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My Experience Hearing the Dalai Lama Speak in India

by Nanci September 23, 2018
written by Nanci

 

Jordan pictured here at back with H.H the 14th Dalai Lama

The talk came in the courtyard of Tsuglagkhang Complex in Mclead Ganj, a subrurb of Dharamsala and the de facto capital of Tibet.  The complex contains the personal residence of the Dalai Lama, temples, bookshops and a Tibetan museum. As we waited for His Holiness to arrive we were asked to gather in groups according to nationality so he could come around and greet us when he arrived. When he he came he took photos with each group, tugging on beards and having a laugh and his joy was absolutely contagious.

Sitting on the floor in that courtyard I felt more like I was hearing stories from my grandfather than a top religious leader and Nobel Laureate. He joked frankly about the differences in our lives and his as a monk. There was a lot of ‘oh you crazy western kids’ to his humor. He laughed about how many people are going to Thailand, and how he suspects that many are going for the night clubs. “I think there is a lot of sex happening at the night club, isn’t it?” The crowd laughed along. He had managed to connect with 1500 people, mostly in their twenties, within minutes. He was just totally connected and authentic. “Many people are coming to Dharamsala also, many are coming and smoking hashish!” Everyone laughs. “OK OK,” he grins, “if you are smoking and it is bringing you benefit then do so, but only a little.” By now the crowd was hysterical, His Holiness chuckling along with us. The thing that sold me on his character more than any of his words was his laugh. He had a real, from the gut laugh that went on and on.

The Dalai Lama was recognized to be the 14th incarnation of the Boddhisattva of Compassion at age two and at age fifteen he was officially enthroned to begin his duties; he was now seventy-eight years old. For sixty-three years he has been shaking hands at events like this, but when he shook my hand there was no routine, no redundancy in his eyes; he looked at me like I was the only one there, the first hand he had ever shaken. The endurance of his optimism, the gem of his being was so clear in his presence.

He discussed his transition from an isolated country, living a quiet life to now doing these talks to tourists and foreigners all over the world. He spoke of his sense of global responsibility, of the duty to do what he can on a public platform to shine a light on the troubles of his people. He felt it was so important to spread these philosophies based on compassion and oneness in a world at war with itself.

The Dalai Lama has a deep and justified gratitude for the Indian government and people. He was accepted as a refugee in India when he was only 23 years old under extreme circumstances. The Chinese Cultural Revolution had come to Tibet to destroy Buddhism and Tibetan culture. His summer palace was attacked with two artillery shells as 30,000 citizens surrounded it to protect him. He was able to flee in disguise and reach India. 1.2 million Tibetans were killed in the violence that followed, 1/6th of their entire population.

He took this opportunity to praise the religious harmony and secular government of India. One Indian man politely challenged this in the question session, raising the issue of India’s current religious tensions. “When you are close to something which is small it looks big,” he said, “but when you step back and look at the big picture, you see how well India is doing. Don’t focus on the small negative points.”

Traditionally the role of the Dalai Lama has been to act as Head of State for Tibet and a high ranking administrator in the Tibetan School of Buddhism. His Holiness has totally revolutionized the position with his ability to truly connect with people all over the world. In a time when his people need him more than ever he has rose to the occasion and arguably brought more awareness to the plight of his people than any other leader of his time. As he approaches eighty years of age, the war against the Tibetan people and their culture continues. The need for a man of his character, intellect and charm is only growing. The biggest question for the people of Tibet is can the next incarnation possibly continue the great work done by His Holiness The 14th Dalai Lama?

Written by Jordan Ross Dore of Breathe in Life

September 23, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

Cinnamon Spiced Coffee w/ Coconut Milk – For Long Lasting Energy

by Nanci August 25, 2018
written by Nanci

There are many benefits to drinking coffee, from shielding skin cancer and lowering rates of type-2 diabetes to protecting one from Parkinson’s disease. However, your acidic cup of coffee can cause heartburn and major discomfort in your stomach that could put a damper on your day.

But fear not! There is a recipe that will be easy on your stomach, and will give you a healthy jolt of energy to keep you going all day. It is definitely not your typical cup of coffee, but it is one worth incorporating into your daily caffeine run.

coffee drink

 Photo via davidwolfe.com

Ingredients

Makes a pitcher for the week (or days if you drink more than a few cups a day)

  • ½ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ½ tsp cardamom
  • ½ tsp organic ground vanilla bean (optional – for vanilla lovers)
  • 4 cups coffee ground (your favorite roast) or herbal coffee
  • 1 cup raw organic vanilla or vegan protein powder
  • 10 dates (recommend them to be pitted)
  • 2 cups coconut milk (can also use rice milk, almond milk, cashew milk – whatever makes you happy! Just try to stay away from fatty dairies like creamers or whole milk)

Directions

  1. Brew coffee with spices.
  1. Blend coffee, coconut milk, dates and powder in a high-speed blender until smooth.
  1. Enjoy each morning to wake you up, energize you and keep you feeling satisfied, without the crash.

Recipe via David Wolfe

August 25, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

The Magical Role of Antioxidants

by Nanci August 9, 2018
written by Nanci

Photo by choosingslim.com

The Magical Role of Antioxidants

We hear a lot about how antioxidants are great and all the magical ways we can increase our daily intake by double-dosing that blueberry smoothie. But remind me, do we really know what it all means?

Antioxidants are substances or nutrients found in our bodies that help stop or slow down oxidative damage. Our bodies use oxygen to function and as a result free radicals are produced. These little negative charges bounce around in the body causing all sorts of damage to our cells. This is however, a natural process, and antioxidants clear up the free radicals, helping to reduce the damage.

Unfortunately, nowadays to many people are not eating enough fruits and vegetables, and due to the toxicity of our environments its hard to live ‘free-radical free’.

If your looking to increase your overall well-being and feel more energized, simply increase your antioxidant intake and give your body a helping hand.

Might I add, while current research is mixed, some studies are showing that antioxidant supplements reduce the risk of disease, while others have found no benefit. What I believe, if you have a diet rich in mixed fruit and veg – and a high antioxidant profile – one does not need supplements and can thrive on the nourishment of fresh food.

Let’s look at some ways to naturally increase your antioxidant intake:

1. Eat the rainbow!

Antioxidants give color to foods, so imagine all the different colors you see at your market and the potential? For example, eggs with bright orange yolks are high in astaxanthin, an important anti-inflammatory antioxidant.

Now from experience, one does not need to over-excite and grab the exotic super fruit from across the globe. Local fruit has just as much, if not more antioxidant powers to it than one might think. The key here is variety. Switch things up and aim for two or three different colors each day. Juicing plays a wonderful role here in maximizing your antioxidant load through colors of the rainbow.

2. Pay attention to food prep.

How to prepare and cook your vegetables plays a major role in your nutrient intake then you might think. No one is asking you to become a rabbit, although my cousin ate so many raw carrots from the garden one year his fingers began to turn orange! But raw veggies antioxidant content is at its full (aside from tomatoes, which when cooked have a higher lycopene content, a prostate cancer reducing antioxidant).

 A few tips for maximizing cooked veg:

– Don’t peel

– Minimize chopping

– Do not pre-soak your veggies

– Cook quickly at high-temp rather than slowly at low-heat

– Steam is the dream! Helps retain nutrients best

– The crunchier the better, chewing is where its at, trust me.

3. Spice it up!

After discovering the flavor herbs and spices can bring to your food there is no turning back! Easily increase your antioxidant intake by adding fresh herbs and non-irradiated spices into the mix. Turmeric in particular is a kung-fu fighting machine when it comes to antioxidants! *Tip* This spice mixes well with cumin, coriander and cinnamon!

Get creative! Mixing chives and dill to yogurt, sprinkling thyme and rosemary on roasted yams and loading your pasta with fresh basil!

4. Drink it up!

You would be surprised at the amount of antioxidants around you. We’re not talking that $10 juice from around the corner, or the jam-packed smoothie you made for lunch. Say hello to the 1-stop-shop glass of goodness:

Green tea, cranberry juice, cherry juice, even coffee and red wine (hello!) are good sources of antioxidants. Again the keys are variety, moderation and balance.

Matcha tea (a type of green tea made from powdered tea leaves) is a particularly rich source of antioxidants, and while this can be an acquired taste, you can get the benefits without the taste simply by adding ½ a teaspoon of the powder to smoothies, yogurts, or your morning cereal.

5. Think before your snack.

A tasty and powerful go-to snack, not only are nuts and seeds a great in-between meal but they are rich in antioxidants. Brazil nuts are loaded with selenium, excellent for brain health, while almonds are great sources of Vitamin-E.

Now let’s get real – from one chocolate lover to another we mustn’t forget this Holy Grail. My best advice is to reach for 70% dark cocoa mass, which can have a positive effect on heart health. A sweet reminder though, moderation people! A square or 2 a day is mighty fine.

Written by Breathe in Life guide and Holistic Nutritionist Meghan Trompetter

August 9, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

Finalists for Comedy Wildlife Photography

by Nanci July 20, 2018
written by Nanci

The organizers of the international contest, the Сomedy Wildlife Photography Awards, selected 40 best photographs submitted by participants in 2016, Design You Trust writes.

The winner whose name will be announced by the end of October will receive photography equipment from Nikon and a chance to join a one-week safari in Kenya.

comedy-wildlife_08

Photo: Alex Jevon

comedy-wildlife_05

Photo: Brigitta Moser

comedy-wildlife_02

Photo: Philip Marazzi

comedy-wildlife_15

Photo: George Dian Balan

comedy-wildlife_07

Photo: Artyom Krivosheev

comedy-wildlife_03

Photo: Gil Gofer

comedy-wildlife_04

Photo: Yuzuru Masuda

comedy-wildlife_06

Photo: Megan Lorenz

comedy-wildlife_09

Photo: Anup Deodhar

comedy-wildlife_10

Photo: Caroline Tout

comedy-wildlife_11

Photo: Austin Thomas

comedy-wildlife_14

Photo: Angela Bohlke

comedy-wildlife_12

Photo: Usman Priyona

comedy-wildlife_13

Photo: Brigitta Moser

comedy-wildlife_16

Photo: Mario Gustavo Fiorucci

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Photo: Tom Stables

comedy-wildlife_18

Photo: Nicholas De Vault

comedy-wildlife_19

Photo: Andy Howard

comedy-wildlife_20

Photo: Patricia Bauchman

From birdinflight.com

July 20, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

7 Ways To “Think” Your Way Out Of Physical Pain

by Nanci June 28, 2018
written by Nanci

As a physical therapist who specializes in pain management, I find many patients misunderstand or misinterpret the concept of pain. Pain serves a fundamental purpose: to protect you, tell you something is wrong, and motivate you to take action. Without pain, you wouldn’t feel a needle prick or ankle sprain.

The pivotal, often overlooked concept is that your brain, not your body, creates pain. That understanding becomes a game changer because, new research reveals, when you understand pain, you can heal better and faster.

Rather than pain receptors, your body contains nociceptors that carry danger messages along nerves and up into the brain. Your brain interprets how you deal with that pain.

I want to be clear that pain is always real. Pain isn’t in your head; it exists in your brain. When you understand your brain controls pain, you can take control to transform how you see and work through pain.

From that perspective, I want my patients to understand these seven key concepts about pain:

1. Pain becomes chronic for several reasons.

Pain shouldn’t stick around. When it lingers beyond 90 days, it becomes chronic or persistent. This can occur for numerous reasons like if you have a weak immune system, your environment isn’t optimal for healing, or you struggle with poor lifestyle choices like lack of exercise, nutrient deficiencies, being overweight, poor sleep, and stress.

2. Pain has its limitations.

Pain isn’t very good at telling you where the problem is located. With chronic pain—or pain that sticks around more than 90 days—it often moves around and changes location for seemingly no reason. Sometimes with an injury, you might not have pain. Even two of the exact same injuries can have different outcomes.

3. Your brain ultimately decides whether or not you experience pain.

Pain is an output of your brain, not an input from the body. Many parts of the brain contribute, such as those responsible for movement, emotions, memories, language, sight, sound, smell, hearing, and touch. Your whole brain gets involved with pain. Within a millisecond, millions of brain cells contribute to that decision to produce or not produce pain.

4. Conventional medicine often misinterprets pain.

Old-school medicine evaluates things like your joints or muscles to understand pain, yet more cutting-edge pain management looks at the brain and nervous system. From that understanding, persistent pain can occur because of an overly sensitive nervous system or how your brain processes information from your body and environment.

5. Your beliefs and surroundings affect pain.

Thoughts like “I fear pain and avoid certain activities” and “Activity, movement, or work will make my pain worse” prolong your ability to heal. Stress, social withdrawal, and lack of support can also adversely affect pain management.

6. Your brain prioritizes pain.

Twisting your ankle on a busy sidewalk can create piercing pain. But let’s say you twist your ankle while walking across a busy street, where a car could hit you. Your brain prioritizes the worst potential danger, which obviously means getting across the street without getting hit. (That doesn’t mean you won’t feel ankle pain later.)

7. Understand how you can heal and how pain can empower you.

Mindset, exercise, stress control, optimal sleep, and nutrition are among the many things you can do to take control and minimize pain’s impact. Lifestyle factors play far more of a role in pain management than conventional medicine often wants to acknowledge.

Blog by Joe Tatta

June 28, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

The Theme for May is TRUST – Power Path Monthly Forecast

by Nanci June 12, 2018
written by Nanci

 

The main theme for May is TRUST!

 

We have survived the energies of April (some of us barely) and are now facing a new game, a new dream, new possibilities, a new sense of self and a lot of unknown. Just as powerfully as April shook things up, May provides us with a potent opportunity for changing our game and moving into that new dream we all so desperately want. For some of us it will require a leap of faith and for some simply a willingness to allow new things into our lives in a new way.

This will take a great deal of trust as well as discipline in eliminating any attachment to old ways of thinking, judgment, and doubt. The most important lesson this month is to trust and allow your life to be supported in unfolding in a very new way, one that you are not familiar with but you welcome and receive. It is helpful to keep a “don’t know mind” and to trust that all is manifesting as it should. It is also important that you notice your expectations and assumptions that lead and lock you back into old experiences from the past.

For example, if you have always had a particular experience in the past around seeing a certain person or doing a certain task or under the influence of a particular astrology, consider that this time around the same experience could be very different under a new game, a new dream and a new set of influences. This consideration requires that you eliminate your passive expectation that it will always be business as usual. You need to let go of your assumptions and give the universe some room to present you with a different experience.

So the next time you make plans for spending time with a difficult relative or tackling a task that was always challenging in the past, decide it can be different and then trust that it will be. The expectations that come from your mind are based on past experiences and the language of the past. There is no intellectual language for the future, as the future has not manifested yet. So you are doing yourself a disservice by expecting the future to unfold in the same way as it has in the past.

It is time to change the game. And this means setting new RULES for yourself. Examine how the patterns of the past create a negative rule that guides your life in the same direction over and over again. Some of those rules are positive and some are negative. We are mostly concerned here with the negative rules however if you have a positive rule that limits expansion and new direction, you may need to revise that rule as well.

Here are some examples:

You always get the worst seat, or you always get the best seat.

You always attract the right people, or you always attract the wrong people.

You always get into a fight with a relative when you see them.

You always get sick during a certain time of year, or you never get sick.

You never have enough time.

You never have good luck, or you always have the best luck.

Setting new rules for yourself is a way of structuring your intentions to move in a new direction. We have been talking for months and even years around the theme of “out with the old, in with the new”. This month will support that in a big way as long as you can really eliminate the “old” and welcome in the “new”. And this takes TRUST.

Another potent and exciting aspect of this month is acknowledging the power of your intuition as a guiding principle in setting your intentions and trusting in a new direction. Intuition is non-intellectual and helps us to “feel” into things instead of rationalize them. Remember that rationalization uses language from the past and past experiences, whereas intuition feels into the future.

Your intuition “knows” your true values, and your values are important building blocks to the foundation of your future. It is no longer acceptable to be engaged in activity that goes against your personal values and integrity. Moving towards what your heart wants and your intuition agrees with will be what ultimately changes the game. So trust you intuition, trust your new rules, trust right timing and trust the new game.

 

How the month shows up

YOU PERSONALLY

You have the opportunity this month to change your habits, patterns, and beliefs about yourself in a big way. There is also an opportunity to develop you intuition and begin to trust it in ways you have not been able to in the past. The influences we have and the support of the times can insure that whatever change and reset you make for yourself can be permanent.

Because the times require a total shift in order to move forward, whatever personal change you put total commitment and trust behind, will become permanent as long as you continue to trust it. There is also an aspect of going within and really telling the truth to yourself about what is important to you. What are your values? Where have you been compromising? There is finality to what you decide to cut loose and leave behind.

Don’t be surprised if you go through times of grieving for what is past, even if it was positive and good. In a way you are leaving the nest of your comfort zone and striking out into the unknown. As you look forward into your future, set your intentions from the wisdom and intuition of your heart and then trust you are on the right path.

 

RELATIONSHIPS

Relationships can be many things this month. Some will test you, some will support you, some will confirm you are on the right track and some will be your biggest challenge. Relationship lessons this month will include working with your intuition and deeper knowing around what is healthy and what is not healthy. Often it is difficult to let go of something known and familiar even when you know intuitively it is no longer right for you.

In the greater picture of change and evolution, trusting that when a space opens up, there is actually something better and more supportive out there for you. There may be times this month when you are fed up and irritated with the behaviors of others. Pay close attention to your unconscious habits of putting up with relationships that no longer serve you and cut them loose if appropriate. You may mourn the loss but find freedom in the space.

 

HEALTH AND THE PHYSICAL BODY

This is maybe the biggest area of trust and faith this month. We have very strong collective belief systems in place about health, disease, aging, healing and what is possible and not possible for the human body. Without needing to “know” mentally, this is the month to push the envelope of what we believe to be true and to invite some concepts at the edge of the “box” to begin to manifest.

The area of the physical body is where you can readily witness what your rules and beliefs are about what is possible and what you are capable of. Examine your personal rules about your health, weight, energy levels, conditions, capabilities, challenges, limitations, how much sleep you need, how much food you need, and in general what your body needs according to what you have been taught.

It is time to change the game and the body is a great place to practice implementing a new set of rules and trusting that it will be so.

 

ENVIRONMENT

Be the witness here in regards to the environment and trust that everything is happening just exactly according to some larger plan. Environmental events will continue to be intense, unpredictable, inconvenient, radical, and completely out of your control.

What you do have control over is your personal immediate environment. Represent a change in your game by cleaning out, clearing something, letting go and changing things up. It is a good time to really pay attention to your personal environment. What can you change? What can you upgrade? What can you get rid of? What have you been living with that you no longer notice but no longer serves? Be proactive and trust that when you let go of something you make room for something new.

 

BUSINESS/PARTNERSHIPS/PROJECTS

The same concept as working with the environment is also true for business, partnerships and projects. You need to trust that letting go of something you have been struggling with for a long time will only lead to freedom and something better and more in alignment with you. Many will make important decisions this month to finally quit a toxic job, complete a partnership that is no longer viable, or let go of a project that has been a struggle.

There is a need to TRUST that when one door closes another one opens. Even though you cannot see the path you need to trust that it is taking you in the right direction. Instead of trying to figure out where you are going with your mind, trust your intuition and let the right project, work or partnership choose you.

The unstable and unsettled energies of April are still somewhat at work, influencing a need to re examine values and truth before moving forward in a new direction.

 

DATES AND TIME FRAMES

May 1-7: This time frame is one of going within, exploring what is out of balance and setting a new path for yourself. It is a good week for cleaning and clearing, disengaging from anything toxic, setting new boundaries, telling the truth to yourself about what is not working and being patient with the irritations that are still keeping things a bit unsettled.

Some intentions will finally find their groove and be on their way, supported by a clear path. Some intentions will hit a wall of challenge and be thwarted at every turn. And some intentions will still be elusive in their clarity and commitment.

It is important to begin to really trust the process and not judge your life or other people’s actions through a limited focus on the negative. Trusting is more than just saying the words. It is truly handing over the process to spirit and moving forward from a place of intuition. You “know” what is right, so if there is a bit of chaos and confusion around you due to retrograde planets, be patient and trust that everything will unfold as it should when the time is right.

 

May 6: New Moon is Friday, May 6 at 1:30 PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT). An earthy, robust day for having great gratitude for what is different and moving in your life. Celebrate your gifts and be inspired by what you can taste, feel and exchange with others. This is a good day to put your hands into the earth and do some planting either physically or symbolically.

Bury the past and face the future with your own values, your own intuition, and your own trust. Ask for our great ally, pachamama, mother earth, to nurture those seeds and help you and your new intentions to grow into the most beautiful blooms.

 

May 8-15: A time of testing, perseverance, finding your inner strength, working with “time” in a new way, and re-assessing your values. It is also a time when hard decisions may be made for necessary change. You have support for releasing something from the past, some manifestation of an old belief system or something you have been holding on to as a known security even though you can clearly see it is no longer right for you. These changes may be difficult as you let go of what you have become accustomed to and what is familiar. There may be a grieving process as well. If change happens to you as a side effect of someone else’s decision, accept it and see it as an opportunity for your own reset.

Even though you cannot see the road ahead, you will need to use TRUST as your greatest asset as you take that leap of faith into something new. It is very important that you resist the temptation to define what you expect to happen in your life based on old experiences. Practice being like a child that has no library of past experiences to influence their expectations. Expect things to be different than they were before, keep an open mind and heart and always focus on what is new.

 

May 16-22: We are worn out, some of us disillusioned or in doubt. Did we make the right choices? Can we be this selfish? Do we deserve what we are asking for? Why are there not more signs to let us know we are on the right track?

This is a murky time of inner evaluation and where the trust in your values and choices really comes into play. Wherever you are, whomever you are with, and whatever you are doing needs to be trusted as the very right thing that has chosen you. Relax and enjoy the ride, whatever it may be.

This time frame really supports the “being” part of who we are. BE your intentions, BE your new rules, BE trusting, BE inspired, BE patient, and BE willing.

 

May 21: Full Moon is Saturday, May 21 at 3:14 PM Mountain Daylight Time (MDT) This moon is a set up for great movement and manifestation. It is a productive time where much power and energy can be harnessed for fueling your new game. If you have been consistent in your trust and consistent in your truth and determined in your intentions, then your path will be clear, open and ready for traffic.

If you are still in the unsettled place of confusion, ambivalence and fear of change, you have work to do.

 

May 23-31: It is all systems go. This is a time of movement, fruition and action. At times you may feel that things are moving a bit too fast and out of your control but you must trust that this has all been put into motion by your intentions for change and the discipline to leave the past behind. You may not understand all that is coming your way, but you need to trust that it is the right thing.

For example, you may meet someone that you have a very strong intuitive feeling of connection with but you may not clearly yet see where they fit into your life. Or you can have a strong sense of needing to go somewhere or study something or do a project but you don’t know why. There is a part of you that knows why, but it is not the intellectual part. This is where trust comes in and the intellectual clarity will follow. So follow and trust your heart. As long as you move forward from your own integrity, values and intuition, you cannot go wrong.

Have a great month,

Lena

Article written by Lena of thepowerpath.com

June 12, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

A Day at the Green School in Bali

by Nanci June 12, 2018
written by Nanci


In the shade of the open-air bamboo warung (the Balinese equivalent of a small cafe), I listened to the buzz of the cicadas rather than the buzz of fluorescent bulbs, and sipped on a frozen strawberry lemonade drink made with fresh fruit and raw cane sugar grown just across the path. I watched as children rushed in to order a morning treat, which came atop a small basket of banana leaves (instead of paper napkins), swallowing down fresh fruit juice out of glass cups (instead of plastic). The morning went by slowly and gracefully; parents sat in the warung for hours, talking with each other and with me, eager and anxious to find human connections anywhere and everywhere.

The Green School, the soul-child of John and Cynthia Hardy, sits on 23 acres of lush, tropical landscape. The bamboo classrooms (which house pre-K through 11th grade) seem to nearly sprout right out of the ground. The Heart of School is the most stunning; currently the largest bamboo structure in the world, it comprises two swirling vortexes that collide to create a third, double vortex in the middle. The Heart of School houses the library, the administrative offices, and a few classrooms. As we take our tour, we walk by skilled Balinese men sitting cross-legged on the floor building lockers out of, you guessed it: bamboo. In fact everything is made of bamboo, from the shoe cubbies to the dry-erase boards to the beautiful beams engraved with names of the school’s supporters.


Delicious smells waft throughout the open-air building as the cooks throw delectable pieces of local meat onto the BBQ and prepare salads and potatoes from produce grown right there on the school’s land. Surrounding the Heart of School are gardens bursting with ripe, red tomatoes, shaggy heads of lettuce, fruits of all shapes and colors. In fact, every classroom is responsible for its own garden.


“The idea is that the gardens roll right up to the edge of everything,” explains John. “The Earth is here for one reason: that’s to produce food for people and for animals. If kids figure out that the Earth is for food, maybe then they’ll think twice about bulldozing it.” As we walk, John points out each tree as we walk by: banana, jackfruit, cacao, clove, tapioca, papaya. Suddenly we are surrounded by a soft cloud of dragonflies. “Proof that there aren’t any pesticides,” remarks Cynthia with a smile, for they’re eating the bugs that would otherwise be wiped out by farming chemicals.

But it’s not just food that excites John and Cynthia about this place. It’s the bamboo. “Bamboo is really magical,” John says lovingly. He references a Vietnamese proverb: When the bamboo is old, bamboo sprouts appear. And indeed, bamboo can grow forever.

We stop and speak to a woman who is splitting bamboo seedlings, and John and Cynthia explain their program to spread the growth of bamboo. This woman processes more than 400 seedlings a day, which can then be split again in a few months, reaping hundreds and thousands of tiny future shoots of bamboo. They take these seedlings to surrounding villages and give them to the farmers to plant, which allows the plant to suck up more CO2 and deliver more oxygen. “After 5 years when the bamboo is fully grown,” Cynthia points to a piece of bamboo wider than my thigh, “we’ll go back and buy the bamboo from them.”

Bamboo is also being used to help teach the students about their own effect on the environment. John and Cynthia seek to create a carbon-positive community. The students will look at their travel, the amount of gas they burn, and the amount of electricity they use to calculate their own carbon footprint. They can then understand how much bamboo they will need to plant to not just offset their carbon footprint, but to send their effect into the positive.

The real magic of the Green School, though, happens inside (and outside of) the classrooms. It is obvious to me, as Carina Hardy, their middle daughter, trots past us donning an enormous Monty Python costume, chanting silly words which explode into giggles, that these children are excited to be at school: they are alive, empowered and challenged by the idea that they can influence the world around them in a very profound way.

The school’s mission statement reads “Empowering global citizens and green innovators who are inspired to take responsibility for the sustainability of the world.” The administration is constantly finding new ways to incorporate new ways of thinking and seeing into the students’ curriculum. Not far on the horizon, Cynthia hopes to be able to incorporate more physical interaction with the land: “Kids will take responsibility over pieces of land,” Cynthia says. “They will work the land, cultivate seedlings, plant the seedlings, weed the rice fields. When the rice is fully grown, they will cut it, thresh it, take it to the mill. They will see brown rice and compare it to white rice. They will look at the weight, the cost, the world price versus the subsidized price, how many hours it took to make, how nutritious it is.” Students also learn how to make soap from coconuts, chairs and charcoal from other natural resources. This is the vision: a complete, sustainable and experiential learning experience that takes advantage of what’s been provided here on Earth, and using that to both create and conserve.

John and Cynthia’s daughters have embraced the greater responsibility and entrepreneurial spirit that comes with being a student at The Green School. Their youngest daughter, Chiara, recognized a need for new computers at the school and kickstarted an “Ice Cream for iPads” program in which she sells cups of gelato during breaks and lunchtime for 20,000 rupiah (a little less than $2.50). So far, Chiara’s initiative has put 4 iPads in the library! 15-year-old Carina Hardy takes on leadership positions of all kinds as well; as a sophomore she is now co-directing the school’s spring play, The Wizard of Oz. John’s eldest daughter, Elora, was never a student at the Green School, but she shares her father’s passion for change and runs Ibuku, a design firm responsible for the sustainable design and construction of both the Green School and their newest pursuit, Green Village, a community of staggering open-air homes made entirely from bamboo.

 

As we finish our tour, we walk by the initial model for the Heart of School. “This is how it started,” says Cynthia. “It started as a sketch, and then it became little sticks glued together, and then it became this.” She gestures around her. “It is the product of our collective imagination.” Indeed, as my eyes wandered from the tiny model building to the giant swirling weave of bamboo above my head, I could feel the reality of the place. There’s no theory or proposal here: this is the real deal. Things are happening quickly, thoughtfully and profoundly.

John expresses his gratitude for TED as we leave. “When they published my talk, everything at this school took off like a rocket ship.” John referenced a student body of 120 in his TEDTalk last summer; since then that number has doubled, as has the number of countries represented by the students. Their new challenge: finding teachers who are committed to teaching the most basic of concepts in the most exciting of ways.

 

Photos by Benny Haddad and Rachel Tobias.

Blog via blog.ted.com/a-day-at-the-green-school-in-bali/

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June 12, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

Lose Weight Without Losing Your Mind

by Nanci May 29, 2018
written by Nanci

Are you preparing for a new you? Jumping on the bandwagon with the number one Resolution? You guessed it: Weight Loss. Every year people continue to struggle with weight loss, emotional eating, excess fast food intake, stress, and of course lack of exercise. Have you been frustrated with your body or your health? Moderate successes followed by relapses and frustration? It’s rampant. The problem when it comes to weight loss is that people continue to believe that the solution is to eat less food and exercise more. This, my friends is how you lose your mind, according to Dr. Doug Lisle, author of The Pleasure Trap.

You see we are designed as humans with a motivational triad, according to Dr. Lisle,  stating that all humans 1) Seek Pleasure. 2) Avoid pain. 3) Are driven by energy efficiency, that is, we want the most with the least amount of effort. With the food industry stripping our food of nutrients and creating high fat, high-salt, high-sugared processed foods they have catered to our addictive pleasure sensors that seek the pleasure of these foods. The more these foods are consumed, the more they spike the pleasure sensors, like a drug. Gravitating towards a whole natural foods diet will bring the pleasure sensors down, which means these foods won’t seem as enjoyable at first. The good news is that after several weeks our taste nerves actually adapt back to normal levels and the original “pleasurable foods” don’t have that same pleasurable spike effect. The drug effect subsides.

How to avoid eating less calories then? Look at the China Study. In rural areas of China they consumed more calories per day than in the US. As per the study 2641 calories/day on average were consumed in China vs. 1981 calories/day in the US. More calories. Less weight. Less heart disease. Less cancer. Less diabetes. The difference? Nutrient density of the food. Dietary fiber was 33g/day in China vs. 12 g/day in the US. Total calories of fat/day in China was 14% vs 34-38% in the US.  Animal proteins 0.8% of calories in China vs. 10-11% in the US. The conclusion? Eating more fiber rich fruits, vegetables and plant based proteins and fill up on it!

Nutrient Density is a powerful tool to have the pleasure of feeling full without having a concentration of pleasure trapping calories that don’t serve you.  You won’t have to go through the process of restriction and losing your mind! Adding a cup of oatmeal for breakfast every day or chia pudding (4 Tbsp Chia has approximately 16g of fiber. Combine with almond milk and cinnamon with blueberries and vanilla for a tasty breakfast) or try a cup of black beans to your dinner every day. Each will help you feel more satiated without deprivation. A large salad, with a simple lemon juice and sea salt and a couple Tbsp of olive oil. Try one option for 30 days to see the difference it makes.

The path to maintaining a healthy lifestyle will be filled with many obstacles to slide back into the pleasure trap. The path to health must be worthwhile for you. Remember the choices you make will lead to your continued frustration or your peace of mind.

Written by Kristin Fraser from Inner Glow Nutrition.

Check out Kristin and Sarah Zandbeek’s retreat in Nicaragua in March 2016. Live, healthy, raw food and restorative yoga in a beautiful setting!

>> www.breatheinlife.com/trainings/rejuvenation-retreat/welcome

May 29, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet

by Nanci May 24, 2018
written by Nanci

As many of you know, I’m fairly obsessed with healthy ice pops (I even wrote a cookbook devoted to them). Last week, if it seemed like ice pops were taking over the internet, you weren’t imagining things—the annual #popsicleweek was in full swing, with bloggers from far corners of the World Wide Web submitting their most impressive creations. We rounded up some of the healthiest of the bunch (these are all gluten-free, refined-sugar-free, and dairy-free) for your summer pleasure.

Chocolate Caramel Swirl Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageThe Bojon Gourmet

These pops utilize a genius two-ingredient dairy-free caramel recipe and contain no refined sugar. Get the full recipe here.

Banana Pudding Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageKale and Caramel

These are all about that cookie crumble, which tastes insanely decadent despite being made with only good-for-you ingredients. Get the full recipe here.

Pistachio Mint Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageFaring Well

Made with just four simple ingredients, these pops are simple, sophisticated, and a bit unexpected. Get the full recipe here.

Hibiscus Berry Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageFeed The Swimmers

These stunners get their vibrant color from vitamin C-packed hibiscus tea. Get the full recipe here.

Roasted Peach & Matcha Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageTasty Yummies

This pop might be the best breakfast ever, with creamy, vanilla-bean-sweetened peaches and a pop of grassy, zesty matcha. Get the full recipe here.

White Chocolate Basil Pops with Edible Flowers

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageSprouted Routes

If you’ve never had (totally dairy-free) white chocolate and basil together, you’re missing out. The edible flowers add a whimsical (but optional) touch. Get the full recipe here.

Tropical Tangerine Turmeric Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageDisplaced Housewife

These pops contain tons of anti-inflammatory ingredients and even protein-packed, gut-soothing collagen, to boot. Get the full recipe here.

Unicorn Pops

These Are The Best Healthy Ice Pop Recipes On The Internet Hero ImageCooking Is My Therapy

If you’re still on the all-unicorn-everything train, these pops are for you. With vibrant colors that come from berries, these eye-catching pops bring magic to your summer. Get the full recipe here.

Blog by Liz Moody from Mind Body Green

May 24, 2018 0 comment
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Lifestyle

18 Rules of Living by the Dalai Lama

by Nanci April 21, 2018
written by Nanci

1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk.

2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson.

3. Follow the three Rs: 1. Respect for self 2. Respect for others 3. Responsibility for all your actions.

4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck.

5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly.

6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great friendship.

7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it.

8. Spend some time alone every day.

9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values.

10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer.

11. Live a good, honourable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time.

12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life.

13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past.

14. Share your knowledge. It’s a way to achieve immortality.

15. Be gentle with the earth.

16. Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

17. Remember that the best relationship is one in which your love for each other exceeds your need for each other.

18. Judge your success by what you had to give up in order to get it.

 

April 21, 2018 0 comment
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