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H E A L T H Y

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Plant-It-Forward

Harvests Health and Justice for Refugees Through Urban Farming

GUT HEALTH Treat Your Tummy Right

TAME YOUR LUNAR STRESS NEW YEAR Tips to Cope with Your Fight or Flight

Wishing You A Forever Spring

February 2016 | Houston-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com natural awakenings

February 2016

1

We Care for More than Just Your Teeth….

Biological Dentristy

Amalgams (silver fillings) are removed using safe protective protocols.

Zirconia white ceramic implants are offered to replace missing teeth when appropriate.

As a true Biological Dentist, Dr. Jones combines modern technology, safe protection protocols, advanced knowledge of biological dentistry and medicine, and a patient-centric approach to enhance wellness through dentistry.

“Studies have concluded a link between gum disease & heart health, diabtes, & pregnancies. However, many dentists are not trained in the long term effects of what dentistry does (or possibly could do) to the whole body. I educate my patients on the importance of how dentistry can play a role in their overall health. I put emphasis on a more natural or holistic approach to dentistry.”

Dr. Marilyn K. Jones DDS

Our services include: • Safe protective protocols for Mercury Amalgam removal • Biocompatibility Testing • Advanced Diagnostics • Oral Cancer Screening and Detection • Z-Systems Zirkolith Dental Implants • Modern Skills and Techniques • Life-Long Patient Care • Over 30 Years Experience

Marilyn K Jones DDS 800 Bering Dr Suite 204 | Houston, TX 77057 | (713) 785-7767 2

Houston

www.marilynkjonesdds.com

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

contents 5 newsbriefs

5

7 healthbriefs

9 globalbriefs 10 bookreview

10

13 eventbriefs 15 businessspotlights 37 calendarofevents

11

Natural Awakenings is your guide to a healthier, more balanced life. In each issue readers find cutting-edge information on natural health, nutrition, fitness, personal growth, green living, creative expression and the products and services that support a healthy lifestyle.

17 PREDICTIONS

FOR FEBRUARY

Based on Your Moon Sign

by Varshaa Sachdev

19 PLANT-IT-FORWARD

19

Harvests Health and Justice for Refugees through Urban Farming

by Randi Rogers

23 MY WATER

MUST BE GOOD....

25 PROTECT YOUR

CHILD’S GUT HEALTH 39 ongoingcalendar AFTER THE HOLIDAYS

by Dr. Lawrence J. Hoberman

41 resourceguide

advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com.

Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month.

EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com.

Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month..

25

27 SWADHISTHANA CHAKRA

29 HINES CENTER February Lectures

31 TAME YOUR STRESS

by Suzanne Sears

33 A BRIEF INTERVIEW

31 WITH DAWN MOUNTAIN’S FAMILY EDUCATOR, SIMONE WOODAGE

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com.

Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month..

35 LUNAR NEW YEAR

REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

MEETS ZEN

Wishing You a Forever Spring

by Hanh Tinh

36 WHAT IS THE “POINT” OF ACUPUNCTURE?

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cosmetic Acupuncture

by Jo Nell Norcini

natural awakenings

35 February 2016

3

letterfrompublisher

I

n this crazy publishing business I have the opportunity to meet a lot of people. Meeting people and making new friends is part of what I really like about being a Natural Awakenings publisher. Maybe I gain a new ad client and we explore new ideas how to grow the business. Maybe they get some magazines their customers will enjoy, and I get a new place to distribute Natural Awakenings. Maybe I can’t help them myself, but I can introduce them to someone I know who can. Maybe we just have an interesting conversation and learn something new. Maybe, what seems like a chance meeting, might grow into a longtime friendship.

I feel like you can never have too many friends and it doesn’t usually cost anything to be friendly anyway. Of course, there are different levels or degrees of friendship. It seems like most friends are temporary. One of us moves to a new town or moves on to a new job or a new relationship and we just kind of lose touch.

Until Facebook happened, I had lost touch with all of my high school classmates.

I guess this is the normal course of things.

There are a few rare individuals with whom I have maintained a real friendship that hasn’t been broken by changing times or circumstance. I won’t name them here but you know who you are. What makes the difference? I’m not really sure.

Whatever it is, I’m glad.

Whether you are new to Houston or have lived here all your life, making friends can be hard. They say that the best way to have friends is to be a friend. I try to make a point of speaking to my neighbors and people I meet walking our “pack” around the neighborhood. I have learned from my Hispanic friends to ask how their day is and when they ask me first to respond with “very well and you?” I try to practice random acts of friendliness throughout the day. It doesn’t cost anything and you never know when you might just be making someone’s day.

If you are new to Houston or maybe even if you aren’t, it can be hard to make real friends. Taking a yoga or exercise class, going to a meditation or spiritual lecture is a way of putting yourself in a place where you have the opportunity to make quality friendships with other like-minded people. If you are single and looking for someone, Natural Awakenings Singles is definitely a possibility. In any case, remember, “A stranger is just a friend you haven’t made yet.”

Mike & Cindy Hart

contact us Natural Awakenings 448 West 19th Street #419 Houston, TX 77008 Phone: 713-927-6540 Fax: 713-880-9979 Natural Awakenings Team PUBLISHERS

Cindy and Mike Hart Cindy@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

FREELANCE WRITERS Quincy Fisher • Barbara Silberg Shen Ge • Jo Neil Norcini • Suzanne Sears Gladys Wesley-Kennedy • Sandra Joblonicky

MARKETING/ADVERTISING Cindy Hart Cindy@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com Barbara Silberg • Petra Valica Mark Berne

PRODUCTION

Paul Scott • Helene Leininger • Tammy Leal

WEBSITE Mike Hart

General Information & Submissions

Mike Hart Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com Franchise Sales: Toll Free 888-434-9392

NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com © 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved.

Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing.

Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business.

We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised.

We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Sign up to receive our free digital ezine!

Email us at: Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

4

Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

newsbrief Afterglow Hot Yoga Alcove Yoga Awaken Yoga Bayou Bliss Yoga Big Power Yoga Bikram’s Yoga College of India Body N Brain Yoga Dawn Mountain Feel Better with Yoga Heights School of Yoga

Grace’s Nutrition Market Grace’s Nutrition Market, your friendly neighborhood health store packed full of well-seasoned knowledge, friendly advice, and goodies, has been in the same Spring location for upwards to 40 years and current owner for at least 20 years. We specialize in any nutritional needs you may encounter in your daily life, from the common cold, to weight loss, or even full body nutritional counseling.

Grace’s is home to a wonderful pair Robyn and Beverly, our Iridologist and Nutritionist. Iridology appointments are available throughout the week, or to just come talk to for good quality you can trust.

Grace’s product lines range anywhere from your general multivitamins to case specific vitamins, minerals, herbs. We also are fans of gluten-free wheat free delicious alternatives and better ways to cook. On our shelves we have Aura Cacia, and Wild Crafted essential oils, diffusers, incense to light. We basically have a little of everything, all quality you can trust.

We always enjoy meeting new faces and are glad to help! God Bless.

Grace’s Nutrition Market 1421 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77373. 281353-6630. facebook.com/GracesNutrition-Market. See ad on page 42.

Hines Center Houston Ayurveda Center Houston Iyengar Yoga Houston Yoga and Ayurveda Wellness Center India House Inner CellF Joy Yoga Omni Yoga Samadhi Yoga Texas Yoga Yoga and Wellness with Lynn Feder

Yoga

Across Houston

Thank You Our Great Distributors

Yoga Collective Yoga EaDo Yoga for Mental and Physical Happiness Yoga Heart Yoga Institute Your Body Yoga

Find us at your local store.

If not on this list, contact us & ask to be included! natural awakenings

February 2016

5

When Everything Else Has Failed

Have You Ever Had A Doctor Tell You It’s All In Your Head Or That They Can’t Find Anything Wrong With You?

Functional Medicine May Be The Answer.

Functional Medicine is patient-focused, personalized healthcare, instead of dealing with health issues as isolated diseases, Functional Medicine examines the whole patient and then assists patients - DRUG FREE.

6

Houston

Dr. Bobbie Stowe, DC 2400 Augusta Dr., Suite 210 Houston, TX 77057 713-667-6657 functionalmedicineofhouston.com www.westuchiropractic.com www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

healthbriefs

Bifidobacteria Probiotic Fends Off Colds and Flu

I

n a s t u dy p u b l i s h e d i n the British Journal of Nutrition, researchers found that supplementing with bifidobacteria probiotics will reduce colds and flu. The study followed 581 college students for six weeks as they prepared for their final exams.

During the study period, the students consumed a placebo or a daily supplement with one of three probiotics, including Bifidobacterium bifidum.

The students given the bifidum supplement experienced significantly fewer cold or flu infections, and when they did succumb, the infection was generally less severe. The other probiotic supplements did not reduce colds or flu compared to the placebo for the six weeks.

What’s the Point of

ACUPUNCTURE?

Discover A SAFE, EFFECTIVE And CHEMICAL-FREE Way To Promote Your Body’s Self-Healing Abilities.

The World Health Organization recognizes acupuncture as an effective treatment to help you: • Move without pain • Sleep more soundly • Focus & think clearly • Stay calm & relaxed • Lower blood pressure • Soothe digestive issues • Eliminate migraines • Ease depression & grief • Promote fertility • Heal quicker • Stay healthy longer

Call (713) 825-1636

To Begin Your Journey To Wellness

JoNell Norcini,L.Ac.

10330-D Lake Road • Houston, Texas 77070 cypressareaacupuncture.com

Olive Oil Compound Kills Cancer Cells

KIND MIND, HAPPY LIFE A PROGRAM FOR CHILDREN AGES 4-8

R

esearchers from Rutgers University have found that an ingredient in olive oil will kill cancer cells in under an hour. The researchers tested a compound called oleocanthal, a central component of extra virgin olive oil, and found that it caused the premature death of cancer cells in the laboratory by puncturing cancer cell vesicles, called lysosomes.

“We needed to determine if oleocanthal was targeting that protein and causing the cells to die,” says Paul Breslin, Ph.D., a professor of nutritional sciences in the School of Environmental and Biological Sciences at Rutgers and co-author of the study, published in Molecular and Cellular Oncology.

The research also found that the olive oil compound didn’t damage healthy cells. Breslin states that the compound merely “put them to sleep” for a day, after which they resumed their normal, healthy functioning.

Senior author David Foster, Ph.D., of Hunter College, points out that additional studies are necessary to determine if the compound halts tumor growth. “We also need to understand why it is that cancerous cells are more sensitive to oleocanthal than non-cancerous cells,” he says.

Sundays, Jan 24 - Feb 28 11:00am-noon In these six one-hour sessions, children will learn simple techniques to help navigate stressful situations and better understand their own experience.

Children will practice mindfulness and related life skills they can take into whatever their future holds, embodying Dawn Mountain’s core values of kindness and universal connection.

Childrens’ mindfulness classes are taught by Dawn Mountain’s Family Educator Simone Woodage, RN.

Space is limited. Early registration is recommended to secure your space as classes fill quickly.

To Register Now Visit: http://dawnmountain.org/?p=2695 2010 Naomi Street Suite A Houston, Texas 77054 dawnmountain.org

natural awakenings

February 2016

7

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globalbriefs Lions Untamed

Shrine Circus Ends Wild Animal Acts Bill Cunningham, CEO of Dallas-based Fun Time Shows, the largest Shrine Circus producer in the country, says he’ll no longer produce shows featuring elephants, tigers, lions or other wild animals. Cunningham says, “These animals are very special; we cohabit the Earth with them and they are deserving of our respect and awe. They’re not here to perform tricks for our entertainment.”

He says, “I’ve tried to listen to the mothers that said they didn’t want their kids to grow up and learn that the animals they saw had been probed, poked, prodded and chained to a floor.” The move has received an outpouring of support from outside the industry, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Cunningham’s Shrine Circuses will still feature high wire acts, human cannonballs, trapeze artists and motorcycle tricks, along with performing horses and dogs. “The horses and dogs act in true collaboration with their owners,” says Cunningham. “We feel the audience still wants to see domestic animals.”

Source: GreenSourceDFW.org

Pioneering Aspen Ski Town Runs Entirely on Renewables

Athletic shoemaker Adidas has teamed up with New York-based Parley for the Oceans, a multidisciplinary organization with a passion for protecting the oceans, to make footwear out of garbage. Available soon, the soft upper part of the shoe is knitted entirely from waste and debris pulled from the ocean, including yarn and fibers—just some of the estimated 5.25 trillion pieces of trash in the sea. With no extra material left over, nothing goes to waste; the shoes also incorporate illegal fishing nets taken from poachers.

Adidas executive Eric Liedtke suggests the technology could move beyond shoes and find its way to T-shirts, shorts and other apparel. A full line of similar consumer-ready products will be integrated into the Adidas line this year.

The larger issue goes beyond recycling and repurposing to avoid waste altogether. Plastic takes more than 450 years to decompose, so conservationists and researchers at Parley for the Oceans hope to re-imagine plastics by designing a renewable solution. In cleaning up our oceans, we protect ecosystems, food sources, jobs and local economies.

Aspen, Colorado, with a population of 7,000, has become the third municipality in the country, along with Burlington, Vermont, and Greensburg, Kansas, to receive all of its power from renewable sources. Its energy portfolio now consists primarily of wind power and hydroelectric, with smaller contributions from solar and geothermal.

The development reflects a decadelong effort made possible in part by a significant drop in the price of renewable energy and new government regulations that internalize some of the pollution costs of fossil fuels, making energy sources like coal increasingly uncompetitive. More than one-third of American coal plants have been shut down in the past six years and new carbon rules make it possible that no new coal plants will ever be built in the U.S.

Source: Upworthy

Source: ThinkProgress.org

Ocean Wear

Adidas Using Plastic Ocean Debris to Make Shoes

Join the

When The Inner Light Is On, EVERYTHING IS CLEAR

Farm Share Program Enjoy a weekly box of our local organically grown produce.

Sign-up now for the winter-spring 2016 season.

Call today: 832-983-0405 Visit our website www.plant-it-forward.org Email: farmshareprogram@Plant-It-Forward.org

True happiness & true freedom are already within us.

However, our perceptions & holdings block us from living with it. Realize the source of these blocks to live truly happy… anywhere, anytime, always.

natural awakenings

Universal Door Meditation Center 281-565-9718 • UniversalDoor.org 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 February 2016

9

MINDFULNESS FOR MOMS

bookreview

CONNECT. SHARE. LEARN. Sundays, Jan 24 - Feb 28 2:00pm - 3:30pm Join us for mindful meditation, self-compassion, discussion, and tips for conscious parenting. We will also read and discuss the book The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD. This book has strategies for raising happy, resilient children. It offers powerful tools for helping children develop the emotional intelligence they will need to be successful in the world. Parents will learn ways to feel more connected to their children & more satisfied in their role as a parent.

Parents’ mindfulness classes are taught by Dawn Mountain’s Family Educator Simone Woodage.

Space is limited. Early registration is recommended to secure your space as classes fill quickly.

To Register Now Visit: http://dawnmountain.org/?p=2736 2010 Naomi Street Suite A Houston, Texas 77054 dawnmountain.org

LAST CONCERT CAFE

One of Houston’s oldest IAN ETAR G & VE

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Live-Music Venues

Houston

The Monkey Who Was Allergic to Bananas Written by Katia Dabdoub Hechema, illustrated

by Oswald Iten

A

llergies can affect children everywhere and it can be difficult to know what exactly to watch out for. Eggs, milk, wheat, soy, tree nuts and peanuts are the most common causes.

The reactions range from runny and itchy noses to sneezing, postnasal drip and nasal congestion or blockages. And chronic allergies can lead to parental burnout.

Katia Dabdoub Hechema, author of BLUE: The Monkey Who Was Allergic to Bananas, is no stranger to dealing with allergies. A mother of two who understands the challenge, she knows too well how doctor’s visits and symptoms can be agonizing and scary for a child. With beautiful illustrations

by Swiss illustrator Oswald Iten, she takes parents and their affected children on a beautiful journey of discovery. BLUE learns about symptoms, how to relax in the doctor’s office, and how to avoid feeling ill by simply changing his diet.

The November launch of BLUE: The Monkey Who Was Allergic to Bananas is the answer to many prayers from parents helping their children deal with allergies and fear of tests they must go through to manage their food allergies. This is a book every parent should have. Even this reviewer learned a thing or two on how to deal with her own child allergies. An absolutely delightful story!

Katia Dabdoub Hechema is a mother of two, who is not a stranger to food allergies. Her inspiration for BLUE was the result of a question her son asked at the breakfast table Do animals have allergies too? You can find out more at BlueTheMonkey.com.

Serving Up Great Music & Delicious Tex-Mex Since 1949!

713 226-8563 | 1403 Nance St. | Houston, TX. 77002 10

BLUE

Oswald Iten is a Swiss Illustrator, animator, and film scholar.

His love for cinema, and hand drawn animation in particular, sparked an interest in children’s book illustration. Currently, he is working as a freelance artist with a part-time job at a local cinema. You can find more of his work by visiting oswalditen.ch.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

lyv-na-ad-1015-no-workshop.qxp_p 10/7/15 12:53

eventbriefs Texas Yoga Conference

W

elcome to year seven which will be held February 19-21, 2016 at India House located at 8888 W. Bellfort Houston, TX 77031.

We inform adults and youth through educational materials, workshops, classes and trainings about the benefits of breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga to promote wellness. We believe yoga is a preventative and complementary treatment of diseases often caused by stress.

Our intention is to promote not only the teachers of the practice but yoga as a way of life for all fostering peace and wholeness for the masses.

Three days of workshops, lectures, music, practice, venders, yoga and fun. Come join us for a truly Texas Sized yoga gathering!

TexasYogaConference.com. facebook.com/TexasYogaConference. See ad on the back cover.

Tea Lovers Unite in Clear Lake!

T

he first annual Houston Tea Festival will take place on February 20 and 21, 2016 in the Bayou Building on the University of Houston Clear Lake Campus. This indoor festival has an Alice in Wonderland theme and offers attendees tea tastings and samples, talks, demonstrations and workshops, vendors and shopping, live music and dance, children’s activities, and more.

Highlights will include a Mad Hatter tea party murder mystery game and an elegant Sunday afternoon tea.

Keynote speaker is San Francisco-based author James Norwood Pratt, known and respected as “America’s foremost authority on tea”. Guest speakers include Babette Donaldson, author of the Emma Lea Books and writer at World Tea Media (“Tea and Health”); Noli Ergas of Sugimoto Tea (“Matcha: Fact and Fiction”); Rie Tutali, Owner of Tealet; Lorna Reeves of TeaTime Magazine and Lee Garcia of Texas Tea and Travel Magazine.

Entertainment lineup at press time includes flamenco music and dance by Lucia y Valdemar, bellydance by Lisa, harp music by Leah Jorgensen, and DJ Galder.

Special events include a Lolita Fashion Show by the Houston Lolita Society and a film screening co-hosted by the University of Houston Clear Lake.

This festival is presented by Lone Star Houston Tea Festival, Inc., a non-profit organization which also hosts the Lone Star Iced Tea Festival last summer. Volunteers are being accepted.

Houston Tea Festival, General Admission is $15/day, VIP passes are $75 for the weekend and include afternoon tea, gifts and promotional items. Afternoon tea tickets are $50 and include Sunday admission. HoustonTeaFestival.com.

Location: University of Houston Clear Lake Campus, 2700 Bay Area Boulevard, Clear Lake. For more information, call 832-405-9160, email Festival@HoustonTeaFestival. com or visit HoustonTeaFestival.com. natural awakenings

Reclaim Your Voice

by Conquering Your Limitations!

Whether your challenge is public speaking or presentation, a dramatic audition, or a musical performance, Living Your Voice can help you build confidence and overcome fear, anxiety, timidity, and self-criticism through one-on-one vocal coaching and small-group classes and workshops.

Call or visit our web site to learn more about Living Your Voice.®

713-826-9814

LivingYourVoice.com

Meditation Workshops for Spiritual Awareness FREE Workshops & Classes

by Science of Spirituality

Every Friday 7:00pm - 8:30pm from Feb 5th 2016 at

Carmel Temple, South Houston

For Registration & Details

houstonsos.org/carmel Ph: 281.766.4767 February 2016

11

eventbrief

Houston Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness Center Community Festival

H

ouston Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness Center offers the community the treasure of health and wellness and now they team up with art and culture to bring the community a family friendly festival where all ages can enjoy the talent of local artists, live music and dance performances along with the beauty of our center’s heart: ‘Inspire Health & Wellness!’ Please join us for Raffles to amazing prizes, live entertainment and a ton of fun at: When: March 5, 2016 from 11am2pm. Where: Houston Yoga and Ayurvedic Wellness Center 13602 Kluge Rd, Cypress TX 77429. 281256-8461. houston-yoga-ayurveda. com/ Parking will be located across the street at The Ark Fellowship Church.”

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businessspotlights Houston Dental Health Center

Cypress Area Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine

H

H

Dr. Marilyn K. Jones, DDS 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057.

712-785-7767. MarilynKJonesDDS.com. See ad on page 2.

Cypress Area Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, 10330 Lake Road, Building D, Houston, TX 77070. By appointment only 713-825-1636. CypressAreaAcupuncture.com. See ad on page 7.

ouston Dental Health Center is a one of a kind dental practice in Houston. As a true Biological Dentist Dr. Marilyn K. Jones performs Natural Dentistry that is good for the body as well as the teeth and gums. Education is one of Dr. Marilyn’s highest values. After graduating from Pasadena High School, she received her BS in BiologyChemistry(minor in English), then her MS in Chemistry and was almost finished with my doctorate in Science Ed when she realized that my mission was in the health field and she enrolled in the University of Texas Dental School and graduated in 1979. She has since dedicated her heart and soul to the health and overall wellness of each and every patient that enters our office.

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. Setting the stage for the body to heal itself includes removing infection and toxins, correcting structure, and providing the best dental materials for you which will promote an outstanding environment for your overall health. Services include: safe mercury amalgam removal, biocompatibility testing, advanced diagnostics, oral cancer screening and detection, Z-Systems Zirkolith Dental Implants, modern skills and techniques, lifelong patient care, and over 30 years experience.

Dr. Marilyn says, “Dentistry is my true love and as a true Biological Dentist, I combine modern technology, safe protection protocols, advanced knowledge of biological dentistry and medicine, and a patient-centric approach to enhance the wellness of all my patients.”

aving evolved over thousands of years, acupuncture is one of the oldest continually practiced medical modalities in the world. A treatment involves the insertion and manipulation of flexible, hair-thin, needles at specific points along the body’s meridian pathways which are channels through which the body’s energy flows. Acupuncture is a safe, effective, chemical-free way to promote the body’s remarkable self-healing abilities. It is used to prevent and treat disease, relieve pain, balance mood, enhance athletic performance, increase fertility and improve overall health and wellness

JoNell Norcini graduated Valedictorian from the American College of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (ACAOM), a regionally accredited acupuncture institution located in Houston, Texas. In addition to the required internship at the school’s clinic, she also underwent extensive training at The Methodist Hospital Wellness Department-Willowbrook, located in northwest Houston. JoNell is a native Houstonian and is the owner of Cypress Area Acupuncture, which serves the northwest Houston area. Prior to studying Traditional Chinese Medicine, she practiced as a Certified Public Accountant. She lives in the Cypress area with her husband Don who has two successful optometric practices in the area.

“I believe there are two types of medicine, crisis medicine and healing medicine. Where western modalities excel at crisis medicine, eastern modalities excel at healing. If you want to give your body a chance to heal and to be able to decrease or eliminate pharmaceutical drug use, please give Traditional Chinese Medicine a try. With its holistic approach and customized treatment plans, everyone can improve their current state of health.”

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Pamper Your Skin With Natural The Awakenings Best Nature Has To Offer Advanced Healing Skin Cream

{

Satisfied Customer

}

Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream is a wonderful product.

The skin cream goes on smooth and absorbs into the skin quickly - it is not “greasy”. I have been plagued with dry skin around my ears, belly button and scalp for over 20 years and this product

has healed those areas in just 3 days of use. The Manuka Honey that is in this product, I was told repairs damaged skin - now I am a believer!!! I continue to use this skin cream to keep my skin soft. I have to mention the product has a wonderful aroma, like peppermint, and when applying the cream one can feel a slight warming sensation and I know it is working into the pores to do it’s work!

Glad I tried this product! ~ Jim

The cold, damp winter days are upon us. Don’t let chapped or dry, flaky skin get in the way of your daily life. Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream, a soothing therapeutic balm made with exclusive Manuka Honey from New Zealand, is the ultimate skin moisturizer for everyone in your family. Order one for the office, too!

Therapeutic Qualities

Natural Awakenings Advanced Healing Skin Cream combines botanicals and a unique blend of essential oils for a deep moisturizing therapy. It soothes and relieves dry, itchy or cracked skin quickly while restoring moisture and provides ultra-hydration protection and soothing comfort to wounds, sores, cuts and burns. Manuka Honey also relieves the pain and itch of psoriasis and other skin conditions.

Besides its potent antibacterial properties, honey is also naturally extremely acidic, and that will eliminate organisms that decides to grow there.

Our Skin Cream Contains:

Restore Your Skin to Natural Youthful Beauty You’ll love Natural Awakenings’ therapeutic cream’s clean, fresh botanical fragrance.

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Manuka Honey is gathered in the wild back country of New Zealand from the native Manuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium). The bees don’t use the pollen from a variety of other flowers or plants, so the content of the honey is very consistent. A 2013 study in the European Journal of Medical Research used active Manuka Honey under dressings on postoperative wounds for an 85 percent success rate in clearing up infections, compared with 50 percent for normal antibiotic creams.

businessspotlight Functional Medicine of Houston

D

r. Bobbie Stowe has been assisting patients in their endeavors to regain health for almost 10 years. He has always had a passion to live healthy and enjoy life to its fullest, where aging and diseases are always a constant threat.

He came to reason, that as we age, our cells deteriorate in function, sometimes allowing diseases or dysfunctions to take control of our lives. So it became a quest, a passion, to learn and assist his patients and those suffering from chronic conditions or dysfunctions. This is how he came to embrace Functional Medicine.

Functional Medicine (FM) is a patient-centered approach to healing. Instead of looking at and treating health problems as isolated diseases, FM assists the individual who may have bodily symptoms, imbalances and dysfunctions from an entirely difference prospective than traditional allopathic medicine.

Using advanced laboratory testing and analysis, Dr. Stowe’s focus is to help find the two primary issues that might cause disease: 1- a blockage of a natural process, and/or 2 – a deficiency of vital nutrients that the body needs in order to function properly. Dr. Stowe’s entire approach is to assist the person in restoring health, not only to the cells and tissue, but to the person.

For therapies, Functional Medicine practitioners use a combination of natural agents, like supplements, herbs, nutraceuticals, nutritional and lifestyle changes and spiritual/emotional counseling. In addition, educating the patient about their condition empowers the patient to take charge of their own health, ultimately leading to greater success in management of conditions.

For most patients, it comes as a major surprise to learn that there is a different approach to their health issues and that they don’t have to live the rest of their lives with a chronic disease. But now that you know, the choice is yours.

One of the most

beautiful qualities of true friendship is to understand and to be understood. ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

Dr. Bobbie Stowe, DC. 2400 Augusta Dr. Suite 210, Houston, TX 77057 713-6676656. FunctionalMedicineOfHouston.com. See ad on page 6.

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with children. You may start to see hurdles in your income. Home life may suffer due to tension. May enjoy fun time with your younger siblings and cousins.

Predictions for February Based on Your Moon Sign

by Varshaa Sachdev

V

arshaa will be writing our new Vedic Moon Sign column. If you don’t know what your moon sign is you can find out for free by going to: openmindastrology.com

February Horoscope

Aries – you may start to experience hurdles this month in regards to romance, education, and children.

You may start to feel a disconnect in relationship with older sibling, finance, and network circle. Take care of your temper at the beginning of the month.

You may feel down in the first couple of days. Travel/Journey may prove to be fruitful. Try not to be too aggressive in relationship with spouse. You may have dealings with authority or government.

Taurus – You may experience changes at home, vehicle, and relationship with parents. Dealings with authority or government could be 50/50 in results.

You may feel down and could consider joining mystical/spiritual group or come across spiritual people. You may experience distress with spouse at the beginning of the month. Dealing with the government this month.

Gemini – Enjoy romance and harmony with spouse. Take care of your health.

Your spiritual journeys may prove to be fruitful. Changes in relationship with younger siblings and how you communicate. Some may want to seek higher spiritual knowledge or guru.

Cancer – Take care of your temper especially at home. There could be changes in income, relationship with extended family and in-laws. Take care of your health – especially face and lower abdomen. Native will feel positivity at work. Authority may be watching you closely and you might come in conflict with it. In conflict with authority, the outcome may not be in your favor.

Leo – You could have conflicts with authority figures at work. Take care of your health. You may begin to experience hurdles especially with authority and frustrations will rise.

You may experience some relief in the second half of the month. Students may feel motivated and positive. Romantic interests will prove have harmony and love.

Virgo – You may experience changes at work such as not getting the credit you deserve. Take care of your health.

Connecting with your spirituality may have hurdles. Positivity in regards to your home and relationship with your mom in the first half of the month. There may be good news in regards to your children and romantic relationship in the second half of the month.

Libra – Take care of your temper and possible aggression. You may feel a bit of disconnect from education, romantic interests, and relationship natural awakenings

Scorpio – You may feel down or depressed. Things at home may start to suffer so try to take the spiritual approach. Work-life may experience h u r d l e s . Th e r e m ay b e p o s s i b l e conflicts with spouse. Reach out to your extended family for support and positive vibes.

Sagittarius – You might get a lot of attention and compliments. You may be perceived as too authoritative in your communication, so take a calmer approach. Conflicts in romantic relationship and with children may occur. Short travels might experience hurdles and in turn may not be fruitful.

You could experience changes in relationship with younger siblings.

Capricorn – Your confidence will rise in first half of the month. Start taking care of your health. Your speech may sound harsh to others so be careful. At work, try not to take the aggressive or emotionally charged approach. Take your focus more to spirituality and it may prove to be fruitful. Your income may continue to be slow and you may continue to struggle with friendships and network circle.

Aquarius – Big changes in terms of you and relationship with your spouse. You may start to feel down or disconnected.

Your income will see slow progress.

Struggles at work may continue but try to still take care of your health.

Struggles in marriage and quarrels with spouse may begin, so be calm.

Pisces – You may begin to experience hurdles at work. Take care of your health. You will feel some relief mentally and possibly get praised for your work. You could have dealings with authority figure or government which may have negative results.

Clearing your debt may start to become more of a challenge.

See ad on page 33.

February 2016

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Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Plant-It-Forward Harvests Health and Justice for Refugees through Urban Farming

by Randi Rogers

I

t is a sunny winter’s day in Houston.

The sky is blue and the air is brisk as cars speed through major highways like blood cells flowing through intricate veins. Businessmen and women pace through city blocks with their cell phones glued to one ear as they walk past smiling homeless people looking for charitable donations at major intersections. Suburbans driven by mothers taking their children to school wade through traffic on the way to their destination while officers stop cars to allow children and walking commuters to cross city streets among the commotion. The mundane patterns of daily life commence through this big city as the people of Houston put in another day’s work to put food on their tables. However, amid the madness, tucked between historic neighborhoods and districts of towering skyscrapers are the urban gardens where some of this food is grown. If you are ever so lucky to find yourself in one of the four different urban garden locations operating under the Plant-It-Forward non-profit organization, your city view of highways and smog quickly transforms into rows of organically grown vegetables sequestering carbon from the air as their roots grow deeper.

If you are doubly lucky to arrive while

the day is still sunny and the sky is blue, the hordes of people glued to their phones transform into hordes of butterflies collecting pollen from flowers in the on-site Plant-It-Forward habitat garden and if you stay around long enough you are sure to be greeted by the smiling face of one of the Congolese refugees who farms and maintains the gardens.

It seems that the health, environmental, and economic benefits of locally grown food are responsible for these urban oases popping up throughout the country, but a few years ago Teresa O’Donnell saw potential in this trend as a means of helping others in the Houston refugee community. Back

natural awakenings

in 2011 O’Donnell’s software company invested in something greater than income when they created the PlantIt-Forward non-profit organization.

O’Donnell felt compelled to do something after reading an article in the Houston Chronicle about refugees struggling to find work in Houston.

She began reaching out to employee resettlement agencies and learned that those having the hardest time finding means of survival were undereducated refugees who did not speak English and had no job experience. Ironically many of these people had been farmers back in their homeland. Around that same time, she read another article featuring Urban Harvest, a gardening organization in Houston responsible for the existence of community gardens throughout the city. The article was focused on profitable market farming and claimed that a farmer only needed to successfully tend one acre of land to generate a living wage for their family. Before too long the dots in O’Donnell’s brain connected. She went from initially viewing the refugee unemployment crisis as “a really big problem I don’t know how to solve,” to finding a potential solution in urban farming.

O’Donnell made contact with the Braeswood Church in Houston who connected her with a group of 14 Congolese refugees now living in Houston. Most of these new Houstonians worked night jobs in factories and attended Saturday classes on organic gardening run by notable Houston gardeners, Ray Sher and Gary Edmonson, who remain heavily involved with the urban farms

February 2016

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and farmers to this day. Since the completion of their gardening courses and receiving their certificates, ten of the refugees now work as independent farmers in four different urban farms located throughout Houston. They spend their days growing produce at the farms which go to supply the 250 member CSA program and farmer’s market stands in every section of the city.

What initially began as a vision of serving people in need has transformed into a vision of Plant-It-Forward having a farm in every neighborhood. The organization is constantly looking for new land and new farmers to expand the vision and scope of their program. Four years after the planting of the seed of this idea, O’Donnell is overseeing the fruits of labor of the entire organization. When asked why she thinks it is important to support local agriculture programs like PlantIt-Forward, she states, “I realized that Plant-It-Forward is bigger than an opportunity for refugees, and it’s even bigger than local food or turning land into farms. It is really about creating

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Farmer Alimasi’s got eggplants, and he wants you to see how beautiful they are! community well-being.”

Farmer Alimasi Toto is one of the harvesters of this well-being. Toto and his wife, Fatuma A. Rukundo, arrived in Houston from Uganda about four years ago, as refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Toto and his wife both enjoy living in the Bayou City saying “Here it is good for farming

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

because the weather is the same as in our country.” They completed the Plant-It-Forward gardening course and have been growing for the program for about three years now. With 2/3 of an acre out in the Westbury urban farm, the hard working couple supplies a weekly farm share of fresh produce to 29 people and are currently looking to expand into local farmer’s markets.

Both Toto and Rukundo say that farming the land is very hard and labor intensive work, but they are happy to have a job where they are able to support their family. They say that the best part of the job is being able to bring fresh vegetables from the garden into their household. The benefits of urban farming continue to expand through the success of this program, and with the continued support of members from the community, expect great things to grow from the Plant-ItForward farms.

For mor e information about the organization or to register for a weekly share of produce from the farm, visit Plant-It-Forward.org. See ad on page 9.

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February 2016

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Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

My WATER Must Be Good....

D

o you really think so?

The simple answer is NO. We hope…believe…and trust that the system works, but we know that most city governments, including Houston, are in big financial trouble.

Houston has a deficit of approximately $126 million which has been passed on to the new Mayor.

So some things get done and others do not. You all remember about the squeaky wheel getting the grease.

Right now in Houston there are a lot of squeaks……pot holes big enough to tear your wheel off, pension funds with not enough money, etc, and all of the new promises.

Water quality is normally a fairly

quiet subject, so it may not get the attention it deserves until a big problem surfaces. Water us our life blood.

In my last article, I wrote about the bad water last summer in much of Houston. Residents complained loudly to the city and TV news about their foul-tasting and smelly water, and the reply from city services was, “we are meeting state requirements.”

I don’t know if any serious health issues occurred, or what was done to correct it----but it did happen right here in Houston. The public will probably never know the actual truth and consequences of that event, but the people in Flint, Michigan are absolutely sure, with horrible proof and serious deadly consequences, of their city’s failure to protect them and their water.

In 2014, and since, Flint, Michigan has had seriously contaminated water with high levels of lead. The lead levels in children climbed 2-3 times over previous levels. Why? Because the City of Flint is in financial trouble and they decided to get their water from the local river, (like Houston does) rather than from the lake that they had been using for many years….because it was

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FOOD CHOICES MAKE A DIFFERENCE

You can change the way America eats.

Cultivate a healthy business by advertising in Natural Awakenings’

March Food Matters Issue

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Houston

cheaper. They did not know how to fully evaluate the effects of that change because the river water was more corrosive causing old water pipes to release lead that had been trapped in the pipes for many years.

Now, here is the serious and scary part for all of us. City services thought that they were doing things right, but they actually did not know. Higher up, they received information about the potential problems and the need for better testing, but it got bogged down, covered up, and not acted upon in time. The way they were testing was to flush the lines real good before taking test samples, effectively washing away much of the lead that was actually there. Children will be affected for the rest of their lives because of this devious hiding of the truth.

Are you just waiting, hoping, and trusting that your water is always pure and healthy for your family?

In Flint they knew about an additive that would significantly reduce the leaching of lead from old water pipes. They were told about it more than once, and they actually lied and said they were using it until pinned down, and it came out that they were not, maybe due to the cost. Aren’t our lives worth the cost?

You have to decide for your own family. Should I trust the government with my mainstream basic health, or should I be proactive, just in case.

Flint switched to the river water in April 2014 and the river water was so corrosive that GM would not use it.

City officials knew just months after and only recently (October 2015) switched back to the lake. Kids are sick and people dead. Thus far, there are 87 cases, 10 fatal, from the Legionella bacteria, probably from the bad water in Flint. The EPA actually knew of the problems in February 2015 and did not do anything, stating “It is the state’s responsibility.”

In an article by James Brewer, interviewing Dr. Mona Hanna-Attishay, the pediatrician who uncovered the www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

spike level of lead in Flint children’s blood last September, said, “This experience has really shattered my trust in government. It’s not that I was naïve to start with, but you’d expect that utilities, states, federal agencies, would take their jobs seriously and try to protect people rather than deliberately mislead, lie and make up excuses not to protect public health.”

The effects of lead poisoning in children are irreversible and show up in many future stages of life, lowering IQ, seriously harming behavior and health. Lead was found in Flint’s children at 4%-6% levels, and up to 15% in some of the areas.

No Home Water Filtration will protect you from every circumstance, but they do a lot to greatly safeguard your water and health. Like everything else, there are better systems, and poor systems. The more steps that the filter/ treatment system takes to clean your water, the better, and naturally, they will cost more.

If you have not read my articles on water treatment in the December 2015 and January 2016 issues, I urge you to do so. There is a serious and growing need to take action on your part. You are exercising more, eating more organic, and generally trying to be healthier and live longer...so don’t forget the water in your home.

I will be happy to help you understand the difference between a water softener and a water treatment system and sort out all of the different water treatments and their claims. I believe you should not buy during the salesman’s first visit, and their demonstration sometimes does not really show the health benefits that are most important.

Buy the best system that you can afford…your life and that of your family may depend on it.

Henr y Pine, Accent H2O, 23206 Interstate 45, Spring, TX 77373. 281773-5441 or 281-651-7600. henry@ accentoutdoors.com.

Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Protect your child’s gut health after the holidays

by Dr. Lawrence J. Hoberman

W

ith run-amuck meals at all hours of the day and night and too many kinds of sugary sweets close at hand, a child’s gut health will need some major TLC to recover even weeks after the recent holiday season. Protecting the balance of beneficial bacteria in your child’s developing gut is important for a host of healthy reasons.

C-section births vs. natural delivery

If you made the hard choice to deliver your child via Caesarean section vs natural childbirth, a 2014 Swedish study showed that your baby’s immune health may be compromised from the get-go. Based on a comparison of fecal samples, C-section babies had less gut diversity (a lower range of good gut bacteria) during the first two years of their lives compared to babies born vaginally.

Also, C-section babies had unbalanced levels of an immune system chemical (Th1) in their blood, making them more vulnerable to developing allergies. That’s why giving your newborn the healthiest start of all by delivering him/her naturally is so critical. This healthy first step exposes

your child to the beneficial bacteria your body naturally produces that can lower your baby’s risks from a range of serious problems, including irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.

The Terrible Twos and Gut Health

Did you know your toddler’s unique gut microbiome may contribute to those mood swings associated with the ‘terrible twos’? As it turns out, there’s much more going on besides fussy behavior. According to researchers at Ohio State University’s Center for Clinical and Translational Science, those mood swings may provide indicators for early stages of chronic diseases, like allergies, asthma, bowel disease and even obesity. In a study appearing in the journal Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, intestinal bacteria interact with stress hormones, the same ones linked to chronic illnesses like obesity and asthma, according to Ohio State University researchers.

In general, children who had the most genetically diverse gut bacteria more often displayed the behaviors c o n n e c t e d w i t h p o s i t ive m o o d , impulsivity, sociability and curiosity. natural awakenings

You’ve heard about all sorts of problems linked to the overuse of broad-spectrum antibiotics. Vulnerable children whose immune systems are developing by the day aren’t exempt from these health challenges, either. A recent study featured in Cell explains some of the gut-related problems associated with antibiotics that can do more harm than good when prescribed too often.

In studies on mice, researchers at NYU’s Lagone Medical Center found animals fed low doses of penicillin became fatter, particularly those exposed to this standard antibiotic before birth. NYU scientists also discovered how antibiotics didn’t necessarily reduce the amount of bacteria in the guts of test animals, a long assumed fact by many studying the gut.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, e x p o s u r e t o penicillin did decrease the diversity of four major strains of beneficial gut bacteria, including Lactobacillus, an ingredient contained in many probiotics.

Are you giving your children probiotics?

If your child was exposed to antibiotics at an early age (nearly 70 percent were prescribed an antibiotic more than twice by age 2, according to JAMA Pediatrics), may contribute to the decrease of the amount of good bacteria in a child’s gut. But there is a safe, simple non-drug step to improve your growing child’s gut health, which will fuel and protect his/her immunities naturally and safely. Live bacteria prepared in a dietary supplement called a probiotic can do wonders to restore their natural balance of bacteria and protect their immune system.

“Probiotics help fill that void we have because of life in the 21st century,” says Dr. Josephine RuizHealy, a Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

“A good blend of live probiotics seems essential to protect our kids and help them develop and maintain a healthy immune system.”

Some important things to consider when choosing the right probiotic for your health: February 2016

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DESIGNED TO INSPIRE food + recipes + conscious living + lifestyle tips column and photography by Sandra Yearms

February is Natural Awakenings month of friendship. Appropriately named, it hosts the annual anniversary of the Feast of St. Valentine. It is the day we share tokens of love to honor friends, family and those special loved ones who make our hearts go pitty-pat. Hand crafted indulgences are truly gifts from the heart because it takes thoughtfulness, time and energy. I can’t prepare and deliver a gift to each of you but I can give you a Gift of Love, Health & Wellness for your body with this Congee recipe. So simmer up a batch, fill your recycled 1/2 pint or quart jars and deliver to your special Valentines. Nothing says heartfelt like something home made.

History Lesson. Research shows the roots of Valentine’s day probably began in ancient Rome as the feast of Lupercalia. An annual pagan fertility celebration that included the sacrifice of a goat, a dog and whipping of the willing young women with the hides of the slain animals. The revelers believed this custom would help make them fertile.

All things do change and Circa 496 the customs were reinvented as a Christian feast by Pope Gelasius I. Find a very colorful, detailed article titled ‘Dark Origins of Valentine’s Day’ at npr.org.

Congee: What it Is

Congee is a bland, silky textured water based porrige generally made with Arborio rice. Considered part of traditional Chinese medicine it is ‘food therapy’ that gives the digestive system a well-deserved rest. One of my food heroes is Dr. Weng Weijian of the Beijing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine who believes in the rejuvenating and healthful powers of food. In NINA SIMONDS’S… cont’d ➔

Sandra Joblonicky Raw Culinary Arts Chef Questions and Requests SandraJ@ HealthyLivingWithStyle.com Website: www.Healthy LivingWithStyle.com

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Joblonicky

“A Spoonful of Ginger”, he lists a Wild Shiitake and Miatake Mushroom Congee recipe that bolsters the immune system but is also therapeutic for fighting flu, colds and life threatening diseases. And from personal experience, it beats by far the old “hair of the dog” myth for After The Party Blues.

Congee with sweet potato garnish

D Oo d Congee 6-8 Servings Cooking time 2-3 hours with heat diffuser Ingredients + Preparation + 1 Cup Arborio rice, washed in cold water to remove talc. + 10 Cups liquid. Purified water only or 8 cups water plus 2 cups antibiotic and hormone free chicken broth.

Broth should be light as this is not the traditional rich chicken soup you are accustomed to. + Salt: none, or large pinch of Himalayan + 1 whole onion peeled and quartered, 1/2 bunch of celery, peeled Korean yam halved, handful of parsley on the stem, 4 slices of one small juice orange.

Step 1: Put washed rice, liquid and all ingredients in heavy pot with lid. Bring to a boil over high heat, uncovered.

Step 2: Lower heat. Put diffuser on heat element and place pot on top to avoid rice sticking and burning to bottom of pot.

Partially cover, simmer – not bubbling.

Step 3: Cooking time 1-3 hours. Stir occasionaly to bottom of pot, taste and check consistency. Your cooking style will determine if you prefer a watery or creamier version.

Step 4: When cool, discard onion, celery, parsely, orange. Reserve yams for garnish.

Step 5: Serve hot with Korean yams, and add your choice of cooked chicken, shrimp, or leftovers if desired.

Enjoy and be healthy!

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

z Find a probiotic that contains multiple strains of beneficial live bacteria that offer many benefits. z

Check that the probiotic you’re considering contains prebiotics and non-digestible carbohydrates/ plant fibers that feed the good bacteria already living in your gut.

z

Although you can find probiotics in refrigerated cases in many grocery stores, consider brands that require no refrigeration, as many of them are cheaper, easier to take on trips and retain their quality if they are stored in cool, dry areas.

z Because the human body is so complex, it is recommended to speak with your child’s pediatrician about giving him/her probiotics first, to ensure doing so won’t conflict with any ongoing health condition.

The good news: Your pediatrician will probably be very happy you’re considering protecting your child’s gut health with probiotics.

Over a medical career spanning more than four decades as a board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Hoberman developed a holistic approach to treating gut-related health problems, with his multi-strain EndoMune Advanced Probiotic for adults nearly a decade ago, followed by EndoMune Advanced Junior for Kids. In 2013, EndoMune Advanced Junior became the first probiotic certified by the North American organization Parent Tested Parent Approved. Learn more about Dr. Hoberman and EndoMune by visiting his endomune.com website. See Ad on page 13.

Swadhisthana chakra Saha means ‘with’, Ja means ‘born’.

Sahaja also means effortless or spontaneous. Yoga literally means union or connection. This method of meditation is born with every human being and it connects us with the inner peace and silence that exists deep within each of us. Sahaja Yoga was founded by Her Holiness Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi in 1970. It involves the awakening of a subtle spiritual energy known as the Kundalini which lies dormant in the sacrum bone, rolled up in a spiral of three-and-ahalf coils. The gentle awakening of this Kundalini energy and the inner journey of self-discovery is known as self-realization. This process of self-realization is centuries old and was practiced by saints throughout the history, for example Confucius, Moses, Sai Nath, Guru Nanak, etc.

However this technique was passed by these primordial masters to just one or two disciples and this could never become popular. Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, developed this method by which a normal householder can experience this awakening sitting in his or her house.

Shri Mataji was born in India and was brought up with a Christian background. She started teaching the technique of Sahaja Yoga meditation to

a couple of people in India in the early 1970’s. Then, slowly more and more people in India started to practice it.

In the late 1970’s Shri Mataji moved to London, England. There, she started to teach Sahaja Yoga meditation to a small group of people. Now the meditation is practiced in over 50 countries, at no cost. Sahaja Yoga meditation is free.

Previously, to get kundalini awakening, the person would have to dedicate a number of years of his life to get the experience. He would have to find a genuine guru who would then open one chakra at a time. Shri Mataji, through the technique of Sahaja Yoga meditation, was able to awaken the kundalini and the chakras in seconds.

In this article we will discuss some key benefits of doing Sahaja Yoga before discussing 2nd energy center which is Swadisthana chakra.

Most of us know that meditation helps to relieve stress, anxiety, tension a n d g ive s u s m e n t a l p e a c e a n d tranquility. Actually, meditation is a state of thoughtless awareness which is achieved by kundalini awakening. The practice of Sahaja Yoga gives physical, emotional, mental, spiritual, material, social and professional benefits. By balancing our subtle system, we can rid ourselves of ailments. Sahaja Yoga has been successful in curing natural awakenings

stress, anxiety, hypertension, asthma, drug abuse, depression, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. We can get rid of negative aspects of our mind such as greed, jealousy etc. This technique gets us into realm of silence and helps us connect with the divine and attain state of constant awareness and bliss.

It helps in establishing harmony in our family life and social relationships.

It helps to improve studies due to improved attention, creativity and clear mind. It helps awaken latent artistic talents, develop leadership qualities, improves communication, develop qualities of witnessing and diplomacy.

In the article on Sahaja Yoga, published in November and December 2015 issue of Natural Awakenings, human subtle/spiritual system and M o o l a d h a r a e n e r g y c e n t e r wa s discussed. As discussed in December article, human body is made up of 3 channels and 7 energy centers. The left channel controls our emotions, the right channel controls the actions and planning and the central channel gets us into balance and is responsible for our assent. Swadisthana chakra is the second energy center in our subtle system. This center is situated in the abdomen and at gross level corresponds to aortic plexus as shown in figure above. This center provides us with the energy of creativity and abstract thoughts. This center also provides energy to the brain by converting fat cells into brain cells. Liver which is the seat of attention is governed by this center. This center also controls the functioning of kidney, spleen,

February 2016

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pancreas, uterus and some parts of intestine in human body. It has six sub-plexus and its element is fire. Each chakra in human body has different qualities and by healing and balancing these chakras, we awaken and enhance these qualities within us. The qualities represented by this chakra are creativity, pure attention, pure desire and pure knowledge. Each Chakra is represented on our hands, feet and our head. Following figures show these places for the Swadisthana chakra.

The Swadisthan chakra is placed at the level of our hips and is suspended like a satellite on a cord from the Nabhi chakra (3rd energy center).

It moves around the Void (yellow circle around 3rd energy center), giving sustenance to any weak areas. When the Kundalini first rises it passes via Nabhi along the cord to enlighten the Swadisthana chakra.

The quality of Swadhistan on the Right side is creativity, i.e. truly inspired thoughts, ideas and actions. The quality of Swadhistan on the Left side is pure knowledge, i.e. the truly discerning and discriminating power to see the innate nature of things at a new stage in your awareness called vibrational awareness. To awaken the qualities of Swadisthana Chakra, during meditation, following affirmation is used- "Mother, please give me the true knowledge" and "Mother, please make me the creative knowledge" and "Mother, verily you are the doer and enjoyer."

In this chakra, the energy and purity of our creativity is generated. On the right side, it manifests as intellect; on the left side as imagination. These aspects integrate in the central channel creating our aesthetic sense. The development of aesthetics was the third step in human evolution when humanity transcended the audiovisual senses. For the first time, humanity entered the abstract; we could imagine, forecast and conceive of images or ideas beyond our senses. Moreover, this aesthetic sense can discern true beauty and so the Swadhistana chakra is capable of authoring truth concepts and ideas that are auspicious, i.e. pleasing to the Divine.

Healthy Changes Hypnosis Hypnosis helps with many issues, such as Stress Reduction, Wt. Control, Quit Smoking, Anxiety and many Children’s issues.

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Houston

713-932-0403 9135 Katy Freeway, Suite 119 Houston, TX 77024 HealthyChangesHypnosis.com

To create, one has to be a visionary first.

One has to have the capacity to project something forth beyond the three dimensions. Animals don't have this capacity; it is a special gift to humans.

The one who has true genius; he becomes a creative force, an avant-garde, the forerunner of society. Scientists like Einstein, artists like Monet, composers like Mozart, writers like Shakespeare are capable of inspired works. Often they proclaim their mind was vacant at the time of their inspirit-ation and so the meditative state is best for achieving the best inspirational ideas and activities. This is consistent with being in the 'zone' of high level achievement in many endeavors including reflecting on or thinking about things.

However, human beings have a tendency to pursue everything to extremes. This center is also responsible for breaking down fat particles in the abdomen to replace the grey and white cells of the brain, thus regenerating the capacity for thinking.

Non-stop thinking exhausts the right channel and swells the ego. This pushes the super ego down and thus severs the connection with the central channel which is nurtured by the all-pervading Spirit, the real reservoir of creativity. Instead of a sponge the brain becomes like a rock, losing its capacity for absorption. ('Think less - enjoy more')

The Swadisthana chakra also looks after the liver, pancreas, spleen and parts of the reproductive system. If this center is overworked by the thinking process, the other organs it has to look after are neglected also and the whole attention can really suffer. Problems here are indicated by tingling in the thumb and middle finger of the right hand. This center on the right is particularly important as it is the seat of our attention. Therefore, if it is not balanced we find it hard to relax and to be in the meditation state. The quality of the left side of this chakra is true knowledge. This is a pure knowledge that is beyond the ego (that distorts the purity of things). When pure, we reflect the inner beauty that is like a still and silent lake. We can locate this inner pool of truth and beauty and become the reflective channel for it.

These are some simple techniques that can help balance this chakra and establish its qualities within any individual.

In order to get more information, it is advisable to attend Sahaja Yoga classes which are completely free. No money is charged anywhere anytime as it is a non-profit organization.

Seekers who wish to achieve their awakening can visit any center, which are run in various parts of Houston, Monday through Thursday in the evenings. Details can be found out at www.houston-meditation.org for all Sahaja Yoga meetings in Houston. There are no prerequisite for the class. Feel free to contact at HoustonSY@outlook.com for any question regarding this chakra or any questions on the practice of Sahaja Yoga. Another website which can be referred to for further information is www.freemeditation.com.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

experience that leads the participants on a cyclical journey in discovering the answer to two questions… Why are we different? How are we the same?

In discovering the answer to these two questions, participants emerge with the skills and knowledge that allow them to step beyond diversity into creation of community.

The Hines Center February Lectures

to be able to understand themselves better on a cultural level. Out of this two hour introduction, participants may choose one or more of these focus areas that will be offered over a seven month period.

Stepping Beyond our Differences with Carol Archer Thursday February 8, 7 - 9pm

Culture Bump with Carol Archer Thursday February 4, 6:30 - 8:30pm

Course Description: This two hour Introduction to Culture Bump™ workshop is designed for both those who are familiar with the concept as well as those who are new to the Culture Bump Approach which actually uses cultural differences as the key to find new, deeper human relationships. This meeting is for individuals who are interested in discovering ways to find common ground with different faith communities – e.g. Islam, Christianity, Judaism or Black and White Protestant churches or between immigrant Americans and American-born Americans, in multicultural classrooms or simply

Course Description: This two hour introduction to Culture Bump ™ is designed for both those who are familiar with the concept as well as those who are new to the concept.

The Culture Bump™ Approach actually uses cultural (or other) differences as the key to creating new, deeper human relationships. This initial meeting is for individuals who are interested in discovering ways to find common ground with the various groups that comprise American society. These could include different faith communities – e.g. Islam, Christianity, Judaism or Black and White Protestant churches or between immigrant Americans and American-born Americans. The Culture Bump ™ Approach is applicable to classrooms or for anyone who simply wants to understand his/her own cultural identity. Out of this meeting, participants can choose to collectively experience the Toolkit for Culture and Communication. Moving through the Toolkit is an enjoyable and informative natural awakenings

Cosmic Consciousness: Illumination Beyond Religions and Core Readings in American Spiritual Tradition with Mark Ryan (Intro) Saturday Februar y 6, 11am 12:30pm. (Six week course) Saturday February 17 - April 27, 11am - 12:30pm

Course Description: This lecture is an exploration of sudden, spontaneous and life-changing mystical experiences, ones that seem comparable across diverse cultures and religious traditions.

The term “cosmic consciousness” implies a higher level of awareness, a mystical relationship with the infinite, that transcends religious doctrine and that is accessible to adepts of any religious belief system, or of none.

Focusing on R. M. Bucke’s classic, 1901 study by that name, the lecture explores the modern cultural roots of the idea that deep religious experiences have a common font in the human psyche, potentially accessible by all.

It examines the validity of that idea from the perspective of our own times, and in the process outlines North American roots of the orientation currently referred to as “Spiritual but not Religious.”

February 2016

29

The term “Cosmic Consciousness” refers to direct spiritual experience of the Divine, often independently of formation in any doctrinal tradition. It implies a higher level of awareness, a mystical relationship with the infinite, that transcends religious doctrine and that is accessible to adepts of any religious belief system, or of none. In our own times, when many define themselves as “Spiritual but Not Religious,” standing outside of established churches, we can see that this orientation has a rich tradition in North American thought. This course will explore some of the basic readings that are part of that historical tradition.

of the Ground,” from The Perennial Philosophy (1945) April 27 Week 6: Towards a Transpersonal Awareness - Reading: Abraham Maslow, “Introduction,” “Dichotomized Science and Dichotomized Religion,” “The ‘Core-Religious’ or ‘Transcendent’ Experience,” “Organizational Dangers to Transcendent Experiences,” from Religion, Values and Peak Experiences (1964)

“Wisdom of the Ancestors: Celtic Spirituality and the Christian Liturgical Year” – We will explore key themes related to major festivals in the preChristian Celtic Tradition and show how these became formative for the Christian understanding of faith and the Church’s Liturgical Year.

February 6, 2016 - Intro to Cosmic Consciousness: Illumination Beyond Religions. Followed by a 6 week series of the following: Fe b r u a r y 1 7 We e k 1 : T h e Transcendentalist Revolt - Reading: Ralph Waldo Emerson, “Divinity School Address” (1838) March 2 Week 2: The Infinity of the Individual - Reading: Walt Whitman, “Song of Myself,” from Leaves of Grass, First Edition (1855) March 16 Week 3: Cases of Cosmic Consciousness - Reading: Richard M. Bucke, “Inst ances of Cosmic Consciousness” from Cosmic Consciousness (1901) March 30 Week 4: The Mystical Impulse - Reading: William James, “Mysticism,” from The Varieties of Religious Experience (1902) April 13 Week 5: Integrating East and West - Reading: Aldous Huxley, “That Art Thou” and “The Nature

The Path of the Mystics with Kayleen Asbo Contemplating the Celtic Way with Marcus Losack Thursday February 18, 6:30 - 8pm

Course Description(s): “The Last Apostle - Understanding the Real Saint Patrick” - In this workshop we explore the key events, themes and challenges to discipleship that can be found in Saint Patrick’s own writings. Patrick’s words and the moving account of his own life and calling from God that he presents to us - continue to challenge and inspire the pilgrim heart and soul in every generation.

A Healing Collective

the place where healing happens

Alexander Technique, Movement Education Christine Lidvall 281-989-8574

Emotional Freedom Techniques (Tapping) Ange Finn, AAMET-certified 832-722-5955

Healing Touch, Energy Therapy Margaret Harle, RN 713-419-8207

Massage Therapy, LMT Olga Kiseleva

Massage Therapist, Vodder, MLD Molly Donovan, RMT 713-522-7588

Centrally located on Bellaire Blvd. between 610 S. Loop and Weslayan/Stella Link.

832-378-2490

For more information, visit our website www.ahealingcollective.com.

30

Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Saturday February 27, 9am – 1pm

Course Description: The Path of the Mystics, Part I: Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich.

How can we claim a life of a u t h e n t i c i t y ? H ow d o w e o p e n our hearts to creative transformation and hope amidst the challenges of life? How do we find our own truth and purpose? Two women whose lives could not seem to be more different will guide us on a deep journey into these questions of meaning and vitality. The wisdom of the 12th century Benedictine German Abbess Hildegard of Bingen and the 14th century Dame Julian of Norwich (the first woman to write in the English language) will inspire us across the centuries with their wit, wisdom and courage in a workshop that will weave music, art, story, meditation, writing practices and small group reflection to help us discover our own mystic path of joy.

The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002.

712-590-3302 hinescenter.org. See ad on page 21.

Tame Your Stress

by Suzanne Sears

Stress is simply the body’s response to a change in the environment (internal or external) that requires a physical, mental or emotional adjustment.

Stress can be ACUTE (of swift onset and short duration) or CHRONIC ( a slower onset but long duration). Your body has a very efficient “emergency response mechanism” to handle acute stress (usually brought about by your brain’s perception of danger, either real or imagined) which involves some very powerful stress hormones to help you cope with the emergency ( the FrightFlight or Fight Response)

When stress becomes chronic, c o r t i s o l ( a n o t h e r ve r y p ow e r f u l hormone) levels become higher and more constant and can affect your body in many unhealthy ways. The body is not meant to handle high cortisol levels for long periods of time.

The most important point to consider about stress is that it is all PERCEPTUAL! This means that what bothers you may not bother someone else, and vice versa. Your personal interpretation of what is stressing you out is based on your past experiences , your mental and physical health, family coping styles, cultural norms , etc. In other words, we all experience life through our own “filters” ( think of Spam filters on your computer) and this determines how we perceive changes in our environment.

Not all stress is bad! Even good things we consider happy times will cause stress just because they require adjustments to the changes that occur (think of new baby, weddings, graduations, new homes, etc.) “Good” stress is called eustress and “bad” stress is called distress. The effects of stress can make you more sensitive to subsequent events. Eventually you may overtax your coping skills and experience a major reaction (i.e. a “Meltdown”). Avoidance is not a healthy option.

The mental perception of stress can affect the whole body because of the Mind-Body Connection. This involves the “thinking brain” (Cerebral Cortex), the “emotional brain” (the Limbic System) and the “primitive brain” (Brain Stem where all basic body functions are regulated, such as heart rate, breathing etc.). The hypothalamus, a vital structure between the Cerebral Cortex and the Brainstem not only regulates many body functions, but connects to and controls the Pituitary Gland which in turn regulates every other gland the body. This is how what you think and feel can have an effect on your entire body.

Since most of us can’t control many of the things that happen to us every day, we need to realize that we can control how we perceive and respond to the changes going on in our natural awakenings

lives. If we can control our perceptions and our responses, then it follows that we can control how things affect us and most importantly, what we learn from our life’s experiences. In other words, you have the power to “push your own buttons” (or not) and to determine who you let push them as well! “People can’t drive you crazy if you don’t give them the keys!”

Coping with stress involves four major steps:

z Identifying and acknowledging

your personal stressors. Why do

they stress you out? Do you

actually need your stress?

z Analyze your usual response(s).

Are they working for you? If

not why?

z What are your expectations?

Who made these for you? Whose

voice is “narrating” your life?

(eg. parents, significant others,

boss, yourself)?

z What can you do to better cope

with your stress? Can you change

your perceptions of your stressors?

Ask yourself the following questions:

z Is this a major event/crisis or just

an irritation?

z What will it be tomorrow? In six

months? Next year?

z Is this even my problem?

z If it is my problem, can I fix it? If

not, why am I allowing it to stress

me out?

(Don’t spend your life rearranging

the deck chairs on the Titanic!)

You can learn to better “Tame Your Stress” by making some adjustments in your perceptions and in your lifestyle.

Improving your physical lifestyle habits ( such as getting more sleep, eating a healthier diet, exercising, having fun(!) can help you be more resilient when stressors increase in your life. Alcohol/drugs, smoking, and excessive eating may make a person feel better temporarily, but will actually exacerbate the effects of stress on the body.

Some positive ways you can cope with stress emotionally are practicing yoga, self-hypnosis, meditation, music, February 2016

31

art (and crafts or hobbies)and having fun(!). Learn to dance! Do whatever makes you happy as often as you can.

Laughter is actually good for you!

These things usually increase your brain’s production of endorphins (your natural pain-killers) which in turn makes you feel good.

M o s t i m p o r t a n t l y, s u r r o u n d yourself with positive people who care about you and are supportive of you. I often recommend a little book called “What You Think Of Me Is None Of My Business” by Terry Cole-Whittaker (amazon.com) for people who are

allowing others to determine their selfworth and damage their self-esteem. I also like to refer people to Joel Osteen’s books and presentations,because they are usually positive and very encouraging with regard to these same issues.

By taking some positive steps, you can actually change the effects stress has on your life. Because we believe this to be true, the staff of Healthy Changes Hypnosis offers a free “Tame Your Stress” class every month as a community service to the people in the Houston area. In this

class, we talk about stress and teach people some good stress reduction techniques, including Self-Hypnosis, Resource Tapping, Yoga breathing, etc. Please check out our web-site at www.HealthyChangesHypnosis.com.

We hope you will join us for this class (usually the third Saturday of each month) and learn how to truly “Tame Your Stress”.

Suzanne Sears RN, is an Advanced Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with Healthy Change Hypnosis in Houston, TX. See ad on page 28.

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A Brief Interview with Dawn Mountain’s Family Educator, Simone Woodage Tell us about your journey to becoming a mindfulness teacher.

I grew up in an untraditional family with no religion at all, and I was always a seeker.

One day my brother gave me a copy of the Dalai Lama’s book The Art of Happiness.

I read it, and it made sense to me. When I wanted to explore further, I searched for a Buddhist Center in Houston and found one within walking distance of my house. That was Dawn Mountain, in its old location on Bissonnet St. – 12 or 13 years ago.

I had spent many years working in the very intense environment of hospital emergency rooms as an ICU nurse.

Then I became a mother to three sons.

I transitioned into my next career as a community educator teaching families and children about healthy sexuality and human relationships. I continued

to practice meditation at Dawn Mountain, and my teacher there, Anne Klein, asked me one day whether I would be interested in starting a children’s program with them. I was honored and excited, but wanted some specific tools, so I completed trainings with Susan Kaiser Greenland in California and with the Mindful Schools program in Massachusetts, along with lots of personal study.

What excites you about teaching mindfulness to young children?

I am always amazed. Children are amazingly articulate and insightful.

They’re way more aware than we give them credit for. I love listening to them talk honestly about their feelings.

And I love being able to offer them the

natural awakenings

space to just be; our mantra in class is “Nothing here has to be perfect.”

When we do an art activity, it’s just about enjoying the process.

Talk a little about your motivations in working with moms’ groups.

When I became a parent, I was very clear that I did not want to repeat some of the patterns of my own childhood. I also saw pretty quickly that motherhood can be lonely, isolating, and filled with second-guessing ourselves and comparing ourselves to others. Moms need support, they need the space to sit quietly (which the body craves) and be in compassionate community with other moms. We pair this in our groups with solid advice from some great books on conscious, mindful parenting, in hopes that we can all build our resources for extending calm and connection in all of our relationships, especially those with our children.

See ad on pages 7 and 10.

February 2016

33

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Lunar New Year Meets Zen Wishing You a Forever Spring

By Hanh Tinh

L

unar new year?! What in the world is that and why would anyone celebrate a new year on a day other than the obvious January 1st? For most of my life, that was me, and I had no idea that for thousands of years a “new year” had been tracked based on moon cycles long before paper was around. Vietnamese New Year (celebrated on Feb. 8 this year) is one that is already rich in meaning, and yet when seen through the eyes of Zen, touches with an ultimate importance that is profound, beautiful, and inspiring at the same time.

Vietnamese lunar new year marks not only the beginning of a new lunar calendar year, but falls at a time considered to be the early cusp of spring. Signaled by the first flowering buds bursting forth directly from the branches of the hoa mai tree (similar to forsythia and flowering peach), it represents all the best that spring has to offer: re-birth from the colder months, recovery of color and warmth, and a symbol of hope after struggle. The same is true within each person; New Year brings a personal sense of renewal from the inside. Many Vietnamese use the

opportunity to express their gratitude to others, and do an inner “spring cleaning” with reflection on the past year, seeing mistakes, and setting the goals to improve.

Most everyone appreciates the beauty and revitalizing energy of spring, especially after the winter’s challenges and we also accept that it will soon change again and be gone.

But did we ever consider that there is a perfect, never-ending spring season right within ourselves, available every day of the year?

After I started coming to Universal Door Meditation Center, I found out that Zen takes the meaning of New Year to a whole new level! The true meaning of Zen is not about bonsai plants or nifty landscaping techniques; translated properly, Zen means to be Awake. The original, clear, stable, and unconditional Awake mind is, and always has been, within each person. It is a Forever Spring season that we never knew we had. The purpose of Zen is to realize that, and return to live with it as soon as possible.

Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien teaches that each person innately has natural awakenings

pure, true love. But then because of their beliefs, perceptions, holdings, judgments, and so forth, there is a separation from that love, and it cannot fully blossom and express in the world.

So on one hand it is always there, and we love, but then don’t love at the exact same time. Like with parents and children, there is an unconditional love right there, but they cannot live with that because of the conflicts that arise, and that brings a sense of loss or hopelessness at the seemingly continuous conflicts that play out in everyday life. She tells students not to think that you must resign yourself to that fate; true happiness is already within you, waiting. You just need to go back and live with it, and every joy will come back to your life. That is the real meaning of New Year, to discover the Forever Spring season within yourself.

It is ironic that we often go looking for some new object, a new purchase, a new relationship or activity to “refresh” our situation and provide a sense of newness to life. I have so many chapters of my life where I was chasing a new experience, a new love, or career opportunity, but despite whatever I forged, the pursuit of the next thing was a never-ending system loop. I kept adding more and more to what I already had that still did not make me truly happy, hoping that somehow just the right “one more thing” would do the trick. Whereas our Zen Master clearly points out that it is not one more new outside thing that answers our quest; it is one “old” thing that we already have, one thing that we just didn’t realize yet, that is always fresh and available, that can restore us completely. Unlike every flower that eventually fades out, the Forever Spring is always there for us. She guides students to go back to cultivate that seed waiting within, where the happiness is unconditional, and the love is true and expresses as pure compassion into the world.

Furthermore, when that is realized, all the judging, blaming, and fighting will stop and we will understand ourselves and everyone else as well. For the New Year, the goal is to return to our “original” and live with it, and be truly happy with everyone around us, in February 2016

35

any situation, disturbed by nothing.

Doesn’t that sound like the very best New Year gift, ever?

With her guidance, my inner questions and meditation practice have developed, and I’ve had a chance to touch with the Awake within. It is a full and complete happiness unlike anything I had ever imagined or thought possible, hidden perfectly in the very last place I would have ever looked for it! I can now feel the possibility of living with the Forever Spring, which is far and away so vibrant and alive, compared to the temporary and fragile happiness of satisfaction that relied on things always going my way.

All the stress and conflicts in daily life are surely commonplace, but I have come to see that we do not have to stay stuck in those patterns anymore.

Ever since I started to experience the benefits of Zen Meditation at Universal Door, I was so excited to share with others that there is a practical, real path toward genuine happiness and complete freedom, and encourage everyone to connect with it for themselves. Why take the transient benefits of this spring season to be our greatest goal when we can aim to realize the Forever Spring within ourselves? For this Lunar New Year, may you discover the Forever Spring and bring that as your gift everywhere you go and share it with everyone in your life.

All meditation classes, retreats, workshops, youth pr ogram, and other celebrations at Universal Door Meditation Center, founded by Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, aim to help all people discover more about themselves and realize the Forever Spring within to be truly happy in everyday life. For questions about our Center, the Zen Master, or opportunities to connect with us, check out our website at www.universaldoor.org, our Facebook page, or by calling 281-5659718. We hope to see you soon!

Thien Vien Pho Mon - Universal Door Meditation Center. 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498. 281-565-9718 .

UniversalDoor.org. See ad on page 9.

36

Houston

What is the “Point” of Acupuncture?

by Jo Nell Norcini, L. Ac., M.A.O.M

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Cosmetic Acupuncture

P

eople are getting frustrated with the current medical system. Many people find that they are taking more and more pharmaceutical drugs and are not feeling any better. In fact, they are feeling worse. Every drug on the market has side effects, even aspirin! Just listen to the television ads or read the package insert. It is crazy, but doctors will tell you that the benefits outweigh the risk and most of the time, they do. However, what if you could find a way to treat many common medical conditions without all the drugs? This is where TCM comes into play.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been around for over 3000 years.

It is a complete medical system that includes Acupuncture and Chinese herbs.

The beauty of TCM is that it looks at each person, individually, as a whole. It is this Holistic approach that makes TCM so effective. TCM is not a “one-sizefits-all” type of treatment. What this means is that if ten people present the

If You Learn from Natural Awakenings, Share the Knowledge JOIN US ON: facebook.com/naturalawakeningsHTX twitter.com/Mike314159Hart www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

same chief complaint, say for example, indigestion. It is likely that each person will receive a different treatment with acupuncture points and herbal formulas based on their constitution and their manifestation of symptoms.

It is a dynamic medical treatment that changes as the condition changes and addresses the “Root”, or underlying cause of the disease rather than putting a band-aid on the symptom.

So, what is acupuncture and how does it work? Acupuncture is the art of inserting very thin needles (about the diameter of a strand of hair) into specific acupuncture points on the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. These points are located along channels or meridians where energy - or Qi (Chee) - runs throughout the body. Should these channels become blocked, the energy in the body cannot flow smoothly, therefore, pain and illness will occur. Acupuncture works by clearing these blockages and balancing the body. Acupuncture allows the body to heal itself! Many western scientists have a hard time wrapping their head around this concept because Qi cannot be seen or measured. So another way of looking at how acupuncture works is that it causes the nervous system to release neurotransmitters such as endorphins, which are the body’s natural pain relievers, and serotonin, which promotes feelings of well-being. Acupuncture can also enhance the immune response, thereby reducing inflammation in the body.

Acupuncture has proven so effective that the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Institute of Health (NIH) have listed over 100 different conditions that acupuncture can treat.

So, what is the point of a c u p u n c t u r e ? Th e p o i n t i s t h a t acupuncture is for everyone. It is a safe, effective treatment modality that integrates beautifully with western medicine. It can help everyone achieve higher levels of wellness.

JoNell Norcini is the owner of Cypress Area Acupuncture which is located in northwest Houston. Please visit www.

CypressAreaAcupuncture.com for more information. See ad on page 7.

calendarofevents NOTE: All Calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month prior to publication and adhere to our guidelines. Email Mike@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please.

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 3

markyourcalendar

5 Day Intuitive Painting Workshop- Creating Your Connection to Limitless Creativity - Cherie Ray, Life & Creativity Coach, Learn and experience how to receive, remove limiting blocks and connect to your creative expression. Begins Wednesday, February 3-7, 2016. True You Creativity Studio in The Heights. Register at www. trueyoucreativity.com

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 5

Awakening Course. 7-9pm. And 9am-9pm on Saturday. The first of a 2 day workshop. Awakening is the rising of consciousness where there is greater awareness, joy, love, togetherness and focus in everything that you do and experience. The course invites you to see what life is like beyond the realm of the mind. The course is an intensive journey of inner growth, culminating with participants having the option to be initiated as a Blessing Giver. New Students $195, Returning Students $95. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. Purchase tickets at Tickets.brightstarevents.com/event/oneness-awakening-course Reserve childcare at unityhouston.org/childcare For information call Janis Shanks 713-782-4050.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 6

Marva’s Holistic Fair. 10am-5pm. Psychics, tarot readers, palmists, healers, vendors of all sorts. Admission Free.

LaQuina Inn-Galleria on 610 West Loop North between San Felipe and Post Oak, 77027. 713-444-3581 psychicfairs.com.

markyourcalendar An Intro to Cosmic Consciousness: Illumination Beyond Religions. 11am-12:30pm. This lecture is an exploration of sudden, spontaneous and life-changing mystical experiences, ones that seem comparable across diverse cultures and religious traditions. $20. The Hines Center 500 Fannin Street, Suite 100 77002. 713-590-3302. hinescenter. frontdeskhq.com

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 7

Bayou Bikers. 8am. Meet at Market Square Park for 25- to 40-mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Mountain bikes or bikes with fat tires are necessary. This is an informal group whose purpose is to show Houstonians and visitors the beauty of Houston’s waterways. Market Square 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark.com Centerpoint Body Mind and Spirit Expo. 1-5 pm. Psychics, Astrology, Tarot, Ear Candling, Massage, Fengshue, Ionic Foot Bath, Palmist, Pranic, Reiki & Matrix Healers, Jewelry, Foot Reflexology, Pet Massage, Pet Healing, FREE coffee, tea & pastries. Admission Free. Center Point (in the old Metaphysical Matrix building) 2727 Fondren Suite 5M, 77080.

713-932-7224 centerpointhouston.org

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 11

Lunch Coach is on Call! Noon-12:45pm Cherie Ray, MLA, 3 Principles Coach. This month, the focus of our conversation is: Holiday Cheer: Experiencing challenging family members in a new way. Free. Call-in instructions at trueyoucreativity.com Life Coaching & Intuitive Painting – True You Creativity Studio, Thursday evenings, February 11 and 25th. Friday morning, February 12 and 26th. For times, more information and to register, visit www.trueyoucreativity.com

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 12

Life Coaching & Intuitive Painting – True You Creativity Studio, Thursday evenings, February 11 and 25th. Friday morning, February 12 and 26th. For times, more information and to register, visit www.trueyoucreativity.com

natural awakenings

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 14

Blessing Ceremony. 10am-12n. Come and experience peace and blessing. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org Centerpoint Body Mind and Spirit Expo. 1-5 pm. Psychics, Astrology, Tarot, Ear Candling, Massage, Fengshue, Ionic Foot Bath, Palmist, Pranic, Reiki & Matrix Healers, Jewelry, Foot Reflexology, Pet Massage, Pet Healing, FREE coffee, tea & pastries. Admission Free. Center Point (in the old Metaphysical Matrix building) 2727 Fondren Suite 5M, 77080.

713-932-7224 centerpointhouston.org Restorative Yoga Retreat with Satya Shepherd. 1-5pm. We invite you to join us for a gentle day to restore, nurture and rejuvenate. Following a short period of breathing and gentle stretches to prepare your body, you will be guided into a series of lingering Restorative Yoga poses drawing you deeper into your interior experience. “If yoga were a smorgasbord, restorative poses would most definitely be at the dessert table.” $73. The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002. 712-590-3302 hinescenter.org

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 18

Contemplating the Celtic Way with Marcus Losack. 6:309:00pm. We will explore the key events, themes and challenges to discipleship that can be found in Saint Patrick’s own writings as well as key themes related to major festivals in the pre-Christian Celtic Tradition and how they became formative for the Christian understanding of faith and the Liturgical Year.

The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002. 712-590-3302 hinescenter.org

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 19

markyourcalendar Texas Yoga Conference. Feb. 19-21. We inform adults and youth through educational materials, workshops, classes and trainings about the benefits of breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga to promote wellness. We believe yoga is a preventative and complementary treatment of diseases often caused by stress. Our intention is to promote not only the teachers of the practice but yoga as a way of life for all fostering peace and wholeness for the masses. See website for ticket information. India House 8888 West Bellfort Blvd. 77031. Texasyogaconference.com

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 20

One day Meditation Retreat. 8am-3pm. Continue into the new year with happiness and stability! Through clear and direct teachings, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien guides students to connect with Awake Mind and to apply meditation through various daily activities such as sitting, walking, eating, and movement, to Wake Up and live truly happy in any situation.

Pre-registration is required by Feb. 15. Suggested donation $50, includes refreshments and lunch. Universal Door Meditation Center - 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 SQ21, Intro to the 21 Skills of Spiritual Intelligence. 9am1pm. Courageous. Wise. Authentic. Compassionate. Peaceful.

Whether we are religious believers, atheists, or anything in between, it turns out we can agree quite easily on what it means to be a spiritually evolved human being. The more difficult question is, how do we get there? And how can we measure our progress? In SQ21, Cindy Wigglesworth translates spirituality into Spiritual Intelligence: a skill-set like EQ (emotional intelligence) that can be developed and measured. In her empowering and practical book, she shares 21 Skills that can help you live a life of wisdom, compassion, and authentic leadership. $120. The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002. 712-590-3302 hinescenter.org

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Texas Tea Festival. 10am-5pm. Follow us down the rabbit hole as we celebrate the world’s most popular beverage with talks, workshops, tea tastings, tea and food pairings, vendors and shopping, tea samples, an elegant afternoon tea, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, movie screening, murder mystery, tea industry networking events! $25. University of Houston-Clear Lake, Bayou Building Atrium 11 & Forest Room, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058. 832-4059160 houstonteafestival.com

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 21

Half-Day Zen Retreat. 9am-noon. Open to everyone; prior meditation experience recommended. There will be three sessions of sitting and walking meditation. Silence is observed.

Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org

markyourcalendar Texas Tea Festival. 11am-5pm. Follow us down the rabbit hole as we celebrate the world’s most popular beverage with talks, workshops, tea tastings, tea and food pairings, vendors and shopping, tea samples, an elegant afternoon tea, live music, entertainment, children’s activities, movie screening, murder mystery, tea industry networking events! $25. University of Houston-Clear Lake, Bayou Building Atrium 11 & Forest Room, 2700 Bay Area Blvd. Houston, TX 77058. 832-405-9160 houstonteafestival.com

Centerpoint Free Health Expo. 1-5 pm. Psychics, Astrology, Tarot, Ear Candling, Massage, Fengshue, Ionic Foot Bath, Palmist, Pranic, Reiki & Matrix Healers, Jewelry, Foot Reflexology, Pet Massage, Pet Healing, FREE coffee, tea & pastries.

Admission Free. Center Point (in the old Metaphysical Matrix building) 2727 Fondren Suite 5M, 77080. 713-932-7224 centerpointhouston.org

THURSDAY FEBRUARY 25

Life Coaching & Intuitive Painting – True You Creativity Studio, Thursday evenings, February 11 and 25th. Friday morning, February 12 and 26th. For times, more information and to register, visit www.trueyoucreativity.com Live Stream Oneness Meditation with Rev. Howard Caesar.

12:30-1:30pm. The Oneness Meditation is a powerful transmission of Divine Energy which helps one move into higher states of consciousness; allowing the individual to deepen their spiritual journey. The results are transformative, bringing lasting changes and sifts in consciousness. Each person will have their own unique experience during the meditation. Free. Child care is available. No reservation required. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 26

Oneness Meditation with Rev. Howard Caesar. 12:30-1:30pm.

The Oneness Meditation is a powerful transmission of Divine Energy which helps one move into higher states of consciousness; allowing the individual to deepen their spiritual journey.

The results are transformative, bringing lasting changes and sifts in consciousness. Each person will have their own unique experience during the meditation. Free. Child care is available.

No reservation required. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

Critical Mass-Houston. Assemble at 6:30 pm. Roll at 7:15pm.

A casual bike ride starting from downtown Houston and going wherever. Cars rule the road every day, but one day a month we get together to celebrate our love for bicycles and have fun riding. Free. Market Square 301 Milam, 77002. criticalmasshouston.com Life Coaching & Intuitive Painting – True You Creativity Studio, Thursday evenings, February 11 and 25th. Friday morning, February 12 and 26th. For times, more information and to register, visit www.trueyoucreativity.com

markyourcalendar Free Monthly Affirmation Gathering with Doyle Ward. 7 – 8:30 PM February is focused on Purpose and Direction.

Do your thoughts influence your life? Find out by joining us this month to learn about the impact of affirmative thinking! NEW LOCATION. Spectrum Center, 2060 North 610 Loop West, Suite 205 77018 . www.blissfulquests.com or call 832-628-4113.

SATURDAY FEBRUARY 27

A smile is a

curve that sets everything straight. ~Phyllis Diller

The Path of the Mystics with Dr. Kayleen Asbo. 9am-1pm.

How can we claim a life of authenticity? How do we open our hearts to creative transformation and hope amidst the challenges of life? How do we find our own truth and purpose?

The wisdom of the 12th century Benedictine German Abbess Hildegard of Bingen and the 14th century Dame Julian of Norwich will inspire us across the centuries with their wit, wisdom and courage in a workshop that will weave music, art, story, meditation, writing practices and small group reflection to help us discover our own mystic path of joy. $75. The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002. 712-590-3302 hinescenter.org Connecting with Children from the Heart. 9am-1pm. Do you long to parent in a way that honors the heart connection between you and your child, as well as your own inner peace?

This one-day workshop teaches the skills and precepts of Positive Discipline and Compassionate CommunicationTM to foster trust, learning, and cooperation between you and the children in your home or classroom. By prioritizing connection and empathy, we get to mutually satisfying solutions and relationships. Participants will learn both principles and tools to help them transform their interactions with the children they love so they can provide nurturance and support with more ease and confidence. $145. . The Hines Center: a ministry of Christ Church Cathedral 500 Fannin 77002. 712-590-3302 hinescenter.org

SUNDAY FEBRUARY 28

NaturalAwakeningsHTX 38

Houston

Zen Meditation Workshop. 10-11am Join us for this one-hour meditation workshop. It is open to all beginners and is free of charge. No prior registration required. Learn the simple technique of meditation and boost your mental health. Guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery No fees.

Donations are welcome. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston.

12129 Bellaire Blvd. 77072. 281-568-1568 cthouston.org

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

planahead SATURDAY MARCH 5

markyourcalendar Houston Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Center’s Community Festival. 11am-2pm. “Houston Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Center offers our community the treasure of health and wellness and now they team up with Art and Culture to bring our community a family friendly festival where all ages can enjoy the talent of local artists, live music and dance performances along with the beauty of our center’s heart: “Inspire Health and Wellness!” Free. Houston Yoga & Ayurvedic Wellness Center 13602 Kluge Rd. Cypress, TX 77429. 281-256-8461 Parking across the street at The Ark Fellowship Church. houston-yoga-ayurveda.com/

WEDNESDAY MARCH 9

Creating a World that Works Through Everyone: Association for Global New Thought. 7-9:30pm. Attend this special event and learn from some of the top leaders in the New Thought Movement: Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith, Dr. Roger Teel, Rev. Temple Hayes, Rev. Wendy Craig-Purcell, Dr. Dennis Merritt Jones, Dr. David Alexander and Dr. Kenn Gordon.

Free. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

SUNDAY MARCH 13

Half-Day Zen Retreat. 9am-noon. Open to everyone; prior meditation experience recommended. There will be three sessions of sitting and walking meditation. Silence is observed.

Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org

FRIDAY MARCH 18

markyourcalendar Recovering Your Innocence with John Bradshaw. 7:309:30pm. Bestselling author John Bradshaw presents concrete, specific ways to Reclaim Your Inner Child. $25.

Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

SATURDAY MARCH 19

Becoming a Child-like Adult Workshop. 10am-5:30pm. Bestselling author John Bradshaw presents concrete, specific ways to Reclaim Your Inner Child. During this expanded workshop you will learn to find ways to repair your developmental dependency, become more resilient, fun loving and accepting, and be “present” and stop rehearsing unresolved issues. $70.

Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

SUNDAY MARCH 20

Zen Meditation Workshop. 10-11am Join us for this one-hour meditation workshop. It is open to all beginners and is free of charge. No prior registration required. Learn the simple technique of meditation and boost your mental health. Guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery No fees.

Donations are welcome. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston.

12129 Bellaire Blvd. 77072. 281-568-1568 cthouston.org

SUNDAY MARCH 27

Blessing Ceremony. 10am-12n. Come and experience peace and blessing. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org

THURSDAY MAY 19

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Blossom: A Yoga & Spirit Renewal Retreat. Plan for a little rejuvenation in 2016! Attend a 4 day retreat beginning at 5pm on Thursday May 19 and running through Sunday May 22. Nurture your body, mind, and spirit at our spring yoga retreat in the magical high desert of Santa Fe, NM on a five-star oasis. Come to Blossom! Packages start at $2350.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santa Fe, NM. Brought to you by Soul Bliss Yoga. For more information and to reserve your spot, visit: www.soulblissyoga.com/ blossomsantafe2016 or contact:retreats@soulblissyoga. com or 720-295-2127.

ongoingevents daily Houston Arboretum. 8am-6pm. Walk in nature. Learn about native plants and wildlife. Free. Houston Arboretum 4501 Woodway Dr., 77024. houstonarboretum.org Free Vegetarian Meal. 9:00am. (except Sunday) A free vegetarian meal for any and all. Free. ISKCON Temple 1320 West 34th Street, 77018. 713. 686.4482 iskconhouston.org Rothko Chapel. 10am-6pm (except during special events) The Rothko Chapel is an independent institution, a sacred place open to all people, every day. Free. Rothko Chapel 3900 Yupon, 77006. 713-524-9839 rothkochapel.org Free Vegetarian Meal. 12:30pm. (except Sunday) A free vegetarian meal for any and all. Free. ISKCON Temple 1320 West 34th Street, 77018. 713. 686.4482 iskconhouston.org Waugh Bridge Bat Colony. Sunset. Every evening at sunset, more than 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats emerge from crevices found in the Waugh Drive Bridge. These creatures are non-migratory and call the bayou home year-round. Free.

Waugh Street at Allen Parkway 77019. houstontx.gov/parks/ bats.html Free Vegetarian Meal. 7:30pm. (except Sunday) A free vegetarian meal for any and all. Free. ISKCON Temple 1320 West 34th Street, 77018. 713. 686.4482 iskconhouston.org

monday Open Mic with Jimmy Deen. 7:00-11:00pm. Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com Sahaja Yoga-Meditation. 6:30-7:30pm. Come around and try our free weekly yoga-meditation classes. Simply turn up, and make yourself comfortable. Each session includes the basics and a practical guided meditation, so that you can start meditating at home straight away. Free. Kendall Neighborhood Library. 609 Eldridge Parkway, 77079. 832-433-2415. info@ Houston-Meditation.org Beginners Yoga 7-8:30 pm Discover your strengths and balances through a therapeutic approach to yoga alignment and mind/body integration. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston 5200 Fannin 77004. stanpolins@hal-pc.org.

Food Not Bombs. 8pm. Help provide free vegan meals for Houston’s homeless. Volunteer, donate or just come see what we do. Free. Downtown Library Countyard 521 Lamar, 77002.. houstonfoodnotbombs.org

tuesday Yoga at India House. 11:00-12:00am. Enjoy relaxing cardio work out at India House. Free. India House, 8888 West Bellfort, 77031. Go to the website, print out the form and email it to the address given. http://www.indiahouseinc.org/ programs/yoga-classes

Intro to Meditation 101.7-8pm. Universal Door Meditation Center offers this beginner level class open to the public.

Here we begin to discover the difference between False Mind and Awake Mind by applying basic Zen Meditation.

Donations Welcome. Universal Door Meditation Center 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.universaldoor. org 281-565-9718 Yoga at Resurrection MCC. 7:00-8:00 pm. Get in touch with your mind, body, and spirit through Yoga! Connect with others in this non-competitive activity suitable for everyone. All body types and skill levels are welcome. Please bring a mat and towel. Extra mats are available for those new to Yoga. Donations Accepted. Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church 2015 West 11th Street 77008. Yoga@ResurrectionMCC.org Oneness Blessing Meeting. 7-9pm Our weekly meeting includes sharing, meditation, Oneness teachings, and the giving and receiving of the Oneness Blessing, also known as Deeksha. Connect with the Oneness Community to explore deeper experiences of Oneness, Divine Love and accelerated awakening. Child care is available, no reservation required. $10 suggested Love Offering. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

wednesday Weekly Oneness Blessing. 5:30-6:45pm. The Oneness Blessing, also known as Deeksha, is a hands-on, direct transfer of energy. Which can strengthen your relationship with your Divine, Spirit, God; however you relate to that. Bring freedom from your chattering mind. And can cause your Authentic You to shine and become present in the moment and experience fullness of life as it truly is. The more blessings you receive, the greater the benefit. Child care is available, no reservation required. Love Offering. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org Urban Ride. 6:30pm. Friendly cycling group. All routes go through inner city – each day of the week we have a different route. Please obey the rules of the roads. Stop at all traffic lights and stop signs. Free. Urban Bicycle Gallery 4814 Nett St. 77007. judy@urbanbicyclegallery.com Sahaja Yoga-Meditation. 6:30-7:30pm. Come around and try our free weekly yoga-meditation classes. Simply turn up, and make yourself comfortable. Each session includes the basics and a practical guided meditation, so that you can start meditating at home straight away. Free. Kingwood Library. 4400 Bens View Lane, 77339. 832-433-2415. info@ Houston-Meditation.org

Sahaja Yoga-Meditation. 6:30-8:00pm. Come around and try our free weekly yoga-meditation classes. Simply turn up, and make yourself comfortable. Each session includes the basics and a practical guided meditation, so that you can start meditating at home straight away. Free. University Branch Library, 14010 University Blvd. Sugar Land, TX 77479. 832-433-2415. info@Houston-Meditation.org Jazz Nights on ICE. 7-9pm. Jam to Jazzy tunes on the ice with Houston musician and skating - Jazzman Jawad. Sponsored by Ice Rink Events. Free to listen, skating fees apply. Discovery Green 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com Blue Line Bike Ride. 7pm. Starts at the bike shop and heads east for a loop through the 5th ward and over the viaduct into downtown. Then it heads west on Washington to TC Jester and north up to 43rd St. Second half of the ride continues west on 43rd/Clay Rd to Blalock and south to Westview where it heads back east to the Heights. Free. Blue Line Bike Lab - 3302 White Oak Drive, 77007. 713.802.1707 Diamond Way Meditation. 7-7:30 pm. Free. Diamond Way Buddhist Center. 2217 W 34th Street, Suite D. 281. 77018.

436.6081. diamondway.org/houston/ Hellina Bucket Band 7:30-10:00 Free dinner music. Free.

Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com Beginning Zen Meditation. 7:30-9:30pm. Feeling stressed?

Want something to help you feel better? Try meditation with us. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281.568.1568. cthouston.org Food Not Bombs. 8pm. Help provide free vegan meals for Houston’s homeless. Volunteer, donate or just come see what we do. Free. Downtown Library Countyard 521 Lamar, 77002. houstonfoodnotbombs.org Pot Roast. 10:30pm-12mn. Late night music outside under the stars. Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com Drum Circle at Midnight 12mn-2am $7.00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

thursday Museum of Fine Arts-Houston. 10am-9pm. If you have not spent time enjoying the art exhibits at MFAH, what are your waiting for? Free. MFAH 1001 Bissonnet, 77005.

713.639.7300 mfah.org Yoga at India House. 11:00-12:00am. Enjoy relaxing cardio work out at India House. Free. India House, 8888 West Bellfort, 77031. Go to the website, print out the form and email it to the address given. http://www.indiahouseinc.org/ programs/yoga-classes

Chill With Your Soul Mate

J

Two-Step Tuesdays. 6-10pm Grab your partner for a boot scootin’ good time on the Anheuser-Busch Stage. Line dance lessons by instructors from Neon Boots. Free. Discovery Green 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

oin the largest database of health-conscious and ecominded, spiritual singles for FREE and manifest an extraordinary relationship!

Tools for Life–Learning to Use the Alexander Method. 6:307:30 pm. Chris Lidvall will be offering a group class in the Alexander Technique. $20/class, $72 for 4 classes. A Healing Collective, 4231 Bellaire Blvd, Suite T, Houston, Texas 77025 Chris Lidvall, 281-989-8574.

Sahaja Yoga-Meditation. 6:30-7:30pm. Come around and try our free weekly yoga-meditation classes. Simply turn up, and make yourself comfortable. Each session includes the basics and a practical guided meditation, so that you can start meditating at home straight away. Free. South Community Center. 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, Houston, Texas 77380. 832-433-2415. info@Houston-Meditation.org Charles Bryant Showcase. 7-11pm. Dinner music at Last Concert Café. Get your Vegan Tex-Mex On! Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

Join for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com natural awakenings

February 2016

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Buffalo Soldiers Museum. 1-5pm. Buffalo Soldiers Museum is the only museum dedicated to preserving the legacy and honor of African American soldiers in the United States.

Free. Buffalo Soldiers Museum 3816 Caroline Street, 77004.

Buffalosoldiersmuseum.com 713.942.8920.

Food Not Bombs. 8pm. Help provide free vegan meals for Houston’s homeless. Volunteer, donate or just come see what we do. Free. Downtown Library Count Yard, 521 Lamar, 77002. houstonfoodnotbombs.org

Houston Museum of Natural Science. 2-5pm. Roam the Serengeti, walk with dinosaurs and discover the world’s mineral wonders. Free. HMNS 5555 Hermann Park Drive 77030. hmns.org Children’s Museum of Houston. 5-8pm. Enjoy all the interactive exhibits at the museum with your children. Free.

Children’s Museum 1500 Binz., 77004. 713.522.1138 cmhouston.org Sahaja Yoga-Meditation. 6:00-7:00pm. Come around and try our free weekly yoga-meditation classes. Simply turn up, and make yourself comfortable. Each session includes the basics and a practical guided meditation, so that you can start meditating at home straight away. Free. Houston Public Library, Central Branch, 500 McKinney Street, 77002. 832-433-2415. info@Houston-Meditation.org

Bank of America: Screen on the Green. 7-8pm. Skate and watch or just enjoy the movie. Check the website for the night’s feature film. Skating fees apply. Bank of America card holders and employees can skate for $7.00 plus tax. Movies will be oriented towards the Hill. You are welcome to bring blankets, and chairs to view from the hill. Food, beer and wine are available at the Lake House. Movie is Free. Discovery Green 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com Meditation Class: Discovering the Awake Within 7-9pm Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien closely guides and interacts with students to connect with Awake Mind and to apply meditation.

This class provides a stable foundation for those who are ready to move to the next level, go deeper in their meditation practice, and touch with the Awake within. Suggested donation $50/month. Suggested donation $50/month. Universal Door Meditation Center 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Bohemeo’s Badass Bike Ride. 7pm. Every kind of bike is welcome but note the first and third Thursday of the month the ride is fast paced (16-18 mph) and contains about 20-25 miles with bridges. The other Thursdays it is a more social and slower ride, maintaining pace at 12-14 mph for about 12-15 miles. Free. Bohemeo’s 709 Telephone Road, 77023.

713.923.4277.

Yoga for the Body and Mind. 8-9:30 am. Yoga classes based on the teachings of Swami Ramdev ji including asanas, pranayama and meditation. Free. Arya Samaj Greater Houston Center 14375 Shiller Rd. 77082. 281-242-5000 aryasamajhouston.org.

Beginning Zen Meditation. 10am-12n. Feeling stressed?

Want something to help you feel better? Try meditation with us. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281.568.1568. cthouston.org Children’s Zen Meditation. 10am-12n. Open to children ages 4-12. Parents must be present and participate. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072.

281.568.1568. cthouston.org Yoga at India House. 11:00-12:00am. Enjoy relaxing cardio work out at India House. Free. India House, 8888 West Bellfort, 77031. Go to the website, print out the form and email it to the address given. http://www.indiahouseinc.org/ programs/yoga-classes Beginning Meditation. 11:00-11:30am. Enjoy relaxing meditation class at India House. Free. India House, 8888 West Bellfort, 77031. Go to the website, print out the form and email it to the address given. http://www.indiahouseinc.org/ programs/yoga-classes Recycling Saturdays. 11am-2pm. Bring your glass, paper, plastic, and aluminum to a recycling station at Discovery Green. Free. Discovery Green 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com Science of Spirituality Meditation. 12:15-2pm. Science of Spirituality is a global, non-religious, non-profit, spiritual organization headquartered in Chicago and under the leadership of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. Each week our group gathers to meditate together, reflect on the words of the great Saints and Mystics and spend some time with others who share the goal of leading a spiritually enriched and fulfilling life.

Spiritual Discourse, Meditation, Vegetarian Meal. Free. India House 8888 West Bellfort 77031. houstonSOS.org

Annie B Band. 8-10pm. One of Houston’s top blues bands. $7. 00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

Falun Dafa. 4-6pm. Falun Gong also known as Falun Dafa is a traditional Chinese qigong practice. It uses gentle movements and meditation to cultivate the body, mind, and spirit. Falun Gong is a complete and powerful system, which consists of five simple exercises, which can be performed by anyone regardless of age, physical condition, or prior experience. If you plan to visit a practice location, please call the contact person beforehand. Outside of Chinese Consulate 3417 Montrose Blvd., 77006. Henry 956.844.2835. falun-houston.org

Hightailers 10:30-2 am Longest running house band in existence. Gulf Coast Rhythm and Blues - $7.00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

friday Recycling Fridays. 8:30am-12:30pm. Drive by and drop off sorted plastic, aluminum, paper, glass, and flattened cardboard boxes. Free. Emerson Church. 1900 Bering Dr., 77057 (between Westheimer and San Felipe) 713-782-8250.

Emersonhouston.org

Dinner Music with Jimmy Deen. 6-9pm. $7.00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert. com

sunday

Hot Nights on ICE. 7-10pm. Mix, Mingle and turn up the heat. Free to listen, skating fees apply. Discovery Green 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com Houston International Folk Dancers. 7:30-10pm. Houston International Folk Dancers is a recreational folk dance group that celebrates ethnic dances from around the world: Eastern and Western Europe, Middle East and Mediterranean, and the Americas. You will delight in the diverse rhythms, melodies and unique dance styles of cultures from over 30 countries.

Experienced folk dancers are always ready to help beginners.

Singles welcome. Dress comfortably. Admission is $5. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston 5200 Fannin 77004.

Additional info at www.folkdancers.org

Houston

Meditation for Spiritual Awareness. 7-8:30pm. Science of Spirituality is a global, non-religious, non-profit, spiritual organization headquartered in Chicago and under the leadership of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. We are beginning a new workshop series dealing with meditation for spiritual awareness. For registration and details visit our website: houstonSOS.org/carmel or call 281-766-4767. Carmel Temple 1200 Pennsylvania, South Houston 77587.

saturday

Thrive Tapping with Helen Racz. 7-8:30pm. The Thursday Night Group Tapping is an amazing gift. The work is alive and, as in all living things, it has evolved. This evolution is taking us deeper into creating positive change on purpose with purpose. The beautiful meridian based science of EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique) was originally used to clear blocks in our energy fields. What we know now is that EFT is capable of much, much more. Donations accepted. Spectrum Center at The Preserve 2060 North Loop West, Suite 205 77018. helenracz.com

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Dinner Music with Jimmy Deen. 6-9pm. $7.00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert. com

Sunday Oneness Blessing. After the 9am and 10am services.

The Oneness Blessing, also known as Deeksha, is a hands-on, direct transfer of energy. Which can strengthen your relationship with your Divine, Spirit, God; however you relate to that.

Bring freedom from your chattering mind. And can cause your Authentic You to shine and become present in the moment and experience fullness of life as it truly is. The more blessings you receive, the greater the benefit. Child care is available, no reservation required. Love Offering. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.org

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Movement Meditation for Healing Mind and Body -- 9:30 – 10:30am With an emphasis on bringing together mind, body, and movement to be in the present moment, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien guides students to connect with Awake mind, which is profoundly healing, and also restores and refreshes every aspect of our being. Suggested donation $50/month.

Universal Door Meditation Center 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Semanal Programa de Meditación 10am-1pm. Ciencia de la Espiritualidad es una organización global, no religiosa, sin fines de lucro, espiritual dedicado a la unidad del amor y de la paz. Nuestro grupo de meditación Houston ha estado activo durante más de 52 años y se reúne regularmente. Cada semana nuestro grupo se reúne para meditar juntos, reflexionar sobre las palabras de los grandes santos y místicos y pasar algún tiempo con otras personas que comparten el objetivo de llevar una vida espiritualmente enriquecida y satisfactoria.

Gratis. Trini Mendenhall Sosa Center 1414 Wirt Road 77055. houstonSOS.org 832-304-0767.

Acoustic Jams. 10:30am-12n. Easy listening music to brunch by. No cover charge. Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002.

713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com Ecstatic Dance Evolution. 10:30-1:00pm. Ecstatic Dance Evolution is a unique transformational Ecstatic Dance practice developed by Houston’s Sydney Samadhi Strahan. This Dance has been actively evolving since 2003, giving Houstonians a consistent place to be free in mind-body-spirit and express themselves through movement with an accepting creative community. Free. MATCH: Midtown Arts and Theater Center 3400 Main Street 77002 Kind Mind, Happy Mind. 11am-noon. In these six one hour sessions children will learn simple techniques to help them navigate stressful situations and better understand their own experiences. Children will practice mindfulness and related life skills they can take into whatever their future holds. Space is limited. Register online. Dawn Mountain 2010 Naome Street, Suite A 77054. http://dawnmountain.org Dawn Mountain Sunday Meditation. 11am-12noon. Join us for guided meditation suitable for everyone. Led by senior members of the Dawn Mountain community. Free.

Dawn Mountain 2010 Naome Street, Suite A 77054. http:// dawnmountain.org Youth and Teen Program at Universal Door Meditation Center. 11:00am – 12:30pm. For youth grades 1-12, starts Sept. 13. Through games and activities, they are introduced to basic meditation practice and life skills needed to understand more about themselves and how to be truly happy. Call for more details. Suggested donation $60/month. Universal Door Meditation Center 2619 Charles Lane, Sugar Land, TX 77498 universaldoor.org 281-565-9718.

Science of Spirituality Meditation. 1:30-3:45pm. Science of Spirituality is a global, non-religious, non-profit, spiritual organization headquartered in Chicago and under the leadership of Sant Rajinder Singh Ji Maharaj. Each week our group gathers to meditate together, reflect on the words of the great Saints and Mystics and spend some time with others who share the goal of leading a spiritually enriched and fulfilling life. Spiritual Discourse, Meditation, Vegetarian Meal. Free. Carmel Temple 1200 Pennsylvania, South Houston 77587. houstonSOS.org Mindfulness for Moms. 2:00-3:30pm. Join us for mindful meditation, self-compassion, discussion, and tips for conscious parenting. We will also read and discuss the book The WholeBrain Child by Daniel J. Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD. This book has strategies for raising happy, resilient children. It offers powerful tools for helping children develop the emotional intelligence they will need to be successful in the world. Parents will learn ways to feel more connected to their children and more satisfied in their role as a parent. Space is limited. Register online. Dawn Mountain 2010 Naome Street, Suite A 77054. http://dawnmountain.org Diamond Way Meditation. 5-5:30 pm. Free. Diamond Way Buddhist Center. 2217 W 34th Street, Suite D., 77018. 281436-6081. diamondway.org/houston/ Food Not Bombs. 7pm. Help provide free vegan meals for Houston’s homeless. Volunteer, donate or just come see what we do. Free. Downtown Library Countyard 521 Lamar, 77002 houstonfoodnotbombs.org

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide email cindy@naturalawakeningsmag.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE JONELL NORCINI, L.AC.

Cypress Area Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine 10330 Lake Road, Building D Houston, TX 77070.

By appointment only 713-825-1636.

CypressAreaAcupuncture.com

At Cypress Area Acupuncture, I strive to provide quality health care at affordable prices. I believe that I am your partner in helping you obtain optimal health. I provide treatments in a relaxing atmosphere where you will seldom, if ever, have to wait and you will never feel rushed. Questions are always welcome and I will do everything possible to make your treatments comfortable and relaxing. See ad on page 7.

BIOLOGICAL DENISTRY MARILYN K. JONES, DDS

Houston Dental Health Center 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057 712-785-7767 MarilynKJonesDDS.com

Natural Dentistry supports the body and the mind by finding the cause of dental problems. The dental examination includes noticing systemic and habitual influences. Setting the stage for the body to heal itself includes removing infection and toxins, correcting structure, and providing the best dental materials for you which will promote an outstanding environment for your overall health. Dentistry is my true love and as a true Biological Dentist, I combine modern technology, safe protection protocols, advanced knowledge of biological dentistry and medicine, and a patient-centric approach to enhance the wellness of all my patients.

See ad on page 2.

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE DR. BOBBIE STOWE, DC

2400 Augusta Dr., Ste. 210 Houston, TX 77057 713-667-6656 FunctionalMedicineOfHouston.com

Practicing Functional Medicine, offering lab tests to find causes of pain, disease, imbalances, dysfunctions, and Natural, Safe, Holistic protocols to address their ROOT CAUSE(s). See ad on page 6.

HEAL YOUR LIFE PATRICIA J. CRANE, PH.D. AND RICK NICHOLS

Authors, speakers, trainers of Heal Your Life programs Patricia@heartinspired.com (800) 969-4584

HealYourLifetTaining.com/Teacher-Training HEAL YOUR LIFE WORKSHOP LEADER TRAINING. Become a licensed workshop leader in Louise Hay’s philosophy.

Complete manuals and materials provided plus follow-up. Cost includes hotel lodging in San Diego and meals. This training is approved by Louise and Hay House. April 16 – 23.

HOLISTIC FAIR MARVA MASON’S HOLISTIC FAIR La Quinta Inn-Galleria 1625 West 610 Loop Houston, TX 77027 PsychicFairs.com

Houston’s largest and longest continually running holistic fair is held on the first Saturday of each month from 10 am until 5 pm.

Featuring readers, alternative health practitioners and vendors. Admission is free. Come and join the fun!

HOLISTIC NUTRITIONIST/ MEDICAL INTUITIVE LAZELLE BRADLEY

Center Point 2727 Fondren, Ste 5M (Fondren & Westheimer) 77063 281-440-3136 LBNutritionist@comcast.net

Stay out of the doctor’s office!

Superior live whole foods concentrated that you simply add to your smoothie. Quick and easy with no shopping or cooking.

Also, products for detox and weight loss. Non-invasive gluten sensitivity test available. Antiaging skin care products that will reduce the look of your face by 10 years in a few months with daily use. Center Point 2727 Fondren, Suite 5M (Fondren & Westheimer) 77063. Sunday May 3, 10, 17, 24 and 32. From 1-5 pm. Call or email for an appointment.

natural awakenings

HOLISTIC SHOP THE CHAKRA HAVEN

402 East Main Street Tomball, TX 77375 346-234-7754 facebook.com/thechakra.heven

A cute little shop just outside the Old Town Tomball district.

Featuring: candles, crystals, jewelry, oils, incense, herbs and more. Also by appointment only: chakra balancing, tarot readings, angel readings, angel healings and Reiki. New Angel Classes start Jan. 10.

HOMEOPATHIC AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 www.healnbloom.com

Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease joint and muscular aches and pains from sciatica, gout, arthritis, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and more.

Great buy a 4oz jar for $13. All natural ingredients! Refer a friend and get 10% off your purchase.

Read what people are saying about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy at our website.

INTUITIVE COUNSELOR CHUCK MURPHY SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE La Quinta-Galleria 1625 West 610 Loop Houston, TX 77027 ChuckMurphy.me

Let me help you discover your unique place in creation. In person readings at Marva’s Fair on the 1st Saturday of each month. Visit my website for information about phone and SKYPE readings. Mention this ad for a 10% discount.

INTEGRATIVE HATHA YOGA YOGA FOR MENTAL & PHYSICAL HAPPINESS Lin Weiss, Certified Yoga Therapist Saturdays @ 9:30am Bellaire, Texas 713-858-8595 linweiss@earthlink.net ConsciousHealingNow.com

Lin Weiss is the founder/owner of Yoga for Mental & Physical Happiness. Her passion for yoga is evidenced by her warm & personable teaching style.

Small classes afford individual instruction for students of any level, making progress attainable & real. Lin loves helping students use yoga to find balance & overcome limitations. Her classes are at the same time energizing, & relaxing, as she foocuses on creating a supportive & joyful environment for her students. Private sessions available by appt.

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ION FOOT DETOX

THE HINES CENTER FOR SPIRITUALITY AND PRAYER

UNIVERSAL DOOR MEDITATION CENTER

The Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer is a co-created response to the community’s longing for rich spiritual formation and expression. The center will provide a wide variety of opportunities to know and experience God. We will provide classes, lectures, workshops, and programmed group settings to foster connection, understanding, and compassion for self, other, and the mystery that beautifully and expansively holds us. Join us January 23 from 6-8 pm for our Grand Opening. See ad on page 21.

Are you ready to Wake Up? Discover Awake mind through Zen meditation.

Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien guides students to apply this life-changing tool in all situations. Find out how Awake mind can transform stress, struggles, health issues, and conflicts that you thought were unchangeable facts of life! Tue: Meditation 101. 7- 8pm* Thurs: Meditation Class: Discovering the Awake Within.

7- 9pm*. Sun: Movement Meditation for Healing Mind and Body. 9:30-10:30am* Sun: Fall Youth and Teen Program 11am-12:30n*. * = requires pre-registration/class fee. See our ad on page 9.

500 Fannin Street Houston, TX 77002 713-590-3320 HinesCenter.org

HEAL WITH NATURAL HERBS

“The Hippest Little Place in Humble” 404 Avenue E Humble, TX 77338 281-227-0435 HealWithNaturalHerbs.com

Looking for a nice peaceful place to just hang out. Well, you’ve found it. We feature ion foot detox, chair massage, an oxygen bar, herbal teas, essential oils and much more. Come by for the Lady’s Tea or the Gentlemen’s Mini-Golf and you won’t want to leave.

MEDITATION CLASSES CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON

SCIENCE OF SPIRITUALITY

Chan/Zen Meditation Classes Guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery. No fees.

Donations are welcome. No prior experience required for beginners.

12129 Bellaire Blvd., Houston 77072 281-568-1568 • zen@cthouston.org CTHouston.org

“Transformation through Meditation” 281-766-4767 HoustonSOS.org

Beginning Meditation: (A) Wed, 7:30-9:30pm. (B) Sat, 10amnoon. Children Meditation: Sat 10am-noon - For children ages 4-12 and parents. Half-day Retreat: Sun., Feb. 21, 9amnoon. Sun., Mar. 13, 9am-noon. Meditation Workshop: Sun., Feb. 28, 10-11am. Sun., Mar. 20, 10-11am. Blessing Ceremony: Sun., Feb. 14, 10amnoon. Sun., Mar. 27, 10am-noon. Check the web site (event calendar) for the most current information See ad on page 19.

2919 Unity Drive Houston TX 77057 713-782-4050 UnityHouston.org

Join us every Sunday morning from 11:00 to 12:00 for free, guided meditation suitable for everyone. Led by senior dawn mountain members of the Dawn Mountain sangha (community), this meditation offers a chance to take a mindful pause from your busy life, enjoy serenity and fellowship, and learn a bit more about Buddhist practice at Dawn Mountain. See ad on pages 7 and 10.

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Tap into the profound wisdom through the teachings of saints and mystics; Learn a powerful meditation technique called Jyoti or Light Meditation and experience deep bliss and joy.

Jyoti Meditation Workshops for Spiritual Awareness - every Friday from 7:00-8:30pm and Spiritual Discourse with Meditation - every Sunday from 1:30-3:00pm both conducted at Carmel Temple 1208 Pennsylvania St, South Houston TX 77587.

Spiritual Discourse with Meditation - every Saturday from 12:00-2pm at India House 8888 W Bellfort Blvd, Houston TX 77031. See ad on page 11.

UNITY OF HOUSTON

DAWN MOUNTAIN CENTER FOR TIBETAN BUDDHISM 2010 Naomi Street, Suite A Houston, TX 77054 Dawnmountain.org

2619 Charles Lane Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-565-9718 UniversalDoor.org

Unity of Houston offers p o si t i v e , p r a c t i c a l teachings that support spiritual evolution and abundant living. The Unity movement is open and welcoming of all individuals regardless of race, color, gender, age, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, physical disability or sexual orientation. We take an extremely positive approach to life, emphasizing our Oneness in God and the goodness in people and all of life. We believe…”Life is meant to be good!” See our ad on page 18.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

NATURAL FOOD GRACE’S NUTRITION MARKET

1421 Spring Cypress Rd. Spring, TX 77373.

281-353-6630 facebook.com/Graces-Nutrition-Market

Grace’s Nutrition Market, your friendly neighborhood health store, packed full of well-seasoned knowledge, friendly advice, and goodies, has been in the same Spring, Texas location for upwards to 40 years, and current owner for at least 20 years. We specialize in any nutritional needs you may encounter in your daily life, from the common cold, to weight loss, or even full body nutritional counseling.

Grace’s is home to a wonderful pair, Robyn and Beverly, our Iridologist and Nutritionist. Iridology appointments are available throughout the week, or to just come talk to for good quality you can trust.

NATURAL HEALTH CHRIS KIRSCHBAUM Mydoterra.com/oilsedu oils.edu@gmail.com 801-592-4476

ARE YOU READY TO CREATE A HEALTHIER YOU IN 2016?

Are you searching for natural solutions to support your family’s health? Discover the power of essential oils and learn how they can support your mental physical and emotional health, in a safe, effective and affordable way that doesn’t have side effects. Get started today by requesting the free ebook “The Top 10 Essential Oil Uses Guide”.

NATURAL WATER FILTRATION & TREATMENT ACCENT NATURAL WATER Whole House Water Treatment 23206 I-45 North Spring, TX 77373 281-773-5441 AccentH20.com

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S I N Y O U R WAT E R ?

Houston has the 6th worst water in the country. Our system takes out chlorine, pesticides and more. Plus, we treat and condition the water to make it healthier for your family. More than a water softener, table top unit or RO alone.

Healthy water from every faucet or shower.

Member BBB-A+ rating since the 80’s. Call Henry 281-773-5441

PACKAGED MEALS NURTURE GOURMET MEALS 10402 Shadow Oak Drive Houston, TX 77043 NurtureMeals.com OrderYourMeals.com

Healthy meals in less than 2 minutes for less than the cost of a cheese burger. Prepared fresh. Locally sources ingredients.

No preservatives or additives. Delivered to your home or office. Inner loop areas delivery by our environmentally friendly cyclist team. Portion controlled. Vacuum sealed. Fully recyclable packaging. Order conveniently online. Healthy meals without sacrificing taste. See ad on page 8.

REFLEXOLOGY ORGANICALLY GROWN PRODUCE PLANT IT FORWARD

“a farm in every neighborhood” 832-983-0405 farmshareprogram@plant-it-forward.org Plant-it-forward.org

Join the Farm Share Program Today! Enjoy your own weekly box of our local, organically grown produce by enrolling in our Farm Share Program. Get 6-8 different varieties, enough for a family of 3-5 each week. Purchase a 5-week mini-season for $132, a perfect gift for your health-conscious loved ones or purchase a 20-week season for $507. Sign-up today for the Winter-Spring 2016 Season! See ad on page 32.

GABRIELA WILSON

office: 281-769-5053 gabriela.wilson@hispanic-md.com Hispanic-MD.net

Reflexology is the application of appropriate pressure and stimulation to specific areas of the feet, which has a great influence on the body’s vital energy, as it works “from the inside out” it helps to improve the nervous system to release tension and stress. It perfectly complements with other treatments to address conditions such as anxiety, asthma diabetes, cardiovascular issues, kidney functions, sinusitis among many others.

Other therapies available are, aromatherapy, biomagnetism, auricular therapy, detox ion baths and reiki.

THERMOGRAPHY THERMAL IMAGING SERVICES

ORGANIC RESORT & SPA DEER LAKE LODGE AND SPA 10500 Deer Lake Lode Rd. Montgomery Tx 77316 936-647-1383 DeerLakeLodge.com

All natural, organic, resort and spa. Semi-fast juicing cleanse, raw food classes, yoga, life enhancement classes, and a variety of natural spa and salon services. See ad on page 19.

Angel Marlow, CNHP, CAHC, CCT 3300 Chimney Rock, Ste. 208 713-621-4406 angel@thermalimagingtexas.com ThermalImaingTexas.com

No Compression, No Radiation, Painless. Digital Infrared Thermal Imaging or Thermography, creates images that illustrate heat patterns in the body. The thermal images are analyzed for abnormalities that may be signs of disease in the body. Thermography can be conducted onsite at your business through Thermal Imaging Services for Corporate Wellness.

Locations in: Houston, Lake Charles, LA, Katy, Beaumont, The Woodlands, Tyler and Kingwood. Call for current schedule and to make an appointment. See ad page 13.

natural awakenings

WELLNESS INTEGRATIVE THERAPIES FOR NATURAL HEALING & WELLNESS LIN WEISS MH, CYT HOLISTIC HEALER MEDICAL/SPIRITUAL INTUITIVE MASTER TEACHER Houston, Texas 77025 713.858.8595 linweiss@earthlink.net ConsciousHealingNow.com

Through her WHOLE-istic approach, Lin weaves inspired wisdom with proven healing traditions for integrating mind/ body & soul. ALL NATURAL, ALL THE TIME, she specializes in Homeopathy; Bio-energetic Healing; Neuro-chemical Analysis/ Balance; Chakra Attunement; Nutrition Therapies; Orchid Essences; Zero Energy Balance & more.

Addressing a wide range of symptoms, ie: Allergies; ADD/ADHD; OCD: Arthritis; Autistic Spectrum; Chronic Fatigue; Depression; Detoxification; Fibromyalgia; MS; Parkinsons: Trauma Release, etc. Intuitive Development classes now forming!

YOGA FOR MENTAL & PHYSICAL HAPPINESS TEXAS YOGA CONFERENCE 8888 West Bellfort Houston, TX 77031 TexasYogaConference.com

Welcome to year seven which will be held February 19-21, 2016 at India House located at 8888 W. Bellfort 77031. We inform adults and youth through educational materials, workshops, classes and trainings about the benefits of breathing techniques, meditation, and yoga to promote wellness. We believe yoga is a preventative and complementary treatment of diseases often caused by stress. Our intention is to promote not only the teachers of the practice but yoga as a way of life for all fostering peace and wholeness for the masses. See ad on Back Cover.

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www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com