WE ARE ONE~Nov.-Dec. 08 by velocity magazine

We Are One | November • December 2008 Clases de Meditación 25

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November â&#x20AC;˘ December 2008

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44 Volume 16 • November - December 2008 • We Are One ANIMALS

Can Your Pet Talk?

BY COLLEEN GORDON

ARTS

The Movie Mystic - Stephen Simon Reviews “Ghost Town”

In My Book - A Review of“Midnights with the Mystic” BY KALI TELANA

ASTROLOGY

40 BY RAVEN MOONDANCE

CALENDAR

42-43

Music to My Ears BY PURUSHA RADHA

O S H O Z E N TA R O T

49 BY WANDA BARUCH

CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY

Creating a New Dream

BY JULIE NORRIS

FA M I LY

Birth Gossip

BY MELISSA HOLMES

FOOD

Eating Slow

BY REBECCA REIS AND JENNIFER WAXMAN-LLOYD

Take Delight in the Fall Harvest

BY KIMBERLY LANHAM

GREEN

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Recycled Resourcefulness

Green Consciousness

14 Go Green - Save Money BY EMILY RUFF BY MAMA J 19 Cruelty-Free Veganism

BY PEGGY ENGLISH

The Ego vs. the Eco

BY EMILY RUFF

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

One with the Universal Energies

BY DAWN GATES

Change Your Self-Image and Get Slim

BY DAVID BOTSFORD

Unlocking the Body

Merged In Oneness

Be A Distinction: Being Authentic Is a Key for Vibrant Living BY DAVID WOLF, PH. D.

BY REV. DR. CAY THOMPSON

SPIRITUALITY

Tuning In WITH MARGIE GRAY

Remember Thyself!

BY SONIA PASQUAL VIOLETT FLAME

25 Lessons In Meditation/Clases de Meditación BY BEATRIZ ELENA DE BRUNA 28 ONE BY REV. DONNA WEINHEIMER 34 The Connection BY ALBERT NUÑEZ, DVM 44 One Body of Life BY RICC BISHOP 54 A Christmas Message: A Cradle for the Christ of Everywhere BY PARAMAHANSA YOGANANDA

The Masks of God

BY DOUG MARMAN

Plugged In

BY VIL-AM BEN-AHIM, D. C.

VELOCITEENS

Ramah Wagner, D.C. Peggy English

BY PURUSHA RADHA

Thinking Globally, Acting Locally

Emily Ruff CONTRIBUTING GREEN EDITOR

CONTRIBUTING ORGANIC AND FREE TRADE EDITOR

26 Arriving Without Traveling BY RAMAH WAGNER, D. C. 29 Stand Up and Make a Change! BY DIANE J. ACKERMAN 35 Are We Really Listening? BY ANITA TORRES 48 Champagne and Smiles BY ARETHIA IANANDA 50 A $30,000 Transformation BY ROSS HESTER, P.A., C. H.

Karish Havatay

CONTRIBUTING HEALTH EDITOR

I N S P I R AT I O N A L

PUBLISHER-EDITOR

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER PRODUCTION COORDINATOR

H E A LT H A N D H E A L I N G

Purusha K. Radha

Hold the World Together BY ELIJAH NAGENDRA also at ReadVelocity.com

Comment on the articles in this issue and find archived writings from past issues. Answer our WebPoll questions on the article pages. Sign up for our monthly electronic newsletter. Blog with us.

Julie Norris CONTRIBUTING COMMUNITY EDITOR

Velocity Magazine is an independent Central Florida regional publication. Velocity is distributed in close to 500 locations in Orange, Seminole, Volusia, Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties. Advertising Inquiries 407-454-3443; 352-357-7122 ReadVelocity@comcast.net Subscriptions $20 Call with credit card 407-454-3443; 352-357-7122 To Subscribe Online visit www.ReadVelocity.com Or Mail to P. O. Box 132 Mount Dora, FL 32756-0132 We Welcome Your Feedback ReadVelocity@comcast.net P. O. Box 132 Mount Dora, FL 32756-0132 The Velocity Vision To serve as a catalyst in raising the velocity of mass consciousness as we strive to create a new world that embraces lasting peace, sharing and cooperation. All material contained in this issue ©2008 PKR Communications- Velocity Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without express permission from the publisher. The views expressed in Velocity represent the opinons and beliefs of the writers and do not necessarily reflect those of Velocity or its staff. Velocity is not responsible for the contents, products or services represented in any advertisement.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Contributing Organic and Free Trade Editor Peggy English is co-founder of OrganicBug.com, an online business dedicated to offering a wide variety of quality contemporary eco-friendly, fair trade and health-oriented merchandise. Peggy invites us to use our purchasing power as a vote for social and environmental change, while delivering an incredibly interesting and informative one-stop shopping experience for today’s busy consumer. Visit www.OrganicBug.com. Contributing Community Editor Julie Norris is manager and co-proprietor of Dandelion Communitea Café, founding board director of the Progressive Local Alliance for Community Enrichment (PLACE) and serves on the boards of Slow Food and Mills Fifty Mainstreet. She’s an avid supporter of the local art, music and food culture, and showcases the diverse people and happenings in ‘Ourlando’ on her weekly radio program, Front Porch Radio. Her passion for community, delicious fair food, the environment and culture are the driving forces behind all her endeavors. More on her ventures at www.dandelioncommunitea.com, www.frontporchradio.wordpress.com and www.ourlando.com. Contributing Green Editor Emily Ruff, herbalist, is director of the Florida School of Holistic Studies, a 501c3 nonprofit educational institution committed to creating sustainable communities by empowering individuals to reclaim their radiant well-being through reconnecting with the natural world. Emily has studied herbalism on three continents over the past decade and consults individuals on holistic nutrition, herbalism, aromatherapy and flower essences. She is also owner of the sustainable lifestyle store, Evolve, located just a few doors down from the school in Thornton Park. Contact Emily at FSHL: 407-595-3731. Visit www. HolisticLivingSchool.org.

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Contributing Health Editor Ramah Wagner, D.C. is a third generation chiropractor with degrees from the University of Iowa and of South Dakota. She received her graduate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic (the founding college of chiropractic). Watch for Dr. Ramah Wagner’s new book, “The Health of Business - How to Balance Your Life for Greater Return.” Dr. Ramah is available for speaking events and intensives. Visit www.DoctorRamah.com or call 352-589-5443. www.HealthOfBusiness.com.

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

hinking in new ways and figuring out how to implement change in our lives takes time. Doing something differently is a process that we each have to initiate and integrate into our own unique set of circumstances, our story.

This revelation coupled with Graham’s love for bicycling and the environment started him on a quest to salvage discarded bicycles and play with ways he could reuse the parts. Some friends joined his campaign and now they happily meet each day on an old farmstead in rural Mosier, Oregon. Surrounded by nature and wildlife their metal shop is in a pre-existing outbuilding upgraded with reclaimed lumber, sheet metal, insulation and energy efficient lighting.

When my sister and business partner, Patty, and I began searching for recycled products, we were amazed to find so much resourcefulness and creativity right here in the USA! We knew ‘recycled’ was an element we wanted to make a part of our venture but we couldn’t anticipate the wonderful stories we would unearth as we contacted vendors to discuss the possibility of offering their products.

Recycled parts are cleaned and sorted, then old is turned into new. Bike chains become bottle openers, bowls and frames! Freewheels and cogs become tealight holders! Sprockets and

One such company is Resource Revival. In the early 90s founder Graham Bergh was bicycling to work in Portland when he encountered a flat tire. With spent inner tube in hand he began thinking how he might reuse it. He knew that old inner tube had plenty of life left in it if he just could think ‘outside the box.’ That old inner tube became a hanging cradle for his stereo speakers! Granted, the image that one conjures up here is not necessarily a visual masterpiece but read on…

recycled computer hard drives become clocks! As part of their work week, they play frisbee golf to get them moving and thinking outside the norm. Graham and his band of merry tinkerers sum it all up! “A lot of what we care about is incorporated in the business; but what it’s all about is friends and family and time; having time to do the things you love. It’s a gift that work can be part of that. I found my calling. That was really cool. To this day I feel like this is what I’m supposed to be doing. I think sometimes it might not have happened, ya know?” For Patty and myself, ‘recycled’ means working together to create a sustainable future. This is essentially our mission but above and beyond that it’s about people with heart, people who come from a place of love and understanding. That’s what guides us as we grow. We feel such joy having the opportunity to represent so many dedicated co-creators! It doesn’t get any better! What’s your folly? Thoughts, comments, suggestions may be sent to me via email: peggy@OrganicBug.com or by calling 386-428-7050. Please see ad this page.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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dictate how much Light that will be. I know that periodically things can get mucked up in my life. Layers and layers of complications begin to create havoc and chaos. Too many email addresses, too many phone lines, too many commitments and more. When I feel the weight of complications I know it’s time to go back to basics and simplify my life. Simplicity helps me create more serenity in my life. I believe that what is occurring in our world is a necessary cycle for collective humanity. Things have gotten out of hand and it’s time to go back to basics — to go back to what’s really important in life — our spiritual life, our relationships, our children, our families, our service and our planet.

set the themes for our issues many months in advance. I find it so interesting and ‘coincidental’ that the theme for this issue happens to be “We Are One.” I thought it would be a theme that would go very well with the holiday season. I didn’t realize that we would all be given such a powerful demonstration at this time of just how one we are. When I see things like this I become incredibly grateful for the reminder that the hand of the Divine is always at work. If ever any of us thought that we were an island, immune to the actions of others or unaffected by world consciousness, we were certainly wrong. Even on the most basic of levels, we can now more clearly than ever see how the actions of one affect every other one. Job loss and inflation, not to mention all the other hysteria in the financial sectors, cause us to cut back, withdraw, bring an end to some ways of living. I can’t help but wonder when I’m trimming an expense, is someone somewhere going to finally lose his job? I can’t help but envision a boat floating on an active sea and we’re all in it together. Times like this bring out the worst but more importantly, they can bring out the best in us. These times can cause us to actually come together. The question is, this time, will it hold? Will we learn from the past and not allow ourselves to fall back into the same old patterns? Clearly, we are being called to create a cure from the inside out instead of putting on the same old bandaids. If we invest the time, the energy and even some discomfort now, the payoffs will be great. The bailout/rescue plan (whatever anyone may think of it) was placed into motion and immediately everyone’s looking for the result. Can we transform our need for instant gratification for a greater good? Madonna sings in one of her Kabbalistic songs, “If it’s bitter at the start, then it’s sweeter in the end.” I have always found this to be true. The result occurs in a way opposite to how a thing begins. Another Kabbalah truth is that every darkness carries the opportunity for an even greater Light to be revealed. Our coming, collective actions will

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The nature pattern of ebb and flow is not an isolated metaphor. It applies to all of life. There is flow and then there is the ebb tide. It is part of the natural order. We’re in the ebb tide right now or to use another metaphor, we’re on the ‘inhale’ and breathing in as well as out is a very necessary thing! The moment is now for us as one body to embrace the ‘retreat’ and bring more balance into our collective lives on all levels. And when we hear talk of an impending recession, that doesn’t have to be our reality. That is someone else’s ticket, not ours. When I look back to previous recession periods, I wonder, where was I? I don’t remember suffering during that time. Why was I not experiencing hardship then? For one thing, I wasn’t watching television and I was also so engrossed in my work or other events in my life that I didn’t have time to buy into it. Any time I’ve lived in lack and hardship, in retrospect I must say I was the one who was responsible for the limitation. Abundance was then and is now a matter of consciousness. It comes to us when we embrace the fact that every relationship is a partnership including our relationship with the Divine. If money or other abundance was short, it was mainly because I wasn’t holding up my end of the partnership. We can ask the Universe for help but we can’t expect our situation to fully change as a partner who is unwilling to hold up our end. Fear consciousness en masse can be enormously powerful. We have many tools, though, for dealing elegantly with these times including prayer, meditation, understanding, service and compassion. It will really help if those who are conscious of the intense need for faith, love and devotion in the world right now step fully into those shoes for now is the time to stand strong and stand forth in our Christ! May we render fear, anger, hatred, greed and intolerance all a ‘no-thing’ and be walking, talking examples of Light so effulgent that we seamlessly escort the planet into new, extraordinarily evolved communal ways of high velocity loving, sharing and caring. So it is!

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

Hold the World Together

by Rebecca Reis and Jennifer Waxman-Lloyd

by Elijah Nagendra

abor Day weekend in San Francisco was a momentous occasion for the sustainable food movement. The city hosted nearly 60,000 people for Slow Food Nation, an event that sought change for our national food systems. The 60,000 participants consisted of farmers, restaurateurs, chefs, educators, researchers, sustainable food advocates and leaders from all over the United States. Of course, the event drew in ‘foodies’ that attended for the abundant food and wine offerings at the taste pavilions as well as the local ‘slow’ dinners. The bounty offerings boasted some of the best food and wine not only from California, but also from around the country that was hand selected by Slow Food leaders.

Why wage a war with no victory? Because we are human. Imperfections are riddled throughout our bodies and souls, and yet, the imperfections make us perfect. We are violent, yes. But we are capable of something much more. Love. Love is the ability gifted to us all. We may wage wars for now. War ends once many are dead, but there will be a better time. No one can dictate the time, nor how we do it. But it will come. There are lovers in this world, and they are the ones that hold the fragile fate of humanity firmly in their grip. But the more war, the more the grip loosens. So we must ask ourselves. Are we a cannon ball, on a predetermined course to destroy? Or will we make our own path, and hold the world together? Teens are invited to submit their thoughtful essays, stories, poetry and drawings to Velocity Magazine by emailing ReadVelocity@comcast.net or mailing to: Velocity Magazine, P. O. Box 132, Mount Dora, FL 32756-0132. Articles must meet our criteria for publishing and are not guaranteed to be published. For more information, please call our office at 407-454-3443 or 352-3577122 or send an email.

What exactly is Slow Food and why should we care? In this ever-growing, fast moving world, some lifestyle concessions have been made – your time with family and friends around the dinner table, culture, taste, health, and environmental impact. Nowadays we are in such a rush that it seems all too easy to grab food from a fast food restaurant to eat while driving. Our food has suddenly become a commodity, or something to satisfy the grumbling in our stomachs, rather than nourishment for our bodies that is satisfactory and delicious. Slow Food is very much a nod to fast food. It envisions a world in which all people can eat food that is good for them, good for the people who grow it and good for the planet. In essence, Slow Food advocates for food that is good, clean and fair. Slow Food USA breaks this concept down even further by defining ‘good’ as naturally delicious food created with care from healthy plants and animals; ‘clean’ as grown and harvested with methods that have a positive impact on ecosystems and biodiversity; and ‘fair’ as accessible to all, regardless of income, and produced by people who are treated with dignity and justly compensated for their labor. Slow Food also believes that food is a universal right, rather than a privilege.

So what steps can we take to eat ‘Slow?’ •

Visit your local farmers’ markets. Be sure to ask vendors how and where they grow their food. There are many area growContinued on page 13

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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One withFromtheChaos Universal Energies to Calm by Dawn Gates, Master Herbalist

n a perfect world most of us would choose to be at peace, in harmony and one with the universe. In a perfect world the energies of the universal would flow through us unimpeded, allowing us to fulfill our greatest desires and dreams. Unfortunately, this world is not like that. There are always bills to pay, out of harmony co-workers and bosses to deal with, and obstacles everywhere. Fortunately, there are herbs, essential oils, aromatherapy and flower essences that act as spiritual guides that can bring us back to that road of being one with the universe and with those around us. As an herbalist the things that keep me in tune with the universal energies include gardening, making herbal medicines, tuning in with the plant energies, and meditating with my crystals. However, my day job as a registered nurse in a busy hospital encompassed by chaos often leads me off my path of being one with the universe. I often struggle with the conflict between these totally different worlds as I constantly do my best to maintain balance and harmony between the two. In this struggle I often rely on the energies of the plants to keep me in tune with the universe and to provide the best medical and spiritual care for my patients in both worlds. One of my long-term clients

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was feeling disconnected with her dream of becoming a published writer. In addition to coming up with a medicinal set of tinctures, I had the intuitive feeling that she needed to take home a mugwort plant. So I went into my garden and dug up a small plant in order to inspire her creativity and to reconnect her to her dreams. I told her that as she nourished the plant it would grow and become her muse. She has now published her second fictional book and has decided to become an herbalist and healer. There are several herbs that can assist us to reconnect

to the energies of the universe when the world tarnishes that connection. Mugwort is one of my favorites for opening doors to the universe that may have been hidden before. It helps remove the fog of the mundane and helps us see clearly, often during dreamtime. Mugwort is slightly bitter by itself, but nice added to other herbs in a tea, or taken as a tincture.

ood betony is the perfect herb for people who feel disconnected from the universe or their spirituality. It helps us reconnect with experiences between the spiritual and physical level, while assisting us to deepen

our connection to the universe. I also have used Rattlesnake Master Flower Essence to help reconnect people to the universal energies allowing them to see the ‘all’ of connections. It opens all of the chakras helping us to be more receptive to those energies. My favorite and simplest way to reconnect with the universe, even in the middle of a chaotic day, is with the essential oil of lavender. Lavender essential oil not only relieves stress, it helps reset your limbic system which is the part of the brain which deals with emotions, scent-related memories and your deepest needs. Lavender essential oil when inhaled under stressful situations or when feeling disconnected can help tune us into the universal energies. It can help us look at life with more spiritual eyes while keeping us calm and focused during a hectic day. Most medicinal herbs have spiritual energies which assist the medicine to balance the mind, body and spirit. Plants and their energies can open doors that once might have been closed by the mundane tarnish that affects us on a daily basis. Dawn Gates, Master Herbalist, aromatherapist, flower essence and gemstone elixir practitioner, has studied natural healing for 18 years. Contact her for a consult (352)669-1963 or (407)9676042. See ad this page.

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

Continued from page 11

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ers that grow organically or hydroponically. Join a food cooperative. There are two coops that we recommend: Homegrown Coop run by the Florida School of Holistic Living (see ad page 14 ) and Get Green Organics (see article and ad page 16). Visit LocalHarvest. org to educate yourself about your local farm alternatives and pickup sites. Support area restaurants that buy from area farmers. Some of our favorites include Dandelion Communitea Café, Harmoni Market, Infusion Tea, Primo and Old Hickory Steakhouse at Gaylord Palms. Take time each week to have dinner with your friends and family around the table to reevaluate, rejuvenate and reconnect. Slow Food Orlando is a volunteer run organization. For more information about Slow Food Orlando, or to become a member, please visit www.SlowFoodOrlando.org. Rebecca Reis-Miller and Jennifer Waxman-Loyd are business partners at Sustainable Synergy, a local green business consulting firm, and leaders of Slow Food Orlando. They have been involved with farmers’ markets, the local green movement and spent countless hours supporting our local farmers and food artisans and working to change our food system. They may be contacted at Rebecca@sustainablesynergy.com or Jennifer@sustainablesynergy.com

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Conserving Water for the Planet and for Your Pocketbook Florida’s aquifer, an underground storage of clean, pure water, discharges almost eight billion gallons of water a day and supplies nearly 100% of our state’s drinking water. Due to the tremendous growth in population around Central Florida in recent years, the Florida aquifer is under serious strain. Experts advise we are just years away from meeting the maximum capacity for drawing water – especially as drought conditions continue. At current rate of use, the Florida aquifer will not be able to provide all the water needed in the area by the year 2025 without creating major environmental problems for lakes, swamps, and rivers. Alternatives – such as diverting water from the Saint John’s River – come with their own catastrophic environmental consequences, and cost taxpayers a frightening amount for infrastructure. The solution is to conserve as much water as we can now, and find creative ways to make the most impact. The average consumer uses 124 gallons of water a day – and up to half of that is spent outdoors. Whether we are watering our vegetable patch, or keeping our grassy lawn green, conserving water outside not only saves our precious resource – but can add up to tremendous savings. Of course, we can’t just turn off

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www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

by Emily Ruff, Contributing Green Editor the spigot and let our plants wilt away – so we have to find another way to source water. Fortunately, Florida is famous for its rainshowers – a perfect resource for creative water conservation. Rainbarrels provide Florida residents a cost-efficient and environmentally-friendly solution to turning on the spigot – and can provide your plants with a hydration source free from chlorine and other chemicals in municipal water supplies that can zap plants’ nutrients and energy. Rainbarrels come in a variety of materials, colors and sizes to match your household and your needs. They are easy to install (whether or not you have gutters), and can offset your water use from dozens to hundreds of gallons daily. Rainwater catchment can save hundreds of dollars per year, and makes a significant contribution to the statewide movement to conserving our water resources. Of course, we can’t do it alone – so let your public officials know how important water conservation is to you and to our state. With their help, we can implement smart water policies that help us all save money – and save our precious natural resource. Rainbarrels are available at the sustainable lifestyle store, Evolve. Please see ad for Evolve previous page.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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s fall is in full swing, we Central Floridians can hardly notice a difference. There may be a slight drop in humidity and temperature but typical signs of fall such as leaves changing, brisk days and warm toned turtlenecks and sweaters, are almost non-existent. The one thing that is available and reminds us that we are in the fall season is the abundance of wonderful fall foods. Fall can be a tricky season, summer’s fresh fruits and vegetables are gone as well as the need for the perfect bikini body and we can now slip into hearty soups, stews and lots of buttered squash and root vegetables and a few unwanted extra pounds. There are, however, lots of ways to enjoy the extremely nutritious foods of fall in a way delicious, healthy and waistline friendly. Perhaps no other fruit symbolizes fall better than the apple. Fall is the best time for domestic apples and they have tremendous health benefits. Studies have shown that apples help with memory loss, asthma, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and tooth loss. Besides sinking your teeth into a fresh crisp apple there are a variety of ways to eat them that are just as refreshing and delicious.

ust as the apple is the symbolic fruit of fall, pumpkins are the poster boy for fall vegetables. Pumpkins and pumpkin seeds contain powerful health-boosting vitamins and minerals. The seeds have vitamin E, selenium, iron and protein and benefit individuals with high blood pressure. The flesh of the pumpkin is rich in the antioxidant beta-carotene which enhances the immune system and like apples, pumpkin flesh and its seeds “contain generous amounts of fiber,” according to “New Foods For Healing. ” Pumpkin seeds

can be purchased in most stores, however they are very easy to prepare for eating if you get a whole pumpkin. Clean the seeds before the pulp dries, place on a baking sheet and lightly coat with oil and salt. Bake at 325 for 25 minutes. You can create a terrific fall smoothie using canned or fresh organic pumpkin flesh (I usually freeze in an ice cube tray because I like cold smoothies), organic low fat vanilla yogurt, and a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg. Not only do you get the nutritious benefits of the pumpkin but by adding cinnamon you get one of the richest sources of disease-fighting antioxidants. Enjoy the fall harvest and take delight in the rich flavors of the fruits and vegetables on their own and you will be able to keep those pounds off up to Thanksgiving! Kimberly Lanham, CEO of Get Green Organics, has a Masters Degree in Applied Economics from the University of Central Florida and a Masters Degree in Business Administration from Rollins College. To learn more about Kimberly’s organic food co-op, please see ad, left column.

by Selene Yeager, Bantam Books, 1999.

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www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

itting on my porch this beautifully bright morning, my mind whirls with thoughts about the new awareness of ‘green,’ this budding population of health-conscious people building a healthier, more vibrant body, mind, and spirit through food and lifestyle choices; choices we’re making to affect what we contribute to our health and our planet’s well-being, to improve our quality of life. We are showing a new concern for our environment through the eco-friendly products we purchase and use, as well as the practices we put into place in our daily lives such as composting and recycling. More organic products and truly green living products are available for us to choose. While shopping for products in preparation for one of my classes I realized store shelves are filled with a myriad of manufacturers’ products all vying for a piece of the action. Hoping to jump on the ‘living green bandwagon,’ they use the words ‘green’ or ‘organic’ on their same old products.

A product named ‘green cleaner’ is not necessarily a green product. The ‘green cleaner’ name may only refer to the color of that product. A chemical fertilizer that states it is organic does not necessarily mean it is 100% organic. It may mean only a meager amount of organic soil is included in the bag. When chemical fertilizers are added to the organic soil, my brain logically tells me this cannot be an organic product in which I want to grow my organic vegetables, herbs, and edible flowers. Organic food is grown or raised without use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers, and without growth hormones. All of these are harmful to us and to our environment.

his deceptive labeling by our large and small manufacturers is called ‘greenwashing’ — a product advertised as green without truly offering environmental or health benefits. So don’t be taken in by the green name game. To avoid the green name game, check the label to see if chemicals are used to create the product. Did the material come from a renewable resource? Does the manufacturing process release harmful substances? Does the product nurture the health and well-being of the employees making the product? How much energy does it use? Does the product packaging reflect standards of less waste? Are the product and/or the packaging durable, biodegradable, recyclable? This sounds more complicated than it is. Manufacturers who are going green are proud of it and their websites will tell you exactly what they are doing. If you just remember that it took time for you to learn to speak a language (and remember that green living has its own new readvelocity.com language), you will begin to broaden your own knowledge base of informaRead more the tion little by little, bit by bit, and be‘ins’ and ‘outs’ of fore you know it, people will be comGreenwashing. ing to you for advice and help. When that happens, we will all be better for it. I wish you all happy, healthy, and delicious days!

more at

Mama J is a chef, instructor and graduate of the world premier Living Light Culinary Arts Institute in Fort Bragg, California. Please refer to Mama J’s ad, left.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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all

around, people are waking up to their own power. They are reflecting on their personal contribution to the environmental damage that has been done and are taking proactive steps to reduce the harm being done. They are learning that organic, whole foods and investments in wellness-care are preventative medicine with side effects like increased energy, mental clarity, reduced stress and better decision-making abilities. They are realizing that the value of enriching relationships with others provides more security and is more fulfilling than sacrificing excessive time to put money in the bank. They are seeing through the pageantry of media and have begun to seek and speak the truth. Those people are us. At present, we are observing a transformative moment in our nation’s history as many people experience a disconnection from nature, authentic community and their own ability to create. We are waking up to our loss of self-reliance and a wave of realization washes over us that we can’t and shouldn’t wait for someone else to fix our problems. WE are in charge of our lives and have the ability to be self-reliant as a community of people.

evidence

of this inward shift is visible as we look around our Central Florida where we are choosing to move toward that which is sustainable, nourishing and empowering. Several organizations focused on community-building are in their infancy. Main Street districts (cityoforlando.net/mainstreet) are sprouting up around town to help revitalize neighborhood hubs to create more enjoyable interactions with each other. PLACE (Progressive Local Alliance for Community Enrichment) (www.ourlando.com) is launching a “Local First” campaign to highlight the value of supporting OurLando culture and a local living economy. Slow Food (www.slowfoodorlando. com) is bringing good, clean and fair food back to our table with their efforts to relocalize our food system. Indy businesses are being embraced and festivities surrounding art, music and culture are high quality, diverse and well attended. Farmers markets and co-ops are aplenty, with visions of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA’s) on the horizon. As individuals, we are choosing to take our

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power back and create a new dream, intuitively knowing that the old models of competition, conformity and the gap between producer and consumer are unnatural. Together, we are choosing to work cooperatively, celebrating diversity that strengthens our culture, and taking joy in local and homemade craft and the rich relationships brought about from supporting a real person who crafts a quality product. My own unrest and disconnection from community led me to my current path as a community co-creator via a values-based business. I am grateful to collaborate with a wide variety of smart, passionate and creative folks who are brilliant at what they do and have a boundless enthusiasm for life’s experiences.

are at a unique moment in time with opportunity all around us, right here, right now. When we support and empower one another to be who we truly are, and to create from that space for the betterment of our community, we realize that we are one. This community appreciates active involvement in shaping our unique culture and I encourage you to participate in its cocreation in whatever way nourishes your spirit and makes this place we call home a more enjoyable space to be. Julie Norris is Proprietor of Dandelion Communitea Café, a Certified Green Business by Co-op America. Please see Dandelion Communitea’s ad, left.

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

Cruelty-Free Veganism

Compassion In Action

Carrie Ann Moss, Bryan Adams, Clint Eastwood, Coretta Scott King, Erykha Badhu, Elijah Wood, Joaquin Phoenix, Natalie Portman, Tobey Maguire and Fallout Boy’s Andy Hurley. What do they have in common? They’re vegans, people who live on the products of the plant kingdom. Vegans exclude any and all foods of animal origin from their diets including all dairy products and such foods as honey. Vegans generally go beyond the diet to exclude the use of leather, wool, fur, down and silk in clothing and upholstery and they usually make efforts to avoid the less than obvious animal oils and secretions found in many products such as soaps, cosmetics, toiletries and household goods.

The American Vegan Society cites five principle moti- by substituting the great vegan counterparts to meat and dairy products vating factors common to most vegans: available in health food stores. Try different brands of the same type of . an equitable, ethical relationship between product since some are much better humans and other living creatures than others. Get a good vegan cook2. the physiological human design book and be patient. You may fall . an enlightened concept of repairing and off the wagon a few times so don’t be maintaining health hard on yourself. It’s not what we do 4. practical solutions to the population explosion all of the time, it’s what we do most of 5. spiritual development the time that counts! The Certified Vegan logo is a registered trademark issued by the Vegan Action organization that “helps vegans to shop without constantly consulting ingredient lists … helps companies recognize a growing vegan market … and helps bring the word ‘vegan’—and the lifestyle it represents—into the mainstream.” Over 100 companies have earned the Certified Vegan logo. Going vegan is easiest when you’re committed to powerful reasons why, so knowledge is key. Do research to learn about the enormous benefits for health of your physical body and literally, the health of the earth. Transform dishes that you already know and enjoy

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It takes 260 million acres of forest to be cleared as cropland to produce a meat-centered diet every year in America. Fifty five square feet of tropical rainforest is consumed in every quarter-pounder hamburger. 2,500 gallons of water are required to produce one pound of meat whereas only 25 gallons are required to produce a pound of wheat. Switching to vegetables one day per week cuts the equivalent of driving 1160 miles per year.

Please see ad, left for Certified Vegan skincare and nutritional products from Arbonne International,™ represented by Peggy Alvarado, Independent Arbonne Consultant and sponsor of this page.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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When I was a young teenager, I remember sitting during breaks at school with a group of friends discussing woman issues. Boys, as always, were one of the most popular topics, along with fashion and make-up. Occasionally we talked about dieting and body image (a sad story for another day). Sometimes we talked about career choices, and sometimes we talked about childbirth. My own mother was always very open with me about reproductive issues and pregnancy. She told me to come to her with any questions I might have and she would always answer them honestly. I really didn’t care much about those issues when I was a teen so I never really asked my mom much at all. Because of this, what little information I thought I knew about childbirth all came from my teenaged friends. When I think back to some of the birth-related faulty information spreading through our school campus, I can’t help but laugh. But, when I was a teenager, it wasn’t very funny. “My cousin’s water broke while she was at the grocery store! If one of the cashier’s hadn’t been there to take her to the hospital right away, both she and her baby would have died!” “When you are pushing, the doctor has to cut you open so you can have the baby, or else you’ll be torn apart!” “When you get pregnant, you have to get these crazy tests done every month! One of the tests involves them sticking a foot-long needle through your belly button and into the baby’s water sac!” Growing up, I was so terrified of birth that I actually had a recurring nightmare in which I was pregnant. I awoke those nights bathed in sweat with my heart beating fast. I told all my friends and family that I was NEVER having children. Why go through that kind of pain if you didn’t have to? If I wanted children later, I would just adopt. Of course, I secretly wanted to be a mother one day, but I was simply too afraid. Birth, to me, was a nightmare full of cold hospital corridors, shining stainless steel, and eerily beeping machines. This was all I knew of birth, and it was my reality for a long time. When I was eighteen years old, I was reading an online message board devoted to natural living and saw a link to a woman’s birth story. Birth! I hadn’t thought about birth for quite a while. I was hesitant to click that link for I wasn’t sure if I wanted all those memories to come flooding back, but I was intrigued and so I clicked. That moment changed my life. It was a simple yet beautiful story. The woman gave birth in her living room after 13 hours of labor, her husband and cat close by her side. The room was dim and silent, save for her strong moans and heavy breathing. There was no beeping, no shining steel, and no cold corridors. Her baby was not taken from her arms to be bathed, tested, poked, prodded, clothed, swaddled, and laid in a

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plastic cart under bright lights and on top of electric warmers. He was brought immediately to his mother’s breast … sung to, talked to, caressed, massaged, soothed, and kissed. He and mama were wrapped in a blanket, and allowed to be alone in the world during the most influential time in an infant’s (and mother’s) life. Baby stared into mama’s face, and was lovingly introduced to his papa. When the mother’s uterus began contracting again, she passed her new child to his father, stood up, and delivered her placenta. There was no need for roughly pushing down on her uterus, no need for a shot of pitocin to “assist” in something that nature already does perfectly. Afterwards, baby was handed back to mama, and together they experienced the joys of breastfeeding … a perfectly designed system of mother’s body providing exactly what baby’s body needs.

G i ve b i r t h i n awa re n e s s. Feminine Earth, L.L.C., on the web is a spiritual place for mothers, fathers, and all those who care about the sacred aspects of childbirth. Visit our site for exclusive gift shop and information about our unique childbirth preparation classes taught by Melissa Holmes, BIRTHING FROM WITHIN® Mentor as well as herbal medicine workshop info.

www.Feminine-Earth.com

407-401-8944

I must have read and re-read that story a hundred times. I simply couldn’t believe it was true. It was so incredibly different from the vision of childbirth that I had in my mind. Night and day. Fire and water. When my trance finally faded, I was hit with an awesome realization: I can give birth this way. I am convinced that had I not found that story, I may be in a completely different place than I am now. I would most likely still be terrified of childbirth, and I might now be spreading the birth gossip as it was spread to me. I am one of the few who found a different truth, but the majority of pregnant mothers out there are still being told that childbirth can’t be anything other than cold, cruel, and painful. It doesn’t have to be that way. We can change our reality. We can make a difference for these pregnant mothers, one woman at a time. The next time you stand near a pregnant woman in the grocery store, instead of spreading the birth gossip, tell her, “You can do it! I have faith in you! You’re going to have an absolutely beautiful birth!” Women are so strong! Our bodies were made to do this. It is time to wake up from this dream world and remember who we are. We are mothers! Melissa offers holistic childbirth preparation classes in the Lake and Sumter County areas of Central Florida. Please refer to Melissa Holmes’ ad, top of next column.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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THE EGO VS. THE ECO by Emily Ruff, Contributing Green Editor

Once upon a time, not so long ago, all humans had an intimate awareness of their connection to the earth. Daily we toiled to cultivate or harvest our food and medicine, relying on plant life for shelter and clothing, directly interacting with the natural world on a very intimate level. Our survival, and as such, our health and vitality – are dependent on our surroundings. We are vulnerable to changes in the earth’s condition – drought, temperature, dramatic weather shifts. Each of us are mini-ecocosms, or reflections of the greater ecosystem surrounding us. If our environment is strong and healthy, it reflects in our personal health. For thousands of years, humans understood this in a very personal way. However, with the dawn of the industrial age, we moved away from our family farms and into cities. We stopped growing our own food and started purchasing it in markets. We became disconnected from the source of our survival – Mother Earth – creating the illusion of independence. Why have we, as a human species, strayed so far from understanding our symbiotic relationship with the planet and its resources? Every moment of our lives, we are intimately interacting with nature, a mere thread in a beautiful fabric. Even in our urban center, the food we eat, borne from the sun and the soil, the water and the seed, nourishes us and provides us energy to move, work, play, and love. The shelters that protect us, and the clothes that warm us, were all once a plant or a rock or a four-legged relation. We quench our thirst with the same fluids that for millennia have been recycling within and above the skin of the planet. Every breath we inhale is but a sip of the atmosphere that envelops the planet. Our very beings are a cocktail of natural elements – air, sun, water, and nutrients, cradling the delicate entwinement of sperm and egg, combining within the womb of our mother to come forth as a new living being. This being – an Ego, an individual identity – is wholly from and truly dependent upon the natural world – the Eco.

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“The earth is calling us to remember.” - Stephen Buhner -

When we have balance of ego and eco, we as animals roaming this planet live harmoniously with the elements of nature that provide for us. This balance provides the basis for many ancient spiritual traditions, as it is our consciousness of this connection – our attunement to this balance – that allows us to embody a higher knowing of our actual self. When we lose sight of the Eco that sustains us as an individual, imbalance occurs. When too much emphasis is placed on the Ego, we begin to see the Eco as an other, as an outer force. This lends to the development of human chauvinism – of other animal species, and especially of non-animal species. It leads to a system of education that idolizes the intellect, disregarding spiritual or ethical development. It creates a system of economics that leaves out ecology and creates a need – and, in fact, a greed – for material wealth. Most of all, it has led to a spiritual vacuum – what plant healer Morgan Brent calls the “Great Forgetting.” Our society is rampant with depression, isolation, and fear. It is easy to see how, in our forgetting, we may fail to recognize those relations which surround us in the natural world, and thus fail to seek comfort in the depth of the woods or the waves of the ocean. Scientist and plant researcher Albert Hofmann speaks to this disconnect of spirit: “I share the belief of many of my contemporaries that the spiritual crisis pervading all spheres of Western industrial society can be remedied only by a change in our world view. We shall have to shift from the materialistic, dualistic belief that people and their environment are separate, toward a new consciousness of an all-encompassing reality, which embraces the experiencing ego, a reality in which people feel their oneness with animate nature and all of creation.” The Earth is, indeed, calling us to remember. She has also given us many tools with which to shift our perspective and to reignite the ancient memory of our oneness. I find that the plants speak the loudest in their attempts to reach out and reconnect us. The plant spirits that surround us may guide us to great healing – healing of our bodies, our spirits and our planet.

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We must start first with ourselves – by going within to reconnect our Ego with our Eco. I find one of the most intimate places to reconnect is recognizing the role the earth plays in my personal health. I reconnect by caring for my health with medicinal plants – what herbalist Rosemary Gladstar calls “the umbilical cords of the planet.” Every sweet sip of an herbal infusion to nourish my physical body reminds me of the many gifts provided for me by this planet, and allows me an intimate moment to reconnect with our connectedness. While it may sound simple, using herbs as medicine is a powerful ritual to tap into the great web of which we are each a part. When we bring harmony to our personal Ego/Eco balance, we can then walk forward into the world to lead our brothers and sisters toward a greater shift of remembering our relations. Emily Ruff, herbalist, is director of the Florida School of Herbal Studies, a 501c3 nonprofit educational institution committed to creating sustainable communities by empowering individuals to reclaim their radiant wellbeing through reconnecting with the natural world. Emily has studied herbalism on three continents over the past decade and consults individuals on holistic nutrition, herbalism, aromatherapy and flower essences. Contact the school at 407-595-3731. See ad page 14.

Theorists in the field of Developmental Psychology claim that one of our basic motivations in life is social connection. In this day and age of technology, are we more or less connected? Do we reach out to more people around us? Do we reach out more frequently? What is the quality of our communication? How often do we really connect with the people who are significant in our lives? I hear from some people frequently through forwarded email messages. Sometimes it gives me a sense of what’s important to them. I don’t know that I feel more connected to them. I certainly don’t have any more information about what’s going on in their lives, nor do they know what’s going on for me. Recently, I signed up for a group on Facebook. I felt an amazing sense of connection as I started to get messages from college friends that I hadn’t seen or heard from in 25 years. The difference was it included sharing (even briefly) our life stories. This exploration could go on infinitely, as we all have unique experiences of how we “reach out and touch someone” whether it be by phone, electronically or via old fashioned letter writing. I offer these affirmations to support and focus our efforts to be connected.

I am open to exploring new ways of reaching out to those who are significant in my life NOW. I listen to those around me to know how to reach out to them in a way that is significant for them NOW. I share my life story and listen with honor and respect to the life stories of those around me NOW. I encourage you to tune in to your inner wisdom and remember what works for you. If it works for you, it will support you in creating meaningful connection. Please see Margie’s ad page 36.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Remember Thyself, for we are not here for the first time. Our Spirits are ageless and full of wisdom. Some of us feel a ‘great calling’ but have no clue as to what, where or how to begin. We labor and search in the aisles of bookstores, on the internet, at the feet of gurus, in the offices of counselors and on the tables of healers yet we still remain unfulfilled, feeling as though there is something more. Why? Because we have to find our own path! These helpers can only point us in the direction of the path, but we are the ones who have to choose to take the walk down the path, whether we make that choice from our subconscious or we do it consciously. No one can do our work for us and we each have a part to play. For now, forget about what part may be yours. The question is: are you even ready to begin? Let’s take a moment now to find or re-establish our inner peace so that we may best continue on our journey ahead. Let’s deepen a relationship with Self, a strengthened ‘connect-ion’ with our Selves... Take a deep breath and begin to ask the Creator of ALL THAT IS to open you up to receiving healing on all levels of your life for there are many layers within layers in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies that are calling for attention. The process of healing, clearing and cleansing are vital to health, well-being and abundance. By allowing clearing and cleansing to take place first, by initiating both a physical and mental detoxification process and then eventually, detoxification of the emotional body, we can begin to experience a release. Some call it a purging and this purging is exactly what we want because it allows toxicity to be released from our bodies. It allows us to begin that real ‘connect-ion’ to Self so vital to our spiritual path, with a deep deep understanding. Sonia Pasqual Violett Flame is an Angel Therapy Practitioner® certified by Doreen Virtue, Ph.D. Theta Healing Practitioner® certified by Vianna Stibal, Reiki Master Teacher, Crystal Therapy Practitioner and Intuitive Consultant. Sonia enjoys all who desire to heal, love, blossom, and grow in their path in life. There are NO limits, just choices! To contact Sonia visit her website: www. enlightenwithtruth.com, email: violettflame@yahoo.com or call (407)7197589. Please see ad, left.

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In my last article we talked about what meditation can do for us, and what we can expect from a daily meditation practice, in other words, the why of meditation. Today we will discuss different ways to meditate, or the how to of this ancient art. This is my favorite subject, because after we learn about the different meditation techniques, we get to choose the one that best suits our lifestyle, the one that fits in with our surroundings and the time we have to meditate. When we meditate we are training our minds to be quiet. Try it now: Sit silently for one full minute, without thinking about anything….. it’s not easy, is it? Maybe you were able to “not think,” to have a quiet mind for 20 or 30 seconds, and then all the thoughts in the world decided to make their presence known. Or maybe you remembered something you had to do, or you remembered the great dinner you had two weeks ago. This is normal. In reality our brain is supposed to think, so considering that you cannot think about two different things at the same time, we will focus on something else. That something else is our breath. Yes, our breath. We always have it with us, and even though we take it for granted it is one of the most important functions our body has. So we will sit quietly, and observe our breath. For 20 minutes we will alternately pay great attention to our inhalation, and then to our exhalation. When our mind wanders, we gently bring our attention back to our breath. Do not try to change the way you are breathing. The idea is to observe and accept the way your body is breathing in this moment. Observing our breath is considered one of the best techniques for stress control. If you are having difficulty observing the breath I suggest that you try listening to music.

En la primera clase explícamos como te puede ayudar la meditación, y lo que puedes esperar al practicar la meditación todos los días. En otras palabras, el porqué de la meditación. Ahora vámos a hablar de las diferentes formas de meditar, o séa el como de este antiguo arte. Este es mi tema favorito, porque después de aprender las distintas formas de meditar te toca escojer la técnica que mejor se acomode en tu vida, tus alrededores y al tiempo que tienes para meditar. Al meditar estás entrenando tu mente a que esté quieta. Pruébalo ahora: Siéntate en silencio, sin pensar en nada, por un momento ….. no es facil, ¿verdad? Posiblemente pudiste “no pensar en nada,” con la mente quieta, por 20 o 30 segundos, y luego se hicieron presentes todos los pensamientos del mundo. O posiblemente te acordaste que tenías que hacer algo, o recordaste la cena tan sabroza que tuviste hace dos semanas. Esto es normal. La realidad es que la función de nuestra mente es pensar, asi que, como no podemos pensar en dos cosas diferentes al mismo tiempo, vamos a enfocarnos en otra cosa. Esa “cosa” es nuestra respiración. Sí, nuestra respiración. Siempre tenemos nuestra respiración con nosotros, y aunque la consideramos algo automático es una de las funciones más importantes de nuestro cuerpo. Asi que nos vámos a sentar tranquilos, y vamos a observer nuestra respiración. Vamos a poner toda nuestra atención en nuestra inhalación, y luego ponemos toda nuestra atención en nuestra exhalación. Y repetimos eso por 20 minutos. Y cuando nuestra mente empíese a pensar en otra cosa suavemente regresamos nuestra atención a nuestra respiración. No cambies la forma en que estás respirando, el propósito es observer y aceptar como está respirando tu cuerpo en éste momento. Se sabe que el observar nuestra respiración es una de las mejores técnicas para manejar el estrés. Si se te hace difícil concentrarte en tu respiración, sugiero que escuches algo de música, y eso va ser nuestra siguente clase, en la siguiente edición de Velocity.

We’ll continue with this very important theme, next issue. Beatriz Elena de Bruna is director of Serenity Mindfulness Center. Please refer to her ad on page 36 or call 352-385-0103.

Beatriz Elena es la directora de Serenity Mindfulness Center, y puedes comunicarte con ella al (352) 385-0103, o por su correo electronico: bonette5@hotmail.com.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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arriving without traveling by Contributing Health Editor, Ramah Wagner, D. C. B.J. Palmer, the doctor who brought chiropractic to the world, calls a sudden awakening or realization by a unique name, “thotflash” (yes, this term is correctly spelled!) The phrase describes an instant knowing. Thoughts are flashed into the mind and sudden inspiration is crystallized. One of the most amazing moments in my life happened when I was 13 years old. We were on family vacation and I was off roaming the old brick streets. I had not been to many places at that age yet but as I skipped along the old Spanish streets and breathed the humid air, I thought this must be what Europe is like. The black oak trees draped in Spanish moss hung over my head and covered the sky with a gray pall. I encountered some old graves with names carved into the smooth stones tipping back and forth in the sandy soil. I realized that a life was once here, and then it’s gone. Suddenly I had a “thotflash!” And in that moment, I knew my own future - I would become a chiropractor and I would live in Florida. It was a bright and shiny feeling. As I stood there connected like an antenna to God on that winter day, this thotflash was made real. When a moment of enlightenment occurs, we see our lives in a new view. It is as if we are looking at a different area of a pie graph. When we are constrained to one compartment of the pie graph, whether it’s marketing a small business or developing better communication skills, we focus only on that one particular area of our lives. As we live in one of these compartments of our pie graph we feel desperate to satisfy another aspect of life that feels empty or unfulfilled. We have a sense of longing even though we’re not quite sure what is missing. A thot-flash helps us access the other sections of the graph, for example, it might be that it’s the financial slice of the graph that needs to be fulfilled. Sometimes the unlocked compartments are the social areas of our life such as the desire to experience a loyal friend who unconditionally loves us. When we have an instant knowing, we have access to other aspects of our lives. This new inspiration can actually redirect our mind, body, and spirit into a satisfying place. Our perspective is drastically altered when for the first time we come to see a truth about the way we live our lives. It may be that we never understood this side of ourselves before. When this shift in perspective happens, people, places, and events begin to be revealed because we are now in a different

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slice of the pie-graph. This knowing paves the way for total fulfillment of ourselves. This opening could lead to the fulfillment of the great career we have always been passionate about. It could also create the space where beautiful, loving relationships and connections happen, where living fully leads to incredible bliss. Thot-flashes provide inspiration for getting “turned on” to life — our own life.

This perspective reminds me of one of my favorite songs by John Lennon called “Watching the Wheels.” I really love to watch them roll. No longer riding on the merrygo-round. I just had to let it go. -Lennon, 1980

Could it be that this is exactly what John Lennon knew? Maybe after all the sex, drugs, and rock and roll, he came into an awareness of how to have access to his total being. The song almost sounds ecclesiastical in its expression. Ecclesiastical reality is “arriving without traveling,” and “doing all without doing” (Harrison, 1965), as the Beatles sang. In many of the workshops and seminars I have taken, amazing lives replete with great success, wealth, and influence have been discussed. In those workshops I received many a thot-flash. Ecclesiastes, written by King Solomon, is a book about a man who really did have it all. If we listen to Solomon’s wisdom, we can “arrive without traveling.” I first read Ecclesiastes when I was the same tender 13 year old. I enjoyed the words of this incredible man Solomon, son of King David, who became the king of Jerusalem at a young age. He needed to understand people and

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discern their motives and behavior in order to be a wise judge. Solomon was young, thought to be in his early teens. In spite of his youth, he asked God not for fame or women, but for wisdom, and God granted it to him. Solomon is known as one of the richest and wisest men who ever lived on the planet. I was fascinated with him for those reasons. I was attracted to him because I knew he must have had real wisdom for this kind of reputation to last throughout the centuries. In the realm of knowledge and power, not a lot has changed. I found the book of Ecclesiastes to be like John Lennon’s song. After riches and fame, where did these powerful men end up? In Ecclesiastes an amazing tone resounds throughout the book. Chapter I, Verse 14 delivers a strong statement: Everything is meaningless, like chasing after the wind.

In Ecclesiastes 5:10, Solomon vocalizes what we have seen so many times: Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with his income…I have seen a grievous evil under the sun: wealth hoarded at the harm of its owner, or wealth lost through some misfortune, so that when he has a son there is nothing left for him.

We have all observed these extremes with money and lifestyle. Solomon elaborates on time and how there is a season for every thing under heaven. Just like the popular 70s song by the Mamas and the Papas, later made famous by The Byrds, “A time for every purpose under heaven.” (Seeger, 1965) These poignant words came from Solomon’s own lips. The concept of “a time for everything” is important to grasp in order to understand real power and the fulfillment of the inspiration we receive. R a m a h Wa g n e r, D.C. is a third g e n e ra tion chiropractor with degrees from the University of Iowa and of South Dakota. She received her graduate degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic (the founding college of chiropractic). Watch for Dr. Ramah Wagner’s new book, “The Health of Business - How to Balance Your Life for Greater Return.” Dr. Ramah is available for speaking events and intensives. Visit www.doctorramah.com or www. healthofbusiness.com. Please see Dr. Ramah’s ad page 5.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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f you’ve ever attended a sacred circle you’ll find they usually start with a prayer and end with a prayer. Sometimes these prayers are accompanied with the burning of sage, smudging, and a ceremonious ‘calling in’ of the masters, saints, angels and guides to assist us in the manifestation of our petitions. When we do this, however, are we really calling in the spirits of masters and guides that have passed from this earth plane, or are we calling in guidance from higher aspects of our selves? This is a difficult question for me to comprehend, because if WE ARE ALL ONE, why not go to the Source? Why ask Jesus, Yogananda, Mother Teresa or my grandfather to come in and assist? If we are all sparks from the one and only Source, wouldn’t it make sense to leave out the ‘middle man’ and go right to our DIVINE SELF? This display is a bit egotistical on my part because I am creating the illusion that I am so ‘high up there’ in the spirit world that I am on a first name basis with these great beings who are more than happy to come to the earth plane to stand by me in a fire ceremony or a healing. And if I am so ‘high up there’ and that intimate with these beings, then why in

the world would I need assistance in the first place? If I have the power to call in the masters from other dimensions, then doesn’t that make me a master myself?

Perhaps some lightworkers of today are getting a little carried away with drama and tools. We are all one and nobody is going to be left behind. We are all programmed to go through the ascension I have to question myself as a spiritual process together, and we need to simpliteacher. Am I doing the right thing when I fy the process so that this can happen. prayerfully lead a circle calling forth masters’ names, asking for guidance and protection as I throw some sacred numbers into the mix? By doing so, aren’t I creating a sense of separation from these spiritual beings, vibrations and our true selves, since I need additional assistance to carry out my intent? What if we belonged to some remote tribe who knows nothing of the great masters, sacred numerology and sounding instruments? Who and what would we call in to assist us then? When Jesus was asked how to pray, he most probably didn’t get out the smudge My belief is that we are all sparks from the sticks, crystal bowls, astrology charts, same Source. Call that Source what you tuning forks, tarot cards, and pendulum like — it doesn’t change the fact that there while calling out the names of Buddha, is just one Source. Krishna, Mohammed, Isis or Jesus and I are made whoever else were his favorite up of the same stuff teachers of the time. He sim— spiritual con- readvelocity.com ply said: Our Father who art sciousness and enin heaven — heaven being the ergy. The master I consciousness, or spirit, of all Read more call Jesus is who I manifested things. about vibration love, but the spirit of Please refer to Rev. Jesus is who I AM. I and oneness. Donna’s ad, left. Rev. AM the spirit of God Donna is a licensed living my human life as Donna; Jesus is massage therapist (MA27125, the spirit of God who lived his human life MM12675) and ordained ADL She holds a third degree black belt as Jesus the Christ. It is the same with all minister. and is a Tae Kwon Do and Chi Gong instrucof us. We all come from the same Source, tor. Donna is also certified in Thai yoga bodywork, native hot stone massage, breema bodyand at the same time we are the Source.

more at

work, shiatsu, tui na and shamanism.

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Stand Up and Make a Change! by Diane J. Ackerman

n 1985 Ken Keyes, Jr. wrote the book, “The Hundredth Monkey.” The dedication read, “This book is dedicated to the Dinosaurs, who mutely warn us that a species which cannot adapt to changing conditions will become extinct.” Although written over a quarter of a century ago, we might notice that things have not changed a whole lot. We are still threatened with wars, economic fluctuations, epidemic health issues and natural disasters and to compound these issues, as a people we still don’t get along. If even for reasons of survival alone, wouldn’t we be wise to come together as beings of a collective energy to create an atmosphere of peace? Or are we hell-bent on destroying ourselves as we defend our insatiable appetites to have it our way? We might ask, does it really matter what name we give our political party, our social standing or higher power? What difference will all that make if we become an extinct species? The evening news bombards us with negative press and questionable sensationalism. We are becoming desensitized to the pain of others. Our children are coming to adopt a feeling of normalcy when viewing the death or suffering of another being. We make it a point to plant ourselves in front of the television to view reality shows. It’s all becoming as normal as baseball and apple pie used to be. Our laws are being compromised. Our morals are changing to accommodate our personal needs and water cooler gossip is a place where many feed on prejudice and harmful innuendos. We’ve created a society based in fear. Unfortunately, all this is not healthy. So what do we do?

Why not re-create a society founded on confidence and self-worth? Let’s bring about change one person at a time. As examples, we can teach our children the difference between unsubstantiated story telling and the truth by refusing to buy into stories not founded on facts. Rather than looking at the dark side of the moon, let’s see it shining brightly with a mere change in our mindset. If our child comes home with a “D” on his test, pat him on the back for getting some answers correct. The more positive feedback we give our children, spouses and friends, the more they will want to reciprocate. Look around, stand up and then make a change! Our collective consciousness has created chaos from pole to pole by our unquenchable yen for personal gratification. We are at a tipping point that could end the era of chaos by replacing myths with knowledge. Our persistence alone will birth the positive atmosphere of world peace and harmony. This is our birthright. This is our responsibility for our future. Diane has a B.A. in Conflict Resolution and a Master’s Degree in Behavioral Management. Please refer to ad, right.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Utilizing the vibrations of nature ... awakening your inner healing response to emotional and physical well-being. IlluminEssence Custom Flower Essence Formulas comprise a line of twelve forumulas designed to address our healing needs. Choose from Harmonious Communication, Dumping Depression, AdolEssence for Girls, AdolEssence for Boys, Single Mom, Dispelling Anger, Quiet Mind, Listening to the Inner Voice, Healer’s Helper, Breaking Free and Computer Companion. Call 352-250-1038 to order.

Prairie Meadows Oatmeal Lavender Soap will delight your senses and nourish your skin. Each bar is natural soap in its true, pure form. That means you get all the bar soap’s rich, naturally occurring moisturizing ingredient - glycerin, making them a great choice for dry, sensitive and eczema prone skin. This and many more pure, holistic cleaning products available at Let’s Clean Green, Sanford. See ad page 15. For poetry lovers, Central Florida poet Al Chiodi’s books are soulful and exquisite. Award winning Chiodi explores the world through a jaded eye yet behind rose colored glasses. From zen love to political Prozac, Al’s poetry searches for the heart of humanity. “Tangerine Dreams,” “The Watershed” and “Unified Theory” are available at The Om Bookstore (ad page 3).

Give the contemplative 2009 Inner Reflections Engagement Calendar published by the Self-Realization Fellowship. Adorned with spectacular nature photographs and accompanied by selections from the writings of Paramahansa Yogananda whose timeless and universal teachings have awakened many of all races, cultures and creeds to a deeper awareness of the one reality that sustains and unites us all. At your bookseller’s or www.yogananda-srf.org. Gift Ideas continued next page 32

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Make your yuletide green! Now you can have a merry Christmas while leaving a smaller carbon footprint with this gem of a book. Learn how to have warm, cozy, green fires, avoid the holiday catalog crunch and make gifts that are green. At your favorite bookseller or visit www.AdamsMedia.com.

Give an affordable three month membership to Spiritual Cinema Circle and inspire the ones you love. Includes a monthly dvd of four heart-touching, soul-nourishing movies that are theirs to keep, a CD of instrumental melodies and organic sounds and a handwritten giftcard with your personal message. Call 1-800-449-9886. Order by December 14 to ensure Christmas delivery. See ad page 52.

Using timeless botanicals, Arbonne International™ creates products that help protect skin against aging and enhance natural beauty. Pure, safe and beneficial, these skincare products are certified vegan. Formulated in Switzerland and made in the U.S.A., these proprietary formulas help to restore radiance and vitality. Contact your local representative, Peggy Alvarado at 407-405-1992, www.peggyalvarado.myarbonne.com. See ad page 19.

25 million tons of excess waste are generated throughout the holidays. A great way to lessen the load on landfills and save lots of wrapping paper is to give gifts that don’t need giftwrap! Give a membership to Slow Food USA to someone you love. There’s a chapter right here in Orlando (see article page 11). Slow Food is an organization that works to preserve and protect local food traditions and also lets you belong to your local convivium. Visit www.SlowFoodOrlando.org.

Lavish your loved one with an Orenda Herbal Chakra Massage and Body Oil Set. Orenda is an indigenous North American word used to describe ‘chi’ or life force energy. Orenda Herbal is a Central Florida based, family owned business that creates formulations for mind, body and spirit using organic plant-based ingredients often locally grown. Available at Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando, ad page 14.

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www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

A marble healing table session may help a loved one regain calm, peace, courage and presence. The special properties of the marble help process the energies of this time more easily. The table is made comfortable with soft foam cushion on top. Call Rahansia P. Ben-Mejuri, LMT (MA12828) at 352-408-9626 to arrange for a gift certificate.

Swiss skincare company Phytobiodermie’s Non-Invasive Facelift and Body Contouring is a spectacular gift. High quality color light applied to specific points and energy centers of the face and body, is found to be effective in beauty and wellness treatments. At Phyto Institute the appropriate color of light is coupled with lymphatic drainage and used on specific energetic points to achieve the lifting portion of the treatment and promote the toning of skin. Visible results are achieved with one treatment, though a series of five are recommended for maximum effect. Contact Phyto Institute at 352-483-4800. Anuschka hand painted handbags are crafted individually by artisans so that each bag is unique. The top quality leather and paint are very durable making for a long-lasting work of wearable art. Hip Israeli kibbutz-made NAOT shoes are soft leather shoes, sandals, clogs and boots with removable cork and latex footbeds known internationally for quality, comfort and fashion. This footwear features a unique anatomical footbed that replicates an image of your foot, just like the footprint you leave when walking in the sand. The flexible, shock-absorbent sole enables the foot to move gently and continuously. After a great deal of use the insole can be replaced with a new one, available at NAOT points of sale. All available at Donnelly Euro Footwear in downtown Mount Dora. Call 352-385-0909. Please see ad page 62.

Fifty-One™ is the alternative new, electronic smoking device that gives you the same sensation as a real cigarette without the second hand smoke or 4000 cancer causing ingredients! The Fifty-One™ contains no tobacco and therefore is not subject to any state or federal “No Smoking Laws.” The smoke-like vapor is made up of 99% water, 1% nicotine and other non-harmful elements such as flavoring (chocolate or mint, for example). Contact Diane Ackerman at Alternate Pathways. 352-343-3380. See ad page 35.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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If we look at the differences between ourselves and everything around us we would come up with the apparent conclusion that we are all different and separate from all we sense, however nothing could be further from the truth. A great paradigm shift occurs when we become aware that beneath all the apparent differences there exists a common unifying principle: “silent, aware, grateful space in the present moment.” We are all one. You and everything you sense is made up of conscious aware space in the present moment. This conscious aware space is the potential for everything we sense or can imagine. From this conscious aware space in the present is born the electromagnetic spectrum and the field of all possibilities. It is this electromagnetic field that vibrates space into manifested forms giving rise to our form and everything we sense. The illusion of separateness comes from the limitations of our sense organs. Our ears, for example, at best hear from 3-20,000 hertz, yet there is a vast range of frequencies above and below 3-20,000. Science has recently heard the sound of a black hole in space playing a B flat note 56 octaves below middle C. Just because our ears can’t hear the sound doesn’t mean that our instruments can’t sense it or that the sound doesn’t exist. It does. The same can be said for light outside of our visible range. Just because we can’t see the ultraviolet, infrared, other color ranges, or thoughts and emotions

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with our eyes, doesn’t mean they can’t be detected or that they don’t exist. All around you right now there are untold trillions of dollars floating around you, music of all sorts playing, and countless communications surrounding you even if you’re in a quiet room. A wireless computer or radio instrument is turned on and the sounds and information all around you become evident. With the right user name and password you could wire yourself $100,000,000 into a Swiss bank account right now. Wouldn’t that be nice? There is no place where the space within you or me starts and stops. We are made up of silent space that is consciously aware of itself in the present moment. This space is vibrated into form by an electromagnetic pulse (light and sound) which keeps the at-

oms, molecules, cells, tissues, organs, our bodies and the world they stand on in form like musical notes. These pulses come from nothing, are suspended in nothing, and ultimately return to nothing. With the right instrument detecting all of these electromagnetic waves and space we could perceive that there was space, light and noise within and all around us connecting us in the present moment to everything we sense and don’t sense in an interconnected web. There is in reality no separation between you and the other. In fact, there is no other. The good news is we don’t need fancy equipment to detect this connection. We can use meditation practices to reconnect with who we really are in all moments; silent, aware space, grateful for the experience of just being in the present moment. And when we know this we are grateful for everything and everyone we interact with because we are interacting with our very self, the “Self within all.” The key to activating our highest faculties is to learn to silence the mind and feel the silent, aware consciousness that we are already. Once we remember this silent, alert consciousness, present in all and in ourselves, we honor these words as an experience: “Honor GOD above all else and love your neighbor as yourself, because we’re all one Self, your very Self, the Self within all.” Please refer to Dr. Nuñez’ ad, left.

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

veryone I meet socially or professionally is either working on their passions in life or searching to fine-tune their goals and dreams. We are all so busy running 50 plus miles an hour, going from one appointment to the next, having hundreds of conversations a day on our cell phones or in person, and balancing the demands of work and life. It’s exhausting! Oh, and I almost forgot…we also want lasting, loving, meaningful, and fulfilling relationships with our kids, friends, family, spouses, partners, and significant others. Wow! At the end of day, what we all want is to be happy, loved, appreciated, and heard.

So what keeps us connected? Communication! It is the number one critical interpersonal skill for enhancing our personal and professional relationships, especially the ones we love and care about. Communicating authentically with another person requires giving our utmost attention. This is a conscious commitment to listening. Listening is often a forgotten skill or at least one we all assume to have. We often confuse hearing with listening. Hearing (passive listening) is the physiological (and unconscious) process whereby our ears take in the sound waves of our words and transmit them to parts of our brain. Active listening requires making a conscious effort to pay attention, to notice, and observe — not just the thoughts, but also the feelings.

Are We Really by Anita Torres Listening?

2 W

hile most of us are born with the capacity to hear, many of us are not taught how to practice active listening. I remember my mom teaching me to speak nicely, always emphasizing manners and addressing others with “May I,” “Please” and “Thank you.” I can still hear her say, “Watch your words. It’s not what you say, but how you say it,” or “Watch your tone when you’re speaking.” I don’t remember her saying, “Here is how you actively listen so the other person feels validated and heard.” It’s not that she didn’t want to teach me. She just didn’t know how to actively listen. Active listening is a skill we sometimes take for granted and don’t practice consciously and consistently. It takes a commitment to practice the following steps: 1. Prepare to listen. Stop what you are doing. Face the other person for direct eye contact. Move away from your computer and shut down your phone and email. Do whatever you need to be fully present to the other person. 2. Paraphrase what the other person said in your own words to check for understanding — that’s listening for the thought. 3. Focus on the speaker’s emotion and express empathy — that’s listening for the feeling. 4. Summarize the key points of the conversation especially if agreements were made or next steps identified. I’ve witnessed many of my workshop participants struggling with these steps because we are creatures of habit, always in our own heads and not present to the other person. Commit to active listening. Watch how rich your conversations become. Notice how instantly you are able to build rapport, how alive your connections with others become and how ‘one’ you begin to feel with them! Anita Torres, owner of Alternative Learning & Life Designs, is a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance and a business coach for individuals and organizations. She delivers personal/professional development workshops for life and at work. Contact her at alt@altlearningdesigns.com. Please refer to Anita Torres’ ad for Alternative Life Designs, next page 36.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November â&#x20AC;˘ December 2008

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. 2. . 4.

5. .

7. 8. 9.

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FREE Frankincense and Myrrh essential oil samples. See ad for AncientEssence, page 37. FREE whole food Zija Moringa Smart Mix beverage sample. See ad for Zija, page 51. FREE first yoga class at Yoga Central, Mount Dora. See ad for Yoga Central, page 63. FREE Osho Zen Tarot intuitive reading with purchase of three detox footbath sessions. See ad for Shanaya Nalina, ND, page 24.

5. One FREE hour anger management class with purchase of “Shut the Duck Up!” workbook courtesy of Diane Ackerman, Alternate Pathways, Tavares. See ad page 29. . FREE Xocai Chocolate sample (equivalent nutrition to drinking several glasses of V8!) from Chocolate Life Solutions. See ad page 50. 7. FREE ‘Gene’s Law’ bumper stickers that read “If anything can go well, it will,” compliments of Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando. See ad page 14.

One FREE book with every purchase of $15.00 or more at The Om Bookstore, Mount Dora. See ad page 3. FREE scholarship program offered by Melissa Holmes/Feminine Earth, L.L.C. for teen mothers; good for the full tuition of “Birthing From Within® childbirth preparation classes. FREE birth doula services (labor support) to those teen mothers who apply for the scholarship. See ad for www.feminineearth.com, page 20. FREE first class at Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka. See ad page 14. FREE shipping when you order organic coffee online at www. SevenSistersCoffee.com. See ad page 47. FREE NRG GO3! Citrus Surge Fizzing Beverage Tablet by Arbonne® - to assist with weight loss. Second Offer: Become a wholesale consultant in November or December 2008, entitling you to buy Arbonne® products at cost for one full year and receive a FREE gift from Peggy Alvarado (this is a personal offer from Peggy and is not made by Arbonne® International). See Peggy’s ad page 19. FREE 10 Grocery Bucks on your first order of $100 or more with www.GetGreenOrganics.com, Central Florida’s regional organic food co-op. Grocery Bucks can be used to pay for groceries on your next order. See ad page 16. FREE manicure with pedicure at The Hair Affair, Mount Dora. See ad page 27. FREE mini facial at Each Face Is Unique Spa and Boutique, Mount Dora. See ad page 12 and ad page 27. FREE sample of the amazing Signature Grain by LifeMax. See ad page 49. FREE CD: “7 Principles For Fulfilling Relationships” from Satvatove Institute, Alachua. Pay only very small shpg./hdlg. See ad page 60 for details.

8. FREE Initial Examination (value $145) at Simply Well, Office of Dr. Dominick D’Anna, D.C., Winter Park; includes thorough consultation with Dr. D’Anna, complete spinal scan and exam, follow-up discussion of findings. See ad page 45. 9. FREE initial phone consultation concerning your pet with Colleen Gordon of HealingForPets.com. See ad page 46. 20. FREE cranial bone screening during your examination with Dr. Ramah Wagner, D.C. See ad page 5. 2 . FREE one hour teleworkshop on “7 Principles For Fulfilling Relationships,” interactive with questions and answers. See ad for Satvatove Institute, page 60. Visit www.satvatove.com for more details.

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Special Offers for velocity Readers . 2. . 4. 5. .

Buy One, Get One 1/2 OFF Our Vital Earth Products until 12/31/08. See ad page 22. $10 OFF on Get Slim for Good group session with David Botsford, Trainer/Hypnotist. See ad page 39. $10 OFF on a pair of regularly priced eco-friendly shoes (made from recycled materials) at Donnelly Euro Footwear, Mount Dora. See ad page 62. 10% OFF new students’ class package at Jeweled LotusYoga, Leesburg. See ad page 47. Discount on office visit fee on your second visit to Holistic Dental Healthcare in Sanford when your driving time is one hour or more. See ad page 12. $34 OFF physical exam or office visit at Animal Hospital of Lake Mary or Animal Hospital at Baldwin Park. See ad page 34.

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

verweight people have a critical voice in their heads. When they look in the mirror, the voice says things like, “you fat slob,” “you disgusting tub of lard,” or “you hippopotamus.” This provokes negative emotions. Often they try to avoid feeling these emotions with more overeating. They lose self-esteem and believe that they don’t deserve to be slim. The unconscious mind turns those negative conscious thoughts into physical reality. Through self-hypnosis, we can change our conscious thoughts to become more positive. We can influence the unconscious mind to improve our eating habits. We can create the positive self-image we do want: slim, healthy, in control. Through daily practice, the unconscious absorbs the message. Our self-image changes, we develop healthy eating habits, the unnecessary weight disappears, and we get slim. Before doing this exercise, think of a piece of music you find inspiring and have a recording of that music ready beforehand. 1. Stand in front of a full-length mirror and look at your body. (Some people find doing even this uncomfortable!) 2. As you observe each part of the body, be aware of the thoughts, pictures, sounds and feelings going through your mind. Just accept these thoughts for now. Notice any specific words, images and sensations. Take several minutes to do this. It is likely that you will identify a pattern of thought which you have been repeating. 3. Step away from the mirror for a few moments. Play your chosen music, or just imagine it playing. (You could even sing it!) If possible, lower the lighting. 4. Step back in front of the mirror. Relax and half-close your eyes to the point where you can see the outline of your reflection, but few details. 5. Breathe slowly, deeply and evenly. Fill your lungs from the bot-

tom to the top, and empty your lungs as you breathe out. Build up a rhythm of deep, easy breathing. 6. Either silently or aloud, say this affirmation: “I give my body only the food it needs – so I am slim, healthy, and in control.” Say this in a confident, reassuring tone. Repeat the affirmation. 7. Imagine that your body’s reflection is shrinking to a trim, sharply defined shape in the half-light. Repeat the affirmation. 8. Imagine feeling that your body is as slim as the reflection. Notice how it is still your body – but slimmer, the real you inside. Repeat the affirmation. 9. Pause a moment. Notice your inner thoughts as you stand there. Are they different – and more useful? If so, be aware of them a few minutes until the music ends. If not, repeat steps 5 through 10 until the new thoughts arise spontaneously. Repetition is the mother of skill. By practicing this exercise daily, I’ve transformed my thoughts and lost 30 pounds! I’ve also anchored these new thoughts to that inspiring music. So even when I lack time for the complete exercise, I just play the music. You can do it, too! David Botsford is a hypnotist with 15 years experience. He has produced a series of self-hypnosis CD sets, including “Eat Less, Lose Weight for Women” and “Eat Less, Lose Weight for Men,” and is the author of the book “Hypnosis for Smoking Cessation.” He will be teaching weight loss hypnosis classes at the You Health Center, Orlando, starting November 12. Visit his websites: www.4cornershypnosis.com and www.selfhypnosiscd. com. Please see ad, left.

Velocity Magazine | We We Are Are One One || November November •• December December 2008 2008

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d Each full moon sheds more “light” on our plans, thoughts, experiences november and perceptions bringing greater understanding, insight and connection to our place in the Circle c of Life. Around the full moon in Scorpio on November 13, notice what messages or insights come to you about what may not be working in your life. Pay close attention to your emotions for Scorpio e is a water sign enabling us to tap deeper into our feelings, emotions and intuition. It is also the sign of death and rebirth.What does not feel right and may need to die in order for something new to m come forth? Trust your inner knowingness and clean out on every level! b The full moon in Sagittarius on December 12 will assist us to more clearly tune in to the larger e picture and to discover how we may bring the way we are living more in alignment with our true essence. What is our role or mission as we move toward a more uplifted sense of interconnection with r all life on our Earth? Allow the fire energy of Sagittarius to ignite your passion for world service!

2 0 0 TAURUS (April 20-May 20) Breathe and go with the flow! Suspend your logical mind, especially around the full moons. Be open and know that anything is possible. Magic is in the air! Expect not 8 ARIES (March 20-April 19) You are doing well! It may not be easy, but remain in the moment. Take one step, then the next! Congratulate yourself on your progress no matter how small it may seem. Notice your thoughts, especially those that are not life-affirming, and quickly change them to the most positive you can imagine about yourself and your life. Affirmation: I am supported by the Universe as I joyfully embrace new opportunities for growth.

only the unexpected but the very best to unfold in your life! You deserve it! Affirmation: I allow love, joy and abundance to flow to me. I AM loved! I AM blessed!

GEMINI (May 21-June 20) What are you learning about yourself through your experiences and your interactions with others? Observe your reactions and thoughts, access what may be the underlying emotion or trigger and work it through. Take life one day at a time and feel good about your insights. You are very much supported at this time of accelerated growth. Affirmation: I AM blessed and grateful for all the growth I am experiencing. Self-knowledge is my stepping stone to joy! CANCER (June 21-July 22) Keep it in the moment! One step at a time! Follow your plan. Follow your inner guidance. Don’t look back! The past is over. Don’t project into the future. We are not there yet! Feel good about where you are right now. You are doing great. Keep it up. Affirmation: I have the power to create and maintain exactly what I need and desire. I feel secure in my life. I value myself — all that I AM, all that I do! LEO (July 23-Aug.22) Are you listening to your inner wisdom? Your intuition is your best guide at this time. When you need guidance, ask and trust that inner voice, because it is right on! When the logical mind comes in to question or to rationalize, go back to your first intuitive feeling. Affirmation: I trust my inner knowingness. I am happy and healthy and welcome positive change. VIRGO ( Aug.23-Sept.22) How is life unfolding for you as you set the foundation for your year ahead? Access what is and is not working and then envision the positive you desire to manifest. Be steadfast in your focus. Congratulate yourself on how much you have grown over the past year. You are doing great! You are indeed a wondrous God/Goddess! Believe it! Be it! Affirmation: I believe in myself and welcome the many blessings of the Universe! LIBRA (Sept.23-Oct.22) What do you desire to see unfolding in your life? Imagine the most joyous, fulfilling scenarios you can think of. Enjoy and really feel the joy of living an abundant, happy life. You have the power to create the very best, so why not? Affirmation: I know I am being guided by my soul to live the life of my dreams. I see and embrace new directions and new potentials. SCORPIO (Oct.23-Nov.21) As you begin a new year with your birthday, it is a time of self-reflection. Step back and observe yourself as objectively as you can. What are your strengths and gifts? What do you need to improve or change so you can feel really good about yourself? Take responsi-

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bility for every part of your life — the good, the bad and the ugly. Accept who you are and step into your power as a shining Light! Affirmation: I accept all parts of myself and honor my many gifts and blessings. I find strength in change and joy in each moment! SAGITTARIUS (Nov.22-Dec.21) Keep moving forward, focused on your path, focused on living your truth and upholding your ideals. Examine any stress you may encounter and use it to re-think, rework, shift, let go, and move on. Ask for guidance from your spirit guides and angels when you need it. Listen for that guidance. Remember to take care of yourself first so that you can be in a better place to assist others. Affirmation: I believe in myself. I take care of myself. I AM totally supported in all that I do and all that I AM. CAPRICORN (Dec.22-Jan.19) Remember to breathe. Observe what no longer seems relevant or no longer works. It’s time to clean out the closets and lot go of outmoded beliefs and behaviors. Keep your heart open, especially to yourself. Be gentle with yourself! Get a massage, go for a walk, take a relaxing bath. In other words, take care of yourself. Make it a priority to relieve any stress or tension before it builds up in your body. You will be glad you did! Affirmation: I am doing my very best in all areas of my life! I love and appreciate myself. AQUARIUS (Jan.20-Feb.18) Continue to garner what you need from your challenges and experiences. See this as a time of gathering strength, inner stability, deeper trust in yourself and more effective tools for dealing with this ever-changing world. You are influencing others in a very positive manner through your example, your wisdom and your caring nature. You are doing a wonderful job! Keep looking and stepping forward! Affirmation: With each breath I take, I gather strength, joy and Light! PISCES (Feb.19-March 19) Take a few deep breaths. You are doing just fine on the roller coaster of life! What needs to be strengthened or nurtured in your life? What needs to be shed? You have greater clarity now to move forward. Confront your inner demons of worry, fear, lack and insecurity. Use positive affirmations to change your thoughts. Shed the skin of the old as you step into a more empowered sense of who you are! Affirmation: I believe in myself, my talents and the bright Spirit that I AM. I AM THAT I AM. Would you like a personal moon astrology reading? Contact Raven Moondance. See ad, top of next column.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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November SAT-SUN

01-02 SAT

Parapsychology Fair 9 am - 5 pm Mystic Realms at Green Garden Imports, Micanopy 352-857-9398 The Forefathers Perform 10:00 am to 4:00 pm at Lake Co. Green Fair, Wooton Park, Tavares Free Toddler Yoga–walking to age six 11:30 am to 12:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

SUN

Tai Chi -13 Postures 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

MON

Healing Circle 6:00 pm - 7:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

TUE

WED

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE Singing Crystal Bowls Concert 7:15 pm Yoga Central, Mount Dora 352-250-7127 FEE Connecting with your Spirit Guides 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

THU

SAT

Introduction to Kinesiology 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

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Past Life Regression Playshop 10:00 am to 2:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

WED

FRI

Eco-Fashion Show 7:00 pm Jeweled Lotus Yoga Studio & Ecoboutique Leesburg 352-874-3272 FEE

SAT

Parapsychology Fair 10 am - 6 pm Mystic Realms New Age Shop Ocala 352-857-9398

14 15

Herbal Health for Women 11:00 am Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE Introduction to Herbalism for Birth Professionals 3:00 pm Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE What Do I Need to Know About My Car? 10:00 am to 11:30 am All About Art Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE Toddler Yoga–walking to age six 11:30 pm to 12:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

SUN

Holistic Health & Psychic Fair 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Eustis Community Center 352-978-1181 FREE

20 FRI

Hemisphere Steak and Seafood Restaurant Wine Dinner 7:00 pm Hyatt Regency International Airport www.slowfoodorlando.org FEE Reiki I - 9:00 am to 5:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

SUN

Herbal Holiday Giftmaking Class 1:00 pm Florida School of Holistic Living Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE

TUE

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

22 23

Introduction to Reflexology 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE FRI-SUN

28-30 SAT

Buy Local Sale at Evolve - Live Music and Art Show, Florida School of Holistic Living Orlando 407-595-3731 Past Life Regression Playshop 10:00 am to 2:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE Past, Future, and Between Lives with Michelle Beaudry 1:00 pm Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE New Moon Drum Circle 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Meditation, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Drumming, Florida School of Holistic Living Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE

Healing Circle 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE Manifesting Your Heart’s Desire 10:00 am to 12:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

Spiritual Healing Techniques 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

SAT

Mini-Psychic/Mediumistic Readings 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

MON

Singing Crystal Bowls Concer 7:15 pm Yoga Central, Mount Dora 352-250-7127 FEE Connecting with your Spirit Guides 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

THU

Introduction to Canning 10:00 am Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE

Arbonne Business Opportunity Meeting 7:00 pm Homewood Suites UCF Orlando 407-405-1992 FREE

Exploring Personal Chauvinism 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm Lotus Yoga Center 407-697-6437 FEE

Full Moon Drum Circle 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Meditation, 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm Drumming Florida School of Holistic Living Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE

THU

Movie Night: From Atom to Cosmos 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

MON

TUE

Connecting with your Spirit Guides 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

Leave Work at Work! 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

Get Slim for Good 7:15 pm You Health Center, Orlando; for info. call Trainer/Hypnotist David Botsford 863-420-3634 FEE

WED

Ribbon Cutting 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm Healthy Alternatives Dayspa and Training Institute, Mount Dora 352-735-7555 FREE

Empower Your Life with Self-Hypnosis 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

EFT (Tapping Technique) 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

Worm Composting 101 1:00 pm Florida School of Holistic Living, Orlando 407-595-3731 FEE

SUN

MON

TUE

SUN

The Forefathers Perform 11:00 am at Maitland Farmers Market, Quinn Strong Park, Downtown Maitland www.TheForefathers.com

www.ReadVelocity.com • Central Florida’s Premier Holistic, Green, Conscious Living Magazine

December MON

Healing Circle 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

TUE

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

WED

Singing Crystal Bowls Concert 7:15 p.m Yoga Central, Mount Dora 352-250-7127 FEE

Connecting With Your Spirit Guides 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

FRI

Metaphysical Movie Night: Stargate 2012 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

SAT

Introduction to Bringing Forth Your Mystic Gifts 10:00 am to 12:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

05 06

What Do I Need to Know About My Car? 10:00 am to 11:30 am All About Art, Belleview 352-625-6924 FEE

SAT-SUN Quantum Entrainment: The Secret of Instant Healing Parts I

06-07

12:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Part II 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

SUN-MON Two Day Laughter Yoga Leader Training Gainesville 352-552-6053 FEE

07-08 MON

TUE

SAT

Arbonne Business Opportunity Meeting 7:00 pm Homewood Suites UCF Orlando 407-405-1992 FREE

SAT

Homegrown for the Holidays - Artisan Market and Winter Solstice Celebration 11:00 am to 10:00 pm Florida School of Holistic Living Orlando 407-595-3731 FREE Reiki II 9:00 am to 5:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE Cancer Awareness: “Beyond the Disease” 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Yoga Central, Mount Dora - For info.: 352-250-1038 FEE Past Life Regression Playshop 10:00 am to 2:00 pm All About Art Belieview 352-625-6924 FEE Laughter Yoga 1:00 pm Gematria, Mount Dora 352-552-6053 FEE

SUN-MON

21-22 TUE

WED

Laughter Yoga Leader Training Gematria, Mount Dora 352-552-6053 FEE Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATION - Free Food! 7:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

ONGOING EVENTS

Toddler Yoga–walking to age six 11:30 pm to 12:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

Beginning November 4: The “Secret” to Weight Loss Tue/Fri through end of November 10:00 am to 12:00 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

MON

Healing Circle 6:00 pm to 7:15 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

Beginning November 4: The “Secret” to Weight Loss Support Group Ongoing every Tues 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

TUE

EFT (Tapping Technique) 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

Bandwidth – Expand Your Senses 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm Lotus Yoga Center, Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE The “Secret” to Weight Loss 6 week course 10:00 am to 12:00 pm All About Art Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE FRI-SUN

19-21

The Course On Yoga-Based Metaphysics: The Source Fri/6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Sat/1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Sun/1:30 pm to 6:30 pm Lotus Yoga Center Apopka 407-697-6437 FEE

Beginning December 1: Hatha Yoga Mon/Wed through end of December 6:00 pm 7:30 pm All About Art, Belleview 352-502-3898 FEE

SPECIAL EVENT Business After Hours and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Healthy Alternatives Dayspa and Training Institute, Thursday, November 6, 5:30 - 7:30 pm, 1107 N. Donnelly St., Mount Dora, FL 32757 352-735-7555 FREE SNACKS AND BEVERAGES, FREE CHAIR MASSAGES, FREE FACIAL SCREENING FOR BOTOX, RESTYLANE, JUVEDERM AND LASER BY OUR MEDICAL DOCTOR, FREE DEMO ON FACIAL REJUVENATION AND PEELS, FREE LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE DEMO, FREE GIFT CERTIFICATES, DOOR PRIZES.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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In the teachings wisdom. The daily unhappiness that we experience comes not from our wisdom but from variof the compassionate Buddha we find that authentic happiness arises through contemplating

ous delusions, distorted ways of looking at ourselves and our world. These cloud our mind and obscure our inner peace. Delusions like anger, hatred, jealousy and separation have no basis in the way things actually exist and these mental distortions are the source of all our suffering. In particular, the delusion that we are all separate from each other causes us great pain and yet when we look past this delusion with wisdom, we find that we are not separate at all. We are actually all caught up together in one body of life. So how do we look with wisdom? Consider your actions of today. When you awoke this morning, did you awaken in a bed? Did you build that bed yourself or did it come from the effort and actions of others? Maybe you then went to the kitchen and made a bowl of cereal. Where did the bowl come from? Who made it? Where did the cereal come from? Who grew the grain, transported it, packaged it and brought it to the store for you to purchase? This simple breakfast required the effort of so many others! If we follow every step of our day and look at every one of our enjoyments we will find that we are surrounded by the kindness of other living beings. The cars we drive, the roads that make it possible to travel, our cell phones, our clothing; we created none of these things. All of these enjoyments are supplied to us through the actions of other living beings. We find that countless living beings are working every day to guarantee our happiness. The idea that we are separate from one and other and alone in this world is simply not true. Without the kindness of other living beings we would have nothing. Hospitals, theaters, shops, grocery stores; everywhere we look we see how much we need other living beings for our happiness. In reality, we came into this world naked, blind and helpless. In the first few moments of this life a pair of hands caught us up, cleaned the mucus from our nose, and wrapped us in something soft and safe. Who was that person? we may wonder. Who was that first person to usher in our life? From that moment until the present it has been others who have taught us how to walk, how to feed ourselves, how to speak, how to read, and how to do our job. Where would we be today without the kindness of all of those living beings? I challenge you to try to find one thing in your life that doesn’t come from others. Even this very body was a gift from your mother and your father and when you leave this life it will be others who will dispose of it. In his wonderful book “Eight Steps to Happiness,” Geshe Kelsang Gyatso says, “Our sense that we are an island, an independent, self-sufficient individual, bears no relation to reality. It is closer to the truth to picture ourself as a cell in the vast body of life, distinct yet intimately bound up with all living beings. We cannot exist without others, and they in turn are affected by everything we do. The idea that it is possible to secure our own welfare whilst neglecting that of others, or even at the expense of others, is completely unrealistic.” One cell in a vast body of life, caught up together in kindness. Meditate on this wisdom every day and you will uncover your inner peace. Ricc Bishop is the resident teacher at Vajrapani Buddhist Center in Orlando. The Center offers branch classes on meditation in Mount Dora, Lakeland, Merritt Island and Orange City. Please see ad, right.

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you’re looking for a wellness program to improve your quality of life, Network Care is an intriguing option designed to go far beyond pain relief. Network Care uses the lightest of touches to achieve heavyweight results. An offshoot of chiropractic medicine, Network Care enables people to access their bodies’ innate wisdom by releasing long-held energetic and emotional blockages that are held in tension in the spine. These energy releases are brought about by gentle hand or finger contacts applied at “access points” along the neck and lower spine. This form of chiropractic is remarkable not only for the results it can produce, but for how it achieves them. Through gentle contacts Network Care sends a signal to the brain to reorganize the body, enabling it to release stored tension from your spine and restore optimal tone, position, and flexibility. It seeks to create new ways for the spine, nervous system and the individual to operate. Does Network Care work? A retrospective study of close to 3,000 NSA (Network Spinal Analysis) patients was conducted in the late 1990s. It “revealed significant positive health benefits and lifestyle changes. These included improvement in physical state, mental/emotional state, stress evaluation, life enjoyment, and overall quality of life.” Network Care can help you get out of your own way and accelerate your path toward wellness. As your spine returns to a state of greater health, your body, mind, and spirit will experience corresponding increases in vitality and wellness. Network Care is practiced at Simply Well by Dr. Dominick D’Anna, located in Winter Park, behind the Winter Park Hospital. For more info, visit www.besimplywell.com. See ad, right.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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You bet! And they have plenty to say. Can we learn to listen? Animals speak, but they do so in images, not obviously in words. Since we live with them (especially dogs and cats), we tend to think that they are just like us, however they communicate differently. They do not understand human words, but they do respond to the tone and volume of our voices, the inflection in our words, and our body language. To truly communicate with our pets and experience a two-way level of understanding, we must learn to listen to them. How? Animals understand their world and ours through pictures, much like movies. They learn to relate and respond by visual images. When they attempt to reach us, they send us visual messages about what they are feeling or thinking. The good news is we can learn to receive and interpret these images. Much like a radio or television transmitter, animals are able to send out images. The trick is for us to become the receivers of these transmissions. These transmissions are all around us all the time. Tapping into them requires training, lots of practice and patience. It requires our natural intuitive and psychic abilities. Each of us has some natural ability, but few develop and practice it on a regular basis. Why would we want to communicate with our pets? Improved behavior and wellness of our pets are just a couple of the benefits. At times, pets may be experiencing the beginnings of health issues that only show up much later in

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examinations. Early intervention by communicating with our pets may allow us to prevent more serious illness from developing. A client once asked me to communicate with her dog. The dog was experiencing severe separation anxiety and would lapse into a deep depression whenever her owner left the house, even if it was just for short periods of time. Along with the depression, the dog was exhibiting signs of illness, some of which seemed to be unrelated. Using visual and psychic techniques she developed, she now reports that the dog no longer suffers from depression when she leaves, the mysterious health issues have disappeared, and her canine companion seems happier than ever. By addressing the early behavior, we were able to avert more serious health issues. When health and behavior issues seem overwhelming, appear to have no medical explanation, or interfere with the relationship between pet and owner, it might be time to consider intervention by a pet communicator.* Colleen M. Gordon is a pet communicator, pet reiki/massage therapist, and herbalist. She is president and founder of Healing For Pets, and is committed to improving the health and the lives of pets and their owners. Colleen has been helping pets and owners with behavior and health issues for over ten years. Visit healingforpets.com, write: healingforpets@yahoo.com, or call (407)446-4315. Please see ad this page. *We recommend that all health issues be discussed with your veterinarian, and that your pet has a thorough examination by a qualified veterinarian. Copyright 2008 Healing For Pets & the Special People Who Love Them. All rights reserved. Content may be reproduced in whole by special permission of author.

www.ReadVelocity.com www.ReadVelocity.com •• Central Central Florida’s Florida’s Premier Premier Holistic, Holistic, Green, Green, Conscious Conscious Living Living Magazine Magazine

Realms Beyond and Mystic Glenn have joined together to bring Ocala and surrounding communities a new and exciting spiritual experience where everyone can find a sense of peace, community, and connection. Mystic Realms, located at 3315 East Silver Springs Boulevard, is a New Age Shoppe specializing in the metaphysical, spiritual, and psycho-educational needs of our communities. The shoppe offers some of the most diverse, beautiful, and specialized crystals and minerals in the area as well as a large assortment of fantasy, Celtic, religious, educational, and spiritual merchandise. Mystic Realms holds quarterly parapsychology fairs where friends from all over the state participate in psychic readings, aura photography, chakra balancing, reiki, massage therapy, numerology, palm reading, quantum biofeedback, tarot readings, and many more metaphysical services. Mystic Realms’ upcoming fair will be held November 1-2 in Micanopy and November 15 in Ocala. Every week Mystic Realms offers psychic readings in the store as well as a multitude of classes and workshops including crystal healing, discipleship, communicating with your angels, meditations, full moon meditations, healing circles, and much more. Psycho-educational classes are being scheduled to include self-esteem building, self-awareness, womens’ recovery groups, addictions, trauma resolution and much more. Please refer to ad above.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Sister.’ No funeral, no grassy cemetery gathering, no ceremony scattering her ashes. “I want celebration and smiles when I go,” Star Sister said. “I know how much you all love me, and you know what’s in my heart. Get together and share the good times.”

I returned from a “Champagne and Smiles” party that profoundly changed my life, a memorial service requested by my ‘Star

“Star has this thing about champagne celebrations,” said her daughter Jennifer. “I’d say, ‘I got a new pair of shoes,’ and she’d say, let’s have some champagne and celebrate!” Star was neither shallow nor superficial. She just loved to express joy.” “Easy for you to say!” I shouted at her in my mind. “You’re gone and I want closure! You’re my best friend in the world,” I cried, “and you’re my emotional mother. I want the family to come together, hold on to each other, mourn and cry.” I shared with my brother, “I don’t feel close to her any more. For three long years we held the image of her perfection, her Immaculate God Self, the image of her completely cured. We were in constant prayer, faith and healing energy. Now I just feel bereft … incomplete … our energies were so linked, so synergized.” My brother customarily cleared his throat, then long, slow words came rolling out, “You know, prayer is giving. Energy healing is

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a giving. Radiating love is giving. For these past three years you have been connecting to the God Source and letting that flow through your heart to her. Well … maybe it’s time for you to let her heal you.” I felt like I’d been hit with a humongous ocean wave! What a concept! What a different feeling! I realized, Star no longer needs me holding the light and love for her in the same way. She has made her transition and I’ve been blessed to see her in her light body as she passed on. Let me turn my energy switch for ‘giving outward’ to ‘receiving inward.’ As I began to flow with this universal energy in a new way, I could feel Star Sister comforting me. As I opened to receive, I felt love and life force flow into me again. was right. A “Champagne and Smiles” party was the best way to feel close to her, to feel one with her. It was special to be in her house, around all the things she loved, on a day very near her birthday. Now four months after her passing we had already had some time to process our feelings. It was wonderful to share tears and stories. Star had her favorite (and, I have to say, very good) champagne served to all her family and friends and she was blessing us with smiles. Arethia is a Seminar Facilitator, Life Coach and Director of Living Illumination Programs. Using Energy Medicine she restored her own heart and arteries after a quadruple bypass failed to correct her disease. She has over 20 years experience providing workshops, teaching techniques for spiritual and personal transformation. Please see Arethia’s ad, left.

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pirit has prompted me to pull ten cards for this important reading. These cards were pulled before the current events occurring in our financial sectors. The overview is:

ten laws of acceptable behavior. (Left brain activity is the computer spitting out recorded data as “fact.” Remember, garbage in, garbage out!)

We are now beyond choosing. Choices have been made. The final piece has slipped into place — the result of using fear as our tool. We continue business as usual. We continue to try to legislate the rights of others versus empowering them to take responsibility for their problems. We keep trying to have “power over” others instead of empowering people.

Our fear will be the energizing force to move quickly away from blame to compassion for ourselves and others. No time for analyses.

The results — no change! We will mature our version of Self and adapt by allowing the right brain to guide us rather than the willful left brain which is so amused by intellectual acrobatics. Those who survive the stress will have chosen to listen to their higher self and not advertisements and sleight of hand maneuvers of the power elite.

‘Others’ perceive us as totally disconnected from our Divinity, the Most Magnificent Version of our Authentic Self. As we see others, do we see ourselves! If we blame others, are we also to blame? There is no right or wrong. If reactive behavior fills us with anger, fear and unhappiness, why repeat it? We will continue to be resistant and want to delay the inevitable, but sanity will prevail allowing us to morph from victims into Creators. Please see Wanda’s ad lower left, this page.

This has not been experienced since Moses’ visions. (Right brain activity allows for feelings, visions and intuition.) As the tribe’s safety was assured it went back to the same old thing — the writ-

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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by Ross Hester, PA, CH One fine day as one wife and mother, intent on her errands, passed a jewelry store window, her eye caught sight of a particularly beautiful necklace. The strung gems stopped her cold, its twinkling stones calling her name softly but irresistibly, hypnotically. Oh, what a beautiful necklace! “Probably way too expensive,” she thought.

with whom she might share her idea and, ultimately, the necklace. Before long, her feet had carried her back to the jewelry store where she was crestfallen to learn the thirty thousand dollar necklace was even more expensive than she expected! Still, she so charmed the owner with her idea that he agreed to sell the necklace at his cost if his wife could be one of the group.

Thus encouraged, she set out to build a group that grew into a sisterhood of women committed to buying and sharing this necklace that they actually named “Jewelia.” A constitution and bylaws of sorts were agreed upon as to the kind of events that warranted use of Jewelia, ranging from trips to Europe, to special sexual encounters with their husbands, wearing only She tried to dismiss it at that, Jewelia and a grin. The latter but as she continued shop- idea caught some husbands’ ping, her agile mind contin- interest to become financial ued to work: “What if a friend contributors and pushed the could buy it with me? What women closer to their goal. if two or three or four friends could?” That might work if When they finished their we could draw up rules for many fundraisers and actualsharing it. No one could wear ly began wearing their prized a necklace like that every day, necklace, the ladies noticed but to have it for special days some interesting things: would be wonderful.” Some women felt elegant Soon, she was and beautiful, as expected. Others felt the thinking of elegance pass friends fleetingly

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only to become aware of either a deeper beauty within themselves — independent and more powerful than the expensive gems on their neck and symbolized by the chain of relationships and friendships they had formed in this quest. Others felt the elegance pass and felt “frumpy and unworthy” of this gorgeous jewelry and set out to change that by shedding pounds or starting self-improvement programs for which they had previously been un-

motivated. By the time this unlikely sorority had networked and klatsched, supported and fed back, nurtured and nourished each one and each other, and were returning to Good Morning America for the inevitable reunion, everyone agreed that something had happened in their lives that was both unexpected and important. Ross Hester is a Physician Assistant, Advanced Certified Hypnotherapist, and Certified NLP Practitioner. He can be reached at (352)3832300. Please refer to ad above.

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“Knowing others is wisdom. Knowing yourself is Enlightenment.” - Lao Tzu When we get clear about who we are and what and why we desire what we desire, we become empowered to make our desires reality. Without this clarity we can easily get caught up in our own dramas and unconscious beliefs, allowing unknown thought processes to rule our feelings and actions. Who knows us best? Our friends, therapists, spouses, our parents? We know ourselves best, whether we know it or not. We live in our skin and mind 24/7. No one could possibly be closer to us than ourselves. If we feel there’s more to uncover, more to know about ourselves, we can feel assured in the knowing that all the answers are inside of us. The journey to self-awareness can be one of the most exciting processes we undertake. In the conscious living arena, the journey is full of fascinating explorations that continually spark us to remember ourselves. If Sunday is a day of rest and self-enrichment for you, if you are looking for a place to deepen your self-awareness, a place where you can learn more about conscious and holistic living, visit The Center for Self Awareness in Fern Park every last Sunday of the month. Self Awareness Sundays offering a creative variety of classes run from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. No fees, just love offering. Please refer to ad below.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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by Stephen Simon You know the kind of person who always seems angry at or disgusted by the world and all the people around him? The kind of guy who seems to wear a big sign around his neck that says “Don’t bother me for any reason at any time.” Ever wonder about why that kind of person is the way he is…or do we just try to avoid him? What about the guy who is married to what seems to be, and actually is, a wonderful woman who loves him, treats him well, but he cheats on her anyway? What goes on in his head…and heart? Some answers to those questions can be found in “Ghost Town,” an absolutely enchanting, funny, and very poignant film about the choices we make and why we may behave the way we do. Meet Dr. Bert Pincus (brilliantly played by Ricky Gervais) a dentist who seemingly has no use for any kind of real human contact. He chose dentistry because the practice allows him to keep gauze or appliances in people’s mouths so they can’t communicate with him. He treats everyone around him with cold indifference and seems to the entire world like the kind of guy who has no heart and no patience for anyone who does…until he goes into the hospital for a routine colonoscopy. Insisting on a general anesthetic, he accidentally dies for seven minutes. When he is revived, the hospital doesn’t tell him what happened. He does rather immediately realize, however, that he has become an adult version of the Haley Joel Osment character in “The Sixth Sense.” He sees dead people…..they see him…and they all have unfinished business that they want him to help them complete.

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Meet Frank Herlihy (played by Greg Kinnear) who seems like the polar opposite of Dr. Pincus. Charming, charismatic, and friendly, he has a smile and a line for everyone, including his wife on whom he is cheating with a much younger woman. He seems to have it all figured out until he gets in the way of a bus and finds himself very quickly deceased. Realizing that he has left his wife in a very vulnerable state, he seeks help.

and/or sexual abuse. For others, it could be loved ones who have abandoned us and broken our hearts. For still others, it could be experiences in which our lives seem to come crashing down around us.

It is said that our souls only expose us to those kind of painful experiences for two reasons. First, they do so when they have already tried to find other ways to help us learn those life lessons in less painful ways Dr. Bert, meet Frank. One dead. One alive. but somehow we have ignored all the warnTwo people with no connection to their own ing signs; second, when the lessons learned hearts. Two self-centered guys who just hap- are essential to our life journey. Dr. Bert and pen to meetâ&#x20AC;Ś..in the Twilight Zone. (Cue Frank have both constructed elaborate and theme music). seemingly impenetrable fortresses around their hearts. Much like the characters in On the surface, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Townâ&#x20AC;? seems at first â&#x20AC;&#x153;Reign On Me,â&#x20AC;? their relationship provides

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to simply be a comedy with some wonderfully funny dialogue and moments. As it progresses, however, it becomes a fascinating and compelling romantic drama in which two men help each other learn why they have both been so self-centered. And, oh yes, there is also a charming and eccentric love story that revolves around Frankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wife Gwen, played with wit and grace by Tea Leoni.Â

them the opportunity to heal their deepest wounds and then move on. Two films in the last two years that have focused on men reconnecting to their emotional selves. Heartening indeed. Pun very much intended.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Townâ&#x20AC;? is one of those wonderful films that works on the surface while youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re watching it and then stays with you long after youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve left the theater. And THATâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S At its deepest level, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ghost Townâ&#x20AC;? also has Spiritual Cinema. great compassion for those of us who have been wounded at such a deep level that we Stephen Simon cofounded www.spiritualcinemacircle.com. He also produced such films as â&#x20AC;&#x153;Somewhere are terrified to ever put ourselves in any situ- In Timeâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;What Dreams May Come,â&#x20AC;? and ation in which we could ever again be hurt. both produced and directed â&#x20AC;&#x153;Indigoâ&#x20AC;? and â&#x20AC;&#x153;ConverFor some, the root cause could be childhood sations with God.â&#x20AC;? Please see ad for Spiritual Cinema Circle, page 52. trauma such as physical, mental, emotional,

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November â&#x20AC;˘ December 2008

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A Christmas Message A Cradle for the Christ of Everywhere by Paramahansa Yogananda

The following excerpt is from the new paperback edition of “The Second Coming of Christ” by Paramahansa Yogananda © 2008 Self-Realization Fellowship, Los Angeles. Reprinted with permission. During this coming Christmas season, open a new portal of sublime devotion so that the Christ Omnipresence will be able to come anew within your consciousness. Every day, every hour, every golden second, Christ has been knocking at your dark gates of ignorance. Now, in this august sacred dawn, Christ is especially coming in answer to your inner call, to awaken his Christ Consciousness Omnipresence within you. Weave a cradle of tender perceptions with the threads of your meditation and make it commodious enough to hold the baby Infinity within its welcoming vastness. Christ is born in the viridescent blades; His gentleness is cradled in all fragrances. The opalescent sea-decked globe, the star-spangled savanna of the blue, the crimsoned love of the self-sacrificing martyrs and saints, have vied with each other in offering a dwelling place for the allpervading baby Christ. This Christ of Everywhere is sleeping in the breast of Eternity; He loves to take new birth at any time, anywhere, especially in the warmth of your true affection. Though the Infinite Christ is present in every speck of space as the splendor of ever new wisdom and creative expression, you can never see Him unless He chooses to be seen in the cradle of your unceasing devotion.

tinuous meditation, making your consciousness a cosmic cathedral for Christ. You should offer therein your most precious gifts of love, goodwill, and service to uplift your inimical brothers, as well as your friendly brothers—physically, mentally, and spiritually. The Infinite Christ is everywhere; worship His nativity in Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, Moslem, Jewish, and other true religious temples. Every expression of Truth flows from the All-pervading Christ perception, so learn to worship that sacred Universal Intelligence in every pure religion, belief, and teaching. Since the Cosmic Christ dreamed into existence the divine being that is man, you should celebrate the birth of Christ in your newly awakened equal love for every nationality and race. All new-blown blossoms and astral twinklings are images of the Infinite Christ; garland each one with your love. Behold in your love the birth of an intoxicating Christ-love for your parents, friends, relatives, neighbors, and all races. In the sanctuary of your soul, invite your restless thoughts to assemble and still themselves in a service of deepest united love for Christ.

The cozy crib of your heart has for a very long time been small, holding self-love alone; now you must make it enormous, so that social, national, international, creatural, and Cosmic Christ—love may be born there and become One Love.

When the Christmas packages are placed around the family tree, make every thought an altar of Christ, and saturate the gifts with your goodwill. Worship Christ as born in all creation: in the star, in the leaf, in the blossom, in the nightingale, in the nosegay, and in your velvet devotion. Unite your heart with all hearts, so that Christ may be born there and remain forever and forever.

Christmas should be celebrated not only by appropriate festivities and the exchange of material gifts, but also by deep, con-

Purchase this book at your favorite bookseller’s or visit www. yogananda-srf.org.

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The Masks of God:

we free ourselves of the human state, we have not gotten beyond our small range of personal reality. We have not yet touched the universal.

An Excerpt from “The Silent Questions, A Spiritual Odyssey” by Doug Marman If the people are Hindu, It has appeared as Krishna, Buddha, or Vishnu, so they would know It. It is Zeus to the Greeks; Jupiter to the Romans; Ishtar to the Babylonians; Varuna to the Aryans; Jesus to the Christians; and Allah to the Mohammedans. It has appeared to all in every age of this world since its creation. As the vehicle for God It has come in the form to which the people are most accustomed and by the name familiar to them.* These are the masks of God. The one timeless power guides and protects whoever may contact It in every age, yet we know no more of It than our own limited understanding. To see Its true form, to personally experience It in Its unlimited reality, we must remove the masks of God to look beneath. No outer path, no holy book, no metaphysical formula can show It in Its full force. We must find for ourselves what is the truth behind all life. It is a personal journey. “I have been asked what I mean by ‘The Beloved,’” Krishnamurti, a spiritual teacher who spoke out against the need for organized religion, told an audience in 1927. “To me it is all — it is Sri Krishna, it is the Master Kuthumi, it is the Lord Maitreya, it is the Buddha, and yet it is beyond all these forms. What does it matter what name you give?”

Krishnamurti freed himself of the religious images that hide reality. He had pierced this veil. Yet, fifty years later, he admitted honestly that he still had not solved the mystery. “Some element is watching over . . . ” he said. “Something is protecting. . . It would be speculating to say what. (What we know) is too concrete, is not subtle enough. But I can’t look behind the curtain. I can’t do it. I tried with Pupul Jayakar and various Indian scholars who pressed me . . . Is this something which we cannot discover, mustn’t touch, is not penetrable? I am wondering. I have often felt it is not my business; that we will never find out . . . We are trying with our minds to touch THAT.” Our minds cannot fathom God in its true form, for Mind creates mirrors and masks that hide the true reality. Like a computer searching for the source of its own intelligence, Mind can only generate more and more theories that reflect upon itself. Soul Travel is the solution to this impasse. Meeting the God force on the inner planes leaves no doubt in the mind of the seeker, for it is a direct experience of Soul. Unless

At times it seems too hard to shake free of our beliefs. We cannot forget the opinions of the world. Everything rises up in our imaginations to keep us from using the keys that we have. We are afraid that our fictions of reality will crumble, leaving us with nothing, yet this crumbling, this falling apart of everything we’ve been taught is the threshold to truth. This struggle, this dark night in our lives is the shadow before the inner gift arrives. It can be the presence of the God power, an unexpected spiritual experience, a sudden new awareness. It might be simply a feeling of love,

yet here, too, we must see beneath the masks of God. Behind all things flows the river of life. Out of the heart of God it comes to bathe the world and soothe it. Thus the Godman appears in every age to find those who are ready. He can take any shape. He could appear to one or many in contemplation. He can appear as a thousand or even a million different forms to a million different people at the same time. Yet, he is always the one that links up Soul with the path to God. Each know him by a different name, yet often he walks amongst us, unrecognized. We can try to glimpse him beneath ancient images, but we will only find him in his true form on the inner planes through the direct experience of Soul. Then, through his words, we hear the sound of God. Within his eyes we find the light. We then can travel with him as Soul into the higher worlds of reality. Only Soul, our higher self, knows when it is time. Only Soul can recognize the call. And when the moment arrives, only Soul of itself can remove the masks of God.

or protection. It is different for each, but it is as if we have crossed some invisible line and found our lives are changed. We find an inner guidance leading our steps,

* From The Shariayat-KiSugmad, Book One by Paul Twitchell

“The Silent Questions, A Spiritual Odyssey,” by Doug Marman is published by Spiritual Dialogues Project. Please visit: www.spiritualdialogues.com.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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In My Book Kali Telana Reviews “Midnights with the Mystic; A Little Guide to Freedom and Bliss” by Cheryl Simone and Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is a natural state. Wow, that’s the way I desire to be!

adhguru Jaggi Vasudev is India’s most sought-after mystic. “Midnights with the Mystic” is written by him and Cheryl Simone, a Sadhguru student for several years. You will find this book wonderful to read. It is written in almost narrative form with Cheryl asking Sadhguru questions and then relating to us readers her innermost feelings regarding his answers. It is an interesting approach to book writing, is quite enlightening and most helpful when looking at her own life examples. Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev explains how most of us are living exclusive lives meaning that the more we become enslaved to our logical minds the more we become exclusive. Exclusiveness means we are separating ourselves from life. This comes from a deep sense of insecurity. We identify ourselves with our bodies, minds, houses, cars, husbands, children, pets, education, our jobs and businesses, our power, and anything else that we feel identifies us. Who would we be if we took all of these things away? Would we feel like a nobody? Sadhguru says, “Once you become an individual, you cannot be divided anymore. Indivisible means infinite. Once you become a true individual, not identified with anything, your destiny is yours.” This is inclusive living. When one is all-inclusive, bliss

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idnights with the Mystic made a huge impact on my life because it asked the question, “What would I be if what I thought of as me, my daughter, my friends, my business, my body, was taken away from me?” Would I think I was nobody? Most of us don’t think about this, but if we asked the question, “WHO AM I?” what would our answer be? Our attachments to things only prove how insecure we really are. We have to detach from this egobased identity and surrender to the Divine, the Creator, God, or whatever name you give it and then real identity begins and bliss is realized. After being touched by this book and having really meditated upon and contemplated this, I realized there was some denial on my part about who I thought I was. Now I have begun letting go and surrendering to the Divine. My life is changing moment by moment! “As long as you are identified with all these things you have accumulated, you are a crowd, and the crowd’s destiny is always predestined. Once you become an individual you cannot be divided anymore. Indivisible means infinite. You can make fractions out of everything except the infinite. That which can be fragmented will not know absolute stability. What that means is, you are piecemeal; just holding yourself together is a feat. It is no wonder that people are an anxious mess. Once you become a true individual, not identified with anything, your destiny is yours ...”

- Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, from “Midnights with the Mystic”

Visit MidnightsWithTheMystic.com Kali Telana is owner of The Om Bookstore. Please see ad, page 3.

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We all had the same parents Many million years ago. Why can’t we live in freedom — Without hunger, with no war? At the beginning, we all had one mother and one father — That’s where we’re descending from. I don’t, I don’t understand — why so much hate Between races and religions? It’s mad, insane. I don’t understand.

New Release

Inspirational Singles by Bob Sinclar

Enigma mastermind Michael Cretu does it again by achieving his musical intent in this anxiously awaited CD: to create an “omnicultural world of sound.” Gorgeous string sections weave waves of velvet accentuated by earthy hip hop beats. Powerful lyrics like those from the “Same Parents” track (pictured, left) reverberate today’s clarion call begging us to finally realize that we are all one. The song is inspired by Cretu’s little boy who became upset after viewing the news one day. “Brothers shouldn’t kill each other,” he said to his papa. And so the idea for the song was conceived.

“What a Wonderful World;” Bob Sinclar and Axwell, featuring Ron Carroll; Yellow Productions; Genre: Electronic; Released June 30, 2008

“Seven Lives Many Faces;” Artist: Enigma; Virgin Music; Genre: New Age/Electronic; Released September 19, 2008.

Enigma wouldn’t be Enigma without the signature sounds of breathing, horses galloping and monks chanting in the background and we can find them dotted like glitter throughout the Seven Lives album. These combined with the occasional sound of a glass shattering could just be the ticket for clearing our auric fields! Cretu’s purpose is to create music that is unforgettably embedded in our memories. This album has the power to touch our senses and emotions on the deepest levels. Several tracks are intended for “loving people” as Cretu says. “I always try to create new sound combinations,” says Cretu. On this album, “the results are more than convincing.” Seven Lives is a definite ‘must buy!’

“World Hold On (Children of the Sky);” Artist: Bob Sinclar; Tommy Boy Entertainment; Genre: Dance; Released April 25, 2006.

“Love Generation;” Bob Sinclar featuring Gary Pine from the reggae group The Wailers; Tommy Boy Entertainment; Genre: Electronic; Released September 13, 2005. Bob Sinclar, big on the electronic music scene, makes a serious departure from the typical d.j., remix artist and electronic musician profile with priorities that are focused on bringing people together. With instrumentation that will light up your soul and make you move and groove to the staccato beat, neither age nor ability matters, you’re gonna dance. And what a powerful prayer of healing for the planet that is — waves and waves of high velocity love and energy pouring spontaneously from our hearts, blanketing the earth as we dance! Though the music is super-catchy, exhilarating and electric, the lyrics make these songs heartcentered experiences of incredible hope for our world. These are the songs we should be singing! “Love Generation” was a huge hit in 2005 among some circles and filled many a club with the positive messages of love, oneness and unity instead of the hedonistic pleasure pursuits the clubs are known for. “Gonna be alright ... All my children, come together ... Believe in Love ... Be the Love Generation ... the only thing that can bring people together is love... feel the Continued column 2, page 59

Why does it have to be like that?

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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recently had the opportunity to attend my family reunion where I visited with many cousins, aunts and uncles I hadn’t seen in over 20 years. It was great fun and brought up all sorts of old feelings from my childhood. Many were great memories of fun times and many evoked memories of feeling like a misfit, an outsider from some other place who never belonged. I found ways of coping as the years went by but I always felt that part of this world was difficult. As I began to seek and explore deeper truths at the core of those feelings, one truth that stood out for me was the concept that we are all one. Yes, as a man of science, I intellectually knew that all of us were made of the same building blocks of atoms and molecules. When I studied quantum physics that understanding went even deeper, but still on a personal level it was difficult to reconcile these feelings of separateness, difference and aloneness. In the mid-seventies, this inner conflict and other personal problems had risen to an acute state and my life was falling apart. This existential dilemma brought me to visit a spiritual teacher, a guru, Swami Muktananda, who was visiting from India. I knew little about eastern teachings. I was very skeptical, stubborn and quite proud wondering how anyone could really know my pain or know any real truth about this crazy mixed-up world. I attended a several day retreat where I learned meditation and listened to many talks by the guru’s disciples. The talks seemed nice but I still was in a deeply self-indulgent and depressed state. On the last day, the guru did a special transmission of energy that, for centuries, was only given to the most advanced students who had completed many years of study. The guru said that times had changed and it was important for many now to be awakened to the truth of their being.

s I received my transmission, my mind was going wild. “How could I be worthy or even ready for this? This is really hooey. It can’t be real, he can’t be —.” Suddenly I was launched into rapid breathing and was observing myself breathe these shallow breaths from another vantage point. I felt no fear, just a deep sense of peace. Just as suddenly my breathing stopped. I wasn’t breathing nor did I feel I had to. This went on for a period that seemed like forever. I drifted in this wonderful space of peace knowing that all was perfect in that moment. Even I was perfect just as I was. My body began to make spontaneous movements, stretches or yoga postures coupled sometimes with the breath, sometimes with no breath. The whole time, a period of several hours, I was watching myself, fascinated, and in a state of bliss and ‘beyond mind.’ Nothing made sense yet it didn’t even matter. That evening I attended the special program for the general public. There were more talks and a little meditation that I have no memory of. I do remember processing in a line to the feet of the guru to receive a special greeting. As my turn arrived, I dropped to my knees and touched his feet. He grabbed my head tilting it upward, removed the sunglasses he always wore, and looked me straight in the eye. I immediately felt as though I had been plugged into a light socket — not just connected to the power supply that comes into my house, but directly into the entire power plant.

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My heart which had previously served as a steel gate, bolted and chained for protection, burst open like a backed up dam sending a tsunami of love showering everything everywhere. Some people had to pick me up to take me out of the way of the rest of the line. I had no concept of my body, no concept of time. I saw all as a shimmering bluish-white light. There was no separation or boundary between my arm and the chair next to me. They were both made of this light. I saw a pair of very old well worn tennis shoes and I loved them. They and I were one. I saw person after person as pulsating lights as they approached me desiring a hug, each of us breaking into hysterical laughter. I felt such peace, such love and the embodiment of oneness.

y thoughts were like words flickering on lighted signs moving across the fringes of my consciousness. I could look at them or not for they were not who I was — they were just thoughts. After an indefinite period of time (there was no concept of time), the first thought that got my attention and began bringing me back to this dimension was, “I wonder how long this will last?” And slowly I returned to my regular self but was totally changed. I had been blessed with the knowingness of oneness, not just the information. I knew now that I desired to live in that space of connectedness and knew that in order to do that I had to let go of any of my identifications with limited consciousness. I had to remove anything that was not of the real me. The reality of all of us is this light, this love, this oneness that exists as the truth of our being. All we have been doing is simply choosing to identify with who we are not. Dr. Vil-Am Ben-Ahim has been a chiropractor for 29 years using craniosacral and deeper energy techniques to help people get to and release the seed concepts and fears that have led to their physical and emotional pain. He is co-director of YAHWEH Academy of Light (page 2). Please see Dr. Vil-Am’s ad below.

Music To My Ears continued from page 59 love!” One remix of “Love Generation,” Ron Carroll’s Black Church Feeling, is unbelievably fun and ecstatic. Do you want to feel good? Just play this tune and good feelings are guaranteed. “World Hold On (Children of the Sky” reminds us to get out of our heads and back into our hearts. A whistled background chorus combined with an easy beat grounds this love and unity tune making it one of those songs you find yourself singing all day long. Open up your heart. What do you feel is real? Spread love, everybody, join together now, one voice, one heart ...

Bob Sinclar

We need these reminders every day! “What a Wonderful World” (not the Louis Armstrong song we all know and love) is a compelling song adorned with electronics but not overdone. The refrains are dramatic and stir profound and joyful emotion. This song is just about the most commanding song I’ve heard in a long, long time. In fact, it’s a virtual prayer set to music. ‘Imagine’ is a big word in the lyrics and again, another powerful reminder. “What a Wonderful World” helps us to visualize the highest vision of the earth ever had of itself. Imagine yourself not feeling any pain, not feeling any suffering, but feeling good and feeling free in your mind. Imagine yourself floating in the air; put your arms out like an eagle and you’re flying around, and everywhere you see there are people and the people are smiling and everyone is having a good time — and the people are loving one another, sharing with one another. Imagine a world where there is only peace, where there is no anger, where there is no hate, where there is no war. Imagine a world that is full of nothing but love and full of nothing but joy. This world is something that we need! Imagine! What a wonderful, wonderful world! Imagine a world with no color, where everyone will respect one another. Imagine a life with no ending. Every day will be a new beginning — a life that is happy and strong, full of things that’ll never go wrong — So come on let’s get together and let’s sing this song forever! What a wonderful world this will be ...

These tunes may not be all that easy to find in the stores but they are readily available on iTunes. Download them for under a dollar and play, play, play them to lift you up especially at this time in our world. When times are so serious, it’s vital that we inject some laughter, joy, lightheartedness and fun to bring the energies up.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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be a distinction

Authentic Is A Key For Vibrant Living

Being

by David Wolf, Ph. D.

or most of us, consistent authenticity involves conscious, courageous effort. It’s a challenge to recognize our deceptions and pretenses, and differentiate them from actual self-discovery. Each moment our integrity is connected with willingness to be authentic. Authenticity vitalizes our immediate experience, and also enriches the service legacy we create for others. Willing To Be Uniquely Ourselves The habit of authenticity makes us a distinction in the world, a human being willing to be uniquely ourselves. This isn’t about reactively differentiating ourselves, which is the flipside of following the crowd, but rather full and genuine expression of our spirit. This requires great intention, as social pressures tend towards conformity and conditioned behavior at the expense of honest realization of self. Intention itself is a spiritually-based principle of personal growth. A fundamental characteristic of intention is clarity — to be completely clear on who we want to be, what we want to experience, and the actions and results that flow from that. In addition to clarity, fully believing that our intention is possible is also essential. A third element is readiness to accept what we say we want for our lives. We can ask

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ourselves to what extent are we actually prepared to receive the abundance and success of our intention manifesting. This could lead to productively addressing self-defeating beliefs connected with, for example, a sense of unworthiness. The totality of these elements — clarity, belief and acceptance — constitutes clear intention. Clear intention is firm, yet flexible to the indications and will of the divine. Lacking clear intention we are likely to live a life with a script written by others. Living from clear intention we are truly the authors of our life.

An Inspiration For Others

Such a life of distinction represents a standard to which others may aspire. Of course, endeavoring for authenticity for the purpose of being recognized as an inspiration for others could well be another strategy for the ego to seek approval. Still, we can appreciate that an effect of an authentic life is that it is inherently a service to others. In fact, we may be most inspiring to those who struggle with the same challenges we handled in our journey. For example, if our path to genuineness is characterized by transforming the needy, helpless script to an assertion of power, confidence and intelligence, then our willingness to be authentic is especially poignant for people playing out a similar script. Similarly, if our transforma-

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tion is marked by creative expression where formerly there was dull routine, or vulnerability that was covered by bravado, or adventurous risk-taking in place of playing not to lose, we serve as a model for others immersed in those same life-draining, surviving instead of thriving, conversations. In the Satvatove environment we speak about assertiveness. Assertiveness is founded in authenticity. We need to know who we are and be connected with our core in order to know who or what it is we are asserting. Otherwise, in the name of assertiveness we may be into yet another game. In a life of distinction we assert and communicate from our being. Otherwise, we get caught up in doing and having, disconnected from being, searching externally for experiences such as satisfaction, power and beauty, that are inherent to our nature. We are human beings, not human doings. Being a distinction is not only personally fulfilling — it is also, from my perspective, an integral aspect of our responsibility as human beings. David B. Wolf, Ph.D., founder of Satvatove Institute, is a life skills coach and communications specialist, a highly sought-after teacher and speaker, and the author of “Relationships That Work: The Power of Conscious Living” (Mandala Publishing, 2008). Please see ad for Satvatove.com previous page.

In our United Centers for Spiritual Living, we have embraced a Global Heart Vision which is about a world that works for everyone – that doesn’t mean any place in particular, but everywhere. We have a Global Outreach Core which is specifically interested in our international works and communities. We also have many programs which are mostly involved with our local (or domestic) communities. The Global Heart Vision is for everyone, everywhere – all inclusive – from the ghettos of big cities in the United States and the rural indigenous tribe to the multinational corporation and the small farm and business owner. Maybe not everything we do will be physically supportive of all people – but everything we do accomplish can make a difference in some community somewhere. We believe in Oneness and that what benefits one person, one family, one community can make a positive difference globally. We draw a bigger circle to include everyone from all cultures because we believe that all people were created equally by a Loving Creator/Energy Source. We are one with all people and all life forms irrespective of all appearances to the contrary. Remember that old adage, “Think Globally, Act Locally?” Maybe that’s the closest thing we can align ourselves with as we remind ourselves where the work is truly done – within. We sing a song at the end of our Sunday celebration service entitled “The Peace Song” and the first line of this song is: “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. “The word ‘peace’ could be substituted with ‘oneness:’

“Let there be oneness on earth and let it begin with me.” If you and I truly believed in Oneness, then there surely would be peace on earth!

Rev. Cay Thompson, D.D. has been a Science of Mind (SOM) Practitioner for 47 years. She was recently awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity. Please see ad for Golden Triangle Center for Spiritual Living below.

Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November • December 2008

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Velocity Magazine | We Are One | November â&#x20AC;˘ December 2008

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