Natural Awakenings Houston October 2019 by Holistic Choice Publishing/Natural Awakenings Houston

E E R

HEALTHY

LIVING

HEALTHY

PLANET

Mindful Curriculum

Meditative Training on the Rise

Natural Childbirth Local Houston Resources

Animal Asanas Goats on the Yoga Mat

Plant Medicine

What the Hemp is CBD?

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

DEER LAKE LODGE LIVE LIFE RELAXED

MILK & HONEY SPECIAL Sugar Scrub Body Wrap Scalp & Foot Massage Vichy Shower

ONLY $99 deerlakelodge.com - (936) 588-2778 (Must mention this ad to redeem. Offer expires October 1, 2019) *restrictions may apply

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

11 Mindfulness in the Classroom: meditative training helps kids thrive

14 Animal Asanas:

goats on the yoga mat

16 Natural Childbirth: local houston resources

19 Rethinking Our Stuff: 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.

moving toward a circular economy

20 What the HEMP is CBD? plant medicine-nature is my medicine

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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red-Eye Specialâ&#x20AC;? 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.

4 letter from the publisher

19 sustainability

5 affirming naturally

20 plant medicine

8 book review

24 calendar of events

6 eco briefs

28 resource guide

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

letter from publishers

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHY PLANET

Greetings! Cindy and I are looking forward to cooler weather. Not cold, just cooler, ok? Somehow the summer vegetables in the garden just kept on growing but there are two rows that we didn’t plant that are ready to become our fall garden. For us this has always been the time of the year to look back and remember good times past, to remember our parents and their parents and to celebrate where we came from. We look forward to the lifting of the burn ban so we can cook outdoors and although living in The Cabin kind of is like camping out, go on some fall camping trips together. October’s issue brings an abundance of health and environmental news that underscores the importance of paying attention to the little things. For example, educators all over the world are starting to focus on the mind-body connection with curriculum aimed at bringing mindfulness to the classroom. Studies show the result is calmer, happier, more focused kids. Read all about it in “Mindfulness in the Classroom: Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive.” If your child’s school is not open to teaching meditation in the classroom, we have two great local resources you should check out: Chung Tai Zen Center and Universal Door Meditation Center. This month’s Action Alert gives you something you can do to help stop the Amazon Fires. Our Sustainability Section deals with the concept of moving toward a “circular economy”. This month is Natural Childbirth Month and we celebrate with our directory and an informative article about this most special joy. In our Plant Medicine section we have a locally written article on CBD. So, lots to learn about and lots to do this month. Cindy and I hope you enjoy this month’s issue of our little magazine. Be sure to thank our advertisers because they are the folks who make it possible. Blessings,

Mike & Cindy Hart

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 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

Happiness is my inner partner. 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. One of the biggest wants that people mention is to be happy. When we rely on something or someone outside of ourselves to make us happy we can find ourselves disappointed. Being comfortable with who you are is a good place to start your happiness journey. Find ways to be kind and considerate to yourself. And incorporate kindness and gratitude for yourself and others in every aspect of your daily life. Here’s my affirmation for this month:

Happiness is my inner partner. 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.

Would You Like To Detoxify Your Body, Increase Blood Circulation, & Potentially Lower Your Blood Pressure? Experience Our 60-Minute Thai Combination Massage With Hot Stones & Hot Towels

CallTo Schedule Your Massage 346-980-5901

Doyle Ward, Blissful Quests ® Doyle Ward is a successful life coach, workshop leader and lecturer in the field of personal development. Listen to his podcasts on InFlowRadio.com, Apple Podcasts or GooglePlay

The Healing Path Massage

4151 Southwest Freeway • Suite 125 • Houston http://thpmassage.wixsite.com/houston

Get to the Root Cause of Your Health Conditions Specializing in: • Digestive Issues • Fatigue • Food Cravings • Mood Swings • Hormonal Imbalances • Fertility • Weight Issues • Auto Immune Conditions • Aches & Pains • and More Erin Thole,CNHP Reach Your TRUE Health Potential With: Food Sensitivity, Hormonal, Toxicity, and Nutritional Deficiency Panels Nutritional Programs & More Set up your FREE consultation by emailing: thole.erin@gmail.com To learn how Erin has helped others just like you visit: www.ErinThole.com

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Tiny Scrubbers

Nanoparticles Purify Water Askwsar Hilonga, Ph.D., a chemical engineer and public health scientist in Tanzania, grew up dealing with waterborne diseases such as cholera that made him ill. According to the World Health Organization, he has used his scientific expertise and local knowledge to develop a purification system based on nanomaterials. While the filter is still under study, stations have been set up throughout Tanzania, mostly managed by women, to help those that otherwise would not have safe drinking water.

Fertile Fish

Unexpected Aquatic Rebound Overfished and struggling widow rockfish are returning to the Pacific coast. Legal protections since 2001 had made it illegal to take the fish commercially, and fisheries managers implemented “catch share” regulations as the fishing fleet dwindled from 400 to 50 trawlers. But the fish have made a faster comeback than expected. National Marine Fisheries Service biologist Jason Cope notes that scientists were surprised by how quickly some rockfish species can reproduce. “We thought it might take a century or so for them to rebuild themselves; it’s now taking maybe a decade.”

Superfund Success Story Toxic Site Now Welcomes Walkers

A wood-treating process for telephone poles that caused soil and groundwater contamination prompted the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to designate 47 acres in Bellingham, Washington, as a Superfund site in 1997. The cleanup, including removal of 28,000 tons of contaminated soil to a repository, reestablishment of a natural stream and restoring wetlands, is now complete, with walking and bicycling paths, newly planted native trees and wetland shrubs, and returning birdlife. The Oeser Company, which cooperated with the cleanup, has operated at the site since 1943 and continues to do so.

October is National eco briefs Non-GMO Month October is National Non-GMO month and it’s the perfect month to learn more about them. So what exactly is a GMO? Genetically Modified Organisms are organisms and food that have been altered in a lab to be different from nature. This creates new species that have been crossbred with other plants, animals, bacteria and viruses that are unnatural. We have been cross breeding plants for more than 30,000 years but it wasn’t until the mid 90’s when we began altering the species beyond that for our actual food supply. The technology was touted to help with crop production, reduce the need for herbicides and pesticides and help add vitamins and nutrients that may be lacking in our diet. As it turns altering the genes of our seeds have depleted our soils of natural nutrients making more fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides necessary than before. So what do GMOs do to our health? It wasn’t until a decade ago that documents were released showing the actual impact of GMO foods on the human body. GMOs have been linked to the following problems: 1. Increase in food allergies 2. Toxicity in liver and kidneys 3. Infertility problems 4. Increase in gluten sensitivities 5. Increase in birth defects, 6. Increase in tumors and cancers. Currently 64 countries label GMOs however the U.S. and Canada do not. In 2012 a big movement started in the U.S. to get GMO’s labeled so consumers could be informed about their purchases. So how do you avoid GMOs? If you buy organic by definition it is supposed to be non-GMO. There are also Non-GMO certifying entities such as The Non-Gmo Project. Look for Non-GOlabels or look up the company to see what their philosophies and practices are regarding GMOs. Shop Farmers markets or co-ops where you can ask your farmer if he uses non-GMO seeds. Another good resource for the Houston area is Natural Living Food Co-op in League City. They are the only certified 100% Non-GMO business in all of Southeast Texas. When you can’t purchase all organic produce you want to avoid the top high risk fruits and vegetables for GMOs. Here’s a list of conventional produce with the highest risk for GMOs: corn, alfalfa, sugar beets, soy, zucchini, yellow squash, papaya, and potatoes. Most conventional meats, eggs, dairy, fish and gelatin are also at high risk for GMOs as the feed they are given are laden with it. Remember to look for products made from these ingredients such as canola oil or cotton oil as well. For even more information you can watch a couple of documentaries on GMOs such as “Genetic Roulette” or “GMO OMG”. Lisa Piper Owner of Natural Living Food Co-op and Cafe 219 N Michigan Ave, League City, TX 77573. Natural Living is 100% NonGMO and 95% organic. Natural Living is a certified retailer of The Non-GMO project. https://shopnaturalliving.com/

action allert

Stop the Amazon Fires Pressure the United Nations to Act The Amazon rainforest is in a critical state

of near-collapse with a record number of fires in Brazil this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;twice as many as in 2018. The fires have been deliberately set to deforest the Amazon and displace its indigenous populations to make way for soybean and cattle farming and oil drilling, actions encouraged by Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro. The Amazon is known as the as the â&#x20AC;&#x153;lungsâ&#x20AC;? of our Earth; its oxygen is an essential, irreparable link that holds our global ecosystem within balance. Scientists say that with another 5 percent burned, the Amazon could reach the tipping point of ecosystem collapse. Dramatic and swift action needs to take place, and the United Nations has the power to do so. A global online petition at Change. org urges the UN to:

1. Send in immediate humanitarian support to all the indigenous and local groups that have lost their homes and way of life. 2. Coordinate a large-scale effort with Brazil and neighboring countries to fight the fires in the highest-risk areas, such as those affecting indigenous peoples, animals and the most fragile ecosystems. 3. Create economic sanctions on Brazil that would make the cutting, selling and buying of timber and meat produced in the country illegal.

The petition can be signed at Tinyurl.com/AmazonCatastrophe. Natural Awakenings magazine will be

dedicating the coming year to covering the climate crisis and providing personal choices that people can make to reduce their own carbon footprint. To learn more and view a video on the role of the rainforest in human and planetary health, go to: https://youtu.be/FWbwy39-XCc

I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something; and because I cannot do everything, I will not refuse to do something that I can do. - Helen Keller

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

We would like to recommend Shen Geâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

new book, Requiem: the space between words. You may know Shen Ge as one of the free-lance writers for Natural Awakenings and have seen his articles on solar energy in our Sustainability Section. Shen Ge is a poet, journalist, aerospace engineer and radio show host. Perhaps more importantly, heâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a son, brother, student of life and traveler. In his second book called Requiem: The Space Between Words, he dives into poetry related to space -- whether that be outer space or inner space. To him, the two spheres are inextricably linked and hopefully these words and photos resonate with you as well. Requiem: the space between words may be purchased on Amazon in paperback and Kindle formats. https://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/1077406509/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_ bibl_vppi_i0

Book Online

Visit Our New Age store. Discover an eclectic mix of handmade products. Oils, Stones, Jewelry, Clothing, Crystal Bowls, & Much More....

(713) 851-1271 | 2727 Fondren Rd Suite 5B | Houston, TX www.PixiesIntent.com

NOVEMBER

Coming Next Month

Natural Sleep Solutions

plus: Chiropractic

We help your brain help you.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

Bayou City Art Festival Downtown Saturday & Sunday, October 12-13, 2019, 10 a.m.-6 p.m Downtown Houston – 901 Bagby St. Houston, TX 77002 Produced by the Art Colony Association, Inc.

Details: Now in its 48th year, Houston’s largest art festival will transform the streets of Downtown into artistic avenues bursting with colors and culture as it spotlights 300 artists, representing 19 different disciplines. Bayou City Art Festival Downtown will benefit local nonprofits and feature live music throughout the festival along with entertainment, beverage stations, food trucks and much more for patrons to enjoy. In the Children’s Creative Zone, the festival’s nonprofit partners will host hands-on art activities for all ages and include a cool interactive place to hang out. Prices: • Adult Ticket Online: $12 • Adult Ticket at the Gate: $15 cash; $16 credit card • Children 6-12: $5; children under five are free Contact: info@bayoucityartfestival.com / 713-521-0133 / www.artcolonyassociation.org

Physician Offers Nutritional Protocols for Cancer in Texas Patients with cancer and other degenerative conditions can now seek nutritional protocols for treatment from Linda Isaacs, MD, who recently moved her practice to Austin from New York City earlier this year. For more than 20 years, Isaacs and the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez offered individualized protocols involving diet, nutritional supplementation and detoxification—publishing multiple articles in peer-reviewed medical journals with the results. All three areas of the treatment must be followed Isaacs continues to offer individualized nutritional protocols for patients with cancer and other illnesses, as well as protocols for health maintenance. In the past patients had to travel to New York City to receive the treatment. Isaacs is certified by the American Board of Medicine and is currently seeing new patients. For more information, visit DrLindaI. com or call 737-208-0831. See ad on page 29

NOVEMBER

Coming Next

Chiropractic Care

plus: Natural Sleep Solutions

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

MANIFEST YOUR

crystals minerals

DESTINY

Find freedom and flexibility with Natural Awakenings franchise opportunities. Be your own boss and earn a living doing something you are passionate about while making a difference in your community. This rewarding home-based franchise opportunity provides training and ongoing support, following an established and proven business model.

for your home and body

mallott’s in old town spring

metaphysical & Geological specimens for healing and Beauty gifts • Palo Santo • Antiques

a unique shop located in a 102 year old bank 239-530-1377 NaturalAwakeningsMag.com/Franchise

come see the original vault

115 midway www.mallotts.com (713) 299 - 1062

11 October 2019

feature article

MINDFULNESS IN THE CLASSROOM

Meditative Training Helps Kids Thrive by Ronica O’Hara

When I feel like I really want to get angry

and yell, I sometimes, like, take deep breaths. My brain slows down and I feel more calm and I’m ready to speak to that person.” Those self-aware words come from a 5-year-old Los Angeles girl in the film Just Breathe. A 9-year-old boy in a tough British neighborhood forgets about “all the scary stuff” when he does “petal breathing”— opening and closing his fingers in time with his breath. “If I concentrate on my breathing, the worrying thoughts just go ‘pop’ and disappear,” he confided to The Guardian newspaper. This is the effect that mindfulness training in the classroom often has on students, and it’s key to why it’s happening all over the world—not just in the U.S. and the UK, but in more than 100 countries, including Australia, Taiwan and India. What started a few decades ago as a small experiment in progressive schools is rapidly gathering speed as emerging research documents the strong positive effects of mindfulness on

developing brains. A 2015 meta-review from researchers at the University of Melbourne, in Australia, which evaluated 15 studies in six countries involving 1,800 students, showed three broad outcomes: higher well-being, better social skills and greater academic achievement. They were more optimistic, self-accepting and happier, more likely to help others, more able to focus on lessons and be creative, and less likely to be angry, anxious or disobedient. “Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally,” is how it’s described by Jon Kabat-Zinn, whose pioneering research at Harvard in the 1980s helped kick off mindfulness as a scientifically based, nonsectarian approach to a calmer, clearer mind. It has spread since then into business, health care and professional sports, as well as schools: Googling “mindfulness in education” brings up 116 million links. “Mindfulness offers children the skills they need today to meet the age-old

challenges of growing up within the new context of social media and often absurdly high expectations,” says holistic doctor Amy Saltzman, co-founder and director of the Association for Mindfulness in Education. Mindfulness is now being taught in urban, suburban and rural schools in 50 states. Such programs can be low- or no-cost, structured in many ways, taught any time and conducted without special equipment— important for cash- and time-strapped schools. As a grassroots movement, mindfulness programs run the gamut. Hundreds of schools and districts nationwide have incorporated into curricula such evidence-proven mindfulness programs as those developed by MindfulSchools.org, Learning 2Breathe.org and MindUp.org, which often involve teacher training and structured lessons. Sometimes mindfulness is simply a grade school teacher ringing a bell signaling five minutes of silence, giving children something to focus on with closed eyes: a sound, a bite of fruit, a stuffed animal. A middle school teacher may use a five-minute guided app meditation from Calm or Headspace to settle down students after lunch. Some schools offer moments of silence during the day, a quiet room to go to or an optional class in mindfulness. Others find that teaching mindfulness during “detention” has a soothing effect, offering oft-traumatized kids a rare feeling of peace. “Because everyone has distractions and strong emotions, learning to observe these inner experiences with curiosity and openness is an important part of all children’s education,” says psychologist Patricia Broderick, Ph.D., founder of Learning2Breathe, a mindfulness curriculum for junior and senior high school students. Schools sometimes use parental consent forms to counter concerns about any potential religious implications. Often, a school’s program expands organically as

life coach - : a partner/champion for your full potential helping with clarity, setting and reaching goals or overcoming challenges.

Catch My New Show ... Blissful Quests The Podcast

Life Coaching gets you motivated! Relationships • Family • Love • Success Financial • Career • Goals • Happiness Intuition • Life’s Purpose

Problem Solving • Self-Confidence Creativity • Sports Performance Weight Loss • Smoking AND MORE!

g•

ef Rec over y

Hypnosis is a normal and natural state of relaxation that can help with:

hin oac Life C

Motivational Hypnosis

Live Wednesdays at 1pm CT Explore Intuition & Affirmations. Call in with your questions!

ri Mo •G s i tivati onal Hypnos

For more information Contact Doyle today!

(832) 628-4113 Doyle@BlissfulQuests.com Visit BlissfulQuests.com for more info

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

one impassioned teacher draws in others. “The one single factor that determines a program’s effectiveness is the depth and consistency of personal practice of those teaching it,” says Saltzman. In fact, a University of Wisconsin 2013 study found that teachers that practiced a guided meditation 15 minutes a day for eight weeks had less anxiety, stress and burnout during the school year; those conditions worsened in the control group. In Middleton, Wisconsin, high school counselor Gust Athanas has watched as mindfulness exercises have made students calmer, kinder, more focused and feel closer to each other and to teachers: “A number of students have told me it’s the part of the school day they look forward to the most!”

Mindfulness offers children the skills they need today to meet the age-old challenges of growing up within the new context of social media and often absurdly high expectations. ~Amy Saltzman

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

MINDFUL AIDS Mindfulness-building tools: Tinyurl.com/ MindfulnessEducation Techniques, Tinyurl.com/ClassroomMindfulnessTools. “Just Breathe”: Four-minute video, shown on Oprah, of 5-year-olds discussing mindfulnessTinyurl.com/JustBreatheFilm. Mindful help for parents: Tinyurl.com/ KindergartenersAndMindfulness. Calm, a meditation app, offers guided mindfulness exercises and is offered free to any K-12 teacher. Calm.com/ schools. Headspace, another popular mindfulness app, is also offered free to teachers, and sometimes works directly with school districts. Headspace.com/educators.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

fit body

It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it. ~Sharon Boustani

ANIMAL ASANAS Goats on the Yoga Mat by Yvette Hammett

When 50 to 60 strangers gather in a barn

Your Market is Our Readers. Let Us Introduce You to Them!

for their first goat yoga experience, it’s a bit awkward and there’s not much interaction— until the goats come in. “It is an immediate icebreaker, and the place suddenly fills with giggles and laughs,” says Sharon Boustani, whose family runs Gilbertsville Farmhouse, in South New Berlin, New York. There is just something about miniature goats walking around on people’s backs while they do yoga that immediately de-stresses people and makes them downright happy, she adds. It may be fun, but it’s also a form of serious therapy that’s taken off across the nation and around the globe in recent years. Yoga by itself is proven to help with stress and pain relief, better breathing, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Add goats to the mix and the benefits are compounded by the well-documented benefits of human and animal interaction. A number of studies, like one published in June by the American Educational Research Association, have shown that spending time with animals can lower blood pressure and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Other studies from the fields of psychology, animal welfare,

counseling and anthropology note that these interactions offer additional positive health impacts and can reduce loneliness, boost moods and increase feelings of social support. So combining adorable goats with a physically and spiritually beneficial yoga regimen just made sense to Lainey Morse, of Corvallis, Oregon, widely regarded as the mother of goat yoga. In 2015, Morse was diagnosed with a disease and was going through a divorce. “I would go out to my barn or out in the field and just be around my goats,” she says. “I wondered why they didn’t use goats for therapy like they do with horses.” Goats, she says, have a sense of calm. “When you are around them, you take on that energy, and it’s hard to be stressed out and have anxiety. But they are also really funny animals. They make you laugh.” She started with goat happy hour at her farm, inviting friends she knew

People say it’s the best day of their life. It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular. ~April Gould

were going through issues of their own. “Everybody left happy,” she recalls. When she discussed it with a yogi friend, goat yoga was born. Morse now has 13 partnerships around the country where others teach the classes and she handles the business end. “For me, it’s still about nature and getting out in nature.” Morse says she’s not quite sure why it took off like lightning, but she guesses it’s just because many people love the interaction. April Gould and Sarah Williams run their Arizona Goat Yoga classes at the Welcome Home Ranch, in Gilbert, Arizona. It is now a major tourist destination for the state. “Three to four times a week, we walk about 150 people out into one of the pastures,” Gould says. A lot of visitors from out of state return every time they’re in the area, she adds. And many Arizona residents come once, and then bring back friends and family. “People say it’s the best day of their life. It’s something you kind of have to experience to know why it’s so popular,” says Gould. Those that are more experienced can

make it as difficult as they want. “And some people just want to play with the goats.” For Bisk Education, an eLearning company based in Tampa, bringing goat yoga to its campus was a way to inspire and de-stress employees. “There is a way to integrate wellness into your corporate programs that makes you a differentiator,” says Chief People Officer Misty Brown. “When it comes to a perk, I want to make sure those investments are memorable. It gives Bisk the reputation as more of a progressive culture.” Boustani calls it an escape experience. “That’s primarily what it is. Yoga in general is kind of geared toward letting go of your everyday worries and trying to come to some peaceful or therapeutic state.” Introducing something so lighthearted to something that many people take so seriously, like yoga, is interesting to watch, Boustani says. “It is nice to see that even dedicated yogis are so open to it.” Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail.com.

Goat Yoga Texas IT’S A THING Y’ALL Visit our website for class schedule or to purchase tickets.

Goat Yoga Texas

18541 Mueschke Road Cypress, TX 77433 281-732-7833 www.GoatYogaTexas.com

natural childbirth directory

HYPNOBIRTHING® Born Free Birthing HypnoBirthing® Classes & Professional Placenta Encapsulation Services Kingwood, Texas bornfreebirthing@gmail.com bornfreebirthing.com

CHIROPRACTIC HealthPro Chiropractic & Acupuncture

4101 Greenbriar Dr. Suite 135, 77098 281-506-0105 9720 Cypresswood Drive, Suite 130, 77070 281-809-0100 HealthProChiro.com During pregnancy, there are several physiological and endocrinological changes that occur in preparation for creating the environment for the developing baby. These changes can result in a misaligned spine or joints This can affect the mother’s ability to have a natural, non-invasive birth. Chiropractic care during pregnancy can provide benefits for women who are pregnant by correcting spinal and pelvic misallignment. At HealthPro we will work with you to restore your core and pelvic floor post birth too. We have excellent resources and exercises to strengthen your body to prevent pain and injury after giving birth. Call today to schedule a consulation.

Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. ~Mark Twain

CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION Holistic Birth

Serving The Woodlands, Spring, Conroe, Tomball & Houston. 713-244-4811 calmholisticbirth.com Offering HypnoBirthing® and HypnoMothering® classes & Young Living Essential Oils Elisabeth Hobbs-Hubach, HBCE, PE. Originally from London, England is the mother of 3 and was convinced of the benefits of HypnoBirthing through her own birthing experiences. She studied and trained with the HypnoBirthing® founder, Marie F. Mongan, and is a certified HypnoBirthing® ChildBirth Educator. HypnoBirthing® helps to achieve a satisfying, relaxing and calm of birth. It is built around an educational process that includes special breathing, relaxation, visualization, meditative practice, attention to nutrition and positive body toning. HypnoMothering® is a fun, practical class teaches mothers easy and fast techniques to make the most of limited sleep, keep calm and balanced on challenging days, as well as finding focus and mindfulness amidst the myriad of feelings that mothers face. Group classes in Spring / The Woodlands area and at the North Houston Birth Center. For private classes, I will come to a location that is convenient for you. Call or visit the website for more information.

Prepare for your calm & joyful birth with Hypno-Birthing®. Over the span of 5 short weeks you and your partner will become educated, empowered and excited to birth your baby thanks to the constantly updated evidenced based syllabus and mentorship from your dedicated practitioner and master trainer Cliodhna Griffin HBCE, CMT,APPAC. Cliodhna is also proudly Houston’s first APPA triple certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist providing professional placenta encapsulation services to Houstonian families helping hundreds of families have happier, easier postpartum recoveries.

PLACENTA ENCAPSULATION Born Free Birthing HypnoBirthing® Classes & Professional Placenta Encapsulation Services Kingwood, Texas bornfreebirthing@ gmail.com bornfreebirthing. com

Prepare for your postpartum with the help of your amazing Placenta. Born Free Birthing’s Professional Placenta Encapsulation Services include:Full service pickup and delivery from all birthing facilities (Houston and surrounding areas). Processing per method of clients choosing. All bookings made prior to 38 weeks in pregnancy will receive a complementary transportation kit/cooler with instructions for safe and proper storage for transportation. Cliodhna Griffin HBCE, CMT, APPAC is Houston’s first APPA trained and certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist who has proudly helped hundreds of Houstonian families have a joyful and healing postpartum with her professional placenta services. For more information go to bornfreebirthing. com

Natural Childbirth by Cliodhna Griffin

Natural Birth, you may be considering it but with so many amazing

resources throughout Houston you might not know where to start. How you choose to birth is very personal and must be respected. What is important is that every new mother and family is celebrated, supported and cared for during their pregnancy, birth and postpartum stages. Whether you are a pregnant woman seeking a medicated vaginal birth, a cesarean section birth or a natural/instinctive birth, you are fortunate to have a plethora of great care providers and birth workers who will help you navigate through your pregnancy and birth with ease and comfort. With so many options available why are pregnant mothers opting for a natural birth? Many women choose to birth naturally to avoid what is known as the cascade of interventions that may occur in a more medicated birth. It is known that medications such as pitocin and anesthesia a woman receives during the birth crosses the placenta and may affect the unborn child, not only that but narcotics come with side effects that are not always clearly made known to the laboring woman in the heat of the moment. Women who do experience a natural or medication-free birth report the following benefits: Easier recovery in their postpartum, better bonding with baby, better breastfeeding journey, less risks of side effects from medications, faster mobility after the birth, better mobility during the birth, less trauma or damage to the body, lower costs with regards to billing and a more alert newborn in the immediate aftermath of birth. If your aim is to have a natural or instinctive birthing experience you may be inundated with lots of great advice and maybe some not so great advice too. So, where to start? The first thing I will suggest to all my families once they decide on the natural birthing experience they desire is to find a care provider that is supportive and experienced in attending natural births. Midwife For many pregnant women, a midwife is the preferred option when seeking a primary care provider. Midwives are professionally trained and licensed medical professionals who tend to women during their pregnancy, births and postpartum recoveries. “National research shows that midwives achieve the same outcomes as physicians without disrupting the natural birth process as often. Research also shows that midwives have reduced cesarean section rates by more than 50% with no compromise in safety. In fact, care from midwives has significantly lower rates of induced labor, episiotomies, and forceps births. Midwives are most actively involved in a woman’s preparation for childbirth. That kind of support reduces the length of labor, avoids unnecessary interventions and improves birth outcomes. Midwifery care is proven to be safe!” (Source: http://houstonmidwives.org/what-is-a-midwife) Midwives may attend births in hospitals, homes and free-standing birth centers. Besides the excellent level of care and personalized attention every family will receive,

the sheer flexibility of where midwives can attend births is one of the reasons they are so beloved and highly sought after. Midwives can also care for women who are wishing to enjoy the benefits of a water birth. Water births are known to offer a woman more comfort during her labor as the buoyancy encourages or promotes improved blood circulation, less pain, lower blood pressure and in some cases more efficient contractions over all.

OBGYN

Whether it is for medical or personal reasons, a pregnant woman may choose an OBGYN to care for her during her pregnancy and birth. An OBGYN attends births in hospitals but cannot attend a water birth. They work within the restrictions of the hospital they are contracted through, if a natural birth is the goal, as with any care provider, it is incredibly important to interview your OBGYN and choose one that is fully supportive of your birthing wishes. You may benefit from knowing their cesarean section and induction rates as well as the hospitals CS and induction rates too. You may also want to know how supportive the labor and delivery personnel are in the hospital you will be birthing in. Are they well trained and experienced in natural birth? Do they promote movement in labor, mothers desire to eat in labor or mothers desire to birth in a position comfortable for her and her baby etc. We have great OBGYN’s in Houston, you may have to do some work and find them, but the effort will be worth it.

Doula

A doula is a birth attendant or support person who offers the mother physical and emotional support during her pregnancy and birth. A well trained or experienced doula can lend a wealth of knowledge to any birthing experience or environment. They may present many massage and comfort techniques to the birthing woman, they will help the mother in and out of various laboring and birthing positions as well as help the partner to better support the mother. A doula knows that their role is not to replace the partner but to enhance the couples birthing experience and help them together, welcome their baby in joy and comfort. After having the support of a doula during a birth, many families report a better overall experience and come away from their births feeling strong and empowered as they enter into parenthood. Dr. John H Kennell is quoted as having said “If a doula were a drug, it would be unethical NOT to use it”. It is important to note however, a doula is not a medically trained professional and they do not give medical advice or speak to care providers on behalf of the mother.

Childbirth Classes

With your care provider and your doula secured you will now want to consider educating yourself on everything birth related. Houston has an abundance of great quality and evidenced based childbirth education options. Methods such as The Bradley Method, Christian Faith Based , Birth Boot Camp, and HypnoBirthing to mention a few, are widely available throughout the Houston area, as are independently formed and run childbirth classes. Private classes are offered but will vary from method to method and instructor to instructor. Do your research, investigate them all and decide on a method of preparation that will align with your beliefs and birthing goals. Great care providers love a well educated family, there is less work for the care provider to do and you will stand a better chance of achieving the birthing outcome you desire as you will ahead of time know all your options going into the birthing day. Education is key and a well educated family is essential. Along with a great birthing team and education behind you, there are many other components to a wonderful birthing experience. Preparing the body and mind for the upcoming birth is incredibly important not only for the laboring woman but for the unborn child too. Pregnant women would hugely benefit from the services of a Webster-certified chiropractor, a professionally trained and certified prenatal massage therapist, a prenatal yoga class, reiki ses-

sions and so on. Joining a pregnancy group in your area will give you a better scope of local resources and activities to take part in that will help you on your journey. When you find your village and your core support group, you may find your entire pregnancy and birth will be an altogether more sacred and enjoyable experience. Cliodhna Griffin HBCE, CMT, APPAC is the founder of Born Free Birthing and is a certified and experienced HypnoBirthing® Practitioner, Master Trainer and Faculty Member of the HypnoBirthing® Institute. Cliodhna is also proudly Houston’s first APPA triple certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist providing professional placenta encapsulation services to Houstonian families. Cliodhna hails from Ireland but currently lives in Kingwood, Texas with her husband of over 10 years and their 2 fantastic daughters, 1 of whom is a darling HypnoBirthing® baby. Her group HypnoBirthing® classes are taught in Houston, The Woodlands and Kingwood. Private classes are also available. Practitioner Certification Classes are held throughout the USA. She is a dedicated practitioner and loves to help moms have happy births and through her placenta services, strong postpartum recoveries. For more information go to www.bornfreebirthing.com. You can follow Born Free Birthing on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ bornfreebirthing and on Instagram at www. instagram.com/bornfreebirthing

Born Free Birthing Childbirth & Postpartum Services

• HypnoBirthing® Classes for Expectant Parents -

Learn to birth in calm and joy with Houston’s leading comprehensive childbirth preparation class

• HypnoBirthing® Practitioner Certification for Birth Professionals -

Build a career as a HypnoBirthing® Childbirth Educator

• Placenta Encapsulation Services Serving every major birthing facility throughout Houston as well as home births

Let us help you to have a happier postpartum with our highly rated, Professional Placenta Services

For an Empowered Birth & Happier Postpartum Contact: Cliodhna Griffin, HBCE, CMT, APPAC

281-217-9294 • www.BornFreeBirthing.com 18

think globally, act locally

sponsored by sunshine renewable solutions

SUSTAINABILITY SECTION

RETHINKING OUR STUFF Moving Toward a Circular Economy by Yvette Hammett

When Yale researcher Reid Lifset began

working on waste issues on a life cycle basis—from “cradle to grave”—it was mostly the world’s geeks and nerds that paid attention, he says. “Today, it’s called the ‘circular economy’ and it’s sexy. It wasn’t sexy back then.” While many still have never even heard the term, the “circular economy” is all about rethinking the way we make stuff— designing products that can be reused and powering it all with renewable energy. It’s an alternative to the “make-use-and-dispose” mentality of the traditional linear economy. “You are the circular economy when you buy pre-owned, second-hand objects, or rent or share the use of objects, or have broken objects repaired instead of buying new ones,” says Walter Stahel, author of The Circular Economy: A User’s Guide and a member of the European Union’s Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform. In other words, everyone that buys sustainable goods or services, takes public transport or gets a lawnmower fixed instead of buying a new one is a participant. There’s a global movement afoot to expand the circular economy in an effort to significantly cut the waste stream, reduce our carbon footprint and conserve resources. It began with the three R’s—reduce, recycle and reuse, says Lifset, a Research Scholar at the Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies who edits the Journal of Industrial Ecology, which focuses on the environmental consequences of production and consumption.

The emphasis has always been on recycling, but as that becomes more difficult due to saturation levels, the emphasis is shifting to the more comprehensive goals of a circular economy—or should be, says Stahel, an engineering professor at the University of Surrey. Tinia Pina, a program leader at NY Cares, joined the movement after observing the poor food choices her Harlem, New York, students were making and the amount of waste attached to them. She founded ReNuble, a small manufacturing operation in New York City, to transform food waste into fertilizer pellets that can be used in hydroponic farming. “There is a strong need to try to reduce the volume of waste,” Pina says. “There is also a strong need to produce sustainable—and, ideally, chemical-free—food and make it affordable for all.” She hopes to eventually replicate her process for creating fertilizer in other large cities across the country. Leasing is another classic example of how the circular economy might work, Lifset says. “If the entity that made [a product] ends up with it when it becomes waste, that company will handle it differently.” The company can instead design a product so that it remains in the economy instead of becoming part of the waste stream, he notes. The Ellen MacArthur Foundation was established in the UK in 2010 to accelerate the transition to a circular economy. It offers numerous case studies, including a San Francisco effort called Cradle to Cradle Carpets for City Buildings. Last year, the city passed legisla-

Sustainability Section sponsored by Sunshine Renewable Solutions

tion requiring all departments to use carpeting containing no antimicrobials, fluorinated compounds or flame retardants. Both the carpet fibers and backing materials “must contain minimum amounts of recycled materials and ultimately be recyclable at end-ofuse.” Most important: It must be Cradle to Cradle Certified Silver or better. The certification is a globally recognized standard for safer, more sustainable products made for the circular economy. Meantime, the European Union has embraced the circular economy as a boon to job creation and a way to significantly address climate change. By shifting to a circular economy, the European growth rate can be increased by an additional 0.6 percent a year and carbon dioxide emissions reduced by 48 percent by 2030, according to a 2017 report by McKinsey & Company. Just how much of the world’s industries must participate to meet these goals is yet to be determined. “That,” Stahel says, “is the billion-dollar question.” Yvette C. Hammett is an environmental writer based in Valrico, Florida. She can be contacted at YvetteHammett28@hotmail. com

Local Solar Resources Sunshine Renewable Solutions 4011 Valley Green Court Houston, TX 77059 832-2808838 sunshinerenewable.com Use Promo Code:: 400Sunshine for a $500 discount See ad on page 32

sponsored by Sacred Leaf Zero-The Heights

NATURE

is my medicine PLANT MEDICINE SECTION

What the Hemp is CBD? Extraction Methods

You’ve heard it in the news, you’ve seen

it at your favorite coffee shop, and you may have heard a coworker share their experience in the employee break room. You’ve heard all the rave on CBD, from pain relief to anti-anxiety properties everyone and their momma is taking CBD! Hemp derived CBD has been getting all the spotlight lately that its infamous cousin marijuana (cannabis sativa) has always wanted. From CBD tinctures and gummies to CBD burgers and soda! How do you know these products are the best product for you? Where does convenience and quality meet? Do you go with the well marketed CBD brand made by your favorite country hippie celebrity? Or do you go with your best friend’s brother’s girlfriend recommendation? Here we break down all the facts about CBD, what questions to ask and the difference between all your favorite CBD junk food. First thing first we break down the difference between all the extraction methods and let you know which ones we trust, and which are plain old pseudoscience.

CO2 Extraction

Co2 extraction uses expensive specialized machinery to extract specific compounds from the hemp plant using varied temperatures and pressure. Using this extraction method ensures that only the specific compound needed is being extracted without the use of any toxic solvents that may compromise the product. Co2 extraction also acts as a sanitizing agent that helps prolong shelf life and yields medical grade oils. This method of extraction is by far one of the

by Pricila Rodriguez

most popular methods of extraction and offers the highest purity of over 90% pure CBD. This extraction method is what most companies use in their CBD products called CBD Isolate. CBD isolate in its purest form is a white powdery substance that usually is mixed in with a carrier oil such as MCT oil, hemp oil, vegetable glycerin and even honey! Be aware of what carrier oil or liquid is being used in your CBD products!

Distillation

Distillation has also become a sought-after extraction method since more whole plant components such as the hemp oil and terpenes can be extracted along with the CBD compound. This is a big one for people who may have heard of “the entourage effect”. In this process a distillation tank and condenser are used to separate the oil from the hemp plant using steam. This process can yield some of the cleanest and potent oil available but if too much heat is applied during the distillation process the chemical properties of the cannabinoids and terpenes can begin to decompose. Which is why 3rd party lab reports are something that you should request when purchasing CBD products, some states have even required CBD companies to label their products with QR codes for their customers convenience. When shopping for a distillate look for a product green or golden in color and taste should be floral, piney or earthy.

Solvent Extraction

This process is like steam distillation except solvents replace water in this extraction.

Plant Medicine Section sponsored by Sacred Leaf Zero-The Heights

Two different kinds of solvents can be used in this process Hydrocarbons or Natural Solvents. Hydrocarbons used could be naphtha, petroleum and butane, these solvents usually evaporate out of the CBD oil but that’s not always the case, studies have found trace amount of these chemicals in CBD products using solvent distillation, these solvents are not only toxic but can have serious side effects such as increasing one’s risk for cancer. Toxicity from these solvents can be prevented using natural solvents such as olive oil or ethanol. However, using natural solvents does not evaporate very well which leaves a low levels of CBD oil compared to other extraction methods. So, one of the first questions you should ask when you are purchasing a CBD product is, what extraction method was used. Ask for 3rd party lab reports and quiz the person behind the counter! If the person selling you CBD products is knowledgeable and willing to educate you chances are, they know their stuff! In future articles I will cover other important topics such as nanoparticle technology, sourcing and isolate vs broad spectrum vs complete spectrum CBD. If you have questions about CBD that you’d like me to cover, you can email me at houstonheightscbd@gmail.com Pricila Rodriguez is the owner of Sacred Leaf Zero CBD-The Heights. Sacred Leaf Zero CBD-The Heights 4721 N Main St #G Houston, TX 77009 832-409-5790 instagram.com/eatsleepbreathecbd

PLANT MEDICINE RESOURCES

Deer Lake Lodge Spa Resort

10500 Deer Lake Lodge Rd, Montgomery, TX 77316 936-647-1383 We incorporate Blood Purifying and Liver & Kidney detox teas into our detox program, come check us out! deerlakelodge.com

Element 5 Om Acupuncture Wellness

Restaurant & Health Food Store

Dine-In or Take-Out

Vitamins, Supplements & CBD LARGEST selection of bulk herbs in Texas MENTION NAT AWAKENINGS during October for 25% off one regular priced supplement. Limit one please

Serving Houston Since 1971

9341 Katy Fwy @ Echo Ln. In the Kroger Center

713-365-0368

2503 Robinhood St Suite 120 Houston, TX 77005 Open Monday-Friday 9:30-6:30 713-942-7110 Chinese Herbal Medicine: Mention Natural Awakenings and get 20% off an herbal consultation. element5om.com

Superfood Village

10315 W Airport Blvd Suite 8 Stafford, TX 77477 281-733-2444 Spirulina Chlorella Moringa Sea Moss Bladderwrack superfoodvillage.com

amoveablefeast.com

COMING IN NOVEMBER Ayurveda 101?

Ayurveda and ayurvedic food is becoming more popular and more accepted by health concious Americans but we all still have a lot to learn about this important kind of plant medicine from India. Next month will feature an interview article with a local Houston Ayurveda practitioner and several pages of recipes. Check back to our Plant Medicine section each month to grow your knowledge of nature’s most versatile medicines. Pick up a FREE copy and pick up an extra to share with friends. Help spread the word about Natural Awakenings.

Bodhi Essential Oils 505 8th Street Kemah, TX 77565 281-549-6051 Charlotte’s Web CBD Oil 15% Discount on your entire pruchase. bodhiessentialoils.com

Hydroshack Hydroponics 1138 W 20th Street Houston, TX 77008 Open 7 days a week 713-292-1921 Organic Soils, Nutrients, Coco, Foxfarm, & CBD. Hydroshack.com

A Moveable Feast

9341 Katy Fwy, Echo Lane Center Houston, TX 77024 713-365-0368 Restaurant, Health Food, Herbs, Vitamins and Supplements & CBD amoveablefeast.com

Nature’s Way CBD

16712 Champion Forest Drive Spring, TX 77379 346-298-CBD6 CBD, Salves & Bath Bombs 15% Off All Products. Limit One. cbdnwtx.com

Sacred Leaf CBD Heights

4721 North Main Houston, TX 77009 832-409-5790 You don’t have to get high to get help. sacredleafzero.com

Natural Leaf

Pixie’s Intent

The 1st Professional CBD Store in Houston 3959A S Gessner Road, Houston, Texas, 77063 713-505 1470 Hours- Monday to Saturday 10am - 8pm, Sunday 12noon - 6pm Pharmacist owned and staffed with certified specialists. Visit us on Facebook: @ mynaturalleaf, Instagram: naturalleafgessner

2727 Fondren Rd #5b Houston, TX 77063 Open Tue-Sun 11am-7pm 832-831-8405 CBD Oils and Edibles pixiesintent.com

Smoke Envy/Better Days CBD

2425 Yale Street, #2 Houston, TX 77008 852-744-9944 better-days-wellness-shop.business.site

The highest quality hemp derived CBD 100% Natural USA Harvested

Seed to Source Zero THC

15% OFF One Item with this Coupon Sacred Leaf-Heights

4721 N Main St. Suite G Houston, TX 77009 832-409-5790 sacredleaf.com Plant Medicine Section sponsored by Sacred Leaf Zero-The Heights

World’s Best Superfoods

Spirulina Chlorella Moringa Sea Moss Bladderwrack (281) 733-2444 21

CBD

American Shaman Powerful C B D Hemp Oil Extract Health & Beauty Products

CBD American Shaman is a company dedicated to bringing wellness to the world through ultra-concentrated CBD Hemp Oil Extract. Derived from natural industrial hemp, our products have no heavy metals or insecticides and are batch tested using Ultra Performance Convergence Chromatography. We have two doctors on staff, and products are also third party tested. Research suggests that whole plant, hemp oil extract may help to give relief to many health conditions and most and delivery time of Cannabidiol to your blood stream — ensuring products are incredibly efﬁcient and cost effective. Our products are grown, processed and extracted in the USA.

Our Products Include :

• 500 Topical Cream • Body Lotion • Canine Tincture • Capsules • Clearomizers • Concentrate • Edibles • Face Cream • Feline Tincture • Lip Revitalizer • Massage Oil

• Rechargeable Vaporizer & USB Charger • Tincture • Topical Serum • Under-Eye Serum • VG Cloud Tincture • Water Soluble • Water Soluble (Extra Strength)

20% OFF Your Entire Purchase!

These statements have not been evaluated by the Federal Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For use by adults 18 +. Keep out of reach of children. If pregnant or breast-feeding, ask a health professional before use.

GOOD THRU 11/29/19 Please bring this coupon. Valid at Listed Store Locations.

Water Soluble

We pride ourselves on the highest quality Hemp products. Our Water Soluble supplement is a very convenient way to ingest your daily dose of CBD. More bioavailable than oil, Water Soluble may be added to any drink. 1/2 mL contains 5mg of CBD. Choose from ﬁve ﬂavors.

CBD

American Shaman TM

Manufactured By:

Shaman Botanicals, Inc.

CBD American Shaman Participating Store Locations:

Our state of the art Nanotechnology increases absorption & delivery time of CBD to your blood stream — ensuring products are incredibly efﬁcient and cost effective.

Atascocita 7050 FM 1960 East Atascocita, TX 77346 (346) 345-2937

FM 1960 (Houston) 11242 FM 1960 Rd. West #108 Houston, TX 77065 (281) 469-7620

West Houston 12315 Westheimer Rd. #E Houston, TX 77077 (281) 809-8115

League City on Marina Bay 3020 Marina Bay Dr. #C League City, TX 77573 (281) 549-6098

Conroe 850 S. Loop 336 W. #200 Conroe, TX 77304 (936) 494-1599

Gulf Fwy. South Houston 11130 Gulf Fwy. #700 Houston, TX 77034 (346) 227-8786

Lake Houston (Humble) 1420 FM 1960 Bypass #106 Humble, TX 77338 (281) 725-6030

Missouri City 4741 Hwy. 6 South Missouri City, TX 77459 (281) 969-5677

Cypress 17455 Spring Cypress Rd. #F Cypress, TX 77429 (832) 334-5922 Galveston 4619 Ft. Crockett Blvd. S#B Galveston, TX 77551 (409) 497-2164

Houston 9203 Hwy. 6 South #100 Houston, TX 77083 (346) 342-1165

Katy 24811 Katy Fwy. #400 Katy, TX 77494 (832) 437-7712

Richmond

Houston Heights 1241 W. 11th St. Houston, TX 77008 (346) 330-9904 Southwest Houston 11654 Southwest Fwy. Houston, TX 77031 (832) 564-7555

Kingwood 23856 U.S. Hwy. 59 North Kingwood, TX 77339 (281) 623-5203

Houston Copperfield (Houston) 15612 FM 529 Rd. Houston, TX 77095 (832) 906-6547

League City Gulf Coast (League City) 139 Gulf Fwy. South League City, TX 77573 (832) 632-2327

Pearland 2520 E. Broadway St. Pearland, TX 77581 (832) 230-5353 Brazos Bend (Richmond) 1135 Crabb River Rd. S#110 Richmond, TX 77469 (713) 581-4614 Richmond 2201 Thompson Rd. #7 Richmond, TX 77469 (832) 451-6504

Spring Spring 6925 Cypresswood Dr. #B Spring, TX 77379 (832) 932-5100 Spring 5250 FM 2920 #B1 Spring, TX 77388 (713) 870-4448 Champions (Spring) 8701 Spring Cypress Rd. S#E Spring, TX 77375 (281) 782-6063 I-45 North (Spring) 21327 North Fwy. S#C Spring, TX 77388 (832) 616-3076

Tomball 28485 State Hwy. 249 Tomball, TX 77375 (832) 843-6712 Webster-Clearlake 205 East Nasa Parkway Webster, TX 77598 (281) 254-5592

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.

October 2019 WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 2ND Eco-Challenge. Oct. 2 – Oct. 23, 2019, online The Interfaith Environmental Network of Houston invites Houstonians of all faiths to join their team for this year’s Eco-Challenge. This online event offers you the opportunity to care for the earth by taking on a challenge in: waste, food, health, transportation, energy, community, nature, water, simplicity, or a custom challenge of your own. Create a new environmental stewardship habit over the course of the 3 weeks of the challenge!! Join the team at https://peoples.ecochallenge.org/! SATURDAY OCTOBER 5TH 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 SUNDAY OCTOBER 6TH 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 Blessing Ceremony. 9:00am-3:30pm. Free. CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568 The Ecological Crisis & The Response of Faith: An Interfaith Discussion on Action & Advocacy. 4 p.m. People of all faiths are invited to learn about our present ecological crisis and consider how our faiths can enable us to respond. What is our present ecological crisis? What specific issues are central? Using the United Nations’ Global Environmental Outlook, issued earlier this year, the speaker will address these questions. All attendees, of all faiths, will then engage in facilitated discussions of how our faiths both inform and enable our response to this crisis, thru both personal and collective action and advocacy. FREE. Register at EventBrite.com 1st Unitarian Universalist Church 5200 Fannin St. Houston, Texas 77004 firstuu.org Contact Lisa Brenskelle with any questions at gcs.lrc@gmail.com. 1000 Lights for Peace. 6pm. Come celebrate the 150th Birthday of Gandhi, Beginning with a 5K Walk for Peace at Miller Outdoor Theatre, the evening concludes with a ceremony where all present have the opportunity to light a candle representing their pledge for peace. Miller Outdoor Theatre 6000 Hermann Park Drive 77030. FREE/ Ticketed Event. milleroutdoortheatre.com TUESDAY OCTOBER 8TH Body By Broadway. 6:30pm partnership with Theatre Under the Stars and DEFINE body + mind, sing, squat and plank along to some of your favorite Broadway tunes. Enjoy a FREE, hour-long sweat sesh while unleashing your inner Broadway star at the park. Market Square, 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark. com

SATURDAY OCTOBER 12TH A Night at Market Square. 6 pm. Join us for our annual Historic Market Square neighborhood block party!! We honor Hispanic heritage through a traditional Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). Learn more about the significance of this day through art installations and community activities along with great live music by David Beck’s Tejano Weekend and El Tule. Market Square, 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark. com SUNDAY OCTOBER 13TH 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 THURSDAY OCTOBER 17TH Blanket Bingo. 6-9 pm. This ain’t your grandma’s bingo! Bring your blanket, lawn chairs or snag one of the tables at the park for a night of music and great prizes. $10 admission includes one bingo packet (approx 9 games). Additional games and daubers can be purchased for $1 each. Market Square, 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark.com SATURDAY OCTOBER 19TH

MARK YOUR CALENDAR YOUniverSOUL Fest. 10am-8pm. YOUniverSOUL Fest is a one-day mindfulness festival empowering attendees to live their best lives through the 9 Limbs of YOUniverSOUL Fest – Yoga + Art + Enlightenment + Movement + Music + Healing + Community + Environment + Children. Kids 12 and under can attend for free. Midtown Park 2811 Travis Street, Houston, Texas 77006. For more information, please visit www.YOUniverSOULfest. com. 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 The 9th Annual Houston Halloween Fest. 5-10pm. The festival is open to the public with a $10 donation to enter. Children 11 and under FREE with a ticketed adult. Featuring entertainment and activities for the entire family including live music on the Bud Light stage, food trucks, business & art vendors, beer tents supporting Pup Squad Animal Rescue, HZW special FX blood splatter zone, kids costume contest, photo ops and more. The Houston Heights. West 19th St, Houston, TX 77008. 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 SUNDAY OCTOBER 20TH Half-day Retreat. 9:00am-12:40pm. Chan/Zen Meditation Classes guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Free. CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org cthouston.org 281-568-1568

TUESDAY OCTOBER 22ND Body By Broadway. 6:30pm partnership with Theatre Under the Stars and DEFINE body + mind, sing, squat and plank along to some of your favorite Broadway tunes. Enjoy a FREE, hour-long sweat sesh while unleashing your inner Broadway star at the park. Market Square, 301 Milam, 77002. 713-845-1000 marketsquarepark. com FRIDAY OCTOBER 25TH 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

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SATURDAY OCTOBER 26TH The Witches’ Ball. 8pm-1am. The Witches’ Ball is a Halloween masquerade party where you can join our magical community in raising money for local charities that make an impact on Galveston Island! This year your attendance will be supporting the Galveston Island Humane Society and Artist Boat! Galveston Scottish Rite Cathedral, 2128 Church Street, Galveston, Texas 77550. Tickets may be purchased at The Witchery, 2116 Postoffice Street in Galveston or over the phone at 409-515-0669. http://witcheryonline.com/calendar.html SUNDAY OCTOBER 27TH Meditation Workshop. 10:00am-11:00pm. Open to everyone - especially for beginners to meditation. The master will give a brief introduction to meditation and guide the participants to do meditation. Free, donations welcome. CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston. org 281-568-1568 BCO & HTXO 12th Annual Haunted Hike. 6pm. Get your spook on with BCO & HTXO as we slither our way through the deep, dark forest trails. Taunt the forest trolls with us on Halloween night in Memorial Park! For those who make it out of the forest in one piece, we’ll calm our nerves with pizza and beverages (bring $5 for pizza and BYOB beverages. Memorial Park Rugby Field Parking Lot, North Picnic Lane , Houston, TX 77007. RSVP at https://bit.ly/2YYHBdy for additional information, please e-mail to info@ bayoucityoutdoors.com

GROW Your Business Contact us for special ad rates. 713-927-6540 24

plan ahead SATURDAY NOVEMBER 2ND Annual Fall Festival 11 AM - 5PM. Join us at this annual family event. Games and Haunted House for the kids. Native American Drumming to take place. Various foods available. Private readings available upon request. First Spiritualist Church of Houston 2115 Turner Dr, Houston, TX 77093. firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org SUNDAY NOVEMBER 3RD Blessing Ceremony. 9:30am-3:30pm. Free. CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON, 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568

MARK YOUR CALENDAR SATURDAY NOVEMBER 9TH MD Anderson Boot Walk to End Cancer. 1pm. Put on your favorite boots and join us at the Boot Walk to End Cancer® on Nov. 9, 2019, in the Texas Medical Center. Every dollar raised brings us closer to our mission to end cancer. FREE. Texas Medical Center. mdanderson.org/bootWalk SATURDAY NOVEMBER 16TH Houston Black Heritage Music & Arts Festival. 12:00noon–9:00pm The HBHMAF experience is a cultural experience that promotes diversity and cultural sensitivity filled with performances by both local and world-renown musical artists, visual art exhibits, guest speakers, presentations, poets, crafts people and more! Midtown Park 2811 Travis Street Houston, TX 77006. houstonblackheritagefest.com SUNDAY NOVEMBER 17TH Half-day Retreat. 9:00am-12:40pm. Chan/Zen Meditation Classes guided by Ordained Zen Masters of Chung Tai Chan Monastery. Free. CHUNG TAI ZEN CENTER OF HOUSTON 12129 Bellaire Blvd., 77072 zen@cthouston.org www.cthouston.org 281-568-1568 THURSDAY NOVEMBER 28TH Thanksgiving Day Parade 9am. Join us Thanksgiving morning for the H-E-B Thanksgiving Day Parade. The Parade is located in downtown Houston and is FREE for all. For those who would like to purchase general seating, there is an opportunity to do so on this page that will post November 2019. Union Station 501 Crawford St. Houston, TX. houstontx.gov/thanksgivingparade/index.html

Don’t count the days, make the days count. ~Muhammad Ali

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 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

Sadly, it’s much easier to create a desert than a forest. ~James Lovelock

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

Seven years without a cold?

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 nighttime stuffiness if used just before bed. One man said, “Best sleep I’ve had By Doug Cornell in years.” ore and more people are He asked relatives and friends to try Copper can also stop flu if used early saying they just don’t get it. They said it worked for them, too, so and for several days. Lab technicians colds anymore. he patented CopperZap™ and put it on placed 25 million live flu viruses on They are using a new device made the market. a CopperZap. No viruses were found of pure copper, which scientists say Now tens of thousands of people alive soon after. kills cold and flu have tried it. Nearly Dr. Bill Keevil led one of the teams viruses. 100% of feedback confirming the discovery. He placed Doug Cornell said the copper millions of disease germs on copper. invented the stops colds if used “They started to die literally as soon as device in 2012. within 3 hours after they touched the surface,” he said. “I haven’t had a the first sign. Even People have used it on cold sores single cold since up to 2 days, if they and say it can completely prevent ugly then,” he says. still get the cold it outbreaks. You can also rub it gently on People were is milder than usual wounds or lesions to combat infections. skeptical but EPA and they feel The handle is New research: Copper stops colds if used early. and university better. curved and finely studies demonstrate repeatedly that Users wrote things like, “It textured to improve viruses and bacteria die almost instantly stopped my cold right away,” and “Is contact. It kills germs when touched by copper. it supposed to work that fast?” picked up on fingers That’s why ancient Greeks and “What a wonderful thing,” wrote and hands to protect Egyptians used copper to purify water Physician’s Assistant Julie. “No more you and your family. and heal wounds. They didn’t know colds for me!” Copper even about viruses and bacteria, but now we Pat McAllister, age 70, received kills deadly Dr. Bill Keevil: do. one for Christmas and called it “one Copper quickly kills germs that have cold viruses. Scientists say the high conductance of the best presents ever. This little become resistant to of copper disrupts the electrical balance jewel really works.” Now thousands of antibiotics. If you are near sick people, in a microbe cell and destroys the cell users have simply stopped getting colds. a moment of handling it may keep in seconds. People often use CopperZap serious infection away from you and So some hospitals tried copper touch preventively. Frequent flier Karen your loved ones. It may even save a life. surfaces like faucets and doorknobs. Gauci used to get colds after crowded The EPA says copper still works This cut the spread of MRSA and other flights. Though skeptical, she tried it even when tarnished. It kills hundreds illnesses by over half, and saved lives. several times a day on travel days for of different disease germs so it can Colds start after cold viruses get in 2 months. “Sixteen flights and not a prevent serious or even fatal illness. your nose, so the vast body of research sniffle!” CopperZap is made in America of gave Cornell an idea. When he next Businesswoman Rosaleen says pure copper. It has a 90-day full money felt a cold about to start, he fashioned when people are sick around her she back guarantee. It is $69.95. a smooth copper probe and rubbed it uses CopperZap morning and night. “It Get $10 off each CopperZap with gently in his nose for 60 seconds. saved me last holidays,” she said. “The code NATA13. “It worked!” he exclaimed. “The kids had colds going round and round, Go to www.CopperZap.com or cold never got going.” It worked again but not me.” call toll-free 1-888-411-6114. every time. Some users say it also helps with Buy once, use forever. ADVERTORIAL

Copper in new device stops cold and flu

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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 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. See ad on page 5

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.

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 9

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.

See ad on page 9

COACHING BOOKS The Power of Awake

BLISSFUL QUESTS

Zen Master Thich Dieu Thien easily engages people and helps them return to the Awake already within each person. You are not the voice in your head, or the emotions, or the stress... You are what can recognize the voice, the emotions, and the stress. You are Awake.” Available on Amazon. 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

by Thich Dieu Thien

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

See ad on page 12

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 11

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 6776 Southwest Freeway, Suite 535 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!

If you listen to your body when it whispers to you, you won’t have to hear it yell later. ~Michael Duncan

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

Located conveniently off the Southwest Freeway, inside The Loop, and open 10am-10pm Monday-Sunday. Try our Introductory Thai Combo Massage (10 types in one) for Only $39.99. Call today and feel the difference a massage can make. License #ME3188 . See ad page 5

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

DR. FISHER ROAD 2 WELLNESS

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

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 13

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

nHormone Rejuvenation nVaginal Dryness nUrinary Incontinence nLow Libido nErectile Dysfution nLow Stamina nWeight-Loss nSexual Dysfunction(men & women) nHair Restoration nNatural Face Lift Visit the website for more information. Call today to schedule a consultation

DEER LAKE LODGE AND SPA 10500 Deer Lake Lode Rd. Montgomery TX77316 936-647-1383 deerlakelodge.com

Can’t lose weight? Feeling Sluggish? Let us help undo the damage from over-consumption and poor food choices. All natural, organic, resort and spa. Immerse yourself in personal attention from our staff. Call of visit our website to book your stay today! See ad on page 2

PAIN RELIEF AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 info@AlbertasPainRelief. com albertaspainrelief.com

NEW DECISION THERAPY WELLNESS CONSULTATIONS

12900 Queensberry Lane, Suite 201 Houston, TX 77079 281-794-5255 drnettie.net Suffering from addictions, compulsive behavior patterns, unhealthy relationship patterns, anxiety, phobias, depression or feeling stuck? New Decision TherapyTM can help. Call Dr. Nettie Ramsay today to schedule your initial consultation.

Need Relief from Arthritis? Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease muscular aches and joint pain. Her Remedy is a homeopathic pain relief cream that penetrates deep into the skin and muscle tissues. Get beneficial relief from sciatica, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neuralgia, gout, and more. All-natural ingredients! Do you want to feel a real difference from the nagging aches of arthritis? Feel less pain & have more range of motion? Use Aunt Alberta’s Pain Relief Cream! Get relief today! Great buy, get a 4oz jar for $15! See website for other options. See what people say about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy and Purchase Now on our website. albertaspainrelief.com.

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

Mere steps away from Kemah Boardwalk we are a peaceful shop featuring Charlotte’s Web CBD, doTERRA Oils, Yoga & Meditaton classes. Open Mon-Sat 12n-6pm. Mention this ad for a 15% discount on your entire puchase.

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

No fees. Donations are welcome.No prior experience required for beginners. Check the web site (event calendar) for the most current information. See ad on page 13

See ad page 4

ORGANIC RESORT & SPA

NATURAL HORMONES

Factory Eyeglass Outlet provides the ultimate services for all your eyecare needs. Whether you’re looking for premium or standard eyewear, we have something for you. As part of our superior services we offer complimentary consulting and frame styling. Next time you need you need new eyeglasses or need a repair choose Factory Eyeglass Outlet.

SKEETZ EDINGER FAMILY THERAPY

Couples, Individuals & Family Psychotherapy D. Skeetz Edinger, LMFT Associate 823-731-4881 skeetzedingerfamilytherapy.com With offices conveniently located in Katy and in West University, Skeetz Edinger believes in empowering couples, individuals and families to be the expert in your own lives. Don’t suffer any longer. Call today to schedule a FREE 30-minute phone consultation and find out how Skeetz can help you and those you love.

Better sight- Better Life.

Houston NaturalAwakenings-Houston.com

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

BEGIN THE CAREER YOU WILL LOVE TO PUT YOUR HANDS TO! As a Licensed Massage Therapist you can enjoy life as you work at a spa, wellness center, doctor’s office, or even begin your own practice. Begin today, the career that will change your life! Call the school for more information and to schedule a FREE tour.

SOUND THERAPY INTUNE ARTISTRY BIOFIELD TUNING Randy Becker 1907 Sabine St. #112 Houston, TX 77007 BiofieldTuningHouston.com Biofield Tuning is a sound therapy modality that uses tuning forks on and around your body. Sound can help improve our ability to think clearly under stress and remove blocks preventing us from reaching our highest potential. Visit my website for more information.

See ad page 8 BIOFIELD TUNING with Laurie Maloney 3222 Mercer Street Houston, TX 77027 UnwindStudeo.org

Biofield Tuning is sound therapy using tuning forks to bring well-being to your body, mind & spirit. All disorders can be perceived as “dissonance” in our energy field.By diminishing the dissonance, BT can alleviate & even eradicate physical, mental and/or emotional symptoms. Visit my website for more information. See Ad page 8

SOLAR ENERGY SUNSHINE RENEWABLE SOLUTIONS 4011 Valley Green Circle Houston, TX 77059 832-280-8838 sunshinerenewable. com If you’re a homeowner thinking about solar panel costs in the Lone Star State, then now’s the best time to make the switch to Solar! Installing solar panels can help you discover energy independence and enjoy unlimited savings. We’ll provide you with a detailed report tailored exactly to your home and your electricity consumption which will show you how you can pay off the cost of your solar system with zero net change in your monthly electricity costs. Call or visit our website to schedule a FREE Site Inspection. Use Promo Code 400Sunshine for a $500 Discount. Call TODAY! See Ad on page 32

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

We are a welcoming, inclusive and affirming Christian community, committed to abundant, holistic living in the way of Jesus of Nazareth. Guided in our life together by the Episcopal Church tradition, we are committed a way of love. Come walk on our Tree of Life Labyrinth by appointment anytime. Grace: you are welcome here.

FIRST SPIRITUALIST CHURCH OF HOUSTON 2115 Turner Dr. Houston, Texas 7093 713-695-2550 firstspiritualistchurchofhouston.org

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.

NOVEMBER

Coming Next

Natural Sleep Solutions plus: Chiropractic

THERMOGRAPHY Thermal Imaging Services

24550 Kingsland Blvd. Katy, TX 77494 713-621-4406 info@thermalimagingtexas.com thermalimagingtexas.com Thermography views what cannot be seen by the naked eye using a high definition infrared camera. It senses temperature patterns and changes which provide information for evaluation. Offering Full Body, Health with abdominal and Breast Study at our Katy location as well as limited dates in our satellite offices. Visit us online at thermalimagingtexas.com or phone us at 713-621-4406 See ad on page 8

YOGA YIN With Lin 9:30am Wednesdays 5000 Montrose At The Museum 6th Floor Member’s Room 713.858.8595 conscioushealingnow.com Yin Yoga is a slow, soothing, & meditative style of yoga that targets the deep connective tissues, bones, joints, fascia, & ligaments in the body. The more we work our fascial system & deep tissues, the less dense & tight our bodies become as we age. Movement and stretching hydrate the fascia system and literally help slow the aging process.Small classes afford individual instruction making progress attainable and real. Lin’s knowledge & passion for Yoga are evidenced by her warm and personable teaching style. Visit conscioushealingnow.cin for more information. See ad on page 7

What can you gain from using solar? Energy Independence Environmental-Saving Financial Savings

Call or visit our website to request a FREE Site Inspection. Use Promo Code 400Sunshine for a $500 Discount Sunshine Renewable Solutions 4011 Valley Green Ct, Houston, TX 77059 832-280-8838 sunshinerenewable.com