Winter Issue January/February 2016
Wellness Health & Self-Expression
(Pure) Magazine FEMININE ART SPEAKS Mia Roman
Tea Relaxation Magic of Lavender
SURFING THE WAVES
DOMINIQUE MILLER
5 Ways to Keep
Mentally Healthy
REAL WOMEN
Wellness Travel Stories
TRAVEL AND TRANSFORMATION BGNB PRODUCTIONS (C) 2015
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We Empower Embrace Happiness, and Encourage the Spirit!
Mind -Body -Soul Visit SAFI (Pure) Magazine Online www.safimagazine.com
Letter From Editor
Dear SAFI (Pure) Magazine Readers: With our third issue of SAFI Magazine, I wanted to have women speak for themselves authentically and share with our readers about their personal wellness journeys. Often as women, we are pushed to carry the burdens of our families and put self care at the bottom of our list of priorities. In the realm of self care, mental health is a serious part of maintaining one’s well being. I hope that SAFI Magazine can represent to women of color a movement where women of color (Black, Latina, Asian, and multi-ethnic) feel comfortable and empowered in sharing their stories of wellness, health, and self-expression. My goal with SAFI is not to present an ideal that fosters false perceptions of what it means to be an “ideal” healthy woman or a well woman. Ultimately, health is not just how much you weigh or what you eat, but rather health is mind and body balanced in harmony to build a foundation for personal happiness. If you are happy; you are healthy, and in turn love yourself and others more. This issue themed: Travel Transformations, will show how traveling can unlock the key to happiness and show us women how to be mentally healthy through our travels. Rebekah A. Frimpong Editor in Chief Of SAFI (Pure) Magazine Twitter: @SAFIPurMag Email: safipuremagazine@gmail.com BGNB Productions LLC. (c) 2015.
INSIDE SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE
A publication dedicated to wellness, health, and self-expression of the modern woman of color. SAFI (Pure) Magazine is a platform to share the stories of women on their wellness journeys. This is not only a publication but a movement to improve the lives of women in our community.
SAFI Team
Rebekah Frimpong -Editor in Chief Candace Tyler -Managing Editor
Special Contributors
Mistie Roundtree, Mia Roman, Clarissa Bannor, Nakia Mayfield Jamila Holmes, Ruth White, Eve Dennard, and Tanai Benard
SAFI Focus Wellness Health Self-Expression
SAFI (Pure) Magazine BGNB Productions LLC. Publication www.safimagazine.com Washington, DC/Philadelphia/New York/Virginia
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Inside This Issue:
Art By Mia Spotlight on Mia Roman
Travel Transformation The Afropolitan Way
Cover Photo: Dominique Miller Photograph by Arvydus
TRAVEL TRA NS FOR M AT I O N Issue Three of SAFI (Pure) Magazine: The Travel Transformation issue will feature Hawiian Surfer Dominique Miller and fascinating travel stories of women from various backgrounds. In this issue hear from a Puerto Rican artist, Mia Roman and Jewelry Designer Jules Kim. Plus our special feature story on from contributor Clarissa Bannor on Travel and Transformation.
Jewelry Designer Jules Kim of Bijules SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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WELLNESS
Travel Light:
A Special Note To Our Readers
SAFI Editor-in-Chief, Rebekah Frimpong shares a special note on this issue’s theme of traveling and personal transformation.
Photo on Page 7 Ghana, West Africa Photo on Page 8 Montego Bay Jamaica Photo on Page 9 Matapalo, Cosat Rica
In this issue of SAFI Magazine we will explore wellness and mental health. Overall having “peace of mind” is a phrase related to relaxation and being free of anxiety.
But what if getting that “peace of mind” meant travelling and challenging yourself to be open to new experiences? Would you be open to being in a new environment? Open to meeting new people? Travelling by yourself and meeting the challenge to be a better you?
According to a recent article in U.S.News in the Travel section, Why Travel is Good for Your Health, it was noted that traveling increases our ability to show empathy, relieves stress, and ultimately boost moods. I discovered in 2008, for myself that this holds true. Traveling can help decrease the negative impacts of stressful situations or trauma. Choosing a destination or destinations appropriately is key to having travel work towards improving one’s outlook on life and overall mental health So, in this issue of SAFI we are not going to outline ways of losing weight or the latest health craze in fitness. This issue will focus on the mental health of women of color and self expression. I want to share with women (our readers) that to be healthy and to be well, means finding balance and happiness. Traveling is a great gateway into unlocking the means to finding and securing happiness and a sense of wellness around maintaining mental health.
~Rebekah Frimpong Editor in Chief of SAFI Magazine
ART THAT SPEAKS TO WOMEN Puerto Rican artist Mia Roman makes art that speaks to all women at the core of embracing what makes being a woman powerful. Her art is a celebration of beauty but envokes a message of empowerment.
All Photos and Images Courtesy of Mia Roman
Mia Roman a seasoned traveler and self-taught fourth generation artist
with a degree in business and a passion for Art has become an internationally recognized visual and Mixed Media Artist, Curator, Expressive Arts Workshop Facilitator, Educator and Entrepreneur whose visual works have been exhibited and are part of private collections internationally and throughout the United States. Her paintings reflect spirituality, culture, humanism, reality and speak of advocacy for women, culture, and current events.
Mia has taught Mixed Media Art at The Children’s Art Carnival in NYC to children ages 4-8 years of age as well as teaching cultural art workshops at Riverbank State Park in NYC, The Leroy Neiman Arts Center, La Casa Azul Bookstore, and the Clemente Soto Velez Cultural and Educational Center, she also co-founded and facilitated an Expressive Arts program for homeless and displaced children and families at the Ruth Fernandez Family Residence in the Bronx, as well as conducts private group art classes throughout the metropolitan area. Mia, Founder of Art by Mia has curated several shows in and out of the SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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New York area including but not limited to ‌ Visions of Puerto Rico, Latinas En Foco, Women’s Journey, FEMICIDE, and FAREWELL SILENCE which was a global collaboration of over 300 women sharing their voices through pen and paper. Her works have appeared in numerous exhibitions, universities, galleries and reside in many private collections. She was recognized with a commendation from the Honorable Queens Borough President Helen M. Marshall for her artistic and humanitarian contribution to the community as a Puerto Rican Artist. Mia Roman a self taught Artist and Entrepreneur is on a MISSION to supply the tools and space where people can explore, and discover themselves freely through creative play by combining her passion for humanity, creativity, and healing! Her concept that Art and Love is the Medicine to Living, rings true to her work and it shows.
More on Mia Roman Art By Mia, Inc. Visit: www.artsbymia.com Email: artbymamamia@yahoo.com
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Transformation Through Travel Written By Clarissa Bannor and Photos Courtesy of C.B.
Travel is a transformative experience that stretches you to your edge. No matter how or where you go, just go! Travel is a forces you to reckon with yourself and teaches you to learn from others. Witnessing natural wonders and gleaning inspiration from people all over the globe opens our eyes, clarifies our truths, and molds us into better versions of ourselves. BGNB PRODUCTIONS (C) 2015
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Solo Adventures I’m an adventurous homebody; a bit of an oxymoron. I know, but the adventure I find in traveling gives me the pleasure of enjoying my own company and a chance to understanding myself deeply. The more I travel, the more I understand what I do and do not like, what I can and cannot tolerate, and I can tune in to a pace that’s most comfortable for me. Adventuring alone affirms a few of my beliefs and challenges the rest. Making the decision to go somewhere alone is the hardest part of traveling solo. Ironically, solo travel in Paris, where the travel bug bit me, was the beginning of my transformation through travel. I was no stranger to flights, passports, and new cities before my summer in Paris. However, being in a totally new city, by myself, stretched and grew me beyond measure. I often say: “that lives are built upon a unique sequence of before and afters” --before and after marriage, before and after kids, before and after losing 100Ibs--for me there is my life before and after Paris. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Living in a new city by myself was a major shifting point in my life. Before Paris, I was asleep to a world outside of the predictable, comfortable, orderly one I knew; after Paris, I became engaged in a bigger, wider, more interesting world. Exploring Paris solo, at my own pace, gave me the opportunity to be alone with my thoughts; piecing together where I fit in this big, wide world. I people-watched behind cafe au laits in ubiquitous French cafes, I ate ‘crêpe nutellas’ by the pound, and allowed my perspective to be enriched by learning from different people guided by different principles, living in a magical city. Traveling as a Couple (or with others) Traveling with others can be fun especially with someone who’s company you enjoy. Sharing the experience of adventure with a loved one builds stronger bonds and creates memories that last a lifetime. Traveling with others also challenges your patience, exercises your flexibility, and can be a valuable lesson in persuasive communication. Those closest to us often make the worst travel companions, but the worst situations often make us stronger, so there’s some value to traveling with company. I’ve had some of my best (and worst) trips with loved ones.
Traveling with Kids is Good for You Children set the pace for how fast you go, and that’s okay. Exploring a new city with my five year old and three year old daughters is meditational for me; they force me to slow down and really absorb the travel experience. On a recent trip to New York City (I remember feeling like” I get to go to NYC!), I envisioned planning a trip with us zipping in and out of museums, playgrounds, Central Park, Harlem—until I realized how far away we were from all those places and from where we stayed in the Financial District at the lower eastside of Manhattan—a good distance from the center of things. Exploring New York City became daunting and I panicked at not being able to see and do it all with the girls. So I did what any sensible, wanderlusting parent would do and rented a double stroller. In the beginning, I was happy to be getting around at an adult pace with the kids buckled in. Later, I felt saddled down because I could only get so far with a bulky stroller; but this predicament encouraged me to be patient and live up to my motto to bloom where I’m planted. It wasn’t long before I tapped into the charm and calm that surrounded us in Battery Park. Eventually we preferred hanging out around the Battery than exploring Times Square. We settled into a comfortable routine, which believe it or not, authenticated my experience and made me feel like a native New Yorker. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Here are 7 Ways to Enrich Your Adventures (Traveling Solo or in Groups): People Watch Take Local Transport: Do what the locals do Experience Local Favorites: seek out local joints with long lines Walk as Much as You Can Have an Itinerary, but be flexible Seek out at Least One Adventure Each Day Talk to Cabbies and Locals
Together, we figured out and championed the intricate subway system and quickly ditched our cumbersome stroller. We found a favorite little deli that we visited often–where they even knew our names now. We even made friends with some of the locals at the park we visited most mornings. Naturally, like a true New Yorker, I started to avoid Times Square and it’s superficial crowds like the plague! Though I’d been to New York City plenty of times, by myself and with other adults, I’d never quite experienced the city like I did this time with kids. Despite anxieties, fears, and limitations when traveling with kids, they really do contribute to the fun and help us see and experience a new place differently, which makes the adventure richer. I had a deeper, more transformative experience, thanks to the kids, simply by accepting the feat of adventuring at a child’s pace.
~Clarissa Bannor is a freelance writer who enjoys traveling, yoga, and blogging at ThisAfropolitanLife.com Catch her on Instagram @ThisAfropolitanLife
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MUSHANA
EMBRACE THE GODDESS WITHIN
HEALTH
RELAXATION AND ANXIETY FREE THE MAGIC OF LAVENDER TEA
SAFI’s Special Tea Expert Mistie Roundtree of Carytown Teas shares the wonders of lavender tea.
SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Lavender Tea And Lavender Lemonade Recipe Ingredients
2 Tbsp fresh lavender blossoms 8 ounces of water Raw Honey (amount use to taste) One Lemon (For One Serving) Tea Preparation - bring water to a boil - steep lavender loose in water for about 10 minutes - strain into cup and sweeten to taste * May also add chamomile, mint or ginger (all together is tasty too) Lemonade Preparation -take lavender tea prepared and sit aisde to cool -clean lemon, cut in half -squeeze lemon juice out into a separate cup straining out seeds -add lavender tea and lemon juice to a pitcher and serve over ice, add more honey as desired to taste
What Makes Lavender- Magical Lavender, known as Lavandula Angustifolia or Lavandula Officinalis, is a shrub known for its pleasant aroma and soft purple flowers. It is native to the Mediterranean, but is now cultivated throughout the world throughout the United States, Australia, and southern Europe. Used in lotions, perfumes, soaps and shampoos, it is also enjoyed as a tea, which has traditionally been used for medicinal purposes. The reason that lavender is so widely used is its massive range of applications, from food and fragrance to cosmetics and herbal medicine, is that this plant is chock full of essential oils that can have powerful effects on the human body. Lavender also has one of the most unique and beloved scents in the world.
Essence of Lavender Here are a few benefits this lovely plant bestows on the human body: - Rich in anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties - Prevents growth of harmful bacteria in the gut - Powerful anxiety and stress reliever - Helpful in lowering risk of heart disease and stroke - Aids in digestion - Helpful in maintaining healthy skin and hair - Relief for insomnia and apnea -Relieves bloating SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Ode to SisterHood Written By Nakita Mayfield Images by R.F. We all have or hope to have that friend that literally compliments us with : “ you’re beautiful sis” or “you’re doing an amazing job”...these are phrases so rarely shared between women of color. Uplifting one another is a must when we are constantly torn down in so many other ways in society. Here is my Ode to Sisterhood: Climbing the Ladder There is no struggle greater than the movement through ranks. In our current American social ladder African-American women stand at the fourth position behind White men and White women and then African-American men. On the social Olympic podium, where do we stand? Last. One can either seek to overtake a position or create a fourth pedestal rising just as high for spectators to behold. The latter is a far greater feat. It is easy to be vindictive but we maintain grace. Throwing integrity into an oncoming wind gust is but a simple motion but we retain poise in our stance. You will not find greater strength than what is exhibited in the presence of a society erected with your being as a condemned existence.
Black is Beautiful Not Ugly This condemnation was birthed of a defiance of natural beauty. Society says our hair should be straightened to align with a mold when the mold was in fact created to produce a singularity out of a multi-dimensional masterpiece. African American women created marvels only made possible by the nature of our hair and awe befell even those who likened themselves to be pictures of perfection. Skin tone and robust curvature were features to be hailed in ancient times and those who did not possess these attributes sought to rid the world of any reverence. Still the true queens of then and now do not seek vengeance. They only continue to walk in grace. How It Plays Out On Social Media In current social arenas, when someone of a different ethnic background emerges from the pool with similar features, African-American women display their beauty even if it is as a fixture of a music video. All the subject of ridicule had to do was show what it means to be a queen, continue her brilliance and let spiritual gravity act. It is undoubted that many around the world have gravitated toward the beauty of an African-American woman. In Silicon Valley, tanning businesses are thriving as the allure of our features magnetize those around us. We did not force this happening with planned hypnosis. It was in all forms a natural occurrence. We also promote the differences which makes others appealing. Fair skin and slender physical structure have their place of worth and we applaud it. There is no necessity to compete with that which is different from us. That is what makes us true queens. The Struggle is Real Aside from the African-American woman’s struggle with popular magazine centerfold requirements, there is also a spiritual beauty and strength wielded from a steel socio-economic structure formed to drain us from the promised prosperity of others. During times of deepest segregation, the bond of sisterhood had to be SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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impenetrable as did the mind of each woman ‘holding the line’ in a racial war. Our men were the soldiers fighting with no weapons other than their own strength and the unwavering prowess of the African-American woman. Mental support was a constant necessity for the fight. Nutritional knowledge, spiritual guidance and the rearing of upcoming soldiers were all paramount duties. Where is the Love Somehow self love had to be instilled in the hearts of viciously oppressed children and we created a seemingly impossible love brigade on hell’s battlefield. Though we also were tapped to soldier a post, love was the atomic weapon and it was our duty to craft/maintain this resistance to degradation. There could be no selfishness in this crafting. All children were our children and all women were sisters. It was then that we learned the true meaning of sisterhood. In present times, we continue to employ what was developed. Winning the War on Us Some battles have been won but the war is far from over. Once some of the locks were removed from the doors of professional growth, the business corridors were stormed and we fought for a place even amongst a few of the soldiers we trained. Our battle is ongoing and as many take rests, we sharpen our swords of royalty. We’ve pierced the cast iron coverings on education within the system, neutralized the acidic flows circling our essence and pounded the single door barring us from the ingredients necessary to form our podium. There is but one reason for our undeniable power. Under pressure, the most precious crystal structure on earth forms and increased pressure only creates another cut of brilliance. The smoke clears and there we stand in grace, love and a sisterhood which was built by the African-American woman but embraces all who seek true beauty and royalty in this life. On any given day you can call it sisterhood, friendship, bestie, my homegirl or whatever name fits your forte but if the bond lacks these fundamental reciprocal aspects as key ingredients within the relationship it could all be for nought in the end. Love begets love. Always
SPOTLIGHT ON:
JEWELRY DESIGNER KIM JULES
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BIJULES
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Jules Kim’s high-end jewelry collections named Bijules is a montage of finger rings, ear clips, necklaces, precious stones, stacked bands, and fine metals. As a jewelry designer and goldsmith by trade, Jules has pushed Bijules to the forefront of the fashion industry with celebs like Rihanna and Beyonce rocking her elaborate and boldly design gold jewelry. Jules gave SAFI Magazine insight on her recent Bijules collections and more on her daring and powerful style.
How would you describe your own personal style? And how has it influenced your brand? KJ: My personal style is a mix of designer vintage and current designer pieces. Right now I am wearing a vintage Eileen Fisher crushed velvet dress over a gold silk halston dress with Phillip Lim boots. I like to mix the possible and not follow trends. This is seemingly quite a reflection of my own brand with Bijules. I create pieces from my heart and not as a reaction to pre existing market demands. Retaining one’s artistic integrity is truly important and I am confident that my consistent jewelry story of making authentic ideas is being absorbed by the appropriate consumers. Your jewelry speaks to women in an empowering way, which collection or pieces do you feel are most reflective of this? KJ: All of my pieces are intended to conjure strength in each client’s’ spirit. The purchase of a Bijules piece reflects the choice in a moment to express oneself without saying one word. I belief the product and the evident decision to wear the piece are powerful in the world of the wearer and their environment. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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What is next for Bijules and where can our readers purchase pieces from your collections? KJ: I am launching a new wholesale collection as always and also play in the world of haute jewelry, so there is a demi-couture coming out in a few days. I will be hosting personal appearances around the world in my current stockists’ jewelry parlors as well as hosting private client trunk shows with secret guest hosts. It is indeed an exciting time with Bijules.
Find Bijules Jewelry Online: http://www.bijulesnyc.com sales: sales@bijulesnyc.com
SELF-EXPRESSION
Wellness Travel Stories Challenging New Adventures
Written By Eve Dennard and Photos Courtesy of Eve Dennard
I have been on a mission to
leave the USA since I was about five years old. My first attempt was when I decided to “walk to Mexico” with my friend Daniel. I was on my way to the “Mexican border” when the police picked me up with my partner in crime about a mile away from my home. When I was returned to my mother, she held my little body with tears in her eyes and frantically asked: “Where in the world were you going?” In a very calm and matter of fact voice, I looked at her and said: “I was going to Mexico.” That same wild and adventurous, traveling spirit led me to visit many countries throughout my life and eventually pushed me towards my current home in Seoul, South Korea. I traveled to South Korea for the first time in 2009 after I was laid-off from my job as a Marketing Manager in Atlanta, Georgia. I knew nothing about South Korea at that time, but the ads which described the lifestyle of an English as a Second Language--ESL Teacher living in the East were very enticing to me. I was hired after my first phone interview and was on a plane to Korea land within a few months after accepting my first teaching offer. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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My first year in Jeonju was incredible, so I re-signed for another year. The second year was also amazing, so I decided to return for a third year. While in Jeonju, I had an extremely disciplined daily exercise schedule, which consisted of Yoga at 10am followed by a 3-5 mile run along the Jeonju River. I would eat a light lunch after my workout and then teach classes from 4pm - 10pm. I often did not eat a large dinner, because my classes were scheduled back to back until 10pm. This schedule was ideal for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. I also played tennis regularly and went hiking. For the last two years of my teaching career, I have been living and working in Seoul. Unfortunately, my schedule recently has been much more grueling, which has left less time for exercise. Therefore, I have started a Sunday walking group to ensure that I would go for long walks and hikes on Sundays with others. I also walk and workout during the week, however, I have found it difficult to get on a running schedule like I did in the past in Jeonju. I hope to continue walking and hiking consistently into 2016. I have learned a great deal in my four years abroad, and I will share four main things about being an expat that have changed my life forever. 1.Simple Living I’ve always enjoyed a simple and practical lifestyle. However, I have really embraced a minimalistic way of living in my one room apartment with no clothes dryer, no dishwasher and no oven. Many people from the states would probably criticize my small space and gasp at how compact everything is here. However, I have come to love and appreciate it. I have no desire to have a huge house and a fancy car. I was never into that kind of “lavish” living. Therefore, living in a small space in Seoul with easy access to public transportation and no need for a car has been perfect for me. Living expenses and medical costs are also extremely low, which makes it very easy for me to save money here and have the kind of simple lifestyle I have always wanted.
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2. Travel Opportunities Since I don’t spend much money on my living expenses, I have more money to travel. Nearby vacation destinations like Thailand, Boracay (The Philippines), Hong Kong (China), Guam, and Japan are extremely affordable, and I have enjoyed several trips over the past five years that I probably would have never taken from across the globe in the states. I traveled quite a lot when I lived in the states. However, I’m able to travel even more as a resident in the East. 3. Relationships Unfortunately, international relationships tend to be temporary. I have met several amazing people while living abroad, and most of them have moved away. I’m still close to a few of my friends. However, most of my relationships made in the past are just memories now. I have learned to live alone without close friends and family, which has been extremely difficult for me at times. As a natural loner, I enjoy spending some time alone. However, as a socialite, being away from close friends and family for long periods of time can be a very isolating and depressing experience. It’s also very difficult to live abroad without the support of friends and family. People who do not understand my life path tend to be very critical. However, living abroad has taught me to be even more self-sufficient and less reliant others and their opinions about my life choices. It’s essential for me to occasionally meet with positive, like-minded people who are also enjoying their life journey away from their home country in order to stay sane. In the past, I would sacrifice myself a bit more for others due to feeling homesick and family pressure. I would go home more often, make time for international phone calls and feel guilty about living in a different country. However, these days, I’m very firm about my decision to live abroad whether others agree with my lifestyle or not.I have decided that others can make the effort to come and see me in South Korea, instead of me feeling the need to always return home to stay connected. 4. Peace I have enjoyed my peace of mind while living abroad. I never felt completely safe or comfortable while living in the USA. South Korea is a peaceful country with very minimal crime and violence. Drugs and guns are banned here, which
creates a more stable and healthy living environment. Not to say that South Korea is a perfect place. There are other issues here. However, drugs, violence and crime are not high on the list. In addition, when I lived in the USA, I had to commute at least two hours per day to work through traffic, which was very taxing - both mentally and physically. In Korea, I can walk or take a five minute taxi ride to work without worrying about my safety. These small differences have had a huge impact on my peace of mind. I have no regrets about living abroad, and I would do it all over again without a doubt. I have always encouraged others to live life to the fullest (the way they see fit), and I can honestly say that I have had a chance to practice what I preach as a proud expat living my life to the max in South Korea.
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My Love of Travel &
My Travel for Love
Written By Ruth C. White Photos Courtesy of Ruth C. White
I fell in love with travel growing up in a family that
traveled. I was born in London and spent my early years in the UK, my childhood in Jamaica, my adolescence in Canada, and my adulthood in Canada, the USA and the UK. I got my first passport (Jamaican) at age 4 in 1968, which I later surrendered for a Canadian one. In addition, I have a British passport and permanent residency in the USA. I have traveled hundreds of thousands of miles to 26 countries, many of which I have visited several times. Travelling has shaped the way I view the world, the way I view myself, and the way others see me. Travel has exposed me to the different ways in which people live and engage with the world. Travel has taught me that there are many ways to live and to be happy. As much as I am aware of the differences between people, I have a deep awareness of the things that bind us together. When I speak, my accent reflects the geography of my life and labels me an outsider no matter where I am. Like me, my accent has no geographical home. And yet I feel at home in places around the globe where I have found peace and a sense of connection. As someone with bipolar disorder, travel has kept me psychologically and emotionally healthy by keeping me connected to the people and places I love, and the rituals that make me feel loved. Through my experience SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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of traveling alone in far away places, I have gained a sense of self-confidence, competence and power that help me successfully deal with the challenge of managing the symptoms of mental illness. Travel connects me with parts of myself that I otherwise would not have known. My sense of adventure and bravery and my trust in the goodness of people have developed through finding my way through countries in which I don’t speak the language, and having to depend on the kindness of strangers. Growing up in the Caribbean I fell in love with the ocean and the ‘bush’, where I find peace. When the sadness that comes with depression begins to overwhelm me, I find peace and healing by escaping to the mountains or the water, whether on the Pacific a few miles from my Oakland home, walking along the shores of SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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the Thames between Windsor and Maidenhead, or kayaking down the White Nile. When I long to feel the love of family and the comfort of the familiar, I return to Jamaica where a large extended network of genetic connections make me feel rooted to a long history of self and family. When I re-trace my childhood steps along the southern shores of the island, I feel the comfort of “home”. As a mother, I have shared the love of travel with my daughter throughout her life and we have bonded on planes, trains and automobiles around the world. We share a ‘favorite place’: YS Falls in Jamaica – a place we have visited at least a dozen times in her eighteen years. Travel is a ritual that connects us. We have climbed ant hills in Uganda and Blue Mountain in Jamaica. We have explored the Christmas markets of Paris and enjoyed the Christmas lights of Oxford Street in London. She too has found independence in travel and as soon as she turned 12 she decided to no longer be an official ‘unaccompanied minor’, by no longer wearing its identifying tag. Alone she has crossed continents and oceans. Travel is who we are. It is not about the getting there, but about the being there. It is about the love of family and friends and places. It is about peace and joy and health and love.
SAFI RECIPES
JUICING TO REVITALIZE Tumeric Ginger Orange Juice Juicing is a great way to get nutrients, vitamins, and an extra energy boost. Juicing is great for cleansing the blood and can have healing potential for skin. Here is one of SAFI’s editors favorite juice recipe Tumeric Ginger Orange Juice!
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INGREDIENTS 1/2 Tsp Grunded Tumeric 1 Orange Juiced 1 Apple Juiced 1 Tsp Lemon Juice 1/2 Tsp Ginger Grounded or minced 1 Cup (8 Oz.) Water 1 Tsp Light Agave PREPARATION In a juicer juice orange and apple. Get a pitcher that holds 2 Quarts, and add rest of ingredients and stir well. Chill in refrigerator for an hour or serve over ice.
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SAFI RECIPES
Eggplant and Polenta with Mushroom Marinara
INGREDIENTS 1Roll of Already Made Polenta (Trader Joes Brand) 1 Cup of Stewed Crushed Tomatoes 1/2 Cup of Veggie Broth 10 Button Mushrooms Diced 1 Eggplant 3 Cups of Italian Bread Crumbs 2 Eggs 2tsp Olive Oil 1/4 cup Grated Parmeasan Cheese PREPARATION Preheat oven for 425 degrees. Take eggplant wash and cut into thin slices about 1/2 inch thick. Crack eggs into a bowl, pour bread crumbs into a separate bowl, and dip eggplant in eggs then bread crumbs and set aside. Take polenta roll and slice about half inch thick slices as well. Get a baking sheet and lightly grease with olive oil and bake polenta slices for about 15 minutes. In a shallow frying pan fry eggplant slices until golden brown. In separate pan cook stewed tomatoes, broth, mushrooms, plus a pinch of salt and garlic powder, and olive oil on low simmer for 20 minutes. When all components are done stack eggplant, then polenta, then sauce and cheese. Then Serve. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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BENEFITS OF BROCCOLI CANCER PREVENTING CHOLESTEROL REDUCING INFLAMMATION REDUCING POWERFUL ANTIOXIDANT RICH IN VITAMIN C BONE HEALTH CALCIUM AND VITAMIN K HEART HEALTHY AIDS IN DIGESTION RICH IN FIBER
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FREEDOM RIDER
Nique Miller also known as Dominique Miller lives in Honolulu
Hawaii and chases waves hoping to get the best surf while paddling out over sunsets, she reflects on her oneness with the water and with life. Her vibrant love for the ocean inspired her to start her own jewelry line that incorporates the essence of the ocean. PHOTOS BY ARVYDUS AND TAYLOR STACKS
“Surfing is important to me because it’s my passion. It is my happy place,”
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Nique is multi talented thriving as an athlete, surf photographer, and a jewelry designer. She is an avid surfer and swimmer and has started making a name for herself on the pro surf circuit and within the surf community in Hawaii. Nique first started surfing when she was younger. “I am very competitive, and when I find something I love, I want to try and be the best at it�! Nique always is challenging herself to achieve more. The sport of surfing BGNB PRODUCTIONS (C) 2015
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allows for her to constantly build her strength and endurance as an athlete. She hopes that people can look to her as a role model, but she admits she is still growing and learning and looks to all the other amazing surfers out there in the ocean as her personal role models. She loves being able to watch other talented surfers and the different maneuvers they do, and she uses that to push herself to be a better surfer. Currently, Nique is ranked 13th in the world in SUP (stand up paddle). She has aspirations of moving up in her ranking. She has been featured in surf magazines and blogs as a surfer to watch. Nique says: “Surfing is important to me because it’s my passion. It is my happy place, it is what I dream about when I go to sleep and wake up it is the first thing I want to do when I wake up.” Nique share that she also has through surfing met many new friends. She feels surfing competitively has allowed her to grow mentally and physically.
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Nique brings a vitality and peace to the sport inspiring others through her Instagram account @nique_jewelry . She has a huge influence on women of color and young people and getting them excited about surfing. Nique also enjoys stand up paddling, snorkeling, and hunting for shells which she uses in her custom made jewelry which she hand crafts herself. She finds all her shells and seaglass throughout the beaches of Hawaii and takes them to create unique pieces of jewelry that reflect her unwavering love of the ocean. Her jewelry can be purchased on her website: www.etsy.com/shop/NiqueJewelry . SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Traveling Means Change Wrtiten by Tanai Benard and Photos Courtesy of 4Deep
SINGLE MOTHER OF THREE TANAI BENARD IS A SAFI GUEST CONTRIBUTOR SHARING HER WELLNESS JOURNEY AND HOW TRAVELLING ALLOWED HER TO ACCEPT MAJOR CHANGES IN HER LIFE AND CHALLENGED HER TO BE OPEN TO CHANGE.
How did I get here? This is a question I constantly ask myself. Here I stand at the age of 32, as a divorcee and single mother of three elementary age children and living a life while residing in The Middle East that most only dream about. How did this incredibly beautiful mess happen to me?
Where It Started It was just two and a half years ago I was tirelessly fighting to save my marriage of seven years while simultaneously trying to live the American Dream. Although things weren’t perfect, we were making slight progress in our attempt to gain our piece of the pie. It wasn’t too long ago that we were recipients of the welfare system. Now we were homeowners in a gated community living paycheck-to-paycheck and robbing Peter to pay Paul. On the outside looking in, we were seemingly the almost perfect rags to riches story. Beautiful family, decent careers, white picket fence and the exterior smiles to match the façade of happiness. Behind the walls of our 3,000 sq ft home; lived the truth. The reality of an abusive and destructive marriage that was falling apart and a financial situation that would be checked but never balanced. We needed an out, a miraculous solution to save our family. I refused to be another statistic of failed marriages amongst the black community. I wanted our children to be one of the very few in their elementary class to live in a HAPPY and HEALTHY two parent household. In April 2013, a break came that could be our saving grace. We both agreed that an opportunity for me to teach abroad would be just what we needed. I accepted the position in May 2013 and we were set to leave and start our new lives in the Middle East as a family in August 2013. Unfortunately, the last time I’ve seen my ex husband was June 2013 when he dropped the children and I to a Texas airport to board a flight to visit family for one week in California one last time before our journey abroad. He was not home when we returned and never applied for a passport as planned. I made a decision that was best for me and mine and keep to the original plan. At this point, I had resigned from my position and leased out our home. Essentially, I was unemployed and homeless. So I did what I felt any mother would do. I kept pushing! In August 2013, we boarded the plane 4 Deep (1 mother and 3 young children) with 8 suitcases in tow. Our 22-hour flight itinerary brought us to Abu Dhabi, which was our final destination. This is where the journey of my life as a single mother of three would begin. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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Traveling Changed My Perspective Growing up, I was always thought traveling internationally wasn’t immediately accessible to me or even people like me. I saw it as something for the wealthy and well off. I never owned a passport until after I received my job offer abroad at the age of thirty. Now I recognize that the opportunity to travel is available to all. Traveling has changed the way that I view life. I have become so much more appreciative of my life’s
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journey because of my travel experiences. Sitting in a hut in Sri Lanka and watching my children happily assist a local woman who spoke no English, make Coconut Roti on a makeshift stick and stone stove changed my life forever. This fragile local elder smiled the entire time and offered my family the little bit that she had. It helped me bring into perspective how blessed I truly was despite my current struggle as a newly divorced single mom. Seeing the world and rubbing shoulder with the people in it has also helped me to become more open minded about different cultures and embrace the religious beliefs of others. At the end of the day, forming a personal conclusion that no matter who one chooses to pray to or their cultural background it ultimately comes down to the purity of one’s heart. Life Changing Experiences While Traveling 4 Deep Around the World spends a great amount of time traveling as a family. I made a vow to myself to attempt to give my children a new experience or passport stamp about every 120 days. As a young single mother, in the last 365 days, I have been able to watch my children visit temples in Sri Lanka , sit in the presence of Monks in Malaysia, walk the streets of the Philippines, ride camels in Dubai and build sand castles on the beaches of Thailand. I can see how hungry they are to learn about people and visit as much of this vast land as possible. I want to literally give my children the world and travel has allowed me to do that. Traveling has changed the way we learn about the world. No longer do we have to rely on textbooks to expose us to the Louvre or the Pyramids of Giza. I pray that before they entire middle school my children will have experienced these for themselves. I now see limitless possibilities for my children and I. When it comes to other aspects in my life, I am no longer a domestic thinker but I now think on a global level. Seeing the world has opened my eyes to the great opportunities before us. SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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5
Ways To Better Mental Health
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5 Ways To Better Mental Health 1. Value Yourself & Your Happiness Taking responsibility for your own happiness and engaging in what makes you happy instead of trying to please others 2. Surround Yourself with Good Energy and Positive People When you are in a positive space with positive people you will be able to eliminate negative thoughts 3. Set Realistic Goals and Achieve Them By setting goals you can meet you are preparing yourself for the good and the bad. Keep an open mind and pace yourself remembering that balance is key 4. Exercise and Take Good Care of Your Body By being active your body will naturally better your mental health and help deal with stress/anxiety, this means eating well too 5. Moving On or Forward Don’t live in the past, look toward to the future
Back Openers Try these back supportingYoga poses to ease pressure around the spine and strengthen upper and lower back muscles. Remember to breathe and flow into each pose not pushing yourself too much and modifying poses where needed. Use pillows and blocks for modified versions of the poses to give support for the back.
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INJURY FREE RUNNING TIPS
-Engage your core muscles adominal muscles and glutes -Breathe, remember to breath easy keeping your lungs open -Find good shoes that fit well and give great support -Light stretch before a run but don’t over stretch, each stretch should be about 30 seconds of less and all stretching should not exceed 5 minutes -Drink water sparingly while running so you will not cramp up but drink as needed after a run to rehydrate -Include a weight strengthening regimen to help keep muscles protected, after your run do a 15-20 minute weight regimen to help strengthen core muscles -Make sure your form is correct when running, this means have good posture and light feet, avoid overstriding
Maintaining Your Promise to Personal Wellness While Traveling Written by Jamila Holmes Photo Courtesy of Jamila Holmes
It is no secret to anyone who has known me for any length of time that I
love to travel. Growing up in New York I was afforded the opportunity at an early age to meet and interact with people from many different cultures which had a huge effect on initiating what has become a lifelong interest; to see the world. I am a people person, so watching and learning from people while interacting with people around the globe is like soup for my soul. I’ve always been know to travel, but over the last few years my level of travel has soared to a new heights as I have met other travelers in travel groups who I’ve taken trips with and my confidence to do more solo trips has also increased.
Photo on Page 56 Sunrise Hiking Stone Mountain, Georgia Photo on Page 57 Aerial Yoga in Chiang Mai, Thailand Photo on Page 58 Outdoor Gym Rio de Janiero, Brazil
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So with all the trips I have taken, I’m often asked by friends and others I meet how do I maintain a fitness regimen or stay healthy with all of the traveling that I do. They know that when I’m at home fitness is a very important part of my personal wellness due to my career as a physical therapist and my lifestyle as an active yogi/barre class/ dance class fanatic. My goal on my trips is to make sure I take care of the trinity. By trinity I mean the mind, body and soul. Although my interactions and quest to learn as much from others at the destinations I’m visiting, taking care of invigorating my mind and spirit in order for me to feel complete on trips it’s up to me to make sure I take care of my body as well. I’m a firm believer that things that are important to you if necessary you must schedule them into your day. You can’t wait SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016
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to see if you can fit in. When I know that I’m going on a trip I plan before I leave. I decide what types of physical activity that I want to engage in that corresponds with my current fitness goals. In many places you can always find a fitness center and sign up for a free trial gym membership for those new to the area. For me this is always a last resort. In my travels I have seeked out different activities like tango lessons while in Argentina, yoga in Sydney at Bondi beach and overlooking the city at the watch tower, swimming/floating in the water with stingrays and sharks (they were harmless, small and not quite as big as Jaws) in Moorea, aerial yoga class in Chiang Mai, bike riding through Cape Town and Mykonos, walking tours in different cities in Europe or utilizing the free open air gym equipment outside on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro. All of these experiences I incorporated while traveling and I loved each of them! Not only did they allow me to not fall off track with the body/fitness piece of my personal wellness program but the atmosphere and scenery during these activities were so amazing that had I not participated in them I would have completely missed the experience. Experiences to me are priceless. I do all of this because to me it’s when you fall off track that it creates what feels like much more work for you to do when you return home from trips. In maintaining my promise to personal wellness it makes it easier for me to transition from trips to normal work and personal routines when I return home. Combining staying active along with continuing to make smart and healthy meal choices with an occasional indulgence are all important pieces that allow me to maintain control while traveling. ~Jamila Holmes is a physical therapist in the Atlanta, Georgia area. When she is not running around the globe on her own personal travels she also organizes group trips for Event and Exotic Travel Meetup.
CELEBRATE YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY
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