MAY 2013

2 IMAGINE MAGAZINE

BE BOLD. BE WILD. BE FREE.BE YOU

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The most obvious, important realities are often the ones that are the hardest to see and talk about.

Make a conscious decision about How to think and What to think about.

Be aware enough to give yourself a choice. The choice to look differently at things and at people.

You get to decide how things that happen to you will affect you.We are tomorrow’s leaders.

Think about that for a moment.What kind of tomorrow do you want to have?

This issue is an introductory edition into our Manifesto.Edition dedicated to Art, Culture, Lifestyle and

Inspiring Citizens.May it inspire you to get involved and to see your daily life

differently. You have the power to change your world.

Be Bold.

FROM

THE EDITOR

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IN THIS ISSUE ...FROM THE EDITOR 3

CULTURE:ART 8

CULTURE: ECO CALENDAR 9

PHILANTROPHY: PROFILE 10-11

MODEL CITIZEN:PROFILE 14-17

STAY HEALTHY:YOGA 20-21

STAY HEALTHY:VEGETARIANISM 22-24

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IN THIS ISSUE ...STAY HEALTHY:

VEGETARIANISM 22-24

CULTURE: BOOKS 26

CULTURE. POEM 27

TRAVEL 28-33

MODEL CITIZEN:INSPIRE 34-35

CHARITHY 36

INSPIRATION 37

PHOTO: MONICA PARASCHIV

MODELS:CRISTIANA PARASCHIVALEXANDROS LUCIAN

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FREEDOM PLEDGE. DISCOVER YOURSELF.

WHY NOT GO AHEAD AND MAKE YOUR DREAMS HAPPEN? LET’S SAY NO TO FOLLOWING THE CROWD. LET’S DISCOVER OUR

OWN PATH AND MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE BY CHOOSING DO THE THINGS WE LOVE, AND PAINTING IT IN OUR OWN COLOURS.

THE WORLD IS SUCH A BIG PLACE. WHEN YOU FEEL LIKE TRAVELLING, JUST PICK A SPOT AND GO. DON’T LOOK BACK.

TRUST YOUR INTUITION. IT’S YOUR GIFT FROM THE DIVINE, PART OF THE DIVINE, SO IS GOING TO TAKE YOU THAT THE ROAD YOU

ARE SUPPOSED TO GO. AND EVEN IF YOU’LL FACE TROUBLES ALONG THE WAY, REMEMBER THAT YOU FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS AND

INTUITION.

ALWAYS. BUT ALWAYS, KEEP AN OPEN MIND. DO NOT JUDGE OTHERS.

YOU HAVE NOT WALKED IN THEIR SHOES AND NEITHER HAVE THEM IN YOURS, SO YOU BOTH HAVE NO IDEA WHAT IT TOOK FOR YOU

TO GET AT THIS POINT IN LIFE.

SING. DANCE. LAUGH AS LONG AS YOU BREATH. READ. LET YOUR LIFE BE AN INSPIRATION FOR OTHERS.

TAKE SOME TIME OUT EACH DAY TO DO SOMETHING YOU LOVE AND SOMETHING YOU WERE SCARED OF DOING.

TALK TO EACH OTHER. BUT INSTEAD OF JUST SPEAKING, REALLY TALK TO EACH OTHER ABOUT YOUR TROUBLES,YOUR FEARS, HOPES

AND DREAMS. RELEASE THEM INTO THE UNIVERSE.

AND REMEMBER, AT THE END OF THE DAY, ALL WE HAVE IS WHO WE ARE. YOU WILL HAVE TO LOVE AND LIVE WITH THAT PERSON

FOR THE REST OF YOUR DAYS ON THIS EARTH. BECOME THE PER-SON YOU SECRETLY WISH TO BECOME.

IMAGINE. WISH. MAKE IT HAPPEN.

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THE BELGRADE THEATRE BELGRADE SQUARE, CV1 1GS 024 7655 3055

The Belgrade Theatre is the only professional theatre in Cov-entry. Always having a range of different vibrant programs that is designed to entertain all the age categories in Coventry and around and also raise the profile of a producing theatre, the theatre is the place to spend one of your weekend days. We certainly recommend it. Take your friends, loved ones and try something different. We promise you won’t get bored! WHAT’S ON IN MAY:Monday 20 May: The Shaolin Warriors - Return of the Master. Tuesday 21 May: Vampires Rock is set to bring a unique combination of vampires, comedy and the greatest rock anthems to Coventry audiences.Wednesday 22 May: Motown’s Greatest Hits – How Sweet it isFriday 24 May: The Counterfeit Stones – celebrating Sir Mick Jagger 70th birthday.Saturday 25 May: Queen of the Dance - all Irish and World Champion exponent of Irish dance, Catherine Gallagher will lead her cast of international Irish Step dancers in her show.

CULTURE

ART IN COVENTRY BE INSPIRED...

Taking the idea of entertainment and loisir to a new level. Here are our two favorite ART spots in Coventry.

Give it a go. Do something that will enrich your culture and elevate your spirit. Let yourself see things from a different perspective.

Situated in the heart of the town, The Herbert Gallery is dedicated digital media facility within a regional gallery and museum. A place to spent a lovely afternoon and be inspired. Besides the magnificent on-going exhibitions, the gallery has a coffee house as well, where they serve some delicious cakes!Why not take an afternoon and do something different. Take a different view on life.

WHAT’S ON:

CAUGHT IN THE CROSSFIRE: ARTISTIC RESPONSES TO CONFLICT, PEACE AND RECONCILIATION (JANUARY 2013 – JULY 2013)The exhibition explores how artists combine both the brutality of wars and the desire for peace.On show there are historical pieces alongside contemporary pieces by Bansky, Peter Howson, War Howson and John Keane.

WASTED (MARCH 2013 -JUNE 2013)On show works by Gina Czarnecki, who explores life-giving potential of “discard-ed” body parts.

THE HERBERT GALLERY

JORDAN WELL, CV1 5QP 024 7683 2386 Monday -Saturday 10.00am – 4.00pm Sunday 12.00pm – 4.00pm

*PHOTOS MONICA PARASCHIV

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CULTURE

PHOTO: NIMIA ALEXANDRA GEERMAN

MARCH 22 - WORLD WATER DAY

APRIL 22 - WORLD EARTH DAY

MAY 25 - INTERNATIONAL BIODIVERSITY DAY

JULY 17 - WORLD POPULATION DAY

AUGUST 18 - INTERNATIONAL YOUTH DAY

AUGUST 26 - WORLD WATER WEEK

OCTOBER 16 - WORLD FOOD DAY

DECEMBER 12 - HUMAN RIGHTS DAY

“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” - Mahatma Gandi

ECO CALENDAR.BE CULTURALLY CONSCIOUS AND CELEBRATE THESE DAYS. DO SOMETHING BENEFIC EVERY DAY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT YOU LIVE IN.

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ALAN TAMEUR:“Do everything you’ve ever wanted to do in life.”

People like Ray Charles, Mahatma Gan-dhi, Nelson Mandela and Eminem inspire him. “The people who rise above the strug-gles and injustices in life are the ones who inspire me the most.”, he says.

Meet Alan Tameur. A young man who is an inspiration for all his loved ones, but who is also trying to leave his significative mark on this earth.

Alan will most certainly describe himself as as a “people’s person”, always spontaneous and that loves to help and make happy others.

He has a passion for music and hopes that some day will become a known artist.

And because of his love in helping others, he decided that in September he will climb the Kilimanjaro Mountain in order to help the ChildReach International foundation.

The charity aims to give better access to education and healthcare to children in underdeveloped parts of the world.

During the years, he was involved in few charities: National Autistic Society, Oxfam and the Haiti Earthquake Appeal. So after watch-ing a BBC documentary about the Kilimanjaro mountain, a friend introduced him to the work ChildReach International has done for children in so many countries. It was a chance to help children in Africa. One that he could not re-fuse.

“Positivity is the key in life”, he told us. “Always look at the bigger picture with a lot

of things, finding the positives and turning the negatives around. It’s why I admire the work that ChildReach International do in the way that it provides children with the educa-tion needed to hopefully give them a positive future.”

In September he will leave Coventry with the direction Nairobi (Kenya) and then cross to Tanzania.

But before he can leave UK to climb one of the most famous mountains and change lives, he needs to raise £2,500! And, as the artist that he is, he has been organizing few events around the town.

“My main event that I have planned is a two-set 24 hour piano marathon. This is something I’ve never tried before and consists of me play-ing piano for 24 hours over two days.

I had originally planned to do it for 24 hours straight, but was strongly advised against it. I have also set the challenge to only drink water while playing to feel, if only for a slight mo-ment, how a child in an impoverished country would feel. I’m hoping to raise over £500 from the marathon, which has already gained inter-est from the editors at Elton John’s website.

The event will be held at Leaf Tearooms and Piano Bar in Leamington Spa, a brilliant venue that has a great reputation, between the 17th and 18th May.

Special guest singers and musicians will also perform during the marathon. It’s titled

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PHILANTROPHY: PROFILE

‘1 Guy, 1 Piano’ and more can be found typing that into Facebook and Twitter!

So far I’ve received a great amount of dona-tions from some brilliant people and recently held a ‘Fish Slap’ day where me and my house-mate got slapped with a fish by members of the public. Going through a salmon and two mack-erels, we raised £113.80 in the space of three hours!In addition, I’m planning the ‘Big Fat Quiz of the Decade’ sometime very soon, several acoustic nights and an event inspired by some unemployed steel workers from Sheffield.”

An inspiring young man that should stand as an example for us all. Helping others is the greatest reward we can get back in this life. So why aren’t there more people doing it?

We asked him about his life philosophy and about what inspires him every day to think more of others.

I have two phrases that define my way of life.

One is to never take anything for granted. When I was 12, me and my family left the country to move to Saudi Arabia for four years.

In that time, I found out how much I missed the UK, how many liberties we got here.

The other phrase is simply to treat others how you would like to be treated. You may never know that the kid you bullied in school could turn out to be the richest man in the world.

We thanked him for giving us an inspiring interview and asked him if he could give any advice to us, the young intellectuals, just like him: “My advice is simple really, do everything you’ve ever wanted to do in life and never miss up on an opportunity to help others. Nothing is more rewarding than the feeling of doing some-thing good for someone else. Also, don’t follow celebrities. They’re annoying and a lot more messed up than they like to make you think.

Be individual and make your own stamp in the world.”

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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-Tzu

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“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Lao-Tzu

PHOTO: FREE&EASY TRAVELLER

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JESAL PHANKANIA Dentist, Dad & Yoga Practitioner

Having people that inspire you around is very important. In our search for people that inspire the community, we stumbled across the Phankania family. Beautiful souls that strive everyday to build a better

world for their family and for others around them. They are this month’s Model Citizens.

I met them all in the comfort of their home, a place where no matter what day or hour you arrive at, you will be greeted by welcoming arms, warm

smiles and an offer to stay for lunch. Jesal is a 32 years old dentist, married with the beautiful Nishi and together

have two children. He talks to us about his life, inspiration and about overcoming obstacles.

MODEL CITIZEN. PROFILE

15 IMAGINE MAGAZINEPHOTO: CRISTIANA PARASCHIV

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Q&A WITH JESAL PHANKANIA

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LIFE PHILOSOPHY. My life philosophy.. Treat everyone equally.

Treat everyone as they have the potential to love is what I would say. Even the most angriest person that you come across. Because that is actually a call for love. A call for attention.

We can’t necessarily give that love to everyone we meet, because we’re finite.But that’s probably where my life philosophy comes in.That person does exist; that person that I call Krishna, and that person can and is reciprocating with everyone but not everyone is realizing that.

So I would say that that’s probably my life philosophy: to love and be loved and understand that we are always receiving that love , we just sometimes don’t realize that.

WAS THERE A MOMENT IN YOUR LIFE WHEN YOU FELT LOST? WHEN YOU FELT YOU COULDN’T OVERCOME WHAT WAS IN FRONT OF YOU? WHAT HAPPENED THEN?

If I’m completely honest with you, when I think about this question, there’s never been a moment when I felt lost and I think that’s down to the way i’ve been brought up. My parents have always given me an idea that there is a higher person, God, we call Him Krishna, and that person is with us always.And they are our well-wisher, our friend and He will look after us no matter what situation arises.

So even in my darkest moments I would say I always felt that presence with me.

If that person is a product of my imagination or whether its actually true, it’s a good device that they have thought me as a child.

Yes, maybe I felt a lil bit lost, but I was always able to remember that fact that we’re all not alone at all.

If you wanna go from here to London, you still have to go by what the road says. You got to go round, under, through. I would say that with any obstacles, we just got to work out whether we need to go under, around or whatever.

Obviously, there’s sometimes when you got to take a pause for a moment, but I think you just got to think what have I got to learn from this situation.

And I think that when you find that moment of learning, you can actually realize that things take momentum again. So I think that’s the way to approach any obstacles. Just keep going.

I KNOW YOU TRAVELLED QUITE A BIT IN YOUR LIFE. WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION

FOR EXPLORING THE WORLD?When I was a teenager, I was just looking

through some old drawers and I found this old book that belonged to my dad.You know when you finish school, you have a book and all your friends sign it.

He must have been 15-16 years old. I was reading through it, and there were so many nice things. And then one person had drawn a little drawing of a horizon and a sun, and underneath it said ‘Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you will see further’.

And that just struck me.I think there’s the phrase ‘broaden your horizon’.

I think that everything you experience is broadening your horizon.And travelling is part of that. I haven’t been to all the places that I’d like to have been, but I suppose I’ve been around Eu-rope, America, India, Malaysia, North Africa.

And all of those visits broaden my horizon.The more you go and do that, the more you want to see.

It is nice to see all the different cultures and actually there’s few things that are the same in all this places – even if you look at things geograph-ically. It’s just nice to go and see this places and understand what has taken them to get to where they are. Also, spiritual travelling is important for me. I’ve been to a place called Vrindavan – which is in india, and Mayapur.

This are really mystical and spiritual places. Maybe you can go.

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MODEL CITIZEN. PROFILE

“Go as far as you can see, and when you get there, you will see further.”

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE YOUNG GENERATION OUT THERE? HOW CAN THEY TAKE STEPS TOWARDS A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE?

If we think about the word “culture”, it comes from ‘cultivate’. It is basically an environment that you can put something in for it to grow. Culture therefore, is the environment of the people.

The culture of society at the moment is love things and use people. When it should be use things and love people.

So if you put someone with a clean slate in that environment, where you get that for happiness you need to buy this, you need to have this..

What I would say needs to happen is that people need to feel an abundance. Because if you actually think about what people have the most in life, they actually give the most.

The people who give, they actually receive more. The people that are holding onto anything more, they actually don’t have that much. And that doesn’t necessarily means things; it means time with loved ones as well.

I would say: think of you and your life as abun-dant;I would say that culture has to be more based on spirituality.

Self realized spirituality and I would say Krishna Consciousness spirituality.

Krishna Consciousness - where instead of our desires being in the middle of the society, which will con-flict everyone elses’, we should put the desires of a merciful and loving God.

WHAT IS THE MARK YOU WANT TO LEAVE ON THIS EARTH? WHY?

Hmm.. There is a book that I’ve read when I was younger. It was called “How to win friends and influ-ence people”.

There it talks about making every-one you meet your friend. It says that when you leave that person, you should light a small light in their

heart. And that little flame is your mark in their life.

I don’t think I can really do anything big in this world. I’m not really a big person. But if I at least try and lighten as many lights as I can, and they can light as many lights as they can, then maybe the world would be a brighter place.

IF YOU KNEW YOUR TIME ON THIS EARTH WILL END TOMORROW, HOW WOULD YOU SPEND

YOUR LAST DAY?I would serve God. Because God is the root of

everything. And by serving the root, everything else gets nourished. How would I do that? By kirtan yoga, by music. Chanting the Hare Krishna Mantra for 24 hours. And it would be fortunate to know when that day comes.

ANY BIG PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? The plans are all now shifted to whatever my

children’s needs and desires are. The big plan has already been started with 2 children. It is really their plan now. Building a foundation for them. I had big plans before, but the children are bigger than all those plans.

JESAL’S MRIDANGAM. (PHOTO MICKEY SHAH)

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Say YES to YOGA!

By definition, Yoga is a spiritual and as-cetic discipline that includes breath control, meditation and specific body postures that is practiced for health and relaxation.

But Yoga goes beyond that definition. Yoga is a healing system of both theory and practice that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.

It is a system that has been proven to work for so long. That can help us find a balance.

We searched all around Coventry and found the best teacher that will teach you not only postures, but also how to fall in love with yoga and make it part of your daily routine.

Meet Rebecca Hannah a former Coventry University student, who started practicing yoga for staying fit, but it grew on her so much that she is now a full time Yoga teacher with classes in few places in town.

TELL US ABOUT ABOUT THE TYPES OF YOGA YOU TEACH.

My training in yoga includes Ashtanga Yoga and Arco.

To me life is about creating variety so I take influences from many mediums,including yoga, personal training, circus, physical theatre and dance.

I fuse it all together to create my own brand ‘Urban Lotus Yoga’, a fun free flowing style of yoga that focuses on building strength stamina and flexibility in a relaxed and fun environment.

IN YOUR OPINION, HOW CAN ANYONE BENEFIT FROM PRACTICING YOGA?

You can take it from level you want and take it to the one you wish. You can use it for relaxa-tion, building strength and tone or simply en-hancing your flexibility.

In classes I always try to provide a variety of options so that students can take it at their own pace whether their beginner, intermediate or advanced.

You don’t need any equipment or a great deal of space it’s simple and uncomplicated, so you can practice it anywhere and fit it into any rou-tine.

It helps improve your mood, cope with stress as well as being great for improving your overall physical and mental health.

It’s also a great social environment to meet people and make new friends.

THE MAGAZINE PROMOTES A HEALTHIER LIFESTYLE IN THE COMMUNITY.ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY PROJECTS THAT ARE

AIMED IN THIS DIRECTION? As well as teaching yoga I also run the fol-

lowing Projects:Urban Changes – Working with five youth

groups across the City with young people be-tween the ages of 14 and 25.

Over sixteen weeks I am running joint yoga and personal development sessions working on improving health, confidence and aspirations.

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STAY HEALTHY

At the end of the sixteen weeks I am taking the group away on a three day residential in which we will put together a yoga flash mob that will be performed in the City at the end of the summer.

I am also currently working with the Mental Health team in Coventry running a ten week programme which looks at using yoga to build people’s confidence and rehabilitate them back into the community.

HOW AND WHY DID YOU STARTED PRACTISING YOGA?

I started practicing yoga initially as a new year’s resolution to get fit and healthy.

I became addicted to it instantly though due to the over whelming affect it had on both my mind my mood and my body. It helped me cope with stress and anxiety and the transformation it had on my body was amazing over six months I became in the best shape I’d been in my life.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO THE YOUNG INTELLECTUALS OUT THERE FOR

STARTING TO PRACTICE YOGA?Be open minded. There are many different

types of yoga so just because you don’t like one class it doesn’t mean it’s not for you. Each variety suits a different personality type so look around a bit until you find the one that’s best for you.

If you can’t do everything at first don’t be discouraged, it takes a while to build up flexibility and strength (I couldn’t even touch my toes when I started).

Just give it a go! It changed my life so I’d encourage anyone where possible to try it out!

WHEN AND WHERE CAN WE FIND YOU?I currently hold the following open classes:Monday’s – Urban Yoga Flow – 6:30 – 8:00 – St

Anne’s Church Strathmore Avenue.Wednesday’s – Urban Yoga and Conditioning –

(Six week course) – 7:00 – 8:30 – Sparta Fitness, Earlsdon.

Friday’s – Urban Yoga by Candlelight – 6:30 – 8:00pm - St Anne’s Church Strathmore Ave-nue.

All classes are £6 or 2 for £10 if used in the same week.

So what you waiting for? Go ahead and take on this challenge!

It will be worth it.“To me, life is about creating variety.”

WHY YOGA?FLEXIBILITY: one of the first visible signs of practicing.

STRONG MUSCLES : protection from arthritis and back pains.

BETTER POSTURE: less neck and joint pains.

FIGHTS DEPRESSION & ANXIETY: studies show that consistent practice increases the serotonin levels.

KEEPS YOU FIT & LEAN: burns calo-ries and on top of that, on a emo-tional and spiritual level, can encour-age you to address deeper problems.

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STAY HEALTHY

VEGETARIANISM: the next big step

The goal is to take our readers into a journey to a healthier lifestyle.

We promote conscious culture. We encourage you to look outside the box.

In terms of living, thinking and making changes.

Maybe it is a lot to take in at first, but we all know that the journey of a thousand miles begins with that first

step. Even baby steps. But don’t just go ahead and just trust

us!Go out there and explore, discover for yourself.

We are just trying to highlight that there are alternatives. The world is a big place that has a lot to offer.

You just need to open your eyes, your heart and mind to understand that.

We are introducing the HEALTH section with Vegetarianism. Why go veggie? Are there benefits or is it only New Age talk?

Note: the following article is based on the research done by scientists over the years. We recommend you to seek medical advice before you decide to become a vegetarian.

Switching from a meat-based diet to a

vegetarian diet will not happen suddenly the day you decide you will take this step.

It will take a lot of research and the most important, you will need to have a good rea-son and motivation!

But once you have started your new life (because being a vegetarian is a whole new life), we promise you will see the advantages for yourself.

WHAT DOES BEING A VEGETARIAN MEAN?

As everything we do, even when we chose to become vegetarians, we will need to de-cide what are we going to take this step.

Is it because of animal right? Or because of religion? Because you care about the environment or ethical reasons? Or simply because you want to see how it is. Reflect on those reasons before you can take the the next step.

And we are saying that because is not going to be so easy to switch from a meat- based diet to a vegetal one. But it is possi-ble. Studies show a raise in the number of people that go vegetarian with every passing year.

The most important thing that anyone needs to understand is that vegetarianism means that any types of meat (that includes fish) need to be excluded from your diet.

Continues page 24...

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IF THE WORLD

PRODUCES ENOUGH

FOOD FOR EVERYONE

EVERYONE HAVEWHY DOESN’T

ENOUGH FOOD?

JOIN US AT: WWW.ENOUGHFOODIF.ORG

IF Launch Poster A4 LS CUPCAKES PRINT.indd 1 21/12/2012 15:48

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You cannot call yourself a vegetarian if you still eat meat. Pescetarians are not vegetari-ans.

The three main types of vegetarians are the lacto-ovo-vegetarians (they eat dairy products and eggs), the vegans (they don’t eat any eggs, dairy or honey) and the fruitarians (they only eat raw food).

HEALTHIf you choose to switch your diet because

you want a healthier life, than you made a wise choice.

There are many people that use as excuse for not becoming a vegetarian the idea that you will not get all the vitamins and nutrients that the body needs for functioning properly. That is a big fat lie. In general, people will say that vegetarians don’t get enough Omega - 3, proteins, calcium and iron.

You most certainly do not need to eat meat to get proteins. Especially when research shows that animal fat consumption raises the risk of breast cancer in women. And vegetal fats do not. A fact most women should consider.

First of all, you don’t need to eat fish in order to get your essential Omega- 3! It can also been easily found in flax seeds, pumpkin seeds and walnuts. So consuming a moderate amount of this seeds will get you the daily fix you of Omega-3 you need.

Proteins are not essential in our diets (unless you are a body builder). Slow re-leasing carbohydrates such as brown rice and pasta are essential.

Calcium is commonly known to be found in dairy products. But if you’re moving away from dairy, then soya, rice, oat and coconut milk can be a good source of calcium.

Also, green leafy vegetables and orange juice contain plenty of calcium.

The most important nutrient that any vegetarian needs to watch is Iron. For keep-ing your Iron intake at a positive point, you will need to eat more dark green vegetables

(broccoli, spinach, green salad). Combine this with vegetables rich in Vitamin C to help the absorption faster, and you’re set! All the myths that vegetarianism is not healthy have been destroyed.

ENVIRONMENTOne of the main causes of greenhouse ef-

fect, the carbon dioxide releases from fossil fu-els, and it is needed more amount of fossil fuel to prepare meat meal then plant meals. Then, it takes too much water to produce animal pro-tein as it does to plant proteins, so becoming a vegetarian means that you will save water.

Furthermore, the topsoil is made more pro-ductive when legumes and grains are plant-ed properly; and also vegetarians are saving forests, because many forests are destroyed every day in order to create more land for live-stock.

ETHICS& RELIGION

All vegetarians are animal lovers, so they are of course against animal slaughter and killing. Vegetarians believe in nonviolence and believe that eating meat is murder.

Also, some of the world’s religions promote vegetarianism, as they believe in reincarnation and that sometime in our reincarnation process can come back as animals.

Therefore, animals are protected by choos-ing vegetarianism.

We have clarified the myths that were around becoming a vegetarian and gave few Pros you can consider.

Now we challenge you to try it. At least for a month. And experiement the change we kept talking about in this article.

STAY HEALTHY

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STAY HEALTHY

“Tell me what you eat and I will tell you what you are.” - Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin

THE VEGETARIAN FOOD PYRAMID

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“Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.” - OSHO

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“Creativity is the greatest rebellion in existence.” - OSHO

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CULTURE

“It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines what you will be when you can’t help it.” - Oscar Wilde

BOOK RECCOMANDATIONS

‘The Art of Happiness’ is a discussion between his Holiness, Dalai Lama and Dr. Howard Cutler.

Trying to reveal the Tibetan principles of life by applying them to everyday problems, so that one can find balance and spiritual freedom.

Based on 2500 years of Buddhist philosophy, the book is trying to help the readers understand and overcome difficulties common to all human beings.

With more than a million copies in print sold, the book will cross traditional boundaries and inspire us to do good and be kind to others.

“We need to learn how to want what we have, NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness.”

Dalai Lama

THE ART OF HAPPINESS, DALAI LAMA

THE LAST LECTURE, RANDY PAUSCH“The key question is to keep asking are you spending your time on the

right things? Because time is all you have.”

The moving story of a human that should be a daily inspiration for us all. Randy Pausch, was a Professor of Computer Science and Design at

Carnegie Mellon University, US who became known for his ‘Last Lecture’ speech back in 2007.

When he found out in 2006 that he WASsuffering of pancreatic cancer, he didn’t imagined that this lecture will be the last he’ll give before dying.

But this lecture is not about dying. Called ‘How to achieve your childhood dreams’, the lecture talks about the

importance of overcoming obstacles, helping others to fulfil dreams and realize that seizing the moment is all we have.

The lecture is a combination of humour, intelligence and inspiration that will be shared for generations to come as a dose of greatness and motivation.

THE BHAGAVAD GITABhagavad Gita is the essence of all Vedic knowledge.

The Gita should be taken as the most perfect presentation of Vedic knowledge. Vedic knowledge is received from transcendental sources and the first words were spoken by the

Lord Himself. The sacred `song of God’ was composed about 200 BC, and incorporated into the Mahab-

harata (the Sanskrit epic texts) and it contains a discussion between Krishna and Arjuna on human nature and the purpose of life.

The Gita will show you how to adapt your normal life and become more spiritual to live a balanced life.

You don’t have to change much. Just change your consciousness.

“Neither in this world nor elsewhere is there any happiness in store for him who always doubts.”

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CULTURE

REFLECTIONS OF THE SOUL by Jesal Phankania

Forever I search...for the reflection of my soulWhat’s my role...my life’s goal?...

Am I born...to just die...maybe get a lil’ old?

I question my life’s next sectionWhich direction to turn

I contemplate this and burn...

a stick of incenseTo make sense of nonsense in this dense material maze

Where nights fight with daysA realm that never ceases to amaze me:

How it keeps us crazy!Maybe it won’t be hazy

When I find that reflection of my soul..

I used to chill in the graveyard of my heart where rested my sleeping soul, apart

from true reality, a place where i never wanna be.

The figures...shadowy... would notice me.. and follow meMy friend, she was called Envy, her brother was Greed;

We would make melodies about enemiesMy life was a simple tragedy.

Now...I find it very necessary to chill with people of the monestary

and leave that dark cemetery behind me

I choose to repeat cosmic mantrasIn the chambers of the temple

So my mind...coincides with the mental...states...Of previous sages, holy men and

pages filled with sanskrit texts and verses.It’s one rare life.....we can’t rehearse this!

So I plead to those with an ear to hearTo reflect within...and wake up...that Sleeping Soul.

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TRAVEL

YOUR LIFE IS YOUR JOURNEY.

MAKE IT WORTH-WHILE

If there is one thing that you should try and do as often as possible, that is Travelling. To travel means to explore not only new places, to meet knew people and to move from one airport to another. It means broadening your horizons. It means sharing ideas with people from different cultures, learning to look at things from different perspective. And it is addictive. Once you’ve started discovering that with new places, new adventures you will discover or create a new piece of yourself. It helps us find ourselves.And why not try help others while we help ourselves?Let’s take travel to the next level! Humanitarian travel. Here are this month’s three beautiful destinations where you can go, discover and help others. Enjoy.

LIFE IS AN ADVENTURE. TRAVEL AND SUP-PORT GOOD CAUSES.LEAVE YOUR MARK. LIT A LIGHT IN SOMEONE’S LIFE.

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TRAVEL

TANZANIA,AFRICA

How does climbing Kilimanjaro, the highest free standing mountain in the world, sound?What about tropical rainforests, seeing zebras, elephants and elephants?ChildReach International offers you this opportunity. In top of that, you get to raise money for improving the life and education of children in that area.More details on www.childreach.org.uk.

PHOTO: M. DISDERO

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TRAVEL

THE MASSAI VILLAGE,KENYA

Meet the friendly people of the Maasai Village, share in their daily lifes and see breathtaking landscapes.Go in safaris, in search of resident rhinos, lions and giraffes. Crooked Trails will help you get there.More on www.crookedtrails.org

PHOTO: DAVID MARK

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TRAVEL

VIETNAM,ASIA

Colorful markets, mountain villages, deserted beaches and all the noodles you could eat..Looking for a change? Then why not become an English teacher and move to Vietnam for a while! Check out the TEFL website: www.onlinetefl.com

PHOTO: KONSTANTIN KRISMER

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DISCOVER

“ONE’S DESTINATION IS NEVER A PLACE, BUT A NEW WAY OF SEEING THINGS.” - Henry Miller

PHOTO: CHRIS DOWNER

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FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS.LEAVE YOUR MARK.

I met one of the most hard-working women I know in the intimacy of her house, while preparing lunch for not less than 7 people. She has two kids, a job, a passion for professional makeup and with a divine talent for music. She talked to us about

her family, how she keeps everyone healthy and happy and even gave us few tips for having a balanced life.

WHO IS NISHI PHANKANIA?

I am a 30 year old women, I have 2 young children & my life is dedicated to helping them grow up to be confident, well rounded adults with a strong spiritual foundation.

I like to doing lots of things & am always busy! I work in finance, i’m a freelance makeup artist & a face painter. I love exercising & cooking & all types of music but especially kirtan! I play the bansuri & sing a little.

I KNOW YOU PLAY THE FLUTE. TELL US MORE ABOUT MUSIC IN YOUR LIFE. Music is very important to me. It’s a way for me to connect with the divine energy of God. I

feel most happy & content when I am singing or playing in a kirtan... Devotional music prais-ing the Supreme Person, Krishna or God!

I started playing the flute in 2005 because I knew it was Lord Krishna’s favourite instru-ment and it is a very peaceful instrument that creates a really meditative mood in everyone that hears it.

HOW DO YOU OVERCOME ANY OBSTACLES THAT COME ALONG THE WAY?

Usually through adjustment of my expectations and trying to remember the root cause of why we face obstacles. I firmly believe in karma and that what goes around comes around. So anything I am struggling with now will be due to some past mistake I may have made. That gives me comfort that it is a temporary thing and will pass just like everything comes and goes. I find strength in prayer and kirtan and I find strength in surrendering to the will of the Lord.

YOU HAVE TWO BABIES. WHAT DO YOU DO EVERY DAY SO THEY CAN LIVE IN A BETTER WORLD? IS ECOLOGY SOMETHING THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED WITH?

The most I tend to find time for is recycling. I try to reduce landfill waste as much as pos-sible. Recycling everything I can. I try not to waste food, clothes or anything that we have. It is very important to take care of the world so as to preserve it as much as possible for future generations. In fact your question has reminded me that I should try and do more, to be more ecological!

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MODEL CITIZEN. INSPIRE

HOW DO YOU KEEP YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY? ANY TIPS FOR THE READERS?

Eat a balanced diet. And meat, fish and eggs aren’t necessary. Limit your dairy intake and exercise at least 2-3 times a week.

Make sure you’re eating a variety of foods to make sure you cover all the vitamins and minerals. Take time to plan your meals. Don’t rush them. They’re so important to your general health and mood!

WHAT’S THE NAME OF THE LAST BOOK YOU’VE READ? WOULD YOU RECOGNISED IT TO SOMEONE ELSE?

The last book I read was the Bhagavad Gita. I would recommend it to anyone trying to live a balanced life... It’s great at teaching you how to adapt your normal life and become more spiritual. You don’t have to change much just change your consciousness.

FOR OUR YOUNG INTELLECTUALS OUT THERE, WHAT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THEY SHOULD OPEN THEIR HEARTS AND MIND TO? HOW CAN THEY MAKE A CHANGE IN THE LIVES OF OTHERS?

I think the most important thing people need to open their hearts and minds to is the fundamental question of ‘who are we?’. It is the beginning question in spiritual life and asking that question can really help make a person more grounded and able to take on absolutely any challenge they may come across in their life.

PHOTO: MICKEY SHAH

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CHARITY

GET INVOLVED!YOUR LOCAL CHARITIES NEED YOUThere is always something you could do for others. We promote philantrophy, a community that is aware of global problems and takes action.Why not volunteer or donate to one of your local charity shops? You will not get any money back for that, but the fact that you are taking this actions so someone’s else’s life could get better is enough.

OXFAM BOOKSHOP, CITY CENTRE

Oxfam Books&Music has been trading for almost 30 years.With a wide range of books and rare music col-lections and a new poster department, Oxfam Bookshop will be a wonderful place for you to volunteer in.For more details about the position require-ments, ask in the store!The lovely staff will be more than happy to help you.

THE BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION SHOPS, CITY CENTRE

PHOTO:MONICA PARASCHIV

One of the most productive and reward-ing charities in the UK is the British Hearth Foundation. They are always looking for volunteers in all the Coventry Shops!So why not go and visit them, maybe bring something to donate as well and ask them about the positions avaiable.Everyone will be more than happy to explain what working for BHF means.

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INSPIRATION

BE INSPIRED! Update your bookmarks menu with this websites.They will instantly become your daily source of news, cul-ture and socially consciousness.

www.good.isAs the website description says, GOOD is a global community for idealists working towards individual and collective success.The platform is a colaboration between many organisations, where you will find eco ideas, news and challenges in which you can get involved in order to drive progress in your community!

www.beforeidie.cc

This project started with the story of Candy Chang, who decided to build a ‘Before I die’ wall in her community to remind people what really matters to them. It became a internet sensation afterwards, and now the walls are being built all over the world in the hope of encouraging everyone to follow their dreams! Let’s be brace and bring one to Coventry! Imagine ifeveryone would come together to share their dreams!

www.changethis.comChange This supports and spreads great ideas, that reaches people through their community.A website for great ideas in Education, Self-improvement, Business, Environment. It allows you to share good ideas with friends so that together we can make things happen!

www.dothegreenthing.tumblr.comCreativity vs Climate Change

A website that will inspire you to be more sustainable, to care more about the environment you are living in. Once a week they bring posters designed by famous artists to keep you more aware and take sustainable actions towards a better future.

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MORE ... BOOKSTORES & COFFEE HOUSES

FARMERS MARKETS

FAIRTRADE

COMMUNITY-SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE

VEGETARIANISM

ETHICAL FASHION

PLANTING TREES

RECYCLING

VOLUNTEERING

TRAVELLING CULTURE POETRY CLUBS SMILING

HELPING EACH OTHER

COMMUNICATION

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“Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpectedtalents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.” Dorris Lessing

PHOTO MONICA PARASCHIV

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“Any human anywhere will blossom in a hundred unexpectedtalents and capacities simply by being given the opportunity to do so.” Dorris Lessing

IMAGINE MAGAZINE would like to thank all the people that helped create this Manifesto. Many thanks to everyone that accepted being interviewed, that helped with the photographs and with advices and idea.

This edition is dedicated to you. To everyone that has a dream. Go and make it happen. Don’t be afraid, because at the end of the day you will only be left with the question “What if I would have gone and pursue my dream...?”

Be Free. Be Wild. Be You.

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YOUR SOURCE OF CONSICOUS CULTUREIMAGINE MAGAZINE