MENTE MAGAZINE by sinead harte

DECEMEBER 2015 ISSUE 1 £1.75

FENG SHUI

CRYSTAL CURES

BUDGET RETREATS

YOGA HYPE

m a e t t e e m SOPHIE THOMAS Sub-Editor. With a big heart and an even bigger mouth, she’s the friend you want in the newsroom. “It’s been a rollercoaster of a ride creating this magazine, but every step has been part of the fun.”

SINEAD HARTE Digital Editor. Your go to ‘How-To’ Girl. When she’s not typing away, she has a passion for Red Wine and Candles. “It’s been a pleasure being the Digital Editor on this exciting adventure of building this magazine.”

SOPHIE ROBERTS Editor. With a wide interest in crystal cleansing and everything Yoga, there’s not much this Editor doesn’t know to help you zen your soul.

A NOTE FROM THE ED...

reetings Radiant Hearts! Welcome to the first issue of MENTE – the UK’s first spiritual guidance magazine for students.

We couldn’t be prouder to have finally made it to this point, the research and thought that has gone into bringing such a unique magazine has broadened the horizons of all those involved, so we hope you enjoy the range of spiritual life guides we have encompassed for this instalment. In this day and age, the stress students and post grads go though is so often over looked, and can be so destructive. Stress is affecting health more than ever before, so we have Feng shui’d our way through some classic and undiscovered topics to help guide mind, body and soul through a peaceful life. The finest writers have been selected to deliver the topics which matter most to our reader. This magazine aims to provide tips for a healthy, peaceful lifestyle, and we are honoured to have spoken to some committed and passionate professionals to produce such truly exciting pieces all the way from the heart of the Amazon right through to the local crystal shops to bring calm to your life. We’ll deliver excellence in writing from our journalists and eye opening visuals from our very own photographer, Ali Wilson. This magazine is as underground as it is current and as bold as it is humble. Sometimes we forget to appreciate what matters in life; we hope this little slice of calm will open mind and soothe away the stresses of modern day life. Love, Light and Peace, Sophie Roberts Editor

contents

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FENG SHUI :YOUR HOME THE DARK SIDE OF A GAP YEAR “YOGA SAVED MY MOTHER’S LIFE” CURES WITH CRYSTALS MEDITATION FOR THE MENTALIST THE YOGA HYPE FENG SHUI :YOUR WARDROBE RETREATS ON A BUGET

HOW TO:

FENG SHUI YOUR HOME

etting started with feng shui for your house & home can be easy when you start with the house basics and gradually move on to the more complex feng shui levels. Knowing how to use color to strengthen and balance the energy of your home is a complex feng shui subject, but the right placement of feng shui colors is defined by the Bagua, or the feng shui energy map of your space. However before the more complex areas of feng shui and your Baguas there are some simplier ways to contribute to new begginings in your home using core feng shui values. Firstly, de-clutter. Clearing out your well over-due clutter is a time-and energy-consuming process that can feel like therapy, but it will also help you “lighten up the load,” so to speak. You will feel instantly lighter in yourself and more refreshed if you get rid of those old unwanted memories. It can be important to not skip this step and it is essential for starting over and creating a harmonious household. Open spaces. This can be very important for refreshing energy levels. This means open airy spaces and spaces that have a lot of natural light. Air and Light are two elements that are essential for good feng shui energy (called Chi) in your home. Open the windows often and create more window and french-door spaces for natural light to seep through and consider using full-spectrum lights. Position your bed to feel safe, cosy and in balance. It is all about placing your bed in the ‘Commanding Position’ of your bedroom. This spot is the one farthest from the door but where you’re still able to see the doorway and anyone approaching while you’re lying in the bed. It is usually central to everything else in the room where it allows one to feel stronger, calmer, and in charge. Cover up the TV in your bedroom. It’s very common to have a television in your bedroom, and it’s a good idea to cover the TV when not in use. It not only inticises one to switch it on in the evenings before bed, stimulating brain energy that is unwanted when trying to sleep. The active energy of the television as well as the electronic aspect of it may be disruptive to the type of calming quiet energy to sleep and bedrooms. Even a cloth or throw would suffice, when the TV is plugged off.

The easiest way to get your life moving by using feng shui is to bring the energy of specific feng shui colors in order to achieve the desired results. Color is very powerful, as it is an expression of light, and many, way too many homes and offices are starved for light. Speaking to interior designer Nicole Williams she explains the concept of the main five elements;

"One of the basic principles of feng shui is the principle of five elements, which are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water." Each feng shui element is represented by a specific color, and color is the easiest way to use the five elements principle to bring more harmony into your home with feng shui; Wood: Green, Brown Fire: Red, Strong Yellow, Orange, Purple, Pink Earth: Light Yellow, Sandy/Earthy, Light Brown Metal: White, Gray Water: Blue, Black

Here Are Some Easy Feng Shui Color Tips For Your Home: GREEN - is excellent for improving health and balancing family life when used in the East feng shui bagua area of your home. BLUE - is a very good feng shui choice in the North bagua area to support the energy of your career growth or in the East (Health/Family) and Southeast (Wealth/ Money) areas to water and nourish the Wood feng shui element. YELLOW - color in the South feng shui bagua area for happy gatherings and good times. PURE WHITE - color in the West feng shui bagua area (Creativity) will bring supportive energy for all your creative endeavors. Before using specific colors in your home as feng shui cures, to be sure to study the light patterns throughout the day in the room. Look around to see if the color would feel good in the morning and then at night with artificial lighting. Also be sure that your chosen feng shui color will co-exist well with the other objects throughout your home, such as your furniture pieces, decor, art, etc. It is important the ambience throughout the room is peaceful, calm and balanced.

Bagua Basics The next and more complex step onto fully fitting your house through feng shui is to define the Bagua (basically the feng shui energy map of your house), by using one of the two main feng shui methods - the classical school bagua or the BTB grid. If you are new to feng shui, best not try to apply both baguas at the same time.

wealth Fame

Family

Once you define the bagua, you will know which areas of your home are connected to specific areas of your life.

Marriage

Health & Children Well-being

Helpful

WISDOM career People & Travel

Bagua is one of the main feng shui tools used to analyze the feng shui energy of any given space. In simple terms, bagua is the energy map of your space. The Western bagua map (also called the BTB feng shui grid) is really easy to define and apply in your home and contains the same nine areas as the classical feng shui school bagua. However, the difference is that the compass directions are not taken into consideration in this Bagua. The way you lay the Western bagua is by aligning the lower end of the basic bagua grid with the wall of the front door of your home. When aligning the grid, the Bottom Row (Left to Right) of the BTB bagua map is always aligned with the wall of the front door, so your front door will be in one of these three bagua areas: * Spirituality and Personal Growth * Career and Path in Life * Helpful People and Blessings Middle Row (Left to Right) * Health and Family * Center (Heart of Home) * Children and Creativity Upper Row (Left to Right) * Wealth & Abundance * Fame and Reputation * Love and Marriage The second, Classical, or Traditional feng shui bagua of your home is defined first by taking a compass reading of your front door. Once you have the compass reading and the floor plan of your space, you can easily define the bagua. This will show you the location of different feng shui areas in your home or office. Each of the 8 feng shui areas, or directions, has a specific feng shui element, feng shui color, as well as life area connected to it. After you know the areas of your home that belong to specific areas of your life, you can start applying proper feng shui cures and improve the quality of energy in your home.

Pictures; wiki.org

N NW Helpful People

Spiritual Growth

Health

Creativity Love & marriage

Career

Money

Fame

“Fake Shamans are Exploiting Tourists in the Jungle” “He measured out two doses . “Here, lets drink.” he said, lifting the medicine from the table. As he lifted the cup to his lips he made a strange sound and seemed to throw something into my glass. I remember thinking…Im not ready for this yet!” By Sophie roberts

ntwined in the foundations of Peruvian Amazonia grows one of the most powerful and sacred medicines known to man, Ayahuasca. Nicknamed the ‘Vine of the Soul’ or the ‘Vine of the Dead’, it has been the catalyst of life changing experiences for travellers. The mystery of this spiritual phenomenon has enticed Westerners to flock to Peru to partake in rituals in which they are ‘healed’ by shamans who use the brew in an Ayahuasca ceremony. The Shamans have always been considered to be holy people that conduct the sacred rituals in the jungle. The healing that occurs is believed to be in the presence of divine spirits. The process is globally considered a sacred and holy art form, however this has been abused recently. The brew used for healing, ‘Ayahuasca’, is prepared using a specific plant in the amazon jungle; Acer saccharinum which translates to Silver Maple Tree.

Recently a dark side has surfaced and exploitative Peruvians have taken advantage of touristic naivety, by tricking tourists into paying for a retreat and administering potentially lethal doses of hallucinogens. ‘It makes sense now. An Italian woman approached me cautiously with a story she begged not to be uttered until she had left. She told me that one night after a ceremony he crept into her Tambo and attempted to administer a dose of an unknown concoction.’ Bradley Remembers. Bradleys’ hunch turned out to be alarmingly accurate twice on the trip. It was revealed that there had previously been some kind of disagreement, which ended up in the questionable shaman abusing a girl and her mother and refusing to refund their stay. ‘It is a travesty to me, that people abuse such power that is supposed to represent divine beauty. Although admittedly there have been more horror stories from these retreats recently.’

Among the westerners intrigued by the whole process, was 27 ex-sales representative Bradley Jewitt from Leeds. Now a spiritual healer, he openly admits that he owes nothing to his first experience in the Amazon. Bradley says ‘My first journey to Peru began in January 2013. I couldn’t have been more excited. However, from the very beginning of my stay, I noticed there was something amiss with the main shaman. He had somewhat of an inflated ego and was rather lewd in his sense of humour.’ Bradley Before a Ceremony 2013

Bradley in his Tamboo in Peru The medical implications of such intense and unprofessional doses are supposedly more psychological than physical. There have been very few deaths recorded from such retreats, although near death experiences are on the rise due to the emerging fake Shaman culture. The only recorded short term effects are high blood pressure and increased heart rate. According to online Journals and forums, many travellers simply turn up in Peru without having done any research in order to get a more authentic experience. Sadly, this is just not safe anymore. Research your centres if you are hoping to embark on a spiritual retreat.

It is not unusual for people to experience emotional and psychological distress during a ceremony, resulting in extreme vulnerability. This is the reason why authentic shamans are so essential Weeks after Bradley returned from his retreat, a friend led him to a Peruvian news article online. The shaman who had been leading his retreat had thrown himself off the 3rd story of his Tambo.

It stated that when paramedics arrived to revive he refused help after himself being the victim of thal dose of Ayahusaca and died moments later. “Aside from the madness “Aside from the and the sadness, I still had a In 2012, the first horror story from Profound experience and want madness and the the heart of the Jungle shook the world. to spend the rest of my life sadness, I still had a Kyle Nolan was a young American helping people, through calm who embarked on a retreat near Profound experience crystal healing” Puerto Maldonado, in Madre de Dios. and want to spend the He went to jungle august 2012 and Bradley now works for himself for months later his dead body was rest of my life the helping healing discovered; hidden by shamans. business he set up- Arcanum people, through calm The healer from the center, Jose spagyrics as an alchemist and crystal healing” Manuel Pineda, philosopher of epistemology and 58, known as Master Mancoluto, hermatic sciences. confessed to police that Kyle had died from an excessive dose of Ayahuasca. Bradley says ‘I am aware of this tale and this made me several times to meet our shaman over our stay, but he refused’

“ yoga

” SAVED MY MOTHER’S

By Sophie Thomas

The story of one person’s struggles to conquer a life threatening alcohol addiction through the eyes of her 16 year old daughter...

life

s the bell rings for the end of class, my peers let out a sigh of relief and hurriedly begin packing their books away. It’s summer. Flooding out of the room, I smile as I hear chat of BBQS, picnics and the foreseeable fun which the holidays should bring. My stomach flips and makes me feel suddenly nauseous as the reality of my life hits me hard. Unexpected tears sting my eyes, I fiercely wipe them away and hurry out into the yard. I know what I will find when I get home, summer or no summer, every day is the same.

After only what seems like a second, Ann appears at my door and beckons me in. I know what she’s about to say. As if by script she explains that the mess has been cleared away and that my mother has been put to bed. She has already been sick but I’m to check on her in an hour to make sure she drinks some water. Then she says something which catches me by surprise.

I get to my front door and push it open, stepping over piles of letters I turn the corner and see a body slumped at the bottom of the armchair. That body is my mother. The over powering smell of spirits makes me cough and cover my face, the floor is littered with empty bottles and beer cans. I walk over and gently touch her face, her eyes roll to the back of her head as she lets out a deep groan.

I look up at Anne and notice that her face is wrinkled with concern. She tells me that my mother needs serious help and that she is going to be part of the support she needs. Her mouth is moving fast. She explains to me that her close friend works for a local community alcohol service and that over the coming weeks wants my mother to join a new programme they have started.

I try my best to lift her up but trip back and fall to the floor in a heap. The clatter wakes her slightly, she looks at me blankly and tries to speak. Rage bubbles inside me as I stare at my mother, her voice slurs, random words tumble from her mouth. I walk out of the house and into the street before making my way next door.

Briefly looking away, she talks about a long journey ahead. I scoff as she tells me her plans to get my mother to her beginners yoga class which she does every Monday and Wednesday evening. Anne looks at me and shakes her head, she tells me that I need to be positive and for some reason a glint of determination in her eye makes me slightly believe her.

I tap on the window pane and a figure immediately appears. Anne has helped me since I was little, since the day my mother first became addicted to alcohol. As a yoga teacher she has always fascinated me and had an aura I desired. Her face is sharp, pointy and slightly harsh looking but she has a comforting presence. Her expression softens as she steps forward to embrace me. I glance past her shoulder and fight the urge to step into her house. It is like another world, it seems to have an overwhelming energy which I can’t quite explain. Anne practices in many styles of yoga but particularly enjoys Vinyasa which she teaches in a near-by local gym. Snapping out of a daydream, I watch her move swiftly towards my house. I sit down on the step and concentrate on my breathing. I know I’ll be here for around 20 minutes until she tends to my mother. My mind drifts and I think about her teaching. I recall her body being able to move in a sort of dream like state. The poses look light and effortless and

I will never be able to understand what happened over the coming weeks. My heart would drop every time I heard the clunk of a bottle against a glass. With the setbacks though came a monumental change. My mother was slowly weaning her way off alcohol with the support of Anne’s close friend Paul. As time passed I could see her slowly starting to gain control. 2 years on, my mother no longer depends on alcohol. She goes to yoga with Ann at least 3 days a week and is bursting with energy. I didn’t think the day would come where I wouldn’t have to be in constant worry. She is always talking about the way yoga makes her feel and how she is able to channel any negativity into the practice. It may sound pretty cliché that she wants people to ‘find themselves’ but never in my wildest dreams did I think this would happen. Ann has not only helped my mother but she has changed my life. I truly believe that yoga was the focus she needed to pull herself out of a life threatening addiction.

START YOUR SUMMER OFF WITH VOLUNTEERING IN FIJI

GET INVOLVED WITH STUDENTVOL.COM AND ENJOY HELPING OTHERS WHILST EXPLORING NEW CULTURES FIRST COME FIRST SERVE. BOOKING SUBJECT TO AVAILABILTY ON DATE ISSUED. DEPOSIT REQUIRED. TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY.

CURESWITH

CRYSTALS by sinead harte

ave you ever felt down and not sure how to lift your spirits back up? Have you ever wondered how to get rid of those constant nightmares through natural methods? Crystals. Crystals are a twenty-first century, hip way to zen your soul. They are known by believers for healing ones emotional and physical issues. The rocks that make up the earth’s crust, that we walk on, that erode and change with our history– have all undergone and continue to experience the effects of life. It is believed that due to this, rocks have their own life, that rocks have a story to tell and that they consist of the most ancient histories of our earth. This in mind, crystals in particular are considered to have certain “energys.” These crystals ammit certain energys through certain chakras.

SCIENCE BEHIND THE HEALING As crsytals grow out a chaotic mineral environment, they are said to bring the environment around them into balance. There are two factors which can harm one’s body. One being external, such as bacterium, toxins, virus’ etc. Secondly, internal emotions and mental states. Concerning external infection, it is believed that the crystals will balance electrical potential of ones cells which creates the cell to act ‘normal’ and in balance, therefore fights off any unwanted bacteria. Similarly concerning healing unwanted emotions or ‘corrupted mental states’ it is considered the crystals balance the electrical potential of the cells governing your emotional and mental processes, bring all into balance. Crystals amplify, store, transmute, channel and hold energy.

HOW TO CARRY YOUR CRYSTAL Simply carrying your crystals with you or wearing them as jewellery is the easiest and an effective way of working with these crystals. You can carry or wear your crystals when ever you feel the need or you can wear them all the time. It is totally up to you. A good example of when to wear your crystals is for particular problems when they flair up. Such as a particular anxiety and worry, which one would wear a Green Aventurine pendant at my Heart Chakra (energy centre) when my anxiety starts acting up. You do not have to carry all the stones at once. Start by randomly picking out one to carry during the day. Pay attention to how it makes you feel. Write down your thoughts at the end of the day then choose another stone for the next day and so on. Although each crystal has an associated chakra, it is usually down to ones intuition on which chakra feels right for you. For example, it can be found that the Heart Chakra works for most of the emotional ailments. The Heart is the center of all of the chakras combining the lower three earthly chakras with the upper three spiritual chakras. There are special crystals for this chakra such as Rose Quartz, Pink/Rubellite Tourmaline, Watermelon Tourmaline, Green Aventurine, Malachite & Jade. It comes down to which chakra suits your best purpose.

STARTER STONES

Grounding stones are normally earth toned colors- brown, black, the brick red of Jasper, etc. These stones help keep your feet planted firmly on the ground (energetically) so that you can remain focused and grounded as you go through your day. Something like Hematite, Red Jasper, Obsidian, Black Tourmaline.

CHARAKS CRYSTYALS (stones for main energy centers)

Carnelian, Citrine, Green Aventurine, Lapis Lazuli, Aquamarine, Amethyst,Lepidolite, Rose Quartz, Clear Quartz, Selenite.

CHAKRA CENTRES There are 7 major Chakra centres of the physical body, where vital energy flows and intersects. Through our Chakras, we transmit and receive physical, emotional, and spiritual energy. The ideal is to have all chakra centers clear, balanced, and vitalized for optimal well-being. Each chakra is associated with a particular area of the body and a color of the spectrum. Stones are used at chakra centers for clearing, revitalizing, and healing. Root Chakra — Represents our foundation and feeling of being grounded. Location: Base of spine in tailbone area. Emotional issues: Survival issues such as financial independence, money and food. Sacral Chakra — Our connection and ability to accept others and new experiences. Location: Lower abdomen, about two inches below the navel and two inches in. Emotional issues: Sense of abundance, well-being, pleasure and sexuality. Solar Plexus Chakra — Our ability to be confident and in control of our lives. Location: Upper abdomen in the stomach area. Emotional issues: Self-worth, self-confidence and self-esteem. Heart Chakra — Our ability to love. Location: Center of chest just above the heart. Emotional issues: Love, joy and inner peace. Throat Chakra — Our ability to communicate. Location: Throat. Emotional issues: Communication, self-expression of feelings and the truth. Third Eye Chakra — Our ability to focus on and see the big picture. Location: Forehead between the eyes. Emotional issues: Intuition, imagination, wisdom and the ability to think and make decisions. Crown Chakra — The highest chakra represents our ability to be fully connected spiritually. Location: The very top of the head. Emotional issues: Inner and outer beauty, our connection to spirituality and pure bliss.

YOUR ZODIAC CRYSTALS JANUARY 21FEBRUARY 19 Hematite * Amber * Amethyst * Barite * Garnet * Silver * Feldspar * FEBRUARY 20MARCH 20 Amethyst * Opal * Bloodstone * Coral * Blue Lace Agate * Aquamarine * Enhydro * Flourite * Halite * Fire Opal * Cowrie shell * Turquoise * MARCH 21APRIL 20 Aventurine * Fire Agate * Brazilian Agate * Aquamarine * Bloodstone * Citrine * Diamond * Dinosaur Bone * Emerald * Goethite * Hematite * Iron * Jade * Kyanite * Sardonyx * Tektite * APRIL 21MAY 21 Carnelian * Selenite * Kunzite * Diamond * Blue Tourmaline * Chrysocolla * Emerald * Iolite * Jade * Kyanite * Rose Quartz * Rutile * Copper * MAY 22JUNE 21 Rutilated Quartz * Aquamarine * Blue Sapphire * Phenacite * Celestite * Chrysocolla * Copal * Emerald * Howlite * Jade * Pearl * Henacite * Rutile * Sandstone * JUNE 22JULY 22 Calcite * Moonstone * Ruby * Carnelian * Enhydro * Halite * Marble * Opal * Fire Opal * Pearl * Tektite * Silver * Bornite (Peacock Ore) * JULY 23AUGUST 23 Citrine * Amber * Garnet * Jasper * Labradorite * Carnelian * Diamond * Gold * Iron * Onyx * Fire Opal * Peridot * Petrified Wood * Pyrite * Rhodochrosite * Ruby * Sulphur * Sunstone * AUGUST 24SEPTEMBER 23 Smoky Quartz * Watermelon Tourmaline * Amazonite * Peridot * Amethyst * Sugilite * Holly Blue Agate * Moss Agate * Chrysocolla * Fossil * Garnet * Geode * Iron * White Opal * SEPTEMBER 24OCTOBER 23 Rose Quartz * Tourmaline * Chrysoprase * Lepidolite * Ametrine * Lepidolite * Moonstone * Nephrite * Opal * Fire Opal * White Opal * Sunstone * OCTOBER 24NOVEMBER 22 Turquoise * Moldavite * Botswana Agate * Charoite * Enhydro * Labradorite * Malachite * Moonstone * Opal * Peridot * Rhodocrosite * Ruby * Thunderegg * Unakite * NOVEMBER 23DECEMBER 21 Lapis * Sodalite * Obsidian * Topaz * Azurite * Covellite * Chalcedony * Labradorite * Fire Opal * Peridot * Ruby * Smoky Quartz * Turquoise * Copper * DECEMBER 22JANUARY 20 Tigereye * Jade * Malachite * Flourite * Black Tourmaline * Green

MEDITATION FOR THE

MENTALIST

iven that most students have a crazy schedule and hardly any free mental space, mastering meditation without the help of some sort of divine intervention seemed impossible. Constantly hearing about this spiritual aid has become the equivalent to a stealth fly buzzing around our faces; it's always been just out of reach. For our generation, switching off is not an option and we have plunged into an abyss of overthinking. Thinking disrupts sleep and other thoughts, it makes us stressed and we cannot fathom what started the train of thoughts. These thoughts need to be, and can be, brought under control.

WHAT IS MEDITATION & WHY IS IT USEFUL

Prayer beads or other ritual objects are commonly used during meditation in order to keep track of or remind the practitioner about some aspect of that Meditation is a practice in which an individual trains training. the mind or induces a mode of consciousness, either Meditation may involve generating an to realize some benefit or for the mind to simply emotional state for the purpose of acknowledge its content without becoming analyzing that state—such as anger, identified with that content or as an end in hatred, etc.—or cultivating a particuitself. lar mental response to various pheThe term meditation refers to a broad nomena, such as compassion.[citation “Some people use variety of practices that includes techneeded] The term "meditation" can niques designed to promote relaxation, a mantra to refer to the state itself, as well as to build internal energy or life force (qi, ki, practices or techniques employed prana, etc.) and develop compassion, love, meditate with, to cultivate the state. Meditation patience, generosity and forgiveness. A may also involve repeating a mantra which can particularly ambitious form of meditation and closing the eyes. The mantra is make it easier” chosen aims at effortlessly sustained single-pointbased on its suitability to the ed concentration meant to enable its individual meditator. practitioner to enjoy an indestructible Meditation has a calming effect and directs sense of well-being while engaging in any awareness inward until pure awareness is life activity. achieved, described as "being awake inside without The word meditation carries different meanings in being aware of anything except awareness itself." In different contexts. Meditation has been practiced brief, there are dozens of specific styles of meditasince antiquity as a component of numerous relition practice, and many different types of activity gious traditions and beliefs. Meditation often involves commonly referred to as meditative practices. an internal effort to self-regulate the mind in some way. However, the 9-5 lifestyle has given us more on our plates than ever before. This reflects in the reports Meditation is often used to clear the mind and ease and studies surrounding students. many health concerns, such as high blood pressure, According to online magazine Time, and a report depression, and anxiety. It may be done sitting, or in they conducted for students of the last 25 years, a an active way—for instance, Buddhist monks involve whopping 50% reported to feeling more stressed awareness in their day-to-day activities as a form of than their classmates. mind-training.

The popular paper Huffington Post said one UK University has seen a 107% increase in students seeking help to deal with their stress the last five years. The daily telegraph also reported that student stress levels have almost doubled in the last few years, but why? A recent study from Glasgow University have concluded that a combination of Social Media pressures, financial difficulties and a dramatic increase in social endeavors have contributed to making stress levels to go through the roof. Unless you have a lot of cash to blow on spa weekends and a psychiatrist, finding the peace within is an absolute must. Meditation is a tool that you will be able to use throughout your life and eclipse whatever is pushing up the blood pressure, whether its finals stress or you can’t cope being a post grad and the never ending job hunting. At first the meditation journey can seem like a fruitless venture; something which we will never master. Most of us get a few seconds of peace and then start worrying about completely mental and random things, like whether our housemate had put that top back they borrowed. Another slightly deeper way that experienced spiritualists meditate with is a something called Dimethyltryptamine or DMT. This substance is found in a specific plant which grows in the amazon jungle and there are retreats to these places sold through various outlets here in the UK. Since the discovery of DMT, the phenomenon has been dubbed fondly as ‘The Spirit Molecule’

People who have ingested the medicine have had several alarming experiences. There have been tales on the internet of untold beauty and abstract realms. This experience is a complete assault of the natural senses and a mental shift of this severity can be seen as an extreme and scary option. Many fail to discover the fact that our brain releases this exact formula moments before death, and this should be approached with extreme caution, so do be aware of such trips being offered as a costly and slightly misleading experience. We need to mediate, not to distort reality. The safer and ancient port of call would be access through yoga, yes it’s as equi-hip as house music at the minute, but it’s safe and as old as the hills. I contacted a girl in Liverpool to see if she had any advice. Ashley Bromilow, 25, set up her own meditation classes, after travelling to India to study this for a month. She stressed about the environment we relax in ‘Time frames are the most important aspect with so many people I speak to. It’s hard to let go mentally, as people are so busy!’ She also advised ‘Don’t to count but let something else count the time for you. It seems in a constantly switched on life, issues of letting go of time frames are to blame.’

Here are Ashley’s five steps to help you meditate:

1. Become “present.” - Become fully aware of your surroundings. Focusing on what you’re feeling, hearing and smelling can help with this. 2. Focus on your breath. - Breathe through your nostrils and become aware of the cycle your breath is taking through your lungs, it’s difficult, so don’t get stressed if your mind wanders at first. 3. Start small - Most people wrongly assume you need to be locked in for hours to meditate properly; nope. Start with a minute and work your way up once you’ve mastered that. 4. Work it into your routine - Try to make meditation part of your routine rather than something you need to psyche yourself up to do. Over thinking it means you’ve defeated the object before you’ve began. 5. Use an external aid - Modern day meditators now have technology to help with practice. Use apps to keep track of meditation times, mantras and any music which can help. We can’t expect to be like a shaolin monk immediately… but it’s a good start. Check out a free app called ‘calm’ which also gives step by step support.

THE YOGA HYPE WHERE DO

BEGIN ? By Sophie Thomas Whether you want to relax, have a workout or get in touch with your spiritual side, there is a yoga class to suit you. And you don’t even have to be bendy …

First and Foremost As the turn of the millennium came so did the yoga boom. A once sparsely practiced form of exercise has transformed into an essential part of many people’s daily routine. When you picture someone practicing yoga, do you imagine impossibly agile, young people bent into all sorts of shapes no human should be able to get themselves into? Well, what needs to be remembered is that there is no age limit or required fitness level for it. There are classes suited to everyone, some even start yoga in their 70s and regret not doing so earlier! With claims that it does as much good for the soul as it does to your body, everyone seems to be doing yoga. From serious actors such as Matthew McConaughey and Demi Moore to musicians such as maroon 5’s Adam Levine and run DMC’s Russell Simmons, many celebrities swear by it. But with lots of Instagram posts and blogs bombarding us with information which is sometimes hard to digest, people are often left bewildered by the yoga hype. The benefits of core strength, improved flexibility and relaxation are just a few reasons that yoga has become a mainstay of sports superstars such as Lebron James, Tom Brady and Ryan Giggs. So, are you a stressed out student wanting to try something new? Here are some yoga styles which you can explore and experiment with.

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Beginners yoga (Do you want to start?)

Vinyasa Do you like to keep moving?

Embarrassed to go to a class? Before advancing to a stage where you feel comfortable to do so it may be best getting a feel for yoga on your own. All you need is a bit of space. If you want to properly get in the zone then why not buy yourself a yoga mat, these can be bought on Amazon for only £8 (doubles as a great camp mat too!) With 10 million views on YouTube ‘Yoga Practice Videos’ is a great way to ease you in.

Vinyasa translates into English as ‘connection’. The connection is between the many poses which you will take up in a typical class coupled with heavy breathing. This style is often called ‘flow yoga’ due to the way in which the poses run together and become like a dance.

It is one of the most physically demanding styles of yoga as it involves a lot of core body work and is an incredible way to firm up those wobbly bits which have seen one too many The health benefits aren’t as significant as more intense work- doner kebabs. outs however it’s a start. If you’re not wanting to splash the cash it has the added benefit of being free as you can do it in The beauty of Vinyasa is there is no single philosophy, rulebook or sequence which teachers must follow. If you apthe comfort of your own home. preciate things being a little fun, yet unpredictable and like to keep moving, this style is definitely for you.

Bikram Do you want to sweat? Bikram yoga is the favourite of anyone who loves to sweat. It was created by Indian yogi Bikram Choudhury in the early 1970s. It involves 26 different yoga postures which tests endurance and focus. He designed the sequence to strengthen and stretch the muscles as well as compress and “rinse” the organs. The class will usually be done in a hot room in order to mimic the conditions of where it was first created. If you have a nasty hangover that just won’t shift then Bikram yoga is the one for you. The room temperature helps your body sweat and release toxins which will help you claw back your existence. The temperature also aids muscle flexibility which makes stretching safer. If you like knowing what to expect then you will be at ease with Bikram yoga as every class you go to anywhere in the world follows the same sequence of poses.

Jivamukti Do you want to express yourself? (a celebrity favourite!) This is a physical yet intellectually stimulating style. Most classes will move fluidly through the Vinyasa framework however it will be more intense. Jivamukti sets out to inspire you through ever changing sequences. A favourite of celebrities including Geri Halliwell, this yoga uses chanting combined with meditation and deep relaxation for an exhilarating experience.

feng shui YOUR

fashion by sinead harte

Based on the ideals that you live a happier, healthier, more prosperous life when your’e living and working environments are harmonious and balanced, Feng Shui encourages you to visually affirm your intentions in your personal and professional surroundings in order to create them in your life.

hen deciding to combine Feng Shui and fashion, especially when choosing what to wear for specific activities and occasions, it is important to consider the thrase “you are what you eat” but this time “you are what you wear.” In Feng Shui terms the colours you wear affect emotions and influence how others judge and respond to you. When using the Five Element theory of Feng Shui when selecting your colour, patter, fabric or shape of your clothes it is i mportant to think of Wood, Water, Fire, Metal and Earth. Carol Olmstead has taught thousands of clients, students, and readers the simple secrets of using Feng Shui to attract wealth, harmony, and love, and she has written what wearing a certain colour of clothing can mean for you.

Red is the ideal color when you want to draw attention to yourself. Wear red when you speak in public or want to stand out

from the crowd. Avoid red if you are nervous or are self-conscious. Pink is the color of romance and fun. Wear pink if you want to resolve a situation with a loved one, because it is soothing and helps dissolve feelings of anger. Green projects growth and development. This is a great color to wear when learning new skills, taking classes, or when you need to be energized. Avoid wearing green when you are restless because it is a stimulating color. Yellow conveys stability so you can wear it when you have an important decisions to make, but avoid yellow when you are feeling tired or it might drain your energy levels. Brown is a grounding and comforting color that you can wear if you feel scared or insecure. Brown makes you feel safe, but avoid wearing it when dealing with stubborn people. Black conveys authority and power, and promotes a sense of depth and strength. Wear black if you need to command leadership or exude mystery. Black makes you stand apart from the crowd, so avoid wearing it when you need to be seen as an equal.

Colors: Black, navy, deep blue Patterns: Wavy, paisley, abstract Fabrics: Sheer, chiffon, velvet Shapes: Flowing

jumper; £13, SHEIN.COM

jeans; £25, TopShop

coat; £46, Zara pants; £26, Zara

vest; £8.50, Zara

shoes; £75, Office

accessories; £7.18, wetseal.com

boots; £33, Zara

playsuit; £23, Abercrombie

Colors: White, pastel, metallic Patterns: Round, dots, scrolls Fabrics: Polished, glittery, shiny Shapes: Curvy

Colors: Red, orange, purple Patterns: Pointed designs, animal prints Fabrics: Satin and shiny textures Shapes: Angular and form fitting

fedora hat; £45, madewell.com

watch; £120, Daniel Wellington

green (May) ring, £39 Pandora

rings; £13, Mango sunglasses; £190, HarpersBazaar

skirt; £39, TopShop Colors: Brown, yellow, terra cotta Patterns: Checks, plaids Fabrics: Tweed, flannel, textured Shapes: Boxy

boots, £59 ASOS

shirt, £39 TopShop

Colors: Green, blue Patterns: Vertical patterns and stripes Fabrics: Cotton, linen, ribbed fabrics SHAPES: Columnar shapes

RELAXING retreats

ON A BUDGET

By Sophie Thomas

fter a long year of revising and reciting that dreaded revision material, what could possibly sound less appealing than a hectic getaway, where sticking to a “fun-filled” itinerary will only leave you more exhausted? Research studies have actually shown that throwing your notes away, lounging around and sleeping is some of the best ways to destress yourself. However, being that student who has £20 of their loan remaining and who is still eager to be at every social event (relying solely on the income from your part time job at the local pub), money is an issue. So, if you are looking for a relaxing retreat that doesn’t break the bank, feast your eyes upon some of these reasonably priced getaways.

Want to be pampered? If your ideal yet reasonably priced hideaway is to feel pretty and pampered then why not try Moor Hall Spa & Hotel? Based in Sutton Coldfield, yet within easy reach of Birmingham, this redbrick manor is a great place to unwind and relax. With a large indoor pool and beautiful gardens perfect for winter wonderland strolls, this hotel has it all. Moor hall is renowned for their range of rejuvenating spa features which allows visitors to forget the stresses of modern life for an hour or two. Whether you’re looking to enjoy some pampering, some “me-time” or to catch up with friends, the traditional country house atmosphere combined with friendly staff makes for an unforgettable experience. We all like our home comforts and as this hotel has been owned by the Webb family for over 50 years now, it is safe to say it has a personal touch which sets them apart from the rest. Moor Hall is just a short distance from Sutton Coldfield’s town and cafes, so mini outings for a quick shop and coffee along the way is all but 10 minutes down the path. At £59 a room, this destination is perfect for a chilled out weekend with countryside scenery.

Moor Hall Spa & Hotel, £59

Want to go overseas? The British weather isn’t for everyone, some need to soak up the rays in order to totally relax. If that is the case, why not take an adventure overseas. With fine cuisine and stunning beaches, the Spanish sand is an instant cure for stressed out students. Usually the price tag leaves us feeling gloomy and reaching for a bottle (or two) of rose. However the CLC Benal resort located in the much sought-after beachfront town of Benalmadena on the beautiful Costa del Sol in Spain could be your perfect destination. It is formed by four buildings surrounded by beautiful gardens with ponds and artificial streams. Four huge outdoor swimming pools interlaced with waterslides form a world of its own. Theses apartments are located only 450m from the Benalmadena beach where guests will find plenty of opportunity to sun bathe, swim and take part in numerous water-based activities such as pedalo hire, diving and banana boat rides. At prices starting from just £62, this unbelievably priced retreat is a bargain waiting to be snapped up.

CLC Benal Resort, £62 (450m from stunning Benalmadena Beach)

Want to mix activity with relaxation?

Relax and pamper yourself at Cotswold’s Four Pillars Hotel’s Spa, £80

Cotswold water Park Four Pillars hotel is a contemporary four star hotel located three miles from Cirencester. The hotel's architecture maximises the stunning location, with wonderful views and a sense of space throughout. Combining the peace of a rural retreat with the benefits of state-of-the-art facilities, it is the perfect place in which to mix activity with relaxation. With a lakeside setting amid open countryside, the Four Pillars hotel offers bright, airy rooms starting from just £80 a night. There is also free Wi-Fi available in all areas – essential for those all-important Instagram snaps to make everyone at home jealous. A British menu is served in the informal Old Boathouse pub, which has a decking area for dining by the lake. The hotel also includes a hydrotherapy pool, a steam room/sauna and 9 spa therapy rooms located within the health club facilities. If you like animals then wildlife spotting at the on-site nature reserve is popular, as is visiting the local farm.