The Plight of our Feathery Friends

We ll the skies with news of dramatic

shifts within the UKs bird population
The Ethics of Cosmetics
Clear your skin as well as your
conscience! Open your eyes to
the world of cruelty & chemical
free beauty products
Easy Steps to Summer Skin
Medicinal chef, Dale Pinnock,
shares nutritional tips & recipes
for a glowing complexion
plus, eco news, holistic health,
travel, spirituality & much more...
Issue No. 17 Summer 2013
www.inspiredtimesmagazine.com
The Weekend for
Your Soul
GLASGOW
56 October, 2013
The Scottish Exhibition Centre
LONDON
1213 October, 2013
The Logan Hall
Spend the weekend listening
to some of the most inspiring
authors of today --- an
unforgettable experience!
NEALE DONALD WALSCH, BRUCE LIPTON PhD, DOREEN VIRTUE,
DON MIGUEL RUIZ & DON JOSE RUIZ, ROBERT HOLDEN PhD,
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DAVID R. HAMILTON PhD, JOHN C. PARKIN, KYLE GRAY* & BECKY WALSH**
An incredible line-up of Hay House authors not to be missed we hope
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weekend! Early booking recommended.
*Glasgow only **London only
Purchase tickets at hayhouse.co.uk or call 020 3675 2460
TREE OF LIFE A4.indd 1 20/05/2013 09:23
CONTENTS
FEATURES
REGULARS
4 The Ethics of Cosmetics
Clear your skin as well as your conscience!
Rebecca Day opens our eyes to the world
of natural, cruelty-free beauty products.
10 Parvati Valley
Tucked in the Portuguese hills, a peaceful
valley full of wild owers and natural wisdom
captured the heart of Sharon Henshall.
12 Roses got my Heart Singing
Karen Lawtons life-long love of roses is
beautifully shared in this fragrant accolade.
14 Learn to Teach Yoga
Inspired Times yoga expert, Lila Conway,
tells us all about her Teacher Training
Course held high in the Indian Himalayas.
16 Easy Steps to Summer Skin
Medicinal chef, Dale Pinnock, offers nutrition
tips and recipes for a glowing complexion.
24 Our Feathery Friends Plight
Kara Lewis spreads her wings and heads
countrywide, learning about shifts within
the UKs diverse bird populations.
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 1
2 Welcome
Editor, Sharon Henshall welcomes you to
our summer edition of Inspired Times.
8 Spirituality
Interview with Leon Stuparich Director
of Road to Peace an insightful
lm following the Dalai Lama on
his visit to the UK.
13 Have Your Say
Bristol yoga teacher deepens her practice
by surrendering to spinal limits, and the
story behind an inspiring project which has
built the worlds rst ever eco cargo ship.
18 Inspiring Getaways
From Monte Maravilhas, tucked in
Portugals hiker paradise of Alentejo, to
meditation trips on a canal boat in
the UKs stunning Northern waterways.
20 Creativity
Heather Murphy explains her connection
with Fine Art, highlights the Hunterian
Museums challenging content and uncovers
some unusual mechanical creatures.
21 Communities
MindFood and the Grassmarket
Community Project both offer amazing
opportunities to those in need. Mike
Bromley highlights their positive work.
22 Exciting Events 2013
The festival season is in full swing check
out the summertime line up! Learn more
about WOMAD as well as the fabulous
events to put in your autumn diary...
Vegfest London, I CAN DO IT! and the
Schumacher Experience.
26 Green Goodies Guide
Get some great eco gift ideas for the
summertime season...
27 Eco-news
Jen Elliott keeps us up-to-date with
the latest eco-news and gets us all abuzz
with the Bee Saving Kit received when
making a donation to Friends of the Earth.
28 Inspiring Individuals
Sarah Grifths focusses on Jane Goodall
and her lifetime of work with chimpanzees
and raising awareness of the importance
of protecting their habitat.
Pg 16
Dale Pinnocks
skin boost
juice
The Coach House
2 Upper York Street
Bristol BS2 8QN
07767 112 964
www.inspiredtimesmagazine.com
Magazine Coordinator/Editor:
Sharon Henshall
Sub-Editor:
Rebecca Day
Production Editor:
Sharon Henshall
Cover Image:
Heather Murphy
Artworkers:
Heather Murphy & Becky Cooke
Contributors:
Sharon Henshall/Rebecca Day
Dale Pinnock/Karen Lawton
Sarah Grifths/Kara Lewis
Emma Henderson/Louise Baker
Mike Bromley/Jen Elliott
Heather Murphy/Gavin Allwright
Laura Ann Murphy
Advertising: Sharon Henshall
sharon@inspiredtimesmagazine.com
No part of this magazine can be reproduced without
consent. All rights reserved. No responsibility will be
accepted for errors or omissions, or comments made by
writers or interviewees.
ISSN 2041-0786
Inspired Times
welcome...
Karen Lawton
Living our truth can take courage. Im constantly touched by
the number of people I know, and meet, who are stepping
in tune with their inner rhythms, or at least moving down
that path wearing their L plates; feeling their way with
a sense of trust for what the future holds. Over the past
four years Inspired Times seems to have taken me on my
own journey of self discovery. As much as Ive put in on a
personal level, Ive received back mostly in unexpected
ways. Its not been an easy path but theres something
about a challenge that peals back our layers and draws
people together, in a way that enriches the soul.
A year ago I made the nancial decision to make Inspired
Times an online publication. I received so many emails
expressing sadness at this shift, but everyone remained
supportive as they understood it hadnt been easy as an
Independent Publisher, to keep Inspired Times in circulation
for those rst three years. My hope was to print each
summer issue to keep a presence in the real world during
natures season of sunshine (we can hope!). Im happy to
announce that a limited number of this issue are for sale
online and so please do order yours if youd like to receive
one of the printed copies. Wed love for this to work!
This issue sees our artworker,
Heather Murphy, step into the
limelight and become the front
cover artist for the coming year.
Her medium will be collage and
we totally love her magical bird!
This image is particularly apt due
to Kara Lewis seeking out bird
experts shedding light on shifts
within populations for her Plight
of our Feathered Friends article. In
The Ethics of Cosmetics Rebecca Day faces up to the issues of
mainstream make-up and champions those producing cruelty
and chemical free beauty products. Her revelations have
caused a make-up revolution within our team and were keen
for it to spread much further than our four walls. Talking of skin,
Medicinal Chef, Dale Pinnock, has kindly shared nutritional
facts and tasty recipes for a glowing complexion this summer.
Plenty more fabulous articles ll our summertime pages we
hope they inspire, uplift and inform. Enjoy!
Sharon Henshall
(Magazine Coordinator/Editor)
sharon@inspiredtimesmagazine.com
Through taking a scientic
approach to what we eat,
Dale Pinnock shows us that
certain food types can help us
recover in times of ill health.
With an in-depth knowledge
of the elds of nutrition and
phytonutrients, and a previous
career as a wholefoods chef,
Dale works directly with GPs,
specialists and academics in
the healthcare eld. Looking at
food logically he dispels any
notions of a change in diet
being the sole healer for illness.
Instead, he looks at the steps we
can take in our day-to-day lives
to prevent future ailments, and
which foods we should be eating
alongside certain medicines.
Dales mission is to be vocal
and passionate about what
works and why, and to give a
clear and honest picture for
those who need it the most.
Through diet and lifestyle, he
believes people have more
control over their health than
they might be led to believe.
Author of the new best seller
The Medicinal Chef, as well
as The Clear Skin Cookbook,
and Medicinal Cookery,
Dale regularly appears on
radio and national television
sharing his knowledge. In this
issue of Inspired Times he gives
nutritional advice and recipes
for a glowing complexion.
www.dalepinnock.com
The Inspired Times team rst
met Karen Lawton and her
Witch Sitsta Fiona at Croissant
Neuf Festival in 2009. They
had an intriguing set up; an
Airstream trailor complete
with a herb garden. They were
running The Witch Workshops
showing how to make various
exotic potions from a variety
of British and European plants,
most of which they gather
themselves.
Karen describes herself as a
wild green yoga addict and
HedgeWitch. Along with Fiona,
she roams this wonderful
land gathering food and
medicine from the elds and
hedgerows, teaching their
craft to all those inspired to
learn more. Through Sensory
Herbcraft Apprenticeships
they pass on their knowledge
to show that most of what
we need is provided around
us often growing in walking
distance from our homes.
Karen and Fiona founded
Sensory Solutions and have
loved seeing it blossom. Full
details of their apprenticeships,
future events and herbal
remedies can be found online.
In this issue Karen gives us an
insight into the wonderful world
of roses their history, healing
properties and oral magic.
www.sensorysolutions.co.uk
spreading the spirit of inspired times
Dale Pinnock
2 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
Tel: +44 (0)1803 865934
www.schumachercollege.org.uk
Complexity and Collaboration
15 - 19 July - With Prof. Eve Mitleton-Kelly
Transform and empower your workplace with 10
principles of complexity theory.
Radical Ecopsychology
22 July - 2 August - With Andy Fisher and Joel Kovel
Explore a new psychology for our ecological age.
The Economics of Happiness
22 - 26 July - With Helena Norberg Hodge
Explore the benets of localisation and how to make it
happen from policy to grass-roots.
Schumacher Experience
28 Oct - 2 Nov
Come to experience life at the College and sample
from our in-house teaching on deep ecology, holistic
science and economics for transition.
transformative and
small-group learning
Plus John and Nancy Todd, Colin Tudge,
Vandana Shiva, Mark Boyle, Fergus Drennan
Polly Higgins and Charles Eisentein.
T
he history of make-up spans back thousands and
thousands of years. Ancient Egyptians used cosmetics to
embellish their looks through the use of oils and eyeliners.
They were slightly mystied by the discovery that this make-
up also prevented bacterial infection due to a mild toxic content.
These magical qualities gave the products an allure which Egyptian
women couldnt resist. Cosmetics then spread across to Rome and
Greece, where they became a privilege of only the ruling classes.
Financially unfortunate types viewed the products as unnecessary
and extravagant. The reputation of beauty products declined further
during Europes Middle Ages when wearing make-up was even
classed as a sin by the church. It wasnt until the Victorian era that
cosmetics made a re-emergence. The 19th century was about
ladies presenting themselves as beautiful through the utilisation
of make-up and elaborate clothing. Industrialisation brought about
advancements in technology, medicine and chemistry, enabling a
great change in the formation of their cosmetics.
With the 20th century came photography, lm and rapid
communication which paved the way for the modern cosmetic
industry many of us know today. Not only have advances in
technology allowed for cosmetics to be mass produced using a
concoction of chemicals, but it has also allowed large cosmetic
companies to promote their brand through the utilisation of media
platforms. We are constantly surrounded by images of women in
the media with awless skin; they have no bags under their
eyes, no spots lacing their chins and no blemishes on
their cheeks. It could be said that the beauty industry
prots from this image of the ideal face by
suggesting that using their advertised products
achieves the same air-brushed complexion!
However, toxic ingredients existing in these High
Street brands often go unnoticed women are
more likely to discuss the coverage of a product
rather than how benecial it is for our skin, the
environment and animals.
The beauty industry is one of the fastest growing industries globally.
Whilst researching statistics about women in the UK who wear
make-up, it became evident that cosmetics play a large role in
many of our daily lives. We wear make-up for a variety of reasons:
to look younger, to feel more condent and to hide blemishes. In a
poll conducted in 2011 by High Street chain, Superdrug, it revealed
that a third of women wear make-up every time they leave their
homes. According to a more recent study carried out for the Vitality
Show, two thirds of women were too scared to go to work without
wearing make-up. Whilst this reveals womens reliance on make-
up, just how many are aware of what their cosmetics contain and
the ethical credentials of global brands?
cruelty-free & vegan
The good news is that testing cosmetic products on animals has
been banned throughout Europe since 2004. Testing cosmetic
ingredients was banned in 2009. However, only until recently, it
was still legal to sell products which had been tested on animals
elsewhere in the world. The EU sales ban on all animal-tested
cosmetics, introduced this year, reects the publics conviction
that vanity cannot come before animals lives, conrms Ben
Williamson, the spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment
of Animals (PETA). However, animals are still used for testing
across the globe for sales elsewhere, having chemicals dripped
into their eyes and rubbed into their skin. Chinas policy on
make-up products still needs to be tackled. Before new products
can go on sale in China, they must be submitted for testing
to the Chinese authorities, which normally involves a range
of animal tests. Thanks to a generous grant from PETA US,
scientists in China are now being trained in the use of non-
animal test methods and working with ofcials to have these
methods adopted, says Ben. China is currently in the process
of implementing its rst-ever non-animal methods for testing
cosmetic ingredients.
Although testing products on animals has been banned in the
EU, animal by-products can still be found in products sold on
the High Street. The list of excretions and body parts that go
Clear your skin as well as your conscience! Rebecca Day discards her mainstream
make-up bag and opens our eyes to the world of natural, cruelty-free beauty products.
4 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
into some beauty products is enough to make
anyones skin crawl, discloses Ben. From cows
urine and sheep placenta, to lanolin squeezed from
slaughtered sheep carcass... even beaver genitals. People
are unwittingly paying high prices to rub bee vomit onto their
skin or wash their hair with gel made from boiled-down horse
hooves. Other animal and insect products which can be found
in cosmetics on the High Street include shark liver oil (squalene);
crushed beetle (carmine), often used in bright lipstick and sh
scales (guanine), found in nail varnishes and shampoo to give
the product a shimmery look. Natural make-up brushes may be
made from animal hair such as goats and squirrels because
the bristles give good coverage. With greater education and
awareness of the cruelty associated with animal experiments,
consumers around the world will increasingly demand cruelty-
free products, states Ben.
Cruelty Free International were instrumental in achieving this years
European ban on animal-tested cosmetics and toiletries. Around
500 cosmetic companies worldwide are now certied under
Cruelty Free Internationals Leaping Bunny certication, including
The Body Shop and Marks & Spencer. Michelle Thew, Cruelty
Free Internationals Chief Executive, explains that until Cruelty
Free International achieves a global ban, the logo will continue
to be the only guarantee that animals are not used for testing.
Certied companies must monitor their supply chain and open
their companies to a regular audit programme. Any company
which fails its audit is required to rectify any issues or it will lose its
certication. It is estimated that around 15,000 cosmetic ingredients
have already been proven safe to use. Michelle conrms that every
day more companies are saying no to animal testing, and are
continuing to produce safe and effective products.
By sticking to the many combinations of
existing ingredients, companies
are able to produce
products
that have
already been
established
as safe for human use
and better for animals
who no longer have to
suffer. However, although
the products are stamped with
the Leaping Bunny, it may not
necessarily mean that the product is
vegan, as some cosmetics will inevitably
contain animal-derived ingredients. While
many companies that adopt a no-animal
testing policy do also produce vegan products,
the two claims need to be assessed separately, says Michelle.
Similarly, just because a product is described as natural or
organic it does not necessarily mean the product was not tested
on animals. Cruelty Free International highlights companies
offering vegan or vegetarian products as part of their range. By
searching on www.GoCrueltyFree.org, consumers can nd a full list
of Leaping Bunny certied companies, and check which companies
produce vegan or vegetarian products too.
chemical-free & organic
Not only is it essential to choose products which are cruelty-free
and vegan, but it is also vital to purchase cosmetics which are free
from harmful chemicals. According to a variety of sources, it takes
around 26 seconds for the skin to absorb any product. Ian Taylor
from Green People suggests that up to 60% of some ingredients
used in cosmetics may be absorbed through the skin and enter
the bloodstream. Substances absorbed in this way bypass the
liver where detoxication takes place and instead can be circulated
around the body where they may interact with living cells, explains
Ian. By avoiding potentially toxic ingredients in make-up the risks
from this exposure are considerably reduced.
There are many undesirable ingredients in cosmetics that
consumers need to avoid. Parabens are a type of preservative,
which many mainstream cosmetic companies use to prevent
the growth of microbes. Putting this ingredient into their make-
up, companies can guarantee that their products will sustain a
long shelf-life. However, research carried out by the University
of Reading and the University Hospital of South Manchester
which focussed on 40 women being treated for breast cancer,
revealed that parabens were present in 99% of breast cancer
tissues. Whilst we may not be certain that parabens are a cause
of cancer, its certainly alarming that this research revealed the
ingredient to have such a presence in the human body. Parabens
have caused such an alarm that there is even talk of banning the
ingredient in products throughout Europe.
Others include mineral oil, a by-product of petroleum, which
is used in anything that is in liquid form as a ller to make
products cheaper. Disposing of petroleum is very expensive,
so oil companies sell it cheaply on to cosmetic companies. It
can also go by names such as parafn or petroleum jelly and
is found in a majority of UK cosmetic brands. The ingredient
gives skin a smooth texture and also has a long shelf-life any
cosmetic companys dream! So, what are the dangers of mineral
oil? When placed on the skin, it can have a very similar effect to
wrapping your body in cling lm it blocks pores, consequently
trapping bacteria and doesnt allow the skin to breath. Skin
becomes dehydrated through its incapability to absorb moisture
something which is essential for keeping the skin looking
young and fresh. Mineral oils can therefore be labelled as one of
the culprits for skin ageing, along with too much sun exposure.
Phthalates, commonly used to soften plastic and to provide the
scent in air fresheners and detergents, has also shown up in a
range of cosmetics and nail polishes. Its main purpose is to hold
the scent and colour of make-up products. Extensive research
has revealed that it disrupts hormones, and can be particularly
harmful if used by pregnant women. Formaldehyde, an ingredient
also used in nail varnishes and other skin care products, is
understood to trigger allergic skin reactions. Furthermore, bismuth
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 5
oxychloride
a by-product of
rened tin, lead
and copper
is known
to commonly
cause skin
irritation.
It would appear
that mainstream
cosmetic companies
often select ingredients based
on business rather than principles increasing prots come before
peoples health. But there are a number of companies which
ensure their cosmetics are not only safe for our skin, but kind
to the environment and our little furry friends too. Green People
is one of the most prominent companies committed to offering
consumers natural, organic and highly effective products. With all
cosmetics registered by the Vegan Society, they also believe that its
a fundamental right to know exactly what their products contain.
Being ethical affects everything you do as a company, declares
Ian. This includes making sure you dont source ingredients and
products from countries or companies that have human rights
issues. It also means sourcing ingredients that are sustainably
produced and which do not cause harm to the environment or
users of the products. The Ethical Company Organisation have
awarded Ethical Accreditation to the Green People Company the
rst cosmetics company to achieve this award. Some companies
produce products with minimal levels of organic ingredients
and claim that their nished products are organic, he claries.
We think this is misleading, therefore our products contain the
highest possible level of organic ingredients. All of Green Peoples
make-up is independently certied organic either by EcoCert or
by Organic Food Federation under their Non-Food Certication
Company scheme. This gives customers the condence that these
products are genuinely organic, he adds.
because were worth it...
Berith Sandgren-Clarke, an image specialist and Arbonne
International independent consultant, became involved in the
beauty industry because of her love for people. Im passionate
about helping women in particular, she enthuses. I enjoy making
them feel more condent about themselves. Having worked as
an image consultant for around 11 years, Berith has developed
a profound knowledge about skincare. Women are good at
going on diets and eating well. However, if they are using facial
products which block the cells, their skin will react badly. They
often dont realise that what they apply to their skin is harmful.
When purchasing products, Berith reminds us of the importance of
looking at the items shelf-life. Because parabens are carcinogenic
and used as a preservative, when purchasing we must check
how long the item will stay fresh if its less than 12 months it
normally means its paraben-free. Although mascara can last up
to six months, Berith suggests that it should not be used for any
longer than three. The water, or oil, in our mascara attracts a lot
of germs and bacteria which live in our eyelashes, she says, and
recommends we go for smaller packaging when shopping. The
products which Berith works with are all based on pure, botanical
ingredients, putting consumers safety at the heart of their
cosmetics. Their make-up is free from animal by-products,
and toxic chemicals. Containing vitamins B, C and E,
Arbonne products are classed as cosmeceuticals. If
you dont take the make-up off, it actually does the skin
good, claries Berith. The make-up contains enough
goodness, through the use of botanical technology, to
help the skin rejuvenate itself.
For years, Jameela Kosar the founder of Bohemian
Chic Minerals struggled to nd make-up that didnt
react badly with her skin. It seemed everything I put on my
face made me break out in some kind of rash, whether it was
using make-up or skin care products, she recalls. Eye shadows
made my eyes puffy; it looked like I had eczema. My face even
started aking it was horrible! With a beauty qualication,
wearing and experimenting with make-up was an essential part
of Jameelas life. Walking through Uxbridge one day, she was
approached by a woman selling mineral cosmetics. Not long
after receiving a make-over, and loving the coverage it gave, the
itching and redness soon returned. There were a few ingredients
in the products which just didnt work for Jameelas skin the
products which contained bismuth oxychloride, talc or kaolin (a
natural clay which can cause skin dehydration) reacted the worse
with her skin. Her alarming outbreaks from these cosmetics
made her search for less harmful alternatives. Two years ago,
Jameela founded Bohemian Chic Minerals, a company whose
products are 100% pure, natural and beautiful, and also
suitable for vegans. It took a while to nd the right formula,
she discloses. The process took so long; it wasnt easy and was
sometimes very boring, but it had to be done.
The main ingredients in her products are mica, iron dioxide and
titanium dioxide, which works well as a non-inammatory. CI
numbers colour additives in her products are created through
an oxidation process, allowing items such as foundation to
match with different skin tones. I asked what makes a powder
bad for the skin. It all depends how it is formulated: to create
powders, ingredients are grounded down to nano particles which
become absorbed into the pores, explains Jameela. Because
these powders are too ne, they block up the skin, not allowing
our faces to breath we therefore feed our skin with lots of
unhealthy chemicals. Having noticed a great improvement in her
skin since using her own products, she stands rm by her ethos
that the less harmful ingredients in a product, the better.
Most of us know that processed food is unhealthy and we would
prefer to ll our bodies with natural, nourishing ingredients. The
same should apply for our skin. Whether its cosmetics, or general
skincare, choosing certied products will ensure our conscience
and complexion remain equally clear.
6 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
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MINERAL
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8 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013

































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First-time Director, Leon Stuperich, answers some questions about his recent release,
Road to Peace. Leon was granted unprecedented access to the Dalai Lama during a
visit to the UK, and thus a very insightful documentary into his life and work was born.
Q. How did it materialise that you could have access to the
Dalai Lama for this lm?
A. Road to Peace is the rst lm I have directed. We were
speaking with the Dalai Lamas representatives in London
about another lm and what emerged was an invitation for
me to put in a proposal to document the Dalai Lamas visit
to the UK in the following year. Of course I jumped at the
chance and quickly knew that what I wanted to portray was
the nature of Dalai Lama, and his message that inspires
hundreds of millions of people around the world.
Q. When did this happen?
A. Filming began in 2008 with the wonderful support of the
Tibet Society in London. It took a further four years of editing,
nding archive material etc, to nish the lm. The real task was
to ensure the lm captured the true spirit of the man himself;
the human side of the Dalai Lama. Not just the political side
that is so often represented in the media, but the humanitarian
and spiritual leader that attracts crowds of thousands of people
to hear him speak. We are delighted with the nal result and to
see so many people deeply moved from watching the lm.
Q. Tell us a little about the journey from lming to completion.

A. When making a lm about a person, the only way to
truly tell the message is to understand it on a deep, personal
level. So making a lm about the Dalai Lama was a

fascinating and deeply profound process. Not only to honour
his message of Peace, Compassion and Universal Love, but
also to represent the Dalai Lama in his true light. The lm was
screened dozens of times with test audiences and this was a
crucial part of the creative process. It is the only way to know
if the lm is connecting with the heart of an audience. The
lm is an experience rather than just a movie. When we hold
screenings we like to emphasise this with Buddhist chanting,
live music and dialogue.
Q. What struck you most about the Dalai Lama whilst in
his presence?
A. We were very lucky to have incredible intimate behind-
the-scenes access to the Dalai Lama. The most remarkable
thing to notice is how humble he is, whilst at the same time
extremely self-condent. When he meets people, regardless
of their status, he greats everybody in the same manner.
Whether its the Prime Minister or someone in a crowd on the
street. But when he talks to you he pays you full attention, and
for those few moments it feels as if there is nobody else but
you and him. His gentle but powerful warmth and kindness
exudes from him and he really does seem to mean what he
says when he describes himself as a simple Buddhist Monk.
Q. How did the experience impact you personally?
A. Every time I watch the lm I understand a little bit more
about the Dalai Lama and his message. The remarkable
Road to Peace...
When he talks to you he pays
you full attention, and for those
few moments it feels as if there is
nobody else but you and him.
thing is that its not so much about his words, but the way he
is in himself its how he is with the people he meets that is
the most inspiring. So, he sets an example of how we can
be more peaceful and compassionate in our lives, and he
embodies the message he shares. I have absorbed a lot of
the wisdom that he shared with us, and many of his sayings
have become mantras for my own life. For me, the real
impact comes from learning to be to behave, in a more
compassionate way.
Q. What do you feel is the message of this lm?
A. Change starts within. Not just personal change, but
if we want to change the world for the better then we must
change ourselves rst. As Gandhi famously said, be the
change you wish to see in the world. If you become more
peaceful, then the world has already changed. But what we
DO, is the most important factor. The Dalai Lamas message
is a call to action, to get up and solve the problems we face
in the world. So education is just as important as developing
inner values.
Q. How can our readers get to watch Road to Peace?
A. We are currently doing the rounds at the lm festivals,
recently winning the Audience Award for Best Feature
Documentary at the Albuquerque Film and Media Experience
(AFME) in New Mexico. We are also hosting screening events
around the country and you can buy the DVD from our website.
For more information and to watch the trailer, visit:
www.roadtopeacelm.com
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 9

































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Awakening the Laughing Buddha Within
by Joe Hoare & the Barefoot Doctor
This book has been described
as a story, a manual and a
guide to help you awaken your
own Laughing Buddha within.
Joe Hoare has been running
courses in Laughter Yoga and
NLS (Natural Laughter Skills)
for over 30 years, whilst the
Barefoot Doctor is a master of
the Taoist martial arts and a
doctor of Chinese medicine.
Through his own personal experiences and journey of
self-development, Joe Hoare presents insights relating to
laughter, known to Eastern philosophy for thousands of
years. Within each section the Barefoot Doctor bestows
practical exercises drawn from the ancient Taoist system
of wellbeing supporting you on your own Laughing
Buddha path. Celebrate the power of laughter as a key to
the deep reserves of creativity and contentment within us
all. This is a collaboration not to be missed!
Manuscript Found in Accra
by Paulo Coelho
Written in a similar style to
Kahlil Gibrans The Prophet
with a question/answer
structure, this book has
received mixed reviews.
The narrator claims to be
transcribing a manuscript
written in 1099 on the eve of
the Crusaders invasion of
Jerusalem. It recounts the
dialogue of a mysterious Greek
man who counsels a group of
men and women about their most pressing questions on
beauty, love, courage and so forth. Wisdom jumps from
the pages, but rather than read it cover to cover, maybe
just dip in when the mood catches you.
Inspiring Books
S
unlight soaked my tilted face as I sat cross-
legged on a wooden bench tucked within
Parvati Valley no, not in the Indian Himalayas,
but within the peaceful hills of Portugal. My
heart felt deeply touched by this magical spot which,
only a year prior, had been hidden by brambles. Today
it brimmed with new life, some of which had been
lovingly planted and some of which were simply
natures gifts; now breathing freely since the uprooting
of those thorny bushes. It was springtime and I was
volunteering at Monte Sahaja, home to Mooji, a master
of the advaita tradition, and to a warm and wonderful
community. This was my nal morning of what had
unfolded as an incredibly profound nine-day experience.
a call for silence
The Sangha, which is the Sanskrit word for community
of Truth, are working together to create contemplative
areas on the land, with the intention to host retreats
in the future, and Parvati Valley is one such nook. Last
September Id attended a silent retreat with Mooji at
the nearby eco-resort Zmar. It had red up a yearning
to spend some time immersed within his wisdom, and
gratefully offer whatever I could for all Id understood
in his presence. I arrived with no preconceived ideas
of what I would nd here, unsure of how I could help,
and clueless on whether I would feel
inclined to put pen to paper. However
Parvati Valley soon enveloped me
in her sweet embrace from the
rst time I was steered up her steep
banks on a land tour, I had known
instantly that this particular place of
beauty would be special for me.
daily unfoldings
Moojis presence and guidance created a strong loving
energy, unlike any Id experienced before. Following
a warm welcome from each and every member of
the community, my days were spent with a mix of
activities; I varnished a table, planted bulbs,
fertilised new trees, weeded, raked,
cooked and cleaned. Working outdoors
and away from my computer was
a welcome change from Bristol
life and I witnessed so many
of my thoughts, judgements
and outdated habits fall away.
A stillness within the Monte
Sahaja community allowed
space to reconnect with my true
inner nature. I found pleasure
from each task, but whenever
there was a spare moment, I
beelined for one particular place to
offer up my help... Parvati Valley. The
kiss of torrential rain which fell for three
months over winter, bestowed springtime with a green
lushness and an abundance of colour. Grass soon grew
tall and clusters of wildowers danced in the breeze.
A strimmer was organised to draw back the curtains
within Parvati Valley, unveiling an array of plants and
blooms which had been planted over the year. As I
raked the soft fallen grass away it felt as though I was
also shedding my own overgrown sense of self. Each
stroke revealed a deeper clarity and space that had
seemingly become lost amidst a jungle of thoughts.
Something kept calling me back and Parvati Valley
became my regular early morning stop off before
breakfast. Wandering down from my
camping spot in the Upper Himalayas my
feet seemed to walk me directly there. I
quite liked handing my decision making
Sharon Henshall recently spent time in Monte Sahaja,
Portugal, with Mooji and his Sangha. She found
herself regularly drawn to a small valley within its
undulating lands. Being immersed in natures gentle
beauty created inner space and a deeper clarity.
parvati valley
10 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
parvati valley
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 11
to my tootsies! Each visit would uncover something new,
with its array of shelters, a pond and even a swing to
entice me to sit for a while. I would close my eyes and
listen. A melting pot of buzzing, bird song and general
wildlife chatter lled the air. Two green speckled frogs
once caught me by surprise when they leapt into the
pond for their early morning swim. On one particular day
I planted some rather dowdy brown bulbs, unsure of
whether they would ever push through the soil to
show the world what secrets were held inside.
If not this year, maybe next... maybe never; it
all now pointed to a deeper understanding.
Sinking into such natural surrounds seems
to remove the dirt from our eyes far from
the bustling city lifestyles which often blow
smoke rings into our minds. Most of us have
experienced those moments which occur
when gazing at stunning views something
falls away to leave us in a state of stillness
and peace. Nature unquestionably reminds
us of our natural state... where nothing reigns
supreme over something. A thoughtless state not
because thoughts dont appear, they just dont rule. Its
as if at these moments, the universe waves its wand and
banishes what cannot be taken with us to the grave.
Which, of course, is everything. Or, as Mooji puts it: If
you want to go all the way, throw all away.
harmonious chaos
So, as I sat in Parvati Valley on my nal morning,
everything fell away. Not in the sense of no longer caring
about anything or anyone in fact, upon recognition
that everything is transient, a deeper love and gratitude
for all that comes my way bubbled up. And rather
than the thoughts themselves disappearing, it was my
attachment which dissolved to judgements, concepts,
preconceived ideas... and the rest. As I absorbed the
scene of harmonious chaos, everything felt so simple;
multitudes of plants and wildlife simply resided together,
without discrimination. Similarly, if I didnt attach any
judgement to my vast
mix of emotions, they
simply came and went
without any struggle
or suffering; sadness and happiness, anger and
peace, shyness and openness nothing needed to be
suppressed or held onto. For me, the sweet energy of
Parvati Valley represented that of Monte Sahaja and
Mooji; everything naturally unfolding in a true way
which was neither ego-driven or forced.
Whether I was chopping vegetables, brushing varnish
onto an old wooden table, pulling weeds, sharing
moments with the community, listening to Moojis
wisdom or even feeding the neighbouring farmers
pigs an awareness of a natural state and love
remained strong. Although easier to remember when
sun-kissed and surrounded by wildowers, Parvati
Valley reminded me that wherever we are, whatever
is happening, whatever actions occupy our time, each
moment holds the possibility of pure peace. And just
as I trusted my feet to take me to Parvati Valley, I trust
that even within my busy inner-city existence, freedom
can be experienced without moving an inch.
For details about future retreats with Mooji, visit
www.mooji.org
12 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
I
t is the height of summer and in
between rain showers the balmy
scent of the rose is calling to me like
never before.
I have had a connection with the beautiful
rose from a young age my grandmother,
a keen gardener, specially prized her rose
garden. My rst concoctions were crushing
smooth, pale peach petals for rosewater
potions. I remember feeling slightly
cheated as the petals browned and lost
their beauty over time.
Roses have a long and colourful history.
They have been symbols of love, beauty,
war, and politics. This year I seem to be
reconnecting with her on a very deep
level, hardly a plant I pass without
needing to go have a chat, sniff and
stroke. I have been amazed at the sheer
diversity of roses growing in my little
village alone. In nature, the genus Rosa
has some 150 species spread throughout
the Northern Hemisphere, and then
there are all the hybrids created for
our gardens. Apparently there are over
30,000 varieties, leading to the most
complicated family tree of any known
ower species. Garden cultivation of roses
began some 5,000 years ago, in Asia.
She truly is an ancient ancestor, with fossil
evidence aging her at 35 million years old.
Included in her vast botanical family
called the Rosacea family are hawthorns,
apples, plums, raspberries and ladies
mantle to name a few, most having
astringent cooling qualities as medicines.
The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But now the theory goes
That the apples a rose,
And the pear is, and sos
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose--
But were always a rose.
by Robert Frost 1874-1963
There has been one particular rambling
rose with pinky, peach petals that has
been attracting me; she sits on the corner
of a valley on our walk to and from
school. So enticing is her magic, we have
been late a few times. She has been
teaching us the joy of being soft, delicate
and approachable, with clearly marketed
boundaries... over step them and youll
get a sharp reprimand!
Rosa Heartspetal we have named her,
and in spirit she is the elderly midwife,
who has seen and birthed so much with
generosity and kindness, never taking
any nonsense, full of gifts of nurture
and innite knowledge. Her delicate
petals, perfectly heart shaped as in our
native Dog Rose (Rosa Canina), provides
real heart support, cools anxieties and
steadies the nerves. We make a tincture
out of the petals; roses are under the
domain of
Venus so we
do this on a
Friday (ruled by
Venus) around
the full moon.
This ensures all the
energies of the plant
are up in the ariel parts. So we
harvest the petals on a dry bright day,
lling a jar to the brim with the petals,
asking or setting intentions for what the
medicine can gift us. Covering the petals
with good quality vodka, we then leave it
in a cool place for a lunar cycle to brew.
Once ready, we strain out the petals and
are left with a powerful, brilliant, Rose
Petal tincture. We have long used her
sexy, deep red fruits, the rosehips to make
syrups packed with valuable nourishment
in the form of vitamins & minerals. It tastes
delicious. The content of ascorbic acid/
vitamin C in hips is 10 times more than in
blackcurrant, 50 times more than in lemon
and 100 times more than in apples.
There have been plenty of studies
documenting how the hips have given
numerous folk relief from arthritis. We
use tinctures and powders for this, and
also heart conditions, very effectively.
One of our favourite remedies are our
Drops of Love made from rose tincture,
rosehip syrup and peppermint tincture
mixed together. These beautifully
cooling and centring drops gently
nourish and support the nervous and
digestive systems.
Peppermint helps to clear a fuzzy head
and calm digestion, thus aiding the
free-ow of all mental processes. The
word mint derives from the Latin for
thought. Rose has an amazing history as
a symbol of mystical or divine love.
It is used here for its uplifting,
calming properties. The
binding nature of the
tannins found in rose
gives the potential
for containment of
nervous energy and
erratic patterns. And,
nally, the delicious,
nourishing rosehip
syrup is made from
the Wild Dog rose. Its
vastly nutritious make-
up provides a wonderfully
nurturing support system for the
whole body, mind and spirit.

Karen Lawton creates herbal potions with
Witch Sista Fiona. They now teach their
craft via Sensory Herbcraft Apprenticeships.
www.sensorysolutions.co.uk
Karen Lawton shares her life-long love of roses. She sings fragrant
praises of this quintessentially English bloom and all of its magic.
roses got my heart singing

inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 13
I surrender... and its about time
I have spent 20 years ghting with my spine. Osteopaths,
massages, tai chi, Alexander technique, physiotherapy and
many well-learned individuals offering advice, such as: You dont
have a bad back, youre using it wrong.
This assumption that my back was structurally sound spurred me
on to improve myself, my posture, strength and learning to relax.
A good thing too, as this brought me to yoga, and then to India
to train as a yoga teacher one with a very unusual perspective
of truly knowing how difcult inexibility can be. I have felt all the
frustrations, compared myself with others in class, felt like I was
failing, and wondered if I was simply making a fool of myself.
Recently I found out I do in fact have a bad back. My stomach
sank when I saw the black and white, back-lit image at the
chiropractors. My spine. Messed. Up. I was most likely born with
this defect. Huh! I knew something was wrong! The searing pain
I experienced while growing through puberty is now explained
my spine wouldnt budge as I grew. Ive always had a stubborn
streak. Stubborn to the bone!
So I wallowed for a few hours. I felt like a fraudulent teacher,
denied the poses many others take for granted. But then it hit
me: all these years of struggling I havent been doing anything
wrong! I tell my students to accept where theyre at, and now,
at last, I truly can too. Finally I can remove myself from the
exception Ive imposed on myself. I accept we are all different,
even me, I can stop comparing myself to others and to my own
expectations. Finally I can accept my limitations. I surrender... and
its about time.
Laura Ann Murphy, Bristol
www.meltintoyoga.co.uk
sail cargo, sail eco...
During my years spent travelling
through Africa and Asia, I also
volunteered and involved myself
with Fair Trade organisations.
Gradually, I became aware of the imbalances and transport
problems which faced small producers and their communities. It
wasnt until I moved to Japan and started a family that I searched
for a project that could tackle some of those problems head on.
Whilst in Tokyo I met Pat Utley, the Director of Greenheart a newly
formed project which aimed to resolve these complex issues. I was
keen to know how we could close the circle of Fair Trade; to pick
up goods close to farms or factory gates, and deliver them directly
without CO2 to the dinner plate. Greenheart had an answer;
this not-for-prot organisation designs and builds zero-emissions
sail and solar powered ships for the developing world. The vision
is to have thousands of these vessels in the hands of coastal
communities, cooperatively owned, a crew of local sailors and the
returns beneting the local people. One challenge was keeping
to the founding principles simple operation, appropriate level
technology, low cost and low environmental impact.
After a few years of volunteering in the concept stage, things
started to get more serious in 2009. Designs were rmed up and
the project management became more professional. Things were
developing well... until March 2011. Japan was hit by the tsunami
and the Fukushima disaster. My wife and I had spent a couple of
years building a natural house and small organic farm, but sadly
lost those at this time. The Greenheart team chose to divert their
energies to tsunami relief operations throughout the year. On a
personal level, seeing the vulnerability of coastal communities really
brought home the importance of reliable ships the need to have
other energy solutions for the future.
Once focused back on Greenheart, we redoubled our efforts. I
went full time as the Commercial Director and sponsors came
on board. We have now started the build on the rst ship in
Bangladesh and are selling shares for our maiden voyage.
People can transport goods or join us as working crew on this rst
2-year round the world voyage. I hope you will be able to join us.
Gavin Allwright, Miyagi, Japan
www.greenheartproject.org
How wonderful that no one need wait a single
moment to improve the world.
Anne Frank
If there is anything youd like to tell us about; thoughts on life, fun events,
hobbies etc., please email us: team@inspiredtimesmagazine.com
have your
say
Yoga Teacher Training
Inspired Times yogini, Lila Conway, will hold a Teacher Training
Course high in the Indian Himalayas this October. We pose some
questions to delve deeper into just what yoga students can expect.
14 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
Tell us a little about your yogic journey.
I began practicing yoga at home in the
90s, my rst yoga teacher was the New
Book of Yoga by Sivananda. The real
love affair began around 14 years ago
when I went to a Sivananda Yoga class
in Thailand it felt very familiar to me
and sparked an intense yearning to learn
more. I immediately went on to India
to further my studies and this naturally
led to me completing my Yoga Teacher
Training in 2001. I spent the following
8 years living as a volunteer within the
Sivananda ashrams in India and Canada,
totally immersing in a rigorous ashram
schedule and yogic lifestyle. Although
it was difcult at times, it was a life
changing and completely transformational
experience which I will always be grateful
for. My duties were vast and varied from
training yoga teachers to being the senior
Swamis personal secretary. I returned
to the UK in 2008 and established Yoga
Prema School of Yoga in Bristol.
Why have you picked this particular
location in India for the course?
Rishikesh is known as the yoga capital
of the world. For many years saints and
sages have chosen Rishikesh as a place
to do their spiritual practice. For example,
Swami Sivananda, Swami Vivekananda
and Swami Rama, practiced, studied and
shared teachings here. Rishikesh shot to
fame in the 60s when The Beatles visited
their Guru Maharishi Mahesh Yogis
ashram in Rishikesh. Even to this day,
current enlightened Masters such as Prem
Baba and Mooji are giving discourses
to hundreds of spiritual aspirants in
Rishikesh. The location itself is situated
right on the banks of the river Ganges and
at the foothills of the Himalayas. It is a
pilgrimage/sacred area and it is believed
that practicing yoga and meditation here
will lead to enlightenment.

What is the accommodation like?

Yoga Niketan Ashram is a yoga
ashram with a traditional feel. The
accommodation is simple and the ashram
offers either single rooms or shared twin
rooms with attached bathroom. The
grounds are spacious, very green and the
beauty of it is that the ashram overlooks
the river Ganges. As we are a little higher
than road level it is very peaceful and
quiet in the ashram, which is of course
necessary due to the nature of the course.
To join this course, what level of
yoga is required?
We dont expect students to be at an
advanced level but at least to have some
prior experience of yoga. The curriculum
is rigorous and wonderfully intense so
people really do need to understand it is
not a yoga holiday, but a intensive month
to really explore and immerse deeply into
the teachings on all levels. The course is
also open to sincere students who may
not necessarily be interested in teaching
yoga but who would like to take their
practice to the next level
.
What can students expect when
attending this course?
Our courses are based upon the
traditional Gurukulam system of learning,
whereby the students and teachers live
together in an ashram environment, to
immerse in the daily study, practice and
teachings of yoga. The 200 hour training
programme includes an in-depth
experience and understanding four
paths of yoga Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga,
Raja Yoga and Jnana Yoga. It provides a
blueprint for incorporating the physical,
psychological and spiritual aspects of
yoga into daily life. The training focuses
not only on traditional hatha yoga
and the physical postures but we also
explore yogas ancient sacred texts
and ve-thousand-year-old traditions,
as well as the benets that develop
with a steady practice and the spiritual
power that is set free when energy ows
throughout the heart, body and mind.
Who will teach the philosophy of
yoga, alongside you, on this course?
We are very blessed to have Swami
Guruprasad from Kerala, India, sharing
his expert knowledge in the eld of
Yogic philosophy, Vedanta and also the
Bhagavad Gita.
Can students set up their own yoga
classes straight after this course?
Yes, all graduates of the course are
encouraged to start teaching as soon
as possible. As a registered School of
Yoga with Yoga Alliance, graduates are
automatically eligible to register as a
Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT). Our
certicate is internationally recognised
and can be used to obtain Yoga Teaching
Insurance. We endeavour to support
students after the course and encourage
their continued study with us.
What makes a good yoga teacher?
To teach yoga we need to share what
we have understood through our own
practice and study and share from the
heart. A yoga teacher is not a preacher
but a practitioner who has a passion for
this beautiful science and a sincerity
to share its wisdom for the benet of
others. We endeavour to train excellent
yoga teachers and provide the skills to
help each person condently teach yoga.
Come and Reconnect with your local Plants
This initial one-year Apprenticeship is designed to introduce you to the
Ancient, Magic and Practical art that is Herbal Medicine.
You will learn to communicate with the plant world and create beautiful remedies,
using all of your senses, for the treatment of yourself, your friends and your family.
Come on this journey to be guided through the elements represented in each
season and follow the path through the riches of the plant world:
roots, Ieaves, owers, seeds.
This one-year course is made up of 4 residential, fully-catered weekend seminars.
There will also be the option of additional trips and apprentice days.
You will compile your own Herbal Materia medica of the plants covered on the course.
This involves detailed observations through drawings, photos, pressing parts and
making notes to create your beautiful book.
Investment: 1300. Location: YHA Lea Valley Village, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ.
www.sensorysoutions.co.uk/apprenticeship | sensorysolutions@hotmail.co.uk
Fiona 07830 195 745 |Karen 0786 508 1927
Karen and Fiona write for JUNO and have many years experience teaching
and practicing with plants. Check out their articles in this addition.
Sesory Herbcra Appreticeship
tridosha
Living Ayurveda
Excellence in Ayurveda training
Ayurveda Academy
Ayurvedic Massage Therapy certificate 14/18 October
Ayurveda / Yoga for Birth Educators certificate
5/6/26/27 October, 8/9 November
Ayurvedic Lifestyle and Diet diploma
6-mth, 150-hrs, 4-modules, start date September
Dont just take our word for it, read what our students say!
Dear [Tri-Dosha], you are an inspiration and a true wonder. This course has
been pivotal for me, both personally and professionally and I need to say a
huge thank you. Love and Light, Sue
[Tri-Dosha] what can I say? Fantastic, amazing, wonderful, enlightening,
fulfilling. This course is one of my absolute top rated, I enjoyed every
aspect. Thank you so very, very much. Best wishes, Amanda
t +44 (0)20 8566 1498
e info@tri-dosha.co.uk
w tri-dosha.co.uk Follow us on
Ad152x92 2013_Layout 1 10/05/2013 10:24 Page 1
W
e all want clear
glowing skin through
the summer months.
Whilst good skin care
is of vital importance, many of us
overlook the importance of what
we eat and the impact it has on our
appearance. There are a few dietary
strategies we can implement to
start looking fabulous fast.
fat soluble antioxidants
We have all heard a million times
that antioxidants are good for the
skin. But often all antioxidants are
clubbed together and we assume
that they all benet us in the same
way. To benet the skin, we need
ones that are fat soluble as these
will, by their very nature, diffuse
out into the skin where they can
protect it from damage and reduce
inammation. Go for foods that are
naturally orange, red or yellow in
colour to provide these.
face fats
One of the most important groups
of nutrients for skin health are
essential fatty acids, such as
omega 3. These help to plump
out the skin and help it to retain
moisture. But most importantly
they help to drastically improve
any inammatory issue on the
skin. Problems like acne, eczema,
and psoriasis for example all have
inammation at their core this is
what causes the redness. Omega
3 fatty acids provide the
body with the building
blocks it needs to
create its own in-built
anti-inammatory
compounds, which
reduce redness
and swelling in such
conditions. Oily sh, nuts,
seeds all provide these.
magic minerals
Minerals are often the
forgotten and unsung
nutritional heroes,
and are vital for skin
health. Sulphur found in
onions and eggs help tighten the
bonds between skin cells, giving a
smoother skin. Zinc in shellsh and
pumpkin seeds help to even out
oil production and ght infection.
Selenium in brazil nuts helps skin
cells breakdown by products of free
radical activity.
16 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
This deeply coloured juice is incredibly potent. I
know it may seem weird to a lot of you to drink
vegetable juices with fruit juices, but I assure
you, it is really tasty. The sweetness of the apple
really comes through and takes your mind off the
fact that there are veggies in there.
Ingredients
1 large carrot
1 large apple
1 small raw beetroot
2 sticks of celery

Method
Simply run all ingredients through a juicer... and
thats it!

Benets
Carrots
Carrots are a very dense source of beta carotene.
This is of course the plant form of vitamin A, and
the most powerful of the carotenoids the fat
soluble antioxidants. Just to give you an idea as
to how well these compounds accumulate in the
subcutaneous layer of the skin, there is actually
a condition called hypercarotenemia. This is
where the skin of people who eat a lot of carrots,
will actually turn orange due to the sheer level of
carotenoids that have accumulated in the skin.
Thats proof!

Apples
Apples have a high vitamin C content, and
also contain a powerful chemical called ellagic
Carrot, apple, beetroot & celery juice
easy steps to sum mer skin
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 17
acid. This has well documented antioxidant
properties and is believed by some to be
an effective liver stimulant, helping in the
detoxication process. The jury is still out on
that one though.

Beetroot
Beetroot on the other hand does have a very
powerful effect upon liver function. The
deep purple colour pigment, so characteristic
in beetroot, actually inuences phase 2
detoxication in the liver, which can help
to keep things on the inside clean. There
are also a huge amount of fat soluble
antioxidants in here.

Celery
Celery is a very rich source of so many
minerals, including potassium, sodium and
magnesium. These minerals help to keep the
body hydrated. There is nothing worse for the
overall appearance of the skin than dehydration.
The minerals in celery make it a very hydrating
juice. However, there is a dichotomy here.
Celery also has a mild diuretic activity, meaning
it increases urinary output. It has the ability to
make the kidneys work a little harder, without
overdoing it to the point where someone would
get dehydrated.
This is quite a lling soup, and a great digestive tonic!

Ingredients
1 red onion - nely chopped
2 cloves of garlic nely chopped
1 stick of celery - nely chopped
3 Jerusalem artichokes
400g can of black beans - drained

Method
Add the onion, garlic, and celery to a pan with a little olive
oil, and saut until the onion softens. At this point, add the
Jerusalem artichokes, and the black beans, and add enough
vegetable stock to just cover the ingredients. Simmer until
the Jerusalem artichokes soften. Blend until smooth.

Benets
Black beans
Black beans are denitely unsung heroes in the world
of pulses. They are bursting to the hilt with nutrients
and phytochemicals. Firstly, they are rich sources of the
B vitamins, which help to support almost every aspect
of skin physiology. They are also incredibly rich in zinc,
which helps regulate oil production in the skin, and also
support immunity which can help in managing infected
skin lesions. However, black beans really come into their
own when we look at their phytochemistry. The black
pigment on their outer layer is actually made up of a
complex of different anthocyanins. These are the same
colour pigments that are found in red grapes, blueberries,
acai berries etc. They include compounds such as
delphinidin, petunidin, and malvidin. These compounds
deliver some notable anti-inammatory activity so can be
a useful part of managing any inammatory skin lesion.
Black beans also have a very high level of non soluble
bre. This is true of all beans and pulses, but the insoluble
bre in black beans is rather unique. This is because gut
bacteria can easily ferment it down to create a substance
called butyric acid. This magic compound has an almost
rejuvenative effect on the gut wall, so can massively
enhance elimination, plus the absorption of some
nutrients. These two things combined will help to improve
overall nutritional status, which can only aid the skin in
functioning better as an organ.

Jerusalem Artichokes
These wonderful and unusual vegetables are another
digestive dynamo. They contain special types of sugar,
called fructo oligosaccharides and inulin, that work as a
food source for the good bacteria in the gut. When gut
ora feed on these vital sugars, they start to reproduce,
further enhancing the strength of the good gut ora. This
will then improve elimination and nutrient absorption.
Spicy black bean & Jerusalem artichoke soup
Dale Pinnock is the author of a number of books - The
Clear Skin Cookbook, Medicinal Cookery and his latest
release, The Medicinal Chef. He has also made regular
appearances on both radio and television.
www.dalepinnock.com
Dale Pinnock, also known as the Medicinal
Chef, shares top tips & tasty recipes sure
to have your skin glowing this summer...
easy steps to sum mer skin
L
18 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
getaways
taste a slice of Portuguese peace...
During my recent visit to Portugal, I put aside a few days to spend
at Monte Maravilhas, a holiday haven located in the sleepy region
of Alentejo. Rustic charm reigns strong within this Portuguese
pocket which is renowned for breathtaking hiking, a tranquil
vibe and tasty local produce. Much less touristy than its Algarve
neighbour, Alentejo has remained one of the countrys quieter
provinces. Prem Zijtveld, a lovely lady from the Netherlands, rst
stumbled across this region back in the 80s. The rhythm of life, the
relaxed atmosphere, the space and the unspoilt nature reminds
me of my beloved India, says Prem, who, during her world travels,
had spent time in an Indian ashram. In 1997, as her vision of
Monte Maravilhas unfolded, she was drawn to buy some land.
Maravilhas was nally ready for its rst guests in 2001 much
hard work and love went into creating the peaceful getaway
which I experienced this spring. Three houses now stand within
the 21 acres of land, as well as two caravans and a number of tent
spaces. Each and every budget of a peace-seeker can be met!
I instantly felt settled within my caravan; simple living suits me and
this dinky space offered everything I needed... a comfy bed, a place
to sit to read and write, adequate cupboard space, views of the
hills and an outdoor space to relax in. The communal kitchen and
shower block sat just a stones throw away, with an outdoor space
for alfresco mealtimes and chatting with fellow campers. Each
house is self-contained and Prem kindly offered to give me a guided
tour. High ceilings, spacious living areas, cosy bedrooms, home-
from-home kitchens and private outdoor terraces create wonderful
holiday escapes for families, friends and couples alike. Each casa
(house) has a Portuguese name: Casa Amarela is the largest
house with three bedrooms and is suitable for up to six people,
Casa Mimosa and Casa Azul can both t up to four each with two
bedrooms. Maravilhas also hosts several activity holidays throughout
the year including hiking, painting, yoga, Portuguese language
learning, meditation and massage weeks. Our activity weeks are
good for people who want to be in a meditative environment, to
relax, de-stress, be in nature and enjoy healthy meals, says Prem.
For me, the deal breaker was denitely the salt-water swimming
pool. Sadly, it was too chilly during my springtime visit to dive
in, but when temperatures up their game (May-September), all
residents can congregate here to take the plunge. Sun loungers
and the grass terrace made perfect lolling about accomplices,
following a mornings hike. Several walking routes spread out over
the neighbourhood Prem has set aside a le holding the routes
and instructions for those interested. Meander across hills, pass
eucalyptus and cork trees, weave through meadows and farmland;
all year round these panoramic routes entice outdoor enthusiasts
in the know. Alentejo boasts fabulous local cheeses and wines
ideal for picnics whilst orange and olive trees dot the landscape,
proud of their heavy loads. Locals are bestowed with a generous
spirit, content to lead simple lives, sourcing their own food and
entertainment community living at their heart.
Whitewashed houses with splatterings of vivid blue nestle within the
local village. Strolling at an Im on holiday pace along a winding
road led me there in a mere 20 minutes. Odemira is the closest old
town, just 30km west; beaches are approximately an hours drive
away. The Atlantic coast offers rugged coastline, sandy coves and
charming seaside villages. Swimming also takes place in a nearby
large lake where many locals take a dip on a steamy hot day.
Relaxing onsite is easy to do. Tara, the resident dog, offers great
inspiration as she is the queen of chilling and can usually be found in
the shade near the communal kitchen. A short stroll leads you up to
a neighbouring mill which sits high on a hill overlooking Maravilhas.
I ventured here a few times and sat myself amongst some poppies,
surveying the pretty view ahead. Tree-lled hills adorned the
landscape, wildowers swayed in the breeze and bells jangled in
the distance no doubt secured to a herd of goats, sheep or cows
being led home by their shepherd. I could see why Prem fell in love
with this idyllic spot.
Creating further space for group activities is on the agenda, but
ultimately it is the locations peaceful nature that makes it such a
nd. Monte Maravilhas offers a place to relax, enjoy listening to
birds singing and the wind moving through the trees, says Prem. It
is difcult to describe the sound of silence and the smell of owers
and herbs you are welcome to come and experience it yourself!
Nestled out of sight in the Alentejo region of Portugal, Sharon Henshall settles into a cosy caravan,
soaking up the sweet stillness of Monte Maravilhas... a perfect getaway for some tranquility.
For further information, visit www.montemaravilhas.com
inspiring
L
Sunrise meditation, wholesome homemade food and symphonic
tunes of nature all harmonise upon Spirited Away, a traditional 69ft
narrow boat. Meandering the canals of Stratford and Warwick,
tootle along on a Float by Boat tour www.oatbyboat.co.uk
diluting your stresses aoat the gentle tug of the Northern waterways.
All aboard! Captaining the deck, owners Tor and Kev have
immersed their ethical and eco-conscious souls, turning un-
welcomed ofce job visions into one outdoors. In the modern world
of highly-stressed jobs, lots of digital stimulation, separation from
the natural world and so on, projects such as these are vital to help
people make time to relax, rejuvenate and reconnect, conrms Tor.
Steering Float by Boat from dream to reality, the slow paced essence
of the canal trickles through the voyages they have created. Their
personal joy of countryside peace is also shared on these ventures.
Melt into the holistic vibes as Tor and Kev lead their daily
meditation, and therapeutically connect with the waters
beneath. With a combined practice of over 20 years, their
candlelit sessions will bathe you in the meditative state that
the Mindfulness Breathing and Loving Kindness practice gives.
Burrow up with a book, roast by the re or chinwag with fellow
shipmates in the communal living area of Spirited Away.
Encompassing two snug cabins, thrifty efforts have been made
to make these areas cosy and homely. Wafts of homebrewed
vegetarian grub lters through the walls and fuels your bodies
for further boat life activity. Wellies on, join Kev on deck to muck
in with narrow boat duties, opening locks and steering controls.
Step onto terra rma when moored for an afternoon stroll,
admiring the wildlife blossoming on the banks with a mindset
to take only photographs, leave only footprints. Summertime
adventures Mooching Moorhen, Strolling Squirrel, Mallards
Mosey are just a few of the imaginatively named upcoming
tours offering spiritual nourishment. Keeping Narrow boats, wide
eyes, open minds as your ethos, you can even adapt your
own itinerary on a personalised trip!
Currently in its rst season, Float by Boat will continue to ourish.
Working her green ngers, Tor hopes to create a roof top garden
and plans to run conservation breaks in conjunction with wildlife
charities. Why not be spirited away this summer?
meditate on water...
Come and Reconnect with your local Plants
This initial one-year Apprenticeship is designed to introduce you to the
Ancient, Magic and Practical art that is Herbal Medicine.
You will learn to communicate with the plant world and create beautiful remedies,
using all of your senses, for the treatment of yourself, your friends and your family.
Come on this journey to be guided through the elements represented in each
season and follow the path through the riches of the plant world:
roots, Ieaves, owers, seeds.
This one-year course is made up of 4 residential, fully-catered weekend seminars.
There will also be the option of additional trips and apprentice days.
You will compile your own Herbal Materia medica of the plants covered on the course.
This involves detailed observations through drawings, photos, pressing parts and
making notes to create your beautiful book.
Investment: 1300. Location: YHA Lea Valley Village, Hertfordshire EN8 9AJ.
www.sensorysoutions.co.uk/apprenticeship | sensorysolutions@hotmail.co.uk
Fiona 07830 195 745 |Karen 0786 508 1927
Karen and Fiona write for JUNO and have many years experience teaching
and practicing with plants. Check out their articles in this addition.
Sesory Herbcra Appreticeship
20 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
a ne line...

There are countless forms
of creative expression, but
my favourite has always
been drawing. I love the
immediacy of simply using
pencil and paper to create
an image, or transfer an
idea, and I nd drawing,
over any other process, can
give an incredible control
over mark making. This is
not to say that drawing has
to be conned to pencil
and paper there are many fascinating types of works and
techniques that constitute drawing in a much wider sense
however my own personal interests have always veered towards
incredibly intricate and laborious drawing processes. Considering
my patience is somewhat limited in other aspects of my life, I
have often wondered why I seem to have such a great deal when
it comes to creating these detailed works, which can sometimes
take months to complete.
For me, getting lost in such an immersive and repetitive task
bares similarities to the repetition of a mantra, and I nd the
process of drawing with such intense focus can be almost
meditative. Completing these works is not always a purely
pleasant experience, and I feel they undoubtedly have an
obsessional quality. However, frustrating as the process
sometimes is, there
is always a satisfaction in it
and a compulsion to work
through these feelings of
frustration in order to create
something of interest.
Perhaps my love of the human
touch within artwork could be
considered old fashioned, I
dont really care. Having spent
four years studying ne art,
and being taught to thoroughly
question and criticize my
creative decisions, I feel it
is important to understand
our creative choices, and
ultimately not to change them
for the wrong reasons.
I am most drawn to works that
I recognise as a labour of love;
an investment of great time
and effort sometimes for no
reason other than for the love
of creating.
the strange and curious
For those who have a particular love of the odd
things in life, London offers a wealth of activities.
My fascination with museums and an inclination
towards anything strange and curious have led
me to disclose one of my favorite places to visit in
London the Hunterian Museum.
Located at Lincolns Inn Fields, just down the
road from Holloway tube station, the Hunterian
Museum is situated inside the Royal College of
Surgeons, and houses the original collection of the
physician and anatomist John Hunter. Originally used for medical
teaching and anatomical analysis, these collections may not be for
the faint-hearted; displays consist of a variety of prepared bodies,
or body parts, of over 500 different species. Athough some of the
elements on display are undoubtedly disturbing to some, I feel this
museum gives an incredible opportunity to witness natural history
from a perspective which you are unlikely to have seen before.
The museum is an amazing insight into the intricacies of nature,
and makes a fantastic place to practice drawing. Specimens
on display provide amazingly complex and interesting studies
for life drawings. They also have a sad kind of beauty that I nd
fascinating, and always hope to capture somehow.

The challenging nature of the Hunterian Museums contents is one of
the reasons I nd the museum so fascinating. It offers a change from
the mundane, every day perspectives from which we see ourselves
and the world. What better activity than one which can shock us out
of our normal way of thinking, opening our eyes to something new?
auto waste
In the depths of his
cavernous workshop an
artist can be found, with an
almost alchemical talent
for turning automotive
waste into animated
machines. For many
years, artist Lyle Rowell has been creating increasingly
ambitious projects, in the realms of sculpture and
kinetic art, to be released into the world. The latest
creation to emerge from the Doghead workshop is
a 1.5 tonne walking, re breathing rhinoceros called
Dizzy. Completed in summer 2011, Dizzy made his rst
appearance onto the festival circuit, following in the
giant steps of his older brother Lrry1, a re breathing
dinosaur descendent. These creations are unique not
only in character, but in the sheer level of skill involved
in their construction. Lyles passion and dedication are
evident and translate into every aspect of his work. So,
tune into www.Doghead.tv for the dogs b@%%@ks in
sculptural oddities and animated machines...
communities
by Heather Murphy
communities
by Mike Bromley
Despite our modern-day drive to live and
work in urban locations, there seems
to be an intrinsic desire for humans to
be connected with nature. And this is
exactly why Ciaran Biggins, co-founder
of MindFood www.mindfood.org.uk
began his quest to help and heal through
the organic process of growing and
farming food. After a day of teamwork,
members are rewarded by the welcome
condence boost of, quite literally, seeing
the fruits of their labour.
Wrestling with his own mental health
issues as a young adult, Ciaran rst took
an interest in the benets of horticultural
therapy through escaping his urban
habitat to go for runs in the local park.
The idea for MindFood developed whilst
on a course called Be the Change, in
Tuscany. The purpose of this course was
to allow people from around the globe
to brainstorm their community project
ideas. I had spoken to people who had
beneted from horticultural therapy, says
Ciaran, but I wanted to do something a
little bit different. I wanted to focus not just
on the growing, but on the whole process
of getting food from plot to plate.
At the heart of MindFoods ethos is
its willingness to provide relief and a
therapeutic work environment for those
who have been negatively affected by a
chaotic urban upbringing. Its location is
key Old Amersham Farm, an Area of
Natural Beauty (AONB). At just 30 minutes
away from London, many participants
can easily commute. It seems logical
that being out in the countryside would
be benecial for peoples wellbeing,
he conrms. Its only been the past
200 years or so that have seen humans
migrating to urban areas.
Starting the venture was an enormous
challenge for Ciaran, but it was helped
into fruition by co-founder Alex Jemwa,
who grew up with a farming background.
New Zealander, Bobb Burton runs the
growing programme and has been
growing organic vegetables for many
years, whilst many others also play a vital
role in the running of the project.
condence grows at Grassmarket
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 21
Participants are referred to MindFood by
various local charities and the positive impact
of MindFood is clear. One member from west
London commented that she will remember
the day she spent on Old Amersham Farm
for the rest of her life. Volunteers from the
local community are always required for
the project to be effective. We grow a wide
range of produce, so its a great place for
everybody to learn the skills required for
growing their own food, whilst at the same
time being a huge help to others, states
Ciaran, with obvious passion for his project.
MindFood hopes to prove the effectiveness of
the project in improving mental wellbeing and
skills this year, so that it can be recognised
by the NHS and local authorities as being as
effective as many clinical forms of treatment.
Through replicating such farms around the
country, hopefully more people will recognise
the value of working with Mother Nature - the
most powerful healer around.
Whether you are disengaged, suffering,
and in need of support, or happy,
healthy and wanting to offer care for
others, the 250 members making up the
Grassmarket Community Project
www.grassmarketcommunityproject.co.uk
in Edinburgh, are treated as equals. All
members involved work together and
maintain a strong sense of personal value.
This is the projects key aim to assure all
members inevitably leave Grassmarket
with a new lease of condence in their
own abilities. One of the biggest issues
facing many of our members is that they
have lost grip on their own sense of self-
worth, conrms Emma Galloway, Chief
Executive of Grassmarket. And if you
are feeling useless, it is far more likely
that you will fail. A sense of inclusion
underpins the projects ethos. It is a
small community, self-funded through
business methods. For example, old
church pews are transformed through
weekly workshops into beautiful pieces of
bespoke furniture, and then sold. Money
from sales helps to sustain the project.
This also helps our members they earn
a huge sense of value when they see their
creation in the arms of someone who
loves it so much, states Emma.
Although Grassmarket was only ofcially
recognised as a charity in 2010, it
has roots in two other organisations:
Greyfriars Kirk and the Grassmarket
Mission, which has been working with the
poor since the 1800s. The former began
working with the underprivileged with
their Christian outreach, and the church
hall is now the building in which they are
based. From the 70s to the 90s, a soup
kitchen operated in here. The homeless
beneting from the service were eventually
encouraged to help make the soup. This
created the foundations upon which the
Grassmarket project could then be built.
Catering is a popular option for members,
and a communal meal is enjoyed each
day. Other sessions include Music for All,
Grassroots Art, creative writing, IT and herb
gardening. Majoring on seasonable, local
produce, Grassmarket buys organic where
possible. Three out of ve meals a week are
vegetarian ensuring a minimal carbon
footprint this is a healthier, cheaper, and
more sustainable way to provide food for
everyone involved. The project gives me
condence in my own ability to get things
done, says one long-term member.
The Grassmarket Community project is
constantly expanding, and will shortly take
place in a building three times bigger so even
more will benet! The whole team ensures
everyone leaves with an increased sense of
self-worth and better equipped for their future.
the fruits of horticultural therapy
C
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o
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22 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013


July
Larmer Tree, 17th 21st July, Wilts/Dorset Border
Buddhaeld, 17th 21st July, near Taunton, Somerset
Woodfest, 19th 21st July, Keighley
Starry Skies, 24th 28th July, Welsh Border
Quest, 25th 28th July, Newton Abbot, Devon
Secret Garden Party, 25th 28th July, East Anglia
WOMAD, 25th 28th July, Wiltshire
Cornwall Circus Camp, 31st July 4th Aug, Cornwall
August
Camp Bestival, 1st 4th Aug, Dorset
Gaunts Gathering, 8th 11th Aug, Gaunts House, Dorset
Croissant Neuf, 8th 11th Aug, nr Usk, Wales
One World (UK), 12th 18th Aug, Reading
Green Man Festival, 15th 18th Aug, Wales
Sunrise Off-Grid, 15th 18th Aug, Somerset
Shambala Festival, 22nd 25th Aug, North Hants
September
Bestival, 5th 8th Sept, Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight
Festival Number 6, 13th 15th Sept, Portmeirion, North Wales
Festival of Life, 14th Sept, Conway Hall, London
October
VegFestUK London 5th 6th Oct, Kensington
Olympia, London,
I Can Do It!, 5th 6th Oct, The Clyde
Auditorium, Glasgow
I Can Do It!, 12th 13th Oct, The Logan Hall,
London
The Yoga Show, 25th 27th Oct, London
If you are on a quest to nd cultural enrichment this summer, the
World of Music, Art and Dance (WOMAD) festival brings all the
colours, sights and sounds of the world to you. For a weekend
of participatory workshops, international delicacies and aural
enchantments from artists across the globe, WOMAD is the key to
an elevating weekend in Wiltshire.
This years huge line-up embraces the likes of the daring
and unique Rokia Traor, one of Africas most sensitive
songwriters, as she reects on a troubled continent
through her music. Appealing to a range of fans
from avid blues lovers to those lending a
keen ear to contemporary rock she
is a must-see. Babylon Circus,
the horde of skanking oddities
from France, offer something
a little different adding
some jazz, swing and rap to
conventional ska. Prepare to be
overloaded with a complex and
buoyant performance! And the USAs
Arrested Development help disprove hip-
hops violent image by standing proudly for peace,
spirituality and the solving of problems.
The festivals aim is to inform, excite and raise peoples
awareness of how vibrant, diverse, and positive a
multicultural environment is. Family-friendly news
reports that under 14s are granted free entry, so
pitch up for the weekend with your tots and teens
in tow. Workshops for children encourage colourful
expression, whether thats learning how to beatbox,
making a mark with grafti, or chilling out in
the tepee story tent. Children will nd no
shortage of stimulation, or opportunities
to meet other cultured buddies. And
other international treats are also in
abundance: from the Global Market
with its cultural wares, to Taste the
World, which sees the musicians cook
national dishes whilst being interviewed
by a host. What better time to ask your
burning questions about food, culture,
music and art?
You can forget about learning a foreign tongue
as music is a universal language that has been
bringing people together for centuries. And nowhere is this more
apparent than at WOMAD. Find details at www.womad.co.uk
Put some uplifting events in your 2013 diary...
25
th
28
th
July: WOMAD... youd be MAD to miss it!
festivals & events
by Emma Henderson & Mike Bromley
28
th
October 2
nd
November: The Schumacher Experience... unmissable!
Be the change you wish to see in the world, are often cited as
some of the most notable words uttered by Mahatma Gandhi. At
the age of 18, Satish Kumar joined the Gandhian movement with
a vision of a renewed, peaceful India. And in his 20s he embarked
on an 8,000 mile pilgrimage carrying no money, from India to
America, delivering peace tea to the leaders of the worlds four
nuclear powers. Exciting news for those hes inspired is that he will
have a strong presence at the Schumacher Experience held at the
Schumacher College starting at the end of October.
The seven-day experience is an immersive pursuit of
mindfulness, and a new way of thinking to support and
encourage a green, sustainable lifestyle. Course facilitators
Richenda MacGregor and Rebeh Skye Furze will guide you
through the week whilst Satish and other members
of the College faculty will join you each morning for
conversation, and then activities, eld trips, free
time and reside stories for the rest of the day
and evening. Active listening to outstanding talks,
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 23
Still reeling from the massive success of this years Brighton and
Bristols VegFestUK, this veggie and vegan event will soon be
back with a bite... this time revelling in the bright lights of London
town! Expect it to be bigger, better and veggier than ever.
Back in March, the Brighton VegFestUK returned for its fth
consecutive year. Along with the usual vegtastic products
speed dating, a vegan bodybuilders strength contest,
workshops and live music also lit up the seaside town.
Bristols May shindig celebrated great products, music
and beautiful sunshine for its 10th birthday. Falling during
National Vegetarian Week, the amphitheatre was packed
out with 140 inviting stalls including food, body-care
and fashion. In true Bristol style, a variety of music
owed throughout the day from chilled out
reggae to upbeat DJs. Come evening and
veggies still know how to party headlining
acts were swing band Caravan Palace and
alternative rockers Happy Mondays!
So, with those two cracking events pumping
up the excitement, get ready for the rst ever
VegFestUK London! Turning Kensington Olympia
green over the weekend of 5-6th October, expect
a plethora of athletes, campaigners, comedians, chefs and
nutritionists throwing themselves into passionate talks, workshops
and shows about veggie lifestyle. Elite marathon runner Fiona
Oakes, vegan strongman Patrik Baboumian and ex-
Everton footballer Neil Robinson will be talking about their
plant-based diets as interest in this lifestyle soars in the
wake of the horsemeat scandal. Comedians Dave Spikey,
Andrew ONeill, Jamie Kilstein and Lucy Porter will no doubt
make a few digs at the dubious production of meat.
160 stalls bursting over two oors will brim with tasters
and special offers; try some hemp products,
delicious dairy and soya free milk alternatives,
natural snack bars and organic food boxes.
Check out advice on holistic ways of slimming or
learn about renewable energy and ethical design.
Special guest chefs, such as Chad Sarno, will
ensure everyone leaves with a few fantastic plant-
based food recipes tucked up their sleeve. Passion
is at the heart of VegFestUK with Vegfam the
charity of choice which feeds the hungry without
exploiting animals; proceeds from the Tombola
go directly to this charity.
Each day is healthily rounded off with musical
entertainment from the likes of Macka B, The
Phoenix Rose and De Fuego. So, whether youre a
vegan, veggie or even carnivore... head into the capital
where VegFestUK London is guaranteed to tick your extra-
large veg box this autumn. www.london.vegfest.co.uk
5
th
6
th
October: VegFestUK London... one tasty weekend!
Expand your mind, nourish your soul, energize your spirit and
reconnect with your true self all easily done under one roof with
the help of inuential speakers at the I Can Do It! conference.
Stress no more, this is an event to sooth and relieve any anxiety
you may hold and enhance your journey to self contentment and
happiness. Hay House, the worlds leading Mind, Body, Spirit
publishing house, is putting on the annual I Can Do It! event, set
up by industry renowned Louise Hay, at two locations this October.
The rst takes place in Glasgow from the 5th-6th October and the
second is in London from the 12th-13th October. At each venue,
the best in the MBS world will come together to enlighten and
uplift in the form of 12 awe-inspiring speakers. Dr David Hamilton,
will be discussing how loving yourself is a major part of the road
to happiness whilst Neale Donald Walsch, who has published
over 12 books with Conversations with God
being on the New York Bestseller list will also be
spreading his wisdom via his motivational speech
on what really matters in life. New for this year,
and their rst time in the UK are Don Miguel and
Don Jose Ruiz acclaimed authors and healers,
who also happen to be father and son!
I Can Do It! is home to a host of dynamic
speakers to entertain and educate about a range
of enlightening topics. The inspirational authors will
also be signing books, so you can take home a special
memento of the day. With so much wisdom available
over this holistic weekend, you are guaranteed to be
blown away by the experience. Ultimately, the title says
it all... you Can Do It! For further information, visit
www.hayhouse.co.uk/ICDI
5
th
6
th
October + 12
th
14
th
October: I Can Do It!... nourish the soul!
and group participation, will ensure you
return home with renewed zest and
knowledge.
The rich and fertile college grounds
alone will aid in spiritual growth. Two
charismatic entrepreneurs, who took their
inuences from east and west, founded
the Dartington Hall Estate in the 1920s. Their
vision was based on progressive forms of education
in art and agriculture. And the college courses are
seeded in an ecological and holistic outlook. A library,
kitchen, meditation room and idyllic gardens to spread
your roots and reect, will mean you can take a brief respite for
personal time and freedom. And the food, which is prepared
by a team of vegetarian chefs, is worth the trip alone.
Whether you are brimming with personal questions,
yearning to alter your worldview and realign your path,
wanting to learn about Gaia Theory, Complexity and
social enterprise, or simply wishing to take a break
eating healthy food and relaxing in good company
the Schumacher Experience will awaken and
nourish you.
For further details visit www.schumachercollege.org.uk
Normal
the plight of our feathery friends!
Kara Lewis spreads her wings and heads countrywide, learning about
shifts within the UKs diverse bird population and their causes. Human
Beings, as well as Mother Nature, are hugely impacting their existence.
I
magine summers without the sounds of cuckoos, spring
nights devoid of turtle doves, and the vanishing of farmland
birds from our beautiful British countryside. Since 1977, the
UKs wild bird population has fallen by 13.7%. Dramatic
changes have occurred within our eco-system over the past 40
years, leading to uctuations in our feathered friends. This on-
going transition has resulted in some bird species declining to the
point of near extinction, whilst others have increased dramatically.
Everything from modern day agricultural practice to changes in
weather has contributed to this shift and one thing is for certain,
human activity is also very much to blame.
changing habitats
According to bird expert, Richard Bland, the more humans we
have on the planet, the fewer other species can exist. The habitat
is changing because of what humans are doing, because the
climate is changing and also due to the way species interact with
each other, explains Richard. Supporting this are some shocking
statistics revealed in the 2012 report, The State of the UKs Birds.
Willow tits have decreased by 60% over the last 15 years, the
population of house sparrows has declined by 20 million since
1966 but remain one of Britains commonest birds, and two of
the UKs seaducks velvet scoter and long-tailed ducks are
threatened with extinction. At a glance, these statistics paint a
dismal picture for the future of the UKs birds. However, along
with these losses, have also come some gains. Nesting in the UK
since 1955, the collared dove species now has around one million
pairs uttering around the country a 333% increase since 1970.
Bitterns, corncrakes and night jars previously on the rst list
of priority species outlined in the 1995 Biodiversity Action Plan
have dramatically recovered thanks to a number of conservation
efforts put in place. Richard feels that highlighting these increases
is important, as often the media portrays a bleak picture one
where bird decline is the only story.
the impact of farming
Availability of foods essential for survival is one of the key
components that has inuenced a reduction in species. Modern
developments in farmland management, as well as their
practices and policies, have had adverse effects on biodiversity
in the countryside. Intensication of agriculture techniques
linked to boosting productivity has led to less mixed farming,
less crop rotation and greater use of pesticides. Plummeting
to half of their 1970 gures, farmland bird populations have
suffered particularly large losses. A nationwide spreading of
pesticides over huge areas from farms to golf courses, parks
to home gardens has also had widespread implications on
their habitat. The depletion of insects has instigated a decline
of many insect-eating species such as the starling, spotted
ycatcher and nightingale the song of the latter would be
sorely missed as it is often described as one of the most
beautiful sounds in nature!
Weather has had an enormous effect on bird populations too.
The past two summers witnessing record rainfall and chilling
temperatures have placed additional pressure on blue tits.
These colourful garden visitors normally have a single brood
each year, which produces 10-12 young. In recent years, people
with nesting boxes have reported a 50% failure rate in blue tit
reproduction. It only requires a couple of cold, rainy days in
mid to late May, when parent birds cant get out for food, that
the young die of starvation, says Richard. It doesnt take much
to get them down, but equally their capacity to bounce back is
enormous. He feels optimistic that the overall bird population
is relatively stable and notes that more positive trends become
apparent when individual species are examined. The large
number of winter migrants from the high arctic have done well,
and are dependent on our estuaries for survival. Also, whilst
pintail and redshank have declined in places such as the West
Country and, Ribble Estuary, avocets and black-tailed godwits
have notably increased in estuaries of the east.
24 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
Headline
the plight of our feathery friends!
migrants decline
On the whole, generalist species, such as magpies, have
had better luck adapting to changing environments than
specialist species, such as migrants, who struggle to adapt
to changing climates and landscapes. If you want to survive,
be a magpie! says Richard. You eat anything, youre highly
intelligent, handsome, and everybody hates you for it!
Sadly, not all species have such good fortune. Long-distance
migrant birds, which spend on average four months of the
year in the UK and the rest migrating or in Africa, have severely
declined over the last half a century. In response to this, the Royal
Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) www.rspb.org.uk has
launched an initiative titled Birds Without Borders to improve
our knowledge on the issues affecting migrant birds, in order to
aid conservation efforts. Many of the UKs migrant species have
declined at an alarming rate over the past 40 years, explains
Richard James from the RSPB. Cuckoos have declined by 62%,
spotted ycatchers by 88% and turtle doves by a staggering 93%.
Turtle doves are suffering one of the most signicant declines of
any species. One contributory factor is thought to be the lack of
weed seeds on farmland, which they primarily feed on during
breeding season. However, there are also concerns about factors
such as hunting and habitat loss affecting them on their migration
and overwintering sites too. Accordingly, the RSPB is working
with farmers and landowners to identify the best ways to aid
in conservation efforts during breeding season to avert a future
extinction. They also work with partners in Europe and Africa, as
well as here in the UK, to help track further problems. Each migrant
species has its own place in the UKs ecosystem and therefore the
loss of these species could have an impact on the environment they
live in says Richard. For example, species such as swallows, swifts
and martins have an important role in controlling the number of
airborne insects such as mosquitoes and midges.
wild gardens
In order to secure our eco-systems survival for the foreseeable
future, adjustments to modern day lifestyles need to be made.
On a grassroots level, individuals can take action within their own
gardens. Regardless of plot size, gardeners can encourage birds
into their back yard. Feeding birds all year round is an important
way of making up for the lack of natural food in our countryside,
says Jenny Steel, a professional wildlife gardener who encourages
us to plant wisely, with birds in mind. Plants that attract lots of
insects will encourage robins, wrens and other species that rely on
this type of food both for themselves and their chicks. Dense shrubs
with berries will feed some bird species in the winter, and a prickly
shrub could also make a protected nest spot for a blackbird or
thrush. Her website www.wildlife-gardening.co.uk brims with
tips for creating a colourful and wildlife-friendly outdoor space.
Beyond providing a natural habitat for our feathered friends,
Jenny highlights how attracting birds to our gardens has a
positive impact on our own lives. Having lots of birds to watch in
the garden promotes a tremendous feeling of well-being, as
well as being a positive interest or hobby that we can participate
in at any age, she enthuses. In addition, audio experts argue
that birdsong relaxes people physically and provide cognitive
stimulation, whilst other studies prove it makes trafc sounds
more tolerable, aids concentration and helps people feel less
hemmed in. Diversity in our UK bird population is worth ghting
for! Where would we be without the melody of a dawn chorus
natures very own sweet-sounding alarm clock lling our skies?
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 25
green goodies
*P&P have not been include but may apply to some products.
26 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
Kettle Watering Can 9.00
Brighten up your garden or add a splash of colour to your kitchen with one of these
psychedelic cans made from recycled plastic. Some are used in West Africa to wash feet
before entering a mosque, so come stamped with a star and a crescent moon. Plant up
your owers, sprout your herbs or even freshen your feet! www.henandhammock.co.uk
Flower Pot Jigsaw 12.00
Ignite your little ones brain in their early stages of childhood, with a fun way to learn colours,
numbers, sequences, ne motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Piecing together the 10
wooden parts of the puzzle will bring great joy as it ourishes into a bright, summertime ower.
Comes with organic cotton bag, both eco-friendly and recyclable! www.myecostore.co.uk
Letting in the Wild Edges 14.95
Opening the doors to nature helps unlock a wild inner wisdom. Glennie Kindred teaches us
how to grow, and forage for, native medicinal plants in her beautiful new book, whilst helping
to regenerate the natural world around us. Follow Glennie on a journey through the seasons,
whilst beneting ourselves, and the Earth we inhabit. www.permaculture.co.uk
Woven Bucket Bag 17.41
Fruitful in both senses of the word, recycled juice cartons swerve the landll sites of the
Philippines to be creatively hand woven into this gorgeous accessory. The bright, colourful
bucket bag suits ferrying food to picnics, towels to the beach, or magazines to the park. We will
forgive you for swinging it cheerily as you walk down the street! www.nigelsecostore.com
The Sun Jar 19.99
As dusk falls and alfresco dining calls, recreate the warm, ambient glow of the blazing sun by
catching its solar properties in a purpose built Sun Jar. Simply perch it upon a sunny windowsill
and allow it to bathe in the daily rays, the absorption of which powers the LED technology
within, cleverly results in a portable light source. www.ecoutlet.co.uk
Shimmer Me Beautiful Gift Set 41.00
If you are looking for a natural glow that will let your skin breathe and ourish then try Bohemian
Chic Minerals range of chemical-free makeup; no preservatives, articial colours, talc or mineral
oils a pure, vegan suitable product. This collection of body and face shimmers, come in a
warming mix; snowake, superstar and pixie dust. www.bohemianchicminerals.co.uk
green goodies
eco-news by Jen Elliott
bee aware...
Over 90 of our beloved crops; including peaches, plums,
pears, almonds, eggplant,
blueberries, strawberries,
watermelon, mustard,
coconuts and onions
are pollinated by bees...
thats one tasty line-up!
Saving farmers a mighty
1.8 billion a year, these essential and industrious insects
pollinate one third of what we eat. Dwindling numbers of
bees is a widely known fact and various factors have been
suggested as the reasons why pesticides, changing
climate, genetically modied crops and loss of habitats.
The demise of our native bees could be a national disaster.
Experts say that crops would fail in huge quantities and
animals would be left without the foods they rely on.
Global action is needed, not just here in the UK. Losses
have also been reported in other countries, including
France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, USA, Brazil and
Argentina. If bees continue disappearing at this rate, it is
estimated that by 2035 there could be no honeybees left
in the USA. Evidence of the decline is overwhelming: in
the UK around one fth of honeybee hives were lost in the
winter of 2008/09, compared to normal yearly losses of
5-10%. In southwest China pear trees are now pollinated
by hand following the heavy use of pesticides during the
1980s. Three bumblebee species are already extinct in
the UK and a quarter of British bees are logged in the Red
Data Book of threatened species.
Friends of the Earth (FOE) are campaigning for the bees;
you can even sign a petition online at www.foe.co.uk,
calling for a bee action plan from David Cameron. Make
a donation to help fund research, educate the public and
rally more bee savers across the country. Those donating
will receive a Bee Saver Kit, complete with British
wildower seeds and a garden planner enabling you
to grow a bee utopia and join the crusade to save these
vital creatures. Browse through the FOE online shop which
sells home and garden products; every order supports
the bee cause. Help further by only purchasing local
British honey to support our bees and their beekeepers.
Growing nectar rich owers in the country and especially
in the city will help bees nd the food they need. Do your
bit and help spread the buzz!
fat plant
One mans waste is another mans renewable electricity!
Congealed fat masses or fatbergs occupying Londons
sewers formed from kitchens and restaurants will feed
green utility company 2OCs combined heat and intelligent
power plant (CHiP). Thus killing two environmental
issues with one strategic stone; removal of fatbergs and a
renewable power source for a critical service. 2OC recently
landed the 200m contract with Thames Water and its new
fat-fuelled power plant will generate renewable power for
Beckton Sewage Treatment Works in East London. The CHiP
plant will generate 130 Gigawatt hours (GWh) of energy 75
GWh will be bought by Thames Water to run Beckton, which
serves 3.5 million people while the rest will be sold to the
National Grid. The plant should be operational by April 2015.
chasing ice
This June saw the release of the striking documentary lm,
Chasing Ice, on DVD and Blu-ray, which vividly portrays the
alarming impact of climate change upon our glaciers. We
follow James Balog, a National Geographic photographer,
who was inspired to take matters into his own hands after
he encountered a retreating glacier that left him stunned.
He travelled with his team to Iceland, Greenland, Alaska and
Canada, setting up 25 cameras that would lm a daylight
hour every day over the next 5 years. Chasing Ice is the
result of this expedition, a lm that undeniably captures our
changing landscapes, exposing the truth with the calving of
a glacier the size of Manhattan. Barog forces us to open our
eyes to the detrimental effect man has and continues to have
upon the environment. www.dogwoof.com/lms/chasing-ice
online cabin porn
As Henry Thoreau once said: What we call wildness is a
civilization other than our own and thats the curious allure
of tumblelog website, Cabin Porn www.cabinporn.com.
Users submit interior and exterior images of their simple
cabin structures in idyllic, vast timeless surroundings around
the world. Most are designed by architects; from woodland
log cabins tucked within the thicket to renovated upturned
boatsheds. These cabins embody simplicity and an escape
from our complex existence.
inspired times issue 17 summer 2013 27
Live simply so that others may simply live
Mohandas K. Gandhi
inspiring individuals
28 inspired times issue 17 summer 2013
Often welcoming her audience by realistically mimicking the
sound of a chimpanzee greeting the day, Dr Jane Goodall is an
extraordinary individual. With your eyes closed, her rather unusual
introduction may create a sense of feeling that youre stood among
the hills of Tanzanias Gombe National Park at sunrise. No doubt this
is her wish to connect those attending her talks with the primates
she so loves and if anyone is qualied to perform this impersonation,
its Jane. Renowned for her pioneering research on chimpanzee
behaviour, she is a globally respected primatologist, conservationist,
Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute www.janegoodall.org.uk
and UN Messenger of Peace.
Inspired by the story of Tarzan, and a chimpanzee stuffed toy
given to her by her father as a child, Jane dreamt of studying
animals in the wild from a young age. Everybody laughed at me,
because back then, girls certainly didnt do that sort of thing, Jane
admitted during an interview with Cambridge University back in
2011. Finally, during her twenties, her big break arrived. Working
as an assistant in a London lm studio, she received an invitation
to visit her friends family farm in Kenya. Seizing the opportunity,
she dropped everything and returned to her home town of
Bournemouth to prepare for her trip. Pouring energy into research
at the Natural History Museum and saving up her waitress wages
allowed Jane to pursue her passage across the sea.
In Kenya she forged an important connection with anthropologist
and palaeontologist, Louis S B Leaky. Impressed by her passion and
knowledge, Louis travelled with Jane to Tanzania and encouraged
her to begin the study of chimpanzees in the wild her childhood
dream had nally come true! On the shores of Lake Tanganyika
what is today Gombe National Park persistence and patience
were needed to get the chimps to accept her presence among
them. Slowly, she began to make some amazing discoveries. At
the point where money was running out, and she was concerned
that she would miss something groundbreaking, a situation caught
her attention. She saw the seminal development of chimps using
and making tools the news of which brought in the National
Geographic. Jane also observed that chimpanzees were not
vegetarian as previously believed, and she began to witness that
chimps had minds, emotions and distinct personalities. Her work
gained notoriety when National Geographic travelled to Gombe
to lm her. The light Jane had shed on chimp behaviour raised the
question of what exactly it meant to be human and altered the way
in which we viewed our ancestors waves, not ripples were being
made in the pools of scientic research.
Janes success continued; with no prior degree, she was
accepted into Cambridge University to study for a doctorate in
ethology and to carry on her studies within Gombe. In a world
which was back then very male-dominated, she said: Its never
been any barrier to me, being a woman. I was not trying to
compete... I was out there doing my own thing.
The Gombe Research Centre went from strength to strength
and out of this, Jane founded the Institute for Wildlife Research,
Education and Conservation. Beginning in 1977, its mission
has remained the same: to empower individuals to make a
positive difference to all living things. Deforestation of precious
chimpanzee habitats in the 1980s motivated Jane to shift
her focus onto conservation. On a ight over Gombe and its
surrounding communities in 1994, she witnessed some harsh
realities. The land was losing its fertility, the soil eroded... that led
to our TACARE program, said Jane. TACARE (pronounced take
care), focuses on improving the lives of villagers around the park
in a holistic way and this includes helping them grow more food,
providing better education for their children and better health
facilities. Since launched, the programme has been replicated
in over 32 African villages all of which have dedicated
conservation areas. Upon arrival, most of the inhabitants would
pose the question: Why didnt you come before?.
Roots & Shoots www.rootsandshoots.org sprouted from
a discussion in 1991 between Jane and 12 local teenagers
on her back porch in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. It resulted in
an education programme for young people which has now
expanded globally. Members work in a variety of settings, to
educate groups on how they can make a positive difference.
Once able to identify problems in their community, students
can then take action. Just this month, Roots & Shoots group in
Austin, Texas, collected old t-shirts and spent a day transforming
them into reusable shopping bags. With Jane at the helm of the
organisation, its ethos mirrors her own we CAN change the
world. Roots & Shoots aims to do just that.
Today, at the age of 79, Jane travels on average 300 days per year;
her agenda is to educate about the threats imposed on wildlife, the
environment, and what we must do to prevent them. No doubt an
exhausting schedule, but one that Jane follows with passion and
purpose. If Janes story has one main message, it would be that
when it comes to our planet and the effect we, as humans,
have on it, there are no absolutions. On the Jane Goodall
Institutes website, Jane states: Every individual counts.
Every individual has a role to play. Every individual makes
a difference. This message is as profound as the
evidence which demonstrates that we must heed it
100 years ago there were over 1 million chimpanzees
in the wild in Africa, today there are just 200,000. In
response to the possibility that chimpanzees may
some day become extinct in the wild, Jane replies with
calm determination... We must not let it happen.
Sarah Grifths highlights the amazing work of primatologist,
Dr Jane Goodall. She has spent decades studying chimpanzees
in Tanzania, tirelessly raising awareness and educating people
on the importance of protecting them and their natural habitat.
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