Natural Awakenings Houston December 2019 Expanded Digital Edition by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Conscious Inhaling Smaller Holidays the Joy of Couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Breathe in the sights Be Bigger Life and sensations of this sacred season

Conscious Breathwork Nanotechnology & CBD

December 2019 | Houston-Edition | NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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Natural Awakenings is a family of more than 70 healthy living magazines celebrating 25 years of providing the communities we serve with the tools and resources we all need to lead healthier lives on a healthy planet.

Contents 14

14 Nutritional Protocols for Cancer:individualized nutrition for cancer patients

18 15 Inhaling the Joy of Life: conscious breathwor8

18 Conscious Holidays:

Breathe in the sights and sensations of this sacred season

ADVERTISING & SUBMISSIONS HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 713-927-6540 or email: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for ads: the 5th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Email Calendar Events to: Calendar@NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com. Deadline for calendar: the 5th of the month. If you have missed the deadline ask about our “Red-Eye Special” and our digital placements. 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.

20 Burn Notice:

safe & sustainable fireplace practices

21 Smaller Couldn’t Be Bigger: CBD & Nanotechnology

5 letter from the publisher

Premium Digital Articles

6 affirming naturally

33 The Emerging Power of “WE”

7 health briefs

35 Waste-Free Feasting

8 event briefs 14 healthy eating

36 Video Briefs

20 sustainability 21 plant medicine 24 calendar of events 28 resource guide

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39 The Merry Vegan 40 Oh-So-Good Holiday Treats 42 Refresh Holiday Traditions 44 Perfect Pet Presents

letter from publishers

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Greetings! It seems this year we’ve had cold weather come earlier. We had hoped to have the wood heater installed to keep us all toasty warm in The Cabin by now but I feel certain it will happen. Until then, it’s like camping out and you know, some people travel long distances to do this on purpose. We’ve just had our first Thanksgiving Day celebration, just the two of us and we plan something similar for Christmas. We all have enjoyed our holiday traditions and in a way wish we could repeat them but times change and things change. Rather than holding on and feeling sad because we can’t go back, we are both taking several deep breaths, letting go, and looking forward to making some new holiday traditions together. This month’s magazine seems to have magically chosen topics and articles to go right along with that. There are two articles on breathing. One focuses on the physical side and the other more on the spiritual. There is an article on fireplace safety and of course healthy eating and plant medicine articles. Be sure to check out the website and subscribe to our digital magazine. This month there will be a free bonus section in the digital edition give you several new healthy holiday recipes. If you mainly do your reading on your phone, just text NAHTX to 66866. Where ever you are this year for the holidays, Cindy and I hope you are safe, healthy and happy and we will see you right here next year.

HOUSTON EDITION PUBLISHERS

Cindy & Mike Hart

EDITOR & DESIGN Mike Hart CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Doyle Ward Shen Ge Lin Weiss Minnie Payne Laurie Malone Linda Sechrist J.Garnett SALES & MARKETING Barbara Silberg Minnie Payne Carmen Jules Tatyana Martin WEBSITE

Mike Hart

NATIONAL TEAM

Mike & Cindy Hart

CEO/FOUNDER Sharon Bruckman COO/FRANCHISE SALES Joe Dunne NATIONAL EDITOR Jan Hollingsworth MANAGING EDITOR Linda Sechrist NATIONAL ART DIRECTOR Stephen Blancett ART DIRECTOR Josh Pope FINANCIAL MANAGER Yolanda Shebert FRANCHISE SUPPORT MGR. Heather Gibbs WEBSITE COORDINATOR Rachael Oppy NATIONAL ADVERTISING Kara Cave © 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. 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 weresponsible for the products and services advertised. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

© 2019 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. 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. Check with a healthcare professional regarding the appropriate use of any treatment.

Natural Awakenings Magazine is ranked 5th Nationally in CISION’S® 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitness Magazines

affirming naturally

I have unlimited potential.

by Doyle Ward

You have more than 55,000 thoughts each day. Many are the

same thoughts over and over again. Every single one is an affirmation; this also includes everything that you say. By reducing your negative thoughts and words and increasing the positive ones, you can reshape your life. Expecting a better day helps to create a better life. The only place we have to take action or make changes is the present moment. We live in a world of limitless possibilities. That gives each of us unlimited potential. The biggest thing that can hold us back are the stories that we and others tell ourselves that creates fear and limitations. Here’s my affirmation for this month:

I have unlimited potential. The only thing that you are guaranteed in life is this moment. Working with positive affirmations can radically change your mindset. Say them and write them repeatedly with the feeling that they are your truth. You have the power to make great changes in yourself and the world. I know this is true because I have made huge changes in my life by changing my thoughts.

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Eat Mushrooms to Lower Risk of Prostate Cancer Researchers followed more than 36,000 Japanese men older than 40 for an average of 13.2 years. They found that those that consumed culinary mushrooms three times a week had a 17 percent lower chance of developing prostate cancer compared to those that ate mushrooms less than once a week. Participants that ate mushrooms once or twice a week had an 8 percent lower risk. The trend was even greater for those men over the age of 50 and was unrelated to other dietary habits.

Train Students in Mindfulness to Reduce Stress and Improve Grades Sixth-graders that received mindfulness training each day for eight weeks experienced lower stress levels, less depression and improved academic performance compared to their peers in a control group that studied computercoding, report Massachusetts Institute of Technology researchers. In addition to that 100-student study, researchers surveyed 2,000 students in grades five through eight and found those that showed more mindfulness tended to have better grades and test scores. They also had fewer absences and suspensions.

Extreme Weather Events Affect Mental Well-Being People that experience storm and flood damage to their homes are about 50 percent more likely to experience depression and anxiety, British researchers report. Surveying more than 7,500 people after the 2013-2014 season of severe weather, they found that those with homes damaged by wind, rain, snow or floods had mental health risks similar to living in a disadvantaged area. This occurred even when the effects of the extreme weather were relatively minor and did not force people to leave their homes.

Charge It

Electric Vehicles Get Their Own ‘Gas’ Station The RS Automotive gas station, in Takoma Park, Maryland, has been around since 1958, and Depeswar Doley has been running it for 22 years. Now, frustrated by the complicated rules, requirements and contracts of oil and gas companies, he has completely transitioned away from offering petroleum and become the country’s first exclusively electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Because there has been a shortage of EV charging stations in the state, the station’s transition was partially funded by the Baltimore-based Electric Vehicle Institute and the Maryland Energy Administration. Its new 200-kiloWatt electrical system will now be able to recharge up to four vehicles at a time while drivers wait inside. Doley says, “It’s not something that I expect to become rich overnight or something like that, but it’s a good cause [and] good for the environment.”

You can either see yourself as a wave in the ocean or you can see yourself as the ocean. ~Oprah Winfrey

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Happy Awake New Year 2020!

In celebration of Natural Awakenings’ commitment to promoting

higher consciousness during the last 25 years, the Cabo Breath Fest will offer many life-changing workshops plus other activities from February 1 to 21, in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. Some of the 20-plus international experts offering workshops include event founder Dan Brule, author, breathwork pioneer the creator of Breath Therapy; Stig Avall Severinsen, champion free diver and author of the bestselling book Breatheology – The Art of Conscious Breathing; Dr. Jim Morningstar, author and founder of the School of Integrative Psychology; and Lena Kristina Tuulse, Breathwork pioneer and author of Passion for Life who introduced conscious breathing to much of Europe. As this historic event is a co-creation of the trainers and guests, attendees are also invited to make presentations during some of the 100 available sessions. There’ll also be yoga on the beach, drumming circles, concerts, social gatherings, great food, dances, art and other enriching activities. Tickets: $100 for any or all workshops. For more information, tickets and cheap accommodations, call 800-568-7957 or visit CaboBreathFest.com or Facebook.com/cabobreathfest.

The start of another New Year is just around the corner – A new

year, a new beginning, a chance for us to awaken the light of Eternal Spring. Universal Door Meditation Center in Sugar Land is hosting a 2-day Awake New Year Festival Saturday, January 4th - Sunday, January 5th, 2020, 10 AM – 10 PM. Come and enjoy vegetarian Vietnamese food, dragon dancers, craft booths, fireworks, live music and activities for the children. Take a tour of the beautiful Awake World and meet Zen Masters Thich Dieu Thien and Thich Thong Hoi. Have your copy of The Power of Awake signed by the author. Learn what is meant by the experience of Awake which opens your mind to a world with no suffering, no struggle, no judgment, no ego. English is spoken and electronic translators are available. The Festival is FREE. For information visit the website or call Universal Door Meditation Center 281-565-9718. Let Awake Love gently fill our hearts! Universal Door Meditation Center 15202 Dora Lane Sugar Land, Texas 77498 universaldoor.org See ad on back cover.

THIS IS YOGA . THE RIVER OAKS 3433 Westheimer RSVP Required: 713-941-9992

Integrative Hatha Yoga 9:30am 2nd & 4th Saturdays

Theraputic and flowing asana practice focused on heart and hip openers, twists, postural alignment, the energetic subtle bodies and meditation. Relax. Restore. Rejuvenate. Create Serenity, Peace & Balance. A consistent Yoga practice provides an excellent foundation for a lifetime of self-discovery, building strength and vitality within the whole being. Classes are multi-dimensional, accommodating the personal needs of the beginner, as well as the advanced practitioner. As a Certified Yoga Therapist, Lin Weiss’ knowledge & passion for Yoga are evidenced by her warm & personable teaching style. For more information visit: conscioushealingnow.com

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Nature Cure

event brief

Forests and Shrubs Lower Medical Costs

The Way of the Shaman: Shamanic Journeying, Power & Healing January 11 & 12

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies

is dedicated to preserving, studying, and teaching shamanic knowledge for the welfare of all. If you have ever been curious about shamanism or wanted to learn the basics of authentic shamanism, The Way of the Shaman: Shamanic Journeying, Power & Healing taught by guest faculty member, Anthony Rios will be presented in Galveston January 11 & 12. Here’s what a few past participants have to say: “The workshop was everything I expected and more. I am frankly incredulous that I was able to journey and complete the practice. Everything I encountered seemed at

once familiar and strange — and authentic!” “It is much more than I thought it would be. I feel that everything I’ve done has brought me to this. I feel so at home with this work and with myself.” “This workshop was very positive and life changing. I will never be the same. I feel more connected to the earth and the animals of this world. “ The Way of the Shaman January 11 & 12, 2020 9:00 am – 4:30 pm Galveston, TX Guest Faculty: Anthony Rios Visit shamanism.org 409.762.6027 anthony@shamanspirit.net Tuition: $300 per person Register at: paypal.me/ARiosGalveston Location: Homewood Suites, Galveston

A new study based on the National Land Cover Database of 3,086 of the 3,103 counties in the continental U.S. published in the journal Urban Forestry and Urban Greening found that increases in forest and shrub cover corresponded to decreases in Medicare health care spending, even when accounting for economic, geographic or other factors that might independently influence healthcare costs. Urban and rural counties with the lowest socioeconomic status appeared to benefit the most from increases in forests and shrubs. University of Illinois graduate student Douglas A. Becker, who led the new research with Matt Browning, a professor of recreation, sports and tourism, says, “It occurred to me that low-income communities are getting the biggest bang for their buck because they probably have the most to gain.” Other studies have shown that people in intensive care units recover more quickly and have fewer complications after surgery if their hospital rooms look out over trees rather than parking lots and that forest walks can influence potentially health-promoting hormone levels or anti-cancer immune cells in the blood.

Michael Harner’s Basic Workshop The Way of the Shaman®: Shamanic Journeying, Power, and Healing

January 11 & 12, 2020

The Foundation for Shamanic Studies shamanism.org

9:00 am – 4:30 pm, Galveston, TX Location: Homewood Suites-Galveston Guest Faculty: Anthony Rios Tuition: $300 per person Register at: paypal.me/ARiosGalveston For information call 409-762-6027 or email anthony@ShamanSpirits.net Contact us TODAY to reserve your place. 9

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

JANUARY

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

event brief

Coming Next

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

Upledger CranioSacral Therapy Training Coming to San Antonio and Houston Upledger Institute International announced it has begun taking registrations for CranioSacral Therapy 1 being held January 16-19, 2020, in San Antonio and in Houston, March 19-22, 2020 CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. CST practitioners use soft palpation to release restrictions in the craniosacral system, producing positive effects on central nervous system performance, overall body pain, and mobility. CST complements the body’s natural healing processes and patients report improvement for a wide range of medical issues. Because of its light touch and noninvasive technique – CST can be safely used on

patients of all ages, from newborns to senior citizens. Upledger Institute International is a healthcare resource center known worldwide for its extensive education programs, advanced treatment options, and products. Dr. John E. Upledger, the developer of CST, had a vision and a passion to make sure that CST would always be available to anyone who could benefit from this gentle therapy. To fulfill his legacy, Upledger Institute International continues to educate manual therapists and offers classes in more than 110 countries... and now has more than 125,000 alumni to date.

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To register and for information regarding tuition and early registration savings, prerequisites, recommended preparation, and class times, call 800-233-5880 or visit Upledger. com.

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LifeWorks Wellness Center Welcomes New Doctor Dr. David Minkoff, founder of LifeWorks Wellness Center, is proud to welcome Dr. Rodney Soto and the Neurology Division to his medical clinic. Dr. Soto is a board-certified neurologist and is also board-certified in integrative medicine and anti-aging. With more than 30 years of medical experience, including 15-plus years in functional and holistic medicine, Dr. Soto specializes in treating Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, traumatic brain injuries, dementia, migraines, ALS and strokes. He states, “I want to ‘empower’ my patients with the proper education about their condition so they can learn how to heal themselves. I am always researching new, natural options to help the body heal naturally.”

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Do you want to know the root cause of your neurology problems? Dr. Soto has answers. Call today to schedule an appointment. Location: 301 Turner St., Clearwater. For more information, call 727-466-6789 or visit LifeWorksWellnessCenter.com. See ad page 13

13 October 2019

Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria

healthy eating

New research

Nutritional Protocols for Cancer by Linda L. Isaacs

In the early 1960s, Dr. William Donald

Kelley, an orthodontist in Grapevine, Texas, found his health rapidly going downhill. He had become emaciated, with a tumor protruding from his abdomen. Since CT scans and needle biopsies were not available in that era, he was given the presumptive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer with liver metastases, and told to get his affairs in order. Instead, Kelley put himself on a nutritional protocol. When he recovered, Kelley found that patients started coming to him to find out what he had done and how they could implement it for themselves. He became a practitioner of alternative medicine for cancer and other illnesses, working in Texas and in Washington State. Around 1980, Nicholas Gonzalez, M.D., began an investigation into Kelley’s work that would change the direction of this life as well as myself, a then third-year medical student. In Kelley’s files, Gonzalez discovered many well-documented cases of patients with cancer who were alive and well years after they should have died. A book detailing the results of that investigation is available under the title One Man Alone. For the next several years Kelley’s work was researched and investigated by the both of us. Gonzalez was a native of New York City, with many contacts there, and so when the time came to try to recreate Kelley’s work, we moved the research there. For many years, we treated patients and published case reports, journal articles, and books. Gonzalez passed away unexpectedly in 2015 and the practice was moved to Austin this year. Diet, Supplements and Detoxification Diets vary from patient to patient, ranging from nearly vegetarian to something closer to a Paleo or Atkins diet. All diets, however, require organic food and lots of vegetables, while eliminating white flour, sugar, and alcohol.

The supplements also vary from patient to patient. For cancer patients, the supplements always include large amounts of freeze-dried pancreas in capsules, naturally rich in pancreatic enzymes. Enzymes have been used in cancer treatment for more than a century; they may well form a crucial part of the body’s defense against cancer. Detoxification refers to procedures designed to help the body get rid of stored toxins from living in a toxic world, as well as the waste materials that form when repair takes place. Just as remodeling a house creates sawdust and rubble, repair processes can create biologically active debris. Techniques such as saunas and daily skin brushing are highly recommended in addition to the backbone of detoxification with this program—the daily use of coffee enemas. Most patients find the idea strange when they first hear of it; however, almost without exception they all become fond of the procedure because it makes them feel so much better. While specific recommendations can’t be made to patients not properly evaluated, everyone can benefit from a carefully chosen organic diet, free of refined flour and sugar, and supplementation with pancreatic enzymes, which can do more than aid in digestion. Linda Isaacs, M.D. develops individualized nutritional protocols for patients with cancer and auto-immune diseases. Contact her at 737-208-0831 or email LindaIsaacsMD@ HushMail.com. For more information about this method and past results, visit DrLindaI. com.

offers potential paths for treatment for the nearly 20 percent of patients with high blood pressure that don’t respond well to medications. Universit yof Florida College of Medicine researchers, testing 105 volunteers, found that the populations of gut bacteria differed between hypertensive individuals with depression and those without depression. A second study by Italian researchers found that patients with heart attacks had different bacteria in their guts than patients with stable angina

Eat a Better Diet to Improve Gut Bacteria Researchers at the University of Hawaii

Cancer Center tested stool samples of 858 men and 877 women in Los Angeles and Hawaii with a mean age of 69—regarded as an ethnically diverse study population with varied food intakes. The study found that those with higher quality diets also had significantly better gut bacteria diversity, a factor linked to reduced risk for a variety of diseases. Diet quality and a reduced risk of developing chronic disease is strongly associated with fecal microbial diversity.

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feature article

Go-to Breathing Exercises From Rachael Walter: The Three-Breath Sigh Place one hand on your lower belly and the other on your chest. Breathing in through your nose, let your breath start in the belly and move up to the chest. Then exhale through your mouth while making an audible sighing sound. Repeat two more times. The Four-Eight Relaxing Breath Place one hand on your lower belly and the other on your chest. Using a belly breath, inhale to the count of four and exhale to the count of eight, making your exhale twice as long as your inhale to facilitate relaxation. Feel free to play with how fast or slow you count to find a comfortable breathing pace. Repeat for six to 10 times as needed. Breath Walk This is an excellent exercise to do while at work, school or a public place to give your nervous system a break, even when the world is crazy-busy around you. Walk at a slightly slower pace than normal and breathe in for one step; breathe out for the next step, counting three or four for each breath/step. Continue as you walk, being mindful of your breath, counting and surroundings.

For further inquiry, Melissa Crowder recommends these Kundalini yoga breaths: Shabad Kriya for promoting deep restful sleep Sitali Pranayama for lowering a fever or cooling off a hot temper Breath of Fire for improved brain circulation, stimulating digestion and weight control Right nostril breathing for afternoon slumps Left nostril breathing to quiet mind chatter at bedtime

Inhaling the Joy of Life Conscious Breathwork by Marlaina Donato

Our first breath is instinctual and bel-

ly-deep, but as we grow into life, everyday stress and trauma can bring us into the shallows. Mindful breathing can help guide our breath back to its original, healthy rhythm. Both the brain and organs benefit from increased oxygen, and the vagus nerve that connects the two—prompted by changes in the body’s pH levels—releases acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for lowering heart rate. Breathwork can improve vagal tone, a major component in a wide range of conditions like depression, pain syndromes, sleep disturbances, anxiety disorders and chronic inflammation. A 2016 study by the Medical University of South Carolina published in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine shows a lower number of proteins associated with inflammation in the saliva of participants that employed breathing exercises. A study that appeared in the journal Psychophysiology in 2015 found that 20 minutes of mindful breathing at bedtime fostered a good night’s rest for people with insomnia.

Breathing Breaks

From traditional rebirthing techniques using circular breathing to Middendorf Breath Work for somatic awareness, there are many styles of conscious breathing. The gentler approaches best suit everyday needs and taking a breathing break can actually provide more refreshment than one featuring coffee. “Many people have found that a regular breathing practice has helped them increase energy and decrease anxiety. It is a powerful tool to reset the nervous system when we’re overwhelmed and stressed,” says Somatic Breath Therapy (SBT) practitioner Rachael Walter, owner of Breathe-Here-Now, in Keene, New Hampshire. Like many forms of breathwork, SBT bridges the chasm between mind and body. “Conscious breathing can also help people access and understand their emotions,” notes Walter. Pranayama, an ancient technique of yoga that focuses on breath control and employs alternate nostril breathing, can be performed while lying down, seated or on the yoga mat. Kundalini yoga teacher Melissa Crowder, owner of 4 States Yoga, in Joplin, Missouri, advises students to start out slow-

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

ly, three to six minutes a day, and then work up to a longer practice. “Alternate nostril breathing is a great practice for everyone. As little as six minutes of yogic breathing, as needed, can make a profound difference in decreasing pain and stress,” she says.

Belly Benefits

The American Lung Association recommends a variety of exercises, including diaphragmatic (belly) breathing, for conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Engaging the diaphragm is key in breathing to fullest capacity. Walter explains, “An open, healthy breath is one in which we use the diaphragm to initiate the breath, followed by the belly expanding and the breath moving into the chest.” Most of us unconsciously fall into shallow and sometimes self-conscious breathing patterns at an early age. “During my training, I read that by age 6 we pick up on cues telling us to tuck in our tummies. This simple, bad habit begins a cascade of physiological responses. Upper chest breathing can create anxiety symptoms and poor digestion,” explains Colleen Breeckner, owner of Colleen Lila Yoga, in New York City. “Diaphragmatic breathing causes the diaphragm to become flat and wide, and in turn, presses upon the stomach and helps to churn the gastric juices. For this reason, it can aid earlier stages of digestion.”

When used in conjunction with other modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy, diaphragmatic breathing might be beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Breathing Into Feelings

The depth and quality of the breath can help us to become aware of emotional states that include “holding patterns”. “Conscious breathing is a doorway into deep meditation, which can help alleviate anger and insecurities. It can also be helpful in dropping addictions,” says Crowder. “Linking pranayama with physical movement [asanas] helps to release tension and emotions that can be held in the body’s soft tissues.” Breeckner agrees, “Developing this awareness can help us to move unpleasant and stuck emotions through the body.” Well-being can be just a breath away, says Walter. “When we open up our breath, we open ourselves to a fuller experience of being human. It has the capacity to bring us into the present moment to access our joy and our life’s purpose.” Marlaina Donato is an author and a composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

Local Resources The Breathing Room 200 Westcott Street Houston, TX 77007 713-864-2552 breathingroomhtx.com Begin Within Healing Studio 15319 Cypress Garden Dr. Houston, TX 77069 832-875-7215 sonyanelson.com

Want to see your studio here? Ask me how. January Deadline is December 10th. mike@naturalawakenings-houston. com

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JANUARY

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

Coming Next

Age-Defying Habits Plus: Healthy Immune System

inspiration

Conscious Holidays by Lin Weiss, MH CYT

Breathe in the sights and sensations of

this sacred season of Light. Take a few moments to be still and listen to the wisdom of your heart. Listen with your inner ears and feel your heart beat. Attune to its natural rhythm with your breath. If you take just a few moments now to experience your soul’s essence in this way, you will raise your vibrational frequency. This process is a way of receiving and inviting the life force energies into one’s own being. Harmonizing mind, body and spirit in this way elevates consciousness, revitalizes the spirit and brings radiant, vibrant health and wellbeing. Consciousness; vibration; frequency; harmony; radiance; attunement; and rhythm are all concepts that describe qualities of energy or the life force. This season of the year can be particularly significant as we consider the quality of our personal life energies. It is our individual responsibility to maintain our equilibrium and centeredness from a spiritual perspective. Mental, physical and emotional harmony is central to good health, happiness and abundant life. Science is proving that the effects of negative emotion and negative thinking are harmful to the human heart and inhibit a well-functioning circulatory system. In her

book “You Can Heal Your Life”, Louise Hay attributes heart problems and conditions such as hypertension, to “longstanding, unresolved, emotional problems. Lack of joy; hardening of the heart; and a belief in strain and stress.” It is ironic that in this sacred season of beauty and light we often see the incongruous expressions of impatience; unbridled tempers; and the resulting relational damage that these unconscious negative thought forms create. We habitually push past ourselves in the service of gift giving, and “joyous” celebrations of the season, a precursor to irrational behavior, illness and mood swings. The combinations of overindulgence, lack of sleep, overwork, rushing across town for that last-minute “perfect” gift, and the emotional strain of it all are a recipe for disaster. We inhibit the harmony and flow of our natural rhythms creating palpitations; anxiety attacks; insomnia; depression and a cascade of dis-ease due to neurochemical imbalance and inhibited blood flow. In Chinese medicine, blood is often referred to as “shin” and healthy blood flow is considered to carry the energy of the Holy Spirit through our physical bodies. It is a common misperception that it is “selfish” to allot time and money for self-care in this traditional time of “giving.” I propose

Unwind into Wellness meditation - mindfullness - yoga

that it is selfish not to. Put the oxygen mask on yourself first. Otherwise, there will be no wind beneath your wings to show up in a loving, heart-centered way for friends, family and co-workers. Expressions are contagious. Our way of showing up in the world will always be reflected right back to us in the faces and actions of those around us. Family is especially effective at proving this out. We reap what we sow. The Heart represents the center of love and security. Gratitude opens the heart. We cannot be in gratitude, and fear and resistance simultaneously. Give the gift of being a good receiver to those who show up for you in even the smallest of ways. Say “thank you” and experience the vibrational shift, add a smile and raise your own energetic frequency even more. Conscious listening is great way of “giving” by being receptive, strengthening your heart muscle and staying centered in present moment awareness. These are the gifts of the heart that no money can buy. We cannot be in love and fear at the same time. Fear is the ignorance of higher spiritual realities. We have the choice and the ability to quite the mind and invite life-giving energies through the quality of the breath. There is a personal guiding Light inside all of us. This holiday season, before you get out of bed, before you start your car, or strike out for one last gift, just notice your breath. Make a conscious decision to tap into spirit, faith and the natural instinct of your own heart. Enjoy the season and be well! Namaste’ Lin Lin Weiss is the founder & director of Conscious Healing & Conscious Curriculums. She is a Holistic Healer in private practice in Houston Texas; a Certified Yoga Therapist; Educator, Life Enhancement Coach and Author of Metaphysical teachings. Contact Lin @ 713.858.8595 linweiss@conscioushealingnow.com Conscioushealingnow.com

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sustainability

Burn Notice-safe and sustainable fireplace practices

One of the charms of winter is enjoying t

he warmth and glow of indoor fireplaces and wood stoves. It also emphasizes the need for sustainable, safe and healthy practices— especially when it comes to maintaining air quality. Try to buy wood from providers that use good forest management practices such as harvesting during sustainable months, reports WoodHeat.org. Environmentally sound woodlot operations include thinning out dying, less desirable and damaged trees, and including a blend of species. “Have a high-efficiency, properly installed stove that meets local building codes that’s sized for the area to be heated,” says Brad Harr, senior environmental scientist and president of Summit Environmental Inc., in Boise, Idaho. “Use dry, 10 to 12 percent wood moisture. Water sucks up heat to get to combustion temperature. Run at high heat, generally over 1,000° F in the firebox, to effect complete combustion of the wood and gases.” Denser woods such as ironwood, rock elm, hickory, oak and sugar maple burn longer and conserve resources. Use a higher British thermal unit (BTU) per cord of wood to maximize heat production. (WorldForestIndustries.com has tips per region.) Harr adds, “Don’t starve the fire to extend burning time, as smoldering can cause incomplete combustion.” This leads to more carbon monoxide and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) being released that can cause flu-like symptoms. and at high levels. unconsciousness and even death. To help maintain proper airflow and prevent soot buildup, shovel excess ash into a covered metal container, store it outside and dispose of it in a few days. Smelling smoke can indicate the fireplace may be backdrafting and needs to be inspected. Harr also suggests checking periodically for potential cracks or rusting in the joints of a stovepipe. Make sure children and the elderly don’t accidentally touch the stove while in use and keep furniture a suitable distance away. Periodic inspections by a professional can address potentially dangerous creosote (tar deposit) accumulations, assure the catalytic converter is operating correctly and detect trapped debris in escape shafts that can force toxic gases back into the home and clog spark-arresting screens on tops of stovepipes or chimneys. If buying a new unit, make sure it’s U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-certified, which requires two-thirds less wood to generate heat and emits fewer harmful particles―two to seven grams per hour―compared with 15 to 30 grams for models manufactured before 1992, according to MotherEarthLiving.com.

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Repurposing Weeds

Pond Plants Offer Protein Strategy Fast-growing lemna, or duckweed, a flowering green plant that blooms on the surface of still and slow-moving bodies of water that is often mistaken for algae, is finding new utility as a protein source. California-based Plantible Foods claims that duckweed, traditionally the enemy of pond owners, is superior to other alternative proteins like pea, wheat and soy. The unusual crop naturally contains higher amounts of the complete protein RuBisCo and is easier to digest than some other popular plant proteins. It can be used as a substitute for egg white, is free of the top eight allergens and has a neutral color and taste. Due to its rapid growth, duckweed is less vulnerable to climate change. Plantible Foods co-founder Tony Martens says that duckweed grows reliably and can typically be harvested daily, no matter what the weather may be.

Animal Rescue

Government Order Reduces Animal Testing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler has signed a directive reducing the animal testing that the agency has long required on such animals as dogs, birds, rats and fish to gauge the toxicity of chemicals before they can be bought, sold or used in the environment. The agency also authorized $4.25 million in funding for five universities to research the development and use of alternative test methods and strategies that reduce, refine or replace vertebrate animal testing. He says, “Today’s memo directs the agency to aggressively reduce animal testing, including reducing mammal study requests and funding 30 percent by 2025 and completely eliminating them by 2035.” Any mammal studies requested or funded by the EPA after 2035 will require administrator approval on a case-by-case basis. It directs leadership and staff in the Office of Chemical Safety and Pollution Prevention and the Office of Research and Development to prioritize and direct existing resources toward measurable impacts in the reduction of animal testing while ensuring protection of human health and the environment.

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Smaller Couldn’t Be Bigger by J Garnet

For centuries, people lived with the idea that bigger is better, a big-

ger house, a bigger boat, a bigger car. It appears that smaller is the new big, even when it comes to medicine. With the development of nanotechnology, it seems that electronics are not the only products that are getting smaller. Nanotechnology is now being used during medical treatments and surgical services and is even being used to make medicine more effective. Nano is defined as one billionth of a part. It’s tiny; it’s smaller than tiny. Twenty nanometers is about a thousand times smaller than a human red blood cell. To put this into even more perspective, it is smaller than one billionth of a meter. The possibilities are almost limitless, and as more and more companies, and scientists are turning to the use of nanotechnology, smaller and more efficient products are being produced. Nanotechnology is a term that most people have probably heard of. Because of nanotechnology, many people today are living the science fiction of their youth. Wireless devices, flat screen TVs as large as a whole wall, having microscopic robots traveling through the bloodstream for diagnostic results, talking face to face with someone halfway around the world and printing three dimensional objects, even a whole house, are now becoming mainstream. Writers with great imaginations have written books and movies that have astounded their audience with advanced, unbelievable technology. Those farfetched products and devices are not only real today, but some are even obsolete and old hat. It appears that society is living its own science fiction in the here and now. Even after standing in awe at the coolest and newest technology over the years, and believing that no one could top it, it’s still surprising and awe-striking when the newest advancement arrives. The latest marvel revealed is the use of nanotechnology in the fast-growing medicinal marijuana and CBD industry. Because medicinal marijuana is becoming legal in more states each year and CBD which contains less than 0.3% THC is currently legal in Texas, it’s expected that some issues and inequities would surface. Dosing the medicine is one of the issues. There is no standardized way, and there are numerous methods for taking the medicine. Depending on what method is used to deliver the medicinal values of marijuana, edibles for example, can have a delay in absorption rate, meaning it’ll take longer for the drug to work because it needs to be digested first. The digestive process causes some of the medicinal value to be lost.

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NanoSphere Health Sciences, Inc. is a company that has taken recent medical breakthroughs and combined it with the legal side of medicinal marijuana. David Sutton, the president and COO of the company has a mission, “To alleviate suffering and improve lives globally by redefining how medicinal, preventive and bioactive agents are delivered and experienced.” Over the last several years, NanoSphere Health Sciences has been living up to its mission statement. The NanoSphere Delivery System uses nanotechnology to turn non-water-soluble substances into water soluble nanoparticles. Simply, the system “shrinks” particles without disturbing the integrity of the particle. When a compound is made so small that it is called a nano, the particles can be absorbed quicker because it can slip through areas of the body that it couldn’t before. The cannabinoids that are extracted from the marijuana and the hemp plants are oilbased. The adult human body is made up of 65% water. Oil and water don’t mix. The medicine from the cannabinoids is still absorbed into the body, but it takes time, dosing can be difficult, and again some of the medicine is lost. Through nanotechnology, the cannabinoids can be shrunk to a size that changes them from a non-water-soluble particle to a water soluble one. This is where the medical breakthrough takes place. Some agents of the cannabinoid that could not be absorbed because of the size of the particles or because of the loss of integrity through digestion, is now able to be fully and instantly brought into the body’s circulatory system. This makes dosing the product easier because the amount of medicine being absorbed is standard and unwavering. The same dose of medicine is absorbed each time a nanocannabinoid is introduced into the body, and none of the medicine is lost. The age of “smaller is better” is here and will most likely continue to shape the future in the medical field. Nanotechnology has made it possible for scientists to do more with less. As far as using this technology in the marijuana and CBD industry, it’s already happening, and a better, faster acting product is being made. J Garnet, M.Ed., is a Teacher, Writer, Speaker and Healer in Tucson, AZ. Garnet is passionate about bringing plant-based medicine into the forefront of healthcare. Connect with him at jeffrey@jgarnet.com, or at (520) 437-8855.

Good to Know

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Although ORANGE CARROTS are familiar today, the root

vegetable originates from the Middle East and was purple, white and yellow. It was mostly harvested for the green tops and for seeds. The seeds made their way to Europe, and in the 17th century, a strain higher in beta-carotene was developed, giving it the now popular orange color. Carrots are a great source of vitamin A, otherwise known as retinol, which helps the body synthesize the pigment in the eyes that operates at low light. So, while the carrot can help ward off macular degeneration and help see in the dark, it won’t help to develop full-fledged night vision, as once believed.

RED BELL PEPPERS are healthier than their sibling peppers

(green, yellow and orange) because they stay on the vine longer and are given more time to absorb vitamins and minerals. Containing more than 200 percent of the body’s recommended daily allowance of vitamin C, red bell peppers are categorized as one of the healthiest vegetables. High amounts of vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron, which can be beneficial for those suffering from an iron deficiency. Even though the red bell pepper is more sweet than spicy hot, it causes a thermogenesis in the body, which increases the metabolism and can therefore help with weight loss. Also high in vitamins A and E, the pepper is full of antioxidants which neutralize the damage-causing free radicals spiraling throughout the body. The redder the fruit or vegetable, the better it is for the body.

BEETS have a number of helpful vitamins and minerals than can

improve a large array of health conditions. They are also packed with disease-fighting antioxidants. Beets help the body produce nitric acid, which in turn helps the circulatory system maintain a healthy flow of blood throughout the body. This will help with high blood pressure and improve cognitive function. Because of the long list of benefits that come from a healthy circulatory system, many men suffering from erectile dysfunction are turning to beet juice. Although the outside of a POMEGRANATE may not be the prettiest of the many fruits to choose from, they are delicious and loaded with numerous vitamins, especially A, C and E. Pomegranate has a huge number of antioxidants nestled in the edible seeds—three times more than found in green tea. Many people are unaware that the peeling, bark and leaves of the plant can not only help, but also cure some stomach disorders. Making and drinking a tea from the leaves can also help curb diarrhea caused by a number of digestive tract issues.

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calendar of events NOTE: All Calendar events must be received via email by the 5th of the month prior to publication. Email calendar@naturalawakenings-houston.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

December 2019 SUNDAY DECEMBER 1ST Three Ways Forests and Climax Ecosystems Cool Our Planet. 12 n-2 pm. Dr. Bob Randall, former executive director of Urban Harvest, presents how the biomass in climax ecosystems such as forests, prairies and coastal wetlands cool our climate in three ways. Restoring land is low hanging fruit and we could drawdown 30 gigatons of carbon per year according to Dr. Walter Jehne (Regenerate Earth). Members of the local PlantPure Pod, Bayou City Beet, will share a light lunch with everyone. FREE. First Unitarian Universalist Church of Houston, 5200 Fannin St, 77004. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/dr-bob-randall-3-ways-forests-and-climax-ecosystems-coolour-planet-tickets-72748192803 Bayou Bikers 8:00am Bayou Bikers meet at Market Square Park on the first Sunday of the month for 25- to 40-mile bike rides exploring the bayous of Houston. Rides are open to all. Market Square, 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark.com SATURDAY DECEMBER 7TH Introduction to Mindfullness Meditation. 9 am. Lifestyle Docs hosts their monthly free meditation call. Open to everyone, beginners and seasoned meditators. Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Street, Ste 355 Bellaire, TX 77401. embeelifestyledocs. com Lifestyle Doc’s Yoga Class. 10am. Join us for a beginner-friendly class which is healthy for the body and mind. Yoga can prevent illness and injury. It can also help reduce the burden of several chronic issues such as arthritis, pain management, cardiovascular disease & even depression and anxiety. $10. Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Street, Ste 355 Bellaire, TX 77401. embeelifestyledocs.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 713-4443581 Native American Drumming. 11am. Sponsored by Daniel Antoon and Dr. Homer Garcia. Learn history and meaning of drumming. Drums and rattles available to use. Suggested fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org Code Blue Documentary Screening with Q & A. 1pm. Our healthcare system is broken and we need a solution to better care for all people. This documentary created by Dr. Saray Stancic explores the problems we face and possible solutions through the eyes of doctor and patient. Dr. Stancic has MS! FREE. George Memorial Library Richmond, 1001 Golfview Dr, Richmond, TX 77469. https://www.facebook.com/ events/414957409170339/ Holiday Yoga Nidra Workshop + Practice 4:30-6:30pm The workshop focuses specifically on calming the energy surrounding the holidays, promoting stress relief, peace, and ease during the holiday season. Wear comfortable yoga clothing and bring your mat. $65. The Breathing Room 200 Westcott Street, Houston, Texas 77007. 713864-2552. breathingroomhtx.com

SUNDAY DECEMBER 8TH Pure Plant-Lifestyle Docs Vegan Potluck. 1pm. Join Doctors Bandana and Munish Chawla for their monthly vegan potluck. Bring a vegan dish. Enjoy the food and conversation. Visit the website for more information and to register. Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Street, Ste 355 Bellaire, TX 77401. embeelifestyledocs.com THURSDAY DECEMBER 12TH Full Moon Drumming. 7:30pm. Join us in honoring the Hunter Moon. Drums and rattles available for use. Suggested fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org SATURDAY DECEMBER 14TH Walk with a Doc 8am. Announcing a new walking program for everyone interested in taking steps for a healthier lifestyle. What better way to start your weekend than on your feet making strides to help your heart and improving your general health to live longer! Enjoy a short talk on a variety of health and wellness topics and then walk at your own pace, and have the opportunity to have questions answered by local physicians. Visit the website for more information and to register. Lifestyle Docs 4500 Bissonnet Street, Ste 355 Bellaire, TX 77401. embeelifestyledocs.com Integrative Hatha Yoga 9:30am Therapeutic Asana practice designed to strengthen Mind/Body connection; increase flexibility, stamina and vitality. Small classes afford personal attention making progress attainable and real. The River Oaks 3433 Westheimer. RSVP Required. Call 713-9419992. conscioushealingnow.com Annual Children Party Games, Food, and Presents. First Spiritualist Church of Houston invites you and your children to their annual children’s Christmas party. Call the church for details. 713695-2550. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org YogaMass® 5pm A unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions -- physical, psychological, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall 1819 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77009. Parking off of 19th Street. yogamass.com SUNDAY DECEMBER 15TH YogaMass® 10am. A unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions -- physical, psychological, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. Hines Center for Spirituality and Prayer 500 Fannin St, Suite 100 Houston, TX 77002 free parking in garage at 511 San Jacinto (bring your parking ticket with you for validation) yogamass.com After Church Service Potluck Lunch and Dime Social. 12:30pm. First Spiritualist Church of Houston invites you to their monthly potluck. Bring a dish. Bring a friend. Enjoy good food and friendly conversation. Call the church for details. 713-695-2550. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org

Electric Satsang with Dwain Briggs 6:30pm. Music, Mantras, & Meditation. Love donation of $10.00 suggested. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org TUESDAY DECEMBER 24TH Candle Light Service 6:30 pm. Join First Spiritualist Church of Houston for a traditional Christmas Candlelight Service. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 25TH Christmas/Krishnamas Feast 11am-1pm. ISKCON of Houston invites you to join them for a free vegetarian feast. ISKCON of Houston 1320 W 34th Street Houston, TX 77018. iskconhouston. org FRIDAY DECEMBER 27TH 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. Guadalupe Plaza Park, 2311 Runnels St., 77003. criticalmasshouston. com SATURDAY DECEMBER 28TH Integrative Hatha Yoga 9:30am Therapeutic Asana practice designed to strengthen Mind/Body connection; increase flexibility, stamina and vitality. Small classes afford personal attention making progress attainable and real. The River Oaks 3433 Westheimer. RSVP Required. Call 713-9419992. conscioushealingnow.com

plan ahead SATURDAY JANUARY 4TH Beautification Day & Mini Readings. 9am-2pm Help us beautify our church and grounds and get a reading on a donation basis. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org Native American Drumming. 2pm. Sponsored by Daniel Antoon and Dr. Homer Garcia. Learn history and meaning of drumming. Drums and rattles available to use. Suggested fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org SATURDAY & SUNDAY JANUARY 4TH & 5TH AWAKE New Year Festival 10am-10pm. Universal Door Meditation Center invites you to join them for a celebration of the New Year with Vietnamese food, dragon dancers, arts and crafts, live music and fireworks. Meet their teachers, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien and Zen Master Thich Thong Hoi, tour Awake World and celebrate the Eternal Spring of Awake. (English IS spoken.) Universal Door Meditation Center 15202 Dora Lane Sugar Land, Texas 77498. 281-565-9718 universaldoor.org THURSDAY JANUARY 9TH Full Moon Drumming. 7:30pm. Join us in honoring the Hunter Moon. Drums and rattles available for use. Suggested fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org

SATURDAY JANUARY 11ST YogaMass® 5pm. A unique worship experience engaging and integrating all of our dimensions -- physical, psychological, emotional, mental, social, and spiritual. It reconnects us, through sacred ritual and practices, to the divine presence among us, within us, and in the sacred meal that we share as we seek to be transformed into the likeness of Christ. St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Parish Hall 1819 Heights Blvd. Houston, TX 77009 Parking off of 19th Street. yogamass.com SATURDAY & SUNDAY JANUARY 11TH & 12TH The Way of the Shaman: Shamanic Journeying, Power & Healing 9am-4:30pm Michael Harner’s Basic Workshop on Shamanism. Taught by Anthony Rios, guest faculty of The Foundation for Shamanic Studies (shamanism.org). Tuition $300/person. Homewood Suites, Galveston. Register at Paypal.me/ARiosGalveston . For more information contact Anthony Rios, 409-762-6027, anthony@shamanspirits.net THURSDAY-SUNDAY JANUARY 16TH-19TH CranioSacral Therapy 1 San Antonio. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Sessions will be held in San Antonio. To register and for information regarding tuition and early registration savings, prerequisites, recommended preparation, and class times, call 800-233-5880 or visit Upledger.com. SATURDAY JANUARY 18TH Native American Drumming.11am. Sponsored by Daniel Antoon and Dr. Homer Garcia. Learn history and meaning of drumming. Drums and rattles available to use. Suggested fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Drive Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org Electric Satsang with Dwain Briggs 6:30pm. Music, Mantras, & Meditation. Love donation of $10.00 suggested. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org THURSDAY-SUNDAY MARCH 19TH-22ND CranioSacral Therapy 1 Houston. CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on method of evaluating and enhancing the functioning of a physiological body system called the craniosacral system, which is comprised of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. Sessions will be held in Houston.. To register and for information regarding tuition and early registration savings, prerequisites, recommended preparation, and class times, call 800-233-5880 or visit Upledger. com.

daily Houston Arboretum. 7am-Dusk. Walk in nature. Learn about native plants and wildlife. Free. Houston Arboretum 4501 Woodway Dr., 77024. houstonarboretum.org Waugh Bridge Bat Colony. 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. https://bit. ly/1nPoGbg

monday 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. 7:00-8:30am. On the go? Want a boost to the start of your day? Drive thru for free coffee, a breakfast bite, and 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 T’ai Chi Ch’uan. 5:45pm-7:00pm. This class concentrates on creating and moving Chi/Qi through meditation while moving. Jon Naylor teaches the traditional Yang Style short form with martial arts references. Beginners please arrive early. Free. First Unitarian Universalist Church, 5200 Fannin Street, 77004. firstuu.org Yoga at Bodhi. 6:15-7:15pm. Basic beginner level yoga for all stages and student. Men’s and women’s mixed small group class focuses on just the fundamentals and function of movement with breath. Mats and props provided. Bodhi Essential Oils 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565. 281-5496051. bodhiessentialoils.com Meditation at Bodhi. 7:30-8:00pm. Come learn the basics - its easy and soo incredibly good for you! Guided Nidra (yogic sleep), Mala (prayer beads), & Mantra (Sanskrit chanting) will also be offered. Bodhi Essential Oils 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565. 281-549-6051. bodhiessentialoils.com Vegan World Radio. 7:00 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

wednesday Yin With Lin. 9:30am. If you are looking to reduce stress and balance your energy, while also improving your physical flexibility and self-healing power, you should definitely give it a try. Untie the knots that bind you! $20 Drop-in / Residents $15. 5000 Montrose At The Museum in the Party Room, 6th floor, 77006. Facilitator: Lin Weiss, Certified Yoga Therapist - 713-858-8595 linweiss@conscioushealingnow.com Veterans Helping Veterans. 12pm–1:30pm. All military veterans are invited to participate with this weekly group meeting. 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 Blissful Quests® with Doyle Ward-The Podcast. LIVE ON AIR: Wednesdays at 1:00pm.Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Maybe the real question to explore is not IF you are intuitive, but HOW you are intuitive. Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive medium, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Call in during the show at: 1-760-456-7277, access on-demand episodes or listen live! blissfulquests.com/podcast/ Urban Ride. 6:30pm. Route is 20 miles. Riders should be comfortable keeping a pace of 18-20 mph. Helmet, front/back light, spare tube, CO2 cartridges are required. Earphones not allowed. Speed may vary. Safety comes first. Free. Urban Bicycle Gallery, 4814 Nett St., 77007 judy@ urbanbicyclegallery.com Blue Line Bike Ride. 7pm. Multiple rides leave from the Heights location on Wednesday evenings. Each ride has its own route and pace, so come out and decide which works best for you! Free. Blue Line Bike Lab, 3302 White Oak Drive, 77007. 713-802-1707 https://bit.ly/2CP6zSI People of Earth. 7:00 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 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 Wednesday Open Healing Meditation 7:30 p.m. Healing Meditation followed by Message service using psychometry and messages from Spirit. Service fee $5.00. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.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 Drum Circle at Midnight 12mn-2am $6.00 Last Concert Cafe 1403 Nance St. 77002. 713-2268563 www.lastconcert.com

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

thursday Grace2Go. 7:00-8:30am. On the go? Want a boost to the start of your day? Drive thru for free coffee, a breakfast bite, and prayer if desired. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. www.graceinhouston.org. 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. 713-639-7300 mfah.org Free Family Thursdays at The Health Museum. 2:00pm-7:00pm. Free entry into The Health Museum to enjoy permanent and traveling exhibits (DeBakey Cell Lab requires a $3 fee) on Thursdays. 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 Yoga at Bodhi. 6:15-7:15pm. Basic beginner level yoga for all stages and student. Men’s and women’s mixed small group class focuses on just the fundamentals and function of movement with breath. Mats and props provided. Bodhi Essential Oils 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565. 281-5496051. bodhiessentialoils.com Meditation at Bodhi. 7:30-8:00pm. Come learn the basics – it’s easy and soo incredibly good for you! Guided Nidra (yogic sleep), Mala (prayer beads), & Mantra (Sanskrit chanting) will also be offered. Bodhi Essential Oils 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565. 281-549-6051. bodhiessentialoils.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. Suggested donation $50/month. Pre-registration required. Universal Door Meditation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. universaldoor.org 281-565-9718

friday Children’s Story Hour. 10:00am-11:00am. Bring your little ones to listen to a story and after the reading, children are invited to participate in a fun activity like coloring a picture or planting a seed to take home. For more information, visit hermannpark.org. The Family Garden in the McGovern Centennial Gardens, 1500 Hermann Dr., 77004. 713-524-5876 Unfoldment Meditation Class. 8 p.m. Class Led by Pastor Ken Pitman. Learn to meditate, connect with the Divine within, and deliver messages from Spirit.. Event fee $10.00 First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.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 Simply Wonderful Fridays. 6pm. Bhakti Urban Farm is an oasis of learning, located just 10 miles from downtown Houston. The word Bhakti means love and devotion which implies service through peace, harmony and sustainability. Join us for cow feeding, hatha yoga, sacred chanting spiritual talk and a free veg dinner. FREE. Bhakti Urban Farm 5415 Wheatley Street, Houston, TX 77981. 832-570-8252. facebook.com/bhaktiurbanfarm

saturday 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 Awake Tour. 10am-11am. Drop in for the grand tour of our Awake landscape at Universal Door Meditation Center! Everyone is welcome! Come and find out what is Awake, who is our Awake teacher Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, and have a chance to touch with the Awake already within. Free, donations welcome. Universal Door Meditation Center - 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718*Please arrive 10 minutes prior as tours begin on time* 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

sunday Sunday at Houston Zen Center. 8am-11am. We start with Morning Service followed by meditation, then work practice - mindful cleaning and straightening in the Meditation Hall and the Center’s grounds, then a dharma talk. Free. HOUSTON ZEN CENTER, 1605 Heights BLVD., 77008. 713869-1952. houstonzen.org Christian Meditation. 9:00am-9:30 am. Experience meditation and contemplative prayer in preparation for receiving Holy Communion at the 10am worship service. All are welcome. Grace Episcopal Church, 4040 W. Bellfort, 77025. www. graceinhouston.org info@graceinhouston.org or 832-667-8601. 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 Sunday at Self-Realization Fellowship. 9:40am12noon. Paramahansa Yogananda’s how-to-live spiritual principles for adults and children. Energize. Meditate. Learn. Grow. FREE. Self-Realization Fellowship, 3425 Golf Dr, 77018. srfhouston. org Ecstatic Dance Evolution.10:00am-1:00pm. Freeform movement for all ages! Meet creative fun high vibe tribe and get a healthy workout! No experience needed, no steps to learn, no shoes necessary. Adults $12-$20, Kids $4. Planet Funk, 5731 Logan Ln. , 77007! ecstaticdanceevolution. com Samadhi 281-748-8080 Sunday Service at Unity Spiritual Center of Greater Houston. 10:15-11:15am Experience joy-filled vibrations and high-energy spirituality in motion with live music, singing, affirmative prayer, and dynamic sermons. Unity Spiritual Center of Greater Houston, 13615 Kluge Rd, Cypress, 77429 . unityspiritualcenterhouston.org (832) 653-7980

Sunday Services First Spiritualist Church of Houston. 10:30am-12:30pm Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. Healing Service followed by lecture then Spirit Greetings Message Service. Music Director Dwain Briggs. Private readings available after service. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org Acoustic Jams. 11am. Easy listening music to brunch by. No cover charge. Last Concert Café, 1403 Nance St., 77002. 713-226-8563 www. lastconcert.com Public Dharma talk with Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien. 11:30am-1:00pm. We welcome people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds to attend the public Dharma talks with Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien. 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. (Free, donations welcome. Optional lunch follows.) www.universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Youth and Teen Program at Universal Door Meditation Center. 11:00am–12:30pm. For youth grades 1-12. This weekly program guided by Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien allows youth to have a chance to open their eyes to the Awakened happiness already within and discover the world of AWAKE. Registration required, call for more details. Universal Door Meditation Center, 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. universaldoor.org 281-565-9718 Awake Tour. 10:30am-11:30am. Drop in for the grand tour of our Awake landscape at Universal Door Meditation Center! Everyone is welcome! Come and find out what is Awake, who is our Awake teacher Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, and have a chance to touch with the Awake already within. Free, donations welcome. Universal Door Meditation Center - 15202 Dora Lane, Sugar Land, 77498. www.universaldoor.org 281-5659718 *Please arrive 10 minutes prior as tours begin on time* 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 Sunday Love Feast. 5:00pm. A free vegetarian meal for any and all. Free. ISKCON Temple 1320 West 34th Street, 77018. 713-686-4482 iskconhouston.org 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

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had colds going round and round, but not me.” Some users say it also helps with sinuses. Attorney Donna Blight had a 2-day sinus headache. When her CopperZap arrived, she tried it. “I am shocked!” she said. “My head cleared, no more headache, no more congestion.” Some users say copper stops By Doug Cornell nighttime stuffiness if used just before cientists recently discovered time. He hasn’t had a single cold for 7 bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had a way to kill viruses and years since. in years.” bacteria. He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early Now thousands of people are using it it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians to stop colds and flu. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on a Colds start the market. CopperZap. No viruses were found alive when cold viruses Soon hundreds soon after. get in your nose. of people had Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams Viruses multiply tried it and given confirming the discovery. He placed fast. If you don’t feedback. Nearly millions of disease germs on copper. stop them early, 100% said the “They started to die literally as soon as they spread and copper stops colds they touched the surface,” he said. cause misery. if used within 3 People have even used copper on In hundreds hours after the first cold sores and say it can completely of studies, EPA sign. Even up to prevent outbreaks. New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university 2 days, if they The handle is researchers have confirmed that viruses still get the cold it is milder than usual curved and finely and bacteria die almost instantly when and they feel better. textured to improve touched by copper. Users wrote things like, “It stopped contact. It kills germs That’s why ancient Greeks and my cold right away,” and “Is it picked up on fingers Egyptians used copper to purify water supposed to work that fast?” and hands to protect and heal wounds. They didn’t know “What a wonderful thing,” wrote you and your family. about microbes, but now we do. Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more Copper even kills Dr. Bill Keevil: Copper quickly kills deadly germs that Scientists say the high conductance colds for me!” cold viruses. of copper disrupts the electrical balance Pat McAllister, 70, received one have become resistant in a microbe cell and destroys the cell in for Christmas and called it “one of the to antibiotics. If you are near sick seconds. best presents ever. This little jewel really people, a moment of handling it may Tests by the EPA (Environmental works.” keep serious infection away. It may even Protection Agency) show germs die Now thousands of users have simply save a life. fast on copper. So some hospitals tried stopped getting colds. The EPA says copper still works copper for touch surfaces like faucets People often use CopperZap even when tarnished. It kills hundreds of and doorknobs. This cut the spread of preventively. Frequent flier Karen Gauci different disease germs so it can prevent MRSA and other illnesses by over half, used to get colds after crowded flights. serious or even fatal illness. and saved lives. Though skeptical, she tried it several CopperZap is made in America of The strong scientific evidence gave times a day on travel days for 2 months. pure copper. It has a 90-day full money inventor Doug Cornell an idea. When “Sixteen flights and not a sniffle!” she back guarantee. It is $69.95. he felt a cold about to start he fashioned exclaimed. Get $10 off each CopperZap with a smooth copper probe and rubbed it Businesswoman Rosaleen says when code NATA15. Go to www.CopperZap.com or call gently in his nose for 60 seconds. people are sick around her she uses “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The cold CopperZap morning and night. “It saved toll-free 1-888-411-6114. Buy once, use forever. never got going.” It worked again every me last holidays,” she said. “The kids ADVERTORIAL

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community resource guide

Connecting you to the leaders in natural healthcare and green living in our community. To find out how to be included in the Community Resource Guide request a Media Kit. Email mike@naturalawakenings-houston.com ACUPUNCTURE Houston Integrative Health, Acupuncture and Mindful Movement 716 Chelsea Blvd. Houston, TX 77006 832-215-02930 facebook.com/drlance houstonintegrative

Whether you are looking to optimize your health or take care of an injury, pain or a chronic medical problem, let Lance Westendarp ND, LAc, BCB, CKTP, E-RYT200, help. Lance is a graduate of Bastyr University with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine and a Masters in Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine. He has also been teaching yoga and movement since 2003, is board certified in biofeedback and mind-body medicine. Follow him on Facebook and call him today for a FREE phone consultation. See ad on page 7

BEAUTY TRU AURA

Jill B. Denson, Founding Consultant Based in Cypress-Serving the Houston Metro truaurabeauty.com/jillbdenson 281-381-9085 jill@jillbdenson.com A clean and effective line of skincare, anti-aging products and makeup that nurtures your skin’s natural balance. Contact us for a complementary skincare and makeup consultation.

BRAIN BALANCING CERESET™

Galveston, Texas cereset.com 409-599-7268

The Cereset™ Gavston location is part of a national network of client centers focused on next-generation brain wellness helping you relax your brain to managerestful sleep through patented BrainEcho™ technology, which empowers the brain to reset itself as it hears and “sees” its own reflection. To schedule an appointment call: 409-599-7268. See ad on page 10

CHIROPRACTIC HEALTHPRO CHIROPRACTIC & ACUPUNCTURE

4101 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 135, 77098 281-506-0105 9720 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 130, 77070 281-809-0100 HealthProChiro.com HealthPro s dedicated to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We provide a variety of treatment. Dr. Alayna Pagnani-Gendron focuses on woman’s health and paediatrics. Visit our website or call to schedule an appointment.

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BIOLOGICAL DENTISTRY MARILYN K. JONES, DDS Houston Dental Health Center 800 Bering Dr. Houston, TX 77057 713-497-1355 houstonbiologicaldentist.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. If you have dental issues or currently have silver amalgam fillings, call me today to schedule an appointment. See ad on page 10

COACHING BLISSFUL QUESTS

Positive change starts now! 832-628-4113 blissfulquests.com Are you looking for answers? Have you ever had a “hunch” or a “gut feeling” that came true? Are you wondering if you are intuitive? Doyle Ward is an experienced intuitive, teacher, grief recovery specialist, and life coach. Tune in to his weekly PodCast, Wednesdays at 1 pm on inflowradio.com See ad on page 11

COLONICS JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com/ Established 1989. 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!

CRYSTALS MALLOTT’S HARDWARE AND VARIETY STORE 115 Midway Street Spring, TX 77373713-299-1062 Mallotts.com You can find furniture, home decor, accent items, gift items, framed butterflies and one-of-a-kind delights that are brought in daily to change things up and to keep a wonderful inventory for their customers. They have the best selection of geological treasures in North Harris County. Whether you’re a mineral collector or a metaphysical enthusiast, they can help. From thumbnail collectibles to gorgeous cabinet specimens to Chakra Stones and Healing Crystals, they offer a phenomenal selection. They also carry Palo Santo. Now that the weather has gotten nice, plan a short day-trip to Old Town Spring and drop by. See Ad page 17

FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE ERIN THOLE, CNHP ErinThole.com Thole.erin@gmail.com Get to the Root Cause of your Health Conditions. Erin has been working in the health and nutrition field for over 11 years specializing and working extensively with those suffering from: autoimmune, digestive, hormonal and inflammatory disorders. She works with each client’s unique biochemistry to determine what dietary, supplementation and lifestyle changes will work best for them as an individual. There is NO one-size-fitsall program. All appointments are conducted via phone! This makes it very easy and convenient to receive care from any location. If you want to reach your true health potential, Email Erin today to schedule your FREE 45 minute initial phone consultation. Hours until 5 pm Fridays.

HAIR DESIGN VENUS HAIR DESIGN

361 West 19th Street Houston, TX 77008 713-868-4725 venushairhouston.com Venus and her staff can do any age with any style, from a trim to a Mohawk. She is a wizard at color! If you are in The Heights, drop by, check out her art car, The Hairse, and say Hi!

HOLISTIC HEALTH PRIMARY CARE

HYPERBARIC OXYGEN HBOT AMERICA

3 Locations: Houston, Missouri City & The Woodlands 832-986-5144 Info@HBOTAmerica.com hbotamerica.com HBOT America is Houston’s top recovery facility. HBOT is the breathing in of higher amounts of oxygen in a pressurized chamber. Whether its ADD/ ADHD, sports injury, autism, diabetes, PTSD, migraine, Cancer, TBI’s, autoimmune disorders, or stroke we can help! Call to schedule your appointment today!

HOUSTON HOLISTIC HEALTH CLINIC “Better Health Naturally” Dr. Gracie G. Chukwu, ND, CTN 6401 Southwest Freeway, Suite 250 Houston, TX 77074 713-781-9991 HoustonHolisticHealthClinic.com Have you spent years in hope for finding answers to your symptoms or illnesses? We offer people an alternative solution to conventional medicine by determining the specific nutritional needs of your body so that it can to heal itself. Call today to schedule an appointment.

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

Want to stop smoking or lose weight? Looking for ways to relax or increase the joy in your life? Hypnosis can help you. Call TODAY to book your appointment. Let’s form a partnership for your growth!

INDIVIDUAL NUTRITIONAL PROTOCOLS LINDA ISAACS, MD 2500 W. William Cannon Dr., Suite 603 Austin, TX 78745 737-208-0831 DrLindaI.com For more than 20 years, Dr. Linda Isaacs and the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez offered individualized protocols involving diet, nutritional supplementation, and detoxification for cancer and other degenerative diseases. They published multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals about their results. The work is based on that of the Texas orthodontist Dr. William Donald Kelley. Dr. Isaacs is currently seeing new patients.

LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE MASSAGE JOYCE LONG’S WELLNESS INSTITUTE

1308 James Street Rosenberg, TX 77471 281-232-7336 joycelongwellness.com/ Health conditions can interrupt the normal flow of lymph, causing lymph fluid to build up in a particular area of the body, often in the arms or legs, where it can causing swelling. Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling and improve circulation throughout the lymphatic system. By appointment only. Be well-Stay well. CALL TODAY!

MASSAGE PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE 6600 Harwin Drive Houston, TX 77036 713-974-0360 themassageschool.com

Reduce stress, relieve anxiety, muscle stress or pain. Get a massage! $35 an hour. Buy 4 massages get one free. That’s only $28 each. Call Today!

THE HEALING PATH MASSAGE 4151 Southwest Freeway, Suite 125 Houston, TX 77027 346-980-5907 Thpmassage.wix.com/Houston

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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. Call Lin today to find out if she can help you.

MEDITATION

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CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON

12129 Bellaire Blvd., Houston 77072 281-568-1568 • zen@cthouston.org cthouston.org Chan/Zen Meditation Classes, guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery

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

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PAIN RELIEF

Awake teacher and founder of Universal Door Meditation Center, Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, gives public dharma on Sundays from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM, to help everyone realize the Awake Mind that is already within, and that they have the capacity to Wake Up. We welcome people of all cultures, religions, and backgrounds! Free, donations welcome! Also drop in for the grand tour of our Awake landscape on Saturdays from 10-11 AM, and Sundays from 10:30-11:30 AM. Attend our FREE tour to find out what is Awake, who is our Awake teacher Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien, and have a chance to touch with the Awake already within you! See Ad page 12

METAPHYSICAL STORE BODHI ESSENTIAL OILS 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565 281-549-6051 bodhieosandwellness@ gmail.com bodhiessentialoils.com

NEW DECISION THERAPY WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS

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JANUARY

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plus: Age-Defying Habits

SCHOOLS PHOENIX SCHOOL OF MASSAGE 6600 Harwin Drive Houston, TX 77036 713-974-0360 themassageschool.com

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Spiritualism is a common sense religion, one of knowing and living. We accept all truths and endeavor to prove their validity. Truths are found in nature, in other religions, in writings, in science, in philosophy, in Natural Law and are received through spirit communication. We are a growing family and would love for you to visit us Sunday Healing & Spirit Greetings 10:30 a.m. Wednesday Open Healing Service 7:30 p.m. Friday Unfolding Mediation Class 8:00 p.m.

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YOGA UNWIND STUDIO 3222 Mercer Street Houston, TX 77027 UnwindStudeo.org

Unwind into Wellness. Unwind Studio offers a variety of classes in Meditation & Mindfulness, and Yoga. We are a boutique studio, with small classes for a personalized experience. Our yoga classes are designed to balance and restore the body, mind & spirit. See our website for class descriptions. Unwind also offers energy healing therapies, such as Biofield Tuning, Crystal Light Therapy and Reflexology. Try a class today, or book an energy healing session. Mention Natural Awakenings and take 10% off of any energy healing session. See ad on page 18

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Quality of life actually begins at home—it’s in your street, around your community. ~Charles Kennedy

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THE EMERGING POWER OF ‘WE’ Awakening to the Evolution of Community by Linda Sechrist

Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh’s suggestion

that the next Buddha would likely not take form as an individual but rather as a sangha, a community practicing mindful living, led many people to ask, “Why a community?” The author of more than 100 books that explore the Buddha’s core teachings on mindfulness, kindness and compassion, Hanh clarified the meaning of sangha as a good community necessary for helping individuals learn how to encounter life in the present moment, resist the unwholesome ways of our time, go in the direction of peace and nourish seeds of enlightenment. Even the best intentions, he noted, can falter without such a group of trusted family, friends and co-practitioners experiencing mindfulness together.

A Migration to Forming Community

Today’s trend toward collaborative processes and opportunities for transformation through online communities is made easier by the availability of affordable video conferencing providers such as Zoom, Skype and Mighty Networks, as well as online platforms like Facebook and MeetUp. Although many groups form for marketing, political, civic or social purposes—allowing participants to share values and common interests—thou-

sands more gather as online intentional communities associated with personal growth and spiritual awakening. Myriad individuals have been able to experience some aspect of community through international organizations such as MindValley, Hay House, the Shift Network and Dr. Deepak Chopra’s Jiyo, a wellness-focused mobile app intended to extend the reach of his ideas on health and social transformation from millions of people to more than 1 billion. In MeetUp, spiritual awakening groups recently comprised 1,113,972 members in 3,631 groups worldwide. Additionally, co-housing communities, spiritual residential communities and eco-villages continue to form around the intention of designing and implementing pathways to a regenerative future.

The Old Story Versus the New Story

The increased interest in intentional communities may hint at a possibility that the human desire for community might be nature’s evolutionary nudge toward a collective leap that helps us to survive a changing climate and Earth’s potential sixth mass extinction. If so, this possibility needs a new supportive story that includes

humans as part of nature, with its evolutionary impulse as a guide for body, mind and soul. With our modern scientific worldview, when people talk about nature, they typically mean animals, plants, geological features and natural processes, all happening independently of humans. A more suitable new story is cultural historian Thomas Berry’s moving and meaningful narrative in The Great Work: Our Way Into the Future, in which humans aren’t above nature by virtue of superior intellect, but instead are equal partners with all that exists in a materially and spiritually evolving universe. From Berry’s perspective, humans are the eyes, minds and hearts through which the cosmos is evolving so that it can come to know itself ever more perfectly through us. Apollo 14 astronaut Edgar Mitchell shared Berry’s perspective. Traveling back to Earth after walking upon the lunar surface, Mitchell gazed out of the spacecraft window, whereupon he was flooded with an ecstatic awareness. “I was a part of the universe I was observing, and I became aware that everything that exists is part of one intricately interconnected whole,” recounts Mitchell, who founded the groundbreaking Institute of Noetic Sciences to explore the nature of human consciousness.

A Guiding Light

Seijaku Roshi, the abbot and founder of the Pine Wind Zen Community, aptly named for its location in a pine forest in Shamong, New Jersey, advises, “People are searching and hungering for community, which is number one on my agenda. If we aren’t talking about community, we’re squandering the moment. Whether it’s an evolutionary nudge or not, it appears that our tragic world situation is pushing us towards an alternative vision for living a meaningful life that meets the needs of people, society and the environment. We are awakening to the fact we’re interconnected, interdependent and need community, which is the spirit and guiding light whereby people come together to fulfill a purpose, to help others fulfill their purpose and to take care of one another.”

Conscious Evolution

Craig Hamilton, the guiding force behind the movement known as Integral Enlightenment, is the founder of the telecourse training program Academy for Evolutionaries. His spiritual guidance and teachings reach a growing international online community spanning 50 countries. “Transforming ourselves in the deepest possible way is, in fact, an evolutionary imperative, and we need to be able to identify the indicators of emergent shifts and participate creatively with change as an evolutionary force. Evolution up to this point has been playing out unconsciously. We’re now waking up and realizing that we can collaborate and participate in an emerging future.” Hamilton’s experience is that where humans awake to the one that is expressed through the many, they also begin to engage together. “Practicing community isn’t as simple as it seems. In online communities, a lot less can go wrong. The stakes aren’t as high. People come and go, share and engage as they like.”

A Community of Sisterhood

Laurie McCammon, author of Enough! How to Liberate Yourself and Remake the World with Just One Word, feels certain that humans are evolving. “We were last to the party with our big brains, and now we’re trying to intellectualize our way to an uncertain future without important feminine values such as feeling, intuiting, nurturing, interdependency and vulnerability,” says McCammon, who is deeply involved in the circle movement, in which women gather in small groups to empower each other. A regular participant in Gather the Women Global Matrix, a worldwide sisterhood that connects thousands of women sharing meaningful conversations and celebrating the divine feminine with the intention

of bringing about personal and planetary transformation through cooperation and collaboration, McCammon says, “No one of us can bring about large-scale transformation alone. It’s time to tell the new story wherein our lives and actions demonstrate that together we are enough. Non-hierarchical circles that encourage authentic communication are part of this new story.” Citing other important circle communities such as Tree Sisters and The Millionth Circle, McCammon suggests that women tap into The Divine Feminine app, which allows them to find circle communities and events anywhere in the world.

Co-Creating With the Intelligence of Nature

Teacher and futurist Peter Russell writes books that are focused on consciousness and contemporary spirituality. His lectures help humans free themselves of limited beliefs and attitudes that belie many of humanity’s personal, social and global problems. The author of The Global Brain: The Awakening Earth in a New Century, Russell posits that the evolutionary process naturally draws humans together. “Humans are social creatures that need community, which I find very energizing,” says Russell, who cites the Findhorn Foundation eco-village, in Scotland, as a dynamic experiment in community. “Although residents went through hard times, they recognized the need for honest communication so they could attune to one another in loving ways that would allow everyone to work through their difficulties. Today, life at Findhorn is guided by the inner voice of spirit, and residents work in co-creation with the intelligence of nature,” he says.

of Hosting, Appreciative Inquiry and many others. A living handbook for developing human potential and the skills to practice community, Fred Eppsteiner has been teaching Buddhism for 23 years. A student of Hanh’s since the 1960s, he is the founder of the Florida Community of Mindfulness, in Tampa. Eppsteiner sums up why the next Buddha could be a community: “A better future will be created by people who are living the values they want for the world, not just abstractly using only the intellect. In community, we ask ourselves, ‘Can I be what I want to see in the world? Can I practice these things mindfully in community with love, acceptance, deep listening, compassion and kindness?’ These are values that every Buddha has lived for centuries, and certainly ones we need to evolve from a culture of, ‘It’s all about me’ to a culture of, ‘It’s all about we’.” Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at LindaSechrist.com.

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The Collective Wisdom of Community

An uncertain future is emerging, making it necessary for new and more intuitive methods and spiritual practices for developing collective wisdom, human potential and the skills for practicing community. “I’m in the process of finalizing 118 chapters from 90 different authors for a Collaborative Change Library: Transforming Organizations, Revitalizing Communities, Developing Human Potential,” says associate editor Carole Gorelick, who clarifies that spiritual practices are now playing a part in bringing about collaborative change. She notes that several chapters are updated versions of The Change Handbook: The Definitive Resource on Today’s Best Methods for Engaging Whole Systems (2007 second edition), which included modalities such as World Café, Open Space Technology, Art

JANUARY

HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

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Waste-Free Feasting

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How to Reduce Holiday Food Waste by Yvette C. Hammett

The heaping platters that cheerfully mark

the holidays have an unfortunate downside: Americans increase their waste by 25 percent between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The discarded food and packaging burden landfills with an additional 1 million tons of waste each week. That’s in addition to the 40 percent of food Americans typically waste each year—nearly half of all the food prepared at home or in restaurants. Monica McBride, senior manager of food loss and waste for the World Wildlife Fund, notes that squandered bounty is grown in areas that were converted from natural habitat into farm fields, so it’s also a waste of natural resources. “Once you start cooking, you realize the impact on the planet,” says chef and caterer Steven Laurence, owner of Vegan Commissary, in Philadelphia. “My grandmother was the kind of person who, if there was one pea left over, she put it in a container and someone ate it the next day. That kind of informs my cooking. The way I was trained, you didn’t waste anything. You used everything.” In individual households, small changes can have a big impact, especially during the holidays; all it takes is awareness and a plan. Frugal cooks can make room for a holiday waste reduction strategy by taking

inventory of the pantry and boxing up a load for the local soup kitchen or food bank. Then, design a menu with the environment in mind, using portion control to avoid food waste and whipping up dishes that can easily be upcycled into new creations that can be used as appetizers in the coming days or tucked in the freezer for future enjoyment. Start with the Guest-imator at SaveTheFood.com, a great way to determine portions for a holiday party, says Cheryl Coleman, director of the EPA Resource Conservation and Sustainability Division in the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery. The Guest-imator and Save the Food, a program of the Natural Resources Defense Council in conjunction with the Ad Council, tells cooks how much to make to keep guests happy and includes recipes for leftovers, such as Crispy Sheet Pan Hash, made with leftover roasted vegetables, and Ugly Vegetable Pasta, made with zucchini, tomatoes and eggplant. Spoilage is another way food finds its way into the garbage can, and that too, can be avoided, Laurence says, pointing out that most food goes bad because it’s not cooked properly or is mishandled in storage. “Mix animal protein with starches and grains in a container and it goes bad because of two different sorts of enzymes. It is a fuel for

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bacteria.” He also recommends using as many organic ingredients as possible for longer-lasting leftovers. “We guarantee all of our dishes for two weeks,” he says. Encouraging visitors to take home leftovers is another effective food-saving strategy, says McBride. “Have Tupperware or to-go boxes you could provide to your guests.” Reilly Brock, content manager at Imperfect Produce, in New York City, agrees. “Just like repurposing excess product requires creative thinking, food waste around the holidays requires out-of-the-box ideas to keep impact low,” says Brock, whose company delivers imperfect produce to customers’ doors for a cost savings. “Why end the fun when the meal ends? The best part about leftovers—and the holidays—is keeping the celebration going.” “Also, make sure you keep food safe,” McBride says. “The CDC [Centers for Disease Control and Prevention] has a really great overview of how to do that for parties. Standard guidance is not to leave food out for more than two hours. So, as a party planner, make sure you mentally note when you put food out.” Coleman recommends taking it a step beyond the holidays by joining a movement to cut food waste year-round. She suggests visiting FurtherWithFood.org to learn more. “Through that and additional outreach, we might be able to start to change,” says McBride. Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. Connect at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

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What’s good for muscles is good for bones. ~Susie Hathaway

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

BEYOND CALCIUM Full-Spectrum Bone Health by Marlaina Donato

Our bones are the foundation that sup-

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ports our bodies and the quality of our lives. Unlike the brick and mortar and bedrock of a building, the human skeletal system is living tissue that breaks down and rebuilds; this constant remodeling demands much more than just taking an obligatory calcium supplement. Compromised bone health is most often associated with postmenopausal women, but it can also impact men and younger adults. Genetics, hormonal changes and nutritional deficiencies can all foster bone loss. The National Osteoporosis Foundation reports that 44 million Americans have low bone density and 10 million suffer from osteoporosis, facing a high risk of fracture from this debilitating condition. Fortunately, it’s never too early or too late to do right by our bones. “Osteoporosis can be prevented, and I’ve seen many patients reverse osteoporosis,” says Leat Kuzniar, a Nutley, New Jersey, naturopath. “It becomes more difficult after menopause and if the bone density is very low, but we can always make some improvements in bone health. We need to assess diet, exercise, gastrointestinal health, hormones, medications, pH and even stress levels.”

Synergy of Vitamins and Minerals

Walter Willett, M.D., chairman of the Department of Nutrition at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, argues that the daily recommended 1,000-to1,200 milligrams of calcium is based on inadequate studies, and advises half that amount. Other minerals may play an equally critical role. The body robs calcium from the bones when blood levels of this vital mineral fall too low; but taking a calcium supplement—especially without co-nutrients—can increase fracture risk. “Calcium supplementation is complex; more isn’t better. Vitamin D is essential for calcium absorption, and vitamin K2 is essential for getting that calcium to your bones and keeping it out of your arteries,” Kuzniar says. Magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and potassium are also allies in calcium metabolism. Vitamin C, too, is a key player in bone health, promoting collagen synthesis. Nutrient absorption relies on integrity of gut health, so opting for probiotics is a wise choice across the board.

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Bone Up on Superfoods

Optimally, the quest for stronger bones begins with a nutrient-dense diet. “Plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein and some fats create a physiology in the body to support optimal bone health. Avoiding too much sodium and animal protein also helps,” says Mary Jane Detroyer, a New York City-based nutritionist and certified dietitian. She underscores the importance of mineral-packed kale, collards, mustard greens, bok choy and broccoli, but warns against oxalate-laden spinach and chard, which inhibit calcium absorption. “Other calcium-rich foods like tofu, edamame, yogurt, kefir and cheese are also good, as well as milk substitutes fortified with calcium.” Omega-3-rich chia seeds, walnuts and other tree nuts are heavy hitters that boost both calcium absorption and collagen production essential for bone strength. A 2016 Brazilian study published in the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition shows that a diet with excessive sweets and caffeinated beverages negatively impacts bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Soda consumption also amps up the risk of fractures. An analysis of female subjects spanning 30 years published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition in 2014 reveals a 14 percent increased risk for fractures with each daily serving of soda, including diet beverages.

Get Moving

High-impact activities like jumping rope and jogging build strong bones in our youth, but as we age, low-impact exercise is easier on the joints. Mayo Clinic recommendations include walking, gardening, dancing, stair-climbing and elliptical training. Resistance also yields significant results. A 2018 Korean study published in the journal EnM reveals that exercise employing free weights, weight machines and elastic bands increases muscle and bone mass in both women and men. American College of Sports Medicine-certified personal trainer Susie Hathaway, in Fairfield, Iowa, explains why. “What’s good for muscles is good for bones. When a muscle contracts, it gives a beneficial pull on the adjacent bones, stimulating the bone-building cells to be more active.” Hathaway highlights safety and the importance of bearing weight on the feet. “Gravity is important for bone health. Weight-bearing aerobic exercise, such as brisk walking, provides a mild stimulus for your bones and helps slow down bone loss.” Kuzniar reminds us that with the right care, our bones can carry us through life. “Once we know what factors are at play in the patient, we can address the underlying causes.” Marlaina Donato is an author and composer. Connect at AutumnEmbersMusic.com.

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713-927-6540 Conscious breath control is a useful tool for achieving a relaxed, clear state of mind. ~Andrew Weil

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Stick with your

conscious eating

favorite recipes that you know are going to be a success and are going to leave everyone’s taste buds happy. ~Pamela Reed

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THE MERRY VEGAN People-Pleasing Holiday Sweets by Julie Peterson

The holidays may send too many sug-

ar plums and frosted gingerbread figures dancing in the heads of people with dietary restrictions. Anyone that chooses to avoid highly processed flours or sugars, artificial ingredients and loads of butter will typically be presented with all of this and more at social gatherings this time of year. They arrive on visually appealing cookie platters that tempt with their cute shapes, vibrant colors and sparkle. Some, like the gingerbread and reindeer cutouts, will beckon with glazed eyes: “Just one,” they whisper. But one can turn into nine and make someone that may normally avoid sugar or gluten feel bodily regrets. Someone that is vegan or allergic may feel they can’t have treats. Making healthier choices about food is difficult for reasons many don’t understand. “People have relationships with food—involving family, comfort and traditions—and they don’t want to give that up,” says James Brandon, of Tampa, founder of Facebook’s Vegan and Plant-Based Beginner’s Community. Brandon says that holiday treats are tough to resist, but staying true to health goals is most important in the long run. The best defense to avoid frustration at social food events is to bring a dish

to share that meets your dietary needs, says Megan Gilmore, the author of No Excuses Detox: 100 Recipes to Help You Eat Healthy Every Day and a blogger at Detoxinista.com. “That way, you can introduce something delicious to your friends, family or co-workers and be sure you’ll have something to eat!” A batch of simple, delectable, visually appealing and healthful cookies can be that plate to share, a gift to give or something to keep on hand for guests. Keep the focus on simple, advises Pamela Reed, who blogs at BrooklynFarmGirl.com. There are plenty of recipes that will satisfy the sweet tooth and decorate the holiday buffet (until they’re all eaten, that is). Don’t increase holiday stress by trying a new recipe at the last minute. “Stick with your favorite recipes that you know are going to be a success and are going to leave everyone’s taste buds happy,” she says. Transitioning to a more conscious way of eating isn’t about deprivation or leaving tradition behind. Bring on the new and healthful cookie recipes and name one after your grandma. Julie Peterson writes from her home in rural Wisconsin. Contact her at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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Oh-So-Healthy Holiday Treats

Add flour, baking soda, salt and almond milk into the bowl and mix for a few seconds, until combined. The cookie dough will be a little crumbly.

Peanut Butter Cookies (Vegan, Gluten Free)

Prepare 2 cookie sheets with silicone baking sheets or spray with nonstick spray. Roll the dough into large balls, and then gently roll in sugar to cover them. Use a fork to gently press down on each cookie a little bit—not too much, or they will crumble.

Yields: About 18 cookies 1 cup creamy peanut butter ½ cup coconut sugar ½ cup brown sugar 2 tsp vanilla ⅔ cup oat flour

Bake cookies for 12 minutes. Once out of the oven, allow to cool for 15 minutes. This is important, as the cookies will be very soft when they come out of the oven, but they will harden up as they cool.

1 tsp baking soda ¼ tsp salt ¼ cup almond milk Additional sugar to roll cookies in Preheat oven to 350° F. In a large bowl, cream together peanut butter and sugars with a hand mixer. Once combined, add vanilla and continue mixing.

Store in an airtight container or freeze.

Natural Awakenings recommends using organic, non-GMO (genetically modified) and non-bromated ingredients whenever possible.

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLES ISSUE

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No-Bake Pecan Snowballs (Grain-Free, Vegan) Yields: 12 balls

freezer to set, about 1 to 2 hours. For a “snowball” look, roll the balls in additional arrowroot or tapioca starch—just a light coating will do—since the starch will not enhance the flavor. It’s just for looks!

Pinch of sea salt

Note: If you’d prefer to roll the balls in coconut sugar or shredded coconut, roll them in one of those options before freezing, so the coating will stick better.

Line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper and set it aside. In a medium bowl, stir together the chocolate crust ingredients until a moist dough is formed. Press the dough evenly into the bottom of the lined loaf pan and place it in the freezer to set.

Store in the fridge in a sealed container for up to two weeks for best texture. Source: Detoxinista.com/no-bake-pecan-snowballs-paleo-vegan

1 cup pecan halves ½ cup shredded unsweetened coconut 1 cup soft Medjool dates, pitted (about 10 dates) 1 Tbsp coconut oil ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp vanilla extract ½ cup arrowroot or tapioca starch Extra arrowroot for dusting, or coconut sugar Place the pecans and shredded coconut in a large food processor fitted with an “S” blade, and process until the pecans are broken down and crumbly. Add in the rest of the ingredients and process again, until a sticky dough is formed. (It should stick together when pressed between two fingers.) Scoop the dough by rounded tablespoons and roll the dough between your hands, forming balls. Arrange the balls on a plate or baking sheet lined with parchment paper, then place them in the

No-Bake Peanut Butter Cup Bars (Vegan, Gluten Free) Chocolate Crust: ¾ cup ground almond meal 2 Tbsp cocoa powder 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil Pinch of sea salt Peanut Butter Filling: ½ cup creamy natural peanut butter 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup 1 Tbsp melted coconut oil

Baking cookies is comforting, and cookies are the sweetest little bit of comfort food. They are very bite-sized and personal. ~Sandra Lee 41

Chocolate Topping: ¼ cup cocoa powder ¼ cup melted coconut oil 3 Tbsp pure maple syrup

To prepare the filling, you can use the same bowl to stir the peanut butter, maple syrup, coconut oil and salt. Depending on whether you’re using salted or unsalted peanut butter, consider adding more salt to taste. Store-bought peanut butter cups are quite salty, so I like to add a generous pinch of salt to mimic that flavor. Remove the crust from the freezer and pour the peanut butter filling over the top, using a spatula to spread it out evenly. Return the pan to the freezer to set. Rinse the mixing bowl and use it again to make the final layer. Combine the cocoa powder, melted coconut oil and maple syrup, whisking well to break up any clumps. Once the mixture has become a smooth chocolate sauce, pour it over the peanut butter layer, and return the pan to the freezer to set until firm, about an hour or two. Once the bars are firm, grab the edges of parchment paper to easily lift the solid bar from the pan, and use a sharp knife to slice the bars into your desired size. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks, or in the freezer for up to a month. (The bars become very firm if frozen for too long, so I prefer serving them from the fridge after the initial firming-up time.) Source: Detoxinista.com/no-bake-peanut-butter-cup-bars-vegan

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Refresh Holiday Traditions Making the Old New and Green by Ronica A. O’Hara

Celebrating classic holiday traditions the

same way we always have—and maybe the way our parents and grandparents did—is part of the rich family heritage we pass on to our children. These family rituals are binding, grounding, memorable and much more, says Saul Levine, M.D., professor emeritus in psychiatry at the University of California, San Diego. A survey of 50 years of family research published in the American Psychological Association’s Journal of Family Psychology found that family holiday rituals, as well as everyday routines like family dinners and bedtime stories, build stronger family relationships, enhance children’s health and academic achievement, help teenagers’ sense of personal identity and even boost marital satisfaction. It’s also natural and perhaps inevitable that these traditions undergo changes over the years. “If people from only five or six generations ago could see our modern Christmas, they’d barely recognize it,” says Brian Earl, host of the popular Christmas Past podcast that chronicles holiday traditions. “New trends and customs become traditions in

time; every generation has its opportunity to add new chapters to the narrative and continue the story.” For Elizabeth Newcamp, Christmas festivities took an eco-turn for her military family of five when they were living for a few years in the Netherlands, where “Sinterklaas” traditionally delivers gifts in reusable burlap bags. “In an effort to reduce wrapping paper, we now use the sacks on Christmas,” says Newcamp, who blogs about family travel at DutchDutchGoose.com. She and her husband Jeff also ask for and give experiences as gifts whenever possible; their 7-year-old son asked if he could organize a little library for their Navarre, Florida, neighborhood. Anyone that wants to send gifts to their sons is asked to find them used. “I don’t think we’ve lessened any of the fun of the holidays, but hopefully we are eliminating some of the waste,” she says. For many years, Ginny Underwood’s family in Bluffton, South Carolina, would dress up and go to a restaurant on Christmas Eve, exchange gifts and then return home to watch a movie or play board games. Last year, they tried something

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New trends and customs become traditions in time; every generation has its opportunity to add new chapters to the narrative and continue the story. ~Brian Earl new: staying home, putting on pajamas, eating cottage pie and playing handmade “Minute to Win It” games that Underwood, a professional organizer who blogs at VirginiasEasyLivingSolutions. com, created. “We had a blast; we didn’t stop laughing all night,” she says. “We saved hundreds of dollars and we had a lovely time.” Lighting red, green and black candles while focusing on principles like unity, self-determination or purpose are key in the seven-day Kwanzaa celebrations; but, “Instead of just lighting the candle amongst friends and family and discussing, I want my family to spend that day exemplifying the principle,” says Vanessa Davis, executive director of the nonprofit African Village International, in Jacksonville, Florida. Now her children meditate, journal and practice mindfulness to learn about self-determination; volunteer or pick up trash outdoors to learn about collective work and responsibilities; and buy something at a locally-owned store and discuss future finances for cooperative economics. “I was inspired to change because Kwanzaa isn’t really a religious holiday, but it is a darn good way to reflect on the past year and goal-set for the future,” she says. “Giving children more hands-on experiences for Hanukkah and taking the emphasis off of ‘What am I going to get?’ makes the holiday more meaningful for the kids,” concurs Pamela Morris, early childhood education director at the East Valley Jewish Community Center, in Chandler, Arizona. Each Hanukkah evening, her family of five lights a menorah and says traditional prayers while also volunteering to wrap food packages at a local Feed My Starving Children event, crafting personal menorahs at a pottery studio, going to see Phoenix ZooLights and gathering to make the traditional potato latkes or jelly donuts. “Each night is a focus on family time and welcoming friends to join us,” she says. By observing and evolving traditions, family bonds can strengthen through time, relates Earl: “By participating in holiday rituals, children are learning about who they are. And by passing them down, parents reaffirm what’s important to them and keep the connection to the past intact.”

Updating Favorite Traditions Instead of buying a Christmas tree or Hanukkah bush in a store lot, get one in a pot that can be replanted later. Take a family holiday photo, either serious or wacky, and recreate it every year with members in the same poses and expressions. Invite someone to a holiday dinner that’s not part of the family, such as an international student or newcomer in town. Cook up a batch of healthy, vegan cookies with the kids and organize a neighborhood cookie swap. Have a $10 or $20 gift exchange challenge in which everyone competes to come up with the most useful, creative or eco-clever use of the money. String together popcorn and cranberries to make a tree garland or door decoration, and later drape it on outdoor trees to feed birds and wildlife. Give kids $10 to donate to a carefully selected charity of their choice. Take a favorite holiday story, parable or song and have the kids (and adults) act it out with costumes and all.

Ronica A. O’Hara is a Denver-based natural-health writer. Connect at OHaraRonica@gmail.com.

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A New Generation

natural pet

Spurs Change

Perfect Pet Presents Safe and Eco-Smart Toys by Julie Peterson

The pet aisles are so full of squeaking,

plush and colorful toys it can make a dog or cat parent’s head spin like a Frisbee. Add blinking lights, flavors, promises of higher intelligence or cleaner teeth; then toss in concerns about sustainably sourced materials, potentially toxic ingredients and varying degrees of quality. The choices are complex. It would be nice to look for that gold seal of approval from the Pet Toy Regulatory Agency. But don’t bother: There is no such thing. It’s all up to the consumer to figure it out. The Problem Is Real Concern regarding toxicants in children’s toys and the realization that they posed a risk of chemical exposure led to regulatory protections. “Similar safeguards do not exist for pets, even though they exhibit similar chewing and mouthing behaviors,” says Philip N. Smith, Ph.D., associate professor of terrestrial ecotoxicology at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. “Owner education is key to limiting unintentional chemical exposure.” According to a 2013 study co-authored by Smith and published in the journal Chemosphere, common endocrine-disrupting chemical toxins in plastics can enter a dog’s body through saliva. Concentrations of

leachable chemicals can increase in older, degraded toys, according to the National Institutes of Health. For anyone that has ever had a pet destroy a toy faster than it takes to calculate the cost per second, durable construction may be the highest concern. After all, if the toy is vigorously ripped to shreds, pieces may be swallowed. The most immediate issue becomes intestinal blockage. This is a common problem for cats and dogs with a propensity to eat garbage, plants and holiday decorations. But when we spend good money on actual toys, we would like to think that it won’t lead to surgery. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee. Poorly constructed toys have required many pet owners to watch for the parts to pass through the animal or, worse yet, make a trip to the vet. Even if a toy seems sturdy, it’s best to observe the animal with the toy. Charlotte Easterling, a graphic designer in Madison, Wisconsin, learned this from her cat, Hazel, who choked on a common cat toy. “She was playing with a glitter ball and then started meowing kind of frantically, scrambling around and pawing at her face. I jumped up and pulled the ball out of her mouth,” recalls Easterling. Hazel only gets big glitter balls these days.

The American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey provides insight into the demographics, buying habits and other traits of dog, cat, bird, small animal, reptile, fish and horse owners. The 20192020 survey shows that about 85 million U.S. homes, or 67 percent, include a pet. This leads to a lot of money flowing into the pet toy and care community. Annually, dog owners spend about $124 and cat owners spend about $89 on treats and toys. The survey also indicates that Millennials are the largest pet-owning demographic. “The pet care community is doing a great job of meeting the demands of a new generation by offering a range of products made from sustainable, recycled and upcycled materials,” says Steve King, CEO of APPA, in Stamford, Connecticut. King notes it’s expected that as Gen Z pet owners begin to assert themselves in the marketplace, we will see more products based on sustainability and transparency. Shopping for Safety Experts offer some guidelines for ways consumers can choose harmless toys: Be suspicious of toys manufactured overseas or cheap ones made in the U.S. Contact the manufacturer and ask if toys contain phthalates, BPA, arsenic, bromine, chemical dyes, chromium or formaldehyde. Look for toys made with ingredients from nature (hemp, leather or wool). Find a pet supply store that has natural, safe and sustainably sourced products. Inspect toys periodically for loose parts and watch the pet with new toys. If a pet plays with a toy and then acts oddly, contact the vet. Julie Peterson writes from rural Wisconsin. Connect at JuliePeterson2222@gmail.com.

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Natural Awakenings Houston December 2019 Expanded Digital Edition

Articles inside

Good to Know

THE EMERGING POWER OF ‘WE’ Awakening to the Evolution of Community

NATURE is my medicine

Burn Notice-safe and sustainable fireplace practices

Conscious Holidays

Go-to Breathing Exercises

Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Attacks With Better Gut Bacteria

I have unlimited potential. by Doyle Ward

Greetings!