Shambala Festival 2012 September 13, 2012

Becky Cooke steps into a dream-like world of flamboyantly dressed festival-goers, eccentric sights and hypnotic sounds as she attends this year’s Shambala Festival…

Shambala has made my life so much more glittery… almost as glittery as the festival itself. I arrived at Kelmarsh Hall early on Saturday morning. As the rain poured, I strolled through the site with my rucksack and all my possessions covered in waterproof materials. Families grabbing breakfasts for their little ones, and cheery festivals-goers provided a warm-hearted welcome upon arrival. After putting up my tent and dropping everything off, I was eager for a weekend outside. After grabbing a hot drink, I was soon embracing the festival spirit – it didn’t take too long at all! It immediately became apparent why so many people have such a deep appreciation for this festival. Whilst drifting around the festival, with the sun breaking through the clouds fairly frequently, there was a host of fabulously fun activities for children and adults alike. No one could possibly be in a bad mood at Shambala… even in the rain!

With various venues and stages of different sizes, a wide range of brilliant talents performed over the weekend. My personal favourite was the UFO. This was a circular, small indoor nightclub with space goddesses to greet you at the spaceport entrance.

The array of animated people that were gracing the fields of Shambala was truly spectacular. I spotted one fabulous person who was outwardly as happy as I felt. He danced for the entire weekend – like his life depended on it – in a multicoloured lycra all-in-one… absolutely incredible!

Sunday was perfect. The magnificent weather and vibrant atmosphere combined made it a wonderfully special day. Whilst there were many weird and wonderful sights at Shambala, one of the most bizarre was a completely naked man being proposed to by Cinderella – instead of slipping his toes into a glass slipper, he was given a flip flop instead! Come evening, the ‘big burn’ bonfire and fireworks felt cleansing. Although I wanted the fun to never end, the astounding display was a perfect finale to the weekend.

I have always loved the festival vibe… that feeling of disconnection from the real world. Shambala satisfied this completely. It is another planet – one, which I cannot wait to visit again next year.

To purchase your early bird tickets for next year visit: www.shambalafestival.org

By Becky Cooke

Mind Body Spirit London Festival 2012 March 7, 2012

Mind Body Spirit London Festival, Wednesday 30th May – Monday 4th June 2012

With a refreshing holistic approach to life, the Mind Body Spirit London Festival returns for another year to impart wisdom and inspiration for all aspects of every-day life. Relocating to the larger and more diverse venue of Earls Court, the Festival promises to be bigger and better than ever!

The extra space at Earls Court allows for more market place stalls and specialised areas, promising to highlight the magic of face-to-face social interaction with like-minded people from all over the world (without the distance that the Internet creates)! The festival boasts over 50 workshops, featuring inspirational talks on animal reiki, personal development, angels, dynamic clutter clearing, spiritual awareness and the like. On top of this varied selection, the larger space will also allow for more activities than previous years, with free sound healings, guided meditations and a yoga shala providing yoga taster sessions with some of London’s finest teachers which are also free – so you can try a few things first before discovering your next exciting holistic journey.

As well as the range of classes and activities, the stage will become host to cutting edge performances that will run throughout the duration of the Festival. From music concerts to dance and yoga performances, the stage looks to be an exciting focal point during the festivities! And continuing with their proven track record of high-profile guests and speakers, the Mind Body Spirit Festival has planned a line up of motivating speakers, which is inspirational in itself. Big names such as Diana Cooper, Barefoot Doctor, David Hamilton and Laura Day will all make an appearance, infused with new speakers such as Chrissie Astell, Dominic O’Brien, Andie Hudson, and many more. Enjoy workshops to cater for all outlooks and give a motivating boost to start off the summer!

Keeping the community spirit alive, the Mind Body Spirit Festival guarantees an uplifting experience in a unique and inspiring style. Sharon, our Editor, will be paying the Festival a visit and is booking her tickets early; it’s not to be missed! And keep an eye out for the free copies of Inspired Times offered near the entrance, but be quick as they get snapped up early so make sure you grab one– perfect to read in between workshops or when you fancy a tea-break.

Wednesday 30th May – Bank Holiday Monday 4th June 2012
11.00 – 18.00 Weekdays, 10.00 – 19.00 Weekend, 10.00 – 17.00 Bank Holiday Monday
Ticket Price – £10.00 on the door, £8.00 advance, see website for workshop fees and concessions.
For full programme details or advance ticket purchase call the Ticket hotline: 020 7371 9191 or visit www.mindbodyspirit.co.uk

 

Inspired Times:

 

The Bali Spirit Team – HIV and AIDS awareness Gig February 9, 2012

With an essential ethos, that dictates that we can all nourish our personal potential for positive change, the Bali Spirit team are stepping it up a notch. Fully practising what they preach by expanding their good karma into the realms of our social conscious. On the 18^th February this year, the organisers behind one of the world’s grandest traditional festivals of dance, music and yoga are hosting a truly benevolent benefit to raise awareness, money and support to the islands growing HIV and Aids problem.

Famous perhaps for the gnarly waves and cosmic culture, when we think of Indonesia, particularly Bali, un-merciless infec

tions of Aids and HIV doesn’t instantly spring to mind. Yet, according to the latest data collected by the Gianya Commission of AIDS, the number of outbreaks has unfortunately more than doubled in Gianyar alone, rocketing from 181 to 405 in the last year. However the saddest thing about this devastating disease is that its infection is relatively preventable with a small amount of education and financial investment. This small, but important fact has not been over-looked by the good souls behind The Bali Spirit Festival and The Ayo! Who provide through Edu-Spirit, educational workshops for hundreds of school-aged teens, whilst simultaneously spear heading an aggressive media campaign highlighting the problems of infection hitting the island.

 

This great February gig is the fifth in a series of annual charity concerts geared towards the Balinese audiences. It is no little feat either, last year they welcomed 3000 Balinese and Indonesian nationals. So far it’s estimated that they are on target to raise over £56,000 for Ayo! Kita Bicara, and other local organisations including ‘Bumi Sehat’, Ubud’s well-known natural birthing clinic, and ‘Pelangi School.’

Through live music, dance and a generally good time they will be targeting both the adults and youngsters of the island. Handing out hope and awareness, while their cosponsors Yamaha and Sutra Condoms hand out free educational materials and condoms.  So if you are by any

luck in Bali this month and fancy joining in a fun filled, truly authentic, fantastic live music extravaganza, get yourself to Ubud Soccer Field on February 18, 2012, from 5 p.m. – 11p.m.

For more information: http://www.balispiritfestival.com/ayobicarahivaids.html

 

 

Perfect eco-gift for kids and parents! December 9, 2011

                                                                                 If you are a bit stuck for gift ideas this Christmas, or have a rather large family to buy for, why not purchase a board game? They are fun for all ages and much cheaper and easier than getting individual pressies!

Go Green Board Game www.gogreenboardgame.co.uk  is a new, fun and educational board game, designed to allow you to become self-sufficient and green – if only for a few hours! The box contains miniature pigs, chickens and hay bales to fill your garden with. You can also grow fruit and veg in your allotment. It has been raved about by many, and now here at Inspired Times, we are joining in on the fun!

 As you work your way around the board with a wheelbarrow, all of these items can be collected and added to your (hopefully!) thriving patch of land. Along the way you get to learn some amazing facts about sustainability through ‘Natural Selection’ multiple-choice cards. If you get the answer right, you win a hay-bale to feed your livestock. If not, you still learn eco-information about some rather amazing facts, such as the UK imports 90% of all its fruit!

To add risk to the fun, ‘Green Fingers’ cards throw obstacles in your path of going green. Foxes may eat your chickens, or your own animals may eat your vegetables! You never know which way it will go in this engaging and innovative game.

The winner is the person who grows the most fruit and veg in their allotments and who owns the most animals in their gardens the first!

Play to your hearts content with kids and adults alike. If it’s good enough for Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, it’s good enough for us!

Eco Event – one not to be missed! October 5, 2011

The annual Schumacher Centenary Festival, 8-9 October 2011, is pulling in a massive crowd this year (www.schumacher.org.uk). From Caroline Lucas, leader of the Green Party, to the poet Matt Harvey, the collection of speakers is truly awe-inspiring. At this festival, Bill Mckibben, founder of 350.org & author of End of Nature, Polly Higgins, environmental lawyer and Satish Kumar, Editor of Resurgence, join the compilation of famous names to talk a little about their view for the future of the planet. The weekend celebrates the life of Schumacher, author of Small is Beautiful and A Guide for the Perplexed and pioneer of green economics.

The future is looming and mankind needs to take a moment to work out where it stands. Green issues such as landfill sites, global warming and damage to the ozone layer are potential minefields and need to be assessed by leaders in the know. This festival, which spans a weekend this autumn, is packed with lectures and workshops about the environment, and an evening concert of music from India, Africa and the UK. It will be held at the Colston Hall in Bristol, returning to the place it was originally staged in 1978.

In ‘an audience with…’ do you dream of watching Peter Blom or listening enthralled to Rob Hopkins? If so the Schumacher festival will keep your inner green spirit thriving.

The Big Green Home Show! September 8, 2011

Rising energy bills, a tough economic climate, and a Government drive to reduce carbon emissions mean that creating an energy-efficient home has never been so important.

It is now easier than ever to build green, and achieve a house that’s comfortable to live in, economical to run, and has a reduced impact on the environment. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the Big Green Home Show, hosted by BuildStore at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre, and this year will be no different. Building on the success of the past three shows, and the ever–increasing interest in all things eco, the three-day event will feature even more products, seminars and experts, as well as the unique ‘walking seminars’ by green experts. You’ll find invaluable expert advice on the essential eco elements to help you decide what’s best for your home and your pocket.

The UK is now the world’s sixth largest low-carbon and environmental economy, and still growing. It is no longer just a ‘wish-option’ to be energy-efficient. At this year’s Big Green Home Show, you can sit in on seminars and get one-to-one advice from industry experts on the latest legislation, regulations and Government schemes and how they will affect your project.

With the new incentives for renewable electricity and heating, the Government are essentially rewarding you for not plugging into the grid and the sums seem to be stacking up. You can find out more about the funding of your project from BuildStore’s team of specialist finance advisors at the Show, including the exclusive Eco Accelerator mortgage.

“At the Big Green Home Show, you’ll find plenty of expert advice and guidance on the essential eco elements you need to consider, and understand. As well as, talking directly to manufacturers and eco experts; our unique Centre allows you to see all the latest products and systems in-situ, in our three full-sizes houses.  It’s the UK’s brightest eco exhibition, and could help you save pounds as well as the planet.”

For comprehensive and impartial advice on green self build, renovation and home improvement, visit the Big Green Home Show (28^th – 30^th October 2011) at the National Self Build & Renovation Centre in Swindon, just off Junction 16 of the M4. To book free tickets or for more information, visit the website at www.biggreenhomeshow.co.uk  or call 0845 223 4455. Tickets on the door: £10 per adult or £15 per couple

The Isbourne Holistic Centre

As the field of holistic well-being extends its reach into the wider community, places like the Isbourne Holistic Centre in Cheltenham are increasing in popularity.

 The idea of cultivating some kind of inner-peace has been around for millennia. The idea of an essence, soul or spirit has developed over time and space and has been indoctrinated, structured and theorised by varying belief systems throughout history. Recently the UK has seen a shift in spiritual healing and it is being re-introduced into society not just as a religious or an alternative form of treatment but as a therapy of relaxation with both psychological and physiological benefits. The changing tide in attitude towards holistic wellbeing can be seen in the mainstream media, with sections devoted to regaining a sense of inner peace challenged by external stressors caused by modern life. As Mind, Body and Spirit are being noticed and nourished, places like Isbourne are becoming very important parts of society.

 The Isbourne Holistic Centre, established in 1995, aims to ‘create positive lives through education’. The overall idea is to let go of the outside world and indulge in something new that will make you feel fit, nourished, relaxed or stimulated alongside other people looking for a positive experience. Janie Whittemore, the Centre Manager, explains: “The overall aim is to offer joyful and meaningful experiences to as many as possible, embracing all ages, cultures and creeds with love and understanding”. Offering great feedback, one customer explains they felt the “reverberations of the opening to divine love” during one class, whilst another simply stated they felt blissfully relaxed.

 Endeavouring to ‘cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and self-awareness’, the centre reaches out with its Holistic Education Programme that aims to promote healing, social responsibility, compassion, meditation and celebration. Classes are set at an affordable rate to diminish exclusivity. Isbourne has attracted internationally renowned speakers and authors like Byron Katie and Brandon Bays, as well as TV presenters like Peter Owen Jones and Graham Hancock, who have shared their knowledge with like-minded individuals. There are many treatments on offer at the centre from the well-known to the unusual.

 Cranio-Sacral Therapy (CST) – now offered at Isbourne – is a treatment focussing on the corresponding movement between the cranium and the sacrum (the head and the very base of the spine).  With a basis in osteopathy, it was designed to alleviate the pressures affecting the cranium and spine by re-articulating the body into a state of re-balance. The founder of CST, William Sutherland, was initially criticised by scientists for the lack of empirical evidence, however Sutherland’s treatments took a change in direction when he noticed another dimension to the treatment, an aura he referred to as the Breath of Life. The focus became more spiritual than osteopathic and practitioners no longer needed to be schooled in physiology in order to gain positive results as they focussed upon the emotional and psychological aspects of their patients instead.

 Sharon Henshall, founder and editor of Inspired Times Magazine recently visited the Isbourne Holistic Centre in Cheltenham to experience CST at the hands of Claire Seabrook. Describing the therapy as “subtle yet soothing”, Sharon felt nurtured and cared for and enjoyed the atmosphere of the therapy. “Knowing nothing about CST before the treatment, I was unsure what to expect,” she says. “I found it intriguing and the results made me feel peaceful and contemplative. I would recommend the process to anyone.”

 CST is an instinctive therapy that attempts to tune into emotional states with subtle touches to the skull and spinal pressure points. Different to a massage or therapies that are very tactile, the peaceful balanced feeling following the treatment and the emotional dialogue throughout helped achieve a sense of soothing and solace that was powerful in its subtlety.

For those wondering how the workshops, classes and talks are chosen, Janie has some simple objectives, it must “help educate, responsibly inform and enlighten without prejudice” and on everything from belly dancing to Shamanic Dreamtime Ceremonies to the more usual Imaginative Writing classes, it really is a positive source of inspiration. A hub of holistic healing in the West of England, it really is a beacon of light against the greys of every day.

For more information visit: www.isbourne.org