Natural Awakenings Magazine September 2010

HEALTHY LIVING HEALTHYLIVING PLANET HEALTHY HEALTHY feel goodPLANET live simply laugh more

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“Dancing with the Stars”

MAKS

mind, body & spirit moving him beyond the dance floor

Seane Corn

TITANS

and the

OFYOGA share insights and advice

EXPRESS YOUR

CREATIVITY SPECIAL ISSUE

SEPTEMBER 2010

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Naturopathy (Each year 600 hours)

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• Herbology • Aromatherapy • Nutrition • Live Food Preparation • Light Healing Touch • Reflexology • Homeopathy • And More!

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contents 8

8 globalbriefs

11 ecobriefs

12 healthbriefs

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14 fitbody

18 wisewords 20 healthykids 22 healingways 30 inspiration

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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 TITANS OF YOGA Lessons Distilled

From a Lifetime of Disciplined Practices

by Johannes R. Fisslinger

18 FEEL GOOD FILMS Producer Stephen Simon

33 greenliving

36 naturalpet

20 FUN FALL

39 consciouseating

advertising & submissions How to Advertise To advertise with Natural Awakenings or request a media kit, please contact us at 616-656-9232 or email: Publisher@ NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for space reservation is the 12th of each month prior to publication.

News Briefs & article submissions Email articles to: Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for articles is the 5th of the month prior to publication. Submit News Briefs online at NaturalWestMichigan.com. Deadline for news briefs is the 12th of the month prior to publication.

MIGRATIONS A Perfect Family Field Trip

by Martin Miron

22 CREATIVE EXPRESSION Instrument of Healing

by Mary Beth Maziarz

24 LIVING ART

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Creativity Inspires Community

by Kirsten Broadfoot

32 EARTH MUSIC Soundscapes of

Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com.

Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

by Susie Ruth

If you enjoyed this magazine and would like to know where you can pick up a free copy in your area, please contact us at 616656-9232 or email us at: publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com

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by Ellen Mahoney

calendar submissions

WHERE TO PICK UP NATURAL AWAKENINGS

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A Conversation with

America’s Quiet Places

33 LET’S TALK TRASH

Michigan’s Adopt-A-Highway

by Sharon Pisacreta

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36 STEP UP TO

GOOD GROOMING

by Morieka V. Johnson

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contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Editors S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Design & Production Interactive Media Design Scott Carvey

Printer Newsweb Natural Awakenings 484 Sunmeadow Dr. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 Phone: 616-656-9232 Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com

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Committed to Sustainability Natural Awakenings is locally owned and operated.

erhaps you have always thought of yourself as a creative person. I do, even though I can’t carry a tune or lay claim to artistic talent. My own creativity manifests as ideas; I love to think outside the box.

For example, I relish figuring out ways to save money and to tread more lightly on our beautiful Earth. I like arriving at fresh ways to get mundane tasks and chores done. I compulsively daydream about better ways to organize my life.

But boy do I have fun doing it. In every instance, the accompanying sense of accomplishment makes me feel smart and, well, CREATIVE.

For the past 14 years, I have enjoyed the privilege of coaching teenagers participating in sideline and competitive cheerleading in our local community. It’s vital that we adult mentors find ways to keep the teens motivated, make practices fun, and ensure that teaching techniques maintain their interest as learning grows and expands.

The young ladies I’ve had the privilege of working with provide a constant reminder of how youthful it feels to rev up the ol’ creative juices. If, as adults, we tend to get uptight and worry about every little thing, young people are good at illustrating how life is a journey and what we choose to make of it is what truly matters.

I’ve noticed a troubling phenomenon, however. It seems to me that today’s youth appear to be less creative, compared to when I started coaching. I think technology has played a huge part in this. Although technological advances stir the imagination in some ways and can be a blessing, I think they also tend to do too much for us, and so stifle healthy creative initiative in other ways.

Here’s my challenge for us all: Try one new creative thing this month; write a poem, start a book, paint, draw, craft… the options are endless.

One fun idea is to take a dance class. To stir your spirit, we are featuring an interview with Maksim (Maks) Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars.

He explains how dance has influenced his life as well as his philosophy on healthy living. Check out his story on page 30.

I hope this special issue on Creative Expression inspires you to do something new and satisfying or else revisit and revive a fulfilling former talent. Whatever or whoever it is that sparks new excitement in you, our contributors this month highlight why it’s vital for each of us to put creativity at the forefront of our life.

Let’s create a way,

Natural Awakenings is printed on 100% recycled newsprint with soy based ink.

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West Michigan Edition

Amy and Kyle Hass, Publishers NaturalWestMichigan.com

newsbriefs Holistic Health Counselor Added to The Team

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e are pleased to announce the addition of Laura Burkett, Real Food Wellness LLC, to the Center. Laura is a Holistic Health Counselor and received her education from the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in NYC. Certified through the American Association of Drugless Practitioners (AADP), Laura works with men and women to discover what foods work best for their body, deconstruct chaotic eating patterns and emotional eating, and reconnect with what they want for their health and their life.

Visit grcenterforthehealingarts.com for more information.

Anne Price, Director Grand Rapids Center for the Healing Arts, 3160-C Breton SE. 616-648-7011. See ad page 29

Promoting Agrarian Self-Sufficiency

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emands for value-added and gourmet natural food products are growing. Join Circle Pines Center in exploring potential niche marketing opportunities for agricultural entrepreneurs.

September 17-19 Michigan mycologists David Schaffer and Brian Rogers will reveal the art and science of growing edible and medicinal mushrooms. The pair owns and operates Mushroom Gardens LLC, a successful fungi farm in Interlochen. These experts will lead you in hands-on log inoculation with cold stain oyster spores and impart trade secrets of the mushroom business. The weekend will also include Qigong, goat milking, lakeside sauna, canoeing, hiking and relaxation in a wooded atmosphere.

Another slow food and homesteading event at CPC will demonstrate how to extend the local food season. Harvest Weekend on Saturday, September 25th will include an experiential dehydration workshop led by Excalibur CEO Whitney Verkade. Other workshops will explore and explain canning the garden’s bounty and cooking root vegetables with our very own talented kitchen staff.

CPC is dedicated to supporting Southwest Michigan farmers. All participants of camps, educational events and retreats are served from-scratch meals consisting of organic, locally sourced ingredients. This approach is in accordance with the mission of CPC to teach peace, social justice, environmental stewardship and cooperation as a way of life. Costs for workshops vary; visit circlepinescenter.org for more information.

To register call Circle Pines Center at 269-623-5555 or info@ circlepinescenter.net.

Presentation on Earth Friendly Products

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atch the Vision Enterprises has so much to show you! An online presentation from the comfort of your own home has proven effective with time-conscious people. You will be shown how to purchase the highest quality products at great pricing by partnering with an exceptional manufacturer committed to you, your family, your pets and the earth! Your pets are very special. Removing toxic cleaning and personal care products from your home is probably the easiest thing you can do to prolong the good health of your pets. Safe, non-toxic, non-irritating products can replace many of the strong chemicals in your cupboards and can be purchased, often times at a much lower cost. Receive a 40% discount on cosmetics and skin care products and enjoy a 30% discount on over 300 other products. Anyone can shop by phone or online! Refer a friend to shop and you could receive a ‘thank you’ check every time they shop! Watch the presentation and make the best decision for you, your family, your pets and our earth.

For more information contact themartins@wedeliverwellness.com or call 616-791-8818 or 800-947-8412. See ad page 8

New Massage Therapist at Chel Lea and Friends

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hel Lea and Friends of Ionia welcomes Trisha Fosburg of Fosburg Oasis. Trisha is a 2010 Graduate of Everest and she is opening her business on August 28th at Chel Lea and Friends. A lifelong resident of Ionia County, Trisha is a loving wife to Doug and a blessed

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mother to Keisha 10, and Luke 7. Trisha will be offering spa and therapeutic massage Tuesday thru Friday 11am until 6pm with additional times available by appointment. It is important to Trisha and Chel Lea that people are able to afford services that help their MIND~BODY & SOUL. Special Rates for Massage: $25 for 30 minutes and $40 for an hour. Call to make your appointment, or just walk on in!

Chel Lea and Friends, 402 Main St, Ionia. 616-522-9290 www.chelleaandfriends.com. See ad page 28

Find Your Inner World

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ary McGuire, married, mother of two, and a secondgeneration astrologer, from Howard City, sheds light on the hidden aspects of people. She has opened new doors, and brought awareness of hidden potentials to many. Her work has inspired others to make outstanding life changes, which has encouraged them to their natural, spiritual path of self-healing.

Learn how to find the natural connection to your inner self. Mary will be teaching different ways to access joy through the creative nature of the planets, plus much more. Join her on October 2 & October 3 from 10:00am until 4:00pm at The Healing Center in Lakeview (332 South Lincoln Ave), with meditations and individual charts for all. Two days for only $100.00.

Class size is limited, so sign up soon. Latest sign-up date is September 24th. When registering, you must provide your date, time and city/state of birth to complete your birth chart.

A $25 non-refundable deposit is also required.

To schedule, call at: 989-352-6500 or email Mary at mary350@ymail.com

Pilgrimage to China & Tibet

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ext spring, be guided by Pilgrim Spirit Tours and discover the ancient traditions nestled in these still remote areas of China.

Travel as pilgrims, with Chinese and Tibetan guides, as we discover and immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds and beliefs of cultures that remain colorful, unique and largely undiscovered.

The Minority Cultures Pilgrimage to China and Tibet (April 12-28, 2011) has rates available for flights in and out of China.

It may be more cost effective for individuals to book their flights

SHORELINE WOMEN’S CENTER

WATER BIRTHING Southwest Michigan’s only water birthing program.

Eva Fronk, CNM

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Ask our midwives if Water Birth is for you!

Contact: Shoreline Women’s Center 269.639.2720 Monday through Friday 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Mercedes Moran, CNM

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

or have Pilgrim Spirit Tours book the flights one at a time, rather than reserve a set of seats. PST is finding individual rates of $750 while being quoted a price of $1700/passenger to secure a block.

Now is the time to do your final research and to send in your deposit for the pilgrimage. As soon as refundable deposits of $100 are received for 6 travelers, everyone will be notified to begin booking flights. Deposits are due by November 15.

If the required 6 deposits are not received at that time, the pilgrimage will not take place in 2011. The cost of the 18-day pilgrimage is $4960, excluding international airfare.

If you have any questions contact Barbara Lee at 616-5022078 or barbaralee13@gmail.com. Visit www.pilgrimspirittours.com for more information. See ad page 47

Doggie-Style EcoTrek Session

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pecial outdoor workout session for you and your furry friend on September 14 from 6:00–7:30pm at Coast Guard Park in Ferrsyburg. Owners are free and dogs are only $5.00.

Please bring a leash along, wear comfy clothes and your tennis shoes. EcoTrek Fitness owner Cari Draft and her semi-famous TeddyBear & Cari chihuahua/lab mix, TeddyBear will be leading the session playing in the park and hiking some wooded trails.

Call 616-291-2851 or email cari@ecotrekfitness.com to register. See ad page 10

2nd Annual Eat Local Challenge

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rom September 12-26, Take the Eat Local Challenge and decide to eat locally. You can post your experiences on the Eat Local Challenge blog or host an Eat Local Party for your friends and use some of the recipes on the website.

Visit LocalFirst.com for more information.

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Renewal

Health

Holistic Health Counseling

We Specialize in: Cancer Coaching - support thru treatments, finding the best complimentary treatments, giving you the best chance of reversing the cancer growth, improving your quality of life and preventing a cancer recurrence Increasing Energy - you are only as old as you look, feel and perform

www.renewal2health.com cathy or amy (616) 217-2232

Weight Loss - excess weight increases your risk of all the major diseases Call or sign up online for a free 30 minute health consultation to discuss your unique situation and determine how we can help you reach your personal goals.

Film Documentary Searching for Midlife Women

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film crew from Amsterdam is coming to Michigan this fall to create a DVD on the success of Dinah’s Midlife Re~Enchantment Tele-Support Groups. If you are 35 - 60 and are having challenges discovering and/or communicating your needs, showing up for yourself as you do for others, I would love to hear from you.

To find out more about Dinah and her midlife work please visit www.Midlifefairygodmothers.com. See ad page 47

Become Active in Your Healing

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ach person is entitled to create a healing program that addresses his or her individual and unique strengths and needs.

Cathy, at Renewal2Health, is ready to offer guidance and support to blend and choose from the very best interventions available. For those who are recently diagnosed and need support sorting thru all the modalities of treatments offered or those who are already in traditional or non-traditional treatments and are looking for support to rebuild and reduce the risk of a recurrence, Renewal 2 Health has a wealth of knowledge to assist.

Group meetings are held to encourage participants to become active in their healing process rather than simply a passive recipient of care. Using nutrition, meditation, guided imagery, breathing and movement along with having access to the most comprehensive list of complementary treatments available, Renewal 2 Health’s approach optimizes cancer treatment. Thus, giving the best chances of reversing cancer growth, improving your quality of life and preventing a cancer recurrence. In a complex world with more choices every day, the need to partner with your doctors and Renewal 2 Health to actively create a better future is now. An informational group meeting for Cancer Support is set for Tuesday Sept. 21st 7:30 pm at Panera Bread 3770 28th St in Kentwood.

For more information visit www.renewal2health.com or call 616 217-2232. See ad page 6

Amrit Yoga Teacher Publishes Transformative Book

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ill Eager’s latest book, Thrive Inside: Transformative Secrets of Spiritual Masters, Gurus & Shamans, expands on his research for numerous articles on the physical and spiritual aspects of yoga and weaves together teachings from many spiritual traditions to offer insights and tips that apply to all areas of life.

Eager aims to help individuals learn how to activate the healing intelligence of energy systems within their own bodies.

In the book, the author shares his experiences with various teachings and his dialog with great masters. An encounter with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, for example, reveals the compassion and love at the core of all relationships.

Eager’s connection with Yogi Amrit Desai and the Amrit Yoga Institute, in Salt Springs, Florida, catalyzed his pursuit of better understanding the principles of yoga and natural health. A certified Amrit Method® teacher, he has also studied with yoga masters Alan Finger, A.G. Mohan and B.K.S. Iyengar. Eager is a certified yoga nidra instructor, Reiki practitioner and energy healer, as well.

“It is your birthright to have transformational experiences that create harmony and happiness,” advises Eager. “This is how you change yourself and transform the world.”

Thrive Inside is available at Amazon.com; signed copies are available through ThriveInside.net/yogabook.html.

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globalbriefs News and resources to inspire concerned citizens to work together in building a healthier, stronger society that benefits all. The International Day of Peace is September 21.

Mental Videos

Daydreams Have Everyday Benefits Scientific interest in daydreaming was kicked off a decade ago, when Marcus Raichle, a neurologist and professor with Washington University in St. Louis, discovered that several parts of the brain become unusually active metabolically when the brain is thought to be idling. His findings further showed that daydreaming is the mind’s default mode... and that’s not a bad thing.

Today, researchers know that daydream content pretty much maps onto people’s everyday goals, aspirations and apprehensions, rather than being exotic meanderings. For the average person, daydreaming typically represents a kind of mental rehearsal, maintaining the brain in a state of readiness to respond. As pioneering psychologist Jerome Singer pointed out, “You can engage in trial action without any consequences. Such fantasies may fulfill a psychic need.”

In Psychology Today, author Josie Glausiusz reports that daydreaming seems to be an essential human activity. Daydreams help us generate our sense of self, hone social skills and serve as a font of creativity for those who pay attention to them, all of which make us feel vibrant, aware and engaged with life.

Entrance Exam

College Applicants Leverage their Creativity Tufts University, in Medford, Massachusetts, now invites prospective students to submit an optional, one-minute personal video to supplement their admissions application. The purpose is to discern the student’s creative side, which they may also display by way of an essay or by creating something using a single 8½-by-11-inch sheet of paper.

Find videos at YouTube.com, search Tufts Admissions Videos.

Prized Junto

The Creativity Foundation Taps Top Talents Two 21st century awards, sponsored by The Creativity Foundation, annually recognize current and potential contributors to innovative thinking and applied creativity. The Creativity Laureate Prize honors the most gifted thinkers and catalysts in all areas of human endeavor—the arts, sciences, humanities, technology and public service.

The Legacy Prize salutes students who show great promise and dedication in their chosen field of public service.

For details see Creativity-Found.org.

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One America

Unique outdoor group workouts across West Michigan Come try it once or sign up for a whole series!

Cari Draft, owner & founder 616.291.2851

2.00 OFF

*

YOUR FIRST SESSION IN ANY SERIES

EcoTrek Fitness

Latin rhythms and melodies have been spicing up popular music for years. Now, the infectious influences from every corner of Central and South America are turning up in concert halls, performed by symphony orchestras across the United States.

This season’s arrival of Venezuela’s superstar conductor Gustavo Dudamel as music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic has ignited a love affair with tonalities from south of the U.S. border.

“Arts organizations that recognize and incorporate Hispanic culture are both at the cutting edge and ensuring their own future,” remarks Carol Reynolds, music history professor at Southern Methodist University, in Dallas. “The incorporation of Latin-based music into the classical world is long overdue.”

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

NAwakeCoupon

$

A bit of cardio, strength training, & flexibility. . . all outdoors in 75-minute sessions, in a different place every time!

ALL DETAILS ON WEBSITE

Classical Forms Meet Latin Rhythms in Concert Halls

Creative Computing

Programmed Software Composes Original Music

EXPIRES 11.30.10

*$2.00 OFF ANY REGULARLY-PRICED SESSION OF $12 EACH

www.ecotrekfitness.com “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks, breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.”

From Darkness, Light is the debut album of Emily Howell, a computer program with the ability to synthesize musical pieces resembling the works of history’s most renowned classical composers. Emily’s programmer, David Cope, professor emeritus at the University of California, Santa Cruz, believes that such artistically able machines signal an opportunity for collaboration with human artists, not a digital replacement for them. “Computers are there [for us] to extend ourselves through them,” he says.

Human musicians perform most of Emily’s compositions.

Source: The Christian Science Monitor

~ Mary Lou Cook

Park Art

Artist-in-Residence Programs Available Nationwide Hundreds of artist-in-residence programs at sites across the country also include those at 29 national parks. The National Park Service offers opportunities for qualifying two-dimensional visual artists, photographers, sculptors, performers, writers, composers and craft artists to live and work in the parks from several weeks to several months of the year.

Learn more at nps.gov/archive/volunteer/air.htm as well as MesArt.com/art/Resources:Artist-inResidency_Programs.

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West Michigan Edition

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ecobriefs Legislative Imperative

Citizens Spark Action on Climate Change On October 10, citizens in communities around the world will launch global work parties aimed both to reverse climate change caused by dangerous levels of carbon dioxide emissions and send a clear message to governments that it’s past time for elected officials to get busy.

Citizens will put up solar panels, insulate homes, organize bicycle rides, plant trees and advance other ideas for the types of local and global solutions needed to address the current climate crisis. “Our message is: If we can get to work, so can our lawmakers,” says Bill McKibben, environmental author and founder of 350.org, the group that is rallying the 10/10/10 work party events via the Web.

Last year, 350.org orchestrated an international day of action that saw 5,200 events in 180 countries support the goal of reducing CO2 levels from 390 parts per million (now 392 ppm) back to a tipping point of 350 ppm. Leading scientists, beginning with pioneering researcher Dr. James Hansen of NASA, maintain that if we can get back to 350 ppm, we have a shot at climate safety.

Get on board at 350.org.

Gulf Update

Citizens Move to Ban Toxic Oil Dispersants as Options In response to British Petroleum’s use of toxic chemicals to disperse the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, American citizens are asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to immediately delist products of concern from the National Contingency Plan Product Schedule. This would include removing such dispersants as an approved method of dealing with an oil spill.

Products of concern are defined as those that contain any substances known to be a human health hazard or that have not been proven to be nontoxic to wildlife species relevant to the area where they will be used.

Sign the petition at ipetitions.com/petition/delist.

Sharp Traveler

Airlines Fall Short of Facilitating Eco-Friendly Skies According to the National Resources Defense Council, nearly 75 percent of in-flight generated waste is recyclable, but only 20 percent actually gets recycled. Green America’s consumer watchdog website, ResponsibleShopper.org, reports that airlines could recycle nearly 500 million more pounds of waste each year, half of it in-flight waste. Some airlines say they’re making progress, yet none collects and processes all the major recyclables of aluminum cans, glass, plastic and paper, or has a comprehensive program to minimize packaging and compost food waste, according to Green America’s recent review.

“For concerned consumers looking to spend their travel dollars wisely, airline waste may be the ultimate example of, ‘What goes up must come down,’” comments lead researcher Victoria Kreha. Green America’s airline rankings for recycling, from best to worst, are: Delta, Virgin, Southwest, Continental, Jet Blue, American, British Airways, Air Tran, United and US Airways.

Beyond the environmental benefits, recycling airline waste would create jobs nationwide; according to Colorado Recycles, recycling creates six times as many jobs as does landfilling.

Take action at GreenAmericaToday. org/go/AirlineRecyclingReport; email executives at listed airlines and report how flight attendants answer when asked about company recycling policies.

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healthbriefs

Flaxseed a Natural Alternative to Cholesterol Drugs

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new study from Iowa State University’s Nutrition and Wellness Research Center may give men a way to combat high cholesterol without drugs—if they don’t mind sprinkling some flaxseed into their daily diet.

In the study, researchers examined the effects of eating flaxseed lignans (natural plant chemicals found in flaxseed) on 90 people diagnosed with high cholesterol. The results showed that consuming at least 150 milligrams per day (about three tablespoons) decreased cholesterol in men by just under 10 percent over the three months of the study. They did not see similar results in women.

Suzanne Hendrich, a professor of food science and human nutrition at the university who led the study, notes that the flaxseed tablets used in the research are not available in the United States, but sprinkling ground flaxseed on cereal and other foods can provide ample cholesterol-lowering flaxseed lignans. Ground flaxseed will oxidize over time, she says, possibly affecting its flavor as well as omega-3 content, so keep it fresh.

Clapping Hands Sharpens the Brain

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new study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev reveals that hand-clapping songs boost the development of motor and cognitive skills in children ages 6 through 10. “We found that children in the first, second and third grades who sing these [kinds of] songs demonstrate skills absent in children who don’t take part in similar activities,” explains Dr. Idit Sulkin, of the university’s music science lab. “We also found that children who spontaneously perform hand-clapping songs in the yard during recess have neater handwriting, write better and make fewer spelling errors.”

Sulkin engaged several elementary school classrooms in a program of either music appreciation or hand-clapping songs for 10 weeks. With the hand-clapping group, she found that “Within a very short period of time, the children who until then hadn’t taken part in such activities caught up in their cognitive abilities to those who did.”

The children’s teachers believe that those who participate in such hand-clapping songs also exhibit better social integration.

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West Michigan Edition

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Just Dance!

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eniors who regularly put on their dancing shoes benefit from more than just having a good time. According to University of Missouri-Columbia researchers, participation by older adults in dance-based therapy can improve both their balance and walking speed, key factors in reducing the risk of falls and injury. The researchers used a program called the Lebed Method, based on a combination of low-impact dance steps, choreographed to music.

In the latest of a series of studies, volunteers at an independent-living community participated in 18 dance sessions over a two-month period. The seniors had so much fun that they continued dancing after the study concluded.

Grapes as Medicine

A diet rich in natural grapes—red, green and black—could slow a downhill progression from high blood pressure and insulin resistance to heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Scientists at the University of Michigan Health System believe that grapes’ naturally occurring antioxidants, known as phytochemicals, help reduce risk factors related to cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome, often a Type 2 diabetes precursor.

The Human Heart Renews Itself

Researchers at Karolinska Institute, a leading medical university in Sweden, have demonstrated that contrary to conventional theory, heart cells are able to regenerate themselves.

Examining the heart tissue of 50 people over the course of four years, the researchers found that new heart cells appeared to replace older ones at a rate of approximately 1 percent per year in people in their 20s, falling to 0.5 percent per year by age 75. Scientists now hope to find ways to stimulate this natural regeneration of heart cells as a way to avoid heart transplants and help people recover from heart attacks.

When More Isn’t Better

In recent years, multiple studies have touted the benefits of following a diet rich in antioxidant vitamins such as C and E. Now, new findings show that while antioxidant-rich foods are fine when eaten in large quantities, taking too many antioxidants in supplement form can put our health at risk.

Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute report that many people take way too many vitamins, believing that if a little is good, a lot must be better—but that is not the case. “If you are taking 10 or 100 times the amount in a daily multivitamin, you may be predisposing your cells to developing cancer,” warns institute Director Dr. Eduardo Marbán, who led the study.

In a 2008 U.S. Food and Drug Administration survey, more than half (54 percent) of consumers said they now read the label the first time they buy a product. That’s a 10 percent improvement since the 2002 survey. ~ FDA’s Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 2010

Another Strike Against Saturated Fats

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aturated fat commonly found in ice cream, butter, cheese, milk and beef does not behave like fats in other foods, suggests a study from the UT Southwestern Medical Center, in Texas. The researchers found that when brain chemistry gets hit with such fatty acids, it fails to signal the body to stop eating, even when it’s had enough.

SHORELINE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE Helping you balance your mind, body and spirit.

At Shoreline Center for Integrative Medicine, alternative therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine to achieve optimal health and healing. Our patient centered care is personally tailored for you to achieve your maximum health and wellness. We also offer laser hair removal, laser vein reduction and skin care services with a full line of La-Roche Posay products.

Lori Dotson, M.D. • Berti Ferree-Young, R.N. Shoreline Center for Integrative Medicine 950 S. Bailey Avenue South Haven, MI

269.639.2833 www.shch.org

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September 2010

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fitbody

TITANS OF YOGA LESSONS DISTILLED FROM A LIFETIME OF DISCIPLINED PRACTICE

by Johannes R. Fisslinger

Enjoy the moment; don’t be inhibited by the past or future. You are in a timeless space, connected to the infinite. ~ Sharon Gannon, cocreator of Jiva Mukti Yoga

For the first time, organizers of National Yoga Month have collected in one place insights on health, happiness

Try this healing exercise: Sit up, put your hands in your lap, close your eyes and watch your breath. Take 30 seconds to enjoy this moment, right now, being present… and connecting with your inner smile. ~ Lilias Folan, called the “First Lady of Yoga” since her 1972 PBS series, Lilias!

Yoga and You

an d e n l i g h t e n m ent from contemporary practitioners who are deemed by their peers as world titans of yoga.

Focus on the Breath

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he essence of yoga, no matter its style, is a journey of self-discovery and transformation. It becomes a way of life that embraces a system of physical science, while honoring the quest for mental and emotional stability and balance. Millions of U.S. practitioners of all ages enjoy the benefits of increased flexibility and muscle strength, better posture and alignment, and decreased stress. As their practice deepens, they also experience yoga’s larger gift: a body/mind attunement that nurtures mental clarity, emotional composure and a greater sense of overall well-being.

The titans interviewed incorporate various techniques and approaches. Yet, they all agree upon the following handful of principles, designed to inspire, facilitate and heighten anyone’s yoga practice.

Be Present in the Moment Yoga… is about the power of now, being present in the moment. Anytime, [you can] take a few deep breaths and find a peaceful space within. ~ Beth Shaw, founder of YogaFit 14

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If you bring your attention to your breathing, you become present; develop this muscle of being present by focusing on the breath. ~ Bryan Kest, creator of Power Yoga

Try this transformative exercise: If your mind becomes restless, relax your jaw and breathing, then become aware of the quality of your breath, using a soft inhale and exhale.

Feel your belly move as breath enters and exits through the nostrils, like a guest. Choose to observe your breath and it will redirect the mind. ~ Lisa Walford, developer of YogaWorks teacher training program

Experience Health and Oneness with the Body Regular practice is key. Inevitably, if you do the postures enough, there’s magic to them. Even if you [begin with] no intention, yoga leads you to a state of union. Practicing yoga helps you remember that you’re already perfect, already free. ~ Sara Ivanhoe, creator of bestselling yoga DVDs

If you don’t feel good in your body—if you can’t move forward with ease and not dis-ease—how can you feel good about anything? Yoga… makes us feel good about the bodies we are in. ~ Beth Shaw

SEANE CORN FINDING A YOGA STYLE AND MAKING IT MEANINGFUL

by Kim Childs

Yoga strengthens our life force and makes us stronger from deep inside; it builds life energy, prana, chi. ~ Vinnie Marino, Vinyasa flow teacher who employs music styles ranging from trance to rock

Strengthen the Mind through Meditation The real power of yoga is in meditation, the qualities of the mind behind the action. Bring these meditative qualities into the physical practice, and it becomes meditation in motion. ~ Bryan Kest Learn to concentrate on your mantra, your sacred words that you recite over and over again. My favorite is, “Let go… just let it go…” ~ David Life, co-creator of Jiva Mukti yoga Practice pranayama [regulation of the breath] and meditation to improve concentration and the power of your mind.

The mind creates emotions and thoughts; when the mind is healthy, the body and mind connect. Then you really find your soul essence, your consciousness. ~ Rajashree Choudhury, teacher of Bikram yoga

Experience Oneness with the Spirit For energy to be flowing, you have to be in tune and in balance not only with the nature around you, but [with] something that’s deeper inside you. This energy that’s in you, in me, in plants and animals, is the pure energy, the one life that connects us all. Who you are is an expression of consciousness, an expression of God. ~ Kim Eng, Qi Flow yoga teacher and partner of author Eckhart Tolle Yoga helps you [let go of] attachment to material things and empowers your soul. ~ Rajahshree Choudhury The essence of yoga is truth and love… willingness to embrace the God that is within, recognizing that we are all connected. ~ Seane Corn, internationally celebrated yoga teacher Johannes R. Fisslinger is the co-founder of National Yoga Month and founder of Yoga-Recess in Schools. Both initiatives are coordinated by the Yoga Health Foundation. For information about free local yoga classes and events in September and the new Titans of Yoga DVD, featuring 25 masters of yoga and meditation now available through yoga teachers and studios, visit YogaMonth.org.

Seane Corn, a yoga superstar featured on magazine covers and Oprah.com, has been practicing yoga for 23 years and teaching for well over a decade. She has also taken her yoga “off the mat,” inspiring activism and raising funds for programs around the world that serve at-risk youth and AIDS/HIV treatment and prevention. Natural Awakenings asked this renowned teacher to share her advice on choosing a style of yoga and creating a home practice.

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orn observes that personality may initially predispose a student to prefer one style of yoga over another.

“For example, the style of yoga I teach is Vinyasa, a fluid form of yoga,” she says. “It tends to draw people who are more athletic and perhaps more goal-oriented or selfcompetitive—those who prefer a practice that feels more like a workout.” This style of so-called flow yoga can also be very emotionally therapeutic, she adds.

Students who want to try more vigorous yoga styles like Vinyasa or Ashtanga should have a basic understanding of how to build yoga asanas (postures), integrate the breath and work with their body’s flexibility. “In my dream world, students would know that there are techniques they need to understand before they approach a more challenging or fluid practice,” says Corn. “That would mean either going to a very beginner-level class or an Iyengar class. For some students, that may feel too slow, but it’s providing the appropriate information that’s going to give them longevity in their practice.” Likewise, she recommends Iyengar if an individual is recovering from an injury. natural awakenings

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Without proper technique, students can compromise their knees, lower backs and necks, Corn counsels. She explains that while Iyengar is quite a methodical and precise style for teaching fundamentals, styles like Kripalu, characterized as “meditation in motion,” can be more forgiving.

Once people begin to practice, physical and life changes may lead to the exploration of other styles.

This is true for Corn, who has studied many traditions over the years. “When I was younger, I wouldn’t have considered an Iyengar or a Kripalu class,” she recalls. “It was only Ashtanga or Vinyasa. Now that I’m in my 40s—or even back in my 30s—I’ve wanted a deeper practice that has more space and more areas of stillness and connection, which seems to match my growth as a person.”

For those who are grounded in yoga fundamentals and want a home practice, Corn recommends setting aside 30 minutes to an hour at least three days a week. “If you have a halfhour, I would recommend 10 minutes of sun salutes, 10 minutes of standing poses and 10 minutes of backbends, forward bends and a resting pose.”

Turn off phones and other distractions, she advises, and focus. The more sacred, intentional and meaningful a

home practice is, the more likely one is to regard it as more than an exercise routine. “I set up an altar with things that are important to me,” remarks Corn. “When I put my palms together, I’ll set an intention and ask Spirit that the practice be a reflection of my devotion, a dedication to something greater than myself.”

At 43, Corn credits her yoga practice and diet (avoiding meat, fish, dairy, sugar, alcohol, caffeine and chemical additives) with maintaining her good health. “My bones are strong, my muscles and joints are quite supple, and my hormonal system is in really good shape,” she reports. “I don’t have PMS or other [premenopausal] symptoms and my skin looks good and clear. More importantly, I’m just very comfortable in my body and confident on my feet.”

As with any physical undertaking, anyone with a pre-existing injury or medical condition should consult a doctor before beginning a yoga practice. Corn advises students to, “Find a teacher who can meet you where you are.” Once on the mat, she says, explore what feels right and allow your practice to evolve as you do.

Kim Childs is a Kripalu yoga teacher in the Boston area. Connect at KimChilds. com.

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September 2010

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wisewords

FEEL GOOD FILMS A Conversation with Producer Stephen Simon

by Ellen Mahoney

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mong Stephen Simon’s many acclaimed films are the Academy Award-winning What Dreams May Come, Somewhere in Time, and the groundbreaking Conversations with God. He also co-founded The Spiritual Cinema Circle in 2004 with relationship experts Gay and Kathlyn Hendricks. As a subscription-based monthly DVD community, Spiritual Cinema Circle offers viewers a continuous array of upbeat and inspirational films that help us feel better about being human.

Why did you decide to produce spiritual films?

I’ve always loved films like It’s a Wonderful Life, The Ghost and Mrs. Muir, and 2001: A Space Odyssey, that have a spiritual content to them, even though Hollywood refers to them as fantasy films. My dad was a big comedy director in the 1930s and 40s, and I always knew spiritual movies were the kinds of films I wanted to make.

When I was about 30 years old, I read this extraordinary book called Bid Time Return, by Richard Matheson, which I went on to produce as my first film, called Somewhere in Time. What Dreams May Come was also based on a Matheson novel. Later, when I read the Conversations with God books by Neale Donald Walsch and we became good friends, I just knew the story of his life would lend itself to film.

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What is the difference between a spiritual and a religious film?

Mainstream media uses the words spiritual and religious as synonymous terms, but they are not. A religious film would be like The Passion of the Christ or The Ten Commandments, whereas a spiritual film would be like Whale Rider or What Dreams May Come.

I believe spirituality is a personal and private experience, where you have your own relationship with whatever you might call the Divine. You might call this God, but you also might call this spirit, life, the universe or nature.

You can be a spiritual person but not be religious, yet I firmly believe that spiritual and religious people have much more in common than they differ.

Has mainstream America been receptive to this spiritual movement?

I don’t believe in the word mainstream.

To me, it means that entertainment has lost all of its individuality. When you try to attract everybody, you have to be concerned with not offending anybody, and that is not what art and filmmaking is about.

Spiritual filmmaking is definitely a niche. We have subscribers in nearly

100 countries around the world and the primary demographic of our audience tends to be more adult. What we offer strongly appeals to individuals who are looking for this kind of transformative entertainment that both enlightens and allows them to feel better about themselves and the world.

Which filmmakers are producing films that are right for your audience?

A filmmaker produces a spiritual movie because it’s in his heart and it comes from his soul. We have a number of filmmakers we’ve nurtured whom I think are wonderful. For example, we’ve distributed five films from Santa Fe-based Scott Cervine and four films from Geno Andrews, headquartered in Los Angeles.

What are your overriding goals and hopes for Spiritual Cinema Circle?

When Spiritual Cinema Circle films help our community of viewers feel better about being human, that makes me happy. There is enough media that look at the dark, ugly, negative, violent, greedy sides of humanity, and there is no question that these dark elements seem to be part of human nature. But there’s little light shown on the beautiful side of our nature—the side that consciously evolves, forgives and loves.

Spiritual films allow us to look at our humanity when we operate at our best.

This is what we look for when qualifying films for the Spiritual Cinema Circle.

The films we choose are dramatic and the characters experience difficult challenges, but at the end of the day, there is always transcendence, a powerful transformation and a pathway through whatever the darkness may be. Our hope is that viewers are pleased with our movies and feel better at the end of the film than they did at the start.

Visit SpiritualCinemaCircle.com for a free trial.

Ellen Mahoney teaches writing at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Email evm@infionline.net. natural awakenings

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healthykids

FUN FALL MIGRATIONS A PERFECT FAMILY FIELD TRIP

by Martin Miron

Making Plans First, pick a destination. A little research may reveal that you live close to a place where butterflies congregate, birds flock or the antelope play. Start with likely local sources of information like a nature center or county extension service, or even parks and recreation staff, for news of animal activity close to home.

The Internet is a great resource to tap into the big picture of animal migrations. Good places to look include the nonprofit World Wildlife Fund (WorldWildlife.org; enter “migration” in the Search Site box), the U.S. Fish 20

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At NationalZoo.si.edu kids can Search “Wanda” to help Wanda the wood thrush find her way home to her nesting site, and listen to songs from the bird of the day.

and coastlines, yet it’s possible to see migrating animals just about anywhere.

Migration Highlights

and Wildlife Service (fws.gov; choose a region from the dropdown menu), and the kid-friendly Nature Rocks (Nature Rocks.org), where entering a local zip code pulls up all sorts of nearby resources. Plus, community and school librarians are sure to be helpful.

Once you know where you are going and why, a strategy is in order.

The best natural migration corridors are along mountain ridges, river valleys

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Credit: Allen Montgomery/USFWS

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his year, why not make the most of a long weekend by taking the family on a short trip designed to give kids a new, vibrant connection to nature? Everywhere across North America, birds, insects, animals and sea life are repeating their annual rituals of migration, a vital call of the wild that has been enriching life on Earth since long before humans appeared on the scene.

This outing doesn’t have to mean sacrifice, either; you can still visit Aunt Stella or go waterskiing. Planning ahead makes it possible to include unforgettable memories of wildlife in action, as adventurous observations of the animals create family lore, educate and perhaps, bring life lessons.

Every year, starting in October, a spectacular congregation of 25,000 monarch butterflies takes place in Pacific Grove, outside of San Francisco. The overwintering insects’ habits are so reliable that the city calls itself, “Butterfly Town, USA,” and levies a fine for bothering the bugs.

Each fall in Ohio, huge flocks of southbound shorebirds put on a show in several areas along Lake Erie known for superior viewing. Observation points include the Magee Marsh State Wildlife Area and Ottawa Wildlife Refuge, both part of a national Regional Shorebird Reserve, as well the Kildeer Plains and Big Island wildlife areas further inland.

Seasonal residents in Florida aren’t called “snowbirds” for nothing. This subtropical peninsula is either a destination or way station for hundreds of migrating species. Fish, too, perform their own annual odyssey. Down in the Florida Keys, sailfish, grouper, kingfish and cobia are around in the fall and winter, species that you won’t catch in the summertime.

Bison, which once numbered in the millions and roamed the central and western plains from Colorado to

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climes, migrating geese can become an iconic symbol for young children, graphically pointing out the way that wild animals move about the Earth.

Scores of them land for a pit stop in the Chesapeake Bay region and near Midwest lakes.

It’s possible to see migrating animals just about anywhere.

As many as 25 migrating species of birds fly to Puerto Rico en route to their winter quarters further south. There, thousands of American coots and American wigeons, northern pintails, blue-winged teals and other waterfowl present delightful displays.

What to Bring Binoculars are a must for any wildlife trip, together with a field guide for identification, camera and journal.

Credit: Tim Bowman/USFWS

Credit: Ryan Hagerty/USFWS

Texas before being hunted to near extinction, have recovered in managed herds in Yellowstone National Park and on private ranches.

These splendid animals, along with elk, pronghorn antelope, mule deer and bighorn sheep, undergo an annual altitudinal migration among mountain foothills in the face of winter’s arrival. They do it not so much because of the temperature change, but the impending scarcity of food. Park rangers can tell you the best spots to observe this vanishing phenomenon.

Look up over New York and Toronto to witness thousands of Canada geese making their seasonal pilgrimage in their signature, V-shaped formations marked by unmistakable honking. On their way from Hudson Bay to sunnier

Bring along art materials and kids can have fun creating a work of art or science fair project. Scouts can work on assignments for merit badges, too.

Afterward, back at home, review what each child thinks was the best part of the experience and discuss where they might want to go next.

You’ll discover that for nurturing a meaningful bond with Earth’s creatures, nothing can replace witnessing nature in the wild.

Martin Miron is a freelance writer in Naples, FL. Connect at emem.creative@ gmail.com.

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September 2010

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healingways

CREATIVE

EXPRESSION Instrument of Healing

by Mary Beth Maziarz

We all feel drawn by enticing creative projects we’d like to try.

Now we know why…

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ounting scientific evidence makes it clear that personal creative expression, once perceived as a luxury, sideline or hobby in our busy lives, is in fact a keystone of our most healthy and worthwhile activities. In infinitely varied and pleasurable forms, creative practices can move us beyond artful living to also serve as a vehicle for healing.

When we appreciate others’ creativity, or better yet, actively bring creativity to bear in our own experiences, such participation shapes our sense of self and can render physical and emotional benefits. Studies published in Time and MuSICA (Music and Science Information Computer Archive), for example, have shown that music is a powerful ally. Listening and playing music not only helps us manage our moods and emotions, it also works to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, repair and regenerate brain neurons, calm anxiety and regulate heart rate.

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Everyone Benefits Kids clearly benefit from the time they spend on creative pursuits. Beyond being great fun, arts education and creative activities help kids develop confidence and discipline, build mental acuity, increase problem-solving skills and shape more powerful futures.

A study done by the University of California-Irvine, for example, proved that an important link exists between exposure to music and human intelligence, stating that, “Music trains the brain for higher forms of thinking.” A concurring report by the American Music Conference concluded that kids who play a musical instrument are 52 percent more likely to go on to college. Today, children who study the arts continue to outperform non-arts students on Scholastic Aptitude Tests (SAT) by an average of 59 points in verbal skills and 44 points in math skills, according to a College Board study compiled in 2001 by the Music Educators National Conference.

As well as helping the young to mature, creative outlets help the mature stay young. “A lot of our brain is devoted to movement,” notes Kelly G. Lambert, a professor who chairs the psychology department at Randolph-Macon College, in Ashland, Virginia. “Thus, hobbies and activities that use our hands are engaging in more of our brain’s real estate.”

Experts theorize that hands-on activities such as cooking, gardening, making jewelry, crocheting and sculpting may work to enhance mental clarity, because they activate additional parts of the brain.

As we age, managing life’s challenges becomes especially important to overall health and well-being. A regular creative practice helps, according to Manhattan psychologist Dr. Joseph Cilona. “Creative activities can be highly beneficial in the management of stress,” he believes, “particularly the stressors associated with chronic life issues, such as coping with physical illness, a demanding job or troublesome relationships.” As a result, he says, “Individuals can experience a decrease in stress, anxiety and uncomfortable physical symptoms and improvement in symptoms of depression.”

Help for Families Art-based projects open a channel to express difficult feelings and insights. These can be especially helpful for individuals facing conflict or transition, for those recovering from substance abuse and for victims of abuse or trauma. Art therapy—a guided, clinical application of creative practices—is one of therapeutic medicine’s fastest growing fields.

“Art therapy enables clients to express themselves non-verbally, allowing for subconscious wounds to be expressed via drawing, painting, making masks, creative writing and meditation,” observes Candice Christiansen,

a licensed professional counselor and clinical director at Journey Healing Centers addiction treatment facilities in Arizona and Utah. “Art therapy gives clients a way to explore their painful histories in a safe, more comfortable forum.”

Rachel Brandoff, a licensed art therapist and cofounder of the Creative Arts Therapies Center in New York City remarks, “I’ve seen families be drawn together through their own creativity and develop abilities to overcome difficult and often dividing circumstances. Creativity can foster new ways of thinking that allow individuals to find resourceful new ways of being in their world.”

Plus, it’s Fun While any facet of creativity enhances daily experience, focused creative endeavor soothes our bodies, nurtures a rich sense of personal identity and advances the success of our children. When we commit to pursuing a form of art, attend community arts events, vote yes on public referendums for arts funding and support the arts with our time and donations, we keep creativity alive and kicking, making its wonderful works and wider benefits available to all.

Happy creating!

YOGA

Mary Beth Maziarz is an author and professional songwriter whose songs have appeared in 50 films and television shows. Her most recent book is, Kick-Ass Creativity – An Energy Makeover for Artists, Explorers, and Creative Professionals.

Connect at mb@KickAss Creativity.com.

A SAMPLING OF ARTS COMMUNITIES Urban Institute of Contemporary Art Community based art organization.

UICA.org Grand Rapids Community Foundation Helps foster academic achievement, build economic prosperity, achieve healthy ecosystems, encourage healthy people, support the arts and social enrichment and create vibrant neighborhoods. grfoundation.org Grand Rapids Gallery Association A multi-faceted organization celebrating this area’s diverse and stimulating fine arts community. grga.org Arts Council of Greater Grand Rapids Provides its artist members with an exhibition venue, networking opportunities, and professional support. artsggr.org Joyful Sounds Music Studio We bring musical programs that the whole family can enjoy. We recognize that all kids are naturally musical and can learn to sing in tune, keep a beat, and participate with confidence in the music of our culture. kidsmusicgrandrapids.com Abrakadoodle Provides remarkable art classes, art camps and art parties and special events for children ages twenty months to twelve years old at schools, community centers and other convenient locations. abrakadoodle.com/mi01.html Childrens Creations: The Theatre Company for Kids Children’s Creations is committed to helping children achieve their full potential through the mediums of Drama, Voice and Betterment classes. childrenscreations.org VSA Arts of Grand Rapids VSA is the largest non-profit organization in Michigan bringing artists, art projects, teachers and students with disabilities together. vsagr.org

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September 2010

23

Living Art

creativity inspires community

by Kirsten Broadfoot

“All creative people want to do the unexpected.” ~ Hedy Lamarr

When we say someone or something is creative, do we mean imaginative, innovative, inventive, artistic or fantastic? Creativity is about being inquisitive and open to new ideas as well as new ways of putting those ideas together. Individual artists, who are naturally inventive, are central to sustaining the creative spirit for society as a whole.

However, a larger creativity comes alive through collective art making, where the creative impulse requires interaction between the artists and audience.

Such animating experiences, which often take flight from the creation of familiar objects, bring people together in body, mind and spirit, and work to keep us connected.

their simplicity. The most poignant of these remind us of just how very human we are.

Take, for example, the fourth plinth (think pedestal) raised in 2009 in London’s Trafalgar Square by Antony Gormley. This piece of public performance art, entitled One and Other, encouraged anyone interested to ascend

Yielding to the Moment of Creation

Communal creativity exists along a continuum between spontaneity and structure, and gives birth to myriad forms that are sometimes stunning in 24

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Credit: AArt Lab, FortCollins

“Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.” ~ Pablo Picasso

and stay atop the empty plinth for an hour to get a different view of the world. For 100 days, contributing individuals could do whatever they liked for the assigned hour, but the most astounding revelation for all was the ways in which life came to life before their eyes (OneAnd Other.co.uk).

Consider the inspired vision that prompted residents of Fort Collins, Colorado, to devise a traveling pop-up art gallery that transforms empty downtown storefronts into vibrant art spaces until tenants are found. Since 2009, The Art Lab has filled Old Town with art, innovation, music and smiling faces. Anyone can come and create in the space, display their arts and crafts or just sit, talk, brainstorm and share the good energy.

This laid back, yet intimate, contribution to community life ranges from plays and exhibitions to communal paintings (ArtLabFortCollins.org).

Tom Borrup, a creative community builder in Minneapolis, sees such everyday cultural expressions as crucial reservoirs of community spirit (CommunityAndCulture.com). He notes that festivals, recurring gatherings in parks, gardens or community centers and artistic activities of all stripes that gener-

ate and sustain group traditions build community and contribute to everyone’s quality of life.

Working with the Senses “Art has been the means of keeping alive the senses of purpose…” ~ John Dewey

Artful togetherness is woven into the very fabric of community life through what often appears to be everyday utilitarian activities, such as group gardening, sewing, building, painting and cooking. In sharing time and space, we gain a sense of nurturing and realize ways to hold onto the distinction of a place. In the best scenarios, we honor cherished traditions and remain open to learning and reinvention by accepting and incorporating new ideas from unlikely places. … Putting our hands to work

Visitors are likely to be surprised by the hive of activity they encounter in local sewing and knitting supply shops lately. Take the Yarn Shop and Fiber Place, in Bozeman, Montana, for example (BozemanYarnShop.com). The owners host monthly knit-alongs, spinning and weaving circles and knit-for-a-cause events. In New Jersey, a community of volunteers with the Blankie Depot has crafted some 147,000 blankets and other comforting goods for needful youngsters since 1999 (BlankieDepo.org). The Sewful Austin group in Texas, on the other hand, just gets people together to have fun and share ideas for sewing projects (Meetup.com/Sewful-Austin).

Coffee shops, too, can get in on the act. Dogleg Coffeehouse, in Bandera, Texas, (DoglegCoffeehouse.com) is the site of a free monthly art class led by local artists. They’ve sparked a growing community of folks creating new life for repurposed and re-found items.

Spontaneous expression is commonly found in open studios or houses, as groups of artists and others meet to paint, draw, sculpt or mold. Community art collectives like Rock Paper Scissors, in Oakland, California, are hot spots for activities ranging from art walks and

talks to writer readings. A volunteerrun organization, RPS fosters all forms of community arts, crafts and performances through collaborative sharing of ideas, skills and resources aimed to strengthen a sense of community (rpsCollective.org).

Other artists, like Susan Wood, of SusieQ Art based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, move outside the studio to facilitate the co-creation of art in public spaces (SusieQArt.com). Her favorite sites include parks, science museums and natural health expos.

Anyone within earshot can get a nocost creative charge by simply picking up a paintbrush to “add a dab.” To date, the largest ad hoc painting party was 115 people strong, all venturing beyond self-imposed boundaries. … Unleashing indwelling voices

Beyond the creative command of our hands, it also feels good to unleash our bodies and expand the scope of our voices. The modern-day resurrection of drum circles, for instance, is giving new life to dance socials. Based upon one of humanity’s most ancient forms of gathering and sharing within and across communities, loosely structured drumming events around the world leave plenty of room for spontaneous jamming.

Fans view the drum as an especially powerful instrument relating to the human body, as it mimicks the beat

of the human heart.

Waleska Sallaberry relates that their Natural Awakenings’ Drumming Circle in Puerto Rico tops 600 participants a month.

(Find existing drum circles by state or find out how to start one at DrumCircles.net/circlelist. html.)

Another ancient and global form of community building resides in the power of words—whether sung or spoken. We have come to understand that stories sustain our values, myths and belief systems. The National Storytelling Network helps locate master storytellers in the community (StoryNet.org).

We can also create a storytelling event of our own. Ask any informal gathering of new and old friends to each create their own six-word memoir in a round robin event and be amazed at what memories are instantly created. Enjoy checking out and sharing such six-word autobiographies at Smith Magazine (SmithMag.net).

Finally, there are celebratory events at which all kinds of vibrant creative forms come together in one place.

In Naples, Florida, Live Art meets in various places around town for onthe-spot performance music, painting, fire-spinning, poetry, dance and body

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Raw Spirit Festival, Sedona AZ

of participants.

But most creative communities exist like Russian dolls, nested inside other communities and networks of creative activity. These orchestrated intercommunity initiatives can transform a neighborhood’s or city’s well-being on multiple levels. Vehicles vary widely, but here are a few examples to get the creative

painting. It’s a constantly evolving work in progress, sometimes scheduled and sometimes spontaneous, but always full of people having fun together.

In New York, the Horse Trade Theater Group is well known for its independent talent and events, featuring open mic, improv, dance and other “drafts in development,” as they nourish the organic advancement of community (HorseTrade.info). The Windmill Market, in Fairhope, Alabama, offers yet another twist—bringing food, textiles, film, antiques and plants together. Part farmers’ market, part craft fair and part community garden, it’s all about nurturing the fiber of community (Windmill Market.org).

Of course, the ultimate in structure and spontaneity may be the extraordinary Burning Man Project, an annual art event and temporary community based on self-expression and selfreliance in the Black Rock Desert of Nevada. This year’s theme is “Metropolis: The Life of Cities.” (For details of the August 30-September 6, event, visit BurningMan.com.)

Expanding and Amplifying Interconnections “Imagination is more important than knowledge.” ~ Albert Einstein

While the Burning Man Project is significant for its magnitude and sheer eclecticism, it is temporary, its existence imprinted mainly in the memories 26

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juices flowing.

One Book, One City local reading programs, like the ones in Chicago, Denver, Malibu, San Diego, Philadelphia and Seattle, engage a whole community in choosing a book to read over a period of time.

Readers then come together to participate in a variety of related events.

The idea was the 1998 brainchild of Nancy Pearl at the Washington Center for the Book at The Seattle Public Library.

Many communities choose to feature a local author, and this decision is often socially transformative.

At the other end of the spectrum, Flash Mobs entail large groups of volunteers who appear to spontaneously perform a clever act of theater in a public space for a brief period of time.

Initially designed as a combined social experiment and form of performance art, the first flash mob occurred at Macy’s in New York City in 2003, organized by Bill Wasik, of Harper’s Magazine.

Flash mobs have since appeared all over the country; some more structured than others, but always evoking the feeling that they are happening on the spur of the moment. Whether dramatic or musically inclined, they’re

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always designed to make us become truly present in our environment; their brilliance is the connection they spark between the actions of the mob and the place we inhabit as an audience. (See YouTube.com, search Frozen Grand Central Station.)

Public participation is the name of the global game with International Pillowfight Day, as communities come together with pillows to play. Part of the Urban Playground Movement, the idea is to reclaim public space for play, away from advertising and consumerism (PillowFightDay.com).

Taking a cue from “A Day in the Life” photography projects, World Pinhole Photography Day (PinHoleDay. org) recruits everyday people to create a pinhole camera and take a picture of something in their local community. It happens on the same day, usually the last Sunday in April. Everyone then loads their images onto the collective website to beget a global gallery of images.

Finally, the Global Mala Project demonstrates what can be accomplished with a worldwide, inter-community, consciousness-raising event (GlobalMala.org). Here, yoga studios from many nations gather local individuals to form a “mala around the Earth,” as they perform ritual practices based on the sacred cycle of 108, to raise funds and awareness for pressing global issues. This year, the mala will be held September 18-19. Tune in for an “Om” heard ‘round the world.

Kirsten Broadfoot has lived and worked in New Zealand, Australia, the UK, Japan and the United States, granting her a profound appreciation of community life. She has created and coordinates two online communities, the Good Work Circle and COMMUNEcation, and has written numerous conference papers, academic articles and essays.

Connect at Kirsti@sterena.com.

STRICTLY FOR THE BIRDS

The Benefits of Bird Feeding

By Sharon Pisacreta

W

inters are long in Michigan. Once the last pumpkin has been carved, the season can seem endless until the crocuses appear. Feeding the birds that visit your backyard can make the months of icy winds and lake effect snow a little less dreary.

Bird feeding also helps the environment, saves the lives of local birds, and provides hours of entertainment. Simply watching birds has been found to lower the blood pressure and heart rate as effectively as meditation. So let’s get started.

When to feed: By late August, birds are deciding when they will move on before the cold weather begins. Young adult birds look for places to feed as gardens and vegetation start to die off, and migrating birds make their first appearance. If you want to get a feeding station established, September and October are the best times to start. Your feeder will not prevent a migrating bird from leaving. Instead it serves as a ‘fueling stop’ for their journey south.

Most visitors at your feeder are year-round residents in the neighborhood, and do not migrate. Some birds only make brief appearances initially; autumn still provides enough insects, berries and seed. But they make note of your feeder and – as soon as the harsh weather hits -- will head straight for your feeding station. Once the snow and ice arrive, their calorie requirements significantly increase at the same time all their natural sources of food diminish. In a severe winter, backyard feeders can be a deciding factor in the survival of many local birds.

Although feeding birds can be a source of pleasure year-round, fall and winter are critical seasons. If you begin feeding during these months, try to continue at least until spring. Just one feeder in your yard filled with sunflower seeds will help immeasurably. Fortunately, bird feeding has become so popular that if several feeding stations must close down during the season, there are invariably other bird feeders in the area that provide seed and suet.

What to feed: Although bags of mixed seed can be purchased everywhere from bulk-food aisles to the local hardware store, some bulk mixtures contain waste seed. The seed of choice for most birds is sunflower; black oilers in particular provide the most fat and fuel. Millet runs a close second, followed by thistle and cracked corn. An extra feeder devoted to peanuts and peanut hearts will be popular with bluebirds, catbirds, chickadees, mockingbirds, nuthatches, titmice, and woodpeckers. No salted nuts however. Only seagulls have the capability to rid their bodies of excess salt.

Don’t forget to put out a suet cake or two. Suet cakes provide much needed fat for birds trying to stay warm in winter.

Commercially sold suet cakes are inexpensive, readily available and will be much appreciated, especially by woodpeckers, nuthatches and chickadees.

Who to feed: In Michigan, the birds most likely to be regular visitors to a backyard feeder include cardinals, chickadees, doves, finches, grosbeaks, jays, nuthatches, pine siskins, sparrows, towhees, warblers and woodpeckers. Dark-eyed juncos appear as soon as the first snow flies. Migrating birds will visit as well, giving you the opportunity to watch birds you may never catch a glimpse of otherwise.

To stop squirrels from emptying the feeders, scatter some seed and nuts on the ground a short distance away, or even

purchase a special squirrel feeder. Luckily there are a number of devices designed to keep squirrels away. But rest assured that trying to outwit the ingenious squirrel population provides its own entertainment.

Please keep your cat indoors while birds are feeding. Scientific studies show that cats kill millions of songbirds each year. Migratory birds in particular will not be aware of the domestic cats in the neighborhood. Remember that when birds head south, their young, inexperienced fledglings are with them. These migrating families are easy prey for lurking cats.

In order to protect both our feline friends and the beleaguered bird population, the American Bird Conservancy has launched the ‘Cats Indoors’ campaign. For more information, visit http:// www.abcbirds.org/abcprograms/policy/cats/.

Where to feed: To enjoy watching the birds, make certain you can see the feeders from your house. There is an enormous variety of bird feeders available: window feeders that bring the birds as close as possible, tube feeders that keep the seed dry, simple platform feeders, upside-down suet feeders, wire mesh feeders, feeders that dispense whole peanuts or cut fruit, and feeders designed to only allow birds of a certain size inside to eat seed.

Check out websites like duncraft.com or bestnest.com for a look at the wide world of bird feeders. To prevent disease among the birds, please clean your feeders regularly, and sweep or rake up underneath them to clear away cracked seeds, shells and waste.

Feeders are not the only way to help birds get through the winter. Shrubbery and evergreens in the yard provide birds with shelter from cold and predators. Large sturdy trees attract birds that nest in cavities. And this autumn, don’t rush to rake all those fallen leaves. Decomposing leaves help keep the lawn moist and release nutrients to the soil. The leaves also harbor insects that birds feed upon. In addition, Bird Watchers Digest recommends that gardeners think twice before pulling up the dead flowers and vegetables in the garden. Birds not only enjoy eating these seedheads, but the dead vegetation provides easy cover.

Finally, having a source of water in wintertime makes your backyard particularly appealing to birds. There are even special heaters available that can be placed in bird baths to keep the water from freezing.

Why to feed: In 2009, the Department of the Interior reported that almost one third of the country’s bird species are endangered or in serious decline. Contributing factors include loss of habitat, pesticides, feline predation, invasive species and climate change.

A backyard feeder – which lessens the strain on birds who have lost their natural feeding grounds -- is one small step in helping to alleviate the problem. And watching the birds that visit the feeders is simply great relaxing fun. In fact, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced in 2009 that bird watching was the number one sport in North America.

So this autumn, hang a tube feeder of sunflower seeds in a nearby tree, then sit back and enjoy the natural beauty that can be found right outside your doorstep.

Sharon Pisacreta is a long-time freelance writer who recently followed her bliss to the villages of Saugatuck/Douglas.

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September 2010

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inspiration The Healing Power of Dance Can Move You Beyond the Dance Floor

N

by Giovanna Aguilar

o t e ve n a teaches the importance of respecting people, developing self skiing accidiscipline and a strong work ethic. It teaches you to commudent that threatnicate, which is so important when dancing with a partner or ened his dance for an audience. Dance can be considered the first language career as a teenthat evolved from the basic human need to communicate ager with a sewith others. Before there was formal, spoken language people vere leg injury, communicated with gestures, hand signals and physical movewhich doctors ment. Dance has, throughout our history in all cultures, been warned would crucial to celebrations and religious ceremonies. Dance has cripple him for taught me from an early age how to communicate with and the rest of his be respectful of women—it helps boys become men and girls life, could hamturn into ladies. per his spirit or Maksim (Maks) Chmerkovskiy At what age can children start learning to dance? dedication to his The younger, the better. Your body develops differently when art. Rather he saw the prognosis as a challenge, one that he you start at four versus fourteen. What is important is the level would overcome through a no nonsense attitude, discipline of commitment. My brother Val, who is also a professional and perseverance for his passion—dance. dance and has been featured on DWTS, and I have been Not even leaving his home country of Ukraine as a child fortunate in having dance as part of our lives since we were with his family to start a new life in the United States, where children. We want to share our experience with others. he would have to learn a new language and face financial You started your dance instruction when you were only four hardship, could derail his dream of becoming a professional years old. What inspired you to open your dance studios? dancer. Rather it inspired him to become the leading man that My dad and I opened a dance studio when he is today in DanceSport.

I was sixteen called The Rising Stars. We This month Natural Awakenings celebrates Tune in to the new season of wanted something different from the estabcreative expression with a candid conversalished system in Brooklyn and New York, so tion on the transformative, healing power of Dancing with The Stars on we moved to suburbia New Jersey. I loved it. dance with Maksim (Maks) Chmerkovskiy, Monday, September 20.

It was the best thing we’ve done, but the harddance professional to celebrity contestants est. At the time no one knew about Ballroom on ABC’s hit TV show Dancing with the Stars. so it was confusing to a lot of people. We Maks discusses how dancing fuels his life were often asked, ‘Is it ballet?’ So we had to build our base. and how it can become an instrument of healthy living to Now we have quite the following in both states. Over these empower your mind, body and spirit as it moves you beyond 14 years, we have helped our students to develop careers the dance floor. in DanceSport or simply to have fun learning social dance.

Becoming a professional Latin Ballroom dancer requires Whichever the goal, dancing provides life-long skills that discipline, perseverance and maintaining a healthy promote good heath because you are aware of your body and lifestyle. What is your philosophy on healthy living that how it needs to communicate. Many of our instructors and you’d like to share? students continually represent the United States at prestigious The key is to keep it simple by balancing three important national and international competitions and have earned top things: healthy food, enough sleep and a positive attitude. rankings and titles.

First, food is our fuel and our body is our mechanism. I prefer What is one of the most difficult challenges you have organic and cruelty free food. Second, sleep should be our had to overcome with regard to building your Ballroom priority. While I don’t get enough sleep with my schedule student base? these days, I try to rest as much as possible to keep energetic.

The problem is demand. Before the success of ‘Dancing with And third, we all need to have a positive outlook in life to the Stars’ and other dance shows, Ballroom had been only empower our spirit to deal with life’s ups and downs—we popular in Eastern Europe. And for the most part in this counwill succeed at some things and fail at others—so we need to try, it is pursued by immigrant parents of those countries who keep motivated. In my case, I like to be productive with many want their children to continue their tradition. Unfortunately, different activities that I like. many families do not have the financial resources needed.

How has dance influenced your life?

We had to figure out a way to promote what we love, so we Dancing has taught me many social and personal skills. It established DanceTeam USA, a non-profit, with the goal of 30

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continuously raising funds to help students whose families cannot afford their dance training, which is quite expensive.

Has the popularity of dance shows such as “Dancing with the Stars” or “So You Think You Can Dance” helped broaden the Ballroom dance appeal?

I think it will be a while before we see kids flocking into the studios to pursue DanceSport like they do for basketball or other traditional sports. It’s not yet there. For instance, I remember what my friend, Jason Gilkinson, ‘So You Think You Can Dance’ choreographer, who also directed and choreographed the Broadway show I was on, ‘Burn the Floor’, said about his experience on the first season on SYTYCD. He told me that when contestants would pick a Ballroom number, such as Quick Step or Paso Doble, they’d sigh with hesitation, ‘I have to do this Quick Step.’

But now contestants want to do those numbers because they see how much the crowd likes them. Ballroom needs to be promoted at its purest form at the national level to grow.

What would you like to say about the physicality of dance?

Are Ballroom dancers athletes? Absolutely! I welcome anyone who wants to see what this sport does for your physical development to come down to the studio and join my boys and me in a basketball game. We are all very sports oriented.

This is an ongoing subject—showing how physically demanding dancing truly is. Our training is so intense that it challenges even the strongest football players that have been on ‘DWTS’, Chad Ochocinco, wide receiver for the Cincinnati Bengals, and Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Jerry Rice. They can all testify to the intensity of Ballroom dancing that has driven them to tears.

What message would you like to send to fans and students?

I just want to say thank you to all our fans and students. I’m very happy and proud that we have been able to create a dancer center for everyone’s enjoyment. Dancing is about having a good time, escaping from the stress of daily life, or improving your personal life—it will help you get healthier. Whatever the reason, there’s a place for you at Dance with Me and Rising Stars. Can you imagine having an activity like this in your life?

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September 2010

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inspiration

EARTH MUSIC SOUNDSCAPES OF AMERICA’S QUIET PLACES

by Susie Ruth

“S

brings us into contact with what is beilence is like scouring sand,” yond us, its beauty and mystery. says Gordon Hempton, an Hempton encourages us all to join award-winning acoustic ecolo- in the self-discovery of nature. He’s gist. “When you are quiet, the silence found, “All we have to do is listen.” blows against your mind and etches Sounds, more than sight, connect us, away everything soft and unimportant. he observes.

In learning to listen to What is left is what is real: pure awarenature’s nuances, we also learn how ness and the very hardest questions.” to listen to one another.

His favorite

It’s not easy to find silence, which is time of day for listening to nature is facing extinction in the modern world. If 30 minutes before sunrise.

When the a quiet place is one where you can listen atmosphere is still, “It is not unusual to for 15 minutes in daylight hours without hear many square miles at once.” hearing a human-created sound, there Astonishment and gratitude illumiare no quiet places left in Europe. There nate our being when light breezes play are none east of the Mississippi River and across leaves and set them in motion, perhaps 12 in the American West, includchirruping night insects wind down ing one square inch in the Hoh Rain and the birds’ dawn chorus begins.

Forest at Olympic National Park, now When our moving a stone in a creek officially recognized as the quietest place bed alters the water music, it is we who in the United States (OneSquareInch. are moved.

No one knows why natural org). In defending this exemplary spot of sounds speak so directly to the human silence, Hempton is effectively protecting spirit, but we all acknowledge, in silent the soundscape of about 1,000 square thanksgiving, that they do. miles of surrounding land.

“Silence is

Hempton defines silence the think tank Gordon Hempton, of Port not as noiselessness, but “the of the soul.” Angeles, WA, is an acoustic complete absence of all audible mechanical vibrations, ~ Gordon Hempton ecologist whose award-winning recordings of America’s leaving only the sounds of vanishing natural soundscapes support nature at her most natural. Silence is the his campaign to protect the silence presence of everything, undisturbed.” of our national parks (SoundTracker.

Silence, he would concur, is not com). Over the past 25 years, he has the absence of sound, but a way of living—an intention to make of one’s own circled the globe three times in pursuit ears, one’s own body, a sounding board of environmental sound portraits. Read One Square Inch of Silence: One Man’s that resonates with the vibrations of the Search for Natural Silence in a Noisy world. Silence creates an opening, an absence of self, which allows the larger World and voice support at One SquareInch.org/links. world to enter into our awareness. It

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greenliving

L

et’s talk trash for a few minutes. The next time you head down the highway, pay attention to the discarded food wrappers and plastic bottles thrown carelessly along the roadside. Although it’s been over fifty years since campaigns such as ‘Don’t Be A Litterbug’ were launched, keeping our nation’s roads clean is an ongoing concern. One way to fight back is to report littering on the website www.litter-bug.org. To become even more involved, consider adopting – and cleaning up - your own section of highway as part of the successful Adopt-A-Highway program.

Trash Talk: Don’t be lulled by the belief that most trash is biodegradable. While a paper bag degrades in just one month, cigarette butts – which comprise 38% of all litter -- take 12 years to decay.

Even more alarming, a cigarette butt releases lead, arsenic and toxic cadmium into the soil and water as it breaks down. So think twice before flicking that cigarette to the ground. And please recycle. Disposable diapers won’t decay for 200 years, aluminum cans for 550 years. Styrofoam will be around for over a million years.

Plastic foam containers strewn along the highway are not just eyesores. Waterways become the dumping ground for litter that falls into storm drains. Blowing trash is a danger to motorists, as well as an ever-present fire hazard. Litter also poses a public health threat, breeding bacteria and attracting rats. And when trash is consumed by wildlife, it frequently has fatal results.

Not surprisingly, litter is bad for the economy. Trash on the public roadways sends a negative message to visitors, discourages investment in local business and lowers property values. In addition, the cost of litter removal is passed on to the taxpayer and business owner. Keep America Beautiful estimates that litter costs the nation over $11.5 billion each year.

Adopting a Solution: In the 1980s, an engineer for the Texas Department of Transportation was inspired to create the Adopt-AHighway program after seeing debris from a flatbed truck spill onto the highway. Since then, a number of states, including Michigan, have instituted the program to try to offset the environmental and economic costs of roadside litter.

The plan of action for Adopt-A-Highway is simple and effective: a group of people adopt a stretch of highway and commit to picking up trash on that area of road three times a year. A minimum two-mile length of highway is recommended. Trash pick-up dates are scheduled April through October; this time period allows for roadsides to be cleaned before mowing begins and during peak tourist season.

Since the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) launched Adopt-A-Highway in 1990, over a million bags of trash have been collected by volunteers. Michigan currently has over 28,000 Adopt-A-Highway participants who have adopted 5700 miles of Michigan roads and highways. The clean-up efforts of these hard-working volunteers save the state of Michigan $1.5 million each year.

Any group of three or more people can apply to adopt a section of road. No fee is required, and volunteers usually agree to adopt their highway for at least two years. MDOT supplies volunteers with safety vests and equipment, as well as handling the removal of collected trash. However volunteers do provide their own transportation to the pick-up site. All crew members must be over the age of 12, and any volunteers who are 13-17 years of age are required to have adult supervision.

Let’s Talk Trash M i c h i g a n ’s A d o p t - A - H i g h w a y P r o g r a m

by Sharon Pisacreta

MDOT has included all sorts of state highways in the program, from business routes to two-lane roads. For example, in Newaygo, Oceania and Muskegon counties, participants can choose from eighty sections of adoptable highway. Such is the popularity of the program however that as recently as April 2010, all but one section had already been adopted. If a community group or organization has a particular road in mind, requests are handled on a first-come basis by MDOT. Curious about who exactly is cleaning up the roads in your community? Look for the Adopt-A-Highway signs that dot the roadside. Each group that becomes part of the program has a sign erected along their highway that announces who they are.

Church groups, political clubs, and city workers are just some of the organizations who have adopted a highway. People can also memorialize a departed loved one by adopting a stretch of highway in their name. Groups as diverse as the Lowell Amateur Radio Youth Club, the Battle Creek Area Association of Realtors, the Holland Board of Public Works, Boy Scout Troop 2 in Fennville, and the Sanctuary Baptist Church of Coloma have picked up trash for the program.

Groups interested in adopting a highway should visit the MDOT website www.michigan.gov/adoptahighway for more information, or to fill out an application.

Further good news for our roadways occurred on July 13, 2010 when Michigan became the 16th state to join the AdoptA-Highway Maintenance Corp. (AHMC). Local businesses and corporations can now financially sponsor a highway. While AHMC workers handle the actual maintenance, corporate sponsors receive increased visibility from the roadside signage bearing their name. Call 1-800-200-0003 for more details.

Landscapes and Beaches: Another way to help keep Michigan looking beautiful is to join the two-year-old Adopt-A-Landscape program.

Participants choose from a number of activities such as planting wildflowers, controlling weeds, mowing, removing graffiti, landscaping rest areas, and trimming trees. Anyone with a green thumb should consider putting it to good use as an MDOT Adopt-A-Landscape volunteer.

And it should come as no surprise that Michigan is part of the Great Lakes Adopt-A-Beach program. Our glorious beaches are a national treasure, inspiring teams of volunteers to pitch in to preserve our shoreline. Although the Alliance has conducted an annual beach clean-up since 1991, a year-round Adopt-A-Beach program was instituted in 2002 to pick up litter, collect data, and monitor water quality. For those who would like to join the year-round program or simply adopt a beach for just one day in September, visit greatlakes.org.

Volunteers who adopt highways, landscapes and beaches have a long-lasting effect on the community. If there’s a local road, median or beach that seems neglected and covered in litter, consider adoption. For a small investment of time, you will -- quite literally -- beautify the streets where you live.

Sharon Pisacreta is a long-time freelance writer who recently moved to Saugatuck/Douglas. She may be contacted at spisacreta@twmi.rr.com. natural awakenings

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33

greenliving

ARTS

with a Mission

I

s one person’s trash really another’s treasure? According to a Durham, North Carolina-based arts and crafts store, it is.

The Scrap Exchange lets people explore their creativity while helping out the environment. The exchange was founded in 1991 as a sustainable art supply store that takes unwanted materials from businesses and community members and resells them as arts and crafts supplies. Materials sell for 50 to 70 percent off their retail prices, and popular items include paper, fabric, office supplies, marble scraps and CD cases. The idea is to promote environmental awareness and creative expression by providing high-quality, low-cost materials for artists.

The Scrap Exchange also provides an in-house art gallery to show off the work of local artists who turn recycled materials into crafts such as handmade bags, metal sculptures and jewelry.

Classes in artistic skills like quilting and collage also are available. Plus, the store offers children’s birthday parties that give kids a chance to invent fun projects with their friends while teaching them about taking care of the planet.

The Resource Center in Chicago is another nonprofit organization that is encouraging creative repurposing of materials. Its Creative Reuse Warehouse (CRW) finds and recovers rejected items and byproducts that local businesses treat as waste. They donate these materials to Chicago area schools, service organizations, performance companies

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“Bird” by Eco Artist Junior Parsons

& CRAFTS

and individual artists. It’s a win-win situation for the CRW’s donors and recipients—donors get a tax deduction and recipients obtain materials to teach classes and create artwork that they may not have been able to afford otherwise.

Similar programs are available throughout the country. The Scroungers’ Center for Reusable Art Parts has graced San Francisco since the 1970s; participants learn about different crafts and art techniques in its unique workshops.

Creative Reuse Pittsburgh, a relative newcomer, collects reusable discards from businesses and other organizations in its region, offers hands-on creative arts programs and hosts booths at local arts festivals.

Add up the mental, emotional, social and environmental benefits of artful hours used to turn trash into treasure and the lure of time well-spent at a creative reuse center is nearly irresistible.

This article was created by the Center for American Progress (American Progress.org).

READY RESOURCES OF REUSABLE STUFF Some of the centers listed below also accept individual donations of suitable items for reuse.

Art From Scrap Provides arts and crafts materials reuse store, environmental education and arts program.

ArtFromScrap.org in California Arts & Scraps Offers reusable industrial scraps to the public. ArtsAndScraps.org in Michigan Creative Reuse Pittsburgh Accepts donations of materials from manufacturers, retail stores, radio stations, hotels, offices, grocery stores and universities. CreativeReusePGH. blogspot.com and Construction Junction.org in Pennsylvania East Bay Depot for Creative Reuse Collects and redistributes materials for education, creative projects and arts and crafts. CreativeReuse.org in California Extras for Creative Learning Redistributes excess inventory, outdated stock, overruns or seconds to teachers, group leaders, parents and artists. EXCL Recycles.org in Massachusetts

MORE GREEN CRAFTING IDEAS Art & Creative Materials Institute Certifies safety and quality of crafting materials and helps teachers and consumers identify nontoxic choices. acminet.org Artterro – Art of the Earth Creates and sells eco-friendly, openended art projects with quality materials for kids’ crafts when recycled materials aren’t available locally.

Kits are assembled and shipped from Goodwill Industries. Artterro.com

Hudson Valley Materials Exchange Serves as redistribution center and creative resource for materials suitable for art, education and construction. HVME. com in New York Materials Exchange Center for Community Arts (MECCA) Accepts and distributes donated scraps and discards for reuse in art projects. MaterialsExchange.org in Oregon Materials for the Arts Serves New York City as its premier reuse center. MFTA.org in New York Materials for the Arts Program Offers suitable items gathered

by The Monroe County Solid Waste Management District’s Reuse Division to nonprofits, churches, schools and artists working on community projects. MCSWMD.org in Indiana

CraftGossip Craft blog network’s sub-blog discusses recycled crafts. Also publishes GreenCraft magazine. Recycled Crafts.CraftGossip.com Make-Stuff Provides arts and crafts ideas for every age that use everyday and recycled materials. Make-Stuff.com

reDiscover Community resource center recycles business discards into children’s learning tools. reDiscoverCenter.org in California The Resource Center The group’s Creative Reuse Warehouse collects overruns, rejects and byproducts from businesses and industries to redistribute as educational and artistic resources. ResourceCenterChicago.org in Illinois The ReThink + ReUse Center Makes business and industrial materials donations available to parents, teachers and artists. RethinkAndReuseMiami.org in Florida The Scrap Exchange Collects clean, reusable industrial discards and donated materials from individuals for creative reuse. Scrap Exchange.org in North Carolina Scrounger’s Center for Reusable Art Parts (SCRAP) Redistributes unwanted materials collected from businesses and individuals to teachers, parents, artists and organizations. Scrap-SF.org in California

“Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.”

Team EcoEtsy Blog Members share eco-news, eco-tips, member features, eco-friendly creations and how-tos. Etsy sources are big on reducing, reusing and recycling. Blog.EcoEtsy.com

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~ Confucius

September 2010

35

COMING IN OCTOBER

naturalpet

SPECIAL EDITION

HEALTHY

PLANET

STEP UP TO

GOOD GROOMING

by Morieka V. Johnson

L

It’s going to take all of us to protect our environment.

Find out how you can play your part in Natural Awakenings’ October Issue.

For more information about advertising and how you can participate, call

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et’s face it, a smelly A gentle doggie Snazzy-Pet Full Service Mobile Grooming, in Atlanta. pet can put a serious massage helps “People realize that it’s imdamper on cuddle time. Proper grooming can end bath time on portant to do the right thing for them.” help dogs not only look But how often should good, but feel better, as well. a soothing note. the family dog get a sudsy

“Extreme matting can rubdown? That depends on the dog, cause a health risk to pets,” explains DeAndre Upton, a registered veterinary Upton says. “Dogs that stay in the house don’t need baths as frequently technician in Conyers, Georgia. “Dogs as dogs that spend more time outside. have a natural amount of yeast and Once a month is a good general rule of bacteria on their skin, and matting thumb; your nose will tell you when it’s causes moisture to be trapped under time to take action.” the coat, leading to hot spots and exHere are the professional tips cessive itching, which increases the risk Bryant follows to make bath time betof staph infections.”

Perhaps that’s why pet owners today ter for everybody:

Comfort is key: Create a comfortspend billions of dollars on grooming products, according to the American Pet able workspace. Place necessary items within reach, including shampoo, a rubProducts Association. “People just look ber brush for massaging the animal and at pets differently today; they a towel. “Bathing two big dogs back-toare members of the family now,” remarks back can easily leave you with an achy Michael Bryant, back,” Bryant observes. “I sit pets on a owner of small, sturdy table in the shower so that I can do much less bending.”

He also suggests attaching a hose to the bathtub or shower faucet, making

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sure to monitor the water temperature.

In warm months, bathing the dog outside means less mess and a shorter drying time. “I set the nozzle to mist and let the water fall onto the dog’s body,” he advises. “This helps his body more easily acclimate to the cooler water temperature.”

Take your time: Some dogs just don’t like bath time, no matter how much you coax or cajole or crank up your temper. To handle fussy dogs, apply plenty of patience. It also helps to have a few of the animal’s favorite treats on hand. In working with bath-shy dogs, this professional groomer finds that gentle and slow is the way to go.

Regardless of how messy the process gets, avoid getting excess water in the dog’s ear canal, because it can lead to ear infections. Bryant recommends drying the dog completely before cleaning its ears. Use an ear cleaner with a drying solution to remove wax or debris.

Don’t neglect the paws: Keep nails trimmed regularly. Bryant notes that many pet owners are anxious about clipping a pet’s nails and fear accidentally cutting off too much. He suggests seeking professional advice. Ask your groomer or vet assistant for a five-minute lesson on the finer points of using pet nail clippers to deliver a clean cut.

It can save a lot of anxiety.

Longhaired dogs also need the hair trimmed between their paw pads. “Most people have hardwood or tile floors, and it can be difficult for a dog to get around on those hard surfaces if their hair is too long,” he cautions.

Use a good shampoo, followed by a thorough rinse: A dog’s skin has a different pH level than ours, so avoid using human hair care products.

Instead, Bryant suggests selecting

“In most cases, no other pet care professional will spend more one-on-one time with your pet than your groomer.

Each time your pet is professionally groomed, he is actually examined from head to toe.” ~ Michael Bryant, professional dog groomer shampoos that contain oatmeal or tea tree oil, which address a range of skin issues and have soothing properties, and follow with a good rinse.

“Remember, the most important part of any doggie bath is to thoroughly rinse all shampoo from the dog’s body,” he says. Conditioner is not essential unless the pet has long hair or is prone to matting. Dogs with long hair also need a good combing while the fur is still damp; otherwise, they are ready for a thorough rubdown with a thick towel.

Finally, a gentle doggie massage helps end bath time on a soothing note.

It pays to hire pros: Getting your dog groomed can be a costly investment, but the price includes more than a fluff and cut. “Each time your pet is professionally groomed, he is actually examined from head to toe,” Bryant reports. “I have discovered teeth problems, joint problems, and hair and skin problems that many of my clients never would have noticed.”

Morieka V. Johnson is a freelance writer who frequently writes about pet issues and shares her Atlanta home with Lulu, a precocious pooch. Her weekly advice column on reducing carbon footprints, one toe at a time, appears on MNN.com. Email Morieka@ gmail.com.

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West Michigan Edition

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consciouseating Yellow Tomato Gazpacho with Avocado-Tomato Salsa Summer servings: 4

Season with salt and pepper.

Cold Soup

Refrigerate two hours or overnight.

6 organic Yellow Taxi tomatoes or other low-acid, sweet yellow heirloom tomatoes Ripe cloves of garlic peeled, to taste 1 English or standard organic cucumber peeled, seeded and cut into large pieces 1 yellow pepper, seeded and cut into large pieces 1 red onion, cut into large pieces ½ small, hot red chili, seeded and cut into large pieces or to taste ¼ cup red wine vinegar 3 oz extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and white pepper to taste 4 each, red and yellow heirloom cherry tomatoes, cut in half for garnish

Salsa

2 seasonal avocados, preferably Haas, diced small 1 small hot red chili, seeded and diced small 1 small red onion, diced small 1 red heirloom slicing tomato, peeled, seeded and diced 1 tbsp cilantro, finely chopped Juice of one lime ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil Kosher salt and cracked black pepper to taste To Prepare the Soup: Working in batches, purée all ingredients except for the cherry tomatoes in a blender until smooth.

Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

To Prepare the Salsa: Combine all ingredients in a stainless steel bowl and refrigerate at least 20 minutes.

To Serve: Place salsa in the center of chilled soup bowls.

Ladle soup around the salsa and garnish with red and yellow cherry tomato halves.

Advance Preparation: The chef recommends making this soup a day ahead; the flavors are better and more complex when given a day of rest in the refrigerator.

Tips: This soup can be made with either red or yellow tomatoes, as long as they are ripe. The flavor of the soup depends entirely on the taste of the tomatoes. Ripe organic tomatillos can be substituted for the heirloom tomatoes in the salsa; they will add a citrus flavor element that balances the richness of the avocado.

Source: The Sustainable Kitchen: Passionate Cooking Inspired by Farms, Forests and Oceans by Chef Stu Stein with Mary Hinds and Judith H. Dern.

Strain mixture through a fine mesh strainer into another bowl by pressing the solids with a wooden spoon to extract liquid.

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39

calendarofevents Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication.

Wednesday, September 1 Guided Meditation and Healing Circle- 7:008:00pm. Escape from stress and discover an inner world of calm, peace & joy through guided meditation, and energy healing from Healing in America-trained healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796

Saturday, September 4 Family Open Gym- 7:00-9:00pm. Kids and parents come and play in the gym! Members $10.

Nonmembers $15. Parents are FREE. Gymco.

2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE Grand Rapids.

Gymco.com.

Sunday, September 5 C3Exchange, Inclusive Spiritual Community: Blessing of the Pets- 10:00am gathering. This is a wonderful occasion to join in community and emphasize the beauty and uniqueness of our pets, and the bonds we share with them. Please bring your dogs, cats, or other animal friends (at your discretion).

C3Exchange. Spring Lake. 616-842-1985.

Wednesday, September 8 Special MCC EcoTrek Fitness Session- 5:30– 6:45pm. $12 per person, or $10 with $2-off coupon in this issue! Muskegon Community College Campus: Use East Entrance/ Stevenson Center parking lot, park under Lot N3 sign.

Last entrance on the left side of Quarterline.

Muskegon. Email cari@ecotrekfitness.com or signup at ecotrekfitness.com.

Dr. Michael Morea, D.C. presents: How to Achieve a Healthy Weight- 6:30pm. Dr. Mike will show you step by step the keys to successful weight loss using the Ultralean Weight Management Program. Fruitport. 231-865-7474.

Living Consciously- 6:30-7:30pm. Want to know more about what it means to ‘live consciously’?

Come speak with coach, Shannon Elhart, to realize how you can accomplish a more peaceful, purposeful life. Space limited. Life Imagined, LLC. 222 South River Ave., Holland. To RSVP call 616-403- 2120.

Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle - 7:00-8:00pm. Relax to guided meditation, and receive energy healing from local healers while church chaplains pray over your prayer requests.

Donation. Unity Church on the Lakeshore, 41 So. Washington, Douglas. 269-857-8226.

Walking Meditation- 7:30-8:30pm. Join Shannon Elhart for a walking meditation to Centennial Park in Holland, and a guided meditation for world peace and love for all of life. Free with donations to LEDA and the Children’s Advocacy Center. Life Imagined, LLC. 222 South River Ave., Holland. 616- 403-2120.

Thursday, September 9 Studio Open House/Party – 4:00-8:00pm. Class samples, like Yoga, Hoop Dance, Belly Dancing and Feldenkrais; a performance by BIJOUX

40

West Michigan Edition

Dance Ensemble and super healthy munchies.

Meet instructors, and learn about all the cool stuff we have to offer this Fall Session. The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616235-9642. lauraarmenta.com Detoxification- 6:00pm. Dr. Michael Kwast, DC, CSCS will be presenting on how to Reduce Toxins and Lose Weight through Nutritional Cleansing.

4150 East Beltline Suite #4 Grand Rapids.

Seating is limited to the first 30 callers. Make your reservations today by calling 616-447-9888.

Saturday, September 11 Circle of Crones Workshop for Women, Growing Older, Becoming Wiser- 9:30am12:30pm. Fee $15 each or 2 for $25. Briarlane Apts. Community Bldg. Grand Rapids. To register or more info contact Chris Belding at 616 887-7854 or belmor97@charter.net.

Essential Oil Basic Training I & II – 10:00am12:00pm & 1pm – 3pm. Learn the basics of Essential Oils from the meaning of Therapeutic Grade. $10/session in advance or $20 at the door. Contact Jodi for tickets or with questions heavenlyhealings@yahoo.com. Minervas Hand, 106 W Savidge St, Spring Lake. 616-443-4225 Reiki Level I class- 10:00am-5:30pm. With an hour for lunch. Healing and Uplifting The Spirit ~$75 total cost for Reiki I training and attunement. $25 non-refundable registration fee due by September 11. Serenity By Karen. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon N.E. Grand Rapids. 616-826-2090. serenitybykaren.com.

Naturopathic School Open House- 11:00am1:00pm. Commutable weekend Naturopath/ Massage/Herbal Medicine programs. Ann Arbor.

For more info visit naturopathicschoolofannarbor. net or call 734-769-7794.

Partner/Acro Yoga Workshop - 11:30am -1:30pm Partner AcroYoga is an amazing practice that cultivates trust, connection and playfulness.

Presents healing asana flows, simple inversions and partner spotting. For age 15+. $20/student.

The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642. lauraarmenta.com Getaway Weekend- Time for a peaceful retreat.

Shared room lodging, delicious, home-cooked vegetarian meals. Private room, services, classes available for additional charges. $69.43. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre, 7187 Drumheller Rd., Bath. 517-641-6201.

Sunday, September 12 Hot Vinyasa-By Donation - This is class a Hot Vinyasa flow keeping in mind the concept of Giving. All levels of physical and financial ability, each student can donate to their own’s ability. Suggested donation is $5. The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616235-9642. lauraarmenta.com Eckankar- 10:00-11:00am. Come join the monthly worship service, How Important is Love?

Free. Motel 6 Meeting Room, US 131 at 76th St, Grand Rapids. 616-752-8460.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Naturopathic School Open House- 11:00am1:00pm. Commutable weekend Naturopath/ Massage/Herbal Medicine programs. Ann Arbor.

For more info visit naturopathicschoolofannarbor. net or call 734-769-7794.

C3Exchange Inclusive Spiritual Community: Visitor/Newcomer Brunch- 11:30am. Those recently attending C3Exchange over the past 6 months are invited to enjoy great food, engage with others, and meet some of the C3 team.

C3Exchange. Spring Lake. 616-842-1985.

Extended Grace Interfaith/Mystic Community Gathering- 1:00pm Potluck. 1:30pm Integral Worship embracing the God beyond, between and within. Topic: Prosperity. 233 Washington, Suite 208, Grand Haven. barbaralee13@gmail. com or 616-502-2078.

A Course in Miracles Study/Discussion Group1:30-3:30pm. Group facilitated by RayFarell. A copy of “A Course in Miracles” is necessary. Free will offering appreciated. We are a non-profit corp. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon N.E. Grand Rapids. 616-929-4204.

Feldenkrais- 4:30-5:30pm. Series of guided exercises that help people become more aware of how they move, while teaching to use their bodies to the fullest potential. The method can improve posture and coordination while relieving chronic pain. $70 for 7 weeks. The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642. lauraarmenta.com

Monday, September 13 Adult Ballet/Body Sculpting – 11:30am. 30 minutes of Ballet Barre exercises, with basic strengthening movement - 30 minutes of floor/ mat ballet moves, with thigh rotations, core strengthening and proper alignment focus. Lastly 10 minutes of stretching. $85 /seven weeks or $15 drop-in. The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642. lauraarmenta.com Special Extended Intense EcoTrek Fitness Session- 6:00–7:30pm. $12 per person, or $10 with $2-off coupon in this issue! Norman F. Kruse Park (Sherman St. at Beach Rd., Muskegon (Park to the left, “old” Bronson park/dog beach). Email cari@ecotrekfitness.com or use signup form at ecotrekfitness.com.

Good Digestive Bugs vs. Bad Digestive Bugs-7:008:30pm. Dr. Dan Gleason will discuss the benefits of having enough good bugs, the downside of bad bugs and how you can find out what your bugs are doing.

Free. Blue Bird Cancer Retreats. 917 W Savidge, Suite 37, Spring Lake. 616-846-5410.

Tuesday, September 14 Doggie Style EcoTrek Session- 6:00-7:30pm.

Special workout for you & your dog. Bring a leash along, wear comfy clothes and your tennies; We’ll be playing in the park and hiking some trails. $5 per dog, owners are free. Register at 616-2912851 or email cari@ecotrekfitness.com. Coast Guard Park in Ferrysburg.

Essential Oil Basic Training I – 6:00-8:00pm.

Come learn the basics of Essential Oils from the meaning of Therapeutic Grade, and the many benefits of the oils. $10/session in advance or $20 at the door. Contact Jodi for tickets or with questions. heavenlyhealings@yahoo.com. 4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids. 616-443-4225

Trigger Point Massage- 6:00pm. Dr. Michael Kwast, DC, CSCS will teach workshop participants what a trigger point is, the causes, prevention and how to get rid of them. Foundation for Wellness Professionals. 4150 East Beltline Suite #4 Grand Rapids. Seating limited to first 30 callers. To make reservations, call 616-447-9888.

DYSLEXIA / AIXELSYD- 6:30pm. New Chapter Learning will provide a free informational seminar on the thinking style, learning differences, and gifts of the visual thinker. Grandville Middle School, Rm 200. Grandville. Call 616-534-1385 or visit newchapterlearning.net to pre-register.

Intro to Chinese/Asian Medicine- 6:30-8:00pm.

You will learn about the health benefits of Chinese Medicine including Acupuncture, Acupressure, Herbal Medicine, Dietary Therapy, Qi Gong an take part in a tea tasting! International Wellness Partners. Spring Lake. 616-634-2714.

Thursday, September 16 C.A.R.E. Intensive Begins- 9/16-9/19. 4-day NCBTMB and IACET (25 CE hr / 2.5 CEU) authorized training provides practical applied aromatherapy skills for the healing professionals and non-professionals in Bible Oils, Vitaflex, Chemistry, Raindrop Technique, Emotional Release. Instructor: Kathy Spohn, FCCI, www. oilsofold.abmp.com, oilsofold@sbcglobal.net, 2219 28th Street SW, Wyoming. 616-261-0015 Feldenkrais- 3:45-4:45pm. Series of guided exercises that help people become more aware of how they move, while teaching to use their bodies to the fullest potential. The method can improve posture and coordination while relieving chronic pain. $70 for 7 weeks. The Armenta Studio, 955 Wealthy St SE. Grand Rapids. 616-235-9642. lauraarmenta.com MomsBloom Free Volunteer Training- 6:308:00pm. We support families who have a newborn and need extra support. We match each family with a trained volunteer. If you like working with moms and babies, this opportunity is for you!

Grand Rapids. Contact Angie at 447-9788 or angie@momsbloom.org.

Friday, September 17 Fall Bridal Show of West Michigan- 5:009:00pm. & 9/18. The adventure of a lifetime starts now! From the engagement to the wedding…all your planning under one roof! Fashion shows, Exhibits, Prizes, and more! Tickets available at the door. Kohlerexpo.com. DeVos Place, 303 Monroe NW, Grand Rapids.

Kids Night Out- 5:30-9:30pm. Kids will have a pizza dinner and participate in games and activities in the gym. Members $25. Nonmembers $30.

Gymco. 2306 Camelot Ridge Court Se. Grand Rapids. Gymco.com.

Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm.

An invitation to light the inner fire of the heart, transform and reshape your practice, play your edge and develop flexibility and joy in community.

Call for prerequisites. Taught by Mimi Ray. $18.

Expressions of Grace Yoga. 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. expressionsofgraceyoga. com. 616-361-8580.

JourneyDance with Barbara Badolati – 8:009:30pm. An intuitive, playful and exhilarating movement experience. Mixes yoga flow with free-form movement with a variety of world music. Liberate your inner dancer and feel the innate state of Joy. $15/person or $25 for two.

Muskegon Yoga Center, 255 Seminole, Norton Shores. MuskegonYoga.com. 231-668-4181

Park. Utilizing only nature and not our usual bands, our workout will last for 90 minutes while soaking in nature. Park in lot on Conservation Road. cari@ecotrekfitness.com to register or use signup form at ecotrekfitness.com.

C3Exchange Connections Fair- After our 10:00am gathering. Have you always wondered what the Awakenings Gathering entails? Did you know we have a free C3Kids lending library, complete with DVDs and tapes? Who won the Winter Chili Cook-Off? Find your answers at the connections fair C3Exchange. Spring Lake.

616-842-1985.

Reiki I & II Class – 10:00am-4:00pm. With Reiki Master Jodi Jenks. Become attuned to the Reiki energy, and learn the history and basic hand positions. $225: includes $50 deposit for registration due a week prior to class. Contact Jodi for tickets or questions. heavenlyhealings@ yahoo.com. Minervas Hand, 106 W Savidge St, Spring Lake. 616-443-4225

Saturday, September 18

Tuesday, September 21

Reiki I and II Training Class- 9:00am-5:00pm.

Learn this energy hands-on healing technique for yourself and your family. $225.00. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. 616-915-4144.

Pure Meditation Foundation Class for adults11:00am-12:30pm. Conquer stress, improve concentration, find inner peace, and so much more. $49 includes continuing support. Pre-registration required. Self Realization Meditation Healing Centre.

East Lansing. SelfRealizationCentreMichigan.org.

517-641-6201.

DITA’S Fundraiser- 6:00-8:00pm. Come and support Choreographer Carolina Pava and Dance in the Annex in their efforts to share modern dance with our community through their ArtPrize entry “In to the Deep”. An evening of dance, snacks, wine and complementary massages and instruction. BodyMind Pilates Studio. Grand Rapids. 616-516-6832.

Partner Yoga – 7:00-8:30pm. A fun and unique way to experience yoga with the support and connection of your partner, loved one or friend.

No yoga experience necessary. $35/couple.

Muskegon Yoga Center, 255 Seminole, Norton Shores. MuskegonYoga.com. 231-668-4181

Sunday, September 19 Free Nature Hike- 8:00-9:30am. Join us for an invigorating nature hike in beautiful Siedman

Upledger CranioSacral study group- 7:009:00pm. Pre-requisite: Upledger CST. $5.

Facilitator: Ellen Costantino. Coordinator: Jamilah Tuuk, CMT. Holistic Care Approach lower level classroom 3368 Beltline Ct. NE Grand Rapids. Contact jjfmassage@yahoo.com or call 616-340-0543 for more info.

Cancer Coaching -Support Group Meeting7:30-8:30pm. Learn about the changing world of cancer treatment and how you can be an active participant in your own healing. Panera Bread 3770 28th St. SE Kentwood. 616-217-2232.

Wednesday, September 22 Special MCC EcoTrek Fitness Session- 5:30– 6:45pm. $12/ person, or $10 with $2-off coupon in this issue! Muskegon Community College Campus: Use East Entrance/ Stevenson Center parking lot, park under Lot N3 sign. Last entrance on the left side of Quarterline. Muskegon. cari@ ecotrekfitness.com or signup at ecotrekfitness.com.

Reiki Share- 6:30-8:00pm. Lisa W. Lee, Reiki Master/Teacher is providing instruction on sharing Reiki in a group setting. Cost is $20 with pre-registration. At the office of Lisa W. Lee, International Wellness Partners. 14998 Cleveland (M-104) Suite C Spring Lake. 616-847-3138.

5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Be the Healthiest You’ve Ever Been- 6:30pm. Dr, Mike will teach you the 5 nutritional supplements that

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everyone should be taking, why losing weight should not be your main goal, and more! Limited seating. Morea Chiropractic Wellness Center. 388 N 3rd Ave, Ste L, Fruitport.

Thursday, September 23 Awakened Women’s Support Group- 6:008:30pm. For women who want support in applying their personal/spiritual development knowledge in their daily life situations. Come to the first meeting and see if this is for you. $10. At Open Mind. Rockford. 616-754-9672.

Friday, September 24 Advanced Reiki Training- 9:00am -5:00pm. To continue and deepen your Reiki practice. Prerequisite Reiki I/II. $250. Jan Atwood, Reiki Master/Teacher, 801 Broadway Ave NW, Ste 436, Grand Rapids. Register 616-915-4144.

Going Upside Down & Loving It –6:30-8:30pm.

Headstand w/ Carol Hendershot. Exploring inversions can be fun and rewarding! These asanas are some of the most beneficial postures yoga has to offer. $20 Expressions of Grace Yoga. 5270 Northland Drive NE Grand Rapids. expressionsofgraceyoga.com. 616-361-8580.

Saturday, September 25 2010 Susan G. Komen Grand Rapids Race For The Cure- Line Up at 8:00am. Race begins at 8:30am. The start and finish lines will be moving to enhance the quality of the race. RiverTown Crossings Mall, 3700 RiverTown Parkway, Grandville. For more info, visit race.komengr.org Circle Pines Center Harvest Weekend10:00am- 6:00pm. Workshops Include: Dehydration, Canning, and Cooking with Root Vegetables. $15 per workshop. 8650 Mullen Rd. Delton. 269-623-5555.

Essential Oil Basic Training I & II – 10:00am-12:00pm & 1pm -3pm. Learn the basics of Essential Oils from the meaning of Therapeutic Grade. $10/session in advance or $20 at the door. Contact Jodi for tickets or with questions heavenlyhealings@yahoo.com.

Minervas Hand, 106 W Savidge St, Spring Lake. 616-443-4225 Awaken the Healer in You- 1:00-5:30pm.

Introduction to energy healing, taught by England’s renowned National Federation of Spiritual Healers, will teach you energy-healing tools you will be able to use immediately. Taught by licensed trainer Nancy O’Donohue. $40.

Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 64th St., Holland.

269-929-6796.

Evening of Native American Flute- 6:008:00pm. Featuring accomplished artists Cory Adkins and Morning Breeze. All ages. CD’s and signing post show. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. Visit www.coryadkins.com.

Sunday, September 26 “A Course in Miracles” study/discussion group- 1:30-3:30pm. Group facilitated by Ray Farell. A copy of “A Course in Miracles” is necessary. Free will offering appreciated.

We are a non-profit corp. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon N.E. Grand Rapids.

616-929-4204.

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West Michigan Edition

Tuesday, September 28 Essential Oil Basic Training II – 6:008:00pm. Come learn the basics of Essential Oils from the meaning of Therapeutic Grade, and the many benefits of the oils. $10/session in advance or $20 at the door. Contact Jodi for tickets or with questions. heavenlyhealings@ yahoo.com. 4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids.

616-443-4225

Thursday, September 30 What in the World is Happening”: Presented

by Carl Franklin- 7:00-9:00pm. 3 week course preparing for 2012 and the coming changes.

Cost of each session is $15. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon N.E. Grand Rapids. Call 616-929-4204 to pre-register.

Saturday, October 2 Reiki I - Reiki is a wonderful hands on healing energy, perfect for yourself or others. Taught by Ken and Dana Gray of Subtle Energies. $75.

Delton. More info visit reikiconnect.com. To register call Spirit Dreams 616-456-9889 or Dana at 800-260-4544.

Awaken the Healer in You- 1:00-5:30pm. This introduction to energy healing as taught by licensed trainer Nancy O’Donohue. will teach you energy healing tools you will be able to use immediately to invoke remarkable changes in your life. $40. Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 64th St., Holland. 269-929-6796.

Wo m e n ’s C e r e m o n i a l S w e a t L o d g e Retreat- 1:00-10:00pm. Potluck. Cleanse e m o t i o n a l l y, p h y s i c a l l y, m e n t a l l y & s p i r i t u a l l y i n a s w e a t l o d g e c e r e m o ny specifically designed by Dinah for women in a beautiful environment. $50. To find out more go to Awakenedpotentials.com and click on Women’s Wisdom Retreats. Limited to eight women. Greenville. 616 754-9672.

October 6 - 27, 2010 Fall Detoxification Class-7:00-8:30pm. Led by Dr. Dan Gleason, this 4-week class covers how to safely detox and provide relief from digestive problems, headaches, joint pain, weight gain, allergies and rashes. $50. C3 Exchange, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-846-5410.

October 7 What in the World is Happening”: Presented

by Carl Franklin- 7:00-9:00pm. & 10/14. 3 week course preparing for 2012 and the coming changes. Cost of each session is $15. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon N.E. Grand Rapids. Call 616-929-4204 to pre-register.

C E reative

xpression

From first breath and first spark, no idea is without sacred promise.

What is possible among Creators who dwell amid Creation?

Anything we choose!

Creativity and choice cannot be cleaved – to make is to decide.

Yet ‘tis not just decision that makes a thing a thing, but rather its expression.

In silence or in hiding, ideas have no animation; dormant powers waiting, potential, nothing more.

Creation demands action, expression of its voice and vision, ergs and joules to fuel its mission, lest it wither on its aging vine, losing life and hope to passing time.

So effort is that show of will that fans the flick’ring flame of anything that can be made or done or grown.

To be Creator, as we are by rite of birth, we must do Creative things, inevitable as breath.

Our choice is simply whether: Constructive or destructive?

Of healing or of wounding?

From love or from not love?

Express the dance, express the song, express the image or the word, and give your life the light within its own creative power!

Creation’s made by choice; made sacred by intent.

Connect with George at 860.225.6801 or GeorgeHerrick@sbcglobal.net.

S AVE T H E D ATE

S AVE T H E D ATE

NOVEMBER 5

NOVEMBER 6

Parenthood-The Circus- MomsBloom will be chronicling the adventure of parenthood.

The different acts and performances that we all go through each day. East Grand Rapids Performing Arts Center, 2211 Lake Drive SE, Grand Rapids. For more info contact Angie Walters at 616-447-9788 or visit www. momsbloom.org for tickets.

West Michigan Spa & Wellness Expo10:00am-5:00pm. Come as you are and leave rejuvenated. Admission free - donations for Love INC. Tri-Cities accepted at the Door.

Community Event - free to all. Vendors wanted. Email - spaandwellnessgr@yahoo. com or call 616-405-9060. Trillium Banquet Center, 17246 VanWagoner, Spring Lake.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

ongoingevents Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. Events must be re-submitted each month by the 15th of the month. Events subject to change, please call ahead.

All Month Long Fresh and Healthy Asian Grocery Destination -First-time customers receive 10% off your $20 or higher purchase. Asian Delight Marketplace, 4463 Breton Rd, Grand Rapids. 616-827-1828

Sunday C3Exchange, Inclusive Spiritual Community: Awakenings-9:00am. Chants, meditation, prayer.

No experience necessary. Come as you are.

C3Exchange, Inclusive Spiritual Community, 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. 616-8421985. c3exchange.org.

Bhakti Yoga (Devotional Vinyasa)-9:00am. This practice is in complete devotion to the Divine, moving ecstatically to tunes (mantras, kirtan, etc) meant to inspire! Satya Yoga Center 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. satyayogacenter.net.

269-857-7289.

C3Exchange, Inclusive Spiritual Community: Main Gathering-10:00am.

Progressive spiritual teaching with music, meditation, discussion and children’s program.

C3Exchange, Inclusive Spiritual Community, 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. 616842-1985. c3exchange.org.

Unity Church of Peace -10:00am. Celebrating God’s presence in human nature. Offering uplifting messages that are spiritual without being religious. Youth programs & Nursery. 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. 616-682-7812. www.unitychurchofpeace.org.

Free Spirit Worship Center –10:00am. Fill in the blank: “I am a __? Well then Come on you are invited! Worship is informal and pet-friendly.

820 Monroe Ave NW, Ste. 120. Grand Rapids.

616 791-8828.

The Coptic Center Sunday Series – 6:00pm. An ongoing series of inspirational speakers, centering and the piano music of Karen Lauck as we explore Universal Truths.

TheCopticCenter.org. Love Offering. The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339.

Monday 50% Off BioMeridian Assessments-State-ofthe-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home color-coded charts to assess health progress. Call for an appointment.

Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.

Muskegon Right to Life – Meetings every 4th Monday of the month. 427 Seminole Rd, Ste 202.

Norton Shores. 231-733-6300.

Yoga-Beginning-9:00am. This is where you start. Learn the basic poses, strengthen, breath awareness and relax. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231852-0849.

Junior High Yoga-4:00-5:00pm. All levels welcome. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids. Please call to register. 616915-0438.

Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome.

Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar -7:30pm.

Gentle/Moderate. Drop-ins welcome. For more details visit our website at sevayoga.net. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.

Tuesday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman-7:459:00am & 9:15-10:30am. Drop-ins welcome.

Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Hot Yoga -5:45-7:15pm. We are offering the Ashtanga primary series. Classes are warm, vigorous and challenging. Expect to perspire and bring a towel. $12-16 per class. East Grand Rapids. sevayoga.net.

A Course In Miracles-7:00-8:30pm. This selfstudy system is unique in teaching forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Attend when

you can. Ada. For info email office@unitychurchofpeace.org.

Yoga-Nidra-7:45pm. This ancient practice of “Yogic Sleep” is one of the deepest of all meditations that is essential for all on the path of a yogi. $10. Satya Yoga Center 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. satyayogacenter. net. 269-857-7289.

Wednesday 50% Off BioMeridian Assessments-State-ofthe-art profiling and tracking of all 58 meridians in the body with take-home color-coded charts to assess health progress. Call for an appointment.

Grand Rapids. 616-365-9176.

A Course In Miracles-9:30-11:00am. This selfstudy system is unique in teaching forgiveness as the road to inner peace and the remembrance of the unconditional love of God. Attend when you can. Ada. For info email office@unitychurchofpeace.org.

Ashtanga Yoga-10:00am. A dynamic practice synchronizing breath with a series of postures serving as yoga therapy. Helps realign the spine, detoxify the body, and build strength & flexibility. $10. Satya Yoga Center 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar -10:30am.

Gentle and 7:30pm. Gentle/Moderate. Drop-ins welcome. For details visit sevayoga.net. Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541 Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class-6:00-7:00pm. Reconnect with your ability to move, regardless of age. Visit BodyWorkbyJudith.com. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S. Harrison Street, Ludington.

231-510-5800.

Shambhala Meditation Group of Grand Rapids-7:30-9:00pm. Sitting and walking meditation in the Tibetan style with book study afterwards. Beginner’s welcome. Instructions provided. Free. 52 E Beltline, Grand Rapids.

616-452-2115.

Thursday Complete Yoga-6:00pm. Level 2/3. Join Michele for a complete practice of yoga from breath awareness & techniques to vinyasa/poses to meditation and karma talk. Ends with relaxation. $15. Satya Yoga Center 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289.

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Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:15-7:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Friday

classifieds To place a Classified Listing: Email listing to Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com. Must be received by the 15th of the month prior to publication. $1.00 per word; must be pre-paid.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Yoga-Intermediate – 9:00am. Learn the basics.

Holding poses longer and moving deeper into your practice and awareness of the core. For more information visit SmilingLotusYoga.com or call Smiling Lotus Yoga, 103 E. Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-852-0849.

Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement Class9:30-10:30am. In ATM lessons, students engage in precisely structured movement explorations that involve thinking, sensing, moving and imagining. $40/5 week series. Contact Body Work by Judith, 121 E Ludington Ave, Ludington. 231-510-5800.

Tai Chi-9:30am. Gentle flowing movements to encourage flexibility and natural detoxification of the body. Appropriate for all! $12, senior citizen discount. Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 64th St., Holland. www.laketownhealingarts. com. 616.335.2137.

Happy Hour Yoga-5:45-7:00pm. Walk-in $12 All levels welcome Cascade Yoga Studio. 5060 Cascade Rd. Grand Rapids. 616-915¬0438.

Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar -7:00pm.

Gentle/Moderate (begins after Labor Day 9/10).

Drop-ins welcome. For details visit sevayoga.net.

Seva Yoga Studio, 2213 Wealthy Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. 616-458-2541.

Saturday Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:0010:15am & 10:30-11:45am. Drop-ins welcome.

Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information.

Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

Sweetwater Local Foods Market-9:00am1:00pm. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon.

Full Time Ad Sales Rep – Natural Awakenings is now accepting resumes for full commission Sales Reps in select lakeshore and Grand Rapids territories. Strong organizational skills, sales and computer/database experience. We’re positive people looking for positive associates.

Flexible schedule with great earning potential. Email cover letter and resume to publisher@ naturalwestmichigan.com Wanted: Massage Therapist - balanced, experienced and mature. Can do deep tissue massage and energy work required. Alternative healthcare center located in Muskegon. Email resume to sacredflames@rocketmail.com Wanted: Administrator for Alternative Healthcare Center. Mature, balanced, organized and creative. Alternative healthcare center located in Muskegon. Email resume to sacredflames@rocketmail.com

FOR SALE Log Cabin Home - 2 Bedrooms, 1 Bath on Campau Kettle Lake in Caledonia. Plenty of storage in the new 4 Stall Garage. Asking $175,000. Located at 8810 66th Street SE in Caledonia. Call for details 616-292-6762.

House, Barn & 7 acre Farm on Lowell schools bus line. 2,500 sq. ft. Rustic cedar sided New England saltbox with cedar sided 2-story barn. 4-bedrooms, 2 ½ baths. Large country kitchen with island and walk-in brick fireplace, wide pine plank floors, wood ceilings & beams. Living/ family room has large stone fireplace $289,000. Call 616-443-8446.

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT Office for Rent in a Holistic Counseling and Healing Center in Big Rapids, MI. For more information, contact Bonnie Cripe at 231-592-8090 Beautiful, Tranquil Spa on the north side of Holland has space available to rent for an experienced Alternative health-care provider, retailer, counselor, etc. Go online to www.thebodycenter. us to learn more about our services providing Massage and Colon Hydrotherapy. Please contact Marcy to set up an interview at 616-836-1271. Namaste.

OPPORTUNITIES Opportunity for Culinary Professionals + Enthusiasts to Pursue Your Passion & Business Dreams. Commercial Rental Kitchens to open late Aug 2010. Facility Kitchens provides everything necessary for getting started, producing, and storing what you require to operate your food business by renting the area(s) and equipment you need. You don’t need your own place - we are your place to grow your food business! Visit www.FacilityKitchens. com, contact Robin for tour of facility + to discuss how you can get started. 616-301-4212 or robin@facilitykitchens.com.

CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURAL AWAKENINGS MAGAZINES - For sale in Austin TX, Boulder CO, Southwest VA. and Ventura CA. Call for details 239-530-1377.

PRODUCTS “Clearline” Herbal Formulas. www.FutureBodySciences.com 231-652-3171 or gloriaebc@sbcglobal.net. Newaygo, MI.

SERVICES Be Thinner Quicker! Cellulite Massage-Herbal Body Applicators- Tighten, Tone, Firm! Look Younger, Feel Great! Call Donna 616-301-4622

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West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

thenaturaldirectory

TRICIA E. GOSLING

...connecting you to the leaders in natural health and green living in West Michigan.

To find out how you can be included in The Natural Directory log-on to www.

NaturalWestMichigan.com/advertising.

ACUPUNCTURE SAMIR RAJANI, MD

Medical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine 890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907 www.mmpc.com Medical acupuncture can be an effective treatment for many chronic conditions, including pain, fatigue, depression and anxiety. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTITIONER OUT of THE BLUE INC

Nancy Despres RN, MBE 351 Cummings NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 616-453-4215 www.OutoftheBlueInc.net *UPDATED* Out of the Blue helps find alternative ways for achieving optimal health through the use of homeopathy, enzyme therapy nutritional supplements & hair mineral analysis. Now carrying homeopathic Hcg drops for weight loss.

AYURVEDA LOSE WEIGHT NATURALLY

Chad : 616-581-8881 myzconnection@att.net Order online at: myzconnection.myzrii.com Replace a meal for $2.75/day: 30-grams fiber, 20-Grams protein, 100% essential vitamins, 153 calories. Pure whey protein isolates, Casein-Free, Gluten-Free, 99% Lactose-Free. Natural botanicals rid body of fat & toxins.

BODYWORK WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Massage Therapist offering Therapeutic & LaStone Massage. Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist, and a Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner. See ad, page 19.

Holistic Care Approach 3368 Beltline Ct NE 616-481-9074

Offering an advanced clientcentered dimension of colonics: gentle, safe and effective. Eliminate toxins and enhance well-being. 15 years of experience. Also offering Quantum Biofeedback sessions.

I-ACT certified Instructor.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE DYNAMIC FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC

Dr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville 616-531-6050 Family owned and operated in the heart of downtown Grandville, Dynamic Family Chiropractic focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life.

A safe and natural approach to health through the combination of exercise, nutrition, detoxification and chiropractic care.

SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA

Dr. Andrew Schafer 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000 Treating musculoskeletal conditions, and specializing in back pain, sciatica neck pain, and headaches. Also offering physical therapy, massage therapy, and postural awareness. Most insurances accepted. Breton Village area. www. grchirospa.com. See ad page 7.

COUNSELING DAN ELLINGER, MA, LLP

supervised by Psy. D. Mark Mahacek Healing Ground Wellness Center 857 Summit, Muskegon, MI. 49441 231-755-3832 Stress Management, Neuro Emotional Technique (N.E.T.) practitioner helping to identify & let go of ‘stuck’ emotional patterns.

30 years of counseling experience, a holistic health care approach & setting. Affordable & confidential.

JANICE DE LANGE, PH.D

1514 Wealthy St. SE Ste 260, Grand Rapids 616-451-3008 JDelange06@yahoo.com www.janicedelange.com A mind-body-spirit approach for trauma and abuse recovery, PTSD, low sense of self-worth, panic & phobias, anxiety, depression, relationships. EMDR & Energy interventions.

COLON HYDROTHERAPY

DENTISTRY / HOLISTIC

HARMONY ‘N HEALTH Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT. 1003 Maryland Av., N.E. Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 www.harmonynhealth.net

DENTAL HEALTH & WELLNESS CENTER

Certified therapist since 1991 offering colon therapy in a sterile and professional environment.

Using a holistic approach colonics relieve constipation, diarrhea, gas, bloat, poor digestion, back pain, body odor and more. See ad page 21.

Dr. Kevin P. Flood DDS 4990 Cascade Rd SE, Grand Rapids 616-974-4990 www.FloodTheDentist.com Comprehensive Holistic Dental Services – Amalgam Removal & Replacement. Bio-Compatible, metal-free materials, LowDose Digital X-Rays, Gentle Anesthesia. See ad page 48.

THE BODY CENTER-HOLLAND Marcella Clark, CMMT, CCHT 650 Riley Street , Ste A Holland, MI 49424 616-834-2596

DYSLEXIA NEW CHAPTER LEARNING

Gentle, effective and professional colon cleansing designed to drop toxin levels and improve nutrient absorption. Get relief from bloating and constipation, fatigue and arthritis pain.

Warm, secure environment. www.TheBodyCenter.us.

Sandra McPhall Licensed Davis Dyslexia Correction Provider 616-534-1385 www.newchapterlearning.net

natural awakenings

Providing the Davis Dyslexia Correction® Program that has grown to be the most widely used program in the world correcting approximately 20,000 dyslexics per year with a 97% success rate.

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HEALTH FOOD STORES

ENERGY HEALING

AFFORDABLE NUTRITION

AMA DEUS®

Beth Cosmos Grand Rapids: 616-648-3354 www.Ama-Deusenergy.com Ama Deus healing energy method is a hand mediated technique aligned with love. The energy helps to enhance one’s own and others growth and awareness or physical and emotional healing. See ad page 31.

MATRIX ENERGETICS

Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com Matrix Energetics is a system used to heal, transform and create new possibilities in your life. Using principles of quantum physics and subtle energy Matrix Energetics helps you to shift into a more balanced state. See ad page 19.

ESSENTIAL OILS Clara Vander Zouwen 616-698-6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com Offering Be Young therapeutic essential oils, MASAJI whole food drink, Organic meal replacement shakes, and Mineral makeup. Services: Ionic detoxing foot baths, Physical and Emotional balancing, biofeedback readings.

HEAVENLY HEALINGS HOLISTIC HEALTH SERVICES

Jodi Jenks - Reiki Master 4434 Knapp St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 www.heavenlyhealings.org I am a Reiki Master that also does Essential Oil therapies including Raindrop Therapy, Emotional Clearing and Spiritual Journey work.

Call or email for appointments or questions, 616-443-4225 or heavenlyhealings@yahoo.com.

HEALTH EDUCATION CENTER

Grand Haven - 616-846-3026 Muskegon - 231-739-1568 North Muskegon - 231-744-0852 www.HealthHutt.net Natural & organic foods, vitamins & herbs, sports nutrition, gluten free foods, books, natural body care and more. Open 7 days a week. See ad, page 19.

8832 Water St., Montague 231-894-9530 www.UtopianMarketplace.com

Our friendly, knowledgeable staff provides a personalized shopping experience. We have a large selection of gluten-free foods, clothing, jewelry, herbs, supplements, local foods, gifts and more. Open Mic events every month. See ad, page 5.

HOLISTIC HEALTH CENTERS THE HEALING CENTER

352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Naturopathic / Holistic Practitioners. Licensed Physician Assistant, Certified Natural Health Professionals.

Private consultations.

Counseling & Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, emotional release, iridology, homeopathy and more. See ad, page 34.

HOMEOPATHY

THE WELLNESS FORUM 830 Forest Hill Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-942-7907 www.WellnessForum.com

BOB HUTTINGA

Educational programs for personal health improvement - Workplace wellness programs Wellness Forum Foundation focused on school nutrition and children’s health National conferences.

West Michigan Edition

HEALTH HUTT

UTOPIAN MARKETPLACE

BE YOUNG ESSENTIAL OILS

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Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 616-667-1346 Affordable, natural ap-proach to better health. Certified nutritional consultant. 20 years experience. Offering select high quality vitamins and nutritional supplements. Weight loss, cleansing, sports nutrition and more! Senior discounts.

352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 989-352-6500 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com A Physician assistant since 1976, specializing in naturopathic and homeopathic care. Also, certified Silva Method instructor. See ad, page 34.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

HYPNOTHERAPY Branden Wilson, BAS, CHT, CPNLP Certified Hypnotherapist, American Board of Hypnotherapy Certified Practitioner NLP, Society of NLP 616-560-1482 branden.wilson@gmail.com

Your phobia gone in an hour or less or its FREE. Eliminate unwanted habits and compulsions.

Resolve inner conflicts, change your limiting beliefs, and achieve your goals. Transform guilt, shame, and grief.

INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE SHORELINE CENTER FOR INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE

South Haven Community Hospital 950 S. Bailey Ave. South Haven, MI 49090 269-639-2833 Alternative therapies are used in conjunction with conventional medicine to balance your mind, body and spirit. We also offer laser hair removal, laser vein reduction and skin care services. See ad page 13.

KINESIOLOGY WHOLISTIC KINESIOLOGY HEALTH SERVICES, LLC Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 616-581-3885 www.WKHealthServices.com

Certified Wholistic Kinesiologist, Certified Massage Therapist, Reconnection Healing Practitioner, Certified Herbalist, Certified Acutonics Practitioner, Certified Reflexologist, and a Certified Matrix Energetics Practitioner.

Specializing in muscle testing, massage, energy medicine, nutritional counseling, lectures and classes. See ad page 19.

LAWN SERVICES CLEAN AIR LAWN CARE Nathan Arnold 616-328-5716 nate@cleanairlawncare.com

Sustainable lawn care service utilizing clean and quiet, electric equipment powered by renewable energy. Provide an all-natural, organic treatment & fertilization program that is safe for your children, pets, & waterways.

MASSAGE THERAPY SCHAFER CHIROPRACTIC AND HEALING SPA

Sheri Beth Schafer, CMT, Reiki Master 1801 Breton SE Grand Rapids, MI 49506 616-301-3000 We have multiple certified massage therapists offering relaxation (Swedish), deep tissue massage, and medical massage. We also offer Reiki, chakra balancing, and Ayurvedic bodywork. Breton Village area. www.grchirospa.com.

See ad pages 7 & 28.

MIDWIFERY BIRTH SONG MIDWIFERY SERVICES Yolanda Visser CM, CPM Grand Rapids 616-458-8144 www.BirthSongGR.com

Homebirth services since 1982.

Committed to facilitating natural birth, bonding, strengthening the family, informed active participation, and lending dignity to women through their birthing experience.

FULL CIRCLE MIDWIFERY SERVICE, INC. Patrice Bobier CM, CPM Hesperia - 231-861-2234 www.FullCircleMidwifery.com

In private practice since 1982 - specializing in homebirth. Over 1200 births attended. Offering midwifery care that maintains a family-centered safe birth experience.

Empowering women to stay healthy during pregnancy, give birth naturally and parent in the best ways.

HOME BIRTH PARTNERS, LLC

Susan Wente, CNM, Dr. PH 231-652-3247 www.HomeBirthworks.com This regions only Certified Nurse Midwife with 32 years experience – over 3000 births attended.

Providing pre-natal, home and hospital births and postpartum care. Gynecological and Doula services available.

REIKI REIKI HAUS

Paula Bojsen Holland: 616-392-1138 www.ReikiHaus.com Offering quality Reiki classes & treatments at affordable prices. Certified Usui Reiki Master Teacher & Gendai Reiki Shihan. All levels, Reiki Master classes and Gendai Reiki Gokukaiden.

Learn pure Japanese Reiki.

RETREAT CENTER THE LEAVEN CENTER

Lyons, Michigan 989-855-2606 www.leaven.org A place of beauty on the banks of the Grand River where you can find rest and nourishment for your body and spirit. Offering workshops, retreats, and rental space year-round.

SCHOOL/EDUCATION NATUROPATHIC INSTITUTE OF THERAPIES & EDUCATION

503 E. Broadway St Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858 989-773-1714 www.nite-mtp.com Educational Programs: Natural Health 1-4 Years, Birth Assistant 6 Months (1 weekend per month), Massage Therapy 1 Year (2 weekends per month), Individual Classes available. 15 years of excellence. See ad page 2.

RENEWAL 2 HEALTH Liberating the Body’s Miracles

WATERBIRTH SHORELINE’S WOMEN’S CENTER AT SOUTH HAVEN COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Eva Fronk, CNM and Mercedes Moran, CNM 950 S. Bailey Ave. South Haven, MI 49090 269-639-2720 Offering the only water birthing program in Southwest Michigan. Our Certified Nurse Midwives assist the mother during water birth delivery, in collaboration & consultation with our obstetricians. Call today to learn more. See ad page 6.

WOMENS RETREATS & GROUPS AWAKENED POTENTIALS FOR WOMEN

Daina (DINAH) Puodziunas Enchanted Lake ~ 35 miles NE of Grand Rapids 616-754-9672 www.Awakenedpotentials.com www.Midlifefairygodmothers.com Providing everything a woman needs to nurture her true spirit and re-enchant her soul since 1988. Solitude In Nature & Women’s Wisdom Retreats at Enchanted Lake. Local Midlife Re~Enchantment, Groups, phone coaching & tele-classes.

Cathy Whitener CHC/ Amy Remijn MA LLCP 616-217-2232 www.Renewal2Health.com Considering a career in nutrition & health? Become a certified health coach. Institute for Integrative Nutrition is the largest US health school. Contact for info and a $500 tuition discount. See ad page 6.

SPIRITUAL TRAVEL BARBARA LEE, PILGRIM SPIRIT TOURS

barbaralee13@gmail.com 616-502-2078 www.pilgrimspirittours.com Pilgrim Spirit Tours is offering a Tibet/Yunnan/Minority Cultures Pilgrimage April 12 - 28, 2011. Cost is $4960 excluding international airfare. Minimum 6 Maximum 12 participants. $100 refundable deposit to secure your spot.

THINK

BEFORE YOU BUY:

SUSTAINABLE DESIGN CENTER EDEN ENVIRONMENTS

Denise Hopkins, AIA, LEED AP 401 Hall St. SW Suite 231 Grand Rapids 616-956-5000 www.EdenEnvironments.com Enrich your home and work environment with beautiful, healthy, sustainable design and products.

Architecture, interior and landscape design, flooring, paint, cabinets, counters, furniture, accessories.

Styled by nature, designed to nurture.

Find us at NaturallyWestMI

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