In days gone by, wild foods were all we had, that used to be staple diet necessary for human health and survival. Often full of natural medicinal benefits, wild foods often saved lives in times of famine, war and ill health. It’s a little bizarre to contemplate how radically removed from nature we have actually become. As intensive farming methods and consumerism came into being, our general attunement to nature fell away, and our knowledge thereof has somewhat dwindled. Increasing food prices, uncertain times of global change and decreasing food availability has invited more and more people to contemplate alternative ways of finding food by foraging.

I felt to share this amazingly powerful video by the famous Buddhist Alan Watts - an amazing character, with a core splitting, clear view of life and the world. In it, he sums up so eloquently in my opinion why humanity is in the mess it's in, and offers profound insight in how our biggest issues may be resolved. It's essential to realise the source of the problem: which is a false Human Identity itself. That's why he believes (and so do I), that we'll never solve the problems we face with the identity itself. That's like a turkey voting for Christmas! As he suggests, we must instead 'hand over the direction of nature back to nature'...

My attention was drawn recently to an article in the mainstream about the predicted collapse of civilisation "happening within decades". It's something many are talking about in the alternative media and we've spoken of in our Great Realignment series of articles. So why are the mainstream talking about it now and who is behind the study? Knowing these things might offer some clues as to what events may unfold in society. For me, digesting the distinct probability of collapse means you can prepare yourself, especially your consciousness, to let go, take centre stream and allow the soul to guide the ship...

What is the true measure of success in life?
I recently came across this insightful article on the internet that I found quite inspirational. It provides a list of 18 things highly creative people do differently. It also struck me that they are traits that greatly help Walking the Spiritual Path successfully too. So that's why I felt to share them here. How can you find true creative fulfillment, happiness and harmony in your life? I believe you'll discover some some essential clues here below...

There's nothing like increasing awareness through humour. If we can laugh at the world and ourselves, then not only does it bring important issues into our awareness, but heals the soul too. That's what tickled me about this video. You can feel it's based in ironic truth about the nature of society, yet it gives you a good old laugh about it too. So watch the video, let it spike your awareness - in this case to deceptive food labeling - but let it tickle your humour taste buds too...

Recently I came across this (I could use the word 'alarming') report about the level of dead sea life that now litters the floor of the Pacific Ocean. It would appear it's a direct effect of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster, even though mainstream science is currently denying it. Right now, if you check out the alternative media, you'll find a catalogue of disturbing reports about all manner of animal deaths and even birth malformations coming out of the Pacific region. Yet practically not a word is spoken on main stream TV. Make no mistake, this is global event which in the coming years will have a global affect. We need to be aware and informed. It's going to change many people's perspectives on what's really important...

Have you wondered why news about the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant is eerily sparse? Recently the Russian Federation has raised reporting about Fukushima to its highest classification, meaning that if the truth was released, it could damage the foundation of the federation itself. And in America, according to insiders, main stream media are being instructed not to report either, because of their fear of panic. So what exactly is going on? I just came across this video I think all should see. I can feel the impact of this event affecting the entire planet in due course. The synchronistic significance cannot be overstated. We need to pay attention and realise what global events here have kicked into play...

As they say, "all good things must come to an end", but then also "what we do in life echos in eternity". Nelson Mandela is without doubt a great soul that has not only touched the lives of many, but will leave a lasting legacy continuing long into the future. To everyone of us, he is a symbol of courage, perseverance and commitment in the face of adversity. It's these qualities which are so needed at this time to lift humanity into a new evolutionary state. So here at Openhand, not only do we mourn a great man, but also celebrate a great life. Here are a few of his quotes...

20 million people around the globe have so far watched the Thrive Movie. If I had to summarise, I'd say it's really about how the awakening movement can break down the unjust and inhumane, controlling agenda that governs our world; how a more balanced and environmentally friendly society using so called "free energy" could create a sustainable future. To their credit, the Thrive Movement has connected with and supported innovative ventures by entrepreneurial, awakened people around the globe. Personally, I think the sheer number who've resonated with the movie, speaks volumes about how strong the underlying desire for change on our planet really is and I'm greatly heartened by that fact...

Here's a heart warming video if ever there was one. Dairy cows are mostly kept in pretty unpleasant conditions. Separated from their calves so as to keep producing milk; often inside barns away from the fields; and crammed into small spaces. What do they feel? Do they have feelings? The Industrial Food chain apparently assumes not. So take a look at what happens to 25 cows, designated for slaughter when they become no longer productive. See what happens when they're released back into the fields. It's a video that's sure to enhance your delight of mother nature...

I must admit that I get really excited about adding wild nettles into my springtime cuisine. Mother Earth is an amazing friend. If we respect her and take the time to connect, she unveils a carpet of super foods without the need for us to rush off and fill our shopping baskets or spend a small fortune on supplements in supermarkets or health food stores. Nettles are jam packed with high vibrational goodness and have been well documented throughout the aeons for a myriad of health benefits. They are said to help urinary tract infections, act as a diuretic, help break down kidney stones, destroy internal parasites, to relieve gas/colitis/coeliac disease, alleviate asthma, hay fever, hives, dermatitis, arthritis and even help prevent hair loss...

Some of you might have been horrified by the recent sweat shop factory collapse in Bangladesh which claimed the lives of more than 1100 people. I wonder if that had happened in the west, what a furore would have taken place in response? That's almost a third of the people that died in 911 for example. Sweat shops are used by many of the major brands to produce the cheap clothing and vast array of other consumerables we take for granted in the developed nations. It's exploitation of the people who produce them and also the planet. We can stop this happening. How?...