Lucuma 07

#07

# 7

1

Editor Steven Nicolaides

Design New Gaia Designs

Writers Steven Nicolaides

www.lucuma.co.uk Elena Angel www.elenaangel.com Andrea M. Blundell www.andreablundell.com Irene Arango www.blissbites.co.uk Rich Havardi www.therawfoodscompany.com Vienda Maria www.viendamaria.com Lari Laurikkala www.foursigmafoods.com Dina Gitziou www.saatchionline.com/Dina Elizabeth Montgomery www.holisticnutrition.co.uk Amy Maynard www.ricepeasandlove.co.uk

Front & Back Cover ‘Space Lion ’ by Maahy

www.maahyart.com

Advertising papillon@lucuma.co.uk Om Noms, Goodies, Adornments creamy@lucuma.co.uk

www.lucuma.co.uk © Lúcuma No part of this magazine can be reproduced without our permission Information in Lúcuma is for information only and no part of it is a substitute for health diagnosis, care or treatment. Lúcuma and its contributors, editors and related parties are not responsible in any way for the actions or results taken by any person, organisation or any party on basis of reading information, stories contributions or advertisements in this publication, website or related product.

2

# 7

I

HIGH

f Lúcuma 07 was a Beatles album it would be ‘The Beatles’ also known as ‘The White Album’. It’s eclectic, very long, all over the place, dreamy and timeless. In fact there was enough content for this issue to be almost 200 pages long - way over the 100mb upload limit of issuu.com. However you won’t be disappointed by the wonders that await you...

114 Back in 2009 I started documenting a synchronicity of mine - the number 114, which I saw everywhere from car license plates to barcodes. To someone who is not attuned to synchronicity it may seem odd that I would take a selfie in the street in front of a car and upload it to Facebook or that I would use synchronicity as a guide in life. Synchronicity is vitally important on this journey we are on. It helps us to trust our feelings and thoughts and trains us in approaching life with an attitude of knowingness, leading to an understanding that we actually code our own realities. At first seemingly manifesting in years, then months, then days and then even instantly. After encountering hundreds of 114 synchronicities I’ve noticed it is an transforming number and a creative number. For me it represents manifestation of dreams and the grounding of new ideas, that’s why you may see the number associated with many new age themes, organisations, businesses, and people. Still not convinced? If you peruse this Facebook 114 photo album you will see for your self. It has even appeared in many TV shows and movies too!

It seems fitting then that issue 07 of Lúcuma is launched on January 1st 2014 (1.1.14). Lets make 2014 a year of grounding those ideas that have been floating in the ether. Let’s see the saplings grow into the fruitful trees they are destined to be. Let’s make it happen.

A note from Steven Nicolaides Founder of Lúcuma Magazine 27.12.13

# 7

3

CONTENTS 44 THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

6

INTELLIGENT CONNECTIONS

4

78

GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

36

OM NOMS # 7

HAY HOUSE GETS HEADY

84

ADORNMENTS

90

72 MUSHROOMS & FUNGI

66 REBIRTHING; THE NEW LOVING RELATIONSHIPS TRAINING

50 MAAHY GOODIES

RECIPES

98

94

STAYING HEALTHY WHILST EMBRACING SEASONAL SHIFTS

96

# 7

5

d n i F ourself Y at

The Farm at San Benito by Steven Nicolaides

6

# 7

TRAVEL

# 7

7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

T

pp ORGANIC PLANTATION

he Farm at San Benito is an exceptional, worldclass holistic healing sanctuary. Located 90minutes drive south of Manila - Philippines, and set amongst 119 acres of lush green jungle in the foothills of Mount Malarayat - the perfect location to detox, rejuvenate, explore the delights of raw vegan cuisine and receive alternative and traditional healing modalities.

tt WATERFALL POOL 8

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

tt HEALING SANCTUARY POOL

qq WATERFALL TERRACE

# 7

9

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

tt LIVER CLEANSE INGREDIENTS qq CRYSTAL HEALING

10

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

tt NUTRITIONAL MICROSCOPY

Retreat Programmes Focused healing and transformative retreats can range from five effective days to four intensive weeks. Either way, guests leave rejuvenated and confident, equipped with the knowledge to lead and maintain healthy, happy and vibrant lifestyles.

Tailored, medically supervised programs focus on improving guests’ health and wellbeing (emotional, mental, nutritional, physical and spiritual), while targeting individual health concerns: • Prevention Program • Organic Weight Loss • Diabetes Management • Heart Health and Stress Reduction • Integrative Cancer Care • Environmental Detox • Holistic Skin Therapy • Beauty and Longevity

# 7

11

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Accommodation There are just 32 luxurious suites and villas at The Farm at San Benito to ensure the peace of the resort. The suits and villas are inspired by the abundance and beauty of nature and are built in harmony with their surroundings.

All have their own spacious garden you can relax in after a long hard day of luxurious pampering!

• 5 Sulu Terraces • 2 Anahaw Family Villas • 8 Palmera Suites • 6 Garden Villas • 10 Narra Pool Villas • 1 Master Villa

12

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

pp GARDEN VILLA BEDROOM

pp GARDEN VILLA GARDEN tt NARA VILLA ENTRANCE

tt NARA VILLA POOL TERRACE

# 7

13

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

qq MASTER VILLA BEDROOM

14

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

PALMERA SUITE BEDROOM

NARA VILLA BATHROOM

# 7

15

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Healing Sanctuary Spa Where better to enjoy a healing massage or beauty treatment than in the calming surroundings of nature. The Sanctuary offers an extensive menu of signature treatments, European and Asian massages, body scrubs and beauty treatments. All of the products used are lovingly prepared for each treatment with 100% natural and organic ingredients.

Many of the ingredients are actually grown on site, such as coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, coconut fiber, coffee, and cacao.

FOUR HANDS YIN YANG PURI This healing ritual has three intentions; stimulation, detoxification and mind body balancing.

16

# 7

DETOXIFYING TREATMENT The treatment begins with Skin Kayud to remove dead skin cells, engage the lymph system and tighten the skin.

Then a Kalawag (turmeric) pack is applied to the body.

After about 15 minutes, the pack is rinsed off and a warm bath follows.

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

tt Chlorophyll Body Wrap Chlorophyll is the green pigment found in plants. It has many health benefits taken internally but it is also beneficial externally by helping cleanse the lymphatic system, and removing toxins and waste from cells.

# 7

17

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Yoga & Meditation Meditation, Yoga and Movement sessions are scheduled throughout the day, from introductions to Yoga for beginners to Anusara Inspired & Vinyasa Flow for intermediate to advanced levels.

18

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

# 7

19

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

e c i u J n e e r G . n o i t a t i d e &M

20

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

...

# 7

21

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

ALIVE! Cusine The ALIVE! restaurant at The Farm is the epitome of what a raw food restaurant can be, serving up delicious award winning raw vegan meals designed to stimulate your taste buds as well as be healthy. ALIVE! has its own organic garden which provides the majority of the fresh produce, as well as a kitchen garden which produces a wide range of sprouts. If that wasn’t enough there is even a wheat grass bungalow which produces fresh wheat grass and juices!

GRAWNOLA

22

# 7

q

pp LEFT: PEAR RAVIOLI RIGHT: BEETROOT RAVIOLI

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

qq ALIVE! RESTAURANT - TERRACE

HALO HALO

ALIVE! RESTAURANT

# 7

23

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Coconut Sour Crème Sauce 4 cups Ingredients 1 cup cashew nuts, soaked 3 cups coconut meat ¼ cup lemon juice 1 tbsp honey 1 tsp salt ¼ cup dill or cilantro, chopped (optional) Method Put cashew nuts, coconut meat, lemon juice, honey and sea salt in a blender. Blend until smooth.

Add the herbs, then pulse once.

Serve with appetizers, salads or main courses.

24

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

APPETIZER

Mushroom Ceviche 4–6 servings Dating back to Inca times, ceviche is a very popular South American dish, where raw fish is marinated in acidic lime juice, salt and chile peppers, then served without being cooked. The Farm’s recipe replaces the fish with an assortment of mushrooms, but the light, refreshing flavor, with a hint of chile, is the same.

Ingredients: For ceviche 3 cup mushrooms (king oyster, shiitake, maitake, enokitake, and/or button mushrooms), sliced 2 cups young coconut meat, julienned 1 red onion, diced 1 cup ripe tomatoes, diced 1 tsp garlic, minced 3 chili, seeded and minced 4 tbsp cilantro, chopped 4 tbsp basil, chopped 4 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped ¼ cup orange juice 1 tsp liquid aminos 4 tbsp lime juice Black pepper, salt, cayenne, to taste 2 tbsp olive oil 1 cup bell pepper, diced 1 medium-sized cucumber, diced 1 mango, diced For marinade 3 tbsp tamari 2 tbsp olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced For assembly 6 tsp coconut sour crème sauce (see left) Method Mix the marinade ingredients and marinate the mushrooms in the mixture for at least 2 to 3 hours.

Drain mushrooms and combine thoroughly with all other ingredients.

Serve in a cocktail glass with a drizzle of sour crème and topped with a few corn and chili crackers (if desired). Sprinkle on some chopped fresh herbs and some thinly sliced onions, if required.

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

# 7

25

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO DRINK

Electrolyte Lemonade 1 glass Hydration is an important element in every guest’s schedule at The Farm; whether it is water, fresh buko juice, a wheatgrass shot or some of the recipes on these pages and overleaf, The Farm constantly stresses to guests to keep their hydration levels up. These recipes rely on fresh, organic fruits and vegetables harvested from The Farm’s garden — sweet, natural and tasty. The high-fiber detox drinks are useful for those undergoing colon hydrotherapy, or for anybody who wants a cleansing fix.

Ingredients Juice from 1 orange 1 pear, peeled and de-seeded 3 tbsp lemon juice 3 tbsp grapefruit juice 3 tbsp honey pinch of salt 1 cup coconut juice 3 ice cubes Method Combine all ingredients in a blender except ice cubes and blend until smooth.

Strain using a fine strainer.

Pour into an old fashioned glass then add the ice cubes.

Stir and serve.

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

26

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

SOUP

Bulanglang Soup 4–6 servings This is a typical Batangas recipe that takes ingredients straight from the vegetable garden into the pot. One hundred percent natural, with all of Nature’s goodness, it has nurtured local people for centuries. Key to the dish is the garnish of moringa leaf: known as malunggay in the Philippines, it is considered a miracle tree, as all parts of the tree can be utilized. Gram for gram, moringa leaves contain SEVEN times the vitamin C in oranges, FOUR times the calcium in milk, FOUR times the Vitamin A in carrots, TWO times the protein in milk, and THREE times the potassium in bananas. How cool is that?

Ingredients: 5 cups vegetable stock ½ cup squash, cut into cubes ½ cup string beans, chopped ½ cup eggplant, cut into cubes ½ cup corn kernels ½ cup papaya, cut into cubes 2 tbsp miso 1 inch ginger, sliced 2 cloves garlic, sliced Salt and black pepper to taste ½ cup moringa leaf, for garnish Method

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

1. Boil first the vegetable stock for 15 minutes, then add all the ingredients and cook until everything is tender (approximately 10 minutes).

2. Season to taste, then scatter a few moringa leaves on the top — and serve hot.

# 7

27

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

SALAD

Purple Vegetable Salad 4–6 servings Ingredients: 1 cup red cabbage, shredded 1 red beet, julienned 2 bell peppers, julienned 1 red onion, julienned ½ red radish, sliced thinly into rounds 2 cups watermelon, cut into cubes ¼ cup Thai basil leaves For vinaigrette ½ cup balsamic vinegar ½ cup olive oil 2 tbsp maple syrup ½ tbsp salt For assembly Selection of garden greens Method Mix the salad ingredients in a large bowl.

Blend the vinaigrette ingredients in a blender.

To serve, put the purple salad over a bed of salad greens, then drizzle the balsamic vinaigrette over.

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

28

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

# 7

29

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

30

# 7

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO COOKED MAIN COURSE

Crispy Potato Napoleon with Eggplant, Caramelized Onions and Pumpkin Ginger Sauce 4–6 servings A beautifully layered tower of a dish, this recipe contains a host of textures and flavors. Crunchy potato contrasts with creamy caramelized onions, while the eggplant is full-bodied and slightly Japanese-like in flavor.

Ingredients: 3 big potatoes, peeled and sliced on a mandolin, dip fried in 1 cup coconut or olive oil until crunchy For eggplant 6 eggplants, peeled and cut into cubes 2 tsp garlic, finely minced 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp tamari or shoyu 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped For stir fried greens with sesame 1 head Chinese cabbage, chopped 2 head pechay (Filipino bok choy), chopped 1 bunch ferns, chopped 1 tsp garlic 1 tbsp onion 1 tbsp coconut oil 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper 1 tbsp sesame seeds For sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 cup onions, sliced 1 tsp garlic, minced 2 tbsp ginger, minced 2 cups squash, cut into cubes 1 cup carrots, cut into cubes 6 cups vegetable stock ½ tsp Chinese five spice powder ¼ cup rice wine 1 tbsp toasted sesame butter (see right) 1 tsp sea salt ½ tsp black pepper ½ tsp cayenne For onions 2 cups onions, julienned 4 tbsp muscovado syrup 3 tbsp shoyu 3 tbsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp olive oil

Method For pumpkin ginger sauce: heat olive oil in a pan, sauté onions, garlic, ginger, squash and carrots. Add the stock and simmer until vegetables are tender.

Add five spice, wine, sesame butter, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Turn off the heat.

Put the sauce in a blender and blend until it reaches a purée consistency. Set aside.

For eggplant filling: in a big bowl, mix thoroughly the eggplant, garlic, salt, black pepper and olive oil.

Place the eggplant mixture and sweet potato in two separate baking trays, put in the oven and bake for 5 to 10 minutes at 180ºC. Transfer the sweet potato to a food processor and process until mashed.

Put the baked eggplant mixture in a food processor, add tamari or shoyu and balsamic vinegar. Process until finely ground.

In a bowl, mix sweet potato and eggplant mixture.

Set aside.

For greens: sauté onion and garlic in coconut oil, then add the cabbages and ferns. Add sea salt and black pepper. Mix and cook for 2 to 3 minutes.

Sprinkle with sesame seeds. Set aside.

For caramelized onions: sauté the onions in the olive oil until clear; add shoyu, muscovado syrup and balsamic vinegar. Caramelize for 3 to 5 minutes. Set aside.

For assembly: place ½ a cup (per serving) of stir fried greens with sesame on a place, top with alternate layers of crunchy potatoes, filling and caramelized onions. Garnish with basil flower and drizzle pumpkin ginger sauce and a sprinkle of paprika all over. Serve immediately.

Toasted Sesame Butter Makes 1 cup Ingredients 1 cup raw sesame seeds ½ cup raw sesame oil Method Heat a frying pan and sauté sesame seeds for 3 to 5 minutes or until light brown. Set aside and allow to cool.

Blend the toasted sesame seeds until it becomes a powder. Then add sesame oil and blend until creamy.

Put in a sterilized clear jar and store in the chiller where it can last up to 3 weeks.

Use for sauces or as a dressing for salads.

For assembly Basil flowers and sprinkle of paprika

# 7

31

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

DESSERT

Chocolate Pecan Pie 8 slices It’s said that the French invented chocolate pecan pie soon after they settled in New Orleans, after being introduced to the nut by native Americans. Be that as it may, it has transferred seamlessly from the southern USA to the Philippines to be reinvented by The Farm. The version here uses dehydrated nuts (to retain their essential enzymes) and there’s a little coconut for that extra snatch of flavor.

Ingredients: For crust ½ cup almonds, soaked for 8 hours and dehydrated until crispy 1½ cups pecan nuts, soaked for 8 hours and dehydrated until crispy 6 dates, pitted ¼ cup muscovado sugar ½ tsp cinnamon For chocolate ¾ cup cocoa powder ¾ cup honey 1/3 cup coconut oil, warmed For filling ½ cup coconut butter ¾ cup dates, pitted 2 tbsp maple syrup 1 tbsp vanilla extract 1¼ cups pecan nuts, chopped For topping 1 cup candied pecans (see right)

Candied Pecans

Method

2 kg

For crust, place almonds, pecans, dates, sugar and cinnamon in a food processor; process until crumbly, yet, sticky. Press mixture firmly into a 9-inch pie plate lined with cling film or grease proof paper and set aside.

Ingredients 2 kg pecan nuts, soaked 1½ cups maple syrup 5 tbsp cinnamon powder 1 tsp salt Pinch nutmeg

Mix the chocolate ingredients together, then blend in a high-speed blender to achieve a smooth consistency. Pour ¾ of a cup of the mixture into the pie crust and refrigerate until firm (approx. 2 hours).

Save the chocolate mixture that remains for chocolate truffles.

For filling, place the dates and coconut oil in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add the rest of the ingredients and continue to blend until smooth. Fold in the chopped pecans by hand and spread on top of the chilled chocolate bottom.

Arrange nuts in symmetrical fashion around the edge of the pie and chill the pie for minimum of 4 hours before serving.

32

# 7

Method In a bowl, combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly.

Cover with a cloth and marinate overnight.

Pour into a dehydrator tray with a teflex sheet and dehydrate at 90ºC for 24 hours.

Transfer to a sterilized clear jar and store in freezer. Can last for 1 to 2 months.

Serve as a topping for salads, desserts and other dishes.

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

Recipe from RAW! Healthful Recipes from The Farm at San Benito

# 7

33

THE FARM AT SAN BENITO

More information and Rates at

www.thefarmatsanbenito.com YouTube Facebook Pinterest Twitter

k o o b e h t m o r f n e k a st

e p i c e R

’ ! w a ‘R

RAW! Nourishing Recipes from The Farm at San Benito The Farm’s kitchen has received numerous Best Cuisine awards with its aim of integral nourishment including winner of “Spa Cuisine of the Year” two years in a row from AsiaSpa magazine.

Drawing on Eastern health philosophies and heart-healthy Western nutritional recommendations, the recipes in this book fall under the following categories: Breakfast, Appetisers, Soups, Salads, Main Courses, Crackers and Breads, Desserts and Pastries.

There are also a number of sauces, dressings and pastes that can be made in bulk and stored.

More info

34

# 7

# 7

35

THE

GYPSET GUIDE TO

HAND READING Words & Photos by Vienda Maria

36

# 7

# 7

37

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

I

wanted to share something with you that’s very close to my heart, a skill that I cherish, hone, study and embellish as it is a craft that protects me in my wayfarer life.

Palmistry, also known as hand reading.

I have been slightly obsessed with palm reading ever since I was 12 years old and I met Donald Ingram-Smith, writer, ABC Radio personality and author of many of Krishnamurti’s books and biographies, who read my palm and taught me the amazing and fascinating things that can be seen simply by looking at a persons hand.

What caught my attention the most was the fact that he noted that I have very unusual hands, in that, unlike most people, my head and my heart line are one, known as a simian line, instead of separate. Apparently the only other person whom he had ever seen that on was Krishnamurti himself.

Clearly, I felt very special indeed! Basically it means that I live my life synergistically on both my head and my heart. There is no confusion about which one takes precedence, because they are the same for me. What I think and feel is combined to make one.

Since that very acquiescent age, I have been fascinated by reading hands, my own and other people’s and have studied it for years. I use it almost daily, whenever I meet someone new, on dates, when agreeing on contracts and making big decisions that involve other people. I like to find out what the other persons strengths and weaknesses are, based on a few sneaky glances at their hands, so I know where I stand.

As a gypsy-jetsetter, one vital ingredient is being able to pick up on people very quickly, to read them and decide what level of inclusion they can have in your life. The ability to quickly understand someone new, is what keeps us safe, secure and protected at all times. The ability to understand ourselves is even more valuable!

The reading of ones hand, or palm reading, works in that all the nerve endings from your brain, end up in your hands and thereby evidence of what is happening in your life can be seen in your palms. The lines show the direction of your thought patterns, potential, and current actions.

What’s wonderful is that, once you’ve gotten to know your hands well enough, you can actually observe them change, as you choose to change certain habits, patterns and choices that you make in your life. Your hands will always reflect where you’re at in the current moment, and change with you as grow and blossom.

38

# 7

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

If you look closely you can see how my left hand (Other) and my right hand (Dominant) are different from one another.

ABOUT HANDS Dominant hand – What we do with our lives; the actions we take; our public self.

Other hand – What we are born with; what happens to us; our private self.

Your dominant hand (commonly the right hand, depending on whether you are left handed or right handed) is the hand that shows your current life experience.

Your other hand (commonly the left) is the non-dominant hand, which will show your potential, also thought of as your past and your future.

In my case, I am right handed which is my dominant hand and therefore the hand that I look at to consider my current path, whereas I look at my left to see what might be arising for me in the future. To do an accurate reading you have to look at both hands.

HAND COLOUR The color of the palm is a good indicator of the vitality and strength of a person: A pale palm often shows a lack of strength and vitality.

A yellow palm might indicate a hostile or even cynical nature.

A pink palm show good vitality and strength.

A red palm shows an extremely aggressive nature as well as hyperactive tendencies. # 7

39

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

I have an Air hand.

HAND SHAPE The palm shapes represent our basic motivation in the way we live out our lives.

Earth Hand: Physical - A square palm with few and clear lines. Earth Hands are downto-earth, practical and responsible, but can also be materialistic, serious and stubborn. They are comfortable with the physical and the tangible, and will do things the tried and tested way.

Air Hand: Mental – An oblong palm with many and clear lines. Air Hands are sociable, talkative and witty, but can also be shallow, spiteful and cold. They are comfortable with the mental and the intangible, and like doing things in different and radical ways.

Fire Hand: Instinctive – A triangular palm, with few and fine lines. Fire Hands are spontaneous, enthusiastic and optimistic, but can also be egoistic, impulsive and insensitive.

They are extroverts, and prefer to do things boldly and instinctively.

Water Hand: Intuitive – A fan-shaped palm, with many and fine lines. Water Hands are creative, perceptive and sympathetic, but can be moody, emotional and inhibited. They are introverts and tend to do things quietly and intuitively.

40

# 7

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

FINGERS Square finger – represents a down-to-earth quality in respect to the attributes of the finger.

Pointed finger – shows an artistic and sensitive nature.

Spade-shaped finger – represents an inventiveness.

Cone-shaped finger – represents an imaginative quality.

Straight fingers – represent a person who is honest, direct and clear-headed.

Crooked fingers – show a devious and malicious quality.

Mixed fingers – in the situation of a mixed finger type, for example, if a person had a square type of ring finger, they would generally be artistically inclined, however if they also had a pointed index finger, then their occupation would probably not be art related.

Nails – long nails show a soft heart; short nails show a paranoid and uneasy nature; wide nails show quarrelsome qualities; narrow nails show a conservative and refined nature.

# 7

41

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

My hands are unusual as they don’t have a defined life line as I explain below. I’m creating my life as I go, but am protected by positive forces. Most people have a clear life line that runs all the way down as see in my other hand.

HAND LINES There are four most important lines to look at on a hand.

Life Line – Health; how we take care of it; major events in life.

Head Line – Mental health; mental capabilities; intelligence; character.

Heart Line – Emotional attitude; romantic profile; all things love + heart related.

Fate + Fortune Line – Career outlook; milestones; ambitions; major events in life.

Deep, clear and smooth lines are best, and indicate that one’s life would be positive in the area of life represented by the line. With such lines, success should be accomplished, accompanied with happiness and contentment.

42

# 7

Breaks, gaps, islands, crosses, spots and cross-bars indicate possible problems or events at whichever points these marks appear. Broad, fuzzy or chain-type lines indicate a negative outlook, a dissipation of energy and low morale.

If your life line on your dominant hand ends around the time line where you’re at right now (like mine is) but your potential hand has a long, healthy one, it means that you are creating your life as you go. And that, my friends, is magic. You have the power and the freedom to create absolutely anything! And with that power and freedom comes of course, great responsibility, because everything you say, do and believe matters.

Extra lines are often noted as vitality lines. If your life line is doubled, or even tripled, then this shows a great vitality in your life, and positive forces around you.

THE GYPSET GUIDE TO HAND READING

Hand mounts, clockwise from left to right: Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Sun, Mercury, Mars (again) + Moon.

HAND MOUNTS

g Mount of Venus – Emotions; close relationships;

family ties.

j Mount of Jupiter – Status and authority; sense of

achievement.

S Mount of Saturn – Responsibilities and duties;

sense of destiny.

s Mount of the Sun - Creative impulses; wealth;

happiness; fulfillment.

f Mount of Mercury – Mental and communicative

abilities; rapport with others.

a Mount of the Moon – Moods and mental state;

sense of freedom.

h Mounts of Mars – Energy and assertiveness;

The mounts reflect our basic values, upbringing, leanings, and the personal traits we develop.

Mounts should be clear, moderately raised and wellformed, indicating that the positive and balanced qualities of the mount are being manifested.

Low or flat mounts mean that there is a lack of the qualities of the mount. High or over-developed mounts show an over-expression of a mount’s qualities.

And there you have it! Keep this little guide close to you, to review your own hands from time to time, and witness how you grow and change, which is reflected in your hands. And if you learn these basic elements, you can use your new-found knowledge to quickly figure people out, and decide whether they’re a potential lover, business partner, friend or foe!

sense of vitality.

# 7

43

Hay House Gets

Heady Buzzword the Brain

H

by Andrea M. Blundell

ay House’s yearly “I Can Do It” event in London is known for its popular speakers from the self development world. And yet the star of the show this year seemed to be the human brain, with over half of the presenters connecting their spiritual truths to the stuff between our ears.

Here’s what they had to say, and what lessons the brain can teach us about maximizing our time on planet Earth.

44

# 7

BRUCE H. LIPTON PhD Bruce Lipton is a developmental biologist known for his idea that genes and DNA can be controlled by our belief systems. He shared how a magnetoencephalograph (or MEG, a device used to study the electromagnetic impulses in the cerebral cortex) has been used to prove that our brains are like big tuning forks sending out vibrations. Our thinking becomes “either constructive or destructive interference. You will activate what is in harmony with the vibrations in your head.” In other words, everything you attract will simply match what your brain, via your thoughts, is sending out.

Lesson: The idea that what we think is as important as what we do is no longer just a concept but a scientific fact. Bring on the brain police.

Bruce H. Lipton phD

DAVID R. HAMILTON PhD David Hamilton is a scientist who worked in the pharmaceutical industry before become a self help author. He taught the audience that the brain is not static but instead constantly adapting and will indeed “continue to change until we take our last breath”. The brain is so flexible and responsive he likened it to dough that we can mould easily at will, and referenced an experiment where people who imagined playing piano had as much brain growth as those who actually did play one. The downside to our brains being so susceptible? “You have to keep replacing beliefs or your brain unpicks them”.

Lesson: If your manifestations or visualisations aren’t working, be more consistent with them. Brain training turns out to be a lifelong part-time job.

David R. Hamilton phD # 7

45

HAY HOUSE GETS HEADY

VIANNA STIBAL Vianna Stibal is a gifted healer who created the system Theta Healing. Theta is one of the five states of the brain, the one we are in when we are sleeping but experiencing rapid eye movement.

Stibal discovered you don’t have to be asleep to be in theta. When she started her mornings in a deeply relaxed meditative state praying to God and asking for healings for others and herself, her wishes were consistently granted. Her partner was studying theta as a field of manifestation and she wondered if she was somehow in a theta state, called in a scientist to measure her brain, and lo and behold, she was.

According to Stibal, “when you get your brain into theta you can manifest everything”. She believes that shamans were historically using theta brainwave states when they did ceremonies, as the fasting they did beforehand puts you into the theta state.

Sonia Choquette

Of course the caveat is that core beliefs still win out. If you believe you should be sick, just going into a theta state and asking to be well isn’t enough. But what you can do in that case is go into the theta state and ask for the beliefs to be transformed first. Stibel believes you can ask for beliefs to be changed in your actual DNA programming.

Vianna Stibal

She sees theta healing as getting in touch with out divinity. “You have to be in God and know that the energy you are reaching for is the very energy that creates an atom...we are sparks of God here for an experience and here to help the planet.”

Lesson: Start sparking. We can manifest anything with our brainwaves and heal our very DNA and our planet if we are only willing to feel a sense of “God” and let ourselves feel in tune.

BECKY WALSH Becky is an internationally recognized expert in intuition who connects intuition not to any flaky idea of a higher self but to our brain.

The left hemisphere of our brain relates to communication and processes information from the solar plexus. It is what helps you with decisions, like what to wear, and it is what Walsh calls the “gut brain”, the half that gives us our ‘gut instinct’. The problem with gut instinct is that it is contaminated by the childhood programming held in this side of our brain and tends to be negative, ‘fear-based intuition’. We use it to decide if something is ‘safe or bad’ based on old ideas that might not be totally correct.

The right hemisphere of the brain, however, sees things holistically and is what she calls your ‘heart brain’. Walsh calls instincts from this side of our brain ‘love-based intuition’. We are in this sort of intuition when we don’t care about what other people think and approach life from a space of open curiosity instead of whether things are safe or bad. If we work to follow our heart-based intuition over our gut-based intuition, we can make positive changes for ourselves and those around us.

Lesson: Your brain is connected to your heart. It’s time to let go of old programming and tune in to your curious side. Stop giving a toss what other people think and follow instincts that make you feel expansive.

46

# 7

Becky Walsh

HAY HOUSE GETS HEADY

SONIA CHOQUETTE Sonia is a high energy spiritual teacher who spent most of her time on stage orchestrating the audience into a dancing frenzy so that they could ‘free themselves from their minds’. But amidst the hip shaking she too found time to mention the two hemispheres of the brain. Choquette claimed that the heart side of the brain picks up 5,000 times more information and is your first form of intelligence, quoting Einstein- “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have created a society that honours the servant and has forgotten the gift.”

Lesson: Have your intuition keep your logic on a leash, and not the other way around.

NEALE DONALD WALSCH Neal Donald Walsh, a well known spiritual writer, was very passionate about his view that the world is stuck because we refuse to question the prior assumptions we have about God. “We are unwilling to do things in the area of religion that we are willing to do so quickly in other areas like technology and science”.

The prior assumption he feels we desperately need to question is that we are all separate disconnected entities. “More than 80% of the world’s population believe in a Higher Power but condemn others to go to hell based on the assumption God is over there, I am over here, and we are all separate from each other...we actually kill each other in the name of God.” So while his talk wasn’t about the brain, he did point out that if we were as oldfashioned in science as we still are about religion “It would be like doing brain surgery with a very sharp stick”. Touché, Neal, touché.

Lesson: Nobody would recommend suffering brain surgery done with a stick, but unless we question any need within us to feel separate and disconnected from others we are literally being that silly.

Neale Donald Walsch

DON MIGUEL RUIZ Master shaman Don Miguel brought in virtual reality - always fun. “Our mind is always changing the story of our life, and using our perspective to decide. But whatever is in our mind isn’t real but virtual, and only based in reality.”

Lesson: Life really is all one big game then, isn’t it? So start enjoying it!

Don Miguel Ruiz and Don Jose Ruiz

# 7

47

48

# 7

Like us in

Facebook Land

LOVE www. lucuma .co.uk

SIGN UP TO OUR

NEWSLETTER • GET Special Offers & Discount codes • NEWS ON UPCOMING EVENTS • Get notified on New magazine issues & Special Editions # 7

49

$

3

1

y h a a M 1

1

3 3

tŠ righ

hy

Maa

opy

sC age ll im

A

Skill...

Patience...

Gratitude...

Day Dreams... and...

Coffee...

7 77

= 777

Sit back and enjoy the art and interview with young and talented Maldivian artist Maahy - over a nice cup of...coffee!

7 77

50

= 777

# 7

pp Brave

y

ART

# 7

51

ART: Maahy

52

# 7

ART: Maahy

What was it like growing up in the Maldives?

It was amazing. I can easily say a white sandy beach in Maldives watching a beautiful sunset is the perfect time and place for an artist to make a painting. It’s just out of this world. It’s peaceful and provides you that calm and relaxing atmosphere to let your mind wander. Its blissful.

Does the Maldives influence you art?

Yes it does. I do most of my line artwork based on sceneries and I always reflect back to my memories of the beaches and plants I can recall back from childhood, or the stuff that I had drawn there before.

So tell us about your love of coffee and how did you get the idea to use it in your art?

I have an obsession with the scent of coffee. I want my drawings to have that. It is just something special for me. However I didn’t know it was a great alternative for brown paint until I was introduced to a fellow Maldivian artist, shaany, aka; manje, who had done some paintings with coffee. I gave it a go and it looked great with my ink work.

tt OWL

“

withoArt is my my be ut lea way of v reali st escap ing home running e ty, s , anitys so far. and the away se An and m erely escape are exist from ing.

- Maa hy

# 7

”

53

ART: Maahy

“

Lo the pa ok at the st st ar Whenev look down s. The grea that t er you fee on us from t kings of l hose k ings w alone, justthose stars. il guide y r ou. Andl always be emember there so wil to l I.

- Mufa sa,THE L ” IO

N KING

Your art is incredibly intricate and detailed, how do you keep your patience when illustrating all that detail?

Patience is a challenge. I like challenges. It comes from the urge to finish a started piece of drawing. There is a sense of discomfort and dissatisfaction if a drawing is kept on pause halfway. It is irritating. More than patience, I would say it is perseverance and a dedication to create a finished product. Also, I love zentangles and patterns and I could spend hours exploring all the new designs it can create, without any boredom.

Who is ‘Space cat/lion’? (See magazine cover image) The idea of space cat was inspired by a scene in the movie lion king where Mufasa tells Simba “Look at the stars. The great kings of the past look down on us from those stars. Whenever you feel alone, just remember that those kings will always be there to guide you. And so will I.” So I drew it to hang up on my wall, as a reminder of how close we are to the stars, our ancestors, and the entire universe.

54

# 7

pp V # 7

55

ART: Maahy

56

# 7

ART: Maahy

tt OWL FAMILY

“

it’s jIt makes m ust s omet e happy t hing o bliss create ful f art, or m e.

-MAAH

Y

”

Do you ever get inspiration for illustrations from dreams or visions?

Often yes. I seldom dream at night, however I day dream a lot. Those are the kind of visions that linger in your mind for a few days, and it just wont go away until it’s scribbled on paper.

What does drawing mean to you?

Happiness. It’s the only way I can give my imaginations a sense of freedom, and an existence on paper. It makes me happy to create art, it’s just something blissful for me.

Can you tell me about your process of creating?

I always absorb inspiration and ideas from my surrounding every single day. I tend to make a rough sketch or leave a note of my idea in my notebook, since there is so many and I do not want them to slip out of mind. When I have time to actually think it through, I just let my mind soar with all the possibilities of how I can render the idea. I seldom stick to the initial idea, because new ideas keep exploding as soon as I progress with the drawing. Coloring is the tricky part since color is what gives the drawing balance and harmony.

# 7

57

58

# 7

tt Tentacle Bride

What do you think about the world we live in?

Is your art a way to escape from reality?

pp LIZARD

I think the world is a beautiful place. Of course there is two sides to it, but I think we, as people and as societies shape the world we live in. In an artistic view, I think art is what gives it a true sense of uniqueness. Of course art It is an escape, I tend to forget almost everything else when I draw.

What inspires you?

Almost everything. It’s not really about what it is, but about how we see it and interpret it.

# 7

59

ART: Maahy

60

# 7

ART: Maahy

“

L for earn m it to a may ppre c b alm e, andiate ar ost t eve you’ll , in wh ryt hingsee be ateve aut r . y in

-MA

AHY ”

Can you tell us what are you working on right now?

I’m working on a big portrait piece of a deer, an album art and some other commissions as well.

What would be your dream place for an exhibition?

qq COFFEE GIRL

I would love to exhibit them in Italy since It is where art was born and nurtured.

If you could send one message to people, one sentence - what would it be?

Learn to appreciate art, in whatever form it may be, and you’ll see beauty in almost everything.

tt HORSE

# 7

61

ART: Maahy

62

# 7

ART: Maahy

pp Faceless sisters

# 7

63

ART: Maahy

64

# 7

ART: Maahy

tt DARK OWL

Maahys Art www.maahyart.com Print Shop Facebook Tumblr Deviant art Behance Flickr

pp LINE

All images Copyright Š Maahy

# 7

65

Rebirthing The New Loving Relationships Training (LRT) with

Sondra Ray by Andrea M. Blundell

A

fter years of going to workshops I’m quite fussy about which ones I can be bothered to attend. But when I heard Sondra Ray was coming to the UK? I didn’t question that this was one workshop I needed.

It’s not just that it was called “the New LRT”- Loving Relationships Training – and that I am still, despite best effort, rubbish at relationships. Or that part of the workshop involves rebirthing, a breathing technique said to heal suppressed emotions including those that form through the trauma of the birth experience, that is something I’ve always wanted to try. It’s also that one of Sondra Ray’s books was a game changer for me five years ago, helping me leave a damaging relationship behind. Her book upheld a unique vision of what a healthy partnership can be that I had never heard before and was the inspiration I needed.

Sondra has always been a pioneer of truth and self-mastery. She has written eighteen books on holistic living and is known as ‘the Mother of Rebirthing” after developing the technique alongside Leonard Orr in the 1970s. She has since progressed the technique into “Liberation Breathing” which brings Divine Mother energy into the sessions. Sondra’s latest interest is in Physical Immortality and how to let our bodies live longer, so she is still breaking new ground even now.

66

# 7

# 7

67

qq Andrea M. Blundell & Sondra Ray

pp Markus & Sondra Ray The event was held in a typical conference room of a Brighton business hotel. It wasn’t the alternative crowd you often get in London, but a rather normal-looking bunch of men and women ranging in age from 20s to 80s.

You might have thought we were there to discuss town planning, or some sort of charity fundraiser. In fact the man behind me was an IT programmer who had never been to a spiritual workshop before.

I did start to feel anxious that I had committed to a full two days and evening with these strangers. And then in sashayed Sondra and my doubts faded.

The woman rocks some serious presence, and it’s not her elegant draped clothing in strong colours or glittery jewellery. I could only really call it sheer energy, and its such an energy she carries that I spent the entire weekend sure she was around six feet tall in height. Imagine my surprise to get home and look at a picture taken of us together to see she wasn’t that much taller than my 5’ 7”!

Sondra was joined at the front of the room by her partner, Markus Ray, a calm balance to her vivaciousness. It’s explained that he will be spending most of the workshop in the corner making a painting. As an artist, the energy of the trainings is inspirational for him, and he makes an artwork during every one. I’m curious to see what he will come up with as he settles down and starts spreading

68

# 7

yellow across his canvas.

Sondra explains that the goal of LRT is to help us recognise and dig out any anger or lack of forgiveness that keeps us from being free. Most people tend to repeat painful patterns from childhood well into their adult life, but we can recognise we are not victims, take charge, and make better choices. For example, if a woman’s father left when she was five, and she decides men leave her after five years, she might constantly date men who desert her exactly at the five year point and think it’s a coincidence. She has to choose to recognise she is assigning this role to everyone, then choose to change and heal that pattern.

It comes down to the way we think – either in limited or expansive ways.

Limited thinking leaves us in pain and has us stuck repeating behaviour that cause more pain. Expansive thinking can move us away from anger and old patterns to a life of love and possibility.

Why should we bother to change patterns? Sondra makes it quite clear that the ultimate goal she hopes for all of us is not just that we raise our spiritual vibration for the good of the planet. It’s that we don’t have to reincarnate and repeat another life time of misery but transcend this reality completely. You’ve got to hand it to her, she thinks big! “If you’re in this room, you’re ready to get it in this lifetime,” she tells us.

We get started by identifying our ‘Personal Lie’. This is a core hidden beliefs that controls us, often formed pre-birth in the womb. For example, if your parents were fighting the entire time you were in the womb, you might have a Personal Lie that you only cause problems. If your birth was traumatic, such as a breech birth, you might believe you don’t deserve to be alive. Or if you were born a girl in a family with no boys you might have the Personal Lie you are a failure.

Sondra takes us through a process to identify our Personal Lie, then we share them with the group. Popular ones seem to be ‘I’m no good’, ‘I don’t want to be here on the planet’, or ‘I am hopeless’. Mine comes out quite strongly as “I’m not worthy of being here”.

Not surprising, as my Dad didn’t want a third child and promptly had a vasectomy when he found out Mum was pregnant. Plus, I was the third girl.

REBIRTHING - THE NEW Loving relationships TRAINING

s “

Just when the sensation of coldness and deadness feels unbearable, a tingling begins. Electric worms invading my hands, fingers, then zooming across my legs. Heat surges all through my body in sudden waves, and now, I am on fire.

s

”

the top or bottom of the breath and only inhaling as deeply as our chests. Sondra and assistant trainers run up and down making sure we are all keeping a strong pace. It’s hard not think you are going to hyperventilate and pass out, but Sondra has assured us she has being doing this for decades and it is safe. It helps to know she was a qualified nurse before becoming a spiritual teacher.

It is more work physically then I

expected, and the one-hour time slot seems to be reaching into infinity. My head starts to ache, and my hands and body turn incredibly cold and heavy.

My teeth actually start chattering uncontrollably! One of the trainers rushes over and massages my feet then props up my shoulders and rubs the back of my heart chakra for a quick moment. “Just keep breathing, stronger if you can,” he says. When he leaves I feel even colder.

Another trainer is then there, breathing in time with me into my ear, which feels pretty intimate and I’m not sure I like it but I try to stay calm.

The guy across the aisle is making no such effort. He’s moaning like crazy, and starts yelling out “I’m trapped, I’m trapped!” I can hear the trainers telling him again and again to just relax and breathe. I start to think I will never be able to concentrate on my own experience with this amount of hysterics going on.

But then I start to have visions. First, I am a corpse. It feels completely real. I am so cold because I am a corpse, and not only can I feel it in my icy bones, I can see myself, my lips shrivelled back, my skin turned to leather parchment, and oh, my hair! I have long white hair to my waist!

Just when the sensation of coldness and deadness feels unbearable, a tingling begins. Electric worms invading my hands, fingers, then zooming across my legs. Heat surges all through my body in sudden waves, and now, I am on fire.

How is this possible? There are some other odd visions of living in a desert with a young man, still with that hair, as if now I am Georgia O’Keeffe the painter, and as soon as I think of her I am looking at massive flowers, like her paintings.

And then we are being told to roll over on to our sides. It’s over. I came to amazed and dazed.

How could ten minutes of just breathing have sent me into what must have been 45- minutes of visions?

Walking back to the guest house I’m staying in I feel utterly exhausted by the experience. But not so exhausted I don’t knock back a shocking amount

Markus Rays painting of Christ

q

Our Personal Lie will be what we go into each rebirthing session (one hour on each of the three days) with the intention of transcending, of bringing from the unconscious to the conscious for letting go. Here’s where I admit I really had no idea what rebirthing truly was. I’d assumed that it was some sort of heavy breathing you did to self-hypnotise yourself back to your birth experience and relive it.

Instead, it’s a cyclical kind of shallow breathing done lying down, and the goal is to simply release all patterns and untruths holding you back until you rebirth your original self that existed before all the beliefs you took on board.

Eventually, with enough sessions, you often do spontaneously relive your actual birth, but Sondra does not believe in pushing to get there. Given how squeamish even the idea of birth makes me, I’m quite relieved. This will be no big deal then, I erroneously think...

It does start off easy. Lined up in two rows on the floor tucked into blankets, we’re taught to breath in and out through our mouths, without stopping at

of snacks of the sort I usually don’t eat. Later lying in bed I kick myself for it, realizing that the process must have stirred emotions for release and I stuffed them back in with a carb overload.

Saturday is when the digging began in earnest. Sondra points out that anger and love can’t coexist. If we want one, we have to clear out the other. She takes us through 15 patterns she has identified over the years that are ways we hold onto our anger and pain. They include things I have heard of before, like projection.

Others are newer to me, like the idea that we might be stuck in a revenge pattern where we are using relationships to unconsciously “get even” with our parents. We do exercises and sometimes work in partners, going deeper and deeper into self-honesty about who and what we are angry with in our lives.

The information is heavy, but it’s all given with a balancing dose of humour.

Sondra has no problem using personal adventures as examples or with laughing at herself, and she certainly knows how to tell a story. Many of them involve one of her gurus in this lifetime, Babaji, whose ashram she spent a lot of time at

# 7

69

REBIRTHING - THE NEW Loving relationships Training

when younger. Nowadays she is also very involved with Goddess energy and Amma, the hugging saint of India.

Pictures of both Babaji and Amma, along with a picture of Jesus looking rather handsome, sit on an impromptu altar at the front for the entire weekend.

I recognise myself in more then half of the 15 patterns Sondra shares and it feels overwhelming. I can also see how I am still recreating my power struggle with my Mother in all my romantic relationships, despite previous effort to change that.

Any doubt on this Mother front is confirmed by my rebirthing experience that evening. It starts the same as the day before. A headache, a terrible coldness, then the electric tingles, shooting everywhere, then the rising heat... and suddenly I find myself standing in a cobblestone street looking at a little girl with a bow in

s s

only time I achieved such “aThestate of release before it

required 8 days of meditation in silence. It’s like I’ve discovered an amazing shortcut I want to do again and again.

”

her hair and a dated dress.

When the girl turns it’s my mother, aged five. I begin to play with her, we are laughing, and I am wondering how in real life we never got along, it seems so easy....

Then without warning I scoop her up, and suddenly we are zooming up into the sky approaching the sun, like some sort of homage to Icarus. As we get closer my Mother morphs into her full-sized self circa now! Before I have time to panic about carrying my mother and how weird that feels she says to me the sun is beautiful, and I tell her yes, and you have to go to it, you have to choose the light. And I toss her forward. She floats around the sun, having a grand old time, as I watch, relieved.

And then I’m hearing Sondra’s voice to turn onto our sides, the session is over, and I’m in the room but somehow not. I’m suspended in the most amazing energy and it’s hard to not want to stay in it forever.

But then a trainer is helping me turn over and it’s back to reality whether I like it or not.

The bliss lasts all night. I feel full of forgiveness and

70

# 7

love and quite frankly amazing – and amazed. I’ve tried so many techniques over the years. The only time I achieved such a state of release before it required 8 days of meditation in silence. It’s like I’ve discovered an amazing shortcut I want to do again and again.

(Note that they do not recommend you do rebirthing by yourself, but only in sessions with a licensed practitioner). I’m also deeply moved by what the vision means for me. My mother has never been one to let herself heal and find relief, but has always held onto her fury about her abusive past, and I’ve carried the burden of that. To see her ‘go to light’ is like a huge weight lifted.

Day Three, Sunday. The next stage of LRT training, now we’ve learned how to identify and clear anger and patterns, is learning the ‘New Paradigm’, the way to lead our lives from love. First up Sondra explains what she calls “the Cosmic Dating Service”. It’s the exact system that she used to attract Markus into her life, and they are one of the most simpatico couples I’ve met. Her system involves giving over the search for your perfect mate to higher and more knowing powers. As Sondra says to the many single women in the room, “God knows more single men then you do!”.

This concept is mixed with practical action steps to make you ready for love.

She then teaches how to live out a “Holy Relationship”- where you are together for the evolution of your souls and are committed to each other’s spiritual growth. According to Sondra this sort of relationship heals others around you as well because your DNA becomes more orderly. Her vision is not flakey, but involves daily work for both partners in order to nurture the relationship, “pulling up the weeds every day” as she calls it. I love how frank she is about what sorts of relationships are not holy at all, calling one sort the ‘Different Elevator Syndrome”, when two partners can’t share their process with each other and have what is effectively a fake marriage.

It’s time for the final rebirthing. This time we are progressed to breathing through our noses instead of mouths, which feels almost like a new process at first.

I do enter a blissed out state, but with less visuals, which is fine as Saturday’s vision is something I am still energetically processing.

The journey ends with a beautiful ceremony. We are

REBIRTHING - THE NEW Loving relationships TRAINING

all given a pile of fresh rose petals, and together chant the 108 Names of the Divine Goddess, throwing the petals one by one at the altar.

Oh, and Markus’ painting is finished.

It’s of Jesus, in radiant neon oranges and yellows, with an air of Pop Art to it but also an energetic emanation that has even me, someone whose house is decorated in discreet whites and golds and who could never have previously fathomed having Jesus looking down at me every day, lusting to buy it. Never mind, it’s already been snapped up by another participant.

Is that the end of the story? Not really.

The following week, despite my hopes to float around in a cloud of forgiveness and love, I ended up in one crazy challenge after another, including a fight with the sister I never row with and dealing with a five-day long stomach bug. But the fight was the first time my sister has ever been emotionally honest with me which is huge progress, and the flu could have been my body’s way of energetically catching up with all the emotional purging the workshop bought on.

It’s now a month later, and I have had people comment that I seem more open then usual. There is still work to be done, but what I would say is that somehow,

without even focussing on it during the workshop, I seem to have forgiven the most important person of all somehow— myself. My self-criticism has diminished in leaps and bounds and I have been having cheeky thoughts about how gorgeous and lovely I am. Watch out, world....

For Sondra Ray’s teaching schedule around the world, and for more information on Liberation Breathing, visit www.liberationbreathing.com

# 7

71

Mushrooms & fungi

we couldn’t live without them and why you shouldn’t try to!

Written by Lari Laurikkala

72

# 7

pp Dried Shiitake Mushrooms

# 7

73

W

e have all seen some funny looking mushrooms growing in the forest. But did you know that the parts we see account only for a tiny fraction of how big the fungi really are? The biggest single fungus actually covers an area of about 20,000 basketball courts in the western USA. If you went to see it though, there would only be forest. Underground is where the magic happens as the fungi spread their mycelium web to recycle dead animal and plant matter.

According to mycologist Paul Stamets mushrooms have many ways to help us and they could even be used to save the world. Not only the cures they give for various diseases which we will talk more about later but mushrooms can also create ethanol for fuel, clean up toxic waste sites, fight invasive insects and rebuild sterile land. About 90% of all world’s plants rely on fungi and the mycelium is what keeps the soil together. No mushrooms would result in no plants and no plants means no oxygen, which wouldn’t be good!

Have you heard of medicinal mushrooms?

Could drinking a tea made out of a specific mushroom lower your stress levels? Or even choosing to top your risotto with Champions prevent you from cancer? Out of the estimated 1.5 million species of fungi about 300 have shown medicinal properties wether hormonal balancing or immune-enhancing for example.

The Asians have used mushrooms in their daily lives for thousands of years.

They are present in the west as well even though a bit behind the scenes. The so called medicinal mushrooms have given us many important pharmaceutical medicines from penicillin to the first statin drugs and anticancer treatments.

Actually about 40% of western medicines nowadays utilize mushrooms.

Two species of great importance are Chaga and Reishi, also called the King and the Queen of the mushrooms. Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) strengthens the body’s own immune system and helps with fighting against viruses and bacteria. Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) produces a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. Other important mushrooms include Turkey Tail (Coriolus versicolor), Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) and Cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis).

Siberian gold growing on birch trees The native cultures in Siberia have been using Chaga for centuries. It can be found growing usually on birch trees as a dark black spot that can reach a size of a human’s head. Hundreds of scientific studies are supporting the traditional beliefs that Chaga is a good immune system supporter, cure for stomach issues and even a cure for cancer. During the world wars it was also used as a coffee replacement because of its energy enhancing benefits and enjoyable taste.

74

# 7

The parasitic Cordyceps which infects Caterpillars eventually engulfing the entire animal until only the fungus is left.

q

Mushrooms & FUNGI

Mushrooms & FUNGI

qq Chaga growing on the bark of a Birch tree

# 7

75

Mushrooms & FUNGI

Herb for the immortals Ling zhi, Reishi’s chinese name translates as “spirit plant.”

There are records of its use that date back thousands of years. Reishi is a famous adaptogen which means that it helps the body in adapting to challenging conditions. It directs people to relax when they are under too much stress, and on the other hand it increases energy for those whose energy levels are low. Also better quality sleep is almost always experienced with the use of this sacred mushroom.

pp Dried and sliced Reishi

How to take these?

As I mentioned, even eating your mushrooms will start getting you there. It could be said that culinary mushrooms are an aid to health but medicinal mushrooms are magic.

So look for a mushroom which attracts you the most and find a reputable producer for it. You could run to a forest picking your own but please be sure about your identification before eating anything from the wild!

There are a few tricks that need to be done to achieve the best possible benefits from all the mushrooms.

Most of the medicinal mushrooms grow on trees and are fibrous and woody. If one only powders them, the digestive system cannot break down the medicinal compounds. By boiling the mushrooms, their cell walls melt down and release the beneficial stuff.

So making a strong tea, also known as an extract, is the most effective way to feel the power. It’s worth noting that some of the active components are fat soluble and thus need a bit more effort to extract. At home you could throw the mushroom pieces or powders into a vodka bottle and wait two weeks for all the good stuff to dissolve. When both water- and fat soluble compounds are taken out it is called dual extraction and that is how you get the most bang for your buck.

76

# 7

The Four Sigma Foods planting Birch trees

q

tt Turkey Tail Mushroom

Mushrooms & FUNGI

Four Sigma Foods help you get into the game The famous Instant-drinks product line from Four Sigma Foods makes it easy for anybody to shift a gear with the best of the best mushrooms. We have six different mushrooms for anything from weight loss to detox and brain boosting to sex performance. All dual extracted so they are as potent as possible and also ecological as nothing is wasted. The Instants are individually packed sachets that can be mixed into a cup of hot water. They do wonders in smoothies or when used in raw chocolate making as well.

As the whole kingdom of fungi has been susceptible to some food racism in the past, we want people to see and feel what they can get from all these funky little mushrooms! Our strong belief is that no matter what diet you prefer, you will get more benefits by introducing a few top mushrooms to your diet. Give it a try! www.foursigmafoods.com

# 7

77

A Taste of Tantra (Part 4)

Intelligent Connections Written by Elena Angel

‘T

n

is the time to be merry! — or so we’re told! At the heart of the festive season, we’re all connecting: with lovers, friends, family and all kinds of co-creators and associates. Sometimes all flows well; other times, there is strain and we may even wonder, “what am I doing with this person?”

For me, adulthood is very much about becoming more conscious and bringing greater awareness to every area of life, questioning, learning, unfolding all the time. In my rich and varied life, involving much travel, work and home changes and connections with very diverse individuals and groups, I have really looked to see and understand how connections come about, how they function and serve and how to navigate through what seems like a very complex, yet highly intelligent and coherent web of connections.

In the area of personal relationships, I’m often asked about that “special Other”: “How do I know it’s the right one? How do I find him/her? How do I choose?

How do I make it work?”

Partners often wonder why in certain areas of life they get on better than in others, and many people reach a point when they are not sure whether they should stay in a relationship or leave it and how to go about either.

n

What I’ve discovered is that no connection is ever “wrong” or without purpose. We may experience a chance meeting, a compelling drive, an external pressure, or any other motivation to be with someone: it does not matter. There is always a deeper connection, there is always a discovery to be made, a lesson to learn, growth and enhanced understanding in the making.

78

# 7

# 7

79

TASTE OF TANTRA PART 4: INTELLIGENT CONNECTIONS

I

n the previous part of this series, part 3, entitled “Dual Dynamics”, we looked at projections and how the person we relate with serves as a mirror for ourselves. This time, let’s look at the “energy”, the quality of our exchange with others.

Tantra, like Yoga, Taoism and other forms of embodied spirituality and shamanism, is concerned with energy and understands the human being as an energetic one. There are various approaches to the human energy anatomy and references to Chakras, Tan Tiens, nadis, meridians and so on.

A thorough explanation of energy systems according to various schools is beyond the scope of this article, though, of course, well worth exploring.

For the purposes of this article, I am making broader references to energetic/emotional qualities with the intention of making the essential information accessible without the need for specialised knowledge or vocabulary.

Sometimes, we are in certain connections for “survival” reasons: because we desire physical contact and general security or support.

Sometimes, we experience a more subtle allegiance with another, an emotional resonance and a “feeling good” together. There may also be a sense of partnership, team-work and of complementing each other well. We may additionally delight in being “on the same wave length”, able to understand each other and to communicate well. We may have a shared vision, beliefs and ideals. Then, there may be romantic love, feelings of tenderness, appreciation, gratitude, as well as more expansive feelings and transcendent expressions.

We generally experience some combination of the above with different people in different areas of life and more of them with our chosen life partners. Some of these levels of connections may be missing or not as harmonious as others. Ideally, we’ll

80

# 7

have all of these levels of connection with a life partner.

The starting point, then, is to begin to notice, observe the quality and manner of each connection and how energy is exchanged: “how do you give and receive, on what level and what is the quality of your shared experience and mutual gifts”?

Becoming more conscious about energy exchange in this way will give us some idea as to next steps: we may choose to augment certain areas, develop or harmonise others.

We also have choice around how comprehensive we want any one connection to be! This way, everything starts to make much better sense and we can begin to trust ourselves more around relationship choices.

The greatest intelligence, however, is that of the heart. If we are to be truly happy in any connection, heart coherence is what is required.

TASTE OF TANTRA PART 4: INTELLIGENT CONNECTIONS

“

, e c n e g i l l e t n i t s e t a ” t r e a e r of the H g e t h a T s th I

# 7

81

TASTE OF TANTRA PART 4: INTELLIGENT CONNECTIONS

The first question to ask, then:

how does your heart feel?

Becoming aware of the heart-space and being able to evoke a coherent, heart-centered, emotional state is the key to successful connections and joyous manifestations in every area of life.

Become quiet for a moment and notice your breathing. Let it be natural, let it find an easy rhythm. Place the middle finger of the right hand on your navel (the adjacent two fingers placed closely together on either side) and with the left hand find the pulse on the side of your neck. Breathe naturally, whilst feeling your pulse. Feel your body settling, as you synchronize with your heart’s beating. Unify your being to the rhythm of your heart. After a while, change to the other side (change hands on belly and neck). Stay on this side for a similar length of time. Take as long as you like over this practice.

As we become more attentive to and more comfortable with our inner state, it becomes easier to “open” the heart.

I am not talking about evoking romantic love or caring feelings specifically, but the ability to enter a sense of peace, calm, open equanimity and gentle joy that comes from within and is not dependent on any one person or situation.

Become quiet for a moment and attentive to your breath and your inner state. Calm the mind and imagine a droplet forming in the centre of your brain. Watch it drop slowly, along an imaginary central axis running down and through your body, until it reaches the level of the heart. At the heart level, see a vast, peaceful watery expanse, a calm lake and as the drop enters the lake, you watch gentle ripples forming, concentric circles forming, moving outwards, reaching further and further out on the surface of the water, feeling an expansion all the way to infinity.

You may feel those feelings of openness, equanimity. A feeling of being.

Being OK. Just being.

If you’re wanting to make a decision about someone or something, enter the heart space using the practice above; when you have reached a stable emotional state, form a single image that represents a particular choice (being with a person, for example), and “place” it in the heart space. Feel if there’s expansion or contraction in your heart, notice any sensations or perceptions from this place: your heart will give you a clear “yes” or “no”.

Use this simple practice before forming any words or judgments about any person or situation. Open your heart, before you appraise or communicate.

Find words to express what feels true to you, after you have reached this state of heart expansion and this feeling of open equanimity. However challenging a situation, this practice can make all the difference in the world — and, especially with a loved one, you will be developing an empathic connection that can open wonderful new possibilities and contribute to greater fulfillment and joy — here’s to the merriment of the heart!

82

# 7

TASTE OF TANTRA PART 4: INTELLIGENT CONNECTIONS

Discover more practices and share insights on Artful Loving and Living by joining the dedicated Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/ lovepractice

For more resources on Tantra, Taoism, intimacy, relationship, energetics and the Ultimate Life-Sex Coaching, visit www.elenaangel.com

“

As we become more attentive to and more comfortable with our inner state, it becomes easier to “open” the heart.

”

# 7

83

OM NOMS COCONOM Coconut sugar is not only a low G.I sweetener but also has a deep rich flavour that can rival that of maple syrup. Coconom’s coconut sugar is sourced from sustainable small-scale organic producers in Java, Indonesia.

What really got my taste buds jumping were the varieties infused with Asian flavours; ‘Coconut sugar ginger’ and ‘Coconut sugar with Turmeric & Tamarind’! I added this one to some raw cookies to give them a South East Asian spin. Try them in hot drinks like coffee and hot chocolate for some variety too! www.coconom.com

CHOCOLATE COVERED HEAVEN A sumptuous new product range from BonPom. Raw chocolate covered inca berries, cacao beans, coffee beans and ‘Raw Sorts’ which is a mixture of all three.

I particularly like that the chocolate covering is quite thick and generous and an almost perfect sphere.

How they managed this I don’t know but its delicious especially the chocolate covered inca berries! www.bonpom.com

IT’S ALIVE! Miso is a much loved traditional Japanese food produced by fermenting rice, barley, and/ or soybeans with salt and the fungus kōjikin. It is of course the famous ingredient in the Japanese staple ‘miso soup’.

What is different about this brand is that it is unpasteurised (many misos are usually pasteurised to halt the fermentation process).

However eating miso unpasteurised is of course the point if you want to fully enjoy the health benefits of a fermented food. What is also interesting is that this Miso is not made in Japan but instead lovingly produced in Wales, UK! It’s a gorgeous product which is quite mild and less salty than other Misos. Use it in hot soups (in particular oriental noodle soups), dips or as a savoury spread in small amounts. www.miso.co.uk

84

# 7

# 7

85

OM NOMS

PERFECTLY BALANCED You were probably thinking there couldn’t be any more new vegan snack bars right? After all this is issue 07 of Lúcuma and we’ve had new vegan bars every issue. Well surprise...here are some NEW raw vegan snack bars. These four beauties were inspired by Purple Balance founder Frank Arrigazzi and partner Christina’s travels in South East Asia where they found a need for some tasty healthy snacks to eat while ‘on the go’. What immediately struck me on trying these was how unique the flavours were. Who would of thought goji berries would work with vanilla? But it does, and it is the star out of the range, closely followed by ‘Lemon Pie’ and then ‘Raspberry Cake’. They are all quite delicious and filling with a nice wholesome texture to the bar. They are also different enough from what is already out there in the market to gain lots of interest. www.purplebalancesuperfoods.com

STAY WARM THIS WINTER Two great winter warmers from Higher Living - a nice zinging ginger & lemon tea ‘Ginger Kick’ and ‘Sweet Chai’ which is gentle and fragrant with its licorice, and balanced blend of traditional spices.

I also recommend the ginger kick tea as a good digestion tea. Ginger has a long reputation of being useful in the treatment of nausea and stomach upsets. www.higherlivingherbs.com

BEST ALMOND MILK EVER? You’ve probably tried almond milk before but I think Rude Health’s version is the best around. This is partly because it uses mountain spring water and has no added thickeners, instead he ‘milky’ quality comes from the addition of organic rice. www.rudehealth.com

86

# 7

Adornments

e t ! a s e g r n i C h s ’ T t e L ing z a m A ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz

THE COOLEST RAW VEGAN ORGANIC INGREDIENTS, SUPERFOODS & SNACKS

www.bonpom.com

# 7

87

OM NOMS

PURA VIDA Pura Vida breads have a sprouted biodynamic buckwheat base that sets them apart from the heavy seed and nut products that sit alongside them in the raw food aisle. Made from few, local ingredients, these breads are just flavoursome enough to be eaten alone but with a subtle enough taste to be used as a sturdy bread, raw pizza base, or in place of a crispy raw food cracker. Price wise, these breads beat every other raw cracker or bread on the market in terms of cost per weight. They also have a 6 month shelf life and do not absorb too much moisture so they remain firm.

Incredibly moreish, the sweet breads are an exciting part of the range considering there is nothing like them on offer from other raw food producers.

The Chocolate Bread is made up of buckwheat, raw Ecuadorian chocolate powder, dates, carrots, flaxseeds, cold pressed olive oil and water. This is an extremely versatile bread that can be used sweet or savoury. The chocolate powder gives it a pleasing sourness reminiscent of traditional rye breads and sourdough whilst the dates produce just enough sweetness to make this bread work well with jams, fruit or a chocolate topping. The banana bread has an outstanding flavour. Made from only buckwheat, flaxseeds, cold pressed olive oil and bananas, this bread has no hint of the bitterness or rancidity often found in dehydrated fruit products. This is a softer bread than some of the other flavours and can be used in raw desserts, as a base for fruit and nut spreads or even cut small and added to granolas. www.puravidafood.co.uk

88

# 7

OM NOMS

GET NAKD ONE BITE AT A TIME If you already like Nakd Bars, and lets face it, most people do! Chances are your going to get really excited over this new product. The same fruity gooiness of a nakd bar except now it’s in small bite size chunks! The only difference is an almost imperceptible dusting of rice flour to stop the chunks sticking to each other. It’s amazing how the eating experience is transformed from the bars despite being the same ingredients. I find it much more enjoyable as you can snack on them and save some for another day, or share with friends, or serve them as nibbles on a serving plate at parties. www.naturalbalancefoods.co.uk

WINTER TIME COMFORT Maitake mushroom has traditionally been used in China and Japan to enhance the immune system. Four Sigma foods have created a light fragrant ‘Chai’ like blend for this product which works well as a coffee or herbal tea alternative.

Shiitake mushroom is perhaps a more familiar mushroom but still a potent medicinal mushroom. I think Shiitakes savoury flavour lends itself more to soups rather and a beverage, particularly with the dandelion and rosehip added to this blend. I absolutely love making quick soups with Instant Shiitake as a stock and has already become an essential store cupboard product for me! Simply heat up some vegetable stock, noodles and other veggies and add the Instant Shiitake to the mix for some incredible winter comfort food!

Reishi mushroom has been used as a medicinal mushroom in traditional Chinese medicine for more than 2,000 years and when you try it you can see why! If I feel a cold virus coming on I will make an Instant Reishi drink and the virus is knocked out straight away. Plus it tastes good enough to be a coffee/tea substitute. Just add hot water, your favourite milk and your there!

Read more about Medicinal Mushrooms and Four Sigma Foods on page 72

www.foursigmafoods.com

# 7

89

ADORNMENTS SAY HELLO TO INKKAS! Aren’t these the coolest shoes your eyes have ever seen? ‘Inkkas’ feature Aztec and tribal designs made by artisans in Peru under fairtrade practices. They are also 100% vegan so no animal products are used in their manufacture. In addition a portion of the proceeds of each sale of these shoes are donated to Amazon rainforest charities!

At Lúcuma we have fallen in love with them and think they are iconic and trendsetting. It’s really a ‘no-brainer’ that you want them so head on over right now and buy a pair! In fact the only difficulty is deciding which pair to go for!

pp INKKAS - BLUEBIRD

More info and styles including low top versions at www.inkkas.com also available at www.braintreeclothing.com

tt INKKAS - MOJITO

pp INKKAS - MANGO

tt INKKAS - COTTON CANDY

pp INKKAS - BLACK SPECTRUM 90

# 7

Swing Coat u £130.00 GBP

qq Printed Jacket £88.00 GBP

TEAL VELVET If anything screams out Eco luxurious fashion then its these beautiful coats from Nomads Clothing.

If teal isn’t your colour then they also look gorgeous in purple. www.nomadsclothing.com

# 7

91

ADVERTISE HERE! Adornments

A Great opportunity to advertise in the most gorgeous MIND BODY SPIRIT magazine • LUCUMA IS CREATED BY THE ‘SURFERS OF THE WAVES OF CHANGE’ AND IS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF THE RAW FOOD, SPIRITUAL & CONSCIOUS LIVING SCENE • HELP SUPPORT LUCUMA MAGAZINE & PROMOTE YOUR BRAND AT THE SAME TIME! • PRESENT YOUR BRAND TO A GLOBAL AUDIENCE Readership of *23,000 globally and increasing daily!

Back issues still being viewed and shared via social media. *Viewing figures from December 2013 • FULL PAGE & DOUBLE PAGE ADVERTISING SPACE AVAILABLE. ADVERTORIALS ALSO AVAILABLE.

92

For Prices & Details Contact: papillon@lucuma.co.uk # 7

Adornments

FROM THE SOURCE Some picks from British based ‘From the Source’ who specialise in unique fair trade and ethical fashion and accessories. The mens indigo blue shirt its especially stunning. When it first arrives it’s almost black, as the garment has not been ‘preshrunk’ like high street clothing. So give it a couple of rounds in the washing machine on the ‘Hand Wash’ setting on its own, then behold that wondrous deep indigo blue colour! www.fromthesource.co.uk

pp Men’s shirt in natural indigo blue Organically grown cotton, hand spun, naturally dyed, handwoven, finished with coconut shell buttons and fairly traded from Laos.

£48.00 GBP

tt Hmong ethnic fabric shoulder bag with red stripes - fair trade £28.00 GBP pp Men’s shirt in cream with blue and brown stripes Organically grown cotton, hand spun, naturally dyed, handwoven, finished with coconut shell buttons and fairly traded from Laos.

£33.60 GBP

tt Shades of blue loose weave cotton scarf £20.00 GBP # 7

93

GOODIES TRILODEON SACRED GEOMETRY PILLOWS According to Trilodeon these pillows with sacred geometry designs and containing a specific blend of organic aromatic herbs and gemstones inside to resonate with a particular chakra will “set you sailing into your dreams, to boldly go where no soul has gone before”. One side of the pillow has a star tetrahedron fractal merkaba and on the other side is the ‘Flower of Life’. They also come with a report and guide of various types of meditation and the mix of herbs and gems inside the pillow as well as how to get the most out of the pillow. www.trilodeon.com

tt MEDITATION PILLOW WITH SACRED GEOMETRY DESIGN RED (root Chakra) pictured - Also available in the other chakra colours £14.41 GBP

tt BLUE iPHONE DEFLECTOR - Also available in the other colours £24.31 GBP

tt PURPLE & GOLD iPHONE DEFLECTOR - Also available in the other colours £24.31 GBP

94

# 7

tt ORANGE GLOW iPHONE DEFLECTOR - Also available in the other colours £24.31 GBP

FLOWER OF LIFE PHONE COVERS Bring a bit of peace to your phone with a phone case decorated with the sacred geometry of the ‘Flower of Life’. Available for iPhone and Galaxy S. Designed by our very own Lúcuma Editor.

ROBOT UNICORN ATTACK 2 Do you want to play a game where you are a robot unicorn galloping across mystical worlds jumping through hoops and dashing trough crystal stars and giants whilst collecting fairies and unicorn tears? If so read on and better still download it right now for your phone and iPad as its FREE! Robot Unicorn Attack 2 is the sequel to the popular original online game, by [adult swim] games, only this time the graphics have been taken to a whole new level! The backgrounds and animations are simply gorgeous. One of the most loved features of the original was the song ‘Always’ by Erasure which served as the soundtrack. This time, it and other lovable but cheesy 80s songs are available to buy in a special bundle as you unlock them. The default soundtrack however is not bad and sounds like something from an 1980s fantasy movie but fits the game perfectly as the unicorn prances through the dreamy backdrops.

FREE DOWNLOAD iOS (iPad/iPhone Andorid

The game is quite simple to play. The unicorn runs continuously as the background scrolls and you have to either ‘jump’ or if there is Star to smash or giant to kill ‘Dash’ to keep the game going. As you pick up speed the paths become more tricky to negotiate. There are also fairies to catch, unicorn tears to collect and hoops to jump through, all of which increase your score. You are also set goals which when you pass them increase your ranking and you are awarded ‘Unicorn tears’ as points, with which you can use to buy more parts/upgrades to your unicorn such as a set of Pegasus style wings which allow you to fly!

Available for iPhone, iPad and Android. www.games.adultswim.com

# 7

95

r r

Staying Healthy Whilst Embracing the

Seasonal Shifts by

Elizabeth Montgomery Holistic Nutritional Therapist

Alkalising Juice Here’s a great warming and alkalising raw juice to help you through the winter season: 1 cucumber 1 bulb fennel 4 stalks celery 1 handful parsley juice of 1 or 2 limes 1 tsp fresh ginger 1tsp fresh turmeric (peeled) 1 pinch of cayenne pepper

96

# 7

2014

has arrived and many people are celebrating this early new year period as a time for new beginnings. It is however, one of many cycles within cycles, and a time of greatly accelerated global change.

It’s important to understand where we are energetically in this sacred winter seasonal cycle, if we are to understand what will benefit our well being at this time of year.

In non western cultural traditions, this is a time for slowing down and going inwards with practices such as; gentle yoga, meditation and contemplation.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, during the six month period from the Autumn Equinox to the Vernal Equinox, we enter into what is known as the contractive and yin time of the year. It’s a cold, dark and wet seasonal period which is associated with the feminine, and requires foods that hold yang (warming) properties. These warming types of foods are provided for us in nature and most grow beneath the earth. It is also a time that requires longer periods of sleep and gentle exercise.

The Winter Solstice on December 21st, is regarded as the heart of winter and a pivotal time according to shamanic tradition, and indigenous tribal cultures. This is a time for celebrating the return of the sun with bonfires (or candle light) - as it marks the return of longer daylight hours!

The key organs that are being activated during this winter season are the kidneys and bladder. Extra care must be taken to ensure that they don’t become stressed and out of balance. Some ideal foods and spices that nurture these organs are; beetroot, seaweed, kidney and black beans, dark green vegetables, turnips, sweet potatoes, cinnamon and ginger.

As many are aware, the 2012 Winter Solstice marked the ending and resetting of the 26,000 year old cycle in the Mayan calendar. It known as: The Shift of The Ages, and in shamanic wisdom teachings, as the time when our earth rapidly began her ascension into the 5th dimension and Age of Aquarius.

Many people are now choosing to include higher amounts of raw foods into their diet for optimal health, and to help attune themselves with the ascension process. Eating this way can also be maintained during the colder months.

The key here is to be sure to include spices with warming properties such as; turmeric, ginger, garlic and cayenne pepper.

# 7

97

RECIPES

See a

Quick & Easy

Almond Milk recipe 98

# 7

in Issue 06 of Lúcuma!

Apple & cinnamon grawnola Recipe by NAMA Foods with the collaboration of Alessandra Felice Granola is an staple breakfast in most homes, so we have decided to share with you one of our favourite recipes! Made with sprouted buckwheat, the perfect substitute for grains, making this recipe gluten free. This granola is both satisfying and nutritious, and it is easily prepare in big amounts and keeps well in air-tight containers.

Ingredients 2 cups buckwheat, sprouted ½ cup almonds, soaked for 8 hours and rinsed 1 cup sunflower seeds, soaked for 8 hours and rinsed ½ cup pumpkin seeds, soaked for 8 hours and rinsed 1 cup date paste 3 apples, chopped in thin slices 1 tablespoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon vanilla 1/3 teaspoon Himalayan salt Sprouting the buckwheat Soak the buckwheat in filtered water for 1 hour, drain and place on the side covered with cling film. Rinse the buckwheat very well every 6 hours or so until the tails start growing. It will then be ready to use for this recipe. In a warm environment it takes about 36 hours. If the buckwheat is ready but you haven’t soaked the nuts & seeds, rinse it very well and place it in the fridge to stop the germination process until you are ready to continue with the granola preparation.

Making date paste The date paste is simply 1 cup of dates, soaked for a couple of hours to soften and then blended with 1 cup water and a pinch of Himalayan salt.

Preparation In a big bowl, place the sprouted buckwheat (that has been very well rinsed again), the soaked seeds and sliced apples and mix well with the date paste and spices. Spread the mixture well on Teflex sheets and dehydrate for 2 hours, turn onto the mesh sheets on the dehydrator trays and keep dehydrating until thoroughly dry for another 6-7 hours. # 7

99

Pumpkin pie spice roiboos latte & pumpkin spice mix Recipe by NAMA Foods with the collaboration of Alessandra Felice Warming drinks are the star of the season and this pumpkin pie spice latte it is the brightest of all! Creamy and with all the delish spices that comfort us in winter… perfect for an afternoon treat!

Ingredients (makes 2 drinks) 2 cups nut milk* 1 cup strong roiboos tea (2 tea bags) 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice mix Blend all ingredients together until warm in a high speed blender.

Pour in a cup and sprinkle some more pumpkin spice mix on top before enjoying it.

Pumpkin pie spice mix 3 tablespoons ground cinnamon 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 ½ teaspoons nutmeg 1 ½ teaspoons ground mix spice 1 ½ teaspoons ground cloves (better to start with whole cloves and grind them into powder) Mix all powders together and store in a glass jar for this winter season. * you can find a nut milk recipe in Lúcuma 06 or use the store bought version.

100

# 7

RECIPES

See a

Quick & Easy

Almond Milk recipe in Issue 06 of Lúcuma!

# 7

101

RECIPES

102

# 7

Pumpkin spice breakfast crepes Recipe by NAMA Foods with the collaboration of Alessandra Felice These crepes are a great way to get into the colder season flavours. The mixture between apples and raisins with the pumpkin spice mix is incredible… and best of all, very easy to prepare!

Crepes (makes 4 medium size crepes) 2 bananas 2 apples ¼ cup ground golden linseed Pinch of Himalayan salt Blend all ingredients together and spread in circles onto Teflex sheets.

They need to dehydrate for about 7-8 hours (usually overnight) until they are dry but still pliable.

Filling 2 medium apples A handful of raisins 2 tbps lemon juice 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice Crush pecans for a crunch Chop the apples into small cubes, add the raisins, pumpkin spice, vanilla powder and lemon juice. Mix well and let it macerate for a few minutes while you prepare the cream. Add the crushed pecans just before serving.

Cream 1 cup cashews (soaked for 8 hours and rinsed)

½ cup water ½ tsp vanilla powder 2 tbsp coconut sugar Blend until smooth and creamy in a high speed blender.

Assembly Place a crepes on a flat surface, spread the cream on one half, top with the filling and roll! We like to cut our crepes in half for serving, but it’s up to you how to present them! # 7

103

Raw dehydrated bread Recipe by Dina Gkitziou This is an easy recipe for a raw bread with a soft texture. It tastes like wheat bread and you can use it to make sandwiches or use it as a base for a raw pizza adding your favourite toppings!

Ingredients A 3-4 medium organic carrots 1 red pointed pepper (organic) 1 cup sunflower seeds

½ tsp himalayan pink salt 1 cup spring water Ingredients B 3tsp flax seeds 7-8 tsp organic psyllium husk (be careful about the quality of psyllium husk because it is usually loaded with chemicals unless certified organic).

Method Put all ingredients A in a high speed blender and blend until smooth (60 -90 seconds).

Pour mixture in a large glass bowl and add the flax seeds only and stir.

Then add the psyllium husk and stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Spread the mixture 1 cm thick with a spatula or knife on to a teflex sheet and dehydrate at 104 for 2-3 hours Cut it in big 3 inches squares, separate and dehydrate for a further 5 to 6 hours Keeps well in the fridge for 4-5 days inside a sealed container.

It tastes like wheat bread and you can make sandwiches or use it as a base for a raw pizza adding your favourite toppings I choose not to add any herbs as we use the bread as a base to add sweet stuff like honey or raw chocolate spread.

104

# 7

Recipe from the book ‘KIDS HEALTHY LUNCH-BOXES easy living foods recipes extraordinaire’ released by the end of January 2014 and available from Amazon uk.

In this book I created healthy food recipes for Lydia (my daughter) in order to help her maintain a super healthy diet with foods that taste as good as the junk food from the matrix and better.

I decided to publish it as an increased amount of Lydia’s friends love her food!

RECIPES

# 7

105

RECIPES

106

# 7

Middle Eastern Wild Rice Recipe by Amy Maynard Ingredients (serves 2) 150g wild rice Filtered or mineral/spring water 12 dates 100g cashew nuts (or macadamia nuts, if you want to be hard core raw) 6 spring onions 1½ tsp fennel seeds 1½ tsp cumin seeds Juice of 1 juicy (or 2 not so juicy) lemon(s) 4 tbsp raw olive oil 2 tbsp tamari 2 or 3 chive flowers, or other small edible flowers, to garnish (optional) Equipment A dehydrator (or you could try using an oven on a very low heat, with the door open: A temperature of 80ºC and the door 10cm ajar is about right) A sprouting jar (or alternatively use a large jam jar with a sock over the top, lid off) Method The day before you want to finish the dish, put the rice into the large sprouting jar, and fill the jar to 1cm from the top with the water. Place in your dehydrator at 46ºC/oven (as above), and leave to bloom for 12-24 hours, until all the rice has opened.

Once the rice has bloomed, drain and gently rinse it in a sieve, making sure it is thoroughly cleaned.

Roughly chop the dates, top and tail the spring onions, and slice them horizontally into 4-5cm pieces, and then into quarters diagonally to make loads of little thin strips.

In a dry frying pan, then toast the cashew/macadamia nuts lightly, and then do the same for the cumin and fennel seeds. You can leave this step out if you’d like not to eat toasted food (though it does do a lot for flavour if you do want to!)

Then combine all ingredients except the flowers in a large bowl, mix together and leave for the flavours to develop for around half an hour.

Once ready, top with the flowers, and enjoy! # 7

107

CONTRIBUTORS Steven Nicolaides

Vienda Maria

Andrea M. Blundell

Editor & Founder of LĂşcuma

Lifestyle Coach & Writer

Writer

Steven is the founder and designer of LĂşcuma. He has a background in music and design.

Vienda is a lifestyle coach who guides smart, creative professionals and entrepreneurs through strategically using their intuition and inner guidance to make real and lasting changes in their lives, for more freedom, more fun, more ease, more fulfilment and more happiness.

Andrea M. Blundell is a journalist and a lippy- glamorous hippy. She has been featured in such publications as the Daily Mail, Psychologies, Top Sante, and Spirit & Destiny. She loves to explore all things holistic, esoteric, magic, and good fun and her favourite assignments involve jumping on planes and visiting resorts worldwide.

Disillusioned with the conventional way of life he desired to unplug from the illusion and gain more freedoms on every level.

Spirituality, creating, veganism and mindfulness has been his passion since the turn of the millennium. He is a natural creative able to communicate ideas and concepts through a variety of media.

He started New Gaia Designs in 2008 which offers design for eco-friendly/ethical companies.

He loves spending time in nature, guitars, drums, chanting, meditating, travelling flowers and nice scents.

My Photography: fizzyimages.imagekind.com My Design: www.newgaiadesigns.com

Vienda holds a Bachelor degree in Psychology and her training includes Level 1 Reiki, Diploma in Coaching and Counseling, and completion of several business and marketing courses.

Her published works include co-authoring Love & Oneness from the Adventures in Manifesting series, and the eBooks; The Gypset Recipe Book; and Build Your Own Business Blog.

Vienda works with clients internationally and can most often be found on the coasts of California, Australia or in the UK. www.viendamaria.com Social Media Links: Facebook Instagram Twitter Pinterest

108

# 4 7

www.andreablundell.com

Lari Laurikkala

Maahy

Product manager at Four Sigma Foods

Artist

Lari works as a product manager at Four Sigma Foods. This medicinal mushroom expert and culinary chef is behind the recipes in our Instant drinks and new product lines launched in 2014

I’m 18 and alive, born and raised in one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

Growing up in the Maldives, I’ve always been inspired by nature. Chilly wind, sunny skies and crystal seas still get my feet off the ground. You could say im a dreamer. I believe in art, beauty, individuality and the simplicity of things.

www.foursigmafoods.com

Fearless and captivating art inspires me.

My art portrays the minimalism of black and white as well as the chaotic beauty and mystery of doodling, zentangles, streams of flowing lines and the fascinating scent and touch of coffee. I work intimately with ink pens and graphite pencils. For me, the key to finishing a detailed art piece is immense patience and perseverance. I always carry a camera with me to capture organic and interesting patterns, shapes and designs I see every day. Whether it be on the road, in a mud puddle, the dancing clouds, or in a trailing foot print, I always keep my inspiration rolling. www.maahyart.com Facebook Tumblr Deviant Art Flickr

# 7

109

CONTRIBUTORS Irene Arango

Rich Havardi

Elizabeth Montgomery

Founder of Nama foods restaurant & Bliss Bites & Detox

Founder of Nama foods restaurant & the Raw Foods Company

Holistic Nutritional Therapist

Irene started her journey into raw food in her search for better health, more energy and ideal weight. Delighted that she found it, she has since then dedicated her life to help others to embark on the same fulfilling path trying to bring raw food and its benefits to mainstream knowledge showing how exciting raw dishes can be using your creativity and imagination.

Rich Havardi has always had a passion for food and nutrition and is a firm believer in the value of a healthy diet for body, mind and spirit.

Elizabeth has been studying and exploring: nutrition, eastern medicine, astrology and medicine way teachings since her teens while growing up in Seattle, Washington.

In the last few years, he has been bringing more raw foods and superfoods into his diet and has experienced massive benefits to his health since following this path. “My energy levels have dramatically improved, I feel more focused and balanced, my skin feels radiant, I don’t suffer from any digestive problems and can’t remember when I last got sick. By focusing on a path of improving my nutrition, wonderful synchronicities have enriched my life to help me fulfil my dreams.”

She has a background in working in the performance arts and transitioned into the healing arts in the late 1990s.

She passionately believes in the healing power of nature and works holistically with her clients to empower them so they may tap into their bodies own innate healing ability. She is fully qualified as a Nutritional Therapist, dance and exercise to music instructor. She has also trained for several years in energy medicine and The Medicine Way healing practices of the indigenous people of the Americas.

Founder of Bliss Bites, a raw chocolate, cakes, nut cheese and kale crisps online business and Bliss Detox, Irene spends her days working in her West London kitchen, producing the healthy raw treats for business Bliss Bites, developing exciting new recipes and making bespoke juices for her detox clients.

Irene also runs health related events in the UK and Spain, caters for meetings, dinner parties, conferences and retreats in Europe and runs raw food and chocolate workshops to encourage and inspire more people to embrace the raw lifestyle.

Irene believes that raw foods are not only a way to become healthier but also to use your imagination and nurture your spirit.

Irene is founder and chef at Nama foods in Queens Park, London, England. www.blissbites.co.uk www.namafoods.com 110

# 7

After 9 months, as the raw food chef at ‘Down to Earth’, a vegetarian cafe in Kensington, he has now opened Nama, a raw food bar situated in the heart of Queens Park, West London. At Nama you can buy artisan raw food dishes, attend workshops and enjoy juice/food-cleansing programs. Nama also offers bespoke raw catering for events and retreats in addition to providing a delivery service. www.therawfoodscompany.com www.namafoods.com

She currently lives in London, England where she offers one to one consultations, lectures, magazine articles and international workshops. She is also an environmental activist, dancer, globe trotter, and loves music and taking long hikes in nature.

See more about Elizabeth’s works at: www.holisticnutrition.co.uk

Elena Angel

Amy Maynard

Dina Gitziou

Tantric practitioner, healer and coach

Raw Food Chef

Artist & Raw Food Chef

Elena Angel is a Tantric practitioner, healer and coach, creator of “The Ultimate Life-Sex Coaching”.

As a little girl, Amy’s mother, a nutritionist and reflexologist, was closely involved with the Gerson therapy- a therapy that treats cancer by supporting the body’s own defences through a strict regime of specially prepared organic fruits and vegetables, raw salads, and juices.

She grew up with the knowledge of the undeniable link between organic, raw food and wellness. She began to cultivate a passion for cooking at a young age, and has since tried her hand at all manners of vegetarian cooking, be it Indian, French Patisserie, Thai, traditional baking, Italian, or cooking in the wild. A few years ago, she rediscovered veganism and has since snowballed from becoming a strict vegan to someone who is totally captivated with raw cooking and living. Amidst her busy life, she writes raw food recipes which she sometimes samples at Food for Thought, Kingston, where she also works. Amy is currently organising her recipes and working on ideas for an online cookbook/ blog, which will consist of foraging tips, recipes for natural and raw cosmetics, and vegan recipes both cooked and raw, gourmet and everyday. Watch this space!

I consider my self gifted with the ability to bring the wind of change to my life and the life’s of others around me.

www.ricepeasandlove.co.uk

www.saatchionline.com/Dina

Elena’s bespoke sessions, workshops and immersive training programmes uniquely combine Tantric and Taoist practices with a wide array of therapeutic modalities and spiritual technology for healing and transformation, bringing new joy, fulfilment and empowerment to men and women.

Elena presents talks and writes on Tantra, sacred sexuality and sexual healing, intimacy and relationship, transformation and manifestation; she runs workshops and retreats, including the popular “Tantric Alchemy: Manifesting Your Soulmate”, offers a regular webinar series and a dedicated Women’s circle.

Elena Angel maintains a thriving practice in London and has attracted widespread media attention: she has been featured in The Sunday Times, GQ, Natural Health, Easy Living, Yoga Magazine and numerous other publications. She is the first to bring the Millennium Method, a radical Quantum healing and transformation technology, to Europe. www.elenaangel.com

Raised in a family of musicians, I studied Sculpture at the University of Athens and Middlesex University in London.

In 2006 I had some extraordinary experiences that transformed my life and sped up my awakening. I studied Meditation, Self Hypnosis, Hypnotherapy, and did extensive research regarding mind body connection and influence. Diet and the use of food as a healing and transformation tool played a big part in my life for the last 7 years.

From 2010 until late 2012 I worked on the project ‘’ Open and Closed systems in contemporary Sculpture’’.

I am currently writing the Book KIDS HEALTHY LUNCH -BOXES, a recipe book for conscious parents with an intersection twist. (where different fields meet) I mainly work with commissions and my sculptures are in private collections and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Salonica.

# 7

111

#07