E volving
February 2018 ~ Vol. IX, Issue 12
in Kansas City
A Guide for Conscious Living
EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
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Publisher’s Letter...
Contents Dear Friend,
6 Places to Get Pickled in Ann Arbor, Michigan
A labor of love. It’s a phrase we toss around (sometimes) to describe a project that isn’t financially viable. As in, “Well I don’t actually get paid for my [insert service word here] services, but I love what I do and it helps others. It’s a labor of love.” I’ve used the term myself a few times describing Evolving Magazine. Except now, as we start our 10th year of publishing (plus six previously as Evolving Woman), I realize that by dismissing our deeper feelings, we are almost being irreverent. I realize that my (and your) life’s work is a love affair in the truest sense. It goes through all the phases, and changes, and heartaches, and struggles of any love affair. And with time, like we have with the magazine, it deepens into a true, rewarding love. I’ve been feeling this on a deeper level lately—as if the magazine is a lover, my soul’s passion—and it feeds me and fills me with joy. My hope is that you also find, feed, and nourish your true passion; whether it is human love, a business, love for a pet, service to the community, or any other measure that brings you joy, I wish you love!
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Love and Life After Death 11
Zen and the Art of Loving a Dog in the New Millennium
**Exciting things coming soon: If you’d like to work with like minds to create your labor of love, consider joining one of our Kansas City MasterMind groups. Go to Evolving Magazine’s page on Facebook and you’ll find it listed under “events.” March brings our annual Wellness Directory. Please contact your account executive to be included in our most popular issue of the year—passed out yearround at events. And on April 21, Unity Church of Overland Park will host this year’s Whole Living Fest. Stay tuned for more info and contact jill@evolvingmagazine.com before March 1 if you’d like to be a vendor this year.
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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
Publisher Jill Dutton 913-944-1298 jill@evolvingmagazine.com Editorial Assistants Judy Kirkpatrick Polly Swafford
Advertising Karen E. Cowdry Jill Dutton
Release Weight Naturally without Dieting: 10 Simple Steps
Departments Journey to Wholeness Wisdom Within Eating Well in Kansas City Holistic Health Horoscope Events
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ON THE COVER
Monthly Columnists Gloria Gale, Jude LaClaire, Aluna Michaels, Nancy Russell, Angela Watson Robertson, Suzette Scholtes
Music of the Moon Penny Thieme is an Artist, Photographer, Educator, Activist, Collaborator, and Story teller. She creates expansive spaces through shape and color which entice and enfold the viewer. She will be exhibiting one of her paintings in a group show: What You See is Not a Test: The Art of Hop Hop at Four Chapter Gallery, 1708 Baltimore Ave, February 4, from 6-9 p.m. InterUrban ArtHouse by appointment. www.PennyThieme.com
Print & Web Layout/Design Alea Smith EVOLVING© 2018 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.
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Journey to Wholeness Enhancing the lives of People & Animals
Behavior & Wellness support with a holistic practitioner/behavior consultant
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Come learn Holy Fire Reiki! Karen Harrison, Ed.S.
ICRT Licensed Reiki Classes & Sessions Usui/Holy Fire Reiki, Karuna Young Living Essential Oils Sex Therapy 816-523-4440 www.KarenHarrison.net Kansas City, MO 64114
When You Don't Know What to Do, Where to Go or Who to Call… Call Cat Spiritual Guidance Available In Person with Internationally Known Author, Healer, Teacher, Coach and Counselor Cat RunningElk, Author of the highly acclaimed "The Healer's Charm" and "Mystic Mommy"
www.catrunningelk.com catrunningelk@gmail.com 863-529-1866
Join us for our 10th annual
Wellness Directory
Filled with holistic practitioners and product information, this vitaql resource will be inside the March Evolving Magazine plus passed out all year at events. Reserve your advertising space by February 15 for inclusion in our most-read publication of the year. Image licensed by Ingram Images
EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
Furry Kids to the Rescue BY JUDE LACLAIRE, PH.D.
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ow can these wonderful, amazing, annoying, demanding and loving furry friends rescue us? We call our dogs ‘rescues’ but according to lots of science and personal experience, I would say, perhaps, they have rescued us as well. Having just returned from a walk in less than welcoming cold weather, I am feeling energized physically and mentally. Scientists tell us this extra dose of Vitamin D helps fight physical and mental conditions, including depression, cancer, obesity, and heart attacks. The sounds and feeling of nature also calm us. Heart attack survivors and people with serious abnormal heart rhythms who own dogs live longer than people with the same heart problems that don’t have pets. This aerobic walk helped lower my blood pressure, also lowering cholesterol and triglycerides. My circulation is better and I may be less susceptible to mental health issues and my immune system is healthier. Is this why I haven’t had a cold in three years? Having pets can actually lessen allergies, asthma and build immunity. Children who live in a home exposed to two or more dogs or cats as babies were less likely to develop allergies, including dust, grass, ragweed and pet allergies, and were at lower risk for asthma. Alan Beck, SdD, director of the Center for the Human-Animal Bond at Purdue University tells us that petting your cat or dog feels good for the dog but also helps you produce oxytocin, the hormone related to stress and anxiety relief and to reducing blood pressure and lower cortisol levels. Who doesn’t want that? Spending time feeding, walking playing with our pet distracts us from worries and concerns, keeping us in the present. Having fun keeps those positive brain hormones going. It also makes us think about something else besides ourselves as we help them. Walking with a dog(s) socializes them and us. Our dogs began to be more comfortable with other people and dogs. We have met all our neighbors on our dog walking treks, making friends we probably would not have made. Dr. Beck
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says, “It’s an acceptable interaction that wouldn’t otherwise be possible.” Allen R. McConnell, PhD, professor at Miami University tells us that people with pets are generally happier, more trusting, and less lonely than those who don’t have pets. They give us a sense of belonging and meaning. He says, “You feel like you have a greater control of your life.” In his research he found that children tend to relate better to their classmates who have autism when pets are in the classroom. The Human Animal Bond Research Initiative released a new economic study that found pet ownership saved $11.7 billion in U.S. Healthcare costs. Looking at 132.8 million pet owners in the United States the study found that pet owners visited a doctor 0.6 times less than the average non-pet owner. Pet owners who walked their dog five or more times a week, totaling more than twenty million people, had a lower incidence of obesity and were responsible for saving $419 million in related healthcare costs. Every morning I am reminded of these things as our two little characters, Faun and Buffy, act deliriously happy, wagging their tails, barking and twirling with anticipation that they are going outdoors. I will try to think of these many health benefits as I bundle up to go out in extremely cold weather or prepare to sweat it out in the heat of summer. Walking the dogs is a twice-daily ritual they enjoy and, most of the time, so do we. These crazy little furry kids love us unconditionally and help us improve our physical, mental and emotional health.
Jude LaClaire, Ph.D., LCPC is a counselor, educator and author. For counseling appointments, training, supervision, speaking engagements or information on Life Weaving Education: A Holistic Problem-Solving Curriculum, Neurobehavioral Programs or Imago Couple Therapy call 913-322-5622. www.kcholistic.com drjude@heartlandholistic.com
Wisdom Within
The Promise of Love BY SUZETTE SCHOLTES
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ne of my best friends some time ago fell in love with a chef at the nursing facility where they worked. The love between them was so obvious to witness. They adored one another, laughing constantly and having a lot of fun no matter what they were doing. This good friend and I had traveled the country, training in spiritual studies. We always shared a room and, with all that time together, spent many hours visiting about our lives and our dreams. We are still best of friends to this day. She moved in with her beloved for a few happy years. Then something fell apart. His kids were not fond of her. He asked her to leave. They quit speaking to one another. Broken hearted, she asked me if there might be a chance they would get back together. I said, “As much as you loved one another, I feel it may be possible. Let the universe support you in all ways.” She went on with her life and did her best to heal her wounded heart. They did not speak for years. Then one day she called him. He had moved to Florida. They started to share conversations every weekend. After about two years of this routine, they healed much of the pain that had gone down between them. One fine day before Christmas a couple of years ago they were visiting on Facetime. He got down on his knee and displayed a ring he had bought for her and asked for her hand in marriage. They married soon after and have been living the happy-ever -after dream for the past two years. The best part of this story is their wonderful compatibility and the good times they create together. Hardly a cross word is ever spoken. His kids have grown and moved away. They cherish their time together and make it work in every way. In this February month of love, especially, I observe my thoughts without judging. What lights up love? What goes to the weight of fear or worry? This act of being mindful empowers all of us to stay awake to the conscious or unconscious power of our thoughts. We all experience pain. We all work our way through difficult situations. Sometimes during the “heavy” times of life many are unable to cope. We suppress. Therapists claim these feelings stay in our muscles, stomach, midriff, even our auras. How do we become calm and quiet and courageous enough to feel
then release and heal? What breaks the promise of love? ignoring feelings denial of the situation/event over eating or drinking using recreational drugs exercising compulsively constant intellectualizing or analyzing excessive television watching excessive work hiding anger/emotions under the mask of peace or love On the positive side, Psychology Today published the “pluses” of a good relationship. The article begins by stating that relationships that work are worked on. Other tips: Communication: Be able to share emotional, mental, physical and spiritual aspect of your life without feeling judged or devalued. Acknowledgement: Just saying “thank you” helps share your appreciation you are grateful for one another’s actions and support. Look for positive energy in one another. Interdependence: Being interdependent means being involved with each other in a supportive manner without compromising your values or sacrificing yourself for the relationship. Have Fun: Being playful keeps your love growing. When you smile, it creates chemicals like oxytocin (the love hormone) and brings you closer. Acceptance: Truth is acceptance is one of the key energies of 2018. Giving: Giving without measure is another key. Honesty: Be 100 percent honest with yourself and “mindfully” honest with others. We may speak our truth without being harsh.
Core Star Energy Healing School Energy Healing Clinics February 13th and 27th Wondering what an energy healing session is like? Our clinics are a great opportunity to experience a session for a modest cost.
7:15 pm Cost $20 register at www.CoreStarEnergyHealing.com
We Empower You to Take the Path to Better Health Allopathic * Holistic * Alternative * Nutritional Massage * Cranio Sacral Therapy * Reiki Shamanic Healing ReinventYourHealth.net 816-272-4877 AtTheHealingPlace.com 816-415-2607
Suzette Scholtes’ nonfiction 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.
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Sheri Woxland Dr. Diane Voss Tammy Barton
Release Weight Naturally without Dieting: 10 Simple Steps B A W R Y
NGELA
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s a health coach, I work with clients often who’d like to lose weight (or release weight, as I prefer to refer to it), and they want to lose it quickly. In our culture we are accustomed to getting what we want when we want it and often we don’t like to make small, consistent changes to our health and lifestyle to see results with our health and our body. Yet, if you want to release weight naturally, without harsh or unhealthy supplements, strict dieting, or detoxing which don’t usually keep the weight off long term, then you have to give your body time. Most people who have released weight in a healthy way and kept it off long term have looked past fad diets, strict detoxes or cleanses, and diet pills. They’ve found what works best for their own bodies. In my practice, I encourage people who want to release weight to experiment with different methods and see what works. The following 10 steps, or suggestions, will help you shift your body and your life into a healthier place and allow you to keep extra pounds off for the long term.
Always eat breakfast.
When you skip meals, you become calorie deficient and will be more inclined to overeat later in the day. Your body is literally starving for energy, so even if you’re not hungry in the morning—eat something hearty and well-balanced. It is also helpful to snack throughout the day. The days of not eating in order to lose weight are gone. Often eating more has nothing to do with putting on pounds— the type of food you are eating may be the problem. If you don’t know the type of food that is right for you or where to start, I suggest you work with a health coach to help you discover what works for you.
Drink more water.
Replace soda, alcohol, and coffee with water and you’ll be amazed by the results. Add some lemon or fruit to your water to make it a bit more fun to drink, but get a lot of it. Try drinking water before you eat a meal as the water will help break down the food more effectively. If you have to have your daily coffee, drink at least 8 oz. of water before so that you stay hydrated and over time you may find that the water will “crowd out” your craving for caffeine.
Make your own meals.
In general, restaurant food has more salt, more unhealthy fat, more calories, and is served in larger portions than food you make at home. When you cook at home you can control the amount of salt, the type of oil, and the portion size. If you have to dine out, try splitting one dish with a friend or ask to have half of the dish
OBERTSON
wrapped up before they bring your meal to the table. This way you are all set for lunch the next day as well.
Reduce stress.
People often eat more when they feel stressed. The full feeling often makes us feel comfortable and relaxed. Try other techniques for relaxing your body and mind instead of relying on food to help you with this. Take a daily hot bath or walk around the block. When eating, I recommend that you slow down the process--focus on breathing and enjoying each meal instead of quickly devouring your food in an unconscious way.
Identify your temptation foods. You probably already know whether you crave salty or sweet, fried or creamy—and you know that if these foods are within reach you will eat them. You’re not weak, you’re just human! Don’t keep these foods in your home or office and get support from friends, family, and colleagues to keep these foods at bay throughout the day.
Take a high-quality multivitamin.
Everyone can benefit from more nutrients in their diet and these days it’s hard to get everything we need from our food alone due to reduced soil quality and Get enough sleep each night. toxicity in our environment. Some evidence suggests There is more and more evidence every year that that by adding specific high-quality nutrients to a wellconnects a lack of sleep with increased appetite. Most balanced diet, you can improve your metabolism and people need 7-8 hours of good sleep each night. Do what many enzyme processes for greater vitality and health. it takes to make that happen for you and know that you are making an investment in your long term health and The bottom line is that if you want to release weight wellness. fast, you don’t have to go on a fad diet. Just switch from simple to complex carbohydrates and eat lots of vegetables. Not only will you drop pounds, but you’ll Move your body. improve your overall health. Plant foods are so low in Exercise is great, and many people love it, but if it’s not for you- then focus on moving your body more often. calories that they force the body to burn its own fat— Start with simple, small changes like getting off one stop how cool is that!? Nobody gets fat on a diet that consists largely of green earlier on a train and walking the rest of the way or vegetables, sweet vegetables, whole grains, and small parking in the back of your work parking lot. Take the stairs whenever possible. Instead of meeting a friend for amounts of high-quality animal proteins. Yet, add in a coffee or happy hour, meet them for a walk, a bike ride, bunch of cookies, white bread, french fries, and a few hamburgers and you may have yourself a weight or take a dance class together. problem. Most of my clients end up releasing weight when they start shifting some of their food choices. They Track your progress. are thrilled when they have more energy, more passion Keep a food journal and track what foods work well for food, and they feel lighter and leaner than ever. The for your body and how you feel after you eat them. If you key is to make the connection that healthy, whole foods notice that every time you eat a lot of grains or gluten, really make you feel better and then the weight will you feel bloated, bummed out, and low energy, then try become a secondary issue. avoiding those foods for a while to see how you feel. Try a free weight loss app on your phone to help keep you motivated and track your progress. Angela Watson Robertson, MBA, CIHC, INHC, is known as The Be a food detective. Reinvention Warrior, host of Masters of Read all food labels (anything that comes in a box or Reinvention, and creator of the lifepackage) and don’t eat anything you can’t pronounce. changing program, Fatigue Warrior. Not This is a huge step and will change your health in a big only has Angela completely reinvented her way! Stick to simple, whole foods that are in their own life, she has created simple, effective natural state (not processed) to nourish your body. tools to help others transform every area of their lives-from health, career, and money to relationships, spirituality, and sex. Find her free wellness tips, course and programs at www.angelawatsonrobertson.com. Connect with her on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, and Twitter.
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Holistic Health
Detoxing for the New Year BY NANCY RUSSELL, M.D. & DEBBIE RODMAN, RN, APRN
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his month’s feature is a continu- Use natural cleaners, detergents, ation of our January article resoaps and personal care products. garding toxins. We discussed Avoid food additives: monosodium environmental toxins, their glutamate (MSG), textured vegetable prevalence, and our bodies’ natural deprotein (TVP), yeast extracts, soditoxification systems. um nitrite, aspartame (NutraSweet), It is a well-established fact that we saccharin, sucralose (Splenda) and come into contact with a multitude of synthetic food colorings. environmental toxins every day: pesti Avoid sugar and high-fructose corn cides on our produce, pollutants in the syrup: replace with stevia, xylitol, air, unpronounceable ingredients in prohoney, or Grade B maple syrup. cessed food and personal care products, Avoid plastics containing BPA heavy metals like mercury and arsenic in (bisphenol A): often found in food the soil, to name just a few. and beverage containers, such as Toxic chemicals in our environment water bottles. Store food in glass are substances that can cause severe illcontainers. BPA exposure has been ness, poisoning, birth defects, disease, or linked to endocrine disruption and death when ingested, inhaled, or abcancer. sorbed by the skin. Many of these chemi- Avoid environmental contamination: cals are also known carcinogens. The based paints and asbestos conImage licensed by Ingramlead Images Image licensed by Ingram Images Image&licensed by Ingram Images Occupational Safety Health Admintaining compounds found in older istration includes a list of carcinogens on homes and buildings. their website. Exercise regularly and sweat: if you don’t sweat, consider using a sauna. What is total toxic load? Add detox nutrients: NTotal Toxic load is the amount of toxacetylcysteine (NAC), vitamin C, and ins accumulated in body tissues. It is also milk thistle are among the nutrients referred to as "body burden." High expothat play a role in detoxification. sure to one toxin can be harmful, while Protect your nervous system: omegalow exposures to many toxins also can do 3 oils, antioxidants, trace minerals severe damage. and vitamin D3. Water: drink plenty of water as menDetermining toxic load. tioned above to aid the kidneys in There are subjective questionnaires to flushing toxins. assess toxic load. More definitive tests Fix the gut: gut imbalances are a key are available to determine the amounts of source of toxins for many people. environmental toxins such as lead, merMost people see dramatic improvecury, and cadmium. ments by eliminating dairy and gluten.
Detoxification Process. Detoxification refers to the removal of toxic substances from the body. Our bodies have four main pathways that remove toxic build up, which includes our digestive tract, liver, skin, and lungs. However, as the toxic load increases, our bodies may need assistance to stay healthy. There are two main avenues to protect yourself: minimize intake of toxins and enhance elimination of toxins. Food: eat organic, especially dairy, animal products, and the following produce: lettuces, apples, pears, grapes, berries, carrots, and potatoes. Water: purified, filtered water for drinking and cooking. Drink plenty of water, about 1/2 ounce per pound of body weight per day. Use a shower head filter to remove chlorine.
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Effective detoxification is based on a scientific understanding of the body’s natural cleansing process. Safe and effective herbs and nutrients are important. The program should be gradual and gentle and work with the body’s own detoxification ability and normal patterns of elimination. When looking for a cleansing program, make sure it contains a bowel protocol with natural fibers and laxatives, rather than herbal stimulants like senna and cascara.
Whole Living Festival April 21, 2018 Unity Church of Overland Park 11 a.m.-5 p.m. ~ Free admission
Editor’s note: the 2017 “dirty dozen” includes strawberries, spinach, nectarines, apples, peaches, celery, grapes, pears, cherries, tomatoes, sweet bell peppers, and potatoes.
Visit EvolvingMagazine.com for reservations or email jill@evolvingmagazine.com for a vendor application.
Dr. Nancy Russell runs a holistic practice at Nurturing Optimal Wellness www.nancyrussellmd.com or 816-453-5545. Coauthor: Debbie Rodman is licensed as an APRN-FNP in Missouri, Kansas, and Hawaii.
EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
PAIN RELIEF SUPPRESSES MUSCLE SPASMS REDUCED SEIZURES & CONVULSIONS REDUCED VOMITING & NAUSEA PROMOTES BRAIN TISSUE & BONE GROWTH REDUCES BLOOD SUGAR LEVELS KILLS OR SLOWS BACTERIAL GROWTH RELIEVES ANXIETY REDUCES NICOTINE CRAVING DIGESTIVE AID
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Wanderlust
6 Places to Get Pickled in Ann Arbor, Michigan This Food-Conscious City Embraces a Variety of Methods for Fermentation BY JILL DUTTON
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etween the yogurt commercials promoting a flat belly to the numerous health claims made by physicians and holistic practitioners, you have no doubt heard about probiotics—or the “good” bacteria—found in fermented foods. Some research says that these good bacteria, particularly those in our gut, may improve digestion, promote gut health, boost immunity, and help prevent heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. Lacto fermentation is the process in which natural bacteria feed on the sugar and starch in the food creating lactic acid. This process not only preserves the food, but also creates beneficial enzymes, b-vitamins, Omega-3 fatty acids, and various strains of probiotics. Natural fermentation also helps break the food down into a more digestible form. In Ann Arbor, Michigan, they’re utilizing a variety of fermentation methods to create traditional as well as innovative fermented foods. These businesses are keeping the tradition (and the cultures) alive in the process.
WHO: The Brinery FERMENTS: Raw Sauerkraut, Kimchi, Pickles, and Hot Sauce
200,000 pounds of local family-farmed vegetables per year and employs 12 people. The Brinery’s fermentation process is the same timehonored way our ancestors did it—with no starter culture added. They shred the vegetables, mix with salt, pack into barrels, put a weight on the top to keep the kraut submerged, and let it sit. After a couple months, the barrel is fully fermented and ready for packaging. David explains the benefits of fermenting foods: “The benefits of fermenting are numerous! Our ancestors did it mainly to preserve food. Vegetables will not spoil, decay, and rot when fermented. They stay safe to eat in the acidic pickled environment. Another reason is for health. Fermented vegetables are full of beneficial bacteria that aid digestion, boost the immune system, and prevent illness. Lastly, but most importantly, we ferment for flavor. Every human culture has fermented foods as part of their heritage. We crave the complex and delicious flavors brought on by fermentation!” “The human body has 10 times as many bacterial cells as human cells. We have truly co-evolved. The singlecelled organisms (yeast, bacteria, mold) that are responsible for fermented foods are a part of us, this world, and our food!” David says. Learn more at https://thebrinery.com.
regular brewing schedule. They experimented with formula and flavors; Rachel says it became a sort of delicious obsession. With creativity, faith and inspiration, they took a leap to create unique and delicious Kombucha Beers that are gluten-free, vegan, organic, bottle conditioned, and raw. The beers have been lovingly fermented similar to a Lambic in oakbarrels with hops and whole fruits. Their traditional kombucha fermentation method takes 2-4 weeks to complete. The process involves inoculating a kombucha culture with organic sweet tea and water. The beer involves an additional ferment with yeast and is dry-hopped with fruits, herbs, and/or roots. The tea is completed by adding hand-pressed raw fruit juice to the finished product. Learn more at www.unityvibrationkombucha.com.
WHO: Mindo Chocolate Makers FERMENTS: Cocoa Beans
WHO: Unity Vibration Kombucha FERMENTS: Kombucha Tea and Beer
Cocoa pods in Ecuador. David Klingenberger teaches a class on fermenting. [Photo by Jill Dutton]
Barrels of kombucha fermenting.
At Unity Vibration Kombucha they use organic, fairtrade black tea and cane sugar to make kombucha tea The Brinery creates traditionally fermented foods that and kombucha beer. They use a multitude of roots, are raw and unpasteurized. They specialize in fruits, and herbs in the various kombucha products. All sauerkraut, kimchi, pickles, and hot sauce. of their kombucha products are made authentically and The Brinery was founded in 2010 with a small batch simply, just as you would make kombucha in your own of sauerkraut meant to preserve a surplus of fresh kitchen. cabbage at Tantré Farm in Chelsea, MI. Owner and Chief After drinking too much of the best-selling brand at Fermentation Officer, David Klingenberger, went on to health food stores, owners Rachel and Tarek Kanaan make more and more small batch ferments with the started experimenting and brewing their own in 2007. abundance of local produce, scaling up the operation at Their friends and family loved it and requested it at an exciting rate. The Brinery now processes over gatherings and holidays. This demand resulted in a
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At Mindo Chocolate Makers they put a unique spin on chocolate by fermenting the cocoa beans. Only the best quality chocolate is made from fermented cocoa beans. It takes more time and a little finesse to ferment cocoa beans properly but the result is a mellower and much less bitter and astringent chocolate. The vast majority of cocoa beans used to make chocolate are not fermented. Owners, Jose Meza and Barbara Wilson, say it all started with a 53-pound bag of cocoa beans (which seemed like a massive amount at the time) and a tabletop juicer. It resulted in a rustic-style chocolate, a primitive first batch that led to many, many more. As their chocolate business grew, Barbara and Jose devoted more and more time to cacao processing. They searched
Wanderlust for farmers growing the fine-flavor Nacional variety of cacao in an environmentally friendly way. On their property in Mindo, a small town nestled in the cloud forest of the Andes Mountains, they set up facilities that allowed them to ferment, dry, roast, and winnow cacao. In 2009, Mindo Chocolate Makers opened in Dexter, Michigan. Almost by accident, the two entrepreneurs had set up a bean-to-bar chocolate making business that spanned international waters. Jose and Barbara split their time between Mindo and Dexter, keeping both sides of the operation in direct contact with each other. Barbara explains the process for fermenting cocoa beans: “As soon as the cocoa beans are harvested, they must be quickly removed from the pods and put into fermentation boxes made from special types of wood that promote good fermentation and are strong enough to withstand many years of fermenting. The flavor is greatly changed if the fermentation is not begun within hours of harvest. From 500 to 1500 pounds of beans with the fruit on are put in the wooden boxes and left there for 5-7 days, depending on the variety and size of the cocoa beans.” Because cocoa beans are bitter and astringent, Barbara says fermentation reduces the bitterness and astringency in the bean so they can make better tasting chocolate. Learn more at https://mindochocolate.com.
WHO: Bigalora Cucina FERMENTS: Sourdough Pizza Crust
body. When you eat a sourdough, your body does not have to work to break down the flour first, so sourdoughs are more easily digested than commercially yeasted breads and pizzas.” Another benefit of sourdough versus commercial yeast it that when you use a wild yeast starter in pizza, no sugar is needed. The sauce, cheese, and crust at Bigalora Cucina are free of any added sugar. Carrie says, “We care about our food and only serve food that we would serve our family.” Learn more at http://bigalora.com.
naturally occurring bacterial start to convert the lactose sugars into lactic acid, "spoiling" the milk. Cheese is a much more durable storage method and takes up less room in storage as well.” Learn more at www.zingermanscreamery.com.
WHO: Ann Arbor Distilling Co. FERMENTS: Grains to Distill Spirits
WHO: Zingerman’s Creamery FERMENTS: Cheese
Fermentation tanks at Ann Arbor Distilling Co. The production cave at Zingerman’s Creamery.
At Zingerman’s Creamery, they produce cheese from local cow and goat's milk. One of the first steps in their style of cheesemaking (known as lactic) is getting fermentation started. Emma Boonstra, the Marketing Coordinator, says, “So most of the cheese that we produce—there are a couple of exceptions—are a fermented food.” The fermentation process starts when they add bacteria, usually referred to as "starter cultures" in the cheese industry, right after they pasteurize and cool the milk at Zingerman's Creamery. Over the next 18-24 hours, they allow the starter bacteria in conjunction with rennet (an enzyme used to coagulate milk) to acidify and curdle the milk. This acidic environment is inhospitable for many "bad" bacteria that can cause disease in humans, helping to make cheese safe to Chef Carrie Walker explains the sourdough process. consume. [Photo by Jill Dutton] Acidity is important in producing texture in the The pizza crust and bread served at Bigalora Cucina cheese by determining how large the curd structure is. are made with sourdoughs—bread products that are More acidity produces a finer, flakier curd whereas a leavened with wild yeasts. Chef Carrie Walker says they lower acidity produces a larger, moist curd. The texture do not add any commercially derived yeast to their pizza of the curd helps to determine the texture of the finished dough. cheese. In addition to developing texture through the To create the sourdough, Carrie combines flour and formation of the cheese curd, the lactic bacteria also filtered water together to harvest the natural yeasts in helps develop flavor in the cheese. Different flavors can the flour and in the surrounding environment. Cold be produced, depending on what lactic bacteria cultures fermentation begins with one day on the starter, and are added to the cheese during the making process. then four more days of cold fermentation on the dough “Fermentation (as cheesemaking) has been used since before it is cooked. around 4000 BC as a method of preserving milk,” Using wild yeast is a slower process than using Emma says. “The highest production of milk occurs commercial yeast, Carrie says. “During fermentation, during the spring and summer when ruminant the natural yeasts have time to feed on the grains of mammals have access to the widest diversity of plants flour, breaking them down into more elemental and grasses in their diet, and they are feeding new baby components which can be more readily absorbed by the animals. Fresh milk has a very short shelf life before the
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Ann Arbor Distilling Co. uses the age-old process of fermenting fruits and grains to convert sugars into ethanol. Via the fermentation and distillation processes, they turn grains into vodka, gin, bourbon, and rye whiskey. Fruits are used to make various brandies. Phil Attee, Brand Ambassador in charge of Product Development & Special Projects at Ann Arbor Distilling Co., explains the process, “Grains like corn, rye, and barley are mostly made of starch, which is comprised of simple sugars linked together. In large stainless steel tanks, we use heat, water, and enzymes to break down the starches to simple sugars, at which point the yeasts can convert those sugars into alcohol over the course of about five days. After the fermentation, we distill the mixture, separating the alcohol from everything else.” The fermentation process, as they use it, allows them to utilize the natural reactions between yeasts, water, and grains to create their award-winning spirits. Phil points out that all commercially-produced alcoholic beverages utilize the fermentation process— beer, wine, spirits, and everything in between. He says, “Fermentation is one of the most ancient forms of food preservation, and some scientists believe that fermentation of fruits and grains for use as an alcoholic beverage dates back almost 7,000 years.” Jill Dutton is the publisher of Evolving Magazine. Three years ago, she started traveling the United States by train. Find her most recent travel guide, The Best of Kansas City: 3-Day Itinerary on Amazon or through the publisher at www.Unanchor.com. She is currently writing the first of 12 train guides, Ride the Southwest Chief: 5-Day Itinerary, which will be available in March. Follow Jill’s travels at www.USAbyRail.blog.
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Beyond the Loss: Love and Life after Death BY LAURA PACKER
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he day after my husband Kevin died, I said, “I will never love like that again.” I was right; there was no way I could conceive of loving again, let alone with depth and passion. As time passes I miss him no less, but my understanding of love, my ability to give and accept it, and what the world looks like after his death has changed. It’s been almost four years now, and I am in a new loving relationship that in no way diminishes what Kevin and I shared. It is possible, but it isn’t easy, and it required that I be emotionally honest with myself. When someone you cherish dies, their life isn’t the only loss. A way of living, your understanding of yourself, and the way you lived together all die, too. We cannot go back to what was because that life has ended. We need to give ourselves time and permission to mourn and explore the world as it is now. It is only by grieving, by thoroughly and deeply mourning the person and life lost, that we begin to create space for something else, be that a new love, a new way of living, a new understanding of our own role in the world. It takes a different amount of time for everyone. To clear the path for love, you must let yourself honor the old love and mourn it as much as you need. Over the months and years after Kevin’s death I realized common ideas of grief had very little to do with the way I felt. We grieve in our own time and way. Movies, tv, books, even people who love us, all say we are supposed to grieve in a certain way and for a limited duration. That’s a lie. We grieve as we need to. I know people who lost someone 25 years ago and still miss them. Why shouldn’t they? Love is not water. It doesn’t evaporate. Acknowledging loss and feeling sad doesn’t mean life won’t continue. It means the loss becomes a part of you, and you live with that feeling even as you do new things, love new people and build a new life. To clear the path for love, you must let yourself grieve in your own way. About 18 months after Kevin’s death, I began to wonder what my life would be moving forward. I couldn’t admit that part of what I was opening to was the potential of new love, but I know I was asking if it might be possible. I needed to
Online resources: Secondfirst.com—A widow-run site run to help people find life, love, and hope after loss. Soaringspirits.org—A community by and for widowed people, regardless of marital status, orientation, or length of time from the loss. Online support, Camp Widow, and regional chapters.
love myself first, and remembering just how much Kevin loved me helped. I realized that living my life in a perpetual state of loss was not honoring the love we shared, not celebrating who Kevin saw me to be. When we give ourselves permission to open to the world after a devastating loss, we’re not denying what has gone before. We will carry those feelings—love and sorrow—with us into our new relationships. Instead, we are saying, “Yes, we have been hurt, but we are still worthy of love and loving.” We are not denying the love—but making room for more. To clear the path for love, you must remember that you are worthy of it. I didn’t intend to fall in love with Charley. Our friendship started out with the understanding that I was widowed and would always love my husband. I didn’t know if I could love like that again. I was right. I don’t love Charley the way I love Kevin, but it is deep and passionate love. At first I was afraid that loving Charley somehow meant I loved Kevin less, but that wasn’t true. I realized that I was honoring everything Kevin and I had been together, not disregarding it. It is a different kind of love, but that makes
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sense. Everyone we love is loved for who they are, and so every time we love, it is different. None of this is to say it’s been easy. Some days I miss Kevin and want him back with my whole being. Other days I feel guilty about being in a relationship, as if I am cheating on one or the other. Then there are the shining days when I just love. So it is for all of us, in all kinds of love. To clear the path for love, you must be willing to let it be a different love that does not try to replicate what was. I cherish both Kevin and Charley, and the relationships I have with each. Even though this is not the life I expected to have, it is a rich one. I am so glad I could mourn fully, then open myself to this new place. Remember, the more love we give away, the more we have to give. It is perhaps the one unlimited resource. If we love, at some point we will mourn. Every person who has grieved is part of the great community of people who have risked everything for love. It’s worth it. I am. You are. Love wins. This article is dedicated with love and gratitude to Kevin, Charley, and all the rest. I love you.
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Books The single most useful book I found was Permission to Mourn, Tom Zuba. He is a powerful advocate for grieving, transformation and the continuation of love. There are many grief memoirs available. A few favorites include Second Firsts, Christina Rasmussen; H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald; The Light of the World, Elizabeth Alexander. There are many loss workbooks available. I recommend Mourning and Mitzvah, Anne Brener; Healing After Loss, Martha Hickman
Laura Packer knows that the best way to the truth is through a good story. She has used the transformative power of story to entertain, enlighten, coach, heal, and consult for 25 years. She is the winner of multiple awards for her performance and service. Laura is also the sole proprietor of thinkstory llc where she helps organizations identify, hone, capitalize upon, and celebrate their stories. For more information visit laurapacker.com, thinkstory.com, and truestorieshonestlies.blogspot.com.
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The Highest Degree of Love BY THERESE INZERILLO
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ove. Do we really know what the true meaning of love is? We hear it uttered frequently in a variety of contexts: “I love this cappuccino!”, “I just loved that movie!”, “Love ya!” But what does that really mean? Has “love” become just an expression for “emphatically liking” something? The tapestry of love is varied and complex. There are many layers to its meaning. The ancient Greeks used four words to describe the various meanings of love: “Agape” expresses unconditional love between God and man, and man and God; “Philos” speaks of brotherly love between friends; “Storage” denotes the love between parent, child, family; and “Eros” describes an “erotic, sexual love expressing passion and intimacy.” In our society today, we are mesmerized by fairytale notions of romantic love. From the time of our youth, we are exposed to the whimsical fantasies of Disney princes and princesses, of damsels in distress being rescued by the handsome hero, of romantic comedies with unrealistic standards and happily ever-afters. Although we embrace these concepts as grand ideals, it often sets us up for disappointment and failure in our relationships. Too many couples sever their relationships once the passion wanes, not realizing that there are many more layers to love. In romantic love, physical attraction and lustful longing initiates the relationship. The expectation is then created to maintain that intensity of passion throughout the duration of the relationship. In a healthy relationship, lustful longing transforms to a deeper, spiritual connection which transcends physical attraction. There may still be physical attraction, but that is not the sole foundation of the connection. We come to learn that there are “seasons to our love,” and that love continues to evolve into deeper and deeper experiences of connection, ultimately uniting us on a soul level. With the celebration of Valentine’s Day on February 14th, there is much emphasis on romantic love. Many people profess the holiday was created by the card and flower companies to capitalize on the concept of gift giving; however,
Valentine’s Day has an interesting origin. In the third century A.D., the Roman Emperor, Claudius II, banned marriage for all soldiers, claiming that married men were too worried about their wives and families to be fierce warriors. A Catholic Bishop by the name of Valentine secretly married couples to encourage Christian marriage. When the Emperor learned of this defiance, Valentine was thrown into jail and sentenced to death. While in jail, Valentine befriended the jailor’s daughter, who was a young blind woman. He became quite fond of her, and their friendship blossomed. It was claimed that through his devout faith, he restored her eyesight. On the day of his execution, he requested a pen and paper to write a farewell letter to her, signing it, “Your Valentine. ” Because of his dedication and support of love and marriage, St. Valentine came to be known as the Patron Saint of Lovers. Thus his Feast Day in the Catholic Church, February 14th, has evolved into a celebration of love eliciting devotional cards, gifts, candy and flowers to the person of one’s affection. For most people, devotional, romantic love is the antithesis of what love is meant to be. The quest to find your soul mate has become the primary goal in life. Although a noble and often fulfilling path in life, there is so much more to the purpose of love in our lives than what we have been taught. For those seeking a more spiritual approach to love, we come to know that our true purpose for existence is to learn to “expand our capacity to love” until we can love completely and unconditionally as we are loved by our Creator. Esoteric spirituality teaches us that the Divine (aka the Source of Love) created Life as a means of experiencing Itself. This is also known as “The multiplicity of the One”. All life continually seeks greater and greater expressions of itself until it comes to know itself as the Source and loves completely and unconditionally. With each lifetime, we create scenarios for ourselves to have experiences which help us learn lessons to evolve our soul. Through these experiences, our wisdom and understanding guide us to deeper perspectives of reality and the Divine, thus deepening our commitment and ability to truly love. As we learn to
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For those seeking a more spiritual approach to love, we come to know that our true purpose for existence is to learn to “expand our capacity to love” until we can love completely and unconditionally as we are loved by our Creator. love in deeper, more profound ways, we come to know that the highest expression of love is to make decisions based on: “What is the highest degree of good for all concerned?” We choose this because we know that we are all connected. What affects one person, affects us all. So, before making any decision, the ultimate question we should ask ourselves is: “What is the greatest degree of love in this situation?” If it is beneficial to only you or a specific group, then it is not the greatest degree of love. If it is true and beneficial for all people, then it is the greatest degree of love. This is the ultimate law by which we are to live. This principle is realized through our ability to give and receive love. Universal law tells us that as we give, we shall receive, creating opportunities to experience more love and joy in return. We do not give with the intention of getting back, but know that in our giving, the Universe will return it to us intensified. In the Christian tradition, Jesus taught that the most important message is to, “Love one another, as I
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have loved you.” In all major religions there is the foundational principle of the “Golden Rule” teaching us to, “Love our neighbor as ourselves.” Through this expression, we continue to evolve into more profound experiences of love until we realize that love itself is the sole reason for existence and our very purpose in all we do. We come to learn that love is the only true reality and that everything else is but an illusion. Therese Inzerillo specializes in energy work, counseling, speaking, teaching and writing to uplift, inspire and educate. She is a LMT, Holistic Healer, Interfaith Minister and Intuitive and offers massage, energy healing, counseling, classes, ceremonies, sacred journeys and retreats through her businesses “The Blooming Lotus” and “Namaste Journeys”. She can be reached at thereseinzerillo@gmail.com or 602-579-1994.
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Zen and the Art of Loving a Dog in the New Millennium
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hat makes a relationship? Merriam-Webster defines a relationship as the relation connecting or binding participants, such as a kinship. Relationships are the glue that holds us together. Today in our society we are so busy with jobs and activities and tied to our devices that relationships are transforming. While social media has taken the place of many human-facing interactions, our need for companionship has turned to our animals. In addition, our furry family members often have several hours per day alone due to longer working hours for us. Let’s take a journey through the looking glass as to how you can enhance your relationship with your animal companion and build a stronger bond.
GOOD INGREDIENTS Specific Meat Name (duck, turkey, venison, lamb, chicken, etc.), this is a whole food item including moisture (prior to being made into kibble)
Whole vegetables or fruits, preferably organic (e.g. carrot, spinach, celery, coconut, blueberries), while not highly digestible (unless ground very fine as in dehydrated raw mixes), they can still provide some antioxidant value. Seeds, herbs, and spices, preferably organic (e.g. flaxseed, turmeric, ginger root)
The advantage to keeping up with cues is that it gives you choices of behaviors if you need to redirect attention, for Stay Active One way to connect with the world and example keeping her from chasing something out into the street or calling stay grounded is to get outside and her away from the front door. Teaching explore nature. Try taking your dog for a walk on a different route or drive to a new her new cues will build her vocabulary; the more cues she knows the more words location to experience novel sights and you have in your line of communication. smells. For your dog, it would almost be Along with practicing old cues, pick a new the equivalent of a vacation to Hawaii. one occasionally to teach–even if you Take this time to really enjoy the walk, take in the scenery, and observe your dog. don’t plan to strengthen them over time, like “shake” or “high five”. There are Watching your dog can give you insight benefits to doing this: into his personality or even potential It keeps your pup’s mind sharp (like health issues. working crossword puzzles) On the fun side—you might notice It positively reinforces your dog Gracie really following a trail, so maybe focusing on you tracking or scent work would be a good It creates bonding time with your exercise or job for her. loving companion–and it’s fun! On the health side—you see Duke If you really want to stretch your eating grass or rubbing his hind end on girl’s mental acuity and show off her the ground. That would be something to talent, try chaining two or three cues keep an eye on as it could mean he is together to make a routine, such as dealing with a health issue (digestive, waving good-bye, doing a down, and parasite, anal sac, etc.), or it could be putting her paws over her eyes. nothing more than marking his scent–but you would never know unless you Feed The Inner Wolf observed it. You would miss these clues if you were Provide a balanced, quality diet–to busy tweeting and you should certainly keep your dog’s body tuned, foster better use caution if texting and walking, as you health, and reduce unnecessary vet bills. could end up face down on the sidewalk or Along with keeping your dog active and get tangled up in a leash (and you fit, the flipside is to keep his body running wouldn’t want someone posting that video on the right fuel (like you would do for on You Tube!). your car). It’s important to feed a diet that is appropriate to your animal companion’s species. Dogs (and cats) are Keep Lines of Communication carnivores. They need a diet balanced of Open protein, fat, fiber, calcium, vitamins and One of the best things you can do is minerals while being low in carbohydrates practice your dog’s “cues” (aka free from grains, added salt, and sugars. “commands). Strengthening what she The ingredients should be bio-available knows and teaching her something new. (ability of nutrients to be converted by the
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BY PAT HENNESSY
LESS QUALITY INGREDIENTS
BAD INGREDIENTS
Specific Meat Meals (chicken meal, lamb meal, fish meal, etc.). AAFCO (regulator of pet food) definition is a “dry rendered product derived from parts of whole carcasses with or without bone,” after the portion for human consumption is removed. By-Product Meals (same as above but includes beaks, feet, and heads, not as digestable/bioavailable).
BHA (Butylated Hydroxyanisole) BHT (Butylated Hydroxytoluene) Ethoxyquin PG (Propylene Glycol) Added Sugar or Salt Food dyes or flavorings
Vegetables used as filler instead of grains (unspecified potato & potato protein, pea starch, beet pulp)
Glutens & Gluten Meals (e.g. corn, wheat)
Grains (rice, oats, barley), not digestible for dog and cats, and these are often byproducts from the grain industry, especially in low cost dry kibble pet foods.
digestive system and utilized by the body). Most grains aren’t digested by our dogs and cats and serve as fillers in pet food.
Learn To Relax We know it’s a good idea to make time for ourselves each day, doing something to strengthen our core or inner-being, such as meditation or yoga. Try a few of these techniques to improve the humananimal bond: Meditation: Find a comfortable spot sitting next to your dog (or cat in your lap) and place your hands gently upon their fur. Take deep breaths and feel the inhale and exhale of your animal partner. Clear your mind and resonate with the energy of your companion. Visualize how much you love him and tell him, “Thank you for being a friend.” Doga–Doggie Yoga (or Meowoga for cats): Get a large blanket or mat and ask your dog (or cat) to join you. You can choose many poses, but in the words of the late Chuck Berry, “Let’s do the twist.” Perform the pose on your own, with your companion by your side. Feel the stretch and relax. Now, using a high value treat (such as freeze-dried liver), ask your dog for a sit and then holding a treat a few inches away from his nose move the treat toward the right shoulder then toward the left shoulder (observing him turning his head each way), then offer him the treat. TTouch™: Again, ask your dog to come sit by you. There are many touches to this technique, but let’s do one of my favorites. Place your thumb and index finger at the base of the ear
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(one on the outside of the ear and the other on the inner part of the earflap, but not down in the ear canal), gently stroke upward or outward (on a floppy-eared dog), with the same gentle pressure you would feel a rose petal. Do this technique as many times as it takes to cover the surface of the ear (once for a Yorkie but several times for a Basset Hound). Aromatherapy: Add some essential oils to a diffuser while you are doing your meditation, Doga, or TTouch™.
Companion animals have been a part of our lives for thousands of years. Their roles have changed with ours as time goes by. Their service and dedication to us sets them apart from all the animal kingdom. The best way to honor that service is to recognize who they are, treat them with love and respect, knowing that they will return the favor. As Roger Caras says about dogs, they, “are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole.”
Pat Hennessy is the founder of N2paws, LLC, an organization that provides a holistic approach to companion animal care through behavior & wellness coaching, energy work, essential oils for animals plus fun and educational classes such as Doga. Pat is an Advanced TTouch™ practitioner, CPDT-KA, ACDBC, and member of the IAABC, IAATH and AWA. You may contact N2Paws via email pat@n2paws.com, phone 816-522-7005, or visit the website www.n2paws.com.
Spiritual Horoscope
February 2018 Aquarius (Jan. 20 – Feb. 18) Happy birthday Aquarius! The eclipse in your sign is working with brilliant Mercury and Uranus. Pay close attention to your thoughts. Mercury is your day-to-day brain, while Uranus is your “personal genius consciousness.” Change thought patterns when necessary to improve mood and to manifest a better life! Meditate to create a peaceful space between thoughts, not to stop them altogether. Then you’ll have more conscious awareness of yourself (instead of being on auto-pilot) and also allow for intuitions throughout your day. Pisces (Feb. 19 – March 20) This month’s eclipse helps you create a deep soul love, as well as magical money flow! For love, meditate on releasing old hurts with past or current partners. Now you’re not held back by subtle beliefs that it’s not safe to share your heart. Financially, be honest about spending habits. Have a friend with money savvy help you with a budget. Also meditate on limiting beliefs you hold about wealth or lack of it! Visualize yourself with abundance and see how it feels. If you feel uncomfortable, work on getting to the root and letting it go so money can flow! Aries (March 21 – April 19) It’s a month to make new friends and discover activities and hobbies that brighten your life! If single, you can meet a wonderful person this way. If partnered, you’ll reconnect in a fresh way by seeing each other in a new context. In meditation, focus on the abundance of possibilities in life. You can always shift perspective and see the world differently. Then life can offer experiences you weren’t allowing in with your previously limited beliefs and expectations! Taurus (April 20 – May 20) This month’s eclipse opens professional doors for you! Don’t underestimate your talents. You’ve worked hard to develop skills and gather experience. You also have a centeredness that makes others feel safe around you, and that is a gift you need to recognize! Also, follow intuitions or massages in dreams. You have a tendency to minimize these spiritual communications, but the more you see them as important and follow them, wonderful things unfold! See
yourself as an important part of the world around you!! Gemini (May 21 – June 20) This month’s eclipse asks you to walk your talk in terms of spirituality. If you say you believe in affirmations, do you actually use them? If you think meditation is a powerful way to connect with your higher self, how often do you meditate? Even taking small, consistent actions (ex. meditating five minutes a day) yields amazing results! You could have a breakthrough with a health issue. You might get an incredible promotion at work. Relationships become harmonious. As you bring your theories into experience, life envelopes you with comfort and blessings!
past traumas and internal “potholes”, and now it’s time to live from an enlightened, healed and positive place. Meditate on the belief that the Universe is in favor of you and see how it feels to walk around in that reality. Soak in the many blessings that come your way! Virgo (Aug. 23 – Sept. 22) The eclipse this month opens new doors to health! You can discover a food allergy that holds your energy down. Through meditation you can become aware of a toxic belief that lowers your zest for life. You’ll find you’re able to relax in the present moment instead of having a constant “to do” list running in your head. Relationships improve as you become more present to everyone around you! Work with affirmations to keep a positive frame of mind.
Cancer (June 21 – July 22) The eclipse this month heals your heart. You can deepen trust in partnerships. You can heal old wounds of betrayal. Insecurities can melt away. Even prosperity can flow! Meditate on the truth that you’re an intrinsic part of the Universe and a valuable part of your little corner of the world. Feeling that you’re a part of things, rather than on the outside, will help you a lot. Focus on laughter and having fun, so you turn your mind away from sad stories you repeat to yourself! Believe the positive is as true as the negative you’ve believed for so long!
Libra (Sept. 23 – Oct. 22) You’ll have relationship breakthroughs! Meditate on releasing old programs and habituated thoughts about your partner —and about yourself as a partner. Contemplate how resentments and negative thoughts impact your body and immune system. This month’s eclipse can free you of the past. Fill your mind with joy and focus on having fun with people you love. This creates a “magnetic force field” that draws loving new people if single, or improved circumstances if bonded. You can also have gifts of money, or a new job offer. As always, Libra, strike a balance between forgiveness and being walked on. Forgiveness means you protect yourself from negative feelings, while having clear boundaries!
Leo (July 23 – Aug. 22) It’s a great relationship month! You can have insights about past issues that hold love back, and remove those blocks. This renews a current connection to a second honeymoon, or you can meet wonderful new partner if single. Even if you had a rough childhood, you can re-write your internal script. You know your flaws,
Scorpio (Oct. 23 – Nov. 21) You can have major healing about childhood issues and destructive thought patterns that make you feel separate from others. Scorpios need to frequently scrub their minds of shame. It’s such a go-to feeling that you might not even realize it’s there unless you examine your subconscious regularly
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through meditation. When you clear a pathway, more feelings of joy and connection flow in. You can also have a cool job offer, or even meet a fabulous friend through work! Sagittarius (Nov. 22 – Dec. 21) This month’s eclipse opens your intuition! Meditate each day, and pay close attention to your dreams. Record ideas that pop up, since they can provide insights and guidance now or in the near future. Make a special area at home for contemplation. Also, you can begin an exciting new relationship! Or you might have a flash of healing that resolves turmoil in a present connection so that it feels completely fresh. If you’re thinking about getting a pet, you can find a new furry soul mate now too! Capricorn (Dec. 22 – Jan. 19) It’s a powerful financial month! The eclipse can open new avenues of money. You can also connect with a positive person who helps you organize your finances in a way that pays off debt, while living comfortably and even creating savings. Explore philosophies and books about spirituality and prosperity. Use affirmations that tap into abundant thinking. No matter what your “reality” has been, you can change it by shifting your beliefs! You’ll find your sense of self-worth expands along with your wallet! Aluna Michaels is a second-generation astrologer. 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 (no texting please), or text (248) 583-1663 or visit www.alunamichaels.com
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PSYCHIC PROTECTION SANCTUARY Psychic protection & energy healing education to help you live an empowered, balanced, healthy life. Facilitator Maya Zahira www.MayaZahira.com.
KELLY MURPHY-BOULÉ —Certified Hypnotherapist, Healing Touch Energy, Intuitive Readings, Holistic Nutrition, Young Living Essential Oils. www.hypnokelly.com 913-634-7553 Your Sacred Bleuprint, Beverly Friend Spiritual Response Therapy and Numerology www.yoursacredblueprint.com 209-728-8400
GIFTS & DECOR SWORDS & MORE A great shop for meaningful gifts like Candles, Fairies, Swords, Crystals, and more to meet your Holistic & Metaphysical needs. 123 S Mur-Len Olathe, KS 66062 913-782-4244
LORI BLANKINSHIP, ND Naturopathic Family Practice. Your Source For Natural Health & Wellness. Shawnee, KS 913-602-3538 myvillagemedicine.com
PETS N2PAWS—Harmony & Balance for your animal companion with TTouch, Reiki, Doga, & Essential Oils (specializing in recovery, senior, & hospice) www.n2paws.com 816-522-7005
WELLNESS RIORDAN CLINIC The Riordan Clinic has over 40 years of experience integrating lifestyle and nutrition to help you find the underlying causes of your illness. 21620 Midland Drive Suite B Shawnee, KS 913.745.4757 www.RiordanClinic.org
YOGA THE YOGA STUDIO (a division of the Yoga School of Therapeutics) 10400 W. 103rd, #14, Overland Park. All levels, teacher’s training and new flow classes 913 492 9594 www.theyogastudio.com YOGA PATCH 19 instructors, 60 wkly classes, all levels. Pay What You Can + $5 classes available. Event Space Rentals + Classes/Workshops Galore. YogaPatch.com; 816-268-4660
To find more holistic practitioners, visit Evolving Magazine’s HOLISTIC ONLINE DIRECTORY at
www.evolvingmagazine.com/holistic-online-directory EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
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FEBRUARY 17 ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANIMALS 11:00am-12:00pm Peculiar, MO, Learn how to enhance the well-being for you & your animals with nature’s essential oils. Register: pat@n2paws.com or 816 -522-7005. Website: www.n2paws.com FEBRUARY 13 CORE STAR ENERGY HEALING CLINIC Experience the benefits of energy healing. 6045 Martway, Suite 104, Mission, KS. Reservations. 913-8314422 7:15 p.m. $20 www.CoreStarEnergyHealing.com FEBRUARY 17 ESSENTIAL OILS for ANIMALS 11:00am-12:00pm Peculiar, MO, Learn how to enhance the well-being for you & your animals with nature’s essential oils. Register: pat@n2paws.com or 816-522-7005. www.n2paws.com FEBRUARY 23-25 SOMAENERGETICS PHASE 1 CLASS Certify in working with tuning forks! Call us at 816-523-9140 or visit www.wellspring.edu for more information! FEBRUARY 24 DOGA (DOGGIE YOGA) 11:00am-12:00pm Peculiar, MO An integrated approach to flexibility and relaxation for you and your canine companion. Register: pat@n2paws.com or 816-5227005. Website: www.n2paws.com
FEBRUARY 24 & 25 INTRODUCTION TO SHAMANISM WORKSHOP – LEVEL ONE At The Healing Place - Liberty location - 816-415-2607 Instructors: Sheri Woxland and Tammy Barton $175.00 for the 2 day Saturday and Sunday workshop, lunch and handouts are included. Visit www.AtTheHealingPlace.com for more details and to sign up for the workshop/
Gateways Institute and have all the tools you need to start your own client practice. This in-depth training experience will be taught by CJ Martes who has over 25 years of experience in the field of Vibrational Medicine. 800604-9967 www.vibrationalgateways.com
mastering-the-intuitive-arts/ for more information.7-9 p.m. $25 drop in. Call or email for directions to Cat’s Place. catrunningelk@gmail.com www.catrunningelk.com
TAROT FOR EVERYONE Ongoing Tuesday evenings. Learn the cards, practice doing readings with others and increase your confidence. MARCH 10, 20 & 27 From beginning students to advanced, USUI REIKI LEVEL ONE At The Healing Place - Liberty location all can benefit! Cat RunningElk began as a professional reader over twenty years - 816-415-2607. Instructors: - Sheri Woxland and Tammy Barton Saturday, ago and brings her wisdom and guidance in this safe environment so FEBRUARY 27 March 10th from 10am to 5pm, you can grow. CORE STAR ENERGY HEALING $150.00. Tuesday, March 20 and 27, Go to https:// CLINIC from 6:30pm to 9:30pm Visit Experience the benefits of energy www.AtTheHealingPlace.com for more runningelkalmostdaily.wordpress.com/ healing. 6045 Martway, Suite 104, details and to sign up for the workshop tarot-classes/ for more information. 7 – 8:30 p.m. $20 drop in. Call or email Mission, KS. Reservations 913-831for directions to Cat’s Place. 4422 7:15 p.m. $20. MARCH 13 -27 catrunningelk@gmail.com www.CoreStarEnergyHealing.com CRANIOSACRAL 863-529-1866 BALANCING 1 www.catrunningelk.com MARCH 3 Morning and afternoon class at our CREATE A CHEMICAL-FREE Olathe location. Please call Danielle SERENITY PAUSE™ HOME Hicks for information at 816-523-9140 MEDITATION 11:00am-12:00pm Peculiar, MO, Learn or visit www.wellspring.edu for more 7 DAYS A WEEK - 365 DAYS A YEAR, what is harmful in your environment information. 12:10 p.m. to 12:40 p.m. and 5:30pm to and create a chemical-free home for 6 p.m. Both chairs and mat/cushions you & your pets. Register: APRIL 7 are provided.. Includes mediation pat@n2paws.com or 816-522MEDITATION POSTURE instruction and time to sit. Unity 7005. Website: www.n2paws.com WORKSHOP Temple on the Plaza-707 W 47th Explore a variety of meditation Street, KC, MO 64112. MARCH 3 postures and sitting gear, learn some ASTROLOGY 101 AND YEARLY yoga moves to ease seated meditation, REIKI CIRCLE FORECAST WITH SHERI and enjoy a guided meditation together Unity Church of Overland Park –10300 WOXLAND in newfound comfort! $30. Rime Antioch, OPKS. 2nd and 4th Mondays 7 Saturday 12:00pm to 5:00pm, $35.00 Buddhist Center, 2-4:30 pm. -9 p.m. Love offering. All welcome. At The Healing Place - Liberty location www.facebook.com/ Receive a Reiki treatment. For flier - 816-415-2607 Visit mindfulnessmeditationkc email karen@karenharrison.net www.AtTheHealingPlace.com for more 816-523-4440 details and to sign up for the workshop MAY 10,11 & 12,13 ENERGY HEALING SESSIONS PEDIATRIC MASSAGE FOR CANCER PATIENTS AND MARCH 3-4 CERTIFICATION VETERANS FROM THOUGHT TO FINISH & TOUCH THERAPY FOR By Appointment. The Kansas City An experiential Men’s Retreat focused LIDDLE KIDZ WITH AUTISM Healing Project provides energy healing on practical ways to bring forth your Call us at 816-523-9140 or visit sessions for cancer patients and authentic spiritual Self in a welcoming, www.wellspring.edu for more veterans. Our clients have been supportive environment. Please join us information! experiencing a reduction of their stress, at Unity Village on Saturday, March 3, anxiety and pain levels. These sessions 2018 at 8am to Sunday, March 4 at ONGOING are provided at NO COST to the 10:30am. Register online at client. Contact John Hoefer at 816-718www.ucop.org MASTERING THE INTUITIVE 6358 for details. ARTS KansasCityHealingProject.org BEGINS MARCH 3-4 Ongoing Monday evenings. Develop 2018 VIBRATIONAL your gifts in a fun and supportive HEALING/MEDICAL-INTUITIVE atmosphere with Cat RunningElk. Each U-NITE INTERSPIRITUAL TRAINING & CERTIFICATION week we gather for guided meditation, SERVICE Join us at Unity Temple on the Plaza PROGRAM connect with one another, your for our weekly 'interspiritual' service Each training module is a blend of spiritual guides and bring wisdom SUNDAYS 4:30-5:30PM (YOUTH classroom instruction and hands on through for all. 863-529-1866 PROGRAM available for ages 5+). practice. Once completed, you will be Go to https:// certified by Vibrational runningelkalmostdaily.wordpress.com/ www.uthrive-in-unity.com
EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
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EVENTS
FEBRUARY 13 - MAY 1 SIMPLY NATURA 12-WEEK WORKSHOP Enrollment open for the workshop that provides health and wellness education on a variety of topics to help improve dietary choices and lifestyle. Winter classes are held on Tuesday at 6 p.m. One-on-one sessions are also available, call to inquire. Contact Reinvent Your Health to learn more at 816-272-4877 17331 East US 40 Hwy, #101, Independence MO, 64055
Expires 10-31-17 EVOLVING…IN KANSAS CITY
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