March/April 2015 Radiance magazine

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a publication of the Temple of Light Spiritual Community

Rising with Boundaries

Embracing Grief

By Rev. Danielle Marie

By Sobonfu SomĂŠ

Gut Feelings or Emotional Ups & Downs?

Kwan Yin: Mother of Compassion

By James Van Praagh

By Nancy Kimes

Let Go and Awaken a Whole New You

Globe Trotting with My 85-Year-Old Mother

By Guy Finley

By Tracy Pattin

Harness Your Core Power

Passion for Peace

By Dr. Eva Selhub

An Enlightened Dream

The Road to Amboseli

By Choury DeVelle

By Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D.

MARCH/APRIL 2015 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2

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CONTENTS Rising with Boundaries

By Rev. Danielle Marie Hewitt Founder of Temple of Light Spiritual Community, Director of the Academy of Light School for Healing Arts, Practitioners, Publisher of Radiance magazine, Mentor to Holistic and Healing Arts Practitioners

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Gut Feelings or Emotional Ups & Downs?

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Let Go and Awaken a Whole New You

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Harness Your Core Power

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Leadership Team

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By James Van Praagh

By Guy Finley

By Dr. Eva Selhub

On-site Practitioners An Enlightened Dream By Choury DeVelle

Workshops & Classes

Special Events

Embracing Grief By Sobonfu SomĂŠ

Kwan Yin: Mother of Compassion By Nancy Kimes

Globe Trotting with My 85-Year-Old Mother By Tracy Pattin

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Passion for Peace

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The Road to Amboseli By Rev. Basia Christ, PhD

ON THE COVER Rising with Boundaries

Radiance is published by Temple of Light Spiritual Community located at 11 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618.

MAGAZINE STAFF

Publisher’s Liability: Radiance does not warranty any advertised services or products. Opinions and factual statements expressed herein are the responsibility of the authors and not necessarily endorsed or verified by the magazine, nor do any advertisements necessarily constitute endorsement by the magazine, publishers, or editors.

Published by Rev. Danielle Marie, Spiritual Director of Temple of Light Spiritual Community Editor-in-Chief, Creative Director, Executive Director Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D.

Radiance is a free publication that is available at various metaphysical stores, health food locations, vegetarian restaurants, yoga studios, spiritual centers, coffee stands, and libraries throughout Orange County. If you would like copies at your location or recommend a site, please email basia@liveyourradiance.org or contact our office at 949.333.1641. Office hours are from Monday to Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Go to www.radiancemagazine.org to view current and past issues of Radiance and share your thoughts! Annual subscriptions are available for $25. To submit an article for review, please email Rev. Basia, Editor-in-Chief at basia@liveyourradiance.org.

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By Rev. Danielle Marie Hewitt Founder of the Temple of Light Community, Director of the Academy of Light School for Holistic Seekers and Practitioners Publisher of Radiance Magazine, a periodical for Universal Consciousness Mentor and Practitioner of Holistic Healing Arts

uman beings are complicated. We are here on this earth with a potpourri of emotions, feelings, beliefs, behaviors, and archetypes. We love, celebrate, have joy, engage in acts of kindness, behave with tenderness, courage, honesty and act with great humanity. We can also be spiteful, jealous, insulting, unkind, cowering, out of integrity and sometimes, even violent.

What drives these pendulum swings of conduct? For any given person, it’s their circumstances and most importantly how well they deal with them.

Of all of the above ways in which humans behave, the good or the bad, will have either feelings of love or fear at the root respectively. We always have a choice to act with love or fear and in any situation, our behavior continued on page 6 >> March/April 2015

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<< continued from page 5 will be driven by one of the two, therefore,, making our choices and decisions which are manifestations of one of the two.

What makes us behave with fear instead of love? The answer is easy, our feelings of separateness from Divine Spirit. The feeling of being alone and vulnerable has us in constant fear and manifesting any number of negative behavioral traits. The more relevant question should be, "How do we navigate and show up as love, and if need be, move to love from fear?" I recently read a newly published book written by our own Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D. author and Executive Director of the Temple of Light Spiritual Community, called From Ash to Flame: Women Rising (available at Amazon.com.)

In this book, Rev. Basia writes stories about herself and 25 women who faced incredibly challenging circumstances and were able to “rise” through them arriving from fear to love with tools such as faith, courage, honor, humor, truth, commitment, etc.

The situations they were in initially were either manifested by their fears and/or the fears of surrounding participating individuals. Whether it was theirs or the others, they used various tools to command a movement, a catalyst, from one place to another. They went deep inside and found something based in love to pull them through and out the other end of it. They emerged with a love of self, a love of others, and a love of life. 6

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If we at any time in our own lives are not experiencing a love of self, of others, and of life we also need to go deep inside and find a way, a method to find the love and work through and rise from the fear.

I have a tool to do this, that when I have the courage, never fails me. It’s the mirror. I speak of it in my teachings and spiritual counseling and urge those with whom I am working all we need to know about ourselves in order to emerge through any given situation; we can learn by looking in the mirror.

The mirror has many faces. It is our friends, families, coworkers, and even strangers. When we look at someone else and make claim to a behavior they have which causes a negative emotion in our senses, we are looking in a mirror. It isn’t easy to see the part of us we are seeing in the other person which is at the root of our discontent, but it is worth the challenge. I have become aware to have better boundaries within my emotions as I regularly counsel friends, family, and clients. Of course, this is a good thing and one you might think is natural in my line of work.

However, I noticed a level of agitation when giving this advice. This was my clue as I looked in a mirror. I always felt I had decent boundaries with people, but knew I gave in a lot rather than upset them or have them go away with a "less than perfect" impression of me.

I knew I needed to look at something in this area when I felt resentment creeping in because I didn’t feel as though I was standing in my power. I could get angry and carry resentment at those who would take advantage, or I could simply not allow them. The kicker is those shaky boundaries can go in both directions. If we don’t have them for ourselves in perfection, we cannot have them for others. We don’t know where the line is.

In my daily meditations, I always ask, "What can I do?" "How can I be of service?""What is my direction with the Temple?"

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Lately, I have been hearing Divine Spirit guide me “to gather the healers, make a community for them, give them fellowship, help them not feel alone in their work. CALL THEM!”

I shuddered when I heard this last part of the urging. It triggered me. I have done everything I could think of to avoid doing this. Why? Because I was afraid my boundaries would not stay intact. I was afraid if I called them I would hear them tell me what they thought was wrong with the Temple, or they would tell me why they have no interest in being a part of our community, i.e. they will say “no” or they would take advantage of me calling them and try to get a free session out of me. I was also afraid they would say “yes” when they didn’t want to and I didn’t want to use my influence as the founder to create undue pressure. You see, if I didn’t have good boundaries, I assumed they didn’t either. I found 101 things to do every day rather than pick up the telephone. It makes sense until it doesn’t. This line of thinking made great sense to me. And then, just recently, it didn’t.

Personal boundaries come from a love of self. And this comes from accepting the love of Divine Spirit. We

recently had a minor financial blip I was letting get under my skin and was fed up with this kind of repeat scenario.

I was determined to be in a place of trust all would be well. I needed to go deeper into trusting Divine intervention and resolution. I did this and gave myself over in a complete place of surrender. In this place and going deeper, I came out with a higher sense of self-worth and love of self. In it and from it, I found my voice of speaking up for what is right in my life. I emerged with a much greater sense of personal boundaries. I imagined me making calls to existing and potential members of our community to connect with them and find out how we can better serve them. I saw situations where they spoke of less than ideal conditions they experienced, or it was not the right fit for them at this time or they were in a moment in dire need of someone to hear their pain, and it was okay. continued on page 8 >>

The Real Deal with the Law of Attraction

2015 Trips April 12 - April 25 April 26 - May 9 September 6 - September 20 October 4 - October 17 Live at Awakenings 25260 La Paz Rd, Laguna Hills, CA Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 7pm See details and register at

For more information, contact Lesa Ferguson by phone at 714.747.3460, email trianglejourneys@gmail.com, or visit www.trianglejourneys.com.

JoeNunzLive.com March/April 2015

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<< continued from page 7 I felt myself sensing when to continue talking to them and when it was time to let them go. It felt natural. Now I can’t wait to get on the telephone and connect with 2,000 people in our database. You may be getting a call from me soon! If personal boundaries are something you have wondered about and whether or not yours are healthy and intact, take a look at the following

Signs of Unhealthy Boundaries Do any of the following apply to you?

 Do you go against personal values or rights in order to please others?

 Do you give as much as you can for the sake of giving?  Do you take as much as you can for the sake of taking?  Do you let others define you?

 Do you expect others to fill your needs automatically?  Do you feel bad or guilty when you say "no?"

 Do you not speak up when you are treated poorly?

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 Do you fall "in love" with someone you barely know or who reaches out to you?

 Do you accept advances, touching, and sex you don't want?  Do you touch a person without asking?

It is never too late to remedy and correct any of these behaviors. If you do have any, do not admonish yourself with reproachful inner dialog. Instead go deep inside and find the Divine Spirit within you and “Rise with Boundaries." Rev. Danielle Marie is a Master TheaHealer® who practices a healing art primarily on ThetaHealing®, but with several personal additions and modifications. Her sessions are life-changing, creating shifts in her clients’ perceptions resulting in the most positive changes imaginable. Rev. Danielle has been a student of metaphysics since 2000 and studied under several mentors, including Vianna Stibal and Dr. Doreen Virtue. As a metaphysical minister, she believes in the innate intuitive ability gifted to each of us. Teaching this and witnessing healings has become her life’s work and passion. She believes we can live free from pain and suffering and be in a state of peace and joy.

 Do you fall apart so someone can take care of you?

Renowned medium Tim Braun’s demonstration will confirm there is life after death. Saturday, July 18 - 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Temple of Light, 11 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618 $40 members (front row seating), $50 non members Come enjoy this demonstration of mediumship where Tim will deliver messages and communication from spirit with love and support. It is Tim’s desire to heal those with grief of loss and re-establish the ties we have lost with those who are no longer with us. Tim believes our love is the link which allows us to connect with those on the other side. Many of Tim’s clients have had their lives changed dramatically, and have received hope that there exists a place of beauty and joy at the end of life on this earth. Loved ones are there, and love doesn’t die, but it is taken to this place, “the other side.”

To register for this event go to www.templeoflightoc.org/tim-braun 8

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nother term for intuition is gut feeling. Have you ever felt something in your heart that you had to do? Something that on second thought you didn't do because you were afraid to be wrong or look dumb? One the other hand, have you had a definite urge to do something, and despite others' tries to discourage you from doing it, felt so strongly about it you did it anyway? - and had it turned out to be right on? We are all taught to mask our true feelings. People are afraid of the unknown, and our feelings, our intuition, is often illogical and, therefore, unknown and unknowable. However, when you hold back what you are really

feeling, you become frustrated and lose confidence in yourself. You become a follower, not a leader.

The feelings I had as a young boy, those jitters and chills I tried to shrug off, are not the same as everyday emotional ups and downs. Don't confuse your intuition with your emotions. Feelings like happiness, sadness, anger, and loneliness come from social interaction, your personality, and your bodily hormones. Because of this, these emotions will change from one moment to another.

The gut feelings I am talking about are instinctive and come from a part of your unconscious mind. They are not reactions to what somebody else says or does; they are not brought on by hormonal changes in your body.

By James Van Praagh

Your intuition is a subtle sense, but you can learn to become very aware of it.

Reality Check

Let's take a closer look at what I mean by gut feelings. These feelings can come in many forms. For instance, you may see a picture in your mind or hear a sound or music in your head. Sometimes a name comes to you out of the blue, sometimes you feel a sensation in your body like a stomachache, headache, or light-headedness. Or you get a shiver up your spine or goosebumps. These feelings happen unexpectedly without rhyme or reason. Gut feelings have no logical explanation. continued on page 10 >> March/April 2015

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Wishing It Were So Doesn't Make It So It's hard to pay attention to your gut feeling because your mind has a logical answer for almost everything. We talk ourselves in and out of things a million times a day. I tell my seminar audience, "Go with your first impression." On the other hand, we often can get caught up in a wishful-thinking

syndrome. It goes like this: you wish so hard for something you think it must be your heart, or your gut, leading you in the right direction. That's not necessarily the case, though. Our wishes can be twisted by judgements, opinions, or a desire for someone or something...

Is It Your Intuition?

Ask Yourself These Questions:

 Is this feeling influenced by my

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judgement about someone? (Criticism is not your inutition.)

 Do I wish it were so? If so, why? (Wishing is not your gut feeling.)

 Am I rationalizing what just came to mind? (Logic is not intuition.) Excerpt from LOOKING BEYOND: A Teen's Guide To The Spiritual World

For more information about James, please visit: www.vanpraagh.com.

"LOOKING BEYOND" WORKSHOP WITH JAMES VAN PRAAGH Saturday, April 11, 2015 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. with a 1-hour lunch break

James Van Praagh will be leading this workshop for children to help them identify, embrace, understand, and nurture their unique spiritual gifts. He wrote Looking Beyond to help teenagers on their journey towards discovering their real self and to become the person they were born to be. The book shows teens there's more to them than meets the eye. James explains how they can connect with their own innate "supernatural"talents and step into their power. This book is required reading for this amazing 1-day workshop. It's available on amazon.com. Happy reading and please invite the young ones in your family or community to this unique and exciting workshop with James!

Teens will discover the truth about: Soul mates  Why they have the parents they do Lessons they were born to learn here on earth  Spirit Guides

To register your child for this event go to www.templeoflightoc.org/looking-beyond Temple of Light, 11 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92818 949.333.1641 10

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L et Go and Awaken a Whole New You By Guy Finley

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y the fact everything about her existence is perfectly ordered, Mother Nature is “choiceless.” What does being “without choice” mean in this context? All creatures – from the smallest to the largest – from gnat to gorilla all the way to the humpback whale, must serve nature as she demands. Their individual lives exist to serve and sustain a living planetary matrix greater than themselves.

One of the gifts of being human is that our individual potential far exceeds the boundaries of our animal body, which, like all natural creations, must serve the general laws it has been created to obey. We have the possibility of knowing consciously, the existence of another order of "body" that is “in, but not of” our physical form. For example, consider the oak tree; it is “in” the acorn, yet its body is timeless relative to the seed from out of which it comes. To see the truth of this principle in the life of a simple seed and tree as an earthly, or lower expression of higher laws, is more than just promising; it is spiritually empowering. This same law holds true when it comes to the nature of our consciousness. Within our present

level of being – think of it as a seed relative to the tree which will rise from out of it – dwells a timeless level of our selves which isn’t subject to the laws of the natural world. This higher level of self, much like the life of a tree as compared to its seed, is relatively immortal. And as such, it is created to serve another order of existence. This extraordinary possibility of being “born again” – of achieving Nirvana or Moksha – is seeded into us from the beginning; yet, no seed is the flowering it promises unless it's cultivated and nourished. And this is precisely where the inner work of the willing aspirant must be brought into play. Spiritual rebirth is not evolutionary, even though the Cosmos moves and perfects to assist as a midwife. The second birth is realized through an act of free will; it is voluntary, not mandatory.

In order to nurture our awakening, we first must see the need to let go of those parts of us we sense no longer serve us. This new kind of self-awareness is the interior “seed state” needed to outgrow and transcend our former level of self. continued on page 12 >>

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Š‡ƒŽ–Š Â…ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÇĄ ‘” ‡†—…ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ •›•–‡Â?•Ǥ Š‡ ‘Ž† ™ƒ›• ‘ˆ †‘‹Â?‰ –Š‹Â?‰• Â?‘ Ž‘Â?‰‡” ™‘”Â?Ǥ ‡ ƒ”‡ •‡‡Â?‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‡Â?‡”nj ‰‡Â?…‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ †‡‡’‡” •–‘”›ǥ ‘—” Â?›–Š‹… Ž‹˜‡•Ǥ << continued from page 11 Ěś ‘ ›‘— ˆ‡‡Ž –Š‡ ’ƒ••‹‘Â? ™‹–Š‹Â?ǥ—”‰‹Â?‰ ›‘— –‘ Ž‹˜‡ ›‘—”

‰”‡ƒ–‡” •–‘”›Ǎ ›–Š ‹• ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ Â?ƒÂ?‹Â?‰ ‘ˆ –Š‡ •‘—ŽǤ – ‹• But these seeds of higher self-knowledge must, in turn, –Š‡ Œ‘—”Â?‡› ‘ˆ –Š‡ Š‡”‘‹… •‘—Ž ĥ ›‘— –”ƒ˜‡Ž ˆ”‘Â? ƒÂ? ‘—–nj become new actions if they are to give birth to something Â?‘†‡† ‡š‹•–‡Â?…‡ –‘ ƒÂ? ƒÂ?’Ž‹ˆ‹‡† Ž‹ˆ‡Ǥ Â? –‹Â?‡• ‘ˆ „”‡ƒÂ?ÇŚ immortal. Consider the four separate instructions †‘™Â? ƒÂ?† „”‡ƒÂ?–Š”‘—‰Šǥ ™Š‹…Š ‹Â? ”‹‰Š– Â?‘™ǥ which follow as a single seed and™‡̾”‡ the course of action Â?›–Š• ƒ”‹•‡ –‡ŽŽ‹Â?‰ —• ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â?‡™ Š‡”‘‡• ƒÂ?† Š‡”‘‹Â?‡•ǥ needed for the flowering of a whole new you. Let them ƒÂ?† ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â?‘„Ž‡ Œ‘—”Â?‡› ™‡ Â?—•– –ƒÂ?‡ ‹Â? •‡ƒ”…Š ‘ˆ –Š‡ guide you to an incorruptible consciousness which is as ‘••‹„Ž‡ —Â?ƒÂ? „‘–Š ™‹–Š‹Â? ‘—”•‡Ž˜‡• ƒÂ?† ‹Â? ‘–Š‡”•Ǥ timeless as the greater Good from out of which it comes.

Ěś ‘™ †‘ ™‡ ‡˜‘Â?‡ –Š‹• ‡Â?‡”‰‡Â?…‡Ǎ ‘™ †‘ ™‡ ‹Â?•’‹”‡ 1. Remember yourself: Be as present as possible within yourself – to yourself – at all times. –Š‹• ’‘••‹„Ž‡ǥ ’ƒ••‹‘Â?ƒ–‡ Š—Â?ƒÂ? •‘ ™‡ Â?ƒ› Â?‘– Œ—•– •—”nj ˜‹˜‡ ‘—” –‹Â?‡ǥ „—– Â–ÂŠÂ”Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ Ž‡ƒ˜‹Â?‰ ƒ Ž‡‰ƒ…› ‘ˆ ƒ Â?‡™ ™ƒ› 2. Receive and accept whatever is revealed as the ‘ˆ „‡‹Â?‰ ˆ‘” ‘—” …Š‹Ž†”‡Â?ÇĄ ‘—” ‰”ƒÂ?†…Š‹Ž†”‡Â?ÇĄ ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ÂˆÂ—ÇŚ gift it is: There is no such thing as a bad fact for –—”‡Ǎ – ‹• ‘Â?Ž› ™Š‡Â? ™‡ Šƒ˜‡ †‹•…‘˜‡”‡† –Š‹• ’‘••‹„‹Ž‹–› those who seek spiritual freedom. –Šƒ– ™‡ ‰‘ „‡›‘Â?† ‘—” ’‡••‹Â?‹•Â? ƒÂ?† …”‡ƒ–‡ ƒ ™‘”Ž† ‹Â?

3. Release yourself: Refuse to judge, justify, blame, or ™Š‹…Š ™‡ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ †‹ˆˆ‡”‡Â?…‡Ǥ – ‹• ‹Â? ™‘”Â?‹Â?‰ ™‹–Š Â?›–Š console yourself.

‹� ƒ …”‡ƒ–‹˜‡ �ƒ��‡” ™‡ ‰ƒ‹� ˆ”‡•Š ’‡”•’‡…–‹˜‡• ‘� ‘—”

4. Endure yourself: Never forget the following ...There Ž‹ˆ‡ Œ‘—”Â?‡›Ǥ ›–Š …ƒÂ? –ƒÂ?‡ —• „‡›‘Â?† ‘—” ‘”†‹Â?ÂƒÂ”Â›ÇĄ ÂŠÂƒÇŚ are two kinds of suffering. One is born of not wanting „‹–—ƒŽ ™ƒ›• –‘ –Š‡ ‡••‡Â?…‡ ‘ˆ ™Šƒ– ™‡ ƒ”‡ ‘” …ƒÂ? „‡Ǥ̜ to see or be what life reveals about your present nature. This is useless, unconscious suffering; it serves onlyƒÂ?† to …‘Â?Â?‘Â? reincarnate a level of self which ‘—Â?† ƒ†˜‹…‡ –Š‡Â?‡• ‹Â? –Š‡ ™‘”†• ‘ˆ always rejects unwanted revelations about itself.

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12 Radiance March/April 2015 5DGLDQFH 0D\ -XQH

–Š‡ ‡š‡”…‹•‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‘™‡” ‘ˆ Â?‡Ǥ ‘™Ǎ Š‡Â? ™‡ †‘ ‘—” ’ƒ”– –‘ Š‡ƒŽ ™‘—Â?†• ˆ”‘Â? –Š‡ s s Â’ÂƒÂ•Â–ÇĄ …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡ •‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‹Â?…‘Â?’Ž‡–‡• ™Š‹…Š †‘‰ ‘—” The other kind of suffering is the conscious sacrifice ÂˆÂ‘Â‘Â–Â•Â–Â‡Â’Â•ÇĄ ˆ‘”‰‹˜‡ –Š‘•‡ ™Š‘ ‹Â?Œ—”‡† —• ƒÂ?† ‘—”•‡Ž˜‡• of this nature. It is our agreement to let go of who ˆ‘” ‘—” ƒ…–‹‘Â?•ǥ ƒÂ?† Ž‹˜‡ ‹Â? ‰”ƒ–‹–—†‡ ˆ‘” ƒŽŽ ™‡ ÂŠÂƒÂ˜Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡ and what we have been in order to make way for the ‰‹ˆ–• ƒÂ?† …ŠƒŽŽ‡Â?‰‡•Ǥ birth of a new and timeless order of being.

‡ ƒ”‡ ƒŽ•‘ ƒ†˜‹•‡† –‘ –—”Â? †‘™Â? –Š‡ ‘—–•‹†‡ Â?‘‹•‡ ƒÂ?† Key Lesson: Spiritually speaking, all relationships –—”Â? ‹Â?•–‡ƒ† –‘ –Š‡ •‹Ž‡Â?…‡ ™‹–Š‹Â? —• ˆ”‘Â? ™Š‹…Š ™‹•†‘Â? serve one purpose: self-knowledge. Self-knowledge ˆŽ‘™•Ǥ ‘ Â?ƒ––‡” ™Š‡”‡ ™‡ ÂƒÂ”Â‡ÇĄ ™‡ Šƒ˜‡ –Š‡ ‘’’‘”–—Â?‹nj serves one purpose: awakening to the truth of oneself. Awakening to the truth of oneself serves one purpose: dying to oneself. Dying to oneself serves one purpose:

‡‘”‰‡ ƒ’’ƒÂ?Â?‡ŽŽ‹ ‹• –Š‡ ƒ—–Š‘” ‘ˆ –Š‡ ÂƒÂ™ÂƒÂ”Â†ÇŚ rebirth. And rebirth is‌the purpose and fulfillment of ™‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ ÇĄ „‡•–•‡ŽŽ‹Â?‰ „‘‘Â? ‘ ‘– ‘ —‹‡–Ž›ǥ all relationships. …‘nj ˆ‘—Â?†‡” ‘ˆ ‰‡ ƒ–‹‘Â?ÇĄ ƒÂ?† Š‡ ‘”Ž† ‘—Â?…‹Ž ‘ˆ ‹•†‘Â? ‡‡’‡”•Ǥ ‡ ‹• Ž‡ƒ†‹Â?‰ ‰‡ ƒ–‹‘Â?ǯ• Excerpted from The Secret of Your Immortal Self, by Guy Finley, •‹š –”ƒÂ?•ˆ‘”Â?ƒ–‹‘Â?ƒŽ ƒ˜‹‰ƒ–‹Â?‰ ‘—” —–—”‡ ‡‡Â?‡Â?† ‘—”Â?‡›• Llewellyn Worldwide, 2015. —Â?‡ –Š”‘—‰Š ‘˜‡Â?„‡”ǥ ™Š‹…Š ™‹ŽŽ ˆ‡ƒ–—”‡ Í•Íš ‘ˆ –Š‡ ™‘”Ž†ǯ• Ž‡ƒ†‹Â?‰ ™‹•†‘Â? Â?‡‡’‡”• ƒ††”‡••‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Â?‡‡†•ǥ …‘Â?…‡”Â?•ǥ ƒÂ?† Guy Finley is the best-selling author of more ‘’’‘”–—Â?‹–‹‡• ˆ‘” Dz’‡‘’Ž‡ ™Š‘ ™‡”‡Â?ǯ– „‘”Â? Â›Â‡Â•Â–Â‡Â”Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄÇł ĥ ™‡ŽŽ than 40 books and audio albums on selfĥ ˆ‘” ›‘—Â?‰‡” ’‡‘’Ž‡ ™Š‘ ™ƒÂ?– –‘ …Šƒ”– ƒ –‡””‹ƤÂ… ÇĄ ˜‹–ƒŽ …‘—”•‡ realization. He is the founder and director ˆ‘” –Š‡ ˆ—–—”‡Ǥ Š‡ ‰‘ƒŽ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ’”‘‰”ƒÂ?• ‹• –‘ ƒ••‹•– ’ƒ”–‹…‹’ƒÂ?–• of Life of Learning Foundation, a non-profit center for self-study located in southern –‘ ‡š’Ž‘”‡ •‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ‡••‡Â?–‹ƒŽ ƒÂ?† ”‡Ž‡˜ƒÂ?– –‘’‹…•ǥ ƒÂ?† Â?ƒÂ?› Oregon where he gives talks four times ’”‹Â?ƒ”› ƒÂ?† ‡Â?’‘™‡”‹Â?‰ –‘‘Ž• –Š‡› …ƒÂ? —•‡ ‘Â? –Š‡ ”‘ƒ† –‘ Ž‹˜‹Â?‰ each week. For more information and to Â?‘”‡ …‘Â?•…‹‘—• ÂŽÂ‹Â˜Â‡Â•ÇĄ ‹Â?Š‡”‹–‹Â?‰ –Š‡‹” ”‘Ž‡• ĥ ™‹•‡ ‡Ž†‡”• ƒÂ?† download Guy’s free 60-minute MP3 “Five ’Žƒ›‹Â?‰ ƒÂ? ƒ…–‹˜‡ ’ƒ”– ‹Â? ”‡…ƒ•–‹Â?‰ ƒ Â?‘”‡ ’‘•‹–‹˜‡ ˆ—–—”‡Ǥ ‹•‹– Simple Steps to Make Yourself Fearless,â€? ™™™ǤÂ?ƒ˜‹‰ƒ–‹Â?‰›‘—”ˆ—–—”‡…‘Â?ˆ‡”‡Â?…‡•Ǥ…‘Â?Ǥ visit http://www.GuyFinley.org/kit.

Dr. Kayhan graduated from University of Southern California and has more than 15 years of experience.

Armaghan Kayhan, DDS Holistic Dentistry

(949) 559-6988 14785 Jeffrey Road, Suite 206, Irvine, CA

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

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arness Your Core Power By Dr. Eva Selhub

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s a Medical Doctor with a specialty focus on managing stress to achieve health and wellness, I have found that a patient’s victory over their illness, personal or financial hardship is dependent upon how powerful they can become at their core—whether they can develop mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual fortitude which can enable them to manage adversity, be incredibly resilient despite life’s curve balls, and harness the body’s natural antioxidant and fighting power.

effectively or be able to adapt. You are more likely to succumb to negative emotional, psychological, and physical complaints and thoughts.

If you perceive yourself as a victim of life’s circumstances, or your body is physically weak, you are less likely to handle adversity or trauma

Whether you are a couch potato or a high-level athlete, chances are you experience pain, and chances are

How you perceive yourself— whether you are or have enough— and how physically, psychologically, mentally, financially, and spiritually strong you are, determines how you handle uncertainty and stress.

This negativity creates more stress, not only mentally and psychologically, but also physically as muscles tense, blood pressure increases, and the inflammatory response intensifies.

When your body is inflamed, not only is it likely you will experience more physical pain, but also mental fatigue, depression or anxiety, less motivation to exercise, socialize or hold the belief you have the ability to reach towards and manifest your goals or dreams. Your selfperception, in other words, suffers, and your body suffers as well so you are in pain inside and out.

you experience daily or life stress, which bring your self-perception down.

Whether you run for long distances frequently and have severe wear and tear on your knees, you engage in heavy lifting which has hurt your back, you sit for long periods in the same position, or you are simply carrying heavy load around all the time because you are obese— the end result is the same: pain, inflammation and some kind of musculoskeletal complaint. Musculoskeletal disorders are the leading cause of disability in the U.S. and, in 2005, musculoskeletal conditions were reported by 107.67 million American adults, representing nearly one in two person’s age 18 and older (www. boneandjointburden.org/pdfs/ bmus_executive_summary_low.pdf). If you have not read my blogs before, continued on page 14 >>

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<< continued from page 13 you may not know I used to be one of those statistics. I suffered from a 30-year back injury sustained in a car accident at the age of 15.

Though I spent years working on my spiritual, emotional, and mental fitness, my ability to improve my physical fitness was lacking because my back pain always got in the way, though it did not keep me from sitting in front of my computer writing for long hours. As a result, I lacked core strength physically, which ultimately negatively affected my selfperception and mental outlook.

When I joined CrossFit in 2011, I started slowly, listening to my coaches who instructed me on movements and stretches which would help strengthen my core. I listened to my body, to what it was ready to do, and what it wasn’t. I paid attention to my diet, avoiding inflammatory foods and also supplemented with Omega-3

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fatty acids (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed?orig_db=PubMed&cmd= Search&TransSchema=title&term =Deutsch[author]+AND+Evaluati on+of+the+effect+of+Neptune+), vitamin D (www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/21067953) and natural eggshell membrane (www.ncbi. nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19340512), products which have been found to significantly lower inflammation and help with joint mobility.

can work efficiently and you can ultimately feel good within yourself.

One day, after 30 years of waking up with pain every morning, I woke up pain free. I felt I had been reborn.

What is the message? Find a way to move, connect and thrive. Find a way to harness your core power by building muscle strength, and creating friendships which support and encourage you to follow a healthy diet and lifestyle:

I slowly started pushing myself to do things beyond my comfort zone. I got stronger, not only physically, but also mentally, feeling internally I was strong enough to lift the weights in the gym and the heavy weights life threw at me.

You see, self-perception can exponentially improve and pain doesn’t have to be debilitating. Pain is designed to let you know the body is working to fix something and to ask you to help it do its job so it

In this sense, pain is your friend, not your enemy, as it is sending you a friendly warning to take care, slow down, change positions, pay attention to your stress, or you are eating the wrong foods. It is telling you that somewhere in your core, you are weak and need strengthening and warning you to pay attention: If you stay sedentary, sitting on your couch when you need to move, or push your body to lift weights or run a marathon when it really needs to stretch and rest, you will get injured and be one of the 107 million adults who complain of pain.

1. Be Fearless: Don’t be afraid of your pain and of working

…‘Â?•…‹‘—• •–ƒ–‡ ™Š‡”‡ –Š‡”‡ ‹• Š‘‘•‡ ‘Â?‡ ‘ˆ –Š‡ •–›Ž‡• ‘ˆ ’‘•–—”‡• ˆ”‘Â? •Š–ƒÂ?Â‰ÂƒÇĄ ‹Â?ÇŚ ॥Ǥ Š‹• ‹• –Š‡ †‡‡’‡•–ǥ Š‹‰Š‡•– Â›ÂƒÂ•ÂƒÇĄ ‘™‡” Â‘Â‰ÂƒÇĄ ‹˜ƒÂ?—Â?–‹ǥ ƒŽ‹ ƒ› ”‹ Â‘Â‰ÂƒÇĄ Š‹–‡ ‘nj TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS ॥ ™Š‡”‡ „‘†› ƒÂ?† Â?‹Â?† Šƒ˜‡ hard—get yourself into a fitness –—•ǥ ›‡Â?Â‰ÂƒÂ”ÇĄ Â?Â–Â‡Â‰Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ Â‡Â•Â–Â‘Â”ÂƒÂ–Â‹Â˜Â‡ÇĄ ‹Â?Â‹Â›Â‘Â‰ÂƒÇĄ ‹Â?”ƒÂ?ÇĄ your body that doesn’t belong; Science has proven our thoughts, Â?† –Š‡ ‘‰‹ ‹• ‘Â?‡ ™‹–Š –Š‡ ‡Žˆ program which helps you build ÂƒÂ–ÂŠÂƒÇĄ Â˜ÂƒÂ”Â‘Â‘Â’ÂƒÇĄ ‹˜ƒÂ?Â†ÂƒÇĄ Â?Â–Â‡Â‰Â”ÂƒÂŽÇĄ Â?ƒÂ?Â†ÂƒÇĄ —Â?†ƒŽ‹Â?‹ǥ try to focus on eating foods emotions, and beliefs are

core muscle and spine strength, be it Pilates, CrossFit, or weight training. Â? ƒ„‘—– –Š‡ ˆ‘—” ’ƒ–Š• ‘ˆ ›‘‰ƒǤ

which are not inflammatory and

directly connected to our body’s

Â•ÂŠÂ–ÂƒÇĄ Â”Â‹Â’ÂƒÂŽÂ—ÇĄ Â?Â—Â•ÂƒÂ”ÂƒÇĄ ‹„‡–ƒÂ?ÇĽÇĽÂŒÂ—Â•Â– –‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ƒ ˆ‡™Ǩ instead are loaded with antibiochemistry and physiology. ‘Â?ǯ– ˆ‘”‰‡– ›‘—” Â?ƒ– ƒÂ?† ™ƒ–‡”Ǥ oxidants, including organic and

grass fed meats, poultry, fish, 2. Get Good Coaching: Align Â?‘•– ‘ˆ–‡Â? ˆ‘…—•‡• ‘Â? ’Š›•‹…ƒŽ In YOUR HEALTH DESTINY ƒÂ?ƒ•–‡ vegetables, fruits and grains, yourself with trainers or coaches (HarperOne; April 2015) Dr. Eva ‘ ’‘•–—”‡• …Žƒ••‡• ĥ ›‘‰ƒ Â…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â•ÇŚ and consider supplementing if who are trained to understand Selhub reveals how to harness that necessary with products you ƒŽ•‡ ‹Â?’”‡••‹‘Â? –Š‹•ǥ —Â?–‘ Â‹Â–Â•Â‡ÂŽÂˆÇĄ pain, injury, and rehabilitation. power in order to transform your may not be getting from your Do due diligence and research. mind, improve the functioning of • •Š‘™Â? ÂƒÂ„Â‘Â˜Â‡ÇĄ –Š‡ •ƒÂ?ĥ ƒ”‡ diet, such as Omega-3 fatty acids, 3. Listen Carefully: Listen to your your body, and control your health ‰Š– †‹•…‹’Ž‹Â?‡• ™‹–Š‹Â? –Š‡ ˆ”ƒÂ?‡nj vitamin D, ‡˜Ǥ ƒÂ?‹‡ŽŽ‡ ƒ”‹‡ ‹• ƒ ƒ•–‡” Š‡–ƒ Â‡ÂƒÂŽÂ‡Â”Ěş or natural eggshell body and don’t be afraid to rest. destiny. membrane. • Œ—•– ‘Â?‡ You ‘ˆ and ˆ‘—” ’ƒ–Š• ™Š‹…Š ™Š‘ ’”ƒ…–‹…‡• ƒ Š‡ƒŽ‹Â?‰ ƒ”– „ƒ•‡† ’”‹Â?ƒ”‹Ž› ‘Â? your body need rest Do align with to recuperate, repair, and get 6. Get a Community: Š‡–ƒ ‡ƒŽ‹Â?‰̺ǥ „—– ™‹–Š •‡˜‡”ƒŽ ’‡”•‘Â?ƒŽ ƒ††‹–‹‘Â?• Dr. Eva Selhub is a ƒ …‘Â?’Ž‡–‡ ›‘‰ƒ ’”ƒ…–‹…‡Ǥ people who can support you in

stronger. Pain is not your signal to keep doing what you are doing. Â?Ž› ƒ ˆ”ƒ…–‹‘Â? ‘ˆ –Š‡ Â–Â‘Â–ÂƒÂŽÂ‹Â–Â›ÇĄ –Š‡› It is signaling you that whatever Â?‰ ‘ˆ –Š‡ ’”ƒ…–‹…‡ ‘ˆ ›‘‰ƒǤ Â‘Â˜ÇŚ you are doing needs changing. It –—”‡• Šƒ• is™‹†‡•’”‡ƒ† „‡Â?‡ˆ‹–• also when you sleep that your immune system gets to rest and ‰ ÂŠÂ‡ÂƒÂŽÂ–ÂŠÇĄ •–”‡Â?‰–Šǥ „ƒŽƒÂ?…‡ǥ ƒÂ?† do its work more efficiently.

4. Fix Your Form: Injury and pain, whether you from a sedentary ’”ƒ…–‹…‡ ‘ˆ •ƒÂ?ÂƒÇĄ ™Š‹…Š Â?‡ƒÂ?• lifestyle or pushing yourself at Â?•Â?”‹–ǥ ‹• ƒ —•‡ˆ—Ž –‘‘Ž –‘ …ƒŽÂ? –Š‡ the gym, often have their origins ‹Â?Â?‡” ‡••‡Â?…‡ ‘ˆ „‡‹Â?‰Ǥ Š‡ Â…ÂŠÂƒÂŽÇŚ in poor posture and poor form which weaken your core body Š‡ ’”ƒ…–‹–‹‘Â?‡” –Š‡ ‘’’‘”–—Â?‹–› strength and muscle flexibility.

ƒ•’‡…–• ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” ‡Â?‘–‹‘Â?•ǥ …‘Â?ÇŚ For this reason, it is important ÇĄ ƒÂ?† —Â?‹–› „‡–™‡‡Â? –Š‡ ’Š›•‹…ƒŽ to listen to your trainers and coaches who can guide you to •‹Â?‰ •ƒÂ?ĥ –‘ …ŠƒŽŽ‡Â?‰‡ ƒÂ?† learn better form with your ƒ…–• ĥ ƒ „‹Â?†‹Â?‰ ƒ‰‡Â?– –‘ „”‹Â?‰ movements while in the gym. Š‡ —Â?•‡‡Â? ‡Ž‡Â?‡Â?–• ‘ˆ –Š‡‹” „‡nj It is just as important to work on your posture, flexibility, and ‘—” Ž‹˜‡• –Š”‘—‰Š ‘—” ”‡•’‘Â?•‡• alignment when you are out of •ƒÂ?ƒ –Š‡Â? ™ƒ› ‘ˆ to the „‡…‘Â?‡• gym, so youƒ may want check out Kelly Starrett’s‘—” (www. ––‹–—†‡• ƒÂ?† •–”‡Â?‰–Š‡Â?‹Â?‰ mobilitywod.com/) advice ƒ•‡ ƒÂ?† Â?‘˜‡ ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡ •–ƒ–‡ ‘ˆ on core strengthening and Â? …”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ „ƒŽƒÂ?…‡ „‡–™‡‡Â? ‘—” improving mobility, work with a physical therapist or Alexander ‹”‹–—ƒŽ ‡š’‡”‹‡Â?…‡Ǥ Š”‘—‰Š –Š‡ Technique practitioner (www. …ƒÂ? ‡š’ƒÂ?† ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡ ”‡Â?ƒ‹Â?‹Â?‰ alexandertechnique.com). ‘‰ƒ ƒÂ?† –Šƒ– 5. –Š”‘—‰Š Eat Healthy: Don’t‡š’Ž‘”‡ put stuff in

Lecturer in medicine ƒÂ?† Â?‘†‹ˆ‹…ƒ–‹‘Â?•Ǥ ‡˜Ǥ ƒÂ?‹‡ŽŽ‡ ÂƒÂ”Â‹Â‡ĚľÂ• •‡••‹‘Â?• ƒ”‡

at Harvard Medical your journey. The more social ÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‡ÇŚÂ…ÂŠÂƒÂ?‰‹Â?‰ǥ …”‡ƒ–‹Â?‰ •Š‹ˆ–• ‹Â? Š‡” …Ž‹‡Â?–•̾ ’‡”…‡’–‹‘Â?• School and a support you have, the stronger Clinical Associate of ”‡•—Ž–‹Â?‰ ‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‘•– ’‘•‹–‹˜‡ …ŠƒÂ?‰‡• ‹Â?ƒ‰‹Â?ƒ„Ž‡Ǥ ‡˜Ǥ ƒÂ?‹‡ŽŽ‡ you will feel at your core. the Massachusetts

ƒ”‹‡ Šƒ• „‡‡� ƒ •–—†‡�– ‘ˆ �‡–ƒ’Š›•‹…• •‹�…‡ ͖͔͔͔ ƒ�† •–—†‹‡†

General Hospital. 7. Meditate: Develop some type She was medical —Â?†‡” •‡˜‡”ƒŽ Â?‡Â?–‘”•ǥ ‹Â?…Ž—†‹Â?‰ ‹ƒÂ?Â?ƒ –‹„ƒŽ ƒÂ?† ”Ǥ ‘”‡‡Â? of meditation practice which director and senior physician at the ‹”–—‡Ǥ • ƒ Â?‡–ƒ’Š›•‹…ƒŽ Â?‹Â?‹•–‡”ǥ •Š‡ „‡Ž‹‡˜‡• ‹Â? –Š‡ ‹Â?Â?ƒ–‡ Benson-Henry Institute for Mind/ enables you to have periods Body Medicine at the Massachusetts ‹Â?–—‹–‹˜‡ ƒ„‹Ž‹–› ‰‹ˆ–‡† –‘ ‡ƒ…Š ‘ˆ —•Ǥ ‡ƒ…Š‹Â?‰ –Š‹• ƒÂ?† ™‹–Â?‡••‹Â?‰ of quieting your mind and General Hospital, for thirteen years. A Š‡ƒŽ‹Â?‰• Šƒ• „‡…‘Â?‡ Š‡” ÂŽÂ‹ÂˆÂ‡ĚľÂ• ™‘”Â? ƒÂ?† ’ƒ••‹‘Â?Ǥ Š‡ „‡Ž‹‡˜‡• ™‡ body so the stress response trained internist and Board Certified in Internal Medicine, Dr. Selhub runs …ƒÂ? Ž‹˜‡ ˆ”‡‡ ˆ”‘Â? ’ƒ‹Â? ƒÂ?† •—ˆˆ‡”‹Â?‰ ƒÂ?† „‡ ‹Â? ƒ …‘Â?•–ƒÂ?– •–ƒ–‡ ‘ˆ as well as inflammatory and a private practice as a comprehensive ’‡ƒ…‡ ƒÂ?† Œ‘›Ǥ pain responses are less active. Medical Specialist and Transformation The form of meditation doesn’t Consultant. Her latest book, “YOUR HEALTHY DESTINY: How to Unlock Your matter—as long as you do it—be Natural Ability to Overcome Illnessâ€? it yoga, mindfulness meditation, is available April 2015. More at www. drselhub.com. transcendental meditation or Tai Chi.

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LEADERS REV. DANIELLE MARIE HEWITT

REV. BASIA CHRIST, PHD

TONY GIUFFREDA

Founder and Spiritual Director

Executive Director

Assistant Spiritual Director

President, Board of Directors

Editor-in-Chief & Creative Director

Instructor, AOL

Director & Instructor, AOL

Radiance Magazine

Leader, UCC

949.690.1257 Basia@liveyourradiance.org

714.721.2736 Tony@liveyouradiance.org

On-site Practitioner, HSS

949.244.1960 RevDanielle@liveyouradiance.org

DEBORAH HOOKEY

MICHELE RAE JOHNSON

CHOURY DE VELLE, BSC, CHT, NLP

Leader, UCC

On-site Practitioner, HSS

On-site Practitioner, HSS

714.318.6629 Debra@DebraHookey.com

949.933.1662 micheleraejohnson@gmail.com

Leader, UCC

714.624.1956 chouryd@yahoo.com www.orangecounty/hypnosiscenter.com

ABBAS “ABBY” NAMAZI On-site Practitioner, HSS

949.212.7787 asnamazi@yahoo.com 16

Radiance March/April 2015

JOSHUA BOWSER & LEMIA ASTARABADI

SETH PINCUS

Leaders, UCC

732.609.4639 DidgiHealer@gmail.com

949.677.3700 RaMaHolisticCare@yahoo.com

Leader, UCC

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

RSHIP TEAM LEGEND AOL DEBORAH SHEA

ELIZABETH HENDERSHOT

Member, Board of Directors

Leader, UCC

Instructor, AOL

949.803.5302 Yosisable@yahoo.com

Leader, UCC On-site Practitioner, HSS

Look2OneSource@msn.com

Academy of Light HSS Holder of Sacred Space UCC

TERRELL WASHINGTON ANANSI Leader, UCC

949.510.9821 TribalNeoPop.com

MARCIE HOWARD

United Conscious Community

On-site Practitioner, HSS

714.336.8122 mhoward48@msn.com

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MEE ON-SITE PR REV. DANIELLE MARIE HEWITT Rev. Danielle Marie is the Founder and Visionary Leader of the Temple of Light Spiritual Community. Her tireless efforts to provide a place of learning, growth, fellowship, and community are reflected in the programs and projects created. She founded the Temple of Light in 2007; created the Academy of Light, school for Holistic Healing Arts Seekers and Professionals; publishes Radiance Magazine, a periodical for Social Consciousness; the United Conscious Community, Gatherings for Spiritual Growth, and the Humanitarian Outreach Program, a division of UCC, for Worldwide Peace and Prosperity. Rev. Danielle Marie’s life path and passion is to see Holistic Healers and Seekers find their personal power, step into their life path and see for themselves the enlightened being they truly are. Moving them through their human experience into one of empowerment and watching the ripple effect in our world is her greatest joy. She practices her mentorship program for Holistic Healers on site five days a week. 949.333.1641; revdanielle@liveyourradiance.org

CHOURY DE VELLE, BSC, CHT, NLP Choury grew up in a house of alcoholism and physical abuse and learned 'the hard way' resentment is the tie which binds the victim to the victimizer. Almost everyone has something in their past which holds them back from realizing their true potential. Old fears can manifest in sickness, self-sabotage, and violence if a person feels threatened What most people don't understand is those roadblocks to success are old beliefs based on lack and limitation buried deep within the subconscious mind. Most of the time, the victim doesn't know how or why those beliefs got started. Standard psycho therapy is one way to let go of the past, uncover, and release old beliefs and fears. He believes the quickest, most effective way is through hypnosis. In hypnosis, we can access the subconscious mind and change the programming from fear, sickness, lack, and limitation to courage, health, abundance, and wealth. Compared to standard psycho therapy, we do it quickly. Once old beliefs are released, the person is free to live the life of their dreams. 714.624.1956; chouryd@yahoo.com; www.orangecounty/hypnosiscenter.com

MARCIE HOWARD

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Marcie has studied and trained with Reiki Masters in California and Washington. She is a Certified Sound Healer and active member of the Sound Healer's Association. Highly intuitive and clairvoyant, she coaches individuals in meeting their challenges and growth opportunities. Clients are inspired and encouraged to step forth into their lives feeling empowered, peace-filled and balanced. Marcie recently held a "Spirit Sings" workshop on Sunday, February 28 at the Temple of Light. Her goal was to teach people how to riase their voices in song. 714.336.8122; mhoward48@msn.com

Radiance March/April 2015

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EET OUR PRACTITIONERS MICHELE RAE JOHNSON As a single mom with three children, Michele Rae dropped her youngest child off to college in 2007 and reinvented herself. In 2009, after a serious injury which kept her from working, Michele had restorative Reiki treatments from her friend and Master Reiki Healer, Kerry Walker. She felt better from her injury as wekk as felt healing on a deeper, soul level. She loved it so much she took Reiki level I, II & Art/Masters Degree with Kerry. In 2012, Michele earned her International Art/ Masters degree with William Lee Rand in Glastonbury/Stonehenge, England. While there, she had a spiritual awakening and felt gratitude and joy which brought her to tears. She found a passion for healing. She created "Reiki by Michele Rae," a healing practice at Satori Spa in LagunaHills. In 2014, Michele received a Usui/ Holy Fire Karuna Reiki Master Degree with William Lee Rand in Redondo Beach. 949.933.1662; cheleraejohnson@gmail.com

DEBORAH SHEA Deborah offers a hands-on healing process of running energy to balance the human energy field (aura) and clear stagnated or blocked energy in the aura and chakra system. She uses crystals, sound therapy, color therapy, and other therapies. Some benefits may include more joy, healing the body and disease, releasing painful emotions, healing relationships, past life work, healing limiting beliefs, and receiving messages from Spirit. Deborah offers individual coaching and mentoring sessions to assist you in connecting with your light more fully and living your life purpose from the inside out. Deborah is a channel of Lemurian and Divine Ray wisdom and energy as well as the Ascended Masters and Archangels. She has been a student of metaphysics for over 15 years and a graduate of Spiritual Touch, a 4-year healing school in California based on Barbara Brennan's work. 949.241.5790; Look2OneSource@msn.com

ABBAS “ABBY� NAMAZI Abby was born in Bombay, India and believes in his six principles: Be good, do good, act good, good deeds, good thoughts, and good words. When he was six years old, he saw his mother holding her head in pain. He asked if he could help she. She told him to put his hand on her forehead. Within minutes, her face brightened and she said her pain was gone. Years later, he saw a woman who was rubbing her neck and massaging her forehead with her hand. She was in pain. He asked if he could place his hand on her forehead to help. She agreed. Moments later her pain was gone. Since then, he has pursued his calling in life, healing people by touch. Abby firmly believes in God and knows he has been blessed with this gift and a purpose to help others. 949.212.7787; asnamazi@yahoo.com March/April 2015

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n Enlightened Dream

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was in school again. We were graduate students of philosophy and our teacher was Socrates. Perhaps he seemed like a huge man because I was sitting in a tiny chair near the ground. He wore sandals and a white wrap around bed sheet. He was not a particularly attractive man; his body was as round as his face, almost perfectly oval. His white hair and beard were a bit disheveled, but this didn't seem to bother him or me because he was perfectly comfortable with himself, in point of fact, he had a charm and grace about him. I was honored simply to be in his presence.

There were many famous philosophers in the class: Plato, Descartes, Aristotle, and Locke, to name a few and there were other less known philosophers like a Chinese woman who I never heard of before whose name was Lao Ching, and on my left was Wayne Dyer. We were all sitting in an almost kindergarten-type of classroom with tiny tables and chairs. It was as if we 20

Radiance March/April 2015

By Choury DeVelle

were all babies in our quest for philosophical knowledge.

The Socratic method of teaching is to pose a question and allow the students to verbalize their thinking process by asking more questions about the questions, thereby stimulating interesting discussions. "This class is about truth," he said, his deep, powerful voice had a pleasant familiarity to it. "And I have a system of two grades: CP and Balk." He spoke eloquently as he presented the criteria for passing his class. "The grade you're looking for is a CP. Balk means you're just repeating what someone else has said. This class isn't about how much you can regurgitate, a parrot can do that.

"As philosophers you must speak from the heart lest your words be trampled into dust - the truth has a way of sustaining itself. I am well aware what you're thinking, continued on page 22 >>

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First Friday:

Sacred Voices

Second Friday: Sacred Voices hosts

Tribal Fusion Beat Third Friday: Sacred Voices hosts

Seth Pincus

Third Friday: Sacred Voices hosts

Josh & Lemia If there is a Fifth Friday: Sacred Voices hosts a Special Guest

Fridays from 7 - 9 p.m. $15 pre-paid; $20 at the door - $5 Discount for Seniors and Students

March/April 2015

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<< continued from page 20 how can I possibly present my thoughts without relying on the previous words and knowledge of those who came before me? I'll know when you've understood because you will have risen beyond their words to your personal interpretation of the truth."

Words cannot describe how honored I felt; I always wanted to know what it would be like to be in the presence of such a great man. Now, sitting in this classroom with the likes of these great scholars was a privilege far beyond anything I could have ever imagined. Fully aware I was completely out matched, I was determined to give every ounce of my being to whatever task was put before me. We were given a white sheet of paper and a pencil. Then Socrates posed the question: "What is truth?"

Immediately, everyone but me started writing paragraph after paragraph of brilliant discourses on the nature of truth. I couldn't seem to find any words worth writing which made sense. After an hour, Socrates collected our papers. Some had filled both sides of the paper and asked for more. I looked down at the blank sheet in front of me and still could not think of anything to write. Then my hand wrote: "The truth is written in my heart, not on this sheet of paper."

After the papers were collected, we waited in silence. I felt like an idiot, out matched in every way, completely stupid compared to the great minds around me who had written so many books on philosophy. Surely my one day under his tutelage had come to an end. After a brief meditation, he returned with the papers. He didn't speak as he walked around the classroom handing back the test papers, placing them in front of us face down. I didn't want to look at mine so I left it on the table, watching everyone else turn their papers over. I was pleasantly surprised so many received the grade of 'Balk' on their exams. I felt a little better about my stupid one line response to his question. The Chinese lady got a 'CP' and Plato did well; everyone else failed!

"Oh well," I thought, "at least I'm in good company; Wayne got a 'Balk', too." I smiled as I listened to Socrates speak again as he minimized our first exam. "Very few of you will start out getting passing grades, but you're all here because you have the potential to become great 22

Radiance March/April 2015

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philosophers. Go now and return early tomorrow for your next lesson."

I wanted to stay and apologize for my brief test answer, but I knew it wouldn't do any good. "If I could just have one more chance," I thought. Then I realized I was out of my league. I should be grateful for being a part of this extraordinary day. I was in this amazing class for one day and it felt great! I lingered after everyone else left, savoring my only day in his class. After a short time, I started for the door realized I left my paper on the desk. I quickly went back, snatched it up, crushed it in my hands, and threw it in the garbage can.

When I got to the door, Socrates, who was now looking out the window on the other side of the room, spoke softly, "Don't you want to see your grade?" he said without turning around. "I don't need to see it to know what it is," I responded. "That's right, you don't," his voice became kinder.

"But you got a 'CP." He winked and nodded, "You have potential." My heart leaped with joy! END OF DREAM

Choury is president, owner, and founder of Orange County Hypnosis Center located at the Temple of Light in Irvine. He is on the job six days a week. When asked what is it he does with hypnosis, he replies, "To sum it into a single word, I help give folks 'clarity.' Whether the issue is related to weight, stress, insomnia, ADD, or any addictive behavior, once you get your conscious and subconscious mind aligned and working together instead of opposed, you get clear about what you want out of life and how to get it. The bad habits and fear-based behaviors fall away effortlessly. The beauty of working with the power of the subconscious mind is you get results almost immediately." Choury is the author of two books. His first book, soon to be published, is The Message, a riveting account of his communication with his father after his father's death. The second book is about the spirit guide his father introduced him to titled Nemah. He is currently working on his third book, The Book of Dreams. For an appointment with Choury, call 714.624.1956.

Naam

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Fest ival:

Where Love Takes Flight A Charity Event Like No Other…

Giving to the Orange County Beekeepers Association, Giving Naam, and The Temple of Light Community Center

Friday, April 24: 6-10pm Saturday, April 25: 9am-11pm $25 pre-paid; $30 at the door for 2-day event Live Music, Kirtan, Speakers, Workshops, Yoga Classes, Activities for Kids, Vendors, Food, and so much more!

David Newman (Durga Das) Kirtan & Workshop "Awakening Through Love" The Conscious Groove  Mental Physix Light Warriors  and many more! This charity event will promote community, wellness, sustainable living, and the positive evolution of humanity through speakers, artists, workshops, classes, live music, and activities for children. It will offer a universal approach and unifies ancient traditions to promote happiness and healthy living.

Temple of Light Spiritual Community 11 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618

www.naamfestival.com 949.333.1641 www.templeoflightoc.org March/April 2015

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I Awoke Today

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By Don Marr

They support us, giving us strength to be more.

I had a dream I was a branch on The Tree of Life.

I saw myself stretching, yearning to grow, to expand, to be more. I saw many other branches near. They all appeared different. Some are larger. Some smaller. Some longer.

Many shorter.

Some twisted.

Some straight.

Some appeared strong and healthy. Some weak.

I remembered stretching upward.

Others that we can not see.

They are mirroring us in another reality. To allow us to reach out, expand.

To be able to withstand all challenges that may come our way. Why was I here?

I’m beginning to remember. I’m part of a vision. A plan.

We all volunteered to experience something new. Something different.

As I looked at all the other branches I saw that

All their support systems led to more of the same. We all ultimately have the same center. The same internal supply systems. The same community. We are all Part of

Reaching for the sky.

The same

Seeking more light.

Others pushed me back as they also reached up and out. This caused me to test my resolve, To begin to strengthen me.

Could I handle the resistance?

Was I going to continue to move upward?

Without their choices I wouldn’t be so strong. I must remember to thank them.

There were those that I pushed back.

I hope they realized the gift that I gave them.

Certainly the larger ones below supported many of us. Leading the way. Giving us life.

Showing the way upward.

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I must thank them also.

They told us that there are others.

Radiance March/April 2015

One

TREE OF LIFE

completing the requirements for his Bachelor of Arts degree in business administration at California State University Fullerton, Don worked as an advertising consultant for 34 years.. While continuing to work in the business world, Don has become the founder and director of IDEAL SELF SYSTEMS, an organization committed to helping people and organizations realize their “ideal selves.” He has also created a movie production company called “KNOWING ENTERTAINMENT” that is dedicated to bringing together ideas of man and spirit which reflect the ideals depicted in his books. After

Don encourages all to read this material and to pass it on to a friend. You may email Don at idealself@ aol.com.

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

THROUGHOUT THE YEAR, CLASSES IN FENG SHUI, CRYSTALS, SELENITE SWORDS, SOUND HEALING, MEDIUMSHIP, ENERGY HEALING, AND MORE WILL BE ANNOUNCED.

Rev. Danielle Marie, ThetaHealing Master

Spiritual Healing Fundamentals

Tony Giuffreda, Shaman & Reiki Master/Teacher TLC Shamanic Reiki™ Level I

Powerful “hands-on” energy technique. Includes the Power Symbol, the Japanese and Western Reiki history, Basic Hand Positions, Byosen scanning, Japanese Reiki Techniques, and Level 1 attunement.

March 8, Sunday 10am to 6pm

A 24-week topical course. For beginners and seasoned healers. Energy, auras, clairs, sound healing, channeling, time and space, dimensions, Akashic records, inner child, belief work, crystals, essential oils, astrology, numerology and more.

$150 plus material fee of $20

$44

March 22, Sunday from 10am to 6pm

Classes are ongoing, join anytime Thursdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm

TLC Shamanic Reiki™ Level II Increase the Power and scope of your abilities. Learn Mental/Emotional and Distant Symbols and how to use them, how to heal unwanted habits, distant healing, Japanese Reiki techniques, Level 2 attunement.

$175 plus material fee of $20

Conscious Anatomy, Medical Intuitive A 16-week topical course. Understand and apply the Energetic integration of the Mind & Body. Each week explore a different body system and the emotional components that effect it. Learn how to scan, understand and heal the subtle energy fields of the body and each system.

Classes are ongoing, join anytime Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm $33

TLC Shamanic Reiki™ Advanced (ART) Includes Aura Clearing (heavy energy removal), Reiki meditation, use of crystals, how to make a Reiki crystal grid, Usui Master symbol and Usui Master attunement.

April 12, Sunday from 10am to 6pm $275 plus material fee of $20

TLC Shamanic Reiki™ Masters Includes two Tibetan symbols, Usui/ Tibetan Master attunement, Healing attunement process, instruction on giving attunements, self-attunement, time to practice.

April 15 & 26, Sat. & Sun. from 10am to 6pm

(UCC Member discounts apply!)

$600 plus material fee of $20

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Events, Workshops & Classes Supporting Membership discounts DO apply to these events.

March 2015

Classes in brown are UCC, red are Sacred Space events, and green are Academy of Light. Call the Temple for registration information or check the online calendar at www.templeoflightoc.org.

Sunday

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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5

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

6:30p AOL: Spiritual Healing Fundamentals Session 1 w/Rev. Danielle

7p "The Meeting Place" with Terrell Washington & Sacred Voices w/ a Special Guest

12-5pm New Earth Expo/ Holistic Healing Fair

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10a Unity Church 7p Quantum w/Rev. Albert Wingate Meditation w/ Choury DeVelle 1p Integrative Dance 7p Love 360 w/ Kali w/John Salat and Maja

5:45p Naam Movement & Meditation - 6:30p Naam Yoga w/Lemia & Josh

7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Psychic Development w/Debra Hoolkey

8

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10a Unity Church 7p Love 360 w/ Kali w/Rev. Albert Wingate and Maja 10 AOL Reiki Level 1 w/Tony Giuffreda

1:30p International Women's Day Celebration with Kim Somers Egelsee

7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

6:30p AOL: Spiritual Healing Fundamentals Session 1 w/Rev. Danielle

7p "The Meeting Place" with Terrell Washington & Sacred Voices w/ Tribal Fusion Beat

5:45p Naam Movement & Meditation - 6:30p Naam 7p Crystal Journeys Yoga w/Lemia & Josh w/Deborah Shea 6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle

7p The Energetic Science of Being a Money Magnet w/Tiffany Cano

7p Mediumship Development w/Debra Hookey 15

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10a Unity Church 7p Quantum w/Rev. Albert Wingate Meditation w/ Choury DeVelle

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

6:30p AOL: Spiritual Healing Fundamentals Session 1 w/Rev. Danielle

7p "The Meeting Place" with Terrell Washington & Sacred Voices w/Seth Pincus

7p Love 360 w/ Kali and Maja

5:45p Naam Movement & Meditation - 6:30p Naam 7p Kwan Yin Reiki Yoga w/Lemia & Josh Community Gathering w/Nancy Kimes 6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw

7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

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6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Psychic Development w/Debra Hookey 22

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10a Unity Church 7p Love 360 w/ Kali w/Rev. Albert Wingate and Maja 10 AOL Reiki Level 2 w/Tony Giuffreda

7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

6:30p AOL: Spiritual Healing Fundamentals Session 1 w/Rev. Danielle

7p "The Meeting Place" with Terrell Washington & Sacred Voices w/Lemia & Josh

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3

5:45p Naam Movement & 7p Crystal Journeys Meditation 6:30p Naam Yoga w/Deborah Shea w/Lemia & Josh

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6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Mediumship Development w/Debra Hookey 29

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10a Unity Church 7p Self-Realization w/Rev. Albert Wingate Meditation 7:15p Meditation Group with Elizabeth Hendershot

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31 7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

Radiance March/April 2015

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Events, Workshops & Classes Supporting Membership discounts DO apply to these events.

April 2015

S Sunday 29

Classes in brown are UCC, red are Sacred Space events, and green are Academy of Light. Call the Temple for registration information or check the online calendar at www.templeoflightoc.org.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

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10a Group "I am" 6:30p AOL: Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle Spiritual Healing Fundamentals 5:45p Naam Movement & Session 1 w/Rev. Meditation - 6:30p Naam Danielle Yoga w/Lemia & Josh

7p "The Meeting 12-5pm Place" with Terrell Holistic Healing Washington & Fair Sacred Voices w/ a Special Guest

6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Psychc Development w/Debra Hoolkey 5

6

10a Unity Church 7p Quantum w/Rev. Albert Meditation w/ Wingate Choury DeVelle 1p Integrative Dance w/John Salat

7

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" 6:30p AOL: 7p "The Meeting Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle Spiritual Healing Place" with Terrell Fundamentals Washington & 5:45p Naam Movement & Session 1 w/Rev. Sacred Voices w/ Meditation - 6:30p Naam Danielle Tribal Fusion Beat Yoga w/Lemia & Josh 7p Crystal Journeys 7p An Evening 6:30p Unity Church w/Deborah Shea of Spirit with w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw

7p Love 360 w/ Kali and Maja 7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

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9a Psychic Kids One-Day Empowerment Workshop w/ James Van Praagh

James Van Praagh

6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Mediumship Development w/Debra Hookey

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10a Unity Church 7p Love 360 w/ 7p Group "I am" w/Rev. Albert Kali and Maja Mentorship w/ Wingate Rev. Danielle 7:15p Meditation 10a AOL: Adv. Group w/Elizabeth Reiki Techniques Hendershot with Tony Giuffreda

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10a Group "I am" 6:30p AOL: Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle Spiritual Healing Fundamentals 5:45p Naam Movement & Session 1 w/Rev. Meditation - 6:30p Naam Danielle Yoga w/Lemia & Josh 7p Kwan Yin Reiki 6:30p Unity Church Community w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw Gathering w/Nancy Kimes 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle

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7p "The Meeting Place" with Terrell Washington & Sacred Voices w/Seth Pincus

7p Psychc Development w/Debra Hookey 19

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10a Unity Church 7p Quantum w/Rev. Albert Meditation w/ Wingate Choury DeVelle

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7p Group "I am" Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle

10a Group "I am" 6:30p AOL: 7p "The Meeting Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle Spiritual Healing Place" with Terrell Fundamentals Washington & 5:45p Naam Movement Session 1 w/Rev. Sacred Voices & Meditation Danielle w/Lemia & Josh 6:30p Naam Yoga w/Lemia & Josh 7p Crystal Journeys 6p Love Takes w/Deborah Shea Flight Festival 6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw

7p Love 360 w/ Kali and Maja 7:15p Meditation Group w/Elizabeth Hendershot

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9a Love Takes Flight Festival 10a AOL: Reiki Master Level w/ Tony Giuffreda

6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Mediumship Development w/Debra Hookey 26

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10a Unity Church 7p Love 360 w/ 7p Group "I am" w/Rev. Albert Kali and Maja Mentorship w/ Wingate Rev. Danielle 7:15p Meditation 10a AOL:Reiki Group w/Elizabeth Master Level w/ Hendershot Tony Giuffreda

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10a Group "I am" 6:30p AOL: Mentorship w/ Rev. Danielle Spiritual Healing Fundamentals 5:45p Naam Movement Session 1 w/Rev. & Meditation Danielle 6:30p Naam Yoga w/Lemia & Josh 6:30p Unity Church w/Rev. Leslie Bradshaw 6:30p AOL Conscious Anatomy w/Rev. Danielle 7p Mediumship

Development w/Debra Hookey

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Special Events

We welcome the following special sacred events. They are not part of the UCC membership program. Visit www.templeoflightoc.org for registration information.

International Women's Day Celebration The Energetic Science of with Kim Somers Egelsee Being a Money Magnet March 8 with Tiffany Cano 1:30-6:30 p.m.

2 for $97 or 1 for $65

March 13 7-9 p.m. $15 Prepaid; $20 at the door

An Evening of Spirit with James Van Praagh April 10 7-9 p.m. with meet and greet and book signing to follow

Psychic Kids One-Day Empowerment Workshop with James Van Praagh April 11 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Love Takes Flight Festival April 24

6 p.m.-10 p.m.

April 25

9 a.m.-11 p.m.

David Newman (Durga Das) Kirtan & Workshop "Awakening Through Love" The Conscious Groove ď ´ Mental Physix Light Warriors ď ´ and many more!

$25 prepaid; $30 at the door for the 2-day event 28

Radiance March/April 2015

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TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

mbracing Grief By Sobonfu Somé

S

urrendering to your sorrow I would never see him in a physical has the power to heal the form again. deepest of wounds I grieved for a long time and it just For many people, grief is an wouldn’t stick in my head my friend option. Looking at my life, I realized had died. Every day I would go and hope to play with him, but he wasn’t it is a matter of life and death. In fact, throughout my life, grief there. has been an important theme from crying for food as a child to dealing with deep pain of losses as I grow older. My earliest memory of deep grieving was when I was about 5- or 6-yearsold and my playmate died. I was so shocked and confused by the whole business especially when I was told

My community would gently say, "Do you remember he died?" They supported and grieved with me. Although I grieved for over a year, it was accepted as a normal part of life. I was never asked, “Aren’t you finished grieving yet?” Rather, they would say, “Have you grieved enough? Have you cried enough?”

For my people, the Dagara tribe of Burkina Faso in West Africa, we see in life it is necessary to grieve things which no longer serve us and let them go. When I grieve I am surrounded by family reassuring me grieving is worthwhile and I can grieve as much as I want. We experience conflicts, loved ones die or suffer, dreams never manifest, illnesses occur, relationships break up, and there are unexpected natural disasters. It is important to have ways to release pain, to keep clearing ourselves. Hanging onto old continued on page 30 >>

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<< continued from page 29 pain makes it grow until it smothers our creativity, joy, and ability to connect with others. It may even kill us. Often my community uses grief rituals to heal wounds and open us to spirit’s call.

I thought this perspective on grief was natural for everyone until I came to the U.S. I was with a friend who was having a conflict with her family and knew the situation was not easy for her. One day I heard her alone in the bathroom crying! I said, through the door, “Are you OK?” She said, “Yes, I’m fine!”

I said to myself, “Oh my God, something is not right here.” The people who were supposed to support her were not there. I felt conflicted and wondered what would my grandmother do in this situation?

late, I never felt dissatisfaction from those around me.

It is natural people around you start to grieve when you do. We know when you have pain, it’s not a personal pain, it is a pain of the whole group. We experience a collective sharing, so an individual doesn’t need to bear all the weight of the suffering. Years later, while in the U.S., I had a relationship crisis. I felt as if I was dying. I realized I was feeling lonely in my grief as my soul, heart, and mind continuously collided. I was not used to giving an intellectual explanation to my grief. I found relief in various communities here and when I got home, and everyone

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Many of us suffer from grief-related medical conditions. Grieving, whether in private or in community, has many scientifically proven health benefits, from lowering blood pressure and risks of heart attacks to having a better quality of life. We need to see grief not as a foreign entity and not as an alien to be held down or caged up, but as a natural process. As the recipient of someone’s grief, we must understand it is OK for someone to express pain.

Unexpressed hurt and pain injures our souls...

I was in my late teens when my grandmother died. I was overcome with so much devastating grief, I was unable to release it. I was stuck in feeling of anger, betrayal and even rage. I wondered, "How could my grandmother do this to me?" Everyone was grieving around me. Though I could not join them, they made a space for me. Everyone took turns caring for each other as they broke down.

Luckily, the seventy-two hours of usual grieving time were stretched beyond five days. When everyone was finished, I still had much to grieve, and people were still there for me. Though I began my grieving 30

Radiance March/April 2015

joined me in the grieving. All of a sudden, I felt lighter.

There is a price in not expressing your grief. Imagine if you never washed your clothes or showered. The toxins your body produces from everyday living would build up and get really stinky. This is how it is with emotional and spiritual toxins, too. What we must remember is the more these toxins rise, the more we have a tendency to blame or hurt others around us. People never harm others out of joy; they give pain to others because they, too, are hurt or in pain. There can be so much grief that

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we grow numb from the unfelt, unexpressed emotions we carry in our bodies. Unexpressed hurt and pain injures our souls, and can be linked directly to our general sense of spiritual drought and emotional confusion, not to mention the many illnesses we experience.

In today’s world, most of us carry grief and do not even know it. We have been trained at a young age how not to feel.

In the West, we are often taught to be good girls and boys we have to “suck it up.” The consequences are even with your most intimate and trustworthy friends you might feel like, “I am burdening them.” Crying in front of others is often a forbidden fruit. We learn to compartmentalize our grief because expressing it in an unwelcoming place will only lead to more grief. We are taught the people who are closest to us have no way of holding us when we fall apart. Yet, we are born fully knowing how to grieve. We cry naturally to feel better, to unburden ourselves and take a few pounds off our shoulders and souls.

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS If there is a way for everyone to grieve openly, I believe it will diminish the blaming and shaming which goes on between the races.

When you are in the presence of someone grieving, you don’t see color anymore; it is a universal language. We are all in pain. There is no need to blame others. Blame, shame, and guilt come from being unable to express our grief properly. How can we pretend to be happy, peaceful, and loving when we have so much pain and grief?

I believe the future of our world depends greatly on the manner in which we handle our grief. Positive expressions of our grief are healing. However, the lack of expression of our grief, or its improper release, is what is at the root of the general unhappiness and depression which people feel, all of which lead to war and crimes. There are things we can do in society to help heal. We can begin by

accepting other's grief and ours. We can have grief rooms and shrines in public spaces where people can go to grieve. I have seen this happen in different communities in the U.S. and it worked for them. Many churches have rooms for people to grieve. One of my dreams is to turn places where there have been great repetitious crimes into grief shrines where people can mourn. I imagine Memorial Day not as a day of barbecue, but a day to allow us to deal with our daily frictions, losses, and grief as a community.

Communal grieving offers something we cannot get when we grieve by ourselves. Through validation, acknowledgement, and witnessing, communal grieving allows us to experience a level of healing which is deeply and profoundly freeing. Each of us has a basic human right to genuine love, happiness, and freedom.

Sobonfu Somé is a foremost voices in African spirituality. She is on a healing mission as she travels the world, sharing the rich spiritual life and culture of her native land Burkina Faso, West Africa. Author of The Spirit of Intimacy, Women’s Wisdom from the Heart of Africa, and Falling Out of Grace, Sobonfu’s message about the importance of spirit, community, and ritual in our lives rings with an intuitive power and truth which author Alice Walker has said “can help us put together so many things that our modern Western world has broken.” She is the founder of Wisdom Spring, Inc., an organization dedicated to the preservation, the sharing of indigenous wisdom as well as holding fundraisers for wells, schools, and health projects in Africa. Sobonfu tours the United States and Europe teaching workshops.

continued on page 28 >>

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wan Yin: Mother of Compassion By Nancy Kimes Kwan Yin has guided me with spiritual knowledge and in physical, everyday situations. She has brought out the best in me, my talents, through writing and artistic abilities.

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here are numerous stories of Kwan Yin depicting her as a goddess, female Buddha, healer, protector. Who is she really?

She represents all of these qualities and more. Think about the many parts you have played and the many hats you wear. Kwan Yin is known by many names with different spellings. She is a Bodhisattva. She embodies the Buddha in female form. Kwan Yin is a divine mother, saint, spiritual guide, and protector of in-coming souls as well as a healer. She is personified through her compassion and mercy. I want to share some of my experiences through Kwan Yin to personalize her divine nature. Perhaps you have your own experiences or felt drawn to her as soon as you heard about her, and felt her touch or presence.

Walking on the path with Kwan Yin is quite a journey. She speaks to you in subtleties and metaphors, symbols, and visions. Telepathy is a key form of communication but that is not all. 32

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If you need healing or healing of a relationship she helps you through her motherly instincts and sensitive nature. Even in her stern, authoritative nature you always feel her love and gentleness come through. Kwan Yin has incarnated many times and has gone through many trials and tribulations. She has deep insights and understanding of our human qualities and challenges. Kwan Yin is honored and respected with similar attributes as Mother Mary. Mary is noted as the Mother of the West and Kwan Yin the Mother of the East. When you start your path with Kwan Yin, she will show you many things about yourself which will awaken, prepare, and transform you into the image of perfection you have long aspired to be... your true self.

One of the most important things I have learned is she is universal. It is her desire to lead all souls to Heaven or Nirvana. We all can experience a personal connection with her, but we first have to ask, invite her in. She will not impose or interfere in any way. This is a protocol all sentient beings follow. We are guided on our path and enlightened on the way. What path you may ask? One which adheres to the truth of who you are! A journey on which you master the desires of your heart and apply your potential

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

with love and courage. Kwan Yin will help you grow by leaps and bounds. She sees the mysteries you hold inside, the desires of your heart, your strong points, and weaknesses. Kwan Yin will help you in all of these areas and much more.

In 2003, I experienced a merging taking place with Kwan Yin and Reiki. I surrendered to the information coming forth. As I accumulated more, it took tangible form. I was guided to develop a healing system which aligned with her personal energy and symbol. The inception of “Kwan Yin Reiki� was born. Nancy Kimes is a teacher of alternative healing practices. With the addition of Feng Shui, this will help align and balance your physical surroundings and also bring clarity and harmony where needed. It is important to me that others learn how to serve others while also taking care of themselves. This enacts the law of attraction. My objective is to enable others to experience a fuller, more productive life, through field trips, spiritual journeys and healing endeavors. I joined Sendoutcards in 2012 and love it! It is one of few network marketing companies I have had the pleasure to be a part of. It works! My husband David and I recently advanced to Manager. We are in this business because of the potential to change lives, even our own for the better.

Hours: Tues., Thurs. 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Unity Telephone: 949.472.9230 Temple of Light: 949.333.1641 Confidential Prayer Chaplain Line for Rev. Albert Wingate: 949.472.8105

Sunday Services Join us at 10 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Hear a dynamic message which is practical, positive and relevant, enjoy uplifting contemporary music and meet other enthusiastic like-minded people.

www.unityofalisoviejo.com; unityofalisoviejo@gmail.com

You can experience Kwan Yin Reiki through the Kwan Yin Reiki Community gathering beginning on March 19 at the Temple of Light and also share your story!

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lobe Trotting with My 85-YearOld Mother By Tracy Pattin

“Life is either a great adventure or nothing.” ~Helen Keller

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n the past two years, my mom and I have been on a lot of “great adventures," cruising up The Amazon River, zipping around in a tuk-tuk through the tiny streets of Old Delhi and making our way through the intense crowds at the Taj Mahal (my mom got pushed and she pushed back, I got groped), riding the tram up to Sugarloaf Mountain, navigating the colorful spiral staircases of the Favelas in Rio de Janeiro, sailing along the coasts of Brazil and Uruguay (and hopping a colorful little boat for some local putt putting), hiking up to South America’s spectacular Iguazu Waterfalls, having high tea in a former 1930s palace in Buenos Aires, and watching a Cabaret Show under the stars at the famous Tropicana Nightclub in Havana, Cuba.

My job in all of this? I’m her “Caregiver” of sorts and “escort” because my mom doesn’t feel comfortable traveling alone. It’s a 1950s thing, I guess. She’s used to having a husband to travel with and she needs someone 34

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to be there "just in case." Although she seems much younger than her years, the truth is she’s 85 and feels more vulnerable these days.

My mom and I are on a mission, to fill our Bucket Lists with all the places we haven’t been yet.

However, as we fill our buckets, I realize these adventures are much more than globe trotting to far off destinations; I’m doing some inner globe trotting as well, seeing myself through my mom for an up-close, personal experience with aging and being ageless, our mother-daughter relationship and dealing with mortality and the losses in our family (my stepfather, brother, and sister have passed away in recent years). Most importantly, I’ve learned how to live life to the fullest. My mom’s motto these days is, “when you’re on ‘bonus time,’ it’s important to seize the moment and savor everything life has to offer.” I try to live by that, too. (Someday hopefully I’ll get to my own ‘bonus time.’)

I know when most of us think of traveling with an 80+ parent, it probably conjures up images of walkers and

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wheelchairs. And for some, this is their reality. However, my mother marches to a different drummer (fortunately, she’s in good physical and mental health except for hearing loss and arthritis in her hands).

parent is older, which means they may be slower, not hear as well, and their mind isn’t as quick as it used to be.

 Compassion. Think of what it’s like to be their age Her energy, her smile, sparkling eyes, and clear voice (you’ll likely be there one day!). Choose compassion Š have lots Š of opportunities say she’s not a day over 70. over frustration (you’ll ΜΜ Â…Â‘Â?–‹Â?—‡† ˆ”‘Â? ’ƒ‰‡ ͚ͥ ‘ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ’”‘‰”‡•• ‹Â? –Š‡ „‡‰‹Â?Â?‹Â?‰ǥ ™ƒ› ›‘— ƒ”‡ ƒÂ?† ‡˜‡”›–Š‹Â?‰ ‹• —Â?ÇŚ practice!). these‹Â? precious you’re ”‡‰—Žƒ”Ž›Ǥ to ‹– “—‹‡–Ž› Savor ˆ‘Ž†‹Â?‰ ‹–• ”‹‰Š– memories –‹Â?‡Ǥ ‘— ™‹ŽŽ I ƒÂ?› –Š‹Â?Â? ‡Â?’ƒ–Š› ‹• •›Â?‘Â?›Â?‘—• look at my mom and wonder, “What is ˆ‘…—• it that ™‹–Š‹Â? keeps you ˆ‘” ƒ’’”‘š‹Â?ƒ–‡Ž› Í•Í™ Â?‹Â?—–‡• Â†ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÂ›ÇĄ ”‡ƒ…Š –Š‡ ‰‘ƒŽ ƒÂ?† ƒ™ƒÂ?‡Â? ‹ˆ ›‘— •‘ creating. so young?â€? My mom has a lot of wrinkles she’s proud ™‹–Š …‘Â?’ƒ••‹‘Â?Ǣ ‹– ‹• Â?‘–Ǥ ‹–Š ‡Â?ÇŚ ƒÂ?†ǥ ‹ˆ ’‘••‹„Ž‡ǥ †‘ ‹– –Š‡ ˆ‹”•– –Š‹Â?‰

…Š‘‘•‡Ǥ Š‹• ‹• Š‡ ’”‘Â?‹•‡Ǥ Â?‘™

Â’ÂƒÂ–ÂŠÂ›ÇĄ ›‘— †‘ Â?‘– ƒŽ™ƒ›• of (no Botox, face lifts or anyƒ……‡’– other kind‹Â? –Š‡ Â?‘”Â?‹Â?‰ ĥ ‹– ‹• Â?‘•– …‘Â?†—nj of lift). But her  Respect. Very important! As we age, we become ‹– ‹• •‘Ǣ Â?Â?‘™ ›‘— …ƒÂ?̾– ˆƒ‹Ž ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‡Â?‡”‰› ‘ˆ ƒÂ?‘–Š‡”Ǥ Š‹• ‹• ƒÂ? ‹Žnj agelessness goes beyond wrinkles and …‹˜‡ ™Š‡Â? ›‘— ƒ”‡ ‹Â? –Š‡ ‹Â?nj„‡–™‡‡Â? lines. She rarely more vulnerable. Your parent wants to still be in ›‘— ™‹ŽŽ Â?ƒÂ?‡ ‹–Ǥ ƒ…Š –‹Â?‡ –Š‡”‡ ‹• Ž—•‹‘Â? ‹Â? –Š‡ ˆ‹”•– ’Žƒ…‡Ǥ ‘— Â?‡˜‡” •–ƒ–‡• ‘ˆ …‘Â?•…‹‘—•Â?॥Ǥ •Š‹ˆ– ’‡”…‡’–‹‘Â?ÇĄ –Š‡ ˜ƒŽ‡ „‡nj just walks through life. She often rushes excited for her control of their ƒ life. In ‘ˆ some ways, they aren’t and ˆ‡‡Ž ‡Â?‡”‰› ˆ”‘Â? ƒÂ?‘–Š‡”Ǥ ‘— ‘Â?Ž› –™‡‡Â? ›‘— ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‰”‡ƒ–‡” •‡Žˆ ‰‡–• ‘…—• ‘Â? ›‘—” „”‡ƒ–ŠǤ ƒÂ?‡ ƒ „”‡ƒ–Š next adventure and all the people she’s going to meet they know it. It’s a delicate balancing act. Choose ˆ‡‡Ž ƒ•’‡…–• ‘ˆ ›‘—” ‡š–‡Â?†‡† „‡‹Â?‰ –Š‹Â?Â?‡”Ǥ ‘— „‡…‘Â?‡ …Ž‘•‡” –‘ „‡nj Â?‘™Ǥ ‡ŽƒšǤ ŽŽ‘™ ›‘—” ƒ™ƒ”‡Â?॥ ƒÂ?† ‘’’‘”–—Â?‹–‹‡• –‘ ”‡Ž‡ƒ•‡ ‘” Š‡ƒŽ (and yes, romances!). I guess it’s because she’s forever respect first. Try‹Â?‰ –Š‡ Â?ƒ•–‡” ›‘— –”—Ž› ƒ”‡Ǥ ˆ ›‘— not to treat them like a child. –‘ Â?‡”‰‡ ‹Â?–‘ ›‘—” „”‡ƒ–ŠǤ Š‹• ‹• ›‘—”•‡Žˆ ™‹–Š –Š‡ ‘–Š‡”Ǥ curious. …Š‘‘•‡ǥ ›‘— Focus ™‹ŽŽ „”‹Â?‰ –Š‡ ‡Â?‡”‰›  Be kind instead of right. on being kind to –Š‡ •ƒÂ?‡ „”‡ƒ–Š ˆ”‘Â? ‡Â?‡•‹• –Šƒ–

Â? –Š‹• Â™ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ …‘Â?’ƒ••‹‘Â? …ƒÂ? „‡ •‡‡Â?

ˆ”‘Â? Š‘Â?‡ tempted ‹Â?–‘ –Š‹• to ™‘”Ž†Ǥ Š‹• ‹• „”‡ƒ–Š‡† Ž‹ˆ‡ ‹Â?–‘ –Š‡ …Žƒ›Ǥ ‘…—• ‘Â? Iĥ –‘–ƒŽ ƒ……‡’–ƒÂ?…‡ ™‹–Š ‘˜‡ ‘ˆ ÂŽÂŽ have learned a lot on these globe trotting adventures. your parent when you’re make your –Š‡ ’”‘Â?‹•‡ ‘ˆ Š‡ƒ˜‡Â? ‘Â? ‡ƒ”–ŠǤ –Š‡ •‘—”…‡ ‡Â?‡”‰› ™‹–Š‹Â? ‹–Ǥ One thing is for sure; wherever you go, there you are. point and be right. Šƒ– •Ǥ ”—‡ …‘Â?’ƒ••‹‘Â? …ƒÂ? „‡ Â?‹nj • ›‘— †”‹ˆ– ‹Â?Â™ÂƒÂ”Â†ÇĄ –ƒÂ?‡ ƒ ”‹‰Š– –—”Â? ”ƒ…—Ž‘—•Ǣ ‹– …ƒÂ? Š‡ƒŽ …Ž‹Â?‹…ƒŽ †‡’”‡•nj And when you’re traveling with a parent, there you  Listen. They have a lifetime of stories; some you ‹Â?–‘ ›‘—” Š‡ƒ”– ƒÂ?† Ž‡– ›‘—” Œ‘—”Â?‡› •‹‘Â? ƒÂ?† ‰‹˜‡ ›‘— ’‡”ˆ‡…– ’”‘–‡…nj REALLY are. may‹Â?–‘ not –Š‡ have heard. Listen to your parent share „‡‰‹Â?Ǥ ‡ˆ‘”‡ ’”‘…‡‡†‹Â?‰ –‹‘Â?Ǥ – ‹• ƒ ”ƒ†‹ƒÂ?– •‘—”…‡Ǥ – •Š‹Â?‡•

”‘ˆ‡••‘” ‡Â?Â?ÇĄ Š ÇĄ ‹• ƒ

’”‘ˆ‡••‘” ‘ˆ ‡–ƒ’Š›•‹…• •‡– ƒÂ? guilt, ‹Â?–‡Â?–‹‘Â? ˆ‘” ‡ƒ…Š •‹–—njlife or what you missed. ‹Â?–‘ –Š‹• ™‘”Ž† ƒÂ?† It brings up a lot ofÂ?‘ old•Šƒ†‘™ baggage‡Â?ÇŚ (pun Â†ÂƒÂ›ÇĄ intended): about their Listen to them ™‹–Š Â?‘”‡ –ŠƒÂ? –Š”‡‡ ƒ–‹‘Â? ›‘— ™‹ŽŽ ‡Â?…‘—Â?–‡”Ǥ Š‹• ™‹ŽŽ ‡”‰‹‡• …ƒÂ? ‘’’‘•‡ ‹–Ǥ •Šƒ†‘™ …ƒÂ?ÇŚ anger, resentment, regret, fear, everything you felt while you’re traveling; ask them about their life. †‡…ƒ†‡• ‘ˆ •’‹”‹–—ƒŽ ƒŽŽ‘™ ›‘— –‘ •Š‹ˆ– ˆ‘…—• ƒ– ”‡‰—Žƒ”Ž›Ǥ Â?‘– Ž‡ƒÂ? –‘™ƒ”† ‹–• •‘—”…‡Ǣ ‹– Â?—•– †‹•…‹’Ž‹Â?‡Ǥ –ƒ”–‹Â?‰ ĥ ƒ growing up. And then you realize, you’re not all that Don’t assume you already know their story. Use this ƒŽŽ —’‘Â? ˆ‘”‰‹˜‡Â?॥ ƒÂ?† …‘Â?Â’ÂƒÂ•ÇŚ –‡‡Â? †‘‹Â?‰ Ž‘Â?‰ Š‘—”• ‘ˆ ’”‘Œ‡…– ƒ™ƒ›Ǥ ‘Â?’ƒ••‹‘Â? ‹• ƒ ’”‘nj grown after all! ThereƒŽŽ is ‹• always grow, no ˆ ƒÂ?›–Š‹Â?‰ precious,—Â?ÇŚ quality Â?‡†‹–ƒ–‹‘Â? Â†ÂƒÂ‹ÂŽÂ›ÇĄ Š‡ Ž‡ƒ”Â?‡† ƒ‹ Š‹ Č‹ ƒÂ?‰ time to learn as much as you can •‹‘Â? to ™Š‡Â? Â?‡‡†‡†Ǥ –‡…–‹˜‡ up ”ƒ†‹ƒÂ?…‡ ‹Â? ™Š‹…Š ÂˆÂ‘Â”ÇŚ room ĆŹ — Â•Â–Â›ÂŽÂ‡Â•ČŒÇĄ ƒÂ?† Š‹ —Â?‰ǥ ‡ Šƒ• „‡‡Â? ‡š’‡…–‡† ÂƒÂ’Â’Â‡ÂƒÂ”Â•ÇĄ Šƒ˜‡ ‰”ƒ–‹–—†‡ ‰‹˜‡Â? ƒÂ?† ƒ……‡’–‡† ™‹–Š Ž‘˜‡Ǥ matter what age you are. about them. –Š”‘—‰Š ‘—”•‡ ‹Â? ‹”ƒ…Ž‡• –Š”‡‡ –‹Â?‡•

ˆ‘” –Š‡ ‘’’‘”–—Â?‹–› –‘ ‰‡– …Ž‘•‡” –‘ Š‡ •Š‹ˆ– Â?ƒ› ƒ’’‡ƒ” –‘ –ƒÂ?‡ –‹Â?‡ –Š‡ ‰”‡ƒ–‡” •‡Žˆ ƒÂ?† •Š‹ˆ– –‘ ‹– ‹Â?Â?‡nj ƒŽ–Š‘—‰Š ‹• ƒ˜ƒ‹Žƒ„Ž‡ ƒ– with ƒÂ?› Â?‘nj Tips For‹– Traveling an Aging Parent †‹ƒ–‡Ž› „› ”‡“—‡•–‹Â?‰ †‹”‡…– …‘Â?–ƒ…– Â?‡Â?–Ǥ Â‘Â™Â‡Â˜Â‡Â”ÇĄ –Š‡”‡̾• ƒ Â?‡‡† –‘ ™‹–Š Ž‘˜‡Ǥ  Patience. When you’re tempted to lose your temper „‡ ˆ‘…—•‡† ™Š‹…Š …‘Â?‡• ™‹–Š Â’Â”ÂƒÂ…ÇŚ ”—•– ‡˜‡”›–Š‹Â?‰ and get frustrated, stop and remind yourself your ‹• …‘Â?Â?‡…–‡† –‘ –‹…‡Ǥ Dz Â? —Â?†‹•…‹’Ž‹Â?‡† Â?‹Â?† …ƒÂ? ÂƒÂ…ÇŚ •‘—”…‡Ǥ ”—•– ›‘— ƒ”‡ ’‡”ˆ‡…– –Š‡ …‘Â?’Ž‹•Š Â?‘–Š‹Â?‰Ǥdz

ƒÂ?† Šƒ• ™‘”Â?‡† ™‹–Š ‡‡ ÂƒÂ”Â‘ÂŽÇĄ ‡‘ƥ ‘’’‡ǥ ƒÂ?† –‡˜‡ ‘–Š‡” ‘Â? …ŠƒÂ?Â?‡Ž‹Â?‰Ǥ ‡ Šƒ• –ƒ—‰Š– –ƒ” —Â?ƒÂ?•ǥ ƒ …ŠƒÂ?Â?‡Ž‹Â?‰ continued on page 36 >> Â…ÂŽÂƒÂ•Â•ÇĄ ƒ– Š‡ ‡Â?’Ž‡ ‘ˆ ‹‰Š– ˆ‘” –Š‡ Žƒ•– –Š”‡‡ ›‡ƒ”•Ǥ ‹• ™‘”Â? …‡Â?–‡”• ‘Â? –Š‡ „”‡ƒ–Š ƒÂ?† –Š‡ ‹†‡ƒ ƒ•…‡Â?•‹‘Â? ‹• ’‘••‹„Ž‡ ‹Â? –Š‹• Ž‹ˆ‡–‹Â?‡Ǥ

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A Few Practical Tips  Make copies of passports and important papers. If you lose anything, having a copy will make it easier to get back home!  Never pack medications in checked luggage. Carry them with you on the plane. If your luggage gets lost, you’re in trouble. (It just happened to my mom on our last trip!)

 Bring an outline of your trip. Have flight & hotel confirmations and contact info and any other travel details. It will make your travels smoother.

 Plan ahead. Be very proactive. Have a plan B, C, D... always be ready to regroup, thinking about whether this is the right tour, event or travel destination. (Your parent might think they can handle it. You have to be the one to determine that)

10 Secrets to Spectacular Aging

 Stay curious. This is probably the number one thing that keeps my mom so young. She’s always wondering about what makes life tick...whether it’s a person, a place, or simply looking out the window of the plane on a starry night. Keep your sense of wonder. My mom's ritual before each trip is to wonder about all the amazing people we’re about to meet.  Be adventurous. Adventure and curiosity go hand in hand. Being adventurous is the next step after curiosity. You're taking action when you’re curious.

 Live in the moment. This is key to a quality life because you’re living life as it comes.

 No expectations. Expect nothing and always hope for the best. This equals a happier life.  Stop worrying. It’ll make you old fast and you won’t be in the moment.

 Meditate. Even if it’s for five minutes a day. My mom has practiced meditation for decades (when most thought it was just for Tibetan Monks in a cave high up in the Himalayas). Meditation acts as an anchor in the rocky seas of life.

 Stay active. Don’t use traveling as an excuse NOT to exercise! Bring your walking/running shoes and 36

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keep up your routine. You’ll enjoy your trip even more!

 Eat Less. It’s been said eating less as we age can prolong our life. (Besides, after all these years, haven’t you eaten enough to have great sense memories?) And, if you’re leading an adventurous life, you won’t need so much food to fill it up.  Choose to be happy. Happiness is a choice. When we’re happy we feel younger and look younger. Make it a daily practice.

 No regrets: Regrets keep you from moving forward. They pull you back and emotionally paralyze you from living life to the fullest. My mom has made a lot of mistakes (some pretty big) but she doesn’t hang onto them and let them distract her from what’s right in front of her ...life. And she always asks herself, “What did I learn?” On our latest trip to South America, I asked my mom, “What do you do daily to be so vital?” She spreads her arms like the Christ The Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain in Rio and beamed, “It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, all you have to do is look around. Just go outside and say to the Universe ‘Thank You for this magnificent planet!’ Don't waste another minute of your life. Get out there and experience it!”

Life indeed is a “great adventure or nothing.” It’s our choice to get out there and create another experience to put in our Bucket Lists. My mom and I will be off soon on another globe trotting adventure. Stay tuned!

Tracy Pattin is founder of AdventurizeYour Life.com where she writes about living a more adventurous life from spiritual journeys to globe trotting. She is also a freelance lifestyle/tourism writer and blogger. She writes for Visit West Hollywood on everything from walking tours (like Sunset Strip’s Rock 'n Roll Walk) to special events and restaurant openings. She is also an Old Hollywood expert (with a film project, TV series and Radio Drama in development). Tracy’s alter ego is a world traveler-quirky waitress in her upcoming children’s book and television series.

P

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assion for Peace

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os Angeles native Larissa Peltola is an 18-year-old budding journalist and human rights advocate. She is in her freshman year at Claremont McKenna College studying International Relations with a concentration in genocide, holocaust, and human rights studies.

Larissa was selected as one of 12 Youth Ambassadors from around

the world to promote peace and equality on a global scale through The World Peace Caravan. Following is a look into the mind of this exceptional young woman. Question: When did you develop such a passion for human rights?

Answer: My playground was the Amnesty International office. I was five-years-old when my

mother became a director at Amnesty International, the world’s largest grass roots human rights organization. I had the great fortune of going there after school and learning about human rights issues from amazing people from around the world. These activists were promoting and protecting human rights globally and working towards

continued on page 38>>

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a more just and peaceful world.

Question: What were you able to take away from your childhood experience? Answer: What I came to understand is young people have a unique, powerful voice and a significant role to play in social justice movements. Whether we are championing the rights of children, advocating for the protection of our planet, and precious resources, helping the homeless and disenfranchised in society, leading the charge to protect civil liberties and civil rights, or simply giving voice to the voiceless, we are filled with hope and a sense of fearlessness. Question: This is clearly attracted you to the World Caravan. What do you to achieve through the Ambassador Program?

what Peace hope Youth

Answer: As a youth ambassador, I am excited to play a leading role in an event which will bring people together in a spirit of true global community.

I am an activist and excited to be part of a movement of likeminded people from around the world coming together to engage in dialogue and share ideas about how to address some of the greatest challenges facing our world today.

My generation believes we can make a difference – no challenge or obstacle is too great to overcome when the ultimate goal is to ease human suffering. We know how to use social media effectively to raise awareness and pressure our leaders and advocate for change. We are 38

Radiance March/April 2015

NEW EARTH eXPO Saturday, March 7 General Admission is $10, but when you sign up for New Earth Expo’s mailing list, we’ll mail you FREE PASSES whenever we do shows in your area. Step 1: Step 2: Step 3: Directions

Register for our mailing list on New EarthExpo. net. We email you and you confirm your email address. A window appears with your free pass and your print it.

Take I-405, exit Irvine Center Drive and go south. Turn right onto Tesla. Take the first right at Goddard.

From I-5, exit Lake Forest Drive and go west. Turn right onto Irvine Drive. Turn left on Tesla. Take the first right at Goddard.

PLENTY OF FREE PARKING in the Temple of Light parking lot.

Temple of Light

SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY

Live Your Radiance 11 Goddard, Irvine, CA 92618

949.333.1641 www.TempleOfLightOC.org

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS armed with the tools of education, drive, tenacity, compassion, courage, and a moral compass steering us in the direction of being responsible global citizens. We care about what happens in our neighborhoods and villages on the other side of the world. It’s an honor to be an appointed representative of my generation. Question: Who is someone in the world you look up to in terms of inspiration for your cause? Answer: Malala Yousafzai who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for her extraordinary courage to stand up to her attackers, perpetrators of violence against women, and men who are threatened by educated girls. She is a shining example of my generation; her fearlessness is contagious. Like her, we can make the world pay attention to our concerns and ideas, the global issues which affect us all and the crises which threaten our world. Through our imagination and hard work, we can transform society. Question: If you could share one final message with the youth of the world, what would it be?

mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

The World Peace Caravan is a 12day camel caravan for World Peace which will retrace Queen Sheba’s peace journey to King Solomon 3,000 years ago. Scheduled to depart Petra, Jordan on December 15, 2015, the caravan will travel by camel, horse, and foot to Jerusalem, Israel, retracing the steps of this early peace movement along parts of the storied Frankincense Trail. The caravan will be spearheaded by the World Peace Caravan Youth Ambassadors (12 youth leaders, ages 16-24, selected from a global pool of candidates) and anchored by two landmark events, the World Peace Caravan Peace and Health Conference on the Dead Sea in Jordan and the World Peace Caravan Concert for Peace in Jerusalem. A uniquely embracive movement, the World Peace Caravan will engage participants physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually while inviting people of all cultures, faiths, and backgrounds to come together

to demonstrate and promote peace, harmony, compassion, and a greater understanding of one another. For more information on The World Peace Caravan and find out how you can join the movement, please visit www.worldpeacecaravan.org. The WORLD PEACE CARAVAN is founded by the international D. Gary Young Foundation, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization. The foundation is looking for like-minded partners who share in the vision of a world at peace. Larissa attributes her passion for human rights to her mother, who worked for most of Larissa’s young life as the Founder and Director of the Artists for Amnesty program at Amnesty International. Larissa is currently interning for Oscar-winning composer Hans Zimmer’s Remote Control Foundation and working on campaigns addressing the discrimination suffered by the Roma people in central and eastern Europe (an initiative launched by the National Democratic Institute), combatting human trafficking, forced labor and global child labor (initiatives launched by the United Nations agency, the International Labour Organization).

Answer: My call to other young people is to join this movement of people who are determined to make an impact and embrace our shared humanity. The World Peace Caravan will be an exciting adventure, a journey of discovery and inspiration and an opportunity for young people to be heard. For me, the spirit of the World Peace Caravan is embodied in this quote from the Talmud: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love

March/April 2015

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he Road to Amboseli

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By Rev. Basia Christ, Ph.D.

am writing this article four days before I depart on February 1 for a wonderful adventure. I will fly from Orange County, CA to Atlanta, then to Amsterdam and onto Nairobi, Kenya, Africa for a week and then to South Africa for two more.

Fund (http://amboselichildrensfund.com) to help the children of this Kenyan nomadic tribe receive an education. The fund now provides an education for 18 children at a cost of approximately $400 annually (boarding school, uniform, and books) for each child.

Two years ago, my best friend, Shari Young, was so moved after hearing how one of her employees named Leonard supports his family who are members of the Maasai tribe in Amboseli, she visited the area and saw the challenges they faced. Her heart was touched. However, unlike a lot of other people, Shari did something about it and created a non-profit called The Amboseli Children's

Without hesitation, I accepted her generous offer. I'm thrilled I will be meeting Charity who has sent letters and her picture. I want to look into her beautiful eyes and ask about her life at school, how she is doing, what

This is not only a trip for pleasure, it also will be lifechanging. Let me explain.

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Radiance March/April 2015

I'm sponsoring a child named Charity, a bright 11-yearold girl. Shari asked me to accompany her this year to take photos and videos for the non-profit's website of these children and other children who could benefit from an education.

TRUTH s CONSCIOUSNESS s BLISS

her favorite subjects are, and about her family.

We'll stay overnight in the Nairobi National Park in a tented park then fly to Amboseli and stay at the AA Lodge Loitoktok Kenya. Shari anad I will go on a one-day safari before she and I visit the two schools and meet with the teachers. At the end of the week, we will bus the children to the lodge where they will experience their first swim in a pool and have a buffet lunch. Our last two weeks will be spent at Cheetah Experience in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where Shari and I will volunteer caring for orphaned baby animals. (Shari was told the cut off for volunteers was 55 years old, but when she explained how fit I am, they extended their rules a few [many] years.)

As I typed this, I realized I can check off two more things from my bucket list. First, make a difference in a child's life and, second, go on safari in Africa where I will see indigenous animals in their natural habit and not behind bars or in cages ...the way God wants them to live. In the last issue of Radiance, I wrote, "How you end one year is how you begin the next."

2014 ended with me finally publishing my book after working on it for eight years. A great ending. 2015 started with people buying my books and planning my trip to Africa. A better beginning. If you wish to have a great year, please consider making a donation to Amboseli Children's Fund at http://amboselichildrensfund.com if you have about $40 a month to spare. These children want to learn! Rev. Basia Christ, has a Ph.D. in Transformational Counseling and is Executive Director of the Temple of Light and editor of Radiance. She has written for Today’s Woman, Beach Cities Style, and Empowering Women magazines, of course, Amazing Women published by Raven International Media, and the OC Register. She donated her kidney anonymously in 2010. Basia advocates for human trafficking victims through presentations and fundraising. She is available for presentations on human trafficking, gender equality, being a living kidney donor, and Rising to Your Greatness. For more information, call 949.690.1257 or email basia@basiachrist.com. To listen to her radio show "Speaking from Spirit: Become Who You are Meant to Be" on Sundays at noon PCT on the Amazing Women of Power Network, go to www.basiachrist.com and click on the "flashing" radio icon.

FROM ASH TO FLAME: WOMEN RISING

To order a print or Kindle version, go to www.createspace.com/3943686 Read Rev. Basia Christ's inspirational spiritual story from being suicidal in 2005 to becoming an altruistic kidney donor in 2010. It all began with God’s challenge of “Why not you?”

Spirit guided her to interview 25 extraordinary women from around the world so she could learn valuable life lessons.

For information, email

FROM ASH

TO FLAME

EN WOM

rising

ia Christ,

By Rev. Bas

Ph.D.

basia@basiachrist.com, visit www.basiachrist.com or call 949.690.1257.

Some of the women are:  Erin Runnion, CA  Marilyn van Derbur, CO  Trisha Meili, NY  Ngawang Sangdrol, Tibet  Mariane Pearl, France  Mukhtar Mai, Pakistan  Erin Brockovich, CA  Fauziya Kassindja, Togo  Judge Zakia Hakki, Iraq  Sibel Edmonds, Turkey  Denise Brown, CA  Fran Drescher, CA  Wangari Maathai, Kenya  Niemat Ahmadia, Darfur  Azam Kamguian, Iran  Somaly Mam, Cambodia

March/April 2015

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Educating one Mtoto* at a time "The Amboseli Children's fund is dedicated to the empowerment of Maasai children through continuing education. Our emphasis is on educating one child at a time in the Amboseli area of Kenya. These children will have demonstrated a desire for learning and education to better enable them to face the challenges they will encounter in the 21st Century."

Yes, you can make a difference.

We are a small organization with no overhead costs. 100% of your donation goes to the child's school fees, books, and tuition. For less than $1 a day, you can send a mtoto (*child) to school for a year. To donate go to http:// amboselichildrensfund.com.

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Radiance March/April 2015

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*

The next Fairs are March 7 (New Earth Expo), April 4, May 2, and June 6. Noon to 5 p.m.

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Radiance March/April 2015

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