Innehållsförteckning för Autumn 2025 #249 från Odyssey Magazine

It has been said that silence is golden, that it is best not to speak ‘unless you can improve the silence’. But when does silence become a liability? To ourselves, to others, to the environment, to consciousness as a whole? When does our silence, our inability or unwillingness to speak, become tacit agreement? How many things could have been different across time if those who remained silent had instead chosen to speak? How many wars could have been prevented? How many atrocities could have been stopped? How much planetary destruction could have been averted? And here we stand once again, at a crossroads in time and the many remain silent. There is a variety of reasons why people do not speak up, but the reasons all boil down to fear.…

You are the shadows you see when you close your eyes, the figure on your internal screen, the shape, the form, the light and dark pattern. Shut your eyes and take a look. The design you see is how you are known beyond this planet, your name, if you will. It identifies your soul. Do you recognise it? Peace carries through its design, this composition behind closed eyes, this gateway. You see it before falling asleep and while meditating; feel it pulling your energy inward, relieving you of wayward vibes you've picked up. Is your consciousness familiar with it, this recurring vision you've had since childhood? You feel it now as you felt it then, like the energy a childhood toy carries, returning you to an earlier point of freedom…

The ability to concentrate adequately is under siege. Across all age groups, but particularly among young people, attention spans have shrunk dramatically, making it increasingly difficult to engage in sustained focus. Dr. Gloria Mark, author of Attention Span, has studied this phenomenon extensively. In 2004, her research found that the average person could maintain focus on a screen for 2.5 minutes before switching to another task. By 2012, this had dropped to 75 seconds. Today (2024), the average is just 47 seconds. This constant switching isn't without consequence - it takes time to reorient after every interruption, sometimes as long as 25 minutes, leading to fragmented work and a sense that the day has simply slipped away. The ability to control attention is closely linked to working memory and general…

Once thought to be a high-income country-based issue, childhood overweight and obesity was not something that was expected to develop into somewhat of a global pandemic within a 35-year period. Childhood obesity has now grown into a major public health concern and more children are struggling with excessive weight gain, leading to serious long-term health risks. Contributing factors include poor nutrition, lack of physical activity, excessive screen time and the prevalence of sugary, processed foods. The impact on both physical and mental health is devastating, affecting children's quality of life and their ongoing physical and mental wellbeing. Obesity in children can also lead to lifelong health problems, such as type 2 diabetes Obesity is more often associated with adults than children. In a quarter of a century, since 1990, the…

The teenage years can be challenging as young people navigate new experiences, an increased workload, and hormonal changes in a short space of time. This is also an impressionable time where bad habits can be picked up, or good habits enforced with the right guidance. Mbali Mapholi, Laager Rooibos partner dietitian, has shared insight into helping teens build healthy habits in 2025. “After spending a full year as a mom to a teenage boy, I've come to realise raising a teen is a mix of challenges, growth and wonderful learning moments,” commented Mapholi. “The coming of autumn and the new school year brings fresh opportunities and it's the perfect time to help your teen adopt healthy habits. As parents, we play a crucial role in guiding them towards routines that…

Whenever I've faced tough things - mountain-high decisions, hurtful relationships, painful consequences, speaking on stages around the world, health problems and the fear of “What if…” Wisdom helped me with this teaching. This single, simple insight helped me claim peace-filled power and the courage to get unstuck. Here is the teaching. Wisdom: You are not ‘minus’. You are not ‘plus’. You are ‘equal to’ How many times does our ego and body's survival response have us posture as ‘minus’ (hiding, minimising, avoiding) or ‘plus’ (exaggerating, trying too hard, controlling)? What if neither of these is true? When I notice I feel ‘minus’ - less than a challenge, inferior to another person, stuck in doubt or fear - I take a few minutes to face and get ‘equal to’ the imagined…

Increasingly, evidence points to the growing issue of spiritual emergencies being wrongly labelled as pathologies. Researchers such as Stanislav and Christina Grof have explored this phenomenon extensively, suggesting that it remains a field in constant development with ongoing research. There are gaps in research that, if identified, may bring new insights into spiritual crisis and how to treat the crisis in a psychotherapeutic way. The psychologist Roberto Assagioli asserted that those on a spiritual path could also suffer from a spiritual crisis because they become over-absorbed in the spiritual experiences they continually seek. It is because of this overuse and the desire for these experiences that psychological imbalances become a potential problem. Thus, there is potential for spiritual crisis with spiritual seekers or those who are forced into a spiritual…

How is your 2025 = 9 year going? I, for one, am feeling somewhat overwhelmed by various daily life challenges. But as this number 9 year suggests, it is time to end… old limiting beliefs, old behaviour patterns, fear and worries, to release and align with the Self that we all are in heart and soul. This entails forgiveness of self and others, mind-bodysoul daily health choices. Your daily calm sanctuary: Intending regular internal breaks by simply choosing for mindful minutes or even moments, to turn your attention to your deep, authentic Self, in the midst of all the ‘raucous shrieks and wild imaginings’, by focusing on your breath with awareness in each challenging moment as it arises and, most important, mind training to transform stressful thought patterns… a daily…

As I sit here, heavy rains are pouring down over us in Wilderness. We are drenched in goodness and water for a couple of days. I cannot see far, as my usual view is veiled by this downpour. Farmlands and the Outeniqua Mountains are there, yes, but just not in plain sight now. And that is what I am experiencing in my deepest parts currently. I am looking back at my ‘Bali time’ and, although I cannot be there now or turn back time, I know all of it is still there. The memories, the growth, the experiences that changed my life. And I do not say that lightly… My story and how I came to cross paths with the Smiling Soul team is a long one, one that is…

In a world where instant communication is literally at our fingertips, it's both surprising and deeply concerning that we're grappling with a growing global loneliness epidemic. It raises the question: How can we be so connected yet feel so utterly alone? Isn't it ironic that in an era defined by hyperconnectivity, so many feel disconnected? Loneliness isn't merely a personal issue; it's a public health crisis, one that imposes significant costs on our societies. Yet, many still treat it as a silent struggle, leaving those in pain to navigate their feelings alone. Loneliness and social isolation affect people of all ages, cultures and backgrounds and this crisis demands our collective attention as it profoundly impacts both our physical and mental health. Understanding and tackling the root causes is not just…

My path of reclaiming my own ancestors started 15 years earlier at a party in Cape Town over a glass of bubbly in the year 2000. I was chatting to a fascinating woman about our lives and the paths that we had each taken, when I said that I had to manage my stress since I had repeated bouts of ‘chronic fatigue’ since the age of 15. I'd never been sure about that diagnosis. Under the glitzy disco lights and surrounded by glamorous people, she asked me a strange question: “Is it possible that you have an ancestral calling?” “What?” I had never heard of such a thing and found the suggestion a bit strange. “Why would you say that?” She told me that she couldn't really say much more…

In my research to find equilibrium, flow and joy on the home front, I was listening to a parenting summit in my car. I had been driven to do so through my Enneagram 5 personality construct of needing to know, to understand and master the areas that matter most in my life. Parenting mattered. I felt I was flailing and failing. I could not understand how I had flow out in the world; my friendships were healthy and abundant, my career was satisfying and successful; I felt like I had myself together in most areas of my life but in my own kitchen, it was a dog-show. I was reactive, emotional and sometimes unhinged as a parent. I was easily triggered and (no surprises to those who know me) I…

I'm curious; ‘How can we parent, keeping the earth in mind?’ ‘What does nature and the earth teach us about how to parent?’ After nearly 30 years as a psychologist, I completed another masters in 2012, in holistic ecology, a subject that examined complex adaptive systems and our place in the greater ecology. It awakened in me not only a deeper knowledge of our planet, my home, being within the web of life, but also my awe of and gratitude for all that is of nature. I discovered that wisdom means listening within, to a more refined or higher consciousness. From an inner stillness, I listen closely to an evolutionary impulse that flows easily through the natural world. There is an intelligence and a guidance when we engage with nature's…

Later, in the months following my first master class, I was given the opportunity to work on emotional healing with my mother. She is in her 80s and I am the only family member who helps her out. Things would soon happen to push the healing of our relationship into overdrive. In May of that year, my husband and I flew to Europe to meet up with our son and daughter in Croatia and then travel on to Prague where our son was living. What I didn't know during our relaxing two weeks away, was that my mother had become ill in my absence. Our trip home from the Czech Republic involved three flights, 20 hours of travel, two nights with little sleep and a nine-hour time difference. Once we…

Greetings I am Kuthumi. Beloved ones, as your friend I conduct my energy through this being to be able to share with you in words that which your Higher Self communicates to you in frequency. Known or unbeknown, a new doorway awaits, beyond which an enhanced frequency (timeline) greets you. This doorway of your (sacred) heart allows entry into your divine essence. This leads to planes beyond your personal Golden Pyramid. This higher heart-mind frequency is overseen by your Over Soul / Higher Self. A new frequency brings new energy This is the promise of the ‘new’ codes of enlightenment bestowed upon you. You experienced this recently first hand, your authentic exciting Angel Warrior Codes. It's an amalgamation of previous codes. It is light, liquid and alchemical! The current energy…

We live in an age of food-sensitivity fads and trending terms. It can be challenging to keep up with ever-evolving catchphrases. Introducing the new buzzword on the block — glutenconscious. But what does it mean? Is “gluten-conscious” the same as “gluten-free”? The simple answer is no. Consciousness implies awareness of gluten, while glutenfree avoids it altogether. Knowing the difference between these words is vital if you have celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. Let's unravel the mystery of these terms. What does gluten-conscious mean? Gluten-conscious means being aware of gluten without following strict gluten-free principles. People and food establishments can be gluten-conscious. Eating gluten-consciously may mean opting for a mostly gluten-free diet. It's about mindfulness over complete elimination. A “gluten-conscious” menu item means the dish may be gluten-free, but the establishment…

A life shaped by women As a therapist, coach and author, my work has always revolved around understanding the complex and beautiful world of relationships. But long before I ever sat across from a client, long before I put pen to paper for Letters to Her, I was shaped by the women in my life - my daughters, my clients and, most profoundly, my late wife, Alicia. Alicia was my anchor, my mirror and my greatest teacher in love. She taught me about the depth of a woman's heart, the strength hidden within softness and the way love isn't just about passion - it's about presence. When cancer took her, I wasn't just grieving my wife; I was grieving the future we had envisioned, the moments stolen from us and…

“And as we wind on down the road, our shadows taller than our soul, there walks a lady we all know, who shines white light and wants to show how everything still turns to gold. Robert Plant and Jimmy Page, Led Zeppelin ‘Stairway to Heaven’ 1971 Voted the Top 100 Song of All Time 2025 Between these ancient walls, I found timeless peace… “As I entered the Great Pyramid of Cheops, without expectation, hunched over in almost a dwarf-like or foetal position climbing up the steep gradient of a small stone passageway for what seemed like kilometres; it reeked of oldness, the long passage of time… humid, hot and stuffy. Feeling nauseous and claustrophobic, I plodded on scrunched over, bumping my head frequently - how significant that turned out to…

“Change happens by listening and then starting a dialogue with the people who are doing something that you don't believe is right. Jane Goodall, primatologist, anthropologist and UN Messenger of Peace Walking Water has been an epic decade-long inquiry and journey made up of many millions of footsteps, countless questions and a determination to listen, harvest stories and set intentions to manifest outcomes that serve all. For me it has been a life-changing experience and happily the journey continues with new opportunities and challenges looming large on my personal horizon. Walkers like myself are answering a call to join a 21-day walk in September known as Lake to Lake where we'll link California's iconic Mono Lake and deeply controversial Patsiata/Owens Lake with our footsteps. It is terrain we've covered before although…

In the world of Love and Light, there are band aids we use continuously which often create patterns of guilt, self-judgment and fear of being wrong or in chaos and all of this ultimately creates separation of who we are. Humans have been known to look at the world through Ego, which is how we were designed. Ego is there to keep us safe, keep us alive – when it is healthy. An unhealthy Ego, however, locks us into a sense of entitlement which, even to people who practise meditation, journaling etc., can lock us into an identity of spiritual superiority complex or forms of spiritual bypassing. You see, we cannot escape the 3D. We live in a very real, very three-dimensional world and often I find we misuse our…

As a parent, I've often found myself gazing into my children's eyes, wondering about the mystery of their souls. What brought them here? Who are they truly meant to become? Am I equipped for this? What is my role in it? And I must admit, those weren't always my first questions when reflecting. In the early days of parenting, my questions were more elementary. I wanted answers, clear ones, answers that would lead me to a great road map for parenting. Who doesn't love a step-by-step guide to life, right? Maybe something universal, that works for every one of my four kids? But, no… That was never to be found. Ever. It was more like going to a ‘haywire’ disco and having to dance to a completely different song every…

Survey shows slight improvement in South African book ownership, but challenges remain, Johannesburg, 22 January 2025 – The Paper Manufacturers Association of South Africa (PAMSA) has released findings from its 2024 survey on book ownership, revealing that 31 per cent of respondents own fewer than 10 books – a modest improvement from 41 per cent reported in 2022. However, access to books remains a significant challenge for many South Africans. The survey also found that approximately 67 per cent of respondents own 50 books or fewer, while 17.4 per cent reported owning more than 100 books. This represents a slight positive shift from 2022, when 80 per cent of respondents said they owned 50 or fewer books and only 8.6 per cent possessed more than 100. “While we're seeing some…

For decades, retirement has been associated with slowing down, simplifying life and quietly embracing the golden years. However, a growing body of research suggests that happiness follows a ‘U-Curve’ throughout life, with contentment and fulfilment reemerging in our later years. This resurgence of happiness is not merely a by-product of having fewer responsibilities - it stems from the freedom to explore new adventures, pursue passions and live on our own terms. In this thought leadership piece, Gidon Novick sheds light on this exciting shift, which challenges traditional perspectives on ageing and retirement. According to the 2024 World Happiness Report, South Africa ranks 100th out of 137 countries. While the report highlights happiness trends across different age groups, it also reveals that older adults often report higher levels of life satisfaction…

About The Journey The Journey is a powerful, deep healing method for those who have this yearning, clear whatever is holding them back in living their pure authenticity by coming home to themselves. Sometimes, it is about changing beliefs, vows or the labels that keep a person going in circles. Other times, facing and feeling the terror, rage and loneliness for the first time because there are avoidance strategies in place or simply permission is needed to feel. There are also instances where emptying, what never has been said and how the pain cost is needed to come out. Journeywork is not for sissies. It is for those who really have the calling to move the inward pain into transformation. It is an invitation to dive where you have never…

More and more fields of medical practice are beginning to appreciate that emotions and unseen energetic aspects are intertwined with physical wellbeing. An understanding of energy medicine is a powerful tool when working within the holistic modalities of healing. Remembering the origins Reiki is a practice stemming from Japan in the early 1920s. As of this current time Reiki has now been practised for over 100 years, across many parts of the world. Reiki is well-known as an energetic and noninvasive practice to balance the chakras. It is important to appreciate that the concept of the chakras and Vedic astrology, is dated to thousands of years ago and traced in the Sanskrit texts linked to India. The chakras are difficult to describe and, in some ways, it is helpful to…

A Dog's Prayer I pray you who own me, let me continue to live close to Nature. Know that: I love to run beneath the sun, the moon, and the stars; I need to feel the storm winds around me and the touch of rain, hail, sleet, and snow; I need to splash in streams and brooks and to swim in ponds, lakes, and rivers; I need to be allowed to retain my kinship with Nature. Juliette de Bairacli Levy, The Complete Herbal Handbook for Farm and Stable “When I was growing up in rural Michigan in the early 1970s, I spent most of my time outside with my best friend, Cathy, on my horse or hanging out with my dog Susie. We would play in the water of the…

When I first heard about sexual healing, Marvin Gaye's song started to play in my brain and I got stuck on the idea that this sort of healing is linked to actual sex. It took me on a tango through tantra. A tantalising dance forward, with a hurried retreat where my nervous system and relationship were battered by the storm of unsafe passage, high seas and chaos with unsafe teachers who didn't have my best interests at heart… The sad part was that the beginning of my rebalancing sexual energy, ended up bringing even more fear, guilt and shame. It took years to find a better path with this energy that could bring healing and release within the natural pathways of my body. It took a total reset of what…

In a world that glorifies productivity whilst normalising disconnection from our bodies where we're unable to hear it screaming for us to slow down, breathe and do one thing at a time until our dis-ease manifests into bodily disease or burnout forcing us to stop; solo of mom of two boys, Lauren Manuel, desired to step off the survival train and cultivate a life of slow living. Moving to Kenya, the eastern African land of Pole Pole, (meaning ‘slowly slowly’ in KiSwahili) she is undoing habits deemed productive by society and teaching herself and her children a new healing way of life that nurtures the nervous system and also leaves space for connection with each other, herself and nature. Here are some of her tips to return to basics and…