Transformation Coaching Magazine March 2021 by Transformation Coaching Magazine

INSPIRATION & GROWTH Your Inner Compass 4 March Forward 6 Who Will You Be? 10 Wonder 12 When You Don’t Hit the Jackpot 14 Unlock Your Potential 16 What’s Your Anchor? 18 The Ripple Effect 22 Focus on Eye Health 24 Self-Care Check In 28

PUBLISHERS Natalie Rivera Joeel A. Rivera, M.Ed.

EDITOR Lisa Cedrone

CONTRIBUTORS Owen Waters, Terez Hartmann, Alan Cohen, Linda Commito, Gregg Sanderson, Rena Greenberg Jo Mooy, Mark Pitstick, Carol Wentz Randaci, Mary Boutillier

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Your Inner Compass

In this journey of life, you have a builtin compass that helps you navigate in the most appropriate direction. By Owen K Waters

The Nature of Change

One constant that you can count on in life is change. Change exists because life is in motion, and motion is one of the three aspects of the original consciousness that underlies all of Creation. Everything in the universe springs from two complementary aspects of consciousness—thought and feeling—set into motion. The existence of motion as one of the fundamental components of Creation guarantees that change is continuous. The point of life is to experience infinite variations of expression of the one underlying consciousness, Infinite Being.

Changes in Your Life

Major changes in life are rarely easy, but our very reason for being is to work through changes and experiences in life. Today, changes are being accelerated by our being in the global transformation called The Shift. Many would say that today’s changes are intense to the point of becoming chaotic. In physics, chaos is

a temporary phase between one natural state of harmony and its transformation into a higher form. The transition phase between the two states becomes very choppy until the higher form is reached. Today, we are moving through the storm before the calm. We are so beset by change that it can become hard to discern what changes are important and what changes are just societal noise that has little bearing on the real paths that we need to tread through life. It is here that a sense of inner direction becomes an exquisite asset.

Navigation Through Life

Sometimes your own purpose in life seems like an ever-unfolding saga. Like a journey across the seas by boat, your journey through life is made safe and direct by the use of a compass. In this journey, you have a built-in compass that helps you navigate in the most appropriate direction. That compass is your sense of innermost joy. As an expression of your inner being, like a compass, your innermost joy points the way. When you think about

the one action you could take right now which would move you toward the most long-term inner joy, you are seeing that course of action which is most connected to your inner being. Because destinations in life are reached in steps or stages, your inner compass can actually point in seemingly different directions on different days. They key is to realize that the one task you can best address at any given moment is the one which is most aligned with your innermost joy. Each step on a journey is different; yet, all steps lead to the final destination. If you are inspired to do one thing today and to do something different tomorrow, it is because those tasks are both steps along the pathway to the desired destination. Trust in the timing of your inner guidance. Its wisdom comes from the part of you which is your connection to the universe and to Infinite Being. Be attentive to your inspiration and the ideas that it brings. Make a note of these ideas as they occur and, in retrospect, you will be amazed as to how insightful they were.

Spiritual Dynamics with Owen K. Waters Owen is a cofounder of the Spiritual Dynamics Academy, where a where a free spiritual growth newsletter awaits you at: http://www.SpiritualDynamics.net. He is an international spiritual teacher who has helped hundreds of thousands of spiritual seekers to understand better the nature of their spiritual potential. Owen’s life has been focused upon gaining spiritual insights through extensive research and the development of his inner vision. For the past 12 years, he has written a spiritual metaphysics newsletter which empowers people to discover their own new vistas of inspiration, love and creativity. Spiritual seekers enjoy his writings for their insight and clarity.

March Forward

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Clarisse Meyer

Get ready to walk into the life of your own making. By Terez Hartmann

move into stillness, and then asked myself, “Where do you want to go?” my answer came in the form of a song (“Walk” lyrics below, audio coming soon). It is my intention that these words speak to the part of you that also has said, “Enough is enough!” and reach Whether you live in the Northern or Southern through to the core of you that shouts: “I want to WALK and Hemisphere, the month of March marks yet another turning March Forward into the life of MY own making!” point—a time of transition into the reawakening of spring or a time to harvest and enjoy the seeds that have come to I want to walk fruition. It is typically a month where the (physical) winds of To where I see the sun change become strong and active, coming “in like a lion and I want to walk out like a lamb,” (or vice versa) to actively shift into the new To what we can become season that is calling. I want to walk The question is, will you stubbornly stand in the old I want to walk patterns, thoughts, conversations, interactions, paradigms, and actions that keep you tethered to limitation and de-evoI want to walk lution, or will you March Forward consciously to embrace To where I see the stars the new rhythms of the good that want to be expressed to I want to walk you, through you, and as you? And feel peace in my heart I want to walk I want to walk As crazy as it sounds, many people will inadvertentIn the days when the storms are raging ly continue to march along a path of thinking, acting, and I want to move, want to move to higher ground moving in ways that are detrimental and destructive, rather Where some light can be found than choose times of stillness, as to stop “moving” can feel When it feels like the world’s gone crazy like a form of death. Yet, rather than continuing to follow I want to find, want to find some clarity a path that creates greater exhaustion, injury, suffering—in Remember what I believe short, one that will ultimately lead you off a cliff to certain I want to walk… death—perhaps taking a moment to do a little course-correction is not such a bad option after all? Plus, how can you In the dark where the fear can be blinding ever know the way if you don’t allow yourself the time to get I want to light, want to light a candle of hope clear about the direction you want to go first? To warm my soul Moving into stillness is also motion. It’s construcAnd when all the noise makes it hard to hear tive, productive and is still a powerful step toward marching And my inner voice may not be so clear forward to the life you want to live. I will still my mind until I find What can YOU do to move into a quiet mind now? The music What NEW direction or decisions have the challenges you have faced inspired? I want to walk… And when I walk to the center of the center, I discover You are my sister, you are my brother And I invite you to come and walk with me During my own dance with some of the darker asBut if you do or you don’t I wish you… pects of mass-consciousness and family-related challenges, Peace. I, too, found myself seeking clarity and direction in order to consciously March Forward. Once I allowed the time to I want to walk…

MARCH ON!

STILLNESS IS ALSO MOTION

WALK

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Priscilla Du Preez

I want to walk And always find a friend I want to walk Where beauty never ends I want to walk I want to walk I want to walk And feel my inner fire I want to walk And let the flames of love rise Higher, Higher, HIGHER! I want to… Walk.

THE BOTTOM LINE: MARCH FORWARD

Motion is the call, the answer, the reason, the focus, the point, the everything.

Envision. Consider. Contemplate. Listen. Reach. Create. Act. Move. THIS is where the good, the radiance, the heaven, the juice, and the fire of life resides. Here’s to choosing to March Forward into the next season of your life with clarity, focus, joy, and resolve, and to being a powerful catalyst for conscious evolution for all who would Walk with you.

ALLOWING YOUR SUCCESS with Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann

Terez “Firewoman” Hartmann,“Your catalyst for all things Fab-YOU-lous,” is the author of Allowing Your Success!, a proud contributing author of Transform Your Life! book one and two, a professional Keynote Speaker/Workshop Facilitator, Singer-Songwriter/Recording Artist, “Allowing Adventures!” & “Savor Vacation” Facilitator, and true Renaissance Woman, and Visionary. She keeps her fire lit by embracing and promoting a lifestyle of “Allowing,” and by using creative expression to elevate and ignite the human spirit, a passion that she shares with her husband, soul-mate and creative partner of over 15 years, John Victor Hartmann. Together they share “Allowing TRUE LOVE” workshops and experiences designed to help others attract, allow, and maintain extraordinary relationships, and create custom jingles and voice-overs in their studio, THE Creativity Express. Visit: http://www.TerezFirewoman.com

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Who Will You Be?

Photo Credit: Unsplash/United Nations COVID-19 Response

Identity is a version of reality we experience according to the vision we are using. By Alan Cohen Many of us have lots of questions about what the rest of 2021 will bring. When will the pandemic end? Will I be able to return to my job, or will I have to reinvent myself? Will the kids be able to get out of the house? Will I be able go to a concert, travel, or visit my relatives? Can I hug people I love, or will everyone important to me be relegated to a little square image on my computer screen? Yet behind all of these questions is one that will more fundamentally determine our experience: “Who will I be?” A webinar participant told me, “I was in Manhattan at the time of the 911 attack. After that incident I called myself a ‘911 Victim.’ After a few years, I got tired of defining myself as a victim, so I called myself a ‘911 Survivor.’ That eventually felt too heavy for me, so now I call myself a ‘911 Witness.’ Where do I go from here?” “Now you become a ‘911 Student,”’ I told her. “Then you will graduate to become a ‘911 Master.’” After the webinar, I told my partner Dee about the participant’s progression up the ladder of identity. Dee replied, “After she is done being a 911 Master, she will ask, ‘What’s 911?’” When you grow out of a limiting self-definition, you leave it behind like a snake sheds it skin and moves on to new territory. Identity is not a fixed definition laid upon us by some external source. It is a version of reality we experience according to the vision we are using. If you feel limited by a painful identity, you can make a conscious choice to accept a more empowered self.

The best demonstration of experience by identity is Multiple Personality Disorder, more currently known as Dissociative Identity Disorder. Some people with this disorder display physical diseases in one personality, but no trace of the ailment in another personality. One personality could be severely allergic to citrus, and break out in hives when eating an orange, while another personality could eat a basket of oranges with no side effects. One personality could be diabetic and require regular insulin injections, while in a disease-free personality the individual would be killed by the same insulin dose. One personality could show a cancer that is entirely absent in another personality. You might ask, “Who is that person really?” The answer is, “Whoever they identify with in a given moment.” Ultimately, we are far more than any personality we claim. We are spiritual beings created in wholeness and perfection. Any identity we claim less than divine does not befit us. The spiritual path is one of ascending the ladder of identity, moving from denser and more painful identities to lighter and freer ones, until we discover there was never any ladder at all. Even while we moved through various imagined versions of ourself, we remain as God created us. Moving through the rest of 2021, we may be tempted to define ourselves as Covid victims, survivors, or observers. To the worldly mind, those identities may seem the only alternatives, but there are more. We could just as easily see ourselves as Covid students or Covid masters, empowered by the spiritual lessons we have learned, and passing them on to others

for their benefit. We can also rise entirely beyond Covid and choose an identity that has nothing to do with it. Abraham-Hicks said, “When a disease is diagnosed, the patient usually experiences an exacerbation of the symptoms.” This is because the patient assumes the identity of someone with that disease. We can make the principle work in our favor and reverse the result. When we refuse to identify ourselves with a particular disease or limiting situation, the symptoms of that disease or situation tend to disappear. Jesus said, “In my Father’s house there are many mansions.” “Mansions” means many rooms or realms of consciousness. Even as you read these words, there are many different realities that human beings are experiencing. Some are horrible and some are ecstatic. We each walk in the atmosphere of our own believing. Many people were glad to put 2020 behind them. It was a challenging year for most people. What if we chose to really put it behind us by not identifying with the symptoms blared on the news, but identifying with who God created us to be? What if we chose to leave old Covid ideas behind, and make space for a new and brighter version of who we are? When we hold steadfast to our true self, we are in the most empowered position to be healed and to heal, to be blessed and to bless. Healing is an identity shift from the body to spirit, from limitation to freedom, from fear to love. What seemed to happen does not have to have anything to do with what is happening or what will happen. It takes courage to accept and express our divinity. Finding and living that courage could be the greatest gift we receive in 2021.

Get Real with Alan Cohen

Alan Cohen is the author of many inspirational books including the bestselling A Course in Miracles Made Easy, and his new illuminating guide, The Master Keys of Healing. Become a certified holistic life coach through Alan’s life-changing training program beginning in September. For information on this program and Alan’s books, videos, audios, online courses, retreats, and other inspirational events and materials, visit http://www.alancohen.com.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Cristina Anne Costello

Wonder

Are you longing for that experience of innocence and awe that may now seem hidden behind masks and walls? By Linda Commito It’s easy to experience a sense of wonder when we are in nature. I am awestruck in the early evenings whenever I witness the ease and flow of 35 white Ibis as they glide in formation across the pale blue sky. I wonder what it feels like to fly so high riding the thermals in the sky? I watched in wonder the other day as an ahinga grasped a fish that looked way too big to slide down its slender neck. But after many attempts at subduing its dinner, it managed to gulp it half way down, looking as though it had swallowed a theatersized candy bar without chewing. To be honest, I’m finding more wonder in nature, in the wild creatures great and small, than in watching some of the humans who are causing much pain and suffering to each other and to planet Earth. But I’ve learned how to turn off the TV. Maybe like many others, I’m longing for that experience of innocence and wonder that may now

seem hidden behind masks and walls. Could that be the reason I’m noticing lots of puppies everywhere lately, as people welcome the joy and comfort of such pure love? Recently, I delighted in witnessing my friends’ adorable baby as she attempted her first steps. I wondered, when will she get the courage and confidence to support her body on her own two tiny feet? It made my heart smile. This past week, in an online workshop by Valarie Kaur, author of See No Stranger, she invited us to see “wonder as an act of revolutionary love.” It struck me that if we could open our hearts, to see each person with wonder as she suggests, thinking: “You are a part of me I don’t yet know,” we could cultivate an understanding and appreciation of each other and deepen connections. What if we invite others to share with a willingness to hear their story, feel their grief, listen to their fears, concerns or joy? How can we engage openly with each person, starting with our own family, in our

neighborhood or community, whether online, by phone or social distancing? Perhaps we need to take a step towards each other with curiosity and wonder to discover, not only our uniqueness, but our commonality. We might wonder, “What gives YOU hope or makes you feel grateful?” or “What keeps YOU awake at night?” or “How are YOU staying centered and connected during Covid?” or “What keeps YOU going when you want to give up?” How can we celebrate each other’s courage in making it through a tough day, be a support to those who have lost so much, including their sense of self and well-being, and to cheer those who continue to say YES to LIFE and to LOVE and to trying to create a better, more equitable world? From the quietest, steadfast heroes to those who are front and forward, we may wonder, “How do you keep your faith and commitment?” as we thank them for their dedication, bravery and inspiration. Let’s open ourselves to one another so that we might discover the wonder of who we are.

Love is the New Currency with Linda Commito Linda Commito, author, speaker, entrepreneur, consultant and teacher, is passionate about her vision to leave this world a kinder, more loving, and interconnected place. Linda’s award-winning book of inspirational stories, Love Is the New Currency, demonstrates how we can each make an extraordinary difference in the lives of others through simple acts of love and kindness. Her latest project, the card game Just Ask 1 2 3, was inspired by a desire to connect people of all different ages, beliefs and lifestyles to share our individuality and find commonality. Linda also created “Kindness Starts with Me,” a program, book and website for children. For more information visit http://www.LoveistheNewCurrency.com or visit the Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/Justask123game.

When You Don’t Hit the Jackpot

We all have different lessons at different times, and prosperity might not be up for you right now. 14

By Gregg Sanderson

I have painting that has a “Certificate of Authenticity.” As a Number One Metaphysical Game Player, I wondered how I could get such a certificate for myself. “Authentic: adj Being exactly as appears or is claimed.” I think prosperous thoughts and constantly affirm The Universe as my source. I live in an atmosphere of abundance. I have a lifetime of miracles including my latest big casino jackpot. I know the source of my supply. I have affirmations I haven’t affirmed yet. Considering all the years I’ve worked on my prosperity consciousness, you’d think I’d have it down by now. “I live in Infinite abundance”—but I won’t buy a carton of Coke unless it’s on sale. “I have a “millionaire mind”—but I still read the menu from right to left. “Prosperity is mine!”—but I haggle over fifty cents at a yard sale. “God is my supply”—but in spite of a lifetime of demonstrations, I still ask God “What have you done for me lately?”...I mean besides the jackpot. How can I get my own Certificate of Authenticity with all that going on? One day I asked in meditation, “Why, God, Why? I work so hard on my prosperity c onsciousness.

I pray, affirm, and paste positive Post-It notes on the mirror. I even carry around a fake million dollar bill, and I’m still broke. “Yet others who know nothing about Spirituality and don’t even have a guru are awash with legal tender. Why God, why?” You may think the answer was “…Because you’re a pain in the ass, that’s why.” But no. The message I received was, “Money’s not up for them right now.” Aha! One prosperous friend went through husbands like they were going out of style. They went out of style anyhow. Another had plenty of money, but was always sick. We all have different lessons at different times. Unless prosperity is yours right now, the Universe doesn’t care how much or how little you have. In Illusions, Richard Bach suggests there are two reasons for being on Earth — Learning and entertainment. Between the monkeys and their first cousins, we have entertainment handled. Learning is trickier, because we have to figure out what our lesson is before we learn it. I have developed a method to discover my lessons for this lifetime. I’m happy to share it with you now (drum roll, please): 1) Look at your life and notice what isn’t working. 2) That’s it. Don’t applaud. Just throw money.

Happiness is BS with Gregg Sanderson

Gregg Sanderson is author of Spirit With A Smile, The World According To BOB. He is a licensed practitioner in the Centers for Spiritual Living, and a Certified Trainer for Infinite Possibilities. His earlier books were, What Ever Happened To Happily Ever After? and Split Happens—Easing The Pain Of Divorce. His latest project is the New Thought Global Network, where subscribers can enjoy the best in New Thought presentations from anywhere at any time. You can see it at http://www.newthoughtglobal.org.

Unlock Your Potential

Hypnosis is a way to empower yourself to have the life that you truly want. By Rena Greenberg Two years before Dr. Wayne Dyer passed, I got a phone call from a woman in New York City. The bright voice on the other end of the line introduced herself by saying, “Hi, I’m Sally. I’m in New York, and my doctor referred me to you for weight loss.” I thanked her for calling and asked her, “Who is your doctor?” Her answer surprised me. “Dr. Wayne Dyer. Do you know him?” How honored I felt! I had met Wayne Dyer at Louise Hay’s, my publisher’s, 80th birthday party. I am a great admirer of Dr. Dyer’s life work and all that he overcame and created in his life. His life is an inspiring story of faith, trust and perseverance. He was passionate about his message and, despite many obstacles, he was determined to share it. My favorite quote from Dr. Dyer is:

“When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” His quote so eloquently expresses why my life’s work is using hypnosis personally and sharing it with others. Some people think hypnosis is some mysterious waving of a magic wand or controlling someone else’s mind. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Hypnosis, in the system that I’ve developed after doing hypnosisbased wellness programs in over 75

hospitals for more than 25 years, is a way to empower yourself to have the life that you truly want. It gives you the tools to be the person you want to be and live the life you desire. Hypnosis is a tool to help you change your thinking. Try right now to stop thinking sad, painful or fearful thoughts. It may feel impossible! That’s because it truly cannot be done with the conscious mind alone. But hypnosis, when used properly, can help you to access the deeper power of your subconscious mind—which can help you break free from any mental barrier or obstacle.

With hypnosis, you can achieve the happiness and freedom from negativity that your heart desires. Whether it’s weight loss, healing a relationship, getting healthy, improving finances or transforming any other area of life, I have seen miracles in my own life and the lives of others by tapping into the deeper power of the mind. The key to freedom always begins with a shift in your thinking—a broadening of your perspective. But if you, like Dr. Dyer’s patient Sally, could have done that with your own conscious mind alone, you already would have. By tapping into the power of your subconscious mind, every symptom you feel—tired, lonely, sad, frustrated, overweight, stressed—no matter how painful, can be transformed.

Happiness, energy, connection, purpose, wealth, weight loss and freedom are all waiting for you. So why do these desires often feel so unattainable or impossible to sustain? It’s because grasping and trying to force circumstances to be a certain way doesn’t work. What does work is letting go, widening your perspective and accessing your deeper, wise mind and infinite loving heart. By doing so, you can discover that the goals you have—even those that have been seemingly impossible to achieve—can be met. Every hypnotist has different goals. Stage hypnosis is meant to entertain. My life’s work is not about entertainment. It’s about helping others to wake up and break free from a life of limitation. Whatever is happening in your life right now has the potential to transform you to a higher level of perception and living. When you are willing to witness yourself in your problem state with compassion, and give this same mercy to all the other cast of frightened characters in your drama, you have the ability to widen your perspective to see the net that you are caught in. Hypnosis uses the power of images and suggestion. Through the lens of your heart, your feelings about your life can transform so that you can have the health, happiness and freedom that you deserve. That’s because when you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. Thank you Wayne Dyer for those insightful words of wisdom.

Love Life, Live Happy, Live Healthy with Rena Greenberg Rena Greenberg, a Hay House author, can be reached at http://www.EasyWillpower.com. Her weight loss and gastric bypass hypnosis success has been featured in 150-plus news stories including USA Today, Woman’s World, The Doctor’s, CNN, Good Morning America and Nightline. PBS stations nationally aired Rena’s show, “Easy Willpower,” in August 2015. Her wellness program is sponsored in 75 hospitals and 100-plus corporations. She conducts hypnotherapy sessions with people all over the world on Skype.

What’s Your Anchor?

My nephew JoJo’s boat race across the Atlantic Ocean became a metaphor for what had been thrust upon all of us in 2020 with the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic. 18

By Jo Mooy When the phone rang, the unfamiliar number on the screen had too many digits so I didn’t answer. It rang again with the same number. Surely it was spam. A few minutes later a text came from my niece telling me to, “Answer your phone!” On the third call, a voice said, “Auntie Jo, it’s me, JoJo! I’m calling on a satellite phone from the middle of the Atlantic.” JoJo is my nephew, Joseph Nunes, who lives in Antigua in the West Indies. His boyhood dream to row across the Atlantic ocean was in progress. At age 18, he was doing it with Travis Weste in the pairs category of the international Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge. The 3,000-mile race—considered the most difficult and grueling ocean-rowing event in the world—is marked by good crossings but also rollovers, off-season hurricanes, and harrowing rescues. Contestants (solo, pairs, or four-person crews) row westward from La Gomera off the coast of Spain to Nelson’s Dockyard in Antigua in identical 24 foot by 5 ½ foot fiberglass rowboats. I tracked the progress of the 21 boats, which was updated every four hours on the Talisker website. The single rescue boat, which on radar looked like it hovered nearby, was actually hundreds of nautical miles and days away from some boats. If help was needed, it would take some time for it to arrive. It was now in the hands of each rower to stay afloat and do what they had trained to do. When the boats left the safe harbor of the Canary Islands, their dreams collided with the reality of what rowing across an immense ocean meant. They were now at the mercy of the sea, the winds, the currents, and their own fears. The real challenge of strength, of courage, of fortitude, of conviction, and of endurance had begun. In that moment, the Talisker Challenge became a metaphor for what had been thrust upon all of us in 2020. The world left the safe harbor of normalcy to embark on a vast sea of uncertainty, fear, anxiety, separation and loss. JoJo and Travis trained for two years for this journey. They

had satellite phones to call for help. Solar panels to keep the electronics charged. A life-saving sea water to freshwater conversion unit. A GPS and beacons in case of emergency. Freeze-dried rations to last 90 days at sea. By comparison, none of us had any training on what to do during a worldwide pandemic. When the order came to quarantine the population was stranded like a pod of beached whales. Arguments devolved into gunfights over the wearing of masks. Food became scarce as the supply chain was derailed. Scientific experts who could navigate the conditions were silenced when social media and political “experts” took over the narrative. In rough seas, JoJo and Travis had to release the para-anchor. It’s a large parachute that acts as an enormous brake to stabilize the boat and prevent it from turning broadside into the wind. In the dark seas of 2020, where was our anchor? Constant emotional currents swamped our boats. What anchor did we put out? During a week of cloud cover concern mounted for the fleet. Without sunshine, the boats lost power. Without

sunshine, all electronics, navigation systems, and GPS went dark, losing their charges. Their life-saving water system was on manual crank until the sun came out. In our lives, the daily news cycle darkened our days and moods. Our personal navigational systems were on life support. We had to dig deep inside to find any small flame and keep it lit. Whenever the seas calmed, one of the boys jumped overboard to scrub barnacles from the bottom of the hull. He was tethered to the boat with a strap around his waist and one at his ankle. On days when the 2020 news was not as emotionally potent calm also prevailed. On those days it was much easier to enter deep states of relaxation, or meditation, or take refreshing walks in parks. Those interludes tethered us to sanity and helped to scrub the barnacles from the soul. Marlins, the fastest fish in the ocean, attacked a few boats. Their barbs punctured and broke off in the hull. One rower had to go overboard immediately to repair the hull with epoxy, no matter how bad the weather was. On land, when someone in the community had their heart pierced by

Joseph Nunes and Travis Weste, who live in Antigua, recently completed the international Talisker Whiskey Atlantic Challenge—a 3,000-mile race considered the most difficult and grueling ocean rowing event in the world. 19

outside influences, others found the courage to bypass their own fears of Covid’s barbs and jumped in to help the individual in need. The epoxy they used was a helping hand, a kind word, or just being there to ease the burden. Both young men were asked what they learned on this voyage. Travis said he learned he can do anything. At night, when he was tired and exhausted, he was faced with the immensity of the ocean and the endless rowing. He felt like giving up. Then he remembered that while he was the one physically rowing, people all over the world were rowing with them and he couldn’t give up. When all he saw was an endless sea it was okay. He told the radio interviewer that he had to “Keep pushing on! No matter what life throws at you keep pushing on. You will get there in the end.” On the satellite call JoJo told me about the crossing. He said the hardest time was at night when it was pitch black. The only sound was the

oars cutting through the waves. In the immensity of the ocean, he and the boat were so tiny. In those hours when he rowed alone, his only thought was “getting into the safety of the cabin” after his two-hour shift ended. When I asked him what he learned, he said, “We had a goal to beat the record. Halfway across I realized the experience was more important. I also decided when I get back to Antigua not to waste any more time on stupid things.” During the longest days of Covid’s reign of terror and the nonstop divisiveness in the country, we too sought safety inside. Many experienced the darkest night of the soul. Refuge was found in the home, away from the madness, rage, fear, and lies raging outside. We were protected there. Todos were set aside as we looked at all the effects the last 365 days had taken on us. The physical, emotional and psychic toll was shocking. We learned each person had to figure out how to get through each day.

After 47 days at sea and rowing 24 hours a day through all sorts of conditions, JoJo and Travis landed safely to Antigua. When they stepped onto the dock, both were wobbly and unsteady. They held on to each other and to the railing for stability. Arriving home, their ordeal at sea was over. But they faced new challenges like integrating back into society, sleeplessness, and the ever-present alertness for danger. It took a while, but they got through it all. We too stumbled through a year of pandemic fear and isolation. Six days into the new year, the attack on the U.S. Capitol signaled 2021 would be another year of discord. There are still endless obstacles to overcome and mountains to climb, but we did make it through some very rough seas. On the way to our safe harbor, two young men taught me that when the seas are most turbulent find your anchor and quickly toss it out to stabilize your boat. My personal anchor was meditation, gardening, quiet reflection, writing, and walks on the beach. But more importantly, I adopted their approach to dealing with the mindnumbing effects of whatever was happening around me. Don’t waste time on stupid things. And regardless of the circumstances, Keep pushing on!

BACKTheON DRY LAND story of JoJo and Travis’

3,000-mile row across the Atlantic Ocean, which also appeared in my February 2021 newsletter, was one of my most commented on articles. I rewrote it five times, trying to accurately balance the metaphor of the ocean race with our collective trials in 2020. Here are answers to some of the questions I received following their return: What was their first meal after the race? It’s traditional to give the contestants whatever they want to eat or drink for their first meal back on dry land. Every rower in every boat asks for a glass of fresh ice water. (They’ve been drinking converted sea water for weeks.) Their first meal was waiting for them in the Talisker tent. JoJo wanted a bucket of fried chicken. Travis’ mother made him homemade fungi and conc water, a local dish. 20

The boat used by JoJo and Travis, named Wolf, has made three trips across the Atlantic, and the race sponsor donated it to Antigua, where it will remain on permanent display in the island’s airport.

Tell us more about the bird that followed them? From the Canary Islands, a bird closely followed their boat. Birds that appear out of nowhere are usually spiritual messengers. This one may have been a messenger, as JoJo said it was always present when he

was rowing. The bird is called a Northern Storm Petrel. It’s a seabird that flutters over the ocean, never landing unless it’s breeding season. Sailors call the bird Mater Cara, another name for Mother Mary. The name of the last boat to finish the race is “Storm Petrel.”

What are JoJo and Travis doing Now? Since returning, they’ve been doing promos for Talisker, photoshoots, videos for Talisker documentaries, etc. Within 48 hours of reaching land, JoJo, of the sea and born to the sea, was back on the ocean fishing at dawn. Sounds like the Storm Petrel could be his totem. Would they do it again? When asked if they would do it again, JoJo was quick with a NO! Travis would like to do it again in two years. (The race is held every two years.) What were the effects of rowing for that long? It generally takes many weeks to recover. Both had trouble sleeping after their return, and it took a while to get their land legs back. Before the race, rowers are told to bulk up for the crossing. During the 47 days at sea, JoJo lost 35 pounds and Travis 10. Where is the boat now? “Wolf” made three rows across the Atlantic with Antigua teams. Because the 2020-2021 race got so much publicity, the sponsors decided to donate the boat to Antigua, which is known in boating circles as an icon in ocean fishing and racing. Wolf will now have a prominent place at the V. C. Bird International Airport, commemorating the efforts of the three Antigua rowing teams: Team Wadadli, 2017: Island Girls, 2019: and Team Antigua Pairs, 2021.

Conscious Living with Jo Mooy

Jo Mooy has studied with many spiritual traditions over the past 40 years. The wide diversity of this training allows her to develop spiritual seminars and retreats that explore inspirational concepts, give purpose and guidance to students, and present esoteric teachings in an understandable manner. Along with Patricia Cockerill, she has guided the Women’s Meditation Circle since January 2006 where it has been honored for five years in a row as the “Favorite Meditation” group in Sarasota, FL, by Natural Awakenings Magazine. Teaching and using Sound as a retreat healing practice, Jo was certified as a Sound Healer through Jonathan Goldman’s Sound Healing Association. She writes and publishes a monthly internationally distributed e-newsletter called Spiritual Connections and is a staff writer for Spirit of Maat magazine in Sedona. For more information go to http://www.starsoundings.com or email jomooy@gmail.com.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Baran Lotfollah

The Ripple Effect

We may not always reach the multitudes, but we each can follow our inner calling and do our best. By Dr. Mark Pitstick The Bhagavad Gita, a collection of Hindu wisdom teachings, says to do what you feel called to do and do it as well as you can, but don’t be attached to the fruits of your actions. That’s very important and practical advice since we usually can’t, from a limited human perspective, fully gauge the results of our actions. We take score too soon since we can’t see the big picture and, thus, judge outcomes prematurely. A ripple effect emanates—far beyond what you can sense—from your thoughts, words and deeds. So don’t get discouraged if you don’t seem to be making the impact you want. Do your very best and know that is enough. A personal lesson about this occurred years ago when I gave my first holistic health seminar. The very reasonable admission fee went toward refurbishing our city’s historic Majestic Theater. We publicized the event by radio, TV, newspaper and flyers and hoped for a full house of 300 people. The big day arrived, ominously, as the first warm sunny day of spring in Ohio. Not a good sign after a long cold and dreary winter. I figured maybe only 200 would attend because of the great weather. Show time approached and the crowd was very sparse, but I still hoped for a late rush to reach the 100 mark. At ten minutes before show time, only a handful of people were there,

but hope springs eternal. Maybe the crowd had encountered heavy traffic or trouble parking in our small town? Maybe escaped wild animals were keeping the crowd at bay? At ten minutes past starting time, only 15 people were there and half of them were friends and family members. I wanted to crawl away and never give seminars again. I felt humiliated and very discouraged. But the show must go on. I somehow did my best and made it to the intermission. In the backstage bathroom, I was still in shock about the turnout. What could be worse? Wrong question to ask, I quickly found out. I discovered—to my horror—that my wireless microphone was still on. But hope was still springing eternal . . . maybe the audience didn’t hear it. I peeked through the curtain and saw people rolling with laughter. They heard. It seemed like one of the worst days in my life, a total failure. Over time, I learned many lessons from that day—besides the obvious one about the microphone. We may not always reach the multitudes, but we each can follow our inner calling and do our best. If we reach only one other person, who knows how far reaching those positive repercussions might be. Here’s an example: One very special aftermath of my Majestic talk occurred with Ed, an audience member with terminal cancer.

He became a patient after hearing my discussion of spiritual awareness and holistic health. His condition was too advanced to respond to holistic health measures, but we had several fine talks about documented survival of consciousness after death. When Ed passed on, I visited the funeral home. He was beloved by many and the line of visitors was long. Ed’s wife, Jean, saw me and motioned for me to come up by the casket. It was the first time I had line cut at a funeral, but she insisted. She proudly introduced me to her family and shared the following experience that occurred just before Ed’s passing. Ed had been in a coma for three days and was very near death when suddenly he became alert. He couldn’t talk but kept smiling and pointing out the window up to the sky. When Jean started to leave to get a drink of water, he hoarsely gasped: “Don’t leave me.” She reassured him that she would never leave. He smiled, pointed excitedly again toward the sky and said, “I love you,” closed his eyes and passed on. Jean felt that our talks had decreased Ed’s fears, prepared him spiritually, and assisted his wonderful transition experience. So was my Majestic talk a flop or a grand slam homerun? Remember, you can’t judge the ripple effect of your actions from a limited earthly perspective. Perform your heartfelt missions to the best of your ability and don’t waste time judging the outcome.

Mark Pitstick, MA, DC is an author, master’s clinical psychologist, holistic chiropractic physician, frequent media guest, and webinar/workshop facilitator. He directs The SoulPhone Foundation and founded Greater Reality Living Groups. Dr. Pitstick can help you know and show—no matter what is happening to or around you— that your earthly experience is a totally safe, meaningful, and magnificent adventure amidst forever. Visit http://www.SoulProof.com for free articles, newsletters and radio interviews with top consciousness experts.

Focus on Eye Health

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Victorien Ameline

Treating macular degeneration and vision problems with Eastern medicine and acupuncture. By Dr. Carol Wentz Randaci Not long ago, I received a call from a friend whose mother was diagnosed with adult onset macular degeneration (AMD). Terribly upset, she asked me: “Can you imagine being told there is nothing to be done to save your eyesight over the long run?” While there may not be anything biomedicine can do to relieve her mother of this chronic condition, I said, “There is hope.” It is possible to treat vision degeneration—including AMD, glaucoma, macular hole, wrinkling, pucker, cataracts, ischemic optic nerve disease, retinitis pigmentosa (RP), diabetic retinopathy, and dry eyes—by addressing imbalances in the body’s metabolic systems. Using the principles of Oriental medicine, a healthy physical and energetic environment can be created so your body’s own systems can regenerate and maintain a correctly functioning network. Acupuncture, nutritional elements and regeneration programs all play a powerful roll in this healing process.

HOW ITAcupuncture WORKSneedles are put

in various positions on the body (but not the eyes). Since everything is connected, various combinations of acupuncture points in the hands, feet, legs, face, head, and ears are used to improve blood flow and stimulate nerve activity in the whole body— resulting in improvements to the macula. Acupuncture activates nerve impulses to the brain to stimulate the optic nerve, retina and, specifically, the nerve cells in the macula, awakening dormant cells and regenerating low-functioning cells. It dilates the blood vessels around the eyes and

increases blood flow to bring fresh food and oxygen to the retinal cells. And, most importantly, acupuncture initiates your own stem cell production to rejuvenate tissue. Microcurrent is an adjunct therapy used to aid in the treatment of AMD and improve the health of your eyes. Research has shown that there is a 500 percent increase in cell activity after low levels of microcurrent. This therapy has been used since the 1970s to treat muscular conditions in athletes, and in orthopedic healing and facial rejuvenation. Microcurrent works in five basic ways: improves circulation; stimulates cellular activity; reduces scar tissue; reduces inflammation; and stimulates stem cell activity. On the nutrition front, oxidative and nitrosative stress and chronic, low-grade inflammation are major risk factors contributing to the degeneration of body, brain and eye health. This is why antioxidants and anti-inflammatory plant-derived foods are so beneficial. Studies have shown that the consumption of a diet rich in phytochemicals can reduce neuro-inflammation and activate the expression of crytoprotective and restorative proteins. It’s clear from thousands of studies that animal and animal byproduct consumption is a leading factor in inflammation. Numerous studies (from Harvard Medical School, Cleveland Clinic and other scientific institutes) designed to examine the relationship of diet to AMD based on the Alternative Healthy Eating Index have concluded that a healthy non-animal diet will not only prevent the complications of inflammation, clogged arteries, diabetes, high blood pressure, IBS, leaky gut, chronic pain conditions and other illnesses, but

also reduce the dietary risk of age related macular degeneration. The benefits of acupuncture ophthalmology as part of a comprehensive treatment plan can last from a few months to years. Each case is different and factors like coexisting health issues, medications, diet, stress levels, lifestyle complexities, and compliance all play a role in how well the treatments take effect and how often someone may need to return for follow-up treatments. All patients require some degree of follow-up treatment to maintain healthy blood flow to the macula, and advanced cases usually require additional treatments closer together. On average, most patients come for maintenance once to twice a year, and those with early-stage AMD can benefit by receiving treatment every one to two years.

AMD TREATMENT PROTOCOL If you are wondering what an

AMD protocol might look like, our ReVision Eye Clinic offers a 10-day treatment program. We look at physical problems and emotional issues that are contributing to eye problems, as well as nutrition. During the 10 days patients receive two full acupuncture treatments each day including: • Constitutional Oriental medicine diagnosis • Micro-acupuncture, microcurrent treatment • E-stimulation and frequencyspecific therapy • Sound and light therapy • Oriental medicine formula and homeopathy • Vital essential oil therapy • Post treatment acupuncture check-ups at one, three and six months.

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Melanie Kreutz

EAST MEETS WEST Many patients with wet mac-

ular degeneration also receive regular injections for retinal bleeding from a Western medical doctor. When East meets West in the medical world, you are getting the knowledge and experience of a holistic, naturopathic, Oriental medicine perspective, along

with cutting-edge diagnostic treatment from conventional doctors. Of course, it is always best when physicians are supportive of treatments to help you heal any condition you have. However, remember that most physicians today are in a difficult position and not free to recommend anything outside of what’s customary within their field of specialization, so edu-

cate yourself and find an acupuncture physician/Oriental medicine doctor knowledgeable in treating AMD.

“The Eyes are the window to your soul” —William Shakespeare

Dr. Carol Wentz Randaci is the director of the Vegan Culinary Institute in Sarasota, FL, a board certified Oriental Medicine Doctor and Acupuncture Physician, Energy Therapist, Naturopath and Hopeful Human. Dr. Carol has trained with alternative medicine’s finest physicians and has practiced Raja Yoga meditation under the guidance of Ram Chanrda, Babuji Maharaja for 36 years. You can reach Dr. Carol at AiZen Healing Center by emailing aizenhealing@gmail.com or calling 941.284.8894.

Self-Care Check In

Photo Credit: Unsplash/Carolina Sanchez

It’s time to embrace who we are— fully and with reverence. By Mary Boutieller

We can carry these messages of love or neglect throughout our lives, a llowing them to shape and shift us, until, one day, we finally decide that we are worthy, not because we are good or great or smart or athletic, but because we are who we are. And although I grew up to be a strong, competent, courageous woman, still I find that I will sometimes ignore the whispers of love my body and heart try to tell me.

How are you doing today, in this moment, as you begin to read this article? What is the felt-sense of your body? Is your heart heavy or light? Is there restlessness or calm, energy or tiredness, sadness or joy? Are you somewhere in the middle or are you simply numb? I ask these questions because we don’t often check in with ourselves. We move from thing to thing, place to place, project to project. We regularly check on others’ well-being, but somehow we ignore our own personal state of being. When did we stop noticing the subtler signs of depletion, exhaustion or even The Buddha said, “You exhilaration or the soft taps on the shoulder that ask us to pay attention...whether to illness or to wonder. yourself, as much as anybody in I think that maybe it starts somewhere in childhood, when it is frowned upon to pay too much the entire universe, deserve your attention to one’s self. I remember being a bit of a hypochondriac as a child. I often didn’t feel well and love and affection.” realize, now, that it was the only way a child’s mind could think of to get the attention of an exhausted single mother trying to raise five children on her own. And I imagine that I simply wanted to be seen; More now than ever, I will pause and inquire I wanted to be loved. about how I am feeling; I will stop mid-flight and realize that what I’m doing is not filling my cup but emptying it. How do we give of ourselves if our own cup is dry? We start, of course, by tapping in to our Brené Brown said, “Owning our own inner voice. We love ourselves enough to allow our body the rest it needs. We release, once and story and loving ourselves through for all, the self-judgmental criticism that haunts our waking minds and tells us we are not good enough. that process is the bravest thing We simply listen inwardly and say “no” and “yes” with compassion, honoring where we are in this we’ll ever do.” present moment.

All of us have more to offer than we think— our own unique set of skills and talents and dispositions—a mixing bowl of amazingly diverse ingredients that make up our collective humanity. We would no more want for everyone to be the same than we would want to eat the same meal over and over again. How boring would that be?! Instead, let’s embrace who we are, fully and with reverence.

Eckhart Tolle said, “You find peace not by arranging the

circumstances of your life, but by realizing who you are at

I’ll leave you with this

quote from Beau Taplin: “Selflove is an ocean and your heart is a vessel. Make it full, and

any excess will spill over into the

lives of the people you hold dear. But you must come first.”

If we want the world to heal, we have to start here. It’s an inside job.

the deepest level.”

When we train ourselves to dismiss the messages of our own self-care, we can also risk missing the subtle waves of joy, happiness, and contentment that feed us. We might think that our lives are ordinary, our efforts insignificant...and that can’t be further from the truth. You, my dear sweet soul, are worthy. Let these words permeate your life. Take time to care for yourself and fill your own cup to overflowing. Let your truth speak louder than the words of others and love yourself unconditionally. You are deserving of your own love.

The Yoga of Life with Mary Boutieller Mary Boutieller is a Registered Yoga Teacher through Yoga Alliance. She has been teaching yoga since 2005. Her work experience includes 22 years as a firefighter/paramedic and 10 years as a Licensed Massage Therapist. Mary’s knowledge and experience give her a well-rounded understanding of anatomy, alignment, health and movement in the body. She is passionate about the benefits of yoga and the ability to heal at all levels through awareness, compassion, and a willingness to explore. She can be reached at: SimplyogaOm@gmail.com.