Conscious Life Free Online Magazine - November 2018 - ed 51

Conscious Life Magazine

CONTENTS 12

TOXIC MASCULINITY: WARNING SIGNS & 5 WAYS TO STOP IT

64

WIN ONE OF 5 BAOCARE BAOBAB OIL HAMPERS

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SELF DEVELOPMENT & PERSONAL GROWTH

20

3 POWERFUL HABITS FOR BUILDING YOUR SELF-ESTEEM

24

FEELING & BEING

26

THE IMPORTNACE OF ALIGNING WITH YOURSELF

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NATURAL HEALTH & WELLNESS

32

FIX YOUR GUT, FIX YOUR ALLERGIES

36

SHOWER BIOFILMS CAN HPST PATHOGENS

42

LEAD LEVELS LINKED TO HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

48

4 NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BRAIN ZAPS

56

STEERING CLEAR OF SUN DAMAGE THIS SUMMER

60

THE BEAUTY OF BAOBAB &USES OF BAOBAB OIL

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CONSCIOUS HEALING

68

FORGIVENESS

72

HEALING ANGER

73

STAYING POSITIVE

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HEALTHY INTAKE

78

ARE YOU ON THE FENCE ABOUT SUGAR CONSCUMPTION?

82

GREEN SMOOTHIE RECIPE

87

TAHINI WRAP RECIPE

b CONSCIOUS BODY 88

CALISTHENICS: THE ANCIENT GREEK WORKOUT THAT WILL LEAVE YOU SHREDDED

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CONTENTS H

GREEN LIVING

98

HOW TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID: EASY STEPS YOU CAN FOLLOW

104 OH MY GOODNESS! HOME-GROWN ORGANIC TOMATOES

_ ANIMAL WORLD 114 HOW TO CHECK YOUR PET FOR SIGNS OF CANCER

P WORKSHOPS, COURSES & RETREATS 120

RETREATS AT DHARMAGIRI SACRED MOUNTAIN RETREAT

122

SET YOUR SOUL COMPASS FOR 2019

123

HEALING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH MONEY

128

SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE AND BURSARY

P

GETAWAYS, SHOWS & EVENTS

133 SHOWS, GETAWAYS; AND MORE

_ REACH OUT 145 REACH OUT & HELP: DESERVING CHARITIES AND CAUSES

48

98 32

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12 86

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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

Articles from the late

Fitness & Nutritional Expert

Author/Inspirational Speaker

LOUISE L. HAY

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DR CHRISTIANE NORTHRUP

Articles written by the late

BRENT LINDEQUE

DR. WAYNE DYER

The Good Things Guy

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SALES & MARKETING Sales & Marketing Manager Cj Matticks Sales Linda Navon CREATIVE TEAM Designer & Creative Director Cj Matticks

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Content & Layout Assistant Linda Navon Digital Manager & Social Media Cj Matticks DISTRIBUTION & ACCOUNTS

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TORSTEN A. LANGE

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Author, founder & director Reiki Academy London

LINDA NAVON Deputy Editor

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

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Contributing Team & Experts

MARGI McALPINE

PENNI DU PLESSIS

Angel Connection School

Divine Space

MICHELLE LESKE

DR SHAVIT SACHS

Egypt Tour Goddess

Naturopath

SIMON WING-LUN

VERONICA HAUPT

Founder: Unconditional Love Healing

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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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Toxic Masculinity: Warning Signs + 5 Ways to Stop It Note from Cj, Editor:

From 25 November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to 10 December, Human Rights Day, the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign is a time to galvanize action to end violence against women and girls around the world.

Just ahead of this, we take a look at Toxic Masculinity and ways to stop it.

Article By Jillian Levy, Dr Axe Team

Today, women living in the U.S. are more likely to be killed by a spouse/partner than anyone else. Men commit the vast majority of violent and non-violent crimes in the U.S, including nearly all mass shootings. And men are much more likely to face accusations of sexual harassment and abuse. That includes instances occurring at home, in schools and in the workplace. (1)

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Why is this? To help explain this phenomenon, many use the concept called “toxic masculinity.” There are various ways to describe toxic masculinity, depending on who you ask. According to the Teaching Tolerance website, the phrase toxic masculinity is “derived from studies that focus on violent behavior perpetrated by men, and — this is key — is designed to describe not masculinity itself, but a form of gendered behavior that results when expectations of ‘what it means to be a man’ go wrong.” (2) Not only is toxic masculinity harmful to women, but it also hurts men themselves, both physically and mentally. The World Health Organization believes that risk-taking behaviors and lack of willingness to seek help are among the most important reasons for higher rates of negative health outcomes among men. This includes ailments like heart disease, COPD and other respiratory diseases, depression and alcoholism. Men also experience shorter life expectancies compared to women.

Beyond that, suicide rates are about four times higher among men, according to The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

(3) And even men who don’t suffer physical health consequences due to toxic masculinity likely deal with issues like feeling emotionally cut off and misunderstood.

Let’s take a deeper dive into toxic masculinity, including the three specific phrases you should ban from your vocabulary.

What Is Toxic Masculinity?

What is the definition of toxic masculinity? Toxic masculinity can be thought of as “hyper masculinity,” a narrow and repressive description of manhood, designating manhood as defined by violence, sex, status and aggression.

Another term tied to toxic masculinity is “hegemonic masculinity.” This is defined as a practice that legitimizes men’s dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of women, and other marginalized ways of being a man. (4) Urban Dictionary considers toxic masculinity to be “a social science term that describes narrow repressive types of ideas about the male gender role and that defines masculinity as exaggerated masculine traits.” Toxic masculinity can also suggest that men who act too emotional or aren’t violent enough are not “real men.” (5) Below are some examples of ideas/beliefs associated with toxic masculinity: • Manhood is defined by violence, sex, status and aggression.

• Men should not be interested in “feminine things” because this makes them appear weak • Men shouldn’t display “feminine” traits such as emotional vulnerability.

• Men and women can never truly understand each other or just be friends, for reasons like men are always interested in sex.

• Real men are strong and don’t show emotional signs of shame or weakness.

• Anger and violence are useful ways of solving conflicts.

• Men are not suited to be single parents/the dominant parent in a family.

The Origins of Toxic Masculinity To understand more about toxic masculinity, it helps to understand the background of masculinity theories in general.

What is “the masculinity theory?” Masculinity is defined as “possession of the qualities traditionally associated with men.” The theory of masculinity enormously impacts the field of gender studies. Australian sociologist

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Raewyn Connell is one of the first researchers to form a theory of masculinity. Her theory is still considered to be one of the most influential in the field of men/masculinities today.

According to a 2009 article published in the Journal of Gender Studies, Connell published her book Masculinities originally in 1995.

There, she provided “a critical feminist analysis of historically specific masculinities whilst at the same time acknowledging the varying degrees to which individual men play in its reproduction.” (6) A 2015 article published in the journal Culture, Health and Sexuality states that “the concept of hegemonic masculinity has been used in gender studies since the early-1980s to explain men’s power over women …

Although men are structurally related to women in a superior position and inherently benefit from this (what Raewyn Connell called the patriarchal dividend), they do have a ‘choice’ about whether or not to actively occupy oppressive positions.” (7) Connell argued that there are many ways to act masculine, and that it’s up to men to choose which types of characteristics they adhere to.

To be clear, toxic masculinity is not only a critique of men by women. In fact, males are very involved in discussions of toxic masculinity. And they have been from the start. For example, in the 1990s, researcher Dr. Ronald Levant played a significant role in the development of masculinity ideology. He explained how cultural belief systems and attitudes toward masculinity defined men’s roles.

Since the origins of masculinity theory, both men and women use hegemonic masculinity as a way to describe: a set of values, established by men in power, that

functions to include and exclude, and to organize society in gender unequal ways. It combines several features: a hierarchy of masculinities, differential access among men to power (over women and other men) and the interplay between men’s identity, men’s ideals, interactions, power and patriarchy.

Currently, discussions of masculinity, femininity and gender distinctions remain complicated. They’re tied to gender roles and gender norms. And those are complex topics.

On one hand, some feel that gender norms first developed thousands of years ago. Why? Because men spent more time dedicated to hunting, while women generally raised the family. Females are more involved in the process of birthing children, which some say triggered males to compete with each other for women’s attention.

However, according to other theories, early human behavior wasn’t largely differentiated by gender. Some argue that we didn’t see huge gender differences in society until recent agriculture-based developments. And for this reason, we shouldn’t assume that modern-day masculinity has biological roots, but rather that it is really influenced by our culture.

Masculinity vs. Toxic Masculinity Masculinity is not the same thing as toxic masculinity. It’s possible to be “masculine” without exhibiting toxic masculinity characteristics.

What are the characteristics of masculinity, and what does “non-toxic masculinity” look like?

Many feel that “traditional masculinity” include characteristics like leadership, strength of purpose, protectiveness and a willingness to do what’s right despite its emotional cost. The goal among those fighting toxic masculinity is not to discourage men

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from pursuing these traits.

Organizations like The Good Men Project offer up the following ideas about what “positivemasculinity” can look like: (8) • Men can have physical power without being violent or aggressive.

• While violence is best avoided, defending others in certain circumstances can still be a valiant goal. At the same time, men should not assume that their role is to protect the vulnerable or that women are always more vulnerable and helpless than men. We can benefit from thinking of both genders as both “protectors” and “nurturers.”

• Masculinity does not need to be at odds with sensitivity and empathy. These should be considered gender-neutral traits. Other gender-neutral traits include kindness, honesty, discipline, consideration, and being protective, strong, rational and even clever.

• Men can have relationships with women without engaging in objectification of women or being interested in sex.

men being excused for aggressive behavior because “it’s their nature.” Instead, it makes each man more personally responsible for his actions. If leaders, parents and teachers stop assuming that :boys will be boys,” then males will have to take more personal responsibility for their actions.

5 Ways to Stop Toxic Masculinity 1. Share Facts About Gender Research Masculinity describes a pattern of behaviors, but it doesn’t describe biological or inherited traits. While many people may assume that men and women act differently due to biological differences, research tells us otherwise. In other words, not every masculine man is engaging in toxic masculinity.

Studies show there’s very little difference between the actual brains of men and women. The rigid societal norms created around femininity and masculinity are what actually cause the two sexes to act differently.

For this reason, experts tell us that it’s important to shift the discussion away from sex and biology determining our behavior, and toward gender and culture. This helps to end

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2. Limit Use of Harmful Phrases & Comments in the Home Experts tell us that parents play a huge role when it comes to shaping their sons’ behaviors and ideas about what it means to be a man.

Parents are discouraged from expecting violent and rough behavior from their sons and acting like this normal. Young men should not be excused from any consequences for behavior that harms others (mentally or physically).

Parents can also teach their sons that there is more than one way to be a boy or “act like a man.” It’s important for parents to stop telling boys and men to “man up” and act tough, and to make it acceptable to show emotion, tenderness or pain. Parents can also create an environment where it’s possible for everyone in the family to openly talk about their roles, relations and expectations.

3. Discuss Masculinity & Gender Roles In Classrooms Toxic masculinity can be a difficult topic for teachers to discuss with their classes, but many experts feel that as educators, it is teachers’ responsibility to openly communicate what types of remarks, bullying and behaviors will not be tolerated. Teachers can also help shape the beliefs of students as they’re forming ideas about gender roles. In some classrooms, teachers are now turning to films and other resources, including documentaries Tough Guise 2 and The Mask You Live In. These help explain problems with gender expectations.

Among some college campuses, leaders are creating “safe spaces” where men can openly discuss gender concerns. For example, at Brown University, current programming includes: Masculinity101, a weekly discussion group for students to unpack and unlearn toxic masculine norms. The Men’s Story Project: Looking Within and Speaking Out, is a largescale storytelling event featuring the stories of males.

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4. Community Outreach Programs (Especially for Boys/Men Who Are Most Susceptible) Research shows that masculinity is constructed in ways that reflect poverty or power, regional cultures and neighborhood dynamics. Destructive and exaggerated ideas of masculinity often develop among socially marginalized men living in urban areas of poverty, where the desire for power and force is emphasized. These same men may be more prone to experience violence in childhood, something that can create enduring psychological impacts that may fuel toxic masculinity later in life. This includes a lack of empathy and remorse and increased acts of aggression.

for men to ask for help, fail and feel pain. And the less that “successful” adult men publicly degrade minority men, gay men or women, the less likely it is for younger males to learn that this is acceptable.

While this isn’t an easy problem to fix, a key intervention seems to be promoting more models of positive masculinity.

Final Thoughts on Toxic Masculinity

Outside of the classroom, a number of maleoriented clubs and organizations now involve men in sexual assault prevention courses, helping to change how they think about maleness and treating women. According to an article on this topic published in The Atlantic, “club members are walking examples of respectful male students, ones who choose conversation over clenched fists.” (9) There have also been a growing number of wellknown public speakers addressing the topic of toxic masculinity, and books written on the subject — including several authored by athletes, musicians, and so on.

5. Highlight Examples of “Positive Masculinity” The media can also help by displaying examples of men who are comfortable in their masculinity, but also respectful, polite, ambitious and kind. Community leaders can also help by showing what real-life examples of positive masculinity look like. This includes pastors, priests, teachers, business owners, politicians, and so on. Public figures can serve as powerful examples, showing that it’s okay

Women can also help fight toxic masculinity by “talking up” positive masculinity and celebrating the differences between femininity and masculinity. One way for women to do this is to form relationships with men based on mutual respect, a sense of safety and trust. As mothers, wives and friends, women can show men that it’s safe to express their feelings and that they shouldn’t fear being viewed as “soft” when they do.

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•

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Toxic masculinity (also referred to as “hegemonic masculinity”) is defined as a practice that legitimizes men’s dominant position in society and justifies the subordination of women. It also includes other marginalized ways of being a man.

Ideas/beliefs that are associated with toxic masculinity include: manhood defined by violence, sex, status and aggression; the idea that men should not be interested in “feminine things”; men should not be emotionally vulnerable; men and women can never truly understand each other or just be friends; anger and violence are useful ways of solving conflicts; and men are not suited to be single parents/the dominant parent in a family.

Interventions to help stop toxic masculinity include: sharing facts about gender research, parents setting good examples and limiting uses of harmful phrases in their homes, teachers discussing gender issues in classrooms and public figures serving as positive role models for vulnerable young men.

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By Louise L. Hay

If you would like to build your self-esteem, remember to love yourself daily.

Many people don’t practice building self-esteem daily because they don’t realize that it’s something that they can learn to do, no matter what experiences they have had in life.

The key to starting the process is to recognize that self-esteem, self-love, self-worth— whatever you feel drawn to calling it—is a seed that grows if you water it.

One of the reasons I talk about loving yourself is that when we practice loving ourselves, we develop a certain trust that brings us closer to being true to ourselves.

How do you begin to grow your self-esteem?

You start by recognizing that you deserve to be loved. You deserve to love yourself.

For some of us, this is easier said than done. If you’re finding that you’re saying or doing things just to appease others, then you’re denying your soul’s purpose.

Sounds like such a simple thing to do, right?

The truth is: one of the things we struggle with the most in life is being true to ourselves. When we have been hurt in the past, we sometimes hide parts of ourselves so we can protect ourselves from being hurt again

You’re denying yourself happiness.

I encourage you to practice loving yourself often, because it’s the best way to get closer to who you are.

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And don’t think that just because you made a mistake you’re a failure.

Life is a learning experience. Sometimes we make decisions true to us, and sometimes we don’t. It’s OK because we learn.

We are not defined by the mistakes we make.

Allow yourself to let go of your negative selftalk, and love yourself.

When you do this, you will noticed many powerful shifts inside of you, such as:

Begin to Trust Yourself Many times we find that we’re unsure of ourselves. We constantly second-guess our decisions, or we make them based on others around us.

Why are we so willing to trust others, but not ourselves?

It can be difficult to not suppress your true self in a world that is so quick to judge or compare you to others. We learn from our culture or parents, and we start to judge ourselves constantly, because that’s what we’re taught.

That is no way to live a happy and loving life.

You’ll constantly be chasing something that is untrue to your Divine being.

The Benefits of Being True to Yourself There is no wrong way or right way to build self-esteem. Your inner child or inner compass is there to guide you. Trust it. Love yourself and always be true to the best version of yourself.

Being true to your self is a constant decision that we make daily.

1. Compassion When we love ourselves in each situation, we learn to be the best version of ourselves. We become more compassionate towards ourselves, and we stop judging ourselves based on past decisions or actions. We learn from our mistakes, and move on to the next moment. When we are compassionate with ourselves and others, it’s easier to adapt to changes in our life and to bounce back from hardship faster.

2. Bravery Being your true self moment after moment makes you courageous and strong. When challenges or anxieties mount, you might feel the pressure, but you face them with grace, because you learn that you can count on yourself—your true self—to do your best, whether you fail or succeed!

3. Comfort When we express our true self we become comfortable in our skin and a weight is lifted off our shoulders. Self-berating diminishes, and with time, we’re less worried about the future. We are comfortable in the present, and we no longer carry the past around with us.

We pay attention to the present, and it brings us comfort to be here—no matter where we are.

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4. Positivity You’ll notice that when you practice trusting your inner voice that your relationships with others will change. You’ll start surrounding yourself with people who help you or encourage you to be yourself. You will not spend so much time around people who drain your energy, and you’ll gravitate towards others who inspire the best in you.

5. We Get Our Needs Met We in turn live a happy, fulfilling life. We get our needs met because we trust what we’re doing each day in each moment. We know that we deserve to be happy, and we have hope, and the belief in the value of pursuing our dreams.

3 Habits for Building Self-Esteem There are many ways to help you build selfesteem along your journey to being your true self. Here are 3 of my favorite daily tools for loving yourself:

1. Keep a journal.

Write down your experiences, how you felt about them and whether you felt you dealt with it in way that aligned with your inner voice. If you felt upset toward someone, did you confront them or hide it? The more you write down and notice when you’re doing what’s best for you, the more you get close to expressing your true being more often.

2. Practice Meditation.

There is no better way than to relax, breathe and rest your thoughts. This is a great time to practice affirmations and reflect on what you want for your life.

Below I share a meditation for increasing your self-love and self-worth. Self-esteem can become a habit when you practice loving yourself every day.

3. Practice Mirror Work or Tapping.

Looking into your eyes and expressing your

true feelings is a great way to discover your underlying fears and finally face them with compassion.

Many people think that affirmations are my most powerful tool, and yes, affirmations are powerful, but the truth is, that affirmations are most powerful when combined with tapping or mirror work. My friend Robert Holden, Ph.D. helped me create a free video series about how to do mirror work. You can watch the free series here.

No person, place, or thing has any power over me unless I give it, for I am the only thinker in my mind.

I have immense freedom in that I can choose what to think.

I can choose to see life in positive ways instead of complaining or being mad at myself or other people.

Complaining about what I do not have is one way to handle a situation, but it does not change anything.

When I love myself and find myself in the midst of a negative situation, I can say something such as, “I am willing to release the pattern in my consciousness that contributed to this condition.”

I have made negative choices in the past, but this does not mean that I am a bad person, nor am I stuck with these negative choices.

I release old judgments and love myself unconditionally.

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Ask about our courses for Teenagers

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By Wendy Young of Wise-Living Sometimes people come to spirituality because they feel unhappy, or desperate. The danger is that spirituality becomes psychological avoidance as opposed to truth-seeking.

To me unhappiness is a nagging discomfort and background feeling of anxiety accompanied by the thoughts: ‘I’m not enough, this isn’t enough, they aren’t enough’, that is enough to make me feel relaxed and content with myself and with Life.

If you’re someone born into a functional and loving family then chances are your selfesteem is good. Life may be challenging, and you can fall back on the self-belief that ‘I am enough to be successful and happy, despite the challenges.’

However, many of us were born into a family where the emotional environment was characterized by a nagging sense that something is wrong. That doesn’t mean there weren’t moments of intimacy, fun and laughter – but the default setting was a vague feeling of unease. If that describes you, then you’ll need to be especially vigilant against spiritual bypassing – seeking higher spiritual states to escape emotional pain.

Release comes from honestly and gently acknowledging what we are feeling.

Underneath the depression, anxiety and selfjudgment is the simplicity of feeling and being. Even uncomfortable emotions, not

explained away, suppressed or interfered with, are preferable to the complex thoughts and emotional games that tend to overlay feeling. It’s great when we connect with our True self through heightened spiritual states.

But, profound insight is also available to us when we let go and sink into the realm of pure feeling; when we let go and sink into feeling our bodies from the inside.

Take a few moments and experience this now – breathe out and let your body release fully into the support of the chair. Continue to feel the release of each out-breath bringing more and more attention into your body. Notice how your body is feeling. Rest here for a few minutes, simply feeling and being.

If you feel called to embark on inner process work with me, please email wendy@wise-living.co.za for more information and to book a session. I work directly with your nervous system to unlock past memories and limiting self beliefs. This releases suppressed emotions from the body which facilitates deep healing, positive changes in our behaviour and supports sustainable transformation.

I offer transpersonal and somatic counselling, trauma work, energy healing as well as Spiritual mentorship and guidance. With gratitude Wendy Young www.wiseliving.co.za

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The Importance of Aligning With Yourself

By Simon Wing-Lun

As you align within yourself, life becomes less and less about what specific action you take, and more and more about the vibration and energy the action comes from.

You can be creating a business. Eating food.

Having sex. Being in conversation. Posting on social media. Exercising. Going for a walk.

Reading a book..

It's not really about if you're doing it the 'right way'.

There is no right or universally successful way to do anything.

• It's about the mix of energies and emotions underneath the action.

• So if I'm eating, is my eating being driven love, fear, anger or anxiety?

• If I'm doing social media or business, am I being fundamentally driven by self-love, authentic passion, unworthiness or fear?

• If I'm having sex, am I transmitting unconditional love, acceptance, reverence, and appreciation, or control, jealousy, unworthiness, or the need to prove something?

Or is it some mix of several of these things?

In most cases for people these energies are actually mixed up and blended together underneath many of their actions.

So it's not just about asking if you're being driven by love or fear.

The reality for most people is that underneath the simple act of eating a meal there might be 63% love, 17% fear, 8% guilt, 7.5% anger, 2.5% jealousy and 2% unworthiness.

This is just an example of the mix and proportions of motivating energies that can be driving your experience of any action.

So sometimes people say: "I know I'm making the best decisions I can, how come I'm still not getting the results and reflections I really want?“ This is because they might be choosing the most loving action available in that specific Conscious Life Magazine

area, but they're not able to fully align within themselves so that action is fully coming from love.

For example at any given time the best option someone may have available may only be coming from love as 40% of the motivating energy, because this is the limit on love they have within themselves in that area.

The good news is everything is already perfect.

You don't have to have perfect 100% inner alignment to very much enjoy the experiences and fruits of your actions.

However if you just keep trying to choose the most loving action, without looking at the alignment that's beneath it though, you're likely to feel stuck or frustrated at some point.

And if no options feel quite right or are getting the results you truly want, then it's time to look inwards at your deep emotional alignment rather than trying to find an outward action that will work for you.

Looking inward to align and heal is an action within itself, many people simply undervalue this process of aligning, or don't actually know how to do it effectively.

The difference in eating, having sex, or doing business from a place of 60% love, to 80% love is night and day. Getting anything in the 90%-100% range is pure bliss. You'll be in total bliss and orgasmic ecstasy taking out the trash..

The levels of bliss, joy and creative power that can be infused in our actions is almost incomprehensibly huge.

Going beyond just choosing the best actions, and aligning the vibrations and emotions underlying your actions is the path to experience the highest vibrations of joy and bliss while here on earth.

It is the way to grow and brighten your life, and infuse all the power of love into everything you do, not just things that might be labelled as "spiritually valuable".

You are the love. You are the light.

The more you align deep within, the more you'll shine joyfully through every single action you take.

Have a look at Simon’s Website: www.unconditional-love.com

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Fix Your Gut To Fix Your Allergies

By Dr Shavit Sachs, Naturopath

Hayfever and seasonal allergies plague many of us! And with the long, dry drought causing increasing levels of pollens and allergens, hayfever symptoms and duration have been a lot worse. But, there is a solution and a natural way to mediate your allergies so that you aren’t constantly treating symptoms and not the cause.

So, What Actually Happens?

Allergies occur when your immune system has an exaggerated response to allergens, like different pollens, weeds and fungal spores, and can occur all year round or seasonally.

Basically, your immune system sees these allergens as foreign, dangerous intruders and retaliates by bringing in fighting chemicals like inflammatory cells and histamine. These chemicals cause your symptoms of swollen sinuses and eyelids, a runny nose, watering eyes, itching, sneezing and more. As frustrating and as annoying as these symptoms are, their function is to protect you - something your body is constantly aiming to

do. The mucous produced acts to remove the allergens, and the swelling occurs so that these allergens are trapped and can’t enter the inflamed area.

All About the Gut As mentioned, allergies are an exaggerated immune response. Don’t forget that roughly 80% of your immune system lives in your gut.

Naturopathy teaches us that gut health and our immune system are directly related, so if we work on our gut health we can strengthen our immune system. Isn’t it magical that if we feed our bodies correctly, with the right nutrients, proteins, fibre, vegetables, fruit, Conscious Life Magazine

fats and love, we can assist it in doing its best job at modulating the immune system?

•

Where to Start?

The simplest way to start working toward wholesome gut health is by using probiotics.

Probiotics are little beneficial bacteria that live in your digestive tract and keep your body happy. You have more microbial cells in your body than human cells! You are mostly not you... Now isn’t that a fact and a half! If you suffer from hayfever, it would be ideal to take a low dose* probiotic all year round, and increase the dose* at the first sign of hayfever symptoms. This will give your immune system a wake up call to function optimally with the incoming allergens.

Probiotics are also particularly useful for food poisoning, gastro, any bout of diarrhea, colds and flus, during and after a course of antibiotics and they are best taken 30 minutes before food, or with a meal. Always keep probiotics handy - and think twice before using unrefrigerated probiotics! Not all probiotics are created equal. *a low dosage is about 15 billion CFU. You can increase the dosage to 30 or 50 billion CFU when needed.

So now that we’ve started talking about good gut health, you may wonder what constitutes good and bad gut health? How can I know if my gut health is doing okay?

Ask yourself: • Am I digesting my food properly? If not, you won’t be assimilating and absorbing nutrients correctly.

• Do I have regular bowel movements that are solid, easily passed and a medium brown color? If not, you may not be consuming enough fiber, your liver may need a little bit of love, your stomach may be highly sensitive and irritated.

Does my stomach get irritated easily by coffee, high amounts of milk, spicy foods, low-quality wheat? Do I get reflux and uncomfortable, severe bloating after meals?

These questions may not seem related to hayfever but they can be, because hayfever and correct digestion affect and are affected by good gut health.

If you answered yes to the above questions, it would be a good idea to consult your naturopath or healthcare practitioner to find the best way to improve your gut health. If you suffer from hayfever AND you answered yes, you may reap great benefit from tending to your gut and only thereafter meditating your hayfever symptoms.

Dr Shavit’s top 10 tips to take down hayfever (and what I do when hayfever gets me down!): 1. Work on your gut! There is no set way to do this, and it is best to work with a skilled naturopath or healthcare practitioner so that your treatment can be tailor-made just for you!

2.

Use a saline nasal rinse or netipot as soon as you feel the hayfever symptoms starting up.

3.

Dose up on probiotics!

4.

Reduce your intake of irritants and high histamine foods such as chili, dairy, processed products, refined sugar/glucose syrups, coffee, cooldrinks and alcohol. These exacerbate your hayfever symptoms and make you feel even worse!

5.

Up your intake of onion and garlic to get extra immune-boosting actions! Soak garlic and onion in honey overnight and, voila, a throat soothing (if you fall prey to

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blocked-nose-open-mouth breathing), immune-fighting concoction.

6.

Vitamin C has the ability to reduce histamine production, as well as keep your immune system happy and healthy. Take 1500-2000mg vitamin C daily in divided doses as you feel the hayfever symptoms start up!

7.

Steam your nose with boiling water and thyme, eucalyptus and lavender essential oils.

Don’t have these oils on hand? Dry or fresh herb will work just as well!

8.

Stinging nettle, Urticaria dioica, is an amazing herb that helps reduce histamine produced during a hayfever episode. You can drink the leaves as a tea, or get a tincture and use it as needed.

9.

Find a natural allergy support formula to take consistently from onset of your symptoms my personal favourites are Sinupret Forte and Sinulex. These contain amazing antiinflammatory, mucolytic and immune-stimulating herbs and antioxidants.

10. If you are really suffering, or you haven’t acted at the first signs of symptoms, use an antihistamine as a quick fix and relief from the horrible itching, swelling and runny nose.

Bare in mind that natural remedies may take longer to work but their long term effect is worth it. Everyone is different with different needs so it’s important to work with your naturopath or healthcare practitioner for a personalised hayfever protocol for the best solution to this blossoming problem.

A note from our Editor, Cj: I would like to take a moment to welcome Dr Shavit on board our team of contributors. We are thrilled to have her and I know that you, our reader, will gain much from her articles. Please follow her on IG and FB, and if you are in Cape Town, do pay her a visit so that she can help you get your health on track ☺ About Dr Shavit Sachs: Naturopathy is an individualized, holistic healing system using the body’s innate ability to heal itself. Education is a powerful tool in Dr Shavit’s practice and she uses social media platforms (IG: @naturopathy_sa; FB: @Dr Shavit Sachs - Naturopath) to educate about the world of naturopathy. The concepts of personalized medicine and “food as medicine” hold all the power in her practice as the optimal way to promote healing in the body!

Dr Shavit practices in Cape Town.

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Showerhead Biofilms Can Host Pathogens

By Dr Joseph Mercola There are multiple areas in your home where bacteria find it easy to grow. Bacteria thrive in a warm, moist environments. One common household item that can harbor nearly 360 different species of bacteria is your kitchen sponge. However, while putting a sponge in the microwave for several minutes may kill some bacteria it doesn’t kill the worst ones.1 This is one reason Philip Tierno,2 professor of microbiology and pathology at New York University School of Medicine, says water temperatures need to be at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit (F) to kill bacteria and germs on your clothing (most automatic dishwashers are set at 120 F). The truth is bacteria are very resilient, even to heat.

Other common household items you may not have recently cleaned that are also prime environments for bacterial buildup are your trash can, computer keyboard, remote controls and cellphones.

Items handled frequently but cleaned infrequently are potential targets for bacterial growth. For instance, cellphones may have more total bacteria on the keys and screen than your toilet seat, kitchen counter and doorknobs combined.3 In a recent study, researchers found your showerhead is another household item likely growing more bacteria than you may imagine.

Data analysis found regions in the U.S. where Mycobacteria were most prevalent in shower heads were the same areas where nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) lung infections were most common.4

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Nontuberculous Mycobacteria May Reside in Your Showerhead Researchers from the University of Colorado surveyed 656 household showerheads from across the U.S. and Europe,5 finding they often harbor abundant Mycobacterial communities which differ depending upon the geographic location, water chemistry and water source.6 They also found U.S. water systems treated with chlorine disinfectants had a particularly high abundance of certain types of Mycobacteria not found in Europe where chlorine is not used.7 The results highlight public health concerns related to biofilm buildup in water systems and shower heads.8 The researchers found areas of the U.S. where showerheads had a particularly high number of potentially pathogenic communities of Mycobacteria overlapped with regions where NTM lung disease were most prevalent. These areas include New York City, Hawaii, southern California and Florida.9 They believe this further demonstrates distribution of 10 showerhead biofilms are predictable.

“Bacteria grow and persist in biofilms coating the inside of showerheads and shower hoses despite the seemingly inhospitable conditions found in these habitats.

These bacteria must tolerate rapid temperature fluctuations, long intervals of stagnation or desiccation followed by highshear turbulent flow events, and the low nutrient and organic carbon concentrations typical of most drinking water.

In many cases, showerhead-associated bacteria must also be able to tolerate residue from the chemical disinfectants — including chlorinated compounds — which are often added to municipal drinking water to limit bacterial contamination.

Most of the bacteria that can become aerosolized and inhaled when the shower is in use are likely harmless. However, this is not always the case. Bacteria within the genus Mycobacterium are commonly detected in showerhead biofilms and throughout the water distribution system.”

What Are NTM Lung Infections?

The results of the featured study support previous research showing biofilm growing on showerheads contained opportunistic pathogens, including NTM, leading the researchers to conclude showerheads present a significant potential exposure to aerosolized bacteria.11

NTM are found in the soil and water and affect humans and animals. When the bacterium gets into your lungs it can trigger a serious infection that may slowly scar and damage your lung tissue.14 In mild cases, you may not require treatment. However, more serious infections may require as much as two years of treatment to clear completely.

Data also revealed plastic showerheads had a wider range of bacterial growth than metal heads.12 The study's lead author, research technician Matthew Gebert from the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the University of Colorado, explained the results of the study and the importance for homeowners to routinely clean their showerheads:13

NTM lung disease is not tuberculosis, so you cannot pass it from one person to another.

Instead, you get it from eating food or breathing air or mist containing the bacteria.

The nontuberculous Mycobacteria get into your lung tissue, potentially triggering an infection and inflammation.

Most who swallow NTM don't get sick. You're more likely to get the disease after inhalation

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if you already have chronic obstructive lung disease, a weakened immune system, cystic fibrosis, a past infection with tuberculosis or any autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.15 You may be at a higher risk for NTM lung disease if you're a smoker, female, slender and white. The NTM germ lives in warm wet places, such as hot tubs, heated indoor pools and steamy bathrooms. Unfortunately, recurring infections or a relapse is not uncommon.16 Surgical resection may be necessary in selected cases with localized disease or when the infection is complicated by the formation of an abscess. According to the American Lung Association, there are over 80,000 people with NTM pulmonary disease in the U.S.17 Many of these are in older adults.

In some cases, the infections can become chronic, requiring ongoing treatment and have a significant impact on quality of life. The most common symptoms are cough that won't resolve, shortness of breath when active and coughing up blood (hemoptysis).18 Other symptoms include fatigue, low grade fever, night sweats and weight loss.

Disinfect Your Showerhead and Other Fixtures

showerheads and in your faucets by soaking them with vinegar. In cases where the mineral deposits are particularly resistant, add baking soda to the soak.

If you're unable to remove the showerhead you can simply soak it by using a rubber band and plastic bag. Remember to use this only with a fixture made with chrome, stainless steel or another protected metal surface so the vinegar doesn't eat away at the surface.19 Slip the rubber band over the top of the shower head or faucet, looping it around the shower arm or faucet head once or twice so the bag stays in place. Fill a bag with white vinegar and attach it to the fixture slipping it underneath the rubber band. Allow it to soak for up to an hour before removing it, polishing the fixture and running clear water through it.

While the research was completed on showerheads, it is likely prudent to also clean the other faucets in your home. In many cases removing the showerhead makes the process easier. However, in some cases this may not be possible, and it certainly is not easy to remove your bathroom and kitchen faucets for routine cleaning.

If the mineral deposits are still present, you may want to use a toothbrush to loosen the debris or a toothpick or safety pin to poke out additional deposits. Once the mineral deposits have been removed, disinfect your showerhead by soaking it in a diluted solution of colloidal silver and water. Use the same process with a bag and rubber bands if the fixture is unable to be removed.20

Showerheads may spray unevenly as they develop mineral deposits. This slows the flow of water and may increase the risk of bacterial buildup. You can remove these deposits on

Silver has been used medicinally since ancient times and it's often referred to as the world's oldest antibiotic. In the Middle Ages wealthy people would eat with silver utensils to

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reduce the risk of illness, which is where eating utensils derive their name — silverware — despite being made from other metals today.21 Over the past years, several studies have shown silver is one of the most effective weapons in the battle against antibiotic-resistant superbugs.22,23 Silver interferes with bacteria's metabolism, increasing production of reactive oxygen species, products of normal metabolic processes in your body, which, in excess, can damage cell membranes and DNA.24

Add a Filter to Reduce Aerosolized Chlorine Other substances can also be aerosolized from your showerhead. As I describe in this short video, chlorine, added to most municipal water supplies to reduce bacterial growth, is aerosolized during your shower. When chlorine interacts with organic material in the water supply or your body, it forms disinfection byproducts (DBPs).

These DBPs are far more dangerous to your health than chlorine and are, in fact, responsible for the vast majority of toxic effects from chlorinated water. Some of the most common DBPs forming from the reaction of chlorine and organic matter are trihalomethanes, classified as a Group 2B carcinogen.25 Although researchers once believed the majority of exposure to DBPs came from swallowing water, data now reveals this is not the only risk and may not be the most severe. On average you drink between 1 and 2 gallons of water per day, but expose yourself to 25 gallons when you shower.

Up to two-thirds of harmful chlorine exposure may be due to skin absorption and inhalation.

Steam inhalation during a shower can contain up to 20 times the concentration of chlorine as tap water. The bottom line is chlorine and DBPs are another unseen danger in almost every shower.

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You may minimize your exposure to aerosolized DBPs and bacteria by limiting the amount of time you spend in the shower or bath to 10 minutes or less and lowering the temperature of your water. Hot water opens the pores of your skin and allows a higher absorption rate of chlorine and other chemicals.

Additionally, steam contains high concentrations of vaporized gases and bacteria you can inhale.

Using lower water pressure will decrease the amount of water and contaminants coming from the fixture. This is why I recommend if you can install only one filter, make it a shower filter.

Sources and References 1 Scientific Reports, July 19, 2017 2 ABC News, May 27, 2010 3 State Food Safety, The Dirty Cell Phone 4, 8, 10 mBio, DOI: 10.1128/mBio.01614-18 5, 7, 9, 12 Newsweek, November 2, 2018 6 Science Daily, October 30, 2018 11 PNAS, 2009;106:38 13 Sci News, November 2, 2018 14, 15 WebMD, What is Nontuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Disease?

16 Journal of Thoracic Disease, 2014;6(3):210 17 American Lung Association, Learn About Nontuberculous Micobacterium 18 American Lung Association, NTM Symptoms, Causes and Risk Factors 19, 20 Better Homes and Gardens, How to Clean a Showerhead 21 The Alliance for Natural Health, May 15, 2012 22 Science Translational Medicine 19 June 2013: 5(190); 190ra81 23 Frontiers in Microbiology, 2016;7:1831 24 Circulation Research. 2008; 103: 571 25 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Disinfection By-Products and the Safe Water System

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Lead Levels Linked to High Blood Pressure

By Dr Joseph Mercola Although lead-based paint has been banned from use in housing since 1978,1 nearly 535,000 children have blood lead levels high enough to damage their health. Nearly 24 million homes still have lead-based paint and contaminated dust, and nearly 5,300 water systems in the U.S. are in violation of lead and copper rules.2 Researchers3 believe conservative estimates of community costs for lead poisoning in children include $53 billion in health care costs, $35 billion in tax revenue losses and $146 million in special education costs.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is no known identified safe blood level for lead in children or adults.

While lead is a well-recognized neurotoxin,4 a great deal of attention has not been paid to exposure over the years. In fact, in 1923 the U.S. introduced leaded gasoline, triggering near unfathomable repercussions for the global community.

Research has linked lead levels in adults with a higher risk of death from cardiovascular complications.5 A recent study published in

the Journal of the American Heart Association6 found low levels of cumulative lead are linked with treatment-resistant high blood pressure (hypertension).

Lead in Bone May Increase Risk of Treatment-Resistant High Blood Pressure Lead is a heavy metal and the focus of the ongoing water crisis in Flint, Michigan. One study7 estimates 18 percent of all deaths in the U.S. every year can be linked to lead exposure from all sources. This is 10 times more than the current estimate and suggests exposure is largely an ignored risk for cardiovascular disease.

Research led by Sung Kyun Park, associate professor of epidemiology and environmental

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health sciences, analyzed the association between body lead levels and treatmentresistant hypertension.

Patients are diagnosed with treatmentresistant hypertension if they need three or more medications from different classes of drugs to treat their blood pressure, but continue to experience pressure measurement exceeding the goal for hypertension.

The researchers engaged 475 participants with high blood pressure from a Veterans Affairs Center in Boston, Massachusetts. They tested lead levels in the participants’ blood, and X-rayed their kneecaps and tibia.8 After adjusting for factors such as demographics, age, race and body weight, the data revealed a 19 percent higher risk of treatment-resistant high blood pressure in men for every 15 micrograms per gram of increased lead levels in the tibia.9 Any meaningful associations between lead accumulation in the blood or patella were not found. The researchers wrote,10 "To our knowledge, this is the first study that posits cumulative lead exposure as a risk factor for resistant hypertension development.� Park commented on the results:11

"Our study demonstrates that cumulative lead burden, as measured by cortical bone in the tibia (shin bone), may be an unrecognized risk factor for drug resistant hypertension.

Laws limiting lead exposure have been on the books for decades, but in recent years it is recognized that lead remains an environmental toxin that is still with us.

and contain lead. Since the lead problems in the drinking water in Flint, Michigan, have surfaced, the issue has become more troubling, especially in older U.S. cities.“

Periodontal Disease Another Potential Trigger for High Blood Pressure Yet another factor impacting the ability to keep your blood pressure under control is the presence of tooth decay or periodontal disease. Findings from a recent study,12 published in the journal Hypertension, supports previous findings13 that periodontal disease is associated with rising blood pressure and cardiovascular disease.

The recent study14 found those with periodontal disease were 20 percent less likely to have their blood pressure within healthy limits. Additionally, those whose dental health was poor had, on average, systolic blood pressure readings 3 mm Hg higher than those with healthy gums.

The researchers analyzed data from the annual U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.15 They chose participants over the age of 30 with a known history of hypertension who had undergone a dental exam, including over 3,500 who were currently taking medication to control their high blood pressure.

This likely reflects the long after-effects of historically high lead exposures, which is what shin bone lead partly represents, but it also likely reflects continuing lead exposure from, for example, an aging infrastructure where water pipes in many urban areas are older

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Based on their dental exams, nearly 52 percent had periodontal disease and most had moderate to severe disease.16 Only 3 percent had mild disease and 12 percent had severe gum disease. Periodontal disease is a chronic inflammation of the gum tissue near the roots of the teeth.

The condition has been linked to higher inflammatory response throughout the body, which may contribute to increasing blood pressure measurements. In analyzing the data, researchers found blood pressure control was poor in those with periodontal disease in all age groups.

The researchers suggested lifestyle measurement changes, such as exercise and a healthy diet as well as treatment for periodontal disease may help to lower blood pressure and potentially limit the need for medications.17

sample of adults located in China in an area with known lead pollution. The study included a cross section sample of nearly 1,450 adults over the age of 20 who underwent physical examinations in 2013.

The data revealed continuous exposure caused an increase in blood lead levels which was positively associated with systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases.22 The results from this study showed an increase in blood pressure was not caused by an alteration in kidney function, one of the known risk factors for hypertension.

Dangers Associated With Untreated High Blood Pressure

Even Low Levels of Lead Can Raise Your Blood Pressure

Uncontrolled hypertension is the leading cause of heart disease and stroke, also raising the risk for kidney and heart failure. In the U.S., 1 in 3 adults has hypertension and nearly half do not have their blood pressure under control.23 Nearly 13 million U.S. adults with hypertension are not aware they have it, and are not being treated.

Lead also has previous research data18 to support an association between high levels and cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Increasing lead levels are associated with oxidative stress and negatively correlated with nitric oxide, which supports endothelial function, healthy blood flow and 19 mitochondrial health.

Complications associated with untreated and/or treatment-resistant high blood pressure are significant. Excess pressure damages blood vessels, as well as organs in your body. The longer it goes uncontrolled the greater the amount of damage is done.

Complications can include:24,25

In previous studies20 low-level lead exposure increased blood pressure, and was associated with higher systolic and diastolic measurements. In these studies hypertension was associated with blood lead levels, whereas the featured study did not demonstrate an increased risk of high blood pressure with an increased blood lead level.

In another study,21 researchers evaluated the relationship between blood lead level, blood pressure and kidney function in a population

Heart attack or stroke

Aneurysm

Heart failure

Kidney damage

Vision loss

Metabolic syndrome

Cognitive deficits

Dementia

Peripheral artery disease

Sexual dysfunction

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Lead Exposure in Municipal Water Supplies Although scientists have known lead exposure has toxic effects, the number affected by cardiovascular disease are surprising. In one study,26 20 years of data from 14,000 participants revealed a link between low level exposure to lead and an increased risk of premature death.

From this, researchers calculated nearly 18 percent of deaths in this group could have been prevented by reducing blood level concentrations to 1 microgram per deciliter (mcg/dL). Extrapolating data from the study, researchers determined more than 400,000 deaths in the U.S. each year are likely linked to lead exposure from all sources.

In another study27 gathering data from over 30 years, researchers found nearly 8 percent of Americans were drinking water violating health standards. In any given year in the 33 years when data was collected, between 9 and 45 million people were affected.

subsequently 5 mcg/dL in the mid 2010s.

However, despite creating thresholds, the CDC cautions there really is no safe level of lead.30

Both adults and children are adversely affected by lead, including neurological dysfunction and cardiovascular damage.

Harvard Medical School offers the following suggestions to protect yourself and your family against lead exposure:31 •

• •

•

According to a report from the National Resources Defense Council, more than 5,300 water systems are in violation of lead and copper rules, yet states took action on only 817 cases and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took action on just 88 cases.28 The report also found the EPA was aware of many municipalities using loopholes to avoid detecting high levels in their municipal water supply. This means many more communities may be exposing their residents to potentially dangerous levels of lead.

Strategies to Avoid Lead Exposure Lead is typically measured using mcg/dL. In the past, the CDC found 40 mcg/dL as an acceptable concentration.29 This was reduced to 10 mcg/dL in the early 1990s and

Was your home built before 1978? If so, get it inspected to determine whether it has any lead paint. Lead paint removal should be done by a certified professional to ensure safety. The dust is highly toxic.

For more information on this, see the EPA's "Lead-Based Paint Activities Professionals"32 page.

Get your water tested for lead.

Be mindful of the fact certain household objects may also contain lead. For information about lead-containing products and recalls, see the Consumer Products Safety Commission's website.33 Get your child and yourself tested for lead. Ideally, all children should be tested between ages 1 and 2, and again between ages 3 and 4 if you live in an older home.

It's also recommended to test your child's level whenever there's concern about exposure. A level of 5 mcg/dL or higher is considered dangerous.

Consider Natural Ways of Reducing Your Blood Pressure When lead exposure or periodontal disease are not impacting your blood pressure measurements, consider incorporating natural methods of reducing your blood pressure to within normal limits to reduce or eliminate the need for medication. A number of factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including but not limited to: •

Insulin and leptin resistance

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• • • •

Elevated uric acid levels Poor nutrition Inactivity Air pollution

One of the most important dietary changes needed to improve high blood pressure is to eliminate or dramatically reduce sugar and processed fructose from your diet. The easiest way is to replace processed foods with real, whole foods.

This will address not only insulin and leptin resistance, but also elevated uric acid levels.

The key is to be sufficiently aggressive in your diet and lifestyle modifications. There are a number of supporting clinical success stories.34 However, if you have seriously elevated blood pressure, it would be wise to be on medication to prevent a stroke while you implement these lifestyle changes. I discuss further drug-free strategies to reduce your blood pressure in my previous article, "DrugFree Strategies to Lower Your Blood Pressure."

Sources and References 1 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevention Tips 2 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Prevent Childhood Lead Poisoning 3 Environmental Health Perspectives, 2009;117(7) 4 Reviews of Environmental Health, 2009;24(1) 5, 26 Vox, March 15, 2018 6, 9, 10 Journal of the American Heart Association, 2018;7:e010014 7 The Lancet, March 2018; DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/S24682667(18)30025-2 8 Medicine Net, Uncontrolled Blood Pressure?

Maybe It's Time to Check Your Shins 11 American Heart Association, October 24, 2018 12, 14, 16, 17 Reuters, October 25, 2018

13

Current Cardiology Reviews, 2014;10(4) LiveWell, October 25, 2018 18 International Journal of Health Sciences, 2011;5(1):17 19 Journal of Cell Science, 2006;119(pt 14) 20 Environmental Research, 2015;149:157 21, 22 Karger, 2015;40:207 23 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Undiagnosed Hypertension 24 MayoClinic, High Blood Pressure 25 American Heart Association, Health Threats from High Blood Pressure 27 The Hearty Soul, February 27, 2018 28 CNN, June 29, 2016 29 CNN, March 12, 2108 30 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Childhood Lead Poisoning Data, Statistics and Surveillance 31 Harvard Health Publications, February 2, 2016 32 Environmental Protection Agency, LeadBased Paint Activities Professionals 33 U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Total Lead Content 34 KevinMD.com September 3, 2011 15

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4 Natural Remedies for Brain Zaps

By Jillian Levy - Certified Holistic Health Counselor, Dr Axe Team Brain zaps — also sometimes referred to as brain shivers, brain shocks or head shocks — are described as being one of the most unbearable withdrawal symptoms when stopping certain depression and anxiety medications. Brain zaps get their name from the uncomfortable sensations they cause that are described as feeling like sudden zaps, electrical buzzes, tremors, shakes or jolts in the brain.

According to a New York Times analysis, the fear of dealing with withdrawal effects like brain zaps is believed to keep millions of people on antidepressant medications every year, even when they think they can cope well without them. (1) For example, a 2017 survey of 250 people who were considered long-term users of psychiatric drugs (mostly antidepressants) found that nearly half of users experienced severe antidepressant withdrawal symptoms when attempting to discontinue use of their drug. Half also reported they could not/would not stop taking the drug because of potential withdrawal symptoms. (2) Can brain zaps be prevented and/or treated?

Currently there is no medical intervention or

medication that can be used to reliably control brain zaps. However, natural remedies have helped many people avoid serious antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, including: tapering off from drugs slowly, managing stress/anxiety, increasing GABA naturally and taking supplements that support cognitive health.

What Are Brain Zaps?

Brain zaps are head shocks that usually follow the discontinuation of antidepressant medications — which is why they are typically considered a withdrawal effect and associated with “antidepressant discontinuation syndrome.”

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What Causes Brain Zaps?

What are the electric shock sensations known as brain zaps caused by? It’s not entirely known what causes brain zaps, but brain zaps are often associated with withdrawal from certain drugs, especially SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for depression and anxiety.

What is discontinuation syndrome? It’s a temporary condition that can occur following the interruption, reduction or discontinuation of antidepressant medications. Examples of SSRIs that can cause discontinuation syndrome include: Sertraline (Zoloft), Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac) and Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva).

What Do Brain Zaps Feel Like?

Most people who have suffered from brain zaps say they come out of nowhere, usually last only a few brief moments and then disappear. There doesn’t seem to be clear triggers or any warnings that one is coming. Some people find that they deal with brain zaps when falling asleep or shortly after waking up from sleep. Brain zaps might also be triggered by alcohol use, anxiety or stress.

Brain zaps can cause some of the following symptoms and sensations: (3) • Sudden brain shivers, jolts or buzzes in the brain. Some people feel like their whole head is affected, while others say only a small part of their brain feels like it’s involved. Sometimes brain zaps may also feel like blood rushing to the head.

• Seeing short bursts of white light • Sudden movements of the eyes or head • Dizziness and sometimes vertigo • Ringing in the ears (tinnitus) • Tension in the throat and difficulty swallowing • Nausea and loss of appetite

Across the internet, many people have reported a connection between brain zaps and Zoloft withdrawal. Brain zaps are not the only withdrawal symptom that people weaning from drugs like Zoloft or Prozac can experience — other common withdrawal effects include dizziness, headaches, nausea and paresthesia (burning or prickling sensation that is usually felt in the hands, arms, legs or feet). And this does not even include antidepressant side effects that can occur while taking these medications, which often include: weight gain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, cognitive impairment, headaches, sexual dysfunction, constipation and sometimes suicidal thoughts.

Aside from SSRIs, brain zaps have been reported when discontinuing other drugs too, such as: • Similar drugs to SSRIs called selective serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SSNRIs • Benzodiazepines, prescribed for anxiety and to promote relaxation • ADHD medications including Adderall (amphetamine salts)

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•

MDMA (or ecstasy), an illegal street/party drug

4 Natural Treatments for Brain Zaps & Prevention

There have not been many studies conducted that have investigated why brain zaps occur, although one theory is that they are due to changes in levels of serotonin in the brain.

SSRI and SSNRI medications work by blocking a serotonin transporter and increasing serotonin levels. They also increase GABA activity, one of the brain’s main “calming” chemicals. However, falling levels of serotonin are not believed to be the primary cause of brain zaps because it’s been found that people with low serotonin prior to taking these medications do not experience brain zaps. (4)

1. Taper From Drugs Slowly At this time, more research is needed regarding the most effective antidepressant withdrawal treatments. One thing that may be able to limit symptoms like brain zaps is slowly tapering off drugs, rather than stopping cold turkey — especially if you have been taking a high dose or using the drug for a long duration of time. (5) You might be able to decrease your chances of experiencing brain zaps when you stop your medication slowly; however, this strategy is not guaranteed to work. Unfortunately, studies have found that even when someone slowly tapers from a drug, many of the drugs have relatively long half-lives and can still cause significant withdrawal symptoms. This leads many people to restart the drug and to stay stuck in a vicious cycle.

A current hypothesis for the cause of brain zaps is that they may be due to declining levels of GABA. Drugs associated with brain zaps (SSRIs, benzodiazepines, ecstasy and Adderall) are all associated with an increase in GABA levels in the brain, and we know from a number of studies that when GABA levels fall, a number of withdrawal symptoms are possible. For example, low levels of GABA can trigger seizures, so it’s been speculated that brain zaps may actually be a form of a mild, localized seizure.

2. Manage Anxiety & Stress Although you might experience brain zaps for no obvious reason, they seem to be more common among people who are under a lot of stress or dealing with anxiety. Some people report that the intensity, duration and frequency of their brain zaps gets worse when they are dealing with elevated stress.

If stress remains elevated and becomes chronic, it’s not uncommon to experience brain zaps and other symptoms for years. An important part of your brain zap treatment plan should be managing stress and giving your body time to recover from any traumatic or exhausting events you’ve dealt with lately. If you suffer from depression or an anxiety disorder, it’s best to work with a trained counselor, coach or therapist who can help you learn how to manage your symptoms long-term.

Other stress-relieving activities that can be helpful include: yoga, exercise, meditation, time spent in nature, prayer, joining a faith-

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• • •

based organization/community, reading and journaling.

3. Increase GABA Naturally Because GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is a neurotransmitter that can help curb nervousness, anxiety and insomnia, it makes sense that by boosting levels naturally, you may lower your odds of experiencing brain zaps due to stress. GABA appears to have additional benefits too, such as helping to fight inflammation, PMS, weight gain, muscle loss, heart disease and ADHD. Many of GABA’s positive mood-enhancing effects are due to how it reduces/inhibits activity of certain nerve cells in the central nervous system.

Although we still need more research to confirm that declining GABA levels contribute to antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, there’s no downside in making the following types of lifestyle changes that support higher GABA production: •

•

Get quality sleep. Stick to a regular sleepwake cycle, limit caffeine and alcohol intake and establish a calming “bedtime routine” to help you unwind at night.

Eat a nutrient-dense, anti-depression diet that includes plenty of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, amino acids and essential fatty acids from foods like fresh veggies such as leafy greens, fruits including berries, grass-fed meat, pastured eggs, wild-caught fish like salmon, probiotic foods and healthy fats like olive oil, coconut oil, walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds and other nuts/seeds.

Get regular exercise, including high intensity (HIIT) workouts if possible.

Quit smoking, drinking alcohol in excess (more than one drink per day on average) and using street/illegal drugs.

Get sun exposure/spend time in nature to boost vitamin D levels.

GABA can also be taken in supplement form, typically in doses of about 250–650 milligrams, two to three times daily; however, supplementing with GABA is not safe for everyone, including pregnant or breastfeeding women or those taking a number of mood-altering medications.

4. Try Supplements to Support Your Overall Health Supplements are not a quick-fix solution to getting rid of brain zaps or tackling anxiety and depression; however, some people do find that taking certain supplements helps to minimize withdrawal side effects and makes them feel better in general. Supplements that can be supportive of mental/cognitive health include: • •

•

Omega-3 fatty acids (or fish oil supplements), which have antiinflammatory effects Vitamin B12 and vitamin B6, which can support GABA production and fight symptoms like fatigue, weakness and brain-fog Vitamin D3, which is best obtained from exposure to sunlight but can also be taken in supplement form to prevent vitamin D deficiency

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• • • • •

Magnesium, which is helpful for sleep and fighting restlessness, muscle tension and symptoms associated with stress St. John’s Wort L-glutamine and L-arginine, which work with GABA to support growth hormone levels Valerian root, ashwagandha and rhodiola, all herbs which are naturally calming and beneficial for the nervous system Calming essential oils, such as lavender, ylang ylang and chamomile oil

One thing to point out is that it’s important to discuss supplements with your doctor if you’re currently taking medications, since interactions may occur.

Brain Zaps Precautions Given that withdrawal treatment research still has a long way to go, when it comes to managing brain zaps, prevention is key. Talk to your doctor about alternatives to taking antidepressant medications. If you do choose to use drugs such as SSRIs, consider the duration of treatment you actually need. Keep in mind that antidepressant drugs like SSRIs were originally intended to be taken for about three to nine months — not years on end.

If you are on a particular drug for a long period of time, you will be more likely to experience brain zaps and other effects when stopping. You can also discuss the option of taking a drug that has a longer half-life with your doctor, since some stay in your system longer than others, which may help prevent withdrawal as levels gradually decline. No matter what, don’t stop taking any prescribed medication without getting consent from your doctor. If you’re going through a stressful period, make sure to work with a professional and don’t self-treat your condition by altering the amount/type of medication you take.

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By Down To Earth

The summer holiday season is around the corner in the southern hemisphere and certainly most of us are looking forward to spending more time outside. Since our summer coincides with the festive season, it is important not to let the excitement of the season prevent us from caring for our skin properly to avoid sun damage. While prevention is key and sun safety is very important, the sun is not only responsible for sunburn; it can cause a variety of damage to the skin not usually considered.

Broken capillaries Prolonged exposure to the sun’s harmful UV rays can lead to broken blood vessels, especially on the face. Further sunlight can aggravate this problem, so be diligent with applying your natural sunscreen before going out in the sun and regularly while spending limited time in the sun and water. Wear a hat and sunglasses to protect the sensitive skin on the face.

Reduce the appearance of broken capillaries with Revive Moisturiser for the face and African Potato Cream for the body. Both products contain a high content of Aloe Vera to soothe the skin and help fight redness, and African Potato which has an anti-inflammatory effect on the skin and prevents blood vessels from rising to the surface of the skin.

Heat rash Hot, humid weather can cause heat rashes to develop in children and adults that tend to be itchy and irritating, and sometimes unsightly. It can be caused by blocked pores when sweat can’t escape or by friction to the surface of the skin.

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Avoid heat rashes by making sure your skin is exfoliated to minimise blocked pores and make sure your swimsuit does not continuously rub parts of your skin. If you do develop a heat rash, use aloe gel to cool and soothe the skin. The Clear Skin Gel contains 83% organic Aloe Vera and is the perfect remedy, so make sure to include it in your travel bag.

Chaffing Sweaty skin that rubs together can cause chaffing, where the skin becomes sensitive, red and swollen. It is often the result of outdoor exercising, so if you are planning a game of volleyball on the beach, pat your skin dry as often as needed and if chaffing occurs, reach for your aloe gel to calm the skin. Again the Clear Skin Gel is the perfect remedy.

Pimples Pimples and acne can be triggered by excessive sweating which is a breeding ground for bacteria. Combine that with outdoor activities where you are in contact with dirt and these conditions make it even more likely.

Prevent pimples by keeping the skin clean and avoiding excessive sweating where possible. Use a natural sunscreen that is free of nasty chemicals and does not clog pores. Treat pimples and acne with the Clear Skin Gel which stops acne-causing bacteria in its tracks through its antimicrobial Tea Tree oil content.

Sunburn Too much sun time can lead to swollen, red skin that burns and itches and finally peels off to leave you with sun damaged skin. Ongoing sunburn causes permanent dark marks and freckles.

However, the most serious effect of sunburn is skin cancer, simply avoided by preventing the skin from suffering excessive sun damage. Wear a hat and protective clothing while in the sun – don’t forget that your scalp can get burnt too.

Skin cancer is easier to treat when caught early, so get to know your skin and watch for changes.

If you do get sun burnt, use the African Potato Cream to accelerate healing of the skin, reduce swelling and inflammation, and to nourish the skin through vitamin and mineral rich plant ingredients that replenishes dry and tired skin.

Protect your skin by eating foods rich in antioxidants, vitamins and omega-3 fatty acids. Not only will it strengthen your skin to help fight against environmental factors, it will help heal the skin from sunburn and prevent ageing. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.

Quick tips for responsible sun safety • Limit your sun time between 10:00am and 4:00pm • Use a natural sunscreen without harmful or pore clogging ingredients • Apply sunscreen ahead of sun time and regularly during sun time, especially after swimming • Wear a hat and protective clothing as often as you can • Wear sunglasses to shield your eyes and sensitive skin around the eyes • Keep your skin clean, exfoliated and dry • Promote skin barrier strength through nutritious food and lots of water

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THE BEAUTY OF BAOBAB & USES FOR BAOBAB OIL Article from Baocare

The Baobab is one of Africa’s most recognisable natural icons and a tree of fascinating contrasts. It can thrive in harsh desert-like conditions for well over a thousand years, yet its delicate extravagant flowers blossom dramatically for just 24 hours and then wilt. It can take a baobab tree up to 200 years before it produces its first hard green-brown velvety pod-shaped fruit, yet it’s the rich harvest from this fruit that makes the baobab a tree of such enduring value.

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When broken open, the fruit pods reveal small hard brown seeds embedded in clumps of a creamy coloured dry fibrous powder. The seeds are separated from the powder (which is highly prized for its nutritional value) to be cold-pressed into a rich golden-amber oil.

Only 5% of each seed yields oil, making baobab oil a rare and valuable substance.

RESCUE REMEDY FOR YOUR SKIN What’s so remarkable about this botanical powerhouse? Baobab oil provides a wealth of nourishing nutrients for skin, nails and hair including Vitamin E and A and high levels of essential fatty acids (especially omega 6 linoleic acid - and omega 9 - oleic acid ) all of which boost elasticity, encourages cell regeneration, improve radiance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and pigmentation.

Baobab oil is superb for treating very dry skin and also alleviates itchiness and dryness associated with many dry skin conditions such as eczema, sunburn, dry psoriasis and skin cancer spots. It’s helpful for treating acne and reducing the appearance of stretch marks. It’s safe for use during pregnancy and on babies.

You could say that baobab oil is a first aid kit for your skin because of its wonderful skinhealing properties. However, baobab oil also happens to be an exceptional beauty treatment at the same time.

BAOBAB FOR BEAUTY Although the many treasures of the baobab tree have been known for generations, the discovery of the beauty benefits of Baobab oil is a relatively modern one which has created an international market in which baobab oil is a significant ingredient in a number of major cosmetic brands.

Most creams and lotions on the market today are water-based which means they also require synthetic preservatives, stabilizers, performance enhancers and fragrances to maintain stability and make them pleasant to use.

The wonderful thing about using botanical oils is that they rarely need any of these additives. Baobab oil in particular, is a very stable oil and doesn’t require preservatives as it has a naturally very long shelf life of two years or more.

A recent clinical study (Komane et al 2016) has shown baobab oil to be non-irritating, hydrating, moisturising and moistureretentive which according to the report makes it ‘highly regarded by researchers in the field of ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology particularly for its cosmetic benefit.’ So it’s not surprising that it’s highly sought after globally as a cosmetic ingredient.

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without clogging pores or leaving a greasy residue.

THE FATS OF LIFE We’ve heard about consuming good fats and eliminating bad fats from our diets, and the same applies to the oils we put on our skin.

MAINSTREAM COSMETICS VS NATURAL BEAUTY A common ingredient in many cosmetics is petroleum-based mineral oil. Mineral oil is occlusive which means it forms a thin barrier on top of the skin, in this way quite effectively preventing moisture from leaving the skin.

However that’s all it does, form a thin film on top of the skin and because some occlusive agents like petrolatum can leave a heavy feel on the skin, they need to be combined with other ingredients to improve their cosmetic appeal. Baobab oil is already naturally light and non-occlusive, making it easily absorbed into the skin where it can deliver its benefits best.

We think of our skin as a barrier and until the beginning of the 20th century, it was thought that the skin was completely impermeable to substances being absorbed into the body. Of course we now know that our skin absorbs different substances in varying degrees and at different rates.

How well a product penetrates the skin depends, amongst other factors on the molecular size of the substance. The majority of cosmetic formulas often require specially developed “penetration enhancers” to deliver specific ingredients. “Baobab oil has very small molecules and therefore absorbs very quickly and easily into the skin,” says Nena Pruzljanin, a technology development and innovation expert in cosmetics. As a result, baobab oil leaves your skin with a smooth satiny finish

We need the correct balance of essential fatty acids (EFA’s) in our skin care products and Baobab oil contains very high quantities: 31% of Omega 6 (linoleic acid) and 37% of Omega 9 (Oleic acid). EFA’s are necessary to maintain elasticity, skin smoothness, reduction in wrinkle depth and UV irritated redness. The essential fatty acid Omega 6 is also sometimes known as Vitamin F and is best known for its ability to heal, hydrate and plump skin helping the skin retain its own moisture. Omega 9 facilitates the penetration of other active ingredients in skin care such as antioxidants because of its ability to penetrate the skin barrier. Baobab oil has one of the highest levels of Omega 9 of all cosmetically used botanical oils.

Baobab also contains 0.8% of Omega 3 and small amounts of palmitoleic acid, which is the much lesser known Omega 7, rarely found in the plant kingdom (the only known other sources are macadamia nuts and sea buckthorn berries). Omega 7 is particularly valued for restoring damaged skin.

A TONIC FOR HAIR Baobab oil is also well known as an active ingredient in a variety of hair treatments as it’s an excellent solution for dry, brittle, frizzy and dull hair. It acts as a superior and deeply nourishing emollient that hydrates and rehabilitates dry and damaged strands.

The omega fatty acids improve elasticity and restore strength and shine. Baobab oil can also relieve an itchy scalp: botanical oils gets absorbed easily into the scalp soothing irritation and dryness.

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HOW TO USE BAOBAB OIL

RESPECT THE TREE

Because it is a fixed oil (as opposed to the volatile essential fragrance oils) baobab oil can be used directly on the skin without dilution. Only a few drops are needed and the oil is quickly and easily absorbed. The result is plump, radiant and dewy looking skin.

Baobab is easily one of nature’s hardest working botanical oils. With its numerous skin-healing and cosmetic properties, it’s a multi-tasking virtuoso in a category all of its own. Apart from anything else, it’s a pleasurable experience to use this light yet luscious golden oil with its faintly nutty fragrance and smooth silky texture.

Baobab oil can also be used as a body oil by adding a few drops to your bath, or smoothing it into your skin straight after a shower before drying off. You can rub the oil into your nails to help with brittle nails and to soften cuticles.

Add a few drops to your usual hair conditioner to give a boost to its effectiveness. Alternatively, distribute a spritz of baobab oil onto towel-dry hair, comb it through and style as normal. Your hair will feel soft, silky-smooth and hydrated without being heavy or feeling weighed down.

If by now you’re inspired to try out baobab oil, be sure to seek out oil that has been fairly traded, is certified organic, wild-harvested and made from fallen fruit only; this ensures the trees are not damaged during the harvesting process.

The generous bounty of the baobab tree truly deserves our honour and respect.

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GIVEAWAY TIME FOR SUBSCRIBERS Win One Of 5 Beautiful Hampers Of The Full Baocare Range, Valued At R830 Each.

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Terms & Conditions: The Competition Ends on the 1st of January 2018. Winners will be announced in January and will receive their prize shortly thereafter. The judge’s decision is final. The competition is not open to directors, agents, employees or consultants of Eco Products and Conscious Life Magazine. The competition is not open to readers who reside outside of South Africa and those who have won a prize with us in the last 6 months.

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By Margi McAlpine

When you cannot forgive, you are judging another. The Law of the Universe says “judge not lest you be judged.” To blame or to criticize another or ourselves is to judge.

You do not know why a soul has chosen a certain path, and you will never know why it walks that path, therefore you can never judge that soul’s actions or deeds.

That soul might be bringing in lessons for you to learn and if you are going to live in unconditional love and acceptance, then you have to forgive entirely and without exception. There are no degrees of forgiveness. It is all or nothing.

There are times when you are not ready to forgive, or you pay lip service to forgiveness and don’t really mean it.

Forgiveness has to come from the heart and must be all encompassing. It is not a logical action but an action that you have to “feel”.

It is no use forgiving because your logical mind is telling you that this is the correct things to do.

It has to come from the heart and you really have to mean it otherwise you are just wasting time and energy and not achieving what you know you really need to do.

Very often the person that you are unable to forgive is blissfully unaware of how you feel and so just carries on with their lives as if nothing has happened.

In the mean time you punish yourself with anger, bitterness and tension which results in ulcers, heart attacks, gall bladder problems and many other things. So in actual fact you are only punishing yourself If you are not ready to forgive, then you have to wait until more understanding, compassion and wisdom flow in which are all lessons in themselves.

When you are truly able to forgive and let go of the hurt, your body will feel different.

All the tension and anxiety becomes a thing of the past. The person or event causing the pain becomes a memory no longer charged with emotion.

Your Solar Plexus is a very good indicator of whether you have totally forgiven or not. You know that you have completed what you have to do when you can see the person and your Solar Plexus remains very calm with no tension or spasm. However if you have not yet completed the task then you will feel it in your Solar Plexus and will know that you have more work to do.

Remember that you also need to forgive yourself unconditionally.

Forgiveness needs to happen no matter what the situation which is why we as humans find it so difficult!

The ego comes in and some think it is weak to be the first to forgive but in actual fact it is only someone who has courage and compassion that is able to do so.

The Angels are telling you that by bringing in the power of forgiveness you are given the ideal opportunity to rid yourself of all the bitterness and tension which goes with this kind of situation and that they are standing by to assist you. You merely need to ask them for their help.

Forgiveness is very empowering and freeing. You are no longer held back by all those blockages and negative emotions.

To forgive is to release yourself as well as those you believe hold you in chains.

You are then able to fully participate in your Ascension process which is the only reason for your present existence.

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When fiery emotions threaten the sanctity of your relationships, remember that love is always in your midst.

Anger can be used as a tool for increasing fear or love, depending on your decision.. If you build a case against another person, you erect walls to protect yourself from feeling emotions. Love's approach removes all barriers, allowing you to face that individual with honesty..

Your role is not to change someone or justify yourself.. Those are behaviors that increase fear, because they make you think that you're separate from others and from God.. Love's approach to anger is to always remember the Divinity within every person and relationship..

Let go of any attachment to how the situation will proceed.. Put your entire focus on knowing that everything has already worked out for the best.. This assurance relaxes any defensiveness you may feel and allows you to enjoy your day regardless of the circumstances...

Feel your emotions about the relationship fully - don't deny them..

Only dispel the illusion that the other person is separated from you, or that you're isolated from affection... This is healthy and leads you back home to Love..

The most helpful thing that you can do in the face of hardship is to keep a positive attitude.

There's always some blessing within all circumstance, even if you can't immediately identify it. By holding on to faith, you can elevate everyone around you, along with the situation itself...

A positive mind-set keeps the body relaxed, which in turn helps you think clearly and creatively during intense situation. Your bright outlook inspires others and may avert a cycle of downward spiraling energy.........

Vow to stay optimistic today no matte what. Always be honest about your thoughts and feelings, yet do call upon us angels and your higher self to gain the best perspective on every situation. In this way, you work through any upsetting emotions very quickly, keeping a high level of energy and a positive attitude.

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By Nature’s Choice

Are You On The Fence About Sugar Consumption?

Many people can agree that sugar is not healthy, but often they believe that going cold- turkey is not a realistic option. “It looks innocent enough, and surely a little bit won’t hurt?” For many, consuming sugar is an on-going compromise.

But the real problem is that even if you don’t add sugar to your food or drinks you are probably consuming way more than you think.

Sugar in any form, be it corn syrup, honey or even fructose, still has a powerful impact on the body; and one thing is for sure, we are consuming much more than we need.

In 1915, the national average of sugar consumption (per year) in the US was around 6 to 8 Kgs per person. Today the average person consumes his/her weight in sugar, plus over 8 Kgs of corn syrup. The human body cannot tolerate this large amount of refined carbohydrates. The vital organs in the body are actually damaged by this gross sugar intake.

• •

No healthy fats No enzymes

Added sugar: • Increases bad Cholesterol • Contributes to Leptin Resistance, and then weight gain, cravings, sleep trouble, etc.

• Doesn’t fill you up and instead encourages you to eat more • Creates a cascade of negative hormone production • Starts a positive feedback loop in the body to encourage more consumption

Still Not Convinced?

Here are a few more points you may want to consider.

Dr. David Reuben, author of Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Nutrition says, “white refined sugar is not a food. It is a pure chemical extracted from plant sources, purer in fact than cocaine, which it resembles in many ways…

Sugar contains: • No nutrients • No protein

For all practical purposes, the difference is that sugar is missing the “N”, or nitrogen atom.”

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Understanding Sugar: When we talk about sugar we are generally talking about a mixture of glucose and fructose.

Dextrose, fructose, and glucose are all monosaccharides, known as simple sugars.

The main difference between them is how your body breaks them down. Table sugar is half glucose and half fructose. Basically, anything ending in “ose� is sugar.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, glycerol, sorbitol, maltitol, mannitol, and erythritol are neither sugars nor alcohols but are becoming increasingly popular as sweeteners. They are incompletely absorbed from your small intestine, for the most part. They provide fewer calories than sugar, but can have a laxative effect and therefore need to be consumed in moderation.

What About The Naturally Occurring Sugar In Fruits and Vegetables?

Naturally contained sugars in fruit and vegetables are balanced by the fibre, vitamins, enzymes and other properties of the fruit/vegetable.

Honey is about 53% fructose, but is completely natural in its raw form and has many health benefits when consumed in moderation.

Stevia is a highly sweet herb derived from the leaf of the South American stevia plant, which has been shown to be completely safe.

Children and Sugar It is especially important to cut out sugar in children’s diets because they are still developing their nutritional foundation, metabolism, and hormones. It is really essential that you do your best to stick to natural whole foods and avoid any processed foods like packaged biscuits, fizzy drinks, bottled sauces and flavoured crisps.

Make the good foods readily available, and put all your nuts and healthy snacks in clear jars where children can see them, and make the unhealthy snacks few and far between.

Lastly, whatever changes you decide to make one thing is for sure, cutting out sugar is one of the most important moves you can make for your health!

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Green Smoothie

By Nature’s Choice

Ingredients

Method

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3 cups Spinach 1 Pawpaw 1 Banana 1 Pineapple 2 tsp Nature's Choice Chia Seeds 1 ½ cups Milk (try Nature’s Choice Milk Powders for Vegan Alternatives) ½ cup Low Fat Yoghurt

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

Blend on high for 90 seconds.

Drink immediately.

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Tahini Wrap

By Nature’s Choice

Ingredients – Serves 2

Method

• • • • • • •

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4 tbsp Nature’s Choice Tahini 1 Wholewheat Tortilla Wrap 2 tbsp Sweetcorn 2 tbsp Black beans 1 tbsp Tomatoes, diced Sliced Half Avocado 1 cup Chopped Lettuce

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Spread tahini over the tortilla wrap.

Layer the rest of the ingredients on top of the tahini.

Wrap it up and enjoy!

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Dr Axe When thinking of calisthenics, if you have a mental picture of the military performing jumping jacks to cadence, you’re not far off. The truth is, though, that calisthenics exercises are rooted much deeper in history, dating all the way back to ancient Greece. (More on that later, interesting stuff.)

When it comes to your personal history, you probably first experienced calisthenics workouts in elementary school gym class in the form of sit-ups, push-ups, jumping jacks and other bodyweight exercises. Calisthenics, when performed vigorously, actually help people gain muscle and serves as an aerobic form of exercise at the same time. Talk about a timesaver. (1) Speaking of that, with people’s time-crunched schedules, fitness programs seem to be largely focused on how to get the benefits of exercise in the least amount of time. (That’s right, oneminute workouts are a thing.) Packing a lot of exercise, including lots of bodyweight training, into a short amount of time, has become quite popular, as evident with CrossFit and programs such as P90X®.

These workouts all feature calisthenics to some degree, but what I want to stress is that, as mentioned before, this type of workout is nothing new. In fact, the American College of Sports Medicine reports that workplace wellness programs incorporated calisthenics into employee breaks as far back as the 1960s. The purpose? To develop employees’ mental and physical fitness. Sadly, most of our corporate structure today does not allow for extended time off in the middle of the day or week. (2)

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What Are Calisthenics Workouts?

Simply put, the calisthenics definition is using your bodyweight and gravity to perform exercises (some of which are pretty intense) using good form. What’s great is that it does not require a gym membership and could include various activities such as gymnastics, Pilates, running, squats, lunges for great legs, crunches, jumping and walking, just to name a few calisthenics workout ideas.

A more common term for calisthenics today is bodyweight training. Regardless of what you call it, this type of training can be the core of a fitness plan or used in conjunction with other training programs, including cardio workouts, HIIT workouts (including my Burst training), marathon or triathlon training, weight training or all sorts of other exercise. Mixing it up is a great way to ensure that you are working all of your muscles and can provide a healthier way to fitness.

Types of Calisthenics Workouts There are many types of calisthenics workouts; push-ups and pull-ups are most common. Pushups are one of my favorite calisthenics exercises because they build strength in numerous areas of the body and can be done anywhere. You can achieve great muscle development without lifting a single weight.

Performing push-ups, for instance, strengthens the muscles in your chest, shoulders and triceps while also strengthening your core. You can add variety by doing push ups on a medicine ball or adding a clap between each one. One of my favorites is the spiderman push-up, which works the obliques by bringing the knee up towards the arm as you lower into the push-up.

Pull-ups are great for working your back and biceps. The most popular style is with the palms facing forward; however, the chin-up, palms facing towards you, is a great challenge, too. While you can do these using a pull-up bar at the gym, you can also perform them with a sturdy tree branch or find a bar at a nearby park. There are some options available for installation in doorways of your home, as well. (3) Another type of calisthenics workout is the abdominal workout. For many, having a six-pack is the ultimate goal. While having a six-pack can be awesome, it’s really more about losing abdominal fat for an overall healthier body.

There are various ab exercises that you can do to contract the muscles and work towards strengthening them. Even the push-ups mentioned above can help do this if you focus on contracting the muscles while performing the push-up. There are lots of exercises that are amazing for the abdominal area such as the plank, crunches, and hip raises — all of which can be done with your body weight, making these types of exercises great for a calisthenics workout on their own or combined with incorporated into your routine. (4) Cardio is great for burning fat since it provides an opportunity to burn calories. Running and cycling are good cardio workouts, but you can choose exercises that can easily be incorporated into a daily routine no matter where you are, such as traditional jumping jacks or high jumps.

Jumping jacks are great because they get the heart pumping — not only offering fat-burning benefits, but keeps the heart healthy. The full body movement combined with jumping gives

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the body a great overall cardio burn. If you are not able to jump at this time or need to work up to it, you can do a low impact version by extending one leg at time as the arms go overhead in the traditional jumping jack form. (5) Most bootcamp workouts provide calisthenics-specific exercises and can be found at your local gym or you can do one on your own in your living room. Burst training using my Burstfit DVDs may be ideal for this which is another type of calisthenics workout.

I even have a burst training workout for beginners right on my website. The majority of the Burstfit workouts do not use any equipment and provide amazing strength benefits from muscle toning to cardio and a blend of the two. They are also useful for the beginner as well as the advanced providing modifications for all exercises.

6 Top Benefits of a Calisthenics Workout 1. You Can Do Calisthenics Anywhere Because calisthenics can be done using only your bodyweight, this type of training can be performed anywhere. What a beautiful thing. (Read between the lines: No excuses!) You can do an entire routine in the privacy of your home, at the gym or in a nearby park. I’ve even done short workouts at the airport.

There are numerous ways to perform calisthenics exercises at different levels. For example, a push up can be performed on the knees for beginners. Over time, you can work up to the toes and eventually add in claps or side knee tucks. The options are many and will build muscle and stamina.

2. Calisthenics Can Help Provide Improved Coordination The Journal of Sports Rehabilitation published a study investigating how Pilates and calisthenics impact a person’s coordination. The participants included healthy females ages 25 to 50. The results indicated that calisthenic exercises were more likely to improve coordination after 3 and 6 months of training compared to Pilates. Pilates is great, but if you’re looking to increase coordination, you may benefit more from calisthenics-type exercises. (5) 3. You Gain All-Over Muscle Tone Calisthenics offers the ability to build amazing muscle tone and you can pretty much take it as far as you want. Ever notice how some guys at the gym seem to have huge chest, arms and shoulders, but a small back and legs? This can occur when using specific weights that are targeting specific muscles; however, using your own bodyweight can allow you to focus on specific muscle groups and overall body tone at the same time.

Typically, when lifting your own body weight, it requires focus and engagement of many more muscles to ensure proper form. That means that all of these muscles are getting work which will result in a more evenly distributed physique.

4. Provides Support for Other Sports and Fitness Goals Calisthenics-type exercises are a safe choice because it puts less strain on the muscles and joints of the body. It is considered a “natural” form of training because you are using your own

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bodyweight to perform the exercises. This is not an injury-free guarantee, but with proper form and gradual increase in intensity, it can definitely provide a safer option for an effective workout.

Calisthenics workouts are perfect for adding strength without adding bulk. This is often needed to become more efficient at other sports as well as helping to prevent injury. Endurance runners often need to strengthen the hips in order to be more efficient at running while minimizing the risk of injury. A study tested athletes by increasing their strength training but decreasing their overall volume of training. The group that increased their strength training resulted in improved performance through improved muscle development. (6)

Another study found that “explosive strength training” improved results by improving endurance due to improved neuromuscular efficiency. This occurs when the nervous system uses the correct muscles to produce or reduce force while stabilizing the body in all three planes of motion. (7) The National Academy of Sports Medicine shares that resistance training, in this case using your own body weight, can improve running economy without added bulk, an important component for endurance athletes such as Ironman athletes and ultra trail runners. (8) 5. It’s Perfect for Beginners to Advanced Calisthenics is perfect for anyone just starting a physical fitness plan or someone who is advanced, but wants a more shredded physique. By starting slow, a beginner can begin a smart program that will provide amazing benefits, especially if consistent; however, make sure to choose a program that offers modifications so that you can have options that are right for you and at your level. Starting at a too-advanced level puts you at an increased risk of injury.

In terms of frequency, I would suggest 3 to 4 days per week for about 20 minutes each session to start. Over time, you can work more exercises and longer time periods into your training schedule. An advanced exerciser can develop amazing overall body tone, muscle development and strength by performing more intense variations of calisthenics.

For example, if strength is a focus, an advanced exerciser can work towards performing onehanded push-ups. This will create an phenomenal amount of strength and muscle development in the entire body because it requires numerous muscles groups and additional focus to perform this exercise well. (9, 10) 6. It’s an Option Even If You’ve Got Health Issues Calisthenics isn’t just for people who are already in shape. If you’re living with chronic disease, check with your doctor to see if it’s right for you. But in 2016, Turkish researchers published a study showing that calisthenics is as safe and effective as even cycling for people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (11).

Full-Body Calisthenics Workout If you are looking to get great muscle tone, consider a calisthenics workout a few times a week.

If you want to get results, create a routine that you can commit to doing and stay consistent.

Check out my Burstfit videos for some variety. Here is a great workout that you can try.

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History of Calisthenics Calisthenics has been around for a very long time originating from the ancient Greek words kálos, which means “beauty,” and sthénos, meaning “strength.” It is defined as the use of body weight and “qualities of inertia” to help develop the physique.

It may have been named after the Greek historian, Callisthenes, who was tutored by Alexander the Great. Gymnastics and physical education programs were developed in the 19th century, in particular due to the Battle of the Systems, an effort to determine the most effective form of exercise spanning from the 1830s to the 1920s. (12) Later, calisthenics became associated with crowd-drawing street workouts, much like choreographed performances by well-trained individuals. These routines would occur in parks, in particular where there are playgrounds with bars, in a competition style, drawing crowds with their amazing ability to suspend their bodies using their developed muscles and a lot of practice. These competitions often had judges creating even more authenticity to the art of calisthenic fitness.

Even today, The World Calisthenics Organization (WCO) based in Los Angeles, California, has a well-known competition series called Battle of the Bars, adding to the the increasing popularity of worldwide competitions. (13)

Calisthenics Precautions Like all new exercises programs, please check with your doctor prior to performing these exercises. Start slowly and work your way into more advanced moves over time. If anything causes unusual discomfort or injury, or if you feel dizzy or dehydrated, stop immediately and consult a physician.

Final Thoughts on Calisthenics Calisthenics is an amazing way to start your fitness journey (or to dive deeper into the path you’re already on). What’s great is you can take it with you wherever you go, even when traveling. You can even get the kids to join you. Consider preparing a notebook of workouts you like or check out some of the great workout apps available today. Make fitness a priority in your life and results will follow, especially when combined with a healthy eating plan.

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How to Live Off-The-Grid: Easy Steps You Can Follow

By Abdul Rahman Mahayni, Courtesy of From Greenpop

In a world dominated by consumerism and the achievement of wealth, many have taken it upon themselves to adopt a lifestyle in which they’re wholly responsible for themselves. As humanity has scarred Earth with its carbon footprint and their greedy consumption of resources, a new trend has set, in which people live off-the-grid. This helps promote a healthier lifestyle that encourages less pollution, better health, as well as cost effectiveness.

Many people have adjusted their lifestyles in order to participate in this movement that aims to help preserve our world. These adjustments include reducing plastic waste, composting, recycling, and many more. For others, however, minor adjustments are not enough. These determined individuals have decided to adopt a lifestyle independent of the utilities provided by public services, therefore, becoming self-sufficient to their needs.

“You become much more aware of the sun and the wind because you need it to power yourself.”

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WHAT DOES LIVING OFF-THE-GRID ACTUALLY MEAN? Off-the-grid living can be described as many things. There is no strict definition of what it means. It means different things to different people. It is a lifestyle. To many, living offthe-grid means moving to the countryside and having a simpler life by reducing the number of resources consumed while participating more in the preservation of the environment through various activities.

Many off-grid houses are independent of the water supply, electrical, sewer, or other utility services provided by the government and instead, produce these services themselves. Moreover, many off-grid dwellers grow their own food instead of purchasing them from groceries or supermarkets.

“It is the living in a self-sufficient manner without reliance on one or more public utilities�

WHY DO PEOPLE CHOOSE TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID? Environmental Benefits There are many environmental benefits that accompany living off-the-grid. This lifestyle allows you to become more in touch with your surroundings. People who choose to move away from society to surround themselves with nature find themselves living a healthier life.

Healthier Lifestyle Living off-the-grid could mean reverting back to a more primitive lifestyle. This includes walking or biking as a main form of transportation instead of using cars.

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Rebellion Some people choose to rebel against society and therefore defy all that society has become. These rebels move out to the wilderness and disconnect themselves from a system they perceive as corrupt and greedy, thus making a statement that represents liberty and independence.

Cost Efficiency Cost efficiency is one of the more common reasons as to why people decide to go offthe-grid. By reducing the resources being consumed and instead, producing these resources, cost-effectiveness will have been achieved. For example, some rely on solar power as a source of energy instead of purchasing electricity.

Smaller Carbon Footprint For environmentalists, a smaller carbon footprint is an important factor and therefore they choose a lifestyle that reduces the damage done to our environment.

Lower Stress and Anxiety Leading to Better Health Becoming more in touch with nature and living a healthier lifestyle is an improvement for both physical and mental health.

EASY STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO LIVE OFF-THE-GRID IN THE CITY If you choose to participate in the off-grid living but feel like you are not completely ready to immerse yourself in it, then there are many steps you can take to become a partial off-grid member. And even though it feels easier to live off-the-grid in the countryside, with a little hard work you could implement this lifestyle in the city. All you need to do is follow these simple steps: Grey Water Instead of using clean water to water the gardens or flush the toilet, you could use the

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leftover water showering.

from

washing

clothes

or

Rainwater In addition to grey water, rainwater could vastly help with the reduction of costs. Even though rainwater could be contaminated, it could be very effective for the use of the other daily functions such as laundry, gardening, or toilet uses.

Take Advantage of The City Instead of driving to work, you can walk, bike, or use public transportation as a substitute method. The use of these facilities could help save some money that can be further used for other more important necessities.

RECYCLE! Recycling should be the first step towards living off-the-grid. Recycling reduces the amount of waste that gets sent to landfills and incinerators.

The chemicals released from the waste in these landfills are very harmful towards the environment and thus, recycling genuinely helps with preserving the environment. In addition, recycling helps slow down global warming, reduces pollution, and helps conserve energy.

COMPOST! Compost helps maintain the quality of the soil by enriching it with nutrients from the decomposed organic material. It helps maintain moisture and therefore reduces the need for water. In addition, composting protects plants from potential diseases and overall results in the growth of healthier plants.

UPCYCLE! Upcycling is the reusing of unwanted or used objects into an object of higher value. Similar to recycling and composting, upcycling helps reduce the number of chemicals released into the atmosphere by landfills and incinerators, as well as reduces the need to produce new materials, which also helps maintain resources.

The above steps are only the introductory steps you can take to become off-the-grid. Of course, people who choose to completely go off-the-grid totally disconnect themselves from public utilities and instead try to sustain themselves by finding alternative sources to satisfy their needs. For example, solar power has become an increasingly popular source of energy and people have chosen to rely only on solar power instead of purchasing electricity. Moreover, many people grow their own food in gardens they’ve set up in their homes instead of buying food from supermarkets or groceries. Living off-the-grid helps promote a healthier lifestyle as well as helps preserve the environment and therefore, if these practices have been implemented into your life then you are on your way to enjoying a happier, healthier, and greener life.

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Oh My Goodness! Home-Grown Organic Tomatoes

by Maureen Madiseng Horticulturist at Talborne Organics

Surely tomatoes are one of the favourite and most valued and versatile fruits eaten almost daily by most cultures throughout the world. We have over 15000 known varieties, and at least 3000 heirloom or heritage varieties are still in active cultivation worldwide. Tomato plants are of the night shade family (Solanacea), which includes chillies, tobacco, potatoes, eggplants and peppers. These are classified as fruits rather than the general perception that they are vegetables.

There are two types of tomatoes which describe the length of time over which the plants bear their fruits.

Determinate Tomatoes -Are bushy, and can grow to just above a metre tall. They tend to ripen early, and produce all of their fruit at the same time, and then die back after the harvest.

Indeterminate Tomatoes -Have a winning habit, as they can grow up to 6 metres unless they are pinched back. They will keep on producing for about 8 months until they are killed by frost or diseases. These are often grown in green-houses under controlled conditions and intensive farming systems for their commercial productivity.

Tomatoes varieties Tomatoes will most likely be red, but they come in a wide assortment of colours like yellow, red, orange, purple, green, almost black, brown even striped. Shapes include round, globe, cherry and pear shaped as small as a pea and as big as the ox heart heirloom tomato which is a deep pink colour and heart shape, with a sweet flavour and a soft mushy texture.

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The Many Health benefits of eating tomatoes • •

•

Tomatoes are a major dietary source of antioxidant and a large tomato can provide 28% of the recommended daily intake.

Tomatoes contain lycopene which is linked to health benefits reducing the risk of heart diseases and cancer. Lycopene protects the eye against light-induced damage.

Lycopene together with other plant compounds may protect against sun burn.

Interesting facts about cherry tomatoes • • •

They contain a higher beta-carotene than regular tomatoes. Vitamins and minerals. They are rich in Potassium which is beneficial for blood pressure control and cardiovascular disease prevention.

Vitamin C is an essential nutrient for healthy body tissues They are easy-growing and fun, so ideal to include in a kiddies’ garden.

The benefits of home-grown Organic tomatoes • • • • •

Home grown tomatoes have a nutritional advantage as compared to conventional storebought ones. They contain more vitamin C and more plant phenols, a class of compounds that act as antioxidants.

They are much more flavorful, and the taste is better because they have higher level of sugars When growing your own you get to harvest and eat when they are at the peak of ripening (sun ripened on the bush) They have a higher level of lycopene You can plant more interesting varieties for flavour texture and purpose.

How to grow organic tomatoes •

Tomatoes require at least 5 hours of sun daily and very fertile well-drained soil.

PLANTING TOMATOES Seedlings can be grown at home from fresh purchased seeds or seeds saved from previous heirloom crops, or purchased from the garden centre or nursery.

Seedling Germination media recipe mix: 2L-sieved compost 2L- cocopeat 1L- vermicast (Fertilis Earthworm Casting) 5ml- organic fertilizer (Vita-Grow 2:3:2(16)) When transplanting seedlings into the ground mix: 4L-sieved compost 1L- vermicast (Fertilis Earthworm Castings) 6ml- organic fertilizer (Vita-Grow 2:3:2(16)) 1L-leaf mould (well decomposed)

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Tips for selection of nursery bought seedlings Choose healthy seedlings, stay away from big plants in small pots and long and leggy plants as they are probably old and root bound which results in stressed plants which might be unproductive.

Soil preparation Soil structure - has a major effect on plants resistance to stress and diseases and the ability to grow with vigor.

Sandy soil structure: These soils drain water and nutrient quickly, which will lead to plant stress.

Symptoms: Wilting and plants drooping. Leaf deficiencies from light green to yellow. It will encourage powdery mildew, red spider mite, aphids, scales, mealy and australian bugs, and ant activity.

Tight clay structure: Poor root development and root penetration into soil.

Symptoms: Root rot causing plants to collapse and die. Cracking tomato fruits from water logging in soils where drainage is inadequate.

Soil Conditioning Soil should be conditioned before planting. Adjust pH by adding Aglime (dolomitic lime) to acid soils (low pH) and Elemental Sulphur (very little at a time – 2 to 5ml per m2) or acid compost to correct very alkaline soils (high pH). Mix in lots of quality compost and earthworm castings to improve soil structures, friability, water logging and aeration to ensure strong growing plants to prevent disease and pest attack.

Transplanting tomato seedlings Timing is the most important consideration, do not transplant seedlings in severe weather or when too hot or too cold. Transplanting should be done in the morning.

Water the seedlings while still in tray about 30 min before transplanting then gently remove seedling from seedling tray with roots intact in surrounding germinating medium to place in planting hole conditioned with Transplanting Mix recipe for tomato seedlings.

Seedlings do better if planted a little deeper than when they were in trays, put them in the ground so the level of the soil just covers the bottom leaves. This will encourage a strong root growth and stem resulting in a healthy, strong plant.

The seedlings should be planted 30-35cm apart for bush (determinate) varieties, and 60cm to 1m apart (depending on variety and growth habit) for indeterminate tomatoes. See seed packet for spacing at planting.

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To condition leaves and encourage more flower buds and tomato fruits, fertilize with organic Vita Fruit & Flower 3:1:5 (18) after 6 weeks (5ml per plant).

Tomatoes need a support system Trellis the tomato with a wooden frame or growing net structure just after planting them to avoid damage later.

Mulch Cover soil surface with a layer of mulch for moisture retention and to suppress weeds. Mulching of tomatoes must be done just after planting, spread the mulch evenly around the stem so that the water can reach the roots easily. Mulch must be kept away from the stem to prevent root collar rot on stem.

Ideas for mulch - shredded leaves, straw, grass clippings and even newspaper.

Watering your tomatoes Too much or too little watering can cause problems such as blossom end rot or cracking of your tomato fruits, and root rot and stem diseases.

Tomatoes should be watered often during dry weather conditions, especially when setting flowers. Tomatoes prefer their roots being watered rather than over-head sprays which can result in leaf disease.

Grouping with friendly plants will enhance growth, flavor and protects your plants from pests.

Your tomatoes will benefit greatly from growing alongside the following: • Marigolds - which will help to repel harmful insects.

• Lettuce - acts as a living mulch by shading soil for the tomatoes, however they must be planted 12cm apart.

• Borage - protects the tomatoes from hornworms.

• Other good neighbors include carrots, basil and chives.

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Problems associated with growing tomatoes Cut worms (Agrostis ipsilon) Cut worms life-cycle is two months. The colour of worms range from brownish and greyish. The moths have darker or lighter mottled markings on the front wings. Damage to young seedlings is mostly caused when the worm eats (cuts) through the stem of young seedlings, but some species will crawl up to feed on the foliage too.

Conditions that promote cut worms in your garden include soils that are very low in calcium or soils might be very acidic or alkaline.

Control methods include: For very acidic soils, an addition of Calcitic or dolomitic lime is advised or for alkaline pH gypsum tilled into soil at 200g per square metre.

If your Ph is good and you just need some calcium you can add some organic fertilizer with good calcium levels like Vita BonePhos or the Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) at 100g per square metre.

Powdery and Downy mildew (Fungal disease) Powdery mildew: is identified by the whitish powder coating which appears on the upper surface of the plant. In severe case the leaves become dry, brittle, wither and eventually die.

Control methods include: Increased watering in hot dry conditions.

Feed nutritionally stressed plants to enhance resistance to disease. Biogrow Phyta will strengthen plant cells and stimulate immune system of plant.

Spray with a fungicide such as Biogrow Copper Soap to prevent disease under above conditions.

Aphids The colour of Aphids ranges from white, black, brown, grey yellow, light green or even pink. They are very tiny, winged or wingless insects that pierce their mouth parts into young, tender plants and suck out the plant juices.

They excrete a sugary substance called honeydew which attracts ants as they feed on honeydew. Severe infestation can lead to curling of leaves and stunted plants. Aphids can spread tomato virus.

Aphids feed on almost every plant in a garden and are transferred by wind, water, ants and people.

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Control measures include: planting marigolds, calendula, daisy, alyssum or dill that will attract beneficial insects to feed on the aphids. Ladybirds love feeding on aphids.

Spray controls include: No-poison, Neudosan is a natural contact insectide with an effective action of smothering soft-bodied insect pests for example Aphids, but will not harm beneficial insects such as ladybirds and lacewings. There is no withholding period before harvest and eating.

Neudosan (Spray 10ml to 1 litre water)

Cracking or splitting of the tomato fruits • It is caused by the following growing conditions: • Fluctuating temperatures- too hot or too cold • Soil moisture which can be solved by more regular watering.

• Inadequate Nutrient supply because the fruit is at the tip of the plant, so it has to compete with the new shoots for water and nutrients.

Red spider mite (Lycopersicon esculentum) These are tiny sap-sucking pests, that have red, yellow, green or brown coloured bodies.

They are microscopic spiders which appear as dots that move across the leaf surface and they are mostly found underneath the leaf surface. They insert their mouth parts into tender areas, sucking out the cell content. They spin a white web on the leaves, stems and fruits of tomatoes in stress.

Conditions that promote Red spider mite Hot and dusty conditions that could lead to plants being water stressed and particularly if grown in containers where your growing medium dries out too quickly.

Control: Biogrow garden spray products are animal and environmentally friendly. They are soft against beneficial insects and are safe to use indoors and outdoors, so you can spray today and eat tomorrow.

Control Products: Biogrow-Pyrol or Neudosan (Spray10ml per 1 litre water) Conscious Life Magazine

Blossom end rot Blossom end-rot is a water-soaked brown or black rot or spot at the end of the tomato fruit.

Conditions that promote Blossom end-rot include: A calcium deficiency in the early developing fruit.

When the growing season starts out wet and then it becomes dry, especially when the fruit starts forming. Excess or insufficient water plays a role in calcium levels and restricts nutrient distribution to the various part of the plant.

High salt levels in soils and drought conditions prevent the correct uptake of nutrients by the plant, especially Potassium.

Control: Keep soil moist, do not over water, add a layer of mulch to retain the moisture.

Foliar feed with kelp and liquid calcium solutions for short term control, and add Calcitic lime or Vita Grow 2:3:2(16) when planting to prevent this problem from re-occurring.

Visit www.talborne.co.za for more information

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By Dr Karen Becker, Courtesy of Dr Mercola

The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the ACVIM Foundation and the Chase Away K9 Cancer campaign are urging dog owners to take 10 minutes on the 14th of each month to check for cancer signs from head to tail.

The 14th was chosen in honor of Chase, a black Labrador retriever born September 14, 1999, who died in 2006 of nasal carcinoma. She hadn’t yet reached her seventh birthday. Chase was the inspiration for Chase Away K9 Cancer.

“One in three dogs will develop cancer,” says Chase’s owner, Cera Reusser. “Early detection may affect treatment and prognosis.”

According to Veterinary Practice News: “The ACVIM encourages dog owners to keep a record of any growths, watch for unusual behavior and schedule a follow-up exam with a veterinarian if anything suspicious or worrisome is found.”

If you visited the Chase Away K9 Cancer website, you saw pictures of the campaign’s namesake, the beautiful black lab ‘Chase.’ Perhaps you read a little of the story of this young dog lost to cancer.

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There are few things as heartbreaking to a pet owner as losing a deeply loved companion animal, especially at such an early age.

You feel cheated because his time with you was so short. And often, you feel panic at the thought that a new pet could be ripped from you just as quickly and unexpectedly.

Most animal lovers eventually take the plunge again, but some are never able to get past the pain. They live in fear of growing attached to another pet.

Cancer and Its Causes Cancer, in a nutshell, is abnormal cell growth.

A healthy immune system is able to keep this process in check. It’s when the immune system doesn’t respond appropriately to abnormal cell growth that cancer gets a foothold.

There are lots of reasons cancer develops in companion animals. Some have yet to be discovered, others we know about or suspect, including: • Genetics • Environmental toxins in the water, ground and air, including cigarette smoke • Vaccines • Too-early spaying and neutering • Processed commercial pet foods; diets deficient in cancer-fighting nutrients • A compromised immune system coupled with an inflammatory condition like IBD (inflammatory bowel disease)

Symptoms to Watch For To recognize signs of ill health, you must know your pup and keep an eye out for changes in her behavior or appearance.

• Difficulty eating or swallowing • Sores that don’t heal • Loss of appetite • Lumps or swellings anywhere on the body • Weight loss

• • • • •

Bleeding or discharge from any body opening Changes in bowel or bladder habits Lameness, stiffness, or other movement difficulties Exercise intolerance Offensive or unusual odor

Make a Difference Where You Can, Starting with Your Pet’s Diet As a pet owner, you have limited control over the genes your dog or cat inherits. However, you have the opportunity to exert a great deal of influence over your pet’s environment, the medical care she receives, and certainly her diet.

There is ample evidence connecting the consumption of complex carbohydrates and accelerated tumor growth in humans.

In dogs and cats, there is data pointing to longer cancer survival rates in animals fed a diet high in protein and fat, and low in carbohydrates.

Cancer needs glucose to grow, and carbs are a rich source of glucose.

Cancer has no use for protein and fat, but healthy cells use both as energy sources.

Feeding companion animal cancer patients a biologically appropriate diet – high in protein and healthy fats, with very low or no carbs -effectively starves out cancer cells.

Perform Routine Wellness Exams Choose the 14th or another meaningful day of each month and write reminders on your calendar.

Check your pet from head to toe each month, not only for telltale bumps, lumps and swellings, but also for any other signs something is wrong or just ‘off’ with your dog or cat’s body.

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If you haven’t already done so, watch my video on how to perform an at-home wellness exam on the four-legged members of your family.

This is a great way to stay on top of your pet’s health and overall physical condition on a monthly basis. The earlier any type of health concern is noticed and addressed, the better.

Be Your Pet’s Healthcare Advocate Partner with a holistically-oriented veterinarian whose focus is on helping you maintain your pet’s good health.

Carefully consider all options for vaccinations and procedures like sterilization and discuss your concerns with your integrative vet.

Do the same with medications prescribed for your dog or cat. Antibiotics and corticosteroids are vastly overprescribed in many veterinary practices today. Both classes of drugs can devastate your pet’s immune system, leaving him without the resources his body needs to fight cancer or other serious disease.

Talk with your holistic vet about safe parasite control for your pet. Chemical flea and tick products should be used sparingly if at all, and with a great deal of caution, as they carry the risk of potentially deadly side effects.

Your holistic vet can also help you with detox agents in the event your pet is put on a course of medication, as well as homeopathic and other natural remedies -- for example pet probiotics -that can be used in lieu of or in conjunction with traditional therapeutic tools.

Learn whether your dog’s breed is predisposed to cancer, and if so, what type(s). If you suspect your pup may have cancer or you want the peace of mind that comes with knowing she doesn’t, ask your vet about the new blood test that detects cancer in dogs.

The earlier a problem is detected, the better your dog’s chances of survival.

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Date: Title: Teachers:

December 7 - 9, 2018 Meaningful Living: A Workshop Exploring the Teachings of Logotherapy and How to Design a Life of Purpose Klasie Wessels & Sam Sparkes

Some of the biggest questions we can ask ourselves are: what is the meaning of life and how do we live with purpose? In this new workshop we introduce you to the principles of Logo therapy and the life of Victor Frankl who developed Logo therapy. We will cover the basics of this philosophy including tools and exercises to use in everyday life. This experience will leave you refreshed, with a clear focus on your own avenues to meaning.

This retreat will qualify participants for 7 CPD points (the workshop is registered with the SABPP).

What you will gain from the workshop: • Understanding mindfulness and how to practice it on a daily basis • Discovering your personal avenues to meaning • Discovering how to develop more clarity about what you want in life • Better understanding your purpose in life • Improved interpersonal relationships • What we will cover: • Understanding the meaning and purpose of life • How to live mindfully and practice mindfulness in your own time • The operation of free choice in life • Dealing with stress and building resilience

Date: Title: Teachers:

December 15, 2018 - January 20, 2019 Monastery-Ashram Retreat Chandasara & Solwazi Johnson

Instead of a series of end-of-year retreats, from December 15 to January 20 this year we are offering an open and on-going monastery-ashram style period of practice at Dharmagiri. We will have structured mornings of practice including chanting, meditation, dream sharing circles, movement and body-based practices with afternoons open for individual meditation, walking, reading, sitting outside in nature, etc. and an hour of group dialogue at the end of each afternoon. In the evenings we will have group meditation sittings with dharma talks every second evening, exploring different areas of the Buddha's teachings as they relate to our experience.

In the body-based and movement practices, we will explore a wide range of ancient and contemporary selfregulation practices, including mindful movement, Chi Kung, and yoga which support and enhance resilience and strengthen our ability to cope with stress, change, and uncertainty. These practices also support the growth and development of "inner resonance" which involves listening to the body and opening, trusting, and attuning to our inner knowing.

We will also take this practice of developing inner listening and resonance into our relationship with nature observing sun and moon rises and sets and the night skies in silence where possible and in weekly silent mindful walks into the mountains, re-establishing our sense of belonging in nature.

We will celebrate together the meaning of Christmas as the spirit of loving-kindness, compassion and forgiveness and the meaning of entering into a new year as a time of reviewing our lives and renewing our commitment to living our lives in a worthwhile way according to our deepest intentions and aspirations.

We would love you to come and join us in this time of practice together for a weekend, a week, ten days or for the whole period if you can.

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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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Reconnect with Spirit

Rediscover your Life Force Restore Balance

PSYCHIC MEDIUM As a Psychic Medium, I am able to connect with spirit guides, where I receive messages about a clients past, present and future. These messages may be beneficial to help bring clarity

on their lives and where be leading.

Many of the messages have received for my have been healing on levels.

it may that I clients many

REIKI A quantity that is almost impossible to define! Energy can never be created or destroyed, only converted from one form to another. Among the familiar forms are heat energy, energy of motion, electrical energy, and sound energy.

Reiki is a form of energy healing. This form of healing helps to maintain balance within, mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Reiki is a form or spiritual or energy healing. It helps open up and remove blockages

within the system. Each system within our bodies is intimately connected to the seven major charkas.

Reiki will help remove these blockages and restore balance.

Contact Damian Wood Email: damian@woodswellness.co.za Mobile: 082 863 8842 www.woodswellness.co.za Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

SPIRITUAL TEACHER TRAINING COURSE AND BURSARY SOUTH AFRICA 2019 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!

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. It also emphasises your own self-development which is so very important and I will share my extensive knowledge and experience with you enabling you to become the Amazing Being that you truly are!

I am delighted to announce that the next Teacher Training course will be held from 5th to 12th March 2019 at The Angel Warehouse, Spirit of Amberfield, Rheenendal (near Knysna).

I have changed things somewhat this year to make it easier and cheaper for participants to attend.

The Initiation and Angel Connection Module will be held at the Angel Warehouse in Rheenendal Knysna. The Ascension Connection Module will be done via six two hour sessions online using Zoom. These will be held in March and April 2019.

Participants will need to arrive on the afternoon of the 4th March. Dinner will be provided for that evening. The course will finish at 11am on the 12th March.

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.

This course will: •

Allow you to go within for personal development and advancement on your spiritual journey in a safe environment with expert support and assistance.

•

Give you the confidence, expertise and skills to organize and facilitate a group or workshop in a professional manner.

•

Teach you to facilitate visualisations for groups and individuals as well as meditations and exercises to use in your workshops.

•

Allow you to bring in the Angels and Ascended Masters to enhance your connection to the Spirit World and be able to teach others to do the same.

•

Powerful energies such as the Mahatma Energy, The Antakarana, The Lightbody, The Monad plus many more will be taught to speed up the Ascension process of yourself and others.

•

Provide you with powerful techniques to develop your channelling abilities transmute energies and enhance your healing abilities.

MARGI OF ANGEL CONNECTION will present the course under the auspices of THE ANGEL CONNECTION SCHOOL OF AFRICA. Course content will be strictly in accordance with that prescribed by the ACSOA. Places are limited.

DATE: 5th to 12th March 2019 and then 6 x 2 hour sessions via Zoom FACILITATOR: Margi McAlpine BOOKINGS AND INFORMATION: Margi on 082-563-7422 or margi@angelconnection.co.za Visit : www.angelconnection.co.za

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 Margi for more information and application forms. Terms and conditions apply.

Welcome To The Angel Connection School of Africa The Angel Connection School of Africa, established as a non-profit organisation, for the highest good of all, will incorporate all forms of Spirituality continuing with the basic teachings of Angels, Ascension, Atlantis etc. which we all know to be Universal.

The teachings of various modalities will however, be enhanced by adding the specific requirements of our culture and ethnicity, whilst retaining flexibility.

The mission statement of the school is:“To Light up Africa so that Africa can Light up the World”

A Letter From The School Principal – Margi McAlpine

Angel Connection Day

Meditations

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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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The Beautiful Hopi Indian Labyrinth at Thirsty Falls Guest Farm

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Conscious Life Magazine

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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.

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

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

Conscious Life Magazine

Conscious Life Magazine

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.

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At Operation Smile we believe every child suffering from cleft lip or cleft palate deserves exceptional surgical care.

For too many families around the world, safe surgery is not an option.

At Operation Smile we believe every child deserves exceptional surgical care. We believe all children deserve to be treated as if they were our own.

EVERY 3 MINUTES, a child is born with a cleft lip or cleft palate and may suffer from torments, malnourishment and difficulty with speech.

We dream of a world where no child suffers from lack of access to safe surgery. Learn why we do what we do in the video below.

That’s what drives each and every one of us: our global network of medical professionals, who donate hundreds of thousands of hours toward the care of children around the world each year, and our supporters who are moved every day to make a difference in the lives of children they’ve never met.

How you can help Operation Smile South Africa Building 17, 103/104, Waverley Office Park 5 Wyecroft Rd, Observatory 7925 (+27) 021 447 3608 infosa@operationsmile.org NPO number 083-117 NPO

A child’s cleft lip or cleft palate can be repaired for as little as R5500 and in as few as 45 minutes, but your gift is more than a surgery. All of our supporters give renewed hope to children and families around the world.

Conscious Life Magazine

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 Conscious Life Magazine

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 Conscious Life Magazine

With much appreciation to our advertisers, contributors, endorsers and of course, our readers Namaste

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