Natural Awakenings DC February 2014 by Natural Awakenings DC

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letterfrompublisher Dear Readers, contact us Publisher Robin Fillmore Managing Editor Sharon Hadden Contributing Editors Grace Ogden Jessica Bradshaw Design & Production Irene Sankey Regional Director Steven Wentworth Outreach Terri Carr Natural Awakenings of Washington, D.C. Phone: 202-505-4835 Fax: 202-827-7955 5230 Tuckerman Lane North Bathesda, MD 20852 Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com NaturalAwakeningsDC.com ©2014 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. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. 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. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

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I won’t forget the day the phone rang and with a few simple words, I understood that my 57-year-old father had died of a massive heart, alone in his Florida condo. He left just as his own father had, who died at the same age, in a diner in Akron, Ohio, many years earlier. In my father’s case, there was no warning. He seemed relatively healthy, although his lifestyle, like many others of his generation, included a two-pack-a-day smoking habit. Likewise, my stepfather suffered from chronic heart disease for years. He was lucky to live near the renowned Cleveland Clinic and had his first heart surgery in the early 1970s. He lived for decades after, but was often dealing with heartrelated disease, until he died in 1997. My fondest memory of my stepfather was a conversation in which he acknowledged, through tough-guy tears, that his deepest regret was that he would never see his 5-year-old granddaughter, my dear daughter Lara, grow to be a young woman. Chronic heart disease ravages many families, such as mine. I am pleased to offer in this month’s magazine a report on the newest thinking about heart disease. Linda Sechrist’s feature, Rethinking Heart Health, starts with the groundbreaking work conducted by Dr. Dean Ornish and those that have followed his lead, filling in the knowledge that with proper nutrition, a healthy lifestyle, along with love and support, chronic heart disease is reversible. This research includes work by integrative cardiologist, Dr. Stephen Sinatra, who focuses on vices of stress, overeating processed and sugary foods, along with inflammation, as the real causes for heart disease. To fully enjoy a healthy heart, research shows that each person’s state of mind contributes to general wellness. To complement our theme on heart health, I offer to you the latest from New York Times bestselling author and meditation leader, Sharon Salzberg, who has just released her latest book, Real Happiness at Work. In speaking with Natural Awakenings contributing editor, Grace Ogden, Salzberg reveals how meditation can help bring joy to the often joyless work experience. To find our happiness at home, I had the great privilege of spending some time with New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin, who has just brought to paperback, Happier at Home. Rubin gives an honest account of the challenges and the utter joy in finding happiness within your family, in your neighborhood and as a parent. There are lots of other gems in this month’s edition as well, so I hope you enjoy. Most importantly, I hope that these articles help to bring healing and happiness into your own life! With warm wishes –

Natural Awakenings practices environmental sustainability by using post-consumer recycled paper and soy-based ink on uncoated stock, avoiding the toxic chemicals and huge energy costs of producing shiny, coated paper that is harder to recycle

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Robin Fillmore, Publisher

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contents

8 newsbriefs

12 healthbriefs

14 globalbriefs

12 14

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.

16 oneonone

16 HAPPIER

21 leadingedge

An Interview with Gretchen Rubin

22 consciouseating 25 community spotlight

27 conscious communication 28 healthykids

AT HOME

by Robin Fillmore

18 RETHINKING

HEART HEALTH

Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care

by Linda Sechrist

22 CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD

33 eventspotlight

Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig

38 calendar

26 HAPPINESS

42 resourceguide

advertising & submissions

AT WORK

Sharon Salzberg Offers Her Latest Research by Grace Ogden

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 10th of the month.

27 SPEAKING FROM

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com. Deadline for editorial: feature articles are due by the 5th of the month, news briefs and health briefs are due by the 10th.

28 STRESSED OUT

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 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

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THE HEART

Using Heart Energy by Milagros Phillips

CHILDREN

Health Issues May be Rooted in Early Childhood Experiences by Terri Carr

30 SIMPLE STRESS

BUSTERS Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness by Kathleen Barnes

34 ON LOVE

AND LONELINESS A Poem

by HawaH

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34 February 2014

newsbriefs Chemical-Free Beekeeping Education in Mt. Rainier

here’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of your very first taste of honey, from your own colony. With new legislation making beekeeping legal around the region, the demand for beekeeping is exploding. Documentary films like More than Honey and Vanishing of the Bees have inspired people from all walks of life to undertake the responsibility of caring for a couple of hives, even in the tiniest of backyards. As beekeeping season in the District of Columbia metro area approaches, Azure B LLC, a family-owned permaculture farm and apiary in Marbury, Maryland, has partnered with Ancestral Knowledge of Mt. Rainier to offer “Spring Basics – Respectful, Chemical Free Beekeeping”, this March. Stefano Briguglio, beekeeper and Azure B’s founder, will lead the workshops. There will be two classroom sessions, March 2 and 9, in Mt. Rainier, and one apiary session on March 29 in Marbury, which will include a live demonstration of how easy it is to install a new 3 pound package of honeybees. The class is designed for beginners. Briguglio will cover the basics to include the lingo, the equipment, honeybee life cycle, feed, planting for bees, how to start, using the tools, the basic inspection and seasonal duties. By the end of the course, you will be well equipped to start a lifelong journey in beekeeping. For more information about the farm, visit AzureBllc.com. To register for the class, visit AncestralKnowledge.org.

Grand Opening of Herban Lifestyle Store in Merrifield

ocal shoppers seeking products that make the world a happier, healthier, better-smelling place have a new option these days. The Herban Lifestyle Store is now open in Fairfax, Virginia, selling handmade bath and body products crafted from certified organic and Fair Trade ingredients. The store, located at 2931-C Eskridge Road in Fairfax—two blocks from MOM’s Organic Market’s Merrifield store—will celebrate its grand opening from 3 to 6 p.m., on Saturday, February 8. The event will feature complimentary food and beverages, free samples, a product-making demo and discounts. Plus, guests can enter a drawing to win one of Herban Lifestyle’s very popular DIY kits. At the store, customers can see and sniff the entire product line, and learn about the various organic and Fair Trade ingredients that go into them. The store also serves as a gathering spot for people to share practical ideas about sustainability, self-sufficiency, creative reuse and safer products. Everyone is welcome to join events or use hands-on resources at the store, including participating in workshops to learn how to make truly natural personal care and household products, as well as other green crafting techniques, including a couple’s Valentine’s Day craft night on February 12. Also, there is a learning library for those who want to make their own bath and body products, plus a variety of USDA Certified Organic and Fair Trade Certified ingredients and sustainable packaging. For more information, visit Herban Lifestyle.com. To RSVP for the grand opening, visit EventBrite.com/e/ herban-lifestyle-grand-opening-tickets10071119991?aff=NaturalAwakenings. See ad, page 15.

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Essential Oils Playshops

very third Thursday, the Potomac Massage Training Institute (PMTI), holds an “Essential Oils Playshop”, to introduce and explore Young Living Essential Oils. Join them from 7 to 8:30 p.m., and learn how these natural extracts can improve the quality of your life and/or massage practice. Each month you can visit PMTI to hear a different seasonally themed presentation. In February, everyone is in the mood for love. On February 20, during “Essential Oils for Love and Romance”, learn how to use essential oils to vision and attract the relationship you want, rekindle and deepen the relationship you have, smoothly navigate relationship or sexual challenges and create more love of all kinds in your life. On March 20, the presentation is on “Essential Oils for Brain Function”, where attendees can learn how to use essential oils to help with cognitive function, memory, studying, focus and concentration, ADD/ADHD, mood and mental disorders or quieting the mind’s chatter. PMTI’s essential oils playshops are conducted by Katherine Krupka, a doctor of naturopathy and certified life coach, running a holistic health practice and budding educational institute. She is a certified clinical aromatherapist, Reiki master and practices Healing Touch. She works to restore balance in all aspects of her clients’ systems using nutrition, herbs, supplements, homeopathics, essential oils and techniques like applied kinesiology, Neuro Emotional Technique, Emotional Freedom Technique and advanced quantum energy healing methods. Krupka’s greatest passion is empowering others to learn and practice the phenomenal powers of natural healing. Her teaching style is participatory, hands-on and specifically structured to embrace all learning styles. There is a $10 fee, payable in advance ($15 at the door), to cover the cost of the oils sampled. Located at 5028 Wisconsin Ave NW, Suite LL. For more information or to register, call 202-686-7046. See ad, page 35.

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February 2014

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newsbriefs Dance the 5Rhythms

Rhythms, a dynamic dance/ movement practice, will be offered by Margaret H. Wagner, a 5Rhythms certified teacher, at Carderock Springs Swim and Tennis Club in Bethesda at 8 p.m., on Friday, February 21. The 5Rhythms is rooted in the principle that if the psyche is put in motion, it will heal itself. Rather than having specific steps to follow, each rhythm is a different energy field in which people find their own expression and choreography, thereby stretching their imaginations, as well as their bodies. This form of ecstatic dance was created by Gabrielle Roth, the internationally renowned theater director, recording artist and bestselling author of Maps to Ecstasy and Sweat Your Prayers. It has blossomed into a movement meditation practiced by tens of thousands worldwide. In her book Sweat Your Prayers, Roth describes the 5Rhythms as follows, “In Flowing you discover yourself. In Staccato you define yourself. Chaos helps you dissolve yourself, so you don’t end up fixed and rigid in the self you discovered and defined. Lyrical inspires you to devote yourself to digging deep into the unique expression of your energy. And, Stillness allows you to disappear in the big energy that holds us all, so you can start the whole process over again.” The practice is simple: People move into their dance with the support of a vast world of music that can rock and roll from head to toe, cradle like a soft blanket or transport into trance with tribal pulses. Everyone has a unique fingerprint, and so too does everyone have their own beautiful dance waiting to be experienced and explored. Wagner, who primarily teaches in New York City and Connecticut, was a student of the 5Rhythms since 2000 and a certified teacher since 2005. She was also a participant in Open Floor and Dances of Ecstasy, documentaries of Roth’s work. Wagner’s 5Rhythms teaching credits include: core faculty member at Omega Institute (Rhinebeck, New York), faculty assistant at Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health (Stockbridge, Massachusetts), visiting faculty fellow at Mount Holyoke College (South Hadley, Massachusetts) and teacher at the Greenwich Hospital Center for Integrative Medicine (Greenwich, Connecticut). The cost is $20 cash at the door, $10 for newcomers and $15 for students and seniors, age 65 and up. Carderock Springs Swim and Tennis Club is located at 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct., Bethesda. For more information, visit DanceInTheUSA.com or 5Rhythms.com.

The Big Bad Woof Looks to Expand Using Kickstarter Loan

For more information, visit TheBigBadWoof.com. To learn more about how the community can participate in loan opportunities, visit Clovest.com/projects/11?preview=true. See ad, page 32.

US A

ince 2005, the Big Bad Woof, a retail pet supply store in Old Takoma (District of Columbia) and the Arts District Hyattsville, has served the community by offering organic, holistic and premium raw diets and a wide range of alternatives including holistic supplements. Both stores also provide access to local foods for people via drop-off locations for Soupergirl and 5aDayCSA. Co-owners Pennye Jones-Napier and Julie Paez apply sensible, green living standards to the products they offer in the store, and in so doing, their customers see the difference that carefully chosen pet products can truly make. Hoping to bring this level of service to a greater number by opening an additional store, they decided to employ a tactic known for kick-starting entrepreneurial efforts—a crowdfunding loan. This new location will serve the Silver Spring, Bethesda, and Chevy Chase communities in Maryland and the Rock Creek communities in the District. With a crowd-funding loan, Jones-Napier and Paez will fund the architectural drawings for the new store, formerly a local pet co-op. This is a crucial step to determine the overall construction and build-out costs to remodel the existing space into a new store, which will offer community classes, local food and a self-serve dog wash. The loan will also facilitate purchasing and upgrading some of the existing fixtures and equipment from the former tenant, the Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op. According to Jones-Napier, “This loan helps us to kick-start this new venture, and we are very excited to be able to potentially move our corporate offices out of our home and into this new location.”

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healthbriefs

Early Warnings of Heart Troubles Differ for Women

omen may worry more about breast cancer, but in reality, heart disease is the top killer of American women, claiming 300,000 lives a year, 7.5 times the number that die of breast cancer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although heart disease is more often perceived as a men’s issue, since 1984 more women have died of heart disease than men. Part of the reason may be that women’s heart attacks can differ from men’s and the American Heart Association (AHA) warns that women often fail to recognize the symptoms, ranging from torso aches and pains and nausea to anxiety, shortness of breath, dizziness and extreme fatigue. They may experience subtle symptoms for months and write them off as byproducts of menopause, heartburn or effects of aging. The National Institutes of Health states that 43 percent of women that have heart attacks experience no chest pain. The difference between the more subtle signs of a heart attack in women and the more dramatic signs in men may help explain why 75 percent of men, prompted to act quickly, survive a first heart attack, while only 62 percent of women do, according to the AHA. “Research shows that women may not be diagnosed or treated as aggressively as men,” notes the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, part of the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

THE WHOLE FISH IS BEST FOR BLOOD PRESSURE

ver the years, a broad range of research has confirmed that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon, tuna and sardines promote heart and brain health. Now researchers at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine have found that taking fish oil supplements isn’t as effective at keeping blood pressure under control as eating an actual fish. The animal study published in the U.S. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that eating oily fish helped open ion channels, a complex series of membranes in the cells that line blood vessels, letting sodium, calcium and potassium in and out of those crucial cells and helping reduce blood pressure. Because fish oil supplements did not activate the ion channels, they didn’t reduce blood pressure in the same way.

EGG WHITES FUNCTION LIKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDS

aintaining healthy blood pressure is vital for long-term heart health, and scientists have now discovered evidence that a component of egg whites may have beneficial cardiovascular effects. Researchers from Clemson University, in South Carolina, found that a peptide in egg white, one of the building blocks of proteins, reduces blood pressure in animals about as much as a low dose of Captopril, a prescription medication for high blood pressure. The RVPSL peptide acts as a natural ACE inhibitor, functioning similar to the entire family of prescription medications that treat hypertension.

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A Different Breathalyzer Test for Heart Failure

Coming Next Month

imply blowing up a balloon may help doctors test heart function, according to a new study from the Cleveland Clinic. Although such examinations usually require expensive and sometimes invasive procedures, the new test can be done in a doctor’s office in 30 seconds, according to the research findings published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology. The patient simply breathes into a Mylar balloon, similar to a party version, and the air is passed through a machine to produce an individual “breathprint”. Researchers determined that exhaled breath contains volatile organic compounds that can be easily analyzed to determine potential heart failure.

Zinc Orchestrates Immune Response

any have heard that zinc can stop a cold in its tracks, and new research from Ohio State University tells us why; it turns out that zinc gently taps the brakes on immune responses, slowing them down and preventing inflammation from spiraling out of control. The researchers’ work with human cells and animals found that zinc serves to balance the immune response within the cells so that the consequences of insufficient zinc at the time of an infection include excessive inflammation. Of all the zinc contained in our bodies, only about 10 percent of it is readily accessible to help fight off an infection, notes Daren Knoell, professor of pharmacy and internal medicine and lead author of the study, published in Cell Reports. The research team suggests that proper zinc balance is especially important in battling serious and potentially deadly infections. Zinc deficiency affects about 2 billion people worldwide, including an estimated 40 percent of the U.S. elderly.

The Latest

LOCAL FOOD TRENDS Good at Home and On the Go

Happy Marriage, Healthier Lives

University of Missouri expert says that people in happy marriages are more likely to rate their health better than their peers as they age. Evidently, engaging with one’s spouse builds a strong relationship that can improve spirits, promote feelings of well-being and lower stress. Analyzing data from 707 continuously married adults that participated in the Marital Instability Over the Life Course panel study, a 20-year nationwide research project begun in 1980, researchers found that married people have better mental and physical health and are less likely to develop chronic conditions than their unmarried, widowed or divorced peers. Thus, researchers recommended involving spouses and families in treatment for any illness. They further suggested that in cases of a strained marital relationship, improving marital harmony would also improve health.

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February 2014

globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

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Wild Valentines

Many Animals Mate for Life Humans like to think of themselves as unique when it comes to taking vows of togetherness. But a surprising number of other species in the animal kingdom provide sterling examples of fidelity, monogamy and lifelong pairing. Gibbons, of the ape family, are the nearest relatives to humans that mate for life. They form extremely strong pairings and both sexes are on relatively equal footing in their relationships. Bald eagles, our national emblem, typically mate for life, except in the event of a partnerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s inability to procreate. Wolves, often portrayed as tricksters in folklore, conduct a family life more loyal than many human relationships. Wolf packs typically comprise a male, a female and their offspring, making them akin to a human nuclear family. Swans form monogamous pair bonds that last for many years or even for life. Their loyalty is so storied that the image of two swans swimming with their necks entwined in the shape of a heart has become a universal symbol of true love. French angelfish are seldom found far from their mate, because they live, travel and even hunt in pairs. The fish form monogamous relationships that often last as long as both individuals are alive. In fact, they act as a team to vigorously defend their territory against neighboring pairs. Other examples include albatrosses, African antelopes, black vultures, Malagasy giant rats, prairie voles, sandhill cranes, termites and, of course, turtle doves. To view images, visit Tinyurl.com/AnimalMatePics and Tinyurl.com/Animal MatesSlideshow.

Sweet Solution

Turning Agri-Waste to Good Use Cement that incorporates waste ash from sugar production is not only stronger than ordinary cement, it also qualifies as a greener building material. Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, in Denmark, have found that cement made with sugar cane ash mixed in is stronger, can withstand higher pressure and crumbles less than ordinary cement. In countries where sugar cane is grown, such as Cuba and Brazil, this agricultural waste product has been added to cement for years. Extracting sugar from the cane typically leaves a lot of fiber waste that is burned into ash, discarded and then requires disposal. Using sugar cane ash also can lower the energy use and carbon footprint of cement production. Heloisa Bordallo, a researcher at the Institute, comments, â&#x20AC;&#x153;You are saving both CO2 emissions and raw materials.â&#x20AC;? Source: EcoSeed.org

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Star Trekking

Voyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Agency (NASA) recently confirmed that after 36 years, the Voyager 1 probe crossed the boundary of the heliosphere, or the extent of our Sun’s influence, a year ago. It’s the first manmade object to venture into interstellar space. At a distance of about 12 billion miles from the Sun, the latest data indicates that Voyager 1 has been traveling through the plasma, or ionized gas, present in the space between stars. The journal Science notes that this corroborates the existence of a longhypothesized boundary between the solar plasma and the interstellar plasma. Voyager 2, a companion craft launched at the same time, is also expected to break the barrier.

Jumpin’ Jellyfish

Numbers Explode with Ocean Warming and Overfishing

While online mega-shopping malls have decimated many types of small businesses around the country, the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies notes that independent bookstores are doing surprisingly well. For the last four years, their number and total sales have grown, despite the recent recession. In 2009, citizens patronized 1,651 independent bookstores in the United States; today their number exceeds 1,900. In addition, local coffee shops have grown faster than the largest chain’s storefronts. Bakers and specialty food purveyors, independent pharmacies and pet, fabric and stationery stores are growing, too. One reason for the good news is the “buy local” ethic promoted by groups such as the American Independent Business Alliance. Last year, sales at independent businesses in cities benefitting from these campaigns grew 8.6 percent; those without them still increased 3.4 percent. Independents are winning customer loyalty in part by hosting and sponsoring events that enrich the community. The public is realizing that buying local supports area families, keeps more dollars circulating locally and strengthens a healthy sense of community that benefits everyone.

Favorite destination beach resorts around the world have seen huge increases in jellyfish “bloom” activity. “Jellyfish and tourism are not happy bedfellows,” says Dr. Lisa-ann Gershwin, Ph.D., a pioneering marine biologist and author of Stung! On Jellyfish Blooms and the Future of the Ocean. “In Florida, it’s not uncommon in recent years for a half a million people to be stung during an outbreak.” A report, Review of Jellyfish Blooms in the Mediterranean and Black Sea, written by Fernando Borea for the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean and the United Nations, cites both global warming and overfishing, which removes jellyfish predators, as causes for recent jellyfish population explosions. Of the more than 2,000 species of jellyfish swimming through the world’s waters, most are completely harmless. However, human contact with some types can cause excruciating pain, and the box jellyfish is among the handful of species that have caused fatalities around the globe. Gershwin says, “Australia is upfront about its jellyfish dangers and also assertive in safety management, whereas other places have them, but may understand less about them or in some cases, just don’t want to say. Tourists need to be aware of ocal hazards and not expect to necessarily be provided with pertinent information.”

Source: YesMagazine.org

Source: CNN

Source: EarthSky.org

Loving Local

Small Retailers Gaining Force

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February 2014

oneonone

Gretchen Rubin in Washington, D.C. Robin Fillmore interviews the author of Happier at Home

retchen Rubin’s book, The Happiness Project, is part research project, part self-help book. She took the subject of happiness, reviewed research, read the great thinkers and then presented to her readers a gem that offers wonderful insights and practical tools to find happiness in your own life. In so doing, Rubin has become an inspirational voice, spurring her readers to find their own happiness. In her second book, Happier at Home, Rubin narrows her scope to examine the sources of happiness one can find in the place that one should always find wholeness—the home. Covering a wide range of topics, such as parenting, neighborhood and possessions, her latest book delves into the relationships that make home, and one’s community, a place where readers are encouraged to “kiss more, jump more” and always, sleep as much as you need. Robin Fillmore, publisher of Natural Awakenings DC, had the opportunity to sit with and interview Rubin, prior to her recent talk at Sixth & I Historic Synagogue, before a packed house. RF: I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Happiness Project, after it was recommended by marketing sage, Seth Goodin in his community college project. What I learned was that to find happiness, one needs to identify clearly those things that make one happy, and then start a plan to put this in their life. Why is it so hard for us to do that? Rubin: I think that it is hard, in part, because self-knowledge is hard. We’re distracted by the way we wish we were, or by the way we think we ought to be, or what’s true about the people around us. To build a happy life, you

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have to build it on the foundation of your own nature, your own interests, your own values. You have to know what those are and that’s hard. Then, you have to figure out concrete, specific ways to make what you want to change, actually happen. People might think, “I just feel exhausted all the time. I don’t have energy.” If they say, “I need to get more sleep,” and that means, “I need to go to bed by 11,” you really have to drill this down. What’s the problem, and what can you actually do to change that? It’s not hard to go to bed earlier. It’s hard to sit down, think it through and figure out what you want to do about it. Some people ask, “Don’t you think that you’re too obsessed with happiness?” Not from what I see. I don’t think people think about it enough. In the chaos of everyday life, when you are just managing the day, you don’t have time to sit back and think, what could I do differently? What is manageable? What are the little things that I can do without time, energy or money that would make me happier? It is hard to take the time to think about that. RF: How has the rhythm of your own life changed since you have become known for writing The Happiness Project and Happier at Home? Rubin: On the one hand, my life is pretty much the same. I am a writer and have two little kids. Ninety percent of my day is controlled by one of those two things, but what is different is the experience of my life. I’m the same old person, but I have so much more fun. I have more friends. I have more enthusiasm. I have less guilt, less anger, less boredom. I really have found that I can

To build a happy life, you have to build it on the foundation of your own nature, your own interests, your own values. do all these things. I also behave myself much better, which was a big aim of both my projects. I really just wanted to ask more of myself. I want to expect more from myself. I don’t behave perfectly, but I do behave better. RF: I love your video, The Days are Long, the Years are Short. Tell me how that came to be. Rubin: I test drive all the theories [presented in the book] and one of the theories was that novelty and challenge bring happiness, so I had to do something novel and challenging. My agent suggested I write a blog. I said, “I’m not techie. I like to write long, not short. I’m not a journalist.” But I thought I would try it, thinking I would do it for a month. Then, I realized I loved it, and it turned into this real thing for me as a writer. I have my identity as a traditional book writer, which is my core identity, but I have this whole other identity as an online person. I’m part of that world, and I can engage with readers in a way, that as a book writer, you just can’t. It has so deepened my understanding of my readers, to be able to hear from them as I am writing and thinking. It lets me get so much farther. Once I got online, I started thinking that it might be cool to do a video. I’ve seen these short videos, and writing something short like that, was like writing a haiku. How much could I strip away and leave the core of the story? It was an intensely, intellectually and creatively interesting thing to do, and then to have it put together like that, it was really great. For more information about Gretchen Rubin, see her video, The Years are Short, and to find her tools for creating more happiness in your own life, visit GretchenRubin.com. natural awakenings

February 2014

RETHINKING HEART HEALTH Pioneering Doctors and Patients Reinvent Cardio Care by Linda Sechrist

n 1977, Dr. Dean Ornish began to think beyond an allopathic medicine paradigm that defined the reversal of cardiovascular disease, including coronary heart disease (CHD) and the hypertensive diseases such as heart failure and stroke, as physiologically implausible. Undaunted by the challenge of funding his research, he pushed forward. Results of his foundational 1986 to 1992 Lifestyle Heart Trial, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, proved that individuals with preexisting coronary atherosclerosis that make intensive, integrated lifestyle changes can begin to experience improvements in their condition after as little as one year without using lipid-lowering drugs. Based on his 30-plus years of clinical research, Ornish and his colleagues further showed that five years of following proper nutrition, fitness and stress

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management—which must include love and support—can reduce symptoms of CHD and other chronic conditions. He remarks in Love & Survival: 8 Pathways to Intimacy and Health that despite numerous studies showing a medical basis for its occurrence, the reason why CHD is reversible is still the subject of debate. Ornish’s work has paved the way for a growing corps of pioneering integrative physicians successfully collaborating with patients to reduce the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States.

Plaque the Culprit

The cause of cardiovascular disease is arterial plaque, a fine layer of fatty material that forms within the arteries and blocks blood flow. It is largely the result of food and activity choices, plus the degree of inflammation in the arteries. Dr. Steven Masley’s three keys

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to improving heart health highlighted in his book, The 30-Day Heart Tune-Up, and an upcoming PBS special, concern lifestyle factors capable of shrinking plaque, improving circulation and strengthening the heartbeat. “Abnormal plaque growth is preventable 90 percent of the time,” states the president of Masley Optimal Health Center, in St. Petersburg, Florida. While conducting research on the heart health of nearly 1,000 patients over a period of 20 years, Masley suspected that the traditional assessment approach of measuring cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure didn’t effectively address the biochemistry within arteries. Testing intima-media thickness (IMT) using a simple 10-minute external ultrasound confirmed it. The test bounces high-frequency sound waves to measure the thickness of the carotid arteries’ innermost two layers on either side of the neck. “This valuable tool allows for an estimate of arterial age. A healthy, young cardiovascular system has less plaque and an unhealthy, old one has more,” advises Masley. IMT, a useful tool for preventing future heart attacks and strokes, differs from standard carotid Doppler ultrasound, which looks for artery obstructions suggesting surgery. A practitioner of functional medicine, Masley explains heart-related diagnoses differently than his allopathic counterparts. “Rather than diagnosing high blood pressure as hypertension, I categorize it as not enough exercise, not enough fruits and vegetables, high emotional stress and excessive body fat.” To optimize heart health, Masley employs a broad, holistic matrix of options that enhance the cardiovascular system—the interactions among diet, activity level, weight, environmental toxins, hormones, stress and biochemical factors such as blood sugar control and inflammation levels. He prescribes heart-healing foods that simultaneously help to manage the aging process, following a customized, heart-friendly supplement plan; engaging in exercise that strengthens the heart and arteries; and learning how to better manage stress. He contends that cardiovascular

Love and intimacy are at the root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing. ~ Dr. Dean Ornish, Love & Survival events remain the top cause of death because individuals are largely unaware of treatment options before they get into trouble. More, “Most people falsely assume that their condition has been fixed with a medical procedure and/or drugs, and that a lifestyle change isn’t necessary.”

Cholesterol’s Bad Rap

Dr. Stephen Sinatra, an integrative cardiologist, anti-aging specialist and bioenergetics psychotherapist in Manchester, Connecticut, has also shifted his heart health paradigm. He now prescribes a combination of conventional medicine, food, supplements, mind/body strategies and natural healing methods. His book, Heartbreak and Heart Disease: A Mind/Body Prescription for Healing the Heart, relates many inspiring case histories that address the psycho-emotional component of heart health and illustrate how to repair and reopen a broken heart by releasing long-repressed emotions. Following two years of Gestalt psychotherapy training and seven years of bioenergetics training, Sinatra likewise realized that heartbreak was one of the major causes of heart disease. An expert in the field of natural cardiology, he had once believed that cholesterol and fat were the primary causes before 40 years of treatment research taught him otherwise. “Cholesterol is not the reason for heart disease,” advises Sinatra, founder of HeartMDInstitute.com and author of The Great Cholesterol Myth. “The body produces and needs cholesterol to convert sunlight to vitamin D, to make sex hormones, vital semipermeable membranes for the body’s trillions of cells, plus bile salts for digestion. Even your brain makes and uses cholesterol to build connections between the neurons that facilitate learning and memory.”

Real Perpetrators

Sinatra names the real perpetrators of heart disease—stress, inflammation and overeating sugar and processed foods containing saturated fat. He counsels that the heart benefits less from a lowfat, high-carbohydrate diet than one low in carbohydrates and higher in healthy fats, overturning widespread medical mantras. Also, a high-fructose, high-grain carbohydrate diet raises triglycerides, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and contributes to insulin resistance, causing the liver to produce more cholesterol, as well as more inflammatory, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) particles, all of which increase the risk for CHD, diabetes and stroke. The American Heart Association (AHA) estimates that metabolic syndrome, which affects nearly 35 percent of American adults, may overtake smoking as the leading risk factor for CHD. The AHA currently is focused on increasing awareness that heart disease is the number one killer of women. Its Go Red for Women campaign emphasizes the vital need to take preventive basic actions, including adopting an exercise routine, healthier diet and doctor visits for appropriate non-invasive tests.

Essential Spirit

Dr. James Forleo, a chiropractor in Durango, Colorado, with 30-plus years of clinical experience, maintains that health is simple, disease is complicated (also the title of his book). He counsels patients, “If mental stress is present in your life, you owe it to your cardiovascular system to change to a healthier lifestyle. Your life may depend on it.” Forleo has recognized that an individual’s state of mind can be a big help or hindrance in maintaining a healthy heart. “The heart represents a different realm of experience entirely, one natural awakenings

February 2014

It is no coincidence that we address our physical and emotional heart by the same name. Our physical heart usually reflects the state of our emotional heart, and vice versa. ~ Dr. James Forleo that cannot be explained by logic and reason,” comments Forleo. He champions the link between maintaining normal spinal function and healthy heart function, along with supporting the inner presence of Spirit, which he calls the healthy heart’s ultimate elixir. “Its essence relaxes the heart, opens the mind to possibilities greater than itself and provides the perspective that the heart and the mind are complementary,” he observes. He explains that when our emotions get bottled up, something in our heart or circulation has to give. “If you or someone you know experiences heart problems, chances are that unresolved emotions lie directly below the surface,” he says. “There are exceptions, and genetic problems can explain many heart defects, but heart problems don’t usually show up unless emotions are involved.” Forleo’s concept is supported by the work of Rollin McCraty, Ph.D., executive vice president and director of research at California’s Institute

of HeartMath. His research papers include The Energetic Heart: Bioelectromagnetic Interactions Within and Between People. “Today, evidence suggests that the heart may play a particularly important role in emotional experience. Research in the relatively new discipline of neurocardiology has confirmed that the heart is a sensory organ and acts as a sophisticated information encoding and processing center that learns, remembers and makes independent functional decisions that don’t involve the cerebral cortex,” advises McCraty.

To Happy Hearts

Pioneering integrative medical doctors Masley, Sinatra, Forleo and Mona Lisa Schultz, who also holds a Ph.D. in behavioral neuroscience, agree that in matters of heart disease, emotions take center stage. Schultz, who recently co-authored All is Well: Heal Your Body with Medicine, Affirmations and Intuition, with Louise L. Hay, a leading founder of the self-help movement,

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applies her 25 years of experience as a medical intuitive with the best of Western clinical science, brain research and energy medicine. Shultz observes, “Every illness has an emotional component, which tells us intuitively that something or someone in our life or environment is out of balance and needs to be addressed. Our use of language—such as frustration makes our heart race, anger boils our blood—and our common sense are telling us what we don’t need more studies to confirm. If we can’t deal with our anger in a timely fashion, name our feelings, respond effectively and release them, we increase our chance of illness, ranging from hypertension to cardiovascular events.” According to the American Journal of Cardiology, the U.S. spends 10 percent of all healthcare dollars for cardiovascular disease prevention and medical management versus 90 percent on medical treatment procedures and hospital care. For individuals interested in taking charge of their heart health, working with a physician that embraces the emerging paradigm of integrative lifestyle changes and prevention can be a drug-free, lifesaving decision. Linda Sechrist is the senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Visit ItsAllAboutWe.com for full interviews.

Write it on your

heart that every day is the best day in the year.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson

leadingedge

Listening To Your Heart by Dr. Isabel Sharkar

“I

t is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye,” wrote Antoine de Saint-Exupery in his book, The Little Prince. The heart has its own intelligence, its own mind, and holds cellular memory. It is a conscious organ with its own endocrine system and nervous system. Our heart is the strongest electrical and magnetic field generator in the body. It creates 60 times the electrical fields and 5,000 times the magnetic fields, than that of the brain. The heart is constantly interacting with our physical world, which also functions off electromagnetic fields. Emotions in our heart are more powerful than thoughts in our mind. When emotions and thoughts marry,

they create feelings. Feelings directly affect our heart rhythm pattern. When we experience feelings that deplete us, like anger, resentment, stress, anxiety, sadness and depression, the heart falls out of harmony. Positive emotions such as love, gratitude, appreciation, joy and forgiveness, create smooth, harmonious and coherent heart rhythm patterns. We achieve coherence between our heart and brain when our emotions and thoughts are balanced through the power of our heart. According to HeartMath, more coherent heart rhythms lead to higher intelligence and improve focus, creativity, intuition and higher-level decisionmaking. The heart permeates every cell of our body, binding the cells together

Global Foods From Around the Corner

Sunnyside Gourmet specializes in healthy, international fusion dishes prepared by Chef Tony Avirgan. We will meet your specific dietary needs and your food will be enthusiastically hand-made with no processed ingredients. Sunnyside Gourmet uses locally sourced sustainable and organic ingredients. Personalized cooking lessons available. To learn about our signature dishes and what we can do for you, call Chef Tony at 301-585-6484.

and allowing them to work in a harmonious fashion. The electromagnetic waves produced by the heart transmit information into the external environment, interacting and resonating with others, influencing what happens in our world around us. This field extends three to four feet outside of the body in a torus like shape. By creating the feeling in our heart, as if the outcome we desire has already happened, the field around us recognizes and expresses it in the reality outside of us. Gratitude and appreciation, with a conviction behind the belief, create the optimal feeling and coherence between the heart and the brain. Whenever you experience a negative feeling, use the following quick coherence technique. Start with your eyes closed and shift all of your attention from the thoughts in your head to the area of your heart. Focus on your breath by inhaling and exhaling through your heart. Maintaining your heart focus, continue heart focus breathing and emit a positive emotion by feeling gratitude and appreciation for all the good things in your life. Feel the love you have in your heart and focus on holding that space. Dr. Isabel Sharkar is a licensed naturopathic physician and co-owner of Indigo Integrative Health Clinic, in Georgetown. For more information, visit Indigo HealthClinic.com. See ad, page 37.

Begin to see yourself as a soul with a body rather than a body with a soul. ~Wayne Dyer

Email: tonyavirgan@gmail.com • Website: www.sunnysidegourmet.com natural awakenings

February 2014

consciouseating

CHOCOLATE AS HEALTH FOOD Boosting Diets and Heart Health by Judith Fertig

“

esearch tells us that 14 out of any 10 individuals like chocolate,” quips cartoonist Sandra Boynton. American chocolate lovers buy 58 million-plus pounds around Valentine’s Day, according to Nielsen Research. Ideally, the dark treat would be as healthy as a salad or an apple. Fortunately, accumulating research is on the way to giving plant-based chocolate superfood status. All chocolate starts with cacao beans, seeds from the pods of the tropical cacao tree that thrives only in hot, rainy climates in Africa, Indonesia and South America. Local soil and climate conditions determine flavor characteristics, much as with grapes. Harvested beans are fermented to create the chocolate taste and then dried. Afterwards, chocolate makers add brand-specific ingredients to the cacao solids. “The percentage number on a bar’s wrapper represents the weight that actually comes from the cacao bean content,” says Robert L. Wolke, professor emeritus of chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh and

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author of What Einstein Told His Cook: Kitchen Science Explained. “The higher the number, the lower the percentage of sugar and the less sweet, more bitter and complex the flavor.” This is significant because dark chocolate contains higher levels of antioxidants which can help reduce cell damage, according to the Integrative Medicine Department at the University of Michigan, in Ann Arbor. Alex Whitmore, founder of Taza Chocolate, in Somerville, Massachusetts, recently had one of its bars lab tested for antioxidant levels, called ORAC, or oxygen radical absorption capacity; the higher the value, the more antioxidants. Taza Chocolate’s 80% Dark Bar had a 65 percent higher ORAC than Himalayan goji berries, famed for being a superfood. “This is very high for a chocolate bar,” notes Whitmore. Cocoa also serves as a superfood for cardiovascular and metabolic health, report two recent studies from separate teams of Harvard School of Public Health researchers. A 2012 meta-analysis of clinical trials published in the American Journal of Clini-

cal Nutrition concluded that consuming dark, unsweetened cocoa powder and dark chocolate can improve blood pressure, vascular dilation and cholesterol levels, plus reduce metabolic precursors like diabetes that can lead to heart disease. In 2011, Eric Ding, Ph.D., a Harvard School of Public Health epidemiologist and nutrition scientist, reviewed short-term trials of subjects ingesting 400 to 500 mg per day of flavonoid-rich cocoa, which he equates to 33 bars of milk chocolate or eight bars of dark chocolate. While Ding feels this is an unreasonable amount to eat because of the extra calories from sugar and fat, he states, “Supplements with concentrated cocoa flavonoids may perhaps be helpful for garnering the benefits discovered. The key is getting the benefits for heart disease while avoiding the calories, and for that, chocolate bars are not likely the best solution.” Another observational study published in Nutrition shows that eating dark chocolate might help keep the pounds off for teenagers. Researchers with the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence program at the University of Zaragoza, in Spain, knew that chocolate consumption in adults already had been linked to lower body mass index. They found that chocolate consumption was also associated with lower total and midsection fat in European adolescents, reports Sayer Ji, founder of GreenMedInfo.com, a natural health research database. “The quality and cocoa content they used in their research is probably much higher than in America,” says Ji. “From my perspective, it appears that even when researchers don’t control for type, the results across the board are rather startling. Even American subjects, presumably eating common milk chocolate bars, see benefits.” So, this Valentine’s Day—and every day—we can happily relish that one-ounce piece of artisan dark chocolate melting slowly in our mouth and know we’re doing it for pleasure and for health. Judith Fertig blogs at AlfrescoFood AndLife style.blogspot.com from Overland Park, KS.

Chocolate Cookery Vegan Chocolate Pie

Serve this with fresh raspberries and enjoy a little romance. Yields 8 servings Chocolate Wafer Crust 6½ oz dairy-free chocolate wafer cookies, crushed into fine crumbs 1 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 oz vegan buttery stick (such as Earth Balance), melted and slightly cooled Chocolate Filling 13 oz dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips (such as Ghirardelli) 1 /3 cup strong brewed coffee 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 lb silken tofu, drained 1 Tbsp agave 1 (9-in) prepared chocolate wafer crust Preheat the oven to 350° F. For the crust, combine the cookie crumbs, sugar and melted vegan buttery stick. Press this mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom, up the sides and just over the lip of a 9-inch metal pie pan. Bake on the middle rack of the oven until the crust is set and appears dry, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool completely, about 1 hour.

For the filling, melt the chocolate chips with the coffee and vanilla in a medium metal bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water, stirring often with a spatula. Combine the tofu, melted chocolate mixture and agave in a blender or food processor until smooth, about 1 minute. Pour the filling into the crust and refrigerate for 2 hours or until the filling becomes firm.

Vegan Hot Chocolate

A comforting way to enjoy the benefits of chocolate on a cold day. Yields 4 servings 2½ cups plain rice milk 3 Tbsp maple or date sugar 3 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder ½ tsp salt ½ tsp vanilla extract 1 pinch ground cinnamon 1 pinch cayenne pepper Bring the rice milk, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, vanilla extract, cinnamon and cayenne pepper to a simmer in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Remove from the heat and whisk until frothy. Serve immediately. Source: Recipes courtesy of Judith Fertig

Chocolate Artistry Small-batch, artisan chocolate makers strive to make delicious chocolate in the purest, most ethical and sustainable ways possible. They often travel to meet the growers to source the best cacao beans (organic preferred), use fair trade principles and take a personal interest in making fine chocolate without filler ingredients. Here is a partial list of conscientious members of Craft Chocolate Makers of America: Amano Artisan Chocolate, AmanoChocolate.com Askinosie Chocolate, Askinosie.com DeVries Chocolate, DeVriesChocolate.com Patric Chocolate, Patric-Chocolate.com Taza Chocolate, TazaChocolate.com natural awakenings

February 2014

March 18-30, 2014

Festival Highlights: • The Human Experiment exposes the David and Goliath battle that activists are waging against the increasingly deregulated U.S. chemical iindustry, as rates of autism, cancer and infertility rise. • GMO OMG investigates the effect of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) on our children, the heath of our planet and our freedom of choice. • Happiness visits the Kingdom of Bhutan, known for its “gross national happiness,” where TV has recently been introduced; will it bring happiness or will progress destroy an ancient way of life? • Toxic Hot Seat explores the toxic legacy that chemical flame retardants have left in our homes – chemicals that don’t seem to stop fires but that seem to make us sick. Discussion with filmmaker Jamie Redford follows screening. • Growing Cities examines the role of urban farming in America and the power it has to revitalize our cities and change the way we eat.

Visit the Festival website, dceff.org, in mid-February for complete schedule Happiness, (c) TBC

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communityspotlight

Healing Starts From Within Dahn Yoga Center by Sharon Hadden

or some, yoga is about strength, others breathing or flexibility. At the Dahn Yoga Center, yoga is about energy. Originating in Korea, the practice of Dahn yoga combines stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation to develop the body’s physical, mental and spiritual health. Dahn means life force, or energy, so it is no wonder why Dahn Yoga offers yoga classes to help understand and apply three primary energy principles: where the mind goes, energy follows, “water up, fire down” and stages of energetic growth. The energy principle—where the mind goes energy follows—states that energy follows the direction of your mind and leads to the creation of reality in your body and in life. Meditation is an ideal way to apply this principle. Laura Castagnino, manager and head instructor of Downtown DC Dahn Yoga explains, “Yoga was something I found helpful, in a period of high stress in my life. The meditative aspect helped me to get more clearly focused on where I was heading.” Dahn Yoga offers several types of meditation classes. Ji-Gam, a meditative exercise, introduces the awareness of energy. “Ji” means to stop and “gam” means emotion or feeling. The method encourages the mind to be still, quiet and undisrupted by the movement of emotions. “Energy dance”, or Dahn-Mu is a form of gentle dancing to control and utilize qi or natural energy. By dancing with the natural flow of energy, practitioners experience qi energy as a gentle vibration inside the body, which assists in experiencing a gentle, dynamic meditation. In order to achieve optimal energy balance, it is important to direct your flow of energy effectively. “Water up, fire down”, the second energy principle, expresses that one experiences optimal energy balance when your head is cool, chest is open and your abdomen is warm. This simple technique helps to manage energy by keeping hot fire energy in your belly and cool water energy in your head. In this energy state, you are physically strong and mentally clear. “Dahn yoga is centered around your brain,” says Castagnino, “When I began taking weekend workshops, I started getting a deeper understanding—in-

tellectually, physically, emotionally, spiritually. I could see the changes, and I started to feel I was a real product of that brain education system.” The final energy principle, stages of energetic growth, explains that as you stabilize your physical energy you will attain emotional well being. This relates that our body, mind and spirt are not separate from each other. Energy martial arts, DahnMuDo, tai chi and qigong are offered at Dahn Yoga to achieve stability of physical energy. DahnMuDo is a Korean healing and martial arts form for the enhancement of life energy and development of the ability to use energy. It can be translated to “the art of being limitless”. Castagnino says, “Dahn yoga helps a practitioner to be more aware of their own energy condition—how to manage it and control it. The first step is to focus more inward to feel and sense energy and be aware of what you need to modify. It is a very empowering practice.” Additional classes offered include core strengthening, core energy breathing, energy refreshing exercises and Tao Yin Meridian exercises, or deep stretching to improve circulation and alignment. Workshops, private sessions, lifestyle coaching and customized exercises are also available. There are no class levels at Dahn Yoga. Each class incorporates a little bit of everything, be it meditation, core strengthening or energy balance. The class instructors help you identify a tangible goal and give guidance on how to obtain the results that you want. “I can teach a different class and everyone will get a different benefit,” Castagnino exclaims, “The best thing to do, is just come and try it, feel it in your own energy. We want people to know you have your own system of healing inside of you, you just need to learn how to awaken it.” Downtown DC Dahn Yoga is located at 700 14th St. NW Washington, D.C. For more information and additional locations, call 202-393-3440 or visit DahnYoga.com. See ad, page 41. Sharon Hadden, writer, editor and public relations consultant helps businesses manage and understand their digital footprint. Visit SocialSavyPR.com. natural awakenings

February 2014

START yOUR CAREER IN HOLISTIC HEALTH!

Sharon Salzberg Teaches How to Grow Happiness at Work by Grace Ogden

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s happiness at work the final frontier for healthy living? Many of us spend more waking hours working than doing anything else. Relationships with colleagues play a significant role in whether we feel fulfilled, and work issues are among our greatest challenges in achieving happiness, says Sharon Salzberg, author of the New York Times bestseller Real Happiness. Salzberg’s readers and live forums in New York and the District of Columbia contributed perspective to her new book, Real Happiness at Work. The longtime meditation teacher, writer and cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society in Barre, Massachusetts, offers teachings, meditations and exercises to improve the workday. She responded to these questions in a recent interview.

ber that everyone wants to be happy. A different perspective comes into mind, “We all do want that, don’t we? Maybe there’s a way we can both be happy.” GO: What if you work in a stressful environment? Salzberg: Basically, we need something like the breath that we can keep returning to, something available, simple, portable and non-sectarian. Rather than expect to maintain awareness of breath, the goal is to renew the connection. Pausing to notice the breath, we have a chance to remember what we care about. When we’re caught in the grip of a reaction, we may not see as many options as there actually are. Maybe we want to write that email and pause before we send it. Re-read it an hour later.

GO: What do you mean by ‘real’ hap- GO: If it’s your job to fight for things, piness at work? how can you do it mindfully? Salzberg: This kind of personal Salzberg: First, you can have an opfulfillment allows us ponent who is not to have a sense of seen as an enemy. inner resourcefulness You can realize you and replenishing and want to take a strong caring about others. stand and fight hard Tools for balance, for what you believe resilience, compasin, but you don’t have sion and meaning to demonize your are practical. We can opponent—even if live in the world as it they demonize you. is and develop skills Certain skills are helpin a real way so that ful, especially deep whatever we’re dolistening. Sometimes ing for work, it will you hear something in be better. what someone is sayREAL HAPPINESS AT WORK ing and sense how to GO: What is an easy Meditations for give them what they’re way to start? Accomplishment, more deeply asking Salzberg: Look around Achievement, and Peace for, not their armored the room and rememBy Sharon Salzberg

Natural Awakenings - National D.C. NaturalAwakeningsDC.com 262.25 Washington, X 9.75

position, but what is motivating them. Next, it is always useful to discern one’s own motivation before a negotiation or challenge. Ask yourself what you want most to come out of it. Do you want a resolution or do you want to be seen as right? Do you want to help somebody come to resolution or do you want to damage them? Knowing your motive helps you in the interaction, reminds you of your deeper values. You see you’re just trying to hurt the person, but no good will come of it. You remember the people you really care about so you modulate. You catch your habit of being impulsive and recall you do better when you take the time to breathe and see an array of options beyond the reaction. It’s about creating a space where our actions can be more effective and clarified, but we definitely keep fighting. GO: What inspires your ten-plus year commitment to teaching in Washington? Salzberg: I believe in collective action for the common good, which means politics and government. I think we are all ennobled or freed by caring for others. Our sense of community can be very big, we think about what serves a larger body and see it also serves us. I feel admiring of people who are trying to execute that. Partly because of work in other domains, I’m compelled by seeing when compassion turns to burnout and good values that lead a lot of people into their field are confronted by seemingly intractable systems and a lot of pain and suffering that you can’t easily fix. In some ways that’s the most profound arena I work in and it’s certainly prevalent in Washington, as well as in domestic violence shelters and hospitals and among first responders. People working on Capitol Hill represent those who are suffering by trying to change or establish policy. At some point, the same issues of futility and hopelessness arise. Resilience and meaning are very important when you are trying to get something done. Grace Ogden is the founder of Grace Productions, which offers transformational consulting and Living Sacred events. For more info, visit GraceProductions.co. See ad, page 14.

consciouscommunication

Speaking from the Heart by Milagros Phillips

he heart is the first organ to become fully formed in the human body. Long before spoken language, the heart was communicating through its constant rhythm. As the bridge to the upper and lower chakras, it is the connecting point to the body’s energy systems. The heart communicates in ways that are powerful and consistent. The human heart emits an electromagnetic field that can be detected up to fifteen feet beyond the body. This field communicates feelings, and emotions, and is unique to each and every one of us. In conscious communication, the heart is used wisely. As someone who is awake, alert and aware, a conscious communicator may use their heart energy to emit feelings of warmth and care. They may use their heart energy to express appreciation and joy. In conscious communication, the heart is the bridge that can draw us closer, and create a field of safety where all are allowed to express freely and without judgment. A conscious communicator, whose heart is open and available, can go beyond listening and really hear what is being said. The heart holds intuitive guidance that can lead to new solutions and creative ways of being. During this month of February, when the focus is on the heart, as the center of love, resolve to become a conscious communicator who listens with and speaks from the heart. Bring your attention to the center of your chest, and breath as if you were inhaling and exhaling from your heart center. Set an intention for your communications, written, verbal or otherwise. Imagine that you can radiate your intended outcome, be it peace, understanding, joy. Place your hand on the center of your chest until you get used to this type of communication. This can be very calming and healing. If you want the truth, ask your heart. The old saying goes, “the body doesn’t lie.” That’s because it gets its cues from the heart. Milagros Phillips is a multi-talented artist and an intuitive. She has been a sound shaman/teacher and a Reiki master/teacher for 20 years and a diversity/race healing consultant for over 30 years. She is a coach and leads retreats for self-care and transformation. To learn more visit: WholenessInDiversity.wix.com/IGLifeCoaching. See ad, page 12.

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February 2014

healthykids

Stressed Out Children Health Issues May Be Rooted in Early Childhood Experiences

by Terri Carr

t probably doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t surprise you to hear that children today are under more stress than the children of previous generations. Dr. Stephane Provencher at the Gainesville Holistic Health Center, thinks that 21stcentury kids are under even more stress than their adult parents. Gainesville Holistic Health Center offers a wide range of holistic therapies, including acupuncture, chiropractic, emotional clearing, energetic clearing, homeopathy, hypnotherapy and Reiki. In his practice, he discovered

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many of the health issues adults are dealing with are rooted in stresses experienced in early childhood. While this might sound a little surprising, to Dr. S (as many of his patients call him), it makes a certain amount of sense. He says that â&#x20AC;&#x153;from birth to the age of 7, kids are in uploading mode,â&#x20AC;? absorbing all the stresses in their environment. Since they do not yet have the self-defense mechanisms and filtering capacity of adults to cope with large amounts of stress, it remains stored in their bodies and later manifests as illness.

This understanding inspired him to start the Whole-Listic Children’s Foundation in the fall of 2013. The foundation’s purpose is to provide awareness and resources that nourish children in body, mind and spirit. He hopes that by “building the foundation up front when they are young,” today’s kids will be empowered to cope with the stresses of modern life. The foundation holds monthly workshops at the center and organizes an annual healthy living expo. Provencher wants to spread awareness of the myriad non-invasive choices available for all sorts of life and health challenges. The organization created Project H.O.P.E., to summarize their

mission of creating and supporting Healthy Bodies, Open Minds with Positive Energy and free spirits. Its programs are geared towards bolstering kids’ self-esteem, teaching them stress relief skills and educating them and their families about healthy nutritional choices. Last October, the foundation partnered with the Tony Robbins Foundation to hold the StressLess Living Expo in Falls Church. Health experts shared information and conducted workshops about healthy lifestyles, and vendors presented the latest organic, gluten-free and nonGMO products and services. During the holidays, the or7.5” ganization focused on communities in need by creating a healthy

Thanksgiving for 36 families and a “magical Christmas’ for 93 homeless children and their parents and teachers. Provencher’s team feels that uniting the community leads to true empowerment. Provencher hopes that as interest in alternative health treatments grows, he will someday see a 100 percent holistic hospital. He dreams of working in a hospital staffed by healers from a range of healing modalities who provide the least invasive and most cost effective healing services possible. For more information about the Whole-Listic Children’s Foundation, call the Gainesville Holistic Health Center at 571-248-0695 or visit All4OurKidz.com.

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February 2014

healingways

Simple Stress Busters Natural Ways to Slide into a State of Calmness by Kathleen Barnes

e all encounter everyday stressors and usually find our own ways of defusing them. However, when chronic stress remains unresolved, it extracts a toll on health that may range from heart disease and stroke to obesity, gastrointestinal problems and depression. Thankfully, Natural Awakenings has uncovered inviting ways to regularly de-stress that naturally make us feel good. Here are some refreshing ideas for immediate rest and relaxation. Eat Mindfully. Chocolate can be an excellent antidote to stress-related binge eating, advises Dr. Susan Lord, an integrative physician in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, who leads mind-body medicine programs at the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, in Stockbridge. “We rarely eat mindfully,” comments Lord. “We’re usually gulping down our food while watching TV, arguing with the kids or reading a book.” She often leads a meditation in which participants are allotted one small piece of chocolate that they must eat slowly and consciously. “Most people discover they have never really tasted their food,” she says. “They are pleasantly surprised to discover that they feel satiated and satisfied on every level.” Lord’s teaching is supported by a study from an Oregon Research Institute affiliate in Albuquerque, New Mexico, showing that people lost 30

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significant amounts of weight by eating slowly and mindfully. Accordingly, Kripalu has encouraged eating in silence for nearly 40 years, a practice Lord heartily recommends to her patients for one meal a day. Walk a labyrinth. A meditative walk on a labyrinth may be just what the doctor ordered, says physician Esther Sternberg, professor of medicine and research director at the Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, in Tucson. “A labyrinth differs from a maze, which has high walls and many dead ends,” notes Sternberg. “Walking a maze is inevitably stressful; a labyrinth has the exact opposite effect. There is only one path in and one path out. You go to the middle, meditate and walk back out. It’s a perfectly calming walking meditation.” In physiological terms, Sternberg explains, the deep breathing induced by labyrinth walking activates the vagus nerve, which prompts relaxation. It does this by interrupting the brain’s stress response and halting the release of adrenaline and the stress hormone cortisol from the adrenal glands. Our ancestors built labyrinths as early as 4,000 BCE. They exist today in churches, healing centers and backyards all over the world. Finger labyrinths, even as simple as an outline printed on a piece of paper, also have proved to be effective relaxation tools, says Neal

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Harris, a licensed clinical professional counselor in Barrington, Illinois. His study confirming its relaxing effects was published in the Annals of Psychotherapy & Integrative Health. Shake (or laugh) it off. Anyone that has ever felt like exploding from tight shoulders, indigestion, headaches or other conditions caused by accumulated stress can benefit from Lord’s recommendation to experience a whole-body shake. “Just stand with your feet firmly planted and start shaking—first your feet, then your legs, arms, head and neck and eventually, your whole body—for at least two or three minutes,” she counsels. “You’ll shake off all of that tension, energize every cell and probably start laughing, another great stress reliever.” A good belly laugh is likewise a powerful stress reliever, according to a study by researchers at Indiana State University, in Terra Haute, published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine. Results also showed that laughter increased production of the protective cells that boost immune function.

Breathe Deeply Perform this subtle de-stressor while in line at the market or driving. It slows heart rate, oxygenates the body, improves mental clarity and has a relaxing effect on the nervous system. n Sit or stand straight. n Put the tip of the tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind the upper front teeth, and keep it there throughout the entire exercise. n Inhale through the nose for a count of four. n Hold each breath for a count of seven. n Exhale completely through the mouth with a whoosh sound for a count of eight. n Repeat three more times. Source: DrWeil.com

Create a memory garden. For Sternberg, her personal place of peace is an unconscious re-creation combining the sights and smells of her grandmother’s garden with the comfortable “at home” feeling of her parents’ deck and mementos from a happy time in Crete. At the center of Sternberg’s happy memories are fragrant jasmine and gardenia trees, lavender and basil, all reminders of happy times in her life. She recalls, “It wasn’t until I was finished that I realized what I had done.” A review of relevant science reported in Neural Plasticity explains that the brain’s hippocampus region, a seat of memory, especially related to place, also normally regulates the production of cortisol. But an excess of cortisol due to stress can impair its memory functions. “When we are in a place that brings happy memories to mind, we let go of stress and stop the release of cortisol,” says Sternberg. “It helps to just think of a place where we have been happy.” She recommends creating a home space with some plants on a windowsill, photos of happy family gatherings, fabrics or paint in beloved colors and perhaps inherited items that trigger fond memories. Kathleen Barnes is the author of numerous natural health books, including 10 Best Ways to Manage Stress. Connect at KathleenBarnes.com.

A loving heart is the beginning of all knowledge. ~Thomas Carlyle

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eventspotlight THE INAUGURAL

When you know better, you do better. ~Maya Angelou

very story has a beginning, middle and an end. The story of the Everyday Health and Wellness Conference begins with the passion of wanting to tell everyday people how making better choices today, impacts every day in their future. The conference is also about informing people of relevant, health and wellness related issues happening now, so they can be inspired to make changes before there is a scare or tragedy in their life. Without question, the words of Maya Angelou, “When you know better, you do better,” are the heart behind the Everyday Health and Wellness Conference. It is the desire to want to teach people healthy alternatives, and give them new ideas and avenues, so they can be inspired to make changes in their life. Simply put; to know better, to do better. The middle of the story is the conference itself. The event to be held from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, March 1, at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, is sure to have something for everyone. The Everyday Health and Wellness Conference is thoughtfully organized to be appealing to all in their health walk; those just getting started and those who have been health conscious for years, those that are health coaches and practitioners and those who have, perhaps lost their way, but need a nudge to get back on track. All registered attendees will receive a carefully prepared healthy, nutritional buffet lunch. Who knew a vegan, raw or gluten-free dish could taste so scrumptious? The conference features an amazing lineup of exciting speakers. Andy Core is a speaker on Life-Work Balance. His primary focus is understanding “why do we not change, when we know it is the right thing to do?” Specifically, he addresses how to overcome the barriers sabotaging your motivation to live healthier and achieve better work-life balance. Vani Hari creator of Foodbabe. com, teaches people how to make the right purchasing decisions at the grocery store, how to live an organic lifestyle and how to travel healthfully around the world. The success in her writing and investigative work can be

seen in the way food companies react to her uncanny ability to find and expose the truth. Dr. Liz Lipski is the author of Digestive Wellness, The Digestion Connection, Digestive Wellness for Children and Leaky Gut Syndrome. She has been working in the field of integrative and functional medicine for over 30 years. Jason Wrobel, who recently debuted his new show, How to Live to 100 on the Cooking Channel, is a raw food chef to the celebrities and will be doing a food demonstration during his presentation at the conference. There are additional speakers in the lineup whose topics may include vitamin D, alzheimer’s, information on non-GMO and thyroid issues. The event may also include a fitness panel. There will also be an impressive array of 20 to 30 healthminded exhibitors throughout the day. Each exhibitor will bring their own healthy products, their business to share and information to introduce to us and inspire us to all make wiser, healthier decisions every day. The end of a story is always the best part, and the Everyday Health and Wellness Conference is on course to be a huge success. It undoubtedly will be a lively, energetic day, with attendees being all kinds of ‘everyday’ people. It will be loaded with speaker insights that inspire us to make small changes, leading us to bigger changes, leading us to a big difference. Everyone will find new treasures and health ideas through the dynamic exhibitors; a delicious health-minded lunch will be enjoyed; and finally, everyone will know better and ultimately do better at being healthy, fit and happy, everyday. Secure your registration by visiting, EverydayHW Conference.com. Pre-purchased tickets are $125 and includes lunch. Parking is free and plentiful. The event’s hashtag is #everydayhealthconf14. For more information or to be an exhibitor, email Pam@EverydayHWConference.com. See ad, page 31. natural awakenings

February 2014

On Love and Loneliness by HawaH

Dedicated to J. Krishnamurti and all of those who have ever wondered if flowers get lonely.

ou stood alone in the darkness, light pouring from your eyes, penetrating into the unknown, sailing into the vast waters of uncertainty. We explored the deep trenches of your wrinkles, canyons of wisdom flowing into the steeple of inquiry. Sages breathe while both alive and dead; you breathed the water directly out of the air. We stepped delicately into the river of your life, the sail of awareness hinged to your constant presence. We discussed with you tomorrow, peered at yesterday’s shadow, and peeled away all emotional attachment to discovery. During your greatest triumph, you were in love with being alone. You cracked the shell of solitude, a fertile egg birthing truth. A soldier of action renouncing all that was contrary to freedom, you spilled your heart into our lives. You held us in your embrace, gushed forth as the Ganges, mouth opened, you were climbing in the downward fall. We yearned to discover how we could, as you, love being so alone... To taste you, we needed to discover that loneliness is none other than love, masked by the need for flavor. To feel you, we needed to discover that loneliness is none other than love masked by the need for communication. To hear you, we needed to discover that loneliness is none other than love masked by the need for attention. To understand you we needed to discover that loneliness is none other than love… bare and naked, standing without protection, without shields or weapons. Loneliness is none other than love made visible through sorrow and pain. Loneliness is none other than love disguised in our need for relationship.

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Loneliness is expressed through our need for each other, and in you we found that loneliness is needed for self-realization. For within the confines of our solitude we find the indivisible atom, the smallest particle, and the essence of our need. In loneliness, we find you in love. You loved loneliness. Carried it with you as a feather tied to your heart. You would occasionally remove it for us to see that you didn’t need it to fly. We gazed you in the night sky. Are the fireworks as captivating when you are by yourself? Is meditation deeper when you are silent? Reflected in your eternal eyes, we saw the shell of sight and found that inside is the freedom for which we yearn. It is a freedom to love unconditionally without fear of losing this view of paradise. For in paradise there is no comparison. There is no view that one would rather prefer to have. In paradise, you are still in love, even while lonely. In loving even loneliness, the shell that keeps us confined is broken. Our isolation is no more. For in our joyous solitude there is no shell, there is only the truth of our being; a shining interconnected reality toward all of creation. To understand why we are never alone requires we embrace loneliness. This is when freedom is found; in our greatest moment of surrender… our weakness… when it has all fallen apart and we realize finally that we can never be alone. For loneliness is a perpetual state of ultimate freedom, of barren naked love.

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February 2014

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ative Health, 4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: 202-244-6661or RestorativeHealth.org.

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 2 Greyhound Welfare Meet and Greet – 12-3pm. Please join Greyhound Welfare and their lovely ex-racers, available for adoption. Greyhound owners are around to answer questions about the breed, temperament and overall disposition. The Big Bad Woof, Old Takoma, 117 Carroll St NW. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 3 Infant Massage – 5:15-6pm. Enjoy hands-on support as you practice on your baby in this 4-week series led by Dr. Erin Gabrielson. $120-$180. Lil Omm, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com. Intro to Meditation: Working with Racing Thoughts – 6:30-7:15pm. Come learn meditation basics with Timothy Eden, MSW in this calming introductory class. Studies show even minutes a day can make a big difference in your health. Come as you are, beginners and advanced meditators welcome. Drop-ins welcome. Free. Restorative Health, 4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: 202-244-6661 or RestorativeHealth.org.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 8 FoodScape Intro: Add Food Plants to Your Landscape – 9-11am. A step-by-step intro to developing beautiful, thriving landscapes providing healthy food. We introduce basic permaculture and organic gardening principles, as well as practical design considerations. $27. Prior Unity Garden, 3017 James St, Fairfax, VA. Register: PriorunityGarden. com/FoodScape.html. Touch of Massage – 10am-5pm. In just one day, our faculty will share with you how massage relaxes, heals and rejuvenates. You will focus on increasing awareness of self and others during the energetic exchange that occurs through massage. Using techniques from Swedish massage, you will work on the feet, hands, face, neck and back. $85. Potomac Massage Training Institute, 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: PMTI.org/Workshops.

Washington Humane Society Adoption Event — 10am-2pm. Come on out and meet your new best friend. Washington Humane Society will have some wonderful dogs (and possibly cats) available for adoption. The Big Bad Woof, Old Takoma, 117 Carroll St NW. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com. Organic Garden Planning Workshop – 12-4pm. Plan your garden like the pros. Use a worksheet to achieve long and short term goals. Permaculture design principles, sustainable soil and water and more. $108. Prior Unity Garden, 3017 James St, Fairfax, VA. Register: PriorUnityGarden.com/ FoodScape.html. Herban Lifestyle Store Grand Opening – 3-6pm. Please join us for giveaways, specials, food and drink to celebrate the Grand Opening of Herban Lifestyle’s new brick and mortar store. Herban Lifestyle, 2931-C Eskridge Rd, Fairfax, VA. Info: Info@HerbanLifestyle.com. Movie Screening: Speciesism – 6:30-8:30pm. Join us for a special screening event at Buddha B of Speciesism, followed by a question and answer session with the director Mark Devries. $10. Buddha B Yoga Studio, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Monthly Children’s Sangha – 4-5pm. For 5-12 year olds, accompanied by parents. The class provides young children with a Buddhist framework to explore their inner life, understand the causes of emotional stress, and develop peace, wisdom and kindness. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Extreme Self-Care: Unconditional Love for You – 7-8pm. Join our monthly support group as together we work our way through Cheryl Richardson’s inspiring 12-month program, The Art of Extreme Self-Care, with Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach Melissa Windsor, DC, CHC and Naturopathic Physician Karen Threlkel, ND. Drop-ins welcome. $10/class. Restor-

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Couples Valentine Craft Night: Aphrodisiacs – 6:30-8pm. In anticipation of Valentine’s Day, join us for a Couples Craft Night where you will learn about various essential oils and foods with aphrodisiac properties. You will also have an opportunity to formulate your own custom massage oils to take home with you. Registration cost covers two people. $50. Herban Lifestyle, 2931-C Eskridge Rd, Fairfax, VA. Register: HerbanLifestyle.com/Product/ Couples-Valentine-Craft-Night-AphrodisiacsFebruary-12-2014-MerrifieldFairfax.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 13 RH Therapies: Allergy Elimination – 7-7:45pm. Come learn about Nambrudipad’s Allergy Elimination Technique (NAET), an acupuncture-based approach to assessment and therapy with Ali Safayan, MD, one of the leading Medical Acupuncturists in the country. Questions welcome. Drop-ins welcome. Free. Restorative Health, 4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: 202-244-6661 or RestorativeHealth.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 14 Washington Humane Society Adoption Event – 6:30-8:30pm. The Washington Humane Society comes every 2nd Friday evening, just in time to grab a bite to eat and spend time with some of the great dogs and cats looking for their forever home. The Big Bad Woof in the Arts District, 5501 Baltimore Ave (@ Jefferson St) Hyattsville. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 Couples Massage – 1-4pm. Increase awareness of self and your significant other during the energetic exchange that occurs through using Swedish massage. It’s the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. $99. Potomac Massage Training Institute, 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: PMTI.org/Workshops.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 16 Washington Humane Society Adoption Event – 10am-2pm. See February 9 for details. The Big Bad Woof, Old Takoma, 117 Carroll St NW. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com. Couples Massage – 1-4pm. See Feb 15 for details. $99. Potomac Massage Training Institute, 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: PMTI.org/Workshops.

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Discovering the Peace Within – 1-3pm. Join spiritual teacher and healer Felix Lopez to explore mindfulness to help you (re)discover your natural state of calm. All levels. $40. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com.

specialevent 5Rhythms Dance/Movement Workshop: In the Beat… with Our Mother Tongue

iPath Postural Alignment– 2-3:30pm. With Denese Cavanaugh. The iPATH® workshop is an evidence-based, therapeutic program adaptable to all levels of care and all age groups. $25. Buddha B Yoga Studio, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Register: BuddhaBYoga.com.

A dynamic movement practice—a practice of being in the body—that ignites creativity, connection and community. Using musical beats from around the world, it is a body and soul workout for young and old, survivors of bad backs, bum knees and broken hearts. Students move through the energies of Flowing, Staccato, Chaos, Lyrical and Stillness. $20/cash at the door, $10/newcomers, $15/students and those age 65 and up.

The Five Vajras of Tibetan Yoga – 2-5pm. With Lama Norbu. Tibetan yoga is an ancient and powerful purification practice which takes one beyond limitations and beliefs. $40. Buddha B Yoga Studio, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com. Yoga Workshop w/HawaH – 3-4:45pm. This special class is part of the DC Yoga Co-op series, a participatory community bringing together exceptional instructors and dedicated students for affordable donation-based classes. $10. Yoga Co-OP, Stroga, 1808 Adams Mill Rd, NW. Info: Facebook. com/Groups/YogaCoopDC. Vegetarian Potluck and Kirtan – 4:30-8pm. Community, Food, Mantras. Families welcome. No experience with kirtan needed. Please bring a vegetarian or vegan dish to share. Donation. BE yoga and Gita’s Dream, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Info: BEyogaYurt.com/DCKirtanfest.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Sister Circle – 6:45-8:15pm. Women are invited to come together and share about their journey for personal growth and emotional wellness. Group led by Dr. Theresa Ford, a skilled and sensitive psychotherapist and director of Creative Counseling and Coaching Services. Support groups, therapy groups and individual therapy also available. $20. Meets at Seekers Church, 276 Carroll St, NW, near the Takoma metro. Info or RSVP: 240-354-3854. Essential Oils Playshop – 7-8:30pm. It’s February and everyone’s in the mood for love. Learn to create more love of all kinds in your life. $10. Potomac Massage Training Institute, 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: 202-686-7046.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21 Kidding Around Yoga 3 Day Training – 9am-6pm. For anyone who works with kids. Breathing practices, Meditation, Deep Relaxation, Asanas, and of course tons of Kidding Around through Yoga. $600. BE yoga w/ Kidding Around Yoga, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Register: KiddingAroundYoga. com/Sterling-Va-Kids-Yoga-Teacher-Training. Mindfulness in the Gym – 6:30-7pm. When we work out with Ben King, CPT, RYT at the gym we don’t feel sore the next day, just inspired to do more. Ben’s secret is mindfulness, an awareness of how our bodies function best. Come experience the difference. Drop-ins welcome. Free. Restorative Health, 4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Info: 202-244-6661 or RestorativeHealth.org. Moon Sequence (Chandra Krama) – 7-9pm. Join us at Buddha B Yoga Center for this special workshop on Chandra Krama (the Moon Sequence) led by Buddha B’s co-founder, Rexx Samuell. $30. Buddha B Yoga Studio, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

February 21 • 8-10:30pm. Carderock Springs Swim and Tennis Club 8200 Hamilton Spring Ct, Bethesda, MD DanceInTheUSA.com or 5Rhythms.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Washington Animal Rescue League Adoption Event –12-3pm. The Washington Animal Rescue League will be bringing plenty of fun cats and dogs to fall in love with. Please come by and meet your next best friend. The Big Bad Woof in the Arts District, 5501 Baltimore Ave (@ Jefferson St) Hyattsville. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com. The Chakra Workshop Series: Second Chakra – 5:30-7:30pm. This workshop combines acupressure and Yoga Nidra meditation tools to increase awareness of and access to the information embedded in the chakras. An experiential journey. $40. OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD. Register: AwakenMyHeartNow.com. Kirtan – 7-9pm. Chanting Sanskrit Mantras, Bhakti Yoga. Try another form of Yoga. Chant Sheets provided, no experience needed. Families Welcome. 532 Yoga and Gita’s Dream, 532 N. Washington, Ste 100, Alexandira, VA.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Washington Humane Society Adoption Event – 10am-2pm. See February 9 for details. The Big Bad Woof, Old Takoma, 117 Carroll St NW. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com. Asana Lab: Opening the hips, hamstrings and groin – 2-4:30pm. With Kristen Krash. From the stability of standing strong we move on to finding fluidity in practice by creating space and movement in the legs, pelvis, and lower spine. $35. Buddha B Yoga Studio, 1115 U St, Ste 202, NW. Info: BuddhaBYoga.com.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Taking your Chanting Deeper – 7-8pm. Learn how to pronounce and use Sanskrit mantras. Learn what they mean. Also practice chanting the sanskrit alphabet. Take your chanting practice deeper. Donation. BE yoga and Gita’s Dream, 45406 Lakeside Dr, Sterling, VA. Info: BEYogaYurt.com.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 27 RH Kitchen: Gluten-Free Living – 7-8pm. If you

have been diagnosed with a gluten intolerance or just want to try going gluten-free due to the growing body of testimonials about health and weight improvements, join Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach Melissa Windsor, DC, CHC. Delicious, healthy ideas to make this a transition you’ll love. Recipes and tastings included. Registration required. $35. Restorative Health, 4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW, Tenleytown. Register: 202-244-6661 or RestorativeHealth.org.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 28 Reiki I and II – 5:30-8pm. Thru March 2. Reiki is traditionally translated as Universal Life Force. Reiki is one of many tools supporting physical, emotional, and spiritual healing, and is a transformative experience. $375. Potomac Massage Training Institute, 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: PMTI.org/Workshops. Washington Humane Society Adoption Event – 6:30-8:30pm. See February 14 for details. The Big Bad Woof in the Arts District, 5501 Baltimore Ave (at Jefferson St) Hyattsville. Info: TheBigBadWoof.com.

SATURDAY, MARCH 1 Everyday Health and Wellness Conference – 9am-6pm. A day of information and inspiration on health, nutrition and wellness. Great speakers, a host of healthy minded exhibitors on hand, a healthy buffet lunch is included with each registration. $125. Everyday Health and Wellness, LLC, Fairfax Marriott Fair Oaks, 11787 Lee Jackson Memorial Hwy, Fairfax, VA. Info: EverydayHWConference.com.

SUNDAY, MARCH 2 Beekeeping - Spring Basics, Respectful and Chemical Free – 10am-12pm. Three part series, March 2, 9 and 29. The very basics - how to start, using the tools, the basic inspection, seasonal duties and why patience and courtesy are safer than moon suits. $80. Ancestral Knowledge at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, MD. Info: AncestralKnowledge.org.

SUNDAY, MARCH 9 Beekeeping - Spring Basics, Respectful and Chemical Free – 10am-12pm.See March 2 for details. $80. Ancestral Knowledge at Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mt Rainier, MD. Info: AncestralKnowledge.org.

SATURDAY, MARCH 29 Beekeeping - Spring Basics, Respectful and Chemical Free – 10am-12pm. See March 2 for details. $80. Ancestral Knowledge at Azure B LLC in the Apiary, 4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD. Info: AncestralKnowledge.org.

natural awakenings

February 2014

ongoingevents NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Dupont Circle FreshFarm Market – 10am-1pm. A producer-only farmers’ market. Only regional growers from the Chesapeake Bay watershed region (DE, MD, PA, VA and WV) may sell at market. 20th St, NW (between Massachusetts Ave and Hillyer Place, NW) and the adjacent bank parking lot. Info: 202-362-8889. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 10-11am. This class is open to all experience levels and provides a well rounded, fundamental GYROTONIC® work out on the pulley tower. $35/session, $250/10 Sessions. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. 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. Weekly Yoga and Brunch – 10:30-11:45am. Work up your appetite with a Flow 1-2 Asana practice at Yoga District. Then come downstairs to enjoy a yummy vegan brunch at District Tea Lodge. Both your yoga practice and brunch is included in the price. Invite your friends and have an awesome time. $22. Yoga District and District Tea Lodge, 1922 I St, NW. Register: Bit. ly/177o7wP. Sunday iRest® Yoga Nidra Meditation – 6-7pm. iRest® has been clinically proven to decrease symptoms of insomnia, anxiety, PTSD, chronic pain, and depression. It’s likely the easiest meditation you’ll ever try. $20. OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD. Register: AwakenMyHeartNow.com.

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. Dropins welcome. A project of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW). The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Advanced GYROTONIC® Group – 10-11am. For clients with a significant amount of experience in the GYROTONIC method. $35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Mommy Meet Up – 11:45am-12:45pm. 1st Mon. A friendly environment to chat, share, and learn together as moms with children. Bring your lunch and enjoy the space to learn, live, play and grow. $5. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com. Beginner GYROTONIC® Group – 12-1pm. This class is held on the GYROTONIC pulley tower and is designed for new students. Students will learn how to set up the equipment and gain an understanding of the fundamental movements of the system. $35/

Washington, D.C.

session. $250/10 sessions. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Breastfeeding Mothers’ Support Group – 5:156:15pm. 2nd Mon. Mothers bring your babies of all ages to connect with other mothers, ask questions of Holistic Mothering’s IBCLC Sharon Curry and find support for breastfeeding related challenges. Baby scale available. $10. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com. Yoga for Women Cancer Survivors – 7-8:15pm. This gentle class for women cancer survivors includes breathing exercises, healing yoga sequences, and restorative postures appropriate during and after cancer treatment. We practice in a safe space that encourages and nurtures women who are undergoing treatment for and in remission from cancer. All levels welcome. $10. Sibley Memorial Hospital, 5255 Loughboro Rd, NW. Register: 202-243-2320. Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. A fluid contemplation in motion and balance of breath, this yoga class nurtures harmony of mind and body as we work with alignment and awareness, deep stretching and relaxation for a revitalizing experience. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Tai Chi – 8-9pm. Learn and enjoy peaceful slow movements, balance, and meditation, this class is for youth and adults who will study the movements of Tai Chi Chun long form. Tai chi is an internal Chinese martial art practiced for health benefits, self-control, and relaxation. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

tuesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15 am. See Monday for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Moms’ Craft and Chat Morning – 10am-12pm. In between drop off and pick up, make a little something for yourself and meet other moms. We’ll have material available or bring your own. $10. Herban Lifestyle, 2931 C-Eskridge Rd, Fairfax, VA. Register: HerbanLifestyle.com/catalog/workshops. Power Up Your Brain (For Aging) – 12-2pm. This is Brain Education for successful aging. It teach you how to integrate your brain functions, enhance your brain’s executive control, and tap into its unlimited potential. $50. Gaithersburg Dahn Yoga, 840 Muddy Branch Rd, Gaithersburg, MD. Register: 301-330-4861 or Gaithersburg@DahnYoga.com. Introductory Yoga Series – 12:15-1:15pm. A brief introduction to the fundamentals of yoga, for beginners and for those new to the Iyengar approach. No experience necessary. $68/course or $20/drop-in. Unity Woods Yoga Center, 4853 Cordell Ave, Ste PH7, Bethesda, MD. Info: UnityWoods.com.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 1-2pm. See Sunday for details. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Hoop Jam – 6:45-8:15pm. With Noelle Powers. Lift your spirits and get a full body workout accompanied by a super hoop-friendly soundtrack. All ages and skill levels are welcome at this drop in jam. A lesson for those interested is presented in the first half hour of jam, and the remaining hour is self-directed. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. Refresh and rejuvenate with a free community service initiative to introduce people to breathing and meditation techniques that have a calming effect on the mind and reduce stress. In this 60-minute interactive session, participants develop insight on how to reduce negative emotions that eat up our energy and time. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure.ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx. Community Yoga Class DC – 7:15-8:15pm. Experience Dahn Yoga, a dynamic mind-body practice originating in Korea that combines stretching, flowing movement, deep breathing exercises and meditation. No previous experience needed. $10/suggested donation for Dahn Yoga Foundation’s Nicaragua Project. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Zumba – 8:30-9:30pm. Zumba is an effective, exhilarating, Latin-inspired, easy-to-follow, calorie-burning dance fitness-party that works all major groups in a high-energy cardio blast that leaves the participants invigorated, refreshed and full of life. It achieves the perfect balance of a progressive core workout, full-body cardio and strength training, and a stressrelieving, energy-producing fitness experience. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

wednesday Early Morning Meditation – 7:30-8:15am. See Monday for details. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW, Tenleytown. Info: Living-Mindfully.org. Pilates – 8:30-9:30am. This pilates mat class is suitable for students who are new to pilates or who have already been introduced to the method. The first two classes will focus on fundamental concepts in pilates and each week will build on the last. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Advanced GYROTONIC® Group – 10-11am. See Monday for details. $35/session. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Tai-Chi/KiGong – 12-1pm. Experience DahnMuDo, derived from the ancient tradition of Korean healing and martial arts forms. It can be literally translated as “the art of being limitless.” While many DahnMuDo forms can be physically challenging, it is gentle enough to be practiced by anyone of any age. $20. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Seva Stress-Release Acupressure – 1-4pm. Seva Stress-Release is a series of acupressure points designed to ease the human stress response and support overall well-being. 30-minute private sessions. $15$40 (suggested). OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver

Spring, MD. Register: OurSpaceAcupuncture.org. Tai-Chi/KiGong – 6-7:15pm. See previous Wednesday listing for details. $20. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Yoga – 6:30-7:30pm. See Monday for details. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org. Wednesdays with Tara Brach – 7:30-9pm. Class includes 30-min of Vipassana meditation instruction and guided meditation followed by an hour-long Dharma talk. A large gathering of approximately 250-300 people. Beginners through advanced students welcome. There is no registration, but dana (donation) of about $10-$15 is suggested to help cover expenses and is gratefully received. River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd (corner of Whittier Blvd and River Rd), Bethesda, MD. Info: IMCW.org. Blessing Circle – 9:15-9:45pm. 2nd Wed. The Insight Meditation Community of Washington offers the Blessing Circle to comfort and support those experiencing loss, grief, illness or any of the “10,000 sorrows” of this life. We gather after the Wed class with Tara Brach for a 30-min service of sharing, mindful and supportive listening and metta practice. River Road Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 6301 River Rd (enter from Whittier Blvd), Bethesda, MD. Info: IMCW.org.

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

Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 10-11am. See Sunday for details. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Yoga for People Living With Cancer and Their Caregivers – 2-3pm. A relaxing hour of yoga taught by yoga therapist Yael Flusberg. The class combines breathwork, gentle movement and guided visualization. GW University Hospital, 900 23rd St, NW. RSVP: Jennifer Bires, 202-741-2218 or JBires@ Mfa.Gwu.edu. Yoga for Teens – 4:15-5:15pm. A special space for teens to explore asana, meditation, breathwork, and relaxation. The full spectrum of Yoga is used to help teens build a healthy attitude. $200. Lil Omm Yoga, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW. Register: LilOmm.com. Chakra Healing Class – 6-7:15pm. Activate your seven chakras with moving meditation (Brain Wave Vibration) and deep, energy meditation to restore a flow of natural healing energy. $10. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Community Yoga Class – 6-7pm. Community classes are mixed level, one-hour asana classes taught by a rotating selection of Unity Woods teachers. They are offered by different teachers every Friday of the session. $5/class. Unity Woods Yoga Center. 4853 Cordell Ave, Ste PH9, Bethesda, MD. Info: UnityWoods.com. Biodanza – 6:45- 8:15pm. Last Friday of every month. Expressive dance that fuses movement, music and heartfelt emotion that will help you tap into your joy. Two “left feet” welcome. No age limits. Near Dupont in DC. Biodanza East Coast, 1611 16th St, DC. Register: LifeDance.me.

saturday Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 9am. See Sunday for details. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Community Yoga Class DC – 10-11am. See Tuesday for details. $10/suggested donation for Dahn Yoga Foundation’s Nicaragua Project. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. Open Level GYROTONIC® Group – 10am. See Sunday for details. Elements Fitness & Wellness Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 217, NW. Info: ElementsCenter.com. Gyrokinesis Group Class – 11am-12pm. Group class starting on stools, moving to the floor and finishing with a standing series. $15-$18. Elements Center, 2233 Wisconsin Ave, NW. FrontDesk@ElementsCenter. com. Adoption Event – 12-3pm. Rural Dog Rescue holds its weekly adoption event every Saturday at Howl to the Chief. Fosters and Volunteers Needed. Howl to the Chief, 733 8th St, SE. Info: RuralDogRescue.com. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 4-5pm. See Tuesday for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure. ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx. Tai Chi and Qi Gong – 8-9:30pm. Learn the Chinese martial art referred to as “meditation in motion” Improves your health and overall sense of well-being. Dancing In Silence, Inc, 4413 Tuckerman St, University Park, MD. Register: Info@DancingInSilence.com.

Seva Stress-Release Acupressure – 1-4pm. See Wed for details. $15-$40 (suggested). OurSpace, 809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD. Register: OurSpaceAcupuncture.org. Energy Yoga – 5:45-6:45pm. Classes use meridian stretching and tapping to open the energy flow, breathing postures to circulate and accumulate energy, and energy meditation to deepen your inner connections. $20. Dahn Yoga DC, 700 14th St, NW. Register: 202-393-2440. I Meditate DC: Introduction to the Art of Living – 7-8pm. See Tuesday for details. The Art of Living Foundation, 2401 15th St, NW. Register: Secure. ArtofLiving.org/Events.aspx. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction – 7-9:30pm. An eight-week program that assists people who want to learn to use their own internal resources to respond to stress, medical and psychological conditions, and promote healthy living. The Center for Mindful Living, 4708 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 200, NW. Info: LivingMindfully.org. Zumba – 8:30-9:30pm. See Tuesday for details. $10. Joe’s Movement Emporium, 3309 Bunker Hill Rd, Mount Rainier, MD. Register: JoesMovement.org.

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

natural awakenings

February 2014

communityresourceguide

COUNSELING CREATIVE COUNSELING AND

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green COACHING SERVICES, LLC Individual and Group Therapy & Life Coaching living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the 240-354-3854 Community Resource Guide, email Robin@NaturalAwakeningsDC.com CreativeCounselingAndCoaching.com to request our media kit. Offers high quality, culturally ACUPUNCTURE CITY ACUPUNCTURE CIRCLE

1221 Connecticut Ave, Ste 5B, NW, DC 202-300-8428 CityAcupunctureCircle.com

BEE KEEPING AZURE B LLC

4730 Bicknell Rd, Marbury, MD 301-743-2331 AzureBLLC.com

Safe, affordable acupuncture care. Pay what you can, $20-$50 per treatment. Join the Community Acupuncture movement.

Azure B LLC is a small family run permaculture farm in Southern Maryland. We offer beekeeping education, locally made equipment and support.

IX CHEL WELLNESS

202-630-2435 • Adam@IxChelWellness.com IxChelWellness.com We provide acupuncture and Intuitive Reiki services. Our mission is to heal our patients, ourselves, each other and our communities.

OURSPACE ACUPUNCTURE 809 Easley St, Silver Spring, MD 301-388-8085 OurSpaceAcupuncture.org

Natural, affordable, safe, holistic health care in a comfortable community setting. We ask for $15-$40 per session. Schedule your appointment online today.

CATERING

Catering and packaged foods using sustainable, organic, locally sourced ingredients. No processed ingredients. Specializing in international fusion dishes, paellas and tagines. Accommodate all dietary needs. See ad, page 21.

CHIROPRACTOR MELISSA WINDSOR, DC, CHC

Chiropractor and Certified Holistic Health Coach Restorative Health 202-244-6661 RestorativeHealth.org Dr. Windsor is a Chiropractor and Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach. She is an expert in using both chiropractic and nutrition in healing the body and balancing the immune system both for general wellness and in the face of specific disease states. See ad, page 3.

$15-$35 acupuncture. Open Tuesday/Thursday, 2-7pm, Wednesday/Friday/Saturday, 10am-2pm. Convenient to Brookland, Chillum, H St, the Hill, Hyattsville, Cheverly. Free parking. Walk-ins welcome.

GRACE PRODUCTIONS Grace Ogden, Principal 301-445-6771 GraceProductions.co

Ecologically sensitive architecture and building practices, responding to people and place.

Washington, D.C.

Evaluation, treatment, counseling, and education for all sexual health concerns. See ad, page 2.

NATALIE X. KORYTNYK, PHD

Individual & Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com With over 20 years of experience, D r. N a t a l i e K o r y t n y k i s a psychologist with an expertise in relationship difficulties, anxiety, depression, work stress, eating disorders and self-esteem. See ad, page 2.

TEAM BUILDING ASSOCIATES TeamBuilder@msn.com 703-241-2421 TeamBuildingAssociates.com

Conducting organizational and family constellations to improve relationships and resolve obstacles to personal and professional success.

CONSULTING

ARCHITECT

Couples Therapy GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com • SexMatters2Me@gmail.com

TonyaVirgan@gmail.com 301-585-6484

3808 34th St, Mt. Rainier, MD 301-864-1975 Revive-Acupuncture.com

7108 Holly Ave, Takoma Park 301-404-5578 HeliconWorks.com

MARY KENDELL, MS, NP

SUNNYSIDE GOURMET

REVIVE COMMUNITY ACUPUNCTURE

HELICON WORKS

competent and gender-sensitive therapy and life coaching for adults that promotes physical, psychological and spiritual well-being.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

Grace Ogden leads this consulting and event production firm that supports progressive social change with an awareness of why spiritual principles and practices matter. See ad, page 14.

DENTIST LYNN D. LOCKLEAR, DDS, LVIF

437 Cedar Street, NW, DC 202-829-7600 • : LifeEnhancingDentistry.com Dr. Lynn Locklear has helped many patients to get their “bite back” non-surgically after a diagnosis of TMJ Dysfunction. An International Associate of Dentists, Top in Washinton, D.C. in 2012. See ad, page 46.

ENERGY HEALING HEALING GATEWAY 877- 534-5534 HealingGateway.com

Sherry Lynn Dmytrewycz invites you to enter into a healthier, unlimited life with an energy clearing for you, your space or your animals. Handson or distance sessions. See ad, page 19.

EDUCATION WASHINGTON WALDORF SCHOOL 4800 Sangamore Rd, Bethesda 301-229-6107 WashingtonWaldorf.org

Washington Waldorf encourages the connections that broaden students’ experience and help them grow in new directions. Their teachers incorporate academic, artistic, and practical elements into every subject, creating memorable lessons— and highly successful scholars—along the way. See ad, page 24.

FITNESS FLEXAWARE

202-557-8384 Steve@FlexAware.com

Back Pain? Breathing Problems? FlexAware is remarkably effective for all ages, all health conditions. Applied neuroscience, based on the way young children move naturally.

ELEMENTS FITNESS AND WELLNESS CENTER

2233 Wisconsin, Ste 217, DC 20007 202-333-5252 • ElementsCenter.com Offering Pilates, GYROTONIC® Exercise, physical therapy, massage and more for clients of all ages. Experience the joy of moving and breathing freely at Elements Center. See ad, page 8.

HOWL TO THE CHIEF

733 8th St SE, DC 202-544-8710 • HowlToTheChief.com We carry a large assortment of natural, holistic, raw and organic diets for dogs, cats and small animals. Grooming and selfserve dog wash service too! See ad, page 35.

PAWS OF ENCHANTMENT 3415 Perry St, Mount Rainier 301-209-0411 PawsOfEnchantment.com

The original holistic pet spa in the Metro DC area. Rated ‘Best’ by Washingtonian Magazine. Let your pet be enchanted! See ad, page 11.

HERBS GREEN COMFORT HERBAL APOTHECARY & SCHOOL OF HERBAL MEDICINE 540-937-4283 Green.Comfort@gmail.com

Green Comfort offers a variety of educational opportunities for herbal studies, offering clinical training, integrated medicine and holistic nutrition. Apothecary and garden apprenticeships are available to returning students. Green Comfort Herbal Apothecary Clinic is available by appointment to anyone wishing to discuss their health concerns and a holistic healing regimen.

HOME ENVIRONMENT

5501 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 117 Carroll St NW, Old Takoma, DC 301-403-8957 • TheBigBadWoof.com The Big Bad Woof is a community resource for companion animals and their guardians. We are committed to providing nutritious foods for companion animals whether they are dogs, cats, small mammals, birds or fish. We provide access to organic, holistic and premium raw diets and a wide range of alternatives including holistic supplements for companion animals. See ad, page 32.

ANGELA GABRIEL, MSOM, LAC, CH GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055, 202-300-4981 Gwcim.com

Classical Chinese medicine, Japanese-style acupuncture, pain and stress management, chronic issues, family care, women’s health, pregnancy, children, Kiiko Matsumoto-style acupuncture, moxibustion, integrative medicine. See ad, page 2.

GW CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE 908 New Hampshire Ave, NW, DC 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com

A clinic that effectively combines use of traditional and conventional evidencebased medical practices through a variety of complementary and alternative therapies and has many years of close collaboration with George Washington University Medical Center and a variety of physicians in most subspecialties. See ad, page 2.

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 37.

MIKHAIL KOGAN, MD

MIKHAIL SOGONOV, PH.D.

InSitu EcoTesting LLC GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Sogonov@InSitu-ET.com Consulting company inspecting indoor environment for biological agents negatively affecting human health. Mainly focused on mold, also includes sewage contamination and pet and pest allergens. See ad, page 2.

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 Gwcim.com Dr. Kogan is Medical Director of GW Center for Integrative Medicine where he provides integrative consultations and primary care. In addition, he does geriatric consultations at GW University Hospital and makes home visits to frail patients. See ad, page 2.

NATIONAL INTEGRATED HEALTH ASSOCIATES

HEALTHY PETS THE BIG BAD WOOF

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

HYDROTHERAPY

5225 Wisconsin Ave, Ste 402, NW 202-237-7000 ext 118 NIHADC.com

VITALITY CLEANSING

571-331-1497 Inquiry@VitalityCleansing.com We offer an elegant and contemporary space using the natural element of water to gently wash debris from the colon. Our gravity-open system provides the connection between water and cleanliness that forms the basis for rejuvenation and vitality. See ad, page 28.

Leaders in Integrative Medicine and Biological Dentistry At National Integrated Health Associates, NIHA, our team of Integrative doctors blends the best of western medicine and safe, proven complementary and alternative therapies to help the body heal. See ad, page 31.

natural awakenings

February 2014

RESTORATIVE HEALTH

MASSAGE

4801 Wisconsin Ave, NW 202-255-6661 RestorativeHealth.org

AT EASE: TRAGER AND MASSAGE

Restorative Health is a patient-focused integrative medical practice dedicated to helping people achieve optimal health. Using a variety of healing therapies, the doctors at Restorative Health work with you in identifying the causes of illness and in shaping personalized, unique therapies to eliminate them. See ad, page 3.

ALI SAFAYAN, MD

Integrative Physician and Medical Acupuncturist Restorative Health 202-244-6661 • RestorativeHealth.org

Washington Waldorf is a pre-k through 12 independent school offering education for the whole child, blending arts, movement, and practical work with academics, in a developmentally appropriate way. Imagine a better way to learn! See ad, page 3.

LIFE COACH LIFE DANCE COACHING

410-736-9311 LifeDanceMe@gmail.com • LifeDance.me Michelle Dubreuil Macek offers a wholehearted, mindful life coaching approach to guide you towards breaking down limiting thoughts and creating space for joy, love and peace in your life. See ad, page 11.

MINDFULNESS COACHING FOR LIFE! 703-203-9202 Robyn@RobynPovich.com RobynPovich.com

Robyn Povich, Certified Professional Coach, Arbinger trained Coach, and Certified Facilitator of The Work™. She offers private sessions, retreats, workshops and tele-classes. Become more present and empowered in your life. See ad, page 11.

MARTIAL ARTS DANCING IN SILENCE, INC. 301-466-5894 Info@DancingInSilence.com

Washington, D.C.

Lisa Bregman 202-686-7202 LisaBregman@yahoo.com

Deep bodywork that uses rhythmic, wavelike movement to ease pain, joint and muscle tension, and release long-held uncomfortable movement and postural patterns. See ad, page 2.

POTOMAC MASSAGE THERAPY INSTITUTE 5028 Wisconsin Ave, NW PMTI.org

Whether you are looking for a new career, interested in continuing your education to expand your knowledge as a massage therapist, or drawn to take an introductory class on massage and bodywork for yourself, family and friends - come join the circle at PMTI. Classes and workshops available, as well as massages. See ad, page 35.

MEAL DELIVERY SERVICE POWER SUPPLY DC MyPowerSupply.com

Power Supply provides fresh, tasty, all-natural and nutritious meal plans. Just order online, pickup at one of our 46+ DC/MD/VA locations, heat and enjoy. We offer Pure Paleo, Mixatarian (Paleo-Inspired) and Vegetarian choices made with local and organic when possible. No gluten or dairy. Order one-time or on a recurring basis.

MEDITATION HUGH BYRNE, PHD Hugh-Byrne.com

Mindfulness-based counseling and meditation instruction. Dr. Byrne teaches classes, retreats, and workshops on Buddhism and meditation in the Washington DC area and nationwide and provides individual counseling.

MARIANNA LEDENAC, ND

Adult & Pediatric Naturopathic Medicine GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Dr. Ledenac is a Naturopathic Physician in family medicine caring for adults and children. She has a special focus in weight management (body composition improvement), nutritional assessments, pediatrics, and women’s health including fertility care. See ad, page 2.

KAREN THRELKEL, ND

Naturopathic Medicine Restorative Health 202-244-6661 • RestorativeHealth.org Dr. Threlkel provides her patients with a full range of naturopathic medical services, including naturopathic medical assessment, specialty laboratory testing, bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, detoxification, nutritional supplementation and herbal medicine. See ad, page 3.

NUTRITION KRISTA NOELLE

302-897-2407 Krista@KristaNoelle.com • KristaNoelle.com Krista combines her knowledge of physiology, medicinal herbs, foodas-medicine and the mind/body connection to evoke positive and lasting change with each individual client. She currently sees clients in the Baltimore and Washington area.

RAW LIVING D-LIGHT

571-471-2891 • Luzy@RawLivingDLight RawLivingDLight.com Alkaline foods to restore your health and nourish your body. Microgreens and sprouts, foods for superior health. Classes, workshops and private consultation. Available for lectures and home growing consultations.

NATUROPATHIC PHYSICIANS ALOE WELLNESS

5840 MacArthur Blvd NW, Ste 2, DC 202-966-2563 • AloeWellnessDC.com Our Naturopathic physicians, acupuncturist, massage therapist, reiki practitioner, and life coach provide a comprehensive and personalized approach to achieving optimal health and wellness.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

YES! ORGANIC MARKET YesOrganicMarket.com

Yes! Organic Market has provided healthful food, supplements and body care products at affordable prices for over 30 years. Visit any of our seven stores in the greater Washington DC metropolitan area. See ad, page 22.

PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS HERBAN LIFESTYLE HerbanLifestyle.com

Making the world a happier, healthier, better-smelling place by handcrafting herbal bath and body products using organic, natural and Fair Trade ingredients in earthfriendly packaging. See ad, page 15.

LIL OMM YOGA

WELLNESS

4708 Wisconsin Ave, NW, DC 20016 202-248-6304

BLUE HERON WELLNESS

10723B Columbia Pike, Silver Spring, MD 301-754-3730 • BlueHeronWellness.com Relax, rejuvenate, energize with acupuncture, massage, yoga, skincare and herbal medicine at our center or at your workplace.

A friendly, community yoga center welcoming all ages and stages of life. Offering open and honest teaching regarding yoga, wellbeing, family and spirituality.

THE YOGA FUSION STUDIO

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT BIODANZA EAST COAST USA 410-736-9311 BiodanzaEastCoast@gmail.com Biodanza-usa.com

Join us for personal development through a fusion of authentic movement, awesome music, and heartfelt emotions. A safe space for you to feel and dance organically all of the untapped potential within you. See ad, page 11.

WELLNESS COACHING ON THE WAY COACHING

Linda@OnTheWayCoaching.com OnTheWayCoaching.com Linda Mastro uses humor, intuition and compassion to coach people who are ready to take a pilgrimage into the heart of life.

Reiki-Biofeedback Practitioner GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • Gwcim.com Luann provides treatments and trainings in the use of Reiki handson and biofeedback for self-care, and Reiki care of others. See ad, page 2.

THERAPEUTIC YOGA LINDA LANG

GW Center for Integrative Medicine 202-833-5055 • TherapeuticYogaDC.com A highly experienced practitioner, certified in the medical, therapeutic arena of Cardiac Yoga. Specializing in chronic conditions and degenerative disease. Therapeutic yoga for special conditions and m e d i t a t i o n a r e o ff e r e d b y appointment with GW Center for Integrative Medicine. See ad, page 2.

THETA HEALING CREATIVE HEALING TRENDS 301-876-3475 CreativeHealingTrends.com

Rebecca Norris is a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, offering ThetaHealing, an extraordinary new technique that allows for immediate physical and emotional transformations and healings. See ad, page 4.

Yo g a c l a s s e s , t e a c h e r training, health and wellness seminars, and community wellness offerings. We are your home for a loving and cohesive yoga family. See ad, page 9.

Y’S ELEMENTS

202-246-9592 YaelFlusberg@gmail.com • YaelFlusberg.com Experienced yoga therapist/coach available for group and individual sessions drawing from a deep well of creative, somatic and reflective methods to help you flourish.

YOGA

REIKI LUANN JACOBS, SLP/RMT

4609 Willow Ln, Chevy Chase, MD 20815 301-656-8937 TheYogaFusionStudio.com

BELOVED YOGA

2001 Sunrise Valley Drive, Reston BelovedYoga.com Beloved Yoga embraces all traditions and paths of yoga and our classes are designed to give you a complete yoga experience. Our teachers come from different lineages offering you a wellbalanced practice and exposure to this ancient practice. One intention that you will find in all our classes is the philosophy of flow, integrating breath with movement creating a meditative space for the mind, body and spirit.

BUDDHA B YOGA

1115 U St NW, DC, Ste 202 202-588-5885 • BuddhaBYoga.com Experience a place of refuge and a spiritual center where all are welcome! A Vegan Vinyasa yoga studio and JivaMukti™ Yoga Center Affiliate. Open 7 days a week and offering over 55 classes a week, including 200-Hour Yoga Teacher Training. See ad, page 42.

DAHN YOGA

202-393-2440 WashingtonDC@DahnYoga.com DahnYoga.com

Dahn Yoga is a dynamic mindbody practice originating in Korea that combines stretching, flowing movement, deep PObreathing exercises and meditation in a simple and easy to learn format that focuses on the development of the body’s core strength as the basis of physical, mental, and spiritual health. See ad, page 41.

YOGA NIDRA AWAKEN MY HEART NOW Silver Spring, MD 240-839-1661 AwakenMyHeartNow.com

Compassionate, supportive, and skilled, Shira combines acupressure and yogic meditation in individual/group sessions to cultivate a whole-being path to healing and growth.

ZERO BALANCING LISA SCHUMACHER

4000 Albemarle St, NW Ste 202 202-244-9588 Lisa@Balancentering.com Helping others find natural ways to gain optimum health through Zero Balancing, Massage, Energy Therapy and Herbal Support. See ad, page 17.

natural awakenings

February 2014

LifeEnhancingDentistry.com INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF DENTISTS TOP IN WASHINGTON, DC 2012

call today for an appointment 202-829-7600 ~ 437 Cedar Street, NW ~ Washington, DC 20012 Lynn Locklear, DDS, LVIF

For centuries, even before there was â&#x20AC;&#x153;medicineâ&#x20AC;?, people have used essential oils for their medicinal and therapeutic qualities. Join us for a FREE webinar on December 27 at 7pm EST to learn how to use these oils for preventative and restorative health care. Contact me at mydoterra.com/purehealing for registration details or watch previously recorded classes.

Natural Awakenings SPECIAL OFFER the first 25 orders receive 148 page Modern Essentials Usage Guide, Free.

Call 435-513-9849

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com

BuddhaFest Presents

KRISHNA DAS March 26 7:30 pm Early Bird Tickets $35 After Feb. 26 $40 Door $45

A profound evening of soul-stirring music from the Grammy-nominated chant master of American yoga

KD KICKS OFF HIS NEW TOUR IN DC! Featuring Music From His New Album

Theatre of the Arts University of DC 4200 Connecticut Ave NW Washington, DC at Van Ness/UDC Metro

Tickets & Info

BuddhaFest.org Sponsored by Insight Meditation Community of Washington natural awakenings

February 2014

Degrees with Meaning for Careers with Purpose Master of Science in Health Promotion Enrolling April 2014 Maryland University of Integrative Health is one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s only accredited graduate schools with an academic and clinical focus on health and wellness. Here, the ability to be self-reflective and cultivate a healing presence is as critical to your academic success as competence in your chosen field. MUIH also offers graduate programs in: Health and Wellness Coaching | Nutrition and Integrative Health Herbal Medicine | Yoga Therapy | Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine

Online, on campus, and weekend options available No GREs required muih.edu 800-735-2968 48

Washington, D.C.

NaturalAwakeningsDC.com