Tantra festivals celebrate the ever-rising wave of human consciousness from a place that recognizes wholeness rather than separation (photos by Steven Roland)

Tantra festivals are on the rise globally because we all need to heal our relationships with ourselves, each other, and the Earth. When we heal, we come into sacred communion with all aspects of ourselves and our world, allowing ourselves to rise out of separation and start living and creating blissful wholeness in all moments.

People who are drawn to these festivals come from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and life experiences. And the age range (usually 18 to 70) is vast. The one thing that Tantra festival attendees have in common is that they resonate with learning from actual experiences and have a shared desire to become more present, aware and connected to their bodies and spirits, as well as deepening consciousness and intimacy in their relationships.

“The energy of Tantra Festivals is infectious! They cultivate this incredible culture of curiosity and openness that allows people to drop their façade and start to feel more of their authentic selves. It’s incredible to watch people's faces transform as they slowly drop their guards and expectations and remember that there is bountiful beauty in every moment and in every connection," says Jovana, producer of the Toronto Tantra Festival.

Why Tantra Festivals Are on the Rise

The intention of Tantra festivals is to bring humans together in union – to heal, learn, feel safe to have new experiences and rekindle their purpose, joy, love, relationships and connection. The pathways to self-discovery are plenty and the journey of personal transformation doesn’t need to be taken alone.

A 35-year-old who has been on the tantric path for a couple of years shared this: “I’ve spent the better part of my life being ashamed of myself… This journey provides you with the mindset, tools, and community to really allow you to learn, live and grow to understand how to connect more deeply, and have fun while doing it!”

Tantra festivals celebrate exploration, which means every person in attendance is often asked at the beginning to check in with themselves and their needs — personal sovereignty, boundaries, consent and choice are often the building blocks of well-organized, thoughtful festivals. This enables people to come together and explore aspects of themselves and their relationships with others, safely and at their pace.

Something that is commonly explored and perhaps redefined for a lot of people at these festivals is the notion of what is masculine and feminine within them. This does not occur from a place of gender separation, but rather from an understanding of the masculine-feminine aspects within each human being, regardless of their physical form.

Tantra is about working with these aspects and exploring the full spectrum of expression. A lot of spiritual festivals focus on bringing the ‘like-minded’ together. One of the incredible opportunities at Tantra festivals is that it is more about ceremonies and practices that resonate from the heart, and not just the head.

“There have been some very positive changes in my life due to my newfound connection with the conscious community and now with Tantra,” said a 66 year-old attendee at last year’s Toronto Tantra Festival.

Expanding Human Consciousness

After more than two years of social distancing and being masked, the world is trying to recover from entrenched practices of disconnection. Many people are still feeling the effects of disconnection, isolation and exhaustion in all aspects of their lives. Our closest relationships sometimes take the worst hit.

This can be heartbreaking and difficult, but it is also an opportunity to reconnect and reclaim consciousness, awareness, love, respect, and kindness in all relationships – with the self, our human family, our Earth and all there is.

There are many ways to work towards consciousness. But it doesn’t always have to be work. Tantra festivals celebrate the ever-rising wave of human consciousness from a place that recognizes wholeness rather than separation. Whatever images or ideas you may have in your head about Tantra and Neo-Tantra, the full essence of it is far more.

What is Tantra anyway?

Tantra is not a philosophy that deals exclusively with sex and sexuality in isolation. It is a spiritual journey of the body and soul, which includes sexuality, because it is a part of the whole human experience.

Mainstream religious and spiritual practices, historically, ignore and repress sexuality. As such, many of us inherit an unhealthy relationship to sexuality, love, belonging and relationships. There is often shame, blame, discomfort, confusion, trauma and lack of safety and belonging associated with this.

Most Tantra and Neo-Tantra practices are about deepening and enriching the journey to conscious empowerment and ecstatic liberation of the body and soul.

It is believed that Tantra emerged around the 6th century in India. Since then Tantra has had waves of popularity in history and culture, often after the fall of great ruling empires. It rose as a somewhat unorthodox and revolutionary mechanism against the more disciplinarian expression of spirituality. Practices were often made popular by women and those who were marginalized by the previously reigning dynasty.

In Sanskrit, one of Tantra’s translations is: weaving together the spiritual and physical, all the time, as a state of Being.

Culturally, this could mean bringing balance and wholeness to a people, a nation, and in our own lives and relationships. Wholeness, in this sense is inclusive of what we scorn as bad, less than, unideal or shameful. By learning to accept the opposite within ourselves, we can truly accept diversity in our world, our relationships and our interactions.

Learning how to relate from wholeness is not something we can sit by ourselves and meditate on, though that certainly is a part of it. What it actually requires is mingling, gathering, learning, talking, discovering by experience what lives in us and each other. This is one of the reasons Tantra and Tantra festivals are gaining popularity today.

If you are interested in deepening your awareness and consciousness around love, expression and relating that authentically guides you to heart-centered, embodied living, then find an upcoming Tantra festival near you!

Coming event:  The Toronto Tantra Festival, coming up on September 5 to 8 near Bancroft, Ont., is a 4-day immersive festival exploring and celebrating love, spirituality, Eros, creativity, and community. Consent, healthy boundaries, and conscious communication are the cornerstones of the festival. Canadian and international facilitators create a sacred, safe(r), sex-positive, and inclusive environment for all experience levels and intensities. LEARN. EXPERIENCE. TRANSFORM.

www.torontotantrafestival.com

 

Nestled in picturesque Northumberland County just 75 minutes east of Toronto, you will find Fells Meadows Farms. The property comprises over 100 acres of rolling hills and forested areas. We are open year-round and have a variety of charming accommodation options on the property. It is within a short drive of a number of quaint towns and beaches as well as unique local attractions and restaurants.

Fells Meadows is the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Breathing in the fresh country air you will find yourself feeling nourished and energized in the beautiful natural surroundings. Sleep deeply and awake refreshed and free of tension and stress. Enjoy a walk, run,  snowshoe or cross country ski on our 17 km of marked trails. The property is a great spot for bird watching and stargazing as well.

Accommodations at the farm includes two charming small cabins, a large safari wall tent, a bunkie, and a 30 foot diameter yurt

The farmhouse is the anchor of the property. It is a lovingly restored and decorated 19th century home. It features 6 bedrooms, two full bathrooms, a professionally equipped kitchen as well as an open fireplace, masonry and wood stove. You have the choice of cooking your own meals, having the house stocked with pre-prepared meals  or you can do a bit of both.

Other furnished accommodation at the farm includes two charming small cabins, a large safari wall tent, a bunkie, and a 30 foot diameter yurt. The yurt is an excellent spot for yoga, meditation and ceremony.

Finally, if you are in a contemplative or meditative mood you can enjoy some time in our unique stone Labyrinth  area. It is modelled after the famous labyrinth of Chartres France.  You are able to book the entire property if you have a large group or just the accommodation you need subject to availability.

Since its opening, Fells Meadows has provided unforgettable memories to all types of guests and groups. We will work with you to provide the escape that meets and exceeds your needs.

Your host at Fells Meadows is Leslie Fell. Leslie is experienced in mindfulness and various modalities that attend to the mind, body, and spirit. She and her staff are readily available during your stay to answer questions and assist you.

Contact Fells Meadows by email at info@fellsmeadows.com or call us at 905-344-5014. Please visit our website at www.fellsmeadows.com  for more details and to book your stay. Remember to sign up for our newsletter to keep informed about specials and happenings at Fells Meadows.

Our address is 2429 County Road 25, Castleton Ontario K0K 1M0

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Press Release Courtesy Alliance for Natural Health USA (Originally published 2013; Updated 2023)

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) has mandated the phase-out of incandescent light bulbs, and favours energy-efficient compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs instead.

Sounds good – until you realize that CFL bulbs contain mercury, and mercury poses a significant cancer risk. A new study shows that CFL bulbs also emit high levels of ultraviolet radiation – specifically, UVC and UVA rays. In fact, the UV rays are so strong that they can actually burn skin and skin cells. Experts say the radiation could initiate cell death and cause skin cancer in its deadliest form – melanoma.

In every bulb the researchers tested, they found that the protective phosphor coating of the light bulb was cracked, allowing dangerous UV rays to escape. Healthy skin cells exposed to CFLs showed a decrease in their proliferation rate, an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species, and a decrease in ability to contract collagen.

General Electric claims that CFLs don’t produce a hazardous amount of UV radiation, and that UV is far less than the amount produced by natural daylight. The truth is that all compact fluorescent lights bulbs contain mercury vapour. Once that vapour is hit with an electric current, it emits a great number of UV rays. UV rays are theoretically absorbed by the layer of phosphor that coats the bulbs – but the signature twisted spiral shape makes these bulbs more prone to cracks in the phosphor, which dramatically increases UV/mercury exposure. Researchers found cracks in almost all bulbs purchased from retail stores, indicating that it is a standard design flaw of these bulbs.

CFL bulbs contain other cancer-causing chemicals as well. German scientists found that several different chemicals and toxins are released when CFLs are turned on, including naphthalene (which has been linked to cancer in animals) and styrene (which has been declared “a likely human carcinogen”). A sort of electrical smog develops around these lamps, which could be dangerous. (Find research results at: https://bit.ly/15zz3pM)

CFLs are supposedly better for the environment, but according to the Association of Lighting and Mercury Recyclers, 98% of CFLs end up in landfills – creating a mercury build-up that can escape into our soil and waterways.

And what if the bulbs break?

On top of that, it’s a sad fact of life that light bulbs break. How do you clean up the mercury after a bulb breaks? The Institute for Molecular and Nanoscale Innovation measured the release of mercury vapour from broken compact fluorescent bulbs. They recorded concentrations near the bulb of up to 800 mcg/m3, which is eight times the average eight-hour occupational exposure limit allowed by OSHA (100 mcg/m3).

Even more shocking, the recommended limit for children is a mere 0.2 mcg/m3. A child exposed to a broken CFL bulb will receive eight thousand times the recommended amount of mercury vapour!

A broken 13-watt CFL bulb will only have released 30% of its mercury a full four days after it is broken – the remainder is trapped in the bulb. So picking up shards with your bare hands or leaving them in poorly ventilated room while you ponder the best disposal method is a particularly bad idea.

Unfortunately, there is no good solution for cleaning up after a broken CFL bulb. Researchers at Brown are testing a cloth made with a nanomaterial (nanoselim) that can capture mercury emissions for proper disposal. But until this is commercially available, it is best to avoid CFLs altogether. And how will we dispose of the clean-up cloth?

We’re happy that the U.S. government is tackling environmental problems, but this “solution” is especially short-sighted – and not unlike the national smart meter push, is creating serious health risks in the long-term.

Worse, soon consumers won’t have the option to buy incandescent lights – they simply won’t be available. The government hasn’t placed an outright ban on incandescent light bulbs. Section 321 of EISA mandates higher efficiency standards for general service lamps. But these standards are high enough that most commonly used incandescent bulbs just won’t meet the new requirements. EISA will effectively eliminate 40-, 60-, 75-, and 100-watt incandescent bulbs. The new efficiency levels will be in full force by 2014.

Please contact your legislators immediately and call for a repeal of the ban on incandescent lights. Tell them about the cancer risks and the lack of proper disposal methods. Please take action today!

For more information, or to subscribe to ANH-USA’s free newsletter, visit: https://www.anh-usa.org write: Alliance for Natural Health USA, 6931 Arlington Rd., Suite 304, Bethesda, MD 20814; Toll-Free Phone: 1.800.230.2762

Online dating has become the norm in the modern world, with more people than ever now choosing to look for love online. For most people, the increased convenience of online dating sites as well as the availability of so many different options, are just some of the reasons why more people are now using them.

According to the latest research, 36% of Canadians have used some form of online dating, and this number is growing every year. If you want to get started looking for love, it’s good to know which are the best dating sites. In this article, we’ll share some of the top sites and give you some tips on how to sign up and find the right match for you.

eHarmony

eHarmony is consistently rated as the top dating platform and is ideal for finding high-quality matches. The site claims that it’s helped more than 2 million people find love since it first launched, and a match is made every fourteen minutes on average.

Unlike a lot of other dating platforms, eHarmony takes profiles very seriously, ensuring that every member completes a compatibility quiz and provides clear and accurate information. This helps the site to match compatible people while helping to prevent scams.

Match.com

Match.com is a hugely popular site with more than 22 million registered accounts. The average age of persons on the site is around 33 years old, and there are many ways to filter your searches and find the right person for you.

While a lot of the site’s features are locked behind premium access, you can still browse through profiles and find what you’re looking for as a free user. There are loads of options to choose from, and you can gain full access to the dating platform from any device you use.

Tinder

Tinder is perhaps one of the most popular options for online dating in Canada, meaning there are a huge number of profiles to choose from. It’s an app that uses your device location to show potential matches that are close by.

You can look through different profiles, swiping to choose those that you’re interested in, and if they swipe right on you, too, you’ll have a match. It’s incredibly easy to use, and it’s easy to create matches purely based on attraction. However, there’s a prevalence of those that only use the app for validation rather than looking for real connections.

Tips for Online Dating in Canada

If you want to have success when dating online, you should follow these tips:

  1. Build the right profile – Creating your dating profile is important, as it allows others to get an idea of who you are and whether you’d be a good match or not. There’s a temptation to make yourself look as attractive as possible, but you should ensure that your profile is still true to yourself. Include all of your interests, that way you’re more likely to match with someone who loves you for you.
  2. Be interesting – Aside from having an interesting profile, it’s important to be interesting when sending messages. There are a lot of dating profiles out there, and with so many options, it’s important to stand out. Make sure your messages are unique and that each one is tailored towards the person you’re speaking to.
  3. Be sure to arrange a real date – When you match with someone on a dating app, you’ll be able to message them and get to know them a little better. Messaging is a lot of fun but don’t forget to move things along and try to schedule a date at some point. The end goal of online dating should be to meet in real life and hopefully see if you have a spark.

Water isn’t just for quenching our thirst on a hot day. It is a vital component for nearly every bodily function, from pumping blood through our body to keeping our joints lubricated and working smoothly. Moreover, it is essential for maintaining our overall health.

As we age, our need for proper hydration becomes more important, as our bodies are forced to compensate for health issues and reduced function that naturally come with aging. So whether you choose to get your 8 cups a day using natural water filters or out the bottle, finding simple ways to increase water intake will keep you feeling hydrated and refreshed.

What is Dehydration?

Dehydration is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when we fail to consume enough fluids for our body’s needs. This can lead to multiple health complications, including urinary tract infections, heart problems, heat stroke, and kidney failure.

Because dehydration affects the health of the cells in your body, it lowers your ability to fight off infections and diseases. It can also prevent the body from adequately healing from any injuries or illnesses.

Why does it Affect the Elderly More?

A study conducted by the Los Angeles School of Nursing at the University of California found that nearly 40% of older people may suffer from chronic dehydration. And there are several reasons why seniors need help maintaining proper hydration levels and water intake.

As we age, our appetites and thirst start to diminish. When our body craves fluids, we might be completely unaware as we don’t experience that familiar indication letting us know. Furthermore, the composition of our body changes as we get older, leaving us with less water in our body overall. Finally, with the increased medication needed, older people are more likely to take medication that causes dehydration.

Symptoms

The symptoms of dehydration are the same for people of all ages. And it is imperative to be aware of these symptoms, as even mild levels of this condition can lead to a wide range of uncomfortable and debilitating symptoms.

Warning signs and symptoms include dark-colored urine or urinating less frequently, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, irritability, muscle cramps in arms and legs, fatigue or weakness, and confusion with decreased cognitive function.

How much Water do You Need to Stay Hydrated?

As a general rule of thumb, taking one-third of your total body weight and drinking that number in ounces is advised. So, for example, if you weigh 150 pounds, you should aim for 50 ounces of water daily. However, as we are unique in how our bodies function and potential health issues we may have, it is strongly advised to consult your GP on a more accurate number for which to aim.

They will consider your medical history, current medications, and overall body condition when choosing a healthy and realistic number to maintain.

Ways to Get Hydrated

While increasing your water intake might sound straightforward to most, there are some who need help with meeting their goals. But the process of getting there doesn’t have to be difficult or overwhelming. You can take simple steps daily to ensure your body receives the water it needs to function.

Foods

If you have trouble drinking the appropriate amount of water daily, switch to eating water-rich foods with every meal. This includes watermelon, cucumbers, lettuce, strawberries, and celery. Eating them in their raw and uncooked forms further provides valuable nutrients to your diet.

Soups, stews, and broths are another excellent way to boost your water intake, especially during the cold winter months. But be aware of sodium levels if you need to be mindful of this.

Routine

The easiest way to achieve any daily task is by building it into your routine. This will take away the continuous effort needed to complete it and allow you to go about your day without focusing on drinking enough water.

In the beginning, make it a point to drink a glass of water as soon as you wake up, after every meal, and before and after any exercise or physical activities you do. It will quickly become a habit, allowing you to focus on other things.

Alcohol Reduction

Alcohol is classified as a diuretic, meaning it sends prompts to your body to remove fluids from your bloodstream. This is why high levels of dehydration and weakness always accompany hangovers.

By limiting your alcohol intake or eliminating it altogether, your body will be able to hang onto more water. Alternatively, you can drink a glass of water after every glass of alcohol you drink to stay hydrated.

Easy to Grab

Having a bottle or glass of water at hand for easy access will increase your chances of drinking more throughout the day. Purchase a reusable water bottle that you can fill first thing in the morning and carry with you wherever you go. If you are more of a homebody, a lightweight water jug and glass next to your favorite chair will do the trick.

Other Options

Standard, clean water is always best when it comes to staying hydrated but drinking plain water daily can become tiresome. So instead of switching to an entirely different beverage, choose other forms of water to give yourself something new.

You can add various different foods to your water, like lemon slices, strawberries, cucumber, and mint. In addition, you can opt for carbonated water or water with flavor drops.