TABLE OF CONTENTS
Beebe Bahrami: The Way of the Geese Interview
30
Marijuana Strains& Their Effects
50
Back Pain? Tips for a Quick Recovery
56
Discovering the Blessings in Convalescence
60
Live Life to the Soul-Fullest!
68
Soulful Transformations
74
Six Activities to Increase Spiritual Connection
80
How To Help A Child Cope After A Traumatic Event
88
Build Your Visionary Skills with Mindful Patience
94
The Science of Meditation
100
Conscious Coupling
112
Do You Recognize a Karmic Relationship?
120
OMTIMES.COM March A| 2023
Discover OM Shopping Network Honest & Conscious Product Review
The Way of The Geese
BEEBE BAHRAMI
AN INTERVIEW WITH BEEBE BAHRAMI BY SANDIE SEDGBEER Since the 12th Century, Pilgrims have been walking the Camino, a network of roots traversing France, Spain, and Portugal that lead to the shrine of the Apostle St. James the Great in the Cathedral of Santiago De Compostela in Galicia, in Northwestern Spain. In recent years, interest in this past has surged to the point where more than 200,000 people worldwide undertake some or all of this 500-mile journey every year. Over the past decade, I've interviewed several travelers who've made movies or written travel guides and memoirs about the Camino. And during that time, not in any of their narratives has anyone breathed a word about the ancient mysteries of web-footed Virgin Marys, mothers, goddesses, Templar Knights, fairytales, and geese that fill the pages of the Book, the Way of the Wild Goose.
Three pilgrimages follow geese, stars, and hunches on the Camino De Santiago. I have with me today the award-winning travel writer, anthropologist, essayist, and author Beebe Bahrami. Welcome! Beebe Bahrami: Thank you, Sandy. Sandie Sedgbeer: So you are known for your travel narratives, your guidebooks, and your memoirs, which include Café Oc: A Nomad's Tales of Magic, Mystery, and Finding Home in the Dordogne, Café Neandertal: Excavating Our Past in One of Europe's Most Ancient Places, The Spiritual Traveler, Spain, Moon Camino de Santiago: Sacred Sites, Historic Villages, Local Food & Wine, and of course, the Way of the Wild Goose. So tell us, what first attracted you to the Camino?
About The Different Marijuana Strains and Their Effects
N
By Brooke Chaplan
ot all cannabis is created
into a dispensary and find various
the same, and that's okay.
aromas, flavors, and potency levels.
In fact, different strains
"Strain" isn't exactly a valid term today
have their own unique
due to how marijuana has changed.
effects that can meet your physical
However, it is still popular, so we'll
and mental needs. You can walk
stick with it here. Let's talk about
OM TIMES | March 2023
the botanical science behind various strains and their effects.
WHAT IS A MARIJUANA STRAIN? A "strain" is a classification that identifies a plant's chemotype (or chemical profile), possible medical effects, and phenotype (or physical appearance). They're sometimes called chemotypes, varieties, cultivars,
HOW NEW STRAINS GET MADE Growers can combine male and female plants and cross two strains to form a hybrid strain. For example, crossing White Widow with Blueberry makes Berry White. This just goes to show how creative you can get with new strains.
MARIJUANA STRAINS
or chemovars. There are at least 700-
There are three main strains: Indica,
800 strains out there, but there could
Sativa, and hybrids. Each has its own
be over 1,000 more obscure strains.
benefits, but its effects will depend on
OM TIMES | March 2023
Back Pain? Tips for a Quick Recovery
T
by Rachelle Wilber
hese days it seems like
care just as much as exercise and
we are constantly trying
nutrition. For example, most of us
to figure out ways to stay
know back pain is a serious problem,
healthy, but the truth
but many people don’t know how
is that our bodies need special
quickly it can be healed. With these
OM TIMES | March 2023
tips for quick recovery, you will find
that helps strengthen muscles in
relief within a few days!
the back and neck. For example, a low-back physical therapy program
1. PHYSICAL THERAPY
will teach you activities that help
Back pain can often be a sudden,
strengthen your lower back muscles,
long-term problem, and treating it
which can help increase your ability
begins with the first step, exercise.
to move. These exercises also increase
For example, you should see your
your core strength by using your
doctor if you have recently been
abdominals to help support your
in a car accident or suffered a fall.
body when performing movements.
However, suppose you have an ongoing back pain problem. In that
2. TRY ACUPUNCTURE
case, physical therapy could help
If you are skeptical of Acupuncture,
by providing the body with exercise
try the ancient healing practice
OM TIMES | March 2023
Live Life to the Soul-Fullest!
T
By John Holland
he number 60 has been
my personal milestone year. When
very significant for me this
identical numbers keep appearing,
year. This number shows up
it usually means that Spirit and your
multiple times, and it's also
soul want your attention.
OM TIMES | March 2023
Whenever I notice consistent numbers or signs, it reminds me that my soul is always there—keeping me
Find the stillness within you. Take time to just breathe.
on track and helping me maintain
Notice the vibrations that
balance. That's why I love teaching
surround you.
about the power of the soul. I want everyone to know that no matter
Honor your body.
your circumstances, your soul always
Know that everything is possible.
has your back!
Fill your heart with compassion.
JOHN'S MESSAGE
Speak up!
Here are 60 tips to help you live life to the soul-fullest! Go over this list and circle 7 of the numbers you resonate with most. Then, I want you to
See what you're feeling. Cleanse your soul with positive thoughts.
practice the tips you circled—at least
Look for intuitive messages
one each day.
in your dreams.
Trust your intuition and yourself. Use your imagination.
Send blessings to the world and everyone in it. Imagine yourself as a being
Listen to your body.
of love and light.
Create a sacred space for quiet
Carry an attitude of gratitude.
time.
Celebrate your Divine connection.
Celebrate your own individual strengths.
release it to the Universe.
Listen to your gut feelings. See more of what is really in f ront of you. Listen to your inner voice.
Visualize all you desire and
Expand your mind with knowledge. Ask for guidance when you need it.
OM TIMES | March 2023
Soulful Transformations Judi Lynch
OM TIMES | March 2023
W
hen we all learn to
to remember that others are free to
respect each other,
believe as they wish.
no matter our religions, beliefs,
Regular spiritual practice or
or way of living, we realize that what
following a certain religion helps us
we have in common is much greater
to feel supported and grounded in
than our differences.
our life. It helps calm our anxieties about life after physical death.
As our lives progress into adulthood,
When we question long-held beliefs
our beliefs can change in incredible
and practices, we begin a journey
ways. What we may have been
of freedom to explore and seek
taught to believe in as a child may
clarity. Our personal life experiences,
cease to make sense as we transform
flavored with curiosity, can lead
and evolve. Our knowledge and
us to pursue other paths which
experiences grow over time, which
feel true to our souls. Someone
can profoundly affect the religions
who is highly intuitive or psychic
we practice or the metaphysical
has unique connections to the
beliefs we incorporate.
spirit world in very profound ways. Unfortunately, certain religions
Many people are born into families
do not accept these attributes
who have a certain faith and
and may have strict rules against
regularly attend church services,
them. Someone f rom the LGBTQ+
classes, and events as a family.
community can also face criticism
They may expect their children to
and severe judgment. They may
follow their lead and remain faithful
want to practice the religion they
to their parent's religious beliefs.
were raised in but suffered f rom the
Others grow up without religious
lack of support or understanding,
training or parents who leave
becoming fearful of living in their
it up to their children to decide
truth. So many are afraid to speak
what path to take regarding their
up, and they remain isolated. Others
spirituality, without judgment.
reach out to those who are more
While there is beauty in keeping the
accepting and are able to thrive in
faith and following certain beliefs
their newfound community, feeling
throughout a lifetime, it's important
love and appreciation.
OM TIMES | March 2023
Six Activities to Increase Spiritual Connection
W
By Meghan Belnap
hether Baptist
to the divine, here are a few things
or Buddhist, it's
you can do to grow your faith.
proven that having a spiritual practice
PRAY OR MEDITATE
can boost your happiness and give you a sense of peace. No matter
One of the best ways to increase
which religion you practice, there
your spiritual connection is to pray or
are activities you can engage in to
meditate. You don't have to spend an
increase your spiritual connection. If
hour on your knees every day to reap
you want to deepen your connection
the benefits of prayer. You can talk to
OM TIMES | March 2023
your God f rom any place at any time.
spiritual people. When everyone
Meditation is just as simple. Some
is gathered in the same room, it's
meditation practices are complex,
impossible not to feel the loving,
but sitting with your eyes closed
exciting connection to the divine.
and clearing your mind for just five minutes each day will increase your spiritual connection.
ATTEND A SPIRITUAL WORKSHOP
PRACTICE YOGA AND BREATHWORK Yoga is an ancient spiritual practice f rom India that has become popular worldwide. Aside from
Spending time with like-minded
yoga's amazing physical and
people will help you increase your
mental benefits, it's also a tool for
spiritual connection. Whether you
increasing your spiritual connection.
attend a live spiritual masterclass
Incorporating breathwork into your
series or attend church on Sunday
practice can make it even more
mornings, it will benefit you greatly
relaxing so you can fully connect
to pray, learn, and engage with other
during each session.
OM TIMES | March 2023
How To Help A Child Cope After A Traumatic Event
G
by Rebecca Leigh
oing through a traumatic
them feel as though their lives aren't
event is difficult for
as secure as they believed them to be.
anyone, but it's particularly difficult for children. Going
As they go through this event and
through any traumatic event can
the aftermath, you can work with the
shake their sense of stability and make
child to help them through it and
OM TIMES | March 2023
make it easier for them. Here are some
child is unaffected. However, even if
tips child psychologists and experts
they're not outwardly saying they're
recommended to help you do this.
affected, there will be signs that say otherwise. These can include:
TAKE YOUR CHILD'S AGE INTO ACCOUNT
• Changes in sleeping and eating patterns
Your child's understanding of the world will change and grow as they age. Where your child is in their
• Becoming more clingy to a caregiver • Regressing to earlier childhood
development will dictate, to some
behaviors, such as thumb
extent, just how you care for them
sucking
through a traumatic event. An infant, for example, will react to your emotions, so it's important to stay as calm as possible and stick to your
• Struggles with school and homework • Complaints of physical problems, such as stomach aches
normal routine as much as you can. These are just a few different Children aged 2 to 5 will need extra
symptoms, and the signs of trauma
support and comfort and again will
differ depending on the child's age.
respond better when they still have
So be aware of how trauma can
a regular routine. Ages 6 to 11, a child
manifest in children of your child's
will be more able to talk about their
age, and be looking out for them.
feelings, so it's important that you listen to them. Ages 11 and up may feel that they are out of control and
MINIMIZE YOUR CHILD'S MEDIA EXPOSURE
need reassurance that there are still things they can control.
If your child has been through an event such as a shooting or a
RECOGNIZE THE SIGNS OF TRAUMA
natural disaster, then it's very likely that it will get covered in the media. In the age of 24/7 news, though,
After a traumatic event, at first
that coverage can be relentless. If
glance, it may seem as though your
your child is exposed to it a lot, it
OM TIMES | March 2023
Build Your Visionary Skills with Mindful Patience
A
by Ronald Alexander
s a creativity coach,
successfully envision their creative
I know that many
endeavors. For those who find
great visionary
Patience challenging, mindfulness
leaders of business,
practice can help you relate to
innovation, and the arts had
time differently and expand your
the Patience and dedication to
Patience and creativity.
OM TIMES | March 2023
Regular mindfulness meditation practice helps people become more flexible, collaborative, and patient. It’s easier for them to drop any defensiveness because they have more self-compassion and Patience with themselves. Novelty and originality become more welcome in their room of self as they more easily shift into what I call a state of “open mind” where they can access their core creativity. Years ago, I saw Robin Williams perform at a club in Los Angeles long before becoming a famous comedian. He was doing improv with a partner from the comedy group Off the Wall and completely bombing. No one cracked a smile, and it was
performed again, he was so hilarious
uncomfortable sitting there waiting
my face hurt from laughing. I walked
for the team to finally make a joke land
out of there thinking how glad I was
or save us a lot of agony by leaving the
that he hadn’t let his failure stop
stage.
him from performing a second time that night — and that I’d given him
I could see from the program that
a second chance.
Williams was scheduled to come on stage again later in the evening as
Later, he would do some marvelously
a solo comic and thought, “How is
comic performances improvising with
this guy going to come back from
partners. He seemed to have learned
that awful performance?” I almost
from his past failures rather than
left the theater early but, for some
giving up and vowing to only work
reason, decided to see if the rest of the
solo. Comedians need to work out
show was any better. When Williams
their timing in front of audiences. I’m
OM TIMES | March 2023
The Science of Meditation
S
By Darshan Goswami, M.S., P.E., Pittsburgh, PA, USA
cientific evidence
with oneself, observing thoughts
suggests the health
without judgment, and finding
benefits of meditation
peace. But what does science say
include improved
about it, and how can we benefit
memory, increased ability to focus,
f rom it in our busy modern lives?
improved health, and more.
Could something as simple as meditation be a realistic alternative
Meditation is a centuries-old
to pharmaceutical drugs? Science
practice of getting in touch
has an answer. OM TIMES | March 2023
Scientific studies now validate that
infinite joy. There are many methods
regular meditation practice has a
to meditate, and even a few minutes
profound physiological effect on
can make a big difference in how
the human body and can actually
you feel and think. Meditation
change how our brains work. Short-
practice can take you inside for
and long-term benefits of meditation
an out-of-the-world experience.
include reduced stress, anxiety, and
Meditation is an "Art of Doing
depression, decreased blood pressure,
Nothing."
strengthened immune system, and enhanced happiness. In addition,
HOW TO MEDITATE?
numerous research studies have identified specific benefits beyond
Starting a meditation practice
one's imagination, including a
is very simple. Meditation can
global rise in compassion, increased
take many forms, whether it's a
generosity of spirit, and positive
breathing exercise, a mantra, or a
societal attitudes about age, diseases,
guided visualization. For beginners,
and economic status.
I suggest practicing meditation through a deep diaphragm
WHAT IS MEDITATION?
breathing exercise.
Meditation is a proven scientific
Try to do meditation first thing in the
technique for relaxing or quieting
morning. Wear loose/comfortable
the mind to focus and redirect your
clothes and choose a place where
thoughts to improve health and well-
you can sit calmly without any
being. It is the ability to sit still and
disturbance. You can meditate in
block out all thoughts while listening
a chair, on the floor, lying down, or
to your inner spirit and speaking
walking. Sit in a comfortable position,
directly to the Higher Source.
relax, rest your hands on your lap,
Meditation is a scientific approach to
and close your eyes. Take slow, deep
understanding us as human beings,
breaths through your nose with your
as well as understanding deeper,
mouth closed (diaphragm breathing),
mystical truths about God and the
paying attention to your breath. You
nature of reality. When done deeply,
can hear your breath. Diaphragm
it also connects you with God and His
breathing pulls air to the bottom of
OM TIMES | March 2023
Conscious Coupling in A World That Thrives on The Shiny New Object Relationship by Rene' Schooler
OM TIMES | March 2023
I
n modern love and dating,
in our world of love, sex, and the
many of us have a love-hate
relationship, we also are not willing
relationship with it. However,
to become vulnerable and trust one
there is so much freedom,
another nor give proper time to
adventure, and what feels more like
develop a healthy foundation for a
truth to it because we can easily have
relationship.
the style of relationship we want and not have to explain ourselves for
It takes about 200 hours of face-to-
it. We are finding more and more
face time with someone for the very
variables in modern love and dating,
first veil of who they are to be seen.
and the dating field is most certainly
Then another 200+ hours for the
becoming an equal ground for both
next veil and so on. This translates to
sexes.
time spent, and in our modern speed dating and relating, we don't do
However, with this equality and
this. Instead, we hop into a situation
freedom to relate and the sex we
instead of exploring a relationship
want and feel best for us, we are
and do so unconsciously. If we truly
also experiencing a massive amount
desire a love story that becomes a life
of heartache, frustration, and lack
story with our soulmate, then why
of commitment or stability with all
not become more conscious in our
parties involved. Creating emotional
approach, to begin with?
wounding that often supports our worst fears that speak to our inner
Conscious coupling is pretty simple.
child and say, " Yep, I was right. I am
It means that we take the time to
not lovable." This belief that so many
know ourselves and understand that
of us have that we are not worthy of
our intimate relationships only reflect
love can show its nasty face to us in
ourselves. So often, we are attracted
many ways, f rom telling us that we
to what we see as the opposite.
are too much or not enough, that we
However, the opposite is the parts
are victims to (fill in the blank) or that
of ourselves that we have not
we just cannot seem to get it right.
acknowledged or accepted. We are
We seek the perfect love story hoping
attracted to this other soul because
we can also turn it into a life story.
we feel complete with them. When
Still, because we all feel replaceable
we consciously look at relating, we
OM TIMES | March 2023
How to Recognize a Karmic Relationship?
K
By Ascending Hearts
armic Relationship
Are You in A Karmic Relationship?
Unfortunately, a karmic
How can you find out if your
relationship is seldom
relationship is a Karmic one?
good for you. They are relationships charged with soul lessons, and some
Do you feel a strong sense of
of them may be very painful.
familiarity when you meet someone? OM TIMES | March 2023
As you know, this person from
Three marital bonds exist Karmic,
other lives? This baffles you, but it
Dharmic, and Cosmic. The first area
also pulls you closer to them due
is pain, misery, hunger, nakedness,
to a strong sense of curiosity that
and disgrace. The second is success,
bubbles up in your mind. This sense
bliss, love, financial progress, etc.
of familiarity might be more than
The third is only for the select,
infatuation.
pure, and holy souls and brings inexhaustible happiness.
SIGNS OF A KARMIC RELATIONSHIP
~ Samael Aun Weor
You feel an incredible desire for something you never wanted.
WHAT DO YOU FEEL ABOUT THE KARMIC RELATIONSHIP?
You feel a divine connection with that person.
You tend to endure situations that
You feel like you already know much
are really destroying your self-esteem
about them without talking to them.
and preventing you from improving your self-esteem.
Love as a Karmic Glue If you are used to the hate within you, If that person becomes your loved
you will feel nothing wrong, even if
one, it will affect your relationship
other people make you feel that way.
with a tantalizing intensity. You will feel an overwhelming sensation
You are bound by your old family
inside your bones, unlike anything
patterns because you voluntarily
you have ever felt before, because of
believe to be subjected to loneliness
this unprecedented connection that
and acute despair. You may panic
you share with them.
when thinking of ending up alone.
Unfortunately, these are signs of a
Suppose you are in a relationship
karmic relationship, and it is seldom
that is under the power of karmic
good for you. They are relationships
influence. In that case, you need to
charged with soul lessons, and some
raise your vibration and earnestly
of them may be very painful.
open your eyes to reality. Karma OM TIMES | March 2023
OMTimes Media, Inc. PO Box 1333 Oil City, PA 16301 (571)-2OM-TIMES ©2009-2023 OMTimes Media
All Rights Reserved MMXXIII
Please review the
OMTimes Reprint Policy Contact our Advertisement Team:
advertise@omtimes.com