NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2012
Pursuing His Passion For Helping Others
Who Inspires
Doug Clerget
You?
LIVE Interview
12
41
World Famous Pianist,
Negativity and the Holidays
20
Weber Iago LIVE Interview
Weber Iago,
World Famous Pianist
Listen to Music Sampler Click Here
4 36
Roasted Garlic & Lentil Soup
29
Cover Š Tommy Han Photography
Contents Mindful Living 10
The Birth Of Fair Trade We know Fair Trade to be a global effort of partnered communities holding hand across the oceans.
11 Fire safety in the home We never think anything bad is going to happen and God forbid anything ever does.
12
Pursuing His Passion For Helping Others - Doug Clerget Doug and his cousin, Jason Clerget cofounded Dollar Per Month™ Charitable Foundation. Interview by Wiesje Brion & Shiela Strubel
19 Mindful Magazine - News & Events
12
Read to learn up any upcomming events.
20 Negativity and The Holidays - Expert Dan Bolton More and more these days it seems like we hear, “Look on the bright side of life.”
22
on the cover
Beat The Holiday Blues The holiday season is upon us and although it is a season of joy, family and food, it can also be a season of mild depression and anxiety.
Mindful Spa & Beauty Wellness 23 What Steam Can Do For You & Your Body - spa of the earth Steam is a world wide health and wellness therapy that has been circling the the globe for centuries! Cover photo by Tommy Han Photography www.tommyhan.com
2
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
25 Supercharge New Hair growth - spa of the earth We all want to keep the natural hair that we already have.
23
25
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness 26 Health & Nutrition to keep the Blues at Bay A big factor that we have to focus on during the holiday season is our diet.
28 GMO Foods: Why they’re bad for you and the environment. Did you know that genetically modified organisms (GMO) were originally created to help farmers with their crops.
29 A Healthy Winter Recipe - Healthy Kitchen Roasted Garlic and Lentil Soup. Legumes are a source of soluble fiber, vitamin B6 and folate which are good for our nervous system.
30 What you put in your body affects your skin — skin disorders
29
Everything that you intake may feed or starve your cells.
32 Daily Exercise Routine to Beat The Blues Exercise is important during these winter months.
Spotlight 34 Love it! Products you’ll love Gifts $35 and under
36 Guest Interview — World Famous Pianist, Weber Iago He is one with his music. Interview by Wiesje Brion
41 Inspiration - Who Inspires you? We are inspired by Diversified Exposure, Inc. for creating a safe listing for GLBT in America.
36 MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
3
Contributors
Experts and Guests
Please welcome the following to this month’s issue.
Dan Bolton M.A., LMHC
Expert, Dan Bolton is a psychotherapist in private practice with a focus on self-esteem, self-actualization, and healthy relationships. Dan’s blogs about men’s relational health, the importance of fatherhood, self-development, as well as the pitfalls of parenting and dating. www.danbolton.com
Liz Harrison currently resides in San Antonio, TX after a journey that has taken her from North Carolina to Washington among other places. She says, “Life is a journey in itself and I try to learn about myself and others on a daily basis. I have always enjoyed being active and discovered my love of yoga five years ago. I have recently become interested in Reiki and have completed levels 1 and 2. I hope to continue on the path of the spirit and am happy that I have been presented with this opportunity to write.”
4
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Liz Harrison
Letter from the Mindful Team
6
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Letter from the Mindful Team Most of us love this time of year! It is all about joy, love, family, giving thanks and celebrations; the holidays can also bring about negativity and depression. So pay special attention to your health and the safety of you, your loved ones and the environment. Negativity and the Holidays by expert Dan Bolton can help you stop the negativity before it becomes holiday stress and drama (page 20). This issue’s theme is Eco-Safety. It encompasses aspects of being responsibly mindful of our actions and preparing for the unexpected. Being prepared keeps us in good standing for what’s to come. We wish for the best but we are prepared for the worst — giving us hope for whatever may come. Within the realms of safety, we wrote about being mindful by having a home fire safety plan (page 11). Plan, Practice, and Prepare your home. Food safety … in our article about GMO foods, you’ll learn why they’re bad for you and the environment (page 28).
&
Foundation. They are saving the world one dollar at a time. Find out more about this one of a kind non-profit that supports a tremendous collection of causes by going to their website www.dollarpermonth.org. We interviewed Doug Clerget, co-founder of Dollar Per Month™. You can read what he had to say and/or watch the LIVE interview at MindfulTV! Join us in this wonderful partnership to share mindfulness to the world. (page 12) Wiesje had the incredible privilege of meeting and interviewing the humbly, talented world acclaimed, Weber Iago — a World Famous Pianist, Weber Iago (page 36). View the LIVE interview on MindfulTV and tell us what you think! You will notice that we have a new writer in this issue, Liz Harrison. You can learn more about Liz on page 7. She wrote, Beat the Holiday Blues, Health & Nutrition to keep the Blues at Bay, Daily Exercise Routine to Beat The Blues, and A Healthy Winter Recipe.
Looking for the perfect holiday gift? Check out our LOVE IT! section (page 34), we found some natural, recycled and upcycled gifts, perfect for giving.
Our wish for this issue is that we give you the guidance you need to keep your hope circulating. Give the gift of health and safety to yourself and others. Until next time, happy holidays and be well!
The holiday season is a time of giving, we partnered with Dollar Per Month™
As always, please feel free to email us, we happily encourage your letters.
Wiesje Brion Founder & Chief Editor
ShielaStrubel Founder & Creative Director
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
7
mindful mind • body • wellness September/October 2012 Editorial
Wiesje Brion Founder & Chief Editor Blanca Winter Duncan Copy Editor
Production
Shiela Strubel Founder & Creative Director
We’d love to hear from you
Share your interests. Let us know how we’re doing. In all your correspondence, please mention your name, address, email and phone number. Articles/letters may be edited for clarity and space. Email: info@mindfulmag.com • Website: www.mindfulmag.com
Subscription
Subscribe online, it’s free! Thanks to our subscribers and those who put faith in us to produce this publication. www.mindfulmag.com/subscribe
Copyright © Mindful Magazine LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction of the content of Mindful Magazine in part or whole without written consent of the Publisher is strictly prohibited. Opinions expressed may not necessarily be those of the Editor or Publisher. Mindful Magazine LLC, as Editor and Publisher, does not endorse and makes no representation, warranty or guarantee concerning the safety or effectiveness of either the products and services advertised in this magazine or the weight lifting or other techniques discussed or illustrated in this magazine. Mindful Magazine LLC does not verify claims or information appearing in any advertisements contained in this magazine. While advertising copy is reviewed, no endorsement of any product or service offered by any advertisement is intended or implied by publication in Mindful Magazine. The health content in Mindful Magazine is intended only to inform, not prescribe, and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice of a qualified health-care professional. We do not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.
mindfulmag.com Go online and get more out of Mindful.
STAY CONNECTED
Mindful Living
The birth of
FAIR TRADE We know Fair Trade to be a global effort of partnered communities holding hand across the oceans. However, did you know that it all started in 1940 with just a handful of organizations from North America and Europe who decided to make a difference and collaborate this crazy plan to connect with poverty stricken communities with amazingly artistic skills and exquisite exotic foods and help them by selling their items to new markets.
All the while advocating and protecting the trades person skills and their highly desired treasures. Today you can find many products from soaps to teas with a Fair Trade label. If you love the power of creating and spreading a safer more prosperous world then support your Fair Trade by purchasing products that support the cause. For every dollar we spend on these local Fair Trade products we not only support our
local community but we also are spreading the wealth to our long lost brothers and sister from far across the world. We are encouraging a better life for our fellow workers in these far off lands by relieving exploitation, and promoting environmental sustainability. So take the cause into your own hands and help us make a difference in this world. by Wiesje Brion www.fairtradeusa.org
FAIR TRADE — THE STORY FAIR TRADE USA
EVERY PURCHASE MATTERS Fair Trade goods are just that. Fair. From far-away farms to your shopping cart, products that bear the Fair Trade logo come from farmers and workers who are justly compensated. They help farmers in developing countries build sustainable businesses that positively influence their communities. With Fair Trade USA, the money you spend on day-to-day goods can improve an entire community’s day-to-day lives. Watch the video to learn more.
10
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Photo courtesy of Fair Trade USA
Mindful Living
We never think anything bad is going to happen and God forbid anything ever does. There is something to be said about preparedness. It is a hard fact that smoke can travel through a house in just a few minutes and it only takes as little as thirty seconds for a fire to get completely out of control.
It is a good idea to have a practice run of what to do — more than once is best — especially if there are little ones in the home. If you can not live without your pet, make the pet part of the practice, but do this safely as if in a real threat. Remember that each human being is most important. Your life and your family’s life is first and foremost. It is not always common to know your neighbors — fire safety is a great reason to get to know who you can trust. Before disaster strikes get to know your neighbors, you may need them, and they may need you.
Making sure that your family knows what to do in case of a fire, with team work and a plan you can insure safety for everyone. Laying down some ground rules is key. Each family member must know the rules before the situation ever arises, so that there are no questions on what to do.
Basic Fire Safety Drill u
Choose a safe place outside for everyone to meet.
u
Drop to your knees to crawl under the smoke. If on fire … stop, drop and roll!
u
Know at least two ways to get out of each room. Use the back of your hand to check handles, if a door handle feels hot find another escape.
Leave immediately! Get out and stay out. No going back for the favorite stuffed animal or the fish.
u
Call for help.
u
Prepare Your Home u
Have smoke alarms installed in each room & stairway.
u
Place fire extinguishers in the kitchen & at least one on each floor.
by Wiesje Brion Fire Awareness Kid Games www.usfa.fema.gov/kids www.sparky.org *Contact your local Fire Department for additional tips on Fire Safety.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
11
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview
Pursuing
His Passion For Helping Others
d oug clerget
Doug was born and raised outside of Tacoma, Washington. He attended Eastern Washington University and then worked in finance and commercial real estate. Doug is a 33 year old single dad and nothing matters more to him than his son, Austin. He and his cousin, Jason Clerget co-founded Dollar Per Month™ Charitable Foundation, the revolutionary philanthropy site in June 2011. Since then, they’ve gained more than 1,000 members and have donated thousands of dollars to more than a dozen charitable organizations.
12
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview Introducing Doug Clerget, co-founder of Dollar Per Month™ Charity Foundation (DPM™). You may also recognize Doug from ABC’s The Bachelorette — Emily Maynard Season. Interview by Wiesje Brion and Shiela Strubel Wiesje and I had the pleasure of meeting Doug Clerget this September 2012. He greeted us each with a warm hug, rather than a hand shake. This being Mindful’s second recorded interview, Doug was patient with us and our giddy butterflies, we sincerely appreciated that. I remember him saying, “We’re going to have fun!”
Wiesje Brion: Thank you Doug for the opportunity to share with us your thoughts on being mindful. We love your foundation and giving back, it’s so mindful of you! How did you get started with Dollar Per Month™?
Doug Clerget: I get asked that question Wiesje Brion, Doug Clerget and Shiela Strubel in Woodinville, Washington — attending the Dollar Per Month™ Benefit! at Matthews Estate; Bed and Breakfast - Winery/Vineyard. Mindful Magazine donated a $250 valued basket to the event for the live auction. The event successfully collected around $9,000. We all had a wonderful time!
“Ourgoal is to raise $10 million a month for charity. Thanks to social media this number is obtainable.” -Doug Clerget
14
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
a lot. As a child I had a pretty rough childhood. I saw a lot of things that you wouldn’t want anyone to see as a kid. As I’ve gotten older, I thought, if I truly wanted to take a stab at making the world a better place, how would I do? Dollar Per Month™ is the child of those thoughts. One night I got out a big white board and started thinking, you know one of those Jerry Maguire moments. The business model for DPM™ came together and it’s simply based on if everyone just gave a little, then we could direct those dollars to the best of the best organizations, the non-profits that are actually affecting real change in the world. Then we would all actually help to make the world a better place.
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview Shiela Strubel: How does Dollar Per Month™ work?
DC: So there was this grand idea of making the world a better place and we had to figure out how to practically put that together. Living in the 20th century, you all know social media is a big deal and we all have short attention spans. My cousin Jason Clerget (37 year old — co-founder DPM™) and I started to put together the practicalities, we thought how are we going to put it together? How are we going to make it interesting? It occurred to us that there are so many good organizations out there; there are actually approximately 1.4 million non-profits plus or minus in the U.S. today. Our plan came down to showcasing three charities on our website each month (36 a year), then we would hold a vote to keep it more interesting for members. And then it was how do we get people to sign up? Should we call it $10 Dollars Per Month, $5 Dollars Per Month, what is the minimum somebody should be able to give? We decided a Dollar Per Month™. This gives those that only have a dollar to give to still do something meaningful and feel like they matter … they can make a difference!
DPM™ Founders & Cousins — Jason and Doug Clerget
SS: What does the future hold for Dollar Per Month™?
2) Secondly, use DPM™ as a way to reward
DC: We have three main goals:
the best non-profits out there for the good work that they already do. It feels really good to be the guy signing the checks that we send to the non-profits thanking them for the work they do!
1) One, is to create a change on the way people think and make giving back a normal part of everyday life.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
15
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview 3) The third goal is that we want to become large enough so we can incentivize charities to become more responsible with their own donor contributions and to focus on their giving philanthropy. Charities are selected based on financial responsibility, disclosure, and actually making a difference. Only charities where the vast majority of donations go directly to the cause are chosen. We want to be a beacon of light where you can trust where your money is going. Our goal is to raise $10 million a month for charity, which seems like a large number
for a small philanthropic organization. But, when you consider that as of September 2012, Facebook has over one billion active users, the number becomes obtainable.
WB: We know that you and co-founder Jason Clerget mainly run Dollar Per Month™, who else is involved? And how do others get involved or volunteer?”
DC: We have been very fortunate, we get a lot of emails from people who want to volunteer. We actually picked up a gal on the East Coast named Kelly Tchorz. She is
The concept of DPM™ is simple. People donate a small amount – the average is about $8 per month, but can be anywhere from $1 to $1 million – to DPM™, which researches and selects three reputable and responsible charitable organizations that members vote on each month. The top vote getter receives 50 percent of the raised funds; second place gets 30 percent and third, 20 percent. Everyone wins. This concept is a breath of fresh air and gives so many people a chance to feel like they are making a difference. Mindful Magazine chose DPM™ as our Giving Back partner. You can view our LIVE interview with Doug Clerget on MindfulTV!
Special thanks to Matthews Estate for letting us facilitate our interview at your venue.
16
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview amazing! She is our developer manager; coordinating social media strategies and the volunteer program, while also creating the blog and newsletter for DPM™. Kelly came to us from the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. Jason and I are all about volunteering, we volunteer our time completely. We are always looking for people who can help put on events. For people to share our foundation through social media, anything that will help us get the word out.
DC: DPM™ is a really amazing organization
WB: Is there anything else that you would
DC: We are a registered 501(c)(3) public
like to share with our Mindful readers?
to be a part of. I am only one guy in Seattle and my problem is growing the charity. Opportunities to talk about DPM™ are wonderful. It’s all about letting people know. I know it takes time — it’s like a relationship — people have to know, like and trust us.
WB: For the biggest skeptics, how do they know that the money they’ve donated to DPM™ is actually getting to these causes? charity that was formed on June 15, 2011.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
17
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview We have just crossed over our one year anniversary so our initial income tax return (form 990) will be available for public inspection. We believe in full transparency, every dollar in, every dollar out.
Getting Personal with Doug After we discussed Dollar Per Month™ and how amazing it is, we got personal and brought up Doug’s appearance on The Bachelorette. I asked Doug, “Are you still single?” Doug answered with a smile, “Yes, I’m still single.” So ladies, he is available! Next I asked, “What are you looking for in a women?” Yes, a tough questions! He answered with, “Well as most know, I am a single dad and my son is the light of my life and he’s almost 13, he’s turning into a such a little man. So somebody that wants to genuinely love my son. She has to have a genuine interest in my son and not just getting to know me. Obviously chemistry. Funny and adventurous.” We found out that Doug loves to travel around the world. And if it’s a board, he’ll ride it … surfing, skiing, snow boarding, wake boarding that’s just what he grew up doing. Finally, I asked due to rumors, “Do you really prefer blonds?” Doug laughed and said. “I don’t know why people keep saying that? That’s all I hear - Doug only dates blond girls. That’s not true at all. I do not discriminate based on hair color or anything else.” Rumor debunked!
Mindful Annual Spring Event 2013 Wiesje and I are pretty excited to help Doug and Jason by bringing more awareness to 18
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Dollar Per Month™. We look forward to our new partnership and we can’t wait for our Annual Mindful Spring Event 2013. Doug and DPM™ will be co-hosting. It’s going to be big and we foresee that it will make an impact on our community! Doug has graciously offered us the g chance to choose a charity close to our hearts for the month of May. If you would like us to look at your charity, please email us a link with details. This event will be held in the Portland, OR/Vancouver, WA area, at this time, please only submit charities that represent this area. If you are in another area, you can email DPM™ your details. We are looking for donations, sponsors g and volunteers for our Spring Event, let us know if you’d like to help in anyway. Be sure to stay tuned to receive details on our upcoming Annual Mindful Spring Event 2013, co-hosted by Doug and Dollar Per Month! You won’t want to miss it. For updated information go to our website www.minfulmag.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Twitter. Email info@mindfulmag.com.
“If everyone just gave a little, then we could direct those dollars to the best of the best organizations, the nonprofits that are actually affecting real change in the world. Then we would all actually help to make the world a better place.” - Doug Clerget
Mindful Living - Giving Back Interview
Get involved! Volunteer and support Dollar Per Month™. You can easily make a difference, you can help others and make an impact on the world! www.dollarpermonth.org facebook.com/Dollarpermonth twitter - @dollarpermonth Business owners, you can help additionally by purchasing advertising with Mindful Magazine, we give back 3% of your ad dollars to DPM™.
Mindful Magazine: News and Events Thank you for subscribing to Mindful Magazine. We would like to announce that we will be changing our publication calendar. Starting January 2013, we will be publishing quarterly instead of bimonthly (Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall). This will allow us to give events and to grow. Now you will receive your subscription mid month January, April, July and October. Cheers to the new coming year! Best wishes to you, your family and community!
Upcoming Mindful Events Mindful Launch Party - January 2013 (Details to come via social media and by personal invite.) Annual Mindful Spring Event 2013 As mentioned in our interview with Doug, he is co-hosting our Spring Event. (SAVE THE DATE and details to come via social media and by personal invite.)
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
19
Mindful Living: Expert
Dan Bolton Expert, Dan Bolton is a psychotherapist in private practice with a focus on self-esteem, self-actualization, and healthy relationships. Dan’s blogs about men’s relational health, the importance of fatherhood, selfdevelopment, as well as the pitfalls of parenting and dating. www.danbolton.com
“Johnny had a ‘grumpy day’ today. This was his face all day. Now it’s mine, too.”
20
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Mindful Living: Expert
Negativity and the Holidays More and more these days it seems like we hear, “Look on the bright side of life.” You might say that this sounds cliché, perhaps unrealistic. You could choose to see the cup half empty and this might feel comfortable to you. If you’ve battled with depression at any time in your life you might not only find that feeling negative is within your comfort zone because it is familiar, but you may be less aware, or even unaware, that you seek out this negativity. It may sound counterintuitive, but people can in fact become addicted to negativity. Pain and negative emotions activate the reward centers of the brain, causing unconscious addiction to those negative emotions. It turns out that pain and negative emotions (e.g. self-pity, anger, guilt) also activate the beta-endorphin and dopamine pathways.
People think of the reward centers of the brain as the “pleasure centers,” so it makes sense to them when someone gets addicted to cocaine, or crack, or sex. “That’s the addiction that people know. But you don’t need cocaine or meth or crack to create a selfreinforcing addictive circuit in the brain. Anything
that activates the betaendorphin or dopamine pathways will do.” The other route I often see in with depressed clients is that family members will argue with the person trying to reason them out of the depression. This is an impossible task to take on for a friend or family
Photo Credit – Piotr Przeszlo
MindfulMag.com | July/August 2012
21
Mindful Living: Expert member because their loved ones brain is addicted to the adrenal-cortisol release that comes from the negative emotions. Instead of bringing their loved one out of it by rationalizing them out of their negative state, this usually leads to a sense of helplessness, and they end up being infected with the negativity themselves. The quote above is a parent’s frustrated response about their child being grumpy they shared on Facebook, highlighting the process I just explained. As the holidays are approaching this may be especially relevant as the people who have spent years playing out these family dramas reunite. This addictive cycle can play out with anxiety as well, with the anxious person stuck in predicting negative outcome from those pesky loved ones this holiday. For example, the anxious person may get stuck on the thought “My husband is going to get all depressed when his mother is here, like he always does, and ruin Thanksgiving for everybody again!” And to the person experiencing the anxiety it feels real. But when it really boils down to it, they don’t
know how it will turn out. It is easy to get wrapped up in this kind of anxious thinking called Fortune Telling. The ironic thing is that this drama from the anxiety can be the one that triggers the hypothetical husband’s depressive cycle rather than his mother. He may be thinking, “Oh, here she goes again giving me a hard time before anything has even happened. I wish she would at least give me a chance before harping on me!” So, what can you do? Be proactive. Take notice of whether you recognize these patterns in yourself this holiday season. If so, when others start cycling, take a step back and try something different. If they have not chosen to do the same self development you have chances are they are not going to change for the time being. Let them cycle through their drama without inserting yours. The good news is that it only takes one person to break the cycle. www.huffingtonpost.com/drali-binazir/addiction-recoverywhy-we_b_603566.html
Beat The Holiday Blues The holiday season is upon us and although it is a season of joy, family and food, it can also be a season of mild depression and anxiety. The shorter days means that our bodies aren’t getting the natural light that we crave, which can lead to a mild depression. Also, planning family gatherings and getting all of that holiday shopping finished can also bring about anxiety. During this time, if you feel overwhelmed or feel a mild depression coming on, don’t forget to slow down and breathe! For more suggestions on how to lighten the mood during this hectic holiday season, follow Liz throughout the magazine as she shares Mindful Health & Nutrition tips, Fitness tips and try her Healthy Winter Recipe. Your blues won’t know what hit them! by Liz Harrison © Some rights reserved by John-Morgan
22
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Mindful Spa & Beauty Wellness
What Steam Can Do For You and Your Body
“Give me the power to create a fever, and I shall cure any disease.” - Hippocrates
Steam is a world wide health and wellness therapy that has been circling the globe for centuries! Steam Therapy has been around since ancient times by means of hot springs, steam baths, steam rooms, banyas, saunas, and sweat lodges. Therefore, if you are enjoying the warmth of a steam shower in your own home or traveling the world experiencing an ancient old tradition of the Turkish bath or the wild-open hot springs of nature, you are receiving some pretty amazing benefits! Steam Therapy is a great alternative to improve and maintain good health and beautiful skin. The benefits of Steam Therapy are numerous as they address all levels of the physiology, while creating mental relaxation and peace. Photo Credit – .shock/ spa massage woman
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
23
Mindful Spa & Beauty Wellness
Some health benefits include: Weight Loss by way of the steam increasing blood flow, stimulating the lymphatic system which helps to speed up the metabolism in turn burning more calories per day. A healthy, low-fat lifestyle combined with regular steaming can result in effective weight loss.
Immunity Booster & Relieves Allergies/Asthma — One of the biggest reasons to steam is for relief from respiratory infection. Due to the warm wet heat opening airways and soothing inflammation in the lungs and nasal cavity, reducing discomfort and helping to shorten the duration of the infection.
Improves Circulation which in turn brings more oxygen to cells and decreases the risk of hypertension, hardened arteries, muscle function, and more blood flowing through the heart, which helps combat fatigue and exhaustion.
Detox stored waste and loosen congestion through out the body.
Reduces Inflammation & Edema by releasing trapped water retention.
Cellulite Reduction can be possible if coupled with vigorous dry brushing and proper water intake.
Beautiful Skin — Steam has been known to address skin concerns such as acne, dry skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and this is done through release of congestion in the skin.
Eases Sore Muscles & Joint Pain Relief by an increase of blood circulation which expands muscle tissue and releases tightness.
Stress Relief is experienced through the release of endorphins in the brain due to the cozy warm air, which relaxes the mind and relieves mental tension.
Because of all the beneficial physical changes happening to our body during steam therapy, the emotional level begins to balance and therefore relieving stress. Steam benefits are great for these reasons among other more serious ailments. Wellness Spa’s have taken steam to a whole new level. Do you ever wonder if it is just marketing, or are all those tantalizing treatments really doing something for you? The answer is as wide as steam can travel but for the most part a wellrespected Spa will want to keep their name in good standing and only offer what they have researched to be beneficial. Steam treatments with herbs have actually been around for almost as long as steam treatments have been around and aromatherapy has wonderfully additional benefits coupled with steam. Do not be afraid to try something new, you may be surprised how incredible you may feel after a nice spa treatment such as Steam Therapy. by Wiesje Brion
www.spaoftheearth.com 24
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Steam contraindications Pregnant
Lymphedema
Loss of Sensation
Systemic or Chronic Conditions
Diabetes Hepatitis Seizure Disorders Multiple Sclerosis
Cardio Vascular Conditions Recently ate within an hour
Mindful Spa & Beauty Wellness
Supercharge New Hair Growth
Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo Shampoo Base 2 oz. Castile soap flakes (can be purchased as flakes or grate them yourself) 2 Cups Distilled water 1/8 tsp Jojoba oil 2 drops Rosemary essential oil 1 drops of any one essential oil listed below *Rosemary is know to strengthen hair and reduce hair loss. **Rose, Lavender, Lemon, Chamomile, Swiss Pine; these also help to prevent hair loss.
1.
ROSEMARY We all want to keep the natural hair that we already have. Have you noticed that your hair has began to thin? Try making your own shampoo with essential oils that can wake-up new growth! Start using this recipe now to prevent hair loss. Find ingredients at your local health food store, pharmacy or local soap supply store. by Wiesje Brion www.spaoftheearth.com Photo Credit – Karin Hildebrand/Rosemary Plant Photo Credit – Mike Monaghan - www.bluesunsetdesign.com/Woman in Field
Simmer and stir Castle soap flakes and distilled water until soap flakes are dissolved.
2.
Let cool in a jar.
3.
Scoop into blender.
4.
Add essential oil ingredients.
5.
Blend until smooth.
6.
Store in a jar and use in place of your shampoo. Texture may vary after stored, stir if it begins to separate. It should keep it’s stability until gone, but discard if it begins to smell funny.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
25
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
Health & Nutrition
to keep the Blues at Bay A big factor that we have to focus on during the holiday season is our diet. Foods greatly influence the brain’s behavior. When you are not eating those big, delicious meals that we all indulge in on the holidays, it is good to keep our diet in check. Here are some food recommendations that I found in the book, “Prescription for Nutritional Healing” by Phyllis A Balch, CNC and James F Balch, MD. Eat a diet that includes plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, with soybeans and soy products, whole grains, seeds, nuts, brown rice, millet, and legumes. A diet too low in complex carbohydrates can cause serotonin depletion and depression.
1
26
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
If you are nervous and wish to become more relaxed, consume more complex carbohydrates.
2
For increased alertness, eat protein meals containing fatty acids. Salmon and white fish are good choices. If you need your spirits lifted, you will benefit from eating foods like turkey and salmon, which are high in tryptophan and protein.
3
Photo Credit – Karin Hildebrand/Salmon
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness Omit wheat products from the diet. Wheat gluten has been linked to depressive disorders.
4
Avoid diet sodas and other products containing the artificial sweetener aspartame (NutraSweet, Equal). This additive can block the formation of serotonin and cause headaches, insomnia, and depression in individuals who are already serotonin-deprived
5
Limit your intake of supplements that contain the amino acid phenylalanine. It contains the chemical phenol, which is highly allergenic. Most depressed people are allergic to certain substances. If you take a combination free-form amino acid supplement, look for a product that does not contain phenylalanine, such as that made by Ecological Formulas. Phenylalanine is one of the major components of aspartame.
6
Avoid foods high in saturated fats; the consumption of meat or fried foods, such as hamburgers and french fries, lead to sluggishness, slow thinking, and fatigue.
7
They interfere with blood flow by causing the arteries and small blood vessels to become blocked and the blood cells to become sticky and tend to clump together, resulting in poor circulation, especially to the brain. Avoid all forms of sugar, including normally “good” sweeteners such as honey, molasses, and fruit juice. The body reacts more quickly to the presence of sugar than it does to the presence of complex carbohydrates. The increase in energy supplied by the simple carbohydrates (sugars) is quickly followed by fatigue and depression. Stevia, a concentrated natural sweetener derived from a South American shrub, does not have the same effect on the body as sugar, and does not have the side effects of artificial sugar substitutes.
8
9
Avoid alcohol, caffeine and processed foods.
By Liz Harrison
“Prescription for Nutritional Healing” also recommends light therapy: “Exposure to the sun and bright light seem to regulate the body’s production of melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland that is, in part, responsible for preventing the blues. Stay in brightly lit rooms on dark days. Keep all draperies, curtains, and blinds open and use full-spectrum fluorescent lights in your home. The normal room has about 500 to 800 lux of light. Choose one room and light it with about 10,000 lux of full-spectrum light and spend at least half an hour there each day.” You can purchase a copy here: BUY NOW
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
27
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
GMO FOODS
Why they’re bad for you and the environment.
Did you know that genetically modified organisms (GMO) were originally created to help farmers with their crops. The idea is similar to humans taking medications, which usually have side affects. “If we add pesticide to keep bugs away, my crops will not be eaten before I can sell them. If my crop can be prevented from catching viruses, my plants won’t die off before I can sell them.” Their seems to be a new genetic string that is “better” than the last, but is it?
inflammation in our culture, creating additional concerns such as arthritis and lymphoma, which is believed by many scientist to be a symptom of GMO.
GMOs are said to be harmless to humans and yet we have uncovered more complications because of it. Sure, maybe in low doses it may not harm us, but if it is part of our daily diet — it can accumulate and create disease — which is the complete opposite of it original intention, at least for the plants that is! In recent studies, there shows to be gene fragments from GMO food that circulate and can integrate into the chromosomes of the predator. Not only this but, the DNA of bacteria can govern how the bacteria can interact with the predator. No matter the size of the predator, the GMO DNA is slowly changing our DNA and with each new generation, we and every other living thing become a little more genetically modified. There has been increased
Interestingly enough many farmers have been disappointed in the original promise of GMO “benefits” to increase their yield, not to mention the high financial costs. So why are we still fighting this lose-lose war? Food giants such as Monsanto’s have monopolized the food industry and because of their vast control on food in the world they have had a majority say. Is pride getting in the way of what is right? Some countries in Europe have banned pesticides and that is a good start, while some states in the U.S. are fighting to requiring GMO produce to no longer hide. Let’s continue the fight against GMOs!
Photo Credit – Aliaksandr Zabudzko
The questions and concerns out way the so-called “benefits”. Are you comfortable feeding tiny doses of pesticide to your babies? I’m not! If it is not harmful — how can it not be — how does it benefit us as a human race? I have yet to see studies done on that fact.
by Wiesje Brion www.saynotogmos.org
Photo Credit – Daria Miroshnikova/Field
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness A Healthy Winter Recipe Legumes are a source of soluble fiber, vitamin B6 and folate which are good for our nervous system. Here is a great vegan soup recipe found in “The Vegan Cook’s Bible” by Pat Crocker.
Roasted Garlic & Lentil Soup Ingredients: 10 small (2 inch/ 5 cm) tomatoes *use fresh tomatoes in season and substitute 1 cup of crushed canned tomatoes in winter
12 cloves garlic 4 tbsp olive oil, divided (2 tbsp/ 2 tbsp) 1 tbsp chopped fresh rosemary 1 cup chopped onion 1 tsp ground cumin 1/2 tsp crushed fennel seeds 1/2 tsp sea salt Pinch ground ginger Pinch ground nutmeg 1 cup red or brown rice 3 cups vegetable stock or water, divided (2 cup/ 1 cup) *more for thinner soup
1 can (19oz/ 540mL) lentils with liquid *You can use 2 cups cooked lentils plus 1/2 cup vegetable stock, instead of canned
(Serves 6) Preheat oven to 375˚degrees. In pie plate, combine tomatoes and garlic and toss with 2 tbsp of the oil and rosemary. Bake in preheated oven for 40 minutes or until garlic is soft. Let cool.
Healthy Kitchen More recipes here Healthy Kitchen
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, heat remaining oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook, stirring occasionally for 6 to 8 minutes or until soft. Add cumin, fennel, salt, ginger, nutmeg, and rice. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Add 2 cups of the vegetable stock. Increase heat to high and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low and simmer for 40 minutes or until rice is tender. When tomatoes and garlic are cool enough to handle, transfer to a blender and add remaining vegetable stock. Blend until smooth. Add tomato puree and lentils with liquid to rice in saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Add more vegetable stock or water if a thinner soup is desired. **Best if served immediately. When stored — even in the refrigerator — this soup thickens, absorbing the liquid. By Liz Harrison
Photo Credit – Yvonne Bogdanski/Garlic
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
29
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
What you put in your body affects your skin
Skin Disorders
How true is the saying, “You are what you eat?” Everything that you intake may feed or starve your cells. It is also true that foods can irritate you just as much as heal you. If you have chronic skin concerns the first thing you may be asked by your practitioner is to journal your food intake. Notice when the episodes occurs. Your skin is the largest organ you have, so when it is acting up — take action. Minor skin concerns are the first sign to more serious skin problems if
30
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
not taken care of properly. “As a skin care specialist, the biggest problems I see clients have is trying to take care of the symptoms, not the cause. The problem will persist if the root cause is not confronted,” says Wiesje Brion, Holistic Aesthetician. Basic skin care nutrition is to focus on natural vitamins derivatives not synthetic because synthetic products do not break down the same way natural products do, which
creates more work, and unrecognizable substance to the body is a toxin and the body will do anything it can to remove the toxin even if it means coming out all-over your face. For healthy skin and to prevent skin concerns it is important to intake foods that contain a high content of antioxidants, omegas, vitamin A, free radicals, live bacteria, enzymes and anything that helps keep your digestion normal.
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
If you are prone to allergic reactions, rosacea, acne, eczema, psoriasis, and other skin irritations use only natural products so your body can have an easier time healing itself. Most importantly determine the cause. Your body just does not break-out for no reason. Maybe you are allergic to gluten and just don’t know it. Some of the substances below have also been shown to have high content of GMOs, heavy metals and drug residue. Is this a coincidence or are these just simply not for you? Only you can be the judge of your own experiences, this is why it can be so helpful to journal your food intake. Some other allergic symptoms may present themselves as chronic bloating, diarrhea, constipation, gas or heartburn. Some common allergies: a Strawberries a Nuts a Gluten a Sugar a Dairy a Shellfish a Tropical fruit a Greasy foods a Spices a Alcohol a Smoking
During an episode a Use cooling, venting and draining foods. a Eat clean, light and fresh — fruits & vegetables. a Drink green tea, mint tea and plenty of water. a White pearled barley, mung beans and aduki beans are all excellent at draining away excess mucus and damp, oozy skin. These also double as “herbs” which are found in many skin prescriptions.
a When the eyes and face are red and itchy, jasmine, chamomile, mint and crysanthemum teas are very soothing.
a Coconut is an anti-inflammatory. Eat, drink and cook with coconut products.
a Lavender is anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial.
a Avoid spices, alcohol and greasy foods. If it makes your cheeks rosy and you’re prone to skin disorders — stay away from it!
Some Preventive
Skin Care Super Foods blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, and plums Photo Credit – Lucky Dragon/Berries
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
31
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
a Meditation is a great way to relieve anxiety.
32
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Photo Credit – Adam Borkowski/Meditation
Mindful Health, Nutrition & Fitness
Daily Exercise Routine To
Beat The Blues Exercise is important during these winter months. You don’t have to be as fit as Lance Armstrong to start an exercise regime. Just take a walk. Discovery fit & health recommends walking 30 minutes, 3x a week or more: health.howstuffworks.com
postures, my mind begins to slow down. The Yoga Journal has some simple postures you can do to keep your depression and anxiety in check www.yogajournal.com. You will see a variety of therapeutic based poses that you can explore.
I enjoy walking because it feels good while I am doing it! Simple exercise is an effective mood elevator. And who knows, it may lead to a marathon or triathlon one day — but for now — just put one foot in front of the other.
I try to do about 10 minutes of yoga a day followed by a 5 minute meditation in corpse pose. Corpse pose is shown at the Yoga Journal website and is the final posture done in yoga. It is easier for me to meditate in corpse pose after doing 10 minutes of other, more active postures.
Meditation is a great way to relieve anxiety. I enjoy yoga, because while I am in the
Photo Credit – Jiang Bin Ping/Yoga Poses
by Liz Harrison
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
33
Spotlight: Love It!
Love It! Products you’ll love! 4
Gifts $35 & Under
Upcycled Sari Clutch
Keep the spirit of women the world over firmly in your grasp with this beautiful clutch that unites vibrant, patterned saris once worn proudly by Indian women. A cooperative of artisans in a village outside of Rajasthan, India, painstakingly cut assorted saris and stitch the varied pieces together into a one-of-a-kind pastiche of flirty frills. Handmade in India.
4 Lavender Bliss Soap
Infused with Aloe Vera, this Lavender Bliss bar will cleanse, soothe and condition your skin. This bar is scented with a Lavender that has a soft, subtle floral undertone that is refreshing, relaxing and irresistible. Give your senses and skin all the pampering they need with this lovely bar. Made in the USA. Lavender Bliss Soap - Eco-friendly Karess Krafters | www.karesskrafters.com | $5.25
34
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
4
Upcycled Sari Clutch - Recycled & Handmade Uncommon Goods| www.uncommongoods.com | $30.00
Artterro Creativity Eco Art Kit
Set the creative spirit free with this beautiful assortment of art materials. Cut, glue and sew greeting cards, bookmarks, ornaments, gift tags, small sculptures and collages. With enough materials for 7 projects, this eco art kit provides hours of fun with friends and family, and includes a bonus project; the box turns into a frame for your finished artwork! Made fairly in Madison, Wisconsin – USA. Artterro Creativity USA-made Eco Art Kit 100% Recycled Paper Fair Indigo |www.fairindigo.com | $19.90
Spotlight: Love It! Wine Bottle Platters
Made from 100 percent recycled glass, these wine bottle-shaped platters will provide a lovely backdrop to the cheese, crackers, fruits or vegetables you serve at your next wine tasting party. Each piece undergoes an 8-hour process to emerge as a one-of-a-kind platter. These striking platters also shed new light on candles, give spoons a rest and make for an interesting butter dish. Choose from chardonnay or bordeaux. Spreader included. Made in India and China.
4
Wine Bottle Platters - Recycled Uncommon Goods | www.uncommongoods.com | $18.00
Reclaimed Wool Pot Holders
4
Something old is new again. That’s exactly what our friends at Green 3 Apparel have done with these clever and practical potholders. Made from upcycled wool sweaters and lined with post-consumer cotton tees. Each one is truly unique so enjoy the surprise! Made fairly in Green Bay and Oshkosh, Wisconsin - USA. Reclaimed Wool Pot Holders Fair Indigo |www.fairindigo.com | $15.90
GrowBottle
4
Cultivate your indoor green thumb with a hydrogarden sprouting from a re-purposed wine bottle. The ideal environment for hydroponic herb-growing, allowing sunshine to permeate throughout, each set comes ready to use with soilless growing mix, wool wick, plant nutrient, cork coaster, and seeds. Choose between Organic Basil, Organic Chive, Heirloom Mint, Organic Oregano, or Organic Parsley. Made in Idaho from reclaimed restaurant wine bottles. Made in the USA. Growbottle - Recycled Uncommon Goods | www.uncommongoods.com | $8-$35.00
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
35
Spotlight: Guest Interview
World Famous Pianist,
Weber
Iago He is one with his music Born Weber Ribeiro Drummond in Rio de Janeiro , Brazil on February 17th1962. It wasn’t until mid 90’s that Weber adopted the stage name Weber Iago as a homage to the Roma People, also known as Gypsies. Iago has spent all of his musical life researching different types of sounds, ultimately dedicating most of his endeavors to uniting elements of Classical, Jazz and Brazilian Music.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
37
Spotlight: Guest Interview Interview by Wiesje Brion I had the incredible privilege of meeting the humbly talented world acclaimed, Weber Iago. He has been nominated for the Latin GRAMMY and plays with many other acclaimed musicians and orchestras all over the world. You may find his music to be eclectic and reminiscent of worlds enchanting and exotic. Call it Jazz, but I call it mindfully beautiful, full of heart and every vibration — it is so moving and touching. If you do not know of him already, you will be moved by his heartfelt passionate music as the rest of the world is. His journey of music reflects his spirituality. He lives in the moment. He even admits that the most meaningful complement has been when people recognize and say, “You look like you are playing in the moment.” Despite his GRAMMY nominee and the exuberant applause that he receives as he’s composing for the world’s ears, he is mindful of how he plays and it shows. He says that it is very humbling to hear people say this, “because it doesn’t matter how well you play if you are not in the moment …no matter where a musician plays whether Carnegie Hall or a hotel lobby.” Weber asks, “How often in life can we say that we really live in the moment?” “NOT ENOUGH!” I replied. He speaks of a time last year on one of his tours, he was feeling stressed about some things, he says as he was getting out of a train, “I was mindless because of the stressful moment and it took only a few seconds of mindlessness to fall off the train and break my hand.” When people ask me, how did you break your hand, I reply, “I was being mindless, I was not in the moment, my mind was so preoccupied that I didn’t pay attention to what could have been avoided very easily.” So Weber especially likes the name of our magazine, Mindful. Weber has been recording since 1991, so when I asked him if he had a favorite CD he replied, “It is difficult to remember all of my recordings, but 38
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Spotlight: Guest Interview one that was especially special to me, I recorded in Belgium called Nehmat (Punjabi word for — Blessing of God).” He admits that, “when asked how many CDs I’ve produced, I just couldn’t say because I’ve recorded so many.” More recently in the past couple of years Weber has connected with a fellow musician Hristo Vitchev to create their band SEVA meaning ‘selfless service’ and you can feel it in their music. How do you stay mindful? ‘’I believe it has to be a conscious effort before it becomes second nature. Reminding ourselves to be in the moment, and has a lot to due with personal
habits. For example, even changing nutritional habits, I find that little things that we can do everyday that will remind us to be conscious. When we are not mindful we can hurt others and ourselves. Of course we cannot be mindful every moment but the goal is to be aware so that our habits lead us in this direction.” Read page 40: Congratulations to Weber Iago. To learn more about Weber Iago, his concerts, events, and to purchase his CDs visit his website: CLICK HERE *Find his extensive collection online at CD Baby and Amazon. Also known as Weber Drummond in his earlier albums.
You can view our LIVE interview with Weber Iago on MindfulTV! View and tell us what you think? Email info@mindfulmag.com or comment on our YouTube channel.
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
39
Spotlight: Guest Interview
Congratulations to Weber Iago for yet again, another Grammy nomination!
This year Weber Iago’s compilation with Hristo Vitchev on their “Heartmony “ Album has favored the ears of many. If you are a member of the Recording Academy, send your support by voting for Hristo Vitchev & Weber Iago and their beautiful accomplishment “Heartmony.” Let’s encourage beautiful music and talented musicians. Support the 55th Grammy Award winners by purchasing your favorite musician’s albums.
Listen to Music Sampler Here
Purchase a copy of “Heartmony” today! CLICK HERE
Weber Iago earned a Latin Grammy nomination for “Live in Caramoor,” a collaboration with a fellow Brazilian pianist Jovino Santos Neto; at The 10th Annual Latin GRAMMY Awards in 2009.
40
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
Spotlight: Inspiration
Who Inspires You? We are inspired by Diversified Exposure, Inc. for creating a safe listing for GLBT in America. There is still prejudice, no matter where you turn, so be safe. As a consumer these listings are priceless and can be the ultimate deciding factor when choosing to do business, so share with your favorite local stores. If you are a business who supports this cause don’t hesitate to connect with this company for your local listing. We love how mindful this company is. Read their story. In November 2005, Stephen Bloss and Shelbi Parker joined partnership in establishing Diversified Exposure, Inc. (DEI). In the earliest stages of business, the Orlando Gay Yellow Pages was a printed directory, distributing hard-copy business directories to the business and residential consumer. In the later part of 2007, research indicated that consumers in general as well as 81% of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, and Transgendered (GLBT) Americans use online business directories. Thus, DEI focused their efforts entirely on online based directories, changing with the needs of the GLBT community. From 2008 to the present, they have opened many online business directories nationwide and have secured and purchased the domain name for every minor and major city in the United States for expansion. Continue on page 42 ‌ MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
41
Spotlight: Inspiration
Benefits to Businesses
Benefits to the GLBT Community The Gay USA Pages is a safe place to find a local gay friendly business who will not judge based on their lifestyle or sexual orientation. Their ears are tuned into keeping up with the latest news and events happening in the community and pass that information on through multiple social media channels, including Twitter, Facebook, and Google+. Both the corporate office and individual employees are involved in their local GLBT community, helping to give back through participation and contribution to various events and other GLBT organizations.
The GLBT Community prefers to do business with merchants they know are gay-friendly. The Gay USA Pages is a unique avenue that affords a way to let visitors know that the businesses listed are gayfriendly, as well as bridging the gap between the mainstream and GLBT community. They provide a high traffic professional form of online advertising, targeted to attracting the GLBT professional sector in their city and surrounding areas. Unlike other mediums of advertising, including other online business directories, the Gay USA Pages specifically targets an affluent niche market. While some other forms of advertising will be product or industry specific, they do not necessarily target the Gay community, as we do. Research shows that 78% of GLBT users prefer to support businesses and buy from companies that advertise directly to the GLBT Community. In the United States the current buying power of an estimated 15 million Gay Americans is in excess of $600 Billion dollars.
You
inspire! DEI currently services the GLBT community in 35 cities and geographic areas, all of which can be found on www.GayUSAPages.com. To find out more about the company, visit the corporate website www.diversifiedexposure.com. 42
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
MindfulMag.com | September/October 2012
43