Natural Awakenings-Houston September 2017 by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

H E A L T H Y

FREE

L I V I N G

H E A L T H Y

P L A N E T

feel good • live simply • laugh more

Yoga as a Way of Life Rodney Yee’s Advice for Staying on Track

Nature’s Classroom Outdoor Learning

Engages the Whole Child

CREATIVE

AGING Gloriously Enriching Our Later Years

September 2017 | Houston-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com natural awakenings

September 2017

Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

natural awakenings

September 2017

letterfrompublishers

reetings, September traditionally for me meant Back to School and the first signs of Fall. School has been in session for several weeks now and things have settled into a routine. While we can hope for that first cool spell toward the end of the month, the leaves definitely won’t be turning color yet. One tradition that does continue at Natural Awakenings is that September is Yoga Month. I confess that while I don’t practice yoga on a regular basis, I do enjoy visiting classes when I’m invited, attending monthly YogaMass® at Grace Episcopal Church when I am able, and practicing bhakti yoga at the ISKCON Temple. Cindy and I do practice pranayama at home and when we are stuck in freeway traffic. We find that it helps relieve stress and controls our blood pressure when mine is too high or Cindy’s is too low. Certainly, it is a better use of time than silently fuming about road construction or that crazy driver that cut us off. One of the things that has impressed me is that there are SO many kinds and styles of yoga. Whether you are looking for a great workout or a quiet spiritual practice, there is a yoga for you. If you have tried a yoga class and it’s physically too challenging or just not your “cup of tea,” don’t give up. Go to the National Yoga Month tab on our website and check out the map to the over 90 yoga studios in the Houston area. Surely, one of them will be right for you. There are also a number of free yoga classes listed in our Calendar of Events. This September is also the three-year anniversary of our purchasing of the magazine. We are saving the celebrations for November which was when we actually published our first issue so stay tuned for more details. Take care. Have fun and we hope to see you at one of the many events that will be happening around Houston this month.

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 Barbara Silberg • Jo Neil Norcini Carrie Harmon • Cherie Ray •

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sales@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com Barbara Silberg • Michael Vela • Tameka Jones

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Blessed be,

Mike & Cindy Hart

NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com © 2017 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.

Mike & Cindy Hart

PS. If you have a healthy living business, be sure to check our Facebook page for information about our free monthly Marketing Naturally seminar.

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

Houston

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contents 6 schoolspotlights

8 eventbriefs

11 healthbriefs

15 globalbriefs

17 fitbody

17 RODNEY YEE

18 diningnaturally 30 wisewords

Simple Strategies for Staying on Track

33 calendar

19 AGING WITH PASSION AND PURPOSE

Finding Fulfillment, Creativity and Meaning by Deborah Shouse

23 IGNITE YOUR LIFE

36 farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;markets

ON YOGA AS A WAY OF LIFE

by Marlaina Donato

28 healthykids

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.

38 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 Sales@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editor@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month..

Always Be Grateful

by Sarah Gish

24 YOGA IS FOR EveryBODY by Laura Burns

26 YOGA

A Journey Through The Chakras by Lin Weiss

28 NATUREâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S

CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month..

CLASSROOM

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.

Outdoor Learning Engages the Whole Child

by Meredith Montgomery

30 ZAYA AND

MAURIZIO BENAZZO

Joining Science to Spirituality by Linda Sechrist

NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com natural awakenings

September 2017

newsbriefs

Natural Awakenings Supports Local Community Radio

eginning in September we will be lending our support to three local radio programs that promote healthy living and a healthy planet. We invite you to listen to, participate in and support: Whole Mother, People of Earth and Vegan World Radio. Whole Mother discusses the political and practical aspects of being a mother today. Host Pat Jones and co-host Debbie Hull inform and educate on midwifery and natural birth, health and legal issues, and parenting. They interview parents, authors, health practitioners, and other local professionals. Recent shows have featured area birth centers, holistic health, careers in midwifery, and birth stories. Whole Mother is celebrating 10 years on the air, on KPFT 90.1 FM at 7:30 pm on Sundays. See ad on page 12. People of Earth, hosted by Jacquelyn Battise, provides Native American and non-Native people with timely news and information about culture, news and realities. What are the economic, social, political and spiritual issues facing Native Americans today? How can these issues be addressed? What is it like to be Native American and to walk in two worlds at once? Tune in Thursdays at 9pm KPFT 90.1 FM and find out. See ad on page 21. Vegan World Radio tells the story of the vegan revolution that is saving animals, the planet and our health. Hosted by members of the Vegan Word Radio Cooperative you can hear interviews with local vegans who talk about their journey to vegan living. Learn about the environmental, the ethical and health issues around a plantbased diet. Vegan World Radio may be heard at 8pm on Tuesday on KPFT 90.1 FM. See ad on page 9.

Women Veteran’s Natural Health and Wellness Summit

omen Veteran Services of Catholic Charities cordially invites you to experience, learn and embrace the benefits of a more healthy lifestyle. Our Natural Health and Wellness Summit is designed to educate you about and allow you to experience the myriad of natural health services and treatments that exist to help you look and feel your BEST! Experience on-site massage and healthy snacks. Learn how you may be able to reduce or eliminate some medications, grow healthy, strong hair, reduce your waistline and more. Come out and enhance your personal health. The event is FREE for women who have served in any branch of the military (active or reserve) and you can bring a friend. We’ll have activities for the children too! Breakfast and lunch will be provided. You won’t be disappointed. Space is limited so register fast! For questions, vendor or exhibitor information, contact womenveterans@ catholiccharities.org. Event to be held on Saturday, September 9, 2017 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Tellepsen Family YMCA, 808 Pease Street, Houston, TX 77002.

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Meditation: The Most Important School Supply for Kids!

YogaMass

he new school year has started and with that brings along stress, anxieties, and fears of all sorts…. And research has proven that meditation is powerful in helping young people deal with these issues. Meditation can even improve concentration, focus, self-awareness, listening skills, understanding, and communication… at home, school, and everywhere! The weekly Youth and Teen meditation classes at Universal Door Meditation Center are the perfect school supply for your young ones! Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, the founder and Awake teacher at Universal Door Meditation Center, introduces people of all ages to the world of AWAKE; she is Awakened and lives in the Awake world in everyday. It’s a world that’s open, fresh, spacious, unlimited, filled with clarity, compassion, true awakened happiness, and disturbed by nothing. From our 5-Day Youth and Teen Awake summer camps, we have seen how young students have the capacity to understand and discover a lot about this Awake World and how to get there with guidance from the Zen Masters of UDMC. From their own meditation experience, they learn how to settle down which allows the inner clarity to appear. They get a chance to discover who they truly are and return back to the original clear and bright Awake Mind within. The students get a chance to practice a variety of Awake Meditation styles such as sitting, walking, eating, and even playing meditation! They get to see that Awake Meditation can be applied to all parts of their lives, and are pleasantly surprised to see that it is more interesting than what they imagined and its definitely not limited to silently sitting on a cushion! The classes meet every Sunday from 11:00am to 12:30pm, followed by lunch. This is a great way for the young ones to start the new school year fresh, less stress, and clear minded about themselves and life. Register them now for our new Fall program from Sept. 10 – Dec. 10, 2017. Please call 281-565-9718 with questions; pre-registration is required. For more information, visit www.universaldoor.org. Universal Door Mediation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land 77498. Universaldoor.org. See ad on page 26.

A Healing Collective

t h e p l a c e wh e re h e a l i n g h a p p e n s

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

EFT and TGT-Algo Meridian Tapping Ange Finn, AAMET-certified 832-722-5955

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

Massage Therapy, LMT Olga Kiseleva

832-378-2490

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

Embodying Christ Consciousness Yo g a M a s s : E m b o d y i n g C h r i s t Consciousness is an inspirational book that builds a bridge for Christians who practice yoga to authentically embody their spirituality and faith. The author, an ordained Episcopal priest and certified yoga educator, weaves together yogic principles and practices and spiritual practices from different traditions with her own discovery that yoga’s ancient truths are complementary with Christian beliefs—taking one deeper into the spiritual life in ways that people of diverse faiths can embrace. On and off the yoga mat, this book points the way to discovering a whole self—body, mind, soul, and spirit—spiritual experience and connecting with God through an awakened open mind and heart. The book outlines The Reverend Gena Davis’ spiritual journey to create an exciting and powerful new practice of spiritual ritual and celebration called YogaMass®, an experience that integrates yoga, breath work, meditation, and Holy Communion and leads to embodying Christ Consciousness and awakening the soul. YogaMass® is held monthly in Houston. The next YogaMass® experience will be held on Saturday, September 23, 5 pm, at the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, 8100 Greenbriar, Suite 220, Houston, 77054. See YogaMass.com for more information and upcoming events. Yo g a M a s s : E m b o d y i n g C h r i s t Consciousness can be purchased at YogaMass® events, Brazos Bookstore on Bissonnet, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Balboa Press.

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

September 2017

eventbriefs

Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston: Native Plants for Houses of Worship

Discover the World of AWAKE!

Sunday, September 10, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

he Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites the interested public to attend a free lecture on Native Plants for Houses of Worship. There are many actions that faith communities can take to be more planet-friendly and meet their needs at the same time. One of these actions is to landscape with plants which consume less precious water, provide a sense of place to their campus and neighborhood, and better support wildlife. Join Jaime González, Community Conservation Director for the Katy Prairie Conservancy, for a presentation about using native plantings on your faith community campus. He will touch on how native plants are important for xeriscaping, provide resources and outlets for getting native plants, and even delve into the ethics of saving wildlife. Jaime holds a Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction - Science Education and a B.S. in Biology. The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston is the Houston chapter of TX Interfaith Power & Light, a division of TX Impact. Native Plants for Houses of Worship will take place on Sunday, September 10, from 4 – 5:30 p.m. at the University of St. Thomas, Robertson Hall, as well as online, via web meeting. Please register for this event, for planning purposes. The lecture will be recorded, so if you can’t make it, you can still get a copy of the recording to review later. The University of St. Thomas is located at 3800 Montrose Blvd. in Houston. Metro bus lines 82, 25 & 56 stop nearby. For more information, please contact Lisa Brenskelle at gcs.lrc@gmail.com.

Join the Grand Opening of Universal Door Meditation Center’s new 9-acre property! Sunday, October 8, 2017 – 10:00am to noon

t’s finally open! Universal Door Meditation Center has completed the first Awake building on their 9-acre property. Now it is finally ready for people of all ages, backgrounds, religions, and cultures to come to discover the world of Awake! What is the world of Awake? Is there such a place? Yes, and how do we know? We are so fortunate to have Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien who is not only the founder of Universal Door Meditation Center but also the guiding Awake teacher who lives in this Awake World each and every day. Her unlimited compassion, and mission to help all people Wake Up from illusion and break the system of ego, keeps her constantly active to share this message to the world so that many others can Awaken. The Awake World is a world of no ego, no judging, no discriminating, no comparing, no competing, no conflict, no stress, no suffering. It is a world that is open, spacious, light, peaceful, fresh, full of clarity, true awakened happiness and freedom, disturbed by nothing. Come meet the Zen Master! And find out about the world of AWAKE, as well as the classes, retreat schedule, Youth & Teen program, volunteering opportunities, and other ways to connect with the Awake within yourself! There will be an open reception and tour of the land starting at 9:00am, the Opening Ceremony from 10:00 to noon, followed by lunch for all. RSVP’s are appreciated but not required. For questions or to reserve your place, please call 281-565-9718 or email: contact@universaldoor.org. Universal Door Mediation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land 77498. Universaldoor.org. See ad on page 26.

he traveler sees what he sees; the tourist sees what he has come to see. ~Gilbert K. Chesterton 8

Houston

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Unlock the door to your next best life.

EarthDance-Houston Saturday, September 23rd

Seminar Helps Women Prepare for Divorce and Start Over on September 30th

GTGD_3.5x2_logo.indd 1

t’s time for a Universal Re-Evolution, moving us together through music and dance, towards our highest purpose of peace building and unity. Houston’s EarthDance 2017 sponsored by International Society for Krishna Consciousness and Ecstatic Dance Evolution, features a globally synchronized Prayer for Peace which happens simultaneously all over the world - in over 500 locations in 80 countries - people will connect in a powerful moment of coherent intention to generate healing vibrations all over the planet. A family event with lots of fun for everyone! Bring along your family, friends and children. Enjoy the series of sense feasting programs lined up for you... Prayer and Spiral Dance, yoga, fire spinning, dancing, music, vendors, workshops, a delicious vegan dinner (yummy!), mural painting, face painting and an opportunity to pet Mangla the Cow. Each EarthDance supports a local charity. This year 50% of the profits will go to Food for Life – Kid’s Meal Project.

7/11/17 9:53 AM

he Guide to Good Divorce seminars, launched in 2012, is a unique and increasingly popular Houston program designed to help women transition legally, financially and spiritually through the divorce process to a healthier, happier life—post-divorce. “Divorce is rarely easy—yet navigating these rough waters with a road map based on knowledge, preparation and support can be transformational,” explains Trey Yates, a Houston- based, board-certified, family law attorney and founder of the program. Our seminars are holistic in scope and provide women with vital information they need to make informed decisions about the divorce process and putting their lives back together. The program addresses the legal and financial challenges of divorce and also its potential as a time of self-discovery and personal growth. The program also encourages attendees to build support communities and address spiritual wellness needs. For more information on Guide to Good Divorce seminars, call 713-932-7177 or visit www.GuideToGoodDivorce.com. See ad on page 11.

This year’s event will be located on the campus of the new ISKCON Farm and Festival Center. EarthDance Houston 2017, 5415 Wheatley Street, Houston, TX 77095. facebook.com/ EarthDanceHouston. See ad on page 2.

natural awakenings

September 2017

Holistic Moms Network Open House - October 9th

aising a holistic family? The Southwest Houston Chapter of the Holistic Moms Network is holding an open house on Monday, October 9th at 7:00 PM at the Trotter Family YMCA. The event will include door prizes for services and products, a fermentation station, and sample treatments from some of Houston’s alternative health practitioners. The Holistic Moms Network is a national organization with chapters throughout the country. Their goal is to provide community and support for those seeking to live a holistic lifestyle. “Through monthly meetings our local chapters bring parents together in a non-judgmental environment that honors their lifestyle and parenting choices,” says the group’s executive director Dr. Nancy Massotto. “For new [and not-so-new] parents who choose to raise their children holistically, having the support of like-minded parents is critical.” The Holistic Moms Network encourages parents to trust their instincts, parent from the heart, and educate themselves about the pros and cons of all healthcare options. Through an online discussion group, events, and regular meetings, members of the group share life-changing information on positive parenting, alternative healthcare, and green living. Future meetings for this chapter will be the second Monday of the month at 7:00 PM at the Trotter Family YMCA. The group welcomes guests and speakers who wish to volunteer their time to educate others. Houston Holistic Mom’s Network, holisticmoms.org, hmnhouston@gmail.com

NEW PARADIGMS CONFERENCE AND HOLISTIC EXPO

ver the last 30 years, incidents that used to be considered out of the ordinary experiences have become much more accepted. Prior to these last few decades, anyone who reported a paranormal event was ridiculed or were thought to need psychiatric help. Recently our culture has grown to accept that an increasing percentage of the population has had experiences beyond those previously accepted as normal. In light of this, the New Paradigms Conference and Holistic Expo was established with two goals: to provide an open forum for experts to present their research and opinions as to what these new experiences mean, as well as to attract individuals, both new to these ideas, as well as those who have faced these phenomena and want to learn, explore, and expand their knowledge of these areas. New Paradigms Conference brings in the best of those individuals in their fields together in one place simultaneously. We hope you join us in Houston, Texas, on September 16 & 17, 2017, to experience the New Paradigms Conference and Holistic Expo! Visit our website for more information, newparacon.com

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healthbriefs Yoga Increases Healthy Brain Marker

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study from Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, in São Paulo, Brazil, suggests a link between regular yoga practice and an increase in brain cortical thickness, associated with memory and attention. The researchers used brain imaging scans (CT) to measure the cortical thickness of 42 Brazilian women older than 59. Twenty-one of the subjects had practiced hatha yoga regularly for at least eight years. These women were compared to 21 other women matched for age and education that engaged in other physical activity comparable to hatha yoga. The researchers found that the cortical thickness in the yoga practitioners was significantly greater in the left prefrontal lobe of the brain. This portion of brain gray matter is linked to awareness, attention, executive function and memory, suggesting that hatha yoga practice may be associated with cognitive preservation. The scientists added, “The present results parallel those previously reported in which younger yoga and meditation practitioners had greater gray matter volumes than non-practitioners compared to non-practitioners in the following brain regions: larger gray matter volume in the right anterior insula and right inferior temporal gyrus.”

Meditation and Music Aid Memory in Early Stages of Alzheimer’s

Divorce Happens. The end of a marriage often leaves us feeling flawed, enraged, anxious and lonely. Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty and pain, there are opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth and new beginnings. The Guide to Good Divorce program is designed to empower women to successfully navigate through divorce toward a fuller, healthier and happier life. The program offers information and advice from uniquely qualified experts on the law of divorce in Texas, divorce financial planning, life skills, and wellness.

Join other women and discover the keys to unlocking your next best life!

The Guide to Good Divorce Seminar

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new study from West Virginia University, in Morgantown, reveals that listening to music and practicing meditation may help improve memory function for those in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s disease. Researchers asked 60 adults experiencing subjective cognitive decline (SCD), a common predictor of Alzheimer’s, to engage in kirtan kriya musical meditation or listen to other music for 12 minutes a day for three months, and then consider continuing for an additional three months. Scientists measured the memory and cognitive function of the 53 participants that completed the six-month study and found significant improvements in both measurements at the three-month mark. At six months, the subjects in both groups had maintained or improved upon their initial results.

Saturday, September 30, 2017 8:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. The Houstonian Hotel, Club & Spa 111 N. Post Oak Lane Houston, Texas 77024

natural awakenings

Unlock the door to your next best life.

For details on seminars and upcoming events, visit

www.GuideToGoodDivorce.com or call 713-932-7177. September 2017

Listen • Share • Learn

“Whole Mother”

Every Sunday at 7:30pm Yana Ermakova/Shutterstock.com

Join us every Sunday as we discuss the political & practical aspects of being a MOTHER This Radio Program is hosted by Pat Jones

Yoga Lessens Back Pain and Opioid Use

W 90.1 KPFT is Houston’s Community Radio Station

Thermography can be used to visualize & document temperature patterns and changes.

Before you can feel it, Thermography can see it!

Breast Screening

Half Body Screening

Full Body Screenings

Thermal Imaging Services ThermalimagingTexas.com 713-621-4406 24550 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 Our Locations:

Katy *Houston *Kingwood/Humble *The Woodlands *Beaumont *Tyler *Tomball *Texarkana

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ith the U.S. opioid epidemic reaching a boiling point, insight into the effectiveness of alternative methods of pain relief has become increasingly relevant. Scientists from the Veterans Affairs San Diego Healthcare System have found yoga to be an effective technique to reduce back pain. The researchers divided 150 California veterans with chronic low back pain into two equal groups. One attended two yoga classes per week—comprising postures, movement and breathing techniques—for 12 weeks in addition to their more conventional treatment. The other continued such treatment without yoga. Scientists measured pain levels before and after the core study period and again six months later. After only 12 weeks, those that participated in the yoga practice experienced a 2.05 point reduction in Roland−Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, compared to a 1.29 reduction for those that received only usual care. After six months, this difference increased, with the yoga group’s scores decreasing 3.37 points compared to only an 0.89 reduction in the usual care group. In addition, pain intensity scores were reduced by 0.61 in the yoga group and 0.04 in the group receiving usual care after 12 weeks. Opioid medication use declined among all participants, from 20 percent to 8 percent after six months.

EARLY BIRDS EAT BETTER AND EXERCISE MORE esearchers from Helsinki, Finland, analyzed data from 2,000 people to find out how sleeping patterns affected their food choices. They discovered individuals that wake up early make healthier food choices throughout the day and are more physically active. “Linking what and when people eat to their biological clock type provides a fresh perspective on why certain people are more likely to make unhealthy food decisions,” explains lead author Mirkka Maukonen, from the National Institute for Health and Welfare, in Helsinki.

Yoga Eases Eating Disorders

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esearchers from Brown University, in Providence, Rhode Island, have found that regular yoga practice can help reduce anxiety and depression in young women with eating disorders. The scientists followed 20 girls between the ages of 14 and 18 that were enrolled in an outpatient eating disorder clinic that comprised the larger control group. Those selected agreed to participate in a weekly yoga class and complete questionnaires after six and 12 weeks, assessing their anxiety, depression and mood. Of those that started the study, five attended all 12 yoga classes and six completed between seven and 11 classes. Researchers found decreases in anxiety, depression and negative thoughts among those that participated in the yoga classes, with no negative side effects. Another study from the University of Delaware, in Newark, supports these results. Half of the 38 residential eating disorder treatment program participants did one hour of yoga prior to dinner for five days and the other half did not. The yoga group showed significant reductions in pre-meal anxiety compared to the control group.

Come practice with us! • Rooftop Yoga September 30 • Meditation Teacher Training Oct to Dec • Weekly Movement Classes $15 per class, unlimited $50 mo.

hines center.org Your movement studio in the heart of the city.

natural awakenings

September 2017

WELLNESS AWAITS YOU!

Transform Your Pain Into Fuel For Your Healing! What You Can Expect From Dr. Jackie’s Work: • • • • • • • •

A decrease in overall tension released from your body Eliminate old patterns of pain and fight flight stress Greater ease of respiration - bringing more oxygen to every cell Experience new energy and vitality with an increased ability to adapt to stress Increased range of motion and depth of emotional expression Constructive shifts in your perception of yourself and the world around you Enhanced and refined body-mind awareness & sensitivity to your Innate Rhythms A greater awareness of your gifts and ability to share those gifts with the world

Call (713) 521-2104 for a Free Consultation or to take advantage of our New Patient Package (value $633) for ONLY $197. Visit InnateChiropractic.com

Serving Next Level Chiropractic and whole body care for 20+ years!

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globalbriefs Milk Muddle

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The Aurora Organic Dairy pastures and feedlots north of Greeley, Colorado, are home to more than 15,000 cows—more than 100 times the size of a typical organic herd. It is the main facility of the company that supplies milk to Walmart, Costco and other major retailers. They adhere to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) organic regulations, but critical weaknesses exist in the inspection system the government uses to ensure that food is organic; farmers are allowed to hire their own inspectors to certify them, and thus can fall short of reaching standards without detection. Organic dairies are required to allow the cows to graze daily throughout the growing season rather than be confined to barns and feedlots. Although the USDA National Organic Program allows for an extremely wide range of grazing practices that comply with the rule, Aurora was observed onsite and via satellite imagery by the Washington Post as having only a small percentage of the herd outdoors on any given day. The company disputes the data. U.S. organic dairy sales amounted to $6 billion last year; although it is more expensive to produce, the milk may command a premium price of 100 percent more than regular.

Experiential Ed

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Gestalt-Based Curricula Emerging Finland, internationally renowned for innovative educational practices, is poised to become the first country to eliminate school subjects. Officials are making changes to be implemented by 2020 that will revolutionize how the school system works by allowing pupils to absorb a body of knowledge about language, economics and communication skills. “We need something to fit for the 21st century,” says Department of Education head Marjo Kyllonen. The system will be introduced for seniors beginning at age 16. They will choose which topic or phenomenon they want to study, bearing in mind their ambitions and capabilities. “Instead of staying passively in their benches listening to the teachers, students will now often work in smaller groups collaborating on projects, rather than just assigned classwork and homework.” Another new model of learning sparked by XQ: The Super School Project (xqsuperschool.org) is underway at New Harmony High School, housed on a floating barge at the mouth of the Mississippi River southeast of New Orleans. They’ve received a $10 million grant to work on environmental issues when it opens in 2018. “High schools today are not preparing students for the demands of today’s world,” says XQ Senior School Strategist Monica Martinez; she notes that about a third of college students must take remedial courses and are not prepared to thrive as employees. natural awakenings

Abel Zyl/Shutterstock.com

Organic Milk Producer Under Pressure

Free Wheeling

Architecture Becomes Portable Innovative, moveable mini-houses, tents and wagons are gaining advocates amid a trend toward traveling light with style. Designs range from the functional to the outlandish, and also encompass forms of transport from tugboats to tractors. The four-wheeled Collingwood Shepherd Hut wagon has a shingled exterior and wood-burning stove. Some options can provide ready shelter during a crisis or protection in extreme weather. The Rapid Deployment Module temporary dwelling can be assembled in an hour; DesertSeal’s inflatable, lightweight tent can ward off extreme heat. The experimental Camper Kart turns a shopping cart into a mini-home with a roof, sleeping deck and storage, all of which can be folded right back into the cart. The Portaledge is a small hanging tent that climbers can affix to a rock face and sleep in safely partway up the rock. Golden Gate 2 camper features a rounded timber frame, portholes and a spot for a surfboard. Find fun pictures at AtlasObscura.com/ articles/mobile-architecture-tiny-houses.

September 2017

Lin Weiss MH, MHT, CYT Holistic Practitioner Energy Healer Life Coach Yoga Therapist

Join Us & Discover Yogaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Benefits 281-674-9642

7062-B Lakeview Haven Dr. Unit 100, Houston, TX 77095

NurtureSoul.com Relax the back, Quieten the mind & Rejuvenate the Spirit!

713.858.8595 â&#x20AC;˘ conscioushealingnow.com 16

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fitbody

Rodney Yee on Yoga as a Way of Life

You can blink and half your life is gone. You can’t always be busy, busy, busy; you have to decide how to fill your life.

Simple Strategies for Staying on Track by Marlaina Donato

enowned yogi and international teacher Rodney Yee, of New York City, has maintained an inspired yoga practice for 37 years while juggling career obligations, fame and family life. While the benefits of yoga are increasingly well known— from stress reduction and pain management to a more limber body and inner peace—Lee is also aware of the challenges to maintaining a consistent practice. Here he shares insights on the pitfalls encountered by both beginning and advanced students. “My advice is to first get rid of self-berating behavior, including judgmental inner dialogue. In many aspects of life, we are constantly measuring ourselves against a standard, which is a waste of time and energy,” says Yee. With a professional background in classical dance and gymnastics, Yee decided to give yoga a try at a nearby studio when he craved more physical flexibility. “As many people do, I came to yoga for a reason. I was a dancer with tight joints. After the first class, I couldn’t believe how I felt. It was not at all like an athletic high; I had a sense of well-being and knew what it means to feel peaceful and clear.” For people with jam-packed lives, finding time for exercise can be daunting. Yee suggests a relaxed approach to scheduling yoga into a busy day. “As the rishis [Hindu sages] say, we shouldn’t ‘try’ to meditate, not try to force a natural state. To say, ‘I have to do yoga,’ just puts another thing on our to-do list. Sometimes discipline is needed, but another part of discipline is not about force.”

Different approaches to yoga abound, and part of staying motivated may include exploration of a variety of traditions as individual needs change due to lifestyle, health, interests or simple curiosity. Yee reminds us to go with the flow and follow how we feel in the moment. “Different schools of yoga exist because each offers something different. There is a form for all of our moods and a practice for how you feel at any given time.” Reflecting on how his own practice has evolved through the years, Yee recollects, “In my 20s and 30s, my yoga practice was arduous, including three to four hours of strong, physical work and a half hour of pranayama [breath work]. Then for 20 years, it involved a lot of teaching. Over the past 17 years, my practice has become more subtle, with a focus on sequencing and meditation; it’s about how to do this all day long in the context of my body and my life; about being both centered and in the world. In some way, we’re always doing yoga, as we already take 20,000 breaths a day. From a philosophical and ethical point of view, yogis have no choice but to practice.” Because many American women have found their way to a yogic path, men often assume it’s primarily a women’s niche. But yoga has been a male practice for nearly 2,500 years in other countries. Yee encourages men to not feel intimidated. “Why not try something that can help you improve your business, family life and even your golf game?” he queries. While Yee believes in a no-pressure approach, he also suggests inviting ways to foster consistency. “If you are just beginning, set aside a half-hour before going to bed or get up a half-hour earlier. Also note that pain is less to be avoided than learned from.” Wisdom can come from dedication to a yoga practice. Yee’s philosophy is, “You can blink and half your life is gone. You can’t always be busy, busy, busy; you have to decide how to fill your life. As spiritual teacher Ram Dass counsels, ‘Be here now.’ Train yourself to bring body, mind and heart together and fully drink from that.” Learn more at YeeYoga.com. Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

natural awakenings

September 2017

diningnaturally

In this column, Cindy and I review some of our favorite healthy eating restaurants around Houston. We invite you to try them too. Maybe you will agree with our reviews and maybe you won’t but you’d never know until you try.

Last Concert Café

his month I returned to one of our old favorite places, Last Concert Café. Last Concert is one of Houston’s original Tex-Mex restaurants and live music venues. Located on Nance Street in the Warehouse District, their new mural featuring Frida on the front wall makes them easy to find. There is street parking and also a $10 lot at the east end of the street. Part of the speakeasy vibe is still when you get to the red door which is locked, you knock loudly and someone will open it and let you in. If your impression of Tex-Mex is grease covered with greasy cheese, anything but healthy eating, you are in for a surprise. We usually choose Dawn’s Summer Special which features a crispy beef taco, bean tostada, chili con queso tostada and guacamole. It is light, very fresh and no grease. Since I’ve been cutting back on meat and exploring vegetarian and vegan options, I chose David’s Vegan Enchiladas which comes with

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black beans, Spanish rice and a small side salad. There is inside dining, the back patio, open air dining near the stage and two private dining rooms but since there were three parties going on plus the usual Friday night crowd, I ended up on the front patio with a view of the street. I thought that since it was so crowded that the service might be slow but I hadn’t been waiting long when my waiter brought chips and salsa and took my order. The drink and food orders followed soon after. The chips were fresh and unsalted. Salt to your taste but I didn’t since I’m cutting down on salt. You can definitely taste the fresh tomato, lime and cilantro in the rather spicy salsa. I was curious what vegan enchiladas would be like since how can you make enchiladas without at least filling them with meat or cheese and covering them with more cheese? I was not disappointed. They were filled with black beans, corn, red onions, red and green bell peppers, and covered with ancho chili sauce. All the flavors were distinct but blended well together. The beans were well cooked and savory, the corn sweet and crunchy, and the onions and peppers spicy but not too hot. If you like your Tex-Mex hotter, just put a little of the red salsa over it. The black beans were naturally slightly sweet but there was a savory smoky flavor. Who needs meat if beans taste this good. I’m not usually a fan of Spanish rice but the rice was really good with just a touch of chili. I’m also not a fan of most restaurant tomato and lettuce salads because the tomatoes are almost always tasteless. These had to be local and fresh. Just like I used to get back in Arkansas. With the parties going on inside, I didn’t stay for the music. I can’t wait to introduce Cindy to David’s Vegan Enchiladas on a night that is less busy. She is a big fan of the house bands. With the hot, hot weather we’ve been having Last Concert has reduced their hours. They are closed on Sunday and only open for lunch on Monday. Regular hours resume as soon as the weather gets cooler, maybe by the time you are reading this. Check their website for hours, menus and the bands schedules. Last Concert Café, 1403 Nance Street, Houston, TX 77002. See ad on page 29.

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Aging with Passion and Purpose Finding Fulfillment, Creativity and Meaning by Deborah Shouse

ant to age well? The answer isn’t in your 401k. Selfacceptance, a positive attitude, creative expression, purposeful living and spiritual connections all anchor successful and meaningful aging. In fact, these kinds of preparations are just as important as saving money for retirement, according to Ron Pevny, director of the Center for Conscious Eldering, in Durango, Colorado, and author of Conscious Living, Conscious Aging.

expectations and seek to discover your true self. Then the world can open up to you,” says Thomas. “Living a rewarding life means we are willing to say, ‘These chapters now are the most interesting.’” During this time, rather than feeling consumed by what we have to do, we

can focus on what we want to do.

Fill the Funnel of Friends

For older people, relationships offer foundational connections; but as we age, friends may drift away, relocate or die. “Successful aging requires refilling

Savor Self-Acceptance

While most people believe adulthood is the final stage of life, Dr. Bill Thomas is among the creative aging experts that identify another life chapter: elderhood. “Elders possess novel ways of approaching time, money, faith and relationships,” says Thomas, an Ithaca, New York geriatrician and fierce advocate for the value of aging. “The best chapters may be near the end of the book,” Thomas continues. “Once you appreciate yourself and your years, you can relinquish outdated

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September 2017

our funnel of friends,” says Thomas, who considers socially engaged elders with friends wealthier than a socially isolated millionaire. “Notice opportunities for interacting and connecting,” advises Shae Hadden, co-founder of The Eldering Institute in Vancouver, Canada. Talk with the checkout person at the grocery store or smile at a stranger walking her dog.

Cultivate a Positive Attitude Our beliefs about aging shape our

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experiences. A Yale University study found that older individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging lived 7.5 years longer than those less so inclined. Connecting with positive role models helps us release limiting beliefs and embrace an attitude of gratitude instead. Other life lessons can be gleaned from observing how negativity affects people physically, emotionally, and socially. Holding onto regrets traps us in the

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past zapping energy and self-worth; it also keeps the best in us from shining out says Pevny. He suggests a simple letting-go ceremony, with friends as witnesses. If possible, hold it in a natural outdoor setting. At one of his conscious aging retreats, Pevny created a fire circle. Mike, 70, had been a dedicated long-distance runner for most of his life. Now plagued with mobility issues, Mike decided to let go of regrets. He brought a pair of running shorts into the circle and talked about what the sport had meant to him—its

Understand Our Life Stories

Creating our own life review helps us acknowledge and understand our most significant experiences and reminds us of all we’re bringing to our elder journey. Pevny offers these approaches: n Develop a timeline, dividing life into seven-year sections. For each, write about the strongest memories and most influential people. n Consider what matters most, from people and values to challenges and dreams. n Write to children and grandchildren, sharing tales of our life’s most significant events and lessons. n Record key stories on audio or video.

Explore the Arts

The changes that aging brings can mire elders in depression and isolation. “Older people need to be brave and resilient,” says Susan Perlstein, of Brooklyn, New York, founder emeritus of the National Center for Creative Aging, in Washington, D.C., and founder of Elders Share the Arts, in New York City. “To age creatively, we need a flow of varied experiences, exploring new activities or reframing longtime interests from a fresh perspective.” Expressive arts can engage people’s minds, bodies and spirits. A George Washington University study shows that people engaged in the arts are happier and healthier. Perlstein understands this firsthand, having begun taking guitar lessons in her 70s. Motivated to play simple songs for her new granddaughter, she subsequently learned to play jazz and blues tunes and joined a band. “I’m doing something I love,” says Perlstein. “I’m meeting diverse people, learning new things and enjoying a rich life.” Musician John Blegen, of Kansas City, Missouri, was 73 when he realized his lifelong secret desire to tap dance. When Blegen met the then 87-year-old Billie Mahoney, Kansas City’s “Queen of Tap,” he blurted out his wish and fear of being “too old.” She just laughed and urged him to sign up for her adult beginner class.

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joys, challenges and camaraderie. Then he tossed the shorts into the fire, telling his friends, “I am letting go so I can find a new purpose and passion.”

Older people are our greatest resource. We need to nurture them and give them a chance to share what they know. ~Susan Perlstein, founder, National Center for Creative Aging and Elders Share the Arts He asked for tap shoes for Christmas and happily shuffle-stepped his way through three class sessions. “Tap class inspired me, encouraged me and gave me hope,” he says. “Now I can shim sham and soft shoe. It’s a dream

come true.” To unearth the inner artist, ask: n Which senses do I most like to engage? n Do I enjoy looking at art or listening to music? Do I like sharing feelings and experiences? If so, a thrill may come from writing stories or plays, acting or storytelling. n As a child, what did I yearn to do; maybe play the piano, paint or engineer a train set? Now is the time to turn those dreams into reality. n How can I reframe my life in a positive way when I can no longer do activities I love? If dancing was my focus before, how do I rechannel that energy and passion? If puttering in the garden is too strenuous, what other outdoor interests can I pursue? The answers can lead to fresh settings, including local community centers and places of worship. Many universities have extension classes for lifelong learners. State arts councils support programs, and museums and libraries host helpful activities. Shepherd Centers encourage community learning and Road Scholar caters to elders that prefer to travel and study.

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Creative Aging Resources

Nearly three-quarters of America’s adults believe they are lifelong learners. It helps them make new friends and community connections and prompts volunteerism. ~Pew Research Center

Discover a Purpose

Upon retirement some people feel purposeless and lost. They yearn for something that offers up excitement, energy and joy. Hadden invites people to be curious and explore options. “We’re designing our future around who we are and what we care about now,” she says. Try keeping a journal for several weeks. Jot down issues and ideas that intrigue, aggravate and haunt. After several weeks, reflect on the links between concerns that compel and those that irritate. Perhaps we’re intrigued by a certain group of people or a compelling issue. “A concern points to problems and people you want to help,” Hadden observes. This can range from lending a hand to struggling family members, maintaining our own health, volunteering for a literacy project or working to reduce world hunger. “Choose what inspires you to get out of bed each day, eager to move into action.”

Develop Inner Frontiers

People in their elder years may still be measured by midlife standards, which include physical power, productivity and achievement. “They come up short in the eyes of younger people,” dharma practitioner Kathleen Dowling Singh remarks. “But those standards do not define a human life.” Rather, aging allows us to disengage from the pressures of appearances and 22

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accomplishments. As we release judgments and unwanted habits, we can increase our feelings of spirituality and peace. “When doors in the outer world seem to be closing, it’s time to cultivate inner resources that offer us joy and meaning. We have the beautiful privilege of slowing down and hearing what our heart is saying,” says Singh, of Sarasota, Florida. Meditation is one way to deepen spiritually as we age. “Sit in solitude, gather your scattered thoughts and set an intention,” Singh suggests. “A daily practice shows what peace, silence and contentment feel like. As you become more comfortable, add time until you’re sitting for 20 to 40 minutes.”

Acknowledge Our Shelf Life

“We cannot speak about aging and awakening without speaking about death and dying,” Singh believes. “We need to confront our mortality.” Meditating on the coming transition opens us up to the blessings of life. We can ask ourselves deep questions such as, “What am I doing? What do I want? What does this all mean? What is spirit?” Singh believes such searching questions are vital. None of us knows how much Earth time we have to awaken to a deeper, fuller experience of the sacred.

Help the World In today’s world of chaos and crisis, the www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Center for Conscious Eldering CenterForConsciousEldering.com Changing Aging ChangingAging.org Dr. Bill Thomas DrBillThomas.org The Eldering Institute Eldering.org Elders Share the Arts Estanyc.org From Aging to Sageing Sage-ing.org Kathleen Dowling Singh KathleenDowlingSingh.com National Center for Creative Aging CreativeAging.org Shepherd’s Centers of America ShepherdCenters.org wisdom of elders is more important than ever. “Older people need to be engaged, using their insights to help the Earth, community and world,” Pevny says. Creative aging is about improving the future for subsequent generations. In 2008, longtime educator Nora Ellen Richard, 70, of Overland Park, Kansas, wanted to be of greater service. She asked herself, “What if I housed a foreign student?” and found the International Student Homestay Program. She embarked upon an exploration of cultures from around the world without leaving home. Today, Richard has hosted more than a dozen female students and each relationship has expanded and enriched her life. “We talk about politics, food, religion and cultures; we even pray together,” Richard says. She points to memorable moments of bonding and respect, appreciation and celebration, and says, “As I’ve grown older, I’ve learned how vital it is to nurture the world I am in.” Deborah Shouse is a writer, speaker, editor and dementia advocate. Her newest book is Connecting in the Land of Dementia: Creative Activities to Explore Together. Connect at DementiaJourney.org.

One very important way to say thank you for financial abundance is to tithe. Give back to organizations you care about. If you can give away 10 percent, go for it. I do that every week and it’s scary but it’s my way of saying thank you to the universe. I don’t do it to get money back but I seem to always have enough. I also like to do fun things with my money like pay somebody’s dinner bill or leaving a bigger than usual tip. Saying thanks doesn’t ever have to be a chore! “Always be grateful.” is one of my twelve ways to ignite your life daily – ways that, if followed, will stave off addiction, depression, anxiety, and isolation. Being ignited for your life does that!

IGNITE YOUR LIFE “Always Be Grateful” by Sarah Gish

“A

lways be grateful.” is the ninth way to ignite your life in my “IGNITE YOUR LIFE!” art project and community campaign (www.IgniteYourOwnLife.com) and the word associated with this concept is “THANK.” Gratitude is the key to holding on to joy. I don’t know about you – but when good things happen to me, I get nervous that they won’t come my way again. Or that others will get jealous. Or that maybe I’m not worth it. But if I stop and say thank you in some way, those feelings dissipate. I’m not sure why exactly but I think it has to do with hearts connecting. When we do things for each other – and we thank each other – we come together. And it keeps the abundance flowing. Being thankful as a way of life requires practice. My mom taught me to write

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thank-you notes and I taught my kids to do the same. It can start with something as simple as that. Sometimes when I do workshops, I have people write a thankyou note to someone important to them. When was the last time you did that? Who can you thank in your life? I start and end my day with a list of who I’m grateful for and what I’m grateful for. It helps me highlight the good. And it keeps the love flowing because the more you focus on something, the more it grows. There are other ways to give thanks: keep a gratitude journal, say “thank you” out loud or in your head many times during the day, pause before each meal for a moment of thanks or prayers, make gratitude art, post “thank you” signs all over your house. Do whatever it takes to work that gratitude muscle!

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Sarah Gish is an igniter, a connector, an artist, a mother – and much more! See her work at www.GishCreative.com and contact her at sarah@gishcreative.com and 713-492-1173. She produces a weekly blog highlighting unique cultural activities for adults and kids in Houston, which is at www.GishPicks.com. Her IGNITE YOUR LIFE! art project is at www.IgniteYourOwnLife.com; the complete list of her “12 Ways to Ignite Your Life Daily” can be accessed there. Sarah also does private intuitive guidance sessions on Mondays at Body Mind & Experience Your Special Delivery Soul; to schedule one, please call the In A Comfortable Intimate Setting store at 713-993-0550. See ad, page 10.

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September 2017

Yoga is for EveryBODY by Laura Burns

he Body Positive movement has created a shift in how we view the relationship between our bodies and our minds. Body positivity affirms that each of us deserves to love and respect ourselves regardless of our size, race, ability, and gender expression. For some who have been taught they’re less because of their body, this may be a complete reversal of thought! Yogis struggling to accept and love themselves can truly benefit from asana class steeped in body positivity. The change in perspective can help them reap the benefits of yoga to improve their mental and physical health for life-changing results in and out of the studio. When I began to explore yoga I

couldn’t find instructors trained in working with folks in bigger bodies like mine. I desperately wanted to improve my connection with my body, learn about yoga, and create a lasting practice to benefit my health and wellness. I attended class after class with instructors who didn’t know what to do with my body, so they either ignored my needs completely or over-highlighted me in a strange attempt at making me feel comfortable. Spoiler alert: it didn’t work. These experiences were incredibly disheartening. I wanted the yoga high after class, the epiphanies my friends having mid-down FREEwere Monthly AFFIRMATION Gathering! dog, the joy of experiencing alignment 24thin7:00 – 8:30Instead PM I had and June strength myPM body! Spectrum Center 4100time Westheimer negative experiences and again, ul-

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timately deciding that I just wasn’t made for yoga and spending the next 10 years avoiding yoga completely. I eventually found my way back into yoga class, teacher training, and created Radical Body Love Yoga to bring accessible body positive classes to people who don’t feel comfortable and safe in traditional yoga spaces. Radical Body Love Yoga combines body positive philosophy and accessible asana options to create a comprehensive practice that helps foster students’ love, respect, and acceptance for their bodies. Through body positive cues, sequences, and pose options, I encourage students to explore and honor what their bodies can do in each moment without comparing themselves to other people or their past selves. The following are 3 tips for incorporating body positivity into your yoga practice! It’s about the benefit of the pose, not how it looks! Every pose is challenging for someone. Your pose doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s. You may easily slide into Child’s Pose and feel comfortable, safe, and happy while the student next to you is in pain, uncomfortable, or feeling anxious. There is always another option to reap the benefit of the pose. For example, Child’s Pose is a resting pose designed to help you feel calm, comfortable, and safe by creating a delicious C-shaped curve of the spine. Folding forward can be challenging for folks with larger bellies and feel unsafe for those dealing with trauma. That same C-shape can be achieved by sitting comfortably and gently tucking chin towards chest. For more support the forehead can come to a stack of yoga blocks to create a restorative posture that suits most bodies. Props are your friend. It sounds simple, but many classes are not taught from a supported starting point. Try flipping the script and starting from the most supported version of the pose and then

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adjusting as you go. Start with a block, dial the height down, and let go when you’re ready. The important part is that you’re in control. For teachers, starting everyone with props means that people can try it with support and then continue or opt out. There’s no awkward walk across the room when you realize you really do need a strap for this Extended Big Toe, and many seasoned students find that they enjoy using props as well. Props are not for ‘those who can’t’, they’re a great tool to enrich everyone’s practice. You’re the expert. Often there’s an emphasis on pushing through, working harder, or finding the full expression of the pose that can lead you past your edge and mean a physical injury or feeling like you’re not doing enough. Give yourself permission to recognize that you’re the expert on your body. You know when you’re at your edge, when you don’t need to push any harder, and when you need to not push at all. It doesn’t matter what the teacher says, if you trust yourself to know your own limits and needs you will gain more from class and have a better experience. These tips are just the beginning! There’s a whole world of body positivity and yoga out there for you. Remember to be kind to yourself and always give yourself permission to give your body what it truly needs. To learn more about Radical Body Love Yoga, visit radicalbodylove.com. Laura teaches four classes weekly at Studio NiaMoves in the Houston Heights. Register online at niamoves.com.

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YOGA A Journey Through The Chakras by Lin Weiss

hen we hear the word “Chakra” it often gets dismissed as lofty or “woo-woo” in a sort of New Age-y, roll of the eyes, manner. In reality, the Chakra System is a proven, empowering and logical frame of reference for understanding the truth of our being, physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually. It provides a thorough and accurate classification for decoding illness, emotional affliction and human suffering on the deepest of levels. With methodical knowledge reaped from a clear understanding of the energy or light centers in the human body, we can achieve profound healing for ourselves, learn what it means to be healthy and make the necessary adjustments to create a full and happy life. There are differing systems that have their roots in Classical Hatha Yoga; esoteric Hindu wisdom; Traditional Chinese Medicine (as a basis for Acupuncture therapy) and Buddhist perspectives. There are new chakra theories being introduced with an emphasis on unique characteristics specific to the Western matrix and variances within myriad religious and spiritual practices. These differences often perplex and confuse however it is my experience that they all share common foundations, goals, and consequent validity. The more one studies and understands the basic philosophies of the ancient systems, the more clarity emerges and the ease of integration with newer models.

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Chakra is a Sanskrit word for “wheel” or “cycle.” There are seven primary chakras in the human body. Each one bears its own significance to specific body systems, emotional components, the endocrine system and spiritual understanding or unfoldment. What has become widely understood and valued for its healing insight, is the condition of the chakras’ direct link to physical health vs. disease based on one’s psycho-spiritual beliefs and perceptions. In classical Hatha Yoga each asana (posture) is designed to tweak and tune-up specific chakras and glands – balancing the delicate hormonal stasis and creating harmony and wellness through the glandular system. This is why Yoga makes us feel so good, recharged and vital. It is a timeless practice with therapeutic benefits for everyone of all ages. The education of and investigation by every individual into what have heretofore been mysterious, archaic structures, will have an immense effect on generations to come as we magnetize health and wellbeing - making it our personal responsibility and birthright. Relinquishing reliance on pharmaceutical drugs and medical therapies that actually inhibit health and wellbeing will be a genetic godsend to the restored vitality of any disease-ridden culture. Destruction of natural immunity through the fear-inducing indoctrination of organizations that sell drugs and vaccines is criminal. Dr. Mercola, a grass-roots educator and New York Times Best Selling author documents, “Death by medicine is a 21st-century epidemic, and America’s “war on drugs” is clearly directed at the wrong enemy! Prescription drugs are now killing far more people than illegal drugs, and while most major causes of preventable deaths are declining, those from prescription drug use are increasing, an analysis of recently released data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) by the Los Angeles Times revealed. The Times analysis of 2009 death statistics, the most recent available, showed:  For the first time ever in the US, more people were killed by pharmaceutical drugs than motor vehicle accidents.

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 37,485 people died from drugs, a rate fueled by overdoses of prescription pain and anxiety medications, versus 36,284 from traffic accidents.  Drug fatalities more than doubled among teens and young adults between 2000 and 2008, and more than tripled among people aged 50 to 69. Anyone involved in the process of making, marketing, prescribing and subscribing to the administration of pharmaceuticals has blood on their hands. Including, but not limited to, the insurance industry, the FDA and the federal government. This is more of a call to action than a criticism. I come from a long family line of medical professionals, including doctors, pharmacists and insurance providers. We are all steeped in a system that is clearly evolving in detrimental and out of control ways. This is my opinion and conclusion based on many years of experience, observation and study in the western medical model as well as profound, even “miraculous” healing through the practice and wisdom of the chakra system, energy medicine and vibrational attunement. No one will dispute that we are in a time of medical crisis in this country. There is increasing illness among younger and younger people, despite rigorous vaccination regimens. Perhaps they are a culprit? The good news is, that we have freedom and choice. We are in a time that we must advocate for that freedom of choice. You do not have to receive inoculations. YOU DO have many options for profound and natural

healing abundantly available in this country as well as others. Educating ourselves is a direct path to self-healing. The chakra system is a comprehensive example. Don’t believe everything you hear or read. Do your own research, learn how your body systems work and are intimately connected. Heal through nutrition. Find out what your body needs and wants. A consistent yoga practice keeps the chakra system open and balanced. Drink naturally sourced water high in earth energy and minerals, fluoride-free. Let go of beliefs and indoctrination steeped in lack in the physical body. Let go of the sources that broadcast such a notion, i.e. every electronic device, walk-a-thons and charities and behemoth institutions dedicated to disease under the guise of “healthcare”. There is a divine matrix dwelling deep within each of us. Tapping that well brings us into homeostasis, mind, body and soul. Take back your dominion. If we are created by Divine Intelligence, then we must be Divine Intelligence. Pranam… Lin Weiss is a Holistic Practitioner, Educator, Writer, Mind/Body and Yoga Therapist practicing in Houston, TX. She specializes in Chakra Attunement; Homeopathy; Nutrition Therapy; Life Enhancement; and Conscious Curriculums educating individuals and groups in the healing power of the Mind/Body Connection. Contact Lin at 713-858-8595 or linweiss@earthlink.net. See ad on page 16. Register Now for Fall Curriculum! “Exploring Health & Higher Consciousness Through the Chakra System”. Begins 9/27/17.

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September 2017

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tions throughout the city, ranging from 15 to 160 acres. With no buildings, playgrounds or commercially produced furniture and 30 percent less overhead, “We can make exceptional education affordable,” remarks CEO Andrew Jay. “Most of the day is spent exploring the forest. If children see salmon in the stream, we observe them from a bridge, and then search out the headwaters to see where they’re coming from,” explains Jay.

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Nature Preschools

NATURE’S CLASSROOM Outdoor Learning Engages the Whole Child by Meredith Montgomery

Nature-based schools provide a child-centered, guided discovery approach to early learning that appeals to kids, parents and teachers and offers far-ranging benefits.

or youngsters at Tiny Trees Preschool, in Seattle, nature is their classroom— rain or shine; tuition even includes a rain suit and insulated rubber boots. At Schlitz Audubon Nature Preschool, in Milwaukee, children use downed wood to build forts and fires. Students of Vermont’s Educating Children Outdoors (ECO) pro-

gram use spray bottles of colored water to spell words in the snow.

Forest Schools Based on the publicly funded forest kindergarten model used by Scandinavian countries since 1995, Tiny Trees encompasses seven urban park loca-

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The launch of Earth Day in 1970 and America’s nature center movement in the 1960s yielded another immersive nature-based model that includes indoor learning. The preschool at the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified Schlitz Audubon Nature Center includes three nature-focused indoor classrooms and three outdoor areas— two with manmade structures like a slide and picnic tables, and one left completely natural. Founding Director Patti Bailie says the children spend most of their day outside and teachers can take them beyond the play areas to explore 185 acres of prairie, forest, wetlands and lakefront beach habitats.

Public School Programs ECO currently collaborates with seven Vermont public schools from preschool to high school, offering year-long programs for students in inquiry-based outdoor learning for up to four hours a week. “We immerse ourselves in nature with a 10-minute hike into the forest,” says program coordinator Melissa

Purdy. Students first learn safety protocols and how to set up camp. Introducing skill-appropriate tools, preschoolers whittle sticks, third-graders build teepees and lean-tos, and high school students build bridges across streams.

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Building Resiliency Sharing space with insects and plants requires special safety protocols and preparation, but the injury rate of outdoor learning is no higher than that of indoor schools. “Children are building risk literacy—they climb trees, but only to safe heights; they step on wet rocks, but learn how to do so without falling,” says Jay. Classrooms without walls work because students have a sense of freedom within reasonable boundaries. “In winter, we dress warmly and do more hiking to generate body heat. We use picnic shelters in heavy rains. Children don’t have anxiety about the future—rain means puddles to splash in and snow means building snowmen,” says Jay.

Developing the Whole Child Outdoor learning naturally creates knowledge of local ecosystems, environmental stewards and a sense of place, but teachers also observe many other developmental benefits. At the Magnolia Nature School, at Camp McDowell, in Nauvoo, Alabama, Madeleine Pearce’s agile and surefooted preschoolers can hike three miles. Located in a rural county with a 67 percent poverty rate, the school partners with Head Start to secure tuition-free opportunities for families. Pearce attests how exploring the 1,100-acre property fosters language skills. “With less teacher instruction, children have more time to talk freely with each other.” Instead of loudly calling kids in, Purdy uses bird calls or a drum, which fosters a sense of peace and respect. During daily sit time students observe themselves as a part of nature. “As birds sing and wildlife appears, children see the rewards of quiet and stillness, so self-regulation becomes natural,” agrees Bailie. Bailie sees how children in forest kindergartens express better motor skills, physical development and cognitive abilities than those restricted to traditional playgrounds. Natural playscapes change with the season, are sensory-rich and provide extra oxygen to the brain—all factors that correlate to brain development. Such benefits are reported in BrainBased Learning by Eric Jensen, Brain Rules by John J. Medina and the Early Childhood Education Journal. Outdoor preschools also foster microbial exposure, essential for healthy immune system development. “Without this exposure, children are at increased risk for developing allergies, asthma, irritable bowel disease, obesity and diabetes later in life,” says B. Brett Finlay, Ph.D., author of Let Them Eat Dirt, which cites supporting science. Kindergarten readiness is a goal of all preschools, but Pearce doesn’t believe a traditional academic focus is required. “By putting nature first, children are socially and emotionally ready for kindergarten,” she says. “They know how to conquer challenges and are ready to take on academics.” Meredith Montgomery publishes Natural Awakenings of Gulf Coast Alabama/Mississippi (HealthyLivingHealthyPlanet.com).

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Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo JOINING SCIENCE TO SPIRITUALITY by Linda Sechrist

n 2008, the Sebastopol, California, filmmaking team of Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo created Science and Nonduality (SAND), which later became a nonprofit organization aimed at fostering a new relationship with spirituality that is free from religious dogma, based on timeless wisdom traditions, informed by cutting-edge science and grounded in direct experience. The next year, they organized the first SAND conference, exploring nonduality and the nature of consciousness. Since then, the duo has been producing short films that contribute to the expansion of human awareness, and hosting annual conferences in the U.S. and Europe involving leading scientists, academics and other pioneering thinkers. Thousands of participants from around the world interact in forums and respectful dialogues with luminaries such as Menas Kafatos, Ph.D., a professor of computational physics at Chapman University, in Orange, California; Peter Russell, a theoretical physicist and author of From Science to God: A Physicist’s Journey into the Mystery of Consciousness; Robert Thurman, Ph.D., professor of Tibetan Buddhist studies at Columbia University, in New York City; evolutionary biologist Elisabet Sahtouris, author of EarthDance: Living Systems in Evolution; and Robert Lanza, physician, scientist and co-author of Biocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe.

Where do revelations about a deeper reality begin? M B : I n d iv i d u a l a n d c o m m u n a l explorations often occur around life’s big questions, such as what it means to be conscious and to seek meaning and purpose; the possible place of intuition as the edge where knowledge meets the 30

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unknown and unknowable; and how crucial individual awakening is to social transformation.

crises, could all be things of the past, based on a new quantum understanding of our interconnectedness and oneness.

What is meant by nonduality?

How has the nonduality movement evolved?

ZB: Nonduality is the philosophical, spiritual and scientific understanding of fundamental oneness in which there is no separation. Through quantum mechanics, Western science has reached an understanding of what Eastern mystics have long understood. Duality, generally determined in terms of opposites such as self and other, conscious and unconscious, illusion and reality, as well as separation between the observer and the observed, is an illusion. Nonduality is the understanding that our identifying with common dualisms avoids recognition of a deeper reality. Until recently, human sciences have ignored the problem of consciousness by calling it the “hard problem”. This has led to our present fragmented worldview rife with chaos, conflict and crises. It may be time for scientists to accept the discoveries of the mystics and consider consciousness intrinsic to every observed scientific phenomenon. Understanding that consciousness is the key to the universe, reality and ourselves may be the missing link in bridging science and spiritualty.

What difference can exploring the nature of consciousness make? ZB: Understanding the new science that points to consciousness as all-pervasive and the fundamental building block of reality—that we are all made of the same essence, like drops in the ocean—can change how we approach and harmonize day-to-day living. We can be far more open, peaceful and accepting of others. Absurd violence, as well as economic, social and political www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

MB: SAND has evolved into something we never imagined when we began discussing the ideas that the true spirit of science and spiritually is best supported by an open mind and a non-dogmatic inquiry; while science seeks to understand our external reality and spiritual thinkers seek to understand our inner, personal experience of consciousness, these seemingly different disciplines rarely come together in open dialogue. It became more evident that we weren’t looking for scientific answers or proof of what spiritual wisdom traditions teach, but rather to expand the questions asked of both science and spirituality. Open-ended questions arise such as: What if space and time are just useful maps and quantum mechanics is pointing us to a deeper reality more mysterious than we can ever imagine? What if science and spirituality, while responding to our collective aspiration to grow and progress, would no longer need to carry the burden of having all the answers? What if we considered our search open-ended, rather then having to arrive at a grand theory of life or final state of enlightenment? What if, while we probe deeper into reality and who we are, we realize that knowledge gathered will always be just a stepping-stone? For information about the 2017 conference in San Jose from Oct. 18 to 22, visit ScienceAndNonduality.com. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect online at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

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ongoingevents daily Houston Arboretum. 7am-7pm. Walk in nature. Learn about native plants and wildlife. Free. Houston Arboretum 4501 Woodway Dr., 77024. houstonarboretum.org St. Arnold Brewing Company - Brewery Tours. Mon.-Fri. Public Tours at 1:00pm and 3:00pm – no admission charge, food and beer a la carte prices. Sat. Tours at 12pm, 1pm, and 2pm - $10 Admission Charge (includes souvenir glass and four 8oz samples). 2000 Lyons Ave, 77020. saintarnold.com 713-686-9494 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 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 Healing Circles at St. Paul’s Houston. Healing Circles bring people together in the midst of difficult circumstances. Whether someone is experiencing grief, going through a divorce or raising a child with special needs, Healing Circles allow renewal to happen in community within a safe, accepting environment. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. For available groups, times, and more info visit www.stpaulshouston.org/healing-circles Addiction Recovery. Al-Anon is a fellowship of relatives and friends of alcoholics who share their experience, strength, and hope. Groups meet at St. Paul’s on Sundays at 6 pm in S-109; Mondays at noon in S-109; and Wednesdays at noon in S-105. Additionally, a Spanish-speaking group meets on Sundays at 5 pm in A-101. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 5501 Main St., 77004. Yoga Class. Mon. - Sat. visit site for daily times. Yoga brings the practitioner into intimate relationship with their Self. Every teacher at The Hines Center provides the best class for the practitioners who arrive — helping students grow their practice regardless of experience, strength or flexibility. Sign-up at hinescenter.org/class-schedule/ or drop-in before class. $15 per session, 10% discount for registering online, or unlimited movement classes $50 per month. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002.

monday Tai Chi at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 9am–10am. Meet in the Activity Center/Gym. No special clothing or gear is necessary. Free and open to the public. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. www.stpaulshouston.org

The Sidemen. 9pm-1am. Live music at The Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). A fellowship of men and women recovering from alcoholism through mutual support and accountability. An open meeting called Calumet Friends meets on Mondays at 7 pm in J-203. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 5501 Main St., 77004. 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 Courtyard 521 Lamar, 77002. houstonfoodnotbombs.org

tuesday Grace2Go. 7:00-8:30 am. On the go? Want a boost to the start of your day? Drive thru for free coffee, a breakfast bite, and a prayer if desired. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. www.graceinhouston.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://bit.ly/2kbWEst Tom Turner Band. 5pm-7pm. Live music at The Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com T’ai Chi Ch’uan. 5:45pm-7:00pm. Intended for serious relaxation, this class concentrates on creating and moving Chi/Qi (vital force) through meditation while moving. Jon Naylor teaches the traditional Yang Style short form with martial arts references. Beginners are encouraged to arrive early. Free. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin Street, 77004. firstuu.org The Self-Invest Series with Helen Racz. 6:45pm-8:45pm. Happiness and success can often seem illusive, mysterious or even magical, like we need a special chant, a favor from the Divine or to find just the right key to make it a regular part of our lives. LEARN how to apply SPIRITUAL LAWS to your everyday life EASILY & with FUN and HUMOR. Cost: $125 Monthly. Spectrum Center, 2060 North Loop West, Suite 205, 77018. HelenRacz.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. South Community Center. 2235 Lake Robbins Drive, The Woodlands, 77380. 832-433-2415. info@Houston-Meditation.org Circus Arts. 6-8pm. Circus Arts will consist of ground arts and acrobatics such as contortion/flexibility, Low Tight wire, Partner acrobatics, juggling and hand balancing. Circus Arts is taught by instructors from Cirque la Vie, a Houston Contemporary Circus company formed by Reyie Nal. Must be 13 and up for class. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

Yoga on the Green. 11:30am-12:30pm. Strengthen, relax and recharge. Presented in partnership with Texas Military Veterans Network. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

Intro to Meditation 101. 7-8pm. Universal Door Meditation Center offers this free, 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 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718

Barre Class. 5:30pm-6:20pm. In Barre Class, we use a ballet barre for isometric strength training. The class uses elements from Yoga and Pilates to build strength, flexibility, alignment and balance - helping us keep a nice, toned physique. Sign-up online at hinescenter.org/class-schedule/ or drop-in before class. $15 per session, 10% discount for registering online, or unlimited movement classes $50 per month. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002.

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. Free, donations accepted. Resurrection Metropolitan Community Church, 2015 West 11th Street, 77008. Yoga@ResurrectionMCC.org

Open Mic at The Last Concert Cafe. 6:00-10:00pm. Last Concert Café 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

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, reservation required. $10 suggested Love Offering. Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Dr., 77057. 713-782-4050. unityhouston.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. www.firstuu.org

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wednesday Tai Chi at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. 9am–10 am. Meet in the Activity Center/Gym. No special clothing or gear is necessary. Free and open to the public. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. www.stpaulshouston.org Veterans Helping Veterans. 12pm–1pm. Facilitated by Gulf War veteran James Pride, this gathering is for veterans to come together to share their service experience and its impact on their lives. Veterans also exchange resources with each other and request support. Lunch is provided. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. www.stpaulshouston.org/veterans Pilates. 12:00pm-12:50pm. A gentle and gradual approach to Pilates training — for those looking to add variety to their fitness routine! Sign-up online at hinescenter.org/class-schedule or drop-in before class. $15 per session, 10% discount for registering online, or unlimited movement classes $50 per month. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002. Wednesday 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. 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. Everyone is welcome to receive the Blessing! Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057. unityhouston.org Barre Class. 5:30pm-6:20pm. In Barre Class, we use a ballet barre for isometric strength training. The class uses elements from Yoga and Pilates to build strength, flexibility, alignment and balance - helping us keep a nice, toned physique. Sign-up online at hinescenter.org/class-schedule/ or drop-in before class. $15 per session, 10% discount for registering online, or unlimited movement classes $50 per month. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002. Christian Meditation. 6:00-7:00pm. Experience meditation and contemplative prayer using ancient prayer practices of the early Christian communities. Explore and study contemporary and ancient texts of the contemplative way. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. Parking is free and available at the Woodwind St. entrance. www.graceinhouston.org. Questions? info@graceinhouston.org or 832-667-8601. Urban Ride. 6:30pm. Be ready to roll at 6:30PM. The route is 20 miles. Riders should be comfortable keeping a pace of 18-20 mph. Helmet, front and back light, spare tube, and CO2 cartridges are required. Earphones are not allowed. Speed may vary depending on who shows. Safety comes first. 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, 77479. 832-433-2415. info@Houston-Meditation.org Wednesday Meditation. 6:30-7pm. We create our life experiences through our way of thinking. One way to align ourselves with Spirit is through meditations. Unity of North Houston, 11738 Grant Road Cypress, 77429. 281-374-7085. unitynorthhouston.org Zumba on the Green. 6:00-7:00pm. ACE certified personal trainer, Oscar Sajche shows you how to make your workout a party! Come see why hundreds of Houstonians come out to the park to move it and lose it! Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

September 2017

Blue Line Bike Ride. 7pm. We have multiple rides that leave from our Heights location on Wednesday evening at 7:00pm. Each ride has its own route and distinct pace, so come on out and decide which one works best for you and hop in! Free. Blue Line Bike Lab, 3302 White Oak Drive, 77007. 713-802-1707 www.bluelinebikelab.com/shop-rides Beginning Zen Meditation. 7:30-9:30pm. Feeling stressed? Want something to help you feel better? Try meditation with us. Free, registration required. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston. 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org

Parkour. 6:30-8pm. Experienced, certified coaches utilize a unique, deconstructed approach to teaching running, jumping, climbing, crawling, balancing, vaulting, and fluidly moving through any environment…turning “working out” into “play”. Class will meet on the Deck under the Oak Trees, participants must arrive by 6:45pm. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

Hellina Bucket Band 8:00 -10:00pm. Free dinner music. Last Concert Café, 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

Meditation Class: Discovering the Awake Within. 7-9pm. Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien closely guides and interacts with students to realize Awake Mind is already within, they have the capacity to Wake Up, and how 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. Pre-registration required. Universal Door Meditation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. universaldoor.org. 281-565-9718

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 Courtyard 521 Lamar, 77002. houstonfoodnotbombs.org

People of Earth. 9:00 pm. Hosted by Jacquelyn Battise. A program created to provide Native American and non-Native people with timely news and information about culture, news and realities. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

Vegan World Radio. 8:00 pm. Hosted by VWR Collective. Telling the story of the vegan revolution that’s saving the animals, the planet and our health. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

friday

Diamond Way Meditation. 7-7:45 pm. Free. Diamond Way Buddhist Center, 2217 W 34th Street, Suite D. 281. 77018. 281-436-6081. diamondway.org/houston/

Pot Roast. 10:00pm-12mn. Late night music outside under the stars. Cover charge. 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 Grace2Go. 7:00-8:30 am. On the go? Want a boost to the start of your day? Drive thru for free coffee, a breakfast bite, and a prayer if desired. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. www.graceinhouston.org. Integrative Hatha Yoga Classes. 9:30am. Facilitated by Certified Yoga Therapist, Lin Weiss MH, CYT. Balance Mind, Body & Spirit. An integrative approach with classical Hatha foundations. Focusing on structural alignment, pranayama breathing technique and strength building. River Oaks Wellness Center, 2202 W. Alabama, Ste. C, 77098. Suitable for all levels. Call 713-859-8595 to reserve your class. Museum of Fine Arts-Houston. 10am-9pm. If you have not spent time enjoying the art exhibits at MFAH, what are you waiting for? Free. MFAH, 1001 Bissonnet, 77005. 713-6397300 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://bit.ly/2kbWEst The Self-Invest Series with Helen Racz. 11am-1pm. Happiness and success can often seem illusive, mysterious or even magical, like we need a special chant, a favor from the Divine or to find just the right key to make it a regular part of our lives. LEARN how to apply SPIRITUAL LAWS to your everyday life EASILY & with FUN and HUMOR. Cost: $125 Monthly. Location is in Katy, address will be sent to you after registration. HelenRacz.com 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. Houston Museum of Natural Science. 3-6pm. Roam the Serengeti, walk with dinosaurs and discover the world’s mineral wonders. Free. HMNS 5555 Hermann Park Drive 77030. hmns.org Free Family Thursdays at The Health Museum. 2:00pm7:00pm. Free entry into The Health Museum to enjoy permanent and traveling exhibits (DeBakey Cell Lab requires a $3 fee) on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. The Health Museum, 1515 Hermann Dr., 77004. thehealthmuseum.org 713-521-1515 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

Houston

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 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 Courtyard, 521 Lamar, 77002. houstonfoodnotbombs.org Dinner Music with Jimmy Deen. 6-8pm. Cover charge. Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com

saturday 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. Integrative Hatha Yoga Classes. 9:00am. Facilitated by Certified Yoga Therapist, Lin Weiss MH, CYT. Balance Mind, Body & Spirit. An integrative approach with classical Hatha foundations. Focusing on structural alignment, pranayama breathing technique and strength building. River Oaks Wellness Center, 2202 W. Alabama, Ste. C, 77098. Suitable for all levels. Call 713-859-8595 to reserve your class. Beginning Zen Meditation. 10am-12n. Feeling stressed? Want something to help you feel better? Try meditation with us. Free, registration required. 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, registration required. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072. 281-568-1568. cthouston.org Yoga at India House. 10:00-11:00am. 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://bit.ly/2kbWEst Young Writers Workshop. 10:30am-11:30am. Kids learn to express their thoughts an develop language skills. Presented by Houston Public Library/HPL Express and Discovery Green. Houston’s only free and open writing workshop for kids conducted by Writers In The Schools. Limited to 25 students, first come first serve. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com For more information please call 832-393-1375.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Recycling Saturdays. 11:00am-2:00pm. The City of Houston provides a recycling station for plastic and now - thanks to I Recycle Glass, you can also bring your glass each week to be recycled. Please bring paper and plastic recyclables separately from glass. Please note: Recycling container is provided by the City of Houston Solid Waste Management. The schedule can be subject to change, but park staff will accept your recycling in the park office during the hours of 10am-2pm regardless of whether the container is on site. Recycling can be affected by street closures. Check discoverygreen.com each week for schedule updates. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com 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://bit.ly/2kbWEst T’ai Chi Ch’uan. 10:30am-12:00pm. Intended for serious relaxation, this class concentrates on creating and moving Chi/Qi (vital force) through meditation while moving. Jon Naylor teaches the traditional Yang Style short form with martial arts references. Beginners are encouraged to arrive early. Free. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin Street, 77004. firstuu.org STEM Saturdays. 12:30pm-1:30pm. Girlstart leads a fun, hands-on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education program for kids. Space is limited to 60 kids on a first come first serve basis. Free. Discovery Green, 1500 McKenney, 77010. discoverygreen.com

sunday 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. Sunday at Houston Zen Center. 8am-11am. We start with the practice of Morning Service. This is followed by meditation, then work practice, which involves mindful cleaning and straightening in the Meditation Hall and the Center’s grounds. Then a dharma talk, the teachings of Buddha. You are welcome to attend some or all of the Sunday program. Free. HOUSTON ZEN CENTER, 1605 Heights BLVD., 77008. 713-869-1952. houstonzen.org Sunday Oneness Blessing. After 9am and 11am 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 available, no reservation required. Love Offering. Unity of Houston, 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. 713-782-4050. Christian Meditation. 9:00am-9:30 am. Experience meditation and contemplative prayer using ancient prayer practices of the early Christian communities in preparation for receiving Holy Communion at the 10am worship service. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. Questions? info@graceinhouston.org or 832-667-8601. www.graceinhouston.org. Free Yoga Lab! 9:00am-10:00am. Join us for this dedicated class for new teachers and teachers in training to practice their classes and express their awesomeness! Free. The Heights Medical Tower, 427 West 20th St., Suite 602, 77008. fourdragonsinstitute.com 713-322-9736 Sunday Celebrations at Creative Life Spiritual Center. 9:30am and 11:00am. Founding minister Jesse Jennings speaks on the basics of the Religious Science path. Love offering. Creative Life Spiritual Center, 5326 Spring-Stuebner Rd., Spring, 77389. Contact info@creativelife.org or visit creativelife.org Movement Meditation for Healing Mind and Body . 9:30am–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, pre-registration required. Universal Door Meditation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718

The Conversations with God Study Group. 9:30am-10:45am. Study materials provided, this ongoing gathering is facilitated by Dr. Obidike Kamau. Free. Carmel Temple, 1208 Pennsylvania,77587. carmeltemple.org Sunday Service at Unity of North Houston. 10:15-11:15am Experience joy-filled vibrations and high-energy spirituality in motion that is our Sunday service! With live music, singing, affirmative prayer, and dynamic sermons, this is a Sunday service that will feed your body, mind and heart. Now is the time to stoke your inner spark by sharing in the light everyone brings to our community. Unity of North Houston, 11738 Grant Road Cypress, 77429. 281-374-7085. unitynorthhouston.org Carmel Temple All Faith Service. 11:00am. Different guest speaker every week. Free. Carmel Temple, 1208 Pennsylvania, 77587. carmeltemple.org 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. Easy listening music to brunch by. No cover charge. Last Concert Café, 1403 Nance St., 77002. 713-226-8563 www.lastconcert.com Ecstatic Dance Evolution.10:30am-1:00pm. Dance. Pray. Sweat. Play. With a growing freeform conscious dance community. Shake out the stress from your week and let your spirit soar with enticing music movement and community! All people welcome. No experience required. Just be your authentic self. $15-$20. MATCH: Midtown Arts and Theatre Center, 3400 Main Street, 77002. ecstaticdanceevolution.com *Summer* Youth and Teen Program at Universal Door Meditation Center. 11:00am–12:30pm. For youth grades 1-12. Under the guidance of Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, youth are introduced to the Awake Mind within, and through basic meditation as well as other activities and games, they learn how to return to it. Registration required, call for more details. Suggested donation $60/month. Universal Door Meditation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 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 Naomi Street, Suite A, 77054. dawnmountain.org Sunday Discussion Circle. 11:30am-12:30pm. You are invited to join us for facilitated, fun, educational discussions on a variety of topics. We practice our UU values of keeping an open mind, listening respectfully, learning from differing perspectives, entertaining new ways of thinking about issues, following guidelines, and being welcoming. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin St. Rm 304, 77004. 713-526-5200 www.firstuu.org Centerpoint Body Mind and Spirit Expo. 1pm-6pm. Angel oracle readings, psychic medium, tarot card readings, soul oracle readings, tea leaf astrology, astrology and past life readings, foot reflexology, energy healers, jewelry, crystals and more! Coffee, lemonade and nutritious snacks. Admission Free. Center Point (in the old Metaphysical Matrix building), 2727 Fondren Suite 5M, 77080. 713-932-7224 centerpointhouston.org Diamond Way Meditation. 5-5:45 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 Courtyard 521 Lamar, 77002 houstonfoodnotbombs.org

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.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 2ND

Kirtan Fest Houston. 7am-10pm, 7am-12:30pm Sunday. Concentrating on Kirtan with special added seminars and entertainment, Kirtan Fest will bring together kirtaniyas, traveling preachers, artists and ecstatic devotees at our fabulous new state-of-the-art temple in Houston, Texas. $65 adults, $55 children. ISKCON 1320 W 34th St., 77018. For more information or to register. kirtanfesthouston.com Marva’s Holistic Fair. 10:00am-5:00pm. Psychics, tarot readers, palmists, healers, vendors of all sorts. Admission Free. LaQuinta Inn-Galleria on 610 West Loop North between San Felipe and Post Oak, 77027. psychicfairs.com 713-444-3581

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 3RD

Bayou Bikers. 8:00am. Meet at Market Square Park for 2540 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

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 4TH

Free Day of Yoga. 7am-12:30pm. Free Day of Yoga and ISCKON of Houston brings you and enlightening event filled with asana, mantra, meditation, music, dance, Ayurveda talk and delicious vegan food. Raise your consciousness through bhakti yoga, the yoga of the heart. ISKCON 1320 W 34th St. 77018. For more information or to register. kirtanfesthouston.com/Yogaday FREE FLOW YOGA. 10:30am-11:30am. Come and enjoy a FREE class with our vibrant yoga community as we celebrate the beginning of National Yoga Month. This energizing all levels class will leave you feeling revitalized, connected and relaxed. FREE. Yoga Pod West Houston,10455 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 200B 77042. To register or for more info call 713-497-5397

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 5TH

Oneness Blessing Meeting with Golden Orb Deeksha. 7-9pm. Experience one of the newest forms of Deeksha released from Oneness University, the Golden Orb Deeksha! All are welcome to attend and experience this special Blessing. Please note that Golden Orb Deeksha is given spontaneously only if the needed conditions are met. If the conditions are not met, either Prana Deeksha or Hands-On Deeksha will be given. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057. unityhouston.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 8TH

markyourcalendar Sacred Connections: A Course to Elevate Your Spiritual Guide Conversations. In this intimate, first ever revealed class of ancient spiritual practices used by sages over the eons, you will learn to hear and trust your intuition, remove self-doubt, gain pure SOUL ENERGY and be led by your “spiritual guides”. Based on the Sacred Cord Clearing Book by Tina Marie St.Cyr. Eight week live course starting September 8. Visit the website for more information or to register. Tinamarie.com

Sunday Love Feast. 7:00pm. A free vegetarian meal for any and all. Free. ISKCON Temple 1320 West 34th Street, 77018. 713-686-4482 iskconhouston.org

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 9TH

markyourcalendar Health & Wellness Summit for Women Veterans 9am3pm. Learn how you may be able to reduce or eliminate some medications, grow healthy, strong hair, reduce your waistline and more. Come out and enhance your personal health. The event is FREE for women who have served in any branch of the military (active or reserve) and you can bring a friend. Tellepsen YMCA 808 Pease Houston, TX 77002. Free. Space is limited so register now. https:// catholiccharities.org For questions, vendor or exhibitor information, contact womenveterans@catholiccharities.org Yoga 101 Workshop with Ena G. 10:30am-12:30pm. In this 2hr workshop we will deconstruct 10 of the most common yoga poses, so you can learn proper alignment and smart modifications that will elevate your practice. The workshop includes demonstration and practice of basic anatomy of yoga poses, safe transitions, and Q&A. $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Yoga Pod West Houston,10455 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 200B 77042. To register or for more info call 713-497-5397 Organ Clearing. 11:00am–2:00pm. Come join Stacie Breeze, medical intuitive and healer, as helps you release any emotions, disappointments, perceived failures from the past, programming from family, friends, and society’s expectations that your brain or body might possibly be holding on to. $99. Learn more and register here: www.staciebreeze.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH

Half-day Retreat. 9:00am-12:00pm. Chan/Zen Meditation Classes guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568 A Legacy of Love. 11:00am-12:00pm. Celebrate with us as we honor Howard and Diane Caesar for their unfaltering love and dedication in 34 years of Ministry here at Unity of Houston. Our hearts are heavy and yet filled with excitement as Howard and Diane open themselves up to what God reveals is next. We look forward to coming together to acknowledge and love these two amazing souls as they begin their next new chapter. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, 77057. unityhouston.org/legacy

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 11TH

Meditation Monday. 6:00pm-7:30pm. Come, join Stacie Breeze, as she gently guides you into a state of bliss while communicating with your angels to release day to day mind chatter, stress and things no longer serving you as well as obtain skills to be mindful and emotionally present in your busy daily life. Each week you will be releasing various issues with a different type of angel. Isn’t it time for a change? Grab a friend and register early as these classes will surely fill quickly. $22. www.staciebreeze.com

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH

I Know Somebody Houston’s Every Woman Empowerment Fund Launch Party. 5:00pm-7:00pm. Come support this fund which provides educational opportunities to women in Houston that don’t have the resources necessary to pursue their passion, their purpose. Elizabeth Pudwill along with the support of Claudia Autry and others are launching a crowdfund campaign to support the fund. No cost. Marriott Hotel -1750 West Loop S West Loop South, 77027. Contact info email elizabethpudwill@gmail.com or call 713-240-5277. Organ Clearing. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Come join Stacie Breeze, medical intuitive and healer, as helps you release any emotions, disappointments, perceived failures from the past, programming from family, friends, and society’s expectations that your brain or body might possibly be holding on to. $99. Learn more and register here: www.staciebreeze.com

Whole Mother. 7:30 pm. Hosted by Pat Jones. A show that discusses the political and practical aspects of being a mother today. KPFC: Community Radio 90.1 FM. kpft.org

natural awakenings

September 2017

Arm Balances Workshop with Chioma Njoku. 10:30am12:30pm. Learn to Balance by Connecting through Shiva. Deepen your connection to your yoga practice and learn practical techniques to strengthen your core and wrists, relief back and shoulder pain so you can play and fly in your arm balances. The workshop includes lecture, Q&A, demonstration and practice and proper use of props for crow and its variations, koundinyasana, eight angle pose, and firefly. $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Yoga Pod West Houston,10455 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 200B 77042. To register or for more info call 713-497-5397

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 14TH

markyourcalendar Hypnosis Center Open House. 6:00pm-8:00pm. Come to the PATH Foundation open house at its new location, meet the instructors, learn about what hypnosis really is, how you can use hypnosis to better your life and what it takes to be trained to help yourself and others with this powerful tool. Hypnosis demonstration included. Complimentary event! 3207 Mercer, 77027. For directions contact Claudia at 281-849-4610.

Animal Communication. 11:00am–2:00pm. Come join Stacie Breeze, medical intuitive, as she teaches you the skills, tools, and abilities to speak to your animals using photographs. Please bring a photo (featuring just your animal if possible) and a current issue you are having with your pet, as Stacie will be channeling for the audience and answering your much needed questions with your little furry family members. Grab a friend or two and get your tickets early! $44. Visit www.staciebreeze.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 16TH

New Paradigms Conference & Holistic Expo. 9/16 from 10am-6pm & 9/17 from 10am-4pm. Over the last 30 years, incidents that used to be considered out of the ordinary experiences have become much more accepted. New Paradigms Conference brings in the best of those individuals in their fields of paranormal research together in one place simultaneously. Hilton Houston Westchase 9999 Westheimer Rd., 77042. newparacon.com

farmers’markets DAILY

Canino Produce and Farmer’s Market. 6am-8pm (except Thanksgiving and Christmas) Over 20,000 square feet of Texas produce. Canino Produce and Farmer’s Market 2520 Airline, Houston 77009. 713-862-4027 caninoproduce.com Independence Heights Farm. Mon-Sat 9am-6pm (except during extreme cold or rainy weather). Come and get your hands in the dirt. Help with the work of the farm and harvest your share. Check in with Farmer Kelvin or Farmer Mike. A project of Last Organic Outpost, Food Everywhere Coalition and Natural Awakenings-Houston. Independence Heights Farm 100 East 45th @ Yale, Houston 77018. NuWaters Food Co-Op. 11am-7pm Mon-Sat. 1-5pm Sun. We are a retail food cooperative located in the area currently known as Midtown and historically known as the 3rd Ward. Our store is in the historic old Eldorado Ball Room building. We provide fresh food to a community recently identified as a food desert. NuWaters is a fresh twist on a very old idea. We are not recreating the wheel, we are dusting off the wheel and using it again. We invite you to join us on this journey to community and food wholeness. NuWaters Food Co-Op 2320 Elgin, Houston 77004. NuWatersCo-Op.com

TUESDAY

Spring Branch Farmer’s Market. 2-6pm. Unitarian Fellowship of Houston, 1504 Wirt Road, Houston 77055. facebook.com/springbranchfarmersmarkethouston Rice University Farmer’s Market. 3:30pm-6:30pm. Rice University, Entrance 13B off of Greenbriar Dr, 5600 Greenbriar, Houston 77005. farmersmarket.rice.edu/

WEDNESDAY

Central City Co-Op. 9am-6pm. Kindred Church, 2515 Waugh Dr., Houston 77006. centralcityco-op.com City Hall Farmer’s Market. 11am-1:30pm. City Hall. 901 Bagby Street, 77002. urbanharvest.org *Begins Sept 13th* Finca Tres Robles Farm Stand. 3pm-7pm. 257 North Greenwood, Houston 77011 smallplaces.org

THURSDAY

Westchase District Farmer’s Market. 3-6pm. 10503 Westheimer (at Rogerdale), Houston 77042. (1 block west of Beltway 8) westchasedistrictfarmersmarket.com

Kingwood Farmer’s Market. 3-7pm. Town Center Park, 8 N. Main St., Kingwood, 77339. facebook.com/ kingwoodfarmersmarket

SATURDAY

Meyerland Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm. 8601 Chimney Rock Rd., Houston 77096. Energy Corridor Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm. 14710 Grisby Road, Houston 77079. Energycorridor.org/ shopping-services/farmers-market Finca Tres Robles Farm Stand. 9am-1pm. 257 North Greenwood, Houston 77011 smallplaces.org Fulshear Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm. 9335 Bois d’Arc Lane @ FM 1093, Fulshear 77441 foreverfulshear@ gmail.com Sienna Community Farmer’s Market. 4th Sunday only. 1-5pm. 9600 Scanlan Trace, Sienna Plantation 77459. https://www.siennafarmersmarket.com/ Eastside Urban Harvest Farmer’s Market. 8am12n. 3000 Richmond at Eastside, Houston 77098. urbanharvest.org The Farm Stand at Petrol Station. 9am-1pm. Petrol Station, 938 Wakefield Dr., Houston 77018. 713.957.2875 http://bit.ly/1oD6m8F The Woodlands Farmer’s Market at Grogan’s Mill. 8am-12n. 7 Switchbud Place, Spring, 77380. grogansmillvillage.com Farmer’s Market on Grand Parkway. 8am-12n. Church of the Holy Apostles, 1225 W. Grand Parkway, Katy, 77494. farmersmarketongrandparkway.com Heights Epicurean Farmer’s Market. 8:30am-1:30pm. First Saturdays only. Grace UMC, 1245 Heights Blvd., Houston 77008. HeightsEpicurean.com Memorial Villages Farmers Market. 9am-1pm. First Congregational Church, 10840 Beinhorn Rd., Houston 77024. http://bit.ly/1YfwDWD Farmer’s Market at Imperial. 9am-1pm. 198 Kempner, Sugar Land, 77498. Imperialfarmersmarket.com Tomball Farmer’s Market. 9am-1pm. 205 W. Main St. on the corner of Main Street (FM 2920) and Walnut Street in downtown Tomball, 77377. tomballfarmersmarket.org Conroe Saturday AM Farmers Market. 9am-1pm. 135 N Main, Conroe, 77301 facebook.com/ConroeSamM/

SUNDAY

East End Street Market. 10am-2pm. 2800 Navigation Blvd, Houston 77003. Eastendhouston.com/market Magnolia Farmer’s & Artisan’s Market. 11am-3pm. 1st , 3rd & 5th Sundays. Intersection of FM 1488 and FM 1774 in Magnolia, 77354. sweetmagnoliapickins.net Farmers Market at Bridgeland. 12:30-3:30pm. 2nd Sunday. 16902 Bridgeland Landing, Cypress 77433. farmersmarketatbridgeland.org

Houston

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 17TH

Blessing Ceremony. 10:00am-12:00pm. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 19TH

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 20TH

Urban Missional Community with Guest Speaker Sean Gladding. 6:30pm–8:30pm. Author of The Story of God, the Story of Us, Sean Gladding is a storyteller, community gardener, and neighbor to society’s fringes. He will present on the deep work of educating about and cultivating missional community in the New Monastic movement. This event is part of the Craven-Wilson Lecture Series, which is sponsored by an endowment from the late Evie Jo Craven Wilson, created in memory of her parents, the Rev. and Mrs. W. A. Craven, and her husband, Arthur Wilson. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. www.stpaulshouston.org

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 21ST

Our Shared Mantle of Lament: Prayer Vigil. 12pm-3pm. “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Seeking to love, seeking to embody compassion, and seeking to know God, we become burdened by the pain and darkness surrounding us. As Soong-Chan Rah says, our entry point to engaging injustice is lament; we must make space for both. In this vigil, we will create a space for our lament that includes individual and communal prayer and practice. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004. www.stpaulshouston.org Blanket Bingo. 6:00pm-9:00pm. Join us for Blanket Bingo benefiting Market Square Park and Buffalo Bayou Partnership. Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of fun, music and great prizes! $10 admission includes one bingo packet (approx. 9 games). Additional games and daubers can be purchased for $1 each. Market Square Park, 301 Milam, 77002. marketsquarepark.com

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 22ND

A Special Kundalini Meditation 7:30 - 8:45pm. Awakening your kundalini and cleansing your chakras leads to states of higher consciousness, well-being and freedom from the tyranny of the monkey mind. This leads to a greater bond with your Higher Sacred Self and the discovery of true happiness. Unity of Houston 2929 Unity Dr, Houston, TX 77057. unityhouston.org

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD

Essential Oils for Yoga Workshop with Jaime Johnson. 10:30am-12:30pm Learn the what, when and how to use essential oils to support your yoga practice. This workshop includes a guided meditation to explore aromatherapy, a short practice to explore energizing and uplifting oils, a slow practice with hands on assists to explore relaxing oils, and ends with deep relaxation experience. Oil samples included. $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Yoga Pod West Houston,10455 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 200B 77042. To register or for more info call 713-497-5397 Manifesting. 11:00am-2:00pm. Do you feel like it’s time for you to step into your power and own what you are wanting and expect it to show up? Then this is the perfect class for you! Come, spend an afternoon with Stacie Breeze as she and her humorous helpers reprogram your subconscious so you can allow the life you CAME to live to finally show up! Grab a friend and buy your ticket early. This is an afternoon you WON’T want to miss! $44. Learn more and register here: www.staciebreeze.com

markyourcalendar

Earthdance Houston. 5:00pm-9:00pm. Houston’s Global Earthdance 2017 sponsored by International Society for Krishna Consciousness and Ecstatic Dance Evolution, features a globally synchronized Prayer for Peace which happens simultaneously all over the world - in over 500 locations in 80 countries - people will connect in a powerful moment of coherent intention to generate healing vibrations all over the planet. $10-20 suggested donation. ISKCON, 1320 W 34th St.,77018. facebook.com/EarthDanceHouston

The Guide to Good Divorce Seminar. 8:30am-2pm. The end of a marriage often leaves us feeling flawed, enraged, anxious and lonely. Yet, in the midst of this uncertainty and pain, there are opportunities for self-discovery, personal growth and new beginnings. The Guide to Good Divorce program is designed to empower women to successfully navigate through divorce toward a fuller, healthier and happier life. The program offers information and advice from uniquely qualified experts on the law of divorce in Texas, divorce financial planning, life skills, and wellness. Join other women and discover the keys to unlocking your next best life! $69. The Houstonia Hotel & Spa, 111 North Post Oak, 77024. guidetogooddivorce.com

markyourcalendar YogaMass®. 5:00pm-6:15pm (followed by potluck and jam session until 7:30pm). A unique and participative worship experience engaging the senses and integrating body, mind, and spirit through the combined practice of yoga, breath work, meditation, and Holy Communion. Bring your mind, body, soul and mat. All levels are welcome. Chairs are available for those who wish to sit. The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, 8100 Greenbriar, Suite 220, 77054. For more information, contact Grace at 832-667-8601, info@graceinhouston.org or yogamass.com.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 24TH

Meditation Workshop. 10:00am-12:00pm. Open to everyone especially for beginners to meditation. The master will give a brief introduction to meditation and guide the participants to do meditation. Free, donations welcome. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH

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Exploring Health & Higher Consciousness through the Chakra System. 6:00pm. Learn to quiet your mind, heal your body, and put your fears to rest. Lin Weiss invites you to join her in the first of a nine-part series of monthly classes in which you will awaken the chakras and create a life you love. Call Lin at 713-858-8595 or email LinWeiss@conscioushealingnow.com today to register or for more information.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 28TH

Iconoclast Sessions (poetry night). 7:00pm-9:00pm. Outspoken Bean and Marlon Lizama will be the featured poets for tonight’s Iconoclast Sessions. Free and open to the public. St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 5501 Main St., 77004 www.iconoclastartists.org

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH

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

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30TH

Rise + Shine - Rooftop Yoga. 7:30am-8:20am. Experience downtown Houston from a whole new vantage point, every 4th Saturday. Bring your mat, some water and a friend! Park and practice at 511 San Jacinto. MEMBERS free; non-members $5 online, $10 walk-in. Visit www.hinescenter.org for more information. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002.

New Enrollment for PATH Foundation Hypnosis certification courses. Sat. 9/30-Sun. 10/1. Learn the art of hypnosis for making changes in your life and in others. Learn about using hypnosis for pain relief, self-improvement, self-confidence, stress management, weight loss and stop smoking and more. Learn about past life regression and the magic behind stage hypnosis. For more information and to register for class, call Claudia at 281-849-4610. Yoga for Creativity and Fun Workshop with Francisca Echeverry. 10:30am-12:30pm. Awaken the energy of freedom, tenderness and creativity by reconnecting with your inner child. This workshop includes yoga inspired games, breath and meditation techniques, and self-inquiry exploration though journaling and art. You will leave inspired and prepared with practical tools to elevate your creativity to overcome any creative blocks. $30 for members, $35 for non-members. Yoga Pod West Houston,10455 Briar Forest Dr., Suite 200B 77042. To register or for more info call 713-497-5397 Ignite Your Intuition/Sixth Sense. 11:00am-2:00pm. Join Premier Medium, Stacie Breeze, as she removes blocks to communicating with your Angels & Unseen Helpers and ignites your natural God given gift of intuitive abilities. Stacie will provide guidelines, suggestions, share tips and tools, and share daily exercises that you can do to strengthen your connection and change your life immediately! Grab a few friends and reserve your seats now for this life altering session! $44. Register here: www.staciebreeze.com.

planahead

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14TH

YOUniverSoul Fest. 8am-8pm. YOUniverSOUL Fest is a one-day, plant-based, environmentally-conscious, kid-friendly, ticketed event that will focus on stage presentations and workshop event spheres with a focus on wellness, art, music, and connection. Types of workshops, presentations, and performances will include but not be limited to yoga, dance, art gallery/installations, philosophically and spiritually inspired presentations, music, healing, social interactivity, and children’s programming. MidTown Park, 2811 Travis Street, 77006. youniversoulfest.com

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14TH-15TH

A Weekend of Release and Renewal: An EMDR and Hypnosis Approach. 9am-6pm. Join Claudia Autry Consulting Hypnotist and Reiki Practitioner and Dee Gardner LMSW, LCDC,EMDR-II, CSAT-C, Learn about relieving anxiety with Eye Movement Desensitization Reprogramming (EMDR), rewiring the brain, reprogramming trauma, improving sleep, digestion and uplifting hopelessness with hypnosis in this highly intensive, experiential and uplifting workshop. Space limited for individualized experiences. $350. 3207 Mercer, 77027. RSVP Claudia Autry 281-849-4610.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 15TH

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 21ST

YogaMass®. 5:00pm-6:15pm (followed by potluck and jam session until 7:30pm). A unique and participative worship experience engaging the senses and integrating body, mind, and spirit through the combined practice of yoga, breath work, meditation, and Holy Communion. Bring your mind, body, soul and mat. All levels are welcome. Chairs are available for those who wish to sit. The Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, 8100 Greenbriar, Suite 220, 77054. For more information, contact Grace at 832-667-8601, info@graceinhouston.org or yogamass.com.

SATURDAY & SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28TH-29TH

PATH Foundation Hypnosis Certification Courses. Learn the art of hypnosis for making changes in your life and in others. Learn about using hypnosis for pain relief, self-improvement, self-confidence, stress management, weight loss and stop smoking and more. Learn about past life regression and the magic behind stage hypnosis. For more information and to register for class, call Claudia at 281-849-4610.

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 7TH

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 29TH

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 1ST

Svasta Meditation Immersion and Teacher Training. 1:00pm-6:00pm. (2nd session Sat. 11/4, & 3rd session Sat. 12/2) Whether you want to deepen your practice or begin leading meditation classes, this immersion will expand your experience in, and understanding of, meditation. The 3-session training will introduce and outline several meditation methodologies. $350 for Hines Center members, all others $375. Visit www.hinescenter.org for more. The Hines Center, 500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, 77002.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 8

Discover the World of AWAKE! 9am-12noon. Grand Opening of the new Universal Door Mediation Center. Come meet our Zen Master! And find out about the world of AWAKE, as well as the classes, retreat schedule, Youth & Teen program, volunteering opportunities, and other ways to connect with the Awake within yourself! There will be an open reception and tour of the land starting at 9:00am, the Opening Ceremony from 10:00 to noon, followed by lunch for all. Universal Door Meditation Center 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land 77498. RSVP’s are appreciated but not required. For questions or to reserve your place, please call 281-565-9718 or email: contact@universaldoor.org

MONDAY, OCTOBER 9

SW Houston Chapter of Holistic Moms Network Open House. 7:00 PM. Come and learn about the Holistic Moms Network at our Open House. The event will include door prizes, mini-treatments, and samples. FREE. Trotter Family YMCA, 1331 Augusta Dr, Houston, 77057. hmnhouston@gmail.com.

natural awakenings

Blessing Ceremony. 10:00am-12:00pm. Free. Chung Tai Zen Center of Houston, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@ cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND

“Be Yourself... The Unveiling” Gala. 6:30pm. The masquerade-themed gala will celebrate 31 years of The Carole and Ronald Krist Samaritan Counseling Center providing high-quality counseling to underserved and uninsured individuals and families who otherwise are not able to afford mental health care services. Guests will enjoy live entertainment and bid on curated live and silent auctions. For more info, please contact the Center’s Executive Director Dennis Brown at DBrown@SamaritanHouston.org or 281-956-2731. Hotel ZaZa Museum District, 5701 Main St., 77005.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 10TH, 2017 THROUGH TUESDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2018

Magical Winter Lights. Weekly hours are Sun-Thurs: 5:00pm–10:00pm & Fri-Sat: 5:00pm–11:00pm. The 2017 Magical Winter Lights, founded and produced by People Generation, Inc. and Sichuan PG Salient Cultural Trade Company (China), will return to Houston for its third year to Gulf Greyhound Park this. The 50-day festival is one of the largest holiday lighting events in Houston, and the largest lantern festival of its kind to take place again in the U.S. The Gulf Greyhound Park, 1000 FM 2004, La Marque, 77568. For more information and tickets visit: www.magicalwinterlights.com * (closed Nov. 13 & 27 and Dec. 4 & 11)*

September 2017

ACCESS BARS UDI ALATTA – ACCESS BARS 4621 Montrose Blvd., Ste B210 Houston, TX 77006 Facebook: BMountainAccess BMountainTX@gmail.com 617-935-9479 linktr.ee/energetic_accessbars

Would you like to experience deep relaxation, restful sleep, calmer emotions, more ease with the body, more energy less anxiety, less stress, better mental clarity and mood? Access Bars is an amazing relaxation technique which consists of lightly touching 32 points on the head to dissipate limiting points of view and stagnant energy to help create a sense of ease and space in the mind and body. I also offer mobile sessions at your home or office. Until the end of September, Mention Natural Awakenings magazine and the first 30 minutes of your first session are FREE. All sessions by appointment only. No walk ins. Call or email to book your appointment or you may book online.

ART THERAPY TRUE YOU CREATIVITY STUDIO In The Heights trueyoucreativity.com/

True You Creativity Studio explores the spiritual aspects of Creativity and Play. We offer art and creativity classes in a relaxed, critique-free studio where you can tap into your full creative power - the power that makes you feel passionate about your life. Experience creativity in a new way, a way that gives you more of what you’re longing for. When Your Creativity has permission to be expressed, your life becomes delicious! Please browse our website and contact us with any questions.

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. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 31.

Houston

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. BOOKS THE POWER OF AWAKE by Thich Dieu Thien

Known internationally as a very inspiring teacher full of w i s d o m , c l a r i t y, a n d compassion, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien easily engages people of all ages, cultures, religions, and backgrounds, and helps them to discover more about who they really are, transform all stress and conflict in daily life, and return to the Awake already within each person. Based on her own personal experience, she reminds readers that our goal is not just to recognize ego but to fully realize the source and nature of it, break the system of ego, and live truly happy and free in any situation. In Awake, ego doesn't exist; in ego, Awake cannot appear."You are not the voice in your head, or the emotions, or the stress... You are what can recognize the voice, the emotions, and the stress. You are Awake." -- Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien. Available on Amazon.com

YOGAMASS: EMBODYING CHRIST CONSCIOUSNESS by Gena Davis

YogaMass: Embodying Christ Consciousness is an inspirational book that builds a bridge for Christians who practice yoga to authentically embody their spirituality and faith. The author, an ordained Episcopal priest and certified yoga educator, weaves together yogic principles and practices and spiritual practices from different traditions with her own discovery that yoga’s ancient truths are complementary with Christian beliefs— taking one deeper into the spiritual life in ways that people of diverse faiths can embrace. On and off the yoga mat, this book points the way to discovering a whole self—body, mind, soul, and spirit—spiritual experience and connecting with God through an awakened open mind and heart. The book outlines The Reverend Gena Davis’ spiritual journey to create an exciting and powerful new practice of spiritual ritual and celebration called YogaMass®, an experience that integrates yoga, breath work, meditation, and Holy Communion and leads to embodying Christ Consciousness and awakening the soul. YogaMass® is held monthly in Houston. The next YogaMass® experience will be held on Saturday, September 23, 5 pm, at the Institute for Spirituality and Health at the Texas Medical Center, 8100 Greenbriar, Suite 220, Houston, 77054. See YogaMass.com for more information and upcoming events. YogaMass: Embodying Christ Consciousness can be purchased at YogaMass® events, Brazos Bookstore on Bissonnet, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Balboa Press.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTHPRO CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

4101 Greenbriar Dr., Ste. 135, 77098 281-506-0105 9720 Cypresswood Dr., Ste. 130, 77070 281-809-0100 HealthProChiro.com

HealthPro is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. It is our commitment that we help our patients return to a natural state of health and to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We achieve this by addressing the patient as a whole and not just a condition. We provide a variety of treatment options including adjustments, muscle therapy, acupuncture, nutritional support, and rehabilitation to name a few. Dr. Alayna PagnaniGendron focuses on woman’s health and pediatrics and has her Webster Technique Proficiency Certification and is completing her Pediatric Certification. Visit our website for more information or call to schedule an appointment.

INNATE CHIROPRACTIC HEALING ARTS CENTER 230 Westcott St suite 220 Houston, TX 77007 (713) 521-2104 n8chiro.com

Our team is pleased to welcome you to the Innate Chiropractic Healing Arts Center in Houston where we offer a variety of gentle healing modalities to enhance your LIFE FORCE, ENERGY and PEAK PERFORMANCE, naturally! Dr. Jackie’s approach to health and wellness incorporates a “fullspine, whole-person” approach utilizing the gentle techniques of Network Spinal Analysis (NSA) and Somato Respiratory Integration (SRI). For those interested in deeper healing and personal development, we also offer a variety of classes and workshops including collage, life goal setting, and empowerment drumming. Visit our website and give us a call today! See ad on page 15.

CLOTHING THREDZ USA

5901 Hillcroft Street Suite B2 Houston, TX 77036 713-785-1600 ThredzUSA.com

THREDZ offers a wide selection of hand woven unstitched fabrics, ready to wear clothing for both men and women as well as formal wear. They provide simple, but timelessly cut pieces that have set the bar high as a prestigious fashion label. Whether you need a brand new outfit, or an entire wardrobe, their in-house stylists are more than happy to provide you with assistance to make you look your very best. Visit our website or come by our store, today!

COACHING SACRED CONNECTIONS:

a course to elevate your spiritual guide conversations Houston, Texas Classes begin September 8

In this intimate, first ever revealed class of ancient spiritual practices used by sages over the eons. You will learn to hear and trust your intuition, remove self-doubt, gain pure SOUL ENERGY and be led by your “spiritual guides”. Based on the Sacred Cord Clearing Book by Tina Marie St.Cyr. Eight week live course starting September 8. Visit the website for more information or to register. Tinamarie.com. See ad on page 3.

ENERGY MEDICINE ENERBODYBALANCE

832-423-8318 enerbodybalance.com cecilia@enerbodybalance.com

How often do you find yourself saying you are tired or you just don’t have the energy to do this or that or feel out of sorts or not yourself? We are not just a body and a set of experiences – we are energy. Come for an energy medicine session with Cecilia and see results. Cecilia Timon is an Eden Energy Medicine Clinical Practitioner and a Reiki Master. EnerBodyBalance is conveniently located in the Montrose neighborhood.

HAIR DESIGN

BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113 http://blissfulquests.com/

Are you ready to achieve your dreams and enjoy balance and success in every area of your life? Find out how, in just 12 weeks, you could be happier and more successful thanks to Heal Your Life® Coach Doyle Ward, who has already helped hundreds of people achieve their dreams! I offer both online and private one-on-one coaching. What are you waiting for? Take that first step toward happiness now! See ad on page 24.

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE 1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-344-0095 JoyceLong.biz

Established 1989 Joyce hasn’t closed. Just relocated. Call to schedule any of the following services: massage therapies, lymphatic drainage massage and facials, reflexology, infra-red sauna, ion cleanse foot or hand baths, Chinese cupping or colon hydrotherapy (prescriptions onlyyours or ours). By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

TUSCANY VILLAGE SALON

West Lake Houston Center 7506 Fm 1960 Rd E., Humble, TX 77346 281-361-7567 vagaro.com/michaelvela Mon-Friday from 10-7. Saturday 9-5

Michael Vela has been a stylist for 30 years, almost all of that time in the Kingwood, Atascocita and Humble area. He cuts women’s, men and kids hair, does color, highlights and perms. He specializes in Brazilian Blowout smoothing treatment. Michael says, “I strive to take excellent care of everyone who sits in my chair, to find styles that meet the unique needs of their hair and most of all I will listen to them. Give him a call or visit his website to schedule an appointment.

VENUS HAIR DESIGN

361 West 19th Street, Houston, TX 77008 713-868-4725 venushairhouston.com

Venus Hair Design is a mustsee place on 19th Street in The Heights. Venus and her staff are proud to be able to provide their customers of any age with any style, from a trim to a Mohawk. She is a wizard at color. If you live in or are visiting The Heights be sure to drop by, say hi and check out her Art Car, the Venus Hairse and mention you saw her in Natural Awakenings magazine.

DAY SPA LIVE LOVE DAY SPA

“Beauty Starts from Within” Laynette Holmes, master esthetician 8401 Westheimer Road, Suite 406 Houston, TX 77063 Vagaro.com/livelovedayspahouston

Live Love Day Spa offers a fullbody wellness experience. Laynette promises a pampering experience that will relax, reconnect, and rejuvenate. Come in and spend a few relaxing hours with us and enjoy our calming facility. We specialize in waxing, vegan skincare, facials and Lavish Lash eye lash extensions. Our day spa provides an experience not just a service and we only use Lycon hard and soft wax. Book our services online, today. Mention Natural Awakenings for a 15% discount. (may not be combined with other discounts.)

HEALING COME & BE HEALED 713-302-1313

Rarely will you meet a person so genuinely loving and kind as Josephine. Her work is mental, emotional and spiritual healing for those who are in distress. A consultation with her involves honestly answering questions about your problem that helps her find the likely cause and the course of action you should take to find healing. She has been doing this healing work for years and does it by donation or love gift only so that she can make it available to all regardless of their financial circumstance. She is fluent in both Spanish and English. Call her today to find out if she can help you or to schedule a consultation. Se habla español!

natural awakenings

Farm Shares Schedule Plant It Forward Farms invites you to enjoy your own weekly box of our fresh, local produce through our Farm Share program which helps ensure our efforts to give newly arrived refugees access to the American dream. You, the socially and environmentally conscious consumer, will be supporting local refugee farmers and their families to earn a living wage by farming sustainably on urban farms in Houston. Farm Shares may be picked up at the following locations. Visit our website for more information or to sign up. http://plant-it-forward.org/our-produce/ farm-share/

MONDAY:

Nature Discovery Center in Bellaire 3:30 - 7 pm 7112 Newcastle St, Bellaire Avenufitness West University 3:30 - 6:30 pm 6211 Edloe St, Houston, TX 77005

TUESDAY:

Local Foods in Rice Village 3:30 - 7 pm 2424 Dunstan Rd, Houston Dr. Blazek's Office in the Heights 3:30 - 7 pm 2310 Rutland St, Houston Pearland Elite Training Center 3:30 - 7 pm 4407 Halik St, Pearland University of St. Thomas 4 - 6:30 pm 1318 Sul Ross St., Montrose Plant It Forward Warehouse 3:30 - 7 pm 4030 Willowbend Blvd, Meyerland

WEDNESDAY:

Fondren Farm 3:30 - 7 pm 10611 Fondren Rd, Houston Dr. Blazek's Office in the Heights 3:30 - 7 pm 2310 Rutland St, Houston University of St. Thomas 3:30 - 7 pm 1318 Sul Ross St., Montrose

THURSDAY

The Woodlands Yoga Studio 5 - 8 pm 25126 Grogans Park Dr, The Woodlands

September 2017

HEALTH & WELLNESS THE HINES CENTER

500 Fannin St., Ste. 100, Houston, TX 77002 713-590-3302 www.hinescenter.org

The Hines Center is your community center for health and wellness programs in downtown Houston. We offer over 30 movement and mindfulness classes a week, ranging from Yoga to Barre to Tai Chi. Our programming also includes special events — like Wellness Walks, Rooftop Yoga Classes, Spirituality of Food Series and Meditation Teacher Training. Regular ongoing classes are $15 per session, 10% discount if you register online. OR join the Center and get unlimited classes (plus more perks) for $50 a month. See ad on page 13.

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: meditation classes, tarot readings and Christian numerology. Meditation 101 each Wednesday at 6-7pm. Call for more information.

HOMEOPATHIC REMEDIES AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 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 $15. All natural ingredients! Refer a friend and get 10% off your purchase. Read what people are saying about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy our website and order some today.

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN

HBOT AMERICA

8618-B Stella Rd. Houston, TX 77025 832-986-5144 hbotamerica.com

HBOT America provides Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy through the breathing in of 100% oxygen at a greater than normal pressure. HBOT is medically approved by the FDA for 14 uses such as wound healing, osteomyelitis, severe anemia, and more. Also, now introducing our Biodensity machine, which aids in increasing bone density by stimulating the body's natural bone generation process. Biodensity is a safe alternative to high impact activity and helps fight effects of Osteoporosis through four Isometric exercises. Visit our website for more information and pricing or call us today to schedule a session.

Houston

HYPNOBIRTHING BORN FREE BIRTHING -

HypnoBirthing® Classes & Placenta Encapsulation Services. Cliodhna Griffin, HBCE, APPAC 281-217-9294 bornfreebirthing@gmail.com www.Bornfreebirthing.com

Hypnobirthing® C h i l d b i r t h Preparation teaches amazing relaxation techniques and tools. It introduces a level of calmness that allows for a much more comfortable and easy birth. I believe that childbirth is a natural, normal and healthy experience for women. A woman's body is created to concieve, nurture and birth. In the absence of special circumstances, healthy women and their healthy babies deserve to be tended to as they wish and to birth in a calm, peaceful, stress-free manner. If you have any questions or would like more information regarding the services I offer, please feel free to contact me.

HYPNOSIS CLAUDIA AUTRY, HYPNOTIST (by appointment only) 281-849-4610 cautry@gmail.com claudiaautry.com

We l c o m e t o y o u r transformation! Whether you are looking to change habits such as smoking or weight or looking to find better ways of relaxing and increasing the joy in your life, I can help you. In addition to hypnosis I have a variety of other modalities to help you, including reiki, ThetaHealing and customized essential oil blends and affirmations which can be combined or used individually. Together we form a partnership for your growth! Call today to book your appointment.

INTEGRATIVE DERMATOLOGY INTEGRATIVE DERMATOLOGY CONSULTATIONS 2030 North Loop West, Suite 120 Houston, TX 77018 integrativedermconsults.com 832-639-3376

A Functional Medicine approach to skin disease can be most helpful for chronic skin conditions such as acne, chronic dry skin, eczema, psoriasis or rosacea. The emphasis is on improving skin from the inside out, by addressing underlying nutritional, immune, and other issues. If you have tried everything and still have a skin problem. Visit our website for more information or to set up and appointment.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

INTENTIONAL HEALING THE CENTER FOR INTENTIONAL HEALING Shannon McLain, MS 1728 Bissonnet Street Houston, TX 77005 262-470-8944 thecenterforintentionalhealing.com

Intentional healing is an active force of energy that exists in the universe, something that we can tap in to, like a river or stream, to manifest needs, wishes, and desires. If you need to manage or reduce stress, improve sleep, prevent burnout from work stress, cope with and manage chronic pain, or mobilize your inner resources for healing, call Shannon today to schedule your FREE 30 minute phone consultation. Relax the body, quite the mind and open the heart.

ION FOOT DETOX/ OXYGEN THERAPY HEAL WITH NATURAL HERBS

“The Hippest Little Place in Midtown” 3204 Emancipation Ave., Ste.102 A Houston, TX 77004 832-594-9306/ 281-227-0435/281-788-6494 Healwithnaturalherbs.com

Tired of suffering from muscle aches, chronic pain, inflammation, low energy, migraines, allgeries, bloating gas. Ion Foot Detox Special Saturday all-inclusive $50 includes ion foot detox, massage chair, Oxygen Therapy. Call or book online. Saturday appointments only! Available for private parties on days other than Saturday. Call TODAY!

MEDICAL INTUITIVE 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. Classes: Intuitive Development and Psychology of the Chakras! Call Lin today to find out if she can help you.

MEDITATION CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON 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

Beginning Meditation: (A) Wed, 7:30–9:30pm. (B) Sat, 10am–noon. Classes start Sept. 2. Children Meditation: Sat 10am–noon - For children ages 4–12 and parents. Classes start Sept. 2. Half-day Retreat: Sun., Sept. 10, 9am-noon. Sun., Oct. 1, 9am-noon. Meditation Workshop: Sun., Sept. 24, 10am–noon, Sun., Oct. 15, 10am-noon. Blessing Ceremony: Sun., Sept. 17, 10am-noon, Sun., Oct. 29, 10am-noon. Check the web site (event calendar) for the most current information. See ad on page 6.

ISHA FOUNDATION isha.sadhguru.org

The Isha Foundation is an international non-profit dedicated to human wellbeing, founded by Sadhguru who’s a yogi, mystic and a visionary. It’s been established as an infrastructure for raising human consciousness and fostering global harmony through individual transformation.

UNIVERSAL DOOR MEDITATION CENTER 15202 Dora Lane Sugar Land, TX 77498 281-565-9718 UniversalDoor.org

Are you ready to Wake Up? D i s c o v e r Aw a k e m i n d 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! Attend our FREE Tuesday Meditation 101 class. Tue: Meditation 101, 7-8pm, FREE Drop In Class. Thurs: Meditation Class: Discovering the Awake Within. 7-9pm*. Sun: Movement Meditation for Healing Mind and Body. 9:30-10:30am* Sun: Youth and Teen Program 11am12:30n*. * = requires pre-registration/class fee. See our ad on page 26.

NATURAL HORMONES DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

Dr. LaTronica Fisher, DNP, ANP, GNP, RN 4544 Post Oak Place Dr. STE #254 Houston, Texas 77027 DrFisherRoad2Wellness.com 713 520-8188

Say goodbye to hot flashes, night sweats, depression, PCOS, thyroid problems, low libido and more. There is a 100% natural way to restore your body’s hormone balance without using either synthetic prescription hormones or bio-identical hormones. Your body already knows how to produce the correct amount of hormones. It’s just a matter of stimulating it to do so. Call me today for your FREE consultation and be on your way to a younger body and a good night’s sleep.

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

OCT

Coming Next Month Transformative

Travel Plus: Chiropractic October articles include: Life-Changing Travel Selecting a Chiropractor Bone-Density Exercises and so much more!

DO YOU KNOW WHAT’S IN YOUR WATER? 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. Don’t delay. Call Henry today! 281-773-5441

NEW DECISION THERAPY WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS

12900 Queensberry Lane, Suite 201 Houston, TX 77079 281-794-5255 drnettie.net

If you or someone you care about is suffering from addictions, compulsive behavior patterns, unhealthy relationship patterns, anxiety, phobias, depression or feeling stuck New Decision TherapyTM can help. NDT uses applied and behavioral kinesiology to identify emotional trauma which may be the root cause of the problem. Once the traumatic experience that caused the behavior has been identified, the negative impact on body and mind can be cleared. Call Dr. Nettie Ramsay, N.D. today to schedule your initial consultation.

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713-927-6540 natural awakenings

September 2017

OPTICIAN FACTORY EYEGLASS OUTLET 7921 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 713-468-5665 factoryfineeyewear.com

Do you need new eyeglasses? Whether you are looking for premium or generic eye ware, Alex Atuesta at Factory Eyeglass Outlet has something for you. They feature both premium Zeise lenses cut in house and generic lenses starting at $99 along with a wide selection of the latest frames. Alex and his staff also do eyeglass repair and offer lifetime adjustments for their customers. Experience their friendly, professional one on one service the next time you need new eyeglasses or need your eyeglasses repaired. Factory Eyeglass Outlet accepts most insurance plans.

REIKI TRAINING REIKI MASTER JULIA CARROLL, PH.D. SCHOOL of HEALING ARTS 713-822-7380 julia@juliacarroll1.com JuliaCarroll1.com

Julia was the first Reiki Master in the State of Texas, has written 5 healing books and has had university based Reiki research published. Her book, Nu-Reiki Onness, can be found on her website and is FREE. Contact Julia today to schedule an appointment to discuss enrolling in one of her Reiki certification courses.

SPIRITUALITY 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 miniseason for $132, a perfect gift for your healthconscious loved ones or purchase a 20-week season for $507. The summer vegetables include edamame, eggplant, basil, peppers, okra, arugula, basil, cucumbers, green onions, roselle, malabar spinach, possibly cantaloupe if weather cooperates, and even watermelon if weather cooperates. Sign-up today for the Summer 2017 Season! See ad on pages 28 & 39.

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

Can’t lose weight? Feeling Sluggish? Don’t have the energy you used to have? Let us help undo the damage from over-consumption and poor food choices. Our program of fasting, juicing, cleansing and colonics is designed to energize, strengthen and enlighten. All natural, organic, resort and spa. Immerse yourself in personal attention from our staff while indulging in our many body-pampering and beautifying spa treatments. Call of visit our website to book your stay today! See ad on page 20.

Houston

CARMEL TEMPLE

1208 Pennsylvania Street South Houston 775804. 713-944-0014 CarmelTemple.org

Carmel Temple is a quiet sanctuary far away from the outer world of seeming chaos. It is a place of peace, healing, study, teaching, meditation, love, warmth, and friendship. Opened in 1970, Carmel Temple is a loving place made available for all seekers of the Light. Join us in this welcoming environment this Sunday where enlightenment, healing, and especially love are found. See ad on page 22.

GRACE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 4040 West Bellfort Street Houston, TX 77025 713-666-1408 GraceInHouston.org

We are a welcoming Christian community sharing our spiritual journeys through worship, fellowship and outreach. Grounded in both Episcopal worship and ancient practices, we are faithful to the rich traditions of our church while also open to creative expressions of our faith in worship and ministries. Come and be with us for any or all of our many programs and services.

ST. PAUL’S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 5501 Main Street Houston, TX 77004 713-528-0527} stpaulshouston.org

St. Paul’s Houston centers itself around vibrant worship that moves us to Christian mission, hospitality and faith formation for all peoples and communities. St. Paul’s is also home to ProjectCURATE, a multi-ethnic leadership program on race, solidarity and kinship. Weekly worship on Sundays at 8:30 am, 9:45 am and 11:05 am Check out our other offerings in the Natural Awakenings calendars. We hope you'll respond to the Spirit leading you to connect and grow with us.

www.NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

UNITY OF HOUSTON 2919 Unity Drive Houston TX 77057 713-782-4050 Unityhouston.org

Unity of Houston offers positive, practical teachings t h at su p p or t s pir itual 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!” Come and discover it for yourself! See ad on page 13.

UNITY OF NORTH HOUSTON 11738 Grant Road Cypress, Texas 77429 281-374-7085 http://www.unitynorthhouston.org/

Ours is a positive, practical, progressive approach to Christianity based on the teachings of Jesus - as well as other master teachers - and the power of prayer. Unity teaches that each person is a unique expression of God created with sacred worth. Living from that awareness transforms our lives and the world. Unity recognizes that there are many expressions of family life. All are welcome. Unity creates an affirming environment that fosters positive self-image, personal responsibility and unconditional love and acceptance. If you want to know God and to experience God at work in your life, join us on Sundays! You’ll discover a warm, caring community of ordinary people living extraordinary lives.

THERMOGRAPHY THERMAL IMAGING SERVICES

Angel Marlow, CNHP, CAHC, CCT 24550 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 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 on page 19.

Meet Your

Natural Match On Our Newly Upgraded Website We invite you to join and experience a truly conscious, loving, dating environment with amazing members. In partnership with the Conscious Dating Network, upgrades include a new, contemporary, responsive layout for all devices; a dynamic search engine; and an improved matching system. Autumn is here; be proactive by joining today. Your natural match is waiting to meet you!

Try for FREE at NaturalAwakeningsSingles.com natural awakenings September

2017

EverydayatisBreeze Earthday Energy. Join us on our mission to Protect the Planet!

At Breeze Energy we are on a mission- a mission to Protect the Planet -one Breeze at a time! When you choose to go with the wind from Breeze Energy, you show the planet you care. Choosing wind for electricity at your home or office reduces the demand for fossil fuel sources which in turn reduces fossil fuels' negative impact on our climate, the air we breathe, the water we need. Breeze Energy delivers 100% Green, 100% Texas wind energy- in comparison our competitors are owned by companies that generate over 80% of their electricity from fossil fuels coal, gas and nuclear energy. Join the movement to Protect the Planet and Switch today!

With W ith o our ur a affordable ffo ff ordable p prices, rices, easy being Green. iit’s t’s e asy b eing G reen. ™ Breeze B re e z e E Energy nergy 112 2m mo. o. p plan lan 8.3¢ per kwh* 8.3¢ p er k w h* **B *Breeze B Breeze r ez reeze re eze e 12 month mon onth hp plan lan lla an as an as o off 9/1/ 9 9/1/17 9/ 9/1/17. /1/17 1/117 1/ 7.

PUC#10211

Houston