#thetruthaboutstuff

Can You feel It?

Last night I was fortunate enough to experience one certain space of magic. I arrived at Camps Bay beach at about 5.45, just in time for a group session of yoga on the sand. Splendid.

Synchronized down dogs and sunshine, on a backdrop of sparkling ocean we continued into a guided meditation setup by  Paradigm shift South Africa.

Now there’s something to mull over; a paradigm shift?

Shift: /ʃɪft/   “a change in tendency - movement from one place to another ” Paradigm: /parədʌɪm/  -  "model, pattern or world view”

A Shift in world view?

A world view is the basic picture we carry around with us of the way things are. A world view seeks to answer two fundamental and basic questions:

“Who are we?” & “What is the nature of the universe that we live in?”

The answers we give to these questions define and dictate the quality and characteristics of our personal relationships with people, nature and the world as a whole. When considered on a large scale, they define societies.

People have started to eat differently, think differently, read alternatively, change their attitudes toward things like having a boss, working in the corporate world, expanding their minds and spirituality. All these things sing change.

Last night, I was apart of that change. A collective meditation. I witnessed people bid there comfort zones adieu and dance as if no one and everyone was watching. Self expressing wildly at 150 beats per minutes, sober.

Last night I, became we. Beautifully. Organically.  

Pace, people, pulse.

Maybe it was something about standing in the center of the gastronomical wonder, so fittingly named; Smogersburg - the Brooklyn based flea that aptly made me realize where I was about to explore.

New York was boldly introduced to me as a place that leaves nothing to be desired for, everything and anything feels as if it’s right there at the tips of your fingers. Undoubtedly it is.

But where to begin?

In a city so vast, it can be a pretty daunting thing deciding how to spend ones time. There inevitably will be an extensive list of “the must do” sight seeing and tourist attractions, which of course can be found in any chosen guide book and each hold their own remarkable tale.

However, there is a story to tell of some of the the lessor known treasures this vibrant city has tucked away.

One of my absolute favorites, and mammoth commitment was Shakespeare in the Park. An annual event that is held at the Delacorte Theater in Central Park. It has previously headlined the likes of Al Pacino, Denzel Washington, Meryl Streep and Amy Adams, attendance is free, provided that guests wait in line for tickets on the day of the performance. Sounds easy enough, right?

Well... this constituted of a 5am wake up call, a 7 hour queuing session and a very grumpy neighbor that may or may have not been happy to be there- it really is hard to say. Whatever the circumstances, it was clear that this was to be an event of a lifetime, particualrly considering we would be joining the troops of more than 5 million New Yorkers who have lined-up in the past.

After far too many hours spent people watching I decided to wright down some of my reflections, as I listened to our grumpy neighbor kick up a fuss and simply observe the thousands of people so patiently waiting to receive their first-come-first-serve tickets.

Perception is such a peculiar thing, I pondered.

When you ask yourself; “but did you die?” The answer seems pretty standard.

Now ask yourself: “were you present enough to see the magic in every fleeting moment of now?” I suppose those lessons themselves can be beautiful.

What we choose to see and how simply we observe, will ultimately determine our experience. Choose to see a never-ending line, hours pass by and a waste of time and that is exactly what you will experience.

But, choose to be present and smell the wood of the oak trees, feel the pulse in a flute, see the joy in a space, hear the life in the wind, taste the tea on your lips and be thankful to experience each wonderful moment of now... and that’s exactly what you will experience. At least I think that’s what they mean when they say “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” It’s always there we just have to see it.

In all fairness, Central Park is unrivaled as far as long ques go.

 I was happy to be there. And even happier to get tickets.

A triumphant wait for a wonderful production.

Summer in New York highlights:

- Williamsburg, Brooklyn NYC

-The Museum Of Modern Art MoMA (Free on Fridays 4pm-8pm)

-The Cloisters, museum and gardens

-LuliTonix, Soho. Blended greens and BEST juice stop in the city.

- Washington Square Park

-The Union Square Oracle, a very special woman indeed.

Living with another person can be tricky, there are adjustments to be made and a whole other human to consider. Being a creature of I-like-my-space and certain things done in a particular way; its been quite the balancing-act going from total emancipation; I don't answer to nobody kinda gal, to suddenly moving half way across the world and living together. Three years in, and I'm only just starting to understand and learn about my best friend and partner in crime. 

It's been a good 5 months, and while I'm no pro just yet... I have devised a couple of easy precautions to take into consideration while getting to know your new roomie.

1. Never go shopping on an empty stomach

I repeat; NEVER go shopping (grocery or any kind) on an empty stomach. Entering into the pandemonium of the local supermarket on an empty stomach doesn’t do us any good; not only does it make way for impulsive purchases but when we’re hungry and haven’t eaten recently, our blood sugar levels and our energy levels drop. Then, it seems like our whole system shuts down and all we can concentrate on is when, and what, we are going to eat. It’s not uncommon for people to experience episodes of bad moods whilst hungry, therefore should we really be going shopping where small children are screaming, the line for the till seems like forever and the woman behind you is ‘accidentally’ shoving you every time she turns around? No. This is when rage occurs. 

2. It's not you, it's her.

When Aunty Rosie comes around (and yes, I am referring to that moody old women that visits once a month) understand that it's not your fault, but you will probably be assaulted anyways. The best thing to do; take it with a pinch of salt and know that it's not your partner but instead some crabby lady talking hormonal flapdoodle. This too shall pass.

3. Pick your battles. 

Sometimes it's just better to agree, to disagree. It's never worth it fighting over 'silly stuff' but like the wisest lady I know told me (my mum of course) rather the small things, then the fundamental parts of who you are. That being said; it really is always better to take a deep breath, a walk or a "woosah" before freaking out. 

4. Its not what you say, it's how you say it.

Take a moment to think of how to express your feelings. In fact; have a talking stick or tape (or what ever is closest) this allows each person to have a chance to express their feelings but also allows the other to be thoughtful in their response. It is important to address things that bug you, and we should never harbour any anger, as this only does long-term damage. Say how you are feeling and why it makes you feel the way it does, but say it from a place of love.

5. Consider making "a list."

[WARNING: This may not go down well at first]

"This might sound silly, but if you both spend the time to contribute to it, then you both will be happier in the long run. Make sure to highlight your needs as well as hers so that it feels even and fair."- Samantha Daniels, relationship expert. No one wants to feel like the maid or become a nagging badger, by having a list, you will avoid hearing your own voice repeatedly. 

6. Respect each others sacred space.

Whether it be reading on a daybed in the sun, a meditation corner or a man cave. We all have the place we go to gather our thoughts, and if you don't yet have this space; they are really the best emotional investments, so give it a try. That little bit of space can sometimes, bring us back to peace of mind and be exactly what we need after a long day or week. 

A place where you can just tell your significant other; "I'll be [insert me time here} for the next hour, please do not disturb."And that's that. You do not disturb, make any requests or even reminders. 

Unless you wanna end up like this guy of course.

We live and we learn, and so the learning continues.

Credits:

Huffingtonpost

Icanhas

Libblog

Since my first acquaintance with ozone water, and researching its benefits I was inevitably led further down the rabbit whole. So much so that I decided to look into something that we far too often take for granted… something so simple and obvious…something like; water.

As a child I quite clearly remember being told that the tap water in South Africa is of the highest quality, so much so that, it actually strengthens our teeth. It tastes amazing, and personally I had never experienced any dissatisfaction with the water system. Until I started to wonder; why have Europe been using ozone purification for over 100 years and why wasn’t the rest of the world? Furthermore; what are we using in South Africa?

Fluoride is the very astounding truth.

-Fluoridation by country

Firstly, let me briefly explain the effects of fluoride and why most countries simply WILL NOT use it as a means to purify their water:

Fluoride consumption leads to lowered intelligence. One of the most researched side effects of fluoride is what it does to lower your IQ. 

Plain and simple; fluoride makes you stupid. In pregnant woman, it can effect the brain development of an unborn child.

"Fluoride readily crosses the placenta. Fluoride exposure to the developing brain, which is much more susceptible to injury caused by toxicants than is the mature brain, may possibly lead to damage of a permanent nature." Increased risk of cancer. According to a study by the Harvard School of Dental Health, fluoride in tap water increases risk of bone cancer in boys, at levels currently present in fluoridated water supplies. Fluoride said to contain neurotoxins. This is especially true for children, whose brains are developing rapidly during their earliest years. "Prolonged excessive intake of fluoride during child’s growth and development stages has been associated with mental and physical problems," say researchers from the Dental Research Center and Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Dental School, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran, which was published by the U.S. National Institutes of Health. “Children residing in areas with higher than normal water fluoride levels demonstrated more impaired development of intelligence. Thus, children’s intelligence may be affected by high water fluoride levels.” Fluoride can impede thyroid function. Another major problem caused by fluoride ingestion is the damage it can cause your thyroid gland. The thyroid, which regulates the body’s metabolic rate, is extremely important in overall human health. Chemicals like fluoride can cause thyroid disruption, and can especially cause the thyroid to under-perform (hypothyroidism).

Learn more: Natural News

In September 2001 the Department of Health legislated regulations in respect of fluoridation of potable water in South Africa. Fluoridating potable water is considered by some as being unconstitutional in that the use of fluoridated water is forced on consumers who have no choice in the matter. During the past 5 years water boards, and Rand Water in particular, made several submissions to the appropriate ministries. A key aspect of these submissions is that Rand Water sought indemnity from the Department of Health against any claims arising from the fluoridation of water that may give rise to possible health implications or impact on the environment or industrial water users.

"The rationale for supplementing drinking water with fluoride is that South Africans, particularly those in rural areas who do not use fluoridated toothpaste, would benefit." - Rand Water

The mandatory introduction of water fluoridation will cost water consumers in South Africa approximately R30 million per annum.

Rand Water does not consider fluoridation of water as the highest priority for South Africa. In fact, the total estimated national cost of R30 million per annum should rather be used to extend the provision of free water to South Africans. Based on Rand Water’s experience the R30 million could extend water provision to some 300 000 unserved consumers. 

The Department of Health has legislated regulations indicating that water service providers are obliged to fluoridate water, and Rand Water are forced to comply with these regulations.

Approximately 1 000kg of fluoride per day has found its way into water streams. This may have long-term negative consequences on the water environment.

It is important to understand that the dose cannot be controlled. Once fluoride is put in the water it is impossible to control the dose each individual receives because people drink different amounts of water. Being able to control the dose a person receives is critical. Some people (e.g., manual laborers, athletes, diabetics, and people with kidney disease) drink substantially more water than others.

Consider this brief history of fluoride:

At the end of World War II, the US government sent Charles Eliot Perkins, a research worker in chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and pathology, to take charge of the vast Farben chemical plants in Germany. The German chemists told Perkins of a scheme which they had devised during the war and had been adapted by the German General Staff. The German chemists explained of their attempt to control the population in any given area through the mass medication of drinking water with sodium fluoride, a tactic used in German and Russian prisoner of war camps to make the prisoners “stupid and docile”(Stephen 1995). Farben had developed plans during the war to fluoridate the occupied countries because it was found that fluoridation caused slight damage to a specific part of the brain, making it more difficult for the person affected to defend his freedom and causing the individual to become more docile towards authority. Fluoride remains one of the strongest anti-psychotic substances known, and is contained in twenty-five percent of the major tranquilizers. It may not seem surprising that Hitler’s regime practiced the concept of mind control through chemical means, but the American military continued Nazi research, exploring techniques to incapacitate an enemy or medicate an entire nation. (Stephen 1995).

-Truth 11

Now ask yourself; why does the department of health want high levels of fluoride pumped into rural areas, or why R30 million a year funds water that lowers your IQ?

  Further reading and credits:

Rand Water

Fluoridealert.org

Wikipedia

"No single word resonates with people quite like freedom. A TV commercial announces that buying a certain car or flying with a certain airline will make you "free." People celebrate their country's independence with songs of "freedom." Politicians, businesspeople, advertisers, salesmen, military leaders and recruiters—all know how to use "freedom" to attract attention and draw interest. Few words are so commonly used while carrying so much weight."

Yet the more I travel (which lets face it, hasn't really been that much just yet), the more questions I seem to have. It seems almost obvious to wonder why some people are more privileged then others when it comes to the seeing the world.

I mean correct me if I'm wrong here; authorities have the grounds to disable people with an honest yearning and passion to see the globe, that is rightfully ours. Why?

Why is it that someone with a great grandfather born in London, with the same amount of chromosomes as someone born in South America, has far more freedom to travel and explore our Mother Earth? It just doesn't seem fair.

Time and time again I experience people who are forced to feel like criminals because they want to meander around this beautiful planet. Who's to say they are less of a human then someone from America. The amount of times I have seen people forced into premature marriage, just because they want to travel or be together overseas is absurd. What is freedom really?

Being told how much money you need to experience your natural right. It's not really freedom at all then, is it?

"Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness" is a well-known phrase in the United States Declaration of Independence. The phrase gives three examples of the "unalienable rights" which the Declaration says has been given to all human beings by their Creator, and for which governments are created to protect.- Wikipedia

According to Article 13(2) of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights:

Everyone has the right to leave any country, including his own, and to return to his country.

How many of us go through life, indirectly doing what we are told? Are we born free or what?

Of course there came one very controversial answer: The World Passport 

"The World Passport represents the inalienable human right of freedom of travel on planet Earth. Therefore it is premised on the fundamental oneness or unity of the human community.

In modern times, the passport has become a symbol of national sovereignty and control by each nation-state. That control works both for citizens within a nation and all others outside. All nations thus collude in the system of control of travel rather than its freedom. If freedom of travel is one of the essential marks of the liberated human being, as stated in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, then the very acceptance of a national passport is the mark of the slave, serf or subject."-World Government Of world Citizens

To some degree I can see why there is a need to regulate certain borders, but to what extent, and who gets to decide all this?

However controversial The World Passport may be, they sure have one thing spot on; we should all have the freedom to travel planet earth.

It is our birthright.  

Credits:

Wishing For Freedom by Rosie Notred

Firstly, let me apologise for my silence. It seems living a simple mobile-phone-free life does in fact hinder one from being an ultimate active blogger.

I am back, and back with a revelation no less (well I think its pretty mind-blowing at least.)

 Have you ever heard of ozone?

The layer in the earth’s stratosphere that absorbs UV radiation you ask? Well… yes and no.

I’m talking about the molecule, and perhaps one of the most beneficial answers to us living a healthy life, and I mean optimal physical well-being. In fact, what if I told you that the stuff could cure cancer?

Ozone is a triatomic form of oxygen. This means that instead of two atoms like oxygen (O2) ozone is made up of three atoms (O3) ozone is formed naturally; “It is that wonderful sweet smell that you can detect after a summer storm, it is natures way of cleansing our atmosphere from contamination.”  Oxygenhealingtherapies.com

Let me begin by telling you about pathogens, ever heard of those? Well, I hadn’t... until I met a man named Steve, who took it upon himself to enlighten me. Isn’t that the superb thing about traveling, it quite literally expands the mind.

A pathogen is a virus, bacteria, fungus or anything that can produce disease in its host. Being creatures of the modern world, most people (and I mean almost every single one of us) have their fair share.

Ozone is lethal to almost all pathogens including cancer cells.

I’m sure you can easily imagine the perplexity on my face, as I stood in front of Steve trying to examine this abundance of information. I went home, did some research.

Did you know Europe have been using ozone to purify their water since 1906?

In 1931, Dr. Otto Warburg was awarded the Nobel Prize in biochemistry. Dr. Warburg demonstrated that the metabolism of a cancer cell was like that of a plant cell, which thrives on carbon dioxide and gives off oxygen as its waste product. It actually represents the process of fermentation. We are composed of animal cells and oxygen is essential for our assimilation of nutrients and the detoxification and elimination of waste products.When ozone is introduced into the bloodstream, it is converted into oxygen, and other beneficial free radical scavengers, which actually seek out and destroy diseased cells. - Oxygenhealingtherapies.com

 “The therapeutic properties of ozone can be astounding.

Organised Medicine, the FDA, and above all the Pharmaceutical giants have been actively suppressing information about ozone therapy for the better part of this century. Officially, the FDA list ozone as a toxic gas, an utter and contemptible falsehood. Many healers, including licensed MD's and chiropractors have been jailed and viciously harassed for treating (and healing) patients with ozone. Why? It works and the pharmaceutical houses, along with their puppets in the FDA and local medical boards don't want you to know that it works!”

- educate yourself.org

I was literally reading this with my jaw on the floor, really? And it seems there are far more people that know about this then I could imagine. The very next day, I paid Steve another visit; “Would you like to try some?” Steve offered.

Yes, I drank some Ozone water.

Within seconds I felt light headed and dizzy, “Steve, I need to sit down”

He looked at me without a flinch, as if he somewhat expected my ailing reaction.

“You have a large number of pathogens,” he said.

I’m sorry, what!? A 26 year old vegetarian that practices yoga religiously?

 “Well in fact, bacteria prefer to spend their time in the bodies of non meat-eaters.” Yes friends, I was positively freaked out. As this grown man (I have absolutely no idea as to what his age might be) continued to tell me his story, of how he cured his wife of ovarian cysts using ozone therapy, and then introduces me to his beautiful child; I could not believe my eyes.

I took home some astounding knowledge that day, and woke up at the crack of dawn for the best run of my life.

I am not here to convince you of anything, but merely share my experience and create connections. I am no scientist and in fact know very little on the subject, as I’m sure others may be able to tell you (consult professionals) but if you know of anybody suffering with cancer or some life threatening disease, then I might suggest this post is one you should look into.

  Further reading:

100 Benefits of Ozone

Medical Ozone and cancer

Educate yourself

Wikipedia: Ozone therapy

Source: Seemorerocks

Have you ever been taking a casual stroll, through a beautiful night market..only to suddenly realize that the very ground beneath you is moving? Well I have, its a pretty bewildering feeling to say the least. Imagine my surprise as I came to terms with that fact that the car that was moving next to me, was not a figment of my imagination but certainly an earth quake. What does one do when people run out into the street, staring at the roofs of the very tall buildings above them? And so, we stared.. because really, what else can you do in that moment?

What we felt was one of 180 aftershocks, from an earthquake in the north that measured 6.3 on the Richter scale. According to The Bangkok Post there are five active fault lines in the north of Thailand. This particular one was in Chiangrai; about 2.5 hours from Chaingmai, and we had felt it. The saddest part; the work of an artist over a 20 year period; demolished.

For those of you who have been to Wat Rong Khun, consider yourselves one of the very lucky few.

Chalermchai Kositpipat, who was named National Artist on visual arts in 2011, has been working on Wat Rong Khun, the ornate white Buddhist temple, since 1996. He said on Tuesday the temple, which has become a tourist attraction in Chiang Rai, would be closed indefinitely. "The walls of the main structure are cracked, as are my paintings on them. A large part of my painting on one of them even came off," the 59-year-old artist said. 

Source: Bangkok Post

Luck or fate that we just missed it? Unfortunately, the sad part is; all we'll ever know are the pictures.

Source: Hyperallergic

Source: Bangkok Post

So many people come to Thailand for so many different reasons; lots of good, some bad and everything crazy. What I really find mind-blowing is that some pass by and overlook the substance of its women, only paying attention to what is skin deep or in most cases the sex tourism industry that Thailand has become so notorious for. I realized this while casually enjoying a Singha beer at a saloon called Fat Gutz in Thonglor.

Several of the most beautiful women walked by, they were dressed immaculately.. Im talking really to the tee and so it was assumed that the left turn they took was to an "accompaniment bar."  Another four trendy looking divas strutted their stuff toward this elusive bar, and so whispers of "shows" started to worm about. I was beside myself with curiosity, could it really be? I had not yet come across any of these world renowned shows, perhaps it was because they had never been something I had come to Thailand in search for.

And so, we followed the purple lights that led us up four flights of stairs....Myst, it said at the door. We were greeted by a charmingly petite young lady and what appeared to be two gentlemen that were her muscles; "would you like a table?" she asked. The prompt reply of course was; "we are just having a look around, would you mind?"

We were in one of the trendiest and utterly sophisticated establishments in Bangkok. And guess what; not one foreign man in sight.

I started to wonder, why don't foreign men come to places like these and say ; "hey pretty lady, I like your smile. Can I buy you a drink?" maybe then they would actually get to know some of these magnificent creatures. Is it easier to sign up, download the app and flash out your credit card? Or do you not make these efforts because it might entail having a meaningful conversation at some level? Would you see it as a waste of money because there is no such guarantee that these ladies would go home with you? Or are you really just afraid of rejection? 

I must admit of course there are places where such instances are more then evident. However, one should never take for granted the normality or desire thereof for Thai women (or any women for that matter!) to be courted or at the very least treated like a lady. Her occupation does not define who she is.

The problem with modern day society is that far too often, we are far too quick to jump to an array of conclusions.

“Who are you to judge the life I live? I know I'm not perfect -and I don't live to be- but before you start pointing fingers... make sure you hands are clean!”  ― Bob Marley