Fall 2023

CURATED CONTENT FOR SELF-HEALERS

12 THINGS CONFIDENT PEOPLE DO MINDFUL EATING TIPS

7 TIPS FOR HEALING WITH SOUND

SHINING LIGHT ON THE DAIRY INDUSTRY THE TEST

WORK/LIFE BALANCE CHECKLIST

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FALL 2023

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PRACTICAL MAGIC TEA

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Peanut Butter Cups

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Healing with Herbs

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Self Care with Essential Oil

8-9

Healthy Dog Treats

10-11

Mindful Eating

12-13

KEARA KISSES

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Healing Breath

14-15

Healing Sound

16-19

Collective 3 Card Read

22-23

Animal Magic

24-25

Horse Magic

26-29

Animal Talk

30-33

Shining Light on Dairy

34-37

Industry "The Test"

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12 Things Confident People Do

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Work/Life Balance

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Parenting

46-47

Inspirational Leaders

48-49

Leaders Lead

50-51

RESOURCES

52-63

Contributors

53-59

Self Healing Directory

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Upcoming Events

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Hi! Fall is my favorite time of the year. Between the colors and the smells, I can't get enough of it. This summer has been so hot, I have to admit I have stayed inside a little more than I needed to. I'm looking forward to the cooler weather!

I now have space in a historic building in Downtown Wilmington. It is very exciting and feels a little like practical magic...

What magic are you creating in your life? I am in the midst of listing some online programs on my site.

Hilary and I hosted our first circle and it was very successful! We look forward to offering retreats and other programs together.

Some of you reached out after receiving Summer 2023. I am grateful for your kind words, thank you.

If you have questions, comments or if you would like to share something about your journey to inspire others, reach out.

Sending everyone lots of love, Lori PS. The cover is a picture I took of Greenfield Lake in Wilmington on an early morning walk.

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PEANUT BUTTER CUPS makes 6

3 tablespoons powdered sugar, sifted ½ cup creamy peanut butter 1 cup chocolate, melted 1 teaspoon vanilla extract*

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Prepare a cupcake tin with 6 liners.

Stir peanut butter, powdered sugar and vanilla together until smooth.

Spread 1 to 2 tablespoons of chocolate in the bottom of each cupcake liner. I use a cookie scoop.

Scoop 1 to 2 teaspoons of the peanut butter mixture on top of the chocolate.

Fill to top with more melted chocolate.

Tap sides of pan to settle chocolate.

Refrigerate for 1 hour or until chocolate has hardened. *Vanilla is added because vanilla makes everything better. I make vanilla extract with Madagascar vanilla beans/pods and vodka.

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Healing with herbs

SORE THROAT RELIEF TEA Herbs ashwagandha root echinachea elderberries golden rod peppermint

Cups .5 1.5 .5 1.5 6.0

Steep 1 teaspoon in 8 ounces of water 4 to 8 minutes. ashwagandha: echinacea: elderberries: goldenrod: peppermint:

calming boost immunity vitamin c break up mucus and soothe throat reduce inflammation

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Self Healing with Essential Oil Did you know that humans have the same chemistry as essential oils? Oils can harmonize our energy. The molecular size of essential oils facilitates their easy and fast absorption into our blood stream. And, essential oils have a high vibration as a result of their electromagnetic frequency.

Essential oils have many healing properties including: Analgesic Anti-depressive Decongestant Digestive Expectorant Sedative

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Essential Oils May Ease: Stress or anxiety Depression Digestive discomforts Fatigue Insomnia/sleep problems Joint pain Muscle pain PMS or menopausal symptoms Respiratory infections Skin problems including rash, acne, bites, rashes, bruises, cellulite Essential Oils, offered to us through nature, are a tool on our journey of self healing.

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I started making dog biscuits for Kato our Keeshond a year or so ago. Jacob and I thought about opening a dog bakery called Wilmington Bone Bakers...We didn't end up doing it, but Kato sure did love the samples!

I began with a recipe like the one on the next page. I wanted it to be animal friendly, healthy and tasty! Over time I began to experiment more. I used various flours, ground the oatmeal and used it as flour, used vegetable broth and changed around the fruits and vegetables.

Kato has never complained, not even once. He will no longer accept treats that are not made by me. It's a lot of pressure to keep up with his good behavior with these treats, but it feels good knowing what he is eating. The oatmeal makes his coat shiny!

With a little effort and some simple ingredients, you can make fresh, healthy and tasty dog treats for your dog too!

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dog biscuits 1 ½ whole wheat flour 1 c rolled oats ¾ unsweetened coconut 2 apples blended with water - 1 was granny smith Cinnamon 1 t vanilla Mis all ingredients together. Roll out and use a cookie cutter to cut shapes. Place on baking sheet at 345 for 18 minutes. Flipping them halfway helps them to brown no both sides.

REFRIGERATE OR FREEZE NO PRESERVATIVES

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Mindful eating TIPS Appreciate the value of your food Chew slowly Eat when you begin to feel hungry Eat with all of your senses Manage your portions, start small Take small bites

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DE-STRESS WITH BREATHWORK with Rosanna New Beginnings with Rosanna Now more than ever, we are carrying so much stress in our daily lives.

We are constantly bombarded with information, technology, crisis, fear, world events...

So, how can we manage all of these stressors so we can feel calm, light, happy and peaceful in our day to day lives?

It’s easy...

Your magical holy BREATH!!!

It’s always with you and it’s free!

Now let’s add color for some fun and flare.

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11 Steps to Unblock, Balance and Realign your Chakras 1. Find a quiet and uninterrupted space.

2. Light a candle or burn your favorite incense.

3. Sit comfortably with your back supported against a chair or couch.

4. Ground your feet into Mother Earth by planting them firmly on the ground.

5. Breathe in the color RED up the bottoms of your feet into your Root, at the base of your spine. Spin the color in a clockwise direction and see the red color getting brighter.

6. Breathe in ORANGE up and into the Sacral, 3 inches below your navel and spin it.

7. Breathe in YELLOW up and into the Solar Plexus and spin it.

8. Breathe in GREEN into your Heart, middle of your chest, see it getting bigger and brighter.

9. Breathe in the color BLUE up and into your Throat and spin it brighter.

10. Breathe in the color INDIGO up and into your 3rd Eye, center of your eyebrows and spin the color in a clockwise direction.

11. Breathe in VIOLET up and into your Crown, above your head.

Now visualize all the colors merging together, coming from the earth all the way up your spine and out the top of your head like a fountain.

Allow and feel the dancing energies flowing through you Clearing and Energizing each chakra.

When you feel ready, open your eyes and enjoy your relaxed state.

Doing this as part of your daily practice will assist you to be Stressless!

For more information on Breathwork Sessions, Leaning Breathwork or attend my Upcoming Breathwork Retreat, where we will be doing lots of healing work, please email me at: Rosanna@NewBeginningsWithRosanna.com.

Namaste, Rosanna

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Resonance and Self-Created Sounds: Healing, Attunement, and Alignment with Our Authentic Selves with Hilary, Holistic Harmonics In the realm of Sound Healing, resonance and selfcreated sounds hold tremendous power and potential for healing, attunement, and alignment with our authentic selves. The concept of resonance, in particular, suggests that certain sounds or vibrations can harmonize with our bodies, minds, and spirits, allowing for deep transformation and self-discovery.

Resonance Resonance is the phenomenon that occurs when an object vibrates at its natural frequency in response to the vibrations of another object. In the context of Sound Healing, this principle suggests that certain tones and frequencies have the ability to resonate with specific aspects of our being, at energetic and cellular levels.

Self-Creating Resonance One way to tap into the power of resonance is through self-created sounds. Our voices are powerful instruments, each a unique vibrational “fingerprint”.

When we consciously and intentionally create sounds, such as through chanting, toning, or humming, we can initiate a profound connection with ourselves and the world around us.

Ancient Practice in Modern Day Life Chanting, for example, has been practiced for centuries in various spiritual traditions as a means of attuning to higher states of consciousness. By repeating specific mantras or sacred phrases, we create a resonance within ourselves that aligns us with the intentions and vibrations associated with those sounds. This practice can bring about a sense of inner calm, clarity, and connection.

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Sound that Releases Stuck Energy Toning is another powerful technique, involving sustained vocal sounds on a single vowel or a combination of vowels. Toning allows us to explore the full range of our vocal expression and can help release blocked energy, restore balance, and promote healing.

Align with Your Authentic Self Through toning, we can tap into our own unique frequencies and vibrations, creating a resonance that releases stuck energies and that which is not of us, rejuvenating our bodies, minds, and spirits and bringing us back into alignment with our authentic selves.

Humming is Grounding Humming is yet another accessible and effective selfcreated sound that can facilitate healing and attunement. When we hum, we engage the vibrations of our vocal cords and nasal cavities, generating a soothing resonance throughout our bodies.

Regulate Your Autonomic Nervous System Humming not only helps to relax and ground us but also stimulates the vagus nerve, which is responsible for regulating our autonomic nervous system, promoting a state of calm and balance - rest and digest.

Using Instruments to Heal In addition to these self-created sounds, we can also explore the use of instruments such as drums, rattles, or even our own clapping hands. These percussive sounds have the ability to create rhythmic vibrations that can align our energy and bring about a sense of unity and coherence.

Self-Created Sounds Heal When we explore self-created sounds for healing, attunement, and alignment, we embark on a journey of self-discovery and self-empowerment.

Heal Yourself These practices invite us to learn about and embrace our authentic selves, tapping into our inner wisdom and unlocking our innate healing abilities.

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Self-Created Sounds as a Practice To incorporate resonance and self-created sounds into your daily life, consider setting aside dedicated time for sound meditation or incorporating sound healing practices into your existing mindfulness or self-care routines. Experiment with different techniques, explore various tones and frequencies, and pay attention to the sensations and shifts that occur within you.

Self-Healing is a Journey

Remember, sound is a powerful tool that can open doors to profound healing, transformation, and alignment. Embrace the innate wisdom of your voice, the resonance of self-created sounds, and embark on a journey of self-healing and growth through the transformative power of sound!

“Now when man expresses himself in speech or in song, he is really manifesting his whole nature — body, soul and spirit — not only outwardly but inwardly. In all that he brings forth by way of sound — whether the articulate sounds of speech or the musical notes of song — the full human being is in fact contained. How deeply and fully he is contained, we only begin to see when we understand more in detail what the human being is in that he speaks or sings.”

- Rudolf Steiner 1922

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7 Tips for Healing with Sound 1. Practice, not for perfection but for ease.

2. Set your intention(s).

3. Be comfortable.

4. Concentrate on the sounds.

5. Hum or sing along.

6. Know that you cannot fail.

7. Allow healing to occur.

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"The trees are about to show us how beautiful it is to let go."

-Unknown

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collective 3 card read Another powerful reading!

The Hanged Man is about seeing things from a different perspective. It may be time to see things from a point of view that serves. If you have been feeling stuck, this card is for you.

The Hanged Man represents time being suspended.

While suspended, you are being invited to surrender.

Since this is a major arcana card, you may be overcoming the need to control outcomes in your life.

Next to The Hanged Man is The High Priestess. The key to your movement is in following your intuition.

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The answers you seek are within you. To become unstuck or to gain clarity in your situation, allow your intuition to guide you.

To use your intuition to become unstuck or to gain clarity, first manage your thoughts. Your thoughts are the resistance. Set the intention to see what you need to see, hear what you need to hear and know what you need to know.

Once you set the intention, release it and allow the information to flow without resistance from your thoughts. Evaluate information based on how it feels.

Follow guidance that feels good.

When you choose to see things from a new perspective, such as allowing instead of resisting, the six of wands lets you know that you will have success become unstuck and/or gain clarity.

Tarot is a great way to gain insights into our lives. If the messages resonate with you, embody the energy and allow the magic to flow through and to you.

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GREAT BLUE HERON Imagine my delight when I rounded the corner and saw a Great Blue Heron perched on the railing of the bridge.

This massive bird blended into the background with such ease and grace that I thought I was imagining seeing anything at all.

But, it was every bit real. Patiently waiting for the best time to fly away. This massive bird reminds me to act with courage and an adventurous spirit.

Blue Heron reminds me to be myself and embrace my uniqueness while aligning with self determination and reliance.

Blue Herons are known for poking around in the mud. I'd be lying if I didn't say I have definitely been poking around in a lot of mud. Seeing Great Blue Heron reminded me that I'm going to get a little muddy poking around in muddy waters, but I'll be alright.

I can embrace the spirit of Heron, remaining discerning in who I spend time with, loyal to my authentic self and inspired to follow my own unique path.

Is there an animal you are particularly drawn to? Do you need some of their "magic?"

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Passion and Ancient Spirit Guides

By Jen Rivera, ABCHorseplay LLC©

Have you ever had a passion that just couldn’t be squashed by life?

No matter the twists and turns, my calling always pushed me past all odds and hardships to fulfill a dream that surprised me in its scope! My passion for horses was never in question but the path to realizing it was hard. I did not grow up in a horse family. My connections were one family that took me under their wings and started my endurance riding adventure. No skills except books and a fire that wouldn’t quit, couldn’t quit no matter the fear or discomfort. I didn’t have the right clothes to not get saddle sores and my boots were too big. I loved every minute of it.

Ever felt unsupported?

When I told my parents I was going to Equine College somewhere, anywhere I was told I would have to figure out how to pay for it on my own. I did. It was like being thrown to the wolves or out of an airplane without a parachute but I did it, quaking in my boots the entire time. Discomfort was always my closest friend.

Undeniable Passion This was judged quite harshly by teachers, peers and family. I did it anyway. That is what passion does. You are born with it and it cannot be denied.

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The Greatness within You! Your life path is meant to be extraordinary and you do have a passion. Maybe it was squelched or fear got in the way and that is where I come in. I now own my own horse business and it has expanded into the metaphysical healing as well. I taught therapeutic riding for years and that taught me so much. Now I teach riding lessons and Healing with Horses energetic healing sessions. The evolution of this journey was beyond my scope of imagination at the time but now I can see only expansion. The dream is a guidepost but the magnitude of our true calling keeps growing as we say “yes” to our passions. You cannot imagine the greatness sitting inside you waiting for you to say YES. Meeting My Ancient Spirit Guide My black gelding, Buddy, came to me as a lesson horse at the age of 23. He retired from lessons at 24, but communicated to me through

a friend that he is an Ancient Guide here to help me heal my land and remember my calling as a Healer. Wow! Ok! More Passion Ignites So I learned how to read and heal human caused trauma in the land. I learned that horses help heal land trauma but human caused trauma gets stuck in their bodies. It takes a human to clear human induced trauma. So I worked intuitively to help clear the energies from Buddy's body and I also tuned into the needs of other horses

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Buddy Facilitates Healing for Humans This has developed into offering healing to people. Empathic by nature, horses have a huge electro-magnetic heart field. Have you ever been sad and a horse comes up and wraps their head around you? I have experienced this wonderful energy.

Destiny Revealed And so we are at the Healing with Horses part of my business now.

It works remote or in person, as energy has no limitations. Buddy is our main guide and we set up a safe space for going into our own heart space and allow our guides to speak with us. It is pure magic.

The horse is a powerful energetic force field of love and acceptance.

Horse Medicine

Horse energy speeds up and magnifies our healing. We can work together with horses to recognize and release stuck energies so that we are free to live our authentic life, filled with passion.

Ask to Receive Healing with Horse energy is for everyone. “Ask and you shall receive.”

Set the Intention to Heal As you intend to heal and work with horse energy you will transform your energy. You will feel lighter as if weights have been lifted from your shoulders.

Expansion Solutions will flow more freely as your life begins to expand in ways that will surprise you.

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A Girl and Her Horses So, here I am aligning with best version as myself. I stand in my authenticity as an Energetic Healer working alongside my Ancient Spirit Guide, Buddy. We are at your service. Would you like to discover who your Spirit Guides are? How to heal from grief? Find your Path?

In Love and Light, Jen Rivera and Buddy

Begin the conversation here: abchorseplay@gmail.com services offered: *Green Empress© Moon Sessions offered every New and Full Moon *HealingwithHorses© remote session by appointment *HealingwithHorses© on site sessions , Stevensville MT *Riding Lessons Western and English *Centaurship Academy© certification education program

2023©ABCHorseplayLLC Reserved

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L A M I AN

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TALK with Kate Facing the Inevitable When we decide to get a pet, particularly a dog or cat, we know there are a lot of decisions we are going to have to make for them.

These decisions include a name, what kind of food they will eat, where they will sleep, what toys they will have, what activities you will do with them, etc. But one decision we never really think about upfront is “when is it time to let them go”.

Hardest Decision We don’t like to think about the end or the suffering our furry loved one may be going through once they get old. But sadly, the end is inevitable and at some point, we are going to have to add that on to the list of the decisions we must make on behalf of our pets. It's better to make it before our pets age.

Is there a right time?

We often will have to ask ourselves “when is the right time”, the answer to that is there is never a “right” time, yet it still is a decision that must be made.

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An Unforgettable Addition to Our Family Gracie was a Yellow Labrador, she was full of life and probably the most loving dog we had ever owned. My family and I used to joke that she was exactly like the dog from Marley and Me. Stereotypical Lab A wild maniac most of her life, she ran around the house, jumping on furniture, greeting everyone by nearly knocking them over and then licking them all over, she never missed no opportunity to escape out the door, only coming in after the promise of pepperoni or a ride in the car. She even chewed through the drywall on an occasion or two...

Unconditional Love She was the happiest and most fun-loving dog we could have asked for and her love for us was endless. She lived a great life for 14 years, but sadly day to day activities became harder and harder for her as she got older.

The Inevitable Two weeks ago, my family made one of the hardest decisions. My mom called the vet and requested that she be euthanized. It was a tough decision as she was a huge part of mine and my sister’s lives growing up, and then when we all left the house, she became the only “kid” left for my parents to care for.

Dog Years are Real We knew the time was coming, she was riddled with cancer and lumps, her arthritis had gotten so bad she struggled to get up and to lay back down. She was deaf and nearly blind, but despite all her aliments she still seemed so happy, which made the decision that much harder.

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Facing Reality No one wanted to “decide” when the time was but ultimately it fell on my mom. My dad kept putting it off, suggesting that since Gracie was still so happy, we should wait. But the truth was despite how happy she was and how much we loved her and didn’t want to let her go, she was in pain and a lot of it. You could tell by her movements or lack there of, she was in a constant state of discomfort, and no one wants that.

Saying Goodbye On Monday July 31st, with all of us by her side, Gracie crossed the rainbow bridge. As hard as it was, it was also comforting and peaceful knowing her suffering was over. She died with her favorite people surrounding her, with her favorite toy and blanket, just after she finished her favorite meal.

Ending Suffering It is never an easy decision. There is never going to be the “right” time, but the time will come, and you will know in your heart that you must make that dreaded decision. When you do make the decision to end your pets suffering, remind yourself you are giving your furry loved one the ability to die with dignity, surrounded by their favorite things, putting an end to their pain.

Communicating With Our Pets As hard as it is, it is the last decision you will make for them, and it is just a reminder of the bond and love we share with our pets.

Our pets are constantly communicating to us about their needs. It is our responsibility to focus on the message and interpret it in a way that honors our pets.

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Shining Light on the Dairy Industry with Brandi

The dairy industry, once perceived as a benign source of sustenance, in reality, is far more malignant than we have been led to believe.

Facing Reality The dairy industry illuminates both the suffering of mother, along with t their babies, as well as our individual and collective moral principles.

Delving into these distressing realities exposes the injustices and underscores the urgent need to bring our awareness to the moral principles of the dairy industry.

Separating Mother and Babies At the heart of the matter is the separation of mother cows from their newborn calves, a practice deeply ingrained in dairy production. This heart-wrenching separation is a source of immense emotional pain for both mother and calf, whose natural bonds are shattered for the sake of profit and greed.

Ethical Considerations The anguish experienced by mother cows, who mourn the loss of their young, is a poignant reminder of the profound emotional lives animals possess. From an ethical standpoint, subjecting animals to such distress can be seen as a breach of their inherent right to live free from unnecessary suffering.

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A More Compassionate Approach to Food Production is Needed The plight of male calves further highlights the industry's disregard for animal welfare. Often considered byproducts, these calves face a bleak fate as they are removed from their mothers and confined in cramped conditions before being sold for veal or low-grade meat.

What About Their Rights?

This practice highlights the need for a re-evaluation of our treatment of animals, recognizing their right to live a life free from suffering, exploitation and cruelty.

Ecological Footprint That Can't Be Ignored From an environmental perspective, the. diary industry's ecological footprint is cause for concern. The resources required to raise dairy cattle, including vast amounts of water, land and feed, contribute to deforestation, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. The dairy industry places additional strain on already strained ecosystems, exacerbating global environmental issues.

Alternative Advocating for animal rights and embracing plant-based alternatives can help alleviate the strain on our plant's resources while respecting the rights of sentient beings. Small steps like eating, purchasing and wasting less dairy and meat products helps. We make a difference when we each take inspired actions steps towards the treatment of all living things.

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What Will You Do? When embracing a eompassionate approach, it is essential to acknowledge that animals deserve rights and should not be treated as mere commodities.

The shift toward plant-based diets and cruelty-free alternatives is a step in the right direction, offering a way to satisfy nutritional needs without inflicting harm upon innocent creatures.

Principles By advocating for animal rights, we align with principles of empathy, compassions and justice, recognizing that all beings, regardless of species, deserve to live a life free from suffering.

Wake Up Call to End All Suffering The dairy industry's treatment of mother and baby animals is a stark reminder of the ethical imperative to grant animals the rights they deserve. By addressing the abuses endured by these sentient beings, we can collectively work toward a more compassionate and just food system that respects the inherent worth of all living creatures.

Collaborate We are so much more when we work together. If each one of us practiced a little more awareness of the reality of the dairy industry, we could solve this problem together.

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“The greater the obstacle, the more glory in overcoming it.”

– Molière

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"The Test" By James S. Krieger I’d been in fire departments since I was sixteen. Now in my twenties, I sought a position on the FDNY. My parents were children of the depression. My father flunked out of college, joined the Army and was a decorated WWII veteran who struggled to provide for his family. The plan for my brother and I was that we would get college degrees and white-collar jobs.

My brother followed the path, became a lawyer.

I was the rebel. An unmotivated student, a poor performer. I joined a volunteer fire department at the age of sixteen and found my calling. My calling was not well received. I ended up with a college degree and doing fire insurance inspections. Then I saw the notice for the civil service test for New York City firemen. My father had passed by then, so my path was clear.

Looking back, I realize how lucky I was.

I had no idea the scale of what I sought. I thought, you take a test, get a job, right?

I knew nothing. I grew up in the small city of Poughkeepsie. I’d visited NYC, that’s it. The test for firefighter, two parts, written and physical, is offered every four years. There are over twentythousand applicants for approximately two-thousand-five-hundred positions.

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The written test took place in schools all over NYC on a Saturday. So many guys.

If you received lower than a 95 on this test, you should be checked for a lobotomy, it was that simple. The physical test is where the sorting took place.

The paperwork included a description of the parts of the test. I read them and was not filled with joy. The test I looked up was old and was strength based. This one was agility based. An obstacle course, a ledge balance, a flexed arm hang and a mile run. This test was designed for volleyball players and track stars. I was built like a football lineman.

This was my first dash of cold reality.

You could try out the course. The test course was in an old Armory in the Bedford Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn.

I took the Subway from Grand Central Station. I knew nothing about NYC neighborhoods and the fire and crime epidemic that gripped that city in the early 1970’s. All In knew was that as the train traveled and stopped, I became more of a minority, a white kid in his sweatpants and sneakers.

I walked through a devastated neighborhood towards the armory.

There were other white kids, doing the same. This lily-white suburban kid was scared. All these black people. I’d heard so much. I feared I’d never even get to the armory. I wasn’t shot or beaten.

They waved. “Good luck, fireman.”

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Some of them said. How did they know?

I had so much to learn, neighborhoods knew, they always knew.

right, my hands went out. I knew they’d easily catch the back side of the top of that wall.

The first part of the test required me to scale an eight-foot wall. I failed. I failed almost all of the tests. I went home stunned. Just take the test, get on the job. Not for this boy. I wasn’t built right.

I missed. I didn’t understand. I’d done this a hundred times perfectly. Then it occurred to me. My mother’s driveway angled downhill, an edge I did not have here.

I had never cared much about anything, school, work, I was unmotivated. My failure put me at a personal crossroads.

I could be like my father and just get by or.

Hundreds of young men around me. All of us cheering on the others. My future slipping from my grasp. I’d lost.

I chose or. I was going to do whatever it took to pass this test and get on the New York City Fire Department.

It was at this point my ambivalent life changed. Yes, I’d worked hard to get here. But for nothing. The old me would have shrugged, oh well. Now I had less than a minute to decide.

I joined a gym. I ate better, I ran, ran a lot. But that eight-foot-wall stood as a barrier to my future. I’d watched the other candidates get over it, I knew how to do it, but I had to practice and I lived in the suburbs, no alley walls here.

I had never wanted anything in my life more than this. I was damned if I was going to give up. I got back into position, when the man said ‘go’ I dug in harder than I ever had and ran at that wall like if I didn’t go over it, I’d go through it.

I built one. Two-by-fours and plywood, in my mother’s driveway. Then I built a mockup of the ledge balance. For almost a year, running on the track, running at that wall. Balancing on that ledge. I got better, I got over the wall, I got good at it. I had the timing just right. I was ready.

I hit it hard with my foot and my fingers just caught the back edge of the top.

Everything I had went into pulling myself over. I dropped to the other side.

I had many more obstacles to go, but I’d beaten my mortal foe. I’d learned. If you want something, it’s going to a lot more work than you think to get there.

That same armory, but this time it was for real. The man said ‘go’ and I ran for that wall, confident. My foot hit just

I passed that test, barely. I was number 4998 on the list. I didn’t find out the history of the list and how few they

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hired until many years later.

This is where luck came into play. My list was being used. I was on my way, I just had to wait. Women had taken the test, a first. They all failed. They sued. It took years.

As the case progressed, nobody was hired. Now I knew if I didn’t get on from this list, I would be too old to take the next test.

Overtime in the fire department skyrocketed. Members were retiring at full pay. When settlement was reached, the city decided to use the existing list.

They had to hire to reduce the overtime, and hire they did, with both hands. In 1983 they finally called number 4998. I raised my hand and fulfilled my dream.

In proby school, the instructors berated us. Told us the only reason we were here was because of the women getting a judge to bypass the merit system.

I stood in formation and smiled. I don’t care. I’m here.

Luck helped. But luck would not have mattered if I didn’t fight for something just out of my grasp.

"Courage is resistance to fear, the mastery of fear - not the absence of fear."

-Mark Twain

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"If my mind can conceive it, My heart can believe it, I know I can achieve it!” ―Jesse Jackson

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12 Things Confident People Do: Account for their actions.

Align with their authentic self.

Believe in themselves.

Consciously manage their energy Know what others think of them is none of their business.

Know themselves, their limits, passions, strengths and triggers.

Practice self awareness.

Perceive failures as opportunities.

Seek answers from inside of themselves.

Take calculated risks.

Transform self doubt into trust.

Validate their own feelings.

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44 | fall 2023

WORK/LIFE BALANCE We all have free will. We each choose how many hours is enough. We each choose when we are in balance based on our predominant emotions in any given moment.

Moderation is relevant. And when you are a conscious leader in your own life, you choose what that means to you.

When you are showing up on a regular basis as the best version of yourself, you will know that you are in balance.

We all have days where we feel out of balance. That is ok.

There are going to be days when we are too much into work, not enough into work and just plain indifferent.

Notice these times and release them. Each day we get to begin anew. Intend to align with balance each day.

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work/life balance Checklist I am able to get through each day without caffeine or sugar I can easily take time off when I need to I don’t think about work once I leave my workplace I enjoy at least one interest in addition to my work I exercise at least 3 x’s each week I have control in how I accomplish my work assignments I have control over my work assignments I have control over my work hours/schedule I have more than enough energy I often respond to personal texts or emails while at work I sleep 7-8 hours every night I work 40 hours or less each week 3 checks = unbalanced 6 checks = need more balance 9 checks = closer to balanced 12 checks = BALANCED

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46 | fall 2023

21ST CENTURY PARENTING Culture has changed drastically since I was a child, and even since I was raising children.

In an attempt to make up for the perceived mistakes of our parents, many of us overcompensated when we became parents.

This intentional overcompensation was in many ways, more detrimental than our parents unconscious mistakes.

We bribed, cajoled, distracted and negotiated with our children.

In an attempt to resolve the overreacting, under reacting, denial, choices and excuses made by our parents, we unwittingly disempowered our children in ways our parents couldn’t have imagined.

I was the Director of a Youth Department for 12 years and finally stepped down because the parents took all the joy out of the job.

Instead of creating dependent, self-reliant children with healthy coping skills, parents created children with a false sense of security, minimal coping skills and self indulgent attitudes.

Personally, I can see where I offered my children too many choices, likely overwhelming them.

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So how can we as well-intentioned parents create the optimal environment for our child’s development in modern day life?

One of the first responsibilities we have as a parent is to heal and release any pain, suffering or trauma from our own childhood. I have noticed that we tend to become stuck with our parenting at the same age where our parents maybe weren’t there for us in a way that we perceived that they should have been.

Examine the patterns that have been showing up for you since childhood. Don’t get caught in the game of blaming your parents.

This keeps you stuck, repeating similar patterns of your parents.

Take the time to unlearn the unhealthy behaviors your parents taught you, and replace them with behaviors that serve you. Stop using the excuse that you had a shitty childhood or less than ideal parents. The parents you had were the ideal parents for you.

Intend to see the lesson, transmute the energy and align with the best version of yourself as a parent. Know that if you don’t, no matter your intentions, your children will have their own healing to do when they become adults.

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48 | fall 2023

What makes a leader inspirational?

Creating and holding space where individuals are moved to take inspired action is magical.

It begins with the ability to build rapport with others. Rapport is created when we are present, able to project confidence, conviction and interest.

Leaders do this with body as well as vocal language. They do this with their tone of voice, their gestures and their choice of words.

Acknowledging, inspiring and relating to others in a way that empowers them, leaders create dialog based.

Showing up as their authentic self, they easily embrace empowering standards and core values, are confident, genuine and sincere. Their actions match their words.

Inspiring leaders show up as approachable, open and present minded. The rapport they are able to create is the spark that illuminates the infinite potential in each of us.

What inspiring leaders have shown up in your life?

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Characteristics of inspiring leaders include: accountable authentic calm and centered clear and focused communication confident courage creativity decisive focus driven foresight integrity strategic

We have a lot to learn from leaders who inspire. We can use this knowledge and apply it to our own life. Do we lead an inspiring life? Do we allow ourselves to be inspired? How can we apply these characteristics to our own life?

“As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others.”

– Bill Gates

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50 | fall 2023

Conscious Leadership Conscious Leaders facilitate growth through their own accountability, attitude and awareness.

Conscious Leaders: align with the core values of the organization. balance work and play. consider alternate perspectives. embrace a beginner's mind as a lifelong learner. facilitate open and effective communication. know themselves, as well as their role in the organization. live authentically. take responsibility for creating a life of their dreams. think with an open-mind. understand others and the role they play in the organization.

Our workforce is changing. We are all responsible for the direction of this change. We don't have to be leaders to support our leaders.

Each of us can choose to embrace any of the abovementioned qualities of a conscious leader. Afterall, we are each the leader of our own life. Are you leading your life as a conscious leader?

kearakisses.com

To be a conscious leader in your life: balance work and play. consider alternate perspectives. embrace a beginner's mind as a lifelong learner. facilitate open and effective communication. identify and align with your core values. know yourself and how you show up for yourself live authentically. take responsibility for creating the life of your dreams. think with an open-mind. understand how others fit into your life and you into theirs.

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52 | fall 2023

kate anthony Kate Anthony is a graduate of Albany Law School. She plans to use her education to advocate for the rights of animals, among other things!

In addition to advocating for animals, Kate helped Lori to get 501(c)(3) status for MOM XOX. Together they will be working to bring educational and self development programs to schools, as well as workplaces.

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54 | fall 2023

HILARY BRUMLEY

Hilary Brumley's story is one of triumph over adversity.

After experiencing devastating tragedy and trauma that led to debilitating mental and physical illness, she knew she had to find a way to heal herself.

Through years of research and selfdiscovery, Hilary developed simple yet powerful transformational techniques that allowed her to heal and transform her life.

Now, as an Intuitive Vibrational Channel, Sound Healer, and Holistic Wellness Expert, Hilary is committed to sharing these techniques with others who are on their own healing journeys. She understands the pain and suffering that comes with trauma and illness, and she is passionate about empowering others to heal themselves so they can live pain-free, renewed lives.

With Hilary's guidance, clients can tap into their own innate healing abilities and release emotional and physical blockages that have been holding them back. Through Sound Healing, Vibrational Therapy, and other holistic practices, Hilary helps clients connect with their inner wisdom to find the healing they need to break free of the pain cycle and experience vitality.

Hilary's approach is compassionate, empowering, and effective. She knows that healing is a unique and individual journey, and she is dedicated to supporting others along their own paths. With her expertise, guidance, and support, you can experience the transformative power of self-healing and live your best life!

Hilary has created Holistic Harmonics Integrative Health Hub so she can invite as many people as possible to share the gift of self-healing.

kimberly artbuthnot Kimberly Arbuthnot is a retired registered nurse, a professionally trained cook, a culinary educator, and a life coach trained in the Art of Feminine Presence.

She has created an experiential program to empower women who struggle with emotional, stress, and addictive eating habits.

Through a combination of coaching, support groups, education related to healthy eating, meditation and other transformational practices, Kimberly provides the participants with the tools necessary to release emotional eating habits.

Use of the tools can lead to freedom from the use of food as a coping strategy thereby allowing the women to drop unwanted pounds, feel better in their own skin, and regain health and vitality.

In addition to leading Emotional Eating groups, Kimberly leads groups in The Art of Feminine Presence and teaches Cooking and Eating for Optimal Health.

kearakisses.com

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56 | fall 2023

ROSANNA M. LO MEO Rosanna's intuition has led her down many paths over the years. From Transformational Coach, Breathwork Facilitator, Energy and Sound Healer, Licensed Massage Therapist, Angel Card Reader, Author and Master/Teacher of Integrated Energy Therapy (IET) and Usui Reiki, Rosanna has followed her intuition every step of the way. Even her B.A. in Psychology and Italian was divinely guided.

New Beginnings with Rosanna was created to help divorced women heal their heart and fearlessly move forward to their happily ever after.

As an Atlantean High Priestess, “The Voice” Emissary of the 8th Dimensional planet Laos, Rosanna also teaches about the high vibrational frequencies of the 8th dimension. These loving and healing energies assist humanity to awaken, remember and reconnect with our Galactic family.

kearakisses.com

Jennifer Rivera

Jennifer Rivera has 30 years of horsemanship experience with an Equine Studies Degree.

For eight years as a Certified NARHA Therapeutic Riding Instructor; she provided horse training, volunteer training and Instruction for programs offering services to adults and children with disabilities.

Her teaching philosophy is based on Centered Riding for all abilities to use energy and balance to communicate effectively to the horse.

Jen believes everyone can find the “magic feel” of communicating safely and effectively with our equine companions.

Begin the conversation here: abchorseplay@gmail.com services offered: *Green Empress© Moon Sessions offered every New and Full Moon *HealingwithHorses© remote session by appointment *HealingwithHorses© on site sessions , Stevensville MT *Riding Lessons Western and English *Centaurship Academy© education program

certification

2023©ABCHorseplayLLC Reserved

All

Rights

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58 | fall 2023

JAMES S. Krieger Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, Jim comes from a historic family. His grandfather, Robert L. Smith was one of the last Smith Brothers of cough drop fame.

Educated at Proctor Academy, The New Hampshire Vocational and Technical College, and Pace University Jim chose to pursue a career with the largest fire department in the United States and the second largest in the world. The New York City Fire Department.

Jim served for 25 years and was twice promoted, retiring as a Captain. He worked in every borough of New York City, as he says, ‘meeting people for the first time on the worst day of their life.’ It is the best job in the world.

While on the job Jim and his wife Susan lived in Cornwall, New York where they raised their two children, Jenny and Katie. Jim and Susan now reside in southeastern North Carolina and are frequently found on its numerous beaches. They enjoy traveling and have driven coast-to-coast twice, meeting interesting people and exploring our amazing country. Jim has written four novels, one of which is available on Amazon, with a second due out in July.

The ideas and characters for his stories come from a lifetime of meeting people from every place on the social and economic scale across the U.S. and a dozen foreign countries.

brandi simon Brandi I’m a 40 year old elder millennial.

Like most in my generation and the ones before and after, I was raised being taught that animals were here for us to eat. We ate one or another for most meals.

Even though I knew they were animals. I was conditioned from early on, to dissociate what it truly meant.

While pregnant with my first child, I saw what was probably a 30 second video on Facebook. Instantly and intensely it was as if I was hit with a ton of bricks, pushing me off a 100 story building into the truth.

What have I done? What have I done to them? From that second, not one animal has touched my lips.

By my second pregnancy, I faced the truth about the dairy industry. My love of cheese could rival anyone’s, but I knew what had to be done. How could I as a mother, a breast feeding mother, pay to have another’s baby taken away and killed so I could have the milk meant for them?

No one becomes vegan because we don’t like the taste of things we were raised on.

It happens when we align our actions with our beliefs.

kearakisses.com

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60 | fall 2023

Self-healing directory coaching

INTUITIVE GUIDANCE

New Beginnings with Rosanna Heal your Heart after Divorce, Loss and Trauma.

Heal your body, mind and soul after your whole world has been destroyed.

Emotional healing is essential for a happy life, your rebirth and new beginning. https://www.newbeginningswithrosanna .com/

Keara Kisses Lori Cristine Explore life lessons, obstacles and purpose. Create a plan to close the gap between where you are where you want to be. Learn skills to align with your best self, overcome obstacles and thrive. kearakisses.com

sound healing Joy in Mindful Eating Kimberly Artbuthnot I meet you where you are and invite you to work in the format in which you are most comfortable including one on one, groups or 3-5 day retreats. email Kimberly for more information: arbuthnotrn@gmail.com

Holistic Harmonics Hilary Brumley 4 Foundations of Holistic Health to take you from Surviving to Thriving. Book your complimentary 30 min Pain to Power Breakthrough to create a personalized mini wellness plan: www.tinyurl.com/PaintoPowersession holisticharmonics.com

HEALING WITH HORSES

retreats

ABC Horseplay Connection, Feel, Rhythm Stevensville, MT Synergy, Balance, Joy

Residential Retreat "AWAKEN the GODDESS WITHIN" September 8-10, 2023 email Rosanna at: Rosanna@NewBeginningswithRosanna. com

ABCHorseplay

kearakisses.com

upcoming

WEEKLY

Modern Life Keeping with Lori Cristine podcast

MONTHLY Join Hilary and Lori Circle of Intentional Healing New Moon Intention Setting Circle September 17 October 14 November 12 December 10 Full Moon Gratitude Circle October 1 and 29 November 26 December 24 signup: kearakisses44@gmail.com

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62 | fall 2023

AWAKEN THE GODDESS WITHIN RETREAT with Rosanna DATES: September 8, 9,10 Breathwork to me is Love! What is Breathwork? Breathwork is an ancient healing practice that assist one to heal and be present.

It helps you to remember old memories that exist in your body.Memories of all the body has sustained and held onto for many years and possibly lifetimes.Times it has been hurt, major and minor accidents, operations, disease, addiction and recovery, abuse, betrayal, heartbreak, trauma and all the hardships it carries.

This connected breath technique in which I earned, from the late Leonard Orr, supports the release of any core tension stuck in the body, mind, spirit.

In my upcoming 3 Day Sacred Residential Breathwork Retreat, this Fall, we will practice 3 connected breathwork sessions. We will venture into the stories your body holds and let them go.

Breathwork allows you to: - Explore a sense of deep peace.

- Connect with your heart and soul.

- Be immersed in moments of utter stillness.

- Supports the release of core tensions within the body.

- Dissolve anxiety, stress, depression - Gain Clarity and Confidence During this transformational 3 day retreat you will receive: Sacred Ceremonies Heart Activation Crystal Bowl Sound Healing sessions to restore calm and raise your vibration Chakra meditation to balance your energy fields We will discover the secrets and hear the whispers of: Fire Water Earth Ether

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We will play with All the Nature Elements for increasing your awareness!

We will play with water, ground to the earth, talk to the trees and plants, how magical!

We will walk around a lake, pond, streams in silence.

Lots of free time for self-reflection, exploration in Nature, Walks, naps, journaling, laying in the hammock, sitting on the rocking chairs and watching the hummingbirds.

A heartwarming, beautiful, nurturing experience to JUST BE!!!

Discover: *The power of your unique feminine goddess energy. * How to finally heal the trauma and shame you’ve carried. * How to unlock your dreams and watch them manifest quickly into real life. * You will be surrounded by healing crystals. * Your energy will be activated and upgraded! * You will take part in an Awakening the Goddess within sacred ceremony! ( not to be missed! ) COME HOME, BELOVED GODDESS!!!

We will share delicious meals, snacks and nourishing drinks. You will receive a retreat gift during our closing ceremony. And so much more…

Pss… I don’t want to spoil some surprises in store for you; Join 5 ladies and myself for a mystical and blissful weekend of coming home to yourself!

Unplug from your computer, phone, unwind the tensions and traumas that may be lingering and that are no longer useful to you!

Lots of fun and exciting experiences and exercises to open you up to the unseen possibilities!

If this sounds like something you’re interested in, email me for more information at: Rosanna@NewBeginningsWithRosanna.com.

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“We all change colors and lose our leaves… then we bloom again.”

– Maria Lago