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WE'AR Mod Suit, Stone A highly versatile one-piece that can be worn alone as a bold statement piece or layered with tanks, tees and shirts, the Mod Suit can also be unbuttoned and folded to elegant 5/8 pants. Made in high quality crepe, the mod suit is fun for celebrations and evening occasions as well as being suitable office wear.
WABI SABI COLLECTIVE
Julie Cover Image #2 Drop In
Emma Mildon // EDITOR & CHIEF SOUL SEARCHER “People are dicks, love them anyway.” - Some smart ass soul searcher I know. Julie Cooper // PHOTOGRAPHY & TOP GODDESS "Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson. Sophie Shieff // NETWORKER & CHIEF YOGINI "I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." – Maya Angelou. Anna Aldridge // OPERATIONS & ALL THINGS SOUL “Human beings have the awesome ability to take any experience of their lives and create a meaning that disempowers them or one that can literally save their lives.” - Tony Robinson. Jade Armstrong // BEAUTY EDITOR & EARTH ANGEL "We are all a little weird and life's a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love." - Dr. Suess. Mo McReynolds // NETWORKER & CHIEF OF CRYSTALS "I get up every morning determined both to change the world and have one hell of a good time. Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult." - E.B. White. Lydia Shieff // EDITORIAL ASSISTANT & INTUITIVE "If you never get lost you may never be found" - Unknown. Stevie Oxton // DESIGN GURU & CEO OF TUNES “When you believe in things that you don't understand, then you suffer.” - Stevie Wonder. A Special Wabi Sabi Thank You... Wabi Sabi Cover Model // Nikki Crerar, Red11 WE'AR yoga clothing // Jyoti Morningstar WE'AR yoga clothing // Selini Parkinson lululemon athletica // Ella Damiani lululemon athletica // Lindsay Udell lululemon athletica // Erin Hochstein The Yoga Connection // Jane Lowe Healthyself // Abbylee & Twyla The team at Benefitz Visit Us www.wabisabimagazine.com Contact Us editor@wabisabimagazine.com
Photographer: Julie Cooper Model: Nikki Crerar ,Red11 Hair & Makeup: Roxanne Scanlan ROX Hair & Makeup
CONTENTS
We could give you a number paged index to guide you through this magazine, but then you wouldn't be using your organic instinct and intuition to open pages that you are meant to read... Your intuition led you here, so we are ensuring you read on minus the numbers. There ain't nobody here appointed to boss you around and lure you into reading things that don't feed your soul. Ain't nobody got time for that! Read Wabi Sabi on your terms In whatever order you like Permission to flick me Dog ear me Bookmark me Share me (I'm free online) Take me to intimate places with you, loo included This is your magazine. Your tribe. Your vibe. As you explore Wabi Sabi you'll discover : Boho chic and conscious fashion Natural beauty rituals and remedies Contributor pieces covering all things crystals, chakras, eco-business, enlightenment, fitness, and whole food Yoga and retreats for your wellbeing fix Mantras and affirmations for your mental fix Pretty things that we just vibe with
Nikki wears, WE'AR Nirvana slip dress, Graphite Reminiscent of 90s guitar riffs and layers of lo-fi beauty, the Nirvana Slip Dress is delicate in 100% washed silk. WE'AR it alone or layered with Summer Marching pants.
Photographer: Julie Cooper This first cover photo shoot was inspired by the Wabi Sabi sister vibe of being carefree, real, understanding, positive, organic and productive. Model: Shannon Phillimore is a Digital Media Planner in New Zealand; not only gorgeous but also a productive and loving soul. Clothing: Dom+nique, by Dominique Healy, New Zealand fashion designer based in Melbourne. Her passion for ethical fashion, beautiful fabrics and impressive sewing skills is admirable.
Image credit: Kenrick Rhys Photography
From the Editor
ord to your sun soaked soul self. Wabi Sabi Magazine is in its second issue, and just like all of us, is evolving, growing, and expanding into a beautiful community of bright, bold, and beautiful new thought leaders, innovators, conscious consumers, and people that will just simply melt your hearts and blow your mind. This is why I curate this magazine, these bloody awesomely gifted and enlightened people. The collective that contribute and create the pages of this magazine sharing their thoughts, lessons, learnings, and insights to help raise the consciousness of our community. To them, I tip my Wabi Sabi hat and am eternally grateful to be constantly connected with such open, aware, and awake beings. It is a total honor to create and gift this publication to you all. #BestJobEver So, what is Wabi Sabi? Simple, no BS. Organic, natural, eco-conscious, real stuff you need to get in your life. That won't break your bank. Tips that are practical. Stories you can relate to. Wabi Sabi simply will help you live well in real time, in real terms. Here, rules don't apply. Flip to whatever damn well page you please. Take photos of quotes, recipes, and people you vibe with. Share the magazine, pass it on, and most importantly, join us , the Wabi Sabi community and make sure you stay connected to the Wabi Sabi tribe online, where you can find a copy of the magazine for free.
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Castles Made of Sand is a collection dedicated to our love of adventure and our appreciation of architecture and culture. This time the focus is Morocco. Morgan and I studied some of our favourite features to bring into the designs. Doorways have become ring stackers, tile patterns have turned into earrings, and the history and characters you will see on the mood board inspired Ruth and I to book our flights. We flew to Marrakesh to photograph and share with you some of the inspiration behind our new collection. We stayed at El Fenn in the Medina, a Riad that has been restored by German art collector Vanessa Branson. Vanessa has created a Biennale that has become a hub for artists to showcase their work by opening up galleries and studios all over town. Her hotel was made to honour the traditional architecture and each room displays individual art collections. Every detail of it is exciting!
Castles Made of Sand ZOE + MORGAN
Shop Linden Leaves online www.lindenleaves.com
By Jade Armstong, Wabi Sabi Beauty Editor
Shop Ama Balm online www.amabalm.co.nz
Shop LoveSkin online www.loveskin.co.nz
Shop Trilogy online www.trilogyproducts.com
Super Food for the Skin
As people are discovering the amazing benefits facial oils can have on their skin, they have quickly become one of the latest beauty obsessions. With the extensive range of oils on the market, there is one perfect for every skin type. To narrow things down, we’ve created a guide to our favorite facial oils. Oils we describe as super food for the skin. Rosehip oil: Perfect for: Sad skin needing that extra bit of loving. Packed with omega 3, 6 and 8 fatty acids. Let’s just say this intensely nourishing oil works wonders on super dry, sun-damaged, aged and uneven toned skin. We recommend: Trilogy’s 100% certified organic rosehip oil, or Linden Leaves Miraculous Facial Oil with Organic White tea and Rosehip oil. Avocado oil: Perfect for: Angry skin looking for some soothing magic. Super rich and hydrating, this oil absorbs deep into your skins layers. Smoothing rough, wrinkled skin, repairing blemishes and eczema. It’s basically a genie in a bottle. We recommend: Antipodes divine face oil. Vitamin E oil: Perfect for: Tired skin looking for a pick me up. This powerful antioxidant is essential for fighting free radicals, firming the skin, and reducing the appearance of wrinkles, dark spots, and scars. Coconut oil: Perfect for: Dull, grumpy skin dreaming for that healthy glow. This skincare miracle is full of powerful fatty acids to give you that smooth, vibrant complexion. It is intensely hydrating yet super absorbent and works wonders for both dry and blemished skin. Not to mention it will have you smelling like summer! We recommend: Blue coconut’s organic virgin coconut oil or Ama balm. Jojoba oil: Perfect for: Skin that’s looking for true love. There’s no such thing as using too much jojoba oil. It’s the closest formula to your skin's natural sebum so it’s super lightweight and absorbent. Balancing oiliness, treating acne, nourishing and protecting dry, dull skin. This is truly the ultimate all-in-one oil. We recommend: The Jojoba Companies 100% pure Australian jojoba oil. How to use these oils: Use them as a moisturizer, cleanser, or makeup remover. Wear alone, mix into your favorite night or day cream, combine different oils together, and create your own concoction. There are no rules. Consumer tip: When choosing oils, think like a vegan hippie would. Organic and ethical.
Let your style speak for you: How to evoke your distinct flair in a world of replicas
How simple rituals can return the soul to your skincare routine.
By Jo Lehndorf, Creator and CEO of LoveSkin™
LoveSkin™ www.loeskin.co.nz
e can all admit to a little beauty experimentation, trying the latest fad in the hope of a quick fix. We live in a fast-paced world from beauty, to food, to popping pills to achieve happiness. You may have noticed a divergence in approaches to beauty in social media recently. Instagram accounts are promoting natural approaches instead of invasive treatments. Slow Beauty is the antithesis of the quick fix. The Slow Beauty movement has evolved as part of an international trend towards slow approaches to modern practices. “The Slow Movement is a term used to describe a wide range of efforts taking place around the world that seek to connect us more meaningfully with others, with place, and with ourselves”. (www.CreatetheGoodLife.com/slowmovement). I love the return to a slower way of doing things. It reminds me of something my grandmother once said, “Anything worth doing is worth doing properly”. The Slow Beauty movement is about introducing beauty rituals that nourish the skin, the soul and the self. It’s about taking the time to slow down and reflect. It’s about turning beauty from a superficial quest for perfection, into a personal journey, to find self acceptance and self love, prioritising nurturing of the spirit as well as the skin. So what is a beauty ritual and how can you include slow beauty in your daily regimen? Start every ritual by taking a deep breath to bring fresh energy into your practice. Next, set an intention for this sacred time for self nurture. Breathe out stagnant energy and any feelings of frustration or negativity you may be holding. Ritualise the washing of your face by noticing the water as it warms the face cloth, appreciating its abundance and availability. Connect with yourself by holding our own gaze in the mirror and taking a moment to send back love and affection. If you’re feeling stressed about a situation, all that is required is a gentle touch on the frontal points of the eyebrow centre, holding very lightly for a few minutes while you think about the situation. These 'Neurovascular Holding Points' allow the release of emotions from both body and being. Gently hold your fingertips there using a very light pressure. Get in touch with how you feel now and notice any changes. Breathe and release the negative energy with your exhale. Take the time to mindfully and intentionally massage your moisturising oil onto your face, being grateful for the nourishment it gives your skin whilst enjoying the relaxing scent of the blend. I recommend LoveSkin Hand Blended Botanical Oils just saying... Slow Beauty rituals can be as simple as bringing mindfulness to your regular routine taking the time to connect with the process, instead of allowing your distracted mind to wander. Regular use of Slow Beauty practices will change the way you view your beauty, and more importantly, you will help you develop a deeper connection with yourself.
Slow Beauty
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Soul Sun Screens
www.gatherandsee.com
Let's just say that smearing the good old Sun Sense pump bottle across your face will do, but it’s no longer the only option. Sunscreens, protection creams, SPF moisturisers, whatever you like to call them are popping up nearly everywhere. To really benefit your skin, it’s important to find something packed with SPF and nourishing ingredients. We’ve come up with a list of soul friendly sunscreens so nice on the skin you’ll only believe it’s SPF because the label says so. The Body Shop Vitamin E Moisture-Protect Emulsion SPF30 50ml $42.95 We love how this light, milky texture absorbs quickly into the skin to mousturise dry skin and protect, not only against the suns harsh rays, but free radicals. Plus, it comes in a funky pink pump tube. Oasis Beauty SPF30 Facial Moisturisers 50ml $39.90 Oasis Beauty has certainly caught onto the idea of double duty protection. They offer three SPF moisutrisers to treat different skin types: oily, dry, and dull. Plus, all their products are made right here in New Zealand using local ingredients. Osmosis Protect Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF30 30ml $72 What’s great about this sunscreen is that it contains zinc oxide, which offers the best sunscreen coverage available. It’s perfect to use in the harsh New Zealand sun, stopping us from looking like a leather couch. Free of chemicals, transparent and lightweight, this is definitely one of our favourites! The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50 40ml $49.95 This product might just be our absolute winner! We never thought an SPF50 lotion could be so lightweight and absorbent. Containing red algae extract and vitamin C to give you that bright and glowy complexion, this is sure to become part of your daily skin care routine.
Lightweight SPF moisturisers that protect and nourish your skin.
-Quote Author
The Business of Oil The Linden Leaves story.
I founded Linden Leaves in Christchurch 20 years ago purely out of necessity. Two of my three children suffered from severe eczema and the only solution the doctors knew was to prescribe them with buckets of horribly smelling steroid cream to cover themselves in each day. It’s no fun for a 5 year old child to smell like that, and I also knew that rather than mask the problem, I’d like to fix it instead. So I did my own research and made them a special oil, blended entirely out of natural ingredients, designed to heal their skin (it also smelled quite nice). The oil was a hit and word got around that I’d made this special oil to help my children. So I began making some for friend’s children and friends of friend’s children and before I knew it, Linden Leaves was born. For 20 years I’ve focused on utilising the best quality and natural ingredients, housing them in beautiful, recyclable packaging, and avoided animal testing. We've stayed in accordance with our sustainability policy, and a sense of guardianship of our pure New Zealand environment. I do believe that what we put onto our body is as important as what we put into it, and for this reason Linden Leaves uses no nasty chemicals in our products. We are paraben free and in 2013 went through the year long process of submitting our skincare range to the international NaTrue regulatory body to gain our 100% natural certification status. It’s a very detailed process. NaTrue is an international natural and organic certification body who have one objective - to strengthen the consumer’s trust in natural cosmetics. They extensively research all ingredients included in each and every product and how that ingredient was derived, where it came from, and the process with which it was grown from a seed. All ingredients have to be thoroughly tested and investigated. They have a strict criterion to ensure that all certified products adhere. The application process takes up to one year as they thoroughly test products for pesticide residues, endochrine disruption chemicals, hydrolates, and fragrance allergens. They, of course, are stringently against animal testing, sharing a fundamental belief of harmony between people and nature, joining forces with like-minded organisations to protect nature and our planet’s biodiversity. Linden Leaves is also 100% cruelty free and have never tested on animals. I made the decision last year to completely forgo the Chinese market, despite New Zealand having a robust fair trade deal with them. The issue being that New Zealand is a cruelty free country; it's illegal to test on animals here and rightly so. In order to enter the Chinese market and be sold in their bricks and mortar stores (excluding their duty free stores) you must submit your products for animal testing and go through their strict animal testing procedures first, and I won’t do it. I will not bend our own company ethics and policy for the greater lure of the Chinese dollar. I am also very passionate about living life mindfully, and thus Linden Leaves encourages women to take moments for ourselves throughout the day to help us remain present and centered. It’s so important for women, now more than ever, to relax and unwind and take proper self-care of our mind and our bodies and to incite moments of bliss, self-pampering, and peace in our daily lives. That’s why I love what I do. We hand make products that encourage women to take good care of themselves. To massage themselves lovingly with natural, handmade body oils, to take a bath, to enjoy the ritual of applying our hand cream throughout the day, or taking time to give themselves a facial at home each week. Linden Leaves exists to encourage and empower women to practice self-care each and every day. That’s what gets me up in the morning…
By Brigit Blair, Founder, Linden Leaves
It’s time to celebrate the longer daylight hours, freshly picked berries, the warmth of the sun, and the energy and vitality of summer. Did you know your skin is constantly being affected by the environment and the rhythms of Mother Nature? Each season our body responds with small shifts which is when we need to adjust our skin health and wellness routine accordingly. Keep in mind, applying topical products is only part of the holistic picture when it comes to the health of your skin. Your physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health also forms part of the picture. Water: the elixir of life. Water is, and always will be, the essence of life and is the first key to healthy skin. Drinking those eight glasses daily does more than quench thirst. It flushes the body of toxins, maintains skin elasticity and suppleness, and prevents dryness. To be dehydrated puts a strain on your bodily functions and can leave you feeling tired and your skin looking less than radiant. Top up your water intake with: a glass of warm water with lemon first thing in the morning to wake up your body. Eat “watery” summer fruits and vegetables such as cucumbers and melons. Try infused waters as a thirst quencher. Simply fill a jug with water and any combo of fresh fruits, herbs, or vegetables. Infuse for 30 minutes. My favourites are cucumber + lemon + mint or watermelon + blueberries (whole but lightly crushed) + mint leaves + halved strawberries. Sunshine and your skin. Excessive sun exposure is the number one cause of damage and premature aging of the skin. We need our daily dose of sunlight to trigger the production of Vitamin D to help our emotional health, but we also need to protect our skin with a safe SPF sun cream. Don’t forget the tips of your ears and backs of your hands. A wide brimmed hat and sunglasses also provides extra protection. If you can, avoid the sun when it’s at its strongest (between 11am-3pm) and reapply your sun cream. If you overdo the sun, apply True Wonder Balm to relieve any redness and soothe your skin. Facial Misting. Summer calls for spritzing, especially on hot days to cool and hydrate the skin. Facial mists are the perfect travel companion over the holiday period. Be sure to avoid those containing alcohol, as they interfere with the protective outer layer of your skin causing dryness and irritation. Spritz your face with True Courage Face Mist, the perfect antidote to free the mind of worries and restore a sense of calm and wellbeing in your day. Apply lashings of self love. Your complexion is intimately connected with your feelings and emotions. It’s the 'face' you show to the world. Spending huge amounts on beauty and makeup products to cover up your so-called flaws is not the answer, no matter how much a beauty brand promises you that beautiful face or flawless skin. Whatever is going on inside, will eventually show up on the outside. If you have skin concerns, start looking within to discover what is really going on. Paying attention to self-love this summer will pay huge dividends to the health of your skin. Eat your way to radiant skin. Food can have a profound effect on the health of your skin and it’s just a mouthful away. You have many effective beauty tools in your pantry and fridge. Remember your body is an amazing self-repairing machine and is constructed using the building blocks from your food. Keep things simple. Let go of any regimented thinking around foods and diets. Start enjoying this simple pleasure. You are unique and there is no one size fits all when it comes to food. Listen to your body. Think fresh, raw salads loaded with fresh herbs, blended greens, and summer berries. Pair them with fat and protein-rich beautifying foods such as avocado, nut butters, chia seeds, and plant oils such as hemp and olive oil. Remember it’s the small every day changes that matter most for a sustained long term outcome to beautiful radiant skin.
Get Your Summer Skin Glow On Girl
True Holistic Beauty www.trueholisticbeauty.com
By Nicki Hanning, Founder and Maker of True Holistic Beauty
Storm & India Tea
This tasty daily shot contains a blend of Certified Organic maqui berry, acai, papaya, blueberry, goji-berry, and pomegranate powders with grape-seed extract, zinc and vitamin C. Boosting natural collagen formation from the inside, the potent formula is also rich in antioxidants to help combat cellular damage and support healthy skin, hair, and nail growth.
Chocolate that's smooth, rich, and silky, and something a little unexpected. Chocolate that's full of antioxidants, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Chocolate without preservatives, that's vegan, gluten free, dairy free, and soy free. Chocolate for everyone.
Tonic Room
By Emma Mildon, Wabi Sabi Editor
Hurraw Lip Balm
Tailor
Visit Tonic Room www.tonicroom.co.nz
Lush
Oasis Beauty
From top-to-toe and everywhere in between, Oasis Beauty’s Rhino Repair is the ultimate multi-tasking repair cream packed with soothing and healing natural ingredients essential for summer. Peace out dry, sun-salt kissed skin. Next stop, hydration...
Beauty Chef, The Tonic Room
Girl still gotta bath in summer, and what could be more fun than a Lush bath bomb. The Experimenter, starring vibrant colour, popping candy and fair trade vanilla. Your bath will be tie dye bliss!
Linden Leaves
My obsession this summer is Hurraw's all natural, vegan, raw, organic and fair trade lip balm that comes in so many yummy flavours!
Pana Chocolate
Discover a new you with every sip of Storm and India morning detox tea. This bespoke detox selection of handcrafted organic teas work together throughout your day to gently cleanse and revitalise. The teas encourage weight loss and clear skin while cleansing the body of toxins and increasing your energy. Crafted on traditional Chinese medicine philosophies, these handcrafted blends are made from premium certified organic teas, botanical herbs and spices, all known for their health benefits and antioxidant properties.
The Linden Leaves In Bloom Candle is a stylish and long-lasting way to fragrance your home. Linden Leaves fragrance diffusers and candles contain unique fragrant oil blends to offer a sense of ambiance and delight to your home or office.
Ever wanted to make your own shampoo? Now you can! Ethique will custom-make a shampoo bar to your specifications. Just select your hair type, additives, colour & scent and they'll do the rest. We love their body wash bars.
Wabi Sabi Editor Picks
Ethique
Don't walk into The Tonic Room unless you are prepared to seriously transport yourself into another dimension of organic, natural, serious self love, pampering bliss. This Kingsland facial hot spot gives new meaning to the oh-so-overused 'bespoke' nature of all things facial and beauty. Add it to your must-try beauty stops goddesses, this is a must visit! I walked in suspicious of all the beautiful products on the wall. I'm onto you packaging companies, tapping into my inner oh-my-goddess-shiny side. So, I was careful not to make eye contact with any of the beautiful tonics, teas, serums, and mineral makeups that decorated the shelves around me as I waited for my facialist Milly Hart to come and collect me. I don't know if it was intoxication from the organic fumes or the love glazed cloud nine I floated on after my facial, but when I exited the Tonic Room it was a different story. I was locking eyes with all the products, and yes, it was love at first sight. I easily spent more coin than I wanted, purchasing a Beauty Chef Hydration Inner Beauty Boost product which tasted like coconut haven in my mouth and was laced with pre and probiotics, aloe vera, coconut, and lemon mrytle bliss. For beauty from the inside out! I also left with a charcoal face mask that left my pores singing, 'I'm bring sexy back.' Now, the facial. Seriously. I think at one point I levitated off the bed. Milly, who I renamed, the Tonic Witch Doctor, really did work her organic hocus pocus bespoke facial magic over my oh-so-dry-and-desperate skin evacuating a group of pimples who had shacked up on my cheek bones and chin. With the best dang-I-need-to-shazam-this-song Spotify gentle acoustic play list acting as a stress lullaby in the background, the mix of the amazing scents and natural oils from the beautiful products, and Milly's educational and entertaining chat , I found myself in actual tonic heaven, where pimples go to die. Verdict? The Tonic Room Bespoke facial gets the Wabi Sabi five star, get-this-facial-in-your-life, why are you still reading this magazine, out of this universe 10/10 rating.
Why eat them, when you can wear them! This unique blend of probiotic lysate and grape seed extract works with your skin’s natural process to repair, stimulate and revitalise natural skin health to restore and prolong a youthful appearance . Delish!
Buy on Amazon
Women's Wellness Wisdom by Dr Libby This book will help you to understand the “why” behind some of your common frustrations – from the weight you can’t shift, to why you feel trapped on the “stress express”, or why you find it so difficult to say “no” to some people.
Mastering Your Inner Mean Girl, by Melissa Ambrosini A book designed to uproot you out of stuck-ness and into positive action, this is a must read if you’re ready to let go of your Mean Girl and start living the life of your dreams.
Soul Aid Kit Lemon Canary
Buy from Publisher
Put it on your Christmas stocking wish list and say it with juice. There are 17 unique combinations of cold-pressed juices, nut milks, tonics, iced teas and cold brew coffees, all made using the best organic ingredients, and free of any preservatives, pesticide residues, pasteurisation, heat treatment or HPP for preservation – so you can ensure you are getting maximum nutrition from every bottle of goodness.
The Raw Kitchen, by Olivia Scott Your step-by-step guide to creating and enjoying nutritious, delicious raw food that is full of colour and energy.
The Hustle Life, by Sunniva Holt Ready to get into alignment and create your own personal freedom? Sunniva Holt is a straight shooting, success hot pocket sure to get your passionate about life, and working your daily hustle.
Aim True, by Kathryn Budig Whether your goal is reshape the way you view food, develop a meditation practice, or to simply balance life, this holistic approach to yoga, diet, and mindfulness has something for you.
Little Bird & The Unbakery’s Squeezery ‘Juice Box’
Spiritual emergency? Packaged with love and wrapped in a bow, Soul Aid Kits have everything you need to get your soul in check. Oils, candles, tea, and crystals. The perfect gift for a friend in need of some spiritual and self love, or the avid soul searcher. A choice between the Mystic or Love Soul Aid Kits, with The Soul Searcher's Handbook optional.
The Soul Searcher's Handbook, by Emma Mildon Think of this book as your spiritual life coach — a soulful guidebook to help explore a year of new age living.
MEDITATION, INCENSE + CHILL
Life can be so uncomfortable at times. Like being in your own skin, in your own mind is just not the right size for you. If you ever get that feeling you are in a battle with yourself for not doing yoga that day, or for eating the extra biscuit you shouldn’t have, you are allowing your mind and fear to overtake your whole energy. What is that about? I like to call them, my Mind Monsters. Also known as my Inner Demons. They appear now and then. Sometimes consuming me, sometimes I nudge them away with a positive mantra or a happy dance. But, other times there is just no getting rid of them and it can be a vicious circle of fearing fear itself. They have been around for a while and it is only until I accepted them that I realised I have control. So my message to you is to accept that you may have some extra little annoyances in your mind. That sometimes means everything is a little darker and a little harder and excuses come too easily to you. But speak back to them. Tell them you did 10 minutes of yoga! Tell them you enjoyed the biscuit you ate and it is none of their business. Because ultimately, you have control over your mind and its monsters. They may hide in the corners for a while, and sneak upon you when you least expect it. If you are ready for them and if they know you are ready for them then the relationship is a little less daunting. Because it is the balance between a messy mind and a full heart that makes positivity grow from a dark place.
Image credit: Zissou
By Jyoti Morningstar, Founder We'ar
By Sarah Jayne Butler
Find out more about WE'AR www.we-ar.it
I founded WE’AR in 2005. Shunning the fast fashion movement from inception, WE’AR is in favour of providing workers with good wages, ensuring our manufacturing processes are not harming or polluting Bali’s beautiful waterways and coastlines, and that our clothing once fully loved is biodegradable and won’t be found in landfill hundreds of years from now. I divide my time between the beaches and jungles of beautiful Bali - the home of WE’AR’s ethical production houses and my New Zealand home on Waiheke Island. WE’AR was founded as a living thesis, an experiment into developing sustainable business in accordance with the guiding principles of yogic philosophy. I believe sustainable living is simply commonsense, and developing processes that respect the environment and the people involved is key to making any kind of product or service meaningful in today’s connected world. Good, ethical design requires consideration of both the creation and the end use of the product. What happens to your yoga pants when you’ve finished loving them? I wanted to ensure that WE’ARs impact on the earth in every way from the construction of the garment, the way it makes the wearer feel, and ultimately its eventual decomposition are all positive for the earth and our communities and environment. WE’AR embodies the holistic, founded entirely from an unwavering belief system around the yoga philosophy. Yoga is a lifestyle practice designed to bring about connection and oneness and WE’AR structures our philosophy around connecting each person, each wearer and process into the Whole, which creates genuine purpose to the design, crafting and sharing of their collections, making it so much more than what we dress ourselves in, but about the purpose with which we dress ourselves each day. WE’AR is an agent of change for a better world and a temple of connection within the world, where we can feel the cyclical impact of the everyday choices we make, and can recognize other similarly driven beings by their values and daily choices. It gives us promise that we are contributing towards making the world a better place. Every breath taken and every purchase made is a stone dropped in the shared waters of our universe. The ripples of your decisions affect everything. Let’s drop the right stones. Our customers are educated optimists. WE’AR attracts a tribe of passionate world citizens who see their own lifestyle choices as a means to express and impact personal, community, and planetary well being. I’m excited to release our new summer collection ‘Poniente’ which seeks inspiration from warm, dry, and wild summer winds. Featuring bleached out colours of rose quartz and mineral tones juxtaposed by fiesta reds and defining depths of graphite blue. Poniente builds soft playful layers in shimmering bamboo twill and sand-washed silk, where flowing silhouettes are paired with delicate camisoles and intricate bralettes. Fine tailoring also takes precedence this season with the inclusion of adeptly cut summer dresses and jumpsuits and the addition of easy wearing palazzo pants and billowing shirts and tanks round out a highly wearable and delightfully dreamy summer capsule. WE’AR is proud that Poniente carries the highest amount of eco-preferred textiles in a single collection to date, alongside our usual high quality organic cottons. Our new bamboo twill is a luxury fabric that falls and breathes like silk with the added excellence of being totally vegan and earth friendly.
We Are What We WE'AR
By Melissa Ambrosini, Author & Speaker
You’ve got big, bold dreams, right? And succulent, juicy goals? Not to mention a jam-packed vision board that makes your stomach flip-flop with excitement?! Thought so. So what’s the deal, beautiful? Why does it feel like no matter how hard you try, you’re never getting any closer to those things you want so badly you can practically taste them? And what is it that’s causing a disconnect between where you are now and where you’d rather be? If you answered these questions with external reasons – like, say, a lack of time, money, or support – you’re only seeing half the picture. Sure, these things can absolutely be a contributing factor, but the REAL reason you’re holding yourself back from the life you want comes from within. I know what you’re thinking — ‘From within?! Why on earth would I want to keep myself stuck where I am?!’ Great question! And to get specific, it’s not exactly you that’s holding you back from the life you want… it’s your Mean Girl. Your Mean Girl a.k.a. your inner critic – is the voice inside your head that’s constantly telling you you’re not good enough, smart enough, thin enough, pretty enough, whatever enough. Her job is to keep you ‘safe’ inside your comfort zone, where there are no risks and nothing to be scared of. Through her constant niggling and negativity, she ensures that you never feel confident enough to take even the tiniest of risks… even though that’s the only way to achieve your dreams. The good news, however, is that her fear-based whisperings do not need to keep you stuck and paralysed forever. Here’s a simple framework for mastering your Mean Girl, so you can start chasing your goals and living the life you’ve always dreamed of… Become aware of what your Mean Girl (your inner critic) is saying. Does she tell you you’re too fat to ask out the cute guy you’ve been crushing on at work? Or that every time you open your mouth at a party you sound like an idiot? (We really do say the most awful things to ourselves, right?!) Tune in to what your Mean Girl is saying, but don’t judge yourself, and don’t panic when you can’t stem the flow of judgement... simply observe the thoughts as they arise in your mind. Recognise that just because you’ve had those thoughts, DOESN’T mean that they’re true. For many of us, the moment we have a negative thought about ourselves, we become convinced that it’s 100% true. But that’s simply not the case. Those negative thoughts are nothing more than your Mean Girl doing her job to keep you small and stuck. So repeat after me: Just because you’ve thought it, doesn’t make it true! Ask yourself the deep questions. Sometimes our fear about chasing after a goal might seem to be caused by one thing, while actually being caused by another. For example, on the surface, you might think that you’re scared to go after that big, juicy promotion because you don’t have enough experience… but it’s really the thought of being in charge that petrifies you. Or it might seem like you’re hesitant to ask out that cute guy because you’re scared of getting rejected… but it’s really the thought of having to open up and be vulnerable with someone that you can’t bear. To get to the bottom of your fears, grab your journal and a pen and dig deep. Ask yourself, ‘What is it that I’m truly afraid of? What else? And what else? Keep digging until you’re confident you’ve reached the core of your fear. Gather evidence to show that what you fear isn’t true. Look around you for evidence that your fear has no merit. For example, say that your Mean Girl is telling you, ‘You can’t ask for a raise — you’ve only been at the company for one year!’ To disprove this fear, you might write a list of all the contributions you’ve made to the business over the past 12 months, all the excellent ideas you’ve implemented, and all the times you’ve managed to over-deliver on your tasks. Having this kind of evidence in your arsenal is a powerful antidote the next time your thoughts stray into Mean Girl territory. Gently close the door on your Mean Girl. There’s no need to fight or argue with her (that usually just causes more anxiety). Instead, try simply turning down the volume on her destructive words. (Aaaah, now doesn’t that feel better already?!) Once the volume’s turned down, your Mean Girl is no longer running the show or controlling your mindset, which means you’re free to step outside your comfort zone — whether it’s a giant leap or the tiniest of baby-steps — and start taking action towards living the life of your dreams. This framework for overcoming your fears is mind-blowingly effective. Mastering your Mean Girl is one of the most powerful ways you can make progress towards your big, juicy goals, and I can’t wait for you to try it out for yourself. If you’d like to find out more about silencing your inner critic and busting through your fears (as well as how to apply these principles to your health, wealth and relationships) check out my new book, Mastering Your Mean Girl. You’re gonna love it!
Find out more about Melissa www.melissaambrosini.com
Melissa Ambrosini is the bestselling author of Mastering Your Mean Girl, an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and self-love teacher. In her signature straight-talking style, Melissa teaches women how to master their inner Mean Girl, smash through limiting beliefs, and ditch the self-doubt so that they can start truly living the life of their dreams. Named a 'self-help guru' by Elle Magazine, she is known for her inspirational live events, books, booming online community, her empowering Goddess Groups, game-changing online programs and her soulful guided meditations. Her mission is to inspire women across the globe to create a heart-centred life one that’s wildly wealthy, fabulously healthy and bursting with love.
"Gently close the door on your Mean Girl. There’s no need to fight or argue with her."
Stop Holding Yourself Back From the Life of Your Dreams
Visit Lemon Canary www.lemoncanary.com.au
Summer Essential Oils
Cooling Mist Add 15 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil into a 250ml spray bottle, add purified water and keep in the fridge. Shake well before use and spray at anytime to refresh and invigorate. Beach Body Exfoliation ¼ cup coconut oil 4 drops peppermint essential oil 4 drops lavender ¾ cup raw sugar Mix well in small bowl, use in shower or bath to exfoliate after the beach or before applying self tanning lotions. Keep remainder in a jar in the fridge ready for next time. Summer Fruits & Vegetables Clean your summer fruits and vegetables by placing them in a bowl of cold water and adding 2 drops of lemon essential oil. Summer Bug Spray ½ cup water ½ cup witch hazel 3 drops geranium essential oil 5 drops lavender essential oil 10 drops citronella essential oil Add everything into a spray bottle and shake well before use. Apply to body. Also great to spray around outdoor furniture before a BBQ. TIP - You can also place this mixture into a traditional oil burner and diffuse it outside to keep bugs away, (better than a stinky mozzie coil). Refreshing Massage Blends Add the following blends to 1 tablespoon of Carrier Oil such as Apricot Kernel Oil, rub gently around the shoulders, back and upper chest. Spearmint 3 drops, Sandalwood 2 drops Peppermint 3 drops, Bergamot 2 drops Lime 3 drops, Eucalyptus 2 drops Lemon 3 drops, Tea Tree 2 drops I hope that’s enough to get you started and to ensure that you have an amazing and relaxing summer. Wishing you love, light, peace and happiness always.
Each season brings with it its share of weather conditions. These in turn create the environment and life around us as we know it. These conditions also affect us as human beings, living and moving about in a world where we are in tune with our environment and surroundings. Our energy and functions react to the environment in which we are alive and we learn to adjust and thrive as best we can in the climate in which we live. Nature, with all its blessings has also provided us with some wonderful gifts to thrive and survive the seasons, one of these gifts are Essential Oils. If you don’t know already, Essential Oils are concentrated liquids containing aroma compounds from plants. These are extracted by distillation, cold pressing and other methods. They carry the ‘life-force’ of the plant and work wonders on our minds and bodies. These powerful little oils are always to be used with caution and please check with your health professional if you are unwell or pregnant. I would like to share some of my favourite Summer Essential Oil recipes with you that I hope will find their way into your homes this summer...
By Jasmin Kechel , Lemon Canary
Image Credit: Kristy Hague Klee Photography
Find out more about Soul Sister Circle
The New World Order
One of our blessings as women of the West is that we are presented with an abundance of opportunity. But this is both our blessing and our curse. Overwhelmed by choice, we can become paralysed by the fear of making the wrong decision, and escaping our prison only to be vulnerable to attack on the outside. I want you to know that you are not alone. I too know what it feels like to be imprisoned by your own mind. To be bound by self-imposed limitations and stories of not enough-ness. But let me tell you sister – the world needs your light now more than ever. You are a powerhouse of strength and divine love. You are capable of things far greater than you can even perceive in this present moment. You are here for a reason beyond yourself, and you know it! Deep within you, you know it! The sun is setting on patriarchy. The dog-eat-dog days of old are dying and a new world order is emerging, it’s called Sisterhood. So let’s make a promise to support one another. To raise each other up. Let’s vow to honour that quiet voice within that’s guiding us to greatness and let’s bust down our walls and let the world see our light.
By Rebecca Van Leeuwen, Founder of Soul Sister Circle
Across the world, millions of women are experiencing a deep soul stirring. A calling to reclaim their power and realise their fullest potential. This global awakening is suggestive of a great evolutionary shift. A collective transition away from our current masculine framework into a more feminine existence. For centuries, the Divine Masculine has governed and propelled our human experience into vast new territories, however, we are now seeing tragic signs that this framework is beginning to fail. Images of poverty, oppression, terrorism, global warming, inhuman treatment of animals, disease, drug use, and random acts of violence fill our screens. Screens that we have become so attached to, that we detach from others in order to consume. Change is vital. The time is now. The Dalai Lama famously said, “The world will be saved by the Western Woman”, and one need only to look to their communities to see evidence of these women emerging. Women, who like an inferno are blazing a trail for humanity with passion and vigor. Perhaps you know one of these women? Perhaps deep within you know you are one of these women? Perhaps you’ve heard the whisper of your soul calling you to rise, but confusion, uncertainty and fear keep you stuck. It is true that we are the architects of our own reality and many of us have built walls around ourselves that allow us to feel safe and secure in a world that can at times feel chaotic and dark. But as your soul starts to shake you from your slumber, resistance, pain, anxiety and struggle close in, and those very walls that once kept you safe begin to feel like your prison, and you become desperate for a way out.
How to Handle Your Light
ven the most discerning light worker can fall out of alignment. It can happen to the best of us, anytime, anywhere. Here are 6 tools that will get you into instant alignment so you can get on with bringing your light to the world. Being in alignment is your direct connection with a bigger creative source. Respectfully this can be different for all of us. Breathing I know, this is an obvious one. Really, breathing is the quickest way to help you think of your next move. The act of breathing deeply through your nose - and I mean a deep belly breath that expands your stomach as you breathe - physically sends more oxygen to your brain while releasing emotional blocks in your body that can limit you from seeing what is truly in front of you. It can take you 3 deep breaths to bring you straight back. Recognise the other person is you Yogi Bhajan has got you when it comes to judgement. Judging others is a sure way to knock you out of alignment. Judging others can expose a part of you that you have hidden. If you catch yourself judging yourself or someone else, stop yourself and recognise that the other person is you. You can throw in an affirmation to help you move through. I like to use ‘I AM’ affirmations. For example, I AM safe. I AM loved. I AM light. Protect your energy This is a particular favourite of mine. I am an introvert and if I am going out into large crowds or networking events I need to look after my energy. There are many ways you can do this, but my go to is placing a bubble around myself, I even did this at a concert recently and because I decided to stand up the front, I put spikes on the outside and someone actually apologised for being in my personal bubble. Another option is cloaking or zipping yourself up. You can also say a prayer of protection. I love going out with my tribe and hearing them protecting themselves. Journal You are at home and in a little funk. You have projects coming out of your ears and there is no juice, no secret sauce... Nothing! Take a leaf out of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, Big Magic and write a letter to your fear. Talk to your fear, tell it what you are up to, what you are about to achieve and explain that there is nothing to worry about. This one works instantly! You will be on the track to creative mastery. Self care This is a really important one and way more important than we all realise. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure you create a healthy dialogue with yourself. Talk to yourself as you would talk to a good friend. Go to bed early or catch a little snooze in the afternoon, early evening especially in the weekend. Sleep is so on trend and the benefits of this simple act will create so much space for alignment and creativity. Phone a friend Phone a fellow light worker. Someone that gets you, understands you, and can tell you exactly what is happening. I am so lucky to have a friend that I can ring when needed and she will tell me the truth, even if it hurts. It gets me back into alignment and back on my path. I am her ‘phone a friend’ as well. I also have a community of light workers and incredible friends that offer some magical advice when needed.
By Toni Lewis
E Even the most discerning light worker can fall out of alignment. It can happen to the best of us, anytime, anywhere. Here are 6 tools that will get you into instant alignment so you can get on with bringing your light to the world. Being in alignment is your direct connection with a bigger creative source. Respectfully this can be different for all of us. Breathing I know, this is an obvious one. Really, breathing is the quickest way to help you think of your next move. The act of breathing deeply through your nose, and I mean a deep belly breathe that expands your stomach as you breathe physically sends more oxygen to your brain while releasing emotional blocks in your body that can limit you from seeing what is truly in front of you. It can take you 3 deep breathes to bring you straight back. Recognise the other person is you Yogi Bhajan has got you when it comes to judgment. Judging others is a sure way to knock you out of alignment. Judging others can expose a part of you that you have hidden, If you catch yourself judging yourself or someone else, stop yourself and recognise that the other person is you. You can throw in an affirmation to help you move through. I like to use ‘I AM’ affirmations. For example, I AM safe. I AM loved. I AM light. Protect your energy This is a particular favourite of mine. I am an introvert and if I am going out into large crowds or networking events I need to look after my energy. There are many ways you can do this, but my go to is placing a bubble around myself, I even did this at a concert recently and because I decided to stand up the front, I put spikes on the outside and I someone actually apologise for being in my personal bubble. Another option is cloaking or zipping yourself up. You can also say a prayer of protection. I love going out with my tribe and hearing them protecting themselves. Journal You are at home and in a little funk. You have projects coming out of your ears and there is no juice, no secret sauce… Nothing! Take a leaf out of Elizabeth Gilbert’s book Big Magic and write a letter to your fear. Talk to your fear, tell it what you are up to, what you are about to achieve and explain that there is nothing to worry about. This one works instantly! You will be on the track to creative mastery. Self care This is a really important one and way more important than we all realise. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Make sure you create a healthy dialogue with yourself. Talk to yourself as you would talk to a good friend. Go to bed early or catch a little snooze in the afternoon, early evening especially in the weekend. Sleep is so on trend and the benefits of this simple act will create so much space for alignment and creativity. Phone a friend Phone a fellow light worker. Someone that gets you, understands you and can tell you exactly what is happening. I am so lucky to have a friend that I can ring when needed and she will tell me the truth, even if it hurts. It gets me back into alignment and back on my path. I am her ‘phone a friend’ as well. I also have a community of light workers and incredible friends that offer some magical advice when needed. �'�XVy14�}+ф
Find out more about Toni www.tonilewis.com
A Key to Fearless Honesty
We live in a society where other people’s opinions matter. But why? Why should another person’s opinion about you make any difference to what you think about yourself? It shouldn’t, but it does. We care about what other people think because we want to be liked. We have a natural desire to belong, to be accepted and to be loved, which is why sometimes we don’t say what we really think, because well, we’d rather be liked than say what we think. Let me ask you this, how is that working out for you? If you were to be truly honest with yourself right now, what would that look like? Honesty is a positive value with attributes such as integrity, truthfulness and straightforwardness. So why is it so damn hard for us to be honest? I mean, if it’s such a positive value why do we keep everything to ourselves, bottle things up, skirt around the truth, tell a fib, maybe even a white lie, or even a downright lie, instead of telling the truth, or speaking up? It’s because we are innately wired to imagine the worst possible outcome. All of it comes from a deep-rooted fear of not being liked. So when we say what we think, it’s scary, because that person might not like us because of it. When I stopped caring what people thought of me was when I truly started to live. Three ways to elevate your honesty: 1. Try straight talk. Say what you think. Speak up in a meeting. Give feedback. Tell a person that what they have said has hurt you. Give yourself the voice to say what’s on your mind and tell it like it is. How you approach the conversation determines how it’s interpreted - you don’t have to be blunt about it. Try it with tact. 2. Be true to yourself. Don’t be afraid to be different and create the life that you want to live. Stop comparing yourself and your life to the lives of others. You don’t have to do what everyone else is doing just to make other people happy. Learn to say ‘no’, and take responsibility for your life and what YOU want to do. Honesty is about self-care and doing what makes you happy. 3. Practice self-awareness. Honesty is just as much about saying what you think, as it is knowing who you are. If you’re constantly aware of your thoughts, feelings and emotions, it’s easier to be honest. The practice of self-awareness is an ongoing process. It’s about catching yourself when you start to think negatively. It’s about knowing what’s important to you and why. No one can hurt you as much as your own mind. You are worthy of happiness, and when you stop pleasing people by being honest with what YOU want, you can liberate yourself. You can elevate yourself. Start now. Be honest.
By Rawinia Judson, Well & Bright
Join The Social Club www.thesocialclub.co
Social media celebrities of today are leading pretty amazing lives, some being flown to exotic locations all over the world to populate their social feeds with images promoting products and destinations. People are creating names for themselves in the social media space, some seeing amazing benefits once they have built a loyal and engaged online following. The Social Club is New Zealand’s first influencer marketing platform, connecting the modern day “influencer”, with brands and agencies looking to run authentic brand collaborations. One of the things we’re asked most often is how to become an influencer or find INSTAFAME. We usually answer by saying that if we knew, we’d be influencers instead of marketers! However, there are definitely common trends amongst social influencers. A good formula is the following: Focus your content on a specific niche that you are incredibly passionate about. Produce regular, quality content (video is great when you can) Engage with your own following and other relevant audiences at every opportunity. Choose the right social platform to engage with your market. Our influencers have managed to become industry experts in a specific niche, and they have become marketing gold to businesses with related products. Genuinely connecting with consumers today is really hard. Many of the more traditional forms of marketing are becoming less effective, even some digital marketing methods are struggling to get the cut through required to convert customers due to tools such as ad blockers becoming mainstream. We see the influencer space as the more organic and authentic way of connecting with your audience, through a new media platform which has built a loyal, engaged and trusting audience. We’re out to “shake up” the influencer marketing space in NZ, by knocking down the barriers to entry & bringing a new level of transparency to the market. In theory, it’s no different to more traditional forms of sponsorship, endorsement or product placement - leveraging a trusted voice in an industry to promote products or ideas. What has changed completely is the platform being used and the faces we see. The principles haven’t changed. The mediums have been flipped on their heads! A big point of difference at The Social Club is it’s not a case of influencers naming a price and selling their souls for campaigns. It’s about brands connecting and collaborating with influencers who share a genuine passion for their product and story. We’re also bringing a technical element that’s unique to the NZ market. There’s plenty we can do with our platform to take away any pain points in the current influencer marketing process and make collaborations easy, as well as time and cost effective for brands and agencies. In short, this means that we can engage more brands and influencers to create content that both sides are stoked to share.
By Georgia McGillivray & Justin Clark, Co-Founders of The Social Club
Under the Influence All aboard the Instafame train
Find out more about Janelle, and Media Jam
The CHIA Story
I was so tired, I was even tired in my bones. I’d become the kind of drained that all the caffeine in the world couldn’t mask. Despite my desperate attempts, I couldn’t keep going. I was so unhappy, but each morning I’d put my smiley mask on, and fire up my computer to begin my 100 or more email day. My journey to diagnosis and back to health came about as I had gone to have another caffeine fix (possibly one of six double shot long blacks of my working day) with my beautiful soul of a friend Kaytee Boyd, who also happens to be a wellness expert. Kaytee asked me how my wedding dress was coming along and I burst into tears! I had been trying to lose weight for 12 weeks now and not a bit had budged, in fact I think I’d managed to find some instead, and for an ex-triathlete and body builder who took pride in being able to make her body look anyway she wanted it to – this was frustrating to say the least. Luckily Kaytee delved a little deeper into how I was feeling, and sent me to get some hormone and thyroid function tests done which revealed a little more than I had hoped, but finally gave me some answers as to way I’d been feeling so ‘on empty’ for so long! My tests showed I had a high thyroid antibody count, severe adrenal fatigue and low natural dopamine and serotonin levels. My body for some reason was attacking its own thyroid as it had identified my thyroid as being foreign, and a threat to my health. Our thyroid function, I’ve since learned, is somewhat critical to our ongoing health. The thyroid regulates our hormones, mood and metabolism, and my body was trying to kill mine. I had a developed an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s disease. Like Coeliac’s which is an autoimmune condition of the stomach lining and is exacerbated by an allergy to gluten, Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid, and possesses the same gluten allergy. Once you have triggered an autoimmune disease, you can never ‘turn it off’. You manage it for the rest of your life. The great news is that you can manage it so effectively that you can bring your antibody count down over time to within the ‘normal range’. Hashimoto’s is a hypothyroid condition and symptoms can include – dry skin, dry hair, brittle nails, severe cold (I was always very cold), headaches, brain fog, severe tiredness, an enlarged thyroid, weight gain or the inability to lose weight, low heart rate, water retention, depression, anxiety – and so many more. My health problems read like a checklist for Hashimoto's symptoms. I had also been running on cortisol and adrenalin for so long that my body had become overwhelmed, my adrenal glands could no longer continue to overproduce adrenalin at the rates they had been for so long. In essence, my body was overriding me, and telling me that my lifestyle was hurting it – and as much as I begrudgingly didn’t want to hear it and had been ignoring it for some time, I wasn’t going to be able to hit the override button anymore. Our bodies are very good at telling us when something is off, but as a society we have become very good and ignoring, and masking the warning signs. You only get one body, and when you continue to ignore it, it will start to speak louder and louder. In many ways I believe that the increased prevalence of auto immune disorders and other illnesses in our society is because we haven’t stopped and listened to what out body has been telling us. We’ve overridden the warning signs time and time and time again and ultimately the body will end up overriding us. Since my diagnosis I decided to take full responsibility for my own journey back to health. I have read countless books and studies on health and poor health and the contributing factors. I studied meditation, mindfulness, Buddhism and gratitude. I read about Chinese medicine, Ayurveda medicine and the chakras, pressure points and the meridians. I practised yoga, mindful eating, mindful walks and breathing techniques amongst numerous other things. It’s taken me two years to get myself well again. Here are my top suggestions for anyone struggling with severe tiredness, adrenal fatigue or burnout: 1. Really connect with your gut and how all factors both internally and externally make you feel. I tried a lot of different diets to see how I felt on each one. I followed a vegan diet for a few months, vegetarian for a month or two, high protein, high fat, paleo - and I worked out how each one made my body feel and what worked best for me. Ultimately it's a plant based diet that I feel best on, organic and natural where possible, small amounts of meat, seldom dairy and no refined sugar. I worked this out over the course of a year by a process of trial and elimination and listening to my body. 2. Use certified natural and organic beauty products and cleaning products at all times. I removed all chemical containing products including cleaning products and beauty products from our household. Your skin is the largest organ on your body. I truly believe that what we put onto our body is as important as what we put into our body and with this philosophy I do not believe we should be putting anything onto our skin or in our home that is not as natural and organic as possible. So many beauty products contain hormone disruptors, estrogen blockers, metals and toxins. Make friends with yourself and your body. Exercise should give you energy not take it, and I had to learn how to exercise again. I used to exercise myself to exhaustion as it was the only way I knew how to cope with stress. Find better ways to cope with your stress such as meditation (my personal savior), mindful walks, yoga, drawing and painting – whatever re-centres you. Use exercise as a tool for giving you energy, providing you with endorphins and having fun catching up with friends. 3. Buy organic everything where possible. I don’t like reading studies that show that organic produce contains no more nutritional benefits than non-organic produce – because I believe it isn’t only what that beautiful organic produce does have in it, its’ what it doesn't have it – growth hormones, antibiotics, pesticides, herbicides, insecticides. If eating organic is too pricey (and it often is), then at least wash your fruit and vegetables before eating them in a sink with apple cider vinegar or a good natural vegetable wash to remove pesticide and herbicide residues on the outside. 4. Manage everything out of your life that no longer serves you. This includes relationships, friendships, jobs and clients. I do believe that the body manifests illness and disease due to some of our life circumstances and in some ways I believe that a contributing factor to my thyroid disease was not being able to speak my truth. Since I aligned my PR company Media Jam with my own personal belief system I feel a real sense of peace within myself. Living in an authentic way, being really honest with ourselves and speaking our truth I believe is one of the true ways to feel deeply happy, and I feel so much more empowered now, such a great sense of calm and a more genuine sense of strength and conviction. I can’t express enough just how good it feels to be able to only work with people that I know are doing their bit to make a positive difference in this world. I am a passionate advocate of health, well-being and self-care principles, natural and organic beauty brands, cruelty free products, eco-conscious labels, ethically produced fashion and leading NZ entrepreneurs with a conscience. I believe we are caretakers of this earth and that being eco-conscious is a responsibility we all share and I'm passionate about using my voice and skillset to align and share the messages of brands, products and people supporting sustainable, exceptional and ethical business principles, ensuring we do our part in leaving the world in a better place than when we entered it. Everything you buy is a vote for the kind of world you want to live in and you want your children to inherit, make each vote count.
Awakening to Conscious Living
By Janelle Brunton-Rennie, Media Jam
After a week I started doing Pilates on the floor in my big back brace. As I couldn’t walk far I started to get frustrated, so I began regular meditation classes to clear my head. I ate really well and ate psyllium husks and chia seeds to help with digestion while I was on pain killers. As soon as my brace came off, I was at the gym everyday at yoga or Pilates, and on the exercise bike to get my strength back. I was back snowboarding four months later. I knew how lucky I’d been, but nothing prepared me for the clarity a serious injury provides. You’ve probably heard it all before, but I started appreciating the precious body I had. I realised life really can change in an instant, and quit my clinical physio and Pilates job and decided to move in with my partner in Queenstown. My journey taught me the power of holistic health; the well-rounded approach our bodies really need for recovery and daily life. Now I’m dedicated to share this with you through evidence-based wellness retreats, workshops and events. Whether you’ve experienced pain, a set back, you’re stuck in a rut or you just need some inspiring help with your health and happiness,
Breaking Your Back for Wellness
Standing on the edge I was really scared. I’d jumped off suicide rock in Nelson a few times before, and every time my heart raced and adrenaline seared through me. But I jumped. I was told it sounded like a thunderclap, the back of my legs hitting the water. I hadn’t straightened them in time. I gasped for air and clung to the rock beside me, groaning loudly as I felt the air flood back into my lungs. I felt a deep ache in the middle of my back. The bad thing about being a physiotherapist is you almost always know what you’ve done when you get injured. “Hey did you see your boyfriend swan dive in after you? That was amazing!”One of the boys asked me as I clung onto the rock, doing a quick neurological check. Yes I could move my toes, and yes I could feel them… Thank god. “No I wasn’t really looking.” I said quietly. As my boyfriend swam over to me I said, “I think I’ve broken my back.” After doggie paddling to shore trying to keep my spine still, we decided a helicopter would take too long to arrive. I knew I needed to get to hospital to make sure the fracture was stable. With the back of my legs bleeding from the impact, My boyfriend held my pelvis as still as possible, while another friend helped me from above as I climbed back up the twelve metre cliff face. I couldn’t have done it without them, and I will always be so grateful for their help.
By Caitlin Reid, Holistic Physio & Wellness Coach Founder of Aprivé Wellness
The Larger than Life, Life Goals
The biggest resistance you can have is no resistance at all. If there is nothing stopping you and you have every resource and potential in the world, the only thing stopping you must be.... GOD! Yes, it must be God's will you are not creating or have not yet achieved your dreams. Yes, that must be it. I jest, of course. What I mean is that when you have nothing standing in your way, you are inclined to create a block out of thin air as the reason you are not growing or moving forward. And the biggest reason possible is 'God's will' or, 'my guides said not to', or 'the energy isn't right', blah blah blah. I don't know about you, but within myself there is nothing stopping me except my mind and this block of nothing at all. This is crazy when you look at it like this! See generally in life, we go around doing what we know how to do; to go beyond this, you need to really push yourself and break out of that comfort zone and do what you don’t want to do or don’t know how to do and learn along the way. Then apply what you know by doing more new things. When you don't, your mind stays in the loop of analysing yourself and you go round and round collecting information, analysing, trying to fix oneself, and round and round and round you go. The way out of that loop is to DO something by applying what you know. Even do something you don’t know how to do, just do it. Better still, the ideal thing is to work on a project that puts your attention and focus onto something greater than yourself. When you put attention on a really BIG project (as in something so huge it will be your life goal to achieve it), it will really push the limits and test you and may fill your entire life. For a prime example of this, look no further than Antoni Gaudí building the Sagrada Família, or Nikola Tesla, or Einstein working on the theory of relativity, or Ed Leedskalnin building the Coral Castle, or Plato, on and on the list goes of people who devoted their lives to a pursuit greater than themselves. And look how expansive their consciousness was! The work is its own reward. As you focus on these huge goals that are larger than self, you start to slow down and act intentionally and create deliberately. When you are focused on the right things, and you’re on your destiny's pathway, everything becomes effortless, it flows, and you get more energy too! I am practising everyday on slowing down and continually refocusing and putting my attention and energy on the right projects that help me but serve something greater than myself, instead of being busy and running around working on things that serve my ego but zap my energy. By focusing on the things I feel called to work on, it drives my passion, gives me inspiration and more confidence, which in turn increases my self-belief, and it becomes a wave of energy which spurs me on to create more and have the drive to take more action and expand myself further.
By Amanda Jeffs
Step 1: Add all of the numbers in your birth date together. Be sure to write out your full birth year (i.e., 1969 rather than just 69). Step 2: Keep adding any double-digit numbers together until you get a single-digit Life Path Number between 1 and 9. Let’s use the birth date 29 March, 1969 (29-3-1969) as an example. 2+9+3+1+9+6+9 = 39 3+9 = 12 1+2 = 3 Life Path Number Step 3: Now, find your Life Path Number to uncover your life purpose...
Revealing Life Purpose
Learn more about Numerology www.michellebuchanan.co.nz
Using your birthday to discover your life path number, and its hidden meanings.
Life Path 1 - The Independent Individual: You’re a natural leader who must find the confidence and courage to walk a path less travelled. You must learn to embrace your mental creativity and individuality. Life Path 2 – The Co-Operative Peacemaker: You’re a natural counsellor and caregiver who must support those around you – providing you don’t sacrifice your own needs in the process or avoid confrontation. Life Path 3 – The Self-Expressive Creative: You were born with creative and communicative abilities. You must use your gift with words, your artistic talents and/or creative ideas to uplift and inspire others. Life Path 4 – The Dedicated Worker: You were born to bring stability, organisation and order to your family, workplace and/or community. You have the discipline and determination to get things done. Life Path 5 – The Freedom-Loving Adventurer: You were born to live life to the fullest and make the most of every experience. You must use your gift of communication and variety of talents to assist and inform others. Life Path 6 – The Responsible Caregiver: Whether you’re responsible for your family, friends, children, clients or work colleagues, you were born to serve, support and help others improve their lives. Life Path 7 – The Contemplative Truth Seeker: You may be drawn to metaphysics, psychology, research, analytics, education, health or technology – however you were born to discover your spiritual truth. Life Path 8 – The Business Minded Leader: You may be drawn to self-employment, management or other positions of authority, however you were born to lead others and adopt an attitude of abundance. Life Path 9 – The Compassionate Humanitarian: You may be drawn to a service based career in health, education, humanitarianism or the creative/literary/performing arts. You must learn to be compassionate towards others. Now that you know your life purpose, can you recognize the recurring role it plays in your daily life? If so, take comfort in knowing that as you work towards achieving this goal, you’re one step closer to living a conscious and empowered life.
By Michelle Buchanan, Numerologist & Author
What Is Numerology Used For? Numerology can be used for many things, but some of its most common applications are to: - Foster greater self-awareness and understanding - Forecast the future - Choose a suitable career - Plan major life events - Evaluate relationship compatibility - Gain a deeper understanding of others Everyone has a numerology chart made up of seven core numbers—each one with its own insights. Let’s take a look at one of those numbers now by calculating your “Life Path Number” from your birth date. Your Life Path Number reveals your life purpose in this life...
Before you can consciously live in the present moment as your true authentic self, you need to know who you really are, why you’re here and where your life is leading you. As wacky as it sounds, all of this information (and more!) can be found in your numerology chart - and all you need to access it are the numbers and letters in your birth date and name. Ancient civilizations have used numerology to navigate their lives for centuries. Yet today, we are starting to come full circle by capitalizing on this valuable ancient wisdom of the past. Western numerology—created by Greek mystic and mathematician Pythagoras over 2,500 years ago—is the most popular system used around the world today. It is fast becoming the number one self-help tool for self-awareness, future planning and empowerment. So, how does numerology work? Every number (and letter) has its own unique energetic vibration. Numerology studies the way these vibrations influence the story of your life and personality. By tapping into this powerful and precious resource, you can start to uncover your destiny and life purpose and the lessons you’ll face along the way. You can find and follow your true path and gain insight into your potential and what lies ahead.
Image Credit: The Rees, Hotel and Luxury Apartments Queenstown
Find Your True South
By Emma Mildon
The Soul of the South, Queenstown where to wine, dine, and rest your head
Article written by: Kylie Bailey Photography supplied by: Serendipity Photography
hen you think Queenstown, you may think one of two ways depending on your lifestyle budgets. The yolo traveller may think skiing, snow-capped mountains, Cab Sav, bungee jumps, and fine dining. Or, if you are more of the wanderlust traveling type you may see Queenstown in the man-bun, nomad, hipster light that draws such a mix of adventure and foodies alike to this Central Otago hot spot no matter the season. Let’s be honest, there is a little bit of Central Otago snob, and Southern soul searcher in all of us. Ah, yes Wabi Sabi reader, balance. So in the spirit of celebrating all things fine and thrifty here is your must-do’s for your next Queenstown get away, tried and tested by me, Editor of Wabi Sabi, Emma Mildon. So, where to rest your head? I stayed at The Rees Hotel, which most certainly did not disappoint. Walk in, oh-my-god-look-at-the-cosy-fire-place through to so-happy-to-see-you check-in staff, we felt warmly welcomed. Kylie, the receptionist for example, felt like an old gal pal, someone I wanted to have a wine with when the conversation flowed as smoothly as an Amisfield Pinot! She filled me in on how divinely perfect it was that I had chosen to stay at soul search HQ, where the tradition of explorer and adventure seeker William Gilbert Rees who was the pioneer settler and founder of Queenstown is carried on. A definite five star soul experience with an atmosphere, good vibes, and view to leave you feel rested, relaxed, and totally restored ready to explore more of what Queenstown has to offer. Top spots for the conscious voyager are the hikes in Arrowtown, for those of us who need our mother nature and fitness fix. Sherwood who offer yoga classes, food, and night time jam sessions sure to get your chakras flowing. Should you seek solitude, then Aro Ha retreats are the ideal escape haven to fall off the grid – yoga, meditation, and wellness by the lashings. Must try eats? The Chop Shop for breakfast in Arrowtown, or Bespoke Kitchen in Queenstown for food with soul. Ferg Burger for your fat fix. Amisfield Winery and The Rees, True South Dining Lounge for your award winning wine and fine dining fix. And after all the exploring, wining, and dining, all that was left to do was asana.
Visit The Rees Hotel www.therees.co.nz
Awakening Awareness
Adventures for wellbeing at Aro Hā Wellness Retreat
By Sophie Shieff, CrossingxPaths
ARO HĀ Wellness Retreat www.aro-ha.com
“In today’s rush, we all think too much, seek too much, want too much, and forget about the joy of just being.” Eckhart Tolle Are you looking for the perfect way to awaken your awareness, nourish your body and soul, and escape to a breathtaking location where everything is taken care of… right down to your laundry? Well you’re in luck because Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat in Queenstown and its dream team ensure an experience that challenges you both mentally and physically, while providing the perfect balance of luxury and downtime. Arriving at Aro-Ha will leave you lost for words and I can guarantee the week-long journey is the best investment you will ever make for yourself. Whether it is an hour each day or two weeks during the year, we usually feel guilty for taking a break because there is so much to “do”. How much of what you are “doing” is nourishing your body and soul in a meaningful way? How much of what you “do” allows you to feel completely present in the moment and brings you a sense of joy? Imagine a week away from home in luxurious accommodation where all meals are cooked for you, yoga begins at sunrise, massages become a daily necessity and technology is forgotten. Where relaxation is balanced with physically challenging fitness classes, tramps are on world renowned tracks and your days end with restorative yoga. I can honestly say that Aro-Ha wellness retreat exceeded all my expectations, as it will for you.
Whether you’re in a transitional point in your life or overwhelmed with your work and personal responsibilities, a wellness retreat is the perfect tonic. Aro-Ha provides the space and nourishment to process ideas, enjoy surroundings, explore nature, learn new cooking techniques and create new connections. Chief yogi and co-founder Damian Chaparro facilitates the retreat along with a handful of exceptional staff that take their time to get to know you over the course of the week. Damian's extensive experience running retreats internationally shines through as the activities have the perfect balance of being informative and thought provoking. The retreat is intelligently designed so every room and shared space has views of the Southern Alps and glistening Lake Wakatipu, right down to the sauna. Aro-Ha's sophisticated architecture and natural surrounding environment comforts and captivates you instantly. You will find yourself spending hours staring at the breathtaking sights. You may have been to wellness retreats in the past but Aro-Ha is something extraordinary. Aro-Ha has a state of the art building management system that uses local water sources and solar panels to convert sun and water to energy. Aro-Ha produces enough energy to sustain itself off the grid. The retreat also has its own permaculture system which assists 30% of the produce you eat during the week being grown on site. If you find yourself in need of a culinary pick-me-up, you can wander through the greenhouse and gardens to taste test the guavas, cherry tomatoes and array of delicious herbs. Aro-Ha is passionate about providing a quality experience. One way it achieves this is by limiting the number of guests to 16 per retreat. You can withdraw to your room for private space or nestle into the cozy living room, where there's a fire lit, books galore and herbal teas aplenty. The limited number of guests allows you to form friendships with everyone and creates a safe place for sharing stories and reflections together. Eating mindfully is not an arduous task when each meal is a hand-crafted work of art. You only have to look at the Instagram images to leave your taste buds tingling in anticipation. While you are at the retreat you will be encouraged to live, eat, and move more mindfully. This seems like a pretty simple exercise. However, Tolle sums it up pretty well. Most of us seem to be constantly neglecting what is right in front of us and forget to acknowledge the joy in simple experiences. Aro-Ha supplies you with all the tools and support to assist in re-wiring your innate habits and awakens your awareness. You are sure to leave glowing from the inside out.
SALT, SAND, SUN + COCONUT OIL FIXES ANYTHING IN LIFE
TOP KNOTS + DOUBLE SHOTS
Quote Drop In
Health, fitness and life goals... Let's start by saying I think we have all had, have, or are working on them, but the difference between a goal we have and what we actually do/don’t do is really the actions we take, the determination we have when things get hard, and the motivation we do, or don't find, during the process. I used to have several “goals” but was I ever able to stick with them? Nope, I certainly didn’t and I would make every excuse under the sun not to do anything about it. Let's just say, I never imagined I would be doing what I am today. While living in Melbourne during 2013 with my husband and two daughters, I was 26 years old and had injured my shoulder causing a lot of pain and stress. This caused me to hit my tipping point because I was going to explode, but I didn't even know how to help myself. I read something by Elizabeth Gilbert recently who said, ”I've never seen any life transformation that didn't begin with the person in question finally getting tired of their own bullshit.” Yup that was me; I had had enough of my own bullshit and I wanted a change! Two months after my injury (which was a long two months of pain), I decided it was time I got myself moving. It took a pair of Nike kicks, my first Lorna Jane top with inspiring words on it, and some friends in Melbourne who inspired me to look at my eating. This slowly started me off, but I was still so unmotivated. Fast forward a few months - we were moving back to the Gold Coast, and I had a yet another goal, but this time I was determined to stick with it. I wanted to feel good and I wanted the pain of my shoulder gone, even if at the time it all felt unachievable! For the first time ever, I started by changing up small things in my daily life instead of the normal “all or nothing” approach, which I and so many others have failed with. This was a good start and one day while we were out, there on the community board was a flyer for a Pilates studio...so I decided to book myself in. Like anything that is out of our comfort zone, I had no idea what I was in for, nor did I realise how weak and uncoordinated I was, BUT I literally walked out of my first class saying (out loud), “that was f***en awesome”! That's when my obsession began; even though every class my legs couldn't straighten and would be shaking like they were on vibrate, my abs didn't know what had hit them and my bum... well, it felt like it was going to fall off! But there was something about it that kept me going back for more and I had never felt like this before with fitness. Maybe it was that I used to look at my instructor Camila and think, "How does she talk and do this bloody 'hundreds' exercise while I'm here feeling like I'm going to break"? I wanted to develop controlled movements and core strength that allowed me to do that. If you have found a form of fitness you love, you will totally know what I'm saying. It also helps when you find an instructor who motivates and inspires you to push that extra mile! When we moved home to Auckland, I really missed attending classes and when I spoke to others about Pilates they thought of it like yoga or just for rehab. So that was a light bulb moment, you know the one where you just think “TING I am doing this, no questions asked”. I wanted to go somewhere fun that made me want to work out and that didn't feel like a gym…so why not create that myself! I have always been one of those people that didn't stick with anything longer than six months, so I suppose this could have been one of those things, but I had a new found determination. Once I made the decision and I began to study, my focus was on becoming stronger and more flexible (trust me I haven’t always been this way). I became my own motivation and, like anything, it had its challenges but I wasn't backing down this time. Once I had finished my training, I decided to get straight into it and a few days after becoming certified in Australia, I had three friends over in my lounge to start practising with. I was so nervous but I felt great. I was already making short, mid, and long term goals regarding where I wanted my career to head. I started off by teaching for a year and a half in my lounge. Clients were coming from referrals, from friends and family, and their friends, and it just kept going. Much to my surprise, I would often think ,“Why would anyone come to my classes in my lounge and with someone who is so new to teaching”? Inadvertently, I was introducing my own worst enemy in my head, but I quieted that voice by ticking off these goals of mine. Something then happened that made me realise it was time to start looking into getting a small studio space. Randomly (or not), on the same day of thinking this I was detoured into Hobsonville Point , which straight away had me thinking, “I want a studio here”! That day was the start of the next chapter and in January 2016 pilatesFIT Boutique studio came to life and I felt like I was living my dream (even with the stresses of it)! All of these things have proved to me that anything is possible when we do things with love, determination, and patience. Today, we have a busy studio with amazing clients. It is a beautiful space that offers fitness based Pilates classes that are fun, relaxed, and most of all effective. The best part of all this? I now get to say I do and share something I love every single friggen' day and I get to help others strive towards their goals! Health and fitness shouldn't be boring and it shouldn't feel like a chore. Find something you enjoy doing, make small goals, and take small steps to start and enjoy the process. Nourish your body with good food, move it every day in ways that make you feel great, and chase those dreams of yours, whatever they may be. Life is amazing, so don't waste it living in a way that doesn’t make your heart sing!
Image credit: Trevor King
By Chelsea Kawana, PilatesFIT Boutique
Find out more about Pilates FIT Boutique www.pilatesfitboutique.co.nz
#LifeGoals
Running Across India with Samantha Gash
By Ella Damiani, lululemon athletica Blog Specialist
It’s no secret that ultra running can be a tough game. Punishing environments and mentally draining days are just some of the variables one is likely to encounter on an ultra course. Running across India though, is a different beast altogether. It’s a land of more than 1.2 billion people with diverse terrain and complex social structure. Safety, sanitation and access to clean drinking water are a handful of considerations a runner must take into account when committing to an ultramarathon across its countryside. One might ask why anybody would sign up to run a race that most people would assume is physically impossible, let alone in such extreme conditions. It’s a good question, and one that ultramarathon runner Samantha Gash has pondered many times. She’s a Melbourne woman on a mission to make long-lasting change. The Dandenong Ranges (commonly known as the Dandenongs), located about 35 kilometres east of Melbourne, Australia, is a playground for the adventure seeker. It’s a haven of flora, towering treetops and boutique-like villages filled with hidden galleries, places to eat and trails to run on. Its whimsical charms make it magnetic for the Melbourne city dweller looking for a quick weekend getaway. In spring, the Dandenongs spring to life in bright colours as warm sunshine beams through the tall trees. In winter, the region is veiled in mist and often dusted with snow. When Gash decided to move from Melbourne’s eclectic inner-city suburb of Collingwood to the small village of Kalorama in the Dandenongs, she expected the change of scenery. Little did she know that this move would also come to aid her in preparing for her biggest running venture yet. “I can never imagine living in the city again,” Gash says with gusto. “I leave my driveway and I am literally on the trails. Life is complete.” She adds. Her India running adventure kicked off on August 22 in one of the driest deserts on earth, Jaisalmer, in the heart of the Thar Desert in India. The run, aptly called, 'Run India' and supported by World Vision Australia, will end in the wettest place on earth, Mawsynram. Gash’s goal in this ultra run is to raise money and awareness for education initiatives in various communities across the incredibly diverse country. “India is a place that has changed me as a runner and as a person. It’s so incredibly vibrant and it’s certainly a land of vast contrast. That contrast is compelling but also disturbing,” she says. Gash is the type of person who inspires the people around her to be better. She’s fiercely passionate about education and it’s not long until those around her are asking questions about how they too can make a difference. Her own fortune, as she calls it, in getting a quality education has become the driving force in her crusade for children’s education initiatives all over the world. “Young children - especially young girls - have the ability to bring their families out of poverty if they are educated. That’s a pretty amazing thing,” she explains. When she speaks, her eyes focus on each and every person in her presence, all of whom listen attentively to every word. There’s a playful side to Gash’s personality too. Her cheeky smile and ability to laugh at herself is endearing, and it’s not long after meeting her that one feels like they’ve known her for years. As we speak, she’s standing at the bottom of one of her favourite trails, Trig Track, located about five minutes from her home. It’s 6:45am on a Thursday morning, the air crisp and clean, and there’s a light sprinkling of rain falling down over the treetops (and her). As she jokes about how warm and beautiful the weather is, it becomes clear that despite her well-versed sense of humour, she’s a veteran when it comes to running in not-so-ideal climates. This run is a picnic in the park. Gash’s monumental Run India challenge won’t be the first time she has embarked on an ultramarathon through India. She’s completed ultramarathons in some of the most forbidding and harsh environments on this planet. Motivated after completing the Melbourne Marathon while at university, and desperate to find an outlet while completing her law degree, Gash became the first woman and youngest person ever to complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam, which comprised of four 250km ultramarathons across the driest (Chile), windiest (China), hottest (Sahara) and coldest (Antarctica) deserts on earth. “Running became my way of disconnecting. It was a rare time when I wouldn’t fret about the future or dwell on what had been,” Gash says. “It was a sport I had some aptitude for because I was mentally tough enough to keep moving forward even if it wasn't at a fast pace.”
“India was a place that changed me as a runner and as a person. It’s so incredibly vibrant and it’s certainly a land of vast contrast. That contrast is compelling but also disturbing.”
While numerous running endeavours followed in the years after the Grand Slam, none of them stand out to Gash more than the 222km non-stop race between the two highest motorable passes in India (and the world). “I was so incredibly out of my depth,” Gash recalls of the race. “It felt more like an expedition of survival than a race to the finish line.” It was there where Gash made the decision to use her body and love for ultramarathon running to make change in the world. “I was hypothermic, fatigued and emotional. I realised that pushing my body that hard, simply just to prove that I could, held little meaning to me,” she says. “Running became my way of linking everything together, but it was the least important part.” As we chat, Gash tinkers around her kitchen preparing her after-run staple: avocado on gluten-free toast with feta, olive oil, lemon and sea salt. Conversation turns to how she will physically undertake the mammoth task of running nearly 4,000km across India, and she’s quick to make a distinction between physical and mental preparation, asserting that it will be 90 per cent mental strength and 10 per cent about her physical strength and fitness. “The training will get me through the first few days and then the rest is in my head. I think the mind is far louder than the body, so if my mind is positive and strong it will influence how my body chooses to respond.” She says. One of the most crucial parts of Gash’s preparation is training her mind. Visualisation and regular yoga practice are a key part of this process. “I visualise the journey and the challenges and I visualise overcoming them,” she says. “I think of an imaginary finish line. I think of India and the image of the route I am running flashes into my mind. I consider all of the people I will meet across the country and why I am doing what I am doing.” Visualising the specific challenges of Run India takes more consideration, and it’s in this process when Gash feels the most empowered. “If I can take myself to the darkest places that this project may take me - immense injury, food poisoning, a cultural misunderstanding even - I’m able to see myself calmly processing the situation and getting through it,” she adds. It’s on her long runs or hikes where the majority of her visualisation takes place, when, “Pace isn’t an issue,” she explains. Turning off that internal voice and dialogue is the big one. “Yoga has definitely changed my life and my perspective, too. It isn’t something that works for a runner merely when they’re injured, it’s highly complementary both physically and mentally,” she says. “This type of energy will provide me with a greater capacity to complete this project in the manner I hope to.”
6 Meditation Apps You Need to Know and Try
Headspace Price: Free to download (subscription available in-app from $7.99/month). Description: This app has it all, including step-by-step guidance on how to start a regular meditation practice with science-backed information about the brain told through relatable animations. With one-off meditations for emergencies like mini meltdowns, a guided series to help with sleep, or single sessions to target a specific activity (like a fear of flying) there’s something for everyone on Headspace. Pros: From the absolute beginner who just wants to learn to sit still for a couple of minutes each day, to the experienced meditator who prefers a 60-minute unguided session, you can take from the app what you need each day. Also, there are 10 days of 10-minute meditations available free of charge. Cons: This app is about as good as it gets, but if we had to fault it on something, it would be that there’s no variation in the voices for the guided meditations. But who really needs anything other than former Buddhist monk Andy Puddicombe? There’s a reason he’s the voice of all things Headspace... Verdict: If you only pay for one subscription and want to learn the science behind mediation in a simple way, this is our pick for a well-rounded, app suitable for all levels. Digipill Price: Free to download (guided meditations available for purchase in app from $2.79-$9.99). Description: Want to quit smoking? There’s an app for that. Open the medicine cabinet and there’s a plethora of remedies for many different ailments. This app promises to help listeners have peace of mind (prescribed for anxiety), take a power nap (prescribed for refreshment) and become man - or babe - magnets (prescribed for irresistibility and passion) with a series of guided meditations dubbed “pills”. Pros: Each meditation is tailor-made for a specific purpose, so you get exactly what you signed up for with each pill. Cons: If you’re looking for a traditional guided meditation experience, this app isn’t for you. It’s a bit like hypnotherapy, with a powerful voice guiding the entire way. Verdict: If you’re okay with the unique sound of self-help guru Brian Colbert’s voice and can relax into the self-hypnosis-style meditations, you’ll come out feeling much more relaxed and clear-headed (and possibly well-rested, as some tended to put us to sleep).
Some of us can quiet our minds with little guidance. For others, it requires a bit more hand holding to get us there. Whether it’s taking a mid-day break at work or looking for something to help get some sleep, we’ve done the work and tested out six apps that cater to all meditation styles from beginners to experts.
By Alicia-Rae Olafssoon
Buddhify Price: $4.99 Description: Buddhify’s design is two-fold: it’s for those who are brand new to meditation, and to bring mindfulness into everyday activities. Select an activity or meditation style from a colourful wheel of options, and then pick a duration that’s a fit for that time of day. Pros: The app targets people living busy urban lives who want to meditate or become more mindful while doing things like eating lunch, traveling, walking in the city, doing chores or being online – there’s a guided session for every sort of activity. There’s also multiple voices to choose from until you find your favourite. For data lovers, Buddhify has stats and graphs to track your progress. Cons: The wealth of options might be overwhelming. Verdict: Always wanted to try meditation, but just haven’t got around to it yet? With 80 guided meditations to choose from on this app, you’re bound to find one that fits. Pause Price: $1.99 Description: Stress relief and relaxation are at our fingertips - literally. This app combines active meditation and relaxation in one beautifully designed space. By slowly moving your finger around the screen following a pulsating splotch of colour and catching smaller dots, the app slows your mind down then gives feedback on your speed through words and sounds. Pros: It’s inspired by the ancient practice of Tai Chi, and is a unique departure from other meditation apps out there. If you don’t think you can close your eyes and meditate, try this. Cons: For many, taking a break from technology and screen time is the aim of meditation, therefore this feels like a counterintuitive approach. Also, if you’re impatient, this one will be a real test as you have to go at the pace the app suggests for you. Verdict: This isn’t an action game. As soon as you get the hang of it and slow right down, it’s an incredibly calming experience. Calm Price: Free (with monthly and yearly subscriptions available). Description: This app teaches basic meditation techniques, and the interface is clean and simple with a variety of seven-day programs and themed guided sessions focusing on things like confidence, compassion and calming anxiety. Pros: It’s simple to use and not intimidating. The user chooses calming background sounds and images like ocean waves, rain falling on leaves, or birds chirping by a mountain lake, thereby transporting you to a happy place. Cons: When selecting the length of the guided meditations, there isn’t any more or less content to listen to, there is just more silence injected into longer meditations. Verdict: These meditations are super relatable, easy to listen to, and follow along. In our opinion, this is the most well-rounded, uncomplicated app for all levels. Stop Breathe and Think Price: Free Description: This app focuses on the user’s mood. With a quick check-in upon opening and a body scan included in many of the meditations, you’re guaranteed to take some time for yourself from the moment you begin. It’s also geared towards beginners with a range of guided meditation lengths. Pros: Based on your assessed state of mind, the app recommends customized meditations (there are 15 free guided sessions to choose from). There is also a simple, “Learn How to Meditate” section, with step-by-step illustrations on how to stop, breathe and think. Cons: Many of the meditations are similar (though that might be a good thing if you prefer consistency). Verdict: This basic app is ideal for first timers who aren’t ready to invest in a monthly subscription.
The lululemon Australia/ New Zealand brand team ventured out of the office, onto the sand and into the beach. Go behind the seams with them, above and below the water.
Greenleaf Organics Sip Til Six Cleanse
Greenleaf Organics understand that a full day of cleansing is not for everybody, so they have you covered. Try the sip til six juice cleanse . They sum it up perfectly - an ideal "dip of the toe" for cleansing virgins
Light Is The New Black, by Rebecca Campbell Light Is the New Blackwill guide you back home to the callings of your soul, so you can light up the world with your presence.
The world’s largest sand island exists off Australia’s eastern Queensland Coast. It’s only accessible by ferry and once there, a four-wheel drive is the only mode of transport across the island's countless soft sand tracks. When I found out we would be traveling to Fraser Island to shoot our swimwear campaign, to say I was enthusiastic is most definitely an understatement. While I hadn’t been there before, I had heard rumours of the beauty of the island, most particularly the unblemished waters of Lake McKenzie. After some planning, it wasn’t long until our team was checked into Virgin Airways, downing our pre-flight long blacks and eagerly anticipating our busy but adventurous week ahead. Shoot days often involve early mornings. We woke up at 4am to make our flight from Melbourne to Brisbane, and then flew on to Hervey Bay. There, we met the rad team we’d be working with for the week, and spent the night.
Behind the Seams of a lululemon Photoshoot
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An in-depth briefing from the car company involved teaching us the rules of the island. “Be sure not to drive on the beach two hours before and after high and low tide,” Anthony Hope from Atlas 4WD Hire said. “Don’t leave open food around because of the dingoes, and if you get bogged in the sand, use your snatch strap (equipment used for extracting a bogged car) carefully.” The cars we hired were large and heavy, and as we made our way to the ferry, acoustic Justin Bieber tunes pumping, I felt confident in their ability to get us around the island safely (and bogged-free). Arriving on the island, we immediately hit the in-road trails. The deeper we drove into the island the more the scenery began to change, as did the air. It was refreshingly crisp, giving me the impression that the island was almost untouched. The sticky heat wasn’t so noticeable under the treetops and the sandy trails felt firmer - therefore safer - than I had expected. My expectations of Lake McKenzie were high. “It’s a hidden tropical oasis,” said Jordana, one of our store educators and our swimsuit talent on this shoot. The lake appeared through a small opening of trees as we made our way down onto the white sand. It was like nothing I had seen before, and despite the people around us also enjoying the beach’s beauty, I felt like we were the first ones to ever discover it. The sand was a pearl colour and soft underfoot - it could have been a luxurious exfoliant. The water was vivid and blue, getting clearer and clearer closer to the shoreline. “Wow. The water. It’s so blue. It’s so clear. Get me in there,” underwater photographer Trent, said. On our third day of shooting we left the jungle trails and hit Seventy-Five Mile Beach, a literal sand highway where cars and buses sped past us. Sitting quietly in the backseat of our second car, I gazed peacefully out the open window at the crashing waves beside me. The salt air was intoxicating. Then, as it hit a deep, water-filled pit in the sand, a loud bang came from the car in front of us. We all pulled over to inspect the underside of the car and although driveable, we had cracked the muffler. As we waited for the salt water to dry in the car’s exhaust, we passed the time with an impromptu game of volleyball with some young girls who were passing by. Eventually, we made it to Eli Creek with adventure on our minds. The fresh water creek was a striking mint green, and wove mystically in and among the lush bushland. Finally, the time had arrived to get out the blow-up tubes we’d been carrying around and ride them down the slow-moving stream. By Thursday it was time to unroll the slackline underneath the jungle canopy. Ben, gym owner and entrepreneur, was definitely the well-seasoned slackliner of the group and as he balanced his way across a creek bed, his trapeze-like skills were impressive to watch. It wasn’t long before we’d all tried our luck on the line, the rest of us laughing and cheering each other on with amusement. Friday marked the end of our Fraser Island adventure. While we had all explored new places and tried new things, what stood out most was the connection we’d made with each other, #dreamteam. It was time for a celebratory drink and to say our goodbyes. “I don’t know about you girls, but I’m getting myself a mimosa,” John, the sample coordinator said as we approached the airport at the conclusion of the trip.
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Life’s about being happy and healthy right? So how do we create this life for ourselves? Well, I believe if we bring our day-to-day decisions back to health and happiness as core values, you’ll naturally experience just that. I’m no good at making decisions, but I do know how I want to feel. So when I’m deciding what to do next, presented with a life changing opportunity, or simply choosing between a burger or salad for lunch, I bring it back to these two questions. Will I feel happy? Will I feel healthy? Life made easy! We all have different experiences and personal views which shape our lives. We also all have the power to choose what our day-to-day, and our life looks like. I believe deep down we know what is good for us, what makes us feel happy and healthy, so checking in with yourself and basing decisions on these two core values is an easy and effective way to living a life full of health and happiness. I’ll happily confess it’s not all kale and meditation. It’s an ebb and flow - some days I’m gonna have wine with my girls, because it makes me happy, and other times, I’m gonna be eating all the veggies, because that makes me feel healthy, plus I love veggies, so bonus happiness points. The H + H LIFESTYLE is about living a life you love full of true individual health and happiness. One thing I celebrate is that health and happiness is going to look slightly different for each of us. While I host yoga, fitness and health retreats in beautiful Bali, I’m all about maintaining that retreat lifestyle in your daily grind, everyday. If you haven’t guessed, the H’s stand for Health + Happiness, and the H + H LIFESTYLE philosophy is made up of seven lifestyle practices. When considering each of these seven practices and how you might incorporate them into your life you can ask yourself, will I feel happy? Will I feel healthy? Choose what fuels your health and happiness. Daily Body Movement Surfing, yoga, boxing, GRIT or a bush walk in the Waitakere Ranges. It’s no competition, just move your body daily. Different forms of exercise make each of us feel great, on different days. Check in and listen to your body, what do you need? A daily dose of body movement is bound to increase your body appreciation. Whole foods Paleo, pescetarian, vegetarian, vegan or flexitarian. Whatever your choice, no worries - the baseline of the philosophy is whole foods with little human intervention. It’s eating an abundance of plants, ideally no gluten or refined sugar, choosing organic/spray-free where possible and eating high quality fats. Big for me is not restricting yourself. Restriction creates a feeling of deprivation which can lead to a, “f*ck it - I’m gonna eat the whole packet of biscuits” mentality. I’ve been there. It’s not pretty and triggers a negative turn and you cycle - eat sh*t, feel sh*t, don’t wanna train, feel guilty, eat more, feel worse and so on. You ate a biscuit or two, maybe three. So what? Bring it back to those Health + Happiness decision values. What will make me feel happy? What will make me feel healthy? Self Care We spend a lot of time doing things for others and place ourselves bottom of the list. I’ll remind you, you’re so incredibly worthy of giving yourself some compassion - this could even be ensuring you get enough sleep at night! Gratitude The difference between having a great day or wanting to go back to bed is gratitude. It’s placing focus on what you do have, rather than what you don’t. An easy way to implement gratitude into your days is the questions you ask yourself each morning. These questions can powerfully change the direction of your day. Instead of, will I meet my deadline, or, will the traffic be hectic and make me late? Change the first five questions when you wake up to something that will positively direct your day. Who do I love the most? What am I excited about? What am I grateful for? These are great questions to start. Mindfulness Meditation can feel intimidating for a lot of people, but mindfulness meditation is incredibly accessible. Much like gratitude, it helps us recognise the happiness that is already in our lives. You can practise mindfulness while you’re eating, when you’re doing the dishes or going for a walk. Mindfulness is when you’re aware, tuning into your breath can be an easy way to incorporate it into your life. Conscious Consumption Shop and support local, reduce your carbon footprint. Plastic bags suck, use reusable. Use a reusable coffee cup too. Buy in bulk, for so many reasons including saving money. Choose products that you can recycle packaging of and actually recycle it. Have awareness of what you’re putting on your skin, use plant-based products. Check your household products, you wanna use plant-based here too. Food scraps, compost or could you give them to a local farmer? Pick organic cotton tampons that aren't carcinogenic or better yet get a 'Mooncup'. Considering our planet and future generations is so incredibly important but can also be a bit of a mindf*ck. What areas are you passionate about? Choose a couple and stick to them. Connection Connection to self, others and nature. Take a moment to practise self care, have some time just for you. It might be a conversation with someone else that’s about more than the weather. We’re also talking about connection to nature. It is a reminder that you are enough, you are connected and we as a whole are powerful.
By Abbylee Bonny
Image Credit: Alice van Schaik
The H + H Lifestyle
Contact The H + H Lifestyle www.thehhlifestyle.com
Contact Twyla www.beingwell.co.nz
By Twyla Watson, B.Nat, Dip. Herb Med, Dip. Nutrition, Cert. PT
What if I were to tell you that there are more bacterial cells in your gut than there are human cells in your entire body. Not just one or two more, ten times more in fact! Your initial reaction may be to grab the anti-bacterial soap but hold fire! These bugs are crucial for your health. The resident bacteria in your gastrointestinal tract make up the gut microbiome. They are responsible for assisting digestion, synthesising vitamins, producing nutrients to nourish the cells of the gut and much more. But what happens when these "good guy" gut bacteria don’t fulfill their job description? Our 21st century diet and lifestyle can assault our microbiome, creating imbalance in the gut. Commonly people experience symptoms like bloating, gas, reflux, constipation and/or diarrhoea - sometimes even after every meal! While these symptoms may be common folks, they're not normal. A whole host of (seemingly disparate) diseases have also been linked to microbial imbalance in the gut, from anxiety and depression to acne and eczema, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis to inflammatory bowel disease. With this knowledge, minding your microbiome could be the most important thing you do to maintain, and optimise your well-being. If you’ve always wanted a pet, well here you go - you now have more than 100 trillion! Care for them well and they will be loyal to you, supporting optimal digestion, strong immunity and high energy health. Daily practices to support a healthy microbiome don't need to be difficult. Let’s start with what you put on your plate - after all, what you feed yourself is what you feed your friendly gut bacteria. Fermented foods such as sauerkraut and kefir, kombucha and kvass. Although they sound more like exotic destinations these are traditional, fermented foods that contain beneficial bugs to support the health of your microbiome. These foods are sometimes referred to as “probiotic” foods. Probiotic supplements can be taken alongside of these foods, but shouldn't replace them. Aim to include fermented foods to your menu each day, each meal if possible! Fermentable Fibres Once you’ve got a population of beneficial flora right where you want them, you're going to have to make it desirable to stick around. That's where fermentable fibres or “prebiotics” come in. Fibres found in fruit and vegetables like potato, kumara, leek and green banana are a feast for your microbial army. I wouldn't want to stay in a hotel with no food, would you? Avoiding Antibiotics Antibiotics can be life saving, there’s no doubt about that. Unfortunately antibiotics don’t discriminate, and as well as taking out the “bad guy” bacteria, they also kill off some of our “good guy” bacteria - creating imbalance in our gut microbiome that has been shown to be long lasting. Talk to your doctor or natural health practitioner about alternatives to support your health, before or instead of antibiotics. If they are truly necessary, work alongside a practitioner to rebuild a strong and healthy microbiome after use.
Mind Your Microbiome
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Rebel at heart She’s never been one to play by the rules, she prefers to write her own. In the past this may have led her astray, now fully embodied she harnesses her rebel spirit to cultivate a life she loves. She is independent and will be the one who sees possibility and instigates change and growth. She doesn’t make excuses for her actions and is never defensive because she’s not threatened by what other people may think of her. What you see is what you get. She doesn’t hide behind any facade, she’s not all shiny Instagram images and no substance when you meet her in person. She is real to the core. She’s not out to impress because she is completely happy with herself. She has learned how to successfully manage her emotions, understand herself and share her wisdom accordingly. She holds a great conversation, is grounded in her opinions and always willing to agree to disagree. Supportive of her sisters The goddess is far beyond comparison. She doesn’t feel the need to compete because she runs her own race. She is active in her community, she gathers like-minded members to her tribe by real authentic interactions. She supports her sister goddesses because she knows independently she can go the distance, but collectively her and her fellow goddesses have far more reach and impact illuminating others. Healthy loving boundaries It may have taken her a while to establish these as she is generous and has so much to share and give. However she knows her limitations and does not give more than what she can afford to - emotionally, financially, physically, or mentally. She knows that the word 'no' is a complete sentence and uses it when necessary. She can clearly communicate her boundaries to others, she is gentle when needed, but firm and protective when her boundaries have been violated. She is respectful of others' boundaries and actively seeks clarification when she doesn’t know where she stands. Sensual and empowered This woman knows how to effectively get out of her head and into the infinite feeling of her body, she taps into her intuition and is guided by her inner knowing. She allows herself to experience pleasure and has healthy self respect of how she shares her most intimate being. She may or may not have her divine love, yet she trusts that it will come, and when it does her energy will be matched and she will embody even more of her divinely feminine self than she ever thought possible. Lets it go She’s given up the need to try and control the flow of life because she recognises her energies are better used elsewhere. She rides the waves of life because she has faith that she is strong enough to weather any storm. She has let go of the need to try and control or manipulate, as she knows deep down, it brings her no satisfaction. Her efforts are channeled in to finding a solution in times when she is challenged instead of dwelling on what she can not change. Creates space She accepts not all problems can be solved or worked out. She allows herself space to feel, to reflect because she knows that clarity will come with time and space. She holds this patience and space for others and allows them the beauty of the same unfolding. Conscious choice The goddess chooses happiness. She knows that is a conscious waking decision to work for her happiness every damn day, it’s not a destination that she arrives at and magically stays. It is a conscious pursuit to engage in activities and a mindset that fuels her. Happiness is an ever changing landscape thats requires adaptability in its pursuit. Accepts her pains She understands that life is painful, stress is unavoidable and death and loss is inevitable. She works through her own pains with grace and courage. She tries not to numb or suppress the uncomfortable but instead leans into it and listens. She allows herself and others the time and space to work though things in their own timing, she mourns her losses and allows herself to be open and vulnerable. In doing so she has harnessed her most powerful self, as she embraces her shadows and her light and all the shades in between. She is a beacon of light inspiring other women to do the same. The modern day goddess may be the woman sitting next to you or it is you yourself. Maybe in reading this you may ask yourself - do I embody all of those qualities fully? Maybe there is some work to do, to step into your full glorious goddess self. Wherever you are, it's a journey worth taking that leads to soul satisfying fulfillment that spills into every aspect of your life. You weren’t born to play small baby, you were born to shine bright!
To be a goddess sounds very alluring, enchanting and enigmatic. I believe this is not something outside of ourselves to try and emulate, instead it's our divine nature to uphold and embody. So what is a modern day goddess? She is of course a mortal, so she will make her share of mistakes, as she walks through life, however she will embody the following characteristics and mindsets that will make her shine in all her divine greatness! She shines bright You know when a goddess walks in the room, she possesses a magnetic energy of passion and purpose, she is enthusiastic and inspiring, people don't quite know or understand what this quality is but they just know they want to be near her. To stand near her light helps illuminate their own light. Wild hearted and free Her heart is so wild, that may just be the reason it's kept within the cage of her ribs! She has known heartbreak and pain, she may have not always believed in her worth, but she survived, and in doing so, she made a pact with herself to not let past hurts define her or hold her back from loving freely and wholeheartedly. Creator Just like mother earth, she values herself as a creator, pregnant with ideas and possibility, she creates the life she wants that is defined by her own personal happiness. She has the courage to follow her ideas through and create change and fulfill her vision. You will often find her out there in the world as a lady boss. A work in progress She knows she is not perfect and loves herself just as she is, she is in constant inquiry of herself, what moves her, what presses her buttons, what makes her feel alive. She is fully invested in her self development and growth, when things don’t work out she doesn’t beat herself up or criticize, she asks, “What can I learn from this? How can I grow?" Takes care of her temple This soul knows that it’s paramount to take care of this beautiful temple of a body that she resides in. She takes the time she needs to exercise, she practises yoga on a regular basis, she takes rest and restores herself when needed, she meditates, she plays in nature, she eats nourishing whole foods and drinks plenty of water. She is well aware that her dynamic energy needs a strong healthy body to flourish.
By Nikki Ralston, The Ralston Method
The Modern Goddess
Putting the Bro in Broga
By Tim Seutter, Yoga Fire
Contact Yoga Fire www.yogafire.co.nz
Image Credit: Doug Pearson Photography
You love yoga and it makes you feel amazing. Yet, your partner rolls his eyes every time you mention you’re going to another class. You ask him to join you and he laughs, “Yeah no thanks, I’m not flexible.” If only you could get him to try it once, you know it would be so good for him. Maybe it isn’t your partner, maybe it’s male friends, colleagues, brothers, or even fathers. Fundamentally, to get men to come to a yoga class, there needs to be an understanding of the difference between what men and women need from yoga. Yoga can be modified so it can be done by anyone, anywhere. But, it takes an understanding of men to get them to overcome prejudices, negative stereotypes, and social conditioning. It can be intimidating, for men, to walk into a room full of mostly women, knowing these yogis/yoginis are going to be way “better” at yoga than them. This plays on the male ego and can make them feel vulnerable. Maybe this is what you want from them, but could be precisely why men avoid yoga to begin with. Here are 4 ways to try and get the men you know to try yoga: 1. Men need a yoga practice that is applicable to them. For some men, a class that incorporates more strength building and less about getting into complicated poses is better. My first yoga class was a Bikram class, and it nearly killed me. It was so hard for me. I kept going back, over and over. I was going to conquer these poses. Eventually I saw the deeper side of yoga, but at first it was a physical practice for me. Physical challenge in yoga is the perfect place to start for many men. Asana is the physical part of yoga (not the whole picture, thankfully) and this challenge could resonate. Yoga guru B.K.S. Iyengar once said, “Penetration of our mind is our goal, but in the beginning, to set things in motion, there is no substitute for sweat.” So try to find a teacher that works with their strengths and subtly improves their weaknesses. 2. Try streaming an online class. This is the easiest way to get a man to try yoga. You don’t have to go to a studio full of people. Streaming a class at home takes the pressure off. I stream yoga classes all the time, it allows me to take a break from teaching myself, and allows me to work with world-class teachers. Companies like YogaGlo or Cody offer a myriad of online classes. Some teachers I would recommend to try are: Dylan Werner, Dice Ida-Klein or Patrick Beach. The online teacher doesn’t have to be a male, but maybe seeing these yogis doing superhuman yoga strength moves will help them realize that real men do yoga too! 3. Try hot yoga. I love going to hot yoga and teaching hot yoga. Why? Because I am a big-boned, athletic, alpha-male, and I like to sweat. Years of CrossFit and power-lifting left me muscle-bound and inflexible. Hot yoga helped me because the heat softened my tough muscle and I sweated, a lot! I noticed very quick improvements in my flexibility and the sweat made me feel great. I was getting a workout, feeling flexible, and my perspective on life began to change for the better. Through this, I was able to find the deeper side of yoga, but it first took the physical challenge to open my eyes. 4. Try yin yoga. Yin is a great way to get men to try a class. Yin is about letting the body release and stretching connective tissue. You don’t need to do anything complicated, these are simple stretches that target tightness throughout the body. The bonus - absolute relaxation and stress-release that can convert even the most ardent anti-yogi. When I tried yin yoga, this is when yoga moved from being just a physical class to me finding deeper understanding through subtle stretching and quieting my mind. How to get them to try it? Tell them it’s about stress release and they can relax the entire class. No advanced poses, most in fact are done on the ground. These simple, long, stretches are good for anyone needing to learn to unplug and relax. Men need to do yoga, the trick is getting them to just try it. If you understand that yoga can be different between men and women, they may be more willing to give it a shot. Search for a class, in any medium, that challenges the body. It may however, not be the class you would gravitate to. If you understand that many men need to feel the body change first, then spiritual and mental change can easily follow. Don’t push them too soon to explore the higher levels, let them find and enjoy the physical change first. Once the body is unlocked, the spiritual alignment will begin to manifest, but in the beginning, “There is no substitute for sweat.”
By Charlotte Desborough
Follow Charlotte on Instagram @chardes.yoga
Summer Yoga
Winter Yoga
Summer is fast approaching meaning longer sunlight hours, hotter days, and for most, a higher energy. During this time, it is important to not only keep our body hydrated but to also sustain a calming state of mind. If you are like me, and practise a Power Vinyasa class, try and incorporate the following yoga poses to cultivate a cooling energy. Tree Pose / Vriksasana Start in Mountain Pose and once you have maintained an even balance, slowly distribute the weight into your left foot. Bend the right knee and reach down to clasp the right ankle. Draw your right foot up, pushing the sole against the left inner thigh (or calf - never the knee joint) and keep the toes pointed towards the floor. Firmly press your left foot into the ground and when you have found balance, bring your hands towards your heart centre. Hold for 30 seconds or six deep breaths. To finish with control, bring your right foot to meet the left and repeat on the other side. Rabbit Pose / Sasakasana Starting in Child's Pose, bring your knees and feet in line with your hips. Reach behind and grab your heels, pulling your forehead in towards your knees and rounding your spine with the crown on the head resting on the ground. Holding tightly onto the heels, inhale and lift the hips up towards the ceiling. Roll onto the crown of the head and press the forehead as close to the knees as possible. Hold for 30 seconds or six deep breaths. To finish, slowly lower your hips to your heels on an exhale and slide your forehead back into Child's Pose. If you have had a recent neck, spine or shoulder injury please practise this pose with caution. Low Lunge / Anjaneyasana Starting in Downward Facing Dog, exhale and bring your right foot to the front of your mat in between your hands and lower the left knee to the ground, making sure your right knee is aligned over the right ankle. Bring the top of your right foot flat to the ground pushing your pelvis towards the front of your mat until you can feel a stretch in your left hip flexor. Inhale and lift your torso and arms, aligning your biceps to your ears and slowly tilt your head back without straining your neck. If this is too much on your neck, keep your focus in front of you. Hold for 1 minute. To release, lift your left knee from the ground and step back to plank then push back to Downward Dog, repeating on the other side. Tips: For a heat activating sequence, try practising this with calming music first thing in the morning or at sunset. If you are prone to a pitta imbalance, practice asanas with support by ways of a yoga block, bolster or blankets. This way you still reap the benefits of the pose, without throwing out the balance of your doshas. As always, don't forget to breathe!
"We all have to start somewhere. We’d love to help you find your place. There’s room for absolutely everyone and that’s the true heart of yoga."
Summer is fast approaching meaning longer sunlight hours, hotter days and for most, a higher energy. During this time, it is important to not only keep our body hydrated but to also sustain a calming state of mind. If you are like me, and practise a Power Vinyasa class, try and incorporate the following yoga poses to cultivate a cooling energy. Tree Pose / Vriksasana Start in Mountain Pose and once you have maintained an even balance, slowly distribute the weight into your left foot. Bend the right knee and reach down to clasp the right ankle. Draw your right foot up, pushing the sole against the left inner thigh (or calve - never the knee joint) and keep the toes pointed towards the floor. Firmly press your left foot into the ground and when you have found balance, bring your hands towards your heart centre. Hold for 30 seconds or six deep breathes. To finish, with control, bring your right foot to meet the left and repeat on the other side. Rabbit Pose / Sasakasana Starting in child pose, bring your knees and feet in line with your hips. Reach behind and grab your heels, pulling your forehead in towards your knees and rounding your spine with the crown on the head resting on the ground. Holding tightly onto the heels, inhale and lift the hips up towards the ceiling. Roll onto the crown of the head and press the forehead as close to the knees as possible. Hold for 30 seconds or six deep breathes. To finish, slowly lower your hips to your heels on an exhale and slide your forehead back into child pose. If you have had a recent neck, spine or shoulder injury please practice this pose with caution. Low Lunge / Anjaneyasana Starting in Downward facing dog, exhale and bring your right foot to the front of your mat in between your hands and lower the left knee to the ground, making sure your right knee is aligned over the right ankle. Bring the top of your right foot flat to the ground pushing your pelvis towards the front of your mat until you can feel a stretch in your right hip flexor. Inhale and lift your torso and arms, aligning your biceps to your ears and slowly tilt your head back without straining your neck. If this is too much on your neck, keep your focus infront of you. Hold for 1 minute. To release, lift your left knee from the ground and step back to plank then push back to downdog, repeating on the other side. Tips: For a heat activating sequence, try practicing this with calming music first thing in the morning or at sunset. If you are prone to a pitta imbalance, practice asanas with support by ways of a yoga block, bolster or blankets. This way you still reap the benefits of the pose, without throwing out the balance of your doshas. As always, don't forget to breathe!
henever I tell anyone who doesn’t practise yoga about The Yoga Connection, along with being surreptitiously sniffed for signs of patchouli, I can always count on a fairly standard response of wishing they could do yoga, knowing they should do yoga but being fairly certain that it’s beyond their reach. Of course, I then direct them towards TYC studio lists, classes and upcoming events and throw some names out there certain of a perfect matching of teacher and potential student. Like Tinder for yogis! The funny thing about yoga is that people often have preconceived ideas about it before they’ve even stepped onto a mat. If you were reaching into a mixed bag of clichés you’d probably pull out a few little morsels associated with enlightenment, sprouts and sandals, and human pretzels. Maybe even hovering. We’re told yoga is for everyone and every body, yoga is a life-changer, yoga brings clarity and mindfulness, and all these things are true even though it can sound both wafty and too intense when someone casually asks if you went to Wanderlust and you release them hours later glazed over and a tad traumatized. The reality is it can be intimidating walking into a studio for the first time. There will be actual humans that look exactly like you imagined a yogi to look like, all casually folding in half and stretching out, (there will also be the rest of us but we might not be on your radar initially). Your priority will be less Pranayama breathing than how to blend into the back wall drawing as little attention as possible. As a fellow student I can confirm that as conscious of every lump, bump and sweaty pore on your gorgeous bod you might be in your first class, if you don’t overthink it and go back for a second class and a third and then another, it’s possible you will find something special. It might be spiritual, or meditative, you might find one style of yoga that resonates on every level or, as often happens, you may quickly discover a new connection with your own body and wham, bam, thank you ma’am, you’re a yogini on a mission. You’ll find a studio that fits, teachers that inspire and then the journey, as those in the know say, begins. For some people their yoga remains posture driven, the dream to achieve Instagram worthy shots without so much as a quiver in their standing bow, revered from afar yet modestly oblivious to the adoration. For others, it’s all about calming the hell down. Possibly for most of us, it’s about finding some kind of peace. Whatever it is, I promise you, you’ll feel incredible. No matter your initial intention, one realisation becomes clear the longer you practise - although there are many highs and lows on this ride, there is no actual end game. No one handstand, headstand or spinal twist will raise you to that final state of Zen. It is also possible that as a student I’ve got that wrong not having studied anything Zen but I’m almost absolutely positive that this is true. Just don’t quote me... This can be disappointing. You’ve finally found yoga, you practise like a demon, you’re disciplined, you’re starting to consider yourself yogic on every level and yet you discover there’s no finish line. At this point you might take up CrossFit for a while and then come back to it. This could be your yoga journey over and over again. Or you might come and stay, holding on for grim life to the corners of your ethically sourced mat like, ahem, some of us. As with life, your yoga will wax and wane. The recurrence of an old injury, a brand spanking new one, a slight adjustment from an eagle-eyed teacher or the gradual acceptance that your body will not naturally form certain shapes or reach absolute extensions will change your practise from day to day. Some days you’ll love it, other days not so much. You’ll always feel better though. Always. So keep turning up, and just like that, you’ll find you’re a yogi. At TYC, we’re passionate about sharing what the New Zealand yoga community has to offer and excited to be teaming up with studios from our website to invite new students and those at the I’ll-just-take-a-look-but-I’m-not-ready-to-commit -yet stage in to take a look around without any distractions. We want to introduce you to teachers who can explain some basic postures and principles as well as what to expect from a class and meet speakers who will share their yoga story. We want to welcome you! We all have to start somewhere. We’d love to help you find your place. There’s room for absolutely everyone and that’s the true heart of yoga. For upcoming community events make sure to subscribe to The Yoga Connection monthly newsletter and follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Contact The Yoga Connection www.theyogaconnection.co.nz
Contact Raw Yoga www.rawyoganz.com
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Image credit: Sarah Alice Lee Photography
"I work in the yoga world, everything will be peace, love, and rainbows! Right?"
My love for yoga was sparked by walking into a community in the heart of Auckland. I sheepishly set up in the back. The loft was warm, dimly lit and the practise was physically challenging. I drifted away in Savasana, to be roused back by the delicious smelling vegetarian food. Sitting nervously amongst these yogis, I was intrigued, as if I felt connected to something. Until this point it had seemed that my idealistic way of perceiving the world was detrimental to my own wellbeing. Wanting more, I started taking the baby steps down this path so many of us know as yoga. What I discovered was actually how versatile this practise was and that all my enthusiastic ways had a community to plant roots down into. In retrospect, once I decided to follow the yoga fairy, life was a rapid whirlwind of excitement to send me more and more into the yoga experience, traveling the world and mingling with many magical humans until I found myself back in Auckland feeling more connected and at home than ever before. I started to understand that the more internal connection I found, the more I was able to connect with my external community. Letting go of the fight and allowing myself to fall into the yoga bubble. I trained to teach and feeling inspired, 'RAW Yoga' was born as a Facebook page to share yoga tips and raw food excitement. Over a year later I opened the studio and watched my dreams come to life. A magical synchronicity as the doors opened, new businesses were bubbling as the Auckland yoga world continued to take off and the beautiful Jane had just launched her website, The Yoga Connection. I was inspired to see yet another incredible human holding the intention of community and what the reality of supporting each other can actually look like. As with anything, when business and money are involved things can easily turn pear-shaped. I wanted to ignore the potential of this and embrace, 'I work in the yoga world, everything will be peace, love and rainbows!' Right? Unfortunately that is not always the case and the merging of my ‘idealistic yoga self' and the new 'running a business self' has been a strong hard lesson in redefining my boundaries. Yet sitting beside me, and beside the whole yoga community, is a woman who is supporting that merge, with a platform to alleviate competition and comparison and say, 'Hey! we are all magical and have something to offer!' Having an open source platform is really handing the power over in a positive way, to allow us practitioners to extend all our energy into the work we love and trust that our students, clients, even friends will find us. I encounter clients regularly asking different questions for what they need in regards to their practice. Taking inspiration from The Yoga Connection I am able to recommend and support these people in finding the best options around (which will not always be me). I believe that the universal law of attraction has a powerful pull to open our doors to true potential, success and happiness. If we trust in our own gifts and see the abundance around, there really is space for everyone to flourish and communities to be enriched. I always come back to the reason I do what I do - because I love it and want to feel connected to my community. As the studio grows I am constantly refining and making sure all the offerings are what sing true to me. I love practicing strong Vinyasa, I love being able to talk and create with the people around me, I love being upside down! Our timetable reflects a space to do all of that from Vinyasa, Yoga Sculpt (with weights), AIR (Aerial Yoga) and Acro Yoga. It has taken until my 30's to actually allow myself to play and share within my community and I feel deep gratitude every day that I get to create my life out of this. Life is here to be lived and one of my biggest lessons has been that when I compare or try to 'be' anything, I only end up being the victim to my own self-criticism. It is now a dance between holding the intention for an open heart and idealistic lens, while keeping those strong personal and professional boundaries. Community acceptance, support and inclusion is everything. In the yoga world that is The Yoga Connection, a positive platform for co-creation, sharing, integrating and supporting each other. The more we allow ourselves to accept what it is we offer to the world and spread our wings, and at the same time help the people around us to spread theirs, the more we lift the vibration and the higher we fly together!
The Yoga Connection Feature, by Nicole Moyes of Raw Yoga
The Raw Yoga Journey
Contact True Yoga http://truefoodandyoga.co.nz/
TRUE, the Yoga & Food-Focused Wellness Centre
Image Credit: Babicha Martens Photography
By The Yoga Connection
Every yoga practitioner knows that living the yogic life does not begin and end on the mat. Mindful practise, caring for your body and your planet is an all-day, everyday part of life. Certainly that was the thinking for well-known hospitality couple Nic and Kelly Watt during the months of planning and building their TRUE Food and Yoga wellness centre on Auckland’s waterfront. The centre opened mid-July 2016 and sustainability and ethical sourcing runs through the heart of TRUE. Organic ingredients are used wherever possible, no plastic bags are used within the shop and TRUE’s brand partners have been selected to match the owners’ ethos. Years of dreaming and a lifetime of healthy practise have come together for the couple whose yoga studio, bistro, wellness rooms and studio store in the restored heritage pumping station in Okahu Bay brings together the communities they love in Auckland. Kelly’s yoga and barre practitioners and lovers of Nic’s delicious and nutritious food share the space with the walkers and cyclists of Tamaki Drive, along with their immediate neighbours, the people of Ngati Whatua Orakei. “The lovely kuia Dianne and her son welcomed and blessed us as we began working on the site,” says Kelly.“ Her people have a long history with this place. She bathed here at Okahu Bay as a child and her father used to come here for work many moons ago. “And passers-by have stopped to tell us of their fond memories and connections with special occasions at Hammerheads restaurant for the 25 years it was here. “It’s been fascinating to hear the historic tales of the site and we’re looking forward to creating new memories here. I think it would actually make an interesting read in years to come and prove fascinating fodder for a book.” As Kelly has assembled yoga and barre teachers for TRUE, many of whom she’s linked to via the thriving The Yoga Connection community, she has sought people who share her personal teaching philosophy. She has personally experienced workshops and classes with the teachers, so she could connect personalities and styles. Her aim is for students to find the perfect fit for their own growth and practise. “We want TRUE to have the warmth, like welcoming people to our own home. I’d like to see people from all walks of life trying yoga,” she says. “As people experience the space, then they’ll grow together - a community that will build by word of mouth, and, of course through online and social media.” Kelly’s own experiences of connections and kinships date back to her early years in high pressure, high end hospitality in London when she also studied reflexology and practised Ashtanga yoga. She’s connected to gurus from Los Angeles and around the world. Her old friend from London, Naami Z, is now supplying her jewellery to the studio store. New Zealand-made mats and bolsters come from other entrepreneurial Kiwis. The studios are wheelchair accessible and TRUE will be reaching out to the elderly and disabled communities in the not too distant future to offer chair yoga classes. Kelly has plans for a yoga for children programme later in the year. A ‘broga’ class for men new to yoga is on the timetable every Wednesday night, along with gorgeous acoustic Sunday sessions for a gentle weekend vibe in the 70-mat space. TRUE is the perfect spot to watch the sunset over the Waitemata Harbour, complementing meditation and any of the other studio offerings. Naturally, Kelly and Nic see eating together as an essential way of building the community. Instead of running off after class, students can gather over food, house-made juices or even a glass of biodynamic wine. The street-level patio and decks beside the studio are welcoming spots for passers-by and students to cool down and connect - with each other, and with the ancient pohutukawa trees and the sea. They plan a florist van in the summer, retreats and gatherings to get people together. With botanical themes inside, welcoming landscaping outside, the pair has created a tropical-resort style retreat on the edge of the city. Guests can linger for a half day of unwinding with good food in a gorgeous setting and with enticing classes. They can either stop by for classes or pause on their exercise along Tamaki Drive. As Kelly says, “At TRUE our philosophy is ‘yoga for everyone’. Nic, I and the TRUE team look forward to welcoming all of our new friends soon.”
Visit Shakti Mats www.shaktimat.co.nz
Sharp as Nails
Lying on 6,000 spikes might not seem like the best way to relax, but The Shakti Mat is designed to do just that. Acupressure is pressure point therapy and has long been embedded in Eastern medical practices from Japanese Shiatsu Massage to Chinese Acupuncture. The Chinese first experimented with the concept more than 5,000 years ago, but it wasn’t for another 3,000 years that the Indians learned that one could lie down on many sharp points at once as an effective self-treatment (cue bed of nails). It wasn’t until very recently that Yogi Om Mokshananda, the Swedish inventor of the Shakti Mat, created his own, modern day version of the bed of nails. The Shakti Mat is a soft cotton mat, half the size of a yoga mat. On top it bears 6,000 tiny spikes and you apply these points to wherever you carry tension in the body. Most users prefer to lie or stand on them. By applying pressure against tight muscles and stimulating the skin, the Shakti Mat claims to encourage the body to release endorphins (natural pain relief and feel-good hormones), boost circulation, and induce a deep sleep in a 30 minute session. Far from being painful, any initial discomfort on the mat quickly disappears while a warm, relaxing, pleasant feeling spreads through the body. Shakti Mat users usually incorporate it into their daily bed time routine, with yogis and athletes incorporating it into their practise and training. Shakti Mats were introduced to New Zealand by two young Kiwis, George Lill and Jon Heslop who discovered them while at a yoga retreat in Thailand. The business has grown from a side project to a full-time job where they travel the country taking workshops on the mats. George says, “It has been such a great experience showing New Zealand this Swedish spin on such an ancient Vedic tradition.” Studies on these acupressure mats have shown positive results for decreasing pain, improving sleep, relaxation and energy levels. Shakti Mats are also now being recommended by practitioners. Kate Roberts, lecturer at The NZ School of Acupuncture, says the Shakti Mat has been valuable for many of her clients with insomnia or stress. “I get them to lie on the Shakti Mat for 10-20 minutes before bed. For athletes and sportspeople it is a useful tool to help with circulation pre and post race and also for muscle recovery.” While the mat was designed initially for pain relief and relaxation from home, Shakti Yoga classes have picked up in popularity around the country. They are designed to bring energy and balance to yoga, and can bring power to an asana or aid deep relaxation to a Yin class. Accredited teachers take classes that leave the body refreshed and relaxed and the mind blissful. Check out The Yoga Connection theyogaconnection.co.nz to find the studio nearest you, keep in the loop for the next Shakti Yoga class and use their discount code: TYCSM16. Maybe the people lying on nail beds weren’t so crazy after all!
What is Shakti Acupressure?
So, what is TCM / Eastern Medicine? Eastern Medicine or what is commonly known as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a complete holistic medical system that has been developed over thousands of years of observation, practice, analysis, and repeat performance. It is made up of a number of core treatment delivery systems, that all have their own particular strengths and can work together in an effective synergy or independently to deliver health regulation. The main treatment delivery systems are acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Tuina (Chinese Massage), cupping and Moxibustion. The intention of a consultation is to diagnose imbalances within the body and lifestyle, and then decide on the most appropriate treatment and advice for the diagnosis. The practitioner will use an ancient systematic method of discussing symptoms and using such observations by looking at the tongue and taking pulses. Why would you recommend eastern medicine for people curious to give it a try? I would recommend Eastern medicine for people to try because we all have some form of imbalance or dis-ease in our lives at some point or another. Our Bodies are always adapting to its environment through changes of season, lifestyle and dietary choices. Eastern medicine is a safe, drug-free way of correcting these symptoms. One of TCM's many strengths is that even though our environment, and in particular our diets, are changing at a rapid pace our bodies still react to these influences in certain ways and in certain patterns, the same way it has for thousands of years. So having this ancient tool of treatment available to us we are still able to treat and work with many of the modern dis-eases such as food sensitivities, obesity and subfertility in an effective manner. What are the most frequent reasons people visit you for acupuncture? Primarily the majority of my clients are those that are having some issues around hormone imbalance, fertility and conception. In the last few years this has led into a natural progression of seeing many women through their pregnancies and helping them to prepare for an efficient labour, which has been immensely satisfying and enjoyable. I also see clients for a number of common ailments such as insomnia and sleep disorders, anxiety and stress, pain related disorders and a wide variety of injuries. I am an ACC treatment provider; most of my ACC clients require treatments around neck, shoulder and back issues. Traditionally in Chinese Medicine the village doctor was responsible for keeping the community well and their role was to give preventative care to avoid any health issues. If too many people were ill the doctor was viewed as incompetent. Their role was to ensure best health for everyone at all times. I resonate with this ethos and try to deliver my practice in a way to ensure optimum health for those who seek my care. In saying that, I have an increasing percentage of clients that come in just for a regular monthly wellness tune up, whom I affectionately call my 'Acupuncture Junkies'.
An interview with acupuncturist and Traditional Chinese Medicine practitioner Justin Dwen, who answers all of our curious Eastern medicine questions...
Eastern Medicine From acupuncture to cupping
Interview with Justin Dwen, Maxwell Clinic
What would you tell someone to expect, who have never experienced Eastern medicine before? Be prepared to have an open chat about all aspects of your health. Usually your first session will last for an hour to an hour and a half, depending on your practitioner. The session will usually start with a consultation and diagnosis, then most often a treatment will follow. Most people are anxious about acupuncture and needles which I totally get. To put those concerned at ease in New Zealand, by law, we use needles that are extremely fine and single use. The sensation experienced may be that of a scratch, prick, mild ache or no sensation at all. After a session you may feel very relaxed and calm due the endorphins that are released during the session. I would guess that 20% of my clients have a wee snooze during acupuncture. So this confirms that it is very relaxing and calming and not a traumatic experience that most may imagine. Please keep in mind that it can't be that bad if millions of people have been receiving acupuncture for thousands of years and it's still gaining in popularity. If you have more questions about what to expect please check out my FAQ's page on my website. What is cupping? And why is it effective? Cupping is one of the treatment tools we have available. There is no definitive record of where and how cupping came about, but it has been used throughout Asia for thousands of years. Today we use glass cups that have the air either sucked out or burnt out using a flame, either way this creates a vacuum and the cups are placed on the skin of the body. This vacuum creates a gentle drawing action of the skin and tissue below into the "cup". Cupping is useful to help you recover and feel better when experiencing immune related illness such as the common cold. It is also used to help soft tissue such as muscles repair after injury. It pulls any old blood or fluid out from the surrounding tissues and draws new fresh blood into the area which speeds up the whole healing process. Many may have seen athletes such as Michael Phelps use this at the recent Olympics, as he was wanting his muscles to clear the lactic acid and recover faster between his record breaking gold medal swims. If someone was tossing up between cupping, acupuncture, or herbal medicines – what would you recommend for different health reasons? I would like to mention that as TCM is a holistic system that through our diagnosis we are looking for a root cause or syndrome to why this person is experiencing these, say for instance headaches. In TCM there may be 10 to 12 different syndromes of headache. Each of the treatments have their own strengths and weaknesses, but very generally speaking if a condition is acute, then acupuncture will probably be sufficient, but if the condition is more chronic then a combination of acupuncture and herbal medicine will probably be the course of action. The key point is to find the underlying syndrome of the client and relieve the symptoms as fast as possible, most commonly with acupuncture and then treat the root cause with a combination of other TCM tools using any of the treatment modalities available. In the case of the common cold or flu I would recommend cupping particularly during the change of season, and in the case of some soft tissue injuries. Acupuncture and herbal medicine both have their own strengths and weaknesses but generally speaking for any pain and stress related disorders such as adrenal fatigue, poor sleep and migraines, Acupuncture gives the fastest results. It is important to understand that your TCM practitioner should be able to explain a path and course of treatment and why each of the tools are being used. Some days you may feel like some cupping, but acupuncture is the best course of action to gain the desired result. Curious for more? Check out www.sacredlotus.com or visit me in clinic. MaxWell Clinic, maxwellclinic.co.nz.
By Abbie O'Rourke, Feel Fresh Nutrition
Find out more about Feel Fresh Nutrition www.feelfreshnutrition.com
Nothing for Me... I'm on a Cleanse
We can all admit to a failed juice cleanse or a quick detox as summer sets in, as the realisation that - short of locking yourself out of the kitchen - that dress may just not fit this time round. Fast-forward to after Christmas, it’s that same trigger that sees some of us throwing ourselves into a quick fix as a recovery mechanism after that fantastically indulgent holiday! It seems to be becoming socially acceptable to live hard, play hard, and then clean up just as hard. Because life’s all about ‘balance’ right? There are benefits to detoxing, cleansing and fasting, especially for specialised health reasons under practitioner guidance. However, if used purely for weight-loss purposes, the evidence that these techniques lead to long-term weight loss is lacking. It’s a case of slow and steady wins the race. It can be hard to comprehend and in turn appreciate the ceaseless toil that your beautiful body undertakes. It is a detox factory that works 24/7 - tirelessly striving to achieve a complete state of homeostasis with every organ system working in unison to maintain a stable internal environment. The removal of waste products and toxins is a continuous process, so we do not need to actively flush them out. Your digestive system, liver, and kidneys all ensure that harmful substances do not accumulate and are removed from your body (think food poisoning and alcohol). Your lungs constantly work to filter toxins, fumes and allergens. Your skin releases toxins through sweat when you exercise. I could go on all day. But we should marvel at our quiet internal achiever. To truly look and feel like an absolute goddess, pay your internal organs the kind attention they deserve. Every day. Give your digestive system a hug by avoiding items laden with processed sugar and instead send nutrient-dense food down the hatch. Love your kidneys by remaining hydrated and give the rest of your body the tools it needs to detox every minute of every day. This includes honouring your sleep and prioritising ways to keep those stress levels in check. Thankfully, it’s never too late to redefine your relationship with food. Let’s quit trying to outsmart or cheat the body by pressing the ‘reset’ button with shortcuts. Just like your own, determined internal achievers, it is the constant accumulation of every single healthy action you make that really matters. Go on, your body will love you for it.
Cliff Harvey ND, Dip.Fit, PhD candidate in nutrition (AUT University) is a registered clinical nutritionist and naturopath. He is considered one of the pioneers of low-carb nutrition in New Zealand and is currently researching metabolic adaptations to differing diets as part of doctoral studies at AUT University. Cliff is the author of six books including The Carbohydrate Appropriate Diet.
A Little Kiwi Start-Up Making the Quality Difference Count.
By Cliff Harvey. Naturopath, Nutritionist, Lead Formulator and Co-Founder of Nuzest
Find out more on this topic here: holisticperformancenutrition.com/articles--media/
I was living in Vancouver, Canada at the time, sitting in my Kitsilano apartment, chatting with a Kiwi (albeit with an Aussie inflected accent) entrepreneur via Skype. I can say looking back, that I didn’t expect much to arise from this conversation but this was one of the foundational moments in my life because it was pivotal in the formation of Nuzest. Trevor Bolland, Sydney-based Kiwi entrepreneur had been on a journey of learning for the few years prior to this conversation. You see, his daughter Monique (now the GM of Nuzest globally), had been diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, a degenerative disease of the spinal chord. They had together traveled the globe, learning about different health strategies that might help her and had come to understand that nutrition was key to living well with MS. Their learning over this time also convinced them of the value of supplementation to support a healthy diet, both for those working with a health condition like Monique (and myself - I have Crohn’s Disease - an autoimmune condition affecting the gastrointestinal system) and those simply wanting to live with more energy and more robust health to respond to the demands of daily life. That’s what led to us chatting about opportunities on a cold Autumn day in Vancouver… We had been introduced by a mutual friend and after only a brief discussion with Trevor I was ‘in’. His obvious passion for health, his desire to change the world one person at a time, and his no compromise approach to quality had me sold. We went on to work together for several years doing research and development in the health innovation space. However, we soon became frustrated with the lack of quality supplementation options and the sacrificing of quality for profit-margin in the industry. We saw the problems in the industry as being two-fold. 1) People simply did not know the best (safest) and worst forms of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients; and 2) Many supplements are simply ‘stock-standard’ formulas that are bought from a contract manufacturer overseas and ‘white-labelled’ for local companies. We decided to do something a little bit different and take a never-compromise approach to creating supplements. This included: finding the right development team, sourcing the very best ingredients, and creating our own products from the ground up, so that we know exactly what’s going in them. Over the last few years, we have pulled together an international formulation team that includes myself, Kira Sutherland, a prominent Australian naturopath and nutritionist in Australia, Dr Robert Verkerk, a UK research scientist and founder of the Alliance for Natural Health International (ANH) and Melanie Aldridge, CEO of ANH also from the UK. Since those early days, the quality difference has seen us become the go-to brand for quality supplements for many professional athletes, reputable practitioners, industry leaders and everyday Kiwis. A lot of people don’t realise that we constantly iterate the product too. We see what we do as akin to tech companies creating new and improved versions of their products regularly, would you rather have a Nokia 3210 or the latest iPhone? A perfect example of this is the topic of methylation and its effect on fatigue and wellbeing and a host of health conditions, fast-becoming a hot-topic in nutrition. We are proud that Good Green Stuff is one of the only products on the market with methylated B9 (L5MTHF folate) and B12 (methylcobalamin), even though these cost significantly more than the cheap, synthetic forms of these vitamins. As Trev (I think I’m the only person allowed to call him that) puts it, “We developed our own products because of the constant ‘down-grading’ of nutrition supplements to improve profit margins, at the expense of quality. Some of our materials cost around 150 times more than those commonly used…but we are not prepared to put our consumers at risk with ingredients that may be ineffectual or even harmful.” On every item line we strive to use only the best, safest ingredients available, regardless of cost. As a registered health practitioner and researcher I couldn’t stand behind products that were not custom built and constantly being improved. On a purely ‘bottom-line’ approach to business this may not make a lot of sense, but when you understand where we’ve come from - it fits perfectly.
Your Go-To Organic Huckleberry Has All Your Holistic Hook Ups
Let’s be honest. When you shop online it is hard to know where your kale-coconut-chia-goji-goodness is sourced from. Don’t stress your conscious chakras; this isn’t a mindful shopping cart guilt trip. On the conscious contrary! There is good news for us organic junkies, thanks to Huckleberry you can now shop online or in store and your mind can rest easy - knowing they have the organic origins of your shopping cart covered. With a vision for providing healthier, local, organic foods in more convenient ways Huckleberry is becoming a fast growing channel for conscious consumers throughout New Zealand. At Huckleberry the philosophy is simple – to allow as many people as possible, access to quality organic food and natural health alternatives. With over 30 years experience and a mix of nine, some old and newer stores Auckland wide (soon to be 10, with Jervois Rd, Herne Bay opening this Summer) and an online store that delivers nationwide, it’s clear that Huckleberry HQ is well on track to making an organic revolution a reality. Run by a team who pride themselves on providing products that are ethical, fair trade, environmentally conscious, and curated by a quality and knowledge lead team including a naturopaths who all collectively ensure, transparent, trust worthy, and safe products are brought into their stores the shelves are stacked high with soul food. Not to mention the fact there is an in store naturopaths offering free advice in their larger stores to anyone who stops by that may need help with holistic health options. Talk about holistic hook ups! If one thing is for sure Huckleberry has your wellbeing’s back. The stores have grown rapidly in the past 14 months and the Huckleberry team has been busy behind the scenes to get a few of the sustainable basics in order to support delivering Organics to more and more people. Essentially they are your organic go-to, serving the growing demand of conscious consumers for all of us who care about where our food comes from, and how it was grown. If you are a wellness junkie who vibes with all things local, ethical, organic, and sustainable then Huckleberry’s is worth a drop in.
Store listings and details Huckleberry Parnell Saatchi & Saatchi Building 125 The Strand, Parnell, Mon-Sun 7am-8pm Huckleberry Mt Eden 2E Esplanade Road, Mt Eden, Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Harvest Wholefoods 405 Richmond Rd, Grey Lynn Mon-Fri 8.30am-7pm Sat 8.30am-5pm Sun 9am-5pm Huckleberry Belmont 135 Lake Road, Belmont, Mon-Sun 6.30am-8pm Huckleberry Royal Oak 6 Campbell Rd, Royal Oak, Mon-Fri 8.30am-8pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-6pm Huckleberry Glen Innes 150 Apirana Ave, Glen Innes, Mon-Fri 9am-7pm Sat 9am-6pm Sun 10am-5pm Huckleberry Milford 52 East Coast Road, Milford, Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Huckleberry Oteha Valley 52 Oteha Valley Rd, Oteha, Mon-Sun 8am-8pm Huckleberry New Lynn 34 Portage Rd, New Lynn Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm Sat - Sun 9am - 5pm Huckleberry Herne Bay 170A Jervois Rd, Herne Bay Mon-Sun 8am-8pm www.huckleberry.co.nz
By Sarah Tanner, Greenleaf Organics
Citrus Fennel Salad
1234 5th Ave. NYC, NY 00000
Title Goes Here
Serves 4 For the salad: 1 orange, peeled and sliced as thinly as you can 2 fennel bulbs, tops and bottoms cut off, and thinly sliced 4 cups of fresh rocket leaves 1 carrot peeled and julienned 4 tsp watermelon seeds For the dressing: 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/2 teaspoon wholegrain mustard 1 teaspoon maple syrup 1 pinch himalayan salt Juice of 1/2 an orange Combine the ingredients in a large bowl, extract the watermelon seeds, and drizzle over the dressing. Lastly, sprinkle over the seeds, black pepper and edible flowers for extra visual feasting.
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Serves 4 4-6 cheeks dried mango – please ensure it’s organic, or at the very least, sulphate free 1 can organic coconut milk ¼ cup maple syrup or rice malt syrup for a lower sugar option ½ cup chia seeds Juice of half a lime Approximately 1 tbsp per serve of seasonal fresh fruit coconut yogurt Soak the mango cheeks in hot water for at least 15 minutes to soften. Add the mango along with 2 tbsp of the soaking water as well as the coconut milk, maple and lime into a high powered blender. Blend until thick and smooth. Transfer to a bowl and stir through the chia seeds. Place in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to thicken. Serve it up with generous servings of seasonal fresh fruit and a delicious dollop of coconut yogurt for added tummy loving pro-biotic goodness!
Maui Mango Chia Pudding