Natural Awakenings East Bay ~ December 2016 by Celeste Souza

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December 2016

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J 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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© 2016 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call to find a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

ust before the November election, I had the privilege of participating in a local East Bay rally supporting the Standing Rock Reservation people’s protest of the Dakota Access Pipeline. We passionately united behind the cause, expressed through dance, ceremony and chanting, sending loving energy to our native brothers and sisters. The emotional depth of the experience moved me to tears and left me buzzing with goodwill and clarity. I felt alive and motivated, energized to use my voice, to do more, to be more. The whole experience was empowering. I was able to bask in the feeling for five days before returning my attention to the November election and people asking “Did that just really happen?” and “What’s next for our country?” I have been comforting myself with trusting in a higher power to bring us all to the best path forward. I’ve been doing my best to practice my part by being, giving and receiving love. When others want to ramble on about government from a place of fear, I offer a perspective springing from how we can look at the opportunity in front of us. Regardless of rampant speculations about the possible peaks and pitfalls of what lies ahead, every conversation ultimately resolves into a congruent theme: community and love; our country’s need to come together and rise; how connecting with family members and other relationship circles prepares us to come together on a larger scale for the greater good. Elections do not have to be about getting our own way; they can be about praying for everyone to be blessed. A higher starting point is affirming the unifying power of divine love, confident that true government is in God’s hands. That’s a wise platform for thinking about environmental stewardship as well. I felt great hope from partnering with San Francisco’s Green Festival last month as we celebrated its 15th year of bringing awareness to conscious choices supporting healthy living on a healthy planet. It’s always a high-energy experience and fun to connect with good people. This month’s theme of Uplifting Humanity brings us Linda Sechrist’s feature article, “Loving Large,” a timely message for every citizen in our nation. It underscores our innate interconnectedness through loving energy. We hope it inspires thought and empowers a constructive focus as we regain our bearings, unite in a holy season of light and look ahead to the new year. In community with love,

Celeste Souza, Publisher

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contents 10

6 newsbriefs 10 healthbriefs 1 2 globalbriefs

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.

14 LOVING LARGE Scientists Say Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re All Connected

by Linda Sechrist

16 healingways 20 healthykids 22 naturalpet 24 calendarofevents 26 ongoingcalendar 29 resourceguide

13 advertising & submissions HOW TO ADVERTISE To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 925-557-7583 or email Ads@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for ads: the 10th of the month. EDITORIAL SUBMISSIONS Email articles, news items and ideas to: Editorial@ NAEastBay.com. Deadline for editorial: the 5th of the month. CALENDAR SUBMISSIONS Submit Calendar Events online at NAEastBay.com or email to: Calendar@NAEastBay.com. Deadline for calendar: the 10th of the month. REGIONAL MARKETS Advertise your products or services in multiple markets! Natural Awakenings Publishing Corp. is a growing franchised family of locally owned magazines serving communities since 1994. To place your ad in other markets call 239-449-8309. For franchising opportunities call 239-530-1377 or visit NaturalAwakeningsMag.com.

16 HEAL ADRENAL

FATIGUE NATURALLy

Practical Ways to Regain Vitality by Linda Sechrist

19 RECLAIM yOUR INNER PEACE

Tips and Suggestions About Taking a Spiritual Retreat

20 MERRy MUNCHING

Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love

by Judith Fertig

22 FETCH, STRETCH, DANCE

Make Your Dog an Exercise Buddy by Sandra Murphy

s n o s a e S s g n i t e Gre from everyone at

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December 2016

Monthly Breema Series Supports Community Well-Being

n a warm and welcoming atmosphere, the Breema Clinic, in Oakland, now offers a series of community Breema events from 3 to 5 p.m. on the second Friday of each month. The next event takes place on December 11 and includes the opportunity to receive a complete 20-minute bodywork session in a group setting. Event reservations are encouraged but not required. Bodywork sessions are known to relax and energize the physical body, and balance mental and emotional well-being. What makes Breema’s effect unique is the underlying approach, based on the Nine Principles of Harmony, including No Judgment, Single Moment/Single Activity, and Body Comfortable. All Breema Clinic bodywork is done fully-clothed and is led by experienced instructors on padded carpets. “Our aim is to create an opportunity for local folks to be deeply revitalized in body, mind, and feelings, and to experience Breema in a more beneficial community setting,” says Breema Clinic’s Associate Director, Denise Berezonsky. “We can give clients the tools—via Self-Breema movement exercises and the Nine Principles—that they can take home to support themselves in their daily lives.”

newsbriefs Vaccine-Injured Children Treated for Free at Alameda’s Biophoton Services

iophoton Services specializes in integrative therapy for whole-body healing, and now offers free Friday appointments for children under 12 who have sustained vaccine injuries, including neurological conditions, allergies and autism. “It’s part of our mission statement at Biophoton Services to give back to the community by seeing children under 12 for free, and by providing sustainable solutions for those in need,” says Kathy McIntire, co-founder of Biophoton Services. McIntire is also a Registered Nurse and a Certified Biophoton Practitioner. 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. Disturbances in biophotons are commonly attributed to environmental toxins, electromagnetic frequencies, physical and emotional stress, traumas, food poisonings and heavy metals. 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.

The fee for this service is based on a sliding scale, ranging from $10 to $20. Location: 6201 Florio St., Oakland. For more information, call 510-428-1234 or visit Breema Health.com. To host a community Breema event in your area, contact Denise at the Breema Clinic. See ad, page 9.

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

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Curious About Cupping Therapy? Try it for Less at Ancient Traditions Healing

hrough the end of the year, Ancient Traditions Healing, in Martinez, offers a special introductory price for cupping therapy, a centuries-old practice with roots in Chinese, Egyptian and Middle Eastern medicine. Mention Natural Awakenings magazine to receive a special price of $30 for a 20-minute cupping therapy session—a 25 percent savings. During cupping therapy, special cups are applied along the meridians of the body for a few minutes to create suction. The suction creates a stimulating flow of energy, which is known to alleviate inflammation, pain and other health concerns. “Cupping is one of the best deep-tissue Erin Massengale therapies available,” says Ancient Traditions Healing owner Erin Massengale. “By using the meridian channels, cupping ‘opens’ these channels—the paths through which life energy flows freely throughout the body—thus allowing a smoother and more free-flowing qi, the life force or energy.” Massengale is an experienced practitioner who studied under Michael Tierra, a forerunner of the North American Health Movement. In her previous role as a volunteer herbalist at the East West Free Clinic, Massengale provided care to homeless, mentally ill and underserved populations. Today, Massengale uses herbs and gentle, thousand-year-old healing techniques to help her clients relieve anxiety, manage stress, boost energy, quiet the mind and have more focus. Massengale’s practice is located at The Remedy, a community wellness center that provides holistic modalities to integrate the mind, body and spirit.

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Be out out every night in the energy of the light and the vibration of the stars ~ Karyn Sanders natural awakenings

December 2016

newsbriefs Spiritual Counselor Offers Complimentary Guided Meditation to New Clients

when they aren’t working,” anet Myatt, M.A., is a says Myatt. “I’ve discovered spiritual counselor, teacher, that understanding the crehealer and author who holds ative process greatly empowa master’s degree in psycholers us to make those difficult ogy and brings 30 years of changes. Meditation and a experience to her practice. working knowledge of energy Using a blend of spiritual mechanics not only help us and psychological tools and access a higher power and techniques, Myatt helps intelligence within us, it people move out of limiting teaches us how to maintain and painful ways of thinking and feeling into an awakened Janet Myatt, M.A. contact and integrate it into our daily lives.” awareness that is limitless, Myatt also specializes in the loving and powerful. Private counselchakra system and ascension. Chakras ing and spiritual awakening classes are are energy centers in the body and the available in person and online, and medium by which we translate our inall new clients receive a free guided ner reality into tangible form to manifest meditation. our outer reality. Says Mayatt, under“We’re creating our lives at all standing this process and the various times, but we’re doing it mostly unlevels of consciousness associated with consciously, and this lack of awareness makes it difficult for us to change things each chakra is fundamental to personal

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evolution and healing. Ascension is a process of evolving and expanding our conscious awareness to better reveal our divine nature. It involves specific meditative and energetic practices as well as exploration of metaphysical principles and concepts that awaken our higher intelligence and release our divine loving nature. Myatt works with individuals, couples and families to help them discover the higher power, divine intelligence and spiritual purpose within. Clients learn how to use the creative process of life to create meaningful change and heal the wounds within that create repeating patterns of limitation and confusion. For more information, call 510-3862467, email JanetMyatt@Live.com or visit JanetMyatt.com. See ad, page 31.

Sonoma Votes to Ban Growing GMOs

n November 8, Sonoma Valley voters passed Measure M—The Sonoma County Transgenic Contamination Ordinance—a ballot measure that protects local farms, pastures and cover crops from contamination by genetically engineered plant pollen, and prohibits growing and raising genetically engineered organisms (GMOs) in the county. Measure M does not prohibit traditional methods of plant breeding, including grafting, hybridization and selective breeding, which are processes that also take place in nature. In addition, Measure M does not prevent the sale or purchase of genetically engineered animal feed or human food, nor does it deny licensed healthcare practitioners from providing medicine, including insulin or vaccines, to human or animal patients. With the passage of Measure M, Sonoma joins, Mendocino, Marin, Humbolt, Trinity and Santa Cruz counties in passing similar measures to protect against GMO crop contamination in their counties. Proponents say Measure M is critical to the success of organic and non-GMO farming in the county, and is a big win for the long-term health and economic viability of the Sonoma Valley.

Do you have a special event in the community? Open a new ofﬁce? Move? Recently become certiﬁed in a new modality?

For more information, visit GMOFreeSonomaCounty.com.

Community BREEMA

Breema Bodywork in a group setting

2ND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH NOVEMBER 11 & DECEMBER 9

3:00–5:00pm • Drop-ins welcome!

Sliding Scale: $10-$20

Revitalize your body, calm your mind and balance your emotions by receiving a complete 20-minute session of Breema bodywork in a group setting. Sessions are profoundly relaxing and energizing and can transform your day!

BREEMA CLINIC

•

6201 Florio Street

•

510/428-1234

breemahealth.com Located in the Rockridge district of Oakland

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We welcome news items relevant to the subject matter of our magazine. We also welcome any suggestions you may have for a news item. Visit our website for guidelines and a convenient online submission form to guide you through the submission process.

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December 2016

Bright Lights Encourage Healthy Eating

healthbriefs

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esearchers from Northumbria University, in England, have discovered that drinking peppermint tea can improve working and longterm memory. After 180 healthy adults filled out questionnaires about their mood, they were selected at random to consume one of three drinks—peppermint tea, chamomile tea or water—and then rested for 20 minutes. The subjects were then tested for memory and other cognitive factors and given a second mood questionnaire. Those that drank peppermint tea exhibited improvements in both types of memory and were more alert than the other two groups. The participants that drank chamomile tea displayed reductions in both memory and attention functions compared to the others. Researcher Mark Moss, Ph.D., notes, “The enhancing and arousing effects of peppermint and the calming, sedative effects of chamomile observed in this study are in keeping with the claimed properties of these herbs and suggest beneficial effects can be drawn from their use.”

Fracking Linked to Asthma Attacks

esearchers from the Johns Hopkins School of Public Health have found that individuals living close to a natural gas hydraulic fracking site have a significantly higher occurrence of asthma attacks. The study examined health records from the Geisinger Health System, a healthcare provider in Pennsylvania, where the fracking industry has experienced incredible growth of more than 9.000 natural gas wells in the past decade. The records of more than 35,000 Geisinger asthma patients between the ages of 5 and 90 were studied between 2005 and 2012. Patients that reported attacks were mapped and studied in relation to the fracking well locations, and the results compared with other patients not reporting attacks in the same year. The researchers discovered that those that lived in close proximity to multiple or larger active natural gas wells were 1.5 to four times more likely to experience asthma attacks. Brian S. Schwartz, a medical doctor and a professor in the Department of Environmental Health Services at the Bloomberg School, in Baltimore, Maryland, was the senior author of the study. He states, “We are concerned with the growing number of studies that have observed health effects associated with this industry. We believe it’s time to take a more cautious approach to [fracking] well development with an eye on environmental and public health impacts.”

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esearch published in the Journal of Marketing Research links bright light to healthier food choices. The study observed 160 diners at four separate metropolitan locations of a chain dinner restaurant between 6 and 8 p.m. Two of the restaurants used bright lighting (250 lux luminance) and the other two locations had dim lighting (25 lux luminance). The researchers found that diners at the well-lit locations were more likely to choose healthy options such as baked or grilled fish and chicken than the patrons at the dimly lit restaurants. These results were replicated in a laboratory test of 700 college students where scientists attributed students’ healthier choices to the alert feelings that being in a bright room elicits.

LubaShi/Shutterstock.com

A Cup of Peppermint Tea Boosts Alertness

natural awakenings

December 2016

globalbriefs

America Outdone Venezuela Bans GMOs

Venezuela has passed a law that imposes some of the world’s toughest regulations on genetically modified organisms (GMO) and patenting of seeds in order to consolidate national food sovereignty, regulate the production of hybrid seed, reject the production, distribution and import of GMO seeds and ban transgenic seed research. Canada’s Centre for Research on Globalization describes it as one of the most progressive seed laws in the world. The country intends to establish a national seed system to implement the new law. The group will monitor and sanction any agricultural violations, with a focus on the protection of traditional seeds. Source: gmwatch.org

Natural Awakenings East Bay

Ocean Watch

2016 was a mixed year for whales and dolphins and by extension, humans. Marine Biologist Sylvia Earle states the importance of ocean health this way: “With every drop of water you drink, every breath you take, you’re connected to the sea. The ocean is the blue heart of the planet. There’s still time, but not a lot, to turn things around.” Scientists have discovered a new, black-colored species of whale that’s onethird the size of a Baird’s beaked whale. Yet to be named, it’s rarely seen, feeding in deep canyons in the Bering Sea. The oldest-known orca whale, Granny, at 105, swims Washington’s coastline. Wild orcas usually live 60 to 80 years; captives, 40 years at most. Iceberg, the only known adult white orca, age 22, was spotted in Russian coastal waters earlier this year. In 2013, a Korean marine park retrained five dolphins to feed naturally and released them into the sea, where they rejoined their original pod. Recent sightings found them thriving, affording hope for the 2,900 dolphins in marine parks, aquariums and zoos worldwide. Pink dolphins in Hong Kong’s bustling harbor remain endangered. In 2003, there were 158; by 2014, only 61. The Baiji River dolphin, only found in China, has been declared extinct. Vaquitas, small porpoises in the Gulf of California, declined from 97 in 2014 to 60 this year, most drowned in commercial fishing nets; it may be extinct by 2018.

Bye-Bye Birdies

North American Species at High Risk The 2016 annual Audubon Great Backyard Bird Count in February (Audubon.org/ content/2014-great-backyard-bird-countsummary) and a report compiled by the North American Bird Conservation Initiative (StateOfTheBirds.org/2016) show that more than a third of all North American bird species are at risk of becoming extinct unless significant action is taken, especially ocean and tropical birds. The governments of Canada, the United States and Mexico created the North American Bird Conservation Initiative in 1999. More than half the species that rely on oceans and tropical forests are on a special watch list because of small and declining populations, limited ranges and severe threats to their habitats. The report pinpoints invasive predators such as rats and cats on nesting islands, as well as overfishing, pollution and climate change. Ways to address the problem include removing predators, expanding protected marine areas and reducing the amount of plastic products that end up in the ocean and can trap or choke birds. Many species such as long-distance migratory shore birds in coastal, grassland and arid habitats are declining steeply. The main causes are rising sea levels, coastal development, encroaching human activity and oil spills.

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Sea Mammals Update

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

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Wise Woodsmen

Norway Bans Deforestation Products

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December 2016

LOVING LARGE Scientists Say We’re All Connected by Linda Sechrist

rue love is not something reserved exclusively for soulmates, couples, children, friends or family. Observations by sages for millennia and by enlightened scientists more recently are increasingly aligned with the point of view articulated by renowned meditation teacher Jack Kornfield that true love and awareness—a sense of universal connectivity and the idea that divinity, or the sacred, is found in all things—are indistinguishable.

Scientific View

This state of being, generally denoted by strong feelings of love or acceptance toward others, brings us into contact with universal energy which connects all of humanity with the natural world. Clues to our united commonality are explored in two 21stcentury books, Love 2.0: How Our Supreme Emotion Affects Everything We Feel, Think, Do, and Become, by Barbara L. Fredrickson, Ph.D., and A General Theory of Love, by medical doctors Thomas Lewis, Fari Amini and Richard Lannon. These authors explore the brain science that’s related to love

and awareness. Although trying to grasp love intellectually may be like eating soup with a fork, the authors of A General Theory of Love cite feelings as a good starting point. Fredrickson describes love as “the momentary upwelling of three tightly interwoven events: a sharing of one or more positive emotions between you and another; a biochemical synchrony between your and the other person’s biochemistry and behaviors; and a reflected motive to invest in each other’s well-being that brings mutual care.” Fredrickson, director of the Positive Emotions and Psychophysiology Laboratory at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, believes love is a complex physiological response; a “positivity resonance.” She describes key factors in love’s ability to biologically transform us as oxytocin, a hormone active in social bonding and attachments, and the vagus nerve deep within the brain stem that connects with numerous organs, including the lead “character” in this relationship, the heart. The neural synchrony of positivity

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fleeting. In Fredrickson’s perspective, such neural coupling is a biological manifestation of oneness in which a habitual focus on “me” expands to a life-expanding “we”.

Cosmic View

During their 30-year friendship, Bob Staretz collaborated with astronaut Edgar Mitchell, Sc.D., the lunar module pilot on Apollo 14 and founder of the Institute of Noetic Sciences, to research and write “The Quantum Hologram and the Nature of Consciousness,” published in the Journal of Cosmology. Their scientific theory explains how all of creation learns, self-corrects and evolves as a selforganizing, interconnected holistic system through love. “Without exception, everything in nature exists and works together in total balance, resonance and harmony, interacting as one. From this perspective, Edgar and I reached the obvious conclusion—the organizing principle of the cosmos is agape love, an ultimate form of unconditional love that accepts all things existing in nature without regard to conditions, expectations, shortcomings, flaws or faults,” explains Staretz. The former executive director of

images by tai11/Shutterstock.com

resonance between the brains of two individuals is a connected oneness that Fredrickson notes is far more ubiquitous than previously thought possible. Her research shows that it requires only connection, not the intimacy or shared history that comes with any special bonds. Micro-moments of the connected oneness we feel as life-giving reverberations occur via shared smiles or laughter, a common compassion or an engaging story. Humans all hunger for such moments. The prerequisites are perceived safety and authentic sensory connection with another, even if it’s

Eternea, an organization focused on spiritually transformative experiences and the study of consciousness, Staretz says individuals that undergo such an experience attest that loving one another and all of nature, of which we are a part, is the central reason for our existence. Anita Moorjani’s latest book, What If This Is Heaven? reiterates the life lesson she learned from her dramatic near-death experience in which she identified herself as a state of pure consciousness connected with everything in the cosmos. She clearly heard: “Your only work is to love yourself, value yourself and embody this truth of selfworth and self-love so that you can be love in action. That is true service, to yourself and to those who surround you.” This message continues with her, and she explains that by not loving ourselves, we are denying the part of God that expresses itself through us. An overarching insight from her life-changing journey is, “Unconditional love is a state of being, not an emotion. It’s not just one side of the coin—it’s the whole coin.”

How-to Resources Interest in this deeper perspective led The Shift Network, which offers online transformative education, to host a recent Advanced Teachings for Truly Loving Yourself with Margaret Paul, P.h.D., co-author of Do I Have to Give Up Me to Be Loved By You? Many others are working to spread the word about a larger sense of life-giving love, including Cleveland, Ohio, intuitive psychologist Debra L. Reble, Ph.D., author of Being Love: How Loving Yourself Creates Ripples of Transformation in Your Relationships and the World. She says, “Our soul’s purpose is to be and express love. We dream of love, yearn for love and make love, but rarely do we realize that we are love, a source of divine energy.” Reba Linker, a New York City life coach and author, hosts a Leaders in Self-Love Facebook page and the Paint

If the doors of perception were cleansed, everything would appear to man as it is, infinite. ~William Blake

Yourself into The Picture online coaching show. Linker’s philosophy on love resembles that of New Thought leader Michael Beckwith, minister, author and founder of the Agape International Spiritual Center, in Culver City, California—to discern that our true nature is love is to know that we are created in the very image and likeness of love, the essence of life itself. Gary Sinclair, author of Healing Memories in Seconds, views his life from an altitude of oceanic oneness. His 35 years of study in a field that uses energy to heal spirit, mind and body led him to develop Soul Link, a memory energy therapy. His work is changing the face of therapy for those with post-traumatic stress disorder and led to the revelation, “Love pulls whatever it touches to its highest potential.”

Teaching what he knows “beyond a shadow of a doubt” helps to shift his students’ worldview. “All of creation is made up of electromagnetic energy vibrating at different frequencies. We are energy beings who can learn to manage our energy to heal ourselves. We are all connected by omnipresence, the energy of love, a heart connection of life. Consciously choosing this awareness allows us to be ‘love living life.’” Kamini Desai, director of education for the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida, lends her yogic perspective to love. “We are each a wave on the ocean of existence. Even though we are separate waves, we carry the essence of the same ocean. When that essence manifests in us as spirit, its quality is a healing force of love surrounding our cells, causing our heart to beat and regenerating our organs. This intelligence guides and directs the universe in the same manner that it heals and maintains our body. In yoga, we learn to listen to its subtle voice so that we can follow its urges and energetic impulses to the source from which it springs.” The perceptions of California’s HeartMath Institute founder Doc Childre, dedicated to helping people access their intuitive insight and heart intelligence, are generally aligned with those of Fredrickson. Both approaches recognize how order and balance in the nervous system and smooth, harmonious and coherent heart rhythms enhance our ability to clearly perceive a far larger universe of experience. The ensuing connections widen the windows of perception to view ourselves as no longer separate, but part of a unified whole. Accumulated micro-moments of love communicated through synchronized

natural awakenings

December 2016

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healingways

gazes, touches and vocalizations forge a shared subjective appreciation of connection and oneness. We feel ourselves embodying positive resonance and experience easier and more immediate rapport in familial, familiar and even new relationships. We discover abundant opportunities to feel love, loved and loving as we make ourselves available to them.

Heal Adrenal Fatigue

NATURALLy

Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

Practical Ways to Regain Vitality by Linda Sechrist

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atigue due to physical or mental exertion is common in those beleaguered by stress, poor eating habits and insomnia, struggling to balance the needs of family and career and too often using caffeine and other stimulants to artificially rebound energy. James L. Wilson, Ph.D., a doctor of chiropractic and naturopathy, educates medical professionals about an even more serious health issue he identifies as “adrenal fatigue”; it’s characterized by below-optimal adrenal function induced by an overload of such stressors. Our two walnut-sized adrenal glands, one atop each kidney, produce vital hormones that help control heart rate, blood pressure, digestion and many other functions, including how the body deals with stress.

Identifying the Core Issue

In his book, Adrenal Fatigue: The 21st Century Stress Syndrome, Wilson sheds light on the scope of the problem. “The fact that adrenal fatigue is unrecognized by conventional medicine has left millions of people suffering from an untreated problem that interferes with their ability to function normally and capacity to enjoy life. For those whose adrenal glands are ‘running on empty’, even something as basic as happiness seems almost out of reach,” comments Wilson, who resides in Tucson, Arizona. Individuals suffering from adrenal fatigue are most concerned about their low moods, energy, mental acuity and libido, for which conventional medicine typically prescribes antidepressant and anti-anxiety drugs. These medications do nothing to revive adrenal functioning. This faulty condition also affects weight gain and a propensity toward the de-

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velopment of some diseases, including fibromyalgia. “Your resiliency, energy, endurance and very life depend on the proper functioning of the adrenals,” Wilson says. We’ve inherited our sympathetic nervous system and its stress response of fight-or-flight from our prehistoric ancestors. It hasn’t evolved to differentiate between an acute threat to survival and the chronic threats from looming deadlines, financial pressures and other modernday worries. “The adrenal stress response to physical danger or any perceived psychological threat is identical—the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine responsible for cascading physiological reactions,” explains Dr. Vijay Jain, who treats fatigue from an integrative perspective at his Mind Body Wellness Center, in Palm Coast, Florida.

Suggested Treatments

Adrenal fatigue is mainly a self-induced health problem that doesn’t just appear. It results from an accumulation of ongoing choices that we can change. Jain applies ayurvedic principles to reestablish balance in the body’s three prominent mind-body types that influence personal well-being. These are known as vata, pitta and kapha. For people primarily characterized by vata and pitta typology, fatigue is the result of being overactive and burning the candle at both ends. For those with kapha constitutions, fatigue is the outcome of a sedentary lifestyle with insufficient movement and eating the wrong foods for them. He further recommends getting more sleep with regular bedtimes, practices such as yoga nidra meditation, pranayama (yogic breathing) and a slower-paced yoga practice with longer-held meditative poses, as well as massage and a diet designed to restore our biological energies, or doshas, to a balanced state. “Depending on a patient’s constitution I advise some to slow down and burn 50 percent less of their candle, while I tell others to increase their physical activity and improve their diet.” Jain also recommends a type of ayurvedic purification and detoxification treatment that involves a series of five therapies including massage and herbal treatments. Performed in sequence, these allow the body and mind to drop into a state of peacefulness. Acupuncture treatments are also helpful, along with a regimen of adaptogenic herbs such as ginseng, schisandra and ashwagandha, according to Jain. In Happy Healthy Thyroid: The Essential Steps to Healing Naturally, author Andrea Beaman writes about how she recovered naturally from adrenal fatigue. To restore energy and vitality to the body, she further recommends the healing practices of hatha yoga, qigong and tai chi. “These modalities build energy, whereas power yoga, and cardiovascular exercises drain energy in fatigued individuals,” advises Beaman. She notes that it can take six months to two years to restore desired energy levels. Beaman counsels individuals with behavioral characteristics that make it more challenging to burn less of

their candle. She grabs their attention with the critical nature of their situation. “‘You are in and out of life in a blink. If you’re exhausted at age 48, how are you going to live a vibrant, happy and exuberant life right up to the finish line?’ That generally works,” she says. Linda Sechrist is a senior staff writer for Natural Awakenings. Connect at ItsAllAboutWe.com.

More Tips to Beat Fatigue by Linda Sechrist

he earliest signs of adrenal fatigue are low energy and the need for several strong shots of caffeine to kick-start the morning or get through an afternoon slump. If these symptoms arise, take steps to begin nourishing, restoring and de-stressing the adrenal glands. Eliminate stressors. Reevaluate daily schedules to make room for a regular session of yoga, meditation, tai chi or qigong. Establish a regular sleeping schedule aligned with the body’s natural cycle. Slipping between the sheets no later than 10 p.m. can mean better and deeper rest. Make dietary changes, starting with 40 grams of protein each morning. Limit the intake of stimulants, including caffeine. Eliminate sugar and processed grains. Add adaptogenic herbs and organic coconut and olive oils to dishes and food preparation. Eat nutritious foods such as greens and brightly colored vegetables. As a result, blood sugar and insulin levels will take fewer rollercoaster rides, easing the work of the adrenals. Refrain from over-exercising. Excessive cardio or endurance training is hard on the adrenals, so substitute more relaxing forms of exercise. Practice calming mindfulness and deep, controlled, diaphragmatic breathing.

natural awakenings

December 2016

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Reclaim Your Inner Peace:

Tips and suggestions about taking a spiritual retreat

veryone occasionally needs some inner rejuvenation. Whether you want to break new ground, spiritually speaking, or you simply want to reclaim your peace in the midst of a hectic life, going on a retreat can be a perfect solution. A true retreat is much more than a vacation—it can be a time of conscious, spiritual opening, of making an enjoyable effort to rise to an entirely new state of awareness. Here are a few tips for a retreat experience that are both relaxing and spiritually rewarding:

Plan ahead

Take the time and give some thought about what you’d like to focus on during your retreat time. Is this a time just to get rest and see what happens? Would you like to focus on healing a relationship or something from the past? Would you like to work on goals for the coming year? Having an intention for your retreat often helps give it momentum.

Find a supportive environment

The right environment can give you a tremendous boost. If possible, choose a place with an established spiritual tradition, one that is harmonious with your own spiritual inclinations. For example, if you are a heart-oriented person, you may not feel nurtured in a strongly intellectual environment, and vice versa. If you’re new to being on retreat, go to a retreat center that offers individual guidance. Optional, guided group activities—such as yoga postures, meditations, nature walks, etc.— are also a plus. Occasionally tapping into focused group energy can help even experienced retreatants keep their energy high and inspired. Look for a place with beautiful natural surroundings. Being quiet amidst nature’s beauty can be tremendously restorative. Choose a retreat

that will give you time and space to be alone when you wish.

Allow initial time to relax and unwind

It will help you to get more from your retreat if you’re able to spend the first full day resting and orienting yourself to the retreat campus and staff. Take the time to catch up on some rest after traveling and to de-stress from your busy life. Hide your cell phone and computer! In particular, during your first day or two, you can “speed the process” by scheduling a massage or other healing treatment which many spiritual retreats offer.

Once on retreat go on a “worry fast”

As soon as you leave home, be determined to put all problems out of your mind. Tell yourself that the more you allow your mind to focus on the joy of the present moment, the more inspiration you will feel for dealing with those problems creatively and effectively after your retreat is over. When you can put problems aside and focus on lifting your awareness, you might find the answers you need coming from inspiration.

Seek good advice

If you have some issue that is too bothersome to put aside, you might benefit from speaking with a qualified staff person, teacher or trained spiritual advisor on the retreat's staff. When you call to

make your reservation, ask about setting up a personal counseling session. Sometimes a session like this at the very beginning of your stay can give you the clarity you need to “re-frame” your approach to the situation and help you have a more inspiring retreat.

Schedule variety into your retreat

What you do during your retreat is not as important as whether your inspiration and “joy level” are high. You don’t have to pray and meditate all day long—few people can do that constructively, anyway. You don’t even have to stay in silence or solitude, though many people find these beneficial. Focus on enjoyment, rather than “should haves.” For example, you might use the mornings for inward work: prayer, meditation, journal writing or spiritual reading. Then be more expansive in the afternoons: walk in nature, do something creative, or listen to uplifting music or lecture tapes. In the evening, try lighter fare: a spiritual video, a humorous book, or spending relaxing, quality time with like-minded people. And always allow for the inspiration of the moment; don’t be locked into anyone’s agenda—even your own.

Relax and enjoy your retreat

When you go on a retreat, you’re planting a spiritual seed. If you water it by your continuing spiritual efforts, in time it will sprout into the flower of peace and joy that you seek. This overview was provided by the staff of the Expanding Light Retreat at Ananda Village, Nevada City, CA. A nonprofit retreat center located two hours from the Sacramento Airport. Offering over 100 weekend retreats each year since 1969. For more info, visit ExpandingLight.org. See ad, back cover.

natural awakenings

December 2016

Gingerbread House Update

MERRY MUNCHING Sugar-Free Treats Kids Love by Judith Fertig

hen sugar was a commodity only the wealthy could afford, “visions of sugarplums” danced in the heads of children ensconced in Clement Moore’s ’Twas the Night Before Christmas. Now, cheap candy is everywhere and not all that special. What is special is making memories aligned with contemporary traditions while enjoying naturally sweet, healthy treats that kids will remember helping to create. “It’s important to limit sugary snacks, even during the holidays,” says Claire McCarthy, a Boston Children’s Hospital pediatrician, Harvard Medical School assistant professor of pediatrics and senior editor for Harvard Health Publications. She is also a mother of elementary school kids. “We need to use the opportunity— any opportunity these days—to teach children and families about eating healthy.”

Healthier Holiday Snacks

Mothers Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, of Provo, Utah, agree that raising healthy kids is a challenge. Dealing with picky eaters, getting family members to exercise and sourcing organic baby care products are all in a day’s work for them. It’s why they founded SuperHealthyKids.com. Subscribers have access to meal plans, recipes and healthy parenting tips. Recent advice includes ditching prepackaged popcorn (listing unpronounceable ingredients) and instead making the treat at home—popping kernels in coconut oil and topping the result with maple snickerdoodle flavorings. Many moms turn to online boards for party ideas. Fun photos posted there guide kids in creating naturally sweet treats, such as fresh fruit skewers shaped like elves or magic wands inspired by The Nutcracker’s Sugar Plum Fairy.

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

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“Building a gingerbread house is a time-honored tradition for many families,” says Jacquie Fisher, a Kansas City, Missouri, mom who masterminds the educational blog and kid-friendly adventure postings at KCEdventures. com. Learning to construct the edible structure is intriguing fun. “Testing out how to balance the walls, construct a roof and put together a fun little structure is the perfect intro to some basic physics principles,” she notes. Because she’s not a fan of sugar icing and candy add-ons, Fisher’s kids connect over how to make Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’s stable with whole-wheat graham crackers “glued” together with a homemade maple caramel mixed with coconut milk. They decorate using dried fruit, nuts, dry cereal and flaked coconut.

Christmas Stocking Stuffer and Hanukkah Gelt For healthy alternatives to sugary candy, savvy parents source sweet treats made with 100 percent fruit juice and fair trade chocolate available at health food stores and markets. Registered Dietitian Abbie Gellman, in New York City, reinvents the Hanukkah gelt, or foilwrapped chocolate coins, that Jewish children traditionally receive. She flattens dried apricots with a kitchen mallet, dips them in melted dark chocolate and then sprinkles the treats with sea salt. We can always make wonderful memories true to the spirit of holiday traditions, and do it today in a healthier way. Judith Fertig writes cookbooks and foodie fiction from Overland Park, KS (JudithFertig.com).

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healthykids

Sugarplums Update Healthy Sweets for Kids Apricot Gelt Yields: 12 servings (6 pieces per person) 1½ lb dried apricots 1 lb dark chocolate chips 1 Tbsp coarse sea salt

Yields: 1 stable Graham crackers Small paintbrushes Assorted fresh and dried fruits for decoration, such as blackberries, pomegranate arils and kiwi fruit Dry cereal, such as Rice Chex, and flaked coconut for decoration Pecan halves for roof shingles

Using a heavy skillet or mallet, flatten apricots to ¼-inch thickness and set aside.

Maple Snickerdoodle Popcorn Yields: About 5 cups Popcorn: 1 tsp coconut oil, melted ½ cup popcorn kernels Maple Snickerdoodle Topping: 1 Tbsp coconut oil 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup ½ tsp cinnamon Sea salt to taste Heat the coconut oil in a medium saucepan, with a lid, over medium heat. Add 3 kernels of popcorn and wait for them to pop. Once the test kernels start to pop, add the rest, cover and allow to pop, shaking occasionally until popping slows to a near stop.

Place chocolate in the top of a doubleboiler over simmering water and stir until the chocolate has melted. Dip each apricot in chocolate, coating ½ to ¾ of the apricot. Place on wire racks set over parchment or wax paper and sprinkle with sea salt. Let stand until set.

Vegan Maple Caramel “Glue”: 1 cup canned coconut milk (shake the can well before opening and measuring) 3 Tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp vanilla extract Pinch sea salt

Transfer apricots to baking sheets lined with parchment or wax paper and refrigerate until firm. The gelt may be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three days.

For the vegan maple caramel, place all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until the mixture comes to a boil. Keep cooking until the caramel thickens and darkens to a caramel color, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Adapted from a recipe by Abbie Gellman, SPECertified.com/blog/view/ apricot-gelt-recipe.

Remove from the heat and let cool until just warm to the touch, then use for glue. If you like, make the caramel mixture ahead, store in the refrigerator and then microwave until just warm.

Pour the popcorn into a large bowl and set aside.

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For the topping, whisk together the coconut oil, maple syrup and cinnamon, until well combined. Pour over the popcorn and mix well. Sprinkle the top with a few pinches of sea salt, mix again and taste. Serve immediately making additional sea salt available. Courtesy of Amy Roskelley and Natalie Monson, SuperHealthyKids.com/ maple-snickerdoodle-popcorn.

Rudolph the Reindeer’s Stable

Dab the bottom of 1 double graham cracker with the maple caramel glue; then attach it to a dinner plate to make the stable floor. Glue on three walls, a fence and a roof. When the structure is solid, use more warm caramel mix to attach the desired decorations on the stable, fence and perhaps a courtyard out front. If necessary, reheat the edible glue in the microwave. Let dry for 1 hour. Courtesy of Jacquie Fisher, KCEdventures.com/blog/healthygingerbread-house-ideas.

natural awakenings

December 2016

Fetch, Stretch, Dance Make Your Dog an Exercise Buddy by Sandra Murphy

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an and woman’s best four-legged friend can activate and energize even the most reluctant couch potato or exhausted owner, making the family dog an excellent exercise buddy. Regardless of how lax we may be, everyone feels better after some kind of workout. A study published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology confirms that working up a sweat outdoors affords an appealing boost of energy, enjoyment and improved state of mind. Dogs love routine, so they’ll be waiting by the door for their daily walks. Make each outing mindful by letting the pet choose the route and pace. While they stop to sniff, do hamstring stretches by leaning against a wall, fence or tree. Once the warmup portion is completed, add sprints to burn more calories. Ask for a sit, pick a goal a short distance away and then give the cue to run together fast. After arriving at the goal, ask for another sit. “Our favorite time to go is before 7 a.m. to avoid cars and when the asphalt isn’t too hot for his paws,” says Monica Weintraub, a food and travel blogger currently working from Beijing, China. “Carl loves the burst of

energy, and we both build muscle.” A backyard agility course can complement or even substitute for walks. It’s easy to make with weave poles, jumps and tunnels. Vary the order of the obstacles and run alongside the dog to call out each one. When it’s excessively wet, cold and icy or hot outside, create an indoor agility course. Use blankets and upturned chairs for tunnels, cardboard boxes to designate a weaving trot and a hula hoop for jumps. Set it up on top of rugs that foster firm footing. Balance can also be improved with exercise balls. While some dogs only see a soccer game, others try to balance on the ball, strengthening core muscles like their humans. Learning doga, or yoga for dogs, incorporates a canine’s natural trainability, flexibility, mimicry of human moves and desire to please. Kristen Corral, who’s also certified in animal massage, teaches Anima yoga fusion classes for people and pets of all ages in Las Vegas. “Anima means an expression of one’s true inner self,” she explains. “We work on balance and never force the dogs into poses. They’re excited during the first sessions, but as you move and breathe together, it becomes a calming and relaxing activity.” Floor exercises with the help of a dog also

helps strengthen core muscles. Do leg lifts and teach the pet to walk under a raised leg to ensure it stays raised for the proper amount of time. Incorporate fetch games with sit-ups; throw the toy when sitting up and accept it back while reclining. Alternate arms—the dominant one has better aim, while the other one adds steps for the dog as it runs to fetch an errant toss. For chair exercises, use a toy to lure the dog under the chair, moving it from side-to-side, simultaneously working the waistline. Fetch lets the dog chase the toy before dropping it in front of the chair, giving the owner’s core muscles a workout when bending to pick it up each time. Dogs love to play hide-and-seek. It’s easy with two people; one holds the dog while the other hides. If solo, teach the pet to sit until a timer goes off before starting the hunt. “I ask Felix, my mixed-breed dog, to hold a sit-stay while I go hide,” says Chantelle Wallace, a professional writer who volunteers to exercise animals at Skyline Pet Care and Fitness, in Austin, Texas. “Hide and seek activates both mental focus and physical exercise.” Dancing to favorite tunes expends lots of energy. Dogs may perform obedience moves to the beat or, like humans, dance like nobody’s watching. Scientists at the University of Missouri are among those that have found that music improves moods, too. Teaching a dog to help around the house impresses everybody and takes advantage of bad weather to catch up on chores. They can tour a laundry basket to bedrooms, pick up trash or place items for recycling in a bin. Select individual items to be carried up or down stairs for a muscular workout. Take some tips from Jesse, a most helpful dog, at Tinyurl.com/HouseholdHelpPooch. When our will to exercise is wavering, an eager dog will help keep an exercise routine interesting and on track. The dog’s goal is always to have fun with their favorite person. Connect with freelance writer Sandra Murphy at StLouisFreelanceWriter@ mindspring.com.

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December 2016

calendarofevents 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.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 1 Juan Felipe Herrera | Berkeley Noon-1pm. Listen to Juan Felipe Herrera read some of his best loved poetry from some of his collections. Be enthralled with some of his titles such as, “Notes on the Assemblage,” “Senegal Taxi,” and “Half of the World in Light”, just to name a few. Free. Morrison Library, Doe Library, UC Berkeley, Berkeley. LunchPoems. Berkeley.edu. Annual Holiday Circle of Lights | Oakland 5-9pm. Imagine giant nutcracker guards protecting the entrance to this fairyland of lights, then inside, see reindeer, sleds, snowmen, and penguins on parade. Imagine all of that, and it’s all done out of lights! Hundreds of little bright lights will outline the Mountain View Cemetery’s buildings and trees to provide the perfect backdrop for this dazzling exhibition. On display this whole month. Free. Piedmont Funeral Services & Mountain View Cemetery, 5000 Piedmont Ave, Oakland. MountainViewCemetery.org. Angelic Open & Shield Brow Chakra Phone Workshop | 7-8:30pm. Initiations from angelic kingdom opens your chakra in amount considered safe by angel. This also gives a higher self-ability to place temporary shield around the chakra whenever appropriate. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75/course descriptions. To register 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. SpiritualInitiations.com.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2 Jack London Square Holiday Lights | Oakland 5-7pm. Start out this Christmas season at the Square with all the festivities and celebrations that it is wellknown for. This year’s tree will be illuminated by 5,000 lights! Enjoy the holiday music, live reindeer, and an early visit from Santa Claus, making this a festive kickoff to the yuletide season. Free. Jack London Square, Embarcadero West, Oakland. JackLondonSquare.com. Family Fun Night | Oakland 6-9pm. 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 Fellowship Hall, 5801 Racine St, Oakland. For more information please call, 510-652-4915. Grow@memorialtabernacle.org.

children. If you’re a runner or a walker, you will enjoy the scenic views of the beautiful shoreline of Alameda, on Bay Farm Island. It will start at the Harbor Bay Ferry Terminalt, and go toward the Bay Farm Island Bridge. Then you will turn around after 2.5 k. Be one of the first 100 to register, and you will receive a t-shirt! $15-$20. Harbor Bay Ferry Terminal, 2 Mecartney Rd, Alameda. More information and registration at Active.com. AlamedaRace.com. Urban Cycling 101Workshop | Berkeley 1-3pm. A fun workshop taught by a certified instructor. Learn the basic rules of the road, how to properly equip your bike, fit your helmet, avoid bike theft, ride after dark and to prevent common crashes. Indoor workshop for adults and teens, no bicycle is required. Dwinelle Hall, Room 209, UC Berkeley. More information and registration available at BikeEastBay.org. Miraculous Vessels, Level 1 Phone Workshop | 1-5pm. Miraculous Vessels are energy reservoirs known to pre-Taoist, and Taoist greatly accelerate spiritual evolution. 17 initiations give profound harmonization of body, mind, spirit, and oneness with nature. Can also be arranged as private work-shop. $100/course descriptions. To register, 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Spiritual-Initiations.com. 40th Annual Celebration of Lights | Albany 5:30pm. Crazy fun, and oh so exciting! Bay Area boaters start the holiday season by decorating their boats of all sizes and cruise the Oakland/Alameda Estuary. Parade route is from the Oakland/SF Ferry to Grand Marina. View from either the Oakland and Alameda waterfront or your favorite Estuary restaurant. Free. Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave, Albany. LightedYachtParade.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4 Annual Holiday for the Arts Show & Sale | Fremont 10am-5pm. A gala on Friday evening featuring hors d’oeuvres, wine and a sneak peek at the art to be featured in the show on Saturday and Sunday. Free, Friday night gala, $13/guild members, $20/non-members. Olive Hyde Art Gallery, 123 Washington Blvd, Fremont. OliveHydeArtGuild.org.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4

taste of presence. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510428-0937. Breema.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 5 ZooLights | Oakland 5:30-9pm. Throughout the month, the Oakland Zoo strings up hundreds of thousands of LED lights, which turns the sky into a sparkling, twinkling Christmas spectacle. Highlights include a candy cane lane themed rides area, a night time adventure on the Outback Express train, and a truly cosmic light show. The display is closed on December 24th and 25th. $8/adults, $7/children & seniors, free/children under 2 & adults over 80. Oakland Zoo, 9777 Golf Links Rd, Oakland. OaklandZoo.org.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8 Free Angel Phone Lecture | 7-8:30pm. Learn how receiving initiations for working with angels can assist with personal and spiritual evolution. Initiations empower students to access energies for themselves or others. Course descriptions. Free. To register 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. SpiritualInitiations.com. A Christmas Carol | Walnut Creek 8pm. No yuletide is complete without the tale of A Christmas Carol. See the story that continues to remind us yearly why we still like Christmas. $27-$41. Center REPertory Company, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek. CenterREP.org.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9 BAC Artists Annual Exhibition | Berkeley 11am-5pm. The Berkeley Art Center’s Artists Annual celebrates art by art center members with a salon-style exhibition of small works in a variety of media. This event will continue to run through this month, and will end on January 8, 2017. Free. Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St, Berkeley. BerkeleyArtCenter.org. Patterson House Christmas Open House | Fremont 5:30-8:30pm. You can’t help but feel the Christmas spirit, and get that spirit inside you when you see the Patterson’s house fully decorated for the holidays. It’s Victorian inspired decorations, and live music for your listening pleasure. Surely a sight you don’t want to miss! $8/adults, free/kids. Ardenwood historic Farm, 34600 Ardenwood Blvd, Fremont. EBParks.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10 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, collectors, artists, start-ups and more brought together by the Treasure Island Flea. Free to the public, this eclectic market will feature one-of-akind 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.

Bah Humbug! 5K Run & Walk | San Ramon 9am. This healthy and fun run or walk will have you going through San Ramon. Don’t miss the costume contest, while spreading holiday cheer. Awards ceremony, and lots of fun. More information to come. San Ramon Community Center at Central Park, 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. You may register at SanRamon.CA.gov or OnYourMarkEvents.com.

Breema Retreat in Graton with Our Director | Graton 9:30am-5:00pm. A Breema workshop is a unique opportunity to experience a new way of moving, thinking and feeling, so that we can support an openhearted and open-minded posture toward life. CE for nurses, bodyworkers, MFTs & LCSWs. $70/early payment, $80/ after 11/21. Graton Community Club. Please call for address and for more information 510-379-4057. You may also email, LauraR@Breema.com.

Midway Run and Walk 2016 | Alameda 9am. Please come and show your support for the Alameda Midway Shelter for abused women and

Breema: The Art of Being Present | Oakland

MONDAY, DECEMBER 12

10-11:30am. Breema is an ideal vehicle to practice body-mind connection, the first step towards an actual

9am-noon. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoorsman

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

Trail Mixer | Danville

or someone who’d rather take a leisurely stroll, or maybe in between like a casual hiker; all are welcome! Come explore the trails of your area. Get to know the surroundings of your own back yard with our group, the Danville Trail Mixers. We’ll visit different regional parks in the East Bay each month, and spend the day off the beaten path. Make new friends while keeping fit! If you would like more information, please contact the program’s supervisor Ian Murdock at IMurdock@ Danvill.CA.gov. DanvilleRecGuide.com. Essene Dove Meditation Phone Workshop 7-9:30pm. Empowerment of this meditation to interconnect all levels of reality, activating one’s full potential as a divine being. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $150/course descriptions. To register 925-9547908. Sun88@juno.com. Spiritual-Initiations.com.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15 The Biggest Gift | Walnut Creek 11:30am. What’s going on? Doesn’t it seem strange that Santa hasn’t received any Christmas letters this year? Have the children of the world forgotten the jolly old elf? Tucker the elf joins forces with the lost Christmas toys to find out what’s going on, and save Christmas! $14. Margaret Lesher Theatre, 1601 Civic Dr, Walnut Creek. FantasyForum.org/Season.

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 – SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 The Nutcracker | Oakland 11am, 3pm, 7pm. Sugarplum fairies and the land of cakes are all good, but what we came for is that climactic battle between the Christmas toys and the giant rats. No Christmas would be complete without a viewing of this story, be sure to see it! $35. Regents’ Theater, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd, Oakland. BerkeleyBallet.org.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 16 – FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 Fairy Winter Land | Oakland Noon-7pm. Every culture has its own way to celebrate its seasons or its holidays. Oakland’s Fairy Winter Land celebrates the winter holidays like Christmas, Chanukah, Kwanza, Las Posadas, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, with a week of stories, crafts, decorations, and more. Enjoy special holiday performances by the Storybook Puppet Theater, a daily festival of lights, parade as well as daily visits by Santa. Don’t forget unlimited rides! $10/per person over 1 year of age, $5/ members. Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave, Oakland. Fairyland.org.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 Urban Cycling Classroom Workshop | Oakland 1-3pm. For adults and teens. A fun workshop that is taught by a certified instructor of the American Bicyclists. Here you’ll learn to equip your bike and yourself properly, by having your helmet fit correctly, learn what you need to know when riding after dark, how to prevent common crashes, avoid bicycle theft and the basic rules of the road. Every participant receives a free reflective vest. No bike required. Golden Gate Library, 5606 San Pablo Ave, Oakland. Planetary Triangles Phone Workshop | 1-5pm. Potent initiations to receive planetary energies for: manifestation, balance yin and yang, realize one’s

sole purpose, release karma, etheric, emotional, mental clearing, develop clairvoyance, continuous God consciousness. Can also be arranged as private workshop. $75/course descriptions. To register 925-954-7908. Sun88@juno.com. Spiritual-Initiations.com.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17 & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 Telegraph Street Fair | Berkeley 11am-6pm. Stop by and visit for that perfect gift you’ve been searching for. You never know what you might find. Original arts and crafts, jewelry, beadwork, wirework, pottery, wood crafts, metal crafts, paintings, photography and sculptures. There are an awful lot of talented people in our area! Free. Telegraph Avenue, between Dwight Way & Bancroft Way, Berkeley. TelegraphFair.com.

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

MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 Uncovering Your Essential Questions | Oakland 7-8:30pm. In this class, we look in to our questions about purpose and meaning, usually hidden beneath our preoccupation with outer life. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.com.

planahead SUNDAY, JANUARY 1 Brazen New Year’s Day Half-Marathon, 10K, 5K | Castro Valley 8:30am. Start your new year off on the right foot, or the left, which ever’ just make sure you’re at this race! Better yet, check out our website and learn about the New Year’s Eve race! Wait, think you’ve got what it takes? Do you think you could run them both? Hey, you’ve still got some time left to train. Get moving! The 5K is on a paved trail, the 10K is 50/50 paved/dirt trail, and the half-marathon is 30% paved, 70% dirt trail. 17600 Lake Chabot Rd, Castro Valley. BrazenRacing.com.

JANUARY 3 - MARCH 21 Ascension Meditation & Healing | Livermore 6:30-9pm. The 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays. Learn a comfortable easy style of meditation that powerfully connects you with your divine potential. Begin to heal your life and experience a deeper connection with yourself, others and the world around you. More information and registration at JanetMyatt.com.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 Wisdom of the Whole Coaching Academy | 4:30pm. Pacific time. A 30-hour core competency coach training. Class is via phone bridge. Call in from anywhere! Holiday specials available until December 15, 2016. Please visit our website to learn more. WisdomOfTheWhole.com.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 & SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12

Breema Winter Intensive Weekend Breema offers a practical way to establish a true bodymind connection, by unifying the energies of mind, body and feelings, to support being present. CE available for nurses, bodyworkers, MFTs & LCSWs. $140 for first-time attendees.

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

natural awakenings

December 2016

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 your 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. 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.

games, or a play tester? All are welcome here. Food and drinks are available next door. Free. Games of Berkeley, 2151 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-5407822. More information is available at Events@ GamesOfBerkeley.com. 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 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. 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. Community Lounge Rumba | Berkeley 3:30-6pm. 1st and 3rd Sunday each month. Rumba is the word used for a group of related communityoriented music and dance styles in Cuba. These jam sessions welcome drummers, singers and dancers who perform rumba. Free. La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave, Berkeley. 510-849-2568. LaPena.org. Free Kundalini Meditation | Walnut Creek

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

5-6:30pm. Kundalini meditation is an ancient Tantric practice that allows every individual to deeply experience their direct, inner connection to the divine. Class includes shaktipat transmission, guided meditation and discussion. Scheduled appointment for introduction is required for first-timers at 4pm. 2910 Camino Diablo, Walnut Creek. 510-917-2349. Ellen@TrikaShala.com.

Crystal Singing Bowl Concert | Dublin

Barefoot Boogie | Berkeley

Nia | Berkeley

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 Tri-Valley, 7567 Amador Valley Blvd, #108, Dublin. 925-829-2733. UnityOfTriValley.org. 100+ Free-to-Play Tabletop Games | Berkeley Noon-6pm. Meet the 3rd Sunday of every month. If you’re into board games new or old, come out and join in on the fun. Maybe you’re a designer of

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.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

monday Private Grocery Tour | East Bay Need help navigating your health food store? Discover new foods and create quick, easy, healthy delicious meals. Budget and kid-friendly. The easiest investment to make you get started on your health journey. 60-minute private Grocery Tour. $125/complete grocery lists, menus and recipes. Alexandra Le Ny, CHC. 925-858-2133. AlexandraLeNy@yahoo. com. AlexandraLeNy.com. Burn Pilates Morning Club | Oakland 6-8am. Start your day off right. Morning exercising gets the metabolism going. If you’re willing to make a commitment, this class meets daily until the end of December, multiple days per week. $25. Burn Pilates Oakland, 2101 Webster St, Ste 160, Oakland. Call Elizabeth, 510-788-4275. BurnPilates@gmail.com. BurnPilates.com/Locations/ Uptown-Oakland. Radio Show—Life Insights Live, Personal Growth Radio 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 Your Essential Questions | Oakland 7-8:30pm. In this class, we look in to our questions about purpose and meaning, usually hidden beneath our preoccupation with outer life. $10/your 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. JoyOfHealing@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.

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. 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. 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. 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. 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.

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

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 doTerra 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. Quiet the Mind & Open the Heart | Pleasanton 7pm. First Wednesday of the month. This workshop is for people looking for a life transformation and

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, and 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

is designed to work with pre-teens in developing a strong sense of self. Students are taught relaxation techniques, yoga postures and breathe work. Age-appropriate activities are used to promote self-love, community and an awareness of the environment. No yoga experience necessary. $12/ class; $38/month. Yoga Works, 1131 Locust St, 2nd Flr, Walnut Creek. 925-478-7272. InfoNorCal@ YogaWorks.com. 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. Weight Loss Class | Castro Valley 6-7pm. Come to the Nature’s Sunshine Health Center weight loss class. We are currently working on a one-on-one basis. $25/week. Nature’s Sunshine Health Center, 21709 Redwood Rd, Castro Valley. Please call to schedule your appointment at 510-582-8482. Change Your Water, Change Your Life | Walnut Creek 6:30-7:30pm. Join us for a presentation to learn how alkalized, ionic Kangan water can bring your body into a state of balance. Eliminating toxic pesticides and household chemicals from your daily life. RSVP. 925-609-4426. Free Kundalini Meditation | Berkeley 7pm. See Sun listing for details. Free. Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th St, Berkeley. 510-4868700. Ellen@TrikaShala.com. 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.

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. Clarity WithSusan@gmail.com. ClarityWithSusan.com.

Game Night | Berkeley

Youth Yoga | Walnut Creek

Bellydance Class | Oakland

3:45-4:30pm. Ages 5-8. 4:45-5:45pm. Ages 9-11. Members and non-members welcome. This class

7:30pm. Build your self-confidence! This class is also a great low-impact workout focusing on basic

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 confirmation is available at 924GameNight@ gmail.com.

natural awakenings

December 2016

bellydance steps, muscular technique, isolations and musicality. No experience required. Wear yoga pants, capris or shorts so instructor can see your leg positions. Tank top or another workout shirt. You don’t have to expose your belly. Hip scarves are optional. Bare feet or thin-soled dance shoes. $25/3 classes for new students, $16/drop-in. Yoga Love Oakland, 3851 Market St, Oakland. Holistic Bellydance@gmail.com. HolisticBellydance.com. 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. East Bay Biodanza Class | Berkeley 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.

ley Blvd, Walnut Creek. 925-256-3572. Walnut CreekRec.org.

saturday Webinar Series: The Degrees of Woman in Sufism Join Susan Rahima Schmall to learn how spiritual connection affects illness as it manifests in the physical, emotional and mental bodies. Incorporate spiritual healing for the physical body. Gifted at creating a safe nurturing space for people with physical illness and emotional pain can find peace. She is passionate about helping students develop their own gifts as healers and human beings. SufiUniversity.org/Distance-Learning/Webinars/. 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

friday Nia | Oakland 8:45am. See Monday listing for details. Namaste Rockridge, 5416 College Ave, Oakland. Info@ FloraMotion.net. FloraMotion.net. 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 Fellowship Hall, 5801 Racine St, Oakland. For more information please call, 510-652-4915. Grow@ MemorialTabernacle.org. Parent’s Night Out | Emeryville 6-10:30pm. This is a great night out for everyone in the entire family. Children’s ages are 4 and up, and must be potty-trained. The kids get to jump, frolic, flip, while in a safe environment. Then they can enjoy pizza and an appropriate movie. All while parents get a night out. $35. Head Over Heels Athletic Arts, 4701 Doyle St, Bldg F, Emeryville. For questions and more information please call 510-655-1265. Diedra@HohAthleticArts.com. HOHAthleticArts.com. Concert in the Park | Pleasanton

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

Bloomin’ Belly Flow Prenatal Yoga | Walnut Creek 11am-12:15pm. Bloom Retreat, 1444 S Main St, Walnut Creek. 925-939-6262. BloomRetreat.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, collectors, 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. Bellydance Class | Oakland Noon. Build your self-confidence! This class is also a great low-impact workout focusing on basic bellydance steps, muscular technique, isolations and musicality. No experience required. Wear yoga pants, capris or shorts so instructor can see your leg positions. Tank top or another workout shirt. You don’t have to expose your belly. Hip scarves are optional. Bare feet or thin-soled dance shoes. $25/3 classes for new students, $16/drop-in. Yoga Love Oakland, 3851 Market St, Oakland. Holistic Bellydance@gmail.com.

Farmers’ Market | Pleasanton 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. Health & Awakening | Oakland 10-11am. Oakland Asian Cultural Center, 388 9th St, Suite 290, Oakland. 510-637-0455. Info@ ShaolinMaster.org. Breema: The Art of Being Present | Oakland 10-11:30am. Breema is an ideal vehicle to practice body-mind connection, the first step towards an actual taste of presence. $10/your first class is free. The Breema Center, 6076 Claremont Ave, Oakland. 510-428-0937. Breema.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. 925-484-2199. PleasantonDowntown.net.

Castro Valley Farmers’ Market | Castro Valley

Drop-In Volleyball | Walnut Creek

Morning Meditation | Berkeley

7-10pm. Open to the first 45 participants. $5. Tice Valley Community Gymnasium, 2055 Tice Val-

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 to teach you what you need to know. North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, Berkeley. More information at 510-981-6250. BerkeleyPublic Library.org.

10am-2pm. Join us very week for the freshest and the best produce and baked goods our state has to 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.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

classifieds Fee for classifieds is $1 per word per month. To place 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.

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 6.

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.

body work The Breema Center 6076 Claremont Avenue Oakland, CA 510-428-0937 Center@Breema.com Breema.com

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 9.

BUSINESS Savvy Selling NOW! Leslie Ellis 925-338-2924 office 925-299-1920 mobile

As a healer, you love helping people! Do you enjoy the business side of your practice? I work with entrepreneurs to help them become more comfortable with all aspects of sales. If you are going to be wildly successful, you need to be good at selling! Contact me for a free strategy session. Leslie@ SavvySellingNow.com or 925-338-2924.

BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS San Ramon Holistic Chamber of Commerce

HolisticChamberOfCommerce.com/ Ca-San-Ramon MeetUp.com/San-Ramon-Holistic-Chamber-of-Commerce 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 17.

CHIROPRACTOR JANE H. BAXLEY, D.C.

POSTURE PERFECT Certified Posture Expert Certified Advanced BioStructural Correction Practitioner 931 Hartz Way #120, Danville 925-406-3222 DrJaneBaxley.com Dr. Baxley combines cutting-edge postural and pain management technologies with ergonomic training to provide immediate and lasting improvement. Breathe easier and stand straighter with less effort starting with your first visit. Patients report relief of issues including neck, low back, knee, and foot pain as well as increased energy, improved health, function, and sports performance.

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. See ad, page 7.

MICHAEL REHL, DC

Chiropractic & Advanced Holistic Health Care 1280 Boulevard Way, Ste 211, Walnut Creek Michael@MichaelRehl.com MichaelRehl.com 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 healing process. See ad, page 23.

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natural awakenings

December 2016

HOLISTIC CAREGIVING

EDUCATION Singing Stones School

HOLISTIC CAREGIVERS

2491 San Miguel Dr. Walnut Creek, Ca 925-948-5006 SingingStones.org

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

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.

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.

University of Spiritual Healing & Sufism (USHS) 800-238-3060, option 5 Outreach@SufiUniversity.org SufiUniversity.org

When you say you are in love with humanity, you are well satisfied with yourself. ~Luigi Pirandello

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.

holistic dentist HERBAL MEDICINE Ancient Traditions Healing Erin Massengale 624 Ferry St. Martinez, 94553 925-725-1067

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.

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. ~Albert Einstein 30

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 biodental health experience. Give us a call to schedule your next holistic dental appointment today. See ad, page 13.

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, page 3.

East Bay Area | www.NAEastBay.com

HOLISTIC HEALTH COACH ALEXANDRA LE NY HEALTH COACHING

925-858-2133 AlexandraLeNy@yahoo.com AlexandraLeNy.com As a certified Health Coach with the AADP, clients are guided in improving their health and happiness through dietary and lifestyle changes. With support and direction we focus on balancing their primary foods (work, relationships, spirituality and exercise) and secondary foods (diet). This is achieved through a holistic approach on health, taking into account diet, lifestyle, environmental toxins, and disease prevention. Healing is supported through knowledge in nutrition, supplements, herbs, aromatherapy and homeopathic options.

HYPNOTHERAPY ADVANCED HYPNOTHERAPY Barbara Lynn Allen, MS, CCHT, DCEP 510-528-4976 Berkeley, Ca 94709 therapymaster@earthlink.net AdvancedHypnotherapy.com

I offer a unique blend of hypnotherapy, energy therapy and wise counseling to quickly and permanently solve emotional, physical and relationship problems. With 25 years of experience, I rapidly clear your core issues while offering gentle relief from depression, anxiety and blocks to success. Call for your free phone consultation.

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, 21 years in business.

DRAKE BEAR STEPHEN, BA, CHT 925-348-3336 DrakeInnerprizes.com DrakeBearStephen@pacbell.net

Ever wonder who you were in a past life? Have you created your affirmation for the afterlife you want? Drake is a hypnotherapist and shamanic energy medicine practitioner that specializes in integrating past lives with present lives. Call for a free consultation today.

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 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.

SOMATIC therapist NEAL WINBLAD, MFT, SEP 780 Main St, Ste 201, Pleasanton 925-963-9786 NWinblad.com

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.

Nine-tenths of wisdom is being wise in time. ~Theodore Roosevelt

SPIRITUAL CENTER

SPIRITUAL WELLNESS

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!

SPIRITUAL HEALING HOLLY M. COOK

925-354-4508 SacredHeartAscension.com Holly@SacredHeartAscenion.com Change your time line to fit your spiritual desires. Clear deep beliefs and trauma that hold you from moving into your true essence. Specializing to connect physical and emotional dis-ease with energy/ soul blockages, Holly can help you move forward and clear the past allowing you to create a desired future. Her clients have experienced shifts in their consciousness, spiritual awakening, cleared family issues and have overcome physical and emotional pain. Explore a blended session of shamanism, theta healing, reiki, chakra clearing and more. Also available for phone sessions.

BE EMPOWERED!

A Beautiful Light 925-997-7518 Kathleen@A-Beautiful-Light.com A-Beautiful-Light.com Expand your potential! Experience greater health and empowerment in mind, body & soul with these once secret, ancient lineage classes, activations & healings. Proven for over 3,000 years, these ancient wisdoms create transformation & greater energetic flow in all areas of life. Kathleen is a Healer, Guide & Ritual Master in the Modern Mystery School from the lineage of King Salomon.

Janet Myatt, MA

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 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.

natural awakenings

December 2016

ananda school OF yoga & meditation® ® Teacher ® • Ananda Yoga TrainingYOGA®• THERAPY Ananda Yoga® ANANDA Therapy Training ANANDA YOGA ANANDA MEDITATION® • Bridge to Ananda Yoga® for RYTs • Restorative Yoga Teacher Training • Prenatal Yoga Teacher Training

• Ananda Meditation® Teacher Training • Ananda Spiritual Counseling™ Training • ONLINE Meditation Teacher Training

EXPLORE YOUR

Highest Potential Heart-centered teacher trainings since 1985 700- acre ashram-setting at Ananda Village Come explore our trainings — stay a free night

Level 2 YTT and Yoga Therapist Training open to RYTs Founding Member of the Yoga Alliance Yoga Therapist Training accredited by IAYT

Based on the teachings and yogic lifestyle as shared by

Paramhansa Yogananda

14618 Tyler Foote Road, Nevada City, CA 95959 (530)478-7518