The Eden Magazine October 2025

THE STRENGTH OF STILLNESS

by Wendy L. Jackson

EDEN CampaignGO Scott Fifer

From Hollywood to Humanity

MEET OUR TEAM

Maryam Morrison

Dina Morrone

Brad wallace

Lisa Joy Walton

JSquared Photography @j2pix

Nikki Pattillo Artin Mardirosian

Sheri Determan

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Greg Doherty

Ben Rollins

Joe Santos, Jr.

Philip Smith

Edward Hakopian

Susanna Schroadter

Emilie Macas

Polly Wirum

Benjamin D.Buren

Dr. Rob Moir

EDEN

Since 2010

The Eden Magazine is a free online publication is your guide to healthy living, spiritual awareness, compassion and love for all living beings, holistic lifestyle, mindfulness, organic living, positive thinking, sustainability, and personal development

Founder & Editor-in-Chief

Maryam Morrison

Executive Editor/Contributing Writer

Dina Morrone

Contributing Writers

Sadhguru, Isha Foundation

Dulce Garcia-Morman

Susanna Schroadter

Dr. Rob Moir

Emilie Macas

Nikki Pattillo

Polly Wirum

Joe Santos, Jr.

Guest Writer

Philip Smith

Contributing Stylists + Makeup Artist

Edward Hakopian

Lisa Joy Walton

Graphics & Photography

JSquared Photography @j2pix (Los Angeles)

Artin Mardirosian (Nexision) (Los Angeles)

Benjamin D. Buren – AliveStudios.Com (Denver, SanFrancisco, Boston)

Sheri Determan (Los Angeles)

Greg Doherty (Los Vegas) Ben Rollins (Atlanta)

Web developer Brad wallace https://bradwallacedesign.com/

325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209

Ellen Dee Davidson

62 MANIFEST YOUR GREATEST DESIRE WITH INTENTION by Polly Wirum 68

POWER OF BOREDOM by Dulce Garcia-Morman 72 WALKING THROUGH TRAUMA by Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison 78 WHAT IS PSYCHONVIGATION? by Norman J. Burton & Nisha Burton 86 HABITS THAT STICK by Carl Greer 92

Cover by: Heidi Aubin

SACRED FOREST BATHING

Invitation

by Ellen Dee Davidson

Photo by

IImagine walking down a path on soft russet duff. The faint sweet fragrance of the simple, white trilliums with their yellow stamens wafts on the breeze. There are so many trilliums; they line the trail. The flute-like note of a hermit thrush punctuates the air, calling us back to this place and this moment in time, so our thoughts slow down and we start noticing more.

After this winter's fierce rains, the moss is scintillating with fresh, vibrant aliveness. Waist-high ferns glisten with dewdrops. A blue jay flits through branches, flying between shafts of sunlight that seem to pour down grace.

It's so quiet here that the rustles of a chipmunk in the brush seem loud. It's so quiet here that we can hear ourselves think. It's so quiet here that we can hear ourselves not think. We can open up to the spaciousness and delight of being in a fragment of the wholeness that once was, a rem-

nant of the glory of the biosphere Earth created over eons.

These remnants of wilderness, places allowed to evolve in their own wild ways without the interference of human beings, give us glimpses into what it feels like to be whole. And for sure, it's not linear. All is curvy, fractal, interrelated. The essence of wholeness is when all of the disparate parts assemble in harmony, whether it is our body, emotions, spirits, minds, and essences, or the elements of earth, water, fire, air, and space.

A common note in diverse ecosystems is beauty; every environment has unique colors, scents, hues, vibrations, patterns, and energy fields that come together in exquisite coherence. Even the transitional environments, where we go from forest to beach, for example, do it with such elegance and interwoven delicacy that our hearts open to beauty.

My odyssey began over thirty years ago when my husband took a job in Humboldt County, California, in the far north of the state. It is a region of redwoods, rivers, and big lagoons along stretches of rugged coastline.

There is even an old-growth redwood behind my backyard. I named the tree Grandmother Dragon Tree because it feels old and grandmotherly, with two prongs sticking out of the top of its crown and a snout nose that resembles a dragon. (I'm calling the tree "she” because I can't bear to call living beings "it," as if they are objects.)

As soon as we settled into the house, Grandmother Dragon Tree began visiting and teaching me in dreams. In 1992, I was sound asleep when the giant tree appeared in my mind. She pulses with light and consciousness. I see waves of energy radiate from Grandmother Dragon Tree—up, down, and across the valley for a quarter mile in every direction. Words come into my dream. "My radiant field uplifts." And somehow I know she's improving the tone of all the life in this area: the creek and fish, occasional river otters, spawning salmon, eagles, hawks, herons, egrets, deer, bear, fox, porcupines, and me and my family. Some nights in my dreams, I see starlight streak down her trunk, grounding into the soil. Other times, there is the vision of the tree, almost as if she is greeting me, and then the dream image of her morphs into pictures of mushrooms growing on her bark, huddled against her roots, or sprouting up in circles around her.

I can't figure out why the tree keeps showing me mushrooms. It is decades before I learn of the discoveries scientists make about the importance of fungi and their mycelial networks transmitting nutrients between trees. At first, I didn't understand the dreams at all. It never occurs to me that the tree is sentient and actually communicating with me. Instead, I analyze each

dream in a Jungian way, as if the tree represents part of myself.

About fifteen years after Grandmother Dragon Tree's first visits to me in my dreams, I began going on retreats and meditating with a lama in the Tibetan Buddhist Vajrayana tradition. The lama comes to my friend Annette's refurbished redwood barn. About twenty of us sit on woven wool carpets. During rainstorms, a woodstove keeps us cozy, while on hot summer days, with the windows wide open, we watch the crown sparrows dip and dive. Each retreat, we soften and open by meditating, dancing, listening to dharma talks, chanting mantras, and receiving the beauty of the blossoming rhododendrons. So I'm in a very receptive state when the lama suggests we "follow the juice."

I think he means that we follow our deepest heart wishes and do what increases our vital life force energy. Both of my children are grown and off to college, and I have more free time than I've ever had, so I start playing a game with myself upon waking and ask, "What is my heart's desire to do today?" Most free days, the answer is, "Go to the redwood forest." Although there is a lovely second-growth community forest in my town, Arcata,

I can't resist the lure of forests that have never been logged, and so usually drive either forty minutes south or north to find completely untouched redwoods. I begin hiking miles, sometimes with my husband, Steve, or one of my friends, most often Allegra. I first met Allegra when our daughters were in elementary school and we were at an assembly. Looking across the sea of people, I saw her face lit up from within, glowing like a full moon, and it almost seemed like there was a twinkling tiara of sparkling fairy lights around her head. Later, she told me that I also looked luminous and magical, like an elf! We've been friends ever since.

Photo by Adobestock

Ellen Dee Davidson has worked as a creative writing, piano, and elementary school teacher and is the author of a number of children’s books, including Wind, which won the Nautilus Gold Award, and The Miracle Forest, a bilingual picture book telling the true story of how a community in Colombia found a miraculous way to restore rainforests not seen in the area for thousands of years.

She is a member of TreeSisters, Awakening Women, and the Earth Treasure Vase Global Healing Project.

She lives in Humboldt County, California, where she has fallen in love with the ancient redwood forests.

But Steve is often busy with his garden, and Allegra with her family, so I usually go alone. Sometimes it is scary. I run into mountain lions, rutting elk, and black bears. But mostly it is blissful to be in all that silence, and I spend hours meditating with the old trees. I'm not expecting spending time in the forest to heal me, but it does, and over the years, I find myself happier and healthier than I've ever been. I'm also not expecting the spirits of the land to speak to me and to take me on a mythic journey that opens me up to visionary experiences. Still, they do, and over the years, I find myself increasingly able to receive the magical and mysterious wisdom of the trees.

Immersing myself deeply into the enchanted realm of the ancient redwood forest, I have discovered that everything communicates with me, often on levels too subtle to reach my conscious awareness. Information comes into my body, sometimes as an instinct—the way we often know who is safe or not, without understanding exactly why. Children and pets do this all the time. I've learned to trust this intelligence that permeates my body. When I don't invalidate what I'm receiving, things go better for me, and eventually, I understand what I picked up. So I slow down and allow the trees to enliven me, awakening memories of a state of wholeness when redwood forests stretched from California to Canada, oaks were worshipped in my ancestral lands of Ireland, and people lived so intimately with Earth it was an entangled weave of life.

It still is an entangled weave of

life. There's no getting around that. Modern humans have retreated behind squares and rectangles, metallic devices, electronic barrages, noise, traffic, artificial perfumes, laundry detergents, and walls, thereby creating a delusion of independence and a sense of being untangled from life. But of course, this is impossible. We are woven deeply into the fabric of Earth’s creative expression.

We are in dynamic times where old systems are crumbling, and we have yet to birth the new. It's a challenge to keep our balance and focus on what we do want, while feeling so deeply for our own and others’ suffering. In this story of wild wanderings, I hope to explore ways nature can help us to lean into our fullness, health, and potential to get off this hamster wheel of human-induced suffering, abuse, and war on ourselves, one another, and nature.

We can look to wilderness for guidance, especially forests. Trees have been on the planet for over 360 million years. In that time, they have been huge contributors to creating the biosphere that has elaborated itself into this astonishing diversity of interconnected life. It's a stunning creation that has, in fact, made Earth habitable for us. We humans have only been here for a few million years, so it's safe to say trees are our natural elders. We can learn from them. As I take readers strolling down this wild path, I hope you, like me, will be reminded of your wholeness, the part of you that knows health, connectivity, and a way home to our original blueprint of living in harmony with Earth.

The Story of No Woman Left Behind PainTransforming into Purpose:

By Kate Grant

In No Woman Left Behind, Kate Grant shares a deeply moving story that begins with the devastating reality faced by women who suffer from Obstetric Fistula. This childbirth injury leaves them incontinent and often without hope. With compassion and determination, Grant takes readers on her own extraordinary journey from Madison Avenue to leading a global nonprofit that has provided more than 100,000 life-transforming surgeries to women in need. Her memoir is both a testament to resilience and a call to action to ensure no woman is ever left behind.

Put your ear down close to your soul and listen hard.

~Anne Sexton

AAn ancient cab, the color of moss, speckled with rust, hugged the curb outside my hotel. I got up and asked the driver if he could take me to the Fistula Hospital. We made our way onto the road, nestled behind a bus that belched gray clouds of diesel smoke into the crisp morning air. Out the window, I could see a snaky train of haggard women, skinny men with a few missing limbs, and bony kids on foot. Ethiopia had recently emerged from decades of a communist dictatorship and endured a famine of biblical proportions; think rock stars singing "We are the World." The human toll of that brutal history was trudging by us.

A few days earlier at Dulles Airport, a silver-haired stranger had asked me with a smirk, "Are you a mercenary, a missionary, or a misfit?" when I'd told him I was headed to Africa. The answer should have been easy. I'd spent my twenties largely unburdened by introspection, enjoying the spoils of my Madison Avenue career. In search of a more meaningful path, I'd landed in Washington, DC, working on Capitol Hill. I liked to think of myself as a pragmatic idealist out to save the world. But maybe I was kidding myself. Maybe

I was just a misfit trying to escape the rat race.

I was in Ethiopia as part of a "Co Del"— short for Congressional Delegation— and the embassy suggested that I visit the hospital. “It's for women, you'll find it interesting," was all I'd been told. I mulled over the word Fistula. It meant nothing to me. I had a vague memory that Italy occupied Ethiopia in the 1930s. Was Fistula a proper name, and the hospital was named for a "Mario Fistula" or some other long-dead Italian who may have endowed the place?

Then, the car darted off the main road, making a hard right turn. We drove past a small green sign with white lettering that said "Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital" in English and Amharic, and a wall topped with broken glass stuck in cement. A large open metal gate led into a courtyard. As I got out of the cab, the lush green lawn and purple bougainvillea surrounding the hospital surprised me. Large trees shaded the two-story, white-washed, tinroofed building from the morning sun. The chaotic noise of horns and car engines on the main road was gone. The only sound was the soft murmur of conversations that emanated from women in ragged clothes sitting on benches in front of the building.

I opened the front door and stepped into the cavernous entrance. The unmistakable smell of disinfectant was a sharp contrast to the strong smell of urine I noticed while walking by the women who occupied the benches outside. The ward looked like something out of a history book from the days of Florence Nightingale, with row after row of beds.

An older white woman wearing a doctor's coat and practical flats walked toward me. She smiled and said, "Hello, I'm Catherine Hamlin. It's lovely to have you visit us." Her sparkling blue eyes and Australian accent put me at ease. She was slender and towered over me and everyone else. As she escorted me to a few plastic chairs off to the side of the ward, she asked about my trip and then offered me tea.

Before I could expose my complete ignorance about Fistula, Dr. Hamlin explained what it was. "Dear, a fistula is a hole between an internal organ and the outside world that shouldn't exist." She paused, then continued. "And in the case of all the women here, the cause is unrelieved obstructed labor. The hole is between the bladder, vagina, and sometimes the rectum, leaving a woman incontinent. Surgery is their only hope." Ok. Got it. The smells both inside and outside now made sense.

“Things worked out differently than we'd planned. We continued to meet patients with Fistula. Other hospitals had often turned them away because of their odor and the stigma from their incontinence. We felt we needed to do something for them."

That something was the hospital where we were sitting. She said it had opened in 1974 and was the only hospital in the world dedicated to treating women with obstetric Fistula. She added, "In places like the US and Australia, most babies are born in a hospital, and obstructed births are treated with a C-section. This means that where you live, Fistula is almost unheard of."

She then suggested that we take a tour of the floor and meet one of the patients. When we got closer to the bed, I smiled at the young woman. Her expression was blank, and I figured she had reason to be wary of me. She was striking, with high cheekbones, large brown eyes, and skin the color of coffee with cream.

"This is Hanna," Dr. Hamlin said. "Mamitu, can you ask Hanna to tell us what happened to her?"

We were soon joined by an Ethiopian woman whom Dr. Hamlin introduced as Mamitu Gashe, who, she explained, was a former fistula patient who now helped with fistula surgery. Mamitu was short in stature but had a giant smile and big, expressive eyes. She gently shook my hand.

I asked Dr. Hamlin how she had ended up in Ethiopia. She explained, "I came here in 1959 with my husband, Reg. He, too, was a doctor, and we thought we'd stay a few years." She laughed then added,

Mamitu turned to Hanna and asked her a question in Amharic. I waited for the translation, which took a while because Hanna had a lot to say. "She married a young man from her village when she was seventeen and soon became pregnant, but after five days of labor at home, she delivered a stillborn baby boy. She awoke to find herself in a urine-soaked bed. She hoped it would go away, so she stayed in bed as much as she could. But it wouldn't stop. Her husband hated her smell and built a separate small hut for her to live in. It was so lonely. That was about five years ago. But when her mother heard there was a hospital in Addis to help her, she sold a goat to pay for the bus fare. It took several different buses to finally reach Addis."

Mamitu then asked Hanna another question, and a smile radiated across her face. While I didn't understand Amharic, it was clear that something good had finally happened to Hanna. Mamitu explained, "She said arriving at the hospital and seeing other women with her problem made her feel less alone and less sad."

Dr. Hamlin added, "We were able to close her Fistula yesterday. It was an easy operation, and she should be able to go home in two weeks once she's healed."

I shook Hanna's hand and squeaked out the only word I knew in Amharic, "Ameseginalehu," which means thank you.

Dr. Hamlin and Mamitu took me around the rest of the hospital. Like Hanna, most of the patients seemed quite young. She was only seventeen when she developed a fistula. What was I worried about at her age? My lack of a prom date? The growing realization that I'd never be as pretty as my sister, as smart as my dad, or as charming as my mom? I definitely wasn't mourning a stillborn child, facing rejection by my husband, or struggling to find treatment for holes in my vagina and bladder.

As we walked back toward our seats, Dr. Hamlin said with a tender tone, "They come to us often malnourished and usually clinically depressed." She stopped and turned to me,

looking into my eyes, "There are so very many of them. They will break your heart." The compassion in her voice and the intensity of her gaze were riveting. I could feel her love for her patients in the tenderness of her words. I gazed at the vast ward of patients who were going to get a new shot at life because of this humble giant. A lump rose in my throat, and my eyes started welling up.

But then, Dr. Hamlin's black dog began nipping at my heels, trying to play. It made me laugh, and the threat of tears vanished. After a few more minutes, it was time for me to go.

Dr. Hamlin had a hospital to run. As we walked toward the door, she joked that she was a "professional beggar" with her constant need to raise funds to keep the place going. "It must be a challenge," I said, thinking that was obvious.

I knew I'd just met a few people I'd never forget: Dr. Hamlin, Mamitu, and Hanna. I wished I had money to write a big check to help keep the place running. But, at that point, what I had was residual debt from grad school and a tenyear-old Honda that badly needed new tires.

Within a few weeks, I was in Cairo for a once-in-a-decade International Conference on Population and Development, the ICPD, along with thousands of delegates from the 179 member states of the United Nations. The conference produced a 104-page Programme of Action.

Kate Grant is the founding CEO of Fistula Foundation, the global nonprofit leader dedicated to treating childbirth injuries. A passionate advocate for maternal health, she has expanded critical fistula care across 35 countries in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.  No Woman Left Behind is her deeply personal account of the journey to bring healing to women suffering in silence.  Grant joined the Foundation as its first chief executive in 2005 and has led the expansion from supporting one hospital in one country, Ethiopia, to its current position as the world leader in fistula treatment.

to learn more about Fistula Foundation, https://fistulafoundation.org/

Years in the making, it was essentially the world's blueprint for addressing poverty, covering critical problems like accessibility of contraception, education, and safe drinking water. But absent from that ambitious, detailed document was the word "fistula." In 1994, the world did not acknowledge the plight of a million women like Hanna, let alone have a plan to help them.

The day a woman gives birth is the day she is most likely to die or be grievously injured. The biggest difference in health outcomes between the rich and the poor in our world is in the odds of death due to pregnancy or childbirth. As Justin Trudeau proclaimed, "Poverty is sexist."

For a woman in sub-Saharan Africa, that lifetime risk is 1 in 41. For an American woman, it is 1 in 2,700; for a woman in the EU, it is 1 in 11,500.

For every woman who dies, an estimated twenty are injured, some seriously. We tell ourselves that all lives have equal value, but this data reveals a very different story.

The late Egyptian public health leader Professor Mahmoud Fathalla said it powerfully: "Women are not dying because of diseases we cannot treat. They are dying because societies have yet to decide their lives are worth saving." That negligence also causes disabling injuries, like a fistula. The most immediate victims of the loss of life and health are women. But the ripple effects stretch far and wide: to children deprived of mothers; families missing wives, sisters, and daughters; communities and nations cheated out of the contributions of multitudes of women. It doesn't have to be this way.

Fistula Foundation was founded in 2000 to help support Dr. Hamlin's work in Ethiopia, powered by volunteers for the first few years. Since

then, we've expanded to fight Fistula globally. Caring people in more than seventy countries have contributed $150 million and counting to support dedicated surgeons in countries across sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.

These valiant doctors have enabled more than one hundred thousand courageous women like Hanna to get their lives back. Our small but mighty, largely female team now supports more surgeries for women with childbirth injuries than the United Nations or USAID, the US Government's foreign aid program.

This book is the unlikely tale of how we got here. Part of that story is mine about finding the path that brought me to the Foundation. I've run into dead ends that I thought were through streets, fallen flat on my face, confronted obstacles I created, and shortcomings I tried to deny. But my work has given me rewards that money can't buy and taken my heart to places my younger self didn't know were possible. That's in large part because of the people I've been so fortunate to meet and learn from along the way.

I have had the great privilege of partnering with extraordinary men and women on the frontlines of healthcare in Africa and Asia. They've built hospitals, braved murderous violence and oppressive forces of patriarchy, and provided women with a new shot at a healthy life. They've shown me the saving grace of gratitude and the matchless joy of working with others to accomplish goals bigger than ourselves.

I've been inspired by courageous patients who face a formidable injury that too often relegates women to lives as outcasts. I've met deeply empathetic people who step up to help women they likely will never meet receive life-transforming surgery. I wanted to share their stories and mine with you.

The Heart of the GO Campaign: A Conversation with

S FIFER cott

In December 2018, The Eden Magazine proudly featured Scott Fifer, the visionary founder of GO Campaign. Seven years later, we are honored to welcome him back in our October issue.

Through GO Campaign, Scott has transformed compassion into action, championing local heroes across the globe who are creating real and lasting change for children and communities in need.

His journey from a Hollywood screenwriter to the leader of a globally recognized nonprofit continues to inspire, proving that one person's determination can ignite movements and improve countless lives. In this interview, Scott shares the ongoing mission of GO Campaign, the stories that fuel his passion, and his vision for a future built on opportunity, equality, and hope.

PPlease share with us a little bit about your early life and what experiences shaped your passion for philanthropy?

My parents were big on volunteering. My mother was particularly active in political campaigns and at my brother's school. Both she and my father used to help at centers for alcoholics and people experiencing homelessness. I think I just picked up their sense of volunteering and giving back by osmosis.

Before founding GO Campaign, you had a successful career in entertainment and law. What inspired your transition to nonprofit work?

In 2005, I took a month-long volunteer vacation to Africa, and when I came back, I couldn't stop thinking about the kids I met. I founded the nonprofit to help them, and it became more interesting and rewarding to me than any of my other careers. Thankfully,

my career in law and my career in screenwriting both help me in my daily management of GO Campaign, so perhaps it was all meant to be.

Who were your biggest influences or mentors in your journey toward founding GO Campaign?

I didn't really have any mentors when founding GO, and it's probably a good thing. If I had realized all the hard work ahead or how it would grow and change my life, it might have been too daunting. I might not have done it. Ignorance may have been working in my favor. I will say that I was inspired by people in the news who were also working in Africa—people like George Clooney, Don Cheadle, and Presidents Bush and Clinton. I followed their work, and they inspired me to learn more.

What was the pivotal moment that led to the creation of GO Campaign? And what was your first project?

The spark for GO Campaign began in 2005, when I took my first volunteer trip to Tanzania and met 20 orphaned children. There was no grand plan at that time—just a desire to help these kids who instantly felt like family to me. The focus was simply to help improve their lives.

When I came home to Los Angeles, some extraordinary women and their children were inspired by those first 20 kids' stories and challenged me to think even bigger. In 2006, GO Campaign was officially born. Soon after, GO organically shifted from a small, one-off project in Africa to a global mission, helping children not only overseas but also right here in our own backyard of Los Angeles.

Our growth has transformed into something I never could have imagined when I boarded that plane to Tanzania 20 years ago. I just had a reunion with those kids whom I first met in 2005. Of course, they're all

adults now, and we felt amazed that it's been twenty years—but also grateful that we are still a family.

How has the organization evolved since its inception?

It started with 20 kids in one village, and now—20 years later—we've helped over 450,000 children in 40 countries. That's an increase of over two million percent.

But the real growth isn't just in numbers— it's in the model we've built. We call it the "Local Hero" model, and it's the foundation of our work. We identify extraordinary grassroots leaders—visionaries who are changing the lives of children in their communities—and we give them the resources and solidarity they need to expand their impact.

Our role is to help them grow strong enough not to need us anymore. And when they outgrow us—like A Sense of Home and LA Room and Board here in Los Angeles, or Harlem Grown in New York—it's the best possible outcome. It means they're soaring.

“

The most profound challenge was learning the importance of prioritizing sustainability in the projects and organizations we support.

What is the core mission of GO Campaign, and how do you ensure its impact is meaningful and sustainable?

Our mission is simple but profound: to give children and youth the opportunities they need not only to survive, but to thrive. We don't do "charity." We do solidarity. That's what our partners need and deserve.

We stand beside Local Heroes—people on the ground, in their own communities—fighting poverty, injustice, and hopelessness. These are individuals dedicating their lives to helping children in pioneering and meaningful ways. We look for visionaries whose work is both impactful and sustainable—people who may just need a hand up or some extra resources to bring their visions to life.

We ensure meaningful, sustainable impact by applying the same transparency we have with our donors to our Local Heroes. Of course, our programming officers collect the quantitative data, but they also maintain a human-to-human connection with our partners. If you've ever applied for a grant, you know it can be a very mechanical, impersonal experience. We make sure that's not the case with our grantees. We're there for them every step of the way.

How do you find and select grassroots organizations or Local Heroes to support?

We excel at identifying and vetting organizations that, although often overlooked, still warrant attention. Our programming staff, board members, and community of trusted donors are all attuned to identifying potential Local Heroes. We take the time to meet with them, learn their history, and assess the sustainability and successes of their programs. We have strict guidelines in our vetting process, which have proven effective year after year. However, the selection process is becoming increasingly difficult as our world faces greater challenges. We don't have the funds to say “yes" to all the heroes and every deserving project. This is the hardest part of my job—turning down requests from people who are doing wonderfully impactful work and who deserve our support.

Can you share a specific success story that embodies the impact of GO Campaign?

There are so many. This past year, one of the Tanzanian orphans supported by GO Campaign graduated from Whitman College in Washington State with a degree in Chinese and is now working for a media company in Taiwan. Another young person has just graduated from medical school and become a doctor. These are two kids who came from the poorest backgrounds you can imagine, but given the opportunities all kids deserve, they excelled and completely changed their lives.

When it comes to pioneering Local Heroes, in Uganda, there's a man named David whose youth farming project now feeds refugee families who were once on the brink of starvation. In Tanzania, a woman named Brenda has transformed children with Autism and Down Syndrome—once rejected by society—into skilled entrepreneurs who can support themselves. These are not just success stories; they're proof that opportunity is the most powerful tool for change.

What challenges did you face in the early days of GO Campaign, and how did you overcome them?

The most profound challenge was learning the importance of prioritizing sustainability in the projects and organizations we support.

Initially, some partners anticipated annual funding, which wasn't beneficial for either of us. And we funded needs that would recur over and over, like food and school fees. We shifted to funding projects that would help organizations stand on their own— launching new programs, building infrastructure, or providing training.

Income-generating projects like soap-making, chicken farms, and beekeeping are not only turning youth into successful entrepreneurs but also sustaining programs and organizations as a whole.

Now, some of our earliest grantees are raising six-figure grants and influencing national policy. Watching them grow beyond us is one of the most rewarding parts of this work.

What are some of the biggest obstacles nonprofits like yours face today?

Today, there is so much need in the world and so many amazing charities competing for the same dollars. Everyone's inboxes are flooded with emails asking for donations, and our social media feeds are teeming with posts doing the same. It's easy for donors to become overwhelmed and tune out. Our challenge is to break through that noise and prove that $35—our average cost to change a child's life—can create extraordinary, lasting change.

Please share how support from celebrities and ambassadors has helped elevate your mission.

Being based in Los Angeles, we've been fortunate to receive truly organic support from a number of celebrities who genuinely care about our work. Our Ambassadors Robert Pattinson and Ewan McGregor can talk about GO and our mission as well as I can, and Ambassadors Lily Collins and Evangeline Lilly have met our Local Heroes and spent time with some of the children whose lives we've helped change.

Others like Jodie Foster, Lupita Nyong'o, Gerard Butler, and Kaitlin Olson have also supported GO because they understand the impact we are having on children in need. When they share our mission, it amplifies our reach

in ways we could never achieve alone—and it helps bring attention to heroes who deserve the world's spotlight.

What are your future goals for GO Campaign? Any upcoming projects you're excited about?

There's a project on Chicago's South Side called Future Ties that we've been working on with our Local Hero Jennifer Maddox for a couple of years. Since meeting them in 2019, GO has funded several projects, and with a generous donation from Bodi, we helped Jennifer purchase an abandoned Walgreens drugstore that is now a functioning youth center. However, fundraising for the building remodel is taking longer than we'd hoped.

The kids there really need a safe space and access to tools that can improve their lives. It's a terribly under-resourced area, and they deserve better. We'll finish the project one day, and it will be a shining star in the community. And we will be by Jennifer's side until that day comes. It's just one of many exciting initiatives on the horizon!

There are classrooms in the world that would not exist if not for a GO Gala. There are clinics and counseling centers whose doors would be closed if not for a GO Gala.

So many children have gotten incredible opportunities in life thanks to what happens in the room at a GO Gala.

How can someone make a difference if they want to get involved with GO Campaign?

On average, we can change a child's life with just $35. A donation of $35 to GO is the fastest (and easiest) way to make a difference. If someone can become a recurring donor—giving monthly or annually—it would be even better.

We also have volunteer opportunities around the world, including several in Los Angeles. You can reach out through our website at www.gocampaign.org, and we'd love to talk with you about how to get involved.

Your annual GO Campaign Gala is coming up in October. Can you share what attendees can expect this year?

The fun thing about the GO Gala is you never know who will show up! This year, we're honoring the folks behind Hulu's Welcome to Wrexham, Rob Mac and Ryan Reynolds. They're doing amazing work—bringing soccer (or football) to kids not only in Wales but also in parts of Africa, Mexico, and soon Los Angeles. Enrichment programs like sports and music can save young lives—we've seen it firsthand. I'm sure some of Rob and Ryan's friends will come out to support them in a big way.

Plus, we often have several of our Local Heroes in attendance, sharing firsthand how GO supporters have impacted their communities. The Gala is always a fun and inspiring night, no matter who shows up. You can learn more and get tickets at gogala.org.

How does the Gala contribute to your mission, and how does it impact the projects you support?

It's our biggest fundraiser of the year, and every paddle raised directly translates into more children helped. There's no middleman—

funds go straight to grassroots programs. The more successful the Gala, the more lives we can transform. It's a direct correlation.

There are classrooms in the world that would not exist if not for a GO Gala. There are clinics and counseling centers whose doors would be closed if not for a GO Gala. So many children have gotten incredible opportunities in life thanks to what happens in the room at a GO Gala. It's incredibly special.

Also, it’s a night to grow our community. There's an electric energy in the room the night of the Gala, an energy that reminds us that change is possible. It's why so many of the same people come back year after year. We hope that those joining us for the first time leave with the same feeling.

How can people get involved, whether by attending, donating, or supporting in other ways?

Come to the Gala, volunteer with our partners, invite us into your circles, or give in whatever way feels meaningful to you. We also welcome auction items for our online Gala auction. Big corporate sponsors do not back us—our strength is in the community of people who choose to stand with us. When you donate to GO, big or small, you really become part of the family.

Are there any special guests or performances planned for this year's event?

Yes—but we like to keep that part a surprise. All we can say is that it will be a night to remember.

Special thanks to: Photography:

Marco Policicchio

Doria Anselmo

Interview and editing: Dina Morrne

The Strength of Stillness: Finding Spiritual Balance in Uncertain

Times

By Wendy L. Jackson

Photo by Diana Simumpande

WWe are living in a time of great uncertainty—on our jobs, in our homes, and within our communities. Life happens, often in unexpected and sometimes overwhelming ways. As we try to make sense of the world around us, it becomes more important than ever to find something grounding and lasting: spiritual balance.

At the heart of spiritual balance is self-love and authenticity. When we nurture ourselves— physically, mentally, and spiritually—we become better equipped to care for others.

Pull Quote: "You cannot pour from an empty cup."

By spending time in stillness, prayer, and meditation, we create space to connect deeply with God—inviting His peace, comfort, and clarity

into our lives. Surrendering to His will strengthens our faith, reminding us that we are never alone, even in the midst of life's storms.

Embrace the Pause

One of the most powerful steps we can take is self-reflection. Ask yourself the foundational questions: Who am I? What is my purpose? What values do I hold dear?

When we reflect with honesty, our thoughts, choices, and actions begin to align more closely with God's calling for our lives.

There are many ways to deepen that spiritual connection—keeping a daily journal, practicing yoga, or stepping away from routine through quiet travel or a peaceful walk in nature.

Wendy

international, award-winning artist, motivational speaker, and faith-based writer. Her work explores the intersection of creativity, healing, and spiritual growth. Through both her art and her words, she inspires others to embrace purpose, live with passion, and cultivate inner peace.

I have found that when I step away from the noise—even just for an afternoon—it allows God's voice to become clearer. Whether it is a silent drive, sitting in a garden, or simply closing your eyes in your own home, solitude makes room for divine whispers.

Even a short vow of silence or ten minutes of deep breathing can help reset the mind and open the heart. These practices not only reduce stress, fatigue, and anxiety but also awaken our spiritual sensitivity.

Pull Quote: "Solitude makes room for divine whispers."

Anchored by the Word Spiritual balance is not about perfection—it is a daily decision to return to what grounds you. And God's Word is one of the greatest anchors we have. It reminds us of His promises, His presence, and His power.

There are days when my faith feels strong, and others when I feel like I am barely holding on. On those days, I turn to scripture—not just to read, but to breathe it in like medicine for the soul.

The following verses have been my refuge, and I encourage you to meditate on them as you move through your day:

• "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost." —Romans 15:13

• "I will never leave you or forsake you." —Hebrews 13:5

• "The peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." —Philippians 4:7

• "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." — Proverbs 3:5 6

that when the world feels uncertain, God's promises remain unshakable.

A Daily Invitation

Even just a few minutes a day devoted to spiritual practice can transform your mindset and deepen your relationship with God. Whether through prayer, scripture, meditation, or simply being still, those sacred moments help cultivate an inner sanctuary—a place of strength, healing, and peace that carries you through every season of life.

You do not need a perfect schedule or hours of time. You just need the willingness to show up—honestly, openly, and consistently.

Start with five minutes. Speak from your heart. Write down what you are grateful for. Breathe slowly. Let your soul catch up with your body.

The more you practice stillness, the more natural it becomes. And soon, you may notice that instead of reacting to life with fear or frustration, you are responding with patience, faith, and grace. That shift is the fruit of balance, and it is available to each of us.

Reader's Take

As you reflect on this message, take a moment to consider the following:

• What small habit can you build into your day to bring more spiritual calm and balance?

• Which of the scriptures spoke to your heart today—and why?

• How can you begin showing yourself the same love and care you offer others?

Write your thoughts down. Pray over them. Let this be your personal check-in—a gentle reminder that spiritual balance does not come from doing more, but from being more present with God and with yourself.

Pull Quote: "Spiritual balance doesn't come from doing more, but from being more present with God."

These words offer comfort, direction, and hope. They remind us

So take the time. Invest in your spirit. And discover the beauty of living in balance—with God at the center.

L. Jackson is an

The Littlest SEAL:

A Story of Soul-Sized Courage

By David W. Brown

WWhen most people imagine a Navy SEAL, they picture someone tall, broad-shouldered, and seemingly indestructible. I was none of those things. Standing at 5'3" and weighing in at just over 100 pounds, felt that I didn't belong as a Navy SEAL. But what I lacked in size, I made up for in something immeasurable on a scale or marked with a ruler: heart.

My journey into the SEAL teams, and eventually into civil service, then storytelling, was a journey of self-discovery. It wasn't born from ego or bravado, but from a question I couldn't shake: What if I'm capable of more than anyone, including me, imagines?

That question, that defiance in the face of limitation, is at the core of my memoir,  And Goliath: The Littlest Navy SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life. And it's why I believe this story belongs in the pages of  The Eden Magazine, a celebration of the power of spirit, resilience, and the choice to live with purpose. I believe in the strength of the human spirit, and I want to inspire others to believe in it too.

The Goliaths We All Face We all have our Goliaths: fear, doubt, past

trauma, broken relationships, addiction, grief, or even the weight of others' expectations. For me, it was being relentlessly underestimated.

Growing up small in both stature and environment, I learned early that life wasn't going to hand me anything. I was bullied, dismissed, and overlooked. But instead of letting them wound me, I used the negativity as fuel.

Joining the military at 17 wasn't about proving others wrong. It was about proving to myself that I had the power to change the trajectory of my life. I dreamed of joining the Navy SEALs, not for glory, but because they represented the very edge of what was possible for anyone, let alone someone like me. They were the ones who ran toward danger, who stayed when others fled. They were sheepdogs looking out for their flock, and I wanted to live a life with that kind of courage.

Becoming a SEAL didn't erase every doubt others cast onto me. In many ways, it amplified it. Behind every secret operation, beneath every uniform, there were hidden battles of the mind, the spirit, the heart. We weren't just warriors on the outside. Many of us were fighting invisible wars on the inside, too.

Living Your Biggest Life Isn't About Appearances

The title of my book often makes people smile. The Littlest Navy SEAL sounds like something from a children's fable. But that's precisely why I chose it. We live in a world obsessed with appearances: how big you are, how much you own, how many likes you get. But none of those measures the real you.

Your real power lies in how you respond when life knocks you down. When I was

navigating the loss of my marriage, the death of a loved one, and the quiet toll of service-related trauma, I was reminded again: living your biggest life has nothing to do with being the biggest person in the room.

It means taking responsibility for your healing. It means standing up, again and again, even when the odds are stacked against you. It means asking hard questions and being brave enough to face the answers.

David W. Brown is a veteran Navy SEAL, former NCIS, EPA, and DOI special agent, and author of And Goliath: The Littlest Navy SEAL's Inspirational Story About Living Your Biggest Life.

To learn more, visit www.udtdave.com, or follow David on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @udtdave

Your real power lies in how you respond when life knocks you down. When I was navigating the loss of my marriage, the death of a loved one, and the quiet toll of service-related trauma, I was reminded again: living your biggest life has nothing to do with being the biggest person in the room.

It means taking responsibility for your healing. It means standing up, again and again, even when the odds are stacked against you. It means asking hard questions and being brave enough to face the answers.

What the SEAL Teams Taught Me About the Soul

There's a phrase in the SEAL teams, "The only easy day was yesterday." It may sound harsh, but it holds a profound truth about growth, grit, and perseverance. What it means is that you're constantly evolving, always pushing the limits of what you think you can handle. And sometimes, that evolution isn't physical at all. It's spiritual.

Through training hardships, the silence after classified missions, and the long nights wondering if I was still whole, I learned that soul-work is just as brutal—and beautiful—as any dangerous mission. I realized that the strongest men I knew were the ones who could cry, ask for help, and be vulnerable without shame.

And that's why I tell my story. Because it's not solely about military service or overcoming physical odds, it's about becoming whole. It's about finding light in the darkest places and then using that light to guide others.

From Warrior to Witness

Writing  And Goliath were never part of the plan. I didn't consider myself a writer. But the story kept asking to be told. Every time someone said, "You don't look like a

Navy SEAL," or “I could never survive what you went through," I felt the same responsibility I felt in the Teams: leave no one behind.

So I wrote for the kid who feels like a misfit. For the single mom barely holding on. For veterans who wonder if their best days are behind them. For the teenager, drowning in comparison. For the reader of The Eden Magazine who's looking for a reminder that their life still matters, maybe even more than they know.

A Call to Purpose

If you take anything away from And Goliath, I hope it's this: You are not too small, too late, too broken, or too far gone. There is no statute of limitations on purpose.

Living your biggest life doesn't require a perfect resume or a pain-free past. It requires courage, the kind that shows up when you least feel ready and keeps showing up until the breakthrough comes.

I don't pretend to have all the answers. But I know the terrain. And I can tell you: the climb is worth it.

Final Thoughts: The Soul Knows Its Strength

The Eden Magazine is about conscious living, healing, and rediscovering your true self. That's what  And Goliath is about, too. It's not just a memoir. It's a mirror for anyone ready to stop shrinking and start rising.

If you're facing a Goliath right now, I see you. If you're tired of pretending everything's okay, I honor your truth. If you're searching for meaning beyond the grind, I've been there.

The encouraging news is that your inner self inherently understands the path ahead.

And it's stronger than you think.

Perry Joan

Joan Perry is an international bestselling author and visionary thought leader whose empowering work has touched the lives of women worldwide. With her celebrated book The Heroine's Journey: The Art of Becoming the Heroine of Your Own Life, Joan guides readers through a deeply personal and universal path of awakening, resilience, and self-discovery. Her voice is a beacon for those seeking not only inspiration but also tangible tools for embracing their authentic power. As a storyteller, mentor, and advocate for feminine wisdom, Joan invites each of us to step courageously into our own narrative- not as bystanders, but as the Heroine.

What inspired you to write The Heroine's Journey: The Art of Becoming the Heroine of Your Own Life? Was there a defining moment that sparked this book? I tell this Story in the opening Chapter of the Book, and I reiterate it here a bit more simply. Who could believe this shocking, confronting and mind-blowing statement that I witnessed? Liz Gilbert, the famous women’s author of her book: Eat, Pray, Love – said that when she asked Joseph Campbell, who determined the merit of The Hero’s Journey for men – ‘do women have a similar journey as a man to their own maturity as fully blossomed women?’ Guess what he said to her? Campbell said: ‘No, they don't’, they stay home and cry.’ Meaning that women were only frustrated in their ability to mature, didn’t transform their lives with experiences to grow and mature, and by conclusion – didn’t take on the Path of becoming and showing their most noble Heroine-Selves. WOW!! WOW, again! I was, at that moment fully compelled to disprove that view of women. I knew in my very being that the likes of many – Emelia Earhart, Oprah, Eleanor Roosevelt, to name of few – had shown us that women go through hard times, reshape and revise themselves and grown into bigger better versions that bring new boldness, capabilities and insights to the roles they play in the world.

Yikes!! In the process of writing the Book – I learned something very important. Women do have a Heroine’s Journey – and this Journey is a different Journey to take than the one a man experiences. As the Book was just going to print, I found a later quote from Campbell where he had matured to note that ‘I do not know what the Journey is that a woman takes, a women will have to tell us what that is’. I included

this as the last page of the Book. I simply had to develop the Heroine’s Journey Book to make a vigorous statement that Women, by gosh, have a Path forward! That upsets in life are not random, and that these are the start of the adventure of a woman’s life and not the end.

Can you share a personal experience from your own journey that deeply shaped your understanding of resilience and self-worth?

When the crisis hit, my life fell apart, my marriage ended, my finances collapsed, my health declined, and I felt like wreckage scattered everywhere. At first, I cried, blamed, and felt doomed. But then came what I call the “Heroine’s Proclamation”, an eruption inside me declaring: This is not who I am. I will not be measured by my fall, but by my rise. Watch me. That moment awakened my fierce feminine power. I stopped living in others’ expectations and began creating life on my own terms. Resilience is born when you choose not to let circumstances define you. Self-worth is reclaimed when you rise and reimagine your life.

You’ve reached a global audience with your message. How do you tailor your insights to resonate with women from diverse cultural backgrounds?

The Heroine’s Journey is universal, it’s the natural plotline of women’s lives everywhere. While our stories differ, the underlying path of stability, authenticity, expression, and contribution connects us all. Women across cultures ask the same essential questions: Who am I? Why am I here? What am I capable of? By framing individual stories within this shared journey, women recognize their struggles and triumphs as part of something bigger.

I aspire to be one of the women who wisdomembody and offer the neededguidance for women as they create their own lives.

What were some of the biggest challenges you faced while empowering other women, and how did you overcome them?

The greatest challenge is Self-Worth. Society constantly tells women what they should look like, how they should behave, and what roles they should play. Many internalize these messages and diminish their own voices. I remind women that Self-Worth is not something given by others; it’s something we claim. The Heroine’s Journey teaches women to edit the negative voices, surround themselves with circles of love, and source their own life-force energy. Empowerment starts from within.

Your book serves as a roadmap. What is the first essential step for any woman beginning her Heroine’s Journey?

The journey often begins with a disruption, a crisis that shatters the illusion of control. At first, there is shock and resistance. The essential first step is to breathe. You are not broken or defective. You are becoming. Surround yourself with nurturing people, treat yourself with kindness, and allow the process to unfold. As you steady yourself, the roadmap in The Heroine’s Journey helps guide your steps forward.

You’ve helped countless women rediscover their voice and power. How do you

personally stay grounded and inspired? I follow the same four-part path I teach: Create Stability, Awaken Authenticity, Light Up Expression, and Make Contribution. Today, I live mostly in the fourth stage, contribution. Sharing what I’ve learned, speaking with women on their journeys, and witnessing their growth fills me with joy. Honestly, I feel this book was written through me, not by me. Staying grounded comes from living authentically and sourcing my own life-force energy. Inspiration flows naturally when you’re aligned with your purpose.

What role does community play in a woman’s journey toward empowerment, and how can women build stronger support networks?

Community is essential. Too often, women are taught to compete with one another when, in truth, we rise higher together. A Heroine surrounds herself with a “Circle of Love”, people who uplift and support her. Building this requires discernment: some people belong in your circle for a lifetime, others for just a season. Part of empowerment is recognizing who nurtures your growth and who diminishes it, and then choosing wisely. Real community gives women the strength to carry on through life’s challenges.

What advice would you give women who feel stuck or afraid to take the first step toward change?

Fear is natural; it signals transformation. My advice is: don’t wait to be fearless, act with fear beside you. Start with one small, courageous step. Call a trusted friend, write in your journal, or explore a new idea. Small shifts create momentum. Remember: The Heroine's Journey doesn't require perfection, only movement. Courage is not the absence of fear but the decision to move forward anyway.

Why is it so important for women today to redefine success on their own terms and nurture their mental well-being?

tic self. Each story proves that when women see themselves as Heroines, everything shifts.

In today's fast-paced and often overwhelming world, what are three daily habits you recommend for maintaining emotional well-being?

Stay in your 'Circle of Love' (and anyone who doesn't support you or actively tries to dismantle you needs to go!).  Read the Book to understand more about this.

For years, I pursued success the male way: Wall Street career, power suits, wealth, status. I climbed to the top of the ladder only to realize it was leaning against the wrong building. Externally, I looked successful, but internally, I was dying. It took painful upheavals, divorce, financial collapse, and personal loss to awaken me to a different definition of success. True success is joy, freedom, and authenticity. Mental well-being isn't a side task; it's the foundation for living a life that is truly yours.

Can you share an example of a reader whose life was transformed after reading your book?

Many women have written to share how The Heroine’s Journey changed their lives. Erin, a psychologist and coach, called it one of the most powerful tools for guiding women from survival to thriving. Liz shared that it helped her reframe her life story and discover her true purpose. Elizabeth described it as transformational, helping her shed limiting beliefs and step into her fierce, authen-

Use the tools for editing what is chattering in your brain to listen to what supports, motivates, inspires you – and brings you joy.  Use your ‘delete’ key to eliminate the unnecessary clutter that hinders your progress. To understand more about this, get The Heroine’s Journey Book on Amazon, and at HeroinesBook.com.

Practice doing what enlivens you – spend less than you earn…get maximum hours of sleep, walk in nature, and more.  Read the Book to understand more about this.

What message would you give to a young woman struggling with self-doubt and comparison in the digital age?

Find an older woman who is a Heroine – and model her.  She knows the way.  This could be a woman you know, someone who has passed away and still serves as a model for living life, a biography like Eleanor Roosevelt, Amelia Earhart, or more – or your grandmother.  And this too -- watch the publicly evolving descriptions that Kelly Clarkson and Drew Barrymore are sharing on their TV shows about their own Heroine's Journeys.  Both of these women have come up against major crises, challenges, and difficulties – and each is demonstrating building courage and Strength, making changes,

Fear is natural; it signals transformation. My advice is: don’t wait to be fearless, act with fear beside you. Start with one small, courageous step. “

transforming, embracing their Self-Worth and Voice, and carrying on with a new vision for lives of Joy, Prosperity, and Freedom.  Both have become more authentic, heartfelt, and centered on what brings them well-being.  There is much that they teach as you watch them, hear what's happened, and see them blossom.  There are some good YouTube videos about their travels.  As I've watched them, I admire them.  A woman should choose a woman she can admire – and by observing her life, learn to live her own.  And, of course, read The Heroine’s Journey Book.  Wise woman Heroines have come before us and know the way forward.

What legacy do you hope The Heroine’s Journey leaves for future generations of women?

I hope that The Heroine’s Journey becomes a language women everywhere can use to understand and honor their lives. I want young women to grow up knowing they are not broken when challenges come, but that they are in the process of becoming. If this book helps even one generation of women see themselves as Heroines instead of victims, that ripple will change families, communities, and the world.

How do you define success now compared to when you first began your career? Today, success means living with Self-Worth intact, doing what I love, and contributing authentically. It's about dwelling in possibility, proceeding as if success is inevitable, and finding joy in the journey. Success is measured

not by titles or possessions, but by living as the Heroine of my own life, dancing, loving, and making a difference with Courage and Strength.

What is next for Joan Perry?

Teaching, speaking, and verifying The Heroine’s Journey for Women.  Probably another Book.  This Book covers 'Create Your Stability' – and I have much more to say about 'Awaken Your Authenticity', 'Light Up Your Expression', and 'Make Your Contribution' – the whole arch of The Heroine's Journey.  I aspire to be one of the women who embody wisdom and offer the guidance needed for women as they create their own lives.  It's easy when Life throws you a curveball to want to 'quit'.  I want to help women put their wings on and fly! And see that this is their awakening.  This is the start of the best journey of our lives.  That for Women, truly:  they are not forlorn, broken, unusable, or sidelined.  Nope, this is when they are called to activate, get bold, stand up for their lives – and be measured by Courage and Strength.  I hope to inspire all women to ignite their Paths forward!

Heroine’s Journey Book by Joan Perry at Amazon or at HeroinesBook.com

Also join Joan’s Podcast at The Heroine’s Journey Podcast with Joan Perry on all streaming platforms. Special Thanks to photography by Liz Stavrinides at Love Dog Photography

Welcome to Our Contributor Writers’ Neighborhood

Sadhguru,

Photo by Kateryna Hliznitsova

How to Deal

WITH THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE?

QQuestioner: Sadhguru, I lost my wife five weeks ago. She was such a good person. Why did this have to happen to her?

Sadhguru: When we lose someone who is dear to us – either by death, disease, or desertion – whichever way we lose them, the biggest problem is that they leave an empty space that they had occupied in our lives. We need to understand that the very nature of life is such that you and your loved ones have to die at some point. The only question is who will die first.

This may sound brutal, but that is not the intention. It is very important to come to terms with this. Otherwise, we will tell ourselves pretty things that will solace us for today. But tomorrow morning, reality will torment us, and we will do the same things again and again.

It is important for us to know that we and those around us are not going to be here forever. When we are here, we must show everyone our best face. The problem is only that, suppose a doctor tells someone that they are going to die tomorrow, then you will go and show them your best face. But if they say, “I’m going to die after fifty years,” you will

not care. But do you really know whether it will be in fifty years? It could be tomorrow. We are not wishing it, but you know you will die, and they will die. You just do not know when, so shouldn’t you always show your best face to them?

I am showing my best face to you because I know you will die.

This is true for every human being. This is true for every life. Who knows when the tree outside your house will die, or when you will die? You do not know.

Tears of Joy, Not of Grief

So, when people dear to us pass away, one thing is, they are dear to us because they have enhanced our lives in some way, maybe in many ways. If people around us have enhanced our lives and we cherish them, we must cherish them joyfully – we should not rue their exit. We should value them for the enhancement they have brought to our lives, for the sweetness and tenderness they may have shared with us. In some way, at least sometimes, they made you feel complete; they made your life feel complete. Let their memory always bring tears of joy and love to you, not of grief.

“Maya means you weave so many illusions in your mind that they become more real than the real.

What is happening in your mind, what is happening in your emotions, becomes far more real than the real itself.

They mattered to you because, in some way, they were wonderful to you. Let the memory of them bring back those wonderful aspects to you, rather than drive you into grief. Driving yourself into grief means you have not come to terms with the most fundamental aspect of life – mortality. Whether they are good or bad, they will all die.

This is not to ridicule your loss. I understand what your deceased loved ones mean to you. But I want you to remember them for all the wonderful things that they were. Not for making yourself feel terrible about their exit. If you had died before them, you would have left them in a bad place – so, please stand up as a human being.

Whatever wonderful things that happened to you, in some way, have to find expression. If they have meant many wonderful things to you, please express that to those who are still living around you. This is how life goes on.

Pieces of the Collage

When I say “life”, I am talking about life per se, not what you do. You generally think life is your family, your work, your business, your wealth, whatever else you possess. But these are all accessories of life. You brought in money, wealth, relationships, and children, thinking it would enhance your lives in some way. You gathered so many accessories, and you got so involved, attached, and identified with these accessories that you never experienced this life that you are.

Most people believe life is a collage of things that they have gathered. When a piece of the collage falls off, you suddenly feel as if life is gone, which is not true.

Even before certain people came into your life, you were alive, you laughed, you knew joy. You added people believing it would enhance your life, or maybe there was some need to fulfill. All that is okay, but now, because of your identifications, you think a piece of life is gone when a certain person is gone.

The reality is, the piece of life that you are is still there – the accessories are falling off over time. As you age, your grandfather will die, your father will die; sometimes, your spouse will die. Some people will lose their hair. Some people will even lose their heads – this is not a joke. Some people will lose parts of their bodies. Some people will lose relationships. Some people will lose things, power, position, or money.

This is all in preparation for your exit. Your load gets reduced a bit, so that when you go, you will go more easily. This is not some philosophy – this is the way life is happening. Because you refuse to look life in the face, you make up your own images in your mind. And you want to make these psychological pictures into a reality. The psychological drama you create will never become reality. You have to draw the curtain someday. The sooner you are disillusioned, the better.

When Life Disillusions You

When life disillusions you, you have a choice: you can sit up and become enlightened, or you can become depressed. If all the illusions go away, that is called self-realization. Right now, you are hanging on to illusions, valuing them and being identified with them so much that you are fighting to keep them. This is maya – it goes on as if it is real, until suddenly, it is gone.

Infrastructures to Raise  Human Consciousness

Experience Yoga in its classical form at Isha Yoga Center Los Angeles and Isha Institute of Inner-sciences. Established by Sadhguru, the centers serve as powerful spaces for inner transformation and raising human consciousness. Located  in northern Los Angeles County and Tennessee, the centers offer an array of yoga and meditation programs in a vibrant and conducive ambience.

You are invited to Free Yoga Day, a monthly open-door event a t the center. On this day, we offer a variety of free sessions dedicated to educating and empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being through simple but powerful practices sourced from the Yogic tradition.

Learn more at ishausa.org/la

In a way, you always knew it. From the moment you were born, your clock has been ticking, and one day, it will stop. Well, we try to stretch it. We try to slow it down. We try to make best use of the time we have. We try to make it as profound as possible. It is very important that life touches you. If life should touch you on a deeper level, you have to put down the world that you have made up in your mind.

If you do not put down your illusions, the most profound dimensions of life will never touch you. Only drama will go on. This is not only a question about someone’s death – this is about your fundamental ignorance about life. It is time you come to your senses. If all your illusions break right now, if you are absolutely disillusioned, you are also enlightened. But you do not allow yourself to be disillusioned. If one illusion breaks, you make up the next one.

The Glass of Water

There is a story about sage Narada. One day, it happened. Krishna and Narada were walking. They had just passed a village. In the jungle, Krishna sat down and said, “Narada, I’m feeling very thirsty. Why don’t you get me a glass of water?” Immediately Narada said, “No problem. I will just go to the village and get you one.”

He went back to the village and knocked at the door of the first house. The door opened, and a very pretty-looking young woman opened it. Narada looked at her, and it hit him like a thunderbolt. He fell head over heels for her. He asked the girl’s father for her hand in marriage. The father agreed. Narada married her.

Once he got married, he had to build a small home for himself and his wife, and he started plowing

the land. Then obviously, children came – one, two, three, four, five. The children grew up, got married, and they themselves had children. Cute little grandchildren were running all over the place. Everything was going great.

Just then, the river changed its course, and a flood came and literally took the village. Narada, with his wife, children, and the little babies, climbed onto a tree and hung onto it. But the flood rose and rose. The cute grandchildren got washed away in the water. Narada cried bitterly. Then, one by one, his children, their wives, all of them went away. He clung onto his dear wife. But after some time, she also went.

Then he clung onto his life. Out of sheer desperation, having lost everybody, he screamed, “Krishna!”

Krishna said, “Where is my glass of water?”

Then Narada woke up and said, “But what happened to me?” Krishna said, “This is maya.”

Maya means you weave so many illusions in your mind that they become more real than the real. What is happening in your mind, what is happening in your emotions, becomes far more real than the real itself. It is like a cinema theater – it is a two-dimensional light and sound play. But you love the cinema stars more than the people you have lived with for twenty-five years. You have never even seen these stars in real life, but they are larger than life.

What is happening in your mind is just like that – it is larger than life. But the lights will come on one day. Will it be the lights of enlightenment, or will it be the lighting of your cremation fire – that is your choice.

A Guide to High-Vibrational Living

By Polly Wirum

MANIFEST YOUR GREATEST DESIRE WITH INTENTION

HHave you ever wondered what the key components of manifestation are? Keep reading to discover simple steps that help you live with intention and create your best life.

About a week ago, I was up before 5:00 AM. I love this time of day, watching the darkness fade into light, and feeling the new possibilities while listening to the world wake up. That morning in particular felt really good. A rooster was crowing and a couple of dogs barking, both in the distance. They seemed intent on alerting everyone that the sun was arriving.

As the sunlight began touching the ground, a couple of javelinas came out of the bushes. They walked past where I was sitting, paying me no attention. I could hear their breath and the occasional huffing sounds they made.

It was my last day at a little retreat I took part in. I enjoyed the food, yoga, massages, spiritual components, and seeing my friends. All in all, it felt good to slow down and reflect on my life.

I am grateful for the ability to purposely engage with the Universe and manifest my heart's desires. For years, part of my meditation practice has been dedicated to affirmative prayer, where, with an open heart, I acknowledge joyous experiences waiting for me to step into.

On that particular morning, I remembered the balance between intentional living, manifesting, and just completely letting go of the reason why, and enjoying what the world is offering.

On some level, I had already manifested everything that I was experiencing: the light, javelinas, and the feelings of both peace and inspiration.

I practice Intentional living by making choices that align with what brings me

joy and resonates with my goals. I blend this with my meditation and affirmative prayer. The space between my intentions and thoughts is probably where the magic happens. The trick is to hold what you are intentionally welcoming in gently, so the Universe can reveal the many opportunities of how love is expressed in our world.

Living Life in Balance with Intention and Allowing

Having a spiritual practice is the foundation of living an intentional life. This allows space for the Universe to help you manifest what is aligned with your highest vibrations.  This will look different for everyone, but it will always hold opportunities for pause and gratitude. Two examples of spiritual practices are meditating daily and writing in a gratitude journal. The key to maintaining a practice is keeping it simple so that you can be consistent. Eventually, your practice will feel like home.

Purposely identifying your dreams and goals is a massive part of living with intention and manifesting the life you want. If you're unclear about what brings you joy or inspires you, it's easy to drift through life, overlooking the opportunities that come your way.

Intentional living is empowering. Once you've identified your dreams, remember that you have the power to manifest them. Breathe in this wisdom. Visualize yourself celebrating your success.

Know your fears. We can be motivated by fear or love, and most of us have examples of both in our life choices. Recognizing why you make the choices you do is empowering. When fear is steering your choices, pause and lean into your spiritual practice. Notice when you begin to feel at ease around a situation. Celebrate the feeling of grace that comes with overcoming an old fear.

Polly Wirum is a psychic, life coach, and writer. Years ago, she experienced a health crisis that led to a complete spiritual and life transformation. When she thought her life was crumbling, the universe was easing her grip on everything, distracting her from the truth. The healing helped her discover the beauty of a joyful and uncomplicated life.It is here that she connects with wisdom and magic. She shares this with her clients through life’s coaching psychic readings and spiritual retreats. visit Pollywirum.com

Create a life that has room for your dreams to come true. Do you find yourself rushing and worrying throughout the day? Is your life filled with tasks and activities from morning to night? Slowing down offers the Universe a place to plant miracles. Much like Savasana, a pause in your day offers balance, restoration, and allows things to shift organically.

Are your actions and beliefs aligned with your heart's desires? Imagine really wanting pizza for dinner, but you go to a store that doesn't sell pizza, and you grab peanut butter and jelly, because it's familiar. The Universe was waiting for you to call the pizza in and allow it to be joyfully delivered to your home. Instead, everything was done as usual, resulting in the same old thing. What steps can you take to welcome your dreams into your world?

Notice if you are hyper-fixated on only one thing in your life? Sometimes it helps to pause and purposely look at the big picture. What other goal or dream can you put energy into? What area could use a little gratitude?

Take every opportunity to intentionally celebrate what you love in life. Simply do more of what brings you joy.

Adding a little ceremony to your life is also fun. An easy way to bring some ceremonial magic is to light a candle when writing your affirmative prayers on the new moon. Read these sacred affirmations every morning until you write them again on the next new moon. I intentionally leave room for edits; after all, life is constantly shifting, and our desires may begin to look and feel different.

What if your dreams and desires involve a specific person? I will share examples of how to work with the Universe in this tricky scenario. Let's pretend you want a specific outcome for your child. Visualize seeing them aligned with their highest and best outcome. How this comes to be is completely out of our control, but we can

see them happy and healthy. We need to recognize that each of us is creating our own life experiences.

The next example is wanting a particular person as a romantic partner. You can certainly send them love and send the connection you share, but it is also important to see yourself aligned with your best partner. Know the qualities you are intentionally manifesting in a partner. Maybe this person is still a mystery. Here is where you step back and let the Universe deliver to you the romantic partner that is aligned with your highest self.

Wrapping it Up

Living with intention is not just going through the motions of meditating or other wellness practices; it is choosing with purpose how you live your dayto-day life. These simple decisions are what welcome or block the pathway to your dreams.

Another important piece of intentional living and manifesting is being discerning with who and when you share your deepest desires. Oftentimes, it's best to keep what you're working on just between you and the Universe. Outside influence can slow the momentum of your success.

I love journaling or putting dates on my affirmative prayers that are written in notebooks. This shows me how my life has evolved and the unexpected ways my greatest manifestations came to be.

I have discovered that the more I live with intention and purposely choose my day's experiences, the more it feels like I am walking a familiar path. When the path feels rough, I rely on my meditation and affirmative prayer practices to calm me down and help me find a direction aligned with my goals.

Have fun identifying your dreams and intentionally creating a life that calls them into being. May you live with courage, purpose, and joy.

By Dulce Garcia Morman, Ph.D.

The POWER

Of

BOREDOM?

II have been accompanying my husband to various medical appointments over the past week, and the waits have been long, including many hours spent waiting in the hospital and surgical center lobbies.

The wi-fi connections were poor, and my husband was too grumpy and in pain to engage in much conversation when he was available. So, I mostly just sat. I remember my irritation with not being able to stream any podcasts or videos on YouTube because either the wi-fi didn't work or my phone battery was too low. In one of those moments, I thought, “ok, how did I manage these empty moments of nothing but waiting when I was younger?”

Web 2.0 didn't launch to the public until 2004, and it wasn't until 2007-2008 that the first iPhone and Android smartphones hit the market. Even then, the internet was

mostly used to check emails, and it took a while to get businesses to make wi-fi available to customers/patients when you visited their offices. So, how did I survive my childhood and much of my adult life without the constant entertainment that our smartphones now provide?

It was stunning to face the fact that I could barely remember the time, which is most of my life, when just doing nothing while you waited was a way of life. Therefore, I began to think about that restlessness that I was dealing with as I sat for hours in the cold, uninteresting lobbies of various medical facilities. Was I bored? And if so, why did I feel I had to find distractions from the boredom? Didn't I experience enough boredom for four decades of my life before the smartphone came to the rescue? I decided to look into the science of boredom for some answers.

Photo by Gettyimage

Looking at various dictionaries and other sources, the consensus is that boredom is a mental state of weariness and restlessness when a person is left with nothing to do. Another source describes it as a state of withdrawal that causes the brain to crave stimulation, resulting from the constant stimuli to which we are exposed through our technology.

Some experts consider that many of us are addicted to being stimulated all day long. And what ends up happening is that we rely more and more on that external stimulus for emotional regulation.

In today's world, we are trained to be stimulated during most of our waking lives. Many gas stations now have those annoying screens with music and advertisements bombarding you while you pump your gas….you can't catch a break even at the pump! So how did our ancestors survive the boredom, and how did many of us survive

the doldrums before the age of the smartphone? Does deliberately creating boredom in our daily lives have some benefit? What do boredom experts say?

One perspective presented by Harvard professor Arthur Brooks is that research shows the brain goes into its default mode network when it is bored. The brain regions that get activated are those involved in "self-reflection, daydreaming, memory, and imagining the future." Further research has also proven that people, in general, do not like this default mode. And through our smartphone technology, we have learned to run interference on that pesky process. The impulsion to avoid boredom is real, and technology has become a partner in eradicating it. You might think that sitting idle with nothing to do for a few minutes cannot be such a big deal, but another Harvard research study sheds light on what a big deal it is. The study asked participants to sit in a room and do absolutely nothing for 15 minutes.

Photo by Curated Lifestyle

Dulce Garcia-Morman, Ph.D, is the founder of Life-Is-Art Equine Assisted Learning and Coaching. She has facilitated learning and therapeutic experiences through the horse-human connection for the past 17 years. Dulce's practice draws from different wisdom traditions and is strongly oriented toward a Jungian approach to the restoration of the authentic Self. For more information, visit https://life-is-art.us/

The rooms were empty, except for a button that would administer a shock when pushed. A significant number of people in the study chose to shock themselves over doing nothing.

Dr. Brooks explains that the default mode can be negative for many people because uncomfortable questions about meaning can come up during those “empty" spaces in time. Yet it is also the case that existential questions of meaning are very important, as one of the causes of depression is people's sense that their lives lack meaning. This idea is supported by the work of depth psychologist Carl Jung, who viewed a sense of meaning and purpose as essential to a healthy ego. Jung viewed what many call the "mid-life crisis”, often accompanied by bouts of depression, as the soul’s search for meaning, which increases as we cross into the latter half of our lives. But aside from the discomfort associated with boredom, studies have also shown that boredom can be an excellent catalyst for creative ideas. This has probably happened to some of us, as we have birthed some brilliant new idea or strategized a new pathway to solve a problem while taking a shower or while immersed in our bathtub.

Our phones have become things we automatically reach for to fill the empty moments, and I find myself falling victim to this habit more frequently than I’d like.

I’ve decided that there is no other way to switch off the boredom avoidance “auto pilot” than to be intentionally bored for chunks of time each day. These last couple of days, as I’ve been working on this piece, I have not carried my phone while doing certain chores. I left my phone in my purse while waiting in the lobby for my dental appointment. I have not turned on the radio in my car for trips less than 30 minutes, and I’ve left my phone in the bedroom so that I won’t be tempted to distract myself with any videos ornews clips for a couple of hours after waking. I strongly believe that by intentionally seeking periods of 15+ minutes of boredom each day, I’ll get better at being bored, and the knee-jerk reaction to reach for a distraction will lessen. I don’t expect that my creativity will soar, or that ground-breaking ideas will necessarily emerge, but I do expect to start making peace with boredom as a natural and necessary part of life. If I can reframe the “blah” of boredom into a space of possibility, then it becomes a richer proposition for emotional self-regulation without technology, for finding purpose in the art of just being, or for confronting existential moments of “what does it all mean” with some measure of courage. And in these times of chaos around the world, those existential moments are all but guaranteed. The discomfort is real, and so is the intersection of boredom and grace.

Dubois-Sissoko and DPA were back with their fabulous DPA Talent Lounge, in honor of the Emmy Awards

The Eden Magazine joined Nathalie Dubois-Sissoko and DPA in celebrating the start of Hollywood's award season at the DPA Pre-Awards Gift Suite 2025, held at the Luxe Sunset Boulevard Hotel.

Known for curating some of the most luxurious experiences in the industry, Nathalie Dubois once again transformed the hotel's suites and hidden garden into a world of discovery, featuring international brands, one-of-a-kind jewelry, wellness innovations, gourmet treats, and travel escapes.

This year's highlights included MilianiCreations' Tahitian pearl jewelry, Gem & I Crystals' curated décor pieces, and an exciting debut of the Martinique corner, showcasing the island's treasures—from Kadalys banana-based skincare to handcrafted fashion clutches by Niyah, artisanal chocolates by Frères Lauzea, and world-renowned rums from Rhum Clément, Rhum Braud & Quennesson, and Rhum J.M.

Nathalie

Guests also indulged in award-winning cocktails from Coit Spirits and Above Board Liqueurs, beauty and wellness experiences with Glo by Me facials and Siyah Organics' natural products, and an inspiring presence from wellness expert Dr. Alejandro Junger.

A standout moment was the participation of Agua Caliente Casinos, presenting luxury resort experiences and spa offerings. Select attendees even walked away with travel opportunities, including stays at the Ayada Maldives and Le Taha’a by Pearl Resorts in French Polynesia.

On the philanthropic side, Homeboy Industries brought heart and purpose to the event, sharing their renowned Homegirl Café catering while raising awareness about their transformative re-entry programs.

With a mix of international elegance, innovation, and social impact, Nathalie Dubois and DPA once again set the tone for the Emmy season, offering Hollywood’s finest a taste of global luxury—while reminding us that glamour can go hand in hand with purpose.

Photography by Michael Bunning and Oliver Pojzman

WalkingThrough

Trauma

How a Homeless Intersex Woman Redefined Mental Health and Resilience, Inspiring a Community

By Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison

What a wild downpour. Why was I out getting groceries that night? I can't remember. But there she was again.

Sean/a — wearing a yellow bikini top and a miniskirt, no jacket — stood outside the store clutching her goose-bumped arms. Still, she greeted me with a hearty smile as I approached under the safety of my umbrella.

"Why aren't you home out of the cold?" I asked, pausing near the entrance. "Can't let a little weather stop me. I'm just starting my walk for the night," she laughed.

Thunder punctuated her reply. As I hurried into the warmth of the store, she

stepped into the storm — headed into the night like it was a beach party rather than a freezing, rain-soaked evening.

By then, I had grown accustomed to Sean/a's eccentricity. But what I didn't yet understand was that her long walks weren't a quirk. They were a lifeline.

A few years earlier, my family and I had just moved to the gorgeous community of La Jolla, a coastal suburb of San Diego with colorful flowers abundant in every neighborhood and a cosmopolitan yet chilled-out surfing vibe. It felt like the ideal place to raise a family. I loved connecting with people of all cultures and backgrounds every time I ran an errand or drove my daughter to soccer practice.

Photo by Teslariu Mihai

OOne of these people who we couldn't help but notice was Sean, a vibrant, gregarious member of the community who had been part of the La Jolla landscape for many years. Sean seemed to perfectly represent our new, friendly, somewhat eccentric yet elegant hometown.

About a year later, sometime in 2015, I noticed that Sean had switched from wearing sporty male clothing to women's athletic tops and tennis skirts, often in hot pink and other vibrant colors. She'd complete the look with a long, flowing wig. Sean had become Sean/a.  As a psychologist and humanitarian, I was instantly intrigued. I wanted to learn more about Sean/a’s story. I had no idea then just how transformational our meeting would become — for both of us.

One winter morning, I found Sean/shivering on a bench. I offered her a few sweaters I had in my car for donation. She spotted an old cashmere trench coat of my father's, which I was planning to get dry-cleaned.

"Oh, wow," she said, pulling it around her tall frame. “It's so warm. And look, it's actually long enough!"

"It's yours," I told her.

It wasn't long afterward that I spotted her outside Vons in the torrential rain. Sean/a usually spent hours there, chatting with customers, making the most of the warmth and comfort

of the grocery store. But it was nearing closing time, and she had just been asked to leave.

"Do you need shelter?" I heard myself ask. "A place to stay tonight?"

"Yes, ma'am," she answered without hesitation. “I could really use a hot shower. I'm already chilly."

And just like that, I walked with her in the storm to a nearby hotel. It was only then that I learned she had been homeless for years. That she'd been sleeping behind the La Jolla Recreation Center. That she sometimes snuck into restaurant bathrooms at night to sleep — until the rains flooded the space.

She was nearly six and a half feet tall, navigating a world not made to fit her — physically, socially, or emotionally. And yet she remained gentle, gracious, and warm. I was stunned. Humbled. And moved.

Mood-walk therapy

What I came to understand is that Sean/a’s way of surviving, even thriving, was through movement — what she calls "mood-walk therapy."

"Walking is my therapy," she told me once, as we walked alongside a few friends. “My ‘moodwalk therapy.’”

She walks daily, sometimes 12 to 15 miles, sometimes more. And it’s not just movement — it's medicine.

Dr. Kirsten Viola Harrison is a trauma psychologist, spiritual integration expert, and founder of Soul Wise Solutions

For over 25 years, she has helped individuals navigate profound psychological and spiritual transitions — including those living with complex PTSD (C-PTSD), dissociative identity disorder, schizophrenia, and near-death experiences. Her integrative approach blends clinical expertise with compassionate soul work to support true, lasting healing.

She is the co-author of I, Sean/a: The Story of a Homeless Intersex Woman Who Inspired a Community, the true account of Sean/a Smith, an intersex woman with schizophrenia whose life defies stigma and inspires change. Together, they advocate for an end to outdated medical practices and a future rooted in dignity and inclusion.

Years ago, she did high-impact aerobics, played basketball, and played tennis. Now, she walks to release stress, to process grief, to find joy. Sometimes, she lets out her feelings verbally on the walk, shouting out thoughts or emotions that need release. For some, this can feel jarring. But for Sean/a, it's essential. She channels her pain, her experiences as an intersex woman navigating schizophrenia and homelessness, into each stride. She's chosen to live without psychiatric medication, opting instead for food, sunshine, exercise, and connection. It's not a path for everyone — but it's hers. And she walks it with unapologetic authenticity.

She even created a mood-walk calendar:

• Sunday for family.

• Monday for work and leisure.

• Tuesday for gospel hour.

• Wednesday is a fun day.

• Thursday for knowledge.

• Friday for friends.

• Saturday for self-love.

Her practice inspired me to join her. After five miles together, I didn't feel exhausted — I felt buoyant, connected, and alive.

Of course, the story isn't without difficulty. There were moments of misunderstanding and fear from the public. Her expressive, verbal walking style sometimes frightened people who didn't know her. But instead of responding with force, the San Diego Police Department's Homeless Outreach Team worked with her compassionately — helping her get IDs, medical care, and a deeper understanding of her rights. She, in turn, became a fixture in the community — a protector in her own way.

Staff at the local CVS looked out for her, especially during the late-night shifts when she sought warmth inside. Since they were one of the local businesses open the latest at

night, Sean/often lingered inside for warmth and safety. The staff came to her defense on numerous occasions. And this went both ways. Their understanding of Sean/a’s challenges in the proper context helped her live with dignity, but she also did her part in protecting or watching over the community on her nightly walks and keeping the cashiers company as they worked the late shift. In time, the community learned: Sean/a isn’t a problem. She’s a person.

Today, Sean/a lives in Palm Springs, still walking daily — even in 115-degree heat. She texts me updates: images of roadside shrines, blooming cacti, and the quirky characters she meets. She’s been called the Walker of Palm Springs. It fits. That’s what she does. That’s who she is.

I remember asking her recently, “How are your feet holding up?”

“I have an old pair of sneakers,” she replied, “but I swap out the insoles from Walgreens. Thank goodness.”

I laughed, remembering her early days in size-10 flip-flops, which could barely cling to her size 15/16 feet. These days, she’s in proper women’s tennis shoes. We make sure of it.

As a trauma-informed psychologist, I’ve studied and practiced many modalities. But nothing prepared me for the power of witnessing Sean/a’s healing through movement.

Her story invites us to rethink what resilience looks like — not as an endpoint, but as a journey. A walk. A rhythm. A practice.

In a world eager to pathologize or medicate, Sean/a reminds us that sometimes the most profound medicine is already within us. We just have to walk it out.

And keep walking.

GO VEGAN

“Animals Have Souls Don’t Put Them in Your Bowl”

What Is Psychonavigation?

By Norma J. Burton & Nisha Burton

PPsychonavigation is not a term we typically hear in our daily conversations; however, its meaning can be easily understood when divided into the two words that comprise it: PSYCHO (aka the psyche) – The human soul, mind, or spirit. Within psychology, the psyche is the totality of the mind, both the conscious and unconscious parts.

NAVIGATION – The process or activity of accurately ascertaining one's position and planning and following a route.

Thus, bringing these two concepts together, the act of psychonavigation is the ability to accurately understand your position within your psyche. By gaining access to the maps of your own mind, you can plan a route within your inner terrain with skill.

Navigating consciousness with expertise is a quest that humans have been on for centuries. From philosophers to shamans, the desire to understand what the mind is and how to traverse its various states has been at the core of what it means to be human. Thus, the investigations into consciousness, so popular now in the burgeoning field of psychedelic studies, are nothing new to humanity.

Despite all the centuries of inquiry, the

intimate cosmos of human awareness still remains elusive to modern science. Now, researchers are flocking like bears to honey to do lab studies on the human brain under the influence of mind-altering substances. The brain has been called "the most complex object in the known universe” by leading researcher Christof Koch.

Perception is not only altered by psychoactive substances. Many factors, such as social influences, beliefs, fasting, breathwork, meditation, and prolonged exertion, can alter your perception. When your perception shifts, you can see the world in an entirely new way; sometimes it is subtle, and other times it is almost as if you are in a completely different reality. Altering your perception, you can notice things that you missed in your habitual ways of perceiving reality, thus leading to breakthroughs.

Carlos Castaneda’s written works are well known. However, most people have read only his books about working with his Yaqui teacher, Don Juan, while using strong hallucinogenic substances. Throughout this book, we will reference Castaneda’s book The Art of Dreaming, which was one of his later titles. In that book, psychedelic substances are not the focus; instead, reality is shifted through lucid dreaming practices.

Don Juan explains to Castaneda that psychedelics are not necessary to shift perception. However, when Castaneda first came to Don Juan, he was very stuck in his habitual view of reality, so Don Juan used psychedelics to shake Castaneda out of his stuck viewpoint. Not knowing this, some believe that Castaneda’s work with Don Juan was all about psychedelics, but they were just the beginning of his journey into altered states of consciousness. Hallucinogens can be helpful, radically taking us out of our habitual perspective on reality, but they are not the only way to break out of mundane reality.

When altering the brain with external substances, one should take precautions, because our brains are infinitely complex. The complexity of the mind is still a great mystery to scientists, yet profound studies at this interface of science and consciousness are now being published.

There was a fascinating study conducted by astrophysicist Franco Vazza and neuroscientist Alberto Feletti.1 The two joined forces to compare the complexity of galaxies with human brain neuronal networks. They found that “The total number of neurons in the human brain falls in the same ballpark as the number of galaxies in the observable universe.” The memory capacity of the brain is so large (around 2.5 petabytes) that a computer with a similar processing capacity could reproduce the entire universe at its largest scales. The microcosm of our individual brain is reflected in the macrocosm of the universe. Our mental computers are literally creating the reality we perceive in every moment.

To see things in this context is to realize that navigating our own minds can be just as complex as a space explorer traveling from galaxy to galaxy. Would you go out into the vastness of space without any understanding or preparedness of how to get from point A to point B? Probably not, and yet humans often haphazardly rush into altering their psyches with cavalier abandon. When altering the mind, we are dealing with something vastly complex— it requires a great deal of humility, awe, and skill. To become a true psychonavigator, one must dedicate oneself to walking this pathway diligently.

Oneironauts, Psychonauts, and Reasons to Enter the Liminal Lucid dreamers are often called oneironauts, which is a combination of the Greek words for dream (oneiro) and nautical voyager, or sailor. Oneironautics is the ability to travel within a dream with lucidity and conscious awareness. While astronauts travel into the vastly unknown landscapes of outer space, oneironauts travel into the vastly unknown landscape of inner space.

Similarly, the word psychonaut comes from the Ancient Greek psyche (soul, spirit, mind) and naut (sailor, navigator). Although it’s come to be predominantly associated with psychedelic use, it actually means navigation of the psyche through various means, such as meditation, lucid dreaming, brainwave entrainment, trance journeys, and mind-altering substances. Thus, this term can describe anyone venturing into the psyche, regardless of the route that they take.

Norma J. Burton is a counselor with a degree in comparative religion focusing on Buddhist and shamanic traditions, who specializes in trauma healing, shadow work, and dream analysis. Having apprenticed with Indigenous elders for over 30 years, she founded the Institute of Ancient Healing Arts and the Circle of Trust Healing Center https://normaburton.com/ https://luciddreaminglucidliving.com/

Nisha Burton is a dreamworker, award-winning filmmaker, and branding consultant for Fortune 100 companies.

She is a speaker and teacher at universities. Norma and Nisha live in Ashland, Oregon. https://nishaburton.com/

Jan Dirk Blom, a clinical psychiatrist, describes a psychonaut as someone who “seeks to investigate their mind using intentionally induced altered states of consciousness for spiritual, scientific, or research purposes.”2

When you step onto the pathway of navigating your psyche with lucid awareness, you can think of yourself as a voyager into the vast recesses of the Great Unknown within your own mind. The reasons you may enter into this exploration of your inner cosmos can be both spiritual and psychological. Philosophy is fascinated with understanding the psyche because it’s at the core of understanding the human condition.

Cultures and peoples through time and history have grappled with what it means to work with the mind and spirit. Entering and altering the mind in order to better understand oneself and one’s place in reality has been a constant exploration, from Tibetan Buddhists, to shamans of South America, to the Siddhars of Ancient India, all the way to people engaging in psychedelic therapy in our current age.

Stepping into the Liminal

Voyager, on the journey of psychonavigation, you step up to a portal, a doorway, between Ordinary Reality and the Dreamtime. To be in a liminal space is defined as “a state or place characterized by being transitional or intermediate in some way.” On the internet, there is a whole fascination with liminal spaces, and they are informally described as any location that is unsettling, uncanny, or dreamlike.

However, interest in liminal spaces is nothing new. In Tibetan Buddhism, the Bardo realms are essentially liminal spaces. According to this worldview, when a person dies and leaves their body, the soul traverses the Bardo realms and is eventually reborn. These liminal realms in which the soul travels between realities must be carefully navigated. There are many teachings surrounding what to do in these Bardo realms. The Tibetan Book of The Dead (Bardo Thodol) is an ancient, detailed map used to help guide newly deceased souls through the Bardos to enlightenment or a beneficial rebirth. It reminds the soul to look beyond the illusions of the mind that can be scary and confusing.

Dream yoga is a spiritual practice rooted in Tibetan Buddhism that involves the use of dreams and lucid dreaming to work with the “Bardos of the Dreamtime” in order to prepare for the “Bardos of Death” after we have left this body behind. In Western terms, learning how to navigate the psyche while alive through lucid dreaming and drum journey trance states prepares you to successfully navigate consciousness at the time of death.

Regardless of your particular view of what happens after death, knowing how to work with liminal states of consciousness is an invaluable tool throughout life. Learning to navigate the psyche is a journey of learning how to safely venture in and out of various states of consciousness while maintaining awareness, and thereby successfully making it through the liminal spaces in between.

Heather Marianna Elevates Awards Season with Luxe Harvest Gifting Experience in Beverly Hills

Photography by  Tshombe Sampson & Courtesy of The Marianna Group

he Eden Magazine joined The Marianna Group's 2nd Annual Harvest Celebrity Gifting Suite at the Beverly Hills Marriott, where beauty entrepreneur and brand expert Heather Marianna brought together celebrities, industry insiders, and premium lifestyle brands for an unforgettable day of luxury and innovation.

The glamorous suite blended discovery with Hollywood elegance, giving attendees an immersive experience of innovative products and meaningful connections. Heather Marianna shared that planning is already underway for her highly anticipated Enchant Suite during Oscar Week 2026. The suite spotlighted more than 49 brands across beauty, wellness, fashion, and lifestyle. Highlights included:

• Skincare & Beauty: Lumara (Illuminate LED panel and

VISO mask), Cotrini (salmon DNA skincare), Healing and Beauty Energy (chakra healing skincare), Pixi cosmetics, Hair by Ella Delilah (beauty tools), Libra Lash & Gift Co., beaut. beautyco. (self-care), The Lafranchi Center (salmon DNA + NAD plus facial masks), Precisely Me by Alexa Junae (teen skincare), and Drenched Pilates studio gifting classes and accessories.

• Natural Remedies & Wellness: Nutritist's Refluxtor for acid reflux, Aegis Formulas supplements, frequency. (charged nutrition), Essense nose ring diffuser, Gold Naturals hemp & CBD products, MDC (My Daily Choice) with Akashx and HempWorx brands, and Heartwise Healing Solutions by Annah Elizabeth.

The glamorous event welcomed celebrated talent, award hopefuls, and industry leaders for a day filled with luxury, discovery, and meaningful connections.

Stars such as Alice Amter (Big Bang Theory), actress Blanca Blanco, Carlo Mendez (The Bay, Parks & Recreation), Chris Mulkey (Captain Phillips, The Paper) and Dana Sparks (Star Trek), actress/podcast host Eve Richards, Gilles Marini (Sex and the City), Jeannette O'Connor (The Pitt), Jeremy Piven (Entourage), Joe Cortese (The Green Book), award-winning actor John Savage, Kate Linder (Y&R), King Moore (The Wild Robot, America's Got Talent), Kym Karath (The Sound of Music), Kym Whitley (Act Your Age), Lisa LoCicero (General Hospital), Real Housewives alum Lynne Curtain, Morgan Bradley (Fugitive from Asteron), Naomi Grossman (American Horror Story), Selling Sunset's Nicole Young, Nigel Lythgoe (American Idol), Olivia D'Abo (The Wonder Years, The Bay), Patrika Darbo (Days of Our Lives), Pooja Batra (former Miss India, actress), Sofia Milos (Gravesend/CSI:Miami), and many, many others joined the festivities, walking the red carpet and exploring over 49 premium brands spanning beauty, wellness, fashion, food, and lifestyle. From cutting-edge skincare and wellness innovations to exquisite cocktails, gourmet treats, and unique lifestyle products, the suite offered an immersive Hollywood experience. With live

entertainment, elegant culinary offerings, and curated luxury gift bags, the Harvest Suite once again set the tone for awards season, blending glamour with purposeful celebration.

The suite would not have been complete without celebratory food and drink. Brands featured at Harvest 2025 included 1.0.1. Ultra Premium Vodka, Dulce Vida Tequila, Gran Signori Wines from Italy, Empress 1908 Gin, and the new success potion, Divination 22 Vodka by medium Allison DuBois, Snazzy Beverages, a refreshing blend of lemonade, smooth iced tea, and real spirits, and CBD-infused seltzers by Crossed. For non-alcoholic options, the suite featured Hive2O non-alcoholic honey wine, Ophora Water, Bare Essentials, and Roots juices.

Flower Song Los Angeles curated stunning florals for the event. Gift bag items included luxury brands Ready Set Jet, certified beauty batons, the latest sunglass styles from Velvet Eyewear, gift cards from new fashion concept The Style Den and Vegas Custom Gifts, the book  No Ordinary Love by BB Gabriel, delicate bespoke Glass Veils™ by Details by oKsana, and Moonstone Rituals Candles.

HHow often have you vowed to make a change in some area of your life, only to find that after a few attempts to establish a new habit, you’ve gone back to the old ways? Changes at the margin can become habits, but there are secrets to making them stick.

Dream big but take small, defined actions. You might want to lose twenty or thirty pounds or more, but what small actions could you take every day to begin on the path toward that goal? Could you eliminate sweets and alcoholic drinks altogether or have only a small portion one night a week? If you want to save money for retirement or a special trip, could you save ten dollars a week to start? If you often wait for an elevator, you might stretch your calves or shoulder muscles until the elevator shows up, a small practice that will make you a little more limber and that can be amplified by doing it more often and in more situations.

Combine the new habit with an old one. It’s easier to make new habits stick if you combine them with old ones. If you brush your teeth after breakfast each day, could you commit to doing something else, such as ten minutes of stretching and yoga, right after you finish brushing? If on Thursdays, you have a fun evening class, could you come home from class, log into your bank account, and trans-

fer ten dollars from your checking account to your savings account?

Give yourself structure and flexibility. Some people say it takes three weeks to establish a habit, but the key might actually be to set a goal for engaging in the new behavior every day and reward yourself if you do it at least five out of the seven days. Also, try to figure out what happened on those two days that you didn’t follow through. You might gain some valuable insights into how to take action on days when your schedule gets changed. If you didn’t do a relaxing breathing exercise or meditation at lunchtime as planned because a call came in, you could figure out a backup time when you could make up for your missed session.

Hold yourself accountable. Whether it’s a carrot or a stick to motivate you, have an accountability plan. If you would be uncomfortable telling a friend that once again, you didn’t follow through on doing what you said you would, ask them to check in with you at the end of the week to ask how you did. Have a plan for a small reward when you meet a small goal. Keep track of your actions, marking your calendar or a chart whenever you engage in your new habit so that you’re not fooling yourself about how often you follow through on meeting your goal.

Carl Greer, PhD, PsyD, is a retired clinical psychologist and Jungian analyst, a businessman, and a shamanic practitioner, author, and philanthropist, funding over 60 charities and more than 2,000 past and current Greer scholars.

He has taught at the C.G. Jung Institute of Chicago and been on staff at the Replogle Center for Counseling and Well-Being.

His new book is Go Within to Change Your Life: A Hidden Wisdom Workbook for Personal Transformation. Learn more at CarlGreer.com

Build on your habits with new goals. Once you find yourself doing those ten minutes of stretching or yoga or transferring a few dollars to your savings account every week, set a new goal. Increase the minutes or dollar figure, or come up with a complementary goal. You might commit to taking a yoga class or being more mindful of when the grocery store runs sales on your favorite items to take advantage of the savings, socking the extra savings away in your bank account.

Develop your creativity. When you open yourself up to being more creative, you’ll find more ways to achieve your goals and move past any obstacles you face in your striving for better habits. Try writing with your non-dominant hand. Take a new route to work or a friend’s house. Dance and see what choreography you naturally create as you move in time to the music. Take time out to write a list of small, achievable goals you would like to establish on your way to a larger transformation, and come up with a plan for making the changes happen.

Consult your wise inner self for guidance. Within each of us is a wise inner self that can be more honest with us than we are when we’re in ordinary consciousness and restricted by unconscious biases. Set aside time to sit quietly, focused on the natural rhythm of your breathing or a word such as “peace.” When you feel your busy mind is less active and your muscles are relaxed, pose this question to your wise inner self: “What do I need to know that can help me right now?” The answer might come in words or as an inner knowing or a symbol, sound, or visual image whose meaning you’ll need to interpret. You might want to thank your wise, inner self for helping you and see what it has to

say in return. Many people don’t trust themselves. Consulting one’s wise inner self can help you develop greater faith in your ability to solve your own problems and find helpful resources.

Gain energy or momentum for change. When you consult your wise inner self about the changes you want to make, use the shamanic idea of ayni or reciprocity: release something and bring something else in to take its place. Ask your wise inner self, “What do I need to let go of?” and “What do I need to bring in?” (A variation on this is to ask, “What can I give you?” and “What can you give me?”). You might actually feel an energetic shift as you present to your wise inner self some belief or energy that has been keeping you from reaching your goals: the notion that you can’t trust yourself to follow through on your commitments, perhaps, or the idea that you’ll never get past all the obstacles in your way. You might also feel a shift as you receive what your wise inner self gives you: a symbol representing your strength, for example, or the saying, “Get right back on that horse,” or something else. You might want to experiment with reaching your arms out in a gesture of releasing something to your wise inner self, who is in front of you, or drawing your arms in to accept and pull into yourself whatever your wise inner self is giving you. I have found that these movements can be helpful for feeling an energetic shift that gives me momentum to follow through on making changes and adopting habits that stick.

If you’ve failed in the past to achieve your goals, don’t give up. Try again, taking time out to reflect on what obstacles you’ve faced and how you might overcome them, drawing on your wise inner self for more insights and using these strategies for establishing new habits.

Adopt Today

NATURALLY KEEP YOUR LAWN CLEAN FOR FALL

As summer fades and the crisp air of fall settles in, your lawn begins to transition, preparing for the colder months ahead. Autumn is one of the most critical times of year for lawn care, but that doesn't mean you need to rely on harsh chemicals or expensive treatments. With natural methods, you can keep your yard clean, healthy, and vibrant while protecting the environment and ensuring your outdoor space remains a welcoming sanctuary.

Why Fall Lawn Care Matters

Many people assume that lawns go dormant once summer ends, but fall is actually the season when grass roots grow most actively. The cooler temperatures, combined with increased rainfall in many regions, create the perfect conditions for your lawn to strengthen itself before winter. By tending to it naturally during this time, you'll set the stage for lush, healthy growth when spring arrives.

Clear Leaves the Right Way

Fallen leaves are one of the most recognizable symbols of fall, but when left to pile up, they can suffocate grass, block sunlight, and trap moisture. Instead of reaching for leaf blowers that use fuel or tossing leaves into trash bags, consider eco-friendly alternatives:

• Mulch Them: Use a mulching mower to chop leaves into tiny pieces. These shreds decompose quickly, returning valuable nutrients to the soil and reducing waste.

• Compost Them: Collect leaves and add them to your compost pile, mixing with green materials like food scraps to create rich compost for gardens and flower beds.

• Use as Mulch: Whole or shredded leaves make an excellent natural mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennial plants, helping to insulate roots during the colder months.

Weed Naturally and Effectively

Fall is an ideal time to control weeds since many are still actively growing. Instead of using chemical herbicides, try these natural methods:

• Hand Weeding: Pulling weeds while the soil is slightly damp makes it easier to obliterate the roots.

• Vinegar Spray: A solution of household vinegar and water can help with spot treatment of weeds on driveways or pathways (just be cautious not to spray grass).

• Overseed the Lawn: Planting additional grass seed in bare spots helps crowd out weeds naturally, leaving them less room to grow.

Feed the Soil, Not Just the Grass

Healthy soil is the foundation of a thriving lawn. Instead of synthetic fertilizers, which can leach into groundwater, choose organic options:

• Compost Topdressing: Spread a thin layer of compost over the lawn to enrich the soil with organic matter.

• Natural Fertilizers: Products made from bone meal, seaweed, or alfalfa meal provide slow-release nutrients that grass roots can absorb steadily.

• Leave the Clippings: When mowing, leave grass clippings on the lawn. They break down quickly and act as a natural fertilizer.

Water Wisely

While fall usually brings cooler weather and rainfall, your lawn may still need supplemental watering, especially in drier regions. To keep it healthy naturally:

• Water deeply and Less Often: This encourages deep root growth rather than shallow roots.

• Morning Watering: Watering in the morning reduces evaporation and prevents fungal issues.

• Use Rain Barrels: Collecting rainwater is an eco-friendly way to hydrate your lawn without increasing your water bill.

Aerate for Healthy Roots

Over time, soil can become compacted, making it difficult for air, water, and nutrients to reach the roots. Fall is the perfect season to aerate:

• Manual Aeration: Use a garden fork or hand aerator to poke small holes in the soil.

• Core Aeration: Rent or hire a service to remove small plugs of soil, which allows grass roots to expand and grow stronger.

Prepare Naturally for Winter

As temperatures drop, your final fall tasks should

focus on helping your lawn rest through winter:

• Final Mow: Keep grass about 2–3 inches tall before winter to prevent matting and reduce the risk of disease.

• Protect Sensitive Plants: Use natural mulch, straw, or shredded leaves to insulate delicate areas.

• Plan for Spring: Fall is a great time to evaluate your lawn's needs and decide where you might add native plants or low-maintenance ground covers in the future.

Final Thoughts

Naturally, maintaining your lawn in the fall is about working with nature, not against it. By mulching leaves, feeding the soil with organic matter, using water wisely, and preparing your yard for the colder months, you create a healthy outdoor environment that benefits both your family and the planet. When spring arrives, your lawn will reward you with strong growth, vibrant color, and a natural beauty that no chemical treatment can replicate.

Photos by Scott Webb, Gettyimage, Raul De Los Santos, Annie Spratt, Aaron Cook, & Joakim Finell

WOW CREATIONS

Pre-Emmy Gifting Suite

The WOW Creation Pre-Emmy Gifting Suite, hosted by Los Angeles-based celebrity Marketing Agency, on September 15th at the Hilton Hotel in Universal City. The event was produced by the Bon Vivant Harris Twins, Mark and Matt Harris. The event brought together Emmy nominees, past winners, influencers, and celebrities, including Eric Roberts and Olivia D'Abo. With over 25 brands showcasing their products, champagne from Tobin James Vellars, and fresh-baked pretzels from West Coast Pretzels, the suite was buzzing with excitement in celebration of the 77th Emmy Awards.