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CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY D E D I C AT E D
T O
E L E V AT I N G
CLEARING THE WAY FOR LOVE INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN WISEHART
9 FOODS
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C O N S C I O U S N E S S
YOUR FEBRUARY
FULL MOON HOROSCOPE
YOGA POSES
TO OPEN YOUR HEART!
THAT INCREASE YOUR VISION
7 SURPRISING
WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY CONVENIENCE OR ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH HAZARD?
HEALTH BENEFITS OF
LOVE
GLUTEN-FREE BREAKFAST IN BED
FEBRUARY 2019
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Contents
AMERICA’S OLDEST SPIRITUAL AND METAPHYSICAL MAGAZINE
FEATURES 12 CLEARING THE
WAY FOR LOVE
Interview with Susan Wisehart
by Janae Jean and Spencer Schluter
16 WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY
12
Convenience or Environmental and Health Hazard?
by Ania Wilewska
24 FULL MOON
28
February 19, 2019
by Donna Stellhorn
26 9 FOODS THAT
INCREASE YOUR VISION
by Lisa Peten
14
28 ARMED WITH AN OPEN HEART by Michael Fine
26
33 7 SURPRISING HEALTH
BENEFITS OF LOVE
by Armin A. Zadeh, MD, PhDT
33
DEPARTMENTS 06 PUBLISHER’S LETTER Let Your Inner Light Shine
by Kasia Szumal
08 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS February 2019 11 ASK ALECIA Community Q&A
4
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Ask Alecia - February 2019
by Alecia Rice
FEBRUARY 2019 VOLUME 40, NO.6
14 ALL ABOUT TOWN Holistic Health and Spiritual Expo Melissa Wilhelm, Avana Healing by Theresa Puskar
18 FROM THE HEART A Happy Outcome is Assured by Alan Cohen
34 COSMIC DAILY WEATHER In-Depth Astrology Perspectives February 2019
by Bernadette Evans
37 HEARTh & HOME Gluten-Free Breakfast in Bed by Janae Jean
™
(Formerly The Monthly Aspectarian)
PUBLISHER KATARZYNA (KASIA) SZUMAL EDITORS JANAE JEAN ALMEN SUSAN PLUTO JULIE ROBERTS MEDIA COORDINATORS JANAE JEAN ALMEN KAYLA HANCOCK SPENCER SCHLUTER ART DIRECTOR/WEBMASTER JODY LEVITAN ADVERTISING INQUIRIES KASIA SZUMAL KASIA@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 847.966.1110 SPENCER SCHLUTER SPENCER@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 630.492.0831
CONNECTIONS 20 MIDWEST PULSE CALENDAR Events, Happenings and Announcements of Interest February 2019
30 BUSINESS DIRECTORY Resources for Better Living
EDITORIAL INQUIRIES KASIA SZUMAL KASIA@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 847.966.1110 JANAE JEAN ALMEN JANAE@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM 630.945.7356 ALL OTHER INQUIRIES INFO@CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM ONLINE WWW.CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
REVIEWS 38 IN PRINT
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by Kayla Hancock
ON THE COVER Unconditional Love
CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY is published 12 times yearly by CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY, LLC 47 W. Polk St., Suite 153 Chicago, IL 60605 847.966.1110 © 2017 Conscious Community, LLC. Formerly The Monthly Aspectarian. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission of the publisher. Conscious Community does not necessarily agree with opinions of the writers, nor is it liable for advertiser claims or representations. We believe in the reader’s judgment regarding the quality of any information. All ads should be received by the 10th of the month preceding publication. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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PUBLISHER’S LETTER
LET YOUR INNER LIGHT SHINE T
here once was a miner; he was older and experienced. He knew the mine very well; knew all the roads, the turns, the places where you could find coal. When this miner went down to the mine, he would carry a very heavy lamp that worked well. This lamp was really good at revealing all the hidden places and things that he could not see with his eyes. The miner easily got tired from carrying the lamp when he needed to go the mine, but he had to carry the lamp with him. It was really heavy, uncomfortable and big. One day, when he was coming back from his shift, he stumbled over some rocks and broke his lamp. The light disappeared and he was in darkness. At first, he was happy because he finally did not need to carry the heavy lamp. He started thinking he may buy a new, more convenient lamp that would be lighter and easier to carry. Then the miner said to himself, “I know this mine like the back of my hand. I should not have any problems getting out of here.” But it did not happen as he thought it would. He started to walk in the darkness touching walls that he had never seen before or touching holes that he did not recognize. After a while of walking in darkness and hurting himself a few times, he fell down on the floor and hoped that someone would find him. The next day, another miner returned to the mine, finding the miner with his own large, heavy, uncomfortable lamp. The miner knew that without the lamp, he would not have survived.
KATARZYNA (KASIA) SZUMAL PUBLISHER
Just as the miner needed to carry the heavy light while in the mine, we need to be able to shine our light into our darkness. This is crucial to becoming our best selves. Holistic Psychotherapist and author Susan Wisehart shared her expertise with Janae Jean and Spencer Schluter in this month’s interview, Clearing the Way for Love. They discussed how important it is to look deep within ourselves so that we can remove blocks and learn to love our whole selves, even our shadows. Did you know that love is not just crucial for our emotional well-being but also our physical health? Johns Hopkins University professor and cardiologist, Armin A. Zadeh, MD, Ph.D, explains how in 7 Surprising Health Benefits of Love. Read even more about the mind-body-spirit connection in this month’s All About Town, where Theresa Puskar shares an enlightening experience she had speaking with the Holistic Health and Spiritual Expo’s founder, Melissa Wilhelm. Also, don’t miss Lisa Peten’s 9 Foods That Increase Your Vision. We live in the 21st century where wireless technology has made it easy to get anything we desire effortlessly and instantly. You can order coffee on your phone and it will be delivered to your home or office. Or you can easily play games on your phone for a whole day without even noticing that someone just came home. My question is, “Is wireless technology healthy or harmful for our spirit, mind and soul?” You can find the answer to this question in Ania Wilewska’s article, Wireless Technology: Convenience or Environmental and Health Hazard? February is the month when we celebrate love. In this month’s issue, we celebrate unconditional love in all of our relationships. Read Alan Cohen’s column, A Happy Outcome is Assured for a look at familial love; see Alecia Rice’s Ask Alecia column for romantic relationship advice; and see this month’s Community Happenings and Pulse Calendar for enriching events to attend with your loved ones! Sending you love and light this Valentine’s Day! The Best,
Kasia Szumal 6
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
Soul Resonance: Movement and Sound Healing with Julie Brannen Saturday, Feb. 16, 2019, 1 to 3 p.m.
Finding the Hidden Money in Your Chart Webinar Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019, 12 p.m. PST/2 p.m. CST (2-hour class) In this class, we’ll answer the questions: What are all the ways money can flow into your life? How can you get money to stay, grow and accumulate? How can you uncork blocks and improve money flow? We’ll also look at the natal charts of the students to see how money comes into their lives and what is standing in the way of prosperity. We’ll discuss how to find career and business opportunities as well as receiving money from others. By the end of this class, you’ll have actionable steps for releasing blocks and accumulating money. No previous Astrology experience needed. This class will be presented as a live webinar. It will be recorded. All students who register will receive a copy of the recording and a copy of your natal chart. Donna Stellhorn is an Astrologer, Feng Shui expert and author of 15 books. She has been a consulting Astrologer for more than 25 years. Donna writes for Horoscope.com, Astrology.com and Conscious Community Magazine and she loves helping you find your way to joy and success. Call 949-940-5697 or email via DonnaStellhorn@gmail.com. Visit www.fengshuiform.com/teleclasses.htm to register. Location: Online, live webinar Cost: $29
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You are invited t o a healing journey of movement and sound. Hosted by InTouch & Motion’s Love Your Body series, this session aims to unite physical embodiment with energetic soundscapes guided by Julie. This workshop will be an exploration of movement, meditation, and sound practices. Tune into your unique frequency of personal movement signature. Find the resonance of healing vibrations through meditation, chanting, vocalizations, and sound bath. Unify body, mind, and soul in a safe, open environment for expression. Participants will connect to a felt sense of authenticity to cultivate vitality and wholeness. Location: Awakenings 4001 N Ravenswood Ave, Suite 204, Chicago, IL 60613 For more information, contact Julie at julie@intouchandmotion.com Cost: $30
to envision your ideal future. The processes involved combine the best of hypnotherapy, energy psychology and soul-guided reveries, enabling you to access and heal deep unconscious limiting core beliefs from this life and past lives. Susan Wisehart and David Birr will also provide groundbreaking tools to continue the envisioning process and more fully express your divine potential. Register today! Call 630-668-1571 or visit www. theosophical.org/programs. Location: The Theosophical Society, 1926 N. Main St., Wheaton, IL, 60187. Cost: $60 nonmembers, $50 members, $70 at the door
2019 Abundance Process Workshop Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019, 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, 2019, 7 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. You deserve an abundance of all that you desire and the time is now! Start the New Year off with a fantastic, fun and focused online intention workshop with “All About Town” columnist, Theresa Puskar. In this FREE workshop you will focus on manifesting your desires from a place of joy, adventure and enthusiasm. Through a guided meditation, you will explore what your greatest desires are for the coming year, and then set your intentions so that you can follow through on them, not from a place of angst and fear, but from a place of joyful anticipation! Class size is limited so act now! To register go to www.TheresaPuskar.com and click on the “Register” box on the homepage.
Feng Shui for Love and Money Webinar Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019,12 p.m. PST/2 p.m. CST (2-hour class)
Location: Online Cost: FREE!
In this class, we answer the questions:
Soul Visioning Workshop with Susan Wisehart! Saturday, Feb. 23, 2019 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Clear the past, create your future! Soul Visioning uses higher Soul guidance—the part of your mind that is lucid, wise, creative and inspired
How does Feng Shui work? How can you use Feng Shui to bring in money opportunities? How can you use Feng Shui to help create happy relationships with your partner, kids and friends? We’ll also look at the principles behind the ancient, powerful energy attraction of Feng Shui. We’ll discuss how energy flows and what blocks the flow. We’ll talk about simple Feng Shui remedies you can place for bringing in new positive energy, and I’ll show you how to measure your results. By the end of this class, you’ll have actionable steps for using Feng Shui to attract love and money energy. No previous Feng Shui experience needed. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS This class will be presented as a live webinar. It will be recorded. All students who register will receive a copy of the recording and a PDF of helpful hints. Donna Stellhorn is an Astrologer, Feng Shui expert and author of 15 books. She has been a consulting Astrologer for more than 25 years. Donna writes for Horoscope.com, Astrology.com and Conscious Community Magazine and she loves helping you find your way to joy and success. Call 949-940-5697 or email via DonnaStellhorn@gmail.com. Visit www.fengshuiform.com/teleclasses.htm to register. Location: Online, live webinar Cost: $20
Join spiritual teacher and former monk Douglas Bentley on an inward journey into the nature of spiritual awakening and Divine realization. Take a Sacred 2 day journey in an intimate setting directly working on your personal process of spiritual growth. Learn the sacred principles of spiritual awakening and divine realization in a practical and understandable way. Each session will be open Q&A based conversations into the nature of spiritual awakening, followed by powerful contemplations, meditations, and sacred Divinely guided processes. Register today at www.floweringheartcenter.org or by phone (630) 334-5747. Cost: $350 ($300 before March 1st)
CBD Hemp Oil Movie Night
The Power of the Heart Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2019, 7p.m. to 9 p.m. This life-changing film is about the astonishing power and intelligence of your heart. Featuring some of the most inspiring icons of our age, including Paulo Coelho, Maya Angelou, Deepak Chopra, Isabel Allende and Eckhart Tolle. The Power of the Heart presents fascinating evidence that your heart is much more than a physical organ, and it can actually transform your views of money, health, relationships and success. Call 847-831-8828, 24 hours a day or visit www. infinityfoundation.org. Location: Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Road, Highland Park, IL 60035. Cost: $10 ($5 payment 10 days in advance)
A Personal Journey
of Spiritual Awakening and Divine Realization Friday, March 8, 2019, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Open public Sacred Wisdom Talk (donation only) Saturday, March 9, 2019 - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, March 10, 2019, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 10
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[COMMUNITY Q&A]
ASK ALECIA by Alecia Rice
Q: My girlfriend always seems disappointed on Valentine’s Day. I can’t seem to do anything right which makes me feel like a failure. How do I change this dynamic? — Bittersweet Boyfriend A: Dear Bittersweet Boyfriend, Let’s be honest. Corporations and advertisers have artificially manufactured this holiday of “love.” They’ve cast a spell on us. Is it a coincidence that we collectively know the Valentine’s formula and can spout it out? It’s the delivery of the assumptive pre-packaged recipe of flowers, candy and card...at the very least. We’re all bitten by the spell, yet males seem to feel an inordinate amount of pressure to get this day right, especially when contrasted by a woman’s unspoken expectations. Valentine’s Day should be more about presence than presents. Good quality time spent together is much more important than gifts given. The concept that we’re supposed to bundle all of our love up into one special day by purchasing something that proves to ourselves and others how much we love our partner is commercial manipulation of the highest order. Like most other holidays, we’ve been set up in an unconscious trap, which can be very difficult to escape because it supposedly speaks to the value of our relationship partner. This spell can only be broken by couples who choose to consciously step out of the programming to engage in honest
conversation about what’s really important and what needs we really want to be met. I encourage couples to extricate themselves from the commercialism of the holiday by planning instead on nurturing presence and connection, which is where the love initially sprouted and grew. Honesty, presence and good communication are what creates the true bonds of love which deepens the roots of our trust in one another. These are things of substance which last long after the candy has been eaten and the flowers have wilted. Nothing is more crucial in love than deepening our understanding of and trust in one another. Women crave connection and good quality conversation. This breeds intimacy which is what love is really about. When we step outside of the spell, I think what most are actually seeking is an affirmation that their mate is happy and that they are deeply loved and valued. I encourage couples to make this Valentine’s Day really special by approaching their partner with the suggestion that it be used for presence and connection instead of the obligatory gift exchange. This holiday is much better utilized with the intention of checking in with each other on the health and balance of the relationship. Consider doing something romantic, like sitting by a fire with a glass of wine while engaging in a nice discussion about your relationship. Reminisce about what attracted you
to each other in the beginning. Share gratitude about what you love about the relationship now, especially feelings that you may not usually take the time to share. Follow up with personal questions and honest answers that help you better understand one another while renewing your commitment to co-create a life that’s fulfilling to both. Share what’s working and what could be even better. Talk about changes you can make that will enhance and strengthen your life together. Intentionally break out of the box to create a unique day that’s deeply meaningful to you that you both actually look forward to sharing. It’s fine to create a token of your love with a tradition. Maybe that’s doing something special the same way each year, like you showing up with that same favorite bottle of wine which symbolizes that you intend to talk and spend intimate time together. Q: My friend gives me gifts all the time, yet I have to argue with her to take gifts from me. How do I end these struggles which dilute some of the joy of gift-giving? — Diluted Joy A: Diluted Joy, Giving and receiving is a cycle that’s really best when completed fairly equally. It’s important to remember that to be a giver there must also be a receiver. Both energies exist on the same continuum so one can’t exist without the other. It’s also vital to give unconditionally while receiving with gratitude. When I find myself in such situations, I gently mention it. I’ve told people that denying acceptance of my gift robs me of the gift of joy I receive when I give to them. Givers generally understand this because they know how good it feels to give. Once they realize this, most don’t want to deny me this gift so they’ll gratefully accept with a hearty “Thank you!” Alecia Rice integrates higher concepts with wisdom to bring forth balance, perspective, and clarity. She’s a personal advisor, speaker, and gatherer of women. For perspective on life issues, you’re invited to text questions and comments to 681-321-1109. Discussions continue at Ask Alecia on Facebook. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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CLEARING THE WAY FOR LOVE
Interview with Susan Wisehart, M.S., LMFT by Janae Jean and Spencer Schluter
This month, we had the privilege to speak with Susan Wisehart, M.S., LMFT. Susan is a holistic psychotherapist and author of the book, Soul Visioning: Clear the Past, Create Your Future. She has trained with psychiatrist Brian Weiss, M.D. and with Jungian analyst, Roger Woolger Ph.D. She also is a professional speaker and presenter and will be giving her Soul Visioning workshop along with her husband, David Birr at the Theosophical Society in Wheaton, IL, on Feb. 21 and 23, 2019. This following is only a short excerpt of our conversation with Susan. Subscribe to the Conscious Community Podcast on your preferred podcatcher to hear the entire conversation. Visit www.SusanWisehart.com for more information on this workshop, scheduling a session with Susan or learn about her book. Janae: Carl Jung is famous for saying, “Until you make the unconscious conscious, it will direct your life and you will call it fate.” It seems to me (from your book) that you try to help 12
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people find these unconscious blocks that have been making decisions for them. One of the first tools you mentioned was learning to trust your intuition. Do you have any advice for people who are trying to learn how to trust their intuition? Susan: That’s definitely true. There’s a lot of myths of programming that leads us to disbelieve or mistrust intuition. Ninety-five percent of the mind is unconscious. One of the reasons that I wrote the book, Soul Visioning, is that I saw that a lot of the manifestation models show the power of the mind to manifest and create your life, but there were some things that were missing. One of them was what part of the mind is doing the manifesting—what part of the mind is in charge. If it’s not the soul, then the ego can manifest all kinds of things but not necessarily happiness or peace of mind. The second thing that the models were missing is that they do not address the unconscious mind, those programs that are running in the background and hold us back. The language of the soul is the intuition. The more we clear the baggage, the more we remove the blocks to our soul, the more we are in touch with our inner GPS. In my book, I have methods to identify what these sabotaging beliefs are and ways to release them. The clearer we are, the more our personality is aligned with our soul, the more in touch we are with our intuition.
JJ: Yes! I think the first step is learning to love yourself and finding selfless self-love. Do you have any advice for tapping into that part of ourselves? SW: Our true nature is love. Our true self is our soul. We are each a spark of the Divine. As we become more aware of our patterns and programs that have affected our sense of ourselves and blocked that sense of self; the more we are aware and conscious of these patterns, the more we can clear the blocks to love, because that is our true nature. I do past-life regressions with people to help identify what some of those limiting beliefs and patterns are; hypnotherapy helps to get to the root of that. I think self-awareness is what helps us to understand what’s holding us back. When those are cleared and the sabotaging parts are set aside what’s left is our essence, that sense of connection to the Divine within us.
SW: Yes. The more you have compassion for disowned parts of yourself, the more compassion you can have for others and their shadow parts. Janae Jean serves as editor, social media manager, recipe columnist and podcaster for Conscious Community Magazine. Visit www.janaejean.com or www.perennialmusicandarts.com for details about her other projects. Spencer Schluter serves as an advertising account manager, social media manager and podcaster for Conscious Community Magazine. Visit www.yggstudios.com for more about his freelance design and consulting work. He is also a master level Reiki and traditional Chinese Qigong practitioner.
Spencer: I think sometimes people misunderstand manifestation psychology and think all you need to do is think positive thoughts. The way I look at it is if you’re beating yourself up, you don’t love yourself, you don’t believe in yourself and you don’t have confidence, then you won’t get the things in life you want to get. Once you get the point of self-acceptance and self-love and find your purpose, you have to do the physical steps to reach those goals too. SW: Yeah, like magical thinking, if I say the affirmations and think positive thoughts and do those kinds of things it’s magically going to show up, and that’s not necessarily the case. If you are in touch with your soul’s guidance, with your intuition guiding you, it will guide you to the steps you need to take. Then you have to follow your soul’s guidance and direction. You can’t think, it’s going to magically show up without me doing anything, so I think that’s absolutely correct. JJ: It seems like sometimes people will have an experience during therapy or a spiritual or meditative experience and think they can skip doing all of the shadow work, but that doesn’t seem to be true. Can you tell us how you incorporate that into practice? SW: I think you raised a really good point. I’ve noticed that some New Age thought systems skip steps, focusing on the positive, and sweeping the disowned parts of ourselves under the rug and not really owning those parts. The problem with that is that it affects us unconsciously; it comes through whether we are aware of it or not. If we’re willing to look at the parts of ourselves we don’t like that are hidden and buried, and we do that with compassion, it helps us to be fully authentic and present and to reconnect. Sugarcoating it is like putting deodorant on a garbage pile; eventually the stench is going to come through. A lot of people are afraid to look at their shadow, and feel ashamed of it, but we have to have compassion for ourselves. JJ: Absolutely! I think what you are getting at is the first step to self-love is loving all the parts of yourself. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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[ALL ABOUT TOWN]
HOLISTIC HEALTH AND SPIRITUAL EXPO MELISSA WILHELM, AVANA HEALING
Holiday Inn Crystal Lake Convention Center – Jan. 12, 2019 by Theresa Puskar Have you ever had one of those days, where by 6:00 p.m. you are exhausted and are tickled pink at the thought of snuggling into your bed with a warm cup of tea and a heating pad? Today was one of those days for me. You see, I’ve been burning the candle at both ends with the touring of my solo show, along with other creative endeavors, yet I had a phone interview scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Due to Saturday’s inclement weather, I was unable to attend Avana Healing Center’s Holistic Health and Spiritual Expo in Crystal Lake. So, in order to write this article, this evening I scheduled a phone interview with the expo’s founder, Melissa Wilhelm. While I struggled my way into the conversation, within minutes, my fatigue disappeared, and I felt both energized and inspired. So much so that I scoffed at the idea of heading directly to bed and immediately took to writing this article. “My intention was connection and community. I wanted to make this expo affordable to all—vendors and participants alike.” There is a famous saying, “The best things in life are free,” and in this case, they are! Melissa’s aim, in creating this event, was 14
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to make it affordable for all. For this reason, the expo was free for attendees and the fee for vendors was much more affordable than similar events. She explained that her calling in life is to uplift and support others, especially women, and that was her sole mission with this endeavor. I have no doubt that her integrity and commitment to this intention was the reason why the expo was such a huge success, snowstorm and all. In fact, my dear friend and the publisher of Conscious Community Magazine, Kasia Szumal, attended the event and shared how extraordinary it was. Like me, she too felt energized and inspired by Melissa and her infectious energy! “A wise woman will always create her own opportunities, as opposed to seeking them elsewhere.” From an early age, while most young girls were working part-time at the local fast food joint, Melissa was busy building her own businesses and creating her own opportunities. Unfortunately, many of us get lost in the negativity and cautionary tales that come from others, however, Melissa never did. Although the road has not always been a smooth and easy ride, she forged ahead and created several highly suc-
cessful businesses. “I never knew not to start a business at 17 and another at age 22. While the world most often tries to set standards for you, you have to set your own bar.” While Melissa was raised in a family that lived paycheck to paycheck, she has since risen to a life of abundance through her own commitment to both setting and raising her own bar.
with my emotional blocks started to tumble down. I was left with a pristine landscape upon which I could start to build the world that I had once only dreamt of.
“We need to unburden ourselves and let the patterns, thoughts and behaviors that do not serve us be released.”
When I asked Melissa how she created such a portal for higher energy at her expo, she shared that she spent a great deal of energetic preparation into it. Clearly her passion, commitment and powerful intention all paid off. I am sorry that I missed the expo, and I definitely plan on attending the next
When I asked Melissa where her spiritual journey began, she shared that it all came to a head about five years ago. While she was already on a spiritual path, she reached a point where her kids had grown up and the strong feeling that she was missing something began to gnaw at her. Being a mover and a shaker, she did not sit with that angst too long. She announced to her husband that she needed some alone time and booked a three-day trip to Arizona. While taking walks through the mountains, journaling in her hotel room and allowing herself to have a couple of good cries at local coffee shops, she gave herself permission to go within and experience a great deal of pain that she had previously been avoiding. In doing so, her perception pivoted, and she found herself feeling very liberated and ready to forge a new path along her soul journey. “Since early childhood, I made a commitment not to partake in unkind criticism of others, especially women. In fact, when I heard such judgment, my heart actually hurt.” One of Melissa’s deepest intentions is, and has always been, to support and empower other women. She witnessed a great deal of anger, hatred and jealousy among women throughout her life, but was always conscious of such feelings masking deeper fears, and they were not always aware of it. “When others rolled their eyes and scoffed, I realized that their judgments were not about me, but about themselves. Thinking that they were about me was, in fact, selfish on my part. Now I always find something beautiful in other women. It could be something as basic as their smile. Whatever it might be, I made a commitment to find something to celebrate in them.” “Let someone else lead at what they are good at. Your time will come. When you allow this, then jealousy will shift to gratitude.” Once Melissa shifted her mindset to one of gratitude for the contribution of others, jealousy was never an issue. She was able to see their gifts as solely theirs and in no way a threat to those that were uniquely hers. I, too, have noted that I have recently found it easier to celebrate the abundance within others, especially after having incorporated the mantra, “Yes, I allow” into my thoughts, intentions and actions. I discovered that when envy arose within me, it did so because I believed others were having experiences that I would not allow myself to have. By setting an intention to invite abundance of any kind into my life without guilt or shame, allowing myself to ask for help from others, and finally, to being open to receive from others and the universe, I then noticed that the walls that I built
“I now sit with myself and listen to my heart and soul, not my mind!”
one on July 13, 2019, which will again be held at the Holiday Inn Crystal Lake Conference Center. Along with outstanding speakers and vendors, there will be a plethora of hands-on workshops and other fun and consciousness-raising events and activities. To learn more about Avana Healing and the Holistic Health and Spiritual Expo, visit www.AvanaHealing. com, or call 1-800-762-5037. I am thrilled to be performing my solo show, CAUSELESS JOY at Equilibrium Energy and Education, 850 S. Wabash Ave, #300, Chicago 60605, on Saturday, February 2nd at 2:00 p.m. If you mention that you are a member of the Conscious Community at the door, you can view the show for only $10. Theresa Puskar is an author, performer, speaker, minister and motivational audiobook producer. With over 25 years of experience in media and communications, she has worn many hats in the industry. She is the author of the “Terri” children’s book series, which focuses on a variety of emotional and social development issues for children, ages 5 to 9. She is also an actress and director and recently received a 4-star review by New York critic, Alex Miller for her autobiographical travelogue, Causeless Joy (formerly titled Beauty, Bollywood and Beyond), and looks forward to performing it in Los Angeles in January and throughout Chicagoland in the year to come. A powerful inspirational speaker and transition leader, Theresa edu-tains her audiences, by touching hearts and minds in a way that is engaging, joyful and life-affirming. For more information, visit her website at www.TheresaPuskar.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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WIRELESS TECHNOLOGY CONVENIENCE OR ENVIRONMENTAL AND HEALTH HAZARD? by Ania Wilewska In today’s society, it’s difficult to imagine a day where we don’t use our cellphones. Smartphones have become ingrained in our everyday life. For some, they even seem like an extension of our bodies. Smartphones offer a lot of positives, such as the ability to successfully navigate in a completely foreign location, search random information immediately, watch movies, connect with the whole world via social media, etc. The technological hunger for further advancement has caused us to bypass any possibility of long-term effects on not only humans but also our environment and the natural balance. As conscious readers, we have to allow our curious minds to ask how safe is wireless technology, and what can we do to protect ourselves from it? The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provided guidelines for safe levels of electromagnetic radiation in 1996. That seems like ages ago and considering the technological advances over the past few years, those guidelines do not apply to the electromagnetic fields (EMFs) levels we are constantly being exposed to. In 2011, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), categorized EMFs as a Class 2B carcinogen, which equates to 16
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“possibly carcinogenic to humans.” Such a classification seems frightening for something that is supposedly neutral to our health. When we are considering the topic of EMFs, smartphones play just a small part. Electromagnetic smog is made up of all of the electronic gadgets that we have in our house: laptops, computers, tablets, wireless routers, smart appliances, smart meters, smart house alarms, Bluetooth devices, LED lighting, cellphone towers and the new roll-out of 5G that promises to give us super speed internet due to extremely high frequencies, but at what cost? Various health experts, environmental and health activists, and even patients who have experienced electromagnetic symptoms are working tirelessly to gather data. There are various studies that were successfully published, albeit most such studies are being retracted and scientists who do the research are being let go from their academic institutions. The studies that have been completed to date discuss such health side effects as oxidative stress, sperm/testicular
damage, neuropsychiatric effects, apoptosis (cell death), cellular DNA damage, endocrine changes, and calcium overload (Pall, 2018.) Dr. Martin Pall provides a review of multiple studies on the effects of Wi-Fi. Most of us carry our phones in our pockets, keep our laptops on our laps and are connected to Bluetooth in our cars. Some parents even let their babies play with phones and tablets without any consideration for their health. The studies Dr. Pall discusses also report decreased testosterone as well as lowered sperm production. The concerning incidence of couples who are struggling to have children may be linked to the damaging effects of EMFs. Another frightening finding is the increased incidence of neurological and neuropsychiatric issues. When we look around, we see that more people are struggling with various symptoms of anxiety and depression. It’s not only affecting adults, but children are having more tantrums, symptoms of ADD, and other disorders such as Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Chromosomal and DNA damage are next to consider as we see an increase in miscarriages, stillbirths, cancers and various other defects that appear as children develop which are further magnified by hormonal changes. Symptoms that are immediately noticeable may include: headaches, trouble concentrating, trouble sleeping and waking up exhausted, fatigue, irritability, and cardiovascular problems such as increased blood pressure and chest pains. The long-term health effects are exacerbated by long-term exposure. The studies reviewed by Dr. Pall report even safe levels of EMF exposure had health effects for not only the test subjects but also on the future generations. Future generations are really what we have to take into consideration. We always want what’s best for our children and would do everything for them. In 2010, the Presidential Cancer Panel found that “children are at a special risk due to their smaller body mass and rapid physical development, both of which magnify their vulnerability to known carcinogens, including radiation.” More studies are coming out and supporting the devastating reality of decreased fertility and increased DNA damage causing weaker generations to come. At the rate we are going, we could be facing the extinction of our species in the very near future. Not only are children exposed to EMFs from phones or tablets, but there are Wi-Fi routers at schools and on buses, consequently exposing them to radiation 24/7. Besides routers, there are also dangerous 5G towers being placed on school roofs and near sports fields. Some countries, including France or Russia, banned Wi-Fi in nurseries and schools because they are aware of the studies performed and are conscious of the devastating health effects that EMF exposure carries. Considering all of this, what can we do to protect ourselves? Simple actions such as turning off your Wi-Fi router at night can decrease exposure and give you a good night’s sleep. If you live in a complex, talk to your neighbors and create awareness. Significantly decrease your children’s exposure to electronic devices, as we all grew up without smartphones and had a great time playing with the toys that we had. Perhaps you can talk to
other parents and to your school district about the danger the children and teachers are in. You should also increase contact with nature, consider Shinrin-Yoku, the Japanese medicine of being in the forest. When you sleep at night, keep your phone on airplane mode and keep it out of your bedroom. You can also consider hiring a building biologist for a consultation on EMFs and dirty electricity exposure. Their websites often provide some information on how to protect yourself from EMFs as well as EMF radiation meters that you can use at your convenience. Think twice about the smart meter installed at your house—there are some protective caps you can purchase to reduce the pulsing EMFs, but there is also an option to opt out at a monthly fee. Ensure that your diet is rich in trace minerals and antioxidants that will strengthen your body. For further information, I recommend watching the documentary, Take Back Your Power, available for free on YouTube, which contains fantastic information that should not be taken for granted. Another reference is the documentary, Generation Zapped, available to rent or purchase on GenerationZapped.com. Ann Louise Gittleman’s book, Zapped: Why Your Cell Phone Shouldn’t Be Your Alarm Clock and 1,268 Ways to Outsmart the Hazards of Electronic Pollution, provides a wealth of information and further tips on how to protect yourself and your loved ones. Also, take a look at BioInitiative 2012 at BioInitiative.org, which provides an incredible amount of information with over 1,800 studies referenced. Additional resources include the work of Lloyd Burrell, Nicolas Pineault and Barrie Trower. I definitely encourage you to do your own research on the matter. Don’t get discouraged, knowledge is power! You can take your power back as you become more educated on the matter. As you open yourself to the information, the answers will come to you. You will encounter people who will guide you, and you can give back by sharing the knowledge further. Pay the knowledge forward. References BioInitiative 2012. BioInitiative 2012 Report. https://www.bioinitiative.org/ table-of-contents/ M.L. Pall. “Wi-Fi is an important threat to human health.” Environmental Research, 164 (Jul, 2018), pp. 405-416, https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0013935118300355 Reuben, Suzanne H. “Reducing Environmental Cancer Risk.” 2008-2009 Annual Report President’s Cancer Panel, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, April 2010, https://deainfo.nci.nih.gov/advisory/pcp/annualreports/pcp08-09rpt/pcp_report_08-09_508.pdf Ania Wilewska is a Rasha practitioner. With an in-depth evaluation and consultation, she can create a holistic integrative approach to an issue with which you are currently dealing. Anna herself suffered for years from multiple autoimmune diseases and healed herself through a lifestyle change, herbs, supplements and Rasha. Currently, Ania is a Ph.D. candidate at Quantum University where she is able to integrate her knowledge of herbal and ancient medicine, medical anthropology, with quantum medicine. For more information, visit www.therasha.com, email Ania to schedule a consultation at Wilewska@ protonmail.com or call 630-362-7209. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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[FROM THE HEART]
A HAPPY OUTCOME IS ASSURED by Alan Cohen Can you imagine being an adopted child reunited with your birth mother after 60 years? My friend Diane signed up for a genealogy research service, did a DNA test and found that she had a cousin unknown to her family. Diane contacted Sherry, who confirmed that she had been adopted. Through previous inquiry, Sherry knew that her mother’s name was Marcia. Diane’s aunt is Marcia, which sealed the match. Deeper inquiry into the secret family history revealed that Marcia had a child out of wedlock 60 years ago and gave her up for adoption. She later married and had several children, 18
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but never told her husband, children or other family members about her older daughter. Diane invited Sherry to come and meet her long-lost cousins. When Sherry arrived at her cousin’s home, she found a sign posted on the door: Welcome home, Sherry. Consider Sherry’s relief and reward to finally be reunited with her family, for whom she had searched for 60 years. The stage was set for a joyfully tearful weekend. Before long, knowledge of Sherry’s family membership got around the clan.
While Marcia initially denied the birth, her children convinced her to meet Sherry. You can imagine the intensity of that meeting. When Marcia held her daughter in her arms, she wept and said, “I should have kept you.” After many years of angst in the hearts of mother and daughter, the saga had a happy ending. A Course in Miracles urges us to remember, “A happy outcome to all things is sure.” What a powerful affirmation to hold in mind when things seem to be going wrong! We all struggle with some relationships and wonder if
they will ever be resolved. Take heart. Somehow, some way, they will. The pain is just a chapter, not the conclusion. When Jesus dictated A Course in Miracles to Dr. Helen Schucman, he told her, “Midterm marks are not entered on the permanent record.” It is likewise said, “The record books do not show the score at halftime.”
friendship. Over the years, I have had many dreams of him, in which we are together, laughing, hugging, enjoying each other’s company. In my heart, we are still connected. Our relationship is very much alive in spirit. It is only on the physical or personality level that there seems to be separation. Meanwhile, only union exists.
Since love is our nature and destiny, eventually everything will be healed. “Nature bats last” does not apply only to the physical world. Our spiritual nature has the final say. Yet, we tend to be fooled by appearances, which often indicate separation, lack and brokenness. Appearances generally run contrary to reality. A Course in Miracles also tells us, “Only the creations of light are real.”
If you look back on all the things you worried about in your life, you will realize that very few of them turned out as you worried they would. Usually, things resolve themselves naturally. Even if some of your worries came true, they provided you with valuable life lessons that helped you grow, and they too were resolved. Why, then, would you think that your current worry is any more justified than your past worries? The ego tries to convince us that our current situation is an exception to universal truth. It is not. The same love that has always guided and taken care of you, will continue. The grace
What if someone with whom you have enmity dies, or leaves you, or you have lost touch with this person and you will never see them again? How in such a situation can a happy outcome be assured? The answer lies in the truth that our real nature is spiritual. Geography or even the end of the body does not stop our relationship. True relationship is not of the body; it is of the soul. It matters less what the bodies are doing and more what spirits are doing. You can be living in the same house with someone, sleeping in the same bed and have no real relationship. You can also be physically separated with an ocean between you, but if there is love, you are together. If someone has passed away or left your life, you can connect with them in spirit. In prayer or meditation, call this person to you and speak to their soul. Their reality does not depend on what their body is doing. Say what you would say to them if they were sitting in front of you and they fully received your communication. You will find that your connection with this person has not been severed by the absence of their body. Real communication is not of the body but the spirit. Many years ago, a friend became upset with me and stopped speaking to me. I regretted the loss of our
that has upheld you will not stop now. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life. . .” February is Valentine’s month, a time when we celebrate loving relationships. While we tend to focus the holiday on romantic relationships, all relationships are holy and important. Let us use this month to create happy outcomes, and know with deep certainty that one day only love will remain. Alan Cohen is the bestselling author of the newly-released Spirit Means Business: The Way to Prosper Wildly Without Selling Your Soul, illuminating how you can succeed with money and career without selling your soul. Become a certified professional life coach through Alan’s transformational Life Coach Training beginning Sept. 1. For more information about this program, his books and videos, free daily inspirational quotes, online courses and weekly radio show, visit www.alancohen.com.
James Redfield
Key Insights to Living the Celestine Prophecy The five insights to energize your life through discussion, experientials, and questions and answers: Saturday, March 16, Daylong WOrkshop
Reboot, Renew & Revision for 2019
Power-up your life for 2019 with three dynamic experientals to upgrade your personal operating system and navigate changes you wish to employ. Release old stale energies and refresh your energy systems. Like a clean slate, receive healing energies and alignment for your intentions that can fuel yourself for future endeavors. Friday, February 22, 2019
Limited Space, Register Today: InfinityFoundation.org 847.831.8828 Free course guide with 60+ courses, events & more. CEUs availabl available. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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CONSCIOUS COMMUNITY
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Midwest Pulse Calendar Saturday, February 2 FINDING THE HIDDEN MONEY IN YOUR CHART - Online. Time: 12 pm PT/2 pm CT (2-hour class). $29. In this class we answer the questions: What are all the ways money can flow into your life? How can you get money to stay, grow and accumulate? How can you uncork blocks and improve money flow? In this class, we’ll look at the natal charts of students to see how money comes into your life and what’s standing in the way of prosperity. We’ll discuss how to find career and business opportunities as well as receiving money from others. By the end of this class, you’ll have actionable steps for releasing blocks and accumulating money. No previous Astrology experience needed. This class will be presented as a live webinar. It will be recorded. All students who register will get a copy of the recording and a copy of your natal chart. Donna Stellhorn is an Astrologer, Feng Shui expert and author of 15 books. She has been a consulting Astrologer for more than 25 years. Donna writes for Horoscope.com, Astrology. com and Conscious Community Magazine, and she loves helping you find your way to joy and success. 949-940-5697. DonnaStellhorn@gmail.com.
Saturday, February 9 CHICAGO IANDS, support/study/ resource forum for near-death, out-ofbody, & spiritual experiences, losses. 22
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2-5 pm. Donation: $20. Guest Speaker: SARA BASSETT, NDEr, Many transformative experiences! Writer/Psychologist/Buddhist from St. Louis, MO. Frank Auditorium in Evanston Hospital. Free covered parking. All are welcome! For more info: 847-251-5758 or http://www.chicagoiands.org
Sunday, February 10 CHAKRAS FOR LIFE: 1:30 - 2:30 pm. $20. What are Chakras? How can you balance and bring forth healing into the Chakra energy centers? Learn about the most important system for healing the body. 9501 S. New England Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. 708-634-3664. www.journeytowholeness.org
Friday, February 15 POWER OF THREE HEALING WORKSHOP: Third Friday of every month. 7 pm. $75. Healing of body, mind and soul. Location: 3051 Oak Grove Rd, Suite 104, Downers Grove, IL 60515. Phone: 630-202-3818. Website: www. behealedforever.com
Sunday, February 17 THE POWER OF HEALING STONES & CRYSTALS: 1:30-2:30 pm. $20. Explore the energetic and protective power of stones & crystals. Discern which stones are best for you. 9501 S. New England Ave, Oak Lawn, IL 60453. 708634-3664. www.journeytowholeness.org
Wednesday-Thursday February 20-21 2019 ABUNDANCE PROCESS – FREE!!! Time: 7:00 – 7:45 pm. You deserve an abundance of all that you desire and the time is now! Start the New Year off with a fantastic, fun and focused online intention workshop with “All About Town” columnist Theresa Puskar. In this FREE workshop you will focus on manifesting your desires from a place of joy, adventure and enthusiasm. Through a guided meditation, you will explore what your greatest desires are for the coming year, and then set your intentions so that you can follow through on them, not from a place of angst and fear, but from a place of joyful anticipation! Class size is limited so act now! To register go to www.TheresaPuskar. com and click on the “Register Here” box on the homepage.
Saturday, February 23 FENG SHUI FOR LOVE AND MONEY Online. Time 12pm PT/2 pm CT (2-hour class). Price $20. In this class we answer the questions: How does Feng Shui work? How can you use Feng Shui to bring in money opportunities? How can you use Feng Shui to help create happy relationships with your partner, kids and friends? In this class, we’ll look at the principles
behind the ancient, powerful energy attraction of Feng Shui. We’ll discuss how energy flows and what blocks the flow. We’ll talk about simple Feng Shui remedies you can place for bringing in new, positive energy. And I’ll show you how to measure your results. By the end of this class, you’ll have actionable steps for using Feng Shui to attract love and money energy. No previous Feng Shui experience needed. This class will be presented as a live webinar. It will be recorded. All students who register will get a copy of the recording and a PDF of helpful hints. Donna Stellhorn is an Astrologer, Feng Shui expert and author of 15 books. She has been a consulting Astrologer for more than 25 years. Donna writes for Horoscope.com, Astrology.com and Conscious Community Magazine, and she loves helping you find your way to joy and success. 949-940-5697. Donna Stellhorn@gmail.com. Website https://www.fengshuiform.com/ teleclasses.htm GET A PLAN, A MOTIVE AND A LIFE DIRECTION! 12-2 pm. $20. Most spiritual people reach a crossroads in their lives and know that SOMEthing has to change, but sometimes they aren’t sure what to do or how to go about it. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by where you’d like your desired goal to take you or to feel defeated before you even begin — especially if you have no idea where you’re going. In this session, we will focus on a few areas to minimize the scatter, fear, confusion and over-analyzation. By the end, you’ll have a plan, a motive and a direction! Location: 219 W. 55th St. Suite 105, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514. (Go through front door, turn right, down the stairs, office 105 on the left).
Contact: 407-575-7547 or www.rebeccarockwood.com
https://www.mindsoulandself.com/ womens-wellness-retreats/
SOUL VISIONING: CLEAR THE PAST, CREATE YOUR FUTURE with Susan Wisehart and David Birr. 10:30 am – 4:30 pm. $65 in advance, $75 at the door. Soul Visioning uses higher Soul guidance – the part of your mind that is lucid, wise, creative, and inspired – to envision your ideal future. The processes involved combine the best of hypnotherapy, energy psychology and soul-guided reveries, enabling you to access and heal deep unconscious limiting core beliefs from this life and past lives. You will also receive groundbreaking tools to continue the envisioning process and more fully express your divine potential. Location: The Theosophical Society in America, 1926 N. Main Street, Wheaton, IL 60187. Phone: 630-668-1571.
Saturday, March 16
Sunday, March 3 PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY FOR EXTREME POVERTY: 10 am. Free. Happy New Year! Location: Body Mind Spirit Expo, 401 W Lake St, Northlake, IL 60164. Website: www.marmelaccounting.com
Friday-Sunday March 15-17 ART, MUSIC, AND TRANSCENDANCE: WOMEN’S SPRING EQUINOX RETREAT - This experiential weekend of self-discovery will explore music, art, dance, meditation, and bodywork as doorways deep into the psyche to facilitate your own healing and personal growth with Dr. Christina Wilke-Burbach and Mind, Soul, and Self LLC. West Bend, WI. Contact: 608-393-7353; mindsoulandself@yahoo.com;
SPIRITUAL YOU!!! AND VENUS GONG MEDITATION: 8:30 am - 8 pm. Join Medium Patty Horton, one of today’s most insightful spiritual teachers in the Chicagoland area for this one-day Intensive Workshop. St Benedict’s Abbey, 12605 224th Ave, Benet Lake, WI 53102. 630-417-7130. https://www. innereyeconnections.com/spiritualyou-gong-exper
Friday-Sunday, April 5-7 CHAKRA INTENSIVE – JOURNEY TO THE HEART. Experiential chakra journey from the Root of belonging into the Heart of Love! Investment: $600/$575 if paid by 3/29/19. Begins Friday at 5:30pm. 815-669-9155. www.sacred healingjourney.com
Saturday, April 6 INSPIRED LIVING EXPO 2019. If you would like to be a vendor at our expo please call Carolyn Greenleaf 224-2416645. Location: D’Andrea Banquet & Conference Center 4419 US-14, Crystal Lake, IL 60014. https://www.facebook.com/events/237722363597180/, https://allthingswellnessexpo.com
Saturday, April 13 HOLISTIC HEALING WITH HERBS CERTIFICATION SERIES - Join Dr. Christina Wilke-Burbach for a comprehensive overview of herbal medicine and holistic healing. Monthly classes April to November. 175-hour certificate. Southeast Wisconsin. Contact: 608393-7353; mindsoulandself@yahoo. com; or https://mindsoulandself.com/ herb_classes_wisconsin_illinois/
AT T E N T I O N A D V E R T I S E R S Did you know that the Midwest Pulse Calendar section is one of the most read parts of Conscious Community? The Midwest Pulse Calendar listings are $1.00 per word with a 30 word minimum. Copy is due by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Copy submitted after the deadline is not guaranteed to be included in the next issue. Check or credit card information must accompany calendar listings.
For questions, please call: 847-966-1110 or email: Kasia@ConsciousCommunityMagazine.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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FULL MOON FEBRUARY 19, 2019 by Donna Stellhorn What is this Full Moon about and what makes it special? This is a zero-degree Full Moon which is rare. This indicates you have reason to be more optimistic as you may have many opportunities over the next four weeks. As this is a Virgo/Pisces Full Moon, intuitive ability is highlighted. You may have prophetic dreams or wake with inspired thoughts. Chiron is also at zero at this time making the challenging semi-sextile to the sun and the even more challenging inconjunct to the moon. This indicates it would be good to give yourself some time for healing work, whether that be physical therapy, extra sleep, a massage session or emotional healing with a therapist or coach.
How can you best work with the energy of this Full Moon? During this Full Moon period, you will find opportunities to make things better in your life. If you’re dissatisfied with some aspect of your job or relationship you can make small, incremental changes leading to big results. The Virgo/Pisces Full Moon is a spiritual combination so meditation, affirmations, and prayer work well now. This Full Moon energy makes a good aspect to the planet Mars, which indicates actions taken on both the spiritual level and in the physical world yield good 24
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results. This is especially true for working on career and financial matters. Set your goals, visualize and then take action.
Aries Job energy is highlighted for you this month. This indicates you may have some shift at work with a change of co-workers, procedures or offices. You can transfer to a different team or request placement on a different project. If you’re job hunting, this is a particularly good period for finding a position that pays better.
Taurus There is a lot of energy around children and creativity for you. There may be news this month of an addition to the family perhaps by pregnancy, marriage plans or adding a pet to the household. For those creatives out there, this is a very good period to put art, music or creative business ventures into the marketplace.
Gemini This month the Full Moon energy squares your own, pulling you in two directions. You want to follow your heart and do what you want to do, but you also have obligations and responsibili-
ties. Work/life balance is important at this time. There are also possible changes at home. You may be moving, renovating, or doing a deep declutter. Changes at home bring new opportunities in other areas of your life.
ment or special care from a teacher or adviser. A test can go very well especially because you put the study time in. Planning future trips is beneficial at this time, especially when you consider destinations you’ve never been before.
Cancer
Aquarius
You’ll find siblings, neighbors and communication are all under the light of this Full Moon. There is a chance to resolve arguments, even long-standing grudges during the next four weeks. You may have to start the conversation by making the first call. There may be changes in your neighborhood now, a house or two may be changing hands. Opportunities for new friends may settle nearby.
This is a good period to give attention to investments and passive income sources. You have luck right now in the area of resources from others. You can find good places to put your money. It’s also an excellent idea to review retirement investment options through your company. This is a beneficial time to focus on passive income sources such as real estate investments.
Leo This is a money period for you. The next four weeks bring opportunities for financial gain. This can be with your own business, a side hustle or you may be selling a high-value item. You may be sought out by a headhunter for a job opportunity. This is a good period to look for and remove blocks to money. These blocks could be attitudes formed in childhood that now can be released.
Virgo This Full Moon is in Virgo/Pisces, making this one of the most significant periods for you all year. You have a good chance at increased confidence and vitality now. You are receiving support from others (some of whom may surprise you). There is a good chance you will be signing a contract for a purchase or employment. A legal matter can be resolved now.
Pisces As this is a Virgo/Pisces Full Moon, therefore, it’s a powerful time for you. Relationships are highlighted. If you’re looking for love you have an opportunity in the next four weeks. This is likely someone new or a past love who has experienced a change of heart. If you’re already in a committed relationship, you will probably see the bond strengthen. A day trip or weekend getaway would be good for the two of you. Donna Stellhorn is an astrologer, Feng Shui expert and author of 15 books. Her website is www.fengshuiform.com. You can follow her on Instagram @donnastellhorn or see her videos at www.youtube.com/c/DonnaStellhorn.
Libra Your intuition is keen during the next four weeks. You may feel more connected to those around you. You have good luck with health issues. Now you can find the help you’ve been looking for, perhaps through a good practitioner or valuable information that comes to you. Your sleep can improve through small changes to your bedroom and nightly routine.
Scorpio This Full Moon lights up your area of friendships, groups and your future. This is a good period for goal setting or to get back to New Year’s resolutions. There are several opportunities to meet new friends. A group or organization may look to you to lead a committee or project. Some piece of technology you own needs to be updated and you’ll be happy you did.
Sagittarius Career is highlighted this month, as well as your reputation in the world. Your social media following may increase. You may expand a side business and begin to see real profits. You may be recognized at work for a job well done. An issue with a boss begins to resolve itself either because the manager shifts their attitude or the manager leaves the position.
Capricorn The rays of the Full Moon light up your area of education and travel. If you’re in school you may receive some encourage-
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9 FOODS THAT INCREASE YOUR VISION by Lisa Peten Many people eat fruits and vegetables, take vitamins and minerals and live healthy lifestyles to ensure good health. By all accounts, these are excellent ways to maintain weight and promote disease-free living. However, most people may not realize the profound effect these practices have directly on visual health. Similar to weight loss, it is not possible to direct enhanced health to specific parts of the body, however, consistent consumption of fruits and vegetables, adequate intake of vitamins and minerals and safe lifestyle practices all help preserve good visual health. With the focused gaze of an eagle’s eye, you too can maintain good vision and decrease the chance of declining vision.
EAT VEGGIES FOR VISION “I make sure I get a lot of vegetables, a lot of fruit. I am a big fruit man; I am a vegetable man, anyway.” — Magic Johnson In 2016, the National Health Interview Survey reported that 25.5 million American Adults reported experiencing vision loss. This figure is a call for more prevention methods to surface for enhanced eye care and safety. As an easy selfcare strategy, good nutrition is a good habit with vegetables as the foundation. Vegetables that aid in vision care and maintenance include carrots, spinach, kale, bell peppers and sweet potatoes. Carrots contain Vitamin A and beta carotene which help the surface of the eye and can also help prevent eye infections and other serious eye conditions. They can be eaten cooked or raw, as a snack or with a meal. 26
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Spinach, kale, and other dark green leafy vegetables contain chlorophyll, which give plants their color. A study in the Journal of Food Science, which was published by the Institute of Food Technologists, found that these green vegetables increase visual performance and prevent age-related eye diseases. So, delight in the goodness of these greens in salads, smoothies or raw on sandwiches. Lutein and zeaxanthin are carotenoids found in high amounts in bell peppers and the above green vegetables, may improve eye health with enormous consumption. Bell peppers are said to protect the human retina, the light-sensitive inner wall of the eye, from oxidative damage. Enjoy bell peppers in a variety of colors, raw or cooked, or dried or powdered as a seasoning. Sweet potatoes are really helpful for eyes. The sweet potato helps to replenish blood and soothe the optic nerve. It can also improve the functioning of the optic nerve system, nourishing the retina and eyelids and also have some help in the treatment of cataracts and nyctalopia. The sweet potato is rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and minerals. There are various ways to prepare the sweet potato; you can eat it as a main dish or make it into a snack. Sweet potato powder can be dissolved in milk or a plantbased milk beverage. How is that for insight? (Pun intended.)
GIVE FRUITS A BITE FOR GOOD EYESIGHT “I try to eat fruit and be healthy.” — Lara Stone According to a study by Tufts University, blueberries may help to reduce your risk of cataracts, glaucoma, heart disease, can-
cer, and other conditions. You can eat these raw or mixed with your favorite recipe. According to Healthline.com, oranges can contribute to healthy blood vessels in your eyes and can combat the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration in combination with other vitamins and nutrients. Oranges can be a snack enjoyed anytime or in a salad.
VIEW VITAMINS’ VALUE “Blueberries, strawberries, and broccoli are all high in vitamins.” — David Kirsch Dr. Leland Carr, an optometrist and professor of optometry at Northeastern State University in Oklahoma was recently interviewed for an article written on eye health on VSP.com. Dr. Carr suggests getting at least three servings per week of vitamins from each of the groups below. Vitamin A: carrots, kale, spinach, dairy products, egg yolks
eye strain, dry eyes, or blurred vision including ‘reminding yourself to blink’ and taking what experts call a “20-2020 break;” every 20 minutes, give yourself 20 seconds to check out what’s going on 20 feet away from you. • Clean Eyes - Outside of Hollywood, crying is not a game. It does, however, help you keep your eyes clean and clear. Researchers believe that crying could reduce the levels of chemicals in the body, which could, in turn, reduce stress, and thus increase the prevention of eye dis-eases. Ever heard of lysozyme? This fluid is in tears and contains powerful antimicrobial properties that help kill bacteria and keep the eyes clean. • Eye Exercises - If the release of lysozyme still does not persuade you to enjoy the chore of cutting onions, perhaps eye exercises will. You do not need a gym and best of all you reduce your chances of glaucoma, all while improving your eyesight. Five exercises to relieve stress and rest your eyes include:
Vitamin C: citrus fruits (especially kiwi fruit) and juices, green peppers, broccoli, potatoes
Palming - Placing warm hands over your eyes
Vitamin E: eggs, whole grains, vegetable oils, sunflower seeds
Zooming - Extending your arm with your thumb up for a period of back and forth motions
DIMINISH THE MYOPIC VIEW OF MINERALS “There is a world of difference between foods fortified with synthetic vitamins and minerals, and eating vegetables, fruit, and other whole foods full of vitamins and minerals in their natural form.” — Harley Pasternak Dr. Andrew Weil is a well-known medical physician known for promoting an anti-inflammatory lifestyle to prevent and reverse functional and degenerative diseases. In guidance published on his website, he suggests that zinc is important for eye health, although the body only needs it in small quantities. Zinc can be found in common foods such as meat, dairy, shellfish, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, legumes, as well as whole grains. Selenium is another mineral to help protect the retina, aids cell development and acts as an antioxidant. It helps fight glaucoma and cataracts.
YOUR LIFESTYLE - SEEING IS BELIEVING Both sedentary and active lifestyles require essential components to preserve and protect eye safety and health. Essentials listed below help to preserve and protect good vision while decreasing the onslaught of poor eye health. • Sunglasses - While largely known for style and fashion, “shades” throw shade to your eyes in a good way. Be sure to purchase shades boasting UVA and UVB 100% protection to lessen overexposure from the sun’s rays. • Screen Protection - Now more than ever we are viewing screens every second of every day via computers, tvs, phones, or watches. In an article titled “How to Keep Computer Screens from Destroying Your Eyes” author Lindsay Abrams recommends five keys to guard against
Blinking - Rapid blinking with periods of rest
Shifting - Moving your eyes left to right Figure of Eight - Separately using left and right thumbs outstretched drawing the figure eight, each 10 times
LOOK AT YOUR LIFESTYLE “I learned in a very public setting what works and doesn’t work for a healthy lifestyle.” — Michael De Luca If you do not have any issues with your eyesight, chances are you have your food, nutritional supplements and lifestyle to thank. Seeing is believing when it comes to good choices made to prevent vision decline. It is important to not take your eye health for granted. Learn to live well with a healthy lifestyle and diet to help make your ‘look-ing’ last as long as it should. References https://www.firmoo.com/answer/question/5239.html https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/best-foods-for-eyes https://www.vsp.com/eating-healthy.html https://www.webmd.com/eye-health/features/how-to-pick-good-sunglasses#1 https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319631.php https://www.hdfchealth.com/knowledge-center/health-and-living-guide/eyeexercises.aspx https://www.weilvitaminadvisor.com/zinc_MF_baby https://www.rebuildyourvision.com/blog/food-for-your-eyes/all-about-selenium/
Lisa Peten, C.H.H.C. is a self-help hearing coach, mind-body empowerment speaker, and health advocate blogger on a mission to empower health-hungry communities to become more proactive in obtaining nourishing foods and seeking holistic health alternatives. Subscribe to Sound Health and Healing’s free newsletter to attune your vibrational settings for miraculous healing at www.soundhealthandhealing.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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ARMED WITH AN OPEN HEART by Michael Fine The Bikram Method is a style of Hatha yoga. Each class lasts 90 minutes and is comprised of two sets of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. It is conducted in a room heated to 105°F and 40% humidity. The series systematically works every muscle, bone, joint, tissue, tendon, organ, and system of the body down to a cellular level and with a regular practice returns the body to its natural homeostasis. This occurs via the tourniquet-like compression created in each of the postures that curtail blood flow for short periods of time. When that compression and posture is released, fresh, highly oxygenated blood rushes through those areas and clears out plaque, scar tissue and the like to enable the body to return to its natural high-functioning state. This beautiful series figuratively and literally saved my life almost eight years ago! I was rescued by this healing, therapeutic yoga after living my life in chronic, debilitating residual limb pain, the result of a head-on collision at approximately 40 mph with a large, red concrete truck in April of 2010. I was on my way to work that fateful day when that truck crossed the center line, traveled up the hood of my car, continued through my windshield and traumatically amputated my left arm cleanly at the shoulder. After surviving such a horrific accident and living in chronic pain, along with the loss of both of my beloved parents within that same timeframe, falling into a severe depression, and drowning in a daily 35-prescription pain pill 28
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diet which led to multiple suicide attempts, I was left completely empty and in search of a new way to live and move forward. For me, that path forward was, is and will likely always be, my yoga practice, this healing yoga series. Since the day I lost my left arm, I have completely felt it as if it was still attached to my body. However, my phantom arm feels like it is encased in a block of ice and being continuously squeezed in a vise. This is my reality, this is my life. I generally live at a pain level between five and seven on the proverbial ‘one to ten pain scale.’ My existence really centers around doing all I can to live at as low a number on that scale as possible. The ‘external triggers,’ or factors that exacerbate the pain, are outside of my ability to control or regulate (e.g. weather changes, barometric pressure and temperature fluctuations.) Fortunately, the ‘internal triggers,’ (e.g. coping with the feeling of stress, tension and anxiety) are completely within my ability to control and regulate. In an effort to learn to do so, I tried many different Eastern medicine healing modalities such as Reiki, Cranial Sacral Therapy, the LifeLine Technique, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR,) other energy and mindfulness work, acupuncture, sensory reduction flotation, massage therapy, cupping, Cryotherapy, etc. All of those techniques are important and effective weapons in my arsenal to battle life in chronic pain. However, the single most effective weapon that I possess is my daily yoga practice.
In my almost eight years of practice, in my more than 2,000 classes, there has never been even one class where I haven’t felt less pain after those 90 glorious minutes than before I walked into that Hot Room. To date, I haven’t found anything else that helps me in this way. I call this yoga practice and series a universal truth. In other words, this yoga is a constant, like gravity, because it works each and every time that I practice it! The mental and spiritual clarity that this magical 90-minute long, open-eyed, moving meditation provides is further icing on the yogic cake! The most beautiful thing about this series is that almost anyone can do it! In the words of a living legend and one of my many teachers and mentors, the incomparable Mary Jarvis, “All you need to do this yoga is a spine!” Two arms are completely optional! As we move into February, the heart month of Valentine’s Day, several of the backbend and spine twist postures from the Bikram series are my favorites for opening the heart chakra, chest, spine and heart. We often experience tremendous release and varied emotions during these postures. I have personally felt and observed practitioners laugh, cry, experience bursts of light and color, third-eye blindness and blissful feelings. Each offers tremendous benefits for opening the heart, a body part we so often guard and keep closed as we spend our lives hunched over a steering wheel, a desk or a cellphone.
THE POSTURES Standing Backward Bending (Anuvittasana) – We begin with feet together, arms up over the head, wrists and palms together, elbows locked, biceps with the ears, hips and thighs pushed forward. The backbend begins with the eyes, the head drops back, chin up, chest/breastbone lifts. The key is to breathe through the nose, maintain bodyweight in the heels and to bring the arms back as close to the ears as possible to bend and open the less flexible part of the spine, the upper and middle spine. The chest/ heart opening in this posture is profound and visceral. Standing Bow Pulling Pose (Dandayamana Dhanurasana) – This posture combines a backbend, spine twist and heart opener. We start with feet together, then move by grabbing the foot from the inside at the ankle. We then kick, back and up, allowing the kick to drive the body forward and down, all while maintaining a straight standing leg. This posture is exhilarating and my absolute favorite.
Camel Pose (Ustrasana) – This posture is the climax of the entire series and is the deepest backbend and chest/heart opener of the 26 postures. This posture is often referred to as the master healer of the spine, as all backbends serve to heal the spine. We start in a kneeling position, feet and knees separated six inches apart. We then place our hands on the lower back, thumbs out, fingers down. We start to push our hips and thighs forward, lift the chest/breastbone up and drop the head back, chin up. This depth in the posture is fine for many beginners and quite a chest/heart opener. Those that can move further do so by grabbing their heels. Upon doing so, the pose intensifies as we push the hips forward, lift the chest/heart up to get the weight out of the hands and move bodyweight forward. This often results in serious emotional response as the adrenal glands are compressed and ‘fight or flight’ adrenaline is released through the body. Many people see stars, colors, shapes, light, and at times laugh or cry. Bikram yoga has profoundly changed, enriched and saved my life, figuratively and literally. It is a beginner series and available to anyone who has the courage to simply try. One hundred percent effort yields 100 percent of the benefits of the practice! All levels of students practice together, in community, sharing space and energy. There is no destination or competition in the Hot Room. The Hot Room and this series is a place and mechanism for people to practice and achieve what the human body was designed to do, if provided with the proper tools, like mindful lifestyle, nutrition, and hydration; the result of which is to ultimately heal from the inside out, bones to skin! My primary goal moving forward in this yoga is to inspire and change the minds of all of those who believe that they can’t practice, with common excuses like: “I am too old, too fat, too inflexible, too sick, don’t like to sweat, allergic to heat, etc.” My yoga journey and path to healing is truly just beginning, as I teach and share my love of this yoga with others from the podium, with the sole objective and ultimate goal of inspiring and empowering people to know and do what the human body, mind and spirit were truly designed to do; that is to heal! Michael Fine is an attorney, left-arm amputee, husband, father, Hatha Yoga 26 & 2 Bikram Method student & instructor, and lover of living life to its fullest, awake and aware. Michael teaches the Bikram Method regularly at Sweat Junkie, Evanston, IL. www.sweatjunkiefitlife.com, as well as at Be Yoga, Andersonville, Chicago, www.hotyogachicago.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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BUSINESS Directory
AKASHIC RECORDS THE AKASHIC RECORDS hold the information for every soul’s journey; past, present and future. Find out what your record holds! Akashic Record Readings by phone, in-person or events. Contact Christine: akashicloveandlight@gmail.com; www.AkashicLoveandLight.com or 773-968-6615.
ANGEL CARD READER RHONDA BRUNETT INTUITIVE MEDIUM - Phone Readings. Contact: FB: Rhonda’s Tarot Readings; call 630-885-2128, www.rhondabrunett.com.
BOOK AND METAPHYSICAL STORES STYX AND STONZ, 1764 W. Algonquin Rd., Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. www.styxstonz.com 847-358-9975.
ASTROLOGY
BUSINESS SERVICES
SANDY RUEVE. Astrology readings, personal & universal talismans, intention consultations, workshops, retreats. Align in harmony with the Universe. Sandy is available for astrology readings, talisman consultations, and workshops-Shop, schedule, or learn more: 847-507-3519, www.intentionbeads.com.
LORI AIELLO, CPA. Aiello Accounting Services, Inc. provides professional and conscientious certified accounting services. Our services meet both business and personal needs. Contact: www.aiellocpa.com or 630-329-0046.
BODYWORK SHARON M. VOGEL, CLT, LMT, LC, BCTMB, Clinic Director of National Lymphatic Centers. With 27 years in business, I am referred to by Mayo Clinic 30
practitioners, national surgeons, physicians and patients. The practitioners at NLC care for you with Biofeedback, Acupuncture, No-needle Acupuncture, Rife, Chiropractic, Cupping, Myofascial release, Craniofascial, Lymph Drainage, Oncology Massage, and much more. 5002 Main Street, Downers Grove, IL 60515. www.lymphatics.net, 630-241-4100.
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MARMEL ACCOUNTING, LLC, accounting with heart provides QuickBooks accounting, tax research and business consulting for small businesses.100% of every invoice you pay is first loaned out on kiva.org as a microloan to people in developing countries. Location: Chicago, IL. www. marmelaccounting.com, Phone: 773-456-9729.
CHIROPRACTOR WATSON CHIROPRACTIC Sarah Watson BS, DC, VSMT. Watson Chiropractic is your partner in integrative whole health, for your whole life. With a focus on women’s health, pregnancy, and pediatrics, we offer Chiropractic, Reiki, Chios, Massage, Acupuncture, and Cupping. Contact: www.drsarahwatson.com or 888-476-5171.
DREAMWORK PRACTITIONER W. KEREN VISHNY. Explore the potency of your dreams. Your dreams can help you heal and grow, strengthen your relationships and rediscover your natural creativity. Dreams are a spiritual path, customized for you. 847-440-4468, www.kerenvishny.com, Kvishny@mindbodynorth shore.com
ENERGY HEALING ADVANCED SPIRITUAL ENERGY HEALING - Sessions are Divinely guided for the most clarity, direction and healing. We work from your unique Divine plan to assist you on your evolutionary path. Physical, emotional, mental and spiritual levels. 20 years’ experience. I would love to help you. Call Susan for more information/appointment. 312-335-0053. DIVINE CREATIVE SYNERGY. Diann Squires, CRMP, CRMT, CA. Reiki, Aromatherapy sessions by appointment Free consultation before
session. Check website for upcoming workshops and events! Location: Divine Creative Synergy, 707 Chicago Ave., Evanston, IL 60202, 312-3918740, www.DivineCreativeSynergy.com. JOHREI is a preventative and complementary therapy to balance our Mind, Body, and Spirit by harnessing the Divine, Spiritual Light. Johrei sessions are a holistic means of attaining true health and spiritual growth. Visit www.johreichicago.org Chicagoland call: Joe Jarnol 773-465-9014, Tom Wenc 815-886-4337. VIRGINIA “GINGER” ADAMS. Reconnective Healing Foundational Practitioner. The Frequencies of Reconnective Healing lead us to a place where spiritual, emotional and physical healing resides. To schedule an appointment, please visit www.virginia-adams. com or call 847-445-0092.
ENERGY MEDICINE CAROL SWANSON LLC Medical Intuitive & Wellness Consultant, specializing in the release of chronic health issues. Intuitive Health Analysis and Treatment Protocol. Deep Meridian Clearing releases the energetic blockages/trauma supporting your illness. Clients worldwide. Serving Humans and their companion animals. Email: carol.swanson @att.net, visit www.carol-swanson.com or 608-359-4720.
FENG SHUI LEARN FENG SHUI at The Feng Shui School of Chicago, recognized as a Gold Level School by the International Feng Shui Guild. Certified Consultant Training Program. Contact: LauriePawli@gmail.com, 630-279-8870 www.TheFengShuiSchoolOfChicago.com,
HOLISTIC HEALING BRIGITA VAICIULYTE, PT (LT), CRP - Light touch therapy for chronic back pain, headaches, joint pain, anxiety and fatigue. The session blends Craniosacral Therapy, Reiki, Myofascial Release. Long lasting results in treating chronic pain. Downers Grove, IL. Contact: www.healinghands.name or 224-243-1513.
HOLISTIC HEALING FOR ANIMALS ANIMAL REIKI WITH AMBER SHANER - Reiki Master Teacher. Through energetic healing, Amber helps to provide a restorative balance for your pet companion on a social, emotional, and physical level. Sessions, classes, workshops offered. All animals welcome. Location: Naperville & Chicagoland surrounding areas. 630-835-6727, Website: www.amberreiki.com.
HOLISTIC HEALTH DR. CRESENCIA FELTY offers personalized care that works to address the root cause of disease and supports healing with natural approaches. Naturopathic consultations available for: Digestive Health, Botanical Medicine, Homeopathy, Nutrition and Lifestyle, Weight Management, Women’s Health, Men’s Health, Detox, Pain, Family Wellness, Chronic Illness, Inflammation, Pre and Post Surgery Support, Anti-Aging, Hormone Balance, Stress and Burnout, Depression and Anxiety, Functional Wellness Testing, Congestion and Allergies. Dr. Felty is available in St. Charles at Healing Space Medical Center and in Chicago at Balance Health and Wellness. Email: info@drfelty.com, Website: www.drfelty.com. Phone: 262-757-8911.
events (weddings, baptisms, funerals, birth rites, etc.). For further information on personally-tailored, magical and intimate experiences, contact Theresa Puskar. www.theresapuskar.com, 630-272-1805.
PSYCHICS DeETTE RANAE IS A CERTIFIED PSYCHIC MEDIUM through LWISSD. Private readings, parties, and galleries. Also offering classes on psychic/ medium development and mentorships. Http://www.deetteranaepsychicmedium.weebly. com, 608-352-5944. PSYCHIC OF CHICAGO solves all problems! 5 Generation Psychic specializes in re-uniting loved ones, Palm, Tarot, Psychic Readings Chakra and Aura Cleansing. Open Daily 8 am -11 pm. Walk-In! Free Parking. Locations: 5732 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60634. 773-202-7062, 7936 W Ogden Ave. Lyons, IL 60534. 708-4473152, 6429 W Irving Park Rd. Chicago, IL 60634. 773-664-3620.
MEDIUM SOUL ADVISOR LLC TRICIA RUITER was born with these gifts from God. I can connect you with anyone who has passed – and animals. Location: Plainfield, IL. Phone: 815-529-1887 Website: www.thesouladvisor.com
PAST LIFE REGRESSION SUSAN WISEHART, LMFT, 25 years licensed therapist. Past/ Between Lives regressions. Trained by Brian Weiss and Michael Newton. Des Plaines/ Mundelein. Contact: www.susanwisehart.com or 847-438-7878.
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES OFFICIATE: WEDDINGS & OTHER TRANSITIONAL EVENTS Ordained non-denominational minister officiates at transitional CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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PSYCHIC READINGS. Tarot card reader. Energy balance and cleansing. Available for parties. I have answers regarding love, marriage, health and business. Location: 169 W Boughton Rd., Bolingbrook, IL 60440. For appointment, call 630-226-1968.
PSYCHOTHERAPY STEPHANIE MEIS, MA LCPC. A guide to help you explore and heal your inner obstacles - using energy, past life exploration, ancestral energy, music, dialogue and visualization. The fun and holistic way to do psychotherapy! Contact info: 847-609-0406, smeis@stephaniemeis.com.
SCHOOLS AND LEARNING CENTERS DIANA KUSHENBACH ACADEMY OF SPIRITUAL ARTS - Just expanded!! Intuitive Energy Healing, Psychic Medium, Gong/Sound Healing Meditations, Reader/Healing Fairs. Store hours: Wednesday and Friday 10 am – 4 pm; other days by appointment. Location: 6442 College Road, Lisle, IL 60532. www.dianakushenbach.com 630-269-0115. THE SPIRITUAL LEARNING CENTER (SLC) is here to offer you the opportunity to study with like-minded people in an emotionally safe environment. SLC strives to provide learning opportunities based on expansive concepts that challenge and amplify mainstream knowledge and experience. We offer the chance to learn about things that you may have always been curious about but haven’t known where to go for answers. To check our classes and receive location details please email: SpiritualLearning Center@gmail.com, visit www. SpiritualLearning Center.com.
SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER CHRISTINE MOSES IS A HOLISTIC COUNSELOR AND SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER, specializing in facilitating women’s circles and retreats, as well as training other women to lead circles with her book, The Wisdom of Circles: Gathering Women for Conscious Community. 847-525-2600, www.chrisfeatherheart.com. 32
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JASON MARAVELIAS IS A SHAMANIC PRACTITIONER, SPIRITUAL COUNSELER, REIKI HEALER AND YOGA INTRUCTOR (200TTP). Feel free to contact for any spiritual or physical well-being needs. Schedule an appointment via: www.journeytohealth80.com or 224-908-4199.
SPIRITUAL COUNSELING REBECCA ROCKWOOD SPIRITUAL COUNSELING FOR SPIRITUAL PEOPLE! Specializing in spiritual disconnection, lost life direction, energy overwhelm, spiritual depression, resonation changes, advanced spiritual evolution. Your future doesn’t have to be a replay of your past! 219 W. 55th St., Suite 105, Clarendon Hills, IL 60514, 407-575-7547, www.rebeccarockwood.com
TAROT-INTUITIVE COUNSELING JAN CEDERLUND, M. Msc, Ph.D. Private readings, parties and teaching. McHenry County and surrounding area. For appointments call: 815-482-2511, or email: TarotByJan@aol.com
TRANSFORMATIONAL READINGS PERSONAL READINGS THAT CLARIFY, UPLIFT AND BRING CLOSURE! CAROL SWANSON LLC Email:carol.swanson@att. net Website: http://www. carol-swanson.com, Cell: 608-359-4720.
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7SURPRISING
HEALTH BENEFITS OF
LOVE by Armin A. Zadeh, MD, PhD
Love not only helps us live more happily but also helps us live longer. Happy marriages are associated with better health, while tension in relationships increases stress and the risk of illness. An analysis of studies involving hundreds of thousands of people suggests that maintaining good social relationships is associated with lower mortality. Conversely, social isolation ranks among the most significant physical and lifestyle risk factors for mortality, such as diabetes, high blood pressure and cigarette smoking. This association does not prove causality: we can’t tell whether the boost to longevity comes from the relationship itself or from other factors associated with a relationship. For example, it is conceivable that being married contributes to better health by encouraging better diet or hygiene. It is also possible that healthier people or those with fewer unhealthy habits, such as drug or alcohol abuse, may be more likely to get married in the first place, thus skewing the analysis. Yet studies that controlled for these factors have shown similar results for lower mortality in happily married people. On the other hand, unhappiness is associated with many types of organ dysfunction and disease. Even brief angry outbursts have now been linked to an increased risk of heart attacks. One study of immunity among socially isolated people showed that they had poorer immune function and greater stress levels than those with many social contacts. In the extreme case, stress can lead to health crises. We have recently learned that acute emotional stress can lead to actual heart failure—a serious illness known as broken heart syndrome, which is now regularly identified in medical centers around the world. While the exact mechanisms leading to weakening of the heart muscle remain unclear, we know that high levels of certain stress hormones, which are released in response to a devastating breakup or personal loss, or extreme fear or anxiety, may trigger the syndrome. Fortunately, many patients recover after a few weeks. A large body of evidence suggests that love has a direct effect on a vast array of biological functions. A loving relationship fosters the release of the hormone oxytocin, the “love hormone.” Oxytocin has a variety of purposes and is probably best known for its release after childbirth to foster bonding between mother and baby. Oxytocin is also implicated in attachment during relationships and many other human interactions. It has anti-depressive effects that are being investigated for clinical use. Of particular interest is the discovery that oxytocin may decrease the levels
of the hormone cortisol. Changes in cortisol levels are associated with sleep deprivation and physical and emotional stress, and cortisol has a well-known weakening effect on our immune system. It may, therefore, not be surprising that happy relationships are associated with lower rates of sickness. Good emotional health leads to good physical health. And just as good physical health requires us to exercise, acquiring good emotional health also requires training. Emotional health “workouts” may include regular, conscious efforts to focus on love and relationships while deemphasizing material or career goals. As with physical exercise, it may take months or years of devoted practice to get into good emotional shape. This is because less healthy thinking patterns acquired early in life tend to be reinforced over years or even decades, making them difficult to reverse. At any given moment we have the choice of allowing our thoughts and actions to be moved by impulses such as anger, frustration, jealousy and boredom, or overcoming these impulses and acting out of love. If we choose love, we immediately feel a sensation of calm and peace, and things seem different. It works instantly and predictably. It is ironic that our society yearns for instant gratification and pursues various strategies for achieving instant wealth and fame—which essentially never work—while the immediate reward of a happy mind is instantly available to everybody but often not recognized. Life is about balance. While we cannot control our genes or all the things that happen to us, we can help ourselves a lot by nurturing both our mind and our body and by placing a stronger emphasis on love. This undertaking requires focus and devotion, but the results are impressive. Devoting time to the art of love is a smart investment. Not only do we directly foster our own happiness, but we also support our health and chances of a longer, better life. Armin A. Zadeh, MD, PhD, is the author of The Forgotten Art of Love. He is a professor at Johns Hopkins University with doctoral degrees in medicine and philosophy as well as a Master’s Degree in public health. As a cardiologist and a scientist, Dr. Zadeh knows, from first-hand experience, about the close relationship between heart disease and the state of the mind. Visit www.theforgottenartoflove.com. Excerpted from the book The Forgotten Art of Love: What Love Means and Why It Matters. Copyright ©2017 by Armin A. Zadeh. Printed with permission from New World Library, www.newworldlibrary.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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COSMIC DAILY WEATHER February 2019 by Bernadette Evans
Overview
After all the excitement of January, February looks pretty quiet and maybe that’s okay. You probably could use some downtime—a chance to catch your breath. Of course, some of you may still be experiencing the reverberations from the Solar and Lunar Eclipses of last month, so just keep breathing. February is really about using your talents and ingenuity to create something. You may be working on a team to finish a project, or you could be inspired to create something on your own. Connection with others, compassion and empathy (along with your inner strength) will get you far this month, it has the power to produce results. Venus moves into the sign of Capricorn this month where she will stay for seven weeks. When the planet of love, relationships and money is in Capricorn she is more responsible, focused, traditional and reserved. You may be more conservative with your finances at this time and more focused on your career. Mars moves into the sign of Taurus where he takes up residence for the next six weeks. When the planet of action, leadership, courage and passion is in Taurus, he slows right down and feels kind of sensual, like a deep sexy voice like Barry White. He also wants his actions to produce tangible results, hopefully with more money in his pocket. With two of our personal planets, Venus and Mars, having both moved into earth signs, we’ll be looking for solid results but they may take a while to materialize, so be patient. The New Moon is in Aquarius this month, so you want to set your Aquarian intentions before the Full Moon. The Aquarius New Moon may find you socializing more than usual, whether you’re going out with friends, or to a Meetup group where you discover individuals with similar interests. Aquarius has a reputation for being detached which is great when you need some objectivity but not so great when socializing. So, try and let your hair down and be open to meeting new friends. Aquarius is also always looking to the future. What long-range goals do you have? What are your dreams? The Full Moon is in Virgo this month, so you may want to release any tendencies you have about being a perfectionist or expecting perfection from others. Putting that much pressure on yourself or other people can lead to disappointment or resentment. With the Moon in Virgo and the Sun in Pisces maybe you want to think about what your dream job is. Virgo is detail-oriented and Pisces is imaginative, so what could you make when you bring them together? All times are listed in Central Standard Time (CST).
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Friday, February 1 When Mars squares Pluto, you may feel the urge to take some decisive action that could change the status quo. Maybe someone in a position of authority is challenging you or you’re wanting to challenge them. Do you really want to challenge the boss right now? Moon is in Capricorn.
Saturday, February 2 The Venus-Uranus trine can make us feel excited, invigorated and wanting to have some fun! Go out with some friends today, and enjoy yourself! You never know what surprises the Universe has in store for you.
Sunday, February 3 Innovative ideas may be rushing in, and you’re excited to share them with others when Mercury sextiles Jupiter. Thinking about the future and all of the possibilities before you is thrilling. Venus enters the sign of Capricorn at 4:29 p.m. Moon VoC at 4:53 a.m. until 7:03 a.m. when it enters Aquarius.
Monday, February 4 Today is when we plant the seeds of what we want to manifest in the coming month. Making new connections with others and being accepting of different viewpoints is one of the messages of the Aquarius New Moon. How can we be more open, kind and tolerant of everyone? New Moon at 3:04 p.m.
Tuesday, February 5 Happy Chinese New Year! With the Moon-Mars sextile, there is some passion heating up the atmosphere. It could be passion with someone or passion about a job or a hobby! Whatever it is, make sure it feeds your soul. Moon VoC at 5:59 p.m. until 8:02 p.m. when it enters Pisces.
Wednesday, February 6 Are you feeling stuck, dissatisfied or argumentative? With the Moon in Pisces, you’re feeling extra sensitive, and there’s the possibility of your feelings being hurt and withdrawing from others. Maybe you took off your rose-colored glasses and didn’t like what you saw? Remember that when you put someone on a pedestal, they are bound to fall off eventually as they are human after all.
Thursday, February 7 The Universe is cranking up the tunes today and when Mercury sextiles Mars, you’re asked to dance, create and play to the beat of your own drum. Are you listening? Heed her call and do “you” with purpose and joy. Moon VoC at 4:14 p.m. and void the rest of the evening.
Friday, February 8 With the Moon in Aries, you could be feeling impatient, wanting to get out and explore someplace new. Trust your instincts about which direction to go. You have energy to burn, so go! Moon enters Aries at 8:34 a.m.
Saturday, February 9 Today, Mercury sextiles Uranus giving you the chance to move forward with
some interesting and unusual ideas that have been percolating for some time. Be brave and put yourself out there; your ideas could benefit many people and inspire them to put themselves out there too!
Sunday, February 10 Emotions can be heightened when the Moon conjuncts not only Mars but Uranus as well. There is an undercurrent of restlessness and wanting to take some action. Take a breath count to 10 and check in with yourself, if you still want to go ahead with your plans. Mercury enters Pisces at 4:51 a.m. Moon VoC at 5:48 p.m. until 7:28 p.m. when it enters the sign of Taurus.
Monday, February 11 The Moon in Taurus is asking you to slow down, take a walk in nature, connect with the earth and take time to breathe the fresh air. Are you feeling the need to connect with friends? With the Moon-Venus trine, you might want to get together with someone and enjoy a lovely dinner, attend a concert or a play or go for a walk. The Moon-Venus trine is all about connecting with loved ones.
Tuesday, February 12 When the Moon’s in Taurus, it’s a really great time to get in touch with your body. How do you feel when you move your body? Does it make you happy, bring you peace? After moving your body, get cozy and comfortable and curl up beside the fire with your partner or a good book. Moon VoC at 4:26 p.m. and is void the rest of the night.
Wednesday, February 13 You know that feeling when you are in the starting blocks for a big race, your heart is racing, you’re filled with adrenaline and anticipation and you’re so eager to begin, you start before the pistol goes off? That’s how today’s Mars-Uranus conjunction feels. You’re so excited and impatient and away you go. Moon enters Gemini at 3:32 a.m.
Thursday, February 14 Happy Valentine’s Day to all! With the Moon in Gemini and Mars entering Taurus, you may have more than a few ideas about how to begin your enterprise but yet move slowly and carefully when incorporating these plans. The Moon-Jupiter opposition later in the day fills you with hope, optimism and enthusiasm about a partnership, whether it’s in your personal life or business. You just might be able to create magic together, especially if you both listen to each other’s ideas. Mars enters Taurus at 4:51 a.m.
Friday, February 15 Is there someone close to you, a family member or a friend who needs your help? When the Moon sextiles Mars we have the opportunity to extend a helping hand to those we love by being nurturing, kind and generous and by sharing our good fortune. Moon VoC at 6:48 a.m, until 8:03 a.m. when it enters Cancer.
Saturday, February 16 You may be feeling sensitive and unsure of how to express yourself with the Moon-Venus opposition. Try to balance your wants and needs and how you need to nurture yourself with what other people want and need to feel nurtured. Remember you can’t be there for others if you don’t take some time for yourself.
Sunday, February 17 When Venus sextiles Neptune you have the opportunity to tap into the power of the Universe and use your imagination to be creative. It’s about being in the flow and bringing a dream into the present moment. Moon VoC at 8:17 a.m. until 9:21 a.m. when it enters the sign of Leo.
Monday, February 18 Sun enters Pisces at 5:04 p.m. Happy Birthday Pisces! With the VenusSaturn conjunction, you may be feeling CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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constricted in your relationships. Anyone who has been in a long-term relationship will tell you, it can feel like work at times, but it does have its rewards. Remembering all the good times you shared can ease your worries. Finances may also be tight right now, so watch your spending.
Tuesday, February 19 Today’s a great day to begin a spiritual practice such as meditation when Mercury conjuncts Neptune. Like all routines, it takes a while to get used to sitting in meditation, not to mention discipline and persistence, but even five minutes a day will yield results. Moon VoC at 7:51 a.m. until 8:47 a.m. when it enters Virgo. Full Moon at 9:54 a.m.
Wednesday, February 20 Is there something new you’ve been wanting to learn? With the Moon in Virgo, you may feel the pull to try
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something new. Whatever you decide to do, have fun with it and let go of being perfect and being overly critical of yourself. Moon VoC at 7:52 p.m. and void the rest of the evening.
Thursday, February 21 When the Moon is in Libra, we feel nurtured and secure when we are in balance and harmony. Are you seeing everyone and everything clearly? It’s lovely to be positive and to get along with everyone, but don’t lose sight of yourself to please others. Moon enters Libra at 8:17 a.m.
Friday, February 22 The Mercury-Jupiter square is like having a box of yummy chocolates with so many different flavors and textures to tempt you; it’s not easy picking out the right chocolate to satisfy you. Your interests are just as varied and your curiosity insatiable; choose a course of action, focus, and see where it takes you.
Saturday, February 23 With the Mercury-Pluto sextile, you may want to investigate different viewpoints and how you perceive the world. This can transform how you communicate with others, which deepens your relationships with them as well as your relationship with yourself. Moon VoC at 9:11 a.m. until 9:56 a.m. when it enters Scorpio.
Sunday, February 24 Life is full of obstacles and challenges, which gives us the opportunity to learn from every one of these moments. The Moon in Scorpio is asking you to examine what happened and figure out how you may want to improve the situation. Is there a power struggle happening with someone today? You may be stating your case intensely and passionately, or quietly brooding over a perceived slight the other person is not even aware of having done.
Monday, February 25 While the Moon in Scorpio is VoC, we have a chance to slow down, connect and process what has happened over the last 48 hours or so. Have a coffee, tap into your emotions and just be. This afternoon, we’ll be in Sagittarius territory and that’s another story. Moon VoC at 6:14 a.m. until 3:19 p.m. when it enters Sagittarius.
Tuesday, February 26 Is the open road calling you? With the Sagittarius Moon, you may be fantasizing of escaping and leaving everything behind. Everyone has a different perception of what travel is; for some, it’s an hour’s drive out of the city, for others it’s hopping on a plane. Whatever your destination, have fun! Bon voyage!
Wednesday, February 27 You may feel you can conquer anything the world throws at you with the Moon in Sagittarius. You feel confident and positive in both your beliefs and purpose. You honestly believe you can do it all on your own—and maybe you can—but it’s a lot more fun to have someone traveling beside you supporting you, encouraging you and giving you their insight.
Thursday, February 28 Is there some work you need to get to? With the Moon in Capricorn, you are used to being responsible and practical, as well as being someone your family can count on. All this work and responsibility can be draining; try to find some balance by enjoying yourself too! Moon VoC at 12:17 a.m. until 12:48 a.m. when it enters the sign of Capricorn. Bernadette Evans is a counseling astrologer, hypnotherapist, Registered Professional Counsellor and writer. She has studied with many great teachers, including Steven Forrest. She can be contacted at 780-289-7398 or Bbevans001@gmail.com.
[HEARTh & HOME]
GLUTEN-FREE Breakfast in Bed by Janae Jean
This Valentine’s Day, treat yourself (and your sweetheart) to breakfast in bed. These two recipes are simple to prepare but complex in flavor. Heart healthful flaxseed adds protein and good fat. If you prefer to cube your own potatoes and tofu, simply do so the day before to save preparation time. The Vegan Thai Skillet has all the savory flavor of classic Thai cuisine without fish sauce or eggs thanks to nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast is made from the species of yeast called saccharomyces cerevisiae. This is the same type of yeast used to bake bread and brew beer. It is a complete protein and contains all nine amino acids. One tablespoon of it contains 30% to 180% of the recommended daily value for B vitamins. It also contains trace minerals such as zinc, selenium, manganese and molybdenum. After enjoying the skillet, the Coffee Cup Cake (or Mug Cake), adds some sweetness to the meal. The applesauce in it replaces eggs and oil that are often in traditional baked goods and reduces calories. Applesauce contains fiber and has up to 80% of your daily recommended amount of vitamin C. Baked goods with applesauce also have a crumblier texture than traditional baked goods.
VEGAN THAI SKILLET 1 can white potatoes cubed 1 teaspoon garlic ½ teaspoon sesame seed oil 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 block of extra firm tofu (cubed, drained and pressed) 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
1 tablespoon ground flaxseed ¼ teaspoon red pepper ¼ teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon black pepper ¾ cup fresh bean sprouts 4 green onions, chopped 2 tablespoons cilantro, chopped 2 teaspoons tamari Sriracha sauce, for drizzle In a frying pan heat canola and sesame seed oils on medium heat. Add potatoes and garlic. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Fry until the potatoes look golden. Remove potatoes from the pan. Turn heat to medium-high and add coconut oil. In a small bowl, stir together nutritional yeast, flaxseed, red pepper, salt and black pepper. Dredge tofu cubes in nutritional yeast and flaxseed blend. Fry in hot oil until the outside is crisp. While tofu is frying, chop green onions and cilantro. Mix green onions, cilantro and fresh bean sprouts in a bowl. When tofu is crisp, add the potatoes back to the pan and fry together for about one minute. Then add vegetables and tamari and stir-fry for another one or two minutes. Remove from pan. Drizzle with Sriracha sauce and serve.
COFFEE CUP CAKE (or Mug Cake) ¼ cup gluten-free flour blend 2 tablespoons white cane sugar ¼ teaspoon baking powder ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon canola oil 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Streusel 1 tablespoon coconut oil 2 tablespoons chopped walnuts 1 tablespoon brown sugar ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom In a mug, mix gluten-free flour blend, baking powder and cinnamon. Pour in the applesauce, canola oil and vanilla and combine well. In a small bowl, stir together walnuts, coconut oil, brown sugar, cinnamon and cardamom with a fork until blended. Pour walnut streusel on top of the cake batter. Microwave for 105 seconds. The mug will be very hot, so allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Food Facts https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/nutritional-yeast https://www.livestrong.com/article/521472-healthbenefits-of-applesauce/
Janae Jean serves as editor, media coordinator, and podcast co-host for Conscious Community Magazine. She enjoys improvising in the kitchen and creating recipes with her loved ones and is very grateful for their input and assistance. She is also a creative professional and music instructor. For more visit www.janaejean.com and www. perennialmusicandarts.com. CONSCIOUSCOMMUNITYMAGAZINE.COM
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[BOOK REVIEWS]
In Print Reviews by Kayla Hancock
Crystal Wands:
For Massage Therapy, Reflexology, and Energy Medicine, by Ewald Kliegel (Healing Arts Press, $19.95, Paperback) Did you know that crystals can be used to alleviate stress in the body? Amethyst, for example, calms the nerves and muscles and even fights fatigue. In this in-depth guidebook, Ewald Kliegel explains various ways to incorporate crystals into a self-care routine. Whether you are using crystal wands to massage knots out of your leg or balancing your aura, the benefits of using the healing powers of crystals will surely leave a positive impact on your wellbeing.
Tantric Sex and Menopause: Practices for Spiritual and Sexual Renewal, by Diana Richardson and Janet McGeever (Destiny Books, $16.99, Paperback) It is common for women going through menopause to feel uncomfortable or disconnected from their bodies. Diana Richardson and Janet McGeever, however, claim that there are many surprising gifts this natural transition has to offer women--we just have to learn how to embrace and trust the process. Richardson and McGeever encourage women experiencing menopause to view this experience as a “re-wilding” of sex and creativity and explain why Tantra can be especially beneficial and enjoyable during this time.
Return of the Gentleman by Dr. Dain Heer (Access Consciousness Publishing, $15.95, Paperback) It can be said that we live in a society that continues to place behavioral expectations on us based on our gender. While there are many conversations happening to support women through these challenges, resources for men are scarcer. In this book, Dr. Dain Heer works to fill this void. He explains how outside pressures can affect the character of a man and how to reverse the negative effects of societal expectations and toxic belief systems. Furthermore, Heer shares with men how they can build more fulfilling relationships with loved ones. 38
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Jesus the Ultimate Superhero, by Shirlee M. Hall (RealityIsBooks.com, Inc., $19.95, Paperback) We often look for someone to save us when we are experiencing conflict or turmoil. But do we ever consider looking inside ourselves to find that which we seek? Shirlee M. Hall shares how the teachings of Jesus can help us to remember our divine truth and realign us with our true purpose. Guidance from the scriptures, she says, will help us save the world we share and finally create heaven on earth.
The Pain Companion:
Everyday Wisdom for Living With and Moving Beyond Chronic Pain, by Sarah Anne Shockley (New World Library, $15.95, Paperback)
In this book, Sarah Anne Shockley offers a compassionate approach to managing pain. Her uplifting advice teaches us how to bring more ease into our lives by reducing the negative effects that persistent pain can cause in our relationships and self-image. Shockley provides invaluable insight for anyone dealing with their own pain or for anyone who cares for another person who experiences daily pain.
Eat Real to Heal,
by Nicolette Richer (Mango, $18.99, Paperback)
Any path towards a healthier lifestyle begins with the food we feed our bodies. Nicolette Richer shares with readers the types of foods they should be eating to reach optimal health. By focusing on organic ingredients and plant-based foods, even chronic diseases such as fibromyalgia, diabetes and cancer can be overcome. Richer also guides readers through the processes of meal planning and juicing. Kayla Hancock is grateful to be a part of this community. She is a Licensed Massage Therapist, Reiki Practitioner and certified Deeksha giver who enjoys working alongside her angels and spirit guides to bring more love, joy and compassion into the world.
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