Issuu

April 2020

EDEN T h e

Magazine

ED Begley Jr. Lives green!

2020 THE DOUBLE

RESURRECTION By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio Alati

CONVERSATION WITH DOGS By Jonathan Robinson

TOP 10

THERAPIES By Kay Hutchison

Table of Contents A world Without George

ED BEGLEY JR. By Dina Morrone

A WORLD WITHOUT GEORGE By Joe Santos Jr.

CONVERSATION WITH DOGS By Jonathan Robinson

5 STEPS TO HAPPY & PEACEFUL SOCIAL DISTANCING By Phyllis King

CARLA COLLINS By Dina Morrone

8 DAILY RITUAL THAT WILL CHANGE YOUR BUSINESS FOR THE BETTER By Dr. Erin Pollinger

Conversation with Dogs

18 44

JUST JAN'S STORY Jane Hogrewe

DEATH CHANGES EVERYTHING

By Angela Dunning

HOW TO FEEL GOOD IN DIFFICULT TIMES By Gael Lindenfield

2020 THE DOUBLE RESURRECTION By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio

Cover Photo by

Russell Baer

WWW.RUSSELLBAER.COM

10th Anniversary

LESSEN I LEARNED FROM MY FATHER

By Sasha Gary

HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF DURING THE CORONAVIRUS

By Margaret Tomaszewic

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION EVEN SILENCE HAS A SOUND By Jayita Bhattacharjee

UNCONDITIONAL LOVE

By Nancy E. Yearout

CHANGE IS NEW EVIDENCE By Michael White Ryan

TOP 10 TIPS ON THERAPIES By Kay Hutchison

94 ANIMATED STILLS

POETIC PAREIDOLIA

62 72

By Thomas G. Reischel

THE SECRET LOVE OF PETS By Alexia Melocchi

98 Top 10 Tips on Therapies 3 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

EDEN T

MAGAZINE

Since 2010

The Eden Magazine is a free online publication that focuses on spreading compassion to all Sentient Beings living in a healing and peaceful world FOUNDER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF MARYAM MORRISON EXECUTIVE EDITOR/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER DINA MORRONE COMMUNICATION DIRECTOR/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER ALEXIA MELOCCHI BRAND AMBASSADOR MARIA ELENA INFANTINO CONTRIBUTING WRITERS SASHA GARY PHYLLIS KING JOE SANTOS, JR. ANGELA DUNNING NANCY E. YEAROUT MICHAEL WHITE RYAN MARCO NUNZIO ALATI JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE TARA-JENELLE WALSCH MARGARET TOMASZEWIC CONTRIBUTING STYLISTS + MAKEUP ARTIST EDWARD HAKOPIAN GRAPHICS & PHOTOGRAPHY GREG DOHERTY ISABELLE RUEN SHERI DETERMAN ARTIN MARDIROSIAN WEBSITE

www.theedenmagazine.com 325 N. Maple Dr. Po Box 5132 Beverly Hills, CA 90209 To purchase a copy visit us in www.theedenmagazine.com Eden Magazine is a non-profit monthly online magazine. We aim to create a better environment where we live among other living beings in peace and harmony. We support artists that their work matches our criteria. If you would like to submit your artwork, article or/and your photography for our future issues please contact Maryam Morrison at; maryammorrison@theedenmagazine.com 4 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Please leave wool out of your wardrobe.

Photo: Michael Muller â€¢ Grooming: Saisha Beecham, with Cloutier Remix

Joaquin Phoenix

F OR

VEGAN WOOL SUIT BY BRAVE GENTLEMAN

5 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e December 2019

DINA MORRONE

Maryam Morrison

EDWARD HAKOPIAN

GREG DOHERTY

MARGARET TOMASZEWIC

MARIA ELENA INFANTINO

ALEXIA MELOCCHI

TARA-JENELLE WALSCH

ARTIN MARDIROSIAN

NANCY E. YEAROUT

SHERI DETERMAN

MICHAEL WHITE RYAN

ANGELA DUNNING

JAYITA BHATTACHARJEE

JOE SANTOS, JR.

SASHA GARY

MARCO NUNZIO ALATI

ISABELLE RUEN 6 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e February 2020

PHYLLIS KING

MEET OUR TEAM

Photo by ISABELLE RUEN

Discover the path to a peaceful life among other living beings. We are all made of vibration and light in the universe to manifest our energy around all livingness.

7 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2020

8 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e March 2019

Begley Jr. By Dina Morrone Compassionate, authentic, humble, passionate about life, a gentleman and a gentle man, are just some words I would use to describe Ed Begley Jr. Begley is all of those things, and so much more. He's a loving husband, father, environmentalist, vegan, activist, humanitarian committed to so many important causes, author, terrific actor with 325 credits to his name, respected by his peers, and one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of interviewing. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching Begley shine in movies and television shows. From "St. Elsewhere," where he played Dr. Victor Ehrlich, and "Arrested Development, "as Stan Sitwell, to "7th Heaven" as Dr. Hank Hastings. In classic films like Rob Reiner's "This is Spinal Tap," and Christopher Guest's "For Your Consideration" and "A Mighty Wind," to his reality show, "Living with Ed," which he starred in with his lovely wife, Rachelle Carson. But it wasnâ€™t Begley, the actor I was focused on interviewing. It was Begley, the environmentalist. He has been committed to the cause of our planet and the environment for over 50 years. He has not just talked about it or rallied others to get involved. He has taken action and changed his life to ensure that he has the lowest carbon footprint and that he lives his best life, the way he chooses to do so, on his terms, doing his part every day to save the environment.

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You were born in California but for a short time, when you were a child, you lived in Buffalo, New York. Is there a childhood memory from that time you’d like to share? From Kindergarten to 7th grade I went to school at Cure’ of Ars, a Catholic school in Merrick, Long Island. They didn’t teach Science there. They were very, very strict. It was not pleasant to watch how some students were disciplined. For 8th grade, I was sent off to a boarding school in Buffalo, called Stella Niagara Educational Park. It was a private Catholic Military Boarding School, in Lewiston, New York. I was very concerned it would be even more strict than Cure’ of Ars, but it was the exact opposite. Lovely caring nuns ran the school. And they had a Science program. I made PFC. I excelled in everything academically. I loved it there. I am still in touch with some people from my time there. I do have fond memories of going to Niagara Falls, the Canadian side. It was wonderful. Over the years, I have worked in Toronto several times, and when I’m up there, I make it a point to get to Stella to visit. There was only one negative thing from my time in Lewiston. The Carborundum Plant was nearby. Every morning I could smell this strong chemical odor that permeated the air. There was also Booker Chemical and Love Canal Landfill, both also very close, so there was always this toxic smell in the air. When was the moment you first realized you were passionate about the health of the environment? It started in 1965. In the years leading up to that I had a certain amount of pocket change that I made from taking glass soda bottles back to the store in exchange for cash. That was my money and I could keep that money. Then one day, that was taken from me because they had a new thing called ‘No deposit no return bottle.’ I was not pleased because it affected my pocket book. I lost that money I would make from returning the bottles. That loss of money really got my attention. I started asking questions. All the glass is made with sand and silicon dioxide, trees are being cut down, they were making plastics, and I thought what do they do with all of that after it gets used? They put it in a big hole in the ground in a thing called a landfill? I was perplexed that all that stuff could go in the ground. How could it be? I was 15 or 16. I was subject to the whims of my father and stepmother so I couldn’t do anything about it at the time. But the big change came in 1970. At that point I had lived 20 years in smoggy LA, with the exception of the time I had spent in Buffalo and Long Island, but the summer was always in Los Angeles with the LA smog. Then one day I heard about this thing called Earth Day. And I thought, sure, I’ll show up to celebrate the Earth Day. But one day was not enough. I thought what could we do that is a long-term plan? 10 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

What are we going to do the rest of the other 364 days of the year? Then someone said we are going to clean up the air and the water, and I said ‘sign me up.’ I had lived with that smog for most my first 20 years. I had seen the pollution going into the Niagara River from Lewiston. I had seen the Merrick woods pollution going into the streams. I had seen Santa Monica beach after it rained, and I had heard about the Cuyahoga River, in Cleveland, catching fire. I thought that’s a bad sign that a river was catching fire. I knew we had to clean up our waters and our air. It was affecting me personally. It was hurting my lungs every day. I was a broke and struggling actor at the time so I couldn’t do what I wanted but I asked myself what could I do to help the environment? So I started doing the things I could. I started riding my bike, (I always rode my bicycle but I started riding it more). I started taking public transportation. I started recycling. I became a vegetarian, and then I bought an electric car.

Please tell us about your very first electric car? It was 1970. People think I am making it up that I had an electric car back then. They don’t believe there were electric cars in 1970. Actually, they had them as far back as 1910. I bought my car for $900 with a California license plate and California registration. They were cars being used mostly in retirement communities. I think I was the only person under 60 who bought that car from this man in Reseda, CA. I drove it around LA, not on the freeways of course, as it didn’t go very fast, but around the flats of the Valley. Having an electric car was a lot cheaper. I could plug into the wall and pay a little extra on my electric bill rather than paying a lot more for gasoline. Much less expensive to service it, no tune-up or oil change, or smog check. So, all those changes I started since Earth Day, were saving me money. I thought this is a pretty good deal. I am doing my small part to clean up the environment, and I am saving money. And pretty soon, I could afford a solar oven. I could afford a rain barrel that collects water, and in 15 years, I could afford solar at my home in Ojai, where I lived at the time. Again, money had my attention. Finally, in 1990, my life-long-dream, I was able to get solar electricity. I was able to run my house and power my car with the sun. To have a solar panel house, I thought this is a great deal. How do you convince people to get on board with doing their part to help the environment? You need to influence everybody. Everybody needs to be a part of this effort. From people who have the most, to people who have far less. Everybody has an opportunity to conserve. You want to make sure that everybody does their part, not just for the environment, but also for their own financial well-being. If you make your home or apartment more energy efficient, you are going to have lower bills and in many parts of the country, LA being one of them, there are wonderful programs where they give away light bulbs, they give away thermostats. They give you a steep discount or rebate for those kinds of things. And in just two or three months you have some savings. Are there environmental programs currently being taught in schools? In California there are certain guidelines for environmental literacy in a lot of schools. They are trying to get Environmental education to be a part of the curriculum. They’ve had a certain amount of success in teaching them how to have a more sustainable life. But you can’t mandate that every student has to do it. What was it that made you want to stop eating meat and become Vegan? A slaughterhouse film! I had seen some footage and stills from slaughterhouse operations and found it very disturbing. I didn’t fully understand those conditions until I saw that footage.

I thought it would be better for my health to eat lower on the food chain. Plant based materials, turns out is a pretty good way to eat. I thought about my health, and for the animals’ health, it would be better. Plus I thought it would be more energy, water, and land efficient to eat a pound of broccoli, rather than to eat a pound of beef. It takes a lot more water, land, and energy, to grow a pound of meat. And now we know more about methane emissions from cattle operations. I became a vegetarian in 1970, and I have not had red meat since, I have dabbled in fish, but not anymore.

Please tell us about your passion for Gardening? One of my joys of life is gardening. I will get my corn and tomatoes in very soon, as it’s early March. I have my olive trees. I harvest the olives, and cure them with rock salt. They are delicious Mediterranean olives. I always have corn, spinach, tomatoes, and lettuce growing. I have about nine different fruit trees: orange, plum, lemon, and tangerine. And I have two beautiful oak trees that are not only beautiful to look at but they are an integral part of the ecosystem here in southern California. All kinds of wonderful squirrels live in those trees.

How do you feel about Recycling? Recycling isn’t really happening. Nowadays with all the plastics, even though we collect it and separate it, it goes right into the landfill. That’s because there is no longer a market for it in Asia. They stopped taking our stuff. They got fed up with all this plastic we were sending them. They had to deal with all the toxicity of trying to recycle it. People weren’t cleaning the plastic properly before placing it in the recycle bins, so it would have all kinds of funk in there or mold, and it would make the sorters sick. So they had a belly fold, 11 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

starting a few years ago in China, and then Indonesia, and they stopped taking it and they stopped being a landfill for the United States. We have to find some way to not just recycle it… I’m not against recycling, but what I favor much more is eliminating that single use plastic altogether. We need to find a way with metal water bottles, permanent hot beverage cups, and metal straws - things like that. I was able to greatly reduce the single use plastic in my life. I can’t think of anything I use nowadays that is single use plastic. Plastic is killing our oceans and clogging our waterways. And it’s making us sick. People have to stop using single use plastic.

• Coalition for Clean Air • Heal The Bay • Environmental Media Association • Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy • Oceana • Walden Woods Project • Thoreau Institute • Tree People • Friends of the Earth • Sequoia ForestKeeper • Orang Utan Republik

What does a typical day in the life of Ed Begley Jr. look like? Very normal. I have working days and non-working days. On a non-working day I get up a little before 6am and go to the gym. I work my upper body for about 30 minutes and then I do 40 minutes on the Lifecycle doing the hill cycle at level 18. I get a juice on the way home. I call my wife and ask if she wants one. I have tea at about 9am. I eat cereal-mix that I make myself, with some almond milk. I work in the garden, do paperwork, do my errands, go grocery shopping, I have a lunch meeting, and I make sure that we always have one family meal together.

Please tell me about your line of cleaning products. It’s called Begley’s Earth Responsible Products. They are safe for humans, animals, plants, and the planet. They are made with plant based, sustainable, and rapidly biodegradable ingredients, cruelty free – no animal testing, and the packaging is recyclable. They have a pleasant, aroma-therapeutic scent, which comes from using beneficial botanical essential oils. These green, non-toxic, cleaning products include: All Purpose Cleaner, Glass Cleaner, Dish Soap, Pet Stain and Odor Remover, and many more. They’re all available in stores, online at Amazon, or by visiting begleysbest.com.

On a workday I am up at 4:30am. I have to be at work in Santa Clarita at 6:30am where I’m currently shooting the TV series “Bless This Mess.” I get into wardrobe and makeup and make sure my lines are learned. I work on set, go home, and learn lines all over again. I serve on Environmental Boards. I go to different rallies, climate rallies or the Women’s March. I do that kind of activism.

You have a very dear friend, Norman Lloyd Perlmutter, who is 106 years old. Yes. Norman Lloyd is a force of nature. He’s an amazing actor, director, producer, a friend of Orson Welles and Alfred Hitchcock, and he’s a bit of Hollywood history that’s still with us, thank God. I cherish every year that I get to go to his birthday party. I do see him evenings, other than on his birthday. I go over to his home to have dinner with him. I love him. He was playing tennis until he was 99. He stayed active all these years. I’m very grateful that I still have him in my life.

That’s a pretty typical slice of life of what my days are like. You are involved with numerous charities. Please tell us their names:

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What project are you are currently working on? I am working on “Bless This Mess.” It’s a television series on ABC every Tuesday night. It’s a terrific show created by Lake Bell and Liz Meriwether(“New Girl”). Lake is a wonderful writer and producer, and Liz is a great actress and writer. They wrote it together. I feel very lucky to be a part of this team. And Pam Greer plays my love interest! I feel like I have died and gone to heaven. Every episode is heaven on earth! I love watching it. I love doing it. I love shooting it. Everything about it is delightful.

Ed Begley Jr. & Lake Bell Photo by ABC/John Fleenor

Ed Begley Jr. & Pam Grier Photo by ABC/Eric McCandless 13 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Do you plan on taking any vacations in the near future? I do, but only to places where I can drive. I won’t fly. I stay on the ground. I am trying to eliminate all my use of fossil fuels. I now have a Tesla with a 350-mile range so I can drive to places around the United States. I have driven across the country at least 80 to 100 times over the years. It’s beautiful. One of the highlights of my interview with Begley was getting to meet his wife, Rachelle. She's so beautiful, vibrant, and so funny. I was able to watch them interact. They were a comedy team… yin and yang. The respect and admiration they have for each other was palpable. It felt like I was sitting front row on an episode of their reality show, "Living With Ed." It was obvious to me why their show was so successful. They’re so in love, they compliment each other, and they both have a great sense of humor! I asked Rachelle if they were thinking of doing another show together or picking up where the last one left off. Rachelle said, "Yes. We are hoping to do another show together. We are trying to find the right outlet and someone to take a chance. Sometimes mentioning the word GREEN or the ENVIRONMENT might turn some people off, but people really do want the information. They want to know what they can do that won't disrupt their lives and change their whole way of living, but yet do their part. People want to learn. I always say 'if I can do it, anyone can do it.' You do what you can. And I do a lot. Not like Ed, but I do a lot." I agree with Rachelle. We all need to do our part. I hope that after you read this interview with Begley, you too will be inspired to follow suit, and as Rachelle said, if she can do it, anyone can. And that means all of us, collectively. Special Thanks to: Ed Begley Jr. Rachelle Carson-Begley Russell Baer ABC/John Fleenor ABC/Eric McCandless The Tune-in Language

Plant based materials, turns out is a pretty good way to eat. I thought about my health, and for the animals’ health, it would be better. Plus I thought it would be more energy, water, and land efficient to eat a pound of broccoli, rather than to eat a pound of beef. It takes a lot more water, land, and energy, to grow a pound of meat. And now we know more about methane emissions from cattle operations.

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THE WAY I SEE IT By Joe Santos, Jr.

A world without

Photo by Zoltan

"GEORGE" As I stroll the aisles of my local market and see the bare shelves, empty freezers, meat cases, vegetable carts, and bakery, I'm stunned by the realization of what is taking place. The frenzied shoppers, the long lines, harried stockers, managers, clerks, and checkers, all trying to maintain a sense of calm, order, and efficiency. We're not even two weeks into this "Pandemic Outbreak," and already, people are showing signs of panic, fear, anxiety, and selfishness. Is this what we've become? Aren't we better than this? I don't know! I thought I did. I thought we were. As I looked around at the mayhem ensuing, I remembered a Frank Capra film called "It's A Wonderful Life" made in 1946, starring Jimmy Stewart and Donna Reed. It's about George Bailey, a man that has so many problems he is thinking about ending it all - and it's Christmas! As the angels discuss George, we see his life in flashback. As George is about to jump from a bridge, he ends up rescuing his guardian angel, Clarence - who then shows George what his town would have looked like if it hadn't been for all his good deeds over the years. "Every time a bell rings, an Angel gets his wings" was the tag line of the film. A classic that reminds us of what kindness really means and how we take so much for granted. But more importantly, our value. I guarantee we are worth much more than 12 rolls of Toilet Paper!

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I grew up in a "different world." A world where the “worst” brought out the best. I don't know this "Hooray For Me and To Hell with Everyone Else" way of living. Nope. Don't know this world! And “this” already at the “hint” of a possible global disaster? This kind of mentality will ensure it! Is "America Great" yet? Still waiting. Something isn't right, because something went wrong! When we mess with the planet, the Universe messes back. The earth has always maintained its balance. It's called nature, and in case we hadn't noticed, it will surely remind us. At the same time, people devour everything and everyone in sight, burn forests to the ground, drain oceans, melting glaciers, kill people, abuse children, and slaughter precious animals for sport and amusement while watching civilizations crumble. Children shooting Children in classrooms with the excuse and mere shrug followed by "Well, I was stressed." Have we learned nothing? Do we no longer care? Did we ever? Yes, I can say we did, I witnessed it. I still do every day. But to see it, we must first look inside ourselves. Everything worth anything comes from reflection. But if we can't recognize our own reflection, how can we see it in others or in anything? When HIV/AIDS was "rumbling" and many were nonchalant about it, thinking “well, it’s a gay thing” or an “African thing”…really? An African thing? ( I still shake my head over that one ) many thought it should just "pass." Well, let this sink in, there were approximately 37.9 million people across the globe with HIV/AIDS in 2018. Of these, 36.2 million were adults, and 1.7 million were children (<15 years old). —An estimated 1.7 million individuals worldwide became newly infected with HIV in 2018. (New HIV infections or "HIV incidence" refers to the estimated number of people who recently acquired the HIV virus during a year, which is different from the number of people diagnosed with HIV during a year. Some people may have HIV but not know it.) Of these new infections: 1.6 million infections were among people ages 15 and older. One hundred sixty thousand infections were among children, ages 0-14. Since the beginning of the epidemic, 75 million people have been infected with the HIV virus, and about 32 million people have died of HIV. Globally, 37.9 million [32.7–44.0 million] people were living with HIV at the end of 2018.

Ok, so let's take a deep breath here and relax for a minute. Because of responsible, brave, intelligent, dedicated, generous, determined, focused, kind, and compassionate people, it has been "managed," but still NOT cured! (Let's not forget we also had a Government at that time too that was rather "unconcerned.") But we prevailed inspite of the shameful idiocy, solely by the dedication and compassion of Champions! Those who sacrificed, cared, loved, lost, and learned we were never stronger at our most vulnerable, not because of it, but because we saw ourselves in it, and we saw what giving a damn can fix. Where and who are the Champions now, we ask? Look around. They are still here. We gotta look deep, mind you. Some don't know their own strength. Others haven't found it yet. But there is a Champ in all of us. We lead by our examples. We must remember to think before we speak before we act. The divisiveness, bullying, lack of affection, knowledge, time, energy, interest, hate-mongering, sheer disregard for anyone or anything, we don't recognize as valuable. What that says, is our behavior is a direct result of the way we look and treat ourselves. There are "weak" but powerful people out there. What makes them powerful is their ability to herd weaker people. The earth feels these struggles too. The difference is it will continue to provide for us as long as it is replenished and cherished. When it's not, it will protect itself. It has no ego, nor intention other than to create, nurture, share, and protect. It is a "reflection" and creation from God. "It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature"! So, while we are going through these scary, uncertain times once again, can we remember to respect and protect not only ourselves but for everyone and everything around us? Leave enough on the shelves for others who may need too. Stop hoarding, start caring. By that alone, things will change. This is a virus. Let it not make one out of us! Be Wise, Not Fearful.

Joe Santos, Jr. is a Celebrity Chef and Life-Stylist. He joins The Eden Magazine as a writer sharing his unique view on life, death, love, and the avoidance of mediocrity. Follow Joey on Instagram @jojoboy13

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Conversations With

Dog

Photo by Jon Cartagena

By Jonathan Robinson

have a confession: my dog talks to me. I mean I hear her speak to me inside my head. I’m serious.

head say, “Don’t be scared. I’ve always been talking to you; but now you’re finally listening.”

Of course, when I began hearing her voice in my head, I thought I was going bananas. I figured there was a screw loose in my brain. But I noticed that the innocent voice I was hearing inside my head made a lot of sense, so I decided to listen to it before I checked myself into a mental hospital.

I looked into Happy’s wise brown eyes and said out loud, “Is that really you?”

I know what you’re probably thinking: this guy is one sick puppy. At least that’s what I would think if someone told me their dog talks to them. But one day, while lying on the couch with my Golden Retriever girl named Happy, I began wondering what my cute little girl thought of me. Suddenly, my mental daydream was interrupted by a strange sounding voice. The voice sounded like the light, friendly song of a five-year-old little girl. In a strangely innocent lilting pitch, I perceived the words “I think you are very loving, but you spend a lot of time chasing your tail.” I immediately thought I had taken my mental and emotional problems to a whole new level. Being depressed is one thing, but hearing your dog’s voice in your head is reserved for people who are carted away to mental hospitals. I got scared. It didn’t help matters when I heard that same innocent voice inside my

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I didn’t really expect an answer, but I got one anyway. Once again, I heard that innocent sounding voice as clearly as if she were lying in my lap—which she was. She said, “Yep, it’s me.” Having never encountered anything like this before, I didn’t really know what to think or do about it. Before I could fully get my bearings, Happy’s “voice” announced itself again. “Do you wanna be all serious and worried, or would you rather play? Come on, let’s play! Just go with hearing my voice and don’t worry about it. It’ll be fun. Try it for a little bit and see what it’s like. New things are always scary at first, but I promise you I won’t bite.” I continued to sit on the couch, dumbfounded by what was taking place. I thought to myself that at least what Happy was “saying” made some sense. I reasoned that if hearing her voice in my head sent me over the edge, I could always call my psychiatrist. But, for the time being, I was willing to listen to what this “voice” had to say.

“Okay, little girl, let’s play ball,” I said out loud. “Yippee!” her voice squealed inside my head. Happy jumped off my lap and gazed at me with a look of joy and delight. “There’s so much I want to talk to you about. You’ve been chasing your tail for so long that it’s hard for me to watch you. I just want you to be happy, and play, and enjoy life like I do. It’s really not that hard.” Forgetting the strangeness of what was going on, I defensively shot back “Well, it’s not that easy.” “Sure it is,” Happy quickly replied. “It’s the easiest thing in the world. Let me ask you a question. Can you throw a ball?” Happy often seemed to be asking me this question with her eager eyes and wagging tail. Yet, this time I heard her ask me this question in my head. “Yes, of course I can throw a ball,” I said. I wondered where she was going with this. Happy’s dancing ears and eyes were in full bloom as she looked straight at me. She excitedly began, “If you can throw a ball, you can play. Right now you can moan and growl about problems—and go on chasing your tail, or you can throw a ball and have fun with me. It’s not hard.”

don’t understand. It makes me sad to see people feeling so bad.” I could see that Happy was really saddened by her perception of people’s suffering. In an attempt to be helpful, I figured I could finally teach my little pooch some hardfought wisdom. It was obvious to me that she didn’t understand all the things people have to contend with. In a compassionate and somewhat condescending tone I began, “Well, Happy, the world is very challenging for people. They lose their joy because, as they get older, they have a lot of problems and responsibilities they need to handle. Also, there are things like war and disease and loss--and global warming.” Happy raised her head from my lap and looked up at me quizzically. With an innocence that melted my heart, I heard her voice say, “I don’t see any war here; I don’t see any problems; I don’t see any disease. Maybe that’s just a story in your head. What I see right here and now is a loving human being cuddling with me. Life is good!” Her tail wagged with enthusiasm.

“But those problems are real,” I insisted. Happy, sighed. “You’re hearing my words, but you’re not really listening. You said you wanted to be happier. You can’t be happy while being grumpy about everything and growling at people who aren’t even in the room with you.” Maybe it was the way she had looked at me with her loving eyes, but somehow her message finally got through my thick skull. My “problems” were not the problem. It was my continual thinking about them--to the exclusion of everything else-- that created my suffering. On the other hand, Happy lived in the moment. She seemed to delight in whatever was right in front of her. She never complained about the past or whimpered about the future. By now, I was getting a bit used to conversing with my fourlegged sage. Even if I was going bananas and making it all up in my head, the conversation seemed to be going somewhere. I decided to ask the question I really wanted to know. “Okay, then, the real question I want to know is how can I be happier?” “It’s not hard to be happy,” she started. “The puppies of your race are happy a lot of the time, so it can’t be that hard. But as people grow older, that joy can leave. Why do so many humans look so stressed and depressed? I just

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Photo by Patrick Hendry

I had to admit, upon hearing of her world, my reality sounded like a nightmare of my own creation. I had almost forgotten that such a simple and obvious world as the one she lived in truly existed. Then, something really strange happened. For a moment, something in me shifted and I “saw” the world from her perspective. Sitting there on the couch while gently petting her head, it felt like everything grew very still and quiet. I looked out my window to the trees just outside, noticing that they seemed to glow as they were lit up by the sun. I sensed a world of eternal tranquility. I sensed a world permeated by love. It was so incredibly peaceful! The streaming rays of the setting sun lit up dust particles that floated across the room. It was magical to watch! It was like a huge burden had been lifted from my shoulders. It felt like silence had, in a strange way, become “louder” or more noticeable. I hadn’t felt so light and free since I had been a little child. Happy seemed to pick up on my experience and my thoughts. She finally broke the silence by saying, “My world is a lot like the world of your young ones. So I guess the way to be happier is to become like the puppies of your species.” Happy’s words reminded me of what Jesus had once said:

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“Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.” It was clear to me I had spent many years feeling far away from the experience of a little child. In fact, I had been feeling very, very old. However, I still had hope. From the depths of my hope and faith in something better, I asked another question: “Can you show me how to be like a little child again?” Happy looked at me with her expectant and playful eyes. “I would love to,” was her enthusiastic reply.

Jonathan Robinson is a bestselling author of 12 books, including his latest novel, "Conversations With Dog: Adventures of a 4 Legged Guru." He has been a frequent guest on Oprah and CNN, has a popular podcast called "Awareness Explorers," and his website is www.FindingHappiness.com

Abundance Corner

Photo by Macau Photo Agency

By Phyllis King

5 Steps

to Happy and Peaceful Social Distancing

Use this opportunity to be with yourself

Outfit Your Home as the Perfect Telecommute location

Stay In Touch Get Video Friendly

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Practice Good Time Management

See Yourself As Part of Something Bigger

we wrap our arms around the spread of the Corona Virus, social distancing is a catchphrase we are all getting to know. Let it be a good thing. It's easy when there are a lot of unknowns to default to kneejerk reactions based on fear. All that does for us is to make us run to the store and buy 200 rolls of toilet paper. I've created four steps we can all use to create calm and peace and even success despite the virus and it's spread. Lean into the moment, rather than cower in the corner from the moment we are in.

1. Use this opportunity to be with yourself How many times have you said "I don't have enough time to myself" or "I just need some alone time." This is your time. Get some alone time. Use this time for self-exploration. Read those books you've been wanting to read. Go through that home course you bought six months ago and haven't opened. Do a personal inventory. Ask yourself: • What do I like? • What are my fears? • Are my fears justified? • How am I reacting to what life is providing? • Am I a servant to positivity or negativity? This type of personal query can be very useful. The answers we discover can lead us to beautiful places. Develop yourself while you have alone time. You'll feel much better about your life, corona virus or no corona virus. 2. Outfit Your Home as the Perfect Telecommute location In eight weeks when we have our arms wrapped around this situation and we are all back into mainstream rhythms we will long for the moment we could work in our pajamas. Put your mind to work to create a great remote home workstation, a functional telecommute space. Then when you want to work at home in the future, you can make the case to your boss to do so. You will have created a space that is perfectly functional. When normal returns, you will have a much better chance of creating that part-time in the office, part-time at home flexibility in your job. 3. Practice Good Time Management If you haven't been working at home, and are only used to being home on the weekends, it can be difficult to regulate yourself. You may find yourself turning on the TV and sleeping in too long, because you are at home. Being in your pajamas does make it feel a little like the weekend. Try this: • Get up out of bed within 30 minutes of when you would normally start work • Get dressed. Don't sit around in your PJ's all morning. Make your bed. • Match the schedule at home you had at the office. Enjoy some leniency, but mostly keep to your normal schedule. That routine will instill a sense of calm. • Make a to-do list, and allocate time for your tasks. This way you will have a good idea how much time it will take to get everything done you want to do. If you plan to do personal errands or chores during work hours, make sure you allot time and energy to finish the tasks your job requires. Enjoy the flexibility of being remote, but cultivate discipline by selfmonitoring your activities. Stay engaged with your

day. Then you will create a rhythm to your day and you'll feel good about it. 4. Stay In Touch - Get Video Friendly If you haven't already jumped into the video age, i.e. Facetime, Zoom, Skype, What's App, Messenger, etc., do it now. Use this time to get your technology up to speed so that you can connect face to face with people. Seeing someone on the screen is much better than just hearing their voice. If you have a close social network at your office or you regularly interact in community groups, learn to connect via video. It really helps you feel closer to people. It's the next best thing to being in person. Put social and professional contacts in your view. 5. See Yourself As Part of Something Bigger Expand your heart and mind to see yourself and your family as part of a much bigger community that can have a massive impact on the lives of other people. This moment is not just about us. It’s about protecting others, the weakest, and the most vulnerable. Reach out to the elderly who are afraid to go to the store. Shop local. Order food from restaurants that might go out of business. Read books on video and send them to your nieces and nephews who are out of school. Kids can make a video and send it to their grandparents. We can go out for walks and reconnect with nature in a way that we haven’t be able to because we haven’t slowed down. See the bigger picture and larger opportunity to claim a moment in history as our finest moment. This emergency gives us all permission to become better citizens.

Known as the Common Sense Psychic (tm), Phyllis King has worked with tens of thousands of people in 25 countries. She is known for her practical and down to earth approach. She has been featured on, ABC, CBS and NBC TV, radio programs across the country, and has been published in over 70 print and online publications. She has four books, including Bouncing Back, Thriving in Changing Times, with Dr. Wayne Dyer. Her latest book The Energy of Abundance is available in bookstores now. Phyllis holds a B.A. in Sociology. www.phyllisking.com

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Carla Collins Named "Comedian of the Year" by the Southern California Motion Picture Council, Carla Collins is an award-winning comedian, actress, television and radio host. She has appeared in numerous movies and television shows in both the US and Canada and performs comedy in clubs, theaters, and festivals all over North America. Production has just been completed on Collinsâ€™ first US comedy special "Emotional Support Cougar," and her hilarious reality show "Carlawood" is currently streaming on Amazon Prime. Collins can be seen this spring as one of the hosts on the new Discovery luxury travel series "Jet Set," and she just completed the pilot of "The Garage Show." Collins is the co-founder of Comedic Meditation, a revolutionary concept where, after delivering thirty minutes of her stand-up comedy Collins leads the audience through an authentic, original, deeply relaxing guided meditation. An instant hit, her comedic meditation has already been featured on NBC's California Live, CP24 News, Zoomer Radio, and several popular podcasts. Her comedy can be heard around the world on various Sirius XM stations, Spotify, iHeartRadio, TIDAL, and Pandora. You can also hear her melodic voice on several commercials and cartoons. Collins has two comedy albums currently available on iTunes "Mobius Stripper" and "The Best of the Worst of Carla Collins," and her third album, "Recovering Nudist," will be released by Comedy Dynamics February 7, 2020. And she also is a bestselling author! A fierce animal lover, Carla has been involved with the SPCA and Humane Society for years and is an ambassador for World Animal Protection. She is starting an Instagram series called Dogs, Dresses, and Dishing designed to find shelter dogs forever homes while showcasing humor and her unique style. 24 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Everyone could use some laughter and deep meditation! By Dina Morrone

When did you first realize you had a gift for making people laugh? Legend has it, at least according to my parents that I refused to leave the stage during my first tap dance recital. I stayed out there hamming it up while the crowd clapped and roared until my dance teacher was forced to come and carry me off into the wings. I was the caboose in the "Chattanooga Choo Choo" number. I like to say I've been making an ass of my self for laughs ever since. How did you come up with the idea of doing Comedy Meditation? And please tell our readers a little bit about what it is. I think I've been trying to marry stand up with spirituality for a few years now. I'm the author of a comedic self-help book called Angels, Vampires and Douche Bags, I've performed comedy at the Kabbalah Center and I like to make jokes in my act about everything from doing yoga to become as flexible as my morals to getting Botox in my third eye. I entertained the idea of doing comedy before my friend's breath class last year because I thought the two might be a good combo. An opportunity came up here in LA at Elements of Wellness to explore the philosophy that by making everyone laugh and release endorphins first, they would fall more easily into a deeper state of relaxation during a guided meditation. Turns out there's some science behind this as both laughter and meditation produce a gamma wave state in our brain. People seemed to take to it from week one.

Are you affiliated with any animal charities? I've been involved with the Toronto Humane Society for years, here in LA I've participated in many events through The Bark Avenue Foundation and I am an ambassador for World Animal Protection. I have also hosted many events for the SPCA.

Are there any other charities that are dear to you? There are many charities close to my heart including AIDS walks, various Hospices, women's shelters, Sick Basically a Comedic Meditation session involves a Kids Hospital and anti-bullying charities like my friend glass of bubbles (optional!), once everyone is settled Leigh Faith's Champions Against Bullying. I do about 30 minutes of stand up comedy and then everyone just sits or lies back, closes their eyes and I What do you do to stay in shape? take them through a 30 to 40 minute legitimate, deeply Well for years I've been a gym rat and credit Gold's in Venice for keeping me reasonably sane and out of prisrelaxing, original guided meditation. on. Recently I've become a Zumba and Barre instructor and now teach several classes there a week. I also do Can anyone attend a session? Absolutely anyone can attend a Comedic Mediation Body Pump because weight training is so important for session. No special clothing is required, there's no yoga women, I've been practicing yoga for 20 years now and involved. It's perfect for men, women, veteran medita- of course daily dog walks. tors and those trying it for the first time. Tell us a little bit about what itâ€™s like to be up on stage doing comedy? You are an animal lover, how many pets do you There's no greater feeling for me in the world than have? I've rescued dogs pretty much my entire life. Back in being on stage making people laugh, it's heaven and Canada my ex and I had 5 pooches! Right now I just honestly, after my Mom passed away suddenly, the only have my 13 year-old Chihuahua/MinPin mix Dr. Zira relief from grief I knew for a while. It's immediate gratias my beloved big dog Miles passed away last year. Zira fication, infectious and I've always agreed with Norman and I were both lost and devastated when Milesy left Cousins that laughter is the closest distance between us so I've become that clichĂŠ white woman who takes two people. I used to suffer from terrible nerves before her Chihuahua everywhere. Now we're both relatively going on stage but now I would get up and do 45 minutes at a garage sale given the chance! happy again.

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What advice would you give to a young woman about to embark on a career in show business and comedy? My advice to women who want a career in this crazy business is to absolutely follow their passion and make sure they are in love with comedy because it won't last if it's just a passing fling. We need more women in show biz and comedy and their voice needs to be heard. I would tell them to eat, breathe, live comedy, write every day, and get up on stage as much as possible to start accumulating those 10,000 hours Malcolm Gladwell advises for mastery. Tell your own story because the more personal, the more unique it is to you as an individual and honesty is funny and authentic. I think the magical equation is to come up with something wildly original from your POV that is also universal. Don't pander to the audience, try too hard or be politically correct. Finally, follow your own instincts and heart and don't listen to what anyone else says. Including me.

Any upcoming comedy shows? I will be headlining at The Ark Theater in North Hollywood on Friday, April 3rd. My new comedy CD Recovering Nudist is available on iTunes, and of course, Comedic Meditation takes place every Thursday night @7:30pm at Elements of Wellness, 3535 Cahuenga Blvd West, in Los Angeles. What do you like to do in your free time when you are not working? I like to write, go dancing and watch any and all true crime shows. Not sure if I would be any good at a Ted Talk but know I would kill with a Ted Bundy Talk. I'm kind of a ghoul that way. I've watched every Mindhunter, Law and Order SVU and Keith Morrison is my down low crush.

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What makes Carla feel empowered? I think my Mom always made me feel empowered. I was lucky because she was a goddess, my mentor, my best friend and my kindred spirit. Now I think I feel the most empowered when I make someone laugh and feel good.

My advice to women who want a career in this crazy business is to absolutely follow their passion and make sure they are in love with comedy because it won't last if it's just a passing fling. We need more women in show biz and comedy and their voice needs to be heard.

*Note: The group meditation has been suspended at this time due COVID-19. But Carla is available for private, "customized" oneon-one, Comedic Meditations, on oom, FaceTime, WhatsApp, Messenger, etc. It's much more personal than an App. After all, You get to hear Carla's soothing voice, and her wonderful sense of humor.

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Photo by Thom Holmes

8 Daily Rituals that Will Change Your Business for the Better By Dr. Erin Pollinger

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Successful people often travel and frequently aren’t in the same daily routine. But lasting success requires consistent daily rituals.

2. Engage with Books and Audio

Your daily rituals will be unique to you and will act as fuel to your success. Do the best you can with these rituals and commit to doing them at least five to six times a week. This will change your business, giving you more clarity, focus, and flexibility. These eight daily rituals have been instrumental in creating the massive success that I have experienced in my business.

1. Meditate

After my meditation, I either read or listen to audiobooks related to areas in which I want to grow. For me, these books are typically on the topics of wealth consciousness and personal growth. This practice stimulates new ideas and has the power to teach you new skills. Even if you just spend fifteen minutes every morning or evening engaging with others’ wisdom, you will experience a great deal of growth.

3. Journal

Each morning I sit in my infrared sauna and meditate for twenty minutes. I then focus on gratitude and find three things in my business and personal life that I am grateful for. I picture my life three years ahead and see what my relationships, business, energy, and health look like. I then envision the day ahead and, in my mind, walk through any upcoming conversations or interactions that I will have around my business. I see these happening in the present time and view them as being easy, energized, and fun. You can’t create what you can’t imagine, see, and feel!

I journal daily for ten to fifteen minutes a day, writing out the vision for my life as if it is happening now. Journaling closes the gap between where you are and where you desire to be. When I journal, I get very specific. My favorite thing to journal is, “As the woman who makes X amount of money each month, I am… (This is where I write down how I am feeling, the actions I am taking, where I’m traveling to, and what my life looks like.)” This practice gives you a clear picture of where you are and what goals you’re working towards.

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4. Set Goals

Self-care is an invaluable daily habit. Every day we must take impeccable care of ourselves. Sit in a sauna, take a walk in nature, meditate, take a hot bath, get a massage, and eat healthy. Get at least eight to nine hours of sleep each night, especially during the hours of 10:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. These are ways to nourish and care for ourselves and they are necessary for experiencing success in your business in a way that is sustainable and energized.

8. Experience Pleasure

This is probably the most important factor in determining whether you will be successful in your business. Your words create your reality. Don’t say you want something; say you desire it. “Want” is a lack word that keeps that thing you want outside of yourself. When you use the word “desire,” you are more able to feel it as a part of yourself. Don’t use the word can’t. Don’t say you are broke, or that something is hard, or that there is not enough. Ask the people closest to you to hold you accountable to only use conscious language.

6. Exercise

Daily pleasure breaks are crucial! Pleasure opens your receiving channels so that you can let in all the desires that you’ve set your sights on. Spend five to ten minutes a few times a day lying in the sun, taking a quick nap, having a short dance party, or doing whatever puts you in your feel-good place. The more focused and relaxed you are, the more successful you will be. Your joy transfers to the people around you, making a more creative, collaborative team. Excerpt from the book Network Marketing Queen, written by Dr. Erin Pollinge Photos creidt: Plush Design Studio, Akson, Jonathan Borba, Karla Alexander, Maria Fedchuk, madison lavern, Lena Kudryavtseva

I exercise at least six days a week. It’s our job to light our own fire and get ourselves in the energy of transformation every single day. Exercise gets your blood flowing and energy moving so that you can do what is required to win. Exercise is crucial for you to feel good in your body and mind, which is key to experiencing massive success.

7. Practice Self-Care

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Dr. Erin Pollinger has been a chiropractor since 1999 and is a life coach supporting women around physical and financial freedom. She leads workshops on Feminine Powered Leadership and hosts international retreats at her center in Costa Rica. Dr. Erin is currently the lead female earner and third top earner in her network marketing company, with no previous experience in the industry. She is also the mother to her beautiful daughter, Willow. Dr. Erin's passion is supporting women to reclaim their most energized relationships with their bodies, money, and life itself. Network Marketing Queen is her first book. www.drerinpollinger.com www.networkmarketingqueen.com

y r o t S A e v o L f o eck Malcolm-P

Photo by Kelly Sikkema

By Melissa

Life comes with many hardships that shape an individual’s perspective of the world. “A Story of Love” by Melissa Malcolm-Peck is a raw and honest memoir about facing death and finally learning to live. Throughout this autobiography, readers will get a glimpse into the author’s life as a mother of three who survived numerous heart attacks and her transformational voyage toward trust, forgiveness and gratefulness. After her journey, Malcolm-Peck has passed away and her three daughters have come together to bring their mother’s inspirational story to life. 32 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Readers will experience Malcolm-Peck’s life altering adversities that lead her to finding the key to perfect health and to healing her heart. The author elevates pain into an offering and her words evoke transformation. During her healing process, she invited God into her relationships and believed in his power which transformed her into the woman she was born to be. Malcolm-Peck’s journey will provide a fresh perspective on healing and spirituality.

One evening after dinner William comes to stand beside my chair. I glance up. “Take a little walk with me,” he says. I shake my head.

But the next day, Will appears four times to take me for walks. He keeps track of my distance and records my heart rate. I go with him without arguing only because it’s easier.

“Just a little one on the driveway.” “I don’t want to.”

He’ll forget soon, I’m sure of it, and then I’ll blow it off. But he doesn’t forget.

He reaches down and takes my hand. “Come on, you’re supposed to be walking three or four times a day.”

“You’re getting stronger,” he tells me as he checks my statistics after one of our outings.

I sigh and slowly stand. Acquiescing feels easier than arguing and he won’t give up anyway.

™

I don’t want to argue anymore. Silently I walk beside him, out our front door, gingerly taking the stairs, moving down them on painful, swollen feet. I’m barefoot except for the thigh high white surgical stockings that reduce the chance of blood clots in my legs. I look up and notice my three little girls watching me from their front bedroom window. I wave but I look away quickly, sorry they have to see me like this. It must hurt them, I think. I just can’t move any faster. I could never have imagined the difficulty recovering from the last heart attack and the surgery. I don’t believe anyone who hasn’t experienced it can. And I was fairly young and very strong going into it. William takes my arm and tries to look encouraging. “Remember when I was twenty-two and had that abdominal surgery and was in the hospital for five days?” I glance at him and he nods. “Well, the doctor told me then that I would feel like a truck hit me, but it never seemed like anything much. But now, now I feel like a truck hit me.” “Let’s take your pulse,” William says, so we pause, and he gives me the stop and start time. I quit wearing watches the day I quit business. He listens when I give him my heart rate. “You need to start walking every day,” he reminds me. I sigh again. I know I’m supposed to be walking. I just don’t care anymore. I’m tired of trying so hard. I’m tired of failing. I’d rather just fail this time without expending all the effort. We walk back to the house quietly. It seems like a long walk, but it’s only ten minutes. William helps me back into my chair, and I’m sure this will be the last time I need to exercise because he’s still trying to catch up at work.

I don’t call anyone when I have more nights of weakness, and increased numbness to add to the areas that have never regained feeling. I stop telling anyone anything anymore. I wake with my heart pounding at every noise the houesmakes. I lie beyond the bottom rung of faith. I keep waking over and over to darkness and the faint light that doesn’t shield me from it. But I can’t take a sleeping pill. If I start that, something tells me, I’ll never quit. I flush the entire bottle of unused sleeping pills and untouched pain pills down the toilet the next morning. That evening, I lie staring at shadows on walls and at a dimly lit clock that seems stuck too, thinking about arteries popping again. Reliving the unimaginable pain that comes when they go. I’m thinking about being helpless on the respirator. Remembering the respirator so intimately, it makes me gag. I quickly cover my mouth with my hand. Sweat sits damp under my arms. I sit up to sip water and try to slow my frantic breathing and heartbeat. I try focusing on Dad. Thinking about him brings my only comfort. He was brave, I tell myself. He lived when many around him did not. He told me once, in his slow western way of speaking, “They say when your number’s up, it’s up. And it’s mighty true. It doesn’t matter if you’re hunkered down in a foxhole or wearing a flak jacket, if it’s up, it’s up. I’ve seen men die who had no business dying, and men live who had no business living. And there’s no call worrying about either.” He reached out then and ruffled my hair and pulled me close in a bear hug. And it hurt a little, just like always because he was so strong. “Just think ahead, use your common sense, and the rest takes care of itself. How about some more hot tea?”

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Dad’s people were Scots. His grandfather immigrated to America and my grandfather still came out with expressions like, “bonnie lassie.” The men stood unusually tall, black-haired, blue-eyed and proud of their scrappy Highland heritage, proud too that they were all “fighting men.” Dad told me of a relative long ago who had served in the Black Watch Regiment and was blinded by tribes in Afghanistan. He was left alive to wander the bleak, cold hills alone for days before he found his way out, back to his regiment, following the sound of bagpipes he imagined in the distance. He found his way out and returned to his beloved Scotland, where he lived a full and useful life, dying one morning far past his hundredth birthday. I sigh. No, he never sat down and quit, he kept trying until he found his way out, and had he given up trying, none of us would be here. The pipes always move me. I guess you can’t really lose the call of coming home in one generation. I’m a Malcolm too, I tell myself and yet I’m sitting here quivering in a warm bed after a full meal. Dear Lord, the years have badly blighted our strong stock, but it seems the blight didn’t strike until me. Well, I’m sorry I let everyone down. Suddenly a line from Shakespeare comes to me, and in my mind I hear my dad’s voice reciting his version of it. “A coward dies a thousand deaths, a brave man only once.” His voice reaches me strong and true like a gong ringing out across a far and distant clearing. And I hear those words and I hear dad’s voice just as distinctly. I start repeating the line over and over in my own voice until I feel the weight of those words bring the depth of their meaning to my core. In that moment, I choose not to be a coward anymore. I don’t want fear in my life, whatever little is left of it. I don’t want fear inside me. I don’t want this shade of evil. I sit up straighter in bed and stare hard at the dark gloom I’ve created around me. And I tell myself that I’ve already died more than my share this go around. I’m not sure how to control all the things my body has been doing since the first dissection and heart attack, but somehow, I can learn to control this fear. Dad’s blood still runs in my veins. And I’m not sitting here remembering him and hearing his voice for nothing. I’m making your words mine, Dad. Semper Fi, it will be. Always faithful. I recall right then how I “happened” to be right next to the hospital the day I nearly died, when it would have 34 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

been far more probable that I’d be all alone in the mountains with three little kids. So, I figure Dad was right. God will take me when it comes my time to go and not a moment before. I figure I can ruin every moment that has been given to me with the sort of thoughts that have been roaming wild and rooting up good ground in my head. Yet deciding is still a far cry from doing. I know that from experience. But it is a first step, and life is made of little decisions, and faint, first steps. Shaky steps you keep trying to take. Fear doesn’t just grow silent and it doesn’t just go away. I know I’ll have to put another and a louder thought in its place. I know I’ll have to keep putting it there, and if I get tired of putting it there and tired of working on it before the work is done, then fear wins and I lose. I lean back into the pillow with a mantra coming to mind and to my lips. I repeat it a hundred times or more. I’m not counting. It is the last thought I have before I fall asleep, and it is the first thought I make myself think when I wake in the morning. “I choose not to be afraid. I trust in God.” I want to hear the pipes again.

Melissa Malcolm-Peck was a survivor of four heart attacks, a beloved mother and wife who lived her life fiercely. She was a guest editorial writer for the Boulder Daily Camera and her short story “Passing Love On,” won first place at the Maui Writers Conference – the first narrative non-fiction to ever win. Her number one dream in life was to become an author and publish her manuscripts. Malcolm-Peck passed away on July 23, 2015 and is survived by her three daughters who have come together to finish her memoir to make her dream a reality. “A Story of Love” is the first book out of three that Malcolm-Peck’s daughters will publish on her behalf.

One Defining Moment Redirects Jan Hogrewe out of a Jam— Switching Careers from Film to Food in Pursuit of True Happiness

JAN’S Just

STORY

After building a successful business and following her professional prowess in film production, Jan Hogrewe just didn’t feel fulfilled and truly happy. This entrepreneur, film producer, former tap dancer, and mother of twins felt an itch for something more-and Jan was about to uncover her Jam. Just like a line out of a film, Jan was asked a single question that redirected her path completely when a friend tasted her jam and introduced her to a food industry professional. “He tasted my jam and said, ‘wow, I really like this. It’s better than what’s on the market. Would you ever be interested in doing this for a living?’and I said, ‘sure!’” Founded in 2010, Jan embarked on an incredibly successful

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venture with Just Jan’s full line of artisinal, all natural fruit spreads and sauces.

Whether some may call it destiny, the Law of Attraction and Manifestation, or just being bold enough to pursue a new passion, either way it’s sweet victory for Jan, who continues to put healthy and happy smiles on the faces of those who taste her marvelous marmalades. The greatest part of Just Jan's is: · No Artificial Ingredients · No Preservatives Online Store and Website, www.justjans.com

From a very young age, I loved baking, making candy and experimenting in the kitchen. Living in Burbank it was common to have citrus trees dotting yards, front and back. My backyard had a Meyer lemon, sweet tangerine, grapefruit and an orange tree with some of the best oranges I’ve ever eaten. My mom entertained frequently but never baked so she asked me to make desserts for her dinner parties. I can remember getting a regular request for my lemon meringue pie. The more I made it the more proficient and confident I became, the kitchen was a happy place for me. Being in the kitchen experimenting is still my happy place. When I started college my days in the kitchen seemed numbered, I majored in filmmaking with a minor in graphic design. Following college, I got married and eventually landed at Warner Bros. After a few mergers and helping launch DVD at Warners, my husband and I saw an opportunity to produce behind-the-scenes and specials for DVD. Since the DVD was in its infancy we were working a lot! As if starting a production company wasn’t enough, we were also raising twin daughters, remodeling our kitchen, and re-doing our backyard, where I planted a baby Kadota fig tree (more about that later). Even with the heavy load our production company, Pond Films, was thriving. We worked on behind the scenes content steadily for over 10 years until the projects were fewer and waning creatively. It was at this time that things began to shift for me personally as well as professionally. My marriage was ending, I was taking care of my mom who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and my daughters were preparing for college. Under the best of circumstances starting a new business is daunting, under these circumstances it was downright crazy. Little did I know, that a chance encounter at my local Starbucks was about to give me the push I needed, exactly when I needed it. That fig tree I planted all those years ago, was mature and producing tons of figs. I used to look out at that tree with such pride, I planted it and it was thriving. But I also hated seeing the figs from it go to waste. When I was a kid I spent summers on a farm in Central California, I have fond memories of canning fruits and making jams. Between those memories and my abundant tree, something just clicked and I began to research how to make fig jam. Once again I was in my happy place, experimenting in the kitchen. After some trial and error, I finally got a recipe that I liked and began perfecting my fig jam. It wasn’t long before I was sharing my new passion with friends and family. I began making batches of fig spread and giving them out. One day while out meeting a friend for coffee, I was introduced to someone in the food industry. As it happens, he had heard about my fig spread and was interested to taste it for himself. I quickly went home, grabbed a jar from the fridge and went back to Starbucks eager to hear what a food professional thought of my homemade jam. His response could not have been better or more unexpected. After tasting my fig jam, he said he thought it was better than what was on the market, and asked if I would be interested in selling my jam for a living. I did not hesitate to say yes, and at that moment Just Jan’s was born. Today Just Jan’s is an award-winning line of artisanal, all-natural fruit spreads, with a strong following and reputation for high quality and unique flavors. Each Just Jan's product still starts in Jan's kitchen, and is fine-tuned until it meets her standards for texture, flavor, and consistency. Because Jan believes that the fruit is sweet enough, all Just Jan's spreads are made with less sugar, no artificial ingredients, and no preservatives. Today our mission is combining passion, care & high-quality ingredients to craft foods that take you home. Try some today and introduce your customers to a product they are sure to love.

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Photo by Lucian Andrei

RECLAMING YOUR TRUE SELF By Angela Dunning

Death Changes

Everything When a loved one dies, suddenly, there is a huge vacancy where once there was a vibrant, living soul complete with all their human dramas, lives and pain. Then, in an instant, they are gone. And those left behind are plunged into a rapid descent of loss, grief, sadness and, change. Often, when we talk about death and rebirth we tend to think solely of the departed one and their soulâ€™s transition to the next, new phase of their journey. We think of their potential for rebirth, for a different kind of existence now so radically changed as they enter the ether and leave this earthly world at last. And yet, having just experienced the death of my elderly father, what struck me was how change also greatly affects those remaining. How the potential for rebirth, new life, new relationships and healing is suddenly right there, 38 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

whether we want this or not or whether we are ready for this or not. Utterly unexpectedly we are given another chance to right old wrongs, to heal rifts, to come together with those who perhaps we donâ€™t see very often or even like very much. But, we find we have no choice in this matter. Life and death both catapult us into a very different landscape where old hurts evaporate before our very eyes, silently weaving a new web of glistening gold which wraps itself around and between us, leading to a restoration of long since lost relationships. And perhaps most profoundly, I was struck by how love completely enveloped all of us. Both love for the one who is now gone, and for each of us left behind in our grief. Love which held us tightly over the ensuing hours and days, and which carried us through to the funeral service. The irony is that my father found it incredibly difficult to express his love for us and he never experienced life in a spiritual way. So to stand at his service and feel nothing but pure love for him was a profoundly humbling, spiritual experience. It was utterly beautiful. And in an instant, I felt changed.

Not only through this aching gap that had suddenly appeared in my life, but also because of the new shoots springing up all about and within me. New life was suddenly so present and calling me and the rest of my family to embrace it; now. Old perspective and opinions began to fall by the wayside, no longer relevant and no longer holding so much power over me. New information, connections and understanding poured into my awareness. Physical changes lightened the heaviness that had pervaded with sorrow of the last twenty years or my dadâ€™s life and thus, all of ours too. All of this was all swept away, leaving this vacancy. This lightness and space, ripe for something new to enter and eventually become something so very different. In a flash, everything changed. This is a lot for the human psyche to process especially in such a short period of time and so suddenly. And so, being extra gentle with oneâ€™s self during this immediate aftermath is vital. Tender loving self-care is called for: rest, company, sleep, tears, gentle walks in nature, warm baths, good food, laughter and fond remembrances, all are the necessary ingredients to support ourselves through the loss of a beloved one. Even when that relationship was a difficult one, as mine was with my father.

I have also been thinking about the timing of my fatherâ€™s death. Not only was it two weeks before his next birthday, but as I walked among the brightly dancing yellow daffodils, and the new buds waiting patiently on the trees and hedgerows to do their thing once more, it struck me what an auspicious time of year it was to depart this earth. As all around is new growth, new life, re-birth after the deadness of winter. The wheel keeps turning, the cycle forever repeats... And so as I mourn my father, I am held delightfully by the abundance of new life just waiting to burst forth once more. Reminding me that everything does indeed always keep changing. Nothing stays the same, and indeed, nor should it. For that leads to a different kind of death of stagnation and mortification where no new life can break through. What is needed is a blast of new energy and death certainly ushers that in. The dying are released from the prison of the body and pain, their suffering and regrets, and they are reborn. The weariness of this life falls off their face leaving them rejuvenated, young again, at peace and beautiful once more. A complete whole being, with no worries or struggles, just liberation into an entirely new realm. I know my dad is at peace now; I can feel it deep in my bones. Now, I can only smile when I think of him. I thank him for the grace that his death has given me. For the new life and potential just waiting to unfurl in me and the rest of my family. Most of all, I thank Spirit for this wondrous thing called life and for its closest and dearest companion: death. May we all fear her no more for she is as much a part of life as you and I in this very moment.

Photo by Raspopova Marina

angeladunning

Angela Dunning is a regular contributor to The Eden Magazine. She is the author of The Horse Leads the Way: Honoring the True Role of the Horse in Equine Facilitated Practice, Angela writes regularly on Facebook: www.facebook.com/thehorsestruth/ and Patreon: www.patreon.com/

You can learn more about Angela and her work helping people and horses at: www.thehorsestruth.co.uk

39 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

WOMEN'S EMPOWERMENT

Stacie Guzzo Entrepreneur & CEO of Natural Beauty Product,

SmartyPits

Stacie had no family history of breast cancer or noted genetic predisposition, so she began to do some research to learn more about breast cancer and its risk factors. That was the first time she learned about studies that linked the aluminum in antiperspirants to breast cancer (as well as Alzheimer’s Disease). At the time, Stacia tried to go aluminum-free herself—but it was a struggle. A dedicated “clinical strength” antiperspirant user, Stacia needed something that controlled odor all day, had a smoother application, smelled great, and felt convenient to use. SmartyPits uses thoughtfully sourced and cruelty-free ingredients, none of their manufacturing is outsourced, and they work hard to make sure each SmartyPits is poured with love and hope. SmartyPits containers are 100% recyclable--including our labels--through most curbside recycling programs.

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Hi Stacia, you are the founder of â€œSmartyPits Deodorantâ€?, Please tell us about your business and why you decided to start it? When my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, it was found in a lump located directly underneath her armpit. We had no family history of breast cancer or genetic predisposition for cancer--her doctors at the time told her it was likely that the tumor was influenced by something in her environment, but couldn't say what that might be. I started to do some research, and it was the first time I learned that aluminum in antiperspirants might be a risk factor for both breast cancer and Alzheimer's disease--and while there is still debate about it, I knew I didn't want to take any chances.

I tried to go aluminum-free at the time for my deodorant, but nothing on the market felt good, smelled good, and (most importantly!) worked with my body chemistry. I was a Secret Clinical Strength user, so I needed something with enough power to keep me feeling fresh! Since I couldn't find anything...I ended up learning how to make it myself.

tice animal-friendly practices as well. We do use beeswax in our deodorant; we founded the company as hobby apiarists who were trying to encourage and support sustainable beekeeping practices as a way to increase the world bee population, and we've continued to support suppliers who hold the same values as a way to try to continue that mission. Please tell us about the process of your business, how can you manage the demand? It's always a balancing act to manage growth. You want to grow quickly without overtaxing your resources--especially your team! From my perspective, I think one of the best ways we've managed our growth is to listen--listen to our customers, listen to my team, and most importantly listen to my gut. Was it hard to launch your business? It's always hard to put yourself out there and hope that people like what you're offering. I've often told people that business always feels hard, but the type of hard changes over time. In the beginning, it's hard because you're wearing all the hats--creating, packaging, shipping, marketing, accounting, customer service...as you grow, it becomes hard in a different way. You're managing people and personalities, creating a company culture. You're figuring out the supply chain. You're leveling up conversations. I think it's always hard to run a business...but as entrepreneurs, we (hopefully) get stronger the longer we're in it, so the "hard" is a little less scary.

For a while, I created my own deodorant on my stovetop--a product that was free of aluminum, phthalates, propylene glycol, and parabens. Before long, I started selling it at farmer's markets and craft fairs--that was 5 years ago! Now, in 2019, we're in over 4000 retail locations nationwide and will be sold in 15 countries by early 2020. Because of our origin story, we also have it in our company mission to give back to breast cancer research and survivor support. I've partnered with City of Hope, a world-leader in cancer research and the facility that saved my mom's life, to donate $0.30 from every large stick sold directly to their breast cancer research program. To date, we've raised over $53,000 for them! We've also donated over 10,000 free deodorants to cancer warriors undergoing chemo and radiation, as well as cancer survivors. Is your products are animal-friendly, and how you keep it this way? We never test on animals, and make sure our suppliers prac41 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Through SmartyPits, I feel this work has been able to turn a really awful situation (my mom's cancer diagnosis and treatment) into something that can hopefully help many others. 42 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Who are your clients? Women, men, and children--anyone who needs to wear deodorant! Our mission is to help the world go aluminum-free, one stick at a time. I want our product in the hands of as many people as I can. What do people most like about your products? More and more people are understanding the importance of going aluminum free in their deodorant choice--and as a result, there are lots of aluminum-free deodorants on the market these days. Our product is unique for a couple of reasons: 1. our formula is smooth, infused with prebiotics to help support the natural microbiome of the user; 2. we have a lot of unique scents that you won't find in most natural deodorants; and 3. the thing I'm most proud of--our giveback program. We're committed to being a company that does something good with the product we sell, even beyond the customer we serve. 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her lifetime, which means almost everyone will at least know someone with breast cancer. This is a disease that touches everyone, and we want to be at the forefront in helping to support the doctors and researchers that are looking for a cure. How can you see the future of your business? We want to make as positive of an impact as we can on the world--I'd love to see us break the $100,000 mark in donations in 2020... which means we plan on selling a lot of SmartyPits!

What is the advantage and disadvantage of what you do? There will always be pros and cons for any path we take in life--but for me, being an entrepreneur has absolutely tapped into something inside of me that I wasn't able to access before. That's the biggest "pro" for me; I get to tap into the creative problem-solver, the leader, the cheerleader, and the visionary, all in one day. As far as disadvantages, well...if you want to sleep, I wouldn't recommend entrepreneurship. If you are not at work, how you spend your day? Family is my everything. Whenever we aren't working, we're finding a fun adventure to do together--whether it's taking a drive to a place we've never been before or going on a hike or even just an afternoon of bowling. Any message would like to share with our readers? It's a passion of mine to help every one of our customers finds the aluminum-free formula and scent that works with their body chemistry so they can be aluminum-free for life. I'm so deeply humbled that so many people invite us into their homes and along their wellness journeys on a daily basis. Through SmartyPits, I feel this work has been able to turn a really awful situation (my mom's cancer diagnosis and treatment) into something that can hopefully help many others.

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Give Voice to Your Values

How to Feel Good in Difficult Times

Photo by Andre Furtado

By Gael Lindenfield

44 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

“If your morals make you dreary, depend upon it, they are wrong.” ~ Robert Louis Stevenson, nineteenthcentury writer and poet

Self-respect is crucial for psychological health. It is not possible to have genuine self-esteem or self-belief without it. In addition to loving and taking excellent care of yourself, you need to be able to look in the mirror and see someone whom you can also truly respect. But how is self-respect achieved? Unfortunately, most of us learn about respect the hard way. A decisive moral awakening for me came from one of my daughters when she was just eleven. I shall never forget the stinging retort she gave me in response to a demand for more respect: “Respect has to be earned, Mother!” Although at the time this felt like a cheeky “below-the-belt” blow, on later reflection I could see that it was well deserved.

n How To Feel Good in Difficult Times, readers will learn to work through negative feelings, reclaim their sense of self-worth and bounce back feeling stronger and even more confident than before. Whatever the cause of your unhappiness and self- doubt – personal, work-related, or a combination of the two – this book gives you all the tools you need to conquer the overwhelm, dust yourself off and regain positivity, whatever life throws at you. How To Feel Good in Difficult Times is available on Amazon and in all good book stores

Its wisdom still impacts upon my conscience today, and it resounds in my head whenever I need reminding that, just like the respect we have for anyone else, self-respect has to be built on living proof. It isn’t enough to believe in certain moral standards; you must know that you are living by them. This means that when you reflect on your behaviour, your decision-making and your lifestyle, you must be able to see the proof that your actions have been truly in sync with principles you value. Good intentions do not bring self-respect. Anyone who has felt the shame that comes with repeating the same resolution with each new year knows this well enough.

value in life. They are renowned for their ability to act as a “wakeup call”. Although no fallible human can ever maintain moral perfection, true self-respect is only possible if you are convinced that you are doing your very best to live up to your principles. The best tip for living in line with your own principles is to compile a list of simple life rules. These can then be used as an ever-ready checklist whenever you are confronted by any kind of dilemma. As an example, I’ve shared three of my own below. These life rules have been immensely valuable for me. They work because they were especially created with my particular needs and bad habits in mind – see the comments in brackets. Your life rules would need to be similarly tailored especially for you. My life rules are: • To ask myself regularly if I am being true to my real self and my own values (I spent too many years trying to be someone I thought others wanted me to be) • To spend more time than I think I can afford on relationships that matter most to me (I used to find it hard to say no to anyone who asked for my help, friendship or time; the result was that my close relationships suffered and I was getting burnt out) • To see the positive in change, however unwelcome it may be (my programmed auto-response to change is depression, even though I have an excellent record of adjustment).

Difficult times frequently confront you with what you really

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Try creating similar rules for yourself, but remember the following: • They should feel uplifting rather than burdensome. To be motivating, they must bring you more pleasure than pain, so abiding by them should not feel in any way punishing! This is important because so often there has been an early childhood association between morality and punishment which is etched deep into the neural system. (So remember the wise words of Robert Louis Stevenson quoted at the start of this tip.)

guiding life rules listed in hierarchical order is ideal – few enough to commit to memory, but enough to cover the key moral issues that will confront you. If you find it a struggle to come up with a list (and many people do at first attempt) this simple exercise will help you to clarify your key values.

• They should be relevant. They need to fit with your current needs and priorities. This means they will need to be reviewed and possibly changed during or after each life transition or big experience. Most parents, for example, feel that they have to modify their guiding principles once their children come along. Other people say that they have to do this when they reach positions of leadership when it may be more appropriate to take a more conciliatory stance on many issues. During difficult times, you often have to be more compromising than you would otherwise be and this prompts a review of your principles.

Newspaper headline during the global financial crisis, 2009]

• They should be defendable. They have to be able to stand up to the rigour of a “devil’s advocate” test. You can do this for yourself, but you will have even more confidence in your principles if you can test them out with other people. To do the test on your own, use a twochair exercise, whereby you start by sitting on one chair and making your case for your belief in one rule, then sit in the chair opposite you and take the stance of someone who believes the opposite. To do the test with someone else, ask a friend to take the role of devil’s advocate or, if you are brave, you could start a debate with someone you know who you think truly does have opposite views from you. • They should be publishable. In other words, they should not give you any cause for embarrassment. They need to reflect values that you are proud to be seen to uphold. If they do not, they will deplete rather than enhance your self-respect and self-belief. Another way of putting your life rules through a rigorous test is to read books or articles on the Internet which express different views from yours. Most people find that between three and six

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QUICK FIX:

Stifle your selfish survival response with good deeds Dousing the Protectionism Flames

Twenty leaders from different countries gathered in London on the day of this news story. Their aim was to find ways of collaborating in order to solve the world’s economic problems, as it was clear that “protectionism” (i.e. national selfishness) is one of the greatest obstacles to achieving this goal. In difficult times, most people naturally prioritise looking after their own, but in the long term, there is a hefty price to be paid for this “survival-of-the-fittest” impulse. Your self-respect will plummet and your relationships with your community will deteriorate. One way to guard against this happening is to make it a rule for yourself to do one good deed each day, and record your act of kindness in a small notebook or in a file on your computer. You may not keep to your rule each day, but the monitoring process will prevent any selfish protectionist trend from getting its grip on you. Your record can also serve as a more general self- esteem-boosting resource. Look at it whenever you need a reminder that you are actually “nice” occasionally!

Gael Lindenfield is a psychotherapist and a leading voice in confidence and self-help. She is also the internationally bestselling author of 21 ground- breaking personal development books, which have been translated into 33 languages.

Have you seen Gretchen?! Missing since 11/11/2016 Please contact us

info@theedenmagazine.com

47 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

By Lavandaia & Marco Nunzio Alati

Photo by Michael Rodichev

2020 THE DOUBLE RESURRECTION 48 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Over the last few weeks, Humanity as a whole has been pushed, shaken up, and spoken to, and the voice of the Universe is not whispering any longer. The Corona Virus has brought a collective fear to explode and spread, bringing out a duality of the best and worst amongst us all. There is mass panic, mass concern, mass worries because of this virus. However, in this year, 2020 this is what many ancient civilizations prophesized about and awaited. From Egyptians to Mayas, from Sumerians to Phoenicians. They all called 2020 the Third Custom. This year, is a double number 20 a very powerful numeric symbol, and if we look at the ancient wisdom and knowledge of the Egyptians, the arcana 20 is the judgment, also called “the resurrection”. Thus, in a sense, now, in 2020, we must “die within” as Humanity with all of our old, antiquated patterns, believes and ways and “resurrect” in a new upgraded and conscious Humanity. Also, at the same time, if we do a summation of all the numbers, it equals 4. Four is such an important number as it represents the House, and stability, like the four legs for a table. And in this pivotal point, year and moment in Humanity, the universe is quite telling that we are being “forced” to stay within the four walls of our House and “eat at our own table”. And we are now asking, “Why, how did we get to this point?” “We are all part of the same organism, the same continuous circle, and the actions of one will always effect that of the Other. The outcome of this and all, will be how You choose to treat Yourself, Nature and the Other. It is up to You.” Interestingly, Corona literally comes from the Latin word: Coronam, which means Crown. We have all collectively forgotten how to claim our own Crown, the be kings and queens of our own reality by mastering our inner kingdoms. We have forgotten of that golden thread that connects us - through our Crown Chakra- to the Source. We have been so focused on the external achievements, goals and egotistical needs. We have forgotten our deep connection with “all that is” and it has become necessary to resurrect and remember the fullest version of us. This is why staying in our House, literally and figuratively, staying within our Four walls is an incredible opportunity to finally find “the house of God” and claim our Crown. As Humans, we may still ponder, struggle to understand why is this virus here now? Where does it come from? Could it be experimentations, or a precise plan from a certain lobby that wants to stop the current quantum leap occurring, or maybe it just came from an accident. However, it really does not matter at all because the moment we focus on the cause, we are still pointing our fingers outside ourselves. And that is exactly what Corona is teaching us not to do.

Now, right now is the time for us, as Humanity to go within. We need to go to our deepest cave within ourselves and find the light within. We need to express JOY at any cost. We need to find the Zero point, that quantum field where nothing is important just as everything is essential. Now it’s the time to let old patterns and beliefs go and realize that in that emptiness, which is full of everything, in that substance, you can find pure Love. Now, right now, our call, the “assignment of sorts” is to be in our Four walls, to resurrect within Us by choosing to be fully responsible of our thoughts, our emotions and our daily actions with coherence and rectitude. Let’s take this scenario as an opportunity of rejoicing the fullest potential of ourselves, expressing Lightness and Unity. We have fully entered the era of Aquarium, which is that of one’s total freedom, in unity and cooperation within each other. Let’s resurrect together, claim our crown and collectively create the highest version of this 2020, the kingdom of Heavens on Earth.

After graduation in Industrial Biotechnology, Marco played a key role in international research projects in Canada, Austria and Spain. He stumbled upon the Reconnection by mere chance and it enlightened him in ways he hadn't realized he needed. Three months after that unique experience, he left his job in biotechnology and embarked on his journey to become a full time Reconnective Healing Practitioner, and one of the two Italian Mentors and Teaching Assistants of Eric Pearl’s direct Team. He is currently living in Los Angeles and collaborating with a number of independent scientific studies that are exploring Reconnective Healing and its extraordinary benefits. For info contact marco.alati@gmail.com 323-617-2289 “Description” is all in the eyes of that who is experiencing, thus “description” of “who” becomes irrelevant. And the truth is, that describing Lavandaia using “words” is like trying to catch a fragrance. Scent cannot be caught, it can only be enjoyed and discovered through the experience itself. Who Lavandaia “is” is her mission, Giving clarity and divine knowledge to those who are willing to move forward in life and explore how to express their highest self. For more information visit www.lavandaia.org, or contact us at paola.seed@gmail.com

49 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Photo by Actionvance

Lessons I Learned From My Father By Sasha Gary

50 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

I never imagined that last month I spent time writing an article on grief and the loss of a loved one and a mere two weeks later I lost my dad. Life gives you unexpected curve balls. My grief and loss weren’t what I expected because it was real and raw, not just words from my computer. I never dealt with real loss before. Yes, I lost amazing friends in recent months and it inspired me to write that article to help others heal. Now, I needed healing. What people don’t tell you about death and dying is the shock and loss you feel. The emptiness that is apart of you. I was in shock. It happened so fast. My dad was healthy. He was 88 years and back at the gym for a few months under supervision. He was so excited to be back working out as he was a weight lifter and active man up until he turned 70 years old. He fell off track for while as aging does that. But, after surgery for circulation in his legs, his doctors recommended him to workout again. He loved it! He was in a new group of men who were also Korean war veterans. When the gym found out he was a veteran they gave him his membership free. He was so proud. My dad was a 20 year veteran of the United States of America. He was given amazing opportunities by the Army and Air Force. He traveled the world and experienced new places and cultures. A man who was from a small town in Virginia wasn’t given much opportunity like that other than the military. His family Mom, Dad, and sisters encouraged their kids to reach new levels in life. As the only son, he took that on as his mission. I learned at his funeral how disciplined he was. Even on leave, he would come home, shine his shoes, workout and be prepared. That was a big lesson in life that he taught me. I am very disciplined. Being disciplined is what pushes you past your limits, it’s your inner being that rises to the surface and you do what you need to do, not what you want to do. There are lots of things I want to do, but I do things I need to do to move forward, get projects down that are for my long term goals and not my short term interests. My most recent lesson I learned from my dad was just a couple of months ago. I was going through a difficult time in my life. Nothing seemed to be going my way. My dad asked me how my auditions were going. So sweet! My dad used to drive me to my auditions when I was a kid and I didn’t have a license yet. It was fun! I would be nervous, and he would say okay, good luck and wait for me until it was over. I told him, “I’m having some of the best auditions of my life, but I am not booking.” I was so frustrated. He said very boldly, and very loudly, “Don’t Quit!” I heard him loud and clear. I got the message. I was feeling really tired and maybe I did want to quit.

But he discouraged me completely. I learned not to give up on myself and my dreams no matter how hard it gets. I was very lucky to have a good relationship with my dad. I learned to never have regrets, to live your life to the fullest, to work hard, to push past your own limitations. We had a lot of similarities in life experiences that we would chat about. He would share stories about his life and he was an amazing storyteller. He loved to talk, as do I. I am also an amazing storyteller. I write screenplays, magazine articles, and books I am developing. I often told my male friends with daughters, be a good father and you’re daughters will be amazing women. I was proof of that! The new term girl's dad comes to my mind. My dad was the best girl dad, as much as he was a great dad for my brother. I am at peace that he is gone, I am glad he didn’t suffer, I am glad I spoke to him just the week before and in my meditation before he passed away. I told him it’s okay to go home, we will be fine if he wants to let go. Then in an instant, he was gone. He lived life to the fullest and left on his own timing. My dad lived his life as Frank Sinatra sang about. “And now, the end is near And so I face the final curtain My friend, I’ll make it clear I’ll state my case of which I am certain I’ve lived a life that’s full I traveled each and every highway And more, much more I did it, I did it my way”

Sasha Gary is an actress, writer, and Transformation Life Coachat www.balancedbellasonline.com is a 16 week online health program for women that shows you how to implement small sustainable changes one by one to help you with whole food nutrition, self-love and a conscious movement. Sasha is a yogi of 25 years, a crystal healer, and an avid sound bowl meditation participant and lives in Venice California!

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s temperatures rise and air conditioners begin to blast, educated homeowners have no need to fear the Environmental Protection Agency’s 2020 Freon Phase-out. January 2020 marks the EPA mandate to end production of Freon (also known as HCFC-22 and R-22), the primary refrigerant chemical used in residential air conditioning units that has been found to have a significant contributing effect on ozone depletion and global warming. While this is good news for environmentally conscious consumers, what does this mean to homeowners?

A Homeowner’s Guide to the EPA’s 2020

Freon Phase-out By Andy Armstrong

A Ban Briefing Here’s a brief situation overview. In 1987, the Montreal Protocol established requirements for the worldwide phase-out of ozone-depleting chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and in 1996, all developed nations ceased CFC production. In 1992, the Montreal Protocol was amended to phase out the production and use of hydro chlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), HCFC-22 (also known as R-22), beginning in January 2020. This ban represents a significant change because R22 has been used for decades as the common refrigerant in both heating and air conditioning systems. In anticipation, most systems manufactured over the past 10 years have switched to relatively safer alternatives, such as R410A. While these replacements don’t deplete the ozone layer, they do lead to climate change and need to be handled responsibly to avoid releases to the atmosphere.

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What’s it Mean to Me? So, how does this new mandate impact homeowners? In short, the EPA does not technically require homeowners to immediately replace their climate control systems, affording them the opportunity to choose their personal best option. If your unit is more than10 years old, you can still opt to keep your system. However, this can pose a problem should your unit require service for even a small Freon leak, a broken component, or other potential issues. The ban will make obtaining R22 a significant challenge for technicians due to limited access or they’ll need to use recycled versions until supplies inevitably dwindle. Further, a lack of supply will lead to increased prices. The question becomes whether to invest in a system that will eventually become obsolete. Alternatively, homeowners would need to hire a technician to replace the outdoor unit and indoor coil to accommodate the newer R410A, which is an expensive proposition. On the bright side, now might be a perfect time to consider a system upgrade since the average lifespan of an HVAC system is approximately 12-15 years. Plus, the latest systems are more environmentally- friendly and energy-efficient. Ultimately, many homeowners choose to replace older systems rather than retrofit them to enjoy greater long-term savings on utility bills and live greener. Live Green, Save Green, Stay Cool Home heating and cooling accounts for nearly half of home energy use and is responsible for nearly100 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year. With air conditioner energy expenses costing homeowners more than $11 billion a year, small steps can go a long way.

climate control. This is because as more electricity is sourced from renewable energy it is much easier and affordable to make electricity green than to make a green fuel. Among the most energy-efficient heating and cooling products, electricity-powered ductless mini-split systems can save as much as 25 percent on your energy bill. Mini-splits use thin copper tubing to pump refrigerant from an outdoor compressor directly into an indoor air-handling unit, where the air is quietly distributed to the interior space. • Envision the Future: The next generation of green home climate control systems run on power sources that provide efficient and renewable energy, emitting lower or no carbon. These include solar power, (the sun being the most vibrant renewable resource), geothermal energy (generated from the earth), wind power (wind turbines create kinetic energy that’s converted into electricity), hydropower (uses moving water to turn a turbine which generates electricity), and biomass (uses growing matter, like plantbased materials, and wastes, like animal manure).

Window treatments can work to your advantage too. Close all windows and coverings to keep your house cool. Dark-colored curtains, roman shades, and even discount store roller shades can be very effective. Solar screens, or mesh-like window screens, intercept up to 70% of solar energy before it gets into the house, and installing awnings can reduce solar heat gain by as much as 77%, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. There’s no need to sweat the ban on Freon this summer. Whether you choose to retrofit your existing system or opt for an upgrade, there are endless ways to stay cool, live greener and save money. If a new system is right for you, many Fujitsu systems with the Energy Star rating are more than twice as efficient as the minimum standard set by the government.

• Go Low-tech: Simple changes can have a big impact on your utility bill. Try to Andrew Armstrong is the use heat-producing appliances – stoves, vice president of sales and irons and dryers – at night or early mornmarketing for Fujitsu Gening. Switch to LED light bulbs instead eral America, a national of incandescent bulbs – which consume manufacturer with distrib90% more power. Seal air leaks around utors in local communities windows, doors, and places where pipes across the country, and a and wires come through walls. Check ex- 30-year industry veteran. For more inforisting caulking and weather-stripping for mation, call (888) 888-3424 or visit www. gaps or cracks. fujitsugeneral.com.

Following are some useful tips to help you contribute to the cleaner energy movement and reduce costs: • Get Electric: According to Columbia University’s Earth Institute, electric systems are a solution to decarbonize home 53 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Photo by Matteo Vistocco

LOOKING GOOD & FEELING GREAT By Margaret Tomaszewicz

How to

Take Care of Yourself

During the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak 54 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

You've probably heard about the widespread coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak by now. While it is an issue to take seriously, you don't need to panic. There are plenty of things you can do to take care of yourself during the coronavirus outbreak. Consider the following tips. 1. Wash your hands Even though hand sanitizer is helpful to have, nothing trumps the act of washing your hands. Use antibacterial soap in order to thoroughly scrub once you've used the restroom. Do your best to spend at least thirty seconds with soap and water at the sink. Your fingers, fingernails, and your entire hand need to be cleansed by the time you're done. When you're using the restroom, bodily fluids get on your hands. You don't want to transfer those germs to someone else. Though it might sound like an elementary task to do, it can help you protect yourself and others.

2. Avoid touching your face, eyes, or nose If you're someone who struggles with acne, this might seem like a tough one. When you're ready to pop that pimple or pull at that pesky ingrown hair, it's tempting to pick and prod at your face. While it's a bad habit already, you definitely don't want to do it during this outbreak. Though you've washed your hands, your hands come into contact with a lot of bacteria. Your phone, computer keyboard and the doorknob all collect bacteria. Especially when you're in public, you don't know how clean certain surfaces are. Whether you're wiping sweat off your face or blowing your nose, use a tissue or a handkerchief. Don't touch your face. 3. Eat well to keep your immune system healthy Food is medicine. When you eat the right foods, you can heal your body, boost your immune system, and remain strong. Do your best to eat lots of nutritious foods. Foods with tons of vitamins and minerals will give your immune system a fighting chance to win. Get creative with how you prepare specific meals in

order to enjoy the taste. . Green, leafy vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals. You can throw some kale in a delicious smoothie to increase the nutritional benefits. If you love to eat meat, try to eat lean options that are grilled or baked instead of deepfried. It's also great to plan your meals in advance. As you plan ahead, you'll be able to stick to a specific nutritional diet.

4. Skip the gym and go on a nature walk or practice yoga at home If you're a gym rat, this tip probably hurts the most. The gym is such a safe space for so many people who need to release stress or lose weight. Unfortunately, the gym is rife with germs. Even though most gyms encourage and maintain a great cleaning plan, the members aren't always compliant. As people sweat on the machines, they touch their faces, eyes and other sweaty parts of their bodies. Then, they place their hands back on the equipment. Instead of exposing yourself to those germs during the outbreak, it's a better idea to find alternative ways to exercise. Go on a nature hike to challenge yourself outdoors. If you like yoga classes, put on a video so you can exercise at home. This won't be a permanent situation. However, in the meantime, it's better to be safe than sorry. Skip the gym. 5. Make homemade meals with fresh, organic ingredients One of the main reasons why so many nutritionists strongly encourage people to make their food at home is because you'll have full control over what you're eating. When you're going through the drive-thru line at the local burger shop, you're unable to see how much oil, salt, and butter they're using. Plus, the ingredients probably aren't organically sourced. Instead of slathering mayonnaise on a fast-food burger, get in the kitchen and create your own condiments. Use tomatoes to make your tomato pesto with fresh garlic, herbs, and organic spices. Add that to your homemade burger for more flavor and nutritional impact.

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6. Get a massage or a facial at smaller, one-on-one studios While it would be nice to believe that all spas thoroughly cleanse every nook and cranny of their facility, it's easy to miss things at times. Sterilization is of the utmost importance during a time like this. Don't worry. You won't have to give up your beloved monthly massage or facial. However, it might be better to transition to a smaller studio for the time being. When you're working with someone in a smaller space with less foot traffic, you'll decrease your chances of exposure to someone else's germs. One of the reasons why schools are shutting down is because public officials want to decrease the chances of exposure in large crowds. When you're getting a facial or a massage, you're in a really vulnerable position. A one-on-one situation is much better than a public facility with lots of traffic.

7. Sneeze and cough into tissues or the crook of your elbow If you have to sneeze or cough, don't try to hold it in because of the coronavirus outbreak. While you don't want to scare others, there's a way to cough and remain sanitary. The key is to cough into tissues. If you don't have any tissues, then cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow. Most people aren't going to come into contact with your elbow. However, when you sneeze into your tissue, be sure to discard that tissue as well as wash your hands. If you don't have a sink nearby, always carry a hand sanitizer to kill the bacteria. 8. Avoid close contact with people who are sick If you're in an area where people are sick, it's important to remove yourself from that environment. You don't want to take any chances at this time. If someone is sick, encourage them to wear a mask in order to keep their germs covered. The coronavirus can be transmitted easily, and it's extremely contagious. If people are coming into work with a cold, find out if it's possible to work from home on a temporary basis. Your health is paramount. If your friends and family members are sick, it's okay to help them. However, do so from a

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distance. Avoid being in the same area because of how contagious the virus really is.

9. Stay home when you're sick If you're the one who is sick, please be considerate of others. Stay home until you're feeling better. Focus primarily on getting lots of rest, consuming a lot of fluids and flushing your system out. Go to the doctor in order to get any medications or treatments to help you. However, please do not go into public spaces when you know you're not well. 10. Regularly and thoroughly clean surfaces There is currently a shortage of antibacterial wipes and other cleaning products, as many people are restocking their supply. However, it's wise to be vigilant about cleaning all surfaces. When you're spending a lot of time at your work desk, you'd be surprised how much bacteria will build up. During this outbreak, be intentional about cleaning your surfaces down two or three times a day. If there is more foot traffic in a specific area, wipe down the surfaces even more often. 11. Get plenty of sleep Sleep is restorative as it allows your body to recover from the previous day. When your body gets enough rest, you'll get a fighting chance to beat various sicknesses and boost your immune system. Once you know how much rest you need each night in order to feel great, stick to it. You'll only cheat your body when you try to get less sleep at night.

Photo by Daria Shevtsova

13. Drink plenty of fluids Even though it's not as exciting as a glass of wine, a glass of water is one of the best drinks you can consume to take care of yourself. Your body requires water in order to function properly and flush the system of its toxins. If you focus on drinking more water, you won't need as much caffeine to feel present and alert. Water flushes bacteria to digestive system where our natural stomach acids kill them. Plus, you'll help your digestive system when you drink lots of water. When you have less waste in your system, your body will become less sluggish and tired.

14. Avoid touching commonly used surfaces in public spaces When you go to the grocery store, put on a pair of disposable gloves. Hundreds of people have touched those grocery store cards, doors, and more. Plenty of those people touch their faces, noses, and eyes during the process. As a result, you're coming into contact

with tons of bacteria. If you can avoid touching commonly used surfaces, that's best. If you can't avoid certain items or surfaces like the gas pump, wear a pair of disposable gloves. 15. Practice self-love by pampering yourself at home Self-care and self-love are really important during times of peace as well as times of chaos. When you're able to check-in with yourself, it's a good therapeutic practice to maintain. After a long day at work, come home to a delicious meal, your favorite television show, and one of our WODA face masks. The masks are all-natural solutions for issues like blemishes, build-up, and dullness. With ingredients like charcoal, lactic acid, and Vitamin C, your skin will feel soft, supple, and cleansed by the time you're ready to wash the mask off.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio

12. Manage your stress Approximately 75% to 90% of all medical visits are related to stress. This means that stress can have an incredibly major impact on a person's health. Ever since the media began talking about the coronavirus outbreak, there has been a strong sense of hysteria in the air. Be intentional about finding ways to manage your stress level. When you're stressed out, you'll compromise your health. Instead, focus on deep breathing, positive thinking, and meditative practices. Everything will be okay when you control your thoughts and quiet the mind.

While this is a hectic time for the world, don't allow the coronavirus to send you into a tailspin. With these tips, you'll be able to protect yourself from any potential harm. Share this list with your friends and family as well. When everyone takes the necessary precautions, the coronavirus won't remain for long.

Margaret Tomaszewicz is a licensed esthetician with over 25 years of experience.She is the owner of European Skin and Massage Studio in Santa Monica, California and has developed the Organic WODA European Natural Skin Care Line. Her products are available on wodaskincare.com and on Amazon.com For every product sold WODA Skin Care plants a tree. Margaret can be reached at 424-279-9771 or europeanskinandmassagestudio@gmail.com wodaskincare.com

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By Jayita Bhattacharjee

editation sheds a light on how to shed off the body consciousness and to leave aside the continual demands of body and mind for â€œunnecessary necessitiesâ€?. To be simple at heart, to learn how to listen to it and follow the path of its authentic whisperings would be to follow the wisdom of your meditative heart. Through meditation you free yourself through the complications of life, so you can break off the attachment to all the worldly things and live in a joyous state, where you witness the influx of all that comes and goes, yet remain unperturbed by the passing of events and encounters. Being meditative, you can tap into the infinity, and the fears and worries eventually dissolve in the light of meditation. Through meditation, you die to be reborn. And you become one with the soul.

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Photo by Xevi Casanovas

Mindfulness

Meditation, Even Silence Has a Sound

There is a gradual disappearing of the consciousness of being bodily related and to the illusions and limitations that makes you bounded and through the light of meditation as your soul flowers, you become unbounded. By conscious mental thinking, you can relate yourself to the immortal soul rather than to the body which you house in for one life only. The consciousness that flows with the life force by means of the five senses: sight, hearing, smell, sense and touch brings a consciousness of matter in someone. But through meditation, as consciousness and life force are withdrawn from the five senses, the consciousness looks like a river of light that flows towards the ocean of light in the spirit. A conscious control of the life energy creates a disconnection of the mind from the five senses. There comes a transference of identity which relates to the body and the sensory world to the truth of the eternal soul which is immortal in being. It is a moment of divine silence where the soul hears God in an immersive silence, as the eternal words flow from beyond to oneâ€™s thirsting heart. Silence in Solitude and the Speaking Stillness needed to deepen and sustain the bliss of consciousness: The cornerstones of conscious living are awareness and acceptance. Without silence, solitude and stillness, feeling the depth of awareness and acceptance seems to be an impossibility. Through these, we can sustain consciousness over time. Without these, its sustainability fails. You transcend the state of a thinker. You find that you are the beauty beneath the chaos. You remain as the rose after the rain. The feeling has a divine bliss and immense energy. Abstain from all sorts of artificial sounds. Turn your third eyes towards this silence. Every beauty, every song, every poem is born out of this silence. Every meaningful word is born out of this silence. Every melody originates as we tread through this silence and create a sense out of it. The unmanifested in embedded in this meaningful silence. Listening to the silence in between the sounds creates stillness. Even beneath all that seems so loud and noisy, there is a beautiful silence underneath all that. To glean its meaning is to find a light of stillness, the awareness and how it sheds a revelation of the stepping- stones need to be crossed along the pathway of life. In that realization, we discover the primal essence of who we are, our formless beauty. The awareness of the inner space is awareness of the consciousness itself. Through you, then the manifestation of the universe takes itself. And in this light, you see the sun, moon, the stars and their revelation through your soul. The universe resides in you and all you feel is this awareness in the light of your own formless essence. This is consciousness that you rise to in the speaking stillness. The entire purpose of meditation is to remain calm, centered and focused on one single object. This object may very well be a breath, an object, a mantra, visualization. With

practice, the ability to keep the attention focused on the selected object gets stronger and the distractions fade away. What develops is the depth and steadiness of concentration on the centered object. Mindfulness is a keen awareness that arises from being intensely attentive, intentionally on the present moment, without the least bit of judgement. It becomes a pathway to self-understanding and wisdom. Cultivating mindfulness can be the cornerstone to defeating pain and receiving natural wisdom. We nurture mindfulness and purpose concentrate on our present moment experiences through the practice of sitting meditation. The purpose of mindfulness meditation is not directed in any way towards leading us to a different path so as to induce a transformation. It sheds a light on awareness of what is truthfully transpiring moment to moment. It teaches us simply how to be present unconditionally at any given moment, regardless of what it brings. So, we can allow whatever is happening, sit with it, no matter what it is. It is a way to access natural wisdom, the beautiful sanity in the midst of insane pain. Lessened suffering and heightened awareness of our innate wakefulness would be transformative as we experience ourselves right now, right here in this present moment. To uncover this beautiful, brilliant sanity and to lessen the suffering is to travel deeply into the present moment, delve into its depths and into our hearts the way we are and not by compelling to change what is happening. The sitting practice of mindfulness meditation offers us a perfect opportunity to become more aware and present with ourselves just the way we are. This in turn reveals the wealth of our inner wisdom that was innately there and teaches how to stop sustaining, how to prevent preserving the inessential suffering which results from trying to run away from the pain, the agony we unavoidably experience from the efforts to be alive. As per Buddha, the root of suffering is our endeavor to escape from our direct experience. We cause ourselves immense pain by trying to walk away from the pain and trying to hold onto pleasure. Instead of quelling our pain and perpetuating our pleasures, it has the opposite impact. It intensifies our suffering. And when we emerge with an ego-driven personification, it causes a heightened suffering. Mindfulness pays a nonjudgmental, just needed attention to every detail of our experience as it arises and subsides. It does not exclude anything. Instead of walking away from struggling experiences that seem so crumbling and crushing, we practice being able to sit with them, to be with them, to see through them as they come. Similarly, we bring mindfulness to pleasant encounter, joyful experiences as well. Surprisingly at times we struggle to be simply present with happiness. We turn to worry that it may not last forever or try to save it from disappearing.

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Photo by Lesly Juarez

Mindfulness is a keen awareness that arises from being intensely attentive, intentionally on the present moment, without the least bit of judgement. It becomes a pathway to self-understanding and wisdom. Cultivating mindfulness can be the cornerstone to defeating pain and receiving natural wisdom

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When we are mindfully present, we reveal ourselves in the beat beauty of us as life approaches us moment to moment. We donâ€™t live in distraction wishing the things, the circumstances to be different. Instead of feeling the need to change, we have a grasp of our own understanding and wisdom guides us to be present, however the situation might be. Being mindful in no way substitutes for what is our participation in our lives, rather it makes us more aware how to be compassionate and understanding that life comes in so many diverse ways, with each moment gifting us a unique experience. We may or may not be comfortable but at the least we can try to be receptive. This openness, this welcoming, gifts our souls such a fluidity, that we become skilled in learning how to flow. The rigidity melts into a flexibility, and we turn to be understanding being with the light of compassion. We understand life as we release the best beauty of our hearts. We turn to be humane and not just human. In mindfulness meditation: there are three basic aspects: body, breath and thoughts. To begin with, we relate with the body. And that means to be attentive of how to set up the environment. As we engage in meditation to prepare ourselves so as to be skillful in how to work with others, we engage in open-eyes practice. That reminds us of what we have right in front of our very eyes an essential factor in our meditative practice.

We can create a small altar in a quiet space in one corner of the room and make it decorative with vivid photos and sacred objects. Once the spot is chosen, we choose the seat. The sitting can be either on a cushion, floor, or on a chair. For cushion choice, something designed for meditation practice e.g. like zafu or a folded- up blanket can be used, or some type of cushion or low bench. The seat needs to be stable. Choosing a chair, we can pick the one which has a flat seat without too much tilting. Take a posture which is upright but has no rigidity. Choose a posture that will completely reveal your beautiful brilliant sanity. So it is not stiff. The back becomes straight with a curve in the lower back which naturally is there. You can imagine your spine is a tree so you can lean against it. As you are seated on a cushion, cross your legs comfortably in front of you. The hips need to be in a higher position than the knees. If felt necessary, add more height to your seat. The hands need to rest on the thighs as they face down. The eyes need to be open as the gaze is on the floor gently and in front of you approximately four to six feet away. The gaze need not be tightly focused, as it stems from the idea that whatever lies in front of you is there. It need not be altered, distorted, or compelled to take another shape or form. Let your gaze rest. Allow your front to be open and back to be strong. Sit in this posture for a few minutes in that calm environment. If your attention becomes fleeting, gently guide it back to your body and the environment you are in. But as you do, be gentle in it, and not compelling. Do not compel yourself, rather be gentle with yourself. Your mind will most definitely wander as it is the nature of mind. IT will come to your observation with your mindfulness. As it wanders, return again to your body and environment. Next you work with your breath. You can rest your attention lightly on your breath. Feel your breath as it enters your body and leaves your body. Thereâ€™s no particular way to breathe in mindfulness meditation. You are receptive to how you are and not in the way you breathe. You do not control your breathing, you do not attempt to exert any power over it, rather be attentive of it lightly. Try to be purposefully natural. Just let your breath be however it is. Sit for a few minutes with your breath, the posture in that calm, tranquil environment. You can give some of your attention on your breath. The focus is not to get it right but to give yourself an idea that you are not directing all of your attention so tightly on your breath. You are not restricting yourself to be observant of your breath all the time. you will only impart a part of your attention on it and let the rest of your attention be on your body and the environment. The final part is working with your thoughts. In the middle of your practice, you will be observant of your clouding thoughts. Too many thoughts will overlap, one over another. And it may seem

like there exists no gap between the thoughts so you can catch a breath. But gently bring yourself back to the breath, so you can naturally be gentle with yourself, and slip into the meditative state again, and this time to the breathing phase of it. Try to be immersed in the meditative practice for 10-15 minutes and slowly increase it to 20-30 minutes. With time, you can extend it to 45 minutes. It is not about getting yourself to stop thinking. Becoming blank is not the purpose of mindfulness meditation. So, if you notice you are in a thinking phase, include those thoughts in your observations. Do not try to push away your thoughts. You are trying to be with yourself as you already are, but you are in no way trying to change yourself into some preconceived notion of how you ought to be. The purpose of mindfulness is not stilling the mind or achieving a state of eternal calm. You be attentive of the present moment and let your judgements that arise, just roll by. You observe them and let them pass. Through mindfulness you practice returning again and again to the present moment. Though you get carried away in your thoughts, the mindfulness becomes your way of your return to the moment that you are in now. Whatever thoughts crop up, after all be understanding to your wandering mind. Come back to your breath, return to your present moment, being compassionate to yourself. When you are ready, gently you can lift your gaze.

Jayita Bhattacharjee was born in Calcutta, India and later on pursued education from University of Houston in Economics, she had chosen her career as a trustee and teacher. Her Indian residence is in the vicinity of the famous Belurmath. Currently, she is settled in Tampa, Florida. Her love for writing on a journey of heart and soul was hidden all within. Looking at the moments captured in love and pain, joy and grief, the hidden tragedies of life...it was a calling of her soul to write. Her books "The Ecstatic Dance of Life', " Sacred Sanctuary", " Light of Consciousness", "Dewdrops of Compassion" are meant to shed light on what guides a person to respond to the mystical voice hidden inside, to soar in a boundless expansion with the limitless freedom of spirit."It is in the deepest joy that I write with every breath of mine."

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High Road to Humanity By Nancy Yearout

This is how the story was told to me. The year was 1941 and the world was at war. This is the year that Franklin D. Roosevelt made the Four Freedoms Speech as they called it. It was during his State of the Union address he put forth four freedoms that all of us in the world enjoy; they are freedom of speech, freedom of worship, freedom from want and freedom from fear. These freedoms that Roosevelt spoke of resonated with many people in the United States and across the world these freedoms still ring true today. Milly Oliver was a strong-minded girl born and raised in Texas. Miss Milly felt it her patriotic duty to volunteer as often as should for the war effort. This young lady was fortunate to have attended school, as many of the girls her age stayed home and helped with the farming or the housework. Therefore, she was elated to land a secretarial job at a law firm in her small Texas town. Milly worked hard in school to master the art of typing, shorthand, and grammar. Now all her hard work had paid off. She had landed her first real job. It was a chilly Monday morning when she began her new position at Stewart & Brant, Attorneys at Law. She was surprised at the number of lawyers who worked for this prestigious firm. Stewart & Brant had a reputation as one of the best legal firms in the state of Texas and here she was answering their phones. She could not get over how well dressed and handsome the men were at the firm. Most young men were enlisting for the war. This was all new to Milly as she was only nineteen years old and had not been exposed to much of the world. Her work experience consisted of, the Tasty Freeze in town serving ice cream for two or three years and helped her mom out at the library when they needed it. But that was the extent of it. Working at â€œStewart & Brant Attorneys at Lawâ€? was a real eye-opener for Milly. She told her family that she felt uncomfortable the first few months as she had not encountered such sophisticated people. She was not as confident in herself as she thought she might be. These folks had a way of reminding her where she came from and it was not the same neighborhood as them. It took a while for her to adjust to her new surroundings but after a few months, she seemed to fit in perfectly. Milly greeted the clients as they entered the building, answered questions and directed people to the correct office. She enjoyed working at the reception desk out front as she met everybody who entered the law firm. 62 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Unconditional

Love Part One

After six months of working as the front desk receptionist, Milly was promoted. Her new title, personal secretary to Robert A. Todd, attorney at law. Robert was a young ambitious attorney that was new to the firm. He was a bright young man who was making his way up the ladder of success., Robert was ambitious and sharp, he was welled liked and respected among his colleges. He quickly grew fond of his secretary, Miss Milly. She was a hard-working young lady, and proficient at her tasks. He would comment often on her happy upbeat attitude. You must remember that this was a time of unrest for the United States. It was on a Thursday in January 1941 when reports of a speech given by Hitler before 18,000 people at the Berlin Sportspalst celebrating the eight anniversary of the Nazi’s coming to power. He said. “that any ship carrying aid to England within the range of German U-boats would be torpedoed!” He warned the United States that if anyone on the American continent tried to interfere in the European conflict that Germany’s war plans would be revisited. Hitler’s speech created a unified feeling among the people of the United States. These times brought our people closer together as they were all hoping for peace in the world. There was the unspoken comradery throughout the United States which united us as a country. World War II affected us all, which is why Milly ‘s presence at the office was so appreciated. She was a bright light that lit up the room with her smile. Robert was a bright light for Milly as he seemed to be just what she needed to feel complete. Milly learned quickly what made Robert happy, the vacation house. He mentioned to Milly that he was in the process of constructing a cabin on the lake. He shared that this was a longtime dream of his. The home would be a weekend getaway to relax and go fishing as he did with his grandpa when he wore a young man’s clothes. Those were wonderful memories for him as a boy and he wanted to create more memories when he had a family of his own. As the months passed Robert and Milly worked well together on his cases. The pair had become quite an in sync with each other, it was to the point where they were finishing each other’s sentences. They had become good friends who enjoyed long discussions

about World War II was transforming much of Texas. The war had lead to new opportunities to work in the war industry plants where hundreds of thousands of people came from outside the state to work. Minorities and women began to see more opportunities for training and jobs. This was a big deal for women and minorities as they had little or no rights in the state of Texas during this time. Milly loved her job and felt fortunate to be working as nothing seemed like a sure thing after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December of 1941. The world was in a time of unrest. She wondered if Robert would volunteer to serve as many men were joining up or being drafted. Men between the ages of 21-45 were required to register for the draft. Those who were selected from the draft lottery had a requirement of one year of service in the armed forces. With word that more than 3,000 B-24v Liberator bombers were being built at Fort Worth’s consolidated Aircraft corporation plant Robert felt he may be called. The war felt close to home as many of their friends were heading off to war with their wives taking jobs at the factories to help with the shortage of workers. A year had passed since Milly’s promotion and she felt fortunate to still have a job. The time had flown by since she came to work with Robert. He suggested they go out to lunch as a thank you for all her hard work. Milly was thrilled as she and her family could not afford to go out and dine very often. These were times of food rationing. The families were given books with stamps to purchase first gasoline, then bacon, butter, sugar, meat, tea, jam, biscuits, breakfast cereals, cheese, eggs, lard, milk, and canned and dry fruit. Later vouchers were given for coffee. Now, what would we do today without our coffee? Let alone learning to conserve sugar and cereal. Families would have to pull together to survive, and they did. They had lunch at the local sandwich shop. This was a delicacy for Milly who was used to only homecooked meals with ration coupons. You had to plan your meals carefully during those times as not to run out of the main ingredient. After lunch Robert asked Milly if she wanted to drive out to see the lake house, it was not completed on the inside as many of the tradesmen were off fighting the war, but it has potential he told her. She was flattered that he wanted to show her and agreed to go.

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They drove along the back roads past the cotton fields until they came to the turn off where the sign read, lake ahead. Robert turned right, and they slowly headed down a steep hill, and then there it was, the most beautiful lake Milly had ever seen. It was tucked away in a giant cavern with houses scattered up on the bluffs and along the water’s edge. The weather was warm as Spring had arrived. Milly was memorized by the ducks, the geese, and the swans. As they drove she pointed out the wild turkeys clustered by the trees and the people fishing off the shoreline. As they rounded the corner he pointed, there it is, up on the hill! He was excited to show her his place. As they walked up the steep hill to the house you could see the wonderful cabin at the top. The cabin had two bedrooms and one bath and a nice back porch. There was a large fireplace in the living room and a cute kitchen. The cabin was surrounded by trees, some new and some old. The view from the front windows was of the lake. It was right there in front of the house. Milly loved it! She watched as a family of ducks swam by. You could hear them quacking from the window as Robert talked about his plans for the interior. He wanted to wallpaper the bathroom and paint the kitchen. He had ordered the flooring to be installed next week. He had found an older guy who did handy work at the lake to help install it. As they talked he caught himself looking into her eyes and then leaning down to kiss her on the lips, she kissed him back. I need to mention that I have seen a picture of Milly back in the day and the woman was gorgeous herself. Milly was a tall, slender brunet with striking green eyes. In the picture, she was dressed in a suit with her hair up. She was a knockout! As they used to say back in the day.

looked at each other, they knew they were in love at first glance. It was only a few weeks that passed before the letter arrived, Robert was called upon to serve his country. He received his draft letter on a Tuesday and seemed almost dumbfounded when he read it to Milly. He was to report right away. Milly was devastated by the news, but Robert assured her that when he returned that they would marry. On their last day together before his departure, he presented her with an opal and diamond engagement ring. Milly was surprised by his proposal but accepted as she loved Robert with all of her heart.

Nancy Yearout is an Psychic Reader, Intuitive Life Coach, Author and Inspirational Speaker. Her religious and spiritual work has enabled her to help many people to live the life they desire!

They were both overcome with passion for each other and could not stop as their love for each other overtook them. Milly had not been with a man like this, she felt something with Robert that she had never felt before. Pure love for another person with no rules or conditions attached. She loved her friend unconditionally and he loved her the same. Their lives would be forever changed.

Nancy feels inspired to share the wisdom and the messages she receives with others. Her real-life experiences are shared each week on her Radio Show/Podcast, High Road to Humanity where insightful, spiritual guests share their story. This is Nancy’s way of each sharing new insight about raising the vibration and consciousness for all of us to create a healthy, Loving and kinder people as well as a safe harmonious place to live. My Credentials: Sales Coordinator for General Motors Corporation, Sales Manager for multiple, Owner and Qualifying Broker of The Harville Estates Real Estate & Development LLC, Owner of Energy Girl Publishing LLC., Author of, Wake Up! The Universe Is Speaking to You, Author of Monthly Contributor to Eden Magazine, Motivational/Inspirational Speaker, Intuitive Personal Coach Intuitive card reader, Energy Healer, Radio Host/Podcast High Road to Humanity.

Work was awkward after their time at the lake house, they didn’t know how to behave around each other. After all, this was a small town in the 1940s. Robert did the proper thing and ask Milly out on a date. He met her parents and her sister Judy who liked him right away. Everyone could see how he and Milly

Today she is happily married to the love of her life. Nancy Yearout Hosts a Radio Show/ Podcast every week on Toginet radio and iTunes called High Road to Humanity. Visit her website www.NancyYearout.com or her Podcast www.Highroadtohumanity.com

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LANGUAGE OF SPACE

By Michael White Ryan

CHANGE IS

NEW

Photo by Daria Nepriakhina

EVIDENCE

take ourselves everywhere, never knowing who and what we are, never knowing, what are we holding onto! Having been taught, educated to function in a specific manner, for a portion of us, this was against our natural-grain, against our natural-state-of-being. Leaving us unable to understand, let alone grasp what the system wanted us to become. For we were, are the outcasts, function differently, got lost somewhere in the process, unable to ever conform comfortably within this false prison of normality. Know this, you are not alone. Embrace a truth, you are the Wayne Dyers of this time, this universe, the ones who matter, the ones secretly holding onto a gift this world so solely needs in this change-time. You have NOW been put on notice! If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change. You'll see it when you believe it. How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. WD ( if you function differently replace the word â€œseeâ€? with, sense feel notice hear know) You may find this quite comforting? Many of the persons, who make the necessary changes around the globe today, did not finish their education. In this 21st century, societies still have a complete misunderstanding of how each person functions, and yet, we have survived. Even in this age of awareness, our children are still being continually subjected to follow a set of defined and accepted outdated patterns. Change exists to overcome stagnation. Now you know why the word ludicrous was added to the dictionary! This article is written about one aspect in particular, avoiding risk. Acknowledge this, it is in our human nature to tackle risk, replace the old with the change, as a way of personally evolving forward. And yet at the opposite end of the spectrum, change under the disguise of progress, is given the all-clear, to destroy everything old, to keep moving forward??? Never choose a risk that may harm another, better to grasp the risk that challenges the very strengths, each of us was born to expand. Unfortunately for some, it appears every time we stand up to move forward, the path before we is blacked-out. Do not despair, blackedout is nothing more than a protective mindset screen, you once created for reasons that may remain unknown.

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Consider this, if you created the original screen, you are the only one capable of dismantling and rebuilding a newer version to fit today's newer you. How marvelous is that? Be purposeful, be intentionally mindful, seek out those hidden untapped powers within, and shatter that past misguided mindset, and breathe new sensations into your state of beingness. Here we all stand on today’s moving edge not knowing where or why feeling this time is mine what will I give I am alone, I am us, and I am all that is. The world just got smaller and we just got larger, our disappearance is forever over. Pause to renew, pause to consider, pause to reflect, is this all nothing but a lie? For within change, hides consequence, and as you look upon the screens of the external world, only you can decide what it is you see, feel, believe. Trust is forever flowing until it is interrupted by a mindset unable to distinguish beyond the screens, facing you in a present moment. You can choose as always, or choose a newer healthier choice, and live in today. Did you know, we are in a relationship with change, and if not, then we arehaving a divorce with change and that can make one’s life, very unpleasant? How we function in this relationship, shapes our very existence, over the length of our being. Yes, some of us have had it bad and some of us have had it better. Unfortunately choosing to look through the looking glass of life may create many varied comparisons, assumptions, not beneficial to our present state of being. Right NOW in this moment, while reading this and having comprehended the words thus far, the question to ask one’s self, what would my life look like, if I allowed myself to step into my waiting new pair of shoes? This would require a willingness of cooperation between the inner aspects of the I am, and the external mask we wear as our identity when facing the world as that other I am. A relationship, which eventually has to merge, coordinate, if we are to ever survive beyond our present existing selves. This may seem strange, our opposites, are not in opposition to one another! Know thy-self, is this possible? Is it something we do only once, or is it a continuous process of selfdiscovery? Well, as long as we are engaged outside of self, I think you have already decided. On the flip side, if one decides, tackles the issue, grabs hold of the necessary courage, designs the intention, sits down and observes the self-sitting in the chair op68 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

posite, starts a dialogue, what wonders could be discovered? May I make a suggestion, for those who find this a challenge, but you first, remain curious, seek out guidance from areas that show up unannounced? Past experiences, it’s unfortunate to say, may have contributed to blinding one’s path into tomorrow’s arena, “opportunities of wonders”, and yet I have faith in your ability to move forward, towards goals accomplished. The aspect of achieving any goal large or small is maintaining it, and those persons who experienced this, crafted a well-constructed plan before they began. If you find yourself holding back saying, this is the way I am, it may just be a past idea no longer relevant in your today. Change in times past, like risk, was a scary word to contemplate. Today it has found favor in the powers of what it has to install for each of us. When CHANGE HAPPENS, it invites with it, NEW EVIDENCE, of all the potential that exists surrounding our environment, and that’s a good thing. Change is the rule, not the exception. Nothing scary here, only an idea that has had its day…. R.I.P. BELIEF. Wonders are discovered under the rock sitting in the middle of your mindset…

Michael White Ryan is a co-founder with his wife Pamela Edwards of Language of Space. They are leaders in sustainable business growth via PerformanceDesign and Performance Code. Sustainable design encompasses both Western and Easternphilosophies including advanced Feng Shui principles, Environmental Design, Buildings, Alternative Health, Business Advisory Consultants and 20 plus years as entrepreneurs. Recognized in the top 100 globally and are Americas Leading Feng Shui Business Consultants. They are on faculty at CEO Space International one of the oldest business organizations in America today, currently operate in 7 countries and reside in Australia.www.languageofspace.com

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One Minute Meditation Take this moment to close your eyes and consider the following possibility...

Photo by Mark Tegethoff

路 What do you fear most in life? 路 Are you living the life of your dreams? 路 What are you most grateful for in life? 路 What are the most important things to you in life?

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0 1 Top

Tips on Therapies By KAY HUTCHISON

The Top 10 Tips should help anyone to get started, just as I did, but without making many of the mistakes I made. Finding well-trained therapists and brilliant places where people are genuinely caring and mindful in what they are doing with their expertise is a joy. I found that looking after my inner well-being helped improve my health. And it has also helped me to be better out in the world dealing with people and challenges day-to-day.

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Photo by Zac Bette

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A therapy is anything that helps you feel better or grow stronger, that relieves or heals a disorder - usually after an illness. That’s quite a broad definition! 1. Today’s demanding lifestyles mean that most of us are increasingly worried about balancing daily stress with relaxation, exercise - and therapy. 2. Self-care is a vast and growing industry so it’s important to arm yourself with knowledge before you sign up for anything. (see my therapy tour for 37 types) 3. If you’re not sure where to start, check with your GP, especially if you’re thinking of trying more extreme therapies like colonic irrigation. 4. Whether you’re a regular or have never tried a single one, the best place to check out therapy options is online. It will give you an idea of the range of options on offer, what’s involved and how much it costs. 5. But beware. There are many videos to watch showing therapies and therapists in action, of yoga ‘teachers’ demonstrating this or that style. Remember, not all will be equally well-trained. 6. If you want to be sure, check with recognized institutions or organizations that are responsible for training standards and certification. e.g. Yoga Alliance USA, Council for Homeopathy. 7. It’s not just about selecting the right therapy for your wellbeing, you should also try different practitioners. Each therapist is unique. They will have learned a specific technique and adapted it to their own personal style. Many are wonderful. One will be right for you. 8. Hypnosis can be good for heartbreak. Well-qualified hypnotherapists can help you move on by replacing feelings of emptiness or low self-esteem with more positive emotions. 9. If I was asked where someone should start, I’d say massage. It’s great for calming anxiety, easing tense muscles and giving you a complete break from the pressures of the day. 10. For me, Yoga is the best therapy for all-round good health. It not only gently exercises your body physically, but it also helps with mental focus - and spiritual nourishment too. Try different classes before committing to a course as each teacher has their own style. BONUS TIP! Have fun! It’s not all serious and you can share wonderful experiences with friends if you go off on a retreat, get away from it all for a few days or even a week, perhaps even take a trip abroad.

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Kay Hutchison is a content creator with extensive experience in radio, television and publishing. After gaining her BMus and MA in music at Glasgow University, she joined Decca Records in London and then BBC Radio as a Producer. Kay moved across to television with Channel 4 and went on to lead the launch teams for Disney TV and Channel Five. In the build-up to the 2012 London Olympics, she successfully led the legacy partnership that delivered a long-term future for the multi-million-pound Olympics Broadcast Centre. Kay founded her own company, Belle Media and launched Belle Kids in 2015, producing multi-platform, conservation-focused content for children.

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Brayden Kai An inspirational conversation with an 11-year-old.

By Alexia Melocchi When they say the future of the world rests in the souls of children, they have got it right. And if anyone can be the shining example of this theory, it is Brayden Kai. To this date, I never thought I would meet a real-life Yoda until I got to know Brayden Kai, a.k.a Master Kai. Brayden Kai is a regular kid from Ontario, Canada, with an extraordinary outlook in life. Raised in a united and loving family, he is the son of Nancy Pentilla Lemire, a Holistic Health Practitioner and Luc Lemire, a successful chiropractor. A few months back, he was invited into a Mastermind Group I belong to, to show us the power of Tai Chi and lead us through an Energy Raising Meditation. I knew right then and there that this young man is destined for greatness, and I can't wait to see the tremendous impact he is going to create with his lofty plans to make the world a better place.

Why do you call yourself Master Kai? My career is about helping people. My middle name is Kai, and the main reason I chose master is so people know that just like me, they can learn how to master their lives and live their life to the fullest. When did you start your journey that brought you to your purpose? This journey developed overtime because my parents had me listen early on to all types of inspirational speakers and entrepreneurs. They wanted me to be in touch with the power of the spirit and gain the knowledge that would help me to create a purposeful life. Tony Robbins was one of the speakers that I have always been attracted to, and it is Tony that inspired me to start my career. It is since I was born that I have been passionate about helping people. Were you using Tonyâ€™s morning routine that is taught at his seminars to get yourself into a high energy state to start your day and prepare for school? Yes, I found that every time I did his process, and I ump-started the day by making myself feel good, I was ten times more focused in school and more productive.

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What is your favorite subject to study in school? I love Math and language arts. I'm fluent in French and English, and I am currently learning Spanish. How did you feel when you got to see Tony Robbins in real life? That was truly the best experience of my life because I've always looked up to him, he's been my idol, and I've always wanted to do stuff for other people just like him. He's such a loving person, he looks right into your eyes, is so respectful, and I believe he's one of the greatest humans alive.

How did you end up meeting Tony Robbins? My parents surprised me by taking me to his Business Mastery in 2018. I was very excited since he's always been my inspiration. Immediately my mindset was that I was going to meet him there. If I saw someone that looked like they were working the event, with the signature crew shirt, I went up to them, introduced myself, and told them that my dream is to write a book with Tony Robbins. I did that to every single person, and eventually, on the last day, we came across Mary and her husband, Tim, who was one of Tony's friends. Tim made it all happen, and one of the workers brought me backstage. Tony agreed to co-author the book with me. Is it true you dressed up in a suit for him? Do you often wear a business suit? Is it true you dressed up in a suit for him? Do you often wear a business suit? Yes, I did. It's something that came naturally for me. My friends and I were always fascinated with meeting new people, making deal negotiations, and I aspire to be a businessman that helps people. I've always wanted to dress like a businessman and play the part, so after school, I would get out of my outfit and put on a suit when I got home.

I enjoy kneeboarding, exploring, water skiing, downhill skiing, cross country, parkour, and a lot of active things. What is your favorite power affirmation? I look at myself in the mirror, pound myself in the chest, and tell myself: "I am a leader, loving, kind, and successful." I enjoy doing affirmations. How are you doing with the writing? When will it be ready and what will you cover? I'm not sure when the book will come out, but it's something that we're trying to let flow naturally. We're writing about love, empathy, meditation, empowerment, and other topics that will help people. What qualities do you admire most in your mom and dad? Definitely how they are very loving and supportive of what I want to do. My dad brings me out to do things I love, and my mom always teaches me new things. Both my mom and dad taught me about meditation, and my mom taught me about Tai Chi.

Where do you see yourself after you finish your studies? I see myself being an entrepreneur and starting a business. I've always wanted to help people, and I believe that's what's going to happen. Do your classmates come to you for advice? Yes. I have a few friends who are being bullied. I like to talk them through those situations and teach them how to defend themselves, physically, because bullies can be aggressive at times. I also have a few friends who have been through depression, and I do my best to help them. Did you experience being bullied? I've been bullied my entire life, but my parents and people like Tony Robbins have taught me to deal with it. I've learned that hurt people hurt people. Bullies are hurting inside, which is the reason why they're doing that to me. What is your favorite type of meditation? I love tai chi, and sometimes I do it before bed, or even in the morning. I find that it gives you peace of mind and makes you more focused and productive. My parents brought me to a few classes in Toronto taught by a Shaolin monk. What normal kids things do you like to do?

When you are super successful what type of charities will you want to be involved in? Operation Underground Railroad which deals with human trafficking. Also helping homeless people by giving them food or money. When I was in Vegas for Business Mastery, I saw a homeless man who had no money and was into drugs and alcohol. We spent the day with him and guided him on how to clear his life and now he is in rehab and putting himself together.

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Tell me about your YouTube channel, MASTER KAI. What is its purpose? I have decided to make content to guide people on how to live a better life. I created it because I wanted to share on a bigger platform since everyone is from different places. My main goal is to teach people how to overcome obstacles and reach a better life. I came up with a meditation that I have shared on my channel that is meant to target people who are struggling, off-balance, or unfocused. My target audience is all ages since everyone goes through different things. I am also making a children's program that teaches love and empathy. Are people reaching out to you there? Friends reach out, and when fans comment, it makes my day. In three words who is master Kai? Love, strength, and passion Master Kai would like to offer a free meditation to all the readers of The Eden Magazine. Please go to the link below to receive yours. masterkailifestyle.com/mk-free-meditation Master Kai YouTube Channel youtube.com/masterkai Alexia Melocchi is an accomplished film producer and world wide distribution executive and the partner of Beverly Hills based LITTLE STUDIO FILMS. Alexia Melocchi has an experience of more than twenty years in Hollywood and has produced 11 award wining movies and 3 documentaries that were shot by merging film makers that she has personally discovered and mentored. She also acquires on behalf of her international distributor clients films and television shows from all over the world for release in the Middle East, Italy, Greece, Spain, Canada, South America and Germany. She attends all major film festivals in the USA and abroad and has been often invited as an expert panelist on the Film Business for high profile film and television conventions.Alexia is fluent in five languages and is the proud mama to 3 rescue cats. She supports environmental and animal causes , meditates daily, and is an avid reader of spiritual and self helps books. IG @lexybella @LttleStudioFlms www.littlestudiofilms.com

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My main goal is to teach people how to overcome obstacles and reach a better life. I came up with a meditation that I have shared on my channel that is meant to target people who are struggling, off-balance, or unfocused. I welcome all ages to experience this program, since everyone goes through different things. I am also making a children's program that teaches love and empathy.

BISSELL Launches BARKBATH™ Dual Use

New and Improved Portable Grooming System Makes Bath Time and Cleanup Easier Than Ever

BISSELL, a leader in cleaning solutions and floor care, is excited to unveil the BARKBATH™ Dual Use Portable Grooming System, the newest and quietest member in their line of unique dog bathing systems. An ideal solution for pet parents who struggle with at-home grooming, the BARKBATH™ Dual Use is the faster, easier and less messy way to bathe dogs and clean homes. Loving pet parents know, messes happen. Which is why the BARKBATH™ Dual Use was created. When accidents occur, simply convert the BARKBATH™ into a portable deep-cleaner. Easily switch-out the shampoo tank and bathing tool with a powerful carpet cleaning formula and deep-reaching suction tool to remove accidents, dirt and spills. 80 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

"We are beyond excited to launch the new BARKBATH™ Dual Use and introduce customers to this truly unique product that will forever change the way pet parents and their pets view bath time," commented Stacy Silk, Senior Brand Manager for BISSELL. "This portable, all-encompassing system is the best way to wash your dog anywhere and at any time, all while barely making a mess! Plus, it can be used to clean up any messes that your dog or other family members may leave behind on carpets, rugs and upholstery."

FAQ'S Does the BARKBATH Dual Use work on small dogs or dogs with hair instead of fur? Yes! For best results, we recommend that the dog be 15 lbs. or more. The BARKBATH Dual Use was built to be customizable for dogs with all lengths and types of hair or fur!

The BARKBATH™ Dual Use is a convenient, self-contained device that offers three customizable spray nozzles to choose from based on fur or hair length, designed to get down to the skin. This allows water and shampoo to wash the coat clean, while a soft suction pulls dirt and water into a separate "dirty" water tank. The unit also features three customizable grooming clips based on fur type, to brush your dog's coat while cleaning. And like its predecessors, BARKBATH™ Dual Use is eco-friendly – just 68 oz. of water is all that's required to clean an 80 lb. dog versus a traditional bathtub which can use up to 19 gallons of water. The complete dual-use 2-in-1 system includes a number of helpful accessories such as customizable spray nozzles and grooming clips, a sound dampening mat, a microfiber towel for the face and paws, a 20 oz. bottle of BISSELL Oatmeal No-Rinse Dog Shampoo, a storage bag and more. In addition to these pet related products, the system also includes a 3" deep cleaning carpet & upholstery tool and 8 oz. bottle of SpotClean 2X Pet Stain & Odor Deep Cleaning Solution for home furnishings. Currently available on Amazon, the BARKBATH™ Dual Use has a suggested retail price of $199.99. To learn more about the entire BARKBATH line, visit www.GetBARKBATH.com."

What shampoo options are available? There are 7 no-rinse shampoos: Clean & Fresh (Mulberry Scented), Free & Clear (Scent / Color free), Odor & Skunk (Unscented, but tough enough to remove strong odors like skunk), Oatmeal, Vitamin E, White Tea & Aloe and Honey Blossom, Why No-Rinse shampoo, isn’t that strange? No! No rinse shampoos are fast becoming a norm on retailers’ shelves as people want a “quick clean”. We have used a formulation similar to what has been used in hospital bathing for more than 40 years. Also, this technique and type of shampoo has been used on more than 70,000 dogs over 10 years at a dog spa in Canada. My dog is scared of the vacuum. Any suggestions? We know that some dogs are afraid of the sound of a vacuum. While we built the BARKBATH Dual Use to be quieter than most vacuum cleaners, it does make a similar sound. We have included an 8 ft. hose to allow you to keep the system far away from where you are actually washing your dog. Plus, there is a sound dampening mat that comes with the system. We also have a video from our professional groomer that shows you a quick, 3-step process to help your anxious dog become acquainted with the BARKBATH system Source: www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bissell-launches-barkbath-dual-use-300943343.html

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Photo by Louis Hoang

Native Oyster Reef to Revive South Australian Waters

A second large-scale reef system will be developed in South Australia’s Gulf St Vincent to improve water quality and revive wild native oyster populations. The new 2-hectare reef will be constructed off the coast of the state’s capital city Adelaide by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and is being partially funded with a $1.2 million investment from the South Australian Government.

Adult native oysters can filter more than 100 litres of water a day and excrete a mucus-like substance that is rich in nutrients and provides food for small shellfish that in turn provide food for larger fish.

The project follows the construction of the largest manmade oyster reef system outside the United States on the other side of the South Australian gulf near Ardrossan.

TNC has been involved in dozens of shellfish reef restoration projects, chiefly in the United States and is considered a global expert on their establishment.

The 20ha Windara reef network was built in two stages in 2017 and 2018 and includes almost 160 individual reefs constructed of limestone boulders and seeded with more than 50,000 of endangered Australian flat oysters.

Construction of the new Gulf St Vincent reef is expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

Oyster reefs are considered the temperate water equivalent to coral reefs in tropical waters. Australia’s southern coastline was home to thousands of kilometres of oyster reefs before European settlement. But dredging to remove substrate for lime production and the harvesting of oysters for food wiped out all the reefs except for one off the coast of Tasmania.

TNC’s Australian Director Rich Gilmore said the metropolitan shellfish reef would be built using a limestone reef base and seeded with hatchery-raised Australian Flat Oysters (Ostrea angasi) to re-create a living shellfish reef over the next several years. “Shellfish reefs once characterised the sheltered nearshore areas of South Australia, but from the mid-1800s to the mid-1900s reefs suffered – here and in many places around the world – from the impact of wild harvest, oyster dredging and water pollution,” he said. “Shellfish reefs are now virtually absent from South Australian waters. “ With Windara Reef nearly completed and a new metropolitan shellfish reef in the works, over time as the oysters grow and develop, these reefs will deliver productive and resilient habitat for marine life.”

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Enki Stove Hob Launches to Make Cleaner, Smokeless

People don’t hang around the grill at outdoor barbecues, especially if it’s breezy because of the moke and smell,” said Ivan Mura, creator of Enki Stove Hob. “We’ve spent years improving our patented technology to create a grill that can be the center of the gathering. Enki Stove Hob is clean, green and simple to use.” Hob transforms wood pellets and other dry organic waste into flames up to 1000 degrees celsius. The system is easy to light, and each wood pellet lasts about 40 minutes - more than enough time to grill a fantastic meal. What’s more, the cooking station is The Enki Stove team perfected their patented Toroidal Pyrolytic System transforming easily disassembled and easy to clean. biomass nto powerful flames with extraordinarily low emissions Lucca, Italy - Few things ruin an outdoor barbecue like the sting of grilling smoke in the eyes of the Hob’s manual flame control creates pregrillmaster. That’s why Enki Stove is launching Enki Stove Hob , the ultimate portable, cision cooking as it’s easy to increase or smokeless outdoor cooking station today on Kickstarter. decrease the intensity of the flame and the Enki Stove Hob is the user-friendly grill that uses a patented Toroidal Pyrolytic System to createan intense flame without harmful emissions. Unlike traditional outdoor cooking methods, whichproduce as much CO2 as an SUV on a 100-km road trip, pyrolysis is the “green” way to cookoutside with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. Every kilogram of charcoal burned releases3.67 kg of carbon dioxide, compared with Enki Stove Hob which produces biochar, a purecharcoal that is used to improve the soil.

temperature of the grill. The stainless steel grill pan heats up to a temperature of 200 degrees celsius in minutes, ideal for searing meats and vegetables. A truly portable grilling solution, Hob weighs less than 3kg and eliminates the need for heavy natural gas canisters or other fuels. When finished grilling, the Hob body is dishwasher friendly. Enki Stove Hob is available to pre-order for €139 at pr.go2.fund/enki . Enki Stove takes fire products to the next level. From indoor fireplaces to outdoor fire pits, barbecues and portable stoves, Enki Stove makes it easier and safer to enjoy the beauty and power of fire. Transforming biomass into powerful, clean flames, Enki Stove’s patented technology is better for the environment and convenient for use. Enki Stove systems reduce CO and CO2 typically associated with fire and only leave behind biochar, a pure charcoal substance that can improve the soil. Enjoy fire with Enki Stove. For more information, visit www.enkistove.com/en/ .

84 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Animated Stills Poetic Pareidolia

By Thomas G. Reischel

This book is an Inspiration of Life from photographs. As a photographer, I roam around and take pictures of many things. Some of those pictures contain images where I see something in them. As a Poet, this sparks my imagination, my Muse, to poetically interpret that “something” into action. So a poem is born. I write about it, and ask the readers if they see it too. I think that it’s fun. We are exercising Pareidolia.

Thomas G. Reischel’s pictures and tone carry a Midwestern sensibility and leaning, highlighting beauty in nature. He has been writing poetry since he was a freshman in high school. He is a graduate of the University of Minnesota with a bachelor’s degree in business. In 2015, he judged the poetry for the Voice of Kansas Poetry Contest. He has been a top ranked poet on the FanStory site since 2011, where he is known as the “Master of Poetic Forms”; there he has over 2,000 poems published. He has over 900 photographs published on the Capture Minnesota website as well as an acclaimed photograph in the 2012 One Life Photo Journal. His poem, “Enlightenment from the Merry-Go-Round” was published in Preston McWorter’s book, “Seeds of Enlightened Society.” Reischel has published other works of poetry; he has the “Picture Poems” series which includes three volumes as well as a 4th book, “Take Flight, The Sonnets.” He resides with his wife of over 40 years in St. Paul, Minnesota. 86 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Pareidolia is the tendency to interpret a vague stimulus as something known to the observer, such as seeing shapes in clouds, seeing faces in inanimate objects or abstract patterns, or hearing hidden messages in music. Common examples are perceived images of animals, faces, or objects in cloud formations, the Man in the Moon, the Rorschach Ink Blot tests, hidden messages in recorded music when played in reverse, and hearing indistinct voices in random noise such as that produced by air conditioners or fans. That is the basis of this book of Animated Stills. The “stills” part comes from the photograph. The “animated” portion is where poet brings the perceived image to life for the reader. Animated stills are poems where inanimate objects take on human, animal, or spirit forms, traits, or articles. They are derived from Photographs I have taken, that have moved me to write

a poem associated with it. I believe that photography and poetry go together well. One form paints a visual picture while the other creates a poetic image. Together, the synergy becomes very powerful. At least, that is what I hope I have achieved here. This book contains both, with a twist –a hidden reveal. All the photographs contained in this book were taken by the author and the poetry was also written by him. The photos were all taken within the state. So, besides the esthetic journey, I hope the book also provides the reader a bit of information about the place that is my home. So, this book is very much a picture book. As a photographer, I present the image to you. Without the image, the poem would not exist. It becomes a flight of imagination expressed in poetry. In that sense, it is meant to be a fun fantasy of shared experience. We connect. Then, from that static still-life comes a story brought to life. The inanimate becomes animated. This book contains 75 original photographs taken by the author himself. Some pictures have such an impact on me, that I used it more than once. As a Poet, I use every technique I can to express the thought captured in that image, and bring about the concept that the picture inspired. It may just reveal the hidden mystery, point out a surprising fact, recall something from history, generate some humor, or even launch into a story.

Woodland Watcher Little woodland sprite is watching both day and night security’s tight

Meadow Masquerade When you think of a typical forest, and its woodlands, and rivers, and hills, do they dance and resound in a chorus? Do they tap to the tune of foothills? Well I once found a magical meadow, with the trees and the brush on parade! All the birds, and the squirrels, in the shadows, were engaged in a gay masquerade. In the forest the wildlife were dancing to the breezes that blew merry tunes. The warm air was soon full of romancing. Branches swayed to the sounds of the loon. When the music pulsates through the jackpine, all the elves then perform happy tasks, like each serving up goblets of sweet wine. There were even tall trees wearing masks. Even tall trees wearing masks! Author Notes: How's that for a poem to accompany this image for my Animated Stills collection? To me, this looks just like a mask on a tree. Maybe it's a stretch, but enough for me to inspire this poem about a masquerade. I thought I'd turn this dreary image into something joyous and active. 2It hope you come away with a festive feeling.

--<<->>-What watched in the woods, from fields of this land, dismissed where it stood, stump silently stands, feet fixed in sand. Its bark doesn’t bite. Might be surprised, you’ll be in sight of bulging eyes.

Author Notes Nature often comes up with some interesting shapes. Like this tree stump I spotted, in Blue Mounds State Park of Southwestern Minnesota, that looks like a little tree creature with bulging eyes. Naturally it tickled my Muse with the following result. This poem has Mixed Formats It is comprised of 3 distinct poetic formats: a 5-7-5, a Diminishing Hexaverse, and a closing ABAB Rhymed Quatrain used as an envoi. A 5-7-5 Poem is simple a poem where line one has 5 syllables, line two has 7 syllables, and line three has 5 syllables again. It need not rhyme, but I chose to mono-rhyme it.

--<<->>--

A Diminishing Hexaverse is a poem that begins with a five-line stanza of five syllables in each line, then a fourline stanza with four syllables each, and so on, until the last one syllable stanza ends the poem. The reducing line and syllable count is why the form is referred to as "diminishing." The term "Hexaverse" does not refer to syllable count as much as it does with a "Hex" or "spell" that causes the syllables to disappear with each new stanza. Thus, "poof" it's gone.

This spirit of tree Can’t easily flee. When safety applies, It closes its eyes.

ABAB Rhymed Quatrain. I chose a tight 5 syllable count Quatrain (4 lined stanza) with an abab rhyming scheme to close the poem.

To obey Nature’s way many say, when spied outside, hide.

Please note that here, I pronounce the word "Squirrel" in the Americanized vernacular as being a 1 syllable word as in "skewrl." This poem is simply a set of abab rhymed quatrains. I added a one line envoy to reinforce the subject of my image. It is written in anapestic meter. To me, this anapestic meter is like waltz, rather than the march of iambic meter. It is a more graceful - da da dum da da dum da da dum, as opposed to the other's da dum da dum da dum. For this poem I used interposed feminine and masculine rhymes, giving a syllable count of 10-9-10-9. 87 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

SOUL COURAGE By Tara-jenelle Walsch

ear. No one is above it. We all have it. We were born with the natural instinct to survive. This makes fear a very important emotion because it alerts us of any oncoming threats and helps keep us out of danger. Simply put; fear protects us. When we process it, logically, that is. When we let it run amuck, it takes on a life of its own and becomes phobia. But fear isn’t a rational emotion to begin with, so how on earth can we “process it logically”? Well, contrary to psychological belief, Fight or Flight are not our only two options when faced with fear. There is another: Insight. Insight is the ability to see the deeper meaning of something, from within. When we sit with our fears rationally and stop to look at what it is that we’re afraid of without feeling into them, we’re able to see what’s behind them. Without the emotions of fear clouding our judgement, we’re able to witness fear subjectively in the third person from a logical perspective, and derive its underlying message. Maybe our fear’s message is to simply be cautious. It’s important not to confuse fear with caution. When we pull out of the emotional aspect of fear, if even momentarily, and connect with what’s rationally behind it, we allow fear to act as a form of guidance and protection without getting spun-up inside it. If we accept that every emotion is simply an energy expressed in a certain way, then we also accept that we can deliberately alter the vibration of that energy. By staying conscious of our thoughts and behavior, we can shift the energy downward from fear to

caution, as we do routinely in life with other emotions. How we think of fear is how fear will affect us. If you think of fear as caution, it will filter through your mind to your body, as a warning vibration. If you think of fear as panic, it will filter through your mind to your body, as hysteria. Caution is not denial. It’s taking the emotion of fear seriously, but processing it as a message to regroup with new consideration and preparation. The way in which we process emotions (and all things, for that matter) in our mind is a form of self-care. We always have the availability to bring awareness to this process and choose a healthy form of self-care. Selfcare and self-caution is fear managed. Most of us have learned to manage our anger, yet we have not fully learned how to oversee our fear. Notice that we don’t deny having anger—we often express it verbally, but we don’t give in to temper-tantrums and throw dishes across the room. We’ve refined our reactionary skills around anger emotions to the extent that they don’t control us willy-nilly. Yet, we haven’t quite learned how to manage fear in this way, even though the process is identical. So, how then, do we “manage” fear? By managing the energy behind the fear. The difference between being cautious and being fearful is the energy you carry behind them. We actually create this energy with our thoughts and then ex-press that energy out through our actions. Knowing this, we can begin managing the energy behind our fear by first supervising our thoughts, so they don’t go to super dark places and spin us (and others) out.

SO, HOW THEN, DO WE “MANAGE” FEAR? 88 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

What to Do

Photo by Anna Shvets

with Fear

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Here’s a timely example of the two:

The way to peace is not found by desperately trying to change fearful circumstances. It’s gained when we can accept that those circumstances have already changed, and we proceed with preparation and caution. Let’s make the collective commitment to retrain our brain on how we respond when faced with overwhelming emotions of fear. To acknowledge and thank fear for prompting our protective mechanisms, and then take a logical look at it. Consider it. Chew it over. Maybe even say to it, “Why thank you fear, I’ll certainly take that under advisement.” We can take fear’s concerns into consideration, without giving into them as a whole. This is done by not giving into fear’s emotional expression (inward or outward), but rather giving into its emotional content. Just as we’ve learned to do with anger. Next, pull forward the more probable aspects from our fears and disregard the panic (you can feel the difference when you’re still). Then take those probably aspects and apply a logical course of action to them and respond with caution and trust. Most of fear is a result of not trusting in the unknown. Yet, look at your life and past fears; how many things did you fear five years ago, or even just last year…now notice that you’re still alive. When we review our past in this way, it can be a great encouragement to trust in the future.

Being cautious would look like having thoughts about being prepared and safe during this current time of uncertainty, and expressing those thoughts into the action of going shopping and stocking We always have the choice to decide to trust up on provisions. the important outcomes in our life. When Being fearful would look like having we decide that the most important outcome apocalyptic and scarcity thoughts during is primarily spiritual and not physical, sudthis current time of uncertainty and ex- denly our inner priorities change; our abilpressing those thoughts into the action ity to trust expands, and our experience of of going shopping and frantically pulling fear around physical outcomes diminish food from shelves, hoarding unnecessary almost immediately. items and buzzing around in a frenzy. When we consider that our primary reason Both activities are the same; one is for life is spiritual, it expands our trust perbacked with a cautious energy, the other sonal evolution and suddenly any outcome is fueled by a fearful energy. Actions fu- in life becomes ok. We even realize that eled by fear energy not only decrease our survival is not our primary objective on the emotional and physical health, but the planet. When that thought process shifts, it vibration of them also ripples out and changes everything; the energy we carry and how we hold the outcome. affects others negatively. 90 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Why bother with all of this? Because your life depends on it. The world depends on it. The simple fact is that if we really want to survive, we’ve all got to start from within. Life can change in a moment, as we’ve seen. Let’s set the intention to make it a moment that serves our highest well-being, and that of others. RoadMap to Fear 1- We all have fear 2- Fear protects us, when we process it logically 3- There’s a third option to Fight or Flight: Insight 4- When we look at fear rationally w/o feeling into it, we see what’s behind it 5- Don’t confuse fear with caution 6- Self-care & self-caution is fear managed 7- We manage fear by managing the energy behind the fear 8- We manage the energy behind fear by supervising our thoughts 9- Peace is gained by accepting circumstances, not trying to change them

Tara-jenelle Walsch is a monthly columnist for the Eden Magazine. She is the author of the book, Soul Courage, and the founder and spirit behindthe Soulebrate greeting card company. You will also find her speaking publicly about emotional and energetic awareness, and a sacred formula which she believes has the ability to enrich the world at large. Tara-jenelle was raised in Annapolis, Maryland and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications from Towson University in Baltimore. She currently lives in the beautiful hills of Ashland, Oregon.www.soulcourage.com

Proven

People & Planet-Friendly

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, the health-conscious person struggles to find healthy and safe insect repellent products that actually provide effective protection from pesky and disease-carrying insects . Call it a “catch-22”. Does the health-focused mom douse her kids in harsh chemicals to protect from diseases or opt for natural alternatives and risk the consequences of bites? Proven Insect Repellent was launched to solve this very dilemma for health-conscious people whether enjoying an hour in the backyard or a hardcore outdoor expedition. Proven is an effective, non-hazardous insect repellent spray and lotion 92 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

product that keeps you and your loved ones protected. It’s an obvious choice over harsh chemical-based formulas or ineffective natural repellents, and it’s made in USA and Germany by EPA-approved factories. With Proven’s range of insect repellent sprays and lotions, you can choose your preferred application. The lotion is a great option for applying on children to provide more complete coverage and avoid spraying in eyes or mouth. The CDC advises to avoid applying insect repellent to children’s eyes, mouth, open cuts or irritated skin and to always wash hands after application.

Proven is made with a 20% concentration of the active ingredient Picaridin, an EPA-registered insect repellent that can be used with confidence on the whole family for 12-14 hour protection. The CDC states that EPAapproved insect repellents, including the active ingredient Picaridin, are proven safe and effective, even for use on pregnant or breastfeeding women . Proven keeps away Mosquitoes Ticks Black flies Chiggers Gnats No-See-Ums

The proof is in the Picaridin, an effective alternative to DEET, permethrin and lemon-eucalyptus oil. This active ingredient is derived from the black pepper plant and hosts an abundance of benefits besides its odor-free quality. It feels smooth and clean when applied to skin and provides long-lasting and highly effective protection. Proven is offered in odorless or with a gentle scent. Picaridin is approved by the EPA as an effective ingredient to prevent bites from mosquito-species transmitting Zika, Dengue, Malaria, West Nile, Chikungunya and tick-related Lyme disease and Encephalitis. Proven Insect Repellent with Picaridin vs. DEET Bug Repellents: Offers longer protection Equally as effective as higher concentrations of DEETHas low toxicity and low skin absorption No sticky, greasy feelPoses no risk to fish or other wildlifeWill not dissolve plastics Keep your family protected against biting bugs and discover the insect repelling ingredient recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Centers for Disease Control and Protection (CDC), World Health Organization (WHO) and the Environmental Working Group (EWG). For more information, visit www.provenrepellent.com

An Excerpt from Six Funerals and a Wedding by Mary Odgers

She Lost Her Home To A California Wildfire and Her Closest Loved Ones to Tragic Deaths, But Found Love, Growth and Joy From Within

Six Funerals and

Photo by Timothy Paul Smith

By Mary Odgers

94 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

a Wedding

As anyone who has experienced loss knows—whether the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a marriage,a home, or something else dear—no two“deaths”are ever alike. We may draw on faithor somehard-won strengthto cope or evenfindour way through, but grief is definitely a process that lacks a blueprint. It can bring up cherished memories, regrets,relief,resentments . . . sometimes all in one day. If I were to give any advice to someone in mourning, no matter the source of the grief, trauma, or loss, I would say to definitely acknowledge that you’ve experienced an adverse event. In the beginning, the care and attention you receive from having been a victim of that event can be exceptionally comforting. However, unless your reality progresses to a perspective that does not include your loss or tribulation, you will find yourself living the trauma over and over again, simply to get that warm feeling of comfort, becoming a language of sorts that you speak. But when you make the decision to leave victimhood and start taking back control of your life, it is empowering. Yes, it may be a lot of work, requiring determination to implement the new mindset and choices, but if I can do it, I truly believe that you can too. I would also say that because grief is such a highly personal experience, one that carries myriad nuances depending on the relationship and circumstance of the loss, you should never attempt to deny your feelings. You must allow yourself to grieve. Holding in your emotions will cause resistance and disease. When guilt seeps in and you’re feeling too much or too little, be sure to give yourself a break and realize that grief not only has an identity of its own, it has two sides: sadness, which is sentimental and gentle; and trauma, which is abrupt and frightening. Both are typically present concurrently, but recognize that neither is actually part of you, and that both can dissipate with the appropriate time frame and perspective.

While I recognize that no one person can ever tell you how to grieve in your particular circumstance, and I know there’s no blueprint for how to navigate those darkest of days, I do know that reading about how others have coped can be incredibly comforting. This is why I chose to introduce you, within their own vignettes, to each of the places and people who will forever occupy space in my heart—because without an understanding of what our relationships were, it’s impossible to understand why the response to each loss was distinct. As anyone who has experienced loss knows— whether the loss of a loved one, a pet, a job, a marriage, a home, or something else dear—no two “deaths” are ever alike. We may draw on faith or some hard-won strength to cope or even find our way through, but grief is definitely a process that lacks a blueprint. It can bring up cherished memories, regrets, relief, resentments . . . sometimes all in one day. Anger and sadness can rise up like a double helix of contrasting emotions; laughter can feel irreverent. I can truthfully say that losing Bruce and Patrick, in particular, were both akin to experiencing an amputation. Life became awkward and felt surreal until I learned to adapt; no prosthesis for an amputee feels natural, just like no person could ever come close to filling my void. I lost a part of myself that I will always miss, but thankfully, over time, I no longer had to change the dressing of the wound or feel the constant pain.

95 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Whatever the real reason is for you, don’t judge yourself for how you experience grief, and don’t be something you’re not simply to look a certain way to the world. Soon after Bruce and Patrick died, my mom and I were sitting together and she couldn’t talk. I was crying but she didn’t shed a tear. It was an “Isn’t life interesting?” moment that I’ve never forgotten. We both undoubtedly felt pain, but hers—perhaps because of her upbringing and selfimposed stoicism—remained inside while mine poured out.

So I would further say that by knowing who you are and taking what comes with forward vision, you will find your way through the pain. To do this, I suggest engaging in healthy activities that make you feel good, and nourishing yourself with good, positive people and selfcare—hot baths, nutritious food, gentle exercise, time in nature, prayer, meditation—things that edify you, not that harm you or temporarily numb the pain artificially (such as alcohol, drugs, or taking extreme physical risks). You deserve to be taken care of while you are hurting, and although many of us haven’t been raised to prioritize ourselves, it’s vital that that loving care your soul needs begins with you. Remember that you’ve been injured and that it takes time to heal. How much time? There’s no way to know because each person is unique. Sometimes you have to be rocked to the polar opposite side to find yourself again. When that occurs, in retrospect, you can often see the divinity in something that could only be pain at the time.

People often told me that no one had ever been dealt a worse hand than I had. That might have been true for them intellectually, but again, who can quantify another’s pain of loss when it’s so subjective? For example, there were times I wondered why I wasn’t tortured by losing my own mother. I was sad, yes, but it didn’t seem like enough at times. I thought maybe there were limits on how much and how long we can experience grief. I now know that for comparison’s sake, I believed her death was part of the cycle of life. Her season was over, and that is why it hurt less. I likewise didn’t really grieve when my dad passed. The tears only came when I wrote his vignette. Perhaps it, too, felt like his season was over, and after he had been rendered a quadriplegic, his passing carried with it a feeling of relief for him as well, which made it less painful for me. Michael was a different level of grief altogether; with him, too, I felt some level of relief, knowing he was no longer suffering with addiction and had joined his beloved, Luc. But I also felt deep sadness that although he had been able to live an authentic life as a gay man for many years, he was never fully able to overcome the trauma of his childhood—of feeling “different,” encountering prejudices, and having his lifestyle interpreted by certain people as being “abnormal.”

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Mary Odgers is a writer, registered nurse of twenty-two years, and life coach, whose default view of the world is through the lens of optimism. As the second of six children to a Marine Corps general and a former Navy nurse, Mary moved frequently, and by the age of twenty-one had had twenty different addresses. This nomad-like existence that required starting over numerous times, along with having to reinvent herself after experiencing multiple tragedies, has allowed her to specialize in navigating transitions with her coaching clients. She holds a Master Grief Coach certification and lives with her partner Pierre in Solana Beach, California where she works as a post-anesthesia nurse. She relishes walks along the beach, swimming in the ocean, cooking, traveling the world, and the company of her two grown sons, extended family, and loving friends

The Secret Love of Pets

Photo by Fabian Gieske

By Alexia Melocchi

98 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

"We must fight against the spirit of unconscious cruelty with which we treat the animals. Animals suffer as much as we do. True humanity does not allow us to impose such sufferings on them. It is our duty to make the whole world recognize it. Until we extend our circle of compassion to all living things, humanity will not find peace."

Photo by Lee Brown

~Albert Schweitzer

he world is changing. And with the entire planet affected by the Pandemic, is it natural to be afraid, even of our pets, or to hesitate in adopting or rescuing one.

I do not know how many of you have seen the animated film "THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS." It was so successful that a sequel followed shortly after. The plot was about observing what pets do when their owners go to work. Animals, like humans, need love. And animals give unconditional love, something that we as humans find it challenging to give to one another except in moments of global crisis like this one. Because of misinformation, dogs and cats are being abandoned by their owners for fear of contracting COVID 19 when it is a fact that animals do not get it. It is also a sad reality that because of social distancing, the shelters are filled with these helpless creatures who cannot find a family or home and, in some cases, may end up being put to sleep due to overcrowding. For pet owners, this is the time, more than ever, to appreciate the love an animal gives a human. And for those of you who do not have one, to consider rescuing or fostering or adopting one. Below is a summary of some of the many benefits of having a pet: 1. Pets help you stay in the present moment. When you engage with them and watch them play, the mind stops chattering, and you become more aware. 2. Pets help you exercise and give you a reason to be outdoors. If you have a dog in your household, you have to take it out

for a walk twice a day, allowing you to be in nature and move your body. 3. Pets help you with creativity. There is nothing more soothing and inspiring than having a cat on your lap or your desk while you work. 4. Pets understand you more than humans and never judge you. Try to look at the face of your cat and dog when you need reassurance or comfort, and you will know what I mean. 5. Pets are low maintenance. If you do not have children, this is the best way to feel like a parent, without a huge expense. Give them food, water, and some toys, and you are set. 6. Pets are a conduit for socializing. Showing your favorite pet photos on Instagram or Facebook always gets engagement from friends. When you go out in public, they are a way to break the ice or start up a conversation, sometimes with total strangers. 7. And lastly, pets are a constant companion during the quarantine. Instead of speaking to yourself, at least you can look half crazy by having conversations with your favorite fur baby. Somehow, when they stare back at you, you get the reassurance that this too shall pass. In closing, even though many shelters are closed, you can still enquire about available pets on www.petharbor.com or www.animalshelters.com or www.petfinder.com..Also, recommend searching for and supporting local rescue organizations. They need your contributions more than ever. 99 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e April 2020

Life Has Just Begun

By Jane Makovicka

Photo by Amir Reza Hadizadeh

“Life Has Just Begun” is featured in author Jane Makovicka’s inspirational book of poetry, “With Every End There Is A New Beginning.” She began writing in 1984 inspired by people, places, things and situations. She is close to Mother Nature and down to earth as she appreciates all blessings that flow her way. To learn more please visit, www.missjanemakovicka.com.

With the past always behind us At times hidden from life For one cannot continue to run From living . . . Then and Now Touching so many at times One must do some Soul searching Viewing the good and bad in us To mend those broken bridges From the bondage of self Even when the past is the past In the process of healing . . . Only the Divine Spirit fills That hole in the Soul To magnify your dreams For then and only then Can one begin to live free For one cannot continue to run Or you will die a lonely death So put your heart into God’s Hands To mend those broken bridges For then you will be set free Allowing you to begin to live free Believing life has just begun

Thank you for

10 years supporting us

98 THEEDENMAGAZINE.COM e January 2020