safi (pure) magazine issue two

BGNB PRODUCTIONS (C) 2015 WWW.SAFIMAGAZINE.COM

BRAZILIAN BALLERINA INGRID SILVA

REAL WOMEN Wellness Stories

(Pure) MagazineWellness Health & Self-Expression

EPIC YOGA Yogi Emma Saal

ASK YOUR PHARMACISTQuestions You Should Ask2 Women On the Move

DEAR NATURALISTANatural Self Expression

Japanese Artist Maki Kawamoto

Fall Issue October/November 2015

Matcha Green Tea

We Empower Embrace Happiness, and Encourage the Spirit! Mind -Body -Soul

Visit SAFI (Pure) Magazine Online www.safimagazine.com

Letter From Editor Dear SAFI (Pure) Magazine Readers:

In this issue of SAFI (Pure) Magazine, we are sharing the joy of movement and how the arts can heal. Celebrating women who motivate us to move and to be individuals. Celebrating women with unique stories of healing and growth. this is also our Fall season issue. The Fall season is all about change, renewal, and reflection. As the earth goes through the process of preparing for the final season of the year; we also go through a change during this period. Animals during this time of year bury food and get ready to hibernate. But for us humans, and especially women, this can be a time for us women to embrace taking in all of what life has to offer and enjoying the precious moments we have with friends and family. This is a time to move, create, and flourish. Take time to do a project that will encourage your spirit. Pay more attention to your body and slow down to listen to your heart. Fall in love with everything about yourself. Get a cup of hot apple cider and write or read. Share with others what excites you. Take time to de-stress and breathe in freely. Avoid negativity and embrace the changes around you and within you. Enjoy our second issue and the diverse women we highlight!

Please continue to join us on our journey towards wellness and health. Remember to always love you and love others!

Rebekah A. Frimpong Editor in Chief Of SAFI (Pure) MagazineTwitter: @SAFIPurMagEmail: [email protected]

BGNB Productions LLC. (c) 2015.


Special ContributorsMistie Roundtree

Amber Toole Abdourahamane and Maki Kawamoto

SAFI TeamRebekah Frimpong -Editor in Chief

Candace Tyler -Managing Editor

HealthSelf-Expression

WellnessSAFI Focus

SAFI (Pure) MagazineBGNB Productions LLC. Publicationwww.safimagazine.comWashington, DC/Philadelphia/New York/Virginia

INSIDE SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE

A publication dedicated to wellness, health, and self-expression of the modern woman of color. SAFI (Pure) Magazine is a platform to share the stories of women on their wellness journeys. This is not

only a publication but a movement to improve the lives of women in our community.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MOVE YOUR BODY Issue Two of SAFI (Pure) Magazine: The Movement and Art Healing issue will feature Brazilian ballerina Ingrid Silva and fascinating stories of women from various backgrounds. In this issue hear from a Japanese artist, Natural guru, raw vegan champion, and women who move other women to wellness.

Inside This Issue:

SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 PAGE 3

Japanese Artist Maki Kawamoto

Crazy About Matcha Green Tea

Dear Naturalista Naturally Herself

WELLNESS

SAFI: Can you share more about your Raw and Radiant Challenge? Ashley: The 30 day Raw and Radiant Cleanse is definitely a great guide for those who are wanting to transition into the raw vegan lifestyle. The cleanse is where I do group coaching for those who want help and accountability during their first thirty days of a raw vegan diet. I send videos of me making food, recipes, a manual, daily coaching and meal plans. The group is a great because everyone can see everyone’s progress, struggles, questions and concerns. Most people who have been a part of prior cleanses have reported not only weight-loss, but also clearer skin, more energy, reversal of pre-diabetes, better digestion, and much more!

A Radiant Glow: Raw Vegan Guru Ashely Chong-Scott’s Journey to Wellness

Ashley Chong-Scott is helping women across the country embrace a new way of looking at food and health. She is challenging them to detox for 30 days with her Raw and Radiant Raw Vegan Food Challenge. Her own story is what is inspiring her many followers to take her challenge and change their lives and health. Ashley is introducing to women and men across the country how embracing fruits and vegetables into your diet in their raw state has many benefits. SAFI asks Ashley to share more about her journey and her Raw and Radiant Challenge.

S: Why do you feel people are apprehensive about starting a raw diet and what can you share with our readers about why you love eating raw foods?

A: I feel that people are apprehensive about both vegan and raw food lifestyles due to lack of knowledge about food and nutrition in general. If everyone knew about the power of a plant-based lifestyle and the harm that the Standard American Diet does to the human body then everyone in the world would be a vegan. I love this plant-based lifestyle for a multitude of reasons. I love the way it makes me look, feel, and think. I always feel amazing. I always have tons of energy and I barely if ever get sick. I have gained not only weight-loss, but also total long term health and prevention of prevalent diseases that plague our society today.

S: What three quick tips can you give to those considering changing over to a raw diet? A: My Advice would be to start incorporating as much fresh, ripe fruit into your current diet as possible, preferably in the mornings and on an empty stomach. Also get as much leafy greens into your diet as possible whether that be through green smoothies, juices, or large salads. Remember you can eat these foods in abundance; there is no need to count calories or restrict it in any way. It is the perfect food for the body and does no harm to it.

S: What challenges did you face in transitioning over to a raw diet? A: The first 30 days were the hardest for me and are usually the hardest for anyone. I remember having a lot of cravings, going through a horrible detox, and I also had the problem of not knowing how to make certain food or how to plan my meals. That is why I love to help people who want to transition during their first thirty days because that first month or two generally either deters or excites people to know more about the lifestyle.

S: Where can our readers connect with you and learn more about your wellness journey? A: There are a lot of ways people can follow along with my journey. I do webinars, group cleanses and personal coaching which you can learn more about at rawandradiant.com or by following me on social media.Facebook.com/RawnRadiantInstagram.com/RawandRadiantYouTube.com/[email protected]: RawandRadianthttp://rawandradiant.com/

Q: Can you share briefly with our readers how Epic Yoga DC got started?

A: I was living in South Florida, working at Lululemon, studying Pilates and teaching yoga; but in my heart, I wanted to be back in DC, my hometown. Through a goal-setting assignment, “owning a yoga studio” was part of my five year plan. There were two brothers (both restaurant entrepreneurs) living in DC who were looking for a business partner to open a yoga studio above one of their eateries. We were introduced through a mutual friend, and it was a perfect match. We were all passionate

EMBRACING THE PRACTICE OF YOGA

DC based Yogi Emma Saal shares what inspired her to help start Epic Yoga DC and what she finds

helps her own personal practice of Yoga.

All Photos by Datstaken; RespectheShooter.com

“What’s most important is that I offer myself the time and space to connect to myself and the present moment”.

about athletics, health and wellness; all natives to DC, energetic, cheerful and highly motivated. I was so excited to be coming back home, and this all happened within six months after I shared my life goals...talk about manifestation!!!

Q: What about your personal Yoga practice do you feel is most important to you? (For example: meditation, asana, deepening poses) And why?

A: To be honest, between teaching, being a mom and running a studio, at times it doesn’t even feel like I have a “personal practice”. What’s most important is that I offer myself the time and space to connect to myself and the present moment. Sometimes that’s getting on my mat and practicing a strong asana practice and getting in my body. Sometimes, it’s setting myself in a restorative pose next to my son’s crib when he’s having trouble sleeping alone. Once in a while, I may take savasana with the class I just taught, or sit in my car a few extra moments to connect to my breath before heading into the studio or my house.

With so many Yoga studios opening across the country, what makes Epic Yoga DC unique?

Our community is unique and wonderful! Epic Yoga DC is one of the largest yoga studios in DC-- and with so much space (3 separate studios) we have such a variety of classes and teachers which will naturally invite such a variety of students. We also have Jrink, a juice bar, so our friends come and hang in our lounge, making Epic much more than just a place to take a yoga class. Our community is truly epic!

For someone wanting to learn more about Yoga, what book would you recommend that they read?

There are so many great books! My favorites include “The Heart of Yoga” by T. K. V. Desikachar and Alan Finger’s “Introduction to Yoga”. I recently finished Rachel Brathen’s The Yoga Girl Book which was a simple and easy read. There was something nice about reading her story as a modern-day yogi, and having a connection to her through social media, making yoga very relatable and accessible.


Outside of Yoga, what other wellness activities do you do to stay healthy and balanced?

I played soccer for the first time with my boyfriend and a co-ed rec team....go Wild Ponies!!! We’ve been the champs 3 seasons in a row. We also have a son who is almost 2 years old, so we goof around and play outdoors as much as possible. Connecting to the world through the eyes of a toddler is always the most grounding for me; especially when I’m stressed out with studio stuff.

Visit Emma At:epicyogadc.comepic yoga dc1323 conn avewash.dc 20036


SHE GOT MOVES: ASA! BODY SHAKES IT UP

AKOSUA AKOTOPhotos By Loves Life Photography

Akosua Akoto is passionate about dance and sharing it with others! She founded ASA! Enterprises as a wellness and health business that engages people in energetic movement and dance. ASA! offers a ranges of dance training and group exercise involving the latest African dance “Kelenya” and other dances moves rooted in African traditional dances. Akosua Akoto shares with SAFI what motivates her to make other people move.

Q: How did you get ASA Body Conditioning started?

A: I attended Howard University for a BS in Sports Medicine. In search of employment, I auditioned at a local gym for a chance to teach a dance fitness format. I have been a professional dancer since age of three years old. On the spot, I improvised a fusion of West African traditional and contemporary dance with an emphasis on cardiovascular benefits. I ended up teaching at various locations around the Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia metropolitan area. After receiving my degree and a personal trainer certification I took a break to look for further employment in rehabilitation, as that was my initial career plan. Unable to make a breakthrough for 13 months, I was constantly given opportunities to teach dance. In 2011, I decided to reformat the African dance fitness program i created to focus more so on strength, core and endurance training as oppose to strictly cardio dance. I started a 8 week trial period at a local dance studio and invited everyone I knew. I called the class, ASA! As I continued in my studies of biomechanics, dance, rehabilitation, physiology and related fields, I’ve been able to create an enterprise of health, wellness, and performing arts, based on African culture.

Q: Why do you feel dancing is such a powerful tool to help women feel more comfortable with their bodies?

A: I’ll answer this with three of my strongest beliefs. I believe in movement. The body was designed to move. I believe there is a strong, undeniable connection between the body, the mind and the spirit. When we are happy and at peace, our bodies follow suit. And finally, I believe that music is a powerful tool that has the capacity to influence the state of the mind and the spirit. So if we put together, music, movement and happiness, dance is the ultimate outcome.

“I believe in movement. The body was designed to move. I believe there is a strong, undeniable connection

between the body, the mind and the spirit”.


Q: How do you keep your energy level up for your dance classes? Are their any foods you eat that help with this?

A: Everyone’s dietary requirements and adaptations are completely different. I won’t give you a generic answer. Here’s the truth, although I am a health and wellness professional, the dietary habits is my biggest challenge. I generally eat unprocessed foods. Lost of fruits vegetables, protein...and I love yam. I Try to drink as much water as possible (this is also my challenge). It’s all about conditioning the body to operate at a certain capacity. My energy usually drops when I miss a few classes or workouts. But, my biggest source of energy is the people. ASA! class is all about sharing energy. When the people smile, scream, and a lift in their spirits from the ASA! Experience, I’m inspired to do more Q: What tips can you briefly give for staying motivated on one’s wellness journey?

A: Find something you enjoy. That’s the biggest tip I can give. Decades ago, we were healthier because physical activity and safer foods were just part of life. We didn’t sit as much; we cooked for ourselves, we happier, we were more conscious about our bodies. Wellness has to be a lifestyle in order to be successful. We cannot see health as a scheduled hour on our calendars. Find a physical activity that you enjoy and use it as the based for your routine. You won’t commit to it if it doesn’t bring you joy.

Q: What projects are you currently working on?

A: This is always something I keep behind the curtain until it’s ready to launch. The expansion of ASA!, however, will always be a current project. In addition to adding new cities and new certified instructors in the United States, we’ve just made our mark in New Zealand and are currently working on various Caribbean Islands including Trinidad and Tobago, St. Croix and recently Antigua, home to our premiere ASA! inspired carnival band, Fuze. Check out www.Fuzecarnival.com for more details

MEDITATIONFall Meditation For Change and Inner Peace

A Daily Mantra for Meditation and Keeping Daily Practice

Staying present is the hardest thing to do when you have a busy schedule. Many women today are balancing a career, motherhood, and intimate relationships. The key to maintaining balance is taking time to be present and focus on one day at a time. Planning for the future or learning from past mistakes are important but the secret to balancing everything is keeping present often referred to as “Here and Now”. Follow this issue’s Fall Mantra to use during meditation practice that can be done daily to help focus on the present and maintain balance.

Fall Mantra for Meditation

Let it all fall away Like the leaves on a tree as fall approaches

Let change be accepted Like a new season greeted by the moon

Be open to be awaken by the sun Be free to salute the sun as it sets

Let it all fall away, embrace changeBe open , and Be free

MUSHANA

EMBRACE THE GODDESS WITHIN

WWW.MUSHANA.COM


MATCHA GREEN TEA THE AMAZINGLY VERSATILE TEA

HEALTH

Special contributor Mistie Roundtree of Carytown Teas shares the amazing matcha green tea.

Pictures By Mistie Roundtree

What is Matcha Green Tea

Matcha is a Japanese green tea powder, traditionally used in tea ceremonies. Camilla Sinensis (tea) bushes are covered for about three weeks prior to harvest to slow down growth and increase the chlorophyll levels which in turn, increases the production of amino acids like Theanine, a powerful antioxidant that is only present in tea and certain mushrooms. After harvesting, the leaves are laid out flat to dry, they then crumble somewhat and become known as Tencha. Tencha is then de-veined, de-stemmed, and stone-ground to a super fine, bright green powder known as Matcha.

Benefits of Matcha

-1 cup equals any other green tea

-Boosts metobolic rate by 35-40% in regular drinkers

-10x the antioxidants than any other food item

-High in vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, E & K

-High in thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, calsium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, protein, fiber, beta carotene and chlorophyll

-Reduces chances of cognitive decline by 50% in regular drinkers

-Lowers cholesterol

-Lowers blood pressure

-Lowers blood sugar


Versatility of Matcha

Matcha is an amazing tea that you can do so many things with. Some of my favorite things to make with Matcha are; ice cream, popsicles, chocolate chip cookies, dry rub for salmon, salad dressing, green tea lemonade, MARGARITAS, green tea honey spread, lattes etc. Honestly, my family likes to tease me that they always know what I bring to gatherings because its always green. It is by far, the most entertaining tea out there, and its good for you too!

Curb Your Sweet Cravings

COCONUT AND PINEAPPLE POPSICLES

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup Frozen Pineapple1/2 can Coconut Milk1/3 cup Water 1 tsp.Agave Syrup or Honey

DIRECTIONS

Prepare the popsicles by blending all ingredients in a blendrr to liquid form with a smooth thickness in consistency. Pour blended liquid into popsicle mold and freeze for 12 hours. Pull out popsicles from molds and enjoy!

SAFI quick recipe to help curb your sweet tooth and give you nutrients at the same time.


COCONUT AND PINEAPPLE POPSICLES

SAFI RECIPES CREAMY TOMATO SOUP AND CRISPY POLENTA

1/4 Cup of Skim Organic Milk1 Cup Olive Oil1 Shallot1 Can Organic Stewed Tomatoes 1 Red Pepper1 Slice of Polenta Loaf1/2 Clove of Garlic1 Tsp. Sea Salt1 Tsp. Ground Black Pepper(Optional) Parsley

Take all the ingredients, only 1 Tsp. of the olive oil, and don’t add the polenta loaf and parsely, and add the ingredients to a blender. Blend until smooth in consistency. The red pepper made sure to remove the seeds and dice the red pepper before adding it to the mix. This will make blending all the ingredients more consistent in flavor. Take mix after blended and add to medium size saucepan and cook on simmer for 30minutes. Taste to see if more salt or pepper is needed to desired taste after is cooks for 20 minutes. In a separate pan add rest of olive oil and cut one slice of polenta loaf. Add polenta slice to the pan with olive oil. Cook polenta slice on each side for 10 minutes until crispy. Once soup mix is done prepare in a bowl sprinkle parsley on top and break up crispy polenta on top, and serve.

INGREDIENTS

PREPARATION


OUR FAVORITE ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR THE SEASON

SOME OF SAFI’S ORGANIC RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FALL SEASON. WE HAVE SELECTED PRODUCTS THAT HELP YOU INDULGE, RELAX,

AND FEEL GOOD AS THE SEASON CHANGES.

TALENTI ICE CREAM WITH THE SMOOTHNESS OF GELATO THIS ORGANIC ICE CREAM IS A PERFECT INDULGENT TREAT

JASON TEA TREE OIL SHAMPOO IS REFRESHING AND CLEANSING. OTHER JASON PRODUCTS THAT ARE GREAT AND ORGANIC INCLUDE THE JASON DEODORANT WITH NO PARABENS.

BRUCE COST GINGER ALE IS AN ORGANIC TREAT WITH GREAT GINGER TASTE MIXED WITH FRUITS LIKE POMENGRANATE AND PASSION FRUIT.

OCHO BARS YUMMY CHOCOLATE BARS ARE ORGANIC AND SOME ARE EVEN VEGAN WITH CLASSIC FAVORITES LIKE COCONUT AND DARK CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT AND MILK CHOCOLATE.

JRINK IS A NEW CUSTOM BLENDED ORGANIC JUICE OFFERING EXLICIRS TO DETOX AND REFRESH THE BODY. THEY DELIVER AND SHIP WITH IS A COOL THING ABOUT THIS NEW COMPANY AND THEIR ORGANIC DRINKS.


IT IS ONLY NATURALInterview with Founder of Dear Naturalista

Interview By Rebekah Frimpong and Photos Courtesy of Shanita Sims

SELF-EXPRESSION


D ear Naturalista has a great following on social media platforms like Instagram and is encouraging all women to embrace their natural beauty. We asked the founder of “Dear Naturalista” to share with our readers more about why this movement is resonating with so many women and what natural beauty tips can Dear Naturalista share!

Q: Why do you feel what Dear Naturalista is resonating with so many women?

A: I feel that women can relate to Dear Naturalista’s fun and authentic messaging about the natural hair experience. I think they’re excited to come across items that they can use to express pride in their natural hair.

Q: How did Dear Naturalista get started? What inspired this movement?

A: I’ve been natural for about five years and I wanted to create statement pieces that I would love. I just hoped that other naturals would like them too! I’m deeply inspired by the creativity and sharing of ideas in the natural hair community.

Q: When is comes to images of beauty, how does Dear Naturalista differ from mainstream on how Dear Naturalista chooses to share images of beauty?

Dear Naturalista celebrates women who proudly wear their natural hair no matter the texture. Dear Naturalista stocks and sales t-shirts, bags, and totes that celebrate and promote this movement.

SAFI (PURE) MAGAZINE OCTOBER/NOVEMBER PAGE 33

DEAR NATURALISTA sHARES Naturally Loving Yourself

A: I want the woman that comes in contact with Dear Naturalista to be able to see herself in the images I post. I make a conscious effort to let natural-haired women know that their images are not only acknowledged, but celebrated. What I share is merely a reflection of the beauty that’s already there.

Q: What are a few of your favorite natural products out now that can be used daily?

A: Shea Moisture Coconut and Hibiscus Curl & Style Milk, Jane Carter Nourish and Shine and Curls Passion Fruit Control Paste have been in my daily product rotation for years now.

Learn More About “Dear Naturalista” By Visiting These Sites:

Shop: dearnaturalista.com.

Instagram and Twitter @dearnaturalista

https://instagram.com/dearnaturalista/

https://twitter.com/dearnaturalista

REAL WOMEN: REAL STORIES

Chelsea Simone Photos Courtesy of Chelsea Simone


Q:What inspired you to start Move Better Look Better?

A: Before I started Move Better Look Better, I worked for a major high-end gym and did a few private sessions on the side. Working for a gym gave me a great foundation to build my business, but I have always been an independent woman and I wanted to work for myself. I didn’t want to report to anyone anymore and I didn’t want my clients to be paying tons of money, most of which I wasn’t seeing. Most of my clients were only going to the gym for our training sessions so I didn’t think it was fair for them to pay for a membership of which they weren’t truly taking advantage and to pay for a session where most of the funds were going to the gym itself instead of the trainer. The name Move Better Look Better was inspired by my education at my previous gym where the focus for clients was not only on their fitness goals, but also on their ability to move well now and in the future. I help my clients move better and look better.

Q: Can you share a little bit about your own personal wellness/health journey? A: I have been a dancer since the age of four, so I’ve always been active, but health and wellness was not necessarily part of my mindset. It wasn’t until my junior year of college that I began eating healthily and strength training to supplement with my dance training. Before then it was more fast food, ramen and student discounted sandwiches than I’d like to admit. Unfortunately, the switch didn’t come from a sudden

Chelsea Simone is the creator of Move Better Look Better. SAFI got the opportunity to aks her a bit more about how she got her business started and why she choose to encourage women to move for the better.


epiphany. It came from my college dance teachers telling me that I needed to lose 5-7 lbs. Mind you, I weighed the same 130 lbs that I do now, but since puberty I’ve had hips and thighs and a butt and a chest. But I didn’t let that comment get me down. It made me change my eating habits, train harder in and out of class and has changed my lifestyle for the better.

Q: How do you stay connected to the community and reach out to others to get them involved with MBLB?

A: Referrals are EVERYTHING!!! Like most fitness pros, Instagram is my go-to source for outreach, but when it comes down to it, most people don’t want to do things alone. I offer two-for-one for the first class where if you bring a friend, you get a free class. That way, people will feel a little more comfortable showing up to a new class. So, come take my class and bring a friend!

Q: Do you adhere to a special diet? And if so, what is your favorite superfood you feel helps keep your healthy?

A: I don’t adhere to a special diet. I love food and I don’t want to make myself miserable by limiting what I can and can’t eat. I strongly believe in the rule of moderation. I get a balance of protein fruits and veggies throughout the day, I drink lots of water and every once and a while I’ll have a sweet treat. I do LOVE acai bowls. I’m still on a hunt to find a place close to me that makes them when I don’t have time to make them at home.

Q: How can our readers stay connected and learn more about what you?

A: If you’re in the Bay Area, come take my class at Maximum Fitness & Performance on Wednesdays at 6:30pm and Sundays at 11am or train with me one-on-one. Follow me on Instagram (@movebetterlookbetter) and Twitter (@mblb). Like my page on Facebook (Move Better Look Better). Shoot me an email: [email protected]. I can’t wait to hear from you!


ON SALE NOW!!


NOW AVAILABLE ON WWW.AMAZON.COM !!

MORE INFO VISIT:WWW.MYRELATIONTOTHESUN.BLOGSPOT.COM

MY RELATION TO THE SUN IS A BOOK OF POETRY AND PHOTOGRAPHY FROM AWARD WINNING

POET AND ARTIST.


Everyday people suffer from allergic reactions to medications, die because of improper use of prescription medicines, or get sick due to not taking medications properly. We are sharing a few key questions everyone should be asking their pharmacist to protect their health and well being.

Ask Your Pharmacist THE REAL QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD ASK AT THE PHARMACY

SAFI SPECIAL REPORT


3. Should I tell you (the pharmacist) about the other medications I am

taking?

Always let your pharmacist know any other drugs you are taking other than what is prescribed.

Ofte times doctors are not aware of all the drug interactions that could be harmful to you.

4. Where Can I Get More Information on the medicine prescribe to me that is accurate?

For more resoucres on medications ask your pharmacist, read the information that is given with the prescription. Often you can also find information online about your medication like generic names or known

side effects to take note of it.

2. What Does it mean take as prescribed?

It is always best to take the medication prescribed to you as directed by your doctor. Follow up questions

can be answered by the pharmacist but real concerns should be addressed to your doctor regarding how the

medication should be taken if it is not clear.

1. Why is it important to drink water with my pills or prescription and can I drink wine with my medications?

Buying It is always in important to drink water when taking medications. Some prescriptions even cannot be taken with orange juice or sodas because of counter effects with the medicine. Keep in mind that all alcohol beverages should not be

taken with medications because of drug interactions, and this includes wine.

PHOTOS BY GUSTAVO NOVAIS AND JOEY ROSADO

Ballerina Bella Spotlight On Ballerina Ingrid Silva

Ingrid Silva was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. She began studying ballet at the young age of 8 years old at Projeto Dancando Para Nao Dancar. Silva later studied at Escola de Danca Maria Olenewa and Centro de Movimento Debora Colker on full scholarship. When Silva turned 17 years old she joined Grupo Corpo as apprentice. After finishing high School, she attended Univercidade da Cidade University, and


she also attended the Dance Theatre of Harlem Summer program on full school scholarship right before she joined the Dance Theatre Of Harlem professional Training Program.

In 2008, Silva joined Dance Theatre Of Harlem’s Dancing Through Barries Ensemble. By 2013, she became apart of the Dance Theatre Of Harlem Company and is currently on her third season with the company.

Some of Silva’s most noted appearances has been as a guest artist performing with Dancando Para Dancer Company in Brasil, Ermitage Gone!Dance, The Francesca Harper Project. Silva has worked with a range of choreographers in Brasil and in the United States including such known choreographers and dancers as Arthur Mitchell, Donald Byrd, John Alleyne, Darrel Grand Moltrie, Francesca Harper, Robert Garland, David Fernandez, Carol Arrmitage, Deborah Colker, and Rodrigo Pederneiras.

Working with the Dance Theatre of Harlem, Silva she has danced the principal roles in George Balanchine’s Glinka Pas de Trios and Agon, Robert Garland’s Return, Ulysses Dove’s Dancing on the Front Porch of Heaven, and John Alleyne’s Far but Close. Silva was also a soloist in Alvin Ailey’s Lark Ascending, Donald Byrd’s Contested Space, and in Francesca Harper and Darrel Grand’s Moltrie Vessels.

SAFI (Pure) Magazine was most impressed with Silva’s work in the community and her commitment to sharing dance and movement with other young women. Silva has served as a cultural ambassador for the U.S while performing and providing community outreach in Jamaica, Honduras and Israel. We got a chance to interview this young ballerina about her vision and love of dance.

Q: Did you always know you wanted to be a dancer? And how do you feel as a Latina you able to embrace or celebrate your heritage within your dance?

A: No I’ve never dreamed of being a dancer. I wanted to be a doctor. I feel like dance is universal which is amazing you get to be engaged with the audience and show your art. Being a Latina I feel like we have something special and I can show that in my dancing.


Q:What or who inspires you? And why?

A: Ana Botafogo is a ballerina worldwide and she a Brazilian dancer she inspire me. He’s artistically way of dancing is amazing.

Q: Being a dancer can be tough on your body, what do you do to relax and how do you stay in shape?

Exactly, when is relaxing time I don’t do anything. Whenever we are on break I just try to take classes to be in shape.

Q: So far, what has been your greatest accomplishment?

A: I feel like coming to New York, it has been one of my greatest accomplishments. I came by myself and I learned English and I became a professional ballerina.

Q: Currently, what projects are you working on and where can our readers see you perform?

A: I’m back at the studio working with the DTH company we will be touring soon. So you have to check out www.dancetheatreofharlem.orghttp://www.dancetheatreofharlem.org/

Q: What advice would you give to young women of color who want to become ballerinas?

A: Always believe in yourself and love what you do, never give up and keep working hard. I am always positive.

ARTCULTURE HEALING

CONNECTING TO YOUR TRUE SELFMAKI KAWAMOTO’S STORY

JAPANESE ARTIST MAKI KAWAMOTO SHARES WITH SAFI HER OWN PERSONAL MANTRA ON HOW ART IS HEALING AND HOW SHE HAS USED MUSIC, POETRY, AND DANCE TO CONNECT TO HER TRUE SELF. HER BEAUTIFUL BLEND OF CULTURE AND ART TO PRODUCE HEALING AND GROWTH IS INSPIRING. HERE SHE SHARES IN HER OWN WORDS THE CONNECTION SHE FINDS IN HER ART TO HER WELL BEING AS A WOMAN.

Photography is By B n B Photography and the MUA used is Kristie Chong.

“I come out of everything but it’s based on respect and love.

It makes me think of the way of communication.

And the communication is the key of total peace,

Sometimes within myself, between soul / mind / body,

Sometimes between me and the other world.”

My Daily LifeFor me, to be alive is already ART. We all are artists as we create art everyday with the way we are.How I choose my spoken words. How I take the experience. How is my attitude towards others. Is it same with the way I believe it is beautiful. Each of my action (Spirit / Thoughts / Words / Action) influences my wellness journey in even one second. That is why I always take care of my action as if I become to be love itself.

The DanceAbout 20 years ago, when I encountered Dance, it was like a thunder. It made me realized how much I was pushing myself to be someone else which caused me so much suffering. It was fake. I cried a lot. But I found who I should be, and who I am through dance. I became ok and was ok with who “I am”. How beautiful it was! Dance required me to show my real self. At first, when I saw deep inside me, my legs were shaking and my heart was beating like crazy.

But when I danced, all toxins were gradually melted away from my body. In that process, I cried a lot with mixed emotion of both sorrow and bliss. But it was perfect; it was a HEALING journey to get the peace on my mind and heart. It connects me to everything perfectly.

Dance shows only your truth, and no matter if you try to hide part of you. It reveals everything. That’s what I love about dance. Because I decided long time ago I will live in my truth with my true word, no matter what others may think of me. That’s my way to be love. If I live in my truth, I never need to blame someone or something for my suffering. I would like to take responsibility for my own happiness. Because I can change my energy anytime if I live in whom I really am. That is the greatest thing we can do for others, I believe.

My PoetryI believe in the power of word as well. The Word has a Soul. Word is Art. The Word can change the vibration of my energy. If my energy changes inside of my body, the shape of the crystal will be changed too. This is an amazing reality. Considering that 70% of our body is water as we know. Water has its crystal state. If I take the negative words no matter towards myself or others, it will turn on me with the same energy.

It makes water to be dirty. But anytime if I take the positive words, it will also turn on me with positive vibration to make my body clean. For me, Spoken Word Poetry

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“Because it came to your soul straight. It is the road with no door.

It is the place with no judgment. It opens your heart without any key.

Before you realized, your heart could be opened, that is why you suddenly cry.

To cry is the gift we have received. It is healing”.

Performance is kind of cleansing of my soul,too.

“I come out of everything but it’s based on respect and love.It makes me think of the way of communication.And the communication is the key of total peace, Sometimes within myself, between soul / mind / body,Sometimes between me and the other world.”

I guess Art has saved my wellness journey.

MusicYes, I really feel that music has huge power and benefits to heal all livings.

“Because it came to your soul straight. It is the road with no door.It is the place with no judgment. It opens your heart without any key.Before you realized, your heart could be opened, that is why you suddenly cry. To cry is the gift we have received. It is healing”.

Music doesn’t have any borders. In our life, absolutely there is a certain space that word can’t express. Emotion; it is always changing and it can’t be stable. That is why it’s beautiful. We somehow wish to be understood by others, but it can’t be done like we wished. Then Music teaches us what we forget, how we fix our way, and where we should go. Love is not something to gain... It is not about right or wrong. Love is within us. It must come from me, because I am Love.

When I sing, I always experience mysterious way. I feel all toxin is going away from my body (same like dancing), and ONLY positive vibration such as love, hope, forgiveness, harmony is left inside of me. And I felt very strong LIGHT in my body; I understood all livings were LIGHT. Then we can feel that judgment is nothing. I really suggest for singing when you have a negative energy. It works. I passed through so many hardships with sorrow, hurt, tears so far, but it turned to be love to pass for others...I would like you to remember you are light , you are already love. That is also why I keep singing. I believe in the music and art therapy. That is also what I am planning to move on near future.


Culture‘’ Harmony / Inner Strength / Honesty / Nature Warship ‘’

In my Japanese Culture, the COOPERATION is the one of most important aspect in society. And we always check what was the reason it couldn’t go well to avoid repeating mistakes again. So, that we all cooperate each other for that, and we shake hands to go ahead again. Then we can walk long long way together. It takes INNER STRENGTH so much as we need to TRUST each other to cooperate. It is like a forest, isn’t it? No tree lives alone, each tree is supported, we support each other. But all the trees in the forest accept the differences of one another. NATURE taught me the meaning of unity. It is not to control all, but it is to accept the differences.

That is why I enjoy sharing the way of Circle of Life through my all of arts and when I work with artists from different countries, I can see the wonderful chemical reaction as well. It is always beautiful to meet and work with the different culture, people beyond the nationalities. We all are mirrors to know who we are.

Learn More About Maki Kawamoto:(English) http://artistecard.com/makisongline#!/bio (Japanese ) http://songlineislife.wix.com/studiosatyahttp://songlineislife.wix.com/studiosatyaEmail address : [email protected] account : Maki Kawamoto

Temeko Richardson, is a woman of many talents and is inspiring others by following her own passion of marathon running and helping others embrace her personal motto of “Run Life’s Course”. As a creative tech expert, and senior-level consultant, she specializes in helping entrepreneurs grow and diversifying revenue by expanding their view on product development, and targeting customer outreach.

As a marathoner, Richardson, who has been successful as an author and mentor, turned her motto into a program called Run Life’s Course, that encourages people who join the program to face and defeat life’s and business’ challenges through applying discipline, diligence, definition, and discernment using fitness (specifically running) as a tool to overcome these challenges.

Running Life’s CourseTEMEKO RICHARDSON

Images Fron RLC Group


In Richardson’s life she has faced many difficulties, and she share her own personal story of triumph as motivation to those in her program. She shares how she runs marathons, as far distances as 26.2 miles to help cope with life challenges. She notes: “I only compete against me to make me better”.

Richardson presents that there are always challenges along the way in life and that is not something to fear but rather accept and learn how to deal with the obstacles in life that may occur. Richardson believes that patience, perseverance, persistence, preparation, and prayer are the key ingredients in being able to overcome life’s obstacles.

“I only compete against me to make me better”.

Temeko Richardson Recommends Practicing the Four Ds:(noted on http://runlifescourse.com/the-life/)

1) Definition – State your vision and what it means to you to accomplish short-term and long-term goals. Know who you are and let nothing or no one define you.

2) Discernment – If you can’t discern, get a friend with a discerning spirit. Not everyone that smiles with you is supportive of your dreams. Weed out “users”, “abusers”, and “losers”.

3) Discipline- Dedicate time daily or weekly preparing to achieve goals within your vision. Do not expect it to be given. Prepare and be ready for the opportunity.

4) Diligence – Work hard and take the required actions to make things happen. Let nothing distract the vision. Work ethic determines a strong finish.

Temeko has ran over 25 marathons to date, and she says: “It’s a journey of successes and failures. Each success requires failures. Each failure ignites an opportunity for improvement. The challenges make us stronger and provide a deeper appreciation for the results.Giving up. NOT AN OPTION”!

Learn More About Temeko Richardson Here:http://runlifescourse.com/the-life/

Wellness StoriesAMBER’S RAW VEGAN JOURNEY Written in Her Own Words Photo Courtesy of Amber Toole Abdourdane

Amber Toole Abdourdane shares her personal story about her path to start living a raw vegan fifestyle. She shares openly how she ventured into finding a wellness regimen and diet to fit her lifestyle as a busy mother.

On My Path to the Raw Vegan Lifestyle: Amber’s StoryHealth has been a path of self-discovery, uncovering the mysteries within the depths of my psyche. Health in all of its facets: spiritually, mentally, and physically. The latest journey of mine has been of setting an intention of a balanced and centered lifestyle. My overall goal is to be as pure and as intuitive to all of my needs in the aforementioned spheres of life. It has taken me most of my life to get to a point of self-acceptance, where I am able to focus on what’s right for my body, versus the constant need to be something that I was never made to be.

Growing up, I experienced a lot of body image issues- never feeling small enough, thin enough and many other things that my body did not represent within the main stream culture. My unhealthy view of myself impacted the approach I should take towards my body, and this led to many negative and unhealthy practices such as binge eating and purging, obsessively counting calories and footsteps, weighing myself every morning. And then completely crashing and going through periods of emotional overeating, which caused significant weight fluctuation.

I started to explore Raw Veganism a couple years ago. It was something that I had heard about from random people in my life who so happened to all visit California where it seemed to have a significant popularity. I initially wasn’t interested in it, but then I happened upon a YouTube video by FullyRaw Kristina and I thought that I should look into it more. I read Brad’s Raw Made Easy, an eight week plan to transition to the raw vegan lifestyle and survived six out of the eight weeks. I wasn’t fully prepared. I had no idea what I was getting into and needed to do more research. I was


so overwhelmed by the significant change in lifestyle while also trying to maintain the regular diets of my husband and child. I felt alone and a little isolated by my new lifestyle decision last year. No one I knew, close to me, really understood what it was about. I was so proud of myself for trying for six full weeks, but I quit and my weight ballooned once again.

Pictures From Amber’s Garden

A year from my first attempt, this past spring, I revisited the idea of the raw vegan lifestyle, so I began to seek out the community through several social media outlets. I read more articles about the benefits of becoming plant based, and researched restaurants in the area that provide raw and/or vegan cuisine. Building my community and support network.

Through Instagram, I met an amazing and beautiful young woman named Ashley Renee Chong, who was featured on People Magazine and Forks Over Knives for her significant transition to the raw vegan diet. Ashley created a support network for those who are looking to transition and uses the app ‘WhatsApp’ to connect people around the country on a 30 day raw detox challenge. In July, I decided to join, and felt so embraced by Ashley and the participants in the group, and successfully completely the challenge but also decided to continue for an additional 30 days in August.

During the challenge, the most essential step for success was to be prepared beforehand. Making my grocery budget and seeking out affordable produce, and buying it in small increments unless I could freeze foods that would quickly spoil. I would prepare meals every other day, because I wanted to eat as fresh as possible. And mostly survived on whole watermelons. There was a time when I tried to do a watermelon island for a full week, and after the first day, my body rejected it. A watermelon island refers to a detox method in which you can choose to monomial one fruit and only eat that one fruit for a specific period of time. I chose to exclusively eat watermelon but it did not work. I took one look at a watermelon and felt absolutely sick to my stomach. So, I listened to my body, and decided that there was no way I could continue with my island plan.

The best part of adopting a raw vegan lifestyle in the summer is that it felt so detoxifying, so cooling and hydrating. Eating predominately fruits during the hottest time of the year, just made sense. And during this cleaning time, my family started to adopt these habits since they saw me eating so healthy, and I shared with everyone around me, because it felt like such a blessing to have knowledge of such a fulfilling way to live. One day in the car, my four-year-old daughter said to me, “Mommy, you eat a lot of fruit now. And when I see you eating fruit, I want to eat fruit and I like it so much!” My grandmother started buying fruit and asked me to make smoothies for her every day once she learned that I was trying something new. And my sister, always wanted to try the latest dish that I had made. Whether it was collard green burritos with walnut taco “meat”, or zoodles with meatless (all veggie) meatballs. My intention for health spilled over and influenced the people I love the most in my life. No one has converted to raw veganism full time, but it has made my friends and family question their own habits and incorporate more fresh fruit and vegetables into their everyday lifestyle.

However, I do love eating a wide variety of foods, so I think I will become a seasonal raw vegan. As the weather begun to change in September, I noticed that my body started craving warm substantial foods, so I have decided to try and maintain a predominately plant based diet, and eat more cooked and warm foods as the weather changes. It feels right for my body and also has clear health benefits. One thing that I will definitely keep in mind, is that my choices and my influence in my circle has a significant impact to those around me. So my goal is to not only do what is best for myself, but also what will be better habits that can help improve the habits of my loved ones through positive encouragement.

***Share Your Wellness JourneyEmail: [email protected]


CELEBRATE YOUR WELLNESS JOURNEY

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