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As I sat down to collect my thoughts and write these endof-year notes, I faintly heard the unmistakable bugle of sandhill cranes flying far overhead. It seems perhaps a bit early for their migration from Wisconsin wetlands to their stopover at Indiana’s Jasper-Pulaski Fish & Wildlife Area (in. gov/dnr/fish-and-wildlife/properties/jasper-pulaski-fwa/sandhill-cranes). In the Chicago area, we’re more likely to hear them on a crisp, early, December day. But today’s winds are gusty and warm, with powerful westerly breezes carrying some of the last autumnal temperatures of the year and creating upper-air patterns for these magnificent birds to traverse northeastern Illinois.
As I stood in the yard, scanning the skies for the source of their calls, I spotted about a dozen birds gracefully cruising overhead on their way to somewhere else. The sight reminded me of the beauty of the changing seasons.
This month, we’re easing into the holiday spirit with a focus on self-care—for ourselves and those on our gift lists. In our main feature, “Soulful Holiday Gifts,” health and lifestyle coach Caitlin Ball explains how mindfully selected self-care gifts do more than bring momentary delight; they can nurture the heart and soul. Whether it’s a specially curated basket or an experience that helps recharge the spirit, thoughtful giving becomes an investment in joy and peace—the true essence of the holidays.
“During the holiday season, increasing self-care can be beneficial,” says herbalist Linda Conroy in “Herbal Care: A Self-Care Primer,” where she shares her favorite herbs for teas, soothing baths and aromatherapy. For the book lovers on your list—and to support local shops—Sheryl DeVore spoke with Chicago-area booksellers to recommend their top titles in “Must-Read Books for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season.”
‘Tis the season for baking, and if healthier holiday treats are on your menu, our Conscious Eating section offers tips for easy ingredient substitutions and recipes with less sugar and gluten-free options. “It has never been easier to make gluten-free cookies that taste almost identical to their gluten-based inspirations,” says Katie Wells in “Healthier Holiday Cookies.” Recipes like Chewy Chocolate Chip Almond Cookies and Chocolate Coffee Cookies by Christina Pirello are sure to delight.
To offset those indulgences, Julie Mackey presents a creative way to stay active and mindful this season in “Flex and Flow Through the Holidays with 12 Days of Yoga.” It’s a fun way to keep moving and reconnect during this busy time of year.
This season, I encourage you to help maintain inner balance by connecting daily with the natural wonders of December. Whether the month stays unseasonably warm or takes on a wintry chill, try to step outside each day to reflect and reconnect with the world around us. Listen for the cheerful “dee-dee-dee” of a chickadee on a sunny morning. Notice the delicate bird and squirrel tracks etched into freshly fallen sidewalk snow. Gaze at the luminous Cold Moon on December 15, take a mindful walk on the Winter Solstice and celebrate the gradual return of daylight that starts later this month. Listen for the bugles of sandhill cranes overhead and allow the reflective stillness of early winter to settle within you.
Wishing you a season of peace, joy and meaningful connection.
Peggy Malecki
Photo by Peggy Malecki
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Shop, Support and Soothe at Northshore Healing Centre's Holiday Expo and Meditation
Northshore Healing Centre, located on Chicago’s northwest side, is hosting festive events this holiday season to foster community connection and well-being.
From 2 to 7 p.m. on December 1, the center will hold its Christmas Craft and Vendor Show, featuring local artisans and small businesses offering unique handmade items. Guests can shop for holiday gifts like organic baked goods, handcrafted art, holistic skin care products and reiki-infused crystals.
Later in the month, founder Maria T. Lezniak will lead Heart Flower Meditation sessions from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. on December 12 and 26. This heart-centered practice offers a peaceful pause from holiday stress. “In a world that can often feel overwhelming, Heart Flower Meditation is a simple way to reconnect and feel nourished,” says Lezniak. The meditation is donation-based and open to all, regardless of experience.
Location: 6185 N. Canfield Ave., Chicago. For more information, call 847-588-0370 or visit nshealing.com. See ad on page 25, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Embrace Holiday Joy and Reflection at Inner Haven’s December Events
Inner Haven Art Gallery, in Grayslake, is hosting two community events in December, offering a blend of creativity, connection and mindful celebration. On December 7, the free Cider & Spice Open House will welcome guests from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., featuring festive cider, fine art and unique holiday gifts. Attendees can enjoy a 10 percent discount on art and vendor products while exploring the gallery’s offerings and meeting local practitioners.
For a deeper seasonal experience, the Into the Dark-Winter Solstice Celebration will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on December 20. This event includes a cacao ceremony and guided meditation, inviting participants to reflect on the quiet beauty of the winter solstice and embrace the season’s spirit of renewal. Admission is $44 per person, pre-registration is required.
Discover the Spirit of Christmas Through Meditation
The Chicago Center of Self-Realization Fellowship (SRF) invites the community to embrace the spirit of the season with yoga meditation. Weekly sessions are held every Sunday at 9:30 a.m., culminating in a special all-day Christmas meditation from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., December 14. Participants are encouraged to join for as long as they feel comfortable.
Whether visitors are exploring new artwork, connecting with like-minded individuals or seeking a moment of inner peace, Inner Haven serves as a nurturing space for creative and spiritual development year-round.
Location: 34121 US-45, Ste. 8, Grayslake. For more information, call 224-252-2945 or visit MyInnerHaven.com
“At Christmastime, there are strong vibrations of Christ consciousness in the air,” said Paramahansa Yogananda, one of the key pioneers of yoga in the West and the founder of SRF, an international spiritual organization with a thriving meditation center in River Forest. “Those who are attuned by their devotion and by deep, scientific meditation will receive the divine vibrations. It is of the utmost spiritual importance to every man, whatever his religion, that he experience within himself this ‘birth’ of the universal Christ.”
SRF participates in an all-day Christmas meditation every year since Yogananda first introduced the tradition in 1931. Yogananda referenced the occasion in his classic book Autobiography of a Yogi, in which he illustrated the underlying unity between original yoga and original Christianity.
Location: 946 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest. For more information, visit ChicagoMeditationCenter.org. See ad on page 33, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Photo
Shop Local at Highland Park’s New Indoor Winter Farmers Market
This winter, the Ravinia Farmers Market and Wayfarer Theaters are teaming up to launch the first-ever indoor Winter Ravinia Farmers Market beginning this month in downtown Highland Park. Hosted at Wayfarer Theaters, the market will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 14 and 15 and December 21 and 22, and continues on Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from January 11 through April 26. This family-friendly event offers an indoor space to support local farmers and artisans, take in a matinee movie and enjoy Highland Park’s community spirit.
Shoppers can choose from a range of local and organic produce from two area farms and purchase meats, cheese, eggs, honey, teas, handmade goods and more from a variety of vendors. Artisanal foods and bakery items, plus ready-to-eat options from the market’s food court, round out the setting for winter market-goers.
“This new indoor season provides area residents with more access to high-quality, responsibly sourced foods and products, and supports our economy by highlighting the value of shopping local and connecting with farmers and other small businesses,” says Market Manager Ed Kugler.
Cost: Admission and parking are free. Location: Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St., Highland Park. For more information, visit RaviniaFarmersMarket.com or WayfarerTheaters.com. For vendor inquiries, call Kugler at 847-579-9080 or email RaviniaFM@gmail.com.
Go Beyond Goal Setting with Total Life Alignment Coaching
Russell Needham, founder of Total Life Alignment, in Chicago, offers a transformative life coaching approach that transcends traditional goal setting. By guiding clients to explore their lives from a place of conscious awareness, Needham helps individuals connect with their deeper purpose. “When you stop struggling and start allowing your natural talents and gifts to emerge, many other parts of your life naturally fall into alignment—the mental, physical, spiritual and energetic,” he explains.
With a background in corporate training, Needham helps clients gain a higher perspective on their lives. At Total Life Alignment, they are encouraged to examine assumptions and patterns that may limit their growth, opening doors to realizations that can guide them at any stage of life. “This work is about shifting perspectives, not just achieving short-term goals,” he says.
To make coaching accessible, Needham offers a special rate for Natural Awakenings readers—a complimentary 45-minute introductory session and additional sessions for $25, with both in-person and telehealth sessions available.
For more information, to make an appointment or to obtain the special rate, call 312-650-9525, email TotalBalance312@gmail.com or visit Total-Life-Alignment.com. See ad on page 16, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
Dive into the Legacy of Gabe Spataro with Diveheart’s New Documentary
Diveheart has released a compelling new documentary, The Legend of the Statue, now available on YouTube. This film, directed by award-winning filmmaker David Marsh, chronicles the life of Gabe Spataro, a Korean War veteran and adaptive diver whose deep connection to the iconic Christ of the Abyss statue spanned decades.
Founded in 2001 and based in Downers Grove, Diveheart is a nonprofit organization that empowers individuals of all abilities through the transformative experience of scuba diving, helping them build confidence and independence.
In the 1960s, Spataro played a pivotal role in transporting the 800-pound bronze Christ of the Deep statue from Italy to Key Largo, Florida. Located under the waves of the Gulf of Mexico, the statue is one of the most viewed underwater objects in the world. Despite losing his sight later in life, Spataro rediscovered his passion for diving through Diveheart’s adaptive programs, reconnecting with the underwater marvel he helped introduce.
The Legend of the Statue film celebrates Spataro’s adventurous spirit and the healing power of water. Diveheart invites viewers to explore this inspiring journey on their YouTube channel.
For more information and to watch, visit YouTube.com/watch?v=VagP-d-VYbU and Diveheart.org
Russell Needham Photo courtesy
Total Life
Alignment
Photo courtesy of Diveheart
New Insights on Gender and Sexual Desire Variability
by Jerry Garcia, PA-C, and Raymond Wohl, BA, MA
For years, conventional wisdom has suggested that women’s sexual desire is more variable than men’s, a belief reflected in both popular culture and scientific theories of desire. Women are often portrayed as more contextually sensitive, with fluctuations influenced by mood, relationship dynamics and hormonal changes. However, recent research challenges these assumptions, offering a more nuanced perspective.
Published in the May 2023 edition of Archives of Sexual Behavior, the research analyzed data from three longitudinal studies to explore sexual desire over different timeframes, ranging from years to short-term intervals of just seven days. The findings reveal complex patterns that call into question the traditional view.
The first study, conducted over 13 years and assessing desire at three distinct time points, confirmed that women exhibited more variability in their sexual desire compared to men. This supports the idea of greater longterm fluctuation in women’s desire. However, the second and third studies, which measured desire on a day-to-day basis over a single week, found no significant difference between women and men in terms of shortterm variability.
Notably, both women’s and men’s sexual desires were similarly influenced by emotional and relationship factors, such as happiness, intimacy and partner closeness. Some distinctions did emerge, with women’s desire being more negatively impacted by tiredness and anger, particularly in the second study.
These findings suggest that while long-term patterns of desire may show more variability among women, the day-to-day fluctuations in desire are surprisingly consistent across genders. This research challenges outdated models of gendered desire variability,
highlighting the role of context and individual differences in shaping sexual desire.
Jerry Garcia is the medical director and Raymond Wohl is the business manager and patient care coordinator of Chicago Male Clinic, a holistic health and wellness center for men located at 4801 W. Peterson Ave., Ste. 506, in Chicago. For more information or to make an appointment, call 773-414-9900 or visit ChicagoMaleClinic.com. See ad on page 11, in the Community Resource Guide and in the Business Directory at NAChicago.com.
The Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary is your modern-day apothecary that offers natural healing remedies, alternative healing services, healing stones and crystals, classes and self-care products that help clients reach their optimal, mental, emotional, physical and spiritual balance for health recovery and wellness.
December 2024 Special Offerings
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7TH • (11 AM)
Ho’oponopono Meditation Holiday Celebration An ancient, traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation, forgiveness, and selfhealing. Practitioner Edward offering music with reflections of Love and Light. Max 8 participants (FREE)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH • (7 - 8 PM)
Full Moon Sound Healing Circle With Nicole Join Practitioner Nicole for a sound healing circle on the upcoming full moon. Relax and leave feeling refreshed. $25
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19TH: 5:30 PM - 7 PM
Intuitive Tarot Reading Workshop Learn some tarot basics and practice your intuitive reading skills. Practitioner Patrick will have a variety of decks available to borrow. Max 8 participants (FREE)
Raymond Wohl and Jerry Garcia
Photo courtesy of Chicago Male Clinic
Reiki | Acupuncture | Yoga/Meditation | Akashic Records |
Save Your Spot at the Glisten Winter Wellness Retreat
Experience a fun and deeply restorative experience designed to combat the winter blues and enhance mental, physical and spiritual wellness. Glisten: A Winter Wellness Retreat will be hosted at The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa near Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. The retreat runs from Thursday, January 23 through 26 and guests are welcome to stay each night or commute from home. Operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., this four-day retreat provides a unique opportunity for guests to rejuvenate in a luxurious setting while surrounded by the season’s serene beauty.
The retreat is led by Carissa Beaman, founder of MoonBeaman Retreats, and promises a dynamic program packed with healing workshops, interactive group sessions and mindfulness practices. Key events include daily qigong and meditation sessions, hands-on wellness workshops and immersive healing experiences, all crafted to promote self-care, personal growth and inner balance. Guests will also have access to diverse healing modalities, including body-centered sound baths and energy-balancing workshops.
Among the expert presenters are Kim Pomeroy, who will guide
participants in Soul Speak: Listen to Your Body and Heal, teaching attendees to interpret their body’s messages and engage in self-healing. Lamont McPheron will lead tai chi sessions focused on uniting mind and body, while DeEtte, a master teacher and medium, will conduct workshops on enhancing intuitive skills and trusting the gut. Each evening will close with a community bonfire where attendees can unwind, share stories and connect over s’mores under the winter night sky.
Attendees can book accommodations at The Abbey for $129 per night. Contact MoonBeaman Retreats at 847-722-9653 for details, or visit MoonBeaman.com to view the full event schedule and presenter lineup. Location: The Abbey Resort & Avani Spa, 269 Fontana Blvd., Fontana, WI. This transformative retreat package is priced at $555, covering all workshops, daily breakfast and lunch, keynote sessions and group events.
Photo courtesy of MoonBeaman Retreats
Expert Tips for Recycling Christmas Trees After the Holidays
Whether homeowners with live Christmas trees take them down immediately after the holidays or enjoy them for weeks to come, the tree care experts at The Morton Arboretum recommend planning ahead for proper disposal when the season ends.
“Live trees with festive decorations brighten homes during the holiday season, but they won’t last forever,” says Spencer Campbell, the Arboretum’s Plant Clinic manager and horticulture specialist. “It’s important to dispose of the tree in a safe and appropriate way when the season is done.”
Homeowners should remove their trees once they show signs of drying out to prevent them from becoming a fire hazard. “Dry needles will become brittle and start to fall off, and the tree will no longer take up water,” Campbell explains. He advises against burning evergreen trees in a fireplace or woodstove, as this can cause creosote
buildup that could lead to a chimney fire.
Bare Christmas trees can be recycled at participating facilities. Homeowners should check with local municipalities or waste management companies regarding tree recycling or disposal arrangements, including pickup dates or drop-off locations. Recycled trees are often chipped into mulch or compost, which some municipalities allow residents to collect for use in their gardens.
“Only the actual tree can be recycled,” Campbell emphasizes. “Be sure to remove all decorations, and if using a plastic tree bag to carry the tree from the house, take the bag off outside.”
Flocked trees—those covered in white synthetic powder to mimic snow—cannot be recycled and must be disposed of as regular trash. Additionally, items like garlands, wreaths or anything containing wire should not be recycled as they could damage the shredding machinery.
Branches cut from the trees can also be utilized to protect garden plants. “Laid over beds, they will insulate the soil so it doesn’t heat up in winter warm spells and cause plants to come out of dormancy too early,” Campbell notes.
Trees can also provide shelter for wildlife. “If space permits—and neighbors don’t mind—the tree can be left in the backyard to provide shelter for birds and other animals during winter,” Campbell says, adding that individuals can also place the trunk in a pond on their private property to provide shelter for fish.
The Arboretum’s Plant Clinic provides free advice by phone at 630-719-2424 or email at PlantClinic@MortonArb.org for those with questions about how to care for trees and plants.
Sunday, December 1, 2:00 - 5:00 pm (In-person) Aura Energy Scan & Reiki Healing with Karen Ziemek
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, December 3, 4, 5 (In-person) Malcolm Smith, Spiritual Energy Healer
HolisticCenter
“Edgar Cayce’s A.R.E. Chicago” “Spiritual Growth and Personal Development”
Wednesdays, December 4, 11, 18
6:30 - 7:30 pm (In-person)
Matt’s Movement With Tai Chi & QiGong with Matt Mallett
Friday, December 20, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (In-person) Winter Solstice Shamanic Ceremony with Melissa Gama
Visit our website for details/registration:
Photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum
Fraser’s Fir (Abies fraseri)
From Melancholy to Sweet Remembrance
by Marlaina Donato
“No loss is felt more keenly than the loss of what might have been. No nostalgia hurts as much as nostalgia for things that never existed,” says Rabih Alameddine in one of his poignant novels, and his words strike a chord, especially during the holidays. As another year takes a bow at the stroke of midnight, it is easy for many of us to succumb to grief for what we have never tasted. Those of us that lost what is cherished can feel homesick for times that might never come again.
Much of our society—as well as our inner emotional landscape—is molded by unrealistic family ideals. The holidays can serve up dark times and memories for those that have struggled through a dysfunctional dynamic, and can trigger trauma. Isolating ourselves and turning down invitations might seem like the only way of coping, but there is a fine line between being a prisoner of the past and living joyously in the present.
The willingness to create fresh memories or start new traditions with loved ones can be a soul-soothing balm. For those traversing a solitary path, novel activities and social gatherings can provide something to look forward to during the festive season. Feeding pigeons in the park, gifting a delicious dessert to a mail carrier, attending a religious service or having a winter picnic can help us find a sweet spot that tempers the holiday blues.
Although the world is decked with festive reminders, some people mourn a rapidly changing society, but we can maintain surer footing when we remind ourselves to tap into beauty within reach, change monotonous customs and move forward while looking back with nostalgia.
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and composer. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Soulful Holiday Gifts
Restorative Presents for Loved Ones
by Marlaina Donato
Winter urges us to schedule more downtime, but the festive season can sweep us into a whirlwind of time-sensitive preparations, social gatherings and the nurturing of our loved ones. Between the office party and taking the family feast out of the oven, self-care can easily be forgotten, and we may wind up feeling overwhelmed.
Many of us are stressed out. According to a 2023 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons, 50 percent of caregivers are burdened emotionally from maintaining the role, and four in 10 caregivers rarely, if ever, feel relaxed. A national survey conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that 62 percent of parents feel the weight of burnout. Earlier this year,
the American Psychological Association revealed in a survey that 57 percent of workers are enduring work-related stress in the form of burnout, anger and emotional exhaustion.
This giving season, remembering family members near and far, as well as service providers, teachers, emergency personnel, nurses and tradespeople, can provide relief (and even a sprinkle of magic) to those that make a meaningful difference in our lives. While sharing holiday joy with others, it is important to also gift ourselves with soothing activities and helpful items to temper holiday stress.
The Gift of Self-Care
“Self-care needs to happen daily—whether meditation, journaling, taking yourself out
for a cup of coffee with a book, cooking yourself nourishing food or even dancing to your favorite song in the kitchen,” says Caitlin Ball, a health and lifestyle coach in Zurich, Switzerland. “Sometimes, planning to have no plans is a special treat, especially for those of us that have packed calendars. Even if you’re spending the holidays with family, you don’t have to spend every waking minute together, and everyone will be happier if you are happy.”
Whether we go online to create a curated box of comfort for ourselves or surprise someone with a gift certificate from their favorite yoga studio or nail salon, acknowledging body, mind and spirit can be the ultimate gesture of generosity. “Gifting self-care to someone else is like saying, ‘I
Julia Metkalova from Julia Metkalova/CanvaPro
see you fully.’ It acknowledges that a person is more than just their day-to-day roles or responsibilities—they have emotional, physical and mental needs,” says Chrissa J. Santoro, senior director of communications at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies, in Rhinebeck, New York.
Investing in someone’s peace or transformation outlasts and outshines less thoughtful presents. “Gifting a retreat experience, workshop or wellness service to a loved one is like giving them permission to prioritize themselves—a gift many people hesitate to give themselves, especially after hardship, long work weeks or grief,” Santoro asserts. “These experiences create a space for someone to step away from the stress, noise and demands of daily life, giving them a chance to reset. This kind of thoughtful gift offers not only physical rest, but also emotional renewal, reminding them of their own worth and helping them rebuild strength from the inside out.”
A self-care gift can be as simple as a basket of locally made artisan bread or as life-changing as a personalized therapeutic intervention. “Maybe that holiday gift is a gift certificate to see a coach, a counselor or a therapist,” suggests Paula Forte, an integrative health and wellness coach in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, who specializes in helping caregivers that too often care for others more than themselves.
Forte spent 45 years working as a registered nurse before becoming her husband’s caregiver when he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. She knows firsthand the downward spiral of self-neglect. Her suggestions for mindful gift-giving include a week of meal delivery service, especially if eating healthy has been a challenge; simple pleasures, such as a canister of fragrant tea or a bouquet of flowers; or a ticket to a botanical garden, inviting the recipient to spend healthful time out in nature. Slipping a gift certificate into a holiday card for prepaid healthy lunches, a pickleball membership or the services of a home organizer might usher in a positive new chapter.
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The Pampered Path
Since ancient times, people have sought luxurious and therapeutic respite in baths and the use of precious oils and scents. From hot stone massage to aromatherapy spa treatments, today’s bodywork modalities offer something for everyone. Pampering might be seen as a vanity-driven practice, but heading to the nearest spa or salon is a surefire way to boost endorphins that not only improve mood but lower stress hormones such as cortisol, promoting the body’s natural state of homeostasis. A 2020 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found that 10 minutes of massage, as well as simple rest, significantly reduces systemic stress by prompting the nervous system to switch into parasympathetic mode.
Giving someone a pampering experience can be a wonderful way to bring them fully back to all their senses. “A great option is a gift certificate to your favorite spa for a
facial or a skincare basket to create that selfcare routine at home,” says Diana DePaoli, holistic esthetician, herbalist and owner of Aura+Bloom, in East Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania. “Men need self-care, too. According to my husband, Danny, it is sleep and a good shave, followed up with some extra love for his beard with my chamomile serum.”
DePaoli’s energy facials include tuning-fork sound healing, as well as reiki, an energy-healing modality, combining physical and spiritual restoration in one session. Even à la carte spa treatments like Himalayan-salt massage or foot reflexology does a body and soul good.
Gifting Kindness, Time and Presence
Making someone’s world light up this holiday season doesn’t need to involve expensive presents. Creating a special music playlist, serving breakfast in bed or inviting a
neighbor out for coffee are simple, but lovely, gestures that make a person feel special. “I think coupons for experiences you can do together are very meaningful, and you get to spend quality time together. Maybe a coupon for a day hike and picnic, or a movie night with lots of fun snacks,” recommends Ball, adding, “The older people in our lives just want to hear from us or spend time with us. Give them a coupon saying you will call them once a week.”
Forte’s low-cost suggestions include “a book of coupons to run errands they simply don’t have time to complete, like taking their kids to a museum or park, returning the purchase that was the wrong size or detailing their car.” For DePaoli, inexpensive but thoughtful gifts can also fill someone’s belly with love. “You can’t go wrong with making someone a homemade meal or dessert,” she suggests.
Adopting a Self-Care Mindset
Self-care is vital during the holidays and beyond. DePaoli says, “Being able to rest and reboot is very important to being able to have the energy and mindset to move forward in anything.” And according to Forte, “Self-care isn’t selfish. It is self-preservation.”
Marlaina Donato is an author, painter and recording artist. Connect at BluefireStudio.art.
Step Into 2025 With Confidence and Clarity
As the year ends, many of us find it’s time to reflect on our journey and envision what lies ahead. Yet, are you feeling stuck, uncertain, or disconnected from your true purpose? Psychic Sarah is here to help you close the chapter on the past with insight and compassion, and help guide you to a brighter, more purposeful future.
As a multi-generational reader with more than 30 years of experience, Sarah specializes in personalized guidance to help you uncover hidden truths, heal emotional wounds and align with your destiny. Through her intuitive readings and spiritual counsel, she creates a safe and empowering space for self-discovery and transformation.
• Clarity: Gain insights on relationships, career and life challenges.
• Renewed Energy: Heal blockages and balance your chakras for greater harmony.
• Confidence: Find strength to make empowered decisions.
• New Year, New Path: Begin 2025 with purpose and positive momentum.
Prioritize Yourself
This Holiday Season
While searching for the perfect gifts for others, don’t overlook the most important person on your list—you. This is your time to heal, reflect and create a future filled with purpose.
Click Local
How Online Shopping Boosts Neighborhood Businesses
by Megy Karydes
When Chicago resident Debbie Carlson wants to buy a book, she goes online. Instead of Amazon, she places her orders through Bookshop.org because her local bookstore benefits from the purchase while she enjoys the extra convenience. Carlson is not alone, as consumers increasingly look for ways to bolster their neighborhood economy.
“I want to have a thriving retail and local community, and I want to support businesses here,” she says. “If I can’t get to the physical store, I want to be able to go to their website and see what they have.” Although she lives within walking distance of independent shops, food markets and hardware stores, as a full-time professional, she appreciates the convenience of online shopping. Once Carlson finds a store she likes, she’ll sign up to receive updates via email. When something catches her eye, she has no problem picking up the phone and speaking with the proprietor to clarify any questions. “I know they’ll get back to me right away and give me the information I want,” she explains.
Building a Retail Community
and they trust her opinion as they would a friend’s. She has become a trusted personal shopper, and once she gets to know them, she can steer them in the right direction even if they’re not in the store.
High Tech Meets High Touch
Part of the reason online shopping has become so popular is it can be done with a click of a button, and there is hardly anything that cannot be found online. According to a Pew Research Center survey, whether ordering household items or the latest fashions, the internet has reshaped how, when and where we make purchases. Smartphones have made it so convenient that about one in three Americans shop online with their phone at least weekly.
“We have become friends with so many of our customers,” says Bonnie Schulz, owner of Bonnie’s Chic Boutique, in Grayslake, Illinois, which features apparel, accessories and home goods, and celebrated 10 years in business this fall. While an active customer base shops in person, she understands that it isn’t easy for everyone to regularly come in to see what’s new. To stay connected with her clientele, she greets them on Facebook Live every Wednesday, walking around the shop and pointing out the latest arrivals.
“Every single time I do a What’s New Wednesday, we have people calling to set aside an outfit or coming in to buy something,” Schulz says, noting that her customers are not always local to the area. Some of her regulars keep tuning in even though they have moved away. It’s easy for them to place an order on the phone or have a neighbor or family member pick it up to ship to them.
Schulz has spent years nurturing her relationship with her customers,
Companies like Locally.com are making it easier for customers to find items close by, even if they want to shop online. Their omnichannel business strategy provides a seamless shopping experience across all channels, including in-store, mobile and online. If a shopper is looking for a local retailer to buy their next pair of running shoes, for example, they can input their location and the product on Locally’s website or app, which will identify which nearby retailers have that item in stock. The shopper can then choose to order it online or go to the store to make their purchase.
While Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and TikTok dominate online sales, 87 percent of brands report that their email marketing campaigns are just as critical to their business success, according to Litmus, an email marketing platform. It takes time for independent retailers to keep websites updated, and sending emails is time-consuming, but independent retailers understand that shoppers appreciate the convenience of shopping online while supporting the local community. “You have only so much money to spend,” Carlson says. “I want to make sure that I’m spending it in a way that I think my dollar will have an impact, not just financially, but socially, as well.”
Megy Karydes is a Chicago-based writer and author of 50 Ways to More Calm, Less Stress.
Tree Tips From Bartlett Tree Experts
It’s the time of year for conifers to shine! Most trees have lost their leaves by now so there’s nothing like a conifer for landscape color in late autumn and winter. These trees are great for year-round screening, act as windbreaks, attract birds and wildlife, and serve as ideal focal trees. Proper conifer care can help prevent a decline in these majestic trees.
What is a Conifer?
Conifers are recognizable by their needlelike or scale-like foliage. Chicago area native species include Arborvitae, Cedar, Juniper, and White Pine.
While some non-native conifers lose foliage in the winter, most retain it yearround. With that in mind, conifers are not scientifically classed by needle retention or being “evergreen,” but rather by how they fruit. Conifer means “cone bearer” and these trees reproduce by forming a cone that contains seeds. That means all conifers have cones; even the small blue ‘berries’ on junipers are cones.
Why Conifer Care is Important
We’ve seen conifers experiencing many issues impacting their health, vigor, and resilience. While isolating a single cause is challenging, climate change, inconsistent weather patterns (periods of drought or excessive rainfall), and local soil issues appear to be major contributors.
Plant hardiness zones have also shifted, affecting the resilience of some species in the Midwest, such as Colorado Blue Spruce, stressing older trees and making them more prone to diseases, insect pests, and other issues.
Common Conifer Problems
Some browning and needle loss are normal on conifers, especially in fall and winter. However, widespread tree health concerns, including needle cast fungal diseases, tip blights, canker, and root rot, more commonly affect conifers in our area.
Insect infestations can also negatively impact conifers. Some caterpillar and sawfly species, as well as sucking insects
(aphids, scales, mites) also cause damage if populations are allowed to build unchecked. Your local Bartlett Tree Experts Certified Arborist can inspect your conifers in the dormant winter season.
As with all trees, planting and soil conditions are important components for robust growth. Well-rounded conifer care will always include the long-standing rule of planting: the right tree in the right place.
Maintaining the Health of Conifers
The first step in conifer care is to address any site and soil issues. Start with a soil test to identify deficient nutrients and any problems with soil pH and organic matter present. Mulch lightly to protect roots and promote healthy soil.
Monitor conifers frequently for signs of insects and disease. Early intervention is particularly critical when needle cast diseases and certain pests are present. Preventive treatments for wood-boring insects may be necessary during outbreaks or during stress periods (like drought).
Must-Read Books for Nature Lovers This Holiday Season
by Sheryl DeVore
Author Gayle Brandeis has been recommending Soil: The Story of a Black Mother’s Garden (Simon & Schuster, 2024) by Camille T. Dungy to her patrons at Secret World Books, which opened in April in Highland Park.
“Dungy explores the process of rewilding her yard in Colorado while also delving into the painful history of the Black experience of American land,” says Brandeis, who owns the new store with her husband, Michael Brandeis.
The store offers a wide selection of books across genres, including a curated list for environmental and nature-loving readers. In this article, Brandeis, along with another local bookstore owner and a bookstore manager, shares ideas for holiday gift selections.
Brandeis says she enjoys Dungy’s work because she is a poet. “Her use of language is gorgeous in her prose,” Brandeis notes. “I’ve been pressing this book into a lot of people’s hands.”
“Dungy also edited the ground-breaking anthology Black Nature: Four Centuries of African American Nature Poetry (University of Georgia Press, 2009), which also makes me think of another great book we carry, A Darker Wilderness: Black Nature Writing from Soil to Stars (Milkweed Editions, 2023),” Brandeis adds.
Another poet now writing breathtaking prose about the natural world is Aimee Nezhukumatathil, Brandeis relays. “Her book, World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments (Milkweed Editions, 2020), is such a delight,” she says. “It’s a mix of personal writing and rhapsodic nature writing that reminds us what a truly wondrous world we live in—a world worth cherishing, protecting and healing.”
The husband-and-wife duo had dreamed of opening a bookstore for years. When they found a building in Highland Park with a secret garden in the backyard, they knew it was the perfect spot.
“Michael and I are both nature lovers and environmentalists,” Brandeis shares. “It made perfect sense to carry nature and environment books inside the store to echo the secret garden outside and to further our desire to celebrate and protect our beautiful, beleaguered planet.”
Photo by New Africa for Adobe Stock
Brandeis adds, “I’m also a huge fan of Sy Montgomery, and have learned so much about the more-than-human world from her, whether she’s writing about octopuses or pigs or tigers or other amazing creatures.”
Montgomery’s latest is Of Time and Turtles: Mending the World, Shell by Shattered Shell (Mariner Books, 2023).
“It is an especially moving offering,” Brandeis relays. “I love how she shares her experience working in a turtle hospital, and what she learned from these ancient beings (and those who care for them) about patience and courage and healing. This book feels like a balm for our times and reminds us that time is way more spacious than we can imagine.”
Brandeis also is excited about Robin Wall Kimmerer’s new book, The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World (Scribner, 2024). Kimmerer is the author of the acclaimed Braiding Sweetgrass (Milkweed Editions, 2015).
“Braiding Sweetgrass is both a personal and store favorite,” Brandeis remarks. “I am thrilled we can all continue to learn from this gifted Indigenous writer and scientist. This book delves into the beauty and power of interconnection and generosity found in nature,” Brandeis adds. “We see our bookstore as a site of similarly open-hearted community.”
The proprietor of Skunk Cabbage Books, a specialty bookstore in Chicago, is also eager to share Kimmerer’s new book with patrons. “I can’t wait to talk with everyone about the Braiding Sweetgrass author’s new book, which is a long-form essay about gift economies, reciprocity and the ways humans relate to the Earth,” says store owner Ren Dean. “This is a perfect gift to share with your friends and family who want to more intentionally recognize nature’s gifts and the ways we serve our more-than-human world in return.”
Another book customers have been loving is The Light Eaters: How the Unseen World of Plant Intelligence Offers a New Understanding of Life on Earth (Harper, 2024) by Zoe Schlanger.
Reclaim Your Calm This Holiday Season
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Explore These Local Bookstores for Nature-Inspired Reads
For readers looking to explore the world of nature-themed literature, the following local bookstores are highlighted in the article for their exceptional selections:
Secret World Books
1774 2nd St., Highland Park
847-469-4875
SecretWorldBooks.com
Skunk Cabbage Books
2826 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
872-206-8039
SkunkCabbageBooks.com
The Green Read
61 N. Williams St., Crystal Lake 779-220-4945
mcdef.org/bookstores
The Green Spot
110 S. Johnson St., Woodstock 815-527-7122
mcdef.org/bookstores
Dean says, “Schlanger digs into the lives of plants and the botanists that study them and thoughtfully takes us into the emerging science and ongoing debate among botanists on the subject of plant intelligence—how plants respond to and interact with their environments and play an active role in shaping our landscapes.”
Readers will learn that “some of the scientists she speaks to balk at this idea,” Dean continues. “They feel it’s inappropriate to map ideas of intelligence onto plants because they have their own evolutionary histories and behaviors that we should admire for the ways they’re different from other organisms. Others are pushing for us to reexamine the way we think about plants as lesser than us animals and want to give plants their credit for the true complexity of their worlds. It’s one of those science books that will make you see the world around you differently.”
The employees at Skunk Cabbage Books also love books that help humans to imagine different futures for ourselves, our communities and our planet,” Dean relays. One such book is Lifehouse (Verso Books, 2024) by Adam Greenfield.
“Greenfield brings us lessons from history to help us figure out how we can come together and build resilient communities in the face of climate disaster,” Dean explains. “As we’ve seen in western North Carolina over the last few weeks, it’s really the local people and their care for each other that gets us through times of emergency.”
Another recommendation is The Backyard Bird Chronicles (Knopf, 2024) by Amy Tan, author of The Joy Luck Club.
“Tan’s book on birds is a collection of writing and illustrations tracking the natural life and wonder that can come from our own backyards,” Dean observes. “We love to talk about the ways us city kids can find nature around us, and birds are the perfect connector for urban dwellers looking to practice slowing down and noticing the nature around us.”
For those wanting to learn how people around the world are helping nature, Dean recommends We Will Be Jaguars (Abrams Books, 2024) by Nemonte Nenquimo. “This is a memoir from an Indigenous activist working to protect her people’s home in the Amazon,” Dean says. “Nenquimo is a member of the Waorani tribe in Ecuador. She has spearheaded an alliance of Indigenous nations across the Amazon to work together to protect the forest, and she writes about her childhood and traditional knowledge, the impact of missionaries on her community and her own history, and the fight to protect the Amazon.”
Skunk Cabbage Books has a free drop-in, book-reading group called Wild Feathers, running monthly at 7:30 p.m. No RSVP is required; just drop in.
The latest book read by the club is Pests: How Humans Create Animal Villains (HarperCollins Publishers, 2022) by Bethany Brookshire. “It’s a wild accounting of how humans decide some animals are fluffy neighbors and others are unwanted pests,” Dean says.
The Green Read, in Crystal Lake, and The Green Spot, in Woodstock, offer a wide range of gently used, donated books in a variety of genres, as well as sustainable gifts. Proceeds benefit the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. One of the organization’s board members started an environmental-themed book club called the Nature Nerds several years ago. The club will discuss How Far the Light Reaches (Little, Brown and Company, 2022) by Sabrina Imbler on December 17.
Among the group’s favorites was Beaver Land: How One Weird Rodent Made America (Twelve, 2022) by Leila Philip. “I had the pleasure of hearing her speak this spring,” says Pam Johnson, manager of the bookstores. “She was a fascinating speaker and a wealth of knowledge about beavers. Having
had beavers several times in the retention pond behind our house, it was interesting to learn so much more about them.”
Johnson recently read and is recommending The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History (Henry Holt and Company, 2014) by Elizabeth Kolbert. “The author describes previous mass extinctions and presents the argument that we are currently in another extinction, one caused by mankind,” Johnson explains. “This book opened my eyes about how many previous extinctions the Earth has experienced. The only mass extinction I had been aware of before reading the book was the dinosaurs. I’m sure I’m not alone in this. The causes of extinctions and the examples she gives to support them are enlightening.”
Johnson adds, “This is a well-written book and well worth reading. It’s informative and educational while at the same time engaging and insightful.”
Sheryl DeVore has written six books on science, health and nature, as well as nature, health and environment stories for national and regional publications. Read more at SherylDeVore.WordPress.com
Healthier Holiday Cookies
Easy Switches That Don’t Compromise on Taste
by Maya Whitman
Whether it’s chunky chocolate chip, classic sugar, jammy rugelach, spicy gingerbread, Russian teacakes or cinnamon-dusted snickerdoodles, the holidays would not be complete without a festive array of cookies. Seasonal favorites usually pack on the sugar, but with a little know-how, whipping up healthier versions can be both easy and fun.
“The most important thing to remember is that the techniques are the same; only the ingredients have changed,” says Christina Pirello, Emmy Award-winning host of the national public television cooking show Christina Cooks! and author of 13 plantbased cookbooks. “Even healthy versions of cookies can feel indulgent while being better for you. Use the best quality ingredients you can, and you’ll never go wrong.”
Sugar Savvy
Most conventional cookie recipes require up to two cups of sugar, not-so-good news for any health-conscious sweet tooth, but alternatives are plentiful. “With the caveat that most sweetener substitutions require some adjustments to make sure the final texture still works, there are some fabulous options that up the nutrients, add more flavor and depth and pack much less of a glycemic punch,” says Katie Wells, founder of Wellness Mama, an online resource for women and moms that want to live a healthier life.
The glycemic index (GI) is a value used to measure how much specific foods increase blood sugar levels on a scale of zero
to 100, where sugar is 100. Numerous studies have found that following a low GI diet may reduce blood sugar levels and improve blood sugar management in people with Type 2 diabetes.
Monk fruit and unprocessed forms of stevia, a plant-based sweetener, are bloodsugar friendly and nutritious when used alone, but are controversial when combined with erythritol, a sugar alcohol that, based on recent studies, is suspected of increasing the risk for blood clotting, stroke and cardiovascular events.
For Pirello, baking without pseudo sweeteners or processed sugar does a body good while imbuing festive favorites with even deeper flavor. “For me the best options for cookies are coconut sugar and beet sugar as both are granular and can be substituted 1-to-1 in recipes. Both are the color of brown sugar so your cookies may take on a darker
color, but the flavor will be amazing. I also use brown rice syrup, but often mixed with coconut or beet sugar.” For the best flavor, Pirello praises 100 percent pure monk fruit, as well as her no-calorie favorite, BochaSweet, which is made from kabocha squash and “tastes and behaves like sugar.”
In addition to coconut sugar, Wells also favors maple syrup and honey, which require an increase in dry ingredients to balance the liquid but add amazing flavor and other beneficial properties, such as naturally occurring minerals and antioxidants.
Common dates, larger and plumper Medjool dates and other dried fruits can replace conventional sugar with rich sweetness, especially for no-bake holiday cookies and bars. Wells likes the versatility of dried fruits when chopped or blended. She recommends soaking them before using in recipes to help improve their texture.
For cookie dough recipes that do not require much liquid, powdered date sugar can be used in place of sugar 1-for-1 while reducing dry ingredients by 25 percent. Mashed bananas can rock an oatmeal cookie recipe, taking it to another level in terms of flavor without any other added sweeteners.
Common Substitutions
• ¾ cup honey or maple syrup for 1 cup of sugar
• 1 cup of blended dates for any amount of sugar in a recipe
• 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce for 1 cup of sugar
• ¾ cup of mashed ripe bananas for 1 cup of sugar
• For vegan cookies that won’t crumble, mix 1 tablespoon of finely ground flax seeds with 3 tablespoons warm water to replace 1 egg.
Gluten-Free Delicious
Gluten-free (GF) baking has come a long way with plenty of GF flour options, but knowing which ones to use can make or break a holiday baking spree. “It has never been easier to make gluten-free cookies that
taste almost identical to their gluten-based inspirations,” says Wells. “There are even organic, measure-for-measure flours that let you bake the original recipes as written.”
Pirello sees more of a learning curve. “It’s such a challenge to make a good gluten-free cookie, but with products like almond flour out there, you can do it,” she says. “Use a gluten-free flour mix—not a cake or cookie mix—and mix it with 75 percent almond flour to create a moist yummy cookie. They will always be fragile unless you use eggs, but it works for me without them.”
The Secret Ingredients
In the end, baking is all about having fun. “They’re cookies, not world peace, although I think more cookies could bring about world peace,” Pirello quips, suggesting what we all know: love is the secret ingredient in any holiday cookie recipe.
Maya Whitman is a frequent writer for Natural Awakenings.
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THUMBPRINT COOKIES WITH JAM
YIELD: 36 TO 48 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat
pastry flour
1 cup fine almond flour
2 Tbsp arrowroot
½ tsp baking soda
Pinch of sea salt
Strawberry or other fruit-sweetened preserves
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Place all the ingredients, except the preserves, in a stand mixer and mix until a stiff dough forms.
Form the dough into walnut-size balls and arrange on the baking sheet, allowing about an inch between each cookie for rising. With a wet thumb, make an indentation in each cookie. Using a small spoon, fill the indentation in each cookie with preserves. Bake for 13 to 14 minutes. Remove cookies from the oven and allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
CHEWY CHOCOLATE CHIP ALMOND COOKIES
YIELD: 28 TO 30 COOKIES
5 Tbsp vegan butter substitute
¼ cup Suzanne’s Specialties Maple Rice Nectar
6 Tbsp coconut sugar
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
Pinch of sea salt
Pinch of ground cinnamon
1 cup almond flour
½ cup whole wheat pastry flour or sprouted whole wheat flour
½ cup rolled oats
½ cup walnuts, coarsely chopped
⅔ cup non-dairy, dark chocolate chips
Preheat a conventional oven to 350° F or convection oven to 325° F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Whip together vegan butter, rice nectar, coconut sugar, vanilla, sea salt and cinnamon until smooth. Mix in almond flour, wheat flour and oats to form a soft, sticky dough. Fold in nuts and chocolate chips until well-incorporated through the dough.
Scoop tablespoons of dough and arrange on the baking sheets, leaving room for them to grow—approximately 18 cookies on a sheet, three across and six down. Do not press the cookies down.
Bake for 13 minutes. Remove the trays from the oven. Using a small spoon or spatula, slightly and gently flatten the cookies.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
CHOCOLATE COFFEE COOKIES
YIELD: 16 COOKIES
⅔ cup sprouted whole wheat flour or whole wheat pastry flour
½ tsp baking powder
2 Tbsp arrowroot
Pinch of sea salt
Generous pinch of cinnamon
18 oz dark, non-dairy chocolate, coarsely chopped
4½ oz extra-virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp spring or filtered water
3 Tbsp of store-bought egg replacer with 6 Tbsp of water (or mixture of 3 Tbsp finely ground flax seeds with 9 Tbsp warm water) and let sit for one minute to thicken
1 cup coconut sugar
2 Tbsp brewed espresso
5 oz pecans, coarsely chopped
5 oz hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Whisk together flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Place 12 ounces of chocolate and oil in a heat-resistant bowl over simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally until the chocolate has melted and is creamy and smooth. Set aside.
In a stand mixer, whip the egg replacer, sugar and espresso to combine well. Add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well. By hand, fold in the nuts, the remaining 6 ounces of chocolate and the other dry ingredients to form a soft cookie dough.
Use a spoon to drop 16 (or so) ½-ounce mounds onto the baking sheet, leaving at least two inches between cookies, as they will spread. Bake for 15 minutes or until the tops crackle. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container.
Recipe courtesy of Christina Pirello.
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Offerings in Chicago and Westchester: https://gokhalemethod.com/ biography/Aurelia_Vaicekauskas GokhaleMethod.com
Join me for a FREE 1-HOUR WORKSHOP and discover how the Gokhale Method can help you overcome back pain permanently. Wednesday, December 18 11:00am-12:00pm Westchester Public Library 10700 Canterbury St, Westchester, 60154 Teacher, Aurelia Vaicekauskas Info and RSVP: (773) 599-0751 tinyurl.com/y8eu428z aurelia@gokhalemethod.com
Molasses
Recipe From a Farmers Market Kitchen
Parsnip, Leek and Cider Soup
by Dale Hazlewood Board Member, Illinois Farmers Market Association
Temperatures are dropping outside, and it is time to switch to warm comfort food, like soups and stews. Winter farmers markets are opening across the state, offering a selection of autumn fruits and vegetables. A list of farmers markets continuing into the winter months can be found on the Illinois Farmers Market Association website under the Find a Market tab. Fall vegetables store well and make a great base for winter soups. Try the following recipe that makes use of ingredients from local farmers markets.
Parsnip, Leek and Cider Soup with Spiced Apples
YIELD: 4-6 SERVINGS
*Denotes seasonal items often available at winter markets
2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 leeks*, washed and thinly sliced (about 2 cups)
1 white onion*, peeled and diced
3 cloves garlic*, minced
2 cups parsnips* or potatoes*, peeled and cut into pieces (about 1 lb)
1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves or 1 tsp dried thyme
2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped or
2 tsp dried sage
1 tsp salt
½ tsp freshly ground pepper
2 cups vegetable broth, homemade preferred
2 cups apple cider*
½ cup heavy cream
FOR GARNISH:
2 tart apples*, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
2 Tbsp butter
1 Tbsp honey*
½ cup fresh apple cider*
1 tsp cinnamon
½ tsp ground ginger
2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped*
Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the leeks, onion and garlic, then sauté, stirring often, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the parsnips or potatoes, thyme, sage, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Next, add the vegetable broth and cider and simmer until the vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes.
Meanwhile, heat the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the apples, honey, cider and spices. Simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside to cool.
Once the soup has finished simmering, turn off the heat and blend with an immersion blender until smooth. Stir in the cream. To serve, divide the soup into bowls and garnish with the apples and chopped parsley.
Dale Hazlewood is a Board Member of the Illinois Farmers Market Association (ILFMA). ILFMA supports local food and food systems by giving Illinois farmers markets and producers access to resources, education and connections to grow healthier and economically vibrant communities. For more information, visit ilfma.org.
Photo courtesy of ILFMA
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Uttanasana
(Standing Forward Bend)
This is a popular yoga pose that offers numerous physical and mental benefits. From Mountain Pose, hinge at the hips and fold forward, reaching your hands towards the floor, your shins or wrap the arms around the backs of the legs for different variations that change the intensity of the stretch. Go easy.
Key advantages of practicing Uttanasana:
1. Stretches the Hamstrings and Calves: Helps lengthen and stretch the hamstrings and calves, improving flexibility in the legs and providing stability through thighs and calves for added balance benefit.
by Mitchell Manz Photography
2. Relieves Tension: It can alleviate tension in the back, neck and shoulders, promoting relaxation and reducing stress.
3. Stimulates Digestion: The forward fold compresses the abdominal organs, which may stimulate digestion and improve overall digestive health.
4. Improves Posture: By encouraging spinal lengthening and alignment, Uttanasana can help improve posture over time.
5. Calms the Mind: The pose promotes a sense of calm and introspection, making it beneficial for reducing anxiety and stress.
6. Enhances Blood Circulation: The inversion of the head below the heart can improve blood circulation, particularly to the brain, which may help with mental clarity.
7. Promotes Relaxation: Uttanasana encourages a gentle release of tension throughout the body, promoting relaxation and a sense of grounding.
8. Encourages Mindfulness: Holding the pose encourages awareness of the breath and body, fostering a sense of presence and mindfulness.
Incorporating Uttanasana into your yoga practice can contribute to overall well-being, enhancing both physical health and mental clarity. As with any yoga pose, it’s important to listen to your body and modify the pose to suit your individual needs.
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Flex and Flow Through the Holidays with 12 Days of Yoga
by Julie Mackey
Incorporating the 12 Days of Christmas theme into yoga can be a fun and creative way to celebrate the holiday season. Here is a suggested list of yoga poses that correspond to each of the “days” in the song, along with a brief description and photo of each pose. Don’t forget—there are added health benefits if you sing the song while you stretch.
1.A Partridge in a Pear Tree Tree Pose (Vrksasana)
Stand tall and shift your weight onto one leg. Place the sole of the opposite foot on the inner thigh or calf of the standing leg. Bring your hands to heart center or raise them overhead like branches.
2.Two Turtle Doves Dove Pose
(Eka Pada Rajakapotasana)
From a tabletop position, bring one knee forward and extend the other leg back. Lower your upper body toward the ground for a gentle hip opener.
3.Three French Hens Three-Legged Downward Dog Pose (Tri Pada Adho Mukha Svanasana
Start in downward dog and lift one leg toward the sky while keeping the other heel grounded. Hold for a few breaths, then switch sides.
4.Four Calling Birds
Bird of Paradise Pose (Svarga Dvijasana)
From a standing forward fold, bend one knee and wrap the same-side arm around it. Extend the opposite arm out to the side to bind the hands together. Rise to stand on one leg, lifting the bent knee up and extending the leg up toward the sky.
5.Five Golden Rings Five-Pointed Star Pose (Tadasana with Arms Extended)
Stand with feet wide and arms extended out to the sides, forming a star shape. Hold for a few breaths, feeling the expansion in your body.
Lie on your stomach with your legs extended behind you, then prop yourself up on your forearms, aligning your elbows under your shoulders, and gently lift your chest while keeping your neck long and relaxed.
8.Eight Maids a-Milking Cow Face Pose (Gomukhasana)
Sit with one leg crossed over the other, stacking your knees. Reach one arm overhead and bend the elbow, while the other arm reaches behind your back to clasp the fingers or hold a strap.
Photo
9.Nine Ladies Dancing Dancer’s Pose
(Natarajasana)
Stand on one leg and bend the opposite knee, bringing the foot toward your glutes. Reach back with the same-side hand to grab the foot, and extend the other arm forward as you lift your leg behind you.
10.
Ten Lords a-Leaping Warrior III Pose (Virabhadrasana III)
From standing, shift your weight onto one leg. Extend the opposite leg back and hinge forward at the hips, reaching your arms forward to create a T shape with your body.
11.
Eleven Pipers Piping Seated Forward Bend Pose (Paschimottanasana)
12.
Sit with your legs extended in front of you. Inhale, lengthen your spine and exhale as you fold forward over your legs, reaching for your feet or shins.
Twelve Drummers Drumming
Corpse Pose (Savasana)
Lie flat on your back with your arms by your sides, palms facing up. Close your eyes and take several deep breaths, allowing your body to relax completely.
You can create a flow by moving through these poses in order, holding each pose for several breaths. If you’re short on time in December, try picking one pose a day to mindfully stretch and breathe into. However you choose, enjoy this festive practice, and may it bring you joy and peace throughout the holiday season.
Julie Mackey is the owner of FLEX Mind, Muscle, Might, a mental performance and movement company. She has coached athletes at all levels to excel in sports and life through the mastery of mental conditioning, self-myofascial release, mind-based stress reduction, breathwork, mental imagery, meditation and yoga mobility. For more information or to schedule a discovery call, visit JulieMackey.com. See ad on page 29 in the Yoga & Fitness Network.
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Herbal Care: A Self-Care Primer
by Linda M. Conroy, MSS, MLSP
Herbs lend themselves to promoting health, soothing the nerves and healing common issues and ailments. During the holiday season, increasing self-care can be beneficial, and herbs provide the perfect elements for nourishment, relaxation and fun.
There are many ways to incorporate herbs into daily life. Here is a list of herbal preparations and corresponding herbs that can be used accordingly. These suggestions are intended to inspire the use of herbs in everyday routines.
Herbal Tea
To make a tea, bring water to a boil and pour it over dry herbs, either loose or in a tea bag. The ratio for tea is 1 teaspoon of herb to every cup of water. For groups, using a beautiful teapot to serve the tea enhances the experience of drinking with friends and family.
Herbs that offer relaxation and help calm the nervous system include chamomile (Matricaria spp.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), milky oat tops or oat straw (Avena sativa) and holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum).
The holiday season often leads to indulgence in foods that may cause digestive discomfort. Herbs that can soothe the stomach and promote digestive health include peppermint (Mentha x piperita), spearmint (Mentha spicata), fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) and ginger (Zingiber officinale).
Other herbs offer similar benefits, but those listed are particularly suitable for self-care and sharing during the holidays, as they are pleasant tasting.
Herbs for the Bath
Adding herbs to a bath is a wonderful way to promote self-care. Taking time for a bath or foot bath is a lovely way to unwind.
Soaking in a warm, fragrant herbal bath is a simple pleasure that provides a sanctuary for reflection and relaxation. Bath teas have been used for thousands of years and can boost mood, calm the mind, soothe sore muscles, fight colds, improve circulation, open pores, soften skin and promote more restful sleep.
For those seeking herbal benefits without a full bath, herbs can be used in the following ways:
n Place herbs in a muslin bag as a warm or cool compress and apply to temples, neck or pulse points.
n Use the infusion to make a soothing foot bath, which can be an enjoyable ritual to share with others.
n Use the herbal bag in the shower as an “herbal washcloth”.
To gain the most benefit, prepare an herbal infusion and add the strained liquid to a bath or a basin for a foot soak. Foot baths can be a fun, relaxing activity to do with friends and family.
To prepare an infusion for a group, boil a ½ gallon of water or more, add herbs to the pot and let them steep for at least 30 minutes. Strain and reheat before use. This mixture can be prepared ahead of time and stored in
Photo credit Linda Conroy
Photo credit
Linda Conroy
the refrigerator until needed. The herbs from the infusion can also be placed in a muslin bag for topical application.
Herbs that work well in baths include lavender (Lavandula spp.), rose (Rosa spp.), chamomile (Matricaria spp.), oat straw (Avena sativa), mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris), passionflower (Passiflora spp.) and hops (Humulus lupulus).
Beauty and Whole Herb Aromatherapy
Placing herbs in bowls or other containers around the home adds a touch of self-care to the environment. Simmering herbs in a pan of water on the stovetop can fill the space with their calming and soothing scents.
Using whole herbs not only brings the beauty of plants into the home but also provides a gentle aroma that is calming and soothing. To prepare, cut herbs into small pieces and place them in a bowl or simmering pot of water. A kettle on a wood stove works well, but any stovetop will suffice.
Herbs that can be enjoyed this way include calendula (Calendula officinalis), rose (Rosa spp.), lavender (Lavandula spp.), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), bee balm (Monarda spp.), sage (Salvia officinalis), cloves (Syzygium aromaticum) and cinnamon (Cinnamomum spp.). Experiment with any herb or combination
that appeals both visually and aromatically.
These are just a few suggestions to inspire integration of herbs into everyday life. Plants offer the perfect portal for self-care and wellbeing, especially during the holiday season. Learning more about herbs can bring much joy and promote a sense of peace.
Linda Conroy dedicates her life to connecting with the green world, which she finds continually amazing. She is a practicing
herbalist who offers herbal education, workshops, apprenticeships, consultations and an online herb store. Conroy holds master’s degrees in social service and law and social policy. She is a community organizer and the founder of Moonwise Herbs, the Midwest Women’s Herbal Conference and Mycelium Mysteries Women’s Mushroom Conference. For more information or to register, visit MidwestWomensHerbal.com and MoonWiseHerbs.com.
See ad on page 11.
Discover the Peace... Discover the Peace...
Photo credit
Linda Conroy ~
ParamahansaYogananda author of Autobiography of a Yogi
Jean Shafiroff
on A Philanthropist’s Calling
by Sandra Yeyati
New York socialite and humanitarian Jean Shafiroff is the author of Successful Philanthropy: How to Make a Life of What You Give, in which she offers readers the motivation and practical advice to donate time, knowledge and resources to causes that inspire them. She is the producer and host of a television show that airs six times a week through LTV studios in East Hampton, New York, where she interviews politicians, celebrities, business leaders and prominent philanthropists.
In recognition of her generosity and extensive work as a volunteer fundraiser, she has received numerous awards, and in 2022, she was proclaimed the First Lady of Philanthropy by the New York State Assembly. Every year, Shafiroff hosts and underwrites large cocktail parties in her homes on behalf of different charities, with a special focus on women’s rights, underserved populations, health care and animal welfare. She serves on the boards of the Southampton Hospital Foundation, Mission Society of New York City, Couture Council of the Museum at Fashion Institute of Technology, French Heritage Society, Casita Maria Center for Arts & Education, New York Women’s Foundation, Global Strays, Southampton Animal Shelter and the Historical Society of Palm Beach County.
Shafiroff has a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy and an MBA in finance from Columbia University. She worked as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s Hospital, in New York City, and as an investment banker on Wall Street. Together with her husband, Martin, vice chairman of global wealth management at Stifel, they have raised two daughters.
What is your definition of philanthropy?
Anyone can be a philanthropist. If you do not have the money to donate, you can become a philanthropist by giving your time and knowledge, which are two very valuable resources. Many people do a tremendous amount of volunteer work. That being said, I believe that those who have the financial resources have an obligation to give, because life is not created equal.
Why should people be generous with their time, knowledge and resources?
We live in a world where hunger, homelessness and other terrible hardships exist. There is great need, and the government cannot do everything, so that is where individuals, foundations and businesses step up to the plate and get involved.
Giving is a wonderful, feel-good experience. The giver receives far more than the receiver, and by giving, we help to equalize the disparities between those that have and those that do not have. I feel blessed to be involved in philanthropy. I encourage everyone who has a little time to get involved.
What prompted you personally to engage in philanthropy?
Working as a physical therapist at St. Luke’s, an inner-city hospital where my patients lived at or below the poverty level and had serious health issues, I learned right then and there that life is not fair. I believe that those of us who have the ability to be helpful have an obligation to do so.
Michael Paniccia
I also travelled to visit orphanages, schools and people that lived in huts in Cambodia, as well as very poor sections of Colombia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and China, and those experiences were life-changing. My own life in the United States is so different. I feel like I have to do something, otherwise I have pretty much wasted my lifetime. It is very fulfilling to do philanthropic work, and I will continue to do it for the rest of my life, so long as I am able.
What advice do you have for people that want to become philanthropists?
I suggest following your passions. If a relative had breast cancer and you want to find a cure, maybe you want to get involved with a charity that is working on breast cancer research. If you have an interest in the arts, maybe you want to support a museum.
Read all you can about a charity before you get involved. Google them. Look at their website. Read articles about them. Look for a charity that is well-run, has a low overhead and reports how the funds are being used. GuideStar.org or CharityNavigator.org rate the larger charities.
Why do you believe it is important to teach kids about the value of giving?
Philanthropy has to continue in the future, so we need to encourage children to engage in it in order for it to survive. Philanthropy needs to be taught to children by our being good role models. Parents who are involved in philanthropy often involve their children. Schools need to teach about its importance and have community service requirements. It is key to mentor and encourage future generations to engage in philanthropy.
What about philanthropy in terms of the older generations?
For a person who is retired or who has raised a family and is now an empty nester with a lot of time on their hands, it is very fulfilling to get involved in philanthropy. Rather than sitting in front of the television or playing golf every day, which maybe they have absolutely no interest in, getting involved in philanthropic causes can create meaning in their lives. When you volunteer, you meet a lot of nice people and make friends. You also know that you are helping those who need help, and that is a feel-good experience. It is a very worthwhile use of your time.
Sandra Yeyati is national editor of Natural Awakenings.
To read a longer version of this conversation, visit online at TinyURL.com/ShafiroffWW or scan the QR code.
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Sunday, December 1
World Aids Day
Aura Energy Scan & Reiki Healing –2-5pm. Gain deep insights into your energy and emotional well-being with a Healy aura scan and Reiki healing session. Healy is a device held in the palm of your hand that scans your bioenergetic field, detecting imbalances. The session begins with the aura scan. Based on the results, a personal frequency program is presented to balance your energy. Then the reiki session follows to release stuck energies and reset mind, body and spirit. $45/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Christmas Craft Vendor Show – 2-7pm. Enjoy a festive atmosphere filled with unique, handmade goods and treats perfect for your holiday gift-giving. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Monday, December 2
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Tuesday, December 3
Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities
Malcolm Smith, Spiritual Healer – Dec 3-5. 10am-5pm. Smith considers himself an ordinary person with an extraordinary gift, the ability to be a channel for healing energy from God. In addition to in-person sessions, there are a limited number of remote sessions available if you are unable to get to the Edgar Cayce Holistic Center. $100/30 mins. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
ONLINE: Transitions with More Grace and Moxie – 7:15-8pm. With Sarah Karnes. Change and transition are constants in our life. Join us for a guided meditation and creative exploration that help you feel more courage, energy and clarity as you move forward. $10. Zoom. Register: Tinyurl.com/269b4swv
Wednesday, December 4
ONLINE: Life Mission Exploration and Mapping the New Year – 9-10:15am. With Sarah Karnes. Join us to deepen inspiration, grow your voice, increase your confidence, courage and impact in the world. $10. Zoom. Register: Tinyurl.com/yykps2tp
Green Drinks McHenry County – 5-7pm. 1st Wed. In-person & Zoom. Duke’s Alehouse & Kitchen, 110 N Main St, Crystal Lake. GreenDrinks.org/IL/Crystal%20Lake.
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Matt’s Movement with Tai Chi & Qigong – Wednesdays, Dec 4-18. 6:30-7:30pm. Cultivate balance, strength and mental clarity in this beginner-friendly class, designed to help you relieve stress, build resilience and enhance your mood. $20/dropin. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com
Thursday, December 5
World Soil Day
Friday, December 6
Gong Bath Memorial for Richard Rudis – 7:30-9pm. Richard Rudis, a preeminent figure in sound healing who created the first original Gong Bath experience, passed on April 2, 2024. Benjamin Savage, Rudis’ friend and apprentice for more than a decade, will perform a 60-min Gong Bath in Rudis’ style. Proceeds will go to support Richard Rudis’ surviving family and help publish his final book. $35, $30/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org
Saturday, December 7
ONLINE: Practical Self-Care – 9-10am. In this time of unrelenting changes, we can easily forget to re-find center and ground. Join us for TLC and self-care so you can discover a kinder, calmer version of you. In as little as 45 mins you can make major progress. With Sarah Karnes. $10. Register: Tinyurl.com/ysde6949
Reiki Play Day – 9-11am. Introduces traditional Japanese reiki practices to those that may never have tried them. All levels of experience and lineage welcome. Unlike at a reiki share, there is no hands-on healing among participants. $20 suggested donation. Calandra Center for Health and Wellness, 830 E Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg. Registration required: 312-796-3965 or CalandraAcupuncture.com
Cider & Spice Open House: Practitioners Fair and 10% Off Art Sale – 10am-2:30pm. Stop by, grab a cup of cider, and join us for some holiday cheer. There will be much to explore and experience. 10% off all fine art and vendor products on this day only. Inner Haven Art Gallery, Spiritual & Creative Development Center, 34121 US-45, Ste 8, Grayslake. My-InnerHaven.com
Ho’oponopono Meditation Holiday Celebration – 11am. Ho’oponopono is one of the most effective and powerful spiritual healing techniques. It’s an ancient, traditional Hawaiian practice of reconciliation, forgiveness and self-healing. Practitioner Edward will accompany this meditation with his acoustic guitar, offering music with reflections of love and light. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Healing Touch/Reiki Energy Sessions with Channeled Frequency Energies – 2-5pm. With Eve. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Sunday, December 8
Bodhi Day (Buddhism)
BYOB Ugly Sweater Bingo Brunch – 10am12pm. Meet at the shelter in your best ugly sweater, grab breakfast tacos on the Forest Preserve District of Will County from Ta Canijo and bring own beverages (beer or wine only for alcohol). Compete for prizes for best dressed, most festive and crowd favorite. Ages 21 or older. Free. Hickory Creek Preserve, Hickory Creek Junction, Frankfort Township. ReconnectWithNature.org
Tarot – 12-4:30pm. With Andre. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Take It Outside Hike: Winter Walk –2-3:30pm. Join a hike to connect with fellow Goosechasers while collecting points and some tips and tricks. Hike will be no more than 3 miles. Free. Lake Renwick Heron Rookery Preserve, Plainfield. Register by Dec 7: ReconnectWithNature.org
YoMassage – 6-7:30pm. With Amber. A transformative mind-body-soul experience that allows you to relax in restorative yoga positions while receiving hands-on massage therapy and practicing mindfulness meditation. $50. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Sound Healing Journey – 7-8pm. With Paul Grosso aka Musical Mindset. Let’s come together through the transformational power of music during this time of collective transformation. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Monday, December 9
Beginning Zen Shiatsu 1-Week Intensive – Dec 9-13. 10am-5pm. Learn how to give a basic 1-hr shiatsu treatment that you can share with friends and family. Course is a stand-alone offering and is also the first 30 hrs of our complete shiatsu certification programs. $500 plus textbook. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.org
Tuesday, December 10
Int’l Human Rights Day
Ancient Breath Chakra Balance Meditation – 7-8pm. Jared Currie has developed this immersive meditative experience based on principles he has learned during his visits to ashrams, temples and monasteries while traveling through 40+ countries across the globe. Donation. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com.
Wednesday, December 11
Int’l Mountain Day
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Dec 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com.
Full Moon Sound Healing Circle – 7-8pm. Join Practitioner Nicole for a sound healing circle on the upcoming full moon. Relax and leave feeling refreshed as we release what no longer serves us. $25. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. Register: 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Thursday, December 12
Sound Healing for Wellbeing – 6:307:30am. Allow yourself to relax and unwind as you sip on blue lotus tea and as calming sound waves flow around you from instruments like singing bowls, gongs, chimes, ocean drums, etc. $35.00. Inspire Yoga & Wellness Center, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village. 312-593-4366. InspireYogaWellness.com.
Dark Skies Are the New Green – 7-8pm. Excessive light at night affects health, the ecosystem and climate change. Learn what steps you can take to restore the night from guest speaker Ken Walczak of the Adler Planetarium. Free. La Grange Public Library, W Cossitt Ave, La Grange. GoGreenIllinois.org
Friday, December 13
Happy BALLidays: A Yoga Tune Up Workshop Featuring Roll Model Method – 5:457pm. Treat yourself to 75 mins of self-massage, breath-work and mindfulness that will help you roll through the holidays with a smile. Presented by FLEX/Julie Mackey. $35. The Yoga Seed, 2227 N Clybourn, Chicago. Pre-register: TheYogaSeed.com
12:12 Fire and Sound Awakening Ceremony– 7:30-9:30pm. With Kelly Moretta. This course takes place in conjunction with the 12:12 gateway and full moon on Dec 15 to supercharge you with celestial energy. During the ceremonial gathering participants can align with the spirit of fire to transmute all that is not serving and be open to receive messages during a vibrational sound bath. $40, $35/10 days advance. Infinity Foundation, 1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park. 847-831-8828. InfinityFoundation.org
Saturday, December 14
Sports Massage – 9am-6pm. Course presents a general framework for basic sports massage protocols, injury assessment, neurological considerations and special tests. Additional considerations will also be discussed, including precautions, contraindications, intake documentation and hydro/cryo therapy integration. 8 CEs. $200. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Winter Ravinia Farmers Market – Dec 1415, 21-22. 10am-2pm. Come together this winter to celebrate local food, artisan products and local, sustainable products. Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com
All-Day Christmas Meditation – 10am-5pm. See guidelines on website. Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship, 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-3660140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org
Mercado de Intercambio: Holiday Market + Winter Clothes Swap – 11am-3pm. Swap winter clothes while browsing through a variety of locally sourced goods. Plant Chicago, 4459 S Marshfield Ave, Chicago. PlantChicago.org
ONLINE: Chicago IANDS – 2pm. Support/ study/resource forum for near-death, outof-body and spiritual experiences, losses. Guest Speaker: Evan Meacham, NDEr, Transpersonal Psychologist, Energy Medicine/Healing. Become a free subscriber to Chicago IANDS by filling in the form online. $20 tax-deductible donation requested (see website). For more info: 847-251-5758 or ChicagoIANDS.org
Women’s Heart Womb Breathwork Ceremony – 4-7pm. The intention for this ceremony is to gather together as women to harmonize your heart and womb as one sacred union through the power of your own breath. $70. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. Nshealing.com
Sunday, December 15
Full Moon – Cold Moon, Snow Moon, Winter Maker Moon
Monday, December 16
Microcosmic Orbit Qigong – 9am-4pm. Microcosmic Orbit has been a kept secret in Mainland China exclusively within the monastery community and a special elite class for ages. Yin and Yang nature of life is waved into the concept and practice. The practice will facilitate the opening of sacral and cranial points, along with other key energy points along the path/orbit. 6 CEs. $150. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu.
Tuesday, December 17
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Wednesday, December 18
Int’l Migrants Day
Gokhale Method Free Workshop –11am-12pm. Learn how healthy posture can get to the root cause of your aches and pains. Free. Westchester Public Library, 10700 Canterbury St, Westchester. Tinyurl.com/y8eu428z
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Dec 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Thursday, December 19
Intuitive Tarot Reading Workshop – 5:307pm. Learn some tarot basics and practice your intuitive reading skills. Practitioner Patrick will have a variety of decks available to borrow. Intuitive card reading uses the context of what is displayed on the card. From these images, we will focus on the unfiltered and honest feelings and learn how to interpret those life messages or predictions for guidance. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. Register: 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Wheel of the Year Yuletide – 7-8:30pm. With Kate. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com
Friday, December 20
Sacred Breathwork Ceremony – 6-9pm. Your breath is the most powerful medicine you can work with, because it is the medicine that lives within you. Here you will be held in a safe, loving and intentional container as you are guided on a medicine journey deep within your soul. $70. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Into the Dark: Winter Solstice Celebration – 6:30-9pm. Includes a cacao ceremony and guided meditation, inviting participants to reflect on the quiet beauty of the winter solstice and embrace the season’s spirit of renewal. Inner Haven Art Gallery, Spiritual & Creative Development Center, 34121 US-45, Ste 8, Grayslake. My-InnerHaven.com
Winter Solstice Shamanic Ceremony –7-9pm. We honor the energies of rebirth, transformation, creativity, new beginnings, and the release of what no longer works for us. In this way, we prepare for the return of Light, renewed, open and ready to walk in clarity of our soul’s purpose and mission. Bring to the ceremonial altar an item you feel called to bring that supports your life’s journey. $40. The Edgar Cayce Holistic Center, 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines. 847-299-6535. HolisticCenterChicago.com.
Saturday, December 21
Winter Solstice
Yule (Wiccan)
Free 4 All – 9am-12pm. 3rd Sat. A garage sale where everything is free. Unity Spiritual Center of Woodstock, 225 W Calhoun St, Woodstock. 815-337-3534. UnityWoodstock.org
Winter Ravinia Farmers Market –10am-2pm. See Dec 14 listing. Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com
Sunday, December 22
Birds and Beans – 8:30-9:30am. Chat with a naturalist about the birds that show up at the feeders through the picture windows and enjoy the company of others over muffins and hot coffee. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. ReconnectWithNature.org
Sound Healing Journey – 7-8pm. With Paul Grosso aka Musical Mindset. Let’s come together through the transformational power of music during this time of collective transformation. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Monday, December 23
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Tuesday, December 24
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Dec 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com.
Wednesday, December 25
Christmas (Christianity)
Chanukah begins at sundown (Judaism) Kwanzaa begins Boxing Day
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. See Dec 4 listing. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Thursday, December 26
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Friday, December 27
See NAChicago.com for latest events.
Saturday, December 28
ONLINE: Holiday Practical Self-Care –9-10am. Join us for TLC and self-care so you can discover a kinder, calmer, more empowered version of you. With Sarah Karnes. $10. Zoom. Register: Tinyurl.com/wjetjnfp
Stress-Free Hike for Women – 9:30-11am. This women-only hike will be a way to get outside for a quick fitness walk after the holiday season. Free. Four Rivers Environmental Education Center, 25055 W Walnut Ln, Channahon. Register by Dec 26: ReconnectWithNature.org
Forest Therapy for Teens – 1-2:30pm. Ages 13-18. Join a Forest Preserve District of Will County interpretive naturalist for this simple Japanese method of being calm and quiet among the trees. Learn a few tips and then walk to the trail for guided mindful activities. Free. Isle a la Cache Museum, 501 E Romeo Rd, Romeoville. Register by Dec 26: ReconnectWithNature.org
Community Get Together: Free Community Event – 7:30-9:30pm. Let’s share, learn and grow together and have some fun along the way. Join us and enjoy the company of like-minded people. Healthy nourishments served. Inspire Yoga & Wellness Center, 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village. 312-593-4366. InspireYogaWellness.com
Sunday, December 29
New Year’s Eve Morning Meditation – 8:30-10:40am. Reading Service, 11am12pm. Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship, 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-366-0140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org
Monday, December 30
New Moon
Tuesday, December 31
New Year’s Eve
January 2025
ONLINE: In Our Own Hands Women’s Wellness Series Jan-Apr
Explore a variety of powerful topics, including women’s rituals, pagan herbal traditions, aging gracefully, wild nourishment and advocacy skills for herbalists. Zoom.
MidwestWomensHerbal.com/ inourownhands SAVE THE DATE
Reflexology Certification
With Jasmin Jahal. A 5-month certification program designed for individuals seeking a career in holistic health care. For more info or to arrange for a free consultation: 773-979-5351 JasminReflexology.com
Wednesday, January 8
Soul Portraits and Shamanic Healing Sessions – Jan 8-10. By appt only. With Katherine Skaggs. Schedule early to ensure your personal channeled Soul Portrait, Spirit Guide Painting, Soul Essence Portrait, or Private Shamanic Healing Session. Limited appts available. Inner Haven Art Gallery, Spiritual & Creative Development Center, 34121 US-45, Ste 8, Grayslake. My-InnerHaven.com
Thursday, January 23
SAVE THE DATE
Glisten Winter Wellness Retreat Jan 23-26. 8am-10pm
A unique opportunity to rejuvenate in a luxurious setting while surrounded by the season’s serene beauty. Led by Carissa Beaman, founder of MoonBeaman Retreats, and promises a dynamic program packed with healing workshops, interactive group sessions and mindfulness practices. $555 plus accommodations.
With Mother Lotus (aka Maureen Zwierzynski). Offers women the chance to reconnect with their soul’s purpose through yoga, meditation and unique cultural experiences such as a healing sound bath inside a cenote (a water-filled cave) and a purifying temazcal (sweat lodge) ceremony. Registration closes Nov 8, with limited spots remaining. Register using code ML_TULUM2025 to receive 15% off.
Tulum, Mexico
For more info or to register: MotherLotus.life
Chicago NAChicago.com
Classifieds
Classifieds can help you sell goods and services, and even attract employees for your business.
Akashic Consultation
AKASHIC RECORD READING – Open the record of your soul’s journey to find information to support you in your life right now, heal your past and help you into your future. Heal. Grow. Investigate. Find direction. Lin Ewing: 847-609-0034. AstrologicalDetails.com.
Books
PEOPLE WHO WATCH THIS WORLD ARE CHANGING THEIR THINKING – The Ten Commandments of God & the Sermon on the Mount of Jesus of Nazareth. Special offer: 30% off. Gabriele Publishing House: 844-576-0937. Gabriele-Publishing-House. com. Streaming 24/7: Radio-Santec.com
For Hire
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
For Rent/ Space Available
SPACE AVAILABLE – In existing wellness center near Rte. 12 in Fox Lake for a complementary practitioner, acupuncturist, NP who does IV’s, regenerative modalities etc. $600/mon. Betty: 847-204-3090.
SPACE AVAILABLE FOR A PRACTITIONER – Psychologist, massage therapist, etc., to sublet my office suite (no lease required) in Park Ridge on NW Highway. $350/mo. Kay: 847-529-5545.
Help Wanted
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Natural Supplements
ORGANIC PANCREAS DETOX TEA –Cleanse and support your pancreas with this targeted blend. Samples available.. Samples Available. Visit EarthSanaStore. com/tea
Services
YOUR LISTING CAN BE HERE – Visit NAChicago.com/classifieds
Ongoing Events
Daily
December Dash Virtual 5K – Choose one of 11 designated Forest Preserve District of Will County trails to run your own 5K race in the month of December. Download a running app to your smartphone to track your run. Take a screenshot of your 3.1-mile route and submit it online. The first 100 participants to submit will receive a December Dash long-sleeve shirt. Submissions accepted until Jan 1. ReconnectWithNature.org
Healing Music Sessions – 1-6pm, Sat/Sun; 9am-6pm, Mon-Thurs. Life Rhythms helps those in assisted living homes, memory loss facilities and private residences participate in making and sharing music on an individual and group level 7 days a week. The 1-hr sessions, inclusive of all instruments, improve hand-eye coordination, stimulate cognitive abilities and promote wellness. LifeRhythmsInc.com.
Conversations with Calvin: We the Species Matthew Hazen Human Consciousness Support – 7pm. Featuring Matthew Hazen, the owner of Human Consciousness Support, a company that produces a unique nutraceutical product called MasterPeace. Free. YouTube/Uk_MqZ6QMJw?si=HXk0YFiZ2dnDqRdX.
Naturally Purifying and Supercharging Your Body Podcast – 7-7:45pm. Matthew Hazen is the owner of Human Consciousness Support, a company that produces a unique nutraceutical product called MasterPeace. Free. BuzzSprout.com/1206776/14236700.
Sunday
Chicago Meditation Center of Self-Realization Fellowship Services – 9am, Energization Exercises; Kirtan held the 4th Sun, 9-10:40am; 9:30-10:40am, Meditation; 11am-12pm, Reading Service. 946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest. 708-366-0140. ChicagoMeditationCenter.org
Free Aura Reading – 10:30-11:45am. Also Sat, 11:15am-12:15pm. Learn more about your chakra energy system and manifest your dreams. Body & Brain, 1947 Cherry Ln, Northbrook. RSVP: 847-562-9642. BodyNBrain.com/northbrook
Live Music at The Fat Shallot – 3-6pm. $10 suggested donation. The Fat Shallot, 2902 Central St, Evanston. LifeRhythmsInc.com
Monday
Meditation at Solstice Sanctuary – 6:307:30pm. 4th Mon. With Sarah Karnes, certified life changes coach for 25 yrs. Dress for the barn and warmly. Come early to make a cup of tea. Love offerings to Solstice Sanctuary. Solstice Sanctuary, 29211 41st St, Salem, WI. SolsticeSanctuary.org
ONLINE: Shamanic Journey Circle –7-8:30pm. 2nd Mon. All levels of journeying welcome. Work with your Helping Spirits and Power Animals. Free; donations accepted. Zoom. Registration required: MouseIntuitiveHealer.com
Open Level Yoga – 7:30-9pm. With Agnieszka Poniedzialki. In Polish and English. $20. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Tuesday
Cultivating Guts Podcast: New Episode Release – 9am. Tiffany Hinton’s podcast where we discuss gardening, homesteading, gut health, following our intuition, herbalism and functional medicine to create a life of joy and beauty. Listen on Spotify, YouTube and iTunes. Free. Tinyurl.com/CultivatingG
Tummy Whisperer Podcast – 1:30pm. With Renee Barasch. Listeners can hear her speak live on Apple, Spotify and Facebook, or listen to the podcast at any time. Episode 1, “The Importance of Gut Health: Exploring the World of Digestive Wellness,” is available for 24/7 streaming. For more info: 847-207-2034 or DigestiveHealthSolutions.com
Dinner With the Doctors: Health Classes
– 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tues. New to our practice and wanting to see if we are the right fit? Returning patient wanting to understand more deeply what you’ve been experiencing? Enjoy demonstrations and time for Q+A with the docs to learn and experience how they work. Free dinner provided; RSVP required in order for food to be prepared. Free. Be Optimal Holistic Health Center, 5225 Old Orchard Rd, Ste 31, Skokie. 847-486-8000. BeOptimal.com.
Community Meditation – 7-8pm. Doors close at 7:05pm. Different topics each week. Facilitator changes weekly. Walkins welcome. Love donation. Sacred Ground, 15 E Miner St, Arlington Heights. 847-749-3922. ShopSacredGround.com.
Monthly Women’s Circle – 7:30-9pm. 1st Tues. A monthly gathering to celebrate the Sacred Feminine, to unite in sisterhood and community. We create a safe circle of compassion, healing and joy. Where we open our hearts to life and one another, share anything that needs to be shared, provide generous listening to our sisters, meditate, sing, dance, and create community and friendships. Free; graciously accepting donations. RSVP preferred but not required. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-430-3115. nshealing.com
Calling Athletes – 8-8:55pm. Improve mental conditioning and mobility with meditation and Roll Model Method (myofascial release) with Julie Mackey, E-RYT 500 and Mental Performance Coach. $25/ class. Major Sports Performance, 929 W Liberty Dr, Wheaton. Registration required: 630-349-2581. JulieMackey.com
Wednesday
Farm on Ogden Market – 11am-5pm. WedSat. Indoor year-round market. 3555 W Ogden Ave, Chicago. ChicagoBotanic.org/ urbanagriculture/farm_on_ogden
Men’s Yoga for Better Health – 6-7:15pm. Yoga for men, all levels welcome. Explore increased flexibility and movement, reduced stress, improved breathing, find your calm and your center. Mats provided. $20. Chicago Male Clinic, 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago. RSVP: 773-414-9900. ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Open-Level Yoga – 7-8:15pm. Also Sat, 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Thursday
What Do You Like to Eat? – 8am-5pm. Persons who live in Chicagoland, ages 20 - 79 years who can be counted as members of 13 cultural communities, are asked to meet with a researcher for both a 1-to1 interview and a survey on what they like to eat. The researcher will meet you in your community. Total time will not exceed one hour. Free. For details, Carey: PayneWellnessCenter.abmp.com
Community Healing Circle – 6pm. All welcome. Opens with a heart resonance meditation followed by reading each intention aloud while others practice focused silence. Closes with a restorative exercise to release, regenerate and renew. Free. Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary, 160 W Campbell St, Arlington Heights. 224-735-2355. PhilosophersStoneApothecary.com
Shiatsu Student Clinic – 7 & 8pm. At our popular Advanced Student Clinic, clients can receive a 45-min session from an advanced Zen Shiatsu student. Sessions are performed in a group setting with instructor observation. Availability limited; call for appointments! Sessions must be paid in advance. Zen Shiatsu Chicago, 818 Lake St, Evanston. 847-864-1130. ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
Friday
AstroAshtanga – 8-9:15am. Do you love strength, stretching and astrology? Try this strong physical and energetic practice. $25. Kaizen House, 1321 Emerson St, Evanston. KaizenHouse.org
Saturday
Green City Market: Avondale – 8am-1pm. Dec 1, 14, 21; Jan 18-Mar 22. 3031 N Rockwell St, Chicago. GreenCityMarket.org
Open Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. With Gosia. In Polish and English. $22. Northshore Healing Centre, 6185 N Canfield Ave, Chicago. 847-588-0370. nshealing.com
Winter Ravinia Farmers Market – Jan 11Apr 26. 10:30am-2:30pm. Come together this winter to celebrate local food, artisan products and local, sustainable products. Wayfarer Theaters, 1850 2nd St, Highland Park. RaviniaFarmersMarket.com.
Free Aura Reading – 11:15am-12:15pm. See Sun listing. Body & Brain, 1947 Cherry Ln, Northbrook. RSVP: 847-562-9642. BodyNBrain.com/northbrook
Editorial Calendar
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Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Peggy@NAChicago.com to request our media kit.
Acupuncture and Traditional Oriental Medicine
CALANDRA CENTER FOR HEALTH & WELLNESS
Teri Calandra, MSTOM, Dipl Acu, LAc, LMT, RMT
830 E. Higgins Rd, Unit 116, Schaumburg 312-796-3965
Facebook @CalandraAcuChi CalandraAcupuncture.com
We believe that when someone has the tools to help themselves that the possibilities are endless. Offering acupuncture, Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbal medicine, NAET allergy elimination, reiki, Access Consciousness, and a variety of wellness educational classes. Teri specializes in gynecological disorders, infertility, menopausal syndrome, musculoskeletal dysfunctions, allergies, respiratory disorders, digestive disorders, thyroid disorders.
NIRVANA ACUPUNCTURE AND INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Lana Moshkovich, LAc, ND, MSOM 707 Lake Cook Rd, Ste 125, Deerfield 60015 847-715-9044
NirvanaNaturopathics.com
We specialize in resolving chronic pain including Fibromyalgia and Peripheral Neuropathy; severe chronic allergies for adults and children; fertility; autoimmune conditions; anxiety/depression; cosmetic acupuncture (anti-aging). To learn more about our clinic you can follow us on our YouTube channel: Dr.Lana@NirvanaAIM and Instagram: @nirvanaacu. Major insurance carriers accepted. Call 847-7159044 to schedule your consultation so we can help you feel your best!
Experience lasting relief from back pain with the Gokhale Method. Our unique approach teaches you to sit, stand, and move effortlessly, reclaiming the pain-free body you were born with. Most students feel relief after the first lesson. Transform everyday activities into opportunities to strengthen and stretch naturally. See ad on page 27.
HEALTH CLARIFIED
Dr. Kimberly Henderson, DC 2165A Shermer Rd, Northbrook 60062 224-344-8668 • HealthClarified.com
We take wellness to a deep level by combining alternative medicine modalities aimed at removing the obstacles that get in the way of your body's ability to heal. Therapies include red light, SoftWave and BrainTap; plus comprehensive bodywork and exercises, functional medicine, HBOT, Lymphatic Enhancement, EWOT, PEMF, footbaths, holistic skincare treatments and Synchronicity Wave System. See ad on page 21.
NATIONAL LYMPHATIC CENTERS
Sharon M Vogel, Founder, Board Certified LMT, CLT, BCTMB, MFR 5002a Main St, Downers Grove 7 N Grant St, Hinsdale 3100 Theodore St, Ste 202, Joliet 630-241-4100 • Lymphatics.net
The CLT-LMT staff at all 3 locations of NLC offers 70-min The Vogel Method of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Medical Massage and VMLD to those with swelling, detox, Lyme, mold, environmental, oncology, post-surgical and lymphedema. First-visit discount, regular follow-up visits and discount series packages of 5 or 10 available. Complimentary phone consultations. See ad on page 13.
ZEN SHIATSU CHICAGO
825 Chicago Ave, Evanston 60202 847-864-1130 ZenShiatsuChicago.edu
You’ll feel the stress melt away like the snow in spring through our relaxation-focused shiatsu massage practice, which offers the same energizing benefits as acupuncture combined with the restorative power of yoga poses. Dress in cozy threads, shiatsu is performed on fully clothed clients. Professional and student therapists available. See ad on back cover.
The Green Read and The Green Spot bookstores are committed to providing high-quality, gently used books to our communities. The Green Read also carries new, hand-crafted and sustainable puzzles, gifts and stationery products. The bookstores are run by the Environmental Defenders of McHenry County. All purchases support their environmental projects.
Experience holistic healing treatments designed for energetically sensitive individuals with chronic conditions. Our comprehensive approach includes John Barnes Myofascial Release, reiki and more, targeting emotional traumas. Start your healing journey and reconnect with purpose through our specialized services. Start with a free 15-min consultation to discover how we can help.
Community & Practitioner Hubs
AWAKE: ONENESS TRIBE
Suburban Chicagoland AwakeOnenessTribe.org
A nonprofit hub where seekers in the local community can come together, be heard, be seen, and be valued. AWAKE is a place where people can communicate freely, without fear of judgment, and participate in events to improve all aspects of health: physical, emotional, social, psychological, and spiritual. AWAKE acknowledges the value of being part of an open-minded community of people who are eager to learn and grow together.
Launched by Philosopher’s Stone Apothecary founder Virginia Gullo-Ciaccio, a retail and holistic center in downtown Arlington Heights. The VIBES ALLIANCE welcomes practitioners from all modalities and our goal is to connect practitioners in ways for all to collaborate and network together. The VIBES ALLIANCE is committed to offering our community a comprehensive and balanced holistic health approach to healing the body, mind and soul. See ad on page 9.
Digestive Health Specialist
RENEÉ S. BARASCH, LDHS
Telehealth and In-Office 847-207-2034
DigestiveHealthSolutions.com
Digestive problems? Acid Reflux/GERD, IBS, Crohn’s, colitis? Let us help you naturally achieve nutritional balance, feel better and enhance the quality of your life. Improve digestion while reducing discomfort and bloating so you can eat the foods you love again. Certified digestive health specialist/ enzyme therapist. See ads on pages 7 and 39.
MIDWEST COLLEGE OF ACUPUNCTURE AND HERBAL MEDICINE
Racine, WI and Skokie, IL
800-593-2320
MWC2010@aol.com • Acupuncture.edu
Start your path to a more rewarding career as an acupuncturist! Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (TCM) combined with a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. License available in 46 states. Call today to learn more. See ad on page 2.
Energy & Mind Spa
SOLFLO LIFE
1834 W North Ave, Fl 2, Chicago 60622
Call/Text: 773-383-6237
SolFloLife.com
Experience cellular rejuvenation, mind recalibration, physical body revitalization, alignment and energetic spiritual connection. Create your best life with our unique approach which combines energy, sound, light, color, aromas, herbs and plants. Featuring the Energy Enhancement System, the most robust form of energy medicine that utilizes modern-day technology. Take the next step in your journey toward well-being.
If you are seeking integrative and natural approach to your whole-body health, Dr. Arutcheva will use her extensive knowledge, training and experience to work with you to create a personalized plan to prevent and overcome illness based on her strategy of health screening tests, state-of-the-art technology and the best natural supplements. These methods accelerate your ways to optimum health and prevent the development of serious chronic diseases.
INTEGRAL MED
340 W Butterfield Rd, Ste 3C, Elmhurst 60126 847-840-1806
IntegralMed.us
Integral Med is a multidisciplinary medical practice that specializes in treating chronic health conditions by blending natural approaches and biohacking technologies. We help conditions such as fatigue, hormone imbalances, toxin removal, metabolism dysfunctions, gastrointestinal and autoimmune diseases and much more. Cutting edge wellness therapies include HOCATT Sauna, Superhuman Protocol, Vibroacoustic Electromagnetic therapy, Ballancer Pro Lymphatic Suit, Acupuncture, Thermography and much more. See ad on page 23.
Holistic & Airway Dentistry
THE CENTER FOR DENTAL HEALING
Dr. Alla Aver, DDS & Dr. Irina Ganzman, DMD
2400 Ravine Way, Ste 400, Glenview 60025
847-998-5100 • GlenviewSmiles.com
Our office uses whole-body, preventive dental care. We utilize non-fluoridated ozonated water, herbal periodontal treatments, and gluten-free herbal paste. We offer: safe amalgam removal; BPA-free fillings and sealants; non-metal crowns; sleep apnea and TMJ appliances; ozone therapy; microscopic plaque analysis; material reactivity testing kits; and non-acrylic night guards, partials.
INTEGRATIVE DENTAL HEALTH
87 S McLean Blvd, South Elgin 60177
847-737-9109
IDH4U.com
Offering the highest quality holistic dental care possible for total body health. From biocompatible materials, to eliminating disease in the mouth and improving sleep quality, you can expect more than just a dental office. As Safe Cutting-Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique (S.M.A.R.T.) certified providers, we use the strictest protocols to protect you from the neurotoxic effects of mercury fillings.
K. BOEHM, DDS, & ASSOCIATES
1585 N Barrington Rd, Ste 106, Hoffman Estates 60069
847-884-1220
1440 Maple Ave, Ste 2A, Lisle 60532 630-810-1280 | KBoehmDDS.com
Offering state-of-the-art holistic dental care in a relaxed environment, Dr. Boehm and his staff are ready to meet all your dental needs in either of his two locations. Bio-compatible materials and an extensive knowledge of the correlation between oral and overall health are his specialties. Services include safe mercury removal, electrodermal screening for materials compatibility and tooth viability, crowns, bridges, dentures, zirconia implants, homeopathy, cranial osteopathy, orthodontics, ozone therapy, CT/3D imaging, and laser treatment for both gum disease and decay.
SIMONA BAREKET, DDS
HP
SMILES DENTAL
489 Laurel Ave, Highland Park 60035
847-432-6501
HPSmilesDental.com
We are a holistic dental team focused on whole-person wellness rather than just your teeth. Dr. Simona works with empathy, care and a gentle touch. Services include cleanings and comprehensive exams, material biocompatibility testing, safe amalgam removal, ozone therapy, BPA-free restorations and non-metal crowns and implants.
WRIGLEYVILLE DENTAL
3256 N Ashland, Chicago 60657
773-975-6666 • WrigleyvilleDental.com
Chicago’s premier biological holistic dentists. Offering the latest technology, we provide ozone, lasers, same-daycrowns and BPA/fluoride-free nontoxic products. Several dentists on staff with unique specialties provide safe amalgam removal, PRF facials, orthodontics, TMJ, sleep/airway, children’s dentistry and countless other treatments. One home for all your dental needs. Free garage parking.
Holistic Health Practitioner
BIO-ENERGY CENTER
Kankakee Natural Foods BioEnergy Center 815-933-6236 • KankakeeNaturalFoods.com
Our BioEnergy Center brings together state-of-the-art machines in one location for an integrative wellness experience. Our approach to healing meets each client’s unique needs through personalized testing and therapies. Come as you are, no appointment needed. Kankakee Natural Foods Wellness under One Roof.
Ellen’s 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist integrates a conscious approach to healing old patterns through a mix of trauma and mindfulness-based psychotherapies, HMR, Lifeline, The Work (Byron Katie), energy medicine and somatic awareness. Join Meetup.com “Inner Balance Meditation” for updates on her events, and visit her at EllenKatz.net
Lifelong Learning & Personal Growth
THE EDGAR CAYCE HOLISTIC CENTER AND BOOKSTORE
At Unity Northwest Church 259 E Central Rd, Des Plaines 60016 847-299-6535
AREChicagoCenter@gmail.com
Full-service bookstore, Cayce remedies, spiritual growth study groups, monthly programs, workshops and holistic fairs, intuitive skills development training, knowledgeable seekers, intuitives, healers and more. Call for hours. See ad on page 12.
INFINITY FOUNDATION
1280 Old Skokie Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-831-8828 • InfinityFoundation.org
Many courses now live in-person, hybrid or on Zoom, some are recorded to watch later. CEUs available. 12:12 Fire & Sound Awakening Ceremony, Live, Dec 13, 7:30-9:30pm. Winter Solstice Inner Journey, Live, Dec 21, 1-2:30pm. Call for free course guide.
Media
WCPT 820 AM
Streaming live:
HeartlandSignal.com/wcpt820
Chicago’s Progressive Talk is a whole lot more than just a radio station. It is a community of several hundred thousand people who are sustainably inclined, environmentally responsible, community conscious and socially engaged. Monday through Friday the program lineup features national show hosts who broadcast from various cities across America. From the very political, to the very serious, to almost-over-the-line edgy, they talk about what matters to you. On the weekends, specialty shows cover Chicago politics and much more. Listen on the radio or tune in online at HeartlandSignal.com/ wcpt820. See ad on page 47.
Meditation & Spiritual Centers
CHICAGO MEDITATION CENTER OF SELF-REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP
946 N Harlem Ave, River Forest 60305 ChicagoMeditationCenter.org/ srflessons.org
Experience the power of spiritual community. All are welcome to join weekly inspirational services with yoga meditation each Sunday. Paramahansa Yogananda (18931952) founded Self-Realization Fellowship in 1920 to make available the universal teachings of Kriya Yoga, a sacred spiritual science originating millennia ago in India. See ad on page 33.
Medium, Psychic & Chakra
CHAKRA STUDIO
In-person and remote
186 Skokie Valley Rd, Highland Park 60035 847-744-3060 | 219-677-1629
PsychicChakraStudioIL.com
Let us be the first step on your journey to healing, spiritual awareness and emotional freedom. Explore spiritual healing and find clarity through chakra balancing, energy healing, tarot, sound and light therapies, readings and life coaching. Shop our boutique for curated crystals, candles, oils and other healing tools to enhance your energetic balance and well-being. See ad on page 15.
PSYCHIC READINGS GLENVIEW
2834 Golf Rd, Glenview 60025 847-470-0049
PsychicsReadingsGlenview.com
Discover the transformative power of psychic healing. In one session, Psychic Sarah can unlock your dormant healing energy and guide you towards a path of true rejuvenation and self-discovery. 30+ years’ experience in psychic, tarot and astrology readings, chakra balancing and spiritual counsel. New clients save 50% on first visit. See ad on page 17.
Men’s Health & Wellness
CHICAGO MALE CLINIC
Jerry Garcia, PA-C 4801 W Peterson Ave, Ste 506, Chicago 60646
773-414-9900 • ChicagoMaleClinic.com
Chicago Male Clinic (CMC) is a holistic health and wellness center for men providing a natural integrated approach to improving men’s sexual health. CMC offers therapeutic massage, exercise and stretch therapy, men’s yoga classes, patient coaches and trainers. CMC offers a natural approach to treating erectile difficulties (ED) with its Acoustic Wave Therapy. Call for your complimentary in-person consultation (valued at $225.). Book your first appointment at ChicagoMaleClinic.com See ad on page 11.
Reflexology
JASMIN REFLEXOLOGY
773-979-5351
JJahal@hotmail.com
JasminReflexology.com
Reflexology is a wellness protocol that stimulates the nervous system by applying precise, alternating pressure to the feet or hands. It helps your body relieve stress, improve sleep, lower blood pressure, balance hormones and reduce chronic pain. Jasmin is nationally certified and a recognized educator. Call for a free consultation. See ad on page 23.
Reiki and Energy Medicine
HEALING WITH SARA MAE
Reiki Master Teacher
Hinsdale and Joliet
HealingWithSaraMae.com
Reiki sessions, classes, mentorship and more to serve you on the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual levels. Sessions available worldwide remotely and in-person. Book your session or consult at HealingWithSaraMae.com
The miracle is this: the more we share, the more we have.
—Leonard Nimoy
JOANN LYSIAK, ENERGY SPECIALIST
Joann Lysiak Gems
847-596-0274
Joann@JoannLysiakGems.com
JoannLysiakGems.com
Visit the online store for high vibration gemstones and handcrafted jewelry with intention. Benefit from the gemstone energy properties to attract love, abun-dance or protect your energy from EMFs. Let me intuitively find the perfect gemstones for your needs or fine tune your energy to thrive.
Skeletal Strengthening
OSTEOSTRONG
126 Skokie Rd, Wilmette 60091
224-408-2369
195 W Golf Rd, Schaumburg, 60195 224-208-8616
OsteoStrong.me
OsteoStrong is an Integrative Health and Wellness Center with a focus on musculoskeletal strengthening. The 4-device circuit takes only minutes once per week to complete. Under the direction of a skilled technician, users engage in a safe, controlled, movement that results in a stimulus to the central nervous system triggering osteogenesis or new bone growth. See ad on page 15.
Tree Care
BARTLETT TREE EXPERTS
Serving Chicagoland 877-227-8538 • Bartlett.com
Expert tree care for 117 years and growing. Specializing in pruning, fertilization, cabling and bracing, insect and disease management, tree inspections, storm damage repair, lightning protection and removals. Visit our website to schedule your complimentary appointment with a Bartlett Arborist Representative. We’re here for every tree. See ad on page 19.
Wellness Centers
INSPIRE YOGA AND WELLNESS 1100 Nerge Rd, Ste 208, Elk Grove Village 60007
312-593-4366
InspireYogaWellness.com
At our wellness sanctuary, we focus on healing rather than just treating symptoms. We dig deep to find the root cause of your issues and look at all four aspects of health: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. We offer personalized health coaching, iridology, yoga, meditation, infrared sauna and more.
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Earn your massage license while studying holistic therapy!
BEGINNING ZEN SHIATSU
5-Week Session
Jan 7 - Feb 5 Tue/Wed, 1:30-4:30pm
10-Week Sessions
Jan 7 - Mar 11 / Tue 10am-1pm
Jan 8 - Mar 12 / Wed 7-10pm
2-Weekend Intensive
Feb 14-16 & 21-23 Fri 7-10pm, Sat-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm zenshiatsu.edu/ce/ beginning_zen_shiatsu/
E-mail info@zenshiatsu.edu or call 847-864-1130 to sign up!
