Conscious Life Free Online Mag Dec 2017 jan 2018 ed 41

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Conscious Life Magazine

CONTENTS OUR EDITOR CJ SHARES: HOW I DETOXED MY LIFE AND LOST 6 KGS IN 2 MONTHS FESTIVE SEASON GIFT GUIDE – FILLED WITH AWESOME GOODIES

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SELF DEVELOPMENT & PERSONAL GROWTH AYURVEDA & THE 5 ELEMENTS THE 10 ELEMENTS OF A SOULMATE THE ULTIMATE QUEST: WHO ARE YOU? WHAT IS YOUR PURPOSE IN THIS LIFE TIME?

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NATURAL HEALTH & WELLNESS WHAT ARE FRIENDLY BACTERIA BELOW THE BELT: LOOKING AFTER YOUR BLADDER AND KIDNEYS SO YOU THINK YOU DON’T NEED VITAMIN & MINERAL SUPPLEMENTS? ARTHRITIS: 10 WAYS TO WARD OFF JOINT DISEASE

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HEALTHY INTAKE DECEMBER YOURSELF SKINNY HEALTH BENEFITS OF PEPPERMINT HEALING BENEFITS OF NETTLE LEAF HALLOUMI & VEGGIE SKEWERS BABY BULLET BUTTERNUT BLEND FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE BABY BULLET AVO % BANANA MOUSE FOR YOUR LITTLE ONE

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CONSCIOUS HEALING WHAT IS NLP? ARCHANGEL URIEL ENJOY TRUE REST ANTANEEA TECHNIQUE – HEALING WITH TOUCH, COLOUR AND SOUND

b CONSCIOUS BODY STAYING FIT THIS SUMMER – WHILE HAVING FUN TONED THIGHS IN THREE MOVES WITH LISA RALEIGH

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CONTENTS H

GREEN LIVING HOW TO PREPARE FOR UNEXPECTED FLOODING ADORABLE DIY TERRARIUMS TO CREATE AT HOME GREEN CLEANING: PROTECT YOUR HEALTH AND CONSERVE YOUR ENVIRONTMENT

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WORKSHOPS, COURSES & RETREATS DHARMAGIRI SACRED MOUNTAIN RETREAT EFT-MATRIX REIMPRINTING & META-HEALTH TRAINING THE JOY OF SACRED GEOMETRY SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING A COURSE IN HONOURING YOUR PSYCHIC GIFTS

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OUR ANIMALS TOP 10 HAZARDS FOR PETS AT CHRISTMAS TIME

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GETAWAYS, SHOWS & EVENTS BARNYARD SHOWS, GETAWAYS; AND MORE

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READING AWESOME READS & WIN A COPY OF BOUNDLESS LOVE & RAISING MONEY SAVVY KIDS

_ REACH OUT REACH OUT & HELP: DESERVING CHARITIES AND CAUSES NEEDING YOUR HELP

On our cover: Cj Matticks Photographed by Lerissa Kemp of Lerissa Kemp Photography: www.facebook.com/lerissakempphotography Flowers edited in by Clyde Jacobsen

Contributing Team & Experts

ABOUT US www.childoftheuniverse.co.za PUBLISHER 2Luni Media EDITOR/OWNER Candida “Cj“ Matticks 087 802 6102 candida@childoftheuniverse.co.za

LISA RALEIGH Fitness & Nutritional Expert

Articles from the late

LOUISE L. HAY Author/Inspirational Speaker

Copy Editor Linda Navon SALES & MARKETING Sales & Marketing Manager Cj Matticks

HANNA KOK BrainGym

DR CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP

Sales Linda Navon CREATIVE TEAM Designer & Creative Director Cj Matticks Content & Layout Assistant Linda Navon

DR. WAYNE DYER Author & Motivator

BRENT LINDEQUE The Good Things Guy

Digital Manager & Social Media Cj Matticks DISTRIBUTION & ACCOUNTS

Lee Coulter lee@childoftheuniverse.co.za

Articles written by the late

HEATHER PICTON

TORSTEN A. LANGE

Founder ADHASA

Author, founder & director Reiki Academy London

LINDA NAVON

CJ MATTICKS

CONTACT NUMBERS TEL: 087 802 6102 011 026 2643 011 046 8737

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Contributing Team & Experts WHAT WE ARE ABOUT We believe in the ‘FIRST DO NO HARM’ principle and we select our content and advertisers accordingly. Our focus is on conscious lifestyle.

We cover topics around natural health & wellness: body, mind & spirit; conscious living for a cleaner planet, healthy recipes and fitness.

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Re-code Your Life

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ISSUU APP Conscious Life Magazine is published on ISSUU. Please download the ISSUU app via the Android and Apple App Stores. It is free to use. Please follow us on there. www.issuu.com/2luni-media DISCLAIMER The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and not necessarily those of the editor, advertisers or endorsers. While every effort has been made to ensure that the contents of this publication are both accurate and truthful, the publisher and editor accept no responsibility for inaccurate or misleading information that may be contained herein.

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Dearest Conscious Life Friends Can you believe just how quickly this year has gone by? That said, this has been a year of great transformation for me, especially over the past 3 months.

My life got to a point 3 months ago where I had to take a step back and really assess things: my home life, relationship, health and happiness. I realised, with much sadness, dismay and frustration, that I was firmly stuck in an unhealthy rut. I found myself dreading each new day. What had happened to me, I asked myself. When had I allowed my life to become something that no longer resonated with my truth? When had I stopped recognising the person staring back at me in the mirror? It certainly didn’t happen overnight, no, it was a gradual process of wearing down and chipping away at my true joyful self. I imagine that it is like this for many of us, otherwise we would just shift things right there and then.

I no longer liked who I was and where my life was heading. Something had to change, and fast.

The 1st thing I did was to move out of a relationship that had become very unhealthy and co-dependant. I remember the day very clearly that the shift happened, and there was no turning back, my soul simply wouldn’t allow me to back down and settle back into the unhealthy “comfort zone” that had become my daily life. “NO!” It seemed to scream at me.

“Enough is enough”. It was time to find my true, happy self again and heal myself.

The 1st stage of my transformation was not easy, as you can imagine. There was much sadness to be processed. But as the month passed by and I started to feel lighter each day, I knew that I had made the best decision for all concerned, even though that was not mutually evident. It is important though to know when to walk away.

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The second stage, which started while I was still processing the breakup, really helped me to heal and get my life back on track. I attended a 3 day Theta Healing Certification Course called Game of Life, facilitated by a soul friend of mine, Nianell. It really put things back into perspective and the healing and belief work over the 3 days sped up my transition back to a place of happiness in myself and my life. I was able to see exactly what I wanted from my life and the steps needed to move back into integrity and alignment with my dreams and ambitions.

Next, I sought the help of Professor Celene Bernstein, in transforming my body back to health. On the 1st of November, I embarked on her 4 week gentle detox. The only expectation I had, was to become energised and healthy again, and possibly shed the excess weight that I was carrying. My initial measurements showed that I was weighing 62kgs, and my waist and hip circumferences were 74.93cm and 105.41cm respectively.

The 1st week was hard, I am not going to lie.

The food was delicious, the detox symptoms, not so much. I had headaches, nausea, body aches – just walking up the stairs to my lounge was a grueling experience. But, I had Celene to help me and guide me. In retrospect, I should have been taking Caprylic Acid or Pau d’Arco to help with the die off of Candidias Albicans which I imagine was causing a lot of my symptoms.

At the end of week one, I felt a real sense of accomplishment. What’s more, I had shed 3kgs, 3cm off my hips and 5cm off my waist!!

In just one week!! This really spurred me on.

Week 2 was far easier and the harsh symptoms had abated. By week 3 my energy had really improved and the brain fog I had been suffering from for years, had almost totally lifted. My weigh in showed that I had shed another 1.5kg, 3cm around my hips and 1cm around my waist.

The last week really flew by, and the way of eating has become so habitual now, which is fabulous as it is very healthy and focuses on whole healthy foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.

I now weigh 56kgs, my waist is at 66.04cm and my hips are at 99.06cm. I am fitting into clothes that I haven't been able to wear for years. I look and feel great. My skin is radiant and healthy and I have tons of energy.

Another change in my life, is that I have started to surround myself with positive, uplifting, supportive friends and have even forged some great new relationships along the way.

Looking back, I am so grateful to my past self for having the courage and strength to follow her heart and make the very difficult decisions that needed to be made to help me reach where I am today.

Going forward, I plan to keep up my healthy eating and have started to cycle, meditate to do yoga again. I have committed to always following my heart and staying true to myself.

Thank you for reading my story, I hope that it will inspire and possibly help you to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of your true happiness. I encourage you to use this time leading up to 2018, to reflect on your life and see what areas need to shift in order to allow you to be in alignment with your truth.

Then, fashion your resolutions around this, and keep them simple!

We have many articles to help you on your path. Enjoy them. Share the mag with your friends too – it’s free after all.

Be safe this festive season, and for those celebrating, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

Article by Wendy Young of Wise Living “It is called Ayurveda because it is the knowledge that teaches us which substances, qualities and actions are beneficial or harmful to life” Charaka Samhita, the earliest Ayurvedic text, 150BCE – 100CE

What is Ayurveda?

Translated as the ‘Science of Life’, Ayurveda teaches us a way of living with insight and balance that is in harmony with our individual nature and Mother nature. It is the medical system from India which includes aspects of philosophy, mythology, nutrition, massage, herbal therapy, yoga as well as spiritual teachings and practices. As well as treating illness, Ayurveda focuses on preventing disease and maximising vitality. Without health, we cannot pursue or enjoy our life purpose!

When I first discovered the wonders and wisdom of Ayurveda, I found the vastness of its knowledge slightly intimidating. I realised that I needed to understand the basic principles in order to apply its practical teachings. The key to this understanding is the five elements, the pancmahabhurta. By studying nature and learning about the qualities of the elements, we can then develop a deeper understanding of our unique body/mind constitution or dosha.

In this article, we explore the elements, the building blocks of nature and of the three doshas namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

According to Ayurveda, everything in the Universe is composed of the 5 elements – ether, air, fire, water and earth. The human body is also composed of these 5 elements, so the body is a reflection of the greater Universe – it is a microcosm of the macrocosm.

What is a Dosha?

There are three primary life forces or subtle energies that come from the five elements. They are known as doshas. Vata, Pitta and Kapha are responsible for all the physical and mental functions in the body. When our doshas are cared for and in balance they maintain our health and wellbeing. When there is a build up of the dosha, imbalance arises and we become unwell. Each of us is unique, born with our own distinct individual constitution or balance of the three doshas. This balance determines

our physical body, our emotional and mental traits and our tendency to certain health problems.

We generally have a predominance of one or two of the doshas. This is largely determined when we are conceived and depends on our parents’ constitution, their physical and emotional state at the time of conception and of course Karma. The characteristics of our dominant dosha will be most noticeable in our make-up and remember we all have all three doshas and all five elements in our being, just in varying degrees.

THE PANCMAHABHUTA: The Five Great Elements The natural world is comprised of building blocks that move from the subtle to the gross, from ether to earth. These ‘bricks’ are known as the ‘five great elements’ (pancmahabhuta) or ‘that-ness’ (tattwa) and are Ether/space; Air/motion, Fire/heat, Water/fluid and Earth/solid.

•

cavities.

Ether relates to the sense of sound and the ear. Sound is carried on the ether.

VAYU: Air (Motion) • • • • •

• • • •

Quality – like the wind, light, mobile, rough, dry, cold, erratic, stimulating and dispersing.

It is the principle of movement and change stirring all of creation into life.

It is responsible for all the other elements In the body it moves everything, creating life and relates to prana, the vital life force.

It is responsible for creative energy in the mind – the imagination.

Too much air is depleting as it moves the prana out.

An imbalance manifests in the body as palpitations, flatulence and constipation.

Too much movement in the nervous system creates anxiety and restlessness.

Air relates to the sense of touch, the nerves and the skin.

Sensation travels through the skin and nerves just as you can feel the wind on your skin.

These elements combine in different proportions to make up the material universe and form the basis of the doshas. They also form the basis that determines tastes and properties of herbs and foods. These five elements are closely associated with states of matter.

TEJAS: Fire (Heat)

AKASA: Ether (Space)

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• • • • •

Quality – expansive, light, without temperature, infinite and all encompassing.

It is the potential – space creates the place for life to take place.

It is subtle – ether can’t be seen or felt, but you can become aware of space!

It is the spaces in our communication – the pauses.

It is the spaces in the body – every cell, spaces between nerve fibres, cranial spaces, nostrils and sinuses, lungs as well as the thoracic, abdominal and pelvic

• •

• • • •

Quality – hot, sharp, penetrating, luminous, ascending and dispersing.

Fire governs all transformation in the body.

It is high energy and manifests as passion, anger, aggression and action.

It is responsible for mental, emotional and physical digestion.

It is the light of the mind – intelligence; and the brightness of the body – colour.

Too much heat in the body increases light and colour which results in inflammation.

Fire relates to the sense of sight and the eyes. Light and perception travel through the eyes due to the metabolic activity of light sensitive photons in the eyes.

JALA: Water (Fluid) • • • • • •

• •

Quality – liquid, fluid, heavy, wet, lubricating, cool, cohesive and dense.

The water of life that holds everything together.

75% of the body consists of water.

It eases movement in the body, lubricates and protects.

It is the mucus, synovial fluid, saliva, tears, cerebral spinal fluid and sweat.

It provides nourishment and hydration to the body.

Imbalance manifests as emotionally watery, lacking in substance and easily manipulated.

Water relates to the sense of taste and the tongue. Flavours and tastes are only perceivable when the tongue is wet.

The Pancmahabhuta are the building blocks of the Universe and of us!

In the next article we explore the Vata Dosha which is a combination of the Ether and Air elements. During the coming days, I invite you to become aware of the elements, their qualities and how you experience them in yourself. In this way you start to discover your unique body/mind constitution!

“Nowhere on earth is there any creature which is immortal. Yet, although death is unavoidable, a person may avoid many diseases… health brings happiness.”

13th century Ayurvedic proverb

PRITHVI: Earth (Solid) • • • • • • •

Quality – thick, dense, solid, heavy, stable/static and grounded.

It gives the body form and substance.

It is responsible for growth and nourishment.

It relates to the physical structures of the body – bones, tissues and muscles.

Earth element provides emotional stability, calmness and dependability.

Too much earth manifests as dullness, stubbornness and complacency.

Earth relates to the sense of smell and the nose. Earthy and dense objects give off smells.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Wendy Young offers Ayurvedic nutritional therapy and wellbeing coaching from her Wise Living practice. She can be contacted on wendy@wise-living.co.za for more information and to book a session.

The 10 Elements Of A Soul Mate

by Sarah Voldeng

Soul Mates.

Soul Reminders.

Soul Connections.

We hear about it, read about it and some of us are lucky enough to experience it. We are all curious and most of us want one.

“Your soul mate makes you feel entirely intact, like no piece is missing from the puzzle. A life partner, on the other hand, can be a great supporter and longtime companion, but is limited in his or her capacity to enrich your spirit.” ~ Dr. Carmen Harra

Soul mates differ from life partners. Some people, not ever encountering a soul mate or soul connection, settle down with a life partner. These relationships can be very satisfying. They are often built on mutual trust, respect and friendship.

You see, in life, we have no control over timing and sometimes less control of circumstance. Some cannot wait forever in hopes of encountering a soul mate, so they are satisfied with a mature life-partner relationship. For some it is about survival, security or simple companionship, and the word soul mate does not resonate. The concept may seem flighty, dreamy and unrealistic. Life circumstance, timing, availability, security and many other factors may all influence our relationship choices…

BUT…Chances are if you are open, ready and blessed enough to meet a Soul Mate in this life time it will happen unanticipated and unexpected. It can feel unsettling, destabilizing and ungrounding because it is a different connection than any other you have had.

There are no words or explanations that can clearly articulate such a connection. It is a magnetic energy, an intuitive knowing and it just seems right. There is no matter of space or time, you have found your way to one another.

Actually, timing and way are quite often terrible. But when it arrives, you know. There is the “I get you feeling.” There is a flow and a rhythm that seems to be guided by something much higher. You step back to catch your breath because deep down you know this is special. This is different. This is genuine.

It is raw and it is so damn real you want to run away just to soak it up and take it in. The soul mate. The one you feel vibrate when they are a thousand miles away. The one you hear whisper when they think about you. The one who lets you move freely but embraces your shadow from afar. That one. The one you feel like you have known for a million years.

When you finally settle into the WOW, you see the beauty, the rarity, and eventually the clarity. You know it is real, a keeper.

Sometimes as a friend, other times a lover.

Sometimes transient, other times permanent.

These beautiful soul reminders may too, just pop into our lives temporarily to remind us of what we have been forgetting; our writing, singing, creating, imagining, dancing or living.

They light the spark. They get the fire going.

They are the gentle nudge. Sometimes they stay, and other times move on. But they usually leave you appreciative and often breathless. They remind us to be alive, vibrant and hopeful.

“Have you ever met someone for

the first time, but in your heart you feel as if you have met them before?”~ Joanne Kenrick, When a Mullo Loves a Woman

There is a catch to encountering these deep connections. Before you can go to this depth and even be brave enough to notice it, you first must love yourself. Because when you have love times a million for yourself, it comes naturally and effortlessly, transforming through you and transfixing to another who too loves themselves and are ready and open for depth.

Intimacy requires an open-heart. Looking, searching, praying, visualizing and meditating does not bring a soul mate. I do not believe they can be summoned. No one can be your other half or fill your cup but you. Sure, a soul mate can remind, inspire and certainly enhance your life but no one can be your happiness — but YOU. Although, one can be prepared.

Do your work. Love and nourish yourself. Fill your own soul and fuel your own fire. And then when, and if, they do come along, you are ready to sizzle.

Feeling curious? Read on and without over-analyzing, ask yourself — soul mate or life partner?

The 10 Elements of a Soul Mate 1. It’s something inside. Describing how a soul mate makes you feel is difficult. It’s a tenacious, profound and lingering emotion which no words can encompass.

2. Flashbacks. If your partner is your soul mate, chances are he or she has been present in your past lives. You might even feel an odd sense of déjà vu, as if the moment in time has already taken place, perhaps a long time ago, perhaps in a different setting.

3. You just get each other. Ever met two people who finish each others sentences?

Some people call that spending too much time together, but I call it a soul mate connection. You might experience this with your best friend or your mother, but it is the telltale sign of a soul mate when you experience it with your partner.

4. You fall in love with his (or her) flaws. No relationship is perfect, and even soul mate relationships will experience ups and downs.

Still, that bond will be much harder to break.

Soul mates have an easier time of accepting, even learning to love, each others imperfections.

5. It’s intense. A soul mate relationship may be more intense than normal relationships, in both good and sometimes bad ways. The most important thing is that, even during negative episodes, you’re focused on resolving the problem and can see beyond the bad moment.

6. You two against the world. Soul mates often see their relationship as “us against the world.” They feel so linked together that they’re ready and willing to take on any feat of life, so long as they have their soul mate by their side.

7. You’re mentally inseparable. Soul mates often have a mental connection similar to twins. They might pick up the phone to call each other at the exact same time. Though life may keep you apart at times, your minds will always be in tune if you are soul mates.

8. You feel secure and protected. Regardless of the gender of your partner, he or she should always make you feel secure and protected. Your soul mate will make you feel like you have a guardian angel by your side. A person who plays on your insecurities, whether consciously or subconsciously, is not your soul mate.

9. You can’t imagine your life without him (or her). A soul mate is not someone you can walk away from that easily. It is someone you can’t imagine being without, a person you believe is worth sticking with and fighting for.

10. You look each other in the eye. Soul mates have a tendency to look into each others eyes when speaking more often than ordinary couples. It comes naturally from the deep-seated connection between them. Looking a person in the eye when speaking denotes a high level of comfort and confidence.

Article courtesy of Body Mind Soul Spirit.

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We are overjoyed to announce that Lynne and Yusuf, of Desert Rose will joining us and playing from 2pm – 5 pm on the 31st December

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“Who are you?”

“What is your purpose in this life time?”

“What are the great, deep and dark fears that hold you back from self-actualisation?”

These soul stirring, thought provoking and existential questions are how I introduce my clients to my life coaching practice. At the darting of the eyes in those moments tells me that they haven’t thought about it much.

And really, how often in this survival-driven high technology and brisk-pace modern world do we ask the big life questions? How often do we wonder the soul-searching paths of the great philosophers and mystics?

Unfortunately, the lay human being is not concerned with these “out there” questions.

The road to self-discovery is daunting. Scary actually. When I first asked myself these questions, and got past the usual garb of my titles, roles and responsibilities as defining factors, I suddenly came face to face with my inner critic. The inner voice with no other references than my past mistakes, making me feel foolish for even asking the questions.

The Heal Your Life process pioneered by Louise Hay has helped me gain perspective on the context of my inner self. We all harbour barriers that prevent us from accessing happiness and love. It’s important then to acknowledge the healing that needs to be the first steps to self-discovery.

As Rumi put it, healing requires you to “find all the barriers to love” within yourself and remove them.

Practically this means identifying your limiting beliefs around the major areas of your life like finances, family and career, and rewiring the mind with beliefs that support the life you want to create.

Healing requires removal of bitterness, anger, fear and resentment through forgiveness.

And the forgiveness begins with forgiving yourself. The Heal Your Life process taught me to look lovingly within, and to seed the beginnings of my journey with the affirmation “I love, approve and accept myself exactly as I am.”

Saying this affirmation, morning and night, as you wake and just before sleep, when the sub-conscious mind is most receptive is vital in prepping the mind for the change about to take place. The journey of self-discovery is change in motion. The mind (or ego mind) does not like change. Instead of fighting with self though, we need to love and embrace it, and thus ease ourselves into this beautiful process.

Healing requires a mind-set shift that everything that has and has not happened in your life serves the ultimate purpose of bringing you to this moment, a moment when self- discovery can occur.

The journey into to self is for the courageous.

It is for those who are willing to let go of who they thought they were, to discover who they really are. This courage means acting in the direction of self-actualisation even though you may walk with fear.

So I ask you today, “Do you have the courage to begin the journey within?”

It all starts by just being willing.

Namaste Simone Naidoo HEAL YOUR LIFE SA

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Article by ProVen Probiotics The friendly bacteria in our intestines have been termed ‘probiotics’ and they comprise the beneficial types of bacteria found in the normal microflora of the human gut.

We all have trillions of bacteria living in our intestines and there is a vast body of research showing the benefits of a balanced gut bacteria in many areas of health, including (but not restricted to) digestion and immunity.

Billions of little helpers We all have trillions of bacteria living on our skin and in our mouth, nose and intestines.

The gut contains the largest numbers of bacteria, known as the microbiota, and the greatest number of species - the main two species are Lactobacillus and Bifidobacteria.

•

when we are born and then help to maintain our immune system throughout our lives.

The gut microbiota helps with the production of some vitamins, specifically vitamin B12, Biotin and vitamin K.

The bacteria take residence in our bodies from the day we are born and remain with us throughout our lives. The gut bacteria is established in the first 2-3 years of life and play important roles in nutrition, digestion, metabolism, immune function and protection.

How is the microflora beneficial?

The gut microbiota has a multitude of benefits…and we couldn’t survive without it.

• The bacteria help us to digest food, especially certain types of fibre, and this gives us more energy.

• They help us to absorb the antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables.

• They help to build our natural defences

A balanced microflora The gut microbiota contains both helpful (good) and hostile (bad) bacteria and the ideal balance for our bodies is around 85% good to 15% bad.

Many factors, such as diet, the environment, food poisoning, gut infections, illness, antibiotics, stress, lack of sleep and aging can impact on the balance of the gut bacteria and allow the less desirable types of bacteria to increase and put the microflora out of balance, known as dysbiosis.

Digestive issues related to dysbiosis include bloating, indigestion and food intolerances.

Other effects can include low energy and reduced immunity.

Why do bacteria?

we

need

friendly

Historically, prior to refrigeration, humans consumed large amounts of bacteria in the form of fermented and cultured foods.

This is not the case today and an increasing body of research highlights the impact that imbalanced gut bacteria may have on our health.

Taking this necessary bacteria in the form of well-researched, high-quality probiotic supplements can be a useful addition to a healthy diet and lifestyle.

To explore ProVen Probiotics Full Range of products, read more here https://www.provenprobiotics.co.uk/probiot ics

Looking after your bladder and kidneys

By Judy Beyer Along with your liver, your kidneys and bladder are your body’s waste removal system.

They eliminate waste products found in your cells and help get rid of toxins – not only toxins derived from food, pesticides or a contaminated environment, but also those caused by stress. So it makes sense to look after these organs holistically.

What are the most common problems affecting the bladder and kidneys?

• Incontinence, or the feeling that your bladder does not empty completely.

• Not being able to hold as much urine as you did before.

• A blocked urethra (the canal through which urine passes).

• Infections.

• Kidney stones • Blood in the urine.

When should you consult your healthcare practitioner?

• When you have a urinary tract infection (find the symptoms http://floraforce.co.za/urinary-tractinfection/ here).

• When you constantly feel the need to urinate.

• When you feel pain during urination.

• When there’s blood in the urine.

• When any of the above symptoms are accompanied by pains, chills, fever, vomiting and exhaustion.

Here are some tips to help keep your urinary tract happy: • Hydrate, but don’t overdo it. According to US nephrologist Dr James Simon, ‘Contrary to popular belief, no studies have proven over-hydration as an effective practice in enhancing kidney function.’ Drinking more than the recommended four to six glasses a day probably won’t help your kidneys do their job any better.

• Ditch the junk food and eat more healthily. Your kidneys can deal with a lot, says Dr Simon, ‘but most kidney problems arise out of other medical conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes.’ Prevent those conditions with healthy eating and the occasional detox (see below).

• Exercise regularly. Yes, we know – we talk about this all the time! The benefits of exercise go much, much further that simply toning your booty for the beach. Regular physical activity can also stave off high blood pressure. Again, don’t overdo it. Over-exertion can put a strain on your bladder and kidneys. Keep it sensible.

• Use supplements and herbal remedies with care.

• People tend to self-medicate when it comes to natural remedies. And there are always those who believe that a higher dosage of a remedy/vitamin is more beneficial than the prescribed dose. The truth is that excessive amounts of certain vitamins and herbal extracts can harm your kidneys. It’s always best to talk to your herbal practitioner before embarking on a course of natural remedies.

• Quit smoking. Smoking can damage blood vessels, which decreases the flow of blood in the kidneys, inhibiting their ability to function. Smoking also increases the risk of high blood pressure and kidney cancer.

• Do you take over-the-counter medications?

‘Common non-prescription pills like ibuprofen and naproxen (NSAIDs) can cause kidney damage if taken regularly over a prolonged period,’ Dr Simon says. Chat to your healthcare practitioner about monitoring your kidney function and finding alternative and healthier ways to control aches and pains.

• Get regular screenings for kidney function.

People diagnosed with high blood pressure or diabetes should have their kidneys screened regularly as part of routine care for those conditions.

• Give your bladder and kidneys a rest every three days. Feel pale at the thought? There’s no need to worry. It’s not complex or demanding – simply a minor detox that’s guaranteed to make you feel chirpier. And for those of you prone to getting kidney stones, this simple cleanse will vastly reduce the chance of recurrence.

For just one day, eliminate these foods from your diet: coffee, alcohol, fizzy drinks, foods that are very high in protein, salt – all of which make your bladder and kidneys work twice as hard as they need to. Instead, include these foods: fresh juices – anti-oxidant-containing blueberry, carrot (purifies the blood) and grape (a mineral-rich juice that helps eliminate uric acid); raw vegetables – asparagus (stimulates kidney function), spinach (a detoxifier), celery (a mineral-rich diuretic), beetroot (detoxes the kidneys) and white beans; herbs – nettle, dandelion (both diuretics), parsley (excellent for cleaning kidneys).

• Improve your urinary system with Buchu – this indigenous herb acts as a bladder antiseptic, relieves irritation and inflammation, fights invasion by micro-organisms and prevents urine retention (it has a diuretic effect on your kidneys). Read more about buchu in our herb library and buy it online here.

• Learn to relax. Stress is the silent killer, raising blood pressure and affecting your entire body.

There are many approaches to dealing with stress – we recommend that you consult your healthcare practitioner to find out which suits you best.

So, pay attention to your diet, get some exercise, breathe deeply and give your urinary system a dietary treat every few days. We wish your bladders and kidneys a long and healthy life!

So You Think You Don’t Need Vitamin & Mineral By Down to Earth Supplements?

By Dr Mercola There's been much controversy surrounding the question of whether or not you need to take supplements. Critics claim that vitamin supplements are a waste of money, as you can get all the nutrients you need from your diet.

They also claim that most people are not, in fact, nutritionally deficient, thanks to all the fortified foods on the market.

Alas, there are a number of problems with such assertions. First of all, I believe we have to acknowledge that there is a problem with our food supply—it's simply NOT providing you with the same nutrition as it did in generations past.

This is largely related to industrial based modern methods, which include reliance on synthetic fertilizers that radically decreases nutrient density, including valuable micronutrients that have long ago largely vanished from most of these soils.

Furthermore, toxic agricultural chemicals, used in ever-increasing amounts, end up on and in your food. I believe a strong case can be made that many people—especially if you do not eat a diet of unprocessed, organicallyraised foods—are suffering from nutritional deficiencies of varying kinds and to varying degrees.

To suggest the general population of Americans consume a nutrient dense diet is complete nonsense and shows extreme ignorance of the facts.

General Population Does Not Eat Enough Fruits or Veggies The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report,1 dated September 10, 2010, highlights one of the core problems encountered by most Americans, and that is lack of access, availability, and affordability of fresh, whole fruits and vegetables. According to the CDC: "A diet high in fruits and vegetables can reduce the risk for many leading causes of death and can play an important role in weight management.

weight management.

Healthy People 2010 objectives for fruits and vegetables include targets of increasing to 75 percent the proportion of persons aged ≥2 years who consume two or more servings of fruit daily and to 50 percent those who consume three or more servings of vegetables daily.“ Americans fall far short of such targets.

According to the CDC's report, a mere 32.5 percent of adults consumed fruit two or more times per day in 2009, and just over 26 percent ate vegetables three or more times per day. Overall, no significant changes in vegetable consumption were noted from 2000 to 2009, while fruit consumption actually fell a couple of percentage points...

According to the report: "These findings underscore the need for interventions at national, state, and community levels, across multiple settings (e.g., worksites, community venues, and restaurants) to improve fruit and vegetable access, availability, and affordability...“

Many Do Not Get Sufficient Amounts of Heart-Healthy Omega-3 from Their Diet Similarly, a recent article in Scientific American2 underscores the nutritional deficiencies caused by declining fish consumption. Recent research published in The Annals of Internal Medicine3 suggests that eating oily fish, such as wild Alaskan salmon, once or twice a week can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and arrhythmia and helps decrease all-cause mortality.

Most Americans are not getting the nutrition they need from their diet. According to Scientific American: "Approximately 69 percent of U.S. individuals were found to be usual fish consumers – meaning they had eaten fish once in the

month before being surveyed – according to a review article4 published in 2013. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans5 (DGA) estimate that the average American eats 3.5 ounces of seafood per week, which is around half a fillet of cooked salmon.“ Meanwhile, DGA recommendations call for eating twice this amount, or two 4-ounce servings of fish per week. In light of the wellknown health benefits of nutrients such as omega-3 fats, it's foolhardy in the extreme to assert that eating processed foods and fortified junk foods is enough to maintain your health. Yet, this is exactly what the food industry wants you to believe!

This is NOT a good use of multivitamins, but that's what the food industry is doing— they're adding synthetic vitamins and nutrients back into all manner of highly processed foods in order to "ensure" their processed and hence sorely denatured junk does not cause you to be nutrient deficient...

What they're ignoring is the fact that synthetic vitamins and minerals are not identical to natural ones, and typically cannot be properly or efficiently utilized by your body.

Between processed denatured food being fortified with junk vitamins, and whole food being grown in nutritionally deficient soils, and most people simply not eating enough whole foods to begin with, there's little doubt that many if not most people are lacking in vital nutrition.

The food and chemical ag industries' vehement opposition to vitamin supplements probably hinges on the fact that to admit people need supplements is to admit that there's something really fundamentally wrong with the way they conduct their business.

They are great at producing high volume relatively cheap crops, but they fail miserably in producing nutrient-dense, environmentally

sustainable foods.

'The Battlefront for Better Nutrition' "Yes, there is a battle going on between those who are trying to promote better nutrition, and the food manufacturers who insist on making products 'worse so that they can be sold for less,' thereby eliminating the competition of more honest and selfrespecting producers who would prefer to apply in business the Golden Rule."

So begins an article titled "The Battlefront for Better Nutrition,"6 written in 1950. It clearly shows that these problems are not new, because although it was penned more than 60 years ago, the information is as applicable today as it was back then. In fact, besides changes in names of the key characters, the storyline is one we're all too familiar with.

Consider this excerpt: "These commercial interests have the United States Government on their side, ever since they ousted Dr. Harvey W. Wiley from his job as head of the Food & Drug Administration in 1912. The present head of the Food & Drug Division of Nutrition, Dr. Elmer M. Nelson in a special Constitutional Court in Washington... testified that: 'It is wholly unscientific to state that a well fed body is more able to resist disease than a less well-fed body. My overall opinion is that there hasn't been enough experimentation to prove dietary deficiencies make one more susceptible to disease.' (Washington Post, October 26, 1949.)

This is nothing new for Dr. Nelson. Ten years ago he, with his group of experts, testified in a similar court, that neither degenerative disease, infectious disease, nor functional disease could result from any nutritional deficiency.

For all these years, he has battled for the

maker of devitalized foods, tried to stem the tide of public opinion against the use of white flour, refined sugar, pasteurized milk and imitation butter by vigorous prosecution of any maker of any dietary supplement designed to abate the consequences of using such devitalized food, basing his arguments on the thesis that there were no such things as deficiency diseases.

Truly, as Dr. Wiley sadly remarked in his book The History of a Crime Against the Pure Food Law (1930), the makers of unfit foods have taken possession of Food & Drug enforcement, and have reversed the effect of the law, protecting the criminals that adulterate foods, instead of protecting the public health.“ Fascinating, isn't it, how this corrupted system was already well-recognized 60 years ago, yet has been allowed to continue to flourish and grow through the decades! Already, in 1950, they had nailed the problem. Keep in mind that the food industry works hand in hand with the pharmaceutical industry, at least if you consider how the two industries support each other. One destroys your health while proclaiming to feed you, while the other sells you expensive remedies that never cure the ailment—they can't really, because that's what food is for! I highly recommend reading through this old gem of an article. It's quite an eye-opening experience.

Most Clinical Studies on Vitamins Use Flawed Methodology More recently, an analysis published in the journal Nutrients,7, 8 asserts that most large, clinical studies of vitamin supplements that have reached negative conclusions use flawed methodology that "renders them largely useless in determining the real value of these micronutrients." The problem, they say, is that researchers are studying the effects of nutrients in the same way you'd evaluate the effects of a powerful prescription drug.

Another problem is that most large studies on vitamins have been carried out on welleducated and more affluent people, such as doctors and nurses, who typically tend to have among the best dietary habits simply because they're better informed and can afford better food. As stated by Balz Frei, professor and director of the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University and coauthor of the analysis: "It's fine to tell people to eat better, but it's foolish to suggest that a multivitamin which costs a nickel a day is a bad idea.“ According to the authors, these methodological flaws lead to conclusions that have little scientific meaning, let alone bearing on reality. And, in fact, many such trials defy both other available evidence and common sense. For example, as I wrote about last October, one analysis concluded that making better use of supplements could save the American healthcare system BILLIONS of dollars each year. It stands to reason that a nutritional supplement would benefit you more if you have a nutritionally deficient diet or suffer from a particular vitamin deficiency.

But most clinical studies do not identify baseline nutritional inadequacies, or whether supplementation actually remedies a deficiency, and what the subsequent health effects of such remediation might be. Without this data, any clinical conclusion becomes more or less meaningless.

As reported by Medical News Today:9 "These flawed findings will persist until the approach to studying micronutrients is changed... Such changes are needed to provide better, more scientifically valid information to consumers around the world who often have poor diets, do not meet intake recommendations for many vitamins and minerals, and might greatly benefit from something as simple as a daily multivitamin/mineral supplement. Needed are

new methodologies that accurately measure baseline nutrient levels, provide supplements or dietary changes only to subjects who clearly are inadequate or deficient, and then study the resulting changes in their health."

Improve Your Nutrition by Updating Your Shopping Habits A strong case can be made that most people are struggling with getting enough high quality, bioavailable nutrients from their diet.

I would go so far as to say it may be virtually impossible to do so if your diet consists primarily of processed foods and no fresh vegetables.

I'm quite prudent in my recommendations of nutritional supplements, urging people to get their nutritional needs met by the foods they eat. But the bottom line is that you have a problem with your food supply, and most likely simply not getting enough high-quality whole foods. Certain nutrients also tend to be scarce overall, even in organic foods. In such cases, taking a high-quality nutritional supplement is most likely going to do far more good than harm.

One of the best options you can implement is to grow your own food. You can put your toe in the water by growing sunflower sprouts as you don't need much space and can even do this in a studio apartment or college dorm room. The next step is to grow the vegetables you like in optimized soil, highly amended with Biochar and rock dust powder like basalt and Azomite, which are phenomenal sources of trace minerals. Greenhouses can be added to radically extend your growing season.

Remember that prior to World War 2, 40 percent of the vegetables grown in America were grown by urban farmers in their front or backyard.

Buying your food from a local organic source is another way to ensure that it's both fresh and high-quality. I strongly advise you to avoid

wilted vegetables of any kind, because when vegetables wilt, they lose much of their nutritional value. In fact, wilted organic vegetables may actually be less healthful than fresh conventionally farmed vegetables. (For tips on cleaning your fruits and veggies, please see my previous article: "7 Tips for Cleaning Fruits, Vegetables.") Regardless of whether you're shopping at a supermarket or a farmer's market, here are the signs of a highquality, healthy food: Grown without pesticides and chemical fertilizers (organic foods fit this description, but so do some non-organic foods)

Not genetically modified

Contains no added growth hormones, antibiotics, or other drugs

Does not contain any artificial ingredients, including chemical preservatives

Fresh (keep in mind that if you have to choose between wilted organic produce or fresh conventional produce, the latter may be the better option)

Did not come from a confined animal feeding operation (CAFO)

Grown with the laws of nature in mind (meaning animals are fed their native diets, not a mix of grains and animal byproducts, and have free access to the outdoors)

Grown in a sustainable way (using minimal amounts of water, protecting the soil from burnout, and turning animal wastes into natural fertilizers instead of environmental pollutants)

To read more of Dr Mercola’s articles, go to: https://articles.mercola.com/sites/current.aspx

Arthritis 10 Ways to Ward Off Joint Disease 1. Lose weight Excess weight around your abdomen, hips, rear end and thighs places unnecessary pressure on your joints.

With every step, your knees, ankles and hips take extra strain.

2.Exercise for at least one hour every week It’s not vigorous exercise in your youth that causes arthritis in later years, but injury to your joints. In fact, exercising increases muscle strength, which in turn helps to support both your bones and joints.

3. Practicing yoga.

Unlike high-impact aerobics, yoga strengthens your core, bones and joints without placing undue strain on the body.

Improve your strength with weights – Resistance training (using light weights, rubber exercise bands or your own body) may protect your joints against damage.

For example, knee bends improve thigh muscles and help reduce your chance of getting arthritis in the knees and hips.

People who suffer with arthritis also benefit from gentle exercise.

4.Don’t smoke Smoking can double your risk of osteoarthritis, so say a group of researchers from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. In their 2012 study of 34,000 women, even light smoking (up to seven cigarettes a day) directly increased the risk for developing arthritis.

5.Top up your vitamin D Low levels of the ‘sunshine’ vitamin could trigger arthritis. Use supplements if you don’t get the opportunity to venture outdoors, and eat liver, oily fish and other seafoods.

6.Eat the red, orange, green and blue These brightly coloured foods are generally packed with anti-oxidants, which nuke the free radical molecules that can play havoc with cartilage repair. A diet rich in red, yellow, green and blue fruits and vegetables can cut your risk of developing painful joints by 50 percent.

Eat like the Mediterraneans, whose diet is low in red meat and dairy products and who have a 56 percent lower incidence of arthritis symptoms than people who consume lots of meat and milk products.

7.Increase your intake of omega-3 oils Eating plenty of good-quality animal-based omega-3 fats helps alter the balance of the body’s chemistry to reduce inflammation.

8.Add turmeric Research published in 2012 showed that curcumin, the active ingredient in the spice turmeric, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. Turmeric and turmeric supplements were found to profound reduce joint inflammation and destruction. Try Flora Force Turmerynne™ – it’s excellent for pain relief.

9.Eliminate sugar Sugar increases your insulin levels, which is the root cause of nearly all chronic disease. It can also impair your gut bacteria. Replacing fizzy cooldrinks with water is a good place to start.

10. Create a healthy gut Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and yoghurt help to establish a healthy intestinal environment.

NOTE: There are many underlying conditions that can cause arthritis. Seek help from your healthcare practitioner to establish if and what kind of joint disease you have before embarking on any treatment or exercise plan.

By Werner Kerschbaumer for Flora Force www.floraforce.co.za

December is a time for giving, showing love & appreciation for those you cherish and love.

Here are some lovely gift ideas to help you cherish the ones you love this year‌

At Boody, form meets function. Our bamboo basics for adults and babies are cleverly designed, skin-healthy, eco-friendly and wonderfully soft. Boody fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Affordable luxury, every day.

Boody Women’s Padded Bra R279.95 Crop Leggings R269.95

Boody Women’s Classic Bikini R155.95

Boody Wear Men’s Briefs R169.95

All items available at: www.boodywear.co.za or see website for available stockists.

We are a Family Owned Business. Our range of Beard and Men’s Face Care Products ​are chemical free making them hypoallergenic,​​ suitable ​for ​all ​skin​ ​types ​and ​kind ​on​​the environment. Best quality, hand selected, natural ingredients for each of our products, with vegan alternatives.

Bonafide ​Beards​​ Grooming​​ Range Bonafide ​Faces ​ Bonafide ​Faces ​ Contains: Beard​​ Cleansing​​ Bar, Beard Aftershave Balm: Shaving​ ​Oil: Balm, Beard Oil, Synthetic Bristle Beard R200 R250 Brush R540.00 To order and for a list of stockists go to: www.bonafidebeards.com and www.bonafidebeards.com/our-stockists/

Handcrafted skincare solutions using high performing organic specialist oils and pure essential oils - 100% natural, free from additives and chemicals, cruelty free.

BODY CARE RANGE Body Oils 100ml Body Oils 200ml Butter Balms 100ml Bath Soaks 500g Nail Serum 10ml

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Shop online at www.cherishbeauty.co.za |Festive Season promotion – buy any two items & get 20% discount. Free gift wrapping on festive promotion items. Free shipping on orders over R500.

Selected items also available at www.faithfultonature.co.za & www.thebespokeartichoke.co.za All Earth Probiotic products are officially Proudly South African. We believe that we are all responsible in growing employment, transferring skills and, as is our nature, innovating to make a difference to our country.

Bokashi Food Waste Recycling Starter Kit: R220

25L Bokashi Food Waste Recycling Kit (2 x 25L bins): R440

Available to order at www.bokashishop.co.za

Two Earth Gardens: Made from up cycled advertising material. Simply pick your shape, hammer in the stakes, then fill with potting soil and compost.

Then plant your veggies and herbs into the garden and enjoy!

R400

At Boody, form meets function. Our bamboo basics for adults and babies are cleverly designed, skin-healthy, eco-friendly and wonderfully soft. Boody fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Affordable luxury, every day.

Boody Long Sleeve Onesie Sky: R379.95 Boody Baby T-Shirt Rose: R199.95 Boody Muslin Wrap 2 pack: R429.95

All items available at: www.boodywear.co.za or see website for available stockists.

Angel Care 403 Snuggletime Co-Sleeper Nest: Snuggletime Co-Sleeper Camp Movement & Sound •Secure sleep space for baby Cot: Monitor •The ideal two-in-one co-sleeper in the comfort of your bed •LCD sound monitor with •Breathable mesh lining camp cot (from birth to three sensor pad •Compact, space saving years) •Digital room design •Use as an add-on bedside crib temperature display R950 or stand-alone camp cot •Soothing night light Baby City and Baby Boom •Drop-down side provides easy R1999 access to soothe and comfort Available at: Baby City, baby Baby Boom, Toys R Us, R1499.00 Dischem & Takealot.com Available at: Baby City, Baby Boom & Toys R Us For more info and full list of stockists please go to www.grobaby.co.za

Artsy Mug

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Conscious Life Magazine

By Prof. Celene Bernstein Can you believe the long awaited holiday season is almost upon us! I am getting real excited to be celebrating the holiday season with my family and friends. However, with so many endless social obligations, year-end functions, office parties, family gatherings filled with indulgent foods and drinks, all this can create unanticipated stress. Just relax, as I have formulated some tips below that will help you, “sail through these waters� with ease, still enjoying the fun and pleasures that we all look forward to, during this time of the year.

With a little bit of planning and keeping moderation in mind, you will be able to be more flexible in your food and drink choices.

Eating right is not about perfection; it’s all about respecting your body and being aware of what works best for you.

So here are Prof. Celene’s simple tips to keep weight in check and still enjoy the pleasures of good food, drink and company this season.

1. ALWAYS EAT PROTEIN WITH CARBS. Combining protein with carbohydrate works, because this slows down the breakdown of carbohydrates, allowing the food to spend more time in your stomach, making you feel fuller for longer.

2. ADD LEMON JUICE OR APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (MOTHER TINCTURE) TO WHATEVER IS ON YOUR PLATE By increasing the acidity level of your food by adding lemon juice (citric acid) or Apple Cider vinegar (acetic acid), you can lower the Glycaemic Load (GL) of your meal, resulting in fewer high blood sugar spikes.

3. LOAD UP ON SOLUBLE FIBRE AND CHEW, CHEW, CHEW. Choosing foods containing soluble fibre not only fill you up for longer, but also lower the Glycaemic Load of a meal. Opt for foods such as oatmeal, oat cereal, lentils, apples, oranges, pears, oat bran, strawberries, nuts, flaxseeds, beans, dried peas, blueberries, cucumbers, celery, and carrots. Eat slowly and chew your food well; put your fork down while chewing and take a few sips of water between each bite. Following this protocol gives your body enough time to trigger your brain that you are satisfied (not necessarily full).

4. WAIT 20 MINUTES BEFORE EATING DESSERT. This allows your ‘appestat’ (your internal appetite gauge) to kick in, which can stop you

from over indulging. Then decide if you still want dessert. This waiting period also helps stabilise blood sugar levels.

5. DON’T ARRIVE AT ANY SOCAIL GATHERING FEELING STARVED. This will likely lead you to pig out on the most decadent of party foodstuffs; a light snack before leaving home, such as fruit or raw vegetables, will help curb your cravings.

6. WATCH OUT FOR ALCOHOL & FRUIT JUICES Rather opt for drinks such as dry red or white wine or champagne. If you don’t drink wine or champagne, then choose vodka, gin and whiskey; they are lower in calories, especially if you drink them with a tonic, water or soda water as a mixer. Be careful of festive cocktails particularly sugary mixed drinks as well as regular consumption of even ‘natural’ fruit juices.

7. CONTROL PORTIONS You don’t have to deprive yourself, just eat smaller portions and less often.

8. USE SMALLER PLATES WHEN SURVEYING YOUR OPTIONS Following this tip will help keep an eye on your serving size when identifying not only wholesome options, but also your “not so healthful indulgences”.

9. TAKE DETOXIFYING SUPPLEMENTS To assist your gut and to combat the host of “incorrect” foods and drinks consumed during the holidays, Prof. Celene recommends supplementing to assist with properly digesting all foods: probiotics to ensure the correct essential beneficial bacteria are present during times of gluttony, glutamine as a defence from toxins and an all-round antioxidant or liver support formula. Be sure to increase your intake of B vitamins, Vitamin C, magnesium and zinc especially if you know you will be indulging a little more than usual during the festive season.

10. KEEP A FOOD AND EXERCISE DIARY. By doing some form of exercise every day and writing down everything you eat is really key to awareness and success. This will not only help you de-stress, but also keeps your weight stable Last but not least, don’t beat yourself up if you have overindulged —we’ve all been there. The important thing is you can always get back on track the next day. However, try and not do this too often.

If you need guidance to “December yourself skinny” I have 2 fantastic programmes – Entry and Premium levels. Both will give you the results you crave. These programmes can also be used in January.

As Conscious Life readers, my special gift to you is a 15% discount on my usual price of R900.00 and R1500.00!

So, if you want to feel your absolute best for your December holidays contact admin@askprofcelene.com or call 082 3388185 to find out more.

Happy Holidays!

healing benefits of nettle leaf Nettle leaves are a powerful herbal medicine that grow abundantly in the wild. They are rich in chlorophyll and minerals such as iron, chromium, zinc, copper, magnesium, silicon, cobalt, and calcium. Nettles are also high in vitamins A, E, D, C, & K. Nettle tea is a strong immune booster and has the ability to neutralize toxic antigens in the body.

Nettles also contain a potent anti-inflammatory agent which help to curb the action of cytokines, one of the key components to inflammation in the body. Nettle leaves are also very helpful in preventing chronic headaches, sore throats, sinus infections, and fatigue and are beneficial for diabetics as it is known to lower blood sugar levels.

Nettles are known to help relief bronchial ailments such as chronic coughing, chest congestion, COPD, and TB. Nettles are also powerful enough to help to eliminate viral and bacterial infections and aid in removing excess fluids in the body by acting as a natural diuretic. Nettle leaf can provide relief for digestive issues such as nausea, flatulence, acid reflux, and colitis.

Nettle tea supports the endocrine system including the spleen, thyroid, and pancreas. It is also beneficial in boosting liver and heart health and helps to prevent urinary tract infections as well as bladder and kidney stones. Nettle tea can also help stop frequent nighttime urination, which may be beneficial for those who need to sleep soundly without interruption.

As a mouth rinse, cooled nettle tea is excellent for gingivitis and can help prevent plaque buildup on the teeth. Fresh wild nettle can be found growing as weeds in garden beds, in empty lots, and meadows & fields and can be juiced, steeped as a tea, or steamed like spinach. Nettle can also be found in tea, capsule, tincture, cream, salve form online or at your local health food store.

Learn more about which foods can heal and restore your body in my new book, click here http://bit.ly/MM-book www.medicalmedium.com

Halloumi & Veggie Skewers Serves 6

By Lisa Raleigh

Image Courtesy of Gourmet Mum

Ingredients: • 120g halloumi cheese • 1 yellow pepper • 1 baby marrow • 140g cherry tomatoes • ½ a fresh red chilli , optional • Zest of 1 lemon • 2 T balsamic vinegar • 1 t Italian dried herb mix • 2 T olive oil • Black pepper • Bamboo skewers

Directions: • Soak 6 wooden skewers in a tray of cold water, preheat the grill to high and lightly grease a baking tray.

• Cut the halloumi into 2cm cubes and add to a mixing bowl.

• Cut the pepper into 2cm pieces, trimming away any pith, and add to the mixing bowl.

• Cut the baby marrows into rounds or halfmoons, depending on its size, then add to the bowl.

• Add in the cherry tomatoes – either halved or kept whole. If keeping whole, prick each one with a sharp knife to prevent bursting while eating.

• In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, balsamic vinegar, herbs, oil and chilli (if using), whisking together thoroughly.

Season with black pepper.

• Evenly thread chopped halloumi and veggies between the skewers, then brush each skewer with the dressing, saving some for later.

• Place onto the greased tray and cook under the grill for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and the veg are soft. Turn halfway through and recoat with dressing.

Conscious Life Magazine

RECIPES: BABY BULLET Butternut Blend This recipe is great for your BABY BULLET by NUTRIBULLET.

Ingredients: • • •

Chopped Butternut 1 cup – or to your liking Chopped Sweet Potato – 1 cup Chopped Pumpkin – 1 cup

Directions: • • • • •

Steam butternut, sweet potato and pumpkin Place steamed veg into the Baby bullet batch bowl Add water Blend until you have the consistency you require Empty into your date dial storage cups

Baby Bullet Date Dial Storage Cups

Baby Bullet Batch Bowl

Conscious Life Magazine

RECIPES: BABY BULLET Avo & Banana Mouse This recipe is great for your BABY BULLET by NUTRIBULLET.

Ingredients: • •

1 Avocado 1 Banana

Directions: • • • •

Place 1 whole avocado and 1 whole banana into the batch bowl Add water Blend until smooth consistency Empty into your date dial storage cups

Baby Bullet Kit

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

The Cutting-Edge Institute of NLP and Neuro-Semantics Presents:

Neuro-Linguistic Programming Life Coaching / Life Balance Program 2018 Dates, Venue and Fees Dates:

Venue: Times: Lunch: Fee:

Registration

One weekend a month for ten months, starting on the 10th February 2018, and every 2nd weekend of the month thereafter. (The Group will agree on alternative dates in the event of School or Public Holidays).

305 Long Avenue, Randburg, 2194.

09:00 – 17:00 Saturday and Sunday 12:30 – 13:30 Please bring your own lunch.

Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided.

R28 500 per delegate, (VAT not applicable), including course manual. Terms available.

For fast registration contact Jimmy Kyriacou on: Cell: E-mail: Web site:

082 570 4483 jimmy@inlp.co.za www.inlp.co.za

Please Note: In order to secure a place, advanced booking is essential, with a 10% deposit (R2850) upfront. In order to secure the Venue bookings close at the end of January.

What is NLP? NLP is a proven technology for personal achievement that helps people to understand themselves and those around them more fully, in such a way as to maximize personal growth and excellence.

Technically, NLP is the study of human excellence. NLP seeks to understand the natural learning processes of how great achievers use their minds to produce excellent results. Varied occupations such as managers and therapists, teachers and nurses, athletes and artists, can all benefit from the technology NLP has to offer in their particular profession or passion. What are the thinking patterns that successful people use in the pursuit of their activities, their passion and their mission in life?

• • • •

How do people who are so good at what they do become so good and maintain that level through time?

How are great communicators able to communicate so effectively?

What are the decision and motivation strategies necessary for effective leadership, management, relationships, and parenting?

What makes it possible for natural athletes and other super performers to achieve such a high level of excellence?

If you’ve ever wondered about these questions, and would like to have the skills that make excellence possible, then this training is for you.

About the Course The NLP Practitioner Certification Training is an experiential, fun-filled and life transforming course which enables participants to fully understand and utilize the powerful technology of Neuro-Linguistic Programming for their own personal growth, development and achievement, as well as in their own professional and work situations.

What You Will Learn

Awakening the Senses: We organise what we see, hear and feel through our senses into our own distinctive model of the world. Discover how to do this in a way that most enables you to discover your strengths and abilities.

Identifying Non-Verbal Clues: Linguists have long known that as much as 80% of communication is non-verbal.

Develop your ability to effectively identify unconscious signals communicated by others.

Creating Rapport and Strong Relationships: Creating meaningful personal relationships is important in all areas of life. Success can be hollow indeed if other people are not enriched by their experience of you as a person. Discover powerful ways to relate to people in a way that acknowledges their (and your) deepest values.

Utilising the Magic of Language: The ability to use language to maximum effect to clarify misunderstandings, solve problems and establish what you and others really want in a particular situation is of immense value. Discover how to use NLP’s powerful Meta-Model of language to enhance your verbal communication with others, and in your own self-talk.

Determining Outcomes and Setting Goals: Authentic power comes from knowing what you want and how to set goals in a way that is right for you and anyone else affected by them. You will learn a set of skills that empower you to focus on possibilities rather than limitations and then take action.

Enhance Your Emotional Intelligence (EQ): EQ is widely becoming acknowledged as a more important contributor to success and happiness than talent or hard work. NLP’s Anchoring techniques will awaken your emotional awareness and enable you to easily and genuinely transform emotional states into resources.

Changing Behaviour in Ways That Last: Many approaches to behaviour change assume that it is a difficult and tedious process. Discover ways to change behaviour that address the thinking patterns behind them and lead to genuine long-term change. Learn how to deal with fears and phobias that may have been holding you back from achieving what you want.

The Power of Ericksonian Hypnosis: Experience and use natural hypnotic techniques based on the pioneering work of Milton H. Erickson M.D. in ways that evoke powerful unconscious resources conversationally. This style of hypnosis is open-ended, indirect and highly respectful.

How to Use the Strategies Model of Thinking: Important everyday thinking processes such as getting motivated, making decisions and learning are often regarded as a given. In fact, however, there are effective and ineffective ways of doing each of them. NLP has modeled thinking strategies that you can discover, learn and teach for yourself.

About your trainer Jimmy Kyriacou is a former Advocate of the Supreme Court of South Africa, whose life was powerfully impacted by his discovery of NLP in 1987 Wanting to contribute more significantly to empowering people to realize their full potential, he made the shift from the practice of law, to management consulting and training, in 1991.

He was certified as a NLP Trainer, by NLP co-developer Richard Bandler, in 1993 and has presented NLP trainings to many people since then. In 2001 he was certified as a Trainer in the cutting-edge NLP innovation of Neuro-Semantics, by its developer, Michael Hall, and as a Meta Coach in 2004.

In his consulting work, Jimmy has specialised in the areas of Strategy, Performance Management and Leadership Development. He has also been involved in a number of Modeling Projects of excellent performers in business.

Jimmy has read and studied widely in numerous fields. In addition to his Legal degrees, he holds an Honours degree in Philosophy, and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from a leading international university. Jimmy recently attained a MPhil Degree in Spirituality, graduating with Distinction from St Augustine College in JHB. He subsequently graduated with a second MPhil in Philosophy also with Distinction. He is currently working on a PhD in Contemplative Neuroscience. He is a long-time practitioner of meditation and other forms of contemporary spirituality.

In his training, consulting and counselling work, Jimmy brings a high level of insight, integrity and compassion, and is known for his respectful commitment to assisting people in the fulfillment of their noblest dreams.

ARCHANGEL URIEL Archangel Uriel is the Angel of Peace and Harmony and he commands the Angels of Peace. He radiates peace, wisdom and strength. Call on him and his Angels to bring calmness to areas that are being ravaged by war and conflict.

He can also be called in to bring calmness into personal or family conflicts that can sometimes tear families apart. He is the Archangel who is in charge of the Solar Plexus Chakra where you hold your fears and anger which contributes to conflict situations arising.

Each morning request Archangel Uriel to stand powerfully in front of you. Ask him to pour his ruby light into your aura, filling you with the purple ray of wisdom and the gold ray of peace.

Ask him to put his shield of peace and harmony in front of your Solar Plexus which will remove all conflict from your life enabling you to live in tranquillity and harmony at all times.

There are thousands of Peace Angels waiting to come and do their work on earth.

Because the Law of the Universe prohibits them from helping until they are asked, they await our request, to take their wonderful healing energy to places of conflict and strife.

Don’t get caught up in the negativity that newspapers, radio and television create with their stories of conflict and strife. Put the whole issue in light and send Archangel Uriel and his Angels of Peace and Harmony to diffuse the situation.

Always send peace and harmony to the aggressor and the victim for both live in fear and it is fear that breeds aggression You cannot live in the light when fear is a part of your life. Sometimes it feels very scary when you are being asked to step into the unknown and go deep within yourself to access your amazing gifts and talents that each and every one of you are blessed with. Many were persecuted in previous life times because they used their talents and light and so you go into fear that the same might happen to you in this life time. You need to know that it is safe to be powerful in this life time and that the time to acknowledge and accept this is now, for the time is now!

Ask Archangel Uriel to help you break your mental and emotional chains to free you from your fears and fill you with courage.

When you are able to live in peace and have forgiven everyone including yourself, then you are able to stand in your full power as a Master with no chains or restrictions holding you back.

You are then able to live as the amazing and Divine Being that you truly are!

Angel light and blessings, Margi (Angel Connection)

You've worked hard and may feel the need for some well-deserved rest, so honor your physical and emotional self.. If you feel at all tired or overwhelmed, create some space for relaxation..

True rest comes when the mind, heart, and body are at peace..

Today, write down any cares that are bothering you so that they're not creating mental noise that could interfere with your tranquility.. Put the list in a special place where only you can see it.. If you have a "God Box" (a special container where you keep your prayers), place the paper in there, but if privacy is a concern burn it..

The point is to release stressful thoughts onto paper...

Detoxify your body of any chemicals that could lead to muscular tension..

Drink lots of water to flush out stimulants or other toxins..

The next step to prepare for true rest is to grant yourself permission to take a break.

Deliver guilt or worry about your schedule to us, give us as much as you need to.. If you like, we can stand by you windows and doors to ensure your privacy and protection while you rest...

We'll even screen your calls or e-mails so that you have some quite time.. Just ask, and it is done...

Rest well, dear one.. This investment that you make it yourself yields bountiful dividends..

We are all beings of light - each cell in our bodies is made up of light, which resonates to a specific frequency.

The frequencies vary depending on the energy centre or chakra. They vibrate at different rates and resonate to specific colours, much like a television set does. If any of these energy centres are out of balance, we are not properly in tune, and much like your TV, the picture becomes fuzzy and distorted. This is what creates emotional disease, and if not dealt with, eventually causes physical disease.

The Antaneea Technique was developed by Penni to assist our bodies to return to a state of balance. The Antaneea Technique system is a multi-layered technique incorporating massage, touch and sound and pours love and colour into the cells. The trained therapist works only on the back of the body and will perform all three massages on the client during their treatment .

• The first massage is the deepest, and 7 divine ‘Light matrix oils’ are applied to the different energy centres, aligning the physical body. During this process the therapist is taught to read the body to identify where stored memories of past hurts or traumas are held.

When acknowledging them, you have the potential of releasing it, thereby stopping the repetitive cycles which keep attracting more of the same lessons.

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The second massage is far softer and more gentle and the therapist focuses on pouring love into the body as she places another 7 oils onto the body, which encourages emotional stability.

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The third process is a light feather touch which aligns to your Divine Blueprint, or potential. This time 13 of the Light Matrix oils are rubbed into the body in a sacred ritual.

The use of the Light matrix oils balances the outer reality that supports us. This relates to our jobs, relationships and interactions with others.

If this excites you and you would like to train as a therapist, Penni’s next course is over the following 4 Saturdays: 24 March, 3, 10 & 17th April.

Sound however does the same for the inner emotional and spiritual aspects of our lives, teaching us to trust our feelings and perceptions. In order to balance both the inner and outer aspects of life, sound tools are used over the body. A different sound is used for each chakra, and can truly be felt within the cells. Cells vibrate and become alive as they absorb the tones.

For more information on the healing aspects of the products, courses offered or lists of certified therapists please visit the website www.divinespace.co.za

The use of touch, colour and sound in this treatment resonates directly with our DNA. This technique is suitable to be used on anyone and all ages. The transformative treatment brings about deep relaxation and peace. Slowly and with ease you begin the journey back to feeling the joy of being alive and finding your true Soul Path.

The divine ‘Light Matrix Oils’ can be used at home as body or bath oils. They are supportive tools for healing and balance and can be incorporated successfully into any treatment. Each one relates to a different part of your life. They work hand in hand with allopathic medicine. While traditional medicine helps to heal the symptoms of illness, the oils assist in getting to the root, healing the emotional cause behind the disease.

The Oils are complemented by the ‘Angels of Transformation’ sprays.

These sprays instantly remove negativity from the environment and pour in loving vibrations.

Penni trained in 1993 with the Academy of Colour Therapeutics in the UK as both as a counselor and teacher. She has practised as a therapist and teacher for over 20 years. She believed that the all important healing power of touch needed to be incorporated with colour, and this led her developing the Antaneea Technique system in 1997. Penni has trained over 500 therapists on the Antaneea system over the last 20 years.

Conscious Life Magazine

Let’s face it – sticking to a gym routine is a bit too much to ask once December hits. And with good reason! Our bodies need rest and variety, and there are far more exciting things on the go during holidays than a scheduled class at the gym. That said, maintaining our activity levels, balancing our indulgent holiday food and generally making sure we keep moving is still essential. Here are a few ways to do it.

Get walking: This is the simplest strategy for keeping your exercise quota up on holiday.

Skip taxis where possible, and swap slops for trainers and explore your environment on foot. So often, we choose convenience over activity. Park further from the shopping entrance, take the stairs where possible, and squeeze in extra walks after dinner in new destinations.

Take a hike: Hiking outdoors towards a planned destination is a great group activity for friends – especially in our gorgeous SA weather. Choose a scenic route, pack a picnic basket and aim for a specific, marked out destination, like a lagoon or waterfall. This will give you incentive to move, without you even realizing you are exercising.

Step up your girl-time: Instead of a sit-down lunch, meet your friends in the park or on the beach and enjoy a brisk walk while you talk.

You will be burning calories while you catch up, and absorbing some quality time in the sun.

Hit the beach: No matter what the exercise, a beach setting is bound to make it more exciting. We are blessed with activity-filled beachfronts, so cycle, skate, run or walk along local shores. Just heading down for a breakfast? Park a little further away and enjoy the view as you walk. Up the ante and run on the sand – the unstable surface makes it far more challenging than grass or tar, so it will burn more calories. And for the water babies – swim in the sea! It is a great challenge for the body; you can also simply walk thigh deep in the water along the shore and enjoy some resistance as you move.

Get fit in the garden: A few key pieces of equipment transform your home into a hive of activity, great for kids – and adults too!

Gardens or outdoor entertainment areas make wonderful sports grounds, so invest in a stand-alone trampoline, volleyball/badminton net, or basketball hoop. You will be Conscious_Life Magazine

encouraging more outdoor activity, whilst merging fitness with precious family. These add an extra fun element to holiday festivities as well – everyone loves an activity while they’re getting merry!

Train in the park: The kiddies’ jungle gym is exercise equipment in disguise. Practice standing push-ups against a low beam of the jungle gym, and try some leg lifts while hanging from the monkey bars, equivalent to a sit-up. Head over to the nearest park bench for some tricep dips and squats, and for your cool down – hit the swings!

Make it a date: If you struggle with motivation, sign yourself and your friends up for charity walks and fun runs. Not only are you getting a guaranteed workout and feeling encouraged to exercise in preparation, but you’ll enjoy a social experience with your friends whilst supporting a good cause.

Be a tourist in your own town: When you look around, you’ll see that your home town offers a lot of fun and novelty ways to entertain yourself! Skip the movies and head on over to tenpin bowling, putt putt, or pedal boats and kayaks at your nearest water source. My ultimate favourite past time at the moment are the Bounce parks cropping up all over SA. Nothing feels less like exercise while burning a ton of calories than bouncing around like a kid on the trampolines!

Squeeze in some HIIT: And if making exercise fun is simply out of the question, keep your trainers and a resistance band on hand and practice quick, intense workouts wherever you are – at home, in your hotel room, or outside. Resistance bands are my number one favourite piece of equipment for travelling with. Practice six tough moves for a minute each, with a 30-second break in between.

Then repeat this circuit once or twice.

Pushups, tricep dips, lunges, squats, bicep curls, shoulder presses and leg lifts are easy exercises to practice to work your whole body.

TV Personality, Author, Lifestyle and Wellness Expert www.lisaraleigh.co.za lisa@lisaraleigh.co.za facebook.com/LisaRaleighSA LisaRaleighSA - Twitter LisaRaleighTV – Youtube

Conscious Life Magazine

Include these three moves into her your routine to tone up your thighs in the holidays.

FIRE HYDRANTS WITH BAND: Position yourself on all fours with resistance band looped just above or below the knees. Keeping the rest of your body in place, lift one bent knee out to 90 degrees. Hold for a moment then lower back down to your starting position. Aim for 3 sets of 10-15 reps.

SIDE LEG RAISES WITH BAND: Lie on your side with a band looped around your ankles. Keeping one leg positioned directly above the other, move your top leg up into the air. Pause for a moment then lower back down, not quite relaxing the leg at the end of the rep. Aim for 2 sets of 10-15 reps with each leg.

BACKWARD LEG LIFTS WITH BAND: Stand with hands on hips and a resistance band looped around both ankles. Keeping your balance on one foot, lift the other back and up behind you in a straight line. Pause for a moment then lower back down, not quite touching the foot to the floor at the end of the rep. Aim for 2 sets of 10-15 reps with each leg.

Conscious Life Magazine

Lisa Raleigh

Conscious Life Magazine

Facing a flood is something that no family wants to go through, but unfortunately, sometimes life surprises us with one. Whether it is a flash flood or something large such as a “500-year flood,” the damage that is sustained can often be expensive both in money and in other areas such as quality of life or even life itself. Learning how to prepare for unexpected flooding before it happens can mean the difference between surviving or potentially losing your life. While it’s true that you can’t truly prepare for a flood or the damage it will do, there are a few simple steps that you can take to lessen the damage and the risk to your family.

Know general flood safety rules – Knowing the general rules of flood safety is the first step to keeping both yourself and your family safe in an unexpected flood. Simple things like when to climb to higher ground, to turn around and not drown and more are usually enough to keep your safe.

Have a Go-Bag ready – Having a 72-hour emergency bag or a “go bag” ready is one of the most important preparations for an unexpected flood that you can do. In it you’ll want to keep spare copies of all of your identifying documents, cash, extra phones with extra chargers, spare debit cards, 72-hours’ worth of food and water and a couple of clean changes of clothing.

Have Flood Insurance – Flood insurance isn’t available to everyone, but if you live in a flood plain, you do qualify. Having this peace of mind helps you to know that even if all your physical possessions are ruined in a flood, that your insurance will be there to help you restart. It will usually run you around $25 each month and is well worth having for those that flooding is a high risk for.

Have a Way Out – When flood waters start to rise, you might have to make a very quick escape which makes having a way out an imperative prep. Whether it is a boat or some other quick method of transportation, you’ll want to make sure that if you live in a flood plain that you have it ready to go with any supplies you need already stocked.

Have generator on hand – Sometimes, your area will flood but you won’t need to move.

Thousands of people are trapped in their homes by flood water each year. By having a generator that is ready to go, you’ll give yourself a way to keep and cook food, to have power and more.

Just be sure to operate it in an open space so that you don’t have to worry about fumes causing an even bigger issue.

Have lifejackets on hand – If you do need to leave, you’ll want to have lifejackets available for every member of your family. This is especially important for children. If you would happen to be stuck in high water, they may save your life.

Teach your kids to swim (and know how to yourself) – In addition to having lifejackets, knowing how to swim is a must have emergency preparation for unexpected flooding. Swim lessons aren’t too expensive and for your kids especially, knowing how to swim well enough to save their lives is a must if you live in an area that could flood.

Flooding can happen in just a few minutes which makes it incredibly important to be prepared and to stay prepared. You never know what will happen and you may not be able to prepare for it all, but even having one or two of these preparation tips for unexpected flooding put into play will help you lessen the damage.

By Stephanie

Pic courtesy of ‘Life with Colour’ fan page Facebook

Adorable DIY Terrariums to Create at Home

For those who don’t know, terrariums are very easy and quick to make and they are very easy for maintaining. They can also be a perfect gift for anybody or a beautiful decor for your house, dining table or even you can beautify the wedding tables with such decors.

This is a very interesting way to add freshness and bring the nature in your home.

The terrariums are great oxygen boosters and the ones that I have selected for you are very easy and quick to create. You can make them in the size you want and that is suitable for your space.

If your friends or relatives live in a flat, than why not to add freshness into these people’s lives by giving them terrariums like these. As I said before, terrariums are one of the easiest way to bring the outside beauty in our homes!

You can’t go wrong with a present like this. Plus, terrariums are very easy to maintain, and are also very cheap and you can make them at home in no time.

Show your family and friends your talent and creativity by creating a work of art that will beautify their home.

These beautiful decorations are made up of layers of various materials and herbs. Before you start, pick what herbs you will be using for your project.

You can go with Sansevieria, Fittonia, Hypoestes, Small tears, Baby's tears, African violets, Cacti or Succulents. These herbs need light, so put them near the window and rotate the bowl occasionally. To prevent growth of fungi, remove the dead leaves and keep the bowl clean.

To make your terrarium more interesting, you can add gemstones, pieces of wood or stones. Draw some inspiration from these ideas here and make your own project.

Green Cleaning

Protect Your Health and Conserve Your Environment Posted by Green Light

The term “Green cleaning” refers to methods of cleaning using natural products or products that are made from environmentally friendly ingredients, designed to preserve human health and environmental quality.

Green cleaning can also allude to the way in which products are manufactured, packaged and distributed. If the manufacturing process is environmentally-friendly and the products are biodegradable, then the label “eco-friendly” or “green” may apply. (Wikipedia) People are gravitating towards green cleaning techniques and products as they become more aware of the adverse effects of using chemically reactive and toxic ingredients versus the benefits of environmentally-friendly products. Traditional detergents can emit volatile organic compounds causing respiratory, dermatological and other negative health and environmental impacts.

Harmful Ingredients in Household Cleaning Products.

Modern consumers do need to keep their wits about them as there are clever marketers who are overgenerous or misleading about the environmental friendliness of their product or service; this is called “green washing”. Here is an interesting and informative article on Green Washing and how to evaluate cleaning products.

IF YOU HAVEN’T ALREADY, THIS IS WHY YOU SHOULD SWITCH TO GREEN CLEANING! Protect your health The majority of ordinary household detergents contain dangerous chemicals, carcinogens, neurotoxins, mutagens, teratogens, or endocrine disrupters – keeping that out of your home and work place is enough of a reason…

Protect the environment Most ideal green cleaning products are made from natural ingredients in a sustainable way; they are safe, non-toxic and biodegradable which is why they don’t have an adverse effect on the environment.

Easy and cost effective Many eco-friendly products area multi-purpose or all-purpose, so when you switch you only buy one product instead of 5 different chemical detergents for different cleaning needs. If you sit down and do the math you will see financial saving space saving and the reduction of waste.

Make your home safer Chemicals (like ammonia and chlorine) can be hazardous when mixed together. Small children and pets especially are more susceptible to higher exposure levels because of their size. It is safer to simply not have this danger lurking around your house.

GETTING STARTED So, where to from here?

There are many great biodegradable and safe green cleaning products available on the market if you start looking. Find a manufacturer from your community or support a local retailer that stocks eco-friendly cleaners. Look for a powerful multi-purpose and biodegradable cleaning product that is manufactured as close to home as possible.

Should you want to make your own at home, research vinegar, bicarbonate of soda and lemon in your cleaning regime; you will be surprised by the results.

Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat is dedicated to wellbeing and the transformation of our individual and collective consciousness through insight meditation, mindfulness, and healing modalities.

At Dharmagiri, we hold a dream that healing and liberation is the birth right of all. Our focus is to catalyze this potential through contemplative practices that reconnect with the core of who we are, beyond the masks we wear, at the timeless level of our being.

The power of Mvuleni-Bamboo Mountain where Dharmagiri is nestled, and Dharmagiri’s legacy of Buddhist inspired wisdom teachings, enables a process of awakening from personal and collective wounding. As dysfunctional conditioning is released, our innate, intuitive intelligence is activated, guiding our way home so we remember that we are loving and compassionate, and as unique and authentic selves, belong together within the inter-connected web of life.

Dharmagiri is on the border of South Africa and Lesotho near Underberg, KZN. It was founded in 2000 by Kittisaro and Thanissara, who trained in the Thai Forest monastic Tradition, and is guided by them, Chandasara, who also trained in the same tradition, a board of directors, and members of Sacred Mountain Sangha, an affiliated community of South African and International Dharma practitioners.

We offer guided silent meditation retreats, self-retreats, and a range of shorter retreats that promote physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Within an ethos of open inquiry and self-empowerment, we share teachings and practices that encourage the cultivation of mindfulness, insight meditation (vipassana), compassion, integrity and wisdom. We believe changing the world for better grows from each person’s ability to access peace, clarity, and their positive creative potential.

Conscious Life Magazine

RETREATS Schedule Dec 6 -10 - Dharmagiri Communication: A Path to Understanding Insight Dialogue, Meditation, Therapeutic Ajahn (Buddhist monk) Sukhacitto & Janet Surrey

Jan 6 – 7 – Held in Johannesburg Reclaim Health & Well Being Mindfulness & Regulation of the Nervous System Nobantu Mpotulo & Solwazi Johnson Contact: office@dharmagiri.org

Dec 19 – 26 - Dharmagiri Awakening for Our Times The Path of Mindfulness, Insight & Compassion Meditation, Walking in the Mountains Chandasara & Solwazi Johnson

Jan 19 – 21 - Dharmagiri A Return to Wholeness Ayurveda, Yoga, Meditation Helen Altman

Dec 29 – Jan 2 - Dharmagiri Reclaim Health & Well Being Mindfulness & Regulation of the Nervous System Therapeutic, Meditation, Mindfulness Nobantu Mpotulo & Solwazi Johnson Jan 5 – 7 – Dharmagiri Being Our Own Best Friend A Meditation Retreat Chandasara

Dharmagiri Sacred Mountain Retreat Underberg, Southern Drakensberg KZN www.dharmagiri.org office@dharmagiri.org

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March 30 – April 8 - Dharmagiri Still, Clear Water Transformation Through Mindfulness Meditation, Mindfulness, Insight Dialogue Chandasara & Nolitha Tsengiwe

Cost: From R450 – R550 a night, full board, vegetarian food. + Dana (free-will offering.)

Scholarships available.

Kittisaro & Thanissara – Founders of Dharmagiri Mvuleni-Bamboo Mountain in the Southern Drakensberg near the small town of Underberg.

The first time we saw this majestic mountain, a sentinel to the high peaks of the Lesotho escarpment jutting up behind, we were as iron filings to a magnet. That was December 1994 just after we first arrived in South Africa to teach at the Buddhist Retreat Centre in Ixopo. We had not long left monastic training of 15 and 12 years in the Thai Forest School to, rather controversially, get married.

In January 1995, a friend put down an interest free loan on 50 acres of land nestled in Mvuleni and we began the long journey of building a small meditation hermitage. We opened with a three-month retreat in 2000 that 5 of us soldiered through, setting a precedent for hosting long, in-depth Buddhist retreats. Over the years, this gradually broadened out to offering a range of short meditation, mountain walking, mindfulness, and therapeutic retreats. It makes us very happy that since those early days so many have found refuge and inspiration at Dharmagiri. Even though these days we mostly teach overseas, our hearts remain at Mvuleni.

Nolitha Tsengiwe – Dharmagiri Affiliated Teacher Dharmagiri has been my spiritual home for more than 10 years now. The dominant feeling I have there is that of nourishment.

The nourishment comes from a wholesome experience of nature, good company, priceless teachings of the Buddha, and the teachers who have a depth of understanding of the teachings and a great love for the practice of mindfulness. Part of this rich experience is the sacred mountain, called Umvuleni that nestles Dharmagiri. Umvuleni Mountain is always welcoming and seems to give a permanent hug. These are all conditions at Dharmagiri that support the practice mindfulness.

I came into the practice of meditation at a time of great suffering, and at the time it's the one thing that truly made sense to me.

Well, it still is really. Insights I got from my very first retreat brought a sense of great relief and hope that I would be “ok” after all.

At present I am going through more suffering, my dad is dying. The one thing that truly helps is when I am able to be with just one breath at a time. This is a doorway to awareness, a true refuge.

Chandasara – Resident Guiding Teacher at Dharmagiri Surrounded by the majestic beauty of the Drakensberg Mountains and in the immediate presence bamboo mountain, one feels held and supported by the earth at Dharmagiri. This powerfully solid presence has a stabilizing and grounding effect, helping us to slow down, settle, put aside a lot of activity, and gain perspective in our lives. One is also conscious of the ancient history of human spiritual aspiration expressed and practiced in these mountains – traces of which remain in the cave paintings in the area.

At Dharmagiri there is a further sense of being rooted in the profound tradition of spiritual practice established by the Buddha, and of being related to each other as well as others worldwide practicing the spiritual path.

So, do join us at Dharmagiri, it is a place where you can:  Live close to and feel nourished by nature  Relax into the peace of solitude, stillness and silence – together with others (or alone on a self-retreat)  Notice one’s habitual patterns of thinking and feeling  Let go and rest in the aliveness of presence  Feel the support of others in developing the gentle way of kindness and the unperturbed way of wisdom

We look forward to welcoming you!

SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE - SOUTH AFRICA 2018 Are you ready to change your life forever and in the process assist others by enlightening and empowering them? Do you feel that this is your Divine Life Path, helping to spread the light to others and accelerating your own personal growth?

If this is the case then this life changing Teacher Training course is for you!

I am delighted to announce that the next Teacher Training course is from 2nd to 15th March 2018 at The Angel Warehouse, Spirit of Amberfield, Rheenendal (near Knysna). http://angels.za.com/venue/ This course is for those that are passionate, motivated and committed to working with the Angels and Ascension and wanting to pass their knowledge and passion onto others so that they too are empowered and enlightened. You do not have to be very experienced in your Spiritual abilities, but must be working from the heart with enthusiasm and integrity. Academic qualifications are not important. Your own personal self-development and the desire and passion to pass this onto others, is what counts.

This course emphasises your own self-development which is so very important. I take pride in inviting you into our sacred and very special space where you will be nurtured and supported whilst you grow and learn. This beautiful country venue offers a special and safe place to focus your attention and listen to the longing of your own soul allowing you to grow and do your own self-development. This experience is unique and a special gift that you give yourself whilst you are preparing to go out and spread the light.

The Angel Connection School of Africa is delighted to announce that there will be a bursary available for those who would like to do the course but are unable to afford it. Please contact me for more information and application forms. Closing date for applications is the 15th January 2018. Terms and conditions apply.

Please call me on 082-563-7422 margi@angelconnection.co.za www.angels.za.com

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Conscious Life Magazine

Breathwork Foundation Training Courses Breathwork is the next major skill that individuals require to manage their energy, support their health, deepen their relationships, and optimise peak performance.

It is a skill that can be integrated into: • Business to optimise energy, productivity and mindful communication • Health and healing, deepening the efficacy of other healing modalities and equipping clients to participate in their healing process • Sports and personal training. Breath is a powerful way to access and express power of the body and mind • Spiritual practice. Breathwork is at the foundation of many spiritual practices and traditions.

This course is for you if you want to: • Develop a practical skillset in breathwork that can be applied in every area of your life • Create a solid foundation of knowledge and skills if you would like to further your career as a breathwork practitioner • Integrate breathwork into your current skillset whether you are a health professional, psychologist, coach, trainer, yoga teacher, HR consultant, healer or teacher.

FACILITATOR Dr Ela Manga, Ela is a medical doctor with a unique holistic approach to wellness who combines the principles of eastern philosophy, yoga, mindfulness, and western medicine. Ela has over 17 years’ experience in supporting individuals and teams in healing the effects of stress and burnout.

She uses modern medicine as a framework to dive deeper into the root causes of illness by drawing on safe and natural healing systems.

She has a natural ability to awaken heart and body intelligence, and her passion is in bringing mindfulness back into medicine and inspiring conscious living as a way of restoring and supporting health and wellbeing. The Energy Code, Ela’s first book, is available at all book stores.

Course details: Dates: Friday, 2 February to Sunday, 4 February 2018 Venue: Woodlands Spa and Conscious Living Centre, Muldersdrift Times: 10am - 4pm Cost: R5 500.00 per person including lunch For more information and booking contact Marj Murray Cel: 082 561 3637 Email: marjmurray.mm@gmail.com www.breathworkafrica.co.za

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

The Buddhist Retreat Centre, where people of all religions, and none, come to experience peace and tranquility.

How to Retreat The Buddhist Retreat Centre offers various types of retreats, ranging from those investigating Buddhist thought and philosophy, through to practice retreats where the emphasis is on meditation; as well as retreats featuring bird watching, cookery, drumming, pottery and photography. At first glance the latter might appear to be unrelated to Buddhism but even these retreats will contain some element of meditation, of mindful awareness, refracting the chosen subject matter through a Buddhist lens.

People from all walks of life come to these retreats with a variety of motivations and expectations. Perhaps they want to deepen their meditation practice, to take some time out from a hectic working life; to reflect on a tense domestic situation; to consider the trajectory of their lives; to make a decision about a way forward. Maybe they just want to learn how to take a good photograph. Each person will have a different reason for going on a retreat. Different paths will have led them to this place.

We all need to make an appointment with ourselves from time to time. To re-connect with who we are; to maintain balance; to recharge exhausted batteries. To make time to go on a retreat is a necessary and healthy step for anyone.

General Information The Centre has been established on an exquisite 125-hectare country estate near the village of Ixopo, KwaZuluNatal 90 kilometers south of Pietermaritzburg, one and a half hours’ drive from Durban.

Set in hilly grasslands amongst dams, indigenous bush and forests, it overlooks one of the great valleys in the Umkomaas river system. CNN featured the BRC as one of the ten finest retreat centres in the world. It was awarded Natural Heritage status by President Nelson Mandela in recognition of its success in establishing indigenous vegetation on the property and providing habitats for wildlife to return, including the endangered Blue Swallow. It is a birder’s paradise with more 160 species recorded.

Walks lead to many interesting sites and viewpoints on the property, including evidence that Bushman lived there and Voortrekkers and Settlers passed through. In 2000, the BRC facilitated the founding of Woza Moya, the community-based NGO, located in Ufafa valley. It continues to support the organisation in a variety of ways.

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Accommodation Fifty retreatants can be accommodated in single and twin-bedded rooms, en-suite cottages and thatched chalets overlooking the secluded valleys on the property – a short distance away from the dining room, office, library, studio and meditation hall.

The Centre is justly famous for its fine lacto-ovo vegetarian cuisine which is featured in its own bestselling recipe books, Quiet Food, The Cake the Buddha Ate and Plentiful: The Big Book Of Buddha Food. The BRC menu includes organically grown vegetables and farm-baked bread.

Observances The Retreat Centre offers a tranquil environment for the study and practice of philosophy, psychology, meditation and the arts associated with Buddhist culture. The Centre therefore encourages adherence to traditional Buddhist moral principles during retreats, such as respect for all forms of life and abstinence from alcoholic drinks and hallucinogenic drugs. Noble Silence is maintained from the last meditation at night until the first session after breakfast in the morning.

During some retreats, Noble Silence is maintained throughout. Pets are not allowed at the Centre. Only some retreats are suitable for children: please check with the Administrator.

Forthcoming Retreats: For full details of each retreat please go to the website page: http://www.brcixopo.co.za/retreats/detailed-list-ofretreats.html

Email: brcixopo@futurenet.co.za Tel: +27(0)39 834 1863 or 0878091687 Mobile: 082 579 3037 www.brcixopo.co.za

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Conscious Life Magazine

Christmas is a wonderful time for us humans, but sometimes we are so caught up in the festivities we forget about the dangers to our pets. There are lots of hazards that can cause major issues for our pets. Pets such as cats and dogs are normally in the house and even involved in some of the festivities, so they are more at risk.

It’s important to be aware of the things that can harm your pets and keep them well away from them. Don’t leave things lying around and take extra precautions to keep things out of reach.

Here are ten hazards for pets at Christmas time.

•Chocolate Chocolate is extremely poisonous to dogs. The higher the percentage the worse it is, dark chocolate causes the most problems. We all eat a lot of chocolate and often receive it as gifts at Christmas time. Keep chocolate away from dogs and pets throughout the festive season.

•Tinsel Tinsel is very dangerous for pets for a number of reasons. Firstly, they can get tangled up in it and even strangle themselves. Secondly, they may be tempted to eat it. Swallowing tinsel can cause major digestive issues and it can even get stuck in their stomach. If they try and eat it they may choke on it. Take care when using tinsel on your tree and around your home in December.

•Fairy lights Fairy lights present the same dangers as tinsel but there is also a chance of your pet getting electrocuted. Don’t let them anywhere near fairy lights and they may be tempted to chew on them. The glass in the lights can also cut your pet and cause serious issues if they swallow it.

Keep all pets away from fairy lights.

•Overeating This may not seem like a serious problem but it is a big concern for pets. It’s so easy to overfeed pets over the festive season thinking we are spoiling them and making them happy. Don’t change their diet, stick to what you normally feed them. A lot of the foods we eat over Christmas are full of fat and your pet will pile on the pounds in no time. Obesity is a big concern for pets as it causes debilitating health and joint problems.

•Alcohol Alcohol is very toxic to dogs. It can cause nausea, vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation, cardiac arrest, seizures and sometimes even death. Keep an eye on your pets when you are drinking alcohol to make sure they don’t try and steal any. Also be aware of foods that contain alcohol such as alcoholic chocolates.

•Christmas tree decorations All those fascinating decorations you put on your tree can be very intriguing to pets. They are in fun shapes and sizes and look like the perfect toys to play with, they are not. Christmas tree decorations are not made for pets and contain harmful things that your pet could swallow.

Make sure your decorations are high enough and kept out of reach.

•Cooked meat bones Take care when throwing away cooked meat. Your pet could try and get into the bins and eat the bones. Cooked bones can be very dangerous to pets as they can splinter and get stuck in their stomach. Dispose of all meat safely where your pet can’t get to it. You may want to invest in a special rubbish bin that your pet can’t get into.

•Raisins and grapes Both grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. Raisins are also in lots of different foods that we eat such as mince pies and Christmas pudding, so avoid giving your dog anything that might contain raisins. Raisins can cause kidney failure in some dogs.

•Christmas tree Believe it or not, your Christmas tree is also a hazard to your pets. Make sure it is placed in a safe place in the home and is securely properly. The last thing you want is for your Christmas tree to fall on top of your pet, some of the larger trees can be extremely heavy. If you have a natural tree you also need to be careful with the needles as they can get stuck in your pets feet and fur. If swallowed they can cause severe stomach issues. The water used to keep a Christmas tree nourished can also cause issues if your pet tried to drink it.

•Mistletoe and holly Mistletoe and holly are also poisonous for pets. Holly can cause severe gastrointestinal upset and mistletoe can cause mild gastrointestinal irritation. Other plants that are dangerous include lilies and daffodils.

Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding At The Yard on Third

Hippotherapy involves the use of a horse’s movement in therapy. It is a therapy technique that can be used by trained Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists and Speech Therapists.

How does it work?

The child is mounted on a specially trained therapy horse or pony.

As the horse/pony walks, its movement is translated into the patient.

Through clinical reasoning and evidence based practice, the horse’s movement: Can be guided and changed depending on the client’s needs Is used to get an active response from the client Facilitates functional and more efficient movements in the client’s body The horse or pony used is specifically selected for each client, to make sure it is the right size, gives the desired movement to the client and has the right temperament.

Who can benefit from Hippotherapy?

Hippotherapy is specifically for clients who have moderate to severe motor and/or sensory disorders.

When a child is referred for Hippotherapy, he/she will be assessed by our Physiotherapist. The assessment will: Determine if Hippotherapy will be beneficial and safe for the child Identify any contra-indications to Hippotherapy Aid in developing individualized therapy goals for the child Aid in selecting the right horse for that child The therapist will then work one-on-one with the child towards achieving their therapy goals.

Why does it work?

Hippotherapy is so effective because it influences, enhances and integrates function in multiple systems, including the Sensory systems Neuro-motor system (muscles) The cognitive system.

Hippotherapy is not intended to be done as a treatment program on its own, but as one part of the client’s plan of care.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS The most important thing to consider when doing Hippotherapy is safety. Horses are wonderful and gentle animals, but they are still a live animal and can frighten easily. Hippotherapy will never be conducted if it is considered unsafe for the client, or for the horse.

The horse will always be led by a trained horse expert, who can recognize signs of discomfort or stress in the horse.

The therapist will walk alongside the horse and the client on one side, and there will always be another person, walking alongside the other side of the horse. This can be a family member or a volunteer.

Therapeutic riding: Therapeutic riding is a horse-riding program that enhances and strengthens movement the child already has through exercise and activity on horseback.

• Therapeutic riding • Is appropriate for children who have minimal to moderate motor and/or sensory disorders.

• Can be a progression of Hippotherapy once the child reaches their Hippotherapy goals • Has the same therapeutic benefits of Hippotherapy • Is usually run in small groups by a professional horse riding instructor.

Our therapeutic riding program at The Yard on Third has been developed in conjunction with our Physiotherapist, who is trained in Hippotherapy.

Contact details: Physiotherapist at the Yard on Third: Angela Kruse 076 347 7177 angkruse16@gmail.com

Benefits of Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding: Hippotherapy and Therapeutic Riding can result in improvements in the following areas: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Arousal and attention Balance strategies Bi-lateral integration Body awareness Circulation Dynamic postural stability Endurance Midline orientation Mobility of the pelvis, spine and hip joints Muscle tone Muscle strength Musculoskeletal alignment Neuro-motor dysfunction Posture Problem-solving movement strategies Respiratory function Self confidence Sensorimotor integration Symmetry and alignment Timing and co-ordination

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IDEAL ACCOMMODATION SOLUTIONS WHEN YOU ARE EITHER N-BETWEEN MOVING, RELOCATING OR LOOKING FOR EXTENDED STAY. Cottages & Apartment Rentals with Jax Place Corporate Rentals is ideal for clients busy with house renovations, immigrating, relocating, short term projects or simply starting over we offer short and long term accommodation options.

Jax Place is based in the quiet avenues of Edenvale awaiting your arrival. We are conveniently situated an easy 7 minute drive to OR Tambo Johannesburg International with several major traffic interchanges including Gillooley’s on our door step, providing quick and easy access in almost every direction in Johannesburg.

Greenstone shopping centre, Modderfontein, Isando, Linbro Business Park are just a few areas we are centrally located too.

Jax Place offers secure on-site parking with a private entrance to each unit and Free Wi-Fi connection.

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OUR VISION AND HISTORY My father and I started Jax Place 15 years ago, with a dream and a plan in one hand, a hope and a prayer in the other.

We launched Jax Place from a basic two bedroom house to a beautiful 15 suite, four star graded Guest House for 12 years.

The Guest House has now been converted into Corporate Apartment Rentals.

You are therefore are able to enjoy the amenities, style and finishing’s of the Apartments and luxury guest rooms.

You can stay at a discounted rental rate for one month, or more, in our fully furnished and equipped self-catering units .

My staff have been with me for over 8 years and work as an extended family.

We strive for service excellence as we aspire to make Jax Place a home away from home.

Our core family business is short and long-term rentals operating in both Edenvale and Bedfordview, with a total of 52 fully furnished and unfurnished units.

Our blood line flows with the green and gold as Michael William Jennings was a Springbok Rugby player in 1970 and I represented SA in netball in 1996 and 2006.

Not only successful on the field but in business too.

I'm blessed to be able to work with my family every day as we welcome others to our establishments we've created with care and passion.

We welcome you to MGS & Jax Place, where personalised and professional accommodation is what you can expect.

Call us with your requirement and we will tailor a package for your stay with us.

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The Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is a thatched, whitewashed lodge built high on a natural platform overlooking the Bushman's River and Giants Castle.

Antbear Drakensberg Lodge offers various Drakensberg accommodation options in en suite double rooms, luxury suites, family units and also boasts a luxury cave too.

Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is one of those smaller intimate kind places which has been lovingly put together. The natural setting of the accommodation is stunning and we have managed to encase all this beauty with an atmosphere of comfort and ease.

The cottages are smartly appointed and individually designed and the fact that we are a small place makes for an intimate and personal accommodation experience. Each of the accommodation units are different and are decorated with uniquely eccentric and artistic wooden furniture.

It is a bit off the beaten track and is more of an insider tip than just another bed and breakfast. We cater for small intimate groups and never have more than 45 guests at a time. It's a laid back, lovingly cared for kind of place where you feel a sense of happiness and peace. Honeymoon stays turn into anniversary commemorations just as guests become friends. Even foreign tourists return for a second and third taste.

Attractions Drakensburg Hiking Trails Bushman Rock Art Giant’s Castle Kamberg Weenen Game Reserve Royal Natal National Park Drakensburg Boys Choir

Horse Trails Injasuti Nature Reserve Monks Cowl Natal Midlands Tugela Falls Sani Pass Fly Fishing

Retreats The Antbear Drakensberg Lodge is the ideal retreat venue where we can provide all the services and accommodation for your retreat. Situated 4 hours from Johannesburg and 2 hours from Durban with easy access from the N3 Antbear Lodge is easy to get to but has the feeling of being far from the madding crowd. This wonderful place for group retreats offers spectacular views, vast spaces, wild winds, rain, sunshine, clouds and rainbows and in all of this – silence and peace.

Retreat groups can book the whole lodge for their exclusive use.

The Lodge can accommodate 44 persons in 15 separate accommodation units Antbear Drakensberg Lodge has a spacious dining room with a wood-burning fireplace, a comfortable lounge with a fireplace and spectacular views, a breakaway meeting room, a large veranda and a large meeting room for retreat, team building or training activities. We provide excellent meals and will fit our menu to your expectations.

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Because food is an important part of your stay Meals are part of the real surprises that the Antbear Lodge has to offer where home grown cooking is part of the deal. We like to use our own home grown organic vegetables and if we haven’t got, then we lean heavily on those local providers with similar attitudes to our own. Conny and Andrew both like cooking and are up to changing just about anything to suit tastes or philosophies. Our cooking experience is in part a journal, a record of events and memories expressed in recipes. In the course of our travels we have filed away many recipes and with them images of people and places and their lives. How food tastes has much to do with the associations we make and if you would like to hear the tales of our meals we would love to tell them.

Sustainable & responsible tourism is our social responsibility and what we do to give something back to our community and environment We believe in sustainable tourism and social responsibility. We live is a spectacularly beautiful place called the Drakensberg and our standard of living here is exceptional.

But around us lie contrasts of poverty and lack of development. If we are to keep our way of life then it surely follows that we must do everything in our power to contribute to the upliftment and prosperity of this rural area. We believe that the future of South Africa is linked to the prosperity of the people, and that upliftment is linked to education. And as such we have chosen to support our local primary school called Vulakani Primary School.

Pet friendly accommodation Drakensberg One of the few pet-friendly places in the Drakensberg. Beautiful, vast views of the Drakensberg with plenty of ground for my dogs to roam. Walk for hours.

Your dogs will be happy with lots of dams to swim in and horses to discover. One of the accommodation units at Antbear Lodge is fenced in so its really easy to leave your dog behind if you would like to explore some of the sights where pets are not that welcome. If country life is for you and you would love to take your pet with you then Antbear Lodge is a great accommodation choice. Your hosts will advise you on all the activities available. Antbear Lodge prides itself on being both family-friendly and petfriendly.

CONTACT Mobile 076 441 2362 Email: reservations@antbear.co.za Web: www.antbear.co.za

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FIND & BOOK ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION IN SOUTH AFRICA lovetostay.co.za is your green heart guide to eco-friendly accommodation throughout beautiful South Africa. We partner with all kinds of accommodation establishments that operate in an eco-friendly, sustainable and responsible way. So whether you opt for a luxury boutique hotel or rustic tree house, you can feel good knowing your holiday supports a place that serves the environment and community in a positive way. To help you make these good choices, we are committed to growing a wonderful selection of urban and country, luxury and rustic green accommodation options where you will love to stay!

Search for your next green getaway on www.lovetostay.co.za by location or type; the Check Availability & Book Online green button will enable you to check real-time availability, make a booking & secure online payment through the Nightsbridge booking system at no extra charge.

WHAT IS ECO-FRIENDLY ACCOMMODATION? Eco-friendly accommodation is defined as a lodging establishment with structural features that minimize the impact and footprint on the environment; as well as well as those that follow green living, sustainability and eco-friendly practices.

WHAT ARE GREEN HEARTS? Look out for the Green Hearts Seal of each establishment. We are proud to showcase all of our members and love to highlight their specific efforts to protect and conserve the environment. Seals display between 1-5 Green Hearts as awarded to them for their positive Green Acts. Here`s more info!

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Conscious Life Magazine

ON THE FIFTH NIGHT

By Michael Howard

A Mystical Tale of Love, Human Nature and The Afterlife Mark Hanson is haunted by his relationships, one slowly corrupted by terminal illness, and the other compromised by violent conflict. After sinking to rock-bottom, he has to search deep within to recover.

His journey blurs the lines between sanity and insanity, between life and after-life. The tale is an eternal testament to the mystery and uncharted depths of human consciousness, surprising and inspiring to the end. It is heart-warming, romantic, mystical and spiritual.

The second edition of Michael Howard’s highly-acclaimed novel is launching internationally in Sydney, Australia at the Mind Body Spirit Festival from 26 to 29 October.

For October only, Conscious Life readers get a FREE e-book copy of the second edition of the book by writing to info@mindmarkworld.com. Please enter: “Conscious Life FREE e-Book” in the subject line of your email to qualify.

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GIVE-AWAY: Email linda@childoftheuniverse.co.za with subject ‘Boundless Love’ to stand a chance of winning a signed copy of Boundless Love by Sabita Maharaj

Enter to WIN One of 5 Copies of Raising Money Savvy Kids eBook!

Raising Money Savvy Kids is a book for all parents who want to start giving their kids the financial education they never had.

Financial literacy is a cornerstone of prosperity and security. It builds confidence and knowledge in the lives of individuals and the country. We cannot address the issues of financial inclusion and equitable and sustainable socio-economic development without addressing financial literacy.

To Enter: 1. Email us at competitions@childoftheuniverse.co.za Subject: Raising Money Savvy Kids 2. Answer this Question: What are the first two lines of the money poem in the Money Savvy Kids Article this month?

3. Elect 3 friends to receive Conscious Life Magazine for free by including their email addresses.

Terms & Conditions: The Competition Ends on the 31st of January 2017 at 12pm. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. The competition is not open to directors, agents, employees or consultants of Money Savvy Kids.or Conscious Life Magazine.

The competition is not open to readers who have won a prize with us in the last 6 months.

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EVERY HOME NEEDS A LOVING PET! THERE ARE SO MANY BEAUTIFUL ANIMALS WAITING TO BE ADOPTED – PLEASE REACH OUT! WE ALSO ENCOCURAGE YOU TO REACH INTO YOUR HEARTS FOR THOSE WHO ARE LESS FORTUNATE AND REALLY NEED OUR HELP.

Help us Fight the Dog Meat Trade URGENT: Our Animal Rescue Team has identified a dog meat farm in South Korea where more than 170 dogs are in desperate need of help. Please make an urgent donation to help us rescue these dogs and save them from a brutal death.

Stolen from the streets, shoved into trucks, locked in cages. Then slaughtered and sold to be eaten. This is the horrifying fate of the millions of dogs caught up in Asia’s dog meat trade.

Please join the fight to shut down this brutal industry for good. With your help, we’ll shut down farms in South Korea, assist farmers as they transition to more humane livelihoods, support our local Chinese partners in intercepting dog meat traders’ trucks, fund the care of confiscated and rescued animals and lobby for better laws throughout Asia.

You can help stop this cruelty. Please give today.

Act Now Please fill out the form (link) to add your name to the petition calling for vital legal protection for cats and dogs in South Korea.

Help us bring hope to girls without and choices to those with none.

Founded in 2000 by Khanyisile Motsa, and run under her diligent care ever, Home of Hope for Girls is an autonomous, self-started initiative to provide real care for exploited, trafficked and abused children in the city of Johannesburg.

It is more than just a residential shelter; it is a loving home where dignity is restored, the past is healed and the girls are given the tools to take control of their futures. Home of Hope also reaches out to the community offering the most vulnerable members support, practical help and a lifeline.

The Background to Home of Hope An estimated 10,000 children are prostitutes in Johannesburg and this figure is increasing.

When Khanyisile Motsa relocated to Hillbrow she was shocked to observe girls as young as nine working as prostitutes and selling drugs on the streets at night. The truth about these forgotten children is: • • • • • •

Child Prostitute. Photo by Tseliso Monaheng

Criminals pay agents to recruit children They usually target often orphans or/and those from very disadvantaged rural communities Victims are trafficked or seduced to leave with lies about a life in the city Their IDs are frequently taken from them to make escape and identification difficult Their IDs are often sold on the black market ‘Owned’ by their exploiters they are prostituted, abused, made to sell drugs

Email: info@hopehome.org.za Mam Khanyi: 073 250 2086 Telephone: 011 614 0861

PAWS R US (SA) is looking for INVESTORS – help us BUILD THE DREAM of our “HAPPY PLACE”!

After 6 years in animal welfare/rescue, PAWS R US (SA) has moved into the LINBER KENNELS facility out in the Tarlton area, JHB. It is time to spread our wings, create a permanent home, and contribute more effectively to both the cause and effects linked to animal welfare/rescue in SA. Our dream is to build the LINBER KENNELS facility into a top-notch rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming haven for rescue dogs. We also want to establish a home-base for our EDUCATION campaigns, so that we can work with the youth in returning to the core value of COMPASSION and RESPECT for Self and All Life.

To make this dream a reality, we need to BUY the LINBER KENNELS site. And to get that done, we need to find INVESTORS and PARTNERS who want to contribute to something greater than themselves, and help make a real, immediate and practical difference in a world that has lost its way.

The PAWS R US (SA) TRUST has been created as a legal entity – and we now look to spread the net open wide and “go on the hunt” for kindred spirits who want to help build something GOOD. We need INVESTORS of the HEART and MIND – those who want to protect the vulnerable, educate the youth of tomorrow, and know that their investment has directly uplifted lives and communities.

CONTACT: For all enquiries and details related to this search for INVESTORS, and the implications for each INVESTOR within the Trust, please email us on woof@pawsrus.co.za

Call 012 430 7775 Lines open 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday

Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In South Africa and around the world, we work every day to give children a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. When crisis strikes, and children are most vulnerable, we are always among the first to respond and the last to leave. We ensure children’s unique needs are met and their voices are heard. We deliver lasting results for millions of children, including those hardest to reach. We do whatever it takes for children – every day and in times of crisis – transforming their lives and the future we share.

We need your help to ensure that no child is left behind.

In a tough funding environment, we have ensured we have multiple avenues of funding and are proud to have 11,000 generous individual donors contributing monthly. We will continue to be innovative in securing funding to enable us to reach more children and will work on increasing unrestricted and consistent funding streams.

You can help us make a difference. Even just by becoming aware of our work by reading our annual report.

To download and read the full annual report, click here.

Help us do whatever it takes to save the children.

Thank You Gugulethu Ndebele CEO

www.savethechildren.org.za

Education The quality of education in the foundation years has a lasting impact and we are working hard to ensure that every child receives quality basic education.

Child Protection South Africa is marked by high levels of violence and exploitation of children in places where they should be safe. All children should thrive in a safe environment.

Health & Nutrition No child under the age of 5 should die from preventable disease and all our children deserve long-term good health.

Children’s Rights Insufficient recources prevent children from achieving their rights as enshrined in the South African Constitution. We are campaigning for a strengthened childrights system

One in Every Four Children Being Robbed of Their Childhood One in every four children being robbed of their childhood, new report from Save the Children finds One quarter of the world's children are being denied a childhood, a new report from Save the Children has revealed.

The report includes a global index ranking the places where childhood is most and least threatened.

Launched to coincide with International Children's Day, the Stolen Childhoods report has found that at least 700 million children—and possibly hundreds of millions more—have had the promise of a full childhood brought to an early end.

The reasons vary from extreme violence and conflict, often driving families from their homes; early marriage and pregnancy; child labour, poor health and not being able to go to school.

In South Africa, the high levels of child homicide and extreme violence against children is the most concerning indicator.

Read: Save the Children to the rescue to take street kids under its wing

Enough is Enough - Ending Violence Against Children Watch our video and get involved now.

Make the difference that others only speak about.

In allowing our children to be harmed we allow the entire country’s future to be harmed.

Violence Against Children is a serious issue. At Save the Children South Africa, we are working around the clock to educate the public on the effects of violence, creating a type of awareness that stops the crime before it happens. We believe in speaking out – but not after the fact.

The solution begins with YOU – you hold the power to make a difference.

Every child deserves a future...

Find out more on www.savethechildren.org.za Follow @SaveChildrenSA on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SaveChildrenSA Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/SavetheChildrenSouthAfrica Join us on Instagram: www.instagram.com/savethechildrensouthafrica Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYqG...

Watch: South African creates hilarious video to teach Zuma a lesson in Censorship You can decide if this clip is #NSFW! Honestly speaking it may sound like its filled bad language but the point is censorship doesn’t tell a full story.

Watch: A Granny is going viral for busting a move in a Woolies A Granny is taking over Instagram after breaking out into dance while in the Women’s Wear section at a Woolies.

This story about a boy spending his birthday with the Police will make you smile Zac, a seven year old, has dreamt of being a police officer so for his birthday he was surprised with a visit to the Bishop Lavis Police Academy

This weeks' SPAR WEEKLY HERO goes to Mandi Barensché for being a supermom and showing that we are better South Africans when we are unified!

SPAR WEEKLY HERO It takes a village: South African Supermom is going viral for breastfeeding her helper’s baby A South African Supermom is going viral on social media after sharing a photo of her breastfeeding her helper’s baby.

AN INITIATIVE THAT WE LOVE South African Youth challenged to use their power to create positive change SA 2017 Matriculants are being challenged by a popular social media campaign to show the country that they have the power to create change.

PICTURE THAT GOT PEOPLE TALKING A South African has just been named as the Worlds Best Female Chef!!!

Chantel Dartnall has been named as the Worlds Best Female Chef, owner and head chef of Mosaic, she says the title has not sunk in yet

BEST STORY BUT MAY HAVE MISSED The Presidents Keeper‌ thousands of more books go into print production A controversial book containing allegations against President Jacob Zuma relating to corruption and irregularities with his tax affairs has gone on another print run.

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