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Issue No. 6 Autumn 2010 £3.40www.inspiredtimesmagazine.com

The brave new world of renewablesTechnologies, initiatives & individuals

step up to save the planet

I’m dreaming of a green christmasYuletide eco-escapes in Britain

Ayurveda, meditation & chakrasTapping into ancient Indian wisdom

for personal growth

The reality of recyclingUnravelling the truth behind

the fate of our unwanted goods

T H E M I N D B O D Y S P I R I T F E S T I V A L

Please visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk for full workshop, exhibitor and free music/demo stage listings

I n f o a n d T i c k e t H o t l i n e 0 2 0 7 3 7 1 9 1 9 1w w w . m i n d b o d y s p i r i t . c o . u k

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3 days of smiles, inspiration and self-exploration • Over 100 exhibitors

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Diana Cooper • David Wells • Barefoot Doctor • Heidi Sawyer • Gill Edwards • Richard Lawrence • Barbara Meiklejohn-Free

Jason Chan • Peter Grunwald • Eva Fraser • Ursula James • Madison King • Carolyn Cowan • Glennyce Eckersley • Alla SvirinskayaRobert Currey • Jimmy Petruzzi • Sara Lou-Anne Jones

Live on Stage:

Tim Wheater • Latin Fever • At Ma • The Ganda Boys • Belly Dancing • Mantra Chanting • British Wheel of Yoga • Gorton Choir Zehara • Free Guided Meditations • Nia Dance • Infinite Tai Chi • Free Labyrinth Walk • Chinese Lion Dancers

CONTENTS4 The Brave New World of Renewables James Murray-White looks at the advancing technologies and opportunities for sourcing energy from renewables.

12 Ayurveda, Meditation & Chakras Sunita Passi offers an enlightening exploration of the ancient vedas from an ayurvedic perspective.

18 Seek your Inner Sunshine Inspired Times’ resident yogi, Lila Conway, offers an in-depth guide to sun salutation.

24 Dreaming of a Green Christmas Tracey Davies explores the wonderful world of green getaways with some great British yuletide eco-escapes.

34 The Reality of Recyling Luke Bell investigates the state of recycling in the UK and unravels the truth behind our unwanted goods.

Page 24Green is the new white this Christmas!

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Magazine Coordinator/Editor:Sharon HenshallSub-Editor/Webmaster:Luke BellProduction Editor:Teresa RyanSales Manager: Simon TemmeCover Image: Elise Malay www.catchingapples.com

Writers/Contributors:Luke Bell/Sharon HenshallCharlotte Chapman/John SmithPaulo Coelho/Lila Conway Jamie Richards/Tracey Davies James Murray-White/Virginia HarrySunita Passi/ Sioned BannisterJoe Hoare/Jason McCarthySophie Bartlett/ Vanessa RainbowRachana Sarcar-Winter/Jamie SkeyJack Purchase/Amelia WilliamsAmy Jordan/Katie EdwardsKate Simants/Louise Benson James

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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. © Inspired Times. ISSN 2041-0786.Printed by The Print Co. www.theprintco.com Printed using vegetable inks, on Greencoat Offset 100% Recycled paper, supplied by Howard Smith Papers.

2 Welcome3 Have your say8 Spirituality Paulo Coelho reveals the truth behind his writing & the Hugging Mother comes to the UK

10 Inspiring Tales Inspiring stories from around the globe

14 Holistic Health Laughter relieves pain, vitamin D can make for a happier winter and the healing properties of gold, frankincense and myrrh are revealed

20 Creative Expression Charlotte Chapman explores decoupage, creative lifestyles and much more

22 UK getaways From haunted mansions to survival weekends

26 European Escapes AdventureYogi brings yoga to the snow

28 Communities From multi-cultural family support to helping the disadvantaged back to work

29 Gardening Scrumping for apples, home-grown garlic and catering for resident hibernators

30 Environment Join or set up an eco-team and help save the planet with Global Action Plan

38 Parenting The art of the ancient doula in childbirth and a Secret Seed Society for kids!

40 Tomorrow’s Vision Bristol teens answer some big questions

41 Events Mind Body Spirit Festival returns to Manchester, bigger & better than ever

42 Christmas gifts galore A unique selection of Chrismtas goodies with ethics and ecology in mind

44 Recipe of the season Jamie Richards shares a festive recipe of tasty chestnut soup.

46 Classifieds48 Inspiring Individuals Buddhist Zen Master, Thich Nhat Hanh leads by example

inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010 1

welcome...

Sunita Passi

With autumn in the air, it is the time to shed old patterns and prepare for our wintery introspection ahead. For myself and many others, the end of the summer marks a new beginning, like the school year. It’s a good moment to let go of the past and step into a fresh perspective.

Inspired Times will follow a similar process as we continue with full hearts in our second year of publishing. With it being early days for us, there is still a mountain to climb but our vision remains strong. To maintain a creative spark in our approach, there’s no time to rest on our laurels. Working from the heart helps ignite inspiration and the support from readers can really light up our day. We love Inspired Times and our passion is to bring something positive into the world which others can relate to and share.

We’ve worked hard over our summer but managed to let our hair down a little in the festival fields, spreading the Inspired spirit. Congratulations to Leonie Ramond who won the summer prize draw, bagging herself some organic goodies, The Self-Sufficientish Bible and last but certainly

not least, a subscription to Inspired Times. Chatting with our readers is a welcome change from staring at a computer screen. We’re now looking forward to attending the Mind Body Spirit exhibition in Manchester from the 19th-21st November. Do stop by our stand and say hello if you’re around.

So with the vision of leaves blowing across our front cover, we hope the inspiration within our pages stirs your heart and uplifts the soul. New beginnings always bring fresh hope and a yearning to do our best. With the festive season approaching, what better time to celebrate life with our fellow beings and make space for all there is to come.

Sharon Henshall (Magazine Coordinator/Editor)sharon@inspiredtimesmagazine.com

Lila lived and trained for many years within the Sivananda ashrams and centres in India and Canada. It was during this time of service that ashram life deeply transformed her and sparked an intense love for yoga, chanting and devotional service.

Lila currently leads yoga classes, retreats and workshops in the Bristol area and beyond. Her classes can be dynamic and challenging or soft, nurturing and meditative. As a result of years of practice and study Lila shares from the heart and has an intuitive and compassionate teaching style, offering presence, love and attention to each individual.

Trained to Advanced Level, Lila has been the main teacher of Hatha Yoga on the Sivananda

Yoga Teachers Training Courses in both India and Canada since 2008.

With a profound gratitude for the gift of life, Lila’s inspiration comes from the service of others and the path of love and devotion. Lila believes that we can best serve others and heal ourselves when our hearts are open and pure. Chant and be happy! Surrender to Love. She has writen for Inspired Times since Issue 1.www.yogaprema.org

Sunita Passi, founder of the Ayurvedic brand Tri-Dosha, is also a holistic therapist and inspiring teacher. She has created an all-natural ayurvedic product range, treatment programme and professional training courses.

In this issue, Sunita writes how meditation and Ayurveda can offer support for our personal development. Having been a student of Ayurvedic philosophies from an early age,

she has mastered meditation techniques for more than ten years. She has experienced age-old forms such as Osho, TM, Buddhist and Vipassana, and used her knowledge to create the Tri-Dosha’s expert meditation method.

Sunita is also a member of the Ayurvedic Practitioners Association, a group which aims to bring the authentic teachings of Ayurveda to the West. Her goal as a teacher is to assist students in spending more time in love with life and less time struggling with the hurdles that get in the way. The techniques she teaches tap into the wealth of knowledge from ancient yoga and meditation traditions. www.tridosha.co.uk

spreading the spirit of inspired times

Lila Conway

2 inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010

Inspiring Tales...

10 inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010

by Katie Edwards Fordhall Farm has been striving to run organically since the Second world war. Arthur Hollins stopped using chemicals when he discovered the damage they cause to the environment, and despite the growing competition from intensive farms, he continued to find new ways to run his farm that worked with nature instead of against it.

But in 2004, the farm came under threat of being sold for development. Arthur’s children, who were then 19 and 21, set up a national campaign to protect the place where they had grown up. After gaining the public’s interest, Charlotte and Ben succeeded in having the farm put into community ownership, with nearly 8,000 people from around the world buying non-profit making shares. This enabled them to embark on their project. They had little experience, a handful of live stock and a very dilapidated farm, but with all the passion for organic farming that their late father had instilled in them. Fordhall Farm has continued to thrive ever since. Instead of selling the meat to supermarkets, it is sold directly to customers in the farm shop. The animals are kept in conditions as close to their natural lifestyle as possible, and are not given any kind of antibiotics or growth hormones. Nature trails have also been set up and visitors are encouraged to learn more about all the organic farming methods that are being used.

The most recent project the duo are working towards is the renovation of their old dairy into a tea shop and classroom. This will provide a sheltered area where visitors can try some freshly cooked farm produce, and a place where the children can huddle in the warmth to discuss all that they’ve learnt that day. The building is designed in an environmentally friendly way with the installation of renewable energy and the use of more natural materials such as timber and hemp. Charlotte and Ben are still raising funds and would appreciate any donations. Shares in the new tea room are also for sale. This can be a unique present for someone special or your way to support a worthy cause. www.fordhallfarm.com

by Sophie Bartlett When we think of endangered species we may think that we are powerless to make a difference. How would our single voice ever be heard across the world? How could our small idea be transformed into a valuable solution against extinction? The story of STRAW, Students and Teachers Restoring A Watershed, is an inspiring example of how one person’s small voice was turned into a powerful, passionate chorus whose work has positively impacted on their local environment and is now reaching far beyond…

In 1992, teacher Laurette Rogers showed a video on endangered species to her class. One 9 year old student asked in dismay, “But what can we do?” This young boy’s voice inspired a passion in his dynamic teacher and classmates, which resulted in a class project to save the California Freshwater shrimp. The project grew and gained such popularity that it now inspires thousands of like-minded people all over the world.

With enthusiasm but little practical knowledge, the ‘unstoppable force’ of Laurette and her pupils initiated a programme which has now restored over 20 miles of creek-side habitat. The project brought locals together, persuading land-owners to allow the children to dig up riverbanks and plant willows, and win them over with the resultant visible agricultural benefits. Rancher Paul Martin recalls STRAW’s first expedition with great affection. “None of them had a clue as to what they were doing,” he laughs. “But they all had a lot of fun!”

The project has become a global inspiration to teachers in the way it combines learning with practical achievement. The youngsters raised funds, liaised with media officials and interviewed scientists and politicians, as well as getting to grips with the natural history, legislative and environmental issues raised. Their story is told to new audiences by a motivating 35minute film A Simple Question – The Story of STRAW, which is winning

awards and gaining support all over the world. The film shows the heartwarming memories of the school children who first started this project. They are now adults and it is easy to see what a positive effect the experience has had on their lives.

In the early days, these pupils may have seemed insignificant and tiny in the world; much like the shrimp they set out to save. But the small voice remarkably gained strength and proved that no matter how overwhelming the task, people can work together to make a difference.

Discover more & purchase the DVD at: www.asimplequestion.org

fordhall farm kept sustainable by strong family ethos

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To suit vata (dry/mature), pitta (oily/sensitive) and kapha (combination)

skin types. The range includes a cleanser, scrub, mask, face creams, and a luxurious bath and body range made from traditional Ayurvedic plant and herb combinations. Shop on-line at: http://www.tri-dosha.co.uk/shop Ayurvedic Training 2010 5-day Ayurvedic therapy course (nationwide venues) 1-day NEW Ayurvedic Holistic Facial (nationwide venues)

by Luke Bell Does anyone else remember Captain Planet?… He’s a hero, going to take pollution down to zero! Well, now you can start your own planet-saving superhero team at www.ecoteams.org.uk - okay, maybe superhero is possibly a slight exaggeration but hero certainly isn’t!

Global Action Plan is an environmental charity that targets businesses, schools, and communities, helping them reduce their own carbon footprint to positively impact on the environment and climate change. Founded in 1993, Global Action Plan have launched a wide variety of programmes and initiatives to help encourage more ecological living and their latest project is EcoTeams. “There is loads that you can do to help the environment. But doing it alone can be overwhelming and, to be honest, a little dull,” explains Trewin Restorick, CEO and founder of Global Action Plan. The EcoTeams initiative encourages

individuals wanting to lighten their impact on the planet to join up with friends, family and neighbours to form a

team and share the load.

You can invite anyone to join you – your family, neighbours, or Facebook friends,

or simply join an existing team. Once all your members are signed up, the programme will give you a set of actions to choose from, on rubbish and shopping, energy, water and travel. They’ll provide online tools so that you can measure your progress and see the difference you’re making. Plus, there are loads of free

events and action-focused meetings you can attend as a team.

In association with EDF Energy and Team Green Britain, the EcoTeam events will use

interactive games and workshops to show how you can make the biggest difference, and how you

can help others to get involved. You’ll have the opportunity to meet like-minded people and maybe even new teammates. There will be an easy-to-grasp introduction to the issues and all

the information you need to start an EcoTeam is provided. And, most importantly, the events are fun and hands-on! You can sign up for the events by heading to www.teamgreenbritain.org/ecoevents

Upcoming dates are: London Victoria (6 Oct), Cardiff (16 Oct), Maidstone (2 Nov), Exeter (17 Nov) and Newcastle (24 Nov). They are also running events in partnerships with local London councils in Barking and Dagenham, Barnet, Islington, Newham and Sutton. The events will be free and open to all residents of the respective borough.

The programme has a proven track record too. EcoTeams has been independently certified and endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme. A household taking part typically improves energy and water management, reducing CO2 emissions by 16.6%, bills by £170 a year, water used by 15%, and waste by 20% (and increasing the proportion of rubbish that is recycled)

The structured approach along with the online tools and hands-on events can really help to motivate and empower the eco warrior in you. So get a team together and start fighting eco-damage! You can even design superhero outfits and give yourselves cool names…. too far? Thought so.

For further information go to www.globalactionplan.org.uk

team up to save our planet...

30 inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010

environment

The EcoTeams initiative

encourages individuals

wanting to lighten their

impact on the planet...

to form a team and

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inspiring individuals Thich Nhat Hanh is one of the world’s most renowned Buddhist Zen Masters. Along with his spiritual teachings, he works tirelessly for human rights, social welfare and peace. Sioned Bannister enlightens us on his journey so far.

At the age of 84, Thich Nhat Hanh (pronounced “Tik N’yat Hawn”) has built a reputation as one of the world’s most revered Buddhist leaders and spiritual teachers of this century. Born in central Vietnam in 1926, he felt a calling towards Buddhism from a young age, joining a monastery near the town of Hue when he was just 16 years old. Within seven years he was a fully ordained monk, after training in Zen and Mahayana Buddhism. He went on to establish the Van Hanh Buddhist University in Saigon and was soon appointed editor of the periodical publication of the All Vietnam Buddhist Association. Thich Nhat Hahn (or Thây, [pronounced ‘Tay’] meaning ‘teacher’, as he is now fondly known) had begun to make his mark on the Buddhist societies of Vietnam. From then onwards, he has touched countless lives, inspired with endless wisdom and promoted peace at every turn.

In 1961 Thây travelled to the United States to study Comparative Religion at Princeton University and the following year went on to teach and research Buddhism at Columbia University. He returned to Vietnam in 1963 to aid with the peace effort and help the thousands of ordinary Vietnamese people who had been displaced, injured and devastated by war. His work to renew Buddhism and work for peace in Vietnam led him, in 1964, to found Van Hanh Buddhist University in Saigon and the La Boi publishing house.

One of Thây’s greatest achievements during this time was the founding of the School of Youth for Social Service (the SYSS). The School was made of teams of peace-workers and volunteers who helped rebuild villages and towns that had been torn apart by the war, as well as provide education and healthcare. Sadly, the organisation was repressed by both sides as the war bulldozed its way through the country, but the dedicated peace-workers continued as best they could. It is thanks to them that countless communities were able to continue living and working through the atrocities of war. “The practice of peace and

reconciliation is one of the most vital and artistic of human actions,” said Thich Nhat Hanh.

Returning to the USA in 1966 to continue his studies and further his campaign for peace, Thây met with Martin Luther King Jr., who fiercely opposed the Vietnam War. The meeting affected Dr. King deeply, and led him to publicly condemn the war as part of a rousing speech in New York the following year. Dr. King also went on to nominate Thây for the Nobel Peace Prize in 1967.

Finding himself exiled from his home country, Thây settled in France, where, in 1982, he founded Plum Village in Dordogne. This is still his place of residence today, and the village is a centre for retreat, meditation and Buddhist teaching, as well as being home to over 100 Buddhist monks and nuns. Plum Village receives thousands of retreatants every year. Anyone can go and experience the meditation centre atmosphere! Other big centres can be visited in California and New York State.

Thây still fights hard for peace, human rights and equality all over the world, but especially in his home country. His teaching is based on the foundation Buddhist principles of living in the present moment. According to his beliefs, this is the only moment we can really live in and where joy and enlightenment is possible. Thây teaches through daily meditation and showing compassion to all living beings. Once peace is possible within ourselves, it can eventually expand to all parts of our lives and the wider world. With over 100 books to his name, Thây has led the movement of Engaged Buddhism, founding the Order of Interbeing (Tiep Hien Order) in 1964. This branch of Buddhist teaching emphasises social responsibility and the role of each individual to activate and promote change for the better.

Thich Nhat Hanh has inspired millions of people throughout his life. His dedication, wisdom and courage to speak out against violence and war will continue to influence and inform his loyal students and those who simply agree that a peaceful world must be the way forward.

For further information go to www.plumvillage.org or www.interbeing.org.uk

48 inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010

inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010 27

by Jack PurchaseAutumn in Europe offers us a mild climate that is perfectly suited to that most ancient pastime: walking. Hiking holidays are on the rise, and with good reason. Many of the most picturesque places in the world can only be reached on foot; the lack of vehicles means that a place keeps its natural beauty.

One such area is the Carpathian mountains in Romania. This mysterious land is ideally suited to hikers. Discover for yourself the feelings of freedom and calmness that come with encountering nature that is truly untouched and unspoiled by man. For panoramic views of this pure, untainted area, hike up to the mountains’ pinnacles. Negoiu peak is but one place to view great glacial lakes among magnificent, auburn forests spread at its base. Wildlife enthusiasts head for the forests where an abundance of flowers and plant life delight the senses. Native bears, wolves and lynx roam these woods. Few other places on Earth give you the chance to see these captivating animals in their natural habitat.

The history of this region is full of myth and mystery. In the 15th century ‘Dracula’

dominated the Carpathians. Vlad Tepes (the basis for Bram Stoker’s vampire)

ruled with ruthless cruelty. Known as Vlad the Impaler, his legacy is permanently imprinted on the land. Bran Castle is known as Dracula’s Castle, and the place is crammed with history and legend. Other castles, fortresses and monasteries

are found in enchanting medieval towns like Sighisoara, the birthplace

of Dracula and home to a gruesome museum of torture. A stay in a

traditional guesthouse is the best way to learn the myths and legends first-hand from

your Romanian hosts... if you dare!

Hiking holidays in the Carpathians allow you to create the trip that you want. That might be standing atop a mountain looking out on one of the many grandiose vistas, or visiting charming villages to learn the region’s history and traditions. With no travel guide’s itinerary to bind you, just let your holiday unfold in keeping with this region’s mystical spirit.

A Carpathian caper calms and captivates

by Katie EdwardsMillennia ago – before laptops enabled us to click on groceries and have them delivered to our doors – man would forage through woodland, using his senses to find fresh berries, nuts and mushrooms to eat that day. Now, more and more people are discovering their foraging genes and reconnecting with nature.

Now is the perfect time to go on a foraging trip. The transition from warm weather to plentiful rainfall creates a nourishing environment for mushrooms to grow. In France, people will be out in the fields early in the morning, picking a variety of mushrooms. With the art of foraging having been passed down through generations, many people are experts at distinguishing the edible mushrooms from the poisonous ones. For anyone new to it, it is reassuring to know that a local pharmacien is obliged to advise the public on whether their pickings are safe to eat.

The people of Germany, Spain and Italy are passionate about wild mushrooms too. Germany consumes the most per capita, Spain has the popular picking region of Gerona, and Italy has introduced a licence to prevent over-picking. But tread carefully, as there have been more accidents connected with falls than eating poisonous ceps. For safety, join an organised trip, many of which include a cooking class. So, at the end of a hard day’s gathering, you can return to your tribe to cook up the delights you have found.

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46 inspired times issue 6 autumn 2010

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