From the Editor
Wheel Of Life #3-644 Portland St, Suite 413 Dartmouth, Nova Scotia Canada B2W 6C4 E-mail: wheeloflifemagazine@gmail.com Tel: 1-902-404-8677
ISSN - 2561-8598
Welcome to Wheel of Life Magazine! Hello and Happy Spring! Well, we made it through our first year! It was one year ago today we launched our first issue, with James Redfield as the feature interview. A lot has happened in the past year–I met many wonderful writers, some came for an issue or two and others came to stay. I learned that a digital format magazine is a tough sell. As much excitement as there was for the magazine, I learned that people do prefer paper magazines and not on-line, which came as a great surprise to me. I did investigate printing it, however, being an individual and not a large publishing company, the prices were not feasible. Plus, it very much goes against my beliefs of not using paper, to help save trees.
Published by Blue Crow Inspirations Editor - Angela Jeffreys Design - Amanda Salsman Photography Consultant - Marc Geuzinge We recognize and respect all copyrights. Photographs Unless otherwise stated, graphics are sourced from Pixabay Advertising Sales - E-mail: adverts.wheeloflife@gmail.com Media Kits are available upon request. Contributors - Tess Adams, Kelly Aiello, Candice Dumont, Marc Geuzinge, Barbara Gunn, Kelly Harris, Rachel Hart, Montaha Hiefi, Carolyn Laurie, Jeff Pilsner, Nina Ploetz, Mark Setjo, Holli Smith, Rylee Smith Cover Image Photo Credit - Angela Jeffreys Layout and Design - Marc Geuzinge © 2019 Wheel Of Life Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be used, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any way without the prior written permission of the Editor. The information in this publication is deemed, as far as we are aware, to be accurate at the time of publishing. Wheel Of Life Magazine, it’s owner, contributors, and publishers cannot be held liable for errors or inaccuracies in its contents, contributors, advertisers, and platforms, nor be
So, it is with both excitement and sadness that I am to tell you about the future of the Wheel Of Life Magazine. This will be the last issue on ISSUU. I also learned that ISSUU was not a great choice of platform as generally people do not like having to create an ISSUU account, for a variety of reasons, just to subscribe.
responsible for products, services and pricing by its contributors and advertisers.
The exciting part is I am investigating a new platform, one that will be much better for the magazine, and will reach a lot more people. The sad part is, this may take some time, so there is a possibility one or two issues may be missed.
issue. We assume all unsolicited material is for publication, unless otherwise stated,
If you wish to submit articles, we welcome submissions. We do reserve the right to accept or decline submissions. We will attempt to respond to declined submissions, but do not guarantee a reply. In submitting an article to us, you warrant the information is correct, is your own work or have rights/permission to supply it (including illustrations and photographs), and you automatically grant Wheel Of Life Magazine a license to publish your submission in whole or a part thereof, and any edited versions in any and we reserve the right to edit, amend or adapt all submissions. Disclaimer: The information provided in the Wheel Of Life Magazine is to add to your knowledge, understanding and experiences. It is intended to give you motivation and inspiration to better your life in the ways that are the best for you. We recommend researching any suggestions offered in the magazine to see if it is right for you, and be
I want to thank all our readers, and especially our subscribers, for a wonderful first year! I do look forward to relaunching with our new platform–expect bigger things from Wheel Of Life Magazine!
Spring Blessings, Angela
sure any health recommendations are checked with your care provider. The Wheel of Life Magazine, it owner, staff, agents, and volunteers are not liable for any loss, injury, or damage that may arise directly or indirectly from the use of any information given in the magazine. Any information and methods provided in the magazine are not necessarily the opinions or beliefs of the owner, publisher, staff, agents, etc and do not make any claims or guarantees of any sort as to the effectiveness thereof.
Contents 04 The Seed Of Life 05 A Moment In Time 08 Does The Job You Have Now Feed Your Soul? 13 Changing Minds, Changing Hearts 18 Groping For Truth 23 The Gift 28 Spring Clean Yourself! 34 Will It Ever Be Enough? 37 Accepting Judgement 42 What’s Up Copper-Top? 48 10 Delicious and Healthy Natural Mood Enhancers 52 Prejudice Begins At Home 54 Happy Birthday to Me! 56 Children’s Books - A Book Review
The Seed of Life...
The seed of life starts small, yet when planted and fed it changes and grows. As it sets its roots deep into the earth, it sends up a fragile shoot into the challenges of life. If kept in the dark, the growth will fade and not flourish. Add the Warmth of the Light and the fragile shoot lifts its head stretching, reaching, gaining strength and courage to grow. The Light invigorates the seed, giving it energy and the ability to thrive.... yet, light without nourishment is not enough to sustain the seed. Storms come and challenge the seed. However, with the storm comes the nourishment of rain. Even through the darkest and toughest storms, there is something that is given to the seed. When roots run true and deep, the strength is there to weather the storms of life. If the seed is never challenged, it may not be able to withstand the strains of the cycles of life... hence, from struggle there comes strength. When the night comes and moonbeams shine, there is rest. This magical time and place can be for reflection, healing, change, and growth. It is a time to contemplate and softly resonate with life; a time to look to the stars and see the connections of life; a time to listen to the breeze and hear the wisdom of the ages; a time to dream, learn, and connect with the eternal. It is a place where new growth may want to fly with the stars, or stay and be held in moonbeams and dreams. The seasons come and go and the rotation of life beckons our inner spirit. A new dawn awakens and the day begins. We are Blessed with the power and strength of Light. Stretching towards the Light, it nourishes through the leaves, to the stem and roots. Gaining strength and health, color and glory the seed of life is nourished and grows. Each day, each cycle of life, brings with it opportunities to persevere and grow. We are but seeds of humanity gaining from our earthly experiences. By learning lessons and growing In, With and Through the Light, we find Hope, Courage, Peace, Healing and Love. Through the diversity of experiences, we can live. Our soul grows in the Light, finds nourishment with the Spirit, and thrives through the Love of the Eternal. May you germinate and grow strong roots in the soil of the Eternal Truth May you find yourself always reaching for the Light. May you Thrive with the knowledge that we are all brothers and sisters of the eternal family as One unity connected to All. May we nurture each other and grow into the beautiful Garden of the Creators design. Plant Peace Sow Kindness Be Love. By Nina Pauline Ploetz 04
Wheel Of Life Magazine
A Moment In Time By Candice Dumont
The clickety-clack of horse hooves tapping the cobblestones in the alleyway below entices me to peel back the drapes, allowing the sun’s brilliant rays to pierce the darkness of our room. My eyes, quickly trying to adjust to the brightness, lock on the majestic silhouettes directly ahead. Oddly, the outlines strike me, as both foreign and familiar—like an old story I’d almost forgotten, but with more detail, begins to come back to me. I open the window.
The smell of camels, horses and exhaust enters and lingers in the air as a fine layer of dust coats my tongue, making my mouth feel dry and gritty. My eyes scan the area below, watching the eclectic characters scurrying back and forth and calling out greetings to one another. Engrossed in the unfolding scene, I am startled when I hear your familiar coo. “Good morning, little one,” I whisper. “Are you ready?”
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I was appreciative of the slow pace, as it afforded me ample time to study the infamous Tahrir Square. It is hard to imagine that I’m looking at the same landmark I’d seen splashed across frontpages of newspapers years earlier. During the revolution, the scene was always depicted with thousands of angry protesters; yet today, the peaceful, almost deserted landmark, looks so much smaller and less relevant.
As we attempt to make our way to Cairo’s city center, it is hard to visualize how anyone could successfully make their way through the overcrowded capital on bicycle. It is true that the population was a quarter of what it is now, but the chaos is hard to discount. The sheer quantity of vehicles, street vendors and pedestrians trying to hastily navigate their way through the merging lanes, the ubiquitous sound of car horns and the overall disarray, makes me eager to arrive. I am grateful when we turn off the crowded highway onto an equally congested side road, as I know we must be getting closer. Excitement grows when I lay my eyes on the iconic Nile River. I am desperate to lower the taxi-window, impatient for an unobstructed view, but the threat of the scorching sun makes me reconsider. As we cross the murky water, I see dozens of white boats scattered up and down the river, all docked alongside the corniche. We reach the other bank and join a long procession of competing cars, all jockeying to gain the lead. 06
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My heart races when we finally arrive at our anticipated destination, the NileRitz Carlton Hotel. Granted the name has changed from The Nile Hilton, but the easily identifiable curvature of the structure and the massive, brass Lion statues guarding the close-by bridge,
assures me that we’re in the right spot. Despite my eagerness to rush through the front doors, I take a moment to pause. I am so grateful to be sharing this moment with you. The doorman smiles warmly and opens the door. With you cradled safely in my arms, I take a deep breath and together, we enter. The lobby is quiet, yet busy with tourists and employees carrying about their business. I scan the area and stare at the impressive cascading chandelier perched beautifully in the middle of the large climbing staircase. “Did you know that in 1959, your G.G. worked in this very hotel? It was here that she met your great-grandfather, a young Canadian, UNEF peacekeeper. After a year-long courtship, they made their way to Canada as husband and wife.”
“I know you’re too young to understand any of this right now” I continued, “but one day you’ll understand why your gold jewelry is adorned with small turquoise stones; why your lullabies are tenderly sung to you in Arabic, French, and English; and, why the delicious foods you eat are so varied. Despite having left Egypt so many years ago, your G.G.’s homeland always remained with her. This is where it all started, little one, the place where our east meets west.” By Candice Dumont www.facebook.com/mommabirddoula/
Providing professional compassionate postpartum support to parents with the transition into parenthood. Candice Dumont 514-237-2480 Barrie, Ontario Email: mommabirddoula@gmail.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/mommabirddoula/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/mommabirddoula/
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In 1997, at the invitation of a friend that I had not seen for 10 years, I went to Dubai for a month vacation. I stayed for 11 years. In Dubai I also had to start all over again. It is in those years that my life took unimaginable turns. I worked for two multinational companies, acquired a masters in international business and enrolled in various self-developing trainings, such as Silva Mind, Reiki and fire walking. In 2008, I was offered a job in the Netherlands as a colour trends and forecasting advisor on a global level. The move to the Netherlands with my husband was another turning point in my life. I nourished a passionate relationship with colour and the arts, a relationship that started in my early childhood in Venezuela. Although that job ended two years later due to the global financial situation, I professionally advanced to become a global resource in the field of colour trends. My transformation from a battered girl nicknamed Negra in Venezuela, to a professional woman, often referred to at an international level as “specialist in the field of colour trends and forecasting” was anything but inexpensive. The physical and psychological bill was strenuous and nothing short of silent suffering. However, with the decision to write the book, I concluded that silence was not a remedy. Silence is a Trojan Horse that may lead to death. We cannot, and should not, fight abuse by turning our eyes away. The process of disclosing the silenced voices of any kind of abuse, although throbbing and shameful, can be liberating and rewarding. The battered child that lived inside of me will remain there. Yet, it is the relationship between that girl and the 22
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woman that I am today that is most relevant to the well-being of my psyche. The profound wounds of the past will linger, but it is my attitude towards the pain that was inflicted upon me that counts. The question was; “Do I continue to hide everything in silence and feel ashamed or do I speak up and get rid of the shame?” My determination to becoming a respected woman, valued in society for who she is, fueled my drive to overcome the distress of the mistreated child. I had no support system during my teens, and I learned through frequent emotional falls that the only way out was to educate myself and acquire skills that would entitle me to transform into a qualified and respected human being. Up until as far as five years ago, it occurred to me to wish I never was and should never be. This thought might have sounded like a Led Zeppelin song, but I know it was only the echo of the muted voices crashing against the walls of perpetual silence. When I finished reading the passage to prepare for the book signing event, despite the state of mind I was in, I felt redemption. The days of shame were behind me, and it was time for those who abused my innocence to feel shameful. My husband, whose tears dribbled under his eyeglasses as he was listening without interrupting, sat at his piano and started playing a sad composition he improvised. He decided to create an arrangement that we played at the event to accompany the reading. By Montaha Hidefi https://montahahidefi.ca www.facebook.com/pg/GropingforTruth
My parents had moved to Vienna in early 1966 as part of my father’s first of many foreign assignments. Somewhere on an Austrian ski slope in the warm glow of the après ski mood I was conceived, probably in early April of 1967. My parents lived in a small three room flat on the Preindlgasse, a narrow oneway street in the southwest of the city. As it happened, my mother acquainted herself with the neighbours and their sociable cat. The neigbours would occasionally invite my parents over for a cup of tea, of course my parents dutifully reciprocated, also to the neighbour’s cat, who occasionally came by for a saucer of milk. Why all this detail? What my parents were not expecting was a problem that happened with me in utero.... This is where my gift was given to me…..by the aforementioned cat. I contracted congenital toxoplasmosis. This is a parasitic disease caused by toxoplasma gondii, found in infected cat feces. Grown adults who contract the disease are generally not affected, but the disease can be passed on to a child in utero.
By Marc Geuzinge As the disease occurred, my eyes were still developing. Both my eyes developed infections causing damage to the retinas, the back part of the eye, which contains the nerve receptors that allow you to see. Many of those receptors, rods and cones, were damaged and replaced by scar tissue. As a result, I have areas of my retinas which are unable to see anything. Both my eyes were affected, my right one more severely than my left. After my birth, my parents were told that I was nearly blind, leaving them deeply shocked and upset. Spring 2019
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They were told by the “experts” that I may have a future as a piano tuner or musician, but that any other significant career development, or any form of normal schooling, was not to be expected. That, thankfully, turned out to be bunk. I started the debunking at an early age. Laying on my back in my crib I played with the toys on the string above my head. I managed quite well and as I started walking, I clearly managed to not trip over things. At age five, I went to kindergarten, coloured, painted, said my ABC’s, and played with other kids. In 1974, my parents had me tested at a special school for the visually impaired to see whether or not I was suited there for my education. As it turned out, my eyesight was too good.
Photos courtesy of Marc Geuzinge
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Regular school it was. As such I was able join my parents in their foreign assignments. It was no picnic. By first grade I was already being teased for literally, looking differently. I have to angle my head and turn my eyes in such a way that I can make the best use of the vision that I have. Initially quite severe, some of this was remedied with two eye surgeries that I had in 1974. These surgeries reduced the head tilt but did not actually increase my vision. I had to sit in the front of the class so that I could see the blackboard. I was tall, lanky, thin, and looked oddly at people. Fodder for ridicule and exclusion. Some kids are mean, and will exploit any weakness they see – I later found out that there are quite a few adults who do that too, being confronted with it in my late thirties.
I progressed through school, college and life. I learned to grow a thick skin, but accepting that what others though of me was not my problem but theirs, took me the better part of 30 years to complete. Thankfully I had a handful of good friends who did not judge me for my eyeballs, and did accept me for my actual content. Some of these people have become lifelong friends. I received my first pocket camera at age 9 and have been fascinated with all things visual ever since. I loved taking pictures, and soon became quite good at it. When I was 14 I went for yet another eye exam. The doctor who saw me was kind and also brutally honest. I would have to accept that I would never have a driver’s license and that I would never pilot a plane – something that as an aviation aficionado really stung. My mobility and career options were somewhat limited. I went to college and studied business administration as well as Information Systems. My first job was at an advertising agency, where I worked as an account executive. Other careers followed, including 15 years in the airline business. I was frustrated with my eyesight for the longest time. More often than not it was a hindrance. No driving, no open road, always sit in front, never part of the “normal people”. Always telling people, “sorry, I can’t read that from here”, and hearing “man you need to get your eyes checked”. It even got me kicked out of a job interview once.
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When interacting with people that don’t know me, the first meeting is generally a bit weird. As the person I am meeting does not know what’s going on, or more so, doesn’t understand why I’m looking at them “funny” or staring at them. They often don’t dare ask why. Honestly, I need to. I have to stare sometimes because I need to look people over once or twice to get a good idea of what they look like – and yes, it’s been a conversation ender with several women, where my explanation is scoffed at as a sad excuse. I have a had a passion for all things visual ever since I was young – I started taking pictures when I was nine, received a pair of binoculars at age twelve and had my first SLR camera at 17. You see, pun intended, even though I did not realize it, my gift was working for me. I needed to examine things in detail to get the full picture; I needed to see composition to take a photo, I needed to add up the sum of all parts to create a complete visual. That was training that I would later use to embark on my second career as a professional photographer.
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So how did that help? Photography is a two dimensional medium, the translation of a three dimensional image to a two dimensional space. As I have little or no depth perception, I see my world largely as a two-dimensional space. As such, I can see a photograph before it becomes one. Granted, I may not see all the details at once, but I do get the big picture. This has helped me immensely as this enables me to see the composition of a photograph quickly. Someone once said, “Your problem is a gift to help you change”. It took me 25 years after I first heard that to embrace my “problem” and realize that it may not be a problem. It has become a valuable tool in a very visually oriented career. It has allowed me to challenge myself and the perceptions of others towards people with a visual impairment and to seek within myself the power to forgive the cat for what it gave me. By Marc Geuzinge https://www.marcgeuzinge.com
MGP - Marc Geuzinge Photography
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Business C
Businesses that h
Authors
Health & Wellness
Barbara Loure` Gunn Author of Amazon E-book, “What Now My Love? A Writer’s Journey”. Barbara is a motivational writer and blogger. email: begunn37@q.com
2 the Power of 1 Wellness Network Need a practitioner? We are a network of client recommended wellness professionals covering a wide range of services. We help find the right practitioner for your needs. http://2thepowerof1.com
Nina Pauline Ploetz Author of “I am, I can, I will; A Jungle Dream” Nina is an inspirational writer and poet. Email: ninaslifelights@gmail.com
Books BooksBecause ...where words and people connect. https://www.facebook.com/booksbecause/ Instagram: @booksbecausehfx
Courses/Workshops Angela Jeffreys, Blue Crow Inspirations Classes and courses via on-line, e-course, in-person, and weekend retreats. Topics include Psychic Development, Mediumship, Shamanism, Dreams, Chakras, Meditation, Tarot, Healing and more. Email: bluecrowinspirations@gmail.com www.bluecrowinspirations.com
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Kelly Aiello Consultations in neuronutrition, blood sugar imbalances, and digestive disorders. Sessions can be in person or online if not local. www.HappiHuman.com Phone: 250-574-5044 Candice Dumont Professional compassionate postpartum support to parents with the transition into parenthood, newborn care, feeding information, recovery support, as well as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and community resource recommendations. https://www.facebook.com/mommabirddoula/ Kelly Harris, RNT, DipCNM, mBANT, CNHC Nutritional therapist specialising in hormonal and women’s health issues and digestive disorders and atopic conditions. In-person and online consultations available. Web: www.sissiboonutrition.com Email: info@sissiboonutrition.com
Connections
help you on your path.
Hypnotherapy Angela Jeffreys, Blue Crow Inspirations Provides private and group sessions to explore phobias, past lives, find life lessons and soul contracts. Offers programs such as Removing Money Blocks, Principles of the Soul. Email: bluecrowinspirations@gmail.com www.bluecrowinspirations.com
Life Coaching Tess Adams Certified Intuitive Life Coach, helping people connect with their own truths and create life altering shifts. Email: www.TessAdamsCoaching.com tessadamscoaching@gmail.com
Life Coach Instructors Tess Adams Become an Intuitive Life Coach with Tess. www.TessAdamsCoaching.com E-mail: tessadamscoaching@gmail.com
Marketing and Admin Support
Nutritional Services Kelly Aiello Consultations in neuronutrition, blood sugar imbalances, and digestive disorders. Sessions can be in person or online if not local. www.HappiHuman.com Phone: 250-574-5044 Kelly Harris, RNT, DipCNM, mBANT, CNHC Nutritional therapist specialising in hormonal and women’s health issues and digestive disorders and atopic conditions. In-person and online consultations available. Web: www.sissiboonutrition.com Email: info@sissiboonutrition.com
Photography Marc Geuzinge Provides portraits, events, architecture, and real estate photography services. Crystal and spiritual stock photography available for sale. Ph: 902-404-8677 www.marcgeuzinge.com Email: info@marcgeuzinge.com
Postpartum Doula
2 the Power of 1 Wellness Network Are you a practitioner who doesn’t enjoy the “business” side of your practice? Let us do it for you. Marketing campaigns, Video production, web design, admin support… http://2thepowerof1.com
Candice Dumont Professional compassionate postpartum support to parents with the transition into parenthood, newborn care, feeding information, recovery support, as well as light housekeeping, meal preparation, and community resource recommendations. https://www.facebook.com/mommabirddoula/
Midwifery
Shamanism
Rachel Hart Certified Professional Midwife, Birthing Way Midwifery. Providing prenatal, birth, and postpartum care in the home setting. www.birthingway.com rachel@birthingway.com
Angela Jeffreys, Blue Crow Inspirations Providing classes on various Shamanic subjects, i.e. Beginner, Soul Retrieval, Psychopomp Offers Shamanic Soul Retrieval Healing sessions and journeys to remove negative energies. www.bluecrowinspirations.com bluecrowinspirations@gmail.com
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MGP - Marc Geuzinge Photography Crystal Art Stock Photography
For more stunning crystal art stock images like this one, click HERE.