BECK: COLORS MATY EZRATY: a Yoga Teachers' Teacher

Jill Bolte Taylor: RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND PAYING ATTENTION BECK: COLORS MATY EZRATY: A Yoga Teachers' Teacher

KATHY PATALSKY: HAPPY HEALTHY LIFE

AI WEIWEI: HUMAN FLOW

INIKA ORGANIC: Pure Source, High Standards, Natural Beauty

SUPPORTER OF MAPS PRESENCE1 PARVATI.TV 2 DECLARE MAPS NOWNOW A free, immediate and attainable global-warming A free, immediate and attainable global-warming solution,For thousands the of years, the AArctic ice P has naturally S keeps solution, the A P S keeps ourprotected planetplanet our cool.planetcool. from the heat of the sun. But now the ice is melting at an alarming rate, putting the Arctic DoOcean it for– and the us allworld. – under Do threat. it for Declare yourself. MAPS: the DoMarine it for Arctic the Peace world. Sanctuary Do it fortoday yourself. so this vulnerable ecosystem can regenerate and protect our world. Please sign and share the MAPS petition at Parvati.org.

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4 About

Since 2011, Parvati Magazine has been a At this time, Parvati Magazine has openings free monthly resource for awakened living, for volunteer editors in the Fitness, created in a spirit of love and service. Beauty and Fashion columns. For further The name of the magazine is not about information about editorial guidelines: an individual person but a celebration of [email protected] the goddess Parvati in Her incarnation as the awakened Earth. At this time, Parvati Magazine is pleased to run Parvati Magazine is also totally dedicated advertisements for our contributors. to the realization of MAPS, the Marine Other potential advertisers should contact Arctic Peace Sanctuary. MAPS is a simple, [email protected] for ad effective and inspiring opportunity to specification and pricing. Advertisement protect the critical yet vulnerable Arctic revenue at this time supports the ongoing work Ocean ecosystem which affects us all. and quality of the magazine through stock photos, platform upgrades, hosting costs, etc. Parvati Magazine is managed and written by an all-volunteer crew. Editorial and A percentage of all proceeds is donated production staff give their time and talent to the work of Parvati.org to establish to help realize MAPS, while building the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary. a regular source of information and inspiration for all who seek to live an awakened life. EDITORS

PRANADA MCBURNIE JOY ELKAYAM PARVATI DEVI Managing Editor Executive Director Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Welcome

PAM BRYAN DR. KAREN HO Circulation Manager Wellness Editor Welcome to the December 2017 issue of Parvati and Business Editor Magazine.

This moment right now, as you read these words, is part of a vast, intelligent unfolding of which you are an integral part. You are within an ever-changing and evolving universe. Being present for this magnificent growth means focusing your attention on the here and now, even as you maintain your awareness of the greater ELLA ISAKOV RISHI DEVA whole. Yoga Editor Music Editor This presence is what gives rise to brilliant creativity, profound insight and inspired action. Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor learned this presence through a stroke. Ai Weiwei explores it in his art. Maty Ezraty cultivates it on her yoga mat and with her students. Beck paints it through his rich sonic palette. In this month’s issue, please be inspired by the presence of luminous beings like these SHAWNA MCLEOD UTTAMA ANDERSON and many more. Books & Film Editor Community Editor Enjoy! Parvati

KARL MACPHEE Special Contributor, Nutrition

Submissions: [email protected] Parvati Magazine is your monthly source for awakened living. Advertising: [email protected] The name of the magazine is not about a person but a celebration Inquiries: [email protected] of the goddess Parvati in Her incarnation as the awakened Earth. Cover Photo: Jeff Gerald

In This Issue

POSITIVE POSSIBILITIES 8 BOOKS 22

THE GIFT OF THE CHAI BOY THE BOOK OF SEPARATION Parvati Devi Reviewed by Amy Kellestine

FILM 24 YOGA 10 HUMAN FLOW A TEACHERS' TEACHER Reviewed by Amy Kellestine with Maty Ezraty MUSIC 26

COLORS BY BECK YEM: YOGA AS ENERGY MEDICINE 12 Reviewed by Rishi Deva

UNDERSTANDING INTENSITY: BEAUTY 28 STANDING FORWARD BEND Parvati Devi INIKA ORGANIC: CHAMPIONING THE BEAUTY AND POWER OF THE EARTH with Tony Rechtman MEDITATION 14

BE PRESENT WITH FASHION 30 CHALLENGING PEOPLE Parvati Devi TIME IV CHANGE: SUSTAINABLE AND STYLISH WATCHES with Monique Medved WELLNESS 16 COMMUNITY 32 RECOVERY, RESILIENCE AND PAYING ATTENTION PACIFIC WHALE FOUNDATION: with Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor FOR THE LOVE OF WHALES with Dr. Paul Forestell

FITNESS 18 BUSINESS 34

HOCKEY ENFORCER SPORTSART: EXERCISE THAT TO HUMANITARIAN ENERGIZES THE WORLD with Georges Laraque with Ivo Grossi

NUTRITION 20 MAPS 36

HEALTHY HAPPY LIFE COP23: THE WORLD COMES TOGETHER with Kathy Patalsky FOR MAPS Parvati.org POSITIVE POSSIBILITIES LIVING The Gift of the Chai Boy

here once was a great spiritual master who As the master and the boy prepared to leave for the Twas preparing to leave his village to meditate trip, the baffled students approached their teacher. in isolation in the mountains for some time. The “Master,” they asked, “why did you choose this master said he would take someone with him annoying boy over all of us who have been devoted to assist with the journey. Many of his devoted to you for so many years?” students hoped that the saint would choose them for the special trip. But to everyone’s surprise, the The master smiled and quietly answered: “This boy master chose the most unlikely person in the village is my teacher. He teaches me humility, patience to accompany him: the obnoxious chai boy who and compassion. Through him, I learn to see God ran the local tea stall. everywhere.”

8 POSITIVE POSSIBILITIES LIVING

A traditional Tibetan shrine has an offering on it to present moment as a consequence of our own feed hungry ghosts, the lost, roaming spirits of the karmic tendencies, lovingly offering us all we need universe, unable to meet the riches of this moment. to learn to evolve to the next stages in our unique This gesture is practiced as a sober reminder of what soul journey. we could be, yet where we choose not to go. When we align with our dharma through understanding From a spiritual perspective, all that we experience righteous action and our soul purpose, we train is a result of our own state of consciousness. Painful ourselves to find spacious possibility when faced experiences are the fruit of distorted perceptions with dense constriction. and our own cloudy consciousness. As we release the distorted lens of our ego-mind and refine our It is a natural, human reaction to experience stress, ability to perceive what is, our true, natural state, resistance and constriction when we are faced with being one with pure consciousness, begins to people and situations that push our buttons. We expand. Our actions then arise from clarity and we usually blame or judge others for their behaviour, let go of the experience of pain. Rather than our life making ourselves feel separate and even temporarily being a consequence of distortions, which create better than them. We distance ourselves from the more distortions, we begin to experience life as an circumstance, feeling somehow more clever than expansive opportunity for deeper awakening and even Nature itself. Our ego, for the moment, has joy. With openness and ease, we meet all of life as it had an injection of self-serving, limited power that is, rather than reacting to situations, seeing them as tells us we are good. Yet soon, we will experience a against us. similar situation with a similarly irritating person and we will need yet again to judge, blame and Meeting challenging experiences with presence take a similar shot of a temporary ego-high to is an opportunity to put our spiritual practices disconnect from the moment and find relief. Yet to the test. We do not need to seek out painful we have found no lasting escape from challenging behaviour from others, but it is healthy to practice people and situations. receiving the moment as it is. There is room within this moment for it all: our feelings, our response, Because we tend to experience life through the the other person. We can see how they, and we, lens of our limited ego that only knows to divide, are like the hungry ghost howling on the Tibetan separate and categorize, we are conditioned to shrine, feeling disconnected from love. Through see things as happening “to” us until we learn understanding our similar human tendencies, otherwise. When we experience something we separation subsides. We can rest within a broad consider to be bad, we tend to feel against it, as knowing that all is held within a vast expanse of though it were an attack on our very being. We can pure consciousness. Challenging situations can be feel, however unconsciously, that life is punishing like the chai boy, who turns out to actually be a us in some way, because we are unloved. These gift from the universe that helps us awaken into twisted roots of perception run deep in the human freedom and joy. psyche. We fight what is rather than seeing the

Parvati is an award-winning musician (I Am Light, Electro Yog, Yoga In The Nightclub), yogini (YEM: Yoga as Energy Medicine), author Aonani( of Avalon, Confessions) and founder of the not-for-profit Parvati.org. All her work is dedicated to protecting all life on Earth by establishing the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS). More info: parvati.tv; parvati.org.

9 YOGA

Maty Ezraty: A TEACHERS' TEACHER

Maty Ezraty is one of the first women to study PMAG: You have studied in the Ashtanga and the Ashtanga Yoga with K. Pattabhi Jois and has Iyengar lineages. How are they similar or different, practiced with senior Iyengar teachers. She is a and how do they cultivate presence in our actions, co-founder of the Santa Monica-based YogaWorks words and thoughts? which now has several locations across the US and has trained many of today’s leading yoga teachers, ME: Ashtanga and Iyengar have some definite including Seane Corn, Shiva Rea, Rod Stryker, differences, but they are very complementary. In Kathryn Budig and Alexandria Crow. Yoga editor Ashtanga, you become so aware of the breath and Ella Isakov speaks with Maty about her perspective your body, that it naturally makes you more present. on yoga and meditation and how to use them to You feel every tingle of your body, you become very lead life with more presence. aware. In the Iyengar method, you are so focussed on the alignment that it does the same thing. It makes Parvati Magazine: You have been practicing yoga you extraordinarily present. In fact, all yoga makes you for over 30 years. How has yoga shaped you and the more present, in your body, in your thoughts, and in world around you in that time? your actions.

Maty Ezraty: My yoga practice made me more PMAG: What advice do you have for people to compassionate. It makes me walk with more gratitude develop awareness, focus and presence when the world and appreciation for the gifts in my life. I am better seems to be in upheaval right now? able to connect with people, and feel more alive within myself. I have greater sensitivity for the needs ME: My advice is that you do your asana practice and of other people and can sense people more clearly, your meditation practice. You can really only change thanks to my years of practice. your immediate self and surroundings. Also, put

10 YOGA

your money on what’s important, only buy organic, preparation for meditation. Something different only support companies that are conscious, and do happens when you study meditation. When you sit what it takes to take care of the environment. Do to meditate and observe your mind as it is, you start the things that will bring on the change you want to see patterns in how you function. When you start to see in the world, and hopefully you will influence to recognize these patterns, you start to [see] how you others to do the same. We can look at political figures function when you are doing your daily chores, so it as the problem, but really the problem is the lack of makes you more aware in how you do all things. It is education of all of the people that voted for them. It profound. is about education, and the change that has to happen from the bottom up. PMAG: When someone is feeling challenged in their yoga practice, sometimes it is hard to maintain focus. PMAG: What is your advice for yoga teachers to stay What is your advice for staying present even when you authentic and present? want to give up?

ME: My advice for yoga teachers is to study what ME: The problem is we have gone away from the they normally do not study and practice. Teachers basics. When we teach students the fundamentals of should study with senior teachers, and study things yoga practice, these poses are settling and comforting. out of their comfort zone to broaden their education They take you out of needing to accomplish, and you and perspective. eventually return to them. It is where the heart of yoga is. If students start with fancy postures, tricks and PMAG: Your passion for yoga and meditation has music, then they haven’t learned and it is hard to find stayed very strong over years. What is your secret to the way back to the basic simple essence of the practice staying curious? that can nourish people at any age. It is in the hands of yoga teachers. If yoga teachers just keep dishing out ME: I get a lot of my inspiration now from studying what’s not really yoga, then it’s the same thing as our Vipassana Insight meditation. Asana practice is a political world, it is never going to change.

Maty Ezraty is a uniquely inspiring teacher known for her dynamic style of teaching, a keen eye for observation and a depth of knowledge. Maty discovered yoga in her early 20s, when she met Pattabhi Jois in 1985 and began a long journey with Ashtanga yoga. In 1987 she opened YogaWorks. In recent years, Maty has studied in the Iyengar system. Maty’s viewpoint is unique and holistic, gleaned from years of study in the Ashtanga and Iyengar traditions. She is a student of Vipassana meditation, and is devoted to bringing the spirit of yoga and her love of meditation to all her students. For more information, please go to www.matyezraty.com.

11 YEM: YOGA AS ENERGY MEDICINE

UNDERSTANDING INTENSITY: STANDING inhale down the spine exhale down the legs FORWARD BEND and up the spine and arms

he Sanskrit word uttanasana literally translates body experiences the effects of gravity in a new way. Tto “intense stretch” (ut: intensity, tan: to stretch, Vertebrae that were compressed while standing, now extend or lengthen). What does intensity mean in can release. As the fluids in your cardiovascular and a healthy yoga practice? How do we manage our lymphatic systems flow with refreshed vigour, your ego that easily shows up on our mat, seeking more mind can pause in a rich quiet. Uttanasana provides intensity than is required? How do we ensure we are you with an opportunity for profound expansion, not disassociating from the challenge a pose presents? while helping you perceive life from a whole new perspective. The answer lies in sukha-sthira, a core principle of yoga, as outlined in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. In sukha- As you approach all asanas, remain aware of sukha- sthira you learn to be alert and receptive in each sthira. Practice yoga as the joining of your whole self moment, finding a balance between being relaxed with this moment. Welcome the asana as a means to and focused, neither stressed nor spaced out. When support the release of your human tendency to push your mind is quiet in sukha-sthira, it is neither dull at or pull from anything. nor agitated, but sparkling and clear. You are in an active, yet surrendered state. You are present for the Do no more than 80% your maximum in any given possibilities of the moment, and able to engage with pose. Uttanasana is not about flexibility. It is a way them, without imposing your will. to allow yourself to experience deep expansion and remain grounded. While rooted, feel vital, sensing Sanskrit is a complex language, in which each word your energy return from the ground to support you. can be translated in multiple ways. As such, we can You develop greater openness, ease of being and also understand uttanasana to mean the experience inner spaciousness. Your perfect asana in the here of profound expansion. and now is one in which you feel rooted, vital and expansive, while cultivating breath awareness and As your head lowers below your heart, the deep remaining present within the whole. forward bend helps you cultivate humility. The inversion also allows your spine to lengthen as your Please begin this practice with at least Savasana,

12 YEM: YOGA AS ENERGY MEDICINE

The Breathing Wave, and Downward Dog. • As you exhale, let your whole upper body, like a rag doll, roll forward and over your thighs. • Stand tall, your feet hip width apart, arms alongside your body. Feel your shoulder relax, as • Let all the tension through the shoulders run out your shoulder blades slide down the back of your the arms, hands, fingers, right to the ground. body. Allow your chest to flower, keeping your ribs in neutral, that is, not protruding forcefully. • Let your spine respond to gravity, releasing vertebra by vertebra towards the ground. As the • Bring your awareness to two-way moving energy. crown of your head releases towards the ground, Inhale, draw life-force energy through your feel more space and ease between each vertebra. whale spout at the crown of your head. Still on that inhale, sense or visualize life-force energy • If you feel any pressure in your head, you may descending through your spine, through your be experiencing too much upward energy. To body/being and into the ground. As you exhale, balance this, bring more awareness into your feel that life force energy travel in two ways: up belly and to the energy running down the legs, your spine to go out your whale spout towards towards the feet into the ground. the heavens, and out your feet into the Earth. • Let the soles of the feet broaden into the floor on • Do this a few times, and sense or visualize your each exhale, as though you are extending roots body/being as a neutral conduit for life-force into the ground. energy. • When you feel you have had enough, you will • When your breath feels focused and relaxed, roll up as slowly and mindfully as you rolled slowly allow your neck to roll forward. Feel each forward, vertebra by vertebra. As you do so, vertebra move one by one, as though you were remain aware of the two way moving energy. walking down the rungs of a ladder. Growing up like a tree or flower from the ground, exhale, as you feel your roots in the • Move through your neck, shoulders, upper ground. You are stacking your energy up from back. Move slowly, still breathing in and out, the roots, through your feet, ankles, shins, knees, remembering to use two-way moving energy. thighs, hips, lower vertebrae, middle vertebrae, Let go of tension in your shoulders and arms, as upper vertebrae, neck and head. As you roll up, you allow them to respond to gravity as you roll feel as though you are arising over a new axis. forward. Keep breathing two-way moving energy. Feel the effortlessness of your rooting, which you • Continue to roll down vertebra by vertebra continue to grow up from the ground. You feel through your middle and lower back. Keep your taller, while more rooted and vital. knees relatively straight, just slightly bent, so they are not locked, which would cause undue strain • Return to a neutral standing position. Take a few on your lower back. long, deep, natural breaths here before you move on. • Continue to breathe in two-way moving energy.

13 MEDITATION BE PRESENT WITH CHALLENGING PEOPLE

his is a practice to help you open in presence Another deep breath in, then out. and compassion when faced with a person Tor situation that has pushed your buttons. One more deep breath in, then out. To begin, take a moment to find your breath by If you are not fully aware of a situation in which taking three long, deep breaths. Perhaps throughout someone pushed your buttons, take a moment now the rush of your busy life, your awareness of this to see if you can remember a situation or person that powerful life-force has been lost. Three deep breaths you found challenging. allow you to once again find inner space and begin to gain more perspective on what you are Now, see if you can perceive this challenging experiencing. situation or person from the vantage point that this moment is not happening “to” you. It simply is. One deep breath in, then out. Remind yourself that any sense of disconnection,

14 MEDITATION separation from this moment, comes from your ego. Within the sphere of mindful witnessing, you feel The ego can be understood as a distorted sense of self closer, less separate from what is. You have touched that only knows how to live through feeling separate. the heart, human connection. It continues, the more you feed it. So if you choose to feed it now, that suffering will keep growing. Looking closer, you see how tense this person’s body has become. You see how much pain they are in. You What happens once you begin to expand your see the disconnected state they are in. You then begin sense of awareness, rather than close off? You gain to realize that if you disconnect and react to their greater insight. You see more. You experience more. anger, you would only add fuel to a painful fire. You can begin to see into what really is. Suppose you remember an encounter with someone yelling You can begin to see that this person’s expression of angrily at you. You notice your immediate reaction pain is a call for love. This person does not feel loved. to become tense and closed, sensing danger, wanting You know this place. You know this pain. A feeling to leave. Leaving is an option, but first, let us meet of spacious compassion arises, and you are present. this moment. You are not the source of love, but by being present, you can rest in the source of love, pure consciousness Going deeper, you see that this person yelling makes arising. As you choose to rest here, you offer the you feel unloved. It is this feeling unloved that other the greatest healing possible. You are a portal signaled danger. You have primal wiring that tells for transformation. You rest in who you are. You you that you are dependent on your parents’ love for offer a quiet, humble reminder of what is. your survival. We all have this tendency. It is part of our human make-up. When you perceive yourself as By acting consciously, not only do you help to release not getting love from someone you see to be a source your own reactivity to painful situations, but you of love, you can actually feel afraid for your life. also help to ease suffering in others. You no longer add fuel to the fire of your pain or theirs. In this, But if you go deeper, you see that no one person everyone wins. is the source of your love, no matter how close you may be to that person. Love comes from all, Even broader still, by meeting this moment as it is, through all, in all. It is everywhere, always, even in you send out a deep state of receptivity for peace and the midst of an angry, emotional storm. Go deeper harmony that goes beyond this one incident. You and you will find connection to that love that is so signal to the universe that you are open, ready and much bigger than this one, temporary experience or willing to release all limited states of consciousness person. Maintain this big picture. in you that perpetuate these kinds of painful situations. By learning to be present when faced with Breathing, allow tension to soften. More rooted in challenging people, you become a peaceful warrior, the big picture, you can also notice how the angry and a transformative alchemist of light and love in person is emitting deep, painful feelings. You know the midst of pain. painful feelings. You can relate. You understand the helpless feeling in the face of overwhelming pain. May all beings everywhere be free.

15 WELLNESS

Jill Bolte Taylor: recovery, resilience and paying attention

Parvati Magazine’s Wellness Editor Dr. Karen Ho spoke with neuroanatomist Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor about her near-catastrophic stroke, recovery, and resilience.

16 WELLNESS

Parvati Magazine: Tell me about your shift in In a way, I had no choice. The old Jill died that day. consciousness as a result of your stroke. For me, the most remarkable thing is: I didn’t die that day. My old life was over, but I was still alive Jill Taylor: I became so aware that I have two and I still have the potential for something new. That different ways of perceiving the world, what I gratitude was everything. It was the seed that gave referred to as the left-brained and right-brained me life. way. I became so aware that every thought, feeling, physiological sensation is the product of the PMAG: How can we better integrate the left and magnificent neurons I have inside my head. When right brain functions? I really acknowledged that, I could feel incredible love, passion, sadness, anger or fear, and I know JT: Paying attention is the first step. We have that this was produced by my brain cells. What this to know what it feels like when I am making a gives me then is an ability to observe myself instead judgement about something, our likes and dislikes, of identifying with what these cells produce. Since what is good or bad. What does it feel like to run the stroke, I have been able to step to the “right” of that specific neural circuitry? For example, if I am my perceptions and understand that so much of our making a judgement about somebody. If I am in experience is a product of neural circuitry and more my left brain, I usually have more consternation on importantly, I have a choice to engage or not engage my brow, bite my jaw or hold my body differently. I that circuit. With that comes incredible freedom. encourage people to become familiar with this part of themselves — how does this feel? How often they PMAG: You had this great belief in the brain’s are in this space, what they do to fuel this. Then plasticity or potential to heal. Was this the key to there is another part of me, the right brained part your recovery? that is much more open, creative, who doesn’t take things too seriously. So, paying attention and getting JT: Yes, we have no idea how much neuroplasticity to know the different parts of you, allows you to would allow me to become a functioning person choose, moment by moment, which to be. again. Also, my mother and I were very close. When I suffered my stroke, she believed that my brain PMAG: Give us a clue about your upcoming book. knew better than any other person what it needed to recover. We both believed that by paying attention JT: We don’t just have two cerebral cortices or to its messaging, we would do our best to set me up cognitive minds — we have two limbic systems, for success. So that was how we approached it: How or emotional systems. The right limbic system is could we serve its recovery? Of course, there was a lot expansive, open and present; the left is powerful, of dedication, patience, and getting out of my own energetic and attached to past and future. I think way. But we also did not set an expectation for Jill to that by learning more about these two different come back the same way she was before the stroke. I emotional systems, it will give more clarity to people did not need to be the same person I was before. about feeling, and how this leads them to operate in the world.

Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor is a Harvard-trained and published neuroanatomist who experienced a severe hemorrhage in the left hemisphere of her brain in 1996. She could not walk, talk, read, write, or recall any of her life. It took eight years for her to completely recover. She is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir My Stroke of Insight: A Brain Scientist's Personal Journey. Dr. Jill feels passionate about helping others find their way back from neurological trauma and created the not-for-profit organization Jill Bolte Taylor BRAINS.

17 FITNESS

Georges Laraque

eorges Laraque was known for being a He found himself in the NHL’s brutal enforcer powerful enforcer during his 13 years in role, regularly called on to drop his gloves and the National Hockey League, but he’s slug it out with someone. But if you think that Gstronger in many ways than people realize. At the sums up his fighting spirit, you’re missing the real same time, there’s a lot more to him than tough BGL. He says, “What I do on the ice is definitely guy. not the type of person I am off the ice. I hate violence.” Born in Montreal to Haitian immigrants, Laraque faced racism growing up, especially in Underscoring this ethic, he became a vegan in his chosen game of hockey, where there were few 2009 and has gotten involved in a number of non-white players at the time. (The NHL is still charitable activities, including disaster relief for a predominantly white league compared with, Haiti under World Vision, Team in Training for for example, the National Basketball Association cancer research, Mira Foundation which provides or National Football League.) Laraque openly service dogs to the visually impaired, and many admits his favourite game is soccer. So why choose other hospital and school visits and charities. He is hockey? “It became my goal at an early age to a partner with natural food and drink businesses, make it to the NHL,” he says. “This was to show and served for three years as the deputy leader for all the people who showed prejudice towards Canada’s environmentalist Green Party. He also me that one day, they would have to swallow follows the teachings of His Holiness the Dalai everything they ever said about me.” Lama.

Nicknamed BGL (Big Georges Laraque), Laraque Laraque was one of the hockey players who was naturally big and strong, and trained hard courageously donned figure skates in 2010 for with a strict work ethic inculcated by his father. CBC TV’s Battle of the Blades show that partnered

18 FITNESS a hockey pro with a figure skating pro for pairs competition. Partnered with Annabelle Langlois, whom he dwarfed by a foot and a half and almost two hundred pounds, he raised funds for World Vision. Laraque says, “I still figure skate too and, each year, I participate in year-end shows for many clubs. I say it and say it again: figure skating is physically and mentally more challenging than hockey.”

But Laraque isn’t limited to skates. You can find him putting his hockey legs to work on his road bike - a replica of the one Lance Armstrong used to win the Tour de France. He also runs races, where his build is far from the norm. He says, “Even though I’m a heavy weight, I participate in many 10k, 21k races and even marathons. I am conscious that I am the only elephant in my category that races such distances, but I love challenging myself and improve my time every time out.” It’s wonderfully refreshing to see an elite athlete be so willing to stay humble and enjoy sports without the need to be the best. We’re still wondering when he’ll try an Ironman triathlon on for size, but he jokes, “In order to do that, I would have to learn to swim. At the moment, I swim like a rock.”

Finally, Laraque is full of fun and humour. “I'm not shy at all,” Laraque says, “and would do pretty much anything to make people laugh because I'm a pretty happy person. I sing my heart out at karaoke even though I can't sing to save my life.”

Let this happy warrior with a huge heart inspire you to step outside your own comfort zone, have PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION AT lots of fun, and help others while you are at it!

Georges Laraque is an NHL veteran who has played for the Edmonton Oilers, Phoenix Coyotes, Pittsburgh Penguins and Montreal Canadiens. His best-selling biography, The Story of The NHL's Unlikeliest Tough Guy, goes well beyond the stereotype of the tough guy. He is now co-owner of two raw vegan restaurants called Crudessence, and Rise Kombucha. A conscientious environmentalist, Laraque stepped up in July 2010 to be the deputy leader of the Green Party. Since his retirement, Georges has been very active as a speaker on topics such as sports, motivation, racism, bullying, veganism, business, charities and politics.

19 NUTRITION

Parvati Magazine: Your website is filled with beautiful photos of delicious food and your passion for what you do is present throughout the site. How did you know that becoming a vegan Healthy food blogger was the right thing to do?

Kathy Patalsky: When I started my blog, it was really more of a creative project to play with. It was 2006 so there were only a few food Happy bloggers out there and “blogging” was barely a career option. I really just loved combining all my passions into one activity: cooking, love of animals, art, creativity, writing, photography, website building and creating a brand. And most of all, actually connecting with people and sharing Life my passion and knowledge of vegan cooking and living. with Kathy Patalsky Somewhere along the way this actually became a viable career for me, and that transition assured Kathy Patalsky is the author me that I had invested my time and energy wisely. and cook behind the very popular lifestyle blog Happy Being an entrepreneur can be challenging because Healthy Life. After trying her there is so much uncertainty from month to “Favourite Stuffed Sweet Potato” Recipe, Parvati month. And competition in this field is so great Magazine caught up with her these days. But at the end of the day I am doing to talk about nutrition, vegan something amazing for animals and the planet recipes and blogging. and people. Inspiring people and helping them

20 NUTRITION choose plants instead of animal products is what need support for these common issues. For some truly lets me know that I am making a difference. people, in times of stress or change, simple dieting can get out of control. That is basically what PMAG: I notice that you focus a lot on happened to me. Work on loving and celebrating empowering people to make their own decisions yourself and remember that beauty comes from regarding their food choices. Have you always inside. Resist the urge to aim for “perfection.” It been open to this idea or is it something that you doesn’t exist. And also get help for any emotional have learned over time? struggles you may be having that may be the root cause of your food and body obsessions. KP: It is beautiful to give people information and let them try food and then make their own For those struggling with an active eating disorder, decisions. I strongly believe that if people think of I say please ask for help. Find a good therapist veganism as a trendy diet or are shamed or forced who is experienced in eating disorders. Confide in in some way to feel like they have to eat vegan, the a friend you trust. Talking about it helps beyond lifestyle change will not stick. Changes only stick words. Also seek out a medical doctor who can when you choose them and over time actually reassure you that you are ok physically. And LOVE those changes. I believe in the power of above all have HOPE that you can be a healthy vegan food! Cook amazing recipes. Try awesome happy person again who doesn’t think twice about vegan restaurants, and the average person just may eating to fuel their body. Healing is possible but it start adding more plants to their diet. doesn’t happen overnight.

My blog is for everyone. If you love delicious PMAG: Just so our readers can check out your food, you’re in! best work, what is your most popular recipe?

PMAG: On your website you speak of your KP: My most popular recipes include my struggles with an eating disorder through your Sweet Potato Veggie Burgers with avocado, my high school and college years. How did you heal watermelon frosty and really anything from my from this? two cookbooks!

KP: It wasn’t easy and took years for me to truly PMAG: If you could only select one piece of heal mentally and physically. Eating disorders are advice to share with the world regarding nutrition, truly addictions of their own kind. I guess my best what would it be? advice is in two forms. To young girls playing with “diets” and who have poor self esteem comparing KP: Eat more plants. themselves to others, please recognize that you

Kathy Patalsky is the creator of the lifestyle blog Healthy. Happy. Life. and is the author of two cookbooks, 365 Vegan Smoothies and Healthy Happy Vegan Kitchen. Kathy is also the founder of the popular blogger-fueled recipe website Finding Vegan, which has over a million followers on social media. Her blog is a manifestation of her favorite things: art, food, wellness, animals, travel, style, photography, nature and community. For more information go to kblog.lunchboxbunch.com.

21 BOOKS

As Reviewed by Amy Kellestine And yet she felt doubts that wouldn’t go away, and questions whose answers left her more and more The Book of Separation is a detailed and gripping unsettled, until she had to make a choice. Could autopsy of what happens when you feel your inner she keep living by the old rules at the expense consciousness calling you away from the religious of her inner voice? Or would she have to risk path you have known your whole life. In the case her connection with family, friends, and entire of author Tova Mirvis, she needed to come to community in order to make a change that felt terms with the reality that she no longer resonated aligned with her heart? with Orthodox Judaism. Mirvis was your typical Orthodox Jew… until she wasn’t. She followed the Mirvis poetically and lyrically articulates the rules of her family and faith. She studied dutifully. practices of her Orthodox faith, and the ongoing She married another Orthodox Jew and became the tension between the various divisions within attentive mother who cooked kosher meals for her Orthodoxy, in a fascinating behind-the-scenes look. growing family. Her struggle to understand her path is evident in a

22 BOOKS tone that alternates between affectionate nostalgia and angry disdain as she describes the traditions and rituals. Reading about the community and connection she found in her tradition, I found myself longing for the comfort of my own family- centred and religion-based rituals.

The storyline moves flawlessly between the different phases of her life: early days of growing up in an Orthodox community, university years where she met her husband, life as a new mother, divorce proceedings. She also reveals glimpses of the challenges navigating her new life as a divorced (and dating!) non-Orthodox single mother, raising three children who moved between households with very different religious observances. Through it all, Mirvis ably knits together the unravelling of her beliefs in Orthodoxy with the weaving of her new belief structure. Tova Mirvis

Having grappled with decisions of a similar are unable to make small changes sometimes end up magnitude, I found that Mirvis nailed the making big changes.” complexity, uncertainty and the growing sense of dis-ease that becomes too great to ignore. Though How many times do we discount a thought or at times the narrative bogged down and became concern, only to recognize afterwards that we would tedious, I appreciated Tova’s journey through have been better off finding the courage to act on it? finding her own path and the way she articulated How loud do those quiet voices need to get before the mental gymnastics of trying to get her intellect we have the presence to heed their advice? to go along with what she knew in her heart, in order to transition from feeling broken and bad to This book should not be misinterpreted as a imperfect and whole. judgement on organized religion, specifically the restrictiveness of Orthodoxy. I believe the book Also of note was Mirvis’s self-awareness in is not so much a statement about Orthodoxy, or recognizing that things could have gone very religion in general, but rather an analysis of what it differently in her life if she had been willing to listen means to find your own individual path. As Tova to her inner voice and make changes sooner.“I knew stayed present with her inner voice, others around I had only myself to blame. I hadn’t listened to the her (including her beloved brother) grew in their voice inside me that doubted…” The advice from a faith and devotion, further highlighting that we friend also foreshadowed her situation: “People who each have our own path to identify and follow.

Amy Kellestine is an educator, engineer, Arati life coach and entrepreneur living in Edmonton, Alberta. She spends her free time camping, gardening, and volunteering for causes such as Cystic Fibrosis and nature conservation. She is a devoted mother, who is passionate about helping others and writing.

23 FILM

HUMAN FLOW As reviewed by Amy Kellestine

had the good fortune of seeing Human Flow people around the world have been forced from this month courtesy of our local film festival. their homes to escape the uninhabitable and I The theatre was packed on a nondescript unimaginable, which is the greatest displacement Wednesday night and the film did not disappoint. since World War II. Instead of stepping up and In it, filmmaker and artist Ai Weiwei paints a very offering solutions and support, nations are literally dramatic and very human picture of the insane building walls and sending the refugees back scale of the current refugee crisis. to the horrors they are trying to desperately to escape. Despite the fact that stories of refugees regularly appear in my news feed, I had no idea of the The film did a heart-wrenchingly good job true magnitude of the crisis. Over 65 million painting the picture of just how desperate and dire reality is for the refugees. A number of images will stay in my mind for a long time to come: the mother stopping to adjust how she is carrying her child and the rest of her possessions on her long journey, the elderly woman attempting a treacherous stream-crossing with the assistance of her peers, the children growing up without a sense of place or possibilities. As one of the interview candidates says, “Being a refugee is more than a political status. It is the most pervasive type of cruelty that can be exercised against a human being. You are forcibly robbing this human being of all aspects that would make human life not just tolerable but meaningful in many ways.”

The cruelty of their situation came across loud and clear. The refugees aren’t leaving their homes on a

24 FILM whim, but because they can no longer stay. War, discrimination, famine, and climate change all forcibly displace the young and old alike in search of a place where they can sleep soundly at night and build a community that supports their soul.

Weiwei and his crew adopted a nomadic lifestyle to record the footage and create this breathtaking film. Their commitment to the vision of the film is notable, as the crew traveled through 23 countries over the course of the year to shine a spotlight on refugee “camp” after “camp” (whether it be a tent city, walled compound or a converted airplane hangar). The cinematography throughout is both striking and breathtaking. Additionally, I really appreciated the contrast of inspiring quotes that appeared in the upper right hand corner of the screen, with the relevant facts and news headlines that appeared like a ticker tape along the bottom of the screen.

However, Human Flow is not without its flaws. It clocks in at almost two and a half hours and if I’m honest, I started checking my watch as we passed the ninety-minute mark. Additionally, there were a number of shots that included Weiwei alongside the refugees that seemed awkward and out of place.

In spite of its length and occasional awkward moment, I do wholeheartedly believe this is a very important film to watch. In the era of wall building and “us vs them” mentality, just being present alongside the stories of so many, touched my soul in ways I couldn’t predict. As the film so eloquently says, “The more immune you are to people’s suffering, that’s very, very dangerous. It’s PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION AT critical for us to maintain this humanity.”

25 MUSIC

usical artists that have been in the pop Imagine that Bruno Mars, Sufjan Stevens, The Shins, machine for two decades risk running Weezer, Blur, The Beatles, MGMT and Childish out of things to say. But that doesn’t Gambino come together to make a record. Now, Mseem to be a problem for Beck. His new record try to find a cohesive throughline for that record. Colors has so much going on that he could have Colors has the flavor of all these artists and more. It titled it Technicolor. It leads off with the title track - a is a quirky, folky, rhythmic, funky and sometimes positive, light, playful and totally colourful blend cheeky mish-mash of musical genres that in the of sparkles and synths and beats. He sings “All my hands of another artist would sit like a cake that has colors, see the colors, make the colors, feel the colors. too many ingredients: dense, messy and indigestible. Tell me, do you feel alive?” Yet, Beck masterfully manages to find simplicity in unlikely complex structures and deliver a delicious, This record marks Beck’s 13th studio album and extravagant and fun feast. The individual tracks on possibly 44th single. He co-produced this record this record are quite different from each other, but with Greg Kurstin in LA, with Greg and Beck the album as a whole plays like a great mix tape, with playing nearly every instrument themselves. This every song different yet complementary. alone, as you will hear on the record, is a jaw- dropping achievement worthy of a tip of the purple Where the trend has been to simplify pop structure, fedora from Prince himself. arrangements and minimal instrumentation, Beck

26 MUSIC has gone completely in the other direction. There be a single, but in my heart it's a hit. The record are so many ideas, instruments, sounds and effects has no shortage of singles for Indie radio stations presented on each song on Colors that it’s hard to and maybe top pop 40 stations. With tracks like imagine the listener has something to grasp onto. “Colors”, “WOW”, “Up All Night” and “Dreams” Yet, remarkably, the songs scan well both individually this album likely will ride its way into the Grammys. and as an album. This likely took an incredible amount of time, skill and love. Colors is not an album for passive listening. It requires your presence. I suggest you listen with It’s expected that artists in the pop arena come and a good pair of headphones, enjoy the broad sonic go. Very few have longevity like Beck. The lyrics palette and how Beck masterfully makes complexity are not spectacular, but the ideas portrayed in the feel simple, hooky and comfortably familiar. Colors is record are brilliant. Beck is able to balance Gen a record that will put a skip in your step and a smile X, Millennial and Gen Z styles and ideals while in your heart. feeling genuine and original. Thematically, Colors is uplifting, vibrant and positively fun. My favourite Enjoy. track “Fix Me” is tender and melodic. It likely won’t

Rishi Deva is the CEO of Kupid’s Play Records. With two decades of experience in the music industry, Rishi has been nominated for numerous marketing awards and earned a Gold Record in the music industry for management.

PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION AT

27 BEAUTY INIKA ORGANIC

Championing the Beauty and Power of the Earth

This month, Parvati Magazine spoke with Tony authenticate our products (e.g. Organic Food Chain). Rechtman, CEO of INIKA Organic, which creates The entire range is 100% natural (and always will luxury skin, lip and eye cosmetics. Founded and based in be), with more than two thirds being made with Australia, INIKA’s award-winning products are certified 70%+ certified organic ingredients, while the rest of organic, vegan, cruelty-free, halal and 100% non-toxic. the ingredients are mineral or water-based. We are also certified vegan and cruelty-free as we believe that Parvati Magazine: INIKA sets itself out as the #1 amazing cosmetics should not be made at the expense certified organic makeup brand worldwide. How do of any creature. INIKA Organic is also committed you stand out from your counterparts? to producing cosmetics that outperform their mainstream, chemical-based counterparts. Tony Rechtman: The industry is plagued with confusing claims around what is “organic”, “natural” PMAG: The liquid foundation is one of your and “green”. At INIKA Organic, it’s not so much bestsellers, and also a favourite of actress Emma what we say about ourselves, but what standards and Watson. Why do you think it is so popular? certifications that we hold ourselves to. To make sure we’re producing the healthiest cosmetics possible, we TR: I think it’s down to the simple mix of having a use only the most stringent certifications globally to natural, organic foundation that gives a professional

28 BEAUTY

result, whilst also being good for your skin. Our of your complexion. To accent your best features, INIKA Organic Liquid Foundation has an incredibly we’re releasing our new Certified Organic Cream INIKA high percentage of certified organic ingredients and Illuminisor to highlight the high planes of the face; is also enriched with Hyaluronic Acid to hydrate and cheekbones, the tip of the nose and the cupid’s bow. plump the skin. [It] is as close as makeup can get to The cream formula ensures that skin is kept with a skincare. We love that it creates that luxurious feel that lit-from-within glow. ORGANIC people are looking for. PMAG: What looks are you loving for upcoming PMAG: I have noticed that one of your new products festive celebrations and in the year to come? is a lip serum which looks perfect for the winter. What do you recommend for your shoppers in the northern TR: Metallic-inspired hues continue to be the it-look hemisphere? for this festive season. Adding luminosity and glow is key, as the highlighting trend remains ever popular. TR: Sea Buckthorn is the hero ingredient in that For the eyes, a monochromatic or single-shadow serum, a coastal botanical that is renowned for its approach makes for a striking party look. The key is a repairing and soothing abilities. You can use it on its premium loose pigment [like the Loose Mineral Eye own or apply on top of your desired lip colour for a Shadow] and plenty of blending [with the Organic boost of moisture in the cooler weather. As the season Vegan Blending Brush] to ensure the look is seamless changes, consider switching to a more moisturising and smokey. formula to care for lips during the winter months, like our Certified Organic Vegan Lipstick. There are a few PMAG: Your Instagram feed is filled with basic product swaps that are great for protecting your breathtaking water and landscape shots. What do skin against the cold weather. One prime example is nature and the environment mean to INIKA? using a BB Cream that features nourishing natural oils to hydrate your skin, whilst also creating a barrier to TR: INIKA actually means “small earth” in Sanskrit. lock moisture into your complexion. Our ingredients are sourced from some of the purest locations in the world. This is the motivation PMAG: The summer season has started down under. behind the beautiful landscapes you see on our What are you excited to share with your customers social channels. Our packaging is 100% recyclable over the warmer months? and we continue to make improvements to our manufacturing processes. Ultimately, INIKA Organic TR: This summer is going to be all about glowing, was created to champion the beauty and power of the naturally-radiant skin. This means avoiding anything earth. This is the reason that our products perform so with heavy coverage that masks the natural beauty fantastically, whilst being healthy.

With more than 20 years of experience in the beauty industry, Tony Rechtman is the founder and CEO of Total Beauty Network (TBN), the parent company behind INIKA Organic. After working for several large multi-nationals in the US, Tony and his partner Sharon identified a large gap in the market for cosmetics that were both high-quality and ethically produced. Tony remains committed to ensuring that all TBN products are innovative and ahead of the curve, as well as being healthy, natural and ethical. For more information go to www.inikaorganic.com.

29 FASHION Time IV Change

Sustainable and Stylish Watches

Time IV Change is a young Australian company on Marko for his birthday. With no luck and months of a mission to create watches that are not only stylish frustration seeing cheap watches using just PU and but also made with the least amount of damage to stainless steel, I decided it was time someone made a our planet and all those on it. Parvati Magazine met change in the market, and Marko agreed. Essentially, with co-founder Monique Medved to learn about we saw the gap in the market, an opportunity to their new Pinatex Range. create an impact and influence change, and so we took an absolute leap of faith and just started a watch Parvati Magazine: What inspired you and co- brand from scratch. founder Marko Stevanja to take the leap and launch Time IV Change? PMAG: How do you approach decisions on product look and design? Monique Medved: When Time IV Change first started back in 2016, there was no independent MM: Our main goal whenever it comes to designing vegan watch brand around. I know this because I a new range or adding new bands and materials is looked for months on end to find a brand to buy to look at what is currently not on the market in the

30 FASHION innovative world of textiles. We want to be leading least 10% of your profits to charity. How are you the way when it comes to new and innovative involving your customers in the program? Can you materials coming through that are being created share a story of the impact made through one of using recycling and science even. So it involves your chosen charities? constant researching around the clock. MM: In the beginning, when we started with our PMAG: The Pinatex Range takes vegan watches to Kickstarter campaign we donated a portion of the a new level with watchbands made from recycled profits to the charities we work with by allocating an pineapple leaves. Why does Piñatex get high points organization to a band colour. So whenever someone for sustainability, and what characteristics make it a purchased a navy band, the portion of profits great luxury watch band? would be donated to the charity affiliated with that colour. Since then, we’ve given the power back to MM: When we introduced Piñatex to our range the customer by letting them decide where they last year, no one really knew what it was and if they want to see their contribution go towards from their did know about it, it was because it was made from purchase. One of the organisations, Animal Hope & pineapple leaves. But the actual process of how the Wellness, managed to set up a veterinary clinic in the material goes from pineapple leaf fibres to a material US for all the rescued dogs in the Yulin Dog Meat is beyond incredible and paving the way for other Festival with the money that we donated on behalf sustainable materials. Carmen Hijosa, the founder of of our loyal customers, which is amazing considering Piñatex, discovered that pineapple leaf fibres could be it’s such a small contribution. bonded to make a non-woven material. So she began to work with the Filipino farmers who extract the PMAG: What’s next for Time IV Change? fibres from the pineapple leaves as a by-product of the pineapple harvest (meaning there is no wastage MM: We have three new ranges we are currently or extra resources like land or water being used in the working on that are completely new looks and styles process). The fibres are then sent to a textile finishing to our current watches but still keeping in mind our company in Spain where the transformation from a ethos and the materials we use. We also have a new fiber mesh into Piñatex takes place. What makes it and exciting material we will be introducing that we such a great luxury watch band is that it is a natural will be the first in the world using for watch bands textile made from waste plant fibres and leaves (I can’t say too much about it yet as it’s still in the a minimal footprint on the ecosystem as well as prototyping stage). We also have plans to expand supporting local farmers in the Philippines. into the US and UK markets which will be big for us seeing as they are the two biggest markets we sell to PMAG: From day one you’ve been giving at right now!

Monique Medved, Co-Founder of Time IV Change, started her first business when she was 17, and when that business failed, Time IV Change was born with her partner Marko Stevanja. She lives in a small town called Geelong, Australia, where Time IV Change started, and has been vegan for over three years.

31 COMMUNITY

FOR THE LOVE OF WHALES

A research grant for whale-spotting on a Hawaiian introduction to marine mammals in the wild. It was island launched positive change for cetaceans mindblowing. After spending a couple of winters around the world. In 1980 Greg Kaufman started swimming with humpback whales and dolphins, the Pacific Whale Foundation on the island of Maui in lab didn’t seem as important as working with them in Hawai’i. Its first Research Director was Kaufman’s their own environment. fellow whale-spotter Dr. Paul Forestell, who is now chair of PWF’s Board of Directors. Parvati PMAG: What made the two of you think you could Magazine caught up with Forestell to learn more. make a difference?

PF: It began when we realized the average person PMAG: How did the love for whales begin? had no awareness of what a whale or dolphin is. Everything that was known about whales and PF: I must admit that my original reason for going dolphins in the mid-70s was based on what biologists to Hawaii was to get out of the New Brunswick learned by cutting up specimens on the deck of ships. winters! I went for a doctoral program that was We understood that people would be interested in measuring the communication intelligence of getting up close and personal to whales and dolphins. dolphins. We had them in a captive facility and I We saw that we could have a positive impact by found out dolphins are amazing. The second year giving accurate information to participants based funding to look at the potential impact of tourism on our research. Greg also saw the potential to work on endangered humpback whales was my first with people to make them responsible tour operators.

32 COMMUNITY

PMAG: Since then you have developed international PF: I'm proud that 35 years later PWF remains guidelines that others can use to have viable whale absolutely committed to empowering people to watching operations. understand how they impact the ocean and its inhabitants, and how we can all do it better. PF: We have been involved in the initial development of whale and dolphin watching in a PMAG: What whale or dolphin experience had a big few areas. In Japan individuals who were fishermen impact on your life? and whale hunters saw an easier opportunity running whale watching instead. [It also happened] in PF: In Australia there was a young adult humpback Australia, Ecuador, Costa Rica. that was stranded on a sandbank off an island in a remote area. An aquarium from the Gold Coast It can be complicated in developing countries, contacted me and I met them there. We took care because often people are transitioning from of the whale for about a day while we gathered subsistence fishing. It comes down to four things that equipment to put a harness around its pec fins and we really work with people to practice in their unique when the tide came in we successfully broke the environments: vacuum between the whale’s belly and the sand by pulling it with a large boat. Over the years we've 1. Give whales and dolphins their space; allow them continued to see it, so we know it survived. to decide what the encounter will be. 2. Practice what you preach. If you see debris out I will never forget tending to that whale on the there, stop and pick it up. Use good practices on sandbank. Seeing a stranded whale after seeing them the boat. Model what you want people to do. in the ocean, and realizing how truly vulnerable such 3. Ensure relevance and accuracy in the information a huge animal can be, created images and emotions you're giving the passengers. I still feel. I treasure the sense of closeness I had that 4. The last one is very important: Develop whale day. and dolphin watching by minimizing the negative impact on your community. We've seen PMAG: Do you feel connected to the whales in a a number of locations where small communities non-scientific way? take advantage of marine mammals nearby and all of a sudden they are flooded with tourists PF: When I'm with them there’s a sense of spirit whose behavior and quantity can affect the social and amazement and immensity that [gives rise to] dynamic of the community. It’s important to spiritual questions. I'm not sure the whales sense collaborate with each other, with social justice and humans in the same way. But they do show curiosity conservation folks. which leads to some beautiful, beautiful interactions. There's always excitement when I see whales, that PMAG: What are you most proud of about the I never take for granted. I learn and see something whole Pacific Whale trajectory? new each time. It's a phenomenal opportunity to grow awareness and that is a big motivator for Pacific Whale Foundation.

Together with Pacific Whale Foundation founder Greg Kaufman,Dr. Paul Forestell is a world-renowned humpback whale researcher, educator about marine life and ecotourism expert. Pacific Whale Foundation has had a pivotal effect on the global perception of cetaceans through Kaufman and Forestell’s books, serving on regulatory boards and taking more than 3.5 million people from around the world to learn about ocean wildlife and marine conservation through their tours. For more information go to www.pacificwhale.org.

33 BUSINESS

SportsArt Exercise that Energizes the World

his month Parvati Magazine connected with Ivo meaningfulness to “breaking a sweat” by lowering TGrossi, CEO of the Americas with SportsArt, power consumption and offsetting carbon footprint. an innovative world leader in sustainable gym In my personal practice and teachings, I constantly equipment. Their new ECO-POWR™ treadmill and work on connecting and aligning the subtle body cross-trainer line take sustainability to a new level by energy centers (chakras) to the elements. The current harvesting energy generated by the user and feeding it climate change predicament is a wakeup call for back into the grid. us, as humans, to reconnect deeply to pachamama [Mother Earth]. I feel blessed that my professional Parvati Magazine: Congratulations on your path and personal evolution brought me to a place appointment as CEO of the Americas with where I have an opportunity to prove that people, SportsArt. As a yogi and student of meditation, what planet and profit should be synergistic and not attracted you to the firm? mutually exclusive.

Ivo Grossi: The initial draw was the sustainable My a-ha moment happened when they took me to a technology they were developing, which allows large meditation room at the top floor of the factory, fitness equipment to generate a net positive which is open at any time of the day. energy output by harnessing users’ exertion. I felt we could turn that technology into a powerful PMAG: How has mindfulness training helped you value proposition that adds a whole new level of be a better business leader?

34 BUSINESS

IG: I still remember the quizzical stares I was is used, together with 100 metric tons of treated getting from my teams when I openly started wastewater from the production line, for watering practicing yoga and meditation on business trips the grounds. and at corporate events. Eventually that initial reaction melted away when the realization dawned In January 2011, SportsArt’s Taiwan factory became on everyone that the odd stuff I was doing wasn’t ISO-14001 certified, which shows the company’s making me a weaker leader — actually, quite the commitment to identifying and controlling the opposite. The excellent top and bottom line numbers environmental impact of business activities, generated over a streak of several years were only products and services, and to continually improve matched by the increase in passion, engagement and environmental performance. accountability from the team. Neuroscience research over the last 10 years has brought to light the positive PMAG: How are your clients leveraging the unique and lasting effects of mindfulness on mind, body and characteristics of ECO-POWR™ to grow their emotional response. businesses, while also benefiting the environment?

Still, in the majority of C-suites, the “tough-it-out” IG: Our clients around the world are differentiating mainstream credo frowns upon yoga as “woo-woo” themselves by leveraging our ECO-POWR™ and reduces mindfulness to a “palliative” for stress- technology to cater to the largest demographic, reduction. So, the paradox is that while the US flocking to the fitness industry: the Millennials. Marine Corps is employing meditation and yoga to make its troops even tougher, business leaders still We have equipped the first sustainable spinning seem to fear that embracing wisdom practices would studio in the world in Sacramento California. turn them and their people into a bunch of happy- Their overall marketing spending has been $150. go-lucky hippies. Yoga and mindfulness are not for They are packed and already planning to expand into the meek. a franchise.

PMAG: The SportsArt brand was founded in In the UK, we have equipped Eco Gym, a chain of Taiwan in 1978. Can you tell us about the roots of boutique fitness clubs that is using our technology to the corporate commitment to sustainability? incentivize their members based on the amount of watts they sent back to the grid on a monthly basis. IG: Sustainability, environmental awareness and Due to a sense of community around a bigger cause, harmonized, balanced flow of energy have all been their attrition rate dropped dramatically. part of the founder’s credo since when SA was a lab. Suffice to say, I have personally met with the shaman Radisson Red has equipped their first flagship Hotel who has worked with the Kuo family to build our in Brussels with ECO-POWR™. Their entire brand current factory according to feng shui principles. differentiation is based on sustainability, of which the “hotel gym” is not an afterthought but an integral Under buildings at the Tainan, Taiwan factory, tubes part of their offering. store up to 7,500 metric tons of rainwater which

Ivo Grossi brings over 20 years of international executive experience in the fitness, health and wellness industry to his role as CEO of the Americas with SportsArt, producers of the ECO POWR™ line of cardio gym equipment. Ivo teaches and practices yoga, meditation, and shamanism. He is a global speaker and writes about mindfulness, leadership and conscious business on his blog at www.ivogrossi.com.

35 MAPS

COP23: The World Comes Together for MAPS With big hearts and inspired dedication, Parvati.org’s around the clock to ensure Darcy and Karen had all-volunteer staff has made great strides to move what they needed to get the word out about MAPS. MAPS (the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary) forward The broad-heartedness of these volunteers and those at COP23, the UN conference on climate change. who gave their time or money to support the work Our Director of Strategic Initiatives Darcy Belanger is a testament to the way MAPS brings us together, and our Outreach Lead Dr. Karen Ho travelled to knowing that we are all interconnected. Bonn, Germany for COP23 on their own time to advance MAPS among the world’s leaders. They Karen’s tireless outreach work in the leadup to the have willingly self-funded and crowd-funded all UN General Assembly in September paid dividends their expenses. Back in Canada, the research, legal, in November, helping her connect directly with many production and communication teams have worked officials at COP23 who are now interested in MAPS.

36 MAPS

Darcy’s presentation on MAPS to representatives Luminaries such as Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Sylvia from SIDS (Small Island Developing States) was Earle, Louie Psihoyos, Peter Neill, Xiuhtezcatl warmly received. What happens in the Arctic Martinez and Julia Butterfly Hill have endorsed affects us all, including the small island states. These the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary, which declares nations face significant threat in a changing climate. the Arctic Ocean north of the Arctic Circle an As the polar ice disappears, we lose its cooling and international peace park, free from exploitation of stabilizing effect on the weather of the planet. All life all kinds, in perpetuity. It stops all activity in the is placed at risk from rising temperatures, rising sea Arctic Ocean that harms the melting polar ice, and level and increased natural disasters, such as flood, ensures the regeneration of this essential ecosystem, fire and drought. MAPS is an urgent necessity. while catalyzing the global shift to renewable energy. It is an effective and immediate solution to the The momentum is building for MAPS. Several unprecedented threat facing our entire world. countries have expressed interest in signing the Parvati.org created the international MAPS Treaty MAPS Treaty. MAPS, the largest marine protected to prevent this key and vulnerable region from area in history, enters into force when 99 countries becoming exploited and exacerbating extreme sign the Treaty. weather, food shortages, flooding and other issues around the world. The MAPS Treaty has been “Many nations now understand that the polar ice is translated into all official UN languages, provided to not going to wait for bureaucracy,” says Parvati.org all 193 UN member states, and shared with officials founder Parvati Devi. “Our situation is urgent and at COP21, COP22, UNGA 72 and COP23. all life on Earth is at risk. There is no more time for anything but bold and decisive action to protect our We urge you to sign and share the MAPS petition at planet. We need the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary https://parvati.org, and to call on your government now.” to ratify the MAPS Treaty immediately.

DON'T LET OUR FUTURE MELT AWAY. PLEASE SIGN AND SHARE THE PETITION AT

Parvati.org is a not-for-profit dedicated to a healthy world. Its first order of business is the realization of MAPS: the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary, an effective step to cool our planet and keep our oceans alive.

37 Tweet us! OnWord Parvati Devi @ParvatiOfficial Thank you for reading the December 2017 issue of Parvati Magazine. Pranada McBurnie @pranada

In presence, one moment gives birth to the next, each Rishi Deva unfolding perfectly. Your individual awareness opens @KupidsPlay to infinite consciousness, and you meet that which is, without resistance. You live more fully. You see more Ella Isakov possibility. You experience greater freedom and joy. @Yogini_Ella

Amy Kellestine As you move through the coming month with all of @AmyKellestine its busy-ness and challenges, may you find presence in every moment and experience renewed energy and Dr. Jill Bolte Taylor delight. @DrJBT

Georges Laraque Parvati Magazine was created just for you with love. Our @GeorgesLaraque all-volunteer editorial staff would love to hear from you. Please share your insights and feedback in the comments Kathy Patalsky section below the flipbook on parvatimagazine.com, or @lunchboxbunch by email to [email protected]. Tova Mirvis @tovamirvis Until next month, remember, Love yourself. Human Flow Love others. @HumanFlowMovie Love our world. We are one Earth family. Ai Weiwei @aiww

Namaste, Beck Parvati @beck

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38 JANE GOODALL Ph.D., DBE, primatologist and UN Messenger of Peace

“Humans have the most highly developed intellect of any species, yet in the name of progress we are exploiting the natural resources of our planet and destroying the complex web of life with no thought for future generations. The oceans are not only rich in biodiversity, but also play a major role in regulating temperatures: we continue harming and polluting them at our peril. It is thus hugely important to establish the proposed Sanctuary for preserving the unique Arctic flora and fauna and thus helping to slow down climate change at this critical time.”

39 Parvati Magazine is a proud supporter of the Marine Arctic Peace Sanctuary (MAPS) - a vital ecological, environmental, and humanitarian initiative to help provide a healthy future for life on Earth.

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