Dear Readers,

This New Year promises to be an exciting one with new research and developments coming through almost daily in the fields of consciousness, science, spirituality, nutrition, activism, the environment, and more. We look forward to presenting our readers with up to date news and information, and we thank you for your support.

This Month’s Recommended Merlian News Articles:

Merryn’s Musings

The Miracle of Castor Oil Packs by Merryn Jose
What I find most fascinating is that all parts of the castor plant are extremely poisonous to eat, but when the oil is extracted from the seed of the Ricinus communis plant, the poison remains in the seed, and it becomes “the oil that heals”, known also by the name of palma Christi, or palm of Christ, probably due to its remarkable healing powers.

Liminal Moments by Cheryl Shainmark
Moved by Mountains

Several years ago I dreamed I flew as a hawk, high above seared mountains, gazing down on granite soil marked only by occasional stunted evergreens. In my dream I soared and twisted, riding the air currents until I actually felt dizzy and then, as soon as I thought, “This is too much!” I woke up. I remembered the details vividly, though I had never seen those vistas in real life. Last week I saw the mountains of my dreams, that is, the dry stretch of the Rockies where the rain rarely falls.

Wellbeing & Healing
Arianna Huffington’s New Venture: Thrive Global

When Arianna Huffington announced last year that she was stepping down from running her digital news site, The Huffington Post, it created quite a stir. Her new venture, Thrive Global is a health and well-being “platform,” designed to promote well-being and productivity in the workplace. Months in the making, ThriveGlobal.com is up and active now. And with big names like Debra Eshmeyer, director of Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move! and Kobe Bryant participating, not to mention Huffington’s own namesake news organization and business savvy, success is a sure thing.

Books
Mindfulness for Parents by Amber Hatch

Much like the benefits of meditation, the quiet wisdom of Mindfulness for Parents sneaks up on you. Amber Hatch has captured perfectly the pitfalls of parenting and the remarkable equanimity that can be achieved by practicing compassion, loving kindness and mindfulness. Whether you are new to parenting, new to meditation, or both – you will reap the benefits of Hatch’s insights and practical advice.

Wellbeing & Healing
Why Sleep Deprivation is the New Smoking

A few years ago the catch phrase “sitting is the new smoking” became popular in the wake of astronaut studies showing that lack of activity (gravity) profoundly affected heart health and life span. More recently the medical and media fields have turned their attention to sleep deprivation – with astonishing results. Chronic lack of sleep has been linked with Alzheimers and other dementia, cancer, MS, weight gain, heart problems, and more.

Media
Paranormal Encounters with Brenda McGee

Brenda McGee is the host of the cable TV show Paranormal Encounters with Brenda McGee, where she interviews a variety of guests from psychics to investigators, to those who have experienced hauntings and other paranormal activity. With over thirty episodes (video) under her belt now, recent guests have included channel Roland Comtois, psychic Karmle Conrad, medium Andrew Dee and more.

Website of the Month
www.thinkingallowed.com

Consciousness
New Thinking Allowed: Dr. Jeffrey Mishlove & Parapsychology

Last year Jeffrey Mishlove, PhD. restarted his groundbreaking YouTube show with a new name, “New Thinking Allowed” (video). Dr. Mishlove, who ran the original series from 1986 to 2002, interviewed more than 200 leading intellectuals, including Joseph Campbell, Jean Houston, Terence McKenna, Michael Talbot, and more. In his introduction to the new series, he explains his motivation for starting anew, as a desire to “leave a legacy of the best thinking out there for those who desire to understand who they are and what their potential is.”

Thank you once more, for your positive feed back and support!

Merryn Jose – Editor In Chief & Publisher
Cheryl Shainmark – Senior Editor

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