Indholdsfortegnelse for Spring 2024 #247 i Odyssey Magazine

They, being the tiny minority of the privileged on the planet who believe the world revolves around them: Those who need an entire team of people just to get through the day. Therapists, coaches, trainers, healers, kinesiologists, spiritual teachers, mentors, gurus, massage therapists, fortune tellers, astrologers and diviners. They crave ever more input, advice and know-how. Also feedback. Immediate feedback. Their every move monitored via numerous apps and devices. How many steps they walk, how well they sleep, how their heart and bowels are functioning. They can also calculate the amount of time they spend on their devices taking these measurements. Thus saving time. So much extra time is offered through the constant use of online diaries, notifications, planners. Entire apps to do just that. You can get motivationally awakened…

A flower essence is the vibrational imprint of a flower that has been transferred and stabilised in water. Flower essences can help us recognise, resolve, or release different conditioned ways of perceiving the world and can help us experience greater wellbeing and harmony in our lives. By creating harmony within us, we often notice distinct changes in ourselves physically, emotionally and spiritually. To begin You will need a clear glass bowl, which can hold up to 500 ml of water. Use good quality spring water such as Valpré; NOT prepared water. You’ll also need stainless-steel tweezers, several amber glass dropper bottles sterilised in boiling water, a glass funnel, some labels for the bottles and brandy (as a preservative). Method Place your bowl outside on the soil or grass next to…

The childhood message from my family was clear: “Money is not important - only love matters.” My parents and grandparents lived humble, loving, dignified lives, with just enough to get by. Ruby Rose, my greatgrandmother, who lived to 99, kept a little blue birthday envelope for each of six grandchildren, saving a few coins each month. Mom bought my sister, brother and me second-hand school uniforms and caravan holidays were our getaways. I'm grateful for these beginnings, love is still central for me, but a second family money message soon became a painful block: “Wealthy people are either snobs or thieves.” After dedicating my life to the pursuit of wisdom at the age of 13, I planted a flag firmly in the ground of my mind. To honour my family…

Mind Human Design encompasses a branch dedicated to dream interpretation called Sleep Design, otherwise referred to as dream rave or dream analysis. This inclusion makes perfect sense given that Human Design (HD) is a holistic science that covers diet, environment, career and numerous other vital factors for living an optimal and fulfilling life. Over the past decade, particularly in the last five years, HD has progressively entered the mainstream, securing its position alongside time-honoured modalities such as astrology and a range of other traditional or esoteric systems. This increasingly popular science has captured the attention of all age groups, as it aims to educate individuals on understanding their true selves and living authentically according to their energic blueprint. While information is abundant on how to understand your HD type, strategy…

Relationships It feels strange to say it, especially as an intimacy coach, but one of the most intimate experiences I've ever had, was with an audience at the 2024 KwaZulu Spirit festival, with Sensorium. Being able to share from the depths of your being, in public, even when ‘afeared’ as the Scots would say. We had this experience as we were about to begin the Sensorium, my trembling and sweating husband confessed how nervous he was. Not just to me, but on a microphone to the entire audience! He’s not used to being on the stage, he’s normally behind the scenes on tech, filming, mixing and organising. He was so vulnerable in front of the much larger audience than we were expecting. Before we started our intimacy coach training business,…

Health It’s so easy to fall into the trap of self-diagnosing online. Why pay money to see a specialist when you can Google symptoms? Some conditions may look similar to your experience, but only a health care provider can define them with certainty. This is often the case with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and its impacts on weight, abdominal discomfort and more. What are the differences between PCOS and hypothyroidism? What is hypothyroidism? Understanding the differences requires foundational knowledge of each illness. Primary hypothyroidism is when the thyroid doesn’t create enough hormones or is underactive. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, when the thyroid is overactive and produces too much. A well-functioning thyroid plays a deceptively significant role in overall health. It influences heart, muscle and lung wellness while managing energy and…

On the day we are born, the exact placement of the numbers on the day imprints a code which determines the personality of the person. It highlights their strengths and potential blind spots. There are a number of different systems that use numbers and obviously all of these methods yield results. The code is different from astrology or Meyers Briggs or the enneagram. It is called the code (adapted from the original human pin code). It is about understanding the unique makeup of your child or yourself. Real love is irreplaceable in parenting, but having a deeper insight into your child’s personality through their birth code gives you an edge. Knowing your child’s preferences, tendencies and inclinations helps you, as a parent, to adjust your approach, making parenting more assured…

“Join us,” my sister said… Meaning at the KwazuluSpirit Festival 9-11 August 2024. Previous invitations to ‘join us’ from my sister involved a 4 × 4 with a roof-top tent and ferrying our own fuel, water and supplies for a 14-day survival safari through Botswana. So, with visions of incense, candles and vegetables for supper, I packed flowy, flowery dresses. My resourceful husband packed golf clubs, fishing rods and whisky - and so we headed for the KwazuluSpirit Festival. “What do you want me to do?” I asked my sister. “To put these on,” she said, as she handed me an Odyssey golf shirt and a pair of Yoga pants, bright enough to attract the numerous butterflies flitting in the forest. “To wear in public?” I was aghast. This was…

“As a pilgrim I discover the mystery, the magic, the meaning and the magnificence of life in every step I take, in every sound I hear and in every sight I see. Satish Kumar, spiritual and ecological activist Do you remember the impassioned plea of Swedish teen Greta Thunberg on Earth Day a few years ago, as she urged world leaders to “act as if the house is on fire, because it is.” “She’s a nasty little brat,” one of my jaundiced journalist friends declared, joining the chorus that unfairly insisted she was being manipulated by forces with their own agendas. I think not. I identified with her pain, anger and sense of betrayal, also understanding that it came from a great love of the Earth and all the life…

Spiritual Living As we dive into the heart of our minds, we discover that we are not merely functional organs, but the mind is a profound powerhouse that shapes our reality. In fact, to make it plain. “Your mind is the psychological building blocks of your reality.” Understanding true freedom begins with recognising that it is not merely the absence of limitations, but an intricate dance between perception, expectation and our inner landscapes. By cultivating a mind free from the shackles of societal pressures, we can begin to see the world as it is, not as we are taught to interpret it. This journey leads us to embrace principles that foster resilience and creativity, guiding us to navigate through life's adversities. I want to take a moment to remember -…

Spotlight on: The Power of a Flower “Mother, you must come and see the daffodils before they are over.” This is how Jaroldeen Asplund Edwards begins her narrative of the experience that led her to the 'daffodil principle'. Somewhat reluctantly, she agreed to undertake the two-hour drive the following week… The weather was daunting and the road narrow and winding. After a hair-raising journey through mist and fog, she arrived at her daughter's house, swearing she wouldn't drive another inch! “I'll drive,” Carolyn offered. “I'm used to this.” I promise you will never forgive yourself if you miss this experience.” They parked next to a little stone church at the top of the mountain. On the far side of the church, was path, with an inconspicuous, lettered sign 'Daffodil Garden'.…

“For this practice, settle into a comfortable seated or reclined position. Shamanic drumming can profoundly enhance the experience. With a wealth of shamanic drumming available online, you can take time to explore and select a rhythm that resonates with you. Typically, I opt for a drumming session that lasts around thirty minutes. The session usually starts with a heartbeat-like rhythm, signalling the commencement of your journey. The tempo accelerates, guiding you through the exploration and as the journey concludes, the beat decelerates to a normal heartbeat pace, cueing you to collect the insights received and gently return to your physical awareness. Begin in your sacred space, at your altar. Consider drawing a card or placing a rune as you did during the altar's creation to discern any guidance for your…

Vedic Meditation Meditation is not about forcing your mind to be still or to silence the incessant chatter of our minds; it is however, a process to rediscover the quietness that is already there, that has always been there - this silence is the thought between thoughts, behind the 'crazy monkey of the mind' is the silence of pure awareness. This silence is in the now; it is not concerned thoughts of the past nor of the future. Mantra meditation or Vedic meditation is derived from the Yoga tradition in India - Yoga means 'union' - the union of the senses, the body, the mind and the soul. The ancient texts 'The Yoga Sutras' were written by the sage Patanjali. He describes it as the settling of the mind -…

Our bodies are amazing. If you consider the design, the energetics, the communication between all the cells and that each part of the body has both a physical and physiological structure to it and that the different parts of the body also have a natural consciousness. If you have read any books by Dr Bruce Lipton, Dr Joe Dispenza and so many amazing people who have not only studied the body, but also studied and pondered the body beyond what science can prove. We get to realise how much the body is contributing to our awakening and consciousness journey. That journey of self-awareness and discovery of who we are (which often shows up by reflecting who we are not). We also get to realise that our thoughts, feelings, beliefs, judgments…

Eco Planet The green economy is built on the principles of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources and investing in renewable energy sources. It goes beyond merely adopting eco-friendly practices; it involves rethinking the entire economic framework to prioritise sustainability and the long-term survival of economic prosperity. By fostering practices that reduce waste, promote recycling and support clean energy, the green economy aims to reintroduce balance into the relationship between the economy and the environment. The South African government embraces a general sustainability model with the following variables: 1 Enhancing systems for integrated planning and implementation; 2 Sustaining our ecosystems and using natural resources efficiently; 3 Towards a green economy; 4 Building sustainable communities; 5 Responding effectively to climate change. The green economy is a broad concept. However, it…

Art of Retreating At its essence, a retreat is about creating a unique, designated space and taking time away from the daily grind. It isn’t just a vacation; it’s an intentional break to focus on personal goals and desires. When I think of a fantastic wellness retreat, my mind wanders to paradisiacal settings like the Maldives, ideally shared with a close friend or loved one. However, my most recent mental wellness retreat was more grounded - literally and figuratively. I ventured to Ballito for a transformative experience with a master practitioner in Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). If you’re not familiar with it, NLP is all about understanding how our thoughts, language and behaviours are connected, helping us to change unhelpful patterns and beliefs. It’s like unravelling a tangled ball of yarn…

Art of Retreating Equipped with far too much luggage, I set off before a glorious sunrise on a beautiful July winter morning, heading to Durban airport for a flight to Johannesburg and then on to Hoedspruit. Just a few weeks earlier, Motswari Private Game Reserve extended an invitation for me to join a media trip, unveiling their new wellness concept in the heart of the Greater Kruger National Park at Motswari African Retreat, a wildlife paradise showcasing the ‘Big 5’. I was excited at the opportunity to embark on a wellness journey in the bush, where untamed beauty meets the luxury of a serene lodge; a chance to immerse myself in new energy and fresh surroundings. Yet, amidst the thrill, I couldn't help but panic: how would I find the…

The park is centred upon presenting the natural serenity of the Magaliesberg, including its majestic rock formations and completely drinkable water from the resident rock pools, as they are - untouched and uncompromised by the hand of man. The park also pays close attention to preserving this natural tranquillity of the reserve for new generations, which translates into its dedication towards educational enjoyment and conservation ethics. The park and its surroundings hosts a biome of its own, where visitors can potentially expect to see giraffes, zebras, blou wildebeests, bushbabies, brown hyena and black-backed jackals, among a heap of others. The natural stature of the park is reinforced through it being an official release site for leopards, tortoises, eagles, owls, aardwolves, caracals, genets and more. Birdwatching, as expected, reaches its peak…

Looking out into a garden where impossibly tall palm trees draw long stripes into the sky, as though sketched with delicate cross-hatchings for leaves. How does one speak of the fullness of the sky? This visible skin gilded with the humidity of the tropics. My neck stretches to take in the sight of the gigantic clouds that billow upwards. These accumulating forces of heat and moisture, convective sky gods, pregnant with the promise of rain. This sight makes a gasp of my breath. The wind too makes herself known. She is persistent, always warm, filled with island scents, caressing the cliffs that rise in front of me. A volcano made this megalith, steeped in the freshness of a newly birthed volcanic earth. These are nothing like the mountains I know…

Spotlight on: The Power of a Flower During the Victorian age, flower selection and arrangement had a symbolic and emotional meaning. For example, dark crimson roses were symbols of eternal love, conveying an expression of deep and abiding affection, while white roses and arum lilies were symbols of peace, purity and forgiveness. Let's explore the many blessings for mind, body and soul that Nature's cornucopia of flowers pours over us, If we're aware, willing to listen, hear, smell, taste and sense the varied and rich, secret language of flowers, for those with eyes to see and a wide open hearts to receive… Floriography, the secret language of flowers (refer also to book of same name written by Samantha Gray), is a way of deciphering or decoding the communication of plants…

Alternative Names: Lion’s tooth, priest's crown or swine’s snout. While many people think of the dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) as a pesky weed, it’s full of vitamins A, B, C, and D, as well as minerals such as iron, potassium and zinc. Dandelion leaves are used to add flavour to salads, sandwiches and teas. The roots are used in some coffee substitutes and the flowers are used to make wines. In the past, dandelion roots and leaves were used to treat liver problems. Native Americans also boiled dandelion in water and took it to treat kidney disease, swelling, skin problems, heartburn and upset stomach. In traditional Chinese medicine, dandelion has been used to treat stomach problems, appendicitis, and breast problems, such as inflammation or lack of milk flow. In Europe, it…

In words we weave a world unseen, A tapestry of thoughts and dreams, Where silent whispers softly gleam, And verses flow like gentle streams. Each line a brushstroke, deftly placed, A canvas where emotions trace, The fleeting moments we embrace, In rhythm's tender, timeless grace. Through metaphors and similes, We capture life’s complexities, In stanzas full of mysteries, Unlocking hidden reveries. The poet’s pen, a magic wand, Transforms the mundane, and beyond, With every rhyme, a sacred bond, A timeless truth, a lasting song. In poetry, our souls take flight, To realms where day transcends the night, In every word, a spark of light, That guides us through the dark, to sight. Nigora is 15 years old and is currently a 10th-grade student at the Is‘hoqxon Ibrat Creative School. She…

Mind I am Kuthumi and I come forward upon the Rays of Love and Wisdom to gift unto thee a profound blessing of exploration! Beloveds, life is meant to be joyful, fun and full of celebrations! Humanity tends to restrict themselves because of ingrained rules and regulations. We invite you to push your boundaries! Allow different experiences to unfold, revealing different opportunities! When stuck in your ways, you become stale and inevitably, chances for opportunities to remove the veils from the illusion which keeps you within boundaries 24/7/365 remain just that - a stale illusion. Beloved ones, the human brain-mind is probably one of the most complicated, intense and complex wired apparatuses of Creation known to man. In fact, there is much yet to be discovered when it comes to…

“About suffering they were never wrong, The Old Masters: how well they understood Its human position… If Auden’s Old Masters understood suffering, the ancient Rishis understood Life. These were saintly men and women whose direct perception of Truth attained through meditative ecstasy and recorded in the mantric hymns of The Vedas, have echoed down the millennia for the benefit of the world. The four Vedas lay out ways in which man may stand in right relation to Divinity and Its Subsidiaries in the world, for both his spiritual and material prosperity. Later came the six vedangas that assist in the study and understanding of the four majors (of which Jyotiṣa, or Vedic Astrology, is a part), four supplementary upangas encompassing rules of investigation/inquiry, logic, histories and myths and rules for…

Conscious parenting emphasises a mindful and aware approach in guiding our interactions with children. It encourages us as parents to reflect deeply on our own emotions, behaviours and reactions, recognising that our unresolved issues can affect our parenting. It's focused on fostering a connection that prioritises authenticity and mutual respect. It allows our children to develop into their true selves, free from imposed expectations or societal norms, while promoting a nurturing environment where both parent and child can grow emotionally and spiritually. That’s it in a nutshell and it is one of the strong pulses in the veins of my daily life. But now, can I lead you into the deeper realms of my heart as a mom? I will not come to you as a psychological counsellor, master coach,…

From Debra’s Desk Retreat: In its simplest form, ‘Retreat’ means ‘to withdraw, to draw back.’ A deliberate act of stepping outside normal routine by withdrawing (not running away) from the noise and pressures, the immediate and insistent claims of our social, domestic and workday responsibilities, in order to be in a quiet place where all our senses are open. Restore: Bring back or re-establish (a previous right, practice, or situation). Return (someone or something) to a former condition, place, or position. Renew: Resume (an activity such as life) after an interruption. What does ‘to retreat’ mean The 13th century Zen master Dogen advises: “Take the backward step and turn the light inward.” It’s a good description of the retreat experience, particularly one with a focus on meditation. Meditation. Is it…

Smiling Soul Retreats | discover your truth | Art of Retreating The morning winter sun dappled the landscape, as we drove past the verdant sugar cane fields… our destination the Salt Rock Hotel in Ballito on the KZN North Coast, the Zulu Kingdom. The event, the Smiling Soul Retreat with Brett Shuttleworth. The anticipation mounting. On arrival we meandered through a row of Alexander palms, down a pathway lined by lush green jungle-like vegetation, to be met in the lobby by the warmth of the Smiling Soul Creations team and immediately felt at ease and so very welcome. As we all arrived the gentle chatter became an excited din as we registered and then moved on to a patio overlooking, in all likelihood, the most beautiful beach and tidal pools…