Natural Awakenings Washington, D.C. February 2018

E FR

E

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Onward & UPWARD

Rising Above Adversity

Meditation that Works

Tips for Finding the Right Practice

Mark Rosenfeld’s

Success Secrets for

FINDING

LOVE

Eating More Mindfully

Respect Your Inner Wisdom

February 2018 | Washington, D.C. Edition | NaturalAwakeningsDC.com February 2018

1

Want OPTIMAL HEALTH? Try ALKALINE WATER. Alkaline water boosts your body’s natural detoxification processes, improves immunity, facilitates weight management, and slows aging. We believe that drinking alkaline water is actually a form of preventative health care. About 65% of your body is water – so why would you drink anything less than the most energizing, detoxifying water available?

Discover your optimal health from the inside out.

Experience the benefits of Alkaline Water: • Flushes Out Toxins • Improves Colon & • Boosts Immune System Intestinal Health • Increases Stability of • Neutralizes Acid Oxygen & pH Levels throughout the Body • Micro-clustered water • Disarms harmful free (hydrates the body 8x radicals INSTANTLY faster) • Powerful Antioxidant

• Increases energy levels, potentially enhancing athletic performance • Enhances delivery of nutrients and supplements

Own your own Alkaline Water Ionizer and never buy bottled water again.

Peak Alkalinity offers top of the line units, with lifetime guarantees, for the lowest prices on the market.

$49.95

with coupon code NA10 at PeakAlkalinity.com

Hydro2Go Ionizer

With 13 types of minerals in its filter, the Hydro2Go bottle can convert tap water into alkaline ionized water with 20 seconds of vigorous shaking. Enjoy alkaline water anytime, anywhere.

Countertop Units

Provides a convenient way to instantly turn your faucet water into alkaline water, ready for drinking. Best unit on the market provides 13 plates that treat the water.

Controls are on the unit itself.

Under the Counter Units

Offers the same convenience as the countertop version, but stays tucked away in your cabinet, out of sight, with a faucet that is installed at the sink.

Marine Units

Bring the water you love on your boat with our unique boat-friendly machine. Our marine products function without an electrical power source.

Search “Peak Alkalinity” on Amazon to enjoy FREE SHIPPING for Prime members.

For INTEREST-FREE FINANCING & payments as low as $59/month, call us: 251-270-7200.

ORDER YOUR IONIZER TODAY: Call 251-270-7200 |NaturalAwakeningsDC.com Visit PeakAlkalinity.com | Search “Peak Alkalinity” on Amazon.com Washington, D.C. 2

夀漀甀ᤠ氀氀 猀氀攀攀瀀 椀渀 挀漀洀昀漀爀琀 漀渀 愀 匀愀瘀瘀礀 刀攀猀琀ᐠ眀椀琀栀漀甀琀 眀漀爀爀礀 愀戀漀甀琀 戀爀攀愀琀栀椀渀最 椀渀 眀栀愀琀攀瘀攀爀 礀漀甀爀 洀愀琀琀爀攀猀猀 椀猀 戀爀攀愀琀栀椀渀最 漀甀琀⸀ 圀栀攀琀栀攀爀 圀栀攀琀栀攀爀 礀漀甀 渀攀攀搀 愀 猀甀瀀攀爀ⴀ猀漀昀琀 琀漀瀀 漀爀 攀砀琀爀愀ⴀⴀ爀洀 猀甀瀀瀀漀爀琀Ⰰ 礀漀甀爀 匀愀瘀瘀礀 刀攀猀琀 漀爀最愀渀椀挀 洀愀琀琀爀攀猀猀 眀椀氀氀 戀攀 洀愀搀攀 樀甀猀琀 昀漀爀 礀漀甀⸀

嘀椀猀椀琀 甀猀 愀渀搀 猀攀攀 眀栀礀 攀瘀攀爀礀漀渀攀 椀猀 猀眀椀琀挀栀椀渀最 琀漀 渀愀琀甀爀愀氀 氀愀琀攀砀 匀刀一䈀⸀挀漀洀

㈀㔀㠀 䴀愀瀀氀攀 䄀瘀攀 䔀⸀

嘀椀攀渀渀愀Ⰰ 嘀䄀 ⠀㜀 ㌀⤀ ㈀㔀㔀ⴀ㜀 㐀

㄀㈀㈀㐀㈀ 刀漀挀欀瘀椀氀氀攀 倀椀欀攀

刀漀挀欀瘀椀氀氀攀Ⰰ 䴀䐀 ⠀㌀ ㄀⤀ 㜀㜀 ⴀ㜀 㐀

February 2018

3

letterfrompublisher Dearest Friends, This is a difficult letter to write, as it will be my last to you as publisher of Natural Awakenings, D.C. For the past five years, I hope that I have been your support, companion and guide to health and balance, but as they say, all good things must come to an end. I am happy to say that this is not only an end but also a beginning. With the next issue, this monthly magazine will be in the very capable hands of a new owner. I will allow him to introduce himself to you, but in the meantime, I suggest that you trust me that the depth of coverage and the wide range of topics covered in the magazine will be just as great.

Many of you knew from a previous letter that I had moved into a new vocation—serving as a local pastor with the United Methodist Church. For the past eight months, I have been doing double-duty—serving two small churches in northeast Pennsylvania while managing the magazine, with a very talented and capable staff. Further good news is that I will be staying on to help as an editor, and so will the rest of the team. My new vocation is one that has been building for decades and prior to my work with Natural Awakenings, I worked with religious nonprofits on Capitol Hill. My transition into the pulpit, serving and loving a new community, has been wonderful and I know that this next step in my journey was the correct one.

In my very first letter to you all, in March 2013, I wrote of my decision to start publishing Natural Awakenings, D.C. and my efforts in getting it launched. “I made the change and never looked back. The ride has been joyous. In recent months, I’ve traveled throughout the city meeting integrative doctors, yoga teachers, enlightened shop owners, organic grocers and many others that immediately supported the project. Many expressed the need for a community resource that brings together the best our city offers in terms of green businesses and healing practitioners that support conscious eating, creative relaxation, fitness, meditation and all things good and green. There is much more about our area awaiting our mutual discovery as we pour over these monthly pages together.”

That sentiment is as true today as it was then. The thriving healthy living community continues to expand and deepen. More and more businesses are looking to serve our region with fresh ideas and practices. In essence, the journey has just begun so I hope you will continue to read, enjoy and share the magazine, and all the good information that you glean from it.

To those friends and colleagues that were borne out of this endeavor, I thank you for your support and urge you to stay in touch. Your selfless wisdom and generous spirits have enabled me to grow, change and eventually, to soar.

So, enjoy this issue of Natural Awakenings, and the insightful articles on meditation and resilience this month. As always, there is a world of healing in these pages, and in the work of so many dedicated businesses and practitioners in the greater Washington, D.C. area.

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

WASHINGTON, D.C. EDITION PUBLISHER Robin Fillmore

EDITOR IN CHIEF Robin Fillmore

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Randy Kambic Jessica Bradshaw DESIGN & PRODUCTION Irene Sankey

OUTREACH DIRECTOR Samantha Hudgins

CONTACT US Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 4938 Hampden Lane, #214 Bethesda, MD 20814 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com SUBSCRIPTIONS Subscribe online to receive FREE monthly digital magazine at NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

NATIONAL TEAM CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman

NATIONAL EDITOR Alison Chabonais

MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett SR. ART/MKTG. DIRECTOR Steve Hagewood FINANCIAL MANAGER Mary Bruhn FRANCHISE DIRECTOR Anna Romano FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Scofield Natural Awakenings Publishing Corporation 4933 Tamiami Trail N., Ste. 203 Naples, FL 34103 Ph: 239-434-9392 • Fax: 239-434-9513 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com © 2018 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Peace, Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

Natural Awakenings is printed on recycled newsprint with soy-based ink.

Robin Fillmore, Publisher 4

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

Contents 14 RISING ABOVE

18

ADVERSITY

How to Strengthen Your Resilience Muscle

18 MEDITATION THAT WORKS

Tips for Finding the Right Practice

20 MARK ROSENFELD’S

Secrets for Successful Love Matches

21 SELF-LOVE

22

22 CITY HOMESTEADING Creating Sustainable Urban Living

14

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS

HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 202-505-4835 or email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com.

Deadline for ads: the 15th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online: NaturalAwakeningsDC.com within the advertising section.

Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets!

Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets, call 239-434-9392. For franchising opportunities, call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakenings.com.

23 NEW YOU, NEW BRAIN

with NAD+ Therapy

24 EATING MORE

24

MINDFULLY

Respect Your Inner Wisdom

25 MEDITATION

Opening to Heartfulness

DEPARTMENTS 6 news briefs 8 health briefs 12 global briefs 18 healing ways 20 wise words 21 inspiration 22 green living 23 leading edge 24 conscious

eating

25

25 meditation

spotlight 26 community

spotlight 29 calendar 32 resource guide February 2018

5

news briefs

Why Are My Joints and Muscles Hurting? - A Free Talk

M

any people suffer with insomnia, muscle and joint pain, inability to exercise because of pain and fatigue, depression or lack of motivation, memory problems, brain fog, nervous and emotional problems without any hope of relief. Serena Satcher, M.D., has an approach that can get at the root causes and is offering a free talk that will help participants to discover the underlying causes of joint and muscle pain, why it’s destroying Serena Satcher, M.D. your mobility and motivation, why taking medicines may not help the symptoms (or just help temporarily) and why a personalized approach is essential. The talk will be held at 10 a.m. on March 3, in Northern Virginia.

The traditional approach is to check a few labs and X-rays and diagnose fibromyalgia or arthritis. Pain medicines, NSAID’S and antidepressants are prescribed.

Sometimes surgery and physical therapy is prescribed, and helps temporarily, and the pain creeps back up or hits another joint. But this drug and surgical approach is not helping more than 80 percent of the people. It results in disability, hopelessness and a loss of motivation for a healthy lifestyle.

Satcher is board-certified in PMR, functional medicine and integrative medicine, and specializes in autoimmune problems affecting the nervous system and musculoskeletal system.

Bring a significant other or friend. They will finally see why it’s not all in your head.

Location will be given at registration. For more information or to reserve a seat, call 703454-9326 x 0.

Calling All Campers

R

egistration for 2018 Arcadia Farm Camp is now open. For a week this summer, campers will joyfully discover where their food comes from through hands-on farming, cooking and eating experiences.

This camp is all about farming, food and fun. Campers learn about daily farm life. From morning chores like watering, harvesting, and collecting eggs to planting seeds and tilling garden beds, kids get to be the farmers. To learn about food, campers explore the delicious world of sustainable food through activities like taste tests, menu designs, chef demos and hands-on preparation of simple dishes and snacks. Plus, all of the veggies come straight from the Groundhog Garden and Dogue Farm, Arcadia’s production farm.

Most of all, at Arcadia Farm Camp, kids have fun. They combine learning and play in a safe, interactive outdoor environment. Each day includes free time guided by the campers’ own interests and choices. Campers spend time in the Groundhog Garden and Natural Play Space, as well as active, educational games led by experienced staff.

Each weeklong session has its own focused theme. Yet no matter the week, all campers learn to tend to the vegetables, care for the chickens (and collect their eggs), harvest produce right from the farm for making snacks and enjoy independent play time guided by their interests.

For more information, visit ArcadiaFood.org/Arcadia-Farm-Camp.

6

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Update on Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library Renovation

T

he Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, D.C.’s central library, is undergoing a complete modernization with the new library scheduled to open in 2020. The new flagship library will house a spectacular, vibrant and transparent entryway; sculptured monumental stairs; large auditorium and conference center; creative spaces for fabrication, music production and art creation; ground level café with patio; double-height reading room; newly designed special collections space for researchers and research enthusiasts and a roof-top event space with a terrace.

The $208 million rehabilitation, once complete, will become the center of activity for the already vibrant Chinatown area. The library closed on March 4, 2017, and construction has been ongoing.

To watch the progress of the reconstruction and learn more about the entire process, visit DCLibrary.org/MLKFuture.

Congratulations to MOM’s Organic Market: Best Grocery Store in Maryland

R

ecently, the popular food news website, The Daily Mail, identified MOM’s Organic Market as the best grocery store in Maryland. In the announcement, they noted, “Founded in 1987, MOM’s has grown to become the mid-Atlantic regions premier chain of family-owned and operated organic grocery stores. MOM’s emphasizes that the chain’s purpose is to protect and restore the environment.”

The Daily Mail relied on sources found online and cross-referenced other best-of lists that had previously been written, as well as reviews on Google, Yelp, Foursquare and Facebook. In addition, they “conducted informal polls of friends, family and acquaintances in far-off states in search of the answer, weighing concerns and praise about price, quality of products andcustomer service, as well as store cleanliness,” according to the website.

To learn more about MOM’s and see a list of local stores, visit MomsOrganicMarket.com.

February 2018

7

LOWER BODY MASS

A study of more than 50,000 people in the Czech Republic by the Seventh-Day Adventist Loma Linda University, in California, found that those that made breakfast their largest meal of the day had lower body mass index (BMI) levels. Lunch as the largest daily meal showed the next best results. The researchers concluded that timing and frequency of meals play a role in predicting weight loss or gain. The two factors associated with higher BMI were eating more than three meals a day (snacks were counted as extra meals) and making dinner the day’s largest meal.

Moderate Exercise Guards Against Depression In Exercise and the Prevention of Depression, a study of 33,908 adults in Norway by the University of New South Wales, researchers found that one hour of exercise a week reduced depression in 12 percent of the subjects.

The purpose of the study was to address whether exercise protects against new-onset depression and anxiety and if so, the intensity and amount of exercise required. They concluded that regular leisure-time exercise of any intensity provides protection against future depression, but not anxiety. Thus, increasing the population of people exercising may provide public mental health benefits and prevent a substantial number of new cases of depression.

8

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Chocolate and Olive Oil Help Heart Health Cardiologist Rossella Di Stefano, with the University of Pisa, in Italy, led a study of 26 people and determined that eating a combination of dark chocolate and olive oil improved cholesterol levels and blood pressure after 28 days. She says, “Fruits and vegetables exert their protective effects through plant polyphenols found in cocoa, olive oil and apples. We found that eating small, daily portions of dark chocolate with added natural polyphenols from extra-virgin olive oil was associated with an improved cardiovascular risk profile. Our study suggests that extra virgin olive oil might be a good food additive to help preserve our ‘repairing cells’.”

Syda Productions/Shutterstock.com

BIG BREAKFAST,

Research from the University of Texas at Arlington reported in The FASEB Journal, published by the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, has found that zinc supplements can inhibit or slow the growth of esophageal cancer cells. The research also found that zinc deficiency is common among throat cancer patients. Zinc-rich foods include spinach, flax seeds, beef, pumpkin seeds and seafood such as shrimp and oysters.

iprachenko/Shutterstock.com

Zinc Inhibits Throat Cancer

Best_photo_studio/Shutterstock.com

health briefs

MaxFXBillion Photos

Antidepressants in Pregnancy Linked to Autism A study by the University of Bristol, England, of 254,610 young people from Stockholm showed that children born to mothers taking antidepressants during pregnancy had more than a 4 percent risk of autism, compared to less than a 3 percent risk in children born to mothers with psychiatric conditions not on antidepressants. Depression is common in women of childbearing age, with 3 to 8 percent of pregnant European women prescribed antidepressants.

But with 95 percent of them bearing children without autism, the risks and benefits must be carefully weighed, say researchers.

MaxFX/Shutterstock.com

Mindfulness Reduces Alcohol Cravings In a randomized, double-blind experiment published in the International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, University College London researchers found that among 68 heavy drinkers, just 11 minutes of recorded mindfulness training reduced drinking. Subjects were closely matched with an active control group that was taught relaxation techniques. Seven days later, the mindfulness group on average drank 9.3 fewer units of alcohol, roughly equal to three pints of beer, while the relaxation group showed no drop in alcohol consumption.

M A R

THIRD-PERSON SELF-TALK AIDS IN EMOTIONAL CONTROL As reported in Scientific Reports, two studies of 37 and 52 people at Michigan State University have discovered that talking to ourselves in the third person using statements like, “Why is John upset?” instead of, “Why am I upset?” can help improve our ability to control our emotions.

Everyone occasionally engages in internal monologue, an inner voice that guides our moment-to-moment reflections. Now, scientists believe that the language used in the process influences actions differently. The premise is that third-person selftalk leads us to think about ourselves similarly to how we think about others, which provides the psychological distance needed to facilitate self-control.

Coming Next Month

Super Spices plus: Ethnic Cuisine March articles include: Just What Are Super Spices?

Healthy Ethnic Cuisine, Really!

Don’t Forget Your Minerals

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call 202-505-4835 February 2018

9

Meditation and Yoga Teacher Training Certification

Scholarships and Continuing Education Available!

A Mighty Herb: St. John’s Wort

Contact: Roxanne@TheMindfulnessCenter.org

200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training

Become a certified Yoga Teacher in this 200 HR, Yoga Alliance Registered, Yoga Teacher Training.

by Laina Poulakos

Meditation Teacher Training Onsite & Online

A 160-hour immersion program that informs the participant through both didactic and experiential practices.

The Mindfulness Center offers yoga and meditation teacher training programs, focusing on therapeutic applications.

Graduates are equipped to lead empowering and healing programs in a wide variety of settings.

4963 Elm Street, Suite 100, Bethesda, MD, 20814 301-986-1090 • www.TheMindfulnessCenter.org Roxanne@TheMindfulnessCenter.org

The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through charitable, educational and research programs in mindbody practices.

Maid Brigade Natural Awakenings Fall 2017 NEW.pdf 1 8/22/2017 3:46:01 PM

Save

Consistent. Caring. Committed.

Expect More than Clean.

50

$

We know your time is valuable. That’s why our customers have depended on us for 28 years. Our star green cleaning team will get your home sparkling... ...and keep it that way!

C

INTRODUCTORY OFFER! $30 OFF 1st Cleaning $20 OFF 3rd Cleaning

Great eco-friendly house cleaning is all about the people.

M

Promo Code: NATAWA0817

Expires 12/31/17 EXPIRES 3/31/18 Valid for new customers scheduling regular service.

Some restrictions apply.

Please call for details.

Y

CM

Trusted since 1989 A+ BBB Rating HEPA Vacuums Remove 4x Allergens & Pollen Flexible Scheduling

MY

CY

CMY

K

THE ONLY CLEANING SERVICE THAT’S GREEN CLEAN CERTIFIED® FOR YOUR HEALTH “I’m proud of everything I do to make my customers happy.”

-Isabel S. Ma

11 years with

703.822.4221 • maidbrigade.com Trained

Washington, D.C.

St. John’s Wort has been effectively used to treat depression, anxiety, PMS and menopause.

As a medicinal herb used for its antidepressant properties, it has been used for more than 2000 years.

More recently, it has been found that St. John’s Wort can be helpful in relieving addictive behaviors. Also, it has been proven to help prevent some cancers and can protect against viral infections.

It can soothe and reduce inflammation of the nervous system and is also great at healing wounds and acne, when applied to the skin. This is one of the most studied herbs in the scientific and medical communities.

St. John’s Wort can be taken as an herbal supplement, a tincture and a tea. It does have some side effects, such as dizziness, fatigue or nausea.

This strong herb may also interact with some medications, so it is very important to talk with your doctor before you start taking it. With many health benefits, St. John’s Wort is a great herb for body and mind.

Laina Poulakos is the founder of Mother’s Nature Store and a certified aromatherapist and herbologist. For a consultation and products, call 703851-0087 or visit MothersNatureStore. com. See ad, page 18.

id Brigade

When you want help cleaning, we’re the cleaning help you want!

10

health briefs

Certified

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Uniformed

Insured

Forgiveness is the final form of love. ~Reinhold Niebuhr

Regain Your Health and Vitality Do you suffer with Chronic Pain? Fatigue? Allergies?

Whatever your health challenges, we can help you get on the path to real wellness.

We don’t throw pills and potions at symptoms. Instead, we will help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins.

“I am confident I can help you get well so you will feel good again.”

Call Today

571.529.6699

Our key services and treatments include:

• Integrative and Functional Medicine • Bio-identical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) • Hypothyroidism, Fibromyalgia & other Chronic Illnesses • Functional Chiropractic Care

MOVING MEDITATIONS

by Dr. Allan Tomson When most people hear the word meditation, they think of sitting on the floor with legs crossed in quiet contemplation. However, there are other ways to explore as one works to quiet the mind. Used for centuries as well, moving meditation is a way of being mindful, yet moving through space—albeit more slowly and focused.

Thich Nhat Hanh is a Buddhist Vietnamese monk who is inspirational in the mindfulness movement. For many years he has taught a form of moving meditation he calls mindful walking; encouraging people to “be in the moment” using your breath in a focused way while walking slowly. (You can access some of his teachings on YouTube.)

Another method, Forest Bathing is a term coined in Japan about 10 years ago. It is used to describe a type of moving meditation in the woods. It is different from going for a walk or a hike in that it slows you down in the middle of the forest to be better able to enjoy your surroundings.

You will notice things that would ordinarily have gone by your awareness. It is very relaxing and rejuvenating.

These methods are so simple, yet recharging, to our nervous systems. Also, the greater Washington, D.C. area has some wonderful forests to test out these moving meditations.

• Acupuncture

• Homeopathy

• Holistic Nutrition Consults

• Chronic Pain Management • Women’s Health Program • Digestive Health Program

For more details go to

www.RoseWellness.com Sushma Hirani, MD 2944 Hunter Mill Road Suite 101, Oakton, VA 22124

Dr. Allan Tomson is a holistic health practitioner with over 30 years in practice. He works with acute and chronic health problems using structural balance, nutritional and other lifestyle interventions at Neck, Back & Beyond, 10195 Main St., Ste. D, Fairfax. For more information, call 703-8655690 or visit NeckBackAndBeyond.com. See ad, page 6.

February 2018

11

global briefs

Range Brutality

Renewable Payoff Germany Undergoes an Energy Renaissance

Last May, Germany’s renewable energy mix of solar, wind, hydropower and biomass generated so much power for a few hours that customers actually got paid for using electricity. The country’s renewable power sources generate 88 percent of total electricity demand, and growing wind power assets alone are expected to make the phenomenon a regular occurrence. When this happens, commercial producers either close power stations to reduce the electricity supply or pay consumers to take it off the grid.

Anastasija Popova/Shutterstock.com

As we went to press, the fate of 90,000 wild horses and burros depended on Congressional action, as the U.S. Senate and House were hammering out differences in the delayed 2018 spending bill. The Senate version vowed to fund “humane and viable options” to the animal euthanasia allowed in the House bill.

Last October, the National Wild Horse and Burro Advisory Board recommended that the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM) achieve its on-range population goal of 26,715 wild horses and burros while also phasing out the use of long-term holding facilities within three years.

Killing tens of thousands of healthy animals would “be a betrayal of millions of taxpayers that want wild horses protected as intended in the 1971 Wild FreeRoaming Horses and Burros Act,” says Neda DeMayo, president of Return to Freedom Wild Horse Conservation. BLM has been tasked by Congress with the responsibility of protecting wild horses and other wildlife.

The agency has balked at using affordable fertility control, despite ample evidence that it’s a more than 90 percent safe and effective means of population control, critics charge. Instead, it spends 65 percent of its annual budget in capturing, removing and warehousing animals.

xujun /Shutterstock.com

Shooting Wild Horses and Burros

Auto Revolution

China, the world’s largest car market, is planning to stop production and sales of traditional energy vehicles in favor of electric vehicles (EV), and the decision has sped up competitive development by U.S. automakers.

General Motors is promising to launch at least 20 new electric vehicles in the next six years. “General Motors believes the future is all-electric,” says Mark Reuss, the company’s head of product development.

The falling cost of lithium-ion batteries also brings a tipping point into view, observers say. By 2025 it’s possible that electric drivetrains will have no cost disadvantage compared with internal combustion engines.

Technology is fast resetting the outlook for what cars can do, how consumers use them and how much an EV will cost. Tesla, Ford and Japanese and European companies are also responding to what’s being called both “the age of electricity”, and “the age of personalized transportation”.

12

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

andrea lehmkuhl/Shutterstock.com

Industry Revs Up for Electric Car Future

Bureaucratic Bungle

Picsfive/Shutterstock.com

st.djura/Shutterstock.com

Yongyut Kumsr/Shutterstock.com

Monsanto Still Gaming the System

Sealife Sanctuary Greenpeace Lobbies to Create Huge Antarctic Preserve

The South Pole is Earth’s last uninhabited outpost, and Greenpeace seeks to establish an Antarctic sanctuary of almost threequarters of a million square miles in the Weddell Sea adjacent to the vast continent that would protect whales, penguins and other wildlife.

The nonprofit has called for governments to show greater vision and ambition. Frida Bengtsson, head of the Greenpeace Antarctic campaign, states, “Over the next 12 months, we have an opportunity to make history: to create an Antarctic Ocean sanctuary which would be the largest protected area on Earth.” She notes that it would also ensure healthier oceans that soak up carbon dioxide to moderate climate change.

The proposal, submitted by the European Union and promoted by the German government, will be considered in October by the governmental bodies responsible for managing the Antarctic marine environment. It follows the successful adoption of the Ross Sea sanctuary in 2016.

Monsanto, the company that makes the controversial weed killer Roundup, is setting farmer against farmer and state against state with its newest product, dicamba. Amid claims and counterclaims over effectiveness and safety of crops and humans, the debate is shedding new light on how new agricultural products are introduced, tested and regulated. One major difference with dicamba is the gaseous vaporization it uses to treat crops, causing the poison to spread onto neighboring plants via wind. Brad Williams, a Missouri farmer, says that leaves on trees were “so deformed you couldn’t even really identify the differences between them.”

The manufacturer claims that proper usage protocols are not being followed. Some farmers agree, while others report crop damage and human health issues. One pivotal point of debate is which federal and state agencies have jurisdiction and the power to set enforceable guidelines. At stake are millions of acres that have already been sprayed, along with the future of non-GMO farms inadvertently contaminated by the dicamba sprayed on genetically modified crops that need the poison to survive.

Bottle Buyback

Britain May Charge Deposit to Reduce Bottle Litter

Britain only recycled 57 percent of the plastic bottles that were sold there in 2016, and is considering charging a deposit fee to reduce litter. Scotland is also introducing a deposit return policy for cans and bottles. Denmark recycles 90 percent and South Australia 80 percent by using deposits as an incentive.

UK Environment Secretary Michael Gove says that almost 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans each year, with up to 80 percent washing out to sea from land.

Gove is consulting with the industry to determine the advantages and disadvantages of different types of reward and return systems for plastic, metal and glass drinks containers.

Britain’s decision to charge a deposit for each plastic bag in 2015 has slashed usage.

Sometimes adversity is what you need to face in order to become successful. ~Zig Ziglar

February 2018

13

RISING ABOVE

Lightspring/Shutterstock.com

ADVERSITY How to Strengthen Your Resilience Muscle

by April Thompson

At one time or another, an estimated 70 percent of people experience a life-altering traumatic event, and most grow stronger from surviving it, according to decades of research by leading institutions like Harvard and Yale universities and the University of Pennsylvania.

We can prepare now for life’s inevitable hurdles and setbacks by developing the skills and tools of resilience.

I

“

t’s an incredibly hopeful message: We can go through the most terrible things imaginable and still get through to a better place,” says David B. Feldman, associate professor of counseling psychology at California’s Santa Clara University and co-author with Lee Daniel Kravetz of Supersurvivors: The Surprising Link Between Suffering and Success.

Such researchers have found that, like elastic stretched beyond its normal limits, people often don’t just bounce back to their old form, but stretch and expand in new ways. The pair conducted in-depth case studies of survivors of extreme traumatic experiences that went on to do bold things. Just one case in point: After losing a leg in a car accident, college basketball player Casey Pieretti reinvented himself as a successful Hollywood stuntman.

According to many studies, 60 to 80 percent of people grow in some way from personal trauma, known as “post-traumatic growth”, according to Feldman. “It can be as simple as appreciating each day more. It can mean deepening relationships. It may result in a renewed sense of spirituality.

Or, it might take one’s life in a dramatically different direction,” he says.

Ila Eckhoff, a financial executive in New York City, has experienced more than her share of challenges: developing cerebral palsy as a toddler, enduring

14

NA Edition/Location website address Washington, D.C. NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

12 childhood surgeries, losing her mother at age 11 and four years ago, her husband.

“All of the struggles and losses brought me here, now,” says Eckhoff. “Nobody ever said life was easy. We have greater appreciation for the things that we had to struggle to achieve.”

Choosing self-directedness instead of self-pity in the face of challenges differentiates those that thrive from those that merely survive, observes Catherine Morisset, a life coach from Ottawa, Canada, who specializes in resilience. “It’s taking responsibility for life and managing the way you want to live it. We all have choices, even in the face of difficulty,” she says.

Mastering an Optimal Outlook

“Challenges don’t define you. How you respond does,” remarks Doug Hensch, an executive coach and author of Positively Resilient: 5½ Secrets to Beat Stress, Overcome Obstacles,

and Defeat Anxiety. He attests that having Forces instructors and civilians. They found a growth mindset is vital, focusing on people that rebounded strongly often shared strengths without disregarding areas needcommon attributes, including embracing a ing improvement. spiritual outlook and social network.

Maintaining a balanced outlook that’s

In 2013, Damon Redd, of Boulder, realistic, yet positive, enables individuals to Colorado, awoke to a severe flooding move on from trauma. For supersurvivors, event, with his home and business burbeing pragmatic serves them far better ied under five feet of mud and water that than a false sense of optimism about bad nearly wiped out his clothing business, situations, Feldman found, Kind Design, overnight.

Parents do a saying, “They grieved loss“It was the hardest thing es, but thought realistically disservice to their I’ve ever gone through, about what to do next.” to lose everything I had kids when they

“Optimism in the built. It also gave me a try to remove best sense is focusing on new perspective on what’s adversity from their important. It made me the positive without denying the negative, while aware that you can replace lives. When little focusing on what’s in your physical things, but you things go wrong, control,” notes Hensch. rather than rush to can’t replace memories.

Martin Seligman, My mind was blown away fix it, let the kids known as the “father of by the support I received.” figure out a solution. positive psychology”, Redd ended up paying found that when people They’ll realize it’s not forward the kindness. “We take setbacks personthe end of the world. cleaned and repaired 1,500 ally, viewing them as pairs of gloves in our in~Doug Hensch permanent, pervasive and ventory that were damaged personal, they develop a that day, and are donating sense of learned helplessness that inhibits them to search-and-rescue teams and ski growth and happiness. “It’s important not patrols. The more good you do, the more to ‘catastrophize’ or generalize a failure and good other people will do,” Redd professes. extend it to other areas of life,” says Dr. Ste Altruism and owning a moral code is ven M. Southwick, a professor of psychiatry another common characteristic of resilient at Yale University School of Medicine who individuals, according to Southwick. Having focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder a purpose is a huge indicator of whether a and resilience. person will rise to the occasion. “You can endure almost anything if you have a mission, Make Caring Connections or believe what you are doing has meaning.

It gives you great strength,” he says.

Social networks are critical in the face of

In 2016, Bobbi Huffman lost her high challenges, resilience experts agree. “When school sweetheart and husband to suicide we are wronged or feel unsafe, it’s natural to a few days before Valentine’s Day. As she withdraw when we should do the opposite,” began to process the tragedy, she saw two says Feldman. “It’s also not the number of choices ahead: “Drop into a deep depresfriends you have, or even how much time sion and give up or focus on our deep love you spend with them, that matters. All you for one another, get into therapy, and make need is at least one person you can count on.”

“We are built to be connected with oth- a difference by inspiring, encouraging and helping others,” says Huffman. ers. It has a significant impact in regulating

She chose the latter, asking for professtress,” says Southwick, a co-author of Resilsional help and signing up for the 16-mile ience: The Science of Mastering Life’s Greatest Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention, Challenges, from West Haven, Connecticut. in New York City. “Getting into the best Over the past two decades, Southwick and shape of my life at age 50 became my his colleagues have studied three groups passion. As I walked through the night, I that have come through harrowing events: reflected on our beautiful memories as a being Vietnam War prisoners, Special

RESILIENCE RESOURCES

Helpful Organizations

OptionB.org provides a supportive space online for survivors of trauma and adversity to share stories, connect with others and get help from experts.

LearningConnection.Stanford.edu/ Resilience-Project normalizes setbacks and failures as part and parcel of professional and personal growth, and provides Stanford University students and faculty a platform to swap stories and coping strategies.

Resilience.Education.UTexas.edu conveys an interactive e-learning platform developed by the University of Texas at Austin to foster a better understanding of resilience and develop related skills.

Films and Books

Charged: The Eduardo Garcia Story documents the journey of chef and outdoorsman Eduardo Garcia, whose life changed irrevocably when he was jolted with 2,400 volts of electricity while hiking in Montana. Garcia lost his hand, ribs and muscle mass, but survived the injury with the help of his former partner, and became an athlete and speaker for the Challenged Athletes Foundation.

Unbroken depicts the life of Olympian and war hero Louis Zamperini, who survived 47 days on a raft after a near-fatal plane crash in World War II, only to be captured by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. The film is based on the nonfiction book of the same name by Laura Hillenbrand, herself the survivor of a disabling chronic illness.

The 33 tells the true tale of 33 miners trapped inside a mine in San Jose, Chile, for more than two months, the longest such entrapment in history. All were rescued alive.

Wild is based on Cheryl Strayed’s memoir of her solo hike of 1,000-plus miles on the Pacific Crest Trail without any training, following the loss of her mother and marriage.

February 2018

15

couple. It was an amazing, healing experience,” reflects Huffman.

Forgiveness—whether for others or ourself—is another key to help us move forward, reports Feldman. “Often, people can get stuck in blame, but resentment keeps people shackled to the past. If and when a person is ready to forgive, widespread research indicates that it can lead to better health outcomes.”

Strengthening Our Resilience Muscle

Experts point out that there isn’t any one perfect formula or single must-have trait for building resilience, and none we can’t develop. Learning a skill like mindfulness is an easy place to start.

“Resilient people don’t try to avoid stress, but learn how to manage and master it,” says Southwick. “Mindfulness meditation requires practice, but through it, you can learn to regulate emotions and relax the nervous system.”

Eckhoff practices mindfulness several times a day with a one-minute gratitude meditation. “I have five things I am most grateful for. I close my eyes, take a deep breath and say them. It brings me focus, reduces stress and reminds me of how lucky I am,” she says.

Morisset suggests making incremental changes to strengthen our resilience muscles.

“Success builds success and failure builds failure, so do something you know you can accomplish and build on that,” she counsels.

GROW Your Business Secure this ad spot!

Contact us for special ad rates.

202-505-4835

16

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Writing can also be a good coping tool, according to Hensch. “Just write about your emotions. It’s amazing how much you can learn about yourself and how calming it can be.”

Good times are the best times to begin “resilience training” notes Hensch.

“I sought out a therapist once I had turned the corner after my divorce and was dating someone and my business was taking off.

It was precisely because I knew something else would likely happen, and I wanted to be better prepared for it,” he recalls.

Applying positive self-talk when something blindsides us helps, as does not expecting to handle things perfectly.

“There’s nothing wrong with just staying afloat when you’re in the middle of trauma or adversity. One key to happiness in life is just managing expectations. It’s okay to be anxious, sad and worried at times—in fact, it’s healthy,” says Hensch.

Hardships are just that: hard. However, with time and experience, resilient individuals come to trust their ability to get through them, large and small. “Resiliency is not about how you bounce back from a single traumatic event; it’s how you respond every day to the challenges that life presents,” Eckhoff has learned. “Repetitive use of this ‘muscle’ builds strength and enables you to do more and sometimes, the impossible.”

Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Meet Your

Natural Match On Our Newly Upgraded Website We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members.

This February, receive a 20% discount* on new memberships. Use referral code NATURALMATCH.

We Focus on What’s Best for Your Business and the Environment Our team of experts can become your outsourced IT department; responding to issues quickly, often before you even know about them. Covering everything from your servers and network infrastructure, to your computers, workstations and mobile devices, we provide end-to-end solutions for all of your technology needs.

For more info about our services visit our website at Pulse.Tech

Join or try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com

*Offer good February 14 - 18, 2018 for new memberships February 2018

17

Dean Drobot/Shutterstock.com

healing ways

MEDITATION THAT WORKS

Tips for Finding the Right Practice

M

by April Thompson

ore Americans than ever before are seeking the benefits of meditation, which notably improves mental, physical and spiritual health. Choosing from its many styles and traditions can be daunting for a new meditator, as is figuring out how to incorporate such a practice into a busy life.

Universal Appeal “Meditation is for people of all spiritual backgrounds. As a tool to develop awareness, it can enhance what you already believe and practice,” assures Diana Lang, the Los Angeles author of Opening to Meditation: A Gentle, Guided Approach and a spiritual counselor who has taught meditation for 37 years.

For Jackie Trottmann, a Christian author from St. Louis, Missouri, there is no contradiction between a meditation practice and her faith; rather, they complement one another. For her, “Prayer is like talking to God, whereas meditation is listening to God. Before I came to meditation, I had been doing all the talking.”

18

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

She came to meditation during a trying period working in sales and marketing.

“When a friend gave me a meditation CD, I popped it in after a stressful conference call and felt instantly calmed. Ten years later, meditation has gone beyond quieting the mind; it’s sunk into my heart and spirit,” says Trottmann, who went on to publish her own CDs at GuidedChristianMeditation.com.

“I came to meditation tired of habitual suffering and stress, and wanting to be happier,” says Bill Scheinman, a coach in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), which he refers to as “mindfulness practice without the Buddhist jargon.”

The Oakland, California, instructor has taught mindfulness in settings ranging from corporations to prisons, drawing from a range of meditative disciplines and 23 years of intensive practice.

Begin Modestly “Millions are seeking more mindfulness through meditation, but don’t know how to go about it,” says Sean Fargo, a Berkeley, California, meditation instructor and for-

mer Buddhist monk. “The key is to take baby steps, like going to the gym for the first time. Start by practicing a few minutes a day; just pay attention to something such as the sensations of breathing, without judgment.”

“Having taught meditation to tens of thousands of people, I would say the most common issue is that beginning meditators don’t think they’re doing it right. It’s important not to judge yourself or have loaded expectations about the experience,” notes Lang. She suggests starting wherever we are right now, adding, “Whatever book, class or teacher you first stumble upon is a clue.”

But that doesn’t call for rigidly adhering to a particular type of meditation forever.

where healthy food comes naturally

Assess Benefits “Shop around and try different things, but at some point, you will begin to discover what works for you,” advises Scheinman.

In trying to decide which meditation practice is right for us, “Go with what feels juicy,” says Fargo, who founded MindfulnessExercises.com, offering 1,500 free mindfulness meditations, worksheets and talks. “You’re more likely to do what feels alive and enlivening.”

The act of meditating can be uncomfortable, but the challenges are part of its power. Scheinman remarks. “If you establish a daily practice, eventually, you will become more clear-headed, kinder and happier. That’s how you know your practice is working—not how you feel during meditation itself.”

Consistency is key. It’s not effective to only meditate when you feel good, he says.

Animal Nutrition Experts Since 2005

WE’RE DIFFERENT from national chain stores.

ALL of our foods and treats are natural and nutritious.

ROCKVILLE • ASHBURN • HERNDON • COLUMBIA www.wholepetcentral.com

Overview of Options Mindfulness practices go by many names, from vipassana to MBSR, and can be done sitting or walking, but all are focused on cultivating moment-to-moment awareness. “Mindfulness is about being aware: deliberately paying attention to body sensations, thoughts and emotions. Focused attention is on the body, heart and mind,” explains Scheinman.

Guided visualization differs from most forms of meditation in that the meditator is intentionally creating a mental image, typically one of a peaceful, beautiful place. Typically, the goal of a guided visualization is deep relaxation and stress reduction.

Mantra meditations involve continuous repetition of a word, phrase or sound, drawing spiritual power from the sound’s vibration, as well as its meaning. Many mantras are uttered in a tradition’s native language, such as shanti, meaning peace in Sanskrit. Teachers like Lang prefer to use mantras in English that meditators can more easily grasp, such as, “Love is the way.”

Breathing meditation. Meditation experts say our everpresent breath is a sound foundation for a meditation practice, as well as an easy place to start. “Tapping into the power of our breath is vital; it cleanses our system,” says Trottmann.

Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, MAc, LAc Compassionate Care for your Pet

We view your animal as a whole and focus on the root of the disease for projected long term healing

240-715-6570

12627 Wisteria Drive, Suite C&D • Germantown, MD • Chinese and Western Herbs • Stem Cell & PRP Therapy • Food & Ozone Therapy • Laser Therapy $25 offisit • Homeopathy V • Acupuncture First Dr ’s mbined e co • Chiropractic Not to nby other offer. with a • Dentistry Expires • Surgery 8 3 /1 5 /1 • X-Ray • Lab

HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com February 2018

19

wise words

Mark Rosenfeld’s Secrets for Successful Love Matches

by Alison James

A

ustralian author, speaker and dating coach Mark Rosenfeld knows firsthand the challenges of navigating romantic relationships.

After struggling with shyness, he took on a confidence-boosting job as an exotic dancer in 2011, working with men at both ends of the assertiveness spectrum. In this milieu, he gained a better understanding of men’s thoughts and actions related to women.

Through his career as a dancer while in his own satisfying relationship, Rosenfeld also personally communicated with about 50,000 women, many of which opened up about their own trials and tribulations with dating.

A resident of Brisbane, Rosenfeld launched the website MakeHimYours.com. au in 2014, sharing what he’s learned in order to help women stop experiencing frustrations in dating and start attracting healthy, happy relationships. He’s also participated in the conversation at The Good Men Project on what enlightened masculinity means in the 21st century.

What are the greatest misconceptions women have about men?

Both genders face significant, yet different, challenges, and so believe the other gender has it easier. Men want to feel cared for and heard. Many are terrified to approach a woman; they fear rejection or not being a good enough provider. Often, when a woman perceives that a man needs space, it’s his fears and insecurities that are keeping him from deeper intimacy.

What mistakes do women make in the courtship phase?

Women often get ahead of themselves in the dating stage, instead of taking enough time to let things unfold. I tell women 20

Washington, D.C.

to slow down and date multiple men to counter that tendency. It’s also good to “widen the funnel” and date different types of men, especially if you seem to attract the so-called “wrong” type. Keep deep emotions and commitments out of the courtship phase, while you discover who someone is and if they are right for you.

Why do both genders need to nurture their feminine energy?

As a man, I can spend too much time on my masculine energy and be too logical and focused on end results. I can lose a sense of self, presence and connection with the present moment. Meditation is one entry point; I find practicing a martial art is grounding, as is spending quality time with a woman.

If an individual spends too much time in either energy, imbalance occurs; everyone has to find their own equilibrium.

What are good ways to practice self-care while seeking and sustaining a relationship?

Find activities in your day that make you feel nurtured, happy and good about your-

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

self. Take care of your health, home and friendships. Exercise some independence.

Make your life fulfilling, so that men want to be part of your exciting days.

How can we best navigate the world of online dating and other means of meeting potential mates?

It starts with your mindset. If you think you will be on a dating site for three weeks and find a mate, don’t bother. Be prepared to engage for a minimum of six to 12 months.

Consider bad dates as reasons to laugh.

Think of it as “online introducing”. It’s up to you to quickly get past the chat stage to real communication and real dates. Online potential mates don’t have a “vibe” for you like they do in person. I suggest talking with prospects on the phone and keeping first dates short. Keep an open mind to recognize prospects you might otherwise overlook.

Online dating is a supplement, not a substitute, for meeting compatible men or women in real life. You should be tapping networks of friends, family and colleagues to make connections, as well as being open to meeting potential mates at public events.

Which signs indicate that a dating prospect wants to pursue a genuine relationship?

Emotional momentum, combined with consistency, is an important sign. Anyone can put in effort for a little while; but do they periodically disappear? No one wants someone they feel a connection with to physically or emotionally wander away, or risk the object of their affection thinking they aren’t interested. Make sure they are reciprocating the effort you put in.

Prioritizing is another sign; a person will find a way to see someone they care about. A key third sign is integration. They will want to respectfully integrate you into their world more and more, introducing you to friends, family and work colleagues.

Look for this overall pattern to continue over time. It’s vital to let people prove themselves with their actions.

Alison James is a freelance writer in Washington, D.C.

inspiration

SELF-LOVE

by Charlie Chaplin

A

s I began to love myself, I found that anguish and emotional suffering are only warning signs that I was living against my own truth.

Today, I know, this is AUTHENTICITY. As I began to love myself, I understood how much it can offend somebody as I try to force my desires on this person, even though I knew the time was not right and the person was not ready for it, and even though this person was me.

Today I call it RESPECT. As I began to love myself, I stopped craving for a different life, and I could see that everything that surrounded me was inviting me to grow.

Today I call it MATURITY.

Igor Brisker/Shutterstock.com

As I began to love myself, I understood that at any circumstance, I am in the right place at the right time, and everything happens at the exactly right moment.

So I could be calm.

Today I call it SELF-CONFIDENCE. As I began to love myself, I quit stealing my own time, and I stopped designing huge projects for the future.

Today, I only do what brings me joy and happiness, things I love to do and that make my heart cheer, and I do them in my own way and in my own rhythm.

Today I call it SIMPLICITY. As I began to love myself, I freed myself of anything that is no good for my health—food, people, things, situations and everything that drew me down and away from myself. At first I called this attitude a healthy egoism.

Today I know it is LOVE OF ONESELF. As I began to love myself, I quit trying to always be right, and ever since, I was wrong less of the time.

MAR

Coming Next Month

Ethnic Cuisine Plus: Super Spices

March articles include: Healthy Ethnic Cuisine, Really!

Just What Are Super Spices?

Don’t Forget Your Minerals

Today I discovered that is MODESTY. As I began to love myself, I refused to go on living in the past and worrying about the future. Now, I only live for the moment, where everything is happening.

Today I live each day, day by day, and I call it FULFILLMENT. As I began to love myself, I recognized that my mind can disturb me and it can make me sick. But as I connected it to my heart, my mind became a valuable ally.

Today I call this connection WISDOM OF THE HEART. We no longer need to fear arguments, confrontations or any kind of problems with ourselves or others.

Even stars collide, and out of their crashing new worlds are born.

Today I know that is LIFE. Chaplin’s World museum, in Switzerland, opened in 2016 (ChaplinsWorld.com/en).

To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

202-505-4835 February 2018

21

Ye Liew/Shutterstock.com

green living

CITY HOMESTEADING Creating Sustainable Urban Living

H

by Randy Kambic

omesteading is a broad field. “Along with planting produce, we encourage people to compost, change how they use water, learn about biochar—a long-term soil amendment that returns carbon to the earth—and employ creative economics, including bartering and food-sharing systems,” says K. Ruby Blume, of Grants Pass, Oregon, who founded the Institute of Urban Homesteading, in Oakland, California, a decade ago (iuhOakland.com). She’s also coauthor of Urban Homesteading: Heirloom Skills for Sustainable Living.

Blume was recently engaged to invite speakers and coordinate presentation content for the three-day online Gardening and Homesteading Skills Summit hosted by The Shift Network. Last October, 20 leading farmers, master gardeners, homesteaders and other experts shared innovative, environmentally friendly advice for providing food and adopting eco-friendly practices.

Blume, who grows fruit and vegetables and raises chickens, sheep and bees on 22 acres, plans to launch her Fantastic Farm Store this month, and will offer spring classes at her institute, as well as at the Rogue River Community Center, in southern Oregon. “Everyone should grow their favorite vegetable from seed; think about the animal if eating meat; and take a nature field study class. These all connect us to nature and our world,” advises Blume.

Food as Medicine David Crow, teacher, author of In Search of the Medicine Buddha and founder of Floracopeia Aromatic Treasures (Floracopeia.com), is a leader in research and development of growing herbs for medicine, working from Grass Valley, California. He extols the importance of gardens of all types—backyards, schools, neighborhoods and public spaces. “They can strengthen communities, beautify life and reduce 22

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

crime,” he says. In his home state, he helped launch The Learning Garden, at Venice High School, in 2001. “It’s an eye-opener for youngsters, and they take pride in ownership.” People without a garden plot can place a pot inside or on a balcony or find a community garden.

“Medicinal plants don’t have to be a luxury of the wealthy. You can spend a fraction of the $30 for a drug prescription in growing most of them, and then trade for others with neighbors,” says Crow.

He particularly values oregano, thyme, rosemary, lavender and basil.

To increase yields, home gardeners may consider daily drip irrigation—a system of tubes positioned just above the soil, with tiny holes spaced at regular intervals. It can conveniently work on a timer with an automatic shutoff during rain. Other benefits include water conservation and better soil structure by avoiding puddles from manual watering.

“Drip irrigation can be especially helpful during dry spells, which can run two to four weeks in many climates,” says Robert Kourik (RobertKourik.com), landscape consultant, horticultural researcher and author of Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and Climate, and last year’s Understanding Roots. “It can be effective for virtually any fruit or vegetable, except water crops like rice and cranberries.”

Green Living Carol Venolia, author, speaker and architect in Santa Rosa, California, (ComeHomeToNature.com) has designed homes of straw, earth and sustainably sourced and reclaimed wood throughout the West. She consults on greening schools, healing centers, camps and eco-villages, and stresses the benefits of sunlight as in her new e-book, Get Back to Nature Without Leaving Home. She says, “Sunlight’s many wavelengths, shifting directions and intensities render biological effects that keep us functioning well. Watch how it enters your home; changes occur daily and seasonally.”

It’s easy to move furniture to align with sunshine. In warmer climates, attach plant trellises or fabric awnings outside windows to filter or direct reflected light. “Add a potted plant to a window and a picture of a natural scene on a wall. Take the time to get out into woodlands,” advises Venolia.

She commends Marc Rosenbaum, of South Mountain Company, in Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts, as a green building leader who “brings a soulful approach, as well as engineering, data and technology efficiencies, to a project.” Along with green building goals like zero net energy, Rosenbaum strives to create homes that are healthy, comfortable, resource-efficient, durable and adaptable by the people that inhabit them.

Along with being part of the slow food movement and do-ityourself trends, Blume believes, “Homesteading gives people the feeling they are making a positive difference by making sustainable changes in their lifestyle and home.”

For summit recordings or transcripts and notices of upcoming events like the online annual Plant Medicine Telesummit in March, visit TheShiftNetwork.com.

Randy Kambic, an Estero, FL, freelance editor and writer, regularly contributes to Natural Awakenings.

leading edge

New You, New Brain with NAD+ IV Therapy

by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

I

f only there was a compound that could help turn back the hands of time by restoring your energy, improving your mood and mental clarity, increasing your athletic performance and taking away your cravings for alcohol and drugs. Well there is! A new you this month boils down to your brain and how clearly you are able to think.

By regenerating your brain to the way it is meant to function, you are able to regenerate your life.

What is NAD+

Considered just as important as oxygen, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) is a coenzyme of niacin (vitamin B-3) and is found in the mitochondria of every cell of your body. As we age, NAD+ declines and specific genes can be triggered to accelerate the aging processes. Factors like lifestyle, diet, drug or alcohol use, stress, toxicity and age influence the decline of NAD+.

Symptoms such as chronic fatigue, loss of mental clarity, depression, stress, anxiety and various chronic illnesses may result. Supplementing with NAD+ IV therapy gives us the ability to turn off these aging genes. NAD+ enables the transfer of energy from the foods we eat to vital cell functions, especially in the brain.

There are three main factors that reduce NAD+: STRESS - In our high-paced world,

stress is inevitable. Stress has become the new norm as we find ourselves in the biggest rat race of our lives. With chronic stress comes a significant reduction of NAD+. The American Psychological Association links chronic stress to the six leading causes of death.

Stress also causes oxidative stress and increases free radicals in the body, the perfect storm for NAD+ decline.

INFLAMMATION - Your body’s response to stress results in inflammation.

CD38 is a glycoprotein that is associated with inflammation and NAD+ depletion. For CD38 to function properly and help mitigate inflammation, it must consume large amounts of NAD+.

POOR DIET - You are what you eat and what you put in your body affects every metabolic process. NAD+ production is dependent on the vitamins and minerals you get from your diet. Vitamin B-3 and tryptophan are some of these key nutrients. NAD+ IV therapy has also been clinically used to effectively and safely detoxify patients from alcohol and drugs like opiates, tranquilizers and stimulants.

fatigue, lowers cholesterol and blood pressure, stimulates the production of dopamine, serotonin, noradrenaline and improves mood and brain function. It is helpful in brain fog, cognitive impairment and even “chemo brain.”

NAD+ IV therapy helps to restore proper brain biochemistry, neurotransmitters, circadian function and reduces neurological symptoms. NAD+ IV therapy is a wonderful adjunct to any anti-aging protocol. It has a powerful capacity to reset the brain to its original set point.

In 2016, the scientific journal Rejuvenation published an article discussing how low NAD+ levels are directly associated with cellular aging, emphasizing that this process can be prevented by increasing the levels of NAD+ within cells.

Who is it good for?

NAD+ IV therapy is not good for people who have serious methylation issues, are diagnosed with bipolar disorder or those who dislike intravenous (IV) therapy. NAD+ IV therapy is administered as a very slow drip and each treatment can take up to four to six hours depending on the dosage of NAD+ administered. Other ways to boost NAD+ includes the foods you eat, such as meat and fish high in tryptophan and vitamin B-3, spirulina, avocados, sprouted kidney beans, buckwheat and asparagus.

To rejuvenate the brain and get it back to firing on all cylinders, NAD+ IV therapy may be what you are looking for. The research is overwhelmingly in favor of its supplementation.

Dr. Isabel Sharkar is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, call 202-298-9131 or visit IndigoHealthClinic.com. See ad, page 36.

What is NAD+ IV Therapy?

NAD+ IV therapy helps to restore the cellular production of energy (ATP), protects and repairs DNA, strengthens the immune system by improving cell signaling of immune cells, is anti-aging, improves athletic endurance, combats

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. ~William Shakespeare February 2018

23

conscious eating

Eating More Mindfully Respect Your Inner Wisdom

by Elizabeth McMillan

I

t has been a long day at work, you come home and feel ravenous. You just want 20 minutes to yourself before picking up the kids from soccer. You sit down with a bag of chips to have a snack and poof, before it’s even time to pick them up the entire bag is gone. How many times does this happen to you?

Mindful eating is deliberately paying attention and being fully aware of hunger and satiety cues. The Center of Mindful Eating defines it as “allowing oneself to become aware of the positive and nurturing opportunities that are available through food selection and preparation by respecting your own inner wisdom.�

To sum it up, mindful eating is learning to pay attention. Instead of eating mindlessly, shoveling food into your mouth without tasting it, one starts to notice thoughts, feelings and sensations around food. Unfortunately, eating mindfully is much harder than a simple definition and takes years to practice.

There are several principles or intentions to eating mindfully. One of the first considerations is being aware without criticism or judgement. This can be one of the hardest, both personally and outwardly.

We are constantly judging ourselves and others partially around the food choices we make. For example, after a cheat day or a pizza binge, we may judge ourselves negatively for those food choices.

This causes a surge of negative emotions surrounding food.

24

Washington, D.C.

Another consideration is paying full attention to the experience of eating and drinking. This means paying attention to the colors, smells, textures, flavors, temperature and sound of food.

By paying attention, we become aware of the experience that food and drink serves to the body. We realize where in the body we feel hunger and where we feel satisfaction. This will continue to allow us to pay attention to the mind and the emotions surrounding foods.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Thirdly, mindfulness encompasses both internal processes and external environments. Internally, this means asking oneself what these foods will do for me and how are they nourishing me?

Externally, this means focusing only on the food and drink you are consuming.

This requires turning off the television, not eating lunch at a work desk and becoming entirely engaged only in eating.

Finally, mindfulness promotes balance, choice, wisdom and acceptance. As mentioned before, this may take years to accomplish. However, the benefits are lasting and lifelong. One starts to actually taste food, to appreciate the nourishment that food provides and enjoy the benefits of eating.

The good news is that there are many tricks to engage in mindful eating daily. Here are a few to consider adding to your lifestyle: n Chew food completely, 10 to 20 times per bite n Feed yourself with your non-dominant hand n Eat with chopsticks n Put your fork down between each bite n Close your eyes with your first bite n Put all food on a plate, including a handful of chips n Sit at a table without the TV on, the computer in front of you or any other distractions The point of mindful eating is to slow down and appreciate food. By paying attention to how much and what we are consuming, the first benefit is that we stop overeating.

Many of us overeat without even realizing it. Consider how can you start to incorporate mindful eating techniques into your daily life.

Elizabeth McMillan, CNS, LDN, is a clinical nutritionist at Rose Wellness, in Oakton, VA. For more information, visit RoseWellness.com. See ad, page 11.

meditation spotlight

MEDITATION Opening to Heartfulness

by Dr. Gant M.D., Ph.D.

T

here are two main forms of meditation, namely open and closed field approaches. Closed field techniques are the most popular and simply promote focusing on various auditory, visual or kinesthetic “sensory objects”, in order to divert one’s attention away from stressful thoughts and feelings. For instance, the breath can be used as a focus point. The feelings in the abdomen as one breathes in and out are less likely to cause fight/flight stress than thinking about financial or relationship problems and represent a good way to begin a meditation practice. In closed field approaches, one begins to appreciate how distracted the mind is and how to relocate one’s attention in “the now”.

Open field meditation is altogether different. Instead of bringing attention to a single, sensory “anchoring” point to quiet the mind, one opens the mind to any sensory, cognitive or emotional object that arises and falls in the present moment.

With practice, one gradually becomes more mindful in everyday life, including mundane experiences. “Heartfulness” may be better term. As one opens the heart to fully experiencing the immediacy of life’s experiences, some very interesting

changes can happen.

With heartfulness practice, the illusory division between the experiencer and one’s experiences begins to dissolve. For most people, the ego erects “boundaries”, believing that “the separate self” exists independently from one’s life’s experiences.

Within an open field practice, it becomes clear that these boundaries dissipate, and the experience is the experiencer.

For most individuals, this merger of one’s self with one’s experiences into a vastly expanded ego can require enormous courage. Discussions about culturing a warrior mentality as one works towards open field meditation are well-described in most major religions. Shambhala, the sacred path of the warrior and the Zen ox-herding pictures are perfect examples.

The highest jihad or struggle in Islam is the jihad of the heart—the struggle inwardly with one’s fear, hate, envy, deceit and attachment. How much courage did the Gnostic Christians muster when they were massacred by the early church for promoting Theodotus’ philosophy that “each person recognizes the Lord in his own way, not all alike,” according to The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels?

In various ways, organized religions

have made the mistake of condemning the ego as sinful, because human minds are capable of tremendous mischief. It seems like half the world is dedicated to anaesthetizing the ego with various psychotropic chemicals. Open field meditation and heartfulness takes us in the opposite direction. The full ownership of one’s thoughts, feelings and behaviors, an objective often promoted by psychotherapists, breaks down that dichotomy between experiencer and experiences.

In other words, at this moment: “I am not having thoughts; I am my thoughts.

I don’t have feelings; I am my feelings.

I don’t do anything; I am the doing.” A fragmented ego becomes whole, which is the root of the words holy and holistic.

Didn’t Moses get a message on a hill that went something like, “I am that I am”?

In clinical studies on open field meditation, judgementalness was a studied parameter which had the highest correlation to mindfulness, and therefore, cultivating a state of non-judgmentalism is a good place to begin a practice. One doesn’t have to sit or breathe a certain way or attend to sensory objects. One simply becomes more aware of making judgements about others.

The sense of separateness or loneliness breaks down as one heartfully lets go of judgementalness. It becomes clear that the obstacles to true intimacy with friends, family and your partner was never about how they were, but was caused by an unawareness of how we had judged them. By freeing ourselves from the burden of judging, recognizing that our thoughts are who we are, not “me” having thoughts, acceptance of others as they actually are, is easier. Loving and accepting others begins with the courage to love and accept oneself.

Charles Gant, MD, Ph.D., is a physician, educator and author, specializing in functional medicine and precision medicine to address the root cause of medical disorders and the biochemical causes of mental/emotional disorders. He practices in Washington, D.C. at National Integrated Health Associates and is the author of End Your Addiction Now. See ad, page 27.

February 2018

25

community spotlight

Jacqueline Norris

Bringing Brain Science and Comprehensive Healing to Bethesda A Spotlight on The Mindfulness Center

by Robin Fillmore

T

he Mindfulness Center (TMC) in pain. Doctors said there was no cure and Bethesda, Maryland, may look like that nothing could be done. They prescribed any other small, community yoga stua wheelchair, and a job that could be done dio but as a family-run, nonprofit institution, from home. As a research scientist, Deborah led by neuroscientist Dr. Deborah Norris, began investigating the underlying causes of they are bringing life-changing mindfulnessher condition and gradually took up practices based health services to the D.C. area and that would relieve her symptoms and ultinationwide. Founded in 2009, by Deborah mately reverse these causes.

Norris, Ph.D., and her daughters, Jacqueline

A professional Norris and Jessie ballet dancer in her Taylor, Deborah was youth, she began personally aware of exercising again to the role of mind-body gradually increase her practices in healing physical, mental and from chronic illnesses. emotional well-being, A research scientist, including gentle yoga health specialist and for the physical pain. director of the PsyShe made nutritional chobiology of Healing changes to increase Program at American her energy and began University, Deborah is meditating to relieve an energetic, vibrant stress and improve picture of healthy livsleep. By incorporatJessie Taylor ing. But this wasn’t always ing these practices into the case. her life, Deborah was

In 1996, Deborah was diagnosed with able to reverse her condition and return to an severe fibromyalgia, which left her in chronic active, healthy life free of pain.

26

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

After an accident in 1999, however, Deborah suffered a traumatic brain injury and once again found herself with degrading health; suffering from debilitating seizures, impaired vision and chronic headaches.

Once again, she explored ways to heal herself using mind-body practices, and again was able to reverse the downward spiral of her health and now lives a vibrant life, free of seizures and pain.

This personal health journey is what led Deborah and her family to open TMC, with its mission: to facilitate the evolution of the standard of health care from one of managing disease to one of fostering health, and to be a model for a new healthcare paradigm based on mindfulness and empowering people to heal. “We fulfill this mission by bringing mindfulness to all dimensions of life, and empowering people to use evidencebased, best practices of self-care, thereby addressing healthcare disparities by making health care accessible to all,” notes Jessie.

Deborah ties together existing theories of brain science with her own exciting research on the science of mindfulness and how meditation alters our brains in her new book, In the Flow: Bridging the Science and Practice of Mindfulness. Drawing from her scientific background as well as her personal health journey, she presents new evidence-based theories with far-reaching implications for how and why we practice meditation, and the role of mindfulness practices in health care.

Renowned for her online mindfulness training programs, The Science of Mindful

TMC supports all members of the community through it’s charitable programs such as the Helping Hands Fund and Veteran Reintegration Fund, offering student scholarships, financial aid and discounted and free services to veterans and individuals with cancer or other chronic illnesses.

As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, taxdeductible donations support these and

other charitable and educational programs, fulfilling TMC’s mission to facilitate the evolution of the standard of health care, empowering people to heal and making health care accessible to all.

Location: 4963 Elm St., Ste., 100; Bethesda.

For more information, visit TheMindfulnessCenter.org. See ad, page 10.

Dr. Deborah Norris Awareness (SOMA) series, Deborah is an internationally recognized speaker and educator on mindfulness, yoga and integrative mind-body therapies. She is also certified in exercise physiology by the American College of Sports Medicine and holds a host of other certifications in yoga therapy, clinical hypnosis, Gestalt Psychotherapy and meditation.

Together with a team of health experts, scientists and educators, TMC is a model for a new paradigm for health care. The founders recognize that there are different paths to healing for different people and so TMC offers a full range of services and classes, and meets peoples’ needs at different levels of ability.

Services include acupuncture and other modalities of Chinese medicine, as well as physical therapy, chiropractic, medical massage and naturopathic medicine. Psychological services include mindfulness-based psychotherapy, private-guided meditation, hypnosis and more. Group classes, available at all levels of ability and experience, include yoga, meditation, tai chi, breathwork and Nia dance.

Educational programming highlights include international yoga and meditation retreats, Mindfulness in Education initiatives as well as the SOMA series of yoga and meditation training courses and teacher certifications, offered both on-site and online.

These programs all uniquely focus on the most current research and evidence basis for the therapeutic benefits of mind-body practices, incorporating Deborah’s expertise and research in neuro- and health sciences.

February 2018

27

Own a Natural Awakenings Magazine

Turn Your Passion Into A Business As a Natural Awakenings publisher, you can empower yourself and others to create a healthier world while working from your home earning an income doing something you love!

No publishing experience is necessary. You’ll work for yourself but not by yourself. We offer a complete training and support system that allows you to successfully publish your own magazine.

• Meaningful New Career • Low Initial Investment • Proven Business System • Home-Based Business • Exceptional Franchise Support & Training Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

28

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Natural Awakenings publishes in 80+ markets across the U.S. & the Caribbean • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Gulf Coast AL/MS* • Indianapolis, IN • Portland, OR Phoenix, AZ • Acadiana, LA • Bucks/Montgomery, PA Tucson, AZ • New Orleans, LA • Chester/Delaware, PA East Bay Area, CA • Boston, MA • South Central PA San Diego, CA • Worcester, MA • Lancaster/Berks, PA Northern CO/Cheyenne, WY • Ann Arbor, MI • Lehigh Valley, PA Denver, CO • East Michigan • Northeast, PA Fairfield County/ • Wayne County, MI • Philadelphia, PA HousatonicValley, CT • Western MI • Rhode Island Hartford, CT • Minneapolis/St. Paul, MN • Charleston, SC New Haven/Middlesex, CT • Charlotte, NC • Columbia, SC Washington, DC • Raleigh/Durham/ • Greenville, SC* Daytona/Volusia/Flagler, FL Chapel Hill, NC* • Chattanooga, TN NW FL Emerald Coast • Southeast, NC • Austin, TX* Ft. Lauderdale, FL • Bergen/Passaic, NJ* • Dallas, TX Jacksonville/St. Augustine, FL • Central, NJ • Houston, TX Miami & the Florida Keys • Hudson County, NJ • San Antonio, TX* Naples/Ft. Myers, FL • Monmouth/Ocean, NJ • South Houston/ North Central FL* • North Central NJ Galveston, TX Central Florida/Greater • South NJ • Richmond, VA Orlando • Santa Fe/Albuquerque, NM* • Inland Northwest, WA Palm Beach, FL • Las Vegas, NV • Seattle, WA* Sarasota, FL • Albany, NY • Madison, WI* Space & Treasure Coast, FL • Long Island, NY • Milwaukee, WI Tampa/St. Pete., FL • Hudson Valley W., NY • Dominican Republic Atlanta, GA • Manhattan, NY* • Puerto Rico Hawaiian Islands • Westchester/Putnam/ Dutchess Co’s., NY Southern, ID *Existing magazines • Central OH Chicago, IL for sale Chicago West. Suburbs, IL • Oklahoma City, OK For more information visit our website NaturalAwakenings.com/MyMagazine or call 239-530-1377

calendar of events THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Core Strength for Healing – 6:30-7:30pm. With Megna Paula. We will work on strength and flexibility, with the intention to empower your body from the inside out. These floor barre exercises draw on yoga, Pilates and ballet and are geared to all fitness levels. $20 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Pause: Half-Day Yoga and Meditation Retreat – 9:30am-2:30pm. There should always be time for a day of purposeful reflection, contemplation and community. Whether you work full-time or a stayat-home parent juggling everyone’s schedules, you can take a few hours and give yourself the break you need from your busy life in a simple, accessible way. Lil Omm, IMCW (Insight Meditation Community of Washington), 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com/Pause.

Weekend Meditation Retreat (Advanced Meditation Seminar M200 - 8hrs) – 6:30-9:30pm. Through Feb 3 12-5pm. Be guided deep into the realms of personal awareness and integration. As the practitioner, learn to deepen your practice and learn to guide others to do the same. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Baby and Me – 10:15-11am. Experienced Montessori educators will lead parents and children through a variety of interactive and engaging activities. This is a hands-on way to explore Montessori as a family. $25. Broad Branch Children’s House, 5608 Broad Branch Rd, NW. Register: BBCH@Metro Montessori.com. Info: BBCHMontessori.com.

Healing Through Your Akashic Records – 1-5pm. With Bill Sanda. Akashic Records are vibrational information of every soul‘s journey in form. Resolve recurring patterns, heal challenges and empower choices through a combined individual/group healing gathering. $40. Crystal Cognizance, 2239-B Tackett’s Mill Dr, Woodbridge, VA. Info: 703-772-4435 or CrystalCognizance@ gmail.com.

Sound Medicine Journey – 3-5pm. With Angela Blueskies​. Let go of stress and relax while you are bathed in the healing vibrations of singing bowls, flute, chimes, sounds of nature and inspirational songs. $30. Radiance Yoga, 701 Prince St, Alexandria, VA. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com and Radiance-Yoga.net.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 4 Don’t Let Pain Get You Down - Manage Your Aches and Pains Naturally – 2-3pm. Free health talk open to the public presented by Dr. John Bohlmann, ND. Limited seating. The Living Well Health Food Store, 12004 Cherry Hill Rd, Silver Spring, MD. Info: 301-572-0700.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Writing Out the Storm – 6-8pm. With Susi Wyss.

This workshop uses writing prompts and other exercises to delve into the self and tap into the subconscious. Journals are provided. $20 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system. The session ends with a silent meditation. Free. Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughterYoga@yahoo.com.

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 7 21/14/7 Day Yoga Challenge by Video – 12:0512:35pm. Through Feb 27. Join this yoga challenge to help create the habit of yoga. Gather by live video (phone only also available) for 30 minutes daily.

Classes will be livestreamed by video/audio using ZOOM. Connection information sent upon registration. $70 for 7 days or $130 for 14 days or $190 for 21 days. Yoga 4 All Bodies. Register: Yoga4 AllBodies.com/Reston-Yoga-Schedule/#Group.

Writing Your Truth – 4:30-6pm. With Elise Wiarda. Experience the powerful, mysterious and surprising gifts that emerge as you listen to, write and share poetry. $20 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Aroma Home, Transforming Your Home with Essential Oils – 7pm. Discover the ways to have your home cleaner and greener by making

a few easy changes with essential oils. $5 (donation). Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts, 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBack AndBeyond@gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690.

Holistic Therapies – 3pm. With Dr. Pema Choepel Mallu. Dr. Pema will discuss the many holistic therapies offered at HVH and share case studies of a few of the modalities. This will help you decide what options may help your pet during their time of need. Holistic Veterinary Healing, 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C and D, Germantown, MD. RSVP: 240-715-6570 or Info@Holistic VeterinaryHealing.com.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Gong Medicine Journey – 7:30-9pm. With Angela Blueskies. Through the intense vibrations of the sound, the body and mind are able to relax and surrender to the healing energies of the gong and as the waves of sound wash over participants, a deep energetic clearing occurs, leaving participants feeling balanced, peaceful and light. $25-30. East Meets West Yoga, 8227 Old Courthouse Rd, Ste 310, Vienna, VA. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com and EastMeetsWestCenter.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 The Healing Kitchen with Nueva Vida – 10am-1pm. With Chef Laura Pole. Come and savor the flavors, aromas and sights of the Healing Kitchen with Chef Laura as we transform favorite recipes into comforting and delicious anti-cancer meals. This hands-on cooking class for Latinas is offered in collaboration with Nueva Vida, in English with Spanish translation available. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Sound Healing – 12-2pm. Supported in comfort on the floor, fall into a relaxing state, created by a variety of instruments including quartz crystal bowls and mantras. $50. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-9861090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Partner Massage, Mindfulness and Movement – 12:30-2:30pm. This workshop will teach you and your partner massage technique for stress relief, listening techniques to strengthen communication and fun partner yoga poses. $40. The Mindfulness

February 2018

29

Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulnessCenter@ gmail.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Back School Workshop – 7pm. Learn how to take care of your back, mitigate back pain and tension, develop core strength and improve flexibility. $5 (contribution appreciated). Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts, 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com.

Info: 703-865-5690.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16 DC Young Adult Cancer Supper Club – 6:308:30pm. With Chef Kara Garrett. Meet other young adult cancer survivors for a casual dinner party with healthy, vegetarian fare. Learn how to make pan-fried dumplings and enjoy an Asianinspired meal. Bring your own drinks. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17 Family Yoga – 11-11:45am. During this playful and fun vinyasa yoga class, learn the foundation to a safe and relaxing yoga practice for the entire family. This special 45-minute class is recommended for children, ages 3 to 11; attendance is limited to two children per adult. Epiphany Pilates, 9416 Main St, Fairfax, VA. Register: EpiphanyPilates.com/Schedule.

Healing Yoga for Women – 11am-12:15pm. With Megna Paula. This new yoga workshop is especially designed to rejuvenate the body and lift its natural healing powers by creating inner harmony.

All women welcome. Spanish translation available. $15 (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Girls Empowerment and Wellness Workshop – 1-5pm.The workshop will include therapeutic yoga, tea talk, journaling, nourishing lunch, panel discussion and closing meditation. The Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave, SE. Info: OneBreath AtATime.info.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training – 6-9pm.

Through Feb 25. This program is perfect for the avid yoga student who wants to become a yoga teacher or anyone that wants to deepen their personal practice. Scholarships available. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or Roxanne@ TheMindfulnessCenter.org.

Movie Night – 7pm. Learn how mindfulness can bring balance to your life and achieve greater health and well-being. $5 (contribution appreciated). Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts, 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA. Register: NeckBack AndBeyond@gmail.com. Info: 703-865-5690.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Andean Despacho Ceremony and Sacred Fire – 1-3:30pm. A Despacho is a sacred offering, created in the form of a nature mandala and prayer bundle. Objects placed within the mandala are symbolic offerings, carrying the prayers of

30

Washington, D.C.

those gathered for the ceremony, calling for the release of heavy energies, welcoming blessings and benevolent forces and honoring the balance of ayni, reciprocity, the sacred exchange of giving and receiving. $20-$30. The Lord’s Chapel, 1244 Greenwood Rd, Winchester, VA. Info: Angela Blueskies.com.

Energetic Effects of Meditation, Yoga and Other Mind-Body Practices – 1:30-3:30pm. Learn the energetic purpose behind meditation and yoga, principles of energy (chi/prana), vibrational frequency, effects of emotions on vibrational frequency and energy meridians and more. $40. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulness Center@gmail.com.

plan ahead SATURDAY, MARCH 3

special event Why Are My Joints and Muscles Hurting Me? I’m Too Young to Have Arthritis Many people suffer from joint and muscle pain and accept it as normal aging. Come learn what you can do today to feel better and get your life back. Free.

Saturday, March 3 • 10-11am Regenasyst Wellness, 6820 Commercial Dr, Ste D, Springfield, VA. Register: 703-454-9326x0 or Info@TreatYourselfToHealth.com or TreatYourselfToHealth.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 4 Optimize Your Sleep Naturally for Improved Memory and Cognition – 2-3pm. Free health talk open to the public presented by Dr. John Bohlmann, ND. Limited seating. The Living Well Health Food Store, 12004 Cherry Hill Rd, Silver Spring, MD. Info: 301-572-0700.

MONDAY, MARCH 5 Reactive Dogs – 3pm. With Lisa Arant. In this workshop you will learn tips on how to work with your dog in calming their reactions and learning to look to you, their wonderful human, for guidance.

Holistic Veterinary Healing, 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C and D, Germantown, MD. RSVP: 240-7156570 or Info@HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com.

Laughter Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. Please join us for a playful and fun practice that has been proven to reduce stress and strengthen the immune system.

The session ends with a silent meditation. Free.

Arlington Central Library auditorium, 1015 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA. Info: ArlingtonLaughter Yoga@yahoo.com.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

on going events NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines.

Email CalendarNADC@gmail.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Sunday Morning Meditation Class – 10:30am12:30pm. With Hugh Byrne. An oasis in a busy week, including 30-minute guided meditations, a 10-minute walking meditation and 30-minute discussion. A mini-retreat. Drop-ins welcome. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

DC Young Adult Cancer Meet Up and Support Group – 5-6:30pm. 4th Sun. With Jennifer Bires, LICSW and Cheryl Hughes, LICSW, OSW-C. Meet other young adult cancer survivors in a monthly support group session, a collaborative initiative of local hospitals, health organizations and cancer support groups. A healthy meal is provided. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Mindfulness in Recovery – 6:30-8pm. This group is open to new meditators and seasoned practitioners alike with a common interest in the intersection of Buddhist teachings and 12 Step recovery. All 12 Steppers are welcome and we ask that participants have at least 90 days of continuous recovery and a working relationship with a home 12 Step recovery group be established before attending your first meeting. This group is not a replacement for our individual 12 Step programs. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

monday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. A beautiful way to start your day, with a 30-minute meditation and optional 15-minute discussion following. Drop-ins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW).

The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org.

Gentle Yoga – 10:30-11:45am. Gentle yoga classes to help reduce stress and balance the mind, body and spirit. All experience levels welcome. $10/ class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Cancer Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 2nd and 4th Mon. With Jennifer Bires, LICSW. This support group provides participants with an opportunity to explore their experience with cancer with a trained social worker and to connect with others. Please RSVP prior to your first visit. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Caregiver Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 2nd Mon. With Julia Rowland, Ph.D. This group provides cancer caregivers the opportunity to meet one another, learn about useful tools for self-care and explore ways to thrive in the caregiving role. Please RSVP prior to your first visit. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Prenatal Yoga – 6pm. Come and join a supportive community of beautiful, expecting mothers-to-be as we explore the pregnancy experience and prepare for the blessings of motherhood. The Mindfulness Center, 4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD. Register: 301-986-1090 or TheMindfulness Center@gmail.com.

tuesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Chair Yoga – 12-1pm. You are invited to relax deeply as we move through a series of gentle seated and supported poses that promote self-care. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation).

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Weekly Knit Night for Young Adults – 5:307pm. With our Young Adult Community. We’ll be hanging out in the nook and have yarn, needles and simple patterns on hand to teach beginners. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Gentle Yoga – 6-7:15pm. With Yael Flusberg. See Mon for details. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

wednesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Outside the Lines – 10:30am-12:30pm. 1st and 3rd Wed. Learn how to use art making as a tool for healing through guided creative projects. Special guest local artist, Steven Loya, will be facilitating class on February 7th. $10 (suggested donation).

Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Weekly Knitting in the Nook – 3-4:30pm. With Project Knitwell and Friends. Trained volunteers are on hand to provide knitting instruction with quality materials in an effort to foster wellness, comfort and community among participants. Experienced knitters share their best tips. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Kids Club – 6-7:30pm. 4th Wed. In Partnership with George Washington University, Georgetown University and Washington Hospital Center. Kids Club is designed for children ages 6 to 12 years old with a parent or grandparent who has been diagnosed with cancer. The group is a safe space for

both kids and parents to come together to explore emotions, resilience and coping with cancer in the family through art activities and pizza. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Teen Sanga – 7:30-9pm. 2nd and 4th Wed. The teen sangha provides a framework for exploring one’s inner life, understanding the causes of emotional stress and realizing the possibility of inner freedom. We explore key Buddhist teachings and how they can be helpful in navigating life’s inevitable challenges. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

455-6553. UUNaples@earthlink.net. UUNaples. org

thursday

Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Gentle Yoga – 10:15-11:30am. See Mon for details. No class Feb 19. $10/class or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Transformational Sound and Energy Medicine Sessions – 11am-7pm. With Angela Blueskies. A fusion of sound medicine, Shamanic Energy Medicine, and reiki are customized to guide clients into a state of deep relaxation, opening the receptivity of body and mind to release stress and move deeper into the healing state. By appointment.

Rates from $110. Available at Rumi Wasi Sanctuary, 1030 Shannondale Rd, Harpers Ferry, WV and online via Zoom. Info: AngelaBlueskies.com.

A Healing Circle – Exploring Grief and Identity After Loss – 4:30-6pm. With Wendy Miller and Larry Kanter. 2nd and 4th Thurs. This healing circle focuses on the unique needs of those experiencing the loss of a spouse or partner, no matter where you find yourself in your journey with grief. Please RSVP prior to your first visit. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Now What? Cancer Survivorship Education and Support Group – 6-7:30pm. 4th Wed. With Erin Price, LGSW. This monthly group is for all adult cancer survivors of any type of cancer at any stage who have completed their initial cancer treatment and are navigating how to move forward.

Each month will feature a different topic relevant to cancer survivorship followed by a discussion and support group. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

friday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Mon for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown.

Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

Weekly Strength through Movement – 1011am. With Rex Delafkaran. Beginning with focused stretching and warm-ups, this class focuses on being active, embodying music and moving to-

gether with strength. With a variety of dance and yoga influences, we will be empowered through movement Beginners welcome. $15/session or $25/month (suggested donation). Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

Tai Chi – 12-12:45pm. Wonderful tai chi class is open to those with all levels of experience. Beginners welcome. Great way to relax during your lunch break. $17. Third Space Wellness, Silver Spring, MD. Register: 301-693-5410 or ThirdSpaceWellness.com.

Mindful Families: Art and Yoga for Focus, Fitness and Calm – 6-7pm. 1st Fri. For families and children ages 6 to 10, features simple yoga warm ups and poses, fun partner poses, creative group games, along with mindfulness-based art activities tied to a specific theme. The class will also include beginner-level forms of meditation. $31/drop in, $27/pre-registered and $5/extra child. Dream Yoga Studio and Wellness Center, 1485 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 104, McLean, VA. Register: 703-448YOGA (9642). Info: DreamYogaStudio.com.

Mindful Families: Teens and Tweens, Yoga and Art for Focus, Fitness and Calm – 6-7pm. 3rd Fri. For families and children ages 11-17, features simple yoga warm-ups and poses, fun partner poses, creative group games, along with mindfulness-based art activities tied to a specific theme.

The class will also include beginner-level forms of meditation. $31/drop in, $27/pre-registered and $5/extra child. Dream Yoga Studio and Wellness Center, 1485 Chain Bridge Rd, Ste 104, McLean, VA. Register: 703-448-YOGA (9642). Info: DreamYogaStudio.com.

saturday Nueva Vida Cancer Support Group for Latino Families – 8:30am-12pm. Nueva Vida provides support groups that support the experiences associated with a cancer diagnosis and provide Latina women the opportunity to share with others who are in similar circumstances. All support group meetings are open to all cancer diagnoses. Smith Center for Healing and the Arts, 1632 U St, NW. Info: 202-483-8600 or SmithCenter.org.

A Sweet and Simple Guide for a Nourishing Postpartum – 10am-12pm. A workshop for soonto-be parents want to address concerns and questions regarding the physical care as well as practical and emotional support for mothers after childbirth. $20 (suggested donation). BirthCare, 1501 King St, Alexandria, VA. Register: Eventbrite.com/e/ Sweet-and-Simple-Guide-to-a-Nourishing-Postpartum-at-Birthcare-Tickets-42064480995. Info: 828-450-2217, YourFourthTrimester.Wordpress. com/2017/11/11/Sweet-and-Simple-Guide-to-aNourishing-Postpartum-Discussions.

Refuge Recovery – 6:30-8pm. Refuge Recovery is a mindfulness-based recovery program and community that utilizes Buddhist philosophy as the foundation of the recovery process. Based on the Four Noble Truths and Eight-fold Path, emphasis is placed on both knowledge and empathy as a means for overcoming addiction and its causes.

The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: LivingMindfully.org.

February 2018

31

community resource guide

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage,reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 6.

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com TheMindfulnessCenter.org The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through classes, services, workshops and trainings. See ad, page 10.

CANCER SUPPORT NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

If you are diagnosed with cancer, there are supportive treatments which may enhance the body’s ability to fight cancer and help the traditional cancer treatments work more effectively.

Integrative, holistic medicine combines traditional and adjunctive complementary treatments to restore the patient to a better state of health and improve the quality of life. Whereas traditional medicine will focus on treating the tumor, the holistic approach is to focus on the patient and outcome. See ad, page 27.

CHIROPRACTOR NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER DR. ALLAN TOMSON, DC

10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Dr. Allan Tomson, DC, director of Neck Back & Beyond Healing Arts in Fairfax, VA with a satellite office in Manassas, VA. He is not your ordinary chiropractor with skills and experience in functional medicine, visceral manipulation, CranioSacral Therapy and Cayce protocols. See ad, page 6.

AROMATHERAPY MOTHER NATURE’S STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade pro-ducts, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 18.

BEDROOM FURNITURE SAVVY REST NATURAL BEDROOM

258 Maple Ave East, Vienna, VA and 12242 Rockville Pike, Rockville, MD 703-255-7040 (VA) or 301-770-7040 (MD) Maddie@SavvyRest.com • SRNB.com Savvy Rest Natural Bedroom is the premier retailer of Savvy Rest organic mattresses and bedding, a Virginia manufacturer and retailer of fine bedroom furniture. See ad, page 3.

32

Washington, D.C.

DR. VISHAL VERMA, DC, CCSP Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com

Dr. Verma specializes in functional ch i ropr a c t i c c are for p ai n management and active restoration of the body. He treating root causes using gentle chiropractic, physical therapy, cold laser therapy and rehabilitation for fast effective results. Dr. Verma treats back, neck, spine and joint pain, sciatica, sports injuries, fibromyalgia, and various other chronic and acute pain conditions. See ad, page 11.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com TheMindfulnessCenter.org The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through classes, services, workshops and trainings. See ad, page 10.

CLEANING MAID BRIGADE CAPITAL REGION

4813-A Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 800-515-6243 Marketing@Maid-Brigade.com MaidBrigade.com

We are Green Clean Certified, so you can have peace of mind that you r home w i l l b e healthier for you, your pets and the environment. See ad, page 10.

COACHING ALEXIS SULLIVAN COACHING

Alexis Sullivan, ACC 650-224-4422 AlexisSullivanCoaching@gmail.com AlexisSullivanCoaching.com Alexis is a credentialed personal and professional coach who loves partnering with people to help them achieve results while bringing balance and fulfillment into their lives. She works with people who are facing or making change and who want to make intentional choices that lead to a successful and purposeful life.

CONSULTING JESSICA CLAIRE HANE CONSULTING 571-358-8645 Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com JessicaClaireHaney.com

Writing, editing, marketing/digital media support and strategy consulting for holistic-minded businesses and organizations from experienced local writer, blogger and event organizer Jessica Claire Haney.

Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. ~Abraham Lincoln

CORPORATE WELLNESS

HEALTH COACH

IN GOOD COMPANY WELLNESS

MIDLIFE REFOCUS

A full-service corporate wellness company specializing in a wide-range of customized offerings from onsite farmer’s market, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, farm-totable catering, wellness workshops, health coaching and nutritional guidance. See ad, page 16.

John Mays is a certified wellness coach with unique skills to get you to your goals, regardless of your age or ability level. Through private coaching, mindfulness, hypnosis and behavioral modification therapies, Mays will help you to refocus your life, help you gain selfawareness and take control of your future. See ad, page 17.

703-772-1924 Info@InGoodCoWellness.com InGoodCoWellness.com

DENTISTRY, HOLISTIC NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 27.

ENERGY THERAPIES INCA ENERGY INTEGRATIVE HEALTH AND WELLNESS CENTER

10440 Shaker Dr, Ste 203, Columbia, MD 410-292-5149 EnergyTherapyCeuWorkshops.com Inca Energy Integrative Health and Wellness Center is an ecofriendly holistic center offering energy medicine, energy psychology and meditation.

Inca Wellness brings together authentic ancient healing traditions from around the world with contemporary therapies to nurture ones whole being.

See ad, page 7.

OPTIMUM HEALTH & WELLNESS

1615 Rhode Island Ave, NE 888-444-6913 • PEMFHelpsMe@gmail.com OptimumHealth-Wellness.com Boosting cellular rejuvenation through the use of PEMF therapy (energy medicine). Drug free, noninvasive. Therapy for over 200 health problems: pain, stroke, ALZ, dementia. See ad, page 16.

571-277-1292 JohnMays@FitnessTogether.com FitnessTogether.com/Chantilly

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 NICADC.com/Health-Programs/ Rejuvenation-Detoxification.html

Rejuvenation & Detoxification program provides guidance to restore balance and health with lifestyle tips on diet, hydration, digestion and internal cleansing and detoxification with integrative at-home and spa strategies. See ad, page 27.

HEALTH AND WELLNESS ADVOCATE SERENA T. WILLS

SerenaWills@yahoo.com SerenaWills.com Self-published author of poetry, my book Crying Tears of Teal concentrates on ovarian cancer awareness, also health and wellness writer and coaching student. Assisting people with Lyme disease.

GREEN BUILDING AMICUS GREEN BUILDING CENTER 301-571-8590 • Info@AmicusGreen.com AmicusGreen.com

A new kind of design center and home improvement store, creating fresh spaces, fresh air and water and a fresh take on our buildings. See ad, page 29.

The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark. ~Michelangelo

HEALTHY PETS WHOLE PET CENTRAL

Info@WholePetCentral.com WholePetCentral.com We are your one-stop destination for all things natural regarding your pet’s nutritional and grooming needs. Shop online or visit one of our stores locations in Rockville, MD, Herndon, VA or Ashburn, VA. See ad, page 19.

HERBS MOTHER NATURE’S STORE 703-851-0087 Laina_Poulakos@hotmail.com MothersNatureStore.com

Certified aromatherapist and herbalist offering lifestyle consultations and handmade products, including soaps, balms and beard oils. Reach a better state of body and mind. See ad, page 18.

HOLISTIC NUTRITION ELIZABETH MCMILLAN, MS, CNS Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 RoseWellness.com

Elizabeth McMillan is a boardcertified clinical nutritionist specializing in functional nutrition.

She believes in finding the root cause of a liments and cre at ing a personalized dietary plan to restore optimal wellness. Elizabeth specializes in diabetes, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal health, autoimmunity and metabolic syndrome issues. Call today to see how she can help. See ad, page 11.

HOLISTIC PARENTING HOLISTIC MOMS NETWORK HolisticMoms.org

Holistic Moms Network is a national organization supporting natural-minded parents. Local chapters in Arlington/Alexandria, Burke, Fairfax, Gainesville and Montgomery County hold monthly meetings and more.

MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE

571-358-8645 • MindfulHealthyLife.com Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com Online lifestyle magazine for natural-minded parents with a blog, calendar, directory and eBook filled with resources for holistic parenting and family wellness in metro D.C.

February 2018

33

HOLISTIC PEDIATRIC CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

Holistic pediatric and young adult care combines the healing power of traditional Western medicine with safe, complementary healing therapies. This approach addresses the whole child, not just the symptoms that brought you to the doctor, and encourages the immune system to heal naturally. See ad, page 27.

HOLISTIC PRIMARY CARE NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES 5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

Holistic primary care is an integrative approach that treats the whole person: mind/body and spirit. A primary care provider coordinates all of the health care a patient receives. This total patient care considers the physical and emotional needs of the person and how health issues may be affecting those needs. Whether you are coming in for an annual check-up or managing a chronic disease, we focus on the whole person, not just your disease or symptoms. We consider lifestyle, nutrition and stress management and put together a treatment plan to help you attain an optimum level of wellness. See ad, page 27. parenting.

HOMEOPATHY

MICHAEL LISS

Rose Wellness Center 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Michael Liss is a Doctor of Classical Homeopathy and an integrative health practitioner. He specializes in using homeopathy to help you find relief from various emotional and physical health problems including addictions, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, allergies, asthma, childhood ailments, migraines, hair and skin disorders, immune deficiencies and sinus disorders. See ad, page 11.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SUSHMA HIRANI, MD

Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA Info@RoseWellness.com RoseWellness.com • 571-529-6699 Dr. Sushma Hirani uses an integrative approach to wellness, utilizing conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. She strives to treat the whole person and emphasiz es nut r it ion , preventive care and lifestyle changes. Dr. Hirani specializes in the treatment of chronic issues such as hypothyroidism, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, hormonal imbalances, digestive disorders, menopause and women’s health issues. Patients love her compassionate care and personalized attention. See ad, page 11.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC 1010 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 660, DC 202-298-9131 • IndigoHealthClinic.com

The body has an innate ability to heal itself and achieve balance from everyday stressors through non-toxic, non-aggressive and highly effective modalities. See ad, page 36.

ALEX LEON, MD

Integrative Family Physician Rose Wellness Center 2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com Info@RoseWellness.com

Suffering from chronic pain, fatigue, allergies, stress? Whatever your health challenges, Rose Wellness Center can help you get on the path to real wellness. We help identify hormone, metabolic, digestive, nutritional and food sensitivity issues to get to the root cause of your health problems, where true healing begins. Our services include digestive and women’s health programs, hormone balancing, acupuncture, Lyme treatment, homeopathy and thyroid management. See ad, page 11.

TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE

6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 502, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 Info@TakomaCare.com • TakomaCare.com

Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist.

Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonpsycho ac t ive proto cols available. No residency restrictions for MD program. See ad, page 17. .

MEDICAL MARIJUANA

TAKOMA PARK ALTERNATIVE CARE 6930 Carroll Ave, Ste 502, Takoma Park 301-328-3045 • TakomaCare.com Info@TakomaCare.com

Dr. Alex Leon is a board-certified family physician specializing in integrative functional medicine to help restore and maintain your wellbeing. He has a special interest in men’s health care, chronic pain syndromes including mus c u loskelet a l problems, fibromyalgia, bioidentical hormone replacement for men and women, chronic conditions including hypothyroidism, gastrointestinal disorders and allergic disorders. He treats kids too. See ad, page 11.

Pediatric and adult evaluations for D.C. and MD by certified medicinal cannabis specialist.

Tr e a t m e n t / d o s i n g recommendations; nonpsychoactive protocols available. No residency restrictions for MD program.

See ad, page 17.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

1440 G St, NW 202-868-8369 • MeditateEverywhere.com Hello@MeditateEverywhere.com

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 • NIHADC.com

The professional health team at NIHA is comprised of holistic medical physicians, biological dentists, naturopaths, a chiropractor and health professionals highly skilled in acupuncture, nutrition and other healing therapies. See ad, page 27.

MEDITATION MEDITATE EVERYWHERE

Meditate Everywhere LLC provides meditation programs for the workplace. See ad, page 3.

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 • TheMindfulnessCenter.org TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com

You know you’re in love when you can’t fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams. ~Dr. Seuss 34

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through classes, services, workshops and trainings. See ad, page 10.

MINDFUL HEALTHY LIFE OF METRO DC

Jessica@MindfulHealthyLife.com MindfulHealthyLife.com • 571-358-8645 Blog, calendar and directory for natural living, holistic parenting and family wellness.

OSTEOPOROSIS SUPPORT NURTURED BONES

Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com

Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 29.

NURTURED BONES

Nurtured Bones provides a holistic approach to addressing osteoporosis and bone loss. Our BONES method will help you build strong, healthy bones for life. See ad, page 29.

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Allow me to join you in creating your own individualized treatment program, which provides a safe and supportive experience for your healing process, with Polarity Therapy and Swiss Bionic Solutions MRS 2000 (Magnetic Resonance Stimulation) pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF). See ad, page 6.

Personal training and hypnosis for weight loss. Fitness lifestyle training.

Private studio setting for adults.

Learn the art of self-awareness and progressive exercise for radical change. See ad, page 17

2944 Hunter Mill Rd, Ste 101, Oakton, VA 571-529-6699 • RoseWellness.com

Rose Wellness Center for Integrative Medicine offers Thermography or Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging (DITI). This noninvasive diagnostic technique creates thermal images that are analyzed for abnormalities and early signs of disease.

Thermal imaging is painless, non-invasive, does not involve any compression and emits no radiation.

Call today to setup your scan. See ad, page 11.

SHIATSU THERAPIST

VETERINARIAN - HOLISTIC

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

HOLISTIC VETERINARY HEALING

Nathalie Depastas 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com Nathalie Depastas is a highly skilled acupuncturist and Shiatsu therapist with 30 years of experience in Chinese medicine, including medical qigong. See ad, page 6.

PERSONAL TRAINING 3914 Centreville Rd, Ste 125, Chantilly, VA JohnMays@FitnessTogether.com FitnessTogether.com/Chantilly • 571-323-2223

Neck Back & Beyond in Fairfax, VA, offers chiropractic and naturopathic care, acupuncture, massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage and more. See ad, page 6.

ROSE WELLNESS CENTER

Janice M Johnson 10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com NeckBackAndBeyond.com • 703-865-5690

571-277-1292 JohnMays@FitnessTogether.com FitnessTogether.com/Chantilly

FITNESS TOGETHER CHANTILLY

10195 Main St, Ste D, Fairfax, VA 703-865-5690 • NeckBackAndBeyond.com NeckBackAndBeyond@gmail.com

POLARITY THERAPY

MIDLIFE REFOCUS

.

Pema Choepel Mallu, DVM, CVA, M.Ac. L.Ac 12627 Wisteria Dr, Ste C/D, Germantown, MD 240-715-6570 • HolVetHealing@gmail.com HolisticVeterinaryHealing.com We offer integrative compassionate veterinary care. We view your animal as a whole focusing on the root cause of dis-harmony for long-term healing. See ad, page 19. .

TAI CHI AND QIGONG

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 • TheMindfulnessCenter.org TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through classes, services, workshops and trainings. See ad, page 10.

Love yourself. It is important to stay positive because beauty comes from the inside out. ~Jenn Proske

THERMOGRAPHY

NECK BACK & BEYOND WELLNESS CENTER

Great Falls, VA 703-738-4230 • NurturedBones.com

PERSONAL COACHING

John Mays is a certified wellness coach with unique skills to get you to your goals, regardless of your age or ability level. Through private coaching, mindfulness, hypnosis and behavioral modification therapies, Mays will help you to refocus your life, help you gain self-awareness and take control of your future. See ad, page 17.

.

PHYSICAL THERAPY

NATURAL LIVING RESOURCE

YOGA

THE MINDFULNESS CENTER

4963 Elm St, Ste 100, Bethesda, MD 301-986-1090 • TheMindfulnessCenter.org TheMindfulnessCenter@gmail.com The Mindfulness Center is a 501(c) 3 nonprofit organization which promotes health and self-healing, for individuals and the community, through classes, services, workshops and trainings. See ad, page 10.

Our hearts are with you, even if our hands are not. ~Jason Maddy February 2018

35

Washington D.C.'s Finest Integrative Health Care

Indigo Clinic CallIntegrative today to Health schedule Waterfront Center aThe free consultation 1010 Wisconsin Ave., NW Suite #660 Washington, D.C. 20007

202-298-9131

Our goal is to lead you back to thriving health.

INDIGO INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC

36

Call today to schedule a consultation (202) 298-9131 Learn more at IndigoHealthClinic.com Washington, D.C. NaturalAwakeningsDC.com