24
WWW.INSIDELOOKMAGAZINE.COM Holiday Issue 2009

Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Embed Size (px)

DESCRIPTION

Inside Look Holiday Issue 2009

Citation preview

Page 1: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Winter EscapePark City, Utah

Unifying HumanityThis Holiday Season

The Twelve InterviewAuthor William Gladstone

www.insidelookmagazine.com

Holiday Issue 2009 TM

INSIDE LOOKsouthern california’s conscious magazine

Page 2: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009
Page 3: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

INSIDE LOOK Southern California’s Conscious MAGAZINE

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 6November/December 2009

Contents 4 Winter Escape - Park City, Utah Martha Carter

6 Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens Elizabeth Lombardo

10 The Twelve Interview With William Gladstone

14 Green Christmas Sarah Collins

16 Unifying Humanity Jason Nelson

18 Mindfulness Meditation Ronald Alexander, Ph.D.

22 November/December Horoscope Judy Hevenly

23 Parting Message Henry David Thoreau

Cover: Seasonal Snowfall Next Issue:Interviews with Eric Pearl and Judith Orloff

Inside Look Magazine November/December 3

Publisher’s NoteHappy Holidays!

We know that with the holidays around the corner it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. With all the shopping, baking, and gift-wrapping - not to mention spending - to do, it’s almost inevi-table that we feel burdened. With this issue we wanted to remind you to try to take each moment as it comes and to enjoy what’s happening right now. Forget all that needs to be accomplished, and instead, take a few minutes when you’re feeling stressed and just breathe. You will enjoy the moment more, and ultimately your life more, if you learn to practice this simple “time-out.” Life is too short to be so hurried.

Keeping this in mind, we’ve included inspiration from Ronald Alexander with a meditation article to help you learn to quiet your thoughts. Jason Nelson illustrates living more harmonious-ly and compassionately with all people and all traditions.

We thought it appropriate to take this time to tell you about the new Inside Look Magazine. We have decided to put our money where our mouth is and help save the environment by going completely digital. That means no more killing trees, wasting chemicals to treat thousands of pounds of paper, and no more excessive energy consumption. With this new phase of our magazine, we’re excited to be a completely carbon free company! We urge other publications to do the same and embrace technology to relay their message.

Thank you for reading our magazine and for signing up at In-side Look Network. The more you participate, the more we can keep conscious communication alive. Feel free to stop by and add us to your friends list!

Wishing you a joyous Holiday Season,

Mike Williams and Jennifer Smith - Inside Look Magazine

PublisherMichael WilliamsExecutive Editor: Jennifer SmithStaff Editors: Cheryl Snyder, Jackie Aubrey Contributing Writers: Ronald Alexander, Martha Carter, Sarah Collins, Judy Hevenly, Elizabeth Lombardo, Jason Nelson, Tyson BingDesign: Scott GregoryAdvertising: 310-363-0456

Inside Look Magazine, Volume 1, Issue 6, is published six times a year - January/February, March/April, May/June, July/August, September/October, November/December - by Cre-ative Media Arts, PO BOX 1306, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272. Inside Look Magazine is $24.99 for six issues, or free at select locations throughout Southern California. © 2009 Creative Media Arts (CMA). All rights reserved. No part of Inside Look Magazine may be reproduced without spe-cific written permission. Inside Look magazine, as a publication of CMA, assumes no respon-sibility for the opinions of our contributors and is not responsible for unsolicited manuscripts or photos, which must be accompanied by return postage. Publication of the name or photo of any person or organization in Inside Look Magazine should not be construed as an indication of that person’s expressed opinion. Advertisers and their agencies assume responsibility and liability for the content of their advertisement in Inside Look Magazine. Photographers whose work is published in any advertising or editorial content within Inside Look Magazine agrees to indemnify and save harmless the publishers from all liability, loss, and expense due to a photog-rapher’s failure to gain a model release. Title pending at U.S. Patent Office, Washington D.C.

Universal Church of the MasterIt is our belief that each person finds and travels their own spiritual path,

and that no single set of fixed rules is applicable to everyone.

Let us facilitate your spiritual journey.

We offer several paths for your journey, including an accreditedUndergraduate and Graduate Theology Degree Program.

World Headquarters 100 W. Rincon Ave. #101 Campbell, CA 95008Email: [email protected] Phone: (408) 370-6519

www.U-C-M.org

Founded 1908

Page 4: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Through the winding canyon, towering walls on either side, cool sky stretching overhead, lies a clustered city, nestled in the glorious Wasatch Moun-tains. Freshly fallen snow sparkles, a web of crystals drapes across the roof-tops. Quaint homes with slanted beams boast twinkling lights, singing of holi-day spirit. Old Town Main Street pulls you in, buildings snuggling side by side, windows yawning with art, warm cloth-ing and delectable treats. And far atop the mountains, one can see the smooth tongue of the slopes beckoning, as if out of some faraway dream, Park City’s

pride and joy, its Pied Piper, awaits the season’s visitors, impatient and eager.

An incredible winter vacation destina-tion, Park City is famous not only for its world-renowned, Olympic-style skiing, but also for hosting the an-nual Sundance Film Festival. A stomp-ing ground for artist and athlete, this mountain retreat is a must-see for all ages and passions. Adrenaline junk-ies can head for the mountain to mow through powder at break-neck speeds, while the true “vacationers” can re-main behind, hot cocoa in hand and fire blazing, in the comforts of one of

the many resorts and country cottages.

Utah has a reputation for being conser-vative, not only in the religious sense, but the state is often perceived as cul-turally stagnant. Although tourists still gape at the liquor laws (1.5 oz. of base liquor to any cocktail, “Private Club for Members,” etc.), there is a vast selec-tion of exceptional cuisine and a wide array of entertainment possibilities. Dining is available on every corner, from The Grubstake’s hearty comfort food to the classic flavors of Deer Val-ley’s, The Mariposa, rated #1 in the

Winter EscapePark City, Utah

BY MARTHA CARTER

Photo: Deer Valley, Skyguy414 C

C-BY-SA

4 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Page 5: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Zagat Restaurant Guide and recent winner of Best Restaurant in Mountain Living’s Best of the High Country issue.

One of the nation’s treasured chefs landed in Park City years ago, devel-oping some of its most acclaimed res-taurants. At the age of 28, Bill White launched his first project, Grappa, one of Utah’s finest Italian dining desti-nations. White continued with Chi-mayo, featuring Southwestern flavors and eventually opened the Asian-in-spired Wahso. White’s growing col-lection of Park City endeavors include the Windy Ridge Café and Ghidottis.

Sloping through the center of Park City lays Old town Main Street, which was once a popular destination for the city’s founders. Now it is a so-phisticated pedestrian paradise with endless shopping and nightlife possi-bilities. Local artists play on the rus-tic elegance of Park City with endless landscapes, woodcarvings and native-inspired art. Teeming with history, the Mountain Trails Gallery, once a silver miner’s bank, boasts an enor-mous collection of Western Art. Lo-cal artworks pepper the walls, inspired by the beauty of their surroundings.

The nightlife heats up during the winter season as tourists pour in from around the world. Club Har-ryo’s, the largest entertainment venue in Utah, caters to rump-shakers and martini-sippers alike, with a huge dance floor, VIP booths and a strong show lineup featuring all genres. For a post-skiing experience, bars like Ci-cero’s, The No Name, and Butchers provide excellent cocktails and a re-laxed environment without the hype.

Vacationing in Park City has a specific charm, and although five-star resorts are available on every corner, one can also enjoy the unique experience of stay-ing in one of the numerous homes for rent. Ranging from sprawling moun-tain mansions to cozy two- bedroom

cabins, there are hundreds of rentals during the ski season. This is the cozy home away from home; mornings spent cooking breakfast for the family and evenings cuddling up by the warmth of the hearth after a long day at the slopes.

For true snow bunnies, a resort may be the preferred route, as most offer stay and ski discount packages. Especially this year, when tourism has suffered a crippling blow, www.ParkCity.com offers a string of deals and discounts. Vacation packages include everything from lodging discounts to free ski passes with same-day airline tickets. Park City itself can keep anyone oc-cupied for weeks at a time, but a short drive to the Valley opens the doors of Salt Lake City and all of its won-ders. Capitol Theatre and Kingsbury Hall offer world-class productions. Temple Square, the site of the origi-nal Mormon Temple, is a fascinating

stop for tourists. During the holiday season, tens of thousands of lights are strung and the square becomes a festive wonderland against the back-drop of Utah’s compelling history.

Although tourists typically choose Park City as a winter destination, sum-mertime offers the opportunity to wit-ness this majestic mountain range in full bloom. Attractions include numer-ous golf courses, hiking, and the Alpine slide, on which visitors cruise down on the mountain on wheeled toboggans.

Any time of year, Utah’s landscape and canopied sky are a sight to re-member. As the sun settles behind the silver-gray expanse of the Great Salt Lake, cloud formations are streaked with brilliant colors. Valleys and can-yons yawn with shadows and curious patches of light. A winter paradise, one of nature’s jewels, Park City gleams, dazzles, and eventually slumbers.

The USC Trojan Marching Band leads a parade down Park Avenue, Park City Utah - Photo by Bobak Ha’Eri CC-BY-SA

The nightlife heats up during the winter season as tourists pour in from around the world.

Inside Look Magazine November/December 5

Page 6: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Photos: Elizabeth Lombardo

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & GardensLos Angeles, CA

By ELIZABETH LOMBARDO

Driving up to the black steel entryway the Peace Awareness Center appears extremely safeguarded from the toil-ing city streets. As I walk over the gravel and head down the long driveway towards the gardens, the peaceful tranquil-ity envelops me. Prior to entering the grounds there is a definite aura in the air as an endless canopy of tropical foli-age hits the eye. An unbelievable utopian escape located in the midst of one of the most populated and bustling cities.

6 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Page 7: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

The Meditation Garden is heavily inspired by Asian cultural influences seen in the koi pond, rustic bridge, and running wa-ter. The various water elements are key components drowning out the disruptive street noise and fostering a subdued sense of relaxation. Sky-high bamboo shoots offer a comforting, secluded fortress surrounding the garden. There are numerous seating arrangements thoughtfully placed throughout the shaded levels of the meditation area. Whether nestled under a tree, resting by a fountain, or lounging beneath a pavilion, there is a plethora of personal moments to reflect on one’s inter-nal being. Offering an altruistic experience, guests are invited to stroll along the paths at their own pace, and enjoy the se-renity and beauty surrounding them. Stone hedged pillars resembling ancient temples mark the stairs descending further into the meditation gardens. Accents of deep red hues are incorporated throughout the garden evoking an impassioned and ethereal energy. Periodic moments of energized actualization alight when crossing the cherry wood bridge or gaz-ing at the crimson focal fountain. Overhead a weathered pavilion is covered with woven strands of ivy allowing glimmers of light to penetrate through. Although shaded, the sun’s radiant warmth is felt even in the garden’s most secluded corners.

Lily pads, flowering trees, water hem-locks, and varietal ferns are abundantly present throughout the garden. I even-tually plop down atop pleasantly plush pillows on a bench underneath the pa-vilion. The wooden bench is naturally weathered yet provides a cozy worn niche to ponder my thoughts. This day-time retreat offers an invaluable escape from the monotonous week of stressful deadlines. Setting this idle time aside for myself already feels relaxing as I am not responsible for anyone or anything; I am where I am. It is an odd feeling for most at first, to overcome the angst fu-eling the need to do something. Reflec-tive silence allows us to acknowledge our inner desires and cognitive thoughts all too often ignored or suppressed during daily interaction. The roles, jobs, and duties performed within our society typically nullify individual urges and deep-rooted thoughts. Public displays of emotion are frowned upon and often seen as problematic signs of weakness. During meditation individuals may experience a varied range of emotions as they become aware of their personal struggles and triumphs, weaknesses, and strengths alike. Based on Eastern philosophies, meditation allows us to be freed from ourselves. In a sense, the hyperactivity of our self-inflicting fears and concerns overwhelms our mind, body, and spirit. This newly achieved freedom allows us to live life in the present, the here and now that is today. Reaching a state of relaxation in the midst of nature reminds us of our individual qualities as well as our universally shared human experience.

Water flows through the center of the walkway surrounded by finely manicured sand banks. On the right hand side is the large labyrinth, circular in shape with white and beige curved paths outlining the meditation walkway for visitors. Centrally located, the immense hand-carved stone labyrinth provides ample room for groups of people to meditate simultaneously in silent cohe-sion. The labyrinth has been an architectural continuum for centuries utilized for spiritual practices and dogmatic disciplines. Dating back to its ancient presence around 3000 years ago, labyrinths were carved on walls, stones, ceramics, bushes, and floors. Adapted by Christianity, the Christians incorporated a labyrinth design within cathedral floors symbolizing the soul’s journey through life. The revived popularity of the labyrinth has bridged religious and cultural settings as a humanistic tool in reducing stress and finding ideological clarity. Walking the labyrinth enables us to become tuned in to our true being, finding a delicate balance in both our personal and professional lives. Once individuals can view their problems with increased clarity, effective modes of change can be begun to improve one’s life. The physical, mental, and emotional balance sought out and hopefully ac-complished through meditation has a plenitude of health benefits. Consciously taking deep breaths can alleviate pent-up stress and significantly lower blood pressure. Living in a fast-paced society, stress is at the forefront, fostering ambition while simultane-ously breaking down the body’s immune system. The amount of stress an individual has decisively attributes to later health condi-tions. Relaxation and meditation clearly go beyond simple mind exercises and have a holistic influence upon the entire physical body. The breathtaking garden elements and labyrinth meditation aid in relieving built up physical tension and mental haziness. The Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens promote the spiritual teachings of self-reflection, offering guided meditations, workshops, and retreats open to the public. It also has an onsite Peace Theological Seminary and College of Philosophy pro-

Photo Courtesy of Peace Aw

areness Labyrinth and Gardens

Inside Look Magazine November/December 7

Page 8: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

viding masters or doctoral programs pertaining to universal spirituality. Ad-vocating the Movement of Spiritual In-ner Awareness (MSIA) the labyrinth and gardens emphasize soul transcendence and pragmatic spirituality. Promoting the actuality of living true to one’s will in solidarity with God enables spiritual-ity to be practiced in real time. MSIA breaks beyond the confines of spiritual-ity as a theory and encourages individu-ality in one’s quest for inner realization. Visitors can truly experience a peaceful solidarity with the earth’s surroundings by embracing the breathtaking stillness of this natural setting. Visiting hours are Tuesday thru Friday from 11a.m.-3p.m.

Guided tours of the gar-dens and historical mansion are available Sundays start-ing at noon and finishing around 4p.m. The staff and groundskeepers are friendly yet enable guests to fully embrace their private experi-ence free of disruption. Up-dated regularly on the Peace Awareness website, www.peacelabyrinth.org, a host of exercises including free-form writing, spiritual dancing, and group meditation are held throughout the month.

Whether taking an outing solo or bring-ing a loved one along, this daytime oasis is an incredible experience. The visit can also be an enlightening, personal experi-ence when accompanied by a friend, sib-ling, parent, or significant other. In fact, when meditating side by side and reflect-ing upon your life’s journey and future incentives, there is an intrinsic bond felt during this shared experience. As natu-rally social beings it is rewarding to feel interconnected while contemplating the inner self and one’s relation to the broad-er world. It is during these moments that life’s extraordinary complexities are fully realized and thoroughly appreciated. Perhaps the most amazing part of this ex-ploration was the discovery of this natu-ral haven in the epicenter of Los Angeles.

Peace Awareness Labyrinth & Gardens3500 West Adams BoulevardLos Angeles, CA 90018323-737-4055www.peacelabyrinth.org

Liz Lombardo graduated from UC Davis in 2008 with a double major in English and So-ciology and is currently a freelance writer. Her ultimate dream is to become a travel writer and explore various social, cultural, and en-tertainment capitals throughout the world.

8 www.InsideLookMagazine.com

Page 9: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Greening

Your Aging

Home By Rhonda Halfon

Feeling a dra� on your home energy bills? Does the air quality in your home o�en feel stagnant? Snuggle up to cost-cutting green solutions. And in the process, transform your home to a healthier, more comfortable environment. While most homeowners associate green building and remodeling with new homes built from scratch, today’s homeowner of the not-so-new home can undergo countless

eco-conscious enhancements despite its age. Today’s green movement has introduced a cornucopia of products and solutions that are readily available, a�ordable, and highly e�ective for homeowners of all levels. From energy-saving appliances to water-reducing systems to environmentally friendly �ooring and window treatments, choices abound. �e average home spends about $1900 per year on energy costs. Not only is much of that energy wasted, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home emits more carbon dioxide into the air than two aver-age cars. Applying simple energy-e�cient improvements could increase your air qual-ity and cut energy costs considerably. And when you sell your home, this value-added “green” feature is likely to yield a higher price among savvy green-conscious buyers. So if you’re looking to breathe cleaner air and keep more of your energy bill in your pocket, it’s a good time to get started.

Whole House Approach

To begin, consider a whole house energy e�cient approach to deter-mine which parts of your house use the most energy.

You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself, contact your local utility company, or call an independent energy auditor or professional contactor for a more compre-hensive examination. An energy audit involves checking your home’s insulation levels, identifying holes and cracks around your walls, ceilings, win-dows, and doors, and light and plumbing �x-tures that can leak air in or out of your home. Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well insulated. In addition, about 1/3 of air in�ltrates through openings in your ceilings, walls, and �oors. Installing insulation and sealing air leaks are among the most com-mon cost-e�ective ways to make your home more comfortable year-round. An audit will also ensure your appliances and heating and cooling systems are properly maintained. Once you have identi�ed where your home is losing energy relative to your energy bill, you can prioritize where you should be fo-cusing your improvements.

Read Rhonda’s complete approach to a whole house at www.insidelookmagazine.com.

Rhonda Halfon is a professional Realtor a�liated with Keller Williams Realty/Westside Los Angeles. [email protected] www.LARealEstateBUZZ.com.

Inside Look Magazine March/April Green Issue 11

banks of the Urubamba River all the way to Aguas Calientes at the foot of the mountain. Hardier souls can hike in via the Inca Trail, entering Machu Picchu at the Sun Gate, just as the ancient Incans did. Walking into the area creates the least stress on the environ-ment, but erosion of the trail has become so intense that there are now limits on how many people can enter the trail each day. More stringent limits to tourist and commer-cial access to the city are being considered, especially in the wake of an accident in 2000 when a company �lming a beer commercial damaged the Intihuatana, a ceremonial as-tronomical clock by dropping a crane on it.

We are ten days past the most recent equinox and I am standing at Machu Picchu at mid-night holding the hand of a woman named Day. I have only just met her but I like her tremendously. She is older than I, perhaps by two decades, but she has a youthful spirit and an adventurous heart. She has come to Peru from her home in Mexico just to spend this night in this place.

We are not alone on the plaza and those who have welcomed us here have made speeches and o�ered prayers. And �nally, there is the thunder and then there is the silence. It is midnight and Day squeezes my hand. She has been �ghting a cold all week and I brie�y

wonder if she’s giving her cold to me in the spirit of connection. And then I close my eyes.

�e silence is so complete that I can hear my beating heart. �e wind picks up. It is a warm wind and within it, I can hear something…like the note plucked from a harp. It’s just on the edge of my hearing and it vibrates with-in me as if tuning my whole body to some universal key. And then the wind rises and it takes me with it. �e wind is pushing me from all around and though I am still hold-ing Day’s hand, anchored to reality, I am rising with the wind. I’m not �ying. I’m not �oating either. I am … suspended … held in stasis by the wind. And then I am back in myself and I squeeze Day’s hand in return and I am crying for no reason I can name. And no one else felt the wind.

�e next morning at breakfast, I mention my experience to the people sharing my table. “Did anyone else feel something like that?” I ask, feeling vulnerable. Because I have never done drugs, never meditated, never had anything remotely resembling a transcendental experience. Until the night before.

�e man across from me, an older man whose name I no longer recall, looks at me

for a long moment and then admits, “I saw my mother.” He tells me he cried too and we toast the moment with coca tea.It is January 1, 2000. A new year has begun.

Katherine Tomlinson’s motto is “Have passport, will travel.” She lives and works in Los Angeles.

Inside Look Magazine May/June Sacred Places 13

www.hiddenlaws.com

Stop Searching,Start Living!

HIDDEN LAWS:ULTIMATE TOOLS FOR DIVINE CO-CREATION

by Ulla Jacobs

Phot

os b

y Sha

y Y. R

ober

ts

Inside Look Magazine November/December 9

Page 10: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

INSIDE LOOK MAGAZINE: How and when were you first introduced to the concept of 2012?

WILLIAM GLADSTONE: As a young boy I was fascinated with the Olmec and Mayan civilizations and especially their mathematical prowess. I was aware of the 2012 end date to their calendar and thought it curious to have a birthday De-cember 12th (12/12) that was also linked to the number twelve.

IL: Have you actually visited Izapa, the supposed home of the Mayan calendar, and if so, what did you find there?

WG: Yes. The site itself is not spectacu-lar but the glyphs are intriguing. While visiting Tapachula, the modern town just a few kilometers from the site of Izapa, I encountered a family that has lived in the area for more than one hundred years. I visited the coffee plantation that was started by the present family’s great-great-grandfather and was shown artifacts that

were estimated to be at least 3000 years old found on the plantation which is high in the mountains about 30 miles from Izapa. The markings were similar to markings found in Izapa and were evi-dence that the Mayan calendar itself may have actually been developed by ancient peoples even older than the Mayan.

IL: Are there other world calendars as accurate as the Mayan calendar? If not, how do you explain this level of preci-sion from a culture less technologically advanced than our own?

WG: No, there are no other world calen-dars as accurate as the Mayan calendar. No one can actually explain why or how the Mayans created their calendars. The long count which ends December 21, 2012, is just one of several dozen calendars the Mayan, or as I suspect, pre-Mayans cre-ated. There is clear correspondence of the 26,000 year cycle of the Long Count cal-endar with what is known as the “wobble” that corrects itself every 26,000 years in

the actual movement of planet earth, but how they could have observed or known that seems to be a genuine mystery. I sus-pect the creators of these calendars had keen powers of observation and were also brilliant mathematicians. I also believe they had economic surplus that allowed them to develop thinkers and mathema-ticians who focused primarily on these mathematical computations.

IL: How does the Mayan prophesy coin-cide with the Indian Yuga cycles?

WG: The Kali Yuga of Indian belief is coming to an end. This “iron age” will be replaced by a more enlightened time. The correspondence of dates is not exact but the general belief in a spiritual trans-formation at this time is nearly identical with the belief of many Mayan elders and Mayan scholars.

IL: What inspired you to write The Twelve?

10 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

I N S I D E L O O K I N t E r v I E w w I t H t H E t w E L v E A U t H O r

Page 11: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

WG: I had a near-death experience at the age of fifteen that is similar to what Max Doff experiences in the novel, but the actual inspiration came from meet-ing a woman in 1979, in San Diego, California, who had an almost identical near-death experience in which she too was given twelve names while “out of her body.” I immediately saw the final scene for a major film and created a film treat-ment at that time.

IL: Do you believe the Mayan Prophecy predicts Earth’s destruction, or a new era of understanding?

WG: Clearly, I believe we are on the verge of a new level of awareness and un-derstanding. This is what most Mayan elders and scholars also believe. At the same time there is always free will, and given the current world situation, it is imperative that humans of good will take positive action to ensure that this coming transformation will be positive and not negative.

IL: What do you think will happen in the year 2012?

WG: The sensation of time speeding up will accelerate even more. There will be dislocations and financial problems for many. At the same time, millions of peo-ple will continue to wake up to the star-tling truth of who they really are and how they are intimately connected with other humans and all living beings and how they can play a major role in the trans-formation of consciousness on planet earth leading to a more benign and joy-ful world for everyone (even those who will deny that there has been any change at all).

IL: Have you planned any specific events or teamed up with other organizations to create positive events in the year 2012 which might tip the balance in favor of a positive outcome?

WG: Yes. We are working with Jose Ar-guelles, Barbara Marx Hubbard and the Club of Budapest, among other philan-thropic organizations to create a focused

harmonic convergence which will unite a minimum of twelve million people at a minimum of one million locations throughout the world. The focused meet-ings will mirror those described in the novel The Twelve and will allow each in-dividual and group to address individual, local, and international issues related to solving immediate problems and, most importantly, creating a field of “conscious harmony,” allowing the birth of new solu-tions to international problems.

IL: As a young child, the main character Max Doff is slow to learn to speak and is considered mentally defective. Eventu-ally it becomes apparent that, at least in mathematics, Max is somewhat of a ge-nius. Do you think the line between ge-nius and mentally defective is as close as what you have depicted in the book?

WG: Actually I do think it can be close. The film A Beautiful Mind starring Rus-sell Crowe is an example of the thin line. However, I think this is the exception and not the rule. Genius requires step-ping outside of conventional thinking, and often such geniuses are ridiculed and ignored, but that does not mean that they are insane. As has often been stated of a great new idea--first it is rejected as nonsense, then it becomes accepted, and finally everyone claims credit for having had the idea in the first place.

IL: The near-death experience of Max Doff is essential to the plot of the The Twelve. Did you research near-death experiences, and how much of the de-scription in your book is based on actual facts?

WG: I did research near-death experi-ences, but the description in the novel is simply based on my own experience. It was gratifying to do research that later confirmed that my personal experience was common to more than ninety per-cent of those who also reported positive bliss energy in their personal experiences. Of course, my experience was unique to me, and except for one other woman, I have not yet uncovered other accounts of being given twelve names during a near-death experience though there are many reports of individuals who upon “coming back to life” report a sense of mission and purpose to help others. That was clearly an essential element in my own experi-ence and a reaffirmation of a sense of des-tiny that I carried since my first memory as a child.

IL: In The Twelve Max Doff experiences an out-of-body trip to the Moon. Do you think such out-of-body experiences are possible, and, if so, how do you explain them?

WG: I do think such experiences are pos-sible and many people have shared such

Inside Look Magazine November/December 11

Page 12: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009
Page 13: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

experiences with me. Again, my experi-ence was unique to me and then stated as factually as possible in the novel itself. I do not really understand how such ex-periences are possible and certainly do not have sufficient scientific training to explain them. At the same time, given new breakthroughs in quantum physics, string theory, and related scientific and philosophical analysis, I am certain that these are valid experiences which we will someday understand from both a scien-tific and spiritual perspective.

IL: What is the significance of the num-ber twelve in the world religions you de-pict in your book?

WG: Each religion has a unique connec-tion to the number twelve. For Chris-tians, The Twelve Apostles were essential for the growth of Jesus as the savior. The Jews reported on The Twelve Lost Tribes of Israel. The Muslims write of twelve sa-cred ones and also of the importance of the number 144 in certain mosques. The holiest number for Hindus is 108, which is also a multiple of twelve. The Mayan themselves have the legend of The Twelve princes of Xibalba.

IL: Why and how do you see people changing from reading this book?

WG: Of course, each individual will re-act differently and not every reader will be changed by reading The Twelve. How-ever, there is so much fundamental truth in The Twelve about how both the mate-rial and spiritual world actually works that most readers will find themselves recognizing the truth of their own exis-tence in the synchronicities and everyday magic that governs the life of each and every human being. Max Doff is a model only in the sense that he is an everyman/woman. There is nothing all that special about Max except his dedication to the truth, to be present in every moment, to always look for the good in others, to do whatever he can to help others, and enjoy each and every moment of his life. Max suffers from business and love affairs that do not go well, and yet he never closes his heart nor loses his enthusiasm and opti-mism about the nature of life and love.

Such an attitude can only inspire others to think the best of themselves and oth-ers and to realize that being good is not a burden but the easiest path to experience joy.

IL: What can we change today to make a better tomorrow – even before 2012 ar-rives?

WG: We can stop pretending that mate-rial abundance is the most important goal in life. Of course, everyone needs clean air, clean food and water, a nice place to live, and some fun toys and diversions, but the material is not in fact the key to true human happiness. The Dalai Lama has recently spoken of the importance of compassion and kindness and, in fact, the mere exercise of such behavior can create greater happiness for each of us than the accumulation of great material wealth. If each person would simply look around and see how wonderful this planet is, how wonderful most human beings are, and encourage kindness and altruistic behavior, the world would immediately become more joyful and efficient about solving the very real problems that shar-ing a finite world with nearly seven bil-lion people entails.

IL: What is the single most important action our listeners can take to ensure that 2012 will be a positive rather than negative tipping point?

WG: Go within. Become aware of who you really are and what is truly important to you. Realize as Max Doff does in the novel that “A is and is not equal to A,” that you are both a human being and a divine being at the same time. And once you truly realize this, go beyond the real-ization and explore what that implies for behavior on a daily basis.

IL: You also specify that a portion of your author royalties are being donated to Jane Goodall’s Roots and Shoots. Why did you choose Roots and Shoots from among the hundreds of worthy causes to be a benefactor from book sales?

WG: Jane is an inspiration to so many. I have had the good fortune to spend time with her and I came to respect the wonderful combination of practicality that she brings as a scientist with a truly spiritual perspective that goes far beyond just caring for human beings. Her Roots and Shoots project reaches more than one hundred thousand young people and teaches them to respect all living be-ings including animals and plants. This is the essential starting point for creating a planet that works for everyone and every living being. I am honored that Jane’s or-ganization allowed me to promote Roots and Shoots at the end of the novel and felt that Roots and Shoots shares the combination of practical problem solv-ing and dreamer that characterized Max Doff in a way that perhaps no other phil-anthropic organization does.

IL: Is there a website our readers can visit for more information?

WG: Visit www.12thebook.com for more information about the novel itself, the iPhone games, and the contest with a grand prize weekend in Sedona, Arizona, re-enacting one of the critical scenes from the novel. Visit www.planetchange.tv for videos related to positive change and to view interviews with major authors under the title The 2012 Chronicles and www.planetchange2012.com to discuss issues of positive solutions for problems local and international.

ILInside Look Magazine November/December 13

Page 14: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Simplify The Season

With a Green Christmas

by Sarah CollinS

Are you dreaming of a green Christmas? I’m not talk-ing about the kind with lots of money (well, what could that hurt?) or one without snow (the horror!). Rather, how about the kind that tosses materialism out on its grinchy ear and instead welcomes back an era of quieter, simpler times? Yes, my friends, chestnuts really can roast by an open fire and a silent night is possible after all. So if you want to celebrate this year without sending your electrical meter zooming into a tailspin, ripping a hole in your wallet, or harboring stress in the bags that shouldn’t be under your eyes, then consider these tips for going green for the holidays!

Cut the lightsNot all of them, of course, but step back with purpose. If your house can be clearly seen from two blocks away, it’s time to unplug. Stand at the curb and look at the snaking miles of cords running across your festive façade and think, just for a moment, how great it would look to see bounti-ful greenery with velvety ribbons instead. Then, once you’re convinced, gather boughs of pine or other evergreens if you have them nearby and wrap them with florists’ wire to hold them in shape. Add a festive red bow and you’ve got the per-fect holiday home accessory. Even better, unlike the wires and bulbs, it’ll look beautiful both night and day!

Deck the Halls…with a whole lot less! Few folks will deny the beauty in the shimmery, sparkling world that falls over Christmas like a blanket of snow, but you’d be surprised at how much stress it can bring on. The visual noise may excite the kids, but for adults it tends to push a subconscious panic button.

Whether you have financial concerns, don’t like crowds, or aren’t looking forward to travel or a visit with old Uncle Jack, there’s nothing quite like things that shine to remind you that the stress will soon come down the chimney with the elves. Toning down your decorations will not only ease your mind in a remarkable way – it’ll also save electricity and you’ll cut down on a lot of waste by keeping plastic, foil, and packaging out of your home. So this year, instead of layer-ing your tree with glass and tinsel opt for strings of popcorn instead. Get the family together to thread the kernels and tie scraps of red and green fabric into bows at the tips of branches. Together, you’re guaranteed to create some mem-ories that just don’t come in a box.

Give GreenYou’re not thinking about money again are you? Well, maybe this time you’re not so far off. Gift cards are no longer con-sidered thoughtless; in fact, they’re a great way to cut down on unnecessary waste! Personalize your gift by choosing one for their favorite store, or take it one charitable step further and give to a good cause in the recipient’s name. Eliminate the expense and waste of wrapping paper and do something really great for someone all in one fell swoop!

It’s amazing how going green will ease the stress on your wal-let and on your mind, but it’s when you simplify the season that you’re getting back to what it’s really all about. There, hidden just beneath the lights, traffic, and the crowds is the true meaning of Christmas. It’s in the joy of giving, the si-lence of night, and the blessings of a season that can, indeed, make it a holy one after all.

Merry Christmas!

Sarah is a part time freelance writer and a full time home schooling mom to five. She lives with her husband of more than 11 years on the southern coast of Virginia, where they spend warm afternoons out on their boat …occasionally tossing the kids overboard for some much needed peace and quiet. Visit www.sarahcollins.net to learn more.

14 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Page 15: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009
Page 16: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

We often find it tempting to dis-tance ourselves from people we deem unusual or different. Society and lan-guage can encourage this behavior. After all, humanity is divided against itself by borders drawn on maps. Demographers, eager to throw us into socioeconomic bins, ask exactly which one of several checkboxes most accurately defines us. We root for the home team and boo the rivals into a homogenous blur of pure enmity. It is normal to do this but is it natural? These social constructs hide the physical truth that in fact we are all connected to each other in many wonderful ways.

It is especially criti-cal to remember this during the holiday sea-son, when traditions of other cultures can come into public contrast with our own familiar traditions. We may be put off by traditions or beliefs we do not share or understand. But when we reach across such di-vides, we come one step closer towards a more peaceful world. This holiday season, let us aspire to feel at one with our fellow humans, and take it upon ourselves to fill the voids of apathy and fear with compassion and friendship. If you look at any holiday gathering closely, you will see people enjoying each other’s company, reflecting on the past, planning for the future, and taking care of their loved ones. You will find the same precious laughter and celebration taking place in every home, irrespective of the ge-ometry of the religious symbols, the color of the food, or the sound of the language.

Ultimately, we are all profoundly uni-fied by our shared humanity and our shared earthly home within a universe of astronomical enormity. Although the traditions of the holiday season remind us of our past, we also need

to look forward into the future, and to help create harmony in the world through unification instead of isolation.

How do we practice unifying? We start by unifying within. Unity is not just an idea. It is a feeling, an act, and a way of living in every moment, in each new ex-perience. Too often, we allow our fears and insecurities to overwhelm us, leaving us to doubt our own p o t e n - tial instead of real- izing it. Why

are we a f r a i d

of our

potential? Because it is an unknown. In order to unify ourselves, we must break free from the self-imposed chains of doubt that hold us back. Then we are present in every moment and acting instead of reacting.

Instead of allowing old dualistic affirma-tions such as “No matter how hard I try, I won’t make it” or “I need to prove myself to people” to play like a looped record-ing in our subconscious, we must repeat empowering, liberating mantras that speak from the soul. Such affirmations assert truths like “I am safe,” “I am loved,”

and “I am accepted for every part of me is good.” The unknowns within ourselves immediately become less scary when our subconscious is not permitted to hold us back from our greater potential.

When we have unity within ourselves, when we come from a place of love and understanding, we don’t need to fear the unknown anymore. That which was unfamiliar or scary is now interesting or exciting. Those who used to seem distant or threatening now seem approachable or innocent.

This shift in where we come from and how we perceive others now permits us to accept them. Acceptance then al-lows us to replace ego-based thinking such as judging, blaming, and reject-ing with soul-based living gifting us

with compassion, love, and oneness. When we feel this way for each

other, we are unified and one step closer to a peaceful world.

Despite all of the differenc-es we highlight between

people and traditions, we are all part of the same humanity. Be-

hind the artificial bor-ders we create are individual

people with the same insecuri-ties and hopes we have. So remem-

ber it doesn’t matter what we call our individual holidays or exactly how we celebrate them. The holiday season is a time for people to come together, and no time is better to do that than right now.

Jason Nelson is a spiritual coach and author of Age of the Soul. He is known for his simple three-step process for getting one connected to their spiri-tuality. Through one-on-one coaching, personal appearances, tele-classes and open dialogue, he is a defining voice and significant contributor to the world of self help and personal transformation. To contact Jason call (818) 618-2880, email [email protected], or visit www.jasonnelson.info.

UNIFYING HUMANITYTHIS HOLIDAY SEASON

By JASON NELSON

16 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Page 17: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009
Page 18: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

18 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Mindfulness Meditation

By Ronald alexandeR, Ph.d.

In a crisis, we’re likely to resist change and give in to fear of the unknown. Yet the ancient Buddhist practice of mind-fulness, remaining fully aware of what you are experiencing in the present mo-ment, is the key to bringing yourself out of suffering and back into happiness.

Mindfulness is a process of linking aware-ness with attention in order to develop, expand, and enhance both. It results in more focused and heightened concen-tration: You observe your thoughts and feelings rather than become immersed in them. You become aware that you have two selves, the self that is having the ex-perience and the self that is witnessing it and is separate from it.

First, you allow this witnessing self to

emerge in your consciousness. Then, in-stead of thinking about, analyzing, and building upon a sensation or feeling, such as a sense of panic or sadness, you simply observe it as it arises. Then you catalog it as “not worthy of further exploration” or “something to contemplate later to see what I can learn from it,” and let it drift out of your awareness.

As you meditate and allow the witnessing mind to sort through what arises, you’ll find that most of what it generates has lit-tle significance. The more you experience this process, the easier it will be to avoid jumping onto your thoughts or feelings and riding them like a wild horse wher-ever they take you. Peacefulness and joy can arise in you as you let that wild horse ride off into the distance.

The dual awareness that arises when you

allow the witnessing mind to come in fosters the courage to fully experience even the most painful emotions, beliefs, and memories, and tolerate any accom-panying physical sensations. The witness-ing mind knows that you’re separate from your circumstances, so you feel safer than if your awareness were completely ab-sorbed in those thoughts and feelings. Remain present in your suffering until it passes, and it will.

Four Myths about Mindfulness Meditation

The majority of my clients resist mind-fulness meditation at first, although the time commitment is small and the payoff is enormous. One insisted that it wasn’t necessary and that she didn’t have enough time in her day to devote to a regular practice. Then she went through

Adapted from Dr. Ronald Alexander’s new book, Wise Mind, Open Mind: Finding Pur-pose and Meaning in Times of Crisis, Loss, and Change (New Harbinger Publications, 2009).

Page 19: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

Inside Look Magazine November/December 19

For pictures of the ‘star’ and further information about the emergence of the World Teacher and his group, the Masters of Wisdom, visit www.share-international.org or call 888-242-8272.

Look for a bright new ‘star’– visible both night and day

around the world – heralding the imminent appearance

on national television of the World Teacher for all

humanity. He has come now to point the way out of our

global crises and inspire a brilliant new civilization.

Watch for a man calling for:

* SHARING, to create justice, and therefore peace

* Provision of food, shelter, health care and education for all as basic

human rights

Star of Hope

the loss of a parent, and had such trouble coping that she couldn’t even drag herself out of bed. After missing work ten days straight, she called me for my advice. I told her to mindfully meditate while in bed. Terrified and bewildered, my client did and, in a few days, found that she could face going to work again. After that, whenever she was in an overwhelm-ing state of grief or so distracted that she couldn’t focus, she would close her door, tell her assistant to hold all her calls and do a five minute meditation. Slowly, her grief lessened.

Typically, those who resist meditation are buying in to one of the following four common myths that create resistance to regular mindfulness meditation practice.

Myth 1: “Practicing mindfulness meditation will conflict with

my religious beliefs.”

The practice of mindfulness meditation is free of religious and spiritual dogma. In fact, if you believe in turning to God for guidance, you can use mindfulness meditation to set aside distractions and

listen to the divine wisdom that can be found only when you tune out the end-less chain of thoughts your own mind creates. This form of meditation turns down the volume of the chatter in your mind and allows you to tune in to deeper wisdom and insight. Mindfulness prac-tice is a pathway to discovery that any of us can use, regardless of our religious or spiritual beliefs.

Myth 2: “I’m too restless and busy to learn to be quiet and practice

any form of meditation.”

Just twenty minutes on a meditation cushion twice each day will cause you to need less sleep, be more productive and less distracted, and make the most of your time during the day. When you first begin to meditate, you’re likely to expe-rience many mental distractions. Rather than judge yourself, simply observe any disruptive thoughts, feelings, or sensa-tions and set them aside. You’ll never have complete freedom from distractions, but with practice, it’ll be easier to quickly turn down the volume on them. As your concentration abilities increase, so will

your mind strength. Quickly, you’ll dis-cover that you can simply rest and relax into the moment, enjoying the sense of spaciousness and abundance.

Myth 3: “If I practice mindfulness, it will put out the fire of my

ambition and creativity.”

Mindfulness practice seems to ground restless people, transforming their energy from a chaotic, even manic, discharge to a more focused and heightened exuber-ance that then can be channeled into pro-ductivity. If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of slowing down your men-tal output because you think you’ll lose something valuable, keep in mind that this is not the goal of mindfulness prac-tice. Instead, this approach will allow you to access some of the vitality and passion you associate with mania.

Myth 4: “If I practice mindfulness, what I’ll discover will be so upsetting that I’ll become paralyzed with fear.”

The fear of what will arise from the sub-conscious isn’t entirely irrational, but the

Page 20: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

www.sagradawellness.comYoga, Pilates & Wellness Retreats

323.924.5950

Page 21: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

chances of experiencing intense discom-fort while mindfully meditating are slim. Emotions that remain buried have no chance of dissipating, and will remain as an underlying toxin that affects the func-tioning of the mind and body. If you’ve been avoiding painful feelings and thoughts for a long time, you may not be able to handle more than a five-minute-long session of mindfulness meditation initially, and you may need someone with you to support you in your process of un-covering this pain. A skilled psychologist or mindfulness meditation teacher can be enormously helpful in guiding you through these emotions and modulate their intensity.

By cultivating mindfulness, you allow yourself to hear even the subtlest mes-sages from the unconscious. You can be awakened with a gentle nudge instead of a splash of icy water. Embracing your circumstances despite the pain, you can craft a fulfilling life that’s infused with passion and originality, driven by a sense of purpose, and in sync with your values and priorities.

How to Create and Use a Mindfulness Journal

One of the concerns about meditating that my clients often have is the fear that if they quiet down, a great idea will come to them and they’ll have no way of cap-turing it before it leaves their conscious-ness. I suggest you create and work with a mindfulness journal, a blank book that you can use to record your sensations, observations, thoughts, feelings, emo-tions, images, creative ideas, and messag-es of wisdom from your mind and body as you become mindful of them. When you write, be mindful of simply noting what you’ve experienced and why you might have experienced it.

Here are Some Tips on How to Work with a Mindfulness Journal:

Schedule Your Time

Schedule your time to write when you sit quietly in a peaceful, restful place, perhaps in a room surrounded by books and pictures that inspire you. You may

also want to sit on a meditation chair or cushion with peaceful music playing, wrap yourself in a meditation shawl or blanket, and light a candle or incense.

Categorize Thoughts and Sensations

Categorize what your mind churns up. Our minds create a mix of emotions, thoughts, and sensations, all of which influence each other. The thought, “My boss is so insensitive; I can’t believe he was so abrupt with me today,” might not surface in your mind until you sit and begin meditating, and might appear not as a fully formed thought, but as a head-ache or an overall sense of vulnerability and defensiveness.

Sit With Your Feelings

In meditation, it’s important not to go wherever those sensations and feelings take you, but to simply sit with them, al-lowing them to reveal themselves. After-ward, as you write in your journal about your experience, work with a therapist, or ponder where that feeling or sensa-tion came from, you might discover that it has deeper roots.

Recognize Your Experience

Recognizing that your experience bears a powerful emotional resemblance to a past experience can be a helpful and free-ing insight, but in the end, the story of its origin is just a story that can distract you from healing. If you come to realize that your defensiveness around your gruff boss reminds you of the way you reacted to your highly critical father, the value in that insight is acknowledging how deeply your mind has been programmed to respond to criticism or abruptness with fear and defensiveness. It’s easier to be patient with yourself when you recog-nize that your mind has actually created an elaborate neural network to support this reaction, because clearly, it will take time, patience, and repetition to change that instantaneous response.

Don’t Give It Too Much Weight

Don’t give too much weight to such a revelation as you can reinforce that real-ity. You reinforce your habitual thinking

and feeling patterns when you subscribe to a narrative of suffering such as, “I can’t help being the way I am. My defensive-ness goes way back to my childhood.” I call this the “big story.” It has the poten-tial to shut you off from the art of cre-ative transformation.

Set Aside “Old Stuff ”

Once you’ve identified the big story, cat-egorize it as “old stuff ” and set it aside whenever it comes up. The major heal-ing work most people need to do is to transform and move beyond their “big story” whether it deals with their par-ents, lack of abundance, insecurities or fears. There’s no benefit in retelling it to yourself over and over again.

Let Go of “New Stuff ”

It’s also important to let go of the “new stuff ”-- each “small story” or rationaliza-tion for why your present life is the way it is. The small stories are worth examining to discover what lessons they hold, but if you hang on to them, repeating them to yourself, they become “old stuff ” and part of the big story as well.

As long as you remain in these stories, you create suffering for yourself. To change your life, you have to see the sto-ry for what it is: a way of framing events that doesn’t contribute to your happiness and holds you back from positive change. Holding on to your story, big or small, giving it life in retelling and embellish-ing it endlessly, will cause you pain. The point isn’t whether or not you’re justi-fied in telling that particular story, or its veracity, but whether you’re suffering because of it. This takes practice but the more you meditate the more it will feel as if you’re simply sorting the laundry as you observe what your mind generates.

Ronald Alexander, Ph.D. is the director of the OpenMind Training® Institute, practices mindful-ness-based mind-body psychotherapy and leader-ship coaching in Santa Monica, CA for individu-als and corporate clients. He has taught personal and clinical training groups for professionals in Integral Psychotherapy, Ericksonian mind-body healing therapies, mindfulness meditation, and Buddhist psychology nationally and internation-ally since 1970. (www.openmindtraining.com)

Inside Look Magazine November/December 21

Page 22: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

SCORPIOOctober 23 – November 21There will be an amazing transformation for you this November. You start a whole new cycle in your career and hard work pays off. Thanksgiving Day is full of surprises. In December, wear ‘pink’ to dazzle the opposite sex. Romance-wise you can rely on complete honesty and trust to lead the way to a better future. SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 – December 21Quick thinking in your workday activities brings progress. Sweep-ing changes greet your personal life. Diplomacy helps you smooth ruffled feelings. In December, business and travel at a distance play an important role in your affairs. Spend quality time with family and friends, shop sales, and cut back on holiday spending. CAPRICORN December 22 – January 19Enjoy quality time with loved ones and children. Goals formed now for 2010 lay the foundation for the New Year. Make plans early this holiday season to help avoid holiday traffic. In December, the sun arrives in your sign the 21st, making a wish come true. Visualize what you want and expect to get it. Due to conflicts in your chart it is best not to travel on De-cember 31st; instead, stay close to home. Go easy on yourself and those around you.

AQUARIUSJanuary 20 – February 18 Many changes are still ahead. Consolidate lessons learned this year. Castles built in the air come tumbling down the 15th, but you make the necessary repairs and turn adversity to your advantage on November 14th. Pam-per yourself in December, as it is the month of self-renewal. Sleep, rest, stay warm, and eat well to avoid a cold or flu. A sound New Year’s Eve choice would be to stay home and make your New Year’s resolutions. PISCESFebruary 19 – March 20Get rid of clutter this month in the office and home. A clean space reflects a clear mind. Take matters into your own hands regarding a family member. Speak words that inspire and give hope to others. In December, walking improves your circulation and overall health. Foreign interests figure prominently. Don’t cosign for a loan, the debt could become yours. New work opportunities give you a rea-son to shine. ARIESMarch 21 – April 19You’re going to make some decisions that will set you on a new course. Associates may not be pleased to learn that you are caught up in plans that don’t include them. Be prepared to deal with the fallout. Get your annual health check-up this time and let your body do the talking. Your life will seem on hold at work, but be patient. Satisfy your desire for new horizons by visiting a library or buying some books to read. TAURUS April 20 – May 20You will find that there is drama on the home front this month. You need to calm down and take volatile conditions in stride. Don’t put off what you can do today. Neptune’s direction of motion says you have reached a professional turning point in your career; now you see exactly what role you play and where to go. Write and mail Christmas cards ahead of the crowd. December sees you with a nice year-end bonus and a package with your name on it.

GEMINIMay 21 – June 20Rest and recharge your matters. This is difficult because you are drawn to accomplish more than usual. You are cultivating new con-tacts and expanding your horizons. This month, try to engage oth-ers’ interest in your plans, and domestic-wise, partners seem ready to say yes to your wishes to a move or domestic change. December sees you as an attention getter with all the charming words and charisma to attract new people in your circle. CANCERJune 21 – July 22You’re cautious by nature, but you can afford to take some risks. Start ups, especially of the entreprenual kind, are brilliantly accented and you will flourish in any creative work. Socially, November is a period in which you take time out for good deeds, and December sees you and the family listening to Christmas Carols, baking good-ies, and decorating the tree. Don’t forget the cookies and milk for Santa come Christmas Eve.

LEOJuly 23 – August 22Positive times loom ahead. You are ready to change the world. Reorganization of the home or a move will be best for all concerned. Try to listen to what others have to say, as people have your best interest at heart. You are a dy-namo on all fronts. Enjoy a hot toddy or two, and remember to start holiday baking early. December sees that Mars, your action planet, slows down and only starts up in March again.Rather than fight this slowing trend, seize the opportunity to catch up on personal matters and relax. VIRGOAugust 23 – September 22A new cycle begins that holds far greater sta-bility. This month you should take your own ideas and hunches to heart and start following through on them. In 2010, you will reap the harvest of the seeds you plant now. New part-

nerships will work out far more favorably than you imagine, so don’t hesitate to commit. Others will hold up their side of the bargain and meet you halfway. December is all about entertaining friends and relatives and adding new decor. New opportunities and financial investments are favored.

LIBRASeptember 23 – October 22You have less to fear than you think--you now are more disciplined and mentally sharp. Money is very much on your mind; you should read between the lines and take nothing on faith. You should be able to work out favorable new arrangements and steer your finan-cial ship into smoother waters. Let go of the past and create a new future. In December, you have a special way with words through the 24th, thanks to a grand new moon placement in your third house of communications.

Judy Hevenly, Psychic/Astrologer

Tel: 310 820 7280E-mail: [email protected]: www.judyhevenly.com

22 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

VIRGOAugust 23 – September 22Happy Birthday, Virgo. You discover fascinating facets of your personality that have gone untapped. You clarify your romantic needs and set new goals. A brand new cycle sees all your hard work paying off. In October, it’s good to turn off your brain by relaxing more, setting goals to build your net worth, and elimi-nating debt. LIBRASeptember 23 – October 22Success and good fortune follow you. Your self-esteem grows as your discover wonderful new talents. Doors swing open to you. You find fulfillment through stimulating adventures and rela-tionships. October sees you planning for the next phase of your personal growth, and new monetary gains are in the works! SCORPIOOctober 23 – November 21 You understand your life’s purpose and are fulfilling your dreams. Mercury turns direct the 29th, and you find out who you can count on to stick by your side. Time spent outdoors reveals fresh insight. Teamwork at work is needed in October with Halloween seeing you dressing up to the 9’s. SAGITTARIUSNovember 22 – December 21Focus on achieving your career wishes now. Romance takes cen-ter stage. You are in the limelight more than ever and you love the status! Little people need extra attention - take time to please them. Close friendships made in October last a lifetime, and there is a twin-soul cosmic encounter.

CAPRICORNDecember 22 – January 19Don’t cling to the past, look forward to the future. Times are changing; no need to worry, relief is in sight. You’re well ex-pected to achieve your personal goals and to obtain new ones. In October, someone close to you has wise advice which proves to be invaluable. AQUARIUSJanuary 20 – February 18This month sees you repairing a troubled relationship. Financial arrangements of all kinds must be handled with great caution. Don’t sign any agreements until after the 29th. Besides being lucky in love in September, you could win at a game of chance. On October 4th, the full moon puts you in the center of the information chain; use it to promote yourself and your ideas.

PISCESFebruary 19 – March 20Don’t make up your mind about anything until the end of Sep-tember. Business or personal matters are in a tailspin, but clar-ity looms on the 11th when you get the answers you seek. At month’s end, associates are eager to meet your terms. October 16th is a high energy period at work, which could put you in the perfect place at the perfect time to meet the right people for a promotion or job offer.

ARIESMarch 21 – April 19Lighten up this September and don’t let anything get you down. Work is at an impasse and partners don’t seem to be seeing eye to eye. Everyone is pressing for answers - wait until after the 21st, where you will aim to please both personally and career-wise. In October, reflect back on recent events and what you learned from them. Cash is on the horizon!

TAURUSApril 20 – May 20Stop worrying and do everything to promote your own interests. Romantically, September is a turning point when doubts dissolve and everything starts going right. It’s time to socialize and get out there and sparkle. The full moon October 4th encourages you to eat healthy and make relaxation a part of every day. Come October 29th, you may be asked to take on more work, so you need to be in tip-top shape to do so. GEMINIMay 21 – June 20Travel and communication at a distance take center stage. You see important happenings at home; you are more anxious and protective of family members and are feeling burdened. This is not for long. The new moon on the 18th brings a positive turn-ing point in domestic affairs. Work-wise, well deserved praise is on the way in October, and any legal matters will be resolved quickly.

CANCERJune 21 – July 22 You worry about plans you have recently made. You feel ap-prehensive that you have chosen the right path. Start thinking positively - a financial breakthrough is on the way. Look on the bright side and project confidence. Love partners make you feel cherished. Your career claims a significant amount of time in early October, and lunar energy springs forth some welcome and well-deserved praise. LEOJuly 23 – August 22You are particularly radiant and lovable this month, so don’t show your financial insecurities. You have no need to buy into others’ strange behavior. The 21st sees a turn around, and all offers that come your way will be well worth considering. A meeting with a stranger is a turning point in your life. October 18th sparks your curiosity and spirit of adventure to travel as the cold weather hits. A new pair of winter boots brings you lots of praise.

Judy Hevenly, Psychic/AstrologerTel: 310 820 7280E-mail: [email protected]: www.judyhevenly.com

14 www.InsideLookMagazine.com www.InsideLookNetwork.com

Page 23: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009

The view from the Gerlache Strait between Anvers Island and the Antarctic Peninsula. Photograph by: Zee Evans, National Science Foundation

“I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestioned ability of a man to

elevate his life by conscious endeavor.”

Henry David Thoreau

PARTING MESSAGE

Inside Look Magazine November/December 23

Page 24: Inside Look Magazine Holiday Issue 2009