WHY WORDS MATTER

by Marlaina Donato

From witchy incantations in Shakespeare’s Macbeth to ancient Sanskrit mantras; from the stirring speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. to the divinely inspired poetry of the Sufis, words have bridged the chasm between the visible and the invisible since the dawn of human language. They have the capacity to conjure change, rock the boat, manipulate mood and alter the inner landscape.

According to language research center Ethnologue, there are more than 7,000 languages in the world. We use words every day to communicate, to learn, to teach, to bond with kindred souls and to win opinion wars on social media. We can use words as medicine or weapons, and we too often forget their power.

Many religious texts draw attention to the spoken word, especially in creation stories and the creative capacity of deity. In the Vedanta Sutra, an ancient Vedic text, the phrase anavritti sabdat translates to “by sound vibration, one becomes liberated.” Consider what it would be like if we each made a daily commitment to use everyday words as a conscious tool for healing—a practical form of spiritual discipline from which everyone might benefit.

In our age of rapidly developing technology and jam-packed schedules, the spoken word is becoming a casualty in the daily blur of abbreviated texts and emojis. Forty percent of the world’s languages are on the threshold of extinction, and so is the language of everyday courtesy and compassion. “Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” the old saying goes, but words do hurt, chipping away at our mental health in the classroom, on the checkout line at the supermarket and in our social media newsfeeds.

Negativity-overwhelm has become the norm. If the mystics of old are correct regarding the energetic impact of our words, thoughts and self-talk, incredible power awaits on the tip of our tongues. With a little bit of attention and intention, there’s so much we might be able to create for ourselves and others.

Words are seeds, and we can sow life-sustaining gardens for generations to follow. Consider what to plant today.

Marlaina Donato is the author of several books and a composer of visionary music. Connect at WildflowerLady.com.

Here at Square Deal we feel pets are part of the family. Our Knowledgeable staff is here to help you find food, treats, and products that

keep your pets happy and healthy!

We carry the top holistic brands of Dog and Cat food. We Carry a large seletion of Raw and Freeze dried diets.

$5 off $50

Coupon expires 1/31/22. Not valid with other offers.

$15 off $100

Coupon expires 1/31/22. Not valid with other offers.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 1

America’s State Parks First Day Hikes – Choose your favorite state park and hike, cross-county ski, ride (horse or bike) or snowshoe and keep track of your miles. Then go online and add your miles to the collective total and help us reach a New Year’s Day goal of 2,022 miles. Details: Tinyurl.com/2p8uyh8x.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 4

Virtual Trimdown Weight Challenge – Jan 4, 9am-Jan 5, 8pm, weigh-in. A community challenge to commit to a healthier lifestyle. Ends with a weigh-out Mar 22, 9am-Mar 23, 8pm. $1,800 in gift certificates awarded to the winning teams; portion of all proceeds donated to the Northwest MI Food Coalition and the NMC Student Food Pantry. $5/ person. Register by Jan 3: tctrimdown.com. VistaTech Center, 18600 Haggerty Rd, Livonia. SchoolCraft.edu. Consciousness Hacking 2.0 – 7pm. Features a provocative discussion between Dr. Newsom and Mr. Duvall on the healing properties and potential of psychedelics, specifically ketamine. Free. Virtual. FindingMetis.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 13

Gentle Yoga – Thursdays, Jan 13-Feb 3. 10-11am. All levels welcome. This is a great beginner class too. With Janae Ernest. $50/nonmembers, $45/ members, $15/drop-in. Charlevoix Circle of Arts, 109 Clinton St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixCircle.org.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14

Moon-Lit Guided Snowshoe – 7-8:30pm. Join a naturalist on a guided snowshoe through Grass

FRIDAY, JANUARY 7

New Year’s Night Ski and Snowshoe – 7-9pm. Start the new year off right with an evening self-guided ski on GRNA’s groomed ski trails or a snowshoe to the river. A fire and hot cocoa available. Bring own headlamp to light your way. $5/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Registration required: GrassRiver.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 8

Community Wholistic Education Call – Jan 8 & 15. 10-11am. Jesse R. Brown, ND, traditional Naturopath, will hold a free call on How to be the Healer in your home. Will address how you can discover the healing power in you to help yourself and your loved ones if you choose to.The healing powers of intention. attention, food as medicine, herbs, energy, touch, and ancient healing methods will be revealed. Via Zoom. Details: WholisticTrainingInstitute.com. 12th Annual Winter Trails Day – 10:30am-2pm. A fun, family-friendly day of winter trail activities. Free trail access, introductory ski lessons, fatbike demos, guided snowshoe hikes and use of equipment rentals for those new to winter trail sports. Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort, 4050 Hammond Rd E, Traverse City. Register: TraverseTrails.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 9

Future Predictions Class 2022 – 11am-3pm. Using the tools of astrology and numerology, presenter Kathryn Andries will teach participants about their planetary and numerological influences for the coming year. $75. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. Pre-registration required: 231-941-5805 or HigherSelfBookstore.com.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12

Self-Hypnosis for Attention and Relaxation – 6-8pm. Begin with a brief history of hypnosis and its practical applications in everyday life. Learn how to use self-hypnosis as a tool for solving problems in a practiced and logical yet relaxed atmosphere. Online sessions at Schoolcraft College Personal and Professional Learning. $39.20. Schoolcraft College, River’s forests at night to look for signs and sounds of nocturnal animals. Snowshoes available for rent for an additional $5. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Registration required: GrassRiver.org.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 15

Community Wholistic Education Call – 10-11am. See Jan 8 listing. Details: WholisticTrainingInstitute.com. New Year Metaphysical Fair – 10am-6pm. Kick the new year off right with our first Metaphysical Fair of the year. Will have over a dozen readers offering insight to what the year may hold for you. No appointment necessary. $10/10-min reading. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-941-5805. HigherSelfBookstore.com.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 18

Online: How to Grow Sprouts – 6-7pm. Learn how to grow fresh sprouts in your kitchen year-round with Dr Sainz. $10. Register: Oryana.coop Certified Herbalist Training Begins – 6-8pm. 8 wks. Herbology 1 with Wholistic Training Institute (a state of Michigan-licensed school). Learn to the historic medicinal uses of herbs and about a variety of health conditions. Discover your body systems, what they do and which herbs support them. Instructor Dr. Jesse R. Brown and team. Course also available self-paced. $500. Via Zoom. 313-2556155. WholisticTrainingInstitute.com. Certified Herbalist Training Begins – 6-8pm. 8 wks. Herbology 2 with Wholistic Training Institute (a state of Michigan-licensed school). Learn more historic uses of medicinal herbs and how to prepare poultices and special applications. May be taken together with Herbology 1 at a reduced rate. Instructor Dr. Jesse R. Brown and team. Course also available self-paced. $500. Via Zoom. 313-2556155. WholisticTrainingInstitute.com. Gaze into the Future with Vision Boards – 6:308pm. Join us in creating your vision for 2022. Start off with a blank canvas as we delve into a new year. Free. Traverse Area District Library, 610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City. 231-932-8500. Register: Tinyurl.com/6jtx8y2s.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 22

Winter Fungi Walk – 10am-12pm. Go on a winter walk in search of the fungi of winter, like shelf mushrooms on fallen logs, bark and standing trees. With long-time mushroom hunter and naturalist, Franny Bluhm. $10/person. Grass River Natural Area, 6500 Alden Hwy, Bellaire. Registration required: GrassRiver.org.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 23

Online: Gaze into the Future with Vision Boards

– 6:30-8pm. Join Traverse Area District Library in creating your vision for 2022. Start off with a blank canvas as we delve into a new year. Free. Via Zoom. 231-932-8500. Register: Tinyurl.com/6jtx8y2s.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25

Online: Warming Winter Soups & Stews – 6-7pm. Follow along with Chef Ali as we warm up the body and soul with a hearty, homemade bowl of hot soup or chili. $10. Register: Oryana.coop.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 29

Become Untamed: Horse and Nature Retreat – 10am-2pm. Practices to express more fully and step out of self-imposed cages. Learn to lead through presence and authenticity. Men, women & all gender identities welcome. $189 in-person. Mother Bear Sanctuary, 20470 Barton Rd, Pinckney. 734-7966690. MotherBearSanctuary.com. Shadow Fest – 10am-5pm. Celebrates the best of winter. With numerous fun activities, there is something for everyone. 109 Mason St, Charlevoix. Facebook.com/CharlevoixShadowfest. Foot Reflexology Session – 11am-6pm. Pat is a certified reflexologist, aromatherapist and Usui Reiki Master in addition to a Master of Science in plant sciences. 30-60-min sessions. Higher Self Bookstore, 313 E Front St, Traverse City. 231-9415805. HigherSelfBookstore.com.

PLAN AHEAD

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 8

Get the Most from Your DNA Test – 6-8pm. Explore the popular trend of DNA testing for individuals in an easy to-understand casual presentation.

Explore the options and further work necessary to make your testing results even more worthwhile. Discussion and examples of current offerings are key components of this online class. $39. Washtenaw Community College: 734-677-5060 or wccnet. edu/noncredit.

MARCH-MAY

Rooted Visionaries – Self-acceptance, chi gong, sexual embodiment. Heal trauma and receive community support. 2 workshops weekly and a monthly session for $222. Mother Bear Sanctuary, 20470 Barton Rd, Pinckney. 734-796-6690. MotherBearSanctuary.com.

ongoing events

sundays

Men’s Circle: Stories in Council – 6:30pm. 1st Sun. An open group of men who come together in a safe, confidential space to share and gain from each other’s experience and presence. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

mondays

Cancer Care Support Discovery Call – 6-6:30pm. For those looking to incorporate a holistic, functional element of care into their cancer treatment plan by working in conjunction with your oncologists, surgeons, primary care physician and physical medicine practitioners. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

tuesdays

Empowerment Circle – 10:30-11:30am. With Heather Zigler. By bringing new light to an ancient and traditional tool used by indigenous people around the globe. Circles are a place to transform ME to WE as a space where the principle of sharing power with each other exists instead of having power over one another. 1st class free. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231499-8595. HeatherZigler.com.

wednesdays

Empowerment Circle – 5:30-6:30pm. See Tues listing. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. HeatherZigler.com.

thursdays

Yoga in East Park – 8:30-9:30am. With Charlevoix Yoga. Weather permitting. $20. East Park 400 Bridge St, Charlevoix. CharlevoixYoga.com. Weekly Facebook Live with Dr. McSwain – 5:306pm. More info: MIHolisticMed.com.

The Goddess Workout Beginner Hula Dance

Class – 6:30-7:30pm. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. Learn basic hula moves and combinations. $80/8-wk session, $15/drop-in. First Congregational Church, 8066 W State St, Central Lake. AmiraHamzarRaks.com. Red Tent: Women’s Circle – 7pm. 2nd Thurs. Meet local women, share your journey and grow together. Hosted by Aria, Red Tents are a gentle introduction to women’s sacred circles. Free. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com. Community Night – 7-9pm. 4th Thurs. Each month we will host a different theme for connecting with your fellow Bellaire community members. Movie nights, potlucks, cacao and conversation, etc. Everyone welcome, including families; do not need to practice yoga. Yoga Bellaire, 216 Portage Dr, Bellaire. YogaBellaire.com.

fridays

Candle Light Hike at Mt. McSauba – Jan 7- Feb 25. 5-8pm. Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails. Set own pace on this self-guided journey. Free; donations accepted. Mt. McSauba, 09223 Mt. McSauba Rd, Charlevoix. 231-547-3253.

The Goddess Workout Beginner Belly Dance

Rhythms: Maksoum – 6-7pm. Ring in the New Year by learning to play the finger cymbals in a beginner belly dance class taught by certified GoddessLife instructor, Amira Hamzar. For absolute beginners of all ages, sizes and shapes. In-person & Zoom. $40/mo, $15/drop-in. Pure Essence Wellness Center, 1240 E 8th St, Traverse City. 231-499-8595. AmiraHamzarRaks.com.

saturdays

Indoor Farmers’ Market – Thru Apr 30. 10am-2pm. Presented by The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Free admission. Mercato, 830 Cottageview Dr, Traverse City. TheVillageTC.com/farmers-market. InterPlay: Dive Deep into Creative Self-expression – 3-5:30pm. 3rd Sat. An active, creative way to unlock the wisdom of the body. New Moon Yoga, 10781 E Cherry Bend Rd, Traverse City. 231-421-3120. SoulWaysHealing.com.

classifieds

HELP WANTED

LOOKING FOR DEDICATED AND PASSIONATE DISTRIBUTOR / SALES OF ALL- NATU-

RAL PRODUCTS. This is not a MLM, this is based on product sales of retail and sales to the public. This will include contacting the public as well as outdoor and indoor events. Calling on stores and businesses. Must be passionate about healthy living and helping others be healthy. Michigan-made products. We are a licensed, insured, certified Company. Please contact U.P. Chaga Connection 906-282-0787 (Serious inquiries only).

If You Are Reading This, So Are Your Potential Customers.

Contact us today and start doing more business. 734-757-7929

Publisher@HealthyLivingMichigan.com

ADVANCED WELLNESS

EARTH LABS

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com

Subtle modalities including sound, light, frequency and thermogenic therapies to enhance and transform your quality of life. Our techno-therapy will reduce pain and restore energy. See ads pages 19 and back cover.

CBD PRODUCTS

MY CBD

Kelly Young MyTCBD.com

All-Natural CBD products. We source from only organic, environmentally socially responsible companies that believe in cruelty-free testing. Life is too short to feel anything less than your personal best. Ask about our distributor options where you can be your own boss. See ad page 22.

PURELY CBD

1112 E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1070 PurelyCBD-TraverseCity.com

At Purely CBD Traverse City, we strive to provide our customers with top-quality products that help serve their personal needs. As a locally owned business, we are dedicated to caring for our community and prioritize your overall well-being. See ad page 25.

CHAGA PRODUCTS

U.P. CHAGA CONNECTION

906-282-0787 MidnightSpcl_59@yahoo.com UPChagaConnection.com

Freshest, cleanest, wildest organic Chaga available in the Upper Peninsula. State certified. Im mune-Boosting Superfood. For centuries, people have used chaga mushrooms for medicinal purposes. Packed with antioxidants, its extract may fight cancer, chronic inflammation, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels. See ad page 23.

COACHING & COUNSELING

ARIA MAE EVERTS

Coach, Facilitator, Healer Aria@AriaMae.com AriaMae.com

Spiritually integrative coaching, healing and retreats for Conscious Leaders. In-person and virtual personal development for those who envision a world where all life is honored. See ad page 8.

COOKING & TEA BREWING

SPICE & TEA MERCHANTS

145 E Front St, Traverse City 231-947-7423 SpiceMerchants.biz/traverse-cityspice-store

Providing the world’s best herbs, spices and teas for your kitchen. We carry over 200 spices from everyday use to the most exotic as well as over 120 different teas. See ad page 16.

FRESH MILK HERD SHARES

SHARED BLESSINGS FARM

7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286

We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy animals so they can produce healthy raw milk for your good. Taste to know the difference. See ad page 20.

GIFT CERTIFICATES

URBAN OASIS SALT SPA

545 S. Division Suite 117 Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Give the gift of health and beauty this holiday season. Treat a loved one to our dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, or exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt that supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 7.

GRASS-FINISHED BEEF

SHARED BLESSINGS FARM

7291 18 Mile Rd, Marion 231-743-2286

We are a family farm focused on healthy soils to produce healthy grass-finished animals rich in minerals and omega-3s and omega-6s with real fat that is good for you. See ad page 20.

HALOTHERAPY

URBAN OASIS SALT SPA

13709 S. West Bayshore Dr, Traverse City 231-938-6020 UrbanOasisSaltSpa.com Dry salt therapy, massage, detox, organic facial services, exclusive salt room made from 15,000 pounds of Himalayan pink salt supports overall health and wellness. See ad page 7.

HEALTHY PET

SQUARE DEAL COUNTRY STORE

900 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City 231-946-5030 SquareDealCountryStore.com

Our knowledgeable staff is here to help you find the best food, treats and products for your pets. See discounts page 27.

HOLISTIC MENTAL WELLNESS

KELLIE ZIEHM

Kellie.Amare@yahoo.com 734-344-2339 AmareMentalWellness.com

Come join my team with this ground floor distributor opportunity with the only holistic mental wellness company in direct sales. I’m also looking for healthcare professionals to join our influencer program. See ad page 18.

THE GROW STORE

90 N U.S. Hwy 31 S, Traverse City 231-421-5191 Facebook: The Grow Store Traverse City

Serving Traverse City and the Northern Michigan region since 2009. Specilizing in organics, hydroponics and lighting systems for the indoor grower. A locally owned, service-oriented company. See ad page 25.

LESS ANXIETY NATURALLY

EARTH LABS

317a E Front St, Traverse City 231-421-1490 EarthLabsHeal.com

Advanced technologies in the sound and light lab ease anxiety and relieve chronic pain. Enhance your mood and bring balance to the limbic system. See ads pages 19 and back cover.

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 3.

PERSONAL & SPIRITUAL GROWTH WORKSHOPS

INNER LISTENING™ WORKSHOPS

Rev. Julie Chai 231-922-9699 InnerListening.me

Inner Listening™ workshops for compassionate self-awareness, presence, serenity, love, and joy, offer you the theory, practice, and support to move beyond emotional reactions and into deep healing, compassion, and empowerment. See ad page 21.

THE SCHOOL OF AMBROSIAL ANIMALS

Aria@AriaMae.com 774-578-2762 AmbrosialAnimals.com

Ambrosial Animals is a Spiritual Development Program for Conscious Leaders - an initiation for those ready to step into their missions more powerfully. See ad page 8.

SCHOOL / EDUCATION

NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 East Broadway St, Mt. Pleasant 989-773-1714 Contact@NaturopathicInstitute.info NaturopathicInstitute.info

Educational programs offered: Natural Health Program: four years (one weekend a month); Massage Therapy Program: one year (two weekends a month); Holistic Doula Practitioner Program: six months (one weekend a month). Individual classes available. See ad page 3.

CELEBRATING 28 years in THE business of