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| 1 www.happywellmag.com December 2015 Spirit rituals edition rituals to attract an enchanted 2016

Spirit Rituals Edition: Happiness + Wellbeing

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Page 1: Spirit Rituals Edition: Happiness + Wellbeing

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December 2015Spirit ritualsedition

rituals to attract an enchanted

2016

freesneak peek

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This heart-felt creation has been deliberately and intuitively infused with positive + healing energy, loving vibes and an abundance of happiness before being released into

the big, beautiful universe.

@HappyWellMag

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c on ten tS

52

happy regulars7 HAPPY BITS

7 HAPPY BOOKS

happy features8 CRYSTAL RITUALS

By: Naaz Ali

16 HOW TO CELEBRATE YOU

By: Meredith Cameron

18 RELATIONSHIP RITUALS FOR THE NEW YEAR

By: Isiah McKimmie

22 RECAPITULATION: THE RITUAL THAT WILL TRANSFORM YOUR YEAR

By: Sara Courter

26 FIVE PRACTICES FOR INNER PEACE

By: Carly Hicks

29 RECLAIMING YOUR POWER FROM PAST RELATIONSHIPS

By: Nora Caron

25

43

8

81

dec 2015

47 20

in this issue

57

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82

33 THE WRITING RITUAL

By: Jillian Murphy

36 A RITUAL TO ACTIVATE AND ATTRACT SUCCESS

By: Gina George

39 FEATURED POET: RENEE AVARD-FURLOW

By: Renee Avard-Furlow

40 THE GOAL YOU SHOULD SET THIS NEW YEAR

By: Elyse Santilil

44 YOUR STRESS-FREE TO-DO LIST

By: Alessia Gandolfo

47 USING ORACLE CARDS AS JOURNALING PROMPTS

By: Laura Bray

50 WELLNESS COCKTAILS FOR THE NEW YEAR

By: Samantha Gemmell

56 FEATURED ARTIST: LAUREN HUNG

With Lauren Hung (The Blackline by Lauren)

98

264322

16

36

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PUBLISHER Happy Planet Apps

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Cassandra Lane

COVER Naaz Ali

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Kaihla Tonai (kaihlatonai.com)

CONTRIBUTORS Naaz Ali

Meredith CameronIsiah McKimmie

Sara CourterCarly HicksNora Caron

Jillian MurphyGina George

Renee Avard-FurlowElyse Santilli

Alessia GandolfoLaura Bray

Samantha GemmellLauren Hung

Emily Meagher

DEVELOPER Brian Tanedo

For advertising queries, email [email protected]

Want to contribute to H+W magazine? Send us an email at [email protected]

with your pitch idea.

For more information, contact Happiness + Wellbeing Magazine at [email protected]

Copyright 2015 Happiness + Wellbeing Magazine.All Rights Reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the publishers. The information in Happiness + Wellbeing magazine is for

educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice or attention of health care professionals.

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guru

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“ the best online adventure

you’ll go on ...”- Suzzi Hartery, Nourished Hub

start playing at thetruthordaregame.com

Proudly created by

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The four agreementsby Don miguel ruizThe go-to spiritual handbook for navigating life on the earthly plane. It identifies the four ‘agreements’ of life on earth and how abiding by them can be a catalyst for phenomenal joy

and transcendance.

happy bits

warrior goddess trainingby heatherash amara

This wisdom infused, no BS guide to living your very best and most femininely driven life is a must read for all women. Guiding you to incorporate simple and loving practices into your daily routine, it empowers you to amplify your goddess vibes.

WILD FEMININEby TAMI LYNN KENTWild Feminine invites every woman to journey deep into the heart of her female body, to her root place, and the center of all womanhood. Through stories, visualizations, and creative exercises, this guide to nurturing, healing, and exploring the feminine nature looks at unleashing your wild feminine self.

VIEW ONLINE

happy books

FULL MOON RITUAL + GUIDED MEDITATION BY WABI SABI WELL

Including a four-page printable step-by-step full moon ritual guide outlining how to make the most out of the full moon vibes as well as a guided full moon meditation, this beautiful offering from Wabi Sabi

Well is a spirited ritual to help you embrace the first full moon of 2016.

By Emily Meagher

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Crystalrituals By Naaz Ali

Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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rystals are beautiful gifts from the earth that have been used for centuries to promote physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing. Ancient civilizations such as Atlantis and Lemuria, used crystals extensively in their ritualistic work. Other cultures such as the Egyptians, Greeks, Native Americans and even the current Ayurvedic system speak of using crystal energy for balance.

And it’s no wonder that crystals are so popular.

We are beginning to get more in tune with the idea that everything is made up of energy and carries with it a vibration. The cells of our body, the furniture in our home, our trees and plants; everything in the world vibrates with energy, and crystals are no exception.

We all have a connection to our Source/Soul/God/the Universe, but sometimes (due to chronic thoughts or ways of being), we cut ourselves off from the stream of wellbeing that is natural to us. Anytime we are feeling less than good, we are vibrating at a lower level; a level that isn’t natural to us. This lower vibration manifests itself as tiredness, sadness, anger, etc. Anytime we are feeling really good, (for whatever reason) we are vibrating at a higher level; a level that is completely and fully like who we really are. This high vibration feels like happiness, love, bliss, etc. Whenever we are feeling good, we are in tune with our Divine Source, which is a really great place to be.

Now, that’s not to say that feeling those negative emotions is a bad thing. In fact, the opposite is true. Feeling negative emotion is your indicator that you are choosing thoughts that are contrary to who you really are. And that’s okay, we’re human, it’s normal to have these thoughts and feelings. But rather than living in that space day in and day out, we want to consciously (and gently) do something to help ourselves feel better.

That’s where crystals come in.

All gemstones have a full and clear connection to the Divine Source of energy and vibrate to a high level of being. Crystals offer up a steady energy of wellbeing, and they can help us to know our wellbeing in a really powerful way.

Inviting these lovely friends into your life can offer many

C benefits. Crystals can help re-establish your natural flow of energy. They can help you let go of things that aren’t serving you anymore. And they can help you to create a life that you want to be living.

There are so many ways to incorporate crystal energy into your life, but one of the most sacred and loving things you can do, is make them a part of your daily rituals.

Crystal rituals can be simple, easy ways to reconnect yourself with your intentions. When you make time to connect with your intentions daily, you tap into that creative energy, thereby creating space for those intentions to manifest in your life effortlessly.

These are a few of my favourite crystal rituals that I’m happy to share with you.

Place a crystal (or two!) in front of your vision board

I have a beautiful generator quartz that I placed in front of my vision board. I also have a rose quartz egg and an assortment of chakra stones in front of it as well. My board sits across from my bed so I can see it every morning. And before I go downstairs in the morning, I look at everything on my vision board and reaffirm that this is the life I want to live.

While you look at your vision board, you can hold your crystal(s) in your hand to connect with their energy. Close your eyes and feel the feeling of having all these wonderful things in your life. And then start your day with all that good juju.

Meditate with a crystal

If you‘re working with a specific crystal for healing or creation purposes, it’s a nice idea to connect with it in meditation.

Hold your crystal in one or both hands, or place it in front of you. Focus on deep belly breaths, breathing in and out through your nose. Each time you notice a thought coming up, gently release it and refocus on your breath. When you feel ready, bring your attention to your crystal. Notice it’s energy and any thoughts or feelings that come up. Stay here as long as you like. To come out of the meditation, slowly let go of your focus and your breath, softly wiggling your fingers and toes and opening your eyes.

It’s a nice idea to journal your experiences in crystal meditation. Insights may begin to develop the more time you spend in meditation with your crystal, and you may be surprised at the answers that start to reveal themselves to you.

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Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)Crystal rituals can be simple, easy

ways to reconnect yourself with your

intentions. When you make time to

connect with your intentions daily, you

tap into that creative energy, thereby

creating space for those intentions to

manifest in your life effortlessly.

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Sleep with your crystal

I always love to have crystals surrounding me during my day, and bedtime is no exception. I have danburite and phenacite crystals sitting on my bedside table. If I’m feeling a bit uneasy about something or want some extra comfort, I’ll bring a rose quartz in bed with me and place it under my pillow.

If you want a sounder sleep, or are looking to receive more insight from your dreams, it’s a beautiful idea to work with your crystals in this way. Doing some deep breathing before bed and asking your crystals or angelic helpers for assistance as you sleep, will help you to more fully tap into their energy.

Just be mindful when you are bringing crystals into your bedroom. Sometimes their energy can be a little intense and keep you awake if you’re sensitive! Start with one crystal at a time and monitor your sleep. When you feel ready to bring more into your bedroom, honour that calling and move with it.

Adorn yourself with intention

There are so many types of crystal healing jewellery out there, truly something that everyone can connect to.

I like to think about my intention for the day and select my crystal jewellery based on that. Sometimes I work with one piece of jewellery at a time, and other times I naturally want more. If you have an affirmation that you like, you can also repeat it to yourself when you put on your piece.

Cleanse your crystals

Cleansing your crystals is something that you should do as soon as you bring your new friend home. It’s nice to make this a part of your regular practice, so their energy stays nice and bright for you.

Clearing your gems is a beautiful ritual and in the process, you end up clearing your own energy as well. I love to smudge my crystals with sage. Sage is so purifying and it’s a quick and easy way to release negative energy. I love the way it smells and feels.

However, if sage doesn’t feel right to you, you can always use palo santo, cedar, mugwort or any type of herb that resonates. Hold the intention that your crystal be cleansed and purified as you wave it through the smoke and imagine your body letting go of any negative energy at the same time. Do this for as long as you like. You’ll know when the clearing is complete.

Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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These are just a few of my favourite ways to incorporate crystal energy into my life. Choose the rituals that feel most right to you. Explore your crystals. Invite more into your life. After awhile you’ll find yourself so in tune with their energy and new rituals with naturally move into your life. Enjoy the healing journey!

Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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Naaz Ali is a Feng Shui Consultant, Reiki Master, and the founder of Earth Elements. She adores crystals, moon-gazing, dark chocolate and dancing barefoot in her kitchen. Naaz is living out her dreams in beautiful Calgary, Canada and is passionate about spirituality, energy work, and helping wonderful souls create the lives they desire.

www.sacredearthelements.com

Photography Kaihla Tonai

(www.kaihlatonai.com)

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youuHow to

By Meredith Cameron

celebrate

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new year is always so refreshing. It gives us major opportunity to reflect on our past, which is our anchor and deserves some reflection. It gives us inspiration to move forward with gusto. A new year provides contrast in regards to old and new, past and present, and contrast leads to clarity.

In order to know what we want for ourselves and for our year ahead, it’s also important to know what we do not want. So while we are reflecting on the past 12 months, instead of poo-pooing what may have not served you, let’s, instead, appreciate it all.

2015 was a compass allowing us to orient towards a life we wish to live. It’s important to celebrate the ups and downs and all of the spaces in-between. I can openly admit, myself, that I would like to repress some of 2015. However, trusting that everything happens as it needs to happen is what keeps all off our experiences alive and useful.

My biggest piece of advice for 2016? Celebrate yourself.

Simple, right? Some of may feel we don’t deserve to celebrate ourselves. Some of us may not know how. However, this is simple. And powerful.

Get a pen and paper. Write down one situation where you have come so far from — a break up, a job, a living situation, eating, relationships with family. Something. Write down how far you have come in regards to positive progress.

Now go celebrate.

Really? I can hear you asking me. Yes, really.

AThe more you celebrate you, the more and more you will see even more opportunity to celebrate you. To appreciate you. To love you. It’s a must-do because it is our foundation to how we show up in this world. It is our foundation to how we treat others.

By celebrating who you are, you will begin to shift your mindset. If I were to ask you to write down only one thing that you really screwed up in 2015, I guarantee you would want to write down more. Let’s, instead, transform. Celebrating yourself is needed. Everyone single one of us has something to offer this world, however it is hard for us to find if we cannot begin to appreciate and celebrate our own self.

Let 2016 kick off with some major self love. Start out with a bang and see what things start to wiggle into your life with the simplest of acts. Make this a weekly or monthly ritual. Make this a non-negotiable. Simplicity is one of the greatest agents of change. How do you want to live your 2016? That bottle of champagne? It’s for you and how far you’ve come.

About MeredithLearning that she and we are more capable than we give ourselves credit for, Meredith Cameron creates space for students to reach out, dig deeper, and not take themselves too seriously. An advocate for creating the life we live, Meredith is influenced by what the world throws on her lap, her travels, and her daily interactions with others. All of this, infuses freedom into her teachings, allowing students to feel their own sense of empowerment.

www.mcameronyoga.com

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yeargRelationship

By Isiah McKimmie

the rituals for

new

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I love New Year. Truly. It’s such a beautiful time of hope and optimism.

Although it’s been a few years since I actually stayed up to watch the clock strike 12 - yes, I’m a nana at the ripe old age of 31 - I still love waking up on the first of January feeling the freshness of it all.

New Year is really a perfect time for relationship rituals.

The few weeks leading to to Christmas are surprisingly my busiest as a relationship therapist. Each year, I have couples even trying to book sessions on Christmas Eve. I imagine it’s the stress of the festive season, combined with the reflection of coming to the end of another year that propels couples into action.

Rituals are important for a relationship, whether they’re formal rituals or the kind that happen more naturally. Rituals are part of how we create and express meaning for ourselves - and our relationships. The ritual that I’m sharing here is actually one that I encourage couples to do every few months, but even doing it just once on New Year is hugely beneficial.

It’s so easy when we’re in a relationship, particularly a committed one, to just keep breezing through. We can get so caught up in life, that we don’t take the time to check in with each other. We can gently sweep little things under the carpet, because we don’t really want to stir things up or start an argument by talking about them.

I like to think of relationships like gardens. Though thankfully, I’m much better at relationships that I am at keeping plants alive. They need constant care and nurturing - and pulling out weeds occasionally. A huge part of this ritual is simply taking the time to tend to you relationship, to really give it some focus and attention.

THE RitualThis ritual really involves reflecting on your relationship and working out together how you can make it even better.

It’s an opportunity to pull out those weeds before they build up, but also to reaffirm each other and recommit to your connection. The intention is for connection and reflection. Use what I share here as a loose guide, make it your own.

Take some time to reflect and prepare before you come together, as your reflection and thus your answers will deepen as you contemplate. Maybe begin thinking about the questions below a few days before and then set a special, dedicated time (as you would date night) to come together and share.

You’ll want to be somewhere comfortable and private where you won’t be interrupted. You want to be able to share what’s on your heart and mind freely.

Allow plenty of time for this ritual.

Sit down and look at each other in the eyes. Really take a moment to see each other and allow yourself to be seen.

When I start working with couples in therapy, very often one of the first things I ask them to is turn to look at each other in the eyes. For many couples that alone can be a revelation - it has sometimes been a long time since they’ve done that. Many tears have been shed, and relationships changed though this alone.

As a way to begin, each share with your partner something you appreciate about them. Really share from your heart and let in what your partner is saying about you. Too often when someone gives us a compliment, we deflect it. Really let your partner’s appreciation in. This builds trust and love.

Then share with each other around the following questions:

• What I love about this relationship...

• What I want more of...

• An area I would like to improve is...

• How can I be a better partner for you?

Then talk together to decide: what are some practical steps we can take to better meet each other’s needs?

Some suggestions may be committing to a regular date night, finding out how you can improve communication between you, taking a Tantra class or even getting some support from a therapist to smooth things out.

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As I share that last suggestion, I’m thinking of two friends of mine. Although they were both therapists themselves, they had committed to seeing a therapist together once a month just to keep things on track and deepen their intimacy.

Whatever action you commit to should be a joint responsibility. Keep each other accountable, you’re on the same team.

Finally, recommit to your relationship for the year ahead. Let each other know that this is important to you and you want to do what you can to keep it strong and happy.

Close the ritual by sharing another appreciation of each other and really thanking each other for taking the time to tend to your relationship and each other.

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Isiah McKimmie is a Relationship Therapist, Sexologist and Tantra teacher helping people open to confidence, sensual pleasure and deep intimacy. When she’s not seeing clients, running courses or online workshops, you can find her meditating in the quite of her room or walking through the park with her incredibly patient partner. Be sure to visit her at www.isiah-mckimmie.com for more on intimacy, connection and pleasure.

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RecapitulationThe ritual that willtransform your year

By Sara Courter

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A s we shift from the busy holiday into the turning over of a new leaf, I would like to propose a simultaneously uplifting and deeply grounding practice to replace the traditional “New Year’s Resolution” list. Recapitulation.

The definition of recapitulation is “an act or instance of summarizing and restating the main points of something.”

It’s a practice I read about several years ago in a beautiful article by Sally Kempton in Yoga Journal.  The suggestion is that, rather than focusing on resolutions, we focus on summarizing the highlights of the past year and what we wish to take into the new year from that reservoir. At least that’s my interpretation.

Instead of harping on what I did wrong all year and how I will “fix” it in the coming year, I instead choose to meditate on the past year as a whole. Good, bad, glorious, ugly, successes, failures … all of it. I find it to be a much more holistic approach to the start of a new year.

I worked at a health club for five years, so I’ve seen the best of new year’s resolutions come and go. Our sales and membership always skyrocketed in January, and then fell completely off come April. Instead of setting myself up for physical, emotional, mental and spiritual failure, I prefer a gentler approach. I’m not suggesting that all new year’s resolutions fail, or are a bad idea; not at all. What I am saying is that I personally find the “cold turkey,” knee-jerk approach to life changes to be so drastic and jarring that we oftentimes revisit the other side just for a bit of comfort.

I won’t say to myself that I won’t be negative in the new year. Firstly, that might be a lie. Secondly, it isn’t productive. Instead, I’ll look back on 2015. With gentle eyes and a respectful observation, I will replay my year …all the times I was negative, positive, patient, kind, difficult, angry. All of the many lenses through which I saw the world, all of the many forms in which I was me. I will try, sincerely, to complete this practice without judgment. Also without ego. No excessive pride or self-deprecation.

Simply seeing. Compiling a list of the main events of the past year and how I feel they helped me evolve.

I’ll focus on experiences, emotions, accomplishments, mistakes … everything that chipped in, that guided me, that crafted me into the person I am today - the person I was not yet, I could not yet be, one year ago.

Isn’t there something magical to that? How much change can occur in just one year? A year can be so filled with sadness, beauty, bliss … it can be so exquisitely shocking and mind-blowing, astonishingly ordinary, earth-shatteringly colorful. Some years can fly by while others tiptoe, slowly, taking their precious time so as not to wake the Universe.

Paying attention to these little details is part of my recapitulation practice. Giving equal attention to the big events like trips, milestones, losses and life-altering decisions, as we do to the minute (but oh-so-important) events like discovering a new favorite food, seeing the most brilliant autumn sunset, that awkward blind date, the achingly awful romantic comedy we paid $10.50 (and the frightful fact that it’s now over ten bucks to see a movie in theatre).

Ideally, to practice recapitulation, one should take to a quiet space – both physically and spiritually – and sit with every little bit of the past year. Just notice every piece of it that jumps out at us. We needn’t rake through every single moment, but rather let the moments of grander importance come to us, without setting parameters or judgements. I’m talking everything from college graduation to mastering a yoga pose. Losing a loved one to seeing a meteor shower. It’s all important. It’s all part of the puzzle. It’s all part of us.

This life is a journey. While setting intentions for the future is important, so is a deep reverence for the thread from which our tapestry is woven. The practice is not to suggest we focus or harp on the past, nor that we attach to it. But simply that we give it due acknowledgement. Only in the expression of gratitude for what has come before can we truly set our gaze straight on what we wish to manifest up ahead. So see it. Remember it. Feel it in our bones. Live it over again, in our mind’s eye. Invite the past year into our consciousness and sit with it a while. Note whatever comes up during the process.

Then what, you ask? That’s up to us. Ideally we write out the practice. Either in a journal or on an independent sheet of paper that we can dispose of afterwards, like in a roaring fire or something equally dramatic. Recapitulation allows me to better get to know myself. It brings my attention to the present moment, upon completion, and

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gives me clearer eyes through which to see my intentions.

I prefer to use that word, intention, instead of resolution. While I’ve always made resolutions, and have nothing against them, my personality resonates far more with the idea of intention setting. Gently releasing intentions into the cool, wintry air of the Universe, watching them float away on a breeze as powerfully fragile as a butterfly’s wings. This is an anchoring practice. Not a practice to say  this is who I’m going to be this coming year,  but rather this is who I am right now, and this is what I’m taking with me into the coming year. Paving solid ground for the journey to continue. Making the choice to see ourselves as we truly are; beautifully flawed. Accepting that this gorgeously flawed state is a blessing, it’s human nature, and it’s what we will always be. Making the decision to embrace that fact. Resisting the rat race of New Year’s Resolutions that leave us feeling weakened, inferior and as though we are failures. As though we are not already good enough. We are good enough, already. Intrinsically.

Resisting that rat race and, instead, taking the best and worst of the previous 365 days considerately in our grasp and welcoming the perfectly imperfect 365 that are up ahead.

So, my lovebursts, let us practice as we will…and if anything gorgeous or exquisite, haunting or illuminating comes up, please feel free to share in the comments. More than anything, may we be gentle with ourselves. May we welcome the New Year with open arms, open minds and open hearts. May we release the urge to perfect our already perfect selves and simply be…flowing into the New Year with the inherent grace that pulses beneath our surface.

About SaraSara Courter is a California based Writer, Yoga Teacher, Certified Wellness Counselor, Ayurvedic Therapist, Holistic Health Advisor and nutrition student who holds

a Bachelor’s Degree in English: Creative Writing. She has profound passion for holistic health, clean and green living, natural healing and fully conscious living, and shares this passion with others through her work everyday. Sara believes we have the power to change our own lives, harness our potential and live a life of health and vitality in comfortable bodies. Connect with her and tap into your boundless potential.

www.saracourter.com

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“Isn’t there something magical to that? How much

change can occur in just one year? A year can be so filled with sadness, beauty, bliss

… it can be so exquisitelyshocking and mind-blowing,

astonishingly ordinary, earth-shatteringly colorful. Some years can fly by while others tiptoe, slowly, taking their precious time so as not

to wake the Universe.”- Sara Courter

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Five practices forinner peaceBy Carly Hicks

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B efore I was diagnosed with my autoimmune

disease three years ago I was a self confessed party girl. A girl that had no goals or ambitions, but loved nothing more than getting dressed up and hitting the town with all my friends. I was the type of girl that was a deep thinker and a deep feeler and at times that would be overwhelming for me so the non stop partying helped in a way.

What I began to realise though was that I was secretly running from myself all these years. I was running from what my inner voice was desperately trying to get me to take notice, and it would take an autoimmune disease to get me to stop and listen. It would take a lot of inner work and healing to get myself back on the road to optimal health and happiness, but I honestly had nowhere to go but up.

I slowly began to practice daily rituals that I found not only brought a sense of inner peace and tranquillity, but saw my healing go from strength to strength. I was coming back to myself and my inner voice and I found new opportunities and doors were opening up for me and I felt deeply connected.

I truly believe it’s important to have daily practices in place that allow us to reconnect and recharge our mind, body and spirit. Allow yourself to practice self care and self love is needed more than ever in today’s society and it’s all about finding what truly lights you up.

My Top 5 Daily Practices for Inner Peace1. Connect with nature

Allow yourself 10-20 minutes daily to either go for a walk or listen to the sounds around you. If you can place your feet on the earth for five minutes as allows you to ground yourself and this is a powerful tool not only to tap into your inner voice, but to strengthen your base chakra which is located at the base of your spine. When our base chakra is strong we feel grounded, connected and our life flows freely with ease and grace.

2. Fuel your body with fresh fruits and vegetables

You can’t expect to feel you’re best self if you don’t nourish your body with food that will help you reach optimal health. Increasing your intake of fresh fruits and vegetables and ditching the processed foods means you’re nourishing your body with nutrients that helps support your immune system, and helps you to gently support your organs and detox any unwanted toxins from the body so you look and feel your best self.

3. Remove relationships that no longer serve you

This is a BIG one! If you feel you have relationships that leave you feeling drained of energy or you don’t feel truly appreciated or taken for granted, then you need to weigh up whether these relationships are worth while keeping in your life. If they are holding you back from feeling your happiest and healthiest self than you need to gently surrender and let go. When we are around people we tend to take on their energy without even realising it and being surrounded by people that don’t lift you up and appreciate you for you will only hold you back from following the path to having a deeper connection to your inner voice and your soul purpose. This may seem like you are being selfish, but ultimately you need to do what you feels is best for your health.

4. Meditate

People think that meditation has to go for hours or it’s too hard to drown out the outer noise around us, but this is why we need meditation in our lives! Meditation allows us to tap into our inner voice and intuition and gives us a sense of direction in our life. It helps us to quite the mind and align our chakras so we can feel grounded and connected not just physically but emotionally and spiritually as well. Even taking 20 minutes out 3 times a week to sit in silence or even with meditation music and just let your mind wander.

5. Have fun and laugh

Life can sometimes feel like we are stuck in a rut and the endless cycle of work commitments and family issues can take it’s toll. Allowing yourself time out to have fun and do things that light up your soul will allow you to connect deeper to the people in your life and you will be able to handle situations without burning yourself out. If we continually put other people’s needs before our own or don’t take time to be by ourselves than that’s a sure fire way to end up with adrenal fatigue.

So go see a movie with a friend, read a book in the sunshine, or if you’re a mum take a well deserved spa break when the kids are with family so you can take time to wind down.

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Being diagnosed with an Autoimmune Disorder at 24 helped Carly find her passion for creating healthy recipes, her love of natural remedies to heal the body, and how the importance of living a healthy lifestyle has allowed to heal from within. Carly is a naturopath in the making and now on a mission to help show others how to take control of their health through healthy food choices and lifestyle changes. If you suffer from food intolerance's, looking to get that spark back in your life, or just looking for some tasty nourishing meals, then Carly has you covered.

www.myholisticlife.com.au

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your powerReclaiming

By Nora Caron

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T he Toltec teachers Don Miguel Ruiz and HeatherAsh Amara tell us that when we fall sick or depressed it is often because we have lost our power to an outside event or force or person. We often do not recognize or understand what losing our power means so we turn around in circles until one day we realize the source of our power loss. I have experienced several major power losses in my life from relationships that were emotionally and mentally draining and spiritually dark and heavy. I learned that reclaiming our power after a relationship is over is essential for a happy and healthy life and that certain exercises must be done repeatedly to achieve positive results.

When we say things like, "I feel empty", "My heart is broken", "I have no desire to do anything anymore", "Life sucks", these are all signs that we have lost our personal power after a relationship has ended. For whatever reason, we gave that relationship too much importance and we lost our energy somewhere along the way. Great fatigue, loss of apetite, bitterness, anger, frustration, and sadness are signs pointing to power loss.

SPEAK YOUR TRUTH

There are several important steps you should take in order to reclaim your power from past relationships that I will share with you. First off you should try to express yourself from your heart to your ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend in order to free yourself emotionally from intense emotions you might be carrying around since a long time. Don Miguel Ruiz advises us how to use our word wisely in his world-famous book The Four Agreements:

Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use your power of your word in the direction of truth and love.

Express yourself lovingly no matter how difficult the relationship was. Like Ruiz tells us, our word has great power and we must use it for the light. Free yourself from emotions by carefully weighing your words not to hurt others.

CLEANSE YOUR SPACE

Secondly you should clean your home of objects and things that remind you of your ex. Objects contain vibrations and memories so it is crucial to clear your space and create more peace and harmony around you. A good idea is to give those objects to a charity organization and before handing them over, visualize bright light around each object to cleanse the past. Some of my shaman friends are trained in the art of detecting vibrations from objects and it is remarkable to watch them as they pinpoint actual events that are lodged within certain objects around a person's house. After a hard break-up in 2007, I left all my things to my ex telling him that he could do what he wanted with the furniture and objects. I took with me two things that he had given me from the first year of our time together: two colorful fairies which carried with them energies of hope and happiness. I still have these fairies in my home because they are a reminder of a good moment in my life when I was filled with hope and joy.

CHORD-CUTTING EXERCISE

Thirdly you should do a spiritual exercise that will allow you and your ex to regain your power and freedom. By cutting energy chords, we are saying to the Universe, "I now want to reclaim my power and continue my path in total freedom and joy". Here is an exercise that I practice since many years that has helped me make peace with past relationships.

Sit in a quiet room. Light a white candle. Visualize bright light coming in through your head (crown chakra) through all your chakras, cleansing you and bringing you peace and love. Call forth the person you wish to cut ties with and say these words out loud:

"I call forth X and ask that he or she be surrounded by golden light. I ask to be surrounded by golden light. I have things to express and here they are."

Share your feelings and emotions. Then when you feel you have said everything you need to say, speak these words:

"I give you back everything I took from you without knowing and take back from you everything you took from me without knowing. I want to thank you for everything you have taught me in this life and other lives. I ask that all karmic ties be severed and returned to the Creator above. I wish to be free of any remaining karma from past lives, this life, and future lives. So be it."

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Ask Archangel Michael to come and sever all ties between you and your ex. Imagine a sword of bright light cutting the ties. Be in a state of love and acceptance. Once this is complete, ask the spirit of your ex to return to his or her dwelling.

This exercise should be repeated every day until you feel completely at peace and free from your past relationship. My teacher recommends that we do this exercise for 21 days in a row, preferably at the same time each day.

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Nora Caron is the award-winning author of The New Dimensions Trilogy composed of Journey to the Heart (2013), New Dimensions of Being (2013), and Jaguar Dreams (2014). Nora’s writings are about returning to nature, discovering our authentic selves, and mastering our emotions in order to become more enlightened beings. Nora has a Masters degree in English literature and speaks four languages. To find out more about Nora, you can visit:

www.noracaron.com

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The writingritualBy Jillian Murphy

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A s a kid and into my early teens, I always kept a journal. I have loved going through these in recent years to see what made me happy and to reflect on what made me sad. I feel as though my practice of writing about my life and what was important and happening in my world allowed me to develop emotionally. Though I started young, I don’t think it’s ever too late to start.

Journals allow us to reflect on the past, appreciate the present, and prepare for the future. I have found that writing in a journal at the end of each day makes me a more present person in the next; if you acknowledge that you'll be writing about your day (and likely reading about it in the future), don't you want something fun, inspiring, or educational to take place in your day? The process of recording our hopes, fears, observations, and dreams allows us to be more receptive to our feelings and the feelings of those around us. This is because we're so closely in touch with them through the power of writing.

Writing allows us to find the words, though messy and jumbled at times, that we are unable to find. Through this process, we are able to more clearly process our emotions while they’re moving from our brains to our fingers and onto the paper. We can speak more passionately about how we’re feeling and what we’re thinking. The process of keeping a journal has the power to soothe your soul and make you a better, more aware person.

Our journals can be our teachers, our therapists, our most trusted confidants. In keeping a diary, we are able to release and realize our strongest selves, to help ourselves when we may need it most. Allow yourself to become this strong and centered you as we move into this new time.

So, for this new year, consider writing as a ritual for your soul. Rituals can be therapeutic in nature, and this one in particular has the power to enact a beautiful change in your life for the better. Even if you can’t find the time to write every day, try every Sunday to reflect on the week behind you and envision the week ahead. The act of communicating with your inner soul will help to guide you through life, happily.

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Hi! I'm a recent college graduate from Boston who loves to write and is an aspiring filmmaker. I am an avid runner who's training for upcoming races and a yogi who is always striving to find my center. Hoping to make our world a better place by caring for our environment and people.

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successA ritual to activate + attract

By Gina George

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kay, let’s scrub off our makeup and get real with each other: nobody really wants to be so-so at the whole being-human thing. Ordinary. Normal. Mediocre.Not words that we ever want associated with our fine selves.

And I sincerely doubt that there are people declaring to their partners/loved ones/pet gerbils right now:

“Oh my gosh, I can’t wait for the day I achieve averageness!”

Nope. Not happening.

We all want to be successful. And even if our vision of success is different to everybody else’s (hint: it is. We all have unique dreams), it’s still vital that we feel like we're working towards – and achieving – that success.

Which is why I’ve created a ten-minute ritual that will help you activate and attract success. Are you ready for it? It’s a bit modern hippy, a little heart-fuelled soulpreneur and a lot of superwoman goddess.

YOU’LL NEED:

• A candle and a lighter.

• A quiet place where you won’t be disturbed.

• A jar that you can seal (mason jars are perfect).

• Paper and a pen.

• Somewhere to bury the jar … forewarned is forearmed.

WHAT TO DO:

• In your quiet place, light your candle and spend a minute breathing deeply into and out of your belly.

• When you’re feeling calm, take out three sheets of paper.

• At the top of the first page write: “Things I am grateful for” and then list anything and everything that comes to mind. Pet gerbils, loved ones and fresh water included.

• On the second piece write: “I am activating …” and then list all of the things you would like to activate in your life. Success. Abundance. Clear skin. All of it.

• On the third piece of paper write: “The life I am attracting is …” then describe, in detail, your dream life. From waking up next to a Hemsworth brother to falling asleep under the stars, describe how you would spend your days and who/what would be in them.

• When you’re finished, roll or fold each piece of paper and slip it into the jar.

• Head outside (bare feet, please) and dig a hole in the earth with your hands or a small spade.

• As you bury your jar into the earth say out loud: “Like a seed nestled in the bosom of the earth, I bury my intentions and give them the love and space they need to activate, grow and bloom.”

When you’re done, close your eyes and spend a minute visualising your dream life coming true.

** Best performed under the light of a full moon **

Craving more soul-inspired entrepreneurial goodness? Head on over to kindredspiritcollective.com

O

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Gina George is a heart-fuelled graphic designer that specialises in crafting evocative, authentic and radiantly unique visual branding and imagery. From bold and effervescent logos through to divinely luminous website designs, Gina helps spirited businesses and entrepreneurs (such as energy workers, holistic practitioners and beautiful souls like you) transform their bright-eyed ideas into full-of-love and deliciously irresistible designs that instantly connect and resonate with the right – i.e. your! – people. Juggling yoga classes (yep, she’s a yoga teacher too – walking the talk!) with her successful design business, Gina’s intention is to act as a loving guide for businesses and entrepreneurs that truly want to make a difference in the world. Find out more and say hello at kindredspiritcollective.com

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My Goal

From my heart’s depths

I find unearthed strength

Aiming for a peace felt.

Taking care of my needs –

A whisper among the soul

throws trails of contented knowing

Together in this moment

is how I grow.

And I aim to love myself a little better.

@Renee Avard-Furlow

featured poetPublished writer & 'Unique-tivity Guide', Renee Avard-Furlow owns a successful site, sharing her writings & reflections, offering spiritually-based services and publishing the 'Magic Musepirations' monthly. She currently has two short eBooks available on Amazon, with more planned & is writing her poetic memoir, due out in late 2015.

Follow Renee and her endeavors at:

www.reneeavardfurlow.com

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new yearThe goal you should set this

By Elyse Santilli

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W hen you think of setting resolutions for the new year, you may think of setting external goals like transitioning into your dream career, accumulating more wealth or possessions, travelling the world, getting in shape or finding and marrying your soulmate.

While such goals are worthwhile and can bring you a huge sense of satisfaction and fulfilment, there is another type of goal that you may be wise to set. Let me explain.

Eckhart Tolle once pointed out something quite profound: that we are not just humans; we are human beings.

But most of us forget this. We focus solely on our human side—on being a human doing.

We may always feel so busy, because we fill our days, to-do lists and calendars to the brim with activity.

When we run into old friends or family members and they ask how we’re doing, by default we talk about what’s going on in our external world—our work projects, latest travel or perhaps our new apartment.

Some of us may even feel awkward or a little embarrassed if we’ve not been ‘doing’ enough to keep busy and have no new concrete ‘activity’ to report.

When we only focus on 'doing' things, it makes life feel hard and frightening, because we’re trying to do everything as our smaller self, cut off from our inner guide; our source of wisdom and strength.

And it makes us feel empty and lost, because we’re forgetting that we’re here on earth to do more than simply tick of a certain number of external goals. We're here to enjoy the experience of being alive itself.

That is why it is so important to give ourselves space and permission to be human beings—to focus on our inner spirit, our soul, our internal world and experiences.

YOUR NEW GOAL

This year, think about setting some goals around this being aspect of your nature—goals like meditating each morning, spending time in nature, journaling, finding ways to give to others, spending time lost in creativity for the sake of creativity, and making time for stillness.

You could also consider going on a short meditation retreat, cultivating a yoga practice to calm your mind (not just to get in shape), or simply bringing more mindfulness into your daily routine—like being present when you eat, shower or walk from place to place.

When we don't make space in our lives to be, we end up feeling disconnected from our soul, low on energy and dissatisfied with daily life. We lose access to our inner guide, inspiration, creativity, motivation and inner well of love.

When you make time to simply be, you build a stronger connection to your inner guide—your Higher Self.

When you have this connection, life feels guided and you don't have to figure everything out on your own. You can surrender to a power greater than you.

It's helpful to remember that external achievements are temporary—careers change, looks fade, houses crumble, travel comes to a close—but you are you forever.

So balance your beautiful external goals and dreams, with inner goals as well, so that you can expand into the highest embodiment of you; all that you can be.

When you learn to balance your human side with your being side, you will feel more whole and complete.

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Elyse Santilli is a writer and life coach at NotesOnBliss.com. She teaches beautiful women how to align with their soul, create their dream life, and expand their mindulnesns and happiness. You can sign up for free updates or find her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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“Eckhart Tolle once pointed out something quite profound: that we are not just humans; we are human beings.

But most of us forget this. We focus solely on our human side - on being a human doing. When we don’t make space in our lives to be, we end up

feeling disconnected from our soul. When you make time to simply be,

you build a stronger connection to your inner guide. When you have this connection, life feels guided and you don’t have to figure everything out

on your own. You can surrender to a power greater than you.”

- Elyse Santilli

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Your stress-freeto-do listBy Alessia Gandolfo

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I I realized how I was often filling my to-do list with things that weren't so important, like the typical bureaucratic tasks that had to be done but weren't definitely my top priorities to create a life I love! And other times they were simply stuff filling up my time, that I could delete from the list.

These are the kind of tasks that drain your energy. Instead invest in your creativity. You can set a time in your week to deal with all your mundane tasks and your cup will be refilled with so much good energy from having tackled your priorities. 

Step 2: Trust that what's on the list is enough and sign it, the list cannot be modified the day after.

This step was life changing for me, because the fact of signing a contract with yourself makes it official and powerful, and you're more likely to respect the list

Step 3: Set specific time frames for social media.

Facebook, Instagram and email scanning can be so distracting.  Take a limited amount of time every day for these activities and use them to create beautiful connections or get inspired with moderation.

I notice how when I limit my use of social media only for one hour I use these tools with intention and I feel empowered by them.

Step 4: Be present and focus your attention on the task at hand for the time prescribed.

There’s no point in thinking about what you have to do next all the time. There is nothing more important you can do in that moment that work on that task.

This step is very challenging, but we all know the feeling of being in the flow and how productive it is!

Step 5: Finally once you’ve finished your three top priorities, have some free time and enjoy it without guilt!

You deserve it. Don't try to fill it up with additional stuff because you feel you didn't do enough; trust me you did. And feel as much as possible your soft and feminine side. Use this time to have fun, be spontaneous and free!

At the end of the day it’s all about treating your time as precious, and with this method at the end of the week you will have accomplished so much without much effort. Give it a try and let me know how it goes!

‘ve always been a big fan of "to-do" lists, I love the idea of putting on paper what's on my mind. I have to admit that I feel great satisfaction to tackle off a big task on my list because it is DONE.

However, a few weeks ago I started to feel overwhelmed by my to-do list, it was ever-evolving and growing during the day, I was checking it far too often and my body was getting more and more tense and stressed. 

It was obviously a control mechanism to feel safe, to know I was doing the right thing and not wasting my time. 

When you have the chance to decide how to manage your time it is a great luxury but it can also become a trap if you feel like you have to use that available time to do ALL the things you've postponed for so long. Your head starts spinning because you want to do all at once, and you end up procrastinating and doing nothing at all.

I know that feeling far too well, as I've been a perfectionist all my life and only now I'm working on letting go of this control behaviour. 

Therefore, a couple of weeks ago I developed a little system to create a "stress-free" to do list and it has worked wonders for me! So I'm sharing it with you now with the hope it can help you too.

My current mantra is:

YOU HAVE MORE THAN ENOUGH

TIME IN THE DAY

YOUR STRESS-FREE TO-DO LIST

Step 1: Write your to-do list the night before and list only three top tasks to do during the day.

I know that three doesn’t sound like a lot, but learn to prioritize and really find the most important tasks that will move you further in your projects. They are enough, you

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Alessia is a passionate writer, lover of all things wellness and

yoga, a gypsy soul, big dreamer and above all life adventurer in a transformational journey. She is

a recent marketing graduate and currently training as a life coach and yoga teacher in Paris. She

loves sharing her life on her blog

followyourinnerlight.com

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Using oracle cards asjournaling promptsBy Laura Bray

Image credit The Little Sage.

Get your The Little Sage deck at thelittlesage.com

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I write in my journal every day. When I miss a day, I find I’m less patient and more likely to let anger and frustration bubble to the surface. A daily journaling practice, like any good-for-you habit, can be a challenge. There are certainly days when I sit, pen mid-air over my journal, waiting for inspiration to strike. When this happens, I turn to oracle cards, an intuitive tool sometimes used as a way to get in touch with angels or spirit guides. Using oracle cards as journaling prompts is a fabulous way to access your deeper thoughts, emotions, concerns, and get that pen moving.

Here are a few tips:

Take time to choose the deck that speaks to you.

There are many oracle card decks to choose from. The images run from minimal to ornate and from beautiful to scary. Make sure you feel comfortable with the deck you are using. Do the images make your heart sing? Do they spark your imagination? Then that’s the deck for you!

Set a regular time each day to journal.

Mornings work well for me because I like to empty my mind and body of any of chatter from the previous day and night. Some people prefer evenings, so they can work through any issues that came up throughout the day.

Create a comfortable space.

Light candles, scent the room with essential oils. Fluff your nest!

Begin with a calm mind.

Before you begin to journal with your oracle cards, take time to get quiet, calm, and centered.

Shuffle your deck and identify an issue or emotion that you might want to journal about.

If you are turning to the cards because you don’t know what to write, you can ask yourself “What should I explore in my journal today?”

I Often, after a little shuffling, a card will fall out of the deck.

Use that card for your journaling prompt. If a card doesn’t “jump out at you”, pick a card from the top of the deck or spread them face down and randomly choose one.

Once you choose a card, look at it carefully, and then begin to pull some journaling topics from it.

• Notice the dominant colors in the card. What does the color mean to you? Does it represent an emotion or make you feel a certain way? Write about how you feel when you see that color. For example, maybe the color red is dominating your card. Does red represent anger or love to you? Why? Explore the emotion in your journal. Are you feeling that emotion now? When have you felt in the past? What do you hope for the future in regards to that emotion?

• What are the images? How do they make you feel? Maybe you are working with a deck that features animal images. What does the animal represent to you? For example, perhaps you pull a card with cheetah image on it. What does the cheetah represent to you? Speed? Reflect on how that applies to your life. Are you moving too fast through your days?

• Most oracle card sets come with a booklet that explains the meaning of each card. Read your card’s meaning. Does it apply to you and your life? How can you apply the meaning to a particular situation in your life? While the booklet is a good tool to use when you get stuck, try not to rely on it too much when you are using your cards for journaling. You will get more out of the experience if you take some time to see what the card brings up for you personally first.

• If the card you pulled doesn’t spark any journaling ideas, draw another card! There are no rules here. The purpose of this exercise is to jump-start your creative and intuitive mind. Relax and enjoy the process.

• As you practice using your oracle cards as journaling prompts, start to look for recurrent cards. Do you keep pulling the same card? Are you interpreting it differently each time? Write about what you notice.

• Once you have completed journaling, you may want to place the oracle card where you will see it throughout the day. Use it as a reminder to live with intention.

Using oracle cards in your journaling practice can enrich your writing experience and inspire your creativity. The next time you get writer’s block, try oracle cards. You just might be surprised by what you discover.

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Laura Bray is a writer and professional craft designer. She lives in Southern California with her physicist husband, their ten year old daughter, and a hamster named Hamony Snickett. You can get craft tutorials, recipes, and intentional lifestyle tips on her blog at

www.laurabraydesigns.com

Image credit The Little Sage.

Get your The Little Sage deck at thelittlesage.com

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for the new yearWellness cocktails

By Samantha Gemmell

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This is far healthier than adding alcohol to your usual syrupy 7-11 Slurpee – the ice adds plenty of water to keep you hydrated, and by blending the watermelon, you retain the fibre and many of the nutrients.

9 cubes ice

1 cup watermelon

1-2 shots vodka (depending on your strength preference)

Blend 6 cubes of ice and watermelon together

Add 3 cubes and blend again

Pour into mason jar

Add shot(s) of vodka

Stir gently, and enjoy!

Switch to mocktail: Just remove the vodka –makes a super refreshing summer treat.

WELLNESS COCKTAILS

The new year is upon us! That time of year where we enjoy lazy weekend evenings with friends, beach (or snow!) trips are a must, and plenty of parties are thrown. Sipping on cocktails can feel delicious and indulgent, but the typical holiday drinks can leave you with a nasty headache and

may reawaken your sugar cravings overnight.

The good news is, you can still enjoy a good summer cocktail without a sugar overdose. Here’s a few healthier cocktail options for you to enjoy – all taste tested, of course!

Watermelon Vodka Slushie

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Cocktails don’t have to be sickeningly sweet to be delicious and refreshing. Mineral water based drinks have plenty of fizz while still keeping you hydrated. This one is a perfect option for the end of a long day - my official taste tester (aka Mum) said it was her favourite of the lot!

3-4 ice cubes

1 shot Sour Monkey

1 cup sparkling mineral water

Mint, to garnish

Pour Sour Monkey and mineral water over ice cubes, and stir gently

Add your sprig of mint, and enjoy!

Switch to mocktail: Remove Sour Monkey, and add 1/3 cup of fresh apple juice.

WELLNESS COCKTAILS

Apple Mint Refresh

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This is a family tradition of mine for Christmas mornings. Guaranteed to make shrieking kids hyped up on sugar and presents and crabby in-laws a lot more bearable! Blending the mango instead of using the nectar boosts up the fibre content, and using fresh mangos means plenty more antioxidants.

½ mango

½-¾ cup Champagne

Blend ¼ of the mango until liquid, and pour into champagne glass

Peel the other ¼ of the mango, and put into the champagne glass whole

Top the glass up with champagne

Gently stir, and enjoy!

Switch to mocktail: Remove champagne, and replace with ½ cup of sparkling mineral water. Add an extra ¼ blended mango to up the

flavour.

WELLNESS COCKTAILS

Mango Champagne

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Stuck at home when you’re dreaming of somewhere sunnier and stress-free? This cocktail will surely transport you there with just a sip! The pineapple will help boost your digestive powers, and the fibre will help you feel satiated. Coconut water can also help replace electrolytes you lose when drinking alcohol.

¼ pineapple

1 cup coconut water

½ shot vodka

½ shot Malibu

Peel and chop pineapple, and blend until liquid

Pour pineapple liquid, coconut water, vodka and Malibu into a glass

Stir gently, add an umbrella, and enjoy!

Switch to mocktail: Remove vodka and Malibu, and add in a bit more coconut water.

WELLNESS COCKTAILS

Trip to the Tropics

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Because there’s no reason why you can’t have a Spider just because you’re an adult! This creation lets you enjoy a favourite childhood treat without heaps of added sugars, plus the good fats from the ice-cream will help balance out your blood sugar levels and help you feel fuller.

1 large scoop Zebra Dream Wild Choc Orange ice-cream

1 tsp maple syrup (or preferred sweetener)

1 shot Cointreau

¾ cup sparkling mineral water

Scoop ice-cream into glass

Drizzle Cointreau and maple syrup over the ice-cream, and sit for 5 minutes

Pour sparkling mineral water over ingredients

Stir gently, watch the bubbles and froth fizzing away, and enjoy!

Switch to mocktail: Remove Cointreau. You can also try other Zebra Dream flavours to suit your taste!

WELLNESS COCKTAILS

Choc Orange Spider

Samantha is a Melbourne-based nutritionist, health writer and public speaker, with a passion for chronic pain and complex disease management. Her approach is that of biochemical individuality – the belief that every person’s health needs are different and therefore they should be catered to as individuals. She currently sees clients at her Camberwell clinic, Sage Therapies. Samantha loves spending quality time with her English staffie Nina, who is also subjected to Samantha’s nutrition experiments.

www.sagetherapies.com.au

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

Lauren Hung is a self-taught calligrapher and hand letterer from Sydney, Australia. With a background in fashion design and journalism, Lauren combined her two interests in March 2014 when she launched theblackline by lauren.

Working predominantly with commercial clients, Lauren has completed work for international luxury brands and clients – including TAG Heuer, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany & Co, Spell & The Gypsy Collective, La Prairie, MAX MEDIA LAB, MAX Connectors, Westfields, House of Airlie & Collabosaurus as well as charitable institutions such as A21 Campaign & The Children’s Cancer Institute. In addition to this, Lauren has worked with clients from all over the world on their wedding stationary, commissioned artworks, tattoos, business branding & logos.

Inspired by her upbringing in Sydney’s flower growing district, Lauren’s work continues to reflect her love of seasonal blooms & fashion through delicate love scribbles curated for dreamers, achievers & world- changers. Her Instagram @theblacklinebylauren delivers a daily feed of inspirational, and motivational quotes interspersed with comedic confessions on the strange habits and mannerisms that make her who she is.

theblacklinebylauren.com.au

Featured artist

With: Lauren Hung

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

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Art: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Alex Carlyle

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Calligraphy: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Scott Ehler

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Calligraphy: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Scott Ehler

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Calligraphy: Lauren Hung

(theblacklinebylauren.com.au)

Image credit: Scott Ehler

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Be happ y.Be well.Be you .

www.happywellmag.com