Tabla de contenidos para Issue 189 + Course Guide en WellBeing

Our wonderful deputy editor Charlie Hale shares in her article “Magic in the mundane”, found on page 104 of this issue, “The world has shifted on its axis, but we must still indulge in life’s pockets of pleasures.” Welcoming this bright perspective, I step back from the computer and walk outside to my garden. Sitting in the midday sun, I admire my handiwork. My newly planted snapdragons are blooming, their petals softly streaked with pale pink, yellow and cream. By their side, my tomato plant has hundreds of yellow flowers getting ready to make their journey from floret to fruit before getting picked for my plate. Happily, I notice that my lime tree, which I pruned back so much last year I thought it would never fruit again, has new…

Microwaving tea A cup of microwaved tea is just not the same as a cup of tea made with stove- or kettle-heated water, and here’s why. When a liquid is being heated in a saucepan or a kettle, it is being heated from below. As the water at the bottom of the container heats up it becomes less dense and moves to the top, allowing a cooler part of the water to contact the heat source. This results in the water being evenly heated. In a microwave the electric field that acts as the heat source is everywhere within the oven and heats the vessel containing the water too, resulting in much hotter water at the top than the bottom. With a microwave what you are getting is water that…

Despite being considered the plant foods of the future, seaweeds are not true plants — they are actually primitive multicellular marine macroalgae. Seaweeds live in seawater attached to rocks or hard ocean floors in coastal areas. Macroalgae, or seaweeds, belong to three different major groups, with countless thousands of species: brown algae (Phaeophyta), red algae (Rhodophyta) and green algae (Chlorophyta). The red and brown seaweeds live exclusively in seawater, while the green algae are also common in freshwater rivers and lakes and can even live out of water attached to damp rocks, houses, walls and tree bark. The term seaweed lacks a formal definition and the different types also lack a common ancestor. Some of the blue-green algae, or Cyanobacteria, are also considered seaweeds. Seaweeds are very ancient organisms, and…

Claudia Miranda E: claudia@claudiamiranda.co W: claudiamiranda.art I: instagram.com/claudiamirandart There is something Picasso-like about Claudia Miranda’s work, but also something instantly feminine. Through her oneline portraits in pastel colour palettes, the Chilean-born, Sydney-based artist captures distinctly female qualities, such as inner beauty and sensuality. You cannot avoid the emotion Miranda imbues with her clever understanding of composition and vibrant aesthetic. There is a quirkiness to her work — each piece playful but with a bold, rhythmic quality that holds your attention for a moment more. Pictured here is Natalie, a piece inspired by a close friend of Miranda’s who experienced a difficult period of separation and single motherhood. The piece, says Miranda, is best summed up by Oscar Wilde, who once wrote: “Ordinary riches can be stolen; real riches cannot. In…

Doing better than we did yesterday is how we create a truly healing and healthy food system for us and our planet. I’ve had the great pleasure of interviewing many farmers and scientists at the forefront of environmental research. There is a minefield of conflicting research, ideas, evidence and arguments out there: the same crop can be destructive in one location, but healing in another; the same animal can cause topsoil wipeout when farmed one way then produce healthy soil when farmed another way. These grey areas mean one thing: we must form deeper connections to our food system. I’ve prepared a list of many of the things you can do to play a positive role in healing the planet, no matter your beliefs or dietary requirements. The good news…

If you have been to a yoga class, you probably know already that it is not just the physical body that the ancient practice affects. Feeling tense and uneasy in a yoga position extends past the inflexibility of the muscles, and may be an indication of the past traumas, unresolved stressful experiences and suppressed emotions stored in your body. Yoga is an integrative practice, the purpose of which is spiritual growth, and thus it affects not only your physiological state but your mental and emotional bodies at the same time. Yoga teaches that the body, mind and spirit coexist in union without separation. If you repetitively experience stress, feel threatened or emotional or have something worrying on your mind, all these can affect the state of your physical body as…

When 5472 Danish citizens were asked to rank the severity of their own health problems, they rated depression and breathing problems the most unendurable. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety are increasing global issues. In Australia one in five of us was suffering a mental or behavioural health issue in the National Health Survey of 2017–18, compared to 17.5 per cent in 2014–15. Those struggling with both anxiety and depression rose 5 per cent in the same period. And, tragically, suicide claims the lives of more Australians between the ages of 15 and 44 than any other cause. The societal and economic dislocations associated with COVID-19 have only exacerbated the challenges. Hearteningly, many also transcend and heal from afflictions of the mind, heart and soul. Todd Kashdan, a professor of psychology at…

Sally Ruljancich and her husband Colin started their communitysupported agriculture (CSA) scheme by accident. Already farmers, they had a small flock of organically raised lambs ready to go to market, but prices were so low that Colin didn’t think it would be worth spending money on freight. So Sally put a call out on her personal Facebook account to see if friends wanted to buy. She sold the entire flock in 10 minutes. This success led the family to start Colin and Sally’s Organic Lamb and Beef in 2013, and their farm in South Gippsland, Victoria now feeds 112 households through a CSA scheme — with a waiting list of many hundreds. “I’ve never done a farmers’ market. Our shareholders understand that when your whole lamb or half beef is…

Shortly after the end of the Second World War, the English playwright, novelist and commentator JB Priestley put together a collection of essays in praise of life’s simple pleasures. Titled Delight, the book was an effort to boost national morale during a time of intense austerity. Priestley’s reflections on solitary G&Ts, cancelling plans to stay home and frying sausages outdoors became a bestseller, and 60 years on, in 2009, a new take on the book was released: Modern Delight. Like its predecessor, the 21st century version is a collection of the things, people, places and feelings that delight the book’s many authors. Modern Delight is a little hardback with a big sentiment, one that suggests that true happiness is found in celebrating the everyday and the habitual; that there is…

Australian Natural Therapists Association (ANTA) is committed to the success of students and graduates. For some time it has recognised the need to provide ongoing support for students and graduates in order to assist them to pursue their goals and aims in the field of natural therapies. ANTA Annual National Student Bursary Awards — 12x $1000 plue one-year complimentary membership awarded to students ANTA introduced the ANTA National Student Bursary Awards in 2006 and since then has awarded over $160,000 to more than 160 students. Every year ANTA provides 12 students with $1000 bursary awards. Students undertaking courses recognised by ANTA in any of the following modalities are eligible to participate: Nutrition, Naturopathy, Acupuncture, Chinese Herbal Medicine, Myotherapy, Remedial Massage, Western Herbal Medicine, Homeopathy, Shiatsu, Ayurveda Medicine, Oriental Remedial Massage,…

When Bec Abbott enrolled in the IYTA Diploma of Yoga Teaching at the start of the year, she had no idea how much of a lifeline it would be. The ground-breaking course has a panel of 22 expert lecturers delivering information and practical sessions on asanas, philosophy, meditation, anatomy and so much more. Over 3000 teachers have graduated from the course, which is arguably the longest-running yoga teacher training course in Australia. While dozens of yoga teaching courses have been postponed or even cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions, the IYTA team worked hard to ensure the diploma course continued, providing students with online and face-to-face lectures whenever required. Bec Abbott, aged 45, is one of the current intakes of students and is delighted the course was able to continue. “I…

A builder, a surfer and a dancer walk into a room. What do they have in common? These men were all facing the possibility that they would have to stop doing what they love because of pain and injury. Initially, their interest in the Feldenkrais Method was to improve their own wellbeing and longevity, but now they’re helping others improve their lives as well. Phil is a carpenter and martial artist. “I had a lot of old injuries as well as the stresses and strains of work,” he said. “I wanted to be able to keep working. The Practitioner Training has really brought home to me that this is my ticket to keeping a healthy body and mind into old age. The added bonus for me at 58 years of…

The Rosicrucian Order is an ancient mystical, philosophical and scientific organisation that seeks to promote mutual understanding and peace in all countries of the world. It does this through its unique home study system which provides a foundation that ties together all of the different aspects of metaphysical study, and demonstrates their interconnectedness. Much of the material found in the Rosicrucian teachings cannot be found anywhere else. Those that have already spent many years studying self-help and metaphysics will find that the Rosicrucian system organises this information in a comprehensive way, and acts as a catalyst of skills and accomplishment. The knowledge already acquired attains a higher dimension of meaning when placed in the context of a powerful whole. On the other hand, however, those completely new to this area…

You may have no control over the wild, unpredictable world you live in, but you do have control over how you choose to live your life. How? Through perspective. Think of perspective as you would if you owned a few pairs of glasses. You have your favourite sunnies: bright, positive and fun to wear. When you wear them, which is often, the world feels like sunshine. Then you have your reading glasses: a little more serious, sharp and direct. You reach for them when you need to be clear and focused or when you’re studying. You have one last pair and, when you wear them, a heaviness begins to frame your outlook on life. This makes sense: the lenses are darker in colour, almost grey and foggy. You’re constantly switching…

A Climate in Chaos NEAL LAYTON, HACHETTE Looking for a simple and clear way to explain climate change to your kids? Neal Layton’s latest children’s picture book, A Climate in Chaos, is written for kids aged five years or older and clearly explains what climate change is, what’s causing it and why it’s dangerous for all inhabitants on Earth. In detail — and keeping his younger audience in mind — Layton discusses greenhouse gases, renewable energy sources and sustainable living. The book lists practical ways kids can positively impact the planet like growing vegies, walking and cycling instead of driving, and thinking carefully about waste. A Climate in Chaos leaves young readers excited about what they can do to make a difference and encourages them to think of new ways…

AMPERNA Pro+ Bio Resurfacing Retinol RX [Superfoliate] This gentle leave-on Granactive Retinoid serum contains azelaic acid salt, niacinamide, liquorice root extract and zinc and copper gluconates to help calm redness and improve the skin’s appearance. Granactive Retinoid helps renew skin plumpness, elasticity and hydration to help with a more radiant and fresh appearance. It is also known to help stimulate skin cell proliferation, restoring thickness to skin that has become thinner with age. W: facebook.com/ampernaskin Saba Organics Did you know that many skin and hair problems are associated with artificial substances and toxic chemicals that go into skin and hair care products? You’ll feel better using Saba Organics; they’re 100 per cent certified organic, meaning no exposure to harmful chemicals. Your skin is like a sponge — don’t absorb toxins.…

EMA TAYLOR is a naturopath, clinical nutritionist and certified fertility awareness educator. For more, visit emataylor.com or @emataylornaturopathy on Instagram. There is no such thing as a perfect meditator, so don’t worry if you feel like you can’t quiet your busy mind; your body will still reap the benefits of creating the space to sit and breathe deeply each day. Rituals are performed in many cultures throughout the world for ceremonial, spiritual or religious practices. However, the premise of a ritual doesn’t necessarily have to be associated with or performed in a customary way to hold power in your life. Weaving simple rituals into your daily life can improve your overall wellbeing and enhance the way you look, feel and function each day. I believe that daily rituals like making…

I’ve used an integrative approach to treating allergic skin disease in pets for over 15 years. Improvements can take several months, but we can usually reduce the reliance on conventional medications, reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. Many of these integrative strategies rely on traditional knowledge, but now a growing body of research supports using herbal medicines or nutraceuticals when treating skin allergies. Here are three additional strategies we can add to our toolbox. Vitamin D Vitamin D is an essential fat-soluble vitamin, and is known for its role in calcium homeostasis. People can synthesise vitamin D from exposure to sunlight, but dogs and cats may not be able to produce enough this way. Vitamin D is linked to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, immune function and cancer. Veterinary research…

On a grey and damp winter’s day, a lovely, beautifully presented woman in her mid-50s came to see me. She just wasn’t feeling her normal self: lots of niggly symptoms had started to bother her and she was concerned as she had friends that kept telling her she was just getting old, but she did not want to accept this perspective. On discussing the issues with her, nothing was seriously wrong. She had a few aches and pains and was getting repeated doses of low-grade colds and flu infections. It was nothing to make her really ill, but she was experiencing these every few weeks, more frequently since the onset of the cold and wet weather. On the day she came to the clinic, she had just been recovering from…

Comfortably cocooned in the safe space of my therapist’s office, aromatherapy scents and soft lights helped me drop into the session. We were discussing experiences from my childhood when my therapist confronted me with a confusing question. “Can you describe how emotions of loneliness feel in your body?” I was bewildered. She continued, “Does the sensation of loneliness feel hard, sharp; do you feel it in one area of your body or in several places?” I had never thought of emotions as physical sensations. To me, they had only ever been abstract. It had not occurred to me that emotions run deeper than just a thought and state of mind. I was guided to a table and chair and presented with a range of artistic mediums from charcoal to paint.…

Quoll survival The quoll is a carnivorous marsupial native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are the size of a large rat and native to a range across northern Australia, from Pilbara in WA to the southeast of Queensland. They inhabit diverse environments ranging from rocky escarpments to lowland savannahs. Unfortunately, northern quolls are under pressure to survive thanks to cane toads, bushfires and competition from cats and dingoes, as well as habitat fragmentation. Given the lack of genetic diversity within each pocket of northern quoll population, the ideal way to boost numbers would be cross-breeding. But that runs the risk that the quoll from one environment might not be suited to another environment and, for instance, might have a skull that isn’t suited to eating local prey. Now,…

Daisy Clementine Douglas begins our online session with an opening prayer. Her voice is soft and knowledgeable as she asks me to close my eyes and bring awareness to my breath. She moves presence through my entire body, connecting with Mother Earth and the cosmos and inviting spirit guides and power animals to sit with us. I’m crosslegged on my bed and her words are coming through my computer speakers, yet it feels like she’s an old friend sitting next to me. After a few more moments, Douglas asks me to open my eyes. I feel calm and excited to spend the hour together. In this session, she explains, I’ll discover my soul’s blueprint and the authentic and dominant energies that make up the core of my being. As we’ll…

The endocrine system consists of glands that produce and secrete hormones. Hormones function as the body’s chemical messengers, relaying vital information to cells and tissues, and are responsible for growth and development, metabolism, sexual function, reproduction and a balanced mood. While period pain, breast tenderness and mood changes are the more obvious symptoms of a hormonal imbalance, there is an array of external symptoms such as hair loss, acne and brittle nails that may signify your hormones aren’t happy. So, what hormones may be causing your hair, skin and nail concerns? Let’s delve into three of the most common culprits. Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) One of the most common female conditions resulting from imbalanced hormones is polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). A woman with PCOS may experience irregular menstrual cycles, acne,…

Legumes aren’t just for vegetarians. These nutrition powerhouses are the best sources of plantbased protein going around and are bursting with health benefits, making them the perfect addition to your weekly diet. Despite their nutritional benefits and versatility in cooking, they are often overlooked when it comes to superfoods, with less than 30 per cent of Australians eating enough legumes in their diet. Two serves of legumes a week is a good start, but try to aim for four serves to really maximise their nutritional benefits, more if you’re vegan or vegetarian. But what exactly are legumes? These “magical fruits”, often referred to as beans and pulses, are plants in the Fabaceae botanical family which have seed pods that split into two halves. There are thousands of different legume species…

Every kitchen has its own story, with the kitchen that Swedish David Frenkiel and Danish Luise Vindahl share with their three children in Stockholm no exception. These two peas in a pod are behind Green Kitchen Stories, an award-winning food blog that pioneered the Scandinavian vegetarian food scene more than a decade ago by offering a seasonal, healthy and modern take on vegie recipes created in their very own green kitchen. Green Kitchen Stories began as a blog in 2009 and has evolved into a multimedia brand encompassing five cookbooks (The Green Kitchen, Green Kitchen Travels, Green Kitchen Smoothies, Green Kitchen at Home and Little Green Kitchen), an app and quite the Instagram following between their two accounts — @gkstories (394k followers) and @luisegreenkitchenstories (214k followers). Across these channels, Frenkiel…

Mindset n 1 the established set of attitudes held by someone 2 a mental attitude or inclination Anaïs Nin’s famous adage, “We don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are”, reveals a lot about someone’s mindset. When your mind is open to possibilities, you are inviting in opportunities to discover, learn and grow. Can you connect to a feeling or memory of this experience? Perhaps you took a leap of faith with a new job, study opportunity, relationship or hobby that wouldn’t have been possible without a particular mindset. This notion can also be turned on its head, however. If you are not willing to see things from another perspective, then a situation or, on a deeper level, life itself can feel rigid, stuck or unpleasant. The…

Japan’s teikei system is not necessarily the model for CSA enterprises everywhere. In fact, CSA developed in different ways in different parts of the world. But the 10 founding principles of teikei help illustrate the potential benefits of CSA programs worldwide. They are: 1 Principle of Mutual Assistance — Producers and consumers have a supportive and mutually beneficial relationship, with a shared understanding of the others’ needs and desires. 2 Principle of Intended Production — Producers should intend to produce the maximum amount and diversity of produce that their farms can support in consultation with consumers. 3 Principle of Accepting Produce — Consumers should accept the produce that has been grown on as a result of their consultation and depend upon this produce as much as possible. 4 Principle of…

Atall, dark stranger walked into my clinic one day and handed me a box of expensive items. A new designer jumper, fancy headphones and shiny trainers. “Please give these to someone who needs them, I’m a minimalist,” he smiled with monklike serenity. I was reminded of the movie Brother Sun, Sister Moon when St Francis of Assisi dispersed his family’s coffers. What ensued was an enlightening conversation exploring needs versus wants and simplifying versus stockpiling. For years Richard was a workaholic to pay for his lavish lifestyle, which ironically helped him unwind from work stress! This vicious cycle led to burnout, depression and ruined relationships. After reducing work and radically downsizing Richard felt free. “I was straining so much to get more; I didn’t appreciate what I had.” Today he…

Glowing tangerine and gold as the sun begins to rise, Pildappa Rock takes me completely by surprise. Fringed by weathered walls that flare like cresting waves frozen in time, it calls me to climb, luring me up a gently rising spur of prickly granite. Just four storeys up I reach Pildappa’s lichen-covered summit, undulating and pitted with tiny waterholes called gnammas that cradle sweet, clear rainwater and nurture verdant grasses with delicate white blooms. Clinging precariously to its slopes, eroded boulders shed outer layers of granite like onion skins, and far below my feet a vast patchwork of farming plots stretches endlessly south. There’s nothing busy about this uplifting sunrise scene. Once buried seven kilometres underground, Pildappa Rock has taken its time to rise from the earth and remains an…

After the birth of her first baby, Kathryn Khiroya realised she didn’t want to return to work behind a desk. She started to search for a career that resonated with her soul and served others. Exercise eventually led Kathryn to her first love. “Throughout my life, I’ve always come back to activity and exercise and found an outlet for stress or an opportunity for growth,” Kathryn explained. “When we started our family, I was working in finance and project management, but I wanted a career with more flexibility, so I decided to give Pilates a go.” Kathryn was questioning her career change when Pilates inspired her. “I loved its anatomical base and I was intrigued by the shapes the body makes to achieve movement,” she said. Kathryn became a Pilates,…

Following on from the widespread attention AcuEnergetics received in the media when founder, Kevin Niv Farrow, gave successful AcuEnergetics treatments to Boyd Cordner, captain of the NSW State of Origin team, the unique treatment approach has continued to capture the attention of other high-profile sports stars. West Tigers and NZ Kiwi favourite Benji Marshall requested help from AcuEnergetics for chronic hamstring injuries. He had tried many different treatments that had little effect, until he met Kevin and AcuEnergetics. “It is a completely different approach to treatment that makes so much sense when you understand the dynamics of it and see the results,” said Benji. “I had great success coming back from injury after multiple sessions with Kevin. I can’t recommend it highly enough.” While these sporting superstars are predominantly interested…

Online learning at its best If you are looking for flexible online learning in Health and Wellbeing, Nutrition, Natural Health and Counselling, you’ve found the right place. Health Academy Australia is an award-winning organisation offering comprehensive and versatile online courses from the past 12 years. It made the top three of the top 50 health care training providers for the last four consecutive years. With COVID-19 impacting people’s lives dramatically, the need to reskill or upskill in an online environment has become essential for many people during 2020. Health Academy Australia was there at this time of need. It is one of the pioneers in 100 per cent online education in Australia, so students feel confident enrolling and studying with Health Academy Australia. The thousands of successful graduates over the…

Stressfree Management is an innovative clinic run by Jenetta Haim in the Western Suburbs of Sydney. The clinic caters for a multitude of modalities to assist healing on all levels. Jenetta offers more than 40 years of experience in a holistic program specifically designed for what you need. Do you need help with diet and nutrition? Or would you like to change negative habits with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Hypnotherapy, Counselling or NLP? Do you need help finding causes for your inflammation and allergies? Maybe you’d like to quieten your mind and emotions with meditation and mindfulness. Perhaps you’d like to learn more about house clearing and Feng Shui? Or would you like to balance your energy with Body Scanning, Crystal Healing, Reiki, Theta Healing, Colour Therapy, Spiritual Counselling or Psychic…

Of all the mysteries science has attempted to unravel, among the most complex is what makes one person attractive to another. There are layers of evolutionary and environmental factors that influence what draws you to another person, so let’s dive in and start peeling back those layers, as we uncover the elements that add up to attraction. Beauty in the eye If you are into photography, graphic design or filmmaking you will certainly have heard of the “rule of thirds” and probably also of the “golden ratio”. Whether the golden ratio being present is what makes a face attractive is open to interpretation because it all depends on where you start your measuring, but what has been found is that there are definite facial ratios that we do find appealing.…

Alex Elliott-Howery and Jaimee Edwards have joined forces to bring you Use It All: The Cornersmith Guide to a More Sustainable Kitchen. For years, the duo experimented with food — in their home kitchens as well as at their Sydney café, Cornersmith. Now it’s time for a cookbook sharing their love of fermenting, offcuts and waste hacks. Sharing over 230 recipes, the authors keep meals affordable, delicious and free from a hefty carbon footprint. Use It All offers alternative flavour combinations so you can stay versatile in your ingredient selection, cater for dietary requirements and avoid boredom in the kitchen. With beautiful imagery by photographer Cath Muscat, Elliot-Howery and Edwards’ cookbook will help you rethink your spending without reducing the amount of food that you consume. The book not only…

Amazon Power If you want to make your body overjoyed, put some açaí in your diet. Amazon Power Original Açaí have so many potential health benefits. They are loaded with real plant compounds that act as antioxidants and might have benefits for your overall health. W: amazonpower.com.au Pacific Harvest Pacific Harvest has been supplying seaweed to Australasia since 2002. The extensive range includes many of the most popular edible seaweeds worldwide. Pacific Harvest plants have been harvested sustainably in New Zealand and abroad, dried naturally and tested for contaminants. W: pacificharvest.co.nz Lakanto Responsibly sweet, Lakanto Maple Flavoured Syrup is diabetic-friendly, vegan and ketofriendly, with only 2 grams net carbohydrates per serve. Now available in Woolworths and leading health food shops nationally, Lakanto would like to offer WellBeing readers a 10…

You’re invited to an intimate dinner with friends. How lovely! It’s time to ask the host what you can bring, while simultaneously mentally preparing your usual salad that you’re able to make with your eyes closed and one arm tied around your back. “Um, maybe a dessert? Someone’s bringing fruit so, a cake or something?” Well, there goes your plan. Panic ensues and droplets of sweat start to trickle down your face. Your mind starts to oscillate wildly — what kind of dessert can you make that’s easy and fuss-free and will be enjoyed by everyone? Is it just you or does it feel like it’s getting hotter in here? Before you go out to the closest bakery to get your hands on a packet of stale chocolate brownies or…

DR MICHAEL ELSTEIN is a Sydney-based anti-ageing physician and writer. He is the author of three books including his latest, The Wellness Guide to Preventing the Diseases of Ageing. He has also designed the app The Diet Guide to Ageing Prevention. A number of diseases from Parkinson’s to Alzheimer’s, diabetes and obesity can all be overturned by topping up with NAD+. Ageing is a complex process. I’ve been involved with the anti-ageing movement for over 20 years and there’s always been the search for the all-embracing phenomenon that is the prime cause of growing old which, when identified, can be targeted to simply prevent ageing. We’re not quite there yet, and the huge question mark around whether we can ever come to that place is the fact that we have…

has 30 years’ experience and treats astrology as a healing art, off ering in-person readings in Sydney, Melbourne and Auckland. Phone, Skype or Zoom sessions are available worldwide and Christine is available for bookings through Lotus Health in Sydney’s Neutral Bay. She also leads workshops and embodied astrology retreats in Australia and New Zealand. For details see astrologyembodied.com or phone (+61) 402664101 (AU). Cancer Exciting possibilities are raised by the early Nov meeting of Jupiter and Pluto in your partner sign, a New Moon in your love sign on 15, then wake-up calls from Nov 16–19. Meanwhile, lover Venus sparks creative bursts from Nov 21–Dec 15. Life urges you to spread the wings of your imagination; to bond in stronger ways with those you love and to leave behind an…

Myth: You need to be good at art in order to engage in art therapy. Fact: The process is much more important than the end result. The goal is to explore emotional undertones from what we create, to foster greater awareness of our emotions. Myth: I can’t draw on demand; I need some time to plan. Fact: The aim is to connect with your intuition and see what comes up for you in that moment. True discovery comes from the unplanned. Myth: I don’t think art therapy would help uncover anything I don’t already know. Fact: You will be surprised. Connecting with the right side of our brain allows us to unlock images of emotions and events that have been long forgotten.…

Capers for brain and heart There is archaeological evidence that indicates that humans have been consuming capers for at least 10,000 years. These immature flower buds of the caper bush are eaten pickled and have also been used as folk medicine. In a new study from the University of California, Irvine, researchers found that a 1 per cent extract of capers activated KCNQ channels that are important for normal human brain and heart function. The mechanism was revealed to be a compound called quercetin, a plant flavonol that is richly supplied in capers. Apparently, the quercetin binds to a region of the KCNQ channel that is necessary for responding to electrical activity. By doing this, the quercetin tricks the channel into being open when it would normally be closed. Drugs…

Prebiotics are short-chain carbohydrates that are an essential food source for the microbiome and positively alter the composition or metabolism of the gut. They are the nondigestible fibre components of foods like onions, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, chicory roots and beans, that travel undigested through the small intestine and ferment when they reach the large intestine (the colon) by bacteria such as bifidobacteria. The compounds produced by this fermentation process — short-chain fatty acids such as acetate, butyrate and propionate — encourage the selective growth and proliferation of the beneficial gut bacteria essential for a healthy microbiome. Fibre in our foods is generally classified as either soluble or insoluble, but from a microbiome perspective the fermentability of the fibre is the critical component for health. Fibre that resists digestion, called digestiveresistant…

What are some of the things that make you feel alive? Starting community projects makes me feel the most alive. I helped build a bathroom in Romania for a mum of domestic violence who had six girls. I always feel alive whenever I lead any of our projects in India, Africa and Australia. What was the initial vision for Eco Tan and has that changed over time? This year is Eco Tan’s 10th birthday and my vision has never wavered. I have been committed to creating an organic, Australian and cruelty-free range of highend products without an expensive price tag. I have always trusted my gut and Eco Tan is a company that is founded on authenticity and transparency, which is why our certifications are so important. In 2011 we…

What’s the most thoughtful present you’ve received? There is a chance the memorable gift wasn’t a voucher or a pre-packaged hamper, but rather an item that was lovingly made especially for you. While you may express gratitude for anything gifted, a handmade gesture is something you will likely cherish for years to come. Just as second-hand furniture is infused with stories of the past, a handmade object is imbued with the energy of its maker. A handcrafted object is intrinsically valuable, regardless of the cost of the materials, because it signifies an investment of time and care. When you add handcrafted items to your home, collected mindfully over time, you curate a thoughtful space that is rich with story and meaning. You invite warmth with things that have been shaped,…

What does breakfast look like in your house? Is it a rushed preliminary to getting out the door, or is it a time for fuelling up for the day ahead? Conventional wisdom holds that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but is it really? It is worth taking a moment to think about what your best breakfast might look like. A brief history of breakfast You might think that breakfast at 7am, lunch at 1pm, and dinner at 6 or 7pm is the pattern in which human beings have consumed their food forever. It is always psychologically tempting to assume that the ways things are now is the way they have always been and always will be. It’s nonsense of course. It’s difficult to imagine our huntergatherer…

A young boy tucked up in bed touches his lips to the screen and kisses his grandma’s face goodnight. In the living room, twin pre-teens argue over what to watch on Stan, while their 14-year-old older sister monitors her heart rate on a smartwatch after a gruelling workout, courtesy of YouTube. It’s an ever-changing world where technology is evolving at breakneck speed. And love it or loathe it, kids just can’t seem to get enough of it. No matter what your thoughts are about technology, you must admit, some of it is pretty cool. Google can provide answers to those tricky homework questions that leave parents scratching their heads in frustration. Plonking a feisty preschooler in front of a screen is a distraction while mum cooks dinner. Allowing your teenage…

It has been a year fraught with climate, virus and economic anxiety. We have been turned inside out, our sacred “normal” shaken from us with such vigour that we’ve been left battered and bruised from a tumble dryer of crises set to high heat and maximum spin. Everything that once felt reliable is now draped in fear and the impact feels brutally physical. But we’re a resilient species, us humans. Each of the year’s disasters has been followed by a procession of headlines reporting million-dollar fundraisers, “pivoting” businesses and community support groups devoted to aiding the elderly and those vulnerable to COVID-19. There have been campaigns to encourage travel to bushfire affected towns and gift card endeavours to help struggling restaurants. … embracing the spirit of generosity, especially at this…

The current private transport system has many shortcomings. Cars produce pollution, generate CO2 and emit other greenhouse gases. In urban environments, roads take up a large chunk of land area, sprawl is an issue and congestion is common. Road accidents are a tragic problem, with about 1100 fatalities per year in Australia, and around 350 in New Zealand. Globally, road deaths are about 1.35 million annually. All of these issues are in line to be affected by a potential future shift towards driverless vehicles (also known as selfdriving vehicles or autonomous vehicles), and while some changes are likely to be for the better, others might not. In a broader context, they are an important part of the planned shift towards a hightech future under the “internet of things” (IoT) and…

Pildappa Rock Go: Head to Minippa, 600km northwest of Adelaide and continue 15km to Pildappa Rock. Stay: Book a retro camper at camplify.com.au and kick-start your own road tripping adventure. Pack: A yoga mat. Don’t miss: Tackling a hiking track in nearby Gawler Ranges National Park. Contact: wudinna.sa.gov.au. Perlubie Beach Go: Perlubie Beach is located at Streaky Bay, 717km from Adelaide. Stay: Earth-friendly Perlubie Sea offers villas from $240/night (perlubiesea.com.au). Pack: Fishing rods. Don’t miss: November’s Rodeo by the Sea (rodeobythesea.com.au). Contact: streakbay.com.au. Coffin Bay Go: Coffin Bay is located 50km west of Port Lincoln at the end of the Eyre Peninsula (690km from Adelaide). Stay: Try Almonta Park Lodge (POA, almontapark.com) or book a campsite at Yangie Bay in Coffin Bay National Park ($12.50/vehicle/night). Pack: A kayak. Don’t miss:…

When I started working as the Relationship Coordinator for the Australian Traditional-Medicine Society (ATMS), I was tasked with helping students to find their feet and get to know their industry. I am a naturopath and for over 15 years I have been a member of ATMS. My own experiences moving from student to accredited practitioner are what make me so driven in my role to ensure that others know the benefits of becoming a member of an accredited association. When we are studying, we are so focused on the content that it’s sometimes hard to see past the studies and into the future of being an accredited practitioner. There are several reasons I was attracted to ATMS so many years ago and continue to renew each year, the big one…

What a year 2020 has been. If this crazy year has shown us anything, it is the need to be more self-reliant when it comes to looking after our health. We have learnt that we need more than just a dependence on western medicine; we need a greater understanding of how the body works and we need affordable options to support it, as well as to cope with added stresses and looking after our mental health. Yoga is now widely recognised as a great way to keep strong and active. It’s a wonderful tool to help deal with the stresses of everyday life and ensure we continue doing what we love. But as the popularity of yoga increases, we’re learning that not all yoga is the same. While we might…

One of the simplest timing tools in astrology is also one of the most ancient. Known as annual profections, and used by the ancient Greeks, this technique links your age to one of the 12 houses, in a repeating 12-year cycle. To work with this technique, you’ll need to have a basic understanding of the 12 houses. Take a look at the diagram to find out the basic keywords and concepts for each of the houses. Since each house in your birth chart describes a specific set of topics and themes, working with annual profections can give you insight and guidance for the main areas to focus on for your next 12 months. Your annual profected house will give you tips and clues as to where in your life you’re…

As we continue to ride the wave of COVID-19, one sector that’s growing amid many failing industries is food and nutrition. Endeavour College of Natural Health alumna, Meg Yonson, explores five food trends that she hopes will stay long after this pandemic is gone. Yonson is a qualified nutritionist, an experienced recipe developer and graphic designer. For the past seven years, she has been working professionally in the food space, predominantly on health and wellness projects. Right now, she’s juggling several projects, including the next CSIRO cookbook. “Given the nature of my work, I’m always watching trends and developing projects that respond to what I’m seeing. It’s amazing to see how this area is evolving, and hopefully these food trends will stick,” says Yonson. “The pandemic may have reduced our…

JACKIE FRENCH is the author of The Chook Book (Aird Books). Her oldest chook, Gertie, is now 17. Although Gertie’s sisters have all long since fallen off the perch, Gertie still lays extremely large brown eggs most days of the year. Get in touch with Jackie via facebook.com/authorjackiefrench, twitter.com/jackie_french_ and instagram.com/jackie_french_. Semi-dwarf black mulberries are the toughest, most productive and longest fruiting. “But what can you do with mulberries?” she asked, looking at our laden tree. One answer is, “Let the kids feast on them,” which is exactly what they were doing. With purple fingers and purple mouths, they picked and ate berry after berry. But even with their eager guzzling there was more fruit than the kids and the birds could eat. These days, few people have experience of…

Fruit & vegetables SPRING Vegetables Artichoke, Asian greens, asparagus, avocados, broad beans, green beans, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, chokos, cucumbers, leeks, lettuce, morel mushrooms, salad onions, spring onions, peas, snow peas, sugar snap peas, sweet potato, potato, pumpkin, silver beet, spinach, watercress, zucchini flowers. Fruit Lady Williams apples, bananas, cherries, cumquats, grapefruit, lemons, loquats, lychees, Ellendale and Murcott mandarins, mangoes, honeydew melons, rockmelons, watermelons, blood oranges, Seville oranges, papaya, pawpaw, smooth leaf pineapple, starfruit, strawberries, tangelos. SUMMER Vegetables Asparagus, beans, capsicum, celery, chillies, cucumbers, eggplant, lettuce, okra, onions, peas, potatoes, radish, sweetcorn, watercress, zucchini. Fruit Apricots, avocados, bananas, blackberries, blackcurrants, blueberries, cherries, figs, grapes, melons, limes, lychees, mangoes, mangosteens, nectarines, oranges, papaya, passionfruit, pawpaw, peaches, pears, pineapple, plums, rambutans, raspberries, redcurrants, strawberries, tomatoes. our #inspo Inspiring activities • Start your…