August 2015 Evolving Magazine by Evolving Magazine

X volving

August 2015 ~ Vol.VII, Issue 6

in Kansas City

A Guide for Conscious Living Sacred Sexuality Through Committed Love Do You Have Your Sexy On? 12 Ways to Change From Performance to Pleasure Nutrient Density: The New Organic EVOLVINGâ&#x20AC;ŚIN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

Publisher’s Letter... Dear Friend: Our staff gathered recently to discuss possible cover art and stories for this issue on Sacred Sexuality. Not a traditional topic for the magazine, there was debate over what the term even means. While some thought full pouty lips illustrated sensuality, and thus sexuality, others thought it better expressed in the sense of two people sharing a sacred experience. And our differing views on sacred sexuality, just as in real life applications, are varied. So to cover the many ways to express Sacred Sexuality, we offer several viewpoints this issue: Karen Harrison’s article focuses on the act of sex and how to go from a performance-based to pleasure-based experience; Laura Wolf explores how committed love opens up the opportunity for sacred sexuality; columnist, Jude LaClaire, discusses same-sex marriage; and, Lesley Jackson asks, “Do You Have Your Sexy On?” And if after reading these great articles you’re still wanting more, go online where you can read articles from the Santa Fe, NM, edition of Evolving magazine. I’m so pleased to have the opportunity to share such a diverse mixture of articles on Sacred Sexuality. While sexuality is an important topic, it’s often glanced over. So as Salt-N-Pepa said in their same-titled song, let’s talk about sex.

Revelations: Do You Have Your Sexy On?

Cultivating the Capacity for Sacred Sexuality through Committed Self-Love 12 ways to Change From Performance to Pleasure 10

Jill Dutton Stay Connected all Month! *Read the magazine online: www.EvolvingMagazine.com *Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/EvolvingMagazine *Follow us on Twitter: @EvolvingMag

Nutrient Density: The New Organic Seared Diver-Caught Scallops, Succotash & Shallots in a Beurre Blanc

Departments

Publisher Jill Dutton 913-944-1298 jill@evolvingmagazine.com

Monthly Columnists Bethany Klug, Jude LaClaire, Aluna Michaels, Bonnie Rabicoff, Nancy Russell, Suzette Scholtes

Editorial Assistants Aaron Lerner Judy Kirkpatrick

Advertising

Print Layout/Design Alea Smith Ad Design Susan Prout

Karen E. Cowdry

News Wisdom Within Journey to Wholeness Holistic Health Food First In the Kitchen w/ Bonnie Revelations Wanderlust Horoscope Events

Connie “Crash” Humiston

ON THE COVER "Butterfly Awakening" by Karrie Marie Baxley. Artwork is Oil on Canvas and prints are available for sale. Karrie Marie is an artist and writer of the new book, Dancing With a Thousand Bees. Please visit KMarieArts.com for more information.

EVOLVING© 2015 all rights reserved. The opinions expressed are those of the authors. The articles in EVOLVING are not meant to represent any form of medical or psychiatric care. No portion of the publication may be reproduced without express written permission from the publisher. Distribution by PDS, Inc.

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AUGUST 2015

News & Tips

Acupuncture:The Key to Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies There are many secrets in Chinese medicine. One complex and often misunderstood ancient Chinese treatment is acupuncture. Acupuncture is a system that involves pricking the skin or tissues with needles, used to alleviate pain and to treat various physical, mental, and emotional conditions. Each cell, tissue, nerve ending, and organ holds its own energy and each has its own function within the self to keep the body running smoothly as a complete, unified whole. Strategically placing needles is said to be able to balance your life force known as qi or Chi. This life force is dual natured with both a masculine (yang) and feminine (yin) side. Nicole Miller, an acupuncture therapist and the owner of Infinity Chiropractic and Acupuncture in Kansas City, Missouri says that, “The energy found in the body moves in cycles—back to front, side to side.

This cycle represents the different elements (fire, earth, water, metal, and wood.) When there is an imbalance within the body, there is usually an issue with a specific element. For example, someone with a greenish tint would be experiencing a woodsy or earthy problem.” Nicole has many clients who have imbalances specifically within their gallbladder. The Chinese see this small organ as yang because it stores and excretes bile. They consider the liver to be the opposite, or yin, of the gallbladder because it is a more resting organ that sends the gallbladder bile. If one is off balance, so is the other. This creates issues such as vomiting, regurgitation, and hiccups. “Acupuncture, just like anything else, always relays back to metaphysics,” says Miller, who has been practicing acupuncture for six years and initially received a degree in chiropractic studies. Currently, she

Award-Winning Synchronicity Film Premieres Sept. 5

Notice of Nondiscriminatory Policy as to Students Transcendence Academy, Inc admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship, and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs. EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

A feature documentary on synchronicity will have its Kansas City premiere Sept. 5 at the first Om Film Festival. “What Is Synchronicity?” is a 90minute film directed by David Strabala, of Overland Park, and it was voted into the festival “by incredible popular demand” of the public, according to the festival website. The film’s world premiere was in November 2014 at the Wild Rose Independent Film Festival in Des Moines, where it captured seven awards. Top awards were for Best Metaphysical Film, Best Editing of a Feature Documentary and the Audience Choice Award for documentaries. The film was also accepted into the Doc Sunback Film Festival in Mulvane, KS, June 18-19. “What Is Synchronicity?” features intriguing stories of synchronicity, along with discussions from scientists, artists and others. This is Strabala’s first feature film. “I started the project in 2008 with an idea for a synchronicity book, but many were already written. Then several coincidences led me to making a film instead, especially because there hadn’t been a documentary on synchronicity,” recalled Strabala, who is a clinical social worker and storyteller.

AUGUST 2015

Soon after, he was able to interview such author/experts as scientist Dean Radin of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, mythologist Michael Meade, Jungian analyst J. Gary Sparks and Jungian therapist Robert Hopcke. Other scientists/ researchers included are Allan Combs, coincidence studies founder Dr. Bernard D. Beitman, and physics educator Sky Nelson. There are many local cast members, including therapist Lois Wilkins of De Soto, as well as artist Elaine Mills of Kansas City. The director of photography is David Lynn Gilmore of Prairie Village. “The word ‘synchronicity,’ was created by C.G. Jung, but the experience of meaningful coincidence is ancient. Jung wanted us to value subjective experience more openly so we might discover and trust the stories of our lives as they unfold. The challenge is how do we create language to discuss something that Jung said is acausal?” Strabala added. The Om Film Festival runs Sept. 4-6 at the Cinemark Palace Theater at the Plaza. Tickets on sale now: at www.OMFilmFest.com. Learn more about the film at www.whatissynchronicity.com and follow updates on Facebook.

News & Tips

“The Tao Experience” Comes to Unity Temple “The Tao Experience” with 97-yearyoung Tao Porchon-Lynch, embodying the mantra of “There is Nothing You Can Not Do,” sharing her yoga, her incredible life story, and living mindfully. One of the most acclaimed yoga teachers of our century, Tao is a mentor to me who embodies the spirit of yoga. Like yoga, she teaches us to let go and to have exquisite awareness in every moment. — Deepak Chopra Gretchen Robinson and the Cornerstone Foundation at Unity Temple present three unique events with this amazing woman of wisdom and Divine Love and Light on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, August 27, 28, and 29. Join Tao at Mark Blanchard’s Yoga, 95th and Mission Road, on Thursday, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m., for “The Eternal Energy of Yoga,” a master class sharing 89 years of yoga wisdom, focused on the pillars of yoga to achieve balance, strength, and integrity of the asanas, while exploring the rich potential of the body to renew, heal, and revitalize. Friday at Unity Temple, 7-9 p.m.: In a conversation complete with photography and her biographer Dr. Teresa Kay-Aba Kennedy, be enthralled by Tao’s journey on multiple continents as a WWII activist, actress, model, producer, and entrepreneur. Hear stories about how she helped the Jews escape the Nazis and

stories of icons such as Mahatma Gandhi and Ernest Hemingway. Learn her approach to overcoming obstacles and her philosophy of connected living, as well as her “secrets” to boundless energy and vitality. Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at Unity Temple, join Tao and Terri for a motivational, interactive workshop, “The Gandhi Effect”. Gandhi believed that all people can shape and guide their lives according to the highest ideals, and that personal change and the ability to bring about social change are linked. For more information visit www.markskcyoga.net or www.cornerstonefoundation.com, or call Gretchen Robinson at 913-901-8970 or Christine Garvey at 816-994-8009.

Ayurveda for Sexual and Reproductive Vitality Humans have been using the subtle qualities of herbs to strengthen the body for thousands of years. One prime example is the use of herbs in Ayurvedic medicine. Ayurveda is the ancient healing modality of India and has been cultivated and nurtured for over 5,000 years. Ayurveda uses the qualities of different activities, foods, herbs, and spices to bring balance to the body. Widely grown in Kashmir, saffron (Crocus sativus) is a beautifully unique spice with qualities that support reproductive and sexual health. Saffron nourishes all tissues with a particular affinity toward male/female reproductive tissues, blood, and the heart. This aromatic sweet-scented treasure encourages compassion while acting as a tonic for the blood systems. Saffron is used in Ayurveda to treat impotence, infertility, and low libido. Experience love by drinking a few strands of crushed saffron soaked in a cup of heated milk with cinnamon, cardamom, and honey.

Karen Harrison, Ed.S.

This can be drunk before romantic embrace to boost sexual desire, or to nourish the satisfied partners after their amorous evening. This next herb is said to give the person the sexual stamina of a horse. Rightly named Ashwagandha (Withaniasomnifera) which means “horse scent,” the roots of this plant increase sperm production, sexual potency and strength, and revitalizes male and female reproductive tissues. It acts to calm and relax the nervous system while also energizing the body. In Ayurveda, Ashwagandha is traditionally suggested for males and females for impotence, sexual debility, oligospermia, dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, and menstrual imbalances. This herb is also taken best in warmed milk along with honey and ghee.

Licensed Professional Counselor Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Reiki Master Teacher Usui Tibetan, Karuna & Kundalini Reiki

REIKI

• REIKI SESSIONS • REIKI CLASSES • CEU’S FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS COUNSELING • SEXUAL ISSUES • RELATIONSHIP/FAMILY • SPIRITUAL CONCERNS

• MANY INSURANCE PLANS COVER TANTRA • CLASSES & SESSIONS

816-523-4440 www.KarenHarrison.net Karen@KarenHarrison.net 8301 State Line Road, Ste 216 Kansas City, MO 64114

—Courtesy of Emily Glaser of Agni Ayurveda, 505-438-1163, www.AgniAyurveda.com.

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AUGUST 2015

Wisdom Within

Journey to Wholeness

Equality: Agony and Ecstasy

BY JUDE LACLAIRE, PH.D.

he Supreme Court decision on invite them to become more resilient, June 26, 2015, making same-sex learning to be independent of what marriage officially legal others think. nationwide, is historic and LGBT youth today continue to liberating. As President Obama said, experience bullying, suffer more from “Today is a big step in our march toward depression and substance abuse, and are equality.” For me, as for many, it is more often homeless than their another part of a life journey that has heterosexual peers. A recent study at been both an “agony and an ecstasy.” Ontario’s Schulich School of Medicine As we move forward, I am drawn and Dentistry found that policy changes inexorably to the past that brought me to and the reduction of social stigma might this place. This journey brought me into reduce the rates of suicide in transgender the center of my spiritual and sexual self. people. It has been, and continues to be, a The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), journey that is deeply in partnership with the National personal, powerfully “ For me, as Education Association (NEA), meaningful, and filled with and the American Counseling for many, it is Association (ACA) are great grief, greater joy, and challenges. It is with some the Time to Thrive another part sponsoring trepidation that I share this Third Annual Conference for story. I have become so used educators and youth-serving of a life to not speaking of it much. in Dallas, February journey that professionals My Catholic upbringing 2016. They will address and education influenced my has been inclusion, safety and well being life greatly. The search for my of LGBT and questioning youth, both an true self took me to the and will discuss best practices religious life as a nun, a for working with and caring for ‘agony and marriage, and finally, coming LGBTQ youth and their families out as a lesbian at age 35. an ecstasy.’” in all settings. Identifying oneself as part I continue to be encouraged of a group that is thought of as immoral, by the progress that has been made in my perverted, and unhealthy invites self39 years living this lifestyle. I want to inquiry, self-doubt, going deeper into continue to live the challenge of being one’s true and honest self, and often a fully human as I am, while accepting questioning of deeply held family, others in the same way. I want to be a religious, and societal beliefs. Exploring more compassionate, deeply spiritual, myself as a woman—as a lesbian—made lovingly sexual, and joyous person. I me look at spirituality and sexuality as invite you to do the same, whoever you interconnected parts of a whole. To be may be, embracing your differences and fully myself, accepting who I was, loving the differences of others around you. someone in a more complete human experience, opened me up to a life that is vast and marvelous, pulling me into a self -transcending experience. This was great ecstasy. The process of telling family and friends, figuring out how to succeed in my career as a counselor, and facing the new challenges of living in a society that did not accept me, were part of the next Jude LaClaire, Ph.D., LCPC, few decades. I moved to another state, is a counselor, educator and moved back, went through a custody author. For counseling battle (and won), which challenged my appointments, seminars, right to parent my daughter, found a training, speaking engagements spiritual path congruent with my more or information on integrated self, and learned to live quietly Neurobehavioral Programs or in the shadow of my truth. Imago Couple therapy call 913Many people who are minorities have 322-5622. For more information suffered, and continue to suffer from about Jude LaClaire or the prejudice, unfair laws and discriminatory Kansas City Holistic Centre go to behaviors and practices. These things test www.kcholistic.com a person’s ability to face difficulties and jude@kcholistic.com.

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

Become Free of Judging

“O

utside validation” is a ploy of our negative ego. “I am mega sum laudae,” some may think. “I’m better than you!” One may have accomplished this success but the attitude of superiority blocks intimacy with others. Could it be that outside validation validates our self worth, but at the same time diminishes our inner resources of self-love and self-esteem? “My hair is awful!” my friend said, her long blonde hair cascading down her back. In that moment I was admiring her beauty. She looked at me. “I must quit saying that,” she said. When we avoid judging self or others, pathways to freedom open like super highways. Author Paul Selig, who wrote The Book of Knowing and Worth, is in town this month at Aquarius bookstore. He writes that when we avoid imposing our will we allow others around us to become empowered to make their own best choices. Master yoga teacher, Aadil Palkhivala, visited us in June, teaching yoga nidra. This is a state of deep rest when one creates a powerful, heartfelt intent called san kalpa. Aadil made it clear: “We hold love and healing for those we love, but the intent you create in this ritual is for you. Period.” He went on to clarify the “law of attraction,” developed by the ancient yogis thousands of years ago. “You bring to you what you put out,” he said. “Vibe matches vibe.” How do we stop judging? First, be the mirror! Are you judgmental of yourself? Are you critical of yourself? Some project their negative thoughts upon others. Then, if around these folks, bubble up with protection and get boundaries up fast, fast, fast! Ever hear the phrase “Do not judge anyone until you have walked in his/her shoes for two moons?” The moon waxes and wanes just like human beings do. We may have compassion and empathy for others and at the same time stay strong with our own inner courage and conviction. Right before teaching the other day, I received a negative email. I chose to let it go and not say a word. No one knew my heart hurt. I wanted to say something but wished to keep the environment light and happy. Projecting for me was not an option.

AUGUST 2015

BY SUZETTE SCHOLTES

The same week someone at The Yoga School made a derogatory comment about another. I realized that judgments are based on someone’s beliefs, even superficial ones. They hold opinions such as “This is not how things should be done,” or “This is not the way one should act.” They may feel their opinion is the right, or best one; yet, if hammered onto someone else it crosses that fine line of judgment. I find this helpful: • Listen from the heart, not just your ears. Foster empathy and understanding. • Remember all judgments given out, or received, tear down walls of sharing and caring. • It’s helpful to put down boundaries, such as “let’s talk later,” when communication begins to go awry. • Try to chill out when conflict hits rather than react and complain: • “Let’s give this a day or so and talk about it later,” works for me. The ego loves to feel superior when we judge harshly, even ourselves. The ego may say “I am better than,” or “I am less than.” In either case, to recognize the lie of the ego

opens the love and healing of our soul and spirit. Suzette Scholtes’ non-fiction writing won the prestigious “Writers Digest” award. Her passions are writing and yoga and she feels one needs a sense of humor for both. She founded The Yoga School of Therapeutics where she manages one of the region’s prestige teacher training programs. 10400 W. 103rd Street, Overland Park. www.theyogastudio.com news@theyogastudio.com 913 492-9594.

Be Wise About Menopause

n her book, The Wisdom of Menopause, Christiane Northrup, M.D., challenges conventional medicine. Dr. Northrup says, “The change” or menopause is not simply a collection of physical problems to be “fixed”—whether with hormones or herbs—but a mindbody revolution that brings the greatest opportunity for growth. There is a connection between menopause and a woman’s emotional and spiritual life. The choices a woman makes at this time in her life, from the quality of her relationships to the quality of her diet, either secure her health and well-being for the rest of her life, or put her future at risk.” Menopause is defined as no menstrual periods for 12 months. The time prior to actually stopping your periods and starting to have symptoms of hormonal changes can be 5 to 10 years. This pre-menopausal time is caused by a decrease in progesterone and therefore the estrogen hormone is dominant. Estrogen dominant symptoms can include: irregular menstrual periods, excessive bleeding with periods, bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, mood swings like irritability and depression, weight gain around the middle and hips, and premenstrual headaches. Other estrogen dominant symptoms include ovarian cysts, cystic and lumpy breasts, endometriosis, anxiety and easy to anger. Some women have minimal symptoms of pre-menopause and just glide through gracefully. These women handle stress well, have a healthy life style and positive relationships. The next step in the change is to stop having menstrual periods and estrogen drops off rapidly over a few weeks to months. Low estrogen symptoms can include: hot flashes, night sweats, non-restful sleep, heart palpitations, fuzzy thinking, vaginal dryness, low sex drive and moodiness. Low

Holistic Health

BY DR, NANCY RUSSELL testosterone often accompanies or precedes the drop in estrogen and can cause symptoms of decreased sex drive, decreased overall energy and stamina, decreased ability to build muscle and thinning pubic hair. Another reason for all of these varied symptoms can be caused due to stress on the thyroid and adrenal glands, as well as the brain neurotransmitters during pre and post menopause. With our stressful life styles, many women start into menopause with exhausted resources. The most common stressors that women may face at this time are: excessive and/or unremitting worry, anger, guilt, anxiety or fear, depression, excessive or lack of exercise, exposure to toxins, chronic allergies, overwork, late hours, insufficient sleep, surgery, chronic illness or unhealed trauma or injury. Because of the significant impact menopause may bring to women’s lives, there are many and varied treatment possibilities. Start by being proactive and work on lifestyle factors. If you are still experiencing significant symptoms, there are herbs and over the counter natural progesterone creams that can be very effective. Dr. Christiane Northrup’s book, The Wisdom of Menopause has several recommendations for menopause, as well as adrenal and thyroid support. If all lifestyle and nutraceutical approaches are not successful, then a balanced approach using individualized bio -identical hormone replacement can be considered. These prescription strength hormones are prescribed by physicians and prepared by compounding pharmacies using extracts from soybeans and yams. The molecular structure of these hormones are designed to be an exact match to the human body. These bio-identical hormones can be given in several forms, including capsules, troches, creams or suppositories.

Even though they are natural, monitoring of hormone levels is advised as well as annual gynecology exams. Side effects can occur, so normal precautions and close monitoring by a physician is recommended. Approaching menopause in not an easy, one-size-fits all answer. Some women may need or want hormonereplacement therapy, some simply don’t! The choices may be nutritional and herbal support, thyroid and adrenal support, neurotransmitter support, prescription hormones, emotional and spiritual growth or a combination of these approaches. My recommendations are: educate yourself, add a large dose of intuition, prayer and meditation, and feed and exercise your body well. Yes, you can proceed through this transition with boldness, poise and grace.

Nancy Russell, M.D., is a holistic Internal medicine physician, blending traditional and alternative medicine in her Kansas City northland practice for over 30 years. For more information on getting to know Dr. Russell, visit her website, www.nancyrussellmd.com or call her office at Nurturing Optimal Wellness at 816-453-5545.

Jay Peters M.S., D.MIN

For a consultation call: (913) 339-9591 • Licensed Professional Counselor • Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist • Certified Hypnotherapist • Addiction Specialist • Spiritual Counseling

8700 Indian Creekway Park, Suite 220 Overland Park, KS 66210 www.drjaypeters.com

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

Food First

In the Kitchen with Bonnie

Chef Charles d’Ablaing

BY BONNIE RABICOFF

his month Bonnie shares a recipe by celebrated Chef Charles d’Ablaing.

Bonnie Rabicoff is the producer and host of the multi-media foodie series “In the Kitchen with Bonnie.” She has served as the Vice President of Development for KCPT Public Television and the Marketing Director of The Barstow School where she founded and coordinated “The Barstow School Organic Farmers’ Market and Chef Series.” www.inthekitchenwithbonnie.com

Seared Diver-Caught Scallops, Succotash and Shallots in a Beurre Blanc U.S. diver-caught scallops are collected by hand, with minimal effects to the environment. The boats catching the scallops are "day boats", which return to shore to offload at the end of each day. Scallops on boats that stay at sea for many days are often treated with preservatives to keep them from spoiling until they are delivered to shore. These preservatives are not necessary on day boats. Untreated scallops are also often called “dry” scallops.

For the Scallops: Ingredients 12 large scallops 1 oz. veg. oil Salt & Pepper to Taste Directions Sear in a sauté pan with the veg. oil on both sides for about 30 seconds each.

For the Succotash: Ingredients 1 cup blanched lima beans 1 cup fresh corn kernels ½ cup diced tomato Pinch fresh thyme, 2 tbls. Onion, small dice 1 tspn. Garlic, chopped 1 tspn. Parsley, chopped 2 tbls. Veg. oil 1 cup white wine 2 tbls. Roasted shallots, chopped 1.5 oz. butter Salt & Pepper Directions In a hot sauté pan add the oil, garlic and onions and sauté for 5 minutes. Then add the limas, corn, tomato, herbs and wine bring to a boil. Add the butter and shallots, stir until all the butter has melted. Cook until the liquid has been reduced by half, season and serve.

Nutrient Density: The New Organic BY DR, BETHANY KLUG

otice the explosion in farmers markets, urban agriculture, community and home gardening lately in Kansas City? Cultivate KC, formerly the Kansas City Center for Urban Agriculture, has been behind this boom and marked their 10th year in June. Hubby and I were among the earliest supporters of this wacky idea that has become an international sensation. We weren’t about to miss Cultivate KC’s Birthday Bash on the lawn of Westport Middle School. While there I caught up with Gibbs Road Community Farm manager, Josh Smith. Gibbs Road is Cultivate KC’s training farm. Hubby and I have belonged to their CSA for years and our membership will be passed down to our heirs. That’s how much we covet our membership! Josh and I shared our visions for the future of Cultivate KC. Surprisingly, his vision is to improve the nutrient density of the food grown at Gibbs Road. “Everyone is growing organic now, but with the laxity of the federal standards, not all organic food is nutrient dense,” says Josh. Josh has another reason to rank nutrient density high on his list. His wife, Charlotte, manages a chronic autoimmune disease without medications. Organically grown, freshly picked food plays a key role in keeping her symptoms at bay. Gabriel Cousen’s Tree of Life Rejuvenation Center leads the way in growing nutrient dense food. They use sustainable veganic gardening methods, including effective microorganisms—read probiotics—humic acids, products of decaying organic matter that help the soil hold onto nutrients and enzymes; seaweed extract and sea-crop ocean water concentrate for a broad spectrum of minerals, not the just sodium, phosphorus and potassium used in conventional farming; mycorrhizal fungi inoculant because fungi make up the communication system of the soil; composting for organic matter and cover crops which fix nitrogen into the soil. If this is all gobbledygook for you, consider this: I eat far less at Tree of Life than I do at home. Why? Because I don’t need to eat as much to get the nutrients by body needs. It sends up the full signal much sooner. I suspect low food nutrient density is a key cause of the obesity epidemic in this country.

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AUGUST 2015

What a relief to know that obesity isn’t the self control issue it’s made out to be! Nutrient density also explains why calorie counting to lose weight does not work in the long run. Josh, to my delight, is already working to make one of my visions a reality. The winter months are so difficult with limited access to fresh produce. Gibbs Road plans to store root vegetables and grow greens under cover all winter long. Josh says, “We can do it. In New England they farm yearround and they are much further north than we are.” My other vision is to develop a local-regional food system. With the drought in California, it is painfully clear that growing most of the nation’s food in one area of the country is a bad idea. Besides, that, the food is at least two weeks old by the time it reaches your grocer. So much for nutrient density! It makes sense for food to be grown everywhere it is eaten for so many reasons, including nutrient density, freshness, jobs, improved access to food, and as a back-up system if any area of the country’s production falls short. Want to taste what I’m talking about? You’ll find Gibbs Road Community Farm produce at the Brookside Farmer’s Market on West 63rd St between Wornall and Brookside Blvd, Saturday’s from 8 am - 1 pm through October 31st, and 9 am noon through November 21st.

HealthSpan, the holistic medicine practice of Dr. Bethany Klug, is offering some excellent classes this summer to help you reduce your toxic load and add some quick, easy and delicious dishes to your weekly repertoire. Learn more at www.HealthSpanKC.com.

Revelations

Do You Have Your Sexy On?

esilience is not the sexiest word. Even the characteristics that make up a resilient person— wisdom, courage, and strength— have more of the boy next door feel to them than the charisma of a leading man. They are solid and steady words. Yet someone in possession of resilience is generally also a very selfconfident person. Nothing is sexier than confidence. Often, when I hear people speaking about resilience, it is almost as a consolation prize for things gone wrong. As if they are referring to the unfortunate second child, the one that will just have to make do with a less gifted and bright future. Hopefully this child will be blessed with resilience that the first child doesn’t need because the first is the glory child, the one heading off to a fine college back east, life path assured. But we all have moments in life when everything falls apart and nothing seems to go our way. Even in the Ivy League… and it is during these times that resilience becomes necessary. It is wise not to wait until resilience is needed to begin to develop it. The good news is resilience is like a muscle; it can be developed. Some people have it more than others, but those who do not have it can be taught resilience. The ability to bend with events and not break under the stress of them is flexibility. The ability to remain positive that the future entails something better than the moment is optimism. And the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries and care for oneself during rocky and uncertain times is selfcompassion. These are three more characteristics of the resilient person. It is during times of stress, when everything has broken down and we feel like we are at the bottom of the proverbial barrel, that we run the risk of looking to be rescued. We feel called to start looking for that leading man to ride in on his white horse, complete with his shiny sword. It is a nice dream; the desire that someone will rescue us from all the things that go wrong in life, but the truth is the only one who can live our life, or save us, is us. I have begun to think of resilience as the inner beloved, the one to turn to when events seem to go in any direction other than the way we had hoped or planned. The inner-beloved resilience reminds me how great I am at creating new chapters for my life. It also helps me to keep my

BY LESLEY JACKSON

sense of humor and perspective when the light at the end of the tunnel turns out to be a train, again! When external events are stressful or challenging it is often the easiest thing we can do to look to other external events to help us feel better: “Maybe I can go on this dating site and find the perfect companion to be my happily ever after.” “Or I could buy some more new shoes.” “I know; I will obsess on the choices my children are making and keep myself occupied with their lives.” This works for a while, then the freshness wears off and we are forced to find something else to divert us again. Or we can go within. I used to go to great lengths to avoid going within; my greatest goal in my 20s and early 30s was to be mainstream. I knew I carried some heavy stuff within, but I had no desire to revisit that stuff. It was bad enough the first time. I wanted to avoid the self-reflection, having no idea the gifts that it would give me when I finally surrendered and dove into my inner work. By doing my inner work I have discovered my strong, wise, and courageous self that I know without a doubt I can rely on when life throws its curve balls. Resilience is not flashy, sexy, or exciting, but it has a steady burn that excites me more today than flash ever could. So you could say that today I have my sexy on, and I wish the same for you!

Lesley Jackson is a Transformation & Recovery Guide, Conscious Breathing Practitioner, and Co-facilitator of Personal Power Recovery Retreats with KC Bushnell at The Light Center in Baldwin Kansas. Inspiring those who feel stuck to recover their inner champion and create a life with purpose. www.lesleyajackson.com www.lightcenter.info 816-654-2521

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

Feature

12 Ways to Change From Performance to Pleasure

en, do you ever worry about whether you will be able to get or maintain an erection? Women, do you worry about not having any desire for sex? Men and women, do you feel pressured by your partner to have an orgasm every time? Has your sex life become boring? Are you worried that your body isn’t responding sexually the way it used to? As a certified sex therapist and tantric teacher, these are concerns I hear from my clients on a regular basis. With some education about more realistic expectations, combined with my tips below, you can find more pleasure in your sexuality. Additionally, sacred sexuality practices, often called Tantra, focus on connection, being present, and enhanced pleasure. The tips below incorporate some tantra practices. We can expand our view of sex beyond the physical into the emotional, mental, and spiritual domains.

BY KAREN HARRISON

maintaining an erection, he is likely to lose the erection.

Women’s Sexuality For women, the most common complaint I hear is a lack of sexual desire. They wonder what happened to the desire they felt in their younger years before their career, babies, and roles as a wife and homeowner. Many women think that if they lack sexual desire, they won’t be able to be sexual. I suggest to women to get in the mood by creating the mood. Hire a babysitter and go on a date. Create a sensual evening at home. Get away for a romantic night or two where you both can relax and have fun. Most women need to be able to relax and connect with their partner in order to feel “in the mood.”

Orgasm Facts

Men and women in my practice often think each one needs to have an orgasm every time. I share with them that it isn’t necessary for a man to ejaculate every Men’s Sexuality time, especially after age 50, and that it According to Barry McCarthy in can put pressure on a woman to feel she Coping with Erectile Dysfunction, 90 needs to reach a climax. Here are some percent of men by age 40 have one interesting orgasm statistics from The incidence of inability to achieve an erection sufficient for intercourse, and 50 Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada: 10 percent of women are not percent of men by age 50 have some able to orgasm. Only about a third of erectile anxiety. Between the ages of 6065, one-third of men abstain from having women experience orgasm regularly during intercourse. A third can reach sex due to inhibited desire caused by orgasm with intercourse but need extra performance anxiety, and between the stimulation. A third never achieve orgasm ages of 70-75 this number has increased during intercourse but can by manual and to two-thirds. I share with men that it is normal to not oral stimulation. Think about love making as the journey rather than orgasm as the always have destination. Many women report to me an erection that the most important part of when you lovemaking for them is the physical want one, and that it is closeness and intimacy. So how can we shift from a performance-based mode to a nothing to worry about. pleasure orientation? Instead, he 12 Ways to Change from can focus on Performance to Pleasure pleasuring 1. Expand your focus. Many couples his partner head right for the genitals. Instead, try with kisses caressing the head, neck, hands, arms, and caresses, legs, back, stomach, and feet. Every or his fingers part of your body is a potential and tongue. erogenous zone. Consider using oil, The penis can such as coconut oil. Use light touch and still feel don’t try to give a therapeutic massage. pleasure even Give and receive pleasure without any when it is not goal. erect. If the 2. Take your time. Set aside 30 minutes man focuses to two hours for love play. on his anxiety 3. Make it playful. Be silly and laugh. about getting Act like animals. Create a role play or

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

such as she is the policewoman who has pulled over the man who now has to give sexual favors to her. 4. Gaze into each other’s eyes. Spend time in the silence looking into each other’s eyes for five to 15 minutes. This exercise is very intimate! 5. Take turns creating a night of pleasure for your partner. Make it all about your partner’s pleasure and take your time. 6. Make intercourse off limits for a month or more but have weekly or more often sexual dates where you explore everything else but intercourse. Think back to all the things you enjoyed doing in your younger years before you began having intercourse. 7. Have a long make-out session, or demonstrate on your partner how you like to be kissed. Many women have told me that taking time with kissing is what most gets them in the mood. 8. Have a tantric coaching session. Explore how to shift into a sacred space, be mindful with love play, connect deeply, and expand orgasms. I love teaching Tantra to couples. Or take a weekend Tantra class. Check out www.ipsalutantra.org, www.tantraheart.com, or www.skydancingtantra.org. 9. Breathe together. You can meditate together or spoon and breathe together. This practice literally gets the two of you on the same wavelength. 10. Dance together or for your partner. Moving your body, especially your pelvis, can stir up the juices!

AUGUST 2015

11. Show and tell. Demonstrate for your partner how you like to be touched. 12. Learn the exciting new practice called Orgasmic Meditation. Check out www.onetaste.us. I can refer you to a coach.

Conclusion So now you have lots of ideas on how to be more pleasure focused. Try one new idea each week or month that you both agree on. Trying new things will relieve any boredom that has crept into your sex life. As we age, it is more and more important to focus on pleasure rather than performance because our bodies may not respond as easily as in younger years. With a pleasure-based focus, you can enjoy sexuality through your whole life rather than giving it up.

Karen Harrison is a Certified Sex Therapist, Tantra teacher, marriage and family therapist, and Reiki teacher. www.karenharrison.net

Feature

Cultivating the Capacity for Sacred Sexuality Through Committed Self-Love BY LAURA WOLF

o you long for soulful sexual connection that feels deep, raw, juicy, vulnerable, generous, vast, and free? Do you want to give yourself completely, open your body, heart, mind, and spirit, and hold nothing back? D you desire to be cherished for every aspect of you—the light, the dark, and everything in between? We all long for this kind of sacred union. It is one of our deepest human needs. So how do we get there? Most people skip the first few steps by seeking connection through another person. Several years ago, through a series of painful events, I became aware that I had unconsciously been using sex most of my adult life as a desperate attempt to feel connection. I had a lot of great sexual experience—fun, hot, juicy, tender, and wild—but I had no idea how to love myself. I kept creating disappointing relationships with men who also did not love themselves. We cannot get connection from anyone outside of ourselves. It already exists within us, but we must do the work of going within to find it. Sacred sexuality begins with connection with your self and the true source of love, your Inner Beloved. “Beloved” is simply a name for the divine source of unconditional love. The Beloved lives in us, as us, and all around us. There is never any shortage of love, only our resistance to, or unawareness of it. The Beloved is always available for us, no matter what. Communing with your Inner Beloved provides a pathway for developing true self-love. Sheri Winston, one of America’s leading teachers of sacred sexuality, writes in her book, Women’s Anatomy of Arousal: Secret Maps to Buried Pleasure, “If you want to have better sex, explore your full potential and have deeply healthy and sustainable relationships with others, you need to begin with your relationship with yourself and bring your sexuality into the light of awareness. Only after you have done this important learning and healing work and developed a strong foundation of self-love and connection to your source can you become your own fabulous lover, and proceed from there to have your relationships with others be the healing partnerships and divine union we all long for.” I stumbled upon my Inner Beloved in the midst of a breakup eight years ago. Lying in bed one night, lonely and miserable, I cried out to Spirit to help me learn to love myself so that I could stop creating such painful relationships. As if in answer to that prayer, I suddenly felt the presence of a strong, loving masculine energy next to me in bed. Tall, dark, and mysterious, my Inner Beloved wrapped his arms around me and held me as I cried. He listened to my pain and told me I could cry in his arms as long as I needed. Something changed in me that night. My panic subsided, a deep sense of calm and contentment permeated my being and I slept deeply. Each subsequent night when I crawled into bed and the lonely feelings crept in with me, I called upon my

Communing with Your Inner Beloved

You are the principle source of your own pleasure.The poverty or richness of your sexual experience is ultimately up to you. No one can give you sexual ecstasy; it comes from within. —Margot Anand

Are you willing to be totally raw, juicy, vulnerable and deeply connected with yourself? Here are some simple steps for beginning a relationship with your Inner Beloved: 1. What does your ideal lover look like? What are some of your Inner Beloved’s character traits (kind, loving, generous, funny, fun, romantic, etc.)? Write out as many details about your Beloved as you can. 2. What does your Inner Beloved appreciate about you? How do you want to be loved? 3. Sit quietly and begin to connect to your breath, slowing down and relaxing your body. When you feel present with your self, conjure up the presence of your Inner Beloved. Just be together at first, breathing in each other’s essence. 4. Imagine your Inner Beloved holding you and infusing you with love. 5. Repeat often!

We made a commitment from the beginning to share all parts of ourselves—all of our thoughts, fears, doubts, dreams, and especially anything we thought the other Inner Beloved to hold and love me. I shared my fears, person might not accept about us. We also committed to hopes, and insecurities. He listened, stroked my hair and reconnect over and over again with the source of love said loving things to me. within ourselves, especially when we are upset with each Eventually, I made love with my Inner Beloved. Not other. just masturbating to achieve orgasm, but slowing Inner Beloved practice allows you to feel held, heard, everything down, breathing deeply, opening my heart, loved, and supported from within, regardless of outer and imagining my Beloved making love with me in circumstances. When you provide spaciousness, exactly the ways that I longed for. At last, I had a healthy gentleness, compassion, and love for all parts of yourself, way to express my own sacred sexual energy—a way that you can bring all parts of yourself into your actually generated the experience of love that I longed relationships. This is the true foundation of sacred for—rather than creating chaos and disappointment in sexuality. my life. Internationally acclaimed authority on tantra Margo Anand writes, “The purpose of meeting your Inner Lover is rooted in the understanding that the more selfaccepting you are, the more orgasmic you become. When you criticize yourself, one part of you is fighting against another part, and consequently your energy is in conflict. In a state of self-acceptance, your energy is unified. By connecting with your Inner Lover and experiencing selfacceptance, your potential to be orgasmic is greatly Laura Wolf teaches radical self-love and enhanced.” the path to unlocking your sacred purpose. As I practiced connecting with my Inner Beloved, I As a transformation coach, workshop began to feel loved and whole within myself. I learned to leader, Master Facilitator of the Shamanic value myself and treat myself well. A year into this Breathwork Process and the founder of practice an entirely different quality of man came into Shaman’s Heart Sanctuary, Laura works my life. Conscious, loving, and deeply engaged in his with clients via phone and Skype and leads own Inner Beloved practice, this man eventually became retreats around the world my life partner. www.shamansheartsanctuary.org , laurawolf@shamansheartsanctuary.org.

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

Waderlust

Hostels, Hotels and Townhomes (Oh, My!) A Variety of Lodging in Santa Fe, NM BY JILL DUTTON

raveling solo is a lonely business, so part of my goal each trip is to meet as many local folk, as well as fellow travelers, as possible. Meeting new people takes away some of the loneliness of traveling alone, plus it creates a network of friends I might never have known. I’ve spent several weeks in Santa Fe this year on three separate trips and decided to try it all: a hostel, a motel near the Plaza, a hotel on the edge of town and a townhome on the Plaza. It doesn’t get any more varied in experience than that. And you know what? I loved them all. No matter what your goals, the lodging in Santa Fe offers something for every budget—and plenty of opportunities to meet and connect with other travelers and locals. On the shuttle bus from Lamy, NM, to Santa Fe, it felt as if everyone had a sudden burst of excitement after the lethargy of the long train ride. Where are you from? Where are you staying? As everyone listed off their luxurious lodging destinations, it was my turn: The Santa Fe International Hostel. Everyone turned to look at me. I’m not the typical backpacker spending a year traveling before college, so I’m not who you would typically expect to see at a hostel. But after spending three months backpacking parts of Europe as a teenager

View at the Santa Fe Sage Inn

with my mom, I have a fondness for hostels—and I know from experience that there’s no better way to meet fellow adventurers, either.

Santa Fe International Hostel

American-style accents, the unpretentious rooms and suites come with satellite TV, free WiFi and coffeemakers. Some units also include mini fridges. There’s a complimentary continental breakfast each morning. Even though it was January when I stayed at the Inn, I noticed a seasonal outdoor pool. There’s also a 24/7 exercise room and a business center. Although it’s not as easy to meet fellow travelers in a The fire pit and pool at the Inn at Santa Fe motel, the free breakfast did provide a chance to connect with other guests.

1412 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505-988-1153 www.hostelsantafe.com The Santa Fe International Hostel is a 501(c)3 educational not-for-profit corporation in operation for over 30 years. Each guest is required to clean their room when they check out and also has a daily chore; thus, the place is impeccably clean and guests feel a responsibility to take care of their space. While dorm rooms rent for Fairmont Heritage Place, El Inn at Santa Fe only $20 a night, Corazon de Santa Fe 8376 Cerrillos Rd, I splurged on a 103 Catron St, Santa Fe, NM 87507 private room Santa Fe, NM 87501 505-474-9500 with a bath for 505-995-6569 www.innatsantafe.com $35 a night. The www.fairmont.com/el-corazon-santa-fe/ room held two Adjacent to the Fashion And sometimes you want to go all out sets of bunk beds, Outlets of Santa Fe off and stay right in the heart of downtown a queen size bed Interstate 25, this fullySanta Fe, just blocks from the Plaza area. and a desk. As I functional business The Fairmont Heritage Place offers unpacked my few hotel is 10 miles from townhomes for rent or to purchase in belongings in the Plaza area, but shares. They offer the comforts of a such a large offers easy access to residence with the benefits of a luxury Santa Fe International Hostel room, I imagined how jump onto the highway—or the hotel. fun it would be to have a shuttle can be reserved in There’s a clubhouse where you can meet group of girlfriends rent it for the night. advance. other guests or exercise in the gym. Or walk The hostel has a group area with a While there isn’t a traditional just three blocks to the historic Santa Fe lending library, games, a computer to rent, restaurant, there’s a full complimentary Plaza and explore all the businesses, and lots of reading materials. There’s a fully breakfast buffet each morning (no lunch churches, and attractions that make Santa -equipped industrial kitchen with basic served) and a Happy Hour with menu Fe, NM, such a desirable locale. pantry items for anyone to use. My first items from 5-8 p.m. each evening. The night there I cooked up a huge pot of pasta Happy Hour is perfect for meeting other Jill Dutton is publisher of Evolving and made instant friends with a couple of guests as the dining area is set up with magazine. She is traveling this year via hungry men—Tom, a Canadian who had groups of chairs around a fireplace and Amtrak writing feature articles and an been there for a month and was still long booths that connect the tables, making eventual book, Wanderlust: One Woman’s deciding where he would travel next, and it easy to chat with neighboring diners. Journey of the USA by Rail. Follow Jill’s Danny, an Australian who got off the train One night, while waiting for my dinner, travels at www.jilldutton.wordpress.com. with me in Lamy. Each day I enjoyed I overheard two gentlemen dressed in full sipping tea while watching Tom work on a cowboy attire at the next table, “I’m gonna jigsaw puzzle, or chatting with other guests. get my horse and ride into Living room in townhome at Fairmont Heritage Place town and shoot them fer Santa Fe Sage Inn what they did.” My head 725 Cerrillos Rd, snapped to look at them. Santa Fe, NM 87505 Is this truly the Wild 505-982-5952 West? He must be joking. www.santafesageinn.com Turns out he wasn’t Located right across from the joking. The two were in Santa Fe Railyard Park and town for a month filming only a few blocks from the a television show, The galleries, shops, and Gunslingers, an restaurants on Guadalupe American Heroes Street, this Southwest-style Channel Docudrama. hotel is 0.9 miles from the Several Western films historic Santa Fe Plaza. A daily were filming at the time, shuttle takes guests to the and my dinner Plaza area and picks them up companions shared their each hour. stories as we ate. Featuring Native

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015

Spiritual Horoscope

Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) Yea! Jupiter is in your sign for 12 months, bringing happiness, prosperity, and all the blessings you can visualize and open up to! Be sure to meditate and release old frustrations, anger, and disappointment from the past two years. Say, No!! to limiting beliefs you’ve created from these challenges. Work with affirmations to manifest the reality you want and deserve!

August 2015 Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) Happy birthday Leo! Mars is in your sign, giving energy and enthusiasm! You’ve got courage to make many changes, so meditate about your deepest desires, set goals and go for it! Prosperous Jupiter creates abundant finances, selfworth and emotions this whole birth year.You got it made! Enjoy your good karma!

Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) Saturn moves forward, relieving financial stress! Revisit your budget and get clear on spending habits to allow more abundance to flow. Spiritual Jupiter re-ignites your faith. Meditation will be easier and more fruitful. Rest in the internal peacefulness, knowing your soul’s desires (whatever they be) will be fulfilled!

Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) Mars empowers you at work, giving a promotion, raise, or an exciting project that leads to acclaim! Make sure you meditate to continue to sweep away negative expectations and limiting beliefs. Saturn in Scorpio has been a challenge these past three years, but now you’ll reap rewards of hard work, so stay positive! Also, open to new fun, spiritual friends!

Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) The Universe will show what keeps you from achieving goals—be they career, interpersonal, or spiritual. Meditation reveals past-life karma or this-life resentments and fears that create blocks. Even awareness of subconscious pieces dissolves them! Look forward to a new job, promotion, or an amazing supervisor; improvements in emotions and with family; enthusiasm for spiritual growth!

Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) Expect prosperity, creativity, and empowerment! You’ll also feel supersexy, or at least others will think you are! More importantly, Jupiter inspires you over the next 12 months to pursue spiritual goals. You’ll have blissful

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

meditations and link easily with your intuition. You might even travel to a place that lights up your soul. You have the power to erase negative karmic patterns and rewrite fulfilling life outcomes!

Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Many changes are happening in relationships. You can be stubborn, so meditate on flexibility. These shifts will free you from limiting patterns and allow more joy and fulfillment. Sexuality and intimacy issues heal. Prosperity avenues also open. Career blocks will resolve and creativity flows. Be open, even if fearful, and watch life blossom!

Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) Relationship struggles are resolved! Jupiter opens doors that haven’t been for 12 years. Walk through them with gratitude, while releasing old thought frameworks created from years of disappointments. You’ll also feel more love from the Universe and know that you are an amazing, valuable soul. Get out in nature each day to enhance your moods even further.

Gemini (May 21 – June 20) Make a decision to eliminate bad health habits. Prioritize your list in order of importance and take steps toward each item. Maybe quit sugar and gluten — or make time for mediation and yoga — whatever stands in the way of optimal health and joy. You’ll feel more empowered to make work changes too. Rely on potent affirmations to maintain your motivation.

Cancer (June 21 – July 22) Big improvements happen in relationships! Meditate about how you might withhold emotion or be passiveaggressive due to old hurts. Those issues can also be from old partners, parents, or even past lives. Opening your heart attracts prosperity too. You’ll feel inwardly strong and protected, knowing you’re the master of your life. You’re only a victim to your karmic script, which you can alter once you’re aware of how it’s been subconsciously running you!

Aries (March 21 – April 19) Like Pisces pals, it’s a great relationship month! You can meet someone new or have a current connection reignite with passion. Meditate to release old issues that block joy. Trust in the present! Also think lovingly about your body. How can you treat it better? Maybe plan meals instead of eating on the run. Or book regular massages. Or be consistent with yoga. You’re worth the extra effort!

Taurus (April 20 – May 20) Many signs have great relationships this month, and you’re one! Release all negative belief systems and open to new possibilities! Your past only dictates your future if you allow it. Meditate on a written list of your deepest wishes about love and intimacy. Sit with it each day, affirming the Universe fulfills these desires. Keep clearing out limiting thoughts as they pop up to receive your blessings!

AUGUST 2015

Aluna Michaels is a secondgeneration astrologer and soul evolutionist practitioner. She also holds a Masters in Spiritual Counseling and has been teaching and consulting for more than three decades. Her book “Spiritual Gifts of the 12 Astrological Signs” is now on Amazon in Kindle version and as an E-book on her website. Aluna is available for appointments in her home, by phone or Skype. Call (727) 239-7179 or visit www.alunamichaels.com

ALTERNATIVE HEALING At the Healing Place ~ Massage, Cranio Sacral Therapy, Reiki, ChanRi, Chakra Balancing, Astrology, Tarot, Past Life Regression, Intuitive Bodywork (816) 415-2607 Nature Spirit Holistics Energy Medicine expert Author Cathleen Miller—Intuitive therapies, Conscious life counseling, Spa events, seminars www.livingthespiral.com 913-499-8514 Justin & Sharon Orth - Spring Forest Qigong Practitioners/Healers and Certified Qigong Level 1 Inst.. EFT (BAS/ADV) meetup.com/SpringForest-Qigong-Meetup-Group 913-244-0167 Shelly Wilson, Reiki Master ~ Intuitive, Intuitive offers loving guidance enabling you to heal and grow. Live an authentic life and LOVE yourself in the process! ShellyRWilson.com 918-782-4778 Integrative Therapies by Sarah P. Chapman Aromatherapy Massage, Raindrop Treatment, Vitaflex, Pressure Point Therapy 913-549-0280 www.sarahpchapman.com

Regina Compernolle Home Herbalist Courses, Apprenticeships, Women’s Sacred Studies, Astrology, Tarot, Consults, Women Drumming 816-547-0266 Lania Desmond, Originator of EssenceWork™ & SoulPoint™ Emotional healing from a spiritual perspective. 828.236.1230 www.LaniaDesmond.com

COUNSELING Dr. Jay Peters Marriage & Addictions Counselor. Smoking/ Weight Mgmt. Hypnosis. Regression/Past Life Hypnosis 913-339-9591 www.drjaypeters.com Elizabeth HunterHunter-Blank, LCSW Assisting clients with grief & loss, chronic & serious illness, relationship issues, depression & anxiety. 4104Central St. KCMO 64111. 816.582.3877 Martha Childers, LPC EdS; 816.892.0803 Women, Couples, 50+, LGBT, Aging in Place End of Life Preparations, Financial, Career www.ChildersCounselingService.com Barb Hoffman, MA, LPC, LCSW, LCSW in KCMO; 816.561.1116 Indiv./Couples/Family Therapy, Depression & anxiety, abuse & trauma, grief & loss, addictions, relationships. Most insurance.

ENTERTAINMENT Laura Packer, storyteller, writer, coach Storytelling for families, adults, corp/private events. B-days, weddings, funerals, holidays, classes 781-526-7255 www.laurapacker.com Karen Elise - Psychic Entertainer & Coach Tarot / astrology - corporate / private events Fun for weddings, birthdays & graduations 913-636-9502 - www.KarenElise.com

HYPNOSIS/EFT New Day Hypnotherapy, LLC Carol Henderson, CH. Stress, Fears, Stop Smoking, Lose Weight, Grief & more. www.newdayhypno.com 913-908-6907 Advanced Quantum Healing Hypnosis Expand your awareness, receive healing Karen Marie, MS, www.co-createnow.com 913-954-9701 intendingmiracles@yahoo.com

INTUITIVE

MEDITATION Kansas City Meditation Group of SelfSelf-Realization Fellowship Sunday Service 10AM 10819 Wornall Rd, KCMO http://kcmeditation.com/ 816-799-5544

NUTRITION & WELLNESS Ayurveda Practitioner Stephanie Kieltyka Mohr works to find health & relieve disease with recommendations for diet, exercise and lifestyle. www.GoWithSteph.com Kimberlin Hypnosis, LLC Kathleen Kimberlin, CHt Smoking/weight loss/childbirth/past life/behavior www.HYPNOSISEMPOWERS.com Call for free consultation (816) 305-8418

PETS N2paws Offering Doga (doggie yoga) An integrated approach to balance & relaxation for you and your canine companion! www.n2paws.com 816-522-7005

SHAMANISM

Shane Knox, Psychic Shaman Intuitive Readings, Shamanic Life Coaching by phone or SKYPE. Schedule now at SHANEKNOX.ME or call 417-866-2248

Daniel Baxley Shamanic Healing and Teachings, Pachakuti Mesa Tradition. Sweat Lodges, Workshops. 816-769-7343, www.shamanicpathways.net

SPIRITUAL GROWTH LIFE COACH Healing Thru Music and Life Coaching For more info. Contact Kathleen (913)206-2151 or Klmamuric@yahoo.com $25.00 per session. Laura Wolf, Transformational Life Coach Unlock Your PASSION, POWER & PURPOSE Counseling, Breathwork, Yoga, Shamanic Journeys www.shamansheartsanctuary.org 913-721-6655 Your Dream is Waiting for You. Certified Dream Builder Coach—Business, Relationship, Wealth, Health. Contact Marcy, 660-441-1805, marcyrobinson01@gmail.com Stephanie Red Feather, the Healer's Healer Transformational life/business/$ coaching, shamanic healing, energy therapies, Reiki classes, women's circles. 913-515-3271, redfeatherconnections.com

Evolving Magazine

Evolving in Kansas City and Evolving in Santa Fe. Both online at www.EvolvingMagazine.com

THRIFT STORE 20% off your purchase every time you donate. 25% off every Tuesday with Savers Club Card.13233 Shawnee Msn Parkway, Shawnee, KS 913.248.1938

YOGA Mark Blanchard’s Power Yoga. Focused on breathwork. No levels, props, music or egos. Lots of events! In Ranch Mart Center in OP. www.markskcyoga.net; 913-901-8970.

The Yoga School of Therapeutics Kansas State Education Board Approved School 10400 W. 103rd Street, #14 Overland Park, KS (913) 492-9594; www.theyogastudio.com

MAGAZINES

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

Stephanie Forcier, CT/CAP, Classes, Akashic Record, Source, and Angel Sessions: connect with your infinite nature, 816-260-2438, www.facebook.com/innerwisdomevolution

AUGUST 2015

Leavenworth Yoga CoCo-op Join us at Leavenworth's only yoga studio. Daily yoga classes, massage therapy, and Tai Chi. 913-933-9595 ~ www.LvnYogaCoop.com

Events AUGUST 4 CLEARING AND TRANSFORMING YOUR ENERGY AROUND MONEY Begin shi ing your energy around money, freeing you to be more purposeful and prosperous. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. $25 Vivian Faulkner, Money Coach and Energy Healer (913) 735-3183 Core Star Energy Healing School, 6045 Martway, Mission, KS

AUGUST 16 JOHN OF GOD SPIRITUAL WELLNESS WORKSHOP 11 a.m.-7 p.m.: John of God Healing Beds, healing prac55oners and intui5ve readers at Aquarius Books! $125. Limited 5ckets: advance purchase/appointment strongly advised: h;p://johnofgodcrystalhealingbeds.com.

AUGUST 27 THE ETERNAL ENERGY OF YOGA WITH TAO PORCHON-LYNCH Tao shares 89 years of yoga wisdom at Mark Blanchard’s Yoga, 95th & Mission Rd., 6:30 8:30 p.m. Info/Registra5on: www.markskcyoga.net or www.cornerstonefounda5on.com or Gretchen Robinson 913-901-8970.

AUGUST 4 SPIRITUAL LIVING AT CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING CROSSROADS Be True : Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 6424 Vista Drive Shawnee, KS 66218 For more informa5on call (913) 441-1266 Apprecia5ve Giving! All are welcome.

AUGUST 18 SPIRITUAL LIVING AT CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING CROSSROADS Community: Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 6424 Vista Drive Shawnee, KS 66218 For more informa5on call (913) 441-1266 Apprecia5ve Giving! All are welcome.

AUGUST 5, 15 & 26 RECALIBRATING YOUR FREQUENCY Clemen5ne Mitchell draws on the collec5ve quantum ﬁeld to release deeply-held pa;erns, both energe5cally and physiologically. 6:30 p.m., $40: www.transcendencekc.com or 913-387-4631.

AUGUST 20-23 PAUL SELIG, MASTERY WORKSHOP WEEKEND Thurs., Aug. 20: Book Singing & Free Talk, 7 p.m. Sat. & Sun.: Mastery Workshop, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Save $50 w/ registra on by 8-815! Info/registra5on: h;p://paulselig.com/ events/workshop-kansas-city-mo, or www.aquariusbooks.com, 816-931-6303.

AUGUST 28 CONVERSATION WITH TAO PORCHONLYNCH 97-year-young Tao discusses her journey on mul5ple con5nents (see ad), 7-9 p.m. at Unity Temple. Info/Registra5on: www.markskcyoga.net or www.cornerstonefounda5on.com or Gretchen Robinson 913-901-8970.

AUGUST 6 OPEN MIC NIGHT 5-9 p.m. every first Thursday. Share your talents with a warm, accep5ng audience. Beer and wine available. Unity Village Bookstore and Coffee Shop. unityvillage.org/bookstore AUGUST 11 A PLACE CALLED HOME: WHERE'S YOUR SANCTUARY? Join Sharon McGloin and Denise Mills as we define our Sanctuary and design the perfect place to call our home, 6-9 p.m. (networking @ 5:30) in OP. Only $49; save 20% w/2 or more workshops: www.igniteyourlifekc.com. AUGUST 14 MICHAEL HORN – THE BILLY MEIER UFO COVER-UP The Un-X Tour 2015 (see ad). You'll see Meier’s clear UFO photos and learn about the s5ll ongoing Billy Meier case. At Unity Plaza, 7-9 p.m. (book signing 9-9:45 p.m.). $15 advance 7 days prior, $20 door (if not sold out). Info/registra5on: unxnewsmagazine.com/unx-events.html.

AUGUST 21 ART BY AVIS OPEN HOUSE Snacks and art ac5vi5es. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 8012 Santa Fe Drive, Overland, Park KS 913549-3105 www.artbyavis.com AUGUST 21-22 THE ECSTASY OF SURRENDER RETREAT Dr. Judith Orloﬀ’s message is you can sabotage your health, success, and longevity by pushing too hard. Surrender is the an5dote to stress in a world that relentlessly conspires to interrupt crea5ve thought. $349. awakenwholelifecenter.com AUGUST 25 MINDFIT Learn to reduce stress, gain energy, lose weight, eliminate habits, ins5ll new behaviors, improve your life. 6:30 p.m. at Transcendence: www.transcendencekc.com or 913-387-4631.

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 29 THE GANDHI EFFECT WITH TAO PORCHON-LYNCH An Interac5ve Workshop as Tao shares her childhood friend’s ideals. 10 a.m.- Noon at Unity Temple. Info/Registra5on: www.markskcyoga.net or www.cornerstonefounda5on.com or Gretchen Robinson 913-901-8970. AUGUST 29 PRS: OTHER-WORLDLY PRESENCE ON EARTH Presenta5on by Margie Kay. 7 p.m. at Westwood Community Center, 4700 Rainbow Blvd., Westwood, KS. Members free, guests $5. More info: www.prskc.org. AUGUST 30 GANESH PUJA Free, 1-2 p.m. at Aquarius: a Celebra5on of the Hindu God Ganesh - the Remover of Obstacles and the God of New Beginnings. More info: www.aquariusbooks.com; 816-931-6303 SEPTEMBER 1 CLEARING AND TRANSFORMING YOUR ENERGY AROUND MONEY Begin shi ing your energy around money, freeing you to be more purposeful and prosperous. 7:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. $25 Vivian Faulkner, Money Coach and Energy Healer (913) 735-3183 Core Star Energy Healing School, 6045 Martway, Mission,

AUGUST 2015

SEPTEMBER 18 ART BY AVIS OPEN HOUSE Snacks and art ac5vi5es. 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. 8012 Santa Fe Drive, Overland Park 913-549-3105 www.artbyavis.com ONGOING PERSONAL SESSIONS WITH RAMA At Connie Crash’s in Shawnee every Wed., Thurs., Sat., Sun: Sound & Vibra5onal Healing ~ Channeling ~ Intui5ve Readings. 30 mins ($44) or 60 mins ($77). Info/register w/Rama: 913-574-7682 or innershiningtemple@gmail.com. FREE INTUITIVE LIFE PATH READINGS Ques5ons about your spiritual journey, direc5on, life path or purpose? Call for your free intui5ve life path reading with Jessica Alstrom: www.transcendencekc.com; 913-387-4631. ANGER ALTERNATIVES ANGER SUPPORT GROUP "Stoppit!" Program: every Wednesday from 6:30—8:30 p.m. at Family Health Care on Rainbow and SW Blvd. Pre-registra5on required: www.anger.org, info@anger.org, 816-753-5118. ENERGY HEALING SESSIONS FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND VETERANS By Appointment. The Kansas City Healing Project provides energy healing sessions for cancer pa5ents and veterans. Our clients have been experiencing a reduc5on of their stress, anxiety and pain levels. These sessions are provided at NO COST to the client. Contact John Hoefer at 816-718-6358 for details. www.KansasCityHealingProject.org SPIRITUAL LIVING AT CENTER FOR SPIRITUAL LIVING CROSSROADS August Series: A World That Works For Everyone. Every Tuesday, 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. 6424 Vista Drive Shawnee, KS 66218 For more informa5on call (913) 441-1266 Apprecia5ve Giving! All are welcome.

EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY

AUGUST 2015