solution is simple, it often implies that I need to distance myself from something that I have my mind set upon; something that I want very much.

So, I am required to evaluate what I want and need. I would probably go as far as to say that my problems most often arises from this exact paradigm; the friction between what I crave and pursue compared to what reality has to offer! I can pursue my lotus pose with gusto and passion, but if my knees are too fragile, I will get the opposite – three months of physical rehabilitation! Whereas, if I let go of the craving to spread my lotus feet on my lap and instead make use of level headed observation, analysis, and patient method, then I can most often slowly remove whatever is standing between what I want and what I have. I work with that paradigm everyday and in any way.

June 12-15, 2014 • Boulder, CO www.hanumanfestival.com

Tim Feldmann teaches Ashtanga Yoga around the world. He is Authorized by Pattabhi Jois and dedicated to Ashtanga’s traditional method. He is the founder/director of Miami Life Center. A near fatal falling accident in 1992 led Tim on the yogic path and he integrates his vast experience as a former dancer, of FM Alexander Technique and of sitting meditation in his teachings. “The body is the way to our spirit, to our true Self. That’s what asana is for”. kpjayi.org

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Hanuman Festival

miamilifecenter.com

timfeldmann.com

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2.

4.

3.

6.

5.

7.

1.

5. Mountain Hardwear Hyaction

& Accessories

Our Favorite

Clothes

Mountain Hardwear’s Hyaction Jacket is brilliant. While it’s one of their lightest and fastest climbing jackets, it’s also tough, with abrasion-resistant fabric on the upper shoulders and arms. We’re just crazy about it! mountainhardwear.com

6. YogaGlyph’s Hoodie 1. Lorna Jane Sayara

We love the must-have Sayara Jacket from Lorna Jane. Made to move in premium hi-tech LJExcel, it features mesh panels that flatter the figure while keeping the body cool. lornajane.com.au

3. Sauvage Yoga Linen Pants

These Sauvage Yoga fine linen pants are incredible! Their Men’s Yoga collection is entirely made in the USA using only the finest materials. This brand has a stylish, functional, and sustainable solution for every man. sauvageyoga.com

7. Oliberté’s Blamo

2. Mountain Hardwear Plasmic

We adore Mountain Hardwear’s Super Light Plasmic Jacket. It’s incredibly light, waterproof and feels great next to skin. 15D face fabric combined with Dry.Q EVAP drying wicking technology makes the Super Light Plasmic Jacket a comfortable, packable, and versatile shell. mountainhardwear.com

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YogaGlyph’s Peek A Boo Hoodie in Updog is in one word, unbelievable. YogaGlyphs plays with silhouettes and colors with each season and, as proven by this versatile, unique hoodie, are always thinking outside of the box. Trust us on this one! yogaglyphs.com

4. super.natural Hoodie

The adorable super.natural Combustion Cloud Hoodie is a great mid-layer or stand alone light jacket made from combustion fleece. It’s cute, cozy, and a new favorite for our whole team! sn-supernatural.com

Oliberté’s Blamo is a stylish messenger bag that is ideal for carrying a small laptop or tablet. This beautiful bag also has a high secondary pocket for keeping smaller items separate, and an iPhone-sized front pocket as well as pen holders. And to make it even better, it’s sustainably made in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. oliberte.com

SHOES WE ADORE Freewater’s Georgia >

Freewater’s Georgia is cute for any occasion.

Vibrant stripes accent the canvas upper while a super pillow insole uses quilted pads that make this shoe so comfortable! These shoes are Vegan and have water based glue. Comfortable, cute, and environmentally friendly… yes please! freewaters.com

Taos’ Carousel >

Taos’ Carousel shoes are stunning. Handcrafted in Portugal, this flexible wedge features distressed full grain leather with waxed finish and large gold medallions with complete adjustability. Comfort and beauty, what more could we ask for? taosfootwear.com

Taos’ Parade >

We love Taos’ Parade shoes, which are handcrafted in Portugal. With fully adjustable patent leather straps and large gold medallions, they provide beautiful comfort in each step. taosfootwear.com

Vivobarefoot’s Stealth >

Vivobarefoot’s Stealth is absolutely wonderful and the softest on-road/treadmill barefoot performance shoe.

With a soft hex lamination upper that works seamlessly with your foot to provide the very latest in barefoot performance footwear, these shoes connect you with the earth and let you experience the joy of road running. vivobarefoot.com

Olukai’s Nohea >

These adorable Nohea Canvas Prints from Olukai feature hand-painted artwork by Hawaiian artist Emma Howard. With a breathable natural cotton canvas upper, anatomical contoured footbed, and a versatile DropIn-Heel™ for shoe or slide functionality, we couldn’t be happier with these shoes. olukai.com

Olukai ‘Ohana >

Another new favorite from Olukai, the classic ‘Ohana in refreshing colors are inspired from shave ice, a local favorite. Features include a water-resistant synthetic leather strap, an anatomically contoured footbed, and soft nylon toe post webbing. This style supports ‘Ohana giveback program, so you can look good and feel good. olukai.com

La Sportiva Running Shoes >

These minimalist, lightweight, and highly breathable, Helios Women’s Running Shoes from La Sportiva are divine. This neutral trail shoe provides the ideal amount of cushioning, and is perfect for all levels of trail running and light road use. sportiva.com

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 69

YOU’RE TOO...

Women have been undermined by our culture for so long.

Women have been undermined by our culture for too long.

We have been told “you’re too big, loud, aggressive, strong, independent, nice, accommodating.”

What if we took what we have been told to be our biggest flaws and use them as our greatest strengths – embracing the part of us that we have been taught to feel ashamed of?

Strengthening and building women is the best thing we can do for healing and transforming this planet.

Let’s celebrate every beautiful part of ourselves.

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...INTENSE Suzanne Sterling I have been told that I am too intense all of my life, but I am not here to sugarcoat or to make nice and speaking the truth is so crucial for our health. Too many women are afraid of their own voice… dying to live lives of purpose, empowerment and depth. My mission is to remind us that we are hardwired for self expression and that our lives can be mythological adventures.

Suzanne Sterling, Global Seva Director, Co-founder Off the Mat, Into the World

offthematintotheworld.org suzannesterling.com photo: Amir Maggal

“My mission is to remind us that we are hardwired for self expression and that our lives can be mythological adventures.”

. .sensitive Mary Bruce Being told I was “too” sensitive used to make me feel insecure and think something was wrong with me. I found ways to numb my feelings that were destructive. Finding yoga brought me home to myself. I now know that sensitivity is one of my greatest core gifts. My power lies in my ability to connect deeply to Source and subtly weave my curiosity into the tapestry of my everyday offerings. Now, instead of shrinking I welcome and boldly trust my intuition to guide me in becoming the spark of the Divine I am meant to be.

www.marybruce.com Photo: Sandey Tenuto

. .loud Elena Brower I was told back in first grade in 1977: “You’re too loud, Elena.” Since then, I’ve always struggled with how to address and approach the world, how to make my voice heard, and communicate my message. It’s clear why I became a teacher as a profession: to be a voice for change that could be received. Now I’m grateful for that teacher; she inspired me to find a way to speak that wasn’t too “loud,” but instead would be heard and received well. It turned out to be a gift.

www.elenabrower.com Photo: Debra Kellner for Lole

“It’s clear why I became a teacher as a profession; to be a voice for change that could be received.” ...curvy MiaTogo As a dancer, I was told I was “too curvy.”

I didn’t fit into the mold of “skinny.”

Translation: I’m “not enough” the way I am. In the struggle to be something I wasn’t, I had to shatter that mold and discover that my beauty is in the ability to own my power and celebrate my curves. This has been my Highway to selflove and acceptance.

“In the struggle to be something I wasn’t, I had to shatter that mold and discover that my beauty is in the ability to own my power and celebrate my curves.”

miatogo.com

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YOU’RE TOO... category

. .IDEALISTIC

...loud+

...late

Leslie Kaminoff

Mia Park

Karey Goebel

I’ve frequently been told I’m too idealistic in my views, and that I need to be more pragmatic to compromise.

In this regard, I’m inspired

by Ayn Rand’s challenging assertion from The Virtue of Selfishness, “There can be no compromise on basic principles. There can be no compromise on moral issues.

There can be no compromise on matters of knowledge, of truth, of rational conviction.”

I’ve heard that I’m too loud, flat chested, small eyed, talkative, energetic, and so much more. My parents recently told me that even though I don’t lie, I exaggerate too much. I talk too big. I hear and accept these comments, knowing that my spark of the universe is bright and beautiful with boundless energy.

This bigness might be too much for some, but it’s just right for me.

yogaanatomy.org Photo: Lydia Mann

MiaPark.com Photo: Jim Newberry

You’re TOO LATE. I was in my forties when yoga became an obsession for me. I was a software executive at a comfortable mid-point in my career. I wore sensible suits and built strategic plans. Life was stressful, but predictable.

So, when I decided to turn my world upside down, leave the corporate race, build an organic yoga clothing company, and move to a farm, people thought I was crazy. They said, “It’s TOO LATE to start over.” But it’s never too late to create the life you’ve imagined. innerwaves.org

...PREPARED Chanti Tacoronte-Perez I have been criticized for being too prepared.

Throughout much of my life, I excessively prepared for tests, meetings, art critiques, even traveling. I felt inadequate, not smart enough, or honestly just awkward. Over preparing was how I learned and studied; I wasn’t trying to show off! It inspired me to trust myself, to get comfortable in my skin, and yes, I’m still working on letting loose more often. ohanashakti.com Photo: Celina Flores

“if I had listened to the doubtful and belittling opinions around me, I would have never have reached my full potential as an artist and human being and learned that anything is possible.”

...much Andrea Marcum Especially in my early twenties, I was told by those I dated, “YOU’RE TOO MUCH.” To me, that translated as not enough. I carried TOO fat, loud, desperate, sarcastic, controlling, unattractive around with me for years. Then a particularly cowardly boyfriend broke up with me without even bothering to make eye contact, “YOU’RE JUST TOO MUCH,” he blurted. And somehow –POOF –at that moment, I was able to see that actually he was too little, and I was enough. ustudioyoga.com Photo: Fluid Frame

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...opinionated, confident, antisocial, difficult, & Egotistical KK Ledford “You’re too opinionated, confident, antisocial, difficult... you have too much ego. Be nicer, get along.” I’ve heard this for years, from people who are too afraid to be themselves. “You’re just too much. Be less. Be smaller, quieter, easier.” But I am comfortable with who I am. In opposition to the disease of self-loathing and the need to be liked, I trust my deep instincts and honor my own power. wildmoonwisdom.com Photo: Ricky Calcao

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 73

YOU’RE TOO...

...INdependent, bossy, and selfish Faith Hunter Throughout my adult life, men have said I’m, “Too Independent, Bossy and Selfish.”

However, I know where these qualities came from - the strong examples of my Mother and the positive support of my Father. I was constantly reminded as a child that I had the ability to do anything my heart desired, education is freedom, never be afraid to speak my mind, love is not letting go of who you are, and life is for living YOUR dreams. Being an Independent, Bossy and Selfish woman has given me the strength to step away from toxic relationships and live my truth.

faithhunter.com Photo: Mark Weikert, Dark Photography Designs

...fat Cami Cote The only person that told me that I was “too fat to teach yoga” was myself. I used to be my own worst enemy. Through the steady practice of yoga, meditation, and body acceptance, I have gained strength, courage, and have been empowered to share the deepest part of myself. Consequently, many people have been inspired to begin their yogic journey. That is all I could ever have hoped for!

rivercityyoga.net Photo: Robert Sturman

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“I love strong women who can walk through the fire with me and hold my hand on the battlefield. I love juicy, confident women who never aspire to look like girls. I embrace women who have overcome abuse, a bad diagnosis, or a spouse leaving, and now choose to shine brightly and transform their pain and help others heal. I honor All of the women who have had to be too strong for too long. We’re in this together.”

... big, fat, poor, loud, strong, aggressive, sexual, wild, independent, intense, honest, direct...

Maranda Pleasant As a child, I was told: You’re too big. You’re too fat. You’re too poor to have value. You’re too loud. You’re too strong. You’re too aggressive.

You’re unloved: you don’t even have a father.

As a woman, I am told: You’re too sexual. You’re too wild. You’re too independent to ever get married. You’re too intense. You’re too honest.

You’re too direct: why don’t you use a filter. You work too much.

As a woman, I love being sexual, wild, successful, passionate, and honest. I love fiercely, play wildly, and enjoy every inch of my body. I love women who laugh loudly and unapologetically.

I love strong women who can walk through the fire with me and hold my hand on the battlefield. I love juicy, confident women who never aspire to look like girls. I embrace women who have overcome abuse, a bad diagnosis, or a spouse leaving, and now choose to shine brightly and transform their pain and help others heal. I honor All of the women who have had to be too strong for too long. We’re in this together.

Photo: Julie Afflerbaugh ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 75

YOU’RE TOO...

...accomodating

...INTENSE

...RIGHTEOUS

Gioconda Parker

Jeanne Heileman

Desirae Pierce

You’re too accommodating.

You’re too...INTENSE. That has been the thing that I have heard from old boyfriends, friends, and students. To me, it’s just directed passion, for I care very much about where my attention goes. It hurts when I hear it for it’s as if there is something wrong with me, which leads to loneliness and a feeling of abandonment. I’ve learned to bring more humor, and to acknowledge that I’m just different.

“I’m too RIGHTEOUS.” My name is Desirae and there is a fire inside that fuels my decisions. Before I opened Breath and Body Yoga in Austin, I felt uninspired and dissatisfied with corporate America but knew there was a place to live out my dreams. I was called “righteous” because I wanted another path, a higher state of consciousness, a stronger body, and an open heart. In March, we celebrate eight years of love, sweat, and yoga.

jeanneheileman.com

breathandbodyyoga.com

I was raised a people pleaser—learn what someone wants and give it to them to be loved. Turns out that kind of love doesn’t work - it’s a lie. I have learned to risk exposing the real me, and in that risk to live my truth. When I am honest about who I am, rather than morphing to try to gain favor, I open the door to genuine relationship. giocondayoga.com Photo: Andrea Turner

“When I am honest about who I am, rather than morphing to try to gain favor, I open the door to genuine relationship.” ...controversial Alex Lombard Right before I asked Jonathan Groff to star in the film I wrote and directed, Sophie, someone told me that I should absolutely not make the film. They said it was “too” controversial. During my conversation with Jonathan, he said that the point of art was to make people think and that he was totally on board. Because of his artistic integrity and fearlessness, we have a beautiful film that will hopefully spark a lot of conversation.

Photo: Sheenon Olson

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“I was called ‘righteous’ because I wanted another path, a higher state of consciousness, a stronger body, and an open heart. ”

...scared AND quiet Adri Kyser For a while, I lost my voice, sense of purpose, and sense of community.

Circumstances and people kept showing up in my life that made me feel like “I was not good enough,” especially to be a yoga teacher. I was “too scared,” “too quiet,” and I did not have the courage to be seen or noticed. It has taken me many years to realize that I am more than my body, more than the reflection in a mirror, more than any PERCEPTION of what others may have thought about me. innerbeautyyoga.com Photo: Sandra Lynch

...emotional Katie Silcox I’m committed to deprogramming the false messaging of “You’re too emotional.”

The current patriarchal social paradigm tells us that emotions are shameful. Why? Because by denying us of the very currency that fuels our intuition as decision-making beings, we stay docile, and we keep buying into a system that needs our feelings of worthlessness to make a profit. Our emotions are direct portals into truth.

When channeled wisely and coupled with awareness, emotions unravel our false beliefs and embedded memories. katiesilcoxyoga.com Photo: DJ Pierce

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I’M TOO... young

“I wish that more women could see and live from the wisdom and grace that comes with age. I really believe that as much as modern women have fought for equality with men, we have allowed ourselves to be disempowered by age, thinking that all of our power is in our physical beauty.”

Tiffany Cruikshank

I

started diligently studying yoga and alternative medicine when I was 14 years old and started college when I was 16. So, all of my life I’ve been younger than those around me. My friends and boyfriends have always been a good ten years older than me, and my colleagues in yoga and medicine have usually been at least a decade or two older than me. When I started teaching yoga, I was still in my teens. When I started practicing Chinese Medicine, I was in my early twenties. I had to work really hard to get the respect that my peers got naturally.

There’s an automatic implied sense of wisdom that comes with age and with good reason. There used to be a time when you grew up studying medicine or whatever your field was, where you learned from you parents, and grew up studying with them to learn your trade. Nowadays, most people have to finish college before they even really begin to study their trade and most people end up in a second career later in life. So, it’s hard to tell how much experience one has in a given field by their age.

I spent most of my twenties trying to be older or look older to try to gain the respect of my students, patients, and colleagues. It didn’t help that I looked even younger than I was at the time (good old yoga). In the yoga and medical industries, people would write me off because I looked like a child.

Having apprenticed with an herbalist and an acupuncturist all throughout my teens and then having seen patients all throughout my twenties, PHOTO: JASPER JOHAL

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by the time I turned 30 I remember wishing I was turning 40. In a world where age is wisdom and in a career where wisdom is everything, I wanted my age to reflect my decades of study.

Now, well into my thirties, I can say I am happy with where my career is at and content with my age. Although, I look forward to the wisdom and grace that comes with getting older and what lies ahead, I wish that more women could see and live from the wisdom and grace that comes with age. I really believe that as much as modern women have fought for equality with men, we have allowed ourselves to be disempowered by age, thinking that all of our power is in our physical beauty.

I believe that as long as we stay committed to our path (work, family, personal reflection, and growth) that, as we grow older, grace and wisdom reveal themselves to us and to those around us and is reflected in the beauty of our presence. It’s only when we regret or wish things were different than they are that we lack that. We must each find our calling. Sometimes that can change, but our purpose is to contribute something really great to this world to make the world a better place.

From that place, I believe our wisdom and beauty multiplies with age as we begin to see the reflection of what we have contributed to the world around us in our family, friends, and community and we begin to see the bounty of our lives in the world around us.

Age is irrelevant; it’s our contribution to this world that counts.

TiffanyYoga.com

You were wild once

BY SHIVA REA

I

I have been told at various times in my life that I am TOO “wild.”

our own being. As soon as my son goes to college in a few years, I will live and be even more active in the wild places of the world and within my own expression.

As in, turn down the volume, get back in line, control your dancing and ecstatic movement. Hold the asanas.

Follow the authoritative norm.

This photo was from an afternoon of five hours of meditation with these beautiful nagas (snakes) with Amir Magal and Shai Rotam. It was an initiation into this primal power which I bow to, enjoy and find completely naturally energizing and regenerating. Our fears and limitations and need for unneccesary control of our unconscious actions is where the TOO much comes in for women and all beings. Let’s all celebrate these incredible women of instinctual power.

In the late 1980’s, there was a turning point in my life when I started to educate myself in the global, cultural history of our relationship with the earth, women, free-form movement, and indigenous rights. I saw that “too wild” was part of this global history of systematic oppression.

I began to understand this “wildness” as primal intelligence, a direct relationship with our innate, pulsing, life-force. I began to allow this “wildness” to reveal the sublime pathways of inner freedom within as the flow of Shakti in the Tantric roots of yoga. I experienced Sahaja movement (spontaneous arising ) through the

divine current of a universal yoga connected to music and dance - an integral part of early Tantric embodied flow of vinyasa. I began to breakdown barriers by taking photos that revealed and celebrated this flowing form in mainstream places, refining Prana Flow – Energetic Vinyasa and Movement Alchemy over two decades as a form that breathes, pulses, vibrates, and flows from our innate rhythm.

I believe this wilderness is calling for us from the cellular level to awaken and protect the wilderness of the earth with the very wilderness of

You were wild once.

Don’t let them tame you.

– Isadora Duncan

Shiva Rea has been a yogadventurer and mystic explorer for the last three decades offering transformative retreats, teacher immersions, largescale movement meditation and year-long online courses through the Samudra Global School for Living Yoga. www.pranaflowyoga.com

You were wild once. Don’t let them tame you.

– Isadora Duncan PHOTOS: AMIR MAGAL

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YOU’RE TOO...

“In the entertainment industry and in life, not everyone is going to like you, but as long as you like yourself that’s what counts.”

. .shy, independent, serious, and silly Arianny Celeste In the entertainment industry and in life, not everyone is going to like you, but as long as you like yourself that’s what counts. Sometimes, I think I’m too shy to make it; I’m too independent, I’m too serious. Then, quickly, I think I’m too silly, but when you catch that one break that changes your life, you know you can do it, and you have to remember that day in and day out.

ARIANNYCELESTE.COM

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...intimidating Brenna Geehan “You’re TOO intimidating.” It has hurt me, but it has also been one of my greatest inspirations! The fact is I am human, with opinions formed through discernment and I have a right to share them. As a compassionate human, I challenge myself to continue to learn more, study more, teach more, and effectively communicate my ideas and opinions in helpful and kind ways, while standing on the shoulders of my mother, her mother, and all the women that came before. brennageehan.com Photo: DJ Pierce

“Life is not a struggle unless we make it one.”

..unconventional

...quiet, sensitive, serious

...independent

Elizabeth Reese

Cheryl Bell

Dawn Oliver

Creating Yogiños: Yoga for Youth helped me discover my path or dharma, however “unconventional” it may appear to others.

While the academic robes and titles I wore may be viewed as prestigious, they were not for me. Contrary to the naysayers, this path is not a loss, but rather another web of wonder where I use art and yoga to teach youth to make “OHMazing” choices.

Too quiet, too sensitive, too serious.

Too many too(s) ran my life for too long until I met myself! How does one meet yourself?

Well, with the guidance of my teachers, I learned that by getting quiet and sensitizing myself to my inner world I would meet myself and hear my own voice. No more! Get quiet, meet yourself, let your voice be heard, take action and be guided from within!

I have always been my biggest critic, thinking I need to hold all of life’s pressures on my shoulders. Being an independent woman and business owner, I have struggled with letting go and allowing others to help me. I am too much of a perfectionist and need to be in control. Like my grandmother would always say, “Let Go, Let God”. Today she is my inspiration for having it all. Life is not a struggle unless we make it one.

www.yoginos.com

cherylbell.org Photo: David Bell

www.yogiiza.com

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 81

YOU’RE TOO...

...SENSITIVE JillWheeler Women treat themselves like objects just as much as men objectify. Sex sells, porn subtly (or not) sells rape. You know you want it. That happened so long ago. You should be over it by now, relax; I’m not that guy. Just move on already. You’re too sensitive. He doesn’t want to hear my “vagina” music. I don’t want to hear his rape culture songs. No, I don’t want it. If I’m too sensitive, perhaps our culture is too desensitized.

wellfitinstitute.com Photo: Erik Kellar

...hard on yourself Cocoa Brown My whole life I’ve been told ,“You’re Too Hard on yourself.” It started when I was a young girl. The day my Dad said he was of proud of me and the day my Mom said, “Hey, pretty girl,” I finally believed them. The day my son said, “Hi Mommy,” with a smile a mile wide, I knew that I am who and where I am supposed to be and I stopped being so hard on myself. The ones who matter think I’m great! cocoabrown4life.com Photo: Scott Hebert

82 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

. .MUCH Christina Sell The message “TOO MUCH” (too opinionated, too outspoken, too intense) sits alongside the message “NOT ENOUGH” (not thin enough, not pretty enough, not good enough). For some people, I am too much. For others, I am not enough. What is more important than how other people feel about me, however, is how I feel about me.

Seeing myself clearly and lovingly is my practice. christinasellyoga.com

...DREAMER Ciera Danielle Parrack I’ve been told that I’m too much of a dreamer.

I’ve always been driven to create in ways that don’t make sense to most people in terms of what the industry and world deems plausible or worthwhile. But, if I had listened to the doubtful and belittling opinions around me, I would have never have reached my full potential as an artist and human being and learned that anything is possible.

“For some people, I am too much. For others, I am not enough. What is more important than how other people feel about me, however, is how I feel about me.”

daisysfilm.com Photo: Chris Patey

...STRONG-WILLED Sami Lea Lipman I don’t remember the exact time someone told me I was too strong-willed, but I certainly grew to believe that everyone thought it. Too aggressive. Masculine energy.

Arrogantly determined. Won’t listen to others until she figures it out herself! Strong women are treated as a threat in our society, which is destructive. But with my strong-will, I have a curiosity to seek. And through this search I’ve discovered the supple balance to strength – my vulnerability. samileayoga.com Photo: Clayton Aynesworth

“But with my strong-will, I have a curiosity to seek. And through this search I’ve discovered the supple balance to strength – my vulnerability.”

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 83

YOU’RE TOO...

...fat Kathryn Budig I once auditioned for a yoga DVD and received a phone call from the producer. She called to tell me I was by far the best talent for the job, but I didn’t get the job because I was too fat. I had a “tire around my waist” and wasn’t camera ready. It nearly crushed me, but I decided to take that as fuel to become extremely successful and inspiring by being me and not what pop culture wants me to be. I am strong, able, and perfect as I am. kathrynbudig.com Photo: Bill Tipper

84 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

...big AshleyTurner I was told my Master’s Thesis (on the integration of Yoga + Psychology) was“too big”…that I could never capture it in 100 pages and maybe I should “narrow it down.” I did it anyway! A colleague once told me that I was, “so passionate, pushed the envelope, and tried to do too much.” I found a new mentor who joyfully celebrates and encourages my bigness, innovation, and vision.

AshleyTurner.org

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 85

YOU’RE TOO...

“Today, I practice radical selfacceptance, and keep a sign above my mirror that reads, ‘Beauty is a light in the heart.’”

...pretty Jackie Dobrinska I struggled with being “too pretty.” Before you jump to conclusions about the size of my ego, let me explain. People called me beautiful, but I refused to own it. The result was a 17-year eating disorder, demoralizing sexual propositions from spiritual teachers, a confusing swirl of envy and jealousy, and a blatant disregard for my deeper gifts. Today, I practice radical self-acceptance, and keep a sign above my mirror that reads, “Beauty is a light in the heart.”

ASimpleVibrantLife.com

...sensitive

...INTENSE

...independent

...intense

Stephanie Ellis

Jillian Glikbarg

Fernanda Romero

Kendall Inman

You’re too sensitive... words I’ve heard reverberate over the entire course of my life – words that at their worst can force me way down in myself and send me reeling.

But they’re also words that affirm my spontaneity, empathy, and openness to change. I’ve come to love how easily I can be moved and affected – how impulsively and unconsciously reactions can form in me.

I was told I’m too INTENSE! After years of loathing that part of me, I recognized it as a survival instinct born of a rough trauma-ridden childhood.

Identifying this false belief, and transforming it into my greatest asset - focused strength - has helped me aim the arrow of my life in the direction of telling the untold truth of my youth and aiding others to see their limiting beliefs.

I actually consider myself to be too independent. This can be a great thing, but can be hard at times since it adds a lot of responsibility to my plate. I think it definitely helps to be independent in this country since everyone here pushes you to become better. It is just a matter of not overdoing it. I love to keep myself busy with music and acting.

I’ve spent my life being told that I am “too intense” and most of my life rejecting this aspect of me. I now see my intensity as a gift that led me to yoga, launched my business, and created a life rich with abundance and love. I’ve come to accept that intensity as the bright fire that fuels my capacity to do anything.

yogajill.com

Photo: Jeremy ray Valdez

kendallinman.com Photo: Stevan Koye

“I’ve come to accept that intensity as the bright fire that fuels my capacity to do anything.”

86 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

...busy

...loud

Tanya Boigenzahm Sowards

Shanola Hampton

YOU’RE TOO… busy. From other’s points of view, running a yoga studio, seven different yoga and bodywork trainings, retreats, client sessions, AND being a full-time mom and householder might seem like a lot. It is. However, I love it. I start each day with intention, practice and dinacharya, and then off we go. Silence is mandatory every day, and so is living fully. I am blessed and grateful. Swaha!

I’ve been told I’m ‘too’ many things. I’ve even heard I’m too happy. However, the one thing I’ve been consistently told is I’m too loud. I guess that’s why I became a cheerleader when I was younger, and why I excelled as a stage actor before the use of microphones. Although I’m sure in most cases it was meant as an insult, it inspires me to use my loud voice to say something positive!

devanadiyoga.com Photo: Corina Bernstein

Photo: Lesley Bryce

...smart and ugly Sianna Sherman I was told by the outer world: you’re the brains and your sister is the beauty. Brains versus Beauty, and I crumbled under the weight of my distorted view. I sabotaged myself with the beauty myth and the story in my head was: “you’re too smart and you’re too ugly.” I desperately wanted to see my own beauty. I began meditation and yoga. My wounded places became the fuel for my transformation. www.siannasherman.com Photo: bill tipper

“I desperately wanted to see my own beauty. I began meditation and yoga. My wounded places became the fuel for my transformation.”

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 87

Strong & Beautiful

Cami Cote

E-RYT 200, RYT 500

“I’ve never been an advocate for obesity. I am an advocate for living your life and not waiting for the “perfect” body to do what you love. As a plus sized yoga practitioner, it takes courage to “show up” for myself every day, to shift my awareness from self hate to self love. Thanks to my yoga and meditation practice, my life has changed in many profound ways.” rivercityyoga.net Photo: Robert Sturman

88 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

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TOP, RIGHT: Detail of Astrology Chart; Tibet; ca. 19th century; watercolor on paper; Wellcome Library, London. CENTER: Detail of Localization of Viscera in the Torso (II) Corresponding to Plate 51 of the Tibetan medical paintings (Lhasa set); Tibet; ca. 17th century; pigments on cloth and brocade; Pritzker Collection. BOTTOM, LEFT: Detail of The Fierce Protector Yuthog #2; Central Tibet; 18th century; mineral pigment and gold on cotton; Alice S. Kandell.

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How to Build Muscle

on a Plant-Based Diet

P

BY BRENDAN BRAZIER

acking on Lean Muscle with Plant-Based Nutrition

Having been a competitive endurance athlete since the age of 15, I found that— once I overcame the initial pitfalls—a plant-based whole food diet offered several advantages. Among them: I didn’t get sick as often; I was able to train harder; and I stayed light while becoming stronger. Clearly these are significant advantages when pursuing peak athletic performance. However, remaining light while having the ability to build muscular strength—and therefore functionality—was certainly one of the greatest attributes this novel way of eating bestowed upon me.

“as all great athletes know, their success hinges on their ability to pursue it.”

PHOTO: MELLISA SCHWARTZ 8 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

As endurance athletes, we don’t aspire to build muscular size (bulk), but rather to simply develop what muscle we do have to be strong and thereby function efficiently. Building strength while not packing on bulk will raise strength-to-weight ratio. That’s good. And as a direct result, endurance will take a leap forward.

isolates register protein content in excess of 90 percent. But once isolated, it is no longer a whole food and therefore harder for the body to digest, assimilate, and utilize. Plus, protein isolates are inherently acid-forming and with the onset of an acidic body, functionality declines.

But what about strength athletes such as bodybuilders—can they benefit from a similar plant-based diet? Yes, in fact they can. While endurance athletes aim to develop efficient muscles without increasing their size, bodybuilders are quite the opposite. In competition—since bodybuilders are judged by appearance alone—they train accordingly.

Bulk, symmetry, and definition are the three visual points a bodybuilder will be assessed

It is true that when a traditional acid-forming post-workout smoothie that contains protein isolate is swapped out for a plant-based whole food option, muscular size loss is likely.

Understandably, this will lead to concern for those athletes whose goal it is to pack on muscle mass. But, what is actually transpiring is a good thing. What they are losing in size is simply inflammation.

on. Since the way in which their muscles actually perform—their functionality—is not factored into scoring, time and effort will not be spent honing that aspect.

However, what builds efficient muscles in endurance athletes is the same thing that builds visually impressive muscles in bodybuilders: hard work.

Does More Protein Mean More Muscle?

Immediately following an intense workout, those serious about packing on lean muscles will down a high-protein shake. They know that to repair muscle tissue after breaking it down in the gym requires the rebuilding properties that protein is touted for. But what most don’t pay attention to is the protein source. In the minds of many, quantity is the priority: the more protein, the better. But does more really equate to better results?

Let’s take a look.

The way to add extra protein to the diet, while not increasing fat or carbohydrate content, is to mechanically or chemically remove the fat and carbohydrate component.

What remains is called protein isolate. The protein has been isolated from the other macronutrients of the food and, as such, its ratio has increased. Some manufactured Brendanbrazier.com

Eat Plants, Work Hard, Build Muscle Immediately following a weight training workout, the muscles will be broken down and thus inflamed. And as we know, acid-forming food creates inflammation.

Therefore the consumption of a traditional post-workout smoothie that contains protein isolates will exacerbate the level and rate of inflammation. With inflammation comes size. But, with inflammation also come a reduction in functionality. As the muscles become less functional, their ability to lift weight declines. That’s a problem. Lifting heavy weight is what builds muscles strong— and big. Of course if the body falls into a less functional state, it simply won’t have the ability to work as intensely. And without the capacity to train hard, muscles cannot continue to grow. In addition to inflamed muscles not having the capacity to lift as much weight, more time will also need to be allocated between training sessions to allow inflammation to dissipate. That’s bad. Since intensity and frequency are the two prime components to a successful muscle-building program, inflammation can well become the greatest single inhibitor of progress.

Post-Workout Plant-based Nutrition: Helping You Help Yourself In place of isolates and acid-forming animal foods, there are a host of plant-based options that will ensure that inflammation be kept to a minimum. Post-workout, excellent plant-based protein sources include: hemp, pea, and rice protein. And while protein is a crucial component for muscle repair and building, so too are essential fatty acids (omega-3 and omega-6), vitamins, minerals, enzymes, probiotics, antioxidants and a host of other nutritional components that can be found in a variety of plant-based whole foods. This being the case, post-workout smoothies will deliver greater results if

they contain these components, not merely protein. Additionally, chlorella—a form of freshwater algae—is an excellent addition to the post-workout smoothie. Due to its exceptionally high chlorophyll content, it’s among the most alkaline-forming foods available. Plus, its protein percentage is almost 70 percent, naturally.

So while plant-based nutrition won’t necessarily make you a better athlete, it will allow you to train harder, thereby making yourself a better athlete. And as all great athletes know, their success hinges on their ability to pursue it. With improved functionality and less rest required between workouts, success will be yours for the taking.

Brendan is a former professional Ironman triathlete, a two-time Canadian 50km Ultra Marathon Champion, the creator of an awardwinning line of whole food nutritional products called VEGA, and the bestselling author of Thrive. He is also the developer of the acclaimed ZoN Thrive Fitness program and the formulator of the new award-winning, 7-product natural VEGA Sport system. His latest book, Thrive Foods: 200 Plant-Based Recipes for Peak Health, delves deep into the environmental aspects of food production, and offers practical solutions to help us each reduce our strain on the environment.

PHOTOS: (FOOD) THRIVEFOODSDIRECT ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 9

Lynsey Dyer INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

10 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

I have struggled to be taken seriously as a female athlete.

I have struggled to find my worth outside of winning. I have struggled to accept parts of myself. Now, I’m recognizing the beauty in those parts as well as beauty in the times when things didn’t go my way.”

Adventurer. Artist. Photographer. Founder of SheJumps.

Maranda Pleasant: How have you become such a confident woman? What inspired you to start SheJumps?

Lynsey Dyer: Well, skiing is an individual, cutthroat sport. My co-founder (who was the captain at the University of Washington) and I missed the camaraderie of our soccer teams. We gained so much confidence while challenging ourselves in nature. We were away from mirrors and magazines. We wanted to offer this feeling of confidence to more girls. We wanted to create a welcoming environment so that girls with limited experience in the outdoors could feel safe to ask questions while feeling supported to push their limits.

Whether it’s jumping off a cliff or speaking in front of a crowd for the first time, we believe, “if she can do it so can I!”

PHOTOS: Mike McPhee

MP: Why do you think girls need different role models?

MP: What’s been one of your greatest personal achievements?

LD: Growing up, it was difficult to find role models I could relate to. Mass media told me to emulate sexy singers or sexy actresses. Jane Goodall was the closest thing I found to a woman I wanted to be like. There are tons of amazing women out there for girls to emulate, but the media isn’t celebrating them to the masses.

LD: Overcoming one of my limiting beliefs: “Girls are not as strong as men, therefore we cannot attempt the same physical challenges.” I can tell you, with all certainty, this is not true. I have accomplished things on skis no one thought were physically possible for females.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest struggles?

LD: I have struggled to be taken seriously as a female athlete. I have struggled to find my worth outside of winning. I have struggled to accept parts of myself. Now, I’m recognizing the beauty in those parts as well as beauty in the times when things didn’t go my way.

MP: Are there any other projects you’re working on right now?

LD: I am directing an all female sports film called Pretty Faces. It’s the untold story of women committed to the mountain lifestyle and pushing physical limitations.

LynseyDyer.com SheJumps.org UnicornPicnic.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 11

Natural Born Climber

Chris Sharma Interview: Maranda Pleasant

12 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Chris Sharma happens once in a generation.

As an unknown kid from Santa Cruz, he literally leapt past climbing’s older guard of calloused and revered journeymen (mostly European), and abruptly reinvented their sport by scaling the most daunting routes in ways no one had ever tried. Sixteen years later, Chris is an inspiration to anyone who has ever put a hand in a chalk bag. He leaves his mark by erasing old ones, dreaming up new ones, and placing them much, much higher.

Maranda Pleasant: When did you fall in love with nature?

Chris Sharma: I started climbing when I was twelve, and maybe didn’t appreciate all the places I was going to so much until I had an injury. I had a bad knee injury when I was about seventeen. I wasn’t able to climb for about six months. It was kind of like a transformative time for me because it was really hard for me not to be able to climb.

It forced me to appreciate things without just climbing. I really learned to approach climbing not just with a pure athletic mentality, but also to appreciate all these beautiful places we get to go to.

In particular, with climbing, we’re climbing on these surfaces that Mother Nature has created. We search out the most perfect pieces of rock. It’s so amazing that these

formations are so perfect for climbing on. It’s almost as if they were created for climbing.

You’re taking these random rock formations and you’re bringing to it this interaction. It transforms it from being this random rock into almost this piece of art. It’s almost like a sculpture or something – just by finding the handholds, finding that line up the rock.

Every climb is different, and has its own unique set of movements and body positions.

Climbing and my appreciation for nature are totally intertwined.

MP: Is it like a meditation for you?

CS: For sure. I have done a fair bit of meditation practice, but I think through climbing it’s definitely an easier way for me to tap into that mental state of being present and in the moment, very in tune with my body. But not in an intellectual way. Just really

responding to the moment, where you don’t have time to think. You’re reacting and really flowing. Beyond that, it’s my life pursuit.

Where I get a lot of meaning out of life is through dedicating myself wholeheartedly to these climbs. They are very meaningful.

There’s this meditative, spiritual side to it, absolutely. Being in these amazing places, it’s unavoidable to appreciate where we are.

You’re taking these random rock formations and you’re bringing to it this interaction. It transforms it from being this random rock into almost this piece of art.

PHOTOS: BOONE SPEED ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 13

Megan Pischke Ambassador for The North Face, Gnu Snowboards, and B4BC Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my passion? Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a totally loaded question... But I would have to start off with being outside. I am passionate about keeping up with myself, figuring out what makes me happy, and striving for that. Whether I am snowboarding, surfing, doing yoga, or being a mom to two amazing kids, I love life and am privileged to be alive!

PHOTO: PHILTIFO.com 14 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

A conversation with climber, BASE jumper, wingsuit pilot, and author:

That’s our culture; that’s our reality. The strongest way, as a human, that you can voice your opinion – you can make your vote – is by how you spend your money.

That’s why I’m vegan—I don’t want to support, with my money, factory farming.

By Maranda Pleasant

Maranda Pleasant: What causes are you passionate about?

Steph Davis: I’m vegan. At first, it was in a quest for sports nutrition. Once you know, you can’t unknow. So I became vegan. I learned things; I wasn’t looking but I learned. I learned about factory farming, what they do to the animals. I was like, even if I climbed worse through this diet—which I don’t, I climb better—I would still be vegan! Because it’s not okay. I can’t support that. It’s terrible.

The world we live in, you make your vote, you state your preference through where you put your money. That’s our culture; that’s our reality. The strongest way, as a human, that you can voice your opinion – you can make your vote – is by how you spend your money. That’s why I’m vegan—I don’t want to support, with my money, factory farming. That’s the most active way I can cast that vote. I’m pretty passionate about animal rights. I support PETA, ASPCA, Humane Society. There’s also really cool organizations called the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

You don’t want to criticize people. It’s a fine line because you don’t want to alienate people.

But at the same time, I think it’s very important to lead by example in a nonthreatening way.

So I’ll say to people, “Oh, I’m vegan because it makes me climb better; it makes me run better. Look at me! I’m vegan! I’ve done all these amazing things, and that’s why.” And people are like, “Oh, wow, maybe I’ll try it.”

Whereas if I go to them and say, “Do you know what they’re doing to those animals?” People get mad. They get mad! Which totally puzzles me. I’m like, how can you be mad? If you’re so mad, do something to stop that. But don’t be mad at me because I’m telling you.

highinfatuation.com

Photos: Keith Ladzinski ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 15

Sally FITZGIBBONS INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Sally Fitzgibbons: There’s not much that doesn’t get me stoked. I love what I do and am so passionate about it that I get stoked on the simplest things - watching the sunrise, walking on the beach, going for a run through the forest or along the coast. One of my all time favorite things is surfing amazing waves with my family and best friends. When everyone is catching great waves and out in the line up telling stories and having a laugh, you have the best times. I also get really psyched surfing or running in the rain.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

SF: Getting along with one and other isn’t meant to be difficult.

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

16 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

“Running is like a form of meditation for me and a great way to clear my head. I also enjoy doing my meditation and breathing sessions down on the beach, eyes closed and listening to all the amazing beach acoustics going on around me.”

SF: Behind The Smile is a Red Bull project that I have been filming for the last year or so following my journey towards trying to become the ASP Women’s World Surfing Champion. I was runner-up from 2010 2012 and was third in 2013, so it’s more about the hard work that I put in and what drives me to keep pushing towards my ultimate goal. It was an interesting process sharing the good times and the tough ones and I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, but I am really happy with the final product. It will be shown on Free to air TV in Australia, Youtube, and Red Bull TV next month.

MP: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

SF: I love going on really long adventure runs out on the trails or along the coastal sea cliffs. I don’t really have a set course; I just see where I end up. Running is like a form of meditation for me and a great way to clear my head. I also enjoy doing my meditation and breathing sessions down on the beach, eyes closed and listening to all the amazing beach acoustics going on around me.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

SF: You can always work harder, and we are capable of extraordinary things.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

SF: I love to surf.

Sally is an Australian born and raised sportswoman and personality. Currently competing on the ASP Women’s World Tour and has ranked in the top 3 in the World for the past 4 years. Sally supports a healthy and active lifestyle for all and is an ambassador for Be The Influence and Play Safe Stay Safe campaigns to stop binge drinking. Another ambassador role she has taken on is Nev House, a rubbish recycling program in third world countries to produce effective housing solutions for the poor. sallyfitzgibbons.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 17

Neil Amonson Bad Ass Bomb Squad Daredevil, World-Class Crossfitter, Top Level Sky Diver, Wingsuit Pilot, and All Around Inspiration

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INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

I get older, it’s less “ Asabout the adrenaline

rush and now I want to squeeze the most value out of everything I am doing. It demands that you’re totally present and completely aware.

”

Note: My dictaphone got caught in his beard.

Maranda Pleasant: What’s some of the crazy shit you’ve done?

Neil Amonson: We hung Olympic rings under a hot air balloon for muscle ups.

Crossfit headquarters called and said let’s film it. We had a helicopter filming it, and then I parachuted down. I love the community and functional fitness about Crossfit.

MP: What drives you?

PHOTO: Matt Harbicht

NA: Movement. I have energy that I need to move.

MP: What pushes you?

NA: Extreme sports force really authentic expressions. These sports, because of their level of intensity, force you to have to be real and evaluate who you are, where you are, and why you are doing it. As I get older, it’s less about the adrenaline rush and now I want to squeeze the most value out of everything I am doing. It demands that you’re totally present and completely aware.

MP: What inspires you and makes you want to get out of bed?

NA: For now, going to the next level deeper interests me. I like to ask why. Going to the place you don’t know and staying in that confusing chaotic place until you start to learn what that is and getting comfortable with that [inspires me]. Going deeper inspires me.

GoProBombSqaud.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 19

Heidi Wirtz // The North Face Ambassador My passions of connecting with nature and exploring beyond my edge have helped to carve a path through my life. They have taken me around the world, encouraged growth and expansion, and pushed me to create an adventure yoga retreat business called Earth Play Retreats (EPR). EPR is a vehicle for me to share what I truly care about with others, helping people find and pursue their own unique passions while offering a truly transformative experience through outdoor adventures, mindful movement and yoga.

PHOTO: John Lloyd omgym.com 20 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

earthplayretreats.com

“

JAMIE ANDERSON, PROFESSIONAL SNOWBOARDER ORGANIC INDIA AMBASSADOR

“Live with love, kindness, and compassion. Give back with love and spread the conscious vibration of living for each other!”

ITSJAMIEANDERSON.COM

”

ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 21

bonnie jill laflin interview: maranda pleasant

BONNIE IS THE First and Only Female Scout in the NBA.

Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Bonnie-Jill Laflin: My passions are animals, the military, sports, and family (not necessarily in that order). That pretty much sums me up.

MP: What makes you feel vulnerable?

BJL: Thinking I may not be able to achieve all my goals.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

BJL: That we need to care about our planet and – since I am an animal activist – also that we need to be kind to our animals. Why not try going green, recycling, becoming a vegetarian, etc.? I just returned from South Africa and conservation of our wildlife is so important. (We have) many endangered species, because of human’s greed, and we need to protect them. I love this quote by Gandhi, “The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated.”

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

BJL: I don’t always deal with stress well, so a combination of exercise like yoga and meditating and my relationship with God helps.

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

BJL: As a sportscaster, I have different tv and radio shows I’m always working on but my attention is focused strongly on my show in China - the first sports show in China. Also, I am relaunching my clothing line called Doubleplay Sportswear (sports apparel for women) and beginning a terrific new line of nail polish called The Bonnie-Jill Collection, which is designed for womenon-the-go. And naturally, I am very involved in my philanthropy work with both the military and animal welfare.

MP: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

BJL: I try to remember to make time for me in between my hectic schedule. Things like yoga, pilates, massage, reading, and praying really help me keep track of what’s important in life. Of course, the support of my family and friends is crucial.

MP: What’s been one of youR biggest lessons so far in your life?

BJL: Don’t take things or people for granted.

I have lost people who were very close to me and cherish the time I was able to have with them.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

BJL: There’s a God and eternal life. Being a positive person and positive energy creates the opportunity for good things to happen.

HoundsandHeroes.com BonnieJill.com

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Lauren Pech: Founder, Lionhearted Kids www.lionheartedkids.org Carmen Visser Photography

www.bepresent.com 1.877.747.7202 info@bepresent.com

ANDY LEWIS BASE Jumper, rock climber, and forefather of the slackliner phenomenon, Andy Lewis has set world records in the art of competitive tricklining. His masterful hijinks have garnered the attention of celebrities like Madonna, who recruited Lewis for the Super Bowl halftime show in February 2012.

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: When you’re walking across these canyons—it’s pretty frightening even looking at the pictures—what is going through your mind when you are on that very tiny rope?

Andy Lewis: There’s a lot of things that go through your mind when you’re walking on a highline like that. Fear is one of them.

Nothing about your groceries. It’s very present. It brings you very into the moment.

And being in the moment is really cool; it’s interesting. It’s interesting how it affects your emotions. It shows you what’s important in life, who you care about. Especially when you take a leash off. When you really have to— you’re walking over canyons, and that panic attack? It straightens out your brain. It helps you realize what really is important to you, who you really care about, what you really want to do with your life. If you died that day, what would you regret not having done? That’s kind of what it brings to light: what do I want to do with the rest of my life? And that’s, I guess, what I think about. Focusing on the moment, focusing on where I want to go, but also focusing on where I am right now.

PHOTOS: scott rogers 24 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

R I C H RO LL FINDING ULTRA

Conventional wisdom would say that an athlete cannot perform on plants alone. But I am living proof that this is false, and I have ample research to support this position. Personally, I cannot overemphasize the difference this has made in my own life, a secret weapon for enhanced athletic performance and overall long-term wellness. In the last two years, I have not gotten sick or even suffered a cold.

PHOTO: John Segesta

richroll.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 25

The North Face trail ultrarunner “The truth is, in a society built on a faulty foundation that values sex, eternal youth, and success driven by ego, we have to truly learn to construct our own foundation based on spirituality, love, and truth.”

Ashley Hunter Arnold

I NTE RV I E W : M A R A ND A P L E A S A NT

Despite being a competitive trail ultrarunner, Ashley Arnold claims that beating her competitors isn’t what drives her to race and run hard. She talks rather esoterically about surrendering as a driving force for running ultra distance (races that are over marathon distance) and her overall holistic approach to competition.

Ashley Hunter Arnold: When it comes to sports, you always hear people talking about focusing your mind and the importance of mental toughness. I don’t quite agree with it. While my mind can be decisive and logical, it can just as easily bring me to physical pain, to fear, and ultimately, defeat. During a race, that sort of volatility is dangerous. It’s so rooted in being human. Instead, to really achieve anything in a race, I have to escape it; I have to surrender to landscape.

AHA: I grew up as a competitive gymnast and modern dancer. By the time I went to high school, the importance of a small, child-like body was so lodged in my being I guess I decided—albeit subconsciously—it mattered more than anything. It determined things like self worth and beauty. It was my body that would make me successful, never mind my being. It was that idea that finally, after 14 years of struggling with an eating disorder—first anorexia and then bulimia—forced me so far into a corner that I suddenly found myself looking desperately for help. I’d found my rock bottom.

Mountainous landscape feels like a God to me. To travel high into the mountains with just my feet, to feel the ache of long-distance running in my legs, in my chest, the labored breathing from ascending difficult terrain to the point that even your sweat tastes like mountain, that’s the closest feeling to completeness I think I ever feel. It’s transcendence I’m after.

I know so many people with eating disorders and everyone I know has immeasurable feelings of shame. Until recently, I did too. But the truth is, an eating disorder is just something that can have a hold on us.

Astrologer/psychotherapist Debra Silverman told me that and she catapulted me to start this road to recovery. In just 20 minutes she did that.

In 20 minutes, a lifetime of shame bled out. That was early this January.

To run 100 miles and to enjoy it, you have to let go of everything that is physical. And in doing that, you find yourself. It’s the absence of mind and body that frees us. Ultrarunning is a means to finding that freedom, a means to breaking our reality barrier. And the harder I push during a race, the more walls I break down.

It’s hard to expel that dark-matter energy. But the point is: you can. And I’m doing it. Sure, some days I still feel so fucking bad I can’t stand to be in my skin, but even then, I feel better because I feel myself shifting.

Maranda Pleasant: What are your philosophies behind competition?

MP: Eating disorders are a rampant, but often under-the-radar problem in your sport. You recently came to terms with your own disorder. Tell us how it happened.

PHOTO: Hunter ImagerY

The truth is, in a society built on a faulty foundation that values sex, eternal youth, and success driven by ego, we have to truly learn to construct our own foundation based on spirituality, love, and truth. We need a platform that has room to run.

ashleyhunterarnold.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 27

MAZ KESSLER, FOUNDER OF

CATAPULT Interview : Maranda Pleasant A crowdfunding platform dedicated to equality, Catapult envisions a world where girls and women are ensured of their basic equal and human rights.

Maranda Pleasant: What are the issues you feel most passionate about?

Maz Kessler: At Catapult, we’re passionate about advancing equality worldwide. As part of the rising global movement for equality that’s gathering momentum everywhere, girls’ and women’s rights occupy a crucial role in almost every area – economic, social, legal and environmental.

But it’s incredibly important that we find ways to work differently to advance the cause of girls’ and women’s rights. It’s time to get out of the bubble that gender equality has been stuck in, stop talking to ourselves, and reach out to new audiences, embracing innovative new ways of collaborating and communicating.

This isn’t your mother’s women’s movement anymore. The emergence of young, articulate global leaders like Malala Yousfrazai, the rising awareness of violence and rape everywhere, and the incredible opportunities for change that technology brings, are all powerful drivers for a new generation of engaged global citizens.

We believe it’s vital that boys and men stand together with us to champion girls’ and women’s human rights, and we want to do everything we can to help make that happen. Social movements can’t succeed if half the population is not involved, and welcomed.

We believe passionately that girls and women are not victims, but agents of change in their own lives. They know how to make the change that’s needed, but they definitely need funds and support. Funding for equal rights worldwide is so incredibly low – that’s why we started Catapult – to create a digital funding engine to fuel the change. We need to keep breaking down the obstacles that block access to education, capital, legal rights, and health.

PHOTO: Rachael Wright 28 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Lastly, it’s fundamentally important to us that people are able to choose exactly where their money goes. No one needs to make this decision for us anymore. Catapult helps people use the open democracy of the web to choose girls’ and women’s projects closest to their hearts.

They can then track progress, engage, and hold project leaders directly accountable for their goals, their budgets, and their results. This approach – participating in the solution – is key to today’s young and rising global citizenship movement.

MP: Tell me about where Catapult is, nearly a year after its launch.

MK: Catapult launched more than a year ago, on the first ever Day of

the Girl, October 11, 2012. The results have been incredible! We were able to make more than 280 grants to 84 organizations in 81 countries!

It has felt like the best possible shopping spree ever – four million dollars on girls’ and women’s rights.

Catapult is different from some other crowdfunding platforms because we are also a non-profit organization. Unlike other platforms, 100% of the money raised for projects on Catapult goes to the non-profit partners. We don’t take a fee from donors or from organizations to use our platform.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

MK: Less than six percent of grantmaking in the U.S. goes to girls’ and women’s causes/organizations. Yet investing in girls and women is one of the most cost-effective ways to improve the world.

catapult.org

By Amy Merrill

One Vision, Many Paths: The Survivor-led Movement to End Sex Slavery

I

I work for a Cambodian woman and former sex slave named Somaly Mam. She doesn’t know her real name, or her birthday; she was sold at age 12 and suffered nearly a decade of rape and abuse in the brothels of Phnom Penh. But Somaly states in her memoir that her own story is not important—she is simply giving a voice to the voiceless, to help others to truly understand the depth of this atrocity.

And she’s partly right: Somaly’s experience is not unique. There are an estimated 30 million slaves in the world today, with 2 million women and children sold into the sex trade each year, and 100,000 underage victims within US borders. What sets her story apart is her course of action after escaping from the brothel, beginning with the rescue of just one girl, and then a few more. To date, Somaly estimates that she has assisted over 4,000 women and children in Cambodia alone, and her non-governmental organization AFESIP (Agir Pour les Femmes en Situation Précaire), founded in 1996 has become the largest shelter network in Southeast Asia.

AFESIP’s holistic approach ensures that victims not only escape the brothels but have the emotional and economic strength to

face the future with hope. Services include outreach and rescue, counseling and medical care, skills training and basic education, and reintegration support to help a woman find work or start her own business.

This is no quick fix. In Somaly’s words, it takes five minutes to save a girl from the brothel, but five years, or longer, to recover her. Each center has created a nurturing, family-like environment to help its 70 residents overcome challenges like mistrust, medical complications, PTSD, and illiteracy.

But rescue and recovery is only part of eradication of slavery, and the State Department outlines three P’s—Prevention, Protection, and Prosecution—as the fundamental framework for diplomatic, economic, political, legal, and cultural contexts. In real terms, this means targeting the “johns” or clients, passing and enforcing victim-protection laws, and fostering partnerships across borders and economic strata. I would add a fourth fundamental: People. We must mobilize a critical mass of individuals worldwide to merge their compassion with real action. Here are a few ways to begin:

PHOTOS: (TOP LEFT) Michael AngelO (TOP RIGHT) HAYLEY WELGUS

“In Somaly’s words, it takes five minutes to save a girl from the brothel, but five years, or longer, to recover her.”

1. Connect.

Like SMF on Facebook and follow @SomalyMam on Twitter, Tumblr, and YouTube. Repost/reblog/retweet. Visit www.somaly.org, join the mailing list, and learn about PROJECT FUTURES global, our network of passionate volunteers who are using what they know and who they know to raise awareness and funds for SMF in their communities.

2. Share. As William Wilberforce once said, “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.” Pass along articles, stories, posts, or Somaly’s memoir, Road of Lost Innocence, to friends and family.

3. Support.

Just $10 could provide a week’s worth of food for a girl in the center, and a $50 monthly recurring donation supports these needs year-round.

Alternatively, buy a $15 survivor-made Akun (“thank you”) bracelet and wear it as a conversation-starter.

We cannot reach our full potential as a global community until we share the responsibility of eradication, and achieve the vision of a world where women and children are safe from slavery. somaly.org ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 29

Ornaments of Spirit Interview with Ken Wilber Chris Grosso So what exactly does one ask when given the rare opportunity to interview one of the world’s great contemporary minds, authors, and philosophers, Ken Wilber? Well, as much as possible, right? An obvious go-to question I had to indulge in was regarding the nature of human existence and the process of “waking up.”

KW

Ken Wilber: One of the

extraordinary things about awakening is that it carries with it the realization that there is only Spirit. Even the things of the world that we look at as problems are simply part of the way the world manifests because it does so in terms of opposites.

You can’t have good without evil, pleasure without pain, and so on. So, what this realization does is it helps you see beyond those opposites. The Upanishads call this experience “beyond the pairs,” and when that happens, you are then at the fundamental ground-awareness where everything is Spirit.

And that’s the way things originally were before Spirit manifested or the big bang occurred. There was no soul, no body, and no mind—at least as far as we can tell.

So imagine, here you are for billions of years as Spirit, basking in your own bliss, but

eventually, what are you going to do if you want any kind of surprise? You’re going to have to forget you’re Spirit and so begins Lila—the sport, or play, of life. Spirit forgets that it’s Spirit and condenses to a smaller version of itself, which is soul. Soul forgets that it’s soul and condenses to mind. Mind forgets that it’s mind and condenses to body. Body forgets that it’s body and condenses to the lowest dimension that you can have, which is matter. And this is where the big bang blows into existence, leaving nothing but inert matter scattered across the universe. And from there, matter begins evolving back to Spirit and, when it’s reached, the whole process begins over again for the billionth time.

Humanity is currently somewhere right between mind and soul, and soul is really starting to emerge in the world at large. That is, if humanity doesn’t destroy the planet first, which is always a possibility because as Spirit threw itself out there that included free will.

So, if we don’t blow ourselves up first, soul will

become as common of a mature development in adults as mind currently is and, eventually, Spirit will become the common experience for humanity.

But let’s not forget that what is looking out of your eyes and hearing with your ears right now is already Spirit. And that Spirit, that I AMness, is always present in all sentient beings.

Erwin Schrödinger said, “Consciousness is a singular, the plural of which is unknown.” And I like that because it’s another way of saying there really is just one Spirit. Everything is a manifestation of that Spirit, and that’s why everything that’s arising around us is an ornament of Spirit—a twinkling on the surface of a deep spiritual reality itself.

This is an extremely brief excerpt from our roughly three-hour conversation (which can be streamed or downloaded in its entirety for free at TheIndieSpiritualist.com).

Chris Grosso is an independent culturist, freelance writer, spiritual aspirant, recovering addict, and musician. He created the popular hub for all things alternative, independent, and spiritual with TheIndieSpiritualist.com and continues the exploration with his book, Indie Spiritualist: A No Bullshit Exploration of Spirituality.

TheIndieSpiritualist.com

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Reverend Mpho Tutu Interview: Maranda Pleasant

Author and Executive Director of The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation

Maranda Pleasant: Tell me about

your latest project.

Mpho Tutu: The Book of Forgiving, which I have written with my father. Forgiveness is something that we are often asked to grant and very few of us ever have the roadmap of how to get from the pain that we have experienced to being able to forgive someone.

So, this book offers a manual and a handbook for forgiveness.

MP: How has the process of writing

this book with your father affected your relationship with him?

“Forgiveness is something that we are often asked to grant and very few of us ever have the roadmap of how to get from the pain that we have experienced to being able to forgive someone.”

MT: I always enjoy writing with my father.

I wrote the book Made for Goodness with him two years ago, and I love writing with him because he is so clear sighted and so pure thinking. I think that the biggest effect on my relationship of writing the book has been that I see him more and more as my hero.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

MT: I can’t control what happens to me, but I can control how I respond to it.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

MT: Actually, honestly, it is that we can arrive at better solutions to any problem or pain together than we can by ourselves. The beauty of the modern age is that you are able to source answers, and sometimes the genius is in the combination of ideas and energy that does not reside in only one person.

MP: Why is forgiveness so important?

MT: We can carry the burden of hurt throughout our lives. We can make the hurt that we have experienced the defining aspect of our stories of ourselves. That means that somebody else gets to say who we are, somebody else gets to decide how we feel, and somebody else gets to decide how we see the world. Forgiveness not only frees us from the burden of someone else’s opinion of us, but it allows us the opportunity to really write a story of ourselves that we can love, enjoy, relish, and live into.

MP: Have you struggled with forgiveness?

MT: I don’t struggle to forgive people. I find it quite easy to forgive people for the harms

PHOTOS: ORYX MEDIA 2013

that they have inflicted on me. What I do find challenging is to forgive people for the harms they inflict on my daughters and family. So, I find it challenging when I see somebody else experience hurt. I also look at my children and family and then I realize, I don’t stand inside their skin and that is for me a forgiveness practice I still need to engage in.

The Reverend MPHO A. TUTU is currently the executive director of The Desmond & Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation and has run ministries for children in Worcester, Massachusetts; for rape survivors in Grahamstown, South Africa; and for refugees from South Africa and Namibia at the Phelps Stokes Fund in New York City. She is pursuing a doctorate on the subject of forgiveness from Vrije University, Amsterdam.

With her father, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, she has authored Made for Goodness and, now, The Book of Forgiving.

Tutu.org.za/publications ForgivenessChallenge.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 31

INTERVIEW WITH

WILLIAM SHUTKIN President

OF Presidio Graduate School

BY MEGHAN FRENCH DUNBAR

Despite the skepticism and nay-saying, an exciting new energy industry and a bold new economy are being born before our eyes, though the birthing process will be decades-long.

It’s history in the making.

Meghan French Dunbar: What makes you come alive?

William Shutkin: So many things: skiing knee-deep powder through the trees with my two children, Shepard and Olivia; running trails in the Presidio through the cypress groves and fog just above Baker Beach; the smell of Acme sourdough; strumming a guitar on my porch overlooking the Flatirons; any hike at Point Reyes; the Golden Gate Bridge.

MFD: What is inspiring to you right now?

WS: The rise of the solar industry in the US, with employment growth of 20 percent last year alone. That’s 56 jobs a day. Despite the skepticism and nay-saying, an exciting new energy industry and a bold new economy are being born before our eyes, though the birthing process will be decades-long. It’s history in the making.

Also, the success of EOS Climate, a Presidio Graduate School-built company working with Dupont, BP, and other global corporations to eliminate ozone depleting substances, which are 14,000 times more harmful than conventional greenhouse gases. EOS Climate is a model California cleantech company and a harbinger of the great green enterprises to come here and elsewhere.

MFD: Tell me about your latest project.

WS: I’m working on an essay for The Great Transition, a project of the Boston-based Tellus Institute inviting thought leaders from the around the world to offer up their ideas on the most important trends and challenges of the 21st century. I’m looking at the changing nature of business in the US and the evolution of new business models integrating public good and private gain.

MFD: How do you see higher education changing?

WS: The Great Recession, technology, student debt, and globalization are among the key forces causing a sea change in the way we view and deliver higher education. For the first time in American history, students and parents are questioning the value of a college or graduate degree, forcing changes at both established and newer institutions. At the same time, the quality and variety of higher education offerings have never been greater or more inspiring. From the “flipped” classroom and for-profits to MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) and specialized certificates, innovation is happening across the industry at an unprecedented scale, providing access and inspiration to students around the world, many of whom might never have dreamed of a college-level education.

MFD: Why is sustainability in the business world so important?

WS: Because business is so important, and businesses that place people and the health of the planet alongside profits as their core values are redefining capitalism as a force for good.

Meanwhile, consumers, investors, and insurers, without whom businesses don’t exist, are increasingly coming to realize that their physical and financial health depend on sustainable businesses and want to put their money behind them. At Presidio Graduate School, we believe one day, all businesses will be sustainable businesses or they’ll be out of business. It’s existential. And it doesn’t get much more important than that.

A renowned social entrepreneur, educator, author, and attorney, William Shutkin is the President and CEO of the Presidio Graduate School, where he is also the Richard M. Gray Fellow in Sustainability Practice. The legendary David Brower described him as “an environmental visionary creating solutions to today’s problems with a passion that would make John Muir and Martin Luther King equally proud.”

presidioedu.org 32 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Battling the Obesity Epidemic in Our Schools Through Health Education NICHOLAS FERRONI

“As a child, I wanted to be a superhero, philosopher, actor, philanthropist, comedian, psychologist and Indiana Jones... So I became a teacher.”

As an educator, who continues to witness the health of his students decline year after year, it has become obvious that all the experts, politicians, and school boards fail to do the one thing that will reverse the obesity epidemic. Providing nutrition education and an understanding about proper nutrition is the only way to change what is becoming a self-inflicted and historic crisis for Americans.

It is imperative to educate students, not only in a high school health class, but as early as possible. Nutrition education and nutritious food options are only part of the problem, though a large part; it’s the declining standards and requirements needed in physical education classes that also have a large effect on the declining health of our children and students. Instead of increasing the levels of activity required in a PE class, it seems that states are decreasing the levels in order to cater to our larger number of inactive and obese students. So, they are literally doing the complete opposite of what they should do

and, in turn, are making children unhealthier. States should increase the level of activity required and assume that PE classes may be the only form of physical activity that students receive on a daily basis, excluding those involved in sports and other after school activities.

As long as schools give their food vendor contracts to the lowest bidder, and not those that have the highest quality, students will not only continue to decline in health, but their academics will be affected as well. Until this is reversed, I, along with nearly every other teacher, will find ourselves combating students and their inability to focus, not because of their lack of interest, but due to their lethargic behavior which is absolutely related to their school lunch.

Instead of being quick to medicate students, or even suspend students who have issues with controlling their behavior, parents and educators should get them a gym membership. Over the years, I have found immense success with students who were considered unreachable or even hopeless, and they learned commitment, work ethic, self-control, and teamwork, as well as many other qualities that they can apply to life. After joining the gym, my students have not only improved their grades, but they went on to be role models and mentors to other students.

Providing nutrition education and an understanding about proper nutrition is the only way to change what is becoming a self-inflicted and historic crisis for Americans.

Nicholas Ferroni is a nationally recognized educator and youth advocate. This former actor turned teacher, writer, and host was recently named one of the 100 most influential people in America for his commitment to education reform and unconventional teaching methodology, and was also named one of Men’s Fitness Magazine’s “25 Fittest Men in the World.” Nicholas is currently developing a history show pilot, which he will be hosting, and is also working on his celebrity charity book titled The Awkward Album, which will reveal some of our most beloved celebrities’ awkward childhood photos and moments to show every child that everyone (including celebrities) goes through awkward and insecure moments in their youth.

PHOTOS: JUAN CESPEDES ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 33

Interview: Gina Murdock

Misha Collins

GISHWHES stands for the Greatest International Scavenger Hunt the World Has Ever Seen. It’s a worldwide Guinness World Record breaking scavenger hunt hosted by actor Misha Collins that takes place once a year for seven days and involves thousands of people in over 100 countries. Participants create wild art, do acts of service in their community, and perform public “performance” acts. Many claim it’s life changing and, in some cases, can help people with their social anxieties.

Gina Murdock: Beyond having people create wild art and do crazy things, why did you start the Hunt?

Misha Collins: I’ve been compiling a list of art project ideas for a long time. These are ideas of things I would love to see someday.

They range from the practical—jackets with woodstoves in them—to the sublime — images of nuns on waterslides. The problem was I didn’t want to do them all. The first scavenger hunt was largely an attempt to crowdsource gishwhes.com

34 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

smallest to the largest - will inspire others into thinking, “I can do that.”

GM: Can you give us any hints of an item or two next year?

MC: Yes. There will be something relating to William Shatner and carrier pigeons.

GM: What inspires you most about the participants and your fans?

MC: The vast majority of these people are not artists or performers, but once they commit, what they create is mind-blowing. It’s fun to see people blow through their own perceived limitations. The way I see it, the more people in full scuba gear we can get to attend a packed ballet class, the better off the world is. Clearly. this list. 300 people participated and they loved it and I loved it. So, I did it again.

GM: Your team sent me some stats: over 110,000 global hugs, 94,000 random acts of kindness, 1,700 pints of blood donated, over 400 diaper drives, and over 300 sock puppet shows in children’s hospitals. You’re using crowdsourcing and gaming as a way to help communities worldwide. Do you think people enjoy the “game” or the “service” more in these acts?

MC: I think those are like two wings of the same bird (albeit a weird one). It takes both to make GISHWHES fly. If it were pure whimsy, I don’t think participants would get fired up about it, and if it were a no-fun charity, I wouldn’t get fired up about it.

GM: They also sent me some other rather unique stats: over 250 nuns on watersides or tree swings, over 800 people dressed up like pastries, 222 “hair violins,” 470 people riding on camels using smartphones to find water, over 30 senators or representatives wearing sock monkey hats. Since laughing is part of good health, what’s been your favorite crazy or humiliating item over the years?

MC: The image of a person completely covered in cotton candy made me laugh the most.

I’m not sure why. To me, being tarred and feathered in sugar is just good comedy.

GM: Have you actually personally completed any of the items on any of your lists?

MC: God no. I still have some self-respect.

GM: I read online that GISHWHES sometimes helps or can be a break for people with social anxieties. Why do you think this is?

MC: Well, I think participating in GISHWHES is a crash course in facing our

fears: people go to crowded shopping malls wearing scuba gear, order from a fast food restaurant in Shakespearean verse or jump out of airplanes among many other tasks. The Hunt ranges from being hilarious to terrifying to humiliating to (some say) life changing.

And this can all happen in one day. Once people get through it, they start to realize, “Hey. I did that. And you know what? It was fun and I’m still alive.” If you can dress as a stormtrooper and go to a laundromat, or wear a sexy cheese gown in public, you might start to find “normal” social interactions a little less daunting. There’s also the community service component to it: helping others pulls us out of our own problems. And so does dressing up like frogs and playing leap frog in a Starbucks.

Who would’ve known?

GM: The GISHWHES “list” is comprised of over 150 nearly impossible items that teams of 15 must complete in seven days. Why do people do it? What do they get out of it?

MC: Obviously, a higher place in the afterlife.

GM: Kale plays a big part in the Hunt, both in the copy on the website as well as in items on the list. Clearly Kale is good for you, but is there a reason for its prevalence in the Hunt?

MC: I love kale. I bake it. I sauté it. I juice it.

I massage it. I want other people to join the cult-of-kale. (Full disclosure: I’m a pawn of the very powerful American Kale lobby.)

GM: Part of the use of proceeds from the Hunt goes to supporting the charity you cofounded, Random Acts 501c3.“ Random Acts” seems to cover a lot of possible activities.

How do you or they choose what activities to support?

MC: We look for acts that pack the biggest service or emotional punch for the buck.

Our hope is that our funded acts – from the

GM: You recently helped complete a children’s orphanage and school in Haiti as part of Random Acts. What did you learn from that project? How many kids were affected and how can people who want to get involved join in and start living a life of supernatural service like you?

MC: I was surprised and inspired by how many people stepped up to help us get this project completed. We had thousands of global donors contributing to complete a project that will ultimately, over the years, impact thousands of children in Haiti. The vast majority of these donors will never see the Center nor meet the children in person. I suppose “giving without expecting anything in return” isn’t something new, but it always pushes your happy button when you do it or see it. As far as living a life of service, I’d say don’t pressure yourself. Don’t worry about what others think you should do or what the societal “norm” is.

Do what moves you and makes you smile and the “good” will follow.

110,000 global hugs

94 , 000 random acts of kindness

1,700 pints of blood donated

gishwhes.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 35

Healing from Disordered Eating Written By: The Barbi Twins

“Eating raw and vegan was like dancing with the planet, becoming one with the earth, and our former obsession with our weight became completely irrelevant.”

My sister and I, known as Shane and Sia Barbi or the Barbi Twins, grew up in an entertainment family, but as young tomboy vegetarians, we wanted no part of that world.

In fact, we used to make fun of people obsessed with superficial appearances.

Yet, a decade later, when we became famous by accident and started our modeling career with Playboy, we got caught up in the body image insecurities that strike about three in five girls. Soon we were struggling with severe eating disorders: bulimia, vomiting, diuretics, and over-exercising up to 15 hours a day. We were completely obsessed with weight and diets and were destroying our health in the process.

We finally saw that the body image problem and eating disorders came from an empty feeling inside and that we were simply numbing ourselves with food. This is a sickness that is built on secrets, so the first step of our recovery was to be honest with ourselves that we had a problem. We learned that the nature of addiction is to focus on a goal, like weight, and kill everything and anything in the way to get to the end product of that so-called goal. The real awakening to our happiness came when we finally let go of our control issues with food and weight, transitioning the goal into just being healthy and living in harmony with PHOTOs: Morgan Eagle 36 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

the planet. Weight became the byproduct of living healthy – in body, mind, and soul. We had the freedom to take our minds off of our bodies, which brought balance, harmony, and kindness into our lives.

Understanding the role of cravings was critical to breaking away from our addictive behavior and evolving to a healthy, spiritual state.

Cravings are a trigger and culprit for those with eating disorders. They are caused when we detox from foods that are not good for us, usually about 24 hours later. The best way to clean out the body and eliminate cravings is to switch to clean, natural foods like fruit, nuts, and vegetables, which don’t create cravings.

This switch will rest the body, provide the hydration and fiber needed to slow down the sugar level in our blood, and allow us to listen for real hunger, instead of being driven by cravings or mistaking thirst for hunger.

Veganism in particular – especially a raw, vegan diet – is a natural transition and better option for bulimics for a variety of reasons.

First of all, nature’s foods are perfect snacks, as they are a perfect balanced ratio of protein, carbs, and fat, which fills you up. Plus, these natural raw foods are easily digested and metabolized without dirty residue, detoxing the poisons in your body and giving you more

energy to burn fat. Best of all, when you achieve a healthy state you will begin to glow from within. The body doesn’t lie.

For us, far beyond the physical benefits, shifting to a kind, compassionate, vegan diet made us aware of the planet when we ate, instead of simply indulging our senses. We no longer simply entertained our mouths, but ate as if we were continuing a harmonious balance with nature. Eating raw and vegan was like dancing with the planet, becoming one with the earth, and our former obsession with our weight became completely irrelevant. barbitwins.com

Executive Director of

THE Center for Environmental Health

MICHAEL GREEN INTERVIEW BY: PAUL MILLER

Paul Miller: Where did you get the passion that compelled you to start the Center for Environmental Health?

Michael Green: When I was an eighteen-year-old college freshman in Boston, I walked along the Charles River and had an epiphany. I felt the connection between the city’s vitality and the fact that the river was too polluted to swim in or drink from.

I knew there had to be a better way. That week, I applied to transfer to UC Berkeley to study environmental policy, which set me on the path I’m on today. Along the way, I worked for Mother Theresa, the Dalai Lama’s Government-in-Exile, and the US EPA and Department of Energy.

PM: How is the Center for Environmental Health different from other environmental groups?

MG: We focus on families and their health.

Industries now use more than 84,000 chemicals, most of which are totally untested for their effects on people. It’s a reckless experiment, and families are the guinea pigs.

We work in support of everyone’s right to lead a healthy life without the threat of cancer and other diseases brought on by these chemicals. We love trees and whales, but we’re trying to save the people.

PM: What I love about the Center for Environmental Health is its relentless approach to making more transparent and intelligible the issues facing modern society.

“

We’ll keep protecting children, pregnant women, and their families from this reckless science experiment.

MG: Parents intuitively get that their children and families need clean air, safe water, healthy food, and toxic-free products. We take that awareness and connect it to what’s going on all around us. It’s heady stuff, but parents become powerful advocates when they see how global supply chains can affect their kids.

So when CEH started looking at hormonealtering chemicals in plastics, I had my son’s favorite sippy cup tested. Sure enough, his cup tested positive for these chemicals. These issues affect all of us, and ultimately, everyone can relate.

PM: Why is environmental justice important to CEH? MG: Children in low-income communities

of color are exposed to a more toxic stew of health-threatening chemicals than children in affluent communities. This is one of the grave moral failures of our day, and we are honored to support those communities that are doing something about it.

PM: What’s next for THE Center for Environmental Health?

MG: We’ll keep protecting children, pregnant

women, and their families from this reckless science experiment. For example, nap mats and furniture contain cancer-causing flameretardant chemicals. These chemicals are now in the bodies of every American, but as used in these products the chemicals don’t actually protect us from fires. We’re using the law and the marketplace to create incentives for manufacturers to remove these unnecessary toxic chemicals.

We’re also taking on fracking companies, who refuse to disclose the harmful chemicals they use, even though communities across the country know that fracking is polluting their air and water.

We’re working for new chemical policies that require companies to show their products are safe before they bring them to market -- so businesses will profit by making the safest, most sustainable products. That’s a long-term win for business and for families.

CEH.ORG ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 37

ERYKAH BADU on health, diet, and nurturing herself

BY MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: How do you stay grounded in the middle of chaos?

Erykah Badu: I guess it’s the daily routine. I

don’t have any particular thing I do ritualistically; I do the same thing every day. I get up, drink a lot of water, have a wheatgrass shot, drink some green juice, and eat as healthy as I can. I’m not trying to win an award for being the best vegetarian; I just want to be healthy. I take a salt bath and do things that my parents were never able to do. I’m blessed to do anything I want, so I decide to take the best care of my body and my family in the same way.

Holistically. Vitally.

MP: What inspired you to become a vegan?

EB: The diet, really. Honestly, I was already

a vegetarian. I was studying to be a holistic health practitioner. I just learned a lot more. I went to a different degree or level of health. I started to study and understand how the body actually works and what was best for it. That’s really how I started eating that way.

I never call myself a “vegan” or anything like that. I call myself that for the sake of the foods that I eat. But I really don’t like to be associated with an organization or a team of anything. I’m just eating as healthy as I can, and I think I define it as “vegan” because I don’t eat any sugar or eggs, meat or dairy, or products that are made with chemicals.

That’s why I eat the way I eat. That’s the reason why I choose to nurture myself because I learned it was the best way.

PHOTO: Phil Knott 38 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

erykah-badu.com

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

rodrigo sanchez Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Rodrigo Sanchez: My own shadows do.

I look for them everyday to own them, and then disown them again in order to be conscious of any form of suffering or happiness I go through.

MP: What makes you feel vulnerable?

RS: To accept that as there are many things

I have control over, there are many others I do not. Feeling vulnerable is not necessarily a bad thing, especially if one shares that vulnerability with others.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

RS: Try not to be a dick.

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

RS: I do long runs; I meditate; I engage in

Guitar Legend Rodrigo Sanchez of Rodrigo y Gabriela.

physical activities as much as possible, and try to get close to my family and friends.

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

RS: We have a new album out called 9 Dead

Alive, which is coming out at the end of April.

MP: How do you keep your center in the

middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

RS: Everyday, I’m thankful for what I have, and I remind myself of what really matters in life.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

What makes you come alive?

“My own shadows do. I look for them everyday to own them and then disown them again in order to be conscious of any form of suffering or happiness I go through.”

RS: That I can’t jump to conclusions or judgements.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

RS: The love I feel for my loved ones. rodgab.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 39

// Interview: Maranda Pleasant

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//

The legendary singer-songwriter on the power of music and finding gratitude.

Pleasant: What is it that makes Q MP: Has blues music transformed you?

Q Maranda you feel deeply vulnerable as a woman?

Joan Osborne: Oh, deeply vulnerable as a woman — to love someone not knowing whether they love me in return.

Q MP: What do you do with your pain?

JO: I try to bear it and not panic. I try to remember that it’s got an expiration date, even if I don’t know when that expiration date is. And I try to use it as fuel for my work.

Q

MP: When it’s time to let go of

something personally, is there a way you use your craft to let go?

JO: Well, yes. This is something I think that blues music, or folk music, and all those particular genres that have a perspective about life deal with — where the difficulties of life are seen as something that are very natural and nothing to be embarrassed about, and something that we all go through; something that’s part of our share of humanity. And it accepts those difficulties and pain as such. I think there’s a wonderful forgiveness that can come over you if you have that perspective on it. You know, if you’re stuck in a situation that’s painful or there’s something that makes you angry, it can enable you to step back from your own experience of it and realize that this is just a part of what it is to be human. It can allow you to accept it a little bit more and make you feel like it’s less unfair (laughs). I guess it’s a start. Let’s do what we need to do to allow it to make us compassionate, but not to bury us.

PHOTOS: Thorsten Roth

JO: It did. Yeah, it rescued me. Yeah.

Q MP: In what way?

JO: Well, I think I had a tendency to get stuck inside my head and go to some very dark places in my mind, and get stuck there.

I couldn’t see a way to get out. There’s something about this music that allowed me to get out of my own head. It’s not just something that you do intellectually when you do music. You do it with your body; you do it with your emotions, and you do it with every part of yourself. It engages your mind as well, but engages all parts of yourself. And I think that it allowed me to find a pathway into these parts of myself that I was disconnected from.

It was a real eye-opening experience for me to start getting involved in music and to do this kind of music in particular. It talks about human emotions — the difficult and dark human emotions as well as the wonderful, fun, and exciting ones, and just part of this continuum that we’re all experiencing together. It makes it something that’s not just about you sitting alone in your corner; it’s about how this is what we all go through and let’s go through it together. And I think that was a real revelation for me at the time.

Q

MP: There were so many songs that I’ve

heard and there was such deep soul to it.

And I just want to know how that has shaped you or how much that may be a part of your music.

JO: If you listen to soul music, or R&B music, or blues music, a lot of that came from church music and spiritual music, and music

has always been a really, really powerful tool that people have used to get them closer to God—whatever they define God as. And for me, that’s always been part of what drew me to it and keeps me coming back for more. I do feel a connection to the divine and to the infinite. Whether I’m performing and feeling like what we’re all doing together — the band, myself, and the audience ¬— is having this group experience of having something a little bit holy, or I’m listening to Haley Jackson at home, and I’m legitimately taken to a beautiful place by that. To me, that is something that is so important to do and stay connected to. That’s how I maintain my connection to it. It certainly led me to other kinds of music, other kinds of spiritual music. There’s so many different ways humans have used music to express the spiritual part of our nature and to connect us with the divine. So for me, the pathway is through music. Through music I’ve discovered other philosophies. Buddhism in particular is one that has always — whenever I’ve studied it and read about it — it’s just been so true to me.

And I do try to take some practices of that into my daily life. Whether that’s meditating or trying to see the world from that perspective. This is all very ephemeral and the problem that you are struggling with that you think is so huge is really very tiny in the grand scheme of things. You are connected to something very much larger than yourself and that’s a beautiful thing. I try to stay in gratitude as much as I can. You know, we all get to the point where we’re frazzled, or tired, or frustrated, or whatever it is, but I try to take those moments and realize that I do have so much to be grateful for, and allow it to send me back to those feelings of gratitude and just live in gratitude as much as I can.

joanosborne.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 41

INDIA ARIE The Legend, The Voice INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: What is it that makes you feel most alive?

India Arie: The thing that makes me feel most alive is knowing that there’s something that I have to do that I’m afraid of. But I know that it’s what I’m supposed to do. Jumping in and doing that thing makes me feel most alive. I spent the last three years doing that over and over again, and before that I spent the rest of my whole life before the last three years avoiding that. I’m still afraid of things, obviously—we’re human. But I like that feeling of being afraid. I don’t know how to explain it better than that. I know I have to do it—I love the feeling, the afterglow. That’s what makes me feel most alive, is the afterglow after doing what I know I’m afraid to do. It just feels so powerful.

MP: That’s really beautiful. What is it that makes you feel most vulnerable?

IA: I was laughing to myself like that because I feel like it’s the same thing. Because of what I’ve chosen to do for my work in the world, almost every time that there’s something that I’m afraid to do that I need to do, I have to do it in front of other people. It makes me feel exposed.

Those things that I’m afraid to do are always about being afraid of being exposed. Every time, that’s what it’s always about. I also want to say that the thing that makes me most vulnerable is romantic relationship.

When they’re new and you’re just really letting the person see you?

That is hard. I told someone the other day, “I can’t do this, I don’t have PHOTOS: Randee St Nicholas 42 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

the tools right now to be this vulnerable.

You need to stop. I don’t want to hear about you liking me.” It was so terrible and I said it. It was honest, but I said it. So terrible. That’s terrible! I can’t believe I’m saying this.

MP: What causes are you passionate about right now?

IA: Any time someone is passionate about a cause, it’s because they want to heal something inside of themselves. I have, my whole life, been healing the girl inside, the part of me that struggles about being a female in the world. That’s why I write about the things I write about. I’m seeking to heal and to understand and figure out how to navigate the world as a woman. Obviously, there are a lot of other things that I am—I’m African American; I’m a lot of other things, a musician and an artist. But that woman part holds the most pain for me. And therefore, obviously, the most lessons.

When I think about the cause I’m most passionate about, it’s all in my music all the time, because I’m always singing about the empowerment of women. Always, even when it’s a little love song—it’s still about the empowerment of women and this high spiritual nature of love. It’s the biggest healer ever. That’s what I’m always singing about. Those two things, always.

I enjoy doing things like that. I like when a teenager comes and talks to me on the street. I’ve been through a lot and I have a lot to share. I’m passionate about the empowerment and healing of girls and women.

Where I do the most work in that regard is in my songwriting. soulbird.com

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Lucky Diaz &

the Family Jam Band First and only Americans to win a Latin GRAMMY in the Children’s Album category Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Alisha Gaddis: The energy we get from our audiences. The engagement of all the little souls gives me an overwhelming sense of LIFE! Lucky Diaz: Feeling the sun on my face. Also, when we’re playing with the band, and we’re all communicating on the same frequency. Our audience feels it as well, and it fills me with joy.

MP: What makes you feel vulnerable?

AG: My husband. I can be myself around him, my true self. Before him, I thought “vulnerability” was a bad word. I wanted to be strong and bold and fearless, always. Now I know there is power in softness, in letting go, in being truly vulnerable in this life.

LD: Talking it out usually. I have a tendency to shut down, but thankfully Alisha is super communicative and a tremendous listener.

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

AG: We had an amazing album come out late this last year, Lishy Lou and Lucky Too. It is a color-splashed, enhanced-reality, family-friendly variety show a la “Peewee’s Playhouse” and “I Love Lucy.” We co-wrote the songs with our dear friend, Michael Farkas, of WIYOS fame. The songs are rich and beautiful. We are really proud of them.

LD: Creating art and putting it out into the world. Exposing your thoughts and putting them out there is a risky proposition.

Our newest project is: Aqui, Alla an all-new Spanish language family music album. It translates to “Here, There.” The songs talk about Lucky’s experiences growing up Mexican, being Mexican, but also being born here in the States. The new songs draw from his American upbringing. We’ve incorporated originals and a few Mexican traditional songs repurposed in new ways.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

AG: I see you. I love you.

AG: “Do onto others as you would have them do unto you.” Works in every situation.

LD: Dream the dream. It’s possible.

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

AG: Breath. Communication. Tears.

Journaling. Meditating. Praying. FEELING IT all the way down. Releasing it.

PHOTO: Matt Harbicht

LD: When someone tells you it’s impossible, you’re on the right track.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

AG: I am grateful for this moment. This

moment is fleeting. I must LIVE my life because I do not know what moment will be the last. I am truly blessed. I love my husband and my family. I can make this world better.

We all are important. We are all equal. I am in charge of my destiny. I have love. I give love.

I am loved.

LD: Now is the time to make it count. Love fully, create fully, live fully, NOW. Tomorrow is not a guarantee.

Lucky Diaz and the Family Jam Band have been crowned the very first, and only Americans to win a Latin GRAMMY in the Children’s Album category. The husband and wife duo of Lucky Diaz and Alisha Gaddis have been named ‘THE face of kindie music’ by the Washington Post, and ‘The Rolling Stones of Kids Music’ by the Style Network.

Their new release Lishy Lou and Lucky Too was featured on NPR’s ‘All Things Considered.’ The band has numerous #1 hits on Sirius XM. They mostly love creating giant dance parties. luckydiazmusic.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 43

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

SO U

T HE

OU T E

R

MichaeL frANTi

IN H LS

rodgab.com

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Maranda Pleasant: Hey Michael, great to speak to you again.

What is the Soulshine Tour?

Michael Franti: The Soulshine Tour is the first ever music and yoga concert tour with performers Michael Franti & Spearhead, Souja, Trevor Hall, and Brett Dennen. At each venue, there will be a yoga class featuring acoustic music by myself and the others on the tour followed by concerts by each of the bands.

Sound like fun?

MP: That sounds awesome!

Where did you come up with the idea?

MF: I started practicing yoga on tour 12 years ago, and it has become a part of my daily ritual on the road. Over the years, I’ve visited yoga schools in almost every city that we’ve traveled to, and I’ve met yoga instructors from all over. I’ve always felt very supported by the yoga community.

In the past few years, I’ve started inviting teachers and fans to come to my shows and have impromptu yoga practices with myself and whoever else wanted to join in. These classes started to grow bigger and bigger and last year when we played the Red Rocks Amphitheater in Colorado we had 2,000 yogis show up for a pre-concert yoga class led by Gina Caputo.

So, this summer we thought why not take the concept on the road?

MP: When will the tour begin & where will it go?

MF: The tour starts in mid-June and will continue through August. We will be in 30 cities across America and Canada.

MP: Why combine music and yoga?

MF: Music and yoga have a great synergy.

One of the things I love about yoga is that it brings you into the present moment.

You aren’t worried about what will happen tomorrow, and you aren’t thinking about what happened yesterday. It’s about opening your heart and living from your heart.

Music is also one of the great heart openers.

Sometimes, you hear the lyrics of a song and you dance, laugh, smile, or perhaps even cry.

Music gets us in touch with our emotions in a way that’s more intimate than any other art form.

And I’m certain that every yoga class on the tour will incorporate A LOT of dancing.

“Music is also one oF the great heart openers. Sometimes you hear the lyrics of a song and you dance, laugh, smile, or perhaps even crY. Music gets us in touch with our emotions in a way that’s more intimate than any other art Form.”

MP: What if you’ve never practiced yoga before? Is this concert for you?

MF: First and foremost, this tour is a music tour. The bands that we have are amazing and talented, and there will be DJs playing in between sets. If you’re a music fan that just comes out for the concert, you are still going to have the time of your life.

If you have never tried yoga before, this is going to be an opportunity to try something for the first time with amazing teachers and live music that you would normally just hear on an iPod in a yoga studio.

Check out MichaelFranti.Com for more details on the Soulshine Tour. michaelfranti.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 45

Maranda Pleasant: Your music feeds the soul, and food is probably the healthiest thing on the planet for feeding the body.

Why do you think organics are so important?

INTERVIEW BY MARANDA PLEASANT

ZIGGY MARLEY: To me, everything is connected. We’re a part of nature. We are organic beings. And so, everything that we put into our bodies should also be of nature, a part of that cycle of nature. Once you start messing with that—as I said, everything is connected— once you start messing with psychological wellbeing, we get more and more messed up.

So food is an important part, not just in our physical well-being, but in our psychological well-being. The more chemicals that are in our food, the more we are messing with things that we probably don’t know the full effect of.

Kids out there now have learning issues and mental issues and everybody is looking towards what drug to give them, but is anyone looking at the food that the children are eating? What you’re eating has a big impact.

Everything is connected. There is nothing that is not connected. So food is very important.

Hopefully people hear that a part of what hurts society has a lot to do with the diet, the food that you’re eating.

So let’s be careful.

PHOTO: (TOP) KII ARENS (RIGHT) JAN SALZMAN 46 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

ziggymarley.com

REGGIE WATTS INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: One thing about your work, it’s real and super honest. A couple of words that I’ve heard to describe you is a visionary and a revolutionary. What is at the core of where you pull from? Is there just a place that you pull from that really drives you and motivates you?

Reggie Watts: Yeah, I guess I’m interested in people and society and what we do collectively in the realm of decisions that shape our world.

You know, at least on a human level. Obviously, there’s all sorts of life happening all around us, but on a human level; I’m just interested in people making informed decisions. You know, increasing their awareness. And also, trying to encourage people to be more fascinated with information and science and knowledge of all sorts, instead of, you know—it’s a generalization—but the encouragement by society, the reflections that society gives us, which is media, television, art anything, really.

The things that are reflected back at us, often times, are appealing to a base instinct that’s about response as opposed to reflection. So for me, it’s important to turn on a piece of information that might interest people, you know, that might interest them in pursuing or researching PHOTOS: (LEFT) NOAH KALINA (RIGHT) WENDY LYNCH REDFORD

maybe, or even just thinking about it in that moment as I’m performing it. Whatever encourages people to become more interested in who they are and discovering who they are, as opposed to just accepting what people or things are saying that they are. That’s fascinating to me.

MP: Are there any causes right now or organizations that you support right now?

RW: In general, I’m in support of promoting art and science in public schools. I think music and science are probably the most important factors for the human brain developing, even more so than any other fields because music covers mathematics, cognitive reasoning, motor skills, coordination; like, it’s kind of everything. And then science gives you an understanding of the physical world, and it increases the capacity for fascination. I think that for developing mentally, creatively and emotionally those are the two most important things that are totally fading away. Music and art are regarded as extra and can be the first thing that you cut in a school program, and it’s completely not true. If you want to create really boring, frustrated human beings, then yeah, cut out art and science. reggiewatts.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 47

INTERVIEW WITH:

Julia Stiles Laura Dawn

Julia Stiles is a NYC-based actor and activist. She first hit the stage at New York’s renowned La MaMa Theater Company at the tender age of eleven, and hasn’t stopped since. She is known for her films (10 Things I Hate About You, Save the Last Dance, The Bourne Trilogy, Mona Lisa Smiles) and stage work (David Mamet’s Oleanna, Twelfth Night at Shakespeare in the Park).

Laura Dawn. You are a yoga fiend, right? What role has yoga played in your art and in keeping [you sane] in a crazy business?

times of economic crisis and budget cuts is funding for things that are essential and notquantifiable, like the arts. Save Big Bird!

JS: Yoga has stopped me from destroying my joints after running. It slows me down. My brain and body can go into overdrive — yoga teaches me to focus on the moment and not get ahead of myself.

LD: We just posted a video of Mr. Rogers defending PBS on MoveOn.org and it literally made me cry. He was that important to me as a child. Who are some of your heroes, and why?

LD: What issues, causes and organizations are you passionate about?

JS: Education is huge for me. I went to public school until I turned thirteen, and was lucky enough to afford college once I became successful as an actress. I cannot believe that quality education costs as much as it does in this country. Ghetto Film School is a remarkable public high school in New York City where students get to learn to express themselves through filmmaking, and have hands-on access to equipment.

We can become very short-sighted in terms of objectives. The first thing to go during

48 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

JS: Famous heroes: Jimmy Carter, Yoani Sanchez, Hillary Clinton, César Chavez, Gloria Steinem, Naomi Wolf, and Jane Fonda. Not-so famous heroes: every doctor and nurse, EMT, firefighter, and police officer that has ever helped or saved anyone.

No-longer living heroes include Nina Simone.

LD: What are your thoughts on love these days?

How does love fit into your work?

JS: I am forever a romantic. I try to bring that into my work. I try not to be fooled by romance. Or work.

LD: But don’t you think every act of creativity is an act of love?

JS: Love always. “Love save all of us/Save us from ourselves” is a lyric written by Ms. Rain Phoenix, head of Papercranes and partnerin-crime [with] Citizens Band. I can’t think of anything more true. In my worst moments, I try to think about loving instead of hating. Creation versus destruction, know what I’m sayin’?

“We can become very short-sighted in terms of objectives. The first thing to go during times of economic crisis and budget cuts is funding for things that are essential and not-quantifiable, like the arts.”

RUSSELL BRAND INTERVIE W: Da n i el Pi n c hbec k

on Changing the Paradigm Russell Brand: Well, this is the thing. It doesn’t take an incredible manner of analysis to reveal that our primary desires are incessantly stimulated to keep us basic consumers. Our basic fundamental desires are overly stimulated. A friend of mine said, “You have a generation of people that have been accidentally marketed to.” Marketing is all pervasive. They’re getting marketed products they can’t afford—can’t ever hope to acquire.

They believe the only way they’re ever going to achieve happiness is the acquisition of these products. Products they can’t afford.

They see people living that lifestyle, and they

“How do we alter the consciousness, the fundamental unifying field? How do we influence change on that level to all of the world?”

have that lifestyle beamed incessantly into their minds through media, which you know I participate in. ...You’re talking about changing the paradigm.

How do we go about that? How do we say: Right, we’ve got these institutions of media, these financial institutions; we have the means of distribution; we have the means of production; we have all these markets and maxims in place. How do we alter the consciousness, the fundamental unifying field?

How do we influence change on that level to all of the world?

realitysandwich.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 49

Humanitarian visionary.

Media mogul. Author. Yogi.

Russell Simmons talks meditation, mainstream and the power of giving back.

Ocean Pleasant: You have an extremely powerful presence in mainstream media. How do you use that platform to try and instigate positive change in the world?

Russell Simmons: Well, I try to use my voice. I know that celebrity is valuable, and people do listen. I jokingly refer to Kim Kardashian as more powerful than the President because she actually has 50 million more Twitter followers than the President. I have 2 million Twitter followers. Some of those people are also yogis and activists and people who really go out and make a difference. I do as much as I can with my voice. It’s effortless in some cases. I try to remind everybody that they have that kind of voice. And really, I don’t know that God favors the person who has a greater reach than those who have a small reach.

It’s the intention. I try to keep a positive intention, and use whatever resources I have to benefit others. I try to create businesses that I think are not hurtful. I try to do things that I think are helpful to the environment, to the animals, and to the planet.

OP: We’ve had Global Grind in the magazine and we’re really invested in your work. I wake up every morning to your tweets! Are there any organizations that you’re involved with or support?

RS: Oh, I could go on forever. I run Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation. I’m the chairman of the Foundation for Ethnic Understanding. The Foundation for Ethnic Understanding has [facilitated] dialogue between imams and rabbis all over the world, including Israel and Palestinian territory. We are really working on creating dialogue, and we’ve got hundreds of programs [in] thirty countries where that work is being done.

A CONVERSATION WITH:

I’m invested in Diamond Empowerment Fund, which provides higher education for Africans in places where diamonds are a natural resource.

We extract from the industry and give to the people. I’m involved in so many other things—the Happy Hearts Foundation. I work as an advisory board member. I work pretty hard for the David Lynch

RUSSELL SIMMONS

INTERVIEW: OCEAN PLEASANT

Foundation [for Consciousness-Based Education and World Peace], giving meditation to kids. I use my voice. It is really a gift to have resources like this to give away, and celebrity happens to be a good one.

OP: I’m invested in learning how people who have such powerful voices are working to engage youth [to become] more proactive in shifting this society.

RS: The reason that I have Global Grind is to communicate ideas to people who might otherwise not be listening. I think I will always have a connection to young people, to try to bring their voices to the polls, bring their voices wherever they can make a difference. Even to protect their own interests or the interests of the planet or the animals or other individuals, which is critical. I try to keep it. As I get, I give. Giving as you get is critical. It has everything to do with being happy for yourself, and making others happy is the cause of making yourself happy, and it’s the cycle of giving and getting. Gotta keep it moving.

GLOBALGRIND.COM RUSHCOMMUNICATIONS.COM

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K

Kelis

Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Kelis: Love, an audience, great company, food.

MP: What adventurous activities do you like?

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

“Trust your first instinct.”

PHOTOS: laurent levy

K: Snowboarding, Krav Maga, Hiking…I’m really into most outdoor activities.

MP: Now that you are a mother, how has life changed?

GRAMMY NOMINATED SINGER, SONGWRITER Interview: Maranda Pleasant

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

K: The new album Food is really a record that’s true to me. Life. Food. Music.

MP: Do you have a daily routine?

K: A typical morning, I will get up, read, and pray, take my son to school, go to the gym, then come back home and work (write recipes, fabrics designs). I then pick up my son from school and bring him home to do some projects or fun activities.

K: It puts everything into perspective, changes the way you look at life, and your perspective of what’s actually important.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

MP: With FOOD being your latest project, what does the term “nourishment” mean to you?

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

K: It means a quality of life; consistency in the way we treat ourselves.

K: Trust your first instinct.

K: That god is the creator of all things. And to not take ourselves too seriously.

iamkelis.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 51

“You know, the hip hop lifestyle doesn’t really celebrate health and most people look at it and are like, ‘Ah, that’s kooky and a bit Granola Hippie!’”

A CONVERSATION WITH

QUESTLOVE

on getting healthy, yoga, and his inspirations INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

52 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Q

uestlove: I’ve pretty much done a health overhaul of my life. The day that I started, I was starting to hear the word “stroke” just a little too much. Friends of mine have died of strokes at 40 and peers of mine have died of strokes in their 40’s, and it was disturbing me. It was absolutely killing me that I’ve spent the first 25 years of my life tryin’ to avoid bullets. That was always the main concern. Don’t go out late. Don’t go to any shady neighborhoods. Don’t hang in bars alone. Why? Because you wanna avoid bullets. So once I get to 35, then I was like, “Woo, okay. Made it.” And now there’s a new warning. Now it’s like strokes; I gotta watch my health. So now, what I did was, 47 days ago— there’s basically a plan. Not a plan, it’s called a trainer. His name is Darryl Aiken. He trains in a way that’s sort of unorthodox, ‘cause he deals with people that have—in my case, I’ve always had a case of lymphedema, so I’ve always had lymphatic issues with my health.

Maranda Pleasant: I didn’t realize that.

QL: I hired a trainer, a yoga instructor, a lymphatic masseuse, a chef, an acupuncturist, and a therapist. So six people, which is probably a little extreme but you know, I think it’s very important, especially because I want to be as healthy as I can be so I can make it past 50, make it past 60, and make it past 70. You know, the hip hop lifestyle doesn’t really celebrate health and most people look at it and are like, “Ah, that’s kooky and a bit Granola Hippie!” (laughs) I’m slowly seeing a lot of people like Guru of Gang Starr, he succumbed to a heart attack. I’m seeing a lot of people fall by the wayside ‘cause you can’t live off of four bottles of Patron a week. You can’t live off of excessive smoking. You can’t live off of just greasy fatty foods and stayin’ up till six in the mornin’ just partyin’. I mean, basically I’m caught somewhere between a Vegan and a pescetarian lifestyle. My chef has totally taken out gluten, wheat, and most dairies out of my diet.Two days of the week I get to have fish, shrimp, or lobster. The other five days of the week it’s either seitan, soy, or tofu. I do a lot of greens. I do a lot of juice cleansing, ginger, and a lot of beet juice.

MP: Awesome.

QL: Yeah, it’s just a total turn around. Before I’d just have a pizza without thinkin’. A lot of fatty foods, but, you know, I’m turning my life around now.

MP: So good. You know, Stic.man from Dead Prez has been a pioneer for years. His passion is to get black men, especially high-risk, low-income black men, to take care of their bodies and watch what they put in their mind.

QL: He has no clue. Like his “Be Healthy”—that haunted me probably more than any hip hop song. It’s really weird, ‘cause I know that Dead Prez was super militant. Probably one of the most revolutionary songs they’ve ever done was “Be Healthy.”

MP: Yes. QL: The same way that N.W.A.’s “F*ck Da Police” affected me when I first heard it. “Oh my god! Can you say that?” When I first heard “Be Healthy” I was on tour with D’angelo and I was like “Yo, listen to this.”

We sat there with our mouths dropped, like we’d never heard black men talk about this ever. Like, really? So that’s always been in the back of my mind as I go through the struggle.

And it is a struggle. You know one point I’ll sit back and I think of my heaviest day in ‘99.

I was about 480 lbs.

MP: Are you serious?

QL: Almost on the verge of 500, and when Big Pun died of a heart attack that was my first scare. So I managed to drop 200 lbs and go to like 300, but you know, it’s not even safe at 300.

MP: Did you say yoga was a part of that?

QL: Yeah. Again, I was one of those skeptics that thought that yoga was for kooks. Now I’m on a very strict regimen. You know, I work out. That’s another thing I’ve learned relaxin’, sleep, yoga. I didn’t know that that’s as crucial as going hard, as workin’ hard, as exercising hard. I never knew. I thought that, “Okay, I gotta be at the gym like five hours everyday going balls to the wall.” And what my yoga instructor, what my trainer, what they’re trying to teach me is that, “No, it’s sleep.” That’s important. That’s just as important as workin’ out.

questlove.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 53

N A S Interview: Maranda Pleasant

54 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

r appe r p y r u a d g n in ams. ge v i e l g T h e ever ur dre

on hnasing yo &c

“

“

No temporary chaos is worth your sanity.

Q: Maranda Pleasant: You inspire mil-

lions of people. When I look at your work, not just lyrically or musically, but visually, you seem to have a lot of passion and purity to what you do. Can you tell me what are the things that make you feel fully alive?

A:

Nas: Sunlight. Seeing something that was a thought become a thing and materialize – that makes me come alive.

Q: DJ Spooky wanted me to ask you what

artists or musicians really inspire you?

A:

Stevie Wonder – the usual suspects I guess, Banksy. More than anyone though, graffiti artists all over the world.

Q:

conviction or a dream or an idea? Is that what you would say to them? That the greatest keys to your success are facing your fears and not giving up?

A:

Always observe, watch, and talk to older people.

Q:

What projects do you have coming up that you are really excited about? I know you have a TV series, Street Dreams, which is coming up.

Chuck D is the only other person who said to me that the way to get wisdom and success is by talking to older people.

Q:

It’s a drama about my life. I’ve also got a new record coming. I’ve got a lot of surprises in the next 60 days that I want to tell people about, but I can’t yet. I’ve got a lot of things that I’m excited about and it really has me feeling so blessed.

Do you meditate at all or how do you keep your mind centered?

A:

Your art is so heartfelt. If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

Q:

What are the things that you are deeply passionate about?

A: Peace and love. Watching people see

their dreams – that kind of corny stuff.

[laughter] That corny stuff is what I live for. What are the things that make you feel vulnerable?

I haven’t thought about that in awhile.

My music I guess. What I put in it. What I say about myself. People can see what I am thinking and what is important to me.

Q:

What is it that grounds you or helps you keep your center in the middle of chaos?

A:

No temporary chaos is worth your sanity. Just knowing that whatever happens, it happens to the best of them too.

Q: I’m writing this down.

A:

Read it to yourself everyday whenever you’re feeling pressure. Absolutely nothing is worth your sanity.

PHOTO: (THIS PAGE) Danny Clinch

My pops told me that. Chuck D is one A: Yes, I am really proud of the TV series. ofA: my heroes.

Q:

A:

Q:

I don’t meditate. Silence is golden though. Just sitting in silence is one of the best things a man can do. Maybe that is meditating [laughter].

A: Don’t ever give up on yourself. Keep

Is there anything else that you are working on right now?

Q:

I’ve been painting. I did the album cover for the 20th anniversary album. I’ve been doing a lot of painting, and we’re going to auction those off and give the money to charity. The whole thing is, do as much as you can, when you possibly can, and don’t stress.

Just do as much as you can. That’s what I am doing with these paintings. That will all be happening around the release of the 20th anniversary album. The art, the re-release of the album, the show, together as a collective, they’re all coming out around the same time and that is my contribution to the planet right now. From the heart and that’s that.

pushing because the change of guards is what life’s all about. At one point, the old school club retires and you’re next up to bat, but if you stop before your time, you will see someone else live your dream. You’ve got to watch as the guard changes – the whole guard changes – and you ought to know. You’ve always got to stick with whatever you’re into because your day is going to come. You’re day is destined. If you walk away from that, whether it be from fear or whether you’re just giving up, I think that’s the greatest sin. The greatest sin is fear and giving up.

What message do you have for someone in any field who is really busting their ass for a

Q:

A:

nasirjones.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 55

of Fitz

& the Tantrums

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT

Maranda Pleasant: What makes you come alive?

Noelle Scaggs: I would say getting time with my nieces and my godson and just watching them grow. I always feel like a new human being after getting the time to talk with them and getting to know their personalities. Of course, it really gives me a peek into what it would be like to be a mother one day.

MP: What makes you feel vulnerable?

NS: Would it be too cliché to say, trusting people? I can honestly say that I have a hard time with giving in as quickly as others in my life seem to. I think it is the fear of disappointment; though, at this stage in my life, accepting that being disappointed is sometimes an inevitable outcome that no one can control is slowly easing the tension I feel when it comes to this particular word.

MP: If you could say something to everyone on the planet, what would it be?

NS: Be conscious of one another and everything that we are connected to in this world of ours (not just your relatives and friends). Being aware is a lot more than just reading a couple of news articles and talking about it on your preferred social network.

MP: How do you handle emotional pain?

NS: It depends on the cause, but crying is normally involved. Before I began seeing a therapist, I lost a few Iphones due to chucking them across a room. I’m proud to say I no longer do that.

MP: Tell me about your latest project.

NS: Well, my band Fitz And The Tantrums released our second album this past spring

called, More Than Just A Dream. Right now, we are in the midst of beginning our next round of touring in support of the album. Our new single, “The Walker”, has been doing really well so far. The song recently walked it’s way along with Ellen DeGeneres and 200 tuxedo wearing dancers in the 2014 Oscar commercial, which has been pretty fantastic for us as it’s allowed us to introduce our music to a vast new audience. #WorldDomination MP: How do you keep your center in the middle of chaos? Do you have a daily routine?

NS: On the road, I try to maintain my connections with friends and family as much as I possibly can. That keeps me pretty grounded. I also like to discover little treasures in the cities we are in like a really amazing restaurant. I will go on my own and enjoy figuring out the ingredients as if I were making it at home; then I share my finds on my socials. I find that these little adventures bring me peace because it is something I do when I am home. I love talking about food and bringing people together to enjoy it.

MP: What’s been one of your biggest lessons so far in your life?

NS: Learning patience and learning that being patient even in the thickest of storms can be the one device that may catapult you over any obstacle.

MP: What truth do you know for sure?

NS: Perfection is what we create in our own mind. I prefer the flaw.

As the female counterpart to lead singer “Fitz” of the chart-topping, show-stopping modern pop combo, Fitz And The Tantrums, Noelle Scaggs is renowned for her electric live performances. Pickin’ Up the Pieces, their 2010 debut album, spent 73 weeks on Billboard’s Heatseekers chart, peaking at No. 1 while Rolling Stone praised the “big, bright new groove” of their 2013 follow-up, More Than Just A Dream. fitzandthetantrums.com

56 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Alanis Morissette

On Vulnerability, Connection, and Ego

INTERVIEW: MARANDA PLEASANT Maranda Pleasant: What is it that makes you feel vulnerable?

Alanis Morissette: I think when someone blindly projects, and it’s showing up in the form of envy or hate—and I actually think they’re synonymous—that’s when I feel the most afraid and disconnected and vulnerable. Like whenever I don’t feel safe in my own hands, in terms of my not being tender or merciful with myself, or when we’re treating each other that way. When we’re operating from the belief that we’re not connected, it feels so dangerous and scary and vulnerable and awful.

MP: Envy and hate are the same. I’ve never thought about that.

AM: Anytime there’s separatism going on.

It happens all the time because the illusion before us is that we are separate. It gives us this sense of egoic identity, which is lovely in its own way. But it’s almost like that’s step one in a four step process. Because step one is the story, the separation and the individuation and the dualism. I think Neale Donald Walsh nailed that so hard in his Conversations with God series.

PHOTOS: Williams & Hirakawa

The next step is, as Eckhart Tolle says, this further disidentification from this egoic story—as lovely as it is and as entertaining as it is—for us to continue to step back. I notice that when I feel the most disconnected, once I’m done blaming the moon and everything else, I can see that I am so mired in identification with form and ego and story and identity, and that if I want to, I can read some scripture or read some spiritual book or pray or meditate or sit in the sun or hang around the birds and the dogs, and get a real objective sense of what’s really going on here.

That usually softens things. There’s a way for me to quickly return back, and that’s usually praying and meditating and journaling, which are decidedly feminine approaches.

There’s a way for me to quickly return back, and that’s usually praying and meditating and journaling, which are decidedly feminine approaches.”

alanis.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 57

8. Animal Place PHOTO: Ryan Beiler

of our Favorite Animal Welfare Organizations Leigh Bantivoglio, UnCaged Network www.uncagednetwork.com

1. ALDF

2. Mercy for Animals

3. The Elephant Sanctuary

Okay, so I went to fashion school! That doesn’t preclude me from fully appreciating what these animal attorneys do. Yes, you read that correctly, animal attorneys. The field of animal law is growing by leaps and bounds and ALDF is on the frontier. One such law that has been in the news a bunch is the Ag Gag Law. It is quickly becoming a crime to videotape or photograph animal cruelty. The big giants want to muffle the abuse they are doing so no one sees it. Move over Law and Order, I think ALDF should have their own prime time show! If you support ALDF, you are helping to create legal change, which is one of the strongest ways you can help animals because laws are how we govern behavior. Deep!

Don’t let the name fool you. These guys have no mercy for the people who abuse animals. Known for their undercover work, this group takes the sort of risks that could actually put them behind bars - yes, prison bars. Support this group, and you know your money will be going towards beating the establishments that think they are above the law (yes, you Butterball). They go after the big corporations who sell to McDonald’s and Amazon, then splash it all over the news and get amazing exposure. And we all know that this is the way to change attitudes, behavior, and then law. These guys don’t mind risking their own freedom and possibly going to jail to expose the cruelty of farmed animals. Now that’s sexy!

Elephants have been in the news a lot. Why? Because they are becoming extinct. Close your eyes and imagine a world without elephants.

That is a dark world.

Web: aldf.org Donate: https://org2.salsalabs.com/o/5154/p/salsa/ donation/common/public/?donate_page_KEY=296

Web: mercyforanimals.org Donate: https://www.charity-pay.com/mfa/donation.asp

58 ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM

Here is an opportunity to directly help elephants. Flora was once used in a circus until her trainer realized that she was unhappy. He then went about finding her a forever home outside of performing. Give to The Elephant Sanctuary and know your donation is helping Flora and her friends live out their retirement in peace. And check out the documentary created for the Oprah Network called One Lucky Elephant, which shows you the emotional journey of Flora’s life from orphaned African elephant to performer and then to a sanctuary in Tennessee. Tissues optional!

Web: www.elephants.com Donate: http://shop.elephants.com/product/531330C/ elephantendowments.php

4. Unleashed Unleashed: helping animals and young girls together is a powerful combination. One young girl said, “Unleashed helped me find my voice.” That gives me chills! A girl with a voice is a changed world. By donating to this after school program based in NYC, you are not only helping animals from shelters, you are doubling down on your money and helping developing young women reach their potential.

Web: unleashedny.org Donate: unleashedny.org/get-involved/donate

5. The Gentle Barn The Gentle Barn is located outside of LA. Wow, there are barns near LA!? Yes, and this particular barn rescues abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals and rehabilitates them. Once they have regained trust in humankind, these precious animals help abused children. Think of that chain, abused animals helping abused children. It makes sense and that is why it works! And for the holidays, they celebrate the animals, especially the turkeys, instead of eating them. Not to mention that this is Ellen and Portia’s favorite rescue place. They even have a turkey named Portia! If you are ever in the area, The Gentle Barn is open to the public for tours during the week to promote advocacy of animals.

Web: gentlebarn.org Donate: gentlebarn.org/donate/donate.html

6. Sea Shepherd Conservation Society Ever watch the show Whale Wars or the movie The Cove? These will give you a tiny sense of what this group is about. Their mission is to end the destruction of habitat and slaughter of wildlife in the oceans, which is no small feat considering the ocean takes up most of the planet and has no borders. Even Bob Parker from The Price is Right loves these guys and has a boat called “The Barker” on Whale Wars.

Get behind these bad asses and you will be partnering with the cowboys of the ocean.

They are the heroes for the whales, sharks, sea lions, and dolphins.

Web: seashepherd.org Donate: https://my.seashepherd.org/NetCommunity/ SSLPage.aspx?pid=184

3. THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY PHOTO: THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY

7. Animal Rescue Corps

9. Our Hen House

These guys are like the police for animals.

They do the dirty work like puppy mill rescues. We all think we know what a puppy mill is and then we look at a video or image online and are reminded that these places are like the sex trade for female dogs. When you support Animal Rescue Corps, you are backing a no nonsense group who gets the job done!

Check out the ultra cool women who started Our Hen House: Mariann and Jasmine. These two vegan pioneers have created an online megaphone for the animal community. They just love to express their activism through media. Move over Vogue, Our Hen House is the new must read. Plus, these change makers have podcasts of peeps in the animal movement (artists, grassroots activists, lawyers, students, business moguls, media darlings).

Endless entertainment that actually informs us as you listen to all the leaders in animal welfare. Become a member of their “flock”.

Web: animalrescuecorps.org Donate: animalrescuecorps.org/donate

8. Animal Place

Web: ourhenhouse.org Donate: ourhenhouse.org/donate

Did you hear about the 3,000 egg laying hens saved from gassing in California and flown to a sanctuary in New York? No? Think that’s crazy or too much? I get it. Sunday breakfast with eggs and bacon-yum. The connection that is missing is where those eggs and bacon come from. Well, these 3,000 hens are part of that sad chain. Once their usefulness is over, these intelligent animals are killed and discarded. When you donate to Animal Place, you are supporting a vegan organization that promotes compassion to all living beings.

Web: animalplace.org Donate: animalplace.org/donate.html

4. UNLEASHED PHOTO: Winzworks Dreamstock.com

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6. SEA SHEPHERD PHOTO: SEA SHEPHERD

25 of our Favorite Animal Welfare Organizations (Continued)...

10. NEAVS

11. Save the Chimps

12. Center for Great Apes

Testing on animals, what is this, the year 700 BC? With all the new technology, scientists are still in the dark ages. NEAVS has been around longer than your grandmother and has helped promote awareness around anti-vivisection. Anti-what?! Vivisection is when animals are used for testing in labs and schools. No one wants to see a cat or dog (yes, it’s not just mice) tested on. So, get behind this dedicated group to show that there are alternatives to using a cute beagle to test drugs, cosmetics, and household products.

Did you know that chimpanzees can’t swim?!

It’s true! So with that in mind, Save the Chimps rescued chimps used in science testing and created islands for them in Florida.

Yes, actually close to Palm Beach. So, you can go to Rodeo Drive and just know those amazing animals are just a short car drive away. Save the Chimps is currently expanding to bring in the chimps that were retired from the government this year and needs funding for more islands. Give to them and maybe they will let you bring your bikini and swim around the islands and give a big pant hoot to the regal chimps! Angelica Houston is a big supporter and we all know how cool she is.

Orangutans have been in the news a lot recently because of their habitat loss and pending extinction. If you are eating anything with palm oil, get rid of it and pledge your allegiance to these gentle giants. The Center for Great Apes is located in Florida and is looking to expand capacity for the chimps taken out of government testing. Yes, your tax dollars are used to test on these sentient beings.

When you help the Center, you are helping the most dedicated group of humans to help these animals.

Web: neavs.org Donate: neavs.org/support/donate

Web: savethechimps.org Donate: savethechimps.org/donate

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Web: centerforgreatapes.org Donate: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/ CenterforGreatApes/OnlineDonation.html

16. COWSPIRACY PHOTO: ISTOCK, ALEXPHOTOGRAPHIC

17. FIXIT

14. NAVS

17. FiXiT

We all remember dissecting a frog in science class in high school. What some of us didn’t connect is that the frog was once living and breathing before it ended up pinned to a slab.

Founded in 1929, this group’s mission is to end animal testing. They do this by creating public awareness, outreach, and commitment to legislative change. Support NAVS and help get animals back where they belong: in nature!

FiXiT has a special place in my heart and inspires me by how they use social media and the digital space to teach a new generation about the dangers of pet overpopulation, which is one of the main reasons why 5 million cats and dogs are killed each year in shelters.

Just like Match.com (and a much better experience), FiXiT allows animal lovers to search and connect in an experiential way and creates friendly connections and a worthwhile “fix” through small donations.

Web: navs.org Donate: navs.org/donate/support-navs

Web: fixit-foundation.org Donate: fixit-foundation.org/donate

15. Voolla

14. NAVS PHOTO: Ivan Kmit Dreamstock.com

Did I hear moola, aka money? No, I said Voolla. What the heck is that?! Voolla combines volunteering with making money.

What?! Volunteers don’t make money you say. Well, Voolla’s mission is to change all that. The founder herself got burned out from volunteering. She was a marketing executive and her skills when she volunteered were being gravely underused. On a drive home one night from the animal shelter, she thought of the idea of selling her skills to people who wanted them and then donating the money to her favorite charity. That way, she does what she does best and the charity can focus on their mission and not fundraising. Help your favorite animal charity or whatever floats your boat and help the world! Check out Voolla and sell your skill. It could be cooking from your home, building a website for a new company, or cutting someone’s hair. Cool, huh?!

Web: voolla.org Support: voolla.org/profile

13. Big Cat Rescue Katy Perry’s “Roar” song is all over the top 40 lists and so apropos for this non-profit.

Not all sanctuaries are created equal and this definitely applies to Big Cat Rescue. The founders of this meow meadow lands for cats with big teeth wanted to help animals.

Their ultimate mission is to change laws so they made advocacy their main mission and called for help among their members who they call “advocats.” These cat crusaders are all about ending the mystique of exotic pets because they believe there is nothing exotic about owning a cat that can eat you for a snack. If you ever thought your house cat was a little lion of her domain, then support these dedicated people who think that all cats are created equal.

16. Cowspiracy Animals United Movement Films is launching a film entitled Cowspiracy, which is a poignant take on how nature organizations and environmental supporters often ignore the animal welfare issues that impact the environment the most. I really believe that this film is going to push through the hypocrisy of the people who say they care about the planet and then eat meat from factory farming all while driving a Prius. We cannot ignore the impact that animals used for food consumption have on the environment.

18. The Ghosts in Our Machine I really connect with this issue because I firmly believe animals are not property and that they are feeling beings just like we are. The issue of animal rights is a growing movement right now that is gaining momentum. The release of The Ghosts in Our Machine is going to shine a light on this issue even further. It’s out now across the US and is getting rave reviews from The New York Times, LA Times, and other prestigious media outlets. The topic of animal cruelty is approached with a poetic spin that spotlights the beauty of the animals.

When you support this documentary, you are helping them reach a wider audience; Europe, here we come!

Web: theghostsinourmachine.com/ghost-free Donate: theghostsinourmachine.com/donations

19. HEART (Humane Education Advocates Reaching Teachers) HEART is a really influential organization because it targets kids through compassionate education. By working with schools, HEART provides curriculum spanning many animal welfare issues. Working with the next generation is one of the best ways to make a difference with animals. Kid’s minds are so open and they already know abusing animals is just wrong.

Web: teachhumane.org/heart Donate: teachhumane.org/heart/donate

Web: animalsunitedmovement.org Donate: animalsunitedmovement.org/#!contact/c16fm

Web: bigcatrescue.org Donate: bigcatrescue.org/donate

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25 of our Favorite Animal Welfare Organizations (Continued)...

20. Jungle Friends Primate 22. The Nonhuman Rights Project Sanctuary Jungle Friends was one of the first organizations to really explain the plight of primates to me when I first started looking at the animal rights movement. The Sanctuary creates a home for rescued primates that were once discarded pets or used in research and the entertainment industry. Not sure why anyone would want a monkey as a pet? Have you ever seen their teeth besides the fact that they love to pull hair?! These animals deserve a place to retire in dignity. Always looking to expand for the never ending amount of primates looking for a place to live in peace, Jungle Friends needs donations to build more outdoor facilities for the monkeys.

Web: junglefriends.org Donate: junglefriends.org/donations.shtml

21. Leaping Bunny Most people on the planet don’t realize that almost all beauty and household products are tested on animals and that alternative methods and new available technology make animal testing completely irrelevant. When buying products, look for the Leaping Bunny logo, meaning that the product, nor any of its ingredients, were tested on animals. The European Union has already made a commitment that products produced there will not be tested on animals. The US just needs to get into the 21st century! Cruelty free is the only way to go!

Web: leapingbunny.org Donate: leapingbunny.org/contact.php

25. AAVS

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The Nonhuman Rights Project is so inspiring because it engages the legal system to prove that animals should have rights. Working with our laws, which currently provide almost zero protection for animals, is one of the best things we can do. In the next few weeks, they will be launching their first case to give animals rights. Does that mean they can drive a car? No, their mission is to change the common law status of at least some nonhuman animals from mere “things,” which lack the capacity to possess any legal right, to “persons,” who possess such fundamental rights as bodily integrity and bodily liberty.

Web: nonhumanrightsproject.org Donate: nonhumanrightsproject.org/donate

23. Tiny Tim Rescue Fund Founded by the fashion designer John Bartlett, Tiny Tim incorporates fashion with animal welfare issues. It is the perfect illustration of conscious capitalism - they will design and sell their products and then donate the proceeds back to shelters. Currently, John is launching a collaboration with The Humane Society of the United States on a fur-free shirt and thermals. Imagine sitting by a fire this winter showing everyone that fur is gross, since 75 million animals are killed a year for their fur!

24. White Coat Waste Project The White Coat Waste Project is a group of whistleblowers (think Julia Roberts in Erin Brockovich). They aim to show how the public’s tax dollars are being misused to test on animals. Working to help animals though legislation is highly effective and helps change the future.

Web: http://www.whitecoatwaste.com/ Donate: https://secure.campaignsolutions.com/ whitecoatwaste/donation1/?initiativekey=FNSEHZE5 ETSI

25. American AntiVivisection Society (AAVS) The reason I chose AAVS is that they have been around since 1883, working diligently to end animal suffering in regard to animal testing. This is a topic that most people don’t know anything about, but they do remember a time when they dissected a frog in high school. No animal should be killed for the sake of “medicine.” There are alternative methods and new technology that makes these tests irrelevant.

Web: www.aavs.org Donate: www.aavs.org

Web: http://www.johnbartlettny.com/ tiny-tim-rescue-fund Donate: http://www.johnbartlettny.com/ tiny-tim-rescue-fund

24. WHITE COAT WASTE PROJECT

By: Ari Solomon, Director of Communications

a mission of mercy

F

Mercy For Animals Fifteen years ago, the national animal protection organization Mercy For Animals was founded in Ohio. What’s remarkable is that the founder was only 15.

High school student Nathan Runkle was already an outspoken animal activist when a tragic event at a local school changed the course of his life.

A teacher, who was also a pig farmer, brought dead piglets into a science class for dissection.

When students realized that one of the “dead” piglets was still alive, he and another student attempted to kill the animal by smashing it headfirst into the floor—a common industry practice known as thumping.

The disturbing incident resulted in animal cruelty charges being filed and later dismissed (thumping, though incredibly violent, is exempt from animal cruelty statutes because it’s considered standard practice by the farming industry).

This injustice did not sit well with Runkle.

After all, if the teacher had “thumped” a dog

or a cat, he’d have been convicted without question. What made the life of that baby pig any less valuable? What made her suffering any less real?

It was questions like those that prompted Runkle to start Mercy For Animals—a nonprofit organization that focuses on the animals society generally chooses to ignore: farmed animals.

Today, Mercy For Animals, along with its sister organization, Mercy For Animals Canada, is changing the course of history by forcing people to see the faces behind their food.

No longer based in Ohio, Runkle now runs the operation out of Los Angeles where he and his team take on multibillion-dollar corporations from Walmart and Nestle to Amazon, urging them to improve their animal welfare standards.

It’s truly a David and Goliath story and MFA has been victorious. In 2012, dairy giant Kraft agreed to ban tail docking, a painful mutilation performed on cows without painkillers.

And just this year, Tyson Foods introduced

sweeping animal welfare guidelines for its pork suppliers.

So what is giving MFA the edge? The thing the organization is most well-known for: undercover investigations.

With over 20 investigations under its belt, MFA is the animal rights group leading the way into the factory farms and slaughterhouses few Americans would dare enter.

What MFA’s hidden cameras uncover is a disturbing world purposely kept away from public scrutiny—a world in which animals are routinely mutilated without painkillers, crammed into cages barely larger than their own bodies, and separated from their mothers just moments after birth and more.

Ten years ago, these undercover videos would only be seen by a handful of activists, but as cameras get smaller and social media gets bigger, videos of institutionalized, farmed animal abuse go viral and can be viewed by millions in a matter of minutes.

And Americans don’t like what they see.

This growing discontent is forcing companies to change their ways and MFA knows it.

It’s been said that sunlight is the best disinfectant. Considering that billions of factory farmed animals are kept in windowless sheds where the sun never shines that metaphor has never been more apropos.

To learn more about Mercy For Animals’ campaigns and programs, visit MercyForAnimals.org.

PHOTOs: MERCY FOR ANIMALS

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Cyril Christo & Marie Wilkinson W ith a changing climate and a growing human population, the world is poised to

transform dramatically. With this awareness, we began our work in the late 1990â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s documenting those closest to the effects of change, indigenous peoples worldwide, those who derive their livelihood from a profound understanding of the places where they live.

We witnessed the survivalist ethos of the pastoralist tribes of East Africa, such as the Turkana and the Samburu, living in marginal environments where lives depend on precarious cycles of rain and ever-present realities of drought. We found that Africa is truly a place of origin - ecologically, mythically, and spiritually. Africa stands as the shadow of our beginnings, cradle to humanity, and great mirror to what we are in the process of becoming, a thirsting purgatory caught between origin and our common fate. Our first book, Lost Africa: The Eyes of Origin (Assouline Paris/New York 2004) is a black/ white photographic homage to these indigenous peoples.

A fascination with and concern for the elephant resulted in our second book, Walking Thunder: In the Footsteps of the African Elephant (Merrell London 2009), with a prologue by Dame Daphne Sheldrick. As the re-emergence of the ivory trade and the slaughter of elephants were becoming increasingly visible, the need to understand the deeper meaning of the elephant to humanity took on a new urgency. Some tribes believe there is a seed of a human being inside each elephant, some believe they embody their ancestors, and others believe they exemplify ultimate truth and justice. It is said that if we lose the elephant,

(TOP & MIDDLE) selection from In Predatory Light: Lions, Tigers and Polar Bears (Merrell, Oct 2013) (BOTTOM) Lost Africa: Eyes of Origin image : Under the Midday Sun, Lake Turkana, Kenya 2001, selection from Walking Thunder: In the Footsteps of the African Elephant (Merrell 2009)

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Cyril Christo and Marie Wilkinson are documentary photographers and filmmakers living in Santa Fe, NM and Amagansett, NY. They are currently working on a film on the African elephant. christoandwilkinsonphotography.com

“we will lose our minds.” A warning we should heed as the illicit ivory trade flourishes.

In Predatory Light: Lions, Tigers and Polar Bears (Merrell London 2013), examines our relationship to predators. Considered both rival and totem, stories exalt and demonize these beings. To destroy a near deity like the tiger for the Asian market of aphrodisiacs is the height of perfidy. To hunt the polar bear by the hundreds for rugs, while polluting the Arctic with waste, is reckless. With 90% of their population gone, that the lion is still hunted for sport is moral cowardice. All three have been hunted to such an extent that they could disappear within our lifetime.

The last authentic peoples on earth embody the ontological immune system of the planet: Animals, such as the elephant, lion, tiger and polar bear, play vital roles in the health and regeneration of their habitats and our world. As threats mount, we must fight to save the diversity that gives this planet its life force. Now is the time to prove to ourselves and to future generations that we deserve to be on this planet, now before it is too late.

We must never have to tell the children: This is where the wild things were…

PHOTOS ON THIS PAGE: selection from In Predatory Light: Lions, Tigers and Polar Bears (Merrell, Oct 2013)

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Rangers with Tusks OF ELEPHANTS Killed at the Hands of Man, Amboseli, 2011

A C R O S S T H E R AVA G E D L A N D

by N I C K B R A N DT

Take a look at the elephant in the photo opposite. His name is Igor (as named at birth by Cynthia Moss of Amboseli Elephant Research).

For forty-nine years, he wandered the plains and woodlands of the Amboseli ecosystem in East Africa. A gentle soul like most elephants, he was so relaxed that in 2007, he allowed me to come within a few feet of him to take his portrait.

Two years later, in October 2009, it was perhaps this level of trust that allowed poachers to get close enough to kill him and hack out the tusks from his face.

As more people are finally becoming aware, there is an apocalypse of all animal life now occurring across Africa. Between an insatiable demand for animal parts from the Far East, and a sky-rocketing human population, the animals are being relentlessly squeezed out and hunted down. There is no park or reserve big enough for the animals to live out their lives safely.

The statistics bear repeating: Every year, an estimated 35-50,000 elephants are being slaughtered across Africa. That’s more than 10

percent of the elephant population every year. You can do the depressing math on that.

But it’s not just elephants being wiped out. There are an estimated 20,000 lions left in Africa today, a 75 percent drop in only twenty years. Most of this decline is due to conflict with the fast growing human population. But increasingly, lions are killed for body parts like claws, bones and teeth, again for the Asian market. It has become so bad that there are now few lions left outside the parks and reserves.

It all sounds fairly bleak, and much of the future inevitably will be. But there is a “however...” There has to be a “however...” But we have to be prepared and willing to engage in the most almighty fight for it....

No longer able to sit back and allow the destruction to continue, I cofounded Big Life Foundation in September 2010 with one of the most respected conservationists in East Africa, Richard Bonham. With one of the most spectacular elephant populations in Africa being rapidly diminished by poachers, the Amboseli ecosystem, that straddles both Kenya and Tanzania, became Big Life’s large-scale pilot project. Igor became Big Life’s unfortunate poster child.

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Elephants Walking Through Grass, Amboseli, 2008. Leading Matriarch Killed by Poachers, 2009

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Line of Rangers with Tusks OF ELEPHANTS Killed at the Hands of Man, Amboseli, 2011

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Lion Trophy (Where Once He Roamed), Chyulu Hills, 2012

Elephants alone, Amboseli 2010

(continued) Today, three years later, Big Life is the only organization in East Africa that has coordinated cross-border anti-poaching teams.

The animals don’t pay attention to borders. Nor do poachers. So neither can we.

315 fully-equipped rangers in 31 outposts now protect two million acres of the ecosystem. With the aid of multiple patrol vehicles, tracker dogs (the first to be used for conservation in Tanzania), night vision equipment and aerial monitoring, this new level of coordinated protection for the ecosystem has brought about a dramatic reduction in poaching of ALL animals in the region, with arrests of some of the worst, most prolific, long-term poachers.

The giant tusks being held by the ranger at the front of the line are the same pair as those in the photo supported by the kneeling ranger on the prior page. I doubt there is an elephant now left alive in Africa with tusks that size. They would likely fetch over half a million dollars in China today.

That’s the terrifying level of demand that exists for these animals today.

At the current rate of killing, within the next ten years, the elephants, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs will be gone, mostly left only to be seen in zoos.

If we just wait for the tortuously slow wheels of government to try and effect change on the international level - by effectively enforcing bans on trade, by curbing demand for these animal parts - if we wait for that and do nothing, all these animals will be long, long gone.

However, when you’re trying to protect two million acres, 315 rangers will only get you so far. These achievements could never have happened without one critical element: The collaboration with and support of the local communities.

In the meantime, Big Life Foundation is working hard, and so far successfully, to urgently staunch the flow of blood, and preserve these extraordinary animals in the hopes of a better future for both them, us, and the planet.

Wildlife is constantly moving far beyond meager park boundaries into the huge unprotected areas ever more populated by humans. This means that the only future for conservation of animals in the wild is working closely with the local communities. This is at the heart of Big Life’s philosophy: Conservation supports the people, and then people will support conservation.

I began Big Life three years ago because I saw that something positive could be achieved. There’s little use being angry and passive. Much better to be angry and active. So will you join the battle in being angry and active?

In the photo above, twenty two Big Life rangers are holding the tusks of elephants killed at the hands of man in the Amboseli/Tsavo ecosystem 2004-2009, before Big Life came into being. The photo is a deliberate echo of the earlier idyllic image opposite, of elephants crossing the plains three years earlier, an idyll that was broken when poachers killed Marianna, the matriarch of her herd, seen at the head of the line.

PHOTOS: NICK BRANDT

All Photos © Nick Brandt, Courtesy of Hasted Kraeutler Gallery NY Photos in this article all from Across The Ravaged Land, published by Abrams Books, September 2013 To learn more about Big Life Foundation, please go to: www.biglife.org biglife.com ORIGINMAGAZINE.COM 71