GUSTO

AnandaFest Feature - Pg. 3 Myths & misconceptions on a spiritual path - Pg. 4 Final Resting Pose - Corpse Pose for bedtime - Pg. 5 Supporting the optimal you - Pg. 6 Touch up to train up - Pg. 7 Cody Cipolla: Hamiltons aspiring poet + Eat for your blood type - Pg. 8 Tapping to your own rhythm - Pg. 9 A look into past life explorations - Pg.10 Colour your Healing - Pg. 11 Liquid Crystal Love: Part 5 - Pg. 12 Clean Green Living - Pg. 13 A conversation with you + Moms Kitchen: Gluten-free Rhubarb crisp & Rhubard Iced Tea! - Pg.14

MAGAZINE

ISSUE 7, 2013

A something in a summer's noon

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 - AnandaFest Feature - Myths & misconceptions on a spiritual path - Final Resting Pose - Corpse Pose for bedtime - Supporting the optimal you - Touch up to train up - Eat for your blood type + Cody Cipolla: Hamiltons aspiring poet Page 9 - Tapping to your own rhythm Page 10 - A look into past life explorations + Edgar Cayce: The Sleeping Prophet Page 11 - Colour your Healing Page 12 - Liquid Crystal Love: Part 5 - Collecting & storing spring water Page 13 - Clean Green Living + Eco-friendly, kid-friendly weed killer recipe Page 14 - A conversation with you- with Stephanie Scheid + Moms Kitchen: Gluten-free rhubarb crisp + Rhubarb iced tea! Page 15 - Hamilton Happenings!

Letter from the editor,

GUSTO GALA UPDATE: The Gusto Gala was a huge success!! With the support from our lovely Hamilton community - Gusto has expanded and is now a FULL 16 pages!! We couldnt have done it without you! Once again we would also like to thank our sponsors for their generous donations and support! THANK YOU! Be sure to check out the incredible June line-up for events: AnandaFest June 7, 8 & 9th Camp Sidrabene, Burlington ON www.anandafest.org Veggie Fest (Come by and say hi - well have a booth) June 15th Ancaster Fairgrounds Free admission veggiefesthamilton.com Open Streets Hamilton June 23, 2013 Open Streets Hamilton is a communitybased partnership dedicated to promoting active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles by temporarily transforming streets into a shared space for everyone to experience. Date: Sunday, June 23, 2013 - Rain or Shine James Street North, Hamilton, ON 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. www.openstreetshamilton.ca Its Your Festival - 2013 June 29, 2013 to July 01, 2013 Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council June 28, 2013 - July 1, 2013 Celebrating Canadas Birthday at Its Your Festival in beautiful Gage Park FREE ADMISSION. Food, entertainment, games, contests and Canada Day ceremony! www.itsyourfestival.ca I am so excited for this summers activities, gardening and BBQs and of course the weather! Have fun, see you July!

GUSTO is a free alternative publication aimed to create unity amongst Hamiltons holistic, green, organic and spiritual community.
Executive Editor: Amy Bonin Monthly Contributors Amber Colbear Anita Kaiser Andria Hoda Care Hudson Erin Janus Jen Fleming Justin DOlimpio Juliana LaChance Katie McClelland Kathy Korbett-King Linda Kraan-Benson Shelley Gordon Stephanie Scheid Teresa Bonin T.K. Atkinson Vanessa Pazzi
OUR PHILOSOPHY IS SIMPLE Educate, Inspire and Grow. We intend that GUSTO will provide readers with stories, interviews and information concerning holistic health,wellness and environmental awareness shared by industry leaders in our Hamilton community. We are looking for article submissions, interviewees and businesses that wish to advertise with us , or wishing to carry our magazine. Please contact us at info@gustomagazine.ca for submission guidelines or advertising information.

Adaptations Studio
THANK YOU Editor, Amy Bonin

What is AnandaFest?
ANANDAFESTS second gathering will provide an inspirational weekend of outdoor yoga for all levels beginner to advanced, spiritual stewardship, music, healthy living and educational activities. Building on the success of the first year in 2011, the team has secured a breathtaking 70 acre property at the base of the majestic Niagara Escarpment located in north Burlington, Ontario at Camp Sidrabene. AnandaFest 2013 will bring together world class yoga instructors, health care practitioners, workshops, performers, speakers, vendors and we are working hard to make the second festival even more special.

Why was AnandaFest created?

AF was created to bring the yoga, conscious living community together at a beautiful, tranquil setting, in celebration. The weekend is a chance for like-minded folks to bond, share ideas, practice, learn, and escape from the hustle of their daily lives, in a location that does not require the commitment of travel abroad. The Halton Region is rich in natural resources, and AF celebrates re-connection with the land through lifestyle, and educational events which will take place throughout the weekend.

What is the goal of your festival?

The goal is to connect like-minded community, through spiritual stewardship, yoga, music, camping & mindful activities in a peaceful, outdoor setting over three days, creating the space to do so in a centralized location close to Toronto, Kitchener/Waterloo, Niagara Falls, & the US border. Halton Region is about 45 mins from all of these locations, in the heart of the Golden Horseshoe, and Southern Ontario.

What events can people look forward to?

We have a lineup of over 30 yoga classes, speakers on various topics from philosophy to personal growth, workshops, meditation, Crystal Journey with David Hickey, evening DJ, 6 Nations Ceremony, camping and outdoor events.

What can people expect from the AnandaFest experience?

Ananda bliss in Sanskrit, also can be described as naturally so being. The festival/retreat is just that, as folks can plan the events that they wish to attend, or just be, in a beautiful space at the base of the majestic Niagara Escarpment. The event schedule is continuous over the three days, so there are abundant choices presented to those who stay the three days, thereby choosing the experience that they wish to have.

AnandaFest 2013 www.anandafest.org June 7, 8, 9th Camp Sidrabene Burlington, ON Canada

Bioenergetics is a very effective new, natural modality that does not use scratch tests or needles to isolate a stressor. Then, by using electro-acupressure, the body is brought back into balance so it can properly recognize harmful and non harmful stressors and thus, heal itself.

Reactions to pets, seasonal, foods Gas and Bloating Emotional upset/Anxiety Problems sleeping

With 3 locations!

Acne, rash, hives Weight loss or gain Headaches (even caused by rain storms!) And many more!

www.gustomagazine.ca

Myths and misconceptions on the spiritual path

By: Katie McClelland
Many of us first embark on a spiritual path with boundless enthusiasm and a vision of completely transforming ourselves through the practice of yoga and meditation. We feel confident that the tired, anxious face staring back at us in the mirror will be replaced by a soft, monk-like face, wise and knowing, unaffected by lifes challenges. Indeed, we experience breakthroughs in the beginning including the unraveling of physical and mental tensions, emotional releases and sometimes, profound insights into the truth of who we are. Along the way, however, we can start to feel discouraged if we buy into some of the spiritual myths commonly making the rounds on facebook and in spiritual self-help books. Below I have taken to task some common beliefs around spiritual practice. Im sure there is a swami or two turning over in his grave at some of the following disputes, but I believe a spiritual practice must be alive, evolutionary and personal and its from this place that I share! In a competitive, fast-paced and sometimes very mean world, your ego is just trying to help you keep up.

Myth 5: Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind

This is a verse from the yoga sutras and yes folks, I am attempting to rewrite this ancient text. From what Ive learned and experienced, your mind will never stop fluctuating - thats what a mind is designed to do! Through the practice of yoga you may experience longer periods of peace and spaciousness within, but your thoughts will not disappear. What can lessen is your attachment to - and identification with - the fluctuations of the mind. So, rather than being a slave to the drama of your thoughts, you are able to recognize them as meaningless noise and connect with your true self- the part of you that is unchanging and un-phased. From this place, you are able to witness the fluctuations of the mind with detached, amused compassion.

Myth 6: Everything is perfect just as it is: I would hear this in a yoga class and wonder, what exactly does that mean?

Myth 1: Im doing Yoga!

Contrary to popular belief, yoga is not something you can do. It is a state of being. If you are walking your dog or washing your dishes with mindfulness and are truly present to the moment, you are practicing yoga. If you are having a conversation and are really listening to that person, while at the same time being aware of your own breath and body, you are practicing yoga. A yoga mat and studio simply provides you the opportunity to practice the art and skill of being present. Which leads to my next myth in question...

Myth 2: You have to be flexible to practice yoga!

Do you want to know how much flexibility has to do with yoga? NOTHING. Did you hear that? I know you dont believe me, but the sooner you can realize this on a cellular-and not just intellectual-level, the sooner your practice will feel truly free and joyful. Flexibility is a by-product of regular practice, but is not the goal itself. Case in point: One student is a dancer and naturally flexible and can lay her body on her legs in a forward fold. She then proceeds to pick her toenail polish and look around the room. Another student is in a wheelchair and is gently reaching the crown of her head up towards the sky, aware of any tension in her body and breathing slow, mindful breaths. Who is the more advanced yogi? The woman in the wheelchair.

Maintaining my zen-like facial expression, I would be screaming on the inside Everything is NOT perfect! Nothing on my vision board has manifested! I hate my thighs! My credit card is maxed! What are you talking about, everything is perfect??. Now, I think I have a better understanding of this definition of perfection. Perfection doesnt mean everything is just as you want it to be but rather, wherever you are in your life, without exception, is exactly where you need to be to learn the lessons you need to learn. Your are also in a perfect position to receive the gifts and blessings that are being offered to you, if you choose to open your eyes and see them. This means this moment is absolutely perfect for facilitating your growth. I now take great comfort in knowing that at all times; I am right where I am supposed to be!

Myth 7: Do it NOW. Boy, what a pressure filled command!

Myth 3: In order to meditate, you must empty the mind!

Quieting the mind completely is virtually impossible. If your mind were empty, you would be dead. Thinking is part of the human experience, and in fact, a new thought arises on average every six seconds! Do not fight the tendency to think. Rather, resist the tendency to be drawn into the drama and stories that your mind creates. Dont identify with them as being you. The practice of meditation can create space between you and your thoughts, enabling you to be less reactive and free from the trappings of cravings and aversions.

We see that phrase everywhere and it forms the backbone of many spiritual and self-help programs. Motivating yourself to act now is a wonderful thing, but problems arise when you dont follow through on your intentions and end up judging yourself harshly for not manifesting greatness. This perpetuates a cycle of feeling badly about yourself and therefore undeserving of wonderful things. When I used to get really upset with myself for not following through on something, my mom would say: Its ok, honey! There is no rush. There is no finish line. You have all the time in the world! If not in this lifetime, the next one!. I love this philosophy! And the paradox is, when you take the pressure off, you actually accomplish more.

Myth 4: The ego is evil!

Your poor ego. Always taking a lashing. Let me share with you some wisdom my mom bestowed on me: Your ego is like a small child who actually has your best interests at heart and wants to protect you. It just doesnt always realize that you are ok without it.

Myth 8: To hear answers to your questions, become silent and look inwards. Or, Dont act until you have clarity. I spent what felt like years frozen in indecisiveness, while I tried to meditate, read and reflect my way to answers to the big questions I had about my life. I have my dad to thank for helping me break free from chronic navel-gazing. He is a man of action and a strong believer that answers come through acting, not pondering. I have found that moving forward even while confused or uncertain has been the best way for me to find clarity in my own life. Katie McClelland, Owner, Director-De La Sol Yoga (905)540-3569 430 York Blvd Katiesolyoga@gmail.com

www.gustomagazine.ca

How do you feel when you wake up in the morning?

If you wake up with a sore back, neck, or shoulders or with pins & needles in your hands and feet, maybe you should re-consider your preferred sleeping position. The best position for the majority of us to sleep in is on our backs. But have you thought about the position of the rest of your body? If you sleep with your knees bent or with your arms above your head, you may be doing yourself a disservice. Consider the importance of extending your limbs during slumber. The majority of us spend most of our day sitting. We move from sitting at the breakfast table to our car, from our car to our desk, the back to our car, to the dinner table and then the couch. In a seated position, our hips, knees and elbows are generally in flexion putting a strain on the muscles surrounding these joints. If we go to sleep with the body in a similar curled up position, eventually the body may become too tight to fully open or we may create impingements in our joints. Bedtime is an opportunity for the body to reset and realign. Sleeping on your back makes it easy for your head, neck, and spine to maintain a neutral position so your muscles and tissues can relax evenly in all directions. We can extend this same principle to our extremities by sleeping in savasana or corpse pose. Lie on your back and let your arms and legs fall equally from the mid-line of your body. Let the legs & feet naturally fall open. Turn your palms face up to set your shoulder blades into your back and tuck your chin lightly towards your chest to lengthen the back of your neck. Now the shoulder, elbow and knee joints will maintain a neutral position. Taking savasana at bedtime can also help reduce symptoms of carpal tunnel. CTS symptoms often come on at night and may wake you up. Some doctors believe it can be caused by your sleeping position. You may sleep with your wrist bent and/or tucked under your head or pillow, which can cause compression of the median nerve. So if you experience CTS allow your hands and wrists to lie flat on the mattress when you settle down for the night. Still cant get comfortable? For many people it is helpful to add a pillow or bolster under their knees to take any pressure off the sciatic nerve. Or try a soothing eye pillow scented with lavender to allow the muscles in the face to soften and calm the mind.

By: Shelley Gordon

Need more reasons to sleep in corpse pose?

Its also ideal for fighting acid reflux, says Eric Olson, M.D., co-director of the Mayo Clinic Center for Sleep Medicine in Rochester, Minnesota: If the head is elevated, your stomach will be below your esophagus so acid or food cant come back up. Back-sleeping also helps prevent wrinkles, because nothing is pushing against your face, notes Dee Anna Glaser, M.D., a professor of dermatology at Saint Louis University. Sleeping on your back balances out your body weight and keeps internal organs aligned.

Shelley Gordon is a certified yoga instructor specializing in healing injuries as a physiotherapist assistant at Active Body Clinic. She also runs an eco-conscious yoga company with her mother, Kathy, making yoga accessories with reclaimed fabric.

www.lovemymat.com

Did you know? All about onions - Part 1

Onions are a very good source of vitamin C, B6, biotin, chromium, calcium and dietary fibre. In addition, they contain good amounts of folic acid and vitamin B1 and K. A 100 gram serving provides 44 calories, mostly as complex carbohydrate, with 1.4 grams of fibre. Like garlic, onions also have the enzyme alliinase, which is released when an onion is cut or crushed and it causes your eyes to water. They also contain flavonoids, which are pigments that give vegetables their colour. These compounds act as antioxidants, have a direct antitumor effect and have immune-enhancing properties. Onions contain a large amount of sulphur and are especially good for the liver. As a sulphur food, they mix best with proteins, as they stimulate the action of the amino acids to the brain and nervous system. (CONTINUED ON PAGE 7)
www.gustomagazine.ca

Supporting the optimal you

By: Justin DOlimpio
Many of us strive to live healthfully, but often we dont know how to take that next step. Being in a culture of wellness and positive thinking can help individuals make great steps towards wellbeing. People seeking to improve their lifestyle can find support from a personal trainer. I dont think I would be as healthy or as fit as I am today if it wasnt for the personal trainer I hired four years ago. My trainer motivated and pushed me to levels I had never thought I could reach. He helped me lose weight, gain muscle, and build my confidence and self-esteem. My trainers effect on my life is the main reason I got into personal training in the first place. Individuals find there are many reasons why it is good idea to hire a personal trainer or join a group-training program. Your personal trainer is someone you can be accountable to in times when sticking to your health goals is a struggle. Having scheduled sessions or set workouts with your trainer makes it harder for making excuses not to workout. Plus your trainer constantly reminds you of why you are training and pushes you to stay on track to achieve your optimal health. The relationship that can grow between a trainer and client is one of support to reach desired goals. One of the main goals for a personal trainer is to motivate you to push yourself to your optimal workout limit. A personal trainer will help you overcome any obstacles that may be in the way of you reaching your goals, while planning personalized programs to challenge and support personal needs. Motivation is also gained in varied exciting fitness plans that get clients hooked on fitness. Personal trainers are there to make sure you get the results you want by designing workout programs for you. These programs target areas of personal need and focus on building endurance and strength. Trainers can educate you on the benefits of proper exercise and nutrition, supporting you to build healthy habits for life. Personal trainers encourage you to stay on the path towards a healthier lifestyle. My mission as a trainer is to help change the shape of this city. Stats Canada reports that in 2010 overweight or obese Hamiltonians was at staggering 60%! This is well above the national average of 52%, making Hamilton one of the most obese cities in Canada. Moving forward, I am looking to further educate people on proper exercise and nutrition and to help this city make a change for the better.

Justin DOlimpio Certified Personal Trainer

www.justtrain.ca

See Dr. Brian Clement Live on August 26, 2013 at Mohawk College in Hamilton.
Live Life Longer Show and Tell and The Helping Hands Program proudly presents Dr. Brian Clement of the renowned Hippocrates Health Institute. Dr. Clement is a leader in the living foods movement and will use his 40 years of experience to show you how to live life disease free and with optimum health and vitality. For more information and to purchase tickets visit *Special pricing for advanced purchases. Limited seating available.

www.permacharts.com/helpinghands

www.livelifelongershowandtell.com.

www.gustomagazine.ca

Toughen Up to Train Up
By: Jen Fleming
Some people really stick to the old adage no pain no gain, and in some instances that can be true. In others its just dead wrong. A good way to tell the good hurt from the bad hurt is when it starts to hurt. If you feel a little sore after you finished your last set, you may have pushed it too hard and you will likely be very sore for the next few days. But thats not necessarily a bad thing, pushing the boundaries is how we grow. If its sore in the first few reps, or even at the end of the first set, you are doing some bad damage and you need to back off the weight, or stop all together. Injuring yourself will do you no favours in trying to reach conditioning and body composition goals and will in fact set you well back. Another thing to consider, for those of you who have no pain scale at all and would walk off a broken leg is FORM. Form, hands down, is always more important than the number of pounds or reps. If you are on rep 5 of your first set and your movement is really sloppy, or you are swinging your whole body back to do a bicep curl your weight is too heavy! Either do fewer reps and some research on pyramid weight training or lower your resistance, do it right. So, go to the gym, enjoy yourself, lift weights, get big and strong and sweaty but do it SMART! Injuring yourself just costs you money by coming to me to help fix you. And of course I will probably make you read this article aloud while I K-Tape an ice pack to your wounded pride. (Information extrapolated from text book, Management of Common Musculoskeletal Disorders, Physical Therapy Principles and Methods, 4th Ed. Hertling/Kessler.)

As of late, I have been discussing this concept with a lot of people. The idea that you can jump into the middle of a work out regime after youve either been away from the gym for an extended period of time, or have sustained an injury, can spell disaster. Not to mention poor results, or an inability to even follow the regime. Worst, you can worsen an existing injury or create a new one. Sometimes you gotta train to train, toughen up before jumping in full throttle. In other words, start where you are. The first step to that is to test your self. Lets say you used to be highly conditioned and could perform a deadlift with 150lbs a year ago. Start with half the weight, and perform as many reps as possible up to 12. Too easy? Add some pounds. Were those last 3 reps a challenge? Leave it at that weight and do another 2 sets of 8-12 reps. Too hard? Drop the weight. Just be honest with yourself youll save your body the grief of an injury. What if you have an injury? Whether it is fresh or old, that injury will probably be with you for the rest of your life, if it was bad enough. Even if you were highly conditioned before, these injuries lose conditioning faster than healthy parts and will be significantly weaker. That means you will have to cater to where that injury is in its health, rather than the rest of your body.

Jen Fleming RMT jenflemingrmt@gmail.com

www.jenflemingrmt.com

Did you know? All about onions - Part 2

Onions have also been shown to have a significant blood sugar-lowering action, even comparable to some prescription drugs. The active compound that seems to be responsible for lowering glucose works by competing with insulin for breakdown sites in the liver, thereby increasing the life span of insulin. Onions have historically been used to treat asthma, too. Its action in asthma is due to its ability to inhibit the production of compounds that cause the bronchial muscle to spasm and to relax bronchial muscle. Onions have potent antibacterial activity, destroying many disease-causing pathogens, including E. Coli and salmonella. An old wives tale suggests placing an onion that has been cut in half beside the bed of a person that is ill. During the time of the black plague onions and garlic were placed around the room of the ill - and is said to have saved many . They have powerful antibacterial, antiseptic properties. Onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion - as they absorb bacteria and could be considered toxic when left out!
www.gustomagazine.ca

EAT FOR YOUR BLOOD TYPE

By: Juliana LaChance

Do you know what blood type you have?

Did you know that your immune and digestive systems have a predisposition for the same foods that your blood type ancestors ate? This claim is based on research by the creator of the blood type diet Dr. DAdamo generated through decades of his ongoing research and clinical work. His New York Best Selling Book, Eat for your blood type, outlines the four blood types and there link to the foods that your blood type ancestors ate. Scientists have been able to use blood type to map the movements and grouping of our ancestors and the way they adapted to challenges, changing climates, and germs and the foods they ate. These blood types contain the genetic messages of diets and behaviours that still affect us. It suggests that based on our blood type certain foods are more beneficial than others. This can bring relief to the one size fits all diets that work for some people and not for others. Especially in the 21st century where there are so many varieties of foods to choose from. This brings some clarity on how to choose foods for ultimate health and vitality.

Eat right for your blood type makes choosing foods easy when you know your blood type and can modify your diet and exercise to its guidelines and see if it works for you. If you have been trying everything to create balance and healing or increase energy perhaps following your blood type diet will create profound and lasting changes. I recommend the book, eat for your blood type which has interesting insights and stories about this research and outlines the foods that are beneficial for each of the four blood types. Eat for you Blood Type by Dr. DAdamo is available at the public library. If you are interested in finding out your blood type you can donate blood at Canadian blood services. The blood type diet provides interesting information with great claims for a balanced diet that is in harmony with your blood types predispositions.

glorafindel@gmail.com

Juliana LaChance

Hamiltons own aspiring poet and author of Bow & Arrow

Hey! This is a shout-out to Cody Cipolla, an aspiring eighteen year-old poet from Hamilton, Ontario. He is releasing his debut book, Bow & Arrow, on June 17th, 2013.
In his first anthology, Cody examines themes of maturing, hope, spirituality, mental illness, sexuality, love, politics, faith and more. He does this by imagining his artistic body as the bow and the arrow, the catch and release mechanism in life. Bow and Arrow is a collection of the best poems you will find in one book. You will feel empathy, surprise, joy, depression and awe as you turn the pages. There is no way to describe it but to think of it as a circus act of hyperbole and a war of words. It is raucous, raunchy and raw- everything that only a brilliant mind could produce... Open this book and see for yourself. Enjoy this wild ride of wit, wisdom and wonder. Patricia Gough, Program Director of CORE. For more updates about his upcoming book launch, which will take place somewhere downtown Hamilton, please visit Cody Cipollas fan page on Facebook.

Cody Cipolla:

I am an eighteen year-old aspiring poet from Hamilton, Ontario. My forthcoming poetry book BOW AND ARROW is out

June 17th 2013!

8
www.gustomagazine.ca

http://facebook.com/codycipollaofficial
~ Erin Janus

Tapping to your own rhythm

My personal interest in tapping was sparked in 2005, through practicing, learning about and then teaching Energy Yoga classes, through the Korean style, of Dahn Yoga. In class, the instructors would lead students through a full body tap down technique, as part of the warm-up which taps all of the major chakras and energy points, joints and organs, along specific paths on the body, in accordance with optimal meridian channel flow. My first thoughts about tapping were, What are these crazy people doing??? To my serious ego at the time, it looked silly and I felt ridiculous, tapping my body in front of a large group of people... It was hard to let go and give myself the permission to tap with freedom and love, for my own bodys benefits. After a few weeks though, the awkwardness passed and I eventually began to tap sincerely and with loving intentions for my healing. I began to really embrace tapping and started to tap down my body in the morning at home to a couple of songs on the radio every morning. That summer, I lost almost every ounce of my body fat. I slowed down a bit, on tapping after that! Later, I became a yoga instructor and incorporated tapping into all of my classes. I experienced the joy and personal benefits of doing full-body tap downs several times a week, for several years. Some of the effects that I personally experienced through my practice of energy yoga and tapping were; the disappearance of cellulite, more expendable energy during the day and the development of a stronger immune system. I was so impressed by the benefits of tapping that I was experiencing, that I began researching it online and came across EFT or Emotional Freedom Technique. Within this system, personal issues are explored and released, in a focused manner. EFT combines exploring emotional issues, obstacles and fears and responding with affirmations of love and acceptance, while tapping yourself, along certain specific energy points on your face, arms, hands and chest. I enjoyed learning about EFT although I found it to be somewhat repetitive, as I was used to the enjoyment of tapping energy points on my whole body, from my head to my toes. However, I did try incorporating more personal affirmations while tapping, and experienced amazing results. I would use simple statements, such as I am immune, with myself and in my classes. I noticed that while I was practicing this regularly, I did not get sick, even when surrounded by coworker with colds and flus. I did not visit a doctor or even get so much as a headache, for years.

By: Care Hudson

I also practiced an affirmation of; I am one with nature intensely, which completely cured my previously severe allergies to ragweed and grass, in one season. Our bodies are programmed to be able to heal themselves. All of the cells in your body ideally want to be in a healthy state of balance. Tapping works by bringing your minds focus, your ki energy, and your physical blood directly to the area that is being stimulated through the tapping vibrations. When you are bringing all of that loving awareness to your bodys parts, your cells and organs become awakened and their natural re-action is to get themselves into healthy balance. Tapping in the morning can awaken the physical and energy bodies, leaving you feeling mentally fresh and focused, it can kick-start your metabolism and greatly improve blood circulation as well. Tapping can also improve self-esteem and feelings of self-worth, as it provides us with the perfect opportunity to focus consciously on feeling and sending love to different areas of our physical being. Korean Energy Yoga (www.dahnyoga.com) and EFT are wonderful techniques which have both provided us with a lot of great information and research about the benefits of tapping. You can find information and videos online about both, but I wish to express here that there is no right or wrong way to tap. Use your intuition as your guide, regarding where your body wants to be tapped and for how long. You will find your own way, that works best for you. It can take 5-10 mins (or more, or less) to do a full body tap down. You can want to cup your palms rather than leaving them flat, which would feel more like slapping. Start tapping slowly and lightly. It should feel pretty good, it shouldnt hurt. Go ahead and consciously exhale stagnant energy with your breath. Let the stress and tension drop from your body into the Earth, through your grounded feet. Inhale fresh breath while sending loving intentions to each part that you are tapping. After you stop, it feels nice to brush over the areas that you have tapped with your palms. You can intensify your tapping practice by exploring emotions and issues that come up, sending loving intentions, practicing affirmations or even chanting a mantra, out loud while tapping, which will also give you the benefit of the sound vibration opening up your throat chakra. It is great to tap along with a rhythm or drum beat, but any kind of your favourite music, will be perfect. Pregnant women should not necessarily tap a growing baby, but gentle rubbing of the abdomen, can have similar benefits, in terms of bringing blood and focused energy flow to the area. If you have a serious medical condition, please check in with your trusted healthcare professional, before beginning a tapping practice. I hope that you will give it a try. When practiced regularly, alone or in combination with other holistic practices, it can absolutely change your life. Plus, it is fun and it feels so good!

Intuitive relaxation treatments with care

Care Hudson Holistic Relaxation Therapist www.IntuRelaxation.com 289-776-8305

www.gustomagazine.ca

By: Linda Kraan - Benson

People often ask me if I believe Past Life Exploration (therapy) would work for them. The answer is a complex one. I will answer by saying this: life is a series of lessons; we are continually problem solving, finding alternate solutions to our many issues. Everyone person has their own path to follow, no two paths are alike. Some people may find their recognition through re-connecting with their former life times, others prefer to do their inner work in this, current, lifetime.

Two years later I had another C. Section in my 8th month of pregnancy. After my 2nd son was born, I underwent a battery of tests. Osteotomy, Physiotherapy, Pain Management, nothing worked. Someone suggested Cranial Sacral Therapy with hypnotic induction. I was prepared to try anything. During the session I slipped into a former lifetime. I was a slave and had been skewered with a dagger, deeply embedded between my mid to lower spine. During the session, I was directed to gently remove the dagger, which I did. Two months later, pain free, I marvelled at the possibility of this Past Life Exploration, its many benefits to our present life experiences. Yes, I believe in Past Life Exploration, I believe it is a valuable tool in treating major issues in this lifetime. Like all other avenues of healing, you must be ready, accepting, & have a belief in the outcome. People come for Past Life Exploration for many reasons, some I have mentioned above, but also to affirm their belief system, to gain a deeper spiritual understanding, to ask for Divine guidance and/or to connect with their many angels, guides & teachers of wisdom. Caution: Past Life Exploration may not be the correct therapy for children, those suffering from mental issues, dementia, cognitive barriers, and personality disorders. Like any other form of treatment, a full disclosure of illness must be released, a firm belief in the course of therapy is essential. I do not use Past Life Exploration for curiosity purposes. Blessings & continued health

Why would we choose Past Life Exploration?

As a former nurse, I have seen many people suffer, unnecessarily, from chronic pain, extreme emotional upset, low self esteem and many other debilitating disorders. No matter what these people have done to change their lifestyle, no matter which therapy they have chosen, no matter how many specialists they have visited, their condition remains the same. In this case, I would suggest Past Life Exploration. Often times, when a person re-visits a traumatic event or experience, during a hypnotic state of mind, they can simply view these experiences as an outsider. When we re-visit a past life, we can see the event, and even feel the experience again, however, because we are viewing through the subconscious mind, we can choose how we wish to emote. Our perception of the event becomes altered: we recognize what is happening, without the emotional ties of this experience. Sounds complicated, confusing? Let me give you an example. For many years, I suffered with severe back pain, when I was 11 years old, a specialist wanted to insert a steel rod along my spine, a Harrington Rod. My mother took me to the hospital to undergo this procedure; however I became very agitated and ran away. Fast forward to my first pregnancy, I found carrying my child past 5 months, was extremely painful, and I could hardly move around, losing use of my legs due to intense pain in my mid to lower spine. I had an emergency C-section.

Linda Kraan - Benson

www. hypnosis2heal.ca 905-515-3206

EDGAR CAYCE - THE SLEEPING PROPHET

Edgar Cayce (pronounced Kay-Cee, 1877-1945) has been called the sleeping prophet, the father of holistic medicine, and the most documented psychic of the 20th century. For more than 40 years of his adult life, Cayce gave psychic readings to thousands of seekers while in an unconscious state, diagnosing illnesses and revealing lives lived in the past and prophecies yet to come. Deemed one of the worlds best know experts in past life regression, Cayce learned that when he was hypnotized, he could leave his body and journey into the afterlife realms. Cayce made over 14,000 otherworldly journeys in his life and the information he gained from these journeys has astounded people all over the world. In 1910, the New York Times carried two pages of headlines and pictures in which he was declared the Worlds Most Mysterious Man A national magazine ran an article titled, Miracle Man of Virginia Beach, and Cayce was swamped with an avalanche of 25,000 requests for medical help. (www.edgarcayce.org)

10

www.gustomagazine.ca

Colour your healing!

COLOUR! COLOUR! COLOUR! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!
For me they are one in the same, because I Love Colour! My wardrobe looks like a mnage of rainbows made off like spring rabbits in my closet, really. I have always been attracted to colour, getting lost in the vivid hues, sipping and slipping in between the rays that create this world of white light. First in my closet, then on my walls and because I couldnt get enough; I had to draw, paint, shade, throw and smudge colour across every medium I could get my little art addicted fingers into. My poor mother was gifted a crayon meets wall Picasso and I was walking before age one!! It is no wonder that years later, I would discover our powerful relationship with colour. Yet, still have issues packing an overnight bag and not three rainbows from my closet. I struggle packing clothes for tomorrow because I only know what I want to wear right NOW. The key is that I choose the colours I wear, based on HOW I FEEL, presently, just like I paint. Fortunately, our instincts/intuition serves us quite well, when we let it do its thing, question-free. You will probably find that the colour you most often gravitate towards is exactly what you need energetically. Last issue, we discussed why colour is healing; now we will look at how you can effectively colour your world with healing intent! Following, is a look at the characteristics associated with the seven universal light rays. You can apply each colours specific frequency through wardrobe, dcor, arts & crafts, landscaping, foods, meditation, candles, baths, house-lighting etc, to target your needs.

By: Amber Colbear

RED is related to our Root Chakra, base of torso. Positive qualities include energetic, assertive, passionate, strong-willed, courageous, self-motivated. Use Red for tiredness, poor circulation, low blood pressure, cold/chills, depression, fear, poor confidence/initiative, boredom, sadness, inhibition. ORANGE is related to our Sacral Chakra, pelvic region. Positive qualities include joyful, enthusiastic, spontaneous, optimistic, sporty, good humoured, sensual, and outgoing. Use for low vitality/ appetite, indigestion, cramp sprained muscle, joint pains, indolence, boredom, sadness, inhibition. YELLOW is related to our Solar Chakra, solar plexus. Positive qualities include happy radiant, rational, sociable, lighthearted, mental activity, clear-thinking, emotional detachment. Use for digestive system, constipation, flatulence, skin, water retention, depression, low self-esteem, short attention span, nerves, writers block, mental fatigue.
GREEN is related to our Heart Chakra. Positive qualities include balance, flexible, sympathetic, compassion, soothing, relaxed, calming. Use for envy, bitter, inflexible, jaded, headaches, heart and kidney, flu, emotional instability, spite, fear of emotional involvement, claustrophobia. BLUE is related to our Throat Chakra. Positive qualities include peacefulness, calm, tactful, trustworthy, protection, antiseptic cooling, introspective, responsibility. Use for frigidness, distrustfulness, disloyalty, timid, fear of speaking, or speaking out/ confrontation, high blood pressure, migraine, fever, cuts, stings and burns. INDIGO is related to our Third Eye Chakra, between the eyes on the brow. Positive qualities include visionary, wise, inspired, deep, intuitive, empathy, open-mindedness, proper perspective, sedative. Use for fear, arrogance, delusion, isolation, over idealistic, hearing, sight, sinuses, nerves, insomnia, paranoia, obsession, hysteria.

VIOLET is related to our Crown chakra, top of head. Positive qualities include inspiration, artistic, noble, spiritual, altruistic, independent, cleansing, anti-septic. Use for self-doubt, selfdestruction, self-perfectionism, alienation, headaches, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, seizures, delusion, neurosis, despair, loss of faith and self-respect. The Elemental Artist ambercolbear@gmail.com

www.ambercolbear.com

www.gustomagazine.ca

11

Liquid Crystal Love : Part 5

Collecting and Storing Spring Water
By: Vanessa Pazzi
Lots of people ask me where to get Spring Water. There are a few local springs but my favourite waters come from Northern Ontario Springs. I find these waters lower in minerals with a great taste. I have friends and family bringing me water from all over the north. Its like a wine tasting! I sip and savor to see if the water tastes light, heavy, mossy, glacier or earthy. There is nothing like the taste of raw living water! Ask people who are regular cottage goers or locals where the nearest spring is located. I am sure you have been driving along a northern country road and have watched people collecting their water. Once you find a spring, its fun to talk to some people who are frequenting it. I once met a man who had been drinking from a particular spring for 50 years! Findaspring.com is a great resource for finding water in your area. You can also submit Springs that you find. The fun part you get to name them! I started out with some good old fashion wine bottles. Four litre jugs are also handy for storing water in the fridge. I personally use a Miron glass bottle for carrying water around with me. Miron glass water bottles incorporate the colour healing properties of the violet spectrum. The violet glass filters all but the UVA and infrared spectra of light. This light beneficially stimulates biological substances stored within the glass container. Miron glass containers have unique properties that offer optimal protection against the aging and degeneration typically caused by exposure to light. (yourwatermatters.com) The perfect place to store it (other than the fridge) is in a cold room or cool basement area. Keep the water covered with a blanket to protect it from the light. Make sure you sanitize your bottles before use. I prefer to use warm water, baking soda and vinegar but if the bottles are very dirty you may need to buy a cleaning solution from the brewing store. Collecting your own water is, in my opinion, a very magical experience. I have learned to appreciate water in many ways that I hadnt before. I know you have many questions. More articles about Spring Water are coming! Happy Spring Hunting!

Storage
Treat your water like a fine wine! We are mostly made up of water so this water will become you. Never store your water in plastic. Glass carboys can be purchased from brew supply stores. 11.5 litre carboys should be sold at less than $20. If you are fit and can do the lifting, 19 and 23 litre carboys are available. Corks are less than a dollar for this size. Wine Village in Stoney Creek has some nice products. Handles for your carboys are great and range from $5 to $7 each. You may also purchase bottles from local classified ads, garage sales or antique stores. The darker the glass is the better. You want to keep the water dark and cold to prevent possible bacteria growth and to keep your water tasting fresh.

Vanessa Pazzi The Water Angel vanesssa@theharmonioussoul.ca

www.theharmonioussoul.ca

Want to collect your own water? Have you checked out findaspring.com?
This website is dedicated to providing information and locations for safe drinkable water in your area. Heres just one of the many springs located in the Hamilton Ontario area!

1109 Sulphur Springs Rd Ancaster, Ontario L8S 4K2

This is a well know water source in the Hamilton / Ancaster area. This area is covered with many naturally occurring small springs, this artesian well goes down to 120 meters / 394 feet from the surface to achieve better volume. This aquifer originates from the water table near the Georgian Bay area. * Bring your own PLASTIC containers, as glass isnt

allowed on premise and be respectful of environment!

www.gustomagazine.ca

Go to www.findaspring.com to find out more details!

12

Clean Green Living

While living in Windsor I owned a store specialising in ecofriendly products. One of my favourite parts of running the store was being able to meet other people who were on their green journey. Some people had been on the path for a long time while others were just beginning to re-think what they put on or in their body. Often the first products that someone was willing to try and switch to a more natural alternative were toothpaste and deodorant. In mainstream toothpaste, there are two ingredients in particular that I am concerned with. The first item is fluoride. Although there are benefits to fluoride in terms of topical application of the teeth, I felt that since I was ingesting fluoride in the water I was drinking, any additional fluoride was not necessary for me or my family. There is a lot of controversy around the issue of fluoride. Many folks believe that there are benefits to adding it to our drinking water but when I reviewed studies done in both communities with fluorinated water and those without, I did not see results showing that fluoride (provided in any form other than topically) has any benefit at all. In fact, the studies that I have reviewed state that in communities with high fluoride concentrations in drinking water, many children have shown lower IQ scores. Too much fluoride can also result in dental fluorosis (a defect of the teeth marked by increased porosity of the enamel) as well as calcification of the pineal gland. Another ingredient of concern was FD&C colouring.

By: Anita Kaiser

FD&C means that the colorants have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for use in food, drugs and cosmetics. D&C signifies the colours can be used only in drugs and cosmetics, but not food. All of these colours are made from synthetic ingredients that are most often petroleum based. The mere fact that these colorants are used in all three applications of food, drugs and cosmetics makes me wonder about them. These days we are exposed to five times more colorants than we were in 1955. Many of the more common childhood diseases (ADHD, ADD, Asthma, OCD, ODD, etc.,) we are now seeing have direct links to these ingredients. If you are interested in finding out more about these dyes and some of the potential side effects, check out these studies by colour: (http://diet-studies.com/). If you are looking for information about ingredients here are two great links for you to check out.

http://chemicaloftheday.squarespace.com/home/ http://anitakaiser.miessence.com/en/miessenceStory/ ingredientsWeShun Anita Kaiser Pure Unrivaled Organic Goodness www.MiOrganic.ca

Eco-friendly, kid-friendly weed killer recipe

Its that time a year again, when we tend out gardens and free them from all of the over-grown and sometimes ferocious weeds! If you would like to make your own eco-friendly, kid-friendly weed killer you will need: 2 litres vinegar 2 quick squirts of liquid soap (dishwashing or hand is ideal) 1 cup salt A spray or pump bottle A funnel (optional)
Pour the vinegar, liquid soap and salt into the bottle (using the funnel if desired). Shake thoroughly to combine. Head outside and spray on weeds in your garden! 13

www.gustomagazine.ca

MOMS KITCHEN
Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp
(Serves 6) Ingredients: Filling 3 cups diced rhubarb stalks 3 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and diced 1 pint strawberries, hulled and quartered 1/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour** 1 teaspoon orange zest Crisp Topping 1 cup brown sugar 1 cup All-Purpose Gluten-Free Flour** 1/4 cup dairy-free butter, melted 1 teaspoon cinnamon **Make sure the All-Purpose Gluten Free Flour you use contains a gum or another binding agent. Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly oil an 8-inch x 8-inch baking dish. Mix together the diced rhubarb, apples, strawberries, sugar, flour, and orange zest. Gently spoon into prepared baking dish. Set aside. Next, prepare the topping. Mix together brown sugar and flour. Then add the melted butter and cinnamon. and melted butter. Mash with a fork to combine. Spread topping over the rhubarb mixture. Bake for 40 minutes, until topping is golden brown and fruit is tender. Let cool slightly and enjoy! This crumble serves up well with a scoop of dairy-free vanilla bean ice cream.

Dear Stephanie This last year, Reiki found me! Id also like to learn how to use Bach Flower Remedies. My family does not understand any of this energy work. My question is: How do I heal myself with Reiki & remedies when my partner thinks its all fluff? Sarah, Hamilton.
Since you asked Sarah, I have a couple of questions for you... Do you believe in these healing modalities? Most importantly, do you believe in yourself? What others say to us often stems from your own feelings and beliefs. Your partner is a great mirror. The dynamic between you and your partner creates an opportunity for you to learn empathy, compassion, tolerance and how not to take someone elses beliefs personally. Honestly? The one you love can expertly trigger you! Hes an ideal catalyst that helps you to examine your own thoughts, opinions, judgements and fears. Overall, it is so much easier to work on yourself with strangers. The true test of personal growth, happens at home! When you want to look at your end of the tug-a-war rope, its helpful to ask yourself a few hard questions: Am I seeking approval, recognition or permission? Do I want others to change so I can be happy? Am I sabotaging my own desires just because it is easier to please others and not rock the boat and conform? Healing is very personal. What happens within you is your responsibility. It cannot be imposed on another, but your healing choice may change who you are being with others. If your partner calls the healing stuff fluff, can you let it be so? By just allowing your partner to have his own opinion, resistance melts and you will find yourself not needing to prove him wrong. It is a practice of right action, right thought and right being to respect another and to remain fully aware. When you are at peace with yourself and your choices, love flows and fears dissipate. Ultimately it is through the letting go of your attachments that the space for your gentleness and personal power shows up! What a gift he is Sarah! Your partner can actually serve you as a bringer of light! Namaste Stephanie As a Master InnerLife Coach and Sound-Energy Healer, I am deeply committed to serving seekers and healers. My love of spiritual psychology, meditation and yoga have helped me to face fears, embrace change and transform life. Having gained wisdom and experience along the way, I invite you to write in your queries and share your healing stories. Insights begin by holding conversations with you!

Iced Rhubarb Tea Recipe Ingredients 4 cups water 4 cups diced rhubarb 1 lemon, juice of 3/4 cup sugar Directions In a large heavy saucepan combine the water and the rhubarb. Bring to a boil and then let simmer until tender about 20 minutes. Strain, and add the juice of one lemon and the sugar (more or less, to taste). Cool well, and serve over ice in tall glasses with a sprig of fresh mint!

Stephanie Scheid info@innerLifesolutions.ca www.innerLifesolutions.ca 905-921-5339

14

www.gustomagazine.ca

HAMILTON HAPPENINGS
Workshops/ Classes
Reiki For Rufus Learn Reiki for You & Your Dog Sunday June 9th 9:30 to 5:00 & Tuesday June 18th 6:30 to 9:30 Certificate, snacks, bring your dog! Vanessa 905-318-1724 www.meetup.com/theharmonioussoul Swing your pendulum Loudly! In this 2 hour workshop you will learn how to safely and confidently Divine answers from your Pendulum. Topics covered include programming, clearing and communicating with your Angel and Spirit guides. Class is facilitated by T.K Atkinson, professional psychic. Monday June 10th, 2013 Fee $45.00 219 Ottawa St. N, Hamilton ON, 905-544-5115 Animal Reiki Come join in on this fun, informative and hands on class. Animal Reiki will connect you with your own animal, natures animals and provide a useful tool for your Healing Kit. Certification and Reference provided to those seeking professional qualification. No Pre-Requisite, Level 1 Attunement, if required Manual Provided, Cost $125.00 Pre-register with a Deposit of $50.00 and the course fee is reduced to $100.00 219 Ottawa St. N, Hamilton ON, 905-544-5115 Ananda Fest ANANDAFESTS second gathering will provide an inspirational weekend of outdoor yoga for all levels beginner to advanced, spiritual stewardship, music, healthy living and educational activities. www.anandafest.org June 7, 8, 9th Camp Sidrabene, Burlington, ON Canada MEC Bikefest June 8, 2013 Presented By: Mountain Equipment Co-op Come to ride. Come to learn. Come to connect. Come to celebrate cycling! Well have group road and MTB rides, bike demos from Ghost, Giant and Trek, beginner and advanced skills clinics, workshops, yoga and much much more! 11:00 am to 5:00 pm Christie Lake Conservation Area 1000 Hwy 5 W, Flamborough, ON. Price: Free , www.events.mec.ca FACTORY MEDIA GALLERY SERIES PRESENTS: Realtime Activities - M U R M U R A T I O N Murmuration reminds us that natures beauty can take limitless forms, and can shock and inspire us. Its as if seeing that synchrony, that seemingly perfect connection between each starling, also reminds us to value our connection to the world around us, for connection can be truly beautiful. Friday June 14th, 2013 228 James St N, Hamilton Veggie Fest Hamiltons Vegetarian, vegan and raw food festival Saturday June 15th, 2013 Ancaster Fairgrounds 630 Trinity Road, Hamilton Free Admission, 11 am- 7 pm Open Streets Hamilton June 23, 2013 Open Streets Hamilton is a community-based partnership dedicated to promoting active, healthy and inclusive lifestyles by temporarily transforming streets into a shared space for everyone to experience. Our motto is Make the Streets Your Playground. Date: Sunday, June 23, 2013 - Rain or Shine James Street North, Hamilton, ON 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. www.openstreetshamilton.ca Its Your Festival - 2013 June 29, 2013 to July 01, 2013 Presented By Hamilton Folk Arts Heritage Council June 28, 2013 - July 1, 2013 Celebrating Canadas Birthday at Its Your Festival in beautiful Gage Park FREE ADMISSION. Food, entertainment, games, contests and Canada Day ceremony! www.itsyourfestival.ca

On-Going Classes
InnerLife Meditation Wednesday Mornings at BodynSol. 10 am-11:15am. $22 drop in or 5 classes for $75. June 5, 12, 19 and 26 BodynSol Healing 382 West 5th Hamilton, 905-975-2836 Yoga Mondays with Melissa Miles Starting Monday June 10th Mondays starting @ 7pm BodynSol Healing 382 West 5th Hamilton, 905-975-2836

EVENTs
Dundas International Buskerfest 2013 June 7, 2013 to June 9, 2013 Presented By Downtown Dundas Shopping District & BIA International Buskerfest combines the beautiful setting of this valley town, its wonderful shops and restaurants, arts, hand-made crafts, terrific foods and the worlds best street performers with terrific audiences! www.downtowndundas.ca

www.gustomagazine.ca

15