wynpress TERM 2 + 2021
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editor's letter Summer Dreyden if you're waiting for a sign, this is it. Olivia Behrens why do i fear life? Okuhle Jokazi wynberg girls' high: our home away from home Taherah Orrie a guide to essential oils Sadie Kennedy heart of gold Zakiyah Salie born to work? Leah Brown the eternal obsession with youth. Hannah Hill
the ultimate guide for a south afrcan trip. Emma Press the classroom of life Jenna Ryklief the sound of the rain Laila Moosa swear by the wear Chloë Harding soul food Michelle Maneya books about life to help you find your meaning Jaime Lodewyk my purpose Haaniya Carelse
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SUMMER DREYDEN
"The essence of life is to care. The beauty of life is to give"William Arthur Ward
"It is better to create than to learn! Creating is the essence of life."Julius Caesar "CHANGE IS THE ESSENCE OF LIFE; CHANGE IS THE GREAT CHALLENGE, THE GREAT CONSTANT. CHANGE IS THE ULTIMATE TELLER OF TALES."-SARAH BAN BREATHNACH
"The energy of the mind is the essence of life."Aristotle
EDITOR'S LETTER AS SEEN IN THE ABOVE QUOTES, WHEN IT COMES TO THE INEXPLICABLE QUESTION OF WHAT MAKES LIFE 'LIFE', WHAT SETS US APART FROM ALL THE OTHER PLANETS IN THIS GALAXY AND THE NEXT, WE CANNOT SEEM TO AGREE ON ONE SINGLE TRUTH. PERHAPS, THIS IS BECAUSE THERE IS NO ONE CORRECT ANSWER, BUT BILLIONS OF ANSWERS WHICH ARE CREATED BY OUR DIVERSE PERCEPTIONS, BELIEFS, PASSIONS AND EXPERIENCES.
WE ALL HAVE OUR 'REASONS WHY’': THE REASON WE BRAVELY CHOOSE TO FACE OUR DAYS HEAD-ON- AS THE MORNINGS GET COLDER AND DARKER- WHEN THE IDEA OF LIVING LIFE FROM THE COMFORTS OF OUR BEDS SEEMS FAR MORE APPEALING. “THE REAL YOU IS NOT YOU, THE REAL YOU IS WHAT IS WITHIN YOU. WHAT IS BEHIND YOUR JOY OR YOUR MELANCHOLY. WHAT GIVES YOU THE REASON TO PONDER. WHAT MOVES OR STOPS YOU. WHAT MAKES YOU YOU IS YOU.” ― ERNEST AGYEMANG YEBOAH
WHATEVER IT MAY BE, AS WE FEARLESSLY SETTLE INTO A NEW TERM, THE WYNPRESS COMMITTEE CHALLENGES YOU TO THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU LOVE AND WHAT YOU LIVE YOUR LIFE FOR AND TO MAKE THIS WORTH YOUR WHILE. THEREFORE, WE INVITE YOU TO EXPLORE OUR 'REASONS WHY' IN THIS ISSUE'S THEME, THE ESSENCE OF LIFE, WHERE PIECES RANGE FROM DISCOVERING WHERE YOUR SIGN TO START LIVING IS HIDING TO THE WONDERFUL WINNING POEMS OF OUR POETRY COMPETITION THIS TERM. WE SINCERELY HOPE THAT OUR LATEST ISSUE SERVES TO HELP YOU, OUR INCREDIBLE READER, TO FEEL ASSURED OF YOUR PURPOSE!
IF YOU’RE WAITING FOR A SIGN, THIS IS IT. We all have the notion that once we get through some or other hardship in life, life will undoubtedly be great, and we’ll be free to do as we please. It is the idea of living your life as if it is a prequel to your desired story thinking that your life has not truly begun yet. Once you have the money; once you graduate from school; once you move into your own apartment; once you are in a stable relationship; once, once, once. Then, finally, after you have ticked everything off your list, you will begin to live and everything leading up to that moment is some insignificant prologue that you can dismiss. Human beings are greedy by nature and therefore, this list is ever-growing. Lengthening as the years of our life correspondingly do. And so, I beg the question: when do we really, truly and utterly start living? Being a fairly methodical and analytical person, I wish there were some statistics to answer this question. Knowing that if I just keep going a little bit longer I will soon reach nirvana and life will fall neatly into place, which will give me great comfort. But alas, I do not think that’s going to happen. I have asked a number of people this question and received different answers from each one, showing that the answer is different for everyone. One answered that it is not an age but a state of mind. You need to reach a certain mindset to be able to see your life through a vivacious set of eyes. Another answered that you have moments throughout your life where you feel high-spirited and “alive”. The carefreeness when you are a child and the adventures you go on as an adult all make life worthwhile.
Personally, I do not think there is any age or stage in life where you can say that your life really and truly started. There will always be a struggle, a mountain or an anthill, depending on the magnitude, to overcome because that is just how life works - one battle succeeding the next. It is, therefore, about living despite it all. Feeling free in those little acts of rebellion: wearing flip flops and toe socks, dyeing your hair every colour of the rainbow, having leftovers for breakfast and cereal for dinner. Challenging the idea that there is only one way to live. Finding joy in small or negligible things that may seem unimportant to someone else but mean the world to you. Inhabit your life wholeheartedly and own who you are currently so that you can shape where you are going.
Do not wait for COVID19 to pass, for school to be over. Start now: join a club, go for long walks on the beach and introduce yourself with ‘the Great’ attached to the end of your name. There is no point in waiting for some anticipated version of your life to begin when you could truly start living now.
-OLIVIA BEHRENS
Why do I fear the stars Maybe it’s how far they are And the fact that I can’t touch them Like how it isn’t fair not being able to manipulate them The way I’m constantly manipulated Why do I fear the stars Could be the jealousy I harbour because of the beauty they possess Like how is it fair that you in my world Yet don’t get judged as much as I am Why do I fear the stars I fear the hope it gives me Maybe my future could be as bright But then stars disappear And my hope is tampered with Why do I fear the stars They are so loved The love I crave they possess They love I’m denied they're given But what guarantees that they’ll love me back if I give them my love Let’s talk about the peace I get from watching them Been on earth for 16 years And still can’t find that peace in me Happiness? Man. I’m happy alright Been wishing on a shooting star No blood just wishes But why do I fear the stars I fear what doesn’t fear me The essence of life in me is starved And stars though not considered life Have it figured out way more than me
-Okuhle Jokazi
WYNBERG GIRLS’ HIGH our home away from home
They say home is where the heart is. Our Wynberg heart is found within the warm smiles of our groundskeepers, the yearning for change and justice amongst our students, and the nurturing nature of our teachers. It is located around our breathtaking grounds, found deep within our engaging school council, amongst the resilience of our community, and nestled between our gracious values and beliefs. Being in an adaptive environment such as that of Wynberg Girls’ High has left a remarkable impact on the lives of many students and our greater community. The Essence of Life within our walls is the promise of growth and positive change, which has been kept and continues to be built upon. Our ever-changing space creates room for new ideas and customs, yet there will always be traditions and quirky wonders which will forever allow Wynberg to feel like a permanent home.
To many individuals, Wynberg has provided a safe space for learning and expression. In a society where children and adults often experience criticism for selfexpression, a space such as ours has allowed us to engage in conversations involving important societal issues or discoveries within our world. The freedom within class spaces enables students to learn more about themselves and others. This honesty and compassion empowers learners and is one of many key principles which define the Wynberg community!
Numerous teachers agree that Wynberg would not be what it is without the colourful vibrations of music throughout the quad at breaks. This creates a fun and playful atmosphere while students destress for about 20 minutes or so, laughing about and snacking away! Accompanying these tunes is the breathtaking view of Table Mountain, which often serves as the backdrop for many sports events and selfies at school.
Referring to pre-pandemic events, one of the most lasting memories was that of inter-house challenges! A time of coming to school dressed up in the craziest colours and wildest hairstyles, anticipating a sore throat by the end of the day. These events consisted of dance challenges where students would bust their best moves; house plays showcasing our school’s hidden DiCaprios; and nothing less than adrenaline-fueled hockey and netball matches! 2 nights and 3 days of no homework, what a dream! These memorable times in many of our school lives are the Grade 9 and 11 camps: a period of fun, smouldering heat and ultimate team bonding! Unfortunately, our newer additions to the Wynberg family haven’t experienced this, under the reign of Covid-19. However, the echoes of crawling through mud and the experience of eating noodle salad with 200 other kids will live through the tales and amused laughter of those who came before.
The Essence of Life at Wynberg encompasses different practices and reminiscences to different individuals throughout our school. No matter how long our lives are put on hold and despite the ever-changing circumstances, few things remain the same: the fixed remembrance of our vibrant lifestyles before the pandemic, the patience we maintain as we navigate through the present day, and the ambitions and hopes we bear for a prosperous future!
-TAHERAH ORRIE
ESSENTIAL OILS
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There is an abundance of different uses for essential oils, including aromatherapy, alternative medicine, perfumes and skincare. There are possibly even more varying opinions on whether these compounds, extracted from plants, possess the properties that many claim to have transformed their lives. Essential oils are concentrated plant extracts through distillation or cold pressing. I enjoy combining essential oils or simply using one scent and dotting the oil on my pulse or chakra points to obtain a more natural perfume that helps me feel more connected to the Earth.
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Aromatherapy is likely the most common use of essential oils, which involves inhaling the scents through diffusers, humidifiers, out the bottle or from the skin. Aromatherapy has recently gained more recognition in science and medicine. It has been found that inhaling essential oils can stimulate the limbic system, which is the vital part of the brain that plays a role in memory and emotions. There have also been studies that recognise the medical benefits of essential oils such as treating fungal infections, sleep aid and reducing stress.
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It is important to recognise the history of essential oils and aromatherapy in cultures. Before essential oils were adopted by Western cultures and commercialised, the ancient cultures of Egypt, India, China and others, used the aromatic components of plants in medicinal and religious practices as early as 4500 BCE. Many neopagan religions and spiritualities also use this practice in rituals, enhancing their health and connection to the mind, body and spirit. Remember that, despite some contradictory opinions, it is not advised to consume or ingest essential oils. Some people may also experience negative skin reactions to the concentrations used, and should, therefore, dilute these oils with carrier oils or test them on the skin before regular usage. Particular essential oils may be toxic to some animals and should be used with caution to avoid being ingested by your pets. Below is a list of some of my preferred essential oils and their benefits: Tea Tree: anti-inflammatory, antibacterial. I like to use it as a spot treatment for acne as it reduces pain, swelling and redness. Lavender: reduces stress. Add to a carrier oil or water and spray on your pillow to help with sleep. Sandalwood: aids in focus and reducing stress; also helps medical issues Ylang ylang: boosts mood, stimulates oil production of skin Rose geranium: promotes emotional stability, alleviates pain This is my personal fragrance to wear!
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The power of essence cannot be seen, heard or felt... My essence has woken up when I self reflect on harsh times during an unpredictable pandemic. It's remembering who I am and what my values are. When I make people feel something happier, my heart warms up by life's embrace that I have a purpose to serve . My essence unfolds when dancing with my heart of gold
-Zakiyah Salie
BORN TO WORK? Something I think we’ve all wondered at some point in our lives: what is the purpose of life on this earth? What are we meant to be doing? Why?
Today I present to you one pessimistic theory: we were born to work. That is the essence of life. From a young age, we’ve been taught the importance of working hard to get what we want. Parents and teachers have encouraged us to do well in order to succeed, in order to get a “good” job. The idea of work has been drilled into us to a point where we can’t imagine a world without it. We look down on those who choose not to work, work less or simply not as hard as others. Throughout our lives, we are constantly working towards something. When you’re a toddler, life is fun and enjoyable. However, without being aware of the fact, you’re actually working towards going to preschool and primary school. In primary school, you work hard to get into high school. The majority of your teenage years are spent working to get into university. We’re supposed to work hard at university in order to get a job. From there, we may be stuck in a career where we are slowly working towards our own death.
The reality is, we are all working towards working. Whether we realise it or not, this is the goal we have subconsciously set for ourselves. Since having a job or a career is something we all cannot avoid, there are certain things we can do to make it more bearable. Firstly, it is important to pick a career you enjoy. This ensures that it feels more like a passion than a job. Furthermore, it is important to find a healthy balance between work and pleasure. Take time to rest; do things that feed your soul. Rather work towards going on holiday some day or spend your money on things you actually enjoy. After all, work may be the essence of life, but passion changes everything.
-LEAH BROWN
THE ETERNAL OBSESSION WITH YOUTH
Ever felt that pang of guilt arise when you question an older individual about their age? Why is there such a stigma around doing this, as if age is something to be ashamed of?
SOCIETY, CREEPING ITSELF BACK INTO OUR WORLD OFYOUTHFULNESS. INSECURITIESBEING YET AGAIN, TENDS TO FOCUS ON PART OF PARTICULAR AGE GROUPS AUTOMATICALLY PUTS PEOPLE IN STIGMATISED BOXES. EVERYONE IS FACED WITH EXPECTATIONS TO ACHIEVE SPECIFIC GOALS TO TICK OFF DIFFERENT AMBITIONS AS WE GROW OLDER AND REACH MATURE AGES.
We come to expect the underlying comparisons and calculation of our successes and appearance by the questioning individual, ourselves. So when the question arises, perhaps it is the immense weight we feel we are put under that leaves us feeling disgruntled. We all have an idea of what a fulfilled life appears to be, but when people impose their own opinions onto others, especially in the media, it can become somewhat harmful. Of course, many use their age as a guideline to the type of life they believe they should lead at the time.
VARIOUS CULTURAL OBSESSIONS SHOWCASE THE SUCCESSES AND THE PASSING OFLIGHTHEARTED MILESTONES “UNDER IN ONE’S30”LIFE.BUCKET FOR EXAMPLE, WHEN LOOKING AT INTENTIONALLY LISTS, A SENSE OF PURPOSE CAN STEM FROM SUCH LISTS. THEY CAN HELP PEOPLE BECOME MORE GOAL-ORIENTED, BUT SIMULTANEOUSLY CREATE PANIC WHEN ONE STRUGGLES TO MEET THESE,OFTENTIMES UNREALISTIC, AIMS WITHIN A LIMITED PERIOD OF TIME. Then, of course, there is the inconsistency between genders when comparing societal expectations. Women, typically praised for looking “youthful and beautiful for their age”, feel pressured to play into the endless existence of beauty standards to avoid judgement. The timeline of anti-ageing products progressed from Cleopatra taking skin-softening baths in donkey milk to the invention of Botox for frown lines! Over the years, plastic surgery and anti-ageing products have become so normalised that there are now multibillion dollar industries all around the world. This only emphasises the misconceived idea that only a youthful appearance equates to beauty.
BECAUSE OF THESE PRESSURES, PEOPLE ARE OBSESSED WITH AGE FOR THE SAKE OF APPEARANCE, BUT WHAT ABOUT ANOTHER BLATANT REASON? DEATH. A FEAR THAT MANY HAVE, ALTHOUGH WE ALL REACH IT AT SOME STAGE. SCIENTISTS HAVE EVEN BEGUN TO LOOK AT NOT ONLY CURING DEADLY DISEASES BUT AIMING TO PREVENT DEATH ITSELF.DLY DISEASES BUT AIMING TO PREVENT DEATH ITSELF.
ITWISDOM. SHOULDEMBRACING BE NOTED THAT AGEING GIFTS HUMANITY WITH ALL STAGES OF LIFE AND LETTING GO OFMUCHPOINTLESS TIMELINE OBSESSIONS COULD MAKE US SO HAPPIER IN THE LONG RUN. ALLOW LIFE TO UNFOLD ORGANICALLY, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT AGE IS JUST ANUMBER! NUMBER!Y, AND ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT AGE IS JUST A -Hannah hill
the ultimate guide for a south african trip
Drakensberg Mountains
Emma Press
It's very easy to underestimate how beautiful our country is when you see it every day. It is only once we depart from our state that we genuinely start to appreciate all that we have. Whilst there are hundreds of activities and charms to explore down south, there are a few which I consider to be absolute "must-sees"!
Throughout my many trips and travels, I had never come across a gem as such, until I visited the coolness of the Drakensberg Mountains. Picture this: it’s the middle of winter, the sun has barely melted the frost off the knee-length grass and the only colours surrounding you are those of winter. Swirling wind, between the shivering grass, replicates the ripples of cool water.
It's icy outside, but you know that soon enough you’ll be back to the warmth of your lodge. Tomorrow you might try skiing down the nearby slopes; maybe you’ll go for a ride; or why not indulge in a treat at the spa? Regardless of your daytime passings, at night you’ll fall asleep beneath breathtaking views and flickering stars.
Although this terrain might sound like a relatively harsh environment, I found that coming from the exhilarating rush of cold into a place so warm and comfortable, you'd do anything to stay forever. To whatever extent of anti-outdoors you are, it is guaranteed that this retreat will leave you wanting more!
Cederpeak Guest Farm When I first came across this hidden haven, it was still a private and closed-off squat of cottages, topping a mountain. This tucked-away village is perfect for a weekend of relaxation, reading, hilly hikes, and some laps in the various pools and nearby dam. As it is open to the public, I presumed this meant noise, crowds and a general lack of peace. Luckily, this place was pure serenity. It's an environment where "finding inner peace" stops feeling so impossible.
Cederpeak is full of natural diversity and rich in history. Reminiscences can be seen across cave walls all around the farm. It's a place of seclusion, where you go to find yourself. This farmthemed delight truly is gorgeous, so much so I almost regret letting you in on the secret!
West Coast National Park
If you’ve ever wanted to see an array of colours as far as the eye can see, look no further than the West Coast National Park! During the spring, the vast expanses of flora are almost all that is visible. It’s truly one of the most awe-inspiring images you could ever indulge, even if you’re not much of a plant enthusiast. Despite all this beauty, flowers are known to release some not-so-super allergens, such as pollen. For this reason, I would highly recommend bringing an antihistamine with you. Unexpected allergies can really put a damper on things!
In the wondrous world of South Africa, there will always be more to see, to do and appreciate. Our only hope is that this treasure is preserved and valued by future generations for many years to come..
a n , d g n i w n h r y a e l i s g i n t impor o l e f i l s tant? i t a h W
We live in an ever-changing world that presents opportunities to learn daily, so we do so regularly without much notice. It may take the form of getting the knack of a new app or mastering a new recipe, but no matter how great or insignificant the lesson, the learning process is ongoing. Humans are naturally lifelong learners.
We learn new things every day, but that does not mean we can’t be more proactive about lifelong learning. With the internet at our fingertips, we have constant access to a wealth of information on just about anything our hearts desire. We are also able to acquire information through reading books or newspapers and interacting with others who know more about a topic and are willing to share their knowledge.
-JENNA RYKLIEF
The sound of the rain The sound of droplets hitting a surface, Is like falling in love with poetry verses.
It falls at different tempos like music by Mozart, The sound of rain is pure and utter art. Let the drops be born in the sky and die on your cheeks, Let yourself feel the cold air as your little heart weeps. Forget everything, worries and stress, Let the rain turn your hair into its natural mess. The clouds cry so plants can grow, You may hurt now but in due time you’ll glow. The sound of droplets hitting a surface, Is like falling in love with poetry verses. It falls at different tempos like music by Mozart, The sound of rain is pure and utter art. Let the drops be born in the sky and die on your cheeks, Let yourself feel the cold air as your little heart weeps. Forget everything, worries and stress, Let the rain turn your hair into its natural mess. The clouds cry so plants can grow, You may hurt now but in due time you’ll glow.
-LAILAH MOOSA
ashion:
the
term
that
some
adore
and
others detest. I've never been a big fan of shopping, even if I gain a new garment or two. While some may love the thrill of attaining
new
clothes,
I've
always
felt
nervous at the idea of whether the clothes would actually suit my style and appear to fit me well.
As the trends in the social world change and old fashioned styles are reinvented into modern looks, the constant updating of closets can become a hassle for many. If you're like me, you'll understand the struggle of finding a proper fashion aesthetic, especially when you tend to gravitate towards everything in the store! !
Building up your style and discovering items you like can influence your character and personality, especially when around others. The more comfortable you are in your own look, the more honest you will come across to strangers. While building your unique style can be difficult, especially when you don't know where to start, I truly believe that these are the basic closet essentials needed to achieve successful couture.
Plain and long sleeve tees
These minimal yet absolute necessities are quite useful to have in the cupboard. While commonly recommended colours to purchase include black and white, having other varieties, such as striped or pastel options, can be helpful when trying to find a simple, yet stylish, top to wear. Plain tees are essential for on-the-go activities, or for merely lounging around the house.
-Chloë Harding
Jeans: straight-legged and skinny
Skinny and straight-legged jeans are a must-have in anyone's closet. They're extremely versatile, not to mention comfy! Want to be casual? Wear a pair of jeans with a t-shirt and sneakers. Want to be formal? Wear some jeans, with a cute blouse and a pair of snazzy heels. These denim devils are pure lifesavers and can take your outfit from a 0-100!
Jerseys and Knits
Although these woolly wonders are not always for everyone, they can be quite fashionable if you’re looking to spice up any ensemble. Whether you like big jerseys, tight knits or even cropped fleeces, they're extremely easy to wear and affordable to purchase. If you're one to go for a more comfortable, cosy look, having a couple of jerseys can really bring out the softness of one's personality, aside from the warm fuzziness of it all!
Fashion is truly an essential part of our daily lives. Even as the world diversifies and trends shift, it makes all the difference to be comfortable in your style of clothing, while looking great in doing so!
The aroma attracts us. Igniting our senses, we hear its call and dare to take an appreciative glance. A rumbling complaint from our stomachs sends signals to our hands to pick it up, place it closer to our mouths. And, at last, our taste buds are rewarded with a spectrum of flavours. In a culturally diverse world, food is the immersive experience that brings us together. This is done through the relationships we grow, whilst sharing and cooking foods of our own or from borrowed traditions. To celebrate the role of food in the enrichment of our lives, let's take a look at the list of unique cultural dishes from all around the globe!
SOUL FOOD -Michelle Maneya
1: Balut You may wrinkle your nose in disgust at the thought of eating a fertilised duck or chicken egg. However, balut is recognised as a national dish in the Philippines! It is an extremely popular street food as well as a significant dish used on special occasions in the Filipino culture. Often described to parallel a chicken soup-like taste, this may be appealing to those chicken lovers out there, myself included, but I will have to leave this one for the brave food enthusiasts out there, looking for something new to try out.
2: Puffin Heart In a country with the highest puffin bird population, Icelanders surely appreciate their national bird in every way. Previously a dietary staple, puffin heart is now considered a delicacy and cooked by being smoked or boiled in milk. It is also said to be most delicious when consumed in its raw state! That is one hearty meal…
3: Mopane worms In the Shona language of Zimbabwe, they are called madora. These worms are caterpillars from the Emperor moth species that feed on the leaves of the Mopane tree. A good source of protein, and, once sun-dried, can be added into a stew, porridge or simply as a crispy afternoon snack. 4:Fried tarantulas Arachnophobes, stay clear of this one! Cambodia makes use of your eight-legged enemies by deepfrying them in oil, then seasoning them with salt. These hairy creatures are served occasionally with a bowl of noodles or rice. Terrifyingly tasty, I’d say! 5: Jellied moose nose This indigenous Canadian delicacy consists of pieces of a hairless moose nose cooked slowly over a fire. Preferred spices are added, and it eventually develops a jelly texture by cooling. Sounds... interesting (to say the least).
6: Morcilla While many of us consider blood a waste product, Spain has spared no part by creating some delectable blood sausage. It consists of pig's blood mixed with rice and onions. It is dried through until the sausage turns dark, almost black, in colour. Despite a rather repulsive description, this dish promises a soft and creamy tang that might just be enough to tantalise your taste buds into taking a courageous bite!
7: Surströmming Known for a foul odour so strong that it can only be eaten outdoors, fermented Baltic herring from Sweden leaves many feeling squeamish at first sight. Nevertheless, it is enjoyed by Swedes so much that they accumulate in a festival around it each year. Perhaps the taste overrides the pungent smell? 8: Chapra This spicy ordeal is an Indian chutney that uses red ants and their eggs, flavoured with chilli, salt and ginger. The unusual recipe is believed to have healing properties, especially when relieving an aching stomach. Useful and possibly enjoyable.
THE TAO OF POOH BY BENJAMIN HOFF USING CHARACTERS FROM A. A MILNE’S INFAMOUS CHILDREN’S BOOKS, WINNIE-THE-POOH, BENJAMIN HOFF EXPLAINS THE CONCEPT OF TAOISM. THE TERM “TAO” LITERALLY MEANS “THE WAY” WHICH ULTIMATELY LEADS TO THE SAME CONTENTMENT POOH EXPERIENCES IN HIS STORIES. TO ILLUSTRATE SOME OF THE IMPORTANT COMPONENTS OF TAO, SUCH AS THE EMPTY MIND, HOFF INCLUDES SOME STORIES FROM THE ORIGINAL WINNIE-THE-POOH BOOKS. THE TAO OF POOH WAS WRITTEN WITH THE INTENTION OF TEACHING THE READER HOW TO RETAIN THEIR HAPPINESS AND REMAIN CALM DESPITE THEIR CIRCUMSTANCES. THE WINNIE-THE-POOH STORIES SERVE AS EXAMPLES TO STEER READERS TOWARDS A BETTER UNDERSTANDING OF TAOISM AND HOW THEY CAN APPLY IT TO THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE.
THE HAPPINESS PROJECT BY GRETCHEN RUBIN AFTER COMING TO A SHOCKING REALIZATION WHILE SITTING ON THE BUS, GRETCHEN RUBIN SET OUT ON A JOURNEY TO PURSUE TRUE HAPPINESS. THE HAPPINESS PROJECT IS A SUMMARY OF HER YEAR-LONG EXPERIMENT WHERE SHE STRIVED TO FIND EVENTS, HOBBIES AND SIMPLE DAILY ACTIVITIES THAT WOULD MAKE HER MOST CONTENT. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE HAPPINESS PROJECT AND OTHER BOOKS OF A SIMILAR GENRE IS THE DISTINCT FACT THAT RUBIN DIDN’T DO ANYTHING DRASTIC TO ACHIEVE THE RESULT SHE WANTED. SHE DIDN’T QUIT HER JOB; SHE DIDN’T PACK UP HER LIFE AND MOVE TO ANOTHER CONTINENT; SHE DIDN’T SELL ALL THE BELONGINGS-ALL SHE DID WAS CHANGE SMALL COMPONENTS OF HER LIFE. EACH MONTH SHE FOCUSED ON ONE AREA OF HER LIFE THAT SHE WANTED TO IMPROVE AND SHARED HER EXPERIENCE AND RESULTS IN THIS ONE LIGHTHEARTED, LIFE-CHANGING NOVEL. THAT TEACHES THE READERS THAT SMALL THINGS CAN MAKE BIG DIFFERENCES.
EAT, PRAY, LOVE BY ELIZABETH GILBERT WRITTEN AS A MEMOIR BY ELIZABETH GILBERT, EAT, PRAY, LOVE FOLLOWS HER LIFE AS SHE GOES FROM A SUCCESSFUL WRITER WITH A HUSBAND AND A HOME TO A LOST DIVORCEE SEEKING A LIFE THAT MAKES HER FEEL ALIVE. FROM ITALY TO BALI, ELIZABETH GILBERT DEDICATES ONE YEAR OF HER LIFE TO HEALING OLD WOUNDS, ATTENDING TO HER NEED FOR JOY AND CONTENTMENT AND LEARNING THE ART OF BALANCING WORLDLY PLEASURE WITH SPIRITUAL TRANQUILLITY.
Elizabeth spends 4 months in Italy indulging in the culture and cuisine and discovers the importance of enjoying all that the world and life have to offer (“Eat”). The next 3 months are devoted to working with an Indian Guru, whom she meets in the USA, to find her divine spirituality (“Pray"). The year ends with her experience in Bali, Indonesia, where she strives to develop a balance between the two: materiality and divinity. However, she ends up falling in love with a Brazilian businessman (“Love). This 352 - page memoir exemplifies the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone to pursue a life you believe to be worth living regardless of your age and circumstances.
I WILL NOT DIE AN UNLIVED LIFE BY DAWNA MARKOVA I WILL NOT DIE AN UNLIVED LIFE DESCRIBES HOW AUTHOR DAWNA MARKOVA NAVIGATES THROUGH LIFE AFTER BEING DIAGNOSED WITH A LIFE-THREATENING DISEASE. HOWEVER, SHE REFUSES TO LET HICCUPS DOWN THE ROAD IMPACT THE WAY SHE LIVES THE LIFE SHE HAS BEEN GIVEN. USING SITUATIONS AND RECOUNTS FROM HER JOURNEY, MARKOVA GUIDES THE READER TO UNLOCKING THEIR PURPOSE AND SENSE OF WORTH AS SHE ENCOURAGES THEM TO CHASE THEIR PASSIONS AND INTERESTS. THIS BOOK HOLDS THE KEY TO MANY SIGNIFICANT LESSONS THAT HELP US REDEFINE OUR MINDSET AND KEEP US IN TOUCH WITH OURSELVES AND OUR VALUES. MOST IMPORTANTLY, HOWEVER, I WILL NOT DIE AN UNLIVED LIFE TEACHES US THAT IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO LIVE YOUR LIFE AND FULFIL THE PURPOSE YOU BELIEVE YOU WERE GIVEN.
OH THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! BY DR SEUSS WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT THAT A SIMPLE CHILDREN’S NOVEL WOULD HOLD SUCH A PROFOUND MESSAGE THAT FLEW OVER OUR HEADS WHEN WE READ AS CHILDREN. OH, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! ILLUSTRATES THE STORY OF THE MAIN CHARACTER WHO HAS TO VENTURE THROUGH MANY ABSTRACT LANDSCAPES AND CHALLENGING GEOMETRICS, EVENTUALLY ARRIVING AT “THE WAITING PLACE”, WHICH WAS ULTIMATELY A PLACE WHERE EVERYONE WAS WAITING FOR SOMETHING TO HAPPEN. HOWEVER, OUR MAIN CHARACTER KEEPS MOVING AND MAKING THEIR WAY THROUGH EVERY OBSTACLE AND NEW EXPERIENCE.
THIS ONE BOOK HAS BEEN AND WILL FOREVER BE AN INSPIRATIONAL CLASSIC TO BOTH CHILDREN AND ADULTS. SOMEHOW THE COLOURFUL USE OF LANGUAGE AND POETIC DEVICES MIXED WITH THE VIVID, OUTOF-THIS-WORLD ILLUSTRATIONS MADE THE READER - WHETHER A CHILD OR AN ADULT - FEEL AS IF THEY COULD ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING. THIS STORY PROMISES THAT A LIFE OF ADVENTURE AWAITS. WE MUST JUST BE WILLING TO GET OUT OF THAT COMFORT ZONE AND SEIZE THE OPPORTUNITY.
by haaniya carelse
Our passionate writers for their awe-inspiring works and for their endless commitment to excellence Ms. Lawrence for her never-ending guidance and expert eye in ensuring publishing perfection DR. Wallace for giving us her golden seal of approval The Communications Team for sharing our work with the Wynberg Family and lastly, to you, our brilliant readers for your continuous support. A very special congratulations and thank you to all the poets who have won and contributed to the Term 2 Poetry Contest! *Images and cartoons are courtesy of Canva (www.canva.com)