Embrace 2021 Issue 2 by Embrace

Nordic Walking

The Colour of Empathy

Your Personal Risk

Changing you

The Language of Stones

Knitting to Relax

2 | Embrace

Embrace | 3

10 ELLEN MEDIA

This Issue proudly brings you

Photography/illustrations: Pexels, Unsplash, The Noun Project

Contributors Editor-in-Chief Jacqueline Hodges Designer Freya Kassulke

Editorial Enquiries 07 31 433 334 10 Ellenborough House, 126 Brisbane Street, Top of the Town, Ipswich, QLD 4305 em@10ellenmedia.com

Advertising sam@10ellenmedia.com Embrace Magazine is published

10 ELLEN MEDIA by 10 Ellen Media (ABN: 23 645 770 350) Articles express the opinions of the authors and not necessarily those of Embrace or 10Ellen Media. The Embrace privacy policy is located at https:// embracemag.co/privacy-policy/ 10 Ellen Media’s privacy notice can be read at:

Mickayla Hosking, Joyclyn O’Neill, Andrew Johnson, Siobhan Vale, Sushmita Sharma, Iren Mazalova

About Embrace Embrace creates an attainable Shangri-La for women where they can live, prosper, and enjoy a healthy and balanced state of tranquillity. At Embrace, we believe that wellness is not only about physical or emotional wellbeing but a balanced harmony of mind, body, and soul as well as their interactions with other individuals. While we embrace the beauty of being, we also look up to embrace the opportunities of becoming. Our readers are women who are young, not only by their age but also within their heart and mind. Embrace offers engaging activities, inspiring ideas, entertaining stories, helpful informational tips, and everything that one needs to live and enjoy a well- balanced life.

Connect with us

Social Media Join in the conversations about the latest Embrace Magazine issues on Instagram and Facebook page.

Website Visit embracemag.co to find out more.

Phone Call us on 07 31 433 334 Monday to Friday 9:00am and 8:00pm AEST. Share your opinion with us. Email us at emreaders@ 10ellenmedia.com

NEXT ISSUE May 2021

https://10ellenmedia.com/ privacy-policy/ 4 | Embrace

We welcome the new season with it changing beauty and a new palette of colours.

SCRIB

see www.em brace.co

SUBSC

BE SUB RI

Embrace brings a fresh perspective on holistic wellness and healthy living.

RIBE C S S

Change may be constant, but growth is by choice. Colour your life with opportunities.

Embrace | 5

Grow

Connect

Wo rk

Contents

ct e n n Co

54 Why do You Keep Going Back to the same Apps?

Work 82 Freelancing on the side 86 How Video Games Improve Your Perception

Belong 94 How Easter is celebrated around the world 98 Salad, Soup & Smoothie

tain

71 Life Insurance and Personal Financial Risk

Be l o n g

Grow

8 Letter from the Editor

Bou nce

186 Embrace Life Wheel 119 About 10 Ellen

Ca re Bounce 12 Nordic Walking Fitness & Fun 16 Finding Purpose

Care 22 The Pleasure of Giving

Learn

26 The Colour of Empathy Anomalous Trichromacy 28 The Language of Stones

Learn 36 Food for thought – Shitaki 40 The Real You, The Changing You 44 In Plain View – Art Galleries 46 Brain Teasers

Reflect 106 What Gem Stone are You? 108 What Colours are Your Dreams? 112 Knitting: Relax and Focus

Sustain 60 Improving Outdoors to Improve Your Property Value 62 Framing your Interior

ct fle Su

Letter from the Editor Change is constant, change is inevitable. Change may enter our lives as a result of a crisis, as a result of choice or simply by chance. We dance to the beat of change. We adapt and accept change, and we must maturely and graciously rethink our path forward. Hello and welcome to autumn 2021, the season of change is upon us. The trees are beginning to show signs of their glorious autumn hues, golden yellows, rich reds, russets, and pinks. It’s time to start thinking about the wonder of nature and the ever changing landscape of our lives. United across humanity, we are also embracing the possibility that fewer lives will be lost to COVID-19, and we will all rejoice at the release from the never ending cycle of lockdowns. But even as I write this letter, India is again suffering, the US and Brazil follow closely behind. There has been over $130 million cases world-wide and close to 3million deaths. There has been suffering at every level from countries to cities, from friends and families to each of us as individuals. Across the globe, medical staff are our heroes and we thank them and bless them for following their calling. And I am feeling inspired, knowing that with the vaccine there is a COVID light in the tunnel. We will be able to travel again without fear of this contagion. We will be able to shop and go to the movies, we will be able to attend weddings and visit friends. We will be able to visit our elderly and give them the hugs that they and we desperately need.

8 | Embrace

We will shake hands and hug strangers. We can relax again and drop our compliant shields that have protected us in this lucky country. So again, as I do with each season passing, I will take time to reflect on times past, think about the present and consider future possibilities and adjust and adapt and accept that it is not just I but we who are all forever changing, like the current in the river of time and life. And I encourage you to explore the possibilities open to the changing you.

Jacqueline Hodges

Embrace | 9

10 | Embrace

Understanding your feelings and how to handle your emotions to grow and learn from experiences.

Bounce When women take care of their health, they become their best friend. Maya Angelou

Nordic Walking fitness and fun! Joycelyn O’Neill

Nordic Walking is a popular new trend to get you stepping out into the street, beating a path in the bush or trailing by a stream. It might seem that it’s a new trend but Nordic Walking has been around for a while. In fact decades!

riginating in Finland, Nordic Walking or Sauvakävely as the Finnish say, is a totalbody form of fitness walking that can offer non-athletes a healthy fitness alternative. For the serious walker, this technique is not just a fitness alternative it’s a sport. Whether you are young, old or somewhere in between, Nordic Walking is a great way to get you out of the armchair, back outdoors and have some fun. The technique while similar to ski walking and hillbounding, uses specifically designed walking poles as opposed to using the one-piece ski poles. Many cross-country skiers and marathon runners use this technique both to train and stay fit in the off-season. While some trekkers and backpackers use the Nordic Walking poles whilst hiking. Nordic Walking involves using force to the poles with each stride. You will also find the length of your stride is regulated by your arm movements. A shorter arm/pole thrust restricts the stride length. A longer the pole thrust, means a longer stride and more powerful the swing of the pelvis and upper torso. You will find, by using the walking poles, it is an effective aerobic activity that is actually easier that regular walking. The movements of your arms, legs and body are similar to those used when you are walking normally but vigorously. But Nordic walkers use more of their entire body to stimulate fitness building. As you improve you may find your muscles strengthening and your heart rate increasing as the walking uses muscles in your chest, back, arm, shoulders, abdominals, spinal and other core muscles.

12 | Embrace

If you are not that fit don’t be frightened off, as this is a low-stress, healthy alternative for young and old. Nordic walking is an effective and efficient mode of exercise not only improving your overall fitness levels but it can improve your cardio-respiratory fitness, and your upper-body strength. You will also burn up to 40% more calories and produce up to a 46% increase in energy consumption As a beginner, you won’t need special walking shoes but you will need specially designed poles and some training on the technique. You will find Nordic Walking classes in most capital cities or if you are near the high country, you may find ski instructors who can show you. With a combination of classes and practice you will have honed the technique in no time. Nordic Walking uses poles and a walking technique that engages all muscles from head to toe. The arm/pole action is similar to that used by crosscountry skiers. Various types of poles are available from one-piece, non-adjustable shaft versions matched to the user’s height, and telescoping two or three piece twist-locking versions of adjustable length. Some have wrist-straps. If you are already a vigorous walker or jogger, you can move Nordic Walking up a notch to Nordic Jogging or Nordic Hill Bounding. Using Nordic Walking poles for jogging or bounding is highly effective in building strength and speed. So whether you are young or old, extremely fit or just starting out on your fitness program, Nordic Walking is a great way to build your fitness, increase your speed, improve your body strength, get outdoors, see nature and have fun with your friends and training buddies.

Embrace | 13

14 | Embrace

IS THIS YOU? Drag yourself to work Irritable and impatient Lack motivation & energy Drink to relieve stress Eat on the run

Choose YOU. A healthier and realistic lifestyle awaits you, so with

you:

break free from burnout

practice self care

get your Zing back!

YOUR

Thrive and Alive Program

Sally McGrath Founder, Health that Heals

w w w . h e a l t h t h a t h e a l s . c o m. a u healththatheals

E: sally@healththatheals.com.au M: 0433Embrace 411 580 | 15

Finding Purpose Joycelyne O’Neill

Well I know I started the year with a mission. I set my resolutions. I wrote them down, I had a plan. I even started. Day One I got everything ready and life couldn’t be better. Week One was a dream. I know I was on the right track. January fled by. I could see this working. This time! But by the end of February it all started to wane. Now I’m feeling lost. I’m not sure what I want to achieve or even how to figure it out. Sound familiar? You are not alone. On average, 80% of New Year’s resolutions fail by the second week of February. Good habits, are hard to get started but even harder to keep. By March, most have of us have even forgotten what our resolutions were and what we wanted to achieve. We all find the common excuses: work obligations, family commitments, social life schedules, best friend’s dramas, rainy days, I’m too busy or I just can’t be bothered today. Life only gets in the way if you allow it. So let’s find out what your purpose is, make a plan and reschedule a healthy you this year. So, why do you want to find your purpose? Research has found that purpose is associated with positive outcomes for people of all ages. People with a sense of purpose tend to achieve more, cope better with hardships and are healthier across the lifespan. Start with some exercise. Exercising is not only good for the body, but also for the mind and soul. It gives you the energy and stamina you need to lead a healthy life. It also brings positivity and improves your sleep, rewarding you with better mental and emotional health. Now clear your mind and you will be ready. Goals give you a sense of achievement and are essential to living the life you desire. Purpose takes those goals to a higher level. You’ve heard the saying, it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey. Same here! Your purpose is not to achieve those goals today, it’s about making progress towards achieving those goals.

16 | Embrace

Find Your Purpose!

Make it Public!

To find your purpose in life, you will need to do some introspection. You will need a clear head, take g moment to clear your mind and start thinking about what you what to achieve, what you are passionate about, and what drives you. It might be a new career path, a new way of living or a new way of being. It might be an intent to achieve a healthier lifestyle, eat better or exercise more. Ask yourself what brings you joy and what are your values.

If you tell your friends, families, colleagues you are more likely to be accountable. Researchers have found that you will be more committed to achieving your goals if you share them with someone whose opinion you respect or look up to. Conversely, you are less likely to persist if you don’t care about the opinion of the people that you tell. So find a role model and tell them. If you want a healthier lifestyle and exercise is your focus, that person might be your personal trainer.

Break it Down!

Find Your Tribe!

Once you have your purpose you need a plan on how you will achieve your goals and you need to set some KPIs to mark your progress. There’s no need to over complicate the journey. Start with what you want to achieve, then break it down to can achieve each day, each week, each month and each 90 days.

Life was not meant to be lived alone. We are surrounded by beautiful people (more than just those Insta-perfect models). Involve your friends or colleagues and give yourself a challenge for a set amount of time. For example, a 30-day running challenge or a 20-day change in your diet.

A great way to do this is to write it down. Writing helps us remember. You will need a diary or a monthly planner. Have a checkbox on the side so you can give yourself a tick or a heart each day. This little reward reinforces your plan and starts to form a habit or pattern of behaviour.

When you are on a journey with a friend, it is easier to take fewer rest-stops and keep enjoying the road. So, find some “Workout buddies” to help you stay motivated to your goals.

Embrace | 17

18 | Embrace

Exercise to Bounce Take 5 minutes to think about your health, fitness and wellbeing. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to bounce. Complete this plan to help you grow your healthy self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 19

20 | Embrace

Understanding your feelings and how to handle your emotions to grow and learn from experiences.

Care If your compassion does not include yourself, it is incomplete. Jack Kornfield

Embrace | 21

The Pleasure of Giving Sushmita Sharma

e have all felt the pleasure of receiving gifts around Christmas and New Year time every year, but as we enter the New Year, we often forget to share this pleasure with others. Especially after the events of 2020, we all welcomed 2021 with the common wish, “Please be kind”. What most of us forgot is to say the same to our self. We want the year to be kind to us but what we need is to be kind to the people around us, for everyone is suffering through some struggle. While there is a short-lived happiness in receiving gifts, there is a richer joy and pleasure in giving to others. One little act of kindness can make a big difference in someone’s life. Isn’t that what we all live for? To make a difference. To be remembered in someone’s good chapters.

“Happiness doesn’t result from what we get, but from what we give.”

Happiness is Contagious! On April 28, we celebrate the Pay it Forward Day. If you have read the book or watched the movie, you are probably familiar with the concept. Pay it Forward Day is based on the ripple effect of kindness in the world. When you selflessly help someone in need and only wish for them to “pay it forward” by helping someone else in need, you begin to create a chain of kindness in the world. It takes one person to make a change in the world and Pay it Forward can be your way of making that difference. So, here are a few things you can do to begin this chain. 1.

When you are waiting for your take-away order, pay for the person behind you.

Complete a task for your co-worker.

Ben Carson

Reach out to a friend you haven’t spoken to in months, with a surprise gift.

When we learn about the terrible things happening around the world, the first thing that comes to our mind is “why can’t people be more compassionate?” But very few of us actually turn that emotion into an action. Many turn to Social Media, but simply posting one message on Social Media is not the solution to someone’s miseries, but taking an initiative is. Helping someone in need takes a lot of courage. It can be as little as talking to someone and providing emotional support in stressful times. Whatever you do to help someone, the pleasure of giving is an unparalleled experience that stays with us and the person we helped, for a lifetime. As we recover from the losses of last year, let’s make a pledge to be kinder, more compassionate, and more helpful than before.

When travelling in public transport, offer your seat to a standing passenger.

Buy a meal for a homeless person.

22 | Embrace

6. Gift a book to someone attending school or university. 7.

Raise funds and donate to a charity.

Make cookies for your neighbours.

Teach a child in your neighbourhood.

10.

If you see someone carrying heavy stuff on the street, offer a hand.

You will be surprised by how such little acts of kindness will not only make someone’s day, but will also satisfy your soul.

“At the end it’s not about what you have or even what you’ve accomplished. It’s about who you’ve lifted up, who you’ve made better. It’s about what you’ve given back.” Denzel Washington

Embrace | 23

24 | Embrace

Embrace | 25

The Colour of Empathy

Anomalous Trichromacy Joyclyn O’Neill

e have all heard of Anomalous Trichromacy or Colour Blindness. We may even know someone who is colour blind. But have you ever wondered what is was like to live with colour blindness? It may not be a debilitating illness but it does impact on the lives of those with this anomaly. A little empathy goes a long way. People with normal colour vision use all three types of light cones that filter the colours red, blue and green correctly. People with normal colour vision are known as trichromats. People with flawed trichromatic vision as known as anomalous trichromats. Anomalous trichromats may be inherited or acquired through injury. People with anomalous trichromatic vision can perceive from almost normal colour perception to almost no colour. Generally, the level of inherited colour blindness remains the same throughout life. Those with acquired colour blindness may find the condition improves or worsens over time. There are three different anomalous conditions protanomaly, deuteranomaly, and tritanomaly. Protanomaly is the reduced sensitivity to red light. People with protanomoly or deuteranomolly are red-green colour blind and generally have difficulty distinguishing between reds, greens, browns and oranges. Deuteranomaly is the reduced sensitivity to green light. Tritanomaly is the reduced sensitivity to blue light.

26 | Embrace

A person with tritanomaly, or blue-yellow colour blindness will find it hard to distinguish between blue and green, and also red and yellow. A very few people will be completely colour blind and will not be able to perceive any colour. Imagine your life not being able to distinguish colours or the varying shades of colours. You might think traffic lights or the walk signs. Traffic signals are designed in a set order, so these do not present a problem. But there are many ordinary daily events that can present difficulties. Some typical red/green challenges include: • Sunburn may not be seen until the skin is glowing. Bad if you’re a parent • Cooking meet can be difficult to judge if cooked or raw, but you can learn by feel or get a thermometer • Buying meat can be difficult to judge if fresh or old • Fruit and Vegetable ripeness may not be apparent • Battery chargers are difficult to understand • Coloured maps can be hard to read • Coloured graphs may be indecipherable • Driving at night may not be allowed

Protanopia Reduced sensitivity to Red • Black with many shades of red • Dark brown with dark green, dark orange and dark red • Some blues with some reds, purples and dark pink • Mid-greens with some oranges

Deuteranopia Reduced sensitivity to green • Mid-reds with mid-greens • Blue-greens with grey and mid-pinks • Bright greens with yellows • Pale pinks with light grey • Mid-reds with mid-brown • Light blues with lilac

Tritanopia Reduced sensitivity to Blue • • • •

light blues with greys dark purples with black mid-greens with blues oranges with reds

Embrace | 27

Out of a pellucid brook Pebbles round and smooth I took; Like a jewel, every one Caught a color from the sun, — Ruby red and sapphire blue, Emerald and onyx too, Diamond and amethyst, — Not a precious stone I missed; Gems I held from every land In the hollow of my hand. Workman Water these had made; Patiently through sun and shade, With the ripples of the rill He had polished them, until Smooth, symmetrical and bright, Each one sparkling in the light Showed within its burning heart All the lapidary’s art; And the brook seemed thus to sing: Patience conquers everything! –Pebbles, Frank Dempster Sherman

28 | Embrace

The Language of Stones Joyclyn O’Neill

e have been intrigued by the beauty of gemstones from ancient times, as pieces for adornment, for healing practices, for massage, for holding, as ornaments for admiring, and as whimsical and enchanting stepping stones leading across a pond. A minerologist can explain the physical properties of a crystal structure and geologist will tell you where you might find precious stones. It is the art of the lapidarist, who in cutting and polishing stone, minerals, or gemstones brings out the inner beauty and the magically enchanting quality of the stone. Across history from in the burial chambers of ancient pharaohs and in Viking mounds to modern day, we have adorned ourselves with precious gems. Crushed gemstones like lapis lazuli have been used to create wonderful hues in oil paints. Lapidary Healing, a metaphysical art, stems from ancient times in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Rome, India. While lapidary medicine is fairly publically dispelled today, many who follow alternative therapies still look to the power of crystal healing.

Acrostic Gemstone Jewellery Jean-Baptiste Mellerio (1765-1850), jewelry designer to Marie Antoinette and the French court, is credited with inventing acrostic jewelry in his Persian atelier. Napolean was fond for the acrostic and treated Josephine to an acrostic bracelet spelling out J’dore and other jewellery spelling out their children’s names and birthdate. Popularised in Georgian and Victorian times, admirers have always found novel ways to express their affection or share secret messages with a loved one and acrostic gemstone jewellery plays this part well. Acrostic jewellery is the spelling of a word by using the first letter of a gemstone. Commonly words such are dear, adore and dearest were used, with longer words costing more.

Embrace and March might be spelled out acrostically, like this: E Emerald M Morganite M Malachite B Benitoite A Aquamarine R Ruby R Rose Quartz A Amethyst C Carnelian C Carnelian H Hermalite E Emerald Embrace | 29

Birth Stones January February March April May June

Garnet Amethyst Aquamarine Diamond Emerald Alexandrite

July August September October November December

Crystal Healing

Ruby Peridot Sapphire Tourmaline Citrine Tanzinite

If you would like to try Crystal Healing for yourself follow these steps. • Identify what wrong • Choose the appropriate stone

Crystal healing is an alternative medical technique in which crystals and other stones are used to cure ailments and protect against disease. While there is no scientific proof those practicing this art believe the crystals act as conduits for healing, allowing positive, healing energy to flow into the body as negative, disease-causing energy flows out. Healing crystals are popular at health spas and at New Age health clinics, and maybe used in massage and Reiki. Crystals are used in to induce relaxation.

30 | Embrace

• Will yourself to be better (the placebo effect) Keep your crystals clean by washing in a soft soapy water or run through a sage smudging to bring about clean, fresh energy. Here is an alphabetical list of gemstones, for you to try making your own acrostic. Some stones may not be easily founds, so you could try colour matching the letter, such that “Y” might be indicated by yellow citrine and black opal or black sapphire might stand for the letter “B”.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M

Alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine Beryl, benitoite Carnelian, chalcedony, citrine Diamond, diopside Emerald Feldspar, fluorite Garnet Hematite, howlite Idocrase, iolite Jadeite, jasper Kunsite, kyanite Labradorite, lapis lazuli, liddicaotite Malachite, maw-sit-sit, moonstone

N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Nephrite Onyx, opal Peridot, pearl Quartz Ruby, rhidochrosite Sapphire, shpene, spinel Tanzanite, topaz, tourmaline, tsavorite, turquoise Uvarovite, unakita Variscite Wulfenite, watermelon tourmaline Xanthite, Xylopal Yttrofluorite Zircon, zoisite

Embrace | 31

32 | Embrace

Exercise to Care Take 5 minutes to think about your heart, feelings and emotions. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to care. Complete this plan to help you grow your caring self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 33

34 | Embrace

Actively participating in mind-stimulating activities that expand your knowledge.

Learn The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice. Brian Herbert

Embrace | 35

Food for Thought Mickayla Hosking

Shitake

You may not think of mushrooms as a nutritional powerhouse, but let me tell you about Shiitake. This is the second most eaten mushroom in the world, known as the ‘ food of the Gods’ by the Romans, and the ‘ elixir of life’ in Chinese cultures.

hiitake provides a range of micronutrients, including a whopping 8% of its weight in potassium. This makes Shiitake the perfect heart health food, not only does the betaglucan fibre help to balance your cholesterol by dragging the excess through your gut, but the potassium helps regulate heart beats. It also helps your muscles to move, your nerves to work, and your kidneys to filter blood. Shiitake has demonstrated some antimicrobial activity too, quite the bonus for your microbiome if you want to boost your ‘ second brain ’. The antioxidant and anti-cancer capacity of this mushroom also plays a role in it’s longevity promoting reputation. The beta-glucan fibre, mentioned earlier, is a soluble fibre which has the ability to suppress leukaemia cell growth. If you like mushrooms, there are many ways to get your daily dose - from Shiitake chips, stir-fries to ramen and other soups. Shiitake is a common ingredient in Chinese dishes, as it’s native to Asia with a rich history of use in the kitchen and in herbalism. It has been cultivated by humans since the 12th century in Central China, hence why it is popular in Chinese cooking and the second most eaten mushroom.

36 | Embrace

The group of 30 people receiving the 900mg of A study by Dai and colleagues, in 2015, demonstrated tangible improvements in immune status. This was shown through improved cell proliferation (replication), more active white blood cells and increased sIgA production. The regular consumption of Shiitake by the patients also brought down inflammatory markers seen in the blood, suggesting that the increase in immune function was not related to any inflammation (this is a good thing - signalling no infection caused the increased activity). Improvements in immune function without inflammation means your immune system is able to do its job better. Shiitake is definitely one to keep in the fridge during the winter months. You can even grow Shiitake at home if you’re willing - Life Cykel has affordable grow kits you can sit right on your kitchen bench! So really, Shiitake is the true essence of food as medicine.

If I haven’t convinced you to include Shiitake in your diet yet, try out this soul warming Caramelised Shiitake Risotto.

Ingredients 1/2 – 4 cups 2 Tbsp 3/4 cup 1/4 tsp each

vegetable broth avocado or olive oil thinly sliced shallot sea salt and black pepper 2 cups sliced Shiitake mushrooms, (hardy / woody stalked removed) 1 Tbsp coconut aminos // tamari // soy sauce) 1 Tbsp chopped fresh thyme (or ½ tbsp dried) 1 cup arborio rice (risotto rice) 1/4 cup dry white wine (optional) 1/4 cup (vegan) parmesan cheese // or sub nutritional yeast)

Instructions In a medium saucepan, heat vegetable broth over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce heat to low to keep warm. In the meantime, heat a large pan* over medium heat. Once hot, add oil and shallot and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes – stirring frequently. Then add mushrooms and coconut aminos and continue sautéing until the mushrooms are golden brown and caramelized. Optional: remove some of the shiitake mushrooms from the pan and reserve for serving – not necessary, but it makes a nice garnish. Add the thyme and arborio rice and cook for 1 minute, stirring occasionally. Then add dry white wine and stir gently. Cook for 2 minutes or until the liquid is mostly absorbed. Using a ladle, add warmed vegetable stock 1/2 cup (120 ml) at a time, stirring almost constantly, giving the risotto little breaks to come back to a simmer. The heat should be medium, and there should always be a slight simmer (adjust heat as needed). You want the mixture to be cooking consistently but not boiling or it can get gummy and cook too quickly. Continue to add vegetable stock 1 ladle at a time, stirring to incorporate, until H the rice is ‘al dente’ – cooked through but still has a slight bite. This whole process should take about 15-20 minutes. Once the rice is cooked through and al dente, remove from heat and add vegan parmesan cheese. Stir to coat. Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding sea salt and pepper to taste or more vegan parmesan to enhance the cheesiness. If dry at this point, add a little more warmed broth. To serve, divide between serving bowls and top with reserved mushrooms, additional vegan parmesan cheese, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley (all optional).

Embrace | 37

38 | Embrace

Embrace | 39

The Real You, The Changing You Sushmita Sharma

Who are you? Beyond this body, the personality, and the traits that you are known for, who are you really? Do you know? Does anybody? We think we know who we are but what if our perception of self is simply an illusion created by the projection of someone else’s opinion of who we are? The quest to find your true self is not a new concept of the modern age. This profound mystery of self-identification has cost many philosophers and spiritual teachers a lifetime of introspection. The problem at hand is that many people misinterpret the definition of “self”. People connote their preferences in correspondence to their identity. Let’s take a look at a simple example. How many times have you said to someone, “I am (or not) a morning person” or “I am a coffee (or any other drink) person”? This is where the problem essentially begins. Your perception of who you are is based on your preferences in life. Who we think we are, is just a collection of ideas of what we like and dislike. This is nothing but an evil play of your ego. If truly you were all but a collection of your preferences, you would remain the same throughout your life. But do you?

40 | Embrace

Fortunately, no. People change. Over time, not just our physical appearance, but also our preferences, our opinions on life and other situations, our mindset, and literally everything about us changes. Not just over time, but situations and life-settings change us too. You might find that you exhibit certain traits when you are in your workplace but when with friends, you might be a completely different personality. So, the question arises - if we are constantly changing, is there really a true self or is it all just an illusion? Maybe that is the ultimate truth – that we are at a constant change and we must be in line with our dynamic traits and values. Here, we take you through various philosophical approaches in our attempt of self-identification. However, it is important to understand the definition of “self” before we try to find it.

Understanding the “Self” On one extreme end, the self-concept is based on the understanding of self in terms of attributes like our thoughts, motivation, actions, cultural belonging, and characteristics. This is where people think of “I am a kind person”, “I am a caring friend”. This is usually in terms of how we act in the presence of others or how we see ourselves in relation to others. On the other extreme, the self is considered not as concrete but rather more eternal and indestructible, something that is independent of our physical being. It is what guides our thoughts and actions. While the world changes, this self remains constant and unaffected of the varying situations and times. This self is beyond the limits of time and phenomena of the world. In Buddhism and Hinduism, this is referred to as the trueself or the Ātman. In Eastern philosophy, our soul is the pure being. Ancient Greek Philosophers, Plato and Socrates also believed that psyche (or the soul) is the true essence of a living being and lives eternally even after the death of the living body.

These two extremes of self-identification are nothing but the paradox of an ego and the soul. Originated from the early 19th Century, the Latin term “ego” literally translates to “I”. Simply put, the ego is everything and anything you can associate with “I”. “I have a car” – ego. “I am a great friend” – ego. “Why do I have to deal with this?” – ego. “I want to buy a new phone” – ego. You get it. The ego is associated with your emotions, reactions, feelings, desires, and attachments. More often than not, the ego thrives on the negative end of everything. The negative emotions - fear, anxieties, resentment; the negative desires – greed; the negative possibilities, etc.

If this ego is our self, then that would mean every living being on this planet is driven by negative desires and emotions. That can’t be true!

Embrace | 41

If our cultural context, communication or interaction style, emotions or thoughts defined who we are, then what about people who have Alexithymia (the difficulty to express emotions), or people suffering from Alzheimer’s (who gradually lose their memory and thinking skills)? Do they not have a “self”? Is everything we are only restricted to our intellectual skills? That’s hard to believe. There must be something more that makes us who we are. So, let’s take a look at the soul to find our self. Many philosophers, psychologists, and cultures believe that the soul is the inner voice that stops you from hurting someone or stops you from having negative thoughts. It is the inner voice, the gut feeling, the spirit, the life energy or whatever you like to call that presence in you. It is believed to be forgiving, loving, caring, accepting, and it is always right. Some cultures believe that it is your true essence, that which makes you who you are.

Some believe that the ego is not our self but the unconsciousness within us, whereas the soul is the consciousness that lies within all human beings. The ego lives on temporary things, while the soul, the inner true-self remains unchangeable. The ego is thus, about what we have, and the soul is who we really are.

This has been part one of a two part series of The Real You, The Changing You. In part two of this article we continue our reflections on the real you versus the changing you and explore the theory of self, your ego, letting go of pride, connecting to the universe and others, and growing with wisdom. You can read part two of this article in our next issue. 42 | Embrace

“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.”

– Heraclitus

Embrace | 43

In Plain View – Art Galleries Thomas Hall

Art is the language of self-awareness. Whether you like visual arts, music, theatre, graffiti, or poetry, art has beautified our life since prehistoric times. For the artist, it is a blank canvas to express themselves whereas for the observer it is a land of serenity. It surpasses the societal concepts of race, culture, religion, and sexuality. It brings people together in the toughest of times. It gives a voice to the silent ones, and a sense of calm to the anxious ones. Art is a beautiful language in itself. So, whether you are in Victoria or in Western Australia or in Tasmania, we have got something for everyone to please their senses with different forms of art. We hope this will inspire you to dive in the artistic culture and ignite a passion for the language of art.

installed in this laneway till 11 July.

Victoria Immerse into the beauty of the flora of our planet through a series of art exhibits, installations, and events held across the City of Dandenong, Victoria. The Flora Exhibition will run from 25 March to 1 May 2021, across different venues including Walker Street Gallery, Heritage Hill Museum and Historic Gardens, Garnar Lane Display Boxes, Alex Wilkie Reserve, and Connection Art Space. The entry to the exhibition in Heritage Hill Museum is free. For those who admire the diversity, fragility, and wonders of this planet’s flora, it is a highly recommended exhibition.

New South Wales Let the light patterns of the day fascinate you with the changing colours of this innovative exhibition on Wilmot Street. A set of 5 veils of coloured bead suspend on the George Street end of Wilmot Street to give you an uplifting sense of joy and the opportunity to pause and appreciate the captivating phenomena of the nature. Ever Sun by Rochelle Haley, is open for public at all times of the day and will remain 44 | Embrace

It is recommended to visit the installation at different times of the day and during different weathers as well, to observe the changing colours by the different shades of light. If you like photography, don’t forget to capture a time lapse video during the sunset!

Queensland Support the work of young and emerging art students at Flame 2021 – International Women’s Day Exhibition, at Tank Arts Centre, Cairns. The work displayed is an outcome of a women-led mentorship program and will be exhibited for free in Tank 4, till 21 March from 9am to 4:30pm on weekdays, and 10am to 2pm during weekends. The event celebrates the enthusiasm and passion of young women in arts. For our readers in Queensland, this exhibition is an exciting opportunity to extend your support to these emerging artists.

Northern Territory For those in Northern Territory and share a love for the lights, Parrtjima 2021 invites you for a treat to the eyes and soul! Held at

City of Dandenong

Tanks Art Centre

Alice Spring Desert Park between 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm, from 9-18 April, this event speaks to everyone through a series of large-scale innovative installations, live talks, music, food, and spectacular performances! The entry is free however, an online registration to the festival’s official website is mandatory.

Western Australia

Remember to embrace the fresh air under the stars while you fill your soul with the mesmerising lights of the festival.

South Australia Get a deeper insight of the use and effects of various colours in visual arts at Chromatopia, as it features work from various international and Australian artists. The exhibit explores how various colours in an artwork influence each other. The exhibition runs until 26 April at the Art Gallery of South Australia (Gallery 9) and is free for public. The gallery remains open between 10am to 5pm.

Allow yourself to be thrilled by a series of beautiful and breathtaking sculptures installed at Cottesloe Beach from 5-22 March. Sculpture by the Sea, is an annual exhibition and this year they celebrate their 17th year with over 70 sculptures from around the world. The exhibition is free to the public and can be accessed from ramp or stairs along Marine Parade.

Tasmania For the readers in Tasmania, who have a passion for photography, don’t miss out on the chance to visit the Cradle Mountain Wilderness Gallery to get a sight of This River: Inception by Kelly Marie Slater. The exhibition displays a collection of photos that conveys the artist’s respect, emotions, and attachment towards the Mersey River in Tasmania. Through these photographs, the artist brings out the unseen and unexplored beauty of the river and pays a tribute to how the river has nurtured many lives of the people residing on its banks. The exhibition will run till 2 May, 2021.

Embrace | 45

Puzzles Diagrammar

Clues

Find the intersect for three words.

All words contain some of the same letters. The Central Intersect has been filled for you The other intersects may have 1 or 2 letters The circles may have 1 or 2 letters All sections must contain at least one letter

Easter, Values, Autumn

A Trains, Planes, Travel

46 | Embrace

For solutions: Visit https://embracemag.co/solutions

Autumn Leaves Unscramble the letters to match these Autumn Leaves and make them whole again.

Clues Letters once unscrambled form one word

A S

O V

E A

I R

R V

I D

I F

L M

N C

A R

V N

E P

A P I

For solutions: Visit https://embracemag.co/solutions

I F

R O

R E

N T

I G

U G

L S L

Embrace | 47

Find the word C

The leftover letters form the following word: _____________

Connect

Eve

Scarlet

Conga

Eggs

Reflect

Chestnut

Icy

Pier

Belong

Foliage

Sustain

Abundant

Falling Leaves

Scenic

Crunching

Enchanting

Relax

Cold

Learn

Pinecone

Bounce

Grow

Unpredictable

Acorn

Family

Spurt

Duke

Equinox

Relay

Colourful

Magnificent

Place

Care

Harvest

Warm

Amber

Fireplace

Sun

48 | Embrace

For solutions: Visit https://embracemag.co/solutions

Embrace | 49

50 | Embrace

Exercise to Learn Take 5 minutes to think about your wisdom, knowledge and intellect. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to learn. Complete this plan to help you grow your learning self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 51

52 | Embrace

Building healthy and supportive relationships with others in the community.

Connect People heal from their pain when they have an authentic connection with another human being. Marshall Rosenberg

Embrace | 53

Why do You Keep Going Back to the same Apps? Siobhan Vale

e have so much choice, given the millions of software applications (apps) that are being made every day. Even so, while there are so many apps available, freely floating around in the cloud, you may still end up going to the same select few every time they get on their phone. Is it due to how the app is set up, the colours or the integration of other functions that bring you back to the apps over and over again? When looking at how basic colours work when creating an app, we need to look at the use of colour theory. Colour theory is an area of both the arts and science that studies how we as humans perceive colour and how colours can be mixed and matched with each other. The three primary colours red, blue, and yellow are the basic colours. They are not able to be created from other colours. They do, however, stand as the source for all of the other colours. Colours tend to make us feel a certain way. For instance, when we see red we associate it with power, aggression and excitement and with blue we see loyalty and trust. Colours have a major role when it comes to app design and you will make a judgement of the app even before they fully look at it. When an app is created designers carefully consider the colours that will be used to create a visually appealing interface that will encourage you to open it. Designers also consider the colours for the background, text and logo. Combined this imagery is meant to appeal to you visually. Even though colours themselves may not necessarily bring you back to the app over and over again it is crucial to bringing you to the app the first time.

54 | Embrace

When looking at apps you look at things like how the app is set up and is easy to use. Because if it is easy to use it will make you want to come back and continue to use it over and over again. Another thing to be able to have is a little bit of personalisation even the dark mode option that a few apps have implemented into their design. For most people ease of use is more important than appearance. This is because the most important element in choosing an app is functionality, and having an app that does what you want it to do. The last thing is what is actually in the contents of the app. Ask yourself, what does the app do? While this may be different from person to person as interests differ particularly in what you want to have on your phone. When choosing an app, look at whether it is popular on both the apple store and the google play store. If you are looking at a new social media app consider the different functions and usage. If we take the use of Snap Chat stories, while it may not have been the first one to use this form of media it is one of the first prominent ones. Add a few years and Twitter, Instagram and Facebook have also started using stories in their apps due to the success of Snap Chat. While taking other apps’ ideas and using them may be beneficial, it may be a hindrance depending on your needs. When it comes to returning to apps there must be a reason to keep coming back. For social media, it is talking to their friends and seeing what is going on in the world around them, and video games it is whether they are having fun and whether or not they are engaged in what they are playing. So, whether you keep coming back to the same apps depends on a variety of different things, which can include the colours used, ease of use, reliability, and overall functionality.

Embrace | 55

56 | Embrace

Exercise to Connect Take 5 minutes to think about your friends, family and peers. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to connect. Complete this plan to help you grow your connected self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 57

58 | Embrace

Living in harmony with nature and respecting the environment for a sustainable growth.

Sustain Heaven is under our feet as well as over our heads. Henry David Thoreau

Embrace | 59

Improving Outdoors to Improve Your Property Value

Andrew Johnson

BEAUTIFUL garden is a powerful selling tool for your home. It creates a positive first impression and helps potential buyers feel if the garden has been well maintained then the home likely has been too. It also sets the scene for a positive open inspection. First impressions or curb appeal are important for your property when buyers are looking online or driving past, so hero shots great photography, drone shots, video and VR are important to capture the outdoor appeal of your home when selling to generate competition amongst buyers and achieve the best result. Depending on the home, its location, design, available land around the house and making sure you don’t overcapitalise its useful to keep landscaping or improvements to your outdoor areas simple, classic and understated. As the home owner there are most likely outstanding maintenance issues or projects that need completing to ensure the property looks appealing to potential buyers and presents well. Landscape economists suggest that good landscaping can add up to 28% to overall home value.

Most Australians have an affinity for the outdoors, and those that have grown up with a garden have experienced the joys of entertaining, BBQ’s, parties, gardening, planting, growing vegetables or just mowing the lawn at their own family’s properties or another’s.

60 | Embrace

There many resources available when looking to improve the outdoor appeal of your property and frankly you can do a lot yourself without professional help, basic maintenance, cleaning windows, walls, fences, sheds, pruning, removing dead plants, weeding, mowing the lawns, putting down new mulch, fixing edges or whatever is needed to best present the property.

Engaging professional to do some landscaping, replacing lawn or designing a new garden for the home with automatic watering and outdoor lighting and painting are all options depending on the budget and your estimated return, so reach out to those in your community to help. Importantly also keep asking yourself if what you’re doing is really necessary to achieve a greater sales result or is there a happy medium that you can achieve a great result at minimum expense. The outside of your home is as important as the inside when looking to achieve the best impression and create competition amongst potential buyers, so plan well when improving the outdoor appeal of your home, first impressions count. That first impression of your property is paramount to achieving the best possible price. Consider engaging a professional if your budget allows. Investing in a professional landscape design lets you take advantage of your home’s surrounding environment, to create a place where people want to spend time, socialise and work. If you don’t have the budget look at landscape designs and see what you can do yourself to create a visually appealing landscape. Simply adding some nice pathing and edge your gardens is a start towards improving your property’s value.

Planning and improving the outdoor areas around your home will increase your own enjoyment of your property and is an investment in the future value of your property. Andrew is a licensed estate agent based in Victoria who has enjoyed a long business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a referral business. www.maxjre.com

Embrace | 61

Framing your Interior Irina Mazalova

Irina Mazalova is a qualified Interior Designer and owner of Line Studio. Irina offers advice and planning for residential and commercial projects. Her portfolio covers a variety of styles and colour palettes.

We love art. And photos. And posters. And other design elements Once we start searching for a new piece for our collection or fall in love with a new treasure, we all face the same problem – is our wall strong enough to hang a new art piece? It’s exciting to see how the industrial pieces are making steps into our home and helping us, even where we don’t expect it. One great helper we choose is the Gallery Picture Hanging System. We chose this system in a recent project. You can see how stunning art looks in the gallery, framed by perfect light and position. Gallery Hanging presents your artwork in the best way and really attracts attention.

62 | Embrace

Creating a picture gallery in your own home is a problem that once solved provides you with long term enjoyment. Here’s my tips on what you need to do! Fix the top rail to the wall below the ceiling. Thereafter, feel free to change your private art expo as often as you want — no more hooks or screws, or patching and painting to hide marks. Nylon or very thin steel cords are hooked into the top rail – you can move them freely. Fix the picture hooks to the cords and hang your favourite art piece. That’s it! Give your art pieces more prominence, by using rails with a built-in LED light. It is a great addition to your interior.

Now you too, can start an amazing presentation at home!

Embrace | 63

Andrew Johnson is a licensed estate agent, businessman & entrepreneur based in Brown Hill who has enjoyed a long and varied business career in Australia and overseas providing solutions and building a strong referral business.

Mobile 0473 207 988 Email andrew@maxjre.com LinkedIn http://linkedin.com/in/andrew-johnson-8435092 Company Maxwell Johnson Real Estate Pty Ltd Address 9 Gracefield Road, Brown Hill, VIC 3350

64 | Embrace

LINESTUDIO2020 INTERIOR, REPRESENTING YOUR PERSONALITY IS OUR PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION

w w w. l i n estudi o2 02 0.c om.a u

Embrace | 65

66 | Embrace

Exercise to Sustain Take 5 minutes to think about your home, nature and environment. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to sustain. Complete this plan to help you grow your sustainable self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 67

68 | Embrace

Feeling a sense of security and stability by being able to comfortably meet current and future commitments and needs.

Grow Chase the vision, not the money; the money will end up following you. Tony Hsieh

Embrace | 69

70 | Embrace

Life Insurance and Personal Financial Risk Jacqueline Hodges

Many people ignore their personal financial risk and the insurance they need to protect their lifestyle. Many say “I’m too busy to worry about this”, “I’m fit and healthy”, “I’m only young” or “I don’t need life insurance, I don’t have anyone to leave it to”. But the trust is, we all need to think about our life insurances. It’s a process of personal financial risk management, like carrying an umbrella is its cloudy outside. What I find is many of my clients, don’t actually understand life insurance is actually an umbrella term. Life Insurance is a general term for a range of personal insurances, including: • Life insurance, • Total and Permanent Disability Insurance, • Recovery Insurance, and • Income Protection Insurance

Getting the right life insurance is an important decision. But choosing the right life insurance is difficult as each insurer offers different features and your circumstances change through the life stages. Some of the important factors to consider when choosing your life insurance include: • The type of life insurance and the level of cover • Your health and lifestyle and whether any special conditions apply • The sum insured or amount of benefit your insurer will have to pay out • The price of your premiums, can you afford the monthly or annual premiums • Your occupation, a dangerous occupation may increase the premium • Your age, older people face much higher premiums, the younger you are when you commence generally reduces the premium

Embrace | 71

Life insurances are there to provide you and your family with financial security if you passed away or something unexpected happens to your body or mind. They are used to protect your quality of life and the future you’ve planned for yourself and for your loved ones.

Which Insurance do you need Each type of life insurance protects you in a different way. The first thing to consider is, which types of insurance you need to help you live the life you’ve planned. The following summaries give a brief explanation of each type of life insurance.

Life Insurance Life insurance is also known as ‘life cover’, ‘term life insurance’ and ‘death cover’. Life Insurance provides for your family and loved ones if you pass away, or if you are diagnosed with a terminal illness. It provides your loved ones with a lump sum payment that can help ensure their financial security. You can choose to be covered for accidents, illness and even adventure sports. A life insurance payment may allow your family to retain the family home, provide for your children’s education, and allow your partner to continue living the life you had planned together.

Recovery insurance Recovery insurance is also known as ‘trauma insurance and ‘critical illness cover. Each insurer is different but generally recovery insurance covers critical injury, critical illness and cancer. It provides a lump sum payment if you become critically ill, or injured and require extensive medical treatment to recover. The lump sum payment provides you with the financial freedom to reduce your work hours, access medical treatment, and pay for your rehabilitation you need.

72 | Embrace

Total and Permanent Disability Insurance Total and Permanent Disability Insurance (TPD) provides a lump sum payment if you become totally and permanently disabled because of an accident or illness and are no longer able to work. Each insurer has a different definition of what it means to be totally and permanently disabled. It can cover you for either your own occupation or any occupation. When deciding if you need TPD insurance, and how much you need, work out the expenses you will need to cover if you were permanently disabled and unable to work. These might include: • • • • •

living expenses for you and your family renovations to your home or car repaying debts such as a mortgage or credit card medical and rehabilitation costs savings you want for retirement

Your own occupation

Any occupation

You are unable to work again in the job you were working in before your disability. This cover is more expensive and is usually only available outside super

You are unable to ever work again in any job suited to your education, training or experience. This cover is cheaper but has a higher threshold to claim, so it’s less likely to pay out

Income protection insurance Income protection insurance provides an alternative source of income and is usually paid monthly. It is to help replace a portion of your income if you are unable to work due to serious illness or injury that has left you totally or partially disabled. It covers accident, illness and sports injuries. The monthly payment will continue for a nominated time and will help you keep your household up and running, and provide for your loved ones while you recover.

Embrace | 73

When to review your Life Insurance You should review your insurances regularly and if a major change or life event happens in your life, such as getting married or having a baby. Some future life events are: •

You get married or divorced

•

You or your spouse become a parent through birth or adoption

•

You take out or increase a mortgage on your home

•

Your child starts secondary school

•

Your children leave home

•

You are preparing to retire

Your financial adviser can help you work out if the insurance you have is appropriate and sufficient for your needs.

How Life Insurances Work Life insurance can be bought separately or bundled into one policy. You may require one or more of these types of cover, depending on your circumstances. Life insurance can also be purchased inside your superannuation or outside your superannuation.

How much Insurance do you need? How long is a piece of string? Determining how much insurance you need is difficult to measure and will depend upon your personal circumstances. Your financial adviser will consider many factors including, your age, your living expenses, your relationship status, your lifestyle and your likely future needs. To begin understanding how much you need your adviser will ask you to work out the cost of your lifestyle. If you have children they will work out how much is needed to cover their future education and living costs. Here are some examples for Fixed, Flexible and Monthly/Quarterly/Annual expenses: •

Fixed expenses, include rent, mortgage repayments, car loans and phone/internet plans

•

Flexible expenses: food, clothing, entertainment, medical and additional mortgage payments

•

Monthly expenses: mortgage repayments, phone, electricity and private health insurance

•

Quarterly expenses: rates and water charges

•

Annual expenses: insurance and car registration

Depending on your life stage, some insurances are best owned by you outside of your superannuation. The cost of maintaining your life insurance outside of superannuation may add to your personal expenses and seem costly but in the end its about managing your personal risk and having an umbrella to protect you financially.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is general in nature and may not be relevant to your personal circumstance and needs. Taxation, legal and other matters referred to in this article are of a general nature only and are based on laws existing at the time and should not be relied upon in place of appropriate professional advice. We recommend that you assess whether the information is appropriate to your needs and if appropriate speak with a financial adviser to discuss your needs, financial situation and investment objectives. 74 | Embrace

Embrace | 75

Print and digital subscriptions www.embracemag.co 76 | Embrace

What you need to live and enjoy a well-balanced life

Embrace | 77

78 | Embrace

Exercise to Grow Take 5 minutes to think about your finances, wealth and future plans. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to grow. Complete this plan to help you grow your wealthy self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 79

80 | Embrace

Reaching a sense of fulfillment while maintaining a work-life balance and positively influencing the growth of the organisation where you work.

Work You will never feel truly satisfied by work until you are satisfied by life. Heather Schuck

Embrace | 81

Freelancing on the Side Sushmita Sharma

Do you have an interesting business concept or a passion to start your own business? How do you know when you are ready to start your business? A safe way to start a business is to begin by freelancing on the side. Hiring freelancers is not only becoming more acceptable, but it is also more attractive for many businesses.

Before you start your freelancing business, you need to understand why you want to start. Take some time and decide some of the bigger questions:

It may seem like starting a freelance business is an exciting opportunity that allows you to pursue your passion and work your own hours but it takes careful planning. You need to plan not just your new business but your cash flows. You may find it takes a while before your freelancing business earns sufficient to pay for itself let alone your lifestyle. You will also lose out on superannuation guarantee contributions until you can afford to pay yourself a wage. But it’s not all downsides! You will enjoy pursuing and growing your new dream business.

• do you want to grow to be a big business or stay small

82 | Embrace

• do you really want to pursue this goal • how will you pursue this goal

• do you really just want to cover the costs of your hobby • how long will you give yourself before you pull the plug • can you really afford to do this.

Once you are clear on the bigger questions and you are confident that you wish to start, it is time to build a plan.

Step 1:

Define the Goals

Step 2:

Find a profitable niche

Step 3:

Identify your target customer

Step 4:

Set your pricing

Step 5:

Build a great website

Step 6:

Develop your pitch

Step 7:

Network, network, network

Don’t give up your day job, at least not yet. It will take a while until the business sales are consistent and reliable. So, to keep the cash flow and a regular flow of income, your current job is a great safety net. Starting a business required persistence and resilience. It takes time for the business to start making sales and for you to see results. You must be prepared to stay the course. Set yourself up for success by setting achievable goals. It’s not easy but it’s definitely worth it!

Embrace | 83

84 | Embrace

Embrace | 85

How Video Games Improve Your Perception Siobhan Vale

Is playing video games good for your senses? Can playing video games improve how you perceive your surroundings in the real world? When we play video games we are using our senses to become fully immersed in the game. We use our sense of sight to see enemies and other objectives. We use our sense of hearing to hear what is going on, from bullets being fired from a gun to orders from the game itself or your friends. We use our sense of touch. Some consoles like the PS4 use Dualshock 4 and the controller uses vibrations to come from the controller when certain things happen. When we use these senses to play video games, we may be training ourselves and our senses to perform better in the real world. The five basic senses, our primary senses, are Vision, Hearing, Touch, Smell and Taste. Vision is what we perceive we see, for example we rely on our vision to see what is coming towards us. We use our sense of hearing to hear the noises around us and to hear objects coming towards us and so on. When using our hearing and sight together we experience our world. We are able to hear and see for example a car coming towards us. We are able to hear the vehicle coming and would be able to use our sight to see which way the car is coming from and perceive which direction the car is heading. Through the sense of touch we can touch and feel with different parts of your body.

86 | Embrace

For example, being able to touch and feel the fur of a dog or feel the fabric of our clothing on our skin. Our sense of smell helps guide us to smell certain objects in the world around us. For example, being able to smell the food coming from a store and the burning smell of a fire. The final primary sense is taste which is what we are able to taste with our mouth, which for instance the food we eat or the toothpaste when we brush our teeth. There also another sense called proprioception which is the sense where we perceive the position and or movement of our body. For example this would include conscious and unconscious movements in our joints and muscles. These sorts of senses are dependent on the notion of force and are important for balance and agility. When we look at how we may perceive things in video games, we have to consider a variety of different games genres to get that understanding, especially when seeing how we can bring some of these things into other aspects of our lives. When playing games our senses tend to become heightened so we can react swiftly. Generally, we are relying on a combination of our vision, hearing and proprioception.

Embrace | 86

Now you may think using vision and hearing are obvious but how is proprioception used while playing a game? Consoles like the PS4 and the Xbox controllers have some form of vibration sensitivity installed within them which trigger our responses to react, stay balanced, to move swiftly and with agility. When it comes to more story based games like Detroit Become Human and Horizon Zero Dawn in particular, our goal is to be able to scan the game environment that you are put into and be able to quickly identify what you your goals are and what you need to do. When you are playing as any of the characters in Detroit Become Human, you need to be able to scan the area around you and put pieces of a puzzle together to be able to navigate through the story, otherwise you run into the risk of getting hurt, not only your own character but other characters. When playing Horizon Zero Dawn, you need to be able to scan the enemies known as machines to be able to find out little details about them, mainly the machines weak spots to be able to determine where to shoot them to get the most amount of damage. There are even some circumstances where you are able to use a large rock to be able to use as cover so that you are not getting as much damage done to you to make a task easier. With this in mind you are able to take the information that you learn from these games and apply it to other parts of your life. For example, when you are finding an issue with a piece of work that you are doing.

Embrace | 87

You may be able to identify an issue and resolve problems through when converting learned behaviours from games to real life situations you are primarily using your vision and your hearing to react to the surrounding environment and assess any impending emergencies. To an extent you may also use proprioception, as you jump out of the way of an approaching car. We also need to consider other genres of games to be able to see whether only certain games are able to positively help us in real world situations or whether it is most games that help us. Let’s look at the Tabletop Role Playing Games (TRPG). Dungeons and Dragons (D&D) an example.

use this sense so to speak as you use a multitude of different movements, rely on your sense of balance and your spatial awareness. With games like this is also able to successfully implement this into work lives as well. We rely on our balance and spatial awareness to navigate our daily live. When it comes to using touch to play video games, the vibration sense that both PlayStation and Xbox use on their controllers as well as some phone games also trigger your sense of touch. You are able to feel the vibrations that come from the controller through to your hands. More recent technology such as the Teslasuit are slowly creating a future to fully feel the things that are experienced in a video game.

While you may not need to rely on your vision for some games to fully grasp is required. If playing a table top game you are able to use your hearing, listen to what is being described and then make decisions based on what is happening. The game is based on your evolving decisions and the choices you make in the game has consequences.

Gaming technology, facilitates immersive training. For example, to perform simulated surgery, to learn and experience how to complete surgery without practicing on patients. This technology will have a big effect on how we see and think about perception and how we use it.

From experience in one of my most recent sessions in my campaign I described quite poorly what I was going to do for an action and missed a vital relaying an important piece of information, and as a result my character is currently sitting in a prison cell waiting for a trial. It is possibly going to end badly. This example in particular can be equated to the workforce. An employer is expecting the employee to be able to communicate well, understand instructions and pass on any required information accurately and timely.

With the use of video games and recent technology we are able to improve most of our senses through this means and overall improve our perception and how we respond and learn from situations outside of the videogame.

When you look at games that use sensor movements such as the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Switch you are also able to use your proprioception. With games like Wii Sport and Just Dance you

88 | Embrace

And whether you are a casual player or play every day, video games are having an overall positive effect on our lives.

Embrace | 89

90 | Embrace

Exercise to Work Take 5 minutes to think about your career, workplace and ambitions. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to work. Complete this plan to help you grow your working self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 91

92 | Embrace

Feeling a sense of belonging by participating in various cultural activities and embracing the cultural differences of the community.

Belong We exist to serve our community. That’s the most important mindset to maintain. Chris Brogan

Embrace | 93

How Easter is Celebrated Around the World Jaki

We are all familiar with Hot Cross Buns and Easter Eggs. And while they arrive in the grocery stores far too early most of us understand their symbolic significance. Easter is the Christian religious celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

94 | Embrace

raditionally, Easter is a timing of feasting, celebrations and sharing of eggs. While we tend to enjoy Hot Cross Buns throughout Easter and even before, they were once only eaten on Good Friday. Hot Cross Buns symbolise the cross on which Jesus died and the spices represent those used in the embalming process after his death. Today children have fun finding eggs in egg hunts, cracking sugar eggs to find the surprise inside, or even trying to retain the delicate balance of the egg and spoon while racing. But like all traditions, different traditions have evolved around the world. Here are some of the ways different cultures celebrate Easter:

Australia Australia is a synthesis of many cultures. We have borrowed and absorbed many Easter traditions for our mixed heritage. We have Hot Cross Buns, Easter Eggs and Mashmallow Bunnies, Roast Lamb and eat Fish. Children participate in Easter Egg Hunts and most eggs are shop bought. Australia does not have a tradition of decorating our houses for Easter, but some department stores are now selling Easter decorations. Unique to Australia is the Easter Bilby. First introduced in 1968, by Rose-Marie Dusting in her book ‘Billy The Aussie Easter Bilby’. But is wasn’t until 1991 that the idea was commercialised to raise awareness and funding to help the environmental damage caused by ferral rabbits.

Germany Germans love to decorate a tree in their backyard and during Easter the traditional Ostereierbaum. The bare branches are decorated with colourful blown eggs. The delicate shells, were traditionally coloured with teas and spices, or skilfully perforated, but today many use pre-dyed eggs or use egg-dying kits. It is tradition to eat something green on Gründonnerstag, Maundy Thursday. Many people decorate public fountains as Osterbrunnen with evergreen garlands, flowers and painted Easter eggs. The Easter Bunny may have originated in Germany. The Ostergasen, Easter Hare, originally judged whether children were good or disobedient at the start Easter. He carries coloured eggs in his basket, candy, and sometimes also toys to the good children.

France Children in France await the ringing of the bells on Easter Sunday to know that their oeuf de Pâques, Easter goodies, have arrived. On Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, the bells remain silent until Easter Sunday to announce the Resurrection of Christ. French children are told the church bells fly off to Rome to be blessed by the Pope. On their return, the Easter bells or les cloches de Pâques scatter Easter eggs, and chocolates across the gardens. Once the bells have rung, Once the bells have begun to rung, the chasse aux oeufs, egg hunt, begins. People will greet each other saying Joyeuses Pâques or Bonnes Pâques – Happy Easter.

Embrace | 95

Greece Easter is the greatest of the Orthodox Christian celebrations in Greece. Preparations begin on Holy Thursday with the dying of the red eggs. Unlike the quiet of France the Church Bells ring solemnly all day on Good Friday. After a midnight service on Easter Saturday the Greek people gather to share supper and the traditional sweetbread called tsoureki is filled with red dyed eggs. Family and friends crack eggs and greet each other with Christos Anesti, Christ is risen, and Alithos Anesti, truly, He is risen. The object is to be the last holding an uncracked egg, as it is believed they will have good luck all year.

Russia Easter in Russia is called Paskha. Russians greet each other at midnight on Easter Sunday with the same greeting as those in Greece; Khristos voskres!, Christ is risen, On deystvitel’no voskres, Truly He has risen. Easter eggs are commonly shared in Russia and we all know the famous jeweller Fabergé maker of elaborate enamelled and jewelled eggs for the Tzar. Easter eggs are traditionally, hard-boiled eggs dyed red with onion skins. While, exchanging eggs is one of the most popular Easter customs, some keep the eggs until the following Easter, to protect the house from floods, fires and other natural disasters. Easter morning is a feast of eggs, and sweet cakes of kulich a sweet raisin and honey bread and paskha made from cottage cheese and raisins.

96 | Embrace

Spain Semana Santa, or Holy Week is a celebration of processions of the brotherhoods seen throughout Spain. Participants were a long robe and a hood with a conical top to conceal the identity of the wearer. The celebrations vary from region to region with Andulucia, Granada, Málaga and Seville being more extravagant. Each day during a procession from the Cathedral to the Town Centre, the brotherhoods carry two heavy pasos, floats, one with Christ and one with the Virgin Mary. During the processions, dripping candle wax is caught be children to see who can form the largest wax ball. Onlookers will see flamenco and other musical performances. The Spanish have their own special Easter treats, which does not include Easter eggs. Over Easter, the Spanish will eat torrijas, similar to French toast, pestiños, crunchy deep fried fritters flavoured with orange, anise and glazed with honey, and Monas de Pascua, ringshaped Easter cakes with whole eggs baked into the top.

There are many other countries that we haven’t written about their Easter traditions. Some have pageants, some have fireworks or bonfires, some with kite-flying, some doused the women and some dressed as Easter witches.

Embrace | 97

Salad, Soup & Smoothie Beetroot, Carrot & Ginger

Autumn brings a kaleidoscope of colour and is the time for a bountiful, colourful cornucopia of ingredients to invigorate, rejuvenate and energise with a refreshing salad, chilled soup or a revitalising smoothie. In this issue, we celebrate three root vegetables: beetroot, carrot and ginger. Beetroot, carrots and ginger are in season and are packed with antioxidants. So, quench your thirst or stave your hunger with these autumn hued recipes. 98 | Embrace

Carpo Salata Ingredients

For the dressing: 5 tbsp 2 tbsp 2 1 tbsp 2 3 tbsp 3 tbsp 1/4 cup 3 tbsp 1/2 tsp 1 tsp 1 tsp

grated fresh ginger rice wine vinegar limes juiced and zested honey garlic cloves, minced fresh coriander chopped fresh mint chopped almond or peanut butter tahini sesame oil pink salt black pepper

For the salad:

250gm beetroots, peeled and sliced into thin ribbons 250gm carrots, peeled and sliced into thin ribbons 3 spring onions, thinly sliced on an angle 1/4 cup fresh coriander 2 tbsp raisins

Equipment Vegetable peeler large salad bowl for serving small bottle to mix salad dressing

Direction

Combine beetroot, carrots and raisins in a mixing bowl. Whisk together, almond butter, tahini, sesame oil, grated ginger and juice, vinegar, lime zest and juice, coriander, mint, salt and pepper. When ready to serve drizzle dressing over the salad and gently toss. Spinkle with sliced spring onions Variations Add green and red apples or nashi to the salad. Add sliced chilli and ground cumin to the dressing. Substitute sesame oil, tahini and almond butter with lemon basil, mustard and vegetable oil.

Embrace | 99

Borscht with Bite Ingredients 2 cups

Beetroot, (peeled and cubed)

4 cups

Carrots (diced)

1cup

Onions (chopped)

2tbsp

Ginger (peeled and minced)

Garlic cloves (peeled and minced)

1cup

Orange juice

1/2 tsp

ground tumeric

1tsp

olive oil

1/2 tsp

pink salt

1/2 tsp

pepper

6 cups water or vegetable broth 1 tbsp

vegetable oil

1/2 cup lemon juice 2tbsp

feta (crumbled)

2tsp

fresh mint

Ice

Equipment Large Saucepan Lemon Juicer Blender Mason Jars or soup bowls for serving

Directions Add oil to the saucepan and fry garlic and onion gently until soft and translucent. Add the beetroot, carrot, ginger and turmeric to the saucepan and stir for one minute. Add the broth to the saucepan, enough to cover the vegetables. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to the boil and then let simmer for around 20 minutes making sure the beetroots and carrots are soft and fully cooked. Allow the soup to cool and transfer into a blender and puree. Serve in a jar or soup bowl, pour in a little lemon juice and garnish with crumbles feta and mint. 100 | Embrace

Variations Substitute mint with coriander. Spice it up with 1 small capsicum, ½ jalapeno pepper and tabasco sauce Enter island time by adding coconut milk to the soup and serve with a dollop of coconut milk, lemon mint and coriander.

The BCG Smoothie The BCG is an invigorating smoothie to start your day with a bounce in your step. BCG is packed full of juicy goodness to ensure that you are full of nutrients, vitamins and antioxidants and bring colour to your cheeks.

Ingredients 1

large raw beetroot

large carrots

piece of ginger

1/2

medium ripe banana (peeled / chopped and frozen)

The Green BCG Smoothie Packed with punch, the Green BCG is a perfect smoothie to start your day, or enjoy in the morning after a workout or a morning walk. Simply enjoy the Green BCG as a complete satisfier this Autumn.

1/2 cup plain almond milk

Ingredients

1 cup coconut water

large raw beetroot

large carrots

Directions

piece of ginger

Chop and dice Beetroot, Carrot and Ginger

pink lady apple

1/8 tspn

turmeric powder

Slice Banana and chop if frozen

1/2 cup

greek yoghurt

Blend all ingredients until smooth.

1 cup

coconut water

a squeeze of lemon

Directions Chop and dice Beetroot, Carrot and Ginger Slice Kale Leaves discarding the think spine

Embrace | 101

102 | Embrace

Exercise to Belong Take 5 minutes to think about your culture, community and creativity. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to belong. Complete this plan to help you grow your cultural self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 103

104 | Embrace

Deeply connecting with self and something greater than ourselves to find and integrate the meaning and purpose of life.

Reflect We cannot reach happiness by consciously searching for it Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

Embrace | 105

What Gem Stone are You? Birthstones are associated with each month and each stone has its own unique meaning and special significance. Birthstones are commonly seen in jewellery and have been a symbol of wellness and good fortune since ancient times. Birthstones are associated with each month and each stone has its own unique meaning and special significance. Birthstones are commonly seen in jewellery and have been a symbol of wellness and good fortune since ancient times. Early astrologers believed each gemstone brought its own healing powers and protection from evil. People wore one stone for each month of the year for its protective power. But today people generally only wear their birthstone. Use the following table to see what your birth stone is and see how wearing it may protect you.

106 | Embrace

Month

Birthstone

Meaning

January

Garnet

Faith, love and courage

February

Amethyst

Royalty, passion and hope

March

Aquamarine

Love, youth, health and happiness

April

Diamond

Eternal love and courage

May

Emerald

Health, faithfulness, fertility and wealth

June

Pearl

Modesty and purity

July

Ruby

Strength and courage

August

Peridot

Courage, wealth and wisdom

September

Sapphire

Truth, protection and success

October

Opal

Hope, innocence and creativity

November

Citrine

Success and prosperity

December

Lapis Lazuli

Wisdom, honour and good fortune

Embrace | 107

What Colours are Your Dreams? Sushmita Sharma

Human body is mysterious. There are many phenomena carried out in our body that Science is yet to figure out. Dreaming is one such phenomenon of our mysterious body. While there is no rationally confirmed reason to why we dream what we dream, there are many interesting theories that try to explain this process.

ome believe that dreams are made up of different images and situations that our brain puts together, from our everyday functions, thoughts, emotions, and memories. There are some researches that prove that dreams are influenced by our experiences and thoughts from when we are awake. If you spend some significant time searching for a house you are interested to buy, there is a good chance that your dream would also consist of a house. Contrastingly, some hold the belief that dreams are a hint to the future or past life. For some, dreams are inspirations for their new projects. This is most commonly known as Dream Art, where creative work inspired by a dream is the memorable song by The Beatles, Let it be. Paul McCartney, the writer of this song, gave the credit to a dream in which his mother, who had passed away about 10 years ago, comforted him with hope in a stressful time of his life. Similarly, many religions tell stories from when God appeared in people’s dreams and influenced their future actions and decisions. Looking at such examples, it is hard to discard the theory of how dreams can guide our future decisions and work. It is impossible to deduce one answer from such different theories to understand the content of our dreams. But one thing is for sure- they don’t just occur meaninglessly.

108 | Embrace

Like every other thing in life, there must be a secret meaning and purpose behind our dreams. Interpreting the dreams to find this meaning is something that intrigues us all. Commonly, people dream of being chased or falling from a height. Could this mean that they are being given an opportunity to visualise possible survival solutions in extreme circumstances? Or perhaps you have some unconscious fears you’re your past experience or current circumstances in life. Dream interpreters believe that every such symbol in a dream hold a meaning. Similary, the colours you frequently see in your dreams also symbolise a meaning or a possibility. Many researchers in the 19th Century believed that dreams are mostly black and white. Some studies suggest that this is because of the wide exposure to greyscale media experience during that time. People who grew up during the rise of coloured media witnessed coloured dreams. Other studies indicate that the amount of colour you see in your dreams depends on your level of creativity.

Before we get into the meaning that different colours symbolise in a dream, remember that these meanings may vary person to person and situation to situation, as every brain functions differently.

Embrace | 109

Blue The colour blue signifies tranquillity, calmness, a peaceful attitude towards life. It may also stand for your trustful nature and loyalty towards people in your life. Seeing blue colour in your dream may also mean that you are clear and open in your style of communication and towards the general matters of life. General blue things you may witness in your dreams can be sky, or a sea. Seeing the sky indicates peace and clarity. If you dream of flying in a clear blue sky, it can symbolise your inner desire to break free from the obligations of life and gain more independence. If you are observing a sea in your dream, it may mean that you are in a state of calm or desire more stability in your waking life. However, a turbulent sea may be a sign of chaotic current events in your waking life over which you have little control. It could mean that you desire for calm in this chaos.

Red Red is the colour of passion, a strong desire for something. A darker shade of red could signify agony or fear or negative thoughts. Dreaming of objects that are darker red in colour, like blood, could be a sign of fear from something in your waking life, as mostly people fear the sight of blood. On the other hand, if you dreamed of bright red objects, like red roses, you are in for a romantic treat. A bright red may be a sign of intimacy, romance, and passion in love.

Black Black, the darkest of all is a tricky colour to observe in your dream. On one hand, it could mean that you are feeling hopeless or suffering from grief or guilt in your waking life. On the other hand, it could also mean that you are just hoping for some stillness in life, because you are confused of where your life is headed. Seeing absolute darkness or a dark night may be an indication of your loneliness or lack of excitement in waking life. If in the dream, you are lost in a dark night, it may be a reflection of your current situation in your waking life. This could mean that you are struggling to find a meaning of current events in your waking life. Dreaming of darker settings or events could simply be a result of binging on dark or negative content. However, if you frequently have severe nightmares, it is recommended that you consult with a doctor.

110 | Embrace

White Generally, white is a symbol of purity, clarity, and positivity. Seeing white objects or places in your dreams could be an indication of new beginnings or new opportunities in your waking life. Seeing pure white clouds could point towards possible good news in your waking life, or gaining consciousness of your inner self.

Brown Brown is the colour of practicality. For some, it may mean that they are looking for basic comforts of life like food, sleep, shelter, sex, etc. Brown can also be a reflection of your domestic life.

Violet The colour of power and spirituality, Violet indicates your responsibility and discipline in life. Some believe that seeing violet or purple shades in your dream is prophetic and could depict your future events in waking life. Some spiritual teachers also believe that violet dreams could be a sign of your spiritual calling, meaning that your soul desires to be one with your body.

Pink Pink is the colour of love, joy, kindness, and empathy. It means that you are at peace in your waking life. If you see a pink dream, it could mean that you are missing or thinking about a maternal figure in your life.

Orange The colour orange means ambition, energy, and enthusiasm. It also denotes your ability to socialise. Seeing this colour in your dream shows your dedication in your career.

Yellow Yellow generally signifies intellect and brightness in life. It can also be a symbol of innocence or harmony. Overall, a yellow shade in your dream is a positive sign. If you see a sunrise in your dream, it points towards new beginnings. A bright yellow sun is a reflection of your desire to learn new things in life and welcome positive energies to guide you further.

Green The colour of growth and prosperity, Green stands for freshness, balance, and the need to be recognised in your career. Seeing green objects like a tree symbolises your desire to grow. It also shows your confidence in your inner-strength.

Interpreting dreams does not solely depend on the colours you see. It can also be altered by the objects and events that you witness in your dreams. Again, the meaning of things you see in your dreams may vary from person to person. However, observing your dreams is a good practice of knowing yourself in and out. Remember to give your body a relaxing sleep to see positive and sweet dreams.

If you see a beautiful orange sunset in your dream, it is a good sign for your waking life. It means that the tough times in your life are coming to an end. It may also signify that you are about to reap the benefits of a project for which you have worked really hard.

Embrace | 111

Knitting: Relax and Focus Joyclyn O’Neill

emember that scene at the Weasley’s in ‘Happy Potter and the Chamber of Secrets’ where the needles magically and busily create knitted samples. We may not be able to wave a wand to magically work our knitting needles, but why would we. The charm of knitting is the spell it casts on you, as you surrender yourself into the pattern and count, and lose the sense of time and of your surrounds.

Knitting is a creative, tactile and versatile experience that commences with the decision of what to create, moves through the pattern selection or development, colour selection, to the final completed article and finishes with a sense of achievement and price. It allows you to create from the perhaps less challenging scarf through to the public displays of yarn bombing and sculptural installations. If you live alone, you may benefit from joining a knitting group to help hone your skills and for the fun of social connectivity.

Here are seven benefits of taking up knitting. Creative pursuit Whether it’s a scarf, a rug, a dress or a full 3D installation, you will feel the joy and pride of having created and completed something, by yourself with your own hands. Knitting allows you to make something tangible and express your creativity. Optimistic self Knitting with purpose, involves the head, the heart and the hand. It may improve your State of Flow and spontaneity. As you move from novice to creator, your confidence will increase. You may also find your upper limb and finger strength improve as your arms and fingers are constantly yet effortlessly moving. Focus Booster Knitting allows you to escape the worries of daily 112 | Embrace

life and focus on your creation. Whether you are a novice or a master you focus will improve from counting stitches and rows. You will become absorbed in the creative process. Being able to fully focus on something helps the mind relax, and reduces anxiety. Stress Buster Stress can affect both your physical and mental health. The physical process and tactile experience of knitting is rhythmic, repetitive motion that allows you to rely on your muscle memory. As you become fully focused on creating your piece, you may enter the zone and move to a State of Flow, which produces feelings of enjoyment and has a positive effect on happiness. Project Manager Knitting is a project, requiring management of your time, your resources, your costs and your labour. You need to complete the task in your desired time, and often in your spare time. As you fit in those few rows on the morning commute, and later in front of the box each night, you will soon understand how long the project will take. You’ve made multiple decisions along the way, from the pattern, the colours, and the wool. Think of the five W’s you have decided; who you are knitting for, when you will do the knitting, what you are knitting, where you will knit and why you are doing this project. You may find knitting strengthens your mind and slows cognitive decline. Brain Trainer Knitting engages almost the whole brain, stimulating the frontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the occipital lobe, the temporal lobe, and the cerebellum. You will be engaging areas of the brain that stimulate and reward processing, attention and planning, which handle sensory information and spatial navigation, which process visual information, which involves in storing memories and interpreting language and meaning, and which coordinate precision and timing of movement. Social Builder Knitting is no longer the domain expertise of you grandmother or that favourite old aunt. It is now cool to knit. And if you are seeking a new experience, new in town or wanting to extend your social networks then sip and knit sessions may be a another way to meet new people. You will be with a group, where you can develop you skills in a social learning environment.

Embrace | 113

114 | Embrace

Exercise to Reflect Take 5 minutes to think about your soul, identity and purpose. When ready, jot down some points for your personal journey. Are you happy with where you are? We all have the ability to grow. Complete this plan to help you grow your inner self.

What do I want to achieve?

How will I achieve these goals?

When do I want to achieve these goals?

Embrace | 115

Embrace Life Wheel The Emrace Life Wheel encompasses nine aspects of life. To see how complete your life is across each of the nine aspects of the Embrace Life Wheel, the following questions and colour the wheel. If you feel that colouring is not for you, draw a dot or a line at the point you believe corresponds with how complete you feel in that aspect of your life.

nn Co

Boun ce

ec t

Wo rk

re Ca

ec efl

Grow

Learn R

B e lo n

t Sustain

How complete is your Embrace Life Wheel? We have set out five questions for each of the nine aspects. You can do either of the following: Give yourself a yes/no response for each question. For each yes you have given, colour in the corresponding number of lines in that aspect. Give yourself a point for each question. Add the total points and draw a dot in the corresponding aspect indicating how complete you feel in that aspect. The Embrace Life Wheel is a positive tool to help you see where you can improve in each aspect of your life. Even if you scored yourself full and complete, there is always room to grow and improve. 116 | Embrace

Notes

Bounce 1. I exercise for least 30 minutes each day. 2. I follow a well-balanced nutritional diet. 3. I drink alcohol responsibly. 4. I am the right weight for my height. 5. I am generally fit.

Care 1. I am happy with myself and my life. 2. I enjoy and appreciate my life. 3. I express my feelings clearly. 4. I can control my fear, anxiety or anger. 5. I enjoy laughing.

Learn 1. I am learning a new skill. 2. I pursue a mentally stimulating hobby. 3. I read a book regularly. 4. I am committed to life-long learning. 5. I commit time to professional and self-development.

Reflect 1. I regularly take time to reflect or meditate. 2. I have a sense of purpose in my life. 3. I recognise and renounce self-limiting thoughts. 4. I live by my ethical values and moral principles. 5. I listen to and trust my intuition

Sustain 1. I am aware of the recycling bin rules for my local area. 2. I reduce, reuse, and recycle. 3. I have a green space I can visit and feel replenished. 4. I use environmentally safe cleaners and sprays. 5. I take time to educate myself on environmental matters.

Embrace | 117

Belong 1. I spend time developing my creative ability. 2. I have a hobby that allows me to be creative. 3. I regularly visit art galleries, museums or cultural venues. 4. I like learning about different cultures. 5. I am part of a community that shares creative ideas.

Grow 1. I have a good savings plan in place. 2. I repay my debts when or before they are due. 3. I have a diversified investment strategy in place. 4. I have a savings goal for my retirement. 5. I regularly donate to charity.

Work 1. I have a satisfying career or business. 2. I have a career plan or business goal. 3. I manage a good work/life balance. 4. I respect my colleagues and peers. 5. I know when to take a break and do so.

Connect 1. I have a great group of close friends. 2. I make time to meet or call friends and family. 3. I readily make new friends and acquaintances 4. I know when I need my space and alone time. 5. I can set my boundaries and respect the boundaries of others.

118 | Embrace

About 10Ellen 10 Ellen Media is a privately owned, vibrant multi-media company that includes a portfolio of print and digital content. Based in Ipswich, Queensland, 10 Ellen Media reaches to national and international readers of all life stages. Our work reflects our values of living in total harmony with ourselves and those around us while indulging in pleasures every now and then. We inspire our readers to seize the little moments of joy while working, cooking, traveling, creating, and just being. Our creative teams collaborate with the readers and industry professionals to share their stories, creations, and beautiful ways of living and learning. The readers enjoy access to our work in their preferred channel that include print and digital articles, podcasts, social media groups, and video content. We welcome the experiences of our readers to create a community of like-minded people who share common interests and goals. Our portfolio includes print and digital content inspired by the simple pleasures of life, wellbeing, travel, food, creativity, and communitybuilding.

Our Portfolio

Embrace | 119

120 | Embrace

Embrace 2021 Issue 2

Articles inside

Life Insurance and Personal Financial Risk

Interior Design with Irina

Conversations with Andrew Johnson

Food for Thought