MOMENT
ISSUE ONE / APRIL 2017
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ESCAPISM
MOMENT is a quarterly fashion focus magazine that tackles issues such as youth voice, individuality, health and mindfulness. Focusing on now, this moment in time.
ESCAPISM In this issue topics have been developed listening to you. Finding the balance between work, rest and play can be hard. There are times in your life when you just want to escape the world around you and do what makes you happy. So this isssue is dedicated to you. Focus on yourself and try the mindful excersies you can get involved with that have been included.
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# TOPIC MY ESCAPE
#TOPICMYESCAPE was an Instagram project set out to accumulate images from people from around the world with what they pictured as their escape. Submission to the project was simple, just by hashtagging a Instagram image with #TopicMyEscape at a time they felt happy or relaxed. Collectively all the Instagram posts have contributed in the creation of each section of this issue of Moment. This project opens up to a wide variety of escapisms and has mindful exercises in connection in to encourage a more positive you. Thank you to everyone who got involved!
@katielou_gill @roleggs_
@amsterdayumn @davidvassou
@kates_1109
@chloe.brown_
@bethanystebbens
@kate_george4
@natalierod1110
@nadiakatee @anishia96 @_lauren_d @carleighnatashab
@rachelpearson13 @laurenjadekeir @sarahgrahamx @anishia96
@sopheyres @lindseyg1991
@jimmaayyyyy3 @melissacgray
@hannahrodriguezx @katemartin17
@tay_pettitt
@holl_whitehead @alexmcdonnellxo
@mariabenger @b.stebbens @xlpoolclairex @onebravewahine 5
CONTENTS
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9-
VOICE
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GLOBAL CITIZEN
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YOUTH CODES
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NO BAD VIBES
54 -
LETS GET PERSONAL
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BE YOURSELF
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BE STRONG
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BE SENSITIVE
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STILLNESS IN CHAOS
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WORK/ REST /PLAY
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WORK/ REST/ PLAY
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Voice
“THE YOUTH ARE ROBOTS” “THEY ARE NEVER OFF THEIR PHONES” “THEY NEVER GO OUTSIDE” “THEY HAVE AN ATTENTION SPAN OF 8 SECONDS” “THEY DON’T KNOW HOW TO COMMUNICATE WITHOUT EMOJIS” "THEY ARE A PART OF A THROW AWAY CULTURE” 8
These are some of the ways that the youth of today are being portrayed in the media. But in reality you are the generation of now. You have the power to influence more than just the circle around you, but the world as a collective. Growing up with technology has given you the knowledge to be able to communicate on a larger scale than before. It is not all about likes and shares, it is about having a voice.
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DON’T LET ANYONE LOOK DOWN ON YOU BECAUSE YOU ARE YOUNG, BUT SET AN
EXAMPLE FOR THE BELIEVERS IN SPEECH, IN CONDUCT, IN LOVE, IN FAITH AND IN PURITY
Here’s to the POWERFUL YOUTH. May we know them. May we be them.
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GLOBAL CITIZEN
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When asking how someone escapes a typical answer is going on a holiday. Literally taking a break by getting away from everyday life however, not everyone’s idea of a holiday is the same. For some it’s a peaceful sun holiday, relaxing by the pool and listening to music where for others it’s the spontaneity of adventure. The urge to want to go somewhere new to discover a completely diverse environment to what they’re used to. Absorbed in first-hand experience that can not be described but only lived.
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T R A V E L
Young people today are increasingly taking off on their travels and wanting to experience life like a local. It is the natural curiosity in us. You could stay living comfortably at home or open up to a different lifestyle and experience the way people just do things differently. Airbnb is an online marketplace and hospitality service that allows people to rent local apartments to get a more memorable experience in a community than you would in a hotel. The ability to do something different, completely unknown and undone in your life is incredible. There is so much out there to discover that by exploring a different culture it allows you to understand a real purpose. One day you will wake up and realise your perspective on life has altered entirely. Being a young traveler wanting to experience things first hand on the other side of the world, keeping everyone updated at home that you are safe (and having the time of your life) can be a burden when ideally you want to spend as little time being reminded of home. Whilst wanting to avoid social media when traveling, posting online has become a standard way to instantly share your day with everyone at home in a quick and easy way. As long as there is WIFI of course. 97% of young travelers are posting content on social media while traveling with at least 75% posting daily. With features like Facebook Live you can also stream live to your profile as you go!
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Now take a flower for instance - We pick these completely healthy and nourished plants from the Earths ground to put in a vase of water in our homes for five days - if you’re lucky they last that long. The point is - You can’t expect something to thrive somewhere it is not supposed to. Now image yourself as this flower being picked, are you in full bloom? Do you feel healthy and full of life? Now ask yourself, why this is? Whatever your answer may be - you need to consider what is is that makes you thrive. You have so many opportunities to be what or who you want to be today, use it to your advantage. Although money or family may be a issue, the ability to get up and go is available to us. It is important to remember that we are some of the lucky ones. We get to do something that others will never be able to do.
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HAVE HOPE IN YOUR FUTURE YOUR VOICE IS POWERFUL
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Young voters came out in force last June under the threat of Brexit with a considerable margin voting to remain. 75% of 18 to 24 year olds voted to remain in the European Union with the turnout among voters being almost double the level that has been widely reported since polling day. But as we know we were outvoted. Devastated young voters feel as if they have been robbed of a future with the EU and the freedom of movement between the countries that their parents had before. 
 Additionally, passionate 16 and 17 year olds also expressed their disbelief as the results came through of a Brexit. Annoyed that they did not have the chance to have their opinion in probably the most important political decision the British people have made. Following campaigns and capable of making a decision being unable to vote for their future, have been left divided with a fear of what is to come. So,
where
do
we
go
from
here?
continue to stand together
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THE WORLD IS YOUR HOME
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GO FOR A WALK AND THINK
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LET YOUR WORRIES DRIFT AWAY LIKE THE CLOUDS
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A mindful exercise to restore your energy and fill your body with calmness. Avoid any busy, built up areas and Take a scenic route. Go to your local park or venture out in to the countryside. Leave your mobile at home, you do not want to be reminded of any stress or problems you may be facing. Now take a few deep breaths, allow your mind to relax. With your feet planted firmly on the ground, feel the earth beneath you. Enrich your senses, smell the rich soil and clean air. Listen to the wind rustling through the leaves and notice more sounds as you become more aware of your surroundings.
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YOUTH CODES
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THE POLITICALLY-CHARGED FASHION STATEMENT HAS BEEN REVIVED
SLOGAN T-SHIRTS
Wearing your heart on your sleeve has become a literal statement in fashion at the moment with slogan t-shirts being seen everywhere from the runway to the high street. These slogan tees are a very direct and minimalist way to communicate to the masses. T-shirts have a long history as objects of protest and political point-scoring following the pioneer of the political slogan t-shirt, Katharine Hamnett’s bold words printed on oversized tees targeting topical issues of the past four decades. Especially after Brexit and, following with the U.S. election everyone has their own opinions and this is a way we can air our views in a fashion statement. Other fashion designers have began to get on board following Hamnett’s lead and reaffirmed the political power of the slogan t-shirt, including Vivienne Westwood ‘I Am Not A Terrorist’, Christopher Shannon ‘Save Me’ and Dior also introduced a tee that read: ‘We Should All Be Feminists’ in their S/S 17 runway.
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STOP THINKING ABOUT THE WAY IT SHOULD BE DONE AND START TO THINK OF NEW WAYS THAT IT CAN BE DONE
BE THE CHANGE 39
VIB E 40
T PI OV SE
ES
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SURROUND YOURSELF WITH POSITIVE AND UPLIGHTING MESSAGES AT ALL TIMES
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To encourage more positive energy into your day surround yourself with positive messages. Taking a less political route, wearing slogan tees with positive messages printed on are a stylish way to promote a positive message and may also encourage others around you on the move! and you could even include this in your personal space at home by hanging motivational posters with inspirational messages up around your bedroom. A reminder to yourself that you can be the best in what ever you do. That you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Also rethink what books, websites and television programs you are being exposed to. Even take a look at who you are hanging out with. Do any of these have an effect on your mood? Hang out with the right kind of people. People who encourage you, people that are there for you. Think, you can not change the people around you. But you can change the people that you choose to be around. Remember, there is only one of you. Special and unique. Don’t just be a dreamer, be a thinking, a doer and a believer! But this approach will only benefit you as much as you take the time to focus on it and put it in to practice.
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BE HAPPY FOR THIS MOMENT. THIS MOMENT IS YOUR LIFE. 49
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NO BAD VIBES
IF IT’S NOT MUTUAL, LET IT GO
Don’t let anyones negative energy drain you. Walk away from anything that gives you bad vibes. There is no need to explain or make sense of it. Practice these mindful exercises and give yourself permission to be happy everyday. Don’t force conversations, friendships or interactions. Simply do not force things. To be happy, we must not be too concerned with others.
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L ETS GET P E R S O N A L
W H O A R E YO U It can be the hardest question to truly explain, who are you? Read what these three young creatives had to say on their style, happiness and goals.
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Name two things you like - Pop Music - Fashion Name two things you dislike - Lack of creativity
- Do you think you will have to dress differently for your dream job?
- Rules
No! Although I do W h e r e d o e s y o u r dress different for s t y l e i n s p i r a t i o n work now, it is only because I try to make come from? my style comfort able to work in. I currently am working for Topman When do you so I get a lot of visual feel most updates through there yourself? which keeps me on trend! Instagram is Probably when I am also a great tool to spending time with seek style inspiration my family, not really from celebs! caring about anything else. - What do you want to be when What is you grow up? your idea of happiness? I’d love to be a Fashion Merchandiser Having people and design what gets around me makes me put in to stores happy. which portray my vision.
How do you escape? Probably when I have my own space and time. Usually going to the gym or going on a drive giving time to listen to my thoughts helps me escape.
MICHAEL / 2 2
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- Name two things you like - My black leather biker jacket - A good pair of adidas trainers
- What is your idea of happiness?
- Name two things you dislike - Kitten Heels - Those Trainer wedge shoes - Where does your style inspiration come from? I suppose my style comes from everywhere really, films, TV shows, Music and even menswear (mens clothes are better than girls, its a fact). I don’t have one set style either, it’s a combination of a lot of styles, I can be sporty one minute then look sixties the next! - What do you want to be when you grow up? I would love to be a Fashion & Music photographer, just because I love them both but also I find the relationship between fashion and music interesting, without
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them both influencing each other the world would be boring! - Do you think you will have to dress differently for this job & Why? I feel like I could still dress like i do now, I feel like fashion embraces individuality.
Again, if i could continue doing photography for the rest of my life it would be my idea of happiness! - How do you escape? I love travelling to new places and exploring them with my camera. Also I love going to gigs.
- When do you feel most yourself? I am most myself when I can put together an outfit that has a lot of statement pieces, it makes me feel really amazing! - Where do you like to hang out? The Jacaranda or The Merchant, they have a nice atmosphere.
LAUREN /
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- What do you want to be when you grow up?
- Name two things you like - Coffee - Cats - Name two things you dislike - Tories - Reality TV. - Where does your style inspiration come from? I am actually dressed quite girly today, but I get a lot of inspiration from punk culture. Although I would not call myself a Punk, I find myself picking up little bits from my parents style when they where younger and music I listen too.
I am studying Audio and Music Production at university at the minute, I would love to build up my own recording studio. Who knows?! - Do you think you will have to dress differently for your dreamjob? I wouldn’t think so, I feel like my style would allow me to physically express myself in the same way music can. - When do you feel most yourself?
- How do you escape?
All the time really! I like to think I don’t change for anyone and embrace who I am!
I like to be by myself and write songs I can put all my thoughts in to and play my guitar.
- What is your idea of happiness? Being around a lot of good friends. A catch up with a couple of drinks always puts me in a better mood.
ANNA /
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BE YOURSELF
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DO YOUR OWN THING, STYLE IS A FORM OF FREEDOM.
A SENSE OF INDIVIDUALITY
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NO ONE IS YOU, THAT IS YOUR POWER.
NO ONE ELSE CAN DO YOU. 63
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"MUSIC IS MY ESCAPE. NO MATTER WHAT ENVIRONMENT I AM IN, MUSIC GIVEs ME THAT ENERGY, CONFIDENCE, HAPPINESS AND FREEDOM THAT I DON'T ALWAYS FEEL WITHOUT IT"
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Music can be one of the most effective therapeutic tools to help you get in touch with your emotions. Whether this means listening to classical or jazz music to calm your nerves or going to a punk gig and releasing some tension music has the power to influence your mood. Try using your emotions to create your own music. By writing song lyrics you can put all your thoughts from real life problems you are facing to develop a better understanding of what you are actually feeling. Just be open and get everything out. Go back and analyze what you’ve written, choose lines you like, and do your best to fully understand the story you want to tell. You may be surprised by what you find out as it portrays exactly how you feel. 67
The pearl is a result from the injury of the oyster but it is only once the oyster has opened up that the precious stone is revealed. Pearls symbolise an object of beauty and simplicity, which have been highly valued as gemstones for many centuries. You are a representation of a pearl rare, admirable and valuable. Be sure to surround yourself with people that treat you like an oyster because they never know they have lost out on the pearl. A reminder to keep your shell strong - you are beautiful inside and out.
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PROTECTED BY A ROUGH HARD SHELL,
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LIES A BEAUTIFUL PEARL 71
BOTH MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD FEEL FREE TO BE STRONG
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Younger generations are generally more positive about feminism and are more open-minded. Many young people seem to believe that gender equality is simply not an issue anymore. While only 19% of women between the ages of 18 to 24 would refer to themselves as a feminist, it s a much higher percentage than the 9% of women overall. With gender politics increasing we are seeing the rise of a new women who is ready to take her place at the frontline. Strongminded, determined and brave reframing her place in society, not someone you would want to get on the wrong side of. She’s a fighter, a feminist and a strongminded individual. More concerned with what she can do than how she should look. However, this is Both men and to be strong, should feel
not about gender blurring. women should feel free in the same way they free to be sensitive.
Bring feminine doesn’t mean you are weak.
STRONG, 74
POWERFUL, BEAUTIFUL 75
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BOTH MEN AND WOMEN SHOULD FEEL FREE TO BE SENSITIVE
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I AM ONLY ONE, BUT I AM ONE. I CANNOT DO EVERYTHING, BUT I CAN DO SOMETHING.
AND I WILL NOT LET WHAT I CANNOT DO INTERFERE WITH WHAT I CAN DO.
STILLNESS IN CHAOS
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When you feel like the world around you is moving quickly but you feel like you are at a stand still. You may need to get in touch with yourself to appreciate your surroundings. Take in to account the five senses; see, smell, taste, listen and touch. Tune you
in and connect to the can truly appreciate
world the
so that moment.
GROUND YOURSELF AND LISTEN
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LEARN TO GET IN TOUCH WITH THE SILENCE WITHIN YOURSELF AND KNOW THAT EVERYTHING IN LIFE HAS A PURPOSE
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LET YOUR MIND WANDER, AND GET LOST IN YOUR THOUGHTS 95
WORK/REST/PLAY
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DAY DREAM ING ABOUT LIFE
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Depression is not something that a person can ignore or simply wish away. It is a serious disorder that can affect the way a person eats, sleeps, feels and thinks. Sleep problems are common with people suffering with anxiety or depression. As a result of being unable to sleep it may leave you feeling tired of a day and not wanting to be sociable or see friends. Sometimes you just want to escape the world around you and be alone and that is okay! Just try not to isolate yourself as this could only make you feel worse. To avoid sleepless nights try to establish a regular sleeping pattern by going to bed and waking up at roughly the same time every day. Go to bed only when you feel tired enough to sleep. Then get up at your usual time.
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DON’T RUIN A GOOD TODAY BY THINKING ABOUT A BAD YESTERDAY
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LIGHTING HAS BEEN FOUND TO DECREASE DEPRESSION AND IMPROVE MOOD, ENERGY, ALERTNESS, AND PRODUCTIVITY
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Lighting has the ability to significantly alter our moods. Natural lighting whether it is outdoors or through a window has a very calming and peaceful effect on our moods and emotion. Where lack of light or poor artificial lighting can trigger depression and put a downer on our mood. 
 Bright lights are used in places where our brains need to be stimulated the most such as schools. Where libraries tend to use warmer bulbs to try to build a more comfortable reading environment to unwind. 
 Although bright lights are key to a focused mind, studies show that exposure to brighter light in the late evenings cause a delay to our sleep cycle. Similarly avoid using smartphones and laptops in the hours before bedtime as exposure to blue light suppresses our bodies, which can make it hard for us to drift off to sleep at night. You could use the likes of fairy lights or candles to try to keep light dim in your bedroom because they have a drowsy affect, which will prepare you for sleep. To optimize a creative space, try dimming your lights a little, then adjust your lights to make them brighter when you need to focus!
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Vietnam are known for large, colourful lanterns made from silk. Vietnamese silk lanterns are considered to be the most beautiful lanterns in the world. Made from natural Vietnamese silk, these lanterns come in a wide range of colours, shapes and sizes. Every month, when the full moon shines, fluorescent lights are switched off, roads are closed to traffic and the streets are illuminated with thousands of these colourful lanterns. They good have
symbolize: joy, celebration, fortune and longevity, and they role as protectors from evil.
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ALANCE OUR MIND
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Mindfulness is being aware of, or bringing attention to this moment in time. Finding the right balance is key to encourage calmness and relaxation in your life. You will also find an increase in self-confidence and self-acceptance as you realise your wellbeing comes first. Living moment by moment, and seeing everything with a fresh viewpoint will let you experience life with no judgment or worry. Focus on your breathing and enter a state of ‘being’ rather than ‘doing’. This will help release tension from a worried mind.
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U J J AY I
BREATHING
Ujjayi releases feelings of irritation and frustration, and helps calm the mind and body.
• • • • • • •
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Increases the amount of oxygen in the blood Builds internal body heat Relieves tension Regulates blood pressure Builds energy Detoxifies mind and body Increases feelings of presence and self-awareness
REMEMBER TO BREATHE 111
MUDRA
In the exercise of Yoga, you are encouraged to use your body in many ways. Mudra is a name given to powerful hand gestures during meditation that carry specific goals of channeling your body’s energy flow to accomplish serenity. The ancient sages could sense the presence of the five elements space, air, fire, water, and earth in the human body of which our hands are thought to hold energetic points. Yoga mudras are practiced sitting simply cross-legged, in Vajrasana (kneeling position sitting on the heels) or in the lotus posture (cross-legged with feet placed on the opposing thighs), or even by sitting comfortably on a chair. Ideally, Ujjayi breathing is done when practicing most mudras. With more than 100 known mudras that have been developed over the centuries, here are 3 commonly used mudras that have been favored for centuries in providing health and empowerment of the mind and wellbeing.
Thumb: Space Index Finger: Air Middle Finger: Fire Ring Finger: Water Pinky Finger: Earth
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- GY A N
This is probably the most familiar Mudra. The intention of the Gyan Mudra is to improve your concentration and sharpen your memory. This is a great Mudra to use when seeking to gain knowledge. Try holding this hand position while meditating for insight into your life or a specific issue. Method: This mudra is performed by touching your index fingertip to the tip of your thumb, while holding your other three fingers straight.
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ELEMENTS: SPACE + AIR 115
ELEMENTS: SPACE + EARTH 116
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- BUDDHI
This Mudra is used for mental clarity. Performance of this gesture helps gain higher understanding and helps distinguish intuitive messages. One of the most powerful benefits of this mudra is that it encourages clear and effective communication. Method: This mudra is your pinky finger, while
performed by touching your thumb to holding your other three fingers straight.
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WORK/REST/PLAY
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To encourage a happy and healthy lifestyle a balance of work, rest and play needs to be established. Over working yourself can bring stress in your life so by letting your brain rest you will become more creative and relaxed. So take a break, go out with your friends, listen to music, draw, star gaze, even try colouring in. Whatever you choice to do, make sure to solely focus on that blocking out any other distractions, this is your playtime. In this section we explore Tibetan Buddhism with mindful exercises you can practice to take a break and ease your mind. Take the time to examine these areas to maintain a healthy balance to inspire more happiness in to your life.
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COLOUR MEANINGS IN TIBETAN BUDDHISM
There are five main colors that are known as pancha-varna in Sanskrit, which means The Five Pure Lights in Tibetan Buddhism. Each colour represents a state of mind, a spiritual Buddha, a body part, a part of the mantra word Hum or a natural element. These Five Pure Lights are often seen in Mandala and Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags.
Blue is associated with purity and healing. White is the colour of learning and knowledge in Buddhism. Red is related to life force and preservation. Green is the colour of balance and harmony. Yellow symbolizes rootedness and renunciation.
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M I N DF U L C O LO U R ING "Mandala" is a Sanskrit word which means a circle, and metaphorically a universe, environment or community. For centuries in Tibetan culture the Mandala is used as a tool to aid meditation. Colouring in for adults has become a therapeutic trend for stress relief, relaxation, focus and creativity. Try mindful colouring in with the Mandala pattern on the oppisite page in using The Five Pure Lights in Tibetan Buddhism blue, white, red, green and yellow.
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M I N DF U L D R AW ING When practiced mindfully, drawing has the power to effortlessly lead us into a deep relaxation shutting off from the world around us. Rather than actually planning to draw something change your mindset of drawing to a form of movement, a dance captured on a page. Just like children draw instinctively without too much thought. Putting a pencil to p aper to make marks with no judgments of it being a good or bad drawing. We just draw. This is when you will be able to have a deeper connection with yourself and the world around you.
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Next Issue... TAKE A TRIP TO FUNLAND! It is Summer so where else would we be going but the seaside?! We are talking candyfloss, ice cream, the funfair, 2p slot machines and those irritating grabbers you spend a fortune on but never win anything. Out August 2017
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Live for the MOMENT
Sarah Graham LJMU Fashion Communication Sarahgrahamcreative@hotmail.com Sarahgrahamcreative.wixsite.com/portfolio
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