Trifecta Magazine Issue 6: Spring 2015

A FREE Calgary-Based Magazine

Spring 2015

Feature Article

A Vibrational Journey Through Egypt Reconnecting with all that is, through sound and frequencies.

By Martha Birkett

tri·fec·ta • achieving optimal results involving three aspects of health: Mind,facebook.com/trifectamag Body and Soul. |

contributors 4

16

6 8

A New Year, New Perspective and New Beginning

11

14

14

Trifecta Magazine focuses on three aspects of health; Mind, Body and Soul. Achieving optimal results in these three areas is considered a perfect balance or trifecta, hence the name of this publication – Trifecta.

Inspiring well-being and mindful living through community connection right here in Calgary, Trifecta Magazine provides a channel for community members to both share and learn from each other’s experiences in a solution-based forum of expression.

Trifecta Magazine attracts readers, writers and advertisers with a desire for betterment and provides exposure to the many types of therapies, products and practitioners throughout Calgary and surrounding areas that can help people advance on their personal journeys.

15

16

18

19

20

22

22

24

We hope you enjoy the experience and we look forward to sharing our passion in many issues to come.

26

For information on advertising opportunities or to contribute to Trifecta Magazine, email sales@trifectamagazine.ca or phone 403-589-5060.

27

Trifecta Magazine can be delivered quarterly directly to your home or office for only $24.95 + GST for a one year subscription.

Email sales@trifectamagazine.ca for more information.

Published by Allison Cartwright and Cindy Drummond

The Power of Your Words

By Abe Brown

10

Martha Birkett takes us on a magical trip down the Nile with her as she shares a personal travel story of connections, vibrations and the wonders of the sacred chambers deep within the pyramids of Egypt.

By Jane Sponiar

Cover Story:

Ready to Start a New Activity?

28

29

By Belinda Morrison

Are you ready to make a change?

By Ramona Remesat

Why I Bought into Buying Local

By Stephanie Jackman

Can Not Getting Enough Sleep Really Lead to Weight Gain?

By Dr. Alma Nenshi, Registered Chiropractor

Free Falling

By Jenna Stuckey

A Serene Breath of Life - A GEM location in Calgary

By Tatiana Vlassova

A Vibrational Journey Through Egypt

By Martha Birkett

Spring Clean Your Mind

By Cheryle Cote

Munching on Microgreens

By Joanne Dafoe

Creating a Healthy Lifestyle That’s a Perfect Fit for You

By Cara Fullerton

The #1 Reason Why You Are Stuck in Your Past

By Rosanna Sardella

Are You Using Shame as a Form of Discipline?

By Trisha Savoia

Just One Thing!

By Jill Burk

You’re Never Too Young to be Part of a Team

By Conor Munson

Past Lives & the Lessons that Contribute Through Relationships

By Tara Twan

Gratitude Trumps Negativity

By Lesli Christianson-Kellow

Death and Rebirth - How Reincarnation Works

By Oz Parsons

The publisher, authors and contributors reserve their rights in regards to copyright of their work. No part of this work covered by the copyright may be reproduced or copied in any form or by any means without the written consent of the publisher. Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect those of Trifecta Magazine. Readers are encouraged to consult with their health professional before embarking on any exercise, medical or nutritional changes.

Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 3

Ready to Start a New Activity?

By Jane Sponiar

A friend inspired me to think about trying something new. I haven’t decided yet what it might be, but simply contemplating the options and the freedom to do it brings me joy.

We all have our own personal reasons for starting a new activity. As we stick with it, and learn more, the results may exceed our initial expectations.

I’d like to share with you my beginnings of Tai Chi over 20 years ago. Today, I continue walking this fascinating journey.

After being seriously involved in sports since the age of 10, when I reached the age of 30, I was ready to slow down. I had pushed my body to reach peak performance, but I realized it was time to rejuvenate and to recover from all of my sport injuries and heavy training. Tai Chi came as a gift but I started to really appreciate it much later. At first it was a good mental challenge. Only later did I start to realize the benefits that came with it. I noticed that I hadn’t been sick for years. I was also able to deeply relax, which allowed me to keep my energy levels high and to continue with a demanding coaching job, as well as the responsibilities of raising two children.

Your reasons for starting Tai Chi could be anything from experimenting with a different activity, looking for stress relief, improving health, to learning something new with your friends. I recently interviewed a few different practitioners about their reasons for starting Tai Chi and how it compares with their initial expectations. Here’s what they shared:

Living Tai Chi

with Jane Sponiar

Classes Teacher Training

BS: I wanted to get my feet and legs a little more flexible. It is better than I expected and has improved my overall flexibility through my body.

TS: I am recovering from two broken ankles and wanted to improve my strength and balance. I definitely am feeling the benefits physically. I do feel my balance is improving but I am also experiencing the benefits mentally and emotionally, because I am feeling more confident physically.

Workshops

AC: I started 3 years ago when I realized I needed balance and calmness in my life. I love the beautiful movement and philosophy that goes with Tai Chi. I knew that movement is a part of my soul, and that breathing, movement, feeling the body and ‘thinking and living’ this philosophy into the rest of life seem to blend in this harmonious Tai Chi approach. Also, I knew of the teacher’s balanced attitude to life and open-hearted welcome. I appreciated the relaxed, do-what-you-are-ready-to-do attitude and the creative approach to style; that everyone has their own way to reflect and develop this discipline. Expectations initially were that this is a movement discipline. I came slowly to realize that it is so much more...blending mind, body and spirit....finding balance in body and life. At a couple of Tai Chi retreats, I found a beautiful peaceful sense of light and balance, which is fleeting, and yet part of my inner self. It’s there, when I need it.

Instructional DVDs Available

I can’t promise that Tai Chi will become your lifelong passion as it became for me. But it is a beautiful art which could bring a very refreshing view to the old patterns and it will certainly broaden the horizons on a person’s journey of self discovery. Every journey begins with a first step.

Visit our website for upcoming events! www.LivingTaiChi.ca 4 |

JA: I wanted a gentle form of exercise, but it was more than that. I was fascinated by the energy circuits within the body and the idea that one could move energy within the body to maintain health and vitality. When I do Tai Chi I let go of thoughts, life’s uncertainties and demands. I tune in to my body, and go with the flow. My body rewards me with a tingle of energy. It’s meditative, therapeutic and the most painless exercise ever!

trifectamagazine.ca

Jane Sponiar, MSc.Kinesiology Tai Chi, Qigong, Yoga & Meditation teacher, Reiki Master Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

from the publisher We are already off and running in 2015. It’s been a fabulous start to the year for us at Trifecta, but before we look forward, we wanted to thank those who have supported us in the past.

It’s not an easy feat to compete within the world of digital, but we have held steadfast to the belief that Trifecta exists for those who appreciate stories and content in a hard copy format. Each time, Allison and I receive the newest issue of Trifecta we are in awe. The hard work and dedication behind each publication can only be fully appreciated once we have our copies hot off the press and in hand.

Thank you to McAra Printing, our distributors at Joyful Promotions and Street Box Media, our contributors, our advertisers and of course our readers.

With Gratitude, Cindy Drummond

Look for quarterly issues of Trifecta Magazine at these locations throughout Calgary: Casablanca Video | 9136 Macleod Trail SE CoCo Brooks Pizza Cafe | 640 42 Avenue SE Crossroads Market | 1235, 26 Avenue SE Fish Creek Professional Centre | 380 Canyon Meadows Drive SE Fair’s Fair Books | 907, 9 Avenue SE Good Earth Café | 356 Cranston Road SE Heritage Professional Centre | 8180 Macleod Trail SE Human Resources Development Canada | 6712 Fisher Street SE Lake Bonavista Community Centre | 1401 Acadia Drive SE Morning Sun Health | 19, 275 Shawville Blvd. SE South Calgary Medical Clinic | 40 Sunpark Plaza SE The Divine Mine | 222, 11566, 24 Street SE 506 Medical Centre | 506, 71 Avenue SW Bank of Nova Scotia | 1919 Southland Drive SW Fair’s Fair Books | 104, 61 Avenue SW Fair’s Fair Books | 7400 Macleod Trail SW Fair’s Fair Books | 1609, 14 Street SW Fallen Angel Creations from Above | 827,17 Avenue SW Glenmore Landing Medical Building | 1600, 90 Avenue SW Glenmore Landing Professional Building “A” | 1600, 90 Avenue SW Good Earth Café | 1600, 90 Avenue SW Good Earth Café | 1502, 11 Street SW Harry Hays Building | 220, 4 Avenue SW Morning Sun Health | 104, 1600, 90th Avenue SW Morning Sun Health | 5747 Signal Hill Centre SW Morning Sun Health | 1200, 37 Street SW Mount Royal University Bookstore | 4825 Mount Royal Gate SW Planet Organic | 10233 Elbow Drive SW Richmond Rd Diagnostic & Treatment Centre | 1820 Richmond Rd SW South Calgary Community Association | 3130, 16 Street SW The Market on Macleod | 7711 Macleod Trail South Trimac Building | 800, 5 Avenue SW Beddington Mall | 8220 Centre Street NE Cardel Place | 11950 Country Link NE Morning Sun Health | 2525, 36 Street NE Peter Lougheed Hospital | 3500, 26 Avenue NE

Stay Connected /TRIFECTAMAG Spring 2015

Angels Cappuccino & Ice Cream | Edworthy Park NW Bowness Health Foods | 6435 Bowness Road NW Euphoria Café | 124, 5403 Crowchild Trail NW Extreme Bean Café | 3303, 3 Avenue NW Fair’s Fair Books | 1829 Ranchlands Blvd. NW Foothills Medical Special Services | 1357, 29 Street NW Friends Café | 104, 45 Edenwold Drive NW Good Earth Café | 31 Crowfoot Terrace NW Lazy Loaf & Kettle | 8 Parkdale Crescent NW New Age | 142, 10 Street NW Northwest Professional Centre | 1640, 16 Avenue NW Nurture Health & Wellness | 63 Crowfoot Terrace NW Planet Organic | 4625 Varsity Drive NW Professional Building | 2003, 14 Street NW Relax Café | 101, 502, 25 Avenue NW Salt Crystal | 128, 5403 Crowchild Trail NW Self Connection Books | 125, 4611 Bowness Road NW Soul Food Crystals & Books | 3, 213, 19 Street NW

If your business is interested in carrying Trifecta Magazine, contact sales@trifectamagazine.ca. Trifecta Magazine is distributed by Joyful Promotions and Street Box Media. facebook.com/trifectamag

| 5

The Power of Your Words

By Abe Brown

I was jolted the other day when I was out for an afternoon walk with my wife and children. As we were walking through the neighbourhood on a bright and beautiful day flooded with sunlight, we passed by a local playground for small children. Strolling along the sidewalk beside the park, it was peaceful to hear the happy sounds of children’s laughter and fun, and so it was a shock when it was interrupted by the shrill pitch of a man yelling: “You’re such a dough-head.

You’re always such a dough-head. Come on, let’s go. “You’re such a dough-head. You’re always such a dough-head. Come on, let’s go.”

Concerned for the safety of the children present in the park, I slowed our walk so that I could find out what this verbal pollution was all about. It turns out he was yelling at his daughter, who looked to be about five years old, about a doctor’s appointment they were apparently late for. He was trying to get his daughter’s attention so that they could be on time.

Now, I’m not sure exactly what a “dough-head” is, but based on the level of toxicity and venom in his tone of speech, it can’t be good. When I think about parental affection and empowering our children, the phrase “dough-head”, along with criticism, anger, blame and shame, well they are not in the manual.

Parents should empower and nurture us, rather than disempower and cripple us, with their words and tones.

Your words have power. Our words are our greatest tool. Our words are an instrument in our hands, and we can use them with great skill and artfulness to heal those who are wounded, support those who are struggling, guide those who are confused, encourage those who are timid, and inspire those who are apathetic. However, when we use our words with recklessness or ignorance, they can lay heavy burdens, impose significant barriers and obstacles, and disempower and disable completely. The words that we speak not only ring in the ears of those who hear them in the moment, but they echo into eternity in real world terms of self-perceptions, thought processes, choices, behaviours, and all the outcomes that follow. We need to be careful with the words we speak, and the words we hear.

The Power Of Your Words…

Your words are a ripple A single word may last but a second, but its impact can ripple for a lifetime. A paragraph can last for a minute, but its impact can echo on into eternity.

Words have power. Words can light a fire in our minds, they can calm a storm in our hearts, they can pull tears from our eyes, and they can inspire energy and passion in our soul. Words can ripple a message of acceptance and affirmation, healing and hope, or they can ripple a message of rejection and exclusion, unforgiveness and judgment. The words we speak, and the words we hear powerfully ripple and set the course for our lives.

Your words are seeds The seeds that we plant become the harvest that we reap. When we want to see how a child will turn out, we simply need to look at the words that are sown (or not sown) as seeds into their lives. When we want to see the outcome of a person we are leading or developing, assess the words that are being shared with them, through us and through others.

Your words are energy When we speak, we project energy. It is not just our grammar or sentence composition that makes an impression, or the semantics of our language. It is the energy itself, projected through the vehicle of our spoken words. When Martin Luther King, Jr., spoke, the energy was peaceful revolution and hopeful change. When Winston Churchill spoke, the energy was courage in the face of fear, and defiance in the face of tyranny. When you speak, what energy is projected? What energy flows? The words we speak, and the words we hear project potent energy.

Your words are programming I remember hearing of a life coaching client whose parents consistently told him while he was growing up that there was more brains in the concrete sidewalk in the family backyard than he had in his head. Think about what this did to his self-concept, sense of potential, and ability to navigate obstacles and barriers. Think of the impact this lethal language had on his choice of partner, friends, education and career.

holistic oasis studio

What programming was installed as an operating system on your hard drive?

And what impact did that programming have, in terms of your choices, opportunities, potential, and capacity? From your early formative years, what impact did the words you heard consistently have on the programming of your beliefs, thoughts, and feelings? And as you communicate with others, what programming are you offering them?

Reiki Bowen Therapy EFT

Words have power. I remember that day, flooded with light, on a walk with my family. I think often about the impact on a little girl of the words of her father.

The words we speak, and the words we hear, have a powerful ripple effect. They act as seeds bearing a harvest, with an energy and vitality of their own. They are programming that conditions beliefs, thoughts, and feelings, ultimately weaving a tapestry of our overall mental and emotional health. Let’s be careful to speak life, and to only allow ourselves to hear words that give life. Our lives depend on it.

“I’m 100% committed to helping you attain Sandi Melnychuk, better health.”

Reiki Master, Advanced Bowen and

Abe Brown is the Coach’s Coach, and is the Founder and President of Momentum Coaching www.momentumcoaching.ca, and the President of the Certified Coaches Federation (www.certifiedcoachesfederation.com). Momentum Coaching has experienced triple digit growth for several years running, and the Certified Coaches Federation has trained and certified over 9500 Life and Executive Coaches in the last 6 years. Abe is the author of the transformational book, Getting Where You Need To Go, which is selling worldwide, and has developed life and business coaching tools which have been put into use all over North America and the world.

improve health • resolve pain • optimize performance

Certified EFT practitioner

For appointments, consultations or information on Holistic Healing services: 403-852 1200 • sandmel@telus.net www. holisticoasisstudio.ca

6 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

Nirinjan Kaur

with

Matthew Schoening

Concert and Kirtan

A live concert experience with devotional music and electric cello

Plus Kundalini Yoga Workshop

Saturday, April 25th

Workshop 2-4pm | Concert 7-9pm

River Valley School (Early Learning Campus) 6305, 33Ave NW, Calgary

Tickets & Info: TracysVision.com | NirinjanKaur.com Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 7

We don’t know what we don’t know!

It’s sad, but true not everyone comes out equally in a separation or divorce.

Why? People often play games when they are dividing thier assets and it is often the person who has less knowlege, experience or money who gets taken advantage of.

Most people are aware that income is used to determine child support, but many people are unaware that a T4 slip can look very different if a spouse is self-employed or a partner in an organization rather than an employee.

When determining how you are going to divide your assets it’s important to understand exemptions and other guidelines.

A financial divorce specialist can help you understand if it’s better to take the RSP or keep the pension. These assets can be very different and if you or your lawyer are inexperienced you might end up shorted.

Spousal suppot is a grey area. How does a person negotiate if you or your lawyer doesn’t have a good understanding how the financial numbers were determined.

The decision to separate usually isn’t an easy one and the experience can quickly become overwhelming with high charged emotions running.

Remember that it might take time to get all of the answers, but knowledge is key and it will be empowering to know that you were able to gain an understanding of the big financial picture.

Wendy Olson-Brodeur, Owner The Financial Divorce Specialist

A New Year, New Perspective and New Beginning.

By Belinda Morrison The New Year brings many things, hope for fresh beginnings and anticipation of what life will bring this calendar year. Unfortunately, being in the fitness industry as long as I have, I’ve also seen the pitfalls of what the new year can mean to many people: frustration, depression and self-loathing because though you may have the best intentions, things don’t always work out the way you planned. The words New Year’s resolutions pop up everywhere this time of year, and honestly I choose not to use this phrase at all. I have seen all too many times resolutions made and broken, and how miserable people get over their failures to maintain them or to succeed.

It really is a vicious cycle of negativity and frequently doesn’t change your life for the better. I would rather use the term new beginnings and think of this as a new way to look at life, by gaining a new perspective. Perspective is a funny thing. It’s very individual. Your perspective can make or break the way you approach life and the situations in it.

Let’s look at 2015 with a fresh pair of eyes.

Free your mind, body and soul let us save you stress, time and money!

A Financial Divorce Specialist can: • educate you on your options.

• assist you in complicated processes such as True Income, Back support, etc.

• analyze your past, present and future values.

• prepare your proposals for support and division of assets.

A Mediator can • help you negotiate a fair deal based on educated financial decisions.

A Certified Financial Planner can: • Offer you Financial Planning for your future • Provide Insurance quotes to cover support interruption such as death, disability, critical illness, accident etc.

www.tfds.ca 403-873-0292 • wendy@tfds.ca Centre 70, Box 133 Suite 120, 7015 Macleod Trail SW

8 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Imagine yourself at the end of 2015 and seeing all that you have accomplished. Imagine how you feel satisfaction because all your hard work paid off. Change the way you think about what your goals are. Don’t rush into making these valuable decisions. What is most important to you?

Don’t worry what other people think about your goals. At the end of the day, it’s only about you.

Goals must stir an emotion in you to make them stick.

For example, I would like to stay healthy until my very last breath on this earth. I want to be physically and mentally strong. My quality of life is very important to me. When your quality of life is good, you are happier and your life span is longer! The emotion attached to this goal is my sense of independence. I want to be independent even when I am at retirement age. I will be able to travel and still do the all the activities I value, such as playing with and walking my dogs, being active with my family, dancing with my husband. Really think about what is important to you. What are your top three values? My top three are: family, health and my charity work. Values and goals go hand in hand.

Once you define what is important to you, the steps to begin the process will be easier to accomplish. As women, we tend to put everyone and everything before our own self (family, friends, work and even our health)! Many of us have been raised to think putting ourselves first is selfish, and that tending to others in our lives is more important. What kinds of mothers would we be if we Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

put ourselves before our kids? Shame on us! Well I am here to tell you that you need to change that thought pattern, right now. That’s right, put yourself first, especially when it comes to your health.

Think about this. If you lose your health, what will fail around you?

I’ve always heard that the mother is the barometer in the home. If we are unhealthy and unhappy, nothing seems to go smoothly around the household. So why do we continually put ourselves last?

OK, so let’s get started. Take a few minutes to define what is important to you. Write it down and then think about if you were not healthy physically or mentally? How would the scenarios related to your values play out? You are important. Make time for yourself, and everyone in your life will be happier. Taking this time is not something you will regret. Now, make some goals based on what you have decided is most important. After you have come up with a goal, you need to make a map to determine how to get there. For instance, losing 10 pounds looks great on paper, but how will you accomplish this?

More importantly, if you’ve tried to do this before, what has stopped you from achieving this goal?

What has sabotaged you in past years? Recognizing not only the what, but the why is very important.

Here are some things to consider about when creating goals:

Write down your goals. Start with one goal, and then break it down into one or two smaller goals. For example, if you want to lose 10 pounds break it down to a weekly goal such as one to two pounds each week for five to 10 weeks.

Make your goals attainable, realistic and measurable.

Remember the small successes lead to the big accomplishment!

Life is full of little celebrations. You just need to open your mind.

If your goal is weight loss, maybe the stairs suddenly feel easier.

Maybe the waistband on your jeans is more comfortable. Maybe you are realizing you really enjoy and look forward to drinking your water. Take the time to congratulate yourself and smile about these little milestones. If your goal was to lose 10 pounds and you have lost five, celebrate that halfway mark.

Another motivator I use is visualization. Vision boards work great.

Take some time to create a vision board. Put together on paper or a bulletin board what your goal is and how it might look to you. Cut out pictures and words from magazines related to your goal. Maybe it’s a new outfit, you lounging on a beach, or a picture of you at a time when you felt really good about yourself. Whatever it is, seeing believes. Believing is doing. Be sure to place the board where you will see it every day.

And finally don’t be afraid to ask for help on your journey. We all need help. Asking for help is a sign of strength. We cannot do everything alone. Follow these steps and get started on your new beginnings that will refresh and rejuvenate your life!

Belinda Morrison, Master Trainer Be More Fitness F.L.O.W. Training (Fat Loss Optimized Workouts) www.bemorefitness.com

Attach an emotion to the goals you have chosen.

Devise a plan and determine how you will reach these goals. List the steps.

Post your goals in a visible area that you see every day.

Think about what has sabotaged you in the past, and write down a solution for each reason/excuse. Recognizing and working around these roadblocks is the key to success.

How will you measure your success?

Tell someone about your goals. Who will you have to act as your supporter, keep you motivated and accountable?

Celebrate your success, and start a new goal.

In my experience, clients who have a support system have much more success than clients who do not.

Who is in your support system? If you don’t have one, why not?

Where can you got you find support?

The Internet is a great resource for support groups and organizations related to your goals. Maybe there is a community group right in your own neighbourhood that you could join.

I always tell my clients to celebrate their little accomplishments along the way.

Spring 2015

Your Sexuality is a Pathway to Spiritual Awakening There is a popular myth that Tantra is about being able to have sex for many hours or even days.

In fact, Tantra is about bringing your sexual energy into all aspects of your day to day life as well as in bed. Through practice you will discover that your body is its own fountain of youth and take delight in re-found energy, see worry lines fade and notice a new bounce in your step.

Every Day Tantra for Every Day People with Francesca Blackstock, RSW

Workshops Private Sessions Guided Meditations All sessions are conducted fully clothed in a safe and respectful manner.

francesca@tantricpath.com • 403-918-6783 www.tantricpath.com facebook.com/trifectamag

| 9

Are you ready to make a change?

Five fear-busting tips to get you from drab life to FAB life!

By Ramona Remesat

Have you ever had to make a monumental decision? Did you agonize over it, knowing that the choice you would make would have huge implications on your life and well being?

the better. Everything is overwhelming if you try to do it all at once.

But when you focus on taking just one step and then another, before you know it, you’ve completed a marathon! This applies to everything, not just building a business. Take a look at what you are trying to achieve and then break it out into smaller steps.

For me, that decision was starting a brand new career in mid-life.

FEAR BUSTER TIP #3: Nobody goes it alone.

A huge lesson for me was realizing that I didn’t have to do it all on my own. Successful people align themselves with partners, mentors, coaches, assistants etc. When I acknowledged that some things were out of my realm of expertise, and sourced help in those areas, my business (and personal life) started booming! I could finally focus on the things that I was good at, and that I loved, and in doing so, I had more time and energy for my family. If you are struggling, reach out to others for personal or professional support. You will never regret it.

Starting something from scratch, beginning anew, and going in a totally different direction can feel (and IS) scary at first! It puts us totally out of our comfort zone. And while we often feel excited and fired up about the IDEA of doing something different, the emotion that comes with the actual DOING something different is typically fear.

Fear is a tricky little devil. In some instances, it can be helpful, like when your “spidey-senses” start tingling. This puts you on alert and makes you hyper-aware so that you choose a safer route to walk home in the evening, for example.

But fear is also the culprit that keeps us stuck. It’s the “but” that comes up when we say things like, “I’d LOVE to do this, but...” or “It would be so nice to have my own business, but...”

That “but” is what makes you look at your dream “rationally” but in reality it’s just fear coming up that inevitably talks you out of going for it. You start thinking about the logistics of your desires and how you could ever actually attain them. And if that thing, situation, person etc. seems out of reach, then we just shut down. We forget about our dream and go back to living in our comfort zone.

Well let me tell you friends, nobody achieves greatness by staying in their comfort zones. On the flip side, when we push, grow, learn, branch out, and stretch ourselves, we find we are capable of things we never thought possible. Doesn’t that sound better than staying stuck?

Sure, we are going to be afraid to do something new or different, but the key is to not let it stop you in your tracks. I see so many people with wonderful, beautiful, fantabulous dreams (with the potential to help countless people) abandon their passions, hopes and desires because they just could not push past their fears of making it happen.

Isn’t that sad?

So if we all have fear in our life, how can we move past it?

FEAR BUSTER TIP #1: Which scares me more?

For me, it was a matter of looking at what scared me more. Was it beginning a spiritually-based business in my 40’s (and coming out of the “spiritual closet”) or, not following my heart and continuing to feel stuck and unfulfilled for the rest of my life?

The thought of spending one more day in the life I was living (at the time) scared the pants off me! I was sick of waking up feeling sad, disappointed, unfulfilled and like I was disconnected from my true path and purpose. So, in having to choose between going for it or staying stuck, I chose to go for it.

FEAR BUSTER TIP #4: You can always course correct.

The biggest worry that people have when it comes to making a decision is choosing the wrong thing. In fact, the fear of that is so overwhelming for some people that it creates paralysis. As a result, they end up procrastinating or simply not choosing anything. If you are worried about making the wrong choice, look at it this way. You can always course correct! Think of being in your car, following the GPS instructions. If you make a wrong turn, the world doesn’t end.

The navigation tool simply re-calculates your route to get you back on track. It’s the same in life. Make your decision based on the best information you have at the time (and by always following your gut instincts). If you find that the result isn’t exactly as you had hoped, you can change course. Don’t get wrapped up in thinking that you only get one shot at things.

FEAR BUSTER TIP#5: Just do it already!

Don’t be afraid to make decisions because they may lead to mistakes.

Mistakes are inevitably part of the journey. If you were perfect you wouldn’t be on this journey. Some people fear failure so much that they freeze up and are afraid to make decisions or take action. But in not taking action, you never learn the lessons you are here to learn.

Being successful, or achieving what you desire, is not about never making a mistake. It’s about failing, learning from what happened, and improving. As Michael Jordan says, “I have missed over 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

So if you are ready to make a change, start fresh this Spring, or embark on a glorious new adventure in life, then please kick fear to the curb and go confidently in the direction of your dreams. There is absolutely no reason that you cannot have, enjoy and LIVE the life you truly desire. It really is all within your grasp.

Ramona Remesat is a Spiritual Life Coach and Angel Therapy Practitioner ®, certified by Doreen Virtue. She helps women who feel unfulfilled and stuck in life start creating, and living, the life they dream of. Not only does she help them uncover their true passions, but she teaches them how to recognize (and trust) their inner guidance so they can take inspired action steps to make their dream life a reality. www.ramonaremesat.com

FEAR BUSTER TIP #2: Rome wasn’t built in a day.

While the idea of building a business from scratch was daunting at first, I started by breaking it up into bite-sized chunks – the smaller,

10 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

Why I Bought into Buying Local

By Stephanie Jackman

Ten years ago I left my corporate marketing job to pursue a career as a social entrepreneur. I was tired of selling stuff to people who didn’t need it – stuff that made big companies bigger and richer while distracting citizens from the things in life that are truly important: community, nature, and self empowerment.

There is also a correlation between locally owned businesses and increased community involvement. Local business owners are more likely to get involved in and contribute to local charities and community organizations because they are rooted in the place they do business. In 2013, REAP businesses donated $8.5 million dollars and more than 4,000 volunteer hours to about 100 Calgary charities. 11 REAP businesses are Living Wage Leaders, which means they pay substantially more than the provincial minimum wage (at least $17.29 per hour to be exact) so that their employees can meet their families’ needs and achieve some financial security within a 40 hour work week.

I started a non-profit association for locally owned businesses that care about people and the planet as well as profit. I called it REAP (which stands for Respect for the Earth and All People) because I believe that by supporting the businesses that support us we can all reap greater rewards.

A decade later, REAP has created a community of Calgarians that are doing more good with their purchases. They’re buying less stuff when they can, thinking differently about where their stuff comes from, and building relationships with those who make it available. Our efforts at greening and localizing our economy are bringing more prosperity, more vibrancy and deeper connections to our communities.

Here’s how: Research conducted by Civic Economics (www.civiceconomics.com) has shown that locally owned businesses spend, on average, 25% more money locally and typically generate two to four times the economic multiplier benefit for their communities than non-local businesses. This means that a small change in your shopping habits can have a big impact.

One study – conducted in Grand Rapids, MI in 2008 - found that if consumers shopped at local businesses one time out of 10 that nearly $140 million in new economic activity would be created each year, and more than 1,600 new jobs would result, providing over $50 million in new wages. Studies in Austin (2002), Chicago (2004), San Francisco (2007), Nova Scotia (2011) and BC (2013) had similar results.

One time out of every 10 isn’t onerous. Let’s put it in perspective.

If you buy groceries weekly that equates to a trip to Community Natural Foods or a Farmer’s Market every 2.5 months. Or, if you buy coffee on your way to work each weekday, it equates to one coffee from Good Earth or Phil & Sebastian (instead of Starbucks) every other Friday.

For most of us it’s more than manageable.

On top of the obvious economic benefits, buying products and services produced locally creates a healthier environment by cutting down on the fossil fuels associated with transportation, reducing the carbon impact. Locally owned businesses are also likely to undertake environmental initiatives because they care about the place in which they operate. For example, REAP businesses reduce CO2 emissions by more than 1,700 tonnes each year by purchasing wind power and green natural gas. That’s the equivalent of removing 830 cars from the road annually*. REAP businesses also divert more than 150,000 lbs of waste from Calgary landfills each year through voluntary recycling and composting initiatives. And they donate more than 225 trees to create community orchards in low income areas of Calgary. These orchards simultaneously beautify public spaces, increase access to fresh fruit, and offset carbon emissions.

Spring 2015

Local retailers also provide a unique sense of place. Think for example of the mystique of shopping districts like Kensington, Inglewood or Marda Loop. Each local business brings with it a creativity that resembles the independent owners and workers. Compare your latest shopping experience from one of these shops to a non-local chain store and you’ll likely understand the difference.

There are plenty of benefits to shopping locally. While it’s not always possible to meet all of our needs for products and services through local businesses, a small shift in our buying habits can have a positive economic, environmental, and social effect on our communities. This is the vision on which I built REAP. The next time you make a purchase think about whether there is a local business that would help fill that need. For a list of REAP businesses to inspire you visit www.reapcalgary.com. *Based on an average emission of 2112 kg of CO2 per year per car (using 2011 Honda civic based on Canadian average of 16,000 kms driven - 2004 Transport Canada survey, www.car-emmissions.com) Stephanie Jackman, President and Founder REAP Business Association

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 11

How do you maintain the attempts at a new habit?

By Kelly Hipkin Every January most people will write out goals, whether you call it New Year’s resolutions or goal setting, it’s another attempt to try to conquer your biggest challenge. Your list probably has things like, get organized, eat better, find a job I like or lose 15 pounds. Often I ask people about their goals and if they have them written down in a place that is easy to review. Most joke about a list scratched on a piece of paper somewhere and there are times we come across that list.

It makes for interesting conversations.

Residential & Office Organizing

For a Discount Kelly Hipkin

Just mention this ad!

Trained Professional Organizer Active Executive Member for the POC Calgary Chapter POC Silver Leaf Member (5+ years) NAPO Member

Make your appointment today!

403-990-0708 | info@organizedlivesltd.com www.organizedlivesltd.com

promote your business

We have a short memory for uncomfortable things. Maybe it’s a way to keep us sane in a busy world. When we fail at a diet, we get caught up and busy with everyday details and forget about the failure. So when we get all excited about a new food plan or diet book, we think, “ah, this is it, I can do this one.” Forgetting that it is not that different from the last plan we tried. We try to motivate ourselves, thinking this time will be different. It is the same with failed attempts to get organized. I see it all the time, people have me in, we set up some systems and create order, but they fail to MAINTAIN the process.

It helps to consider that life is about maintenance. You all have time demands, your partner, your work, your kids, and every other time consuming project you accept into your life. So how are you managing these time demands and do you have a system for maintaining them in an orderly fashion?

The secret is in your maintenance plan because it is what allows you to reconsider exactly “what” is in your home or office.

Here are three easy ways to start creating a maintenance system for yourself.

1.

Consider the Math. I have a worksheet that I sometimes will use with a client. If they are struggling to let go of anything, I’ll ask them to keep the worksheet out on the kitchen counter with a pen. It has two columns What’s Coming In and What’s Going Out. After a month of recording, we sit down and analyze the numbers. It’s usually pretty obvious, that if you are adding twice as much, as you are removing from your home, you will bury yourself at some point. The numbers don’t lie, you only have the space you have, use it wisely. Think about what you are accumulating and why you bring these items in your home.

2.

A home for everything and everything in its home. When things in your home have a specific place that they live, it is much easier to keep order. If you have scissors and they don’t have a home, what happens? They get misplaced, then you buy another pair.

Then they get misplaced and the cycle continues. I see this all the time. Duplicate and triplicate items all over the house

Connect with thousands of health conscious readers right here in Calgary.

Local, Targeted Readership • 3 Months Exposure Competitive Rates

For advertising opportunities, email sales@trifectamagazine.ca

12 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

because items are not easy to find. When I discovered this one simple trick years ago, it was life changing. Not only have I had the same pair of scissors for a decade, but when I need them, I know where they are. It’s a wonderful feeling. The same goes for keys. Give them a specific home in your house, a hook, a wooden bowl by the door and always put them there when you enter.

3.

Don’t put it down, put it away. My all-time favorite mantra to repeat. If you don’t have the time to put the item away properly right now, what makes you think you will have time to do it later? You will just have more items piled up later and then you will feel overwhelmed. So then nothing gets put away and soon you feel drained of energy in a cluttered space. These two tips work together, when everything has a home and you put it away, maintaining a clutter free space is manageable.

One last thing to consider when you are creating your maintenance system for your home is that making decisions is a huge part of the process. Every time you have to look at your clutter and deal with it, you are making decisions. One of the hardest and most energy draining things I do in my work day is helping people make a decision about what to do with items that they no longer need or use, but they feel obligated to keep.

My objective then becomes helping people to look at what is in their life, the paper, the stuff, the relationships and the events, and creating systems to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes it is as simple as setting up a command center in a home where mail is processed daily. Other times a complete file structure in a five drawer cabinet is required. Every person’s need is unique but there are some skills that make the process simpler. I hope that these ideas shared here help to eliminate some of the problems associated with maintaining an organized space and creating healthier habits.

Kelly has a deep passion for the organizing industry. She loves the changes that organizers can make in people’s lives and she actively promotes many businesses on the Professional Organizers in Canada website. To find an organizer near you, click on Find an Organizer at www. organizersincanada.com. This is a not-for-profit association that creates skill building opportunities for organizers across Canada.

Kelly Hipkin, Owner Organized Lives Ltd.

Purveyors of Fine Crystals

Precious Crystals Books Jewellery Sage/Smudge Tarot/Oracle Singing Bowls Statuary Classes Readings and so much more!

3-213 19 St NW. Calgary, AB T2N 2H9 T: 403.270.0410 | E: soulfoodbooks@nucleus.com | SoulFoodCrystals.com

Ashtanga ~ Flow ~ Yoga for Backs Prenatal ~ Mom & Baby ~ Kids Yoga Meditation ~ Workshops

Offering drop-in yoga classes in South Calgary for over 13 years.

Bring in this ad to receive 1 Month of Unlimited Yoga for only $29*

Stay connected with the Trifecta Mind Body Soul Community.

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/trifectamag

Spring 2015

*New students only. Plus gst.

www.yogadotcalm.com 3217, 380 Canyon Meadows Dr S.E. facebook.com/trifectamag

| 13

D R . A LMA N ENSHI

A CCEPTING N EW P ATIENTS !

Headaches • Back Pain • Vertigo • Fatigue • Nutrition & Supplements

403•254•5774 w w w .CalgaryW ellness.com

Can Not Getting Enough Sleep Really Lead to Weight Gain?

By Dr. Alma Nenshi, Registered Chiropractor

Health experts generally agree that getting 8 hours of sleep each night is necessary for most people to be at their best. Some people require even more. Sleep allows your body to heal and recharge, and provides a range of cognitive and psychological benefits as well. There is also evidence that proper rest can play an important role in weight management.

What does sleep have to do with weight?

Researchers from the University of Chicago posed the opposite question in a 2005 review funded by Pfizer/Neurocrine. They wanted to know whether not sleeping enough could actually cause people to gain weight. The researchers began by looking at data from participants in a 1960 survey, including the amount of sleep they got and how much they weighed. Then they compared this to more recent data about Americans’ sleep habits and weight.

In 1960, survey participants slept an average of 8 hours nightly. Today, however, most Americans sleep only 5-6 hours. At the same time, our waistlines have grown substantially. Lead investigator Eve Van Cauter, PhD and her team decided to take a closer look at what people today might be doing differently to affect sleep duration and whether sleep deprivation may be leading to weight gain.

According to their work, sleep loss may contribute to weight gain by affecting the release of certain hormones, appetite and glucose tolerance.

Sleep, the Brain and Metabolism The pituitary gland, which is the “master” organ of the endocrine system and plays a key role in regulating your metabolism, is affected by sleep. For instance, certain hormones are released when you sleep yet inhibited if you don’t sleep enough.

further, the sympathetic nervous system maintains the body’s “fight or flight” response and the parasympathetic nervous system controls things your body does while it’s resting such as controlling your appetite.

During deep sleep, parasympathetic activity increases, while sympathetic activity decreases. But when you don’t get enough sleep, the balance is thrown off, leaving your sensitive metabolism upset by too much sympathetic nervous system action. This can leave you awake and raiding the refrigerator at odd hours.

One of the studies reviewed demonstrated elevated cortisol levels, lowered thyroid function and increased growth hormone levels in people who experienced 6 days of restricted sleep. Alterations in these functions have been known to contribute to weight gain and insulin resistance, both precursors to metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes.

Sleep deprivation may also have a more direct impact on how much food you eat. Staying awake longer than you should requires additional calories.

This can translate into a larger appetite. The researchers noted other studies that showed how sleep loss could tempt you to eat more by altering levels of leptin and ghrelin, the hormones that control your hunger levels.

So it seems as though there is a relationship between sleep and weight. Your overall health, bedtime behaviors and environment might be sabotaging your sleep quality and duration—and contributing to your growing gut.

If you’re having difficulty falling or staying asleep, experts recommend turning off electronics and dimming lights at least an hour before bed.

Keep your bedroom cool and dark to promote quality sleep. Some people can benefit from light stretching and breathing deeply just before bedtime to ease tight muscles and release tension.

If you’ve tried everything and are still feeling sleep deprived, we may be able to help. Just call or visit our office to learn more.

Dr. Alma Nenshi, Registered Chiropractor Chiropractic Wellness Clinic www.CalgaryWellness.com

The autonomous nervous system (ANS) controls your involuntary bodily functions, such as heart rate and digestion. Breaking the ANS down

Free Falling

By Jenna Stuckey

I have an ability to stress about almost everything – mainly what the future holds, and I struggle with the idea of free falling. Of just letting myself go and trusting it will all work out.

Ironically, I worry about the future impact of my choices but simultaneously fantasize about the freedom of just jumping in skydiver-style and detaching myself from what “might” happen.

That’s the thing about us worriers isn’t it? We never focus on all the good we could find. We don’t think about the unseen blessings, we just hone in on the potential dangers, embarrassments and heartbreak (most of the time completely exaggerating).

Worrying is a habit. Wallowing in the “what ifs” and “but maybes” isn’t helping you. Catch yourself worrying. Then stop. Realistically figure out what the absolute worst case scenario is. Ask yourself what you’re so

14 |

trifectamagazine.ca

afraid of. To be honest with you, I’ve never found a reason to worry once I legitimately understand where the fear is coming from.

One of my favourite sayings is that life happens for you, not to you.

And here is something I know for sure: if you need to know in advance that everything will “work out” before you dive in, you’ll never dive into anything.

Free falling into our decisions is one of the many joys we have the ability to experience. Trust that no matter what, you will find benefit from your choices… and you will. Right now, you have all the abilities and resources to handle whatever comes your way. Life is an adventure!

We are supposed to learn and grow and sometimes that means taking steps sideways. It’s a good thing.

Take off the lead vest and jump! Just go for it. Trust that your inner parachute will open when you need it. Until then – free fall. And love every minute of it.

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

A Serene Breath of Life - A GEM location in Calgary

By Tatiana Vlassova There is no life without breath….

People can live for some time without eating, some short period without water, but-without breathing a person can merely exist for a limited amount of minutes.

Breathing in air is the most important function of our body. Have you ever tried breathing in the SALT air? The question sounds strange, but the answer is simple: Yes, I did! Do you know where it happened? It happens always when you are sitting on an ocean beach, you are breathing in the salt air!

There is no doubt you feel much better there.

Salt therapy is recently being rediscovered since its long history beginning in 1843. Many countries in Europe are using salt therapy to increase their health and wellness as well as to decrease symptoms felt from various respiratory and skin conditions. Furthermore, individuals around the world have known about the curative and restorative properties of salt.

Salt therapy is a natural, safe and drug-free treatment.

How it works? As the salt is inhaled, it travels through the sinuses and respiratory tract absorbing moisture, cleansing, clearing mucus and killing bacteria. Salt is known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties as well as helping to loosen mucus build up and phlegm. It can be used by people with respiratory issues such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, bronchitis, sinus infections. It also helps with the prevention of pulmonary and allergic diseases; frequent viral respiratory infections; and, general and postoperative respiratory rehabilitation. Salt therapy also, helps with the skin problem like eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, anti-aging. Salt therapy reduces depression, sleeps disorder and, provides psycho-emotional relief.

A year ago with open arms, we opened our doors in Calgary, since we have seen over 1000 people who were interested in what salt therapy had to offer.

Much interest came from Salt Crystal Health Center being the first and only salt therapy location in Calgary. Our main priority is improving the lives of many by increasing their quality of life in a natural way. The atmosphere we uphold is a unique place in Calgary, where you can feel and imagine yourself sitting on an ocean beach.

Over this past year, I have seen many come on in because they wanted to try something new in comparison to conventional prescribed medication that have sometimes helped and for others did not. After trying salt therapy, I noticed clients enjoying the relaxed environment and feeling better and coming back for multiple treatments. We have different clients with different health conditions, but most of them find out salt therapy is a very effective method which helps with relaxation, stress, sinus infections, cough, flu, asthma, pneumonia, COPD and skin aliments. Our clients find salt therapy as the most effective method to increase the oxygen level, clean lungs and achieve deep relaxation.

“I started coming for salt therapy as I was just getting over pneumonia! I wanted to help my lungs heal quickly so I could get back to an active lifestyle. I discovered that the therapy was very helpful in settling my cough. The difference a week has made is amazing! I realize that this is partly because of antibiotics but they do not help heal / restore the lungs like the salt therapy seems to do. Strangely, I also noticed my typically dry skin was looking and feeling much better.” -Stephanie M “With just a few sessions of salt therapy I was able to reduce the use of my inhaler and my coughing decreased…Since the beginning of March I have not need my inhaler at all. Thank you for providing such a valuable healing service for Calgary”. -Helga Tatiana Vlassova, Founder and Owner, Salt Crystal Health Center

I have suffered from asthma, since a small child, at the age of 58 I an on 2 steroid inhalers and my emergency inhaler used about 3 to 4 times a day. In just three treatments (including having a major chest cold when I started) I have not used any inhalers in two days. I am excited as to what future treatments shall bring as well as what spring shall bring since). I suffer from hay fever as well. Thank you I am very grateful! - Wendy Our 5-year old twin girls love coming to the salt room to play, read a book, or sign kids songs. The end result is that the girls and entire family is healthier. - Yvea My granddaughter didn’t use her inhalers or wheeze and cough the entire week she spends with us in Calgary. I feel we have found a positive solution to the asthma. - Barbara

SALT CRYSTAL HEALTH CENTER

100% Natural, Safe, Drug-Free Treatment

SALT AIR THERAPY I stumbled upon this place by accident and I am so thankful that I did! I suffer with sinusitis, allergies and bronchitis. I found that it helped my cough to break and I feel better and use less asthma spray. Salt air is healing! - Rhonda

www.saltairtherapy.ca

403.474.9080 admin@saltairtherapy.ca 128, 5403 Crowchild Trail N.W. Spring 2015

Asthma Cold & Flu Bronchitis Cough Sinus Infection Eczema Skin Aging

I have asthma and chronic cough for the last 6 years.

Since I have started the salt therapy I have cut my inhaler use down from every day to once a week. I Have more energy, less tired and my skin looks healthier. - Lori

My son was the one receiving the treatment. For the week that we were in your facility I noticed an increase in energy and easier breathing for him and myself! HE also experienced a clearing of ECZEMA!! We enjoyed our time talking and learning about the treatment. - Claudia, Edmonton After only 4 session my breathing was “easier” and the calming effects are indisputable. - Jan

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 15

A Vibrational Journey Through Egypt Reconnecting with all that is, through sound and frequencies.

By Martha Birkett An email dinged in my inbox and it’s Yantara…”You must come to Egypt on the Sacred Tour and be one of my Co-Organizers”. Well, that sounded exciting, but rather farfetched. After all, wasn’t there a lot of unrest in that region these days? It felt like a distant bucket list item. I just didn’t have my sights set on that at that time.

I met Yantara Jiro on a trip several years ago to Indonesia. He instructed a Vocal Sound Healing Workshop for our group of Body Talk practitioners who came together to work with orphaned children in Batam, elephants in Sumatra and Orangutans in Borneo. My first meeting with this Spiritual Visionary was very memorable; his energy was so peaceful and powerful, that I knew I wanted to bring him to Canada. Yantara now makes Calgary area one of his many stops in his worldly travels.

After a couple of emails, I responded with “I’m in”. The excitement rose with each passing day, getting closer and closer to the departure date for this spiritual journey. Over the years, I have grown more connected with the knowledge and interest in Vibration, Sound and Frequencies for the purpose of healing and this approaching trip to Egypt was to be a defining experience, fuelling my journey and understanding of Sound Healing.

On November 30th I boarded the plane to Cairo with my Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowl in hand. After all, could I possibly go on a tour where vortexes abound, that promised sound activation workshops and meditations at sacred sites without my crystal singing bowl?

Arriving in Cairo were 59 very excited vibrational beings who were all thrilled about venturing out for the experience of ancient temples along the River Nile and pyramids. My body was already attuned to the frequencies of such an incredible place and started vibrating upon arrival. Our first introduction to our trip was our entry into the Temple of Luxor. The meditations we did there brought many more visitors in the form of Orbs. Some of the photos that captured the Orbs’ presence looked like we were in a snowstorm. I knew, after seeing these photos that we were in for a phenomenal trip.

Was I actually floating down the Nile on a cruise ship? How lucky were we to be under the light of a full moon on the upper deck of the ship.

That meditation, accompanied by a sound bath with 10 crystal singing bowls, was unforgettable. Our trips to the Ancient Temples along the Nile resonated with our chakras. The Sunrise Meditation at Hatshepsut Temple was very powerful. Temple of Horus had me awestruck; I was truly on a journey. The meditation at the Isis Temple was quite profound. Toning as a group intensified the vibrations felt strongly in the physical body.

Dendera Temple (Hathor) was unforgettable. Our bowls were played in the Chapel of Nut which uses a Venus Gateway vortex aligning us to the heavens. I was intrigued by the Hathors known abilities to use sound to manifest and construct buildings. That’s it, learning this information helped me to better understand how these massive temples were built…could it be Sound? Several more Temples were explored through physical visits and many downloading meditations. At the end of each day, I lie in my bed connecting with my feelings and vibrations of the day’s experience.

Through deep feeling, I knew that this trip was destined to change me in many ways.

Each morning, when we disembarked, my body started to vibrate in anticipation of the next incredible experience. Getting up at 3:00am to get to the site for a private group tour was effortless for all of us. Our early morning sound meditation in the Chapel of Sekhmet at the Karnak (RA) Temple will never leave my memory.

16 |

trifectamagazine.ca

I had several moments of wishing I could bring everyone I knew here to experience what we were experiencing. I think we all shared that wish, as we then did some group meditations and sent it out to the universe. I truly felt the expansion inwardly and outwardly.

The float down the Nile often had me in deep thought and appreciation.

A trip for me couldn’t be complete without connecting with the people and their everyday lives that presented themselves along the sides of the river. Lots of manual labour in the fields as they cared for and nurtured their crops. Donkeys carrying their owners and pulling carts filled with the harvest of the day; playful children waving from the shore while the adults expressed welcoming smiles. I realized that it is the people themselves who are so incredible. No matter where we went they were so friendly and so proud of their country. There was no doubt that Egypt is a very spiritual place and that the frequencies of this magical space helped to transform these amazing people. I had heard so much about the unrest here, but I could not see it.

I was sad to leave the peaceful float of the Nile, but the anticipation of flying back to Cairo to experience the pyramids had me eager to go. I was starting to wonder how my bowl and my body would integrate all that we were experiencing. This was a nonstop invigorating trip so far.

Descending into the Step Pyramid (Sakkara) challenged my claustrophobic side, but the trust in the spiritual experience soon arose to then see me in the Chamber. The sound from the vibrations of our toning was louder than I had expected and the orbs were dancing and flying around the chamber.

How would it be in the King’s Chamber in the Great Pyramid?

As I stood awestruck by the construction of the pyramids, the question arose within me…as does with everyone who stands in close proximity to them…How were these built and by whom? The answer that satisfied me was quite clear. If vibration was involved in the construction of these structures, just imagine what their off shoot of frequencies and vortexes can do to the transformation of our vibrational bodies. Healing through the increase of frequency could happen on the physical and energy bodies. This was magnified through the toning in the King’s Chamber especially while lying in the Sarcophagus. While in the Queen’s Chamber I did a BodyTalk session on a girl, one neither she, nor I, will forget. There is so much more that I understand now, yet so much more that makes me wonder just how much there is yet to learn and experience.

Could I really be standing between the paws of the Sphinx in meditation?

My heart is full of gratitude for the experience that I am having with other spiritual beings. During these grand moments, I would play my crystal bowl and send intention out to the universe for all.

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

Nature is a very large component to my being. The frequencies that emanate from nature have always impacted me in a positive way. Spending three days in the White and Black deserts were no different. There were little to no trees, nor water. Yet the energies were very powerful. As I looked around in the White Desert, I questioned where I was. This looked like another planet. I welled up with appreciation for our beautiful and diverse planet Earth.

With a greater respect for Egypt, its people and its powerful energies I spent some time in reflection about the meditations, my experiences and all of our sound activation workshops. This life-changing experience has left its mark forever.

I am filled with gratitude and appreciation for these experiences. Every experience expands our awareness and frequencies. I have a very strong sense of knowing that what was energetically downloaded to me and my bowls will be carried forward to all others. When we operate in, and are aware of, this unified energy field that we all share, the healing and higher energies are not limited to those that experience them in these places. So, when upgrades are given to one, they can be felt by all.

I encourage all people to follow their passions for spiritual enlightenment through experiences of vibrational upgrades. Another trip is planned with the focus on reconnecting with the powerful primal energies of nature in the stunning Ancient Forests and Mountainous Regions of Yakushima Island, Japan, April 18-26th, 2015. Why don’t you join us? Information can be gathered through calling the Amaryllis Centre for Healing Our strong focus is on Sound Healing and is used in all of the services we offer. Yantara Jiro will be offering workshops in August and September 2015 in the Calgary area. We will also be offering Sound Healing Workshops with Tuning Forks at the end of March and we offer a wide selection of Alchemy Crystal Singing Bowls, recognized as the purest in the world. My Indian Pipestone bowl resonated with the frequencies of Egypt and through intention, transferred downloads to all of the bowls in our collection. Book an energizing and healing sound bath and experience the healing benefits for yourself!

Life is meant to be lived and experienced. Create your own reality with the gifts our universe offers us.

Martha Birkett, Amaryllis Centre for Healing

Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 17

Spring Clean Your Mind

By Cheryle Cote

Spring is the perfect time to recreate ourselves and blossom into the beautiful potential we envision for our lives. When you are clear about who you want to be and how you wish to live your life, then your choices and actions become easy.

Springtime often inspires us to clean our homes and yards and remove debris that has been collecting during the winter months. Why not spring clean your mind?

Take Quiet Time Plan some alone time to identify what has been cluttering your heart and mind. Meditation, prayer, hiking and yoga are good examples that promote internal reflection and allow time to tune in to your inner world. What can you clear out of your heart or mind that will allow you to become a calmer, more centered person?

Write in a Journal Identifying your thoughts and emotions and writing them down helps clear out your mind, make emotions seem more manageable and can give you a different perspective. Next time you feel emotionally burdened write it down. What are you thinking about right now?

What are you feeling right now?

Let Go of Grudges Releasing grudges can free up emotional energy that you can then invest in more positive areas of your life. Are you holding on to past hurt? Why do you hold on to this resentment?

Forgive Often, it is easier to overlook other’s faults, rather than our own.

Over time negative self-talk can have negative effects. Statements like “I am never good enough” or “I’m always putting my foot in my mouth” are self-defeating. Dwelling on your past mistakes leads to self-critical thoughts. People aren’t inspired to do better by criticism, and this applies to self-criticism. Is there something you don’t like about yourself that you seem to dwell on? Can you practice selfforgiveness? Can you make changes?

Re-define Your Core Values These are the guiding principles of your life around which all decisions and actions are measured. When you are clear on your values that are a priority, then it is easy to see where your life doesn’t support those values. Your values can change over time. At one point in your life, adventure might be a core value and at another point it might be security. Spring is a good time to clear out the old values that don’t fit anymore and reinforce those that are important for your life now.

Harmonize Relationships Examine where you can bring more harmony, communication, attention, and love to your close relationships. What do you need to release in order to be a better partner, spouse, parent, or friend?

18 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

garden trends Simplify Your Thinking Prioritize just a few main goals for each day, and allow yourself the time to focus on them without being mentally or physically pulled in different directions.

Munching on Microgreens

By Joanne Dafoe

It won’t be long until we are busy planting outdoors in our garden, but these tasty little treats can be grown indoors at any time of the year. Microgreens, defined as “Greens, lettuces and herbs that are harvested when they are very young - approximately an inch tall”. They may be tiny, but they sure pack a punch of flavours and vitamins.

Add Variety Change the old daily routines you’ve been following all winter long. Create new routines and improved ways of doing things. Our lives become boring and stale when we do the same things day in and day out. Even small changes, like going a different route to work, can help you feel motivated.

Consider larger changes like meeting a new group of people, taking up a new hobby, or enjoying a new exercise routine.

Just as Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth, we have the opportunity to renew ourselves — to become the best version of who we wish to be. As the weather gets warmer, the sun is shining, and the leaves and flowers are budding, give your mind a thorough spring cleaning. As you clear out the old and unnecessary parts of your life, you will awaken to new possibilities.

Cheryle Cote, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Holistic Practitioner & Life Coach Owner of Celestial Healing Therapies

Get Started • 1 small plastic blueberry container (rinsed well with warm water and soap), or any shallow container you have that allows for drainage • 1 small bag of organic potting mix • 3-4 varieties of Microgreen Seeds, also marketed as ‘Speedy Veg’. I love watercress, basil, lettuce and radish greens.

Get Growing • Fill container with 1 1/2”- 2” of potting mix and gently press down on the soil, water it well • Scatter seeds over the soil and gently press them down. Cover them with 1/8” of potting mix and press down again • Mist the top of the soil with water and place in a sunny south-facing window, or under a grow light

O c tober 23

– 25 , 2015

Do you have an inspiring story to share or a skill to teach?

We are currently accepting applications for

speakers and facilitators at the 4th annual

Women’s Only Weekend in Canmore!

Email Cindy Drummond and tell us more! cindydrummond@shaw.ca

www.facebook.com/wom enonlyweekend Spring 2015

• Keep consistently moist (do not let them dry out), seeds should germinate in 3-7 days (check the seed package for exact time), and be ready to eat in 7-14 days • Once the ‘true’ set of leaves emerge, they are ready to be harvested. They will likely be 1” - 1 1/2” tall. Simply snip them off at the soil line, rinse and enjoy • These nutrient dense gems are wonderful in salads and sandwiches and even on their own • The plants do not regrow, so simply scatter more seeds on the soil and grow again!

Until warmer weather prevails, try growing three or four different types of Microgreens. They are easy and fun to grow when we are starving for intensely fresh flavours.

Joanne Dafoe, Horticulturist and Landscape Designer dafoedesign.com

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 19

Creating a Healthy Lifestyle That’s a Perfect Fit for You

By Cara Fullerton

I talk to a lot of people about fitness and healthy food. And you know what I hear a lot? They’re too busy with their careers, family, and life in general to get to the gym and cook healthy meals. I’ve been there. As a former TV morning show reporter, I learned how to fight my fatigue, battle the bulge around my waist, and sooth my stress all while waking up at insanely early hours, working a part-time job teaching group fitness, and creating a social life. What it took was a change in the way I thought about healthy living.

Through my own experiences, I was able to come up with four key tips to help busy people get more good food and regular exercise into their lives. But to be successful, you have to follow these three rules: Rule #1: Have a plan.

Set your goal and take the time to create a plan to reach that goal.

Rule #2: Get a little uncomfortable.

If you do the same things over and over, you will get the same results.

So be prepared to change something.

Rule #3: Be consistent.

Consistency = results!

Now you know the rules for success, let’s start your journey to get more good food and regular exercise into your busy life.

Tip #1: Be nice to yourself!

You may think is is a strange place to start but I believe in the power of the mind. I believe our thoughts turn into things. Do you downplay or dismiss compliments? “You look nice in that dress!” “Meh… this old thing?” or “What a beautiful blouse!” “I’m just wearing it to hide my fat.” Sometimes what we say about ourselves we would never say to someone else because it would be just downright mean. So why do we think it’s ok to be mean to ourselves? Change your thoughts to positive, and your body will follow. There is no quick fix to getting a perfectly healthy body. It takes planning and consistency. In the meantime, love yourself now! No matter what right now looks and feels like. Take a moment every day to reflect on something you love about yourself. It doesn’t have to be physical. You may be an amazing baker, a talented writer, or a great party organizer. Whatever it is, give yourself a high-five and own it! And the next time you get a compliment, just say “thank you”… and smile!

Tip #2: Be imperfect with your food.

Leave room in your daily diet for some fun food by incorporating the 80/20 rule. Here’s how it works. 80% of your meals must be good for you…healthy, nutritious, and balanced. They should include lean proteins, healthy carbohydrates, healthy fats, tons of fruits and veggies and lots of water. These foods will fuel your “physical” body…

20 |

trifectamagazine.ca

keeping it running like a well oiled machine. They’re all business. And 20% of your meals… well let’s just say these foods fuel your social and emotional body. They’re all about the party! It might take a little trial and error to determine what 80% or 20% looks like. Here’s one example. If you eat five meals a day that are relatively the same calorie count, then one of those meals can be your fun food. Dessert! Keep in mind the fun food should be in moderation. If you’re a calorie counter this will be a little easier for you. If you don’t count calories, then use your best judgement on portion sizes. At the end of the day, your meal plan has to work for you and YOUR lifestyle.

Tip #3: Love it? Do it!… with some intensity!

There are so many ways to get exercise. But the best workout for YOU is the one that you will do. It has to be what YOU love to do. If you can’t stand running, then don’t do it. If ballroom dancing gets you giddy, then go for it! If you’re a group fitness junkie, then giver! If you’d rather pump iron, hit the gym. If you enjoy it, you’ll look forward to doing it and you’ll be more consistent. You’ll be more likely to reach your goals! Consistency = results!

Tip #4: Remember to rest.

I appreciate the people who are very driven while pursuing their fitness goals. They are committed to doing the work. But there is such a thing as overdoing it when it comes to exercise. Resting your body is just as important as getting regular exercise. Working out 7 days a week does not give your body time to recover. Your body needs time to repair muscles after putting them through stress and strain during exercise. With rest and recovery muscles not only repair themselves but they also get stronger. Without that rest, you will stall your progress and increase your risk of injury.

My last piece of advice: start with one tip, master it, then take on another. Do this until you’ve created a healthy lifestyle that’s a perfect fit for YOU! Cara Fullerton, Healthy Lifestyle Coach

Stay connected with the Trifecta Mind Body Soul Community.

Like Us On Facebook facebook.com/trifectamag

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

The #1 Reason Why You Are Stuck in Your Past

By Rosanna Sardella

Do you feel stuck, lost, confused and downright disheartened with how your life has transpired?

my heart and expand my Soul. Within a year and half of this realization, I left my job and marriage to create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Do you believe the reason for this is because you had a horrible childhood, or you’ve been hurt and betrayed so many times?

When you begin to realize that you are not your pain, you begin to realize that you do have a purpose here. You and your life have a reason for being here on this planet right here, right now.

I know how you feel, I’ve been there myself.

At this point, you may be thinking, can I truly be that powerful and wonderful? Can I truly have more love, abundance and joy in my life?

During childhood and into early adulthood I experienced my dad leaving me at age five, my mom emotionally leaving me at the same time, bullying, my step dad abusing me sexually, mentally and emotionally, combined with moving over a dozen times, loneliness, isolation, depression, anxiety, divorce and unhappy relationships.

With all that I’ve been through, who would think I would be here guiding and teaching others to live in peace and purpose. I didn’t think I could help others, I could barely help myself!

But, at the age of 33, something changed in me. I began to feel more frustrated and angry about how my life was. I was blaming my past painful experiences for the choices I had made up until that point. I desired more out of my life, but didn’t know what that looked like, or how to create it.

I felt stuck, alone and afraid. I wanted to help myself somehow, so I began to journal and meditate, my “therapy” for many years.

What I discovered through my own “therapy” was that if I didn’t have the story of my past then who was I? Who was I going to blame ? What reason would I have that would justify the poor decisions I was making in the present?I was holding on to the blame, shame and pain of my past because I had a deep rooted fear of discovering my true potential and what I was capable of. If I let go of my past pain, discovering who I was and what my potential could be was a completely foreign and unknown concept .

I realized what was holding me back and decided to stop being afraid of the unknown. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and risk losing everything that was comfortable and familiar to find my true self. At the age of 33, I was finally fed up with what was comfortable and familiar. It just became too painful of a place to continue to live in.

When your desire to have purpose and meaning in your life becomes greater than what you fear losing, that’s when true transformation happens.

Holding on to your pain for so long is all you know. It becomes your friend, fills the loneliness void, keeps you feeling purposeful and fulfilled at some level. We all have a deep need to feel purposeful to feed a need for meaning in our lives. Unfortunately most people have to go through and hold on to an enormous amount of pain to feed this need. This is what is familiar.

The number one reason why you keep holding on to the pain is the fear of what you may discover about yourself without the pain; the fear of living your true potential.

Marianne Williamson said it brilliantly, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us.”

Think about it for a moment what it would be like for you to know and live your full potential every day. What does that mean for you? What do you have to potentially let go of in order to be your true self?

Back in 2008, when I began my journey to discovering who I am without the pain, what it meant for me was to leave a job and a marriage that didn’t fill Spring 2015

Well, the Universe seems to think so. The proof is that you are an alive, breathing Being that truly desires to live fulfilled and happy. In the Universe’s eyes you are already whole and complete. You already have everything you need within you to create the life you truly desire. You are meant to live in peace and happiness. We all have this love and support from the Universe, you just have to take a leap of faith towards your true desires to see it as so.

How would your life be different if you believed what the Universe believes about you and what is possible for you?

I’ll tell you how different my life became since I started to believe: • I created my dream of owning a business • By having my business, I have helped hundreds of people find direction, clarity and purpose in their lives • I’ve met the most amazing, heart centered people and have developed deep, loving relationships with them.

• I’ve learned many skills such as teaching, speaking and writing • Most importantly, I have created so much freedom in my life to express myself and do what feels right to me.

There are still a few dreams that have yet been realized, but I know in my heart they will be here when the timing is right.

Now you see the true reason why you hold on to the pain and you may feel ready to step into the unknown of your true self and potential. What is the next step? Bless your past.

The best way to do this is to focus on what you learned about yourself because of the experiences of your past. For example, because I went through so much instability and change as a child, I became more courageous, independent and strong. This prepared me for living in purpose because these qualities are necessary and vital to following your Heart and Soul. Feeling alone and isolated growing up drew me to connect with God and the Angels. I felt so alone, Spirit was my only friend.

This also prepared me to live in purpose of helping others connect with their own spirituality and to find my true spirit.

I realize that all of my life experiences prepared me to live my purpose fully; to have empathy and compassion for others; to awaken my Soul Purpose of helping others and to learn unconditional love and forgiveness for myself and for others.

Focus more on what you have RECEIVED instead of what was taken from you and you will begin to let go of your past and have the courage and faith to create new beginnings.

Rosanna Sardella, RCH Intuitive Life Coach & Clinical Hypnotherapist Emerge Centre for Inner Healing www.emergeforhealing.ca

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 21

CYNERGY THOUGHTS

By Cindy Drummond Here we are, a month or two into 2015, and I wonder how many of us have resolved to no longer make resolutions, or did try again this year only to decide early on that it really wasn’t worth the hard work. We focused this issue on new beginnings. It just sounds better than resolving to do something, quit something or begin something.

This is a great time of year to start thinking about your life. An experienced gardener will tell you that planning is the first step to success. Gardeners start visualizing their ideal garden long before the first seed touches the soil. You too, must have a plan, a road map, or vision board of what you want your life to look like. It sounds like a daunting task, but you can always get a few friends together and make a fun day out of it. I recommend creating a vision board with lots of colours, glitter and stickers, but outlining your desires may work just as well for you with a pencil on plain, white paper.

Just a thought!

Share your vision board on

/TRIFECTAMAG

to be entered to WIN! Share your vision boards on our Facebook page www.facebook.com/trifectamagazine and be entered to win a one hour massage from Your Health Span.

The Winner will be drawn May 1, 2015

graphic design Trifecta Magazine can design your ad.

For your graphic design needs, email sales@trifectamagazine.ca

22 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Are You Using Shame as a Form of Discipline?

By Trisha Savoia

We are here for connection. And we especially want to feel connected with our children. We are happiest when we feel connected – to our spouse, to our children, to our friends, and to our Source (whatever you choose to call it…God, Universe, Higher Self ).

So why is there so much disconnection?

Why are we hearing about more family members who no longer communicate, friends that have parted ways, struggles with our children?

After listening to Dr. Brene Brown on Oprah’s Super Soul Sunday, I received a big Aha! on this topic.

One of the factors is shame and I think it’s a big one. Shame is used to verbally stop unwanted and undesirable behaviour. Shame is often used as a form of discipline. Of course, we don’t always see that this is the case. It’s become so common that we are unaware of the impact it has on our children and our connection with them.

As quoted from Dr. Brene Brown – “Shame unravels our connection.”

Shaming makes the child feel: • Wrong for feeling what they feel • Bad for wanting what they want • Guilty for needing something • Less than and unworthy for making a “wrong” unapproved choice What does shame disciplining look like?

• “Shame on you! You shouldn’t have touched that.”

• “Stop being so selfish!”

• “Good kids always listen to their parents.”

• “You’re driving my crazy when you keep saying ‘mom, mom.’

Just give me a minute!”

• “Come on, you’re old enough not to cry.”

• “Your friend ‘so and so’ is doing it. Why won’t you?”

• “Look around you. Do you see anyone else behaving like you?”

• “Grow up!”

• “I wouldn’t have gotten so angry if you just did what I told you in the first place.”

• “You should’ve known better. You’re smarter than that.” …and the list goes on. Shame takes the form of: • Put-downs • Embarrassment (saying something or poking fun of them) • Disapproval of their actions or accomplishments • Blaming • Expressing moral judgements (believing your way is the right way therefore communicating your disappointment in their thoughts, actions or behaviour) Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

“Unless you try to do something beyond what you have already mastered, you will never grow” -Ralph Waldo Emerson • Expectations based on your view of what proper behaviour is • Gender-based expectations • Comparison Shame creates many consequences, one of them being disconnection.

Since we are wired for connection, this can have dire consequences.

Looking to my own life, moments of shame are not quickly forgotten.

Times where I felt that the choices I made were viewed as “wrong” and “bad”, times where I felt I was being judged for not handling a situation the “right” way, times where “I should’ve known better” and times where I experienced moral judgment.

Whether it happened as a child or now as an adult, I can confirm from my own experience that being met with these forms of shaming, results in pulling back and disconnecting from the source of the shame.

As children, disconnection is done unconsciously as a protective mechanism, however as adults we can make the conscious choice to be around people who uplift, support and inspire versus shame us.

As adults, we can pay attention to the emotional environment we want to be in and make choices based on that. Children don’t have the luxury of simply choosing not to be around their parents. Therefore it is so important to be aware of the emotional environment that we create for them…they can’t escape us. Yep! They can distance and disconnect from us, but they can’t choose for us not to be their parents.

Children typically aren’t emotionally developed or self-aware enough to know not to own the shame of others. Because that’s what it boils down to. If someone tries to make you feel bad for your choices, your mistakes or your decisions….it’s really their issue, not yours.

Now, please don’t let the parental guilt kick in if you recognize yourself in some of these scenarios. As parents, we have the best of intentions. So many of our parenting strategies we acquired from what we learned from our own parents and what they learned from theirs. We now know this style of parenting has consequences and we can start to choose differently. We’ve all been guilty of employing these tactics from time to time.

As parents we need to be aware of where we are using shame to discipline. We employ this strategy because it can be “effective.”

Although effective in eliciting the desired behaviour, shaming strategies are NOT effective in creating a strong and healthy connection with our children. And they are not effective in raising children who grow to always know themselves and trust their inner guidance.

It is possible to set boundaries with our children without the use of shaming. When treated with respect they will form empathy, compassion, and respectful behaviour. When we put connection over correction we set the stage for the understanding and motivation which children will respond to.

In our quest to raise children who know who they are and remain in touch with their intuitive sense, connection is key. Shame discipline needs to be a thing of the past!

Trisha Savoia Founder and Owner, Abslute Awareness Creator, The Integrity Code and The Soulful Parent Courses

Spring 2015

It feels great to do things we are good at; after all we have worked hard to master our craft, whether it’s being specialist in your field of work, maker of the best cookies, golfer, writer, lover, and the list goes on. We take pride in the things we do well. As we get older we tend to not to expand our experience of things we might like to try. There are many excuses we find, let’s take a closer look at what is true for us and what prevents us from taking a risk to explore something new: • When was the last time I took a risk? Do I remember?

• Did it work out how I thought or better?

• If it didn’t work out, what did I risk to make another change?

• Is there something I’ve wanted to do but are afraid? If I knew for sure it would work out, would I do it? How will I find out?

• When was the last time I feel I failed at something? Did I really fail or did it reveal something else?

• What am I willing to risk to make my life better right now?

We have all heard the saying the bigger the risk the better the reward. I sometimes think we over look certain risks that we have taken in our life, and we dismiss their value. Do you think you have had a lot of failures, or just some? Congratulations if you said you had many, many failures in your life. This means that you have been a person that has taken a risk in life to make their life better in some way or another. When you think about it we all have failures we might not even remember. Like when we were learning to walk, we all fell down a time or two, learning to swim, who didn’t swallow a bunch of water or sink to the bottom feeling like we might drown or the first time you do anything. Without all of these trials, we wouldn’t know what it feels like to pick ourselves up, brush ourselves off and try it again.

Taking risks in anything is sometimes a scary feeling; we all have those doubts about whether we will fail or sometimes our hesitancy is that we might actually be successful, but not to have the experience because you worry about failure, when we should be worried about missed chances and opportunities. Take time out of your day and try something new, who knows what will happen or where it might lead. I will leave you with this quote!

Deborah Nichol, Theta Healer & Life Coach Healing Heart Wellness

free report

3 FACTS YOUR DOCTOR

MAY NOT BE TELLING YOU THAT MAY BE STOPPING YOU

FROM GETTING PREGNANT

www.healingheartwellness.com/pregnant facebook.com/trifectamag

| 23

Just One Thing!

Eliminate your whirlwind and make real progress this year.

By Jill Burk

Holy Crap! The ways in which I intend to improve myself, my business, my family and my world are awesome! The list is long, it is varied, and it certainly complies with the popular idea of stretch goals.

It is also overwhelming — paralyzing! When I look at my whole list at once, I feel stress, pressure and not capable. It seems impossible.

There is no doubt that all my goals are important they include:

Massage Therapy • Reflexology Accupuncture • Spa Services

Visit us at our New Location!

Open 9am - 9pm • 7 Days a Week

7711 Macleod Trail South (above the Market on Macleod)

Become healthier and thinner – will help me be more confident, feel better and get more done

•

Increase my client base for my business - which will mean better cash flow, better decisions, better relationships, etc.

•

Recruit additional employees - important for customer service

•

Send referrals to great businesses around me - diverse business in Calgary is good for everyone

•

Help my mother deal with my father’s health issues

•

Focus on my husband’s health and our marriage

And on it goes on, likely a very similar list to your yours and strangely it doesn’t include things like taking your car in for an oil change, dealing with your children’s dentists appointments or other such maintenance requirements.

Or, relax in the comfort of your own home, call us to inquire about our mobile therapy.

Post up your list and make your vision board, or however, you want to establish your yearly goals and your life goals. But today do just one thing.

Book Today!

You can set up to five ultimate goals for the year, but research shows you are best at only one to three. These are your Wildly Important Goals- the things that if you accomplish this year your whole life will be positively affected by.

These are the goals that change your world, and make the pictures on your vision board come to life. They need to be honed, carefully thought about and reconsidered, they need to be realistic, even if they are grand, and they need to be within your power to influence. Winning the lottery is one of my ultimate goals, and I can buy a ticket, I can think positive and I can pray, but really it is not within my power to influence the outcome.

403-560-5329 www.yourhealthspan.com

New customers receive 10% off your first appointment.

All therapists at Your Health Span can issue insurance receipts.

24 |

•

trifectamagazine.ca

Before you go to bed at night, or before you get up in the morning- decide what your one thing today is going to be.

There is no doubt that the whirlwind of your day will attempt to overshadow this one thing- so it has to be cast in stone, something with an end, and it has to honour one of your ultimate goals.

These one to three goals must be within your power to influence.

If your goal is to take care of yourself- book a weekly massage, then give yourself permission each week to enjoy that hour of peace. Plan your lunch in advance Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

to be healthy and delicious, do just one thing each day that honours that goal, and ultimately can become a habit that can be built on.

Each night before I go to bed, I think “What is the one thing tomorrow I will do to improve my business, and one thing I will do to improve my personal life?” I think of one thing- and that is the first item on my agenda the next day.

It might be answering all my email, posting an ad or writing an article. But it is just one thing.

I still have a list of all the things I need to do, all the things I want to do, and all of my goals, but this “Just one Thing” is special. While I am doing this one thing, I don’t respond to the whirlwind. Emails, phone calls, my family are ignored, and I complete one thing.

With my business I am big on putting one new process into place each week that will become a habit that will then get done without thinking about it and can easily be taught to an assistant or one of my team. On Monday this creating or establishing a process is always my ONE THING. If last week I set up a process that is not yet ingrained, I don’t move on, it is still my one thing each and every Monday till it is perfect.

Other days my one thing is more varied, it might be my reaction to criticism, so in a future situation I and my team are better, or a request from a client, it might be a thing that I have had on my list for a while, it might be something that is important, but never something that is an emergency- that is part of a whirlwind and must not be part of the just one thing.

Some days I am so efficient that I move down through my list quickly and might get a whole week’s worth of “ONE THINGS” done, but tomorrow I still have to honour the habit of getting just one thing done.

With my personal life it is easier and harder. My one thing each day is to spend 30 uninterrupted minutes with one member of my immediate family; one of my children, my husband, brother or parents, and to participate in one non-work social thing each week.

Since I have begun practicing “just one thing” I have shared this idea with many colleagues, other business owners, and friends. Across the board there is relief.

If I improve “just one thing” each day that is 365 things a year that will be better next year and can become habits or processes that no longer have to be thought about.

The kicker is that you can’t do more than one a day per category, with no more than two or three goals honoured each day. You can’t do it, you just can’t. If you try it goes right back to being a huge list and just part of the whirlwind.

And you might be further ahead at the end of the day, but you won’t be able to measure those results against your ultimate goals.

This one thing can be easy or it can be involved. On a super busy day, for instance “Just one thing” should be a simple thing, an important call, reaching out to a colleague by email, as long as it honours your overall goal, and gets done, say congratulations to yourself! Today was a successful day!

Brad King

Lisa Kilgour

David Stephan

Fitness

TOMMY EUROPE

Jill Burk Owner and Operator, Health Span Inc

Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 25

You’re Never Too Old to be Part of a Team

By Conor Munson I know I’m not alone when I say that some of the best times in my life have come through playing organized sports as a youth. I was very competitive as a teen, yet the wins and losses comprise only a small part of my memories. Instead, what has always remained are the feelings I got from the camaraderie and bonding that come from being part of a team.

It isn’t written anywhere that we can’t play team sports past the age of eighteen, yet for so many of us it seemed that when high school was over, so too was organized sport. At the time I didn’t realize how much I was giving up. I was off to university, and for me my hockey playing days were simply over. Of course, they didn’t have to be (intramural sports programs have been around forever), but when your parents stop driving you to practice and paying for your fees and your equipment, the motivation to go out and sign up for a team sport can certainly wane a little bit.

It took me a long time to realize that outside of the exercise I wasn’t getting (quite visibly in fact), I was missing that intrinsic feeling that comes from working toward a goal with others in an environment based on the purity and fun that is team sports. I missed the banter and companionship with my teammates, and most of all I missed being able to put everything aside for a few hours and essentially just get outside and play.

WANTED

Advertising Sales Professional Introduce our unique audience to businesses, organizations and services in Calgary that wish to be more successful. Help us grow Trifecta Magazine so we can inspire thousands more to live informed, happy and healthy lives.

Joining a team here in Calgary is far easier than a lot of people think, and the Calgary Sport and Social Club (CSSC) is a fantastic organization that makes it simple, cheap and easy for both individuals and groups to get out and play any sport you can think of (okay, not ANY sport, but you get the idea). There are a ton of leagues that vary in level of competitiveness, so athleticism or the type of shape you’re in really doesn’t matter. So whether you’re new to the city and looking for a fun way to meet people and get some exercise, or you’ve got a group of friends or coworkers looking for a great way to spend a Wednesday night, joining a team is a great way to have some fun, get some exercise and discover (or rediscover) how great it really is to be part of a team.

By Conor Munson Freelance Writer

Tell us what makes you uniquely qualified and motivated to sell advertising in Trifecta Magazine. Send your resume to sales@trifectamagazine.ca

26 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

you gotta read this Past Lives and the Lessons that Contribute Through Relationships

By Tara Twan

Do you feel disconnected, alone, looking for answers but with nowhere to turn to get authentic guidance? At any given moment, angels wait to assist you in your divine purpose and everyday tasks. Through 365 Days of Angel Prayers you can reconnect to your spiritual team, experience the love and light of the Angels, receive blessings, and open your eyes and your heart to the wonders of the divine world around you.

Imagine receiving the gift of knowing: • That you are NEVER Alone • That you have angels ready to assist you at any moment • That you can connect with the angels every day using unique prayers created by a host of Angel communicators!

• That you are part of a great illumination of love and light on a daily global basis!

Relationships are our greatest teachers, reflecting back to us that which we need to work on. Lessons also go deeper than that, connecting to past life karmic imbalance and agreements made between souls before incarnating.

The roles a soul can take on from your soul family are interchangeable as well depending on the lessons they are to perform. Your mother may have been your daughter in a past life who died in your care leaving you feeling riddled with guilt. That feeling was not resolved and carried over into this life time, but now that child is your mother making you feel guilty for everything you do. The lesson is to compassionately rid yourself of guilt as it does not serve your highest good. Your mother’s soul, although difficult in human form, does ultimately want you to succeed, it is of course the agreement.

Tara Twan, Clairvoyant Reader

365 Days of Angel Prayers is a multi-author anthology of daily readings written to inspire and guide you to experience a rich and continuous communion with the angelic realm. Whether you choose to read that day’s entry or take a more spirit-led approach, these prayers, blessings, invocations, and essays will help you learn how to communicate with angels. And as you allow the words to wash over your mind and heart, receiving the healing inherent within them, you will begin to see that there is no one way to pray for divine blessing or assistance. Soon, you may even find your own unique words pouring out—embrace them. Remember, this book is a collaboration, one you are warmly invited to join.

Get your copy today! http://ow.ly/FWvhq

Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 27

Oh! How Sweet it is NOT The Skinny on Sugar

By Cindy Drummond

I have a secret to confess. I started gaining weight right around my 30th birthday. I didn’t really think my eating habits had changed much. Perhaps I was eating out more, well of course I was. I worked full time and didn’t put much thought into my meal planning besides; I often chose salads, smaller meals or appetizers and rarely had dessert.

Fast forward a few years and now dinners at home were a rarity. With two daughters in dance and a busy schedule, we didn’t have many fast food options, but thought we were doing okay considering our lifestyle. We would have a sub one night, maybe a small cheese pizza the next and okay sometimes followed by burgers the night after that. Well, what choices did we have?

I would see people eating out of large size Dorito bags with one hand while gripping their Big Gulp in the other. That was never me. Yes, of course on the weekends I indulged in some chips and dip and a Coke classic was my beverage of choice. “But I only drink one a day!” I would exclaim anytime someone questioned my cola.

I consider myself an intelligent person, yet I have been baffled for years when comparing my appearance to others. I eat less than most women I know and yet, I still struggle to lose weight.

My Aha! moment appeared a few weeks ago. I was thinking about my lack of appetite and decided to closely examine my eating habits. Here’s what I found: In addition to my one (okay sometimes two) cokes a day, I was also consuming a flavoured latte most mornings. There are 10 teaspoons of sugar in a 12 ounce can of Coke. One Coke has 10 teaspoons of sugar? Okay, I know it’s not really shocking, but still…YIKES! And my latte? Add another 14 teaspoons of sugar. Combine these heaping teaspoons with those found in other heathier options including yogurt with fruit, granola, dried fruit, bread, pasta and countless seemingly benign foods and it adds up to over a cup of sugar entering your body every single day. Mary Poppins would be flabbergasted!

I’m just starting to learn about all of the hidden sugars in foods lurking on the shelves of my regular grocery story, but here is what I know today…

When we eat food, the sugars are broken down into glucose and fructose, which are absorbed into the bloodstream. However fructose must then be converted into glucose in the liver. If we consume more sugar than we burn through activity our liver converts the excess glucose into fat. Some of this fat stays in the liver, but the rest is stored in fatty tissues around the body. What?

I always thought it was fat that was making us fat!

Gratitude Trumps Negativity

By Lesli Christianson-Kellow A negative force in a person’s life can be debilitating. Whether it’s a health issue, a social situation or a past experience, negativity can shut you down, stopping you from functioning as the person you really are.

It robs you of sleep, disrupts relationships and stops you from living a full life. It is hard to break through the negativity once it settles in. Once in a negative state, it can be difficult to overcome it. The best defense is to become aware of the situations that trigger the negativity and try to eliminate or completely avoid them.

Complete avoidance is not always realistic or possible, so it becomes necessary to offset the intrusion of negative situations with good thoughts. One way is to appreciate the positive things in your life.

This is not easy if you’re feeling negative. Fortunately, the more you practice appreciation, the easier it happens spontaneously within you.

Sometimes finding something positive can feel impossible. When this happens, starting small is a good place to start.

Starting small can mean being grateful for the things you take for granted – life, health, family. Or it can mean being grateful for things that typically slip by unnoticed - the sun shining, someone holding the door open for you, a fresh cup of coffee or tea.

The point is to find something – anything that turns your head away from the negativity. The more gratitude you can build up, the less negativity will be able to consume you when you do encounter it.

Recognizing and building gratitude in your life can become a habit simply by being observant and aware.

A good strategy is to write down the things that make you feel grateful.

Writing it down reinforces your gratitude and provides you with a positive list you can refer to when needed.

Repeatedly eating too much sugar can lead to weight gain, and even obesity, when combined with a sedentary lifestyle. Sugar goes by many different aliases. You recognize the usual suspects: table sugar, brown sugar, powdered sugar, cane sugar and corn syrup, but honey, did you know, is also a common form of sucrose and so is maple syrup.

What are you grateful for? Here are some ideas to get you started:

Here’s where it gets a little confusing. There are other sugars that also end in “ose” just like sucrose does. Glucose (aka dextrose), lactose, maltose and fructose are in many products. Even though fructose doesn’t affect blood sugar as easily as sucrose, it is still a sugar and can wreak havoc on your weight loss plan.

• Receiving a cheerful call/text from a friend

Other lesser known, yet evil siblings are the “ols” or sugar alcohols. Many chewing gums and breath mints have these sugars in them. Watch for sorbitol, xylitol, mannitol and maltitol.

• Completing a chore you’ve been putting off

How can you defend yourself against these devilish sugars? Be aware and read the labels. If it ends in “ose” or “ol”, it’s most likely a sugar.

• Going to an exercise class and feeling good afterwards

It’s likely going to be a long process swapping my regular food choices for those without hidden sugars, but after only a few latte-free days and cokeless evenings, I am feeling more energetic and clear headed. Wish me luck!

If you want to learn more about sugar and how it affects your health, I recommend J.J. Virgin’s Sugar Impact Diet book.

28 | trifectamagazine.ca

• Sleeping in on your day off • Going for a walk in the fresh air • Reading uninterrupted for an hour • Meeting a friend for coffee or tea • Kids that hug you • When someone tells you, “I love you” • Cooking your favourite meal…and sharing it • Waking early and puttering around before anyone else wakes up • The familiarity of a favourite sweater Lesli is a freelance writer and likes to drink espresso.

She is grateful for espresso.

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

Death and Rebirth – How Reincarnation Works

By Oz Parsons (a.k.a. Jhani)

Have you ever asked “What happens when I die?” or thought “What attributes do I need after death?” These are natural questions of an inquiring mind that are often left unanswered in our society, or completely avoided. Yet knowing how best to die and prepare for the many stages of death and rebirth can greatly help the transitioning soul. Becoming primed, through knowledge, and drawing on wisdom, one can not only dispel the fear of death and the life hereafter, but it can make the journey of change become exciting!

Discovering the opportunities to learn in such transitioning stages as ‘My life flashed before me’ to understanding the ‘heaven-like’ state as presented by religions, to choosing your future parents - these are all part of the important ‘seven stages of transition’ as outlined in the book Dying to be Born.

Recognizing the touches of these ‘other-worlds’, throughout this life, can assist your transition into these realms. Identifying these areas will enable you to become more comfortable with the new surroundings when you die. Learning how to work with these energies and gaining mastery – now – for the stages of life after death, can build an easier passage through death and beyond. By developing appropriate skills in this life, such as observing subtle actions, honouring intuitive feelings, being aware of non-verbal communication and uncovering nature’s beauty, are just a few of the helpful insights to carry into the subtle worlds.

Explaining each of the seven death-to-rebirth stages of the passage and learning how to assess life’s true wisdom, has been compiled in the book Dying to be Born, by Jhani. The author has studied the subject for over 40 years and together with personal experience, draws on Hindu and Buddhist teachings, Theosophy, Agni-Yoga, western research and many other sources. This book examines the entire circular process of the soul’s spirit-learning from aging through death and what happens after death. It then reveals the complete sequence of the incarnating soul from pre-conception through the inutero fetus and into the new life after being born. It shows how life’s learning and the many stages of the dying process assist the yearning soul to reincarnate. It also describes the many steps of gaining inner wisdom and the recapitulation review of one’s life immediately following death. The book illuminates how, with the release of the astral body and the liberation of karmic attachments, the doors to the next steps are opened. Also, how the soul’s burgeoning ideas can flourish, in preparation for the next life.

Finally, the book raises the centuries old questions of ‘Who is God?’, ‘Where is God?’ and ‘Why are we here?”. Discussions of these questions are clarified by looking at the universal laws of nature which guide our path forward. The book also weighs-in on some controversial issues that may differ from a mundane perspective – like why we have developed such a fear of death, channeling, abortion, suicides and, children that choose their parents long before pregnancy. No matter what your beliefs or perceptions, this book may well stretch your reality and intrigue your interest.

Jhani has studied Agni Yoga – the yoga of fire – since meeting with his Spiritual Teacher back in the 1970’s. He first became intrigued about reincarnation while working for a progressive alternative school where children’s past lives were recognized and the child’s innate skills were encouraged. In studying after-life experiences, he finds the commonality in all religions and teachings of the death process. His book Dying to be Born, reflects many years of study and brings a wealth of information to the reader. Jhani has written and spoken on many areas of spirituality.

The book Dying to be Born is available in hard or soft format on-line at www.jhani.ca Jhani will be giving a hands-on workshop, with reflection, journaling, presentation and discovery, on Tuesday, March 3, 6:30-9:00pm. Self Connection – Books, 4611 Bowness Rd. NW, Calgary. To pre-register -$20. visit: www.jhani.ca or call, 250-278-0395. At the door $25.

The book demonstrates how, just as there are ‘helpers’ in this life, there are a myriad of ‘helpers ‘on the other side waiting to assist the traveler - from ushers pointing the way to a light-filled tunnel, to spirit-guides who help with wisdom learning. Here, the higher worlds are eager for you to learn and transition. The book graphically paints a picture of each of the unique realms that are traversed while on this journey of reincarnation. Each stage, with a unique setting, assists us to grow and gain the wisdom that can be carried into the future in the chalice of achievements.

Included in the reincarnation progression are ‘spirit-agreements’ made with other souls before the final covenant to incarnate. Then, reflecting the evolution of the planet’s past and in conjunction with the soul’s karma, a new earthly body is built in-utero. You will also discover how the incarnating child will be uniquely individual – differing from his/her siblings, as s/he brings past-life propensities into play and creates future opportunities drawn from the achievements stored in the chalice.

Spring 2015

facebook.com/trifectamag

| 29

our favourite things

for your Mind

Certified Coaches Federation www.certifiedcoachesfederation.com

Salt Crystal Health Centre 128, 5403 Crowchild Trail NW, Calgary

Emotional Freedom Technique www.EFTcoaching.ca

Yogadotcalm 3217, 380 Canyon Meadows Drive. SE 403-225-2267 www.yogadotcalm.com

Healing Heart Wellness Deborah Nichol, 403-816-1330 www.healingheartwellness.com Kairos Therapy www.kairostherapy.com Soul Food Books Purveyors of Fine Crystals 3, 213 -19 St NW, Calgary 403-270-0410 www.soulfoodbooksetc.com

for your Body

for your Soul Calgary Sport and Social Club www.calgarysportsclub.com Connect 2 Your Angels www.connect2yourangels.com Connect Mother Daughter Experience 403.803.6520

Amaryllis Centre for Healing www.amarylliscentre.com

Emerge Centre for Inner Healing www.emergeforhealing.ca

Be More Fitness www.bemorefitness.com

MBS Consulting Naturopath Therapies www.mbsconsultant.net

Chiropractic Wellness Clinic 210, 240 Midpark Way SE

REAP Business Association www.reapcalgary.com

Gra Online Boutique www.graboutique.ca

Organized Lives www.organizedlivesltd.com

Home Tasting Room 110, 8 Ave SW, Calgary

TantricPath Exploration and Healing through Sexuality 403-918-6783 www.tantricpath.com

Jodi O ~ Calgary Photographer www.jophoto.info Living Tai Chi www.livingtaichi.ca Rejuve Wellness Centre www.rejuveyourbody.com

Tracy’s Vision tracysvision.com WOW (Women Only Weekend) 403.589.5060

The above mentions are the personal opinions of the publisher and believe the information to be true.

We Want to Hear from You! Let us know how we’re doing. Send us your feedback. feedback@trifectamagazine.ca

Support the Environment. Support our Community. Support Local Businesses.

Please pass this copy along to a friend, family member or colleague who may benefit from the articles or products and services featured in this issue.

Brighten someone’s day, if you visit any of the great businesses advertised in Trifecta Magazine, tell them you saw their ad.

30 |

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL

|

serving Calgary for over ten years

trifectamagazine.ca

Trifecta Magazine MIND | BODY | SOUL