Natural Awakenings Magazine East Bay ~ December 2017

E HEALTHY LIVING E FR

HEALTHY PLANET

AWAKE MAKING INSPIRED

PARENTING Raising Connected and Confident Kids

PEACE

Handling Conflicts in a Healthy and Transformative Way

LIVING

Five Ways to Make the New Year Sparkle

December 2017 | East Bay Area Edition | NAEastBay.com

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recently had the opportunity to watch the amazing new documentary film Heal (HealDocumentary.com).

Directed, written and produced by Kelly Noonan Gores and Adam Schomer, it analyzes the phenomenal relationship between spirituality and science. The primary message revolves around the revelation that we have more control over our health and life than we have been led to believe.

Interviews and case studies provide a framework for the theory that belief is everything, while delving deep into personal experiences. Viewers glean a change of perspective, discovering that we are not victims of our family genes, but truly have the power to heal virtually any “dis-ease” through our thoughts, beliefs, perceptions and emotions.

“We are living in an epidemic of fear and stress. The intention behind Heal is to inspire, empower and inform,” says Noonan Gores. “I wanted to shine a light not only on our bodies’ brilliant capacity for healing, but also present the scientific evidence proving that our beliefs, thoughts, emotions have a direct and profound influence on our genetic expression. Inspiring real-life stories show us what is truly possible when it comes to healing, even when we are told there is no hope.”

Healing journeys shared in the documentary tell of cures of chronic pain and overcoming terminal illness using the “power of belief ”. Experts and researchers depict results of intriguing outcomes like those described by Dr. Kelly Turner while interviewing more than 1,500 cases of “spontaneous” remissions. “I’ve discovered 75 different things that these people have done to try to get well, but not everybody uses all of them. When I looked at the data, they were all using these nine:

• Radically changing your diet

• Taking control of your health

• Following your intuition

• Using herbs and supplements under a doctor’s supervision

• Increasing positive emotions

• Embracing social support

• Deepening your spiritual connection

• Having strong reasons for living

• Releasing suppressed emotions

Only two of these are physical; the rest are mental, emotional and spiritual,” notes Turner.

Each segment is worth rewinding to ensure we absorb dissection of both categories of spirituality and science. The film will empower you with a new understanding of the miraculous nature of the human body and the extraordinary healer within us all.

In good health,

contact us Publisher/Editor Celeste Souza National Editor S. Alison Chabonais Proofreader Randy Kambic Writer Tessa Rigdon Design & Production Stephen Blancett Kim Cerne Multi-Market Advertising 239-449-8309 Franchise Sales Anna Romano 239-530-1377

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December 2017

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contents

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

5 newsbriefs

8 healthbriefs

10 globalbriefs

8 12 ecotip 17 fitbody 19 wisewords 20 inspiration

14 PEACE ON EARTH

14

Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides

by Linda Sechrist

17 CHAMPIONING

HOLISTIC ATHLETES

The New Face of Sports Medicine

by Marlaina Donato

11 21 healthykids 19 LYNNE MCTAGGART ON THE POWER OF 12 22 greenliving GROUP INTENTION 24 calendarofevents

26 ongoingcalendar 20 INSPIRED LIVING

Five Ways to Make

the New Year Sparkle 29 resourceguide

advertising & submissions 21 AWAKE PARENTING HOW TO ADVERTISE

by April Thompson

17

by Kelly Martinsen

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Raising Connected, Confident Kids

by Judith Fertig

22 GO ECO LIKE GRANDMA

Honor Her Wisdom in New Ways

by Avery Mack

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newsbriefs Right to Know Act Mandates Ingredient Disclosures on Labels and Online

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A YEAR OF INSPIRED LIVING A Year of Inspired Living

n a major victory for consumers’ and workers’ right-to-know, California Gov. Jerry Brown has signed a bill into law that requires manufacturers of a wide array of cleaning products to disclose ingredients.

The Cleaning Product Right to Know Act of 2017, Senate Bill 258, authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) requires the ingredients in cleaning products to be listed on both product labels and online. This applies particularly to chemicals whose ability to harm human health or the environment has been recognized by established scientific authoritative bodies. Under this law, the mandatory disclosure also applies to ingredients in fragrance mixtures, which have been tightly held secrets until now.

Lara facilitated a successful series of negotiations between NGOs and industry stakeholders, which achieved a carefully crafted compromise that won the final approval of California legislators in mid-September. The agreement provides the increased transparency consumers and workers want, while allowing companies to protect trade secrets only for chemicals not linked to negative impacts on human health or the environment.

The legislation garnered the early support of companies that already practice ingredient transparency, including Seventh Generation and The Honest Company, and also some of the world’s largest cleaning product companies, including Ecolab, Procter & Gamble, Reckitt Benckiser, SC Johnson and WD-40, along with their trade association, the Consumer Specialty Products Association.

“California will be the first in the nation to clear the air for consumers and workers about what is in their cleaning products. Consumers are demanding transparency and the Cleaning Product Right to Know Act will set a strong national standard. Consumer advocates and manufacturers worked together to disclose potentially harmful ingredients, while allowing businesses to protect proprietary information and retain some flexibility,” says Lara.

will help you discover the life you want to lead, the person you want to be, and the impact you want to have on the world.

This delightful book is a compilation of essays, they range from the profound and poignant— love, faith, loss—to the heartwarming and hilarious—middle-age angst, motherhood mishaps, dog-poop scofflaws— and more.

A Year of Inspired Living offers personal reflection questions and space for the reader to journal and help them create their most inspired year.

Author and Natural Awakenings Long Island Publisher, Kelly Martinsen

Available at amazon.com http://amzn.to/2spoepK $12.95

Take a leap of faith and begin this wondrous new year by believing. Believe in yourself.

And believe that there is a loving Source—a Sower of Dreams—just waiting to be asked to help you make your dreams come true. ~Sarah Ban Breathnach

For more information, visit CA.gov.

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December 2017

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— Advertorial —

Healing at Hand

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fter 25 years experience in medical practice and research, Dr. Hannah Hershoff decided to leave her lucrative medical doctor career to create healing jewelry.

A phone chat with a cousin who took a trip from China totally changed Dr. Hannah’s life. Dr. Hannah learned that the mystical stones from a remote area of Southeast China near her hometown have incredible spiritual healing properties. After extensive research, Dr. Hannah learned that the five natural elements in the stones had served several dynasties of Emperors over thousands of years. This information excited Dr. Hannah enormously and motivated her to test the spiritual healing effects of the stones.

A few weeks after wearing Dr. Hannah’s bracelets, three out of four individuals reported they gained confidence, improved their self-image, sensed more connections to loved ones, and experienced a reduction in anxiety.

This dramatic positive feedback encouraged Dr. Hannah to leave her medical career and work full time on Sara Yo healing jewelry.

Dr. Hannah says, “I am so glad I have made this career change decision, as I truly believe in the power of spiritual healing. I am so happy to do something I am extremely passionate about and I can help more people than I even did before!”

For more information, visit www.myspiritjewel.com.

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newsbriefs Cable Car Caroling Fundraiser Brings Joy to Isolated Seniors, Disabled Adults

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n December 2, Cable Car Caroling will once again bring holiday cheer to isolated older adults and adults with disabilities at assisted living centers, skilled nursing facilities and individual homes across San Francisco. Now a 33-year tradition, Cable Car Caroling brings together hundreds of carolers each year on 15 motorized cable cars to sing holiday songs to more than 1,000 seniors and disabled adults.

Last year, Cable Car Caroling raised $100,000 to support the Institute on Aging’s Friendship Line, the nation’s only accredited 24-hour crisis call center for lonely, isolated and depressed seniors and adults with disabilities. This year’s theme is From Generation to Generation, and reflects the history and community participation of this event now in existence for over three decades.

Community members are invited to take part in the Institute on Aging’s 33rd annual Cable Car Caroling fundraising event, beginning at 12:30 p.m. Back again this year is the Cable Car Caroling fundraising challenge. For every $100 raised, participants receive a free cable car ticket. Additional benefits include a festive holiday experience for all ages, a delicious holiday dinner with a variety of complimentary wines at no cost to participants, and a free raffle ticket for donated prizes.

For more information and to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit IOAging.org.

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Biophoton Services Offers Parathyroid Rebalancing Treatment

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lameda-based Biophoton Services specializes in integrative therapy for whole-body healing and is bringing awareness to the connection between parathyroid imbalance and calcium metabolism.

The parathyroid glands play a major role in our bodies by controlling calcium metabolism. If the parathyroid glands are disturbed by heavy metals, tetanus vaccines and pollutants, calcium can be delivered to the wrong places in the body, including the kidneys, gallbladder, veins and arteries—instead of supporting the bones, teeth and nails. Biophoton Services provides a rebalancing treatment for the parathyroid in the endocrine system, which allows the parathyroid gland to function properly.

Biophoton light therapy is a gentle practice used to identify disturbances in the body and promote self-healing. A unique biofeedback instrument called a Chiren is used to measure and assess light emissions within cells. This process neutralizes chaotic cells, amplifies coherent cells, and helps to naturally restore clients’ overall health. Sessions are non-invasive and do not require medications or supplements.

Biophoton Services commonly treats clients suffering from dyslexia, migraines, allergies, asthma, arthritis, attention deficit disorder, digestive issues, Lyme disease, hormonal imbalances, multiple sclerosis, blood pressure issues, cardiovascular disease, Crohn’s disease, herpes, prostate issues, anxiety and depression.

Location: 1151 Harbor Bay Pkwy., Ste. 100, Alameda. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 510-217-8677, email Lillia@BiophotonServices. com or visit BiophotonServices.com. See listing, page 29.

Must-See Holiday Lights

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rab a warm scarf and head outside this month to view the best and the brightest holiday light shows in the East Bay Area. Here are a few of the season’s must-see holiday light displays: In Alameda, visit Christmas Tree Lane, at 3200 Thompson Avenue. The lights are twinkling throughout December, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Santa hours are from 6:30 to 8 p.m. through December 23, weather permitting.

In Berkeley, visit Fourth Street, where festive light displays cast a warm glow on the bustling shopping and dining district. Berkeley is also home to the Tilden Park Carousel Christmas Celebration, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. through December 23. The carousel is is located at Central Park Drive and Lake Anza Road.

In Clayton, visit a state-of-the-art holiday lights and music show at 1185 Pine Lane. The show runs every 30 minutes, beginning at 6 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday until December 21.

In Oakland, visit 5000 Piedmont Avenue to view Mountain View Cemetery’s Holiday Circle of Lights, from 5 to 9 p.m. throughout December. Oakland Zoo’s ZooLights holiday musical light show, every evening from 5:30 to 9 p.m., except December 24-25. For more information and ticket prices, visit OaklandZoo.org.

Warning: Senator Seeks Investigation into Medical Exemptions for School Vaccinations

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n 2015, Senate Bill 277 undid the personalbelief exemption that allowed parents to opt-out of school vaccinations based on individual views, but maintained exemptions for medical reasons. State Senator Richard Pan, M.D. (D-Sacramento), who co-authored the bill, says he’s now in early talks with the Medical Board regarding an investigation of doctors accused of granting medically unnecessary vaccination exemptions.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that in the 20 years before SB-277 passed, the percentage of kindergartners with medical exemptions for vaccinations was stable. However, medical exemptions for kindergartners tripled in 2016, the first year SB-277 went into effect. The study suggests that the bill’s medical exemption has created a loophole for doctors and parents to avoid vaccinating school-age children.

Pan, a pediatrician, championed the bill after seeing immunization rates fall below levels needed to maintain herd immunity, which occurs when a high percentage of the population is immunized against an infectious disease, creating less of an opportunity for an outbreak.

Despite medical exemptions, overall immunization rates have risen since the passage of SB-277. The state reports that the percentage of California kindergartners who have received all required vaccines increased from 92.8 percent in the 2015-2016 school year to 95.6 percent in the 2016-2017 school year.

For more information, visit CA.gov or JAMANetwork.com.

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December 2017

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Natural Stress Relief

Plus: Understanding Nutraceuticals January articles include: Answers for Stress Reduction Solutions for Digestive System Health Just What Are Nutraceuticals? and so much more!

Alcohol Affects Our Heartbeat

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erman researchers studied the correlation between cardiac arrhythmia and alcohol consumption by monitoring 3,000 middle-aged volunteers for 16 days during Oktoberfest. Portable electrocardiographs and breathalyzer machines tested for heart activity and breath alcohol concentration.

Arrhythmia showed up in 30 percent of the participants, significantly higher than an estimated 4 percent or less among the general population according to an earlier study. An irregular heartbeat often causes discomfort in the short term and possible heart failure and stroke later.

Africa Studio/Shutterstock.com

Coming Next Month

GUT BACTERIA IMBALANCE LINKED TO CHRONIC FATIGUE Fifty healthy patients and 50 with chronic fatigue syndrome were tested for bacteria and immune molecules by researchers from Columbia University. They discovered that imbalances in the levels of certain gut bacteria are prevalent in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome, a disorder often accompanied by extreme fatigue, muscle and joint pain, cognitive issues and insomnia.

Ben Schonewille /Shutterstock.com

JAN

healthbriefs

Long-Term Cell Phone Use a Health Risk To advertise or participate in our next issue, call

925-557-7583 8

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esearchers at Orebro University, in Sweden, conducted a review of research reported since 1965 on the incidence of glioma brain cancer with continued use of cell phones.

They found that the highest cumulative exposures to cell phone radiation correlated with a 90 percent increase in the risk of glioma cancer. The risk increased with time; after 10 years of cell phone use, it increased by 62 percent and doubled after 20 years.

DisobeyArt/Shutterstock.com

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g-stockstudio/Shutterstock.com

Naps Boost Toddler Talk

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esearchers from the University of Oxford, in the UK, have found that infants that take more daytime naps tend to develop a larger vocabulary at an earlier age than their peers by examining sleeping patterns of 246 babies between the ages of 7 months and 3 years for 10 days. Parents also completed a language analysis at the start of the study and three and six months later to determine how many words each child understood from a list 416 words typically learned in infancy. Infants that napped more frequently during the day performed better on both understanding and expressing vocabulary than the others.

It’s more than just green.

It’s FUN!

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TAI CHI EASES THE BLUES Boston researchers found a reduction in depressive symptoms among people that practice tai chi via 50 Chinese-Americans diagnosed with depression. They were divided into three groups. One group participated in tai chi sessions twice a week and were encouraged to practice the movements at home three times a week. Another group attended twice weekly depression education sessions and a third served as the control group. After 12 weeks, the tai chi group reported significant improvements in depression symptoms, which continued after the study was completed, measured at 24 weeks.

Natural Awakenings’ new digital magazine

ACUPUNCTURE FOR SHOULDER SURGERY REHAB? Acupuncture uses the regenerative forces of the body, Qi and Blood. When they are free flowing they can stop pain.

Shoulder pain and repair are successfully treated by invigorating the area, relaxing muscles and promoting healing.

“After one treatment I regained movement, within a few weeks my pain had reduced so much that it was only intermittent. I was so happy that I did not go down the typical Western medical approach. If I had followed that path I would not have won two National Championships in Master’s Swimming in 2008.”

—B. McCracken

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December 2017

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globalbriefs

Chimps, Zebrafish and Birds Communicate Like We Do

Tree Tally

Digitalizing Data Helps Rainforest Census The Amazon rainforest is thought to harbor a greater diversity of trees than anywhere else on Earth, but the exact number has long been a mystery. In 2013, scientists estimated that the number of species was around 16,000, but no actual count had been done. In a new paper in Scientific Reports, researchers delved into museum collections from around the world to confirm the current number of tree species recorded in the Amazon and assess possibilities of those yet to be discovered.

“Since 1900, between 50 and 200 new trees have been discovered in the Amazon every year,” notes Nigel Pitman, a Mellon senior conservation ecologist with the Field Museum. “Our analysis suggests that we won’t finish discovering new tree species there for three more centuries.”

The study relied upon the digitization of museum collections data—photographs and digital records—of the specimens housed there and shared worldwide through aggregator sites like IDigBio.org.

“It gives scientists a better sense of what’s actually growing in the Amazon Basin, aiding conservation efforts,” says Pitman.

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Chimps, orangutans and bonobo apes are now known to be capable of understanding what others are thinking and recognize human thoughts, an ability once thought to be impossible. A team led by Christopher Krupenye, of Duke University, had apes take part in a visual experiment where they watched videos on a monitor while their gaze was being tracked. They discovered an anticipation of events that went beyond the visual cues presented.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has determined that zebrafish are social animals, similar to humans and other mammals—they form friendships, experience positive emotions and have individual personalities. The group advises people that eat fish or keep them as pets to consider the moral implications.

Honey hunters in sub-Saharan Africa have a unique form of communication with honeyguide birds that fly ahead to point out beehives which the hunters raid, leaving wax for the birds to eat. A study in the journal Science reports that they listen for a specific call made by their human collaborators.

Dr. Claire Spottiswoode, of the University of Cambridge, in England, and University of Cape Town, in South Africa, observes, “It seems to be a two-way conversation between our own species and a wild animal.”

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News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all.

Senior Sisterhood

For 20 years, Maria Brenton, an outspoken proponent of older people living independently, has been campaigning and planning for the opening of a different kind of retirement home run by its residents, supporting each other through old age. She says, “Attitudes to older people in this country are out of date. Most members of the older population don’t wish to have everything done for them.”

She attests that institutions and agencies dealing with older people encourage dependency and are patronizing and paternalistic. “Older people internalize it, and they learn to wait for people to do things for them,” advises Brenton.

New Ground, in Barnet, North London, is the first UK cohousing development set up just for older women, with 26 women from age 50 to 87. Also in London, The Collective has created something similar with enhanced amenities such as a cinema room and a launderette with a disco ball. WeWork is an American company that has set up communal offices, and recently established WeLive, in New York City.

Tiny Baubles

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Microplastic Mess Threatens World Oceans Scientists from the University of Hull and the British Antarctic Survey (BAS) have published research in the journal Science of the Total Environment showing levels of microplastics are five times higher in the Antarctic than previous estimates.

Co-author Dr. Claire Waluda, a BAS biologist, says, “We have monitored the presence of large plastic items in Antarctica for more than 30 years. While we know that bigger pieces can be ingested by seabirds or cause entanglements in seals, the effects of microplastics on marine animals in the Southern Ocean are as yet unknown.”

The tiny beads of plastic come from cosmetics or are shreddings from larger plastic items like clothing or bottles. According to United Nations sources, they may number as many as 51 trillion particles across the seafloor, throughout the oceans and on beaches worldwide. They are considered a serious threat to marine life in general. More international monitoring of the situation is needed, including a requirement for all polar research stations to provide waste treatment options.

For more information, see Tinyurl.com/PlasticInAntarctica.

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New Options for Independent Co-Housing

Robot Roomies New Tech May Relieve Elder Isolation

Approximately a third of those older than 65 and half of elders at least 85 live alone, as do many people with illnesses and mental disorders. All can suffer from feelings of profound loneliness. Emerging virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI) technologies provide avenues to alleviate such isolation, instilling contentment, peace of mind, enrichment, fun, a sense of companionship and contributing to physical and mental health.

Instead of passively watching TV, seniors can travel virtually to World Heritage sites, revisit old haunts or even attend family events they would otherwise miss. In terms of benefits attained, VR is predicted to measurably improve seniors’ quality of life.

Healthcare applications of AI and telemedicine include reminders to eat, be active or take medications, perhaps assisted by a robotic companion that can share information with practitioners, children, caregivers and emergency personnel. Social applications include helping to form and maintain social connections. It may also serve as a personal concierge by reminding seniors of appointments, playing games with them and initiating dialogue to spark outward engagement.

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December 2017

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ecotip Philip Stein is a

apps, devices and applications, user-friendly innovations are addressing America’s sleep deprivation problem.

“Philip Stein lifestyle accessories such as the sleep bracelet are designed to contribute to a better quality of life.

The unique technology ainside each one channels parent through warfare beneficial or terrorism, Regift or Recycle Smart Phones natural frequencies in the environment into your body,” feeds malnourished children in Asia, When replacing holiday purchases says Will Stein, co-founder andlow-income president of housing the Philipand Stein builds doGroup. “The result is tonates help the individual feel centered, of smartphones and other electronic prepaid calling cards to military

by Linda Sechrist balanced, grounded and more easily able to maintain a sense devices, don’t just trash the old ones. personnel. of well-being.” The company defines optimal well-being as Manufacturing electronics consumes

According to the U.S. Environrom computers, a state of harmony achieved through physical, emotional, many resources andcell discarded waste mental phones, smart TVs, mental and spiritual alignment. Protection Agency, other can leak harmful chemicals into ecounwanted electronic devices can be DVR players and Although natural-frequency technology was developed systems.

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Check theinescapable; E-Cycling Central website andpicks recycled, instead of polthe proceeds.

ShelterAlliance.net, ing spaces. What we may not know is how they negatively Philip Stein’s tuningcaptured technology up and channels at eiae.org. Major phone makers and CellPhonesForSoldiers.com luting the environment. and impact our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle: suppressing the beneficial natural frequencies that have always surcarriers offer programs, appliances like toasters, Phones4Charity.org are kindred orgamelatonin, therecycling hormone that controls the natural circadian rounded human beings. “WeSmall believe that all organisms have and some retailersslumber acceptand select coffee makers clothing irons nizations. rhythm, disturbing even affecting weight gain, evolved or grown accustomed to these and natural frequencies, electronic according todevices.

University of Tel Aviv research. aren’t considered e-waste and generand our systemslets are tuned to operate best with them, rather AmericanCellPhoneDrive.org

Bestthe of brighter all, giveside, a device a new On some new technological products than with the increasing number manmade because frequencies weare aren’tofrecyclable they users find nearby charity recycling ini- ally life by gifting it. RecyclingForCharipromise to restore balance to the body, including deeper and experience in scholthe modern world,” Stein. and metal. made of a explains mix of plastic tiatives via zip code.

It provides more restful sleep. obsolete From the personal Philip Stein sleep bracelet, sleepchildren that have lost Using them for many years helps. ties.com accepts arships for U.S. number beds and portable sleep trackers to sleep-related For more information, visit PhilipStein.com. See ad, page xx.

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Philip Stein is a Leader in Wearable Sleep Technology

by Linda Sechrist

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rom computers, cell phones, smart TVs, DVR players and programmable appliances to a seemingly endless list of other electronic gadgets, we are in constant contact with unnatural electromagnetic frequencies (EMFs) generated by technology. In today’s 24/7 society, invisible EMFs are inescapable; they permeate our working and living spaces. What we may not know is how they negatively impact our body’s natural sleep-wake cycle: suppressing melatonin, the hormone that controls the natural circadian rhythm, disturbing slumber and even affecting weight gain, according to University of Tel Aviv research.

On the brighter side, some new technological products promise to restore balance to the body, including deeper and more restful sleep. From the Philip Stein sleep bracelet, sleep number beds and portable sleep trackers to sleep-related apps, devices and applications, user-friendly innovations are addressing America’s sleep deprivation problem.

“Philip Stein lifestyle accessories such as the sleep bracelet are designed to contribute to a better quality of life.

The unique technology inside each one channels beneficial natural frequencies in the environment into your body,” says Will Stein, co-founder and president of the Philip Stein Group. “The result is to help the individual feel centered, balanced, grounded and more easily able to maintain a sense of well-being.” The company defines optimal well-being as a state of harmony achieved through physical, emotional, mental and spiritual alignment.

Although natural-frequency technology was developed earlier by a group of engineers and scientists exploring various frequencies’ influence on water, the initial discovery has been attributed to ancient sages in India that intuited them. For example, 7.83 Hz, the frequency of “om”, happens to be Mother Earth’s natural heartbeat rhythm, now known as the Schumann Resonance. Aligned with the brain’s alpha and theta states, this technology of resonating frequencies has been carefully tuned and tested by Philip Stein researchers, technicians and sleep experts. Today, it is at the core of all Philip Stein products.

Philip Stein’s tuning technology picks up and channels the beneficial natural frequencies that have always surrounded human beings. “We believe that all organisms have evolved or grown accustomed to these natural frequencies, and our systems are tuned to operate best with them, rather than with the increasing number of manmade frequencies we experience in the modern world,” explains Stein.

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PEACE ON EARTH Conflict Resolutions that Work to Bridge Divides Healing happens when we handle conflict in a healthy and transformative way.

Call to Action

Roughly 30 years ago, notable voices began urging Americans to embrace a sustainable worldview of unity in diversity, recognizing our core oneness as a solution to an increasingly out-of-balance society. Success in this endeavor depends primarily on the “habits of the heart” of our citizens, developed in local milieus of families, neighborhoods, classrooms, congregations, voluntary associations, workplaces and public places where strangers gather.

Activating Answers

While mainstream media often largely focuses on the negative aspects of conflict—discord, divisiveness, intolerance, violence, incivility, injustice, chaos and complex problems—a counter-movement is convening constructive conversations. Participants are initiating dialogue and deliberations intended to resolve conflicts and create cohesiveness, collaboration, cooperation and compromise among local factions that disagree on how to deal with everything from health care and social justice to environmental protection and climate science. Educational training materials and books are giving outdated models of conflict resolution a facelift.

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In The Revolution Where You Live: Stories from a 12,000 Mile Journey Through a New America, Sarah Van Gelder devotes a chapter to a Greensboro, North Carolina, battle over a story about a deadly, racially charged incident from the city’s recent past. She quotes James Lamar Gibson, a 20-something African-American activist and core organizer for the Counter Stories Project: “We’ve been stuck in an old conversation for a couple of decades. We want to have an army of people with restorative conversation skills, so we can get past the divisiveness and imagine together a different sort of Greensboro,” he says. The project began with facilitator training, and then developed story circles in which residents were able to have the difficult discussions that don’t ordinarily take place among the police, city council, churches and social agencies.

Today’s conflict resolution experts are discovering that conflict is an essential and powerful call for applying spiritual principles and exercising spiritual practices.

Provocative Questions

“What if we considered conflict as a secret ally or a guidepost, showing us what really matters to us and how much we care? What if our intense emotions

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are sources of invincible energy, with the power to build the world we want, together?

What does having conflict in a healthy and transformative way look like?” queries Ma’ikwe Ludwig, executive director of Commonomics USA, an organization which educates and advocates for a world where a commonsbased economy creates economic and ecological security for all.

“Conflict has the power to bring to the surface what’s really at stake and to unite people toward a common goal,” advises Ludwig. Her thought-provoking questions can help shift perceptions toward the idea that we need to use conflict; maybe even welcome it.

Ludwig, author of Together Resilient: Building Community in the Age of Climate Disruption, recently helped present new perspectives on conflict resolution during a webinar for Transition US members interested in creating inclusive and diverse communities through collaboration. The nonprofit inspires, encourages, supports and provides networking and training for grassroots initiatives seeking to build community resilience in the face of such challenges as oil spills, climate change and economic crises.

Courtney Breese, managing director for the nonprofit National Coalition

Little Perfect Stock/Shutterstock.com

by Linda Sechrist

Jacob Lund/Shutterstock.com

A community is a group that can fight gracefully…

Chaos is not just a state; it is an essential process of community development. ~Dr. M. Scott Peck, The Different Drum: Community Making and Peace for Dialogue & Deliberation (NCDD) and her colleagues, together with thousands of innovative thinkers, are helping by introducing people to simple dialogue and deliberation structures, processes and resources that invite meaningful and productive conversations leading to constructive civic engagement. Breese remarks, “We’re open to working with anyone interested in learning processes that can help bridge divides. We also like sharing stories about what is working.”

Toolbox

The group’s downloadable free tools help newcomers: A beginner’s guide for exploring dialogue (ncdd.org/rc/ beginners-guide); a how-to-guide for Conversation Café (CC) hosts (Tinyurl. com/ManualForConversationCafe); and the American Library Association Libraries Transforming Communities: Models for Change Project (ala.org/ ltc-models). “To date, we’ve had at least 800 librarians participate in free

NCDD webinars,” Breese notes.

CC is a simple tool useful in exploring difficult topics and provides a safe space to process different perspectives. “Initial agreement on basic rules includes suspending judgment while listening and seeking to understand others, refraining from persuading or converting and talking only from personal experience,” explains Breese.

One new network member, J. Scott Wagner, author of The Liberal’s Guide to Conservatives, speaks about the importance of using neutral language in dialogue. “I learned from him how words can be emotional triggers and signal one-sided perspectives, leaving some group members feeling angry or excluded because they feel the speaker won’t be open to hearing their perspective,” says Breese.

After three tours of the U.S. and hundreds of interviews with conservative individuals, Wagner, founder of the nonprofit Reach the Right, was inspired to use his knowledge of five arenas—neurology/cognitive psychology, personality, bias, social conformity and morality—to help progressives understand conservatives that are not only their political leaders, but also their relatives, partners, friends and managers.

He offers a simple explanation for anyone drenched in inaccurate biases.

“We inherit unconscious genetic personality characteristics that lead us to develop our ideology, with which we construct our world and align with others that are in agreement. Differences in our personality characteristics are the culprits that create conflict.”

Community Needs Erase Enmity

Drawing on 25 years of experience of enabling sworn enemies to create peace in places such as South Africa, Northern Ireland and Colombia, Adam Kahane, author of Collaborating with the Enemy: How to Work with People You Don’t Agree with or Like or Trust, shares insights into the “enemyfying syndrome” that instigates conflict.

This habit of thinking and acting as if people we are dealing with are our enemies and the cause of our problems

is all around us and dominates the media. “The enemies are always the others, ‘those people’. Enemyfying, which feels exciting and satisfying—even righteous and heroic—usually obscures, rather than clarifies, the reality of the challenges we face. It amplifies conflicts, narrows the space for problem solving and creativity, and distracts us with unrealizable dreams of decisive victory from the real work we need to do,” observes Kahane.

Kahane sees the challenge of conflict becoming more acute. “People today are generally more free, individualistic and diverse, with stronger voices and less deference. Volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity are growing.” Yet, contrary to the common view, it is possible for people that hold contradictory positions to find ways to collaborate.

STARTING TOOLS

W

orld Café-style conversations used in Conversation Cafés to discuss issues that matter offer a powerful social technology to engage people in meaningful and constructive dialog in corporate, government and community settings. Understanding that conversation is the core process that drives personal, business and organizational life, it’s a way of thinking and being together sourced in a philosophy of conversational leadership.

Embracing a combination of these guiding principles can foster collaborative exchanges, active engagement and helpful possibilities for action. n Clarify the Purpose n Create a Hospitable Space n Explore Questions that Matter n Encourage Everyone’s Contribution n Connect Diverse Perspectives n Listen for Insights and Share Discoveries Source: Tinyurl.com/CafeConversation Principles

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That’s what he and 40 others representing military officers, guerrillas and paramilitaries; activists and politicians; businesspeople and trade unionists; landowners and farmers; and academics, journalists and young people, accomplished in the Destino Colombia project. They organized to contribute to ending their country’s 52-year civil war.

Motivated to Act

Jonathan Bender, founder of The Performance of Your Life, a public speaking and personal development business, has been on a lifelong quest of fostering personal growth and societal transformation. His therapeutic classes and workshops demonstrate how to connect, honor and deeply resonate with others, even if they have different worldviews, and how to listen and hear in the same way we want to be heard.

Acknowledging the adrenalin rush that’s a common response to fear of conflict, Bender says, “When we learn to be mindful and speak from our entire body, rather than just from our head, we notice that the voice reso-

nates and originates from a much bigger place. This teaches us to cultivate greater awareness of our emotions and how we express them.

“Begin by acknowledging an emotion, and then reduce its intensity through slow, deep breaths, paying attention to the correlating physical sensation. Shifting our focus back to the heart allows us to recognize parts of ourselves in the stories of others and come to understand that our personal history is the filter through which we ‘enemyfy’,”

says Bender, who speaks and presents publicly, educating audiences and clients about the universally challenging performances of everyday life.

According to Robert Atkinson, Ph.D., author of The Story of Our Time: From Duality to Interconnectedness to Oneness, today’s rugged individualism amid conflicts comprises a crisis of consciousness. “No longer can we settle only on seeing things in opposition to one another; we need to shift our consciousness to be able to see the parts coming together in a new whole. Accepting the oneness of humanity as a biological fact, a social necessity and a spiritual reality will lead us further along our journey toward lasting world peace.”

His observation fits with what Joanna Macy, author and scholar of Buddhism and deep ecology, believes is the call of our time: “As planetary citizens, we are being called to wake up together.”

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings who blogs at LindaSechrist.com.

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The direction of this three-week class is to use Breema bodywork, Self-Breema, and discussion to uncover those questions that pertain to meaning and purpose.

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fitbody

the 82-year-old, who not only beat multiple malignancies without chemotherapy or radiation, but was the first cancer patient to complete an Ironman Triathlon. This “Ironlady’s” holistic approach includes a whole food, 100 percent plant-based diet, featuring oats, quinoa and brown rice. “When we give our body its proper fuel, it will function at its optimal level,” remarks Heidrich, who has dedicated her life to re-educating others about diet and investing in her ongoing athletic achievements.

CHAMPIONING HOLISTIC ATHLETES

On the Road

The New Face of Sports Medicine

by Marlaina Donato

From college athletics to Olympic training, sports medicine has a new, holistic face.

C

oaches and athletes nationwide are attributing quicker recovery time, less inflammation and better focus to a whole body approach to health care. A nutrient-dense diet tailored to individual needs is at the heart of overall fitness. Like Venus Williams and Tom Brady, tennis and football superstars who prefer raw vegan and organic whole foods, respectively, many of today’s outstanding athletes choose to eat clean and incorporate mind-body practices.

Telling Triumphs

Paralympic snowboard cross racer gold medalist, world champion and International Ski Federation para Nordic World Cup gold medalist Evan Strong, of Nevada City, California, was raised on an organic farm in Hawaii and continues to adopt many holistic practices. “I have a superfood smoothie every day.

Liquid food helps me feel lighter and I have more usable energy for training,” says Strong. His regimen also includes organic produce, sprouted grains,

occasional raw goat milk products, homeopathic formulas and wildcrafted medicinal herbs.

Strong credits achieving his personal best to a healthy lifestyle and recovery from an automobile accident that led to amputation of his lower left leg as a teen. “After the accident, my family and I opened a raw vegetarian restaurant. We produced as many cultured foods as possible—sauerkraut, kombucha and kefir. Improving my gut health gave me the biggest strides in healing. Yoga and meditation also contributed. It all saved me.”

Six-time Ironman triathlete, U.S. Senior Olympic gold medalist and marathoner Ruth Heidrich, Ph.D., of Honolulu, attributes surviving stage IV breast cancer primarily to her low-fat vegan diet. Already an avid runner and nutritionally conscious, Heidrich was shocked to hear the diagnosis.

“I was 47 years old when I was told the results of the biopsy. I thought I was going to die because of the symptoms I was experiencing,” recalls

Maintaining good habits while traveling can be challenging. Strong adds healthy salts to structure his drinking water and brings along superfoods such as green vegetable powders to use when he can’t access organic produce. To optimize his air quality while away from home, Strong uses a personalized air purifier that creates ozone.

San Francisco-based, three-time Olympic swimming gold medalist and world champion Natalie Coughlin remains dedicated to better diet choices without deprivation. “When I travel, I always bring my own snacks. I like dark chocolate-covered almonds, a natural sweet that also supplies protein and fiber. To stay hydrated, I drink herbal teas, especially mint,” says Coughlin, who also incorporates a tart green smoothie every morning with kale, parsley, collards, celery, citrus and frozen pineapple.

At home, “I like to be informed about where my meat comes from and how the conditions are for the animal.

If I roast a chicken, I will use every part, including the bones, to make a stock,” she says. Her holistic approach includes a consistent yoga regimen, meditation and application of essential oils.

High Expectations

Even under the best of circumstances, professional athletes encounter difficulties, but when faced with enormous obstacles, the best can get even better.

“I’ve faced injuries and illness during pivotal times in my life and career, but I always approached it with the intention to be proactive, rather than being

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photo by Tesh

Ruth Heidrich reactive,” advises Coughlin.

For Strong, confronting tragedy with the right attitude offers possibility. “Thirteen years ago, I was hit by a car and lost my leg, but now I see that moment as a blessing instead of a curse. It was a hardship that tested my limits, but in the end, it propelled me to achieving dreams I didn’t even know I had.”

Nearly four decades after her grim diagnosis, Heidrich embodies hope for all of us when she says, “It is never too late to adopt a better way.”

Marlaina Donato is a freelance writer, author and multimedia artist. Connect at MarlainaDonato.com.

To order: Call (972) 492-0419 E-mail: info@realtimelab.com To order directly from our web site: www.realtimelab.com/Environmental-Inspectors/

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Natural Awakenings East Bay

wisewords

Lynne McTaggart on the

POWER OF GROUP INTENTION

by April Thompson

T

hirty years ago, speaker, author and journalist Lynne McTaggart recovered from an illness using alternative approaches to health. Since then, she’s been exploring the frontiers of healing through consciousness and alternative medicine. In the 1990s, McTaggart, who lives in London, started a newsletter called What Doctors Don’t Tell You, now an international magazine and popular platform at wddty.com that cites thousands of resources showing what works and doesn’t work in conventional and alternative medicine and how to beat chronic conditions naturally.

McTaggart’s seven books include The Intention Experiment, The Field, The Bond and most recently, The Power of Eight. Her latest work examines the transformative power of small groups of people sending thoughts together for a common goal.

Can you summarize the results of your experiments of healing through collective intentions?

We’ve done hundreds of experiments using small and large groups; 30 were tightly controlled scientific studies conducted in conjunction with researchers at institutions such as the University of Arizona, University of California and Penn State University.

The experiments have involved all kinds of intentions, ranging from the relatively simple to the

impossibly complex. The large-scale intention experiments involved upwards of 25,000 participants remotely logging onto a website to view photos of the targets, sometimes 8,000 miles away, and sending them a well-defined intention, like changing the pH balance of water or healing a war veteran of post-traumatic stress disorder.

To date, 26 of those 30 experi-

ments resulted in positive, measurable, mainly scientifically significant effects.

We’ve seen the pH of water change by a full pH number and seen seeds grow twice as much as control seeds.

We also conducted three peace intention experiments with interesting results: After our eight-day intention for Sri Lanka during its civil war, violence levels fell; the government had won several decisive battles that week; and within a few months that 25-year war was over. We can’t say with certainty that we had a hand in this, but our other peace experiments showed similar results. If it happens a few more times, that becomes compelling.

What conditions were the most conducive to manifesting positive results?

Was it intention, the power of the group or altruism? I think it’s a little of all of these. We’ve found that larger groups do not have a larger effect, which brought about the “power of eight” concept. I’ve discovered all that’s needed is a group, whether it’s eight or 8,000. In a group, we seem to lose our sense of individuality and separation from the world. We experience an overwhelming sense of oneness with the other intenders, which may be why our influence then becomes more powerful.

How did the act of sending positive intentions affect the senders?

I was most surprised by the rebound effects reported by participants, whom I starting surveying after the Sri Lankan peace experiment. Thousands of extraordinary comments related not only how participants felt during the activity, but also afterwards; they were experiencing major shifts in their relationships, health, careers and well-being.

All they had done was sit individually in front of their computer holding an intention, yet they experienced the altered and mystical states of consciousness described by psychologist Abraham Maslow as “peak experiences”.

Life University, a large chiropractic university in Atlanta, worked with us to study the brainwaves of particinatural awakenings

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pants in six “power of eight” groups and found that senders had decreased activity in their frontal and parietal lobes, which govern the sense of self. It was like the boundaries between participants were dissolving into a state of oneness. To me, this partly explained the sense of oneness, compassion and love they experienced. Andrew Newberg, director of research at the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health, in Philadelphia, recorded similar effects in Sufi masters, and nuns and monks engaged in prayer and meditation, but only after years of learning certain techniques. My participants, all novices, were primed only by watching a 13-minute YouTube video of me explaining how to send intention in a group. Group intention appears to be a fast-track to the miraculous—no experience necessary.

Why does “groupthink” have such a powerful, multiplicative effect?

I think a huge part of it has to do with the power of getting off of yourself and setting an intention for someone else.

Another is the connection created in a group. When we engage together in an activity like praying or setting altruistic intentions, we create a powerful virtual circle that proves healing to both the receivers and senders.

Connect with April Thompson, in Washington, D.C., at AprilWrites.com.

Change your

~Norman Vincent Peale

Art Stocker/Shutterstock.com

thoughts and you change your world.

inspiration

INSPIRED LIVING Five Ways to Make the New Year Sparkle

I

by Kelly Martinsen

nspiration may strike anywhere, at any time. The trick is nurturing the process to appear on demand when we need it most.

Often, an inspiration is sparked when we perceive someone being selfless, courageous, physically extraordinary or deliciously creative.

However, we don’t need to wait for outside stimulus when we can discover internal stirrings by invoking any of these self-inspiring tips.

Just Do It – The Nike slogan has never been more appropriate. We all have something we’ve thought about doing or trying. Whether traveling to a new location, trying a different sport, joining a new-to-us group or club, or making more friends, don’t put it off—just do it.

Defeat allodoxaphobia – It’s the fear of others’ negative opinions. Everyone suffers from this to some extent, and it can hinder us from living our best life. Former First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt remarked, “You wouldn’t worry so much about what others think of you if you realized how seldom they do.”

Volunteer – A common excuse for not volunteering is, “I don’t have the time.” Next year, make the time. When researchers at the London School of

Economics examined the relationship between volunteering and happiness in a large group of American adults, they found that the more people volunteered, the happier they were.

Journal – People often journal as a way to reflect upon their lives. This can be helpfully revealing, but rather than looking back, look forward, using a journal as a blueprint to manifest the most inspired year yet. Write out plans and dreams with the steps needed to achieve them.

Gratitude – This is the big one.

One way to be and stay inspired is by starting off each day in a state of gratitude. Every morning before getting out of bed, think of at least three things to be grateful for. By doing this, we recognize the blessings we have and greet the day in a positive frame of mind. It’s a perfect way to end each day, too. When someone routinely inquires, “How are you?” answer, “I am grateful.”

Our time on Earth is not infinite.

With only so many days promised, let’s vow to live them inspired.

Kelly Martinsen is publisher of Natural Awakenings Long Island and author of the new book A Year of Inspired Living (Publisher@AwakeLI.com).

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healthykids michaeljung/Shutterstock.com

they consider their own inner growth a high priority.

Children need to learn who they are and what they really enjoy. Parents can help by allowing children to just sit by themselves. If inundated with activities and subjected to numerous lessons, how can young people hope to recognize their authentic voice amid the din of all this “doing”?

How do children benefit from conscious or awakened parenting?

AWAKE PARENTING Raising Connected, Confident Kids

by Judith Fertig

O

ne of the greatest challenges parents face is connecting with their children in deep and meaningful ways. The aim of awakened families is to raise strong and emotionally resilient children.

Parenting expert and clinical psychologist Shefali Tsabary, Ph.D., author of The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children and The Awakened Family: A Revolution in Parenting, offers mindful approaches to benefit the family—and the community. Via her practice in New York City, appearances on Oprah and online courses, Tsabary provides awareness, skills and strategies to revolutionize families. She posts videos and blogs at DrShefali.com.

How do parents know if they’re on the right track?

To be awakened or conscious means to realize that we carry emotional baggage and conditioning from childhood

that affects our relationship with our children. Our old ways of thinking and being from our own childhood shape the manner in which we react and interact today.

Awakened parents are constantly evolving into their truest and most authentic selves. When parents undertake a daily practice of mindfulness and awareness, they begin to extricate themselves from blind reactivity to see how every problem with their children is a call to their own awakening. Parents will know they are on the right track because they will connect more with their children, empowering them to think and live autonomously—separate from a parent’s fantasies and expectations.

How can each family member connect with their true self?

Parents need to understand that the path to creating a connected relationship with their children is to first create one with themselves. Realizing this,

Conscious parenting mandates that we place the task of connecting with our children front and center, especially before correcting them. Admonishing and punishing them becomes secondary to the main imperative of conscious connection. It’s crucial we realize we aren’t raising a “mini-me”, but a spirit throbbing with its own signature. Thus, it’s vital to separate in our mind who we are from who each child is. Children aren’t ours to possess or own in any way. When we know this in the depths of our soul, we tailor their raising to their needs, rather than molding them to fit our needs.

Children raised in this way grow up to be fearless and infinitely resilient, knowing that their purpose in life is to live in their most authentic and true way. Conflicts decrease and conscious, connected communication increases.

What can parents do when they fall back into old patterns, shaming children or doing other things that create distance?

When this happens, parents need to sit with themselves and look deeply within, asking: “What is it about me that feels the need to deride, scorn and shame my children?” In such introspection, they might discover triggers from old wounds that have nothing to do with a child’s behavior.

When they can see the internal link, they can begin to make the transformations they need.

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Lucky Business/Shutterstock.com

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greenliving

As a parent, I have learned that my role is to step aside, stay in infinite possibility, heal my own wounds, fill my own bucket and let my child fly.

How can closer, awakened families co-create a better world via the ripple effect?

When children grow up feeling connected with their parents and deeply seen by them, they march into the outer world feeling self-confident and aware of who they truly are, secure in their own inherent innerconnectivity. Children raised in this manner naturally help advocate for peace and harmony in all of their relationships; incidents of bullying, anxiety and discrediting one’s self and others decrease exponentially.

Judith Fertig is a freelance writer from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

Go Eco Like Grandma Honor Her Wisdom in New Ways

by Avery Mack

U

“

se it up, wear it out, make do or do without,” was the motto of past generations. Today, it’s recycle, repurpose and reinvent. Nostalgia is making a comeback. It’s tempting to revert to successful old-fashioned ways; it’s even better to update the howto of natural eco-living.

Preserve Food “There are tradeoffs between convenience and environmental impact,” says Kathleen Hanover, executive creative director at Imagine That Creative Marketing Services, in Dayton, Ohio.

“I’d love to freeze all of our family’s produce, but after two power outages, I can veggies, too. Steam canners for jams, jellies, tomatoes and high-acid foods use three inches of water and 10 minutes of energy.”

Shel Horowitz, a consultant for Green and Profitable and co-author of Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the

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World, joined a food co-op in the 1970s. Today, it has 9,000 members.

“I dehydrate veggies for soup, pasta, stir-fry dishes or as tomato or zucchini chips,” he says. “Onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, celery, kale, hot peppers, tomatillos and fruit were successful; eggplant, cucumbers and rhubarb were not.”

Use It All The Traditional Line menu devised by executive chef Mark Russell, of Great Performances, a sustainability-oriented high-end catering and food service company in New York City, remarks, “Food trends have changed,” noting preserving, freezing, pickling and canning remain sound. He salutes thrifty Depression-era practices.

“My grandparents picked dandelion greens to fry in bacon fat,” he says. “A salad with olive oil and fresh tomato is healthier.” Fermented grape

photos by Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara

leaves can be rolled up into dolmas filled with local grains and feta cheese instead of meat. He also blanches and freezes cauliflower leaves, warmed in butter to serve; he’s then used the whole vegetable.

Nasturtium leaves are fermented, seeds and stems pickled and flowers puréed. “I make nasturtium flower coulis, bright orange and spicy, to dollop on freshwater fish,” Russell says. “Stems are minced into grain salads and seeds sprinkled on slabs of beefsteak tomatoes. Leaves, soft from fermentation, wrap around fresh goat cheese, shred into coleslaw or pair with steamed basmati rice.”

Apply Gardening Tips Containers ease gardening, especially for tomatoes. Hanover repurposes plastic cat litter buckets. “They’re sturdy and hold up in cold weather,” she says. “Alpaca poop fertilizer supplied by a neighbor doesn’t smell and plants thrive.”

Ocala, Florida, reiki master and teacher Debi Goldben employs nature’s bounty at home. “Downspouts collect rainwater for the garden, and it’s much better than chemically treated city water,” she says. Some municipalities, including in Colorado, regulate rainwater collection, mandating the size and number of barrels per property “for outdoor use only”.

Sew Up Repairs Anca Gooje, owner of Chid Kala, a natural ingredient lotion maker in Scarborough, Maine, uses colorful patches to repair tears and update the look of

her two children’s clothing.

She also recompressed their sofa’s inner springs to their original shape by encasing them in fabric. “It was time-consuming, but only cost a few dollars for fabric,” she relates. “Updating avoided creating more landfill. For a fresh look, I made a new cover.”

Multipurpose a Cook Pot “My mother believed pressure cookers would explode, so I bought an Instant Pot and changed the way I cook,” says Sue Ann Jaffarian, a Los Angeles paralegal and mystery writer. “I have a demanding day job and writing deadlines. I toss in healthy ingredients and have a simple homemade meal, often vegan, in a minute. Soup, stew, risotto, pasta, chili, pudding, brown rice and oatmeal work well. It doesn’t heat up the kitchen, either.”

The Instant Pot works like a crock pot, pressure cooker, steamer, sauté pan, warming pot, rice cooker and yogurt maker, replacing seven appliances.

Employ Onsite Power “My Hadley, Massachusetts, farmhouse, built in 1743, might be the oldest solar home in the country,” muses Horowitz. “Our farmer neighbors have a methane digester to turn cow poop and restaurant waste into electricity and heat. We’ll hook up to it to replace heating oil.”

Make Holiday Décor “Retro-style repurposing is smart, fun and easy,” says upstate New

York lifestyle writer and cookbook author Cynthia O’Connor O’Hara.

“I glued together assorted cups, saucers and plates with glass-specific glue to create tiered servers that double as a centerpiece. Check your house to find dishware that will look nice together.”

It’s satisfying to combine experiences with updated technology, save time and support a healthier planet, both during the holidays and year-round.

Connect with the freelance writer via AveryMack@mindspring.com.

Reach Your Target Market Place Your Ad Today!

Call Celeste (925) 557-7583 or Visit NAEastBay.com

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December 2017

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calendarofevents

Calendar A wonderful resource for filling your workshops, seminars and other events.

All Calendar events for the January issue must be received by December 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 2

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 6

Breema Workshop in Santa Cruz | Soquel 10am-1pm. Breema is about coming to a tangible and direct experience of your essential self. It’s a practical, down-to earth approach to being present, that can bring more meaning and understanding to your life. $30/before Nov 24, $40/after. The Subud Retreat Center, Soquel. To register, 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

Body Balancing | Dublin 5:30-7pm. Is your body trying to tell you something?

Those achy hips and feet may be letting you know your routine is imbalanced. Join Russell Pate, The Shoe Doctor, and Nikki Fifles, Pilates Instructor to discover the tools to achieve true balance. Free. 6400 Village Parkway, #101, Dublin. Questions or for more information, 925-820-0220.

Miraculous Vessels, Level 1 Workshop | Walnut Creek 1-5:30pm. Miraculous Vessels are energy reservoirs known to pre-Taoist, and Taoist greatly accelerate spiritual evolution. 17 initiations give profound harmonization of body, mind and spirit, and oneness with nature. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $100. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com.

Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

Bike Concord’s Tamales & Bike Fest | Concord 3-7pm. Start the event off at the selfie booth and have a Tamale. Next, decorate your bike, then get ready for the arrival of Santa on a firetruck! Don’t miss the entertainment and tree lighting. You’ll want to get in on the group photo, and best of all, the holiday bicycle ride with Santa. Todos Santos Plaza, 925-671-2489.

Questions or for more information please visit, BikeEastBay.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 3

Two styles available: n Calendar of Dated Events: Designed for events on a specific date of the month. 50 words. n Calendar of Ongoing Events: Designed for recurring events that fall on the same day each week. 25 words.

For more information visit our website: NAEastbay.com

925-557-7583 24

East Bay Area | NAEastBay.com

Snow Day in the Berkeley Gourmet Ghetto | Berkeley 10am-3pm. Why not take a snow day, and don’t forget your boots and mittens to play in the snow that’s predicted to fall on Shattuck Avenue between Rose and Vine Street? Visit with the Snow Queen who will listen to your holiday wishes! Ride the live ponies, make free do-it-yourself crafts, and shop for special gifts from local art, craft, and artisan food vendors.

Shattuck Ave & Vine, Berkeley. More information at VisitBerkeley.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4 Open Gaming Night | Berkeley 6-11pm. Everyone knows Monday nights can be boring, that’s why we chose it! Your game Guru will pair you up with others to get you started. Learn new games and meet new people! Victory Point Cafe, 1797-A Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-982-6325. More information at VisitBerkeley.com.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Free Angel Lecture | Phone Lecture 7-8:30pm. Learn how receiving initiations in various workshops for working with angels can assist with achieving your life purpose, living your dreams and understanding life more fully through personal and spiritual evolution. Free. To register, 925-954-7908.

Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at SpiritualInitiations.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8 Community Breema | Oakland 3-5pm. Experience a new level of well-being and harmony in your relationship to yourself, and all life.

20-minute sessions. $10-20/sliding scale. The Breema Clinic, 6201 Florio St, Oakland. 510-428-1234.

BreemaHealth.com.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Presence and Movement: Self-Breema | Oakland 6-7pm. The simple, natural movements of Self-Breema exercises, support body, mind and feelings, to work together in the direction of increasing receptivity, balance and openness to life. $10/first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510428-0937. Breema.com.

Angel of Abundance Workshop | Phone Workshop 7-9:30pm. Attunements from this Mystery School Angel for deeper understanding of all types of abundance, not just financial. Attunements also help release blocks to abundance. $50. To register, 925-954-7908.

Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at SpiritualInitiations.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 Releasing Past Life karma Workshop | Walnut Creek 1-4pm. Energetic release of samskaras (Sanscrit limiting influences on thoughts, feelings actions). is the most effective way to release karma. This initiation offers a comprehensive system for working with your samskaras. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com.

Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17 Santa on Solano | Berkeley Noon-4pm. What a great way for keeping the shopping right here in your own back yard! The first three weekends in December, Santa is taking time out of his busy schedule to visit with the children in our area. Bring your camera to take a picture with Santa! Don’t miss out on the live entertainment, weather permitting, but Santa is on, rain or shine! Chloe’s Closet, 1545 Solano Ave, at Curtis, Berkeley. Call 510-527-5358. More information at SolanoAvenue.org.

SATURDAY, 16 - SUNDAY, 24

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31

Berkeley Artisans Holiday | Berkeley 11am-6pm. Join us as over 100 hand-picked artists and crafts’ people gather together with their diverse assortment of fine arts. Here you’ll find items such as blown glass, decorative ceramic items, ornaments, menorahs, leather bags, photographs, mosaics, painted furniture and the list goes on! All work is handcrafted. Free entry. Berkeley Artisans, 2547 Eigth St, #24A, Berkeley.

More information at BerkeleyArtisans.com.

Brazen New Year’s Eve - Half Marathon, 10K, 5K | Fremont 7:30am. Enjoy the last run of 2017 out on the trails of Quarry Lakes for you 5K runners, and out on the Alameda Creek Trail if you choose th run the 10K or half-marathon. Whatever race you choose, the courses are almost entirely flat, with only a few small sections with an incline. All courses are marked with flour, ribbons and signs to help get you through the course. Water stations will be provided and stocked with water, sports drinks, gels, pretzels and candy.

Remember to always carry your own bottled water with you. $44-$77. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, Isherwood Way, Fremont. Lots of information and registration at BrazenRacing.com.

DECEMBER 17 Zombie Runner | Fremont 8am. No matter what course you choose, it’s sure to be a fun-filled day for everyone. The course starts out at the beautiful Quarry Lakes Regional Rec area and follows the Alameda Creek Trail up the mouth of the Niles Canyon. There will be Aid Stations about every 2 miles stocked with fresh fruit, salty snacks, assorted candy, water and Clif Shot Electrolyte Sports Drink.

It’s highly recommended that you carry at least a 20 oz. bottled water with you. $5/per vehicle at Park entrance. Quarry Lakes Regional Recreation Area, 2100 Isherwood Way, Fremont. More information and registration at CoastalTrailRuns.com.

Empowering the Lord’s Prayer Workshop | Walnut Creek 1-4pm. Receiving the initiation in this workshop multiplies the power of reciting the prayer many-fold.

It opens the heart and brings one closer to God. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Course descriptions at Spiritual-Initiations.com.

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place a listing, email content to Classifieds@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline is the 10th of the month.

HOLISTIC TUTOR - Holistic approach to learning for children and adults. Recognize your own genius. Tutoring is caring. Castro Valley. Call Esther, 510-733-0467.

planahead SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 A Week of Free | Oakland Time varies. Come celebrate International Breema Week with us and experience first-hand how Breema helps your mind to be clearer, your feelings to be calmer, and your body to be relaxed, flexible and vital.

All classes are free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right. ~Oprah Winfrey

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I am certified in both Somatic Experiencing™ and NARM™ (NeuroAffective Relational Model), the two gold standards of trauma healing.

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commitments • Chronic fatigue or very low physical energy • Immune system problems • Endocrine problems (e.g., low thyroid) • Psychosomatic illnesses, particularly headaches, neck and back problems, asthma, digestive, spastic colon, severe premenstrual syndrome • Depression, feelings of impending doom • Feelings of detachment, alienation, and isolation

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natural awakenings

December 2017

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ongoingcalendar All Calendar events for the January issue must be received by December 10 and adhere to our guidelines. Visit NAEastBay.com or email Calendar@ NAEastBay.com for guidelines and to submit entries.

sunday Tibetan Nyingma Meditation | Berkeley 9am. One of the best ways to take care of yourself, is through meditation. All are welcome to clear their mind, and to grow with inner tranquility. Each session has a brief instruction of Nyingma meditation, then silent sitting. Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Place, Berkeley. For prices or more information, please contact 510-809-1000.

Swarm Urban Farming Bike Ride with Fleet Farming | Oakland 9-11am. If you’ve been thinking about checking out Fleet Farming in your area, now is your chance!

A moving workshop done bi-weekly, that will let you get your hands dirty with seeding, tending beds, harvesting and other farming activities. We bike ride to all three of our farmlettes. Bottoms Up Community Garden, 814 Peralta St, Oakland.

More information at BikeEastBay.com. FB.com/ FleetFarmingOak. Community Sing & Meet Up | Oakland 11am. Meets the 4th Sunday of the month. Join in with us to sing, laugh, think, and listen, and build your community together. Speakers from local science and humanities communities typically offer a way to donate to local organizations. Free. Oakland Peace Center, 111 Fairmount Ave, Oakland. 510451-8822. OaklandPeaceCenter.org.

Soul Sanctuary Dance | Berkeley 11am-1pm. All ages are welcome to dance to the blend of funk, soul, world music, positive hip-hop, reggae, dance classics, jazz, blues, electronica and other music to free the mind, body and soul. Wheelchair accessible. No scented products please. Shoes optional. Donations accepted. Ashkenaz Music and Dance Community Center, 1317 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley. SoulSanctuaryDance.com.

Nia | Berkeley Noon-1pm. Also, Friday at 8:45am. Expand your dance, increase your joy. Give the body the gift of learning the Nia language with teacher Alexis Mulhauser. Namaste Yoga, 2820 7th St, Berkeley.

Info@FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net.

Crystal Singing Bowl Concert | Dublin Noon-1:30pm. 1st Sunday of every month. A sound healing concert played by Shala. Everyone’s experience will be unique and suited to their own specific needs. $10/suggested love offering. Unity of TriValley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin.

925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org.

Needle Crafters | San Leandro 1:30-3:45pm. If you enjoy any type of needle crafts, such as knitting, crocheting, needle point, you’re welcome to join us. While working on our individual projects, we discuss movies, books, and

26

East Bay Area | NAEastBay.com

everyday life. Fun and casual, so come and relax.

If you are a beginner and would like to learn more, this is the place. Main Library, 300 Estudillo Ave, San Leandro. For more information please call, 510-577-3970.

Shamanic Drum Circle | Dublin 3-4:15pm. Second Sunday of every month. With Ashleigh Pevey. A trained clinical certified hypnotherapist, Shamanic healer and reiki practitioner.

Drumming helps you gain access to your inner guidance and learn to work with your helping spirits.

Enhance your relationship with yourself and spirit.

Move from just trusting that your guides are there, to knowing and working with them. Allow the mystery of life to unfold. One of the great benefits of shamanic journeying is learning that we are never alone, and are loved unconditionally. $10-25/ suggested love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin. 925-829-2733.

UnityOfTriValley.org.

Kundlini Meditation & Shakti Transmission | Walnut Creek 5-6pm. Class includes shakti transmission, guided meditation and discussion about spiritual practice.

Kundalini meditation is an ancient tantric spiritual practice that allows us to experience our own direct, inner connection with the divine and integrate that awareness into daily life. Required intro for 1sttimers by appointment at 4:15pm. $10-20/class, sliding scale no one turned away for lack of funds.

MDi Wellness Center, 325 N Wiget Lane, Ste 130, (off Ygnacio Valley Rd), Walnut Creek. 510-9172349. AMRita@Trikashala.com.

Barefoot Boogie | Berkeley 7:30-11pm. Enjoy freestyle dancing in a casual, friendly environment. Boogie is a healthy alternative to the club scene. Smoke, scent and alcohol free. The first hour is slow music for stretching and unwinding, and then the pace picks up to an aerobic, ecstatic high. Our DJs play a great mix of Latin, African, Funk, R&B, Hip-Hop, Blues, house, pop, oldies, and more. This is real music for real people. $8-$15/sliding scale; $5/first-timers. 8th Street Studios, 2525 8th St at Dwight, Berkeley.

SFBarefootBoogie.com.

monday Radio Show-Life Insights Live, Personal Growth Radio | East Bay 7-8am. This week featuring Practical Mystic, Scout Bartlett. This will be replayed on Wednesdays from 7-8am. Various topics of self-understanding, personal growth and spiritual perception discussed.

A 2 ½-minute group meditation each Monday at 7:30am. We are on the air broadcasting to the Bay Area on KEST, 1450AM. Simulcast and archived for later listening on IfIdKnownThen.com.

Uncovering Our Essential Questions | Oakland 7-8:30pm. We all have questions about why we are here and what we really wish to know. These classes use Breema bodywork, Self-Breema and discussions to help uncover our questions, relating to the meaning and purpose of our lives. $10/first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

Community Healing Circle | Dublin 7-8:30pm. First Monday of every month. Individual and group healing techniques from various disciplines are demonstrated to re-align the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual. Facilitated by Claudia Scott. $10/love offering. Unity of Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108. 925-784-5956. JoyOf Healing@ClaudiaJ.com.

East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-10pm. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions, of being in the here and now.

Mixed beginner/intermediate level. Registration required. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session; $65-$80/monthly pass. Finnish Hall, 1970 Chestnut St, Berkeley. Biodanza.us.

Salsa Dura: Dance Party & Live Salsa Orchestra | Berkeley 8-11pm. Join us on the last Monday of every month. Come listen and dance with Josh Jones and the La Peña. They play the songs from your favorite salsa artists. Arrive at 8pm and receive a free dance lesson! $5. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. More information at SF.FunCheap.com.

tuesday Heart-Centered Meditation 10am. Are you seeking spiritual healing and renewal?

Discover an ancient Sufi meditation practice to cleanse your heart of the blocks that keep you from living in conscious connection to divine love. Get started today with an eCourse, and join us live for guided meditation calls. Free. SufiUniversity.org/INFO. Mindfulness Yoga Class at La Peña | Berkeley 10:30-11:45am. With instructor Jordanna Glueckauf. Wouldn’t you love to reduce your stress level and increase your focus? You can, and it’s easier than you think! Everyone is welcome. Please bring your own yoga mat, blanket and any other items that you like to use. Free. La Peña, Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-849-2568. Lapeña.org.

Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon 12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early.

Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle hatha yoga. Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination. Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5 class package, $75/10-class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. ClarityWithSusan@gmail.com.

ClarityWithSusan.com.

Explorations in Energy Psychology & Energy Medicine | Oakland 12:30-1:30pm. Learn what energy psychology and energy medicine are, how they can benefit you and those you care about. Learn simple tools that can help get your life in balance and maintain it. Allow yourself to feel more alert and energized during the day and experience deeper, more restful, restorative sleep at night. Feel more confident in your day-to-day decisions and your life purpose. $5-$25/sliding scale. More information or questions call, 510-654-1405. Info@IreInst.com. To register please visit IreiInst.com.

South Berkeley Farmers’ Market | Berkeley 2-6:30pm. Go outside the box, the big-box stores that is. Enjoy fresh produce and products from the area. Not only is this a healthier way of living, but you’ll be supporting the local businesses in the area.

Adeline St and 63rd St, Berkeley. 510-548-3333.

EcologyCenter.org.

Teens, Come and Make Some Things | Berkeley 4-5pm. Come to the library and express yourself through arts and crafts. It’s a laid-back, self-paced workshop where you can have some fun, and meet and make new friends. South Branch Library, 1901 Russell St, Berkeley. 510-981-6260.

Team Lemon Run Club | Walnut Creek 6:30pm. Social and fun run for all levels of runners.

Runs are 3 or 5 miles through downtown Walnut Creek and along local trails. Pace is moderate. Free.

Lululemon, 1201-A South Main St, Walnut Creek.

925-274-1253. Lululemon.com/WalnutCreek.

Spiritual Studies Group | Online 6:30-7:30pm. 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month via Skype. Study Esoteric Psychology Volume I, by Alice Bailey. Participants read at their own pace.

Be prepared to share something you’ve read and how it affected you. Free. Learn more about it by contacting Janet at Janet.Myatt@ymail.com.

Details at JanetMyatt.com.

Korean Zen Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. Taught by Buddhist nun Jaguang Sunim.

A relaxed meditation to free yourself from life’s stress, and find your inner center of wisdom.

Dharma talk. Sitting and walking meditation, tea and discussion. By donation. Sixth Ancestor Zen Center, 100 Monte Cresta Ave, Oakland. 510 8444164. SixthAncestorZen.org.

Comedy at the Layover | Oakland 8-10pm. The last Tuesday of every month. Grab your friends, your spouse, any one you choose, and head on out. Be ready for fun and laughs with comedians from HBO, Comedy Central, and Late Night TV. Must be 21 and over. RSVP is requested. Free admission. The Layover, 157 Franklin St, Oakland.

For information and updates call 510-834-1517.

wednesday ThetaHealing & New Offerings at IRE | Oakland & Modesto Not only distributors, we have displays of both

dōTerra Oils and Nikken products in both locations. IRE staff members are offering introductory sessions to instruct and support you. $50. We are available for your inquiries or registration at 510654-1405. Info@IREInst.com. IREInst.com.

Transcendental Meditation | Berkeley Noon. Learn about transcendental meditation.

Berkeley TM Center, 950 Gilman St, #100, Berkeley. 510-872-2287. Berkeley@TM.org.

Gentle Yoga | Oakland 1-2pm. No experience needed. Wear comfortable clothes. Designed for women who have, or have had cancer. Class includes gentle asana practice, as well as restorative poses. Women’s Cancer Resource Center, 5741 Telegraph Ave, Oakland.

510-420-7900. WCRC.org.

Where Women Learn The Art And Soul Of Public Speaking | Livermore 6-9pm. 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month. Come experience a safe community of women where you can explore your truths that your soul is waiting to express. Experience what it feels like to be seen and celebrated for your brilliance and for being your authentic self. Space is limited, must RSVP. $25.

A private location in Livermore, upon registration you will receive address. Lia Venet, 510-381-5568.

Lia_Venet@yahoo.com.WomanSpeak.com, Woman Speak.SafeCHKOut.net/intro-l-venet.

Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart | Pleasanton 7pm. First Wednesday of the month. This workshop is for people looking for a life transformation and support, to build new healthy habits and routines.

You will have the opportunity to learn about connections and dependencies between our physical, mental, and spiritual bodies. The talks are 1½ hours, and include lecture, discussions, and practical exercises. Free. For more information, go to TheSacredHealingWell.com or MTHWellnessCenter.

MassageTherapy.com.

Turn ON San Francisco | San Francisco Preferred arrival: 7:15pm. Doors locked: 7:30pm.

Through three guided round-robin style games, you’ll express yourself and gain new (and maybe surprising) insight into yourself and others. All this in a room full of cool, fun people engaging in honest, humorous, playful conversation. Topics are based on thoughts that we only would have in our head. Singles and couples welcome. Registration preferred. Those without reservations will be put on a wait list until 7:20pm. 47 Moss St, San Francisco.

408-390-2095. Awakening360.com.

Acro Yoga Class | Berkeley 7:30-8:30pm. Every second Wednesday of the month. No previous experience necessary. Join us and learn the skills, balance and art of acrobatic partner yoga. Using basic yoga poses, learn how to combine them into partner balancing and dynamic movements. Free. Sports basement, 2727 Milvia St, Berkeley. 510-984-3907.

East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 7:30-9:30pm. Also on Thursday. Beginner level, open to new participants. Biodanza, which means Dance of Life, is a system that integrates music, movement and authentic interactions to provide experiences of intense perceptions of being in the here and now. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single ses-

sion; $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffery Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. 415-717-3578 or 415505 9482. Biodanza.us.

thursday Beginner Computer Class | Berkeley 10-11am. Learn the basics of using a computer.

You will be taught to correctly use a mouse, the keyboard, how to set up email, also to search/surf the internet. Free/drop-in classes. Central Library, 2090 Kittredge St, Berkeley. 510-981-6100.

Yoga at Bishop Ranch 15 | San Ramon 12:05-12:50pm. Please arrive a few minutes early.

Take a midday break to reconnect with yourself while you relax and rejuvenate with gentle Hatha Yoga.

Build strength, flexibility, balance and coordination.

Deepen your self-awareness and inner peace. Please bring a mat. All levels are welcome. $42/5-class package, $75/10-class package. 12667 Alcosta Blvd, Ste 135, (BR15), San Ramon. ClarityWithSusan@gmail. com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

Artisans Night | Dublin 4-8pm. This is not your typical farmers’ market with baked goods, festivities, locally grown produce and hot food for everyone to enjoy. Here we celebrate special events like free concerts, children’s activities, cooking demonstrations and local arts and crafts. Family-friendly atmosphere. Free/admission. Emerald Glen Park, 4201 Central Pkwy, Dublin. Frank Luna, 925-556-4506. DublinCA.gov.

Coloring Club | Dublin 5:30-6:30pm. Do you ever feel like you just need to calm down and unwind for a little while? Here is a great way to do just that! Color. That’s right, coloring can have such a calming effect over you, and relax for one hour, and do just that. Meet the third Thursday of every month. Please bring your supplies. Dublin Library, 200 Civic Plaza, Dublin.

925-803-7252. Any questions? Email A.Dunn@ DublinLibrary.org.

Lake Merritt Oneness Blessing and Meditation | Oakland 7-9pm. The purpose of Lake Merritt Oneness is to support the awakening of humanity; by cultivating direct experience of oneness consciousness through universal teachings, meditation and oneness blessings. The Oneness Blessing is the sacred technology that advances each person’s journey into the direct experience of awakening. This gift to humanity helps to deepen our personal connection to the divine. These blessings have catapulted many people from around the globe into an awakened state and deeper awareness. The Blessing allows us to completely experience and dissolve old hurts, fears, and worries. It also silences repetitive thinking. Suffering decreases naturally. Lake Merritt Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave, Oakland. LakeMerrittOneness.org.

Game Night | Berkeley 7-11pm. Not sure what you feel like doing on a Thursday night? Open game night is the place to be! Your options are many with all types of board games, card games, miniature games, games of dice, or bring your own game. Open to all ages.

Free. 924 Gilman St, Berkeley. Information and

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confirmation is available at gmail.com.

924GameNight@

Ballroom & Social Dance | Livermore 7:30pm. Join instructor Joallyn Bohn and learn the beginner steps to the Tango, (American style).

This class if for adult students. A partner is recommended but not required. Smooth-soled shoes are much better to war than rubber soled shoes. Free.

Organized by Livermore Area Rec & Park District, 522 South L St, Livermore. Register at Active.com.

Artwalk | Alameda

lowship Hall, 5801 Racine St, Oakland. For more information please call, 510-652-4915. Grow@ MemorialTabernacle.org.

Railroad Ave, Municipal Parking Lot, Downtown Danville. 925-825-9090.

Roller Boogie Street Jam | Oakland

9am-1pm. Stop by and visit the market that offers a diversity of fresh fruits and vegetables.

Open year round, every Saturday. Rain or shine, you can purchase the freshest items from the farmers that planted and harvested these crops.

Downtown Pleasanton, E Angela St, Pleasanton.

925-484-2199.

6-9:30pm. The first Friday of the month. Bring your skates and bring your friends and come out and dance! There will be plenty of food trucks if you get hungry, and lots of entertainment and art alon the streets. A great chance for a night out and to have a lot of fun. Skating is free. Telegraph Ave & 23rd St, Oakland. SF.FunCheap.com.

7:30-9:30pm. Second Friday of every month. This is a gallery/studio home for the Alameda artists group. It’s open to the public on the second Friday for the gallery walk. Artists are encouraged to bring their projects, sketchbooks, or their lastest projects.

Free, $5-$10 suggested donation. Studio 23 Gallery, 2309 Encinal Ave, Alameda. Contacts are Wes-NJess. 415-580-2309. Art@AlamedaArtists.com.

Studio23Gallery.com.

Concert in the Park | Pleasanton

East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley

Drop-In Volleyball | Walnut Creek

7:30-9:30pm. Beginner level, open to new participants. See Wednesday listing for details. Sliding scale: $20-$25/single session, $65-$80/monthly pass. Jeffrey Bihr Studio, 5390 Miles Ave, Berkeley. LauraLouc@gmail.com. KRohnem@Galileo Web.org. Biodanza.us.

7-10pm. Open to the first 45 participants. $5. Tice Valley Community Gymnasium, 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 925-256-3572. Walnut CreekRec.org.

friday Nia | Oakland 8:45am. See Monday listing for details. Namaste Rockridge, 5416 College Ave, Oakland. Info@ FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net.

Block Party | Oakland 5-9:30pm. The first Friday of every month. A great community experience. The Koreatown/Northgate area of town comes to life with this event. You won’t want to miss the street artists, performers, musicians, dancers, DJs, poets and others. Thousands of people come from all over the Bay area and beyond to experience the great foods, the live music, and to take part in the eclectic city attraction.

Free. Telegraph Ave from West Grand to 27th St, Oakland. More information at SF.FunCheap.com.

Candlelit Labyrinth Walk & Live Music | Berkeley 6-7pm. Last Friday of every month. Come rain or shine because the labyrinth is located indoors. Open to all ages, faiths and walks of life. Guests have the option to just sit and listen or walk around. Walking the winding path reminds us that even though life has many twists and turns, we always end up at the center. RSVP is preferred. Free. Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St, Berkeley. Lots more information is available at SF.FunCheap.com.

7-8:30pm. Enjoy an eclectic mix of music from the 50’s, 60’s, rock and soul. West Grand Boulevard has performed for a countless number of people at weddings, festivals, fundraisers and clubs. Support your local restaurants by picking up some dinner to bring with you. Concert is free. Lions Wayside Park, 4401 First St, Pleasanton. 925-4842199. PleasantonDowntown.net.

East Bay Bike Party | East Bay 7:30pm. Held on the second Friday of every month.

A mobile party for riders of all ages, experience levels, and bike types, to meet, ride, and play together in the streets. Nearly 400 riders check the Bike Party website to find what East Bay BART station they will be meeting at. Every month is a different costume theme, so dress your best and bring some music too. Free. More information at FrSF.FunCheap.com.

saturday Fun Run with Fleet Feet | Pleasanton 9am. Distances range from 2-8 miles, and is great for everyone with a pace from walkers on up. It’s always a fun time! 925-699-4926. EthanFalls@comcast.net.

Basement Pilates | Walnut Creek 9-10am. All levels welcome. Bring mat, towel and water for Pilates class by local instructor. Free.

Sports Basement, 1881 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek. 925-941-6100.

Farmers’ Market | Danville 9am-1pm. One of the best things about living in California is our fresh produce. Fruits and vegetables grown locally, and served on our tables.

What more is there to ask for? Free admission.

Family Fun Night | Oakland 6-9pm. The first Friday of every month. Everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! The purpose of our gathering is to encourage and educate our younger generations. Our evenings include games, arts and crafts, more games, food, lots of energy and most of all, fun! Free. Memorial Tabernacle Fel-

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Natural Awakenings Ma gazine is Ranked 5th Nationally in Cision’s 2016 Top 10 Health & Fitn ess Magazines List

Farmers’ Market | Pleasanton

Health & Awakening | Oakland 10-11am. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland. 510-637-0455. Info@ ShaolinMaster.org.

Castro Valley Farmers’ Market | Castro Valley 10am-2pm. Join us very week for the freshest and the best produce and baked goods our state can offer. Many vendors to choose from. Open all year round. Castro Valley BART Station, Redwood Rd and Norbridge, Castro Valley. If you have any questions or would like more information, please call Ron Radini, 510-745-7100.

Morning Meditation | Berkeley 10:30-11:30am. Become focused. Learn to clear your mind. Remove the stress that is in your life! An instructor with more than 15 years of experience is here teaching you what you need to know. North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. More information at 510-981-6250. BerkeleyPublicLibrary.org.

Bloomin’ Belly Flow Prenatal Yoga | Walnut Creek 11am-12:15pm. Bloom Retreat, 1444 S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-939-6262. BloomRetreat.com.

Cartooning Workshop | Berkeley 11am-12:30pm. If you like to draw and enjoy comics, this is where you need to be! Children ages 10-16. This class will teach you how to create your very own cartoon characters with their own expressions to tell their own stories. Any skill level welcome. Fee includes material. City of Berkeley, 1947 Center St, First Flr, Berkeley. More information and registration at Active.com.

Jack of All Trades | Oakland 11am-5pm. Jack of All Trades will fill Jack London Square with a curated mix of local makers, indie designers, antique dealers, colletors, artists, start-ups and more brought together by the Treasure Island Flea. Free to the public, this eclectic market will feature one-of-a-kind items, live music and several free DIY workshops for all ages.

Jack of All Trades will take place on the second Saturday of each month. Jack London Square, Broadway, Oakland. For more information please call 415-898-0245. JackOfAllTradesOakland.com.

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The world’s leading source of media research

www.cision.com

communityresourceguide Connecting you to the leaders in natural health care and green living in our community. To find out how you can be included in the Community Resource Guide, email Publisher@NAEastBay.com to request our media kit.

ACUPUNCTURE EASTERN MEDICAL CENTER

Dr. Teresa Shen, LAc, PhD China 5933 Coronado Ln, Ste 100, Pleasanton 925-847-8889 EasternMedicalCenter.com Award-winning, natural, family healthcare clinic brings 5,000 years of traditional Chinese healing and 4 generations of expertise including acupuncture, acupressure, cupping and herbs.

See ad, page 9.

ALKALINE IONIZED WATER TAP INTO HEALTH

Elon Rosenthal 925-609-4426 TAPIntoHealth.com TheNewEraOfWater.org

Change your water, change your life. Treat your body to a 21-day trial of healthy alkaline Kangen water—the advanced Japanese technology. Experience deep hydration at the cellular level. Expel toxins and acidic waste.

Improve immunity, digestion and elimination.

Return the body to homeostasis. Neutralize free radicals. Improve your sleep, energy and compliment. See ad, page 10.

AYURVEDA & HOMEOPATHY RASHANA RAUNIAR SHARMA (BHMS, CCH, AWP)

Chetna Center for Health and Wellness 110 Ryan Industrial Ct, Suite #1 San Ramon, CA – 94583 925- 255- 5375 ChetnaCenter. com Certified practitioner of ayurveda, homeopathy and reiki serving the Bay Area for over 15 years. We provide safe and natural health care alternatives for all ages with concerns on digestive issues, stress, anxiety, allergies, recurrent cough and cold, constipation, insomnia and other immune related issues. Therapy is designed and customized per individual’s unique body constitution and includes Natural and Herbal remedies, Diet & Lifestyle changes and Meditation. We also provide Reiki initiation and healing. Consultation can be given in person or via Skype or phone.

BIOPHOTON LIGHT THERAPY BIOPHOTON SERVICES

Kathy McIntire 1151 Harbor Bay Parkway, Suite 100 Alameda, CA 94502 510- 217-8677 BiophotonServices.com Biophoton therapy restores the body’s ability to self-heal. This is done by influencing the biophotons (light) emissions of the body, neutralizing chaotic light and strengthening coherent light.

Causes of biophotons disruption range from whiplash/scars to environmental toxins, GMOs, heavy metals, electromagnetic radiation, etc.

CHIROPRACTOR HEALING ARTS CHIROPRACTIC

Katie Sokolski, D.C. 187 40th Street Way, Oakland, CA 94611 510-356-7832 Dr.Sokolski@gmail.com HealingArtsChiro.com Healing Arts Chiropractic offers a whole-body approach to wellness that utilizes applied kinesiology, personalized nutrition programs and massage therapy. Our holistic treatment plans are designed to facilitate wellness from the inside—what you feed your body, as well as the outside—keeping your mind, body and spirit moving in a healthy way.

MICHAEL REHL, DC

Chiropractic & Advanced Holistic Health Care 1280 Boulevard Way, Ste 211, Walnut Creek Michael@MichaelRehl.com MichaelRehl.com

BODY WORK THE BREEMA CENTER 6076 Claremont Avenue Oakland, CA 510-428-0937 Center@Breema.com Breema.com

healing process.

Breema is a simple, natural form of touch and body movement supported by universal principles that provides a unique approach to experiencing body-mind connection. The aim of Breema is to bring us to a tangible experience of presence that becomes our foundation for a new dimension of health and consciousness. See ad, page 2.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS SAN RAMON HOLISTIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/ Ca-San-Ramon MeetUp.com/San-Ramon-HolisticChamber-of-Commerce

Offering a holistic approach to chiropractic care, Dr. Rehl incorporates nutrition, applied kinesiology and deep tissue work into his practice. By treating the whole body, Dr. Rehl’s treatment plan engages his patients so that they are an integral part of their

EDUCATION SINGING STONES SCHOOL 2491 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca 925-948-5006 SingingStones.org

Singing Stones School will provide an education based on the Waldorf philosophy from kindergarten through high school for children in the Tri-Valley area of Contra Costa County. It is holistic in nurturing the whole child and also in terms of its commitment to community.

UNIVERSITY OF SPIRITUAL HEALING & SUFISM (USHS)

We are an expanding organization representing holistic professionals, practitioners and businesses. We encourage and promote healthy living, and support the professionals and businesses that make it possible. Together, we can make a difference.

Want to be seen (and found) at The Holistic Chamber of Commerce—come and join this community and learn how folks can find you via the web and locally.

See ad, page 23.

800-238-3060, option 5 Outreach@SufiUniversity.org SufiUniversity.org

USHS offers transformational programs for those who want to be agents of divinely-guided healing.

Programs are based on establishing a deep connection with Divine Love, then opening to streams of healing light from God, transforming physical illness and emotional pain into states of greater health and spiritual wholeness.

natural awakenings

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HOLISTIC CAREGIVERS

ENERGY CLEARING

Leni Pratte 1-877-7800-CARE Info@HolisticCaregivers.net HolisticCaregivers.net

ANGIE’S ENERGY READINGS Angie Lambert Pleasant Hill, CA 925-330-0116 AngiesReadings319@gmail.com AngiesEnergyReadings.com

As an Energy Reader, my work is to release unresolved, stuck energy while working directly with Spirit and your High Self. Energy clearing can help shift and balance mental, emotional and physical blocks from your present life and also release negative energies from your past lives.

Our holistic approach to caregiving offers wellness-oriented families a higher level of care sprinkled with holistic practices. We believe that the individual is multi-faceted with needs and wants beyond the basic standard of care in this industry.

From whole food nutrition to breathing exercises to meditation, we follow a program that is client and doctor-approved, with many options for growth and stimulation.

HERBAL MEDICINE ANCIENT TRADITIONS HEALING Erin Massengale 624 Ferry St. Martinez, 94553 925-725-1067

HOLISTIC COUNSELING & GRIEF RECOVERY

Health reflects how one is balanced in the different expressions of ourselves; mind, body and soul and our perception of life experiences, our environment and our food. Disease in any of these categories will in some degree be reflected in all others. Dis-ease healed naturally leaves a person stronger. Integrating herbs and healing modalities of the greatest healing systems and cultures in the world; Western, Ayurvedic, Chinese Traditions and Shamanism, I work with individuals to achieve and maintain vital health, wellness and longevity.

TINA KOPKO, LMFT, CGRS Berkeley & Oakland 510-813-9811 Tina@AuthenticiTina.com AuthenticiTina.com

Do you struggle to validate your desires, emotions & feelings?

Have you experienced a life transition that has left you confused, bewildered, and lethargic? Are you grieving a loss from years ago? Time does not necessarily heal all wounds. The Grief Recovery Method will help you discover unresolved emotional issues related to any kind of loss, and take action steps to become complete and regain a sense of vitality and love of life. New groups began in March. Call me for a free initial 30-minute consultation. (See calendar items on Mondays and Saturdays.)

HOLISTIC DENTIST FREMONT NATURAL DENTISTRY DR. Colin Yoshida, DDS Fremont Natural Dentistry 3885 Beacon Ave, Suite C Fremont 510-745-1800 FremontDentistry.com

Fremont Natural Dentistry is a comprehensive holistic dental provider using options such as Ozone Therapy, safe mercury amalgam removal, Laser Gum Therapy, minimally invasive restorations and an overall bio-dental health experience. Give us a call to schedule your next holistic dental appointment today.

NEW ERA DENTISTRY

Dr. David Partrite, DDS 520 La Gonda Way, Ste 103, Danville 925-837-3101 Info@NewEraDentistry.com NewEraDentistry.com Whole-body dentistry approach; David Partrite, DDS, facilitates your body’s detoxification through a mercury- and fluoride-free practice, utilizing the most bio-friendly materials and a clean, safe environment through filters and ionizers. From cosmetic dentistry to safe mercury filling removal to working closely with your other holistic practitioners, every visit is a health-promoting experience. See ad, back cover.

HOLISTIC VETERINARIAN ALTERNATIVES FOR ANIMALS Jennifer Luna-Repose, DVM 919 Moraga Road, Lafayette 925-283-6160 AlternativesForAnimals@gmail.com Alternatives4Animals.com

We are one of the few veterinary clinics in the Bay Area that is exclusively dedicated to Holistic Medicine. We offer acupuncture, chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, homeopathy, Bioresonance therapy, nutrition, flower essences and laser therapy. Our treatments address the whole animal and the root cause of disease, not just the symptoms.

HOMEOPATHY PAIN RELIEF

A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work. ~Colin Powell HOLISTIC CAREGIVING

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East Bay Area | NAEastBay.com

AUNT ALBERTA’S REMEDY

Homeopathic Pain Relief Cream 973-715-9097 AlbertasPainRelief.com Try Aunt Alberta’s Remedy to ease joint and muscular aches and pains from sciatica, gout, arthritis, neuralgia, fibromyalgia and more.

Great buy! Get a 4 oz. jar for $15.

See website for more optoins. All natural ingredients! Refer a friend and get 10% off your purchase. Read what people are saying about Aunt Alberta’s Remedy at our website.

HYPNOTHERAPY ARLENE THOMPSON CLINICAL HYPNOTHERAPIST, C.HT., M.ED. 925-485-7997 Pleasanton Arlene_Thompson@att.net ThompsonHypnotherapy.com

Get rid of blocks to your personal growth, by harnessing the power of your subconscious to reach your goals. Full-service, individualized hypnotherapy, 22 years in business. Free initial phone consultation.

SOMATIC THERAPIST NEAL WINBLAD, MFT, SEP

JANET MYATT, MA

780 Main St, Ste 201, Pleasanton 925-963-9786 NWinblad.com

See ad, page 25.

Somatic Experiencing is the gold standard for resolving complex trauma. In most cases trauma is quite easy to treat, doesn’t require a lot of talk and doesn’t need all the emotional catharsis so common in psychotherapy. Call me today for a free consultation and sample session.

SPIRITUAL CENTER NUTRITIONIST NUTRAPARTNERS

Kathy Napoli, Registered Dietician 3189 Danville Blvd, Ste 260, Alamo 925-831-3900 KNapoli@NutraPartners.com NutraPartners.com Restore health and vitality through personalized nutrition and lifestyle programs, including the 8-wk program Lighten Up. Kathy’s clients achieve increased energy; improved blood sugar and lipid levels; and relief from digestive issues and food allergies. With 20 years of experience as a clinical nutritionist and nutrition consultant, Kathy teaches workshops throughout the Bay Area on topics such as Age-Proof Your Skin, Get Lean and Strong and Stop Inflammation. She holds a Masters of Arts in Holistic Health Education from JFK University.

ROLFING/STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION MEDICINEVOLUTION

Chris Corrales 925-922-2246 Chris@MedicinEvolution.com MedicinEvolution.com Deemed a master by his peers, Chris Corrales’ 15 years of private practice have given him a reliable reputation as one of the best massage and bodywork practitioners in the Bay Area. His ability to discern and treat the causes of injury and imbalance has proven unique and profound.

Maybe Christmas, the Grinch thought, doesn’t come from a store. ~Dr. Seuss

SPIRITUAL TEACHING

UNITY OF TRI-VALLEY

7567 Amador Valley Blvd, Suite 108, Dublin 925-829-2733 UnityOfTriValley.org We are a welcoming spiritual community for people of all faiths and backgrounds. Unity is a positive path for spiritual living. Whoever you are and wherever you are on your spiritual journey, YOU are welcome here!

THE HEALING PLACE

Ancient mystery school teachings and activations 925-997-7518 Kathleen@TheHealing.Place TheHealing.Place Awaken your potential with the Life activation.

Release energy drains with a Cord Cutting.

Protect your space with Sacred Geometries. Be empowered through the Empower Thyself class & Initiation! Experience greater health & empowerment with once secret, ancient mystery school teachings & healings. Call for a consult. Kathleen, Guide & Ceremonial Master in the Lineage of King Salomon.

Spiritual Counselor, Teacher, Healer 510-386-2467 JanetMyatt@live.com JanetMyatt.com Discover the higher power, divine intelligence, and spiritual purpose within you. Learn how the creative process of life works and create meaningful change. Heal the wounds within that create repeating patterns of limitation and confusion. Using a blend of spiritual and psychological tools and techniques, Janet helps you move out of limiting and painful ways of thinking and feeling into an awakened awareness that is limitless, loving, and powerful.

Private counseling and spiritual awakening classes available in person and online.

WELLNESS CENTER PLEASANTON FAMILY WELLNESS CENTER

Kathleen Beaulieu, CMT, IMT 1491 Cedarwood Ln, Ste A Pleasanton 925-600-0503 Kathleen@PleasantonWellness.com PleasantonWellness.com Discover your body’s healing potential. Nutritional and diagnostic counseling for lifestyle changes including weight loss, gastrointestinal, thyroid, hormone, allergies and vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Expert massage therapy, 20 years of experience specializing in pregnancy, automobile injuries and post-surgery recovery.

WORKSHOPS SPIRITUAL UNFOLDMENT NETWORK

Loretta Metzger, certified teacher Walnut Creek, CA 925-954-7908 • sun88@juno.com Spiritual-Initiations.com S.U.N. offers workshops from many ancient traditions for personal and spiritual transformation through initiations empowering student to progress at their pace. Loretta teaches nationally and internationally since 1992 including Enlightenment Society United Nations. She also offers feng shui consulting and classes.

Sometimes the heart sees what is invisible to the eye. ~H. Jackson Brown, Jr. natural awakenings

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NO MERCURY • WHOLE BODY DENTISTRY

Call to see how our Natural & Holistic practices can help you!

N E W E R A D E N T I S T RY

Dr. David Partrite, DDS 520 La Gonda Way • Suite 103 • Danville, CA 94526

(925) 837-3101

www.neweradentistry.com