Natural Awakenings Magazine June 2010 by Natural Awakenings Magazine ~ West Michigan

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Dr. Oz on

MEN’S HEALTH: 25 Tips You Need to Know

SUMMER GRILLING RECIPES SAY “I DO” to a Green Wedding

YOGA

Everyday Empowerment

with Baron Baptiste

JUNE 2010

| West Michigan Edition | www.NaturalWestMichigan.com natural awakenings

June 2010

West Michigan Edition

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contents 8

8 globalbriefs 12 healthbriefs

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 fitbody

14 KAYAKING FOR FUN

17 wisewords

& FITNESS

by Sharen Pisacreta

19 inspiration

17 EVERYDAY LIFE

20 naturalpet

LESSONS FROM YOGA A Conversation with Baron Baptiste

26 greenliving

19 SAY “I DO” TO

32 consciouseating

A GREEN WEDDING

33 calendar

by Tracy DiNunzio

20 THE HUNT FOR

BURIED TREASURE

advertising & submissions

Geocaching With Man’s Best Friend

How to Advertise

by Patricia Komar

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.

cAleNdAr suBmissioNs Submit Calendar Events online at: NaturalWestMichigan.com. Calendar deadline is the 15th of the month prior to publication.

wHere to PicK uP NAturAl AwAKeNiNGs 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

22 WHAT WORKS: Dr. Oz’ 25 Greatest Men’s Health Tips

by Dr. Mehmet Oz

26 CLEAN COMPOSTING Turning Waste into an Asset by Brita Belli

30 GAINING WEIGHT How to avoid it by Bessheen Baker

32 RECIPES

OF THE MONTH

Check us out and connect with us on Twitter & Facebook! twitter — Find us at NaturallyWestMI facebook — Find us at Natural Awakenings of West Michigan

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June 2010

letterfrompublishers

ike many wives, I know how difficult it can be to get a husband to engage in self-care. As we go to press with our special Men’s Wellness issue, Kyle is in the middle of a major internal cleansing program. It’s been a challenge for him to take this step, but he understands that his health is a key to his own happiness as well as the well-being of his family. We think that you, too, will be delighted at how Dr. Oz makes better health highly doable with 25 easy tips to get you started (page 22). June is National Great Outdoors Month, so we’re bringing the whole family ideas for fun ways to get outside and seize the days by kayaking (page 14) and hunting for buried treasure (page 20). It’s like being a kid all over again and fun for a man’s

contact us Publishers Kyle & Amy Hass Editors MaryAnn Lawrence S. Alison Chabonais Linda Sechrist Marketing Stephanie Harding

sharding@naturalwestmichigan.com

Madeleine Kolk

mkolk@naturalwestmichigan.com

J.R. VanderWall jr@naturalwestmichigan.com

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

www.NaturalWestMichigan.com

Subscriptions are available by sending $30 (12 issues) to the above address. © 2010 by Natural Awakenings. All rights reserved. Although some parts of this publication may be reproduced and reprinted, we require that prior permission be obtained in writing. Natural Awakenings is a free publication distributed locally and is supported by our advertisers. It is available in selected stores, health and education centers, healing centers, public libraries and wherever free publications are generally seen. Please call for a location near you or if you would like copies placed at your business. We do not necessarily endorse the views expressed in the articles and advertisements, nor are we responsible for the products and services advertised. We welcome your ideas, articles and feedback.

COMMITTED TO SUSTAINABILITY Natural Awakenings is locally owned and operated.

best friend as well. While you’re out and about, remember to spread your joy to those who could use a bit of your bounty. I’ve decided to always carry nonperishable groceries in my car, so that when I see people standing by the roadside showing signs that they are homeless and hungry, I can pause to share something helpful. It’s unimaginable that this is happening in my hometown and I trust you will join in assisting however it seems best to you. Even the smallest gesture is an improvement over staring straight ahead while we drive past these dear ones on our way to eat, shop and take care of business. I’m heartened whenever I see someone acting on their understanding that the well-being of our fellow man is our business. I love wishing fathers everywhere a Happy Father’s Day each June. Their selfless care for others is a prime example of what makes the world go around, and they deserve our support and applause. As a daddy’s girl myself, I am in awe of all that my dad has accomplished over the years. He is my hero. One of the best qualities I early learned from my dad is the meaning and benefits of hard work. It’s made a difference in every forward step and success I’ve enjoyed. He’s now past the conventional age of retirement, but like many devoted workers, doesn’t seem to understand the concept of stopping. He has talked about one day retiring to Aruba where we’ve enjoyed more than one family vacation. Oh to live the island life! I think we have finally convinced him that he needs to seriously consider it, but knowing him it will be yet another few years before he actually chooses to retire. Whether you are a dad just learning the responsibilities of fatherhood or one who has reaped years of family joys, we dedicate this month to a celebration of you. Happy Father’s Day

Amy and Kyle Natural Awakenings on 100% recycledEdition Michigan 4is printedWest newsprint with soy based ink.

NaturalWestMichigan.com

newsbriefs Horizen Hydroponics Meets Growing Demand with Kalamazoo Location

emand for Year Round Gardening, Green and Sustainable Lifestyle Supplies Keeps West Michigan Specialty Retailer Growing. With eight years success in Grand Rapids and online, Horizen Hydroponics owners John and Bridgette Ujlaky have responded to growing demand by expanding into the Kalamazoo market. Specializing in hydroponic, organic, indoor and year-round gardening supplies, the business offers equipment and supplies to grow higher quality and more nutritional produce, year round home-grown produce and herbs, higher yields in smaller areas, and water conservation. Open since February, Horizen Hydroponics’ Kalamazoo store is located at 4646 West Main Street at the corner of West Main and Drake in the Westwood Plaza and across the parking lot from Natural Health Center. The name of the business – HoriZEN Hydroponics – hints at tranquility through gardening, says Ujlaky. Gardening is a great family hobby, they say, and teachers find indoor gardening provides a valuable hands-on learning tool for teaching math, biology and science. Hours are Monday-Friday 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Saturday 12 - 5 p.m. 269-567-3333. Hhydro.com.

Helping Clean Up Neighborhood Parks

lean Air Lawn Care has set up a neighborhood park Upgrade Program for customers. For an additional $5, Clean Air will spruce up customers’ neighborhood parks. The cost covers labor and material. Customers are enjoying the positive

changes at their neighborhood parks, says owner Nate Arnold. Clean Air Lawn Care, 616-328-5716. CleanAirLawnCareGrandRapids.com. See ad page 38

Evolution Author Visits Spring Lake Spiritual Center

his month, the C3 Center for Spiritual Growth welcomes renowned speaker and author of “Thank God for Evolution” Rev. Michael Dowd. The event concludes a joyous Celebration Week for the community as the Center unveils its expanded church name and message. C3, an inclusive spiritual community in Spring Lake, invites the community to “Evolutionize Your Life” on Sunday, June 13. Rev. Dowd will lead C3 in fellowship and inquiry during the 10 a.m. service/ gathering, with a unique opportunity to engage in discussion following the address. “Evolutionize Your Life” gives us the tools to build bridges, provide guidance, and restore realistic hope for people of any religion or belief system. Then, join C3 June 15 at 7 p.m. for Rev. Dowd’s dynamic and bold multimedia presentation, covering the major themes of his book, “Thank God for Evolution,” which received endorsements from six Nobel Prize-winning scientists, religious leaders across the spectrum, and even skeptics. Come learn how their common creation story, as seen through sacred eyes, can transform our lives and relationships. C3 is an inclusive spiritual community welcoming all who wish to engage, inquire, and connect within a spiritually diverse environment. Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. c3center.org. See ad page 22

Open House Celebrates One Year in Business

ndigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More is celebrating its first anniversary this month. All are welcome Saturday, June 26 for a full day of book signings, face painting, intuitive readings, sales and specials. Indigo’s is located at 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298. IAmBeMore.com. See ad page 33

Mary a. delange C.C.T. C.M.T. Colon HydroTHerapy Some Benefits of Colon Therapy are: • Remove toxic waste from ones body • Eradicate constipation • Removes stomach bloat • Increases ones energy also offering Therapeutic Massage P: 616.456.5033 E: mary@harmonynhealth.net www.harmonynhealth.net

natural awakenings

June 2010

Two Day Experiential Workshop

he Body Center in Holland presents a two-day immersion workshop June 12-13, “Why is This Happening to Me Again” and “Healing through Relationships. The event takes place at 753 Butternut Drive in Holland. In this fun and easy-to learn workshop presenter Rex Montague-Bauer will provide tools for more joy, abundance and intimacy in relationships and fewer struggles. Says Montague-Bauer, there is a scientific reason for recurring experiences and once we understand how this works we will know how to change it. The workshop also addresses feelings of being misunderstood and our strong desire for someone to truly listen. It explores the cause of our struggling relationships, why we don’t feel heard and why true intimacy is so elusive. More importantly, in two short days, participants will learn how simple it is to transform their life and all of their relationships. This is an experiential workshop. Participants will see results of these powerful techniques the minute they begin using them. The Body Center is located at 650 Riley St., Suite A, in Holland, 616.834.2596. TheBodyCenter.us. More about Rex MontagueBauer at StillPointBreathofLife.com. See ad page 20 & 28

Grand Opening Street Party

oin Chel Lea and Friends for its Grand Opening street party celebration in downtown Ionia from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. June 19. The party brings together artists, readers, massage therapists, local businesses and refreshments for a full day of fun. Chel Lea and Friends is located at the corner of Steele and Main in the Dennis Allen Action Center. The shop is full of items from Open Mind in Rockford, Kin of Hope Natural Health in Cedar Springs, herbs, bath salts, cards, stones, incense, oils, books, gifts, jewelry and other items made by local artists. Services include spiritual advice, massage, ear candling, Reiki and energy healing. There is a weekly Open Mic Night for local artists, musicians, poets and a weekly Teens with Dreams group. Stop in and say hello to Chel and Pam and say you heard about the Street Fair in Natural Awakenings to enter a special drawing. Chel Lea and Friends, LLC, is located at 402W. Main St., in Ionia. Hours are Tues-Fri 11 a.m.to 5 p.m. 616-522-9290. ChelLea.com. See ad page 29 & 30

Reconnect Through JourneyDance™

arbara Badolati, owner of Alive & Well and the Muskegon Yoga Center, is grateful to announce that she has completed JourneyDance™ teacher training with creator Toni Bergins in Boston, MA last month. JourneyDance is an inspiring, intuitive, playful and often exhilarating movement experience. Practiced barefoot, it mixes yoga flow, trance dance, chanting and free-form movement with a variety of world music. JourneyDance reconnects one with his/her innate state of joyous well-being. The mind becomes clear, free, and positive, and the body feels supple, energized, and powerful. Barbara will be teaching JourneyDance at the Muskegon Yoga Center at its NEW location at 255 Seminole, Norton Shores, at the corner of Seminole and Seaway Drive. BeAliveAndWell.com or BeAliveAndWell@gmail.com. Visit JourneyDance.com. See ad page 16

Meniere’s Disease Symposium

he Meniere’s Research Organization hosts its 10th Annual Meniere’s disease Lyceum in Grand Rapids on June 26 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. This year, the symposium on Meniere’s disease (MD) and Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is open to both doctors and patients. Learn about the latest scientific findings in both traditional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. Registration fee is $200 for doctors, $50 for patients and $25 for guests and students. Dr. James Tomasi will be the featured speaker in the morning session. Dr. Michael Burcon will also be presenting. Visit MenieresResearch.com and BurconChiropractic. com. 616-575-9990. See ad back page

Field of Green Festival

landford Nature Center in Grand Rapids presents the first annual Field of Green Festival June 12 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Come out to enjoy a musical day full of “green” family fun and support your back yard nature center at the same time. Enjoy live music from Hawks and Owls, Pete Bass, Seeds & Sprouts, Rob & Ron and The Wren Boys. Eco-friendly vendors will be on hand offering jewelry, art, clothing, goat milk soap and much more. Petals the Clown, family-friendly activities and free ice cream cones for the

FKPA 10-002

Bakers, Caterers, Chefs, Cooks, Entrepreneurs

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

“ Grow Your Food Business With Us!” Robin Cunningham Robin@facilitykitchens.com Phone: 616-301-4212 www.facilitykitchens.com 501 Ottawa, Lowell, MI 49331

kids are just a few things to enjoy. Food will be available or you may bring your own picnic. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for kids 4-12, children 3 and under free. All proceeds go to benefit Blandford Nature Center. Blandford Nature Center is located at 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, in Grand Rapids. For volunteer or vendor information contact Melissa Bass at 616-481-9258 or BassMelissa@sbcglobal.net.

CEUs & CE Hours for Integrated Aromatic Science Trainings

he International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) has awarded C.A.R.E., Inc., the prestigious Authorized Provider status. C.A.R.E. is also approved by the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork (NCBTMB) as a continuing education Approved Provider, and recognized by the Natural Therapies Certification Board (NTCB), the Spiritual Healing Licensing Board (SHLB), and the Associated Bodywork and Massage Professionals (ABMP). A C.A.R.E. Intensive is a four-day training in Raindrop Technique, Applied Vitaflex, Chemistry, Emotional Release, and Healing Oils of the Bible which provides practical applied aromatherapy skills for the healing professionals who choose to integrate therapeutic grade essential oils into their practice, as well as for the non-professionals who are empowering themselves to increase the health and well being of themselves, their family, and friends. Participating in a CARE Intensive can lead to a Certified Practitioner status. Participants completing the training will: ~ Understand the Fundamentals of Aromatherapy ~ Understand the Science and Chemistry of Essential Oils ~ Learn to Apply Useful Skills in Vitaflex ~ Learn to do Raindrop Technique ~ Learn how Essential Oils Can be Used for Emotional Releasing Instructor Kathy Spohn, FCCI is a Certified C.A.R.E. Instructor based in West Michigan. She is an internationally known

speaker, instructor, and healing arts facilitator. For class details and what others say, visit: www.oilsofold. abmp.com or call 616-261-0015.

Women’s Support Documentary

ulia (Juul) Bovenberg, a documentary filmmaker from the Netherlands is coming to Enchanted Acres to talk to Daina (DINAH) Puodziunas of Awakened Potentials and her Midlife Re~Enchantment Support Groups for women about doing a documentary on the magic that happens when women come together in a safe, sacred circle and use their challenges to awaken their authentic soul. Dinah has been facilitating groups at Open Mind Store in Rockford and through tele-classes for four years now and Women’s Wisdom Retreats at Enchanted Lake since 1988. In ancient and tribal cultures, women have always taken time out to celebrate themselves and take care of what the Australian Aboriginal women call “women’s business.” Now the scientists tell us that women really NEED this contact with other females, in order to survive well and live longer—it’s all about that female hormone, oxytocin. The more time we spend in each other’s company, the more oxytocin is generated and floods our systems; the more oxytocin is generated, the more we all feel GOOD and want to reach out and help others. (For more information, check out The Tending Instinct by Shelley E. Taylor.) Contact Dinah at www.Midlifefairygodmothers.com or 616-754-9672 to join a group. See ad page 39

Kudos

coTrek Fitness celebrated its fifth birthday in May by opening the Portland series as well as the first out-of-state series in Morgantown, West Virginia! Contact Cari Draft, EcoTrekFitness.com for more information. See ad page 13

natural awakenings

June 2010

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

Good Fathering

Dad’s Involvement with Young Kids Aids Achievement A study by the University of Illinois attests that fathers who change diapers and engage in a range of playful activities with their young children stay more involved as their offspring grow older. Families also realize positive effects on the youngsters’ academic achievement and social skills, findings that are supported by earlier studies. Significantly, the researchers found that when fathers build close, loving relationships with their children in the preschool years, they’re “writing a script” that determines how connected they are, and that script will continue past early childhood. Affectionate gestures establish and continue that involvement. “That can be as simple as a father winking at his three-year-old,” says Brent McBride, professor of human development at the university. In contrast, fathers who seek to establish a close bond when the child is older have a more difficult time because, McBride warns, “the moment has passed.”

Oceans Ahoy

Communities Celebrate World Oceans Day June 8 Millions of people annually gather at hundreds of events around the world to recognize the vital importance of the “one ocean” we all share and support the present and future health of our blue planet. Last year saw 70 events in the United States alone. This year, the 50th anniversary of the Dr. Seuss classic, One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish, adds to the fun. Individuals and families will join in kids’ art contests, photography exhibits, film showings, essay and poetry contests, treasure hunts, sleepovers and storytelling at aquariums, museums and zoos across the country. Fests will celebrate sustainable seafood, and local volunteer squads will tackle aquatic cleanup projects. We rely on a healthy ocean with a rich diversity of life to supply oxygen, foods and medicines, as well as millions of jobs and endless opportunities for recreation and inspiration. Because all the world’s oceans are connected, environmentalists call for them to be treated as one ocean. Locate and register local events at WorldOceansDay.org.

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Train Travel

America Rediscovers the Joy of Riding the Rails Due in part to higher gasoline prices and frustrations associated with airline travel, long-distance rail travel for 2008 and 2009 was up 24 percent and 19 percent, respectively, compared with 2007. Amtrak, America’s passenger railroad, is busy improving speed and customer service, while building new routes to include underserved and unserved communities. The company is benefiting from reauthorization of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act, robustly supported by the Obama administration. Current U.S. routes comprise 22,000 rail miles. Lodging and features range from roomettes and bedroom packages that include meals to family suites with showers. Passengers enjoy panoramic scenic views from secondstory sightseeing lounge cars and can gather to mingle, watch a movie or share a meal and refreshments. “The relaxed atmosphere seems to encourage people to [open up and] tell their life stories,” comments John Pitt, author of The Bradt Travel Guide, USA by Rail. Tips for traveling the rails include: make friends with the car attendant; pack easy-to-prepare foods and water from home, small toys and games for the kids plus pillows and blankets for everyone; and stock an essentials bag with binoculars, books, cards, maps with rail lines, earplugs, eyeshade, pocket flashlight, sunglasses and a cheap digital watch with an alarm. For detailed information on routes and more, visit Amtrak.com.

Military Intelligence

Defense Department Broadens Protections for Endangered Species Pentagon records show that from 2004 to 2008, the U.S. Department of Defense invested $300 million to protect endangered species—more than the previous 10 years combined. Now the military plans to broaden those efforts affecting more than the 420 officially endangered or threatened species on its land to restore ecosystems that benefit 500 other species considered at risk. As the owner of 30 million relatively pristine acres that often comprise critical habitat, the military is working to honor conservation laws without curbing its training exercises. The latest award-winning example heralded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service is at Fort Stewart, Georgia, where the army grooms its 279,000 acres to accommodate 20 protected species, including five endangered or threatened inhabitants. A partnership with conservation groups is working to preserve another 100,000 adjoining acres to prevent encroaching development. Next door, the Marine Corps’ Townsend Range is working to protect 15,000 acres of critical watershed on the Altamaha River, a haven for several threatened species. Both are part of the Defense Department’s annual preservation purchases budget, which grew to $56 million in 2009. “Overall, the military has done a great job,” Kieran Suckling, of the Center for Biological Diversity, told The New York Times, despite some activities that still conflict with wildlife concerns, such as the Navy’s use of mid-frequency sonar in whale and dolphin habitats. Army Deputy Assistant Secretary Tad Davis adds that, “Ten years ago, you would have had a threeor four-star general stomping up and down” if the Pentagon ordered such wildlife preservation measures. “Now they just ask, ‘How do I get it done?’”

All your dreams can come true if you have the courage to pursue them.

~Walt Disney

Wet Hands

California Opens First Ecosystems Immersion Experience Plants, animals and hands-on science populate nearly every inch of the 45,000-square-foot Ecosystems Experience at the California Science Center, in Los Angeles. Highlights among the 11 environment experiences range from walking a 24-foot-long transparent tunnel through a 188,000-gallon display inhabited by a living kelp forest (the rainforests of the sea), to encountering a desert flash flood in a safe splash zone to conducting experiments on a polar ice wall. The Rot Room, which shows how natural cycles depend upon processes of decomposition, courtesy of carnivorous insects, is a huge draw for kids. Other exhibits spotlight river, island, rocky shore and urban ecosystems. An interactive Global Zone, which projects images onto a global map from inside a large sphere, lets visitors discover how the Earth transfers matter and energy through ocean currents, atmospheric circulation and the planet’s carbon and water cycles. “Ecosystems will give our guests an appreciation for how the living world and physical world are interconnected,” says Jeffrey N. Rudolph, president and CEO of the center. “We believe [the experience] will provide guests with the knowledge to become better stewards of the environment.” Admission is free; advance online registration is required. Visit California ScienceCenter.org or call 323-724-3623.

Mars for MenA drop away from balancing your man’s hormones.

Offering Health Coaching in use of Therapeutic Essential Oils, Cleanses, Pain Relief, Hormone Issues, as well as Detoxing Foot Baths, Body Balancing & Biofeedback Scans.

Call Clara: 616.698.6148 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com

natural awakenings

June 2010

Oil Spill Cleanup

How Everyone Can Help Contain Gulf Disaster Environmental cataclysms from oil spills are staggering. The 1989 Exxon Valdez spill near Alaska unleashed 10.8 million gallons of crude oil that eventually covered 11,000 square miles of water. The 1979 nine-monthlong Mexican government’s Ixtoc 1 oil well blowout disgorged 140 million gallons of crude into the Gulf of Mexico. Now, April’s BP Deepwater Horizon spill, already one of the nation’s worst environmental disasters on record, is destroying and endangering marine and bird life, nature’s balance and Gulf coast livelihoods. In its wake, citizens are rallying to protect the water, land and wildlife at risk. Volunteers are needed for ongoing cleanup and wildlife rehabilitation efforts; so is hair. The nonprofit Matter of Trust invites hair salons, classrooms, pet groomers and individuals to donate clean, leftover hair and fur trimmings for use in highly absorbent hair mats and booms. Founder Lisa Gautier says, “A pound of hair can pick up one quart of oil in a minute, and it can be wrung out and reused up to 100 times.” Volunteers throughout the Gulf region are holding “Boom BQ” parties to stuff donated locks into recycled nylons to form booms that can be strung along beaches and marshes. See MatterOfTrust.org for easy donation instructions. At OilSpillVolunteers.com, anyone can register to volunteer or join a cleanup organization. Even stepping into fragile shoreline habitats can be devastating to nesting species, so proper volunteer training is critical. The National Audubon Society (Audubon.org) is helping to coordinate volunteers via online registration forms. Monetary donations provide supplies and resources to benefit affected birds and wildlife. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (imms.org) is on deck, rescuing and rehabilitating affected sea turtles, dolphins and other sea mammals. Oceana (Oceana.org), the largest international nonprofit focused solely on ocean conservation, invites everyone to get involved in preserving Earth’s oceans and restoring their healthful abundance. Every volunteer hour, donated dollar—and lock of hair—can make a difference. To help, call the unified response center (DeepwaterHorizonResponse.com) at 281-366-5511.

True Health Freedom If you are concerned about the future of Natural Health and Healing in this country, then this information below may be the best news you’ve heard in a long, long time! True Health Freedom has already been provided for those who know how to avail themselves of it. Congress has passed into public laws absolute freedom to Natural Healers, their patrons, as well as the manufacturers who supply them. Congress then proceeded to strengthen the laws with amendments. The Supreme Court has ruled categorically in favor of these laws. What are these laws? They are the Native American Free Exercise of Religion Act 1993 (NAFERA), with the American Indian Religious Freedom Restoration Amendment (AIRFRA), and the Religious Freedom Restoration Act 1993 (RFRA), with the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Amendment (RLUIPA). These Public Laws really do apply to you because of the Open Invitation from the Nemenhah Band to all Natural Healers of Good Intention. Please go to the following link and read the Open Invitation: http://anyanakai. wordpress.com. Be blessed and Walk Sacred. Submitted by Donna Greenman, donnashealthpath@yahoo.com or 616-301-4622.

Hugs can do

great amounts of good — especially for children. ~ Princess Diana, Princess of Wales

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Action Plan

U.S. Government Gets Behind Great Lakes Restoration The Obama administration has released a five-year blueprint for applying $2.2 billion to repair a century’s worth of damage to the Great Lakes. That resource is the backbone of several U.S. regional economies dependent on tourism, outdoor recreation, shipping and manufacturing and a source of drinking water for 30 million people. Last year, Congress approved the first installment of $475 million; Obama has requested $300 million more as of October. The giant ecosystem has been plagued by toxic contamination, shrinking wildlife habitat and invasive species, the latest threat being Asian carp. The massive national and regional effort intends to improve water quality, clean up toxic hot spots and phosphorus runoff, eliminate invasive species and protect wetlands. Goals include saving key species like the lake sturgeon, now endangered due to overharvesting and habitat degradation. Canadian activists have released a complementary plan calling for their government to get busy eliminating pollution and invasive species, and protecting water flows. Four of the five lakes border on both countries. “To see the Americans move on [this issue] will, we hope, force our federal and provincial governments to move in the same direction,” says Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen. “Substantial amounts of money are going to be required.” According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Great Lakes contain about 84 percent of the surface freshwater in North America and 21 percent of the world’s total supply.

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Growth in Grace

Spiritual Pilgrimages on the Rise Worldwide Spiritual pilgrimages, religious retreats and other faith-based journeys comprise one of today’s fastest-growing travel markets, according to the World Tourism Organization. The first International Conference on Religious Tourism in 2006 estimated it to be an $18 billion industry worldwide. A Travel Industry Association of America survey found that one in four travelers said they were currently interested in taking a spiritual vacation, and the interest is spread evenly among all adult age groups. Packaged tours embrace everything from formative Christian destinations to sites sacred in Buddhist, Hindu, Islam and other ancient religious traditions. The oldest known pilgrimage site is said to be Mount Kailash, in Tibet, a holy travel destination for about 15,000 years. Those not up to the physical demands of travel can alternatively take advantage of the growing number of DVDs available online and at local libraries that allow individuals to take “armchair” pilgrimages around the world.

Find us at NaturallyWestMI

natural awakenings

June 2010

healthbriefs

Brains in Trouble

early all of us are high-tech jugglers these days as we race to keep up with emails and instant message conversations while jumping between websites or watching television. But be aware that people who are regularly bombarded with multiple electronic media streams are paying a big mental price, according to recent research from Stanford University. “They’re suckers for irrelevancy,” concludes Professor Clifford Nass, who participated in the study. “Everything distracts them.” The researchers found that heavy multitaskers consistently underperform those who prefer to complete one task at a time. Weaknesses include their inability to pay attention to detail, organize memory and switch from one job to the next.

Train Less To run FasTer

R Failure is unimportant. It takes courage to make a fool of yourself.

unners can improve both their short- and long-term performance results by reducing the amount of training by 25 percent and introducing speed endurance work into their regimens. By doing short sprints three to four times a week during a recent study, runners improved their times in 10-kilometer runs by a full minute after just six to nine weeks of such altered training. Source: University of Copenhagen, 2009

~Charlie Chaplin

Nutrition for a Healthy Prostate

ased on prolific research, experts generally agree that diet plays a key role in reducing the risk of prostate cancer. They recommend eating foods low in fat, keeping portions of meat and dairy small and avoiding highly processed or charcoaled meats, while loading up on fruits and vegetables. The kinds of produce identified as having anticancer properties include tomatoes, papaya, cantaloupe, cauliflower and broccoli. Drinking green tea also helps, as it contains an active compound that prevents and curbs the progression of prostate cancer. In addition, various studies propose vitamin E, zinc and selenium as aids in reducing the risk of this type of cancer. Plant oils, nuts and seeds are naturally rich sources of vitamin E. Zinc is abundant in pumpkin seeds and oysters. Brown rice and whole grains supply selenium. Sources: American Association for Cancer Research, 2009 and Wiley-Blackwell, 2009

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Natural Ways to Quiet Snoring

noring can interfere with any coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rest, but a recent article published in the Mayo Clinic newsletter offers good news if the snoring is due to ordinary causes not linked to the more serious condition of sleep apnea, a serious health concern in which breathing stops during sleep. Counselors suggest six natural ways to reduce snoring or eliminate it altogether:

n Avoid alcohol ~ Alcohol consumption can cause excessive muscle relaxation in the tongue, mouth and soft palate, causing them to sag into the airway. Avoiding alcohol for at least four hours before bedtime may help.

n Change sleep positions ~ For those who sleep on their backs, the tongue can sag and narrow the airway during sleep. A physician can suggest techniques to learn how to sleep comfortably in other positions. n Stop smoking ~ Smoking is associated with an increased risk of snoring. People who stop smoking have a lower rate of snoring. n Try assistive devices ~ The most effective treatment for snoring is a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. It delivers pressurized air through a mask, keeping the upper airway open during sleep. If a person has difficulty wearing a mask at bedtime, an oral appliance supplied by a specially trained dentist or orthodontist can help keep the throat open.

Though most snoring is harmless, snorers should consult a doctor to rule out sleep apnea.

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ypical dietary tactics to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) usually have short-lived effects because the avoidance of certain foods doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to tackle the root of the problem, which is an overly sensitized digestive system reacting to stress. Reporting on this widespread problem, the British Medical Journal notes that an increasing number of gastroenterologists are now looking to hypnotherapy to help their patients cope with the unpleasant and often painful symptoms. Dr. Roland Valori, editor of the journal Frontline Gastroenterology, said that of 100 patients treated, 90 found that hypnotherapy significantly improved their symptoms and gave them more control over the condition. natural awakenings

June 2010

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Kayaking A

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open-style kayak demos. Because Michigan boasts some of the best paddling venues in the country, a number of outfitters are available in the region. Visit the ones closest to you, such as Kayak Kayak in Holland, Big Lake Outfitters of Saugatuck, or Grand Haven’s Earth’s Edge and Lakeshore Kayak Rentals. Area kayakers should definitely check out EcoTrek Fitness, which is an innovative leader in combining fitness workouts with nature. “This part of Michigan is the perfect area for kayaking,” owner Cari Draft said. “There are accessible waterways everywhere you look.” EcoTrek holds kayaking clinics for beginners in various locations throughout the summer; a schedule is available on www. EcoTrekFitness.com. Also plan to explore the outdoors with EcoTrek at their Early Fall Kayak Event Sept. 12th on the Muskegon River. Kayaking is an ideal leisure time activity for families. When introducing children to the sport, consider renting or buying an inflatable kayak known as a ducky. Made from nearly indestructible PVC or rubber, these brightly colored kayaks are more stable than conventional kayaks, and will be easier for a child to maneuver. Because they can be deflated, duckies are conveniently transported and stored. Just remember to keep close to shore until your children are accomplished swimmers. Families who take children on that first paddling excursion often find themselves planning entire vacations around kayaking. For those looking for a low-impact workout, kayaking scores high on the list. Kayaking works the entire body without causing joint or muscle damage, giving special attention to the shoulders and core strength of the abdomen. In addiCatch the Vision Enterprises—We Deliver Wellness tion, novice kayakers are surprised that it is their legs and torso that are responsible for Join Us For An Exciting Presentation! the powerful forward stroke of the paddle. Anyone who has ever steered a kayak, Live Tuesdays, 6:00 p.m. canoe, or raft can attest to the fact that Longer At Free Spirit Worship Center paddling gives the cardiovascular system 820 Monroe Ave. NW, Suite 120 & a healthy workout. Kayaking is also an Make Your N. of The Sixth Street Bridge Healthier excellent cross-trainer. Paddling helps at Mason St. Home rock climbers and cyclists build their grip Grand Rapids, MI 49503 & (Plenty of parking) and upper body strength. Swimmers and Environment runners find that kayaking both increases Get Out of Debt Safer RSVP TODAY! endurance and offers a low-impact & 616 7918818 791 workout for the legs. If weight loss is the Secure Your 1 800 9478412 947 goal, kayakers burn up to 400 calories an Financial Future hour if their paddling speed is 4-5 miles themartins@wedeliverwellness.com per hour. But before taking up a paddle, consult your doctor to make certain you have no underlying health problems.

uthor Norman MacLean wrote, “Eventually all things merge into one, and a river runs through it.” In Michigan, our rivers join numerous lakes and streams to form a spectacular display of natural wonder. And there are few better ways in which to explore this scenic beauty than from the seat of a kayak. According to the American Canoe Association, kayaking is the fastest growing recreational outdoor sport in the country. Kayaking offers adventure, a low-impact workout, and the stress reducing charms of nature. It can be enjoyed alone, with family and friends, or with organized groups that race competitively or conduct nature tours. And because of its low risk of accident or injury, people of all ages and fitness levels can participate. While the sport includes the more challenging sea and whitewater kayaking, the easiest - and most enjoyable - way to begin paddling is as a recreational kayaker. The hull of a recreational kayak is designed to ride on the calm waters of ponds, marshes, bayous, flat rivers, and inland lakes. It is also the best kayak for those who are interested in fishing or photography. Because recreational kayaking is the most popular form of the sport, there are a wide variety of kayaks to choose from. Beginners are advised to rent the necessary equipment before buying. When purchasing a kayak however, look for the best prices during off-season and July/August clearance sales. Make certain to choose a kayak that is brightly colored; the same is true for clothing worn while kayaking. It’s important that people are able to see you clearly if an emergency should arise on the water. And sign up for some basic lessons in kayaking safety first. Local outfitters are a kayaker’s best friend. They offer equipment to buy or rent, formal lessons, customized kayaking trips, and

by Sharon Pisacreta

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Fitness isn’t the only reason to start kayaking. There are few better ways to reduce stress than slowly paddling ‘down a lazy river’. Local companies will arrange leisurely outings on the calmest waterways for you or the whole family. These kayak trips are also great opportunities for photographers and bird watchers, giving them a close-up view of the wildlife in watersheds and marshes. Anglers will discover that fishing from a kayak allows access to areas denied to larger boats. Environmentally minded individuals can join groups of kayakers who regularly go out to clean up rivers or ponds. And numerous kayaking organizations and groups host events and excursions throughout the year. A recommended local resource is the West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association (WMCKA). Several of their upcoming summer events include Paddle on the Pond at Newaygo State Park June 11-13, the July 10th Kayak for Light at Ramona Park in Portage where blind kayakers will be given the chance to enjoy paddling on Long Lake, and Snug Harbor Day at Muskegon State Park on July 17th. For more information, visit the WMCKA website http://www.wmcka.org. If you’re looking to combine fun with scientific research, volunteer for the Grand River Expedition in July. A water team of hundreds of kayakers and canoeists will explore Michigan’s longest river. The river is also the focus of the First Annual Grand River Kayak Race on June 12th. To stay up to date on kayaking events, or to simply meet with other kayakers, consider joining a local paddling club. Paddling clubs often hold kayak instruction clinics, organize group trips and outings, and participate in community endeavors like the St. Joseph River Cleanup. Several clubs to check out are the WMCKA, the Berrien Paddlers of Southwest Michigan, and The Southwest Michigan Paddlers. And don’t forget Paddle Michiana which hosts group paddles almost every weekend from March to November; no fee or sign-up is necessary. Just show up with a kayak and paddle. Whether paddling among the reeds in a marshy inlet or skimming along the still waters of a pond, the world will seem a more tranquil place from the cockpit of a kayak. And here in Michigan, if a river runs through it, it’s very likely that a kayak does too. Sharon Pisacreta is a long-time freelance writer who recently followed her bliss to the villages of Saugatuck/Douglas. She may be contacted at spisacreta@twmi.rr.com. natural awakenings

June 2010

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YOGA A Conversation with Baron Baptiste

or 20 years, Baron Baptiste, founder of Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga, has served as an inspirational yoga teacher, author and leader in the realm of personal transformation. He has influenced the lives of hundreds of thousands of people around the world and across cultures. Here, he comments on yoga’s life-changing benefits.

as with the effects of the universal language of music, people feel the rhythm and power of yoga in their bodies. How has yoga helped you?

Baptiste yoga focuses on what creates results for people on the physical, mental and emotional levels, so that they can feel more empowered and at ease in their everyday lives. I developed this style of power yoga over many years of working with men, women and youths. It adapts to an individual’s level of ability and encourages students to integrate universal timeless and spiritual principles into their daily lives.

Yoga is an anchor in my life. It’s hard to imagine what life would be like without yoga. Physically, it’s always been there for me from childhood. In my teens and early 20s, I surfed and participated in martial arts competitions. Yoga not only gave me a background for all the sports I participated in, it provided a platform for my athletic training and helped heal and rebuild my body after injuries. In my 30s, and now my 40s, yoga has been my pillar as I enter new phases of life. In challenging times, yoga has been like a friend that helped me work through stress and emotions. It’s a tool that continues to help me find peace and freedom, as well as personal power.

Why should yoga students feel part of a global community?

Which yoga skill is the most useful in everyday life?

Yoga means union, and is practiced throughout the world, regardless of language or cultural barriers; in a sense, we are all connected via our humanity. Just

In Baptiste yoga, we emphasize being present in the moment by connecting with the body, which we consider to be an anchor for the mind. For example,

What is Baptiste Power Vinyasa Yoga?

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natural awakenings

June 2010

imaginings of the mind and back to our center. This simple act empowers us in all situations and in our relationships. How have yoga disciplines bettered relationships within your family?

when an individual who lives largely in their head is asked to connect with their breath, foot or leg while holding a yoga pose, they immediately come into the present moment. This is a strong tool to take off the mat and into everyday life. When we take the time to connect again and again throughout the day to our breath or to our body, we are drawn away from the mental concepts and

The true effectiveness of yoga shows when we take our practice into life situations. I have three sons, ages 17, 14 and 10. Teenagers communicate on a different level because they are trying to make their own way in the world and find their sense of self; I now find myself interacting with my two older sons on a new level. When they were younger, I called the shots, but now they want to do that, which results in a back-and-forth dance of communication. When I am practicing yoga, I find that instead of reacting to their challenges from a position of control, I am centered, calm and less reactive. Rather than giving them something to rebel against, I am able to respond more consciously. Overall, when I am centered and grounded in my body and breathing, I’m

yoga

not in my head, intellectualizing about what is happening. Rather, I’m connected with my heart center. Immediately, my perception shifts from thoughts of the past or future into the present, which is the best place to be, because I’m with “what is, as is,” and I can respond from a place of compassion. I like that I feel more complete when I’m engaged with my children. What advice do you give someone who wants to begin a yoga practice? An all-day immersion experience is a great way to start. Then, practicing yoga daily for at least 20 to 30 minutes is better than practicing for one hour three times a week A regular yoga practice has cumulative results: The body changes and becomes stronger, deals better with stress and benefits from enhanced energy flows; practitioners enjoy an overall feeling of well-being and a sense of ease within their own body. For more information, visit http:// BaronBaptiste.com/index.htm.

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trends, as well as resources,” says Christine Dyer, founder of BridalTweet. com. Brides are connecting with each other for advice, support and are even trading recommendations for vendors and other service providers on community-based social networks like BrideShare.net.

inspiration

Say

The Times Are A-Changing ~ Romantics are scheduling their nuptials on weeknights, Sundays, and even early mornings in 2010. It’s less expensive to book a venue or caterer on these days at these times, and as telecommuting becomes increasingly popular, workers have more flexible schedules. Sunrise ceremonies can be bookended by chic mid-week dinner receptions and brunch parties.

“I DO”

to a Green Wedding by Tracy DiNunzio

Shifts toward sustainability in the wedding industry are now allowing brides and grooms to achieve the wedding day of their dreams in budget-friendly ways. Couples are using the big occasion as an opportunity to nurture their personal and financial well-being, protect the environment and support their communities. We may all be inspired by their example in choosing these top sustainable alternatives to standard wedding practices. There’s No Place Like Home ~ From venues to menus, couples are making efforts to reduce their carbon footprint and cut their budgets by keeping celebrations “all in the neighborhood.” Backyard weddings are helping guests cut back on travel, and caterers are responding to clients’ demands for more locally produced food. Wedding favors and decorations now come from local artisans and shops. Floral Options ~ Conventional cut flowers are expensive, plus, they’re

grown with pesticides and have a huge carbon footprint, so couples are instead decorating with living succulents and paper flowers. Many will eschew the floral look altogether by using soy candles, fruit and found objects for table centerpieces and bouquets. Wedding Planning Goes Digital ~ From blogs to Facebook, wedding planning has become an online community affair. “More and more, brides are turning to wedding forums to look for fresh wedding ideas and the latest wedding

More than 2 million weddings take place each year in the United States. Bright Bridal Shoes ~ Bridal shoes in bright and bold hues like fuchsia, emerald green and electric blue are in. Colored shoes are a stylish surprise under a white wedding gown and, unlike white and dyed pastel satin versions, can be worn again and again. Something Old, Something New ~ The hottest sustainable trend for 2010 weddings is incorporating recycled elements like gently used bride and bridesmaids dresses, pre-owned wedding decorations and vintage bridal jewelry. Brides now joining the wedding resale revolution are using sites like RecycledBride.com and discovering how easy it is to save money and be a little greener by buying and selling their wedding items. Tracy DiNunzio is founder and CEO of Recycled Media, Inc., which operates the eco-resale websites RecycledBride. com and RecycledTyke.com.

natural awakenings

June 2010

The Hunt For

BURIED TREASURE Geocaching With Man’s Best Friend by Patricia Komar

ummer trailheads can tempt even the most diehard computer fans to push away from desktops, lace up hiking boots, pack dog treats and trek into the great outdoors to become their own search engines in pursuit of hidden treasures. What they’re after is the next geocache. Geo means “Earth” and cache is French for “a hiding place to temporarily store items.” This year, Geocaching.com celebrates its 10th anniversary, with nearly 2 million Earthfriendly hunters seeking a current total of more than a million active caches around the world. A geocache searcher ventures forth equipped with a handheld global positioning system (GPS) receiver, a set of designated longitude and latitude coordinates, trail descriptions and cryptic clues posted on the website. New Jersey geocacher Jeff Smith also takes along his Scottish terrier mix. “What fascinates me is that there’s a goal to the hike,” he grins. “My pooch loves it.”

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But he adds that it’s important to be a bit secretive and avoid attracting attention from non-geocachers who may become alerted to the presence of treasure. “Bringing a dog can be helpful; after all, you’re ‘just out walking your dog.’” The fast-growing sport started in 2000, when Dave Ulmer, a computer consultant, filled a container with software, money and a video, book, cassette recorder and can of black-eyed peas, as well as a slingshot handle and a logbook with the notation “GPS Stash #1.” He hid it in the Oregon woods, made note of the coordinates using his GPS, posted it on a website and called it “The Great American GPS Stash Hunt.” His only rule: “Take something, leave something.” The idea took off like wildfire and the word stash soon changed to cache. Delve deeper and we discover the story of a 19th-century traveling salesman who left his calling card hidden in a jar in the English countryside with instructions that whoever found it should add his own card. Soon, people

Photographs by Edward Komar

naturalpet

began planting boxes with self-addressed letters or postcards as their calling cards. The next traveler who came along and found one of the boxes would take the letter, mail it and leave a letter in its place. It sounds a bit like “Who’s got mail?” (See Letterboxing.org.) To get started as a geocacher, simply log onto the geocaching website, type in a location and sort through the many hits of hidden caches. Caches can be concealed anywhere, from wilderness areas to inner-city parks. Forms also vary, from traditional (ammo can or Lock & Lock brand divided tray) or micro-caches (film canister, breath mint tin) to theme or benchmark caches and virtual caches that designate a special point of interest, such as a dazzling sunset overlook, secret grove or panoramic view. Earth caches promote education; visitors learn about geological processes, resource management and scientific investigation procedures. Mystery and puzzle caches challenge searchers by offering puzzles, problems or mathematical equations to be solved in order to determine the coordinates. Items hidden in caches may be geocoins, trinkets or dog toys. Some include a “travel bug”—a metal dog tag with a unique tracking number stamped below the picture of a bug. The number can be tracked on the geocache site and by definition, a bug must hop from cache to cache. After finding a cache, there are three basic rules to follow: 1. Sign the logbook, and if you take an item, leave an item of equal or greater value. 2. Return the cache to its original hiding place. 3. Cache In Trash Out (CITO). Geocachers often participate in cleaning up the environment by bringing a trash bag and picking up the occasional litter. For coordinated worldwide cleanup events, log onto Geocaching.com/cito. George Hornberger, an avid geocacher from Vienna, Virginia, echoes a common sentiment: “I’m a kid at heart,” he says, “so hunting for hidden treasure using grown-up technological toys is perfect for me. I’ve been introduced to several nearby parks and natural areas that I’d never visited until going to hunt for a cache there. The moment of joy when my family finds the cache we’re hunting for is very satisfying.” Geocaching, say organizers, helps indoor entertainment junkies put the active back into interactive. Patricia Komar is a freelance writer in British Columbia, Canada. She, her husband and their Lab/border collie and cairn terrier dogs are avid geocachers. Connect at Komar2 @telus.net. natural awakenings

June 2010

WHAT WORKS: Dr. Oz’ 25 Greatest Men’s Health Tips by Dr. Mehmet Oz

atients are among my best teachers. They’ve taught me how to communicate clearly—and how to live a better life. On The Dr. Oz Show, I’ve learned that once people are emotionally involved, change happens quickly, especially if they feel that their behavior is letting loved ones down. Large-scale change seems daunting. We want simple routines that we can automatically follow. Adopt some of the steps described here, which work for me and that anyone can do, and you will like your life more in just a couple of weeks. Plus, you’ll live longer.

Laughing not only eases stress, promotes social bonding and lowers blood pressure; it may also boost your immune system. So bring some humor into your life, whether it’s through friends, a television show or something else that tickles your funny bone.

West Michigan Edition

Eating fiber in the morning means less hunger late in the afternoon, when you’re most likely to feel tired and gorge yourself on sugar. My morning dose comes from steel-cut oatmeal, usually mixed with raisins, walnuts and flaxseed oil. An early start on eating also keeps your metabolism more active throughout the day; breakfast eaters are thinner than people who just rush out the door.

3: Hit the Sack

1: Roll on the Floor Laughing

2: Don’t Skip Breakfast

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Jay and Dave are funny, but they’re not worth the strain on your system. Seven hours of sleep a night not only helps you live longer, it also lowers your stress, sharpens your memory and reduces cravings for pants-splitting foods. Set a bedtime and stick to it. My target is 10:30 p.m. I record the late shows and then watch them the next day as I pedal a stationary bike.

4: Admire Your Work

Don’t be so trigger-happy with the flusher. Turn around and take a look at your poop, which speaks volumes about your gut and overall health. Poop should be smooth and S-shaped, like your colon. If it comes out too lumpy, or drops into the bowl like marbles, you’re constipated; increase your fiber and water intake.

5: Don’t Pamper Your Bad Back

Even if you’re hunched over in agony, spending more time in bed will only make a bad back worse. The latest research shows that bed rest weakens back muscles and prolongs the suffering. Married men with this problem may suffer more than single men because they’re tempted to lie back and enjoy all the pampering they receive. The best solution is to get up, take a pain reliever and be a soldier.

6: Taste the Colors

Foods with bright, rich colors are packed with flavonoids and carotenoids, powerful compounds that bind with the damaging free radicals in your body, lowering inflammation. Eat nine fistfuls of colorful fruits and vegetables each day and you’ll reap the benefits without having to give up other foods. Whenever I shop the produce aisle, I’m reminded that these foods are often more powerful than the drugs sold in pharmacies. My favorites are arugula and blueberries.

7: Brushing is Not Enough If you plan to spend your later years eating more than yogurt and apple sauce, invest in some floss. No matter how thoroughly or long you brush your teeth, you’re missing a good portion of their total surface. That’s like washing one armpit after a workout. But the dangers of skipping floss go beyond hygiene: The bacteria that linger can increase your risk of heart disease.

8: Take a Deep Belly Breath

Do this anywhere, anytime. Push out your bellows and suck air through your nose until your lungs are full. They’ll fill with nitric oxide, a chemical found in the back of your nose that opens up blood vessels. The dose of oxygen will make you feel happier and more alert. This is my secret technique for calming down in the face of challenges.

9: Join a Yoga Class

Yoga is the most important exercise of my daily routine. Being surrounded by beautiful women in spandex should be reason enough to join a class, but if you need more motivation, consider this: Yoga eases stress, lowers blood pressure, slows heart rate and increases flexibility. There’s nothing mystical about it. Loosening your muscles will make them more adaptable, so you may be less likely to injure yourself playing sports. Sure, some of the poses may look ridiculous, but that’s for a reason. Yoga can reach and work muscles that are ignored during routine sports and daily life. My favorite maneuver is the sun salutation.

10: Don’t Be an Island

Ever wonder why women live longer than men? One major reason is that they form tight networks and actually talk about their problems. If you face life’s stresses alone, you will make yourself older. With another person’s love and support, the inner aging associated with stress can be reduced.

11: Avoid Fad Diets The secret to weight loss is not to avoid carbs, fats, yellow foods, solid foods or foods that start with the letter G. The real trick is to lower your daily intake by about 100 calories. You’ll hardly notice, but it’ll add up to a loss of about 10 pounds in a year. Calorie restriction has been shown to lengthen life (in rats and monkeys). I cut back once a year to reset my appetite and taste buds. Healthy foods taste great afterwards.

12: Be a Smart Patient

Professionals can help keep you in good health, but the responsibility ultimately falls on you. Seek a second opinion before undergoing any medical procedure, because 30 percent of the time, that opinion will change the diagnosis or plan. Keep a written medical history and educate yourself about any family problems. You might even consider signing onto Microsoft HealthVault or Google Health, so your files would be accessible in case you find yourself in trouble away from home. natural awakenings

June 2010

13: Lose the Beer Belly

Most men fasten their belts below their waists. It’s just another way of avoiding the truth about their gut. Grab a tape measure and put it around your body at the level of your belly button. That number should be less than half your height. For my six-foot, one-inch frame, for example, I need to keep my waist under 36.5 inches. If avoiding heart attacks and diabetes isn’t enough motivation to eliminate that gut, consider this: For every point your body mass index is over 25, your testosterone drops 3 percent, which isn’t very manly.

14: Go Green

I drink green tea three times a day. It’s packed with heart-boosting and cancer-stopping polyphenols that black tea doesn’t offer. These beneficial chemicals are lost when it’s fermented. Green tea also delivers a boost of alertness, but from a smaller dose of caffeine than black tea. Green tea can even fight dandruff, although only if you pour the cooled tea directly onto your scalp.

15: Sweat Until You’re Wet

If you can work up a sweat for just one hour a week, you’ll enjoy a range of benefits, including a reduced risk of heart attack, better mood and lower blood pressure. I like interval training on the elliptical, with 15 pull-ups and 15 dips after every 10 minutes. Your muscles will become more efficient, so you’ll have more stamina for more enjoyable activities that also work up a sweat.

16: Save Some Money

Most people rank personal finance as their number one stressor, usually because they feel powerless about it. Stress not only shortens lives, it also drives people to habits like smoking, drinking or binge eating. Keep some money in a special bank account, safe from your lust for a new television, and you’ll establish an emotional comfort zone with major health benefits.

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

17: Have as Much Sex as Possible

If a 50-something man could have sex 700 times a year, the exercise and stress reduction would make him look and feel years younger. I wouldn’t recommend quitting your day job in order to hit that number—but what’s the harm in trying? The next time your loved one says she has a headache, tell her she’s literally killing you. It works for me.

18: Know Your Numbers, then Aim Lower

Take the part of your brain dedicated to your local steak house’s phone number and reassign it to your heart’s vital signs. These include blood pressure (which ideally should be below 115 over 75), LDL cholesterol (under 100), resting heart rate (under 70), and fasting blood sugar (under 100). If your numbers aren’t ideal, change your diet until they improve.

19: Add Some Weights

Just 30 minutes twice a week spent lifting weights can build significant muscle mass. What’s more, working all that muscle burns tons of calories, making it a great way to lose your gut, too. Don’t have weights? Try lifting yourself: Pull-ups are the most valuable muscle-building exercises I do. Trainer Bob Greene pointed out to me that pull-ups work the back, pecs, arms and belly all at once. Because you’re lifting yourself, you’ll think twice before eating that doughnut, because you’ll just have to lift it later. A simple setup in a door frame is convenient and inexpensive.

20: Grab Your Nuts

Nuts are among the best sources of healthful fats and protein around. I keep a bag of walnuts in my fridge and use their massive dose of omega-3 fatty acids to boost my brainpower while I see patients. Half of a handful eaten about 30 minutes before a meal will temper your appetite and help you avoid the drive-thru.

21: No, Seriously, Grab Your Nuts

24: Learn to Cook

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men ages 15 to 35, but it’s usually curable if caught early enough. I strongly urge you to grab your testicles and check them for bumps at least once a month. Each testicle should feel smooth and slightly soft, and one should hang slightly lower than the other, like two avocados (which, in Aztec, actually means “testicles”) growing on a tree.

Do you think you know how much butter goes into preparing those mashed potatoes at a restaurant? You’re probably off by half. If you can cook, you not only save money, but also gain control over what goes into your meals. Plus, for most women, a man who knows how to cook is as sexy as one who stars in movies. I have trouble boiling water. Thankfully, I’m already married.

22: Hit the Dance Floor

Crosswords and card games aren’t the only way to keep a brain razor sharp. It turns out that any kind of dancing with complex moves is stimulating enough to give neurons a workout. Even the simplest moves provide some physical exercise. So don’t be such a wallflower on your next night out. As a bonus, dancing may help you with tip number 17.

23: Do Your Penis a Favor

Step on a treadmill. Men who exercise enough to burn 200 calories a day significantly lower their chances of impotence. That’s because impotence often has the same cause as heart attacks: blocked arteries. Your penis is like a dipstick for your arteries, so check it. If you’re interested in keeping it up later in life, lace up the sneakers now.

25: Some Pills Should Be Popped

The indoor life gives modern man protection from the elements. Unfortunately, roughly half of us are deficient in vitamin D, for which the sun is a major source. This crucial vitamin may aid in fighting cancer, diabetes and heart disease. I take a 1,000 IU supplement each morning. Dr. Mehmet Oz is a professor of cardiac surgery at Columbia University and a founder of the Complementary Medicine Program at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. He is co-author of the award-winning Healing from the Heart: A Leading Surgeon Combines Eastern and Western Traditions to Create the Medicine of the Future and YOU: The Owner’s Manual: An Insider’s Guide to the Body that Will Make You Healthier and Younger. He has frequently appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show and currently hosts The Dr. Oz Show.

natural awakenings

June 2010

greenliving

clean composting Turning Waste into an Asset by Brita Belli

iscarded vegetable ends, eggshells, coffee grounds and lawn clippings… most of us throw away a huge amount of compostable material. What could be a significant environmental asset, if transformed into nutritious garden soil, has become instead a major environmental problem. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that yard trimmings and food residuals together account for 26 percent of our total municipal solid waste stream. Also, unnecessary food waste doesn’t just happen at home— it’s a fact of life for most restaurants, stadiums, convention centers, hotels, schools and anywhere else people gather to eat. Choosing to turn scraps into rich fertile soil, courtesy of beneficial bacteria and fungi, has multiple advantages. It creates rich humus for high-yield crops, works to suppress plant diseases and pests and limits the need for chemical fertilizers. Those same organic scraps have a devastating effect on the 26

West Michigan Edition

environment when they are trapped in oxygen-starved landfills. Due to their highly compacted nature, organic waste is not able to fully decompose and releases methane—a global warming gas that’s 25 times more damaging to air quality than carbon dioxide. Part of the challenge is that there’s no widespread collection system in place to encourage or require municipal composting. Unlike the bottles and cans we place in handy curbside bins, or the newspapers and cardboard we tie and separate for recycling trucks, food waste doesn’t yet have designated places to be taken to. A few cities are changing that model, but others are slow to follow. Seattle was the first to require households to compost food waste; San Francisco was the first to add businesses and restaurants. These progressive cities provide green compost carts for food scraps, including meat, bones, seafood and dairy plus soiled paper, like tea bags, coffee filters and greasy pizza boxes;

NaturalWestMichigan.com

and yard trimmings including grasses, branches and leaves. All of these can thus be safely diverted from landfills. But where city collection of compostable materials is not yet a reality, clean composting at home is an answer. Whether in an urban apartment or a suburban home, composting has never been simpler. “Keeping your pile aerated is key to keeping it odor-free,” counsels Elle MacKenna, a home improvement contractor and design consultant. “A good mix of materials will allow oxygen in, keeping smells away and helping your pile compost quicker.” She suggests adding moist, shredded newspaper or thin cardboard to give some variety to the compost make-up. Farmer Annie Farrell, of Millstone Farm, in Wilton, Connecticut, which specializes in heirloom, organic vegetables and heritage (pure-bred) chickens, sheep and pigs, says composting at home is as simple as investing in three metal or plastic garbage cans designated for the purpose of food waste and yard scraps. She sets the three cans off the ground using cinder blocks, drilling half-inch holes into the cans to allow air to circulate. Next, she layers foliage clippings, food matter and old newspapers in what she describes as a “lasagna-like mix,” in bin number one. As the mixture begins to decompose, she

composting 101 Each of these websites offers basic information, plus its own helpful advice. CompostInstructions.com EarthEasy.com/grow_compost.html Earth911.com/blog/2007/04/02/ composting-with-worms TreeHugger.com/files/2007/07/ green-basics-compost.php VegWeb.com/composting VermiComposters.com Kids’ game at http://www.Cal Recycle.ca.gov/Vermi

dumps it into the second bin, followed by the third bin when it’s almost ready for use. (Using multiple bins to “turn” the compost also allows oxygen in, an essential part of the process.) Farrell likes to use bungee cords to secure the lids to prevent animals from getting in. Other store-bought variations on composting bins range from compact ceramic, bamboo and stainless steel crocks and pails for indoor storage to outdoor tumblers (for easy turning) and stackable “worm bins” that can hold up to 90 gallons. When worms are enlisted, composting goes by the name of vermiculture. Worms—ideally, red worms, which do well in confinement and eat more than their own weight in food each day—produce the most fertile garden soil. They also speed the process of breaking down waste into soil, while helping to keep smells at bay. Kids also are more likely to get involved when adults enlist the help of a few hundred wiggling allies. Brita Belli is the editor of E – The Environmental Magazine. natural awakenings

June 2010

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natural awakenings

June 2010

How to Gain 40 lbs in Eighteen Months! by Bessheen Baker, ND; Director of Naturopathic Institute & Herbs Etc.

ou’ve seen articles on weight loss, “How to lose 10 pounds in 10 days...” or “Lose 5 pounds a month by eating dessert.” These quick little tricks work for some people, and they can certainly be entertaining while you are waiting in the grocery line. However, the weight most people “lose,” they, naturally, are able to find again. What if we worked from the prevention angle? What if we could understand why and how we gain weight and change the condition at its root cause? What if we could release weight or the habits that brought the weight imbalance on? Here are some habits that, when mastered, put unhealthy weight on our bodies; you can do the reverse psychology on your own if you want to release these poor habits. Consider it a new brain pattern for solving an old problem: like sitting on the other side of the puzzle mat and seeing things you could not see before from a new light. Guaranteed Ways To Gain Unwanted Weight:

7. Avoid eating uncooked fruits or vegetables with each meal; all the enzymes they provide are too cleansing to keep the weight on. 8. Compare your success to every body type, age, and person you can think of; this will help ensure the necessary mental pattern for future success. 9. Always take seconds, order larger portions, eat plenty of fried food, and never order a salad when eating out. 10. Finally, avoid any moments of stillness. Too much calmness is not properly exhausting to the nervous system. Maybe, you’ve already found success in these areas? Is your self esteem low enough yet? What if you could apply the reverse of the very things that cause us to gain weight? What if you drank more water, stopped the diet drinks, stretched, avoided the larger portions, and spent some time being still every day? When did you get so busy, or so tired, that you lost the good habits of your youth? Did you have good habits then? Maybe you didn’t have good habits in your youth, maybe you were never taught them, and finally, your body could not compensate for these errors any longer, and the weight just collected. There is hope! Hope in prevention, hope in better lifestyle habits, hope in being still and knowing the truth of this world. You are born brilliant, talented, and fabulous! Your hiding and criticizing of yourself does not heal this world. You were born to make manifest the glory of life within you. It is not in some of us; it is in everyone, and as we come into this understanding, we free ourselves and give others permission to also be free. Evaluate your lifestyle and daily habits from the list above, find out why you gained, so that you may release by forming new and better habits. May you give yourself time to make these changes and the time to be still and understand the depths of their application. Maybe, find beauty in each day starting with yourself. Many blessings to each of you!

1. Start by weighing yourself everyday so that you can have an emotional let down and start your morning with some personal insults. Especially, weigh in around the full moon, because you naturally weigh more due to gravitational fluid retention, just like a full tide. 2. Avoid drinking water; the less you drink, the more you can gain. Avoid putting lemon or concentrated cherry juice in the water, then your liver can work harder to clean the blood. 3. Eat plenty of wheat products. Most blood types cannot break them down; this will help you to bloat up and reduce your energy. Now, you won’t feel like exercising or going out to the garden. 4. Go to bed after 10 pm, because the later in the day you are awake, the harder time your thyroid will have in balancing the metabolism. 5. Drink plenty of diet pop, because the artificial sugars in it are so confusing to your nervous system that you might even be able to manage some anxiety and depression on the side. 6. Take lots of naps rather than exercise, because even 10 minutes of Bessheen Baker, ND, is the Co-Founder and Director of stretching per day is not conducive to a weight gain goal. Especially, Education at Naturopathic Institute of Therapies & Education avoid walking or other exercises of 30 minutes four times per week; (NITE), located at 503 East Broadway, Mt. Pleasant, MI. 48858. this would be too energizing!

Visit www.nite-mtp.com or call 989-773-1714. See ad page 25.

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consciouseating

SAUCY SECRETS by Ying Chang Compestine

Marinating is an often-overlooked technique for optimal grilling, imparting the flavors of fresh herbs, spices, oils and vinegars to foods while increasing moisture content to reduce the potential for charring and the development of carcinogens during cooking. Even brief dips before cooking are beneficial, but for best results, marinate food for at least one hour or overnight before grilling. The homemade marinades featured here contain far less fat and sodium than most commercial brands (they can even double as salad dressings or stir-fry condiments). So feast with a glad heart on a warm summer’s day or eve—the heat is on and the eating’s good.

Ginger-Garlic Sauce Makes about 1½ cups This basic marinade is your jumping-off point for a host of variations. Any leftover sauce can be refrigerated in a tightly sealed container. 2 4 1 6 ¼ 2 ¼ 1½

tbsp fresh ginger, minced cloves garlic, minced green onion, white part only, minced tbsp low-sodium organic soy sauce cup rice wine or sake tbsp lemon juice cup rice vinegar tbsp sesame oil

Mix all ingredients in a small container. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Spicy Sesame Sauce To the ginger-garlic sauce, add 3 tablespoons black sesame seeds and 2 teaspoons minced fresh red chili pepper. Mix well.

Honey-Basil Sauce Using the ginger-garlic sauce recipe, replace ginger and green onion with ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, minced, and replace the sesame oil with 1 tablespoon of flavored olive oil. Add ½ tablespoon honey and mix well.

Apricot-Ginger Glaze Use the ginger-garlic sauce recipe, but replace the rice wine, lemon juice and rice vinegar with ¾ cup apricot jam. Combine all ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, whisking steadily.

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Shrimp and Fruit Kabobs

Serves 6. Serve with noodles. 1 lb large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined 1½ cups apricot-ginger sauce as glaze, divided 3 medium plums, pitted and cut in half 3 medium red Bartlett pears or 3 fresh peaches, pitted and cut into quarters 1 small pineapple, skinned and cut into 1-inch chunks

1. Combine shrimp and 1 cup glaze in a large bowl and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. 2. Remove shrimp from glaze. Alternately, thread shrimp, plums, pears or peaches, and pineapple onto six 15-inch skewers, leaving about 1/8-inch between each piece to allow even cooking. 3. Preheat grill to medium. Grill shrimp kabobs, turning occasionally, until shrimp turns opaque throughout and fruit is browned and tender; it takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Baste with remaining glaze during the last 3 minutes of cooking.

Honey-Basil Veggie Kabobs Serves 6. Serve with grilled tofu, seafood or pasta. 3 small green zucchini, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks 3 small yellow squash, cut diagonally into 1-inch chunks ½ lb baby bella mushrooms 1 lb cherry tomatoes 1 cup honey-basil sauce

Wash vegetables and place in a large bowl. Add sauce; toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. Onto six 15-inch bamboo skewers, alternately thread zucchini, squash, mushrooms and tomatoes. Leave about 1/8 inch between each piece to allow even cooking. Preheat grill to medium. Grill kabobs, turning occasionally, until golden and tender, about 10-15 minutes. Ying Chang Compestine is the author of several cookbooks, including Secrets from the Healthy Asian Kitchen.

calendarofevents

Dance Artists Abdoulaye Camara & Amy Osterman for this hands on workshop. Bring hand drum & dress comfortably. $15 per person Contact Sara Sabourin, Note: Visit www.NaturalWestMichigan.com for guidelines and to submit entries. All Calendar Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland events must be submitted online by the 15th of the month prior to publication. Street, Suite G, Spring Lake. 616-801-3116

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Tammy Tiffany, Animal Communicator. 12:00pm4:00pm & 6/15, 6/19, 6/29. Want to know what your pet is really thinking? Tammy can help. Visit her at Chel Lea and Friends, 402 W Main St. in downtown Ionia (corner of Steele and Main). Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com.

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Zen Meditation Group- 6:30-7:30pm. Please join Sukha Ryan Doran-Fisher from the Zen Buddhist Temple in Ann Arbor for a weekly meditation sitting group. Free. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636 Anxiety from the Inside-7:00-8:30pm. What is it really like to live with anxiety EVERY day? How does it impact your life? How can life be “normal” again? Join us as five individuals answer these questions sharing their personal experiences. Free. Anxiety Resource Center, 312 Grandville Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-356-1614 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 Americatrained healers. $5. Holistic Care Approach, 3368 E. Beltline Ct. NE, Grand Rapids. 269-929-6796

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Beginner and Intermediate Line Dancing- 5:308:00pm. Combine exercise and dance. This weekly class is a little bit country and a little bit rock-n-roll, with some Latin music tossed in for fun. $5 per person per class. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636 Angelic Alchemical Healing Demonstration with Peter and Anne Selby of Sisters, OR- 7:00-8:30pm. Peter Selby, Medical Intuitive will be working with Angels, to evaluate the aura in four distinct dimensions - physical, emotional, mental & spiritual.

$15.00 donation. Visit www.theunlimitedpossibilities.com or contact Peter Selby at www.youangelyou.com. Center of Unlimited Possibilities, 14998 Cleveland Street, Suite G, Spring Lake

Family Open Gym- 7:00-9:00pm. Moms, Dads, Kids, Grandparents are welcome to come and play together at Gymco’s open gym. Members $10 per child, Nonmembers $15 per child, Parents are FREE! Gymco 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE, Grand Rapids.

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Divine Connections Gathering- 6:30-8:30pm. & 6/18. Join us as we discover the blocks that prevent us from opening/expanding our connection with the Divine. Will be using intuitive messages, group spiritual direction, and group discussion, to expand our awareness of our connection. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon St. N.E. Grand Rapids. 616-514-4686

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Free Holistic Care Giveaways- 10:00am-1:00pm. Center Block Party and Enter to Win FREE Health & Wellness Prizes! Register to win a FREE Detox Package, valued at $500, FREE vitamins and supplements valued at $100 and more! Sponsored by LifeStyle Wellness Center. 5570 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville. 616-530-9000

Celebration Sunday- at C3, An Inclusive Spiritual Community as we proclaim our new name to the community! All welcome! Progressive sermon; Children’s Activities; Music; Picnic! Musical guests: Sweet Lou and the Savidges 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center.org or 616-842-1985 EcoTrek Fitness Intense Session with owner Cari Draft- 8:00-10:00am. Coast Guard Park to Hoffmaster State Park. All details & sign up at ecotrekfitness. com. $12 drop-in fee.

Tapping the Creative Source- 12:00-4:00pm. Explore your creative nature in this multi-discipline workshop! We will combine pranayama, yoga, and meditation techniques with watercolor sketching on the banks of Versluis Lake! Suitable for beginner to experienced creatives alike. $45. Expressions of Grace Yoga 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. Herb and Spice Fest- 11:00am-3:00pm. Celebrate 616-361-8580 www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com the love of herbs and spices in our award-winning garden. Enjoy displays, demos and tasty cafe treats as you learn about organic gardening, teas, aromatherapy, moNdAy, JuNe 7 fair trade and much more. Live music. Utopian Mar- Free Training- 6:30pm. MomsBloom is seeking volketplace, 8832 Water St, Montague. 231-894-9530 unteers who enjoy working with moms and newborns. Contact Angie for more information at 616-447-9788 Awaken the Healer in You- 1:00-5:30pm. Intro- or angie@momsbloom.org. duction to energy healing as taught by England’s renowned National Federation of Spiritual Healers teaches you energy healing tools you can tuesdAy, JuNe 8 use immediately to invoke remarkable changes Conversation with God Study Group- 6:30pm. in your life. Taught by licensed trainer Nancy Written by Neale Donald Walsch. These Books O’Donohue. $40. Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 have transformed the lives of thousands of people. If you’ve been touched by them, then you won’t 64th St., Holland. 269-929-6796 want to miss this group! $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s African Drumming and Dance Workshop- 6:00- Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 8:00pm. Join internationally acclaimed Drum/ 204, Grand Rapids

Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More s ssic Tale wth ries & Cla to onal Gro S rs ’s e n ality & P • Childre u it ir p S n ble oks o • New Bo oks Availa ts’ Used Bo 0 0 ocal Artis ‘L ,0 5 y r b e ts if • Ov G & s tions Treasure Consulta • Hidden Groups & k o o m B , p s m - 7 pm • Classe : 11 am -F 4 M : S lidays a HOUR Sat: 1d0Sundays & Ho e s lo C Books! ok used bo OFF any % s! k 10 o l o a n b io ur used an addit ring in yo Receive b u o y n e whe purchas FREE

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June 2010

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 9

Fast Track to Health Talk- 6:30pm. & 6/23. Listen to Dr. Mike Morea speak about how to add years to your life and life to your years. This talk will save you time, energy and money and help you to realize optimal health. Public and guests are welcome! Morea Chiropractic, 388 North 3rd Avenue, Fruitport. 231-865-7474 Guided Meditation, Prayer and Healing Circle7:00-8:00 pm. 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

THURSDAY, JUNE 10

Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. All levels welcome. Network and enjoy a safe place to experience intuitive messages. Begins with meditation for centering and each member gets a chance to receive and give messages if they choose. $5. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids

FRIDAY, JUNE 11

Intermediate Practical Nutrition Course- $395 early registration. Dr. Richard Brouse, biochemist, board-certified nutritionist from Portland, OR at Crown Plaza, 1500 28th St. SE, Grand Rapids. Register or questions contact Ginny Hayataka 616822-8084; ginny@all-wayshealthy.com Explore Your Potential: Give a Little, Get a Lot10:00am. Senior Leadership Grand Rapids presents this conference featuring an inspirational keynote by WOOD TV 8 Community Affairs Director, Eva Aguirre Cooper, as well as a series of interactive breakout sessions. Free. Registration required. Call 616-234-3483. Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library St NE, Grand Rapids EcoTrek Fitness-Special Early Morning Session with Lori McCollum- 6:15-7:30am. At Waterfront Sports Park Ruddiman Drive and 1st St. North Muskegon. $12 drop-in fee, packages available. Sign up at ecotrekfitness.com Going Upside Down & Loving It – Headstands6:30-8:30pm. 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 Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580 www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 12

Largest Garage Sale- 8:00am-2:00pm. Sale and fundraiser, open to the public- Come and find treasures to purchase- or donate un-needed goods June 6-12 and receive tax deduction. 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center.org or 616-842-1985 Antoinette Lewicki- 9:00am-6:00pm. She will be doing readings at Cj’s Studio Salon 5286 Plainfield Ave NE, Grand Rapids. Call 616-364-9191 for an appointment Mini-Course: Herbalism - 9:00am-5:00pm. This course is designed to give you the knowledge you need to use natural healing methods for you and your loved ones. Cost is $89. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636 Why is This Happening to Me Again and Healing through Relationships- 9:30am-5:00pm & Sun. June 13th 10:30am-5:00pm. Address the cause of your feeling misunderstood, unheard and why true

West Michigan Edition

intimacy eludes you. In this experiential workshop learn how to transform your life, your relationships and get results. Visit thebodycenter.us or stillpointbreathoflife.com for more information. Nature’s Spiritual Connections Learn to See Auras - Anyone can- 11:00am-12:30pm. Learn that there is more than one way to see the energy fields around people, and what the differences are. Call with questions, 616-892-8938.Facilitated by Ron Holder. $10 pre-registration suggested. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon St. N.E. Grand Rapids. 616-514-4686 1st Annual Field of Green Festival- 11:00am4:00pm. Enjoy live music and Eco-friendly vendors will be on hand offering jewelry, art, clothing, goat milk soap and much more. $5 for adults, $3 for kids 4-12, children 3 and under free. Proceeds go to benefit Blandford Nature Center 1715 Hillburn Ave. NW, Grand Rapids.

SUNDAY, JUNE 13

Evolutionize Your Life- 10:00am. Join C3, An Inclusive Spiritual Community as we welcome Rev. Michael Dowd, renowned speaker and author of “Thank God for Evolution”. Rev. Dowd will lead C3 in fellowship and inquiry during the service/ gathering. 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center.org or 616-842-1985 Why is This Happening to Me Again and Healing through Relationships- 10:30am-5:00pm. Day 2- you will want to attend day 1 of this workshop on 6/12. Address the cause of your feeling misunderstood, unheard and why true intimacy eludes you. In this experiential workshop learn how to transform your life, your relationships and get results. Visit thebodycenter.us or stillpointbreathoflife.com for more information. Extended Grace Interfaith/Mystic Community Gathering - 1:00pm Potluck. 1:30pm Integral Worship embracing the God beyond, between and within. Topic: The Power of the Mind. 233 Washington, Suite 208, Grand Haven. 616-502-2078

MONDAY, JUNE 14

Spiritual Enlightenment Group- 6:30pm-8:00pm. The Spiritual Enlightenment Group gathers monthly to share ideas, knowledge and information about how to enhance our spiritual lives. Free. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636. Healthy Men-Naturally- 7:00-8:30pm. Perry Hopkins, Naturopath, will teach you about male health issues & general good health from a man’s perspective--all based on natural solutions. RSVP: Ginny at 616-822-8084 or ginny@all-wayshealthy.com. 3424 Keswick Dr NE, Belmont (7.5 mile @ Beltline)

TUESDAY, JUNE 15

Natural Solutions to Relieving Headaches6:00pm. Free community workshop sponsored by The Foundation for Wellness Professionals on Headaches. Workshop participants will learn what causes them, how to prevent them, and how to get rid of them. Seating is limited to first 30 callers. 4150 East Beltline Suite #4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888 Evolution Evangelist Rev.Michael Dowd- 7:00pm. Rev. Dowd brings a dynamic & bold multimedia presentation, covering the major themes of his 2008 book, “Thank God for Evolution”, which received endorsements from six Nobel Prize-winning scien-

NaturalWestMichigan.com

tists, religious leaders across the spectrum, and even skeptics. 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center.org or 616-842-1985 Healthy Snacks- 7:00pm-8:30pm. Come, enjoy, sample and learn. www.NourishMD.com. Contact Nourishing Ways of West Michigan. 134 N. Division, Grand Rapids. 616-309-9147

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16

Lunch and Learn- 11:45am. 5 Things You Can Do Right Now To Be The Healthiest you’ve Ever Been. Presented by Dr. Mike Morea. Bring a guest who is not currently under Chiropractic care and receive lunch on us! Given by Dr. Michael Morea. Seating is limited. Call Morea Chiropractic, 388 North 3rd Avenue, Fruitport. 231-865-7474

THURSDAY, JUNE 17

Holistic Moms Group- 11:00am-12:00pm. A support and information group for parents interested in raising happy, healthy and holistic kids in an environmentally friendly way. Free. Naturopathic Community Center, 503 E. Broadway, Mt. Pleasant. 989-773-3636.

FRIDAY, JUNE 18

Fire of Transformation Practice- 6:30-8:30pm. With Mimi Ray, based on John Friend’s Eye of the Tiger Practice. Light the inner fire of the heart, transform and reshape your practice, and develop flexibility and joy in community. $18. Expressions of Grace Yoga 5270 Northland Dr. NE, Grand Rapids. 616-361-8580 www.expressionsofgraceyoga.com

SATURDAY, JUNE 19

Ionia Street Fair hosted by Chel Lea and Friends, LLC- 10:00am-8:00pm. Chel Lea and Friends celebrate their official Grand Opening with a Street Party in downtown Ionia at the corner of Steele and Main. The Street Party includes artists, vendors, readers, massage therapists, food, music, and more. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com. Women’s Drumming and Chanting Circle1:00-7:00pm. Beginning and advanced drummers welcome. Come and participate in raising energy in this nature sanctuary at Enchanted Lake (35 miles NE of Grand Rapids). $50. Led by DINAH of Awakened Potentials for Women Potluck. NSC’s Lending Library- 1:00-4:00pm. NSC is very fortunate in being the recipient of the extensive collection of Holistic Healer/Practitioner Nancy Fallon Ph.D. Stop by for refreshments and check out a book or two. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 615 Lyon St. N.E. Grand Rapids. 616-514-4686

SUNDAY, JUNE 20

EcoTrek Fitness- 5:45pm-7:00pm. Bring Dad for FREE with paid EcoTrekker! Aman Park, 3 miles west of Wilson on Lake Michigan Dr., $12 drop-in fee + bring your dad for no cost. Sign up at ecotrekfitness.com

MONDAY, JUNE 21

Meditation Monday- 6:30-7:30pm. All levels of experiences are welcome. Whether you are a novice or meditate regularly, come join us for a truly relaxing experience. $10. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids

TUESDAY, JUNE 22

New Solutions for Fibromyalgia Workshop- 6:30-

8:00pm. Severe Pains, Stiffness, Tenderness, General Fatigue, or Sleep Problems? Receive a breakthrough test that could relieve the majority of your symptoms within 15 minutes. Free. Call to register. Seating is limited. Sponsored by Neurologic Relief Center Clinic Director: Dr. Michael R. Dubiel, D.C. 5570 Wilson Ave, Grandville. 616-530-9000 The Coptic Center Spiritual Message Circle – 6:30-9:00pm Bask in the energies of The Coptic Center as advanced intuitive and curious beginners share divine messages with one another for an evening of intuitive discovery. Coptic Minister Margaret Nickelsen facilitates. Love Offering. The Coptic Center, 0-381 Lake Michigan Dr NW, Grand Rapids. 616-531-1339. www.TheCopticCenter.org.

wedNesdAy, JuNe 23

Men’s & Women’s Health Issues- 1:00-3:00pm & 7-9pm Learn the simple truth using essential oil recipes for daily health challenges. FREE event. Please call Clara at 616-698-6148. 494 Coleman SE, Grand Rapids Learn to Ride your Bike Clinic- 1:30-3:30pm. Children will work on progressions and skills for bike riding. 80% of kids learn to ride by the end of the clinic! Member $25, Nonmembers $30. Gymco 2306 Camelot Ridge Court SE Grand Rapids Healthy Children—Naturally- 7:00-8:30pm. Concerned about ADD/ADHD, allergies, asthma, immune system health, diaper rash, skin problems, digestive issues, lice, etc? Come learn natural solutions for prevention & treatment. RSVP: Ginny Hayataka 616-822-8084 or ginny@all-wayshealthy.com. 3424 Keswick Dr NE, Belmont (7.5 mile @ Beltline)

tHursdAy, JuNe 24

C.A.R.E. Intensive Begins- 6/24-6/27. 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 Intuitive Message Circle- 6:30pm. All levels welcome. Network and enjoy a safe place to experience intuitive messages. Begins with meditation for centering and each member gets a chance to receive and give messages if they choose. $5. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield NE, Ste 204, Grand Rapids

sAturdAy, JuNe 26

10th Annual Meniere’s Disease Lyceum- 9:00am9:00pm. The symposium on Meniere’s disease (MD) and Trigeminal neuralgia (TN) is open to both doctors and patients. Learn about the latest scientific findings in both traditional medicine and complementary and alternative medicine. Fee is $200 for doctors, $50 for patients and $25 for guests and students. Visit MenieresResearch.com and BurconChiropractic.com. Grand Rapids. 616-575-9990 Living on Raw Food with Michael Dwyer- 10:00am-3:00pm. Discover the magic of organic, raw, living foods for radiant health. Located at Bredeweg Accounting on 753 Butternut Drive, Holland. Pre-payment $125.00 paid by June 15th. Go to www.thebodycenter.us or call 616-834-2596 One Year Anniversary Celebration- 10:00am4:00pm. Come join in on the celebration with book signings, face painting, intuitive readings, sales and specials. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More 4485 Plainfield, NE, Grand Rapids. 616-4478298 or www.iambemore.com. Herbal Vinegar Class with Suzannah Barrie- 1:00pm. $20 per person, Class attendance must be pre-registered and prepaid in advance, by June 25. I’m going to show you how to make your own delicious vinegar. You’ll get instruction, recipes, folklore and marvelous tips. Nature’s Spiritual Connections. 616-929-4204 Workshop- Resolve to Evolve- 1:00-2:45pm. Set your intention to infuse your life with positive change. By releasing old patterns, we create space to reveal our essence and to realize the power that is always within us. $30 pre-register or $35 at door. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G. Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610 Informational Meeting on Teaching Training- 3:00-4:00pm. Prairie Yoga’s teacher training program begins at Cascade Yoga Studio in September. Learn more about the program and meet instructor Lori Gaspar. Cascade Yoga Studio 5060 Cascade Road Suite G. Grand Rapids. 616-464-1610

Perry T. Hopkins, Kin of Hope Health- 1:306:00pm. & 6/19. Perry, a naturopath and therapeutic bodywork practitioner, serves the Ionia area at Chel Lea and Friends, 402 W Main St., downtown Ionia (corner of Steele and Main). Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com. Healer’s Rejuvenation Circle- 6:30pm. This group is for Spiritual Healers of all kinds who want to meet for support through meditation, discussion and prayer to find renewed energy and strength. $15. Indigo’s And Mystic’s Book Exchange & More, 4485 Plainfield Ave, Grand Rapids. 616-447-8298.

tuesdAy, JuNe 29

Free Detoxification Workshop- 6:00pm. Sponsored by The Foundation for Wellness Professionals on how to Reduce Toxins and Lose Weight through Nutritional Cleansing. Why am I tired? Why do I crave sweets? Why can’t I lose weight? Seating limited to first 30 callers. 4150 East Beltline Suite #4, Grand Rapids. 616-447-9888 Drug Free Approach to Learning & Behavioral Problems Workshop– 6:30-8:00pm. Learn how children are being successfully treated through natural, non-drug methods for ADD and hyperactivity symptoms. Sponsored by the Foundation for Wellness Professionals. Call to register seating is limited. 5570 Wilson Ave, Grandville. 616-530-9000

suNdAy, July 4

Progressive Sermon and Gathering- 10:00am. C3, An Inclusive Spiritual Community, Spring Lake- Musical guest Carol Johnson. All are welcome. 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center. org or 616-842-1985

s Av e t H e d At e NovemBer 6

suNdAy, JuNe 27

Progressive Sermon and Gathering- 10:00am. C3, An Inclusive Spiritual Community, Spring Lake- Musical guest Tony Reynolds. All are welcome. 225 E. Exchange Street, Spring Lake. www.c3center. org or 616-842-1985

moNdAy, JuNe 28

Monday of the month. Come and join us, everyone is invited. Call for more info or visit muskegonrtl. org. Muskegon County Right to Life, 423 W. Norton Avenue, Suite 111 Muskegon. 231-733-6300

Muskegon County Right to Life- Meets every 4th

West Michigan Spa & Wellness Expo- 10:00am-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. Trillium Banquet Center 17246 VanWagoner, Spring Lake.

Karen Green

ealth by Nature

llc

Holistic Health Practitioner Master Herbalist Nutrition Counseling Healthy Lifestyles Coach

616-738-6096

karen@yourhealthbynature.com www.yourhealthbynature.com natural awakenings

June 2010

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 GR Reads-Summer Reading for Adults - June 1-August 31- Books set in Michigan or by Michigan authors get splashy treatment as the Grand Rapids Public Library partners with area organizations to present the new program GR Reads, a summer reading program designed for adults. For a complete list of books and events, visit www.grpl.org/grreads or stop by any GRPL library.

sunday Awakening – 9:00-9:45am. Chanting, to meditation, and beyond. Free. Christ Community Church, 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. Bhakti Yoga: Trance Dance Style- NEW TIME 9:0010:15am. All Levels. An inspiring Sunday morning practice with mindfulness movement and prayer ~ Free-flowing vinyasa style. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. Christ Community Church – 10:00am. Gathering service with traditional and contemporary music and progressive message encouraging all to expand their consciousness. Childcare available. 225 E. Exchange, Spring Lake. 616-842-1985. 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. 616682-7812. www.unity-churchofpeace.org Mindfulness Meditation & Dharma Discussion- 4:30-5:00pm. Discussion. Based on the writings of a Buddhist teacher. Meditation-5:00-6:00pm. Two 20min periods of sitting & 10min of walking. Free-Donations accepted. The Yoga Studio, 955 Cherry SE, Grand Rapids. 616-776-0836. 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-of-the-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. Open Mic Night- Welcoming musicians, singers, poets and other performing artists who want a safe and welcoming place to practice and perform. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com. Power Pilates with Leisal- 9:00am. Join us for the very popular Power Pilates. Incorporates flow, quick transitions and core strengthening. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289. 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. 231-852-0849. Intermediate Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:157:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662. Earth Institute:Voluntary Simplicity- 7:30-9:00pm. 4/19-6/7. This course explores the concept of simplicity

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com

as a religious practice or a philosophy of life. $25.00 course book is required. Fountain Street Church, 24 Fountain Street NE, Grand Rapids. Meditation & Yoga Philosophy- 7:30pm. Ongoing six week program ~ Learn simple techniques with a certified instructor. $50 for complete program or walk-in fee of $10 per class. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289 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. Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar - 8:30am. Moderate/ Vigorous. 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. Life Path and Spiritual Advise- 12:00-4:00pm. Sessions available with Chel and/or Pam. Chel Lea and Friends, 208 W Main St, Ionia. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com. Integrature Techniques and Swedish Massage- 2:005:00pm. Chel Lea and Friends, 208 W Main St, Ionia. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com. Catch The Vision- 6:00pm. An Exciting presentation- Live longer & healthier, Make your home & environment safer, Get of debt & secure your financial future. RSVP to Free Spirit Worship Center 820 Monroe Ave, Ste 120, Grand Rapids. 616-791-8818. A Course In Miracles- 7:00-8:30pm. ACIM study groups can be joined at any time. Attend when you can. They are conducted on an experiential basis, which enables you to fit right in whichever day you come. 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. 616-682-7812. www.unity-churchofpeace.org

wednesday 50% Off BioMeridian Assessments- State-of-the-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. ACIM study groups can be joined at any time. Attend when you can. They are conducted on an experiential basis, which enables you to fit right in whichever day you come. 6025 Ada Drive SE, Ada. 616-682-7812. www.unity-churchofpeace.org Kripalu Yoga with Marro Spehar - 10:30am. Gentle, 6:00pm Moderate/Vigorous 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. Gentle Yoga- 7:00pm. With Anna Raphael. Come unwind your body and mind. $12 per class. Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 64th Street, Holland. www.laketownhealingarts.com Shambhala Meditation Group of Grand Rapids- 7:30 pm. Provides an opportunity for group sitting and

walking meditation practice for all levels of practitioner. Beginners welcome. Instruction provided. Free. Sacred Space, 58 E. Beltline, Grand Rapids.

thursday Mat Pilates with Leisal DenHerder- 9:00am. Stretch, tone, and build core strength. $12 per class. Laketown Healing Arts, 3997 64th St, Holland. www.laketownhealingarts.com Course of Miracles’ Class- 5:00pm. All Classes are $15 at the door. RSVP is appreciated. The Healing Center, 332 S. Lincoln, Lakeview. 989-352-6500 Green Drinks GR Network – 5:00-7:00pm. 3rd Thursday. Join other environmental enthusiasts for casual networking and drinks. For more Info visit GreenDrinksGR.org contact WMEAC at 616-451-3051. Grand Rapids. Hot Yoga Vinyasa- 6:00pm. This class will be practiced in a room heated to 90 + degrees. Hot Yoga will strengthen and detox the system adding intensity. $10-$16 per class. Seva Yoga, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. Advanced Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 6:157:30pm. Drop-ins welcome. Visit WhiteRiverYoga.com for more information. Classes meet at White River Yoga Studio, 8724 Ferry St. Montague. 231-740-6662.

friday 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 Class- 9:3010:30am. 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. Life Path and Spiritual Advise- 12:00-4:00pm. Sessions available with Chel and/or Pam. Chel Lea and Friends, 208 W Main St, Ionia. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www. chellea.com. Medical Massage- 12:00-4:00pm. Chel Lea and Friends, 208 W Main St, Ionia. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www. chellea.com. Teens With Dreams- 4:00-6:00pm. Group for teens to help encourage them, feed their imagination, help them be aware that they help create the world they live in. Love offering. Call 616-522-9290 or visit www.chellea.com.

saturday Herbal Studies Programs- Gaia Center for Herbal Studies programs with Seven Saturdays (certification option), special workshops, Farmers Market and more. Visit GaiaHerbalStudies.net. RSVP for date and time. Gaia Center for Herbal Studies, PO Box 3599, Ann Arbor. 734-769-7794 Pranayama/Conscious Breathing with Brian- 7:30-8:15am. Learn the ancient practice of conscious breathing as taught by our “Power of Breath” family in Portage MI. Satya Yoga Center, 3385 Blue Star Highway, Saugatuck. 269-857-7289 Anusara Yoga with Mimi Ray- 8:30am. Integrated approach to Hatha Yoga in which the expression of the human spirit is interwoven with attention to precise principles of physical alignment and action. $10-$16 per class. Seva Yoga, 2213 Wealthy SE Ste 220, East Grand Rapids. Gentle Hatha Yoga with Mitch Coleman – 9:00-10:15am & 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- 9:00am-1:00pm. Indoors at Hackley Health at the Lakes, Harvey St. 1/2 Mile South of Lakes Mall. Exit US 31 at Pontaluna Rd. Muskegon.

thenaturaldirectory ...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.

BOOKSTORE

ACUPUNCTURE

iNdiGo’s ANd mystic’s BooK eXcHANGe & more

sAmir rAJANi, md

Medical Acupuncturist mmpc Internal Medicine 890 S. Washington, Ste. 130 Holland: 616-396-1907 www.mmpc.com

4485 Plainfield Ave, NE, Grand Rapids 616-447-8298 www.Iambemore.com Featuring used books and new books based on personal growth, Medical acupuncture can be an spirituality, music, handcrafted effective treatment for many book accessories and other gift chronic conditions, including pain, items. There are also book groups, fatigue, depression and anxiety. classes & seminars held monthly. Samir Rajani, MD is certified in See ad page 33. medical acupuncture and practices at mmpc Internal Medicine.

cHiroPrActic cAre

ALTERNATIVE HEALTH PRACTITIONER

dyNAmic fAmily cHiroPrActic

Dr. Ronson Dykstra & Dr. Ronda VanderWall 4072 Chicago Drive, Grandville Nancy Despres RN, MBE 616-531-6050 351 Cummings NW Family owned and operated in the Grand Rapids, MI 49534 heart of downtown Grandville, 616-453-4215 Dynamic Family Chiropractic www.OutofTheBlueInc.net focuses on lifestyle improvements through living a maximized life. Out of the Blue help others find A safe and natural approach to alternative ways for achieving health through the combination of optimal health through the use exercise, nutrition, detoxification of homeopathy, enzyme therapy, and chiropractic care. nutritional supplements and hair mineral analysis.

out of the Blue inc.

coloN HydrotHerAPy

AYURVEDA NAturAl HeAliNG NutritioN

HArmoNy ‘N HeAltH

Mary De Lange, CCT., CMT. 1003 Maryland Av., N.E. Grand Rapids 616-456-5033 Protection against cell damage www.harmonynhealth.net caused by chemicals, anxiety, Certified therapist since 1991 stress, trauma, and fatigue. A offering colon therapy in a sterile new liquid nutritional provides and professional environment. healing, rejuvenation and Using a holistic approach colonics balance. Certified Low Glycemic, relieve constipation, diarrhea, Gluten-Free, and Vegan. An gas, bloat, poor digestion, back ADAPTOGENIC SUPERFOOD. pain, body odor and more. See ad page 5.

616-581-8881 myzconnection@att.net myzconnection.myzrii.com

BODYWORK

tHe Body ceNter-HollANd

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 15.

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

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. See ad page 20.

natural awakenings

June 2010

triciA e. GosliNG

mAtriX eNerGetics

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.

esseNtiAl oils

couNseliNG

Be youNG esseNtiAl oils

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.

deNtistry / Holistic deNtAl HeAltH & wellNess ceNter

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 2.

eNerGy HeAliNG AmA deus®

West Michigan Edition

Holistic HeAltH ceNters tHe HeAliNG ceNter

Clara Vander Zouwen 352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 616-698-6148 989-352-6500 www.NaturalHealth4Today.com www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Offering Be Young therapeutic Naturopathic / Holistic essential oils, MASAJI whole Practitioners. Licensed Physician food drink, Organic meal Assistant, Certified Natural replacement shakes, Mineral Health Professionals. Private make-up. Services: Ionic consultations. Counseling & detoxing foot baths, Physical Classes. Blood typing, acupressure, and Emotional balancing, emotional release, iridology, biofeedback readings. See ad homeopathy and more. See ad, page 9. page 36.

HeAltH food stores

HomeoPAtHy

AffordABle NutritioN

BoB HuttiNGA

HeAltH Hutt

wHolistic KiNesioloGy HeAltH services, llc

Joel D. Manning, CNC®, Owner 352 S. Lincoln Ave, Lakeview 7493 Cottonwood Drive, Jenison 989-352-6500 616-667-1346 www.TheHealingCenterOfLakeview.com Certified Nutritional A Physician assistant since 1976, Consultant – member specializing in naturopathic and AANC, MI-CNHP, NPA. homeopathic care. Also, certified Nutritional counseling, Silva Method instructor. See ad, weight loss, sports page 36. nutrition, senior discounts. Available for seminars/ lectures. Select high quality KiNesioloGy vitamins and supplements. 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 15.

NAture’s mArKet

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 27.

utoPiAN mArKetPlAce

Barbara Zvirzdinis, WK, CMT 8832 Water St., Montague 616-581-3885 231-894-9530 www.WKHealthServices.com www.UtopianMarketplace.com Matrix Energetics is a system used Our friendly, knowledgeable staff to heal, transform and create new provides a personalized shopping possibilities in your life. Using experience. We have a large selection principles of quantum physics and of gluten-free foods, clothing, subtle energy Matrix Energetics jewelry, herbs, supplements, local helps you to shift into a more foods, gifts and more. Open Mic balanced state. See ad page 15. events every month. See ad, page 32.

1013 S. Washington, Holland 616-394-5250 www.NaturesMarketHolland.com

NaturalWestMichigan.com

Full service natural food store with all natural/organic deli. Offering organic and natural groceries. Gluten-free products. Organic and local produce. Supplements and natural body care products. See ad, page 13.

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 15.

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.

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 yearround.

sKiN cAre

classifieds

trAcy’s fAces dAy sPA Holistic sKiN cAre

7610 Cottonwood Dr., Ste 107 Jenison, MI 49428 616-667-9690 or 616-204-3402 www.TracysFaces.com Tracy’s Faces Day Spa offers a holistic relaxing experience with natural products for skin care & hair removal from head to toe. We offer Dermalogica & Elina Elite product lines. See ad page 28.

sPirituAl trAvel

for reNt

Rent our nostalgic cabin and enjoy an affordable “woods and water get-away” in North Central Michigan. Only $425 / week. Go to www.rentalbug. com/michigan/7929.html or call 231-414-4793.

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. Retail Business – Call 616-447-8298

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 - 29, 2011. Cost is $4960 excluding international airfare. Minimum 6 Maximum 12 participants. $100 refundable deposit to secure your spot.

womeNs retreAts & GrouPs

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. Living/family room has large stone fireplace $289,000. Call 616-443-8446.

office sPAce for reNt

The Center of Unlimited Possibilities in Spring Lake has flexible and affordable space rental opportunities for professionals, by the hour, day, week or month. www.theunlimitedpossibilities.com or Betsy at 616-842-0264 extension 3.

oPPortuNities

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.

Internships Available - Natural Awakenings is currently seeking a few great interns to support our growth plans for 2010. These are unpaid internships. As such, we are committed to providing the selected interns with a valuable experience that will include exposure to all aspects of the publication’s business, including but not limited to, networking opportunities and potential for a full time position. The following positions are available: Associate Designer, Marketing / Public Relations Associate and Business Administration Associate. Call 616-656-9232 or email Publisher@NaturalWestMichigan.com for more details regarding internships with Natural Awakenings Magazine. Opportunity for Culinary Professionals + Enthusiasts to Pursue Your Passion & Business Dreams. Commercial Rental Kitchens to open late June 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 or contact Robin to discuss how you can get started. 616-301-4212 or robin@ facilitykitchens.com.

BusiNess oPPortuNities CURRENTLY PUBLISHING NATURALAWAKENINGS MAGAZINES - For sale in Birmingham/ Huntsville AL, Boulder CO, Morris County NJ, and Southwest VA. Call for details 239-530-1377.

natural awakenings

June 2010

West Michigan Edition

NaturalWestMichigan.com