The single overriding objective in wellness is creating constant personal renewal where we recognise and act on the truth that each day is a miraculous gift, and our job is to untie the ribbons.
GregAnderson, the 22 Non-Negotiable Laws of Wellness.
Wellness within precedes everything else as it is the first critical step toward a flourishing, integrated body, mind and soul.The foundation of Wellness Wild Retreats is to take the retreatant into nature, whether that be theAfrican bush, which stimulates all of the senses, or the magnitude of the scenic feast that is found inAfrica's mountain kingdoms.The vastAfrican bodies of water, whether the Okavango Delta, the mighty Zambezi River, a babbling brook or crashing ocean waves on our beautiful coastline, all promote wellness within.
Somatic Movement Modalities: Yoga, Qi Gong and Dance. Stress release and relaxation.
Guided Imagery and Mantric Meditation:
African Inspired Runes: 'Wisdom Stones fromAfrica', where this is offered, each retreatant is gifted with their own personal set and instructions as to work with these special gifts fromAfrica.
African Campfire Connections:
Cleansing withAfrican Sage, Imphepho (Helichrysum odoratissimum).
Ancestral reconnection - Connect to your bones and roots.
Energy Healing Modalities:
Reiki: Western Styled and Eastern-styled and Crystal Healing.
TherapeuticTouch (TT) and EFTTapping (Emotional FreedomTechnique).
KZN Retreat Schedule 2024 - 2025:
09.08 to 11.08 2024 KwazuluSpirit Festival™ 2024 Laughing Forest Elysium, KZN
15.11 to 17.11 2024: Wild Foraging and Feasting Secret Sithela Munster, KZN
20.01 to 27.01.2025 Big 5, Battlefields and Berg Zulu Kingdom, KZN SouthAfrica
18.07 to 20.07.2025: KwazuluSpirit Festival™ 2025 North Coast, KZN
15.11 to 16.11.2025: KwazuluSpirit Festival™ 2025 South Coast, KZN
Wellness WildAfrica Retreats in Process 2025: May or Sept 2025: Bushman Immersion KgalagadiTransfrontier Park June orAugust 2025: Okavango Delta Immersion Botswana
Odyssey Conscious Living Magazine is a proud partner of the WellnessTourismAssociationAfrica.
wellness@odysseymagazine.co.za www.odysseymagazine.co.za
“Wisdomcomeswithwinters.”
OscarWilde
A tree cannot survive winter without healthy roots. Neither can we.
The ancients share wisdom encouraging us to rest more in this season, choosing what we say 'yes' to is critical. Consideration and a commitment to wellness within and resting will likely help to reduce the number of colds and flus and to enable our immune systems to thrive.
Winter invites deeper reflection and is an opportunity to rest and reconnect to what's vital in your life. It's an opportunity to start or deepen a meditation practice. It's an opportunity to journal; it's an opportunity to allow your inner knowing, the ancient wisdom within, to speak.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), winter is associated with the water element which is the foundational element of TCM. Your true self is the foundation of who you are. This is an opportunity to choose to be in alignment with your values and your true self.
Be the seed this winter. Seed needs to hibernate each year, to rest and wait until spring when it can grow and blossom. Deep within us is a seed in each of us that craves deep rest in this season. Sleep is a critical part of rest and hibernation, it is however only a part of it.
There are seven different types of rest identified by Saundra Dalton-Smith including: Physical, mental, sensory, creative, emotional, social and spiritual rest.
This really hit home as I and the entire team ran head-on into winter - full speed and full volume. Doing what we love. Yes indeed we are! Yet, in time of spiritual rest - whatever that is for you - and when we consider that 'wellness within' is the precursor of wellness 'without'; the word 'rest' is not only a noun, it's a verb too!
Wellness within is under the spotlight and we feature cannabis therapy in this bumper edition which also has the full KwazuluSpirit Festival programme inside.
The 2024 KwazuluSpirit Festival takes place 9, 10 and 11 August just after at the start of Lion's Gate 8.8 and in an 8 year.
Join us at the Laughing Forest in Elysium for a personal journey of discovery. With inspirational teaching and guidance from industry thought leaders: Mindfulness, holistic health, mental health, self-care, sound, frequency and spiritual connectedness. This is wellness within at its very core. How serendipitous that Elysium was the paradise of the immortals. Described by ancient Greek poets as a beautiful place of luscious meadows, flowing streams and abundant vegetation where time was spent making music and singing in joyful celebration.
We hope to see you there,
3 Editor’s Note
6, 7 Tribute to Louis van Loon
10-13 Nianell, Love is Home, My Story
14-16 Wealth Wellness
Kiki Theo
18-21 Walking as a Prayer and a Blessing
Geoff Dalglish
22, 23 River of Light
Steve Hurt
50, 51 Lessons From India
Yael Geffen
78 A Sacred Dialogue
112 Odyssey Winners
BodyMindSpirit: Spotlighton:Wellness
Within
8, 9 Wellness Within 17 Cultivating Inner Harmony
27 EFT Tapping with Reiki
28-30 Taking Life to the Next Level
Jo Marsh
Editor and Publisher
Debra Robins
+27 (0) 82 875 2985 editor@odysseymagazine.co.za
Business Development Quinton O’Dwyer +27 (0) 78 342 9389 bizdev@odysseymagazine.co.za
Media and Marketing
Luke Mitchell
+27 (0) 71 944 9570 fulfillment@odysseymagazine.co.za
31 ThetaHealing
Eric Richardson
32-35 Open your Heart and Brain
Dr Arien van der Merwe
36-38 The Energy of Thoughts and Words
Carolyn Chilton Casas
40-43 Your World Needs your Wisdom
Colleen-Joy
44-46 Taking up Space
Heike Sym
52, 53 National Spiritualist
Federation
Health
FeatureCannabisTherapy
39 The Power of Essential Oils
54-56 Cannabis Therapy
Wendy Read
58, 59 Clearing the Fog
Cian McClelland
60 Get your Cup of Calm
61 Feel Great
62, 63 More than Just a Drop
Cheri De Jong 111 A Timeless Story
Wendy Read
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Food
64, 65 Winter Superfood Soup
Nicole Sherwin
66, 67 Coffee Smoothies
Beth Rush
Home,Parentingand Relationships
47,48 Permission for Pleasure
Anne-Marie Clulow 69 Project Muse
TravelandEcoPlanet
2 Wellness Wild
70-73 The Story We Tell Ourselves as Women in Transition
Lauren Manuel 74, 75 What Does it Mean to Love Nature
Clive Horlock
76, 77 GOLD: Chelsea Flower Show
Design Studio
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denis@denismeyer.co.za https://denismeyer.co.za
KwazuluSpiritFestival Programme 2024
80, 81 Full Programme
82, 83 The Laughing Forest
84, 85 Day 1: Friday 9 August
86, 87 The Education of Rain-Child Clive Horlock
88, 89 Day 2: Saturday 10 August
90 Supernatural with Sarah Bullen and Taz Singh
91 Day 3: Sunday 11 August
92 Bliss Booths
93, 96, Participant 97 products/Services
94, 95 Yoga Shala: 3-Day Programme
98 Guidance and Teachings With Colleen-Joy
99 Embrace the Tiger
101 Rising in the Frequencies of the Divine Light
102-104 Lion's Gate Portal 2024
Chanel Lingenfelder
106, 107 Follow Your Gut
Heleen Elizabeth
108, 109 Answering the Call Godfrey Madlalate
13 Connection Simplified Nianell Online-Course Giveaway
26 Lessons from the Afterlife
30 Taking Life to the Next Level
56 Cannabis Therapy, Complete Guide
60 CBD Tea Hamper
68 A big Hand for the Spirits
22, 23 The Wilderness Within Steve Hurt 18-21 Earth Pilgrim
Geoff Dalglish
14-16 Money Alchemy
Kiki Theo
40-43 Wisdom Teachings Colleen-Joy
32-35 Medically Speaking
Dr Arien van der Merwe
44-46 Doing Life with Heike
Heike Sym
47, 48 Blissexology
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FromyouIlearntwordsbeneaththeBodhiTree.A–Zresonantinsimplicityasyouspunthe DharmaWheelanatmanbardomuditazazenwhirledoffyourtongue.Yourrondavelheart, linedwiththatchedvolumes,stillspeakstousina'lastwords'book. Ireadofadyingmystic, whenbroughthisfavouritelayered'lastwish'cake.Novicesleanedintolistentowise whisperedwordsthatrecallourCaketheBuddhaAte–my,butthiscakeisdelicious.Your intentionpresencepoise,nowhereeverywhere,rakesthezengarden,barefootsthe labyrinth,circlestheStupaandthedam.
Excerpt:ManinaMistSwirlbyDorianHaarhoff
Louis was a great character and to spend time with him was to be infused with some of his spirit. It became obvious that he was an adventurer, a great inquirer and a pioneer, someone who would follow inspired hunches with persistence and effort. Sure it made him stubborn at times, but it was also a mark of that spirit that moves in all of us. For most of us it just lights up from time to time, but in Louis it seemed to be a steady flame. I suppose at some time or another most of us kind of get knocked off our feet by near-death experiences or by the death of a beloved other or breakdown of some kind.
And some get moved by this towards a greater sense of purpose, but not that many had the resolution to follow it through for decades. So from Louis' severe illness to having a vision of a rain-swept hill, to actually purchasing 300 acres of derelict farmland in KwaZulu-Natal and to subsequently putting in years of work and financial and emotional effort and commitment to convert it into the gem we see today.
It takes faith, steadied by resolve backed up by sheer energy and made agile by that inquiring dancing flame. Most of us from time to time have been moved by the wish to help and provide for the wealth of others, but not so many are ready or capable of taking on the responsibility and risk of establishing a centre, especially one that created itself as Buddhist in a country of which the religious expression at that time was that of the Dutch Reformed Church.
That's the way it is with people of spirit. Challenge brightens and feeds them. So today - and every daylet's inhale some of that spirit. Louis was also an elder, by which I don't mean an old person, I mean someone who's prepared to take on the responsibility of being a custodian of a way, of a tradition, of a lineage.
So as an elder, he naturally attuned to the ancient ways of truth that inspired him as he travelled throughout Buddhist Asia. He also sensed the first thing to do when establishing a place in a new country was to consecrate it.
It's kind of like putting the flag of the tradition down. Hence the stupa was the first thing - the first creationand for that he invited Lama Govinda, here from India, to select the site that would link it to the ancient Buddhist tradition.
When you look at it, the stupa is, could be Sri Lankan, could be Indian, it could be Thai, possibly Chinese, maybe Tibetan. It's all of those, but it's also South African. You look around the Buddhist Retreat Centre, that's the same collage of impressions that you get.
You see Japanese Zen garden. You see Tibetan tankers, you see Chinese scroll paintings, you see Thai Buddha images, you see Indian artefacts - and it's all wrapped up in an architecture that's strongly based upon indigenous Zulu, rondavels and thatch roofs, but with
twists that give it more light coming in, the long windows that descend to the ground.
So it's all kind of blended together. And that's the way an elder works, inhabiting the place in the way of things and the great way of things. By keeping the tradition expressively alive, having their own personal angle, placing it in a modern contemporary context.
So it is invigorated by local current initiative and that's the mark of the spirit. As an elder, Louis also knew not to claim it as a personal possession, to let the inspiration move through him and then, when it was time to pass it on, to not hang on, pass it on - which he did very cleanly and directly and with little fuss.
So that's what we have. Can we continue in that sense of clarity, effectiveness, relationship to what's gone before, what's authentic and what works and fits that contemporary situation? That's the ongoing responsibility that we carry.
So thanks Louis, thanks for the opportunity, thanks for the example, thanks for the spirit. Travel well. I hope today you have a memorable and wonderful time, plenty of memories, laughter, anecdotes and tears as a spirit of what makes us beautiful, moves through and shakes us out of ourselves into something ineffable. Sadhu, sadhu, sadhu. Be well, be well, may all be well.
Ajahn Sucitto, a Buddhist monk in the Thai Forest Tradition of Ajahn Chah, a highly respected teacher who runs retreats across the globe.
“As Louis 'you dearest man' steps back into the 'metta mist'. I/we offer him our gratitude, our respect and our love. And I honour him with a deep bow.” Stephen Coan.
How so? In this frenetic world that we navigate daily, it's easy to overlook the foundational aspects of wellness and the profound impact of wellness within in order to create wellness without.
Wellness within is the first critical step toward a flourishing, integrated body, mind and soul. You can have the most aesthetically pleasing physical form yet, should the inner being, the essence of who you are, be dispirited and disrupted, overall wellness cannot be attained.
“Wellness is the complete integration of body, mind and spirit - the realisation that everything we do, think, feel and believe has an effect on our state of wellbeing.”
Greg AndersonThe 'Wellness Within™ Journal launches in partnership with the Wellness Travel Association in Q4 of 2024
An interview with Nianell, multi-platinum singer, songwriter, author, healer, teacher and motivational speaker
Five years ago Odyssey's editor Debra Robins interviewed Nianell, at her home in Johannesburg's northern suburbs, where she shared that she was dating an incredibly special human. She had just launched her book, Life Simplified which incidentally is a powerful read.
“I had the joy of sharing a sumptuous lunch with her and her daughters Kaeley, Tayden and Jade, prepared by her dearest friend and personal assistant, Ronel.”
“Nianell married Kevin - her 'special human' - on April 28th (cover image) and I caught up with them in Cape Town recently, after a busy schedule which included a honeymoon for this truly special couple.”
Nianell was also attending a ThetaHealing refresher course in Cape Town and had a number of theatre bookings for the 'Love is Home' musical journey that speaks to the heart and soul. This musical production was inspired by the poignant moments in Nianell's life, including the passing of her dear friend Ronel, her triplets relocating to Amsterdam and the loss of her beloved father, Flip, last year – 2023.
“Each beautiful piece weaves a narrative of resilience, love and the interconnectedness of the human experience.” Nianell.
When we did the 2019 interview you shared that your mom's death had impacted your life and connecting with her in spirit took you on your healing journey. You mentioned when I set up the interview that 2023 was one of “the biggest Earthshaking years” for you?
January last year, that's 2023, Ronel passed away. She had been sick for two years and that was a profound journey for me as she had been a very big part of my life. She homeschooled my children, having come to live with me from when they were maybe six months or seven months old. She had been headmistress at a school in Cape Town. I had actually met her at a charity concert at her school, where I performed. She resigned to come and help us, myself and my husband, Andrew, at the time, having received a strong vision when she was 20 that she was going to help someone with their children.
Initially Ronel stayed with us in our home but later moved into the house next door. We raised the children together in an unexpected way. It was an unspoken exchange of sorts, where she couldn't have children of her own and I was extremely busy and needed assistance. We had this gentle understanding that how we met also met a different need in each of us.
I was very blessed to have someone like her because I could never give the kids on my own what we gave them together, Ronel brought the elements in that I never had the time to do. When she got sick it was a huge shift for me; the children basically lost a mother.
One of my most profound memories of her was on a hospital visit, when Ronel said: “I can feel… I can feel love… I can feel everyone's love.” I asked if she really had never felt love before, which she confirmed and, in that moment, I realised that each one of us comes to this planet to experience love, not just the giving of love but also the receiving of love and I realised she would never have been able to experience love or feel it if she didn't get sick, the way that she did. It gave me much deeper understanding, as, through this, she taught me to learn how to forgive myself also.
When she passed over, I actually sat down and went into deep meditation connecting with all that is energy - all that we're all a part of - and I contemplated which profound soul would have the courage to join me on my path, to come and teach me and to come into my life. Looking back, she could be stubborn and controlling – a 'headmistress'and I had to push hard for my choices to be honoured. She taught me that I have to learn how to forgive myself for a lot of things and, in meditation, I asked: “Who are you who came into my life to teach me all of this? “ And I heard so clearly: “I am God.”
I literally felt that I moved out of my body and back in - and came to the realisation that everyone that comes into our journey is an expression of God to come and teach us something.
She was my person and she didn't have any other person in the world – I had to sort out everything and organise the funeral. And then I thought: Okay, what am I learning from you now? Confirmation was instant! I needed to look after myself. Ronel didn't look after herself, she never looked after herself, she always looked after everybody else, but she never took care of her own abundance nor her own health.
I spoke to myself firmly: “Go and have a check-up; you haven't been to the doctor for a while.” I had a little mole on my leg that was growing and I went to the dermatologist, who suggested a biopsy 'just to be sure'. It turned out to be melanoma cancer! They cut it out and that message set me off on a much-needed self-care journey.
In June, my children, went to live in Amsterdam with their father. This was very challenging for me. I questioned my role as a mother, asking… did I do the best I could? I understand completely why they had to go. It is written in our soul journeys. After 15 years of raising triplets, I acknowledged how much I had on hold and how I held myself back for both them and me. As an example: I was around 40 and my daughters four years old, I did a cover of a magazine, just after I wrote my book Knowing Who I Am. The cover was supposed to say: 'Near now, the celebration
of life'; what the cover actually said was 'Near now, my life was half' and there I was on the cover with my three beautiful daughters laughing and smiling AND to my horror this awful caption.
Subconsciously I started pulling and holding back a little bit more in every situation, pulling back to protect my family.
The one thing is that I became conscious of is how I didn't and wouldn't allow myself to shine, if there was potential harm to my children or my family. Many folks don't allow themselves to be out there, shining brightly as they are, just because it may cause someone else discomfort.
Sadly, we gradually start to dim. I have great comfort that my daughters are happily settled in the Netherlands and my inner-knowing tells me that I also need to 'come back to life' find new dreams, new passions and things to look forward to. I made a conscious choice to come back to what I want, and it's not necessarily material things. I believe what we all really want are experiences.
That which makes me deeply, deeply happy is to walk in nature with my husband, Kevin, and with our dogs. It's one of those things that gives me the greatest joy...
So what experiences do I still want to experience? And one of them was definitely for me, I thought to myself. If I have to be at the end of my life now, right now, what would I regret? And I would regret not living by the sea, I would regret not living in nature.
After my children left for Amsterdam, I became exceedingly clairaudient and far more intuitive than I had been. As we got into the last quarter of the year, the creator told me: “Your father is going to die in December. You need to go and see him.”
I booked a plane ticket and I went to see him in October. I knew he was going to die in December but my schedule was full. I sat with him massaging his feet, gently rubbing his hands and his back and he didn't talk since he had two strokes.
I remember sitting there and watching his skin, which was so light, it was almost becoming like pearl iridescent and sort of shining through. It's as if God said to me, look how the physical is making space for the spiritual, it's like it's just transforming. It was so different for me than what happened with Ronel, whose passing was very dramatic and the physical release from the Earth plane really disconcerting. With my father, it was a comfort to show me something different, a beautiful and gentle transition.
And while there is no timeline on grief, we tend to hold on to grief so much longer when there are unresolved issues. From my personal healing and growth, the 'Letting Go, Simplified' workshop has evolved. Learning to let go is a part of life and, as you age, so you will start having to let go of so many things: Your parents leave, your fiends leave.
Up to age seven the root chakra develops, ages seven to14 the sacral chakra develops, ages 14 to 21 the solar plexus chakra develops, 21 to 28, is the heart chakra, 28 to 35 the throat chakra then, as 50 approaches, you move into the third-eye and crown chakras.
What blocks the crown chakra are attachments and, in the development stage of the crown chakra, you are learning to let go of everything that you thought defined your worth, your value. You acknowledge that roles do not define you. It can be a very challenging process for people to undergo.
When we last met you were dating an 'adorable man' and a 'beautiful human'. That was early 2019 and now you're married - heartfelt congratulations to you both. You mentioned that you had been together for nine years. We all love romance and happy endings… tell the readers more?
Getting married to Kevin for me is a new beginning.
Just before Covid, we decided to move in together. It was wonderful, sometimes scary and at times hectic. Quite a ride, but so worth it! I chose a new beginning and then put full energy and focus in the new and what I can create. I remind myself of that every day. That can tell you that I have the most amazing partner on planet Earth. One thing that we did was to detach from a future. We decided we're going to just be present with each other; we're going to take a day at a time.
The first five years that we dated, he didn't live with me - and then he moved in. And then the dynamic changed. Kevin basically helped me raise the children, but not in the sense of being their father. He never took on the role of dad, but he was in their life. They were seven years old. He has been a very big part of their lives, always there listening to them, playing with them, talking with them.
He's so caring. He treats me like a goddess every day. In the nine years that I have known Kevin, I've never heard him say a bad word about anybody, I have never seen him harm an insect – he simply does no harm. He's just one of the most advanced souls. He may be 22 years younger than me, but his wisdom is ancient. When you finally meet that person later in life, you're not falling in love with a human, you're falling in love with another soul. So, the age is irrelevant. I fell in love and am in love with a soul.
That's wonderful. You do know the readers are going to want to know the whole story!
So, we actually felt from day one that we were married, you know, I met him when about to perform at a star-like classic concert. I was standing looking at the stage they were busy erecting, it was incredible. It was night time and I was standing with my back to him I heard this voice behind me. “Can I help you with that?” The minute I felt his vibration I felt like I was home.
I immediately knew his voice and I couldn't see him. It was dark there but I turned around and said thank you very much. I couldn't see him in the dark and I remember we walked in between those trees that are hundreds of years old. We got to the car and that's the first time I saw him in the lights of the car. We instantly knew each other.
It took him a whole week of setting up and performances to have the courage to come and speak to me again. I was hoping he would because I didn't want to push anything.
And it took a lot of courage because he was working. His brother works for this big production company. Kevin was studying mechanical engineering and they just got him as an extra to help. After these shows there's usually a little gathering. I never go to these things but I saw him and heard him and felt him, so I went and I was just sitting there. Finally his brother gave him the courage to ask if I wanted something to drink. I said I'd have a glass of wine, which I didn't drink, but I just wanted to keep talking to him. We can still talk for hours and hours.
We had been talking about marriage for a long time. Both of us wanted to be married, but we didn't want to do the whole marriage thing.
Since I met him, I had this little girl-like dream. I would like to be married to him, but I had to wait for him to grow up a little bit. And for him, he always said to me: “I'm already married to you.”
You know, we felt like we had a deep spiritual marriage. And then, in the beginning of April, he said to me: “Would you want to get married with me?”
And I said, yes and we just finally decided we're going to do this.
And the story reads like this… letting go, love is home, rise up, you and your creator. So if you look at the story, letting go, love is home, is what you have done and you 'rise up', in the great collaboration with Craig Hinds.
For me love is home. Everybody is on a different journey and I have realised that it's not like they live with me but rather within me, as the love that we have for each other will always be there. And that, for me, is home. So we often look for things outside ourselves as love, but we are love. Therefore, we are always home... Wellness within is knowing we are love.
It's very comforting. I've been through some tough times and then we just walk around the block and the two of us will just sing 'Love is Home'
We will just sing it together as we walk and as I sing it, I just feel better. The very comforting song, Rise Up I wrote with Billy Lowry. Two years ago, I signed a world publishing deal with Fairwood Music in the UK. Fairwood Music owns all the publishing rights of David Bowie and the person who just wrote the entire soundtrack for Avatar is with them. They have serious, serious songwriters on their books.
https://fairwoodmusic.com
They connected me with Billy Lowry, who is the brother of Lulu, who was huge in the 60s in the UK. So he's a phenomenal songwriter. He wrote that Grammy-nominated song. 'I don't wanna fight any more', by Tina Turner. So the two of us wrote the song, 'Rise Up' together. I had just finished writing that song when Craig Hinds actually contacted me about a revamp of the song we had done together for 'Jock of the Bushveld' and I said: “Don't you want to record a brand-new song? I've just got this song now, you know?” He listened to it and he loved it.
We sang 'Rise up' together. Rise up is completely different to the rest of the songs on the album 'Love is Home'. There's also a song called, 'Thank You. I love you. I'm sorry. Please forgive me'. The Ho'oponopono Mantra.
There's a song that I wrote to my father after he passed away in December. “A Song That's Yet Unsung” which serves as a touching tribute to my father, reassuring us that the bonds of love are eternal. It is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever written. I just started realising that, in any given moment, each one of us was infinite possibilities - if I had to see myself through the consciousness of the creator,
what would I see?
I would probably see perfection and wholeness and whatever else, but then I think, what would I really, really see? And then I heard it… God sees infinite possibilities when God looks at us, because, in any given moment, we have this free will to choose and to create anything.
Gratitude beautiful Sonia, Nianell with the voice of an angel, the heart of one Divine, thank you for sharing your journey which will inspire many. You are so loved and so appreciated. All love, Debra.
Nianell is passionate about being of service. She holds a PhD in Metaphysics and a Master's Qualification and Certificate of Science in ThetaHealing. She has also completed various courses in sound healing, Brain Gym, Access Bars and Breathwork Master and Sound Oracle extraordinaire.
https://linktr.ee/nianell / https://nianell.com/home-of-nianell https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/nianell/love-is-home https://youtu.be/Slr-9IbBV0I?si=MV8OWDDtKEbr-KdW https://youtu.be/5H8MiQ9hvaU?si=VWi4z-ATbXQpMkvW
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Adecade and a half ago, I wrote a book called Money Well - How to Contain Wealth, about wealth containment. It is my signature approach and it opened the doors to using the metaphor of a container, which is now in common usage in the self-development world. A copy of Money Well somehow found its way to a second-hand bookstore in Bangkok. A decade later, the Thai buyer of the book has not only attended most of my online courses and talks which I started delivering last year, but he invited me to deliver Money Alchemy online to a Thai audience, which I have just done over the last two weekends. Not only is he a translator, which is very useful, but he is very familiar with my work, making this a wonderful experience for all. How amazing is the world? Anyhow, he told me way back, that when he saw the Money Well book, the first thought that went through his head was, 'Do I money well? How do I money?' Which is an interesting question, with this additionally most fascinating idea of using money as a verb.
I thought to explore this question of money wellness further, seeing as wellness within is the focus of this particular Odyssey issue. What does it mean to money well? Do you feel you are money well? What is money wellness? And what is the level of your money wellbeing? At which point do you declare yourself to be money well? And who decides where the level of true money wellness is, in the first place?
Do you think of money wellness, in the same way that you reflect on other forms of wellness and wellbeing? As something to cultivate and train towards, or to practise? Do you approach money wellness in the same way as you strive towards physical wellness with preventative care in the form of vitamins, energetic healings and therapies, eating well, exercising and so on? Knowing that a body that is well, positively affects the mind and the emotions too. Do you reflect on the effects of money wellness on your emotional and mental health? Not as an event, but as a process with equivalent possibilities for doing it better?
ByKikiTheo
Mental wellness has drawn into sharp focus in recent years and there is much attention on emotional wellbeing. Spiritual wellness too is an important part of many people's lives. Yet money and wellness are rarely linked together, even though financial stress is something that has been quantified and measured.
In a 2023 financial wellbeing study it was found by Afrocentric that the salaries of 70 per cent of South Africans did not cover their monthly expenses. Debt Busters found that 80 per cent of women experience financial stress, and its impacting their health both physically and mentally. These findings are not confined to Africa. A most recent article in Fortune magazine talks of financial trauma that can be chronic or generational and research shows the link between financial and physical wellbeing, with symptoms of severe back and stomach aches amongst other physical symptoms reflecting this. The American Psychological Association found that 72 per cent of adult Americans are stressed about finances. This is where working with energy to create magic comes in handy.
When we look at the state of money wellness around the world, there is a very mixed picture. The wealthy are definitely becoming wealthier, but are the poor becoming poorer?
World poverty has in fact decreased according to the World Bank, from 1.9 billion people in 1990, representing 36 per cent of the population, to 719 million representing 9.2 per cent . This is good news! Especially as about 200 years ago, the bulk of the world lived in extreme poverty. (See worldvision.org)
Actual poverty aside, how do we quantify wealth wellness? And how do we achieve it in a world constantly striving for more? How do we decide how much is enough and how do we, the lucky few, become sufficiently content with our lot to stop spending all of our time striving for even more, so we can start living and enjoying what is enough, or more than enough now, instead of at some ideal future point?
It starts with looking reality in the face. Assessing your wealth wellbeingness.
Reflect on the following lightly but with intent, allowing your first thoughts to rule:
– Are you money well or not?
– Do you have plenty or more than plenty but are caught in the spiral of spending, necessitating more and more?
– Are you money unwell and caught in the same spending spiral buying things you actually do not need and maybe cannot actually afford?
– Are you someone who earns well but is so petrified of poverty that you restrict all pleasure, scrimping and saving for a possible grim future, therefore being pretty money unwell too?
– Are you just not earning enough and so cannot help but be in debt?
– Or are you somewhere in the middle, earning some, spending some, saving some and enjoying the journey?
Perhaps you are thriving – earning lots, spending lots and investing lots – real wealth wellness. How do you go to the next level and what does that mean? Spend some time assessing this and reflecting on your wealth wellness. Often we are unwell and do not know or admit it and equally often we are very well indeed and just do not recognise it.
We live in a world which encourages debt and spending before we even earn; it is easy to imagine that all is well when it may not be. Budgets and financial calculations are often scary, or boring at the very least. So it's one of those things you can always put off for another day. Yet the world's wealthiest people not only budget, but they keep track of their dollars to ensure they keep them growing.
When you set off on a journey to assess and then change something, there is resistance. You need to be very aware of this and, by expecting it, you can better deal with it. The thing you want to change does not matter. It could be your eating habits, your exercise routine, your love pattern or your spending and saving habits. The resistance will be there, regardless. One part of you will be keen to do it and another... well, not so much.
The resistance or lack of it will depend on how much urgency the matter has. If you are going to a Greek island in a few months, the importance of implementing your exercise routine will intensify. Often, we do not make changes as the motivation is not really strong enough. Strong motivation can inspire it, activate it and add some energy to it.
To change something, you need to first assess where you are. Take not a hard, cold look, but a soft, gentle, kind one. Don't swipe it away with a nonchalant 'I'm not good with numbers'. If you've ever bought something on sale, or shopped around before spending on a computer, phone, or apartment, in order to get the best deal, then you know the difference between a high and a low price and how that results in a saving. That's all the maths you need. Keep it light.
The very simple three-part plan is: First get a friendly, happy, cheerful, approachable and practical notebook
– Add up your income. (If you are in business or working for yourself you DO need to know what this number is.)
– Don't forget to include interest and investment income.
– Depending on your circumstances it may be easier to work
this out as an annual number and then divide.
– Work out what you owe – if applicable – just general totals –they don't need to be totally accurate.
– List what you need to spend each month for essentials – just estimate.
– List what you can save each month – perhaps you already do this.
The difference between what comes in and what goes out or what you save/invest (or spend over and above 'essentials') is your financial wellness indicator.
If you owe some money, start by looking at your credit card or cards and just write down the totals. You may more or less know these already. Do use a notebook. Notebooks are friendlier that iPads, phones and computers for sure. Also get a lovely pen. You may need to 'first make friends with the paper', as my Jung teacher always told us. Sit and look at it. Maybe for days, until you are ready to write. Maybe you can only tolerate one total written down at a time. Fair enough. Then continue and do it again, until you know how much is owed by you. Also how much people owe you. What intent, decision and action do you need to take?
Work out your assets. What is the value of what you own if you were to sell up your home/s, investments, jewellery, rugs, paintings and so on. Sometimes this information is very cheering when you are going through cash flow problems or you feel you are not wealthy enough.
Undertake to clear debt. You cannot flourish, you cannot have wealth wellness, while you are in debt. Debt is a slowrunning, continuous leak in your container. So however much you put in, if the container is leaking, it can never get full. Set a clear intent to become wealth-well, to be money well. To flourish and prosper beyond your wildest dream. All dreams begin with a clear intent.
Decide on your end result. What do you want to achieve? No debt? What does that mean – you need to quantify. Of course it is always best to strive for 'being in credit'. What does that mean? You need to find out. You may want to become 'financially independent'. A phrase thrown around like confetti. What does it mean? What exactly needs to happen, what do you need to pay off, or own or have to achieve that? If you are already there, what happens next? What is the next level? My book Wealth Journey is helpful here.
Now don't get side-tracked at this point and go all woozy and think you need to call in an accountant or financial planner and work out projections on future inflation and interest rates. You don't. Just make a list, as it feels for you right now.
Don't let the muggles reality blues get you here. Keep going. But keep it real. Real for you that is. Don't think you need a 17-bedroom mansion when all you really want is a three bedroomed apartment with a sea view. Yes, Bugattis are Very very nice but, with only four in South Africa; perhaps a nice sports car is a better bet?
Keeping the unreal reality real is a matter of containment –again the subject of Money Well. You need a container, and it needs to be big enough, but not so big and far-stretched that you cannot see the edges.
Going back to money wellness for a moment, once you have looked at where you're going – what your destination and therefore motivation for expanding your money wellness is, you need to put some numbers down. Remember, you know how to do this. But even before the numbers, put on one of your happiest, grooviest tunes and dance! Dance yourself into the joy of this intended and anticipated moment. Dance as you conjure numbers – it could be your new turnover or profit number, it could be the number you need to get you into the black, it could be the number you receive in your bank account once your business or house or piles of unneeded goods are sold. It could be the number you feel you need to make you feel safe. Maybe it's not a number. Maybe it's a number of things – a fully paid for home with all contents, a Mercedes sports, a baby grand piano and a million in currency. That's what I thought I needed way back some decades ago as I sat under a tree in Nieu Bethesda while on a retreat. I wrote it all down in a fabric covered book at a time in my life when I had lost everything. I lived in a bachelor apartment, drove an old beetle and worked as a telemarketer on straight commission, which I was not earning much of. But I was joyful and I did think my life was blessed and I had no doubt I would achieve those things, though I had no idea how. And, lo and behold, with focused intent, some good moves like paying off and then cutting up all my account and credit
cards, stupendous wizardry and quite a bit of hard work, it all came to pass plus more!
If I, a girl raised in an apartment in Hillbrow by Greek immigrant parents, could do it, then you can do it too. No exceptions. Find out what money well means to you. Be clear and specific – but not too much. Find out where you are right now too and undertake some clear intents and actions to change whatever needs changing. Then do it!
To help you on your journey, two readers joining my mailing list will get a free copy of Money Well – How to contain wealth. Send in your name and join my mail list. kiki@moneyalchemy.com. Lucky Draw 31 Aug 2024.
Kiki Theo is a wealth expansion author and facilitator. Bridging money and energy, she offers a combination of business experience, based on her own successful background as an entrepreneur, including over a decade as the owner of a fund management company, and energetic transformations, based on her lifelong study and practice of energetic healing, Jungian psychology and metaphysics. She is the author of nine wealth expansion books and offers courses and one-on-one sessions focused on wealth expansion for self and business that create tangible results.
www.kikitheo-wealthworks.com kiki@moneyalchemy.com
In today's fast-paced world, the quest for wellness and wellbeing often leads us to seek external solutions - diets, exercise routines, and wellness retreats. While these can be valuable, true and lasting wellbeing begins within.
Wellbeing refers to your overall quality of life and general happiness. It includes aspects like life satisfaction, sense of purpose, fulfilment, emotional balance, and positive relationships. It also considers external factors that contribute to an individual's quality of life.
The journey to wellbeing starts with selfreflection.
Press pause and look inward and connect with what's really going on inside yourself.
How do you feel about the quality of your life and your general happiness? What parts of your inner world* need your care and attention?
(*your thoughts, emotions, desires, fears, beliefs, and overall mental and emotional states)
Is your life moving in the direction you would intentionally choose? If not, what do you need to resolve inside yourself to address this?
Connection is a crucial element of wellbeing. Building and nurturing deep, meaningful connections with others can provide a sense of belonging and support.
What are the relationships like in your world?
Do they build you up? Are they deep and meaningful or safe and more superficial? Do you allow people to get close to you? If connection is a crucial element of wellbeing, how can you create more closeness and connection in your world?
As you create more and more wellbeing, you naturally begin to radiate this energy outward. Your inner state influences your actions, decisions and interactions,
creating a positive impact on your environment and you will start to notice shifts in your relationships, career and overall life satisfaction. By prioritising wellbeing, you create a solid foundation that supports all aspects of your life. This journey requires dedication and selfcompassion, but the rewards are profound. As you experience more and more wellbeing, you not only transform your own life but also inspire and uplift those around you, creating a ripple effect of positive change in the world. What first step will you take today to create wellbeing?
How can you contribute to the wellbeing of those around you?
The call to action in this journey is clear: Prioritise wellbeing. Begin by setting aside regular time for self-reflection to give yourself time to check-in and ask yourself the important questions. Journaling, meditation, and mindful practices can help you tune into your inner world. Seek out and nurture relationships that uplift and inspire you. Surround yourself with individuals who encourage you to be your best self and who support your journey to wellbeing. This is not a quick fix; it is a lifelong commitment to self-awareness, growth, and connection.
At STAR Leadership, we believe that personal transformation is the key to leading and inspiring others effectively. Our coach training programmes and other service offerings are designed to help you create wellbeing, providing the tools and support needed. Join us on this transformative journey and become a beacon of positive change in your world.
For more information on our service offering and how you can start your journey with STAR Leadership, visit our website at www.starleadership.co.za or contact us at info@starleadership.co.za.
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ByOdyssey'spilgrim-at-largeGeoffDalglish
WalkgentlyonMotherEarth.Sheistheonlyonewehave. Thankyou,Geoff,forremindingustobereverentandcaringfortheenvironment.ArchbishopDesmondTutu
How fascinating is the idea that the path to joy does not lead us away from suffering and adversity, but through it. I've been revisiting my life and my world walk within this context and reframing some of my beliefs and perceptions.
Rewind to July 2011 and I took my first steps on a pilgrimage to raise awareness around climate change issues, vowing to listen to my inner prompts and to answer the call of my soul, even when the invitations were contrary to all that seemed safe and sensible.
I was 62 years old and thriving on a plant-based diet with plenty of exercise. I had faith in a benign universe and cherished a belief that nothing was impossible; or, put differently, whatever we can dream and imagine IS possible.
My life was outwardly blessed as I enjoyed the trappings of worldly success, although from my earliest childhood I'd been plagued by eco-grief and anxiety as I observed a pervasive mindset driving materialism, greed and often an insensitivity to the suffering of others, human and non-human. The world I knew and loved was changing and unravelling fast. I had to do something. With the benefit of hindsight, my plan was as ego-driven
as it was grandiose. I'd walk 40,075km, the equivalent of the circumference of the Earth, with climate change messages. I'd write about my experiences and embrace simplicity and minimalism as a spiritual practice. When you're a walking pilgrim you can only carry so much.
The words of Peace Pilgrim, who walked tirelessly for 28 years without money or organisational support, often echoed in my awareness: “Unnecessary possessions become unnecessary burdens,” she cautioned. “You have to look after them.”
I came to celebrate Satish Kumar as a special mentor. “As a pilgrim I discover the mystery, the magic, the meaning and the magnificence of life in every step I take, in every sound I hear and in every sight I see.” My walk was often exhilarating, empowering and inspiring.
On day one, my daughter Bonnie had insisted: “Dad you don't have to suffer.” But it was months before the message landed. My back hurt, my feet ached and my heels had great gaping holes in them where untreated blisters had morphed into something worse. Hardly surprising, I realise now. I was walking up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week and carrying more than 20kg.
My message was about treading lightly and lovingly upon the Earth, but I had so many pains in my body. Did I not recognise the irony in that?
I saw this path as unavoidable and appreciate now how my life had prepared me for this. I'd always been tenacious and goal driven, my motorsport career having taught me never to give up. I used to joke: “If you're not living on the edge, you're wasting space.”
Creature comforts seemed unimportant. In a quest to save weight, I didn't carry a tent and confronted my claustrophobia nightly by wriggling into a bivvy bag that was reminiscent of the body bags we glimpse in crime and disaster scenes.
I didn't carry a cooker because that would have added more weight and I went for weeks without a hot drink.
“Dad, you don't have to suffer.” No, this is just what I do. And it feels right. For now. My daughter Bon had also suggested:“Dad you don't have to do this alone.” I persisted with my solo mission, reassuring myself that I was never alone. I was One with the Divine and so it goes without saying that I kept great company.
Walking in nature I felt the interconnectedness of all life and was often awed and inspired by the beauty of the
natural world, which I view as the outer face of Divinity. I imagined each step as a prayer and a blessing, given and received and once had powerful confirmational support from an aboriginal elder who'd observed me walking a beautiful Australian beach each day. “Thank you for blessing our Mother with your footsteps,” he said with gratitude.
Two years into my pilgrimage I agreed to 'walk with wolves' as an ambassador for the World Wilderness Congress, following a migration route through six European countries and four major mountain ranges. It turned out to be a 124-day, 2 500km trek between Geneva and the Spanish medieval city of Salamanca and midway I was joined by my South African adventure buddy, John Horler. By now I was supremely fit and when he initially became ill, we had to slow radically.
Frustration turned to gratitude. My feet healed, we decided to walk fewer hours and take Sundays off as rest days. When my Australian friend, Amala, joined us for the last three weeks, it became even more relaxed and social. I remembered a Findhorn community credo: “If it's not fun, it's not sustainable”.
A group of young people joined for the last 100km and, strolling into Salamanca, I felt like the Pied Piper of Hamelin. It was fun and, importantly, it was inspiring to be in the presence of energetic young idealists who are the future. An Austrian teen, Lisa Klime and her dog, Jala, trekked even longer and further than we did. I was awed by her courage and determination. Appreciating that service to others is the rent we pay for our room here on Earth. I admired the bold gesture of her 3 000km walk and the symbiotic nature of her loving relationship with her plucky canine companion.
Within hours of reaching the Congress headquarters, English-born activist, Kate Bunney, asked out of the blue: “Geoff, would you like to keep walking?”
“Of course, this is my mission”.
Kate was inspired to initiate a source-to-sea pilgrimage in California to raise awareness around our broken relationship with water. It was a time of extreme drought and corporate and governmental disrespect for this life-giving ally. Water is life.
I had some private misgivings about becoming part of a group, although I quickly experienced the power and joy of a community of kindred spirits. I'd never been happier or more fulfilled. It had been decided that we would only undertake the gruelling Walking Water pilgrimage once we had the wholehearted blessing of the indigenous tribes who were the original inhabitants and had invariably been forcibly removed from their ancestral homelands. It took two long years to convince them of our sincerity.
Our route followed the waterways, offering challenges matched only by the magnificence of the landscapes. Our footsteps transported us from the snowcapped peaks of the high Sierras, where our water bottles froze one night, through desert adjoining Death Valley, one of the hottest places on Earth. I loved every step of it. Many from the tribes joined us and each evening we circled up and enjoyed authentic and profoundly moving sharings. This, I believe, is how we are meant to live, listening deeply to other voices without
judgment and coming to respect indigenous wisdom.
It was the time of Standing Rock and we shared some of the agony of their cruel and violent victimisation by the authorities. Their inhumane treatment made us painfully aware of the many suffering injustices as they bravely and peacefully stood for their beliefs as protectors.
It's easy to be disheartened and even to sink into despair, but all my wanderings over the past few years have opened my eyes to the beauty all around us, in the landscapes and the people who love and protect them. It fills me with hope and joy to witness the magnitude and intensity of this focus on spiritual values rather than rampant consumerism. It might not always grab news headlines, but together we are creating a more loving and caring world.
Once a friend called out to me that he'd found a dead hummingbird in the path. “Maybe it's flown into something and is just stunned,” I suggested, praying I was right. With incredible gentleness he lifted it in his cupped hand and about 15 minutes later he suddenly announced: “It's alive.” It sat up in that warm protective hand and before I could raise my smartphone to grab an image, it bulleted skyward, disappearing into the top of a towering redwood. I missed the photo but the moment is indelibly etched in my memory. That tiny bird's flight to freedom felt like a miracle and my hope and optimism soared with it. I suddenly felt sure we can do whatever it takes, whatever is needed; especially if we work together.
Geoff Dalglish is a writer and spiritual and ecological activist dedicated to raising consciousness. He has walked more than 30 000km with climate change messages about treading more lightly and lovingly upon the Earth. He is an ambassador for the Findhorn spiritual community and ecovillage and is Odyssey’s ‘Pilgrim at Large’
Visit: www.earthpilgrimafrica.com
There is no love affair greater than the love between a river and a mountain. Theirs is the closest of all unions. In their sojourn from mountain to ocean their love lights the world with fertility and wild greenery. A love like this lasts a lifetime. The river has a wild mind and it says to the wild earth: “Show me the way home.” And as the river journeys homewards to the ocean it sings, celebrating its merging union with the furthest shores.
Witnessing this love in the river is an act of remembrance that takes us back to the sacred source, where the primordial nature of life is present. This source of creation is a vital wellspring of renewal, an everpresent stream of unfolding life that cascades into the world in every moment and permeates all of creation. It is this source I was seeking when I went to sit at the river on this day:
I am sitting in the forest at a bend in the river where the canopy has opened. The sun streams down on this fertile nook of dappled green forest floor and the river tumbles over steppingstones into a still pool below. Even amid this endlessly busy soundscape of a sentient forest,
BySteveHurtthere is a stillness and peace in the air. Here in the heart of the forest my entire somatic existence is permeated by the endless chatter of the non-human world; the birds sing, the wind whistles in the leaves and the river sings with uninterrupted joy as it makes its way to the lagoon.
Listen to that trickling sound of water tumbling and dancing over the river stones. The sound is mesmerising. It pulls on the inside of your stomach and subdues a restless mind. I came here for a deeper reason today, looking to connect to the sacred voice of this river, to connect with the spirit of this living being. I had seen the spirit of this river before in a meditation a few years back, quite by surprise, a nature deva. It felt like time to go back to her and to see if there was a possibility of speaking to her.
I make myself comfortable, sinking into the riverbank's lush fernery. Take one deep breath and exhale. Focus on just one breath at a time. The in-breath, the out-breath. Slowly the busy mind is drawn into the heart and the volume turns down, the voice is more still. Here I am, feeling the oneness of the body of the earth. The oneness of our shared body.
There is a remembrance between us, a familiarity, like my mother's hands feel on my cheek.
It is the voice of the river I seek, so I allow the sound of the river to envelop me. I feel the sounds in the air like a soft blanket pulled over me, slipping deeper inside, into a zinging, humming inner spaciousness. By now I have buried myself in the riverbank, covered my body with ferns, hidden myself from sight, merged into the forest cathedral of this living landscape. “This is that place,” I think to myself. It's a timeless place inside, a familiar place of shared biology, shared flesh. Even the couple walking the isolated trail don't see me when they stop at the bridge to stare into the river below. I feel as if I have become invisible, absorbed by the place. The sounds of the forest and the river become me, the tendrils of the ferns extend from the ground and into the air where they cover my body, as though holding me closer to the ground I will return to one day. Yes, one day soon these ferns will consume my ashes and draw me back into the fertile depths of the earth so that all sense of 'I' will be gone forever. And then it strikes me that this river, this forest scene, somehow exists inside me. With my eyes closed and my body cradled in the greenery, I have a palpable sense that all of this exists inside me, literally in the dark and fertile depths of my self. It seems so obvious in this moment, unquestionably true, like a mystery revealed to my forgetful self.
How easily I forget this place inside me, where the river is already present, where all the forest is continuously unfolding from inside me. This eternal place whence consciousness spills forth. And oh, how beautifully the river remembers this continuously.
The sounds of the river have a life of their own, they are a portal to the mind of the river, telling a story about its journeying. The riversong takes me on a journey too, takes me somewhere else, to another place, a deep place where the mind is still and the heart is infinite. It is a place that is both here at the riverbend and deep in a sense of the infinite timelessness of life. This sentient embrace with the riverbend weaves the past and future in a single unfolding moment. It is as though the whole river stems from this place where consciousness enters the world, where creation originates, like a sacred fountain from which life continuously spills forth into this world.
The singing river is like a skilled weaver, pulling on my heart and teasing out the long threads of connection. I surrender to the deep love I have for the natural world, let go of tensions twisted like a vine in my solar plexus, imagine my flesh melting again into the fabric of this place. A holy decomposition.
The water in front of me is glistening with light as it dances its way toward the ocean. It looks like both water and fire, as the sunlight dances in the rapids. It's a freefall into one single breathing, living, thinking wild mind, an immersion into the fabric of nature. The light inside this water is the source of creation, the non-physical body of the devic realm, the substrate from which water manifests in this world. I see it clearly, how this light is present everywhere inside the water and how this light in water is present in everything in existence.
I remember feeling this as a child, slipping effortlessly into and out of the imaginal world, conversing with the non-human realm. It was so natural to let go into one's imagination and converse with nature. We really do live in a culture of doing, forgetting the wonderful potency of being.
Listen to the river with me: it tumbles over rocks, splashes through the reeds, makes a deep and silent hum of its slow journey to the sea. The sounds of this river are a journey of sensory delights. The tones tumble through my body, like they tumble over the steppingstones. The fall of water over rocks, the hollowness of the waterfall, the deep surging of the channel, the still silence of a pool, the soft tinkling sounds of a trickle. But listen closely, it is also the heavy silence of mist in the air, the raindrops falling through the leaves, the silent depths of the aquifer below. It is the slow rising of floodwaters, the gentle receding of the dry season. It is the rain falling in the mountain, the earth gathering the droplets, the plants drinking from their roots. These sounds are the utterances of the sacred voice of creation. They are a sacred symphony composed by a divine intelligence, weaving endless threads of connection throughout the living world.
The sounds of this scene also contain the collective auditory memory of the river's ancient lifespan, which is both magically here now, just as much as it leads us back in time to the primordial moments of creation.
Imagine the plethora of sound waves as a magical path, a thread that is connected to this moment where life began, to that place from which it draws its endless renewal, the primordial fountain of youth. This ancient watery melody, older than birdsong, older than the meandering trails of bushbuck, older than this misty forest breath. It takes us back, in the distant past, far away in time. Long before creatures appeared, long before trees reached skywards, the river was here singing. That is the sound of the infant gurgling earth. These were some of its first words, the sounds of its infancy. This is the most ancient language, the language of our origins.
This sound, this magical primordial sound, weaves its way inside you. It has the same sensory similarity as breath in meditation, the familiarity of the flow of blood in our veins. It invokes the familiarity of kinship, shared life, shared soul, the signature of a living heartbeat of a living earth. Look closely and you will see it too, written in the signature of our veins, mapped in our blood vessels, carved in our hearts, the story of the river.
It was this ancient river which gave birth to the cell, which evolved into the forest and eventually into human beings. And our bodies are its mirror. The same story is there in that intelligent genetic code, that divine pattern that shaped and formed the earth and that became a human being. The river speaks of this oneness, this quintessential kinship. It is one body, and we are bodies within this body. This is the divine Julia set fractal of creation.
And just like our spirit rests inside a human body and the human body rests in the earth, so the spirit of a river rests in the body of a mountain, from its high peaks to its alluvial plains. The river's spiritual birthplace is high in the mountaintops. Its lifespan is a sprightly sojourn from those lonely silent peaks to the endless blue ocean. Sweet trickles, rejoicing song, lighthearted melodies. The deep chanting of serpentine bends. The lilting, surging, cascading and crashing. It is these holiest of songs that take it back home. And in the sparkling melodies of water tumbling over stones there is embedded a voice that is singing the original song of creation, celebrating its aliveness, exclaiming its deep love for the earth. Water loves the ridges of this earth and longs to travel inside the folds of this rocky skin. The sound of this running stream tumbling and surging towards the shore is a love song, a celebration of belonging, of coming together, as close as can be. And when the river reaches the plains it meanders - because it has all the time in the world - and
it makes long oxbows of its spaciousness, carves canyons with infinite patience, turns mountains into vast alluvial plains. And finally, when it merges with the ocean, it has come home. And yet it is always coming into being and coming home, endlessly pouring from the vast creative surging of the river of life.
The young poet Whitney Hanson wishes for love like a river, that twists and turns, changes and flows, is powerful and free but consistently makes its way back to the sea. Life is a river, and we are simply making our way back to the ocean.
Steve Hurt's writing falls within the paradigm of spiritual ecology which approaches ecology from a spiritual perspective. His writing is influenced by shamanism, sufism and a deep love for the earth. Steve currently lives in South Africa and runs a business that trades in African medicinal plants, a trade that is driven by his wish to preserve the rich heritage of African medicinal knowledge for future generations.
To contact Steve: steve@thedanceoflight.co.za Website: http://thedanceoflight.co.za/
e: requests@umngazi.co.za
@umngazi www.umngazi.co.za
Each object, each living being is the work of consciousness. Each object and being has the awareness of the consciousness that created it. It is all one experience, located differently. Just like the experience of your head and foot is one experience, located differently. Becoming aware of the one experience can create a deep sense of peace and belonging. We belong together as one consciousness but experience this from separate locations, from separate vantage points and perspectives. Everything is an expression of the one consciousness, the one awareness. The one consciousness watches from billions of positions, seeing simultaneously through
A Deep Knowledge Meditation Guidebook by
billions of different windows. Yet what it is aware of and sees from every position is one.
Matthew McKay, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist, professor of psychology at the Wright Institute, founder of the Berkeley CBT Clinic, and cofounder of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic, which serves low-income clients. He has authored and co-authored more than 40 books, including Seeking Jordan, The Luminous Landscape of the Afterlife, and Love in the Time of Impermanence.
In this guided workbook, McKay offers a step-by-step process to unleash the unconscious and intuitive.
Human life is surrounded by mystery. At the centre of this mystery are the questions: Why are we here? Is there a purpose to our existence, a reason why we ' re experiencing the beauty and pain of physical life?
Odyssey Magazine is giving away 3 books. To enter, visit the following website link: https://odysseymagazineco.za/community/ #competitions-giveaways or scan the QR code
Click on the title of the book.
Closing Date 26 August 2024
Depression can be a debilitating condition, particularly when compounded by rejection and misunderstanding from those you hold in high esteem. This was my reality. Misunderstood and falsely judged by people I considered family, I plunged into a dark abyss.
Initially, I was in denial about my condition. However, the signs were undeniable: Profound sadness, excessive sleeping, suicidal thoughts, crying over trivial matters and neglecting my children and responsibilities. My lowest point came when my husband left for an overseas work trip and I cried as though he were leaving me forever. Concerned, he suggested I seek professional help as my reaction was very unusually intense.
When I visited a psychiatrist, I was diagnosed with depression. The recommended treatment was a three-week stay in a mental clinic. However, during the consultation, I intuitively noticed an ominous dark cloud over the psychiatrist's head as she spoke to me, trying to promote the mental hospital treatment. Instinctively, I felt she did not have my best interests at heart. This realisation made me question the path I was about to take.
Returning home, I prayed earnestly, asking the Lord for guidance on overcoming this crippling condition. In my deepest despair, I received a clear response: "I gave you all the tools". This divine message prompted me to turn to alternative healing techniques I had previously learned but never fully utilised: EFT tapping and Reiki.
Over the next several days, I dedicated myself to these practices.
Each session of EFT tapping confronted me with the demons I had been avoiding. I released pentup emotions through intense crying and reframed my negative thoughts. As I delved deeper into these sessions, I stopped blaming myself for the rejection and misunderstanding I had faced. The transformation was astonishing. As the days progressed, the tears ceased, the heavy burden lifted and a profound sense of lightness and joy returned to my life. Within just five days, I was a different person — playing with my kids, smiling, laughing and filled with positive thoughts. I found myself praying and connecting with God more deeply and, most importantly, I forgave those who had wronged me.The detachment from the trauma was incredible.
This experience taught me invaluable lessons: Depression can be overcome without medication in a very short space of time; never place anyone on a pedestal; always listen to your intuition and appreciate the incredible healing power of EFT tapping and Reiki. Now, 10 years since that diagnosis, I have not only maintained my wellbeing but also helped many others achieve similar miraculous results.
In the end, my prayer was answered and I received an abundance of healing and wisdom, for which I am eternally grateful. This journey from darkness to light has not only transformed my life but has also equipped me to assist others in finding their own paths to healing and joy.
JoMarsh
Ifyouarefeelingstuckorrecyclingoldpainfulpatternsandlookingforawaytoshiftandsetyourself free,Ihavejustreleasedthisbookwhichisintendedtobearesourcecompaniontothosewhowant andneedit.ItisthefriendIwishIhadwhenIwasfacingtoughtimesanddidn'tknowwheretofindhelp fromatrustedsource.Isharesomeofthe'adventures'andcatalyststhatcatapultedmeintothelifeI nowliveandlove.Itismymissionandpassiontotakemyexperiencesandlessonslearntand'payit forward',sotheknowledgeandinsightsIhavegainedoffercomfortandinspirecourageinothersto takealeapoffaithtowardsthelifetheylongforanddeserve. Jo
My inner war
“The inner war was raging inside me. I needed to make clear and responsible decisions that would set the trajectory for the rest of my life. I was furious, like an unreasonable, irrational teenager, because my life was being restricted AGAIN and I was crying, sometimes uncontrollably, as if someone had died. I have never felt so alone and so scared – no family, no partner or husband to console me or talk things through with me, let alone comfort me. The C-word felt like a death sentence. My thoughts and emotions were all over the place like a bucket of frogs. I had just been given a clean bill of health from my cervical cancer on one hand and then, on the other, the Universe seemed to be saying: “Oh no, we are not done with you, you have another rodeo to go.”
Now here I was again! I couldn't believe the injustice of it all. Why? Why me? What had I done to deserve this? I
didn't deserve this? Was this some sort of karmic debt? My plans were being screwed up for my new life and, worst of all, the echo of my deepest fears (since my early teens) rang loud in my ears: “Please God don't let me be a divorcee and please don't let me get breast cancer.” I couldn't understand why I was being punished with the two things I so wanted to avoid in my life!
I went through the entire spectrum of emotions and questions and I was gutted that I had to cancel all my plans to move to the UK. Why now?
I had to gain some control and have a plan. So Step One was to go to the UK, close that future chapter for now and process what I had to face now. Then Step Two, on my return, I needed to meet the surgeon, talk about my options and come to a decision about the way forward, as that would then determine my steps to follow.
I woke up on Friday morning as though I were waking up from a nightmare. Only this wasn't just a nightmare – it was my current reality. I had to meet Mark and break the news and face the disappointment of letting go of what I was so looking forward to. I could not take the job. However, time with my precious friend, Antonella, would be comforting medicine for my soul and I could rely on her wisdom, absorb her compassion and be encouraged by her clear thinking. She really was an anchor in my life and I trusted that she would help me process all this and find some clarity and maybe some answers and direction. I was searching for hope …
Upon reflection Antonella stood up and said boldly: “Right, that's it, we are going to Waterstones to get you a book you MUST read. There's a profound book I want to get for you and I think it might help to make sense of things and clarify your choices. Let's go!”
I had no clue what she was talking about – I just knew it would be something positive and constructive in this mess. So she took me to Waterstones bookshop in Piccadilly to buy me the book that started the REAL change I NEEDED and not the one I was 'looking for' by moving to the UK. It was called Women's Bodies Women's Wisdom by Dr Christiane Northrup.
With book in hand, a hint of hope and renewed energy, we headed off to Carlucci's in South Kensington to delve into this tome over a coffee, so I could understand more about what I was facing and how to navigate through it. It was an eye-opener for sure and far too much to digest in one sitting! This was going to be my companion on my flight back home to SA.
After meeting with Mark and withdrawing from my job, I left London to go back home. It was bittersweet saying farewell to Antonella and an opportunity lost.
“You are a gutsy girl, Jo, and taking bold steps. I am cheering you
on every step of the way. You are making the right decision, just limit whom you tell, as not everyone will buy into it through their own fears and perhaps lack of knowledge. You don't need to be derailed by other people's opinions. So stay focused; I am behind you all the way! You can do this!”
Her words gave me confidence. Even though her background was in science, she was totally supportive of my decision not to take the conventional path prescribed by the medical fraternity, as that would not heal the wounds that caused the disease in the first place. After all, two diagnoses in quick succession ‒ I was the common factor and therein lay the clue and the message.
On my way to the airport, I was reflecting on this particular trip. It was quite surreal, as travel has always represented an adventure of some sort, or was business related, yet this time it was everything but that. I had this sinking feeling of going home and ultimately facing the road ahead alone. It was not a trip home I was looking forward to, as I had no idea how my life was going to unfold.
Yet, somehow, I felt lighter in my heart than when I arrived in the UK. I was feeling more empowered, with a new-found understanding that I had more choices than I thought I had, which were clearly outlined in the blurb at the back of the magic book. This gave me hope. I could take charge of my life, to take the next steps on my terms and not have to succumb to others' imposed directions. I was also making a decision to change my life the right way around – from the inside out. Healing the heart wounds would heal the bodily wounds. This would ultimately be more sustainable and more honest, rather than this constant seeking joy outside (which is a BAND AID) and hoping it would fill the hole inside!
My journey home was a long rollercoaster ride of emotions and deep sadness at the loss of such a wonderful opportunity for a new life. From having a clear plan for my future, it was now unclear, uncertain and unknown. I was scared and there were no guarantees. What a mess! I needed to make real changes within me and what did that all mean and require? I also needed to accept the fact that 'everything happens for a reason' as unclear as it was and that my life had been brought to a grinding halt for me to pause, reflect and redirect my life.
With that I took that huge book out of my bag and decided to stop the swirl of destructive thoughts and make better use of my time in this confined space, till I landed in Johannesburg.
I opened the book, flicked through the pages. There was so much information that I was overwhelmed. I was battling to concentrate and feeling restless. I read the same lines over and over again and nothing was going in. I got up walked up and down the aisle to settle my nerves and watched my fellow travellers immersing themselves in films or their books, some on laptops, while others slept. I certainly couldn't sleep and movies couldn't distract me. All my mind would entertain was the fearful prospects as I played out all the various ways the road ahead would unfold.
I knew I had to change my life and change the type of choices I was making. But I knew for that to happen, something had to change inside me. I couldn't keep finding myself in the same situations and recycling the same patterns in response to them. I was always afraid of speaking what was true for me or to stand up for what I wanted because there was invariably some form of inflammatory backlash, and I hated conflict. It was making me sick and I couldn't do that to myself again! I was being given a second chance to recover fully from two rounds of cancer – I couldn't allow myself to recycle the same patterns that would result in the same experiences or situation. I was clearly 'sick' of it or getting sick from it and it needed to change.”
Excerpt from 'Fearlessly Free to be Me' by Jo Marsh available from takealot.com. www.takealot.com/fearlessly-free-to-be-me/PLID95622158
Today Jo Marsh is the face behind the hugely successful overlanding adventure brand and YouTube channel Essence of Overlanding. But designing a life of adventure, love and excitement almost cost her life. Just a decade before, Jo was diagnosed with two cancers within six weeks of each other. A diagnosis that stopped the top businesswoman in her tracks. This led her on a different path that saw her studying mindfulness, Yoga, meditation and reflexology. Over the last decade she has become passionate about enabling people to become comfortable with who they really are. She empowers them to live and speak their truth and find inner peace. To find or about Jo or her book: www.jomarsh.co.za
Jo has learnt some tough yet invaluable lessons that have equipped her to navigate through the 'adventures of life' and her mission is to pay it forward! She is giving away three copies of 'Fearlessly Free to be Me'
Website link: https://odysseymagazine.co.za/community/ #competitions-giveaways or scan the QR code
Click on the title of the book.
Closing Date 26 August 2024
Within the mosaic of spiritual healing practices, ThetaHealing stands out as a modality that merges ancient spiritual wisdom with insights into the potent, often untapped, powers of the human mind. Developed by intuitive healer Vianna Stibal in the 1990s, ThetaHealing includes a meditation technique that guides practitioners into the theta brainwave state - a state believed to connect individuals with the Creator of All That Is, facilitating a manifestation process that harnesses the power of the mind to shape reality.
This connection is central to the healing process, where practitioners seek to identify and shift limiting beliefs, toxic emotions and energetic barriers that hinder holistic wellbeing. ThetaHealing practitioners become skilled at identifying these bottom beliefs - often hidden in the DNA or beneath layers of conscious thought - and, with the client's permission, helping to release those that no longer serve. By changing these beliefs, practitioners report swift healing and personal metamorphosis.
ThetaHealing is more than a belief-change modality. It offers a rich, multidimensional view of existence. Practitioners learn to connect with what Stibal calls the 'seven planes of existence' - vibrational realms that include our physical plane but also realms of ancestors, nature spirits, angels and higher spiritual beings. In a one-on-one session, you might find yourself receiving loving guidance from an ancestor, or feeling the supportive energy of angelic beings. It's a reminder that we're never alone on our journey.
Another gem in the ThetaHealing toolkit is 'body scanning'. With eyes closed and minds in theta, practitioners intuitively scan your energy field, pinpointing areas of imbalance or dis-ease. It's like having a compassionate friend who can see beyond the physical, offering insights that guide the healing journey.
Some ThetaHealers delve into the dimension of time, offering 'future readings' wherein they tap into potential timelines. But here's the empowering twist: These aren't
©EricRichardson-Freeseset in stone. They're invitations to shape your path consciously, armed with awareness and the power of belief, effectively engaging in the manifestation process.
Perhaps the most profound aspect of ThetaHealing is its connection to the Creator of All That Is - the universal, all-loving presence, or ultimate source of love and energy. This universal perspective makes the modality incredibly inclusive. Whether you're Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, or on a personal spiritual path, it respects and complements your journey. It's a sanctuary for the soulregardless of the name you give the Divine - and the technique is practised in over 180 countries. All processes are witnessed through the connection with the Divine, including aligning the eternal molecules and 'downloading', whereby practitioners help you receive feelings like courage, self-love, or peace directly from source.
As channelled wisdom, ThetaHealing sheds new light on consciousness. It suggests that our awareness isn't confined to our brains but is part of a vast, interconnected field. By entering the theta state, we dip into this cosmic ocean of consciousness, shifting our energetic focus to access healing energies and wisdom that our everyday minds can't fathom.
Who can embark on this journey? The beautiful answer is: Anyone. From spiritual seekers to healthcare professionals, ThetaHealing courses are open to all who feel called. Many find that the skills learned - intuitive development, energy reading, belief work - enrich both personal and professional lives. In our complex world, ThetaHealing's promise of deep, rapid change and its message of universal divinity and personal empowerment resonate deeply. It invites us on a journey, not just to heal but to rediscover our multidimensional wholeness. As more seekers experience its transformative power, ThetaHealing continues to illuminate paths to healing, growth and spiritual connection.
DrArienvanderMerwe
Are you feeling: stressed out, overwhelmed, anxious, exhausted and tired of trying too hard. Is that meditation is too challenging for your busy mind? Then this PROCESS experience might be just the thing for you!
P ause, breathe, focus
R elease technique
O pen, willing, accepting/welcoming, allowing, loving, kindness
C reative, easy, fun solutions
E nergy enhancers to support your physiology
S tillness, silence
S oul connection, set your spirit free.
The quagmire of the new consciousness with all the accompanying chaos of new beginnings and changes we are all experiencing now is often a huge challenge! It is a difficult ride, as is giving birth to a baby. Exciting and creative, but associated with a deep responsibility nevertheless.
Transforming from scorpion (deep earth, subconscious, past focused consciousness) to eagle (soaring high with eagle eye perception of earthly worries, troubles, fear-based survival responses), to phoenix rising from the ashes of old (even ancestral) beliefs, patterns and habits, to soar freely, flying untethered as authentic souls, living and expressing who we truly are, how to express our purpose in this life now?
It is a life journey of high responsibility and commitment to living beyond the egotistical me-me-me self, to a superconscious, transcended higher self of blessing, miracles and love. It is a daily choice!
In your transformation journal, ask the following questions and write down intuitively and truthfully, without overthinking: What do I want?
Why am I here now, this lifetime, this day? Am I willing to change? Choose! Focus on one area of challenge.
What is it? How long has this challenge been around in your life? How does it make you feel? Which other challenges have developed because of it? Is it perhaps time to release, surrender it and grow through it to who you truly are?
In quiet and in stillness, focus upon preparing for daydreaming time, sleep dreaming and remembering the dreams. Contemplate the symbolism for you personally. (A book by Pamela Ball that might help you understand the symbolism of your dreams is The Complete Book of Dreams and Dreaming.)
Think, feel, write, draw (even stick figures will do) the elements of the dreams. Dance the dream with your choice of evocative, rhythmic, harmonious music, expressing through flow, drumming, stomping, crossover, jazzy movements deeply felt in body cell memories. Write down how you feel after this practice. Sing and express your voice and truth. Sit in nature, noticing and really seeing the macrocosm and microcosm around you. Choose joy and inner peace moment by moment. It is there, deep within you.
Keep these points in mind:
• The heart-brain connection and body awareness.
• 3 Ps: Practice, patience, perseverance. A daily practice… stumble, fall, get up, dust yourself off, rewire in private and finally, try and try again.
• Play-dance through rhythm and harmony - excellent for brain integration and mental health. Each one of us is able to move to music!
• Love for self, cells and others is highest frequency feeling for brain plasticity, health and flourishing! Mental health par
excellence! As are feelings of gratitude for big and little things, always tuning in to abundance if you, too, choose to see with deep inner vision.
• There are many practical ways to hack your happy chemicals.
Expressing emotions and feelings through the release technique
Our cells feel like we do! Gratitude or appreciation and deep breathing lead to a slower and more coherent heart rate (parasympathetic – relax, digest, unwind – system). We can choose in any moment to run the gratitude frequency circuitry inside our minds to have a positive effect throughout the body and every single one of our cells too.
Emotions like bitterness, unresolved anger, resentment, fear and worry constantly trigger your stress response. These then become buried in ever-deepening layers inside the cell memories. The layers become the physical footprints of your dream body, psyche or soul, manifesting in unhappiness, mood swings and, eventually, physical illness or chronic health problems.
The whole range of human emotions is valid and worthy of your complete attention. Become aware of your emotions, welcome them, maybe feel them somewhere in your body, then choose to let go of the ones that don't serve your health and wellness any longer – it can be as simple as that! It starts with becoming aware of how you're feeling in this present moment, right now.
Tip: Position where you are by sensing how you feel (content, hopeful, angry, irritated, fearful, worried, etc). It is ideal to do this once a day, soon after you wake up. Then set your intention on a higher bar, just one or two steps up.
Then ask yourself: “What can I do to feel better?” Focus, breathe deeply, align, connect with nature in this moment, sleep a while, take a short power nap or a hot bath with essential oils, listen to soothing music, draw a stick figure or two, colour in a mandala. Ask yourself: “What brings me joy?” Do more of that!
Some of the many health benefits of meditation (and the release technique)
Reduces cortisol and other stress hormones, therefore helping in coping with and lowering mind-body stress levels.
• Essential as part of the holistic management toolkit (dowsing the runaway, uncontrollable, renegade fire of chronic inflammation) in high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, anxiety, depression, stroke, insomnia, eczema, diabetes and insulin resistance, osteoarthritis, autoimmune diseases, cancer, etc.).
• Helps to remain focused and calm down breathing in acute panic attacks, asthma and heart attack, until emergency medicine can take over.
• Helps to manage fear, worry and generalised anxiety by dialling down emotional overreactions.
• Supports you whenever you use food as distractor for facing your inner dragons and use emotional eating as a distractor factor.
• Supports memory, concentration and focus.
• Reduces heart rate.
• Supports immune and respiratory system health.
• Helps you to develop an inner sense of joy and peace.
Grounding/earthing
Getting a time out in nature has the power to quiet the mind, encourage creativity, improve your energy, help you destress, improve concentration and allow for more inspiration. Walk barefoot on grass, in water and on the beach. “Meta-analyses of multi-disciplinary research studies have clearly shown the evidence-based conclusions of the multiple health benefits of daily earthing (grounding) practice for healing mind, body and soul and restoring balance, homeostasis and integration in the whole system of living on Earth for all living beings. ”On a physical level there are also many foods, micronutrients, herbs, movements and more to support mental health”.
Food and physical factors for mental health
Feel-good foods and other feel-good facts: Serotonin and dopamine Rice, potato and pasta.
Banana, berries and chilli peppers.
Legumes (lentils and beans).
Sesame and pumpkin seeds.
Exercise.
Making love, tender touch and intimacy.
Oxytocin.
Kissing and hugging.
Feeling of bliss, peace and joy.
10-20 minutes of sunlight each day.
Eating for brain, heart and the entire body
Salmon, trout, sardines – fatty fish.
Olive oil, coconut oil.
Probiotics for optimal gut-brain/mental health. Lion's mane, shiitake mushroom soup.
Nuts that look like the brain: Walnuts, pecan nuts.
Support and supplementation Mental health
5 HTP.
St. John's Wort
Lion's Mane
Gingko Biloba Ashwagandha
Vitamin C
B-Complex: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9 (folate) and B12
Oils - Lavender, rose and orange blossom.
Water
Stay hydrated! Every cell in your body depends on it. For every 10kg of bodyweight, 250ml liquids should be taken daily for maintenance, with more for when it's hot or when you've been exercising. Choose from the following: Water, rooibos or any herbal tea. Ceylon/English tea and coffee use water when metabolised in the body.
Food for thought
'In stillness and in quiet listening, I can hear the hymns of gratitude the world is singing underneath the sounds of fear' – A Course in Miracles.
The stillness of a quiet mind, inner ease, align soul to mind to body, dance, sing, joyful being, grounding, gratitude: some keys to mental health!
'Our souls want us to dance, whoop and shout. Music allows us to bypass the logical loops in our brains' Dr Arien
Meet Dr Arien van der Merwe and Anri van Rooyen of Ariani Health at the KwazuluSpirit Festival 9, 10, 11 August. Festival Time Slots:
9.8.2024: 9:30-11:30 - The Heart of a Woman
Dr. Arien in the Marquee
9.8.2024: 11:30-12:30 - Fun Ways to Women's Health
Anri in the Open Workroom
10.8.2024: 10:00-11:45 - Optimal Heart Health Dr. Arien in the Open Workroom
Dr Arien van der Merwe is a medical doctor, author and holistic health counsellor. She developed and presents continued professional development training through VideoLearn and Synergetica CPD Courses on Mental Health in Challenging Uncertain Times; Heart Health; Inflammation both Friend and Foe and Neuroplasticity These online CPD Courses explore ways to support both ourselves, our nearest and dearest, as well as our clients/patients.
Dr Arien is the author of Stress Solutions, the ‘Relax & Unwind’ relaxation CD as well as the books Health & Happiness, Managing Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome and Herbal Remedies. Dr Arien teaches group and individual meditation and relaxation classes, as well as health coaching online (WhatsApp video consultations) and at her rooms in Pretoria. For more information on her work, publications, product formulations, list of product distributors and ongoing public and CPD Training Courses, visit www.ArianiHealth.com.
Even before I became a practitioner of energy healing, I believed thoughts and words had energy and this energy could either cause blockages leading to disharmony or be employed to increase balance in our lives.
At a young age, I was introduced in Sunday school to the idea that what we think and say influences our experiences. This concept was reinforced in a teen church group; then, in my 20s, after graduating from college, I began to study metaphysics. I took Science of Mind classes, wherein we learned principles that we could consistently apply to effect personal change and then we practised using these ideas in our everyday living. One of the main principles that stuck with me was the 'law of attraction'. It became clear that whenever I said or thought something like, “I'm not good at blank,” “I'm afraid of blank,” “or I have blank condition,” my thoughts were aligning to create or continue those outcomes in my life.
After three years of classes, the idea that thoughts can affect our lives, both positively and negatively, was firmly ingrained in my belief system. This study led to a life-long interest in healing and the connection between our minds and our bodies. I continued studying on my own, reading books by authors who had used the mind-
body-spirit connection to create personal healing. I feel extremely blessed to have found these spiritual laws early on. I've used them as tools for creating harmony in my life for decades.
This teaching made a profound difference in 1990 when I went into labour more than two months before my due date. At that time, the closest neo-natal intensive care centre was a four-hour drive from our home. The moment my doctor started explaining what would give me the best chance of birthing a healthy baby — first transporting me by ambulance to the local airport, then by air medical transport to UCSF Medical Center in San Francisco — I began using the practices of positive affirmation and visualisation I had been taught.
This day and the weeks that followed were challenging. When I found out I would be flown to San Francisco, I couldn't reach my husband, as this was prior to cellphones, but fortunately, he was found just in time to join me. My IV broke loose while the medics were loading me via a gurney onto the plane, and I remember seeing splatters of my blood on the ceiling. The medication I received so our son would not be born so soon didn't have time to take effect. Then, after his emergency birth, doctors and nurses whisked him away before I was even able to hold him.
Allen was placed in an incubator in intensive care. I was discharged one and a half days later, but we had no place to stay, little money with us, no car and no clothes for me. My husband, who's from Mexico, didn't yet speak English, so once we secured lodging, I had to venture out in a taxi with him to rent a breast pump. I was wearing UCSF sweats he had hastily purchased. I'd always lived in a small town and this was downtown San Francisco. Right after a traumatic birth and during the weeks Allen stayed in the hospital, we needed to learn how to navigate that city.
The list of what seemed insurmountable was long, including one night when our son's breathing stopped momentarily in the hospital and later when a medical insurance representative decided to move Allen to a hospital closer to our home without notifying us that he would be transferred that day. When we arrived at the UCSF nursery early that morning he was gone, already heading south in an ambulance transport. While these things were happening, I leaned on my faith, continuing to visualise a healthy baby. I normally spent my waking hours sitting next to his incubator, talking or singing quietly to him through the holes in the isolette nurses used to care for him. Or, for the minutes I was allowed, doing those same things while holding him. I refused to believe in a negative outcome. With a lot of love from us all, he matured into a healthy baby. Now he is a strapping 33-year-old strength trainer.
When I discovered Joe Dispenza's books some years ago, it felt as if I'd found a kindred spirit, someone who believes much of what I do. Dispenza used practices similar to what I had been taught to heal himself from a serious accident. He was hit by an SUV while riding in the bicycle portion of a triathlon, which fractured six vertebrae in his back. After consulting with several orthopaedic surgeons, he decided not to have the highrisk surgeries they recommended. Instead, he used a combination of alternative healing approaches including meditation; envisioning a healthy, functioning body and believing it was possible to heal himself.
Americans began to examine the connection between thoughts and experiences on a wide scale beginning in 1952 when Norman Vincent Peale published the book The Power of Positive Thinking. Peale's book made popular the idea that our thoughts can have real effects on our lives. Then in 1976, Norman Cousins used laughter to heal from a potentially fatal degenerative disease and published the account in the New England Journal of Medicine. Cousins believed: “The human body is its own best apothecary and the most successful prescriptions are filled by the body itself.” The Mayo Clinic published two studies in the early 2000s after following hundreds of participants for more than 30
years. One study showed that optimists were overall healthier, physically and mentally. The other found that optimists live longer than pessimists. Another study done at Yale University followed more than six hundred people over the age of 50 for roughly two decades. It found that “. . . attitude had more of an influence on longevity than blood pressure, cholesterol levels, smoking, body weight, or level of exercise.”
My husband and I faced a difficult diagnosis 13 years ago when he was told he had a rare, incurable blood disorder. That first year, as we saw one specialist after another and considered possible treatments, we were distraught and overwhelmed. Over time we learned not to identify that diagnosis with him as a person. What that has meant to us is, whatever treatment we pursue — and over the years that has included traditional, alternative and complementary treatments — we are determined not to see him as a sick person. For years now, he also has received Reiki from me and a good friend. Local specialists and doctors at Stanford are amazed at how well he is today. Because he still looks and feels healthy, we often find ourselves forgetting about his diagnosis. It has been an unexpected journey, one that has taught us to appreciate life and each other more completely. Some valuable things I learned while reading Dispenza's You Are the Placebo:
• Where thinking is concerned, we are creatures of habit. We have more than 60 000 thoughts each day and 90 per cent of those thoughts are the same ones we had the day before. So, if we want to change something in our life, it's important to be aware of what we think. According to Dispenza, a new thought can change us—neurologically, chemically and genetically.
• The conscious mind is only five per cent of who we are. The other 95 per cent is the subconscious mind — programmed beliefs and emotions tied to past experiences. Beliefs we have about healing are planted here, well beyond the conscious mind. This is the place where a change in our condition can be more easily effected by choosing more positive thoughts than we had the day before.
• We often become rigid in our routines, which makes one day look much like the day before and the day to come. We wake up, shower, have coffee and start working, etcetera, until our schedules become more and more fixed. I can relate to this. Especially during the Covid-19 pandemic years, I found myself getting increasingly used to being at home and tied to my routine. Dispenza says shaking things up a little and trying new activities at different times of day can help you to start transforming your life, because such changes create new neural pathways.
• The best time to replace old thoughts with new ones is when you are in suggestible brain-wave states. It's easier during these states to access the subconscious mind, where changes in thinking, and then biology, are made. The two times most conducive to meditating and visualising are right when you wake up and before you drift off to sleep. That is because, when you are closer to the theta brain-wave state, half-awake and half-asleep, you are already primed for an altered state and the subconscious mind is more open.
This theory about when we're most receptive to changes in thought patterns makes sense to me. As a Reiki practitioner and teacher, I've had many clients report relaxing into a dream-like state. When I receive Reiki from another practitioner or when I give myself Reiki, I also often get into a state where my body feels like it is asleep even while I am conscious. I believe this might be the theta state and where Reiki more easily brings about healing. During Dispenza's guided meditations, my body and mind feel comparable to when I receive Reiki. To change a belief, you must start by accepting that it's possible and then try to replace negative emotions like fear and anger with positive emotions like hope, gratitude, joy, enthusiasm, inspiration, compassion and trust. Changing your emotional energy paves the way for biological systems to reorganise themselves and it gives you every advantage for augmenting your health.
Another topic of interest is the relatively new and exciting science of epigenetics, which is replacing the previously accepted idea that your genes are your destiny. Research in epigenetics shows us that the mind can teach genes to behave in new ways. “Epigenetics is the study of how your behaviours and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Epigenetic changes do not change your DNA sequence, but they can change how your body reads a DNA sequence.” This new science postulates that the control of genes comes not from within the DNA itself but from signals outside the cell.
“Most people believe the common misconception that our genetic destiny is predetermined and that, if we
have inherited the genes for certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, or any number of other conditions, we have no more control over that than we do our eye colour or the shapes of our noses.” Scientists say that many of the genes we carry have not yet been expressed. Our environment, including our thinking and habits, can signal those genes to either turn on or off. We only express about 1,5 percent of our DNA while the rest lies dormant.
What excites me is the idea presented in the study of epigenetics that individuals can alter their genes during a single generation. That means epigenetic changes can be inherited by our children and then passed down to future generations. “The reality is that you do indeed have some degree of control over your own gene engineering — by way of your thoughts, choices, behaviours, experiences and emotions.”
I believe it is worthwhile to practise awareness of our thoughts as well as the words we speak, because both are forms of energy. It is also possible to set intentions, make affirmations and visualise while giving yourself energy healing, as I do with Reiki, thus combining the two practices. We can choose to use the energy of thoughts and words to open blockages in our bodies and in our experiences. We can set an intention to let go of limiting thoughts and to consider our words before saying them. Little by little, such changes will create a more positive way of living.
Carolyn Chilton Casas is an Usui/Holy Fire® Reiki master teacher and a Karuna® Reiki master. Her articles and poems have appeared in Braided Way, Energy, Grateful Living, Reiki News Magazine, Touch, and in other publications. You can read more of Carolyn's work on Facebook, on Instagram @mindfulpoet_ and in her collection of poems Our Shared Breath or a forthcoming collection titled Under the Same Sky.
It's time to revamp our skincare routines to combat the harsh effects of the winter season. Amidst the plethora of skincare products available, one option stands out for its natural, nourishing benefits: certified organic essential oils and carrier oils. These botanical wonders not only offer a holistic approach to skincare but also provide numerous benefits that are particularly suited to winter skincare needs. Say goodbye to dry skin and chapped lips; say hello to natural radiance.
Certified organic essential oils are derived from plants through a process of steam distillation or cold pressing, ensuring that the oils retain their natural potency and therapeutic properties. These oils are free from synthetic chemicals, pesticides, and other harmful additives, making them safe and gentle for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
One of the primary benefits of certified organic essential oils is their ability to hydrate and nourish the skin. During winter, cold temperatures and indoor heating can strip the skin of its natural moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and irritation. Organic essential oils such as lavender and chamomile are rich in antioxidants and vitamins that help replenish lost moisture, soothe inflammation, and promote skin repair.
In addition to essential oils, carrier oils play a crucial role in winter skincare by providing a nourishing base for diluting and applying essential oils. Certified organic carrier oils like jojoba, rosehip, avocado, and argan oil are rich in fatty acids and vitamins that deeply moisturise the skin without clogging pores. These oils act as natural emollients, forming
a protective barrier to lock in moisture and prevent transepidermal water loss, keeping the skin soft, supple and radiant throughout the winter months.
Another compelling reason to choose certified organic essential oils and carrier oils for winter skincare is their purity and potency. Organic certification ensures that these oils are sourced from sustainably grown plants, free from synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This not only benefits the environment but also guarantees that the oils are of the highest quality, with maximum therapeutic benefits for the skin.
Furthermore, the use of certified organic essential oils and carrier oils promotes ethical and sustainable practices within the skincare industry. By supporting brands that prioritise organic farming methods, fair trade practices, and environmental stewardship, consumers can contribute to a healthier planet and a more transparent supply chain.
In conclusion, certified organic essential oils and carrier oils offer a natural and effective solution for winter skincare, providing hydration, nourishment and protection against the harsh elements. By incorporating these botanical treasures into our skincare routines, we can nurture our skin with the purest ingredients nature has to offer, ensuring a healthy and radiant complexion all season long.
Embrace the power of certified organic essential oils and carrier oils this winter and experience the transformative benefits of nature's skincare secrets.
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Heal your inner obstacles to bring your wisdom to life and join Colleen-Joy's Wisdom Well Challenge
I'm sure you'll agree that, especially right now, the world needs wisdom. In times of great stress and suffering, the world needs our wisdom more than ever.
But what if your inner obstacles are keeping you from stepping up and stepping into your role? What if the stress of living in tough times is blocking your inner intuitive guidance?
If my life has taught me anything, it's how to access inner wisdom during insanely stressful, even traumatic times. I've come to call this 'Building my Wisdom Well'. You could call my Wisdom Well method a mix of simple meditation, mindfulness, journaling and self-coaching. I call it, how I survive being human
I've learned how to find inner wisdom, clarity and strength to heal crippling shyness from my childhood of having a monster-making egg-sized facial tumour and living with spiritual homesickness after a profound neardeath experience during surgery at age four.
As an adult, wisdom helped me be a brave mom in hospital wards when my baby daughter was born with a life-threatening condition; stay calm enough to negotiate an armed robbery home invasion; face the shame and stress of financial collapse; navigate a painful divorce; and eventually to cope with the stress of becoming a
successful conscious entrepreneur with the responsibility of clients around the world and people depending on me to create steady income.
What I'm saying is that I know something about finding real-life intuitive wisdom and the kind of spirituality that doesn't belong only in a temple but belongs everywhere.
Perhaps you need to hear this today, or you may know someone who does. But you do have wisdom in you, but you may need to learn to build your Wisdom Well. I'm here to help.
“But Colleen, I don't feel wise,” you may say. Or perhaps you're thinking: “I don't have enough certainty to share my wisdom.” Or “I'm not perfect, so how can I bring my wisdom to the world? That sounds arrogant.”
Three things I've learned about bringing wisdom to the world
1 You don't need to feel wise — you just need to know how to build your Wisdom Well to access your wisdom when you need it.
2 You don't need confident certainty — you just need to know how to bring your inner obstacles to your Wisdom Well for healing.
3 You don't need to be perfect — you do need to focus on serving with authentic love and integrity, willing to improve your skills to make a difference.
Is this easy? No. Is this worth it, for many, yes.
I'm here to challenge and inspire you to build 100 Wisdom Wells — first for yourself and possibly even to pay it forward to show others how to do the same.
If you built 100 Wisdom Wells and inspired 100 people to do the same and they each inspired another 100, in just three waves, 1 000 000 people would know how to turn doubt, stress and suffering into clear-seeing wisdom.
My life has taught me that wisdom has gentle lifechanging power. Wisdom, like life-giving water, can be healing, nourishing and cleansing. When you know how to build your Wisdom Well every day inside yourself, you can turn the torture chamber mind of worrying, uncertainty, not knowing what to do, sadness, longing, or shame into peaceful, content wholeness and clarity.
What is my 100 Wisdom Well Challenge?
If you take up my 100 Wisdom Well Challenge with me, this could look like simple journaling exercises, meditations, mindfulness moments, or self-coaching, because building your Wisdom Well is a combination of these. I'm not going to tell you this will be snap-yourfingers easy to do because digging a well means putting in some effort and being willing to get dirt under your fingernails. But I will tell you that the effort is worth it. Once you discover that you truly do have life-changing wisdom within you, everything changes.
You no longer need to go to teachers for their water. You have your own source.
Just 15 minutes of drinking from your Wisdom Well can give you the courage and dignity to walk through even the most difficult of days.
Some Wisdom Well experiences are absolutely ordinary, as ordinary as drinking a glass of water. Others turn dead suffering parts of your life into enlightened gardens, making it feel entirely different to be alive.
That's why I want you to be inspired to take up the challenge of building 100 Wisdom Wells. I know that, by the time you complete 100, you'll know how to do this. You will have tasted your water and seen its life-changing power. One day of giving my garden water isn't enough, but 100 days can create an oasis.
If you have the heart of a coach, guide, facilitator, teacher, or leader, not only will you give yourself the gift
of knowing how to build your Wisdom Well at any time whenever you need it, but you can also inspire others to do the same.
The master teacher shows people their inner teacher. A masterful leader helps people to lead themselves. Guides, leaders and coaches who give only their own water find themselves empty and exhausted.
To find and free our wisdom, we need to know what it is and what it isn't.
• Wisdom, in the way I'm using the word, is not knowledge or intelligence. Someone can have mountains of knowledge and a high IQ but lack wisdom.
• Wisdom is not a psychic ability. Someone can have special intuitive skills but still lack wisdom.
• Wisdom is not words. Even words that represent wisdom can be weaponised. How often have the words of wisdom of great teachers been turned into weapons?
So, what is wisdom? Wisdom is true seeing and true being. A lack of wisdom is simply a lack of true seeing and true being. If I'm looking through the glass window on my patio now at the lake in front of me, if the window was covered in mud, I wouldn't be able to see the lake clearly. My perception would be clouded. If I clean the window, I can suddenly see the lake clearly.
Feeling stuck in suffering and stress means we can't see clearly and we can't be our true selves. Seeing and being at the deepest place of truth are the same.
When you limit your seeing, you also limit your being.
And when you limit your sense of self, you also limit how much you can see. Wisdom has the power to take us back home to our true selves, where we see and be with open clarity.
At 13 years of age, crying myself to sleep, I was so heavy with despair that I contemplated the exit sign in my mind to end my life. I felt crippled by shyness and I'd been carrying intense fear and depression as a secret since early childhood. A near-death experience at age four to remove a monster-making fibrous dysplasia tumour from behind my right eye had given me a glimpse of what my young mind had called home. In death, I'd experienced complete and total peace. A profound love that freed me from the fear of being looked at, feeling different and judged as the little girl with a 'monster face'.
While recovering in the hospital ward, the peace and freedom of home had lingered. All my fear, sadness and shame were gone. I looked at my hands with wonder at how alien and beautiful my human body felt because I knew I was something other than this. Many days later, when my mother announced with excitement that it was time to go 'home', my young mind believed a new thought: That home was a place
The moment I believed this thought, I lost the peace, love and joy of home. It felt like climbing into a small, suffocating box of fear, sadness and shame. I deeply resented my body, began to question my sanity and kept my homesickness a secret.
Occasionally, an intuitive inner voice that sounded like my own but felt more peaceful, would help. By the time I was 13 and had started high school, I couldn't stand it any more. Nothing eased the suffering.
So that night at 13, crying softly into my pillow and thinking about exiting life but also feeling guilty about what that would do to my family, a peaceful presence filled the space within and around me. Thoughts rang in me and felt true in their solid peacefulness. I could feel there would be no judgment. I would be met with love and endless seeing. I felt some relief. I just took back some of my power.
The peace formed into clear inner thoughts that said: “Choose a reason to live that is bigger than the pain of being alive.”
I contemplated this, what would make living and the struggle worth it?
A single word formed - a word that represented everything I wanted so badly that I was willing to turn my back on going home to find it. I didn't know exactly what the word meant, but I felt intuitively that it represented everything that I wanted. So I named the word out loud and dedicated my life to finding it. I chose to live for wisdom.
I tell you this story so that you know I've spent my life dedicated to this one pursuit.
In my quest, I looked in all the wrong places, but slowly I learned how to build my Wisdom Well. By the age of 17, even though I was still shy and seeking, I was asked to teach. Reluctantly, I started accepting clients 20 years older than me who were seeking my intuitive guidance.
Perhaps this happens to you,. I know many of my students tell me they relate. When you focus on helping, guiding and serving the person in front of you, all inner obstacles dissolve. The words flow. You may even think: “Wow, how did I know that?”
That's a clue. Now all you need to do is learn how to access your flowing inner wisdom whenever you need it.
This year, as I turned 53, it's the 40-year anniversary
of my turning my back from home to stay and live for wisdom. In these four decades, I learned to build my Wisdom Well. And I've used the water of wisdom to help my mind, heart and body almost every day, to find the clarity and courage to live this brave thing called being human.
Now, I weep with gratitude because it continues to make all the difference and it helped me find my home again.
Wisdom showed me that everything I wanted from the peace, love and freedom of death, which I had once called home, was not a place.
Home is not a place, it is our true self. True being and true seeing are our home.
We think we are little separate, desperate creatures scratching around on the surface of a little blue planet, trying to grab scraps of security, love and happiness, trying to survive in the insanity of today's world. But if you build your Wisdom Well and look long enough in the reflection of wisdom, you can see yourself looking back to realise that you, as you truly are - your true being and seeing - are what you have always been looking for.
I'll do my best to show you how to build your Wisdom Well so that, even if your day is filled with trials and impossible things, you'll have a way to drink of your wisdom, find the inner strength of your true seeing and being, to face that day and walk through your suffering with dignity.
How do you build your Wisdom Well?
To build your Wisdom Well, you can't be running around. You do have to stop. You have to stop right here, right now and give yourself the gift of even 15 minutes or more if you can. Stop finding distractions, scrolling and making lists; just stop. But stop with intention. Stop. Build your Wisdom Well right here, right now.
I offer four basic steps. But I want you to remember that these steps are not binding; they are focus points. As you develop your Wisdom Well-building skills with practice, you'll find it natural to change things up, like learning a recipe and then getting good enough to add your own intuitive creativity. That's what this four-step structure is for. It's a recipe to start you off. Repeat it until it feels natural, then be free.
The Wisdom Well four steps are:
1. Dig 2. Ask 3. Open 4. Drink
To help you remember these four steps, simply think about the metaphor of actually digging a well. You'd have to stop wherever you were and then, to start, you would, literally, just have to DIG.
You can't send your bucket down if you haven't first dug through the rocks and surface. So digging is always first.
Once you've dug through the rocks and obstacles, you will need a bucket. That's what ASK means, because the questions we ask are our buckets. Good questions are like good buckets. Weak questions are like weak buckets. Good questions are open questions like: 'What is the deeper truth?' and 'How does wisdom see this?' not closed questions like 'Should I?' or 'Will I…?’
Once the bucket starts to lower, the third step, OPEN, is about filling the bucket with water. It's how we open to wisdom and it's also how we test to check that we've hit the water and we're not just filling our bucket with sand. We need to know how to tell wisdom apart from ego, how to test our water for purity so that, if we need to go deeper, we can and so that we don't mistake mud for wisdom.
A big clue is that wisdom makes us feel open, lighter and clear. A lack of wisdom feels closed, heavy and unclear.
With a bucket full of water, it's not enough to leave it down there. Wisdom wants to be used. It wants us to LIVE what we find.
We bring the water to the surface to drink, nourish, cleanse and transform the surface of our world from a dry, dead desert of suffering and stress to the garden of an enlightened life.
These four steps are simple. Digging a well is relatively simple too, but it still requires us to stop, roll up our sleeves and do the work. And it does help to have a guide. That's why I've created this 100 Wisdom Well Challenge.
Join me on the challenge so that I can help you to do this. Your world needs your wisdom. Will you say yes?
How I can help you build your Wisdom Well daily?
• Subscribe to Odyssey Magazine for my regular articles.
• Join me at the KZN Spirit Festival with Odyssey Magazine for my Wisdom Well Experience and talks.
• Join my Wisdom Well Challenge here colleenjoy.com/wisdom (includes a free Wisdom Well Online Course)
YouTube Video Heal the Fear of Putting Yourself Out there: https://youtu.be/URrF595WKrk
Colleen-Joy MCC is an international author, creator of InnerLifeSkills and speaker on coaching, guiding and leading with wisdom. She inspires us to dig our Wisdom Wells, break through the rocks and free the clear seeing and being of inner wisdom so that it can help us to 'grow the garden' of living an enlightened life. "Wisdom belongs everywhere, in our boardrooms, homes, hospitals and temples," she says. Expect practical, grounded, inspired wisdom, a touch of quirky humour and generous help understanding complex teachings on non-duality, wholeness, wisdom and the responsibility of being a guide, coach or leader. Two television documentary films were made about her life from childhood NDE to being a teenage spiritual teacher and then an international coach for 30+ years. Her ICF-accredited InnerLifeSkills Master Coach certifications receive 5-star ratings. When Colleen isn't writing, teaching or painting, you'll find her driving her muddy 4×4 to wild open spaces. www.youtube.com
We've all seen the motivational posters: "Be the change you wish to see in the world!" "Take up space!" "Roar like a lion!" But let's be honest, sometimes those messages feel about as helpful as a participation trophy. We get all fired up, ready to conquer the universe with our dazzling personalities and launching ourselves into the spotlight with loud speakers in hand… and then… crickets. Maybe tomorrow - and there are dishes to be done. Where did the courage go?
Taking up space isn't about being noisy, selfish, overbearing, attention seeking… it's simply about allowing yourself to be YOU – fully. Radiating your vibrant light, owning your unique quirks and sharing your voice with the world. And why? Because that is simply your birthright and your mission on earth – to take up the space and shine your light with ALL you are. But why is it so darn difficult to take up space and shine our light?
Where am I?
We are hardly ever in the here and now
We are constantly chasing the next to-do list item, lost in the future or past. We forget to be present, to truly connect with ourselves and the world around us. Our head/thoughts are always ahead with the next thing to do, plan, organise, reach, avoid, predict or assume.
And should we not be ahead, we are simply not present: We binge-watch series, scroll on our phones, overindulge in all kind of things but are not connected with ourselves. The here and now is the only space in which we can feel and connect – how are we going to shine and take up space when we are not here?
Who am I actually putting in this 'space'?
Taking up space means revealing our authentic selves. But who are we beneath the layers of 'shoulds' and responsibilities? Are we comfortable with the person staring back? Do I even know, approve and like these layers of myself? Let's face it, nobody wants to unleash themselves and come out of the 'safety zone' of the shadow we are moving in - and open ourselves up to the world with our most vulnerable sides – just to check the waters a bit and see what happens.
The fear factor: Visibility + volume = vulnerability
Stepping into a space is one thing but adding audio by using my voice on top of it all – that strips me of every possibility of hiding myself from others or even myself. PANIC (where are those dishes? Anyone needs their car washed?)
Sweaty palms, racing heart – it's terrifying! But guess what? The more you practise, the less overwhelming and the more empowering it feels to reconnect with your authentic self. It might start with a whisper, then a few words, your knees will shake… it doesn't matter… just keep going until standing in your power is the only way to exist.
But why do we find dimming our light safer?
We've been conditioned to believe that shrinking is the path to acceptance, inclusion, safety, praise, opportunities… Shrinking gets rewarded – Taking up space gets punished!
The 'nice girl/guy' programming
We blend in, apologise excessively and prioritise the needs, wants and happiness of others over our ownalways. We abandon ourselves to avoid conflict or judgment, essentially tucking our light away and moving into the background. We trade our authentic self for outer approval and avoidance of repercussions. Our worthiness gets interpreted by how useful we are to others, we are the service providers – they are the receivers. And we do want the five-star reviews!
Avoiding 'punishment'
Since shrinking and denying our authentic self gets 'rewarded', we surely also learned that doing the opposite and embracing our authenticity gets 'punished'.
Speaking up, having your own opinions, going against the crowd, standing your ground, daring to disagree with the masses, dressing differently, loving differently… and taking up space feels initially like an invitation to be ridiculed, judged, excluded, labelled, shamed, ganged up upon, ostracised… So we often stay silent, keeping the peace. (Let me not get started on that one – if anything requires you to abandon yourself – it ain't peace and it sure doesn't come from love.)
But let's be real, no 'punishment' out there can be as hurtful and damaging as our volunteering to deprive ourselves (and the world) of our true selves. Not shreds, not dimmed down… full on ALL of us.
The price of staying dim Shrinking might feel safe, but it comes with a hefty price tag in all areas.
Owing to the outside being the determining factor on how we feel or experience life – it is a race we can NEVER win.
• Stress, anxiety and a whole host of physical ailments – who knew dimming your light could mess with your health? Well, sleeping issues, digestive issues, chest/lung issues, neck/shoulder, sinus, migraines, weaker immune system…
• Low confidence and self-esteem – it's hard to feel fabulous when you're hiding in the shadows. And with that comes the tendency to undersell yourself in every area of your life.
• Difficulty setting boundaries and saying no – constantly saying yes to everyone else leaves no room for your own jive. Boundaries are your ride and die buddies, awesome bunch!
• Constant guilt and shame, constantly apologising or overexplaining.
• Difficulties with self-regulation –ugh – and, with that, the constant inner chatter of 'not good enough, not worthy enough'… negative body image, difficulties with boundaries.
• Difficult/challenging relationships with repeated patterns due to insecure attachment styles that come with suppressing who we are.
• Denying our authentic self is a sure fire way to RESENTMENT –that's a guaranteed.
The price of taking up space
Due to YOU owning your power, embracing yourself and being your own regulator (vs the outside world), it is a whole different ball game (once you are over the initial fear factor stage). Owning your space is about claiming your birthright – the power of your voice and your unique shine. And it shows in many ways:
• A generally more balanced and resilient physical system;
• Increased confidence and self-worth – you're a strutting your stuff;
• Stronger boundaries and assertiveness – NO is not that scary any more, neither is a YES to yourself;
• Greater emotional regulation and resilience – outside world doesn't affect you as much, for it doesn't define you anymore;
• Guilt and shame will still come up along the way – but it won't stop you in your tracks – you now want to explore it;
• Attracting healthier relationships – or actively working on shifting existing relationships into healthier places.
for the journey: Reconnect with yourself
Before you start dazzling the world, reconnect with yourself. Journal, meditate, or spend time in nature – find what helps you rediscover your passions and values. What brings you joy? What makes you smile?
Baby steps
Don't go full throttle on day one with running out of the front door to quit your job and tell all your family members off. Begin by sharing your thoughts with a trusted friend, a coach…
Embrace the sparkle
We all have our quirks! Celebrate your weirdness. There is only one you – love the heck out of this perfectly imperfect and amazing masterpiece you are.
Reframe the fear
Feeling scared? Fabulous - you're on the right track and stepping outside your comfort zone, which is the whole idea of it. Fear is a liar anyway and just doesn't like change. Nothing new happens in old comfort zones and your brain throwing you all these wild emotions and acting like a squirrel in traffic – way to go! Just keep going – the brain will adjust along the way.
WE ARE PERFECT AND WORTHY BY DEFINITION, IT IS OUR BIRTHRIGHT.
We do not need to ask for validity outside of ourselves, irrespective of how the world has twisted this perception.
Bring it back home. Step into it, reconnect, embrace what has always been there. You do not need to be perfect or fit into any mould – you are worthy ANYWAY – take up space, make a noise and shine your weird, wonderful and authentic light, so that all the others who are still full of fear can see you and get inspired to do the same.
TAKE UP SPACE - BOLDLY AND UNAPOLOGETICALLY –THE WORLD IS WAITING IN ANTICIPATION!
Don't miss Heike at the KwazuluSpirit Festival, talking about boundaries 9 August 11:30. https://kwazuluspirit.com/programme/
Psychic, medium, Reiki master, tarot reader, numerologist and metaphysical profiler I studied, Reiki, gemstone healing, numerology, tarot, metaphysics etc. I am constantly furthering my knowledge and deepening my connectedness. This amazing journey took me to places beyond my imagination and my life now consists of being blessed with reaching people nationally and internationally via: Giving courses, talks, retreats, appearing on radio shows, psychic tarot readings, metaphysical profiling of illnesses and my work as a mental medium. I act as the bridge between the spiritual and the physical world, with the intention of connecting and healing both worlds. Just as in any profession, mediums have specialities and areas of expertise. Over time, it has become very clear to me that my calling lies in working with souls who have crossed over to the other side and assisting with bringing clarity and insight into life's choices. Contact Heike https://heikesym.com/
It's something that often fills many of us with a sense of guilt or even anxiety, to take the time to enjoy pleasure and rest in the body.
Even the word pleasure can bring up guilt or shame!
For so many of us, even eating something delicious, or taking some downtime makes us feel unproductive and anxious.
As a solopreneur for many years, I've realised how the entrepreneurial hustle has eaten its way into my space, a 'productive' day filled with 'work' often feels so much more manageable, than resting or enjoying something whilst relaxing.
Finding time for a sunny spot and a good book, a guided meditation or a daydreaming space sometimes sparks guilt and it certainly seems I'm not the only one!
Some activities which benefit the pleasure of others actually exhaust us more.
Family holidays often mean returning to work even more exhausted at the end of the day. Most of us don't have the means to go on all-expenses-paid type holidays, where someone else does all of the holiday preparation, the unseen labour of shopping, cleaning, packing or making sure there's clean clothes and groceries.
And as for intimate pleasure… for so many in a relationship, it is often one-sided, where a massage or a date night holds sexpectations, which often bring up resentment and unexpressed frustration…
Pleasure is not something we tend to plan for ourselves and so we sneak it in with a quick glass of wine, or a guilty slice of cake instead of realising how beneficial the mindful pursuit of pleasure can be.
We've unbalanced pleasure in our lives, made it shameful and dopamine-laced, so that if we indulge in something pleasurable, we'll hurry our way through it and then feel bad afterwards.
Having taught holistic intimacy for many years, I'm very familiar with the guilt associated with most forms of pleasure.
I had a lightbulb moment whilst working online with the international training group this weekend. We were discussing pleasure and how society and traditional religion often create no space for pleasure.
Pleasure is considered lazy, hedonistic, indulgent and shameful.
Obviously this shows up mostly with intimate pleasure, but it also shows up in any pleasure we wish to express ourselves in PERSONALLY, just for OURSELVES.
Our food, sensuality, dance, movement, rest and relaxation have been shamed in many ways for years and the one thing I'm certain about fear, shame and guilt is that they shut the body's natural balance down, release chemicals that don't work for our bodies in the long run. These chemicals are meant for survival spaces.
Fear, shame and guilt overload, reduce longevity and health.
We tend to need permission for pleasure, very few people can introduce pleasurable activities for themselves without guilt.
One of the best ways I can get my clients to start introducing mindful pleasure is to make it healthy and science-based.
This helps them release the guilt and start including it as a health practice. When we feel mindful pleasure, we benefit our happy chemicals and longevity, as well as our connection to community, our ability to give and share with others. This also improves their chemical balances for happiness and better health.
We laugh more, we feel more, we enjoy more…
Pleasure is actually part of our work in the world as empathic people.
If we open up to receiving mindful pleasure, we open ourselves up to switching off the inner martyr who serves everyone but ourselves and, in the long run, everybody benefits. It means changing our beliefs around pleasure, shifting guilt into gratitude and shame into mindfulness.
As above, so below.
We can't 'produce' our way into that balance; we have to start taking our pleasure far more seriously as part of our awareness and 'work' in the world. Ironically, It's a shift to MORE productivity and flow when we move into balanced mindful pleasure.
– Can you consciously choose three pleasurable things every day that you do totally for yourself?
– A hot shower in winter…
– Reading a magazine with your favourite music
playing…
– Planning and slowly eating something delicious...
– Cuddling in bed on a Saturday morning…
– Stroking a cat and feeling the vibrations of the purr..
– Pottering around in your garden enjoying the sun on your skin…
Can you do something just because you enjoy it? Can you surrender to receiving in awareness with gratitude and mindfulness? Can you give yourself permission for pleasure?
Anne-Marie has appeared on 702, Radio Today, Power FM and Kaya FM talking about Conscious Sexuality and Neo Tantra. She has been a guest columnist for the Saturday Star, been featured in Woman & Home Magazine and has appeared on ETV's 'Great Expectations' speaking on regaining libido after childbirth. Anne-Marie can be contacted via her website.
https://www.intimacycoachinternational.com/
Today RASA, a longstanding and credible association founded in May 2001, boasts over 1,650 members. RASA is dedicated to upholding the highest standards of Reiki healing and teaching in Southern Africa. Our unwavering commitment, demonstrated through consistent quality education and competency, ensures comfort for both prospective students and healing recipients.
NEW REGIONS 2024
Wilderness/Garden Route
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Paarl Cape Province
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GAUTENG
Karen Lange, Soul Healing www.reikicourses.co.za karen@Reikiassociation.co.za 082 857 5999
tofindanextensivelistofPractitionersandTeachers.
Karen 082 857 5999
karen@ReikiAssociation.co.za
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Alanha Prior & Patricia Pithamber Energencia Healing Academy www.energencia.co.za alanha@mweb.co.za 082 329 1727
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Gina Ambrose, Soul2Soul www.soul2soul.co.za gina@soul2soul.co.za 083 377 9838
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Reiki Courses: USUI Shiki
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Workshops: Psychic development, Dream Interpretation
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Inner Alchemy
ByYaelGeffen
It'ssaidthatwellnessbeginswithinandthisisanadagethatisnotonlytruebutsooftenoverlooked, especiallyinthesehectictimeswhenweveryoftenfeelasifweareonaperpetualrollercoaster.
This is not only about how much exercise we do, meditating and what we eat; it extends to our general outlook on life, what we value and what we prioritise, because these have as much impact on our holistic wellbeing.
Our world today is so super hyper-connected that it's all too easy to become caught up in the pursuit of external markers of success such as wealth, status and material possessions. However, studies show that these external markers fail to bring lasting happiness and fulfilment. Every time we see #humbled and #blessed we land up questioning our own joy and achievements in comparison to others.
However, it is our priorities and values that shape the choices we make in life, ultimately determining our sense of fulfilment and wellbeing. Recent research published in the Journal of Happiness Studies suggests that individuals who prioritise intrinsic values such as personal growth, relationships and community involvement report higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction. Go figure!
ByKikiTheoIt was only on my recent trip to India for my sister's wedding that I realised I'm as caught up in the merry goround as everyone else: That my priorities have become skewed and that I've been handicapping my own wellness, both mental and physical.
In just a few days I learned so many valuable lessons
that have contributed to a new set of beliefs and a new purpose for me; a new way of slowing down and the realisation that the way we are doing life isn't the way we should be doing it. That less superficiality can, in fact, lead to greater contentment which, in turn, can contribute to overall health and wellness within. I'd like to share the five lessons which were most meaningful for me:
My first stop was a simple rural town in the south called Coimbatore, which was very traditional and we had to dress modestly and cover shoulders and arms and all down to our ankles. I realised how modesty is more meaningful and that it allows you to get to know the essence of someone rather than merely their superficial exterior.
When I went on to Mumbai, where they are more western and cosmopolitan and more emphasis is placed on clothes and how we look, it was interesting how much more insecure I felt and how it felt that the focus of the people I met was on appearances rather than who we were as people.
The experience showed me very clearly how less is more and I think that this applies to all areas of life.
We're not living how we're meant to live. Full stop. We're glued to our devices and permanently on call. We're not spending time with loved ones, sharing and conversing. It's limiting our interaction and limiting us as human beings. And we are missing out on so much connection and conversation.
And, in doing so, we're living vicariously and we're dumbing ourselves down and creating depressive cycles of comparison, which is the thief of joy. We're focusing on the superficial and what everyone else is doing, rather than on ourselves and our own lives.
power of mantra
When my sister got married in an ashram, I was exposed to many mantras and rituals that were so empowering for spirituality. It made me realise how disconnected I have become from spirituality, connection and the universe and repeating these mantras and participating in rituals was so liberating. It allowed me to be a part of something greater than myself and establish a connection spiritually.
And I'm not necessarily referring to religion but to feeling a deeper connection with others and with the world - and, by applying this level of connection, we can free ourselves as human beings and feel a deeper inner peace.
To celebrate the simplicities of life
My sister's wedding was modest and beautiful in its simplicity. We learnt Indian dancing, sat on the floor, ate with our hands, took shoes off before entering homes. I was reminded that being exposed to other cultures is so refreshing. We're so set in our ways with our own cultural beliefs and completely isolate ourselves in these individual silos, but when we allow ourselves to be exposed to embrace cultures, we feel a part of this world and that we can exist outside our bubble.
It's a reminder that not everything is about you and that there is a wide world out there with a multitude of different cultures that we can learn from.
The power of community
In the Indian culture, the family aspect is so important and everyone is involved and included. Before the wedding, the sisters were tasked with dressing us in saris and adorning us with jewellery; the mothers had other roles like cooking and preparing and even the children were involved in every aspect, never ignored or sidelined.
It was beautiful to see how this extends to people taking turns to take care of the children and swapping roles for the greater good and it made me realise how stereotypical gender roles are outdated and, for the most part, don't serve a purpose in a community.
“Wellness truly begins within, encompassing our mindset, values, priorities and purpose. Wellness is about cultivating a positive mindset, aligning our actions with our values, prioritising simplicity, down time, community and connection. If we switch our focus to these traits, instead of the superficial, we can really enhance our overall wellbeing and lead happier, more fulfilling lives.” Yael
Yael Geffen is the CEO and shareholder of Sotheby’s International Realty, South Africa. She grew up in a real estate dynasty established by her grandmother, Aida, and, prior to joining the family business in 2009, she acquired extensive real estate marketing, brand building and business development experience in the United States. Yael is also an accomplished public and motivational speaker and her broadcast experience includes hosting and producing her own radio show from 2013 to 2017. Yael is a sought-after Life and Business Strategy Advisor
The National Spiritualist Federation is the umbrella body for all organisations within South Africa that identify with the principles of Spiritualism. There are similar organisations throughout the world, each with its own basic guidelines but all serving in the same way. The federation acts in a supportive role to the sanctuaries to help them better serve their communities.
Spiritualism is a philosophy and recognised religion in the context of our South African landscape. It is guided by seven basic spiritual principles. These help Spiritualists navigate and combine their spiritual and human journeys. These principles include the belief in the eternal progression of the soul as we understand it, service to humankind and direct connection to spirit guides, masters and angels.
Most of our inspiration and guidance is channelled from Spirit. These messages have been - and are still being - shared by channels and mediums through trance. We therefore embrace the gifts of clairvoyance and mediumship and encourage and nurture those that want to grow and develop their own connection. Channels freely share their gifts with the community through messages and guidance and spiritual healing.
We find further inspiration from various religious text, channelled teachings and esoteric authors; this led to Spiritualism eventually adopting the Omniist view, as in later times our understanding of the nature of spirit deepened. Omniism, is the belief that we can obtain wisdom from all religions, recognising the existence and legitimacy of all religions and adopting certain practices and tools that will help the soul evolve on its journey. We therefore acknowledge
that each soul is on their own journey of discovery and no set of rules are the same for two individuals.
Spiritual healing is a cornerstone in what we, as sanctuaries, offer. This ancient form of healing has been bequeathed to healers through millennia and developed into a recognised form of healing cultivated and refined in the spiritual sanctuaries. It today forms the background to most forms of energy or quantum healing and is now covered by its own federation, which is continuously developing new healers for our sanctuaries.
On these principles our community started various sanctuaries across South Africa, to bring our people together in a space where they can freely just be, without the pressures of organised religion and the stifling oppression of the state at the time. Each of our sanctuaries holds their own charm and charisma. Guided by their founders and subsequently led by their various committees, each sanctuary developed their own identity. The sanctuaries are supported by a community of clairvoyants, mediums, channels and healers that work together for the service of our communities.
Our sanctuaries become the spiritual homes for most of our members, becoming the base from where their abilities and gifts are revealed to the world. The place to find their voice, their confidence and their greatest gifts. We aim to provide a place of acceptance and understanding, where you have the freedom to explore and learn, where you can heal and grow and where your soul can freely express itself in all its Divine glory.
In Love and Light
Info: nsfofsa@gmail.com
Chris Viljoen (Chairperson KZN Chapter) chrisviljoen9@gmail.com 079 506 8816
Charmaine Nicholl (Secretary General) nsfofsa@gmail com 081 420 2119
68 Beach Road, Melville. Contact: 081 418 2427 / info@melvillesanctuaryoflove.co.za melvillespiritualistchurch.co.za
Service every Sunday evening from 19:00 to 20:00
Healing from 18:15 to 18:45
Est 1972
21 Kendal Road, Diep River, Cape Town, 7800
Find us Facebook:
The Spiritual Centre Church Cape Town
Contact: 082 333 6323
Aloving, spiritual space to honour your connection to your higher self and call your Spiritual Home.
Talks/Addresses
Meditation Circles
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Services every second Sunday at 9:30 19 LaughtonAve, Glenashley Scout Hall
Contact: Glenda 082 493 1560
Guiding you on your journey towards inner peace, spiritual growth and fostering deeper self awareness.
Eclectic non-denominational spiritualist sanctuary
Vryburger Hall, 5 Umgazi Street, Menlo Park, Pretoria, 0081
Conact: Hazel Dalton (Chairman) 082 645 7700
pretoriasanctuary.co.za
70 Webber Road, Webber, Germiston, 1401
Contact: 081 420 2119 / sanctuaryoflightgermiston@gmail.com sanctuaryoflight-germiston.co.za
The Sanctuary offers spiritual development, healing, weddings, memorial services and dedications.
Home of Spiritualism in Pietermaritzburg
Established in 1964
Services are held at 9 Barrow Street, Umkomaas every Sunday from 10H00 – 11H00. Everybody is welcome to join.
Contact Gayle on 083 654 5261 facebook.com/UmkomaasSanctuary Somerset West
Contact: 062 255 4017
ASSEGAI ROAD, HAYFIELDS PIETERMARITZBURG CONTACTDI MATHESON 072 524 1379
Lookingatcannabisaswholeplantmedicine,theauthorexaminesthemanyhealing componentsthroughouttheplant,fromflowerstoroots,fromcannabinoidacidstoalkaloids. Inthisin-depthguidetocannabistherapy,writtenforbothhealthpractitionersandthose lookingforself-caremethods,herbalistandholistichealerWendyReadprovidesacomplete lookatwhymarijuanamedicineworks,itsmedicalandspiritualusesthroughouthistory,and howtodevelopapersonalisedhealingplan.Sheexplorestheendocannabinoidsystem(ECS) ofthebodyandhowphytocannabinoidsinteractwithit..
Cannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System.
Before we can contemplate marijuana as medicine, we need to understand the complex endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS, found in all animals, is the physical avenue by which marijuana interacts with our bodies, our minds, and our spirits, writing the codes for health and bliss.
The story of the ECS begins 34 million years ago when life as we know it began in the great Mother Ocean. The first beings, enclosed in a single cell, were free-floating and self-contained. They could not survive alone, however. Like us, they needed communication with others to thrive. Even at the beginning all life was connected, albeit with invisible threads, in a magnificent energetic web. Exactly how were those cells talking with each other as they were propelled through the chaotic tides? They were sending and receiving tiny packets of
chemicals produced within their membranes.
Can you imagine each cell opening its doors to receive news brought on the current, like a housewife welcoming gossip from a door-to-door fruit seller? Possibly the updates were about the usual things, like the weather or where to find favorite foods. Perhaps they, too, warned each other about which neighborhoods to avoid due to unfavorable conditions or unsavory characters. And the chemical messages themselves? They were cannabinoids, or more accurately, phospholipid cannabinoid precursors.
When I ask my students what a cannabinoid is, few can answer. But when I ask for an example of a cannabinoid, inevitably they shout out “THC!” Short for tetrahydrocannabinol, THC is the most famous cannabinoid in the world. THC is a phytocannabinoid, created by a plant, rather than an endocannabinoid, which are created by animals.
The two kinds of cannabinoids have slightly different structures, but share many functions within an animal system.
Today's cannabinoids are still tiny, comprised of a molecular chain of a mere twenty-two to twenty-five carbon atoms. Cannabinoids' main function is to carry directions and information between animal cells. They are often classified as neurotransmitters because they send signals through and between the nerve cells that make up the nervous system. Neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, the cannabinoids' more famous cousins, are well-known for the powerful role they play within the body and mind. For example, pharmaceutical antidepressants called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, change the way our bodies process serotonin. As anyone who has used them can attest, their effects on the body and the emotions can be extreme. The feeling a mother has when cradling her infant is the work of oxytocin, another neurotransmitter. That feeling of wellbeing some experience when eating chocolate and the devastatingly intense grief when a loved one dies are both a result of neurotransmitters.
As it turns out, cannabinoids control the nervous system. In addition to a multitude of other duties, they rule over the other neurotransmitters. For example, cannabinoids indirectly increase dopamine levels by blocking the action of another neurotransmitter, GABA, which reduces the amount of dopamine released. When GABA is blocked by marijuana compounds, the result is an increase in the amount of dopamine released. Cannabis is nature's answer to SSRIs, but unlike SSRIs, she follows the edict “First, do no harm” and brings the body into balance without unhealthy side effects or withdrawal symptoms.
How did we get to the complex ECS from those primordial single-celled beings? As those cells were floating around, they would bump into each other, perhaps even seeking each other out. At some point, they started to realise the advantages of floating through life together and decided to form colonies. They drifted around like little rafts, with those in the middle well protected from outside influences like viruses and other predators and those on the edges having first access to food. When some cells perished, cannabinoid signals were sent out, triggering others to divide into two daughter cells, thus replenishing the colony.
Eventually, for protection, some colonies surrounded themselves with a membrane and became, in essence, a gated community. Cells worked together and consciously chose what entered and what exited, essentially taking in groceries and sending out the garbage. Just as a baker or weaver provides a specific service to the village, cells within the colony began to specialise and differentiate
from one another by turning on only a small section, or sequence, within their protein-producing DNA. Some turned into skin cells, others feather cells, others became brain cells, and so forth. They continued to use cannabinoids to communicate.
All animals produce cannabinoids that control life's functions. Created on demand, they leap between the axon of one nerve to the dendrite of the next. They float through our blood until a cell fishes them out of the slipstream and pulls them inside. There, the cannabinoids deliver direction to stimulate or (more often) inhibit the cell's function, speeding or slowing, starting or stopping pathways of creation or courses of destruction. Together, these millions of tiny alterations throughout our systems continually guide us toward homeostasis, trying to keep us in balance.
Just as we raise a flag on our mailbox to signal outgoing mail, cells throw up a flag on the outside of their membranes when they need to take in nutrients, expel waste, or receive directions for their work. These flags, aptly named receptors, are the fishhooks and they are baited to attract only a specific kind of chemical from the stream. Once caught, a porthole in the cell membrane opens and the cannabinoid or other chemical is reeled in.
Certain ‘magical’ plants, animals, and funguses have always provided spiritual healing to animals. The witches, prophets, and seers of indigenous spiritualities have ancient relationships with beings like peyote cacti, psilocybin mushrooms, herbs like ayahuasca and ibogaine and many others. These beings help them heal themselves and others by connecting them with the invisible world of energy that surrounds us. On a deep level, humans have always known about the magical effects of marijuana. Unfortunately, these magical substances have been demonised by cultural authorities and driven underground off and on for thousands of years. At this time in history, many are coming back into the light and are beginning to pique the interest of western medicine.
Take, for example, the opium poppy. Used in Asia for thousands of years and brought to the west during the mid-19th century Opium Wars between China and England, this delicate flower has one of the strongest known pain-relieving effects in the world and she also provides a spiritual sense of wellbeing.
In the 1970s western scientists became curious about how she works in our system. With new technology they were able to isolate opium molecules and mark them with a radioactive dye.
When injected into an animal, they could see them course through an animal's system and note where they were absorbed. They discovered and mapped the system of opium receptors in animals. But why do animals, for which poppies are not a food source, produce pain reduction receptor sites specific for opium molecules? Continuing investigations revealed that these receptors are actually designed to capture opium molecules produced by the animals themselves.
Called endorphins (from endogenous meaning “produced within” and morphine, a pain-relieving alkaloid made by poppies), these chemicals produced by our bodies help block pain signals and offer a sense of peace and wellbeing. When our endorphins prove insufficient for intense pain, poppy plants act as a perfectly designed supplement. The discovery of the poppy-activated endorphin system spurred scientists to search for other systems activated by naturally occurring drugs.
Although THC was discovered in 1964 by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D., it was not until three decades later that his team searched for endogenous THC receptors in animals. The only wellknown use of weed at that time was to get people high, so they hypothesised that they would find receptors for THC in the brain. They synthesised cannabinoids, dyed them and injected them into animals to trace their pathway. They were right about the brain, of course, but were surprised when they also found receptors throughout the entire central nervous system.
Scientists knew that the fact that THC made people high indicated that, like opium, it could cross the bloodbrain barrier. The blood-brain barrier is a protective lining that surrounds the central nervous system (the CNS) and forms a strong line of defense between the blood circulating through our bodies and the fluid that circulates within the CNS. It controls what passes between the two and, for example, allows animals to endure extreme infections and other toxic insults without brain damage. Most pharmaceutical drugs, even antibiotics and cancer treatments, are too toxic to be
allowed through the barrier, yet our central nervous system readily invites marijuana into its inner sanctum. This is partly why cannabis provides such a myriad of therapies for the mind.
When Mechoulam found the first endocannabinoid, meaning a cannabinoid endogenous to animals, in 1992, he demonstrated his immediate understanding of its power when he named the molecule anandamide. Ananda means ‘bliss’ in Sanskrit, the language of the Vedas, the world's most ancient religious texts. They are dedicated to the worship of Soma, a deity, and a cannabis tea. (The full story is told in chapter 10.) Upon discovery of a second endocannabinoid, Mechoulam forsook all sense of poetry and named it 2-arachidonoyl glycerol, or 2AG for short. Since then, two more endocannabinoids, lysophosphatidylinositol and virodhamine, have been discovered, and it is safe to assume that more will be found soon.
Excerpt from: Cannabis Therapy by Wendy Read with permission of the publisher Inner Traditions ISBN: 9781644118504, May 2024. https://www.innertraditions.com/books/cannabistherapy.
About the author Wendy Read is a certified herbalist, holistic massage therapist, and plant spirit healing practitioner with a bachelor's degree in biochemistry from California State University, Chico. She has studied with herbalists and shamanic healers in Mexico, Guatemala, Swaziland, South Africa, Senegal, and the United States. Since 2005 she has taught at Motherland Sanctuary and many other herbal schools and symposiums. A spiritual counsellor and founding minister of the Caretaker's Garden, she also has a clinical, holistic healing family practice. https://www.caliheal.org/
Learn Why Marijuana Medicine Works and How to Develop a Personalised Healing Plan
In this in-depth guide to cannabis therapy, written for both health practitioners and those looking for selfcare methods, herbalist and holistic healer Wendy Read provides a complete look at why marijuana medicine works, its medical and spiritual uses throughout history, and how to develop a personalised healing plan. Odyssey Magazine is giving away 3 books. to enter, visit the following website link: https://odysseymagazine.co.za/community/ #competitions-giveaways or scan the QR code Click on the title of the book. Closing Date 26 August 2024
For almost 40 years, people of all religions have come here to experience peace and tranquility. CNN featured the BRC as one of the ten finest meditation centres in the world.
byCianMcLelland
Cannabis therapy has been making headlines for its potential health benefits, yet myths and misunderstandings abound. Especially when it comes to boosting our immune system during the chilly winter months, it's easy to get lost in the fog of misinformation. Let's shine a light on some of these myths and see what science really has to say about cannabis and our immune health.
Myth 1: Cannabis weakens your immune system
A common worry is that using cannabis might actually harm your immune system. This idea comes from some older studies suggesting cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, might suppress immune functions. But wait! More recent research paints a more nuanced picture.
Cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which helps keep our bodies in balance. The ECS influences many things, including how our immune system works. While it's true that high doses of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) might suppress some immune responses, CBD (cannabidiol) has the opposite effect. It can help modulate immune responses, potentially reducing inflammation and helping the immune system stay balanced.
Myth 2: Cannabis is a cure-all for winter illnesses
As winter approaches, the season of colds and flu, some might claim that cannabis can ward off these
bugs. While cannabis has some impressive properties, like reducing inflammation, it's not a magical shield against the common cold or flu.
Sure, cannabis can help manage symptoms of chronic conditions like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and many others. However, expecting it to prevent or cure every winter sniffle and cough isn't realistic. It's essential to have balanced expectations and recognise that, while cannabis can support health, it's not a catch-all cure.
The cannabis market offers a dizzying array of products, from oils and edibles to topicals and vapes. A common myth is that all these products work equally well. In truth, the effectiveness of cannabis can vary significantly based on the product type, its cannabinoid profile and how you consume it.
For instance, smoking or vaping delivers cannabinoids quickly to your bloodstream, leading to faster effects but also posing potential respiratory risks — something to consider during the winter flu season. On the other hand, edibles and oils provide slower, longer-lasting relief, which might be better for chronic conditions needing sustained treatment. Whichever delivery mechanism and product you choose, always seek the highest possible quality.
Many people think that higher THC levels mean better therapeutic outcomes, including for the immune system. However, this isn't necessarily true. THC is just one of many cannabinoids in cannabis and its psychoactive effects don't directly translate to immune benefits. In fact, CBD and other non-psychoactive cannabinoids often offer significant health benefits without the high. CBD, for example, has anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties that support immune health without the potential drawbacks of high-THC products. However, for CBD to work its best, it needs to contain a little bit of THC.
Winter brings its own set of challenges, from colds and flu to increased stress and less sunlight. While cannabis isn't a cure-all, it can still play a helpful role in maintaining your health during these colder months.
Chronic inflammation is a common thread in many immune-related conditions. Cannabis, especially CBDrich strains, has shown impressive anti-inflammatory effects. This can be particularly useful in winter when conditions like arthritis can flare up.
Winter can also mean more stress and disrupted sleep patterns, both of which can weaken the immune system. Cannabinoids like CBD are known to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality, which can indirectly support your immune health by ensuring your body gets the rest it needs to repair and defend itself.
While cannabis has potential benefits, be mindful of how you use it, especially during winter when respiratory illnesses are more common. Smoking or vaping can irritate your lungs, but some studies show that it actually kills certain pathogens. If you're looking to support your immune system without risking respiratory issues, consider alternatives like oils, tinctures, or edibles.
If you're thinking about using cannabis to boost your immune system this winter, it's best to integrate it into a broader, healthy lifestyle.
A diet rich in vitamins and minerals is crucial for a strong immune system. Focus on antioxidant-rich foods like organic fruits and vegetables and include omega-3 fatty acids from sources like hemp seeds, fish and flaxseeds to reduce inflammation.
Regular exercise boosts immune function by promoting good circulation, helping immune cells move freely throughout the body. Even moderate activities like walking or Yoga can have significant benefits.
Staying hydrated is especially important in winter. Proper hydration supports the mucous membranes in
your respiratory tract, which are your first line of defense against pathogens.
Chronic stress can weaken your immune system. Practices like mindfulness, deep breathing and other relaxation techniques can help keep stress in check.
In conclusion, cannabis therapy shows promise for supporting immune health, thanks to its antiinflammatory and stress-reducing properties. However, it's important to debunk the myths and approach cannabis with clear, realistic expectations. It's not a cureall and its effectiveness can vary depending on the product and how you use it.
During winter, when your immune system needs all the help it can get, combining cannabis with a balanced diet, regular exercise, good hydration and stress management offers a comprehensive approach to staying healthy. And, as always, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new therapy to ensure it's right for you.
Understanding the true potential of cannabis therapy allows you to make informed decisions and potentially harness its benefits to support your immune health throughout the winter and beyond.
Cian McClelland is the CEO of Druids Garden, a leading health and wellness company that produces nutraceuticals inspired by traditional medicines from Africa and Asia. Druids has a medicinal cannabis R&D permit, a medical cannabis licence and a psilocybin R&D permit. Website: https://druids.garden
The long-term health benefits of the South African-grown Rooibos tea have gained worldwide attention and, with CBD's incredible health benefits now in the spotlight, Laager Rooibos is fusing the two to bring the country a daily dose of goodness! Laager Plus CBD-infused Rooibos, which will soon be landing on South African shelves, offers all the goodness of Rooibos with the added benefits of CBD.
CBD – which is short for cannabidiol - is a chemical that occurs naturally in the cannabis plant. However, it is different from THC, which is the psychoactive component in the plant, and does not have any mind-altering properties. CBD-infused Rooibos could assist the body to achieve homeostasis – a systemic balance – while contributing to nervous system health and enhanced sleep.
“We're currently living in a world that is out of balance and there is always so much to worry about - from the environment, to political conflicts and inequality. All of this external imbalance leads to heightened stress and anxiety, which can create a number of associated health challenges,” explains Candice Sessions, Laager Marketing and Brand Strategy Manager. “We want to help the South African public to live their best lives by bringing balance and calm to their everyday lives through Laager Plus CBD Rooibos.”
Laager Plus CBD Rooibos is the perfect blend of Rooibos and CBD, providing the caffeine-free, antioxidant-boosting benefits of Rooibos, along with the relaxing, calming, and sleep-enhancing benefits of CBD. It is THC-free, meaning it has no psychoactive or 'high' effect, and contains 2mg CBD per teabag - the recommended daily limit for CBD intake is 20mg,
making it suitable to consume several cups a day (limited to no more than 9 servings daily).
South African public relations officer, ocean conservationist, wife, mother-of-two and foster mom to many rescue pups, Olivia Symcox, has an extremely busy schedule. However, since she started integrating CBD into her life, she's noted a marked improvement in her ability to deal with anxiety.
“CBD has helped me to deal with my anxiety levels, which were most definitely elevated at the start of the pandemic,” she commented. “I felt the weight of responsibility in needing to provide for so many people and my many animals and - like everyone else – the constant uncertainty of not being sure how things were going to play out. In addition to this, I experienced some of my own health challenges over this time and I believe CBD helped me to enjoy deeper, uninterrupted sleep which in turn assisted with my focus during busy days. As an avid Laager Rooibos drinker, I am really excited to be able to experience the benefits of CBD in my favourite cuppa.”
We are giving away 2 x Laager Plus Rooibos CBD hampers valued at R800 each. (See giveaway below)
Look out for it at leading supermarkets and on Takealot and discover more about other Joekels products at www.joekels.co.za.
Please note: D33.7 Complementary Medicines; Discipline-Specific Combination product. This unregistered medicine has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.
Hamper includes: Le Creuset Mug, Laager CBD Rooibos and Laager CBD Rooibos & Chamomile, Diffuser, Tea Towel packaged in gift box.
Get 'your daily cup of calm' with Laager's new CBD-infused Rooibos Laager's new 'daily cup of calm' is available in two varieties:
Laager Plus CBD RELAX: This Rooibos and CBD blend is perfect for those feeling overwhelmed by the demands of daily life, who are looking to restore balance in their day.
Laager Plus CBD SLEEP: This Rooibos and Chamomile blend with CBD caters to those looking to shut down after a long day. This is a nightcap with a difference!
Website link: https://odysseymagazine.co.za/community/#competitions-giveaways or scan the QR code. Click on the competition.
Closing Date 26 August 2024.
Single and mixed herbal tinctures have been used as powerful tools to support the body's self-healing and maintain equilibrium for centuries. Single herbal tinctures are crafted by extracting the active compounds of a single herb, while mixed tinctures blend the essence of multiple herbs. The magic of these tinctures lies in their ability to harness the therapeutic properties of nature's bounty. Each herb carries its unique healing properties and, when combined thoughtfully, they can create synergistic effects that enhance overall wellbeing.
GreenPHARM, founded on a smallholding in the north-east of Pretoria, situated next to Roodeplaat Nature Conservatory and the beautiful Dinokeng Nature Conservatory, has been dedicated to perfecting the art since 2012.
Founder Eduan Joubert started his journey by studying Health Sciences, a Master's Certificate in Herbalism with modalities in Iridology and Sclerology, Bio-resonance Feedback, Rife resonance and Kinesiology accredited by the Institute of Natural Health Care. His dream was realised by developing the product and launching the company now known as GreenPHARM South Africa (PTY) LTD, the focus being on manufacturing quality premium tinctures readily available to you to assist the body with self-health and equilibrium.
Most of the herbs used in our tinctures have been used all around the world to create self-healing for the body that seeks equilibrium between the physical, emotional and biochemical parts of the self. Most of our herbs are grown on our farm, on the premise of conscious practices devoid of pesticides and herbicides, while the rest are sourced from across the globe, ensuring excellent quality manufacturing and supply.
In addition to our tinctures, we offer a
diverse range of health-enhancing supplements in capsule form. Lions Mane Capsules are designed to improve sleep, reduce anxiety, enhance brain function and boost the immune system.
Our product line-up also includes Moringa, Collagen, Saw Palmetto Plus and GlycoCMag, each serving specific purposes such as providing essential nutrients like oxygen, vitamin C, glyconutrients, and magnesium. Blackseed capsules are included for their anti-inflammatory properties.
For those looking to address male libido and testosterone levels, we offer Testo Plus, while MSM capsules are available to support individuals dealing with osteoarthritis, anti-stress needs, joint pain, and overall gut health. These encapsulated supplements are a convenient and effective way to address a variety of health concerns and optimise wellbeing. We also manufacture an Angstrom molecule mineral liquid range we have Zinc, Iron, Copper, Super Silver, SilZinCo and Water of Life, as well as CalMag, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Boron.
Visit our official website for any inquiries, to place orders or to explore our extensive product range: at www.greenpharmonline.com
There, you will find a wealth of information about our products, their benefits and how they can support your health and wellbeing. Our website is your one-stop destination to discover the finest herbal products, carefully curated to promote a holistic approach to self-health. We look forward to serving you in your journey to make well-informed choices for your wellness needs.
Step into the world of natural wellness with remarkable herbal GreenPHARM's products, where the natural power of nature meets the art of healing.
WordsSarahUnsworth,informationCheriDeJong
Likemyself,ifyoudonotunderstandthebioscienceofphytobimimeticsandthesignalscannabis moleculestransmit,orifyouhaveonlyheardofthegeneralhealthbenefitsofcannabisbutare interestedinyourwellbeingfromaholisticandmentalhealthperspective,thenwelcometothe incrediblejourneyCheriDeJongcantakeyouon!
Iwas introduced to Cheri recently and was immediately intrigued by her story. I had been struggling with insomnia for many years and had been taking cannabis in different forms to help with that, but at the time I met Cheri, I was also struggling terribly from a sudden onset of burning feet. It had just been a few months, but the pain had sent me down the Google rabbit hole and the prognosis was daunting. Probably more overwhelming was how many people were affected by it.
After a thorough discussion with Cheri over my own personal situation, Cheri suggested I try her THC drops for sleep and her CBD drops through the day for general wellbeing, with a personalised instruction on how to take them. Not understanding at that time the complexity of Cheri's invention, I was intrigued by the method of dissolving the drops in a small glass of water and the quick absorption and therefore onset of her product. While the THC vape I had been using over the previous few months was instant, it was harsh on the throat and, in my mind, therefore not sustainable. The CBD oil I had also tried for a while proved difficult with timing, needing to be taken an hour before wanting to sleep, with an added concern of not being quite sure of the correct quantity. Sourcing the products was also a challenge, especially locally on the South Coast of KZN, often not sure which provider to trust.
I soon found that not only did Cheri's drops help me sleep better, but within a short time I noticed the burning feet sensation was significantly reduced. While still early days, I was relieved beyond description and, of course, wanted to know more.
So, while this thousand-word article hardly scratches the surface of Cheri's world, it can lay the foundation to this incredibly powerful story. Cheri's determination to revolutionise
mental wellness began at an early age with a profound understanding of energy's role in powering all living beings. Perhaps it was her rebellious spirit or her innate curiosity but, as with most ground-breaking pioneers, it is these attributes, together with her deep passion and caring nature, which meant it was inevitable that Cheri would craft her own unique approach to wellness. It was also Cheri's own severe illness and spending time in Hospice care from 2010 to 2017, where she saw first-hand how important it is to treat the person, not just the illness. During that time, needing a fast delivery process for pain to assist in weaning herself off morphine, Cheri learnt that emotions and frequency are like the secret source to healing. She found herself diving head first into exploring microcosms and signal molecules, all using cutting-edge technology. While Cheri's approach is scientifically based, she will attest it was during that time the magic happened!
Drawing on her 15 years' experience of studying and processing cannabis, Cheri truly understands the natural phenomenon of cannabis in that it enhances our signal molecules. By dissolving a polar oil into water her water-soluble quick onset method enters the bloodstream and the brain within a five-minute onset time, ensuring the fast delivery method of the molecular compounds to the cells. Cheri's invention defies convention and embraces innovation and is now registered as a provisional patent while clinical trials and further research are taking place.
Cheri is quick to point out that hers is not the only CBD product on the market claiming to be water-soluble. However, her product and the quick onset delivery method stand out from nano-emulsion CBD water-soluble products in a crucial way.
While nano-emulsions rely on tiny particles to enhance bioavailability, with her proprietary technology she is able to harness the power of phytobimimetics to facilitate a fiveminute absorption and increased bioavailability. Unlike nanoemulsions, which can be limited by particle size and stability, her method disperses easily in water, ensuring a consistent and effective delivery of active ingredients. This innovative approach allows for faster onset of effects, making it an attractive solution for those seeking swift relief and enhanced therapeutic benefits.
Water-soluble CBD is the closest cannabinoid to the cannabinoids our body produces, which is, of course, why it works!
The quick onset delivery method encompasses the following:
• Rapid absorption: Enables faster onset of effects.
• Supercharged bioavailability: Maximising the impact of active ingredients.
• Nature's wisdom: Using the best natural ingredients, utilising the wisdom of nature for all health solutions.
• Sustainable policies and practices: Focus on practices using environmentally friendly production methods.
The product line-up, using the quick onset method and micro dosing, includes:
• Focus Flow:
• This product is a cognitive booster with cannabidiol (CBD), ashwagandha and bacopa monnieri for enhanced mental clarity and productivity.
• Mood Lift:
• Mood-enhancing supplement combining cannabidiol, saffron and curcumin to promote emotional balance and wellbeing.
• Energy Pulse:
• Natural energy booster featuring cannabidiol, guarana and ginseng for sustained vitality and physical performance.
Another of Cheri's product line is cannabis with THC, which has a similar structure to virodhamine (also known as OAE or Oarachidonoyl ethanolamine) and is an endocannabinoid that plays a crucial role in the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Some of THC key properties are:
• Natural pain relief:
• THC has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a natural pain reliever.
• Mood regulation:
• THC interacts with the brain's cannabinoid receptors, influencing mood, emotional response and stress management.
• Anti-anxiety effects:
• THC has anxiolytic properties, helping to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
• Neuroprotection:
• It may have neuroprotective effects, potentially helping to prevent neurodegenerative diseases.
• Cardiovascular health:
• Research suggests it may have cardioprotective properties, supporting heart health.
• Gastrointestinal balance:
• THC may help regulate gut health and digestion.
• Immune system modulation:
• As we slowly understand the benefits of a healthy immune system, TCH interacts with this powerful self-healing phenomenon, potentially influencing immune response and inflammation.
Cheri's quick onset delivery method can enhance the effects of THC by ensuring rapid absorption and increased bioavailability, making it an attractive option for those seeking natural relief from various health issues, but also aiding with sleep! Taking a drop or two five minutes before bedtime can offer a welcome relief for people suffering from insomnia. Speaking with Cheri is to swim into a deep ocean of information on this subject she is so passionate about. She has dedicated her life's work to solving the riddle of mental health challenges and has embarked on an educational programme on the potency of emotions and frequency in healing, working with and utilising the various biological active ingredients in the incredible plants we share this planet with.
Basically, in layman's terms, it is wellness she is interested in and believes it is attainable for all of us!
So yes, without doubt, as I watch the drop fall from the bottle, I realise it truly is so much more than just a drop! Let the journey continue!
From a young age, Cheri De Jong, Founder of Herbal Research & Development Centre (Pty) Ltd, demonstrated a profound understanding of wellness and recognised the necessity for an innovative approach towards mental health. Her mission is to leverage the potency of nature to enhance wellbeing, supported by rigorous scientific enquiry and a steadfast commitment to quality
Cheri's journey was profoundly influenced by personal adversity. Her own illness resulted in Cheri being under Hospice Care from 2010 to 2017, an experience which fuelled her dedication to developing her own product line. Committed to unlocking the full potential of botanicals, Herbal Research Centre specialised in pioneering research and development, particularly in the domain of cannabis oils. Cheri's invention, registered as a provisional patent, offers a rapid onset method by dissolving a polar oil into water, facilitating entry into the bloodstream and brain with a five-minute onset time.
Based in Sedgefield, a coastal town in the Western Cape province of South Africa, Cheri has been acknowledged by the local newspaper Edge, facilitating in the writing of four articles exploring the many advantages of CBD and exploring the bioscience of cannabis. https:/www.herbalresearchcentre.com
During winter, nourishing the gut with wholefoods and superfoods is important to support the immune system, maintain digestive health and provide essential nutrients that can combat seasonal illnesses and promote overall wellbeing, including keeping your skin healthy and glowing.
Recipe for a nourishing winter superfood soup that's not only delicious but also great for promoting glowing skin and a balanced gut:
Ingredients:
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 2 carrots, chopped
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 small sweet potato, peeled and chopped
• 1 cup kale, chopped
• 1 cup spinach, chopped
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 6 cups vegetable broth/stock
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Optional: 1 tablespoon of miso paste for extra gut health benefits.
1 Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
2 Add chopped carrots, celery and sweet potato to the pot. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3 Stir in chopped kale, spinach and broccoli florets. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly wilted.
4 Pour in the vegetable broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Add chickpeas, turmeric powder and cumin powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5 If using miso paste, dissolve it in a little warm water and add it to the soup for extra gut health benefits.
6 Bring the soup to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until all the vegetables are tender.
7 Once the soup is cooked, remove it from heat. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice for a hint of brightness.
8 Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley.
Enjoy this hearty and nutritious winter superfood soup for glowing skin and a happy gut!
Recipe by: Nicole SherwinFounder of Eco Diva, a 100 per cent natural superfood skincare and makeup brand, Nicole Sherwin is passionate about skin health, gut health and emotional/mental health as she believes that when all three areas are in balance, the human is at their healthiest, happiest and most glowing.
Eco Diva Natural is a multi-award-winning clean skincare brand that offers biology-smart, functional skincare, makeup and gut health, crafted in Africa with impeccable organic superfood ingredients that not only offer the recipient a beautiful healthy complexion, but also provide the skin with the nutrients it needs to self-heal from any skin condition. The high vitamin, antioxidant and omega count in every product offers skin the pH balancing properties necessary to heal and calm skin irritations, pigmentation and acne/breakouts.
“Nature-cure is based upon the observation that it is the nature of things to heal themselves. We believe the same exists for our skin and that is why we choose only the highest quality natural ingredients that support skin's regeneration and self-healing.” Nicole Sherwin
www.ecodiva.co.za | info@ecodiva.co.za 021 200 5900 | @ecodivanatural
ByBethRush
Many people have their own preferences of how they enjoy coffee, whether in terms of strength or texture. Drinking coffee as a smoothie might not be at the top of your list just yet. However, it's one of the more innovative ways people consume it and garnering plenty of attention. A coffee smoothie is more than just your regular frappucino or other cold coffee blends, though the comparison isn't too far off. It has a creamy texture that still retains the appeal of caffeine while bringing flavours of banana and nuts into the mix. It has many popular benefits and is quite easy to make.
Reasons for drinking coffee as a smoothie
Drinking coffee as a smoothie makes sense, whether you're a fan of breakfast shakes or a morning 'cup of joe'. The shake is a great mood booster that blends the best of both worlds.
1. It's a new spin on coffee
The whole globe loves coffee. Almost 176 million 60-kilogram packs of coffee were consumed worldwide. Cappuccino, iced coffee, latte and all the other coffee drink types are comforting because they're familiar. But the beauty of food and beverages is getting creative.
There are endless innovations, from the viral Dalgona coffee to the beloved tiramisu. Coffee smoothies are an addition to the long line of these delectable creations. Whether you already love coffee or you're trying to learn how to enjoy it, this blended drink is worth trying.
2. It's simple to recreate
As delicious as most coffee creations are, they may be complicated to make. For instance, a coffee cake requires many ingredients to complete the batter. There are many opportunities to mess up and have the dessert fall flat, too.
Learning how to make a coffee smoothie is easier than other caffeinated beverages and desserts. Instructions are below to guide you through the process and there's little room for error.
3. It's a great pick-Me-up beverage
Coffee is one of the best ways to start your morning, typically with bread or other sustenance. The smoothie version is a little more satisfying and filling since it has a more dense consistency. You can enjoy the beverage without any accompaniment. Plus, the shake still provides plenty of energy to get you through the morning. The coffee can boost dopamine and norepinephrine to create a positive mood. Matching that with feeling full without being bloated is a great way to start the day.
4. It integrates some delicious fruits
Everyone can benefit from eating more fruits. One of the core ingredients in a coffee smoothie is a banana. If you feel you haven't had produce in a while, its appearance in your morning drink can make quite a difference.
Some people also like to add other variations to their finished coffee smoothie mix. For example, blueberries and strawberries can balance out the shake's flavour. They also add subtle texture.
5. It still contains caffeine benefits
Sometimes, the best reason to drink coffee smoothies is simply because they have caffeine. The stimulant 'improves peoples mental and physical alertness, which is perfect if you need to be wide awake when morning comes around.
Like all good things, it's still wise to regulate how much caffeine you consume daily. Too much exposure can overstimulate your body. There are also cases where regular and high consumption reduces effectiveness in the long run.
6. It makes digestion more regular Coffee is known to trigger 'number two'. This caffeinated blended drink also incorporates bananas and milk. People drinking it may benefit from regular bathroom breaks. Coffee also offers protection against gallstones and other similar digestive diseases.
It is best to regulate how much coffee shake to drink. If you have normal bowel movements already, you don't want to throw your body off and start needing the toilet more often than before.
How to make a coffee smoothie
A coffee smoothie's health benefits shine through, but one of the best perks is the simple recipe. You can quickly whip up a batch at home with common kitchen ingredients.
1. Get your ingredients
Before making a coffee smoothie, you will need the ingredients first. Here's the list of what you need:
• Coffee: Any coffee, whether instant or an espresso shot, can work with the smoothie recipe. Some people even freeze the caffeine in ice cubes to make the beverage cold. For this guide, you'll want to use cold brew.
• Milk: Like coffee, any milk can give your smoothie a creamy consistency. If you're lactose intolerant or you want some extra nuttiness, almond milk is a fantastic option. You can also try whole or soy milk, depending on your preferences.
• Sweetener: Coffee is a little acidic, so it's good to add some sweetening agents. Use honey if you want a healthier replacement for brown or white sugar. Vanilla extract also takes your drink mix up a notch.
• Frozen banana: Bananas are a key ingredient in thickening your coffee drink. Find a ripe bunch and use about one medium-sized one per cup. Remember to freeze the fruit to make it firmer while adding extra coldness.
• Nut butter: Nut butter is one of the best secrets to a wellbalanced taste in your coffee smoothie. Almond butter is quite delicious, though regular peanut butter works well. You can make yours from scratch or buy from the grocery store.
• Cocoa powder: Cocoa is optional but, depending on how much you add, it enhances the taste of the coffee. If you prefer a more chocolate beverage, you can also turn your shake into more of a mocha mixture.
2. Create your cold brew
While you can buy cold brew for your coffee smoothie, making it at home is simple and cost-efficient. Plus, you can control the
coffee's strength. Get your favorite coffee beans and finely grind them to create a concentrate.
Measure a fourth of a cup of coffee and a cup of water. Steep together in a pitcher and stir to combine. Cover it with a lid and keep it at room temperature overnight. Use a coffee filter and free your liquids.
3. Blend your mix
Get a blender and add your coffee concentrate. Follow it up with your frozen bananas, nut butter, milk and sweetener. Add some extra cocoa powder if you'd like. Put on the lid and blend to combine everything.
Every person may want their coffee smoothie to become more watery or viscous. If you need to thicken it up, add bananas and nut butter. Thin it out with milk as needed. If you're losing the flavour, extra coffee and sweetener can help.
4. Pour into a glass
Instead of a mug, use a glass to hold your coffee beverage. This container is taller and can better showcase the creaminess. To make it look fancier, add a drizzle of chocolate sauce on the side. If you end up with a thicker mixture, make a coffee smoothie bowl. Spoon the cream into a wide-mouth bowl and smooth it out afterward.
5. Customise toppings
Coffee smoothies can be enjoyed as they are, but you can also add some extra toppings. Strawberries and blueberries are extra sweet and their colour will pop out against the brown cream. If you want an aesthetically pleasing picture, this combination is your best bet. You can also use extra banana slices and nuts if you just want to retain the flavour.
If you want to make the coffee smoothie into a filling breakfast, add dry oats. These grains put in extra texture to the beverage and turn it into a meal. Plus, they offer beta-glucan. The soluble fibre boosts good bacteria growth in the digestive tract.
6. Enjoy the smoothie
Once you've completed the coffee smoothie, you can focus on enjoying it. You can transfer the mixture into a flask if you want to drink it at work or school. However, there's a certain charm to taking your time and enjoying it in the comfort of your own home. Just remember to make this beverage only every other day to regulate your caffeine intake.
Make the popular coffee smoothie
Drinking coffee as a smoothie can seem unfamiliar at first. However, it's great to shake up your routine every once in a while. The beverage retains all the perks and flavour of the caffeinated beverage you know and love. Make it and find out just how delicious it is.
Beth Rush is the beauty editor at Body+Mind, and has much experience writing about how readers can create personal care routines that impact their sense of self in positive ways. https://bodymind.com/ https://www.facebook.com/bodymindmag/
AuthorJenniferStern
ABigHandfortheSpiritsexploresthespacewherescience,religionand magiccometogether–wheretheworldbehavesinwaysthatareatonce absolutelynormalbutalsoutterlyamazing.
An ecologist on the run from a hit man joins up with a brilliant physicist struggling to reconcile his traditional African beliefs with science, an anaesthetist dealing with a bad marriage, a physically powerful, but emotionally distraught river guide and an enigmatic recovering drug addict who alternates wildly between reality and fantasy. Together they travel overland from Vic Falls to Malawi, encountering many adventures, some intellectual, some fun and some downright terrifying. As they explore the power of their individual and collective unconscious, they discover that they are connected in unexpected ways and, through means both mystical and prosaic, work together to survive and achieve each other's goals.
Author Jennifer Stern has spent much of the last three decades aimfully wandering around southern Africa
finding cool things to do and writing about them. She is a multi-published non-fiction author who writes mostly about travel, tourism, food, culture and coffee and A Big Hand for the Spirits is her first foray into fiction. While this debut novel draws heavily on her travels and her experience teaching diving in Malawi, it is most definitely a work of fiction, not a travelogue, a memoir or a thinly disguised autobiography.
Her published books range over a period of three decades and include titles such as Southern Africa on a budget (Struik), Science of tourism (Juta) (co-authored), The ultimate guide to Cape Town and the Western Cape (Wesgro/Map Studio) and Kruger National Park expanded visitor's guide (Map Studio). She is also a contributor to eight different books.
The action, which includes wild white water rafting, tracking elephants, dabbling in witchcraft, catching snakes and learning to dive, mirrors the characters' exploration of the nature of reality, time and truth – and whether there are, in fact, only three thousand people in the world. The climax on the edge of Lake Malawi revolves around a dramatic performance of the Gule Wamkulu spirit dancers that may – or may not – be instrumental in bringing it all together.
Odyssey Magazine is giving away 3 books. to enter, visit the following website link: https://odysseymagazineco.za/community/ #competitions - giveaways or scan the QR code
Click on the title of the book.
Closing Date 26 August 2024
In the journey of life, every woman experiences the profound rhythm of her menstrual cycle, an intricate dance between the body and nature's cycles. Yet, in many cultures, this sacred process remains shrouded in secrecy and stigma. It's time to change that narrative and empower young girls with knowledge that can shape their futures. Our role at Muse is to change the narrative, educate and empower.
The menstrual cycle:
The menstrual cycle is not just about bleeding; it's a gateway to understanding your body and harnessing your inner power. At Muse, we believe in educating and empowering girls to embrace their menstrual cycle consciously.
The seasons of a woman's cycle:
Winter (Days 1-7 - Menstruation):
This is the time for deep introspection and self-care. Just as nature slows down in winter, our energy levels dip. It's a sacred pause, a time to honour and rejuvenate. Our bodies release what no longer serves to make space for the new, emptying out and letting go.
Spring (Days 7-14 - Follicular Phase): As the days progress, we transition into spring. The world around us awakens, and so does our energy. We're in a phase of lightness, growth and renewal. It's a time to nourish our dreams and sow the seeds of our intentions, just as the Earth blossoms with new life.
Summer (Days 14-17 - Ovulation): Ovulation, like summer, is a time of vibrancy and fertility. Our bodies are primed for creation. Just as the Earth offers its bounty in summer, so do we hold the potential to bring life into the world. It's a time for joy, connection and unlimited possibility.
Autumn (Days 18-28 - Luteal PhasePMS): As the cycle progresses, we enter
the autumn phase. Much like the changing and falling leaves, our energy and emotions may shift. It's a time for introspection, a chance to decide where your energy is best used. It's a time to acknowledge the ebb and flow of our emotions and use them as guides for self-care and reflection. PMS - it's not a syndrome, it simple means 'Provide Me Space'.
Empowering girls with knowledge: By understanding these phases and tracking their menstrual cycle, young girls gain the power to make informed choices about their bodies and futures. They can identify the window of fertility during ovulation, allowing them to plan and make calculated decisions.
Education is empowerment and knowledge is the key to taking control of their lives.
The importance of conscious cycling: Teaching young girls about conscious cycling is not just about preventing early pregnancies; it's about fostering selfawareness, self-acceptance and self-care. It's a journey towards understanding their bodies and embracing the beautiful tapestry of womanhood.
Embracing the seasons within: We invite you to join us in this journey of empowerment. Let's embrace the seasons within our bodies and the cycles that connect us to the Earth.
Your support matters:
In a world where knowledge is power, let's empower young girls with the wisdom of their bodies.
Together, we can create a world where every girl knows her worth, her potential and her ability to chart her own destiny.
Join us in the journey of conscious cycling and empower the women of tomorrow. The future is bright, and it's in their hands.
byLaurenManuel
“Themostpowerfultimesinourlivescanbethetimeinbetweentimes, orlife'stransitionsthatgiveustheopportunitytochoose” BillCrawford
Remember a time, then or now, when you've been between careers, jobs, life stages or relationships? Traditionally, the narrative around our 'in between' times has centred around lack, confusion and disappointment: An unwelcome waiting room en route to happiness or the place we really want to be, suggesting that anything prior to 'happily ever after' on the final page of our story is unfulfilling, unproductive and not enough.
And while a forward-thinking strategy and vision are crucial to our progress, what if we choose a new story around life's transitional times, get comfortable with change and see the 'in between' as an opportunity to rest and ask what's next, what's possible…
If change is said to be the only constant, why do we still find it so challenging to detach from what we know, love and old ways of being which no longer match who and where we are? Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in the fact that often we don't get to control how and when transition happens. Life happens, along with accidents, addiction, adultery, divorce, retrenchment and life stage shifts into motherhood, empty nests and retirement, leaving us bewildered as to how we navigate the next part of our journey.
Solo women gathering beyond our daily routines to
explore and retreat in a new environment can be powerful for a few reasons…
As naturist and author John Muir said: "Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul alike." Research has for years validated the profound healing effects that fresh air, sunlight and natural spaces have on the human body, mind and overall wellbeing, from immunity building, to stress relief, lowering blood pressure to mood boosting. The environment where you choose to (and are able to) heal and relax is important; so retreats offering forest bathing, ocean immersions, mindful outdoor excursions can offer an extended time to spend in natural blue and green spaces and accelerate this reset.
The stories we tell
If we believe that thoughts become things, as NY Times bestselling author, Mike Dooley suggests, then we should begin to 'choose the good ones'. So what are the stories you're telling? About yourself, to yourself, to others?
While our culture, communities and upbringing play a fundamental role in solidifying much of what is familiar to us, this does not mean that our 'familiar' is still beneficial to us or that we have to choose to tell the same story.
So much of our subconscious programming determines the way we think, behave and ultimately move forward in our lives. Tools such as deep creative visualisation, meditation, breathwork, hypnotherapy, scripting and subliminals can guide us into slowing our brainwaves down to a relaxed state, quiet the conscious 'monkey' mind and/or give the subconscious the space to bring childhood memories, core moments and helpful information, allowing us to transform and reprogram a new normal or story we would like to tell ourselves.
We move to feel good, to feel alive, to improve our health, vitality and to prolong our lives. According to WHO: “Physical activity has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds, contributes to preventing and managing noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular diseases, cancer and diabetes, reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety, enhances thinking, learning and judgment skills and improves overall wellbeing.” Retreats invite us to move our bodies solo or together and perhaps even explore new ways of movement which feel good to you - hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding, dancing or Yoga.
As we recover, learn healthier ways of being and even learn how to shift from fight and flight mode, connecting to others can be key in healing. “Being able to feel safe with other people is probably the single most important aspect of mental health; safe connections are fundamental to meaningful and satisfying lives,” by Bessel van der Kolk in his book The Body keeps Score. He goes to say: “Trauma survivors often lose attunement with those around them when they collapse or shut down for survival; they can benefit greatly from activities that put them back in sync with others in a visceral way, such as kickboxing, dancing, choral singing and the martial arts practice of aikido. Even forms of play can give people a sense of connection and physical attunement with each other.”
Whether you need to give yourself permission to be still, move or support to explore a new place or mindset, solo female journeys and retreats can offer the perfect space to do so with other like-minded women. And, ultimately, this time of transition can be the start of the new narrative you choose to tell.
Lauren Manuel is a Certified Life and NLP coach, storytelling specialist and founder of the Wild and Grounded Group. She coaches individuals and groups; curates solo female travel and facilitates team breakaways centred around mindset, resilience, self-empowerment, storytelling for transformation, leadership, vision and wellbeing in Europe, Kenya and South Africa. laurenm.co.za @wildandgrounded_
Solo Female Travel | Retreats | Team Breakaways in SA, Kenya & Europe.
“I assist women, teams and organisations in transition to shift perspectives, ask “what's next and what's possible?” and to choose a new story,”
Lauren Manuel, Founder of Wild and Grounded Group
Waiting list now open:Creative writing, Safari & Yoga Retreat , Nakuru, Kenya. Oct 2024 | laurenmcoza@gmail.com Lauren Manuel | Life & NLP Coach, Facilitator, Yoga Teacher (200hr) | laurem.co.za. @wildandgrounded_
Ocean Gonana Guesthouse, Paternoster
Set on an idyllic West Coast beach, just two hours from Cape Town you'll find Paternoster's first sustainable guesthouse, an Afro-Scandi space where we can reconnect to ourselves, to each other, and to the planet. @gonanaguesthouse
Winelands
Evergreen Manor and Spa is situated in the historic core of Stellenbosch, the second oldest town in South Africa. Explore and savour the sights and tastes in the restaurants, art galleries, museums and historical buildings. @EvergreenManorandSpa
Val Du Charron; Wine and Leisure Estate
Slow down in front of the fire accompanied by awardwinning wine and vineyard and mountain views. Val Du Charron Wine and Leisure Estate is situated in the picturesque Bovlei, 10 minutes from the town of Wellington and under an hour's drive from Cape Town. @valdu.charron
Mountains
Women's Wisdom and Wellness Retreat, Stonehaven Eco Cabins and Farm 8-11 August 2024
On this spiritual and medical wellness retreat, be guided on a journey to experience true balance in every sense. Move out of a state of fight and flight and into rest and recover, using the highly effective principles of integrative healing. Here on a small Hemel en Aarde valley farm is a restful, healing space intended to re-energise and spur creativity. For retreat enquiries or eco cabin bookingsstayatstonehaven.co.za @stonehaven.ecocabins
TheLoveofNature,orabsencethereof,islikelytobethesinglemostimportantfactorin determiningthesurvivalofourspecies.
By Clive Horlock.To address the above question there needs to be an understanding of both the meaning of the word 'Love' and what is meant by the term 'Natural World'.
Our Natural World is the product of Creation and millions of years of evolution. It is a representation of all that has survived the test of time by remaining connected to Universal Intelligence, as only that which is true can survive. Our Natural World as it exists today, in all its shapes and forms, is a product of Divine Creation and represents the Ineffable Truth, that is, a truth which words cannot describe.
Humans are only a recent product of this Creation –and not the Creator.
Love is defined in the English language as: 'A' feeling of deep affection'. It has become a word liberally used today and can have different meanings depending on context. When it comes to Nature, we have seen an exponential growth in 'Nature lovers', thanks largely to
the likes of Sir David Attenborough, who has brought the wonders of Nature into millions of homes with the use of modern technologies. Sadly, however, Nature, for most people, exists only on a screen or on the other side of a window. We love to observe Nature but not necessarily be part of it. It is mostly treated as a commodity with which we can treat ourselves as an accessory to our experience. Modern humans have shown preference to live on the 'edge' of Nature and not in harmony with it.
The belief of man's superiority over Nature is deeply rooted in western beliefs. From the book of Genesis, we are led to believe that man has dominion over Nature, which in all likelihood influenced the likes of individuals such as former Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain, Francis Bacon, to issue the instruction that 'man must find ways to control Nature'.
That humans consider themselves able to control Nature is delusional, but an even greater danger is that, in so doing, they imply that humans are separate from Nature.
Animals, insects and plants have often been declared dangerous, vermin, a nuisance, or weeds and eliminated accordingly should they create any form of discomfort for humans, this done in the belief that humans can survive separately, or in the absence of Nature.
Indigenous peoples, for example the Bushmen/San people of Africa, had a very different understanding of Nature and its importance. Although the word 'love' has been used to describe their relationship with Nature, it is possibly the lack of a suitable word in the English language to describe their special relationship with Nature that results in its use. To better understand their relationship with Nature it is necessary to know more about the term 'life-force'.
Indigenous people believe in the existence of a 'lifeforce', which in Sanskrit is called 'prana', or which indigenous Americans refer to as manitou, whilst in the Bushmen language it is called 'N/lom'. Whilst prana has been described as a 'life-giving energy which flows in a current around the body', Bushmen spiritual leaders use the following image to describe the all-important lifeforce:
They describe a multi-dimensional web connecting all life and giving life to all life-forms in the Universe. It has been described as a web of connecting golden threads, which emerges as a multi-stranded rope from the Creator as an expression of his Love.
This imagery has two significant features. Firstly, it suggests and instills the belief that everything in the Universe is inter-connected and interdependent.
Secondly, it associates the life-force with Love, thus instilling the belief that Love, life and, ultimately, survival are all inter-linked
The Bushman understanding of Love was of a 'godly' love. A feeling, or emotion, which involved respect, caring, empathy and compassion. An unconditional love, considered sacrosanct in its application to all other life in the Universe.
Thus, in their understanding of holistic wellbeing it was instinctively believed that human health and wellbeing was dependent on the health of the Natural World. Hence the following expression:
'If you really Love Nature, you will not hurt it!' basically suggesting that to hurt Nature was tantamount to selfdestruction.
This understanding also made it possible for the Bushmen to not like certain things but still be able to love them as they believed that: 'God did not make mistakes.'
Their understanding of Love and Nature also explains the great capacity the Bushmen have for acceptance of whatever happens to them as natural. This in turn meant that their happiness was not compromised by hardship because – 'that's what IS'.
Once it is understood that Love is dependent on connectivity, man's separation from Nature means that real love for Nature is not possible without reconnecting to the Divine Truth. Arguably, the separation from Nature is a consequence of a separation within man himself, that is, the separation which has occurred between the True Self and the ego, which is an illusion of self. This occurred when humans developed the ability to think. This being the case suggests that, before man is able to truly Love Nature, it will be necessary to first learn to Love himself, that is, to reconnect with the True Self.
This the Bushmen were able to achieve through the development of a culture which learnt the importance of suppressing ego whilst maintaining connection with the inner self and by loving Nature, resulting in tens of thousands of years conscious and sustainable living.
GrootbosPrivateNatureReserveplayedasignificantroleinSouthAfrica'striumphant returntotheRHSChelseaFlowerShow,wherethecountrynotonlysecuredagold medalwithperfectscoresfromtheRHSjudgesbutalsowonthe'BestExhibitinthe Pavilion'andthe'BestNewDesign'awards.Thisremarkableachievementis unprecedentedforSouthAfricaattheChelseaFlowerShow.
After a four-year hiatus and the withdrawal of a long-standing sponsor, a private sector-led team emerged to ensure South Africa's flora was once again represented at this prestigious event. Key members of this team included Leon Kluge, an acclaimed plantsman and landscape designer, Keith Kirsten, conservationist Michael Lutzeyer, and Marinda Nel. The financial backing from the Rupert Nature Foundation and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, along with numerous contributions from the private sector, was crucial in bringing this display to life in London.
Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Michael Lutzeyer contributed significantly to the project with their focus on conservation and community upliftment. The Grootbos Florilegium, a collection of botanical illustrations showcasing rare plants from the reserve, was a highlight of the exhibit. Keith Kirsten added his extensive international experience and expertise, having
been involved in the South African exhibit for many decades at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Marinda Nel played a pivotal role in managing the logistics and coordination necessary for South Africa's successful return.
Cape Flora SA, a non-profit established in 2005, also supported this year's display, emphasising the sustainable harvesting and growth of the fynbos industry. The exhibit aimed to increase international demand for high-quality fynbos cut flowers, providing livelihoods for stakeholders and communities within South Africa.
The design, inspired by the windswept slopes of the Cape mountains, was described as one of the most outstanding exhibits in the history of the Great Pavilion. Leon Kluge and artist Tristan Woudberg led a team of volunteers to create a multi-award-winning display featuring large clay sculptures that provided a striking backdrop for a stunning array of fynbos cut flowers.
This achievement marked Leon Kluge's third gold medal at the Chelsea Flower Show, having previously won in 2018 and 2019.
The display showcased a multitude of species, from high-altitude fynbos to coastal strandveld rich with bulbs, celebrating the biodiversity of the Cape region. An unprecedented 22 000 stems were used, including rarely seen hybrids like the Protea 'Snow Leopard', Protea sulphurea, and Serruria florida, known as blushing brides.
Artist Tristan Woudberg explained the significance of the natural clay sculptures: "Large panels weave through the display, creating an earthy backdrop for our vibrant flora to take centre stage. The sculptures mimic mountain ranges, dividing and isolating the Cape's unique biomes. The natural cracking effect of the clay symbolises the contrasting wet and dry seasons of the fynbos biome and the fragility of these ecosystems. The negative spaces in these sheets of rock act as windows, offering new vistas to explore as one moves around the exhibit.”
The collaboration of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and other key contributors ensured that South Africa's flora not only returned to the Chelsea Flower Show but did so with unprecedented success and acclaim.
https://www.grootbos.com/en https://www.grootbos.com/en/florilegium
Withintheproseofthismethodresidesaprofoundconnectionthatspeakstothesanctityof existence,advocatingferventlyagainstviolenceinallitsforms,urginginsteadforaconscious selectionofwordsandactionsthatfostergrowthandvitality.Thisphilosophy,rootedinadeep reverenceforlife,championsawayofbeinginwhichexhaustionisunknownandeffortisnot abhorred,butratherimbuedwiththeessenceoflove,balancedharmoniouslywithrestto guideustowardsthezenithofourpotential.
Embracing homegrown.
Why do we espouse this ethos? Because within its folds lies a pathway to the divine - a journey of selfless devotion and service. It beckons us to transcend the mundane, offering prayers and gestures of worship that extend beyond ourselves, reaching out to uplift others. Even the simple act of breathing becomes a sacred ritual, devoid of the taint of pungent substances, such as onions, garlic and chives, ensuring that our very essence remains pure and untainted.
To achieve clarity of mind and purity of body, we must embrace a lifestyle free from toxins and impurities. This entails abstaining from harmful substances such as alcohol, tobacco and some medications and, instead, embracing the healing bounty of nature. Herbs, spices, fruits and vegetables become our allies in this journey, nourishing us from within and fostering vitality. Yet, even in our dietary choices, we must exercise discernment, avoiding grains that may obstruct our inner channels, while embracing the nourishing abundance of homegrown produce, including sprouts and microgreens.
But holistic wellness transcends mere dietary considerations - it is a way of attuning ourselves to the
rhythms of the cosmos. It is about aligning our actions with the cyclical dance of the sun and the moon, honouring the subtle shifts of each season as they unfold. Whether it be the vibrant energy of spring or the introspective stillness of winter, each phase of the natural world offers its own lessons, its own opportunities for growth and transformation.
Water, too, plays a vital role in this symphony of life, its fluidity reflecting the constant ebb and flow of existence. And woven into the fabric of our daily lives is the presence of the divine, infusing each moment with the potential for miracles and transcendence.
In essence, this belief system is a celebration of lovean acknowledgement of our interconnectedness with all beings and with the divine. It invites us to live consciously, with every thought and action imbued with purpose and intention. So let us embrace this sacred path wholeheartedly, for in its embrace lies the promise of spiritual fulfilment, radiant vitality and a profound sense of interconnectedness with all of creation.
Jai Guru Dev
07:15
Day 1 - Friday, 9 August 2024 (National Womens’ Day)
Giant Crystal Grid Channelling
FESTIVAL OPENS
Bliss Booths Open
Talk: e Heart of a Woman
Traditional Hatha Yoga
Workshop: Gratitude Journaling
Event: Womanity Sacred Dance
Yin Yoga
Event: Self Defence for Women
Special Event: Gentle Music with Ricky
Talk: Boundaries
Workshop: Fun Ways to Womens’ Health
Event: Shamanic Embodied Immersion
Event: Reconnective Healing
Workshop: Intimacy Truths & Taboos
Workshop: A Woman’s Way
Event: Sound Journey
Womb Yoga and Red Tent
Talk: Enneagram Pearls
Laughing Yoga
Workshop: Protecting your Energy Body
Why you should Meditate
Bliss Booths Close
Festival Day 1 Closes
Elysium Beach
Open-air Chapel
Marquee
Yoga Shala
Open Workroom
Bedouin Studio
Yoga Shala
Bedouin Studio
Restaurant Area
Marquee
Open Workroom
Bedouin Studio
Open Workroom
Marquee
Open Workroom
Bedouin Studio
Yoga Shala
Marquee
Yoga Shala
Open Workroom
Yoga Shala
Special Event: Astrogazing (weather dependent)
09:00
Day 2 - Saturday, 10 August 2024
FESTIVAL OPENS
Bliss Booths Open
Talk: Live Channelling Kuthumi
Traditional Hatha Yoga
Workshop: Optimal Heart Health
Event: Tai Chi
Talk: Build Your Inner Wisdom Well
Event: Somatic Movement
Workshop: Ancient Wisdom Modern Times
Workshop: Family & Systems Constellations
Event: Sacred Dance Nia
Talk: Supernatural
Talk: Grow a New Body
Event: Connect to Your Higher Self Workshop: Awakening the HealerWithin
Yoga Nidra
Special Event: Tai Chi
Workshop: Breakthrough to Bliss
Bliss Booths Close
Festival Day 2 Closes
Special Event: SENSORIUM Sound Immersion
Open-air Chapel
Marquee
Yoga Shala
Open Workroom
Bedouin Studio
Marquee
Yoga Shala
Open Workroom
Marquee
Bedouin Studio
Marquee
Open Workroom
Bedouin Studio
Open Workroom
Yoga Shala
Beach
Marquee
Open-air Chapel
Day 3 - Sunday, 11 August 2024
FESTIVAL OPENS
Bliss Booths Open
Workshop: Constellations & Archetypes
Meditation
Workshop: Restoration to Natural Man
Talk: e Apple Tree Business Builder
Talk: Crossing Over
Iyengar Yoga
Talk: Demystifying the Calling ( wasa/Ubizo)
Event: Sacred Sound Journey
Workshop: Ignite the Divine Spark
Event: Kirtan Mantra Meditation
Bliss Booths Close
Closing Address and Metta Meditation
KwazuluSpirit Festival Concludes
As the owner of The Laughing Forest and long-standing resident in the Elysium area, I o en get asked about the history of Elysium. I have tried to collect information in this regard and herein present a summary of what I have heard and learnt from various sources. I claim no accuracy or factuality for what I have written. Should any reader have the facts, contrary to what I have written, I will gladly correct my research. This is an attempt at a politically neutral overview, knowing that the subject is complicated and difficult to unravel
Firstly, we need to go back, way back, to the time of the San people, who were here on the South Coast of KZN from the earliest of humanity time. According to records, the San people, also known as the Bushmen, have lived in Southern Africa for tens of thousands of years. The exact length is difficult to determine but the time frame is estimated to be between 20 000 and 100 000 years, most likely longer. In their time, they would have experienced the migration of the Nguni Tribe around 700 years ago. These were to become the Xhosa, who were eventually driven further south by more Nguni tribe migration, the Zulus, around 500 years ago (late 1400s) and then the Boer migrants from the great trek, followed shortly afterwards by migrants from England, Europe, India and Asia.
The diversity of this group of migrants, with worldly
politics thrown in, delivered a period of instability and land-related challenges that, to this day, are still an uncomfortable nerve to be touched.
Closer to home, here on the South Coast, the history reflects that, in 1843, the British claimed Natal as a British Colony. Prior to that, for just a few years (+-six years), it was an independent Boer-controlled area. The advent of the change from Boer Republic to British Colony angered the Boers immensely and many sold their recently acquired farms for very little to migrants that had only recently arrived in KZN, (driven by incentives from the British Government, incentivising settlers to resettle in KZN). Many of these British settlers went on to become sugar and cattle farmers as well as entrepreneurs and, to a large extent, were instrumental in creating part of the infrastructure that exists today, along with its British flair.
It must be noted that the indentured labourers, mostly from India, were instrumental in providing labour to these farms, with a heavy toll amongst them, but their ability to adapt and diversify their skills has since seen them deliver a healthy contribution to the successes of the region.
The resultant effect was a conversion of the rolling hills of the Natal South Coast, mostly occupied by he Nguni tribe migrants, into the rolling hills of sugar cane, along with a bustling trade in both Durban and Pietermaritzburg.
Many KZN farmers and businessmen, during this time of agricultural and commercial investment, had built a small holiday homestead on land by the sea, particularly in the Pennington, Bazley, Ifafa, Elysium and Mtwalume areas, which have become the holiday and retirement villages of today, an example being the Laughing Forest, which, in its day, was part of a homestead called Southern Home.
These towns are reminiscent of a bygone era in which the San people walked among the golden beaches and pristine coastal dune forest, which, to this day, are still largely free of beach front mansions. One can just imagine how, thousands of years back, fish were trapped in the lagoons with a wide variety of abundant animal life (still present), slipping through coastal bush corridors, from one lagoon to the next, expertly providing space for the species around them. It is this space of species and tranquil existence that drives people to this area – an area full of rich culture left relatively unscathed by the passage of time and an area worthy of protection. During these times several atrocities took place and prejudicial activities drove populations apart. We are not unaware or supportive of any activity. We choose however to focus on what lies ahead. We choose to focus on our unique diversity and hope to help everyone settle on a higher ground.
In this region lies a touching tale about Samuel Goldstone, a Byrne Settler that settled in
Ifafa, whose journey unfolded uniquely. Initially marrying a local African woman, they had five sons together. They flourished in the ox wagon carting business, transporting nearby sugar cane to Durban's mills. This was no simple task as crocodile-infested rivers needed to be navigated and the journey took weeks. Following his first wife's passing, Samuel remarried. His second wife, widowed with the surname Fynn from her late husband, was connected to Henry Charles Fynn, a significant figure among the early settlers in Durban's Congella area. This story in Ifafa intertwines two cultures — Zulu and British European — Samuel Goldstone and his diverse family likely cherished moments of tranquility along the mid-south coast, embracing the peace of this setting amidst the arduous work the early settlers and locals embraced at that time.
We aim to share this experience and keep everyone aware of the enormous gratitude we have, in particular, for the environment that has been left, but also the peaceful nature of the residents in this area, which include the Goldstone family, still resident in the Ifafa area.
“In Elysium, local residents are committed to maintain the area in its natural state for as long as we can. Community driven programmes are commonplace with many participative activities. We welcome guests to this South Coast treasure. This place with history going back to the first settlers in KZN is an example of keeping things simple. It is a place of laughter in the bush, reminding us all of our unique inheritance and our authentic sense of being.” We are delighted to share our special part of the KZN South Coast with you.
WELCOME!
“When one has a grateful heart, life is so beautiful” Roy Bennett. Explore gratitude journaling with Evelyn, who is an empowering mentor, coach, speaker and author who is dedicated to helping individuals manifest the life they desire rough her transformative products, captivating talks, and rejuvenating retreats, she ignites a spark within people
Liz - heart leader, soul mover and free spirit, invites you to connect through the wisdom of your heart and body to the divine feminine energy at the centre of your being she is nudging you simply to be all of who you are Explore your own divine dance, the sacred rhythms of your soul Join in this dance with all your heart
Leo Low Ming is a dedicated, professional martial artist He has trained with the world's top masters and practised his art for over 48 years. Leo teaches the young and the not-so-young. is he teaches by learning through doing and how to experience the martial arts. Tao Te Ching says, “Empty and be lled. Bend and be straight. Yield and overcome. ”
Boundaries are the cornerstones of where we end and others start. One of the easiest, yet hardest, concepts in life, which can determine how we experience and honour ourselves and our reality. Far from being sel sh, boundaries are love in action and demonstrate your respect and commitment to the self and others. Journey with Heike on how to establish healthy boundaries.
tired? Join Anri and nd out how to get your groove back
Embark on a profound journey into the depths of your unique signature frequencies and Sacred Geometry blueprints, where the resonance of ancient wisdom intertwines with the essence of your physical form, cradled by the rhythmic heartbeat of the Sage Mother Drum Cerise will be your guide as you navigate your healing journey within
Bliss and relaxation have become sources of shame and guilt for many women, from enjoying what we eat to getting our essential chemicals of connection and community for the fullest human experience. is workshop invites women to reintegrate their intimacy with awareness, longevity and a sacred connection to creative energy. Anne-Marie founded Intimacy Coach International, which trains holistic intimacy coaches worldwide.
Overcome, heal and work through life's traumas, including sexual and emotional abuse, rape and narcissistic relationships. It's about rede ning ourselves, coming back to our utmost truth, and rebuilding who we are becoming. Hayley provides guidance on this inward journey to meet, listen to, learn from, dance with and embrace the gifts of each persona.
Sylve Sandalls, Dael Lithgow and Kaz Wilson of Moontree have been creating sound medicine together at various festivals and retreats for the past few years. A rolling tapestry of voice, instruments, percussion, resonance and sound can bring about profound inner stillness in the listener. Relax into presence as the sounds transport you into peace and clarity.
Colleen shares how to ultimately heal your soul personality's original wound. Like a grain of sand in a pearl, anger, shame, or fear is waiting to be transformed into Sat Chit Ananda - the bliss of true being Take the enneagram quiz at the link provided, bring the results along and be guided by Colleen to understand your sacred personality
Vaughn shares the bene ts of protecting and clearing your energy body with orgonite. Spiritual growth goes hand in hand with energy cleansing and an 'orgonised' space creates a puri ed environment. Orgone generators may not reduce EMF as such, yet they do protect your body from harmful e ects Orgonite allows the energy around you to ow freely
Rain-childisayoungmemberoftheBushmenclanIworkwithinBotswanaand wasbornduringaKalaharirainstorm,whichisconsideredlucky,hencehisname.
ByCliveHorlockn the past many friends and guests, who have joined me in the Kalahari for a Bushmen cultural experience, have remarked on the behaviour of Rain-child and the other children of the clan as they never seem to need disciplining and never appear to be unhappy. The children seem to take pride in helping the adults with their domestic duties and, when not helping the adults, they will happily amuse themselves with a dry tsama melon, guinea fowl feather, or similar. It does not take long for visitors to become aware of this 'unusual' child behaviour, prompting the question: “How can these children always be so happy and content even though they have nothing?”
When the question is posed to Bushmen parents, they express surprise, replying: “But why should they be unhappy, children only need to be given love and safety as they are already happy?”
Does this suggest that, in our modern world, we have in some way taught our children how to be unhappy? Have our children been taught that happiness can only
happen in association with a destination, event or reward?
As a parent and ex-teacher, I have always had an interest in child development and it is with special interest that I have tried to study the interaction between Bushmen adults and their children in order to try and establish an answer to this question. Making this study more relevant are two significant factors regarding the Bushmen:
Firstly, that they are considered the most successful society in human history, and secondly, that their remarkable survival lasted for tens of thousands of years, until the arrival of modern man – so, what are the secrets of their success?
Trying to understand their education methodology is therefore of ongoing interest to me and what has become clear is that child-raising involves the entire community and, at a very young age, inculcates the philosophies which shaped the Bushmen culture of survival.
Parents concentrate on providing love and making their children feel secure. This love is demonstrated through their caring, empathetic and compassionate relationship with others and through their respect for the natural world to which they believe we are all connected. The rest of the community helps with general education and survival skills, with spiritual leaders contributing to the understanding of love by developing the understanding that all thoughts associated with love contribute to the most powerful energy in the universe, the life-force, which they call N/lom.
Details of their education processes are not necessary for the purposes of this article except for one practice of special significance, which incorporates most of the principles of the Bushmen culture.
This practice is called the 'Healing Dance', which was/is practised at least once a week and/or when the need arises. I originally considered this ritual to be aimed at healing ill individuals, until its real purpose was made clear to me.
The ritual can better be described as a preventative and holistic healing process aimed at maintaining physical, psychological and spiritual health, as well as to maintain community wellbeing, the health of their environment and connection with the natural world.
This description provides some insight into Bushman behaviour and practices which form the basis of their culture. The healing dance's purpose basically encapsulates what could be considered the 'mission statement' for the education of Bushman children.
From a very young age children soon learn about the benefits of egalitarianism, sharing, giving and serving community - in essence, how to be human.
They learn to love the natural world and, as they explain: “You cannot harm what you love.” This love can be considered a 'godly' love, which involves empathy, compassion and caring.
They learn to suppress ego in order to avoid the social and environmentally destructive effects associated with superiority, power and greed.
They learn to be present and spend little time obsessing about the past or experiencing anxiety about the future.
They learn to connect with the energies of the universe and to benefit from universal intelligence by preventing 'thinking' from suppressing instinct and intuition. They learnt how to 'be'.
Since observing and writing about Rain-child's early education, he was required, as were all Bushmen children in his resettlement camp, to attend a local Mission School. Here he became exposed to a very different education and value system.
He encountered a culture dominated by a hierarchical and patriarchal structures. He was encouraged to be competitive, suggesting that all people are not equal and that some are better than others. Instead of believing that praise was dangerous as it boosted ego, he was taught that winners deserved praise and that individual status is more important than community. Academics became more important than all the survival skills he had been taught.
He was taught that wealth accumulation is a measure of success and that having no possessions was a sign of inferiority.
He learnt very little about the environment and was led to believe that humans were separate and superior to all that existed in nature, so much so that humans had dominion over the natural world.
His education encouraged him to prepare for a better future where happiness existed and he was always told to 'think', that is, to regurgitate all that he was being taught at school.
In addition to becoming obese as a result of the processed foods he was fed on, Rain-child became very confused by modern beliefs, which conflicted significantly with the indigenous beliefs he adopted from his grandparents. This led to insecurity and Rain-child abandoned school, where the smaller Bushmen children were also victimised. Sadly, he has joined the ranks of disillusioned young Bushmen who helplessly observe the genocide of their culture and mourn the loss of conscious living.
Clive Horlock spent a number of years teaching science before entering the private sector. This was followed by a stint in the corporate sector as general manager of South Africa's first rural solar energy company However, throughout this time his passion remained Africa's wildlife and wild places. This led him to establish a walking safari venture called 'Get Real Africa' which brought him into contact with a Bushman clan in Botswana, an experience which had a profound effect on his life journey. Although he does not consider himself a Bushmen expert, the 'teacher' in him believes that what the Bushmen have taught him needs to be shared.
To join Clive on his walks, talks and immersions, email: horlockclive@gmail.com.
09:30 - Marquee
Chanel is a erapist, Spiritualist, Trans-Voice Channel for the Ascended Masters, Lightworker, and author of 'From Party Patsy to Praying Patricia'. Apart from earning mega-academic accolades, she is the bringer of love, light and laughter everywhere she goes. Her service in the light serves all consciousness in support of the unfolding Golden Age
e heart is the meeting place for the physical body, emotions and soul. Dr Arien explores and shares evidence-based facts and gures on the natural integrative holistic approach aimed at improving the energy metabolism inside the heart's cells as well as blood supply to the heart, while also facilitating the welcoming and releasing of disrupted emotional and mental energy.
Tai Chi is an art of inner peace arising from yin and yang, the two equal and opposite forces within us and the entire universe Our life energy arises through the interplay of yin and yang, and wellbeing depends on the balance between these two Join Leo for a unique experience and let the master lead you with Tai Chi and Qi Gong movements.
In this incredible interactive illuminating session, Colleen-Joy shares how your 'Wisdom Well turns stress, stuckness and su ering into the peace, joy and love of true seeing and being. In preparation for this event, Colleen-Joy has gifted all those interested in attending with her Wisdom Well Way course linked to the festival's Wisdom experience.
Indigenous people believe in the existence of a life-force (chi, prana); in the Bushmen language this is called “N/lom” Spiritual healers describe the all-important life-force as follows: While in altered levels of consciousness they describe a vision of a multi-dimensional web of connecting golden threads to all creation as a rope from the Sky-God as an expression of his Love
Family and Systems Constellations reveal the web of life and its relationship dynamics and is supportive in removing blockages so that energy and love ow freely. is provides visibility of our place and role in the web of life, assisting us to distinguish between 'what is mine and what is not mine to carry' and how best to achieve optimal wellbeing.
Liz - heart leader, soul mover and free spirit, invites you to connect through the wisdom of your heart and body to the divine feminine energy at the centre of your being she is nudging you to simply be all of who you are. Explore your own divine dance, the sacred rhythms of your soul and join in this dance with all your heart.
lizcunningham.co.za
Join near-death experiencer and author Sarah Bullen and top psychic medium Taz Singh for an interactive part-talk and part-workshop connecting to worlds beyond our own. ey explore the mysteries of the unseen world, as well as inviting some channelled guidance from 'the Other Side' as Taz Singh taps into her unique gifts as a medium and life coach.
taz.simplybook.me
thewritingroom.co.za
Passionate nutritionist and wild forager, Kaz Wilson takes you on a quest to get your Mojo back! It's time to take your health and healing into your own hands, to detox your being, clear your brain fog and upgrade your gut! Heal auto-immune disorders, switch on your longevity genes and get the inside scoop on some healthful hacks!
moontree.co.za
Kytin shares the role that the QHHT® healing modality, created by Dolores Cannon over 45 years ago, has in enabling you to connect with your higher self, facilitating access to your soul journeythese insights are attained in a deeply relaxed theta brainwave state Kytin will conclude with a selfcare, 'Touch your Heart Meditation', to open your heart centre
instagram.com/healingwithkytin
Energy Medicine awakens the life force, creating vitality and enthusiasm and bringing greater health to body, mind and spirit! Using e ective techniques from Donna Eden's Eden Method to understand and work with your body's energy systems, we will learn to optimise your natural ability to heal and bring stamina, balance and bliss back to your being.
instagram.com/sylverosesandalls
Cultivate natural resilience for a balanced and mindful life, focusing on the pursuit of work-life balance while breaking free from living on autopilot We often don't seek to alleviate our challenges
Join Madeleine, a psychotherapist and mental health and wellness practitioner, for an enlightening journey towards a more purposeful life
https://madeleinepretorius.co.za
e SENSORIUM is an original music experience that also includes theta, beta and solfeggio frequencies, binaural beats and vocals, along with somatic polyvagal relaxation work, in an immersive sound experience to create deep bliss and relaxation - a rst in South Africa! Don't miss this incredible sound journey that takes you to the very core of your being.
blissandrelaxation.com
Saturday 10 August 2024, 14:00
What happens when we die?
How are some people able to see or communicate with spiritual worlds beyond our own? Can they offer answers to some of our most burning questions about life and death?
In this two-hour workshop, we will explore this question in an interactive and immersive session led by two experts in the field This session is part-talk and part-workshop where we will look at the mysteries of the unseen world as well as invite some channelled guidance from 'the other side' as Taz Singh taps into her unique gifts as a medium and life coach
Sarah will share the journey of her own near-death experience while in a coma for three weeks and her search to find out where she had gone and how she found her way back This search led her to her new book The Other Side, in which she gathered a fascinating collection of stories of individuals who have gone through near-death experiences, teachers with special abilities and those who can communicate across worlds using mediumship, gifts, trance and plants. She will be sharing some of those stories and remarkable journeys.
Taz Singh will be chatting about her own unique gift of sight and how she developed and grew it to become an internationally known medium. In a candid chat with Sarah, she will speak about making the connection and how to tap into your own guides and voices. Taz will do crossing-over readings as well as psychic readings with the audience You will join a guided process to find your inner gift and connect to your authentic calling
With an intuitive insight and a profound connection to the spiritual realm, Taz Singh has become a world-famous medium and life coach.
From an early age, Taz recognised the unique gift allowing her to perceive and understand dimensions beyond the ordinary. As a medium, her compassionate guidance has provided solace to countless individuals seeking closure amidst the challenges of life, offering clarity in moments of grief and uncertainty.
You can nd her on Metro FM and Radio 702 or "On The Couch with Taz" and "On The Air with Taz," featured on VivanationTV and VivanationRadio.
Sarah Bullen is a multi-published author, spiritual mentor and writing coach, leading international writing retreats and adventures in Europe and Africa. Sarah had a life-altering near-death experience herself when she was in a coma for three weeks. Her story has become a book, Love & Above: A journey into shamanism, coma and joy. Her latest book, The Other Side: Journeys into Mysticism, Magic and Near Death, gathers riveting and radical stories of people from Africa, who have crossed to the 'other side' or those who can contact it. She is a former nancial and magazine journalist writing for titles such as Marie Claire, The Guardian, Cosmopolitan and Psychologies UK.
rough constellation work we can access subtle and often unseen dynamics in our systems, become more in touch with our soul and nd ow, perspective and healing. Join us for an interactive and experiential workshop, exploring the power of constellation work, archetypes and our innate body wisdom to nd movement towards your highest potential.
celestedutoit.co.za
Detox specialist and coach, Heleen of Anouthen In nite Wellness, takes us on a journey of learning. She shares the need for the restoration of the natural man and womb-man. Our restored natural aura, scent, skin, lymphatic uid and micro-biome will render us powerful, strong and undeniably the higher consciousness that this planet needs now for the transmutation that is taking place.
anouthen.co.za
Grow a conscious, natural, purpose- lled business. ere is no need to sell your soul to make a sale or sacri ce purpose for pro t. Whether you’re starting a solopreneur path or want to scale and grow your small business, attend this interactive workshop. Ask questions, receive guidance and leave with inspired clarity with Colleen-Joy, a successful conscious entrepreneur.
colleen-joy.com
Experience messages from Spirit with Liz. e curtain between us and those who have passed is closer than you realise, and crossing over is about connecting. In our earthly garb, we pick up our smartphones and connect to people we miss. Spirit does the same using signs, dreams, etc., which we often ignore. Working with mediums enables Spirit to connect directly.
Not so long ago, having an ancestral calling was something to be shunned - not any more! e ancestral calling is unique and not limited to black Africans only. Many South Africans have experienced a shift related to African spirituality. Godfrey specialises in African traditional medicine modalities, as he shares his journey, exploding the myths of the calling.
drumbeat@madlalatebiz.co.za
Experiencing a sacred sound journey with Anne can o er profound healing and transformation. As the body relaxes and absorbs the deep, rich tones, it is able to switch o the thinking mind and start seeing into the frequencies, often stimulating the imagination, which allows for powerful co-creation. Pure sound resonates with quantum elds and therein lies the healing.
sacredsoundtherapy.co.za
Experience Ene G with Nic Tsiforos. e relative Energy is the 0,0000001 % of this reality. Source Energy (Ene G) is the fuel for this relative world and is the 99,9999999 % of everything. Activations use this Ene G to bring it into the system for healing and transformation. Initial stages require that Ene G activations start o small.
Western and Eastern Reiki • Crystal Healing
Kinesiology • Zone (Foot) Therapy
Intuitive and Spiritual Healing
9, 10, 11 August 2024 - Experience these modalities in the open-air chapel overlooking the ocean.
Yin Yoga is a gentle and uplifting practice that helps us heal both our hearts and minds. It is the ultimate nurturing self-care, enabling our bodies to commune with us. It differs enormously from Vinyasa yet is the perfect complement! Instead of merely focusing on movement, Yin Yoga emphasises the importance of slowing down through stretching, rest and introspection. Like a cool breeze on a hot summer's day, Yin Yoga provides the user with a quick respite from the pressures that often burden us in this modern age.
A heightened awareness through Yin Yoga
The various poses and stretches that are utilised in Yin Yoga allow for the participants to step into a deeper psychological awareness with themselves, as well as with their own emotional and transpersonal awareness. It enables one to step gracefully into the natural flow of life, allowing one to accept life in all its challenges as it swiftly ebbs and flows. By bringing the participant into a greater sense of unity and awareness, a higher state of observation is achieved, where a heightened understanding of life is awakened.
Push your physical boundaries
Yin Yoga positions aren't always comfortable. It's about stretching the body, the mind and the emotions to allow you to expand and grow and shake up your boundaries. Poses should test the body and could allow for discomfort, this is perfectly normal. However, do not continue if you are finding it increasingly painful or aggressive.
Using props for a more comfortable rhythm
Yoga isn't all about poses and stretches. It's about finding your inner point of silence, relaxation, or reflection. Props,
such as bolsters and blankets, can help you to relax and ease into the process of working with your targeted areas, thereby allowing you to relax without tension.
Challenge yourself with gentility instead of force
Remember that Yoga is a doorway through which you are able to enter into a deeper sense of communication with your body. It is important to push yourself, but not beyond what the body is willing to endure. Deep breathing and a state of clarity and calmness are equally as important as moving the body. Therefore, try to use only 70 to 80 per cent of your body's maximum ability. The rest of the space will allow the breath to flow. Hold your poses for up to five minutes and utilise this time for deep inner travel and reflection.
It's all about the breath
Yoga is a time for deep meditation and mindfulness. Use your breath as a pillar of support to guide you through the emotions or thoughts that may arise. Like water, allow it to flow as your thoughts, both pleasant and unpleasant, move through you and transform you. You may even want to try directing your breath and intention to areas of the body that require deeper relaxation.
Using Yin Yoga to nourish your spleen and liver
By assisting you to embrace reflection and kindness to yourself and all facets of your being, Yin Yoga is able to support healthy muscles, ligaments and tendons. Yin Yoga has also been used to support the liver and spleen – which are both responsible for the flow, distribution and nourishment of blood.
Friday, 9 August at 09:30
Saturday, 10 August at 09:30
Sunday, 11 August at 09:30
With Duncan Rice yogamyoga.com
Friday, 9 August at 11:00 With Cassi Volkwyn
cassi@bo-yoga.co.za
Friday, 9 August at 14:00 With Simone Mary Laughing Yoga Laughing Yoga swissrol@gmail.com
With Sharon Chetty
Friday, 9 August at 15:30
With Marina Scharfen Saturday, 10 August at 16:00
umzumbesurfcamp.com
With Dael Lithgow Friday, 9 August at 16:00 zuvuyamountainsanctuary.com
Somatic Movement Saturday, 10 August at 11:00
With Luzelle Baard somaticjourney.co.za
Meet some of our incredible participants
Friday 9 August 15:30 - The 3 Enneagram Pearls in the Marquee
Healing your soul personality's original wound.|
Author and creator of the internationally accredited InnerLifeSkills Master Coach School, for an enlightened Enneagram healing, Colleen guides us to understand your sacred personality pattern and bring it wholeness. Take the pre-talk test, bring your results with you: coach.innerlifeskills.com/product/enneagram-free/
Saturday 10 August 11:00 - Build Your Inner Wisdom Well in the Marquee
Turning stress, stuckness, and suffering into the peace, joy, and love of true seeing and being. This is not only for saints and sages, like water liberated from beneath a desert, it has the power to transform our lives into a garden of enlightened living. Wisdom heals, nourishes, and can help us face the challenges of living in these insane times.
In hour 1, learn the method and answer questions, then in hour 2, move to a meditation space to be guided to build your Inner Wisdom Well so that when you leave this experience, you can find and free your inner wisdom any time, anywhere.
Join Colleen's 100 Wisdom Well Challenge: youtu.be/URrF595WKrk?si=X4uDdljnYZLyw1RV
Sunday 11 August 10:30 - The Apple Tree Business Builder in the Open Workroom
There is no need to sell your soul to make a sale or sacrifice purpose for profit. Whether a solopreneur or a small business and you want to scale and grow, spend time with Colleen-Joy, a successful, conscious entrepreneur who has guided many to do the same. Work with wisdom and learn how to bring the rain of abundance. The world and our country need conscious, wisdom-led businesses. This is an interactive space to workshop, ask questions, receive guidance, and leave with inspired clarity.
Colleen-Joy MCC, a Master Coach Mentor and the driving force behind the InnerLifeSkills brand, invites you to join her global community of leaders, coaches, seekers of wisdom and visionaries who make a living making a difference. Colleen has taught over 35 000 people in 60 countries, delivering over 4 000 classes and talks. Two documentary television features have been made about her life story and she's been a regular expert television and podcast guest for over 20 years. Join her online internationally ICF-accredited Master Coach classes and enjoy her many free resources.
https://www.colleen-joy.com/
https://www.innerlifeskills.com/ https://www.youtube.com/colleenjoy
Leo Low Ming is a dedicated, professional martial artist. He has trained with the world's top masters and practised his art for over 48 years. Leo teaches the young and the not so young. This is learning through doing. How to experience and evolve through the martial ways unfurls. Join Leo Low Ming for a unique experience. Step by step, let the master lead you… Simple taiji and qi gong movements and meditation techniques open up an energetic connection with the physical world. The western way thinks vigorous exercise that strengthens the muscles and heart brings good health. But the eastern way is different. Gentle, slow, repetitive movements release tension in the soft tissues and nerves, stimulate the organs, circulate the blood and quietly relax you. Here there is no separation of mind, body and emotions. Unsurprisingly, scientific evidence suggests that taiji can prevent illness and prolong life. Slowly, very slowly, you can feel, release, open and heal all that is bound and restricted within you.
“When the Tao is present in the universe, the birds sing.” Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching: Verse 9
If there is harmony and balance in nature, your true nature unfolds. There is no such thing as early or late. Too much or too little. Too fast or too slow. Taiji is an art of inner peace. An inner peace arising from yin and yang, the two equal and opposite forces within us and the entire universe. Our life energy, or chi, arises through the interplay of yin and yang. Wellbeing depends on a harmony or balance between these two. Africa: The birthplace of humanity, where ancient ways can help us to see how we are part of the world, impacted by it and affecting it. Also as the most dominant species, we see how we burden the planet through our disharmony. As the Tao Te Ching says: “Empty and be filled. Bend and be straight. Yield and overcome.” Through mind, body awareness and the breath, it is time to recalibrate, recharge and reconnect with yourself and the natural world.
Leo Ming +27 83 378 0468
To purchase a copy of Leo's taiji book, visit my website at www.mingsmartialarts.co.za
“...whilstthisplanethasgonecyclingonaccordingtothefixedlawof gravity,fromsosimpleabeginningendlessformsmostbeautifuland mostwonderfulhavebeen,andarebeing,evolved.”
-Charles Darwin, The Origin of Species Purchase the online Chi Gong Course, go to: https://www.mingsmartialarts.co.za/online-chi-gong-course/
There are three things that I stand by: Know Thyself, so you may honour your know; the Truth will set you Free; and the Divine lives within You!
In April, I embarked on my first Vision Quest, a pilgrimage for my soul. In all honesty, I can tell you that I descended from that mountain a profoundly changed woman. The one who walked up to sit in her nest for four days without food, water, or shelter was not the same as the one who came down.
The call to quest was so strong that I felt its vibration in every cell of my being, reminiscent of the day I received the call to become a shamanic practitioner. When I returned home, I embraced the stillness and the oneness; I was the void, the space between the space. It was there that I came to understand: I am a creation, a fragment of the Divine Light. We all are. We are one.
There is no separation between us, only the illusions we create within our minds. My vision is clear: Medicine is for the people.
I am an awakener, a guide for those seekers who choose to align with their unique vibration. My mission is to seed the light, empowering you to unlock the key to release dense energies and step into the frequencies of your Divine Self.
I invite you to walk with me on the greatest journey you will ever embark on — the journey to Know Thyself. I know the struggles, the doubts and the fears that you face. I've walked that path and now I
walk the path of balance and connect with the ancient teachings to guide you to your life of freedom.
These teachings and wisdoms are not relics of the past; they are living, breathing tools that we can use in our modern lives to transform and reconnect with the source of all within ourselves. It's about daring to rock the boat, knowing that staying in calm waters doesn't guarantee you won't sink. True growth comes from facing the waves and embracing the journey with courage and conviction.
I am based in the Wilderness, Garden Route and offer both online and in-person offerings and ceremonies. Connect with me on Facebook and other platforms as I vow to speak my truth and share my transformation, channelled messages and food for thought from an open heart. I look forward to connecting with you and trust that, when it is divinely guided, our paths will meet at a ceremony, workshop, talk, or another sacred gathering.
I am here to walk this path with you, to share the light and guide you towards your own internal vision quest. Embrace the journey, find your truth and honour the Divine within you.
Blessings, Beams of Light, Cerise Maartens
Mother Angel Seeds the Light Aho Mitakuye Oyasin
I AM Kuthumi and I come forward upon the Rays of Love and Wisdom to greet thee at this time and to gift unto thee a divine blessing of love.
The 'Lion's Gate' Infinite Portal of the Divine Goddess is all about divine feminine creative energy, which, along with the Leo energy, invites everyone to roar their power like royalty. Each year this coincides with the 'Day out of Time' (25 July) and the Planetary Galactic New Year (26 July) when this gateway awakens. It closes on August 12th.
It is a powerful time of integrating Diamond Light Codes directly emitted via the Great Central Sun Galactic Core, through Sirius, via your Sun, streaming transformational Love frequencies towards you. Your planetary evolution depends on this energy for its 'fuel injection' to assist with progress on all levels.
This alignment celebrates a configuration with the Sphinx and Great Pyramids filtered into all ley lines and sacred sites, which amplifies this energy.
This gateway supports the melding of science and religion on every level. This in turn raises awareness to embrace Diamond (Gamma) Consciousness, thus 12th Dimensional energy working through your 12th Chakric System, into the 13th, The Divine Mystery of all Existence.
Many are facing challenges when it comes to rediscovering the Love that you are. Work with the gifts of unconditional Love extended from your totem animal(s). Receive this as part of nature, like divine impressions held within the womb of Gaia whilst she transitions through a natural evolutionary process.
Your inner or innocent child gifts you the innocence to trust completely. This allows a state of surrender and acceptance. You see, when you look through the heart of innocence, anything is possible.
Diana Speaks… I am Diana Goddess of Light.This higher dimensional portal supports the divine
goddess frequency within all to bring about balance which was suppressed for eons. To facilitate this rebirth within the awakening Aquarian Age, it had to transcend the Piscean Age limitations.
The thinner the veils between worlds, the more 'enlightening' consciousness becomes. The deeper the awakening, the easier to raise your frequency to communicate with your Higher Self and others of higher dimensions. Thus, as a surrogate and instrument, you are a divine multidimensional conduit or anchor.
The goddess energy recalibrates the divine masculine/feminine template into balance. Understandably this portal exposes even the uninformed to great sensitivity, as the inner ear whispers, inviting you to discover your inner voice.
Embrace life from a non-judgmental point of view!
Feminine consciousness births a flexible spiritual creative energy that boosts communication between third and fifth dimensional consciousness, inspiring your creative juices to flow! This allows the divine goddess within, no matter your gender, to weave her tapestry of love, compassion, creativity and sensual divinity.
The 'experiment' of duality requires recreation to balance your inner masculine/ feminine. Through eons of lower (un)consciousness humanity focused on the 'levelling of the roles' which is rapidly shifting. Gateways such as this speed up the change.
8 = Infinite Possibilities and Abundance
2024 Gateway = 8 8 8 (Hold on to your hat!)
Following the flow of 'give and take', the laws of karma, manifestation and attraction, thus magnetics, reminds you 'as you give, so too must you receive'.
Your Sun in the constellation Leo challenges you to release fears. Let go of yearnings like 'needing to be noticed' (or not).
As the victim you cannot explore the powerful mysticism of the Lion(ess).
The Royal Golden Lions, along with many others from your Spiritual Sun Sirius, hold the energy imprint of this portal. You as Lightworkers, along with their planetary counterparts, the White and Golden Lions, Dolphins, Whales and Elephants, serve as surrogate hosts for this energy.
The Lions specifically teach you to roar with wisdom, sensibly and sensually, following your intuition. Thus, to be strong and confident in your ability as a much-loved and appreciated lightworker that has come to set the Grand Plan in motion.
The general nervousness amongst humanity is stirred by the previously over-stimulated collective male dominance within the (unconscious) collective. This is now replaced by the new balanced conscious divine feminine/masculine. This inspires 'spiritual maturity' which must include the world of science; hence quantum mechanics, quantum spirituality and of course the quantum multidimensional being, YOU!
The grid systems supporting your planet facilitate this and all shifts.
The inner goddess enjoys humour as she understands herself. She embraces her lover, friend, or partner without the need to control. She extends gifts of creativity, expression, intuition, imagination and incubation through the laws of allowance, acceptance and surrender.
And so, a new world unfolds. Thank you. Adonai.
Kuthumi returns.
Beloveds, by embracing one's truth as a quantum being, perceptions of human tangibility must shift. Your scientists will prove this and the priests of your land will have to be 'okay' with these revelations! Creativity births excitement and an expansive mind creates entrepreneurs. Each of you is a dormant entrepreneur and this gateway dares you to unleash this.
How? Surrender into the Will of the Divine so that Providence can awaken your latent ability within. The Lion's Gateway bursts with confident sensual energy, no victimised poor me here! By tapping into allowance (to create), an expansive field of possibilities greets you through the law of acceptance (to receive).
Remember, the only difference between what you and another create, is the perception thereof, be it art or craft. Go on! Dare to express yourself within the world of Colour, Light, and Sound!
Religion (rigid) + science (practical) = spirituality (flexible).
The spirit within is not rigid nor necessarily practical. No matter your reality, your sacred essence within trusts who you are, knows no boundaries nor judgment and knows that indeed anything is possible, for it truly is.
As you leap to 'roar your truth' bring an awareness to the unconscious gifts extended to everyone through the New Codes (Diamond/Gamma/Liquid Love). These intentions of truth and inner power form the basis of Christ Consciousness. Move away from cloak-and-dagger disputes. Set your intent for complete transformation by flooding your physicality with these codes, filtered through your biological gateway of consciousness, your endocrine system.
Your pineal, along with the pituitary (and other glands) shall in time illuminate your way that, even in your darkest hour, you will never fear the setting sun!
Now this is how we see the future of this planet.
This portal unlocks abundant consciousness, revealing pathways to aid your manifestations. Remember to shift your inner focus from 'current lack' to 'true desires'. Keep the lower ego in check, transcend self-sabotage and step into a new timeline creating a whole new reality, The New You. Through the Alchemy of Consciousness, the rare White Lions represent Divine Intervention. This is the miracle of Divinity at play. Each of you may claim your right to experience this, a gift extended to you from the Heart of the Supreme Creator of All That Is.
Beloveds, the roar of the Lion stirs the 'I' within 'I Am', awakening the silence of individuality by embracing authenticity. The waking Christ Consciousness within is beamed forth from the Christ Kingdom Rays and Diamond Consciousness Codes, unlike anything this planet has ever experienced, as you called it forth.
Other beings in support of this gateway are the Lords and Ladies of Alchemy, the Sun Goddesses and Lord Ra, Goddess Sekhmet and all Syrian counterparts. This gateway transports all this from a quantum cosmic reality into physical understanding. Embrace this reality, it is yours for the taking.
Relax and find a quiet space to integrate the frequency this offers. Listen gently as the magnificent sound of heavenly choirs comes to life, extending their musical spheres to envelop you, bringing heaven unto earth through your inner ear, listen gently. Pause.
Ahead of you is a multi-coloured Domed Cathedral. Gently place both hands on the massive doors in front of you, connecting to the energy within. For a moment become aware of feelings of intimidation or insecurity (if any) projected by some of the many beings inside the cathedral. Respond with love. Pause.
Visualise two powerful Lions appearing by your side, male and female, White or Golden Lions. Take note which is on which side. Run your hands across them, feel the texture of their fur, the smoothness of the female and the mane of the male. Rest your hands gently on their heads. Pause.
Using a crystal wand, gently tap the Lions on their heads and the cathedral doors swing open. With your Lion guardians roaring your truth by your side, walk to the centre. You are surrounded by many, many, beings of light all around.
The heavenly choir and celestial bells echo with glorious colours streaming forth from the crystal dome. Feel excited as your Lions continue their majestic roar! Pause.
Left Brain → Right side of Body → Masculine → Past
Right Brain → Left side of Body →Feminine → Future
Ponder on which side your male/female lion and wand are. Which do you give preference to or may need attention. Pause.
Claim your magnificence as a divine being surrounded by all that is you!
Beloveds, as you glance across these souls, know that each represents a reflection of you. All facets, personalities and incarnations that you have worked so arduously on to groom. Some successful, some in progress. You no longer need to succumb to duality, even if some lessons remain. Embrace a world based on the reality that you project towards yourself. Accept this. Pause.
Together with your Lions, beam from your heart centre a new perspective to finally release the moulds of old. See all of these soul aspects bathed within the Pink Flame of Compassion. Each played its part for you to discover yourself. Pause.
The two Lions come to stand facing you with their backs towards your past reflections. Look into the female's eyes. Communicate to her the compassion you feel in your heart. Ask her to assist you to roar your divine feminine power. Gently touch her face as you bring yours close to hers. Smell her musk as you gently hug then release her. Pause.
Bend down and finger the male's impressive mane, feeling its texture, smelling the potency of his musk. Look deeply into his eyes, thanking him for his masculine support in allowing you to trust your truth and roar your power! Pause.
Your Royal Guardian Lions leave to take up their positions outside the entrance of your sacred temple, whilst your inner child and totem animal enter to join you.
Your totem animal teaches you unconditional love. Your inner child reminds you that anything is possible! Explore and enjoy their essence.
Now connect in unison as ONE with all your aspects bathed in Pink Flames.
Your Soul Star magnetises the Lion's Gateway frequency extended from the beyond, whilst your Earth Star pulses new codes into the core of Mother Gaia to benefit all.
Your auric field is electrifying, pulsing a myriad of colours, reflected from the multi-coloured dome above you, into your essence.
Feel your magnificence! Leave that image within your cathedral. Return to explore and expand any time!
In the Light of the Sun and SON, I give my heart and blessings to you! Call upon all of us, we'll be there!
May the Light of the living Christ be within you. May your Solar Fire burn brighter than ever. May each day amplify your Divinity and may all always be well within your world. I am Kuthumi I am the Lord and Master Cohan of the Golden Rays of Love and Wisdom and I Greet and bless thee in Love.
Adonai.
Author of “From Party Patsy to Praying Patricia”www.visionoftheheart.co.za. Transvoice channel for the Ascended Masters since 2006 after surviving a mindblowing extraordinary ordination.
Wise words, insinuating to follow your own inner guidance. So very profound if you look at how the gut was formed and the role it plays in keeping you alive and well. What happens if your gut is ill, broken down, irritated, ulcerated? Will you be following your inner guidance or will the guidance be influenced by the actual status of the tissue housing the neurological network which is the translator of life force (guidance)?
Let us start at the beginning
Two major channels form in the embryo, the spine and the gut tissue. The spine becomes the neurological network, which is the operating system of the body; it brings movement and change to cells, tissue, organs, systems and processes. The gut tissue becomes everything else. From your ears to the endocrine glands, to all the organs and then some. The gut, or a better scientific description, the gastrointestinal tract (GI tract) starts at your lips, includes your mouth, teeth, salivary glands, tongue, oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, colon, rectum and eventually the anus. The GI tract has this electrical relationship with every other organ and gland in your body, the same as the iris, the soles of your feet and the palms of your hands. It is the way that either sustenance or toxins are delivered or not delivered to the body.
Although the GI tract is in the centre of our body, it is still on the outside. This hollow tube can receive food
and drinks, but if the 20cm duodenum (the first part of the small intestines) does not have the ability to absorb the nutrients, the food and drinks will pass right through your body and you will be feeding the toilet. This 20cm intestine is the biggest gateway to the inside of your body.
As a detox coach, I have more people being worried about the fact that they cannot pick up weight (malabsorption), than people who want to lose weight. It is a scary thing to eat and still wither away!! Yet the sad part is, the overweight people still sit with cells suffering from malnutrition, but their body accumulates cholesterol, fats and other ways of surviving the very acidic state we build with our current habits of cooking our foods and eating outside of our specie, which adds up to the extra weight they carry.
Our physical body is a food processor. Everything from our mouth to our torso, stomach area and pelvis area exists to feed nutrients (fuel and building blocks) to the cells of our body so that we can move, walk, jump, talk, see, hear, feel, taste and experience life through creating and participating. There are four processes food needs to go through for our body to make use of its effect and all four of these processes need to work optimally if you want to deliver optimal energy, nutrients, fuel and building blocks to your cells. Digestion, absorption, utilisation and elimination.
The GI tract plays a direct role in three of the four processes, digestion, absorption and elimination and an indirect role with utilisation. You can imagine the detrimental result if the GI tract starts breaking down and is not able to bring sustenance to the cells or remove the wastes successfully.
What makes the gut break down? Acids. The accumulation of acidic wastes and toxins. Where do these wastes and toxins accumulate? In our sewage system, the lymphatic fluid, which makes up 80 per cent of the fluids in your body, blood making up the rest. Since humans started eating outside of our species and fell for technology by starting to cook/process foods, we have been acidifying our inner environment to the point where our life expectancy went down from 900 to 300 to 150 to 100 and this number is slowly sinking lower.
The lymphatic fluid and blood fill the spaces between our cells, bringing nutrients, fuel (sugars) and oxygen to the cell and removing the cellular waste and digestive ash. This very lymphatic fluid also fills the spaces between the cells of the GI tract. If this lymphatic fluid is in a congested state, the acids it carries burn, eventually causing the breakdown of the cell, which causes the breakdown of the GI tract. When a cell becomes acidic on the inside (because it has been drowning in acids), mainstream medicine calls it a cancer cell. Nothing happens overnight, we build 'diseases' daily with our choice of sustenance.
There are other relationships to explore, way too many for this writing, so let us look at a few.
The GI tract and the adrenal glands
The process of introducing sustenance to the body first involves voluntary muscle actions and chemical break down. But when the digesting food (chyme) hits the small intestines, it is involuntary muscle actions that move the digesting food through the small and large intestines. In the large intestine we call it peristalsis. When we suffer from constipation or diarrhoea (two sides of the same coin) it has to do with the weak autonomic nervous system. Which connects us to the adrenals, since the adrenals produce neurotransmitters. The neurological system is like the hardware, the neurotransmitters are like the software of our operating system. With a deficiency in neurotransmitters, the autonomic functions in our body (breathing, heartbeat, and peristalsis) become weaker.
The GI tract and the parathyroid glands
When we see conditions like prolapsed organs, or polyps, hernias, haemorrhoids, varicose veins, spider veins etc., we know we are dealing with: 1. A body that might be
leeching calcium to fight acidosis, or 2. weak parathyroid glands that do not produce enough parathyroid hormone for the utilisation of calcium. Or a combination of both. This translates to a connective tissue weakness.
The GI tract and the pituitary gland
There is a feedback loop between the transverse colon and the pituitary gland. Often when people are suffering from migraines, it boils down to toxins in the transvers colon and these toxins leeching to the pituitary gland.
The solution
Hydrate and alkalise your body with fresh fruits and stop consuming anything else. The human specie is a frugivore specie, we can fully heal if we eat according to our specie. And remember, when you start eating fruits only, you will start healing and a healing body is a messy business. Mucus is going to leave your body in all ways possible. This is where a detox specialist can mean a lot to you; the experience gained by supporting others to work through their healing and combining the healing process with powerful and functional herbal formulas, provide the support you need to do this very important work – to heal.
If you want to follow your gut, make sure it is a healthy gut for clear interpretation, you will be shocked at the level of awareness and clarity that sets in when your gut is no longer compromised.
Heleen Elizabeth is a detox coach and a transformational speaker. Her passion is to teach about specie-orientated diets as a vehicle for complete regeneration, allowing for the restoration of our physical bodies, to be part of the transmutation of our planet currently taking place. Connect with her by joining one of our online detoxes and workshops to empower you to continue your healing journey. Heleen is a speaker at the KwazuluSpirit Festival 2024 and has shared that she is so looking forward to connecting with you on her topic of 'The Immense Power of becoming Natural Man and Womb-man again'. Website: www.anouthen.co.za
MeetGodfreyMadlalatewhoshareshisjourneyandhisexperienceofhowtheroleof TraditionalHealthPractitionerhasbecomeasought-afternaturalhealthoptionforallSouth Africans.
TheancestralcallingisuniqueandnotlimitedtoblackAfricansonly.SouthAfricaboastsa fewwhite,colouredandIndiantraditionalhealers,whoweretrainedandmentoredamongst familiarlines.Wehavetopreservethebeautyandintegrityofourdiversecommunity. Ipersonallyhadtosacrificeanentireprofessionalcareerinthebuildingenvironmentinorder totakeupworkasatraditionalhealthpractitioneronafull-timebasis.Thisismy24thyearin thefieldandIhavegatheredalotofwisdomintheprocess.Myappealtotheyoungerand recentlyinitiatedtraditionalhealersisthattheirconductshouldremaindignifiedandfullof integrityatalltimes.
African traditional health practitioners worked tirelessly with the national Department of Health between 2003 and 2010 to recognise and formalise our healing work officially. The pinnacle of this process was that former President Thabo Mbeki assented to the Traditional Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 in a landmark parliamentary ruling. The act allows government to regulate the work of all traditional health practitioners in South Africa and to deal with misconduct by healers. A special Directorate of Traditional Medicine was established within the Department of Health and at least 10 per cent of the national health budget was reallocated to this directorate. An Interim Council for Traditional Medicine is also in place since circa 2008. We argued that we, as healers, could not be regulated by the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) due to the complex nature of our work and inadequate documentation of our work, let alone our modes of training and practice approaches.
The Traditional Health Practitioners Act No.22 of 2007 classifies traditional healing work into four categories:
• Herbalists;
• Diviners;
• Traditional Birth Attendants (midwives);
• Traditional Surgeons (circumcision ritual specialists).
This classification does not recognise the entire spectrum of healing in South Africa but provides a comprehensive perspective of the situation on the ground. The recognition of traditional healers in South Africa has not been an easy journey and remains incomplete at this stage. We do hope that the finalisation of the Council on Traditional Medicine will provide for the standardisation of training approaches, medical aid claims and professional recognition for healers. It remains a bridge too far.
Outside of the scope of government, healers have made inroads into the establishment of formal tertiary qualifications for traditional healers.
A case in point is the Mhlabuhlangene School of African Medicine in Ladysmith, KwaZulu-Natal. They offer diplomas, bachelor's, honours, master's and PhD programmes in African traditional medicine as well as theology and are fully accredited by the relevant higher education authorities up to National Qualifications Framework Level 10. Amongst the highest qualifications they offer is a PhD in healing science. The entire mindset that healers are barbaric, unhygienic, dirty, uneducated, misguided and dangerous to society has to change rapidly. We have worked tirelessly to change the face of healing in this country. What is actually amazing is that the calling to become a traditional healer (herbalist, diviner or prophet) has nothing to do with one's educational background. We have academics, politicians, bureaucrats, sports personalities and ordinary working-class citizens who have been called to heal by their ancestors. I should also caution those who think that healers worship their ancestors. On the contrary, we venerate our ancestors and worship God. This is part of our unfortunate history in that, when the Christian missionaries and explorers first landed in Africa, they changed our ways of living and belief systems. Traditional and indigenous belief systems were demonised as being barbaric and ungodly. It is my ongoing wish that young South Africans will in future register for higher education studies in healing as well as indigenous knowledge systems.
My perspective on the role of traditional health practitioners in South Africa
The African traditional healer of the precolonial era was a leader in society. These healers were very pivotal in regional and national decision making, seated next to our kings and queens. They were responsible for a lot of societal deliverables that included, among others, the following:
• Rain making for the local regions;
• Assisting the kings, queens and other traditional leaders with advice and decision making, in the context of ensuring the wellbeing and protection of the nation;
• Precolonial primary and tertiary health care systems, including surgery and midwifery;
• Strategy and scenario planning for the nation through prophecies, divination and predictions;
• Domestic animal welfare and care;
• Overseeing cultural rituals and ceremonies;
• Counselling the general population;
• The regular sourcing of herbs and shrubs for processing and the ultimate treatment of humanity.
Beyond precolonial Africa a lot has changed, due to the advent of 'modern civilisation', colonisation, repression, political systems and the resettlement of our people, education and technology. The modern-day traditional healer works in a highly restrictive and regulated environment that stifles the creativity and versatility of our approaches and methods. It remains our task to ensure that traditional healers operate in optimal environments despite facing numerous challenges. When we introspect our roles in present-day South Africa, we realise that our central role remains to foster social cohesion and nation building, this to be followed by the building and rebuilding of nuclear families. We are, alongside traditional leaders, custodians of our culture and heritage. Our core daily duty remains to divine and treat our patients. We also have a mammoth task of balancing the earth's energy points through several spiritually inspired rituals and ceremonies that include rain making. We are an integral part of the practitioners that have to ensure that we live in harmony with nature and its ecosystems. The complexity of colonisation compels us to educate the youth on African indigenous knowledge systems. We have to strive to empower the African children and adults to thrive in the diverse and interfaith community that we have become.
Godfrey Madlalate, Dip (Herbalism) has been working as a traditional health practitioner since 2001 and is based in Soweto, Johannesburg. In 2000 he spent a year receiving training as a healer. He specialises in bones divination, physical treatment and energy balancing of individuals using African traditional medicine modalities. His other passion remains patient counselling and life path alignment. He is the owner and MD of Madlalate Management & Development Consulting. He's a part-time management consultant and previously worked in the private sector in a management capacity since 1993. He is highly experienced in the fields of project management, urbanisation development, enterprise development, corporate strategy and scenario planning.
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“The industry had been thriving for years and the farmers and their families were reaping considerable profits from the green herb that grew like a weed. The merchants were swelling the villages with new shops and buildings, and all were flourishing from this plant that gave freely of its medicine and mysticism alike.
But the ancient Egyptian government still did not like this plant that gave people visions of freedom and oneness, and they began to crack down once again. Growers and merchants could afford to bribe the officials, and so for a while it was back to business as usual. Until 1378 CE, that is, when an order came down to destroy the hemp fields once and for all. But this time, the farmers united and chose to resist. The governor sent troops into the fields intent on total decimation.
Determined to preserve their livelihoods, the farmers secured their fields, and the troops were forced to back off and eventually decided to place the whole area under siege and hopefully starve the growers into submission.
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The people held out for several months, but the soldiers finally broke through the village defenses and there was no alternative but to capitulate. The valley was placed under martial law. They torched the fields, placed many towns under strict surveillance, and razed others to the ground. They shuttered local cannabis cafes and hashish kiosks. Proprietors of these businesses were hunted down and killed. Patrons of these shops and all known hashish users were assembled in the town squares, and in full view of all the townspeople, soldiers wrenched out their teeth.
However, by 1393 CE, the hashish business would once again come back and thrive. Because you can't keep a good herb down! It is a good and mighty thing that ‘you can't keep a good herb down.’
Note:
CE stands for 'Common Era' and it refers to the same years as AD does,
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